How does one transition from a teacher to an entrepreneur? How can one work in education around the world? Reflecting on his last decade of living these questions, Kevin Simpson shares lessons learned and the most prominent ideas that have kept him on the journey. The KDSL Global Story: 10 Lessons from an Education Entrepreneur will provide food for thought to other educators who are seeking to take the plunge and find their passion. Readers will find out how having standards, taking risks, being open to change and more impacted this entrepreneur’s expedition.
KDSL Global is a leading learning organization focused on empowering educators and education businesses globally.
To order the complete eBook please visit www.kdslglobal.com and click on Celebrating 10 Years.
The Best American Schools to Watch Across the Globe sheds light on such a role of progressive learning environments that share a commitment to student The Best American Schools to Watch Across the Globe sheds light on such a role of progressive learning environments that share a commitment to student and school success extending through high school.
The Knowledge Review, thus, has come up with “The 10 Best Inspirational Leaders in 2019”, featuring those leaders who are ready to shoulder the progressive change of tomorrow.
Empowering women and girls - speech to the Business and Professional National...Matthew Tukaki
I was on the road early this morning to give the Keynote opening address at the National Conference of Business and Professional Women Australia - the title of my address is "Hope, Aspiration and Opportunity". Hope that we can achieve equity for women around the world, aspiration in the sense that comes from hope to build careers and success and opportunity in terms of seizing it. As ex- Officio Director of the Board of the United Nations Global Compact i can't wait to put the message out there - that across the world we must do more for girls and women who still face oppression, domestic violence, lack of access to opportunity and the basic fundamental right of being equal amongst us all.
The Knowledge Review, emphasize on our intent of finding the few profound educationists who take on the responsibility of catering to the necessity in upholding the value of education, and Australia’s 10 Most Influential Educational Leaders, 2019 epitomizes such significant individuals for the better.
The Best American Schools to Watch Across the Globe sheds light on such a role of progressive learning environments that share a commitment to student The Best American Schools to Watch Across the Globe sheds light on such a role of progressive learning environments that share a commitment to student and school success extending through high school.
The Knowledge Review, thus, has come up with “The 10 Best Inspirational Leaders in 2019”, featuring those leaders who are ready to shoulder the progressive change of tomorrow.
Empowering women and girls - speech to the Business and Professional National...Matthew Tukaki
I was on the road early this morning to give the Keynote opening address at the National Conference of Business and Professional Women Australia - the title of my address is "Hope, Aspiration and Opportunity". Hope that we can achieve equity for women around the world, aspiration in the sense that comes from hope to build careers and success and opportunity in terms of seizing it. As ex- Officio Director of the Board of the United Nations Global Compact i can't wait to put the message out there - that across the world we must do more for girls and women who still face oppression, domestic violence, lack of access to opportunity and the basic fundamental right of being equal amongst us all.
The Knowledge Review, emphasize on our intent of finding the few profound educationists who take on the responsibility of catering to the necessity in upholding the value of education, and Australia’s 10 Most Influential Educational Leaders, 2019 epitomizes such significant individuals for the better.
Caribbean youth are often accused of a myriad of negativity, however, this issue of the Caribbean Examiner magazine takes a positive snap shot of some Caribbean young people doing amazing things in their spheres of life. From a reformed gangster in Belize to Rhodes
Scholars at Oxford; from young business prodigies to talented artists, Caribbean young people are contributing positively in traditional and non-traditional sectors and making their mark on the world.
Top International Schools In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 2022Swiftnlift
Billabong High International School, Kanpur is an exceptional day school combining the best of educational innovation and excellence. Billabong is a hugely exciting place to be. It is a school where students are taught to think by teachers who inspire them.
Our varied Super curriculars and wide reaching programmes of community service, help our students to develop interest and skills, forge lasting friendships, belong to teams, ensembles and casts and learn the value of community.
The case study discusses the potential of drone delivery and the challenges that need to be addressed before it becomes widespread.
Key takeaways:
Drone delivery is in its early stages: Amazon's trial in the UK demonstrates the potential for faster deliveries, but it's still limited by regulations and technology.
Regulations are a major hurdle: Safety concerns around drone collisions with airplanes and people have led to restrictions on flight height and location.
Other challenges exist: Who will use drone delivery the most? Is it cost-effective compared to traditional delivery trucks?
Discussion questions:
Managerial challenges: Integrating drones requires planning for new infrastructure, training staff, and navigating regulations. There are also marketing and recruitment considerations specific to this technology.
External forces vary by country: Regulations, consumer acceptance, and infrastructure all differ between countries.
Demographics matter: Younger generations might be more receptive to drone delivery, while older populations might have concerns.
Stakeholders for Amazon: Customers, regulators, aviation authorities, and competitors are all stakeholders. Regulators likely hold the greatest influence as they determine the feasibility of drone delivery.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities to radically reinvent the way we do business. This study explores how CEOs and top decision makers around the world are responding to the transformative potential of AI.
Senior Project and Engineering Leader Jim Smith.pdfJim Smith
I am a Project and Engineering Leader with extensive experience as a Business Operations Leader, Technical Project Manager, Engineering Manager and Operations Experience for Domestic and International companies such as Electrolux, Carrier, and Deutz. I have developed new products using Stage Gate development/MS Project/JIRA, for the pro-duction of Medical Equipment, Large Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Appliances, HVAC, and Diesel engines.
My experience includes:
Managed customized engineered refrigeration system projects with high voltage power panels from quote to ship, coordinating actions between electrical engineering, mechanical design and application engineering, purchasing, production, test, quality assurance and field installation. Managed projects $25k to $1M per project; 4-8 per month. (Hussmann refrigeration)
Successfully developed the $15-20M yearly corporate capital strategy for manufacturing, with the Executive Team and key stakeholders. Created project scope and specifications, business case, ROI, managed project plans with key personnel for nine consumer product manufacturing and distribution sites; to support the company’s strategic sales plan.
Over 15 years of experience managing and developing cost improvement projects with key Stakeholders, site Manufacturing Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Maintenance, and facility support personnel to optimize pro-duction operations, safety, EHS, and new product development. (BioLab, Deutz, Caire)
Experience working as a Technical Manager developing new products with chemical engineers and packaging engineers to enhance and reduce the cost of retail products. I have led the activities of multiple engineering groups with diverse backgrounds.
Great experience managing the product development of products which utilize complex electrical controls, high voltage power panels, product testing, and commissioning.
Created project scope, business case, ROI for multiple capital projects to support electrotechnical assembly and CPG goods. Identified project cost, risk, success criteria, and performed equipment qualifications. (Carrier, Electrolux, Biolab, Price, Hussmann)
Created detailed projects plans using MS Project, Gant charts in excel, and updated new product development in Jira for stakeholders and project team members including critical path.
Great knowledge of ISO9001, NFPA, OSHA regulations.
User level knowledge of MRP/SAP, MS Project, Powerpoint, Visio, Mastercontrol, JIRA, Power BI and Tableau.
I appreciate your consideration, and look forward to discussing this role with you, and how I can lead your company’s growth and profitability. I can be contacted via LinkedIn via phone or E Mail.
Jim Smith
678-993-7195
jimsmith30024@gmail.com
Oprah Winfrey: A Leader in Media, Philanthropy, and Empowerment | CIO Women M...CIOWomenMagazine
This person is none other than Oprah Winfrey, a highly influential figure whose impact extends beyond television. This article will delve into the remarkable life and lasting legacy of Oprah. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, compassion, and firm determination.
The Team Member and Guest Experience - Lead and Take Care of your restaurant team. They are the people closest to and delivering Hospitality to your paying Guests!
Make the call, and we can assist you.
408-784-7371
Foodservice Consulting + Design
Caribbean youth are often accused of a myriad of negativity, however, this issue of the Caribbean Examiner magazine takes a positive snap shot of some Caribbean young people doing amazing things in their spheres of life. From a reformed gangster in Belize to Rhodes
Scholars at Oxford; from young business prodigies to talented artists, Caribbean young people are contributing positively in traditional and non-traditional sectors and making their mark on the world.
Top International Schools In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 2022Swiftnlift
Billabong High International School, Kanpur is an exceptional day school combining the best of educational innovation and excellence. Billabong is a hugely exciting place to be. It is a school where students are taught to think by teachers who inspire them.
Our varied Super curriculars and wide reaching programmes of community service, help our students to develop interest and skills, forge lasting friendships, belong to teams, ensembles and casts and learn the value of community.
The case study discusses the potential of drone delivery and the challenges that need to be addressed before it becomes widespread.
Key takeaways:
Drone delivery is in its early stages: Amazon's trial in the UK demonstrates the potential for faster deliveries, but it's still limited by regulations and technology.
Regulations are a major hurdle: Safety concerns around drone collisions with airplanes and people have led to restrictions on flight height and location.
Other challenges exist: Who will use drone delivery the most? Is it cost-effective compared to traditional delivery trucks?
Discussion questions:
Managerial challenges: Integrating drones requires planning for new infrastructure, training staff, and navigating regulations. There are also marketing and recruitment considerations specific to this technology.
External forces vary by country: Regulations, consumer acceptance, and infrastructure all differ between countries.
Demographics matter: Younger generations might be more receptive to drone delivery, while older populations might have concerns.
Stakeholders for Amazon: Customers, regulators, aviation authorities, and competitors are all stakeholders. Regulators likely hold the greatest influence as they determine the feasibility of drone delivery.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities to radically reinvent the way we do business. This study explores how CEOs and top decision makers around the world are responding to the transformative potential of AI.
Senior Project and Engineering Leader Jim Smith.pdfJim Smith
I am a Project and Engineering Leader with extensive experience as a Business Operations Leader, Technical Project Manager, Engineering Manager and Operations Experience for Domestic and International companies such as Electrolux, Carrier, and Deutz. I have developed new products using Stage Gate development/MS Project/JIRA, for the pro-duction of Medical Equipment, Large Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Appliances, HVAC, and Diesel engines.
My experience includes:
Managed customized engineered refrigeration system projects with high voltage power panels from quote to ship, coordinating actions between electrical engineering, mechanical design and application engineering, purchasing, production, test, quality assurance and field installation. Managed projects $25k to $1M per project; 4-8 per month. (Hussmann refrigeration)
Successfully developed the $15-20M yearly corporate capital strategy for manufacturing, with the Executive Team and key stakeholders. Created project scope and specifications, business case, ROI, managed project plans with key personnel for nine consumer product manufacturing and distribution sites; to support the company’s strategic sales plan.
Over 15 years of experience managing and developing cost improvement projects with key Stakeholders, site Manufacturing Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Maintenance, and facility support personnel to optimize pro-duction operations, safety, EHS, and new product development. (BioLab, Deutz, Caire)
Experience working as a Technical Manager developing new products with chemical engineers and packaging engineers to enhance and reduce the cost of retail products. I have led the activities of multiple engineering groups with diverse backgrounds.
Great experience managing the product development of products which utilize complex electrical controls, high voltage power panels, product testing, and commissioning.
Created project scope, business case, ROI for multiple capital projects to support electrotechnical assembly and CPG goods. Identified project cost, risk, success criteria, and performed equipment qualifications. (Carrier, Electrolux, Biolab, Price, Hussmann)
Created detailed projects plans using MS Project, Gant charts in excel, and updated new product development in Jira for stakeholders and project team members including critical path.
Great knowledge of ISO9001, NFPA, OSHA regulations.
User level knowledge of MRP/SAP, MS Project, Powerpoint, Visio, Mastercontrol, JIRA, Power BI and Tableau.
I appreciate your consideration, and look forward to discussing this role with you, and how I can lead your company’s growth and profitability. I can be contacted via LinkedIn via phone or E Mail.
Jim Smith
678-993-7195
jimsmith30024@gmail.com
Oprah Winfrey: A Leader in Media, Philanthropy, and Empowerment | CIO Women M...CIOWomenMagazine
This person is none other than Oprah Winfrey, a highly influential figure whose impact extends beyond television. This article will delve into the remarkable life and lasting legacy of Oprah. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, compassion, and firm determination.
The Team Member and Guest Experience - Lead and Take Care of your restaurant team. They are the people closest to and delivering Hospitality to your paying Guests!
Make the call, and we can assist you.
408-784-7371
Foodservice Consulting + Design
2. This is dedicated to my wonderful mother, Paulette Simpson; the advising team
of Alister Aranha, Dr. Johnnie Gordon and Dr. Mary Thormann; Thalia Suzuma for
turning a spoken dream into a written reality; John Ritter for hiring me to serve in
Laos and countless thought partners, mentors, mentees and friends encountered
on this ten year journey.
3.
4. kdslglobal.com4The KDSL Global Story
Contents
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
19
19
21
23
24
Foreword by Bernard West............................................................
Introduction: Taking the Plunge.....................................................
Standards .......................................................................................
Process...........................................................................................
FMOB.............................................................................................
Mentor ...........................................................................................
Relationships..................................................................................
Travel .............................................................................................
Risks ...............................................................................................
Give................................................................................................
Change...........................................................................................
The Future......................................................................................
Conclusion......................................................................................
......................................................................
About the Author...........................................................................
Testimonials from Education Entrepreneurs .................................
KDSL Global: Gives 10
5. kdslglobal.com5The KDSL Global Story
Dear Reader,
Beware: the knowledge shared in the subsequent pages will radically change your thinking about your career path
and the power that an entrepreneurial mindset can have on your professional life. Through 10 lessons, the author,
Mr. Simpson, reveals the principles and actions that propelled him from successful classroom teacher to global
education entrepreneur. In doing so, he dispels myths and unlocks truths about building an impactful international
entrepreneurial career to help others achieve their global aspirations.
Too often we are told that there are limited paths to success and that the risks and leaps of faith associated
with entrepreneurship and working abroad are too high. The author’s lessons reveal the very opposite. With the
workplace, today we must all be entrepreneurs. If ideas are worth spreading, then the 10 lessons in this book are
worth implementing. They inspire us to follow our passions, assist us in navigating risks, and allow us to commit to
achieving our professional dreams.
the last decade, his commitment to education has driven him to impact thousands of students, educators, and
education investors across multiple communities, cultures and continents. I have watched him take lessons he
learned from Flint (Michigan, USA) and apply them to Bangkok (Thailand); and solutions from Laos and leverage
them in Lagos. The education platform that the author built, KDSL Global, has had and will continue to have a
lasting and transformational impact in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This book’s impact on you is
This book is a welcomed addition addressing multiple points of view: the teacher seeking an entrepreneurial path,
the student charting a career in international education, and the social entrepreneur aiming to have a global impact.
By sharing his journey, the author has delivered a new treatise on education entrepreneurship. His personal story
This book is a work-book. Be ready to take notes. Be ready to change your way of thinking. Be ready to take
action. Enjoy!
Bernard West
Education Investor and Advisor
6. kdslglobal.com6The KDSL Global Story
Taking the plunge
I’m never too sure how to answer these questions fully but succinctly, so I thought I’d write it out here instead.
In 2007 I became an entrepreneur. This had certainly not been my life’s plan: I was not a business major. I had not
studied or specialized in consultancy in any way. I think a number of my friends and colleagues were shocked by
my decision and questioned my reasoning. What was I thinking? But I believed in my convictions and actually, I
had always been interested in start-ups. When I was growing up in Flint, Michigan, there were always some folks
from church or from a local store who were doing something interesting: people trialing a new product or selling a
unique service. I was really drawn to that, but I still followed a pretty standard trajectory: high school, college, job.
I graduated from high school in 1994 and then majored in Education and Political Science at Michigan State
University. I almost didn’t become a teacher – it was a choice between Education and Law. In the end education
won, partly thanks to participating in a program called the Young Spartan Program, which connected university
students to local schools in Lansing, Michigan. I worked with young kids on various projects and helped schools
with new initiatives. After graduating from university I relocated to Washington, D.C. where I worked as a White
in the city. Living and working in D.C. was a complete revelation. It was such an amazing opportunity to be able
then did a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Michigan State University and moved on to work in
Fairfax County Public Schools after graduation. This was a great place to be in the early 2000s. They were ahead
of their time in terms of investing in their educators. I knew it was a place I’d be able to grow a lot. I was later
invited to take an administrative position at the county level – it was two years away from the classroom but gave
me a fantastic grounding in the background machinations of education. After that, the travel bug really kicked in.
I taught in Laos – only my second time out of the country ever. I worked alongside people who had been teaching
When I got back to the USA, I found myself back in Fairfax County Public Schools working as an instructional coach
and consulting with the Department of Education during the summer. It was great, but I knew it was time for me
to take the plunge and start up my own company. From then on in, everything was unknown. All I knew for sure
was that I wanted to work in education around the world. I volunteered with a start-up in D.C. called One World
Education. I reached out to a charter school professional development program called Student Support Center.
KDSL USA grew out of these beginnings, and shortly after I went to Dubai.
KDSL USA’s real focus was on collaborating with organizations worldwide in order to further student achievement,
teacher learning, and support education leadership. In late 2016, KDSL USA evolved into KDSL Global, which
is simply a mature iteration of the earlier company, with a key focus on empowering educators and education
companies globally.
This is my story of how I came to be an entrepreneur, and here are the 10 most important lessons I’ve learned
along the way.
8. kdslglobal.comThe KDSL Global Story
Standards
Standards is such a big word for me. In the early days of KDSL USA, when I was just feeling my way, I would focus
the foundations that need to be ever-present in the company? What standards do I always want to uphold? High
standards lead to achievement. Focusing on standards was particularly important in the early days, before my
of metamorphosis, in order to stay current and relevant. Moving from working in the USA to the Middle East was
a big move, not just logistically, but in terms of working in such a different market with different needs.
I would constantly look back to assess how I was doing – I would remind myself to connect back with students and
educators and to see what kind of impact I was having. Were the goals being met now? Had there been a tangible
difference? I’ve found it helpful when working with clients and all kinds of educators to use the ‘I’m hearing x but
I’m seeing y…’ phrase. I do it with myself, too. Repeating back clients’ intentions to them is really useful in order
I recently began collaborating with ArabiCollege, an e-learning platform for students of Arabic. The CEO reached
focus is to identify the disruptors in the education world: people who are providing a new service that people don’t
know about, people who have the potential to impact a segment anywhere in the world. And I’d actually wondered
for a long time why expats living in the MENA region weren’t learning more Arabic. After some research, I saw that
with a range of webinars and education networking opportunities. We’ve now got the platform into schools, and
their presence in the MENA region and beyond continues to grow.
What expectations do you have for yourself as an entrepreneur?
9. kdslglobal.com9The KDSL Global Story
I strive to always remember to trust the process as I go along, and also to always try and enjoy the process of
the journey. This is important, as it balances out that focus on achievements, standards and end results. Trusting
the process and enjoying the journey has got me through months on end of unpredictable travel, endless jet lag,
and the humble beginning of starting a company in a different country while living off an air mattress in my best
doing? What do I need to stop doing?’
had to consciously work on my work-life balance. These days with smart phones and all the other devices, we’re
constantly connected. It’s easy to glance at your phone, get sucked into some work, and suddenly four hours have
gone by and you’re still sitting in the same place. I make sure now that what I do is more intentional. I establish a
routine that works for me, one that maintains my health, and affords me time to read and to connect with people.
As I’ve grown more experienced as an entrepreneur, my network of contacts has grown with me. This has been
great as even if I do sometimes have to turn down an opportunity, I can often link that person or company with
The part of the process that gives me the most joy is undoubtedly the opportunity to create and to connect.
It’s so exciting to know that I have this opportunity to create something meaningful and to connect with people
anywhere around the world. Being able to help people who want to be a vehicle for change is incredible. I recently
had an associate who was setting up a company called Teacher Leaders International. Its aims were in line with
my own – focusing on growing education leaders around the world and sharing resources – and I knew I wanted
to help them. We brainstormed, and it was just great to support her in creating something for the education
community. Moments like this are real highlights for me.
11. kdslglobal.com21The KDSL Global Story
KDSL Global is an education consulting company launched by Flint native Kevin Simpson in 2016 in the USA and
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Simpson has served 500+ schools and thousands of educators worldwide in 20
countries. The majority of his work in education has centered on American curriculum schools.
training, and development and served as a thought partner on school start-up projects. Simpson is co-founder
of the UAE Learning Network (one of the largest online network of educators in the UAE) and has participated
in numerous education panels and radio shows where American curriculum was the topic. In addition, he has
co-authored two white papers on American curriculum schools in Dubai, co-authored a white paper on NGSS in
MENA American curriculum schools, and co-wrote a bilingual document on American Education in the UAE. He
also owns KDSL USA. Simpson has worked with over 40 educators who have taken the leap to become consultants.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Teaching
from Michigan State University (USA). Currently, he is a member of the Association for the Advancement of
International Education (AAIE) and studying in their Institute for International School Leadership.
Kevin
Simpson