2024 Fellow Focus: Murewa Olubela + Erudyte
EdTech founder, life-long learner, visionary… 2024 Fellow Murewa Olubela of Erudyte shares more about her journey as a social impact entrepreneur.
What life experiences propelled you into the entrepreneurial space and made you decide to be your own boss?
My decision to become an entrepreneur was influenced by a convergence of life experiences that ignited my passion for solving real-world problems. Navigating and watching others navigate challenges in our education system, for example, made me recognize the need for creating innovative solutions that can bridge gaps and enhance students’ learning experience. Entrepreneurship allows me to channel creativity, address societal challenges, and create meaningful impact. Ultimately, my personal experiences, drive for positive change, and vision to contribute to a better future led me to embrace the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
The dynamic and multifaceted nature of the role. As a founder, you get to build something from the ground up, navigate uncertainties, and contribute to positive change. It’s incredibly rewarding to shape a vision into reality, solve complex problems, and witness the tangible impact on users and the community. The constant evolution and impact make it all fulfilling and exhilarating.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started your entrepreneurial journey?
I wish someone had emphasized the importance of resilience and the ability to embrace failure. It’s okay if you fail – setbacks are inevitable. We need to view them as learning opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles.
Additionally, the significance of building a robust support network and seeking mentorship earlier in the journey would have been valuable advice. The entrepreneurial path is filled with uncertainties, and having a community of mentors and peers can make a significant difference in navigating the highs and lows.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
At Erudyte, we are constantly learning - ensuring we check in with the community we serve, learning from them and iterating is one of our core values. We underwent a rigorous customer discovery and iterative testing process as we aimed to embed ed-tech efficacy into our company from the start. So, we embraced a mindset of continuous learning, and exploring new technologies and methodologies to optimize scalability. By putting time into stretching our knowledge and making new connections, we not only overcame scaling challenges but also uncovered opportunities for further improvement and innovation.
Let's talk about your legacy. What is your vision for the kind of world you hope to create through your venture?
Through Erudyte, my vision is to contribute to a world where education is truly inclusive, breaking down language barriers and providing equal opportunities for students regardless of their linguistic backgrounds. I aspire to create a learning environment where educators have the resources to support their diverse student populations. Ultimately, I envision a world where language is not a hindrance to academic success, and students can thrive, contribute meaningfully to society, and pursue their aspirations without limitations imposed by language barriers. Erudyte is not just a platform; it's a catalyst for positive change in education, promoting inclusivity, equity, and empowering students to reach their full potential.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
I love "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries. It shaped my approach to building and scaling a startup. Eric drills down on lean methodologies, iterative product development, and the importance of customer feedback. The emphasis on validated learning and the build-measure-learn feedback loop has been particularly influential in guiding my strategic decision-making. Additionally, it encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptation, which aligns with the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship.
We know balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and life can be challenging. What are some of your favorite ways to prioritize your self-care?
Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and self-care is crucial for sustained success and the Camelback family have been very helpful in embracing a more grounded approach to self-care. Some of my favorite ways to prioritize self-care include: incorporating mindfulness practices, engaging in activities that help me relax and recharge, and reading books or articles, all which allow me to unwind and gain fresh perspectives. Self-care isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for sustained productivity and overall well-being.
Anything else you want to share about yourself and/or your Camelback Fellowship journey?
I'm excited about the growth, learning, and collaboration that the Camelback Fellowship offers. As an entrepreneur, the journey is not just about building a company; it's about contributing to a larger narrative of social change. Camelback's emphasis on values like "Unafraid of Failure'' and "Give First" resonates deeply – the knowledge-sharing and ability to foster a supportive ecosystem where challenges are viewed as opportunities cannot be overemphasized. I look forward to leveraging my Camelback Fellowship experience to propel Erudyte toward greater heights and work towards reshaping the landscape of education technology.
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