Interviews
‘The club helps turn big ideas into practical action’
As the lead of Teen CEO Club at Apeejay’s IB School, he has learnt to communicate under pressure
He is, at present, leading the Teen CEO Club at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park. He enjoys building things, especially at the intersection of technology and creativity. He is deeply interested in entrepreneurship, AI, coding, design, and understanding how ideas turn into real projects that people can actually use. Outside of that, he likes learning new skills and working in teams where everyone pushes each other to do better. Meet Aarov Makhija.
In an impromptu interview, he talks about how the club shaped the way he thinks about real-world problem-solving or entrepreneurship.
What drew you to the Teen CEO Club?
The club felt like more than just an activity. It was a space where students could be encouraged to think like creators rather than just learners. I wanted to lead when I noticed that many students had strong ideas but lacked structure, motivation, or consistency. Leadership became less about being in charge and more about building a system where everyone could perform at their best and stay accountable.
How has the club shaped the way you think about real-world problem-solving or entrepreneurship?
The club taught me that real-world problems are messy and that solutions require constant testing, feedback, and iteration. Entrepreneurship is about identifying gaps, building something useful, and improving it based on real needs. The club has pushed me to focus on real execution because execution matters.
Share an example of a project or idea from the club that made you feel especially proud.
During one activity, students presented ideas with clear problems, solutions, target audiences, and impact. Watching students who were initially unsure grow more confident through the pitching process felt like a real win. The outcome was not just about the ideas, but about the growth in how they thought and communicated.
How do you balance creativity, teamwork, and accountability with your school workload?
I treat the role as a responsibility. I plan, set weekly priorities, and break tasks into small, clear actions. Creativity needs freedom, but accountability needs deadlines. We brainstorm openly, decide on actions quickly, and follow through. I protect my study time by batching club work into specific slots, usually on weekend nights.
What skills do you feel you have gained through this role?
I have learnt to communicate under pressure, make decisions, and manage different personalities. I learned to turn loose ideas into clear plans, run sessions effectively, and motivate others naturally. It strengthened my leadership, organisation, confidence, and real-world communication skills.
The IB encourages global-minded thinking. How does the club connect these ideas?
The club helps turn big ideas into practical action. Instead of only discussing innovation, students design solutions, identify who they help, and test sustainability. In an AI-driven world, it encourages independent thinking, brainstorming, and real problem-solving rather than waiting for perfect instructions.
How has leading the club broadened your sense of what it means to be a global citizen?
It made me realise that global citizenship is about action. Even small, student-led ideas can create meaningful change. Young people are capable of building solutions and influencing mindsets today. The club gives students freedom to think creatively and act on their ideas, which is essential for real impact.
What experience should students take away from this club?
The most important takeaway for students is confidence. Confidence to speak, pitch, collaborate, and turn ideas into action. The club focuses on building mindset, teamwork, and communication rather than businesses, helping students realise they are capable of leading, building, and creating real impact.
