Children's education is not just about academics but also about equipping them with life skills such as managing emotions and social relations. Preethi Shanker, Founder of Mammadoo and Co-Founder of I Spy Hope, has been playing a positive role in empowering this sector. With over 7 years of experience in working with children and being a Montessori Educator & Trainer and a Certified Professional Storyteller, she understands the importance of a well-rounded education. Her ventures, Mammadoo, and I Spy Hope focus on providing hands-on tools to help children learn in a fun and engaging manner. Through her work, Preethi Shanker has been helping to build a generation of children who are not just academically inclined but also emotionally intelligent, and socially adept. Let's learn more from her in the below interview snippets.

Can you describe your educational background and previous work experience?

I studied Visual Communication and then pursued a post-graduate diploma in Management. I have always had a passion for working with children and this led me to become interested in storytelling. To further my skills in this area, I completed a course with Kathalaya in Bangalore and became an accredited storyteller certified by Kathalaya's International Academy of Storytelling, which is affiliated with the International Storytelling Center in Tennessee, US.

Afterward, I decided to pursue a Dual Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education and Pre & Primary Teacher Training, during which I became interested in the Montessori pedagogy. I subsequently completed my Montessori Teacher Training and worked as a Montessori guide, teaching children as young as 2.5 years old. My experience in this field led me to become a Montessori Teacher Trainer, where I mentor future teachers and teach them how to provide hands-on experiences to their students, rather than just lecturing them.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and can you tell us about the concepts behind your companies, I Spy Hope and Mammadoo Creative?

Since childhood, I have had a desire to start my own business, as I come from a family of entrepreneurs. I never saw myself working a regular 9-5 job, and always wanted to build something of my own, regardless of its size. I constantly think of business ideas and jot them down whenever they come to me.

"My Main Responsibility In Both My Ventures Is Finding Innovative Ways To Help Children Understand New Concepts"

Teaching has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me, but the urge to start something never left me. While working with children, I combined my love of storytelling and Montessori teaching, which led to the creation of Mammadoo. I obsess over details, which can be both a strength and a weakness. I made sure that everything was up to my high standards, as I wouldn't sell anything that wasn't good enough for me to receive myself.

Can you explain your main responsibilities as the primary leader of your two ventures, and what are your current priorities for driving growth in these companies?

My main responsibility in both my ventures is finding innovative ways to help children understand new concepts. While Mammadoo is entirely my brainchild, I wouldn't consider myself the sole primary leader of I Spy Hope, as all of my co-founders are equally responsible for its success. Our current focus for Mammadoo is to provide parents with enjoyable methods for teaching preschool and kindergarten concepts. With a solid foundation established, we plan to grow steadily by building the right team. For I Spy Hope, our primary focus will be on executing our plans for the upcoming academic year, so that we can troubleshoot and concentrate on growth in the following year.

According to you, what sets you apart as a business leader? Can you talk about your approach to achieving success?

To me, it is crucial to stay genuine and true to oneself, whether in business or in life. As Oscar Wilde famously said, 'Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.' I strongly abide by this quote, as being an authentic leader is vital for an organization to uphold its values. Although not a specific success mantra, I apply the principle of 'Thriving, not just surviving' to both my personal and professional lives. Instead of just getting by, I make a concerted effort to make the most out of every situation, opportunity, and even failure.

How do you perceive the growth and development of women's participation in leadership roles in the future? What steps can be taken to increase the number of women in decision-making positions in the Indian business industry?

I believe that the trend of women holding leadership roles will continue to grow in the coming years. As more women enter the workforce, the number of women in leadership positions will increase naturally. Women need to support and encourage each other to be successful in leadership roles. Emotional management is also essential for women to achieve a balance between work and personal life. It is necessary to find something that provides purpose and goes beyond personal lives to back up 100 percent. To move towards gender equality, addressing any shortcomings in a work environment may be uncomfortable but crucial. My vision is for a world where gender does not factor into any decision-making process in the business industry.