In this episode of The Bright Founders Talk at Temy, we are thrilled to feature Richard Evans, the visionary founder of The Profs, an innovative company transforming the tutoring landscape. Joining us at Temy, an international software development company, Richard shares his unique journey from a post-graduate job seeker to pioneering entrepreneur.
About a decade ago, with a fresh diploma from the London School of Economics in hand, Richard ventured into the world of tutoring, driven by a personal quest for a more tailored educational experience and an urgent need to finance his university life. His early days as a tutor not only helped him make ends meet but also sparked a passion for making a significant impact in the education sector. The Profs started as a simple idea to enhance academic support for students, evolving organically into a global entity with over 1,000 tutors reaching 12,000 students annually across 150 countries.
Richard’s story is not just about academic aid; it's about recognizing and nurturing potential, creating meaningful careers in education outside the traditional classroom, and leveraging personal experiences to fill gaps in adult education. From his initial steps tutoring peers to orchestrating a vast network of educational professionals, Richard’s journey epitomizes the power of innovative thinking and dedication to lifelong learning.
Richard Evans: Pioneering Personalized Tutoring and Transforming Lives Through Education
When Richard Evans stepped into the world of tutoring, it wasn’t just about earning an income. It was about crafting a new paradigm in education. "I was looking for something a bit more personalized, to really help me find myself," he shares, reflecting on his dissatisfaction with traditional higher education frameworks. Starting The Profs was a natural progression from personal need to professional mission, aiming to offer students the kind of tailored, one-on-one educational experiences that universities often lack.
I was looking for something a bit more personalized, to really help me find myself
Richard EvansFounder of The Profs
The concept of The Profs was born out of a blend of necessity and opportunity. As Richard puts it, "There was not enough support for people like me trying to really get ahead in life." This realization led him to leverage his personal experiences to fill a gaping void in adult education, particularly for students and young professionals pursuing challenging fields like law, accounting, and finance. Richard's approach was not just about teaching; it was about mentoring and molding careers, one student at a time.
Reflecting on the evolution of his business, Richard recounts a pivotal moment that clarified the profound impact of his work: "I'd helped a student go from a failing grade to the top of her class, and eventually to an MBA and a C-level executive role." He sums up his philosophy succinctly, noting, "That investment in education is an amazing investment." This ethos continues to drive The Profs, as they now reach thousands of students across the globe, demonstrating the transformative power of personalized education.
Richard Evans on Learning, Failure, and the Discovery of Ikigai in Entrepreneurship
Richard Evans’ journey wasn’t just about building a business; it was an intense personal evolution through entrepreneurship. "So many things," he says, reflecting on the process, and sharing how each misstep brought invaluable lessons. Unlike most, he relabels 'mistakes' as 'missteps', emphasizing the importance of correction and learning. His philosophy is simple yet profound: "If you make two steps, that’s a mistake. You knew it was there; you can avoid it." This outlook has helped him navigate the complexities of growing The Profs, focusing on iterative learning to avoid long-term failure.
If you make two steps, that’s a mistake. You knew it was there; you can avoid it
Richard EvansFounder of The Profs
Delving deeper, Richard discusses the foundational pillars of starting and sustaining a business. He outlines three crucial questions every entrepreneur should answer: Does anyone care about your idea? Are they willing to pay for it? And crucially, do enough people care enough to pay? "67% of pitches I hear don’t meet all three," he states, highlighting the harsh reality of entrepreneurial aspirations versus viable business models. This clarity came from both introspection and understanding the market, fueling his missions at The Profs which have evolved over the years, growing from national success to global influence.
The pinnacle of Richard's reflection on his entrepreneurial path is his recent embrace of the Japanese concept of Ikigai—aligning one's passion, skill, potential for income, and societal contribution. He shares, "I moved away from tutoring to focus on the business side, but realized my Ikigai was still in tutoring." This realization wasn’t just about personal alignment; it steered his business strategy towards expanding reach through free online content, thus supporting the premium side of The Profs. Richard’s story is a testament to finding one’s true calling and leveraging it to not only succeed financially but also to fulfill a deeper purpose, contributing positively to the world.
Crafting a Team That Matches Vision: Richard Evans on Nurturing Talent in a Family-Run Business
Richard Evans' approach to building a team at The Profs is deeply intertwined with his personal journey and family values. Working alongside his brother, he has cultivated an environment where passion and vision drive the hiring process. "My job as a founder is to set the vision, inspire people," Richard explains. They go beyond the typical corporate retreat, dedicating entire days to introspection and alignment, ensuring everyone from veterans to new hires shares the company’s core motivations. This commitment to shared goals is crucial in attracting and retaining talent that resonates with the company’s ethos.
My job as a founder is to set the vision, inspire people
Richard EvansFounder of The Profs
For Richard, investing in the right people is not just a part of the business; it's the backbone of it. "Invest hard in the right people early," he advises, sharing wisdom that has been pivotal in his leadership style. He describes the company as a collective of bright, ambitious individuals who are better and smarter, capable of carrying the company's vision forward. This process hasn’t been without its challenges, especially in the early bootstrapped days when resources were scarce. Richard's strategy involved a rigorous selection process, hunting for those rare gems in the job market who not only seek a job but aspire to transform an industry.
Navigating these challenges, Richard has honed a recruitment philosophy that prioritizes potential and growth mindset—a concept introduced by Carol Dweck. He looks for individuals who are not deterred by their current limitations but are eager to evolve. "It's all about finding that person who is looking really 5-10 years ahead of what they could be," he says. The proof of his effective strategy is in the longevity and success of his team members, some of whom have grown with the company for nearly a decade, driving it to new heights each year. This approach has not only tripled the company's growth but also solidified The Profs as a leader in innovative educational services.
Embracing AI: Richard Evans on the Future of Education and Personal Development
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, Richard Evans, founder of The Profs, sees artificial intelligence not just as a tool but as a pivotal element in the future of learning and personal development. He initially viewed AI with skepticism, dismissing its relevance to education. However, as AI technology has advanced, Richard's perspective has shifted towards seeing AI as both a potential threat and a significant opportunity. "AI is the evolution of the internet, as the internet was to the library," he explains, stressing that while AI can streamline fact retrieval, real education lies in how knowledge is imparted and utilized. For Richard, the true intrigue of AI lies in its untapped potential to motivate and inspire individuals—a frontier yet to be fully explored.
AI is the evolution of the internet, as the internet was to the library
Richard EvansFounder of The Profs
Richard envisions a future where AI transcends mere information retrieval to become a catalyst for personal growth and learning. He imagines AI systems that understand individual motivations and customize learning experiences accordingly, enhancing personal trainers and tutors' efforts. "AI knowing things doesn't concern me," Richard notes, underscoring his anticipation of AI's ability to tailor motivational strategies to individual needs. This approach could revolutionize not only traditional educational paths but also self-improvement across various life aspects, from entrepreneurship to personal health.
As AI continues to weave itself into the fabric of daily operations, Richard emphasizes the importance of proactive adaptation. "The challenge that AI presents now is getting people to want to sit down and learn," he says, pinpointing the crux of future educational endeavors. By integrating AI, educators and entrepreneurs like Richard can not only enhance their methodologies but also ensure they remain at the forefront of delivering impactful and personalized learning experiences. This optimistic outlook towards AI reflects a broader commitment to leveraging technology to enrich human connections and educational outcomes.
