The 10 Most Successful Entrepreneurs Revamping the Future, 2022 | April | Vol-2

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JEETENDRA THAKUR

CORNER

EDITOR’S

Editor

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Entrepreneurship is always a complex adventure.

It puts a person’s strength, ability to overcome obstacles, and desire to make a bigger difference in the world than the test. Also, there are fundamental differences related to gender, which affect their dynamism. While both have different ideas and mindsets, women’s entrepreneurship continues to be a hot trend across the globe. The past few decades have marked a significant shift in the opportunities and representation of women in the business world.

Women are smashing many glass barriers across verticals thanks to fading gender disparities, rising technology, and emerging opportunities.

Similarly, many men are burning the midnight oil in leading sustainability and adaptability with utter passion. It’s not any comparison since, both genders collaboratively play an important role in society.

Entrepreneurs are the face of change, and everyone in this ecosystem starts with a commitment to change. One of the major areas to look into is reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2018, there has been a constant increase in global warming. A report from Carbon Majors states that over 71% of the emissions are from just 100 companies. This is, without a doubt, the biggest peril of our time, and failure to act would cause the collapse of civilization and the natural world. But entrepreneurs of this age aren’t sitting back. Many ‘socialpreneurs’ around the globe are constantly crafting sustainable products that can usher the world towards cleantech. A report of UN suggests that there will be a $26 trillion market for cleantech by 2030.

Another area that requires attention is people’s development. While the talent pool had grown over time, the pandemic resulted in a mass exodus of employees. Again, entrepreneurs are turning the tide here. Many men and women of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with their impactfocused startups, are helping the talent pool get back on its feet. In our latest edition, “The 10 Most Successful Entrepreneurs Revamping the Future, 2022,” we have enlisted 10 of the most soughtout entrepreneurs selected by our editorial panel, who are shaping a better picture of the world.

PUBLISHER HIMANI PARASHAR BUSINESS HEAD SHUBHAM MEHRA Managing Editor Rashi Saral

Editorial Contributors

Jeetendra Thakur, Avishek Singh, Shivani Goyal, Harish Kateghar

Creative Head Rahul Kushwaha

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

Digital Marketing Manager Jatin Shrivastav

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C OV E R S T O R Y

COVER STORY

CONTENTS

10 JONATHAN SHROYER (FOUNDER & CHIEF CX INNOVATION OFFICER) OFFICIUM LABS

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10 LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS YOU SHOULD HAVE TO GAIN TEAM TRUST

10 MUST HAVE SKILLS OF AN ENTREPRENEUR YOU MUST ADOPT IN 2022

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Articles

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WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL ENTREP EVERYTHING YOU N

From there on, the journey has been a roller coaster ride. While they are now the few pioneering brands to successfully franchise hemp and CBD dispensaries up and down the east coast, it was quite a challenge. Franny says, “The 2018 farm bill was just passed, and the FDA has yet to regulate hemp. We had to overcome various difficulties that most regular businesses don’t have to consider, such as banking, marketing, and advertising, just to keep our doors open and operations running.” Their success is due to their vertically integrated business model, which allows them to track the supply chain, quality, and delivery of products to each of their dispensaries and online, all of which can be tracked back to the original farm. She’s also innovating franchising by giving owners a piece of the online business and a path into the future of cannabis with a complete corporate team, training programme, and strategic partners for everything from banking to insurance, as well as their bespoke merchandise. She is called a “Trailblazer” by Fox for innovating and familiarizing hemp as a crop.

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FRANNY TACY, FOUNDER AND CEO, FRANNY’S FARMACY

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DANIEL MARCOS, ENTREPRENEUR AND CEO COACH, GROWTH INSTITUTE

IN-LINE WITH MARKET DYNAMISM Finding an opportunity where there is none illustrates the marksmanship of an entrepreneur. And the notion goes well with Franny. There’s no doubt the cannabis market is extremely dynamic due to legal changes. So, how do Franny and her team find opportunity and motivation? Franny says, “It’s evolve or dissolve.” Franny grew hemp before it was legally permitted, then fought smokable hemp in many states, and her flagship (Delta 8 Gummies) is still being debated. She was the US farmer representative at the national press conference for the passing of the Farm Bill, where she publicly announced, “Hemp and cannabis will revitalize agro-economies across the country and stimulate our economy in ways we haven’t seen or expected.” And might I add, of the 450 thousand plants in the world, cannabis is the only crop that can feed, clothe, shelter, and provide medicine.” She embraces change and has launched the first CannaCafe within the company’s newest dispensary in Asheville. The CannaCafe inside a Franny’s Farmacy dispensary sells CBD coffee, hemp-infused drinks, and freshly baked goodies.

In this way, they are enhancing customer experience and enabling communities to connect, learn, and embrace hemp-wellness.

MARTIN ROWINSKI, CEO, BOARDSI

DRIVEN BY INTRINSIC R&D Being vertically integrated, Franny’s Farmacy independently does R&D on various products. It helps them launch flagships, keep up with the market, and even deal with challenges strategically. The Delta-8 THC Gummies, which contain Gotu Kola, a well-known plant with a long history of enhancing overall health and wellbeing, is one of the finest flagships. The firm is also meticulous about quality and standards. Every product goes through extensive quality checks, and sources of ingredients are thoroughly examined for pesticide tests. “We routinely utilize a third-party DEA certified lab test to ensure all of our hemp and extractions are safe,” adds Franny.

It is also critical to assess what needs to be done to maintain expansion and healthy growth. While Franny’s Farmacy has always worked distinctively, it has worked with new perspectives since the outbreak. The brand is harnessing media coverage for organic growth, nurturing, and increasing brand awareness as they continue to expand across the east coast.

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traits that help the team deal with day-to-day issues, as well as the pandemic’s intricacies. Their efforts are entirely intentionbased, with care and consideration for others. For example, when a customer visits one of their clinics, they are greeted by an educated budtender, trained to understand and meet their individual needs.

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Everyone on board is scientifically driven and utilizes it to bring hemp- wellness to the mainstream as effectively as possible.

Franny believes education and transparency are integral components of their marketing framework. She explains, “Whether we’re partnering with local, regional, or national press on a story, taking part in local events, or hosting interactive hemp-infused dinner experiences, the root of everything we do is to educate and inspire to take health and wellness into the hands of each person we connect with.”

Being purposeful and a humble hoot, she is giving people a captivating story they can connect with.

RAISING A TOAST TO HER STRIKING FEATS Three years in business, Franny and her team have shown great conviction in their purpose. Sustaining a fierce pandemic and opening 7 (and soon-to-be ten) franchises are some of the noteworthy milestones of this ever-passionate CEO. Every major media outlet has featured her. PBS NYC even spent a day on her farm. She has a TEDx on “Hemp as a Crop” and has been a speaker on stages across the country over 30 times, including as a keynote speaker at TN State University, pushing about 60 podcasts now.

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Franny and her team are cultivating several exciting opportunities at their moment in R&D and manufacturing.

They are expanding their franchises along the east coast and coming soon to Greenville NC, Wilmington NC, Alpharetta GA, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami FL while also filing for CT recreational license and launching 24 new products- all by Q2, 2022! You can learn more by visiting one of their dispensaries in NC, SC, GA, CT, VA, and FL. They plan to expand across the nation by the end of 2022, with more revolutionary products.

STEVE CROSS, FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PEOPLE WITH A HEART AND PURPOSE ‘No vision can flourish without iSYNERGY a dedicated team,’ and Franny’s A MEMO FROM THE FOUNDER’S DESK Farmacy is scaling up with people who have a heart, a feeling of urgency, and a desire to learn. These are the characteristics and

“Always be a learner. The more you learn the more you grow.

The more you grow the more people you can help.”

DEBRA STANGL, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, SEDONA SOUL ADVENTURES

PRENEUR? NEED TO KNOW

44 SUMITAKA KANNO, CEO, HEARTCORE ENTERPRISES INC.

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JONATHAN SHROYER: BREAKING GROUNDS IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE SOLUTIONS

JONATHAN SHROYER (Founder & Chief CX Innovation Officer)

We meet to think and ideate strategies that’ll keep us 5+ years ahead at all times.

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C

ustomer experience (CX) has always been critical to a company’s success, but its value has grown dramatically in recent years. The pandemic has created many lasting changes in customer preferences and service strategies, inspiring new standards for customer experience.

Moreover, every business is reshaping itself with digitalization to optimize CX and extract data. Companies are hyper-focused on enhancing CX to improve outcomes by utilizing this data.

And it is quite the same across every sector. This scenario is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to create services that drive customer experiences. Two thought leaders, Jonathan Shroyer and Scott McCabe, are continually living up to this aim. They founded Officium Labs, a decentralized network of leaders and innovators that helps businesses develop best-in-class services to improve their customer experiences.

Recently, Business Talk Magazine got in touch with Jonathan for an interview. In the subsequent discussion, Jonathan spoke about how their journey began and how Officium can reshape the paradigm of improving CX across the business landscape. The following excerpt is a holistic illustration of the freewheeling conversation.

REINVENTING PATHWAYS TO DRIVE CX Jonathan has over two decades of leadership experience in companies of all sizes and shapes. He has led sizeable teams for Microsoft, Monster, and Autodesk, as well as startups like Postmates, Kabam, and Forte Labs. Jonathan is also a speaker at CX conferences and has a talent for podcasting and writing about his passion for customer service and the future of the CS industry. Scott, on the other hand, has built his forte in customer

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“Win or Learn.”

“In this way, we are continually learning from one another, nurturing relationships, and staying motivated to do great things,”

service from gaming companies, such as EA and Kabam, where he led rapid changes. He specializes in CS technology and operations, and he is passionate about creating solutions that enhance customer service and streamline operations.

The idea of Officium was born in 2019. In his extensive stint, Jonathan identified major drawbacks in the prevailing customer service and experience model. He saw companies losing billions due to poor customer service and, at the same time, hiring outsourcing partners for operational support. “Essentially, brands were spending $2 to lose $3, which is a failing model,” says Jonathan. He sought to shake up the failing system by introducing businesses to new and inventive ways to turn customer service and experiences into profit center activities and value. Energized by his audacious idea, Jonathan met with Scott and discussed the enormous opportunities in CX that can help companies maximize their revenue. They further researched the vast CX network—its resources and capabilities that are untapped or by traditional resourcing models. They recognized the need for a sophisticated model that could help companies drive more value. And that’s how Officium was born.

A PORTFOLIO OF CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS With a focus on bringing sustainable change, Officium focuses on core areas that every business needs to adapt. This includes increasing workforce flexibility, profitability in customer experience, and alternative payment options. Because of digitization and COVID-19, every business is investing in these aspects. To address them, Officium has 3 indivisible revenue streams, which together form the Trifecta Revenue Model. And they can help a company build a strong foundation and weather any storms. Let’s take a closer look at them: •

CONNECT: It’s an on-demand customer service network that allows businesses to avail trained resources to handle volume surges, maintain service-level agreements, and avoid backlogs. Officium has talented resources in its network that can increase flexibility in clients’ operations.

It can also provide resources outside of frontline customer service agents to meet CX needs. Thus, Officium can not only help in driving customer experiences in a short period but also turn a business from having no customer service to a fully operational team.

•

•

TRANSFORM: This is Officium’s consultative and transformational stream. In a broad sense, the firm offers a variety of experience design services, from staffing to consulting and training, as well as a unique innovation lab.

The team takes a short CX maturity assessment that focuses on key aspects of CX management (Strategy and leadership, employee experience, voice of the customer, analytics, and technology). Based on the findings, they can formulate a roadmap for long-term progress.

INNOVATE: This stream is the intersection of talent and cutting-edge technology. Simply put, it’s a customer experience lab where the team experiments with innovations and blends them with leadership elements to create solutions. Workforce Management (WFM) is the first step to augmenting CX; hence, Officium helps clients in forecasting, demand planning, staffing, and scheduling.

They offer a spreadsheet scheduler that can assist in defining service level goals while accounting for attrition, breaks, etc., resulting in a consistent CX.

With such differentiated yet proficient services, Officium has constantly proven to be on-demand, fast, and flexible. “For our connected business model, we are often referred to as the AWS of human capital or Uber of customer service,” asserts Jonathan.

Its innovative framework is proven to increase business profit and facilitate business transformations. Its innovative tools have helped brands optimize costs by 30-40%. On the other hand, this creative business model has duly helped in surviving the pandemic. Jonathan says that they built the triangular framework, keeping in mind unforeseen calamities. During COVID-19, its CONNECT network had a noticeable spike, and now that COVID is ramping down, TRANSFORM is getting a lot of traction.

A STRONG FOUNDATION R&D is the cornerstone of Officium’s breakthroughs. But it serves a different purpose. Rather than incubating new technology and trends, R&D is focused on designing the future of service. In essence, they’ve accomplished this by designing the Service Stack Maturity Model, which consists of 8 pillars and over 100 features found in best-in-class profit-generating services and CX firms. This standard is constantly refreshed

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every year through various dedicated efforts. Officium has always focused on staying ahead of the industry curve. Jonathan personally monitors this to see how much they are staying ahead. And if required, he and his team meet up for deep thinking sessions. “We meet to think and ideate strategies that’ll keep us 5+ years ahead at all times,” exclaims Jonathan.

However, there are certain things that Officium is traditional about. They leverage traditional marketing systems, social proof marketing, and word of mouth to spread awareness. The firm thinks that leaders educating other leaders about their effectiveness is the most effective strategy to raise awareness of their services - and how they can assist their peers.

Moreover, they have been bestowed with several prestigious awards and recognition that cement their value in the industry.

A YOUNG AND ZESTFUL CULTURE With innovative offerings and a creative framework, it’s unlikely that Officium will not have a one-of-akind culture. They have complete freedom in terms of where and how they work. Despite the fact that they are separated by thousands of miles and oceans,

they work together as a sincere team that cares about everyone. The team’s mentality is driven by a note from Nelson Mandela, “Win or Learn.” “In this way, we are continually learning from one another, nurturing relationships, and staying motivated to do great things,” says Jonathan. Their culture is driven by values of delighting the customer, deliberate, constant curiosity, teamwork, inclusion, and shared prosperity. The firm views failures as opportunities, and it boldly rewards accomplishments. They hold weekly gatherings for feedback to understand the team’s sentiments across the globe. This is critical to ensure the firm is aligned with its values and has an enthusiastic culture that keeps its sails up at all times.

A REWARDING JOURNEY Officium was founded with the idea of giving people the power to drive experiences and improve engagement. It has achieved many instances of its objectives in its brief existence. Starting with 4 people and a loan of $150K, the firm scaled to gross revenue of $10M, 30+ clients, and hundreds of workers and service partners. The firm has created a prestigious clientele from across verticals. Initially, it started with gaming brands like WB Games, Forte Labs, Rally.io, Mythical Games, EA, and Playdemic. With operational success, they diversified to other sectors, serving CHEP, Wells Fargo, Amwell, Bank of America, Sunbasket, etc., and earned a progressive position, “In the end, brands resonate with becoming a profit center through their customer experience,” states Jonathan.

Recently, the firm has been acquired by Arise Virtual Solutions, and the Officium team aims to leverage the competence of both firms to scale and provide their Service Stack Maturity Model to thousands of global brands. The industry has recognized the firm’s efforts, but Jonathan believes that their biggest achievement is in helping people find new passion and purpose via work that may enhance their lives.

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DEDICATED TO EXPLORE NEW POSSIBILITIES Officium plans to make waves in customer service in the future by focusing on the three fundamental tenants of its new parent firm, Arise: Be There, Be Aware, and Be Essential. In particular, it’s focusing on brand emotional affinity, which has an integral role in customer service. How they can make Officium important to leaders just like their morning coffee – that is the opportunity they are willing to explore. This will further pave the way for scaling across brands, industries, and geographies.

A MEMENTO OF INSPIRATION “People are the heart of every company.

Customers are the lifeblood. Culture is your brain, and your mentors and believers are your eyes on what can be possible.

Now it’s time to set forth and leverage all the greatness in and around you.” – Jonathan Shroyer (Founder & Chief CX Innovation Officer)

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LEADERSHIP

Becoming a leader is crucial when you want to move ahead in the hierarchy. But most people failed to become a leader because of lacking leadership behaviors. Therefore, to help you out we have listed the top 10 leadership behaviors that will help you become a leader.

10 Leadership Behaviors you must learn 1. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION All great leaders must be good communicators because they have to explain their ideas, convey the company vision to employees, ensure that tasks are done on time, promote office conversations, and understand when it is the right time for a discussion. Leaders must also convey what a job entails before someone is engaged and explain the reasons for firing someone.

2. INDUSTRY EXPERTISE It is demoralizing and challenging to pursue a leader who does not know what they are doing. Great leaders have to lead in both the workplace and their respective fields. They must have an authoritative voice that clients, employees, and other industry experts look to and respect. They must apply their knowledge to make crucial decisions and know what is impossible for the team to accomplish.

3. PERCEPTIVE OF TEAM NEEDS Apart from having leadership skills, managers have to ensure that their teams also have the skills to get successful.

Leadership behaviors determine the most crucial skills for a position and strive to find or hire someone who is the right fit for the team and company. Great leaders identify skills within the scope of a role and further make sure that the new team member has the right training and certifications, and knows what equipment and tools are required to do the job.

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4. SHARE A VISION When we say share a vision that means how leaders perceive their vision, share the same with employees, and inspire them to support it. The ability to lead also involves how nicely a leader can encourage employees to get the desired business results. For instance, each team member should comprehend how their job contributes to its overarching goals.

5. TRUSTWORTHINESS Leadership behaviors involve gaining the trust and respect of employees and clients because they show integrity and honesty. Being reliable will improve the commitment of your team members towards their goals and encourage their efforts. Moreover, it helps you in strengthening the communication process, so team members will consider taking risks during brainstorming sessions and discuss with you whenever any problems hamper their ability to complete their task.

6. TIME MANAGEMENT Time is money and so time management is. Time management is usually considered an important skill for employees, but it becomes more important for leaders.

Leaders always keep track of their time and guide the entire company toward meeting its goals. Therefore, time management for leaders includes knowing how and where to spend their time along with understanding how employees spend their time on the desired goals.

Moreover, leaders must determine where to invest the company’s time and resources, which clients have a good return on investment, which employees require more mentoring, and which business ventures will benefit customers.

Leadershi

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7. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING Building and fostering relationships with employees and clients is one of the great leadership behaviors which is genuinely committed to their position and company. It demands time, emotion, and effort to strengthen business relationships with your team members and customers, so do not ignore this.

8. COMMITMENT Great leaders are committed to their business, employees, and clients.

They know what makes their product and services a commitment to excellence. If you are not committed to a company, you should not be leading it. Therefore, a lack of commitment to customers and a reluctance to listen to complaints and recommendations indicates that customer service will decline, and innovation and satisfaction standards will decline.

10. PROBLEM SOLVING This is the most important part of leadership behaviors, as it will help them in solving team- and company-related problems. Companies that offer great products and services and solve specific problems succeed.

For instance, if a team member comes to you with an issue, your aim as a leader is to help him solve that problem that best suits his and the company’s requirements.

CONCLUSION After reading this, you may get an idea of leadership behaviors. All the above-mentioned behaviors play a crucial role when you want to become a well-rounded and highly-effective leader. Therefore, consider them as you have to grow your company and become the best leader you can be.

9. CONFIDENCE Confidence instills trust and allows leaders to showcase themselves and their company well. Leaders must have the confidence to make and stick to critical decisions. There is a lot of pressure in business for leaders to be strong, and modifying your mind usually sends a message that you don’t have a plan or strategy.

ip Behaviors

YOU SHOULD HAVE TO GAIN TEAM TRUST

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DANIEL MARCOS, ENTREPRENEUR AND CEO COACH, GROWTH INSTITUTE

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GROWTH INSTITUTE: SPEARHEADING BESPOKE ‘EXECUTIVE TRAINING’ WORLDWIDE

In today’s global economy, ideas travel at breakneck speed across national borders and industries. Executives are dealing with a highly dynamic market in which issues extend beyond the general marketing, finance, and operation paradigms. The pandemic has thrown the situation into even more disarray. Companies of all sizes and shapes recognize that their operational capabilities must outperform those that helped them achieve in the past in today’s unpredictable, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment. To do so, leaders must adapt to the strategic difficulties that a linked world presents. Continuous learning is essential for keeping a competitive edge. Executive education can help in this situation.

Executive education, however, is in a state of flux. The number of institutes offering innovative hard and soft skills for today’s CEOs has increased dramatically. Over half of CEOs remain dissatisfied with the training regime that aids in developing crucial skills and business acumen. The need is for an innovative institute that can prepare executives for tomorrow’s business issues through tailored training programmers. Growth Institute is a well-known and respected name in this field. The institute is a leader in executive education and has shaped the careers of many outstanding leaders.

THE IDEA, THE INSPIRATION & VISION Growth Institute was founded by two world-renowned business leaders, Daniel Marcos (CEO) and Verne Harish (Chairperson).

However, it was Daniel’s idea and motivation that planted the seeds.

Daniel is a serial entrepreneur and has an extensive background in leading multiple organizations from myriad verticals. All along, he has helmed multiple roles, including that of a founder and a CEO. In doing so, he saw success and failure up-close and enjoyed it too.

But, he also realized how CEOs are often bottlenecked in various stages of scaling up their company. Eventually, the team and their leaders would lose direction, paving the way for their downfall.

These experiences inspired him to become an executive coach. In 2012, he met Verne Harish, a world-renowned speaker, author, and entrepreneurial coach with over three decades of experience training entrepreneurial teams. Daniel sought to establish a holistic training institute that offers exclusive executive training to the masses. This is how Growth Institute came to be.

Our hybrid model gives our clients the best of both worlds: affordable training based on their revenues and stage of growth, as well as expert assistance - and coaching through group sessions to help them implement.

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“What was once only available to a select group of wealthy companies is now open to all CEOs and their executive teams,” exalts Daniel. Over the last decade, Growth Institute has ascended to the apex of executive education with a bespoke portfolio. It has been recognized four times among the top 5,000 fastestgrowing private companies in the USA (INC5000), with over 50,000 members from over 10,000 companies across 68 countries. With such numbers, Daniel envisions this growth on an exponential level. He is a member of YPO and EO and is a certified coach in the Scaling Up methodology. And he is on a mission to help 1 million entrepreneurs scale their impact with no dramatic intervention.

A GLANCE AT THE INSTITUTE Growth Institute, in simple terms, is a congregation of “leadership gurus” available to anyone looking for an in-depth executive learning experience. However, the path to progress isn’t the same for everyone. It’s definitely difficult, but for startups and mid-market companies, it’s a mountainous task. The more a company steps up its game, the more complex it gets. Aware of all the hassles, Growth Institute takes a personalized approach. For scalable growth, a company has to have a scalable mindset. The institute offers the best-in-class training resources to thrive and build a robust presence. Its courses include The Edge (leadership optimization), on-demand seminars, master business courses, and master of business dynamics (including all access).

The institute is aware of how the market scenario has shifted in recent years. The status quo has changed to a personalized approach, and every company is racing to meet customer demands. To help businesses in this cutthroat scenario, the institute offers exclusive content they can implement in their operations. “Our hybrid model gives our clients the best of both worlds: affordable training based on their revenues and stage of growth, as well as expert assistance - and coaching through group sessions to help them implement,” explains Daniel. They recognize that learning alone is no longer sufficient. To establish and build a business, a corporation requires structure and support. Growth Institute’s online programs enable leaders to stay ahead of the curve. Many of its clients say the programs are “a no-brainer” because the value they receive far outweighs the cost.

EFFECTIVE MENTORS FOR QUALITY LEARNING “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen to, and a push in the right direction.” The following adage truly describes what the institute’s mentors qualify for.

Growth Institute works with thought leaders with a stellar record in their particular arena. And they follow the best market trends, which keeps the institute updated. Every mentor is thoroughly examined, and if it’s the right fit, they nurture a strong relationship with them, exploring opportunities for collaboration. The training process also includes a research process. Trainings are scheduled on particular needs, and once they decide it is a good fit for both, they get the thought leaders’ team involved, who will be the course instructor. “We only hire instructors who

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are certified in the areas they teach and have worked closely with the methodology’s thought leaders,” says Daniel.

Growth Institute focuses on implementation instead of learning, so the time spent in the sessions is spent working on the business. Simply said, it aids firms in the development of new systems/processes in real-time.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE ENDEAVORS Creativity & innovation are two things that cause creative people in a company. Growth Institute is shouldered by a team of six different nationalities, with a multitude of backgrounds and experiences that complement one another. It’s an ecosystem of professionals determined to build something fruitful. The institute provides its employees with the best of everything they need to excel in their roles and career.

At the Growth Institute, it is a “culture first” workplace.

Its meritocratic model encourages everyone to express their thoughts and to do so openly and frequently. Those perspectives are taken into consideration, and decisions are made based on the best ones. All the leaders of the Growth Institute grew up here. They began with entrylevel positions and, with tenacity, hard work, and training resources, they continued to push the boundaries of what was possible, eventually taking over departments and, in some cases, founding new ones.

HYPER-FOCUSED ON GROWTH Journeying over a decade, Daniel and his family in Growth Institute had a rewarding journey, growing through highs and lows. But nothing could deter it from its sought-out goal. When the pandemic hit, they switched to remote work, and it helped with re-establishing priorities, gathering data, and structuring a work rhythm. These not only speak about their culture but also about the man governing it all. Daniel had an entrepreneurial mindset since childhood. When he started and steadily cultivated Growth Institute, there wasn’t an instruction manual for it. It was his passion and determination that helped in establishing the institute where it is today.

Although it wasn’t easy, Daniels calls them “happy problems.” “As an entrepreneur, you’re in a constant adrenaline mindset, thinking of competitions, fund management, and not paying your debts.” He continues, “The secret is to keep a positive mindset and think about how to turn your challenges into opportunities.”

Keeping up his mindset, Daniel is primarily focused on uncovering new opportunities in tech-based training. At the same time, he has devised long-term objectives that will help both his career and personal life.

A MEMOIR FROM THE FOUNDER

“People are driven to become better versions of themselves by their natural instincts. Employees who want to work for a better world, for example, have a greater impact on the ecosystem around them.”

COMPANY

PERSON

DESIGNATION

Black People Eats, LLC

Jeremy E. Joyce

Founder

Boardsi

Martin Rowinski

CEO

Foxy Box Wax Bars

Kyla Dufresne

CEO / Founder

Franny's Farmacy

Franny Tacy

Founder and CEO

Growth Institute

Daniel Marcos

Entrepreneur and CEO Coach

HeartCore Enterprises Inc.

Sumitaka Kanno

CEO

Honey & Roses Coffee

Ella Jesmajian

Co-Founder

iSynergy

Steve Cross

Founder & Creative Director

Officium + Arise

Jonathan Shroyer

Chief CX Innovation Officer

Sedona Soul Adventures

Debra Stangl

Founder and President

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DEBRA STANGL

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH CUSTOMIZED WELLNESS RETREATS IN SEDONA

I

magine taking some time off from your hectic, lifestyle to relax and recharge. You embark on an enlightening getaway that gives refuge to allow a deeper physical and emotional withdrawal from the demands and strains of regular life, as opposed to a basic holiday, which is simply a time away from your daily routine. The one-of-a-kind experience allows you to unplug and synchronize your body and mind by bringing you back into connection on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. This is just one of the endless benefits a wellness retreat can bring to your life. To be honest, it leads you on a transformational journey to reconnect and reclaim your zest for life, joy, and clarity in making important decisions. Sedona Soul Adventures is an excellent choice for custom-designed lifechanging retreats for individuals and couples.

Sedona Soul Adventures is the brainchild of Debra Stangl, a former divorce attorney. And, as odd as it may seem, Sedona Soul Adventures resulted from her personal metamorphosis. The following excerpt describes how she found her calling and how her venture is “Transforming lives, one soul at a time.”

IT BEGAN FROM SELF-ACTUALIZATION In 1999, Debra came to Sedona to get away from the chaotic life

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she was living: She was in her 20th year as a divorce lawyer, a job she despised, with an unhappy marriage, a 40-pound weight gain, and a $50,000 debt. Fortunately, she had a session with an incredible practitioner, who transformed this simple retreat into a catalyst for change. She got the message that she needed to leave her law practice and change her life. She returned home, and two weeks later, $50,000 appeared out of nowhere; 6 months later, she left her law practice and spent the next 3 years traveling to Sedona for personal healing with various practitioners.

Two weeks before 9/11, she returned to Sedona again and received the message to move there. For the next six months, she was blank, with no direction or thread to follow. But then something unexpected started happening! Debra explains, “I started having dreams where I saw how working one-on-one in private sessions with these incredible practitioners had transformed my entire life, because they are such masters at utilizing energy and taking you from where you are to where you want to be. She saw how she could provide the same experience for others, condensing into 3 to 4 days, what had taken her 3 years. That is how the seeds of Sedona Soul Adventures were planted. Starting in 2002, it’s helping individuals and couples reconnect with their essential, spiritual nature.

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DEBRA STANGL, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Real and lasting change is possible, it’s what we do every day

April 2022 Business Talk | 25 |

HELPING PEOPLE TURN A NEW LEAF Retreats are a unique opportunity to reclaim one’s life, but Sedona Soul Adventures goes above and beyond. Unlike group retreats or conferences with a single theme, Sedona Soul Adventures creates custom-designed retreats for each individual or couple to achieve the specific transformations they seek. To put it another way, if you’re lost in life, your relationship is breaking apart, you’re in despair, or you want to refresh your life but don’t know how, Sedona Soul Adventures is the place to go. Each retreat consists of completely private sessions, one-on-one or two-on-one (for couples), not in groups, with the retreat having a beginning, a middle, and an end, and is transformational, taking you from where you are to where you want to be. “We work with a network of over 50 of Sedona’s Master Practitioners,” relays Debra.

In addition to their soulful retreats, at “The most beautiful place on earth,” Sedona Soul Adventures organizes sacred travels. “If you’re drawn to Ancient Egypt’s charm and mystery or fantasize of performing a holy ritual at Machu Picchu on the Solstice, we’d love to have you join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure,” says Debra. Participants will travel with a band of like-minded adventurers on a spiritual journey to the heart.

The successes seen through the retreats, combined with the practitioners’ efforts, have rewarded them with referrals and helped them thrive. Sedona Soul Adventures has assisted many people, mostly individuals and couples from the United States, in achieving lasting happiness. Truth be told, it’s not just a business initiative but a mission to help people reshape their lives.

SHOULDERED BY HARMONIOUS PEOPLE While this mission began with one woman and her unwavering commitment, it has since grown to a group of like-minded people. They nurture their spiritual side in the same way they provide ethereal sanctuaries for those in need. The team begins their day with a special prayer harmonizing their body and mind. They also participate in healing sessions regularly to keep a fresh and active mindset. “I even meet online with my practitioners at each New Moon to bring our energies together to expand our work,” adds Debra.

The cohesive bonding keeps everyone dedicated to their motto, “Transforming lives one soul at a time.” Achieving the benefits they want to see in others helps in creating one-of-a-kind getaways.

FLEXIBLE AGAINST COVID-19 The pandemic took the world by storm, blocking all the travel routes. But with determination and a creative mindset, Debra and her team surmounted this blockade.

Within 2 weeks, they were doing virtual retreats and have had astounding results. Debra explains, “Energy is energy, and what we are doing is moving out the old energy and bringing in new energy.” She further adds, “My practitioners are masters at utilizing this energy and bringing it to the people with whom they’re working, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re in their healing space in Sedona or your living room, you’re going to feel it and be transformed by it.” Sedona Soul Adventures is back in action to assist people in attaining calm amid the ongoing disturbances now that the pandemic has slowed down, offering both At Home Retreats for those who don’t prefer to travel as well as retreats in beautiful Sedona.

MANY FEATHERS ON THE CAP “I feel like I was divorcing people for over 20 years and I’ve been helping them stay together for almost 20 years now, so my karma is almost balanced out,” explains Debra. Her efforts have drawn the attention of notable media houses. Forbes, USA Today, Yoga Journal, The Today Show and The Washington Post, amongst others, have featured Debra and her brainchild. “We’ve been named “Best of Sedona” Retreats three years in a row (2020, 2021, and 2022) and “Best Marriage Retreats in the US” 5 years in a row,” adds Debra. She has also authored a book, “The Journey To Happy – How Embracing The Concept That Nothing Is Wrong Can Transform Your Life.” The book was a #1 International Best Seller when it came out in 2016. She and her team are focusing on expanding virtual retreats to reach and assist more people because of their accomplishments. Her book is also getting an audio version and a new edition.

A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER “Real and lasting change is possible, it’s what we do every day.” | 26 | Business Talk April 2022

FRANNY TACY: PIONEERING THE HEMP MARKET AND FRANCHISE MODEL WITH THE “HIGHEST” QUALITY PRODUCTS & NEW CANNACAFE

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he hemp industry in the US is thriving. With a market size of $3.61 billion in 2020 and $4.13 billion in 2021, it’s clear that hemp is in high demand, and businesses are springing up all over to meet it. For its multiple health benefits, hemp is being used in CBD products, personal care goods, and even food. Hemp can aid digestion, lower the risk of heart disease, relieve skin diseases such as acne and dermatitis, and alleviate menstrual symptoms in women. Many entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity as hemp grows in popularity in more and more states. One name rising to the occasion is Franny Tacy, the first female hemp farmer in North Carolina in over 75 years and CEO of Franny’s Farmacy.

Franny is considered among the preeminent experts in everything about hemp.

She is involved in research trials with North Carolina State University, is a TEDx hemp speaker, and is a founding member of the Women in Hemp nonprofit. She is an inspiring farmer, sparking the hemp scene in the US. Franny’s Farmacy, her brainchild, is an integrated brand involved in farming, processing, manufacturing, distribution, and franchising in six states, as well as establishing CBD dispensaries across the United States – all to deliver easy and safe access to excellent products from seed to shelf, with a focus on health. She also has a solid academic background as well as vast experience in forestry and pharmaceuticals, making her a formidable force.

PIONEERING HEMP AS A CROP Franny was raised on a farm by her father, a cattle farmer, and her mother, a banking executive. These early histories sowed the seeds of agriculture, which would eventually grow. In 2018, she had the notion of growing hemp. She opted to plant hemp for cannabinoid manufacturing, as hemp farming was permitted under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, it required extensive study and trial. So, she teamed up with her team at NC State University for a 3-year extensive trial phase for the most sustainable hemp farming. With trials happening both at her farm and the university, she launched her first Franny’s Farmacy dispensary, where individuals could have safe, easy access to quality hemp and CBD products. | 28 | Business Talk April 2022

Hemp and cannabis will revitalize agroeconomies across the country and stimulate our economy in ways we haven’t seen or expected.” And might I add, of the 450 thousand plants in the world, cannabis is the only crop that can feed, clothe, shelter, and provide medicine.

FRANNY TACY, FOUNDER & CEO April 2022 Business Talk | 29 |

From there on, the journey has been a roller coaster ride. While they are now the few pioneering brands to successfully franchise hemp and CBD dispensaries up and down the east coast, it was quite a challenge. Franny says, “The 2018 farm bill was just passed, and the FDA has yet to regulate hemp. We had to overcome various difficulties that most regular businesses don’t have to consider, such as banking, marketing, and advertising, just to keep our doors open and operations running.” Their success is due to their vertically integrated business model, which allows them to track the supply chain, quality, and delivery of products to each of their dispensaries and online, all of which can be tracked back to the original farm. She’s also innovating franchising by giving owners a piece of the online business and a path into the future of cannabis with a complete corporate team, training programme, and strategic partners for everything from banking to insurance, as well as their bespoke merchandise. She is called a “Trailblazer” by Fox for innovating and familiarizing hemp as a crop.

IN-LINE WITH MARKET DYNAMISM Finding an opportunity where there is none illustrates the marksmanship of an entrepreneur. And the notion goes well with Franny. There’s no doubt the cannabis market is extremely dynamic due to legal changes. So, how do Franny and her team find opportunity and motivation? Franny says, “It’s evolve or dissolve.” Franny grew hemp before it was legally permitted, then fought smokable hemp in many states, and her flagship (Delta 8 Gummies) is still being debated. She was the US farmer representative at the national press conference for the passing of the Farm Bill, where she publicly announced, “Hemp and cannabis will revitalize agro-economies across the country and stimulate our economy in ways we haven’t seen or expected.” And might I add, of the 450 thousand plants in the world, cannabis is the only crop that can feed, clothe, shelter, and provide medicine.” She embraces change and has launched the first CannaCafe within the company’s newest dispensary in Asheville. The CannaCafe inside a Franny’s Farmacy dispensary sells CBD coffee, hemp-infused drinks, and freshly baked goodies.

In this way, they are enhancing customer experience and enabling communities to connect, learn, and embrace hemp-wellness.

DRIVEN BY INTRINSIC R&D Being vertically integrated, Franny’s Farmacy independently does R&D on various products. It helps them launch flagships, keep up with the market, and even deal with challenges strategically. The Delta-8 THC Gummies, which contain Gotu Kola, a well-known plant with a long history of enhancing overall health and wellbeing, is one of the finest flagships. The firm is also meticulous about quality and standards. Every product goes through extensive quality checks, and sources of ingredients are thoroughly examined for pesticide tests. “We routinely utilize a third-party DEA certified lab test to ensure all of our hemp and extractions are safe,” adds Franny.

It is also critical to assess what needs to be done to maintain expansion and healthy growth. While Franny’s Farmacy has always worked distinctively, it has worked with new perspectives since the outbreak. The brand is harnessing media coverage for organic growth, nurturing, and increasing brand awareness as they continue to expand across the east coast.

PEOPLE WITH A HEART AND PURPOSE ‘No vision can flourish without a dedicated team,’ and Franny’s Farmacy is scaling up with people who have a heart, a feeling of urgency, and a desire to learn. These are the characteristics and | 30 | Business Talk April 2022

traits that help the team deal with day-to-day issues, as well as the pandemic’s intricacies. Their efforts are entirely intentionbased, with care and consideration for others. For example, when a customer visits one of their clinics, they are greeted by an educated budtender, trained to understand and meet their individual needs.

Everyone on board is scientifically driven and utilizes it to bring hemp- wellness to the mainstream as effectively as possible.

Franny believes education and transparency are integral components of their marketing framework. She explains, “Whether we’re partnering with local, regional, or national press on a story, taking part in local events, or hosting interactive hemp-infused dinner experiences, the root of everything we do is to educate and inspire to take health and wellness into the hands of each person we connect with.”

Being purposeful and a humble hoot, she is giving people a captivating story they can connect with.

RAISING A TOAST TO HER STRIKING FEATS Three years in business, Franny and her team have shown great conviction in their purpose. Sustaining a fierce pandemic and opening 7 (and soon-to-be ten) franchises are some of the noteworthy milestones of this ever-passionate CEO. Every major media outlet has featured her. PBS NYC even spent a day on her farm. She has a TEDx on “Hemp as a Crop” and has been a speaker on stages across the country over 30 times, including as a keynote speaker at TN State University, pushing about 60 podcasts now.

Franny and her team are cultivating several exciting opportunities at their moment in R&D and manufacturing.

They are expanding their franchises along the east coast and coming soon to Greenville NC, Wilmington NC, Alpharetta GA, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami FL while also filing for CT recreational license and launching 24 new products- all by Q2, 2022! You can learn more by visiting one of their dispensaries in NC, SC, GA, CT, VA, and FL. They plan to expand across the nation by the end of 2022, with more revolutionary products.

A MEMO FROM THE FOUNDER’S DESK “Always be a learner. The more you learn the more you grow.

The more you grow the more people you can help.”

ADGS Deep Technologies made in QATAR

info@adgs.com www.adgs.com

LEADERSHIP

Entrepren 10 Must-Have Skills of an

You Must Adopt in 2022

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very entrepreneur should have skills like leadership, managing, and entrepreneurship skills. It is regarded as one of the primary factors of production. In addition, an entrepreneur’s ability is measured by how well they make decisions, creativity, and how good they are in the management of risks and resources. So, if you are an entrepreneur and want to know what it takes to boom your business, here are some must-have skills for an entrepreneur.

Must-Have Skills of an Entrepreneur 1. Problem Solving Attitude In this fast-paced world, no entrepreneurship will get success if their approach is perpendicular. Of course, problems will arise, but you have to apply various tactics to handle them. Therefore, remember if you want to win a battle, you must learn that failures are guaranteed. So, problem-solving should be there to help you predict risks and develop risk management plans for the future.

2. Capable to Manage Money Every business’s ultimate goal is to make a profit (money).

Therefore, how you can lead your business if you can’t manage money. Budgeting can pose a big challenge to any business that is not well handled and will result in a loss.

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3. Building Relation with Customers No business can survive without customers. In business arrangements, we either sell services or products. Ensure that the ideas you use, your decision, and the services you offer fulfil customer requirements.

Therefore, extensive research is crucial to get a feasible solution. Then, sell the skills cultivated into the business to lure more customers, making it a must-have skill for an entrepreneur.

4. Being Resourceful The moment an entrepreneur understands how to handle money, the next question arises about taking the business to a greater profit.

But, first, you need to identify the funding source. It also involves a compelling pitch to sell the business and get more funding.

5. Networking with the Right People Before starting any business, it’s imperative to set goals for it. Therefore, make sure you create the right linkages and have resourceful people to develop business ideas. From the entrepreneurs you spend time with, portray your role model and achieve that. Try to learn from successful ones and ask them how they handle them. Share as many challenges as possible with them to solve the business’s problems.

6. Managing Stress Efficiently Stress can kill entrepreneurs if they fail to handle and manage it. There will always be a time when your ideas and plans won’t work. Further, frustration happens when you try to fix this. So, don’t let stress put you down; rather, turn them into a growth opportunity. Yet, make sure you apply useful tactics for business growth.

7. Capacity Building Limited skills can affect business growth. Therefore, improve the team performance by providing training to them in key areas. Determine the gaps in every team member and arrange capacity-building sessions.

It will give them the ability to handle complex issues with high commitment levels. As an entrepreneur, this will create a basis to handle team member misconduct issues.

8. Learning Ability The market demands modifications and impacts business now and then. Don’t think that you understand everything about your business.

Firstly, you need to understand how to build customer trust in an online business. A business, if strategized well, succeed very fast. Arising trends should be observed and applied instantly to avoid business disruption.

Acquire skills and concentrate more on what level you desire to take the business. Ask questions from yourself to learn more about your business.

9. Managing People Effectively Handling people takes distinct dimensions. Use distinct parameters to assess people’s capabilities. Recognize their weakness and work on them. You can achieve productivity by having an effective team on board. Encourage and build them every day. Treat employees with equality as it brings respect, and timely feedback will help you grow your business further.

10. Determining Strength and Weakness We all know that nobody is perfect in this world. It is important to recognize what you are good at (strength). Recognize weaknesses, so they don’t overpower the strengths. It will assist you in making an informed decision about your business. Working on weaknesses with boldness and sheer strength will allow you to go a long way.

These are some must-have skills for an entrepreneur, everyone should know.

April 2022 Business Talk | 33 |

Our education & certification courses are designed for any stage of your career and any level of board experience.

MARTIN ROWINSKI, CEO

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MARTIN ROWINSKI: HELPING BUSINESSES FIND THEIR IDEAL BOARD OF LEADERSHIP

“THERE IS ALWAYS A COURAGEOUS DECISIONMAKER BEHIND A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS.”

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eaders are the pillars that carry the firm from its foundation to its pinnacle.

They create attainable goals, manage teams, and do a lot more to benefit their company. Employees who work under prominent leaders are more likely to be long-term, productive, and committed, which has a positive impact on the bottom line. People are the lifeblood of a company, and good hiring can catapult a business to move forward. This allows for improving performance over immediate or annual goals and setting better strategies for sustainability and growth.

But finding adept senior talent or experienced industry specialists in a significantly competitive environment can be difficult. Therefore, businesses need to bring in executive recruitment specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes. This is where Martin Rowinski comes in. Better known as “The Corporate Matchmaker,” Martin is the co-founder and CEO of Boardsi, a holistic network that helps businesses create the best board of directors/board of advisors.

In this entrancing issue, “The 10 Most Successful Entrepreneurs Revamping the Future, 2022,” our magazine is honored to present Martin’s journey of prospering Boardsi.

April 2022 Business Talk | 35 |

AN INTRIGUING START “Learning and growing” are two qualities a leader should have. For Martin, these factors were an anchor of growth. He is a Polish immigrant who came to America with his mother for new opportunities three decades ago. And as fortune had its way, he began his journey in the leadership hierarchy. As a child, Martin always sought to go beyond the crowd to achieve his goals.

With the same passion, he accomplished 25 years of experience leading, developing, and implementing strategic processes and products to optimize services and drive lead generation and sales growth in the fields of recruitment, finance, technology, marketing, and mortgage lending.

In the process, he learned the traits that make a conference space effective and productive. However, his natural desire to surpass these benchmarks pushed him to go even further. He has turned numerous challenges into opportunities and realized how the people you surround yourself with come into play and contribute to your success. And that is how the idea of Boardsi came to be.

Where connecting executives with the right opportunities can be a tough job, Boardsi allows connecting with and creating a network of C-suite executives that can step in and get involved as board members with distinct responsibilities.

A NETWORK FOR NEW POSSIBILITIES Boardsi assists businesses in building their ideal board of directors for rapid and scalable success while nurturing growth potential. In doing so, they create a win-win situation for both sides (executive and business). They are actively adding new executives to their network, expanding it and opening doors to numerous lucrative board positions around the world. The network enables them to form new and meaningful relationships with professionals - both in and out of their field. This paves the way for their professional development and gives them their ideal roles. Each candidate is extensively vetted and placed in positions that respect their talents. By bridging talent with the right destination, Boardsi has turned around the lives of many businesses and aspiring executives over the years.

Besides connecting with lucrative opportunities, Boardsi can level up aspiring leaders for world-class board operations. As a verified education partner of IBDC.D (International Board Director Competency Designation), it can implement proven and effective steps that can help aspirants gain experience and have a personal board director strategy. “Our education & certification courses are designed for any stage of your career and any level of board experience,” Martin explains.

INNOVATION HOLDS THE CARDS “We make putting a board together a fast task; something that could take months up to a year to accomplish,” exalts Martin.

Boardsi is a web-based network with a strong purpose. It believes that people should find the right choice for their career; thus, it makes hiring expert executives easier, faster, and more efficient.

Boardsi is constantly improving and innovating itself using tools and technologies. The platform is incorporated with AI-based match-making technology that connects businesses with the perfect directors/advisors for their companies. Also, its backend platform is constantly updated for its members to find and apply for new opportunities. | 36 | Business Talk April 2022

The consistency on innovation and improvement gives them a major upper hand amid the COVID-19. The pandemic has pushed the need for digital recruitment. And with companies adapting to remote work, they are more focused on experience and expertise than on location. This allows the members to find a better fit with more options. The fact that Boardsi’s members were initially prepared for a “work from home” scenario helped them adapt to the new work model quickly and efficiently.

THE BOARDSI TEAM “It’s not just about ideas. It’s about making them happen.”

Boardsi, like any other innovative company with a mission, relies on a team of dedicated and like-minded individuals to keep its sails afloat. And it’s transparency, honesty, and open-door policy that ensures engagement across all levels. “Everyone from our account executives, customer service, success managers, and recruiters are all part of a team that works as one,” explains Martin. They look at the organization as a whole and treat success and failure accordingly. They maintain a diverse culture and provide an open environment that encourages ideas and growth (individual and organizational).

MUSHROOMING AND ATTAINING NEW FEATS A strong purpose, innovative elements, and a dedicated team come together to make Boardsi a uniquely recognized name in the recruitment space. Its efforts have rewarded it with the “Impact Company Of The Year 2021 & 2022” award by DotCom Magazine. “We appreciate all our achievements equally and cherish our successes as a team. It takes the entire team to achieve success,” Martin states proudly. He and his team have already set their eyes on further expansion and growth.

They are already opening two new offices in the USA and are looking to expand in Europe and Asia. While working on these plans, Boardsi will focus on building connections with executive education, executive board building, and executive branding, amongst others.

BUILD A TEAM OF EXCEPTIONAL LEADERS Get trained by top business thought leaders and implement time-tested methodologies that will transform your business and result in real-time ROI.

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GrowthInstitute

STEVE CROSS: A TRUSTED AND ACCLAIMED DIGITAL MARKETER OF THE MIDWEST

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he statement needs no evidence since every vertical is investing in it to fortify its market presence. What was previously a choice is now a must-do item at the top of everyone’s to-do list. Digital marketing has a broader scope and can propel a company forward. It is transforming the way businesses operate because of technological improvements, easier internet access, and changing client behavior. It enables businesses to provide a tailored experience to customers, giving them an advantage over their competitors in terms of a seamless and user-specific experience.

However, because the dynamics of digital marketing are constantly changing, businesses need to identify digital marketers that are nimble, aware, intelligent, and able to adapt to the current changes. Not to mention, given the domain’s high level of competition, it’s tough to locate a reliable digital partner. Introducing Steve Cross, an era-defining digital leader, and IT maven. His innovative brainchild, iSynergy, is an integrated digital marketing agency committed to exponentially optimizing ROI for clients.

THE GENESIS Steve took up the mantle of entrepreneurship to lead his life on his terms.

Starting his career in the early 2000s, he became tired of corporate America and middle management. He was frustrated with explaining his job to someone higher up who didn’t care or recognize it. After several years of struggling and juggling between job roles, he finally quit his mediocrity to start anew. What he sought was to create a culture that contemplated him. In 2011, he founded iSynergy in Youngstown, Ohio. But digital marketing wasn’t his initial idea. As an IT maven, he began an IT company, helping businesses grow with the technology curve. “Whenever I was asked if I had services available, I said “yes” and figured it out later,” asserts Steve. As breakthroughs appeared and customers sought additional services, he and his team continued to expand their portfolio.

When they added digital marketing to their list of services, it was a game-changer. However, a rising number of players, many of whom kept their clients in the dark by concealing data and insights, bred distrust.

While overcoming these misunderstandings was tough, their adaptability contributed to their growth. iSynergy proposes strategies that are transparent and focused on results. Each client receives a personalized data board that shows how their SEO, Facebook ads, social media following, email openings, and other strategies are functioning. The company does not hide it in the opposite circumstances. Rather, they audit

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Digital marketing will continue to be the most robust marketing format in the foreseeable future.

STEVE CROSS, FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

April 2022 Business Talk | 39 |

and change to uncover the winning strategy. Simply put, they are completely upfront with their clients throughout the entire process, from strategy to implementation and outcomes.

IN-SPEED WITH MARKET DYNAMICS Technology is evolving rapidly, and to adapt to it requires constant research and learning. In the last decade or so, advertising has transformed, and offline settings aren’t the most cost-effective way anymore. With society constantly gravitating to online, agencies need to upgrade themselves to be ahead of the pack. As a digital marketing business, iSynergy is always adapting and evolving with technology rather than reacting to it. It is also their USP because it assists them in developing data-driven tactics with innovative designs.

By focusing inward and setting the pace, they not only remain ahead of the competition but also lead the way. The company is the Midwest’s leading marketing agency, keeping up with coastal tech hub towns. While there isn’t much of a difference between them and large digital agencies in San Francisco or New York, iSynergy is far less expensive. With so many useful features, it’s much easier to spread the word through delighted customers. “No advertising technique can beat it when clients are delighted enough to brag about you,” Steve says. They don’t employ salespeople, make cold calls to potential consumers, or upsell to meet quotas, making them unique. iSynergy recognizes the uniqueness of each client and their distinct requirements.

Simply said, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all marketing plan, and the company lives by determining the best path for each of its partnerships. The company works with small, semilocal enterprises and national and global corporations.

DETAILED AND ON LEARNING CURVE iSynergy is always learning and evolving to achieve and sustain excellence. Comfort does not bear fruit in the world we live in.

As a result, the company is always looking for new marketing strategies and expanding its portfolio and skill set. This aspect throws light on Steve’s leadership. He looks up to and seeks to learn from leaders at the forefront of their industry. In a similar fashion, his company follows the Permanent Beta philosophy, which understates learning and evolving with strategies. This helps in maintaining an industry-grade standard. “We strive to remain at the forefront of the industry and to constantly be one step ahead of the game. Our standards evolve with the industry, and we use research to keep our expectations and deliverables updated, “says Steve. They employ data to create bespoke SEO services, targeted advertisements, and user interface websites, and their design takes these services to new heights. The difference is that their research and insights are transparent, and they are involved with clients at every stage.

UNFETTERED BY UNCERTAINTIES The permanent Beta strategy has always helped iSynergy face uncertainties upfront. “Learn”, “Adapt” and “Grow”, are its keystones and are steppingstones as well. The company didn’t incur any loss due to COVID-19. While they have switched to working from home, their purpose and business structure remain unshaken. In fact, they thrived in all quarters over the last few years (employees, clients, and in-house services). Since physical campaigns and events were cancelled, businesses turned to digital channels for marketing services. “We were fortunate enough to be at the top of the digital marketing game and help other companies adapt,” adds Steve.

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A CULTIVATING AND INDEPENDENT CULTURE iSynergy as an ecosystem has a fine blend of values and talent.

Here, each person brings a distinct set of abilities and skills and finds value-driven support from everyone onboard. The foundation of their culture is built on trust, and it’s a two-way street. As Steve explains, “It’s simple: I trust our staff to do their job to the best of their ability, and they trust me to maintain a work environment that makes them want to work.” The company doesn’t have any middle management, and everyone is self-policing. Everyone is accountable for clients and each other.

The culture is a fine illustration of Steve’s leadership. He believes if people are treated professionally and with respect, they will prove you are right. The team enjoys fun events, company lunches, and much more. While they don’t spare any stakes, they place a premium on life and the ultimate enjoyment of living it.

RACING TO BE ON TOP Steve took a gamble by entering digital marketing, despite its volatility back then. But his and his team’s conviction has kept iSynergy on a highway of growth. They have launched a new division, Lift Marketing, which focuses on small-to-mediumsized local businesses. In recent years, their clientele has expanded from local to global enterprises with both small and major clients. Lift Marketing has been very instrumental in this growth.

In regards to the future, Steve and his team aim to stay on the learning and adaptive side. At the same time, they wish to work with bigger clients to achieve their marketing and advertising goals while helping startups live out their dreams. In the end, Finally, iSynergy wants to be known as one of the most innovative and effective digital marketing agencies in the U.S., putting Youngstown, Ohio on the map.

A MEMOIR FROM THE FOUNDER “People who give the least amount should be least trusted.

Always foster trust until the person proves otherwise.”

SUMITAKA KANNO, CEO, HEARTCORE ENTERPRISES INC.

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The digital revolution sparked by digital computing 70 years ago is still going on today. However, the internet and the technologies it brought have sparked a disruption like never before. Digital transformation is compelling businesses to change their business models and adapt to the new market reality. What’s interesting is that the transformation is driven by customers instead of business. Customers are expecting more relevant content regarding their real-time activities. To provide an unparalleled experience to this new generation of customers, businesses must embrace breakthrough technologies.

The following overview sparked a flourishing business idea in Sumitaka Kanno (Yamamoto), an IT maven and leader. He is the founder of HeartCore Inc., a technology firm that provides customized content management systems to assist businesses in reaching optimal customer happiness. In the following article, we’ll be covering Kanno’s entrepreneurial journey and how he is redefining customer experience in a new era of engagement.

FROM A VISION TO A MISSION Every business leader begins as an entrepreneur with a vision for impactful change, and Kanno was no exception. Since childhood, he dreamt of an independent career; hence, he worked part-time, developing electronic devices and much more. Seeing the world change its dynamism with technology, he recognized the need to build something of his own. He wanted to challenge himself and shape ideas that could change the world.

In a bold move, he began his first business, which was an extension of his hobby. Despite being passionate, his venture gradually waned with time.

But he was tenacious enough not to give up. Sometime later, he entered the IT industry and was working in customer engagement. Working here, he saw the immense possibility in CMS to drive CX. With a clear goal and concept, he founded HeartCore in 2009 and paved the way for carving excellence in CX management. His foremost priority has been to “make customers happy.” The very reason: HeartCore calls itself the “Make World Happy.” “Many IT providers have sales as their goal,” Kanno says, “but we don’t.” We’ll do everything we can to make sure our customers get the results they want.” They go beyond the end mile to meet their commitment, which differentiates them from others.

It serves leading Japanese enterprises such as Japan Airlines and Hitachi, amongst others. As of 2021, HeartCore has a 700+ eminent clientele with a No. 1 market share in Japan.

If your ability is 100, choose a slightly higher target. You will give up if it is too high, and you will not be able to reach it if it is too low. If you keep growing at a rate above the average, you will expand significantly in ten years.

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THE EXCLUSIVE PORTFOLIO HeartCore has categorized its portfolio into CX (Customer Experience) and DX (Digital Transformation) to dazzle the world.

The core product, HeartCore CMS, is a one-stop digital marketing solution. It enables the headless distribution of diverse corporate content on websites, as well as apps, SNS, signage, and IoT, and is used by companies of all sizes and shapes. Unlike open-source systems, the proprietary CMS is noted for its security and flexibility in integrating with other systems and disseminating information. The DX domain has two products: the process mining tool “Apromore” and the task mining tool “CONTROLIO.” Both of them are used for visualizing business processes and fostering reforms and the DX personnel shortages.

Due to the CMS’s inherent nature, the CX domain relies on partner strategies. As a result, HeartCore is constantly expanding its partnership program while improving its products and branding. Although it is new to the DX domain, the company emphasizes visualization and analysis as the path to a better future. In that regard, HeartCore aims to educate people on the need for DX through its customized products while strengthening its competitiveness.

WHAT SETS THEM APART Innovation and R&D have always gone hand in hand. And it’s evident from the rapid evolution of IT. Similarly, HeartCore capitalizes on R&D to bolster its capability to develop futuristic technologies. The company encourages analysis because its products can analyze not just various systems and bundled software but also custom-built software. “We take the initiative, incorporate the functions, and adopt and develop the most advanced requirements,” says Kanno. This also makes them adaptive to market changes and challenges. For instance, CMS has become popular with open-source services such as WordPress.

Websites supporting corporate activities require top security, as many people are involved in the operations. The increasing touchpoints increase the amount of content managed, and headless distribution is required. Hence, the HeartCore CMS covers all the marketing activities of a company.

With its mission of understanding and handling the difficulties that its clients face, HeartCore opened an office in the United States and is listed on Nasdaq in February 2022. HeartCore is constantly adapting to new technologies and advances by expanding its boundaries. Their constancy can be seen in their inventive approach to meeting consumer needs, which they have maintained since their inception; this also explains their highquality quotient.

THE FORTITUDE AGAINST UNCERTAINTIES “Identify & respond.” Kanno and his team have always had the upper hand in business because of their introspective approach.

In fact, it truly helped them turn the tide during the COVID-19 outbreak. They worked with the worst-case scenario and have been strengthening their crisis management to stay scalable and ensure optimal performance.

“We have gained a lot of traction for our product ‘CONTROLIO’ with the expanding remote work worldwide,” Kanno points out. Businesses are more punctual and prefer to assess their employees’ work thoroughly. With firms focusing on enhancing operational efficiency, HeartCore sees it as its responsibility to promote and support such efficiency precisely. By using its product, companies can utilize a large pool of data to visualize workflow and guide for efficiency and more productivity.

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CX’s behavior has also changed because of the COVID-19 restriction. For example, they are more detailed about the content they want, whether it is on a website, social media, payment information, or contracts. Personalization and recommendation, which are essential for information access, have become crucial. HeartCore is working toward this goal by offering a system that developers can quickly construct and analyze and manage data from all touchpoints.

AN ECOSYSTEM OF EVENTFUL PEOPLE “If your ability is 100, choose a slightly higher target. You will give up if it is too high, and you will not be able to reach it if it is too low. If you keep growing at a rate above the average, you will expand significantly in ten years.” - Kanno.

The founder is undeniably passionate about what he does, but this parallel also captures his strategic side. To ensure a like-minded crew, HeartCore is very specific about who they work with. The company has a versatile team with people from distinct backgrounds. And they are people who like to challenge scenarios and want to do something impactful with the resources available. Everyone enjoys a courteous and agreeable environment. “Each employee’s career and goals are discussed twice a year, fostering a culture of mutual respect,” the founder explains. Simply put, it’s a place where leaders and teams collaborate to encourage growth and mutual respect.

ON THE HIGHWAY OF GLORY Starting on a rebellious note, Kanno successfully carved excellence in the market. This is reflected in the constantly expanding client base, testimonials, and recognition. In the future, Kanno is looking to make more strides in the DX domain. With the rapid IT evolution and refined work styles in Japan, the promotion of DX will help businesses add value to customers. HeartCore is gearing up for consulting services that can help businesses focus on their overall growth with a focus on HRD. Of course, if new functions emerge because of DX promotion, they will actively expand their portfolio, which includes M&A.

Everything you Need to Know

What Makes a SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR?

ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAITS

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Entrepreneurs are multi-taskers, multitalented and diverse people. Their roles and responsibilities simultaneously go as they are the project managers, an accountant, a marketer, risk-taker, a salesman, etc. Now, you must be wondering what makes an entrepreneur successful. Let’s have a look at different entrepreneur qualities that you must know.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR 1. ADAPTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY It’s okay to be passionate about the work, and sometimes you have to be rigid about what you do. But inflexibility towards client and market needs would lead to failure. Therefore, it is necessary to have an open mind approach when it comes to the changes. Entrepreneurs should not be stubborn and headstrong while considering other options. So, you should be flexible, not be hard and fast in the decision-making process. For instance, if the situation demands changes in the decision, it will help the enterprise to analyze the pros and cons.

Thereafter entrepreneurs can revise and adjust the decision, and this is what makes a successful entrepreneur.

2. PASSION AND MOTIVATION Passion and motivation are some of the key qualities entrepreneurship should have. Passion is the most important trait of a successful entrepreneur.

A successful entrepreneur always values his work and is genuinely keen to invest extra hours and efforts into growing. The happiness achieved from success is way beyond the money they invested in their venture. In other words, a demonstration of passion and motivation would define the success of any entrepreneurial venture. From creating and implanting a prototype to pitching the concept to venture capitalists, success is the function of passion and motivation

3. GOOD COMMUNICATOR Communication is a key quality that every professional should have.

Therefore, entrepreneurs must be well-versed in the art of communication.

An entrepreneur should be a good communicator while sharing opinions and thoughts with their investors, clients, and many more people while promoting and advertising their company. It is the skill through which both the sender and receiver comprehend each other’s thought processes, and this is what makes a successful entrepreneur. Sometimes they need to influence creditors, investors, suppliers, customers, and the government to make them think in his way and act accordingly.

4. INNOVATIVE THINKERS An entrepreneur must be creative and innovative. Entrepreneurs are almost determined by their constant drive to invent new ideas and always enhance existing ones. Successful people accept changes. Through his innovative concepts and creative thinking, an entrepreneur can engage himself to analyze different problems and situations to deal with them. With this in mind, try to enhance the new products, create new production methods, find a new market, and reorganize the enterprise.

5. PATIENCE You can not expect success overnight. Therefore, your business requires time to grow. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs took decades to reach where they are today. So, put the work in and be ready for a slow slog. If you remain persistent over obstacles, the rewards will feel more satisfying. When you choose to become an entrepreneur, you must remember that what you require to make your business work is you.

6. GOAL-ORIENTED Entrepreneurs are always goal-oriented and love to set their goals and put their efforts into reaching those goals. They are always committed to succeeding and removing any obstacles that may stand in their way. They also tend to be strategic in their game strategies and have a precise vision and idea of what they like to achieve and how to achieve it.

7.

DETERMINATION Entrepreneurs are not afraid of failures and never lose hope at the time of crises. On the contrary, they consider failure as an opportunity for success.

They are very much committed to making all their endeavors succeed. They will make efforts until they do not succeed. They are highly determined and do not have “impossible work in their dictionary.

8.

HARD WORK It is one of the important traits and a completely key ingredient to true success. To reach the goal, the entrepreneur has to make a lot of effort and hard work to realize their dream. There is no shortcut to getting success.

However, hard work and commitment can take the entrepreneur to that place where he desires to reach and would be able to discover his dream.

WRAP UP In this post, we have learned about a few skills that will help you understand what makes an entrepreneur successful. Following these skills and qualities will let you stand apart from others and allow you to succeed.

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We have created a truly special culture that is focused on the wellbeing of our staff and as a result, we have experienced tremendous growth and prosperity over the past few years.

The experience has been deeply gratifying.

– Bill Johnson

Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Liberty Company

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BUILDING A UNIQUE CULTURE THAT PERSUADES EXCELLENCE Liberty has established offices across the country by partnering with leaders who fit our culture and are driven by our mission of Promoting Peace of Mind with Great Care and our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Caring, Kindness, Fairness, Teamwork, Good Feelings and Fun! Liberty aims to create value for all stakeholders by managing their risks with great care and providing industry best practices and counsel. As a company, we embrace change and welcome new voices as the best way to thrive and grow.

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