Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Iskandar Tannous , Co-Founder at ehki MENA & Skillphi
How could you describe your career path in a few words?
I initially pursued a career in agricultural engineering and gained experience in animal farming and meat production. However, when the economic crisis in Lebanon hit, I had to change my career direction. I noticed that the education system in Lebanon was not adequately preparing students with the necessary soft skills required for the workforce.
As a result, I co-founded an edtech startup, Skillphi, that aims to develop people's soft skills through an online platform. The platform features a range of interactive tools and resources, including personalized learning paths. Our goal is to empower individuals with the skills they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
In addition to Skillphi, we also created a live platform, ehki, that allows individuals to share knowledge and generate new ideas. This platform is intended to provide a space for individuals to come together and collaborate on new initiatives, whether they be personal or professional. Our hope is that this platform will encourage innovation and creativity within the community.
What was your most challenging experience and it has changed your mindset?
The economic crisis in Lebanon was the most challenging experience I've faced in my career. It had a significant impact on businesses across the country, including my own. However, this experience taught me an important lesson - that hitting rock bottom can be an opportunity to change your mindset and approach to life. Rather than becoming a victim of the circumstances, I chose to focus on solving pain points and creating value for society and my customers. This approach has not only made me a better entrepreneur but also a better person. I now approach life with a positive outlook, but I balance this optimism with a healthy dose of caution and realism. Having lived through worst-case scenarios, I understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. This approach has allowed me to become more efficient in my decision-making process, both personally and professionally.
Through this experience, I also developed a strong belief in the power of entrepreneurship to make a positive impact on the world. I believe that entrepreneurship is the most effective way to solve problems and create value that can make a significant difference in people's lives. As a result, I co-founded an edtech startup that aims to develop people's soft skills and a live platform for knowledge and idea sharing. My goal is to empower individuals with the skills they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives while fostering innovation and creativity within the community.
Based on your experience, what skills should an entrepreneur develop in 2023?
As an entrepreneur, I have faced many challenges and setbacks. I've learned that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial for success. In the face of adversity, I have had to pivot my business model and adjust my strategies to stay ahead of the competition. This experience has taught me the importance of being adaptable and flexible in business. I have also learned the importance of resilience. Building a business can be a challenging and sometimes demotivating process, but it's important to remain focused and driven. I have had to pick myself up from setbacks and continue to move forward. This skill has helped me bounce back from difficult situations and stay motivated.
Finally, setting a clear vision has been essential for my leadership as an entrepreneur. I have learned to articulate my goals and communicate them to my team. A clear vision helps to align our efforts and create a sense of purpose. By setting a clear vision, I have been able to inspire my team and move our business forward.
In conclusion, as someone who has been through the ups and downs of building a business, I believe that adaptability, resilience, and setting a clear vision are the key skills that entrepreneurs should focus on developing in 2023. By honing these skills, entrepreneurs can position themselves for success and navigate the challenges of a constantly changing business landscape.
Based on your recent experiences, if you had one piece of advice for an entrepreneur's success in the context of 2023, what would it be?
If I had to give one piece of advice for an entrepreneur's success in the context of 2023, it would be to invest in yourself. As someone who has built a business from the ground up, I know that the biggest asset an entrepreneur has is themselves. In a global economic recession, it's important to constantly be reaching out to customers and potential collaborators to stay ahead of the competition. However, taking care of your own personal growth is equally as important. The world is our oyster, and there are countless opportunities waiting to be seized. To be successful in this context, entrepreneurs need to be willing to take risks. However, it's important to strike a balance and not be foolishly risky. By investing in yourself and growing as a person, you can gain the confidence and skills necessary to take calculated risks that can pay off in big ways. Ultimately, my advice for entrepreneurs in 2023 is to focus on personal growth, stay motivated, and take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. It won't always be easy, but with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks, entrepreneurs can achieve great success in the face of economic uncertainty.
