Akshaya is the co-founder of EcoEx, an innovative platform that facilitates the trading of plastic credit certificates to ensure responsible plastic waste management. With a strong vision for environmental sustainability, Akshaya has played a pivotal role in shaping EcoEx as a solution-driven initiative that connects stakeholders across the plastic waste ecosystem, including producers, recyclers, and urban local bodies.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how industries transform, how technologies evolve, and how leadership styles adapt to the needs of the times. My journey has taken me from industrial sales to IT, and eventually into the realm of sustainability. Throughout this journey, one principle has remained constant for me: leadership is about creating impact. It’s not just about managing teams or driving profits; it's about making a positive difference in the world.
When we began focusing on sustainability, we had a clear mission: to address one of the biggest challenges of our time—waste.
This is not just a local issue; it’s a global one, and the responsibility to solve it cannot rest with one organisation or government. We need a collective effort, and that’s what we’re striving for—a platform where stakeholders come together to create sustainable solutions. Our work involves managing plastic waste, e-waste, and even batteries, transforming what was once seen as ‘waste’ into valuable resources for a circular economy.
The Responsibility of Leadership
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working across various industries and roles. This diversity of experience has given me a unique perspective on leadership. For me, leadership has always been about setting the right direction and creating an environment where people feel empowered to contribute to a bigger purpose.

We have built mechanisms to help companies meet their EPR commitments by connecting them with recyclers and other stakeholders in the waste management ecosystem.

In my current role, that purpose is sustainability. Every decision we make is driven by the question: how can we reduce our environmental impact? How can we contribute to a better future? It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations, but true leadership demands a broader vision. I believe that leaders today must be committed not just to the success of their organisations but also to the well-being of society and the planet.
Seeing Waste Differently
In my early years in business, I saw waste the way many of us do—as a byproduct, something to be discarded. But over time, my thinking evolved. Waste is not just a problem; it's an opportunity. We now look at waste as a resource—something that can be reused, repurposed, and reintegrated into the economy. This shift in perspective has been at the heart of our efforts.
Plastic waste, for example, is one of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today. But plastic, in itself, is not the enemy. The problem lies in how we manage it. By creating pathways for plastic to be recycled and reused, we transform it from a pollutant into a sustainable product.

The same applies to e-waste and other materials we work with. It’s about shifting from a linear economy—where we use and discard—to a circular economy, where resources are constantly reused and repurposed.
Extended Producer Responsibility and the Role of Innovation
One of the concepts I feel strongly about is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This framework ensures that producers take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, especially when it comes to managing waste. I believe that businesses have a duty to minimise their environmental footprint, and EPR is one way to ensure that this happens.
We have built mechanisms to help companies meet their EPR commitments by connecting them with recyclers and other stakeholders in the waste management ecosystem. But more than that, we’re showing businesses that sustainability is not just about compliance; it’s about innovation. The future of business lies in the ability to turn challenges like waste into opportunities for growth and value creation.
Innovation, for me, is not just about technology; it’s about rethinking how we do things. It’s about finding new ways to address old problems. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our processes, whether it’s through digitization, data analysis, or partnerships with other innovators in the field.
A Leadership Built on Values
When I reflect on my leadership journey, there are a few core principles that have guided me: fairness, transparency, and humility. These values have shaped how I interact with my team, how I make decisions, and how I approach challenges. For me, leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about listening to others, creating space for collaboration, and ensuring that everyone has a voice.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that people are the most valuable asset any organisation has. You can have the best technology and strategies, but without a strong, committed team, none of it matters. We’ve worked hard to create a culture where people feel valued and empowered. We invest in our team’s growth, encouraging continuous learning and development. This is not just about improving productivity; it’s about creating a workplace where people feel inspired to contribute to something bigger than themselves.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
One of the challenges that many leaders face is balancing personal and professional responsibilities. It’s easy to get consumed by work, especially when you are passionate about what you do. But I’ve always believed in the importance of balance. For me, health comes first, then family, and then work. Taking care of my own well-being allows me to lead with clarity and purpose. It also sets an example for my team.
I encourage my team to prioritise their health and personal life because I know that a happy, balanced person is far more productive and creative than someone who is burnt out. Leadership is not just about pushing people to achieve; it’s about supporting them so that they can perform at their best.
Looking to the Future
As I look to the future, I am filled with optimism. The challenges we face—whether it’s climate change, waste management, or social inequality—are immense. But I truly believe that we have the capacity to solve them. What we need is leadership that is committed to the long-term, leadership that is willing to make bold decisions today to create a better tomorrow.
Our goal is not just to be a leader in the waste management industry; our goal is to inspire other businesses to follow suit. We want to show the world that sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s the future of business. I believe that the companies that embrace this mindset will not only thrive but will also be the ones that leave a lasting, positive impact on the world.
In closing, my message to fellow leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to make a difference is simple: embrace the challenge. The problems we face today are opportunities for innovation, for impact, and for growth. Leadership is about more than running a successful business; it’s about using your platform to make the world a better place.