REPOST: A new chapter…
Resigning as Co-CEO of Edrolo to focus on my health.
Dear Edrollers & Edrolo supporters,
After 12+ years working on Edrolo (formerly known as ToD/Tutor on Demand), with the support of Jeremy and Duncan (and others), I’ve made the extremely tough call to resign as Co-CEO of Edrolo.
This decision is one of the hardest I’ve had to make. However, at the same time, it feels like an easy decision. As many of you know, for the past 7 months I’ve been dealing with post-covid health issues. Prior to this, I took time off to support both my dad and sister as they each had their own health issues and, devastatingly, both passed away. It’s been the most challenging few years of my life, and the stress has taken a toll on my health. As it stands, I simply cannot give Edrolo what it deserves from a Co-CEO. I have tried, but it’s clear that it isn’t working; I need to focus on my health. And so, I will shortly depart from Edrolo as Co-CEO (though I will remain on the Board). I hope this will give you all the space and clarity you deserve to be able to continue our mission of improving education.
I want you to know that you are in the best hands possible with Jeremy and Duncan remaining as Co-CEOs, who will continue to guide the Edrolo rocket ship onwards & upwards with your combined effort and support. Edrolo also has an incredibly supportive investor base and Board of Directors who want to see Edrolo achieve its mission. Personally, I take a lot of comfort from this as I leave.
As I reflect upon how much we’ve achieved over 12+ years, a big smile takes over my face:
from the moment I shared an inkling of an idea with Jeremy and Duncan back in 2010;
to the very first set of conference calls (no video meetings back then!) with Duncan and Jeremy as we naively started to work on Edrolo;
to getting Kristy Kendall, Andrew Douch and other rockstar educators to take a chance on us;
to being the first non-technical co-founders to be accepted into the Startmate program in 2013 and going on to find the support of many high quality and genuinely kind investors to support our vision, including Niki Scevak from Blackbird and Daniel Petre from Airtree;
to long car trips in the early days, and getting to meet school leaders for the first time on what my memory tells me were very hot days in multiple cars without air conditioning;
to our unwavering support of students, teachers and schools leaders, especially during the COVID pandemic and via our work with the NSW Department of Education;
to growing to over 230 Edrollers across Australia and moving into an amazing EdroloHQ in the Melbourne CBD;
And, lastly, to all the amazing conversations and moments shared with you over the years at our strategy days, end of year celebrations, in the office, and the (OMG we finally did it) Gold Coast offsite of 2022.
I could keep going, but I will stop here.
As I wrap this letter up, please know that my decision comes after months of deliberation and trying to make my commitment to Edrolo fit in with my current health situation. Whilst it’s been a hard thing to accept, I’ve recently come around to acknowledging that there are many things outside of my control. That’s the valuable lesson I’d like to share with you, and hope that if you decide to explore this that it also brings peace and acceptance to some part of your life like it has to mine. Here is a fantastic quote on the topic:
“We control our reasoned choice and all acts that depend on that moral will. What’s not under our control are the body and any of its parts, our possessions, parents, siblings, children, or country—anything with which we might associate.”
— EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 1.22.10
I fundamentally believe the future is bright, and it’s especially brighter thanks to everything you pour into your working lives at Edrolo. I know how you all work hard to serve our clients, to improve the educational outcomes of young people across Australia, and soon abroad, so that they can go on to lead happy, purposeful and fulfilling lives. I can’t wait to see where you all take Edrolo into the future, and I want to take this opportunity to gently remind you to keep having fun along the way!
Thank you for allowing me the honour to work with you, and for joining Jeremy, Duncan and I on the Edrolo rocket ship.
Onwards & upwards,
Ben
PS. I will remain as an engaged Board Member, so I’ll be keeping tabs on how Edrolo progresses from here :)
PPS. Here’s a little more insight into my personal battles of late. Please know that I have multiple support mechanisms in place, and have an extremely supportive wife (thanks Heidi!), family and friends.
<<Trigger warning>>
The below relates to loss, grief, physical and mental health, so please stop reading from here if you need to).
So, here goes…
It's been a very rough ~3.5 years:
2019 = the unexpected loss of my sister after a 4 month “battle” with pancreatic cancer
2020 = dealing with grief + COVID lockdowns + homeschooling
2021 = my dad was diagnosed with an incurable lung disease (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). I became one of his carers and watched him gradually deteriorate. Increasing back pain from an old injury.
2022 = dad passed away in March. I finally got back surgery on 1st June. Contracted COVID in July and developed pericarditis (inflammation of the sack around the heart). Since then, I have had recurring post-pericarditis inflammatory issues that are still under investigation. There is no clear answer as to what is going on; I can do very little before I start feeling very sick. Needless to say, my mental health has been challenged these past few years and this is undoubtedly contributing to my poor physical health. I see a counsellor monthly, and am grateful I have the ability to do so.
This is not a callout for help. I wanted to share what has been going on to help you understand why I have come to this decision. I also hope this encourages anyone dealing with physical or mental health issues to reach out to your loved ones and/or relevant health professionals for support. That includes me - I’m here if you want to talk.