Transformative entrepreneurship in Tashkent: The Ivey LEADER Project

Shaun Sunil is an HBA ’25 candidate and member of the Fundraising and Engagement Committee for the Ivey LEADER Project – a student-led association offering an international economic development program. On his recent expedition to Uzbekistan, he worked with three other Ivey students, referred to as LEADERites, to teach aspiring and existing entrepreneurs how to launch or grow their ventures. In his blog below, he recounts his journey of personal and professional growth.

This past April, I was given the opportunity to work with Ivey’s LEADER Project and facilitate the program’s inaugural workshops in Uzbekistan. The LEADER Project is designed to support the development of entrepreneurial skills in participants through the case method of learning and brings together a diverse group of entrepreneurs seeking to grow with the help of Ivey students as guest lecturers.

Sparking innovation in the heart of Central Asia

Though Uzbekistan is often overlooked as a hub for innovation, I was eager to champion the program’s initiative. I come from a family where entrepreneurship is a way of life, with my father being an entrepreneur himself, and I understand the profound impact that entrepreneurial thinking can have on individuals and communities. This understanding fueled my excitement to travel with LEADER to inspire a deep passion for change and contribute to Uzbekistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Teaching in Tashkent

Taking on the role of guest lecturer in Tashkent and teaching the participants was an eye-opening experience. Age was truly just a number in our classroom, with participants ranging from young students to experienced professionals. Despite their varied backgrounds, they all had a genuine interest in how the case method could be applied to everyday business scenarios.

Each case we studied was met with enthusiasm, as students eagerly dissected the challenges and opportunities presented. What stood out most was their deep-rooted desire to develop their country through their business ideas. The spirit of entrepreneurship was not just about personal success, but about contributing to a better Uzbekistan. Their ambition to leverage business as a tool for national development was truly inspiring and has influenced my own perception of entrepreneurship – shifting from seeing a venture as more than just autonomy, but a vessel for the betterment of others.

Tashkent’s cultural tapestry

The hospitality of the Uzbek people enhanced our experience beyond the classroom. The warm welcome we received allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of the area. Uzbekistan boasts a proud heritage and has a history that spans centuries and a culture that is both lively and deeply rooted in tradition. The pride Uzbeks have in their heritage is infectious and their eagerness to share it with us made the trip even more memorable.

The universal spirit of entrepreneurship

Reflecting on my time in Uzbekistan, I realize that despite geographical distances and cultural differences, people everywhere share a common spirit for entrepreneurialism. The drive to create, innovate, and improve lives is universal and has no restrictions.

The LEADER Project provided these aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to realize their visions, along with the confidence to feel empowered in their ideas and themselves as business professionals. Equipped with new knowledge and strategies, the participants are ready to tackle the challenges ahead by taking matters into their own hands.

A journey of personal growth

The memories and friendships I have made during this experience will last a lifetime. Being able to share cross-cultural learnings through a first-person perspective has cultivated my global mindset and deepened my appreciation for the richness of diversity. As the LEADER Project participants in Tashkent move forward with their ventures, I feel humbled and honoured to have contributed to their journey. I am certain that they will not only achieve personal success, but also play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for Uzbekistan.