We were lucky to catch up with Ayesha Ashiq recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ayesha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I am a People Resources professional with a decade of experience in the Middle East, interacting with multicultural individuals.
I became an educational consultant when I felt the need to explore options for my son’s education in the US. It was overwhelming for both of us as working parents, striving to provide the best for our only son with limited resources.
In 2016, my husband and I searched for a good education consultant in the UAE for our son but unfortunately, we couldn’t find one. So, we had to explore and do our research. Amazingly, our son had done all the homework and figured out everything himself.
As a passionate mentor and education consultant, I, Ayesha Ashiq, have counseled and advised many students for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD admissions to US and international schools for a decade. Before founding Eladder4U, I worked for large companies like Maclellan, DP World, Cairn Energy, Zulekha Hospitals, Swissboring Piling Corporation, and Fast Logistics, and co-founded companies like Worldwide Facilities Management and Global Corporation. I also interned in a healthcare group of companies while pursuing my MS-CIS at New England College in Greater Boston. Unfortunately, I had to discontinue my studies due to personal reasons. I was honored with a PhD in Social Services for volunteering with different international NGOs as a mentor, recruiting students, and guiding them to find work.
In 2017, after our son successfully left for the US, my husband and I felt lonely. I decided to take a break from work and returned to India, where I had not been since 2014. After a few days of rest, I couldn’t resist being idle. Reflecting on our struggle and the experience of searching for an educational consultancy, I decided to start Eladder4U. I made a call to my husband from India, asking him what name we should choose if we were to start a company. He was a bit shocked but not surprised and suggested we think of something unique. We discussed it for a while and decided to combine the concepts of education and a ladder, forming Eladder4U. From that point to now, we have become an award-winning organization.
Ayesha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Introduction to Dr. Ayesha Ashiq and Her Transformative Work
Background and Journey
For those unfamiliar with my work, I am Dr. Ayesha Ashiq, a professional with over 25 years of experience in the fields of human resources (HR) and education. My journey into these domains began with a deep-seated passion for helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. This passion was sparked by my personal experiences and the challenges I faced while striving to provide the best educational opportunities for my child. These experiences motivated me to pursue a career where I could make a significant impact on both education and Founding Eladder4U
Driven by this passion, I founded “Eladder4U,” a unique initiative that bridges the gap between education and HR. Eladder4U was born out of a desire to support students in their transition from education to their professional careers while aiding educational institutions in achieving their goals. Our services include tailored consultancy that guides students towards realizing their educational aspirations, skill enhancement, and effective job search strategies. We empower students to make informed career decisions and collaborate with institutions to ensure the success of their students.
Eladder University: Democratizing Education
Under the Eladder4U umbrella, I established Eladder University (EU), an online platform aimed at democratizing high-quality education. Our primary goal at EU is to make education affordable and accessible to a diverse demographic, including college students, professionals seeking skill enhancement, and lifelong learners. The EU curriculum balances academic rigor with practical, industry-oriented skills, preparing students for personal and professional success. Inclusivity is at the core of our ethos, and we offer substantial scholarships to women students worldwide, reflecting our commitment to accessible education.
Revolutionizing HR with “thehrbooth”
In addition to my work in education, I also established “thehrbooth,” a platform dedicated to revolutionizing global HR solutions. At thehrbooth, we streamline HR processes and provide bespoke solutions that recognize the unique contributions of individuals in today’s diverse workforce. Our goal is to reform conventional HR practices to meet the evolving demands of contemporary businesses, ensuring that HR processes are not only efficient but also transformative.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout my career, I have been honored with various awards and certifications, including the Ph.D. Social Services Honoring Award, Marquis Who’s Who, Go Global Awards, and Global Achievers Award. I also serve as a judge for prestigious awards like the Human Resources Awards Judging Committee. These accolades reflect my dedication and contributions to my fields of expertise. Additionally, my leadership roles in organizations and ambassadorships highlight my influence and commitment to driving positive change.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart in my industry is my holistic approach to integrating HR and education. I understand the importance of cultural diversity and inclusivity and how these elements can drive organizational success. My personal experiences as a parent, professional, and perpetual learner, as well as my time as a student, have equipped me with unique insights into the educational and professional landscapes. I am dedicated to providing tailored solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations of my clients.
My Vision
I am most proud of the impact my initiatives have had on students and professionals worldwide. Through Eladder4U and Eladder University, we have empowered countless individuals to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through thehrbooth, we have transformed HR practices to better serve today’s dynamic workforce.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a genuine passion for education and HR. My brand is built on the principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence. Whether you are a student seeking guidance, a professional looking to enhance your skills, or an organization aiming to optimize your HR processes, my team and I are here to support you every step of the way.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
When we decided to start our business, we knew we needed a significant amount of capital to get things off the ground. We didn’t want to take on debt, so we pooled our savings to cover the initial expenses. This required careful planning and some sacrifices, like cutting down on personal expenses and selling a few non-essential assets.
We created a detailed business plan and budget to ensure our funds would be used efficiently. By managing our finances wisely and reinvesting the profits into the business, we grew steadily without relying on external funding. This approach not only kept us debt-free but also gave us complete control over our business decisions.
We’ve been fortunate and blessed to experience smooth sailing from the very beginning. We’re proud to say that we’ve always been 100% debt-free. Initially, we funded the business with our own money and later reinvested profits back into the business. Now, as we plan to expand, we’re looking to apply for government grants and attract small to medium-sized investments.
Looking back, it was a challenging but rewarding journey. The experience taught us the value of financial discipline and believing in our vision.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most significant pivots in my career happened when I transitioned from a corporate HR role to founding my educational consultancy, Eladder4U. This change was driven by personal experiences and a desire to make a more profound impact on people’s lives.
At the time, I was working in a senior HR position at a multinational corporation. While I enjoyed my job and the challenges it presented, I started feeling a growing need to address a gap I had noticed in both the educational and professional landscapes. My son, who is our only child, wanted to study in the United States. This experience made me realize how many families struggle with navigating complex educational pathways and transitioning from education to a career.
Seeing that many students and families were facing similar challenges, I decided to make a bold move. I left my secure corporate job and started Eladder4U. The mission was simple: support students in their educational journeys and help them transition smoothly into their professional careers. This pivot wasn’t just a career change; it was a transformation of my life’s work.
Starting Eladder4U was both exciting and daunting. I used my HR experience and my understanding of what students needed to create a platform that offered tailored consultancy services. We focused on guiding students to realize their educational dreams, enhance their skills, and navigate job searches effectively.
The early days were tough. Building a new business from scratch required immense dedication, strategic planning, and the ability to juggle multiple roles. But my commitment to making a difference kept me going. I worked hard to build partnerships with educational institutions, create a comprehensive curriculum, and develop a support system for students.
The impact of this pivot has been incredibly rewarding. Eladder4U has helped countless students achieve their educational and professional goals. We’ve guided them in making informed career decisions, provided opportunities for skill enhancement, and offered substantial scholarships to ensure education is accessible to all. The success of Eladder4U eventually led to the founding of Eladder University, further expanding our reach and impact.
Looking back, taking this bold step was one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. It allowed me to align my professional skills with my passion for education and helping others. This experience taught me the importance of following your passion, even when it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eladder4u.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eladder4u/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eladder4u
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshaashiq/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ladder4u
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BwGhJVy4UA