India, November 12, 2024: When Sanket Anil Joshi left his successful banking career in Europe,
he had a clear vision in mind. Armed with 13 years of experience in European
markets, the British-Indian banker saw untapped opportunities in his homeland.
Today, his entrepreneurial journey has resulted in two significant ventures - MPS Aerospace Academy, which focuses on precision engineering and
training, and Courpro Academy, an online education platform and edtech company.
In an exclusive conversation, Sanket shared
insights into his journey from international banking to entrepreneurship,
discussing the challenges he faced and his vision for contributing to India’s
growth story.
Q: What
motivated you to transition from a successful career in European banking to
establishing MPS Aerospace Academy and Courpro Academy?
Sanket said: During my years in the banking sector, I gained invaluable insight
into complex problem-solving, financial systems, and strategic growth. However,
I’ve always had a deep-rooted desire to contribute to my homeland’s growth,
especially in sectors with untapped potential. The aerospace industry in India,
with its increasing global relevance, and the education sector, with its
ongoing transformation, presented unique opportunities to apply my skills to
create a lasting impact. Founding MPS Aerospace and Courpro was my way of
merging my international experience with my commitment to innovation and
development in India.
Q: Could you
tell us about the specific needs you identified in these sectors?
Sanket said: In the aerospace industry, there was a notable need for precision
engineering and comprehensive training programs that matched global standards.
MPS Aerospace was established to meet this demand through advanced
manufacturing and training solutions. In the education sector, I noticed that
English language proficiency and skill-based training were often out of reach
for many, especially in non-metropolitan areas. Courpro Academy was my response
to these challenges—offering affordable, comprehensive, and accessible language
training that empowers learners across various age groups.
Q: How did
your education at Oxford Brookes University and London Business School
influence your approach to entrepreneurship?
Sanket said: Both Oxford Brookes University and London Business School shaped my
approach significantly. Oxford Brookes instilled in me a strong foundation in
analytical thinking and strategic planning. At London Business School, I
expanded my understanding of global markets, innovation, and leadership. These
experiences taught me how to adapt quickly, think big, and harness
opportunities—all essential traits for any entrepreneur aiming to create
transformative change.
Q: What
challenges did you face while establishing these ventures?
Sanket said: Every entrepreneurial journey comes with its share of challenges. With
MPS Aerospace, the initial hurdle was building trust within the industry and
aligning with global standards. We overcame this by prioritising quality,
precision, and strategic partnerships. For Courpro, the challenge was
accessibility—ensuring our courses reached learners from all walks of life. We
invested heavily in scalable technology solutions and flexible learning
options, which allowed us to connect with a wider audience. Perseverance,
adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to our mission were key to
overcoming these challenges.
Q: What are
your future plans for both ventures?
Sanket said: For MPS Aerospace, my vision is to establish it as a leading force in
precision manufacturing and training within the global aerospace community,
supporting both domestic and international growth. For Courpro Academy, I aim
to make English language proficiency and skill-based education accessible to
millions more, bridging language and opportunity gaps and preparing learners
for the evolving global job market. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a
more skilled, confident, and globally competitive workforce in India.
Q: How do you
manage two different business verticals simultaneously?
Sanket said: Balancing two different sectors requires strong time management, clear
delegation, and an unwavering focus on the core vision for each. I’m fortunate
to have talented and dedicated teams at both MPS Aerospace and Courpro, which
allows me to concentrate on strategic oversight and continuous improvement. My
diverse background has also equipped me with the adaptability needed to manage
both efficiently.
Through MPS Aerospace and Courpro Academy,
Sanket exemplifies how international expertise can be effectively channelled to
address local needs. His ventures continue to create opportunities for skill
development and growth in India's aerospace and education sectors.