Icons of Change Awards 2025 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Excellence in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Business Development Shyam Sekar S. Founder and Chief Mentor, Startup Xperts Creator, Voxit Media Tech Certified Independent Director | Growth Strategy Leader | International Mentor Shyam Sekar is a pioneering business strategist, innovation advocate, and growth transformation leader whose multifaceted contributions have empowered startups, SMEs, and aspiring entrepreneurs across India and beyond. With over two decades of expertise spanning consulting, branding, marketing, business operations, and strategic leadership, he has emerged as a recognized figure in entrepreneurship, tech innovation, and capacity-building. Advancing SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, Shyam has dedicated his career to building resilient business ecosystems. His mentorship and strategic interventions have helped create jobs, launch scalable ventures, and foster innovation in emerging economies. Transformative Leadership in Business and Technology Shyam is the Founder of Startup Xperts, a business growth consulting firm that has mentored over 10,000 individuals and accelerated numerous startups toward sustainability and profitability. As the creator of Voxit Media Tech—a modern podcast platform—he’s tapping into the power of digital media to amplify voices, ideas, and entrepreneurial thinking. His educational journey includes an Executive Management Program from Harvard Business School and professional certification as an Independent Director by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India). He has traveled to over 25 countries, bringing a global perspective to business development while remaining deeply rooted in local innovation ecosystems. His efforts extend to academia and social impact, serving as mentor and jury for leading institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII). Recognitions and Impact Shyam Sekar’s leadership and influence have been recognized through numerous honors, including: - Indian Achievers Award for Business Leadership (2020–2021) - India Social Impact Award for Changemaking Contributions - The RISE Legend Award (2023) - International Accreditation as a Mentor by City & Guilds, UK - Named Top Business Consultant and Distinguished Digital Leader by Coach Foundation, USA As a keynote speaker, panelist, and moderator at various startup and SME forums, he continuously fosters knowledge-sharing and collaborative growth. In 2021–2022, he also served as President of a Rotary Club, further exemplifying his commitment to service and social contribution.
00:01Hello and Namaste. This is Shyam Sekar, founder of Startup Experts from India.
00:08Over a past decade or so, I have had the privilege of interacting with, connecting with thousands of startup founders, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs across India and other regions as well.
00:19I am honored to be recognized as an icon of change and this certainly is part of every changemaker's initiative and I dedicate to them.
00:32Entrepreneurship to me is not just about innovation or making profits. It is about a way to solve problems, reduce poverty, create jobs, provide inclusive growth, build economy as well.
00:45And this year's UN theme is International Year of Peace and Trust. This reminds me that to build a better world, we need to begin with building trust, building trust with people, building trust with systems, processes, technology and possibilities.
01:06And through mentorship, I have contributed to the startup ecosystem where the trust will lead to collaboration and it helps build entrepreneurs, build possibilities.
01:20My work closely aligns with a number of SDGs and let me highlight some of those.
01:26SDG 1. No property. It is about creating jobs. It is about creating economy, well-being for the people.
01:32SDG 4. SDG 4. About quality education. We create boot camps, workshops, training programs for numerous aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders.
01:43SDG 5. Is about gender equality. We have helped a lot of women-led businesses get into the mainstream and help them build businesses.
01:54SDG number 8. Decent work and economic growth. It is all about job creation. Startup is all about job creation.
02:00It is about building productivity. And of course, it helps local and global economy.
02:07SDG number 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
02:12Of course, startup is all about innovation as well. And if you look at traditional industries are getting disrupted by startups.
02:20And of course, digital infrastructure is certainly helping paving that way for a better life.
02:25SDG number 10. Reducing inequality. So we have supported marginalized communities and also rural entrepreneurs. I am talking about ground trainers as we call in India. And this has helped them provide inclusive growth.
02:40SDG number 12. Responsible consumption and production. So here we are talking about creating a circular economy and also building eco-friendly products and solutions. And I have a mission to also build socially conscious entrepreneurs.
02:58And it inspires me to continue mentoring and empowering and advocating for a better world. And I would say that where every dream will get a fair chance to build a better world in this ecosystem. And I thank the organizers for this initiative and special thanks to Justin Ho. Thank you very much.
