Jerry Theys : The 10 Most Innovative CEOs Making a Difference in 2026 | CIO Views Magazine

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Innovators Stirring Meaningful Change at the Helm

In a world marked by rapid change and unforgiving competition, the modern generation of CEOs is rewriting the rules on what leadership can andshouldreallybe.Theyleadtheircompanieswithararecombinationof vision, bravery, and modesty-qualities that show it's the mindset, perhaps more than technology, that is at the core of innovation. They challenge dogmatic paradigms, protect space for experimentation,and make bets on audaciousideasthatothersmostlytrytoavoid.Theirchoicesareinformed by that higher raison d'être that is before short-term victories.They invest in cultures where creativity could flourish and teams are free to question norms and reimagine possibilities. Sustainability, ethics, and social responsibilityarealsoattheheartofstrategiesformanyoftheminproving that progress has to be inclusive and towards the future. Their impact reverberates well beyond the boardrooms, inspiring industries to evolve and communities to dream of better futures.And as their pioneering work continues to take shape, they become powerful reminders that leadership, initsfinestexpression,weddedtoinnovationandintegrity,reallychanges theworldinbothdeepandenduringways.

At CIO Views, we honor these empowering leaders by dedicating this issue titled “The 10 Most Innovative CEOs Making a Difference in 2026” to them. Featuring as the cover story, we have covered the successful & motivating journey of Jerry Theys, CEO of BlueFil® We have also included the inspiring stories of Raphael Kallas, CEO of Kazzas; Darya Yegorina, CEO of CleverBooks; Kestutis Pagalys, CEO of UAB Servermall; Victoria Jenkins, Founder & CEO of Unhidden; Frank Corcoran,CEOofSierraVistaHospital;LizetteIbarra, CEO&Founderof Latina Chief; Boaz Levi, President & CEO of IAI - Israel Aerospace Industries; John Dowd, CEO of Fiduciary Trust International; and Vicky Wang,CEO&FounderofWuKongEducation.

CIOViewsisabusinessmagazinethatmainlyfocusesonbusinessleaders, their journey, views on current economic states, and all other relevant subjects that refer to the business world. Our goal is to be a leading source of information dedicated to providing our readers with detailed perspectives and views of successful business leaders who are transforming the business outlook and redefining their goals. With exclusive editions on various industries like software, education, healthcare,technology,realestate,andmanymore,CIOViewsisdrivento promoteexcellenceintheworldofbusiness.

10. JerryTheys

KestutisPagalys 34. 44. 20. RaphaelKallas

DaryaYegorina 24. 30. VictoriaJenkins FrankCorcoran 40. LizetteIbarra BoazLevi 50. JohnDowd 54. VickyWang 58.

COVER -STORY

Theys Jerry

CEO | ®BlueFil

A Transformational Leader Shaping

High-Efficiency Separation Technology

Across Global Process Industries

®BlueFil NV(bluefil.com)

Jerry Theys has a leadership style that is entrepreneurial, customer-focused, and committed to operational excellence. His resilience, adaptability, and ability to analyze complex environments and understand people, enabling him to identify problems and develop effective solutions, were driven by life-shaping experiences, such as leaving his hometown at a young age to work in a foreign country and facing uncertainty alone. These moments shaped his belief that bold decisions and hard work open doors.

Jerry holds a Magna Cum Laude Master of Science in Engineering and has led businesses in both the United States and Europe. Having lived in Ireland, Belgium, Germany,Africa, and the U.S., he brings a global mindset to leadership and is fluent in three languages.

Transforming Companies Into High-Value, High-Performance Organizations

With over 20 years of CEO and P&L leadership, Jerry has built a career focused on creating value, improving performance, and growing markets, particularly within the clean process engineering sector. He has worked closely with and has held a seat on dozens of boards, scaled familyowned multinationals, and, as CEO, generated $300 million in shareholder value in a Chemical Business turnaround, negotiated and managed syndicated debt andABL facilities, sourced and closed multiple acquisitions, and developed international distribution networks with a focus on sustainable, long-term success.

Jerry is driven by results but equally committed to people and purpose. Throughout his career, he has led both restructuring and growth initiatives, reduced costs, expanded sales, diversified markets, and strengthened financial performance.

His experience spans international M&A, operations, process improvement, and executing buy-andbuild strategies, where he has been actively involved from deal origination and due diligence to acquisition integration and long-term execution.

Engineering Cleaner Processes for a Cleaner Planet

Aglobal specialist in high-efficiency demisters and separation technologies for industries such as nitrogen, syngas, hydrogen, fertilizers, chemicals, CCUS, metallurgy, water treatment, semiconductors, and ® chrome plating, BlueFil delivers

precision separation that protects its clients' processes and the planet, from mist elimination to emission control.

® BlueFil's tailor-made, energyefficient systems prevent droplets, aerosols, and chemical emissions from reaching the environment, while improving plant reliability, increasing production capacity, and reducing operating costs. Their expertise includes mist and droplet separation, liquid/liquid separation, scrubber packing, and coalescing.

All solutions are lightweight, easy to maintain, adaptable to changing conditions, and designed to meet strict environmental regulations. With installations across 25+ countries,

® BlueFilsupports customers through a strong global engineering and service network, delivering tailored solutions to the highest performance standards.

Leadership Shaped by Challenge and Vision

Jerry's most transformative moment in his professional journey was turning around a manufacturing business on the brink of bankruptcy into a profitable entity. This defining moment taught him that, with the right mindset, even the most challenging situations can become opportunities for growth and innovation.

Achallenge he faced while scaling

®BlueFil was the lack of resources and proper management, despite having strong products. “This challenge pushed me to hire and mentor young graduates, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the team. It reinforced my belief in investing in youth while respecting the wisdom of experience,” he recalls.

® Arecent achievement at BlueFil that reflects Jerry's vision for the company's future was securing a third consecutive project in the same industry - thanks to accurate pricing and technical excellence - which showed that the company's strategy works, positioning it for sustainable growth.

Leading with Purpose, Process, and Future Impact

Jerry emphasizes the importance of discipline and structure when making leadership decisions that positively shape future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators. “Operations are key to our organization. They are not an afterthought but central to our thinking,” he explains. This approach is supported through SOP-driven processes that create transparency, consistency, and redundancy across the team.

Hard work remains a core value, and the team lives this every day, working

“Operationsarekeytoourorganization. Theyarenotanafterthoughtbutcentral toourthinking”

“It is amazing how lucky you get as you work harder.”

to support customers and delivering faster than promised. “There's no replacement for hard ® work, and we practice that at BlueFil NV,” Jerry says. He believes that leading with hard work, creativity, and integrity not only drives results but also inspires future leaders to embrace entrepreneurship and experience the fulfillment that comes from building something meaningful through effort and innovation.

® As demand grows, BlueFilis expanding its workforce and capabilities. “We start by respecting our existing team members, honoring their contributions, and ensuring new members add value based on the team's current capabilities. This philosophy ensures growth without compromising culture,” Jerry shares.

In his role as CEO, Jerry sees innovation as forward-thinking. “Innovation means thinking beyond what exists - anticipating needs and creating solutions that leverage our core competencies.” He encourages teams to challenge assumptions, explore emerging niches, and take ownership of new ideas.

“Ifocusonstrategicplanning-ofteninExcel, modelingscenariostoachievegrowth.What energizesmemostisbeingonthefrontline withclientsandseeingoursolutionsmake arealimpact”

Akey part of the company culture is empowering young talent. Jerry coaches new team members closely until they are confident and capable of leading independently. “Assigning complex tasks to young professionals tests their creativity and resilience,” he notes.

Driven by Customers, Strategy, and Global Collaboration

Jerry describes a typical day as a balance of leadership, responsiveness, and strategic thinking. Much of that responsiveness begins early. “My day is a mix of guiding teams, answering 'why' and 'how,' and ensuring fast responses to customers. Our days start with communication with customersoften early in the morning via email, calls, and WeChat - and end the same way, responding to as many questions and requests as possible within 24 hours,” he explains.

Beyond daily operations, Jerry dedicates time before and after office hours to long-term planning. Yet, what energizes him most isn't spreadsheets or systems - it's connection. “I focus on strategic planning - often in Excel, modeling scenarios to achieve growth. What energizes me most is being on the front line with clients

and seeing our solutions make a real impact,” he explains.

This customer-first rhythm is supported by a diverse and global ® team.At BlueFil, employees speak more than 10 languages and come from six countries across four continents. Jerry believes this multicultural foundation is a competitive advantage: “By embracing this diversity, we can leverage different approaches and experiences to achieve outstanding results.”

Balancing personal life with leadership demands remains a realistic challenge, but his motivation remains deeply rooted in passion and purpose. “True balance is rare. To excel in business, sacrifices are inevitable,” he admits. “I work long hours because I genuinely enjoy what I do - especially when I see positive feedback from customers. That satisfaction keeps me motivated.”

Staying Focused, Collaborative, and Purpose-Driven

Jerry credits his hands-on approach with helping him maintain focus in a fast-evolving business landscape. “I stay involved in every stage of the business cycle, from customer engagement to contract

execution,” he explains. Remaining close to the work keeps him energized and ensures the organization can adapt quickly and thoughtfully.

Fostering collaboration - especially during uncertainty - comes down to mindset and ownership. “I encourage everyone to take a creative role and lead by example. Collaboration thrives when people feel empowered to contribute ideas and challenge the status quo,” Jerry says. This culture of shared responsibility not only strengthens execution but accelerates innovation.

Sustainability also plays a central role in ® Jerry's long-term vision for BlueFil. “Our products and solutions reduce emissions and support environmental goals. Sustainability isn't just a trend - it's integral to our mission and the industries we serve,” he affirms. For him, responsibility and performance go hand in hand - both shaping a company built for lasting impact.

To aspiring CEOs who want to lead with both innovation and integrity, Jerry offers the following words of wisdom: “Don't be afraid to challenge old habits and open closed doors. Innovation starts with courage and a willingness to rethink everything.”

Conclusion

Jerry Theys's legacy extends beyond growth

® metrics or milestones. He envisions BlueFil as a benchmark for industrial separation, delivering precision-engineered solutions, operational excellence, and sustainable impact across global process industries.

® While he aims for BlueFil to triple its business within the next two years and expand its impact across multiple sectors, his deeper ambition is to leave behind a company defined by excellence, innovation, and unwavering customer focus - a place where people take pride in their work, think boldly, and push boundaries. For Jerry, that enduring culture will be his true contribution ® to BlueFil and the industry at large.

Going Beyond a Building or a Block by Integrating People and the City

Afirst property is a big step, and the more facilities, the greater the chance of everyone conquering theirs. With the purpose of helping to reduce the housing deficit in the city of São Paulo, Raphael Kallas, CEO at Kazzas, is leading the firm to make the dream of many owning a reality come true with residential developments at affordable prices, without giving up quality. With a focus entirely on the economic segment, the company offers projects that allow access to the realization of the dream of owning a home.

Raphael has led Kazzas from where it started as a brand to becoming its own company. The first independent project, Residencial Parque da Serra, in São Paulo, was carried out in partnership with anAmerican fund. He says, "The acceptance was so great that we saw that we did not want to compete in retail, but to make properties of economic standard, but premium, with superior quality."

Raphael oversees every operation, from land acquisition, to product development, to construction of the building, to selling the apartments. He vision to expand the company reach to California as he sees there is a big opportunity to fill up the gap for affordable housing.

The Inception Story

Kazzas, a company of the Kallas group, was born in 2016 with a focus on sustainable, high-quality residential developments at an affordable price. "We started operating in 2016, but only in 2019 did we take on a life of our own", says Kallas.

Raphael Kallas states that the team did a study to understand what is most and least valued by residents. It noticed that game rooms, for example, have little use, while party rooms are more used when the use is extended to outdoor common areas.

Co-working, delivery space with fridge and oven to keep food warm while the resident doesn't go down, pet space, solar panels to reduce energy consumption in common areas, vertical garden-so everyone can plant and harvest -, electric bikes ready to go. To be used by families, are just a few examples of common areas delivered by a construction company in São Paulo.

According to Raphael, at first glance, it may seem that the company is talking about a luxury building in a busy neighbourhood in the city of São Paulo. But not as the description above is of a development with 40square-meter apartments in Cidade Ademar, in the south of São Paulo. Raphael shares, "It will be delivered at the end of 2022 by the developer, Kazzas, from the Kallas group , fully equipped according to the needs perceived by the company during the pandemic." He further explains that the strategy worked.Afew weeks after the launch, the venture had 65%

Raphael Kallas

CEO Kazzas

of its 184 units sold. "It was our first venture developed based on a new concept", explains the executive.

Vision for Offering Exclusivity

To balance the cost-effectiveness of real estate, Raphael started to focus on four pillars: sustainability, customer concern, quality and innovation. "As we buy in scale, we build cheaper and with higher quality than the properties of the Casa Verde and Amarela Program, for example", says Raphael. He also adds that Raphael also follows certain standards, such as building units of

approximately 40 square meters on land of at least 3,000 square meters, where it can build projects with a condominium-club concept. Clients are usually young couples aged 25 and over who want to live close to subway stations.

Leading with Innovation

Raphael believes that investments in innovation also help the company to optimise costs and deliver work more intelligently. To prospect land, for example, in addition to using market research, Kazzas invests in face-toface visits and drones to get a macro

view of possible opportunities. "Our focus is Greater São Paulo and adjacent cities, such as Osasco, Carapicuíba and Taboão da Serra, but occasionally we build in specific cities, such as Santos and Guarujá, on the coast of São Paulo, where there is also demand for housing with our profile", says Raphael.

The company also bets on platforms with building information modelling (BIM) — a software that allows teams to work collaboratively, making projects not only compatible but also more accurate and less susceptible to errors.Another bet is virtual tours in

3D and augmented reality, which "transport" buyers into apartments and common areas during construction.

Stepping towards Future

The numbers shared by Raphael indicate that Kazzas is on the right track. In 2019, the construction company launched two projects, 700 units and ended the year with 190

million in general sales value (PSV), which represents the sum of the potential sales value of all units in a project. In 2020, despite the pandemic, the expectation is to launch eight projects with 1,800 units and accumulate PSV of 640 million reais.

"We are planning to launch 23 projects, which will represent 2 billion reais in more than 10,000 units," anticipates Raphael. The goal

is bold, but does not intimidate the construction company. He claims that the company has a great legacy. The team and the company are prepared to revolutionise the economic market.

Redefining The Educational Industry With Innovative Computer Technology

Success has a different meaning for each person: for some, it's a monetary achievement, and for some, it's making a difference. For Darya Yegorina, CEO of CleverBooks, success means making a difference along with the achievements of the company. CleverBooks operates in the education field. “Education has an impact on people's lives in the long run. When CleverBooks makes things happen, it makes a difference within our company's mission and vision, that's the success we want as a team and that's the feeling of winning with the difference we all have in mind,” she states.

Leading a company to success is not an easy road to take

The foundation for CleverBooks was Darya's own story of learning at school. She says that when she was at school, she had books around her to

learn from and teachers who directed mainly to the books. Then technology kicked in and it took time to learn and adapt. “Today, kids have a lot of learning opportunities, and educators have way more tools for teaching. This is truly inspiring - to deliver technology that can help teach and learn with ease, excitement, and inspiration for lifetime learning,” she further adds.

Augmented Reality for education is already a challenge from several perspectives: technology adoption by users and technology application on pedagogy and methodology. These are the main roadblocks that CleverBooks has on the strategic roadmap. They talk to their customers and improve their experience with Augmented classrooms, their flagship product. “Our customers help us a lot to overcome the challenges,” exclaims Darya.

CleverBooks - Its Growth & Success While Contributing To Redefining The Educational Industry

CleverBooks, a company based in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, delivers STEM solutions for K12 using Augmented Reality for meta-skills development and future-ready support.Augmented Classroom (ARC) is the only digital platform for K-12 that brings together 3 main pillars in the EdTech space: explore, create and collaborate in the multiplayer augmented environment. Their values are equality, responsibility, caring about their planet, and straightforwardness.As stated on their website, CleverBooks empower kids of ages 5 to 12 years in finding a purpose and sustaining motivation in what they're learning through an interactive discovery and fun experience.Since 2016 CleverBooks helps educators and parents to

Darya Yegorina

CEO CleverBooks

increase kids' engagement in class, inspire learning at home, spark their curiosity and imagination. They have always strived to bridge the gap between digital natives and digital immigrants.

CleverBooks makes a difference by combiningAugmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence and marrying them with traditional pedagogy, thanks to the innovative spirit in their team. “Innovation is the DNAwe all have at CleverBooks, this is part of our culture – to create an environment where everyone can contribute their ideas to make a difference,” states Darya. There is a strong element of R&D and CleverBooks does this continuously from both academic and technological business perspectives. They are creative and collaboration is the key for them even when it comes to like-minded competitors.

Our only plan for the future is to impact the education system, create new possibilities for teaching and

learning and support innovation spirit in kids globally, one kid at a time. They are present in different countries around the world and the objective is to continue organic growth.

Augmented Classroom won the GESAwards in 2020, the winning project of European Digital Innovation Challenge 2020, Reimagine Education Gold prize winner 2021, and multiple awards connected to e-learning, curricula application, and pedagogical relevance.

Leadership & Responsibilities

Darya states that her main responsibilities are leadership, inspiration, and empowerment of the team. “Motivation comes from inside,” she states. Her team is motivated with the zeal of changing the world of education and that is within their company's mission. That is what motivates the team to serve their customers with their best.

Being a professional speaker of 20+ global events yearly, Darya uses the power of creativity and innovation to inspire future leaders and build fair business advantages through teamwork and state of art strategy for results-driven companies. Her key strengths are Technology and digital transformation, strategic product management, and growth. Her focus areas are people, performance, productivity & profitability.

A Dynamic CEO Leading with Expertise and Efficiency

Kestutis Pagalys is an experienced CEO at Servermall, with a strong background in management and leading teams across various organizational levels. In his current role as Director - B2B, he actively contributes to the company's project management strategies and plans, overseeing the entire operation encompassing sales, ecommerce/sales management, services, and pricing/invoicing. His expertise lies in building and managing high-performing teams that cater to diverse client needs, with a focus on ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering repeat business.

Kestutis effectively balances his CEO responsibilities with hands-on involvement in procurement activities. His day typically starts by reviewing emails and setting priorities for himself and the staff. The fastpaced and demanding nature of his role requires him to be prepared for unexpected challenges and make the

most of every minute. Kestutis thrives on the need to be both creative and technically proficient, leveraging these qualities to drive success in his position.

Throughout the day, Kestutis diligently oversees operations, with a particular emphasis on ensuring the timely dispatch of prepared orders. This underscores his commitment to efficient execution and meeting customer expectations.

Rediscovering Passion and ProfessionalAspirations

Kestutis' career journey before joining Servermall was characterized by unexpected turns. Initially working as an IT technician, he later transitioned to a sales role at Fujifilm.Although he achieved success in sales and eventually became a commercial director, Kestutis realized that sales was not his true passion. This realization marked the beginning of his return to the IT field.

His path back to IT included a position as an IT manager at a government exhibition center. While some may perceive his career path as convoluted, Kestutis believes that these experiences have actually reinforced his beliefs and professional aspirations. The twists and turns have provided him with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of his own goals and aspirations.

Building Trust and Unity

Kestutis believes that the most significant achievement for a business leader is establishing a trustworthy team. In order to foster unity, individuals must feel valued and understand the purpose behind their actions. It is crucial for the team members to collaborate harmoniously. Rather than competing for individual success, they should strive to be part of a supportive community. Kestutis does not subscribe to the notion of transforming work into an amusement park, as he believes that work should provide a healthy level of challenge to

Kestutis Pagalys

drive progress. However, it is important to recognize that people have diverse preferences, and this approach may not be suitable for everyone, including potential employees. Hence, Kestutis and the HR manager have the responsibility to find a middle ground that satisfies both the company's requirements and the employees' needs.

Perspective on Leadership, Mental Barriers, and Effective Communication

According to Kestutis, the presence of challenges is what makes work interesting and engaging. He believes that leaders do not emerge in environments devoid of problems. From his personal experience, he has found that the most formidable

obstacles often stem from individuals' own mental barriers. Egos and internal limitations can hinder progress and prevent these barriers from being dismantled. It is not only one's personal challenges that need to be addressed but also those present in the minds of the people one interacts with on a daily basis.

Effectively communicating with others is yet another challenge that Kestutis emphasizes. Skillful communication plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone involved benefits from the interaction. By navigating these challenges adeptly, leaders can foster a conducive environment for growth and success.

Success through Exceptional Services

Servermall, a Lithuanian company, specializes in selling refurbished servers throughout Europe. It provides a wide selection of servers suitable for various tasks, offering a comprehensive range of IT equipment. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Servermall not only guarantees the highest quality of refurbished equipment but also strives to deliver exceptional service. From assisting customers in equipment selection to ensuring prompt delivery and providing post-sales support, the company aims to set new standards in terms of both product quality and customer service.

As a trusted distributor and supplier of server and networking equipment, Servermall caters to the diverse needs and budgets of its customers by offering both brand new and refurbished options. The company's extensive services include remote or on-site support and maintenance, accompanied by a generous 5-year

warranty on all products. Leveraging years of experience in refurbishing servers and possessing comprehensive knowledge of every component, Servermall fearlessly embraces projects of any complexity, demonstrating its expertise and dedication to meeting customer requirements.

The success of Servermall can be attributed to its exceptional workforce and a distinct, yet courageous vision. The foundation of this achievement lies in a simple yet crucial formula, where each component plays a vital role.At Servermall, the management adheres to a people-centric approach that encompasses both employees and customers.

Internally, this approach entails understanding and accommodating the challenges faced by colleagues when encountering difficult tasks, ensuring that their situations are addressed without compromising overall productivity. Externally, Servermall demonstrates maximum flexibility in resolving customer issues, whether they pertain to technical solutions, delivery logistics, support, or other aspects.

By establishing clear objectives, Servermall upholds high levels of quality and transforms numerous ambitions into reality. This unwavering commitment to clarity empowers the company to fearlessly undertake new projects, leveraging its expertise and resources to deliver exceptional outcomes.

While it currently provides free shipping across the EU, Servermall is steadily expanding its reach beyond Europe to connect with new customers inAsia and the Middle East.

Approaching to Supplier Collaboration

Kestutis, like many others in the IT industry, acknowledges the abundance of talented individuals and wonders if he has made any notable contributions. His approach to working with suppliers revolves around a modified win-win strategy. By prioritizing his company's needs and goals, Kestutis adopts a selective approach when it comes to potential partners, a cautious stance influenced by past unfortunate experiences. The presence of reliable suppliers brings about significant time savings, allowing him to focus on productivity rather than spending countless hours negotiating minor discounts.

While this approach may not be universally applicable, it proves particularly effective in the dynamic IT industry, characterized by fluctuating prices, demand, and availability. Establishing early communication with new suppliers can be challenging, as it sometimes takes up to two years to reach mutually beneficial terms, despite the fact that we are constantly trying to speed up and start processes as early as possible. However, partners who share a similar mindset and perspective appreciate the way Kestutis conducts his business, finding it suitable for their own endeavors

Navigating Servermall's Global Expansion Journey

Kestutis believes that Servermall has promising prospects as a rapidly growing market player. The company's ultimate aspiration is to achieve a global presence. While Servermall primarily operates within Europe, it is actively expanding its

reach towards the east, gradually integrating into the Middle East and SouthAsia. This expansion wouldn't be possible without the invaluable support and collaboration of its local partners in these regions. These partnerships play a vital role in facilitating Servermall's entry into new markets and establishing a strong foothold beyond its European origins. He says, “The European market is now challenging us every day with piles of jobs to be done. But we are doing well, as our sales statistics show.”

As a leader, Kestutis recognizes the importance of efficiently scaling processes and seeks guidance on how to achieve this goal. When a company reaches a certain level of maturity, it may appear to operate smoothly without requiring additional effort. However, during the transitional phase, critical decisions need to be made regarding what aspects of the business to expand, when to expand, the appropriate size of expansion, and how to execute the expansion effectively. This journey of scaling is both lengthy and fascinating.

It is important to note that each individual and company follows a unique path, making it challenging to provide definitive advice on what actions to take. Kestutis can only speak from personal experience and perspective. In his case, ambition, a human approach, self-discipline, and a desire to delve into the core of matters have proven invaluable. These qualities have allowed him to navigate challenges, maintain resilience over an extended period, and minimize susceptibility to manipulation.

Creating Sustainability and Style for Disabled Communities

You may be wondering what adaptive clothing is. The fact is that this is a question for many people since it generally stems from a lack of integration with others who are non-disabled. In other words, if you are not a member of the disabled community, you will never comprehend the significance of adapted clothes.

While adaptive clothing is not for everyone, it is critical for people who have difficulty dressing independently or who have access needs.Although corporations still have a long way to go in terms of understanding inclusion on a larger scale, several brands are taking the lead in this area.

Victoria Jenkins is a garment technologist with 14 years' experience in the fashion industry who became disabled in her 20s. She started Unhidden after a hospital meeting with a cancer patient that changed the

path of her life. This is the narrative of Unhidden. She is a multi-awardwinning adaptive designer, disability advocate, author, and speaker. Victoria also has experience in luxury goods, men's and women's tailoring, wovens, jersey, outerwear, fashion illustration, and textiles. She is a solid professional with a BAin Fashion Design from Istituto Marangoni and accessible testimonials from speaking engagements.

Starting Entrepreneurial Journey

Victoria had always been interested in fashion, but the transition from working for other brands to starting her own came from meeting someone in the hospital who inspired her to think about adaptive fashion—and then the transition came when she did more research and just wasn't seeing what she felt was needed. So Victoria decided to take the plunge herself. She says, "I had lived experience. I

had years of garment construction knowledge that I figured could be put to better use!"

Victoria's first paid job after university was as a pattern cutter for an online eCommerce brand—being able to pay rent and survive independently in London felt pretty amazing and was something she did for a number of years before going freelance and continuing that work until the pandemic hit. She says, "It's been incredibly varied, which I think has ultimately proved to be better for me in the long run."

Before Unhidden, Victoria was a garment technologist who had worked with some wonderful companies and labels. However, due to her own health concerns, it became more about survival with no plan for her own future other than paying rent—not a nice place to be! She had always wanted to be a designer, but

Victoria Jenkins

Founder&CEO

the path to that involved internships and working for free for far longer than she was able to afford-she graduated in 2008, and the landscape was different then, not to mention a recession. But Victoria made it work and met some wonderful individuals along the way, proving that the profession isn't always as awful as people believe.

As per her, the best recognition for her was probably doing her TedX talk; being accepted to do one was terrifying but proof that she had the knowledge and the voice to really say something.

Not Just a Brand

Unhidden is currently made-to-order. The core range addresses a variety of access demands, including dexterity, stomas, wheelchair users and cancer patients. Everyone, regardless of size or ability, may wear the range, excluding no one. Victoria is switching to a standard model with modest adjustable choices to reduce the price because her community (1 in 5 people in the UK) is 50% more likely to be poor, and she is well aware that she is still too expensive for the majority of people.

Victoria has numerous amazing collaborations in the works, some of which will be released towards the end of this year. Victoria serves on a variety of boards and committees to increase awareness and transform the narrative on disability inclusion from one of pity to one of creative, happy positive portrayal, and to urge other companies and sectors to make better decisions regarding inclusion in the future.

Victoria's current responsibilities include design, social media,

networking, pitching, postman, and customer service. There isn't anything Victoria doesn't accomplish, but she is finally assembling a team to work with her! Victoria usually begins her day by checking her daily journal, her to-do list, and then social media. She then attempts to follow up on leads,

develop content, or write copy. She is going to use the word some very good friends and peers use to describe her because it does encapsulate how tirelessly she has tried to work to help as many people as she can—unstoppable.

Redefining the Industry

Unhidden is the first adaptive brand to join the British Fashion Council, was the first to sell in multiple retail outlets in London and Cambridge, has had global press coverage and has tried to ultimately do as much as possible in as many places to make people stop and think about what inclusion means and how to achieve it. Victoria is currently preparing for her first full runway show, which will be showcasing an array of disabilities (both visible and non-apparent) in September and hopes that it continues to change the narrative going forwards as well as championing other designers, brands, and people who fight for the same thing-equity.

Staying Motivated and Connected

For maintaining space between work and life, Victoria does have boundaries with other people on engaging with her, but she often sits and works or scrolls or contacts people outside of her self-imposed office hours. Her motivation never really wavers-until adaptive and inclusive design is normalized and on the high street and accessible, she has all the motivation she needs. She shares, "With my new team, it's trying to keep open and honest communication and working out how to support each other—as it's so new and exciting, motivation isn't what we lack—it's time to get it all done!"

Valuable Lessons

Victoria shares that having faith in her own abilities and ideas has taken a while—having mentors from a variety of people helped with that. Choosing to start trading during a pandemic, after Brexit and targeting an audience that has been left out globally whilst

trying to maintain sustainable and ethical manufacturing processes-she couldn't have thrown more obstacles in her own way-but there was no time like the present and her hope is that it will get easier. She asserts, "Getting non-disabled people engaged is one of the hardest roadblocks still, but thanks to a growing interest in social impact brands and better DE&I awareness, staying the course and having faith has worked for me."

Views on Success

While discussing her perspective on achievement, Victoria admits that defining success is difficult for her. She recalls that, because of the unpredictability that comes with freelancing and running a small business as a disabled woman, there is no disputing that success for her is predicated on financial remuneration, which she does not believe she has attained.

Victoria does however also define success as knowing you're making a difference and having your work or voice recognized, shared, and impacting other people's perspectives and lives.

She states, "Being happy in your work and being excited to work is also a good barometer of success-I feel very privileged to do something I adore."

Plans for the future of Unhidden

Victoria's future plans include workshops teaching people how to adapt their own clothing (80% of the disabled and chronically ill community were not born that waythat's a lot of clothes going to landfill) as well as expanding the range, having their own brick and mortar

store that is fully accessible and beautiful and a place for people to hang out in as well as shop. There are some partnerships she'd love to see come to life—the sky is the limit. There is not an area of the retail world that doesn't need an adaptive and inclusive update.

Word to Woman Entrepreneurs

As a disabled woman, Victoria does face challenges ultimately thanks to the people in charge and the stigma around disability- but she has hope that if even one person sees her trying and has the faith to try themselves too then that is the best thing she can achieve. She asserts, "It is harder, there are challenges- big ones- but that doesn't mean your ideas and voice aren't worth trying to put out there."

Victoria's message for women entrepreneurs is to listen to your instinct and question where the unsolicited advice comes from. She also adds, "Make sure you have some savings, invest in learning parts of what you don't know- for example, I paid to do a PR course and that has hands down been one of the game changers for Unhidden and continues to be helpful. Finally- have mentorsmore than one." She advises everyone to accept people who ask if they can help but also approach people you look up to and ask them as well- it is always worth asking and trying, shoot your shot!

Driving Positive Change through Strategic Leadership

Being at the forefront of the healthcare industry is a formidable yet fulfilling task. The role demands a unique blend of expertise, skills, and personal qualities to drive positive change in patient care, organizational effectiveness, and overall health outcomes. In this feature, we delve into the inspiring journey of Frank Corcoran, CEO of Sierra Vista Hospital and Clinics, as he navigates the complex landscape of healthcare leadership.

In 2018, Frank Corcoran joined Sierra Vista Hospital as a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) as part of a Turnaround Team led by Quorum Health Resources, now known as Ovation Healthcare.At that time, the hospital was facing financial difficulties, with only 5 days of cash on hand. In order to address these challenges, a loan was secured to fund a $65 million expansion project, aimed at replacing a 70-year-old building. However, realizing the need for financial prudence, the expansion

was scaled down to a $40 million project, marking the beginning of a financial turnaround.

In 2019, Frank transitioned to another project in a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) capacity, focusing on a different turnaround initiative. However, in 2021, he returned to Sierra Vista Hospital as the permanent CEO. Through the collective efforts, Sierra Vista Hospital has made significant progress in improving the hospital's financial stability. Currently, it has achieved an impressive 135 days of cash on hand.

Forging a Path of Compassion and Leadership

Frank embarked on his professional journey in the Blood Banking Industry while pursuing a Pre-Med degree in college. During this time, he also volunteered at the University of New Orleans, participating in a Sugar Bowl Flag Football Tournament as a trainer and first aid station personnel. It was during this experience that he

had the opportunity to care for an injured nursing student, who commended his compassionate bedside manner and encouraged him to consider a career in nursing.

Throughout his career, Frank has been fortunate to have several mentors who have played pivotal roles in guiding his path. However, it was Craig Cudworth, a seasoned hospital CEO, who recognized Frank's potential as an administrator and his innate desire to make a difference in people's lives. From their first meeting, Craig provided unwavering support and encouragement, propelling Frank into the role of an administrator.

While Frank has received numerous accolades throughout his career, one achievement stands out as particularly fulfilling. He spearheaded an innovative initiative aimed at monitoring patients across the hospital, implementing alerts for individuals exhibiting potential distress symptoms in the hospital setting.After a year of implementing

Frank Corcoran

CEO SierraVistaHospital

this project, the organization witnessed a remarkable 40% reduction in mortalities and an impressive 76% decrease in Code Blue events outside of the ICU. This outcome brought immense satisfaction to Frank and reaffirmed the positive impact he could make through his work.

From Baseball Dreams to Healthcare Triumphs

Frank's youth was filled with a passion for baseball, and he dreamt of pursuing a career as a professional player. However, he soon recognized the challenges of making a living solely through baseball and embraced the invaluable lesson of humility that the sport imparted.

Before joining Sierra Vista Hospital, Frank gained experience working in various hospitals and later transitioned into consulting. His consulting work focused on assisting struggling hospitals in achieving financial and clinical improvements. This challenging endeavor brought its own rewards and satisfaction, knowing that his efforts contributed to the betterment of healthcare institutions.

If there were one word to describe Frank, it would be "Persistence." This characteristic embodies his unwavering determination and tenacity in facing challenges and pursuing his goals.

Delivering CriticalAccess Care

Sierra Vista Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital serving Sierra County and surrounding areas in Southwest New Mexico. The closest hospitals are 75miles in every direction. We operate 11 Medical

Surgical Beds, 7 ED Beds, support 9 Rural Health Clinic Providers, and a World Class EMS department which covers Sierra County and surrounding counties.

Sierra Vista Hospital has expanded its range of services to better cater to the needs of the community. Its offerings now include Cardiology, General Surgery, Expanded Behavioral Health services, Sleep Medicine, TeleMedicine Psychiatric and Neurology programs.Additionally, it has strengthened its healthcare team by adding four Rural Health Clinic Providers, enhancing its capacity to provide comprehensive care to patients.

Achieving Harmony

Frank prioritizes work-life balance for himself and his family. He has a strong sense of adventure and enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as hiking and

exploration. The location of Sierra Vista Hospital in the high desert provides ample opportunities for these outdoor pursuits. With the Lincoln National Forest just two hours away, the Gila National Forest only an hour away, and the Santa Fe National Forest and Pecos Trail accessible within three hours, Frank has a wealth of natural landscapes to explore.

Frank also recognizes the significance of promoting a culture of work-life balance within the hospital. He understands the importance of allowing employees to have time off to participate in significant family events, regardless of their scale. This culture fosters an environment where employees can recharge their energy, resulting in improved productivity in the workplace. By valuing work-life balance, Frank supports the wellbeing of his employees and encourages a healthy equilibrium

between personal and professional lives.

Commitment to Healthcare Technology and Cybersecurity

Frank witnessed the transition from paper health records to advanced healthcare technology throughout his nursing career. The adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR) has significantly improved patient care by streamlining data collection and enabling real-time decision-making. However, the rise of cyber threats has underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient information. Frank remains vigilant in addressing these risks while maximizing the benefits of healthcare technology, ensuring the highest level of care for patients.

Inspiring Integrity and Empowering Innovation

Frank prioritizes integrity, holding himself and his team to high standards. He believes that integrity starts at the top, fostering trust and credibility.

Accountability is essential in upholding integrity, and Frank ensures that individuals take responsibility for their actions, promoting transparency and ethical behavior.

Frank empowers his staff, granting them autonomy and encouraging creative thinking. This approach leads to job satisfaction and innovative problem-solving.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability and creativity. Frank and his team swiftly adjusted their strategies to provide

safe care, demonstrating the power of innovation in healthcare.

Revitalizing Sierra Vista Hospital

Sierra Vista Hospital has successfully turned around its financial situation, becoming a stable institution. The next steps involve replacing the remaining old hospital infrastructure to create a modern healthcare environment.

Expanding Behavioral Health Services is a priority for Sierra Vista Hospital. They aim to introduce MedicalAssisted Therapy for substance abuse and offer Outpatient Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs to meet the community's primary needs in behavioral health support.

Through these initiatives, Sierra Vista Hospital is dedicated to addressing critical gaps, enhancing patient care, and contributing to the overall wellbeing of the community.

Measuring Success in Healthcare

Frank believes that success in healthcare is measured by several key factors.At the end of the day, success is achieved when patients receive appropriate care and treatment, indicating positive health outcomes. Engaged staff members contribute to a positive work environment and ensure the delivery of high-quality care. Building trust within the community is another crucial aspect of success, as it reflects the hospital's reputation and its ability to meet the needs of the community. Lastly, achieving a positive bottom line indicates financial stability, which enables the hospital to sustain its operations and invest in further improvements.

For Frank, true success lies in consistently meeting these criteria every day. When the hospital consistently provides appropriate care, engages its staff, fosters community trust, and maintains financial stability, it can consider success as its ultimate achievement and recognition.

Message toAspiring Healthcare Leaders

Frank's message to aspiring leaders in the healthcare industry is to recognize and embrace the constant changes and transformations within the field. Healthcare is a highly regulated and complex business, and it requires leaders who are committed to the mission and challenges it entails.

Frank stresses the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of healthcare leadership. Every decision should be centered around the patient and the continuous improvement of care.As leaders, their primary purpose is to care for those who are unable to care for themselves.

By keeping these principles at the forefront, aspiring healthcare leaders can make a positive impact in the industry, contribute to the well-being of patients, and drive the necessary changes to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.

On a Mission to Assist Companies in their Pursuit of Building Diverse, Equal,

and Inclusive Organizations

The diversity of our life, work, and cultural experiences, as well as our individual differences, drive each of us to view circumstances, opportunities, and challenges through a distinct lens, leading to various ways of thinking and making decisions. Future-proof organizations exhibit a high level of competency in their capacity to capitalize on the advantages that come from this variety of vision, thought, and viewpoint, utilizing this rich array of resources to generate greater innovation and commercial performance.

As the CEO and Founder of Latina Chief, Lizette Ibarra is on a mission to close the gender and ethnic leadership gap and assist her clients in building diverse, bold leadership teams. Latina Chief is a retained executive search firm that values diversity. It holds that having more Hispanics in leadership positions is not only the moral thing to do, but also the sensible thing to do and a

necessity for business success to promote economic growth. Latinos account for 19.2% of the US population and they are awfully represented in corporateAmerica –only 4.7% of them are part of it. Hispanics are an economic power, with 2.8 trillion dollars in GDP and over 2 trillion in purchasing power. The company's business concept is straightforward: its candidate slates include the most qualified Latinos and Latinas in each sector.

The Road Leading to Entrepreneurship

Being a leader or entrepreneur is one of the most challenging and interesting roads one can take. In order to handle the stage where as a mother, she needed a more flexible work schedule, Lizette realized she had to leave her corporate career. She had always believed that if other people could be successful business owners, she could too. Lizette has never experienced any kind of fear.

As a businesswoman, Lizette constantly considers the worst-case scenario before making a significant choice. She decides to “go on” if the response reassures her that neither she nor anyone else will perish, and that nobody's integrity will be jeopardized. She asserts, "I have always liked to take the road less traveled and go against the current, because I believe it is there where the real opportunities are. Of course, I cannot say that all my decisions have been correct, I have made many mistakes that have helped me grow and do better next time. I would not change a thing of what I've done in my professional life since everything has given me one of two things: learning or satisfaction."

Lizette's favorite definition of leadership says, "Aleader takes people where they would never go on their own." (Hanz Finzel). Leadership has nothing to do with you and everything to do with one's impact on those who follow him or

CEO&Founder

LatinaChief

her and entrust his or her vision to lead the way. She further adds, "As a leader, you must ensure that your team and people are better off after every interaction with you."

An Inspiring Journey towards Success

Since she turned 18, Lizette has been a worker. She began working as an English teacher in a kindergarten while still in college. When Lizette graduated, she began to work in the corporate world for two fantastic firms, Eastman Kodak and Johnson & Johnson, in the fields of human resources and talent acquisition. She was given managerial responsibilities at a very young age, and about 8 years later, she decided to enter the field of executive search and management consulting since she needed a more flexible work schedule after the birth of her first child.

Lizette has worked for boutiques and global search firms, as well as founded and developed two executive search firms that grew rapidly, both of them founded on women and diversity long before the term became fashionable. She has also had the privilege of serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations, which has been a transformative experience in her professional career.

"I've always believed and witnessed firsthand that diversity is an imperative for company growth and for societal equality."- Lizette

Every position Lizette has held has been demanding and fulfilling, but she is especially proud of having built her first business around exceptional professional women who had left their corporate jobs to become mothers or wives and were turned

down by many employers when they wanted to resume their careers because they had been "inactive" for three or four years. Because she experienced that herself, Lizette hired those women, in her organization, who were dealing with similar difficulties. She created a company that provided access to these amazing ladies with impressive backgrounds. She says, "We taught them the search business, and we built a very successful company together."

Back then, remote or flexible work was not really an option in many corporations, and Lizette envisioned an organization where women could be women, wives, mothers, professionals, and human beings. She is incredibly proud of that, and now, with Latina Chief, she and her team have assisted many corporations in becoming more diverse and debunked

the myth that there is not enough Latino and women leaders available to fill executive positions.

Growing as Woman Business Leader

For the most part, as a woman, Lizette has found more opportunities than obstacles, but it hasn't been easy. Although organizations have made good strides toward gender equality, most leadership tables are not set to accommodate minority women by default. She says, "We have to find ways to get a seat and find our voice at the table. And it is through my work that I want to help correct that imbalance by bringing more Latinas into leadership roles and empowering more women to believe they can and should have a seat at the table." When Lizette decided to quit her corporate career to find more balance and then found success as an entrepreneur, she promised herself that she would find a way to help more women climb the ladder to success.

Lizette envisions a society in which the capacity for leadership will continue to change in favor of embracing empathy and exemplifying leadership in its broadest sense. ESG regulations will continue to be a key priority for corporations and directors since it is crucial to take into account the regional differences that shape global priorities. Lizette says that the entire business ecosystem will put a lot of pressure on organizations to act ethically and responsibly towards the environment, its social components (employees, suppliers, customers, and the community), and to uphold the highest standards of governance as a result of the acceleration of digitalization.

Take on Challenges

"When you face a challenge, you have two options: undertake it or walk away. If you walk away, you will very likely regret not knowing the outcome," says Lizette. She further adds that if one undertakes it, then he or she will know for sure. Lizette has faced challenges where she has found herself scared and overwhelmed to death, but in those circumstances, she turned on the volume of her intuition and her internal voice. This is a lesson that she has learned over time and through experience. Lizette has always valued the opinion and advice of the people she trusts, but early in her career, she believes it was more about seeking validation. Now, she quiets the external noise and pays more attention to her internal voice.

As per Lizette, she has always treasured a piece of honest advice, but she also learned to dissect who she can trust, and after receiving input, it is then that she tunes in with her intuition.

An Opportunity to Connect with People

Success, for Lizette, only has an internal thermometer. She opines, "Success is not measured by your material possessions or how fancy your career or title may be. Success is being at peace, being whole, happy, and fulfilled with who you are. It is knowing that every day, you have done your very best and tried your very best. Success is also knowing that you can make a difference in the lives of others and that you choose to leave a positive mark." She also believes that the nature of her career has led her to interact with hundreds, thousands of people, including candidates, opinion leaders,

colleagues, business leaders, and those associated with non-profit organizations. She points out that continuing and nurturing these relationships even after many years in the business is a good thermometer of personal and professional satisfaction. She opines, "The true satisfaction of my work has been having the opportunity to touch the lives of many, many people."

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Not many know this about Lizette, but when she was little, she wanted to be a professional tennis player. She recalls, "I did not have the opportunity to learn the sport or even take lessons because back then tennis was not a very accessible sport in my hometown in Mexico."

So, when she moved to Florida at the age of 40, she decided to grab a racket and take a few lessons.At first, Lizette thought it was ridiculous and that she would not be able to play well, but she still wanted to give it a try; “Ever since, tennis has become a passion of mine.” There is nothing there but the court, the opponent, and Lizette's focus on the game, so it is both highly exciting and calming for her.

Lizette feels that her love of tennis is her Zen zone, where she does not have to concentrate on anything but the game. It gives her balance and keeps her mind, soul, and body in check.

Lizette has been playing the sport for 8 years. She now plays at a competitive level, and she leads adult mixed doubles teams. They have won local, state, and national championships. From a leadership

standpoint, Lizette feels her tennis experience has also been very educational. She shares, "I must strategize for every match, study the opponent team, and select the players and positions. It very much resembles the focus I must have every day to deliver the best services to my clients."

Breaking Traditional Norms

In the future, Lizette sees herself continuing to debunk the myth that not enough Latino/Hispanic talent is available for executive positions and, at the same time, assisting corporations in becoming more successful and innovative by adding Hispanics to their leadership teams.

The Hispanic population is projected to grow 54% by 2027, and Latino GDP is the single fastest-growing GDP worldwide with a striking 2.8 trillion dollars. Corporations lacking Latino leaders are missing opportunities for growth, and according to Lizette, her company, Latina Chief, is there to help them correct that imbalance.

Message toAspiring Businesswomen

"Find your passion, what moves you to the core,” Lizette says in her message to aspiring businesswomen. “You shouldn't have to try that hard: your passion might be right in front of your face. Your passion is unique to you, and that's the beauty of it: find a niche within a niche and build your dreams around it!”

Shaping Aerospace Through Purpose and Service

Afew leaders have burdens that go far beyond their work stations, shaping the security of nations, the trajectory of technology, and the aspirations of generations to come. Boaz Levi is such a leader. His career is a demonstration of a lifelong interest in flight, space, and defense systems, with an ironclad dedication to the security of Israel and a vision for the global aerospace industry.As President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Boaz has established a legacy not just of technology breakthrough but of service, teamwork, and empowerment.

Dreaming of Space, Building a Career in Defense

Boaz's interest in flight started when he was young. "Since I can remember, I used to dream about working with bodies in motion through space; it always seemed to me like an interesting and intriguing occupation," he remembers. Serving

in the IsraeliAir Force provided him with his initial knowledge of missile technology, a field that became his vocation.

Majoring in aeronautical engineering, he was one of the first to graduate with dual experience in both aeronautics and space. "Anyone that comes up in missile engineering learns to deal with a whole lot of data and check themselves meticulously before each move. God is in the details, and a missile engineer does not get a second shot at correcting them," he says.

Redefining Success as a Leader

Success for Boaz is never just about financial outcomes. Rather, it occurs on three levels: the protection of Israel, global partnerships, and the welfare of individuals in his organization.

"Success is to meet our national task, provide the technological means that

guarantee Israel's security and strategic superiority," he explains. Meanwhile, international acclaim is a testament to IAI as a leader among pioneering partners in aerospace and defense.Above all, Boaz derives meaning from individuals.Acompany whose staff feel motivated, enabled, and fulfilled is, to him, the greatest measure of success.

Planning for the Future of Modern Warfare

For Boaz, defense leadership is about the future. "Planning one or two moves ahead is certainly not good enough," he declares. The company is always looking over the horizon beyond current problems, planning for wars that have yet to be fought, and fitting into changing geopolitical environments.

This long-term vision also informs its international partnerships. "Every customer, whether in Israel or overseas, who purchases our systems is aware that we are with them not

Boaz Levi

President&CEO

only at the moment of purchase but when they are struggling and need us, whether in wartime or not," Boaz says. This loyalty and presence ethos consolidates trust beyond borders.

The Night theArrow 3 Proved Itself

Few moments define a leader's career as powerfully as theApril 2024 Iranian missile attack. For the first time, theArrow 3 system, developed under Boaz's guidance, faced a reallife threat.”30 years of development and excellence culminated in one dramatic night," he remembers. Over

one hundred ballistic missiles were fired, some at civilian targets. "We knew we had less time than we had rehearsed, and that an actual war game was underway." The successful repelling demonstrated both the robustness of the system and the commitment of the individuals behind it. For Boaz, it was a success created by discipline, foresight, and national responsibility.

Grounded by Family and Purpose

High-stakes leadership has the tendency to be all-consuming, but

Boaz is kept grounded by purpose. "At IAI, everything we do ties back to Israel's security and to defining the future of aerospace, and this burden reminds me of the larger mission beyond day-to-day pressure constantly," he states.

Strength is also provided by family. Boaz thanks his wife for her patience and understanding during his demanding life. "I desire to express my most sincere appreciation to my wife, who bears with great patience to live with my absence during such a large portion of the time," he reflects.

Collaboration as a BridgeAcross Borders

In the globalized world of today, collaboration for Boaz is a must. "For us, collaboration is not merely a business approach; it is a means to expand trust and value beyond borders," he explains. IAI invests in co-development initiatives, joint ventures, and technology transfers that honor national priorities and world trust. For Boaz, partnerships are credibility, innovation, and common progress.

Decision-Making in a World of Complexity

Balancing national security, technological leadership, and international competitiveness is at the core of Boaz's role. National priorities always come first, but innovation is essential to maintaining an edge. “We invest heavily in fostering partnerships with universities and startups, and encourage creative thinking within our teams,” he explains. The final step is ensuring these innovations are competitive globally, through world-class quality, reliability, and collaboration.

Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders

Boaz thinks that leadership is all about equipping others to succeed. He seeks out potential leaders with a combination of excellence, integrity, curiosity, and vision. "Technical excellence and solid performance are critical, but only the beginning," he comments. Integrity, accountability, and innovation are just as important, combined with empathy and resilience.

He also highlights legacy not just in technology but in human beings. "My legacy should be measured not just by the technologies that we build but by the people who push them forward," he says. Motivating the next generation to dream big, innovate constantly, and lead with purpose is his greatest aspiration.

To those aspiring to be leaders in aerospace and defense, Boaz Levi provides both encouragement and advice. "This business is not just about cutting-edge technologies, it's about protecting countries, enabling global security, and defining the future of human ingenuity," he explains. His advice is to remain curious, learn forever, and expand knowledge beyond technicalities to encompass strategy, operations, and leadership.Above all, he reminds them that leadership is not about knowledge but about people and the power to build trust.

ALegacy of Vision and Service

Boaz Levi's journey, from a young dreamer fascinated by space to a leader shaping the global defense industry, reflects vision, resilience, and purpose. His leadership

demonstrates the balance between national duty, global innovation, and the empowerment of people. Whether recalling theArrow 3's first combat use, building collaborations across borders, or nurturing future leaders, Boaz's story is one of service and impact. His legacy will not just be known by the sophisticated systems that guard states but also by the generations of leaders he has encouraged to pursue the mission with courage and lucidity.

A Proven Wealth Management Executive with Broad Experience

Success for me is when we have created a working environment where the team feels like the strategic plan is all theirs, that they have license to stretch themselves, and we are having fun. It is also about executing a strategy smartly understanding where the linkages are ahead of time and avoiding duplication,” says John Dowd.

John is the Chief Executive Officer, a member of the Board of Directors, and chairs the Management and Operating Committees at Fiduciary Trust International. He has more than 30 years of experience in wealth management and is a frequent speaker on wealth management topics. Prior to joining Fiduciary Trust in 2016, he served as executive vice president and senior managing director for Wells Fargo Wealth Management, where he oversaw the Northeast region. John's previous positions also included serving as head of wealth management for The Bank of New York. He received his B.A. from Guilford College and his M.B.A.

from Columbia University. John serves on the advisory board of the UHNW Institute, and on the boards of the Metropolitan Opera Guild, the MontclairArt Museum, and North Capital Investment Technology, Inc.

John credits his success with beginning his career in an entry-level position, and working his way up, taking on as many “dirty jobs” as possible. This gave him a ground-eye view of where improvements could be made by leveraging technology, changing workflow, etc. Since he had a real hands-on perspective, it also gave him the confidence that he could lead the business to a better place. So, over time, John confidently asked for more and more responsibility.

John thinks he and his team have done a good job of marrying the solid and tried and true elements of a 90year-old trust company—stability, integrity, dedication, focus—with some of the more modern elements today's wealth management clients expect—speed, digital delivery,

sustainable investing, access to alternatives and co-investments. Along the way, he believes the company's core values have remained unchanged—it is client-centric, objective, and independent, no short cuts — and there isa deep appreciation for the technical and specialized skills its people bring to the table. John asserts, “Together that creates our unique culture that keeps clients and our advisors here on average for 20 years.”

Fiduciary Trust International

Fiduciary Trust International was founded in New York in 1931 as a specialized trust company. Its aim was to eliminate the conflicts inherent in other wealth management models that were prevalent at the time (and still exist today). The company provides investment management, trust and estate, tax, and planning services to high-net-worth (HNW) clients around the world. John asserts, “Our specialists work in dedicated teams from offices across the US.”

John

Dowd CEO FiduciaryTrustInternational

The company has over $90 billion in client assets under its care and has been part of the Franklin Templeton family of companies since 2001.

Project Snow Lion

For John, his proudest moment was seeing the entire firm engaged in the firm's strategic reboot, Project Snow Lion. He recalls, “This was a grassroots project designed to

improve the client experience, the advisor experience, and our competitive positioning. There have been other satisfying industry recognitions —A Barron's article on doubling the size of Fiduciary within 5 years (we did it in 4), the Family Wealth Report Awards for Excellence in Family Wealth Counseling and Independent Fiduciary/Trust Services but Project Snow Lion was great to see from ideation to

execution to now reaping the benefits.”

Work-Life Balance

John organizes his time daily around four key activities:

•Thought Leadership — Staying up-to-date on markets, the industry, technology, and trends

•Operating the Business — Managing the P&L, product performance, and product development

•The Client Experience — Meeting with clients and helping with new business, and client retention

•TheAdvisor Experience — Meeting with our teams and communicating strategy, and direction

“Some days one of the areas gets a little more attention than others, but I try to keep the discipline,” says John.

As per John, maintaining the balance is hard and has gotten harder with COVID. The team tries to have meeting moratoriums, such as around the holidays, to avoid creepage. It does try and mix its business with social activities. The company hosts employee engagement events regularly. John tries to be himself and be accessible. He says, “What helps, though, is that I love what I do, the people I work with, and the stories around each of our clients. Like Buffett says, it's important to pick a job where you can skip to work every morning, which I feel I do. That makes for an interesting visual as I am very tall at 6'7.”

Keeping Up With The Changes

“Innovation is prized in the company,” says John. He stays up at night thinking about new trends, client needs, and demand. He adds that a good example is the work Fiduciary is doing with digital assets.As per John, with the advance of blockchain technology, forward-thinking asset managers like its parent, Franklin Templeton, are looking for illiquid assets they can tokenize, and trade globally 24/7. HNW clients, in turn, will be investing in these assets because of their potentially higher return profile. “It's why Fiduciary is working towards offering digital custody services, and this is the driving force behind our recent investment in North Capital.”

John also stays abreast of the changes happening in the industry by staying close to the “disrupters.” Fiduciary invests in fintech start-ups, and John has served on two of their boards.

John would like to make Fiduciary Trust International the unequivocal gold standard, globally, for wealth management. He says, “We have such great people, products, and culture that it is very achievable.”

For aspiring business minds, John would just say how lucky they are to be alive in this time of such dramatic technological innovation. He states, “It will be fascinating to see the solutions that technology will bring to our clients in the future.”

A Collaborative, and Inclusive Educational Leader Changing the Face of the Online Education Industry Through Innovative and

Empowerment

The right and proper education improves people's understanding of the world around them, making them less susceptible to the influence of others. Having a decent education helps people think, feel, and behave in a way that contributes to their success, and improves not only their selfsatisfaction but also their community. WuKong Education is one such online educational platform that aims to provide the best possible curriculum and learning opportunities for students between 3 to 18 years old to help them grow while building a strong base for a bright future.

Vicky Wang, the founder, and CEO of WuKong Education says that it has been great to see so many children benefit from their learning platform. Since its founding in 2016, WuKong Education has become the leading brand in online education. WuKong Education is the first choice for families who wish to pursue the

dream of providing their children with an elite education. Their members come from 11 countries and regions, includingAmerica, Canada,Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Drivers of Success for Vicky Wang

For Vicky, success equals to how many people one can influence and help. Success is not about how high you stand, but how far you go. Therefore, to go further, entrepreneurs need to always maintain an altruistic mindset. “My happiest moment derives from the time I see so many students around the world learning with WuKong and gradually gaining life-long passion and comprehensive abilities for their future studies,” she says.

Challenges have been an excellent opportunity for Vicky's growth

At the very beginning of Vicky's entrepreneurship, she was motivated

to jump into the education industry because she deeply understood the unfair distribution of education resources. She comes from a remote town. Throughout her student life, she invested her every effort in studying and eventually got admitted to Shanghai Jiao Tong University.After graduation, she came to New Zealand and got to know the global top-ranked education system there.

“It is in this period of my life that I gradually realized how education can change the fate of people and how the social problems can be caused by the unbalanced distribution of educational resources. Growing up in a family in which most of the members are teachers, I hope I can do something to narrow the gap of education inequality, so I established WuKong Education with my partners, hoping to realize my initial aspiration of 'bringing quality education to global students' through our tireless efforts,” she states.

CEO&Founder WuKongEducation

The biggest challenge Vicky has encountered in her career is multinational business management as it is harder than she thought.As a multinational company, WuKong has a team with members in 11 countries. Their management and daily communications are

mainly conducted online.At times problems do occur due to time lag and space restraint. To solve these problems, WuKong invested a lot of energy in establishing an efficient multinational management system. “In terms of team building, I gradually realized that strategy, organization and culture should come first when conducting a multinational business.At present, we have built a diverse corporate culture based on common values within the organization to effectively meet the challenges caused by multinational managements,” explains Vicky.

The core values and services of WuKong Education

WuKong Education was founded in Auckland, New Zealand with the focus of providing high-quality online educational solutions to young people all over the world. The WuKong Education Group brand also owns the well-known educational technological brands WuKong Chinese and WuKong Math.

Adhering to the principle of “Bring the beauty of Chinese culture and characters to young people all over the world”, Wukong Chinese is dedicated to utilizing scientific technologies to provide inspiring and interesting online Chinese courses to students from 118 countries and regions worldwide including America, Canada,Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and so forth.

The company's core values include:

•Understand Education, Love Children

•Always Day 1

•Begin with the End in Mind

•Be Candid and Clear

•Explore the Essence of Things

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WuKong's contribution in redefining and boosting the education industry

WuKong redirects their pattern to the earlier years when Chinese teaching and learning could only be conducted in traditional after-school classes.

Sharing High-quality Education

ResourcesAcross National BordersThey have built a learning platform,

connecting the best Chinese teachers from China and the best math teachers from the United States, Australia, and Singapore with students from multiple countries and regions around the world, while solving the problem of the unbalanced educational resources brought by time and space.

1. Developing the Core Competency Model of WuKong - They have integrated the competency model and pedagogical methodologies into their curriculum framework, aiming to provide quality education for children more efficiently.

2. Accumulating Long-term Traceable Learning DataThey empower education with technology, and grade students scientifically through data analysis so that children at different stages can get tailored learning programs that are most suitable for their current learning

situations, and their learning and growth patterns can be visualized.

3. Improving Students' Interests and Initiatives in Learning

Through immersiveAI interaction, they inspire children's active learning ability and mobilize children's enthusiasm in their whole learning process. This is completely different from the traditional one-way inculcation teaching.

Thriving within the education industry and its growing competition

One of WuKong's corporate values is “Always Day 1”. They hope to have all their departments and employees take initiative as they regard being innovative as an important requirement in their daily work. Gradually they will integrate their innovative force into teaching and research, product development, the consumer journey, and other aspects of their daily operations.

“We credit our continuous innovation to a deep insight into the user experience. We always put the user experience first: through the analysis of students' class time performance and the communication with parents, we obtain first-hand user insights,” says Vicky. She further says that their proudest moments are when they receive tons of thank-you letters from their beloved students and their parents.

The growth of WuKong Education during the ongoing pandemic

The Covid-19 epidemic saw tremendous growth in online

education, and WuKong's rapid development has been within this exact period. From 2019-2020, their number of class bookings increased 70 times. In the past 2 years, they have spent a lot of energy to deeply improve the user experience. Their product capabilities and technical capabilities have been continuously improved, and parents' trust in them has gradually formed, followed by their high referrals and renewals.At a time when competition is becoming more and more fierce, the high referral and renewal rate have greatly reduced the cost of acquiring new customers. Parents' trust not only makes it easier for us to enter new markets and introduce new disciplines, it also becomes the strongest driving force of sustainable growth.

WuKong's mission is to inspire learning, which is also their expectation and plan for the future. “Through our every effort, we hope that children in more countries and regions around the world can learn with WuKong, so the educational gap can be narrowed down, and more children can benefit from quality education.Asingle spark can start a prairie fire", states Vicky. They aspire to remain true to their business aspirations while keeping their mission firmly in mind.

Being the CEO & Founder of WuKong Education

As WuKong's CEO, Vicky takes the main responsibility for making strategic decisions and managing key internal and external resources and relationships. She pays special attention to the team and spends a lot of time on the cultivation of the core team leader.At the same time, the innovation of educational products is

also the focus of her attention, and she spends a lot of time on it.

Her daily routine includes:

1.Strategic planning and periodic review meetings

2.High-level executive interviews, and innovative education product meetings

3.Regular communication with internal and external stakeholders

Maintaining Harmony and Empathy at Work

WuKong's business is user oriented. They look forward to bringing a lot of creative ideas and nourishing innovative ideas into their business development. Vicky often encourages all employees to have empathy in their daily lives, for they themselves are consumers and users of educational products as well. “And it is that empathy that often underpins our business decisions and judgments,” she asserts.

They maintain employee enthusiasm through team building and corporate culture construction: creating opportunities to inspire professional values and achievements: e.g., via teaching skills contests, team-building activities, and so forth; seeking, cultivating, and empowering partners who have a long-term commitment and passion for education and are willing to contribute to the team.

Vicky's message to aspiring business leaders is simple. “Remain true to the original business aspiration,” she exclaims.