Rajen Kandel: Man with a Mission

Achieving the target of quality education is a distant dream for many (as suggested by the UN’s research). Based on the current scenario, a lack of educational measures will result in 84 million students not having access to school by 2030. This is where leadership education comes into role, paving the foundation for improving the quality of education and making it accessible. However, as the education landscape changes, leaders also need to modify their approach and leadership styles and acquire new leadership skills.

A British Nepali entrepreneur, Rajen Kandel is on a mission to make high-quality education accessible and affordable globally. While his achievements in international business are remarkable, his true passion lies in the field of education.

From Nepal to the UK

In 1999, Rajen arrived in the UK to pursue higher education and began his career as an IT manager. In 2003, he founded his first college, laying the foundation for The British Education Group, an enterprise that spans institutes across four continents. Beyond education, Rajen has successfully diversified his business ventures into the healthcare and real estate sectors and is currently making significant investments in the IT industry. With a degree in Computer Science, he always harbored a strong ambition to build a robust IT business portfolio.

As a proud British Nepali businessman and entrepreneur, Rajen is the Managing Director of the Kandel Group UK and its subsidiaries. His leadership extended to the Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce, where he served as its head from 2015 to 2019. In addition, he contributed as an advisor to the Non-Resident Nepalese Association, achieving considerable success in international business. Through The Kandel Foundation, his company also engages in extensive charitable work, focusing on providing education and healthcare to underprivileged individuals in developing countries. The company also runs a charitable school in Nepal, which educates over 450 children.

As a seasoned and recognised leader, Rajen believes there are certain sets of responsibilities every entrepreneur must harbor to stay ahead of the curve and be relevant in the industry. “To constantly be looking for what the market needs, to be predicting the future of your industry and staying one step ahead. With the Kandel Group we are always using technology to further our business while also finding ways to make it more sustainable and serve those in need,” he remarks.

About The Kandel Group UK

The Kandel Group is an independent British-Nepali-led investment firm specializing in the education and healthcare sectors, with a focus on emerging industries in South Asia, the Middle East, and the UK-and we have recently also expanded in North America. The organization’s primary strategy is to drive economic development in emerging markets and create affordable education opportunities for all.

Presently, the organisation holds a diverse portfolio of business interests in Education, Health, Hospitality, IT, Real Estate, and News Media stretching over three continents. The primary investment strategy and in-house project development centers around the introduction and economic development of the new and emerging micro-industry for the Middle East and South Asia, focusing in particular on sustainability, innovation, and growth to the benefit of both the stakeholders, local community, and the wider economy of the area.

Rajen’s journey with the Kandel Group began with humble beginnings, where the initial venture was funded through his credit card. Building a small business into a multinational enterprise requires immense hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. The company faced numerous challenges, particularly in navigating the complexities of operating globally, especially in developing countries. Expanding across diverse cultures demanded a deep understanding of cultural nuances and international business dynamics, which Rajen diligently cultivated over the years.

The Kandel Group’s foundation commenced with the establishment of its first educational institution, South London College, which later became The Woolwich College. This success led to further expansion into Nepal, marking the beginning of the organization’s international presence. In 2013, Rajen made significant strides in developing various business ventures across the UK, diversifying the organization’s portfolio into different sectors. However, not all these ventures succeeded, and some faced heavy losses. During this challenging period, Rajen found himself at a crossroads, nearly ready to give up. Yet, instead of retreating, he redirected his focus to projects overseas, a decision that proved to be pivotal.

Defining growth moment for the organisation

The move to expand internationally was a defining moment for the Kandel Group. The British College (TBC) in Kathmandu quickly became Nepal’s premier global institute, earning a strong reputation for excellence in education. Building on this success, the organization established a network of subsidiaries, schools, and campuses throughout the country. The Kandel Group also extended its reach into the UAE with the launch of The Woolwich Institute (TWI) in Dubai, further solidifying its presence in the international education sector.

Beyond education, the Kandel Group has diversified its portfolio, acquiring businesses in the hospitality industry and several pharmacies in London. These ventures have added to the company’s robust and varied business landscape. Despite the setbacks faced along the way, Rajen’s resilience and strategic vision have allowed the Kandel Group to thrive and grow into a multinational entity with a strong presence across multiple sectors and regions. His journey reflects the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to learn from successes and failures in the ever-changing world of global business.

Employee wellbeing at the heart

Currently, Rajen spearheads The Kandel Group UK as the Managing Director, overseeing its various subsidiaries such as The British College, The Woolwich College London & Dubai, British Grammar Schools, E-WorksUK, Neem Tree Pharmacies Group UK, and Global NepaliPatra Publication (UK & Australia). Additionally, he holds diverse investment portfolios in the UK’s real estate sector. Notably, from 2015 to 2019, Rajen led the Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce (BNCC) and provided advisory support to the Non-Resident Nepalese Association UK. While his achievements in international business are remarkable, his true passion lies in the field of education.

The team of Kandel Group UK comprises a diverse group of local and international staff, representing a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. By doing so, the organization prioritizes the needs of the local market whilst also bringing in international expertise. “It is this combination that I think really makes us unique and has contributed greatly to our success,” says Rajen.

At the helm, Rajen believes that the key to looking after employees lies in truly understanding them. To better equip himself for this responsibility, he earned an MBA from University College London (UCL), ensuring that his advice to his teams is grounded not just in experience but also in solid academic knowledge. He is committed to empowering his staff by offering support and guidance while granting them the autonomy to take ownership of their work. Rajen leads with a steady hand, always ready to steer his teams in the right direction, fostering a work environment where they can thrive.

A visionary pioneering growth mentality

Since its establishment, Kandel Group has achieved significant success and risen to the top of the industry. “I think I have a real growth mentality and genuinely love what I do,” says Rajen. Moreover, Rajen’s passion for the Kandel Group is deeply rooted in his journey. Having moved from Nepal to the UK to access quality education, he was inspired to make this experience more affordable and accessible to others. His mission was driven by his desire to provide opportunities for those who, like him, sought a better future through education. Despite facing difficult years, including failures and setbacks, he remained committed to his vision, attributing the organization’s success to the support of his family and the dedication of the talented staff in bringing his vision to life.

A key priority for Rajen and the Kandel Group is the integration of technology and the creation of global opportunities. The organization is focused on enhancing the learning experience through innovative educational technologies and online platforms. It aims to make education more accessible and affordable globally by leveraging these tools. At the helm, Rajen is committed to fostering global mobility and cultural exchange for both students and staff, believing that these experiences are vital in today’s interconnected world.

Currently, the Kandel Group is focused on expansion, with plans to build new campuses, acquire new companies, and develop strategic initiatives across various sectors. These efforts are all aimed at creating exciting opportunities and raising educational standards. Rajen’s commitment to innovation and excellence continues to drive the organization forward, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global education and development. In addition to the expansion, Rajen notes two exciting upcoming developments:

The organization has partnered with the University of Greenwich, where Rajen earned his undergraduate degree when he first came to the UK, making this collaboration especially meaningful to him.

The Kandel Group is expanding into Canada for the first time, having acquired Maritime Business College in Halifax. This acquisition will provide students with international credit transfer opportunities and access to the college’s 125+ years of educational experience. The organization is in the final stages of acquiring a private university in the USA, signaling exciting new developments on the horizon.

Understanding Rajen: Beyond the Cabin and Sources of Inspiration

Outside his office cabin, Rajen is a reader who is in constant pursuit of learning. “I prefer to read books about business and constantly use my time to work out how I can get ahead within my field. My all-time favorite book is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie and my favorite part is Part 3: How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking,” he says.

Throughout his career, Rajen has always been inspired by visionary leaders who have made a significant impact on the world through their innovative ideas and relentless pursuit of excellence. Among these figures, Steve Jobs stands out as a personal role model for him. Jobs’ ability to blend technology with creativity, along with his unwavering commitment to perfection, profoundly influenced the tech industry and reshaped how people interact with technology. Rajen admires how Jobs saw potential in ideas that others often overlooked and wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo to bring those ideas to life. “Like Jobs, I am constantly striving to push boundaries and bring innovative ideas to fruition,” Rajen reflects.

Another figure who inspires Rajen is Elon Musk, whose business journey is marked by resilience and a bold vision. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Musk has consistently pursued his goals of advancing technology and exploring new frontiers. His commitment to innovation and ability to push the boundaries of what is possible has made his story one of the most compelling in the business world. “Musk’s journey teaches us the importance of persistence and the power of thinking beyond conventional limits,” Rajen notes.

A quote by Steve Jobs that resonates deeply with Rajen is, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” For him, it serves as a reminder that true innovation comes from those who are willing to take risks and challenge the norms. In his work with the Kandel Group, Rajen strives to embody these principles. He constantly seeks out opportunities to blend creativity with technology, much like Jobs, and is committed to pushing the limits of what his organization can achieve, inspired by Musk’s journey. Under his leadership, the Kandel Group continues to explore new horizons, always aiming to innovate and make a meaningful difference in the industries it operates in.

Rajen’s admiration for these visionary leaders isn’t just about their achievements but about how they approached their work with passion, determination, and a belief in the transformative power of innovative ideas. His journey with the Kandel Group is a reflection of these values, as he continues to lead the organization with a vision that is both ambitious and rooted in a desire to create a lasting impact. “Believing in the power of innovation and daring to think differently is at the core of what we do,” says Rajen, a philosophy that guides his work every day.

On constant vigilance and coping with the rat race

Given the fast-paced dynamics of the modern business landscape, constant vigilance is not just a necessity but a strategic approach to navigating the complexities of both business and life. Rajen believes that staying aware and proactive is key to anticipating changes, mitigating risks, and seizing opportunities. “Vigilance allows us to be prepared for whatever challenges come our way, ensuring we remain on the path to long-term success,” he says.

For Rajen, balancing ambition with well-being is essential to thriving in the demanding global business environment. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and prioritizing time effectively. “It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race, but staying true to my values and avoiding unnecessary comparisons helps me maintain focus and purpose,” Rajen reflects.

Taking time to recharge is another crucial aspect of Rajen’s approach. He understands success isn’t just about relentless pursuit and maintaining one’s health and well-being. By ensuring moments of rest and reflection, he stays energized and ready to tackle his objectives. “Balancing ambition with well-being is how I keep stress at bay and continue to move forward with clarity and determination,” Rajen adds. At the Kandel Group, this philosophy is embedded in the organization’s culture. By fostering an environment where vigilance, balance, and purposeful action are prioritized, the organization is poised for remarkable growth in the near future.