In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I sit down with Yasmin Khan, founder and principal consultant of Yasmin Khan Consulting Services. Yasmin discusses her journey from a career civil servant in various levels of government to becoming an entrepreneur. She shares insights about her passion for libraries and knowledge management, the influence of COVID-19 on her career decisions, and her deep interest in emerging technologies such as AI. Yasmin emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, critical thinking, and staying curious. She also reflects on her childhood experiences in libraries and the impact of teachers, including her brother, on her learning journey.

I met Yasmin when we were both participant’s in The Forum’s E-Series Program – an intensive online education program in business and entrepreneurship. The Forum is a national charity that helps self-identifying women, non-binary & trans-femme entrepreneurs activate, access, and grow the wisdom, financial, and community capital that is needed to achieve and sustain each individual’s vision of success. She and I were in a number of breakout groups together and I was inspired by her positive energy, drive, and curiosity. 

Yasmin is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Yasmin Khan Consulting Services which delivers research and strategic planning to provide the value of insight and knowledge for organizations to reposition themselves competitively in a continuously changing economic and market landscape. 

She is a seasoned expert in information strategy with over two decades of experience in library science and knowledge management. Yasmin isn’t your average professional. She’s navigated through various levels of government, from municipal to provincial, skillfully orchestrating two libraries and information centers along the way. Yasmin’s influence stretches beyond the bureaucratic sphere through her adept management of large-scale projects and transformative change initiatives. Whether it’s implementing innovative service models or leading complex government procurement processes, her track record speaks volumes. Yasmin’s passion doesn’t stop at project management. She thrives on the cutting edge, bridging the gap between technology and client needs. Acting as a liaison between software vendors and her employers, Yasmin leverages technology to streamline workflows and deliver maximum value to her clients.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Yasmin is deeply passionate about emerging technologies, particularly AI. She’s also committed to promoting diversity and women’s entrepreneurship, actively participating in initiatives like The Forum to empower women in business. 

Yasmin has a Bachelor’s of Arts with Honours in English and a Master’s of Information Studies with a specialization in Library Science both from the University of Toronto. She also has a Master’s of Science in Information and Knowledge Strategy from Columbia University. In her spare time, Yasmin enjoys traveling, taking art classes, being a voracious reader, and being curious about anything and everything.

Listen in as we talk about:

04:36: Yasmin’s story

08:30: Embracing life’s journey

09:50 Teaching and learning in entrepreneurship

13:53 Yasmin’s relationship with libraries

18:32 The evolving role of libraries

21:43 Artificial intelligence in education

26:02 The future of learning

26:55 The power of experiential learning

32:23 The heart of learning

38:03 Yasmin’s future learning aspirations

42:01 Yasmin’s words of wisdom

Connect with Yasmin:

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• Website: https://www.yasminkhanconsulting.com/
  
• Instagram: @yasmin.maven
  
• Facebook: @yasmin.maven
  
• LinkedIn: Yasmin Khan
  

Connect with Tiana:

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• Website: https://tianafech.com
  
• LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
  
• Instagram: @tianafech 
  
• Facebook: @tianafech 
  
• Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course 
  

Yasmin opens up about how facing illness in loved ones has reshaped her perspective on life, prompting her to pursue her passions more boldly. She reflects on the realization that life is short and emphasizes the importance of taking action instead of merely dreaming. Yasmin candidly discusses the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with her desire for flexibility, acknowledging the fears and risks that come with stepping into entrepreneurship. Her journey is not just about business; it’s about forging connections and creating a fulfilling life that aligns with her true self. Don’t wait for the perfect moment – embrace the journey and make your passions a priority today.

Yasmin redefines the role of libraries as vital innovation hubs rather than mere repositories of information. She highlights how these spaces foster community connections through programs like book clubs and maker spaces, allowing people to come together in meaningful ways. Yasmin emphasizes that libraries bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology and resources for those who may not have them at home, creating an inclusive environment where learning and creativity thrive. She believes that libraries are essential for activating information and inspiring collaboration, proving that they remain central to our communities in an increasingly digital world. Libraries are not just about books; they’re about building connections and igniting innovation.

“The next innovation seems to be just around the corner.”

Yasmin explores the exciting landscape of emerging technologies in education, highlighting how applications like Google and Microsoft’s AI tools are transforming daily learning experiences. She delves into the potential of physical automation, noting the rise of smart appliances and wearable technology, and how these innovations could reshape society. Yasmin expresses her curiosity about the unknowns ahead, emphasizing that while we may not yet fully grasp the future’s possibilities, the next wave of innovation is just around the corner. The evolution of technology in education is fast-paced, and the future holds endless opportunities for learning and growth.

Yasmin advocates for experiential learning, emphasizing its vital role in education. She shares her own impactful experiences, like her capstone project at Columbia, highlighting how hands-on activities, such as practicums and field trips, foster deep engagement and understanding. Yasmin believes that learning should start with experience rather than theory, encouraging educators to flip the traditional teaching model. By immersing students in real-world situations, they not only develop essential skills like teamwork and adaptability but also cultivate a genuine curiosity about the subjects they study. Learning by doing ignites passion and enhances comprehension, making education more meaningful and relevant.

“Close the textbook for a minute and just relate to each other.”

Yasmin reflects on the profound influence of her older brother as a key figure in her learning journey. His curiosity about the universe sparked meaningful conversations that shaped her understanding of the world. Yasmin emphasizes that the best teachers aren’t always in formal classrooms; they can be family members, friends, or mentors who challenge us and foster our growth. She shares memorable experiences from her education, highlighting how empathy and personal connections from teachers can transform learning into a supportive and engaging experience. Ultimately, Yasmin’s journey reminds us that education is not just about grades—it’s about the relationships and community that enrich our lives. Embrace the connections in education; they make the journey truly rewarding.

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• What is something that you would love to learn about or something that you would love to learn how to do? Be a better artist
  
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  What is a book, podcast, movie or TV show that you have learned from recently? Documentary TV series: 100 Foot Wave

  
  
  
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  If you could sit down and have a conversation with someone that you would love to learn from, who would it be? Elanor Roosevelt

  
  
  

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Today’s episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency’s founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.