The Rise of Think School and the Future of Education

n a world where traditional education often falls short of practical, real-world knowledge, Ganesh Prasad, co-founder of Think School, is pioneering a new approach to learning.

Through the power of YouTube, Think School has rapidly become a significant educational resource, amassing over 3 million subscribers in just two years.

Ganeshprasad On The Flaws in the Indian Education System

Ganesh doesn’t mince words when it comes to his critique of the Indian education system. He describes it as a "prison of mediocrity," where creativity and excellence are stifled rather than nurtured.

Reflecting on his own experience as a civil engineering student, Ganesh recalls how he was discouraged from pursuing interests outside of the prescribed curriculum.

This frustration fueled his desire to create an alternative educational platform—one that values practical skills and critical thinking over rote learning.

The Meteoric Rise of Think School

From humble beginnings, Think School has grown into a powerhouse of knowledge, particularly in the areas of business and geopolitics.

Ganesh attributes this success not to flashy marketing or viral tactics, but to a relentless focus on quality and value. "If I’m going to take 10 minutes of someone’s time, I want to make sure it’s worth it," he says.

This commitment to delivering high-value content has resonated with millions, helping the channel grow exponentially.

Behind the Scenes: The Think School Content Strategy

Creating content that educates, engages, and stands out in a crowded digital space is no easy task. Ganesh outlines the meticulous five-step process that Think School follows to produce its videos:

Researching Trending Topics: The team starts by scanning over 30 newspapers daily to identify topics that resonate with their audience.

Selecting Concepts with Substance: Out of the trending topics, they pick those with underlying business or geopolitical concepts worth exploring.

Simplification and Storytelling: The next step is to simplify complex ideas and weave them into compelling narratives that are easy to understand.

Expert and Amateur Feedback: Before publishing, the content is reviewed by experts in the field and a sample audience to ensure it is both accurate and accessible.

Continuous Refinement: Finally, based on feedback, the content is refined to perfection before it reaches the YouTube audience.

This rigorous approach ensures that Think School’s content is not only informative but also impactful.

Geopolitics as the Mother of Business Case Studies

A common misconception is that Think School shifted from business content to geopolitics. However, Ganesh explains that geopolitics is inherently linked to business dynamics.

For instance, understanding the Russia-Ukraine conflict is crucial for grasping the global oil market's fluctuations, which directly affect business costs and consumer prices.

By covering geopolitical events, Think School provides viewers with a deeper understanding of how global affairs influence local economies and business strategies.

The Challenges of Being a Content Creator

With great reach comes great responsibility. Ganesh is acutely aware that his content could influence significant decisions, from investments to career choices.

This responsibility drives him to maintain high standards of accuracy and integrity in every video.

He describes the pressure of knowing that influential figures, like Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, watch his content. "It’s overwhelming and scary because now I know I have to do justice to every topic," he admits.

Think School’s Business Model and Philosophy

Think School’s success is not just about views and subscribers; it’s also about creating a sustainable business model. The channel operates on both a content and media model, generating revenue through YouTube ads, sponsored content, and courses.

However, Ganesh is careful not to let money overshadow the channel’s educational mission. He believes that viewers should tune in for the value and insights offered, not because of the channel’s financial success.

Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Ganesh offers some candid advice. First and foremost, he urges aspiring creators to focus on delivering value rather than chasing money.

Content creation is volatile, and success depends on one’s ability to adapt and maintain quality over time. He also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right niche and being prepared to evolve as a creator.

Essential Skills and Resources for Success

Ganesh identifies three critical skills for success in today’s world:

market research,

storytelling, and

continuous learning.

He believes that understanding your audience, crafting compelling narratives, and staying informed are the keys to building a successful brand or business.

As for resources, Ganesh recommends TED.com for inspiration, "Hooked" by Nir Eyal for understanding product design, and "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek for insights into leadership and purpose-driven business.

A Journey of Purpose and Impact

Ganesh Prasad’s journey from a dissatisfied engineering student to a YouTube sensation is a testament to the power of purpose-driven work.

Think School’s rapid growth and widespread influence underscore the demand for practical, real-world education that traditional systems often fail to provide.

As Ganesh continues to expand Think School, his focus remains on delivering high-quality, impactful content that educates and empowers his audience.

For anyone looking to make a difference through content creation, his story is both inspiring and instructive.