M/A Business: Award Winning Entrepreneur Bartek Ogonowski on Building a Global EdTech Platform, LEVRA

When I spoke with Bartek Ogonowski, the conversation didn’t centre on technology in the way most startup discussions do. Instead, it kept returning to people -  how they learn, how they adapt, how they grow, and how businesses succeed when they remember that human skills sit at the core of every transformation. Bartek’s journey, which began in South Africa and led him into global entrepreneurship, is a powerful example of what happens when ambition is paired with intention. His path into the education technology space was not driven by trend-chasing, but by a clear understanding of a growing gap in the modern workforce: while technology continues to evolve at speed, the human skills required to navigate change are often left behind. As the founder of Levra, a company operating at the intersection of EdTech and HRTech, Bartek is building technology that doesn’t replace people, but strengthens them.

 

Levra focuses on teaching soft skills - empathy, communication, adaptability, resilience - through innovative digital solutions designed for organisations and corporate teams. In a world obsessed with automation, this human-first approach feels both necessary and overdue.​Throughout our conversation, Bartek emphasised that empathy and emotional connection are irreplaceable. No matter how advanced technology becomes, people still need to feel understood, supported, and capable. Digital transformation, he explained, is most powerful when it enhances human capability rather than stripping it away. For founders building in tech-driven industries, this distinction is critical. Education played a formative role in Bartek’s journey. He spoke candidly about the value of his MBA - not as a status symbol, but as a tool that expanded his worldview, sharpened his strategic thinking, and opened doors to global networks. Yet, just as important as formal education was his willingness to adapt culturally as he moved into new markets.

 

Global growth, Bartek shared, requires humility - the ability to listen, learn, and respect local contexts while maintaining a clear sense of purpose. Trust emerged as one of the most defining themes of our discussion. Whether securing funding, building partnerships, or working with enterprise clients, Bartek believes trust is foundational. It isn’t built through promises or projections, but through consistency, transparency, and alignment of values. Investors and clients, he noted, don’t just back ideas - they back people they believe in.

Building Levra also required a deep understanding of risk. Bartek was clear that entrepreneurship demands honest self-assessment, particularly when it comes to personal and financial exposure. Grit and resilience are essential, but so is sustainability. Long-term success, he explained, cannot come at the cost of health, balance, or clarity of mind.

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At the heart of Levra is a mission-driven team - people united by the belief that human skills matter and that education must evolve to meet the realities of modern work. Bartek sees culture not as a by-product of success, but as its foundation. Teams that understand why they are building are better equipped to navigate uncertainty, pressure, and change. What also stood out was Bartek’s emphasis on community and connection. Networking, mentorship, and peer support were not portrayed as optional extras, but as essential components of the founder journey. Recognition and awards, while not the goal, served as moments of validation - signals that the work was resonating beyond internal circles. For founders reading this, Bartek’s story offers a grounded perspective on what it truly means to build in today’s world. Global expansion requires local understanding. Technology must serve people, not overshadow them. Human skills remain essential across every culture and market. And meaningful businesses are rarely built overnight - they are shaped through patience, purpose, and persistence.

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In an era defined by rapid innovation, Bartek Ogonowski’s journey is a reminder that the most enduring companies are built by founders who stay human at the centre of everything they do. That is not just a business strategy - it is a leadership philosophy, and one worth carrying forward. My conversation with Bartek is now live on The Global Business Podcast, have a Watch or a Listen.