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Global MSME Influencers:

ICSB Power Ten

Global MSMEs Power Ten Award

Global MSME Influencers: The Power Ten

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.

The Power Ten
2024-2025

Chantal Line Carpentier

Chantal Line Carpentier

Dr. Chantal Line Carpentier is a global powerhouse whose laser focus on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) seamlessly integrates entrepreneurship, trade, and social entrepreneurship. Currently serving as Head of Trade, Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development, and with a distinguished seven-year tenure as Chief of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) New York Office of the Secretary-General, Dr. Carpentier has been a tireless advocate for sustainable and inclusive growth.
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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.

KiChan Kim

Dr. KiChan Kim is a visionary and entrepreneurial trailblazer celebrated as the founder of the Humane Entrepreneurship Global Movement. His unwavering passion and dedication to advancing humane entrepreneurship have left an indelible mark, most notably with the United Nations adopting it as the central theme for the Global MSMEs Day Agenda on June 27 in Geneva. Recognized as South Korea’s foremost expert on entrepreneurship, Dr. Kim’s influence transcends borders, making him a distinguished global leader and academic.
Read MoreCurrently, Dr. Kim serves as Chair of the ICSB Board and as International Chancellor at President University, roles that reflect his commitment to shaping the future of global entrepreneurship. His illustrious career includes senior positions at the Catholic University of Korea, where he served as Dean of the Business School and Vice President and leader of the Korean Indonesia Management Association (KIMA). A respected scholar, he has enriched academia as the Senior Editor of the Journal of Small Business Management and President of the Korea Association of Small Business Studies. Dr. Kim’s impact extends far beyond the academic world. As a trusted advisor to the Korean government, he has shaped innovation and economic policies, and leading corporations like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motors have sought his counsel. A Ph.D. graduate of Seoul National University with advanced research at Harvard, MIT, and the University of Tokyo, Dr. Kim is a true polymath, blending academic rigor with practical insight. His contributions have earned him international accolades, including the USASBE Award in 2019, and his thought leadership continues to inspire advancements in entrepreneurship, business ethics, and sustainability. As a driving force behind humane entrepreneurship, Dr. KiChan Kim is a champion of creating business models that prioritize human dignity, social equity, and sustainable growth, ensuring a lasting impact on the global MSME ecosystem.
KiChan Kim
Matthew Wilson

Matthew Wilson

Ambassador Wilson is a masterful collaboration architect and a tireless champion for MSMEs, earning him the ICSB title “The Conductor of the MSMEs Global Symphony.” His LinkedIn profile reflects his unmatched ability to unite diverse groups, align them to a common mission, and create one of the most dynamic engines of global MSME support.
Read MoreCurrently serving as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, WTO, and other international organizations in Geneva, as well as Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to UN agencies in Austria and Rome, Ambassador Wilson is a linchpin in the global MSME ecosystem. His chairmanship of the WTO MSMEs Working Group and active roles on boards such as the International Gender Champions, the Forum on Trade, Environment, the SDGs (TESS), and UNCTAD ASYCUDA exemplify his strategic impact. He is also a key player in global climate initiatives as a WEF Steering Committee Climate Trade Zero member. He serves as Chair of the ACP Geneva Group, further showcasing his leadership on critical global issues. In June 2024, he was the Chair of the WHO Executive Board, a capstone role highlighting his capacity to navigate complex international arenas. Previously, he served as Chief of Special Projects at the International Trade Centre, spearheading partnerships, resource mobilization, and outreach efforts.

Lucia Cusmano

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.

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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.

Lucia Cusmano
Vicki Stylianou

Vicki Stylianou

Vicki Stylianou is a globally respected advocate and thought leader in entrepreneurship and MSME support. She has repeatedly addressed the United Nations and the United States Congress on these critical topics. Her focus on the circular economy underscores her commitment to sustainable and transformative economic growth, highlighting her ability to connect global challenges with actionable solutions. An experienced director, lawyer, and public policy expert, Vicki brings a unique combination of legal expertise and strategic advocacy to her work. As the Head of Advocacy, Policy, Government Relations, Media, Strategic Communications, and Professional Conduct at the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), she leads efforts to champion entrepreneurship as a driver of economic reform, focusing on boosting Australia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Read MoreBefore joining the IPA, Vicki honed her expertise in public policy during her tenure at the Federal Treasury, where she contributed to tax policy, financial literacy, prudential banking regulation, and best-practice regulation. Her background as a practicing lawyer specializing in commercial litigation in Australia and overseas further enhances her strategic and analytical skills. Beyond her professional roles, she remains deeply committed to community service, volunteering in the legal sector to support underserved populations. A graduate of UWA, Vicki is also a passionate supporter of fintech and regtech, advocating for innovation and technology to drive economic progress. Her belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic reform makes her a vital voice in shaping policies that empower MSMEs and foster sustainable growth.

Dragan Radic

Dragan Radic, often referred to by ICSB as “Mr. Small Business” at the International Labour Organization (ILO), is a transformative leader in sustainable MSME development and decent work. As the Chief of the MSME Branch within the ILO’s Enterprises Department, he has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that elevate MSMEs as critical drivers of economic growth and job creation, making up 70% of global employment.
Read MoreUnder his leadership, the ILO’s MSME Branch focuses on upgrading MSME productivity and working conditions, fostering enabling environments for sustainable enterprises, promoting entrepreneurship education—especially for women—and integrating small entrepreneurs into local and global supply chains. Dragan’s efforts also prioritize enterprise formalization, MSME greening, and facilitating a transition toward more sustainable business practices. Dragan, a co-author of the influential ILO Small Matters report, highlights the importance of MSMEs in shaping the future of work while addressing challenges such as limited labor law reach and weak industrial relations mechanisms. His insights and advocacy emphasize inclusive labor laws and robust industrial relations as foundational pillars for decent work and sustainable enterprises.
Dragan Radic
Barbara Ramos

Barbara Ramos

Barbara Ramos is a trailblazer in advancing MSMEs and entrepreneurship in post-conflict settings, an area of critical importance today as Chief of Research and Strategies for Exports at the International Trade Centre (ITC) brings cutting-edge expertise to the intersection of trade, development, and resilience-building for businesses operating in fragile environments. Her work combines academic rigor with practical insights, making her a vital force in shaping policies that empower MSMEs to thrive amidst disruption.  
Read MoreAn internationally recognized specialist in trade and integration issues, Barbara has designed, implemented, and evaluated strategies in trade policy, facilitation, regional infrastructure, and private sector development. Her extensive field experience across Africa and Latin America, coupled with roles in multilateral and bilateral development organizations, underscores her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing MSMEs in fragile contexts. Barbara’s leadership is exemplified in her contributions to ITC’s SME Competitiveness Outlook report, a landmark analysis addressing the unique needs of firms in post-conflict environments. The report introduces a Fragility Exposure Index, a pioneering metric to measure firms’ vulnerability and resilience to disruption based on size, gender composition, and focus. Barbara Ramos ensures that MSMEs survive and drive recovery and growth in post-conflict settings. Her work exemplifies the power of trade and entrepreneurship to rebuild economies and foster long-term resilience, making her a pivotal leader in the global MSME ecosystem.

Ahmed Osman

Ahmed Osman is a visionary leader and the ultimate MSMEs Connector in the Middle East. He is known for his ability to bridge diverse communities and empower entrepreneurs across the region. As the host of the 2019 World Congress on MSMEs in Cairo, Egypt, Ahmed delivered one of the most dynamic and impactful gatherings in ICSB’s history, showcasing Egypt’s potential as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Through his efforts, he has significantly expanded youth entrepreneurship in Egypt, fostering a new generation of leaders and innovators.
Read MoreAs the Past Chairman of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), Ahmed is the first Arab, African, and the youngest ever, to lead the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to small businesses. During his tenure, Ahmed was pivotal in advancing ICSB’s mission, including serving as editor of the Global MSME Report for 2019 and founding the ICSB Knowledge Hubs, which serve as a cornerstone for disseminating cutting-edge insights on entrepreneurship. His leadership contributed to the United Nations’ recognition of MSMEs Day on June 27, further amplifying the importance of small businesses worldwide. Beyond ICSB, Ahmed is the Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network in Egypt (GEN Egypt) and a trusted Project Management & Strategy Advisor for government and private organizations. With a background in civil engineering and management from the University of Birmingham, UK, and as a certified Project Management Professional from the USA, Ahmed combines technical expertise with visionary leadership. As CEO of CHROME, a project and facility management firm, he oversees a multi-sector construction portfolio, exemplifying his diverse skill set and strategic insight. Ahmed’s contributions extend to founding initiatives like the Egypt Entrepreneurship Summit and the Nawah Social Entrepreneurship Competition, which has supported over 100 startups in their journeys. A member of the advisory board for the SME World Forum, Ahmed continues to inspire and connect entrepreneurial ecosystems, solidifying his legacy as a driving force in the global MSME landscape.
Ahmed Osman
Jonathan Ortmans

Jonathan Ortmans

Jonathan Ortmans is a Global Catalyst renowned for his ability to bring major groups together to advance entrepreneurship on a global scale. As the founder and president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), Ortmans has created a groundbreaking platform of programs and initiatives across 170 countries. GEN fosters healthier entrepreneurial ecosystems by helping new firms start and scale, turning ideas into thriving ventures that create jobs, spark innovation, and bolster economic stability worldwide. His leadership and vision have established GEN as a unifying force in the global entrepreneurship movement.  
Read MoreAmong Ortmans’ most notable achievements is the creation of the Global Fairs of Entrepreneurship, a series of transformative events that convene entrepreneurial leaders to share knowledge, collaborate, and drive progress. He also launched GEN’s flagship initiative, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), in 2008 in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Every November, GEW welcomes millions into the entrepreneurial culture through thousands of local activities and competitions, inspiring the next wave of innovators and business leaders. Ortmans also chairs the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), an annual event that gathers over 5,000 leaders worldwide to advance entrepreneurial growth. Since its inaugural gathering in 2009 in Kansas City, the GEC has been hosted in iconic cities such as Dubai, Shanghai, Liverpool, Rio de Janeiro, Milan, and Johannesburg. Under Ortmans’ leadership, the GEC has become a vital forum for building collaborative, cross-border strategies to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen local ecosystems. With a background as an economist, former CEO of a healthcare and trade policy think tank, and the founder of two successful startups, Ortmans combines deep policy expertise with practical entrepreneurial experience. He has served as a longtime advisor to the Kauffman Foundation, is a Board member of the Center for American Entrepreneurship in Washington, DC, and serves on the Boards of numerous GEN affiliates worldwide. A global strategist and thought leader, Ortmans speaks and writes extensively about high-growth entrepreneurship, solidifying his legacy as an architect of healthier ecosystems for entrepreneurs everywhere.

Tom Sullivan

Tom Sullivan is a dynamic leader who brings together government, the Chamber of Commerce, and the private sector to create meaningful support for MSMEs. As Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Sullivan channels the voices of small businesses nationwide and translates their needs into impactful federal policies that bolster free enterprise and reward entrepreneurship. Through his leadership, he ensures that small businesses have a seat at the table, empowering them to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.
Read MoreAt the U.S. Chamber, Sullivan leads the Small Business Council, a distinguished advisory group of 100 members that serves as the Chamber’s principal external body on issues critical to small employers. His team works tirelessly with local chambers of commerce and the Chamber’s nationwide network to amplify grassroots advocacy for small business priorities. As the Chamber’s spokesperson on small business issues, Sullivan is a powerful voice for entrepreneurs, ensuring their concerns resonate at the highest levels of decision-making. Sullivan’s expertise is deeply rooted in his government experience, where he served under President George W. Bush as the chief counsel for advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). He was the highest-ranking government official in this role, exclusively advocating for small businesses, engaging in over 100 regulatory and legislative matters, and frequently testifying before Congress. One of the hallmarks of his tenure was a groundbreaking national legislative initiative that guaranteed small businesses a voice in state regulatory decisions, solidifying his legacy as a champion for entrepreneurial rights. Beyond government, Sullivan’s influence extends into broader entrepreneurial ecosystems. He serves on the board of directors of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and the National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Legal Center Advisory Board, where he continues to foster innovation and support small businesses globally. Under his leadership, the U.S. Chamber celebrates initiatives like the CO—100, recognizing America’s most innovative and impactful small and mid-sized companies. Tom Sullivan’s career exemplifies the power of collaboration between public and private sectors to build vibrant, sustainable ecosystems for small businesses to thrive.
Tom Sullivan

List Prepared by:

Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy & Dr. Winslow Sargeant

Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy

Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy

Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy is the President and CEO of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), the world’s oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to advancing small business research, practices, and policies. He is also the Deputy Chair of the Department of Management at the George Washington University School of Business, where he specializes in entrepreneurship and innovative, human-centered business practices that are reshaping the future of small businesses worldwide. Dr. El Tarabishy founded United Nations Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, celebrated annually on June 27th. This global initiative, established through a resolution presented by the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations and co-signed by 54 countries, recognizes the critical role of MSMEs in fostering sustainable development and economic progress. By advocating for this Day, Dr. El Tarabishy has ensured that MSMEs remain central to global conversations about entrepreneurship, innovation, and equitable growth.
Read MoreAs the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal for Small Business Management (JSBM), one of the field’s most prestigious academic journals, Dr. El Tarabishy has elevated the global discourse on small business and entrepreneurship. With an impact factor 7.6 and readership in over 130 countries, JSBM publishes groundbreaking research that informs policies, strategies, and best practices for empowering entrepreneurs worldwide. A prolific researcher, Dr. El Tarabishy is the author of two landmark studies: The Origins of Korean Entrepreneurship and The Geneva Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. These initiatives provide profound insights into the cultural, economic, and institutional forces shaping entrepreneurship in their respective regions and serve as models for fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems globally. Dr. El Tarabishy is also the founder of the SME World Forum. This dynamic platform convenes thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore the future of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The forum emphasizes the critical role of SMEs in driving innovation, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable economic development. Through his visionary leadership, transformative research, and unwavering commitment to the global entrepreneurial community, Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy continues to inspire and advance the ecosystem for SMEs worldwide.

Dr. Winslow Sargeant

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.

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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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