Ryan has been teaching and coaching in Japan since 2002. After starting his career at NOVA, Japan’s largest English conversation school, he founded his own school in 2008 to provide learners with personalized, high-quality education that larger institutions couldn’t offer. Today, he successfully operates his educational services business, Accent Language, [https://accent-language.com/] powered by Loka the Living Textbook.

Over the past two decades, Ryan has learned that educators thrive with the autonomy to price their services based on their unique skills and value, fostering a win-win environment for educators and learners. While this flexibility empowers educators and enhances personalized learning, it requires support—such as pricing guidelines, accessibility measures, and quality assurance—to ensure fairness and inclusivity for all.

This philosophy inspired Loka, a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform co-developed by Ryan and Prashant since 2014. Unlike traditional platforms, Loka the Living Textbook empowers educators with autonomy while accelerating learning through AI-integrated tools.

Loka’s Vision
Loka’s mission is to align education with individual potential, starting from a young age. By helping students identify and nurture their unique talents, Loka prepares them for fulfilling and engaging careers, addressing critical gaps in today’s educational and workforce systems.

The Meaning Behind Loka
The name Loka draws inspiration from the Sanskrit word लोक (loka), meaning “world” or “realm,” reflecting our vision to create a global learning platform. Paired with linguistic roots in the Latin “lingua” (language), Loka embodies the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. As we evolved, “Loka” expanded to represent both a The Living Textbook and The Learning Companion [coming soon], operating across diverse educational realms. This transformation underscores our commitment to bridging cultures, connecting learners worldwide, and delivering an inclusive, intelligent, and innovative educational experience.

Why Loka Matters
1. Early Education Impact: Research shows that early career development activities help students align their education with future employment goals, leading to better career outcomes[1]. Loka’s focus on early education ensures students cultivate their talents from the start.

2. Workforce Alignment: The OECD highlights the importance of aligning education with workforce needs to address skill mismatches and prepare students for the demands of the modern job market[2]. Loka’s tailored approach equips students with the skills required for today’s economy.

3. Talent Nurturing: Studies show that career satisfaction stems from aligning work with personal interests and skills[3]. Loka’s emphasis on unique talents fosters fulfillment and engagement in future employment.

4. Addressing Employee Disengagement: Globally, only 23% of employees feel engaged at work, with disengagement costing businesses billions annually[4]. Loka’s holistic approach to education helps students develop not only job-ready skills but also a sense of purpose, preparing them for meaningful and engaging careers.

In summary, Loka’s vision is both timely and transformative, bridging the gap between education, personal growth, and workforce demands to create a future where individuals thrive in careers they love.

Citations:
[1] OECD: Aligned Ambitions [https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/aligned-ambitions-how-t...]
[2] OECD: Skills for Jobs [https://www.oecd.org/employment/skills-for-jobs/]
[3] European Commission: Career Development [https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/eafa-mem...]
[4] Gallup: State of the Global Workplace Report [https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-...]