Balancing Profit, Innovation, and Purpose in EdTech with Arjun

In our most recent episode of EdTech on the Street in the City That Never Sleeps, I met with Arjun, Magic Solmark’s Chairman. During our conversation, he shared his story, from the beginning of his career with HCL to his current work with Magic Solmark and Magic Pathshala. He also shared the core values and lessons he carries with him every day, and gave a nod to why both accessibility and purpose must be at the heart of innovation.

A Curiosity-Driven Path

Arjun’s career began at HCL, one of India’s first large tech companies, at the forefront of the computer era. There, he learned how to build systems and scale solutions that create impact. He emphasized that during his time at HCL, the experiences that shaped him most were the moments that pushed him to keep learning and asking questions. That curiosity was the flame of his motivation.

To him, success has never been about job titles or high salaries. Success is about holding on to a problem‑solving mindset and prioritizing giving back to the community. Both continue to shape the way he works today.

Listening in Leadership

When turning the conversation to leadership, Arjun noted:

                  “Leadership isn’t about authority. It’s about listening.”

He explained that the best ideas do not usually come from executives at the top. The best EdTech ideas come from the teachers in classrooms, the engineers fixing the back‑end code in the middle of the night, the partners who live closest to the challenges, and the students. They help lead and create change. He noted that great leaders are the ones who know how to step back, listen, and create space for others to contribute.

Building Companies That Last and Leave an Impact

On the topic of entrepreneurship, Arjun emphasized the importance of balance, both personally and professionally. The companies that focus only on fast wins may succeed, but that success is mostly short‑term. They rarely last. The companies that last are the ones that create value over time and never lose sight of their purpose and mission. These philosophies have shaped his own decisions as both an employee and a leader.

While still discussing leadership, he also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in opportunities. Accessibility is not a box to check. It is about fairness and making sure that every learner, no matter their ability or circumstance, has the tools they need to succeed. This has been reflected in Magic EdTech’s expansion and strong work on accessibility, and in ensuring that every learner has an equal opportunity.

Advice for the Next Generation

When it came to advice for those entering EdTech today, Arjun kept it simple and practical:

• Focus on real in‑classroom problems educators and learners have, not just pushing another tool.
• Avoid getting caught up only in industry trends. Build flexibility and sustainability for lasting impact.
• Bring accessibility and inclusion to the center of every solution to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity.

This conversation with Arjun was a reminder that the EdTech industry is not only about building tools, but also about shaping futures. In a field moving quickly with AI and new technologies, his voice brings the focus back to what matters: curiosity, humanity, and remembering who we are building for.

Filmed live in Magic EdTech’s NY office, NYC. Part of the “EdTech on the Street – Real Talk in the City That Never Sleeps” video series by Magic EdTech.