The 10 Most Successful Entrepreneurs Revamping the Future, 2022

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ENTREPRENEURS PUSHING THE WORLD FORWARD INTO A

E JEETENDRA THAKUR Editor | 4 | Business Talk February 2022

ntrepreneurship 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 sought-out entrepreneurs selected by our editorial panel, who are shaping a better picture of the world. As we approach 2022, we are facing substantial headwinds from the Omicron variant, as well as recurring supply chain issues. Despite this, entrepreneurs all across the world are working to curate need-based solutions, which can be a silver lining with unexpected threats.

EDITOR’S CORNER

BRIGHTER FUTURE

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

Gunjan, Anmol Bhatia, Harry Dsena

Finance Head

Girdhar Kumar Thakur

Digital Marketing Manager Jatin Shrivastav

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info@businesstalkmagazine.com www.businesstalkmagazine.com Copyright © 2020 Business Talk Media, All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. While the publishers made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein. February 2022 Business Talk | 5 |

C OV E R S T O R Y

10 KIARA STREATER PRESIDENT & CEO, EXTRAORDINARY HEADHUNTERS LLC

Articles 42

SPOTLIGHT

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENTREPRENEUR AND BUSINESSMAN

HOW TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS? 10 BEST WAYS TO FOLLOW

46 BHAGVAN KOMMADI CEO, QUANTICA COMPUTACAO

| 6 | Business Talk February 2022

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

DR. OUMAR RAFIOU BARRY CEO, BNB GROUP CORP.

SUSAN SEMMELMANN OWNER, SUSAN SEMMELMANN INTERIORS

SRIDHAR DEIVASIGAMANI FOUNDER AND CEO, INTELLIHOT

MARTY KEISER FOUNDER & CEO, IV BIOHOLDINGS (IVBH)

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INTERVIEW

WITH BUSINESS TALK

| 8 | Business Talk February 2022

EXTRAORDINARY HEADHUNTERS LLC

QUANTICA COMPUTACAO

IV BIOHOLDINGS (IVBH)

BNB GROUP CORP.

INTELLIHOT

SUSAN SEMMELMANN INTERIORS

February 2022 Business Talk | 9 |

S t o r y C o v e r KIARA STREATER,

PRESIDENT AND CEO EXTRAORDINARY HEADHUNTERS LLC

| 10 | Business Talk February 2022

KIARA STREATER:

ACING THE RECRUITMENT SPACE WITH INNOVATION AND CONGENIALITY

“

I want to continue to take advantage of this opportunity by always delivering nothing but the best services to my clients. Moreover, I also want to make applicants feel that my company wants to build a longlasting relationship with them.

February 2022 Business Talk | 11 |

ntrepreneurship may be a road less traveled, but it’s a journey everyone deserves. In that vein, both men and women are picking up the entrepreneurial torch, but women are more influential. Breaking through the traditional mindset, today’s superwomen are building a resounding presence through sheer will and hard work. With increasing participation, they are setting benchmarks in every domain, from IT to finance, fashion or others. Kiara Streater, CEO, and President of Extraordinary Headhunters LLC, stands out as an ace entrepreneur within this ecosystem. She has over 15 years of handson expertise optimizing multibillion-dollar businesses with a proven consistency in revenue and profit. Her expertise includes creating market opportunities, growth-driven strategies, and implementing sophisticated research-based solutions. Simply put, she is a remarkable woman who leads by example, lives with purpose, and inspires others to step outside the box. Her journey, however, has been a total roller coaster. At one point, she had a traumatic brain injury that nearly disrupted her life. But being tenacious, she fought back. She also found support from her family, especially her husband and business partner, who helped her unleash her hidden potential. After recovering, she promised herself to dedicate her life to the service of others. This is where the idea of a holistic organization that bridges firms and talents was born. Through Extraordinary Headhunters, Kiara is uncovering glowing opportunities for those who need them, as well as contributing to economic growth. Recently, Business Talk Magazine had the privilege of interviewing this exemplary entrepreneur for their upcoming issue, “The 10 Most Successful Entrepreneurs Revamping the Future, 2022.” The following excerpt shines a light on Kiara’s altruistic leadership, as well as the innovative ways her brainchild is excelling in the staffing realm. A CLOSER INSIGHT OF THE FIRM Extraordinary Headhunters LLC is a womanled recruiting firm in Colombia, SC, known for providing innovative staffing solutions. It facilitates jobs in healthcare, warehousing, customer service, administrative assistance, engineering and expert-level manufacturing, and more areas. The firm’s fortitude lies in bridging the gap between job seekers and opportunities by providing critical prospects to talented individuals. “We take pride in being an awardwinning creative staffing agency in Columbia,” claims Kiara. They prioritize client satisfaction and have a team of skilled recruiters who ensure an efficient recruitment process at affordable rates. In doing so, they take pride in forming lifechanging career partnerships.

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Extraordinary Headhunters was founded with a mission to excel exceedingly in the recruitment sphere. Standing at the helm, Kiara aims to uphold the tradition of excellence. With well-planned solutions and operations-based resources, the firm is playing an instrumental role in its domain. In the past 3 years, it has fortified relations with its clients, as well as the talents it hired. It’s on a constant drive to match the right people with appropriate job positions and companies. Although they are a small minority enterprise, they take pride in serving clients across USA, as well as other countries. ENVISIONING BEYOND THE BOTTOMLINE To ensure that the right people find the right job, Extraordinary Headhunters goes above and beyond the traditional ways. Integrity is its core value, and everyone onboard maintains it to the letter. Kiara believes that every talent has its indivisible value, but to identify and connect it with prospects is a strenuous job. Her venture, however, works on a flexible model that adheres to industrial modifications and meets expectations. It has efficient systems that replace the traditional ways of sourcing talents and getting timely responses from interested applicants. “We utilize digital platforms, like social media platforms and online business pages to democratize new and exciting opportunities whenever they are available,” says Kiara. Moreover, it helps in building a sustainable network and reach in different locations.

With the phygital model, the firm transacts businesses on a larger scale. At the same time, it ensures that deserving applicants are appointed to business needs. This showcases that Extraordinary Headhunters is not only after profits, but also focused on promoting positivity. In doing so, the firm is developing a global community where businesses thrive, and people excel in their dream jobs.

In a meaningful way, this demonstrates Kiara’s inherent generosity and the leader she is. She has focused on forging strong relationships through competitive solutions since her debut in the corporate world. This philosophy assists her in leading a successful entrepreneurial career. Her tenacious attitude, stellar ethics, and unwavering determination have kept her focused on her goal of delivering excellence.

“We utilize digital platforms, like social media platforms and online business pages to democratize new and exciting opportunities whenever they are available.”

BEYOND COMPETITION IN A FIERCE MARKET The recruitment industry has always been one of the fiercely competitive segments. Every organization is looking for the best talents, and recruitment agencies are constantly trying alternative sources to meet requirements. Extraordinary Headhunters outperform the scenario with its experience and collaborative resources. “The fact that we’ve been in the industry for a long time is one of our major USPs,” says Kiara. It helps them handle varied concerns of hiring, be it for SMEs/MSMEs or large enterprises from different industries. Simultaneously, digitization plays a critical role in picking up the pace. The metaverse is everyone’s playing field, and Extraordinary Headhunter isn’t left behind. It helps in reaching out to potential clients and, ultimately, the targeted audience. “We send out proposals and even set up online presentations to firms to help them understand how we can meet their HR and recruiting needs,” explains Kiara. As if this isn’t enough, the firm constantly updates its website with information regarding itself and its services. Last but not least, the firm posts daily updates about itself and the staffing industry on social media.

Kiara also mentions that the innate ability to see beyond profits and having a worthwhile vision is a key USP. “We are on this journey to provide bright and sustainable opportunities and change people’s lives,” says Kiara. Her wholesome thinking makes her stand apart from others in the same arena. She had to go through a lot before she could enjoy the rewards of her labor. And it is because of those trials and tribulations that she has grown into a strong CEO and an inspiring leader.

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BACKED BY EXTENSIVE R&D To maintain fortitude and creativity, R&D has always been essential in the recruitment industry. It gives recruiters access to the most up-to-date employment statistics and keeps them informed about new firm formations. Simultaneously, it helps to get valuable insights to make more informed decisions towards business operations. Extraordinary Headhunters follow these aspects to the letter. According to Kiara, R&D helps in building the core of a recruiter. She says, “A recruiter needs to determine what motivates a person to work, understand how companies create jobs, and decide on the qualifications they are looking for, which is where R&D comes in.” It helps her company to improve policies and develop a better set of guidelines for its services. The R&D tools used by the team constantly raise the bar of quality and curate new ideas to level up client satisfaction.

Kiara also plays an instrumental role in the company’s R&D. Her extensive background in business development, hiring, interviewing, cold calling, and benefits/payroll processing aids her firm in meeting needs with intrinsic insights. She is also a technology maven and an expert in using MCS, FISS, COMPUDATA, PECOS, PETS, I-Flow, QMS 360, MCSDT, PSUP, EDI software, and tools. Needless to say, these tools are the secret sauce behind the firm’s roaring success. She is always open to new ideas and feedback, be it from her employees or close ones. She is a lifelong learner who feels there is always a potential for development. It has enabled her and her firm to adapt to the changing client needs and the industry landscape. UNBOWED TO COVID-19 It’s no surprise that the pandemic wreaked havoc on the recruitment industry, as well as the livelihoods of the talent pool. For Extraordinary Headhunters, the first few months were hard for everyone on board. But, their noble goal remained unwaivered by any external factors. Although unprepared for the spontaneous business closures and public health emergencies, they acted proactively. Using digital mediums to stay connected and move forward, the firm overpowered the obstacles that came unannounced. Besides this, Kiara states that they have partnered with many healthcare organizations in Colombia to provide free COVID tests for everyone who needs it.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE STERLING ACTIONS “A great vision without great people is irrelevant.” While the firm has adapted many technological and demographic transitions so far, one thing that remains constant is the team. Extraordinary Headhunters isn’t just a business endeavor but also a holistic ecosystem of stalwarts. ‘Integrity’, ‘Sincerity’ and ‘Trust’ are their guiding ethos, and the team goes to every extent to ensure it. The ability to communicate effectively and collaborate are their notable qualities. “Everyone here is encouraged to learn how to listen and discuss ideas so that they may make better judgments as a team,” says Kiara. And their teamwork keeps them connected, be it in the office or a remote environment. Everyone works proactively and is always ready for tasks that may require additional assistance. | 14 | Business Talk February 2022

“We work closely with all our clients, and we use a personal approach for each of them. We see that every client feels valued by creating strategies that are unique for each of them.”

have been her greatest assets since the inception. Working on these horizons, Kiara and her team aim to tap into new opportunities and build reach with enterprises and new talent pools. “I want to continue to take advantage of this opportunity by always delivering nothing but the best services to my clients. Moreover, I also want to make applicants feel that my company wants to build a long-lasting relationship with them,” asserts Kiara. A FEW LINES OF HER CORE LEARNING For Readers: “There is no easy way to success. Life is full of challenges, but we must not let them stop us from reaching our dreams. We must always choose to move forward each day, no matter how difficult things maybe.”

For young aspirers: “Be kind to yourself. Believe that you have what it takes to change your life for the better. Stop thinking about self-limiting thoughts and having doubts about yourself. Instead, be resilient and choose to persevere.”

The dynamism helps in onboarding clients with a value-added approach. This entails gathering the relevant information from clients in order to provide the promised services. “We work closely with all our clients, and we use a personal approach for each of them. We see that every client feels valued by creating strategies that are unique for each of them,” elucidates Kiara.

“Learning how to trust in yourself and to believe in your capabilities can be a game-changer! You got this!” – Kiara Streater

MANY FEATHRS ON THE CAP In her conquest to creating the fastest women-led recruitment enterprise in Colombia, Kiara has shown her prowess. However, being a torchbearer of woman empowerment is what makes her truly proud. According to her, being recognized as a reckoning leader has been the driving force in making new strides. Her sheer will and congeniality have bestowed her with many achievements and honorary positions. She sits in honorable positions in many prestigious foundations like: • • • • • • • •

Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce (Board of Trustee) Advisory Business Council for the Benedict College Women’s College SC Chamber of Commerce Business Council Columbia Chamber of Commerce Business Council Forbes Business Council Contributor for Columbia Greenville Business Monthly, United Ways Women in Philanthropy

Few of the notable awards she has won are listed below: • 2021 Business Spotlight Honoree (Business Spotlight Program, City of Columbia) • Sheen Magazine Awards 2021 • Women of Influence 2021 (Columbia Regional Business Report) • Front Page Cover (Sheen Magazine) • Induction at Marquis Who’s Who

A LUMINOUS FUTURE LIES AHEAD With consistency and determination, Kiara is envisioning a radiant future for herself and her company. And the focus will be centered on changing the lives of people who want prosperity. This includes her employees, who February 2022 Business Talk | 15 |

S P O T L I G H T BHAGVAN KOMMADI CEO, QUANTICA COMPUTACAO

| 16 | Business Talk February 2022

MR. BHAGVAN KOMMADI: EVANGELIZING INDIAN-MADE QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY ACROSS THE GLOBE

Very few companies in India are in this space. I feel that Quantica will be the first in quantum technology with customers using these computing algorithms. ince the last few years, every economy - small, big, or developing - has been making technological advances. And our beloved Mother India isn’t left behind. It has made remarkable breakthroughs in cloud computing, automation and robotics, cognitive computing, IoT, AI, and AR/VR. By integrating these soft tools with digital hardware, our IT sector is building products to predict customer/audience behavior with precision. The next technological landmark in India is quantum computing. In 2020, the Indian government invested INR 8,000 Cr in the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications. Many private entities are making strides because of this funding and infrastructural support.

Quantica Computacao is a rising highflyer in this pantheon. It specializes in quantum computer software tools, algorithms, and components. The Chennai-based startup is building quantum cryptography solutions for quantum-proof data protection, as well as quantum ML & AI, to unfold the underlying potential of quantum technology. The company is also working on algorithms to address real-time computing and data analytics issues.

February 2022 Business Talk | 17 |

In the following piece, we are putting the spotlight on Mr. Bhagvan Kommadi, the technologist and curator of the firm. With his brilliant startup, he is unearthing long-term prospects in the nascent quantum computing field.

A TECHNOLOGIST WITH MANY HATS Mr. Kommadi is an IT virtuoso with over 20 years of national and international experience. He has served US-based tech magnate Virtusa for a decade and various Fortune 100 companies. Over the years, he has ideated novel concepts in exponential technologies such as AI, robotics, nanotechnologies, and quantum computing to improve the consumer experience. Even during periods of instability and transition, he has handled infrastructure projects with exceptional teamwork. He has worked for both consulting and product companies and founded startups. Also, He is a member of a Quantum Computing Think Tank and the Rapporteur for the Smart Cities Working Group (SCWG). After a ten-year sojourn in the USA, he returned to India to be closer to his family and culture, as well as contribute to his motherland. Since then, he has been offering free mentorship sessions in schools and universities across the country. In addition, he mentors NASSCOM 10k Startups through Ask Mentor. Mr. Kommadi also took part in the ‘Teach For Change’ campaign and the ‘Safe Cities’ initiative In Hyderabad, which focused on women’s security using mobile apps. He is a man who approaches all situations with optimism, to contribute to a more robust and self-sufficient India. In recognition of his work, he was conferred with ‘Indian Achiever’s Award in 2021’. He has evangelized quantum computing, writing books, presenting podcasts, speaking at conferences, and writing blogs. He is a member of Forbes Tech Council and a Tedx Speaker. He recently wrote “Quantum Computing Solutions: Real World Algorithms,” a book on quantum computing. SHAPING HIS ENTRANCING STARTUP Mr. Kommadi is a startup mentor at IIT Chennai. In one of his sessions, he was mentoring a batch on the Quantum Virtual Machine — a simulator idea. Two IIT Ph.D. students had a keen interest in the simulator. They further proposed ideas of quantum simulators and algorithms that can bridge the gap between quantum machines and commercial demands. Realizing the prospects, Mr. Kommadi built a business around it, laying the groundwork of Quantica Computacao. The team started developing Python, JavaScript, and C++-based simulators that can be executed on IBM, Google, and Rigetti Cloud environments.

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“Our efforts focused on developing generalized applications which compile on top of multiple quantum microarchitectures,” explains Mr. Kommadi. Initially, the firm sought to create a quantum computing simulator for banking and financial services. Soon, they were approached by JPMC and GMO, and they realized how quantum algorithms could be a game-changer for financial institutions. Building upon this idea, Quantica aims to develop algorithms and software for advanced quantum cryptography. And partner with at least 10 financial institutions by the end of 2022. In addition, they are approached by WABCO for their solutions for strategic optimization. Rwanda’s government has shown its interest in creating a COE in quantum computing in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University. They have launched an open-source project on Monte Carlo simulations for financial intricacies. They’re working on quantum cryptographic algorithms with the PM’s Office. They are also collaborating with NSI to use Quantum AI and NLP to extract business knowledge. The firm is developing India’s own Quantum Cloud Services and Quantum Network. But the challenge is the availability of infrastructure and expertise. Also, there are well-funded startups like Righetti, 1Qbit, etc. With a vision of helping the nation take a big step toward the quantum revolution, Quantica seeks to collaborate with them. Mr. Kommadi believes it’s a great opportunity for these players to use the expertise of the Indian scientific community through these collaborations. He states that, “We are not staging a competition but a collaboration to create a fruitful future together.” MALLEABLE TO THE MARKET INTRICACIES As a market trendsetter, Quantica is well-founded with how the world is reacting to quantum computing. Long story short, it’s everyone’s prized procession. Everyone is pursuing quantum development, be it financial institutions such as Barclays and Goldman Sachs or aerospace heavyweights like Airbus and Lockheed Martin. The US Navy is planning algorithms for data storage and energy-efficient data retrieval using underwater autonomous robots. And NASA is investigating uses in communications, distributed navigation, and system diagnostics. If that isn’t enough, Life science companies are looking for ways to use quantum computing in personalized medicine, drug discovery, and other areas.

“Our efforts focused on developing generalized applications which compile on top of multiple quantum microarchitectures.” However, Quantica isn’t left behind; it’s well-aware of the market and its associated challenges. It is expanding its quantum cryptography solutions for financial institutions and quantum computing for the materials and drug research industries. It operates on a B2B basis, with solutions designed to safeguard clients from data breaches while maximizing their computing capabilities. Quantica is dedicated to a purpose, which helps it work its way around with what’s in hand. In this growing age of information and data, there will be a time when the country faces cryptographic challenges, especially when quantum technology is available. To ensure India doesn’t need hefty imports, the firm is developing in-house technologies that can benefit customers and society. While it’s concentrating on urgent issues such as encryption and quantum chemistry, it’s also working on a simulator that uses existing computing gear to emulate the developed quantum software and inspire future developments.

THE INHERENT R&D EFFORTS Quantica, which focuses on the niche and futuristic market, emphasizes R&D in everything it does. It is exploring virtual simulators, emulators, post-quantum cryptography algorithms, machine learning, and Monte Carlo quantum systems. The technological stack exposes web application and web service APIs for the construction of unique solutions in financial technology and other verticals. But, of all the developments, Alchemy, its quantum computing simulator, is its crowning jewel. In simple words, it’s a virtual platform working with a computer to simulate various quantum algorithms. The simulator is programmed in multiple languages such as JavaScript, Python, C, and C++. This aids in designing, developing, and debugging quantum-specific algorithms. With a graphical user interface, it simplifies the process of quantum logic synthesis. Conferring its development, Mr. Kommadi says, “Very few companies in India are in this space. I feel that Quantica will be the first in quantum technology with customers using these computing algorithms.” THE BRAINS BEHIND THE INNOVATION No great vision can see the light without a great team, and Quantica has an exponential one! It works with strong academicians and domain experts. Along with Mr. Kommadi, the firm was founded by Sudin Baraokar and Harsh Patel. The trio embarked on this journey with one goal in mind: to bring a quantum revolution to India and create an opensource simulator for eager coders to use. Fortunately, the purpose inspired many young minds and gave Quantica a team of PAN-IITs passionate about creating a difference. The team also includes academicians, Prof. PanduRanga Rao from

IIT Hyderabad, and Arun Kumar Pati from Harish Chandra Research Institute. Altogether, they are working to change the computing paradigm and enable India to have its quantum computer and cloud in this decade. MANY NOTCHES IN ITS BELT In the last 15 months, Quantica has not only surmounted a novel pandemic and other challenges, but has earned many laurels. A few of the notable mentions include: • • • • • •

Best Quantum AI Development Company - South Asia: 2019 Artificial Intelligence Awards, Wealth & Finance Quantica Computacao is part of the AWS Activate program now Quantica Computacao in COE DSAI Virtual Acceleration Program NASSCOM has partnered with Quantica Computacao to accelerate AI ecosystem Markets and Markets have positioned Quantica Computacao in the ‘Emerging Companies’ section of microquadrant

It hasn’t been easy by a long shot, especially assembling a team of R&D experts amid the new normal, which is why it’s working with interns. Recently, the firm was accepted by NIRMAAN, preincubation cell, IITMadras for preSEED funding. Mr. Kommadi was invited to contribute his vision of preparing the roadmap for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Quantica plans to further its boundaries in the future by including AI, ML, deep learning, NLP, blockchain, and postquantum cryptography into its technology. This will allow its customers to execute algorithms at 6 to 8 times the speed of a traditional computer. A MEMENTO FOR THE READERS

“Avoid having fear of failure. Where there is a will, there is a way. Having a passionate technological idea without a business plan should not demotivate you. Try working with customers evangelizing technology, business starts adopting the tech to realize business value.” – Mr. Bhagvan Kommadi

February 2022 Business Talk | 19 |

COMPANY

PERSON

DESIGNATION

BnB Group Corp.

Dr. Oumar Rafiou Barry

CEO

Black People Eats, LLC

Jeremy E. Joyce

Founder

Extraordinary Headhunters LLC

Kiara Streater

President & CEO

Foxy Box Wax Bars

Kyla Dufresne

CEO / Founder

Honey & Roses Coffee

Ella Jesmajian

Co-Founder

Intellihot

Sridhar Deivasigamani

Founder & CEO

IV BioHoldings (IVBH)

Marty Keiser

Founder & CEO

Quantica Computacao

Bhagvan Kommadi

CEO

Susan Semmelmann Interiors

Susan Semmelmann

Owner

Verbit

Tom Livne

CEO & Founder

| 20 | Business Talk February 2022

IVBH

REDEFINING THE HEALTHCARE WE HAVE KNOWN

MARTY KEISER Founder & CEO IV BioHoldings (IVBH)

| 22 | Business Talk February 2022

“Based on industry norms, what would have taken seven years and would have cost between $100 million to $700 million in R&D, the team of IVBH finished in three years with a capital investment of less than $5 million. This has stunned the world. This has unlocked previously unknown deep scientific and technical insights for lung cancer, NAFLD, and breast cancer, bringing the field exponentially closer to positively impacting the lives of over 200 million Americans and over 1 billion people worldwide.” The civilization wherein we reside is forever evolving, and the world in which the current generation lives is no longer the same. We claim that the world is changing, but what is causing this shift? It’s important to consider what’s causing this shift. Because the world is a ‘living structure,’ it is always developing. Great leaders emerge from time to time and bring about tremendous improvements in people’s lives. The act of seeing develops concepts. When these concepts are put into action, they result in transformation, which is regarded as a sign of development. If done correctly, such life observations unleash technological revolutions.

“Imagination is the highest form of research,” Albert Einstein famously stated. And in one short sentence, he encapsulated the concept that to bring about changes, we must look beyond our immediate surroundings to potential answers. This article brings forward an inspirational story of how ‘Marty Keiser’ started IV BioHoldings (IVBH), a bio innovation studio that conceives, creates, and develops first-in-category bio-platform companies that radically improve the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

Certain expectations and understandings that have been formed over decades, a style of thinking that is taught and generally accepted throughout business school, medical school, and corporate training departments, are the enemy of development, believes Marty. Through execution and outcomes, he intends to question and reframe those understandings, as well as set a new baseline of expectations from which the world can continue to develop and progress. Marty Keiser, the founder, and CEO of IVBH steers, “I want to demonstrate that developing and commercializing a novel medicine or diagnostic test does not have to take 10 years and cost a billion dollars. I want to establish that finding fewer than 10% of lung tumours in stages I is not the best we can

accomplish. I will prove that we don’t need to cram people into skyscrapers to get the job done. I will show that when properly taught, individuals can and will take action to avoid disease using the correct techniques. I work to convey that profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive.” IVBH IS DISTINGUISHED BY ITS LIFE-SAVING TECHNIQUES. IVBH is defined by speed, efficiency and risk management, advanced data science, exponential technologies, powerful partnerships, and over 60 years of multi-disciplinary expertise. LiquidLung, HepGene, and Mammogen are the three firms that have come out of the studio so far. Across the portfolio you will find three flagship liquid biopsy programs comprising non-invasive, clinical-stage diagnostics for lung cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and breast cancer.

The technologies of IVBH are distinguished by three factors. First is their focus on RNA, providing the real-time telemetry of the body’s biological response to the presence or absence of disease and allowing for consistent and accurate detection across all stages. Second is the comprehensive nature of their scientific and technical platforms, allowing them to answer important unmet clinical questions across the entire care continuum of disease, from early detection to confirmatory diagnosis to earlier and more precise treatment decisions. Third, is their strategic decision to commercialise their technologies as PCR tests, an affordable, reliable, and portable solution with rapid turnaround times that is easily accessible in most labs, especially now.

We will continue to rethink, innovate, reinvent, and remake what we have reinvented as long as IVBH exists. Our current focus is on dismantling healthcare silos, developing more efficient business models and procedures, and figuring out how to combine data, technology, and people to deliver the most effective, economical, and accessible precision health solutions to patients in need. February 2022 Business Talk | 23 |

“Simply said, you can’t properly address an issue if you can’t accurately diagnose it. As these traditional barriers fall, and we begin to collect and integrate data from better-informed and more engaged patients, I see a century’s worth of precision health opportunities, from disease prevention to earlier detection to targeted treatments that are far more tolerable and effective than current treatment standards.” MEET MARTY KEISER Marty joined the field of entrepreneurship in the same way that most people do: with personal frustration, a vision of a better solution, and an “if not me, then who” and “if not now, then when” calling. For him, the personal frustration was with the time, expense, and risk involved in practically every area of healthcare, as well as with the diagnostics and therapeutics communities’ acceptance of 7-10-year development schedules, billion-dollar R&D expenditures, and 80-90 percent failure rates. There had to be a better way, he always thought.

“From 2016-2018 I entered one of the most creative periods of my life, pinpointing all of the traditional elements of success and approaching them in nontraditional ways, reimagining business models, inverting processes, breaking down silos, performing deep diligence on various data sources and technologies and establishing powerful partnerships that I would need in order to be successful. I picked up the baton of entrepreneurship with great excitement in 2018, confident in my plan and driven by a strong desire to make a positive difference for mankind.” After years of experience, Marty thinks that the most important mental exercise for entrepreneurs is being able to find harmony between the short- and long-term. He believes that one must be laser-focused on the short-term in order to execute important tasks that move the idea or the business forward, while at the same time never losing sight of the longer-term goal. He cites an anecdote,

According to Marty, IVBH is now directing the transformation. “We will continue to rethink, innovate, reinvent, and remake what we have reinvented as long as IVBH exists. Our current focus is on dismantling healthcare silos, developing more efficient business models and procedures, and figuring out how to combine data, technology, and people to deliver the most effective, economical, and accessible precision health solutions to patients in need.” VIEWING CHALLENGES FROM THE LENS OF OPPORTUNITIES The majority of diagnostics firms do not produce therapies, and the majority of therapeutic firms do not develop diagnostics. The two have been viewed as wholly different entities for a long time, with no contact or collaboration. One of the many beneficial outcomes of COVID was a renewed understanding of the critical role diagnostics plays in the treatment chain.

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“Growing up travelling in and out of New York City I learned that there is a trick to successfully navigating its crowded and chaotic sidewalks without tripping over people. I learned that in order to avoid physical contact with those approaching you, you must keep your focus in the distance. In this process, you may miss an opportunity to bump into an old friend, but you may end up making a new connection, or even meet the love of your life. The point being, know where you’re going and keep an eye towards the destination, the long-term goal, but don’t be afraid to take some short-term risks, to change course, or to take a different route on the way there. I learned the importance of this very early in my entrepreneurial journey and worked hard to find that harmony every single day.”

BNB GROUP CORP: PROVIDING BOOST TO

A MAKE

AFRICA A CASHLESS CONTINENT Last October, when Safiatou Diallo, a teacher in Canada, needed to send money to her father abroad, she didn’t have to deal with long bank lines or complicated paperwork. Instead, she grabbed her phone, opened the mobile money app, typed in a sum, and hit the send button. Her father recognised the thoughtful gift a few minutes later. It took less than a minute to transfer the funds. Millions across the world pay their electricity bills, water bills, telephone bills from the comfort of their couch. But there are millions who are devoid of this comfort.

The majority of people in rural Africa do not have access to banking services. According to survey results, the major reasons individuals do not start saving in their bank accounts | 26 | Business Talk February 2022

are (1) lack of faith in the bank, (2) inconsistent service, and (3) unreasonably high withdrawal costs. Basic financial services are still scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, and it trails far behind even from other emerging countries.

Such restricted access might have serious consequences on people’s lives. Not having a formal bank account makes saving more difficult, people are less likely to have enough money set aside to deal with unforeseen crises like family illness. People may have to take significantly more costly steps than withdrawing money or taking a bank loan when emergencies occur. Lack of access to banking may also make it difficult for individuals to save substantial quantities of money or acquire credit for big needs such as company start-up fees, or even farm products.

My motivation originated from my family’s and friends’ real-life struggles in collecting remittances in Africa. In Africa, over 80% of payments are conducted in cash, owing to the fact that many Africans are unbanked and have trouble paying and receiving money. Creating more employment for thriving African countries, particularly for the youth, is a motivation that keeps me and the organization motivated.

DR. OUMAR RAFIOU BARRY, CEO OF BNB GROUP CORP. February 2022 Business Talk | 27 |

A QUICK AND RELIABLE WAY TO SEND AND RECEIVE YOUR MONEY People have had to wait for hours to get to the bank window, only to be told they should come back the next day. This indicates that in order to earn their money, one must quit a day’s job. How would that be possible for someone who earns daily wages? How would someone who requires urgent cash for emergency purposes manage? Wouldn’t such slow and ineffective systems lead to delayed business decisions? Low-income people have a fundamental distrust of the official financial industry, which stems from their worries of being exploited and abuse they suffered in the past. Due to widespread financial illiteracy, the poor are particularly vulnerable, compounding the sense of mistrust.

When the founder, Dr. Oumar Rafiou Barry, first started earning and began sending money to his family back home, he discovered that his family members had to travel for hours and then wait in huge queues to get their money. Back in the US, he could receive money in minutes with a click of a few buttons. Seeing such life disparities inspired him to build something that would better the lives of Africa’s unbanked.

BnB Group Corp. built a global payment infrastructure for the unbanked and underbanked by integrating international (e.g., Western Union) and local businesses (e.g., Orange Money) into one platform. This enables remittance to be transferred instantly into mobile wallets and bank accounts. They also allow international businesses (e.g., Amazon) and local businesses to pay and get paid by the unbanked. “We’re banking the unbanked — and their world will never be the same again, adds the founder Dr. Oumar Rafiou Barry. Our main competitor is cash, that is why we partner with other companies such as IMTOs (WU, MG, Ria, Smallworld, etc.), banks, and telcos to combine payments and remittance in one single platform and enable businesses to pay and get paid by anyone, including people with no bank accounts or credit cards.” BnB Group offers a platform-agnostic solution that connects payment and remittance systems (i.e., Ria, Visa, Orange). This allows the unbanked to use their mobile wallets to transact on any platform. The firm offers cross-border payments for mobile wallet companies (such as MTN Mobile Money). MEET THE FOUNDER DR. OUMAR RAFIOU BARRY Dr. Oumar Rafiou Barry is the CEO and founder of BnB Group Corp is a repeat entrepreneur and has 14+ years of experience in the Fintech Industry. With a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Toronto, he currently lectures at Virginia Tech. His impetus for founding BnB Group Corp. stems from the difficulties he saw in Africa, when even something as simple as getting your own money remains a monumental process.

“My motivation originated from my family’s and friends’ real-life struggles in collecting remittances in Africa. In Africa, over 80% of payments are conducted in cash, owing to the fact that many Africans are unbanked and have trouble

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paying and receiving money. “Creating more employment for thriving African countries, particularly for the youth, is a motivation that keeps me and the organization motivated,” the founder says. BEATING THE ODDS There is nothing constant in this world but change, however, our technology enables us to adapt to change. When the pandemic restricted people’s lives, the firm launched their CashApp which enables beneficiaries to collect their money at the comfort of their homes. The founder steers, “We are the only company that offers “indirect” digital pickup, i.e., remittances sent as cash pickup are collected using BnB CashApp and deposited to mobile money or bank account. Our customers were thrilled by this state-of-theart experience which fueled our passion to continue what we are doing. This month, we deployed POS devices that enable merchants not just to collect payments, but also to do inbound and outbound remittances all in one platform.” In 2022 the company’s focus is to expand its network and allow merchants to do both remittance and payment processing on one platform. This will definitely have a positive impact not just on the unbanked population but on entire Africa. TRANSFORMING LIVES Dr. Oumar shares that his measure of success is when he hears people talking about how his company has made their lives simpler. He recalls one such incident.

“This year, we’ve had a number of accomplishments, but one of the most rewarding was hearing a comment from one of our devoted customers who congratulated us for establishing the BnB CashApp and went on to add how BnB CashApp saved him time and money. He’s just one of many BnB CashApp users who credit the app with saving their lives, particularly during the epidemic. Hearing first hand feedback like these validates all of your efforts. This motivates us to keep developing and thriving so that we may continue to make a difference in people’s lives one step at a time.”

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SRIDHAR DEIVASIGAMANI FOUNDER AND CEO

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In 1889, the first commercial storage tank water heater was invented, which was efficient but expensive because of its thick copper body. Later in 1929, Stiebel-Elton introduced the first electric tankless water heater, succeeding the previous model. However, the latter wasn’t a popular alternative until the 1970s. Europe began incorporating more and more energy-saving systems. And it led the tankless models to create a visible impact in the US market. Since then, technology has fuelled many reforms and breakthroughs across the industrial landscape. However, ‘Hot water as a service’ is the next evolution, it aims to remove the typical hot water hassles from facility mangers. Establishments need tech-based assertive solutions to meet customer expectations and increase profits. One company, rising to the occasion, is Intellihot. Its innovative tankless water heating systems are designed to reduce hazards, conserve energy, and deliver a safe and reliable performance, setting an industry standard.

HOT WATER WITH AN IQ Intellihot was founded by accomplished engineers Sri Deivasigamani and Siva Askasam in the Midwest’s heartland in Galesburg, Illinois. And they had a tunnel vision, to create solutions for a smart and efficient future. To do so, they assembled a team of engineers, machinists, and thinkers having similar interests. Altogether, they created a profitable company with workforce of 100 people. From there, it has been providing transformational technology that reforms the waterservicing industry. The company integrates (AI) with other cutting-edge technology to build devices that will revolutionize the HVAC industry with hot water-as-a-service and redefine how hot water is distributed and managed.

Intellihot has also developed Tellibot_AI, a forecasting tool that analyzes the condition of any water heater and shows whether it should be repaired or replaced. These benefits showcase its brilliance and make it preferable to firms such as Benihana, Concord Hospitality, and OTO. Also, national brands such as Hilton, La Quinta Inn, Best Western, The Capital Grille, Levi’s Stadium (home of the San Francisco 49ers) speak glowingly about their experience with Intellihot. Simply put, its hightech solutions are ushering the larger community towards a cleaner, cheaper, safer, and more reliable future. FROM AN ACCIDENT TO AN INNOVATIVE INTERVENTION In 2009, Sri Deivasigamani went to India for a holiday. He returned home to Central Illinois after a 30-hour journey, expecting a warm bath and a restful night’s sleep. However, he heard unusual noises coming from his basement. He dashed downstairs to check and discovered the worst-case scenario for any homeowner: his basement was knee-deep in water from a broken water heater. While a normal person would have swept up the mess or called a repair service to keep the status quo, it was a watershed moment for Deivasigamani. Entrepreneurship and innovation were in his blood, and he spent his undergraduate years designing motorcycles and working in robotics.

INTELLIHOT:

A PARADIGM BREAKTHROUGH IN HOT WATER February 2022 Business Talk | 31 |

His flair for engineering brought him to the USA, where he completed his master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and even had a fruitful tenure with Caterpillar. During his stint, he climbed the corporate leader, becoming one of its lead engineers in its marine division. Back to the present. Looking at his water-logged basement, he realized that a large tank was sitting in his basement that needed to be heated 24/7. On a larger scale, not only was this flawed technology but perhaps a catastrophic one, too. It was grossly inefficient, with high operating costs, and potentially ruinous to any business if the system failed. He grew a disdain for the archaic infrastructure and began searching for more efficient ways to provide hot water.

Driven by a deep ambition, he began working on powerful ideas to reform this scenario for a bigger society from his garage. A motorbike enthusiast, he applied rigorous engineering and AI ideas to his efforts. He realized that he could not only fix it but also create a product that is more efficient, cost-effective, and utilizes less energy in any setting. Armed with engineering experience and passion for change, Deisvasigamani and his team laid the foundation of Intellihot. Their intelligent heaters have entirely upended the efficiency in several verticals on many grounds. A NEW LANDMARK IN INNOVATION Deisvasigamani’s smoldering passion, combined with his team’s efforts, has sparked a substantial change in the industry. Intellihot has replaced the hassles of expensive and gigantic tanks that often need to be installed via helicopter. It has also eradicated health hazards such as Legionnaires’ illness, which is caused by bacteria growing in old hot-water technology’s tanks. Intellihot closely monitors its models for its performance. This reduces clients’ tension, knowing Intellihot will inform them of any impending issue, leading to a breakdown. Its products come in an environment-friendly package that includes preventive maintenance without loss of service.

The company aims to mushroom into a green enterprise and improve clients’ outcomes. Its tankless models reduce 50% energy consumption, take 80% less space than traditional systems, and can improve efficiency by 70%, saving over 3.1 billion tons of CO2 at zero cost. Intellihot has the potential to cut global CO2 emissions from hot water and HVAC systems by 50% enabling its clients to meet their 2030 sustainability goals. ADVANCING INNOVATIVE GREEN TECHNOLOGY Intellihot announced on December 7, 2021, that it had raised $50 million from financial investors, Aegon Asset Management, and Avenue Capital Group. As per Deisvasigamani, they will use the growth fund to expand Intellihot’s sales, marketing, and | 32 | Business Talk February 2022

operational capabilities, as well as R&D capabilities. This will help in scaling new technologies and increase production. Within this, Intellihot plans to add 50 new positions in the next two years. The 50% increase in headcount will be for its new base of operations in Chicago to be opened in 2022. With new strides, the next few years will be significant for Intellihot. The firm will keep expanding into lodging, multi-family housing, senior living facilities, schools, universities, restaurants, and more. In doing so, it will focus on disrupting the ways hot water is delivered commercially, slashing greenhouse gas emissions, and in doing so, ushering in a more sustainable future.

www.designworldmedia.in

Susan

Semmelmann: CARVING NICHE IN INTERIOR DESIGNING WITH A HEART OF GOLD Creating a dream space is not the job of one person, nor is it easy. It takes an entire team to create beautiful homes and eye-catching designs that become the talk of the town. While carpenters, drywallers, electricians, plumbers, and painters are all necessary, the most vital component is an interior designer. An interior designer is involved in every aspect of the building process, from furnishing to selecting colors that designers pick, along with other factors. They are aware of how lighting, surface finishes, trim, and numerous other options influence the end product. Truth be told, they aren’t just people with an eye for color and a knack for picking furniture.

But to create niche designs that can have an everlasting impact requires innovative thinking, creativity to articulate, and multidisciplinary expertise with an aesthetic sense. Susan Semmelmann is an interior designer of unparalleled caliber. Through her design firm, Susan Semmelmann Interiors, she tailors interior projects of various tastes, blending contemporary, modern, vintage, and bold ideas. Incepted in 2019, the firm is growing in leaps and bounds with an exclusive design portfolio, making Susan a preferred designer for transforming plains into dream spaces.

Susan has spent 25 years in construction and design and has imagined spaces that leave a lasting impression. She began her entrepreneurial path with no clients, a wealth of experience, a focused enthusiasm, and a small band of allies. But her passion, combined with team efforts, eventually found progress. Her customer base expanded, and so did her team to meet the demands. The firm currently has over 70 projects in the pipeline. Over the past 2 years, the firm has built progress on values of loyalty, relationships, and connection with employees and clients. Susan is more than just an interior designer- she is a businesswoman, a proud wife, and a mom, as well as a philanthropist and humanitarian. She believes, ‘The spirit of living is giving,’ it is the foundation on which she designs her concepts and defines her passion towards life and community. | 34 | Business Talk February 2022

“The spirit of living is in the giving!” SUSAN SEMMELMANN Owner Susan Semmelmann Interiors

February 2022 Business Talk | 35 |

SHAPING LIVELY AND SUSTAINABLE SPACES Susan Semmelmann Interiors is more than just a design firm it’s a fully-fledged design studio with endless creative offerings. The firm has a tunneled focus – to bring their clients’ vision and underlying requirements to life. Susan and her team goes above and beyond to meet their clients’ distinct tastes with innovative designs. The firm’s skill is evident in everything from floorto-ceiling feature walls, fireplace surrounds, ceiling detailing, cabinets, tile design, and integrated lighting, to name a few. It also has hundreds of furniture lines in its inventory and has in-house curtains and bedding made from select fabrics that are directly sourced from mills. It also offers custom-crafted mattresses, seats, ottomans, mirrors, and headboards. In other words, it ensures that everything it delivers has the word “custom” in it. With so much under a single roof, Susan Semmelmann Interiors positions itself as a turnkey design firm that can lead clients from start to finish. Every project is treated as distinct, and clients will have access to numerous levels of consulting and design options, as well as hundreds of high-quality vendor lines, including art, décor, and furnishings. Every project is designed to harmonize with the surrounding environment and artifacts such as paintings, music, decorative items, nature, and, most importantly, people and their stories. Susan has always believed home is a sanctuary of experiences and memories that are to be shared with loved ones. She makes sure that every home she creates is designed with the client in mind, whether it’s for comfort, elegance, or functionality, all while staying within budget. With top-notch customer service and solutions, Susan Semmelmann’s star shines throughout the interior space of Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond. INNOVATIVE IN ALL ASPECTS For Susan, interior designing has always been more than just designing a home. To her, it’s shaping someone’s dream and creating a lively ecosystem for them. With this mindset, she levels herself with her clients, working together on a common purpose. This is one of the key aspects that has aided her in building a scalable career over the past 2 decades. On the other hand, Susan and her firm are well acquainted with industrial trends. They adhere to national and international markets to stay innovative in designs, practices, etc., that can aid in building one-of-a-kind spaces. The firm is guided by morals and values that create a friendly and supportive relationship with clients. In other words, the client’s way is their way. They also provide their resources and talents to clients’ assistance, ensuring their engagement and loyalty.

while managing her design firm and raising her kids. The experience has bolstered her resilience and further directed her towards the greater good of others. She works with many charities and feels triumphant in giving to those who are selfless to others. This mindset helped to lay the foundation of Susan Semmelmann Interiors.

Building her team and a strong network wasn’t a cakewalk, either. She consistently invests in her people, along with the core values, mission, and purpose. This is how her firm upholds and expands all its relationships, including clients, employees, and partners. Her outlook on challenges comes from her personal experiences. Her husband once had a rare form of bone cancer, and he was fighting for his life. Susan had to look after his business

The firm is 100% dedicated to its clients’ goals and ambitions. Susan and her staff are well-known in the region for constructing sought-after homes. Their attitude is one of thankfulness, and they are constantly grateful to be able to share what they have with the rest of the world, proving their motto, “The spirit of living is in the giving!”

INCORRIGIBLE TO CHALLENGES AND RISKS Following your passion and scaling a business in the right way is never a simple task. But then again, challenges are stimulants of success. Susan believes the quality of life lives within people’s perspectives. No matter the challenges, it’s important to maintain integrity. This was one of her core values at the outset of her business. Her focus on core values and making connections has helped her to achieve a high level of excellence, manifested in the credibility of her firm. Her determination and focus have grown her firm rapidly since its inception.

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UNYEILDING, SUSTAINING AND GROWING Susan’s journey in interior space is truly inspiring and recognized by the industry, as well as media. She has been featured in many notable magazines like Voyage Dallas, and her story is certainly a hot topic. Besides shaping clients’ dreams, Susan and her team have earned a major milestone in Fort North. During inception, Susan was unsure if she could manage the 2,300 sq. ft. office. But now, Susan Semmelmann Interiors owns a 10,000-square-foot building on Vickery Boulevard and is soon acquiring a second property to accommodate demands. The firm’s offices, as well as Fort Worth Drapery and Fort Worth Design Studio, are all housed at the Vickery location. The objective is to make resources available to the public via their manufacturer’s websites and assist other designers in their growth.

ADGS Deep Technologies made in QATAR

info@adgs.com www.adgs.com

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February 2022 Business Talk | 39 |

LE AD E R ENTR E P RE N | 40 | Business Talk February 2022

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENTREPRENEUR AND BUSINESSMAN

HOW TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS? 10 BEST WAYS TO FOLLOW

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

SH I P & NEU RS H I P February 2022 Business Talk | 41 |

Difference Between ENTREPRENEUR and BUSINESSMAN Often in our daily lives, we come across the two termsentrepreneur and businessman hearing about a company or any firm. Many people wonder that the two terminologies used for the same meaning or different. The business world is the focal point for both entrepreneur and the businessman but the difference lies in their approaches. A businessman follows a predetermined path while an entrepreneur sets new innovative goals for his business. We can assume that an entrepreneur can grow and become an established businessman. However, there is a very fine difference between the two, their thought processes can be put to a point of difference between the two. To understand the difference better, we have to understand the concept thoroughly. Businessman When a person starts a new firm, or a company, or even a small business and gets involved in activities that are commercial and related to the production of goods and/or services, he sets a business. The concept of his business is taken from the existing players or businesses in the market; he is just a new player. This mode of his business makes him a businessman. Although the stages of his growth can be at different stages like a businessman can be at a small level or a wellestablished businessman. Some businessmen chose the same business of their ancestors to carry on, while some

start a new one but their ideas for the business come from the existing ideas in the business world. The amount of profit can vary immensely but if the predetermined idea implies to the business, then it makes the person related to, a businessman. A businessman chooses a business that can provide him maximum profits and minimum risks. However, it is wellunderstood that he has to face a lot of challenges for his survival because of the competition that exists in the market. Yet, he has a fewer amount of risks as he doesn’t do anything new that can create risks. Entrepreneur We have well-known the characteristics of a businessman, so the question arises, who is then an entrepreneur. That businessperson who starts their business with a new idea or innovation, then he is said to be an entrepreneur. The innovations and ideas can change the perspective of that particular business or even add a brand new venture to this business world. An entrepreneur has to be creative in his ideas and thus faces a lot of risks posed o his business. The entrepreneur can make implications for his new ideas and plans in the functioning of the products of his business and even can come up with a new business called start-up. For example, McDonald’s was the first restaurant chain of its own kind and was a start-up for a new type of innovative business. It provided new insight into the retail chain industry. No one could even think of the concept to be such a boom. So we can say that entrepreneurs take huge risks but if implied with a positive outlook, it can prove to be a great success. Difference Between Businessman and Entrepreneur The detailed characteristics of both the businessman and entrepreneur have been discussed and now it’s time to see the differences between the two. An entrepreneur creates new ideas and innovations and puts them in their new start-up and most of the time, the start-ups revolutionized the innovative concept of the venture while a businessman keeps the old ideas and starts a new or existing business. The businessman faces great competition and rivalries while

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the entrepreneurs have a minimum amount of competition because of their new ideas. A businessman has to take his place in the existing market while an entrepreneur makes a new market and creates competition. Due to being the creator of a business of his own kind, an entrepreneur is the market leader while the businessman is the market player. The existing and conventional ideas are used by a businessman for establishing and growing his business and therefore the risks associated with the business are minimal. While an entrepreneur uses new innovative ideas for the starting of his business, therefore, the risks and failures associated with the business are very high.

A businessman observes his business from a profit point of view. He orients his efforts in making more money and grows his business, while an entrepreneur focuses on the implication of his ideas and the better utilization of his innovations. The business of an entrepreneur though becomes a large profitable market, later on, initially, it may not be accepted by the mass. The competition and rivalry faced by a businessman are very large however, this is not the case with the entrepreneurs. They are unique of their kind. Also, the customers decide the outlook of both of them towards them. The customers are the source of earning for his business and have economic value while an entrepreneur focuses on the services and relationship with the customers in a long race. Profit proves to be secondary for the entrepreneurs. Advantages and Disadvantages of Business and Entrepreneurship Both business and entrepreneurship have common advantages like both of them contribute to the economic development of the country and both create job opportunities in this time when the unemployment rate is very high. They provide a sense of freedom to the owner and give space for the new ideas and innovations to be applied to their businesses and satisfy the creator for its type of environment at the workplace. The main objective of both types of business is to create employment by utilizing the finance and creation of the ideas of the businesses. Conclusion The businessman and an entrepreneur both have insights to develop their business and take them to heights, be it financially focused or idea focused. By any means, both of them strive for the success of their businesses and ideas. The entrepreneur achieves this through his innovative ideas and by implementing the idea of utilizing and coordinating all the types of resources and a businessman achieves through the competition outlook and by developing his business through providing the best product or the service as much he can. The difference between the businessman and entrepreneur is discussed only to understand the approach that both of them keep for their business. However, both of them have their own importance in the terms of economic growth. February 2022 Business Talk | 43 |

How to Develop

Leadership 10 Best Ways to Follow

Leadership is an essential function of management that helps maximize efficiency and achieve organizational goals. A requirement for leadership skills is having a natural sense of authority and feeling comfortable in a leadership position. Therefore, we have compiled a few traits that will help you understand how to develop leadership skills. How to Develop Leadership Skills 1. Be passionate about your work It is one of the important things you need to keep in mind if you want to become a leader. When you are passionate about something, you can further motivate others to succeed. Infusing the same desire in other team members can be a fulfilling experience, but it is not going to be easy. Thus, being passionate about your work will help you become one of the best leaders around. 2. Take management and leadership courses. Most leadership skills are all about soft skills. To understand the difference between soft skill and hard skill you have to determine if it can be taught or dissected into various skill levels. However, some soft skills are associated with leadership, and you can teach them through structured learning and short courses. These courses can improve individuals’ awareness of their behaviors and enhance their leadership skills over time. It is one such crucial way that will help you learn how to develop leadership skills. 3. Don’t ignore your strengths. Developing leadership skills usually concentrates on flaws, but don’t forget to build your strengths. Understanding your weaknesses gives you an idea of how you can improve, but a firm knowledge of your innate talent and abilities means you can leverage them for you right now. 4. Look for opportunities every day. As we have mentioned earlier, primarily leadership skills are based on soft skills; you can develop many skills that leaders require every day. For instance, from ordering a coffee at a local cafe to discussing a project in a team meeting, you can sharpen your listening, public speaking, and many other skills associated with leadership.

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We have these social interactions most of the time without even thinking and with minimal effort. However, becoming more mindful of them can develop simple skills that go a long way for the most promising leaders. 5. Brush up your hard skills Since team members will look to their leader whenever they feel stuck on a task and don’t understand what to do next, they expect their leaders to provide practical solutions based on their proficiency and expertise. If they cannot or often fail to impress, the team can lose faith in them as a leader. For that reason, a leader must have excellent hard skills and understanding related to the overall project. 6. Make a plan When you have a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses, you’re prepared to take massive action by developing a plan aligned with your leadership style. For instance, practice effective communication strategies if you feel that poor communication is your weakness. In addition, you’ll start embodying examples of leadership skills to foster success in any endeavor with practice. 7. Personal reflection When you are committed to improving your leadership skills and also considering the methods listed above, in that case, you must incorporate some personal reflection time into your weekly routines. Thus, reflecting on specific situations and how you handle them will allow you to identify improvement areas and what you could have done better.

p Skills? 8. Find a mentor If you have a boss or leader in your life who you would like to learn from, you can request them to mentor you. If they already do this well, it’s likely they have positioned time and thought into leadership and reflected on what works well for them. It is a great way to learn how to develop leadership skills and get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses from somebody who can assist you in working on them.

10. Ability to accept failures Knowing how to recognize successes and failures is an important leadership trait that needs to be nurtured in potential leaders. However, even the most effective, inspiring leaders make mistakes. Hence, the leadership skills development process must include a step where the potential leaders start recognizing errors, admitting them openly, and correcting them.

9. Set goals Even the most promising leaders don’t come up with success out of anywhere. So while developing leadership skills, invest time defining your goals and solidifying them. Developing the right plan and setting noteworthy benchmarks along the way provides you with a map to follow, a methodology that will drive your business through the next week, month, year, and decade.

Conclusion After reading this post on how to develop leadership skills, you may have understood their importance and how you can implement them.

February 2022 Business Talk | 45 |

Everything you Need to Know

SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR?

What Makes a

| 46 | Business Talk February 2022

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. February 2022 Business Talk | 47 |

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