#FollowTYFuture
Meet Sylwia Brzozowska, founder of TY Future and part of our SheGenerate third cohort. With a passion for sustainability and a background in FinTech AI/ML, she's on a mission to revolutionize career education. Sylwia' s journey is about resilience and community, uplifting fellow female founders along the way. Joining AwakenHub has fuelled her vision for TY Future, propelling her towards global impact. With her mantra: Inspire, Innovate, Impact, Learn, Persist, Thrive, Sylwia is unstoppable in her quest to make a difference.
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words?
Innovator, Educator, Visionary, Advocate, Learner.
What prompted you to start TY Future?
TY Future introduces teenagers to professions organisations often find challenging to fill and students may not have heard of or considered exploring as viable and indemand career opportunities.
I've witnessed firsthand the gaps in career exploration. I believe in providing students with exposure to a diverse range of careers and directly linking them with organisations interested in preparing them for future success.
Our platform bridges the gap between education and the real world, offering self-guided, industry-recognized career content. Our ambition is clear - to help millions of students make informed decisions about 21st-century careers.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I have lived in Dublin for 16 years and am passionate about making a positive impact in society whether it be in a personal capacity making eco-friendly products or in my commitment to building a startup with a social impact mission.
I spent two years in a FinTech AI/ML startup as Program Manager/Chief Education Officer. Before that, I worked for over ten years in sales and marketing managing and delivering rebranding projects and events.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
Embarking on the journey of building my first business as a female founder is both rewarding and challenging.
A desire to open up new and rewarding alternative career opportunities for young people allowed me to delve into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, bringing innovative solutions to the forefront of education.
The positive includes seeing the impact of TY Future on students and educators, witnessing the growth of the platform, and receiving support from the community.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. As a female founder, navigating certain aspects of the business landscape has presented unique obstacles through a gender-based lens. Striking a balance between leadership, innovation has been a learning process. I've discovered the importance of resilience, building a network, and amplifying the voices of fellow female entrepreneurs.
How is being part of SheGenerate community helping your business?
Being chosen as a participant of SheGen3 is already having a very positive impact on my business.
The vibrant community and collaborative environment provided by AwakenHub are playing an important role in my startup as I build out my proposition and move the business model to the next stage.
AwakenHub facilitates meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential collaborators. I have had several discussions regarding potential collaborations, which could pave the way for additional opportunities for TY Future.
It has granted me access to a wealth of resources, including workshops, training sessions, and industry insights.
From day one the community were open to how they could assist me and offer ongoing support.
Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?
I am currently working on a project related to career guidance for secondary school students and am in the process of conducting interviews with TY Coordinators, career counsellors, principals, and secondary school teachers. If you know any TY career coordinators or career counsellors willing to share their perspectives, I would appreciate the opportunity to connect with them and gather valuable insights into their experiences, pain points, and challenges in this field.
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables?
There are a few non-negotiable principles that guide me:
Student-Centric Focus: The unwavering commitment to creating solutions that genuinely benefit students and contribute positively to their educational and career paths is non-negotiable.
Ethical Leadership: Conducting business with integrity and ethical leadership is fundamental.
Continuous Learning: The belief in the power of continuous learning is at the core.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years time?
Looking ahead to 5 years, I see TY Future as a transformative influence in the career education sector, not only in Ireland but on a global scale.
In 12 months, I envision TY Future further solidifying its position as a leading force in educational technology. Our platform will have expanded its reach, impacting a broader range of students and schools nationally and abroad.
What are you top three tips for other founders?
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and advisors. It can provide valuable insights, guidance, and emotional support. Platforms like AwakenHub can be instrumental in connecting with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. The business landscape evolves rapidly, and staying informed about industry trends, new technologies, and best practices is crucial. Be open to adapting your strategies based on the changing environment, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Prioritize Self-Care and Well-being: As a founder, it's easy to become consumed by the demands of entrepreneurship. However, it's essential to prioritize self-care and well-being. Establish boundaries, practice mindfulness, and ensure you have a healthy work-life balance. Taking care of your physical and mental health is not only beneficial for you but also for the sustained success of your business.
To finish up with what are six words to live by?
Inspire, Innovate, Impact, Learn, Persist, Thrive
Follow Sylwia on LinkedIn
Follow TY Future on LinkedIn
With special thanks to our SheGen3.0 Partners for making the programme possible - Taylor Wessing Ireland, Catalyst NI, British Business Bank and Ulster Bank Northern Ireland.
