LEADING WITH AGILITY
Effective education leaders who bring expert business knowledge to their roles are invaluable assets in today’s dynamic educational landscape. Their dual proficiency in pedagogy and strategic management enables them to not only foster academic excellence but also to drive sustainable growth and innovation within education institutions. Such leaders are adept at aligning educational goals with evolving market demands, leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure, industry partnerships, and modern curricula to prepare students for future challenges.
Dr. Amit Saxena, CEO of Education at Sparsh Group, epitomizes this synergy of educational vision and business acumen. Under his leadership, Sparsh Group has achieved remarkable milestones, expanding its footprint across K-12 and higher education segments with a focus on modern, industry-oriented learning models. The group’s continuous growth, driven by strategic acquisitions and greenfield projects, reflects Dr. Saxena’s commitment to transforming education into a holistic, future-ready experience. It is for this exemplary leadership and impact that Dr. Saxena is being featured among India’s 25 Most Inspiring Education Leaders 2025.
Early Life and Diverse Educational Foundations
Dr. Amit Saxena’s journey began in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, where he was born. His father, a Class One government officer overseeing health, education, and information portfolios, frequently relocated the family based on his postings. This nomadic childhood meant that Dr. Saxena attended schools in various locations before completing his graduation at Bareilly College, Bareilly. In 1993, he moved to Delhi to pursue an MBA in business management. During his summer internship, he was offered a position at Columbia Broadcasting Service (CBS), which managed Sony’s music catalog in India alongside a publishing division focused on magazines and industry journals.
As Sony India established its independent presence, Dr. Saxena transitioned to Western Group, a merchant banking firm, where he managed corporate advisory and public issues for over a hundred companies. In 1997, amid economic uncertainty, he joined a consulting firm associated with a management institute, where he worked across multiple sectors with a consistent focus on education until 2014. The turning point came in 2015 when he took charge of establishing the education vertical for Sparsh Group. Over the past decade, under his leadership, the team has grown to more than 800 members, managing nine institutions that span K-12 schools to higher education.
Building Bridges from Classroom to Career
Dr. Amit Saxena was promoted to CEO after initially joining Sparsh Group as Vice President. He believes that leading an education group like Sparsh requires a dual focus, which involves serving society meaningfully while simultaneously building a robust, forward-looking business. As an inspiring leader, Dr. Amit Saxena fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, where everyone has the opportunity to present ideas and be heard on a common platform.
Particularly in the early phase, his leadership was pivotal in acquiring and revitalizing underperforming K-12 and higher education institutions, transforming them into profitable ventures through innovative reinvention and strategic repositioning.
In 2020, with full support from the board, Dr. Saxena spearheaded Sparsh Group’s first greenfield project — a sprawling 400,000 sq. ft. international school, followed by the introduction of new higher education programs. He has been instrumental in implementing the KG to Corporate model, which emphasizes three core pillars: character, competency, and career readiness. This integrated approach ensures students experience a seamless transition from school to college and eventually to their careers, preparing them to adapt to industry changes by embedding entrepreneurship, psychometric assessments, competitive exam preparation, and global exposure from early education.
Empowering Learners, Shaping Futures
Recognizing the current era of rapid technological change as a critical juncture for education, Dr. Amit Saxena shares his vision for Sparsh Group’s future direction. He states, “Our strategy is to continually upgrade the curriculum and align it with evolving corporate and societal needs.” While regulatory frameworks provide a foundation, Sparsh Group supplements these with practical skills and real-world experiences that resonate with industry demands. Dr. Saxena emphasizes that, “Placement is important, but our larger goal is to instill a passion for lifelong, adaptable learning rather than just awarding a degree.”
He further explains that Sparsh Group integrates skill-based, experiential learning and digital literacy from the earliest stages of education. This approach ensures that students remain competitive in a fast-changing job market. According to Dr. Saxena, “We aim to prepare students who are ready not only to enter the workforce but to innovate and create jobs in the future.”
Balancing Vision with Passion
Known for his enthusiasm for education, which is constantly invigorated through his engagement with young learners, Dr. Saxena attunes himself to fresh perspectives and evolving modes of communication. Juggling diverse responsibilities across K-12 education and the corporate sector, he effectively manages to maintain a balance between his professional commitments and family life. This balance is achieved through active involvement in meaningful discussions, extensive reading, and continuous idea generation. Such a dynamic and multifaceted approach enables him to adeptly handle the varied demands of his role while finding fulfillment both professionally and personally. His father, now 95 years old, resides with him, and his two children are currently pursuing their higher education, reflecting the integral blend of his personal and professional life.
Agility: The Key to Lasting Success
Dr. Amit Saxena strongly emphasizes the critical importance of agility in education. He highlights that as the pace of change accelerates, those institutions and leaders unwilling to adapt risk obsolescence. For education to remain relevant, it is essential to anticipate future industry needs and global shifts proactively.
Dr. Saxena underscores that fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation, both among educators and students, is extremely vital. He sees education not as a static goal but as an ongoing journey, where the willingness to evolve and embrace change becomes the key determinant of success.
