Meet Blue Ocean Teacher Champions – outstanding educators who integrate Blue Ocean principles into their teaching and inspire students to explore entrepreneurship

In the bustling classrooms of NU Fairview School in the Philippines, Jonh Mark E. Ludor is quietly revolutionizing how students approach entrepreneurship by transforming classroom lessons into launchpads for real-world change. Ludor has seamlessly embedded blue ocean strategy into his curriculum and his students aren’t just learning business theory—they’re identifying untapped market spaces and building solutions that matter.

“My students work on real-world problems, developing their pitches and business models as part of their coursework,” Ludor shares. These experiences aren’t just academic exercises; they’re transformational journeys. “The Blue Ocean concepts have encouraged my students to think beyond conventional business models,” he says. “They’ve developed a strong ability to identify and create new market spaces, which has broadened their strategic thinking and business planning skills.”

“I believe that young minds hold immense potential to become future leaders and change-makers,” says Ludor, whose enthusiasm for student entrepreneurship stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of innovation. “I have always been passionate about innovation and creativity,” says Ludor. “Seeing students develop unique ideas and craft solutions to real-world problems is incredibly rewarding.”

“I believe that young minds hold immense potential to become future leaders and change-makers” – Jonh Mark E. Ludor

Ludor has created a supportive environment where entrepreneurial thinking flourishes and students feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. “I offer personalized feedback to help students identify areas for improvement and refine their pitches,” he says. “I organize practice sessions where they can rehearse their pitches in front of their peers and receive constructive criticism.” “By fostering this supportive atmosphere, I help build their confidence and improve their presentation skills over time.”

His approach is yielding impressive results. Under his guidance, student teams have developed remarkable projects including an eco-friendly dishwashing liquid derived from moringa, a plant known for its powerful natural cleaning properties and a novel fire-retardant solution made from by the abundance of discarded seashells in coastal communities.  Both teams conducted extensive market research and prototype testing, with Ludor facilitating connections to industry experts who could provide valuable feedback.

“My students work on real-world problems, developing their pitches and business models as part of their coursework” – Jonh Mark E. Ludor

As the Student Development and Activities Coordinator for NU Fairview’s Senior High School, Ludor is now laying the groundwork for a Blue Ocean Club—a student-led community designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and entrepreneurial team-building. “Through this initiative, students can collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a more dynamic and engaging environment,” he shares.

Now part of the growing global network of Blue Ocean educators, Ludor is eager to share his insights and collaborate with fellow blue ocean teacher champions around the world. “I can share effective teaching strategies and initiate collaborative projects between schools,” he says. “Together, we can help students gain insights from diverse perspectives and build a generation of bold, creative problem-solvers.”

Ludor’s vision extends well beyond the walls of his classroom. When asked about his goals for the next 2-3 years, his commitment to inclusivity is evident.

“My goal is to provide more students with access to entrepreneurial resources and opportunities, regardless of their background or financial situation,” he states. “I plan to continuously update and enhance the entrepreneurship curriculum to include the latest trends, technologies, and methodologies.”

For Ludor, the reward is in witnessing his students’ growth. “Teaching and mentoring young entrepreneurs give me a deep sense of fulfillment. Watching them progress and achieve their goals brings me immense joy and satisfaction.”

As the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition continues to expand its global reach, educators like Jonh Mark E. Ludor serve as beacons of inspiration—showing how dedicated teachers can transform entrepreneurial education and empower the next generation of blue ocean business leaders.

The Blue Ocean Teacher Champion program recognizes outstanding educators who integrate Blue Ocean principles into their teaching and inspire students to explore entrepreneurship through value innovation. To learn more about becoming involved, visit our Teacher Resources page.