Today was a significant day as I prepare to leave for the UK to pursue my studies at the London School of Economics as part of the Chevening Award. It was a day of reflection and excitement, not just about what’s next for me, but also for EdZola as we continue expanding globally.
One of the things I often tell my team is, "How do you make yourself redundant?" It's a principle I believe in deeply because the pursuit of redundancy is more than just stepping back—it's about building something that’s truly sustainable. In an ideal world, EdZola wouldn't need to exist. The systems we create would operate so seamlessly that they wouldn’t require our constant interventions. Similarly, great leadership, to me, is about becoming invisible, leading to the point where the team can thrive on its own.
Today, as the team presented the strategy for the upcoming quarter, I felt a strong sense of fulfillment in this pursuit. They challenged each other, shared insightful feedback, and showcased how far they’ve come. It felt like a beautiful reflection of my journey towards becoming redundant—in the best possible way. Seeing the team take ownership, create plans, and grow independently fills me with pride, knowing that the groundwork we’ve laid is strong enough to flourish without my daily presence. I’ll still be closely connected to EdZola, expanding its global reach, but today felt like a milestone where I could see the vision of sustainability come to life.
Later in the day, we dove deeper into our core values during a workshop that became a defining moment for us. EdZola’s values have always been a guiding light, but today we took the time to truly understand what these values mean for each of us. For instance, we explored empathy—not just as a concept, but as something personal. We asked ourselves, "What does empathy mean for me? For my teammates? For the world?"
The conversations that followed were incredibly insightful. One team member described our values as a "deadly combination." On one side, we have empathy, which grounds us in understanding and compassion. On the other, we have growth, pushing us to be bold, ambitious, and relentless in pursuing excellence. And in the middle, we have innovation and problem-solving, which drive us forward. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s what makes us who we are. It was heartening to see the team so deeply connected to our values, recognizing that this shared foundation is what keeps us united.
After the workshop, we had a games session—a much-needed break from work. For three hours, we played, laughed, and bonded as a team. The energy was incredible, and I saw different strengths come to light in ways I hadn’t before. These moments reminded me that while work drives us, it’s these human connections that keep us motivated.
We wrapped up the day with dinner at The Living Room in Coimbatore. What made it even more special was the "Akshay Roast" that the team decided to do, where they playfully poked fun at my quirks and leadership style. It was all in good humor, and I have to say, I learned a lot about myself through their eyes! It was a great way to end a fulfilling day.
Looking back, I’m filled with immense gratitude. Gratitude for the incredible journey EdZola has been on and for the team that will continue to carry the torch forward. It’s also a humbling moment, receiving an honor like the Chevening Award and having the opportunity to study at LSE. But this isn’t an end—it’s an expansion. While I’ll be in the UK, EdZola will continue to grow globally, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.
Reflecting on where it all began, I think back to the 24-year-old me, starting EdZola with little idea of what I was doing. Four years later, I’ve learned so much, become more thoughtful, and perhaps more cautious. It’s funny how the more time you spend solving problems, the more complex they seem to become. But I’ve also realized that in the grand scheme of things, these moments—these ripple effects—are leading to something much bigger.
So, as I prepare to embark on this next adventure, I do so with excitement and a sense of peace. EdZola is in great hands, and I’m eager to see how we’ll continue to impact the world together.
To new beginnings! 🥂
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