Ankit’s Path to Success: Continuously Overcoming Challenges with Grit

Dr. Ankit Agarwal is a dedicated academic and community leader, currently serving as the Program Director and a lecturer in management at the University of Adelaide, South Australia. His journey to leadership has been shaped by diverse experiences, challenges, and an unwavering commitment to both personal and professional growth. At EliteX, we are proud to have Dr Ankit Agarwal as part of the edition: 10 Elite Business Leaders in 2025.


His path initially revolved around his dream of playing cricket for his native country, India. However, life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a severe leg injury while attempting to catch a robber in the late 1990s. This incident, followed by the loss of his grandparents two years later, led him to pursue higher education and cricket in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. Despite his passion and determination, the lack of citizenship prevented him from competing at the highest level. Nonetheless, he proudly represented North Kildare County for three years before relocating to Kent and Charlton in the UK. Recognizing that his cricket aspirations might not materialize, he shifted his focus to entrepreneurship, founding OlivEn Enterprises, an eBook company that collaborated with global clients.

“The road was never easy, but giving up was never an option.”

His entrepreneurial journey was met with economic challenges and personal responsibilities, particularly concerning his parents’ health. These factors prompted a reassessment of his career path, leading him to Australia. He pursued a second master’s degree and later a PhD on a full scholarship from the University of Adelaide. Since 2016, he has been actively engaged in tutoring and lecturing, sharing his experiences with students and inspiring students to share theirs—an unexpected yet fulfilling transition in his professional journey. Ankit’s inspiration is not tied to a specific job or career but stems from his belief that happiness and the ability to share joy with others are the fundamental responsibilities of life. He continuously reflects on his actions, ensuring that they bring positivity to himself and those around him. He draws inspiration from various leaders and cultural icons but remains focused on his journey of self-discovery.

Throughout his career, Ankit has learned that his primary responsibility is to himself. By maintaining self-awareness and understanding the impact of his actions on others, he has been able to navigate personal and professional obligations effectively. He believes that societal norms often pressure individuals to conform, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being. Instead of seeking validation from others, he emphasizes the importance of defining one’s own values while ensuring that one’s actions do not create difficulties for others in their pursuit of growth and continuous development. He strives to leave people with a smile and constantly evaluates his interactions to foster positivity.

In an era dominated by social media and artificial intelligence (AI), Ankit stays ahead of trends in the education industry by focusing on meaningful contributions rather than rankings or conventional measures of success. He believes that AI and social media should be integrated into teaching and learning rather than viewed as threats against continuous development of students and academics alike. By designing systems that incorporate these advancements ethically, students can gain a deeper understanding of their applications and implications. His approach to staying current involves actively seeking student feedback, engaging in discussions with peers, and continuously refining his teaching methodologies by evaluating trends that other schools of thought experiment with. He believes that universities should embrace a reflective approach to education, encouraging academics to evolve alongside their students.

“Success isn’t about not failing but knowing that failure is part of life and rising stronger each time is an opportunity.”

Challenges have been a constant part of Ankit’s journey, whether financial struggles, career transitions, or personal setbacks. He views challenges as universal and believes that addressing them proactively rather than stressing over them leads to growth through inner peace. By acknowledging that struggles are an inherent part of life, he has developed a mindset that allows him to navigate difficulties with resilience and comfort. His leadership philosophy revolves around understanding the root causes of challenges and implementing iterative solutions.

One of the most impactful decisions in his academic career was representing the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law, and Economics in the Republic of China. Despite initial concern due to cultural and language barriers, his interactions with students he taught at the University, and subsequent interactions with potential students residing in China, agents and partner educational institutions led to increased admissions and strengthened the university’s international presence. He rightly acknowledges how his team at the University of Adelaide became his biggest strength in being successful in China. This experience reinforced his belief in stepping out of his comfort zone and embracing new opportunities and working alongside like-minded people who believe in bringing better opportunities to students’ learning and development.

Ankit approaches motivation with a unique perspective, believing that no one can really motivate another person. Instead, motivation is driven by intrinsic factors and personal circumstances. He loves discussing thought leaders like Abraham Maslow, Clayton Alderfer, David McClelland, Victor Vroom, Stacy Adams, and so on, focusing on authenticity, ensuring that he remains true to himself in all situations. His leadership style emphasizes creating a psychosocially safe environment where team members feel comfortable expressing themselves knowing that ideas might be critiqued but not people presenting them. By fostering open dialogue and psychosocial safety, he enables individuals to grow intellectually and contribute meaningfully. Innovation plays a crucial role in Ankit’s contributions to academia. While large institutions like the University of Adelaide rely on collective efforts for success, he believes that small-scale innovations in course development, student feedback mechanisms, and teaching and learning methodologies significantly impact students’ overall learning experiences. He values intellectual capital growth through external partnerships and collaborative efforts, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. After all, students teach Ankit much more than what he would teach himself from reading academic papers.

In his interactions with students, Ankit prioritizes relationship-building by sharing his failures and reflections. He developed the Student-Centric Experiential Learning (SCEL) framework, which allows students to engage with course concepts through personal experiences, especially reflecting on their familial experiences, rather than rote memorization. This approach is published in reputed conferences and book chapters. SCEL creates a dynamic learning environment where students actively participate and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. He believes that education should not only impart knowledge but also equip students with practical tools to navigate life’s uncertainties. He says, “education should extend beyond the confines of a classroom. It must become tacitly ingrained in students, allowing them to apply knowledge naturally across all aspects of life.”

“Every challenge I faced became a stepping stone to something greater.”

When it comes to leadership qualities, Ankit acknowledges that leadership exists in various forms—whether in corporate settings, among public figures, or within local communities. He believes that great leaders do not seek power but rather guide others toward growth and intellectual development. A key quality of effective leadership is creating a socially safe environment where individuals feel psychologically safe by being valued and heard. He also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, recognizing that personal sacrifices may be necessary for the good of people involved. This includes being available for people who are in “need” and require genuine support. Managing stress and maintaining well-being are essential aspects of Ankit’s leadership approach. He views stress not as a negative force but as a motivator for addressing challenges. He actively monitors his health and acknowledges the factors that contribute to stress in his life. He believes that we often overlook stress, deceiving ourselves because we perceive it as a failure in its own right. Balancing his professional responsibilities with personal commitments, including his involvement in multiple organizations, he relies on his reflective ability to assess his mental strength and actions, ensuring they are aligned with the decisions he makes. He acknowledges the support of his loved ones to maintain this balance. He believes that taking care of oneself is not an act of selfishness but a prerequisite for positively influencing others. He says, “if my flask is empty, I am in no position to quench others’ thirst.”

Ankit’s journey is a testament to adaptability, resilience, and continuous growth. His experiences in sports, entrepreneurship, academia, corporates, and community service have shaped his perspective on leadership and personal fulfilment. He is involved in various organizations, serving as the incoming Secretary at the Rotary Club of Adelaide, Director of DreamCricket to bring the game of cricket to children with special needs, Founding Member of the Human Intelligence Movement focusing on ethical AI and transformative learning, and Vice President of the Friends of the Library to enhance access to libraries. Additionally, he has joined the South Australian State Emergency Services, showcasing his commitment to community service. Now Ankit is focused on creating an organization where he could make education free for all through his educational videos which people across the world can access and reach him. Through his work, he remains committed to fostering positive change, both within the university and the broader community, ensuring that his contributions leave a lasting impact and are focused on his intellectual growth and the development of others.