By Lucas Lee
“ I started ESB after seeing a clear gap in how organisations accessed credible speakers and thought leaders, and how business owners could monetise their knowledge meaningfully,” Lynda shared.
This observation became a premise for Lynda to build a platform built on trust, curation, and real-world expertise.
Turning a Gap into an Opportunity
Like many founder-led ventures, the early days were not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Lynda faced was convincing busy business owners to commit their most valuable resource, time, to a new and unfamiliar platform.
“The challenge was getting business owners to believe in something new and assuring them that it was worth taking time out of their already packed schedules,” she explained.
The defining moment came through organic validation rather than aggressive expansion. When business owners began returning for repeat engagements and referring others, Lynda knew ESB was addressing a genuine market need. “That kind of validation was far more powerful than any marketing effort,” she said.
Building Confidence, Not Just a Directory
At its core, ESB does more than connect speakers to opportunities. It addresses the inefficiencies of sourcing credible voices while helping business owners build confidence and presence on stage.
In a competitive market, ESB differentiates itself through curation and credibility.
“We don’t aim to be the biggest directory. We aim to be the most trusted,” Lynda emphasised.
Every speaker on the platform brings practical, real-world experience, insights shaped by lived business challenges rather than theory alone.
The platform’s growth has been driven by strategic partnerships with business owners, corporates, SME networks, and professional bodies. These collaborations have expanded ESB’s reach while strengthening brand trust. An essential currency in the knowledge and professional development space.
Navigating the SME Landscape
As a business deeply embedded in the SME ecosystem, ESB operates within the same realities faced by many Malaysian enterprises. Cash flow pressures, talent retention, digital transformation, and rising operating costs remain key challenges.
The current economic landscape has also made business owners more value-conscious. In response, ESB introduced flexible engagement models that allow business owners to build networks and share knowledge in ways that align with evolving expectations and budgets.
Looking ahead, Lynda sees strong opportunities for SMEs in digitalisation, regional expansion within ASEAN, and the growing demand for upskilling and leadership development. “The appetite for learning and professional growth is only increasing,” she noted.
Technology, Sustainability, and Long-Term Value
Technology serves as the backbone of ESB. From speaker discovery to engagement management, enabling the platform to scale efficiently while maintaining quality and credibility.
Sustainability is also embedded in the content ESB promotes. Themes such as ESG, leadership ethics, and long-term value creation are actively championed, reflecting Lynda’s belief that knowledge plays a critical role in shaping responsible and future-ready organisations.
While the business model has remained consistent, Lynda remains open to evolution—choosing to pivot only when the timing and purpose are right.
Leading with Purpose
Describing her leadership style as purpose-driven and collaborative, Lynda believes in setting clear direction while empowering her team to execute with ownership. Building a strong culture starts with the right people.
“We hire for attitude and train for skill,” she said, adding that integrity, accountability, and continuous learning form the foundation of the organisation.
For new entrepreneurs navigating the SME space, her advice is grounded in experience: start with a real problem, stay close to your customers, and never underestimate the importance of resilience.
A Regional Vision for the Future
Looking five years ahead, Lynda envisions ESB as a leading regional platform for thought leadership and professional learning across Asia.
Beyond growth metrics, the legacy she hopes to leave is deeply purpose-driven—a platform that empowers voices, elevates ideas, and helps organisations grow through knowledge.
And to fellow SME founders, her message is clear and reflective of ESB’s journey: build something meaningful, not just profitable.
“When purpose and value align, sustainability follows.”
-Lynda Lee
Lynda is one of the participants of the MALAYSIA SME Sportrepreneur 2026 Congress, joining a 30-member team in the ASEAN Records Attempt Expedition to host the highest-altitude Congress. More than just a climb, this journey represents resilience, entrepreneurship, and the spirit of pushing boundaries—both in business and beyond.
MALAYSIA SME’s 12th installment of its Congress will take place at Panalaban of Mount Kinabalu, 3,272 meters above sea level, in June 2026. Stay updated on the training for the ascent and interviews from the expedition members on the MALAYSIA SME Congress YouTube channel .
