In the world of education and training, a passion for making a difference often defines a leader’s journey.
Today, I have the pleasure of introducing our new Director of Business Development & Commercial, Lisa Khosla. A seasoned professional whose career has been driven by a commitment to transforming lives through training and development. With over 20 years of experience in sales and business development, her dedication to excellence and vision for the future of education will make them a vital part of the Educationwise team for years to come.
So, without further-a-do, let’s dive into Lisa’s story and learn more about her motivations, experiences, and strategies for success.
Can you please tell us a bit about your background?
LK: “I have worked in sales and business development for over 20 years, starting out in the luxury jewellery and watch industry.
My first stint in the FE sector was 8 years ago, when I was presented with an opportunity to head up a new apprenticeship training provision in Birmingham. It was here that we trained and upskilled the next generation of jewellers, to revive both manufacturing and design within Birmingham’s famous “Jewellery Quarter.”
It did not take long for me to see the difference we made to the lives of so many people, and the profound impact we made on intergenerational mobility and intragenerational mobility through training and development. This gave me a huge sense of purpose, I immediately knew that it was within this field that I wanted to further my career.”
What led you to join Educationwise?
LK: “The business has built strong foundations, putting the learner front and centre of all they do.
The mantra of ‘quality above all else’ is very refreshing and resonates well with me. The CEO and Founder have amazing vision, and the business is both adaptable and agile, allowing for it to move quickly to accommodate all of the changes that lie ahead.
The team are both creative and innovative, setting us apart from the competition. They consistently collaborate with clients to add value to their organisations and build strong, long-term relationships.
EW will only go from strength to strength!”
What are some key experiences in your career that have shaped your approach?
LK: “My approach to business development and commercial strategy has been shaped by market exposure above all else.
Having the privilege of working with clients, regionally, nationally, and globally, has given me insight to customer behaviours, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes. This has broadened my perspective on market opportunities and challenges, allowing me to build strategies that align with organisational goals and market demands.”
What are some of your immediate priorities?
LK: “There are several priorities that are high on my list, the first being to gain a deep understanding of the business, the products and services, the target market, the competitive landscape and to connect with the existing client base.
I will also be evaluating the current business development strategies to identify areas for improvement and looking to build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Most importantly, I will be looking to align the Business Development team around common goals, providing support and ensuring that I foster a collaborative and motivated team environment.”
What are the biggest opportunities / challenges in our current landscape?
LK: “The FE sector has such a diverse range of funding sources, but we know that there is going to be a change in government policy ahead of us and we do not have confirmation on what this is going to look like. With that in mind, we can either look at this as a challenge or an opportunity.
For me, this is an opportunity to build on our success through diversification of our products and services. EW is agile and fast moving, meaning that we will be able to pivot and adapt quickly to prioritise and invest in new opportunities, staying at the forefront when these changes arise.”
What motivates you on a daily basis, both professionally and personally?
LK: “I want to make a difference. I am motivated by staying curious and learning continuously. I enjoy solving problems, adding value to my clients and helping them succeed, whilst collaborating with a wonderful team and having fun whilst doing it! I am value driven, and it was really important to me to join an organisation that lives and breathes its values.”
Finally, what message would you like to share with our community?
LK: “I’d like everyone to know we remain dedicated to empowering individuals and organisations to achieve success! As a leader in the training industry, we deeply value the collaborative relationships we have cultivated, and the significant impact we have made on the journeys of countless individuals.
We believe that our continued partnerships can further amplify our collective efforts to explore joint ventures, expand our reach into new markets, and co- create customised training solutions to drive innovation and deliver exceptional results!”
