Education is shaped by people who see opportunities where others see challenges. Some recognise gaps in children's early learning, while others identify the need for better professional skills, technology-driven teaching or more inclusive career opportunities.

Behind every education business is a journey of decisions, experiments, setbacks and lessons. Some leaders entered the sector through teaching, while others arrived from corporate careers, technology or entrepreneurship. What connects them is their effort to turn an idea into something that can make learning more accessible, relevant or effective.

These ten leaders offer different perspectives on building an education business, understanding learners and creating opportunities for others.

1. Prajodh Rajan

Founder and Group CEO, Lighthouse Learning Group

Prajodh Rajan's journey reflects the importance of early childhood education and the role it plays in shaping a child's future. Through EuroKids and Lighthouse Learning, he has helped develop an education business that spans preschool and K–12 schooling.

His interest in education was influenced by his grandfather's social work, which included establishing an orphanage, school and vocational training centre. That experience helped shape his understanding of education as a way to support children and communities.

The Journey Behind the Achievement

• Helped build EuroKids into a preschool education business before expanding through Lighthouse Learning.
• Works across early childhood education and K–12 schooling.
• His journey highlights the importance of investing in children's learning during their formative years.

What We Can Learn From Him

Building an education business requires more than expanding the number of schools. It also involves maintaining learning quality, supporting teachers and earning the trust of parents.

Words That Reflect His Journey

“Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous life, beginning with the joy and balance found in early childhood and extending through well-rounded school experiences.

2. Mohan Lakhamraju

Founder and CEO, Great Learning & Chairman, Great Lakes Institute of Management

Mohan Lakhamraju's career took him from technology entrepreneurship and venture capital into education. After studying computer science and management, he spent years in Silicon Valley and worked in investment roles that exposed him to businesses and education markets across different countries.

His interest in education grew as he examined the opportunities and challenges within India's learning ecosystem. He eventually founded Great Learning, focusing on professional upskilling and career development, while continuing his involvement in management education through Great Lakes Institute of Management.

The Journey Behind the Achievement

• Experienced entrepreneurship and investment before establishing an education business.
• Founded Great Learning to help learners develop skills relevant to changing industries.
• His career demonstrates how professional experience can lead to a new business purpose.

What We Can Learn From Him

A career does not always follow a straight path. Exposure to different industries can help people identify problems that they are better equipped to solve through entrepreneurship.

Words That Reflect His Journey

“Over time, I grew passionate about education. And, when I heard a lot of people criticising the quality of education in India, I made a decision to create a wave of positive change in the space.”