Lead, build and contribute – how a 40 Under 40 Queensland alumni is empowering Australians
Through the newly formed Australian Institute of Innovation & Leadership, Taj Pabari is creating a fresh approach to accredited training that’s bridging the gap between qualifications and the real world.
From its inception, The ASE Group has endeavoured to equip Australians with the necessary tools and resources required to enter the workforce or start a business of their own. Since 2020, more than 250,000 individuals – many from regional and disadvantaged backgrounds – have participated in The ASE Group’s face-to-face and online education programs, which impart skills and knowledge not taught in traditional classrooms.
However, despite providing real-life skills, entrepreneurship and employment education, The ASE Group was still sending its students to other educational institutions and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to obtain official qualifications.
Noticing the outdated assessments and recycled content these training organisations provided, The ASE Group’s co-founder Taj Pabari – a social entrepreneur and member of InDaily Queensland’s 2024 40 Under 40 – started exploring better ways to offer Australians accredited training backed by real-world experience.
Earlier this year, The ASE Group launched The Australian Institute of Innovation & Leadership (AIIL) – a nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation (RTO 46223) under the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Offering a range of formal accreditations that bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world needs, AIIL’s training is practical, interactive and overseen by an advisory team that includes people who’ve built, led or scaled impactful initiatives of their own.
Steve Baxter, a Shark Tank investor and one Australia’s most recognisable tech entrepreneurs, is one such notable figure that is sharing his lived experience and practical insight via video contributions for every business unit, connecting AIIL’s course theory with real-world application. What’s more, AIIL offers multiple weekly coaching sessions led by a range of expert coaches, all of whom proffer personalised guidance and constructive, individualised feedback on ideas and progress.
“I wasn’t interested in traditional schooling, because it didn’t teach me the real-life skills I needed,” says Taj, who recalls being the naughty kid at school. “At AIIL, we’re changing that with interactive, practical education delivered by someone who has walked the walk and content that actually prepares you for the real world of starting your own business.”
“We already have hundreds of students and the feedback has been really interesting. The biggest goal was to make sure this wasn’t just another tick-the-box course but a course that holistically supported participants on their business journey.”
AIIL currently offers three courses – a Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business, a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business, and a Micro Business Skill Set. Head to the AIIL website for more information.
Stay informed, daily
The search is on for the state’s high achieving young business leaders and entrepreneurs, with nominations now open for InDaily Queensland’s 40 Under 40 Awards program for 2025.
Now in its third year, the prestigious awards have become a valuable platform for showcasing the state’s talent. The 40 Under 40 Awards is celebrating the passion, vision and achievements of Queensland’s young entrepreneurs and leaders, who will grow and shape the future of our state.
If you know a great leader, trailblazer or innovator that is deserving of recognition, nominate them for this year’s awards. Nominations close on Monday June 2 – click here for more information.
