Leaders

Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, and teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds of our future generations to keep propelling society forward. However, amidst the advancements in technology and curriculum development, there is a significant gap in the education industry that needs attention – the lack of emphasis on teachers' professional growth through continuous training. This oversight forces limited potential growth and impact of education on students’ lives.

Having spent more than a decade in the education sector, and more than 25 years in the corporate and training industry, Madhuri Sawant recognized the crucial role that well-trained teachers play in shaping students’ educational journey. Her deep understanding of the importance of teacher training and her passion for transforming education led her to establish Brainquartz Learnings, an organization that delivers world-class teacher training solutions. It focuses on empowering teachers, nurturing their professional growth, and equipping them with the essential skills such as pedagogy principles, and the latest methodologies and technologies to effectively impart knowledge to students in a manner that supports long-term retention beyond just 'examination preparation'.

At Brainquartz Learnings, Madhuri plays a pivotal role as the founder and driving force behind the organization. Through her relentless pursuit of educational innovation and unwavering commitment to empowering teachers, Madhuri is revolutionizing the way education is delivered and creating a positive impact on the lives of both teachers and students.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

Coming from an orthodox yet educated family, I had the opportunity to pursue my education at IIT Bombay, which had a transformative impact on my life. I obtained a Ph.D. in chemistry there, further enhancing my knowledge and expertise in the field. Despite facing multiple hurdles, I never gave up and learned the value of resilience throughout my time at IIT.

This dedication to learning led me to diverse experiences, including setting up departments, conducting extensive research in the field of science and technology, and eventually transitioning from the education sector to the corporate world.

Although I initially worked in the education sector, my dream was always to join the corporate world. Eventually, I fulfilled this aspiration, working with renowned companies like TCS and gaining valuable insights into corporate operations and leadership. My expertise in integrating technology into learning was further enhanced as the E-learning Head at TCS.

I also had an opportunity to serve as an Education Advisor to the Maharashtra Government and lead the Government of India’s ambitious Aakash tablet project for rural schools in Maharashtra. This provided me with an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by teachers in rural and urban areas. These findings inspired me to establish my own company, dedicated to addressing these gaps and making a positive impact in the education sector.

What key business lessons have you learned, and how do they enhance your leadership?

Through interactions with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and studying many successful start-up businesses, I've learned valuable lessons that made me a better business leader today. Patience became a key lesson as I realized the time it takes for a company to see returns. Hearing the stories of entrepreneurs like Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC who started the business much later in life, showed me that dreams can be fulfilled at any age.

My commitment to continuous learning enhanced my leadership skills and enabled me to navigate the challenges of running a business in an ever-changing landscape.

“The underlying idea of brainquartz is to empower teachers, foster their professional growth, & equip them with the skills to effectively impart knowledge to students”

What motivated you to establish Brainquartz Learnings? Tell us about its key areas of specialization.

Brainquartz was established recognizing the need to prioritize teacher training – a huge gap in India and indeed globally – over content-focused approaches like many other edtech companies. We also focus on developing concept-based content in the subjects of science and maths for the 8th, 9th, and 10th grades of all the boards.

What challenges do you encounter in your role at Brainquartz Learnings and how do you overcome them?

One of the major challenges I encounter in my role at Brainquartz Learnings is the reluctance of investors to invest in edtech companies. The failure of many content-focused edtech companies in recent years has made investors cautious about the space in general, even though we are fundamentally different in terms of target market and approach. However, I have overcome this challenge by initially investing my own funds into the company and reinvesting the earnings from small projects. I am optimistic that this will change as our visibility increases primarily through customer signups, and secondarily through participation in international conferences, speaking engagements, and local seminars.

Tell us about your professional milestones. How has IIT Mumbai shaped you as a business leader?

Obtaining a doctorate from IIT Bombay; holding senior scientist positions in various organizations; and winning a Wall Street Journal award for a farmer-centric mobile application called MKRISHI while at TCS, were a few of my professional milestones. I am also proud of my roles as an advisor to the Government of Maharashtra, to the Government of India’s Aakash tablet as project head for schools, and head of business development for a Japanese edtech company.

Finally, my alma mater, IIT Bombay has significantly shaped me as a business leader. The rigorous academic environment and challenges at IIT helped me develop resilience and determination many decades ago which has stayed with me ever since. I attribute my never-give-up attitude and determination to IIT.

How do you keep yourself well-aligned with industry trends and evolutions?

I continuously update my knowledge through conferences, webinars, and extensive reading. I have recognized the value and limitations of AI and its role in expediting service offering development and communications, freeing up my time to work on the most human aspects of my role. Additionally, I engage with international professionals to stay informed about global developments in education. Since technology plays a significant role in modern education. I keep myself abreast of the latest educational technologies, software, and tools. This is key to enhancing the learning experience..

Madhuri Sawant, Founder & Managing Partner, Brainquartz Learnings

With Madhuri Sawant's leadership and expertise, Brainquartz Learnings is poised to revolutionize the education industry and ensure that every child receives an exceptional educational experience.