Richard Evans

Founder of The Profs

(Forbes 30 Under 30)

3 September 2019 5 Min Read

Richard Evans: Leader in Sustainable Business and Social Change

It’s a pleasure to introduce you to Richard Evans, whose passion for improving higher education led him to establish The Profs together with a group of academics and professional tutors. The Profs is UK’s largest tutoring service for university students, and it works as an online platform where struggling students are matched with tutors.

The Profs received many recognitions over the years, having been voted #1 by students on TrustPilot for four years in a row. In addition, for his hard work with The Profs, Richard landed a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe 2019: Social Entrepreneurs list.

It takes a lot to get there, you know. So, join me in hearing Richard’s story and his feelings about being a Forbes 30 Under 30 alongside World Cup winners and Spiderman!

The Logician

Hi Richard, and thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! Now, can you introduce yourself? Who is Richard Evans, and how did you choose your current career?

Richard Evans

Hi, I’m Richard and I’m passionate about improving higher education for everyone.

I always say that my career chose me; after university, I continued my passion — tutoring university students — and everything I’ve built in the years since has stemmed organically from that mission.

The Logician

That being said, do you mind telling us more about The Profs? How did you come up with the idea? Why is your business important?

Richard Evans

The Profs is proud to be the UK’s largest tutoring service for university students. We’ve been voted #1 by students on TrustPilot for 4 years in a row thanks to the amazing work of our tutors.

I left university as a tutor with a mission to help all university students reach their fullest potential. My brother, Leo, was a top-rated lecturer and financer who shared my passion for innovating the UK’s HE system. We banded together with a group of academics and professional tutors and The Profs was born.Today, we’ve supported thousands of students and saved hundreds of degrees.

The Logician

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and Rory for being among Forbes 30 under 30! Was this a dream come true for either one of you? What do you believe most contributed to this success of yours?

Richard Evans

Thanks so much. It was an unbelievable honor being listed along with World Cup winners and Spiderman!

I remember seeing the first Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2011 and just thinking how cool it would be to be on there one day.

It was even cooler getting the award for our services helping students. We were awarded the ‘Social’ category and this has actually led to the entire businesses focusing much more on our social responsibility and supporting students who would not previously have been able to afford our services.

One good deed leads to another, as they say.

The Logician

As a co-founder, what are you most proud of, when it comes to your business? How would you describe the working culture of your company in a few words?

Richard Evans

It’s got to be our customer reviews. It’s a treasure trove of inspiration for me!

If I ever want a quick motivational kick, I just flick through last week’s reviews and I get inspired by the amazing work and results that students achieve with the help of our amazing network and team.

The best thing is that every day it just gets bigger and better.

Perseverance + Excellence = The Profs

The Logician

When did you realize this is what you are ‘meant’ to do in life? Were there any? What can you advise anyone who still struggles to find themselves?

Richard Evans

I tell my students that it’s healthy to constantly question what you want to achieve in life. I certainly do!

After every major setback — and there have been more than a few over the years — I dig really deep and just throw myself into a single objective and commit everything I have physically, mentally and spiritually towards achieving that goal.

Recently this resulted in me pitching our new retention program and strategy to my team — which will help tens of thousands of students from dropping out of university each year.

After the presentation, I was buzzing and in love with the business again. This process regularly tests who I am, what I’m made of, and confirms my belief that this is what I’m meant to do with my life.

The Logician

Considering that your business revolves around education, do you think education is necessary for success? Why? Please explain.

Richard Evans

Yes, I do — but not necessarily formal education.

All the most successful people I’ve ever met constantly invest in themselves, adapt and learn new skills. This growth mindset is so important to cultivate from an early age, whether that’s through tutoring, music, sports, reading or getting involved with communities and exciting projects.

The UK has a very good education system for up to 21 years old, but I’d like to see more adult learning opportunities because people should never stop learning.

The Logician

How do you measure success? Do success and happiness have something to do with one another? Why?

Richard Evans

To me, success is achieving Aristotle’s Eudaimonia, which is a combination of happiness and a sense of fulfillment through achieving objectives.

If you can do work that you enjoy day-to-day that gives you purpose and achievement, you’re doing well.

Founding The Profs has challenged me in every way, and when I look back at the amazing things we’ve achieved over the past 5 years, it’s getting through the hardships that make it all the more fulfilling!

The Logician

Which are the best qualities/skills every person who wants to be successful should have? Please explain.

Richard Evans

A Growth Mindset (read: Carol Dweck’s Mindset!)
Courage
Perseverance
Empathy

The Logician

Where do you see yourself and The Profs in the next ten years? What are your plans?

Richard Evans

I want to take it to the next level.

For now, we are working with and around the university system, but I dream of setting up an affordable alternative to university that provides students with both the skillset and mindset to succeed in their chosen careers. Watch this space!

The Logician

In a few sentences, can you tell us what matters in life? What is the best advice you can give to anyone reading this interview?

Richard Evans

Set an objective, invest in yourself and everything else will follow.

The Logician

Thank you, Richard, for bringing quality education into the spotlight. I admire your work supporting struggling students and the social responsibility you aspire to achieve. I will follow along with The Profs’ journey, and I cannot wait to see you take the company to the next level! Finally, I wish you all the best in achieving your version of Aristotle’s Eudaimonia!

The Logician

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Richard Evans: Leader in Sustainable Business and Social Change

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