In the ever-evolving landscape of startups and entrepreneurship, there are stories that stand out, stories of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. One such remarkable tale is that of Divya Gokulnath, the Co-founder of BYJU’S, who has not only transformed her own life but is also instrumental in shaping the future of education in India and beyond.
Diving into the past, Divya fondly reminisced, “If you look at the entire startup space, it’s grown, and we’ve grown with it over the last 10 years. Both Byju and I are entrepreneurs and there are a lot of things that have worked for us in the country. It’s a very conducive environment. And it’s lifting up women, and giving us a stage.”
But, her path to success was no stroll in the park. It was her unwavering support system that provided the foundation for her to conquer challenges. Her family, especially her parents, played a pivotal role in her journey. They nurtured her without differentiating between genders, instilling in her the belief that she could excel in any realm she chose. Moreover, her in-laws shared the responsibilities, creating a harmonious atmosphere for her to thrive.
Recognizing the unique strength women bring to the table, Divya emphasized, “As women, we are able to bring that sort of diversity to solving a problem. So you’re able to have a multidimensional approach to solution creation. This helps any organization scale, and address a need in society, with technology as a strong enabler.” Amidst this diversity, Divya found that prioritization was the compass guiding her. She acknowledged that the myth of women’s inherent multitasking abilities can often be counterproductive. Instead, she stressed the importance of discerning the most vital tasks and channeling energy into them. Establishing boundaries, even in a digitally connected world, became a cornerstone of her success.
“Education is a segment, which is very close to a lot of people. So it’s not very difficult to start a company that’s driven by a single purpose and mission. But, to stay on that path is the challenge,” Divya mused. For BYJU’S, an educational technology company she co-founded, unwavering commitment from its people has been instrumental. The company’s growth was buoyed by individuals who shared its vision since inception, fostering a culture of consistent leadership. This synergy between a steadfast mission and adaptable execution propelled BYJU’S to evolve from a mere stadium to an app on smartphones. The key was leveraging technology in alignment with the company’s core goals.
Dwelling on BYJU’S success, Divya asserted, “There is no room for complacency. The day we say ‘this is enough’ or ‘this is the best we can do’, we’re done.” The journey has seen BYJU’S acquire companies, not merely for expansion, but to amplify the value they provide. For Divya, success is not merely a financial milestone; it’s about generating enduring value and creating solutions that can scale.
With a dedicated workforce of 30,000 individuals and an impressive cadre of 12,000 teachers, Divya likens BYJU’S to a flying elephant with wings – a symbol of agility and strength. But her impact extends beyond the numbers; it’s in her philosophy of creating a path. She highlighted, “I’ve gotten better at empowering more people. I used to be an individual contributor before. But today, the teams are so large, and I would like to believe that the people who are working with me, are empowered to make decisions and, in turn, are creating so many more leaders.”
Divya Gokulnath’s journey from being an educator to an entrepreneur is a testament to the potential within each individual to effect transformational change. Her commitment to education, her ability to navigate challenges, and her focus on empowerment have not only elevated her own stature but are propelling countless others toward leadership and success. As she continues to shape the educational landscape, Divya’s story serves as an inspiration, illustrating that the journey from classroom to boardroom is not only possible but can be exceptionally rewarding.
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