Issuu

T H E 1 0 V I S I O N A R Y R E A L E S TAT E L E A D E R S M A K I N G A G LO B A L I M PA C T I N 2 0 2 6

www.cioviews.com

OCTOBER 2026

Catherine Boudier-Contant Managing Director First National Vanuatu

FIRST NATIONAL VANUATU Leading Vanuatu Real Estate With Heart, Heritage, & Honesty

FROM THE EDITOR

Redeﬁning Spaces, Reshaping Possibilities

isionary leaders in the field of real estate around the world are changing the very meaning of making inspiring, connecting, and durable spaces. The sphere of activity of such leaders goes beyond construction, impacting the way people live, work, and communicate in today's interrelated world. Being able to forecast the changes in economic, social, and environmental needs of people, visionary leaders turn bold concepts into developments which will have an everlasting effect on communities. Real estate has become not just the matter of building but creating experience, opportunities, and sustainability for people. It is by means of innovative solutions, market insights, and strategic thinking that they can still make value in traditional and new areas. Their developments are usually the driving forces of urban renewal, investments, and prosperity. At the moment when cities change faster than ever, they are the ones who lead the process of forming resilient and future-oriented environments. At CIO Views, we honor these iconic leaders by dedicating this issue titled “The 10 Visionary Real Estate Leaders Making a Global Impact in 2026,” to them. Featuring as the cover story, we have covered the successful & motivating journey of Catherine Boudier-Contant, Managing Director of First National Vanuatu. We have also included the inspiring stories of Sona Modi, Founder, and CEO of Gofigo; Amy Ringsdorf, Chief Operations Officer at ReeceNichols Real Estate; Lynne Akkawi, Founder & CEO of Prime Owners Association Management Services; Yogesh Desai, CEO of Primaverse; Dr. Georges ALE, Chairman and CEO of SDP, project development company; Vishal Haripersad, Regional Manager at Knight Piésold; Dan Hunt, Founding Partner and a Broker at Lennard Commercial Realty, Brokerage; and Marianne Padjan, Real Estate Agent at eXp Realty. We have also included one insightful article that explore this theme from a unique perspective. CIO Views is a business magazine that mainly focuses on business leaders, their journey, views on current economic states, and all other relevant subjects that refer to the business world. Our goal is to be a leading source of information dedicated to providing our readers with detailed perspectives and views of successful business leaders who are transforming the business outlook and redefining their goals. With exclusive editions on various industries like software, education, healthcare, technology, real estate, and many more, CIO Views is driven to promote excellence in the world of business. Happy Reading! Mousmi

Mousmi N.

EDITORIAL QUERIES editor@cioviews.com

COMMENTS Send comments and suggestions to info@cioviews.com

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

“THE VOICE OF MODERN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP.”

P H O T O C O PY P O L I C Y No written permission is necessary to make up to 25 photocopies of one CIO Views article as long as they are for local organizational use only. At the end of each article or item, add the words: Originally published in (volume/year) issue of CIO Views, copyright 2026 CIO Views. Reprinted/Used with permission. If you would like to reproduce more than what’s described above or if your copies aren’t for local organization use, send your request to info@cioviews.com.

LEADERSHIP. INNOVATION. LEGACY.

COVER STORY

10.

Catherine Boudier-Contant

CONTENTS

22. Sona Modi 26. Amy Ringsdorf 32. Lynne Akkawi 36.

Yogesh Desai

42. Dr. Georges ALE

46.

Vishal Haripersad

54.

Daniel Hunt

58.

Marianne Padjan

62.

Advancing Tech Trends that are leading Real Estate Transformation

Catherine Boudier-Contant Managing Director First National Vanuatu

“Property matters, but this business is ultimately about people, communities, and the place we call home.” 10 | OCTOBER 2026

C O V E R

S T O R Y

FIRST NATIONAL VANUATU Leading Vanuatu Real Estate With Heart, Heritage, & Honesty

atherine Boudier-Contant is Managing Director of First National Vanuatu (ﬁrstnationalvanuatu.com). Raised in Vanuatu as the daughter of a prominent businessman and real estate agent, she followed that path out of a deep love for the country and belief in its potential. Known for her market knowledge, humility, and ﬂuency in three languages, Catherine connects easily with people from all backgrounds. Her glass-half-full optimism fuels her success and community spirit.

Real Estate is About People and Home Real estate was in Catherine's blood. Her father, who loved Vanuatu deeply, owned an agency where she worked during school holidays as a teenager. For him, real estate was never just selling a property and collecting commission. He wanted to know who was coming, what they planned, how many locals they might employ, and what their investment could contribute. Vanuatu had only gained independence in 1980, and Catherine's father believed the right investment could help build the young nation's economy. That stayed with her. “I was fascinated by what he did - but even more fascinated by him. Much of how I approach real estate comes from watching him,” she shares. “Property matters, but this business is ultimately about people, communities, and the place we call home.” A pivotal moment came in 2013, when she oﬃcially joined

First National Vanuatu as a sales consultant at 42. By 2015, she wanted more, and considered starting her own agency or buying an existing one. “I didn't just want to be part of the crew. I wanted to take the helm,” she says. Loyalty mattered to Catherine, and leaving to launch a competing agency didn't sit well with her, so she asked the owner if she could buy the business. Her colleague, Anne Donchos, joined as a minority shareholder. When Anne left Vanuatu, Catherine bought her shares. “I mustn't forget my husband! He's also oﬃcially a shareholder - though thankfully, he doesn't work in the business,” she quips. Buying First National Vanuatu was the moment Catherine backed herself. “There's a big diﬀerence between working in a business and knowing the responsibility ultimately rests with you. It was frightening and exciting, and I've never regretted it.”

CIO VIEWS | 11

Finding Out What You're Capable Of Catherine's path into real estate wasn't planned. She was a riding instructor at Club Hippique and did morning sales for a local company, visiting businesses across Port Vila. That's how she met the people at First National Vanuatu, where a director kept suggesting she join. She was tempted, but having always put others ﬁrst, loyalty held her back. She liked her employer and feared disappointing him. A friend reminded her to consider her own future, and that accepting growth wasn't disloyalty - she had to discover what she was capable of. Catherine resigned in 2007 intending to join First National Vanuatu, but actually ended up joining in 2013. “What attracted me initially was the opportunity. What made me stay was the people. I brought sales experience, knowledge of Vanuatu, and, most importantly, a genuine love of working with people. I like listening, understanding what people really need, and building relationships based on trust.” Being French-born Ni-Vanuatu and speaking French, English, and Bislama has been invaluable in Vanuatu's diverse market. Joining First National Vanuatu changed her life's direction. She arrived with plenty to learn and discovered how much she loved helping people ﬁnd not just a property, but a place for their next chapter.

Leadership That Brings Out the Best Catherine says leadership came naturally, largely because she genuinely likes people. She's built strong relationships and believes in teamwork. While she upholds her standards, she believes that we spend far too much of our lives at work for everyone to be miserable. “People should enjoy coming to work. I love life and laughing. A workplace doesn't have to be terribly serious to achieve serious results. People perform better when they feel comfortable, respected, and valued,” she insists. Initially intimidating to some, people soon realize that Catherine is patient, generous, and tolerant. “People make

mistakes. I make them too. What matters is what happens next: be honest, take responsibility, learn, then move forward.” Dishonesty and disloyalty are harder for her to accept. Trust and integrity matter enormously. She's learned that good leadership means setting boundaries. “You can care deeply about people while still expecting accountability.” Ultimately, Catherine sees leadership as bringing out the best in people - so her team knows they're trusted, valued, and part of something bigger. “And hopefully we can have some fun while we're doing it,” she remarks.

12 | OCTOBER 2026

C O V E R

S T O R Y

More Than a Beautiful Photograph Catherine's vision extends beyond First National Vanuatu to Vanuatu itself. “I love this country and genuinely believe we have something extraordinary here. The world feels increasingly complicated, and more people are questioning what they really want from life,” she says. Vanuatu offers something different. “Yes, we have extraordinary natural beauty - islands and places that still feel wonderfully untouched. But Vanuatu is more than just a beautiful photograph. There's community, warmth, resilience, and a way of living that reminds you life doesn't have to be so complicated.” But paradise isn't perfect. Cyclones, earthquakes, and natural disasters are part of life in Vanuatu. It's made the people extraordinarily resilient, and they know what it means to prepare, rebuild, and start again. For investors, Vanuatu's friendly tax environment adds appeal - but Catherine insists that investment must be about more than financial opportunity. “My father believed that years ago, and I believe it today. I want Vanuatu to attract investment that contributes to our economy, creates opportunities for local people, and respects what makes this country special. If First National Vanuatu can help people discover this country, understand it properly, and find their place within it, then we're doing something worthwhile.”

Trust is What They Leave With Catherine notes that it's honesty that sets First National Vanuatu apart in today's real estate landscape. “It sounds incredibly simple, but I think it matters. We don't want somebody to buy a property simply because we've convinced them to buy it. We want them to understand what they're buying and what living or investing in Vanuatu actually involves,” she states. Catherine adds that her job is to listen. People arrive with different dreams, different budgets, and very different ideas

with my sales team (Litia to my right and Abi to my left)

"When people complain about the potholes in our roads, I always say: I'd rather have potholes than income tax!” about what life in Vanuatu might look like. We take the time to understand that and then matches the person to the right opportunity. “Sometimes that means a sale. Sometimes it doesn't. I'd rather have someone walk away without buying but feeling that we looked after them properly than make a sale that wasn't right for them,” Catherine observes. “Real estate is ultimately a relationship business. Property might bring people through our door, but trust is what I want them to leave with.”

CIO VIEWS | 13

Resilience Learned in the Saddle Catherine admits that, without question, the biggest challenge of her career has been the time she lost with her son. “When you love your work, and you're building a business, it's very easy to convince yourself that you'll make up the time later. But later comes very quickly. As I've grown older, I've realised that those are the moments you can't get back,” she acknowledges. What gives her comfort is knowing that she was working for her family and its future, not simply for herself. “Professionally, I tend to see challenges diﬀerently. I actually quite enjoy them. Sometimes I win. Sometimes I lose. But I rarely regret trying,” she observes. Catherine started riding when she was six and spent years eventing and show jumping as well as instructing. Falling oﬀ a horse taught her fairly quickly that lying on the ground feeling sorry for herself wasn't terribly useful, so she got back up. That fall-and-get-back-up mindset may have come from horses, but it's followed her into business, though her body occasionally reminds her that she's no longer six.

"Before complaining about your life, take a moment to look around you. There will always be someone facing greater challenges than you. Sometimes, we forget how fortunate we really are.”

During a First National Conference in Malaysia (with my husband and son)

with my team and Local Director of FXPrimus Company for the Ikana foundation (breast cancer, cervical cancer & Prostate)

Villa Champagne in Tamanu

14 | OCTOBER 2026

C O V E R

S T O R Y

With German investor Peter Jäderberg from JC Impact Investing and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, HON. Johnny KOANAPO RASOU during the launch of a new business in my agency

Taking The Leap That Matters Catherine's proudest achievement is buying First National Vanuatu and making that enormous transition from employee to business owner. When a manager at another real estate agency, where she'd previously worked for four years, heard about it, he said, “There's a diﬀerence between being an employer and an employee. Not everyone can do it, you know.” She remembers wondering what he meant. Was he warning her? Did he think she couldn't do it? Whatever his intention,

the comment stayed with her. Years later, she's still there running the business, solving problems, learning, and getting up every morning excited about what the business can do next. “So yes, I'm proud that I believed in myself enough to take that leap. But there's another part of it that means much more to me. I hope my dad is watching somewhere. And I hope he's proud,” she reﬂects.

CIO VIEWS | 15

Success is Loving What You Do Catherine identiﬁes success as loving her work. “I love my work. Full stop. I still wake up with ideas. I still see opportunities everywhere. There simply aren't enough hours in the day,” she says, joking that she has so many things she still wants to do that she sometimes wishes she could clone herself. Perhaps that's success for her now: still being curious, still being excited, and still wondering what she can create next. She's certainly not ﬁnished yet. Catherine admits she still maintains balance badly. In January 2027, she and her husband will celebrate 30 years of marriage - perhaps proof she hasn't got it entirely wrong. She feels lucky to have an understanding husband who learned long ago that “a happy wife means a happy life,” but he also reminds her when she's pushing too hard. She usually listens - rests, recharges, and starts again. Catherine admits her son is even less tolerant when he thinks she's overdoing it, though she knows it comes from love.

Family brings other responsibilities. For nearly ﬁve years, her mum, who has dementia, lived with them. Catherine would ﬁnish work and care for her, and as her condition worsened, she needed more support. After an accident in 2025, her mum moved to New Caledonia for health reasons. Catherine now visits every couple of months. While balance isn't something she's perfected, what she's learned is that the people who love you often notice when you need to stop before you do.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Every challenge teaches you something, and sometimes our hardest experiences become our greatest lessons.”

With Abi and her husband, and my family in KL conference – Proudly representing Vanuatu with our Local Designer G & M (Gilbert & Mermer) to represent the islands hence the dress code – Local designer

16 | OCTOBER 2026

C O V E R

S T O R Y

Leaving a Legacy of Values Catherine's most cherished values that have guided her decisions as a leader are honesty, integrity, and staying true to herself. She believes in being straightforward with people, even when the conversation isn't easy. “Your team and your clients need to know that when you say something, you mean it. Business changes. Markets change. Circumstances change. Your values shouldn't,” she affirms. Catherine doesn't believe in grand legacies. She just hopes people say, “She was honest. She cared. We could count on her.” That would make her very happy. Within First National Vanuatu, she wants honesty and genuine care for its clients to remain part of the business long after she eventually steps away from it. And beyond the business, she hopes she has played some small part in helping people find their place in Vanuatu and encouraging investment that's good not only for the investor, but for the country and its people. That brings her back to where this story began watching her father teach her that real estate can be about much more than property. It can help shape communities, create opportunities, and contribute to the future of a country. “If I can continue a little of what he believed in, while doing it in my own way, I think that would be a legacy worth leaving,” she reflects.

Build People, Not Just Portfolios

With my wonderful Sales team – Abi, Litia and Michael

Catherine shares some words of wisdom for aspiring real estate leaders looking to make a lasting impact: Be honest. Know your values and stick to them. Learn your market, of course, but learn about people too. Listen to them. Understand what matters to them. Trust takes time to build and seconds to lose.

Catherine oﬀers a piece of advice that she would give her younger self too: Make time for the people you love. A career can be incredibly rewarding. Building a business can consume you, especially when you genuinely love what you do. But there are some things you can rebuild, and some things you can't get back.

Work hard and don't be frightened of challenges. And when things go wrong, remember that falling oﬀ the ladder doesn't mean you have failed. You can climb back up. Believe in yourself. Admit your mistakes. Learn from them. Keep going.

Catherine concludes that, in the end, lasting impact is not measured by how many properties you sell, but by the trust you build, the people you help, and what you leave behind.

CIO VIEWS | 17

"I strongly believe in one simple principle: what goes around comes around. How you treat people says a lot about who you are.” “So yes, I'm proud that I believed in myself enough to take that leap. But there's another part of it that means much more to me. I hope my dad is watching somewhere. And I hope he's proud,” she reﬂects.

Abi and Catherine back in 2017

Havannah Boat House Luxury Holiday home

18 | OCTOBER 2026

C O V E R

S T O R Y

Hosting a private function at our agency to celebrate the launch of a new business, alongside the Deputy Prime Minister and Antoine Boudier, President of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce (and my brother!).

Conclusion At the heart of Catherine Boudier-Contant's story lies a simple belief: real estate is ultimately about people. Her vision extends beyond property - to investments that strengthen communities and a business that will outlast her. For Catherine, success is not measured in sales, but in trust, relationships, and leaving something worthwhile behind. And perhaps, most of all, she hopes her father will be proud.

A photo of the DPM and me

With the DPM of Vanuatu as he his arriving to a private function for the launching of a new business in Vanuatu.

CIO VIEWS | 19

A business mentor and proptech entrepreneur re-envisioning real estate.

eople want to live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat in a place that provides comfort and peace. To create a place like this need specific skills in designing, engineering, supervising, managing, and communicating with clients and builders to understand the actual requirements. Creating an interior of a place is not just filling the place with colors it also includes an overall design of the building and other structures, and not limited to its appearance. An architect or architect firm makes sure that buildings/houses/offices not just look beautiful but functional, safe, and economical. The structures must fulfill the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they design the interior or exterior of buildings and other structures. Meet Sona Modi, Founder, and CEO of Gofigo, a firm that creates photo-real 3D visualizations from floor plans or architectural drawings. Sona is an experienced startup mentor with a demonstrated history of

working in finance and venture capital as well as strategy consulting for the FMCG industries. Expanding the Boundaries of Knowledge is Success “I'm driven by an innate desire to learn; a successful year is one in which I am better equipped with knowledge than the last,” says Sona. She points out that with knowledge one can improve their business, conversations, relationships, finances, as well as the quality of help they can provide others. She believes, “Knowledge comes from books but also from experiences. I try to fill my life with different experiences, those that come from travel, extracurricular classes, charity work, and so on.” She also tries to expand her network with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and sectors as possible. As per her experiences, one never knows where the next flash of inspiration is going to come from.

22 | OCTOBER 2026

Started to Fulfil the Service Gap For Sona, there were several professional and personal reasons to set up a business. She had been an advisor for organizational growth for many years, and it included large global brands such as Samsung, also early-stage, pre-revenue start-ups. She had also been investing in real estate for many years, from the age of 23 and had noticed loads of problems within the sector that needed solving. She admired the energy and passion the founders she had been working with. She says, “It was infectious.” She further adds, “It came to the point that I just felt confident and inspired enough to take the leap.” Challenges Bring New ways of Improvement Sona finds that challenges can make people stronger, but they can also make them lose heart. The trick is to see each challenge as a problem; instead of seeing it as a negative, start to view it as something that just needs solving.

Founder, and CEO Goﬁgo

Sona Modi CIO VIEWS | 23

She recalls the time when she used to be terrible at giving presentations. She had always watched her bosses give presentations. They were much older men with their own styles, and when Sona tried to mimic them, she ended up sounding quite bored and depressed. She deems, “I felt down about it at ﬁrst, but I quickly realized that all I needed to do was to ﬁnd my own style. I decided to join Toastmasters, a global company with local clubs organized to help people improve their public speaking. Not only did I improve my public speaking, but I also made a whole new lot of friends.”

Advanced Architectural Composition Gofigo takes floor plans of a building and turns them into 3D photographs, demonstrating what the final space could look like. These are called computer-generated images (CGIs). While these do already exist, they currently cost a lot of money (they can cost up to £5,000 per image) because they are extremely manual and time-consuming to create. Gofigo is automating the process of converting 2D floorplans into 3D images, allowing the team to create CGIs quickly and cost-effectively, but

this also means that the team can create numerous variations for A/B testing and rapidly make decisions on designs. The company states, “We are building a variety of tools aimed at property developers to help them sell their projects off-plan faster and costeffectively.” Stimulating Work Culture fueled with Innovation At Gofigo, the team is always thinking of new product features and new ways of monetizing. Sona encourages her team to save and share their ideas and routinely schedule Friday afternoons as a time to consider these different ideas in more detail. The company has a culture of experimentation so that, as the team, they can examine some of these new ideas and flesh them out. The management starts testing these ideas with various stakeholders before deciding on whether these ideas may be a suitable addition to the company's future roadmap. Being a Proficient before Becoming a Leader After completing an MA in Design Management, often dubbed 'the MBA of the design world', Sona began her career as a Strategy consultant, advising FMCG companies on their product or innovation strategies. This is where she honed her approach to innovation; one that puts consumers at center of the process. She took this approach to her next role working in venture capital, where she helped successfully launch and grow various start-ups. Immediately before launching her business, she spent some time working in Delhi and Stockholm to

24 | OCTOBER 2026

broaden her worldview and also took part in the Entrepreneur First and Antler incubators to broaden her work network. Sona's visionary approach and hard work attitude has brought her recognition in the respective industry. She opines, “Recognition isn't about awards it is about other people's trust in your business idea. This happens from incubators like Antler VC and various other investors backing your business, as well as great feedback from happy customers.” Responsibilities as the CEO of Gofigo Sona sees herself as a passionate individual with highly influencing ideas. She asserts, “You have to be passionate about your business, and what you do, otherwise there is no point.” Like any other entrepreneur, Sona's responsibilities comprise creating the vision, hiring the right team, and making sure that the company never runs out of money! A Perfect Balance Combines; Life, Work and Happiness Everyone has struggled with the idea of balance, given the recent lockdown. As someone who doesn't watch TV, Sona spent most of the time working. However, she believes, “It is important to remember that no matter how excited you are to work on your business, it is a marathon, not a sprint.” Sona leads at Gofigo by encouraging a healthy work-life balance. She doesn't expect her team to work all weekend and all evening. She encourages them to go outside and do something else. On the other hand, she knows that if there are deadlines

and a requirement to go the extra mile, her team always prioritizes the work, and they can give 100% because they are rested, motivated and happy. Vision for Future “Being a 'business leader' is only part of my life,” says Sona. She lives with the idea that her personal goals are focused on improvising her own personality and skills. She has recently completed an MBA and wishes to use the skills she has acquired from running a business to make a positive contribution to

CIO VIEWS | 25

society. She opines, “I am currently the trustee of an educational psychotherapy charity and the governor of a local school.” For the company, Sona's vision is to build a self-service tool and to expand globally. As she states, Gofigo is already the first point of call for UK residential developers selling projects off-plan. The team offers the services and features that CGI companies don't or can't currently offer. These offerings include interior design, shoppable images, multiple variations, quick turnaround, and affordability.

Transforming the real estate landscape with ReeceNichols Real Estate

eeceNichols Real Estate is Kansas City's runaway market leader and one of the nation's most successful realty firms. Spearheading its day-to-day operations is Chief Operations Officer Amy Ringsdorf, who combines extensive legal expertise with financial prowess and a focus on providing solutions through innovation and creativity. Amy is particularly proud of her team's innovative approach to better serve the communities in which ReeceNichols operates. “My team is constantly evaluating ways to empower and support our agents, enabling them to provide the gold standard in service. Likewise, we are looking at strategic partnerships with local businesses and charitable organizations to bring about positive change in our communities.” Joining forces with ReeceNichols Real Estate From the onset, Amy planned to merge her legal and business acumen. In the early 2000s, Amy handled commercial bankruptcy and loan

enforcement matters within the financial services practice at the Polsinelli law firm. When the economy boomed, she handled the origination and modification of commercial loans secured by real estate. Wanting to expand her business experience in high tech, Amy later worked with a group of wellrespected attorneys at Sprint Corporation (now T-Mobile). "Mobile carriers are technology companies, and I was fortunate to gain exposure to a wide variety of business and legal issues that serve me to this day," she said. Now at ReeceNichols, Amy reflects on her decision to return to real estate in 2013. "Having a business background, even before starting law school, I knew that I ultimately wanted to leverage my law degree," she said. "ReeceNichols represented an amazing opportunity to work with a leadership team, learn the business, and leverage my legal skills." Having worked the last eight years at ReeceNichols, Amy thinks back on 26 | OCTOBER 2026

thousands of success stories. "I have never met a group of people who care so much about helping their clients achieve their personal goals, and they don't usually tell their clients all that they're doing to get them there," Amy says. "I am proud of what we do and how every day we impact people's lives in very big ways." Overview of ReeceNichols Real Estate ReeceNichols Real Estate is a real estate brokerage with a title company, mortgage company, insurance company, and commercial real estate firm. It offers a one-stop experience for consumers wanting to buy or sell homes. ReeceNichols is owned by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the largest residential real estate firm by units in the United States. Amy adds, "We are the market leader in Kansas City, and many of our sister companies are the leaders in their markets. We are the local experts with a network that reaches well beyond Kansas and Missouri, and we have

Chief Operations O cer ReeceNichols Real Estate

Amy Ringsdo CIO VIEWS | 27

built our company with both consumers and agents in mind." Playing a part in the bigger picture As COO, Amy plays a critical role in supporting more than 2,700 real estate agents by providing them marketleading services, technology enhancements, in-house legal representation and training opportunities. Amy, along with CEO Mike Frazier, is responsible for evaluating market trends and leading ReeceNichols in a successful direction. Amy's commitment to community engagement, one of her passions, has

recently gained momentum. ReeceNichols wants to ensure that everyone who wants to buy a house has the tools and knowledge necessary to do so. This is especially important in order to combat the longterm impacts of redlining, which have hampered minority generations and prevented them from building wealth via homeownership. "We've set out to run a boots-on-theground, building trust campaign through community involvement and education," she said. "We embarked on this journey several years ago, and it is not a simple one. We are continually assessing strategy, leveraging new resources, and ﬁnding

28 | OCTOBER 2026

new ways to connect, and we will continue these eﬀorts well into the future." A Highly Trained Team According to Amy, ReeceNichols real estate's agents are its foundation, and the company loves to partner with them to help them grow. Amy believes that challenges are opportunities disguised as roadblocks, hurdles, and the risk of failure. Without challenges, growth can be slow or even non-existent. She asserts, "To strengthen muscle, you must "challenge" the muscles you seek to build through exercise. Likewise, a challenge is necessary to

strengthen a team and each team member. Challenge represents the opportunity to improve." The company has 2,900 highly trained agents in 50 offices throughout Kansas and Missouri operating as one team. ReeceNichols helps its agents build their business one step at a time by giving them the building blocks they need to succeed. Amy adds, "I'm infinitely grateful for the many challenges I've had throughout my career and continue to experience. I would not have the strength, grit, and skills I do now without them." Success that Changes Lives Amy and ReeceNichols are making a difference in people's lives one sale at a time with an innovative concept that is proving to be a huge success. Amy is pleased to share, "We partnered with the Ronald McDonald House

Charities in the communities to create the Gold Key Project," she described. "Our agents can apply to become Gold Key Agents. Gold Key Agents agree to donate $100 for each transaction completed during the project. That $100 represents the cost of one night's stay for a family with a seriously ill child. ReeceNichols, in turn, commits marketing resources for these Gold Key Agents and for Ronald McDonald House Charities to promote the program and themselves." So far in 2021, ReeceNichols Gold Key Agents have contributed more than $235,000 to Ronald McDonald House in just under six months. That's the equivalent of more than 2,350 nights covered for families who stay there. "Clients feel good knowing their choice of agent and their purchase or sale of their home will result in a family having a 'home away from home' while their child is

CIO VIEWS | 29

gravely ill," Amy explained. "Agents feel good being part of the Gold Key Program which is making an enormous impact in our communities. We're promoting both Ronald McDonald House Charities and ReeceNichols Real Estate while having a direct impact on families. It's a win, win, win." Words of Wisdom Amy has advice for women who wish to lead. "First, you can have anything you want if you are willing to give up the belief that you can't have it," she says. "Second, seek out those organizaons that value diversity of ̀ thought and experience, and know that diversity is not about checking a box; it is what will ensure future success."

A persistent and determined leader booming and being an inspiration in the real estate industry

uccess does not just come and ﬁnd you, you have to go out and get it. Lynne Akkawi, Founder & CEO of Prime Owners Association Management Services believes that success is an individualistic virtue for most people and depends on a case-by-case basis, which makes it hard to quantify most of the time. However, she says that success for her is about being happy and fulﬁlled in life and doing what she loves. It's also about making a positive impact on the industry where she has devoted her time, energy, and passion. “Additionally, I feel that success should never be a static target and it grows along with your ambitions and maturity,” states Lynne. Leading a company to success isn't an easy road to take “Starting PAM wasn't so much a leap of faith but a natural progression in my career,” says Lynne. While growing up she always looked up to her father who built and ran his own business. He always nurtured their entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged

them to get out of their comfort zone, by pushing them to try new things. Lynne has always tried to live by these principles, so when RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) in Dubai released the first guidelines which govern the jointly owned properties in Dubai, she jumped at the opportunity to become one of the first companies in the community management space. However, building PAM was easier said than done and she certainly faced many challenges getting it to the size it is today. Big success does not come without big challenges With PAM being one of the early debutants to come out after guideline Law No. 27 of 2007, there were many roadblocks and challenges they needed to overcome before they made their name a mainstay in the market. In the beginning, it seemed like they had to fight for every inch of progress and growth. From the outset, developers did not want to work with them and they struggled to get building contracts. When they finally signed their first contracts, they had to

32 | OCTOBER 2026

acclimate owners to their new rights and obligations under the regulation, which brought along with-it teething issues. “In addition to all those challenges, being a woman in an industry dominated by men made me feel like an outsider and I felt like I had to work twice as hard as my peers,” she says. However, with the authorities' support and guidance (specifically RERA), these challenges became smaller as the years passed and Lynne learnt that no matter how tough things can get, persistence always pays off. PAM's contribution in redefining OA space Lynne strongly attributes their successful growth to its data-driven approach relation to problem-solving. She claims they recognized early on that incorporating IT technologies in their company workflow eased the burden on staff allowing them to enhance communications internally and externally and to improve work efficiency by generating data, records, and measuring performance. This has

Founder & CEO Prime Owners Association Management Services

Lynne Akkawi CIO VIEWS | 33

always been the ethos of prime. Although unintentional, this approach helped them cope with the covid pandemic. Despite all businesses and industries being affected by covid, she says that they feel they mitigated the impact on prime and didn't suffer the growing pains of rapid digitization. This is due to their tech-first approach since day one. Even with digitalization and their infrastructure, this did not ease the personal impact and morale of the staff, especially since some positions require a physical presence in the communities (such as asset managers/supervisors). “Our biggest takeaway from the pandemic was learning the necessity of flexibility while ensuring all government COVID guidelines were followed to the tee. Additionally, we tried to keep

resident spirits up during these trying times by hosting online activities, events, and competitions across the communities on PAM's website,” explains Lynne. Recognition received as a leader Lynne started her career in the Banking industry and was eventually drawn by the evolving real estate market in Dubai. While working in real estate she started in real estate brokerage, and she made her way to property development and then property management to finally community management. “I think that the most standout moment during my career was after months of toil I managed to sign my first contract with only three staff members in a small office,” she states.

34 | OCTOBER 2026

Responsibilities as founder & CEO of PAM Lynne, who describes herself as a 'persistent' person states that having crossed industries and moving from a development to a management role, she has never been comfortable staying stagnant in her career. She started her career in the banking sector working on granting syndicated loans for major projects in the region. This is when she developed her passion for real estate; of course, being in the banking and investment sector helped her build relationships and experience in the ﬁeld. Her last job before starting Prime Owners Association Management was as a business development manager working closely with lawyers at Madania, a subsidiary of Al Tamimi

investment company. “I feel that the skills and experience I accrued along the way have helped me in my day-today operations of PAM. As the owner of PAM and for the first few years, I had to wear multiple hats; Lawyer, business developer and operations manager. These skills didn't come naturally to me but were instead learnt across my years of experience in different industries,” Lynne says. Maintaining Work-life Balance Something that Lynne learnt later than she admits is the importance of worklife balance. Being a mother of two, while trying to maintain a personal life and build a career took its toll on her in the early years. Very recently she has learnt the virtues of scheduling time off to focus on herself. “I found the most effective thing to do was to split my weekend in half, this allows me to regenerate during the week and clear my mind for a busy week ahead,” she says. Lynne feels happy that the

conversations about burnout and work-life balance are becoming more accepted, as she believes it's more of a widespread issue than we give it credit for. As for motivating the PAM team, Lynne has always tried to maintain an open-door policy in the office and encouraged any of the staff to come to her to not only talk about their problems but develop themselves and achieve their career goals. She has always considered PAM as a big family and believes that the success of any company is attributed to all members of its staff. Plans for the future of PAM As far as their future is concerned, Lynne feels that they have left their mark on the Owners Association market in Dubai and have more plans for internal and strategic growth in the market. Additionally, they are setting their eyes on new evolving markets to expand their expertise. CIO VIEWS | 35

On a personal level, she is inclined to say that she has achieved everything she initially set out to accomplish and more. However, as she mentioned previously, success should never be measured as a stationary goal, instead, it is something that grows with you. “As for my current expectations of PAM, I cannot read the future, but I can say that I feel that we are on the right trajectory and have exciting projects in the pipeline,” she explains. To those aspiring to be business leaders, Lynne recommends that you have to try hard even if you face challenges and not be afraid of failure because failure is never absolute and most times you can learn more about why something failed than why it became successful.

Building One Stop Solution for Computer-Aided Design Services with Primaverse

ntrepreneurship is a topsyturvy ride and the best teacher always turns out to be 'experience.' Yogesh Desai, CEO of Primaverse has catered clients and witnessed magnificent growth as an enterprising engineering services firm worldwide from past 8 years. He is a smart initiator and an excellent crosscultural manager who has experience of working with multi-cultural teams in some of the biggest consulting firms in markets. In the past, he even took the onus of running similar companies in the past and some of them being 1st employee of the company and understood the challenges of managing and growing a company from scratch. Ladder to Success With over 24 years of enriching experience, Yogesh is a civil engineer by profession and also holds a Master's Degree in Structures. With expertise in the field of Land Development, Structural and Land Surveying, he has made significant contributions in the field of civil engineering. He says, “In the initial stages, the goal was simple to make a

successful career in the field that you have been educated. However, as horizon and opportunities open up, the goals keep changing. That is the reason I started Primaverse.” From being CAD software training center to rendering reputed Engineering Services, Primaverse has been through an amazing growth journey from the past 8+ years. He confidently shares, “Now the goal is to make Primaverse a brand that people recognize in the field of Engineering Services. I am close to the goal that is planned, few more years of effort, and we should be there soon.” Positive feedback about work quality, timely delivery and customer satisfaction keeps him striving hard to push more boundaries and impart superb service. He adds, “I am extremely excited to lead a team of 60+ engineers and opportunity to work with different clients across different culture and globe and be the leader in providing CAD Engineering services globally to Architecture, Engineering, and Construction companies which cater but are not 36 | OCTOBER 2026

limited to Civil Engineering, Surveying, Manufacturing, Building Information Services, and Signage manufacturing.” Comprehensive services, values and culture of Primaverse Established in 2013, Primaverse is a one-stop-shop that imparts worldclass Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Services globally with assured Quality, Timely Delivery, and 100% Customer satisfaction. This engineering service provider works with several companies that are leaders in different fields, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction etc. This firm works with numerous companies from North America, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, UAE, Mauritius and India except for Africa. Primaverse Core Values are based on the Acronym “RAPID” which is a shorthand for: Ÿ R - Reliability Ÿ A - Accountability

CEO Primaverse

Yogesh Desai CIO VIEWS | 37

Ÿ P-

Passionate

Ÿ I-

Innovation

Ÿ D - Discipline To help the company expand further and climb the ladder of success, Primaverse has set a speciﬁc culture which encourages Innovation. There are a plethora of pillars that drive its growth further and some of them are given below: Ÿ Innovation: This approach helps the team to think out-of-the-box solutions for the clients.

Ÿ Intellectual honesty: It is essential to sharing different views on a particular problem and helping clients with accurate knowledge Ÿ Be Direct: Being straightforward at all times to gain the trust of the client for a long time. Ÿ Set high standards: Everyone strives for the best and that's why the company has set best-of-best standards. Ÿ One team: Even if different employees perform different functions, they all are a team that

38 | OCTOBER 2026

contributes towards the success of the company. Ÿ Never give up: Facing all the challenges boldly and conquering them with diligent efforts. Team Work is the Best Hard Work Yogesh knows that his team is the supreme asset. Thus, he makes extra efforts to make his team feel special and motivated to deliver their best efforts for company's growth. He feels that if employees are treated as extended family members and all their basic needs are taken care of,

they can prove out to be highly motivated and dedicated. By encouraging employees to be independent decision makers, supporting their first-time minor failures and giving them the confidence to learn new things, they will always value the company and definitely run that extra mile for the company they work for. He further adds, “Make sure to recognize all the positive efforts put in by employees to make things work, however small they may be. Trust your employees and give them new challenges whenever possible to come out of the comfort zone.” These are the pointers that helped him get the best out of his own employees. He shares, “Nobody can achieve 100% what he desired until he is working. If a person thinks that he has achieved everything, then he should retire or simply stop working.” As per him, with new advancements, challenges and global issues, every person's goals keeps on evolving. As the goals keep changing, you have new challenges and new problems. These new challenges, a lot of information, the world becoming smaller through internet connectivity, and the young generation brimming with invigorating energy and breakthrough ideas help you to keep you on toes. Setting Work-life Balance Being the founder and CEO of Primaverse, he has to wear multiple hats and looks after all areas be it, Operations, Sales and Marketing. He plays the crucial role to formulate the company's strategy for further growth, market expansion, and financial planning.

For Yogesh, there is no speciﬁc rule for work-life balance. He feels that every person is bound to have a unique meaning for work-life balance. Thus, each person must set such balance that his/her personal life is not aﬀected by running only after professional life. He shares, “I generally do not work weekends or in simple words, he is a follower of the adage, “Work Hard, Party Harder.” Primaverse's future growth trajectory For future, Primaverse is aggressively progressing to reach their grand goals.

CIO VIEWS | 39

In the next 5 years, the company has solid plans to grow 5 times of their current revenue with their persistent growth strategies. He adds, “During this growth, Primaverse needs to expand in more geographical regions like Europe, Australia, along with the US. It plans to diversify in other areas along with Engineering Services as new opportunities, and open more horizons further.”

Revolutionizing Africa's Infrastructure Project Management

eorges ALE, a distinguished scholar with an impressive educational background in civil engineering (Ph.D.) and an MBA from INSEAD, has carved a niche for himself in the construction industry over the past 25 years. Having successfully led several large projects and subsidiaries under the umbrella of renowned construction companies like VINCI Construction, VINCI Concessions, and Colas across Africa, the Middle East, and France, Georges's latest achievement is his recent stint as Managing Director of Colas Africa. In a bid to address the dearth of specialized infrastructure project management structures in Africa, Georges launched SDP, a project development company, in 2021. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Georges identiﬁed a gap in the African infrastructure development sector, which inspired him to establish SDP, a one-of-a-kind ﬁrm that will revolutionize project development in Africa.

Stepping into His Entrepreneurial Journey

ﬁnancing mechanisms by local private actors.

Georges initiated the development of SDP after conducting a SWOT analysis of various stakeholders in Africa's construction industry. The statistics revealed that over 80% of infrastructure projects failed to meet their objectives in terms of quality, cost, and timely delivery. SDP aims to address this issue by reducing failure rates in countries that face signiﬁcant infrastructure demands but have limited resources.

Georges has encountered numerous challenges throughout his career, including frequent relocations, multiple job transitions, and working in a multicultural environment. However, his greatest challenge to date has been launching SDP in 2021. To pursue this endeavour, he left a comfortable executive role in a large corporation to create a startup dedicated to providing intellectual services in an industry that places a signiﬁcant emphasis on tangible results.

Another key finding was the lack of local capacity in the African construction industry, resulting in a small market share for local companies. Additionally, there is a low percentage of structured projects in the financing landscape in Africa. To improve this, the private sector needs to play a more significant role, but this requires better legal frameworks, asset protections, and a greater understanding of structured

42 | OCTOBER 2026

In this capacity, Georges was responsible for structuring the company's offerings, defining an appropriate organizational structure, recruiting a diverse team, and providing training in the field of infrastructure project management. Additionally, he was tasked with building a comprehensive database of experts in all areas related to the development and construction of

Chairman and CEO SDP, project development company

Dr. Georges ALE CIO VIEWS | 43

activities and team management. By adhering to these principles, SDP is well-positioned to achieve its goals and make a meaningful contribution to infrastructure development in Africa. Demonstrating Expertise and Professionalism

major infrastructure projects, covering all phases, from identification and feasibility studies to technical design, financing, construction, and operation. Overall, Georges faced several challenges while launching SDP, but he was able to successfully overcome them through his hard work and dedication. Leading in Infrastructure Project Management in Africa SDP is a global consulting firm specializing in infrastructure project management. Its team of consultants includes engineers, financial analysts, and lawyers who work together to provide top-notch intellectual services to public and private clients in Africa. SDP offers project management assistance and consulting services in project finance and the implementation of public-private partnerships. SDP's mission is to collaborate with project owners, both public and private, to help them plan, coordinate, and monitor the execution of their projects. Its services can be enhanced to include Project Management Office

(PMO), Planning, Piloting, and Coordination, and 360° project audit assignments. It is concerning to note that failure rates for projects in Africa are very high, exceeding 80%, whether it be in managing deadlines, costs, or infrastructure quality. SDP aims to reduce these failure rates for both private industrial project owners and the public sector. Additionally, it provides assistance to companies with their restructuring, the transfer of skills, project management, and the implementation of operational procedures. SDP plays a critical role in promoting controlled and sustainable infrastructure development in Africa by prioritizing local capacity building and addressing important issues such as digital technology, climate change, and ethics. Georges envisions SDP becoming a reference ﬁrm in Infrastructure Project Management for Public and Private Clients in Africa by 2030. The company's core values of ethics, competence, benevolence, and exemplary leadership guide all its 44 | OCTOBER 2026

Georges is delighted that in just over a year, SDP has earned the trust of several companies who approach him for restructuring assignments to improve their operations and organization. Additionally, these companies have entrusted SDP with managing certain projects in their portfolio. Moreover, governments, industrial, and mining companies have also placed their trust in SDP to help them deﬁne, design, and manage the implementation of their investments. This is a testament to the expertise and professionalism of SDP's team and the quality of services provided. Georges is proud to see his vision for SDP becoming a reality and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact on infrastructure development in Africa. "Success is the ﬁnal output of a series of failures, we get there by staying in the course and never giving up. Being focused, working hard and leading a good team," says Georges. Solutions to Improve Infrastructure Development Processes Georges recognizes that cost and time overruns have unfortunately become a norm in the construction industry. He believes that analyzing costs can be viewed from two perspectives. Firstly, there are intrinsic costs that are compared to other places in the world,

and projected costs taking the same ratios outside Africa into account. Typically, construction costs are divided into three main categories: 40% for materials and supplies, 40% for equipment, and 20% for personnel (including workers and supervisors). However, much of the equipment and human resources needed for construction projects are often imported, resulting in significant logistics costs. Therefore, construction projects tend to be more expensive in Africa compared to other regions. Secondly, compared to the already high projected costs, there are cost overruns linked to project management defects that lead to poor coordination and significant time overruns. These issues result in increased costs and delays that are detrimental to the success of projects. It is essential to address these challenges to improve the infrastructure development process in Africa. SDP also recommends the implementation of digital tools to improve project management and reduce costs and time overruns. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), for example, can allow for better coordination and collaboration between all stakeholders involved in the construction process. SDP also recommends the establishment of proper risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential risks that may lead to cost and time overruns. Additionally, the establishment of effective contract management mechanisms can help to ensure that all parties involved in a project are held accountable for their actions and that the project is delivered on time and within budget.

Highlighting Global Efforts to Accelerate Infrastructure Development in Africa According to Georges, there is a growing global awareness in the industry about the urgent need to accelerate infrastructure development in Africa, including the efforts of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) program. Europe has pledged to mobilize $150 billion at the 2021 Europe-Africa summit, and President Joe Biden recently announced a plan to mobilize $600 billion by 2027 for infrastructure development in developing countries at the G7 meeting. Although these are currently only pledges, there is expected to be a significant influx of multilateral funding. This presents both opportunities and challenges, as weak local capacities may struggle with the implementation and management of major projects. The construction sector is expected to remain active and attract international players from around the world, but there is a need to develop local actors. The adoption of digital technology in project implementation will greatly impact the way in which projects are carried out, which is positive news. Supporting for Access to Private Financing Georges highlights the issue of access to financing, particularly the increasing importance of private financing. Improvements are needed in legal frameworks to secure transactions, better feasibility studies, and greater knowledge of structured financing mechanisms by African stakeholders. The construction sector in Africa faces major challenges, some of which Africa should take a leading role in addressing. The volumes of data generated by

CIO VIEWS | 45

construction activities are enormous and currently underutilized. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the use of BIM or CIM can help infrastructure managers build large databases useful for new projects. The use of local materials is also a major challenge, and better connections must be established with universities and research centers to strengthen human capital and develop frameworks that align with local technical and environmental realities. Local capacity building in the construction sector must be intensified. Climate issues, including high CO2 emissions from construction, must be addressed. Ethical issues and effective compliance procedures are critical to fighting corruption in the sector, as are issues related to controlling deadlines and costs and more generally managing construction projects. A Symbol of Leadership and Inspiration Georges was honored to receive recognition from the President of the Republic of Niger, who decorated him and elevated him to the rank of Officer in the Order of Merit of Niger. The President mentioned that Georges symbolizes the ideal model of a leader that they wish for the youth of Niger and Africa - successful, unifying, innovative, and committed. This was a proud moment for Georges, and he remains dedicated to Africa, and in particular, his home country of Benin.

Visionary Leadership: Driving Engineering Excellence in Africa with Vishal Haripersad

n the realm of engineering and project management consultancy, few leaders embody the blend of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to social impact as vividly as Vishal Haripersad. As the Regional Manager of Knight Piésold Southern Africa, Vishal's journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a profound dedication to the development of Africa and its people. A Career Rooted in Passion and Commitment Reﬂecting on his career journey, Vishal Haripersad recalls his early fascination with engineering. "My career journey in the civil engineering ﬁeld has been a rewarding one," he says. Growing up in the Indian township of Chatsworth on the east coast of South Africa, Vishal was captivated by the intricate balance between natural forces and human ingenuity. This curiosity led him to pursue a degree in civil engineering, driven by a clear vision of contributing to impactful infrastructure projects.

Vishal's professional path has been marked by diverse experiences and significant milestones. "Over the years, I have had the privilege of working on a diverse array of projects and meeting different people across the African continent," he explains. Starting his career at Knight Piésold's Durban office, he specialized in road projects and progressively took on various roles within the company. His dedication to excellence and passion for Africa's development propelled him to the leadership position he holds today. "I am proud to lead a team that is as committed to innovation and sustainability as I am," he asserts, highlighting the collective drive for African excellence that defines KP Southern Africa, with a legacy dating back to 1921. The Influence of Engineering Expertise on Leadership Vishal's background in civil engineering has significantly shaped his leadership style. "My inspiration to pursue a career in civil engineering stems from a deep-seated desire to 46 | OCTOBER 2026

create sustainable and impactful solutions for communities," he notes. This engineering foundation has endowed him with critical problemsolving skills, attention to detail, and a systematic approach to challenges. "Engineering teaches you to think critically and approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset," he explains. These skills have been invaluable in his role as a leader, allowing him to navigate complex projects and diverse teams with precision and foresight. Vishal's leadership philosophy is also inﬂuenced by insights from business literature, such as Jim Collins' "Good to Great." He quotes, "Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice and discipline," emphasizing the importance of deliberate action and steadfast commitment to excellence. Spearheading Development in Africa Vishal's passion for the development

Regional Manager Knight Piésold

Vishal Haripersad CIO VIEWS | 47

is evident in the initiatives and projects he has spearheaded. "I am deeply passionate about the development of Africa, its people, and its industries," he states. Under his leadership, Knight Piésold has undertaken numerous projects aimed at fostering growth and innovation. Notable projects include the Neckartal Dam in Namibia, the Azambi Hydropower Plant in the DRC, and Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. "Our commitment to Africa's development is rooted in a belief that our continent has immense potential," Vishal explains.

Beyond large-scale infrastructure projects, Knight Piésold engages in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, giving back to students and communities. Programs like the Graduate Development Program, bursary programmes, internal mentorship programs, and local upliftment initiatives at schools are designed to train and mentor young engineers, equipping them with skills to tackle future challenges. A core belief of Vishal's leadership philosophy is the African concept of Ubuntu, which emphasizes interconnectedness and mutual respect. "Ubuntu, which translates to 'I am because you are,' is known by

48 | OCTOBER 2026

various names across Africa," he explains. This principle is deeply ingrained in Knight Piésold's company culture, fostering a collaborative environment where collective success is prioritized over individual achievements. Championing Diversity and Inclusion One of Vishal's greatest professional achievements at Knight Piésold is fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. He has been a strong advocate for creating an environment where every individual feels valued and respected, regardless of their background. "We've put in the eﬀort

to ensure that women and people of color are well-represented on our board of directors and among our shareholders," he explains. This intentional effort to promote diversity is not just about meeting quotas but about recognizing the invaluable contributions that different perspectives bring to the table. By ensuring a diverse representation, Knight Piésold benefits from a broader range of ideas and solutions, which is crucial for innovation and effective decision-making. This diversity enriches discussions, leading to more robust strategies and outcomes. Vishal believes that a team composed of individuals from varied backgrounds can better understand and address the needs of diverse communities and clients. "This diversity brings a variety of perspectives to decision-making processes, strengthening the team and driving innovation," he notes. By fostering an inclusive culture, Vishal has helped create a dynamic and innovative environment at Knight Piésold, setting a standard for excellence and inclusivity in the industry. Navigating Industry Challenges The engineering consultancy industry presents several challenges, particularly in retaining skilled professionals. Vishal has proactively implemented a variety of strategies to address these issues and ensure that Knight Piésold remains an attractive place to work. One of his key approaches has been the focus on continuous professional development. By offering ongoing training and upskilling opportunities, Vishal ensures that employees can stay abreast of the latest industry trends

and technologies, which not only enhances their professional growth but also contributes to the overall success of the company. In addition to professional development, under Vishal's leadership a hybrid working system was implemented that provides employees with greater flexibility. This system allows staff to balance their professional responsibilities with personal commitments, which is particularly important in today's evolving work environment. "We realized that allowing staff to have more flexibility in their workdays creates a better work-life balance, which has been instrumental in attracting and retaining top talent," Vishal explains. Mentorship and development programs also play a critical role in Vishal's strategy. By pairing less experienced staff with seasoned professionals, these programs foster a culture of learning and collaboration. Employees benefit from the knowledge and expertise of their CIO VIEWS | 49

mentors, while mentors gain satisfaction from helping to shape the next generation of engineers. "These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to employee growth and development," Vishal asserts, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where staﬀ feel valued and supported. Through these comprehensive strategies, Vishal is not only addressing the immediate challenges of talent retention but also building a sustainable model for long-term success and innovation within Knight Piésold. Ensuring Global Collaboration Operating on a global scale, Knight Piésold emphasizes eﬀective communication and collaboration across diverse regions and cultures. Vishal Haripersad, Regional Manager of KP Southern Africa, underscores the principles of African excellence and Ubuntu, fostering a culture of mutual respect and interconnectedness. This approach is

bolstered by regular virtual meetings, collaborative platforms, and a commitment to cultural sensitivity, ensuring seamless teamwork and alignment across international oﬃces. By embracing these principles, Knight Piésold facilitates an environment where team members feel valued and encouraged to share insights and perspectives. This cultural inclusivity not only enhances internal collaboration but also enriches the innovation process, enabling the company to deliver comprehensive solutions to complex engineering challenges worldwide. Moreover, Vishal's strategy extends beyond internal dynamics to encompass meaningful engagement with local communities and stakeholders. This proactive involvement ensures that Knight Piésold's projects are not only

technically sound but also culturally and socially aligned with the regions they serve, fostering trust and sustainable development. This integrated approach to global collaboration positions Knight Piésold as a leader in the engineering consultancy sector, capable of navigating diverse challenges while maintaining a cohesive global strategy focused on excellence and community impact. Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Vishal Haripersad, Regional Manager of KP Southern Africa, is focused on sustaining the company's growth and fostering innovation while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability and engineering excellence. His vision includes expanding Knight Piésold's presence

50 | OCTOBER 2026

in emerging markets, leveraging their extensive expertise to deliver impactful projects that promote economic development and environmental stewardship. "We aim to broaden our footprint in emerging markets, utilizing our expertise to deliver impactful projects," Vishal emphasizes. This strategic approach not only aims to meet current engineering challenges but also to anticipate and address future needs in diverse regions. Through eﬀective leadership and a dedication to empowering their workforce, Knight Piésold seeks to build a legacy of excellence. Vishal's leadership philosophy emphasizes creating opportunities for personal and professional growth within the company, ensuring that employees are equipped to drive innovation and success in their respective roles.

By embracing these principles, Vishal Haripersad and Knight Piésold are poised to continue their contributions to Africa's development, shaping a future where engineering excellence serves as a catalyst for sustainable progress and community prosperity. Guiding the Future of African Business and Engineering

is no small feat. Vishal emphasizes the importance of strict time management, setting clear boundaries, and engaging in activities that provide relaxation and rejuvenation. "My family is a crucial source of motivation and support," he says, underscoring the signiﬁcance of spending quality time with loved ones.

Aspiring business leaders in Africa face a journey ﬁlled with challenges and opportunities. Vishal Haripersad, Regional Manager at KP Southern Africa, emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's vision and values while embracing innovation. "Resilience and adaptability are crucial," he advises, underscoring the need to hire and empower talented individuals. "Creating an environment where people feel valued and respected is fundamental," he adds, highlighting the transformative impact on both company success and community advancement.

Spiritual well-being, mindfulness, and physical exercise are also integral to Vishal's routine. "Practices like mindfulness enhance my focus and clarity," he explains, while regular exercise boosts his energy and mental sharpness. Engaging in outdoor adventures and reading are among his favorite activities for recharging. Additionally, working with likeminded individuals who are committed to Africa's growth is a signiﬁcant source of motivation for him.

At Knight Piésold, nurturing future generations of engineers and project managers in Africa is a cornerstone commitment. Through comprehensive initiatives including bursaries, ﬁnancial support, and hands-on training via the Graduate Development Programme, Vishal ensures that young professionals gain practical insights and skills.

Empowering individuals and teams is a cornerstone of Vishal's leadership approach. He is deeply committed to nurturing talent and fostering growth within the organization. He shares a poignant success story from the KP bursary programme, which exempliﬁes this dedication. In this instance, a student from KwaZuluNatal received a bursary to pursue a degree in civil engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This opportunity not only allowed the student to achieve academic success but also paved the way for a promising career.

"Our programs bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application," he explains, preparing the next cohort of leaders to tackle industry challenges and drive innovation across the continent. Achieving Work-Life Balance Balancing a demanding role in a global consultancy with personal life

Empowering Future Leaders

Today the student has transitioned from being a bursary student to becoming a permanent and integral member of Knight Piesold's Structures team.

CIO VIEWS | 51

Vishal notes, 'It was a deﬁning moment in his career to witness the impact of investing in people and communities and the profound impact it has on someone's life.” He believes that providing educational opportunities and professional development is crucial for building a strong, capable workforce. This story highlights the importance of such initiatives in creating lasting change and fostering a culture of empowerment and growth within the company. By prioritizing the development of individuals, Vishal not only enhances the capabilities of his team but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development and progress in the engineering ﬁeld. Conclusion Vishal Haripersad's journey from a young engineering enthusiast in a small township in Durban to the Regional Manager of KP Southern Africa is a story of passion, dedication, and visionary leadership. His commitment to Africa's development, combined with his technical expertise and inclusive leadership style, has not only driven Knight Piésold's success but also inspired a new generation of engineers and leaders. As Vishal continues to steer the company towards a future of innovation and sustainability, his story serves as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the power of visionary leadership in shaping a better world.

A Competitive & Strong-Minded Leader Driving Change and Growth in The Canadian Real Estate Market

he real estate sector is one of the most globally recognized sectors and affects all sectors of the economy globally. The growth of this sector is well complemented by the growth in the corporate environment and the demand for office space as well as urban and semi-urban accommodation. The Canadian real estate industry is constantly surprising both buyers and sellers and only the strong and determined can stay afloat successfully in this competitive industry. Lennard Commercial Realty is an independent Canadian commercial real estate brokerage offering a complete range of real estate services to occupants, tenants, owners, and investors in the office, retail, industrial, land, and multi-family sectors in Toronto and the GTA, and across Canada and North America. Dan Hunt, who is one of the Founding Partners and a Broker at Lennard states that the company is poised for ongoing business expansion, and the firm remains

characterized by high performance and its special focus on putting people ﬁrst. The foundation and growth of Lennard Commercial Realty, Brokerage Lennard was founded in 1980 by Gordon H. Lennard in Calgary, Alberta. After a remarkable career as a banker with CIBC, Gordon ventured into commercial real estate, establishing Lennard Corporation. Soon after its inception, the Toronto oﬃce was opened on June 29, 1983. On April 20, 1999, Jim Russell, Andy Baker, and Dan Hunt purchased the company from Gordon and Beth Lennard and created what is known today as Lennard Commercial Realty. The three entrepreneurs dreamed of building a multi-disciplinary Canadian commercial real estate brokerage like no other. A brokerage: with only high-performing, successful, and well-respected professionals 54 | OCTOBER 2026

where agents “take home” more than at any other brokerage in the industry with the best tools and support but without any corporate red tape inspired by a culture that promotes freedom, collaboration, and work-life balance Today, over 40 years later and with more than 150 employees in oﬃces across Ontario, Lennard's entrepreneurial spirit thrives, and they continue to grow. Lennard Commercial Realty, Brokerage, and its services At Lennard, the foundation of their business is the strength and depth of their commercial real estate specialists. Dan notes that their brokers and real estate agents have extensive experience across the GTA and Canada and a thorough understanding of all commercial real estate markets.

Founding Partners and a Broker Lennard Commercial Realty, Brokerage

Daniel Hunt

CIO VIEWS | 55

“Lennard is an all-services commercial real estate brokerage and can fulﬁll our client's most complex requirements,” says Dan. The services they provide to occupants, tenants, owners, and investors include property search and selection, investment services, leasing, and commercial real estate consulting. Their agents specialize in all commercial asset classes including oﬃce, industrial, retail, land, and multi-family. This expertise also extends to data centers, medical and special-use properties like airports, marinas, resorts, hotels, and golf courses. “You can rely on Lennard to have the experience, knowledge, and resources needed to meet the unique challenges of our client's transactions, and we ensure that we create an environment for our clients to make the most

informed decision possible,” Dan proudly states. The vision at Lennard is to transform the commercial real estate industry by providing a collaborative, fun, and free environment that beneﬁts their respective clients, employees, families, and the community. “I try to lead by example by showing the next generation of salespeople how it is possible to be very successful at your profession, be a positive inﬂuence on others and in our communities and maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle where the family is a priority,” explains Dan who considers himself successful when he sees others at Lennard succeeding. He strongly believes that by making the success of their salespeople the primary goal, the company's success follows naturally. First come our clients, then our agents and employees, then the company.

56 | OCTOBER 2026

Challenges are important to innovate and grow a successful business Success for Dan is helping to run a profitable real estate brokerage that conducts itself with honesty and integrity, making meaningful contributions to the clients they serve, and nurturing high-quality balanced lives for everyone that works at the company. They have created a commercial real estate brokerage model like no other which benefits everyone involved. “Lennard has been successfully growing in numbers and geographically – we opened two new offices this year, one in Ottawa, and another in Waterloo and we are gearing up to expand into other major cities across Canada, such as

Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary,” Dan states. Lennard created a new category in the brokerage industry. In the early years, they spent most of their efforts educating and convincing agents that a new system of the brokerage was possible and could be 'agent centric'. With the passage of time, they have been able to demonstrate that their model is superior and will allow their agents to grow their book of business while enjoying a unique remuneration package. “Today, we are still the market leader in this new category, but the lessons learned to this point are still fresh and a key part of our philosophy. I think this makes us sharper and more responsive than our competitors,” explains Dan. Lennard's contribution in redefining the real estate industry No one thought it was possible to create a full-service brokerage with Lennard's remuneration package. In conjunction with this, agents typically doubted the ability of a brokerage to create a positive and cooperative work environment. From day one, Lennard has worried more about the 'Who' and less about the 'When', which is a departure from their public market competitors, and from that perspective, the foundations of something truly unique were created. Dan notes that by combining superior remuneration, incredible support, and an unparalleled peer group - all the pieces of a larger puzzle that all fit together strategically - Lennard created and continues to lead this new brokerage category.

At Lennard, they support a work‐life balance where each person's well‐being and family come ﬁrst. It means so much to them that they have coined their own tagline for it: WORK TO LIVE! And Work to Live is one of their core values. Dan promotes this by leading by example. “Also, by staying challenged. Pushing yourself at work, at play, be it physically or mentally, is very healthy. I love to be challenged and I thrive on learning new things. We try to hire people with this same mindset,” Dan states. Dan's life before Lennard and responsibilities as a leader of a successful company Dan considers himself to be extremely fortunate to start in the industry with Oxford Development Group in Toronto. He was able to see Don Love and Jon Love on the front lines of the industry. “Working directly for leaders such as Eric Wesling and Brent Chapman, I believe my experiences and training were both unique and invaluable,” he says. “I am pleased to also report that my partners today are the same two individuals that brought me to Lennard in 1990. I continue to run a very successful book of business and I thoroughly enjoy being on the front lines of our business. I think this direct perspective helps me continue to stay at the forefront of sales support and agents' needs. I start early and I think that is an advantage. I don't need much sleep! I balance my book and corporate responsibilities with ease,” he states. Corporately, Dan is always searching for pieces that ﬁt together. As a group, he claims that they are

CIO VIEWS | 57

stronger, aligned together, and unstoppable. Lennard has grown from a single office with five people, to 5 offices and 150+ people. That growth makes them the largest independent commercial brokerage in Canada. They have built a superior mentorship program for those just coming into the industry, while also providing a superior home for senior agents to work their book of business with a complimentary peer group. Lennard has had a minimal turnover throughout the years which is a testament that we are doing something unique and executing it well. Plans for the future of Lennard Commercial Realty, Brokerage Dan sees an opportunity for Lennard's business model in several other Canadian provinces and selected US cities. He is quite convinced that they are at a place and time with a truly unique business model, with a marketplace ready and looking for an alternative like Lennard. Dan states that he would like to focus exclusively on building this company to its fullest potential. He sees the next 5 years as being transformative. “I had a vision for a business in 1994. I trusted my judgment and began to execute the plan. If you have a vision and see a pathway, follow it!” he exclaims.

Guiding You to Your Dream Home

housands of real estate agents work for their customers to buy and sell homes and commercial properties. However, some estate agents distinguish out from the crowd by excelling at their jobs, finishing every transaction flawlessly, and truly benefiting their customers. These agents will be the topic of this article. The finest real estate brokers are rarely reluctant to express themselves. They like to advertise a property by emphasizing its greatest features. They are not pushy, but they are enthusiastic about their profession and work hard to put their clients' needs ahead of their own. Marianne Padjan is a Real Estate Agent, an International Bestselling Award-winning Author, a Guinness World Record Participant, and an Empowerment Coach. She is a workshop facilitator, retreat leader teacher, and a digital TV host of Meditation Millionaire. Marianne has always wanted her own company and has always worked very

well independently. She likes having a sense of freedom when she works , thinks, and lives her life her own way. She also loves helping others ﬁnd their passion and make money while they are super happy. She says, "You can make miracles happen for yourself and others when you are happy, and who does not want that?" She further adds, "I also have a lot of my own ideas and love hearing others." As per Marianne, she is coachable with the right people and she insists on surrounding herself with people who are doing what she wants to, but she doesn't do well with being told what to do, especially when she sees a better and easier way.

once and traveled to and from Europe four times with three luggage. This encouraged her to never be afraid of losing or having everything. She also discovered that she did not want to lose anything. She asserts, "I will be OK if I do, but I do not want to for sure! The most valuable thing you have is the spirit inside you, as this is what dictates your success." Marianne has been through a divorce, the closure of a business, the development of Demetia, the deaths of both parents and friends, walked away from a variety of occupations, and only had $8 to her name for the entire week, so she believes she can help people through anything.

Having a Warrior Spirit

Marianne has been in coaching much before it was in style (35 plus years) and she ﬁnds this experience, along with the meditation teacher experience, helps her most with her clients. She believes, "People basically need someone to tell them it's going to be OK and then hold their hand through the transaction (I have prayed with people in the house at a showing as we were putting in an oﬀer) and help them tune out the

We push ourselves every time we sign up to do something we've never done before; if you don't, how will you grow? Marianne believes that everyone should only do what they are called to. "Learn to listen to and follow your inner voice!" she advises. Marianne had to start over ﬁve times in her life. She declared bankruptcy

58 | OCTOBER 2026

Real Estate Agent eXp Realty

Marianne Padjan CIO VIEWS | 59

voice of family and friends who are sharing their fears with them. Opinions! Everyone seems to have one!" eXp Realty Exp Realty is unique in the way that everyone is an owner as it is a publicly traded company and all have shares—some are gifted to the team and some they buy at a discount. The team has so many ways of making money (7 diﬀerent ways). As per Marianne, she has never ever seen this kind of unity in a brokerage ever before. Everyone cheers each other on instead of competing with one another. They celebrate together frequently—last weekend they were at a pool party together at one of Marianne's teammates' homes. She says, "We have a variety of events

with the company as well as our team to keep us motivated and educated. We are owners in a great company with a great team, all while being independent. " EXP, with its disruptive technology, has created an entire company cloud-based so one can still work from anywhere. It is the fastest growing real estate company in residential real estate in the world. This makes working internationally possible. Marianne enjoys the concept of international travel because it aligns with her big-picture thinking. Ensuring a culture of integrity and innovation Marianne is selling properties on an international level, and she has a podcast and is planning on doing webinars for people. She says, "Social media as well as other forms of

internet interaction have taken over the industry, so we need to keep up!" At work, she keeps the team motivated by organizing team meetings and team getaways, dinners, events, etc. as she believes doing and spending time together is GOLD! It creates trust and it helps people bond on a personal level and keeps everyone in the same circle. Marianne loves that EXP Realty is international and she has always thought, "WE ARE ONE" and so working on an international level is best! Beginning of a Career Marianne was 15 years old and spent the summer working at a shoe store. She enjoyed work, but she was a little hesitant (no one would believe me now) since she had had a lot of violence at home (physical and emotional). The assistant manager of the shop approached her and told her that if she didn't loosen up and talk to others, they might have to let her go. She recalls, "Well! It was as if someone had shaken the fear right out of me ! I was always told to stay quiet in the corner by my dad (he was bipolar) and so I thought being super quiet was the way to go. "I literally transformed overnight into the super social person that I am!"Once she had the permission to be "who I really am," life changed and Marianne became the best salesperson there ! That was the beginning of her sales career ! Marianne worked in retail sales and then she owned a spa and did matchmaking in the recruiting space, and that was great . Her heart was more into empowerment coaching and now she loves it more than ever

60 | OCTOBER 2026

as she gets to implement it in real estate as well. She has always coached, led workshops, and retreats and will continue. She asserts, "I absolutely love the friends I have made in EXP Realty as well as how it has helped with my MPowered Voice Publishing as the anthology books I write include quite a few of my coleagues." Responsibilities as the Licensed Real Estate Agent Marianne's days begin with MEDITATION! Throughout the day, journal about gratitude and selflove/self-empowerment experiences. Her mindset is something she devotes a lot of time to. Marianne spends her day at work talking to a variety of people. She speaks with current and previous clients ﬁrst, followed by new potential clients. She inquires about the homes advertised by other agencies. She communicates with team members/colleagues and attends training because she believes it is critical to keep educated and on the ball. Marianne states, "I do my best to empower as many people as possible throughout the day—so meetings with coaching throughout the day are daily." Walking outside with her dog is one of Marianne's favorite times of the day—she does so much thinking and meditating by the water is the best. It's where she gets her best ideas. She mentions, "Open houses are most weekends, but not all, as I leave time for me." Showings and meetings with clients are more random as they depend on the client's time. " Keys to have Fulﬁlled Life "You must know your WHY!" says

Marianne. This is what keeps everyone motivated—coaching while they are unaware they are being taught is the most eﬀective motivator! Marianne has one to three coaches, and she attends selfdevelopment classes on a regular basis. She doesn't think she'll ever stop, nor does she want to, because she gets pumped when she knows she'll be attending one of the team's self-development events, which are plentiful at EXP both locally and internationally. She asserts, "Spending time in nature is my favorite thing to do—I prefer a walk in the woods to a busy event of sorts." Having said that, I do enjoy events such as parties, restaurants, weddings, opera, shows, or great dinners at friends' places. We do a lot of girls' nights, brunches, lunches, trips." Plans for the future of eXp Realty Marianne is continuously looking for new ways to serve people and teach others. Her future plans include additional retreats, workshops, and publications that will empower

CIO VIEWS | 61

individuals. She hopes to establish one or two charities in the future, both locally and internationally. She believes that there are simply too many starving people in the world and wishes to address this issue. She says, "I would love to build a team OF AGENTS INTERNATIONALLY AROUND THE WORLD!" Marianne is an ordained minister in the USA and is now getting ordained in Canada as well so she will be able to marry people, how wonderful to be a part of that. Quote: "SUCCESS IS HAPPINESS" "Success is when my clients have decided to accept the challenges placed before them in order to grow and I see them happy and comfortable with their decision”

Advancing Tech Trends that are leading

Real Estate Transformation

62 | OCTOBER 2026

s a way to ﬁnd the ideal property, real estate mobile apps and agent websites are growing in popularity. Those who work in this industry professionally and want to grow their business should ﬁrst understand the market and keep an eye out for the newest real estate mobile app tech developments. Such knowledge will enable you to make wise judgments as you set out on the path to long-term business development.

3D Visualization

The real estate market is changing in a number of areas thanks to technology, including design, construction, marketing, buying, and selling. Blockchain, 3D visualization and rendering, Big Data, artiﬁcial intelligence, IoT, and virtual reality are a few property technologies to be aware of. All of these technologies have several advantages for real estate agents, sellers, and purchasers. They boost property marketing, increase eﬃciency, and save operational costs.

Among the many advantages of 3D architecture rendering are eﬀectiveness, a thorough grasp of building designs, and cost savings. Additionally, investors and designers can immediately spot design faults with the aid of 3D rendering. In order to have dynamic and contemporary renders of your projects, investing in 3D rendering services should be a top priority whether you are new to real estate investing or already have a successful ﬁrm. You can produce 3D

A unique architectural idea that aids architects and builders in creating clients' ideal homes is 3D visualization. It's important to note that real-time 3D visualization oﬀers graphical representations of the attributes of 3D models created with 3D rendering software. Homebuyers can then view various angles of design components like furniture, décor, and lighting in 3D buildings.

CIO VIEWS | 63

representations that suit your vision, requirements, and target audience with the aid of experts. You'll have a powerful marketing presence as a result, which will help you stand out from rivals. It has been determined that using cryptocurrency in real estate is advantageous. Consequently, it became possible to purchase residences using bitcoins and other bitcoin-like currencies in late 2017. The ﬁrst piece of real estate to be sold utilizing blockchain technology was an apartment in Kyiv, Ukraine. Since then, a number of blockchain real estate ﬁrms have appeared, following real estate market trends. This didn't happen by accident because real estate deals can run into some troubling issues: Ÿ There are a lot of mediators. In the past, notaries, banks, real estate brokers, and other intermediaries have all been used to close real

estate agreements. One can avoid paying extra for at least certain services with the blockchain. Thus, transactions that are repeated often can be done without using middlemen.

smart contracts can be used to connect ownership of digital property. Cryptography maintains such papers safe and unforgeable because once they are encrypted, they are impossible to change.

Ÿ Strict entry requirements for real estate investing to begin investing in real estate, a significant sum of money is typically needed. But today, anyone can purchase Bitcoin fractional ownership, which can come in different sizes. The property may be divided among a number of shareholders who have pooled their financial resources.

Ÿ Red tape is a major obstacle for everyone. Both buyers and tenants, as well as property owners and agents, are distracted by tedious paperwork. Therefore, cutting out the paperwork and making the procedure into a very simple transaction are two of the best things the blockchain can accomplish for you. Smart contracts are veriﬁed and timestamped using the blockchain, not by third parties.

Ÿ As long as real estate property agreements are in written form, there is a risk of fraud since people can falsify them. With blockchain, this danger is reduced. The blockchain and so-called

Ÿ It is challenging to locate current and pertinent property information. In fact, obtaining it requires payment. The blockchain

64 | OCTOBER 2026

has the potential to keep all pertinent data regarding the parties and the property. The records are not only safely maintained, but they can also be modiﬁed at any time without the intermediary' consent. Since secured documents are inserted initially and are available immediately, trust is built into the technology. Big Data To make wise judgments, the real estate and property management industries rely on data. They are therefore better equipped to take use of big data's advantages. With the help of past and current data, this technology can forecast prices and provide real estate insights, trends, and patterns. Big data should ideally assist real estate agents and investors in pricing properties based on present

value and anticipated future price fluctuations. Property investors can easily market and sell properties because big data offers unambiguous market insights. Buyers may now select the ideal properties based on price, preferences, and location thanks to big data analysis. Real estate market participants can increase their productivity by utilizing big data because they can obtain real-time information on profitable Business Intelligence and an Increase in Data Volumes Without business information, it is difficult to envision the development of mobile applications for the real estate industry. Furthermore, data growth at an exponential rate should not be separated from effective app

development. With these considerations in mind, more eﬀective business procedures are becoming a possibility.

operations with the help of business intelligence software solutions.

One of the major developments in property management already involves business intelligence produced by big data. It may strengthen a real estate app, influencing how customers, agents, and property owners engage there. BI offers a variety of techniques for improving decision-making. In order to obtain insightful forecasts characterizing the relationships between app users, business analysis algorithms are utilized. After then, it is simpler to respond to the issue of what will going to happen. BI is enhancing your data-driven real estate firm by reviewing internal data and examining business procedures. By utilizing and processing all incoming data, you may optimize company

The aforementioned mobile app trends in the real estate sector will shape the direction of real estate technology in the future. Property owners, purchasers, tenants, and most crucially real estate agents in 2020 may consider these seven points obvious. However, it is important to note that having clear instructions to follow makes it much simpler to plan out one's strategic future. Yes, we haven't covered everything, but the points made above are a fantastic place to start. Ensure that real estate management software has as many of these features and advantages as you can while keeping them in mind.

CIO VIEWS | 65

What future holds?

CAPTURING THE SUC

BUSINESS

Read some awesome inspiring insights from the experts of the business worlds!

CCESS JOURNEY OF

LEADERS

SUBSCRIBE NOW J O I N U S

Catherine Boudier-Contant- The 10 Visionary Real Estate Leaders Making a Global Impact in 2026