S02E05 - A different approach to SEL: CEO and Co-Founder of Robin | Sonny Thadani

Build Momentum - Thought Leadership for Education, Global Workforce Edition

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Sonny Thadani. He is a dedicated dad of 3 and has a passion for education and mental health.
Sonny has worked with Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to improving the lives and mental health of students across the U.S. at his new company, Robin, Sonny is determined to solve the mental health challenges in education, having witnessed their impact first hand.
Some Questions I Ask:

• What drew you to start Robin, and what is your personal story about mental health and wellness? (1:53)
• How did Robin come to be? (4:34)
• Is Robin another digital curriculum provider? If not, how is it different? (8:17)
• What are some ways Robin has already made an impact? (14:23)
• What additional advice do you have for growing a small company? (18:33)

This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Sonny’s personal story (2:06)
• How Robin came to be (4:40)
• What Robin provides (8:35)
• Robin’s media promotion and impact (14:44)
• Advice for growing a small company (18:55)

Quotes:
“I don't think a lot of people have people they can openly talk to—especially quote-unquote adults—when you're a child.”
“I actually think that was one of my strengths as a co-founder in this business. I asked very basic questions because I didn't know how it was taught. I always believe in the voice of the customer. … Find out as kids, as teachers, as parents, what's going on?”
“My eldest is a first-grader, and I want her to learn everything that I learned about history and math and science. But what are those other things that we should be teaching our kids as parents and as educators?”
“Psychologists told us early on that in order to make this effective, we have to have the adults in our kids’ lives, teachers or parents, be part of it.”
“Part of what Robin does—and will do more and more in the future—is [focus on] the mental health and the wellbeing of a parent or a teacher or counselor also.”
“Take feedback to heart, but don't let it ruin your day. You’ve got to experiment, you’ve got to try, you’ve got to get feedback early. And you have to trust your instincts and trust the customer. The customer, I would say, is not always right. But they always have good ideas.”
Connect with Sonny Thadani:
Robin's Website
Robin's Instagram
Robin’s Twitter
Robin’s LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
Free Case Study Guide
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn
Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn
About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook