In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, the founder of Smart OWL shared her journey of turning a passion for education and entrepreneurship into a thriving business that addresses the global skills gap. With a focus on leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences, Smart OWL collaborates with industries, governments, and educational institutions to create accessible, industry-aligned educational solutions. The founder discussed key challenges in launching schools and programs, and how Smart OWL guides its clients through these hurdles to ensure successful implementation and long-term impact. Recognized for her contributions to the EdTech sector, she also shared valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact in education and consulting.
With passion for education, innovation and entrepreneurship, I become a recognized thought leader who is most often seen participating in exciting roles of a moderator, panellist, startup awards judge, mentor, podcast host or an international speaker. Some of my most treasured achievements are being named “Most Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders” and “Canadian Woman of the Year, 2021” by Canadian SME Magazine, Top 25 Inspiring EdTech Female Founders by SuperCharger Ventures, CSPN’s Leader in Diversity & Inclusion (2019), recipient of City of Toronto’s Access, Equity & Human Rights Award (2015).
Can you share the inspiration behind founding Smart OWL and how your passion for education, innovation, and entrepreneurship has shaped the mission and vision of your company?
Smart Owl was established out of a deep passion for education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to identify gaps in traditional education and use an opportunity to leverage technology to enhance learning experiences. Innovation is key in identifying new methods for content delivery, whether through digital tools, personalized learning platforms, or gamified educational experiences.
With your extensive experience working closely with companies, institutions, and governments, how does Smart OWL approach bridging the global skills gap, and what impact has your work had on these sectors?
Through our commitment to industry alignment, accessible education, and strategic collaborations, Smart Owl plays a significant role in bridging the global skills gap.
Approach to Bridging the Global Skills Gap:
- Skills Alignment with Industry Needs: we collaborate closely with industries to identify in-demand skills and create targeted educational programs that align with these needs. This involves building competency-based education programs that emphasize skills like digital literacy, data analysis, critical thinking, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI, cybersecurity).
- Accessible, Flexible Learning Solutions: To address the disparity in access to quality education worldwide, we offer affordable, flexible online courses that allow individuals in both urban and rural areas to upskill or reskill. This can be complemented by leveraging mobile technologies to reach underserved populations.
- Partnerships with Governments and Institutions: By working with governments and educational institutions, Smart OWL help develop and implement national educational strategies, such as digital learning initiatives or vocational training programs. Governments often face challenges in creating scalable learning solutions, and technology-driven platforms could serve as a crucial partner in those efforts.
- Focus on Lifelong Learning: In today’s rapidly changing workforce, the focus is shifting toward lifelong learning. Smart OWL emphasizes continuous skill development, offering micro-credentialing, stackable diploma, or certification programs to allow learners to stay competitive throughout their careers.
Impact on Companies, Institutions, and Governments:
- For Companies: By helping close the skills gap, companies benefit from a more skilled, adaptable workforce. This can improve productivity and innovation while reducing the costs associated with hiring, retraining, or turnover.
- For Educational Institutions: Smart OWL empowers educational institutions to modernize their curricula and teaching methodologies. This enables them to better prepare students for the future of work, making education more relevant and aligned with real-world demands.
- For Governments & Institutions: Smart Owl assist governments and institutions in meeting their educational goals by providing scalable digital platforms, especially in developing nations where access to traditional education is limited. This could have a profound impact on economic development and workforce competitiveness at a national level.
What have been some of the key challenges you’ve encountered while launching schools and programs, and how does Smart OWL guide its clients through these challenges to ensure successful implementation?
Key Challenges in Launching a School
- Resource Constraints: Many schools and educational institutions, especially in underserved areas, encounter limitations in funding, technology infrastructure, and skilled personnel. These obstacles can impede the delivery of high-quality educational experiences.
- Adapting to New Technologies: As digital learning platforms expand, numerous institutions find it difficult to effectively adopt and integrate new technologies. This challenge encompasses teacher training, curriculum updates, and ensuring students have reliable internet access.
- Curriculum Alignment with Industry Needs: A significant hurdle is aligning educational programs with the skills demanded by the workforce. Often, schools may rely on outdated curricula that do not meet the needs of modern industries.
- Scaling Successful Programs: While implementing effective pilot programs is essential, scaling them sustainably to reach larger populations while maintaining quality presents its own challenges. This process typically demands thorough planning, adequate resources, and ongoing support.
Through customized solutions, training, industry collaborations, and an emphasis on local context and sustainability, we support our clients in navigating common challenges to guarantee the successful implementation and lasting impact of their educational initiatives. To align curricula with industry demands, Smart OWL collaborates with industry leaders and educational institutions to close gaps with innovative programs. By partnering with these organizations, we ensure that our offerings remain current, equipping students with the relevant skills needed to enhance their employability.
As a recognized thought leader and recipient of numerous awards, including “Canadian Woman of the Year” and “Top 25 Inspiring EdTech Female Founders,” how have these accolades influenced your work and the direction of Smart OWL?
Entrepreneurship helps shape our mission by fostering a mindset of constant improvement, scalability, and impact. My focus is on making education more accessible, engaging, and effective, while my vison is to revolutionize how people of all ages and backgrounds learn and grow, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Given your involvement in various roles, such as a mentor, podcast host, and international speaker, what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact in the education and consulting sectors?
I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to establish a clear vision and identify a specific niche. In the education sector, having a defined niche is essential. Whether your focus is on tech integration, career coaching, regulatory or specialized educational services, refining your unique expertise will distinguish you from the competition.
Find mentors who have achieved the goals you aspire to reach. Their insights and experiences can help you navigate challenges effectively. Develop a personal brand by engaging in conversations through blogs, podcasts, or public speaking. Sharing your knowledge will position you as a respected authority in your field.
In consulting, it’s vital to provide actionable insights that drive measurable results. In education, creating meaningful and accessible learning experiences is paramount. Compile a portfolio of success stories that showcase the real impact of your work, whether it’s transforming a business or enhancing a classroom experience.