Embracing change has shaped Helen Lami’s journey into education and entrepreneurship. Discover how adaptability, resilience, and purpose have helped her navigate challenges and build Academic Summer into a global success.
Looking back over the past 25–30 years, I can see how much the world has changed. I remember my parents’ party line, where you could hear other people’s conversations when you picked up the phone. Then came fax machines, and later, my first BlackBerry – what an exciting moment it was to receive emails on a mobile phone! Fast forward to today, and we communicate instantly through WhatsApp, social media and AI-powered tools. Embracing change has been a key part of my journey, both personally and professionally and I have learned that adapting to new circumstances is essential for growth.
Embracing change in a new country
In the mid-1990s, I went on a mission to Albania, a country just emerging from communism. It was a place of great contrasts: daily power cuts, limited communication and a society rapidly adapting to new freedoms. I stood out as a foreigner, especially as a woman driving a minibus – something unheard of at the time. Learning the language was a challenge, but full immersion was the best teacher. Eventually, I was even dreaming in Albanian.
During my time there, Albania faced economic collapse due to failed pyramid schemes, plunging the country into chaos. At one point, I found myself in the middle of an armed uprising, trying to escape. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, but it taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability. It was here that I truly understood the power of embracing change – staying flexible and open to new possibilities even in uncertain situations.
Building a business through change
Returning to the UK, I pursued a career in international education, eventually becoming Head of International Marketing and Director of Summer School at a top boarding school. Over time, I realised there was a growing demand for high-quality academic summer programmes. That’s when I took a leap of faith and started Academic Summer in 2008.
At first, it was just me, balancing consulting work and building my business. But by 2010, we ran our first summer school, offering something different: a programme that combined academic excellence with personal growth. We embraced Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), empowering students to improve their English while studying subjects they were passionate about.
By 2019, Academic Summer had grown significantly, welcoming students from 59 nationalities. Then came Brexit, followed by the pandemic – two major disruptions that could have ended the business. But instead of giving up, we pivoted. We supported international boarding students who were stuck in the UK, ensuring they were safe and continuing their education.
That period reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience. Running a business isn’t just about financial success – it’s about adaptability, innovation, and being prepared for the unexpected. So embracing change has been at the heart of Academic Summer’s journey, allowing us to grow despite challenges.
Faith and purpose
Through every challenge, my faith has been my foundation. It has given me strength in difficult moments, guided my decisions and shaped my perspective on leadership and service. I believe that success is not just about personal achievement but about using our skills and experiences to help others. This belief has driven me to create opportunities for young people through education, helping them grow in confidence, knowledge and resilience. No matter what changes life brings, having a strong sense of purpose allows us to navigate uncertainty with courage and hope.
Preparing young people for the future
At Academic Summer, we’re passionate about equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Beyond academics, young people need resilience, creativity, problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. This is why we offer diverse pathways, from A-Level and IB preparation to career-focused camps in medicine, entrepreneurship and even robotics and coding.
We also see a shift in workplace attitudes. Young people today often lack confidence and resilience, but with the right mentorship, they can excel. At Academic Summer, we invest in our students and staff, helping them develop into well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a difference.
Embracing change is a key to success
Change is inevitable, but it’s also an opportunity. Whether it’s moving to a new country, starting a business, or adapting to new technology, embracing change has been key to my journey. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t about avoiding challenges – it’s about facing them head-on and growing from every experience.
At Academic Summer, we encourage our students to do the same: to be curious, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence in everything they do.
Helen Lami is a trailblazer in British summer school education and CEO of Academic Summer Ltd, founded in 2008. Renowned for its innovative approach, the organisation offers students from around the world a transformative educational experience.