Author: The Fortune Leaders

Tanja Schjellerup, CEO at Skolen Online, began her educational leadership journey with a desire to make learning more accessible and impactful for all. Tanja has always believed education is a key driver of change and innovation. Her work in project management and business development and involvement with platforms like Skolen Online have allowed her to combine her passion for education with her skills in strategy. This has inspired Tanja to lead initiatives that rethink how education can be delivered, especially in a digital age where flexibility and access are paramount.

Qualities of a leader

“In the educational field, a leader must be visionary, empathetic, and adaptable. Vision is crucial for driving innovation and anticipating the future needs of learners. Empathy helps in understanding the diverse challenges students and educators face, especially as the world shifts more toward digital learning environments,” added Tanja.

Leaders must have a forward-thinking mindset, not only anticipating the needs of education today or tomorrow but also for the long term. This allows them to implement adaptability effectively. Adaptability is key to navigating the rapid technological advancements that are transforming education, from how it designs curricula to engage learners.

About Skolen Online

Skolen Online is an innovative platform that operates in the educational technology sector. Skolen Online functions both as a Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS), providing tools for both educators and students to enhance the learning experience. The platform focuses on making education accessible through technology, particularly for K12 students and up till the age of 24.

“At Skolen Online, we serve a diverse community of students, ranging from those who experience challenges in traditional classroom settings to international learners and homeschoolers. Our focus is on providing flexible, tailored learning opportunities through online classes, ensuring that each student can learn at their own pace and in an environment that fosters both academic success and personal well-being. We offer live, interactive classes as well as self-study options, giving students access to high-quality education regardless of their location or individual needs,” adds Tanja.

An unforgettable legacy

Tanja hopes to leave a legacy that goes beyond just being a female leader in education and entrepreneurship. Tanja’s message to future generations is that success stems from dedication, vision, and the courage to pursue innovation not gender. She wants to inspire others to see themselves as entrepreneurs first, driven by their love for what they do, rather than letting gender define their path. “Ultimately, I believe that true progress will come when we move the conversation from gender to passion, innovation, and creating meaningful impact in the fields we are committed to,” adds Tanja.

Beating the odds

One of the hardest challenges Tanja faced as a leader was the first time she had to fire someone she had personally hired. Tanja says It’s an incredibly tough position to be in, especially when you’ve invested time and energy into building that relationship.

However, she realized that being a leader sometimes requires making difficult decisions for the greater good of the team and the business. It was a moment where she had to learn to “own it, move on” accept responsibility, make the decision with confidence, and keep moving forward. That experience taught her the importance of balancing empathy with decisiveness, and have carried that lesson with her ever since.

Leveraging technology

With Skolen Online, Tanja has focused on using technology to solve real-world educational challenges. One of the key innovations has been making learning platforms more flexible and customizable for both students and educators. Her role has involved driving the use of tools that allow educators to easily integrate their curricula into digital platforms while ensuring that students have access to high-quality, interactive learning experiences.

The gap the business world must bridge

The business world must evolve beyond the idea of simply “supporting women” as a separate initiative and start integrating women into leadership as a natural and necessary part of business growth. First, businesses should focus on creating equal opportunities for all entrepreneurs and leaders, regardless of gender. This can be achieved by building inclusive mentorship networks, ensuring access to capital for female entrepreneurs, and implementing policies that support work-life balance for all leaders, not just women.

Moreover, it’s important to break away from the notion that women need to “fit” into male-dominated environments. Instead, businesses should foster a culture that values diverse leadership styles and creates environments where innovation thrives, no matter who is at the helm. Lastly, representation matters. Ensuring that women are visible in all leadership areas, from boards to executive roles, will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their passions without limitations based on gender.

Advise to the aspiring women leaders

“If you want to make a real and significant change, the first and most important step is to have passion for what you do. Passion fuels persistence and creativity, which are essential when facing challenges or pushing boundaries in your field. Without genuine passion and commitment, it’s difficult to stay committed when the road gets tough or when you need to navigate uncharted territory. Leaders who truly care about their work inspire others to join them, creating momentum for change.”

Future roadmap

Tanja says, “Looking ahead, my roadmap is focused on further expanding Skolen Online into a global educational platform that serves a wide range of students, from those who thrive in non-traditional learning environments to those needing more personalised paths to success. I envision growing our offerings, incorporating more languages and curricula to support learners worldwide.”

Tanja’s goal is to continue developing innovative learning environments that empower students to learn at their own pace while maintaining a strong connection to the educators and resources that guide them. In addition to scaling Skolen Online, she aims to leverage my experience to mentor individuals passionate about making a difference in their fields. Whether through mentoring, advisory roles, or being a board member, she wants to support entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators who are dedicated to driving change. As long as the field aligns with her passions and knowledge, Tanja is committed to providing guidance and sharing insights to help others succeed.

• Visit Tanja Schjellerup – LinkedIn Profile
• Visit Skolen Online – Company Website

Nermine Rubin stands out as one of the most inspiring women in the business world.  Her leadership journey is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Immigrated from Egypt with her family was transformative, as she witnessed her parents’ resilience and sacrifices. This instilled in her a desire to give back and contribute to a greater cause. Founding Water 4 Mercy allowed her to channel that passion into action by addressing water scarcity and agricultural challenges in Africa. Her inspiration comes from a commitment to “repair the world,” and every project she takes on is an opportunity to empower communities to become self-sufficient.

Water 4 Mercy, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing sustainable water and agricultural solutions in Africa. The organization operates within the humanitarian and development sectors, focusing on food security, renewable energy, and education.

“Our mission is to empower underserved communities with the tools and skills to thrive.”

Essential qualities for a leader

Nermine believes empathy, integrity, and perseverance are crucial for a leader today. “Empathy allows you to understand the needs of those you lead and serve, while integrity builds trust and credibility. Perseverance is vital because leadership is full of challenges, and staying the course is essential to making a lasting impact. For me, leadership is about serving others and being adaptable in an ever-changing world,” added Nermine, Founder, CEO, Water 4 Mercy.

Overcoming the challenges

One of the most significant challenges Nermine faced was ensuring the sustainability of the projects in remote underserved communities. “It’s not enough to provide water; you have to ensure that the systems are maintained and that the local population is empowered to manage them. We overcame this by integrating education and community engagement into every project, ensuring that locals were trained in the operation and maintenance of their water systems and agricultural methods. This approach has been critical to our success and long-term impact,” added Nermine.

Innovation Changes the face of the organization

Water 4 Mercy has introduced innovative solutions like solar-powered wells and drip irrigation systems, transforming entire communities by providing sustainable access to water and improving food security. The organization has also established Agricultural Innovation and Technology Centers (AITEC) to equip students and farmers with advanced skills, blending modern technology with traditional farming practices. By focusing on long-term sustainability, Water 4 Mercy ensure that the projects create lasting change.

Advice to the aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs

“Stay curious and be willing to take risks. Innovation often comes from exploring new ideas and embracing change. Do not be afraid to challenge traditional methods and push boundaries. Surround yourself with a strong team and listen to different perspectives, as collaboration can spark groundbreaking ideas. Lastly, never lose sight of your purpose your passion is what drives innovation.”

Steps to empower women leaders

The business world needs to foster more inclusive environments where women are encouraged to take on leadership roles. This includes offering mentorship, equal opportunities for advancement, and recognition of women’s contributions. Companies should also prioritize flexibility, as many women balance professional responsibilities with family life. Empowering women in leadership roles is not just a moral imperative it’s essential for business success and innovation.

Changes to support women leaders

Businesses need to create more spaces for women in leadership through mentorship, equal pay, and leadership development programs. Policies that support work-life balance are essential, as many women juggle multiple roles. It’s also important for businesses to recognize and promote women’s achievements, offering them the same opportunities for advancement as their male counterparts. When women thrive, so do businesses.

My role model

“My parents have been my greatest mentors. Their courage and perseverance during our immigration journey inspired me to pursue my dreams with resilience and faith. Their sacrifices taught me the importance of hard work and giving back to others. Professionally, I’ve also been inspired by leaders like Mother Teresa, whose compassion and commitment to humanity have shaped my approach to servant leadership,” elaborated Nermine.

Future roadmap

Looking forward, Water 4 Mercy aims to expand our reach across Africa, with new projects in Uganda and South Africa. The organization is also focused on scaling up the Agricultural Innovation and Technology Centers to equip more students and communities with the skills necessary for long-term success. The NGO also plans to continue fostering partnerships with organizations dedicated to renewable energy, sustainable development, and agricultural innovation, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of impactful, life-changing solutions.

Words of wisdom

“I hope to leave a legacy that encourages women to step into leadership roles with confidence and purpose. I want to show that women can excel in any field, including sectors like sustainability and development. My hope is that future generations will see that through dedication and vision, they too can make a profound impact on the world, whether they are leading a nonprofit, a business, or any other venture,” concluded Nermine.

• Visit Nermine Rubin – LinkedIn Profile
• Visit Water 4 Mercy, Inc. – Company Website