Heads & Tales - Shareth Jeevan OBE

Episode 21, and it’s Sharath Jeevan, the Executive Chairman of Intrinsic Labs. Sharath was awarded an OBE in the 2022 Queen's New Year's Honours for founding and leading STiR Education, arguably the world's largest intrinsic motivation initiative.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? 

Well, I started my journey in a somewhat traditional way. I grew up in a family where the message was clear: play by the rules to achieve success. So, naturally, I followed the traditional path. I went to Cambridge and later joined a consulting firm.  

What inspired you to work in the field of education and intrinsic motivation? 

You know, it was a bit of an epiphany moment. I realised that following the rules and the typical path to success wasn't necessarily going to create a better world for the next generation. It hit me that education is an incredibly transformative force. It's not just about career success; it's about personal growth, well-being, and the ability to impact the world. I became passionate about making a positive impact in the realm of education. 

Could you explain the concept of intrinsic motivation and how it relates to your work? 

Intrinsic motivation, to me, is like the secret sauce in the recipe for success. It's all about shifting the focus from external, extrinsic incentives and rewards to internal motivation. Think of it as a three-legged stool: autonomy, purpose, and mastery. We need to empower individuals to take control of their professional lives, find their purpose in serving others, and continually improve their skills. In the context of education, it means inspiring students and teachers to find joy and meaning in their learning and teaching. This concept is at the core of the work I did with STIR Education, and it continues to guide my journey today. 

What's your advice for leaders who want to navigate inflection moments in education, particularly those within the system who may feel constrained by tradition? 

For leaders, especially those within the system, the key is to question the status quo. You need to start by understanding your perspective on the problems within the education system. Leadership isn't just about titles; it's about changing your perspective and seeing the world differently. Once you've got that sorted, set a clear direction for yourself and your organisation. Focus on nurturing your team's potential, building a motivational culture, and driving change. That's pretty much the secret sauce that worked wonders with STIR Education. 

How do you apply the principles of intrinsic motivation to parenting? 

It's a topic close to my heart. Applying intrinsic motivation principles to parenting means encouraging our children to find their unique contributions to the world. We should teach them the importance of helping others and make sure not to connect a child's value, solely to their grades or achievements. Let them see the bigger picture and help them find their passions that can make a positive impact on others. Balancing support with allowing them to experience some struggle and failure is key. It's like a life lesson in itself. 

Can you recommend a book that has influenced your thinking or that you believe is valuable for others to read? 

I'd recommend "Never Enough" by Jennifer Brandy Wallace. It's a thought-provoking read that delves into how our success and achievement culture has infiltrated parenting, putting immense pressure on children. It highlights the importance of not linking a child's value solely to their grades and achievements but rather to their unique potential and contributions. 

Is there a particular person or organisation that you look up to as a source of inspiration in your work? 

I draw inspiration from organisations like Reach Foundation and leaders like Walter Duncan and Henry Gilbert. They've shown that young people, fresh out of university, can create something meaningful and positively impact the world. It's a testament to the idea of going for it and believing in something bigger than ourselves, which is something I aim to instill in my children and others as well.