The Global MSME Influencers: The Power Ten is a prestigious recognition presented annually by the International Council for Small Business (ICSB). This honor celebrates dynamic entrepreneurs, visionary leaders, and transformative changemakers who have made a profound impact on the global landscape of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The awardees are trailblazers from various fields—including government, multi-national organizations, academia, corporate leadership, and non-profits—driven by a shared mission to elevate entrepreneurship as a force for economic growth and societal transformation. Renowned for their visionary leadership and global influence, these influencers deeply understand MSMEs’ pivotal role in fostering resilience, driving job creation, and promoting social equity.
Highly respected in their industries, these individuals are sought-after speakers at global conferences, thought leaders whose insights shape policies and practices, and prolific creators of impactful content. Their articles, posts, and publications are widely read, inspiring action and innovation across the MSME ecosystem. Beyond their intellectual contributions, they excel in organizing dynamic events that ignite collaboration and spark progress in the MSME domain.
ICSB firmly believes that the pulse and wisdom of the MSME sector thrive through the dedication and expertise of these global influencers, who serve as beacons of inspiration and catalysts for change. The Power Ten is not in any particular order.
Her work bridges critical gaps between economic opportunity and sustainable practices, empowering marginalized communities to thrive in global markets. By championing entrepreneurship as a tool for resilience, trade as a pathway to equitable development, and social entrepreneurship as a force for systemic change, she has redefined what it means to create impactful solutions for LDCs. Dr. Carpentier’s visionary approach has made her an indispensable voice on the global stage, driving transformative action at the intersection of policy, sustainability, and innovation.
Lucia Cusmano is the heartbeat and mind of the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions, and Cities (CFE), instrumental in shaping its foundation and growth, block by block, since its inception. With an unparalleled ability to transform complex research into actionable insights, she bridges the gap between academia and policy, guiding decision-makers toward impactful strategies.
Lucia is a professor at heart with an uncanny talent for interpreting data and research into practical steps that resonate with policymakers and stakeholders alike. She is the behind-the-scenes architect of unmatched knowledge creation and coordination, producing insights that drive forward the digitalization, green transition, and resilience of SMEs and entrepreneurs globally.
With a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pavia (Italy) and a Master of Science in Economics from Warwick University (UK), Lucia brings a rich academic foundation to her work. Her research, published in leading international journals, spans topics such as SMEs, entrepreneurship, innovation, globalization, structural change, and economic development. She has also authored pivotal OECD reports on SME financing, innovation, sustainability, and policy benchmarking.
Her expertise and dedication have made her a cornerstone of the OECD CFE and a transformative figure in creating an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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The Honorable Dr. Winslow Sargeant is a visionary leader whose career spans entrepreneurship, investment, and advocacy, making him a global force in empowering small businesses. He is the immediate past chair of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB). Dr. Sargeant is leveraging his global expertise to help countries build robust small business infrastructures while mentoring entrepreneurs to accelerate growth. With degrees in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University, a master’s from Iowa State, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Sargeant embodies the intersection of innovation, education, and advocacy, driving forward a powerful vision for small business success worldwide.
In addition to his business ventures, Dr. Sargeant has built a robust private equity and venture capital career, serving in limited and managing partner roles.
A Kauffman Fellow, he contributes to innovation and education as a Trustee for Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), Northeastern University, and the Morgridge Institute for Research, and as a founding board member of First Women’s Bank (FWB). His leadership also extends to his role in the Presidential Leadership group at Stevens Institute of Technology, where he continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship and research.
Dr. Sargeant’s public service is equally distinguished. Appointed by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2011, he served as Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In this role, he was the independent voice for small businesses, representing their interests before the White House, Congress, and Federal Courts. His tenure was marked by his unwavering dedication to advancing policies that support small businesses and entrepreneurship at every level.
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