Speaking & Talks – Dilawar Syed

    Talks & Events

    Dilawar Syed speaking at U.S. Africa Leaders Summit

    Dilawar is a leading voice on public policies to expand entrepreneurship, drive small business growth, and bolster America's economic competitiveness.

    2026 Events

    Recent Talks

    ​LBJ Business Policy Forum on Commercial Diplomacy

    ​LBJ Business Policy Forum on Small Business

    April 13, 2026

    ​LBJ Business Policy Forum on AI Infrastructure

    March 23, 2026

    LBJ Business Policy Forum: The Resource Race for Critical Minerals

    November 17, 2025

    LBJ Business Policy Forum: Shifting Global Trade

    October 20, 2025

    WBUR On Point Radio - NPR (Podcast)

    October 8, 2025

    Shoppers walk by a clothing store in Miami Beach

    LBJ Business Policy Forum: Winning the AI Race

    September 29, 2025

    Geopolitics, Tariffs, and Impact on U.S. Business - The University of Texas at Austin

    Virtual

    Owner's Box (Podcast)

    Podcast Appearance

    Owner's Box Podcast

    Wharton School Speaker Series

    University of Pennsylvania

    The Future of Commercial Diplomacy

    October 1, 2025

    LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin
    LBJ School of Public Affairs building and campus

    AHN Economic Summit 2025

    Las Vegas, NV

    AHN Economic Summit 2025
    August 21, 2025

    Wide-reaching Impacts of Trump's Tariffs

    Virtual Livestream

    Shipping containers with country flags and tariffs warning sign
    August 15, 2025

    NYC Civic Salon

    Brooklyn, NY

    NYC Civic Salon Coffee with Dilawar Syed
    August 17, 2025

    Tariffs Impact on Small Businesses

    Virtual

    CES 2024: Backing American Innovation

    Las Vegas, NV

    CES 2024: Backing American Innovation - Fireside chat with SBA Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed
    40:16

    Pursuing Public Service

    Philadelphia, PA

    Future of US-Africa Economic Partnership

    Washington, DC

    Driving Global Impact with Local Innovation

    Boise, ID

    Future of US-Iraq Economic Relations

    Baghdad, Iraq

    Bridging Opportunity Gaps in Memphis

    Memphis, TN

    Small Businesses as Exporters

    EXIM Bank, Washington, DC

    CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY

    Swearing-in Ceremony of New Citizens - Roseville, CA

    Speaking Topics

    Business Competitiveness

    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? A forward-looking blueprint to boost American competitiveness through smarter trade policy, resilient supply chains, and democratizing innovation and entrepreneurship.

    Leadership

    Leading with Purpose: Building Mission-Driven Teams

    Whether scaling a startup to an IPO or guiding federal agencies, learn what it takes to lead through uncertainty by aligning teams around a mission and shared values. A compelling, practical perspective on leadership grounded in purpose and mission.

    Crisis Management

    Crisis Leadership: Lessons from the Field

    From touring disaster zones to briefing the President during hurricane recovery efforts, learn lessons on interagency coordination, public-private partnerships, and supporting constituents through crisis—rooted in real-time decisions during critical moments.

    Small Business Resilience

    Small Business, Big Stakes: Competing in the Age of AI

    Small and midsize businesses are navigating seismic shifts—from AI disruption to rising tariffs and inflation. Insights on digital adoption, policy reform, and building a more resilient and competitive Main Street economy.

    Reforming Bureaucracy

    Driving Change in Government: A Reformer's Playbook

    Government doesn't have to move slowly. Learn the leadership lessons behind modernizing federal programs, democratizing access to capital, and delivering results at scale. A candid look at driving meaningful change from the inside out.

    Invite Dilawar to Speak