The G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (G20 YEA) is an annual gathering held on the eve of the Leaders’ Summit. According to Futurpreneur Canada, the 2023 edition “brought together hundreds of the best young entrepreneurs from around the world to establish and advance youth entrepreneurship as an engine for economic growth, innovation and social change”. The organization is one of the founding members of the event and creates a global network of more than 500,000 young entrepreneurs.

Each member of the Quebec delegation agreed to answer a questionnaire provided by Offers about their experiences at the summit in India.

Here is the portrait series of the 10 young entrepreneurs from the Quebec delegation of the G20 YEA.

Surname: Mal Houck

Age: 25 years

Business: Elite Advice

Field of activity: Digital and Marketing Solutions

What does this year’s theme “Hum” (Hindi for “we”) mean to you and how do you apply it in your company?

This year’s theme “Hum” has a deep meaning for me and my company. It embodies the essence of uniqueness and collaboration at all levels. In our company we apply this principle by promoting a collaborative teamwork where everyone contributes to common progress, taking responsibility for our actions and being proud of the results achieved together.

Hum inspires us to be more than isolated individuals, but rather a cohesive and collaborative organism. We understand that the complex challenges of the modern world require a concerted and coordinated approach. By pooling our strengths, ideas and skills, we can make a much greater positive impact than if we act in fragmented ways.

What did you learn about Indian entrepreneurial know-how during your stay?

During my stay in India, I was really impressed by India’s entrepreneurial know-how. I have seen that India has a vibrant entrepreneurial culture with a strong focus on impact and growth. We had the opportunity to meet visionary entrepreneurs developing technologies that can change the world. Her dedication and inspiration was truly remarkable.

Beyond the technological progress, I was also impressed by the social and ecological commitment of many Indian entrepreneurs. They often integrate social goals into their business model and strive to have a positive impact on society while generating profits. I was deeply inspired by this people-centric approach and sustainable development and I am convinced that these initiatives can serve as a model for other companies around the world.

In your opinion, what will be the key issues of your generation of entrepreneurs?

In my opinion, the generation of entrepreneurs to which I belong faces major challenges related to the environmental and social impacts of current and future businesses. We are aware that we now have access to in-depth knowledge of the social challenges facing our society. As entrepreneurs, we feel a moral obligation to consider these issues and act responsibly.

One of the biggest challenges is that we must work to promote social inclusion and equality by recognizing and valuing the diversity of people in our companies and in our professional environments. Our goal is to create workspaces where everyone feels respected and accepted for who they are, creating an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.

In addition, we recognize the impact of climate change and the urgency to take action to mitigate our contribution to it. Entrepreneurs of our generation are actively looking for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.

What do you think you brought to the Futurpreneur 2023 cohort?

As part of the Futurpreneur 2023 cohort, I want to make a significant contribution by highlighting the impact of business and their judicious use of digital solutions to amplify that impact. I tried to bring a people-centric perspective and emphasize the importance of each individual in the collective effort to make a difference and make a positive impact.

In discussions with my colleagues and other G20 business leaders, I have been careful to emphasize the importance of considering the needs and aspirations of stakeholders in all our business initiatives. I’ve stimulated reflection on how our companies can drive positive change, considering not only the financial results but also the social and environmental impacts of our operations.

Which topic discussed during your participation in the G20 YEA 2023 caught your most attention and why?

The G20 YEA 2023 was an enriching experience that opened my eyes to progress in important areas such as health and the environment, while reinforcing my commitment to social inclusion. The inspiring discussions and shared solutions strengthened my determination to continue to be part of positive change and actively contribute to building a better future for all.