‘We leverage local talent’

Ricardo Allen’s story began with a challenging childhood, as at the tender age of eight, he faced the emotional upheaval of his father abandoning him and his mother.

This pivotal moment, however, shaped his outlook on life and education.

“I came to Kingston, and my journey was to find my own path without a biological father,” he said.

Despite the absence of a traditional paternal figure, Allen found guidance in an unexpected mentor– late businessman and philanthropist, R. Danny Williams.

Williams, who became a father-figure to Allen, played an instrumental role in his development.

“He taught me how to use the knife and fork. He taught me everything I know,” Allen fondly recalled.

This mentorship was foundational, igniting a passion for learning and teaching that would later fuel his entrepreneurial ambitions.

After graduating from The University of the West Indies with a degree in actuarial sciences, Allen began his career at Sagicor.

However, it was his relationship with Williams that inspired him to pursue something greater.

“Danny always said to me, ‘Why are you writing a résumé? Write a business plan’,” he shared.

This advice propelled him into the world of entrepreneurship.

With Williams’ encouragement, Allen crafted his first business plan and secured initial funding.

“I went to him [Williams] and pitched to him first, and he gave me $1,000,000,” Allen said with pride.

This early success laid the groundwork for what would become OneonOne Educational Services, a company dedicated to personalised education for students in Jamaica.

The inception of OneonOne was fuelled by Allen’s desire to make a difference in children’s lives through education.

“We started with one child ... [then] five [the] next year, 20, 100; now, we just keep growing,” he said.

Allen’s innovative approach involved tutoring students in math and creating engaging content that resonated with young learners.

In 2013, he faced a significant turning point when he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study abroad.

Yet, driven by his commitment to education in Jamaica, he made the bold decision to decline the scholarship.

“I want every child in Jamaica learning in a personalised way,” Allen said emphatically.

Despite early successes, the journey was not without its hurdles.

In 2016, OneonOne encountered financial difficulties that threatened its growth.

“I ran out of money ... we were spending so much money developing content and software,” Allen admitted.

In this moment of crisis, he turned, once again, to Williams for guidance.

“Danny directed me to the DBJ (Development Bank of Jamaica),” Allen said, adding that with their support, he secured crucial funding that enabled him to develop software aimed at personalising education further.

Today, OneonOne is valued at an impressive $2 billion and operates in 10 countries, including recent expansions into the United States .

Allen’s vision has always been clear: leverage technology to provide personalised learning experiences for students worldwide.

“We created a vision for AI (artificial intelligence) 10 years before ChatGPT,” he noted.

His commitment to harnessing local talent is evident, as he emphasises the importance of grooming young minds in Jamaica: “We leverage local talent ... we export their minds,” he said.

Allen stands as a testament to how mentorship can change lives and create opportunities for future generations.

This sentiment encapsulates the essence of International Men’s Day, celebrated annually on November 19. It is a celebration of men who inspire others through their actions and dedication.