Influential Entrepreneurs of the Year- 2022 | Aug/Sept. | Vol-2

ENTREPRENEURS ARE NOT JUST LEADERS BUT ALSO THE INFLUENCERS OF THIS AGE

There is a saying, “If you want adventure, be an entrepreneur.” Although an entrepreneur’s path is not set in stone, the perks stretch beyond monetary gain. These visionaries have the drive, skills, and expertise to see a project through to completion. Their activities impact larger areas and occasionally the entire world, besides promoting economic progress. They encourage transformation throughout industries, open up brand-new markets, and support the development of thriving communities. In other words, they achieve their goals while supporting the goals and interests of others. Technology is the common denominator for all of them, regardless of their differences in type, from small-town shops to trailblazers. Given the widespread adoption of emerging technologies, it is safe to claim that a technopreneur’s practical use of scientific advances to address business challenges exerts a necessary impact.

They stand out for their fervour and dedication to the intrinsic value of the products and services they create. Even if they have to make shortterm financial compromises, they never lose sight of their long-term goals. They distinguish themselves from other entrepreneurs through their capacity to market their ideas, persist through adversity, and inspire others to feel the same way they do about their ideas.

PUBLISHER

HIMANI PARASHAR

BUSINESS HEAD

SHUBHAM MEHRA

Managing Editor

Rashi Saral

Editorial Contributors

Jeetendra Thakur, Avishek Singh, Shivani Goyal

Creative Head

Rahul Kushwaha

Digital Marketing Manager

Jatin Shrivastav

Corporate Team

Shelly Goyal, Himanshi Sharma, Hemant Negi, Ayushi Taneja, Kiran Mishra, Alisha Ray

Research Analysts

Anmol Bhatia, Kimi Sing

Finance Head

Girdhar Kumar Thakur

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JEETENDRA THAKUR Editor

Lexis Serot, Founder and CEO of LittleWins is highlighted in our edition, “Influential Entrepreneurs of the Year- 2022.” We had an interesting discussion, where not only did we get all the answers, we got a fine picture of her journey, her endeavors, and everything that shaped her into an inspiring “Womanpreneur.” The edition also features a series of seasoned entrepreneurs with inspiring tales for every aspirant. We hope our efforts pay off for you and you discover an entrepreneur role model to look up to.

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LEXIS SEROT

AN EXEMPLARY WOMAN OF CHANGE & HELPING HAND FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

Little Wins

From phones to cars to medicine, technology has touched every part of our lives. One of the things made to be intrinsically useful for humans and to be reused is medical equipment. Modern medical equipment is known for its durability and meticulous functionality and is durable by nature. But most people dispose of them after barely using them once, not knowing they wasted a wholesome opportunity— an opportunity to recycle the equipment. But why is it important? The refurbishing procedure involves several steps, from collecting the donated item, checking it for any necessary repairs or sanitization, and ensuring it can be transferred to someone in need. It can sound like a tedious process, but what if I told you that there is a community dedicated to connecting families who want to recycle medical equipment? That’s right, and the community is called LittleWins.

It’s not a community drawn on incentivizing but, more importantly, it emphasizes a purpose: to cater the right resources to people struggling with disabilities! As intriguing and honorable as that sounds, Lexis Serot, a mother who envisioned an online marketplace to provide access to quality equipment at reasonable prices, found the venture. But what fuelled her soul to start this mission? What motivated her to be not just any other entrepreneur making huge turnovers but rather helping people get back on their feet?

Her venture fascinated us, and to find the answers to these questions, we connected with this phenomenal woman over a virtual meet. We had an interesting discussion, where not only did we get all the answers, we got a fine picture of her journey, her endeavors, and everything that shaped her into an inspiring “Womanpreneur.” Without any further ado, here is the story of Lexis Serot, Founder and CEO of LittleWins.

THE ORIGINS OF THE WHOLESOME MISSION

Lexis’s journey to becoming the woman she is has been quite a roller coaster ride. She is a high school graduate from Columbine High School and studied photography at Flagler College. Unfortunately, she couldn’t complete college, so she became a model at Ford Models for 14 years. Even though this helped her with project management and networking, she realized what it truly meant to be in the “School of life.” “Growing up with little means, I’ve been a dishwasher, a housekeeper, a cleaner, nanny, event planner, bartender, server, hostess, etc,” she exclaims. These experiences also gave her knowledge that could be applied in various areas of life.

“Find mentors for assistance and support if needed and take one step at a time”

The logo is meant to represent celebration, community, optimism as well as be playful in nature since LittleWins is a company with a focus on helping children.

In 2013, she became a mother of twins. Unfortunately, one of her twins, Ava, suffered a skull fracture during a C-Section delivery, resulting in Triplegia Cerebral Palsy. She had no formal medical education. And because she lacked the knowledge to deal with such a condition, she was thrust into a lifealtering predicament. This shocked her how unprepared she was. Moreover, she didn’t receive any major external support, which made her realize how broken the system was. But unbeknownst to her, this challenge was to become the stepping stone of her life. She started familiarizing herself with many forms of care, equipment, and therapy.

She also reached out to people and did a lot of research. She found that there were many people rattled in similar situations. They had the equipment they won’t need anymore and vice versa. Also, many were so deep in sorrow that they believed it was the end. Lexis was determined to find a solution. She realized that recycling this equipment for those in need will help them connect with people, helping them understand it’s not the end, but a new beginning. In the end, a win-win for all. The thought process ultimately led to the inception of LittleWins. While helping others, she eventually found the right walker for her little Ava, freeing her to grow. Lexis also hosts a podcast where she initiates discussions on living with impairments and navigating life.

LITTLEWINS – UNDERSTANDING THE COMMUNITY

As already said, LittleWins is an easy-to-use marketplace for people to post used durable medical equipment, browse equipment by category and location, and connect directly with buyers and sellers through the site’s messaging app. It’s a community where people across the nation support each other by sharing their journeys. It’s built on values of integrity, empowerment, compassion, collaboration, respect, and accountability. Every function, from repurposing medical equipment to connecting families, is driven by these values. Lexis also joined forces with another shepreneur, Christi Leonardi, a deaf single mother and CEO of Hotsy Totsy Haus. Together, they are making homemade natural bath bombs sold on the LittleWins website.

Entrepreneur

Moreover, she introduced a line of compression socks she and her kids designed. The socks come in vibrant hues and patterns, giving users the freedom to express their individuality while still remaining comfortable. In 2022, LittleWins made version 3 of its website available to consumers. This version offers a premium membership that grants users access to a list of sponsors and resources with whom it is associated, as well as a lower FedEx delivery cost. In addition, Lexis helped with hosting SHINE, the first music event specifically for people with disabilities, this past summer. During these trying times, this celebration gave the neighborhood an opportunity to unite and cherish one another.

OUTWEIGHING CHALLENGES & COMPLEXITIES

The way LittleWins has grown up in the past 4 years, it won’t be wrong to say every hurdle is a new opportunity to it. One of the challenges was ensuring the marketplace was robust and interactive to the point of failure. Even though the digital space is an opportunity for all to carve a niche, it’s definitely a volatile place. Lexis had to wrestle to find people who could keep the venture as she envisioned it. Another thing that tested her wits and entrepreneurial forte was establishing partnerships. Small businesses were interested in using her idea to see their concepts succeed. One person specifically offered to make her website into a plugin so that their ideas might be implemented.

Of course, none of them were successful, but it’s crucial to realize that Lexis isn’t opposed to partnerships. But she seeks to collaborate with like-minded individuals who want to join forces on a strategy that goes beyond the bottom line.

Even though she is primarily helming the mission, she is supported by a personal assistant who keeps her on schedule, a fractional CTO, a financial advisor, a legal team of women, and independent female developers. Altogether, they function like a family, working on thriving the mission constantly.

A BEACON OF HOPE DURING COVID-19

The conundrum and predicament caused by this “Black Swan Event” doesn’t need any clarification. The entire world has suffered in ways that are immeasurable. People were too terrified to go outside to get their basic medical needs. Lexis saw this as an opportunity to help and connect with people. She began accepting donations and even delivered medical beds, PPE kits, and other necessities to people’s homes. This gave her a purpose in that period and control over the scenario. It was genuinely fascinating how her efforts encouraged emotional bonding and discussions over chats.

MILESTONES THAT ACCOLADE HER MISSION

Lexis began this mission with the idea of changing the lives of children like her daughter. But she didn’t know how she’ll change many lives within a year. Seeing the growth, they shifted to AWS to have a more strategic digital presence. Over the years, they added new features to it, like geolocation and much more,

LittleWins was founded to assist those with disabilities, and I want to be the exclusive conduit of the same,” adds Lexis.

“These bath bombs are made to fully relax your muscles and provide a healing, rejuvenating bath,” says Lexis.

which further strengthened their focus. But her real achievement is how she has changed lives and helped people get back on their feet.

Needless to say, her efforts have earned her prestigious awards. LittleWins was named one of the “Top 100 Healthcare Visionaries” by the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare, formerly the Smart Health Conference, in February 2021 at the IFAH Global Healthcare Conference. LittleWins received the “One of the Best Companies” honor at the Health 2.0 Conference in Dubai in March 2022. Lexis won an award for “Fast Company’s WorldChanging Ideas in 2021 and 2022,” and INC magazine has named her one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Women in Business in 2022.”

As someone who has had a great deal in her life, seeing her effort succeed and receiving so many honors undoubtedly says a lot about her.

THE NEXT MILESTONES TO HIT

Given the strides she made, it won’t be wrong to call Lexis an exemplary woman of change. She’s always working on ideas and ways that can help people and communities find support and care. She and her team are currently working to introduce LittleWins medical supply subscription boxes. These items will include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide, feeding tubes, and other often ordered everyday necessities. They are also introducing imprinted braille labeling systems concurrently.

Furthermore, LittleWins is working on partnering up to provide transportation services for users.

With such intriguing prospects in the pipeline, the future of LittleWins surely looks illuminating.

FEW PEARLS OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Closing towards the end, we asked Lexis to share a few learnings that can inspire people willing to take up the baton. She shared some of the truly inspiring mementos:

“I want to make it accessible for those within the community to get a ride on demand,” says Lexis.

for assistance and support if needed and take one step at a time”

“Never Be Afraid To Ask Questions And Consult Your Friends If No One Else”

LEXIS SEROT Founder & CEO, LittleWins

HOW TO SURROUND YOURSELF WITH

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

We all desire success – in our business, finances, and connections. So it becomes necessary to eradicate negative people who bring you down. Surround yourself with people who lift you, provide you with knowledge and help you understand your mistakes. Whether you’re a company director or just someone trying to enhance your life, surrounding yourself with positive people can be an important part of personal development. In this article, we will discuss how to surround yourself with successful people.

HOW TO SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

1. IDENTIFY WHAT MAKES SOMEONE SUCCESSFUL

This is the most important thing you should ask yourself. It would be best to surround yourself with positive people; you must first determine what makes a person positive. The best method is to find the commonality between you and them. Also, positive people will always respect your individuality and promote growth and flourishing.

2. BE A POSITIVE PERSON YOURSELF

Positive people can surround you if you are a cheerful person as well. It means you may have to raise your standards (don’t merely tolerate), kick toxic people out of your life, and focus on those who empower you. In business, you also have to pick those who are positive and enthusiastic instead of being around people who drain your energy.

3. CONDUCT REGULAR AUDITS

You can meditate, spend time and understand the effects of other people on me. Those who are having adverse impacts are audited. To surround yourself with optimistic people who question you about growing, you must drag yourself from situations or people who keep you the same. Identify this yourself first, then perform an audit.

4. LOOK FOR PEERS WHO WANT TO LEARN

Surrounding yourself with successful people who question you about growing is to look for friends and peers who like to learn. People who adopt knowledge tend to ask questions about how and why something happens while staying positive, which leads to more self-discovery. Also, if you keep this mindset when they approach you with a new update, there’s something for you to learn.

5. PRACTICE SELF-AWARENESS

The best way to surround yourself with like-minded, positive people is to practice self-awareness. Being present in the moment is the key to comprehending others because, instead of seeing them for who you like them to be, we see them for exactly who they are. From there, you can determine whether you like to keep or sever the connection for more positive relationships.

6. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THOSE YOU WANT TO BE

As a person and professional, there are people you look up to and desire to learn from their skills, expertise, accomplishments, and success. Surround yourself with their presence. These people will inspire and challenge you because they are a close visualization of who you want.

7. CONNECT ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

Surrounding yourself with positive people who challenge you to believe and grow is the key to personal and professional success. The soundest way to surround yourself with these people is to utilize social networking websites like LinkedIn to see peers and mentors keen to explore various strategies and ideas.

8. IDENTIFY WHO BRINGS MORE ENERGY TO YOUR LIFE

You have to identify who consumes your time and, from there, remove all those pessimistic people who drain you. You have to make difficult decisions and ask yourself, “Who are those people who suck my energy every day?” Then, you need to spend more time with people who make you feel more inspired and energized.

9. RECOGNIZE POSITIVE PEOPLE

Just as you likely have negative relationships in your life, you

probably already have some positive people by your side. These four types of people are good to keep in your inner circle when you need to surround yourself with positivity.

• Smart people. Surrounding yourself with people who are more intelligent than you will always push you to keep learning and to stay interested – two important traits of those who eventually succeed in business.

• Hard workers. Success is more than smarts – many smart people don’t have the drive to succeed. The hunger of a hard worker encourages everyone around them to do more, be more and accomplish more.

• Dreamers and visionaries. The world requires dreamers as much as it requires doers. The visionary in your circle is the one who will entertain your wildest ideas and always inspire you to chase your dreams.

• Positive thinkers. No one is always happy, but some consider obstacles and opportunities and those who see them as unconquerable roadblocks. When the going gets tough, you want the first type of people in your life.

10. JOIN MASTERMIND GROUPS

Another way to surround yourself with people who help you grow is to build and participate in mastermind groups full of other entrepreneurs who are there to help each other. You can become a part of mastermind groups or start your own. These work well for personal and professional growth, and you can even create a small group in your company as a starting place.

11. INITIATE CONNECTIONS

Try to connect with people who inspire you. If you find someone you find encouraging in your professional life, take the initiative to reach out and ask them for coffee, a networking event, or to hang out after work. Please get to understand them without waiting for them to contact you first. The social initiative is one of the highest forms of flattery nowadays.

12. SHARE YOUR TRUE GOALS

Allyship can come from your old college friends, kickball group, and co-workers. If you like to have them challenge you to grow, you need to show up for yourself. Whomever you pick, be sure to share your true goals, your actual goals. You’ll see that people who like you for you will be a lot less critical than you’ve been toward yourself.

13. SHARE YOUR INTERESTS WITH OTHERS

It’s important to begin talking about your interests with others. It’s when you share what you’d like to do those other people can respond to you with helpful information. Your friends will also have connections with others, and they can help you network with relevant people. So, start communicating to find your peers.

WRAP UP

By now you may have realized how important it is to surround yourself with successful people. When you surround yourself with such people you get to learn their traits and encourage yourself to become better.

ABDUL K. NAUSHAD FOUNDER, PRESIDENT AND CEO

ABDUL K. NAUSHAD: A STALWART OF THE GLOBAL CROSS-BORDER PAYMENT INDUSTRY

Technological development, innovation, and entrepreneurship have always had a very symbiotic relationship. Their integration has birthed a new breed of entrepreneurship, otherwise called technopreneurship. These intelligent, driven, creative, tech-savvy, and passionate individuals are risk-takers and envision sustainable transformations in the world. In fact, their efforts significantly contribute to accelerating economic globalization, advances in scientific breakthroughs that reshape our lives.

Of all the innovations, FinTech stands at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. Innovative ideas and technologies have merged to create high-tech products to revamp the traditional financial system, making it faster, easier, and more transparent. More particularly, reinvent cross-border payments, removing the challenges of high costs, delayed transactions, lack of transparency, and mastering the payment process.

Such brilliant minds deserve praise for making innovations of significant global influence. In light of this, we wasted no time searching for the ideal paradigm. Although many specialized players are competing to dominate the market, our search led us to Abdul K. Naushad, founder & CEO of Buckzy Payments, Inc. Our editors had a pleasant session with him as he shared his drive for his creative endeavor and how he hopes to reach the pinnacle. Learn more about his story as you continue to read.

SPROUTING AN IDEA OF CHANGE

Mr. Naushad is a well-versed leader and carries 25 years of experience in the FinTech space, especially in global payments. He has been the CEO of another global FinTech platform that offers B2B payment SaaS software for cross-border payments. Prior to that, he was the president of another global financial technology systems integrator. During his tenure, he saw how the digitalization of economies is generating a need for quick, safe, and effective cross-border payment systems. Additionally, the influx of new players is making this trillion-dollar market more complex and volatile for consumers around the world. Although digitization and automation in B2B payments have sped up demand among companies looking to connect with suppliers, distributors, and retailers, customers continue to face challenges when trying to trace their overseas payments and make faster settlements.

He concluded that there isn’t a secure platform for real-time cross-border settlements, despite efforts by global economies to promote real-time domestic settlements to speed up trade. When he intended to implement this concept, which has unsurprisingly attracted a lot of interest from financial institutions trying to switch to a faster payment settlement model, the lightbulb moment occurred. The integration of these realizations created a thought process that brought Buckzy Payments into the light. As a marketplace for financial services, the platform aims to change how money moves across the world by providing a real-time solution that is secure, convenient, and safe.

PRODUCTS ATTUNED TO MARKET CHANGES

Mr. Naushad’s inherent mission has aided in creating a tailored portfolio for Buckzy. It offers a worldwide pay-out and payin network for making cross-border payments in real-time. It offers Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) with real-time cross-border payment functionality and access to pre-built components that can be integrated, such as multi-currency accounts, bulk payouts, and much more. Finally, it provides an embedded marketplace with virtual accounts, FX, cash forecasting, collections, billing, and statements.

The portfolio and devoted strategy enable it to pioneer the global cross-border payments sector. Buckzy works with financial institutions, neobanks, other Fintech companies, small-tomedium-sized firms, and online marketplaces. It also provides its solutions as a white-label option for businesses that want to market them under their own brand. It distinguishes itself from rivals in the market due to the high quality of its services and its “real-time” aspect. Its constant efforts are directed towards growing its network and creating products with cutting-edge features that maximize the use of its network. In the end, this keeps the platform disruptive while retaining its agility.

LEADING A TEAM OF FERVIDS

The heart of any technopreneur beats to innovate, but as a leader, the focus extends to building a team. Buckzy has a team of people driving and shaping innovative ideas that create a one-of-a-kind culture. They are driven by values of optimism, determination, innovativeness, risk-taking, and confidence. These guiding pillars keep the team proactive and focused on a single purpose. “We are a value-driven team dedicated to learning, rewarding efforts, and pushing boundaries,” exalts Mr. Naushad. Having the right tools and resources, they can challenge any status quo and exceed expectations.

To cut a long tale short, Buckzy offers its users the chance to grow personally and professionally. Their discussions are centred on shared interests that express clearly “what’s in it for them,” which is always a winning strategy to arrive at an unambiguous decision.

THRIVING – UNFETTERED BY CONSTRAINTS

In less than five years with a dedicated mission, Buckzy has created a global buzz. It provides access to over a billion users in more than 80 countries. Also, it has earned many accolades on the way:

• Listed in Top 20 early companies by the Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX)

• Mr. Naushad is listed in The Top 50 Financial Technology CEOs of 2022 by The Financial Technology Report

• Best Cross-Border Service of the year at the 2021 Payments Industry Awards in India

While these feathers in the cap are surely something to be proud of, Mr. Naushad’s heart lies in how he has helped companies grow. He rephrases the tale, “It was a journey that I started with a capital of $25,000. It hasn’t been easy, given the first two years were a roller coaster ride. It was a real challenge to commit, let alone successfully lead a team of professionals, when the company initially didn’t have any payroll cycles. But the team was tight-knit in the company’s vision. I am proud that I could lead the team and keep them committed until our successful exit.”

This was one of his many treasured experiences, which helps him envision a sustainable future for Buckzy Payments. Under his stewardship, the company has made a resounding presence and is driven to create new strides. It’s in the process of obtaining banking licenses and opening offices in key markets all over the globe, including the Netherlands, Australia, and Brazil. With a stellar trajectory so far, the years ahead surely look illuminating.

A MEMENTO FROM THE FOUNDER

Coming towards the end of our discussion, we asked Mr. Naushad if he would like to share a few pieces of advice for readers. He recounted a few lessons that he has learnt through the years:

• If you find the right people to join your mission, you are 50% there

• Hire people with character and values, not just skills and experience

• A great plan is only 1% of your journey, invest 99% of your time in the execution of your plan

• Hustle and Grit are 2 traits which you cannot live without in your entrepreneurship life

• Take managed risks. Fail fast, learn quickly and move on.

2. DON’T RETALIATE

6. HATERS GONNA HATE

Yes, read it right. Haters will hate, and you can’t change that. Remember, it won’t damage as much when the haters do their jobs. It’s their work. They can’t live without negativity, so the best way to deal with that is to remember and live as virtuously as possible.

HOW

WITH HATERS?

7 MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS

No matter what you do and how well you do in your life, there will always be somebody there to ruin your mood, so it’s necessary to learn how to deal with haters. Haters are individuals who hate! They are envious of your success but deny it and have negativity toward you and your accomplishments.

Haters look for the slightest mistake or hiccup, then attack, never realizing any of the positives. They’re required of everything, jealous of you, and down with themselves, to say the least, so “How to approach their hating?” you ask. In this post, we have mentioned 7 effective ways to deal with haters that will make you feel nice and make them think twice before hating on anyone else.

HOW TO DEAL WITH HATERS?

1. IGNORE THEM

We know it seems a lot easier said than done, but it’s one of the effective ways to deal with haters. You can’t always pay attention to the stupidity people say about you. If you think too much about it, you might consider the negative things haters say about you. When haters despise, and what they say is neither productive criticism nor positive feedback, it has no significance to your life. What’s the point in getting all bent out of shape by something someone said that you couldn’t do anything about? Haters tell things that will do nothing but wreck your day, so with that heads up, be ready to ignore them!

This is one of the best ways to learn how to deal with a hater. When a hater despises, they’re looking for a response. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have made their emotions known. If you redress, you’re giving them what they like, and they don’t deserve your time and vitality. Don’t try to think of a witty comeback to mortify them. In reality, in the end, haters always manage to embarrass themselves without any help. Responding with bad words will only bring you down to their level, and that’s not attractive!

3. TAKE IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT

Sometimes you might have a problem distinguishing between productive criticism and pure hateration because there might be a hint of truth in their statement. If this is the case, listen to what they say, but don’t take it to the core. If you think you can grow based on their feedback, great! Just don’t take the opposing emotions connected to their statement to heart. Think of the words, and if they’re unworthy, ignore them.

4. DON’T APOLOGIZE

If a hater comes to you with cursing, negativity, and excessive criticism looking for you to explain yourself, don’t! You don’t owe them anything! Don’t explain, clarify, apologize, or do anything of the sort! They must come to you correctly, sensibly, and respectfully if they want you to listen to them. Never submit to rudeness and nastiness! Hold on to your self-respect and ought others to treat you with value and respect.

Whether face-to-face or online, haters will always discover something to hate on, so don’t let it get you down! Concentrate your time and energy on something fruitful, giving the haters more reason to hate!

7. JERK-HANDLING ROUTE

When people are being haters, they’re not benefiting you or anyone else; they’re just jerks. So, it’s time to get them out of the way. Formal communities should have a Code of Conduct that manages how jerks are drawn from interactions. For informal communities (e.g., social media networks or your blog), you don’t necessarily need to write down a Code of Conduct. The crucial part is to know how you want to tolerate jerks and follow through. Some people reflexively block jerks, while others prefer to ignore them silently. It’s your room; you do what works for you. The crucial part is understanding how you want to handle jerks and follow through.

Final Thoughts

5. DON’T TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE

Whatever you do, somebody will hate it. Choose left; people get irate. Choose right; people still get angry. Don’t try to calm haters by trying to fit everyone’s choices; you’ll end up with more people despising you than you’d have just by being yourself. Not everyone will appreciate you; the quicker you accept, the quicker you’ll be on the road to achieving more! When you’re stepping on eggshells trying to please everyone, it’s impossible to be the best you can be! Forget that! Be you and value it!

Haters are an unavoidable part of sharing your work. You can mitigate them, but they’ll still show up occasionally. They shouldn’t keep you from resuming to share your code, art, writing, etc. Haters hate because they are envious of you and your success. No one likes to be criticized, but if you are, you know you’re doing something right. Thoughtfully thank your haters because if it weren’t for them, you wouldn’t learn how successful you are. We hope you find this post on how to deal with haters helpful.

INNOVATOR LEADING THE

WITH A

Henry Ford once asserted, “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” And the entrepreneurs of the present age can relate to these wise words. Entrepreneurship demands numerous sacrifices to be an example for others and achieving one’s desired goals. Those who maintain the determination to chase their goals are the ones who set an example in society.

Business Talk has been a great appreciator of the highend entrepreneurs who have scaled the success ladder at a brisk pace with their dedication and passion. We have a great history of featuring numerous inspiring business leaders in our portfolio, and here again, we are back with another success tale of hope and vision. Our editorial team had an interesting and joyful session with Mr. Adam Petrilli, the Founder and CEO of NetReputation.com. The visionary leader shared a plethora of valuable nuggets for all the young business brains and people within the business realm. He recently shared his adventurous entrepreneurial journey so far, as well as the secret sauce that goes into building a successful venture. We truly hope and desire that this fascinating read will inspire readers and provide the boost they need to break through barriers and chase their dreams.

A PASSIONPRENEUR

Introducing himself to our global readers, Mr. Adam asserts, “I am an entrepreneur, business owner, and company leader focused on delivering results-driven online solutions and innovations to brands around the world. Currently, I serve as the Founder and CEO at NetReputation.com, top online

reputation management, and digital branding solutions firm headquartered in the Sarasota, Florida, community.

I am a long-time online reputation consultant and expert committed to empowering businesses with the digital tools, tech, and innovation to achieve a winning brand presence on the web. It is my goal not just to help businesses overcome online negativity and challenges, but to provide the support and service that helps reach more customers and drives long-term success in the digital environment.”

Adam reveals that he got the idea for building Net Reputation while working in a successful logistics company located in this same area. He says, “We were doing quite well and consistently receiving rave reviews from our local B2B client base, but there were a few online comments, outliers, that were beginning to impact our brand. Whatever we tried, we just couldn’t shake those negative reviews, and I couldn’t help but wonder how many other businesses were struggling with the same thing. I started to dig, and I found the number of other brands coping with unfair, unwarranted online feedback astonishing and eyeopening. This was when Yelp and Google reviews were really on the rise among consumers, and it didn’t seem like businesses, especially small and mid-tier companies, had a good way to fight back. At the time, no one was offering a comprehensive solution for managing these issues on the web. So, after finding so few options for overcoming online negativity and taking control, I decided to take action. I worked with my team to build the framework for something better - a complete online reputation management services model that would put entrepreneurs back in the driver’s seat and control of their digital footprint. NetReptutation took off soon after that.”

EDGE IN REALM

“Having the right technology at the ready is paramount, particularly when it comes to tracking down, zeroing in on, and combatting negative online information. That’s the biggest reason the NetReputation team utilizes and continues to evolve the latest in monitoring and SEO technology throughout each customized solution. It allows them to get to the heart of the problem and deliver results faster than the competition. Hence, innovation is the most crucial aspect when it comes to creating special value in the business world.”

“Websites, social media platforms, Google’s algorithm, and consumer review portals are always changing and creating new challenges that demand outside-the-box thinking. Innovation is what’s needed to face and overcome those challenges, so clients have the best opportunity at achieving a successful online future,” says Mr. Petrilli. “That’s why we empower our team with the tools, training, support, and freedom to improve processes and explore better and faster opportunities to get results. I believe this approach is one of the main drivers of our success. It has cemented the NetReputation brand as the go-to in the ORM field.”

Initially, Adam identified the need for more comprehensive business reputation solutions as the leader of another company. The team was doing well but was struggling to overcome some unfair reviews and feedback online. After battling these online comments, Adam and his team dug into it to see if other businesses were facing the same issues or if they are missing something in the process. Eventually, they discovered numerous businesses and business leaders coping with the same thing, that is, struggling with very few customizable or affordable solutions available in the marketplace. This was the moment they made the decision to do something and make a change. Adam began to assemble the team and develop the technology needed to empower businesses with something better, something

comprehensive, and something customizable that would put entrepreneurs and business teams in control over their own online destiny.

“We make a consistently robust investment in research and development to ensure we’re always at the cuttingedge of our industry,” says Adam. “Because things like SEO, content removal, Google search, and social platforms are in a constant state of flux, it’s important to always be a step ahead, and committing resources to identify and develop new approaches and processes is essential to getting results on a consistent basis.

We also place significant value on the skill and ingenuity of our employees, which is why we aim to maintain an environment that encourages and supports innovation rather than stifles it. We provide employees the tools and training to take on new challenges and find new and better ways to deliver for clients. Letting our specialists engage in problem-solving and utilize their own creativity and ingenuity to support client success offers a source of empowerment not available at other ORM firms. In fact, it continually elevates company performance as a whole.”

CULMINATION

Before signing off, this passionate entrepreneur shared some valuable insights for all the budding leaders out there, saying “We’ve experienced such amazing growth over the last several years, including the opening of new offices, the addition of so many new talented staff members, and four consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies list, and it really has been exciting. My hope and goal are that we keep moving on that upward trajectory and continue to solidify our position as the top reputation management services provider in the industry. I believe if we maintain our focus on innovation and exceptional client experience, we’ll continue to be the most sought-after name in ORM and digital branding, and the sky really is the limit as far as company growth and where we head next.”

C’S OF YOU SHOULD KNOW IN 2022

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

In this competitive world where everything is evolving, being inclusive leaders give you an edge. They know how to leverage each opportunity, satisfactorily use the skills of their team members, and make use of the competitive advantages available to them.

Whenever we think about inclusivity in organizations, it indicates race, gender, orientation, ethnicity, equal pay, and other factors or issues that come up. However, leaders who concentrate on real inclusion are appreciated worldwide; not only do they encourage diversity and inclusion, but also they look at the bigger picture of why diversity and inclusion are critical to long-term business success. In this post, we will try to understand the 6 C’s of inclusive Leadership you must be aware of.

6 C’s of inclusive Leadership You should Know

1. Commitment

Developing a diverse, inclusive workforce demands time and energy, and these two are leaders’ most precious commodities.

So what encourages some leaders to back this issue? In addition to a belief in the business case, inclusive leaders are steered by their values, having a deep-seated sense of fairness that, for some, is embedded in personal experience.

Inclusive leaders consider forming a welcoming culture starts with them, and they have a strong sense of personal responsibility for change. When leaders dedicate time, energy, and resources to nurturing inclusive workforces-by instilling in people and inspiring others to share their passion and goals— their actions show a true commitment.

2. Cultural intelligence

Understanding other cultures are crucial for CIOs whose work takes them. Beyond “book” knowledge, artistic intelligence connotes leaders’ capacity to modify their styles in response to various cultural norms. For instance, culturally intelligent leaders who are generally extroverted and demonstrative will make an effort to show restraint while doing business with individuals whose cultures value modesty or humility.

As situations dictate, they control the speed and tone of their speech and adjust their nonverbal behaviors-gestures, facial expressions, body language, and physical interactions. In

addition to learning about other cultures, these leaders also exhibit self-awareness of their own culture, recognizing how it shapes their worldview and how cultural stereotypes can affect their expectations of others.

3. Collaborative

Inclusive leaders know that team members must first be inclined to share their perspectives for collaboration to be successful. Therefore, they form an environment where all individuals feel empowered to express their ideas freely with the group. They also recognize that diversity of thinking is essential to effective collaboration; thus, they pay immediate attention to team composition and processes.

For instance, they control teams from splitting into subgroups, weakening relationships, and building conflict. They also instill a sense of “one team” by designing a group identity and shared goals and by working to make sure team members understand and respect each other’s knowledge and abilities

4. Cognizance of bias

Inclusive leaders comprehend that personal and organizational biases limit their field of vision and preclude them from making objective decisions. Therefore, they exercise considerable effort to determine their biases and discover ways to stop them from influencing talent decisions. They also strive to implement policies, processes, and structures to control organizational biases from suppressing diversity and inclusion. Without such measures, inclusive leaders comprehend that their natural inclination could lead them toward self-cloning and that working in today’s business environment demands a different approach.

5. Curiosity

It is one of the most important C of the 6 C’s of inclusive leadership. Open-mindedness, a passion for knowledge, and a passion for exposure to different ideas have fast become leadership qualities crucial to success, particularly in difficult times. Inquisitiveness and openness are hallmarks of inclusive leaders who hunger for other perspectives to minimize their blind spots and improve decision-making.

In addition to accessing a more diverse array of viewpoints, inclusive leaders’ ability to engage in compliant questioning,

actively listen to others and synthesize a range of ideas makes the people around them feel valued, represented and respected. Inclusive leaders also abstain from making quick judgments; learning snap decisions can stifle the flow of ideas on their teams and are often tinged with bias.

6. Courage

Inclusive leaders exhibit courage in two ways. First, they aren’t afraid to question entrenched organizational attitudes and practices that cause homogeneity, even if their suggestions are politically or culturally unpopular. Nor are they frightened to display humility by recognizing their limitations and seeking contributions from others to overcome them. Some leaders find it challenging to accept they don’t have all the answers; respect, fearlessness, and humility go hand in hand.

These are 6 C’s of inclusive leadership you should be aware of in 2022.

Conclusion

Inclusive leaders drive untold benefits to their organizations by encouraging authenticity, psychological safety and enticing unique perspectives and contributions to their teams to develop differences effectively. Building an organizational culture of inclusive leadership should be core to any leadership development efforts. It takes commitment to be an inclusive leader, but it most definitely pays off in the long run for you, your employees, and your business as a whole. We hope that you find this blog on the 6 c’s of Inclusive Leadership helpful.

FIROZ THAIRINIL, Founder & CEO at Westford Education Group

FIROZ

THAIRINIL: AN ACADEMIC LUMINARY

BRINGING A PARADIGM CHANGE IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

“Accessible education to all” is a noble goal, and efforts to make it a reality are making headlines around the world. The widespread emphasis on this reflects the growing focus on the needs of students who have historically received subpar academic support, had their learning needs disregarded, or otherwise “fell through the cracks.” The fact is that a student’s success depends on the expertise of academicians, which makes their role highly critical. And often, their significant contributions aren’t recognized as they should be.

Taking a progressive step, Business Talk honors the valuable contribution of a brilliant educator, Mr. Firoz Thairinil. He is the founder and CEO of Westford Education Group, one of the top institutes offering accredited international education to aspirants globally. The following article provides a wealth of knowledge about Mr. Thairinil, given he is an educational luminary with the heart of an entrepreneur.

A PASSIONPRENEUR SEEING HIS VISION TAKE SHAPE

Firoz is an academic maven with over a decade of experience through various enterprises of the Westford Education Group. Prior to this, he spent 15 years in the banking sector, stepping down as the National Head of Retail Sales of a prominent bank in Dubai. While he donned multiple hats, Firoz was always an entrepreneur at heart. At 21, he began his 1st venture, but due to lack of experience, he failed miserably. And from there, he repeatedly failed for the next 16 years! But even after such a streak, his resolve was unbroken. As fate would have it, he was unaware of the beautiful future ahead of him.

In 2008, while pursuing an MBA from the University of Wales, he was quite fascinated by the UK’s education system. “The pragmatic approach of the UK higher education system was truly inspiring,” he says. The model promised value-addition and had provisions to make higher education more accessible for working professionals. With a thorough understanding of the prospects, he sought to shape his passion for making education accessible to a larger global community. This thought process eventually led to the inception of the Westford Education Group.

But Firoz was far from being successful. Even though he had shaped a prospective idea, people found it difficult to accept and believe in its services. However, he and his trusted allies focused on providing quality education and investing in technology. “We developed our own student support ecosystem, which became a key differentiator in our journey,” adds Mr. Thairinil. As everything started to fall into place, it won the confidence of its learners and the community. Today, the Westford Education Group operates across 4 continents and educates students from over 200+ countries. Its innate commitment to every student’s welfare and success has been the bedrock of its exponential success over the past 14 years.

LEADING A CHANGE IN ‘QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL’

There is a popular saying, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” With Westford, Firoz sought not only to provide quality education but also set a distinct paradigm. At the outset, he realized the conventional educational structure wasn’t tailored for working professionals—a gap he sought to address. To ensure the scalability of services, he leveraged digital technology. The company redesigned the course module, ensuring it had the required flexibility in terms of duration, schedule, content delivery, and fee disbursal to allow for an effective and seamless learning experience for working executives. Today, its learning platforms are equipped with AI and blockchain technology to ensure a seamless and quality learning experience.

Westford currently holds four prominent higher education brands: Westford University College, Exeed College, Eaton Business School, and UniAthena, with courses ranging from the undergraduate to the doctorate level. The courses are delivered through different modes of course delivery: On-site, Synchronous Online, and Asynchronous Online. This January, the group launched free-learning short courses through the UniAthena learning platform. Mr. Thairinil explains, “These are 5-hour to 5-week upskilling courses, which can be accessed free of cost. We currently offer 300+ courses across 10+ domains and 6-course categories. This project is aimed at making quality education freely accessible to all in essence.”

REDEFINING SIMPLICITY

Given the uniqueness of the offerings, it’s clear that Westford Education Group has carved a one-of-a-kind niche. The group was committed to “keeping it simple” from the beginning. “From our learning resources and delivery to the organizational structure and business strategies, we keep it simple and succinct,” adds Mr. Thairinil. The leadership identified the critical things which will be required at different stages of the growth, the ‘must-haves,’ and made certain that they are all placed as planned. This has also helped in keeping its offerings scalable and robust.

The focus on simplicity and innovation helps Westford break new ground in technology adoption. Being meticulous towards innovation has yielded significant results, especially in improving the effectiveness of learning delivery. Firoz believes protocols and processes have predominantly dominated the global education space, which limited the adoption of the latest innovations. But the pandemic has pushed digitalization, driving greater acceptance of newer delivery models. It has also catalysed the sectors’ attention towards the online delivery model, which the market has been historically apprehensive about.

THE PEOPLE OF WESTFORD GROUP

The Westford Education Group is built on the intersection of innovation and simplicity. And its people constantly nurture and

uphold this value. The team comprises innovative thinkers who come up with concepts that are unconventional yet coherent. The management ensures the team has all the tools to experiment and innovate while taking risks as required and learning from failures.

Such an open culture surely instills confidence and drives trust between leaders and associates. Through action and speech, Firoz and the other leaders do everything to empower the team to ensure constructive approach towards failure. This enables the team to be confident and assertive about their decisions and be more open to exploring and unleashing their hidden potential. The coherence between all echelons kept them strong and united to purpose, even in uncertain times like the COVID-19.

CONSTANTLY BURGEONING FORWARD

Firoz’s resolve to see his mission succeed has left many landmarks along the road. Today, Westford Education Group has a strong team, innovative capabilities, and strong leadership— all aligned to make education affordable and accessible to all. In the years to come, they plan to bring 1 million learners onto its UniAthena’s Short Course platform and introduce offerings in different languages. Besides this, they plan to offer undergraduate and high school education.

Firoz also aspires to grow his venture’s innovative offerings, consistently nurture its resources, and continue to make strides in the education sector.

PEARLS OF ADVICE

“Dream it and pursue it diligently. Lots of innovations and solutions never reach the world because of fear of failure. Failures are inevitable, so accept them, learn from them, and keep moving. Treat each of your failures as a new learning experience. Go for dreams which you believe in and are passionate about, something which will truly satisfy you.”

HISHAM HAMID M. MAHMOUD FOUNDER, DIRECTOR

PROFIT GENERAL TRADING:

A RESOUNDING NAME IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOR QUALIFIED SUDANESE PRODUCTS

Over the years, the global business community has undergone a major facelift. Innovation is the common springboard, and it has revamped practices and made dynamic developments across segments. It has reformed how customers and businesses interact and engages in transactions. Most of all, businesses have broadened their perspectives and are more driven to do good for the world. There is huge traction of organic products for consumption, which sets the stage for innovative ventures. Profit General Trading (PGT) is a seasoned name counted in this list. PGT is a customer-focused, lucrative, yet socially responsible company with a reputation for producing cost-effective organic animal fodder and food products. It is headquartered in Dubai, UAE; it works closely with consumers, suppliers, and communities to turn strategies into action.

PGT IN A GLANCE

PGT is a multi-disciplinary enterprise working in a broad array of industries, including Food & Beverages, Fruits, Organic Crops, Animal Fodder, Agriculture, Irrigation, Lights & Lighting, Computers & Networks, Power and Electrical Equipment. It is run by a team of individuals with excellent business backgrounds and managerial expertise dedicated to enhancing the Company’s position in the MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) area.

PGT works with a wide range of suppliers and manufacturers. It is a crucial importer/ exporter, supporting a variety of sectors and enabling their supply chain to fulfil the demands of their customers. PGT’s foundation is customer satisfaction. Through a network of distributed sales points, it has created several strong client relationships that have resulted in long-term contracts. It imports most of its supplies from Sudan, exhibiting its strong ties with local manufacturers and agricultural enterprises that target both retail and commercial markets.

INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED QUALITY

PGT specializes in bringing the best-in-class quality to achieve the highest customer satisfaction. Its quality is accredited by international certifications, such as Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000: 2005), ISO 9001: 2015, Good Manufacturing Practice and HACCP. And has an exceptional supplier chain and customer service support. PGT treats both its customers and suppliers as a business partner, and its offerings ensure this. PGT also works on refining and improving its quality to attain operational excellence. The quality also ensures maximum transparency to keep interested parties related to its projects. It teams up with specialists around the globe to address the tailored needs of customers. The consistency in offering quality products sets its benchmark in corporate responsibility at both individual and corporate levels. In addition, its quality has rewarded it with a series of prestigious awards, which reflects the efficiency of an innovative management team.

THE TWO MOST SOUGHT OUT PRODUCT OFFERINGS

Although PGT is a jack of all trades, it built its reputation around its cost-effective food & beverages and organic animal fodder. Including them in the Dubai Market was another challenge, which makes them more prominent. Importing Sudanese food products and selling them in Dubai necessitated Dubai Municipality registrations and rules, which differed significantly from Sudanese restrictions. As a result, adjusting to the contrasts between the two countries and developing a holistic connection with Sudanese suppliers and manufacturers took time. PGT even provided them with product registration and customer feedback on products for their trust. From there, things turned for the better. From growing a Sudanese customer base in UAE through small shops and clubs, PGT is currently an integral food supplier to supermarkets offering a range of products. The Company has over 10 different products, including fruits and vegetables, under its ‘Zoal’ brand and is distributed across UAE.

Likewise, importing and democratizing Sudanese Animal Feed was another endeavour. Initially, PGT imported small quantities of alfalfa bales under its sister concern (Algafari) from Sudanese contractors. And in one contract for Rhodes grass, PGT faced several intricacies with some suppliers because of overheads, which led to price change and the supplier pulled out. Nevertheless, PGT met its commitment through other Sudanese contractors, which helped to build beneficial partnerships. It realized the UAE market needs more effort and commitment to meet its strict quality standards. Unwilling to give up, PGT invested more resources and effort to penetrate the market and supply high-quality feed in sufficient quantities with deadlines; and eventually secured a competitive position in the market. The animal feed line has been a successful business in the UAE market. With a 35% expansion in animal fodder trade in Dubai last year, PGT has made strong partnerships in the Asian market. Its adept quality, commitment to international standards and ability to meet demands more than its competitors through multiple channels makes it a preferable partner. The overall quality has also helped in embarking on other Gulf countries, and recently China.

HISHAM HAMID- JOURNEY FROM PLINTH TO PARAMOUNT

An innovative idea, strong purpose, and a visionary who can combine both can change the world. We can say such about Hisham Hamid, Founder & CEO of PGT and a prominent figure in the global import/export arena with major influence in the MENA region. Hisham’s rise from obscurity to stardom has been nothing short of a roller coaster. He has had a heart in business since his days in college. He graduated from the Future University in Sudan and, being a computer engineer, began a small maintenance shop in his home. After his graduation, he sought vacancies in the IT sector and worked as a sales engineer for a brief period. But, his passion to work independently eventually brought him back to business. In 2008, he teamed up with a businessman to source and install lighting equipment for a large project in Sudan (Alwaha Mall). Not only did he execute the project flawlessly, but he was also one of the few subcontractors who finished on time. Afterwards, in 2009, he established his first venture, Algafari, to establish his footing in contractual projects. He even attracted many consultants and engineers he knew to become partners. In a short period, the company became a key competitor in the contracting field. Sometime later, Hisham faced issues with currency and transactions. Since he imported products and equipment, he had trouble clearing customs due to US sanctions and the shifting exchange rate and needed a solution for foreign currency. After several trials and errors, he turned to cash crops. He partnered with a friend and started exporting animal feeds and cash crops (sesame seeds, Arabic gum, peanuts). Meanwhile, Hisham was looking for suitable land to launch his own agricultural project, and in 2011, he and a few friends founded Alaanig Agriculture Project. The project paved the way for the sought-out alfalfa bales. In 2012, it shipped the first alfalfa crop to Dubai, which became a genuine breakthrough for him and the project.

The success of the Alaanig project and the efficacy of the animal feed made him enter new business fields and earn more recognition. This is how Profit General Trading (PGT) came to being. Initially, it facilitated the exports of electrical items from Dubai to Sudan for the Algafari Company - and the import of animal feeds from Sudan. But with time, he started importing the most desired Sudanese products in UAE. However, prioritizing food and animal fodder, PGT annual sales have grown from 2,000,000 AED in 2014 to 25,000,000 AED in 2016 and then a whopping 45,000,000 AED in 2017. The journey has been growing by leaps and bounds despite the ongoing market transgressions. To reach the wider Sudanese community, Hisham plans to launch an online store soon for Sudanese products.

HOW TO BE AN INCLUSIVE

7 BEST TIPS LEADER ?

HOW TO BE AN INCLUSIVE LEADER

1. FAIRNESS AND RESPECT

In this guide on how to be an inclusive leader, this is the most crucial aspect you need to consider. To become an inclusive leader, you have to control bias and discrimination. Leaders must be aware of any internal, unconscious bias they may hold and comprehend that everyone does carry some level of this bias. Therefore refusing or denying is just another way of ignoring and can worsen the problem. However, if a leader recognizes these shortcomings in themself, they fix them.

Being a leader you should continually assess how those biases impact decisions and actions in the workplace. Then, take the below steps to make sure that you act reasonably and respectfully every day.

• Ensure that you listen to and adore all contributions equally.

• Consider speaking up to control unacceptable behavior at all levels, from outright discrimination to micro-aggressions

• Do not be a part of the authoritative culture. Let people be authentic.

• Work to recognize and eliminate blind spots in processes to make sure that decision-making is fair and even.

2. INSIGHT

Identifying one’s own bias and privilege is vital to becoming an inclusive leader. It is not a one-and-done situation, though. Instead, it requires constant evaluation and revisiting. For some leaders, it is a life-long journey.

So, question yourself and the standard practices around you. Get feedback from the voices you’re pushing to amplify. Asking them how to be more inclusive is a significant step. However, don’t rely too much on them as you’ll need to do this work on your own.

3. COLLABORATION

When leaders make decisions without considering the ground level, they will ignore something. However, if the team works more collaboratively, they will be able to understand everyone’s view points. In addition, there are many more possibilities to battle bias with more people in the room.

This is particularly true when you work with diverse people in the team. Leaders should make sure that they listen to these voices, regardless of seniority level. Take their experiences into consideration and value those viewpoints as much as you would any other. While speaking with your team about diversity efforts, you should listen to these voices even more closely.

4. PROMOTING PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY

Sometimes, the workplace can be hostile to those considered “other” by society. Even though you try to be inclusive and combat this treatment, those around you may not. This can significantly affect the mental health and well-being of your diverse team. You can’t control the behaviors of others, but you should motivate them to do better. If you have the authority to take disciplinary action, consider going that route.

your actions, words, and strategies. Make sure that it is secure for your team to bring up issues they have or ways that you can be more inclusive. If they do not feel anxious or scared having these sometimes challenging conversations with you, you are forming the right kind of atmosphere.

5. EMOTIONAL AND CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE

Empathy is important while promoting inclusion, thus making it crucial while learning how to be an inclusive leader. A leader has to look after different perspectives to be inclusive. Recognizing one’s privilege is critical here. Understanding that your life experience is distinct from those around you and taking steps to cherish that experience as much as your own is a great start.

Ask questions respectfully. Do your research by listening to voices from other cultures and walks of life outside the workplace. Be ready to change workplace norms if deemed necessary. If you approach this knowing that you need work, you’re already on the right path.

6. EMPOWERMENT AND GROWTH

Those with diverse experiences have different worldviews and may work differently. Embrace this and adjust your ways to get work done by your team. If a team member has a new strategy or idea, inspire them to try it out. Give them the freedom they have to get the outcomes you both want.

Take turns conveying your team members high-level projects to work on. See that work is divided evenly, and everyone has an opportunity to reach their potential. Then, when they grow, make sure you shine a light on those successes and celebrate them.

7. TRUST BINDING

Similarly, you have to make your team understand that you will support them. Many people state they are an ally but won’t do the work when it’s complicated.

Inclusive leaders use their privilege and standing in the company to make way for optimistic change. This contains actions and words. Here are just some instances of the actions that you can take to gain the trust of your team:

• Use your voice to challenge bad behavior and unfair practices actively. Start those difficult conversations at a higher level.

• Do not talk ill of anyone behind their back. If there is an issue that requires to be addressed, do so head-on and approach the issue directly.

• Admit when you make a mistake and learn from it. Showing humanity and owning up to your missteps are vital parts of the learning process. It also makes it much more comfortable for others to start their learning paths.

• Stand by your word and speak the truth. If you are transparent with your team, they will authorize you. This creates a more robust team all-around.

FINAL WORDS

hen you follow inclusive leadership, it leads to a culture of inclusion and belonging, directly impacting employee engagement and performance. However, there is no denying the fact that leaders have keys to inclusion. In this guide, we will discuss how to be an inclusive leader and tips that will help you understand the whole process.

Further, you can make the workplace safer for your team by enabling them to challenge norms. This possesses checking and questioning

Becoming an inclusive leader is a long road but essential and valuable. You will become a better leader for your team and set an example for other leaders in your organization to do the same. We hope you find this guide on how to be an inclusive leader helpful.

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