enParadigm: John Cherian on Revolutionizing Corporate Learning through Gamification
Traditional corporate training often feels like a checklist—passive, predictable, and quickly forgotten. John Cherian, Co-founder of enParadigm, is on a mission to replace that model with something far more engaging: the "Power of Experience." By creating gamified simulations that mimic real-world business challenges, enParadigm is helping leaders and managers practice high-stakes decision-making in a safe, digital environment, ensuring that learning actually translates into performance.
John’s transition from a top-tier corporate role at Infosys and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad was driven by a fundamental question: Why is business education so disconnected from business reality? "We are taught through textbooks, but business is lived through experience," John reflects. In 2010, he launched enParadigm to bridge this gap, leveraging technology to create immersive learning platforms that allow users to "fail fast and learn faster."
The Problem: The 'Knowledge-Action' Gap
Many professionals know the theory of management but struggle with the application. enParadigm solves this by providing simulations where users must manage balance sheets, lead teams, and respond to market shifts. "A simulation is a mirror," John explains. "It shows you the consequences of your decisions in real-time, allowing you to build the 'muscle memory' needed for the real world."
Building a Sustainable Learning Culture
Scaling a learning-tech company in the B2B space requires more than just good software; it requires a deep understanding of organizational psychology. John and his team have spent over a decade working with leading Indian and global firms to align training with business outcomes. "Our success isn't measured by how many people use the app, but by how their decision-making improves on the job," he notes.
This focus on long-term impact allowed enParadigm to grow organically, building a reputation for high-quality, high-utility products. Whether it's training first-time managers or aligning senior leadership on a new strategy, the core philosophy remains the same: learning happens best when it is active, social, and challenging.
Hiring for the 'Why'
John’s approach to team building is rooted in finding people who are passionate about problem-solving. "In a startup, you don't just need people who can do the job; you need people who are interested in 'why' the job needs to be done," he says. He looks for individuals who can identify the core problems of a client and iterate through solutions with agility. This culture of empowerment has allowed enParadigm to maintain its innovative edge even as it scaled into one of India’s leading experiential learning companies.
John's Framework for Effective Learning
- Simulate the Reality: Don't just lecture. Create a safe space where managers can face the same pressures they face in the office.
- Feedback is Immediate: The best learning happens when the consequence of a decision is visible instantly.
- Align with Business Goals: Training must solve a specific organizational pain point, whether it's sales productivity or leadership transition.
- Empower the Individual: Give learners the freedom to explore different strategies and learn from their mistakes.
The Future of Corporate Education
Looking ahead, John sees gamification and AI playing an even larger role in personalizing the learning journey. As the pace of business accelerates, the need for "just-in-time" learning—where skills are acquired and applied in narrow, intense cycles—will become the norm. enParadigm is positioning itself to be the primary platform for this transition, continuing to push the boundaries of how we learn, lead, and succeed in the modern era.
enParadigm at a Glance
- Legacy: Over a decade of innovation in the Indian learning-tech space.
- Impact: Partnering with hundreds of leading global and Indian corporations.
- Focus: High-impact simulations for leadership, management, and sales.
About the Guest
John Cherian is the Co-founder of enParadigm. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and a former professional at Infosys, John is a visionary in the field of corporate education. He is dedicated to transforming how businesses approach talent development through the use of technology and behavioral science. John is a regular speaker at HR and tech conferences and is recognized for his role in building one of India's most successful experiential learning companies.
enParadigm is a leading experiential and gamified learning company that provides high-end business simulations and digital platforms for corporate training. By combining technology with deep pedagogical expertise, enParadigm helps organizations bridge the gap between knowledge and action, driving measurable improvements in performance and leadership across all levels.