Meet the Founder: Girish

Welcome to our ‘Meet the Founder’ series, where we shine a spotlight on the three co-founders behind EDI-T. Through these interviews, we'll explore their personal and professional journeys, their visions, and their insights on what it takes to succeed in today's ever-changing education business landscape.

In this blog series, Girish, EDI-T’s co-founder tells us more about his career across the international education sector.

Find out who inspired him along the way, what keeps him motivated and his best tips for making it through the entrepreneur highs and lows and everything in between.

Who or what inspired you to be a leader and why?

I draw inspiration from various sources that have shaped my journey but especially from my family. I was fortunate to witness the entrepreneurial spirit and talent firsthand. My grandmother and grand aunt, two remarkable women, defied all odds and became entrepreneurs. Additionally, my father played a significant role in fuelling my aspirations. Growing up I watched him struggle and persevere as an entrepreneur and witnessed first-hand, the work ethic and commitment it took for him to become successful.

From an early age, I stood out as the "black sheep" of the family, constantly challenging norms, questioning authority, and pushing against the current. At 18 years old, I took my first big risk and moved 9000 miles away from home to the US. With only a couple of suitcases of clothes and $142 in my pocket I set off not knowing exactly what was ahead of me. That life-changing experience demanded resilience and resourcefulness to succeed, first as a student, then as a professional, eventually embarking on my entrepreneurial journeys.

And now, not only as the founder and CEO of my company, but also as a father to three young women, I want to be a positive role model, inspiring others to take risks, explore the world, and strive for what they believe is right as they embark on their own journeys.

When you began your career, did you aim to have a leadership role?

I’ve always been drawn to leadership roles all my life. Even from my earlier years as a school student, I naturally gravitated towards roles of responsibility. I was usually the class leader, student council president, student club leader and that continued into my college years. As a professional, I would always volunteer to chair a task force, a committee or lead a team. It was something I wasn’t only good at, but I enjoyed bringing my vision to the table and supporting others' work towards a goal.

In every career and industry, I’ve always aspired to be the “top dog” - a university president when I worked in Higher Ed, A CEO when I worked for a Fortune 500 company, and eventually starting my own companies where I had to assume the leadership role.

Throughout my career, the desire to lead has been a driving force, propelling me to take on new challenges and push myself beyond boundaries.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career so far?

Patience, perseverance, and transformational relationships: These three guidelines have always served me well. I’m patient with people and results but impatient with action. I usually don’t give up and fight till the end but also know when to fold and that can be the hardest yet often the wisest thing to do.

Now when it comes to building relationships across sectors, jobs and networking, I’ve always found that approaching them like a transaction doesn’t work as well. Networking is so vital for developing transformational relationships that foster personal and professional growth, inspire meaningful connections and cultivate long-term mutual benefits based on trust and good reputations.

What is one piece of advice you would give to early-stage founders?

I guess the same three lessons above that I’ve learned. Have the patience to be able to work across many different projects, the perseverance to respond well to the challenges that undoubtedly will come your way, and finally build and work on transformational relationships.

At what time of day do you get your best work done?

I work all hours of the day and some days I get my best work done in the early morning and on other days, I work best late at night. The best way to describe my work style is “sprint and rest”. When I’m focused and working, I go all out but when I feel like I need a break, I completely check out and focus on other interests.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?

Hmm, that’s a tough one. I was an extra in a Hollywood movie and also starred in my own episode of a DIY TV show in the US.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

When I'm not working, you'll often find me diving into books or catching up on some shows and movies, which can be tricky to start and keep going with as a founder but it’s a great way to check out for a bit.

I’m also a massive sports fan so if you ever hear me screaming at the top of my lungs, I’m cheering on Kansas Jayhawk basketball or and Indian/IPL cricket match lol!!

Any favourite quotes or mottos that keep you inspired?

One of my favourite quotes is, “Most people don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan”. And my motto is, “Social Heart, Business Brain”.

What do you see as a social entrepreneur’s unique role and objective?

In the world we live in, there is an increasing need for social entrepreneurism and Social Benefit Organisations. Unlike NGOs, who are not profit driven and therefore always resource challenged, social entrepreneurs can and should lead organisations to be financially sustainable but not have profit as the primary motive. It is a fine line to walk and there are amazing social entrepreneurs doing some amazing things in the world, especially in the global education sector.

What makes you excited about EDI-T?

I am most excited to offer this unique platform and bring people from around the world to the same table to help enhance access to opportunities. There is incredible talent out there just waiting for the right opportunity and opportunities looking for such talent. But unfortunately, given the silos we work in, they don’t meet each other. EDI-T will change that and in the process, change the look and feel of the education sector, bringing diverse candidates to diverse roles who will be instrumental in creating future-ready leaders.