IWD 2025 - Dr Damla Khan (Weekend MBA 2022)

What has been your journey since you left Imperial and how did studying for your MBA at Imperial help in your career?

Since leaving Imperial, my journey has been deeply rooted in entrepreneurship. During my MBA, I had the opportunity to explore the startup world and gained significant experience working on Selfily, a digital health app that our team developed as part of the Entrepreneurial Journey module. The lessons I learned from that experience - about product development, business strategy, and the realities of launching a startup - have been invaluable.

I’ve applied those insights directly to founding Brainsteins, where we’re creating innovative learning experiences for young people, and now to developing TynkerByte, an edtech platform I’m currently building.

Beyond the business and entrepreneurship knowledge gained from the MBA, Imperial has expanded my network in ways that have been both professionally and personally beneficial. Most importantly, it helped me become comfortable with being uncomfortable - a crucial mindset for any entrepreneur navigating the challenges of building something new.

Can you tell us more about your company, Brainsteins?

Brainsteins is an education-focussed company committed to delivering innovative learning experiences for children and young adults. Our flagship programme, the KidsMBA, is recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the 'five leading global programmes supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.' Designed for kids aged 11-15, it provides a valuable head start in the business world by equipping them with essential entrepreneurial skills. We are continuously building on our offerings to include more resources that help young learners gain essential skills in today’s fast paced world!

What have you found the biggest challenge and the most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?

One of the biggest challenges as an entrepreneur is navigating uncertainty. Unlike traditional career paths, where there is often a clear trajectory, entrepreneurship requires you to embrace the unknown, make tough decisions with limited information, and adapt quickly. Whether it’s securing funding, finding the right team, or ensuring product-market fit, every stage presents new obstacles.

At the same time, the most rewarding aspect has been seeing the direct impact of my work. With Brainsteins, I’ve had the privilege of helping young people develop entrepreneurial skills and confidence early in life. Seeing a child go from believing business isn’t for them to presenting innovative ideas and thinking like an entrepreneur is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that I’m contributing to shaping the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders makes all the challenges worthwhile.

You seem to have a very interesting dual between Scotland and Singapore: have you been able to attend any events since you graduated?

Despite splitting my time between Scotland and Singapore, I frequently attend Imperial events in Singapore. These events provide a great opportunity to meet fellow alumni, build new collaborations, and stay updated on the latest developments in business, technology, and entrepreneurship. Being part of such a dynamic and supportive network reinforces the strong foundation that Imperial provided, and I truly appreciate the ongoing connection.

As we mark International Women’s Day, how can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship in their careers?

Encouraging more women to pursue entrepreneurship starts with embedding the foundations of entrepreneurial thinking at an early age. Working with kids as young as 11, I have seen first-hand how business education and access to entrepreneurial learning can transform the way they think. Many young people assume they won’t need to consider business because they don’t see themselves as future entrepreneurs - but the reality is, you never know where your path will lead.

I am a neuroscientist by training, yet my journey took an unconventional turn into entrepreneurship. Whether you aspire to work in medicine, mathematics, or any other field, understanding business and entrepreneurship is essential. If nothing else, we are all consumers - so why not be smart ones?

This mindset shift needs to start early. Entrepreneurship education should be integrated into classrooms, discussed at home, and reinforced through enrichment programs. By normalizing business and entrepreneurial thinking from a young age, we can empower more women to see it as a viable and exciting career path.

Are there any female role models who have inspired you professionally?

It may be a cliché, but my mother has been my biggest inspiration—both personally and professionally. Growing up, I watched her navigate her career, education, and motherhood with excellence in all areas, and because of that, I saw it as completely normal. She never made me feel that being a woman could in any way limit what I could aspire to or achieve.

Her ability to balance it all with grace and determination built the foundation for my own confidence and ambition. As I continue to evolve and grow, I know I can pursue my goals because I have that strong foundation. She is, simply put, par excellence.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?

I am early in my journey but my biggest advice to an aspiring entrepreneur is to embrace uncertainty and take action. There is never a 'perfect' time to start, and you will never have all the answers—but progress comes from doing, learning, and iterating.

Surround yourself with the right people—mentors, advisors, and a strong network can make all the difference. Entrepreneurship can be challenging, and having a support system helps you navigate the highs and lows.

Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and the ability to adapt, pivot, and keep pushing forward is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart.

Most importantly, stay connected to your 'why.' Entrepreneurship is a long journey, and having a clear purpose will keep you motivated through the challenges and setbacks.

You are a part of Imperial Entrepreneur’s Pledge – thank you! Why is this such an important scheme for you to be a part of?

Being part of the Imperial Entrepreneur’s Pledge is incredibly important to me because it’s a way to give back to the ecosystem that played a pivotal role in my entrepreneurial journey. Imperial provided me with the knowledge, network, and opportunities that helped shape my path, and I want to ensure that future entrepreneurs have access to the same support. By being part of this scheme, I hope to contribute to fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders, just as others have done for me. It’s about building a cycle of support and opportunity, and I’m proud to be a part of it.