In 2012, Kavitha R, an ex-Microsoft Learning Professional set out to change the landscape of the global learning space by asking a very pertinent question – “How can we simplify learning and create engaging experiences for today’s and tomorrow’s learners?” She brings more than 23 years of rich experience in Learning Consulting, Instructional Systems and Solution Design, Organizational Development, and Business Management. The resultant of all this was the birth of Apposite Learning Solutions, a pioneer in providing new-age learning experiences. Kavitha’s journey and experiences are deeply embedded in the DNA of Apposite’s methodology and approach to crafting world-class learning experiences.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Kavitha R, walks us through her professional journey along with the unique traits of the organization:

Take us through your early educational journey and the deep industry experience that you bring to the table.

My journey into this industry that I love so much started in 1999. However, the foundation and the reason for my success in the industry is my educational background. I’m an engineering graduate and I completed my B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering in 1997. Thereafter, I found my calling into Instructional Design and E-learning Development; and in 1999, I decided to pursue formal education in this field. I took a certificate course in Instructional Design from NIIT. Coming from a tech background, I was a bit skeptical about the career choice I made because most of the participants in the course came from a creative background. I advanced to become a level 1 instructional designer and began with my first project at NIIT. I started with authoring a technical training course on Windows 95 because my logical skills dominated my creative skills, and then I authored training content on Windows 98. That's when I began to feel assured that, despite having a technical background, I can accomplish a lot in the learning development industry.

What motivated you to establish Apposite Learning Solutions? Tell us about the underlying ideas behind creating the organization.

The seed for all this was planted in my head when I was at Microsoft. After working there for six years, I began to think, ‘Why don’t I do this on my own?’ and that is when it all happened. I knew that for me to be successful, I needed the guidance and support from two of my best friends who are also my ex-colleagues from Microsoft. We three evangelists got together and suggested that we should start our own global learning development organization. So, in December 2012, we decided to register our organization as Apposite Learning Solutions. We started with a short e-learning project from a Switzerland-based company that is a dental implant major. We kept adding more projects and clients as we moved along. The key drivers to start a business and to push ourselves every day are to create highly engaging learning experiences and to empower instructional designers to use their potential to showcase their best work.

What are the various roles & responsibilities that you shoulder as the Founder of Apposite Learning Solutions?

In our early years, we had a very small team and I used to be responsible for many functions needed for successful execution of the projects. So, I was involved in developing content, graphics, quality, and even project management. I was also the official coffee maker for the team. However, now we are a 110+ member team that is spread all across India, with a few members in Singapore and the US. Now my focus is to nurture the next line of leadership for Apposite and make sure that the same values of customer experience and employee satisfaction are upheld and percolated throughout the organization.

“Nine years have passed since we started apposite learning and till date learner experience and satisfaction remain the driving force behind all our learning solutions”

In your opinion, what are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been the driving force behind your success as a business leader?

Every client that comes with a specific learning need requires a customized solution that helps their learners learn something that is important not just to them but also to the business. When we deploy the learning solution for the client and realize that the learners who are spread globally are using this solution, which germinated in the minds of Apposite’s team members, and are reaping its benefits, it gives us a true sense of success; and every time we at Apposite do that, I feel like I have achieved a significant milestone. Nine years have passed since we started Apposite Learning and till date learner experience and satisfaction remain the driving force behind all our learning solutions.

What steps do you take to keep yourself well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring within your field of work and the technology landscape?

We are quite delighted to be one of the organizations in our area that offers a lot of technology-based training solutions. Therefore, we constantly feel the need to learn about new tools and technologies, the state of the market, and the evolution of educational technology. We devote a lot of effort to understand how individuals learn, which includes the content they learn and the platform through which they learn.

Drawing from your experience as a successful business leader, what would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

When you set forth to accomplish your career dreams and goals, my advice is to follow your instincts, and be passionate about what you are doing, that’s when you will see desired results and can establish yourself as an inspiring leader. If you want to undertake something but you’re unsure of how to go about it, I would advise speaking with some of the experts in those fields and setting up mentorship programs with them. Once you know what you want to achieve, stay focused, passionate, and dedicated as you keep moving forward. Success will automatically come your way when you keep working on your goals with utmost dedication and sincerity.

Kavitha R , B. Tech. Chemical Engineering, Apposite Learning Solutions

Kavitha R She has over 23 years of expertise in Learning Consulting, Instructional Systems, and Solution Design. She is an engineer who received her B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering in 1997.