Today on Better Student Leaders, I’m joined by Akshad Shalah, a La Trobe University student whose leadership journey began when friends “pushed” him to attend a Campus Consultancy workshop. Fast forward two years, and he’s gone from sitting in the audience to flying internationally to represent Australia at the Enactus World Cup in Thailand, serving as a Residential Leader, Club President, and now a La Trobe Student Council member.

“All my friends said, ‘We have to go see Josh Farr.’ I didn’t even know what it was about, but that one workshop changed my life.”

In this inspiring conversation, Akshad shares how saying yes before you’re ready changed everything. From founding Enactus La Trobe and leading his team to a national second-place finish, to balancing study, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Akshad’s story is proof that showing up can lead anywhere, even the world stage.

You’ll learn:

• How “just showing up” became the key to every opportunity

• The power of serving others as the true test of leadership

• Why “start before you’re ready” might be the best advice you’ll ever hear

• How Enactus transformed his view of leadership, teamwork, and impact
• The mindset shifts that took him from nervous first-year to international changemaker