At Ascend Now, democratising student entrepreneurship becomes its raison d’etre

“How They See It” is where we delve into the minds of those steering the ships of today’s most dynamic companies. In this instalment, we ask Devi Sahny, CEO of Ascend Now, about her work leading this innovative education technology company. She shares her vision for personalised student learning, the importance of holistic education, and the significance of empowering students and communities to achieve their fullest potential.”

When people ask what I do, I usually tell them that I work directly with students, educators, and colleagues to create innovative, research-backed courses like Entrepreneurship, Design Thinking, and Character Building. It’s a dynamic exchange — I learn as much from my students as they do from me. 

But at its core, my mission is to democratise student entrepreneurship. It’s a beautiful pathway to acquire skills, such as negotiation, persistence, grit, and an unwavering dedication to turn a ‘no’ into a ‘yes.’ In a world where technology might overtake, our humanity and judgement will serve an even greater purpose. 

My journey began when I made the leap from an investment banking position at Goldman Sachs to starting my own business at 23. It was both difficult and easy — difficult because leaving a secure job was daunting, but easy because I knew I was meant to carve my own path. 

It helps that I’m passionate about education and spend countless hours exploring pedagogies and instructional design. This passion led me to start an education company focused on peer-to-peer tutoring while still at Georgetown University. Witnessing students improve in their classes was incredibly rewarding, and it cemented my belief in the transformative power of education.

In that sense, success for me starts and ends with our students. It’s my ‘why’ — my company’s raison d’etre. Students come to Ascend Now because they truly want to learn – whether it’s about how to launch their own businesses, or to get into their dream universities, or simply to realise their academic potential. Our aim is to help them change their relationship with learning — instead of restricting it we are working to expand on it. 

Seeing students like Ruhi, who wrote a bestselling book on self-love, or others who have built impactful projects, makes me proud of the role we play in their journeys. I want my legacy to be defined by what I’ve done for the next generation, not just my personal accomplishments.

Soft skills as hard skills

Many misunderstand my role as CEO at Ascend Now, assuming I have ample free time — the reality is quite the opposite. I’m deeply involved in day-to-day operations and make it a point to meet every student we work with at least once a year. We’re constantly looking to improve our processes and offer personalised courses across academic and beyond-academic fields. 

Recently, we launched The Edge, a soft-skill platform tailored for students aged 12-17, developed through extensive research and interviews. This platform combines engaging videos, gamification, and data tracking to help students monitor their progress, emphasising skills like communication and self-efficacy which are vital in today’s world.

There is a saying that “education is the passport to the future.” While true, I still think that education is being taken too lightly. Curriculums are often too static and antiquated, and they provide zero student autonomy. I felt a need to reinvent the wheel, using research-backed pedagogies and curricula, to create courses that are relevant and practical to students’ needs — entrepreneurship being one of them. 

So often I find myself at ed-tech conferences on a panel or speaking about a topic like the future of curriculum or K12 learning, and the youngest person in the room is usually 35. What about the students? Where is their perspective? We sometimes forget to ask the key stakeholders the question of what they would like to learn. 

My mother, my inspiration 

My dedication to fostering resilience and growth in students is mirrored in my personal life, deeply influenced by my mother’s forward-thinking and generous spirit. From a young age, she taught me the importance of contributing to others, shaping my belief that paying it forward should be a natural part of life, not just a goal to achieve ‘once you are successful.’

I am reminded of the early days when I first started my entrepreneurial venture during a summer break in high school. Encouraged by my mother, I launched a jewellery business, creating bracelets and necklaces to sell to my teachers. This experience provided my first taste of entrepreneurship, teaching me invaluable lessons about creativity, perseverance, and the joy of giving back.

With the proceeds from my small business, I donated to a youth juvenile centre in Belgium, an act that has continued to inspire my philanthropic efforts. Over the years, I’ve contributed to sending 13 students to high school, reinforcing my belief that paying it forward is integral to personal and professional success.

Our ethos 

Similarly, the philosophy of paying it forward is deeply embedded in the ethos of Ascend Now. We strive to instil this mindset in our students, encouraging them to look beyond their immediate goals and consider how they can positively impact their communities. 

This approach enriches their learning experience and also fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy. I firmly believe that education should not only prepare students for academic and professional success but also for meaningful contributions to society.

One of the most gratifying aspects of my work at Ascend Now is witnessing the transformation of our students. Take, for example, an 11-year-old student who developed a game to help senior citizens with grocery deliveries. His project not only addressed a practical need but also showcased his creativity and empathy. 

Similarly, an 18-year-old student created a financial literacy course that reached 7,400 students in India, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of our programs. These stories are a testament to the potential of young minds when they are nurtured and empowered.

A future of EdTech

Looking ahead, I see tremendous potential in the EdTech space. The integration of technology in education is opening up new possibilities for personalised learning, project-based learning, and social-emotional learning. 

At Ascend Now, we are at the forefront of these trends, continually innovating to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. Our life readiness playbook, The Edge, is a prime example of how we are preparing students for the future by equipping them with essential skills and connecting them with real-world opportunities. And as I reflect on the state of education today, I am both hopeful and determined. The challenges we face are significant, but so are the opportunities. The next generation is incredibly talented and resourceful, and with the right support, I’m certain they can achieve great things.