Abhijeet Vijayakar's Story
The Journey So Far:
I started my career as a graphics engineer in a venture-backed startup called Beatware in the San Francisco Bay Area. After a couple of years I joined Electronic Arts, a large game company in the Bay Area. I quit in 2009 to start my own company, an educational game developer.
Job Profile:
I am the founder and CEO of my company. I am responsible for all aspects of the company's operations, including product development, hiring, and longer-term strategy. I work with a small, talented team to develop our product.
Working Life Management:
I have certain times of the day set aside for time with family. Being able to disconnect completely from work is important to recharge and to give your family the time they deserve.
Done Differently:
For people interested in entrepreneurship, the earlier you start, the better. You can make all the mistakes earlier in your life when the consequences of doing so are not as high as later!
Plans For The Future:
I believe the massively multiplayer educational game being developed by our company, BrainNook (www.brainnook.com), has the potential to significantly change how kids learn. In a couple of years, I would like to lead a company whose product is being used in a large percentage of classrooms.
Prized Accomplishment(s):
Starting a company from scratch and building it into a well-known name in the education space.
Growth Strategy:
I read extensively both about technical topics and other aspects of growing a business. However, the best learnings for leaders are through doing, so executing in a leadership position is the best way to grow as a leader.
Required Reading:
For aspiring programmers, there are countless blogs, forums and websites to help them learn new technologies -- however, learning by doing is the deepest form of learning. Programmers should always be trying out new technologies and working on side projects to keep their skills sharp.
Role Model:
I'm inspired by all entrepreneurs who have created successful companies. Creating wealth through entrepreneurship is, I believe, one of the most valuable things that a person can do with their time.
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