In the ever-evolving world of tech and entrepreneurship, it's rare to find leaders who have seamlessly blended their passions with their professions. Estelle Lloyd, the Co-Founder and COO of Macademia, is one such figure.
Recently, on the 'Bright Founders Talk' podcast hosted by the international software development company, Temy, Chris had the opportunity to delve deep into the life and mind of Estelle. From her unique work-from-home productivity hacks involving her beloved dog, to her early aspirations of becoming a professional skier influenced by her father's legacy, to the thrill of rekindling her love for singing - her journey is a testament to the myriad paths one can take to success.
Moreover, Estelle's candid insights on the value and challenges of an MBA for an aspiring entrepreneur, and her unrelenting entrepreneurial spirit, undoubtedly serve as inspiration for many. Dive in as we uncover the story behind the genius of Macademia and the ambitions of its dynamic Co-founder.
Unlocking Estelle's Mind: From Mountain Slopes to Boardroom Talks
Estelle Lloyd isn't your everyday tech entrepreneur. She's a maverick, a woman whose life story sounds more like a movie script than a corporate bio. From harboring dreams of professional skiing, thanks to a father who was a competitive skier, to navigating the tricky slopes of investment banking, she's seen it all. But the downhill runs and snow-clad peaks were more than just thrilling escapades; they served as an inspiration. Estelle recalls, "Spending so much time in the mountains… it's just very special." It's no wonder that these memories also propelled her towards a career centered around climate change and clean technology.
But what really stands out is her candid take on education and entrepreneurship. Having a stellar educational background, including an executive MBA from Columbia University, she provides an unexpected perspective. "You don't have to do an MBA to be an entrepreneur," she quips. A journey in the corporate world made her realize that sometimes, the barriers we face are the ones we create for ourselves. She adds, "When you work for a large corporate, you end up thinking that the only thing you can do is the job you're doing." Her MBA journey wasn't just about adding another degree; it was about unlearning, breaking free from that siloed mindset, and regaining the confidence to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams.
You don't have to do an MBA to be an entrepreneur
Estelle LLOYDCo-Founder and COO at Macademia
It's this blend of passion, education, and a hint of rebellion that makes Estelle an intriguing figure in the tech world. Whether she's serenading her staff in a spirited karaoke session or diving deep into artificial intelligence, she brings an energy that's contagious. As she beautifully puts it, "I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur… I wanted to have an it and take it all the way through." And boy, she's doing just that!
From Wall Street to Clean Streets: Estelle's Odyssey in Entrepreneurship
Imagine having a wealth of experience in investment banking, studying at an ivy-league university, and then landing in London only to dive headfirst into the whirlwind world of entrepreneurship. Sounds like quite the journey, right? Well, that's a page out of Estelle's playbook. In her candid chat, she revealed, "You look at lots of business plans, delve deep into every aspect of a business… it's incredibly interesting because you get exposed to so many case studies."
Diving into the depths of her career, Estelle painted a vivid picture of her American adventure. From embracing the fast-paced tech world in the U.S during the late '90s and early 2000s to the foundational years in investment banking where she dissected business models and growth strategies - she's been in the thick of it. Her experience resonates in her advice, "Business is not common sense… there are things that you need to learn." For her, the transition from the states back to London wasn't about joining the corporate rat race. Instead, she leaped into entrepreneurship, founding a data research and event company centered on clean energy.
Business is not common sense… there are things that you need to learn
Estelle LLOYDCo-Founder and COO at Macademia
As we unraveled more layers of her professional saga, Estelle dished on her transition to London. Not as a newcomer but as a business maven ready to start her very first company. Her narrative isn't just about climbing corporate ladders or acing courses at Columbia; it's about sensing opportunities, nurturing an idea into a successful venture, and then embarking on yet another enterprise journey. As the conversation went on, one couldn't help but wonder: what's next for Estelle? With such a dynamic trajectory, the horizon seems endless!
Journey to a Smarter and Kinder World: Estelle's Vision for Macademia
When one hears the name Estelle, images of visionary leadership, pioneering change, and making a palpable impact spring to mind. Having been deeply entrenched in the world of entrepreneurship and corporate success, Estelle’s shift to creating value-driven businesses brought us Macademia, a game-changer in the edutainment industry. With her clarion call being, "Impact-led businesses can be very solid, very profitable, very successful," she's carved out a niche in the realm of streaming content that isn't just entertaining but purposeful and enlightening.
Impact-led businesses can be very solid, very profitable, very successful
Estelle LLOYDCo-Founder and COO at Macademia
Diving into Macademia's mission, Estelle regales us with her quest for a smarter and kinder world. The unique streaming platform, operational in a whopping 22 languages, brings together an extensive library of educational documentaries, scripted shows, and an array of other content forms. Addressing contemporary issues such as digital literacy, the environment, and sustainability, Macademia offers viewers an action-driven approach. Instead of inundating young minds with the overwhelming concerns of climate change, Estelle envisions content that empowers kids and families to play a proactive role. As she puts it, they aim to present "more action-driven" material rather than "doom and gloom."
As our chat with Estelle evolved, the broader scope of her ambition was laid bare. Beyond just environmental awareness, Macademia aspires to fill educational gaps in our system. Touching upon financial literacy, Estelle voices a concern echoed by many: the world expects you to navigate complex financial decisions without ever really teaching you the ropes. With businesses like Macademia, spearheaded by visionaries like Estelle, the future seems a tad bit brighter, with the promise of a well-informed and compassionate global community.
Becoming Extraordinary with Estelle: The Macademia Journey and Beyond
Estelle, whose name has now become synonymous with educational innovation, has recently made waves with Macademia's original production, "Becoming Extraordinary." In collaboration with Bear Grylls, this program delves into the minds of icons like Roger Federer and Julia Roberts, deciphering the turning points of their luminous careers. What sets this content apart? Its emphasis on a universal truth, as Estelle passionately notes, "Everyone can be extraordinary."
The rapidly changing educational landscape finds a staunch ally in Macademia. While their initial focus was consumer-driven, mirroring platforms like Netflix and Disney+, they're now making inroads into classrooms. This shift isn't just about expanding their reach but addressing vital, oft-overlooked topics. Estelle stresses the importance of "making it really engaging," a sentiment that resonates with teachers looking to enrich their curriculum. The pandemic, despite its devastation, ironically amplified their mission. With families stuck at home, Macademia became an enriching oasis.
On personal dynamics and entrepreneurship, Estelle offers a rare glimpse into running a global business with her spouse. Emphasizing distinct roles and responsibilities, their synergy translates into a unified business vision. To budding entrepreneurs, Estelle advises, "Rejection and failure is how you learn." And in a pragmatic spirit, she highlights the prudence of risk mitigation: "What is the risk that you can remove?" As our conversation draws to a close, it's evident: Estelle's journey, marked by meticulous planning, boundless passion, and invaluable mentorship, truly embodies the 'extraordinary' ethos Macademia champions.
Rejection and failure is how you learn
Estelle LLOYDCo-Founder and COO at Macademia
