What does it take to be unstoppable when the world comes to a standstill?

4 minute read 17 Jun. 2021
By Stasia Mitchell

EY Global Entrepreneurship Leader

Envisioning equitable entrepreneurship by embracing diversity. Fostering a global entrepreneurial ecosystem. Striving to build a world that works better for all.

4 minute read 17 Jun. 2021

In EY’s new documentary, “The Unstoppables,” the world’s most unstoppable entrepreneurs share their unflagging spirit of optimism and how they are adapting their businesses amid uncertainty.

This year has pushed us all to redefine what success looks like and to reimagine every aspect of our world. Now, more than ever, I believe we can turn to the world’s entrepreneurs for inspiration in reframing our future.

After all, entrepreneurs are used to navigating uncharted territory. They thrive amid uncertainty. Relentlessly optimistic and always curious, they see opportunity amid disruption and rise up when there are problems to be solved.

That’s why I am so excited about our new documentary feature, “The Unstoppables,” produced in collaboration with CNBC Catalyst

In the documentary, we meet seven of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs. We learn about what sparked their journey, how they’ve overcome setbacks, and the moment they realized nothing was going to stop them.

That spirit is something we can all embrace in our lives, using it to shape how we “show up,” how we take risks and how we welcome new perspectives that open our eyes to unseen opportunities in our own worlds or markets.

Watch "The Unstoppables"

The world’s most unstoppable entrepreneurs reveal insights that can inspire us all to reframe our future. Watch on CNBC TV or on demand at cnbc.com/unstoppables.

Watch now

More than anything, I hope “The Unstoppables” ignites great conversations in your own circles — about what it takes to change the world, how we want to live and work, and how to thrive even when we don’t have all the answers. I can't wait to hear about your takeaways from the insights they share. (Reach out to me on Twitter.)

Meet our seven unstoppable entrepreneurs: 

  • Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

    Kiran Shaw

    Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited

    EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020

    Named one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been blazing a trail for women in business for decades. Since founding Biocon with only US$500, she has grown it into India’s largest biopharmaceutical business today, employing over 11,000 people and providing affordable access to ground-breaking medications in more than 120 countries. Today, Dr. Mazumdar-Shaw leads the charge in developing affordable drugs to treat diabetes, while simultaneously developing cures for cancer and a vaccine to fight COVID-19.

  • Brad Keywell

    Brad Keywell

    Founder and CEO, Uptake Technologies, Inc.

    EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019

    A serial entrepreneur at heart, Chicago-based Brad Keywell is a starter, not a follower. After successfully launching nine companies, including Groupon, and raising US$3 billion, Keywell founded Uptake Technologies in 2014. Uptake is a tech unicorn and an AI-driven predictive analytics software company.

  • Peter Beck

    Peter Beck

    Founder and CEO, Rocket Lab

    EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 New Zealand winner

    Space is the ultimate high ground for Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Peter Beck. Rocket Lab has become an industry leader in space, redefining how satellites reach orbit in a sustainable way. Rocket Lab builds and launches satellites that monitor weather, manage waste and provide insights on climate change. Peter is committed to tackling “space junk” and the potentially hazardous effects to people on Earth of growing congestion and debris in outer space.

  • Loretta Lee

    Loretta Lee

    Executive Director and Chairlady, Canvest Environmental Protection Group Company Limited

    EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 China — Hong Kong/Macau winner

    Loretta Lee has transformed her passion for the environment into a thriving energy business. Under her leadership, Canvest Environmental Protection Group has been at the forefront of generating clean energy through waste incineration, operating 30 waste-to-energy sites across China. Canvest is the first waste-to-energy operator to publish real-time emission data. 

  • Rosaleen Blair

    Rosaleen Blair

    Founder and Chair, Alexander Mann Solutions 

    EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year judge - Chair of Judges

    Rosaleen Blair has dedicated her career to unlocking employment opportunities that change people’s lives. She founded Alexander Mann Solutions (AMS) with a mission to transform the way blue-chip multinationals attract and retain talent. Today, as Chair of AMS, she is committed to supporting diversity and youth employability, which she believes are critical to the future of organizations.

  • Richard Kennedy

    Richard Kennedy

    Chief Executive, Devenish

    EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 Ireland winner

    Richard Kennedy, CEO of Belfast-based agri-technology firm Devenish, is driven by his mission to advance sustainable food production. He has transformed a small, traditional animal feed business into a leading global player in smart farming. Kennedy is leading the charge to develop carbon-neutral beef and dairy.

  • Dr. Jennifer Riria

    Jennifer riria

    CEO, Echo Network Africa, formerly Kenya Women Holding

    EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014 East Africa winner

    Dr. Jennifer Riria is on a mission to transform the lives of women and their families in Kenya and beyond. She founded Kenya Women Holding (now Echo Network Africa) and Kenya Women Finance Trust, the country’s largest microfinance provider, which has served more than 3 million low-income women and their families and disbursed more than US$3 billion. One of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs, Dr. Riria is recognized for her leadership in microfinancing and social impact.

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Summary

Unstoppable entrepreneurs find opportunity in disruption and adapt their businesses amid uncertainty. See how seven of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs have forged a path forward through disruption in "The Unstoppables," the new documentary feature produced in collaboration with CNBC Catalyst.

About this article

By Stasia Mitchell

EY Global Entrepreneurship Leader

Envisioning equitable entrepreneurship by embracing diversity. Fostering a global entrepreneurial ecosystem. Striving to build a world that works better for all.