An active child with boundless energy and curiosity, Julien Barbier was often thrown out of his classrooms or required to attend detention. This resulted in shame and negative associations with the learning experience. As he made his way into adulthood, he knew he wanted to transform the education system and to create inclusive learning spaces for every kind of student. He says that he doesn’t regret those childhood experiences, as he believes his personal struggles have informed his contribution as co-founder of Holberton School and to the radical rebuilding of today’s educational system.

Barbier has been listed on Vanity Fair’s Future Innovator Index 2018 and was the winner of the EdTech Leadership Award 2017 for School Leader.

Education, Academic, Education Reform, Education Motivation, France, Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurs Leadership, Youth,