Apple
In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Shamyl Bin Mansoor, the co-founder and chief technology officer of LearnOBots, an innovative edtech company. Shamyl shared his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the evolution of his company. Here we delve into the key themes discussed in the episode, offering actionable advice and detailed insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in the edtech sector.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Shamyl emphasizes that entrepreneurship is a continuous learning process. Reflecting on his past decisions, he acknowledges that what seemed right at the time may not have been the best choice in hindsight. This introspection has led him to understand that growth comes from learning from mistakes and adapting over time. It's important to view mistakes as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and how you can improve. Additionally, staying adaptable, if you can be open to change and willing to pivot your strategies based on new information and experiences it will hold you in good stead.
Building and Maintaining a Productive Team
One of the significant challenges Shamyl faced was the difficulty in letting go of team members who were not a good fit. Initially, he and his co-founder Faisal struggled with the emotional weight of firing employees, fearing the psychological repercussions. However, over time, they learned to approach these situations with empathy, recognizing the importance of maintaining a productive team.It's important to approach difficult decisions with empathy. Understand the impact on the individual and the team. When deciding about team members ensure they align with the company’s values and goals. A good cultural fit is crucial for long-term success.
Understanding Customer Needs
Shamyl discusses his initial reluctance to engage with customers, preferring to stay in his comfort zone as a 'techie'. However, his experience at the MIT bootcamp in Tokyo changed his perspective. He learned that talking to customers is crucial for understanding their needs and improving the product. A technical team that regularly seeks feedback from customers to understand their needs and pain points has a distict advantage over teams that remain in their comfort zone. The product team needs to improve their product iteratively using customer insights to continuously improve the product or service.
Navigating the Co-Founder Dynamic
The dynamic between Shamyl and his Founding partner is likened to a marriage, with its ups and downs. They complement each other well, with Shamyl handling the technical aspects and his partner focusing on sales. Their shared passion for food has also helped them bond and navigate tough times. When designing a foundering team ensure that co-founders have complementary skills and can cover different aspects of the business. To keep a healthy partner relationship it's important to maintain open and honest communication allowing the team to navigate challenges and make joint decisions.
Sales and Marketing Skills
Shamyl acknowledges his initial intimidation from sales and marketing, areas where he had little experience. He learned to adapt by allowing his partner to take the lead in selling, while he focused on delivering the promised features. It's important to focus on your strengths and collaborate with others who can complement your skills. Additionally, one must always invest time in learning about important sectors to better understand these crucial aspects of the business.
Embracing Feedback
Throughout his journey, Shamyl has relied on his founding partner and other advisors for constructive criticism. This feedback has been vital for his development as a leader. He believes that having someone who can provide honest, yet supportive, critique is essential for growth. It is also important to regularly seek feedback from trusted advisors and team members, and always use constructive criticism to identify areas for improvement and take actionable steps to address them.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The Reality of Entrepreneurship
Shamyl shares his perspective on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of experience. He warns that while the entrepreneurial journey may appear glamorous from the outside, it can be incredibly challenging. He encourages aspiring founders to be prepared for the difficulties and to remain persistent in pursuing their passions. One must understand that entrepreneurship is challenging and requires resilience. If one can stay connected to their passion and the “why” behind their work to it can help to maintain motivation.
Conclusion
The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By focusing on problem-solving, innovation, and the needs of students, Shamyl and his team at LearnOBots are creating a brighter future for education. His insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in the edtech sector.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace continuous learning and adaptation.
- Build and maintain a productive team with empathetic leadership.
- Engage with customers to understand their needs and improve your product.
- Navigate co-founder dynamics with complementary skills and strong communication.
- Overcome intimidation in sales and marketing by leveraging strengths and continuous learning.
- Embrace constructive criticism for personal and professional growth.
- Be prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship and stay connected to your passion.
By applying these insights and actionable advice, aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of building a successful business in the edtech sector and beyond.