In this conversation, Arvindh Sundar shares his journey from a career in IT to becoming an entrepreneur focused on applied game design workshops. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from a stable job to entrepreneurship, the impact of ADHD on his learning and working style, and his philosophy of 'Learn, Do, Make, Ship.' Arvindh emphasizes the importance of validating ideas through customer interactions and building in public to foster engagement and credibility. In this conversation, Arvindh Sundar shares his journey of self-discovery, particularly focusing on his ADHD diagnosis and how it has shaped his identity and approach to life and work. He discusses the importance of understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, the transformative power of empathy, and how he has gamified various aspects of his life to enhance productivity and motivation. The conversation also touches on the influence of gaming culture and e-sports, as well as the thought process behind making significant life changes, such as quitting a job. Arvindh emphasizes the potential of gamification as a tool for personal development and overcoming everyday challenges. In this conversation, Arvindh Sundar discusses the effectiveness of gamification in workshops, emphasizing the importance of real learning over mere engagement. He shares innovative marketing strategies he employs to boost attendance and engagement in his workshops, particularly in the online space. Arvindh reflects on his experiences with workshop failures and the lessons learned, including the significance of audience alignment and feedback. He also addresses the ethical challenges in the knowledge entrepreneurship space, advocating for integrity and genuine value in offerings.
Arvindh Sundar's professional journey is a testament to the power of embracing diversity and continuous learning. Starting as a developer, he soon discovered a world beyond coding, exploring copywriting, sales, and even immersing himself as a professor of marketing. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he ventured further, establishing his own storytelling agency in Bangalore before finding his place at the EdTech company, Jigsaw Academy.
In 2019, Arvindh decided to embark on a new adventure, pursuing his passion for game design. However, this transition was not without its challenges. He had to navigate the intricacies of running a business, mastering accounting and other hidden aspects. Today, leveraging his 30 years of gaming experience, Arvindh runs applied game design workshops. These workshops are designed to help individuals level up their skills in various domains, with a particular focus on marketing.
At the heart of Arvindh's approach lies the Put The Player First framework. Drawing upon principles and psychology from video games, gamification, and game design, he creates immersive and engaging experiences. Through these experiences, participants are empowered to enhance their skills, with Arvindh's workshops inspired by the adventure and exploration found in games. This unique framework surpasses traditional teaching methods, providing an interactive and enjoyable learning process that fosters active engagement and practical application of knowledge.
Video games have an exceptional ability to teach skills that are transferable to real-life situations. Arvindh emphasizes that the mental models developed while playing games can be applied to problem-solving, decision-making, and the cultivation of resilience. Games offer a safe space for individuals to experiment, fail, and learn from their mistakes, building the necessary resilience and adaptability required in the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.\
Arvindh's insights hold significant implications for the education industry and personal development. By incorporating elements from video games into traditional teaching methods, educators can create more engaging and effective learning experiences that enhance motivation, retention, and the application of knowledge.
Moreover, the Put The Player First framework has the potential to revolutionize professional development. By offering immersive and interactive workshops, individuals can level up their skills in various domains, experiencing personal and professional growth. Arvindh's emphasis on market validation and understanding customer needs before building a product or service speaks to the importance of aligning entrepreneurial endeavours with the desires and demands of the audience.
To build an audience and establish credibility, Arvindh shares valuable strategies. Engaging with others' content and nurturing relationships is the foundation of building an audience, starting from zero and gradually uplifting others as the audience grows. The art of "building in public" is not merely about broadcasting, but rather about engaging in meaningful conversations and infusing one's content with authenticity and personality.
Arvindh's story is not one without personal challenges. He candidly shares his journey with ADHD, initially grappling with frustration and anger upon diagnosis. However, through acceptance and wisdom, he transformed ADHD from a limitation into a source of unique perspectives, embracing the strengths it offered.
Arvindh Sundar's remarkable journey reminds us of the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing our diverse passions. It is a story of empowerment, inspiring us to chart our own extraordinary paths, fortified by knowledge and guided by the spirit of discovery.
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