CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. Vaibhav Sisinty, Founder & CEO of GrowthSchool
Can you share more about the inception and vision behind GrowthSchool’s innovative approach to AI-led upskilling?
You know, when GPT-3 came out, the hype around it was impossible to ignore. It was like watching the future unfold right before our eyes. We knew we had to jump in. There was so much buzz, but also a ton of confusion. People were asking, ‘Is this tech good or bad? How do we use it?’ That’s when the idea for incorporating modules on AI in our programs hit us. We wanted to be the platform that not only demystified AI but also showed people how to use it to their advantage.
Now, about our approach—let me break it down simply. We’re not just teaching; we’re learning and experimenting ourselves. We take all those insights and share them with our learners. AI’s evolving crazy fast, right? We don’t want anyone feeling like they missed the bus. Our goal is to keep our learners up-to-date and equipped with the skills they need to leverage this powerful tech. So, in a nutshell, GrowthSchool is here to make sure you’re not just keeping up, but staying ahead.
Could you delve into how GrowthSchool leverages generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance its learning modules for professionals in various fields?
So here’s the deal: our team at GrowthSchool is always in experiment mode. Each one of us gets hands-on with the latest AI tools relevant to what we do. When it comes to using something like ChatGPT in our modules, the possibilities are just huge! For starters, it’s a game-changer in research. It helps us dig deep into topics you guys want to know about, getting us creative ideas we may not have thought of otherwise.
But that’s not all. ChatGPT also helps us anticipate the questions you might have and proactively address them in our curriculum. It’s like having an extra team member that knows exactly what you’re looking for. So, it’s not just about presenting you with information; it’s about delivering it in a way that sticks and really makes a difference in your professional journey. And that’s what we’re all about—keeping you ahead of the curve!
With the evolving job landscape, how does GrowthSchool address the urgent need for reskilling and upskilling?
The job market is like this high-speed train right now, especially with AI and digital transformations, and we’re making sure you don’t miss it. You see, there’s a growing gap between the demand for AI-savvy professionals and the actual supply. That’s the gap we’re aiming to bridge at GrowthSchool.
Sure, the basics are important, but you can’t stop there. Marketers and professionals across fields need to level up, and quickly. That’s why we don’t just have any mentors; we bring in the industry leaders — people who’ve been there, done that. They offer real clarity, breaking down all the AI jargon into actionable insights you can use right away. And most importantly, our practical and hands-on approach is what ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running with minimal training as you go seeking jobs.
Could you elaborate on the key partnerships and collaborations that enable GrowthSchool to provide top-notch learning opportunities for professionals?
Absolutely, the partnerships and collaborations we’ve forged at GrowthSchool are not just ornamental; they’re deeply integrated into our learning ecosystem. Imagine how much more impactful your learning experience becomes when you’re learning straight from pros working at top firms like Amazon, Microsoft, Swiggy, Zomato, Google, and McKinsey. You get the real deal, not just theories or outdated practices.
We’ve gone all out with our Generative AI program, partnering with leaders from OpenAI and Zapier, to ensure you’re learning the most cutting-edge stuff right from the people who are innovating in the field. These partnerships enable us to offer a curriculum that is constantly updated with the latest industry standards. You’re not just learning what’s current but also what’s coming up next.
But it doesn’t stop there. These collaborations also bring in guest lectures, hackathons, real-world case studies, and various other experiential learning opportunities. The whole idea is to provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience that equips you to excel in your profession. And hey, these collaborations often open doors for internships, job placements, and even collaborative projects. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
What significant impact do you believe GrowthSchool’s cohort-based courses have on career growth, considering its impressive community growth and team expansion?
I’m super proud of the 600K+ community we’ve built at GrowthSchool. Over 2000 of our learners have landed jobs in more than 100 different companies. And that’s not just because of our courses; it’s because of the hustle and determination these folks bring to the table.
Our cohort-based courses is where the magic happens. You’re not just sitting in front of a screen; you’re interacting with real people who have the same drive as you. You make friends, sure, but you also make connections that can change your life. Our community shares gigs, job opportunities, and tons of practical advice. That network, my friends, is a goldmine for career growth.
So, to answer the question: How big of an impact do we think GrowthSchool has on career growth? Just ask our students, whose careers have skyrocketed, thanks to the skills they’ve gained and the networks they’ve built. That’s the real testimonial right there, and it’s proof that we’re doing something right!
In light of the recent funding and rapid growth, could you share some insights into GrowthSchool’s future business projections and expansion plans?
We raised $5 million in the seed round back in 2022. However, I didn’t jump right into massive expansion mode like most startups. I think it’s crucial for brands to really know themselves. Having worked with Uber and Klook, I’ve seen how businesses scale and what truly works. So, instead of going all out, I’m focusing on building a solid team that can create an even better product than before.
Tech and product development are the two aspects where I’m putting my investment chips. Changing the game isn’t just about dollars but also changing people’s minds. Right now, many people don’t see the value in investing in themselves and pursue degrees for the sake of it. We are working on some learning experiments at GrowthSchool to turn this around.
Going forward, I have my sights set on growing 5 times bigger by next year. We are already on a steady growth path without burning mountains of cash, with more than half of the money we raised still in the bank. The big dream is to hit that 5x mark, and profitability within a year – although, I’ll mention here that our core business is profitable already. Beyond numbers, my vision is all about shaking up how we learn and develop. It’s time we put the spotlight on learning and performance, not just degrees. That’s the future I see in Edtech and professional learning, and that’s exactly where we’re aiming at GrowthSchool.
How does generative AI contribute to creating a future-ready workforce, and what role does it play in the platform’s approach to empowering learners?
Generative AI is like this super-charged engine that’s driving the future of work, right? It’s making businesses smarter, automating tasks, and unlocking new possibilities we never dreamed of. For the workforce, understanding and mastering this technology is like strapping on a jetpack for your career. You’re not just walking towards the future; you’re flying there.
At GrowthSchool, we’re not just using AI; we’re constantly innovating with it. This keeps us ahead in the edtech game, and guess what? Our experiments directly benefit you. We incorporate our AI insights right into our programs, so you’re clued in and future-ready. From speeding up comms to analyzing student feedback, AI is making our operations leaner and more focused.
So, in a nutshell, while we’re harnessing the power of AI to turbocharge our platform, we’re also passing that knowledge onto you. Because the future’s coming at us fast, and we’re making sure you’re more than just prepared—you’re leading the charge.
Can you discuss the unique benefits of GrowthSchool’s skill-first approach and its role in helping professionals become top performers in their respective fields?
Look, I personally don’t have anything against degree-based courses and programs. But what are they worth if you can’t actually do anything with them? My problem is when people invest money in pursuing degrees for the sake of it, and come out on the side completely unaware of what to do next – because they don’t have enough experience to guide them. That’s why when we started GrowthSchool, we were all about the skill-first approach.
Why is it awesome? Let’s break it down: First off, hands-on learning builds confidence. You’re not just parroting back textbook stuff; you’ve got real work to show off in interviews. That’s instant credibility right there. Secondly, you’re geared up for the real-world chaos, not left scratching your head when you’re out of the classroom. And here’s the best part: you actually know where you stand. You know your strengths and weaknesses. That awareness of where we stand is irreplaceable.
This skills-first approach isn’t just for show; it’s why our community is thriving. It’s why our learners are landing jobs and becoming the top performers in their fields. They’re not just learning; they’re applying, improving, and, most importantly, they’re contributing in ways that matter.
How does GrowthSchool’s upskilling and skill-based assessment methodology effectively contribute to enhancing career trajectories for its learners?
Like I’ve mentioned before, we’re all in on the skill-first approach at GrowthSchool. Now, how does that translate to our learners’ career? Our upskilling modules are finely tuned to give you the real skills you need, not just theory. And when we assess you, we’re not just looking for right answers on a multiple-choice quiz. We’re assessing your capability to implement what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. This isn’t just training; it’s career evolution. When you can prove you’ve got the skills, not just the know-how, you’re already ahead of the curve. Employers notice that. This approach helps our learners not just land jobs but excel in them.
