Even though I’ve been deeply immersed in the academic world (and I truly cherish it), I don’t see myself as a typical academic. I believe students should learn skills and gain knowledge that will serve them beyond just the confines of a classroom. Balancing practicality with pedagogical approaches is an art, and my journey as an entrepreneur alongside my academic endeavors has fine-tuned this art for me. Still, it doesn’t perfectly fit into the traditional moulds of business or academia.
So, what led me to this juncture, this meeting point of entrepreneurship and academia? Let’s trace the path.
My Entrepreneurial Background
From the days of gold mining on our family claim to selling produce door-to-door, my entrepreneurial spirit was sparked early. It became second nature, so much so that the traditional 9 to 5 grind felt too constraining. This restlessness made me innovative but not necessarily an ideal employee.
In my various jobs, I constantly thought of efficiency and customer expansion. While this trait is a boon for an entrepreneur, it often got me labelled as “difficult” in conventional job settings. Every job thus sowed the seeds for a new venture, born out of my frustrations with the status quo.
Case in point: I digitalized the loan delivery process for a bank in the mortgage sector, only to find resistance from those threatened by the shift. Ironically, this innovation was so effective that they needed over six resources after my departure to do what I did. With every venture, my passion for learning persisted.
My Academic Background
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever.” This mantra guided me through my academic pursuits. Side hustles funded my education, and one such venture grabbed my university’s attention, leading me to a teaching role. With the liberty to design and manage my courses, the academic space felt entrepreneurial. And thus, I found my two-decade-long calling.
But, wearing my entrepreneurial hat, I constantly questioned: What do my ‘customers’—my students—value most? The modern academic structure often feels misaligned with today’s rapid technological and economic shifts. The looming question remains: Why should students incur debts for uncertain future prospects?
Why Prometheus Café
Bridging my entrepreneurial instincts with my love for teaching, Prometheus Café was a natural progression. Its mission is to provide practical insights to would-be entrepreneurs, addressing their common barriers:
- Financial Constraints
- Knowledge or Experience Gaps
- Absence of Innovative Ideas
- Time Constraints
- Fears and Aversions
Our offerings include:
- Complimentary Articles
- Budget-friendly eBooks
- Affordable Online Courses
- Mentoring (coming in 2024)
Having faced endless bureaucratic hurdles in my academic setting, I felt the need to step out. As I near retirement, the thought of a leisurely life is tempting but short-lived. I yearn for purpose. And what better purpose than assisting others in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams?
While I’ve ensured a comfortable retirement for myself, Prometheus Café is driven more by the intent to add value than to make profits. Still, a little profitability wouldn’t hurt, right?
I invite you to extract value from this platform. Let me know how I can assist you in forging your dream venture.
Ready to set sail on your entrepreneurial voyage? Let Prometheus Café steer your course. Hop aboard today.
