Nadeem Nathoo: Insights from a Founder of The Knowledge Society
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
In the realm of entrepreneurship, trusting one's instincts is paramount. Countless individuals may offer advice with limited knowledge and commitment, yet ultimately, you are the one navigating the journey.
As part of our series "5 Insights I Wish I Had Before Becoming a Founder," I had the opportunity to speak with Nadeem Nathoo. He is the co-founder of The Knowledge Society (TKS), an organization dedicated to nurturing young innovators in exponential technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality, nanotechnology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). At TKS, Nadeem's goal is to empower youth aged 13-17 to lead advancements in emerging technologies and sciences. Alumni from TKS have presented at major global conferences, interned at prestigious companies like IBM and Microsoft, secured investments from top-tier investors, and initiated projects in cutting-edge fields such as brain-machine interfaces and quantum computing.
Before establishing TKS, Nadeem gained experience as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he advised Fortune 500 executives on various challenges across industries like banking, mining, aerospace, and telecommunications. His work involved directing significant growth strategies and merger transitions, including a notable $500 million merger and a $2 billion strategic spin-off. Additionally, he has contributed to development projects in countries such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, East Africa, and Honduras. In his free time, Nadeem is also an angel investor.
We appreciate your participation, Nadeem! Could you share the story behind your decision to pursue this career path?
Growing up, my brother Navid and I aspired to make a substantial impact on the world. While I was at McKinsey collaborating with CEOs globally, Navid founded an AI startup that was later acquired by Box.com. Our development work in countries like Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kenya revealed a pressing need for more talented individuals tackling significant global challenges. We recognized the lack of institutions specifically focused on training youth to address critical issues, and the education system was in dire need of reform. Fueled by our passion for this cause, we decided to leave everything behind to create TKS, equipping high school students with the knowledge, skills, mindsets, and networks necessary to make a meaningful global impact.
Section 1.1: Overcoming Challenges
Can you recount some of the difficulties you faced during the early stages of your journey?
Navid and I aimed to create a program we wished existed, which turned out to be an effective approach. However, scaling it to new markets while achieving optimal results was a significant challenge. Our strategy involved recruiting former tech entrepreneurs and leaders who often earned double our budget to join TKS full-time. Surprisingly, this task was not as daunting as anticipated; while I had to work hard to attract interest, many candidates were eager to join. The real difficulty lay in identifying the right fit. Our standards for a Director were exceptionally high, limiting our pool to perhaps only ten viable candidates per city. Navigating this personalized, non-scalable hiring process was tough, but perseverance, determination, and resilience were essential.
Subsection 1.1.1: Finding Motivation
What motivated you to push through those tough times?
Our mission served as our driving force. Accomplishing meaningful goals is rarely straightforward, and understanding this truth fosters appreciation during challenging moments. It reassures us that we are continually growing while tackling complex issues. Ultimately, we felt a profound obligation to realize TKS's vision and were committed to providing more students with access to exceptional learning opportunities.
Section 1.2: Current Success and Growth
How are things going currently, and how did your perseverance lead to success?
Today, TKS operates in seven North American cities and has launched a fully virtual program, supported by an enthusiastic team of twenty. Remarkably, we grew during the pandemic—an ambitious goal that was once considered overly optimistic. Our students are landing internships at 14 and 15 years old, attracting investments from leading global investors, and even working on groundbreaking therapies for diseases. Our students stand out as the next generation of innovators. I take immense pride in how quickly they've developed and achieved remarkable milestones at such a young age.
Chapter 2: Unique Positioning and Impact
What distinguishes your organization from others? Can you share a notable story?
TKS is truly one-of-a-kind; no other organization replicates our model effectively. A memorable instance involved a young woman who joined our program without even understanding the term "software." Within a year, she interned with investors in lab-grown meat and spoke to an audience of 50,000 at Microsoft's internal conference in Las Vegas. Impressively, Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, requested to meet her, mistakenly believing she was 23—she was only 15! Witnessing their conversation about machine learning and quantum computing filled me with pride for what we've accomplished.
Which advice would you offer to others in your field to help them thrive and avoid burnout?
Two key recommendations: assemble a world-class team and never compromise on your standards. Trusting your team is crucial, especially during times of limited capacity. Secondly, your work must stem from genuine passion rather than money, ego, or external validation. When that fire diminishes, you're done.
Is there anyone in particular who has significantly influenced your journey?
Absolutely, my brother Navid has been instrumental. We share a deep trust and alignment, allowing us to be honest and hold each other accountable. During a challenging phase when we were developing a physical center for TKS—a multi-million dollar venture that ultimately fell through due to a city permit issue—Navid reminded me, "Are you healthy? Did anyone pass away? Then life is good." Such perspective is invaluable during stressful moments.
How have you leveraged your success to benefit society?
The ultimate objective of TKS is to create a positive impact on the world!
What are your "5 insights I wish someone had shared before I started my company"?
- Most people won’t care about your mission as much as you do, so don’t expect them to.
- Trust your instincts; many will advise you without a full understanding of your situation.
- Resist the temptation to lower your standards; scaling may require compromises, but sometimes you must pursue what doesn’t scale.
- Money is fleeting and often distracts; don’t fixate on superficial rewards.
- Show genuine care for your team members and demonstrate it consistently.
If you could initiate a movement to benefit humanity, what would it entail?
I envision a global event akin to the Olympics, focusing on innovative solutions to world problems. This would showcase the brilliance of our generation's thinkers and inspire widespread engagement.
How can readers connect with you on social media?
Follow us on Instagram @theksociety and Twitter @theksociety.
Thank you for this inspiring conversation, Nadeem!