We had the good fortune of connecting with Subbarayan Pochi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Subbarayan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

“No risk, No gain” is my life philosophy. If you do not take risks, there is no chance of progress. The spectrum of risk ranges from daredevils to pusillanimous, where I place myself closer to the daredevils. Risk taking is a calculated step, not a mindless game where I carefully evaluate the risk to reward ratio for every decision I make. 

Coming back to the main question, I am a purebred academic. Working in the trenches as an NIH funded Principal Investigator at the University of Miami, I realized that I was running a small business and paying hefty taxes to my employees; namely universities. I acknowledge the infrastructure provided and the privileges of being associated with a university. However, the research environment is aggressively transforming to becoming a business venture, rather than a field driven by curiosity. 

I thought, if I am operating like a small business within a university, what stops me from running my own independent business? This thought seed eventually sprouted into me becoming the proud business owner of two successful ventures. From being employed to becoming an employer, I am proud to provide employment opportunities to deserving candidates. 

What distinguishes me from other employers is that I treat my employees as colleagues rather than subordinates. This approach has allowed me to reap the rewards of my academic background while also learning the business acumen.


Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Full Potential Learning Academy (FPLA) is a one-on-one tutoring service provider (https://fullpotentialtutor.com). FPLA is a family-focused and student-centered private tutoring company. We offer customized private tutoring services at an affordable rate. We are located at 7950 NW 155 Street, Suite 103, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016, and online via our own state-of-the-art FPLA virtual classroom.

In the month of May 2019, we launched FPLA-Online, a live online instructor-led tutoring platform (https://fullpotentialtutor.com/online-tutoring/). This service allows students to learn from the comfort of their home. FPLA-Online self-service portal provides parents access to their child’s progress and lessons. Our tutoring services cater to K-12 subjects, standardized tests, college courses and adult learners.

We are different from our competitors because we have deployed innovative technologies to support students’ success. We have developed an in-house tutor management portal and integrated it with an interactive virtual classroom. This virtual classroom is equipped with audio, video, and chat features. The student and the tutor can see and speak to each other throughout the lesson. The interactive white board feature enables the participants to write and annotate on the same screen as the tutor, allowing for active learning between student and teacher. After each online session, the tutor leaves session notes, which are accessible to the students and parents 24/7. As a supplement to live tutoring sessions, FPLA students and tutors have access to FPLA-Library which hosts a variety of books, practice tests, and more.

To ensure the utmost quality of service, we have implemented a rigorous screening process for all prospective tutors. Only 20% of tutor applicants are offered a job at FPLA.We have also placed robust mechanisms to monitor the quality of tutoring and provide constructive feedback to the parents.

COVID-19 has thrown our business into a tailspin, but FPLA-Online allowed us to navigate the pandemic safely, where we were able to keep our doors open virtually. We are one of those fortunate few to have survived this pandemic. The worst is over, but we are still not out of the woods. I hope the new school year will restore normalcy to our business.

I am driven by the indomitable spirit of the expression “Never Give Up”. I do not want to give up under any adverse circumstances. In my quest to survive, I found out that there are plenty of resources available to help you survive any crisis. I advise fellow entrepreneurs to ask for help. There are many kindhearted people out there to assist you in times of need. Most importantly, when you do good work people will notice.


Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Miami is an exciting place. The first stop of the weeklong stay will be to Everglades National Park where we would explore the several trails and take an airboat ride through the marsh. On the way out, we would make a customary stop at “Robert is Here” to grab a milkshake and pet some farm animals. 

The second excursion will be a trip to the Redland Farmers Market in Homestead. This place is a feast to the eyes with a colorful assortment of fresh produce and latin american cuisine. At Redlands, you can find authentic Mexican, Salvadorian, and Honduran cuisine. Grabbing a cup of freshly cut mango with spices is a must when visiting this market.

If time permits, I would also include a trip to Wynwood to enjoy the local art and vibrant murals and savor some of Miami’s best food spots.

A trip on the Metro Mover is an inexpensive and relaxing way to savor Miami’s unique cityscape. Make a quick stop in front of Bayfront Park where you can enjoy  the sunset by the sea and on-shore entertainments.


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

“It takes a village to raise a child”.

My journey so far is not possible without the unconditional, nurturing support of many individuals, and institutions in my life. Since my adulthood, I credit my current success to my wife, Dr. Malancha Sarkar. We are opposite in our thought process, and approach. It lends credence to “opposite attracts”. We bounce off our thoughts and balance each other and keep me grounded. She is my sounding board, and I count on her unwavering support, no matter how absurd my decisions may turn out to be.

Books are my companions, and reading is my second nature. I have an insatiable appetite for reading. I read news stories, autobiographies, short stories, success stories, fiction, and business journals. My indiscriminate reading introduced me to countless organizations that played a crucial role in launching, sustaining, and growing my businesses. During my time at the University of Miami, the business incubator gave a glimpse of doing business, trade organizations such as Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), SCORE, Miami Dade College (MDC) and several other organizations educated me various aspects of doing business. Specifically, NMSDC provided me with an opportunity to assume a leadership role and make a difference in Miami’s business community.

Last but not the least, I owe my upbringing to my family, my grandmother, father, sister, and other family members.

Website: https://FullPotentialTutor.Com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fplausa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/subbarayan-pochi-ph-d-91243710/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FPLAUSA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPLAUSA

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/full-potential-learning-academy-miami-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnqbXzlDUojpP32SrZy-ykQ

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.