The 5 Best Iconic Business Leaders to Follow in 2025

Editor’s Note

THE ARCHITECTS OF TOMORROW

We are delighted to present the much-awaited edition of “The 5 Best Iconic Business Leaders to Follow in 2025.” This special issue takes you on an inspiring journey through the stories of visionary leaders who are redefining modern business, driving innovation, and shaping industries worldwide.

At Inc Magazine, we take pride in highlighting leaders whose foresight, resilience, and strategic acumen have set new benchmarks for excellence. These influential figures come from diverse sectors, including technology and finance, to manufacturing, real estate, and services. Each of them embodies the essence of transformative leadership, combining vision with execution to create a meaningful and long-term impact.

Their ability to navigate disruption, embrace change, and foster innovation has not only helped their organizations to achieve new heights but also redefined what leadership means in today’s dynamic business environment. They are the trailblazers who lead with purpose, empower their teams, and inspire global progress.

On our cover, we proudly feature David Chau, a pioneering entrepreneur and options trading expert, celebrated for his innovative strategies and mentorship. As the founder of InsideOptions LLC and SPX MGMT LLC, David has bridged the gap between professional fund management and retail trading. With a proven track record of mentoring over 1,000 traders since 2020, David’s expertise in non-directional options strategies, mainly the Iron Condor, has earned him recognition in the Wall Street Journal, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the trading community.

This edition celebrates the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of these iconic individuals who continue to push the boundaries of innovation and influence. More than just a recognition of success, it stands as a testament to the power of vision and determination in shaping the global business landscape.

Happy Reading ....!

CHAU DAVID

Founder | Insideoptions LLC

Future-Proofing Your Business with Smarter Equipment Choices C O N T E N T S Articles 14

Empowering Community, Transformative Lives

Nermine Khouzam Rubin’s Journey

eBiz Solutions: An Eminent IT Service Firm Driven by the Visionary Leader Sridhar Sunkara

Breinify: Creating Personalized Digital Experiences

James J. Talerico, Jr., CMC: Helping SMBs Maximize Their Performance and Exit in Today’s Complex Business Environment

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Copyright © 2025 The Inc Magazine

Nermine Khouzam Rubin

Founder & CEO, MBA, MHS | Water 4 Mercy, Inc.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITY, TRANSFORMATIVE LIVES NERMINE KHOUZAM RUBIN’S JOURNEY

In the current business landscape, few voices resonate as deeply as Nermine Khouzam Rubin's. Based in Florida, United States, Nermine is the Founder and CEO of Water 4 Mercy, a non-profit charity aiming to uphold human dignity by eradicating thirst, hunger, and poverty in Africa. She serves on the boards of several organizations, including Clearwater Central Catholic High School, Enviro Projects International, Main Street Economics, and Jewish National Fund (JNF). In April 2025, she was appointed as an EMINENT Peace Ambassador by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), an international organization with consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). As a UN Eminent Peace Ambassador, Nermine is committed to promoting peace, sustainable development, and human dignity on a global scale. She is also an Eminent Peace Ambassador (2025) appointed by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), an organization with special consultative status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This title acknowledges her commitment to fostering peace, cultural understanding, and sustainable development through Water 4 Mercy’s initiatives.

Passionate about creating lasting impact, she has crafted a distinctive approach combining innovative solutions, faith-driven diplomacy, and local empowerment for transforming communities across Africa.

The Founding Story

Water 4 Mercy was born out of a transformative personal journey. In 2018, Nermine, a seasoned corporate and healthcare executive, witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking reality of water scarcity in Africa. Inspired by her Catholic faith and a sense of moral responsibility, she founded Water 4 Mercy to offer long-term, dignified solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, Water 4 Mercy, Inc., is dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves. Its mission is to uphold human dignity by

eradicating thirst, hunger, and poverty in Africa through sustainable, world-renowned water and nutritious innovations, paired with agricultural education and local empowerment.

A Distinctive Approach to Sustainable Development

Water 4 Mercy stands out from traditional aid organizations through its approach to addressing critical needs in Africa. The organization combines cutting-edge solutions, including solar-powered clean water systems, regenerative agriculture, food security training, and educational empowerment and capacity building. What sets Water 4 Mercy apart is its commitment to long-term sustainability, achieved through the use of remote monitoring technology that tracks projects in real time.

A Unique Model for Lasting Impact

Water 4 Mercy’s model stands out for multiple reasons. First of all, its projects boast a zero breakdown rate, thanks to remote monitoring that ensures they stay operational and resistant to vandalism, theft, or neglect. Second, the organization partners with world-renowned innovators such as Innovation: Africa, Don Bosco Technical Institutes of Africa, and CultivAid/Hebrew University. Water 4 Mercy delivers field-tested, proven Israeli solutions to African communities. Faith-driven diplomacy and interfaith collaboration: Water 4 Mercy promotes peace and understanding through partnerships that transcend religious boundaries, connecting Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities around a shared purpose.

Water 4 Mercy has made major strides in its mission to uphold dignity and eradicate poverty in Africa. Its notable achievements include Transformative Impact: The Remarkable Impact

The organization has transformed 28 Villages, bringing clean water, food, and hope to thousands of lives. Currently, 15 projects are underway across water,

agriculture, and education in 5 African countries. Water 4 Mercy’s efforts have impacted over 87,000 lives, improving health, economic empowerment, and dignity while reducing migration. Through its AITeC (Agricultural Innovation and Technology Centers), the organization has trained over 12,800 farmers, promoting local food sovereignty. Additionally, 450+ Students have received education in agri-tech through AITeC’s “Teaching the Teachers to Teach” model, which is growing a new generation of agronomists. Water 4 Mercy operates in 6 Countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda, and Morocco, and has a plan to expand into Malawi. The organization also secured institutional support from partners like Israeli Embassies, Catholic parishes, Jewish donors, and various community organizations.

Flagship Initiatives

AITeC: Agricultural Innovation & Technology Centers

● Powered by Israeli knowledge and Don Bosco Technical Institutes

● Train-the-trainer model to build African agricultural experts

● Promotes long-term food and nutritional security

● Locations: Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco

● Expanding to Malawi, Zambia, Uganda

Walk 4 Water Movement

● Engaging U.S. schools and parishes to support African villages

● Clearwater Central Catholic High School’s chapter is leading the way

● Students are learning global responsibility and acting as changemakers

“The Most Wonderful Rain” (Children’s Book)

● Co-authored by Nermine, with an introduction by New York Bestselling author of 'Let There Be Water: Israel's Solution for a Water-Starved World'; endorsements by Bishop Gregory Parkes and H. E. Oded Joseph, Former Ambassador of Israel to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Seychelles

● Real-life story from Huzi Village, Dodoma Region, Tanzania

● Educates children and donors about the life-changing impact of water access

Accolades and Recognitions

Nermine Khouzam Rubin and Water 4 Mercy have been honored with several prestigious awards and recognitions for their impactful work in providing sustainable water, agriculture, and education solutions across Africa.

Notably, the organization has earned Guidestar’s 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest recognition awarded by Guidestar. Water 4 Mercy has also been featured at the 2025 Divine Mercy Weekend, EWTN, and Catholic Media Platforms. In December 2024, Nermine was named "Most Inspiring CEO's to Watch in 2025* by Fortune Leader magazine. In November 2024, Nermine received the official Designation of 'Dame' in the Order of Parte Guelfa, a knighthood dedicated to preserving the world established by order of French Pope Clement IV.

The Guiding Principles

Water 4 Mercy is guided by a set of core values; at its heart is a commitment to dignity, implementing solutions that respect the human spirit and promote self-sufficiency. The organization focuses on sustainability, ensuring long-term impact through remote monitoring, local ownership, and training. As a Catholic-founded organization, Water 4 Mercy embodies faith in action, fostering interfaith collaboration and partnership. It also practices diplomacy through development, fostering cooperation between Israel and Africa under the Abraham Accords framework. Finally, Water 4 Mercy values efficiency, delivering impactful results at a fraction of the cost of large-scale NGOs, making a tangible difference in millions of lives.

What Sets Water 4 Mercy Apart: The Key Differentiators

Water 4 Mercy stands out for numerous factors. The organization boasts a perfect record with 100% of completed water systems remaining operational, a testament to its commitment to sustainability. Its approach focuses on long-term thinking, focusing on building capability and dignity rather than just providing support. Water 4 Mercy also serves as a bridge builder, nurturing collaborations between Israel and Africa, Jewish and Christian, and technological and spiritual initiatives, while bringing together people of all ages. Despite its lean team structure, the organization achieves

an outsized global impact, making it a model for effective and efficient humanitarian work.

Looking Ahead

As Water 4 Mercy continues to make strides in its mission, Nermine and her team are actively working on key initiatives. The organization is seeking funding for scaling its AITeC model across Africa to expand its reach and impact. Additionally, Water 4 Mercy is about to launch a Giving Circle (“Living Mercy Together”) and is also applying for large-scale impact grants (Waislitz Global Citizen Award). Furthermore, Water 4 Mercy is exploring partnerships to develop carbon credits and wine value chains that benefit Tanzanian farmers while expanding faith-based school partnerships across the U.S.

Closing Message

“Water 4 Mercy is not about charity—it’s about justice. People shouldn’t have to suffer for what we take for granted. With God’s grace, Israeli innovation, and the will to act, we’re transforming villages into self-sustaining communities and despair into hope.” — Nermine Khouzam Rubin, MBA MHS, Founder & CEO

JAMES J. TALERICO, JR.

Meet James J. ("Jim") Talerico, Jr. Certified Management Consultant (CMC®) and the founder and CEO of Greater Prairie Business Consulting Inc., (GPBC.) GPBC offers small, mid-sized, and large companies results-oriented consulting services utilizing a proven, proprietary processes designed to improve the performance of any business and provides important ancillary services through its strategic alliances – including business exit planning, succession planning, M&A, financial planning & tax advisory services and business financing – to its’ exit planning clients.

Jim started working as a newspaper delivery boy at the tender age of nine. Today, he is an award-winning author, speaker, and nationally recognized small to mid-sized (SMB) business expert. With over 3 decades of diversified business experience, Jim has a solid track record of helping business owners across the U.S. and Canada.

Over the years, Jim has worked with countless entrepreneurs and business owners and helped them maximize the performance of their business. His experience as a Consulting Director, Quality Manager, Project Manager, and Consultant has given him a unique understanding of small business challenges. With over three decades of small business experience, Jim has had the opportunity to work with many INC 5,000 companies, which provides him with a unique understanding of the problems that small businesses face and how many of them achieve great success. In fact, Jim is an expert at assisting his clients in introducing the needed systems, procedures, controls, and industry best practices, and can have a transformation effect on virtually any business in a short period of time.

Helping Businesses Achieve Better Results

Jim’s company Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc, utilizes a three-step proprietary process for improving any business that includes:

● An objective, third-party business analysis, and comprehensive findings report

● Professional assistance with change implementation, and

● A post-consulting follow-up program designed to ensure "project alignment & attainment," along with a "substantial project ROI."

Recently, Jim received his certification in exit planning to educate business owners about their different exit options, which, he maintains, most small and medium business owners and their experts don’t fully understand. With his new certification in exit planning, Jim is now equipped to educate his clients about their options and to help them create a customized exit plan based on their goals and objectives. With Jim's help, business owners can create the perfect exit plan to maximize their exit.

Navigating the Pandemic

The pandemic was difficult for everyone, and Jim was no exception. As a consultant, his business relied on face-to-face client meetings, but the pandemic made that impossible. So, he spoke on Bloomberg talk radio about the impact of the pandemic on small business owners and shared his thoughts and insights with a wider audience. He also packaged his thoughts into an award-winning

comprehensive toolkit for small business owners, which he believes was the most comprehensive product of its type to help small business owners survive the Covid-19 crisis. Today, Jim’s toolkit remains relevant because it can be used as a guide for creating a comprehensive disaster plan so businesses are better prepared for the next crisis.

Helping Small Businesses Focus on Ethics

Jim has always been passionate about ethics, as he knew it was an area where many small businesses struggled. They often lack the resources and expertise to create a comprehensive ethics program. So, Jim decided to take action and self-publish a unique ethics certification program for SMBs called "8 Steps to Becoming an ETHICS-FOCUSED ORGANIZATION." This program helps small businesses create a “closed loop system” for improving ethics in their organization.

The program won the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Ethics for the North–Central Texas Region in 2021, followed by the Better Business Bureau's International Torch Award for Ethics in 2022. Recently, the program won a Gold Stevie "Ethics in Sales" Award at the 17th Annual International Stevie Sales and Customer Service Awards®. Participants who complete the certification program are eligible to receive 8 CEUs from the University of Texas at Arlington's Division of Enterprise Development. This gives the program even more credibility and makes it a valuable addition to any small business owner's resume.

Awards and Accolades

Jim's dedication to helping small businesses and his commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed, as he was recognized with numerous awards in 2022.

In addition to these awards, last year, Jim was named "Texas Business Consulting CEO of the Year" by CEO Today Magazine. He was also awarded an "Outstanding Leadership Award" at the Money 2.0 Conference for his contributions to the financial services industry, and Entrepreneur Magazine identified him as a "Top 10 Management Consulting Entrepreneur to Watch in 2023." This year, Jim won a Bronze Stevie Award for Best Entrepreneur in 2023 in the Category of Business & Professional Services at the 21th Annual American Business Awards ® and a Gold Stevie Award for “Ethics in Sales at the International Sales and Customer Service Awards ® watch in 2023.

These awards and accolades are a testament to Jim's hard work, dedication, and passion for helping small businesses succeed. His innovative ideas, exceptional leadership, and commitment to ethics have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and clients. Jim is truly an inspiration to anyone looking to impact the business world positively.

Jim received two Gold Stevie Awards at the 20th Annual American Business Awards ®. The first was for "Thought Leader of the Year," recognizing his expertise and influence in business consulting. The second was for "Media Hero of the Year During Covid," highlighting his efforts to help small businesses during the pandemic. Greater Prairie Business

The business environment is always changing, and bad short-term decisions can lead to a lot of long-term headaches.

This is especially true when it comes to equipment. You will find that what works well today might fall short tomorrow as technology begins to evolve.

Customer demand often increases, as your business begins to scale. That’s why future-proofing your equipment isn’t just wise, it is necessary.

By investing in smarter, and more adaptable tools you are giving your business the flexibility it needs to respond to change without you constantly having to reinvest or reorganize.

This ensures that the tools you buy today will not be obsolete tomorrow.

Think Beyond the Immediate Need

One of the most common mistakes that many business owners make is buying equipment based only on their current needs. While this approach might save money upfront, it often leads to you having replacement costs sooner than you would have expected.

Instead, you need to think about where your business will be in the next 2–5 years. Will you expand your production? Offer some new services? Enter different markets to sell? Choosing scalable or multifunctional equipment now will save you from starting over when the growth starts to kick in.

For example, choosing a machine that handles multiple processes instead of just one can give you an edge when demand starts to shift or your workload increases.

Prioritize Integration and Compatibility

As businesses start to become a lot more digital, the equipment they use needs to integrate easily with many other systems. It doesn’t matter if it’s software platforms, or data collection tools, compatibility is no longer optional. It is now a competitive advantage.

Look for machines that you can connect with existing systems or ones that support future upgrades. Equipment that allows firmware updates, as well as API access, and cloud syncing will give you flexibility as your processes become a lot more automated or data-driven.

If your team begins to use tablets to log operations or access manuals, make sure that your new machines are compatible with that workflow from the very start.

Focus on Reliability and Longevity

Buying smarter equipment such as industrial welders and other manufacturing equipment doesn’t always mean that you are buying the latest gadget. Sometimes, it’s also about choosing proven, and well-built machines from trusted manufacturers.

These will offer longevity as well as strong service support. A smart purchase is one that will perform reliably over time.

It should also handle wear and tear well, and doesn’t drain resources with a constant need for repairs. Check warranties, service availability, as well as customer reviews before you commit.

In some industries, equipment failure is going to cost you a lot more than just time. It can damage reputation and safety as well. For example, In some industries where welding is necessary, trusted equipment such as the Truweld stud welder, which delivers durable, high-performance results is preferred.

Choose Equipment That’s Easy to Train and Operate

As your team grows or changes, you’ll need equipment that is easy for them to learn and operate. Tools that will require them to get weeks of specialized training or rely solely on a single expert operator pose a threat to productivity.

Manufacturers that provide you with remote support, and digital troubleshooting guides, or even predictive maintenance alerts.will help you to.stay ahead of any issues before they become costly problems. The goal is to always avoid unexpected downtime, so you keep your operations running smoothly.

Knowing that there will always be someone available to put wrongs to right as soon as possible can make it easier for you to operate your equipment efficiently. This is definitely something that you should have at the top of your priority list when you are buying any form of equipment.

Invest with Vision, Not Just Budget

Smarter equipment choices often go far beyond pricing. They tend to reflect your vision for the growth of your business. When you choose tools that will align with your future, you are reducing waste, boosting resilience, and building a team that is ready for whatever will come next.

You should think of every equipment you purchase as a long-term investment, and not just a short-term fix to your problems. Make sure you choose flexibility, integration, and supportability above all else. Consider too how well the equipment will grow with you, not just how well it fits your business today.

The best equipment isn’t just about functionality it is also about forward-thinking too, you have to prevent any form of downtime whenever possible.