Meet Tarlon Khoubyari | Chief Marketing Officer of ∞edu

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tarlon Khoubyari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tarlon, how do you think about risk?
As a founder, I feel like we have a very intimate relationship with risk-taking. It’s part of the unofficial job description. Risk-taking is very uncomfortable but as founders, we actively choose to pursue it because the journey and the outcome is worth it in the end. Whether or not you expected things to unfold the way they did, you always gain something from it. It’s a tough decision to make and I will say a privileged one. Not everyone can afford to make the same types of risks but its part of the process of taking a chance on your life and what you’re trying to build.

For me personally, it has always been worth it. I think I actively choose to take the risk because I never want to live life worrying that I didn’t maximize an opportunity or that I missed out on something based on fear or anything like that. As chaotic and uncomfortable risk-taking is, I highly encourage people to do the things that scare them because you will inherently benefit from it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Right now we are in a very unique and transformative time in tech. Truly, it is the best time to be building a startup or working on an idea.

Education has been a huge passion of mine since I was a little kid and when I took my first programming class at 15 my eyes were opened. I saw an entirely new world of builders and problem solvers but none that I felt like I could identify with. At 15 (like most people), I thought tech was this one-dimensional job — programming for 10 hours a day and then you go home. When in reality, it’s so much more creative and dynamic that that.

Building ∞edu is a testament to the multi-dimensional nature of the tech world but providing learners access through the brands they know and love.

What I want people to take away from my journey is that if you don’t fit in traditional molds, it’s okay. School and traditional pathways of education weren’t for me and I felt bad for that for a long time. When in reality, you have a lot of agency over the types of education and career paths you can pursue. People just aren’t aware of it or don’t have access to it which is why we are building ∞edu to solve for that.

So I encourage folks to always choose the unconventional path because you learn so much about yourself in the process. It’s never going to be easy but it will always be worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Showing people my favorite spots is my favorite thing to do! So here are my picks on places to eat + explore in SF. The city is super walkable so it’s best to be done on foot.

Breakfast – Mamas on Washington, Jane the bakery, Sweet Maple
Lunch – Souvla, Dumpling home, Turners kitchen
Drinks – Santeria, Beehive, Horse Feather
Dinner – Foreign Cinema, Daeho, Piqueos, Santeria

Things to Do:
– hang out in Dolores or Alamo Square Park
– walk/bike through Golden Gate Park
– check out the sunset at Hawk Hill or ocean beach
– quick hikes: Sutro Baths, Tank Hill, Corona Heights, Buena Vista

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I can shoutout — this is tough.

I want to shoutout my co-founder, Naomi Thomas. This is our second venture together and I’ve known her for 8 years. Over this time, we have both evolved from cities to phases of life and It’s been an incredible journey to be on together. Naomi is an incredible leader, friend, and energy to build with and of course, I love her so so much.

Another group I want to mention is Launch House. In the time we were all living together, I never felt so seen and understood as a founder. That community is so impactful, supportive, and energizing. I’ve met some of my closest friends through this community.

I feel really lucky in that my close family and friends really encourage me to take risks and pursue this journey. As much as it sounds crazy or chaotic (at times) they are so loving and supportive. I wouldn’t be where I am without that grounding support.

Website: infinityedu.io

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techytk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TarlonKhoubyari