Madhavi Shankar is an entrepreneur who is passionate about creating equal opportunities and employment for women. Following a stint as Asia–Pacific Product Manager for Vodlo, an Australian software development enterprise, she returned to India with a mission to create impact using technology in underserved sectors. In 2017, she co-founded the app SpaceBasic, a platform to manage hostels and student housing communities.
Since launching, SpaceBasic has grown rapidly and is on track to reach 1 million users in 2020. As CEO, Madhavi has pledged 1 per cent of the app’s profits to go towards educating women. In 2019 she was named as one of the Top 60 Women Transforming India by the Indian Government and the United Nations. She has given several TEDx speeches, and in 2020 was named in the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia.
Madhavi has a Master of Business Administration (2015) and a Master of Engineering Management (2014) from UTS.
Madhavi, what is one key lesson you learned at UTS that is still relevant to you today?
I learned the power of collaboration. It’s such an incredible tool.
Collaborating with students from many cultures at UTS was such a rich experience. It really helped develop my ability to effectively communicate and connect with my peers through coursework and other activities. This for me is an important trait as an entrepreneur.
If you could go back to your first year of university and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would choose entrepreneurship as part of my coursework. Studying this at UTS would have been a great value-add.
What motivates you to achieve your goals?
The ability to positively contribute to society while adding value to people’s lives. With my company SpaceBasic, we’re grateful to work towards this goal every day.
What was one turning point that changed your career, your life, or both?
Moving to Australia was a defining moment in my life. I come from a culturally rich country, one where we are often made to believe that our families and society know what’s best for us. Students and young adults seldom exercise the power of independent thinking.
I moved to Australia to further my education, earning a Master of Engineering and an MBA from UTS. While I was here, I had no choice but to practice independent thinking every day to make small and big decisions. This enabled me to choose courses that I was interested in, and it enabled me to select a job that I like and so on. The ability to think independently not only made me feel empowered, but made it possible for me to progress in my coursework and career.
What change – in your industry, community, or society at large – would you like to help create in the next ten years?
The world needs more young entrepreneurs working towards the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. I am a part of 1M2030, an initiative by the UN to motivate one million young adults and students – especially women – to choose to become entrepreneurs by 2030. I strongly believe in this cause.
What did you enjoy most about your time at UTS?
Meeting people from different cultures and walks of life, and coming together and learning what motivated them to pursue a course of study really opened up my perspective. And the friendships I formed at UTS are still part of my life today.
What do you think are the most valuable skills for new graduates entering the workforce?
I believe the ability to practice independent thinking about what interests you and working hard towards it, without having to pick a popular option or succumb to pressure, is an important skill to build.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your sector?
Solve a real problem, conduct thorough due diligence, and always validate your product with your customers and potential customers. Most importantly, trust your gut and don’t give up!
The UTS International Alumni Award is proudly sponsored by UTS Insearch. ​
Register now for the webinar UTS Aluminated with Madhavi Shankar, 15 September, 12pm