Tal Dehtiar

With Generations X and Y being the first in history to be poorer than those before, Tal Dehtiar was born ready to work. At a young age, Dehtiar saw what passion and priorities can lead people to do, as his parents built a successful small business knowing little about the industry, language, or foreign country in which they lived. With a unique perspective into business, he saw what impact a company can have on its workers, a family and an economy. Using these lessons, by the time he received his MBA, he’d already planted the seeds for his highly successful “MBAs Without Borders,” which pairs experienced MBA graduates with opportunities in emerging markets.

After Dehtiar left his successful nonprofit, he launched Oliberté Footwear, the first shoe company to work exclusively in Africa and make premium shoes. Oliberté is more than just a shoe or lifestyle brand. It is a commitment to the idea that Trade, not Aid, is the model for growth anywhere in the world. Dehtiar is slowly but surely building a middle class empire—which he believes is the essential ingredient for building a healthy economy. Oliberté projects to create 1 million jobs in Africa by 2025 in order to build a thriving economy there. The company became the first Fair Trade Certified™ Shoe Factory in the entire World. With the goal to become the most responsible lifestyle brand supporting workers’ rights, Dehtiar focuses on the product, the planet, workers and women’s empowerment to build his brand into a household name.

Named one of the International Youth Foundation's Young Social Entrepreneurs and one of Fast Company's "Most Creative People in Business," Dehtiar has worked, visited, lived and studied in over 50+ countries in the developing world. In his presentations, Dehtiar shares his unique stories of passion, persistence and never giving up with colleges and businesses alike. He is a regular speaker at conferences across the globe, encouraging the need for real change in the development of corporations. He inspires audiences, in particular young people, to follow their dreams and to take care of each other, proudly and fairly.