As the nominations for this years Old Viking of the Year Award roll in, our spotlight is on the nominees from last years awards. We are delighted to speak to Louis Sartain, who was nominated in the Ones to Watch (OVs Under 30s) category. We chat to Louis about what he has been up to since leaving Shiplake in 2015 and the developement of his startup, Early Academics Society: International (EASI) Ltd.

Can you share your journey since leaving Shiplake? What key milestones have led you to where you are today?  

I left Shiplake in 2015 after Year 11, to finish sixth-form in the Waikato region of New Zealand, at St. Peter’s School Cambridge. I was Head Academic Prefect at St. Peter’s, and I graduated in 2017 with the International Baccalaureate Diploma. I completed my Bachelor’s degree with a double Major in Psychology and Philosophy in 2020, and then my Honour’s degree in Philosophy in 2021, both at The University of Auckland, New Zealand. After the completion of my Honours, I was invited to begin my PhD program immediately- instead of a Masters as I had planned to do first - and as of 2021 I began my doctoral study in Philosophy, focusing on epistemology and metaphysics. Throughout my studies I got to know academia well in a professional sense, moving from administrative roles, to marking, to tutoring, to guest-lecturing and then lecturing. I also began a number of community-building initiatives for students, which finally developed into founding a startup in 2023, Early Academics Society: International (EASI) Ltd. EASI is dedicated to providing networking and career-development resources for postgraduate and early-career academics and researchers. The biggest milestone the startup has hit has been the development of an academic conference series, the International Conference for Early Academics and Researchers (ICEAR), which aims to bring together early-stage researchers from all disciplines, to network, share research, and develop their careers both in and outside of academia. Tourism New Zealand recently awarded ICEAR the New Zealand Business Events Award, which was an amazing and humbling achievement.  

What was it about academia and research that drew you towards that career?  

Even during my time at Shiplake, a long-term goal of mine was to complete a PhD. Family background had some influence on this, but I also loved the idea of continuing to learn in an area you’re passionate about, as well as the prospect of helping others with this. The feeling of discovery and leaving your own mark on an area you find interesting is something that really spurs you on to keep exploring further, which is what postgraduate study really represents for me.   

How do you think your time at Shiplake influenced your passion for academia and led you to pursue your own start-up?   

My time at Shiplake definitely had a big impact on my journey into academia, mostly for the quality of the teaching, which always stuck with me. My experiences in subjects like English, Biology and of course Philosophy, all influenced me greatly, because the teaching was great. The encouragement and guidance, and the pushing for that next level of quality in my own work, gave me that boost to feel undaunted by the prospect of tertiary study. In terms of my area of specialisation now, Shiplake is where I realised that Philosophy was the subject I wanted to carry through into long-term study, and being able to do this has been fantastic. As for my start-up, I think the biggest impact my time at Shiplake made was the mates I made there. That sort of lifelong friendship with connections that stick with you, which gives you a foundation of confidence, and the optimism that if you start something new there will be people who will support you, whether it works out or not. This foundation was crucial when diving into the entrepreneurial space, because people are everything- you’re going it alone, and it’s not always going to go the way you hope, so you need to be able to bounce back and keep that belief in what you’re doing, and why you’re doing it.  

What does the future hold for Louis Sartain – any plans, dreams or aspirations?  

Right now my biggest focus is on the completion of my PhD, something I’m really looking forward to. After the PhD is finished, I’m excited to publish and teach more, explore pathways into the student-engagement space, and how Philosophy can translate into industry and the corporate world. I’m also looking forward to seeing how ICEAR and EASI can expand from 2025 onwards, we’ve made some amazing connections from around the world, and it’s going to be great to see how these initiatives can help the global-learner community in the years to come.  

What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in research/academia or hoping to pursue a project or business venture?  

I think my main piece of advice is to identify what you enjoy the most. Your subject of choice might not necessarily align with the career you’ve imagined for yourself, but if you really love a certain topic, you don’t have to give it up. If you choose to carry it through to university level, you’ll be amazed at the options that open up for you, all in an area you’re passionate about. Something important to remember is that your area of focus can change, and pursuing something through further levels of study can be helpful to find out what you really want to do, even if that’s not become clear previously. I should note too, don’t be daunted by postgrad study, whether it’s a PG diploma, Masters or even a Doctorate. Postgraduate study for many can be the most exciting time of your university career, because of the freedom it gives you. You’ll have the chance to pick your own topics and areas of focus, and really lean into independence as a researcher, looking at what interests you most, on your own terms. As for projects and business ventures, I think the standard advice of "back yourself and go for it" is definitely a good start. So much of creating something new is just taking that first step, and if you’ve thought it through, found that you really believe in what you’re doing, and have the resources to give it your best go, then go get it. Finally, remember the connections you’ve made- don’t be afraid to get your mates in on a project you believe in. Whether their backgrounds are the same as yours or not, having people on your team will get you further than anything else.  

A massive thank you to Louis for this interview!

If you know an Old Viking who deserves to be recognised for their success in business, arts or sport please nominate them for this years awards here. Nominations close on Friday 14 February 2025.