Lina Ashar, the Founder of Dreamtime Learning, is a trailblazer in the education sector with over three decades of experience. As the Founder Emeritus of Kangaroo Kids Education Ltd (KKEL), she has established herself as a leader in private education in India and beyond.
Passionate about creating engaging and effective learning systems, Lina is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs and interests of learners across different age groups and contexts. Her commitment to personalized, holistic education is evident in her advocacy for innovative approaches that prioritize peace, happiness, and self-mastery.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Lina is known for her dynamic and compassionate personality. She values resilience, curiosity, and community engagement, seeking to foster collaboration and build networks across diverse communities.
Throughout her journey, Lina has faced challenges and setbacks but has always remained dedicated to her forward-thinking approach. Her passion, dedication, and commitment to transforming lives through education have made her a respected figure in the field, and her work continues to inspire and make a positive impact.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Ms Lina Ashar:
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
I did my primary schooling in England and moved to Australia, where I acquired a bachelor’s degree in education from Melbourne’s Victoria College. In 1991, I came to India after a year-long sabbatical from college. While connecting with my roots, I returned to India and took a teaching stint at a prestigious school in suburban Mumbai. I taught a class of fifty-five pupils, and I had to do everything as a teacher that I knew deep down would be bad for their morale and mental health. This experience changed my life and led to the burning question, “How can I transform education in India?” Because India’s education system was still fighting an educational approach that was too restrictive.
The conviction to provide an education that places the child first began in 1993 with a loan from my father and started a preschool in Bandra, Mumbai with 25 students. Using a tried-and-true formula, I expanded from one Kangaroo Kids preschool to a network of them, and I also started opening branches in high schools like Billabong High International School.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
I successfully ran a chain of 130 schools across four nations—India, Maldives, Qatar, and Dubai—before parting them four years ago. If I had lived my fears, I would never have left the life I lived in Australia for the life I had built in India. I would simply be a classroom teacher today, influencing the lives of 20 to 24 students each year with an emphasis on academic outcomes.
Disrupting the education system in India and transforming the traditional mode, I incepted Dreamtime Learning in 2022, with a goal to create a more dynamic, engaging, holistic learning environment where each student could develop their dreams through self-driven educational tools. My dream has always been to ignite human potential and assist each of you in becoming the best version of yourself. There was no way I could accomplish this within the limits of a school framework. Dreamtime has been designed to provide learner-centric education with a research-based curriculum, practical application of knowledge and international standards.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
My vision is to provide every child with a high-quality education; this drive motivates me as I strive toward my objective. I try to put myself in the child’s shoes to see what difference I can make in their lives by providing wholesome learning. I truly value environments that promote emotional safety because they allow people to freely express their feelings and ideas without worrying about being judged or hurt. A persistent dedication to innovation and education has a powerful role towards my success. As the creator of Kangaroo Kids, I highly value using innovative and individualized methods to inspire a love of learning. With over three decades of experience, I realize how important flexibility and an innovative outlook are in the field of education. I believe that education has the transforming power to mould young minds and foster a lifelong curiosity. Transforming education for a better future, I introduced Kangaroo Kids Preschool & Billabong High International School and later launched Dreamtime Learning.
Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
Dreamtime Learning distinguishes itself by providing a dynamic educational experience that supports growth and entrepreneurial mindset. Our approach is supported by an innovative learning methodology that values creativity and individuality. Dreamtime Learning is the culmination of educational brilliance meticulously crafted. The spectrum of Dreamtime Learning discovers innovative educational offerings, from its online school, to tech-driven micro-school and from community-based after-school programs to B2B preschool solutions.
Dreamtime Learning unfurl a dynamic educational tapestry, comprising four pivotal pillars:
- Dreamtime Learning School: A revolutionary online school for lifelong learners, offering tailored education beyond tradition.
- Dreamtime Learning Hub: A tech-driven micro-school, nurturing individual talents, fostering engagement, and promoting transformative learning.
- Dreamtime Learning Community: The community-based after-school programs focus on holistic development and essential life skills.
- Powered By Dreamtime Learning: Innovative approach which empowers schools with cutting-edge curriculum and technology for a tech-enabled future.
Educational institutions must embrace and integrate technology, acknowledging its value in preparing students for a future driven by creativity and innovation. A shift towards a transformational education model is highly imperative and positively influences learners, educators and parents. We need to adopt an educational system that values creation over consumption. Dreamtime Learning is a one-stop solution benefiting across education community.
Dreamtime Learning brings a new and holistic development from designing an interactive curriculum to giving experiential learning to training educators. Through interactive lessons, cultural exchange programs, and real-world projects, we encourage our students to think globally and act locally. We equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in, and how do you build this culture?
When it comes to our company, we have been the pioneers in changing the education system. I dream and transform them into visions for my team using all the motivational energy I can gather. I then provide plenty of space and room for the team to execute and implement. The core values of our organization are purpose, growth mindset, courage, transparency, and sustainability. I look for people who are truly capable of bringing about change, who share my passion and purpose, and I believe in them to be the magic. In essence, the Dreamtime culture represents that your thoughts, feelings, and inner world shape your external reality. Everything is possible to dream into existence. Fostering a culture of innovation can boost employee engagement and morale.
What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO/ Managing Director of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
My responsibility involves providing visionary leadership, fostering innovation in education, and ensuring the organization’s growth aligns with the mission. Amidst these responsibilities, what makes me happy is seeing a positive impact I deliver on my students. Seeing the transformative effects, shaping young minds, and fostering a love for learning likely brings an immense joy and fulfillment on a daily basis.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
People who discover their purpose are naturally motivated and energized; it influences your life decisions, behavior, shapes your goals, and provides a sense of direction and confidence. Secondly, remain constantly curious where you establish methods and ways of thinking and find new perspectives on traditional concepts. Every event in your life gives you the option to either rewrite the narrative to your advantage or to remain a victim and suffer. By carefully selecting your thoughts, you have the ability to form empowering beliefs. After you’ve made this decision, you can modify your habits to align with your new beliefs. Additionally, acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how minor they may seem. Doing so can greatly increase motivation and morale. Gaining resilience and mental strength are essential for thriving in the world; without them, your fears will keep you stuck.
