Academician | Entrepreneur | Consultant
Social Impact Advocate | Speaker
Dr. Shambavi Rajagopal is a force of nature, bridging the gap between academia, entrepreneurship, and social impact with a journey that’s both inspiring and action-packed. A visionary academician, consultant, and entrepreneur, she has spent over three decades shaping businesses and empowering individuals across the GCC and MENA regions. With a passion for marketing, management, and sustainability, Dr. Shambavi's life is a testament to the power of turning ideas into action and dreams into reality. Dr. Shambavi’s academic career spans over 16 years, where she has mentored countless students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. With a Ph.D. in Management, an MBA in Marketing, and certifications like Six Sigma Green Belt and Supply Chain Professional, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. She thrives on sharing her insights, helping students connect theory with practice, and guiding the next generation of leaders. Her love for teaching and engaging with young minds is her fuel, and her ability to communicate complex ideas simply and engagingly makes her an exceptional educator. With over 20 years in consulting and 13 years specializing in market research, Dr. Shambavi has guided businesses, from solopreneurs to large corporations, in enhancing their market share and brand visibility. She has worked with companies on everything from licensing to branding, applying her expertise to help them grow in competitive markets. Her approach to consulting is hands-on and deeply rooted in her vast experience, ensuring that every client she works with walks away with actionable strategies to achieve their goals.
In 2015, Dr. Shambavi’s entrepreneurial journey took off with Save, Scrap & Sew, a project born from her love for sewing and a passion for sustainability. Starting with just two bags of scrap and a handful of volunteers, this initiative has blossomed into a movement that has saved over 12.5 tons of fabric from landfills. Through the collective efforts of volunteers, known as “buddies,” Save, Scrap & Sew has transformed fabric waste into thousands of utility items like sheets, bags, and pillows, which are donated to charities and orphanages. The impact is clear: more than 3,700 sheets, 5,800 bags, and 5,800 pillows have brought comfort to those in need.
But Dr. Shambavi didn’t stop there. In 2016, she co-founded Sew-A-Gift, a business that creates personalized, embroidered gifts designed to leave lasting memories. Whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday gesture, Sew-A-Gift adds a personal touch to gifting, and under her leadership, it has fulfilled over 1,000 orders and created thousands of smiles.
Now, Dr. Shambavi is taking her vision further with Planet Tomorrow, an evolution of Save, Scrap & Sew. Planet Tomorrow is about creating a sustainable future, focusing on saving the environment from fabric waste while uplifting communities. It’s not just about sewing anymore; it’s about building a global network of people committed to making a positive impact. The initiative continues to thrive, with workshops, talks, and partnerships that inspire others to take action for the planet.
Dr. Shambavi is not only a business leader but also a mentor. Her work with doctoral students at Swiss Management Centre (SMC) has helped aspiring academics reach their potential, and her platform, Shambavi’s Spectrum, offers consulting services to businesses looking to innovate and grow. She’s a startup mentor, helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching and scaling businesses. Her mantra? “Efficiency is more important than perfection,” a philosophy that drives her to deliver results that matter.
Dr. Shambavi’s story is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big and no idea too small to make a difference. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about giving back to the community, her journey is proof that hard work, passion, and creativity can lead to extraordinary results. From saving tons of fabric waste to empowering businesses across the region, Dr. Shambavi Rajagopal is leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shambavisspectrum/
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