Top 10 Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022 | Oct/Nov | Vol-2

EDITOR’S CORNER

AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP IN TODAY’S WORLD

Leadership’s fundamental tenet is not having the most power but rather the responsibility to introduce a necessary change in the world. It involves having a vision, outlining a course, and motivating others to take it in order to succeed. Such leaders exhibit their potential like an ethereal coat of armour; it is difficult to describe, but one can recognize it. It’s almost like it’s a natural, innate trait. To be more precise about our focus, we are referring to change agents, turnaround experts, innovators, and so forth. These may include both global leaders as well as entrepreneurs, given that the idea of inspiring change is recognized across all levels.

But even so, entrepreneurs have best upheld the idea of leading change in the world. Irrespective of their industry, they carry an inherent passion to lead by action, and be known by their results. We are currently in a period of unprecedented challenges, making the idea of change leadership more essential. Ultimately, someone needs to take action if the most pressing problems in the world are to be solved, and business leaders and innovators are typically those with the resources. In fact, this is what leadership in today’s world should be. It should not only be about revolutionizing but also addressing challenges that can make the world a better place. Keeping this in mind, our current issue, “Top 10 Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022,” features ten noteworthy leaders from various industries. Although they come from varied industries, their dedication and capacity to become critical drivers of innovation make them leaders to look up. This time, our cover star will be Juan Carlos Baumgartner, a formidable figure among world leaders known for driving credible results. His efforts are impacting lives, not only businesses.

Alongside, we have listed a series of in-house articles and blogs that can keep you engaged and worth your time. We surely hope, you’ll praise our efforts in putting this edition together.

Jeetendra Thakur Editor

JUAN CARLOS BAUMGARTNER Director & Founding Partner

JUAN CARLOS BAUMGARTNER | Director & Founding Partner

Throughout the course of history, architecture has stood to be a representation of our society, reflecting values, culture, and even the rise and falls of civilizations over time. The monumental structures, residences, and buildings that make up the fabric of society hold a timeless legacy. Time has passed, and the human mind has evolved, and so has the concept of architecture. With the world becoming more connected, the styles have evolved, and with modern construction practices, architecture has become a discipline. It’s pushing the boundaries of designing structures, not only for the pursuit of craft but to change lives as well.

“Redefining lives with architecture,” as bold as it sounds, such transformational goals need architectural mavericks. In a broad sense, architects strive to deliver a unique design aesthetic that employs design and materials in creative and unconventional ways. The emphasis permeates across all functions, from client retention to design.

As an editor, I’ve always been intrigued by innovators whose expertise lies in going beyond the conventional boundaries of their domain. My interest recently got me in touch with Juan Carlos Baumgartner, Director & Founding Partner of Space Arquitectura. A “passionpreneur” at heart, Juan is an exemplary architect with a record of acclaimed projects. He goes by the title of “Futurist” across Latin America for humanizing the experience of spaces such as offices or hotels. Read on to know his journey to the zenith of success.

PLANTING THE SEEDS OF PHENOMENAL SUCCESS

Born in DF, Mexico, Juan began honing his career as an architect from an early age. He majored in architecture at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, pursued a specialization in art history at Berkeley University in California, earned a degree in interior design at UNAM, and earned a postgraduate degree in industrial design at the Domus Academy in Milan. With such a background, a person ordinarily would want to begin a thriving career in a prestigious architectural firm, but Juan had a far grander vision. He was convinced that architecture has the power to change the world, but there needs to be an interdisciplinary and unselfish version of work.

Keeping that in mind, he founded his firm, Space Arquitectura, in 1999 in the city of Chicago. He dedicated his talent to designing spaces that truly mattered and in which, paradoxically, people spent more time (offices and schools). Big things start small, and something similar happened to Juan. Under his leadership, the firm carved a niche for its commitment to the environment and developing sustainable projects. This earned him and his team LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, awarded by the US Green Building Council.

From there , he didn’t have to look back! Today, the firm has acclaimed projects in 20 countries in America and Europe and is a paragon in the design of corporate spaces, especially for hotels and education.

Juan himself has taught at top universities like TEC Monterrey, Universidad Iberoamericana, Universidad Anahuac and UNAM in Mexico, and Virginia Tech and MIT in the United States.

A LEGACY OF BUILDING SUBLIME STRUCTURES

By envisioning a space as a tool to improve architecture and creating a system around it, SpAce has established itself in the cutthroat market of today. It is a hybrid firm whose core elements are design, business consultancy, and wellness specialists. Each and every project of theirs is supported by research and technical advancement, which permeates sustainability and extends beyond the environment to aid in improving the surrounding area. This not only distinguishes it but also keeps it focused on setting their own benchmarks rather than chasing after rivals.

The emphasis on “People-TechnologySpace” keeps ideas moving quickly and makes it easier to blend people and spaces. Space’s concept has always

been to “Design from the inside out,” which is how it has built a legacy of notable corporate structures, hotels, commercial architecture, points of sale, retail centres, apartments, etc. Among its well-known projects are the Google Mexico offices, the EFIZIA tower (for which Baumgartner won a citation in the 2009 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards), the Chapultepec Polanco tower, the Moras 850 project (which has Gold LEEDS certification), and the MSN Mexico offices.

RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY: TWO CORNERSTONES

Even though these are two intrinsic pillars of the firm, it is a difficult concept to pin down and define. The fundamental idea behind architecture is developing something distinctive. Interestingly, sound research supports designs in their context. It provides the context’s backdrop and the process’s aim and direction. This helps to comprehend the space story that forms the concept. While many people regard research as “theoretical,” Juan believes otherwise. According to him, one of the challenging aspects for evangelists like him is turning ideas into repeatable, scalable, and implementable actions. This is where the firm’s forte in research comes in.

a growth mindset will help you both personally and in establishing a culture where issues are no longer regarded as issues but rather as challenges and possibilities that, rather than causing tension, create good emotions.”

“Fostering

SpAce has an entire research division focused on cognitive neuroscience applied to design. Juan has a master’s in neuroscience, which has enabled him to form an alliance with a neuroscience lab in Canada to implement joint research. “We have become one of the benchmarks in a new field of design that some know as “neuroarchitecture,” he adds. The research methodologies extend to include innovations in the process. For instance, 15 years ago, the firm had designed an algorithm capable of interviewing thousands of people in 15 minutes and taking an X-ray of each organization that they are going to design.

Given their interest in exponential technologies to understand clients closely, this tool can measure the perception of happiness, health, engagement, etc. This also helps in better understanding the relationship between behavior and architectural models. The methodologies intended to include innovation in the process have bred a book, “Office as a Tribe.”

A KEEN EYE ON SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

The inherent brilliance of SpAce extends to building environmentally aware and sustainable spaces. It offers a special “green range” of sustainable architecture that it calls Gama Verde. The idea here is to create projects that conform to ecological awareness. The methodology and commitment of these projects truly showcase that SpAce is a firm truly dedicated to changing and renovating the concept of interiors. “Our goal is to, at some point, create architecture that not only positively includes people but also one that heals,” adds Juan. Their passion makes them the best at what they do and helps them ace their domain.

THE SPACE TRIBE

Even with the voluminous investment in innovation and research, what keeps SpAce at the forefront is its team. They are the ones upholding the commitment to exceptional design with an unyielding focus on achieving client objectives. Each member of the SpAce Tribe brings a certain ingenuity to the table that contributes to overall excellence. They continually scour possible futures related to trends in design, people’s behavior, the influence of technology on behavioral patterns, and a lot of communication with clients.

This helps to cultivate a culture of innovation and creativity. Along with its multidisciplinary crew of architects, graphic designers, topographers, virtual reality designers, psychologists, lighting, acoustic, and sustainability consultants, the firm also has a leadership team. Their communication and trust give them the liberty to experiment and take initiative as needed. The team works with businesses of all sizes and shapes, but they all share one trait in common: they are smart enterprises that understand how architecture and space can change the world. They treat collaborators as adults who share the same passion and give them the best tools to develop and flourish.

BOLDLY CHAMPIONING THE DOMAIN

It all began with the passion of one man and his belief that architecture could redefine lives in a period that didn’t believe it. But his confidence has proved otherwise, and his vision has designed appealing spaces one can only imagine. Juan’s visionary approach has kept the sails of his venture up high for about two decades, which he is truly proud of. Given how the architectural world has become a cutthroat market, maintaining a leading presence for so long is a challenge. Nevertheless, his and his team’s efforts have been felicitated. Some of the notable accolades include:

• International Property Awards 2021 – 2022 in office interior category

• Rethinking the Future Awards 2022 in office interior category

• MUSE Design Awards 2022 in Office Interior & Architecture Category

• Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards

In addition, SpAce has been recognized internationally as one of the leading companies in neuroarchitecture. Juan himself is recognized as one of the 300 most influential Mexicans internationally. In the end, he and his teams are a group of friends working on a philosophy and a passion they so deeply believe in. With time, the team will further expand their legacy of appealing spaces that not only reinvent the concept of architecture but also transcend it to new horizons.

Being an entrepreneur is constantly coming up with innovative ideas and executing them. You don’t need to launch a tech company to be an entrepreneur; you can be one with almost any business venture. The term ‘entrepreneur’ has come to mean someone who launches their own business and works in that business rather than for someone else. But what sort of people are commonly known as entrepreneurs?

Are there particular types of people who commonly become entrepreneurs? Do all entrepreneurs have the same skills or abilities, or do some have a natural advantage over others? The answer is that certain types of people are more likely to become entrepreneurs than others - but this isn’t necessarily bad. Each type of person brings something different to the table, which can help them succeed in whichever venture they choose. Below we look at 9 common types of entrepreneurs you should know.

9 COMMON TYPES OF ENTREPRENEURS

1. THE RISK-TAKER

If there’s one thing all entrepreneurs have in common, it’s the fact that they’re willing to take the risk of starting their own business. This willingness to take a risk is more prevalent in certain people than in others. Risk-takers are comfortable taking risks and are often willing to pursue new goals with limited resources or help. If an entrepreneur is a risktaker, they’re likely to have a higher chance of success in an entrepreneurial venture. This is because entrepreneurs are

likely to have a risk-ridden mindset that prepares them for success.

However, this doesn’t mean that all risk-takers should launch a business. Entrepreneurship is a risky career path, and risktakers need to understand that their choice to become an entrepreneur doesn’t magically reduce the chance of failure. Risk-takers should remember that they can control how they approach risk and ensure they’re not taking unnecessary risks.

2. THE SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR

Serial entrepreneurs have tried and failed at being entrepreneurs a few times before. This is often referred to as ‘being a serial entrepreneur’ because they’ve tried to start a business many times before and are likely to take on more ventures in the future. While most entrepreneurs are likely to experience failure at some point during their careers, serial entrepreneurs often have a high rate of failure in the start-up phase of their businesses. This is likely because serial entrepreneurs are less likely to change their approach each time they attempt to start a business and are more likely to make the same mistakes.

Serial entrepreneurs are one of the common types of entrepreneurs. They may have a natural advantage because they have previously attempted entrepreneurship and learned from their mistakes. This means that they are likely to better understand the entrepreneurial journey than someone who has never started a business before. This can be beneficial because it allows serial entrepreneurs to make better decisions from the start, which can help them be more successful overall.

9 COMMON TYPES OF

ENTREPRENEURS

3. THE TECHNOLOGY ENTHUSIAST

Entrepreneurs come in all shapes, sizes, and specializations. This type of entrepreneur has a particular affinity toward technology. They love to be on the cutting edge of innovation and may have a high knowledge of new advancements and breakthroughs in the tech industry. If you’re an entrepreneur who is a tech enthusiast, you’ll likely be interested in the latest gadgets, cloud storage solutions, and how AI and blockchain technology can be used in the future.

This type of entrepreneur may benefit from working in techrelated industries where they can put their knowledge to good use. However, while having a high knowledge of new technologies can benefit entrepreneurs, it’s important to note that some industries don’t progress as quickly as others. This means that tech enthusiast entrepreneurs may not always be able to apply their knowledge to their businesses.

4. THE MARKET RESEARCHER

An entrepreneur who is a market researcher has a keen interest in consumer behavior and the trends within their industry. This type of entrepreneur likely has a deep understanding of the market they are operating in and how it has changed or evolved over time. This is beneficial because it allows entrepreneurs to make informed business decisions.

For instance, if market research shows that people are more interested in purchasing products online than in-store, the entrepreneur can adapt their business model accordingly. This can be helpful because it can reduce the risk of failing and losing money due to a poor business model. However, it’s important to note that market trends do change, and an entrepreneur who is a market researcher must pay attention to these changes to benefit from them.

5. THE INNOVATOR

An innovator entrepreneur has a keen interest in the latest trends in their industry and the latest available products. They likely consume a great deal of information about the available products and are always looking for ways to improve them. This type of entrepreneur may create their product or improve upon an existing one. Their keen interest in trends may help them develop new product ideas that people may be interested in purchasing.

For instance, if an entrepreneur notices that people are constantly struggling to find a pair of shoes that are comfortable but also look good with their work uniforms, they may decide to create a shoe line that solves these problems. This is beneficial because it allows the entrepreneur to capitalize on a problem many people are experiencing and provide an easy solution.

6. THE PROBLEM SOLVER

An entrepreneur who is a problem solver is keen on identifying

problems within their industry or with their products. They likely spend a lot of time researching and understanding the issues consumers are experiencing and then looking for ways to solve them. This type of entrepreneur likely wants to improve the world and help people improve their lives.

For instance, if a specific type of computer chip is causing problems for users, an entrepreneur who is a problem solver may decide that it’s necessary to create a new chip or find a way to improve the existing one. This can be beneficial because it allows the entrepreneur to be more productive and solve problems that people are experiencing.

7. THE ACCOUNTANT

An accountant entrepreneur has a keen interest in numbers and accounting practices. This type of entrepreneur likely has a thorough understanding of how the financial side of a business works and may decide to launch a business that involves accounting. This can be beneficial because it allows the entrepreneur to track how their business is doing and recognize where improvements need to be made.

For example, an entrepreneur who is an accountant may decide to launch a small business that involves providing financial advice. This allows the entrepreneur to work with numbers and ensure that the business runs as efficiently as possible.

8. THE COLLAPSED ENTREPRENEUR

The collapsed entrepreneur is someone who is too excited about the new business opportunity and goes all in. The collapsed entrepreneur has set his or her sights on a specific opportunity, is consumed by the idea, and wants to pursue it. The collapsed entrepreneur has given up all other opportunities and is focusing all his or her energy and attention on one business idea. The collapsed entrepreneur has fully committed to the opportunity and is not looking at any other option. Therefore, it is one of the best types of entrepreneurs.

9. THE COMBINATION ENTREPRENEUR

The combination entrepreneur has a blend of some of the above traits. The combination entrepreneur is someone who is focused on the short-term and long-term growth of the business. The combination entrepreneur is efficient at operations and is interested in the business’s long-term vision. The combination entrepreneur is vision-driven, has a passion for the business, and is prepared to make tough decisions for the company’s benefit.

THE TAKEAWAY

As you can see, there are many different types of entrepreneurs; each brings a unique set of skills and abilities to the table. Entrepreneurship is a risky career path, and it’s important for anyone thinking about becoming an entrepreneur to understand that it’s not something that every person can do. Knowing what type of entrepreneur you are and what skills or abilities you bring to the table is important.

AN UNRIVALLED INDUSTRIAL GEM

Mr. Perkins is one of the rare people destined to be an innovator/ entrepreneur from an early age. Born and raised in Hawaii, as the eldest of 3 boys and a high-performing student-athlete, his leadership skills came naturally. Since his sophomore, he ran a mobile disco being a DJ for parties around the island. Growing up, he built multiple businesses across different industries, from real estate and computers to private label wines and a chocolate factory. In 2014, he moved to California and got offered to co-run an LED Company; and he got the bug to pursue energy efficiency and sustainability. He began selling energy efficiency products in homes and became one of the top sellers in the country. He kept foraying into the C&I space, developing and combining HVAC and LED technology and was successful in attracting C&I clients for a utility rebate program. He met members of Lockheed Martin Energy at an industry conference, and they offered him a contract to secure C&I clients. With this contract, he and his partner landed more clients than Lockheed Martin’s 27 contractors combined.

In 2019, Jigar Shah introduced him to microgrids. He instructed him to win microgrid contracts, which his firm, Generate Capital, would fund. This was the first step towards unveiling grand prospects. From there, he grew as a subject matter expert, combining 3 decades of experience in growing businesses. He is a sought-after growth CEO, public speaker and has published white papers, articles, and op-eds for the sector. His most recent work, Nanogrids: A New Opportunity for the Solar Industry, was the #1 downloaded white paper on Microgrid Knowledge in 2020. He is a regular speaker and contributor to some of the biggest solar and energy conferences and conventions in North America and is being sought after internationally with his work on islands in the Pacific. His ability to understand and navigate the market has led to partnerships with many innovative technology companies looking to create and implement their US deployment strategies. Recently, his company Instant On has partnered with a leading OEM in the presale and distribution of their new fuel cell coming to the US in 2024.

A CLOSER LOOK AT INSTANT ON

Founded in 2020, Instant On is a microgrid technology integrator, developer and distributor, providing solutions based on customer requirements, industry knowledge, and evolving scenarios. It provides customized solutions for commercial, residential and industrial, along with utility-scale needs. It’s manufacturer and technology agnostic. Instant On serves all verticals of the microgrid market using multiple forms of energy generation, such as solar, CHP, fuel cells, wind and turbines. Within a year of its inception, the company has won a series of prestigious accolades, which set the stage for many globally recognized projects. Instant On has been recognized as the ‘Top 50 Most Innovative Companies to Watch,’ ‘Most Outstanding Microgrid Integrator,’ and ‘Top Energy Storage Solution Provider 2020.’ The company is partnered with Schneider Electric Green Struxure (GSX) for their Energy as a Service (EaaS) offering in the C&I segment. Recently, it secured a city-wide microgrid project for the 3rd largest city in the state of California, California City and is working with a coop in NE Ohio for Infrastructure as a Service supplying energy, telecom and water resiliency.

A LEADER GROWING THROUGH CHALLENGES

At the outset of Instant On, Mr. Perkins met the most unprecedented challenges of his life that hindered its growth. On the one hand, wildfires, hurricanes, and heat waves swept across North America - the harsh weather forced residents to deal with power outages. On the other hand, COVID-19 plagued the continent. However,

Instant On stayed afloat by focusing on challenges while eliminating its expenses. The Company dug into R&D to innovate new ways to improve the existing microgrid model. It identified the deficiencies in traditional solar, including storage, and ‘keep the power on,’ bringing them to integrate fuel cells. Instant On’s mission is to protect families, communities, and businesses. To do so, it broadened its ability to partner with more companies to deliver a more comprehensive Infrastructure as a Service.

It began integrating microgrids with multiple energy sources, storage and controllability options. “We also began integrating telecom and AWGs producing water from the air. This means our microgrid provides not only energy resiliency and reliable fibre connection, but clean drinking water too,” states Mr. Perkins. Starting in the energy efficiency industry without a strong engineering background has, of course, made it a roller coaster ride. The founder started from the ground up, knocking on doors, talking to experts in the field, hoping to learn the best way to bring solutions to solve big problems. The hard work bore fruits. In the following month of inception, it won the project to build nanogrids for 1 million homes for US Veterans across the country. The next month, March, it partnered with a Hawaii solar veteran to distribute batteries and controls to over 5,000 homes in the islands.

IMBIBED WITH NATIVE ETHOS

Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻA�ina i ka Pono is Hawaii’s state motto meaning: “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”. The Hawaiian language doesn’t have a word for “sustainability”. Why? It’s because to them, it is life. This is where culture and destiny meet. Mr. Perkins has worked to ingrain this ethos into Instant On’s mission as they work with others. The team follows ‘Cooper-tition’ (combination of cooperation and competition) over competition, on sharing knowledge, resources and uphold relationships that explain their enthusiasm. Their teamwork achieves the best results with available resources. Ultimately, it enables inclusion and abundance. They also focus on learning, monitoring creativity, and ensuring that negative factors or failures don’t affect intrinsic creativity and innovation. “We learn to analyze everything we do and continuously improve it,” says the founder.

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

“Leadership isn’t a position or title, it’s an action and example. I am grateful to all those who went before me as those are the giants whose shoulders I stand on. The path that I take is the one not taken and it is our responsibility to leave a trail.” - AJ Perkins, Founder and President, Instant On.

BILL DOUGLAS CEO, OPTICWISE, INC.

BILL DOUGLAS: A GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED GROWTH SPECIALIST

Without progressive people, a company can’t sustain for very long, but without a decisive leader, it’s like a ship without a rudder. In particular, we mean a CEO. This person is the one in charge of a company’s success or failure and oversees all of its operations, finance, marketing, sales, human resources, legal, compliance, and technology while juggling the demands of its staff, clients, investors, and other stakeholders. They are also known as “growth specialists” since they can expand new businesses and even save failing companies. Their meticulous financial analysis and astute decision-making redefine businesses—a daring and unusual feat for any leader. Their improvement mindset, even in extreme uncertainty and distress, makes them truly exceptional.

Our publication has always found it fascinating to focus on the dynamism of CEOs. In light of this, we recently interviewed Bill Douglas, CEO of OpticWise and a growth specialist with a reputation for creating miracles. Bill is an experienced entrepreneur who has launched, sold, acquired, and exited numerous firms. He has also made growth lists for INC and other companies and been granted a US patent. He has a mechanical engineering degree from Georgia Tech and is a graduate of the MIT Entrepreneurial Master’s Program. He braved two neardeath encounters and a severe medical diagnosis, earning him the moniker “ResilienceGuy.”

During our talk, Bill provided a lot of food for thought regarding leadership and how he is pushing OpticWise to new heights. The discussion is thoroughly covered below.

OUTLINE OF OPTICWISE

OpticWise offers property owners the ability to provide their tenants with a sophisticated, seamless, private, and secure data and connectivity solution while turning a building’s network and in-building connectivity into both a tenant attraction and retention tool and a profit center. In other words, it offers customized proptech infrastructure solutions for modern workplaces and multi-family residential users. OpticWise operates upon a proprietary SIC® platform design for carrier-grade building network security, infrastructure, and connectivity. Properties outsource their in-building network systems to OpticWise to keep their connected devices and services secure and seamless and reduce operating expenses. On the other hand, OpticWise provides reliable and secure network access for tenants, providing the industry leading 5S™ user experience with a unique “ultimate privacy policy”.

In both scenarios, OpticWise focuses on rede�ining the value equation for real estate owners. The OpticWise solution not only generates income but also enhances the vision of the workplace or residential community More speci�ically, they help turn the typical overheads and hassles into retention tools and pro�it centers. In the end, clients enjoy a premium market positioning, enhanced returns, and complete control of their systems and data. In the words of the company, commercial real estate (CRE) clients can monetize their technology assets.

HOW BILL REDEFINED THE COMPANY’S PROGRESS

Bill became CEO of OpticWise in 2016. Although the business wasn’t at risk of failing, it needed a more systematic approach to thrive. By this point, Bill has established a reputation as an executive and strategic counselor Also, as someone who is fascinated by IoT, DT, 5G, and UX technological convergence and the numerous global impacts and possibilities that come with them, joining OpticWise was more like broadening his horizons. When he came on board, the company was more than a dozen years old. He took over the company’s strategy and vision, allowing its founder, Mr. Drew Hall, to focus on technical excellence.

Together, they shifted the focus to speci�ic commercial real estate markets and served owners in that space. This, allowed the company to have a more concrete direction while still being innovative. They focused on being more customer-centric and heeding their needs. “Although changing our product and customer base seemed risky, we were actively listening to our customers and remained laser-focused on �inding solutions to their challenges,” says Bill. By doing so, they forged a route for stability and strengthened their market positioning, which eventually aided in gaining customers and increasing pro�its.

A NICHE PLAYER IN PROPTECH

Although OpticWise is primarily a tech company, they like to think of themselves as a combination of an architect and an operator who design and maintain the connectivity infrastructure of a property Their user experience and focus on tenant care is quite distinctive. They prioritize privacy and have scalable, IoT-ready network services. They possess engineering skills and innovative designs with low OpEx and CapEx that maximize income. The company also has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in creating and running comprehensive, user-friendly, pro�it-driven proptech strategies and solutions. “We’ve also trademarked the 5S™ experience in keeping the user secure and mobile while completely private,” states Bill. He further adds that while many of their peers mine and market user data, treating users as a revenue source, they’re �irmly committed to refraining from such acts.

OpticWise doesn’t monetize its users or their data. Instead, it gives complete authority to users, keeping their connected experience and activities private at all times.

MAINTAINING

“

stands on the values of constant improvement, learning, competitiveness, and accountability. This attracts credible individuals, which boosts ef�iciency The management team clearly understands their roles and has a cadence of meetings and check-ins. This, coupled with a culture of accountability, ensures the company is on par with its mission.

The leadership team is cross-functional, but teams operate on an “in their lane” model. What keeps them engaged are the core values. It keeps them pondering “how can we” instead of saying “ we can’t ” The culture played an integral role in outsmarting COVID While there were challenges from the client’s end, OpticWise altered its offerings to meet speci�ic needs, resulting in incredible growth before, during, and after the pandemic.

MILESTONES AND PROSPECTS

In the last 6 years, OpticWise has had the privilege to design, install and implement its managed proptech solutions at innovative properties across the nation. This includes multitenant commercial real estate (medium-to-large apartment and of�ice facilities) monetizing clients’ technology assets and delivering signi�icant NOI and ROI. With that, Bill sees one of their biggest milestones achieved—clients adopting their vision and spending time and thought on their solutions. Also, worth mentioning as pivotal success points would be the �irst users to speak up, on camera, about the value they’ve seen delivered.

The CEO sets a clear objective for the future. “We want to see a multi-tenant user in any CRE area be entirely private and safe while completely mobile,” he says. There is never a reason to violate or pro�it from a renter’s privacy, and no tenant should be forced to remain in their leased space. He is aware of the effects this may have on both the business and technical sides of the “status quo.” However, their clients accept the importance of the user experience, and their users demand this, which yields immense �inancial gains for owners.

LEAVING WITH A THOUGHTFUL NOTE

A CULTURE OF GROWTH

Bill’s leadership at OpticWise has not only rede�ined its strategy, but also created a culture of continuous growth. It

As we came close to the end, we asked Bill if he ‘d like to share a few lines that moved our readers. “Life is a gift!” he exclaimed. He further continues, “Having suffered physical challenges in life, I’ve become more keenly aware that life is meant to be pursued, shared, and enjoyed not simply worked. “I am always solving problems that free people to work less and live more,” he signs off.

Although changing our product and customer base seemed risky, we were actively listening to our customers and remained laserfocused on finding solutions to their challenges .

If your vision is to make your business a brand, you can’t afford to be on the second, third, or fourth page of Google search results. You just won’t meet the right audience to make any impact.

Chris Fawcett started Third Marble with top engineering affordable Google solutions that help grow your business.

“We have helped clients with almost any kind of budget from $300 to $20,000+ a month with Google Ads. We are trying to make Google Ads and SEO affordable for the average American small business. Our goal is to help local economies grow by providing affordable digital marketing solutions for local businesses” says Chris.

Third Marble specializes in getting businesses on page one of Google with Search Engine Optimization services and Google Ads Management. The company has experience with search, display, remarketing, shopping, and YouTube ads. They also specialize in local search engine optimization and have helped national and e-Commerce website clients grow bigger and stronger in the market.

Chris Fawcett- Founder- Third Marble

Chris steers “Our main purpose has always been to help our client’s business grow, to help them bring in more revenue to keep their business open. Our clients rely on us to help bring relevant leads to their website so they can provide for their families, so they can keep their employee’s and those employees can continue to provide for their families. We’ve always looked at our business as a way to help local economies grow all over the country.”

How it all works- The Inside Story

Let us say you are a client. When you sign up for the services your account is assigned to an Account Manager. That Account Manager meets with you to understand your marketing goals and disperse that information to the rest of the team. Whenever you need to make a change to your account or update your credit card on file, all you have to do is email your Account Manager. Then the team of Third Marble will figure out the best way to accomplish with Google what you need. With twoway good communication on your leads and changes in your business, the team creates a campaign that will work for you.

“We also have our pricing designed to just perform Google Ads management or SEO work but if the client needs a little extra collaboration or help outside of those areas we have options to make that happen for them too.” Chris quotes.

With all these years of support and experience, the team of Third Marble is so hyper-focused on Google that they know every update and change in the algorithms and new practices. Their reporting is generated directly from the client’s Google Ads account and presented out in a way that makes sense. It also reflects data fluctuations from the previous month. Thus you can easily track if your cost per click has increased.

“Our business is built around the Henry Ford assembly line concept. We have specific departments that perform specific tasks in accounts. This allows us to be efficient with our work, which keeps our overhead costs down and keeps our pricing affordable for our clients. On average our retention rate is around 95%, which leads us to believe we are on the track.”

Aah factor! The Story behind the brand ‘Third Marble’. Chris shares the motivation behind starting Third Marble.

“It started when the owner of my favourite local pizza shop asked me to build a website. I agreed and after the website was up and running for a while, the pizza shop owner said he wasn’t getting any phone calls from his website. I told him he needed to do some online advertising. “If you build it, they will not come.”, I said. “Having a website without advertising is like printing business cards and not handing them to anyone.

A few weeks later, the pizza shop owner called me with some questions about a contract he was about to sign. The pizza shop owner was approached by a salesperson from an online advertising company that wanted to charge him $1200 a month on a 12-month contract for Pay per Click advertising. I couldn’t believe it. There was no way that there would be that many searches for pizza in one month for that small of a geographic area.

So I advised the pizza shop owner not to sign that contract and began advertising the pizza shop’s new website myself. I tried numerous different strategies to advertise the pizza shop online, including search engine optimization, email marketing, social media, and pay-per-click on Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

After only a few weeks, it became very obvious that there was only one truly effective strategy – one that was cost-effective and didn’t consume hours of the owner’s time each week –Google Ads. For such a small company, Yahoo and Bing didn’t generate enough clicks to make the management of the campaigns worthwhile. Facebook and email marketing were too time-consuming for the owner and didn’t help generate many new customers. Since Google Ads was generating 80% of all the traffic to the website, and budgets and resources were limited for the pizza shop, we decided to drop all other online marketing except for Google Ads.

What fascinated me the most was – I had a hard time even spending $300 per month, let alone $1200. How could that “reputable” company charge a little pizza shop $1200 per month? Were there other small businesses that needed this kind of help too?

So I started asking other local business owners if they ever get business from their websites and if they ever had a positive experience with an online marketing company. Their experiences varied, but there was one common response –“No”. So I started advertising a few more local companies online using Google Ads and the results were the same as the pizza shop – more new customers and positive ROI.

Seeing the opportunity to start a small business that could help small business owners everywhere, I left my job and started Third Marble Marketing. After a while, it became very obvious that there are too many internet advertising companies out there that are taking advantage of small business owners. So I vowed to make Third Marble Marketing a resource to help the small, local business owners grow their business by providing an affordable internet marketing strategy that effectively generates customers, NOT “traffic”.

Conclusion

Google is the first place millions of people across the world look for answers to their large and little queries. If they’re smart, they’ll discover them among the first few results. As a result, websites on the top of Google’s search engine results receive enormous traffic than the ones lower down the order. More than three fourth of all Google users never go past the first page of a Google search. Thus you must rank on page 1 of Google. A strong SEO presence has the potential to attract inbound traffic and help your company thrive for years to come.

GEIR CHRISTIAN KARLSEN

“To win the marketplace, you first need to win the workplace.” However, given the transformative business landscape and the emergence of hybrid work models, gig employment, contingent employment, and so forth, the prevalent HR functions need to be redefined. In other words, HR functions must become more technologically augmented as workplaces grow more flexible and dynamic. Upgrading HR functions will make it possible to improve data security and application management, making them more economical, consistent, and effective. The idea is well-recognized, and many technologists are working to enhance it by fusing their know-how with advances.

GEIR CHRISTIAN KARLSEN Founder & CEO, AppsCo Inc.

HOW APPSCO INC. CAME TO BE

Experience is a critical cornerstone of any entrepreneur. Drive and ambition are part of the equation, as are preparation and perseverance. An entrepreneur can create wonders by combining them with extensive experience. Geir is a single reservoir of all these elements. Hailing from Norway, he is a serial entrepreneur with a record of establishing technology companies in Norway, the USA, Slovakia, and Serbia, with an industrial exit in HR software. He carries over 2 decades of expertise in business software, technology outsourcing, and cybersecurity.

Having spent a significant amount of time in the technology space, Geir was well aware of the evolution of data privacy. He knew that even though computing technology has innovated business functions, it has also paved the way for a plethora of cyberattacks. According to him, “Statistically, every data hack prevention makes a system more vulnerable to hacking.” In the case of HR operations, a potential breach may allow for the exploitation of employee data, including social security numbers, banking information, home addresses, etc. The understanding instilled a thought process, and combined with his experience in IT and software, Geir brought AppsCo to light. His aim was to provide a single employee management platform for the administration of their tasks, along with identity and access management.

Geir Christian Karlsen, founder and CEO of AppsCo Inc., is breaking new ground in HR automation. His company is setting an innovation landmark by streamlining HR, IT & Security functions on a single platform. As our current edition, “Top 10 Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022,” aims to honor the innovative leaders redefining prevalent norms, we are privileged to feature Geir’s continuing ascent to the zenith.

In 2021, he took the next step by designing and securing a data decentralization patent. This sparked the development of a robust cloud platform with a blockchain security layer. Ever since then, AppsCo has made a name for holistic employee management and data protection solutions for all kinds of businesses. Its innovative offerings have further helped Geir become a member of the World Economic Forum’s “Tech for Integrity” initiative and win several international awards. Besides AppsCo, he serves as an advisor on the boards of Digiquip, Emajlis, Annex Investments, Mesier, Global Corporation, and USAKO Group.

ROUND THE CLOCK WORKFLOW AUTOMATION

AppsCo and its innovative solutions were developed with the goal of redefining the HR and IT roles of a company. The AppsCo Workforce Platform is a one-stop tool for easy

administration of employees and HR functions, application management, and security. It allows a company’s management to centrally manage all operations and streamline employee lifecycles, resource allocation, and employee workflow analytics. The modular security platform AppsCo Data Protection gives businesses the upper hand while preserving data security. Businesses are confronted with unprecedented problems in developing distributed digital ecosystems while protecting their products. Nevertheless, AppsCo changes the data protection landscape by granting users complete control over their data. The platform reinvents digital data protection for every person and business with a blockchain security layer. It reduces risk by storing encrypted data even when it is centralized, such as on Google, Office 365, or AWS.

The combination of process automation and data security gives every user unique control over their core functions. While AppsCo is vertical agnostic, the platforms are mainly for dynamic sectors like facility management, the construction industry, offshore operations, etc., where the combination of work management and security in everyday operations is essential. AppsCo, in combination with its partners, is offering a workspace with the best breed of concepts, allowing users to use the tools they need to solve specific problems. By providing a unique “Field HR Tool,” the company has offered its solutions to many of its regional partners, like Sefbo, BDO, and Azets.

SAILING THROUGH ROUGH WATERS

With technologies advancing at a brisk pace, changing customer behavior, challenges in implementation, and increased competition, the digital landscape has become a complex vortex. The scenario, however, is a blessing in disguise for an entrepreneur. “Starting and running a business is never a straight line,” says Geir, “but listening to your clients and acting accordingly will give you an edge.” Businesswise, AppsCo aspires to be the clients’ eyes and continuously elevate their experience. The workforce platform makes it possible for an open onboarding and offboarding procedure. While monitoring and assigning access to cloud apps, clients maintain their security. Besides integrating new systems and procedures into the business process, it also enables the management of corporate policies both inside and outside the company.

Adapting to shifting customer needs and the economic climate also helped them sail high during COVID-19. As remote work became popular, it opened up a market for cloud services and management tools. This allowed AppsCo to take a gigantic leap and help many companies thrive. Of course, having exemplary employees and fostering a committed atmosphere with an open culture helped significantly. Although the company has seen high tides and uncertainties, staying upbeat and adaptable to change has helped it emerge stronger each time.

CREATING A PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN CULTURE

A company’s actual self is reflected in its culture and the zeal of its team. Given the innovative offerings and cohesive efforts of its employees, it’s safe to assume AppsCo has a vigorous team. However, they don’t focus on creating “happy workspaces.” While they have a heavy focus on inclusivity and employee satisfaction to retain their talented members, they strive to preserve a “high roof, speak up” culture based on mutual respect. By fostering a healthy and supportive culture where self-reporting and speaking up are encouraged, the company allows ideas to shine and innovative concepts to thrive.

THE JOURNEY TO REACH NEW HEIGHT CONTINUES

Treating them with values and contributing to their growth makes AppsCo a go-to partner. More than 100 companies are currently using their workforce automation platform, which surely speaks volumes.

Geir seeks to be a forerunner in providing solutions that protect people’s data and give them control without compromising security. Even though the market is competitive, he has an open mind and a heart for learning and adapting, and he will persevere to see this through.

“Our ability to continuously expand our clientele, adding clients from any corner, is a milestone that I didn’t imagine,”

exclaims Geir.

JAMES DAVIS FOUNDER, THE MIDLIFE MENTORS

Ethical leadership is about doing the right thing even when no one watches. It’s about thinking of others first, regardless of how that might impact your own success. Ethical leaders make sacrifices for the greater good because they understand their role as a leader goes beyond just getting things done. If you’re not an ethical leader, you could probably become one with some effort and time. As we will see in this article, several traits distinguish an ethical leader from anyone else. If you aspire to become such a person, read on to learn more.

WHAT DOES AN ETHICAL LEADER LOOK LIKE?

First and foremost, ethical leaders are authentic and transparent. They’re upfront about their strengths and weaknesses, their goals, and how those goals align with their organization’s goals. They’re also open to feedback and allow their team members to speak up if they see any areas for improvement. Ethical leaders are selfless and

considerate. They always think about how their decisions impact their team members and are willing to go above and beyond for their employees.

Ethical leaders prioritize mental health, as well as personal and professional development. They know that happy and healthy team members are more efficient and productive at work. Ethical leaders are dedicated to their cause, mission, and values. They have a strong moral compass and are willing to make sacrifices to stay true to their principles.

QUALITIES OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

1.

BUILD A CULTURE OF TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST

If you want to become an ethical leader, you must start by building trust and a sense of transparency with your team members. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you should be willing to seek them out when you don’t know something.

What

is

Ethical Leadership

Being open and honest with your team members from the very beginning is critical to your success as a leader. You should seek feedback from your team members and always be open to hearing ideas for improvement. You should always be willing to admit your mistakes and take full responsibility for any errors in judgment you make. As a leader, you will make mistakes — that’s inevitable. What matters most is how you respond when that happens.

2. ENSURE EVERYONE’S VOICE IS HEARD

Ethical leader listens to their team members and operates with the understanding that everyone’s voice (regardless of position) should be heard. You shouldn’t favor certain members regarding decision-making and task distribution. Instead, you should make an effort to distribute tasks and make decisions in a fair and unbiased manner.

In order to do this, you must first understand your team members, their respective skill sets, and the strengths and weaknesses of each member. You should hold regular one-on-one meetings with each person to discuss their overall performance and any ideas for improvement.

3. ACT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF YOUR TEAM

Ethical leaders are always thinking about how their decisions impact their team members — they don’t just think about themselves. Ethical leaders have the best interests of their team members at heart, and they make sure that they’re being treated fairly and equitably. Ethical leaders don’t reward favorites and aren’t afraid to speak up when they see any unfair treatment.

Ethical leaders don’t shy away from conflict — they know that confrontation is crucial for addressing issues before they escalate. You should always strive to be fair and consistent when managing your team. You should have a consistent approach to giving and receiving feedback, as well as assigning tasks and rewarding team members.

4.

SHOW INTEGRITY AT ALL TIMES.

An ethical leader is always honest and transparent. They operate with integrity at all times and don’t make promises they can’t keep. Honesty and integrity go hand in hand, but they aren’t the same. With honesty, you’re upfront about your strengths and weaknesses and the goals you want to achieve.

With integrity, you’re ensuring that those goals are aligned with the company’s vision and mission. As a leader, you should be transparent about where you want to take the company. This means that you should be upfront about your goals and plans for the future and stay consistent in your messaging.

5. ENCOURAGES INITIATIVE Ethical leaders ensure that their employees become the company’s brightest stars and are motivated to excel. In contrast, unethical leaders inflate their egos by exploiting their employees. Ethical leaders inspire their team members to improve processes, communication, and collaboration by providing incentives for innovative ideas and suggestions.

6. FOCUSES ON THEIR TEAM Teamwork can accomplish much in a short amount of time, so ethical leaders encourage and promote team building. Ethical leaders will build community and team spirit with their followers. An ethical leader works to help their employees achieve their goals and those of the organization. They recognize that the organization’s goals would be better achieved if the group’s goals aligned with those of the organization instead of their own.

7. KINDNESS

Employees and team members, in the end, are people, not machines. An ethical leader understands this and treats them kindly and compassionately. Because employees work harder to achieve company goals when they feel respected and cared for, all parties will benefit.

CONCLUSION

Ethical leaders are hard to find, but they’re worth their weight in gold. Such people can inspire greatness in others as they set the standard for being a leader. To become an ethical leader, you must be willing to work hard. You must be willing to examine your actions and behaviors to identify improvement areas.

It takes time to become an ethical leader, but the journey is rewarding and worthwhile. And if you become an ethical leader, you’ll set yourself up for success for years.

FRIZZARIN CEO, QYON

MAURICIO

MAURICIO FRIZZARIN:

“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It’s about one life influencing the other.” Leadership is the unbeatable quality of a person that acts as a stepping stone for him to conquer the world. And the platform of Business Talk is renowned for its impeccable monthly editions that focus on introducing the world to some exemplary leaders in the business realm out there. And here, we are back with the trajectory tale of one such enthusiast, Mauricio Frizzarin, CEO of Qyon.

Our editorial team had an interesting and joyful session with the leadership panel of the company in which he shared various lesser-known facts about the company. Mr. Mauricio also shared his entrepreneurial journey so far in the respective realm. His excellent approach to handling business complexity is what inspired us to feature him in our exclusive edition, ‘Top Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022.’ Let’s have a close look at his success journey!

THE UNTOLD STORY

Shining some lights on his journey, the visionary quips, “I’ve been working since very young, and even in the 80s, I started to have access to microcomputers. I was very interested in learning how everything worked and especially the solutions that the software provides. Soon I started a technical course in data processing, where I developed my first software, which helped in filling out extensive and tiring information (such as telephone directories). From then on, I started working on developing software for companies. However, commercializing software at the turn of the 80s/90s was a challenge and brought a lot of financial insecurity. Even though I was still very young, I realized that thinking about the business model was essential to ensure the sustainability of the business. During this period, I was invited to develop accounting software.”

Giving us a brief of his major inspirational element that led him towards this journey, Mr. Mauricio affirms, “The inspiration

came from the possibility of making a difference in the world, supporting customers to solve control and management problems in their companies. It is very gratifying to hear from a customer how our software is helping their business. The challenge is huge, but it becomes possible when we know the direction, are innovative, and looking to make a difference. We develop software to make life easier for entrepreneurs this is our focus.

Moreover, my two passions have always been technology and aviation. I started providing services for accounting offices and soon realized that I could help more. I was able to understand very well what the customers; needs were, and with the knowledge I had I knew I could create something very innovative for the time, easily accessible, and very reliable. Then I continued working hard, improving the software and always looking for innovation. Even after selling the company, I continued to follow the market and what the future of business will be like.”

THE COMPANY PREFACE

Qyon is revolutionizing the software industry by putting the power of artificial intelligence in the hands of accountants and small businesses. Qyon is a company with advanced knowledge in software technology based on artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, and big data for business management, and its services are designed to control and integrate processes and areas that are part of a company. In addition to the software, it has also developed a fintech that integrates with the technology ecosystem, further automating corporate financial operations and generating lower technology operation costs. “It is important to say that we are constantly evolving and we already have blockchain technology and also operate a cryptocurrency exchange, which makes integration with the entire business management system developed by Qyon even easier. Our goal is to educate accountants and entrepreneurs around the globe to innovate and transform the industry, enabling them to offer new and innovative services not possible with current technology,” says the CEO.

Being best is not what the business world demands, but being different is what it desires the most. And Mr. Mauricio highlights some USPs of his journey by quoting, “I believe that the main mark at the beginning of my career was having done a good analysis of how the market would behave with the entry of new technology in the market. It was also important to make the correct choice of business model and be fully dedicated to making the thing happen and develop. I currently feel that way again, as if I had a call to collaborate with the need for the digital transformation that the world imposes. So, I believe that this synchrony of decisions was the great point for everything to happen. Also, my greatest recognition as a leader comes every time, I hear from customers that our software helped solve a big problem at their company. Providing a digital platform with the ability to help each client: this is our greatest recognition.”

A LEADER, A GUIDE

Our team was curious to know about the leadership skills that set Mr. Mauricio apart from others in the same space. So, we askedand he replied by saying, “As a CEO, I coordinate the actions of all the boards, but I also like to participate in the practice, I like to be close to the developer’s team. I’m very detail-oriented, and I have a total focus on the customer experience: if I have to review

the button size of our software, for example, I will review and demand that everyone has the same focus in thinking about how we can make life easier for the customer. Also, on a regular day at work, we have a lot of meetings and are very flexible, but it is important to maintain good coordination between all areas of the company. A company works like a great team: if everyone collaborates, the result can be much better than good individual results. Having a brilliant team also helps me understand and put into practice the company concepts that we experience during an air show or in a speed or precision competition. My role is similar to that of a conductor-but a conductor who understands well how each instrument works and is always available to discuss new solutions with anyone on the team. New possibilities appear every day that led us to continually assess our positions and what steps we should take. If I had to define myself in one word it would be ‘intense’.”

WORDS OF WISDOM

Before signing off, the enthusiastic leader shared some parting words that will boost the confidence of the budding entrepreneurs out there and will also guide them. “First of all, it’s important to say that when we’re on a journey like this at Qyon, we want to have fun working. The challenge is enormous, and if we don’t have an optimal level of dedication, we will hardly be able to surprise the market. I think the light and collaborative atmosphere is part of our essence. I would also like to add that we created the first Brazilian air sports team, Qyon AeroSports. We are based in the USA, and we participate in the biggest competitions and air shows in the world. In the last year, we have been to several events in the USA such as Sun’n’Fun (Florida), Reno Air Races (Nevada), and Airventure Oshkosh (Wisconsin). With the team, we intend to make aero-sport a platform for the communication of the concepts that Qyon brings to the market, considering that the USA and Brazil have a large audience with an interest in technology, aircraft, innovation, and competition. Recently, our team participated in the Brazilian premiere of the movie “TopGun-Maverick”, which shows our identification with the public that appreciates aviation,” asserts the kingpin.

ADGS

Deep Technologies made in QATAR

SHANE HACKETT

THE LEADER BEHIND HEARTLAND SOCCER ASSOCIATION’S EXPONENTIAL SUCCESS

What is the secret behind a successful youth soccer league? While having the proper coaching support is crucial, having effective leadership for direction and proper functioning rather than micromanaging is just as important. The effective management of a soccer organization must be supported by focused goals that also guarantee the organization’s financial stability. Leaders in this context require a unique set of skills to prosper because clubs are operating in a competitive and everchanging environment.

Our captivating edition, “Top 10 Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022,” features influential figures from a range of sectors. In addition to innovators, the selection process takes into account leaders whose leadership, direction, and management show a “one-of-a-kind” capacity. In light of that, we made a brief diversion from the industrial ecology and entered the sports ecosystem. This got us in touch with Shane Hackett, Executive Director of the Heartland Soccer Association.

Shane is a multifaceted leader, and considering the popularity of this sport in the USA, we truly wanted to share how a top corporate executive has grown Heartlandw Soccer Association into the largest soccer league and tournament host in the United States. Continue reading to get the whole story.

A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL LEADER

“Innovative leadership is predicated on a leader’s multifaceted resourcefulness and multidimensional competencies.”

SHANE HACKETT Executive Director Heartland Soccer Association

Shane’s leadership expertise spans across a multitude of verticals, from business to technology and even humanitarian concerns.

He is a partner, cofounder, and Chief Strategy Officer of Legion Capital, a private equity firm lending for business and realestate development. He is the chairman of MarketLeverage, a digital marketing network listed in INC 100 Advertising Firms and Fortune 500 Fastest Growing Companies. He also works with The Global Orphan Project and Life-Giving Force to build orphanages and design clean water projects in third-world countries. Prior to this, he worked for years in radio stations, creating and producing nationally syndicated radio shows such as “Baseball Sunday with Joe Garagiola,” “Football Sunday,” and “NBA Basketball Sunday.”

However, taking the helm of Heartland Soccer Association has not only broadened his horizons but also given him a new milestone. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Heartland Soccer Association to prominence over the last two decades. Heartland runs more than a dozen tournaments at the top-notch SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex, GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex, Compass Mineral Sporting Fields, and Swope Soccer Village venues. Heartland offers soccer programming including leagues, tournament, college showcases and combines. Under Shane’s supervision, the organisation has grown exponentially over the years, with investments in world-class youth soccer specific complexes that draw teams, players, and families from across the United States and Canada.

MAKING A “BEAUTIFUL” GAME AVAILABLE TO ALL Soccer has been a huge success in the United States for many years. Even though it can’t be compared with the European variant, the game definitely has its own prominence in American culture. With its growing prominence, youth soccer in America has grown into a billion-dollar industry. In fact, many American talents are causing shockwaves in European clubs. All of this goodness, however, is not without drawbacks and challenges, such as cost and affordability. Moreover, soccer organizations compete against one another on and off the field.

Heartland takes a different approach to address the challenges in youth soccer. It focuses on being inclusive with soccer

clubs and organizations to be more inclined to growth. The organization invests heavily in its sports complexes and programs. “This has been a gamechanger for us, given we are offering all teams the ability to play at all skill levels of play,” says Shane. This also gives them a better chance at being competitive. Soccer as a sport is evolving, and Heartland is innovating the marketing of its league and tournaments accordingly. In a nutshell, it focuses on customer service and offers excellent opportunities in world-class fields. Clubs and teams that travel to play at its events or enjoy a great game with the same enthusiasm.

RUN BY PEOPLE WHO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As previously stated, a successful soccer organization requires a close relationship between coaching support, the team, and leading management. Heartland follows this to the note. It strives to be creative and forward-thinking in business and values relationships. This makes it their mission to develop sustainable relationships with clients. Heartland maintains trust with clients even in the face of adversity by communicating with them while keeping integrity at the forefront.

Most of its senior staff from managers, schedulers, operations and other field staff imbibe the values of freedom and responsibility. “Most of them have been with us for over 15 years and are working to make a difference,” says Shane. Everyone values freedom and responsibility at work, takes ownership, and meets deadlines. The talented group of managers has a record of delivering results every week and delivering over 15,000 games each year, which is remarkable. This ultimately contributes to seeing youth soccer grow and flourish through down cycles in its economy. It even drives parents to make youth sports a priority for their children even if times of financial crunch.

DRIVING A SUSTAINABLE IMPACT

Heartland Soccer Association is more than just a youth soccer league. It’s an ecosystem that can shape people’s passion and make a positive difference in other people’s lives. Shane believes the game of soccer is more than just a competition. Beyond the final score of a match, there are many life lessons to be learned, such as “It takes hard work and

effort to succeed,” “Learn how to win and lose graciously,” “Be a team player and work within a team,” and so much more. These thoughts can deliberately create meaning for anyone and the surrounding people.

The aforethought process and valueadded leadership have helped the

organization make great strides. Heartland Soccer Association has more than 1,350 league teams per season, 3,300 tournament teams annually, 72,000 youth league and tournament players, 4,000 coaches, and 2,000 active referees. It has grown from an initial 600 players to serving more than 4,700 teams from 16 states and internationally

with leagues and tournaments. Being a critical force behind these milestones, Shane feels immensely proud of the organization and the people behind it. With time, he wishes to see the Heartland Soccer Association attain new heights and become a more prominent soccer league and tournament host in the United States and worldwide.

SHINYA MIIKE

A Maverick Setting Benchmarks In Medical Device Development

Medical devices have always been an essential cog in the advancement and modernization of healthcare. With the emerging trend of healthcare technology, the medical device sector has seen exciting developments to improve outcomes for patients. Robotics, materials science, analytics, and other innovations are breeding era-defining breakthroughs for various areas such as testing, telemedicine, orthopedics, surgery, wound care, and monitoring.

“Have the soul of a child, never an adult. The main point of my lesson is to always be curious and interested in new things.”

MR. SHINYA MIIKE, President & CEO at Neuroceuticals Inc.

Our edition, “Top 10 Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022”, aims to honour the innovative minds pushing limits to drive positive change in society. Seeing how healthcare innovations give a silver lining in life-anddeath situations, we sought to find some brilliant minds behind delivering innovative medical devices. Our efforts brought us to Mr. Shinya Miike (President & CEO) of Neuroceuticals Inc. From marketing to leading developments in medical equipment, he had quite a transition.

We interviewed him to learn more about his journey, his ideals, and the reforms he hopes to bring about. The synopsis of our interaction is provided here.

A NOBLE MISSION & VISION

Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Shinya has spent over 20 years in marketing, R&D as well as selling off venture firms. Specifically, he was in business development with a focus on the surgical field, ophthalmology, cardiology, urology, preventive medicine, and orthopedics. His work allowed him to be close to medical professionals, where he found many unsolved clinical needs. “I always went and still go to research facilities and universities to see if there are any seeds of innovation,” he says. This introduced him to opportunities for building innovations that benefit the patient and clinician and pave the way for a successful business. The thought process led to the inception of Neuroceuticals Inc.

The company specializes in putting novel medical devices on the market through internal & external developments, venture investments, funding, and establishing a firm. It seeks out technological seeds from research institutes, universities, clinical sites, etc., to develop projects that foster more efficient diagnosis and treatment and products that improve the quality of patient care. Furthermore, it works with them to approve medical equipment and set up a market for particular innovations. In this way, Shinya is not only actuating the development of products that meet unresolved clinical needs but also contributing to the overall improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic practices.

THE CHALLENGES THAT COME ALONG

Given the fast pace at which the healthcare area is moving, acquiring project funding can be a challenge, especially for startups. Especially in Japan, since it’s one of the leading countries in advanced medical technology. Neuroceuticals isn’t left out of this challenge. The company seeks to be a leader in the medical industry as a device provider, developing and approving medical devices, as well as making investments in life science firms, and often faces difficulties with the budget. But that doesn’t stop them from their purpose. “Considering the strength of our firm,” claims Shinya, “my team can handle the entire process of identifying and planning to successfully penetrating markets.”

Its strength also gives it an advantage against larger corporations, which choose not to incur potential risks. A leader with a bad attitude can never manage money properly, and Shinya is a firm believer in approaching problems with a grin. Even in the face of stress and despair, it promotes confidence, which eventually translates into the environment. His and his company’s success relies on patients using their products, or those sold by partners firms, and finding them useful and reliable.

THE CEO’s PERISCOPE OF INNOVATION

As a marketing expert, Shinya has consistently argued that innovations result from an integration of innovation and technology. This integration resembles a jigsaw inside the head and assembling all the pieces yields something new. Over his stretch, his ability to generate innovative ideas by combining tech concepts has bred many breakthroughs

like Optical Ablation, Vagus Nerve Stimulation Catheter System, Scoring Catheter Device, Vascular Embolization Agent (GPX), Arrhythmia Diagnostic Catheter, and so on.

The CEO believes that each of the products represents the next step in exceeding potential. He says, “I refer to it as the method that opens up infinite possibilities from a fundamental “one and one” addition formula.” He thinks that daybreak is always just around the corner. One must figure

AN IDOL TO HIS PEOPLE

“A true leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Being in the industry for over 20 years and leading multiple companies, Shinya has always believed in leading by example. He demonstrates how his team can improve patient lives and encourages them to surpass their limits. “I always make sure they know I’m proud of their efforts and the outcome of their dedication,” says Shinya. This empowers the team to break the clutter and be a part of continuous growth. Each member’s efforts are recognized and are commemorated accordingly.

LEADING A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE

As our interaction with Shinya kept unfolding, we became intrigued by the work his company has done in the realm of medical science. The medical device market is advancing rapidly, and

Neuroceuticals is an essential contributor to it. Keeping client satisfaction (patient and clinician) as the top priority, the company is working to redefine patient care and push the limits of innovation in life sciences. The international media have largely recognized its endeavors. A few of the noteworthy mentions include:

• 50 Best Companies to watch 2022 by Silicon Review

• 10 Best CEO to watch by CIO Bulletin

• Ranked amongst High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2022 by Financial Times

• Top Medtech Company in APAC 2021 by Medtech Outlook

It has also received the Tokyo Venture Technology Excellence Award and the Governor’s Special Award for supporting women’s participation in the World Outreach Competition. The Vagus Nerve Stimulation Catheter System, one of its significant projects, was given the 2nd Japan Medical Research and Development Award and the AMED Chairman’s Award. These feats amply demonstrate the company’s progress. This further ensures that it will have much to discover and innovate in the upcoming years.

out how to shape it into a possibility.

TODD KRUEGER

PIONEERING A REVOLUTIONARY REMEDY FOR SKIN

INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS

Skin is a critical barrier, shielding us against invading microbes and pathogens. However, the skin is also susceptible to many chronic conditions, including inflammatory ones. One of the most common and increasing incidences is Atopic Dermatitis, also known as Eczema. This condition has always been challenging to treat and stressful to live with. Researchers have been exploring therapeutic avenues to find a simple and safe remedy to treat this condition. Although there are numerous treatments available, they come with significant issues ranging from safety, speed of impact, limits on who can use them, cost and breadth of efficacy. In the quest to find a safe and effective treatment, Todd Krueger, President and CEO of AOBiome Therapeutics, is breaking new ground.

Our magazine recently spoke with Todd to understand his mission, vision, and the novel cure his company is working on. The discussion is summarized below.

SOWING THE SEEDS

Todd is a healthcare evangelist, having spent over 20 years as an entrepreneur in the life science industry. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Northwestern University and earned his MBA from Kellogg. He began his career at Bain and Company and, working his way up the corporate ladder, now serves on the boards of three early-stage biotech companies, where he works closely with first-time CEOs. As part of his life science path, he realized that society is no longer synergic with nature, and this separation has coincided with the rise of modern diseases. “We have mistakenly declared war on the microbiome because bacteria have been viewed negatively,” he says.

As a result of this imbalance, a spate of maladies that aren’t evolutionarily appropriate, such as eczema, acne, and rosacea, have arisen since the arrival of modern hygiene. These conditions didn’t exist a few hundred years ago. Current drugs often don’t work well against such conditions, can be very expensive, have unwanted side effects, and can’t be used in vulnerable populations. There is little to no recognition that 99% of those bacteria on our skin are benign and, in some cases, critical to our health. AOBiome is focused on restoring a specific lost bacterium, Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOBs), to human skin. AOBs are a critical part of the nitrogen cycle, seminal for the balance of living things in our world. AOBiome believes restoring this lost bacterium to humans will also be able to treat many inflammatory skin diseases.

Todd and his team set out to develop a topical biologic formulated from this bacterium that breaks down ammonia and produces the vital nutrients for good health—nitric oxide and nitrite. The idea laid the groundwork for a late-stage clinical company that targets real-life-interfering issues, and thus AOBiome Therapeutics was born. Over the past 7 years, it has carved a niche developing novel treatments for inflammatory disorders like Atopic Dermatitis, Acne and Rosacea.

Todd Krueger | President & CEO, AOBiome Therapeutics

A REDEFINING BREAKTHROUGH

What separates AOBiome’s biotherapeutic drug from others? It regulates down IL-4, 5, 13, and 31, which, among other diseases, are hallmarks of atopic dermatitis. Most importantly, the bacteria down-regulates the itch pathways, thus treating both the underlying condition and its related side effects. Being up all-night scratching is far more concerning than the red, flaky skin. “We are working hard to position our products as a treatment for not only the appearance of AD but for the primary complaint atopic dermatitis patients have—which is itch,” Todd explains. By focusing on both sides, the drug will hopefully become a first-line therapy before patients move on to more expensive, intrusive, or risky therapies.

As promising as the drug’s background looks, making people aware of it hasn’t been so easy. Striving to become a pioneer in drug development is challenging, given most pharma companies are reticent about early stages of breakthroughs. Despite these hurdles, Todd and his team knew a large population of underserved patients were actively looking for a safe, natural, and effective solution. Keeping that in mind and recognizing the unique safety profile of AOB, they launched their product as a cosmetic spray without any clinical claims whatsoever. “Our intent was to get real-world customer feedback in order to better inform our drug development programs,” says the CEO. This approach of “testing” on humans provided real input from subjects who, unlike mice, have opposable thumbs to provide feedback on their experience with the bacteria. This learning helped optimize the product delivery, revamp the packaging, and target specific indications.

GOING BEYOND THE INNOVATION CHASM

While having a targeted objective, AOBiome is also challenging 100 years of traditional dermatology treatment. The existing treatments often have serious limitations. Steroids weaken the skin barrier and are not suitable for kids or elderly patients. JAK inhibitors come with black box warnings, and even the current leading product, Dupixent, takes a long time to treat itch, if at all. AOBiome’s innovative drug has the safety profile of salt water and has been shown in clinical trials to treat moderateto-severe itching while addressing the underlying disorder of Atopic Dermatitis. The company seeks to be at the forefront of discussion on the benefits of healthy bacteria. But the discussion has met resistance as it shakes the foundations of the entrenched, traditional, conservative view of Big Pharma.

As such, getting this innovation through the chasm required finding the right opinion leaders and commercial partners intending to break out of the status quo. They also developed unique ways of manufacturing a mono-sterile product—a live bacterial product—with only one bacterium without using preservatives. This called for creating various cuttingedge techniques, demonstrating AOBiome’s innovation.

TODD KRUEGER – LEADING WITH CONVICTION AND AN UNORTHODOX APPROACH

Given the obstacles AOBiome had to overcome in order to gain recognition, it says a lot about Todd’s leadership. As Todd is not a trained scientist, he felt comfortable pushing conventional thinking. However, a lack of a credible route to market, distrust from existing players, and decisions that were frequently not fully informed by historical facts tested Todd’s capacity to

be decisive in the face of uncertainty. This challenge required leading from the front. Todd took up thought-leadership and onboarded a mission-critical team. They follow a top-down approach, pushing the issues from top management to every employee’s desk. “We try to be explicit about what the company’s goals are, so every team member knows exactly how their role supports this vision.” “When you are pioneering, it really helps to make sure people see the end, even if the path to get there is not cut yet,” says Todd.

The cascade of goals and strategies alleviates many ambiguities that come from working in an environment that has no existing roadmap. This was especially rewarding during COVID, as everyone and everything was disconnected. Not only did the team work on all kinds of issues, but Todd also discussed core business issues that normally don’t get pushed below the board level. This gave the team an opportunity for better buy-in,

better answers, perspective and growth that will allow them to be better leaders in the future. They have assumed more responsibility because of this exposure. Under Todd’s stewardship, AOBiome has seen a quantum leap in the accuracy and decisiveness of its team over the past 3 years. This is definitely a critical feather in Todd’s cap and an achievement the company needs to preserve.

ON A MISSION TO ACCOMPLISH

At a high level, AOBiome is creating a new paradigm to treat inflammatory skin conditions. At the same time, it also aims to reconnect people with nature and lessen their reliance on chemistry, which is often harmful to their health. As the leader of this mission, Todd is constantly strategizing the company’s approach to achieving this. He is not a scientist by trade; instead, he is trained in strategic leadership. He suffered from a rare heart condition in his 20s, which led him to study life sciences. Given his 25 years of experience dealing with scientists, he can meld a room of researchers with a vision statement. He inspires communication to maintain coherence and engages everyone to contribute to success, not individually, but as a group. “We’ve seen this happen frequently, where people from disparate areas of the company have helped to fix issues in another. “That makes me proud to have done my duty as a leader,” says the CEO with pride.

The symbiotic ecosystem has made the AOBiome the torchbearer having successfully completed a Phase 2b study targeting skin conditions using a live biotherapeutic. Their core mission is yet to be achieved, but the progress clearly demonstrates a shining future ahead.