C O V E R S T O R Y
Roman Gruzdev
THE 10 MOST INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS LEADERS IN 2023 Editor’s Note
A Read Exploring the Most Influential Corporate Leaders…
The Inc Magazine is delighted to release its much-awaited edition – “The 10 Most Influential Business Leaders in 2023”. In this issue, we delve into the fascinating world of business leaders, highlighting a few noteworthy figures who have captured our attention with their distinctive ideas and creative approaches.
What can we expect from this edition? We can assure you, however, that as you navigate through the pages of this edition, you will discover in-depth profiles of each innovative leader, highlighted innovative ventures, and inspirational narratives of their incredible journeys from the beginning to where they are now. Some people have risen to the occasion and established themselves in the global corporate scene in a world continuously changing and posing new obstacles. They are influential business leaders whose persistent passion and determination have created new opportunities and strengthened businesses.
They have impacted not only their organizations but also entire industries and the way they think about and do business, thanks to their outstanding vision, strategic prowess, and unwavering resolve. They led their businesses through unusual circumstances with exceptional resiliency and adaptation, embracing growth and innovation.
So let's uncover the motivational tales of these outstanding leaders who have embraced new technology, upended established paradigms, and led with empathy and inclusivity, profoundly influencing the lives of their workers, clients, and communities. These remarkable leaders have overcome obstacles, busted glass ceilings, and encouraged countless others to aim high and follow their dreams while coming from a variety of industries and backgrounds.
We have absolute trust that this issue will provide you with valuable knowledge. Read the whole edition and send us an email with your comments. Additionally, we truly appreciate your input and suggestions, as they help us evaluate the value we are providing to our devoted readers. We offer our sincere congratulations to each of the featured leaders for their remarkable successes.
Last but not least, I encourage you to take an active role in creating a future where opportunities are limitless and potential is infinite as you weave your threads into this magnificent thread.
Let’s move together towards a better, brighter tomorrow with unwavering determination.!
Roman Gruzdev CEO | Sequentur
The 10 Most In uential Business Leaders in 2023. C o v e r S t o r y
Roman Gruzdev
CEO | Sequentur
Roman Gruzdev, the CEO and Co-founder of Sequentur, is a dedicated professional committed to delivering exceptional IT solutions to clients. Throughout his career, Roman has remained focused on delivering the best possible IT services to meet the unique needs of his customers. In 2007, he took the initiative to establish Sequentur with the primary objective of offering reliable, robust, and secure Managed IT Services.
Roman understood early on that the success of his clients would be the cornerstone of building a premier IT Managed Service Provider company. By prioritizing the development of long-lasting relationships based on unwavering support, trust, and loyalty, Sequentur achieved rapid growth in its client base for Managed IT Services.
As a testament to their exceptional client service, Sequentur was recently honored with the distinction of being named one of the Top 15 Managed Service Providers in the world, as revealed in the latest Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.
“This success can be attributed to a valuable formula that encompasses ensuring the security of your staff and business and always delivering best-in-class IT services. We routinely accomplish these goals by employing a highly skilled tech team, emphasizing scalability, and aligning your IT and business goals. With Sequentur, you can trust that we are dedicated to your success by delivering exceptional IT services that propel your business forward.” – Roman Gruzdev.
An Industry Leader
As a leader in the IT Solutions industry, Sequentur offers two key products and services: Managed IT Services and Managed Cybersecurity Services.
In today's digital landscape, where cybersecurity is of paramount importance, Sequentur recognizes the critical nature of protecting its clients and considers it a constant focus and top priority. With the rapid advancement of cyber-attacks, data breaches, ransomware, and other malicious activities, organizations face ongoing threats to their IT infrastructure. Sequentur is aware of the ever-evolving nature of these threats and takes pride in providing expert and unparalleled support to address the challenges they represent.
“Our aim is to transform IT into a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency, stability, and growth for our
clients, rather than considering it as a mere overhead expense. We strive to ensure that our clients remain operational, secure, and free to concentrate on their own core business values and missions.” - Roman Gruzdev.
Changing the Business Landscape
Under Roman’s leadership, Sequentur is presently engaging in deploying AI in its subset of daily operations. Primary areas of involvement pivot around accurately predicting possible attack vectors and developing preventive measures based on the statistical characteristics of the cybersecurity dataset at hand. Additionally, Sequentur is analyzing its standard monitoring and response methodologies to enhance their efficiency.
Roman firmly believes that AI-powered cybersecurity solutions can bring massive benefits to organizations across various industries. The ability to accurately predict attack vectors and enhance cybersecurity measures empowers companies to strengthen their defenses against always evolving threats. By leveraging AI technology, organizations can safeguard sensitive data, prevent financial losses, and ensure uninterrupted business operations.
Motivating Innovation and Creativity
Roman is a strong advocate for cultivating creativity and fostering innovation within Sequentur. He recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work environment that enables the company to remain competitive and drive growth. Roman is proud to have established a culture that encourages open communication, provides autonomy and empowerment, recognizes and rewards innovation, and promotes cross-functional team collaboration. Through the implementation of these strategies, Roman and his team at Sequentur have successfully created a work environment that stimulates creativity, promotes and embraces a learning culture, encourages innovation, and prioritizes the well-being of employees.
Tackling Challenges
Roman acknowledges the multitude of challenges that the IT industry consistently faces. Cybersecurity threats pose a significant obstacle as they become increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Data Privacy is another critical concern, with organizations striving to safeguard their valuable data in the face of widespread breaches. Additionally, with the adoption of cloud technology,
digital transformation initiatives, and the modernization of legacy systems, organizations face several ongoing challenges in optimizing their IT infrastructure.
However, Roman views these challenges as opportunities for Sequentur to deliver innovative solutions and services that cater to the ever-evolving needs of organizations. He understands that strategic planning, collaboration, and continuous adaptation are essential for overcoming these hurdles and staying ahead in the industry.
Differentiating the Brand
Sequentur distinguishes itself from its competitors through various key areas, offering a range of products and services that prioritize client satisfaction. These factors position Sequentur as the preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable IT solutions.
● Microsoft Gold and Managed Cloud Solution Provider: Sequentur holds the prestigious Microsoft Gold certification, representing the highest level of recognition for Microsoft Partners. The certification underscores Sequentur’s expertise and proficiency in Microsoft Technologies.
● Extensive Expertise and Specialization: The team at Sequentur possesses deep knowledge and understanding of the technology domain, staying abreast of the latest advancements and trends.
● Customized Solutions: Sequentur provides comprehensive and tailored solutions that specifically address clients’ needs while aligning with their business objectives.
● Proven Track Record: Sequentur has a long, proven track record of delivering successful projects, and prioritizes building strong client relationships to support them in achieving their business goals.
● Innovative Approach: Sequentur continues to emphasize innovation and keeps pace with emerging technologies. This commitment provides a competitive edge, allowing Sequentur to introduce creative solutions to client needs.
● Strong Project Management: Sequentur follows a structured approach with clear timelines and proactive communication throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring efficient project management.
● Scalability and Flexibility: Sequentur’s solutions and services can scale as clients’ businesses grow. The organization adapts to changing needs, accommodates increased workloads, and provides flexibility in service delivery.
● Exceptional Customer Service: Sequentur places a strong emphasis on addressing client needs promptly, providing timely updates, and maintaining open lines of communication. The firm takes immense pride in providing excellent customer service and support, which serves as a distinguishing factor in setting Sequentur apart from its competitors.
Driving Innovation and Change
As the CEO of Sequentur, Roman aspires to be recognized as someone who drives innovation and
positive change in the industry, and as a visionary leader who can identify emerging trends, embrace technological advancements, and leverage them to create groundbreaking solutions for Sequentur’s clients.
He also wants Sequentur to be known as a company that consistently delivers exceptional results and exceeds expectations at every turn. By focusing on quality, efficiency, and delivering tangible value to Sequentur’s clients, Roman aims to leave a lasting impression as a reliable and trusted partner.
Furthermore, Roman places great importance on creating a supportive, creative, and collaborative work environment. He understands that the success of Sequentur is built upon the efforts and contributions of the team around him. By fostering a culture of teamwork, open communication, and continuous learning, Roman hopes to inspire and empower his employees to thrive and reach their full potential. This collaborative atmosphere not only drives the company's success but also fosters a fulfilling and rewarding work experience for the entire team.
“Ethics and integrity have always been paramount to me. It is very important to me to leave a history of performance as a leader who operated with the highest ethical standards, treating employees, clients, and stakeholders with fairness, transparency, and respect. Overall, I hope to be remembered as a CEO who combined innovation, integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility to create a positive and lasting impact on our industry, our team, our clients, and the communities we serve.” – Roman Gruzdev
Giving it Back
Giving back to society is a deeply ingrained value for Roman, his family, and Sequentur. They believe in contributing to the well-being of their communities and making a positive impact on the world. There are several ways in which they choose to give back:
1. Philanthropy: Sequentur makes it a point to support foundations and charitable organizations that are focused on making a positive impact in the world.
2. Advocacy and raising awareness: When possible, Roman and his team use their voice and platform to advocate for social causes and raise awareness for issues that need support in garnering attention.
3. Volunteering: Roman actively engages in volunteering activities, dedicating his time and skills to non-profit organizations and initiatives. By actively participating in community service, Roman aims to make a direct and meaningful contribution to the local communities we serve.
The Future
Roman’s professional goals are closely aligned with AI and cybersecurity, and with a firm commitment to safeguarding Sequentur’s clients. He fully recognizes the constantly evolving nature of the IT landscape and the importance of staying ahead of emerging trends and threats.
As the CEO of Sequentur, Roman is resolute in leveraging the potential of AI technologies to enhance cybersecurity measures and protect Sequentur's customers. He understands that the IT landscape can undergo significant changes in a span of just a few years. Therefore, his goal is to ensure that Sequentur remains at the forefront of technological advancements, equipped to effectively address emerging cybersecurity challenges.
By embracing proactive strategies, staying abreast of the latest developments, and fostering a culture of innovation, Roman strives to position Sequentur as a leader in the field. Through continuous research, strategic partnerships, and investment in cutting-edge technologies, he aims to deliver unparalleled cybersecurity solutions and establish Sequentur as the go-to provider for clients seeking robust protection in the ever-changing digital landscape.
When we talk about a business leader with breakthrough solutions and who inspires others with his unwavering commitment to his field, one name that comes to mind is Keith Jansa, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Governance Council (DGC).
Keith works with senior leaders to safeguard Canadians participating in the digital economy while together strengthening Canada's position in an increasing digital world. He has over 15 years of experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors and is renown for his expertise in strategic application of standards. His unparalleled acumen in devising strategies for responsible data and digital governance has earned DGC the distinction as preeminent technology leadership council globally.
Keith’s Professional and Personal Life: At a Glance
Keith is a charismatic and dynamic leader with razor-sharp focus on meeting strategic objectives. He is a provincially appointed member of the Ontario Health Data Council and Chair of its strategic working group on Data Governance and Data Stewardship. Keith also
Keith Jansa
CEO | Digital Governance Council
A Prominent Corporate Leader and Key Execu�ve of the Digital Governance Council
serves as a member of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario’s Strategic Advisory Council and Ontario’s Trustworthy AI Framework Working Group. He is called to testify as an expert before parliamentary and senate committees, contributing to government reports and legislative proposals to enhance trust and confidence in the digital economy. Keith graduated with honors from the University of Ottawa with a degree in health sciences. Keith is happily married to Kayla and is the loving father of their three children.
Revolutionary Changes by the Digital Governance Council
Accreditation
Keith led the development of national standards to enhance Canada's digital economy by providing executive leadership in the design and successful accreditation of the organization's standards-setting process.
Significance: Lawmaking and regulation lag the development of new technologies. Standards define acceptable practices, and technical specifications, and
occasionally modernize cumbersome regulations. Without standards, there would be no way to measure success, no way to ensure product safety, no way to integrate worldwide markets with a single technology, and most definitely no way to allow for healthy competition.
Specifics: Through their agile, open-by-default, consensus-based approach, DGC has accelerated the standards-setting process in Canada to match the speed of innovation and advancement in ICT, developing new standards in months, not years, and making them readily available at no cost to organizations and individuals. Comprised of hundreds of thought leaders and experts cutting across various economic sectors from coast to coast, the hard work of their technical committees led to the publication and development of critical standards for data governance, AI ethics, digital identity, cybersecurity, and more.
Exporting Canadian expertise
As a trailblazing champion, Keith paved the way for the DGC Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) to attain esteemed recognition from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), enabling the submission of its standards and specifications for review and acknowledgement as global standards. Leading digital nations, including Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ukraine, helped them attain this important goal.
Significance: DGC DGSI is now empowered to set the agenda and lean in on having international standards serve Canada's interests, Canadian innovation, best practices, and knowledge as a result of this international recognition. This is a game-changer for Canada in terms of accelerating the adoption of innovations and know-how produced in this country around the world. Only a small number of organizations have achieved this high status worldwide, including DGC DGSI.
Specifics: This process guarantees that Canadians hold the pen and are fully engaged in the international approval process for how emerging digital technologies are governed globally. The process also results in the DGSI standards carrying both the ISO and IEC logos.
Protecting Children’s Rights
Bill S-210, An Act to Restrict Young Persons' Online Access to Sexually Explicit Material, has swiftly passed its third reading in the Senate in April 2023, a year after Keith Jansa was humbled to testify before the Senate of Canada Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. Senator Miville-Dechene proposed an amendment to the Bill based on his testimony during a clause-by-clause review in committee before the third reading in the Senate.
Significance: By establishing adequate protections for the use of age verification technologies with children, the Bill now protects children's rights. In doing so, it also supports Canada's commitment to upholding the rights of children under the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child and the OECD Recommendations on Children in the Digital Environment.
Specifics: Before the Governor-in-Council orders organizations that distribute sexually explicit content online to use an age verification method, the method must be dependable, respect user privacy and protect their personal information, collect and use that information only for age verification purposes, destroy any personal information collected for that purpose after the verification is finished, and adhere to best practices in the fields of age verification and privacy protection.
Addressing the Major Industry Hurdles
With increasing reliance on digital systems and data in nearly every aspect of modern life, the need for strong digital governance has never been greater. These problems cannot be solved by one organization alone. It will take coordinated efforts from all sectors of the economy to gain the public's trust in digital technologies. The work of DGC is essential for this reason. DGC maintains its reputation as a dependable forum for mobilizing people around shared digital agendas. This is reflected in membership growth. And the members' contributions continue to be a key factor in why their work together is so effective at defending the interests of all Canadians.
Delivering Digital Governance in Canada’s Digital Economy
DGC works to provide Canadians with confidence in the
responsible design, architecture, and management of digital technologies. It convenes senior leaders from diverse sectors to engage in strategic discussions and the exchange of best practices, collaborates on proving out new digital technologies, designs global technology governance standards through the DGSI, and certifies organizations in the responsible use of digital technologies.
The work of the DGC DGSI continues to advance standards that lessen risk for Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and utilizing breakthrough digital technologies in today's digital economy in collaboration with specialists, national and international partners, and the general public. DGSI is an independent division of DGC.
DGSI is Canada’s only accredited standards development organization solely focused on digital technology governance.
The Digital Governance Council’s Sustainable IT Pledge
Leading Canadian organizations have made a commitment to assist in reducing the negative environmental effects of growing internet and technology use, which already produces more greenhouse gases than the aviation sector and is on track to account for 8% of emissions by 2025. With the Sustainable IT Pledge, public and private sector organizations in Canada have for the first time agreed to reduce emissions associated with their IT operations. The signatories have pledged to:
● Take steps to address emissions from their IT operations by, for instance, optimizing their systems to reduce data processing volumes, using cloud-based services where possible, and extending the service life of devices by refurbishing existing assets instead of buying replacements.
● Set realistic emissions goals for their IT operations and publicly report your success.
● Establish strict sustainability criteria for vendors while assisting Canada's cleantech sector.
● Facilitate the adoption of sustainable IT practices and take into account any areas where national sustainable IT standards could be useful.
Words of Wisdom
Never undervalue standards. Underestimating standards can reduce market access, stifle innovation, raise risks, create unnecessary harms, and undermine public confidence. By strategically developing and applying standards, we can shape the blueprint for our digital future, embedding our core values, safeguarding the well-being of citizens, and fostering the growth of our domestic innovators.
EMPOWERiNG REMOTE WORKERS HOW TO SUPPORT A PRODUCTiVE TEAM
Remote and hybrid work models are going nowhere, even after the pandemic. According to a performance-based remote work survey in 2020, 67% of employers reported that productivity had been the same and 27% stated that it was even higher with employees working remotely. That’s impressive, right?
Not surprisingly, countless organizations continue to run with the model. But even as remote work saves tons of money and space for companies, employee support continues to be challenging. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, boss, because you may need to do a lot of hard work to support your employees physically, emotionally, and technically.
Lucky for you, we’ve got some valuable tips to help you cover all fronts. Let’s dive in!
Be accessible and available
Not being in the same office with your colleagues elevates the risk of miscommunication. Moreover, employees often feel edgy and isolated when working alone in the long run.
They miss the water cooler chats, team bonding activities, and even just staying in touch. Professionally, a lack of communication can cause bottlenecks and conflicts.
The best way to support your team members is by being accessible and available to them. Also, listen to them and ensure good communication between team members to ditch the gaps.
Trust your team
Micromanaging is the worst way to lead, right? And it goes against being supportive. But managers often end up micromanaging their remote team because they can’t physically see what everyone is working on.
Foster trust in your team to get their work done. Also, give them the autonomy to do things their way. As long as they deliver on time and quality, you shouldn’t hover over them.
Supporting a remote team is about setting clear expectations and stepping back to let people work. And when they do a great job, give them the recognition they deserve.
Invest in the right tools
Investing in the right tools is another crucial step when it comes to providing support to your remote team. It includes communication apps, video conferencing software, and project management tools.
Also, invest in an Unattended Remote Access solution to facilitate seamless IT support to remote workers. Typically, they will encounter tech issues at some point, and your IT support team should be right there to help.
Having a robust solution ensures early resolution, minimal downtimes, and zero productivity loss.
Provide WFH facilities
Think beyond tech tools and IT support for your remote team, business leaders! You can go the extra mile by providing them with WFH facilities such as ergonomic equipment and stipends for home office supplies.
It enables them to work comfortably and create a dedicated, distraction-free workspace at home. A remote team’s success depends on its ability to handle its job well, and that starts with having the right resources.
Foster a sense of community
Just because employees aren’t physically in the same space doesn’t mean they should feel disconnected. Making them feel like a part of a community is a much-needed support initiative.
Schedule regular team-building activities and encourage people to get to know each other beyond their work roles. Feeling like a part of a cohesive group makes workers more engaged and motivated, regardless of the physical distance.
Remember, managing a remote team isn’t always easy, so don’t expect shortcuts, boss. But being supportive makes you a good leader and sets your team up for success. Try these hacks to build a team of winners. You’ve got this!
SOCiAL MEDiA WiLL BECOME A CUSTOMER SERViCE TOOL
If you own a company and are not currently active on social media, you should start doing so immediately. If you already have a presence on social media, you must remain active and responsive to your followers’ questions and comments. The following are a few of the reasons why social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter should be considered among your most important tools for providing excellent customer care in the modern era:
The use of social media puts you in direct contact with your target audience.
Everyone’s eyes are glued to their phones these days, even amid a discussion or watching a movie. Through the use of social media, you can do a lot. Many companies even provide social media help around the clock. In addition, since Facebook now allows users to create their pages, it is possible to post stores and menus to the platform. Because of the high percentage of internet users on at least one social media site, keeping in contact with your clients via these channels is essential. You may get vital information from their likes and comments, which can also assist you in properly positioning your company. However, given the pampered nature of today’s consumers, you will need to maintain a high level of activity on the site. They are looking for a prompt answer. For instance, 72 per cent of consumers who complain through Twitter anticipate receiving a response to their message within two hours of submitting it. Brands are placed under great pressure due to this, yet that pressure may help them enhance their service to customers.
The use of social media allows you to listen to what your clients have to say.
It’s not always easy to get feedback from customers. It shouldn’t be, yet there are instances in which it is. You can distribute surveys and ask for replies, but there is no guarantee that individuals will take the trouble to supply the information that you are requesting. It is even more challenging since contented or happy customers don’t often fill out surveys or offer feedback, but dissatisfied customers do. This makes it tough to accurately measure what your consumers have to say about you and to gain genuine feedback from them. Compared to filling out surveys or responding to questionnaires, providing input via social media is often far quicker and less complicated. Customers will even freely provide feedback without being prompted to do so. You will better understand what you are doing well and what your consumers want to see improved when you are active on social media. This will allow you to make modifications that boost your customers’ happiness with your business.
The use of social media makes it easier to address concerns raised by customers in a more timely manner. Customers will use social media to complain about anything and everything; they will complain about their difficulties at work, they will complain about their crazy relatives, and they will complain about poor customer service or negative experiences with brands that they have encountered on social media. Not only will they complain to their friends and followers, but they will also use social media as a way to connect with brands because social media can be used to return a quick response. They will not only complain to their friends and followers but also use social media to connect with brands. You may wish that you never received any complaints at all, but the reality is that this is not how life works; thus, you can utilize social media to your advantage by taking advantage of the fact that consumers use it as a place to complain. Instead of having staff go through a general inbox and use their best judgment to route comments and complaints to the appropriate departments, you may react within minutes if a client mentions you or sends you a direct message.
Engaging Your Customers Is Now Possible Thanks to Social Media
During branding, it is essential to engage with customers, build a brand, create a customer community, earn consumer trust and loyalty, and create a relationship with those consumers. On the other hand, offline engagement might be difficult to achieve, especially when clients are not physically present in your place of business. Social media platforms allow you to have a nearly continual dialogue with your clientele. You may hold sweepstakes, offer buy-one-get-one-free promotions, ask questions about your goods (or even questions just for fun), post client testimonials, and many other things. Engaging with people is crucial, and social media is a tool to ensure that your customers are constantly connected with what you’re doing as a business.
The use of social media gives you more control over how others see you.
People will say whatever they want about you, regardless of whether what they say is true, inaccurate, or based on a solitary experience that does not appropriately represent your company. This will happen regardless of whether or not what they say is founded on fact. When you have no power to affect a situation’s outcome, you can only cross your fingers and hope that no one else overhears the less-than-wonderful things that current or former customers could say about you. This can be frustrating. If you use social media, you will have more control over how others see you than if you choose to do nothing but wait and see what happens. You can swiftly respond to complaints; address issues promptly in threads; offer apologies; produce articles and provide material that helps present your business in a favourable light and express the quality of your items; this assists you in better managing your image.
It is conceivable that you are not giving the highest level of customer service possible if you are not using social media as a tool for customer service. Please make the most of your social media accounts by interacting with consumers, giving them the greatest possible experience, and using them to their maximum potential.
