Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022

editor

Inspiration at Your Closet!

Inaworldofbeautifulterrains,pleasantplateaus,and

mind-bogglingdiscoveries,theurgetotroubleshoota problemandcomeupwithanovelsolutionhasbeen thedreamofmany Togetsuchaspirationintorealityand shootthenerveoftheimpossibleintothedarklight,many innovativeandstandoutleadersemphasizedonembracing thenever-endingtrailofinspiration.

Managing Editor

Bhushan Bhad

Yes,thisaboveideationmightbeblossomingyourmindto thinktowardthereignofdraggingthepulseintothecloset anddivingdeepintotheinspirationalstoriesthatmade businessmenandindustrialistsintothehugesuccessthey aretoday Andtheglobalspotlightonsuchentrepreneursis justthetipoftheiceberg!

Ifyouareonthesamepage,thiseditionisaperfectmatch foryou!

Whatistheeditionabout,andwhydoesitwanderaround theideationofinnovationandinspiration?

Whileyouaredippedintofindingtheanswertotheaboveideatedquestion,ensuretowalkonatrailthatexplainsthe importanceofinspirationinthebusinesscommunity

Whiletheworldgetsovershadowedinmeetingthehand-tomoutheconomy,itisthesheerresilienceandinnovative handofbusinessleadersthatscoutschallengesandstorms thecorporateobstaclesontobackstage.

,

, The Value of an Idea Lies in implementing it, Thus giving rise to innovative Solutions and Inspirations Stories.

Beitthemanufacturingsegment,technologyworld, corporatemanagement,hotelandhospitalityoreventhe staffingindustry;inspirationalstorieshavealwaysfoundthe primespotlight.

Withthesamemotivationandenthusiasmtoget inspirationalbusinessleadersintotheforefrontofthe businesscommunity,weatInsightSuccessresearchedtop businessleaderswhoarenotonlyturningthetideof businessbutalsoexemplifyingtrueleadership.

Whileyouwalkthroughsuchinspirationalstories,ensureto readtheinsightfularticlesopinedbyourin-houseeditorial note.

Ihopeyouhaveahappyread!

Derek Disteneld

Breaking Barriers, Leading Innovation, and Inspiring People to Achieve

S

C O N T E N T

Dave Ulrich

Creating Value Through Human Capability

Enhancing Mindset, Bolstering Lives! 22

Elena Agaragimova

Lurdh Allam

Spreading Positivity through the Power of Art

Interview with Insights success

Towards Social Equity

Closing the Gender Pay Gap

Makuachukuu Okonkwo

Reinventing Foundations with Dynamic Counsel

36

DEI in the Workplace

Top Strategies to Infuse Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in your Organization

Editor-in-Chief Merry D’souza

Senior Editor

Managing Editor

Art & Design Head

Co-designer

Anish Miller

Bhushan Bhad

Art & Design Assistant Visualiser David King

Business Development Manager

Rohil Shinganapurkar

Paul

Mrunalinee Deshmukh

Sherin Rodricks

Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza

Business Development Executives

Kelly, David

Technical Head Jacob Smile

Assistant Technical Head

Technical Consultants Prachi, Rajeshwari

Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege

Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka Kulkarni

SME-SMO Executive Gemson

Research Analyst Eric Smith

Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade

sales@insightssuccess.com

June, 2022

DaveUlrich Co-founderandPrincipal

DawnTiura CEOandPresident

DeirdreBreakenridge CEO

Inspiring BusinessLeaders

Making a Difference in 2022

Brief Company

TheRBLGroup rbl.net

SourcingIndustry Group sig.org PurePerformance Communications pureperformancecomm.com

DaveUlrich,RensisLikertProfessattheRossSchoolof Business,UniversityofMichiganandParter,TheRBLGrouphas spenthiscareerstudying,innovating,anddeliveringhuman capabilityinsightsthatmakeadifference.

DawnTiuraisthePresidentandCEOofSourcingIndustryGroup (SIG),theworld’spremiermembershipassociationrepresenting Fortune500andGlobal1000companieswithacombinedspendof $17trillionUSDinsourcingandoutsourcing.

DeirdreBreakenridge,30+yearindustryexpert,mediatrainer andpublishedauthoroncommunication,brandinganddigital mediastrategiesaswellasthefounderandCEOofPure PerformanceCommunications.

DerekDistenfield COOandCo-founder

GSDVentureStudio gsdvs.com

DerekistheoperationalbrainatGSD,bringingtogetheradiverse setoftalentstoeffectivelyserveeachportfoliofirm.

ElenaAgaragimova CEOandFounder

IritEizips CEO

LaurieMcCabe Founder

LurdhAllam CEOandCo-founder

Bessern bessern.co CSMPractice csmpractice.com

SMBGroup smb-gr.com

ArtSmiley Artsmiley.com

MakuaOkonkwo BusinessDevelopment Executive

TracieSponenberg ChiefPeopleOfficer

TBOConsultingGroup tboconsulting.com

TheGraniteGroup thegranitegroup.com

AccordingtoElenaAgaragimova,theexternallikefinances, clients,andoutsourcingcanbetakenchargeof,butthemindset isanintegralandhardestpartthatrequiresmanagedand continuouslearning.

IritEizipshastakenanactivepartinthecustomersuccess community.Sheisfeaturedinpodcasts,books,andindustry eventsasasubjectmatterexpertoncustomersuccess strategyandonhowtolaunchcustomersuccessinitiativesat scale.

LaurieMcCabebringsmorethan25yearsofexperienceinthe ITindustrytohercurrentroleasCofounder&Partner,SMB Group.

LurdhAllamisgeneratingpositivitythroughthemediumof ArtSmileyandsharinghispassionforartwiththeworld.

MakuachukwuOkonkwo—thecrownleaderisassistingthe globalmarketbyinfluencingbusinessdevelopmentprocesses whiledeliveringinnovativesolutionstobusinessesworldwide.

TracieSponenbergisChiefPeopleOfficerofTheGranite Group,responsibleforleadingallPeoplefunctionsforthe50locationwholesalecompany.

Derek Disteneld

Webelievethatintellectual capacityisevenlyspread throughouttheworld,but opportunityisnot.If entrepreneurscanpopthe 'SiliconValleybubble'withthe capital,network,andtools theyneed,thenanyonecan buildaunicorn!

Cover Story

Derek

Disteneld, COO and Co-founder

GSD Venture Studio

Top

Theworldisabigscarydwellingfilledwithits varietyoftwistsandturnsandwhereeveryoneis interconnected,especiallywhenitcomesto business.Whetheryouproduceandsellgoods internationallyoryoudon't,globalbusinessestendto impacteveryorganization.

Let'ssayyou'reabusinessowner,manager,oremployee. Thenanimportantquestionyoumightponderonishow canyougathertheinformation,tools,andresourcestoput yourorganizationontheglobalmap?

Self-motivatedentrepreneurshaveoftenhadtofightan uphillbattletolaunchaglobalcompanywithverylittle support.Inthatrespect,anunproventeamwithouttheright knowledgeandexpertiseorthetrustfactorisnottheideal preference.Alas,thisage-oldtraditionhascometoanend, allthankstotheinspiringCalifornia-basedenterprise–GSDVentureStudios

GSDVentureStudiostravelstheglobeinsearchofresilient teams,invitingthemtoestablishcollaborationsthatensure organizationsgrowtherightway,withoutgamesor gimmicks.LeadingfromthefrontistheastuteCOO,Cofounder,andoperationalmastermindofGSD–Derek Distenfield.

Derek'shightoleranceforambiguityandcomplexitymakes himavitalsourceofinspirationandcounselforgrowthorientedfirmsandfounders.Heisknownforintroducing ground-breakingnewideastoorganizationsthatprovide rapiddevelopmentandforbeingefficientwithlittle resources.

DerekistheoperationalbrainatGSD,bringingtogethera diversesetoftalentstoeffectivelyserveeachportfoliofirm. DerekresidesinSiliconValleywithhiswifeandtwo childrenandregularlygoestoRussiatoworkwithGSD's globalclientele.

HowitallStarted?

Workingintechnologycompaniesthatwere$0failuresto $2billioncompanies,itwouldbeappropriatetosaythat Derekhasaccumulatedquiteafewbattlescars.Throughout thisjourney,Derekhasfocusedonavarietyofindustriesin bothB2BandB2Cmarkets.Heispassionateabout simplifyingexperiencesforusersbothintermsofproduct andmessaging.

Derekisthe operationalbrainat GSD,bringing togetheradiverseset oftalentsto effectivelyserveeach portfoliofirm.

Derekrealizedthispersonalmissionwhenhefirstbuiltand soldastorytellingmarketingfirmcalled Cult Following, wherehisteambuiltonlineandofflinecommunitiesfor brands.Importantly,helearnedhowtoaccomplishmissions withlittletonoresourcesandgetthingsdoneasaUSArmy officer

Eventually,asaculminationofhiscareertodemocratize financialandintellectualcapitalforstart-ups,he Co-foundedGSDVentureStudiosalongsideGaryFowler.

GaryisoneofthetopinfluencersinArtificialIntelligence andhasaglobalviewofhowcompaniesshouldbestarted.

Hebelievesthatentrepreneur2.0isdecentralizedteamsthat aregloballybasedthatareintergenerational–start-up veteranswiththebattlescarsworkingwithyoungerguys withfreshideas.

GSDVentureStudios

GSDtravelstheworldlookingforresiliententrepreneurs thatareboldenoughto#GoGlobal.Inthewordsofthe astuteDerek, “We believe intellectual capacity is evenly spread throughout the world, but opportunity is not. If entrepreneurs can pop the 'Silicon Valley bubble' with the capital, network, and tools they need, then anyone can build a unicorn!”

GSDalsobelievesthat'start-upsupport'todaytheworld overindexesonhelpingpeoplestartacompanyandhelping themscale.Thebetweenstageisthereasonthat80-90%of start-upsstillfail.

“By focusing on start-ups outside the Silicon Valley bubble, meaning companies with international roots or groups that have been marginalized in the US, supporting them after they have shown some success but are not ready to scale, we are curating unicorns,” addedDerek.

Atheart,thecompanycomprisesventurebuildersthattake anentrepreneurialviewoftheworld,incorporating additionalvaluessuchas Scrappiness, Loyalty,and Diversity,allwitha#GoGlobalperspective.

ThePandemicDictate

Whenaskedaboutthetrialsandtribulationspresentedby theCOVID-19pandemic,Derekrespondedbysaying, “The best way to navigate a crisis like COVID-19 is to act like a trauma surgeon who makes quick, deliberate decisions, and not as a neurosurgeon that waits for 100% of the information before moving forward. Additionally, you need must maintain both a realistic outcome and the incredible optimism that you will succeed.”

UsingTechnologytoConnectwiththeWorld

TheVentureCapitalistsinvestalotofmoneyin'changemakingcompanies,'however,historicallyhavebeenslowto actthemselves.Additionally,VentureCapitalhasbeenvery centralized,notdiverseatall.GSDismakingchangesby usingtechnologytoconnectitselftothewholeworldto curatethebestcompaniesto#GoGlobal.

AHouseholdName

DerekDistenfieldhasbeenfeaturedinthe'40Under40 Innovators'listbyAnalyticsInsightandcelebratedasone of'The10MostInfluentialPeopleof2020'byYahoo Finance.

Additionally,Derekisoneoftheofficialmembersofthe exclusiveForbesBusinessCouncilforsuccessful entrepreneursandbusinessleaders.Hewasselectedbased onhisdepthanddiversityofexperienceandknowledge,

GSDwillcontinue its#GoGlobal WorldTour developing authentic,tangible relationshipsthat start-upsflockto.

GSDVentureStudios travelstheglobeinsearch ofresilientteams,inviting themtoestablish collaborationsthatensure organizationsgrowthe rightway,withoutgames orgimmicks.

andsincethenhasgoneontopublishhisexpertiseon Forbes.com.

Don'tTakeOurWordforit

“We participated in GSD Venture Studios accelerator program in Q4 / 2021 and were very happy with the outcome. Derek Distenfield and the team provided a concrete, professional, and hands-on program for creating a clear investment deck, messaging, and strategy for a growing tech company like Choicely no-code app development platform. Derek successfully connected us with relevant investors and funds from their network that works with SaaS technology platforms like ours. We look forward to continuing a partnership with GSD Venture Studios and highlyrecommendstart-upstojointheprogram.”

-KaiusMeskane,CEOofChoicely.

“Derek and GSD have been a major part of the growth of Frostwolf. Through the program, I have been able to make great connections and build relationships with like-minded individuals, advisors, and investors.”

-NatnaelTsega,FounderofFrostwolf.

"Derek and GSD helped us to re-position our company with our capital raising. Derek is aggressive and very

precise in articulating the message, which helped us to articulate our message to the investors.”

-TonyWeeresinghe,Founder&CEOofUstocktrade.

“GSDLabshasbeenamajorpartofthegrowthof Xoxoday;throughtheaccelerator,wemadegreat connectionsandbuiltrelationshipswithlike-minded individuals,advisors,andinvestors.

GSDlabstaughtusthatSiliconValleyisnotageographic locationbutamindset.Wearethrilledtohaveworkedwith themandlearnedhowto#GoGlobalandland$30min fundingandscaleacrosstheworld.

WeareconfidentthatXoxodaywillbeaunicorn,andGSD Labswillhelpourjourneytremendously."

-ManojAgarwal,Co-FounderofXoxoday

WhattheFutureHoldsforGSD

Unlikeitscompetitors,whomakeglobaltripsonceevery fewyearsandhaveafewtokensofglobalinvestments, GSDhascompaniesfrommorethan38countries.Asfor whatthefutureholds,GSDwillcontinueits#GoGlobal WorldTourdevelopingauthentic,tangiblerelationshipsthat start-upsflockto.

Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022

Ulrich

Dave Ulrich Co-founder & Principal RBL Group

Everyoneexperiencesthechangingcontextof businesstoday: physicalhealth(COVID), emotionalwellbeing,societytrends,political toxicity,attentiontoenvironment,andtechnological innovation. Torespondtothiscontext,businessleadersare investinginhumancapability(talent,leadership, organization)todelivervaluetoallstakeholders.

Anenormousamountofresearchandpracticeexistsin upgradinghumancapabilityDaveUlrich,RensisLikert ProfessattheRossSchoolofBusiness,Universityof MichiganandParter,TheRBLGrouphasspenthiscareer studying,innovating,anddeliveringhumancapability insightsthatmakeadifference.

Dave answers some questions about his past and present work.

Dave,pleaseintroduceyourselfandyourprofessional backgroundtoourreaders.

IamaprofessorattheRossBusinessSchoolatthe UniversityofMichiganandafoundingpartneroftheRBL Group.Iliketostudyhoworganizationsthink,act,feeland createvalueforallstakeholders(employees,customers, investors,andcommunities).Ibelieveininsightsbasedon theory(whythingshappen),research(evidenceaboutwhat happens),andpractice(howtoshapewhatwillhappen).

Whatwasyourinspirationtostepintothebusiness consultinganddevelopmentprofession?

Decadesago,inmyundergraduatework,Itookan“OB 321”coursefromaremarkableprofessorwhochallengedus toobserve,think,andwriteabouttheorganizationsthat shapedourlives.Iwrotea10-12pagepaperweeklyabout aspectsoforganizations.Hethenencouragedmetomove fromfocusingonthelawto“OB.”WhenItoldmyparentsI wasgoinginto“OB,”theythoughtIwouldbecomea doctorsincenooneknewwhat“OrganizationBehavior” reallymeant.Sincethen,IhavehadaversionofOCD, “Organization”CompulsiveDisorder.” Organizations shapenearlyeveryaspectofourlives-wherewework, play,live,andworship.Studyingandfiguringouthowto improveorganizationscontinuestocaptivateme.

TellusaboutRBLGroup,itsmission,anditsvision. Whatroledidyouplayinfurtheringitsdevelopment andoutreach?

About20yearsago,NormSmallwoodandIfound ourselvescooperatingonseveralprojects.Wedidabook (withJackZenger)calledResultsBasedLeadershipwhich focusedonourbiasofensuringthatleaderscreatedresults. WetookRBLasourfirmnamesincewearecommittedto results.

Pleasebriefusabouttheprogramsandservicesoffered byRBLGroup.Andhowdoesitenableclientcompanies toenhancetheiroperations?

Wehavecommittedtoinnovativecontent(beathought leader)inwhatwecall“humancapability,”whichincludes thestudyoftalent,organizations,leadership,andHR.

We worktoconnecteachofthesedomainsinsidean organizationtothevalueoutsideandbelievethatfutureof workisbothinside/outandoutside/in.

Dave,tellusaboutthebooksthatyouhavewritten.How havetheybeenreceivedbythereaders?

Wehavewrittenover30books,eachaddressingaspecific challengeinoneofthefourhumancapabilitydomains.For example,wehavewrittenquiteabitonleadershipandhow leadersshouldconnecttheirattributes(competenciesor skills)toresultsinasustainableway

Pleasesharewithustheremarkablechallengesyouhave overcomeinyourcareer.Andhowhavetheyshapedyou tobecomeabetterleader?

Ioftenstepintotheunknownandtrytosolveproblemsfew havesolved.Thismeansobservingchallengesandthen seekinginnovativesolutionstothem.Intheprocess,Ioften experimentwithnewideasthatdon’tworkwellatthetime. Forexample,whydotwofirmsinthesameindustrywith thesameprofitsoftenhavedramaticallydifferentmarket valuations?Thisdoesnotmakesenseinitially,butthis questionleadsmetoexploretheintangiblevalueinvestors recognizebutdon’toftencodify Thisleadsmetowrite LeadershipCapitalIndextoofferinvestorsarigorousway todetermineleadershipquality.Someoftheseideaswere wellreceivedatthetime,somenot.

Whattipswouldyouliketogiveindividualswhowant togetintothewritingprofession?

Makeideasyourbestfriends.Ideasoftenwakemeuplate atnightorinthemorning;theystaybymemuchoftheday andendthedaywithme.Ideascomefromobservingwhat ishappeningaroundmeandtryingtounderstandwhy thingshappen(theory).Ideasneedtobecomepatterns

throughresearchandevidencetopredictwhatwillhappen. Ideasmustshapetalent,leadership,organization,andHR (humancapability)choicesandactions.Writingistheart andscienceofputtingideasintowordsintoaframework intotextandultimatelyintoabook,article,orpresentation. Writersseektocodifyideaswithimpact.

Asanexperiencedleaderinthebusinessarena,what challengesdoyouseeleadersoftodaycomeacross? Also,whatadvicewouldyouliketogivetobudding entrepreneurs?

Thestudyofleadershipisnotnew.Googleleaderor leadership,andyougetover5billionhits!Givenour research,weliketoexplorepatternsofleadershipinfive areas(seebookLeadershipCode),andweseeemerging leadershipskillsineachofthefiveareas

Wheredoyouseeyourselfinthefuture?Also,howdo youenvisionscalingRBLGroup’soperationsand outreachinthecomingyears?

OCDisalifetimedisorder Wecontinueexploring innovationsineachofthefourdomainsofhuman capabilitythroughtheory,research,andpractice.Iliketo endworkshopswiththeline,“thebestisyetahead,”which Ihopeshapesmywork.Iwanttohaveabout20%new materialevery12to18months,whichsoundseasy,but requiresagoodidea,friends.

Giveusafewtestimonialsfromyourclientsor customersandawardsorrecognitionthataccurately highlightyourcompany’spositioninthemarket.(If available/permissible)

Here are a few accolades;

Ÿ Oneofthetop10voicesonculturebyLinkedin

Ÿ LifetimeAchievementAwardfromInstituteof ManagementStudies

Ÿ #3(outof200)thoughtleaderin2021byPeopleHum

Ÿ "MostInfluentialGlobalHRLeader,2021”sponsored byPeopleFirstandHRDForum

Ÿ DistinguishedFellow(oneof15total),National AcademyofHumanResources

Writingistheart andscienceof puttingideas intowordsintoa framework. “

“

Ÿ Initiatedthe Dave Ulrich Impact Award bytheAcademy ofManagementtohonorcontributiontoHR

Ÿ Ranked#1thoughtleaderinHRbyHRDConnect

Ÿ Namedoneofthe20mostinfluentialbusiness professorsintheworldbytop-business-degree(#13)

Ÿ NamedtotheThinkers50“HallofFame,”arecognition oflifetimeachievementininfluencingmanagement

Ÿ LifetimeAchievementAwardfromHRMagazinefor beingthe“fatherofmodernhumanresources.”

theClosingGenderPay Gap

The‘genderpaygap’or‘genderwagegap’arguably datesbacktothebeginningsofcivilization.Even so,itprominentlyemergedasanissueofpolitical discussioninthe1860sintheUnitedStates.Sincethen,the struggletomeetthewagegaphasbeenpersistentasmany socialreformistshavetirelesslymadeeffortstobringthe problemtolight,andthecorporatespaceisrecognizingthe same.Severalinitiativeshavebeentakeninthewayto ensureequalpayforequalworksincethestruggletooka headstart.Inthisarticle,wewillexploresomeoftheways inwhichthemovementtoclosethegenderpaygapcanbe givenaboost.

KeepingTransparencyinSharingSalaryInformation

Youcanabsolutelysharepayinformationbecauseitis legallyprotected.Manypeopledonotbelieveit,but accordingtotheDepartmentofLabor,itis.Asaresult,you cancertainlyshareitwithoneanother.Peoplebelievethat moreclaimsofunequalpayarecomingtolightbecause more[women]marriedtomenareworking,andwhenthey workinthesameindustriesoroccupations,theycompare theirpaychecksandnoticethewagedisparity

Thereismoreinformationavailable,andallofthese methodsofsharingyoursalaryontheinternetare extremelybeneficial.Andwhenyou’reupforaraiseor beinghired,youcancheckthosewebsitestoseeifyou’re beingofferedsomethingcomparableforyourarea,job,or companysize.

SharingtheWorkloadatHome

Womenincoupleswithchildrenfrequentlytakeabackseat tomeninorderfortheirjobstobemoreabletobeon-call

athomeandformen’sjobstobemoreabletobeoncallat work.Womenareoftenseencompromisingtheircareers aftermarriageandhavingkidsbecausethenorminsociety saysthatawomanshouldbetheprimarycaregiverofa child.So,theynotjusthavetoperformintheirprofession butalsohavetobeafull-timecaregivertotheirchild, whichistechnicallyunpaidlabor.Itisonlyfairforcouples withkidstosharetheworkloadathomeandsupporteach otherintheirrespectivecareers.

SturdierSocialInsurance

Paidfamilyleave;increasedpublicsubsidiesforthecareof children,thesickandspecially-abled,andtheelderly; legislationtodecreasepenaltiesforpart-timework;changes totheperiodoftheschooldayandschoolvacations; decreasedtuitionandfeesatpublicuniversities;and MedicareforAll.

Sure,allthesepolicieswouldcosttaxpayersmoney,but theywouldalsocutdownout-of-pocketexpensesformost families.Becausealmosteveryoneisatriskofneeding assistanceforthemselvesoralovedoneatsomepointin theirlives,socialinsurancebenefitseveryone.

IncreasingtheMinimumWage

Thisisanimportantstepthatneedstobetakentoward closingthegenderwagegapbecause,accordingtoseveral surveys,morewomenareemployedatthatlevelthanmen, andtheunwillingnesstoraisetheminimumwageistaking atollonwomen.

BeingAwareoftheLaw

Morewomenneedtobeawareofthelawsthatexist exclusivelytotackletheproblemofthegenderwagegap.If you’reawomanworkingatanorganizationandyounotice thatyourmalecounterpartisgettingpaidmoreforthesame workthatyou’redoing,youcanraiseaformalcomplaint aboutitbeforegoingtothelaw.Iftheorganizationfailsto acknowledgethedisparityandcontinuestopayyouless, takethehelpofthelawtoclaimyourequalshare.

FormulatingBetterStructurestoSupportCaregiving

Anotherstepnecessarytoclosethegenderwagegapisthat societyneedstohavebetterstructurestosupportcaregivers andcaregiving.Theresponsibilitytotakecareofayoung onealmostalwaysentirelyfallsuponawoman,beita workingwomanorastay-at-homemother Thismakesit

difficultforthewomantoexcelandprogressinhercareer. Morecommunitycarecentersshouldbeinplacetoassist workingwomenintakingcareoftheirchildren.Thiswill ensurethey’renotburntoutworkingfulltimebothathome andatwork.

TheBottomLine

Asaresultofthecontinuousstruggletomeetthegender wagegap,theworldhasmadesomeslowbutremarkable progressinthedirectionofachievingsocialequity There stillneedstobeastrongerpushinthesamedirectionto ensurethatthegapisclosedbeforetheeconomistshave predictedittobeclosed.Thiswillnotonlyhelpempower womenbutalsofostertheinclusionofdiversetalentinany givenorganization.

- Trishika Rokade

Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022

Elena Agaragimova

Enhancing Mindset, Bolstering Lives!

Organizations should move away from the paradigm that learning is about acquiring knowledge – in today's business dynamic – it is about helping people learn how to learn and build the mindset for change,"statesElena Agaragimova.

ElnaAgaragimovatheCEOand FounderofBessernbelieves thathavingamindsetfor changeisthekeytoeffectivelearning. Accordingtohertheexternallike finances,clients,andoutsourcingcan betakenchargeof,butthemindsetis anintegralandhardestpartthat requiresmanagedandcontinuous learning.

Workingtowardsthischange,Bessern providesindividuals,organizations, andcorporatesakeytogrowing throughtheirwell-equippedmindset, skills,andmentalresources.Withits science-backedmethodology,the organizationintendstotransformhow peoplethink,feel,andbehaveatwork.

WithamotivetofindtheTop10 InspiringBusinessLeadersMakinga Difference2022,weatInsights SuccesscrossedpathswithElenato knowaboutherinspiringstoryand howismakingadifferenceinpeople's lives.

Delve into the interview to know more:

Elena,kindlytellourreadersabout yourselfandyourprofessional journeysofar.

Icomefromahighereducationand learningbackground,havingspentthe firstpartofmycareerworkingin varioushighereducationinstitutions aroundtheworld,followedbyshifting towardscorporatelearningandthento thecorporatesideoflearning.Itwasa hobbythatturnedintoacareerand thenabusiness.In2019–afteryears ofdoingsidegigsandtryingdifferent things–Ifinallyhadthecourageto jumpintoentrepreneurship.

Originally,IamfromRussia,and havingmovedtotheUSattheageof 13,Ididn'thavemucheducationand careerguidance,whichiswhythese topicsofprofessionaldevelopmentand howwecanbeatourbestarevery personaltome.IwishIhadthe mentorshipandadviceearlieroninmy career,soItrytogivethattopeople nowbybringingawarenessto strategiesthatworkwhenitcomesto performance.Itrulybelievewecanall havefulfillingjobswhileatthesame timemonetizinginawaythatworks forusandtakingcareofouroverall wellbeing.Itispossible–youcanlove yourjobeveryday(maybenotallday, butdefinitelyeveryday).

Ispentabigpartofmy20s experimentingwithdifferentjobsand foundthisboxtofitintoasIbeganto navigatethe'realworld'aftercollege. AndrealizedthatIdidn'tfitintoany boxes,soIcreatedmyownbut combinedallofmyexperiencesto

Patience is part of the game, while you pivot, innovate, go through trial and error, and re-invent your business and yourself, it is just part of the process.

essentiallycreatemyowncareerpath andbusinessopportunities.

Inmyfreetime,Ienjoygivingmy timeandcareerdevelopment experiencetoyoungstudentslooking totransitiontotheworldofworkpostgraduationandveteranstransitioning frommilitarytocorporatejobs.

Whatwasyourinspirationtostep intotheHumanSkillsTraining space?

ThestoryofBessernstartedafew yearsbackwhenmyco-founder(Ivan Palomino)andIhavedecidedtodo something;anybodywilltellyounotto dowhenyoustartabusiness–whichis startingabusinesswithyourfriends. After6yearsoffriendshipandseveral dinnerconversationsaboutthestateof learninganddevelopmentin organizations,wehavedecidedto combineforcesandcreateasolutionto oneofthebiggestpainsincorporate learning:gettingactualresultson

Elena Agaragimova CEO and Founder Bessern

learning,ortoputitbluntlyhavingas anindicatorofsuccesschangeof behaviorsinpeople.

Wehaveapersonalstoryaboutthe needtoreinventlearningtohelp individualsgetmorecontroloftheir lives.Mybusinesspartner,afterover 17yearsworkinginseniorcorporate positionshadexperiencedaburnout(& heisnotaloneinthis;infact,thisis anotherpandemicthattheworkers aroundtheworldareexperiencing); whichmadehimdecidetoleavehis seniorleadershiproleasitwasadirect causeofhisburnout.

Frommyside,Ihaveworkedin variousorganizationsandhadmyown strugglesinfindingmeaningand purposeatworkwhilefindingwaysto continuetogrowinmycareer Essentially,Ihavecreatedmycareer path,whereIfoundmypassioninthe worldoftalentdevelopmentand quicklyrealizedIcanhelppeopledo thesame.Didyouknowthatover75% oftheglobalcorporateworkforceis disengaged?Meaningtheyshowupto workanddotheirbareminimum, withoutmuchjoy,creativity,orinterest inwhattheydo.Gallup–ananalytics andadvisorycompany,releasesannual reportsonthestateoftheglobal workforce.Everyyear,Iamsaddened (althoughnotsurprised)thattheseare thenumberswearelookingat.

Thatiswhywedowhatwedoat Bessern.Becausewhenanemployeeis engaged,theydogreatwork,theyare creative,theybringtheirbesttowork &everyonearoundthem(includingthe business)benefits.Itisawin-win formula.

TellusaboutBessern,itsmission, anditsvision.Whatroledidyou playinfurtheringitsdevelopment andoutreach?

Ourpersonalstoriesdroveourpassion tomakeachangeinthewaypeople learnatwork.Butthereismorethan justpassion:

Ÿ Corporatelearninghasn'tchanged muchinthelast20years–long hoursoftrainingswithlittle opportunitiesforpractice.Ifwe don'tpractice,wesimplyforget

Ÿ E-learningsuseincorporatehas expandedbutunfortunatelyonly 15%ofparticipantsfinisha program–peopleneedtohavea feedbacklooptohavethe motivationtofinishtheendless suiteof"movieswithoutpractice”

Inthelast3years,employeesstartedto voiceouttheirconcernsaboutthe impactoftraditionaltrainingontheir development–withahighrateof dissatisfaction.

Theseweretheindicatorsforusonthe opportunitytobecomedisruptorsin thisindustry–combingprinciplesof brainscienceandtechnology.Sothat ourlearningapproachcanbeeffective andscalableinorganizations.

AtBessern-wehelppeoplebuild essentialskills,mindsetsforgrowth andresiliencetoperformattheirbest atwork.Itisalmostlikehelping peoplecreatearegularpracticeof skillsinashortandimpactfulformat.

Ivan(myco-founder)andIhavea complementarysetofskills–myfocus asCEOistheoperationalgrowthof Bessern–fromourhumblestart–

From Bessern's side - our aspiration by 2023 is to impact 1 million people in corporates around the world with our programs and ultimately decrease the number of people who are disengaged at work.

todaywehavecustomersin3 continents.Oneofmyfavoritephrases inthedevelopmentofourcompany wasinthecreationofthelearning approach–combiningfreshbehavioral scienceresearch,buildingtech,and buildingatrainingdelivery.

Pleasetellusaboutthevarious sectorsBessernservesandhowit adaptstotheclients'corporateskills trainingrequirements.

Bessernfocusesontechand engineeringindustrieswhereyou wouldtypicallyfindthemajorityof analyticalteamswhocanbenefitfrom

oursuiteofofferings.Thisisnotsuch asbigsurprisewhenyouconsiderthat thecostofhavingunproductive employeesisoftenhighinthese industries.Thus,theneedfortrying innovativesolutionstoupskill organizationsisquitehigh.

Weusuallydevelopprograms combininglivesessions,in-appaccess topracticeandaccesstofacilitators–Ourtypicalcustomeronboardingstarts withadiscussionaboutthetypeof corporateculturetheywanttohaveand what'schallengingwiththecurrent. Thisleadstotailor-madeprogram designedinordertohavequickreturns onnewbehaviorsthatneedtobe displayedintheorganization

Whatarethebiggestchallengesyou havefacedinyourcareer?Andhow havetheyhelpedyoutobecomea strongleader?

IthinkIfacedsimilarchallengesas mostwhenitcomestobeingawoman inbusiness.Insomeaspectsithelped me,inothers–therearestilllotsof stereotypesthatgoalongwithbeinga womaninbusiness&overcomingthe 'oldboys'clubisarealthing.AndI wasalsoveryluckytohavementors whoopeneddoorsformeandcreated opportunitiesformetoshineandtest myownpotential.Whenyoudo anythingthatisdifferentfromwhat mostpeoplearedoing–youwillbe doubted,youwillberidiculed,etc.

So,youveryquicklylearnwhowants toseeyouwinandwhoarethepeople youneedtosurroundyourselfwith. Youalsolearnresilience,patience,and strangelyenough–kindness.Because yourealizehowoftenwhenpeople speaktoyoutheyareactuallytalking tothemselves.Aslongasyouareable

tofilterthroughadvicethatisnot meantforyou,andyouareabletostay awareofyourownjourney,havethe rightcircleofpeoplearoundyou–you willbealright.

Asanexperiencedleader,what advicewouldyouliketogiveto aspiringentrepreneursand enthusiastswhowishtoventureinto thecompetitiveindustrythatyouare serving?

IfIhadonepieceofadvicefor entrepreneurswhoarebuildingisthat thingstaketime.Greatthingstakea lifetime.Patienceispartofthegame, whileyoupivot,innovate,gothrough trialanderror,andre-inventyour businessandyourself,itisjustpartof theprocess.Ifyoudon'tenjoythe processandthestruggle,then entrepreneurshipisprobablynotthe bestchoiceforyou.Therearemany differentwaystocreatevalueinthis world,findoutwhatitisforyou.

Wheredoyouseeyourselfinthe future?Also,howdoyouenvision scalingyourbusinessoperationsand outreachinthecomingyears?

IseemyselfexpandingBessernin differentpartsoftheworld,continuing ourmissionandimpactingpeople aroundtheworld.

Iseemyselfdivingmoreintoyouth educationandprograms,particularlyin lowsocio-economicareaswhereitis neededthemost.Ithinkeducationis oneofthebiggestgiftswecangiveto thenextgeneration.Wedon'tknow whatwedon'tknowandbringing awarenessandaccesstoareasofthe worldwhereyouthneeditthemostis whereIwouldliketofocus–afterall–theyareourfuture.Weowethemthat much.Iseemyselfcontinuingmy multi-dimensionaljourneyintheworld ofprofessionaldevelopmentandaspire togetadegreeinClinicalPsychology aswell,toaddmyworkwith individuals.

FromBessern'sside-ouraspirationby 2023istoimpact1millionpeoplein corporatesaroundtheworldwithour programsandultimatelydecreasethe numberofpeoplewhoaredisengaged atwork.Within10years'timeframe, ourdreamistomakeBesserna householdnamethatmakesanimpact notonlyinorganizationsbutalso individuallivesaroundtheworld.We alsohaveaveryaspirationalarmtoour business–BloomYouth–wherewe arelookingtoclosethegapbetween educationalinstitutionsandthe corporateworldwhenitcomesto preparingouryouthforthefuture.

Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022

Spreading Positivity through the Power of Art

Creationandcontemplationhavebecomevital

antidotesforoverstimulatedandoccupiedminds.It notonlyassistsinbringingthesemindstogether butcanalsobeusedasapowerfulcollectivetoolfor healingandcatharsis.

That'sthepowerofart,andLurdhAllamhasfelt compelledtousethispowerbynotjusttakinganactivepart inbuildingthecommunitybutalsogivingbacktosociety TheCEOandCo-founderofArtSmileyisgenerating positivitythroughthismediumandsharinghispassionfor artwiththeworld.

Makingartaccessibleandaffordableacrosstheglobe,Mr Allam,hassuccessfullyexpandedArtSmiley'swings acrosstheworldinvariousverticals.Hebelievesnotonly inworkingwiththeestablishedartistbutalsowiththebest upcomingartistsinordertoshowcasetheirtalenttothe worldthroughhisplatform—ArtSmileyBizz.

Weat Insights Success encounteredwithMr Allamwhile seekingtofindthe Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022.InordertolearnaboutMr AllamandhowheismakingadifferenceintheArt Industry,kindlygothroughtheinterviewhighlights.

Mr.Allam,pleasegiveusabriefoverviewofyour journeyastheCEOandCo-founderofArtSmiley.

Thankyouforgivingmethepleasureofintroducingmyself asLurdhAllam,CEO,andCo-founderofArtSmiley Professionally,IhaveworkedasaSeniorManagement Professionalforthepast20years,workingwith multinationalcorporationsthroughoutEuropeandthe MiddleEast.Myexperienceencompassesabroadrangeof operationalandmanagementresponsibilities.

IamthefounderofArtSmiley,amarketplaceconnecting artistsandbuyers.Ihaveapassionforart,whichinspired

metocreatemyplatform.Inmyvision,Ienvisioneda platformforconnectingartistsandhelpingthemreach biggeraudiences.Itdawnedonmethatifartistscould monetizetheirworkthroughaplatform,boththeartistsand audienceswouldbenefit.IfoundedArtSmileytomakethat happen.Withourplatform,artistscanrentandselltheirart easily Withanimmersiveexperience,youcanshopforthe bestartandsculptureatArtSmiley

PleasetellouraudienceaboutArtSmiley,itsUSPs,and howitiscurrentlypositionedasaleadingnameinthe retailartsuppliesmarket.

ArtSmileyisaglobalmarketplaceforthesaleofart.Itwas launchedin2017inDubai.Withaglobalnetworkofmore than2000artists,wecanconnectyouwithuniqueartists acrossthecountry.OurtechnologyenablesArtSmileyto facilitateconnectivityandaccessibilitytoartwork.Weare leadingtheindustry,usheringinaneweraoftheart industry.Ourstunningartworkandpaintingswilltransform yourofficeorhomeintoabetterplace.Wealwayslookfor opportunitiesthatmakeconnectourlifewithartworks.

Withourdedicatedbusinessservicesplatform ArtSmileybiz,weoffersolutionsforvariousdomains,such asrealestate,healthcare,hospitality,educational institutions,andhomedecor.Ourartistsarespreadacross 50differentcountries,creatingworksofartuniquetoour clients,makingusoneoftheworld'smostartlovers landmarks.ArtSmileyusestrendingtechnologiessuchas IoT,AI,andblockchainforhigh-qualityservices.Wenever wanttomissvaluableartthroughoutcustomerlife,whichis whyweofferartrentalsforspecificregionsofourservice.

TellusmoreaboutArtSmiley'sofferingsandservices andwhataspectsmakeitstandoutintheindustry.

ArtSmileystartedwiththemottoofconnectingartistsand artbuyersthroughanintuitiveplatform.Weholdpridein

Lurdh

CEO

and Co-founder

beingthefirstserviceprovidertodeliverworld-classart servicessatisfyingtheincreasingdemandsofourclients. ArtSmileyisaleadingbrandintheMiddleEastthathas partneredwithartexhibitionsandartfairstoexpandour collectionofhigh-endartondisplay

OurmultichainNFTmarketplacewillofferbothtraditional anddigitalartwork,increasingthedemandforcreative artwork.Besidesofferingoriginalartworksfromartiststo corporationsandindividuals,wehaveexpandedour servicestoincludeartprinting,whichisagrowingindustry. Wecanprintwallpapers,vinylstickers,glass,wood,metal, ceramics,murals,androyalportraitswithourwiderangeof UVprintingoptions.ToourB2CandB2Bcustomers,we providethefollowingservices:

Ÿ Saleoforiginalartworks

Ÿ SaleofNFTs

Ÿ Saleoflimited-editionprints

Ÿ Artrentals

Ÿ UVprintingservices

Ÿ WallMurals&Graffitiworks&

Ÿ Artconsultancyservices

Creating a unique and immersive experience for our customers is exactly what sets us apart in the industry.

It dawned on me that if artists could monetize their work through a platform, both the artists and audiences would benefit. I founded Art Smiley to make that happen.

WeareproudtoannouncethatArtSmileyhasbeenawarded digitalbusinessoftheyearattheGulfCapitalSMEAwards forthetwoconsecutiveyearsof2020&2021.Creatinga uniqueandimmersiveexperienceforourcustomersis exactlywhatsetsusapartintheindustry

Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow adoptingmoderntechnologiesintheretailsector impactstheindustryandhowisArtSmileyridingthe technologywave?

Inthemodernworld,technologiessuchasAI,ML,andXR offerendusersadistinctiveandinspiringexperience.We workwithbusinessesthatneedtochooseartworkfortheir walls,soitisessentialthatourcustomerscanseethe artworkontheirwallsbeforetheymaketheirdecision.Asa pioneerinusingcutting-edgetechnology,wearecommitted toenhancingtheexperienceforourcustomers.Ouronline platformsincludeARandAIfeaturestohelpbusinesses findtherightartworkstomatchcustomervisionand interests.

Ouronlinemarketplaceimplementsnon-fungibletokens (NFTs)basedonblockchain,whichallowartiststoearn moneyandgivecredibilitytotheirwork.Ontheotherhand, itallowspotentialbuyersoforiginalartworkstopurchase themwhileretainingfullownershiprights.

Whatchallengeshaveyoufacedthroughoutyour journeyasaleaderinthevariousorganizationsthat you'vespearheaded?

Thechallengeinbringingupanorganizationwillalways remainalessonforasuccessfulmilestone.Inmyopinion, communicatingtherightmessagetosubordinatescanbea challengethataffectstheorganization'sproductivity.SoI takepersonalcareinaddressingtheissuesandconcernsof theemployeesofmyteam.Also,Ilookforwardtotaking upopinionsontheout-of-the-boxthinkingofthe employeesthatpushestheorganization'sdevelopmentto thenextstage.Thus,ArtSmileyhasworkedwithnumerous artistsandclientsbyestablishingawarmandlong-lasting relationships.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheretailindustry?

Beingasuccessfulentrepreneurrequirestheabilityto balancethevariousaspectsofthebusiness.Togrow startups,wemustcontinuallyinnovateandlookfor opportunitiestogrowthem.

I take personal care in addressing the issues and concerns of the employees of my team. Also, I look forward to taking up opinions on the out-of-the-box thinking of the employees that pushes the organization's development to the next stage.

Iwouldhighlyprefertoadvisebuddingentrepreneursto haveanever-endingpassionforthegoal.Thus,itcanhelp themstayupdatedontheirvisioninallbusinessphases.For example,Itooktheartindustryasmypassion,andoverthe years,Igainedexperiencedeliveringreliableandquality servicetoourcustomers.Also,analyzingyourcompetitors' strengthswillhelpyouidentifykeyexpansionpossibilities anddevelopmorevaluableproductsandservices.

Iwouldalsoliketoaddanotethatbuddingentrepreneurs mustfindlearningopportunitiesthatenhancetheservicesto theclientsandmakethemwithstandthecompetitiveworld.

HowdoyouenvisionscalingArtSmiley'soperationsand offeringsin2022andbeyond?

Ourbusinessstrategyincludesexpandingacrossthemiddle eastandintheEuropeanmarket.ArtSmileyleveragedits existingandstrongecosystemtoadvanceitstechnology OurNFTplatformservesasasourcecenterforpromoting andsellingartworktoartloversworldwide. Withtheintegrationofthelatesttechnologiesandhands-on experienceintheartindustry,wecancatertotheneedsof diverseclientsandindustries.Intheupcomingyears,we looktoexpandourartistbaseandofferourcustomersmore uniqueanddistinctiveartworks.

Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsofyour clients/customersandalistofawards/recognitionsthat accuratelyhighlightyourorganization'spositioninthe market.

AmyEvan

IboughtmyfirstartpiecefromArtSmiley Theteam assistedandguidedmeineverysteptoanswerquestions, providesuggestions,andensuremybuyingexperiencewas positive.

MariaEinstein

Astheownerofanewlypurchasedhome,Iwantedtobring someflairintomylivingroomwithsomeartwork.SoI decidedtogowithArtSmileyinelectingtherightmixof printingservicesandartworks.TheArtSmileyteamhelped mebyreceivingmycommentsandsuggestionsand deliveringartpiecesthatperfectlymatchmyhouse.Thanks totheteam.

Top Strategies to Infuse Diversity, Equity,and Inclusion inyour Organization

Diversityisawildprimitivestateuntouchedby

civilization.Infact,thesurvivalofthehumanrace ultimatelydependsonit.Imaginebeing surroundedbypeoplewhoareexactlylikeyou.Howeasy woulditbeforaminordiseasetocompletelyefface humankind?Quiteeasy,right!

Buthere'sakicker!Howmucheverdiversity,inclusion, andequitysoundappealing,itreallyisn'tatthe organizationallevel.The2018WomeninWorkplaceReport byMcKinsey&CompanyandLeanIn.orgpulledout strikingfacts.Thevastmajorityofthecompaniesincluded inthisreportemphasizedtheneedforgenderdiversityas theirtoppriority Thereportfurtherhighlightedtheneedfor implementingfairhiringsandpromotionalpracticesthat correctforbiases.Itadditionallyplacedaspotlighton activelyworkingtobuildaninclusiveandrespectful culture.

Thisclearlystatesthatthediverserepresentationinthe corporateworldisn'timprovinginleapsandbounds. Instead,itisnotevenimprovinginleapsandbounds.

Inordertoaddressthisage-oldquestionandbringabout institutionalchange,thisarticlereflectsonthevarious reasonstoinfusediversity,equity,andinclusionandhow theyareplayingasignificantroleincreatingamassive impactonbusinessesintheshortandlongterm.

Below are some tips for building an effective DEI strategy:

FirstandForemost,ConductPayEquityReviews

Eventhoughamajorityofcountrieshaveworkedon implementingtheEqualPayActformanyyears,thewage

gaphascontinuedin2022.Thispaydisparityisevenmore prominentamongBlacksandLatinwomenwithrespectto theaveragesalaryofCaucasianmen.Asthewagegapis systemic,payauditscanbeaveryeffectivetoolinthe pursuitofpayequity

Hence,organizationsshouldfocusonpayreviewsofthe employeesandensurepayparity.Quickactionsmustbe takentoidentifythesegapsandfillthemthroughthepay structures.

CreatingaRobustMentorshipProgram

Whenitcomestoinclusion,underrepresentedemployees canfacechallengesintheircareerprogression.Underthe guidanceofamentor,employeescanminimizethese challengesandmakeprogresstowardleadershippositions.

Formingastrategythatrevolvesaroundthedifferenttypes ofmentorships;Reversementoring,Careermentoring, Buddyprograms,andmentoringcirclescanhelpalignwith theoverallobjectiveoftheDEIstrategyoftheorganization.

EnsuringBenefitsandProgramsareInclusive

Anumberoforganizationshavesuccessfullyestablisheda diverseworkforce.However,thepracticeofincludingthe workforceinallsegmentsofworkstillremainsan unaddressedissue.Nottosideline,thereareseemingly innocuouspracticesthatmakeemployeesfeelalienor unwelcomed.

Hence,itisimperativeforeveryorganizationtostructure itsinclusiveplanandmakesurethatthebenefitsand programsrunbytheorganizationareall-inclusive

irrespectiveofgender,creed,andethnicityofthe employees.

SettingupofEmployeeResourceGroups(ERGs)

EmployeeResourceGroupsarevoluntarygroupsledby employeesthemselveswhoaimtofosteradiverseand equitableworkplacealignedtotheirrespective organizations.Thefunctionofthisgroupistoprovide personalorcareerdevelopmentandcreateaspacewhere theemployeesgetanopportunitytothetablewithoutbring theirwholeselvestothetablewithoutanyfilters.

Theorganizations'topleadershipshouldparticipateand leveragethemtosupporttheorganization.

ScrutinizingBoardandExecutiveTeamMembers

Organizationalandboardroomdiversity,especiallyinthe contextofwomen'srepresentation,hasbeenatopof discussionformorethantwodecadesnow.Forthefirst timein2003,Norwayintroduceda40%genderquotafor women'srepresentationoncorporateboardsinthecountry

Suchacompositionofboardandexecutiveshelpsmirror thediversityofthegeographicalareas.

MakingLeadersAccountable

AnyDEIstrategythatanorganizationfollowswillonly workifthereisaspaceforaccountabilityandtransparency withintheorganization.Mostemployeeslookuptotheir leadersforguidance,buttheywillonlybelievethemifthey arementorsaswellaschangemakersfortheorganization.

OnAFinalNote

Itistimeandagainproventhattheorganizationsthat followDEIstrategiesareinnovativeandthrivingbecauseof thecomprehensiveperspectivetheybringtothetable.This isnotjustwordofmouthbutratherastrategicallyproven fact.

Corporatesandorganizationsofallcompaniesneedto investinDEInotbecauseitistherightthingtodobut ratherbecausethat'showtheywillcreatesuccessinthe future.

Eventhoughorganizationsdifferinnature,theydohave commonalities;selectingtherightstrategiesmentioned abovewillhelpthemmovealongwaytowardsthepathof progress.DEIisnotjuststrategiesbutaratherajourneyto growandchange-individually,nationally,andglobally.Itis notjustaboxtocheckbutawaytooperate,anditwill requireplanning,commitment,andanopen,inclusive mindset.

- Shrutika Khedekar

Reinventing Foundations with Dynamic Counsel

EInterview with Insight Success

Makuachukwu Okonkwo

mergingthroughtheinnovativejunction,itis

noticedthattheconsistencyintheglobalmarketis essentialforcreatinganuprisingboom.Inthis system,thecomponentsthataffectthevalueofan organizationtendtoconcludeoutcomesofgrowthand liabilitiesinGlobalbusinesssphere.

Inordertoprogressworldwide,reinventingthecorporate statuswhilesecuringstabilityistheprimarygoalofany organization,willingtohaveskyrocketinggrowth. Advancingontheway,chasingdownthein-house infrastructuresolutionsthatadheretostrengtheningthe organization’sestablishmentisthenecessaryprogressionof theoverallvalue.

Withfascinatingamenitiesandconclusiveresults, MakuachukwuOkonkwo—thecrownleaderisassisting theglobalmarketbyinfluencingbusinessdevelopment processeswhiledeliveringinnovativesolutionsto businessesworldwide.

Whileconsideringtheindispensableauthority,the deliveranceofinnovativeITSolutions,advanced Infrastructuralexplication,anddigitaltransformation,TBO ConsultingGrouphasupliftedtheuniversalspectrumto enduregeneralobstacles.

How effective could be a transformative personality?

Let’s move forward to find out.

Makua,pleaseintroduceyourselfandyourprofessional backgroundtoourreaders.

IamMakuachukwuOkonkwo,aBusinessDevelopment ExecutiveandCustomerSuccessManagerwithover6 yearsofexperienceinbusinessdevelopmentprocesses, customerengagement,andthedevelopmentofnew businessopportunities.

Kindlysharewithusyourprofessionalexpertiseand experience.Whatinspiredyoutotakeonyourcurrent professionalroleasaBusinessDevelopmentExecutive?

IhavebeendoingBusinessDevelopmentforthepast4 monthswithoversixyearsofcustomerserviceexperience inoneofthefirst-tierbanksinNigeria.Inthelastfour monthsasaBusinessDevelopmentExecutive,Ihavebeen involvedincontactingpotentialclientstoestablish relationshipsandarrangemeetingswithC-levelexecutives. Whileplanningandoverseeingnewmarketinginitiatives, researchingorganizationstofindnewopportunities,and increasingthevalueofcurrentcustomerswhileattracting newcustomers.

“ We are a technology solutions provider and systems integrator, specializing in delivering innovative hybrid IT solutions, including IT Consulting, IT Security, Cloud, Mobility, Infrastructure solutions. “

TellusmoreaboutTBOConsultingGroup,andasBDE, whatwasyourcontributiontowardsimprovingits operationsandoutreach?

ItooktheroleasaBDEinmycurrentorganizationsoI coulddirectlyimpactthecompany’sbottomlineandwork inadigitallydrivenenvironment.

Weareatechnologysolutionsproviderandsystems integrator,specializingindeliveringinnovativehybridIT solutions,includingITConsulting,ITSecurity,Cloud, Mobility,Infrastructuresolutions,andservicesthatdeliver unparalleledcompetitiveadvantageandbusinessagility

Whatwerethemajorchallengesyoufacedthroughyour professionaljourney,andhowhavetheyenabledyouto becomeabetterleader?

ThemajorchallengethatIfacedduringmyprofessional journeywasthelackofITknowledge,expertise,andfearof beingunabletoachievemygoals.I’veovercomethisby remainingpositive,believinginmyself,andacquiringmore knowledgeinmycurrentfield.

Asanexperiencedprofessional,tellusyouropinionon technology’sroleinNigerianbusinesses.andhowis yourorganizationadoptingtechnologicalsolutions withinitsoperations?

Throughtechnology,Nigeriahasbeenabletouse technologytotradeoninternationalborders,gain internationalrecognitionandactivelycollaboratewithother nations.Technologyhasalsoimprovedbankingprocesses andsimplifiescommunicationprocessesthrough businesses.

TBOisadoptingtechnologicalsolutionstomodernizeits businessprocesses,buildseamlesscustomerengagements andeffectiveteamcollaboration.

Inyourview,whatarethelimitationsandchallenges womenprofessionalsfaceincurrenttimes?And,what suggestionsdoyouhavetoovercomethem?

ThelimitationandchallengeswomenfaceareSexual Harassment,Work-lifebalance,Motherhood,andcounterresponsefrommalecoworkers.I’veovercomethisby creatingahealthyandconduciveenvironment,beingselfconfident,andbeingawareofwomen’srights.

Asanexperiencedprofessional,whatadvicewouldyou liketogivetothenewgraduatesseekingtoenterthe sameindustryasyours?

Theyshouldneverstoplearning,workontheirgoals,be teamplayers,andfocusongettingresults.

Pleasetellusaboutyourpassionsandhobbies.

ReadingNovels,ListeningtoMusic,travelling,and watchingMovies.

Wheredoyouseeyourselfinthefuture?Also,howdo youenvisionscalingyourcompany’soperationsand outreachinthecomingyears?

AsIbuildoutmyprofessionalnetwork,Iseemyself becomingaleaderinmyindustry.

TBOaspirestobecomeAfrica'sleadingtechnology companyby2026.Myroleinscalingthiseffortishinged upondevelopingasolidgrowthstrategythatisfocused bothonfinancialgainforthecompanyandcustomer satisfactionintheemergingmarkets.