The Future is Female: Championing Youth Entrepreneurship

Summary

In this episode of 'The Future is Female,' host Melissa Idris interviews Rauda Nasran, the CEO and founder of Accelerate Global, a social enterprise addressing youth unemployment among marginalized communities in Malaysia. Rauda shares her inspiring journey from university in the UK to becoming a prominent leader in social entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable solutions for poverty and discusses her organization's hands-on skills training programs that empower young individuals to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs. Rauda's story illustrates the potential for change when youth are equipped with the right tools and mindset.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rauda Nazran is the CEO and founder of Accelerate Global, a social enterprise focused on tackling youth unemployment among underprivileged and marginalized groups.
• 😀 Rauda's journey into social entrepreneurship began during her university years in the UK, sparked by a desire to make a meaningful impact.
• 😀 The core mission of Accelerate Global is to provide quality upskilling programs that empower young individuals to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
• 😀 Rauda emphasizes the importance of sustainability in social entrepreneurship, aiming to create long-term solutions to issues like poverty and homelessness.
• 😀 Throughout her career, Rauda has received multiple accolades, including being named a leader of tomorrow by Tatler Asia and the first female Asian president of a social enterprise in the UK.
• 😀 Rauda highlights that youth unemployment is a symptom of larger systemic issues, such as a lack of practical skills taught in educational institutions.
• 😀 The organization offers a structured three-phase program that builds entrepreneurial mindsets, exposes participants to social issues, and supports them in starting their own businesses.
• 😀 Fear of failure and misconceptions about capital requirements are significant barriers preventing young people from pursuing entrepreneurship.
• 😀 Rauda's own entrepreneurial journey began with zero capital, demonstrating that starting a business can often rely more on effort and creativity than financial investment.
• 😀 Accelerate Global not only equips participants with entrepreneurial skills but also aims to cultivate a new generation of responsible leaders.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Rauda Nazran's work with Accelerate Global?

Rauda Nazran focuses on tackling youth unemployment by equipping underprivileged youths with entrepreneurial skills through a structured program.

How did Rauda begin her journey in social entrepreneurship?

Rauda began her journey during her university years in the UK, driven by her desire to address the issue of youth unemployment, especially among marginalized groups.

What significant achievements has Rauda accomplished in her career?

Rauda has become the first female Asian president of a social enterprise in the UK and has spoken at major forums, including the UK Parliament and the United Nations.

What does the three-phase program offered by Accelerate Global entail?

The program includes building confidence, exposing participants to social and economic challenges, and helping them develop validated business ideas.

Why does Rauda believe entrepreneurial skills should be taught in schools?

Rauda believes that teaching entrepreneurial skills in schools would prepare youths for diverse career paths and instill an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age.

What common misconceptions do young people have about starting a business?

Many young people think starting a business requires a large capital investment and fear failure, which can deter them from pursuing entrepreneurship.

How did Rauda demonstrate that starting a business does not require significant capital?

Rauda started Accelerate Global with zero capital by leveraging free resources, such as using a showroom space and seeking sponsorship for her first workshop.

What impact has Accelerate Global had on participants?

Accelerate Global has provided participants with practical skills and confidence, enabling them to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures successfully.

How can interested individuals learn more about Accelerate Global's programs?

Individuals can visit the Accelerate Global website at www.accelerateglobal.com or follow their Instagram page for more information.

What is Rauda's vision for the future of youth entrepreneurship?

Rauda envisions a future where young people are empowered with the skills and knowledge to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs, contributing to sustainable economic growth.