Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Maria Spies is a seasoned education technology and innovation leader, serving as the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of HolonIQ, the leading global market intelligence platform for the education and training sector. With a strong background in digital learning, organizational development, and strategic product management, Maria brings a unique blend of industry expertise and entrepreneurial vision to her roles.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, HolonIQ (2018 - Present)
- Responsible for the overall strategic direction, growth, and market positioning of HolonIQ, a leading global market intelligence platform for the education and training sector
- Oversees the development and deployment of advanced analytics, forecasting, and decision support tools to help education stakeholders worldwide make more informed decisions
- Drives the company's research and thought leadership initiatives, regularly speaking at industry events and contributing to publications on the future of education
Chief Innovation Officer, QS Quacquarelli Symonds (2014 - Present)
- Leads the development and implementation of innovative products and services to support QS's global higher education rankings and advisory initiatives
- Collaborates with university leaders and policymakers to identify emerging trends and best practices in higher education
Global Entrepreneur in Residence, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (2019 - Present)
- Mentors and advises aspiring education entrepreneurs on business strategy, product development, and go-to-market execution
- Contributes to the school's research and thought leadership efforts on the role of innovation in education
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Maria held various leadership positions in the education and training sectors, including:
- General Manager, Global Learning & Teaching Services at Navitas (2016 - 2018)
- General Manager, Learning, Teaching & Tech Services at Navitas (2011 - 2016)
- Head of Digital Learning Futures at Navitas Ventures (2016 - 2018)
- Director of Blended Learning at Australian College of Applied Psychology (2009 - 2011)
- Director of Learning and Development at Institute of Internal Auditors - Australia (2008 - 2009)
- Director of Organizational Development at UNSW Asia (2006 - 2007)
- Director of Education Development at UNSW Australia (2002 - 2006)
- Director of Executive MBA Program at Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW) (1997 - 2001)
Academic Background
Maria holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW).
Areas of Expertise
- Digital learning and education technology
- Organizational development and change management
- Strategic product management and innovation
- Higher education strategy and rankings
- Entrepreneurship and venture building
Professional Impact
- Spearheaded the development and growth of HolonIQ, which has become the leading global market intelligence platform for the education and training sector
- Contributed to the implementation of innovative digital learning solutions and organizational development initiatives at various educational institutions
- Mentored and advised numerous education-focused startups and entrepreneurs, helping them to refine their business strategies and accelerate their growth
- Regularly featured as a keynote speaker and panelist at industry events, sharing insights on the future of education and the role of technology and innovation
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, deep industry expertise, and entrepreneurial mindset, Maria Spies is a respected thought leader and innovative strategist in the education technology and higher education sectors. As the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of HolonIQ, she continues to drive the development of cutting-edge market intelligence solutions that empower education stakeholders worldwide to make more informed decisions and shape the future of learning.
