The 20 Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Follow in 2023

Cover Story

Roberto Gilardino

Regional Managing Partner |

The 20 Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Follow in 2023.

June 2023

Editor’s Note

The Key to Business Leadership

Leadership tendencies and being a business leader are two completely different things. Individuals often demonstrate inventiveness, out-of-the-box thinking, and a desire to live life on their terms, all of which are excellent indicators of whether or not someone can flourish as a business leader. However, the mindset always motivates potential business leaders to take a plunge and face the business's hurdles.

When it comes to running a successful business, having the appropriate mindset is equally as important as meeting sales targets or developing long-term business strategies. While innate tendencies lay the groundwork, the steadfast mindset transforms potential into tangible achievements. As business leaders cultivate this mindset, they navigate challenges and inspire their teams, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience. Embracing the journey with the right mindset becomes the driving force behind building a thriving and enduring business. Ultimately, in the ever-evolving business landscape, success is not just about meeting targets or crafting strategies; it's about embodying a mindset that fuels continuous learning, adaptation, and the pursuit of excellence. With the right mindset, the leadership journey becomes not merely a professional pursuit but a transformative and fulfilling odyssey.

In this edition of Prime View Magazine, "The 20 Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Follow in 2023," we dive deep into the professional lives of a few of the most influential business leaders worldwide.

Our Cover Story features Roberto Gilardino, the Regional Managing Partner of Horizon Advisory, a unique advisory firm with 30 operatives in-country law firms. Roberto is an Italian with a background in international business and corporate law, focusing on corporate governance, strategy, and shareholder protection. Fluent in Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, Roberto has a deep understanding of cross-cultural issues in cross-border transactions and corporate matters, which helps him and his teams provide clients with unique insights and strategies related to difficult-to-read, often behind-the-scenes, nuances in transnational business.

Before joining Horizons, Roberto has professionally served in ministries, governmental bodies, and the private sector, primarily in China. He has gained valuable experience and developed a reputation as a skilled negotiator and a shrewd strategist, always creating win-win solutions in the most challenging situations.

So, what are you waiting for? Sit back, relax, and enjoy this issue of Prime View Magazine.

Happy Reading..!

Sophia Thurston Vice President | CFAL

Sophia Thurston Exhibiting Excellence

Mrs. Sophia Thurston joined CFAL in 2008 as the Vice President of Pension Administration and Operations, with nearly two decades of experience in financial services. Mrs. Thurston supports the company's strategic goals, ensuring the growth and day-to-day functioning that promotes the well-being of its clients and employees. Mrs. Thurston is deeply invested in fortifying client relationships and driving operational efficiency through cutting-edge processes and technology. In her capacity, she collaborates closely with existing and prospective pension clients, showcasing how CFAL can exceed their financial and retirement expectations.

Prior to joining CFAL, Mrs. Thurston held the position of Operations Manager at a prominent private bank, where she amassed a versatile skill set spanning Funds Transfer, Securities and Custody, and Documentation. Her leadership extended to overseeing critical areas such as Fund Accounting, Investor Relations, Financial Services, and Corporate Services at a Mutual Fund Company. She also served as a Senior Auditor at one of The Bahamas' top accounting firms. Mrs. Thurston is a member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants and a former Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants member. Sophia earned her Master of Business Administration at the University of Phoenix Arizona in Human Resource Management, her Bachelor of Business

Administration at Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada, and her Associate Degree at The College of the Bahamas (currently the University of the Bahamas).

About CFAL

CFAL is entrusted with safeguarding and overseeing a substantial portfolio, surpassing $2 billion in assets under its expert management and administration. The company is a trusted advisor to a diverse clientele comprising individuals and institutions, both within the country and across international borders. CFAL's comprehensive suite of services encompasses pension management, brokerage, and investment management accounts.

On the other hand, CFAL Securities Ltd., a subsidiary of CFAL, specializes in a wide range of offerings. These include domestic and international brokerage services, facilitating seamless trading in various markets. Additionally, CFAL Securities Ltd. takes pride in its market-making capabilities, ensuring liquidity and efficient transactions. The subsidiary also extends corporate advisory services, providing valuable guidance to businesses in need.

"Our key differentiators are our exceptional service, research-based approach, and structured yet flexible strategy. Our diverse financial products and choices help clients explore their options to create a

plan that fits their unique needs and helps them meet their financial goals – retirement, planning for their children's college education, funds, or brokerage services,"- states Mrs. Thurston.

Tackling Challenges

Mrs. Thurston believes that the absence of Pension Legislation in the Bahamas has contributed to a noticeable deficiency in retirement savings among individuals. Acknowledging this pressing challenge, Mrs. Thurston, alongside her team at CFAL, has undertaken a series of proactive measures to tackle the issue head-on. Their primary focus is educating Bahamians about the crucial importance of savings, utilizing multiple platforms to reach a wider audience. One key initiative that Mrs. Thurston noted that our team has organized is a weekly podcast. Through this accessible and informative medium, they can disseminate valuable insights, practical tips, and relevant knowledge to listeners, emphasizing the significance of saving for retirement.

Furthermore, CFAL organizes engaging seminars as interactive forums for sharing expertise and fostering financial literacy. These seminars provide a platform for Bahamians to actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and understand the benefits and long-term implications of building a robust savings plan.

Driven by their commitment to empowering individuals and addressing the low retirement savings in the Bahamas, Mrs. Thurston and CFAL continue to prioritize these educational endeavors. By raising awareness and imparting valuable financial knowledge, they aim to equip Bahamians with the necessary tools and insights to make informed decisions and secure a more financially secure future.

Synchronizing with the Latest Developments

Mrs. Thurston noted that CFAL distinguishes itself from competitors by utilizing its proprietary technology, a key differentiator and a source of its

strong competitive advantage. This advanced technology empowers CFAL to deliver exceptional services and solutions to its clients, setting it apart in the market.

To ensure that its team remains at the forefront of industry knowledge, CFAL emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and development. Its team members actively engage in training programs, pursue advanced degrees, and acquire relevant certifications. By investing in their professional growth, CFAL equips its team with the latest industry insights and best practices, which benefits its clients to a large extent.

Mission and Vision

At the heart of CFAL's mission is the commitment to building a culture of service excellence that fosters unwavering customer loyalty. By actively listening to its customers, anticipating their needs, and consistently surpassing their expectations, CFAL aims to cultivate strong and enduring relationships.

Recognizing the value of collaboration and teamwork, CFAL encourages a sense of collective ownership in achieving organizational goals. Through ongoing development and inspiration, CFAL strives to empower its employees, cultivating a highly skilled, motivated, and dedicated workforce.

Central to CFAL's approach is providing opportunities for personal growth and advancement. The company believes in investing in its employees, offering avenues for professional development while recognizing and rewarding individual and team success. By upholding its commitment to service excellence, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility, and prioritizing employee development, CFAL seeks to create a thriving organizational culture. In doing so, it aims to exceed customer expectations, cultivate loyalty, and drive its mission forward with a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction.