The 10 Most Innovative Business Leaders to Follow in 2021 July2021

Ensuring Sustainability by Pioneering the Development of Recycling Methodologies MakingaDifferencein theWorldByLeading WithCredibility BeingCredible

Ahmed dETTA

Editor’s Desk

Innovateto Elevate!

Everyleaderstartstheirbusinessjourneywithaplan

andfaceschallengesintheirprofessionaljourney. Whileleadersplanabouttheirfuture,onething theyneedtodoisenjoytheirjourneyofleadershipbecause therearethingsthatwillalwaysbeleftout,evenafter achievingeverything.Itisbettertoenjoythelittlethings thatmotivateandinspiresthepeoplearoundyouandhavea goodmemoryofyourprofessionaljourney.

Thereisalwaysapartoftheleaderwhowantstoinnovate andbringatransformationwhereverhe/sheworks.Leaders arewellawarethatbringingtransformationisalengthy process,andwhatcomesalongwithitisthepatienceto bringthatchange.

Everyleader’svisionistobesuccessful,buttheyfindit challengingtoimplementinnovation.Itisonlywiththe rightmindsettheycancreateanimpactinregardto innovationandtransformation.Thereisadirectlink betweenleadershipandhavingtherightethics,providing high-qualityinnovation.

Speakingmoreaboutinnovativeleadership,itisonly possiblewithteamwork,collaboration,andopen communicationwiththeemployees.Followingcultureof open-doormanagement,thestructurebecomesbeneficial forboththeleaderandtheorganization.Innovativeleaders maketheirstrongconnectionintheindustrytoexpandand launchnewtechniquesintotheirleadership.

Innovativeleadershipisthebackboneofthecompany,as thereistheinclusionofaninnovativeenvironment throughoutthebusiness.Creatinganinnovative environmentimprovesthequalityofservice,reduces operationaltime,andincreasesproductivityforeveryone. Suchleaderscontinuallychallengethemselvesinthe competitive,volatilemarket.Theyalwaysfindawayto innovateforothers,todomore,andtoservemore.

Therefore,keepingtherightmindsetofgratitude, respect,andenjoyingthephaseofinnovative leadershipisthekeytosuccess.Itisalsoabout findingtherightbalanceofwork-lifebalanceand risingasahumbleandempatheticleader Thisisa secretfortheprocessofleadership–choosingand keepingtherightapproachtowardstheemployee, technology,andhis/herownentrepreneurialcareer. Competitionoutinthemarketisfierce,butleaders arereadytotakeontheworldwiththeright approach.

Impressedbytheirwaysofinnovatingthebusiness arena,InsightsSuccesspresentsitsupcomingedition of-The10MostInnovativeBusinessLeadersto Followin2021.Wehavefeaturedavarietyof innovativeleadersthroughthiseditionwhoensure theoverallgrowthanddevelopmentofthepeople andtheindustries.

FeaturingasthecoverstoryisAhmedDetta Ahmed istheCEOandFounderofEnviroo,acompany thatprovidesasolutiontopost-consumerplastic waste.Heisacirculareconomy-focused entrepreneurwithover15yearsofprofessional industryexperienceacrosstheUK,Europe,andthe MiddleEast.

Readontounveilmanymorestoriesofsuch innovativeleaderswhoareplayinganimportantrole globally.

Let’sBegin!

AhmedDetta

Ensuring Sustainability by Pioneering the Development of Recycling Methodologies

Business

FeaturedPerson

AhmedDetta CEO

BetsyWiersma Creator

CompanyName

Enviroo enviroo.co.uk

CampExperience™ Network campexperience.com

DennyMcKnight CEO TompkinsSolutions tompkinsinc.com

LeighRust Founder

ManjuMastakar Director

SafetylineJalousie safetyline jalousie.com.au

Envirooprovidesasolutiontopostconsumerplasticwaste.

CampExperience™Networkisaone-of-a-kindannualretreat andongoinggatheringsdesignedexclusivelyforwomenwho arereadyforeducationandinspiration,andwhowantto connecttoanetworkofamazingwomen.

TompkinsSolutionsisaglobalsupplychainservicesfirm dedicatedtohelpingclientsachievesupplychainexcellence andprofitablegrowth.

SafetylineJalousielouvrewindowsarethemostversatile, highestperformingandbestvalueformoneysingleglazed louvrewindowsonthemarket.

Armstrongunderstandthatmanaginginvestmentsneed extensiveresearch,regularmonitoring,dedicatedteamand periodicreviewsofinvestments. Armstrong armstrong-cap.com

MatthewPalis CEO infront-webworks infront.com

ReinierBeltman CEO

Ampleon ampleon.com

InfrontWebworksisanaward-winningDigitalAgencythat’s beenimprovingclientgrowthwhilereducingcostsand maximizingROIforover20years.

Ampleonisshapedby50yearsofRFPowerleadershipandis settoexploitthefullpotentialofdataandenergytransferin RF.

SamVisaisouk CEO Tyromer tyromer.com

TyromerInc.commercializesarubberdevulcanization technologyinventedbyProfessorCostasTzoganakisofthe DepartmentofChemicalEngineering.

StevenHill MD LightSourcespecialisesinthedeliveryofrobust,costeffective designandbuildsolutionsintheTelecommunicationsindustry.

LightSource lightsourceuk.net

UriBettesh CEO Datos datos-health.com

DatosHealthisafullyautomatedRemotePatientMonitoring platformdesignedtodirectlyconnectpatientswithmedical sourcesofcarefromthecomfortoftheirownhomes,for improvedqualityoflife.

and Founder

Ahmed Detta

Ensuring Sustainability by Pioneering the Development of Recycling Methodologies

Enviroo’s vision is to provide recycling solutions for PET plastic waste across the United Kingdom by creating vitreous recycling protocols that encourage commitment from all stakeholders.

Developmentisgreatbutitshouldbeinharmony withthewell-beingoftheenvironment.Useof renewableenergyresourcesisanimportantfactor inensuringenvironmentalsustainability.Sustainable developmentisoneofthemostimportantgoalsofthe UnitedNationsOrganization.Businessesthatuserenewable energyresourcestodayplayanimportantroleinensuring environmentalsustainability.Itisimportantfor organizationstoinvestinsustainableandrenewableenergy resourcesastheyprovidelongtermviablesolutionsandare importantinensuringcontributiontosustainable developmentgoals.Responsibleconsumptionand responsibleproductionisalsoaveryimportantpartofthe sustainabledevelopment.

Theleadersthatarethepromotersofenvironmental sustainabilitythroughavarietyofinnovativewaysarevery passionateinensuringtheprotectionoftheenvironmentas wellasitsdevelopment.AhmedDettaisonesuch innovativebusinessleaderwhoiscognizantofensuring environmentalsustainabilityandbalancingdevelopment

andsustainability.AhmedistheCEOandFounderof Enviroo,acompanythatprovidesasolutiontopost consumerplasticwaste.Heisacirculareconomyfocused entrepreneurwithover15yearsofprofessionalindustry experienceacrossUK,EuropeandtheMiddleEast.

BeingEnvironmentalActivist

Ahmed’sindustryspecialismspansacrosstheSustainability andTechnologyarenaswithadeep-rootedfocusonplastics recycling.Hehaspreviouslysupportedinternational campaignsincludingUnitedNationsCleanDevelopment Mechanism(UNCDP)andtheUnitedNationsEnvironment Program(UNEP)tohelpraiseawarenessofourdamaged environment.

Ahmedispioneeringthedevelopmentofrecycling methodologiesandbestpracticeintheUnitedKingdom.He hashelpedestablishedtwointernationalrecyclingplants focusingonconsumerelectronics,corporateinformation technologyequipment,plasticwasteandprintcartridge materials.PriortosettingupEnviroo,heconcludeda significantamountofplasticwasteandmaterialstradedeals acrosstheGCCandEurope.

CreatingaSustainableandCircularEconomyUsing PET

Enviroorecycles100%ofPolyethyleneTerephthalate (PET)plasticwasteandcreates‘food-grade’polymersthat areusedtorecreatefoodpackagingandplasticbottles.PET

‘‘ Enviroo is committed to recycling plastic to a regulatory standard that encompasses every strand of the circular economy recycling model. ‘‘

plasticisnotgoingtoinstantlydisappearandremains embeddedineveryone’slives.Notonlydoesittakeupto 400yearstodisintegratebutisalsotheprimarymaterial usedinpackagingforfoodandbeverageandwillremain formanyyearstocome.PETcanbeinfinitelyrecycledand thetechnologyEnviroousescanrecycle100%ofthis material.Enviroohascreatedaclosedlooprecycling methodincorporatinglongtermviabilityasitensures transparency,circularity,andsustainability

ChangingBehavioralHabitsofPlasticUsers

Enviroo’smissionistochangebehavioralhabitsofplastic userstoensureplasticdoesnotenteroceansandlandfill.It advocatesresponsiblerecyclingthatcreatesunityamongst allcirculareconomystakeholders,thusensuring100%of PETplasticwasteisrecycled.

Enviroo’svisionistoproviderecyclingsolutionsforPET plasticwasteacrosstheUnitedKingdombycreating vitreousrecyclingprotocolsthatencouragecommitment fromallstakeholders.Thecompanymergessocialimpact

withtechnologicalinnovationtocreateabetter environment—bothfortodayandforfuturegenerations.

BeingResilientinNavigatingThroughLife

LivingabroadhasmadeahugedifferencetoAhmed’slife ashehashadtomakeseriouslifedecisionswithoutthe supportofhisinnercircleoffriendsandfamily.Hestates thatbynothavingthemclosebytohaveachatabout somethingimportantreallyhelpeddevelopanindependent mindset.Livingabroadhasalsomadehimmoreresilientas thetransiencyofexpatcommunitiescancreatealotof lonelinessaspeoplemoveontotheirnextlocation.He expressesthatyoubecomeveryclosetopeoplevery quicklyasyouareallawayfromyoursupportbubbleand thenthatpersonrelocatesandcreatesamassivevoid. Throughthis,youbecomemoreresilientasyouadapttothe cycleofexpatlife.

Ahmedmentionsthathehascomeacrosssomefascinating charactersinbusinessandtheytaughthimtoreally introspect.Hedealtwithpeoplefromallfacetsofsociety andrealizedthatnoteveryonehasyourbestinterestsat heart.Hesaysthatlearningthatsomepeoplehaveahidden agendaandnotknowingwhatthatiscanbedetrimentalto one’ssuccessifitisnotaligned.

Besidesthislearning,bookshavebeenreallyinstrumental forAhmed,astheyhelpedhimnavigatethroughlife.

Currently,heisreading‘whathappenedtoyou’byOprah Winfreywhichisaboutdealingwithtrauma,resiliency,and healingallofwhichaffectandcreatesnewentrepreneurs.

DrivingtheGrowthoftheCompany

Likeeveryleader,Ahmedalsohadtofacelotofchallenges. Hementionsthatbuildingamanagementteamoftrusted

individualswasquitechallenging.Moreover,lackof legislationtosupportorganization’sproductswasanother challengeheovercametoestablishtheorganization.

Besides,Ahmedhasalsowitnessedthebureaucracyand lackoftransparencyintheindustrysector Thecompany hadfacedhighbarrierstoentry.Currently,Ahmedis drivingthegrowthoftheEnviroobyraisinginvestmentfor thecompany’sprojects.Heiskeepingtheindustryabreast ofchangesanddirection.

InvestinginLongtermViableSolutions

AhmedstatesthatCovid-19hashadminimalimpactonthe industrycomparedtootherindustries.Despitelockdowns, consumers’consumptionshaveremainedconsistentlyhigh especially,asEnvirooisoperatinginanindustrythatdeal withfoodandbeveragewaste.

IntheopinionofAhmed,Covid-19hashighlightedthe importanceofinvestinginsustainableandrenewable investmentsastheyprovidelongtermviablesolutions. Investorshavebecomemoreattunetotherenewablesand environmentindustryasitdoesnotpresentthevolatilityof thestockmarketorhospitalityandairlineindustries.

CreatingEmpathetic,SmartWorkingandWorldClass Team

Ahmedstatesthatitisabsolutelyimportanttohavea positiveworkculture.Hesaysthateveryonefaces challengesintheirpersonallivessotheprofessional environmentpeopleworkinshouldfostergrowthandallow themtobeinaharmoniousenvironment.Hementionsthat transparentcommunicationbetweenallpartieswithina teamorgroupleadtopositiveworkenvironment. Transparencyengineersempathyandempathybuildsa foundationforpositivityandtrust.

AtEnviroo,Ahmedhascreatedanopenworkculturewhere histeamcancontacthimwhenevertheywish.Ahmedis focusedandmotivatedtocreatingaworldclassteam.He allowshisteamtoworkontheirmentalhealthandare welcometouseamentortohelpthemthroughany challenges.Heisahugeadvocateoffitnessandmental healthandthus,encourageshisteamtogodoayogaaclass orspincyclingclassanddosomemeditation.Ahmeddoes notinflictstrictworkinghours,asworksmartishismotto.

PromotingaCauseofRecyclingMaterialswithEase

Envirooiscurrentlydevelopingaprogramtohelpthe problemofroughsleepersinthecountry Thecompanyis undertakingavastamountofresearchandpartneringwith leadingacademicinstitutestoreallyfigureouthowitcan motivateconsumerstodonatetowardscharitablecauses throughrecyclingtheirplasticwaste.Inorderforthis programtobesuccessful,itwouldneedarealchangein howplasticsarecollectedintheindustry.

AhmedstatesthattheUKreallyneedstoadvanceits commitmenttoadepositreturnschemewherebypeoplecan recycletheirmaterialswithease.Hementionsthatthe industryisstillmassivelyguiltyforexportingitswasteto otherpartsoftheworldandthisneedstochange.

Currently,alltheeffortsofAhmedareinthedirectionto takeEnviroofrombeingaPETplasticsrecyclingplantto becomingthepowerhouseplasticsrecyclerintheUKforall plastics.

SeeingtheBiggerPicture

Inhisadvicetoemergingentrepreneursaspiringtoventure intoplasticindustryAhmedsaystoreallyunderstandthe stakeholderstheyaredealingwithandthekeymotivators behindwhytheyareinvolvedintherecyclingindustry.He suggeststhemtoalwaysplanforconstantchange–productsandpackagingwillalwayschangesotheyneedto beflexibleandadaptable.Headvisesthemtohavea10yearoutlookandlookbackatthepast20yearsto understandhowthingshavechanged.

Self-upbringingandlearningaretheprocessesthat havenoend.Thejourneybecomesmorejoyfulwhen youcanenjoycompanyandfriendshipofmindfull peoplewhocanhelpyoutoimproveinyourlifeandlead youtoachievepersonalandprofessionalgoals.Betsy Wiersmaisonesuchinspiringpersonwhoisaserial entrepreneur,internationalspeaker,eventorganizer,and podcasthostandin2019,shealsobecameaTEDxspeaker.

BetsyistheCreatorofCampExperience™Network whichisaone-of-a-kindannualretreatandongoing gatheringsdesignedentirelyforwomenwhoarereadyfor educationandinspiration,andwhowanttoconnecttoa networkofamazingwomen.ShestartedThe CampExperience™Networkin2005tofulfillherdreamto bea "work-at-home" momandtoenjoyeverydayactivities withheradopteddaughter.

Betsy'sphilosophyisreturnonideas.Through CampExperience™Network,sheiscraftingmeaningful activitiesforwomentobeinspired,toliveonpurpose,and tomaketheiruniquecontributiontotheworldwhilehaving fun.

LoveasaBusinessTool:TheCampExperience™ Network

In2020,whentheworldwastoldtostayintheirhomesand allthenewswasgloom,BetsywentonFacebookliveevery dayfromMarchtoAugustwithonehopefulphrase “Love is the anti-virus!” Afterthatopeningstatement,she proceededtotellaquirkystoryaboutinclusion,hope, perseverance,joy,dreamsandthepowerofpossible.The dailyconversationwasnotonlyforherCampExperience™ Networkof5000+womenonpurposeforgood,butshewas talkingtoherselfasauniqueandpassionateleader.Shewas sharingthesecretsauceforthesuccessofherbrandfor bothbusinessandlifeandthatisLOVE.

In2005,Betsygathered15friendsandtheystarted imagining “What would a weekend look like if we focused on uplifting and inspiring all kinds of women? Could we be like “summer Camp” and get away from our busy lives? Can we learn and grow and share and craft together? And can we use the shared vision of Women Helping Women to

Love wins even in a pandemic ‘‘ ‘‘

build friendships and collaboration?” Theanswerwas ‘YES’andtheylaunchedtheCampExperience™Network. Today,theteamismonthlynetworkingandhaving connectioneventsandfoursignaturesocialevents includingtheFallRetreat.

GlobalSummitsandExpandedPodcasting

In2019,Betsysawanopportunitytosharemagicof CampExperience™NetworkinColoradowiththeworld anddecidedtolaunchtwoglobalprojects:TheGlobal SisterhoodPodcastnetworkfeaturing150SisterStoriesof womenfromtheUSandaroundtheworld.Thenit expandedtheironlinecontentandoutreachandcalleditthe GlobalSisterhoodNetwork.Globalhighlightswere interviewingthemayorofAkureyri,Iceland,andsevenof hertown’swomenleadersonavisitwithfiveAmericans fromtheCampExperience™Network“Sisterhood.”

CampExperience™NetworkalsohostedPowerfulPurpose VisionBoardworkshopsinNorwayandinterviewed leaders.Inanotheradventure,BetsytraveledtoSydney HarborinAustraliatoclimbthebridge,raise$3500fora charityandinterviewedmorelocalwomenleaders.Global outreachisbackontrackfor2021and2022withArt& Insightworkshops.

InnovativeApproachDuringPandemic

The2020pandemichadmanyblessings.AsperBetsy CampExperience™Networktechnologywasthelifelinefor theteam. “We literally “met” online more than we had done in person,” says .Duringthepandemiccourse, Betsy

theteamveryquicklywasreachingthewidergroupin Zoommeetings.NexteverySaturdayithadanewevent “ArtsyAfternoons”wheretheygatheredonlineto“be togetherandart.”Somedidstitching;someknitted,sewed orpainted.Somejustcametochatandfeel“normal.”Betsy mademixed-mediaartandhadaBIGIDEA.Toaddtoher 100piecesofnew“COVID”art,sheasked62ofhermost interestingfriendstowritea1000essaytoupliftandinspire womenintheworld.InOctober2020,CampExperience™ Networkpublishedits200+page,full-colorartandinsights bookcalledTheSTEW:SmartTalkExceptionalWomen. Blessingscomeinstrangepandemicpackages.

PuttingEfforts,DoingGood

“Love wins even in a pandemic,” says .InSeptember Betsy 2020,CampExperience™Network’steamputontheir masks,coveredthetableswithplastic,purchasedhand sanitizeranddarlingextramasksforeveryonethenhosted theCampExperience™NetworkFallRetreat.108women enjoyedtwodaysofeducation,inspirationandconnection andraised$30,000forCampExperience™Network‘s CharityPartners.In 16yearsleadingthe Betsy’s

CampExperience™Networkhasraisedover$1million cashandin-kindsupportforcharitiesinColoradoand aroundtheworld.

AGuidetoManifestIdeas-ProcessonPurpose

Onadvisingemergingentrepreneurs,sheadvises entrepreneurstouseherprocessonpurpose.Thisisthe secretsaucesheusestomanifesteveryidea.Shefurther adds,itisasix-partprocessthatsheteachesinhercourse ‘Move Ideas Into Action’.Inthiscoursesheaskspeople “not to think” juststop,breathanddream.

Betsyshares, “We start with vision and intention, then add your positive beliefs, and then choose the ideas that deliver what you want. The other steps are to create Vision Boards, Vision Boxes and then journal every idea to practice “what it looks like when it works.” Then you speak it into the world and create support in your community. This process works every time and is fun to implement.”

Let’sDoGoodandHaveFunTogether

TheCampExperience™Networkwillcontinuetoserve BIGasitisexpandingitscommunityandaddingmore educationandinspirationandgoingbacktoglobaltravel adventures.TheMOVEIdeasIntoActioncourse,which benefitsaglobalcharityThreadsWorldwide,willadd retreatsandmoreprogramstoencourageuseofBetsy’s ProcessonPurposeandtoencouragetheworldtodream. Betsysays “we will continue to attract like-hearted women to Do Good & Have Fun with us!”

BeingCredible

Credibilityisanessentialleadershipcompetency To leadanybusinesseffectively,leadersneedto demonstratecredibility.Thiscredibilityisbuiltby deliveringmeaningfulresults.Leadershipmeansuniting peopletogethertoaccomplishcertaingoals.Business leadersplayasignificantroleintheorganizations'success astheycomeupwithstrategiestoachieveorganizational goals.Theyseizetheopportunitiesandmakethemcounton theirleadership.

CredibilityisacombinationofHighCompetenceand StrongCharacter.Leaders,whocanexemplifyhigh competenceandstrongcharacter,cangeneratecredibility, whichhelpsthemleadwithmoreauthority.Credible leadersareresoluteintheirpurpose.Theydon’tgiveinto thevibrationsoropinionsofothers.Theyhavetheirown opinions.Theylistentotheirconscienceandintuition.They daretofollowtheirconscienceandintuitionaboveall.

Credibleleadersactwithrationalintelligence.Theyhave logical,analytical,andrationalthoughtprocesses.They don’ttakewhimsicaldecisions.Theyactonthecognitive intensive,conscious,andlogicalconclusions.Theyanalyze everydecisionfromallpointsofviewandtheimpactitcan createonthemarket.Theycancreategreatoutputbecause oftheirhigh-valuedecisionsbasedonrationalandlogical thoughtprocesses.

Technologyisthegreatestbooninthe21stcentury With theapplicationandimplementationoftechnologyin businesses,leadersholdthepotentialtomakeabig differenceintheindustry.Credibleleadersareverymuch wellawareofthispotentialoftechnology Theykeep themselveswell-updatedwiththelatestinnovationsin technology.Theyliketoimplementthelatesttechnologies intheirbusinessessoastobenefittheirclientsbyincreasing thequalityoftheirsolutions.Becauseoftheirunique thoughtprocess,theycancreatesomethinginventive.They utilizetechnologytomakethingsbetter

Credibleleadersareverymuchawarethatwithoutthe substantialpeopleintheirorganizations,theycannotcreate atremendousimpactintheindustry.Thereforethey prioritizehavingresourcefulpeopleintheirorganizations. Theycreateastrongteamwhichhelpsthemtoachieve more.Theydelegatetheirtasksandutilizetheirtimeand energytostrategize,plan,andtakehigh-valuedecisions. Theybuildgreatteams.

Trustworthyleadersstrengthentheirteamswithadequate professionaltraininganddevelopingtheircapabilities.They createresourcefulpeopleintheirorganizationsanda cultureofcooperationintheteammembers.Thecredible leadersverywellunderstandthatgreatresultscomefrom theexcellentcapabilitiesofthepeopleintheorganizations. Therefore,theynurturethecapabilitiesofthepeoplein theirorganizationsandthosesamepeoplecandelivermore significantresultswithenhancedcapabilitiesthatcome fromtrainingandpracticing.

Credibleleaderscreatecredibleleaders.Aleaderisnotthe onewhomerelyleadsandaskseveryoneelsetofollowhim. Arealleadercreatesanothergoodleader That’sthe hallmarkoftrueleadership.Goodfruitscomefromagood tree.Anothersetofcredibleleadersisthetestimonyofthe impactofthecredibleleaders.Credibleleaderspromotethe qualitiesofhighcompetenceandstrongcharacterinthe peopleintheirorganizations.Therefore,theyareableto generateanothersetofcredibleleaders.Throughthe combinationoftraitsofhighcompetenceandstrong character,anyonewillbeacredibleleader

Theessenceofanyleadershipisthequalityofserviceand thepositiveimpactthatitcreatesonothers.Leadershipis notaposttoenjoybuttheopportunitytoservethe maximumsectionofsocietybydeliveringqualitybusiness solutions.Credibleleadersarepartofthesolutions.They liketobepartofthesolutionstotheproblemsintheworld. Themorecomplextheproblemis,themoresignificantis theopportunitytodemonstrateone’sleadershipacumen.

Anybusinessmeanscreatingsolutionstotheproblemsin theworld.Everyonehastheopportunitytomakea differenceintheworldbysolvingtheproblemsinthe world.Entrepreneursaretheimportantchangeagentsin societyastheycomeupwithinnovativemethodstobepart ofthesolutionstotheexistingchallengesintheworldat large.Thegreatnessofaleaderisjudgedbyhisorher abilitytomakeadifferenceintheworldbybeingan instrumentofpositivechange.Theleaders'credibilityhelps themcreatethecredibleteamstodeliverworthy,relevant andqualitysolutionsthroughtheirbusinesses.Thus,inturn, theyareabletodeliverefficiencyandresultstotheclients.

Rust Co-Founder&Director

Leigh Rust

A Proud Advocate for Australian-Made Products

Gone are the days when overseas businesses were leadingthemanufacturingandproductindustryand regardedasthemarkofexcellence.

Withafocusoninnovation,attractinginvestmentsandadding new talent, small and medium-sized businesses in the manufacturing industry, which act as the backbone of our economy, are helping to transform cities into manufacturing powerhouses. Still, there is need to support these local businessessotheycancontinuetoprosperforthelong-term, createjobsandbolsterlocaleconomies.

“A legacy of great building initiatives should start with the intention of sourcing locally made products to stimulate our economy before sending funds offshore,” assertsLeighRust, theCo-FounderandDirectorofSafetylineJalousieLouvre Windows and a passionate advocate for Australian-made goods.LeighisthedrivingforcebehindSafetylineJalousie's missiontoprovidequalityairsolutionswithongoingenergy efficiencyforbuiltenvironments.

In an interview with Insights Success, Leigh shares his journeyfromworkinginhisfather’sbusinesstobecominga successfulentrepreneur.

Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterview:

Brief our audience about your entrepreneurial journey until your current position at Safetyline Jalousie. What challenges did you have to face to reach where you are today?

My entrepreneurial journey started when my brother and I decided to break away from our father’s family business to launch Safetyline Jalousie in 2010. However, the decade before this provided us with the skills and experience we neededtoreachthatpoint.

Comingfromabackgroundoffamilybusiness,wewereable to see firsthand what was involved in running and scaling a successfulcompany

After 10 years working up the ranks at our father's manufacturingbusinessVergola,weknewthatitwastimeto create something of our own. Now in its 11th year, we've learned a lot running Safetyline Jalousie. We're proud of everything we've created and are excited about the future ahead.

Enlighten us on how you have made an impact in the materialandproductnichethroughyourexpertiseinthe market?

Safetyline Jalousie has made a great impact with regards to creatinghigh-performance,sustainableproductsforthebuilt environment. Our products also improve indoor air quality with many studies showing there is a direct link between air qualityandourhealthandlearningforexample.

AstheonlylouvrewindowcompanythatisAustralian-made andowned,we'reproudtobringahigh-quality,locally-made producttothemarket.

What are/were the challenges you and your team have facedinyourday-to-dayoperations?

Onestrugglewecanfaceinouroperations,giventhatwehave staffworkinginofficesacrossSydney,Melbourne,Brisbane and Malaysia, is making sure we maintain a strong team dynamicdespitethelackofface-to-facecommunication.

Wemeetregularlyforvideocallsandhaveconsistentinternal communicationstokeepeveryoneonthesamepage.

What people, what books, what life factors have influencedandimpactedyou?Takingintoconsideration, thecurrentpandemic,anditsimpactonglobaleconomies, how are you driving Safetyline Jalousie to sustain operations and ensuring safety of your employees at the sametime?

Myfamilyhasbeenabigsourceofinspirationformeinmy life. Growing up, with my father and uncle both in business themselves, I was able to learn a lot about entrepreneurship andwhatwasinvolvedinrunningasuccessfulbusiness.

Now that I have a family of my own, including a wife and threeyoungkids,Ifindthattheyarethepeoplewhoinspireme tokeeppushingandreachnewheightswiththebusiness.

Assomeonewhoiscommittedtopersonaldevelopmentand learning, I love to read. Particular books that have impacted meinlifeincludeTheMonkwhoSoldHisFerrari,TheWayof thePeacefulWarriorandTheDailyStoic.

Off the back of the pandemic, we've witnessed an uptick in demand for local manufacturing and in response to the growing demand for our products, earlier this year we purchased and moved into a 2,000 sqm facility to accommodate our growth.Additionally, we have developed new products and are putting plans in place to export to additionalmarketsoverseas.

The pandemic also highlighted the importance of regularly checking in on members of your team who work remotely. Maintainingthatpersonalcontactensuresyoucancontinueto operatesmoothlyandefficiently.

Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drivesyourorganization.

Teamwork,collaborationandopencommunicationareatthe heartofouroperations.Ourteamislikeafamilytousandwe have some staff that have been with us for 10+ years which speaks to the great culture we've created at Safetyline Jalousie.

Iliketoencouragemyteamtothinkforthemselvesandmake their own decisions as I think this is beneficial to their development, both professionally speaking and within the company

We certainly have a very open-door management structure andmyteamknowtheycancometomeatanytimewithany questionstheyhave.

My advice to budding young entrepreneurs is to never underestimatethevalueofhardwork.Findwhatyournicheis, andmakeconnections.Learnfromothersintheindustryand alwaysbepersistentandresilient.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrunand whatareyourfuturegoalsforSafetylineJalousie?

My goal for Safetyline Jalousie is to continue to scale the company, launch new products, and expand into additional marketsoverseas.

I'mproudtohavebuiltthecompanytothepointwhereIam confidentinmyteam,thatIknowthecompanywillcontinue torunsmoothlyifIstepawaytobewithmyfamily-whichis veryimportanttomeandsomethingI'dlovethechancetodo moreofinthefuture.

Don't just meet expectations; exceed them! “ “

and Managing

Facilitating Sustainable Capital Growth of Individuals as well as Businesses

Evidently,innovationisthekeytosuccessinany business.Theinnovativeideasarelikeseedsof success,whichneedtobeimplemented successfullyandhavingastrategicplanisessentialto implementthoseideassuccessfully.Innovativeleadersare builtupontheseedsofthoseinnovativeideasby implementingthemtocontributetoameaningfulpurpose. Theyliketopursuechallengingtasks,andtheygrabthe opportunitiesdiligentlyandmakethemcount.Manju Mastakarisonesuchinnovativeleader,whobelievesthat innovationmeansimprovement.Havingworkedwith highlyreputedinternationalandIndianfirmswiththelikes of HSBC, MF GlobalandMotilalOswal,hasgivenherthe confidencetoventureoutonherowntoestablish ArmstrongCapital.SheistheFounderandManaging DirectoratArmstrongCapital&FinancialServicesPvt. Ltd.Manju'sabilitytoleadasmallyethighlyeffective advisoryteamwiththehighestefficiencyhasmade Armstronggrowintoasignificantplayerinthemarketina veryshorttime.Armstronglooksforwardeachdayto innovateinthethreeareasofinnovationnamely,product innovation,salesinnovationandprocessinnovation.

ProvidingClientsEndtoEndFinancialPlanning

ArmstrongisaFinancialPlanningandaWealth Managementcompany.EveryrelationshipinArmstrong startswithaFinancialPlan.Beforeitadvises,ittriesand understandsallthefinancialcommitmentstheclienthasin nearandfarfuture.Thenalltheinvestmentsthatclienthas done,itbucketsthatintorespectivegoals.Later,itshows themacompletepictureashowthefinancialswilllook10 yearsfromnowandwhatwouldtheAnnuitybebythetime theyretire.Thiscompleteendtoendfinancialplanningis whattheydoatArmstrong.

WorkingonanInnovativeIdea

Manjugotherseedcapitalveryeasily,butshehadto strugglewhileraisingthegrowthcapital.Forany entrepreneurtogetfundingtheyneed3things,Idea(need), Execution,andMarket.Theymaynothaveall3thingsat thebeginningbuteveniftheycanhave2,theywillhavea fairchanceoffindingtherightkindofInvestor.Manjuhad executionskills,shewasdoingwhatshehadbeendoingfor last10yearsandtherewasahugemarketforit.Anyone whowasearningcouldbetheirpotentialclient.Theidea/ innovation/differentiationiswhatManjuworkedonovera periodoftimetogetitright.Shesaysthatthebestwayto fundone'sbusinessisprofits.

FightingandOvercomingChallenges

Manjustatesthatthemostimportantdifferentiatorasan entrepreneuristhattheydon'thaveaconceptof “Resignation”.Whenoneisinajobandwhenthingsstart gettingreallytoughandwhenapersoncan'thandle,they haveanoptiontoresignandcomeontheside,butasan entrepreneuronedoesn'thavethisoption.Theyhavetoface it,fightitandovercomeit.

Manjufurtheropinesthatthefirst3yearsareverycrucial foranystartup,astheburnratewouldbecreepingupand therevenuedoesn'tkeeppaceaswhatonewouldhave projectedintheexcelsheet.EvenforArmstrongtherewere threetimesthattheyranoutofcash,andtheycouldhave closeddown.Eachtimetherewasadifferentstrategythat Manjuadoptedtopullout.Someofthestrategieswereto sellcompetingproductsbecause,itwillfetchrevenue, whichwastheneedofthehour.Manjuhadanentrepreneur friendwithwhomshewouldsharetheofficespaceand adminresourcessothattheFixedcostinthebusiness wouldcomedown.Shewouldhireparttimeinternsfor4-6 monthssothatthelessproductivejobwasdoneata minimalcost.Shewouldusefreelancers/Gigsforthe advertisingandmarketingcampaigns.

Armstrong provides a comprehensive Investment solution to Individuals and Corporates. Its primary focus is on capital preservation while still aiming to provide our clients with a reasonable rate of return in order to grow capital over the longterm.

Armstrongbusinesshadawafer-thinmargin,andthe payoutswouldgrowastheclients'portfoliowouldgrow. Thus,thefirmwasverycannyabouteverypennyspent, afterallitwasteamofFinancialAdvisorswhoknowthis better

InvestingIntoBusinessProcesstoIncreaseEfficiency

Investingandploughingbackprofitsintobusinessisvery necessarybutatwhichstageofbusinesswheretoinvestis thepuzzle.JusttothrowsomelightwithManju's experienceshedividestheBusinessJourneyinto3stages–

First2years–Investintodevelopingtheproduct/themain offeringtothecustomer.Ifpossible,giveitfreeoratthe leastcosttotheinitialcustomerswhowilluseitandtell youwheretoimproveon.Havelimitedresourcesanda verybasicofficespace.

Next3years–Investintomarketing&salesrecruitpeople whocanpitchforyouandtakeyourproducttothe customer Takecareofexistingclientsbecausetheyare feedingyou.

NextExponentialGrowth–Atthisstage,abusinesswill havegoodcashflowsanditwillbegrowingata50-80% growthrate.Nowinvestintoagoodofficespacebecause youneedmorepeople.Investintobusinessprocessand automationtoincreasetheefficiency

LookingforValuesandPassioninCandidates

Armstronghasaverydifferentwayofhiring.Itdoesnot lookat CV,insteaditgivesoutaformandthecandidates hastowriteabouttheirchildhood,whattheyhavelearned fromtheirparents;whatbooksinspiresthem;whatsocial causesdidtheysupport;andfewmorequestions.Thisgives Armstrongagoodunderstandingaboutthepersonandtheir approachtowardslife.Armstronggenerallyintakesfreshers andManjulooksforvalues,passionforfollowingthe marketsandstorytellingability.

Integrityissomethingwhichcannotbejudgedatthe interviewlevelandintegritycannotbeboughtbypaying highersalary.Manjubelievesthatintegritycanbe developedbygivingemployeechancetoputtheirideasto practiceandtakeuptheownershipofmakingitwork.

The Changing Landscape of Work Place

Remote Working should be Encouraged or Not?

TheevidenceinotherareasIwitnessleadsmeto believethatwhatIoncethoughtaboutfreelancers hasbeenfirmlysetintomotion.Freelancerswereto compriseabout50%oftheavailabletalentpoolby2027. Yet,asof2021,48%oftheUSbasedtalentpoolisvirtual andforthosethathavenowexperiencedandlivedmore productivelyworkingremote,orderingremote,pickingup curbsideeverywhere,itseemsprudenttosaythatthetalent willseektheiremployerstosustainthe“goodpartof remotework”whateverthatmaybeatyourbusiness.In fact,ascompaniesconsidertheirreturntoworkstrategiesit isimportanttoemphasizethatemployersshouldmake decisionsaboutthefutureonlyaftertheyhavederivedtheir employeeinputs.Toreturntoworkwithoutemployeeinput insomeformorfashion,willleadtotalentmakingshifts thatmaynotbefavorabletothebusinessworld.Many couldjumptothefreelancemarketindependentofany employer. Therealityiswhiletalentseeksflexibility,they alsorequireincreasedearningsopportunities.Accordingto Maven,aworkingmotherneedsanaverageoftwenty(20) additionalunpaiddaysbeyondstandardPTO(PaidTime Off)programs.Yet,arecentDeloittesurveyconductedon over1000fulltimeprofessionalsfoundburnouthasno borders.Thesurveyresultsshowthat77percentof respondentssaytheyhaveexperiencedemployeeburnoutat theircurrentjob,withmorethanhalfcitingmorethanone occurrenceofthis.Thesurveyalsouncoveredthat employersmaybemissingthemarkwhenitcomesto developingwell-beingprogramsthattheiremployeesfind valuabletoaddressstressintheworkplace.

Evenbeforethepandemic,thefreelanceemploymentsector wasthefastestgrowingemploymentsector.Itrepresents 35%oftheglobalworkforcewhichtranslatesto approximately1.1billionfreelancerscurrentlyaroundthe world.In2019,beforethepandemic,57millionpeople

workedfromhomeintheUS.Eventhen,75%saythey “wouldn’ttradetheirfreelancingcareerforothertypesof work.”Keyfactorsinleavingtheroleofemployeetodate include:theneedforflexibility(68%),andIarguethe secondfactorforcareerdrivenprofessionalsisthe opportunityforadvancementtoincreasepersonalincome whileexercisingfreedom.Thisissupportedbythefactthat 55%ofthefreelancemarketcomprisesofpeoplewhoare stillworkingfulltime.That’sright,youremployeeisbusy onthesideinvestingtheirdiscretionaryeffortintotheir dream,notyours.Thethreelargestfreelanceplatformsare Upwork.com,Freelancer.comandFiverr.com.Thefactthat 65%ofthissegmentoffreelancersisstillworkingfulltime whilefreelancingonthesidetellsmethattherearemany morewhowillmoreaggressivelyshifttheirworktomatch theirlifeastheygainconfidenceearningmoneyandseeing pasttherisks.Ifemployersdonottapintotheirtalent’s heartsandmindsthereisnothingtokeepthemintheir currentjobs.ThetruthisclearasthatsameDeloittesurvey found84%ofthoseexperiencingburnouthavenopassion fortheirjob.Itwouldseembusinessesneedtoprioritize theirstrategiccultureplans.Otherwise,theirstrategicand operationalplanscouldfindrealchallenges.

Outsourcinghasbeenatrendsincethe1990’swhenUS basedcompanies’sourcedforeignworkersinsteadof Americans.Manyofthoseearlyshiftswereseeninthe manufacturingsectorswhilecallcentersandservice-based roleswerestaffedinothercountries.Today,outsourcingis evenmorepresentbutinamorelocalizedcontext. Outsourcingfuelsthefreelancemarketasstartupsand emergingmarketscompete.Therearefourindustries commonlyfoundtobeoutsourced(i.e.,technology,call centers,humanresources,andmanufacturing).However,a smallenterpriselikemyownsecuresoutsourcedfinancial expertise,graphicdesign,leadgeneration,PR,virtual

assistance,legalassistance,andthelistgoesonandon.The timeisnowtoincorporatenotjustintrapreneurstrategiesin yourbusinessbutalsoaugmentedtalentattractionstrategies forfreelanceand/orskilledresources.Withculturebeing theneworganizationalstructure,thebenefitofaccessto freelanceexpertiseinvariousareasofbusinesswillbenot justdesirablebutnecessary Thiscanbebeneficialfor businessestoo.Businessesthataregoodatbuildinga frameworktoupholdthecultureasacommonlanguageand experienceforalltheirresourcesworkinginsynergywith clearfocustoasharedgoal,wellthen,businesscanacquire whatisneedatafractionofthecost.Thiscanhelpfuela growingbusinessandwhendoneright,itcanimprove efficiencyandcontributetotheeconomy

Noneofuscanforetellthefuture.Iamconfidenthowever thatthetalentwonyearsago.Despitethecurrent unemploymentratesyouhearabout,theskilledtalentisat workandresourcesareskiminseveralindustryverticals.

Getreadytowitnesspeoplemakinglifechangingdecisions. Peoplewhoarepurposedriventoclaimtheirjoythrough flexibleworkthatfuelstheirintellectualpassionsisnowat theforefront.Thenewevolutionwillbeseeingthistake placefromtheformerbreadwinnersinfamilieswhono longerfeartheriskinthefaceofuncertainty,knowing nothingismoreimportantthantheirwell-beingandthe well-beingoftheirfamilies.Thehospitalityindustryis alreadypaintingthefuturewithstaycationretreatsbecause workingfromhomecanbegreatespeciallywhenitisnot mandated.Thetalentofthefuturewillseektoworkfrom anywhereandontheirterms.Ifeelthisisallevidence enoughtoputeverybusinessowneronnotice.Ifyoudid notknowitwhenIwrote, The Talent Emergency in2015, thenheedmynoticetoyounow Thetalentstillhasthe upperhandandwomenremainanopportunity!Now,I wouldliketoposetoyou…isthetalentlandscapeathreat oranopportunity?

Steven Hill Managing Director Light Source

Steven Hill

An Accomplished Executive Leader in the Telecommunications Industry

Accountabilityincreasesproductivity,asithelps leadersdeliverresultswithoutbeingcomplacent.It helpsthemkeeptrackoftheirshort-termandlongtermgoalsandthus,accountableleadersarethenableto leadthebusinesseffectively.Theyleadwithresponsibility andleavealegacythatisworthfollowing.Thisqualityof accountabilityhelpsthemtobeinnovativeandallowstheir teamtodeliverpioneeringsolutionsintheirbusiness. StevenHillisonesuchbusinessleaderandheisthe ManagingDirectorofLightSource

StevenformedLightSourceinNovember2000asa telecommunicationsdesignbusiness,howeversince2010, thecompanyhasbeendeliveringafullturnkeyservicetoits clients;design,buildandcommissioningmajor telecommunicationnetworks.Heispersonallyaccountable fortheoveralldirectionandstrategicdevelopmentofthe organisationandisworkingcloselywithboardofDirectors andSeniorStakeHolderstobuildanddevelopthenational capabilityofthebusinessinthetelecommunicationssector

GrowingEvenAmidstChallenges

ThepandemichasgivenLightSourcemajoroperational challenges;however,theyhada‘BusinessContingency Plan’forapandemic,andthishelpedthecompany transitionintotheir‘new’wayofworking.Themajorityof theirdesk-basedstaffareworkingfromhome,however, LightSourceengineerscontinuetooperateonthefrontline askeyworkers.Stevenissincerelygratefulandproudof theattitudeoftheirengineersandthatofitssupplychain. DevoidoffocusingonthenegativeimpactofCovid19,itis worthmentioningthatLightSourceisseeingcirca70% revenuegrowthonthesameperiodlastyear

EnsuringInclusion,DiversityandCollaboration

ApositiveworkculturerunsthroughthebackboneofLight Source’sbusiness.Thecompanyhasanumberofinitiatives toensurethereisconstantcollaborationwith‘TheLight SourceFamily’;fromquarterlyregionaldirector roadshows,to‘YouSaid,WeDid’initiativestoensuretheir staffhasavoiceatalllevels.Steven’skeyobjectiveisto safeguardapositiveHealthandSafetyculture,underpinned withgovernance,integrityandtrust.

FromSteven’spointofview,everymemberofitsstaffand supplychainarepartoftheLightSourcecommunity,and withoutthem,thecompanyhasverylittletooffer.Ahuge initiativeforhimpersonallyis‘inclusionanddiversity’and heisaccountabletoensurethereisnoracialorgenderbias andguaranteeaninclusiveatmospherethroughoutthe business.

ITAdvancements

Takingadvantageoftechnicaldevelopmentiskeyto managethegrowthofLightSourceanditsexternal operationalteams.LightSourceareanalmostpaperfree businessandthemajorityofitsworkisissuedthrough digitalplatforms.Ithasdevelopeditsown ‘works operating platform’,whichisalsoinAPPformat.Thisportalmanages workflow,governsHSQEinspections/audits,andupdates clientsnetworkrecords.

LightSource’soperationalinnovationhasseenitsteams usingdronestoflycableacrossrivers,andtheyare developingapneumaticrocketlauncherthatwill‘fire’cable over150metersoverterrainthatisdifficulttoaccess. The 10 Most Innovave

Light Source deliver innovation and environmental diversity whilst seeking to maintain our legacy of building networks that are at the forefront of future technology. ‘‘ ‘‘

StrivingforExcellence

Steven’smanagementskillsaredrivenbyhisobjectiveto createaworkingenvironmentthatimprovesqualityof service,reducesanyoperationalstresses,andhasincreased productivityforhispartners.Heiscontinuallychallenging histeamstodifferentiatetheirdeploymentinacompetitive market.Hetaskshisleaderstofindwaystodomorefor theirclientsthanothersandemployeesareencouragedto domore,givemore,bemoreandservemore.

StrivingforexcellencehasbecomehabitualforStevenand hisbusiness. “I take our competition very seriously, but not ourselves,” hesays.Thishasgivenhisemployeesafluid mentalitytonotonlydeveloptheirtalent,butalsoincrease theirinquisitivenaturetoexplorenewconceptsandwaysof working.

Itisduetohisnovelapproachofleading,hewasnominated astheEYEntrepreneurofTheYearFinalist,2020.

GivingBacktoSociety

‘CorporateSocialResponsibility’,atLightSourceis referredto‘SocialResponsibility’.

LightSourcehasahugeresponsibilitytocontributetothe communitiesthattheyoperatein,andthecompanydoes

thisthroughsocietyinitiatives,financialcontributiontokey charities,andworkingcloselywithjobcreatingenterprises. Duringtheheightofthepandemic,LightSourcedelivered welfarepackagestolocalNHShospitals,andnumberofits commercialvehicleswereutilizedbytheNHSfor transportingPPE.

MaintainingaLegacyofBuildingRobustNetworks

LightSourcesustainitscompetencybycontinuingto understandthattheclientistheparentinalloftheir engagements,andLightSources’keyobjectiveistoserve. Itscultureis honest,genuine,andsincere,andthisruns rightthroughthemainstayofthebusiness.

Stevenpersonallygetsveryclosetohispartners,andthey havefoundthemselvesgothroughbirths,deaths,and marriages,whichultimatelyformsahugebond.

LightSource’skeyfocusforthecomingyearistoimprove itscustomerconcentration.SinceJanuary2021,the companyhasmobilisedthreenewclients,whichinaddition isbroadeningtheirUKfootprint.LightSourceenvisages,at minimum,anadditional2newmajorclientsinthiscalendar year,2021.

LightSource’ssuccesswillcontinueifitscommunity safeguardstheirpositivehealthandsafetyculture,and underpinthiswithincreasedgovernance,integrityandtrust. Stevenmentionsthatthecompanyneedstocontinueto deliverinnovationandenvironmentaldiversitywhilst seekingtomaintainitslegacyofbuildingnetworksthatare attheforefrontoffuturetechnology.

In3to5years’time,Stevenwouldliketoseefurther diversityinwhatLightSourcedelivers.Thismayseethe companyenterthemultiutilitysectororhaveagreater involvementinthemobilesector

EnlighteningEmergingEntrepreneurs

Stevenadvisesbuddingentrepreneurstohavepatiencewith theirjourney. “I am 21 years into my voyage, and still learning each day. Qualified financial advice is key, which forms the foundation stone to stability, growth and ultimately profit,” hesays.

Headds, “Your own personality will form the character of your business and you must ensure you treat people as you would like to be treated.”