Education and Entrepreneurship

Jasbina Ahluwalia asks Aakash Patel, Founder and President of Elevate, Inc.: Wow! There are a lot of conceptual connections there. Tell us about the connection between education and entrepreneurship and why you think that connection is crucial to success.

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Aakash Patel

Education and Entrepreneurship: Don’t Forget to Teach

We can always learn from people we meet. Every time I sit down with someone, I bring pen and paper. I always follow up with an email and say, “This is what I learned. This is what I can teach.”

I always want to add value. That’s the education system.

I think the problem that we as Indian Americans face in this nation is that we’re focused so much on learning and not teaching others.

Every time I go into a meeting, I ask myself, “What am I learning from this meeting? What am I going to teach someone else?”

Education and Entrepreneurship: Add Value

Some people are very reluctant. They say, “You don’t have to learn from every meeting.” You don’t have to, but you do if you think about it. If you’re not, then you’re not of value to anyone and it’s a waste of time.

I tell my employees, “We’re going to go into this meeting. We’re going to learn something. We’re going to add value.”

My mentors and friends who have gotten me into this process, I’ve asked them, “What can I do to add value for you and what can you do for me?” I don’t mean it like quid pro quo. I mean it more as an education process. That’s what got me to volunteer.

Education and Entrepreneurship: Give Back

I wanted to give back. We have a lot of time as young professionals to give back. It’s about where you focus your time to make sure that others are learning from your experience and you’re learning at the same time.

That’s why I like the education policies of our state and our future.

I’m a trustee at the University of Tampa next year. It’s a private university that I didn’t attend but I am in the system of private education.

My interns come from there. My employees come from there. It’s about this community and the education system connecting with each other.

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Tell Us:

Do you now understand the importance of education and entrepreneurship as a combination? Share your thoughts with us below in the comments section.

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The above is an excerpt from Jasbina’s interview with Aakash Patel

The entire interview transcript is at: Aakash Patel NetIP (Network of Indian Professionals) Interview – Entrepreneurship: How He Did It, How You Can Do It, Too

Listen to the entire interview on: Intersections Match Talk Radio – Jasbina’s Lifestyle Show

Listen to the entire interview on Blog Talk Radio: NetIP