Top 10 Successful Business Leaders To Follow In 2021 by Swiftnlift Business Magazine

MARCH 2021

Swift the solution, lift the business

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Principles of Entrepreneurship Top Five Reasons why Entrepreneurs Fail Public-PrivatePartnership (PPP) Economics

JACQUELINE HUDSON, CEO & Founder

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1 LUXE DIGITAL NOW

Successful Business Leaders To Follow In 2021

WE CREATE TECHNOLOGIES THAT EXECUTE DATA AND ELEVATE MOBILE APPS. WE SPECIALIZE IN THE BEAUTY, LUXURY, FASHION AND TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES.

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Swiftnlift Media And Tech SwiftNLift is the Best Business Magazine across the globe for enterprises MARCH 2021

Swift the solution, lift the business

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Principles of Entrepreneurship Top Five Reasons why Entrepreneurs Fail Public-PrivatePartnership (PPP) Economics

JACQUELINE HUDSON, CEO & Founder

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1 LUXE DIGITAL NOW

Successful Business Leaders To Follow In 2021

WE CREATE TECHNOLOGIES THAT EXECUTE DATA AND ELEVATE MOBILE APPS. WE SPECIALIZE IN THE BEAUTY, LUXURY, FASHION AND TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES.

From t he E d itor …

’ve wanted to be there not just by virtue of being the editor but because I had something to say something that might join us for a moment in that miraculous way words can. I am really encouraged by the feedback received from the readers and the institutions which are in association with our magazine. Many thanks to my team for the work undertaken. Life of an entrepreneur is tough and we are often hit by a roadblock. Like it or not, building your own empire from scratch takes every bit of your heart, soul, blood, and sweat. When it comes to business and implementation, no amount of knowledge is ever enough. While you have your own set of expertise, as an entrepreneur you need to stay-up-to-date of your environment. From what’s new, what’s not to what will happen in the coming day, you need to be well versed?

The cover story has featured Jacqueline Hudson (CEO & Founder) of LUXE Digital Now. It specializes in the beauty industry overview and innovates, designs and strategizes the best delivery in digital marketing and technology solutions. Some print pieces have complementary components such as additional coverage, advertisements and still photography. There are regular columns by the editors with reflective articles to provide a window onto entrepreneurships and its growth. SwiftNLift magazine is not just a print or digital anymore but everything we do derives from its long-standing character, approach and quality - while we continue to produce the print publication with as much dedication as ever.e

- Nilesh Sabe Nilesh Sabe Chief Editor

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Contents

LUXE Digital Now

WSI

CenturyLink

20 Trade and Support Service

30 Global Cloud Alliance

Meylah Corporation

Merit Incentives 44

AppSmart

52 Accenture

US One Commercial Channel Sales Organization

28 Principles of Entrepreneurship

Top Five Reasons why Entrepreneurs Fail

56 PublicPrivate-Partnership (PPP) Economics

COVER STORY

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Successful Business Leaders To Follow In 2021

LUXE DIGITAL NOW INNOVATIVE LUXURY DIGITAL MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY

JACQUELINE HUDSON, CEO & Founder

LUXE DIGITAL NOW

merging technologies bring in new possibilities in sectors that could turn its face towards automation and digitization. The fashion world is no exception. Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications like augmented reality and virtual assistance are bringing an evolution of using technology to fulfill customers need. Starting from apparel designing to manufacturing process and virtual merchandising, AI is invading every nook and corner possible. Virtual make-ups and trial rooms are exciting fanatics of fashion with technologies that feel like dream. The fashion sector is now ushering into a new era of technology-led disruption. LUXE Digital Now LLC is one of the innovative Digital Marketing and Technology Solutions Company that is leading beauty industry into the era of digitization.

technology solutions. The company features building social media campaigns, e-commerce and content management platforms that strengthen businesses. LUXE Digital Now creates campaigns and content that move people. The company develops strategies and experiences that elevate brands and engage consumers. LUXE Digital Now develops branding that exudes the best. The company creates technologies that execute data and elevate mobile apps. LUXE Digital Now specializes in the beauty, luxury, fashion and technology industries.

ABOUT THE CEO

Jacqueline Hudson is the CEO, Founder and owner of LUXE Digital Now. She is an award-winning visionary marketing executive with 10+ years of creative content expertise within digital marking platforms. Jacqueline INTRODUCTION was recognized by Forbes Magazine and is an AMA LUXE Digital Now LLC is a luxury digital marketing award nominee. She is one of the outpacing competitors and technology solutions company. It specializes in the and is delivering results for top-named clients in the beauty industry overview and innovates, designs and US. Jacqueline was named among Top 40 under 40 by strategizes the best delivery in digital marketing and Top 100 Magazine for a digital marketing expertise. She

was featured in Top 50 Women of 2019. Jacqueline is the winner of the Top 50 Tech Leaders Award 2020. She is one of the inspirational speakers at the BCMA (Branded Content Marketing Association), the world’s most prestigious association for content in the Public Relations industry. Jacqueline is also a digital marketing executive and AI data technology solutions, strategist and developer. As a successful leader, Jacqueline’s most prominent experience has been lecturing to 14 countries about the digital marketing industry.

CHALLENGES Disruptive technologies are a necessary challenge to the industry as LUXE Digital Now continues to develop the tech for today’s innovation and the impacts it has on companies. The role of a leader in disruptive technology is to keep the industry reflective and innovative to impact on the correct sector as technologies continue to evolve in the future.

MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES LUXE Digital Now uses two patented innovations to dazzle the world, with its marketing solutions. AiDAS and Premier Jet App.

Data Scientists, and System Administrators.

AiDAS

 PREMIER JET APP: Premier Jet is an e-commerce mobile application designed by LUXE Digital Now. It is the world’s first and foremost widely used Private Charter app and comes in multiple languages. It is available in all kinds on smart-device platforms and is used to search luxury brands with a global mapping system. The app has inbuilt filters, which help in sorting out the desired destination to shop along with brand names and promotions and organize delivery at ease. Users can register an account via Facebook, Twitter or Google accounts and share products via social accounts. The app is also featured with creating a favorite or a wish list and they can receive app’s push notifications preferences in the personal account such as sales, promotions, offers, new arrivals, and collections.

INDUSTRIOUS EVEN IN THE PANDEMIC The unbridled dispersion of COVID-19 has abruptly shut down the operations and has staged horror in the mind of many organizations. However, even in this wake of the viral outbreak LUXE has ensured that their services continue to operate. The company has associates from all over the world namely Canada, Mexico, and the USA. As such, each country they complied with moved forward into a virtual office system using Oracle Netsuite. This helped the company’s operations continue at a smooth pace and eventually kept every staff member in a safe zone.

 AiDAS (AI Data Technology Solutions): AiDAS is an AI-based cloud program, designed for global organizations to have complete access to their digital marketing, e-commerce and digital technologies data. The priority of this program is to handhold the management of the e-commerce process of a business. However, it also focuses on all the digital marketing needs of a company. In addition to this, the program also showcases investment and profitability input scaling, with real-time conversions and predictive rich data analytics for investment purposes. The program is designed exclusively Further, to keep their team motivated, the founder for C-Level Executives, Marketing Executives, herself ensures communication with her team.

Employees are the prime asset; as such, the  Utilize technologies to enhance the projects company makes sure they are motivated during  Keep clients unity in practice this crisis. In addition to this, the company is working exclusively with foreign governments to stage in their technologies STRATEGIES TO SUSTAIN and to ensure their corporate growth. The approach The panic caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has helped the company in driving their acquisition to created a challenging situation in the organizational higher delivery and value for their stakeholders and hemisphere. And in this situation, it is important that attracts key investors to their technologies. The company companies curate strategies that can help them sustain also provided a discount to their clients for continued in this dark time. LUXE Digital has completed 2 years sustainability. of successful business with a global market and has a progressive client base. They are taking care of these clients responsibly from a variety of perspectives both ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTO nationally and globally. Along with that, they kept in a TECHNOLOGY place few key strategies to globalize, even through this LUXE Digital Now has contributed a lot of innovative pandemic: technologies to the beauty and luxury agencies across  Develop key structures and solutions

 Make sure our clients were digitally ready

the globe. Some of the data technology solutions involve AiDAS, the company’s smart mirrors and software

development for the cosmetic industry. LUXE Digital Now has blazed the trail for innovation in technology. LUXE Digital Now might as well take on new technologies such as space exploration AI and deeper tech for space, e-commerce and holographic AI technologies in future. Within 2 years of successful business LUXE Digital Now has crafted a sustainable business in the global market. Even during this pandemic distress, they have ensured an autonomous business with a strong client base. For their indomitable performance, they have been named as TOP 50 LEADING COMPANIES OF 2020 by “THE SILICON REVIEW“, 10 MOST INFLUENTIAL COMPANIES OF 2020 “THE CXO FORTUNE” and also awarded with 50 TECH LEADER AWARD 2020 by “INTERCON.”

WSI

Developes in-depth knowledge and an extensive network

VALERIE BROWN-DUFOUR PRESIDENT

alerie Brown-Dufour, President of WSI, is an example of a trailblazing woman who is changing the world on her own terms. She is the CEO of a full-service Digital Marketing firm that was founded in 1995. WSI works with clients all over the world to create, develop, and maintain successful digital marketing solutions that help them grow their businesses and revenues.

invest your hard-earned money in the correct digital techniques, can be difficult. However, WSI has built an enormous network of industry thought leaders and indepth knowledge to keep our clients’ solutions fresh. We’d want to extend the same courtesy to you.

Our competitive advantage is the same as yours.

What is the significance of WSI?

Although WSI may appear to be just another local marketing firm, we have one important brand You require a digital marketing agency that you can differentiation from which you can immediately profit. rely on. Finding the perfect marketing firm for your When you collaborate with WSI, you get not only the company, particularly one you can trust and rely on to 16

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Successful Business Leaders To Follow In 2021

We’ve travelled the globe and s k i l l s seen everything there is to see. We have a unique of a local WSI expert, but viewpoint on marketing as a result of our expertise your strategy is also built on the digital experience of assisting firms all over the world. We’re passionate about our larger worldwide network. assisting you, whether you’re in our home country of Canada or on another continent.

Your company is distinct, and so is our approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all digital marketing approaches. Your pain problems may be comparable to those of other organisations, but your aims and objectives are distinct. That’s why we devote a full phase of our approach to producing digital marketing plans (known as the WSI Internet Solutions Lifecycle®) to learning about the marketing issues you need help with.

What we’ll be doing? The truth is that marketing has changed dramatically throughout the years and will continue to do so in the future. But the path we’re on is clear: we’ll guide your company to whatever comes next. Whatever the future holds, we’ll be there to assist you in improving your marketing.

Digital Marketing Services by WSI A worldwide organisation supports your approach.

In terms of digital marketing, we don’t believe in a “onesize-fits-all” approach. Instead, we take the time to learn about your company and customers so that we can offer We’ve seen a lot of digital marketing companies a strategy that is tailored to your specific needs. When come and go in the previous several years. When you you invest in one of WSI’s digital marketing solutions, collaborate with WSI, you can rest assured that you’re you’ll have access to some of the industry’s brightest partnering with a firm that has been in business for minds to help you achieve your objectives. 25 years and commits to face obstacles, take risks, and celebrate victories – together.

A Multi-Award-Winning Company

Our Story Where did we begin?

Since 2007, WSI has won over 115 WMA Web Awards and has been crowned the Top Agency by the Web Marketing Association for two years in a row! These accolades validate WSI’s position as a digital marketing leader by demonstrating the quality of our products.

We’ve been assisting businesses for over 25 years. Imagine how different the tactics and techniques were in those days. Our storyline hasn’t changed, but the techniques have. We assist companies like yours in The Trusted Advisor for Digital Marketing improving their marketing. WSI’s philosophy –.” Valerie explains that the team begins by conducting an in-depth examination of Where have we been? the client’s current digital footprint and determining MARCH 2021

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how they compare to their competitors. WSI designs a digital marketing plan that will fulfil the customer’s business objectives after the team has a comprehensive grasp of where the client is now and what they want to achieve in the future.

is required, regardless of title or responsibility. It’s not uncommon to see one of the co-founders assisting with the setup for the next training class or cleaning up the storage area when necessary. It fosters a true sense of belonging, with everyone feeling appreciated and embraced. Source: WSI

Everything from a new website to landing pages, PPC, SEO, marketing automation, programmatic display marketing, paid campaigns, reputation management, remarketing, and social media marketing could be included in this strategy. “Once an online strategy has been created and implemented, we engage with our clients on a long-term basis to track their progress, as well as update and improve their online presence. We serve as our clients’ trusted advisors, ensuring that they continue to obtain the results they desire,” she says.

“Truly a Globally Connected Network” The corporate culture at WSI is open-door and encourages everyone to share their thoughts. They also celebrate those ideas and accomplishments on a weekly basis. “At the Home Office, we try to make it a lively place and respect all of the diverse cultures we have.” “Everyone swings a mop,” is one of our key values. To put it another way, we all pitch in to do whatever

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https://www.sierratucson.com/

TRADE AND SUPPORT SERVICE W omen have thrived in every sphere of business thanks to their unwavering attitude. Women are no longer limited in their employment choices; instead, they choose to seek new and innovative prospects, changing society’s traditional practises. We celebrate the extraordinary journey of one such outstanding businesswoman who not only picked a different sector of employment but pursued it with zeal, eventually rising to a position of prominence. She is Royal Caribbean International’s Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade, and Support Service, a powerful and determined woman who has led the route to success. Vicki Freed is her name, and this is her success tale.

Her Path selected her rather than the other way around. Vicki always knew she wanted to work in sales, but she had never considered a career in travel. She did an internship at the Boulder, Colorado Conference and Visitors Bureau during her college days, when businesses like Xerox and IBM were the cream of the crop in the sales world. She secured a job at Ask Mr. Foster, a business travel company that is now part of the Carlson Travel Group, thanks to the appropriate connections. Vicki had no prior experience in the travel sector, but after only three weeks on the job, a representative from a bank travel club contacted and asked if she wanted to go on a cruise. His zeal for cruising and enjoyment of it left a lasting impression on her. Back then, cruising was thought to be reserved for newlyweds and overfeds, but after hearing him talk, cruising sounded like the kind of holiday that everyone should take; it sounded magical. Vicki knew she wanted to be a part of that industry for the first time at that point. Vicki says, “Travel and cruising may not have been my first love, but I couldn’t image working in any other area now.” That’s how her career led her down the road to success.

was a difficulty because the company was at the bottom of the hardware pyramid compared to competitors with more recent ships. But what they did give was a very enjoyable ship experience, which became their selling point, bolstering her industry knowledge.

Before Royal Caribbean Vicki worked at Carnival for 29 years, rising through the ranks from Sales Rep to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing before joining Royal Caribbean. Carnival had been in operation for six years at the time she started, aiming to shift people’s perceptions about cruising and attract a new audience, making it an exciting period for the company. Vicki had an incredible time being a part of such a transformation and has seen the sector take off. “I had no intention of quitting Carnival in the first place. However, when my employer, Bob Dickinson, retired, there was a change in leadership. And it was at that point that I realised I didn’t work for a firm; I worked for individuals and a culture. “Royal Caribbean tapped me on the shoulder at the same time, and I realised it was time for a change,” Vicki says. With Royal Caribbean, she began a new chapter in her professional career.

The Services and Growth of Royal Caribbean With 26 ships and counting, Royal Caribbean is a global vacation provider. Royal Caribbean is the undisputed king of the Caribbean, sailing there all year. They are, nevertheless, major players in China, Europe, and others. The company’s goal for innovation is one of the things that really defines it. With the introduction of the Voyager Class in 1999, they brought cruising to a whole new level. Now, when compared to their Oasis and Quantum Class ships, which are among the world’s largest, even that seems insignificant.

Vicki faced numerous hurdles as a novice in a new field, Expanding the market to attract more first-time cruise all of which aided her in improving. Working for Carnival travellers is one of the company’s main problems today. 20

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Successful Business Leaders To Follow In 2021

VICKI FREED

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Although Vicki has seen a significant increase in cruise travellers, who have gone from 3% to 28%, many people still have no idea what cruising is. For continued growth, they must continue to articulate the experience and value of cruising over land vacations.

A savvy entrepreneur and a visionary leader Vicki supervises Royal Caribbean’s (industry-leading) sales team as Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support, and Service. Reservations, Group Sales, Customer Service, and their Consumer Outreach section are among the operations covered. She also oversees their Trade Support and Service teams, which are critical because travel agents 22

account for the majority of Royal Caribbean’s revenue. Vicki is in charge of a staff of about 2,600 people. Her ability to listen, as well as her belief that everyone, regardless of title or position, is entitled to equal respect, has gained her a reputation as a passionate leader who seamlessly blends kindness with smart competence. She was inducted into the Cruise Line International Association’s renowned Hall of Fame as the recipient of their 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award, because to her reputation and extensive list of industry contributions. Source: Trade and Support Service

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https://www.aistechnolabs.com/

LISA MILLER President

Century Link

enturyLink began as a top technological company in the United States. Lisa Miller is the President of CenturyLink’s $7 billion Wholesale, Indirect, and Small and Medium Business business groups, which employ over 2,400 people. Lisa exemplifies excellent leadership and is an inspiration to anybody pursuing their aspirations. She has a tough attitude and the resolve to conquer any obstacle. We’re thrilled to share her success storey with our readers, particularly ambitious businesswomen, as a case study in excellence.

go a long way. Lisa Miller was raised in a small Iowa town in a family of self-assured, loud, and driven people. Her parents owned and operated a furniture and auction company, and their success was built on exceptional customer service and creative marketing. “I remember writing on their storefront windows with bottles of shoe polish to make a big impression on potential customers,” she says. Lisa’s current position is the result of a customerfirst approach, a focus on quality in customer service, differentiating yourself in the market, and a strong work ethic.

Hard work and a customer-centric mindset 24

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Successful Business Leaders To Follow In 2021

Fr o m telecommunications to a technological powerhouse CenturyLink’s long-term success has been fuelled by the dedication of its employees, the devotion of its customers, and a commitment to run the company according to the unifying principles established by Mr. Williams in the business’s early days. These values of justice, honesty, and integrity, as well as a commitment to quality, a positive attitude, respect, faith, and perseverance, will continue to guide CenturyLink’s success as it moves forward. CenturyLink, the second largest U.S. communications supplier to global enterprise firms, seeks to provide network stability, as well as secure and reliable services, to fulfil businesses’ expanding digital expectations.

■ Internet ■ MPLS – IP VPN ■ SD-WAN ■ Broadband ■ Ethernet ■ Wavelength ■ Business Bundles ■ Content Services ■ Content Delivery Network (CDN) ■ Vyvx Linear Broadcast Service IT agility enables faster application delivery and increased business responsiveness to help meet customer needs. Services include: ■ Cloud Services

CenturyLink: A Solutions Designed for Businesses

Portfolio

CenturyLink is a technology leader that provides customers all over the world with hybrid networking, cloud connectivity, and security solutions. CenturyLink provides safe and dependable services to satisfy the expanding digital demands of businesses and consumers through its massive global fibre network. The company is to be the trusted link to the connected world, with an emphasis on providing technology that improves the customer experience. CenturyLink believes that focusing on adaptive networking, IT agility, and connected security is the key to enabling digital business. Adaptive networking improves connections with cloud-like flexibility, built-in automation, adaptable management and integrated security. Services include: ■ Network Services/Hybrid Networking

■ Public Cloud ■ Private Cloud ■ Cloud Application Manager ■ Cloud Connect ■ Integrated Solutions with Cloud Applications ■ Big Data as a Service ■ IoT ■ SAP Ecosystem ■ Resiliency Services Connected security solutions allow businesses to see and stop more with a thorough approach to network security and real-time threat intelligence and automated response. Services include: ■ Network Security Services ■ Adaptive Network Security Services ■ DDoS Mitigation

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■ Premises Security customer experience across enterprise, government, Services wholesale, and consumer channels. ■ Managed Firewall

CenturyLink is focused on offering network stability ■ Managed Web and a service experience that sets it apart from the competition and influences customer decisions to buy Application Firewall and stay with CenturyLink. Not only is the company’s ■ Analytics and Threat network growing, but so are its service capabilities. Management Lisa is also concentrating on international expansion ■ Business Bundles through the indirect channel. CenturyLink announced CenturyLink also offers voice and unified in September that its Channel Partner Program has communications services including VoIP, traditional extended to include EMEA. This expansion provides voice, unified communications and contact center direct access to resources in EMEA for its present North American Partner base, allowing them to better serve solutions, as well as a variety of managed services. consumers. CenturyLink will seek out new partners in CenturyLink is committed to global expansion. the region who will be able to benefit from the company’s CenturyLink aspires to provide the world’s most trusted large global solutions and network footprint. connection to the networked world, with an emphasis on providing technology that improves the customer experience. The corporation recognises the importance The Importance of Life Balance of connections in both life and business. CenturyLink Lisa Miller’s greatest strength is her ability to lead with stands out from its competitors thanks to its extensive integrity. She is a leader who is open, honest, enthusiastic, global network reach, significant local presence, and and intelligent. She takes satisfaction in inspiring others innovative technology solutions, all of which are to achieve their goals and unite behind the vision she combined with a focus on providing an exceptional develops. The ability to make a decision is a sign of customer experience across enterprise, government, strength. She investigates a problem in order to make wholesale, and consumer channels. the best conclusion feasible as rapidly as feasible. Finally, ■ Approximately 450,000 global route miles of fiber ■ 150,000+ on-net buildings

her success is based on her passion. Lisa is devoted to the firm, its clients, partners, and staff.

■ Provide internet or voice services to approximately 6 As a woman in top leadership, Lisa is inspired every million consumer broadband subscribers in 37 states day. She is pleased to watch CenturyLink continue to progress and adapt. Her family is her number one source of energy and drive, from her parents, who instilled CenturyLink is committed to global in her a strong work ethic, to her four daughters and husband. She wants to motivate her own children and expansion. staff to achieve their full potential, just like her parents CenturyLink aspires to provide the world’s most trusted did for her. connection to the networked world, with an emphasis on providing technology that improves the customer Source: CenturyLink experience. The corporation recognises the importance of connections in both life and business. CenturyLink stands out from its competitors thanks to its extensive global network reach, significant local presence, and innovative technology solutions, all of which are combined with a focus on providing an exceptional 26

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https://www.ihps.com/services/

PRINCIPLES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP E ntrepreneurs need to follow some basic principles which would serve as guidelines and beacons for their success. Based on the research conducted over a period of three years and by interviewing more than 150 entrepreneurs, noted author and management expert, Bill Murphy came out with a book about entrepreneurship which was published by Harvard Business School. This article is based on the insights from this book and lists five principles that should serve as markers for both aspiring as well as existing entrepreneurs. One of the insights from this research is that most of these principles can be learned from experience and the process of starting a venture is an educational experience in itself. With this introduction, we can now move on to the five principles of entrepreneurship as put forward by Bill Murphy.

It is important for entrepreneurs to test the waters before launching a new venture. This means that one must commit oneself to the ideal of entrepreneurship and try out new business models, and new forms and paradigms of transacting business. In other words, the entrepreneurs must not be in a hurry to make profits from the word go and instead, understand what entrepreneurship is all about. For instance, it is better to come up with a game changing idea instead of pursuing leads that are dead ends which means that entrepreneurs must be ready to be in the game for the long haul.

It is always not the case that Entrepreneurs should make money fast and this should not be the goal

This principle translates into waiting for the right opportunity and at the same time, seizing the moment when the opportunity arises. Of course, we are not saying that entrepreneurs ought to wait forever for the

It is always better to find the right opportunity even if it takes time instead of chasing mirages

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right opportunity. Rather, the intention here is that entrepreneurs must ensure that they have the necessary foundation in place to capitalize on the opportunity and also must have an idea and a business model that would create opportunities in case they are finding it difficult to get the venture going. For instance, as the clichés about how opportunity knocks only once as well as if you do not find an opportunity, build a door so that you are ready when the opportunity arises can be taken to mean that entrepreneurs must both create opportunities as well as seize them when they arise. Another analogy would be that entrepreneurs must be ready with the fishing rods and the baits when they go fishing and if the river, sea, or lake is saturated, they must fish in waters that are “blue oceans” meaning that they must create new markets for themselves.

listen. However, the fact that they failed in their businesses was mainly due to the gap between ideas and execution.

Invest in people and build successful teams

Entrepreneurs must be self-actualizing visionaries

As with the previous principle, entrepreneurs must ensure that they have the right team in place before they start the venture. After all, unless there is a team in place, the venture would not be able to capitalize on the opportunities. Further, entrepreneurs must ensure that the team is passionate, committed, and most importantly, shares the vision and mission of the founders. In other words, unless there is a buy-in from the team with the founder’s ideas, the venture would flounder. Apart from these, getting the right people who have focus, drive, loyalty, determination, courage, and consistency in addition to being motivated and creative are some requirements that the entrepreneurs can ill afford to ignore.

It is always not enough to have everything in place. Execution and Delivery are what matters

Therefore, the entrepreneur has to be a leader who walks the talk and understands the meaning of execution. Further, leadership means that entrepreneurs must not be afraid of failure and must instead, turn adversity into triumph and transform failure into a stepping stone for success. Indeed, great entrepreneurs are those who are willing to trust their instincts and intuition and back themselves up when the venture is yet to fructify or even making losses. In other words, if you think that you have a great idea and are executing it well with the right team, you need to persist and keep going even when the conventional wisdom says that you are getting it wrong.

Ask any successful entrepreneur and they would say that while money is indeed important and profits are indeed essential, it is always not about the money or that making profits is the only thing that matters. Instead, great entrepreneurship is all about heeding the inner voice, creating jobs and opportunities for others, be conscious of societal prosperity due to the venture instead of having a me, myself only attitude, and most importantly, translate their vision into success. For instance, there are many of us who have heard or come across individuals who gave up cushy jobs to find their passions and to follow and chase their dreams. Therefore, successful entrepreneurship is all about making a difference to the world and becoming a social messiah who would transform societies with his or her ventures.

Finally, entrepreneurship must be seen as a starting point to transform oneself and in the process become a change Have you ever got the feeling that a salesperson is engaging agent. For this to happen, the entrepreneur must be both you in glib talk wherein he or she is trying to convince be able to fulfill environmental, social, and economic you to buy a product which is untested? Similarly, all talk expectations from the larger system and at the same time, and no execution would lead the new venture nowhere must drive themselves in the pursuit of their dreams. and hence, it is important for entrepreneurs to ensure that Indeed, the balance between inner aspirations and external expectations is the most important determinant they walk the talk and deliver on their promises. for success. Indeed, it is not enough to have a game changing idea and a great team in place unless the entrepreneur knows the art of execution. As happened during the Dotcom boom, *This article was presented by: Swiftnlift Business there were many startups with great ideas and equally Magazine great teams that promised the moon for anyone willing to MARCH 2021

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GLOBAL CLOUD ALLIANCE

hristine encourages every woman to make experience. The majority of the businesses choices that will help her to create access to with whom F5 works are at various stages of learning, opportunities, and growth. cloud adoption. My metric is to determine how Below are the highlights of the interview conducted much of an investment clients are willing to make between SwiftNLift Business Magazine and in cloud technologies. My approach to engagement is to build mutually beneficial partnerships with a Christine Puccio focus on strategic impact and cloud-based digital transformation. This is always a team effort that includes product engineering, marketing, sales, Please tell us about your journey. customer success, and support. Working at Lockheed Martin at the age of 25 was my first foray into the IT field. I had majored in accounting in college and worked for Lockheed What is your strategy to reach new Martin, fulfilling my ambition of working for a Fortune 100 corporation. Soon after, I was customers and industries? hired as a salesperson at Pacific Bell Internet Customer service is the new winning formula Services. After six months on the job, I began to in today's business. The tried-and-true tactic of exceed my quotas and was swiftly promoted to a outsmarting the competition by comparing yourself management position. On the company's sales to them merely serves to provide the opposing whiteboard, I was always in the top three of ten team free publicity. My strategy is to emphasise F5's sales agents in this capacity. As a result, I began my distinct qualities to our customers. In this sense, in career as a leader in the fast-paced IT and Cloud a market where competition is unavoidably fierce, industry. I've worked for companies including a thorough internal review is critical. Another Sun Microsystems, RedHat, and NGINIX, which unusual business strategy I promote is utilising was acquired by F5 Networks, in various sales, resources outside of the organisation where I work. marketing, contracting, and partnering roles over We should take advantage of any opportunities the course of my 25-year career. This employment for partnership with a field organisation that will has provided me the opportunity to work with benefit the industry in the long run. SAP, Google, AWS, and other software businesses, providing me with invaluable insight into market What are the qualities that every demands and competitiveness.

businesswoman should possess?

A two-decade journey through an industry aids in the evolution of your thought process. I used to be quiet, cautious, and kept to myself earlier in my A cloud journey evaluation is the first step in career. I didn't believe it was necessary for me to diversifying your offering. I look at data around express my views. My outlook evolved significantly usage, impact, and savings because of my accounting as I progressed up the corporate ladder. My

How do you stand different than those who are already into this business?

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CHRISTINE PUCCIO VICE PRESIDENT SwiftNLift

leadership involves both my own thoughts and bring on board and encouraged me to contribute to ideas, as well as ideas and insights I've gained from the community through collaboration, storytelling others. I believe it is critical for me to encourage our and coaching other women. staff to think outside the box and to demonstrate a distinct point of view. These concepts assist us in are your thoughts on reaching higher aims and assisting management in What achieving organisational objectives. "Meritocracy's Myth"?

What is your contribution towards the business? As a leader in the world’s fastest industry, you need to participate in an active community to keep you grounded, focused and to expand your network. I am a strategic advisor to Women in Cloud, a Seattlebased organization dedicated to bringing $1 billion in economic access to women-led STEM businesses by 2030. My introduction to the community was through an acquaintance, which led me to connect with Chaitra Vedullapalli (President & Cofounder, WiC). Chaitra recognized the expertise I could

And what impact could it have in today's corporate world? According to statistics, utilising a diverse workforce makes good commercial sense. I've been lucky enough to work for a number of companies who think that brilliant ideas may originate from anyone, regardless of their job description. I've always been a strong supporter of diversity and inclusiveness. I successfully developed Red Hat's first neurodiversity programme in 2017 – the first of its kind in the company's history. I'm also a strong supporter of my autistic daughter. In this regard, I've spent more than a decade working inside the legal and educational institutions in the United States to ensure that autistic children

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have the greatest possible existence. The lack of diversity in the IT industry is a subject that is gaining more attention. Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be included into company culture and business operations. Diverse viewpoints and ideas will be brought in by a meritocratic culture, which will encourage innovation.

How do you manage to working into different areas? Technology is ever-changing, so you have to be willing and able to change with the times and to keep up with the needs of your clients. I follow inﬂuencers, spend time reading, talk with customers and partners to keep up. For my work, I have been featured in the media by Bloomberg, NBC15, Wharton Business School, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. Given my industry expertise, I was recently quoted in the book you had me at Hello World alongside technology executives from Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. I continue to stay well versed in the constant news surrounding my industry.

What are your future ventures? I envision myself continuing to work on transformational projects in the future. After spending so many years in the sector and working for a variety of companies, I am well-equipped to help solve complicated challenges and provide individuals with ideas and information to help them achieve digital transformation. Source: f5 Networks

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JULIE LEBLAN CEO

Merit Incentives

erit Incentives started a new business after realising the value of this unique method of raising employee morale and presenting new approaches to retain clients. Merit Incentives is a MENA-based company that uses cutting-edge technology to deliver gifts, rewards, and engagement methods. Julie Leblan, the brains behind the concept who has successfully blended technology and creativity to build a viable business, founded it in 2012 as MyList. Merit Incentives' storey motivates us to pursue our goals with fervour and dedication, leaving a trail of success stories in our wake as we document it.

About the company

MyList, the parent company of Merit Incentives, was founded in 2012 as the first online gift registry and universal gift card for the Middle East, bringing to the region what has been a highly successful and mature business model in the United States and Europe for many years. Over the last seven years, the company has established exclusive ties with more than 75 prominent shops in the UAE alone, with over 400 across the MENA area. In 2016, Merit Incentives was officially launched as the MENA region’s leading merchandise and gift card offering in the gift and reward fulfillment services sector. Indeed, MyList is MARCH 2021

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based platform. the only home-grown company in the region offering both gift cards and merchandises from local as well as worldwide merchants and becomes the partner of choice for several global The CEO’s Insights reward solutions providers. Julie Leblan, a financial lawyer, saw the urge to start her own business and become an The Merited Services of Excellence entrepreneur. It allowed her to strike a balance MERIT INCENTIVES offer new business-to- between career and family life as a woman. She business & technology services and solutions began her career as a solicitor with some of Paris' such as: top law firms before moving to the Royal Bank  Gift fulfillment services (gift cards & of Scotland's Paris branch as a structured finance merchandises) to loyalty programmes, manager, supporting clients in arranging loans employee recognition & sales incentives for global or pan-European transactions. She programmes, joined Mayer Brown's Paris finance department  Introducing into the MENA region in 2008, where she helped international clients with structured loans (LBOs, real estate, technology solutions for retailers: corporate loans), M&A, securitization, and deal ■ the SaaS & White-Label technology platform structuring. for Retailers to enable their eGift Card or eCoupons either by integrating with their Julie is a member of the Paris Bar and holds master's degrees in law from Strasbourg (France) POS or deploying WEBPOS solution; and Exeter University (UK). She refocused her ■ a white-label gift registry platform for career on business after moving to Dubai in Retailers (incl. department stores). 2010 and taking a maternity leave, founding her  Introducing into the MENA region the first company in 2012. expertise and technology to allow companies “It makes me happy to see how much you to increase engagement: contribute to your clients' businesses and how ■ Customer engagement using loyalty, gift cards & incentives technologies by offering white labelled Mobile app or web-responsive Marketplace for corporate/institution to offer points redemption system for e-gift cards, merchandises, experiences and for their employees or customers

much you influence how they work. I've always wanted to invent and develop something unique that has a positive impact on people's lives since I was a child. This, I assume, is what distinguishes me as a true millennial,” Julie explains.

■ Employee engagement (employee Achievements & the Motivating recognition, sales incentive, learning and Factor wellness incentive needs) using a SaaS cloud- Merit Incentives is all about innovation MARCH 2021

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and modular solutions that make it simple for businesses to scale and improve their technologies and services. Their mission is to revolutionise the world of rewards, incentives, and engagement technologies by providing a simple plug-and-play solution and leveraging AI and machine learning to improve segmentation. Merit Incentives is also a multi-award-winning firm known for its engagement, digitization, and innovation skills.

are making in the market. Being acknowledged by the industry and clients as an innovator and market leader is also a constant source of motivation for the team.

The Promising Future Merit Incentives recently obtained additional worldwide arrangements, such as distributing and selling IKEA gift cards in 24 countries. Merit Incentives is well positioned to gain access to clients that desire a worldwide reach (they cover over 2,500 in more than 40 countries), superior technology, and a company that is continually adjusting to the needs of its clients while also benefiting from its experience in new areas. Merit Incentives will be successful on a global scale because all that is required of clients now is individualised technological solutions with global reach.

MyList Group was named one of the top 100 startups in the Arab World by Forbes Middle East in 2017, and one of the top 12 up-andcoming companies in the MENA region by Forbes in 2018, and has won numerous awards in the last five years, establishing the company as an industry expert: nominated as Start-up of the Year 2018 and best B2C website of the year by Seamless Awards in 2018, and SMB awards by Esca in 2018. Merit has also been a part of the Microsoft AI Accelerator in 2019 and is currently a Plug & Play startup (Fintech 2019). Julie was Source: Merit Incentives recently named Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 at the London-based Incentive Awards. Merit Incentives personnel are motivated by their company's progress and the difference they 36

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MEYLAH CORPORATION

haitra Vedullapalli, Meylah's Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, is a passionate woman entrepreneur and IT expert who uses AI and Cloud technologies to assist consumers in achieving success. Digital Strategy, Leading Digital Transformation, Cloud & Mobile Transformation, Channel Management, Strategic Partnerships, Product Innovation, Mergers and Acquisitions, eCommerce Excellence, and Digital Marketing are some of her areas of competence.

enterprise-ready company that can provide Cloud and AI solutions to our customers.

How do you stand different than other organizations? I run two organizations: Meylah and Women In Cloud. Both the companies strictly follow the motto to serve people and customers and are advancing their innovations with Cloud technologies.

Below are the highlights of the interview conducted Meylah is a Cloud Solution Provider with the goal between SwiftNLift Business Magazine and Chaitra of assisting businesses in gaining access to the Vedullapalli. digital economy. We support customers in two ways as a Microsoft Gold Partner

Please tell us about your journey. My passions were fashion, sports, music, and the creative arts. For me, engineering and technology were a reach. My first brush with COBOL programming in college convinced me that I should avoid it at all costs. Until I learned about Oracle Databases and Windows, I was convinced I lacked the imagination to create technical code. I was enticed to investigate further by the bright and effective interface. With technology, I was able to see what was previously unseen, and I chose to postpone my intentions to seek a post-graduate degree in music in order to pursue technology as a professional route. However, I wanted to work for Microsoft because they were able to make a billion people's lives better through technology.

■ SaaS Solutions — SpeakerEngage and Merchant Management System are two of our unique technologies that help planners and decisionmakers automate their businesses. ■ Cloud Services - In the enterprise sector, we offer digital transformation services ranging from consultancy to Cloud development, digital marketing, and management.

How do you strategize to tackle the competition in the market?

Every company in the market supports digital transformation. The key to being successful is to differentiate your offerings and services. I defy from competing on the basis of price and When the opportunity arose, I was ecstatic capabilities. Value, impact and access are our core because I had a burning desire to learn how to pillars looking to beneﬁt purpose-driven leaders create a billion-dollar plan, which Microsoft had and companies that drive inclusive growth and accomplished. The transformation from ignoring impact in the marketplace. technology to functioning in the world's largest Hence at Meylah, we focus on 3 core things: industry has been remarkable. At Meylah, my ■ SaaS Solution offering for enabling digital husband and I are working hard to establish an 38

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CHAITRA VEDULLAPALLI CO-FOUNDER & CMO

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from consultancy to Cloud development, digital ■ Invest in public-private opportunities to build marketing, and management. smart communities to accelerate economic development. transformation within days instead of months.

What is your contribution towards the

■ Enterprise-ready services to help enterprises to cause of Women in Cloud? digitally transform their business through Blue My entrepreneurial path indicated that Meylah's Ocean strategies. access to money, clients, sponsors, and community is limited. Because I had a lot of tribal knowledge What are the qualities that every about tech channels, I proposed a Cloudready programme to educate organisations about businesswoman should possess? Microsoft channel prospects. I spoke with almost The technology industry has not only taught me to 5000 companies as part of the pan-US initiative, but adopt change but also embrace the rate of change. only 5% of them were led by women entrepreneurs The rate of change in the industry is increasing or leaders, many of whom were cautious and shy by the hour and demands constant oversight to communicate. A discussion with these women of current trends. To combat stress and feeling exposed a larger issue in the system: gender bias overwhelmed, there are three key traits I believe in technology. ‘We need change,' I said right away. each business woman should possess: Following that, Karen Fassio and I, who worked ■ Situational leadership: This leadership strategy together on the Cloud-ready programme, is extremely beneﬁcial to be present and take decided to create a network for female leaders, decisions that a certain scenario requires. entrepreneurs, and technologists to provide ■ Economic Access Creation: Access creation is economic prospects. Women in Cloud grew out of another characteristic I passionately practice thoughts scribbled on a napkin in a cafe by women to unlock economic opportunities for people who wanted to carve out their own route in the around me. My mantra is to help people achieve fastest-growing industry. their highest level of growth on Maslow’s Women in Cloud has had a positive impact on my pyramid. personal development. Over the last three years, Ultimately, acquiring emotional and relationship currencies to understand people and unlock blockers for them to realize their ultimate potential. I believe a leader’s capabilities and achievements lie in the contentment of the people they are leading.

my enthusiasm for technology has grown, as has my determination to overcome the "What ifs" that I am continuously confronted with, and my ambition to reform the sector to be more inclusive. Initially, the constant energy I had to throw into this community became a way of life for me.

What were the constraints faced by you? And how did you overcome them? Meylah is a Cloud Solution Provider with the goal of assisting businesses in gaining access to the digital economy. We support customers in two ways as a Microsoft Gold Partner: SaaS Solutions — SpeakerEngage and Merchant Management System are two of our unique technologies that help planners and decision-makers automate their businesses. Cloud Services - In the enterprise sector, we offer digital transformation services ranging 40

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What are your insights on “The myth of meritocracy”? And how it could bring a change in today’s business arena? In actuality, a merit-based system does not exist in many aspects of life. What and how are two factors that are used to determine success. What you contribute, add, and effect through your work is referred to as ‘what.' The unseen aspect, on the other side, is the ‘How,' which includes interpersonal dynamics, emotional currency, sponsorship aircover, and access creation. It all comes down to the significant inclusion you've created for others through your efforts in the end. This holistic approach, in my opinion, outperforms conventional hard labour.

What are your upcoming projects? The Covid-19 epidemic provided me with the opportunity to reflect on and rework the aims for both Meylah and Women in Cloud; we are now laser-focused on our aims and impact. We at Meylah are dedicated to providing innovative solutions to our customers in order to help them accelerate their digital transformation and generate societal impact in order to fulfil the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Women in Cloud is on a mission to change the industry's inclusiveness, thus we're working on long-term programmes and solutions to help women get access to economic prospects. In the future, optimization will be a priority. Mostly, I'm focused on providing value to our current members rather than simply increasing the community's size. Source: Meylah

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TOP FIVE REASONS WHY ENTREPRENEURS FAIL Introduction

reasons is missing the trees for the forest or not paying enough attention to details and at the same Entrepreneurship is a hard business, and unless time, missing the forest for the trees or getting too entrepreneurs are constantly on top of their game, bogged down in the details that the big picture is they are doomed to fail. According to research, only ignored. around 10% of all new businesses survive into their second year, and entrepreneurs frequently wind up 1. Funding Challenges on the wrong side of success. The top five reasons why entrepreneurs fail are discussed in this article, The first of these factors has to do with finances. and they include fundraising, staffing, financials, As we all know, new ventures and startups require operational issues, and peaking too early or too finance at all phases of their development, therefore late. All of these causes share the similar theme the entrepreneur must ensure that venture capitalists of not properly managing the venture and being and financial institutions back him or her from the slack or lazy when it comes to the guts and bolts of start and provide ongoing support. Entrepreneurs frequently fail to deceive because a managing the enterprise. Further, the other theme that runs through these seemingly promising idea fails to generate money 42

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that all entrepreneurs micromanage their firms, some engagement in the day-to-day operations is necessary and even important. This means that the entrepreneur should hold the business in his or her hands, especially during the formative years or the first year at the very least, to ensure that there is no slippage between the cup and the lip when it comes 2. Staffing Issues to translating ideas into company operations. The second reason why entrepreneurs fail has to do Many entrepreneurs believe it is beneath them with staffing. Entrepreneurs frequently do not staff to engage and involve themselves in things like their companies with the appropriate resources, work schedules, human resources, and day-to-day and as a result, they frequently lack the necessary financials, and they end up paying the price. resources when the initiative takes off. For example, these days, businesses require sufficient resources 5. Too early or too late to peak when new projects arrive or when business picks The fifth reason many entrepreneurs fail is that up. Having too many resources, on the other hand, their businesses often peak early or late, causing can be a hindrance to the venture because resources them to miss the window of opportunity when the take money and time to maintain. Furthermore, optimal combination of conception, incubation, not having the necessary resources because they are and execution is realised, resulting in success. either too expensive or unwilling to take the risk of For example, some entrepreneurs have gamechanging ideas but peak too early, causing them to working for a startup. misinterpret market signals. This frequently results 3. Cash Shortage and Liquidity Shortage in burnout and exhaustion, particularly when the The third cause for new venture failure has to do desired momentum is required. On the other hand, with the financials or the management of cash flows, some entrepreneurs peak too late, which means as previously indicated. This is due to the fact that they underestimate the time it would take to get most business owners do not anticipate the cash their products or solutions to market. constraint that results from an imbalance between accounts payable and receivables. Source & reference: Medium, Finance Buddha Furthermore, it is common for fledgling companies to budget for future income now, implying that the firm will run out of funds if the revenues do not materialise. Furthermore, it is possible that venture capitalist funding will dry up unexpectedly, causing financial issues. Indeed, while the enterprise may postpone receivables, it cannot do the same with payables since suppliers, employees, and vendors cannot be certain that the entrepreneur will keep his or her promises, as evidenced by the recent high-profile closures in India's aviation sector. or business, causing venture funders to lose faith in the venture and withdraw their funds. Apart from that, several businesses and their founders fail to predict the constant financial flow required to keep the enterprise afloat, which we will cover in further detail later.

4. Mismanagement of operations The fourth reason why new businesses fail is because the entrepreneur fails to handle the nuts and bolts of running the company in an effective, efficient, and efficacious manner. For example, many entrepreneurs avoid getting their hands dirty in the details of running a firm, preferring to focus on the broad picture. Though we do not recommend MARCH 2021

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RENEE BERGERON Senior Vice President

AppSmart R

enee shares her insightful insights on how she is inspiring businesses to fly through digital innovation in an interview with Swiftnlift Business Magazine. She is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of AppSmart at the moment. Below are the highlights of the interview:

on their needs and convenience. So ultimately, as providers, we focus on the customer experience. I invariably put myself in the customers’ shoes to experience our offerings. If you do not appreciate your services as a consumer, why should a customer experience it? Hence, we internalize before we build on it.

Businesses are essentially groups of people who use technology to help them operate more How do you stand different than efficiently, and I consider their mission to serve them. For example, if our customers are dentists, others? We are all consumers of technology in the personal my duty as a business leader would be to figure and professional aspects of our life. Consumers out what technology would best enable dentists to are sophisticated and differentiate solutions based service their clients. This method would entail me personally reaching out to my dentist to learn about 44

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their needs so that we can create a roadmap of new Please tell us about your methodology. solutions. Your solutions will have no impact unless We run on a proven Six-Step methodology, which you have a strong desire to address client problems is as follows: and provide the greatest experience possible. 1. Discovery: We can propose the most efficient Voice, Data, and Cloud solutions for your organisation after learning about your Why should one prefer you? organisation, staff, difficulties, and goals. Doing business with us you get a one-stop shop for business technology with AppSmart and our 2. Research: With no upfront cost or obligation, our team of specialists reviews your current network of IT experts. We provide premier cloud solutions to suggest improvements and future applications with exceptional support, as well prospects. as the best connection, voice, and energy/IoT solutions, as well as unbiased advice to help you 3. Source: We put together a full breakdown with quickly select and deploy the ideal technology for your company. Are you just starting started with your company? Are you trying to extend and grow your consumer base? Our trustworthy and unbiased technology experts are there to assist you obtain all you need to fuel your future, no matter where you are in your company journey. Thousands of businesses of all sizes and industries entrust their IT decisions to AppSmart. Fortune 5000 enterprises and small businesses in retail, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, banking, television and film production, as well as nonprofits, universities, and other industries are among the participants. MARCH 2021

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a hand-picked list of solution providers who can assist you in overcoming obstacles and achieving your objectives now and in the future.

What services and solutions you provide to the customers?

You'll find the industry's largest portfolio of applications and services at AppSmart, with offerings from hundreds of leading vendors. It's all the business technology you'll ever need, all in one location, with technology advisers to help you find 4. Selection: We facilitate the best answers to your problems. communication with the supplier after assisting you in determining which provider Whether it's increasing restaurant profits, best meets your needs, ensuring you receive the supporting your auto repair shop, efficiently running your health care facility, or any other best pricing, terms, and solution. company need, our independent technology 5. Negotiate: On your behalf, we'll negotiate the experts can help you swiftly locate and implement a most attractive contract terms with any supplier. tailored solution to handle your specific difficulties. 6. Implement: We work hard to ensure that your order is executed correctly and on time, and we're always ready for updates, moves, or Solutions That Are Tailored to Your Specific Requirements adjustments as your company grows. ■ Cloud: With cloud computing and services, you can run and

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scale your organisation fast and affordably. ■ Connectivity: Keep your staff linked at all times, from anywhere. ■ Wireless/Mobility: Assist your mobile employees in remaining productive and connected. ■ Services that are managed: Concentrate on your business as technology professionals handle your day-to-day requirements. ■ Security that is managed: Protect your company from cyberthreats and the financial damages that come with them. ■ Energy: To save money, improve employee and customer comfort, and go green, optimise your energy plan. ■ Devices: Track and manage all of your company's devices.

What are your upcoming projects? Working in the technology industry has the advantage of allowing my future to take on any magnificent shape. While I have a general idea of what the next several years will entail, it will be thrilling to be part of that adventure as new chances arise. The aims I aim to pursue, making technology accessible to businesses of all kinds, will remain consistent; yet, the pathways I take to get there will undoubtedly take many forms, exposing me to new and better experiences. Source: AppSmart

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US ONE COMMERCIAL CHANNEL SALES ORGANIZATION

ani discusses how she has been intentional about investing in herself, understanding her company's customers' businesses and industries, and keeping an eye on the digital disruption and transformation that lies ahead in an interview with SwiftNLift Business Magazine. Below are the highlights of the interview:

define your unique value offer and acknowledge that there is always one essential differential between you and your list of competitors. This will determine your customer's relationship and connection with you. Furthermore, be a disruptor and an innovator. Plug into the market, spend money on R&D, and keep an eye on the trends.

How do you strategize to tackle the What are the qualities that every businesswoman should possess? competition in the market? My attitude toward competitiveness has changed over time. It is critical to identify your competitors and determine their strengths and weaknesses. Excessive focus on the competition, on the other hand, leads to missed opportunities. Instead, turn your gaze inward. To deal with competition, you must first

Over the years, I have realized as a businesswoman you need to develop some traits to continue working with precision. ■ Perseverance: Being persistent allows you to push through difﬁculties until success is realized. If you lack perseverance, you might stop short of making

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SHERLEANDER PHILLIPS VICE PRESIDENT

SwiftNLift

possible. What is the answer? What is the customer's ■ Strength and Confidence: Confidence is an and their company's value? What role does this play essential tool to be able to face the challenges you in their Digital Transformation efforts? We need to may encounter. Strength equips you to deal with the keep informed as technology leaders. adversity. As a woman, you have to fight for what Furthermore, regardless of your place in the hierarchy, you believe in and have the strength, confidence you must invest in professional business abilities to and ability to face all the things coming your way. remain modern. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and ■ Success and Failures: Studying failure allows one Intelligence Quotient (IQ) will be required of modern to course-correct to push ahead. But, studying leaders (IQ). Accept both viewpoints and put them successes helps you identify the winning formula, into practise throughout your career. I've also adopted a growth mindset because, as digital transformation which can be replicated. that final mile to reach your goal.

■ Growth Mindset and Inclusivity: An environment where people feel seen, valued, and heard, and have a sense of belonging is the success model. When people are allowed to operate from their strengths and approach situations with a growth mindset, there is no goal unattainable. ■ Personal Well Being: We are only human. Finding the balance and taking care of your mental, physical and spiritual health is essential to being more balanced. Personally, this is always my struggle, but prioritizing self-care is the only way you can show up as your best self. Career stagnation can also become a barrier for any leader, regardless of gender. When you stay in a role or group for a substantial amount of time, people start to develop a blueprint of who you are and what you’re capable of and automatically put you in a box. The longer you stay, the more it will stagnate you because they can only see you in a certain type of role. I dealt with this by always challenging myself to sign up for additional challenges, taking on stretch projects, and expanding my network with an intention to add value in unique ways.

How do you manage to work in different areas? Technology has no bounds. In this world, you simply cannot stop learning. This fast-paced field helps me to hone both my business and technical talents. Technological progress is accelerating unparalleled rate. Without a thorough understanding of technology and its specifics, no commercial engagement is 50

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accelerates, we need to invest in both business and technological abilities to remain nimble and competitive.

What are your upcoming projects? The mindset of "goals on paper" is limited. Checking boxes hasn't been on my agenda lately because it pushed me to the next item on the list instead of allowing me to embrace the growth I was experiencing. Despite the fact that my objectives are set, I am committed to enjoy the ride by leaving room for experimentation and new experiences. I am committed to continuing my leadership experience in Corporate America in order to not only create outstanding business results, but also to make a difference with our most valuable asset our people. I'm mostly concerned with giving back to the upcoming generation of leaders. Mentoring/ coaching, blogging, social media platforms, and two passion projects are helping me achieve my goals: (1) Launching a podcast to share leadership insights to assist educate, inspire, and transform leaders, and (2) Writing my first leadership book.

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GINA FRATARCANGELI Managing Director

Accenture

ina holds the position of Managing Director, and Market Unit Sales Leader at Accenture and has over 20 years in market development and complex solution offerings for global companies.

firm while working at an advertising firm, and the power of the internet with its targeted advertising and information became evident to me. It was a life-changing moment, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the internet and its underlying technologies. As a result, I began my technological journey.

Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between Swiftnlift Business Magazine and Gina Cloud technology has had a near-unprecedented Fratarcangeli. impact on both enterprises and consumers. I'm reenergized and excited to try out Cloud at Accenture. Cloud computing promises to transform and grow Please tell us about your journey. a company's operational models at a cheaper As a fresh college graduate in 1995, I was completely cost and with the assistance of legacy systems, enthralled by this new thing called the "internet." I resulting in unprecedented creativity. My path saw a presentation from an early internet streaming has been fascinating, with numerous twists and 52

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Successful Business Leaders To Follow In 2021

turns. My background in advertising, consulting, How do your strategy to reach new and technology has given me a strong foundation customers? of knowledge and perspective to recognise that, in order to help organisations better serve their At Accenture, we take the conversation to the customers in the future, technology must be C-Suite, where it is focused on solving business problems and adding value. Accenture excels at utilised in unexpected ways. understanding a client's business requirements, analysing their business difficulties, and creating a How do you stand different than other holistic solution that includes strategy, technology, and ongoing delivery support. We have the industry organizations? knowledge and technology to help our clients Accenture, as a leader in the cloud industry, assists achieve true transformation. Accenture works Fortune 500 firms in transforming their businesses with three-quarters of Fortune 500 organisations using cloud technologies. Many businesses believe for a variety of reasons. it just means shifting older technology to the cloud to save money, but the benefits are far more. The C-suite today requires knowledge on how to use What attributes do you think every technology and its ability to address business businesswoman should have? problems. Helping people comprehend how the cloud can provide much more, such as the capacity It's critical to prioritise your customers' requirements to speed innovation, is one of my favourite aspects before your own. To serve your purpose as a leader, you must exercise honesty and integrity. Personally, of my job. I strive to develop a relationship with my clients It's all about transforming the company as a rather than simply sell them anything. An open, whole. The cloud transformation journey can honest, and transparent discussion about what's be divided into three categories: modernise best for your client will have a tenfold impact on (transfer older systems to the cloud for cost and growth of that relationship. Throughout my savings), optimise (achieve efficiency by working career, I've had to occasionally advise clients to in an agile development style to get products to deal with other providers - and that candour was market faster), and innovate (enable strategic always welcomed. innovation with AI, digital services and platform partners to generate growth). So, before we get Doing your homework is another easy yet important into the nitty gritty of cloud migration, we make trait. Before engaging in any conversation, you must sure our clients understand the full scope of what be well-versed about your technology, solutions, a cloud transformation could imply for their and clients. You'll be more informed and able to company, including the financial and operational deliver the best solutions to your clients if you keep up with current offerings and changing market implications. conditions. Finally, be courageous! Go out there MARCH 2021

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and try new things to expand your horizons. I presented a Ted Talk about mentoring and supporting women leaders last year. I was both nervous and eager because this was my first time speaking from the heart. I loved how it made me feel, and I now believe I've reached a stage in my work where I don't have to be "business Gina" when speaking in public – I can be "genuine Gina" instead; it's a much more rewarding experience.

forward to taking advantage of new opportunities and continuing to address customer problems. Technology is evolving on a regular basis, and the next ten years will be a fascinating journey in this field. I hope to be able to continue supporting many of the start-ups that I work with as an official and unofficial advisor — there are so many strong female leaders on the rise! Source: Accenture

What were the impediments you have faced? Technology is a very complicated field. Women in this field face hurdles from all sides. I picked sales as a career route as a young professional because I was competent at it and, unlike other industries, numbers determine success. I was usually the hardest worker in the room, and the results were clear; I knew my accomplishments would speak for themselves. The lack of other women in the room was one of my main issues throughout my career, making it difficult to send someone to argue for me. Accenture, on the other hand, places a great importance on diversity, beginning with our current female CEO.

What are your upcoming projects? I'm having a great time at Accenture and am looking

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PUBLIC-PRIVATE PUBLICPRIVATE--PARTNERSHIP (PPP) ECONOMICS

PP Projects are the answer to the development of resource-scarce countries like India, where the government is unwilling to commit large sums of money to infrastructure development despite the need for such projects for economic growth. The economic features of PPP projects are examined in this article by bringing theory to experience, as is the situation in India. Before we begin, it is important to remember that PPP projects are here to stay, and that, despite objections from many places, it is preferable for such projects to be decided on the basis of economic concepts rather than the whims and fancies of the actors.

level, from initial tendering to contract signing and extending to execution, implementation, and maintenance. Many motorways and other building projects in India, for example, are built on a Build-Operate-Transfer basis, which allows the concessionaire to levy tolls and collect money from motorists who use the infrastructure. It is the situation with airports, which can be operated by private players using money generated from levies and user development fees.

Correct Risk and Return Estimation

Apart from the incentives that must be supplied to entice private players, the risk-reward equation must not be skewed in favour of the latter, and Distortions and Incentives the compensation system supplied to private To begin, private stakeholders must be enticed to players must be commensurate to the risks join in PPP projects. Private participants must be that they are taking. In India, for example, it is assured of returns on their investment at every usual to write concessionaire agreements that 56

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favour the government in some circumstances while favouring the private companies in others. Who is rewarded is determined by a variety of circumstances, including the private players' proximity to the powers that be and other forms of crony capitalism.

Moral Hazard and Its Consequences

infrastructure, such as world-class airports, and so cannot avoid soliciting private sector participation in such projects. Simultaneously, there have been loud demonstrations against excessive infrastructure spending.

Conclusion As can be seen from the above explanation, PPP projects must be evaluated, funded, and revenue generated exclusively on the basis of economic factors using theory, rather than political or other influences. PPP ventures have long been held prisoner in many developing nations by political compulsions and hidden intentions of vested interests. It is past time for all parties to agree on analysing and implementing PPP projects based on the reasons raised in this essay rather than vote bank politics and crony capitalistic motives.

However, it should be emphasised that the Indian government has been known to bend over backwards for some private businesses, particularly in the areas of ports and airports. This has included arranging for low-interest loans and postponing payments, as well as bailing them out when required. This presents a moral hazard dilemma, because such concessions to some may be sought by others. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the world witnessed massive bank bailouts. Some economists have criticised bailouts as morally risky because they promote bad behaviour while punishing those who follow Source & Reference: ICAO the rules.

Demand and Supply Mapping In terms of PPP projects, the next, and possibly most crucial, requirement in terms of economic theory is that there must be a balanced demand and supply equation. According to recent study, the building industry has overinvested, resulting in excess supply in the absence of enough demand. For example, inventory accumulation in some infrastructure projects, such as public housing and the construction of SEZs (Special Economic Zones), demonstrates huge investments in these areas, resulting in overstock.

Resources Allocation Fourth, the guns vs. butter dilemma is a problem that the Indian government faces when it comes to initiatives. Given that India is still a developing country and so needs to invest heavily in social infrastructure, it is confronted with the challenge of directing investments and working with the private sector in accordance with the objectives established by the aforementioned factors. However, India requires contemporary MARCH 2021

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