Navigating the Work-Life Balance with Simona Turin, academyEX's CEO
A fascinating yarn about Simona Turin's epic trek from military authority to tech inventor and now captain of academyEX, a vessel aiming to empower women and minority communities by providing education. Simona's trailblazing spirit is evident, as she has consistently shattered barriers in realms such as high-stakes combat units and thriving tech startups.
With academyEX, she's using her formidable experience to carve a path for those who've been underrepresented in the tech world, seeking to revolutionize the landscape of tech and leadership opportunities. In our tête-à-tête, Simona offered priceless insights into overcoming obstacles, the significance of representation, and how academyEX is constructing a one-of-a-kind educational experience that mirrors the blazing pace of technological advancements.
Simona, your improbable transformation from commanding a combat unit to paving the way in tech and now steering academyEX is extraordinary. What ignited the flame within you to shift from established corporate sectors to focusing on the empowerment of women and minority communities through education?
Throughout my career, I've frequently been the lone wanderer or prior explorer, whether in high-pressure combat teams or high-growth tech startups. I am convinced that for our economy to flourish sustainably, we need to focus on how we welcome women into tech and leadership roles, thereby unlocking this phenomenal pool of talent.
Having spent a decent amount of time coaching and mentoring women in the tech industry, I've witnessed how self-doubt and a lack of representation can hinder individuals. Joining academyEX was me taking the bull by the horns, prepared to confront this issue head-on. My career path has been a maze of busting stereotypes. Hearings like "'I joined the organization because of you...' or 'I went into tech because you gave me a living, breathing example to look up to...' is the greatest compliment one can receive."
Leading the charge paves the way for others to follow. I want my daughter's belief that women are natural leaders and should seize positions of influence to be more than just her conviction; it should be a belief embraced by everyone. Let us continue to forge ahead, creating a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
In your varied journey, you've multiple times been the odd one out in numerous realms. Can you recall a moment or experience that particularly impacted you and influenced your approach to leadership and inclusivity?
navigate various boardrooms throughout my career, my focus was always on proving my worth, on 'adding value,' so to speak. However, there came a time when this mindset transformed. I began to perceive the inherent worth of my unique viewpoint merely by being present.
I gained confidence in the value of my own experiences and insights, realizing how they could propel meaningful conversations forward. This shift marked the difference between merely seeking to 'add value' and genuinely 'being valuable.'
Although I made a conscious effort to gather experience across all facets of business – from revenue to product, and from engineering to customer support – there arrives a moment when you must own the fact that your distinctive viewpoint merits a seat at the table.
academyEX is admired for its commitment to flexible, impactful learning tailored to adults, particularly women. How do you foresee this model reshaping the online education landscape, and what are the critical factors contributing to the impressive success and completion rates among your students?
academyEX was birthed on the premise that learning should never cease, especially for those entrenched in their careers. Crafting learning solutions for a workforce juggling jobs and a myriad of responsibilities is no easy feat. In their quest, companies often opt for 'online learning,' but more often than not, this approach disappoints. Online learning tends to be solitary, which is precisely its Achilles' heel.
For over a decade, academyEX has been grappling with this challenge head-on. We believe that courses should foster connections, especially in remote settings. Our learning environments are akin to joining "a community of changemakers and industry shakers." Our learners frequently express that the true value of being part of such a community lies in the rich, invigorating conversations they engage in with like-minded individuals. These dialogues delve into matters that deeply resonate with them, their communities, and their families.
Our projects are not academic exercises but genuine efforts aimed at making a tangible impact. They are about empowerment, excitement, and the pursuit of discovery over mere theory.
With an exceptional 85% completion rate, our formula works. Furthermore, it accommodates a diverse audience; the majority of academyEX learners are over 35, migrants, or hail from Maori and Pasifika backgrounds – groups that often struggle with traditional learning models.
As a tech and digital innovation whiz, how have you utilized your expertise to heighten the learning experience, specifically in keeping pace with rapid technological advancements?
As someone who doesn't sport a traditional academic background but boasts decades of experience across various industries, my role at academyEX involves working closely with our academic staff to mold courses that are practical and relevant to the real world. We aim to empower our students for lifelong learning and to become pioneers of meaningful change.
The concept of 'staying ahead' instead of 'keeping up' in one's career is cornerstone to academyEX's philosophy. What guidance would you offer to individuals seeking to navigate their careers in this ever-evolving landscape?
Investing time in learning and development is a rigorous endeavor but crucial for remaining relevant in today's fast-paced business environment. It's a rewarding journey that requires curiosity as its driving force, a principle that lies at the heart of all our courses at academyEX.
When choosing an education provider, learners must yearn for more than just theoretical knowledge. Our approach to learning is interactive and engaging, fostering collaboration across functions and backgrounds. This approach exposes learners to diverse perspectives and fosters a deeper understanding of various disciplines, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Ruminating on your remarkable career and the transitions you've made, what would you tell someone grappling with feelings of powerlessness or considering a significant career shift, especially later in life?
Do not wait for someone else to provide you with the key to life. Do not wait for permission – just go and claim it! Everything you desire is on the other side of fear. I have a soft spot for being uncomfortable and afraid – I make it a daily practice to push myself. When we are determined to shatter barriers, we break them not only for ourselves but for those who follow us, propelling everyone forward.
- Simona's transformation from military authority to tech inventor and the captain of academyEX was inspired by a conviction that for the economy to flourish sustainably, more women need to be welcome into tech and leadership roles.
- Simona's career path has been a maze of busting stereotypes, and she has frequently been the lone wanderer in high-pressure combat teams and high-growth tech startups.
- Simona led the charge at academyEX to confront the issue of underrepresentation of women and minorities in the tech world, with the goal of revolutionizing the landscape of tech and leadership opportunities.
- Simona's career advice is to not wait for permission to claim what one desires, as everything one desires is on the other side of fear. She advocates for breaking barriers not only for oneself but for those who follow.
- academyEX is committed to providing education that mirrors the blazing pace of technological advancements, with a focus on practical and relevant courses that foster collaboration and expose learners to diverse perspectives.
- academyEX's learning environment is a community of changemakers and industry shakers, and its projects are about empowerment, excitement, and the pursuit of discovery over mere theory.
- academyEX's approach to learning is interactive and engaging, fostering a deeper understanding of various disciplines and enhancing the overall learning experience.
- academyEX's online education model, designed for adults particularly women, has a completion rate of 85%, with a focus on connection and community, especially in remote settings.
