Dilawar Syed
Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration (2023-2024); Special Representative, State Department (2022-2023); Entrepreneur; Faculty and Policy Advisor, The University of Texas at Austin
As a technology and AI entrepreneur, Dilawar Syed brought real-world experiences in building ventures to his Cabinet role at the U.S. Small Business Administration. He is a leading voice on public policies to expand entrepreneurship, drive small business growth, and bolster America’s economic competitiveness. Now, as faculty and senior economic policy advisor at The University of Texas at Austin, Syed is leading a national dialogue on the public policies needed to strengthen U.S. business competitiveness.
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Dilawar Syed served as a Cabinet official at the U.S. Small Business Administration and as Special Envoy for Commercial Affairs at the State Department. From building an AI venture in Silicon Valley to leading federal disaster recovery in hurricane-struck communities and advocating for U.S. businesses on the global stage as America’s top commercial diplomat—Syed brings a rare, real-world perspective to leadership and public service. An immigrant who rose to the highest levels of the U.S. government, he offers a compelling model of purpose-driven leadership, inclusive economic policy, and coalition-building across sectors. His talks blend actionable insights with powerful personal stories—whether scaling a startup that led to a blockbuster IPO, breaking barriers as a trailblazing official, or advancing bold policies to democratize entrepreneurship in overlooked communities. Syed challenges audiences to lead with grit, conviction, and a commitment to lasting impact.
Featured Videos
Dilawar Syed
AI and Democracy
Dilawar Syed’s Speech Topics
Reigniting America's Competitive Edge
In an era defined by AI transformation, shifting trade dynamics, and rising global competition, how can the U.S. sharpen its economic edge? Drawing on his experience as a tech entrepreneur, a former Cabinet official at the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the lead commercial diplomat at the State Department, Dilawar offers a forward-looking blueprint to boost American competitiveness—through smarter trade policy, resilient supply chains, and a bold focus on democratizing innovation and entrepreneurship. A timely call to action for business and policy leaders alike.
Small Business, Big Stakes: Competing in the Age of AI and Geopolitical Risk
Small and midsize businesses are navigating seismic shifts—from AI disruption to rising tariffs and inflation. As a tech entrepreneur and former U.S. Cabinet official at the Small Business Administration, Dilawar brings a unique lens to these challenges—offering insights on digital adoption, policy reform, and building a more resilient and competitive Main Street economy.
Leading with Purpose: Building Mission-Driven Teams Across Sectors
Whether scaling a startup to an IPO or guiding federal agencies, Dilawar has led and executed with a clear sense of mission. This talk explores what it takes to lead through uncertainty—by aligning teams around a mission and shared values and executing with clarity. A compelling, practical perspective on public and private sector leadership grounded in purpose and mission.
Crisis Leadership: Lessons from the Field
From touring disaster zones to briefing the President during hurricane recovery efforts, Dilawar has seen firsthand how smart leadership and decisive action can accelerate response and recovery. He shares lessons on interagency coordination, public-private partnerships, and supporting constituents through crisis—rooted in real-time decisions during some of the toughest moments facing communities across the U.S.
Driving Change in Government: A Reformer’s Playbook
Government doesn’t have to move slowly. As a tech entrepreneur turned U.S. Cabinet official, Dilawar led efforts to modernize federal programs, democratize access to capital, streamline small business programs, and deliver results at scale. In this talk, he shares the leadership lessons behind those reforms—how to lead through bureaucracy, build coalitions, and move large organizations with focus and urgency. A candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to drive meaningful change from the inside out and drive impact at the national level.
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