Vedant Podar
Founder
Motivated by a strong desire to elevate his nation through the empowerment of knowledge, Vedant Podar played a pivotal role in establishing Podar Eduspace. As a driving force behind the organization, Vedant utilizes his diverse experiences and steadfast dedication to craft a platform that brings about positive transformation.
Below is an excerpt of Vedant Podar’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insight magazine.
Could you give a brief account of your professional background and experiences? What inspired you to establish Podar Eduspace?
My professional journey has been a dynamic exploration of finance and consulting, spanning esteemed institutions like Singapore Management University and a transformative semester at Harvard University. Working with global giants like CLSA and HSBC in investment banking broadened my horizons. Amidst diverse experiences, I discerned a void in India's educational landscape, where curricula failed to align with industry demands. My family's century-old legacy in education ignited a passion to rectify this incongruity.
However, the turning point surfaced during my time in the U.S., where I observed the passion of individuals with a fervent desire to make a positive impact on the world. Education became my conduit for impact. Podar Eduspace
materialized as a response to the palpable gap in India's education system. We envisioned a paradigm shift, instilling practical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific competencies. Our mission is not just academic; it's societal, empowering individuals, making education a bridge to fulfilling careers and contributing meaningfully to society.
Why was Mumbai chosen to be the breeding ground of your company? How has the place favoured you so far in your operations?
Mumbai, my hometown, was a natural choice for our company's genesis. The city pulsates with the heartbeat of opportunity, positioned at the forefront of India's dynamic economic surge. As the financial capital, it embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that resonates with our vision. Having grown up amidst its vibrant tapestry, Mumbai's energy is contagious - fuelling our team's dedication. The city's relentless pace mirrors our commitment, fostering an environment where hard work is a way of life. The familial guidance and rich opportunities are seamlessly woven into Mumbai's fabric providing the ideal launchpad for our journey. Our aspirations intertwine with the city's ethos, and we're poised to reciprocate the prosperity it has already bestowed upon us.
How would you define Podar Eduspace as an organization and its current position in the sector?
Podar Eduspace is an avant-garde knowledge ecosystem dedicated to narrowing the chasm between industry demands and students' skill sets. Positioned at the intersection of education and innovation, our organization operates in two dynamic verticals, EdTech and Skilling. In EdTech, we've forged a strategic alliance with Harvard Business School Online, curating a transformative boot camp program encompassing 21st-century abilities. Our Skilling vertical collaborates with sector skill councils, emphasizing practical and theoretical acumen. We're pioneering a Skill Centre in Rajasthan, focusing on sectors like banking, solar, and cooling systems.
Beyond training, our platform fosters a holistic approach, offering avenues for research publication, talks by industry leaders, and ongoing support for students' lifelong learning journey. As we transcend boundaries, our commitment remains stead fast, to empower individuals, instill employ
Podar Eduspace is an avantgarde knowledge ecosystem dedicated to narrowing the chasm between industry demands and students' skill sets
Why was Mumbai chosen to be the breeding ground of your company? How has the place favoured you so far in your operations?
Mumbai, my hometown, was a natural choice for our company's genesis. The city pulsates with the heartbeat of opportunity, positioned at the forefront of India's dynamic economic surge. As the financial capital, it embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that resonates with our vision. Having grown up amidst its vibrant tapestry, Mumbai's energy is contagious - fuelling our team's dedication. The city's relentless pace mirrors our commitment, fostering an environment where hard work is a way of life. The familial guidance and rich opportunities are seamlessly woven into Mumbai's fabric providing the ideal launchpad for our journey. Our aspirations intertwine with the city's ethos, and we're poised to reciprocate the prosperity it has already bestowed upon us.
How would you define Podar Eduspace as an organization and its current position in the sector?
Podar Eduspace is an avant-garde knowledge ecosystem dedicated to narrowing the chasm between industry demands and students' skill sets. Positioned at the intersection of education and innovation, our organization operates in two dynamic verticals, EdTech and Skilling. In EdTech, we've forged a strategic alliance with Harvard Business School Online, curating a transformative boot camp program encompassing 21st-century abilities. Our Skilling vertical collaborates with sector skill councils, emphasizing practical and theoretical acumen. We're pioneering a Skill Centre in Rajasthan, focusing on sectors like banking, solar, and cooling systems.
Beyond training, our platform fosters a holistic approach, offering avenues for research publication, talks by industry leaders, and ongoing support for students' lifelong learning journey. As we transcend boundaries, our commitment remains stead fast, to empower individuals, instill employ
ability, and be a catalyst for lasting impact.
Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
In navigating leadership challenges, my approach is characterized by accessibility and determination, aimed at cultivating a collaborative and comfortable environment. I emphasize a democratic ethos, promoting a seamless integration of personal and professional relationships. The encouragement of open idea exchange enables me to under stand individual aspirations, aligning them with the company's growth trajectory. I lead by example in the dynamic startup environment, valuing each team member equally. Prioritizing relationship building and constructive feedback, my leadership fosters a culture of mutual respect. Inherited systematic methodologies from the family business, including punctuality and meticulous planning, define my leadership style, ensuring a cohesive and wellprepared work environment.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Looking ahead, our trajectory is firmly rooted in addressing India's pressing need for skill enhancement. With a youth population poised to propel the nation, our focus is on bridging the alarming skill gap, reflected in the staggering percentage of the workforce deemed unemployable. Podar Eduspace aims to play a pivotal role in diminishing unemployment and creating avenues for growth for students, professionals, and faculty throughout India. The future holds a strategic expansion both domestically and internationally, providing international opportunities to domestic talent, who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to go abroad. Our commitment extends to crafting cutting edge online programs, emphasizing soft skills, digital proficiency, and current competencies. Innovation remains our constant companion as we propel individuals toward employ ability, making a lasting impact on live lihoods in India and beyond.
Vedant Podar, Founder, Podar Eduspace
Recently completing his studies at Singapore Management University and Harvard College, Vedant Podar holds a degree in Business Management with a major in Finance. His professional journey has taken him across India, Singapore, and Boston, where he gained diverse experience in Strategic Consulting, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Driven by his vision to improve India's skills landscape, Vedant assumed the role of the founder at Podar Eduspace, actively striving to turn his dream into a tangible reality.
Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
In navigating leadership challenges, my approach is characterized by accessibility and determination, aimed at cultivating a collaborative and comfortable environment. I emphasize a democratic ethos, promoting a seamless integration of personal and professional relationships. The encouragement of open idea exchange enables me to under stand individual aspirations, aligning them with the company's growth trajectory. I lead by example in the dynamic startup environment, valuing each team member equally. Prioritizing relationship building and constructive feedback, my leadership fosters a culture of mutual respect. Inherited systematic methodologies from the family business, including punctuality and meticulous planning, define my leadership style, ensuring a cohesive and wellprepared work environment.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Looking ahead, our trajectory is firmly rooted in addressing India's pressing need for skill enhancement. With a youth population poised to propel the nation, our focus is on bridging the alarming skill gap, reflected in the staggering percentage of the workforce deemed unemployable. Podar Eduspace aims to play a pivotal role in diminishing unemployment and creating avenues for growth for students, professionals, and faculty throughout India. The future holds a strategic expansion both domestically and internationally, providing international opportunities to domestic talent, who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to go abroad. Our commitment extends to crafting cutting edge online programs, emphasizing soft skills, digital proficiency, and current competencies. Innovation remains our constant companion as we propel individuals toward employ ability, making a lasting impact on live lihoods in India and beyond.
Vedant Podar, Founder, Podar Eduspace
Recently completing his studies at Singapore Management University and Harvard College, Vedant Podar holds a degree in Business Management with a major in Finance. His professional journey has taken him across India, Singapore, and Boston, where he gained diverse experience in Strategic Consulting, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Driven by his vision to improve India's skills landscape, Vedant assumed the role of the founder at Podar Eduspace, actively striving to turn his dream into a tangible reality.