In this inspiring talk, Ganesh Baniya, co-founder of Icarus Media, shares his journey as an impact-driven media entrepreneur in Myanmar. Originally setting out to launch a tech magazine, Ganesh faced obstacles with printing that led him down an unexpected path. In 2013, he and his co-founder sister saw an opportunity to develop GandaWin - Myanmar's first and largest digital media brand focused on women's empowerment.
Despite initial skepticism, Ganesh persevered with a clear vision of creating constructive social change through diverse role models. GandaWin encourages open dialogues on sensitive and lighthearted women's topics, reaching over 11 million people monthly. Ganesh's experience spans MediaTech, TravelTech, MarTech, and FinTech, with a passion for customer experience, product design, and sustainable media in volatile markets.
Ganesh defines innovation as bridging gaps and connecting dots between your current reality and vision. He provides examples like search engines and discusses how innovation can be tangible products or intangible concepts. Importantly, he emphasizes that innovation requires persistence through the "messy middle" of failing, learning, and iterating to meet audience needs.
An ICF-registered coach, Ganesh views innovation as a skill to be developed through consistently exploring new ways of thinking and doing. After a 2021 hiatus, he is reviving Icarus' brands on skills, parenting, mental health while mentoring Asian media startups. His story showcases how societies thrive by embracing diverse innovators and role models. Ganesh Baniya is a key figure in Myanmar's media scene, co-founding GandaWin, the country's premier women's empowerment brand. With expertise in 3D animation and computing, Ganesh blends tech know-how with a passion for social good. Through GandaWin, he spearheads efforts empowering women and sparking discussions on important issues, reaching a massive audience of 11 million monthly. Despite obstacles, Ganesh is unwavering in his mission to expand his brand's influence and drive positive change. Beyond GandaWin, he's launched initiatives like BarNyarTharYaKar for men's mental health and GandaWin Learn for women's skill development. Collaborating with organizations like UNICEF on campaigns such as the Orange Campaign showcases his dedication to making a difference. Serving as a mentor for media startups across Asia, Ganesh's leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion is invaluable, shaping Myanmar's media landscape and beyond. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]
