The man behind Khan academy

I summarised some key reflection after reading this interview article from HBR. Salman Khan is the founder of Khan Academy, the first free educational site used by millions. Below are excerpts from the interview : 

In the traditional academic model, you’re passive. You sit in a chair, and the teacher tries to project knowledge at you; it creates a mind-set of “you need to teach me,” so when you’re on your own, you think, “I can’t learn.”

Anyone in any industry will tell you there’s new stuff to learn every week. So you have to say, “What information and people do I have at my disposal? What questions do I need to ask? How do I gauge whether I’ve really understood it? 

Especially with dense subject matter, humans can pay attention for 10 to 15 minutes before they zone out.  '

If you’re being talked down to in a classroom, or if a lecture is over your head, you feel belittled...So when I give a talk, 10% or 15% of my brain is thinking, “Sal, are you sounding arrogant? Are you talking down to people, or above them?” 

I’ve always been interested in really understanding things. When you have a strong foundation, everything falls into place a lot easier later on. 

I’ve been up on stage at speaking events and said, “I have to go give my kids a bath now,” and everyone is shocked. But if I can’t have dinner with my kids, give them a bath, and read them a book before bed, something is wrong in my life. 

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- Key Reflection-

I see the same success qualities in a person which I strive to keep to heart - 

1. Take charge of your own learning and career direction. 
2. Stay humble : are you talking down to someone? 
3. 15 mins max to get to your point
4. Being true to yourself, your role to the world (as a mother, wife, daughter, citizen) these responsibility comes first before your job and your corporate responsibilities.