Sanket Shikhar: A Mindful Leader Merging Education and Technology with Strategic Vision and Expertise

Sanket Shikhar
Sanket Shikhar

Technology’s relentless march forward is reshaping industries, and the education sector is at the forefront of this transformation. By integrating advanced tools and methodologies, education is evolving from traditional models to more innovative, personalized, and accessible learning experiences.

The increasing integration of AI and data analytics has amplified the need for professionals who can seamlessly combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of educational processes. This demand is reshaping the domain, highlighting the critical role of tech-savvy educators in shaping the future of learning.

Sanket Shikhar is one such leading figure driving transformative change in the education domain. As the Head of Business Operations at Xaltius Academy, he blends his deep understanding of both education and technology to craft the future of learning.

Sanket’s professional journey includes pivotal roles such as Director of Product Development at Careerera -SNVA EduTech and Vice President at Data Trained. Sanket’s skills in Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, Engineering Excellence, and Event-driven Systems make him a force to be reckoned with.

A New Course in Career Training and Education Innovation

Sanket’s journey in the education enterprise field began with a strong foundation in Electronics and Communication Engineering. After graduating, he started his career with IBM and later transitioned to Iyogi, where his rapid ascent saw him receiving three promotions in just three years.

The pivotal moment in his career came when he founded a digital marketing firm, scaling it from a modest team of five to an impressive 200 employees and achieving a monthly revenue of $100,000 before successfully exiting after three years.

Driven by the desire to address the gap between academia and industry expectations, Sanket shifted his focus to the education sector. Recognizing an opportunity to make a difference, he established Xaltius Academy, a platform dedicated to creating job-oriented training programs in data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and other in-demand fields. His initiative has already trained over 20,000 students from 30 countries, significantly impacting their career trajectories.

Equipping Graduates for the Future

Sanket’s inspiration to enter the education sector came from his keen observations of the disconnect between academic curricula and industry needs. During his time in the tech industry, he noticed a significant gap in which new graduates often struggle to transition into the workforce due to a lack of practical skills. This realization sparked his motivation to address the issue by creating programs designed to bridge this gap.

Sanket’s goal is distinct—to make education more practical, relevant and closely aligned with current industry standards. He sees an opportunity to transform the educational landscape by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers.

He put emphasis on reshaping the way students prepare for the professional world. Through his efforts, Sanket aims to ensure that graduates are not just academically equipped but are also ready to meet the demands of the ever-evolving job market.

Progress through Collaboration

Sanket drives a culture of innovation and continuous improvement at Xaltius Academy by fostering open communication, collaboration and creativity among team members. He believes that the key to progress lies in actively engaging his team, which is why he regularly conducts brainstorming sessions and workshops to explore new ideas and approaches.

Additionally, Sanket invests in professional development for his staff, ensuring they remain updated with the latest trends and technologies. This commitment to growth is evident in the resources dedicated to keeping the team at the forefront of industry advancements. To further enhance the quality of their programs, Sanket implements feedback mechanisms that gather valuable insights from both students and instructors.

These insights play a crucial role in refining Xaltius Academy’s programs and delivery methods, ensuring they continuously meet the evolving needs of students and the industry.

Expanding Perspectives

Sanket accentuates the importance of global perspectives and international collaboration in the work at Xaltius Academy. He believes that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment significantly enhances learning experiences and outcomes for students.

At Xaltius Academy, Sanket actively seeks partnerships with international universities and organizations, aiming to offer dual degree programs, student exchanges and collaborative research opportunities. These global collaborations provide Xaltius Academy’s students with a unique and invaluable outlook, exposing them to different cultures, ideas and best practices.

In today’s interconnected world, such exposure is crucial for preparing students to thrive in a globalized economy. By integrating international perspectives into the educational framework, Sanket ensures that students are not only academically equipped but also culturally aware and ready to excel in various global contexts. This approach underscores Xaltius Academy’s dedication to producing well-rounded graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the world.

Advancing Learning with Technology

Sanket emphasizes that technology plays a central role in enhancing educational outcomes at Xaltius Academy. By utilizing advanced learning management systems, virtual classrooms and AI-driven tools, the academy delivers high-quality education tailored to diverse student needs.

Technology enables us to offer flexible and accessible learning options,” Sanket notes, highlighting the importance of catering to various learning preferences. The academy also incorporates data analytics to monitor student progress and provide personalized support.

This focus on leveraging technology ensures that Xaltius Academy’s programs remain up-to-date and relevant, effectively preparing students for the future workforce.

Dedication to Diversity and Equal Access

Sanket highlights that inclusivity and diversity are core values at Xaltius Academy. The academy strives to create an inclusive environment by promoting equal opportunities for all, regardless of background or identity.

Our recruitment policies prioritize diversity by including voices from various cultures and perspectives in both programs and decision-making processes,” Sanket states.

Additionally, Xaltius Academy offers scholarships and financial aid to underrepresented groups, ensuring that everyone has access to quality education. By actively fostering a diverse and inclusive atmosphere, the academy upholds its dedication to providing equitable educational opportunities for all students.

Interactive Learning and Policy Advocacy

Sanket outlines that Xaltius Academy employs a multifaceted approach to engaging and collaborating with stakeholders. The academy holds regular meetings and workshops with educators to exchange insights and best practices.

For students, Xaltius Academy creates interactive and engaging learning experiences, incorporating feedback to refine their offerings continuously. Sanket emphasizes the importance of engaging with policymakers through advocacy and collaboration, stating, “We share our expertise to influence educational policies and practices positively.”

By building strong relationships with all stakeholders, Xaltius Academy ensures that its programs remain relevant and impactful, driving continuous improvement and positive change.

Adaptive Learning Strategy

Sanket takes immense pride in leading the ‘Adaptive Learning: Personalized Education in the Digital Era’ initiative at Xaltius Academy. This project focuses on leveraging AI and machine learning to create tailored learning experiences for students.

By analyzing individual student performance data, Sanket and his team effectively customize the curriculum to meet each student’s unique needs, thereby enhancing engagement and overall learning outcomes. “This initiative has significantly improved student satisfaction and success rates,” he notes, emphasizing the impact of personalized education. The success of this project highlights the potential of adaptive learning in fostering better educational experiences and outcomes.

Under Sanket’s guidance, the initiative not only showcases the power of technology in education but also underscores the commitment to delivering a more personalized and effective learning environment.

The Art of Leading and Living Well

Sanket balances the demands of leadership with personal life and well-being through discipline and intentionality. He prioritizes tasks that align with his goals and values, ensuring that his time is spent effectively. “Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential,” he says, focusing on the importance of making time for family, hobbies and self-care.

To manage his responsibilities, Sanket delegates tasks and empowers his team to take ownership of their roles, fostering a collaborative environment. Practicing mindfulness and setting boundaries helps him stay grounded and energized, allowing him to lead effectively while maintaining personal well-being and fulfillment.

Elevating Education

Sanket envisions Xaltius Academy expanding its global reach and impact over the next five years. The academy aims to establish more international partnerships, offering a broader range of dual degree programs and collaborative research opportunities.

Sanket emphasizes, “Our focus will be on integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain into our curriculum to stay ahead of industry trends.”

Additionally, Xaltius Academy aspires to create more inclusive and accessible education opportunities, empowering students from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential. This vision highlights the academy’s commitment to innovation and accessibility in education.

Passion and Resilience

Sanket advises young professionals aspiring to make an impact in the education sector to stay curious, adaptable and resilient. “The education landscape is constantly evolving,” he notes, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and embracing new ideas.

He emphasizes the need to understand the needs of students and the industry, aiming to create solutions that bridge gaps and drive positive change. Building strong networks and seeking mentorship can offer valuable guidance and support.

Most importantly, Sanket urges aspiring professionals to be passionate about their work and committed to making a difference in the field of education.

Turning Potential into Achievement

Sanket shares the notable success story of Priya, a student who joined Xaltius Academy’s data science program but had no prior experience in the field. Through comprehensive training and support, Priya excels in her studies and secures a data analyst position at a leading tech company.

Her success story is a testament to the effectiveness of our programs and the transformative impact of quality education,” Sanket says. Priya’s journey not only highlights the academy’s commitment to delivering impactful education but also inspires the team to continue their mission of empowering individuals through learning and development.