A Mission Mindset Or From Mission to Impact or Where Mission Meets Impact
On Episode 2 of the Cred Podcast, we had the pleasure of talking to Bharani Rajakumar, the founder and CEO of Transfr. During the interview, Bharani shared his journey; from his youth into his post-college world in banking to founding an online tutoring company (exit) to ultimately founding mission-based Transfr. Transfr leverages virtual reality to help job seekers acquire skills and training for jobs that don’t require a four-year degree. He discussed the pivotal decisions he’s made in his career and the mission-driven approach that guides his work.
Let’s dive into the story of a leader who is passionate about making a difference and helping people achieve their career dreams.
A Visionary’s Origin
Bharani’s story begins at Wendy’s, where he earned his first paycheck. Knowing his father raised a family of four on $35,000 a year, to Bharani, every paycheck was a treasure; a stepping stone towards something bigger. This humble start ignited his curiosity about jobs, finance, and the American dream.
As a first-generation immigrant, he felt the weight of his parents’ hopes for a better future. He wanted to find a way to pay it forward, to ensure that others had the same opportunities he had. This determination led him to the field of education technology.
The Road to Innovation
After working in finance, Bharani ventured into the world of startups and founded his first education technology company. This company was eventually acquired, a success that further fueled his belief in the American dream.
Inspired by his own journey to his first job, he embarked on a new mission: helping people find their first job.
A Mission Mindset
Transfr is the realization of this mission. The company has created a training-based platform that uses virtual reality to help people find a career path to upward mobility. Bharani’s focus is on jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, a segment he believes is underserved. These jobs, primarily in manufacturing, automotive, construction, electrical, hospitality and healthcare; are the foundation of Transfr’s training programs.
Transfr Inc. allows people to step into the shoes of these careers through virtual reality where users can experience the job before actually starting it. This hands-on approach has successfully attracted women into traditionally male-dominated fields like manufacturing; it has also been a lifeline to adults re-entering the workforce after incarceration.
The Power of Collaboration
In the interview, Bharani emphasized that the people you surround yourself with significantly influence your decisions and, consequently, your life’s trajectory. He also discussed the significance of making pivotal decisions and that he triangulates his process by utilizing inputs, research and data, and his own intuition.
He also shared a Mahatma Gandhi life-changing quote that guides him, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of other people.” It’s a philosophy that underscores his mission and shapes his approach to decision-making and leadership.
Bharani doesn’t only speak of leadership and making decisions but actively practices it. He champions a learning culture and encourages the curiosity of his team members. As the CEO, he takes an inquisitive stance, often learning from others rather than prescribing solutions. This approach to leadership fosters an environment of creativity and innovation.
What’s Next for Transfr Inc.
As for the future, Bharani Rajakumar is focused on expanding the impact of Transfr. He envisions a world where millions, if not billions, of people acquire the skills and training they need to pursue their dreams.
The company is currently working on expanding within the United States, but the global market is within their sights. Bharani’s vision is to reach even more people worldwide and help them find their way to meaningful employment and a brighter future.
Bharani’s story is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His commitment to helping others achieve their dreams and his dedication to creating pathways for success exemplify the true spirit of innovation and social impact.
As Transfr continues to pave the way for a more accessible and inclusive workforce, Bharani’s legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the world of education, workforce development and technology.
