Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family. In this sphere, educational services play a pivotal role. These offerings are a beacon of opportunity, ensuring every student receives the bespoke education they deserve. The objective of educational services is to deliver excellence in teaching, ensuring that the upcoming generation is not only informed but also intellectually astute. Versan Educational Services, situated in Jamaica, operates as an educational consultancy offering a range of services. These services encompass instructional sessions for SSAT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, ACT, and LSAT. Additionally, they extend consultation services to navigate and support students through the college/university selection and application procedures. Upasana Samtani, as Director of Versan Educational Services, Montego Bay, dedicates her efforts to mentoring students, aiding them in crafting a promising future and assisting them in achieving their goals for a stable and protected future. During an exclusive interview, Upasana shared personal glimpses into her daily routine, the motivations that led her to pursue this field, and her aspirations for the future.

Guide us through the foundational years of your life. What influential factors during your early stages played a pivotal role in shaping your character and identity?

I have been residing in Montego Bay, Jamaica for two decades since moving from India in 2001. I've held roles in management consulting, education, and currently, as an educational consultant. Originally from Coonoor, India, I excelled academically, pursuing Commerce at Providence College for Women and later, an MBA in Finance from the University of Leicester, UK. Holding  certifications from the Global Academy of Financial Management USA, I specialize in Corporate and International Finance. Presently, I operate a branch of Versan Educational Services in Montego Bay, preparing students for various exams and also offering corporate certifications. I collaborate with institutions to offer professional certifications, aiming to upskill middle and top management. Personally, I draw inspiration from influential women like Michelle Obama and Indra Nooyi, advocating for women's ability to balance multiple roles. I value reading and recommending books like 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama and 'My Life in Full' by Indra Nooyi. My upbringing, emphasizing education and financial independence, profoundly influenced my perspective. I am grateful for a supportive family, including my parents who’ve given me the wings to fly, my husband who has steadfastly supported my dreams and my son who gives me the motivation to dream even bigger.

Please acquaint us with Versan Educational Services. What specific areas do you concentrate on to propel the company's growth?

We are an established educational service provider located in Jamaica. The company was initiated by my business partner and mentor, Sandra Bramwell, around 25 years ago, focusing on educational consultancy. After gaining exposure to college preparation and consulting during my time in the US, I joined forces with Sandra. Currently, I oversee the Montego Bay office, working in collaboration with my dedicated team. As previously mentioned, our services encompass comprehensive preparation for a range of examinations, including SSAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and more. Additionally, we provide consultancy services to assist individuals in applying to diverse schools worldwide. We boast affiliations with approximately 3500 schools globally, facilitating placements for students in the US, UK, Canada, South America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Despite being based in Jamaica, we also maintain a strong online presence, enabling prospective clients to access our services digitally.

Shed some insight on the significant business hurdles you face while leading Versan Educational Services as the Director. How do you navigate and surmount these challenges?

Ensuring both efficiency and a high standard of services is crucial. Versan Educational Services, established almost 2 decades ago, has stood the test of time, signifying our effective operations. I firmly believe it's my duty to maintain the legacy of exceptional service associated with this esteemed organization. Quality and service are my prime focus- especially since we deal with the futures of aspiring individuals and hence strive to offer nothing less than the best. Personally, I emphasize doing what you love, turning work into a passion where it doesn't feel like a traditional job but an extension of oneself. Adapting during challenging times is vital. For instance, setting up our office in Montego Bay, during the pandemic was a significant challenge, but it pushed us to innovate. We've now implemented a dual approach, offering services both face-to-face and online. This approach has significantly expanded our reach, allowing us to cater to clients globally and conduct virtual classes for enhanced accessibility.

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How do you consistently ensure that you stay in sync with the developments and shifts in the ever-changing global business environment?

I firmly believe that continuous learning beyond formal education is essential to stay relevant in today's fastpaced world. Staying updated with current trends and scenarios is crucial to avoid becoming obsolete. To achieve this, I am actively engaged on various social media platforms, consistently sharing content about our services. Additionally, I am an avid reader, frequently consuming news from reputable sources like the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, India Today, and Forbes, both in print and online. Keeping an eye on innovative ideas, I ensure I discuss and collaborate with my team for their implementation.

Upasana Samtani, Director, Versan Educational Services

Upasana Samtani leverages her extensive international experience to bolster the growth of both large and medium-sized enterprises. She adeptly identifies their distinctive competitive edges and fortifies their market position by maximizing their unique selling propositions (USPs) through strategic policies. Upasana is enthusiastic about spearheading the Montego Bay branch of Versan Educational Services to become the foremost centre of academic excellence, particularly for individuals preparing to undertake competitive examinations as well as those seeking guidance in being placed at their dream schools.