Future of learning
Knowles optimistic for New Glasgow business venture
High-profile music manager Mathew Knowles putting down business roots for new e-learning platform in New Glasgow.
The man responsible for the careers of Destiny’s Child, his daughter Beyonce Knowles and The O’Jays has now set some roots down in the Nova Scotia business community.
Mathew Knowles, entrepreneur, music mogul and manager, announced this week he is partnering with New Glasgow company Velsoft Training Materials to create courses for a new elearning platform.
“We are so pleased to announce the Knowles Institute, and we will be offering e-learning in the areas of entrepreneurship, leadership and in music business,” he said.
“We have over 900 courses launching over 60 days. This educational process allows people to learn at their own pace, and that will be the future of learning.”
This is Knowles’ first time in Halifax, and he was infatuated with the energy in the area.
“People are so nice. This is sort of small-town yet there’s this sophisticated feel here. I’m so appreciative to be here,” he said.
Knowles spoke to a room full of Nova Scotia Community College grads and business professionals about the entertainment industry, and how to make it.
One thing he made clear is that those in the industry have to change with the times.
“Everyone knows what I’ve done with my startups, my books and in the music business. Now I get to design programs that will help people have success like I have,” he said.
“We will also do blended learning and master courses. I will do those directly online and we will interface in various ways . . . But I will say now that they’ll be challenging.”
He said he immediately clicked with Velsoft CEO Jim Fitt and their energies aligned.
He said the e-learning and education solutions company is perfect for this strategic partnership.
“I’m excited and I look forward to building a platform that can be utilized around the world,” he said.
Fitt, for his part, called having Knowles on the premises a “luxury.”
“Having him then come to NSCC and speak to people in the creative industries of this province is amazing,” he said.
“It’s pretty flattering he would choose to work with us.
“We have a great creative industry here and Mathew is always welcome.”
Knowles is always planning a push into partnerships with universities, like the one just struck with Texas Southern University, where he has taught for a decade.
“What we’re doing is evolving and also staying ahead of the times. You need to have complete knowledge of where the industry is going,” he said.
“People thought it was an accident Beyonce dropped a visual album that no one knew about (titled Lemonade), but we did, it was Dangerously In Love and Destiny’s Child, and those were exclusive to Walmart,” he said.
“We are always ahead of the curve, and knowledge of the industry is critical. That’s what we are ready to teach others.”
Mathew Knowles talks as keynote speaker to a master class at NSCC Waterfront Campus. Knowles announced his partnership with the New Glasgow based Velsoft Training Materials.