Tanvi’s transition from computer engineering to social impact highlights her dedication to education and community. From founding an initiative for government schools to impactful roles at Dalberg, Bain, and Samagra, she honed her strategic skills. At Rocket Learning, as Chief of Staff, M&E and Content, she advanced Anganwadi infrastructure with edtech and sharpened her leadership. Now, Tanvi is focused on developing sustainable revenue models in edtech for global impact. Her next steps are ones to watch closely.
Q: Can you share your journey from studying computer engineering to working in the social impact sector?
During my engineering days, I founded an initiative that worked closely with neighboring government school students and teachers. I also had the opportunity to intern with Dalberg. These experiences fueled my passion for the social impact space. After a stint at Bain, my first corporate job, the impact-driven mindset led me to Samagra, where I worked on improving learning outcomes for children in the public education system of Uttar Pradesh. Eventually, this path brought me to Rocket Learning, where I was able to empower the Anganwadi infrastructure through edtech.
Q: What are some of your most memorable moments at Rocket Learning?
My most memorable moments at Rocket Learning have been on the field, visiting young parents and first-time mothers in Rajasthan and Maharashtra who were using our product for home learning. It was inspiring to see how enthusiastically they engaged in the activities with their children, taking on the role of educators and learning facilitators. This sense of empowerment, both for parents and Anganwadi teachers, is what continually inspires me.
Q: How was your role as Chief of Staff unique in terms of learning and experiences?
The Chief of Staff role provided me with a deep understanding of a founder’s mindset. It reinforced my ambition to become a founder myself and equipped me with the tools to navigate complex problem statements. I learned to leverage different organizational levers and gained insights into structuring strategies, particularly for new challenges.
Q: What were some key challenges you faced in this role?
One of the main challenges was carving out the value I could add across different teams as a generalist in a specialized environment. It was also difficult to manage the synergies and context-switching required when working across multiple teams. However, over time, I identified that my strength lay in shaping initial strategies for new problem statements, which I focused on as I progressed in the role.
Q: Can you highlight an achievement from your time at Rocket Learning?
A key highlight was leading a randomized control trial (RCT) as part of an impact evaluation of our intervention. I had to build and equip a team to pilot an accelerated version of our product, implement digital interventions, and experiment with various approaches to engage students, parents, and teachers. The process provided valuable insights into prototyping, piloting, and scaling solutions.
Q: What makes Rocket Learning stand out in your view?
Rocket Learning has a profound impact not only on students but also on Anganwadi workers and parents. It empowers them to see themselves as educators, playing a pivotal role in a child’s learning journey. Additionally, our work has reshaped the government’s understanding of early childhood education, proving that high-quality ECE can be achieved in a low-cost, high-impact manner.
Q: What are your future plans post-MBA?
My short-term goal is to work on edtech problem statements, especially given the innovation in AI and its potential in this space. Long-term, I aspire to build in the edtech space, particularly in play and activity-based learning, leveraging my experiences so far.
Q: What excites you the most about your future learning opportunities?
I’m particularly excited about learning how to generate sustainable revenue and achieve profitability in the edtech space. I also look forward to understanding the global edtech landscape, comparing it with India’s fast-paced progress, and exploring opportunities to build globally.
Q: What advice would you give to social sector enthusiasts or aspiring founders?
My advice is to recalibrate expectations regarding the time it takes to achieve impact, especially in mission-driven organizations working with the government. Patience is crucial, as large-scale impact requires time and perseverance. However, if you stay committed, the outcomes can be incredibly fulfilling.
Q: How do you see the role of technology and AI in driving social impact?
Technology, even in its simplest forms like WhatsApp or YouTube, can be a powerful tool for scaling impact. By leveraging these platforms smartly, we can communicate and drive action among large populations. Additionally, understanding user behavior and integrating gamification can create sustainable habits and drive meaningful outcomes.
Q: What is something you’ve always wanted to learn, and how has your experience helped?
I’ve always wanted to become a better leader. My experiences so far, especially being mentored by some of the best in the impact space, have set the foundation. Now, I’m eager to further develop my leadership skills during my MBA, test them in different environments, and eventually, apply them as a founder.
Q: What has worked for you in managing your personal ambitions?
The key has been time-blocking and prioritizing my non-negotiables, whether it’s playing a sport, spending time with loved ones, or learning something new. By being disciplined with my time and setting clear boundaries, I’ve been able to manage my personal ambitions alongside my professional responsibilities.