Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey within a family business presents unique avenues and obstacles. For Anne Huntington, now President and Board Member of Huntington Learning Center, this path has been one of deliberate growth and profound impact. Her story isn’t just about climbing the ranks; it’s about deeply understanding and expanding the mission of Huntington Learning, a name synonymous with personalized education and student success for decades.
Anne’s ascent within Huntington Learning Center was strategically planned. Recognizing the value of external experience, she first honed her skills outside the family business before formally joining. Starting as a consultant, she immersed herself in every facet of the company, from direct student interaction in centers nationwide to collaborative projects with various departments. This comprehensive approach ensured she grasped the nuances of Huntington Learning from the ground up. Interestingly, her journey with Huntington began much earlier, as a student benefiting from their programs – a testament to the center’s lasting impact across generations. This organic rise through the organization has fostered a deeply collaborative leadership style, supported by a dedicated and talented team.
The mission of Huntington Learning Center is powerfully simple yet profoundly impactful: to provide every student with the best possible education. This vision, established in 1977 by Anne’s parents, has been the unwavering foundation of the company. For Anne, this mission is more than a corporate statement; it’s ingrained in her DNA. Huntington Learning addresses a critical need in education by focusing on the individual student. Their unique approach lies in crafting individualized programs that not only impart academic skills but also cultivate confidence and motivation. This personalized methodology is what sets Huntington apart, consistently delivering tangible results and making a real difference in students’ lives. The ability to positively alter a student’s trajectory by fulfilling this core mission is the most rewarding aspect of Huntington Learning’s undertaking.
In her role as President, Anne’s most transformative contribution has been injecting a startup mentality into a well-established, 43-year-old company. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst, demanding rapid adaptation and innovation. As a leader navigating the “COVID-19 era,” Anne spearheaded the collaborative re-envisioning of Huntington Learning’s legacy and programs. This proactive approach ensured the company’s resilience and continued mission fulfillment, regardless of external challenges. This period of transformation highlighted the importance of agility and forward-thinking in maintaining relevance and effectiveness in the ever-evolving education landscape.
One of the most significant challenges Anne faced was overcoming mindset limitations. This intangible yet powerful obstacle required shifting from traditional approaches to embrace innovative solutions. To navigate this, she championed disruption, fostered collaboration, and prioritized clear and confident communication. This experience underscored the importance of adaptability and a growth mindset in leadership, particularly when steering an organization through change and towards continued success.
Looking back, Anne wishes she had placed even greater trust in her intuition earlier in her career. She recognizes the power of gut feelings and the value of heeding one’s inner voice when making critical decisions. This insight is a valuable lesson for any aspiring leader – to balance data-driven analysis with the often-underestimated wisdom of intuition.
Beyond her professional life, Anne’s adventurous spirit is noteworthy. She embraces challenges and new experiences, exemplified by her willingness to try almost anything, including skydiving – a testament to her fearless approach to life and leadership.
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the education sector, and Huntington Learning Center was no exception. School closures in March forced the temporary shutdown of physical locations nationwide. However, Huntington Learning swiftly transitioned its core services online, ensuring uninterrupted support for students. This rapid pivot was crucial, as the learning loss due to pandemic-related disruptions posed a significant threat to students’ academic progress. The increased need for academic support underscored Huntington Learning’s vital role in bridging educational gaps, both in physical centers and through online platforms.
This period demanded significant pivoting. When state mandates necessitated the closure of physical centers, Huntington Learning rapidly moved its programs online, prioritizing the integrity of their proven methodology. Working tirelessly, they developed systems and processes to maintain high-quality 1:1 online tutoring and test preparation. Recognizing the broader needs of students during school closures, Huntington Learning expanded its offerings to include Homework Help and the Huntington Study Hall, providing structured learning environments for virtual schooling, both in-person and online, with certified teacher support. Further innovation led to the Huntington Academic Performance Coach, addressing students’ study skills and organizational needs. This continuous evolution demonstrates Huntington Learning’s commitment to proactively meeting the evolving needs of students and families.
In the coming years, Anne is committed to pushing boundaries and achieving ambitious goals, building upon her parents’ legacy and Huntington Learning Center’s mission. With numerous exciting projects on the horizon, both short-term and long-term, the future of Huntington Learning promises continued innovation and impactful educational support. To stay updated on these developments, following Anne and Huntington Learning Center on social media is highly recommended.
For Anne, being an “Entreprenista” embodies the realization of impactful ideas. It signifies belonging to a community that fosters engagement and meaningful connections, positively influencing individuals and the collective entrepreneurial spirit.
To delve deeper into Anne’s entrepreneurial journey, her podcast episode offers further insights into her experiences and vision for Huntington Learning Center.
