Alumni Entrepreneur Award Winner - Cat Saunders

3 July 2025

What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship? 
I wouldn't say that it was an active decision to pursue entrepreneurship as such, but more a need to fulfil a gap for many people who were being left behind. I decided to open my educational centre because there were many students who were being abandoned or lost in the chasm of standardisation and I just couldn't sit by and watch that happen. So I took a leap. There was only so much I could do from within the institutions themselves, and it wasn't enough. 

Now, five-years on, I am becoming a serial entrepreneur. I am investing a lot of time and energy at the moment in future projects in both EdTech and Social Business, to further open up the doors of inclusion in education. I am excited that I can try to make a positive impact on the lives of coming generations. Watch this space! 

How did you come up with your business ideas and put them into practice? 
The initial ideas with my centre were to fill a need and a gap that I had first-hand experience of. Now, my ideas are growing as I learn more myself through my Executive MBA course with Esade. The ideas themselves are always deeply rooted in my values: integrity, generosity, cooperation, learning and courage. 

With each new idea I have, I spend a long time working on it to ensure it encompasses these values before I begin to build the idea further. Then I work very hard and with a lot of passion to try and make them a reality so that the future can benefit. I am currently working on two new projects that I hope will have a positive and lasting impact on those they touch. 

How did you overcome business challenges, fears and doubts when establishing your venture to ensure success? 
That is a great question, and not one that I have always found easy to address. We have had many business challenges over the years, some tougher than others, and at times we have even been on the verge of closing. However, we have learnt to adapt, change and mould to our changing situations. 

Ultimately what it comes down to is the TEAM! I have an amazing team of people who work hard to ensure we are always bringing the best to our students, regardless of any fears, doubts and challenges we face, and this keeps me going. 

Do you have any advice for anyone considering pursuing an entrepreneurial journey? 
My first piece of advice to anyone seeking entrepreneurship in the future is to pick the right team! Entrepreneurship is not easy by any means, but the right team can make all the difference. I owe a lot to my team and am grateful every day that I am fortunate enough to work with such wonderful people. 

Finally I would say, keep going! If you are passionate about your venture, then don't give up. I love what I do, and no matter how hard it gets or the obstacles that stand in my way, I will continue to fight for the people I am trying to help. And that's all it takes. Oh, that, and the reminder that you matter in this journey – you can't give 100% to others or your venture if you don't take care of yourself. Remember to eat well, sleep well, play well and drink water my friend!