At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Jaspreet Sethi for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Jaspreet is an Entrepreneur and Founder of Hattennoki & Math with a Smile. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Jaspreet:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey in education has been deeply shaped by the values I grew up with in a household where both my mother and father played significant roles – one as a math teacher, the other as an architect, and both as benevolent do-gooders. From a young age, I was exposed to the transformative power of knowledge, as well as the consequences of its absence.
This early experience helped me understand that education is about much more than just securing a job. Through my mother’s and aunt’s battles with cancer, I learned the true meaning of humaneness and compassion. In school, I discovered how knowledge, mindfulness, persistence, and discipline can contribute to building a better society.
I pursued my Master’s in Mathematics Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where I gained the foundational tools to teach and draw inspiration from. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of roles – teaching computers to adults, mathematics to high school, and middle school learners, as well as serving as a department chair, where I learned the invaluable functions of teamwork and collaboration.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to teach, lead educational initiatives, and offer consulting services. I founded Math with a Smile, in the pandemic which eventually evolved into Hattennoki. I now focus on providing consulting services, sharing best practices, running programs in schools and corporates, and creating content in areas like mathematics, problem-solving, language and communication, and social-emotional learning (EQ). My goal is to empower learners, educators, leaders, and parents with the tools to nurture lifelong learning and to create and consume more sustainably.
My background in finance, international relations, mathematics and language, combined with my experience as both a follower and a leader, has been my biggest asset. It allows me to approach teaching from a multidimensional holistic perspective, integrating different domains in ways that engage learners and build a deeper understanding.
For example, in my EQ sessions, I often incorporate core math principles to demonstrate how logic, problem-solving, and emotional regulation can be linked. Whether it’s using the structure of mathematical patterns to explain the predictability of emotions or illustrating how persistence in solving a challenging math problem can mirror the persistence needed to overcome emotional setbacks, I show learners that the skills they develop in one area are positively correlated with those in others.
How did you discover your passion?
I discovered my passion for education through a mix of personal experiences and professional exposure. Growing up in an environment where knowledge and curiosity were nurtured, I saw firsthand how education could transform lives.
My math teacher mother was a big inspiration. However, my real passion for teaching mathematics emerged later, during my studies in economics and finance, where I realized how mathematics was not just about formulas and numbers, but about logical thinking and problem-solving. This realization sparked my desire to make math more accessible and engaging to learners who, like me in my early years, found it challenging.
Teaching allowed me to explore the complexities of educational outcomes and develop strategies to help learners grasp difficult concepts. It wasn’t just about conveying information but about helping children understand the why and how behind the learning. This shift in mindset has shaped the way I approach education, both for myself and others.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going, especially during tough times, is my family – my biggest support system comes in the form of my husband and child – my biggest cheerleaders.
My belief is that education can be a powerful tool for change. As a teacher, I’ve seen how transformative a single lesson or a small shift in mindset can be for a learner. That belief in a child’s potential or a human’s realization of change for the sake of growth is what motivates me through challenges.
Additionally, I’m deeply committed to my role as a parent and educator. As I homeschool my child and have worked with many children over two decades, I have witnessed firsthand the delicate balance between nurturing a child’s emotional needs and delivering educational content.
My experiences with children strengthen my resolve to continue shaping meaningful educational experiences for them, both in my own home classroom and in my consultancy work.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The value of continuous learning and learning from everyone – Learning is a lifelong process. Whether through formal education, personal reflection, or learning from those around you, there is always room for growth. This belief drives my commitment to both personal and professional development. I’ve enrolled in courses and programs throughout adulthood and motherhood, and I am still learning and reflecting on my experiences.
The importance of empathy, humility, and understanding – Whether in education, parenting, or leadership, the ability to listen, understand, and meet people where they are is crucial. Each person has a unique story, and acknowledging their struggles and strengths helps build stronger connections and better outcomes from all human interactions.
Early in my career, I wrote something for my students that I continue to live by: “If you are not the brightest, be the kindest; if you are the brightest, be the politest!
The power of collaboration yet solitude – Whether collaborating with colleagues, corporate teams, schools, parents, or learners, great things happen when we work together. The best educational experiences often result from strong partnerships where all parties contribute to the process of learning and improvement.
That said, I don’t rely on outsiders for approval and am very proud of being self-made. Of course, I still have many people to be grateful for in my life and learn from. My life experiences have taught me the value of taking charge of my own path and staying grounded – these are my greatest blessings.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Success, for me, lies in a combination of love for humanity and nature, persistence, discipline, and reflection. I believe that if you are deeply committed to making a positive change, even when it’s difficult, you will stick with it. It requires resilience to face setbacks, along with the humility and willingness to learn from mistakes.
In education, this means recognizing that success isn’t just about measurable outcomes; it’s about cultivating lifelong curiosity, engagement, and a passion for enhancing the status quo.
For example, when I developed my math game Yonjuu, I had my doubts about whether it would be successful. However, I was also self-aware and had received enough validation over the years, through my work, that what I was creating addressed many real challenges in learner engagement, number sense, problem-solving, and critical thinking for both young and seasoned minds.
Additionally, building strong relationships with a calm and inviting temperament – whether with family, friends, students, or colleagues – is vital to creating an environment where success can thrive. Sometimes, in this technical world, we can become robotic and mechanical.
I believe success is also about preserving our humanity – making positive impacts in the lives of others, helping them grow, and enabling them to reach their potential while we find our own footing.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice would be, first and foremost, to understand that there is no substitute for hard work. I have achieved everything through studying, seizing opportunities, and taking responsibility for my failures rather than blaming others – learning from all my experiences, heartbreaks, and mistakes instead.
Another piece of advice is to remain humane and avoid making assumptions or judgments about people. We are all shaped by our environment, and the notions of jealousy or condescension are outdated. Instead, learn from others or teach them how to be kind, rather than becoming bullies. Kindness will never go out of fashion!
Be curious and ask a lot of questions. Unless I ask, I wouldn’t know.
Embrace challenges and mistakes, because it’s only through failure that I learn what not to do. Failure is part of the process, and the lessons it brings are invaluable.
Build a network of people who support and inspire you, understanding that nutrition is not just about the food you eat – it’s also about the people in your life, the apps and channels on your screen, the creams on your skin, and the books on your shelf.
Seek mentors who will challenge you and help you realize your potential but don’t put anyone on a pedestal – we all have our flaws and quirks.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone.
In education and many other fields, the path is rarely linear. Success often involves continuous growth and adaptation. I didn’t plan to become a consultant – I once wanted to be a poet, a psychologist, a judge, an IFS officer, a detective, and even a front-desk manager. I’m not any of those things today, but I’ve drawn valuable lessons from each of those ambitions.
Be patient with yourself, and remember that success isn’t defined solely by where you end up, but by the learning, growth, and discoveries you encounter along the way.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey satisfying and exciting is the constant evolution of both myself and the world around me. In education, each new academic season, every school I partner with, every teacher I train, every student or parent I work with, every curriculum I design, every keynote I address, every challenge I face, and every opportunity to learn I receive brings a sense of excitement.
I’ve been fortunate to work with so many diverse communities – whether through my roles as a teacher, trainer, consultant, or parent – each experience contributes to my understanding of what makes education truly impactful.
When a child clears an exam with ease after much effort, when a parent sees a positive change in their child, when an employer witnesses growth in their institution, when a teacher learns how to engage her learners while checking off all the learning outcomes, I feel successful.
I preserve all my thank-you notes as medals, offering reaffirmation in my work.
The fact that I can help others discover the joy of learning and build lasting relationships with everyone I work with is what makes my journey so rewarding. As a lifelong learner, there’s always something new to explore, which keeps me energized and passionate about what I do.
Currently, I’m diving into the world of digital media, learning how to create meaningful digital content to connect with others in innovative ways. Embracing technology not only enhances my engagement and reach but also opens up new avenues for creativity and communication in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
