Leading Ladies - Michele and Charlotte

Summary

In this episode of the Leading Ladies podcast from Walsh College, hosts Charlotte and Michelle, founders of XY Academy in Malaysia, share their educational and entrepreneurial journey. They discuss their passion for teaching, the establishment of their online school, and their commitment to providing quality education with confidence. They also talk about their vision for growth, the importance of accreditation, and their innovative approach to learning that includes social Fridays. The sisters encourage listeners to support their mission by sponsoring a child or contributing to their school's development.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Charlotte and Michelle, sisters and co-founders of GY Academy, share their entrepreneurial journey on the 'Leading Ladies Podcast' at Walsh College.
• 📚 GY Academy is an online school in Malaysia that offers a British curriculum from year 1 to year 11, aiming to provide a safe haven for students to learn and grow.
• 🕊️ The name 'GY' symbolizes providence, and the school's logo incorporates Christian aspects, reflecting the founders' beliefs and values.
• 👩‍🏫 Charlotte's passion for teaching began at a young age, and she was inspired by a professor named Dr. CTI to become a better teacher.
• 🌐 GY Academy was founded with the support of a parent, Miss Susan, who is now a business partner and COO, while Charlotte serves as CEO and Michelle as the Chief Academic Officer.
• 🔗 The academy aims to affiliate with universities globally to provide students with a platform for growth and to broaden their international mindset.
• 🏆 Michelle's passion for teaching emerged later in life, focusing on special needs education, and she finds great achievement in helping students succeed.
• 🌟 The school's motto is 'education with confidence,' emphasizing the importance of students enjoying their learning process and preparing them for the real world.
• 🤝 The founders and Miss Susan have complementary skills and perspectives, creating a strong team dynamic that has contributed to the school's success.
• 🌐 GY Academy has a global reach, with students from various countries including Brunei, Singapore, Philippines, South Africa, and Myanmar.
• 💼 The school operates on a one-fee structure, aiming to make quality education accessible and affordable for all students, regardless of their financial situation.

Q & A

Who are Charlotte and Michelle, and what is their entrepreneurial journey about?

Charlotte and Michelle are sisters who have embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by founding an online school called XY Academy in Malaysia. Their journey also includes studying in the United States and being part of the MBA program at another university.

What inspired Charlotte to pursue a career in education?

Charlotte was inspired to pursue a career in education from a young age, since the age of six, she loved being a teacher. Her passion grew when she was the first student in her university to sign up for a teaching course, and a professor named Dr. CTI further inspired her to become a good teacher.

What was the catalyst for founding XY Academy?

The catalyst for founding XY Academy was a parent who approached Charlotte with a plan for starting a school after Charlotte left her previous workplace. The parent, who later became their business partner, Miss Susan, helped Charlotte and Michelle to develop a plan and within three months, they started XY Academy.

What does 'XY' in XY Academy stand for?

In XY Academy, 'XY' stands for 'providence'. The name was chosen after prayer and with the intention of creating a safe haven for students.

What is Michelle's role in XY Academy, and how did she develop her passion for teaching?

Michelle serves as the Chief Academic Officer in XY Academy. Her passion for teaching started later in life when she was in college and got involved in special needs education, realizing that teaching was her vocation.

What is the educational approach of XY Academy?

XY Academy follows a British curriculum and offers education from year 1 to year 11. They focus on creating a safe environment where students can learn, find confidence, and grow to eventually start their own careers in fields they are passionate about.

How does XY Academy incorporate social activities into their online learning structure?

XY Academy has a unique structure where they allocate one day a week, Fridays, for social activities. These activities include educational sports, leadership development, and other experiences like horseback riding and money management exercises.

What is the significance of the 'sponsor a child' program in XY Academy?

The 'sponsor a child' program is significant as it allows individuals to financially support students who may be struggling, ensuring that they receive a quality education regardless of their economic background.

What is the vision for growth at XY Academy?

The vision for growth at XY Academy is to expand globally while maintaining a one-fee structure for students from K to 12. They aim to keep classes small, with no more than 10 students per class, and are open to branching out as needed.

How does the time difference between Malaysia and the United States affect the operations of XY Academy?

The 12-hour time difference between Malaysia and the United States requires the founders to manage their schedules effectively. They sometimes need to wake up at odd hours to interact with their team and ensure the school thrives.

What is the role of Miss Susan in XY Academy, and how did her perspective contribute to the school's structure?

Miss Susan is the COO of XY Academy and brings a parent's perspective to the school's structure. Her plan and the way she built the school gave Charlotte and Michelle confidence in the idea, and her technological skills and understanding of the parent side helped shape the school's operations.