For our Inspirational Women Shaping The Future Of Business Education series we speak with Katty Hsu – Co-Founder & Managing Director of SHELEADS+ Global Foundation

• Name: Katty Hsu 
• Job title: Co-founder & Managing Director of SHELEADS+ Global Foundation  
• Institution: Erasmus University Rotterdam 

Katty Hsu is the Research and Inclusive Entrepreneurship lead at Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE), part of Erasmus University Rotterdam. ECE has strong ties to Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), through several collaborative research and educational programmes since its establishment in 2013 by professors (from RSM and Erasmus School of Economics) and entrepreneurs.  

She recently co-founded SHELEADS+ Global Foundation as the first spinout of ECE. SHELEADS+ started as a project within the Erasmus University Rotterdam ecosystem in September 2021, which has since grown into an international non-profit organisation in 2025 with activities to empower marginalised women from all walks of life across 5 countries. At its latest annual event, supported by the municipality of Rotterdam (amongst others), SHELEADS+ welcomed 200 attendees (students, academics, professionals, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs) from over 19 countries to celebrate inclusive entrepreneurship. 

As a Taiwanese-born, South African-raised, Rotterdam-based entrepreneurship enthusiast, she is on a mission to empower marginalised communities of women across the world. She strongly believes that entrepreneurship and innovation are key to solving our society’s most pressing problems, from inequality to climate change. Through applying the knowledge gained from research and translating that into practice, she hopes to shape a better future for people with marginalized identities.  

Why do you work in education?  

Education, in all its forms, is a powerful tool that can empower people from all walks of life by providing them access to the opportunities that they deserve. I have had first-hand experience of leveraging the opportunities that education can bring.  

When I moved to the Netherlands to study my Master’s Degree in Strategy Economics almost seven years ago, I did not expect that my studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam would provide me the opportunity to grow my international career at its entrepreneurship centre that led me to realise my dream to start a global non-profit foundation.  

On top of that, I have witnessed how (entrepreneurship) education can empower students, entrepreneurs, juniors and (future) innovators to achieve their wildest ambitions. Working with researchers, educators, entrepreneurs and experts in this field is an inspiring environment that stretches the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve and drives me to continue contributing to the growth of individuals and communities.  

What’s the most rewarding part of your role? 

It’s difficult to choose only one rewarding part, so I’ll choose two that go hand in hand.  

On the one hand, I have not stopped learning from day one since I joined ECE almost six years ago. The generalist knowledge from entrepreneurship that I have gained can be applied to so many different fields. Due to the broad influence of our work, I’m able to appreciate and learn from innovators across industries – from deep tech to the creative sector.  

“Success doesn’t come from luck. Privilege definitely helps people go further with less, but ultimately it’s up to discipline and showing up for yourself every day. If you know your boundaries, then you’re able to show up fully as yourself – rather than a version that is shaped by others’ expectations or your own limiting beliefs.” 

– Katty Hsu

Secondly, working at the unique intersection between academia and practice is a fulfilling experience in which I get to witness the positive impact of the meaningful work we do. Seeing the difference we are able to make to individuals and communities is incredibly rewarding.  

Please tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome to get to where you are today. What did you learn?  

I’ve always been a dedicated and driven person that stops at almost nothing to achieve my personal and our organisational goals, especially since I have such an exciting career path with so many growth opportunities.  

The biggest challenge of my career so far has been neglecting my mental health and not asking for help when I needed it the most. I asked for help and support at a stage when the pressure and conflict reached a point that made it difficult for others to intervene as I was burning out.  

This experience taught me the importance of respecting my own boundaries and relying on my support system. Although this was an incredibly difficult period in my life, I have become more resilient and self-aware as a result of this.  

Have you ever had a role model? If yes, who? And how have they impacted your career or outlook?  

I’ve never had a specific role model that I looked up to outside of my circle, yet I get the opportunity to meet so many inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders through our research and education programmes.  

I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by inspiring people throughout my life, from my childhood all the way to my work environment where I get to collaborate with inspiring colleagues. I was raised by a power mom who not only provided for our immediate family but also for our extended family across the world.  

I also get to work with a powerhouse director, Farshida Zafar, who inspires me to unapologetically lead and never doubt myself. These two women have contributed to the confidence I needed to start this bold journey as a social entrepreneur.  

What advice would you give to others to succeed in their careers?

Work hard but know your boundaries. Success doesn’t come from luck. Privilege definitely helps people go further with less, but ultimately it’s up to discipline and showing up for yourself every day.

If you know your boundaries, then you’re able to show up fully as yourself – rather than a version that is shaped by others’ expectations or your own limiting beliefs. If you know your boundaries and the signals to slow down, then you also know when it will benefit your career to target your energies in a different direction.  

Interested in this series? Keep reading…