The 10 Most Prominent Business Leaders to Watch in 2025
THE DISTINCT MINDSET THAT DEFINES MOST PROMINENT BUSINESS LEADERS
True business leadership goes beyond title or tenure. It is not solely defined by creativity, bold decisions, or a drive to disrupt the status quo, though these are often part of the story. What sets remarkable leaders apart is their mindset: the inner framework that transforms potential into performance and vision into lasting impact.
In 2025, the business landscape demands more than strategic planning and short-term wins. It calls for leaders who possess persistence in uncertainty, adaptability in disruption, and a grounded sense of purpose. These qualities are not soft skills—they are critical leadership capabilities in an increasingly volatile global market.
The most influential business leaders of our time share a common thread: a commitment to continual growth. They lead with intention, evolve with their industries, and shape company cultures that are resilient, curious, and innovation-driven. They don’t simply respond to change—they anticipate it, embrace it, and use it as a catalyst for reinvention.
As we highlight the 10 Most Prominent Business Leaders to Watch in 2025, we celebrate individuals whose leadership is not just effective, it’s transformative. They are redefining success in ways that blend profit with purpose, innovation with integrity, and ambition with impact.
Our Cover Story Features Don Staniszewski, the President of Summit Delivery Services. Mr. Staniszewski is a seasoned transportation industry leader with an impressive track record. His leadership journey exemplifies dedication, continuous learning, and a people-centric approach. Being an interactive leader, Don believes in creative autonomy for the team in his company. Don is an empathetic leader who “puts himself out there,” interacts well with colleagues, and is an avid listener. Don considers himself a “cheerleader of sorts” for his company and their brand, with enthusiasm, charisma, and cheerful optimism that is contagious.
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Editor’s Note
From Technical Expertise to Transformational Leadership: Nora Osman’s Story
Navigating Innovation and Growth: The Impactful Career of Annalise Suzuki in CAD Technology
Empowering Business Leaders Driving Organizational Growth in Legal Tech
Fostering Sustainable Development through Renewable Energy at CEC A Prominent Corporate Leader and Key Executive of the
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Don Staniszewski, President of Summit Delivery Services, is a remarkable figure in the logistics field, not only for his profound expertise and leadership but also for his visionary contributions to a growing future. His journey exemplifies dedication, continuous learning, and a people-centric approach. An interactive leader, Don believes in creative autonomy for his team and nurtures a culture of collaboration and innovation.
The Beginning of an Inspirational Journey
Don’s career in logistics began shortly after graduating from Illinois State University, when he joined Leaseway Transportation. There, he gained hands-on experience across multiple supply chain management functions while simultaneously earning his MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Guided by strong mentors, he learned the value of integrity, doing things right without shortcuts, and the importance of investing in people.
He worked his way up the ranks to become President of American Delivery Service and later joined Menlo Logistics, where he gained valuable experience working with complex logistics systems. In the early 2000s, he became a significant owner of Pillar Logistics, a nationwide provider of last-mile delivery services to major retailers. Recognizing the need for greater industry collaboration, Don also founded the National Home Delivery Association (NHDA), where he continues to serve as Chairman. Through NHDA, he brings together leading last-mile delivery providers across the U.S., shaping the future of home delivery logistics.
A Passionate Leader in Last-Mile Delivery
Don has always been a driven learner and dedicated worker, immersing himself in industry publications, webinars, and logistics news to stay ahead of the curve. His thirst for knowledge began in his 20s, but he truly found his professional stride in his mid-30s to 40s. It was during this time that his passion for the last-mile delivery industry deepened, an industry he admires for its management-intensive and labor-intensive nature. He makes an impact through interaction with people throughout the entire workforce, from the C-suite to the ground floor staff and delivery associates.
Summit Delivery Services: A Quick Glance
Don and his team recently rebranded Pillar Logistics as “Summit Delivery Services,” which is committed to reaching the pinnacle of excellence in final-mile delivery. The company’s mission is to overcome challenges and deliver unparalleled service in the bulky goods final mile space. They strive to elevate the delivery experience and provide clients and their customers with reliable, timely, and innovative solutions that set new standards in the transportation industry.
There is a daily, weekly, and monthly collaborative effort by the whole team to consistently review and evaluate their strategic positions for improvements and modifications. It is currently one of the largest providers of final-mile delivery services to numerous clients in the United States. Many of their clients use it as a “sounding board” to discuss their services, develop the industry,
Don Staniszewski President | Summit Delivery Services
and to experiment with new and unique approaches to the business. Summit Delivery’s collaborative effort and commitment to excellence have earned it a reputation for exceptional customer service.
A Significant Part of Don’s Notable Legacy
Don is the founder, past president, and current chairman of the National Home Delivery Association, a non-profit trade association. The NHDA was born out of a 2013 meeting that Don organized, bringing together 11 “friendly competitors” and numerous industry subject matter experts. What began as a candid roundtable to tackle shared challenges has since grown into the definitive voice of the last-mile industry. This major non-profit trade association is currently the “go-to” industry thought leader in the last-mile delivery industry. The association comprises major last-mile delivery companies and subject matter experts in the United States.
Role Models and the Inspiration
Don’s role models are endurance athletes who embody the positive attributes of deliberative work and determination, and also many similarities to his favorite actor Jimmy Stewart’s movie characters (particularly “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life). He is known for his hard work and intense learning, constantly reading publications, attending webinars, and staying updated on industry news. Don’s career progressions taught him to “put yourself out there” and not be paralyzed by fear of failure.
Leadership Philosophy and Vision
Throughout his journey, Don’s leadership values have remained centered on collaborative management of people. His passion for last-mile delivery grew from experience in various logistics sectors. Early mentors significantly influenced his leadership style, teaching him the value of people and constant improvement, lessons that continue to shape his approach at Summit Delivery Services.
Don emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear vision and sticking to well-thought-out plans and objectives. In the fast-paced world of last-mile delivery logistics, he stresses the need to see the forest for the trees and prioritize goals.
People-First Culture in a Dispersed Organization
Don fosters a people-centric culture across Summit Delivery Services’ geographically dispersed organization through an interactive and people-first leadership style and open communication. Online collaborative meetings have become the norm, enabling continual communication and teamwork.
To maintain team morale and ensure consistent performance in the high-pressure logistics industry, Summit Delivery prioritizes team meetings and collaboration, and a non-authoritarian structure. This approach encourages participation, creativity, and collective problem-solving.
Empowering Teams and Leveraging Technology
Summit Delivery balances creative autonomy with operations discipline by encouraging innovation and calculated risk. The company empowers its teams to “put themselves out there” and occasionally fail as part of the process for improvement! Through industry involvement, such as the National Home Delivery Association, Summit Delivery Services leverages technology to improve route optimization, delivery tracking, and customer communication, staying on the “cutting edge” of innovation.
Key Challenges and Opportunities: In the Future
Don believes the last-mile delivery industry will face significant challenges and opportunities in the next five years as the industry continues to develop. Summit Delivery Services recognizes that meeting the evolving demands of the new consumer will be crucial. With rising e-commerce expectations, driven in part by the pandemic, customers now expect quicker and more responsive delivery services.
The demand for white-glove delivery has increased, with consumers seeking premium services that offer enhanced care and attention for their purchases. Summit Delivery is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. By investing in technology, optimizing operations, and focusing on customer satisfaction, Summit Delivery aims to stay ahead of the competition and meet the changing needs of consumers. The company’s ability to adapt to these shifts will be key to its success in the evolving “last mile” delivery landscape.
The Future Outlook
Summit Delivery envisions a future where artificial intelligence (“A.I.”), autonomous delivery vehicles, drones, and robotics play a significant role in last-mile logistics. These technologies will enable quicker response times, increased efficiency, and better adaptation of the workforce. By leveraging autonomous solutions, the company aims to enhance its delivery capabilities, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Don and his management team are working on further developing their “Strategic Plan” to improve their services and marketing of the newly formed Summit Delivery Services. Their goal is to remain at the pinnacle of successful delivery companies!
Looking ahead, Summit Delivery will continue to emphasize quality and service over just providing quick, low-cost deliveries. The risk of liability, claims, and customer satisfaction always rises to the top, and the poor service providers go to the wayside. Summit Delivery has remained in business since 1987 and plans to continue as one of the main players that have survived where many others have failed.
Leadership Advice
As stated earlier, Don advises others to “put yourself out there” and not be paralyzed by “fear of failure,” as experiencing failure is essential to success. People too often give up without trying to attempt something. He emphasizes the importance of conquering fear by acknowledging and working through it, which motivated him to write “Leap Beyond Your Limits: Conquering Fear to Triumph in Life and Leadership.” This book describes Don’s journey to rise above fear and not be held back by it, but it is also a practical guide for anyone to accomplish their dreams in personal and professional situations. “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go!” (excerpt quote from T.S. Eliot and the book “Leap Beyond Your Limits”).
Nora Osman Founder & CEO| Norvana, LLC
NORA OSMAN
FROM TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
NORA OSMAN’S STORY
Meet Nora Osman, the founder and CEO of Norvana, LLC, a company dedicated to transforming customer experience and service management. With over 25 years of expertise in IT service management, Nora has developed a unique approach that combines operational excellence with emotional intelligence. Her company, Norvana, is an advisory service focused on human-centered IT service delivery transformation. It helps organizations deliver exceptional customer-centric IT services, leveraging technology to enhance human connections.
A Journey with Purpose
Nora’s story is one of building a calling, not just a business. For 25 years, she worked tirelessly within organizations, serving thousands of individuals— patients, policyholders, students, and customers. Behind every system failure or improvement project, she saw people—frustrated, hopeful, and yearning to be understood. She didn’t just fix technical problems; she healed trust, transformed friction into fuel, and empowered teams to make a meaningful difference. In 2024, she founded Norvana, an advisory service dedicated to revolutionizing service delivery by prioritizing the human experience. With Norvana, Nora helps organizations navigate complex challenges, rediscover their purpose, and ignite passion. Her journey was marked by dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. She measures success not just in numbers, but in the positive impact she creates—in culture shifts, mindset changes, and the quiet moment when individuals find their voice. Through her work, she has built high-performing teams, designed customer-first strategies, and delivered award-winning
service experiences. Yet, her true legacy lies in the lives she has touched, the leaders she has mentored, and the mindsets she has shifted, reminding everyone that excellence is rooted in empathy.
Norvana: Transforming Service with Heart
Built in 2024 on the belief that great service is intentionally designed with the human in mind, Norvana helps organizations shift to customer-centric models, focusing on clarity, care, and continuous improvement. They bring heart to the table, connecting strategy and soul and living by the mantra “Do what’s right, and not just what’s easy. What’s easy isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always easy.”
The Key Inspiration: Journey in IT Service Management
“I didn’t fall in love with IT; I fell in love with the moments IT could make better,” quotes Nora. Her passion stems from transforming human expectations, not just technical issues. She is driven by turning “zero moments” of failure into “hero moments” with empathy and intentional effort. What fuels her after 25 years is the stories behind the numbers—the ripple effects of care, competence, and confidence that customer-centric service management can create when done right.
Nora’s People-First Leadership Approach
Nora’s values shape her approach to building teams and relationships, rooted in Authenticity, Boldness, and Compassion. She sees people before performance, understanding what drives and scares them. She builds teams by spotting potential, giving room to grow, and
acknowledging wins. Compassion bridges expectation and understanding, holding people accountable in a way that lifts them.
Nurturing Emerging Leaders and Change-makers
Nora recognizes emerging leaders by their subtle actions: volunteering, calming chaos, and asking thoughtful questions. She develops these leaders by giving them space to rise, inviting them to strategy conversations, and assigning stretch projects. She encourages and offers perspective, celebrating not just results but efforts and growth, helping them own their power.
Building a Culture of Care and Accountability
Nora believes leadership lives where clarity meets compassion. She reconnects people to the impact of their work, humanizing it to inspire heart and intention. Frameworks provide clarity on expectations, while support and celebration of progress foster accountability. Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, not occasions for punishment, creating a culture of care and growth.
A Defining Leadership Moment
Nora’s defining moment was when she said yes to people leadership, despite thinking it was not her path. She had built her identity around technical expertise, but a leader’s question made her consider a new path. Leaping into management, she discovered leadership wasn’t about having answers but about asking questions and holding space for others. This pivot changed everything, becoming the greatest challenge and privilege of her life.
Notable Trends Redefining Customer Service
Nora sees digital empathy as defining the winners in customer service over the next 5 years. Customers want to feel understood, valued, and have their time respected. Human-centric design will be key, with AI and automation enabling empathy at scale. The best companies will use AI to get closer to customers, anticipate needs, and remove friction, reimagining the entire customer journey. This also extends to their employees, who are their first customers.
The
Pandemic’s Impact on IT Service Delivery
The pandemic reshaped expectations of IT service delivery, particularly in healthcare, by making technology both invisible and indispensable. While technology accelerated, something profoundly human emerged: authenticity. Leaders showed up for their teams, listening to struggles and being present. This human connection helped people reconnect with their purpose and renew their commitment. The pandemic taught a lasting lesson about the importance of leading with heart and redefining what service truly means.
Human Touch in Service Management: Amid Automation and AI
Nora believes the human touch will thrive alongside AI, not despite it. By using AI to clear clutter and streamline the mundane, humans can focus on bringing care, creativity, and connection to meaningful moments- an elevated human experience. This enables personalized, responsive interactions that feel intentional and tailored to individual needs. The result is an experience design that ensures every touchpoint feels intentional and personal.
A Unique Approach to Leading Transformational Change
Nora starts with people, shifting mindsets before changing systems or processes. Storytelling connects the transformation to a real purpose and a better future, making the change a shared journey. By piloting fast, learning loudly, and celebrating small wins, culture shifts as people believe in the why and see their voice shaping the how. When people are part of the story, transformation sticks.
Insights on Cross-Functional Collaboration
She believes collaboration starts with context, where people understand not just what you’re asking, but why it matters to them. By creating shared languages, wins, and visions, silos crumble and diverse perspectives are valued. Effective collaborations are built on respect, purpose, and the willingness to solve a problem together. At Norvana, this has led to smoother project delivery and improved service outcomes.
Building Diverse and High-Performing Teams
Nora builds diverse teams by valuing differences and seeking distinct perspectives. She nurtures a culture where it is safe to speak up, stumble, and grow, and encourages authenticity, boldness, and compassion. By recognizing progress, reinforcing purpose, and celebrating milestones, she fosters resilience and helps teams rise above challenges.
The Future Outlook of Norvana
Nora’s vision is to make Norvana the go-to advisory for organizations ready to reimagine service delivery through a human lens and make that vision a reality.
Norvana is where operational excellence meets emotional intelligence, and digital transformation includes cultural transformation. The focus is on designing with intention, building around human needs, and making transactions effortless and connected to purpose. Success is measured not just by what gets fixed, but by what gets elevated.
Creating a Legacy of Empowerment
Nora wants to be remembered not just for what she built, but for what she ignited. Her legacy lives through the people she has helped evolve and the leaders who now light torches of their own. She strives to make transformation human again, reminding people that service is sacred and care fuels everything that lasts.
EMPOWERING BUSINESS LEADERS | DRIVING ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH IN LEGAL TECH
With nearly three decades of diverse experience in leading Fortune 500 companies and technology and SaaS businesses, Daniel Farrar, the CEO of Assembly Software, is a true visionary in leadership and business. His journey is inspirational, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to fostering deep customer relationships and driving organizational growth.
Discovering Passion in Technology: The Roots of Daniel’s Global Influence
Daniel’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Harvard. He started his career in various roles within General Electric’s management program. After completing his graduate studies, Daniel transitioned into strategic consulting and later returned to GE, where he took on leadership positions in global business leadership roles during the Welch era. Following this time at GE, he became a partner in private equity doing LBOs, then transitioned into running and driving growth in global technology companies mostly based in Silicon Valley. Currently, Daniel serves as the CEO of Assembly Software, a legal technology company that provides industry-leading case management software Neos, Needles, and Trialworks.
The Journey from Fortune 500 to SaaS
“During my time with GE, we were an enormously metric and numbers-driven culture as a global collective and company. Expectations
were clearly set, regularly reviewed, and constantly prosecuted especially as it related to investment alignments to the global strategic initiatives of global growth, process cycle time compression, new product development, productivity, sourcing, and cost management, Six Sigma quality, and driving quick market intelligence to arm the sales teams for above-market performance,”- Daniel remembers.
When Daniel transitioned to SaaS and technology platforms 15 years ago, he brought with him this deep metrics-oriented mindset, along with a strong focus on processes, segmentation, and alignment. This approach allowed him to quickly identify areas of strong performance or gaps, bring clarity to business strategy, and provide deeper insights for making informed changes. The principles he learned in the Fortune 500 world became part of his professional DNA, and he has applied those same disciplines and values to leading SaaS and tech platforms.
Daniel thrives on taking on new challenges and carefully assessing each opportunity through specific criteria before deciding if it aligns with his next step. He considers market size, customer persona, competitive dynamics, and growth potential. He also asks, "Does the product or platform's technology advance or transform the industry? Will this role push me to learn and grow in new ways? And will the financial rewards be fair and worthwhile when the job is complete?" When the Assembly role came his way, it ticked all these boxes, making it the perfect fit.
The Most Significant Influence on His Leadership Approach
"Some people who have helped me lay the grout in my mosaic include my parents, family, and close personal friends. Their counsel comes from a place in the heart offering clear, realistic, and honest feedback," shares
Jack Welch also had a significant impact on him as a young man with his relentless focus on taking complexity and turning it into simple, clear communications to drive results. Others who have inspired or have been influential (to name a few) are Jamie Dimon, Ronald Reagan, Jim McNerney, Simon Sinek, Michael E. Porter, Sheryl Sandberg, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Margaret Thatcher, Oprah Winfrey, and the godfather of management theory,
Fostering a Culture of Improvement and
The culture of any business, company, or function is shaped by the people and teams employed who share and foster a specific set of values, norms, and behaviors. These elements establish what is and is not accepted within an organization. It is important to note that cultural dynamics begin at the top and influence the entire organization. Leaders set the example for what is valued and what is expected in every interaction inside a company. When senior leadership emphasizes decision-making based on a productive, safe, metrics-driven environment, all employees will explore the key elements of the desired ethos of the culture.
The Long-Term Vision for Assembly Software
Assembly has set an ambitious goal to become the technology platform of choice for practice and case management in the legal industry. The company aims to improve its technology, shape product roadmaps to meet the needs of law firms regardless of size or location and excel in cloud transitions. "We did that and more, as evidenced by our NPS scores >70 and CSAT scores >98% with Neos, which is outpacing industry growth by 6x. At Assembly, we set the bar high, put customers at the center of our process, and execute with focus and precision", explains Daniel.
The Corporate Ethos for Clients
Daniel believes everyone in the company, regardless of their roles, must prioritize the needs of the customer and clients. He and his team are actively engaging with customers to provide support and address any emerging requirements. They are also ensuring that the customers receive full support during transitions to the cloud and modern technologies, whether it is a new or a legacy transition, Daniel and the entire Assembly team maintain constant communications with the customers to establish trust, loyalty, and confidence in the business partnership they create together. Ultimately, their focus is on serving the customers and the clients.
An Edge Over the Peers
Product-led growth, as defined by the clients and the legal tech marketplace, allows Assembly to deliver a customer-first, customer-centric set of products and supporting technologies focused on critical requirements to the workflow of firms from a single attorney to Amlaw 100. The Neos technology platform was designed to be highly configurable, extensible, and scalable, and it prioritizes ease of use and user interfaces.
The Key Driving Factors for Future Growth
The company is dedicated to a detailed plan for creating values that are focused on creating values for stakeholders. Achieving growth requires consistent efforts in generating leads from all channels, maintaining pricing and promotional discipline, continuous engagement with the market and customer, and adapting the product offering to match emerging technology. By listening to the customer base and being responsive to their support needs maintains loyalty and trust. Achieving growth and sales is the responsibility of every employee in the company, every day, in every interaction.
Strategies to Remain Agile and Responsive in the Changing Market
The Assembly team uses an integrated voice of the customer (IVOC) process discipline to guide their Product-Led Growth (PLG) strategies and
investments. This feedback is collected from various channels including customer success, field and support teams, and customer advisory boards which fundamentally shapes their investments and PLG roadmaps. Incorporating customer feedback allows Assembly to meet the current and future needs of law firms, keeping them ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving market.
Final Thoughts
“Keep an open mind and continuously work on improving your listening and communication skills. The most effective leaders are those who can build and foster personal growth in their team. Relentlessly listen for the best ideas and approaches from any person at any level. Those ideas may be the same ones that change the game for everyone”, Daniel Farrar, CEO of Assembly Software.
ALEXANDER GOODALL CEO - Clean Energy Capital
FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RENEWABLE ENERGY AT CEC
The Inc Magazine are pleased to showcase a seasoned entrepreneur who has over a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector, is renowned for successfully overcoming market obstacles, introducing revolutionary ideas, and raising significant amounts of funding. Alexander Goodall has a track record of launching, growing, and selling businesses to business leaders. His path has been fuelled by his knack for identifying market constraints and introducing ground-breaking ideas, particularly when government support is minimal.
Dive into this distinctively crafted story to find out more about Alexander's trajectory in the field of renewable energy, revealing the story of his rise to success and successful exit of two businesses, as well as his leadership responsibilities at Statkraft and SunEdison.
The Key Inspiration Behind CEC’s Incorporation
Alexander's motivation for founding Clean Energy Capital (CEC) stemmed from a pressing need for accelerated renewable energy adoption in the face of a worsening climate crisis. He candidly stated, “There is a real absence of proactive Government support in the UK to hasten the switch to renewable energy, despite the worsening climate problem.”
This drove him to establish CEC as his third business, propelled by a deep-seated commitment to effecting real change. He realized that he had to be the catalyst for this transformation. His prior experience in raising seed funding positioned him well within the industry to garner substantial support. At its core, the business’ concept revolves around delivering private wire solutions to large
power users (LPUs) across the UK. Alexander's aim was to make renewable energy a clear choice for major organizations by offering both economically and environmentally beneficial energy solutions. This strategy increases the commercial feasibility of LPUs while empowering them to start their decarbonization journey.
The Company at a Glance
CEC, established in May 2021, stands at the forefront of reducing CO2 emissions from major emitters in the UK. Currently, this is the only renewable energy provider pro-actively supplying LPUs with private wiring solutions. By providing a new, alternative source of income, this unique offering helps both landowners and LPUs.
CEC's track record speaks volumes about its distinctiveness. With over 0.5GWp of solar projects (valued at £600 million) under contract with "blue-chip" corporations and a pipeline boasting over 3.3 GW of capacity, CEC consistently surpasses expectations. This success can be attributed to the exceptional team and the unwavering support of investors and advisors, including merchant bank Cameron Barney.
Embracing Change and Innovation
In the dynamic global renewable energy marketplace, adaptability and innovation are paramount . “There is a culture of curiosity and problem-solving at Clean Energy Capital. We promote lifelong learning to keep our workforce abreast of market changes. Through programs like our "Hero of the Month" award, we value new concepts and honour and promote exceptional achievement. 'At CEC, teamwork across departments is encouraged to address the
complex issues facing the business”, revealed Alexander.
The CEO encourages everyone to see obstacles as opportunities for progress and to discuss and ask questions about current concerns in the sector to increase their collective knowledge, which helps them win business. The diverse 23-member team at CEC is committed to innovation and expansion.
A Confluence of Economic, Environmental, and Societal Impacts
Solar PV projects exemplify environmentally friendly renewable energy projects with minimal short-term impact, in contrast to fossil fuel projects that permanently scar the land. they facilitate dual usage of land opportunities, giving landowners the opportunity to make money while protecting biodiversity.
During a global energy crisis, CEC's team is assisting clients in reducing their energy bills. They collaborate closely with them to offer the best way to achieve their net-zero and ESG ambitions, mitigating climate change's effects on future generations.
Dealing with Industry Obstacles Like a Pro!
Securing initial funding is a major hurdle when launching any business, but specifically in the renewable energy sector. Gaining investors' confidence and demonstrating project’s viability are crucial components of overcoming this financial obstacle.
Growing CEC from a small team to over 20 employees in just 18 months underscored the importance of meticulous hiring procedures and fostering a work environment that aligns with his entrepreneurial values. For Alexander, effective leadership extends beyond direction; providing incentives that boost employee motivation and skill development is essential for maintaining a motivated and proactive team.
Diversity and Inclusion
Innovation and creative thought are fuelled by diversity. The hiring process at CEC places a high value on choosing the most competent candidates for each position, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, or origin. Building a team that reflects the broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences within the community requires actively pursuing talent from many networks and sources.
But diversity doesn't end at the entry level. CEC strive to provide opportunities for all employees to grow into leadership positions and, when necessary, transition to various areas of the company, actively supporting their professional development.
Sustainability: The Core of CEC’s Operation
Clean Energy Capital's objective intrinsically involves striking a balance between financial success and complete dedication to environmental and sustainability goals, and Alexander and his team take this commitment seriously.
The company’s dedication to sustainability is fundamental to their day-to-day operations as well, which is why they were awarded Green Start Up of the Year 2023 at this year's UK Start Up Awards!
They adhere to what they preach by implementing sustainable practices such as choosing sustainable office spaces, endorsing alternative commuting
methods to curtail their carbon footprint, and actively supporting green initiatives on both local and global scales.
Additionally, innovation is essential to the strategy. Their sustainability objectives are a long-term commitment rather than a fleeting one. In the future, according to CEC, renewable energy will not only be more cost-effective but also the option of choice for both communities and enterprises. Their investments and decision-making are guided by this long-term vision, which guarantees that societal and environmental advantages coexist with financial success.
“If our energy is unsustainable, so is our existence!” Alexander Goodall
The development of a sustainable future unquestionably depends on the renewable energy sector, which faces both formidable obstacles and enormous prospects. Change-making elements like the AI revolution, the growth of data centers, the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) and battery production, as well as the rise of the hydrogen economy, are driving the steadily rising demand for power.
These massive changes in energy consumption patterns have important effects on the environment. As electrification spreads, power consumption is expected to soar considerably, especially in
industries like transportation where EVs are gaining ground quickly. Data has also evolved into an essential component of the contemporary economy. In addition, the expanding hydrogen market, especially the green hydrogen sector, shows potential as a source of clean energy. Despite these profound changes, the renewable energy industry still faces formidable obstacles, including a lack of government support and, occasionally, outright rejection of renewable ideas.
Clean Energy Capital (CEC) recognizes these challenges and is determined to be a pivotal player in this global energy transformation. “Our recent doubling in headcount and successful fundraising signifies our commitment to being a leading force in private renewable energy infrastructure and technology towards our ultimate goal of becoming an IPP (Independent Power Producer)" asserted the visionary leader.
CEC aspires to establish itself as a world leader in renewable energy, supporting clients globally in their efforts to attain net-zero carbon emissions. whilst solar energy is currently their primary focus due to ease of installation, they remain technology-agnostic and prepared to customize solutions to meet each client's unique needs.
Sneak Peek of CEC's Future
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.
President & CEO
STIRIXIS Group
Alex Athanassoulas
Meet Alex Athanassoulas,
the
Business Optimizer & Thought Leader
Over the past two years, there have been significant changes in business leadership. With new demands for systematic operational efficiency, talent pool health, technology adoption, and workforce wellbeing, leaders now need to re-calibrate their businesses and re-think what true leadership means. Mr. Alex Athanassoulas, the founder and CEO of STIRIXIS Group, sets a bright example.
In our enthralling issue, "Top Inspiring Business Leaders to Follow in 2023," we are featuring top business leaders who serve as role models and encourage others to grow. Alex’s strong and holistic
leadership, extensive history in the industry, and unwavering efforts in developing his company, STIRIXIS, make him a standout inclusion in this special edition.
The Beginning and the Journey So Far.
Alex's passion for math and science inspired him to pursue a Master's degree in civil engineering, which gave him a sound and organized way of thinking. His MBA at the prestigious Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow in the UK opened a new universe for him by unveiling the magic of numbers and a wider range of perspectives
on them. In 1992, with a dissertation on how to de-commoditize construction products by incorporating high-quality services-a novel strategy for the time-he returned to his birthplace of Athens. STIRIXIS Group was "born" a few years later. His goal was to make a difference in building a better, more sustainable, and more prosperous business environment.
"My wife, Elena, and I both have a desire for lifelong learning and improvement, which has been a key ingredient in setting up a successful business. We have now completed more than 800 projects in 29 countries, from the US to India and from Russia to Nigeria, and have developed a process that enables us to respond quickly, decisively, and effectively to disruptions and challenges in our professional journey”, the inspiring leader shared.
Alex has worked across industries on three continents, including retail, hospitality, food concepts, workplaces, and leisure. He is certified in board management and directorship from the CEO Clubs School of Leadership Practice, project management (both IPMA and PRINCE2), and customer service strategy and innovations (from ICSA). He is currently the President of the Sustainable Building Council of Greece, Vice President of CEO Clubs Greece, President of the University of Glasgow Hellenic Alumni Association, and Secretary General of the Greek Nigerian Chamber of Commerce. He has proudly served in numerous board roles.
Striving for True Prosperity in business, Alex has received recognition in a variety of ways, including the European CEO Awards' Best European CEO in Retail Development in 2015, the AI Global Excellence Awards' Best European CEO in 2018, and the ACQ5 Awards' International Game-changer in 2019.
STIRIXIS Group: At a Glance
Through three separate business groups, STIRIXIS Professional, STIRIXIS Exclusive, and Metallaxis, the STIRIXIS Group has developed into the innovative organisation it is today. The basis of each unit and the connecting point for all three brands, is
the company’s Systems Thinking approach which ensures the long-term success of each project. This way, they support their clients in having higher aspirations, achieving those dreams, and feeling proud.
STIRIXIS Professional has a fantastic, carefully chosen, cross-disciplined team of strategists, marketers, designers, architects, and engineers who work as one collective mind to bring business goals to fruition. They define the strategy, design the right environment or concept for the business to thrive, and manage the execution to truly ensure success. Above all, they bring about versatile and agile organic growth with concept evolution processes that integrate a dynamic "algorithm" for constant change and adaptability. Among the clients are globally successful brands such as Coca-Cola, HBC, Merck, Samsung, Enel, Daikin, L’Oréal, Schneider Electric, Playmobil, 3M, and many more.
The creation of an optimal and truly unique personal space for people to thrive in, is a concern of their STIRIXIS Exclusive Business section.
Finally, the company’s think tank, Metallaxis, is a genuine micro-community of futurists that is dedicated to ensuring that True Prosperity lasts. By generating long-term value and protecting client investments, Metallaxis greatly benefits the other two business units.
The Tale of Inception
The idea for STIRIXIS Group came from Alex's MBA dissertation, which suggested that adding services to construction products would boost their value to customers. His understanding what end-users really need, led to an interesting, still relevant, and ongoing "discussion" that, at STIRIXIS Group, is continually being transformed into fresh seeds for growth and change. They evolve their services to ensure True Prosperity by embracing change and constantly setting new standards. They are clear about what they are fighting for: systemic, organic, sustainable growth that strengthens the financial capabilities of companies or organisations, distributes value to all stakeholders, and builds a brighter future for individuals, groups, and society.
As systems thinkers, Alex and his group firmly believe in the strength that results from the fusion of various viewpoints and ideologies. As a result, diversity and inclusion are ingrained in the company's culture. It may be seen in the team's diverse educational backgrounds and in the ages of the individuals who make up the group.
Alex said, "According to the IFC, the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, we are also a woman-owned business." in his further discussion on diversity. A woman owns 50% of our stock, and she serves as vice president of the board, with women making up the majority of our board. Nevertheless, we "walk the talk" during operations as well. As a result of our process and our understanding of the systemic structure of the business, each project's teams are intentionally multidisciplinary, fostering interaction and agile project evolution optimisation.
Primary Achievements and Future Goals
STIRIXIS is currently growing exponentially! The teams are growing rapidly, and the projects are increasing in geography, complexity, and size.
The team is pleased to share its plans to open two new offices in the Middle East as the firm continues to grow. One in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in Q1/2024, and one in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in Q3/2023. This tactical choice expands on two pillars. First, the accomplishments in the Middle East, including the "Modern Oman Bakery" chain (Oman), which won the International Property Awards' Best Retail Design in Arabia award, Second, the region's tremendous ongoing growth.
deliver speedier and more varied services, "we will bring the same level of commitment, expertise, and innovation to our new partners as we expand further into the Middle East."
A Piece of Advice
Don’t delay your decision-making. Be a doer as well as a dreamer. More than anything, entrepreneurs today need to develop slalom skills to combine high speed and accuracy. Yes, planning is required, but "an ounce of action is worth a ton of theory". Especially when the expiration period of any theory becomes shorter and shorter by the day. A combination of consciousness, constant learning, and constant repositioning is also a prerequisite. As you continue to grow and learn, more of your actions will reach the targets that you set. Above all, as your course may change over time, keep your values high and live by them.
"We are proud of the achievements of our hardworking teams in Athens, London, and Bucharest, who have contributed significantly to our success over the years. They have been crucial to our expansion, and their independence and understanding of the worldwide market have allowed us to offer our clients unmatched service and outcomes regardless of where their projects were located. By strengthening our employees to
