100 Most Dynamic Leaders of 2025 | Exeleon Magazine

IN - FOCUS

Christopher Lubwama: Sowing Seeds of Hope in Uganda

IN - FOCUS

Eva Medilek: Redefining High Performance Without Burnout

Dr. Stoyana Natseva

AWAKENING ONE MILLION LEADERS THROUGH SCIENCE, SOUL, AND SERVICE

DYNAMIC

Embracing Excellence

Project

Customer Relationship –

Business Development –

Natasha

Editor’s Note

AsIsitdowntopenthiseditorial,markingExeleonMagazine's 275th issue,Iamilled with a deep sense of gratitude and relection.̀What began as a small platform to spotlightentrepreneurialstorieshas,overtheyears,evolvedintoaleadingplatform celebratingvision,leadership,andtherelentlessspiritoftransformation.

Thelaunchofourannualedition,The100MostDynamicLeadersof2025,isnotjust a milestone, it's a mirror relecting̀how leadership continues to evolve in an evershifting world. This year's theme, “Transformational Mindset,” captures the very essenceofwhatwebelievedeines̀modernleadership:theabilitytoadapt,inspire, andcreatemeaningfulchangefromwithin.

This year's issue holds a special place in Exeleon's journey. Beyond the incredible stories,itmarksaperiodofreinventionforusasapublication.

Through new channels, digital innovations, and an upcoming subscription model designedtocreatearicherreaderexperience,wearemovingforwardwithrenewed purpose;tomakeExeleonnotjustamagazine,butaspacewhereideas,leadership, andinspirationconverge.

OnbehalfoftheentireteamatExeleon,Iwouldliketoexpressheartfeltgratitudeto our distribution partners, our featured leaders, and our growing community for continuingtobelieveinourmissionandvision.Yourtrustandengagementarethe reasonsExeleoncontinuestothriveandevolve.

Gracing our cover this year is Dr. Stoyana Natseva, Founder of Happy Life Academy®, whose mission is both profound and practical: to awaken one million leaders who will, in turn, awaken the world.

Dr. Natseva's philosophy is rooted in science, soul, structure, and service — a rare harmony of intellect and intuition. Through her academy's globally recognized programs, she has redeined̀how leadership and education intertwine, blending neuroscience, systemic psychology, and human connection into a framework that empowersrealtransformation.

Aswecloseoneremarkableyearandprepareforthenext,Iinviteyoutorelect̀onthis simple yet powerful idea: transformation begins with mindset. Because when leaderstransform,sodoestheworld.

Here's to transformation, to leadership with soul, and to the ever-evolving story of ExeleonMagazine.

Daryl Yeung Editor-in-Chief

DYNAMIC LEADERS 2025

Andrea Hailey Vote.com

Angel Sayani IntellChromatics Inc.

Angelo Adams Zipcar

Carolyn

Chantay Bridges Bridges Publishing House

Christopher Lubwama Jireh’s Love Charity Org

Claire Campion Claire Campion Coaching LLC

Dr Antonio Marsocci

Dr.

Dr. Kristal

Jeanne M. Gills Foley & Lardner LLP

Gabriella Yan TRAppe

Ginger King Grace Kingdom Beauty

Gloria Kolb ELITONE Hanne Wulp Communication Wise

Harry Sanders StudioHawk

Hugo Pais Alfabrent

Itai Sadan Duda

Ivana Brcan Miss Elite World

Jean-Christian Rindoni Symbiosis Infinity Group

Jenny Nuccio Imani Collective

Jessica Glazer MindHR

Jignen Pandya Expert App Devs

John Campbell

Jonathan Azouri CatchCorner

Julie Miller Davis JMD Productivity Training

Kate Walker Kate Walker Consulting

Kimberly Carney FashWire

Kirsty Gordon Anywhere in Africa

Lana Kerr Lumisque Skincare

Lyndsey Getty

Laurent Charpentier

Lazaros Kalemis

Leanne Hancey Billy J

Linda J. Brewer

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan

Lion Shirdan

Lisa Marie Platske Upside Thinking, Inc.

Liviu Tanase

Lori Alvarez

Louis Ducret

Marsha Stone Foundation Stone Family of Programs

Matt Vetter Schafer Construction, Inc.

Maymunah Rasheed

Monica Bermudez

Natasha Makhijani

Navin Goyal

Sahota ACSILabs

Nick Bartlett Wayfindr

Ronn Torossian 5W Public Relations

Ofer Tirosh Tomedes

Omer Gotlieb Salespeak.ai

Peter Murphy TrackSpikes.co

Rachel Guanwei Tao Senior Product Leader

Regie Tiu Restore Plus Physical Therapy

Reza Satchu Alignvest Management Corporation

Robert Wall The Branding Collaborative

Robin Dimond Fifth & Cor

Roger Knecht Universal Accounting Center

Sarah Fraggis Filterless Era

Scott Marshall Allan Marshall & Associates

Stephanie Calderon Stephanie Calderon Interiors

Stephanie Renk Next Step Career Services

Stoyana Natseva Happy Life Academy®

Susie Taafe Skanties

Tania Friedlander High Performance Coach

Tsigereda McClelland Influencer Guide Management

Victoria Medvec Medvec & Associates

Walt Leger III New Orleans & Company

Awakening One Million Leaders Through Science, Soul, and Service

eadershipforDr.StoyanaNatseva,isnotaboutholding power. It is about awakening it. As the founder of ® Happy Life Academy, she has built one of the world's most dynamic platforms for leadership and personal transformation, guiding thousands of individuals toward greaterpurpose,balance,andglobalimpact.

Her mission is bold yet deeply personal: to awaken one millionleaderswhowill,inturn,awakentheworld.

The Meaning of Dynamic Leadership

"Dynamicleadershipistheartof constantevolution,"Stoyana begins.Toher,leadershipisnota staticconceptbutalivingforce, somethingthatgrows,adapts,and inspirestransformation."Itisnot aboutauthority;itisabout awakeningpotentialinothers, aligningvisionwithaction,and

inspiringpeopletobecomeleaders themselves."

Herownleadershipstyleembodies thatphilosophy."Personally,Ilive thiseverydaybybeingbotha scientistandastoryteller,an educatorandamentor,"she explains."Myleadershipisrooted inservice:empoweringothersto riseandtomultiplythatinluence intheircommunitiesand organizations."

Stoyana features on the Cover of Exeleon Magazine's 100 Most Dynamic Leaders of 2025, furtherhighlightingherjourney andvisiontotheworld.

Building a Global Movement with Integrity

®

AsHappyLifeAcademy expands

acrosscontinents,Stoyanaremains groundedinhervalues. "Expansiononlymattersifit deepensimpact,"shesays.Every course,certiication,andcoaching programattheAcademyisbuilton whatshecallsthefour cornerstonesofgrowth:science, soul,structure,andservice.

"Ourprogramsaregroundedin systemicpsychologyand neuroscience,accreditedatthe highestinternationalstandards," sheexplains."Butbeyondscience, everymethodisinfusedwith compassion,gratitude,andadeep respectforthehumanjourney."

TheAcademy'sgrowthhasbeen

remarkable,yetStoyanapersonally safeguardsitsintegrity."Aswe scale,Iensurethatwhatreaches thousandsofstudentsworldwide isasauthenticandpowerfulas whenIirsttaughtit."

Forher,integrityisnotabusiness policy,it'saspiritualpractice.

Reinventing Education for the Modern World

Educationischangingrapidly,and Stoyanabelievesitmustkeeppace withtheevolvingworld."The worldevolvesdaily,soeducation musttoo.Reinventionisinour DNA,"shesays.

Underherleadership,HappyLife ®Academy haslaunchednine internationallyrecognizedMBA programsfocusedonholistic psychology,systemiccounseling, leadership,andbusinesscoaching. Eachprogramblendspersonal developmentwithacademicrigor, givinggraduatesbothinternal transformationandprofessional recognition.

And2025marksanewmilestone: thelaunchoftheDoctorof BusinessAdministration(DBA) programs."Theseprograms preparetheleadersofthefuture withthehighestlevelofbusiness knowledge,systemictools,and academicexcellence,"shesayswith pride."ItisamilestoneforEastern Europe,bringingworld-class doctoraleducationtoawider audience."

Dr.Natseva'scommitmentto innovationisalsoevidentinher proprietarymethodologies, ® includingDirectChangeSolution andTheInternalAutobiographical Map(IAM).Theseframeworks combineneuropsychology, systemicdevelopment,and identitytransformationtohelp individualsrewiretheirmindset andreshapetheirreality.

Havingtaughtandspokenacrosscontinents,Stoyana has developed what she calls a "glocal" approach to leadership:globalinvision,localincommunication.

"Leadership is universal in essence but local in expression," she explains. "In Europe, the focus is often on systems and methodology. In Asia, it centers around spiritual alignment. In Africa, it is about empowerment and resilience, and in the Middle East, itisrootedinlegacyandvision."

Her adaptability lies in deep listening. By honoring cultural nuance while holding true to her values of integrity, compassion, and excellence, she bridges divides and unites diverse communities under a sharedmissionoftransformation

"Thiscontinuousreinvention ® ensuresthatHappyLifeAcademy remainsattheforefrontofhuman developmentandbusiness education,"sheadds.

Awakening One Million Leaders

Ifthereisonephrasethatdeines Dr.Natseva'swork,itisthis: Awaken one million leaders. What beganasavisionhasgrownintoa globalmovement.

"Thismissionistheheartbeatof everythingIdo,"shesays."Each graduate,eachreader,each participantaddstothisliving networkofawakenedleaders."

Themovementisbuiltonthree pillars:

• Books as Messengers: With 15bestsellerspublishedon topicslikeabundance, gratitude,andsystemic

“Dynamic leadership is the art of constant evolution.”

•psychology,Stoyanareaches readersaroundtheworld."My booksawakenawarenesspage bypage,"sheshares.

• Global Education: Through theAcademy'sMBAandDBA programs,studentsreceive accrediteddegreesand,more importantly,theconidenceto leadchangeintheirindustries andcommunities.

• The One Million Awakened Foundation: Thisnew initiativeprovides scholarships,supportsglobal educationalprojects,andfuels collectivetransformation.It ensuresthatawakening leadershipisnotlimitedby geographyorcircumstance.

Theimpactisexponential.Each persontouchedbyherwork becomesaleaderintheirown right,passingforwardthetorchof awarenessandpurpose.

Wisdom for Women in Leadership

Stoyanahasworkedwithcountless womenacrossindustries,helping themnavigatetheintersectionof ambition,purpose,andpersonal life.Heradviceisasprofoundasit ispractical.

"TowomenleadersIsay:ambition isnotarrogance;itissacred,"she emphasizes."Donotapologizefor wantingmore.Learnthatbalance isnotaboutperfection;itis dynamic.Somedaysyouserve yourfamily,otherdaysyour

business,andsomedaysyourself. Flow,don'tforce."

Forher,leadershipbeginswith self-worth."Yourworthcomes beforetitles.Leadershipisabout authenticity,notexternal validation.Createritualsof renewal,meditation,relection, familytime,soyourleadership lowsfromabundance,not exhaustion."

Hermessagetowomenisboth groundingandliberating:embrace ambition,honoryourboundaries, andleadfromwholeness.

A Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Thecomingyearmarksapowerful evolutionforbothStoyanaand ® HappyLifeAcademy.Herfocusis setonthreemajordirections: advancingresearch,expanding globaleducation,andamplifying collectiveimpact.

"Iaminalizingmydoctoral dissertationonTheInternal AutobiographicalMap(IAM),a neuropsychologicalmodelthat couldredeineidentityand transformationinpsychology,"she shares.Thisresearchisnotjust

“Leadership is not about authority; it is about awakening potential.”

academic;itisthefoundationfor howshehelpspeoplerewritetheir innerstories.

TheupcomingDBAprogramswill extendthisworkintoleadership development."Wearelaunching internationallyaccreditedDBA studiestopreparesystemic, visionaryleaderswhowillshape thenextdecadeofbusinessand education,"sheexplains.

Herliteraryworkcontinuesas well."My16thand17thbooksare inprogress,continuingtoinspire readerswithpracticalwisdomand transformativepractices,"shesays. Andwithglobalpartnerships expandingacrossuniversities, chambersofcommerce,and leadershipcouncils,theAcademy isbuildingaworldwideecosystem oftransformation.

Still,Stoyanaremainsclearabout herpurpose:"Forme,themission remainsconstant:toawakenone millionpeople,tocreateleaders withvisionandheart,andtoturn

knowledgeintopowerforchange."

The Science and Soul of Transformation

WhatsetsStoyanaapartisher abilitytounitescienceand spirituality,intellectandintuition. Sheblendssystemicpsychology withhumanconnection,creatinga leadershipmodelthatisboth deeplyhumanandhighlyeffective.

"Ibelievetruetransformation happenswhensciencemeetssoul," shesays."Whenwealignour internalsystems,ourmind,heart, andpurpose,wecancreate sustainablechangeinourlivesand theworld."

Thisphilosophyistheheartbeatof ® HappyLifeAcademy.Itiswhat drawsstudents,leaders,and changemakerstoherworkfrom everycorneroftheworld.Anditis whyherinluencecontinuesto grow—notasanempire,butasa movement.

DYNAMIC LEADERS 2025

A Legacy of Light

Asshelooksahead,Dr.Stoyana Natsevastandsattheintersection ofeducation,transformation,and service.Herworkisnotconined toclassroomsorcorporatehalls;it ripplesthroughcommunities, families,andgenerations.

"Leadershipisnotaboutauthority; itisaboutawakeningpotential," sheremindsus.Inherworld, leadersarenotborn,theyare awakened.AndthroughHappyLife ® Academy,shecontinuestodojust that,onelife,onelesson,andone leaderatatime.

Herlegacyisnotinthetitlesshe holds,butinthemillionsoflives shetouches,proofthatleadership, whenledwithscience,soul, structure,andservice,trulyhasthe powertochangetheworld.

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RACHEL GUANWEI TAO

Leading MedTech Innovation with Purpose, Agility, and Heart

Fromthedisciplinedworld ofdancetothehigh-stakes frontlinesofmedical technology,RachelGuanweiTao's journeyintotheMedTechindustry hasbeenanythingbutconventional. Apersonalfamilycrisisatage17 redirectedherpathtoward healthcare,notthroughclinical practice,butthroughinnovation thatchangeslivesbehindthe scenes.

WithacareerspanningFortune500 giantsandnimblestartups,Rachel hasearnedareputationasa productleaderwhoblendsstrategy withempathy,speedwithprecision, andvisionwithexecution.Her approachtoleadershipisrootedin alignment,human-centereddesign, andtheunwaveringbeliefthat everydeviceshouldimprove qualityoflife.Asshecontinuesto pursueherPh.D.researchon leadershipintheageofAI,Rachel remainsdrivenbyacorequestion: howdowebringlife-changing technologiestothepeoplewho needthemmost?

InthisInterviewFeature,Rachel sharesherstory,leadership philosophy,andvisionforthe futureofMedTechandwhatit meanstoinnovatewithboth intellectandintegrity.

Can you tell us about your journey into the medical device industry and what initially drew you to this ield?

BeforeIeverimaginedacareerin healthcare,Idreamedofbecoming adancer.Itrainedforyearswith disciplineandcreativity,believing thestagewouldbemyfuture.But everythingchangedwhenIwas17, aftermydadwasinacaraccident. Watchinghimsufferduring recoveryduetoalackofproper medicalsolutionsandclinical educationopenedmyeyestothe realimpactofhealthcare—andthe gapswithinit.Thatmomentignited mypassionformedicalinnovation.

Aftercollege,Iwasamongthetop 5%selectedintoJohnson& Johnson'sMedTechdivision throughtheircampusprogram.

Startinginsales,Isupported surgeonsinminimallyinvasive proceduresandwitnessedhow technologycantransform outcomes.Isawirsthandhowa well-designedproductcould improvesurgicalresults,ease recovery,andgivepeopleasecond chanceatlife.Thatexperience becamethecornerstoneofmy passionforMedTech.

Overtime,Itransitionedfrom frontlinesalestoglobalproduct leadershiproles,drivenbyadesire notonlytorepresentgreat products,buttohelpcreatethem. Eachstepofmycareerhasbeen guidedbyonequestion:Howcan webringlife-changingtechnologies tothepeoplewhoneedthemmost?

You've worked across both Fortune 500 companies and startups. How have these environments inluenced your leadership style and product strategy approach?

WorkinginFortune500companies gavemeadeepappreciationfor

structuredprocesses,regulatory excellence,andlong-termstrategic vision.Inmymostrecentroleat Abbott,Iledhigh-impactglobal programsthatrequiredseamless collaborationacrossclinical, regulatory,andcommercialteams inmultiplegeographies.

Incontrast,mid-sizedglobal organizationslikeAcumedtaught metobeagile,resourceful,and creative—todriveresultswithout

waitingforidealconditions.I learnedhowtomovefast,adapt quickly,andleadwithboth lexibilityandfocus.

Thesedualexperienceshave shapedmeintoabalancedleader —onewhoisstrategicwhen neededandhands-onwhenit counts.

You often emphasize the importance of uniied teams

DYNAMIC LEADERS 2025

behind successful product launches. What are your strategies for building crossfunctional alignment?

Alignmentdoesn'thappen overnight—ittakesintention, thoughtfulplanning,andclear communication.Forme,italways startswithdeiningthe“why.” Whenteamsunderstandthepatient story,clinicalvalue,andmarket opportunitybehindaproduct,they arefarmoreengagedandaligned.

Iprioritizeearlyandinclusive cross-functionalengagement—not justwithengineeringand marketing,butalsowithquality, operations,andsales.Icreateclear communicationchannelsand establishsharedframeworksfor success.

Justasimportantly,Ifocusontrust andownership.Ibelievein leveragingeachteammember's strengthsandsupportingthemas theynavigatechallenges.Noneofus areperfect,butwhenpeoplefeel empoweredtoworkwithintheir

strengths—andarealignedon sharedgoalswithclearmetrics— thesenseofachievementis collectiveandstrong.

Asapeople-irstleader,Ialwaysput myselfinothers'shoes:IfIwereon thereceivingendofthis communication,woulditmotivate me?Woulditbringclarity?That mindsethelpsmedrivealignment authentically.Ultimately,ateam thattrustsoneanotherandshares ownershipwillalwaysdeliver stronger,faster,andwithmore purposethanonesimplyfollowing achecklist.

You've said that every medical device should enhance quality of life. How do you keep that purpose front and center during development?

Ialwaysbringthevoiceofthe clinicianandthepatientintothe room.Whetherthroughadvisory boards,KOLinterviews,ordirect ieldengagement,Iensurethatour productstrategyaddressesrealworldclinicalneeds—notjust technicalrequirements.

Throughoutmycareer,I'veseen howstayingclosetothehuman sideoftechnologyleadstomore impactfulsolutions.Iencourage teamstoanchortheirdecisionsin patientoutcomes,usability,and long-termvalue,ratherthanspecs alone.That'showwedesign productsthatnotonlymeet regulatoryrequirementsbuttruly improvelives.Purpose-driven innovationbeginswhenwelisten —andneverstop.

What do you hope to contribute

What drives you to keep learning and evolving — whether it's launching new products, conducting research, or mentoring others?

Iconsidermyselfalifelonglearner.Iholdtwomaster's degrees—onefromtheUKandonefromtheU.S.— andI'mcurrentlypursuingaPh.D.inBusiness Leadership,whichIplantocompletesoon.My researchfocusesonhowleadershipisevolvinginthe ageofAI,particularlyinthecontextofinnovation, productmanagement,andAI-enabledmedicaldevices.

Forme,everyopportunity—whetherit'slaunchinga productormentoringsomeone—isachancetogrow. I'vehadtheprivilegeofmentoringwomenintech, advisingsmallbusinessowners,andservingasajudge forglobalinnovationawards.Eachofthese experienceshasbroadenedmyperspectiveand sharpenedmyunderstandingofleadershipinafastchangingworld.

Ultimately,Ibelievecuriosityisthekeytostaying relevantandimpactful—especiallyinaieldas dynamicasMedTech.

to the future of MedTech, both as a product leader and as a scholar?

AswemovedeeperintotheAIera, oneofthebiggestquestionsfacing ourprofessionis:Towhatextent canAItakeovertheroleofa productmanager?FromwhatI've observedthroughrecentshiftsin bothregulatoryframeworksand industrypractices,theanswerisn't

aboutreplacement—it'sabout evolution.

Medicaldevicelaunchesareno longerone-timeevents.Wearenow operatinginacontinuousproduct lifecyclemodel,whereinnovation mustadapttoevolvinguserneeds, regulatorychanges,anddynamic clinicalenvironments.Product featuresarenolongerstatic—they requireiterativereinementand

real-timecross-functional collaboration.

That'swherehumanleadership becomesmorecriticalthanever.As aproductleader,Iaimtochampion inclusiveinnovation—creating solutionsthatservenotonly mainstreammarketsbutalso underrepresentedpopulationsand emerginggeographies.

Asascholar,I'mcurrentlyexploring howAIisreshapingleadershipin productmanagement,especiallyin MedTech.WhileI'mstillearlyinmy researchjourney,myaimisto uncoverpracticalinsightsthatcan

guidefutureleadersinnavigating complexitywithclarityand purpose.

ThefutureofMedTechdemands morethanjustgreatproducts—it requiresvisionaryleaderswhocan adapt,communicate,and collaborateacrossboundaries.I'm committedtobeingoneofthem andempoweringotherstoriseas well.

What's next for Rachel? Are there any exciting programs, partnerships, or launches on the horizon?

Thispastyearhasbeenatimeof reinvention.Aftertransitioningout ofthemedicaldeviceindustrydue toorganizationalchanges,Ifound myselfinacompletelynewsector. Butwhathasn'tchangedismy passionforbuildinginnovationthat bridgesstrategy,people,and purpose.

Irecentlyhelpedlauncha company-wideinnovationinitiative called SPARK,whichstandsfor Strategic,Pioneer,Agile, Revolutionary,andKnowledgedriven.Theprogramconnects cross-functional,cross-geography teamstopartnerwithselect customersonlong-termproduct pipelineplanningandshort-term businesssolutions.Byaligning customerinnovationgoalswithour company'sstrategicvision,SPARK hasbecomeakeygrowthdriver andrelationship-buildingtool.

LaunchedinMarch,SPARKwas inspiredbythedesiretoconnect ourinternallong-terminnovation teamswithreal-worldbusiness needs.I'vehadtheprivilegeof leadingthiseffort,andweare currentlycollaboratingwithseveral successful Shark Tank winnersto scaletheirbusinessesthrough strategicpotentialand partnerships.

WhileImaybeinanewindustry, themissionremainsthesame: createmeaningfulinnovation,lead withintegrity,andsparkwhat's next.

Leading with Communication Wisdom HANNE WULP

henconversationsbreak down,teamsstumble. Whenleadersindthe rightwords,peoplemoveforward together.HanneWulphasbuilther careeraroundthatsimpletruth. Afternearlyadecadeasan attorneyintheNetherlands,Hanne chosetostepawayfrom courtroomsandlegalprocedures tofocusonwhatshefoundmost meaningful:helpingpeople connect,listen,andresolveconlict beforeitcausedlastingdamage. Thatchoiceeventuallyledherto theUnitedStates,whereshe deepenedherworkasamediator andtrainer.

Today,asthefounderof Communication Wise,Hanne partnerswithseniorexecutives andleadershipteamstosharpen theskillsthatmattermostin businessbutareoftenoverlooked: clearcommunication,healthy conlict,andauthentic collaboration.Herapproachis equalpartsgentleandhonest,and ithashelpedleadersnotjustavoid

misunderstandings,butbuild workplaceswheretrustand resiliencecanthrive.

Inthisinterview,Hannesharesthe turningpointsthatshapedher philosophy,whyshebelieves conlictcanbehealthy,andhow communication,whendoneright, cantransformentirecultures.

Hanne, can you tell us about your personal and professional journey—what led you from practicing law to founding Communication Wise?

Afterworkingfornineyearsasan attorneyintheNetherlands,I movedtotheUnitedStatesin2012 forpersonalreasons.MyDutchlaw credentialsdidn'ttransfer.Rather thaninvestingtimeandresources inre-qualiication,Ileanedintomy passionforalternativeconlict resolution(ADR).Havingalready servedasamediatorbackhome,I beganmediatinginU.S.courtsand corporatesettings,helping individualsandteamsresolve

disputesbeforetheyreachedthe courtroom.

Buildingonthatmomentum,I designedanddeliveredmediationbasedcommunicationworkshops forHRprofessionals,social workers,educators,andeven policeoficers.Thenthepandemic pausedin-persontrainingand courtoperationsin2020.Irealized quicklyitwastimetoevolveonce more.

Isawanopportunitytopartner directlywithexecutivesamplifying theirleadershipimpactby equippingthemwithadvanced communicationstrategies.That insightinspiredthecreationof Communication Wise,whereInow workalongsideseniorleadersto fosterindividualclarityand balancedstrength,enhance leadershipteamcollaboration,and buildresilientcultures.

As someone who has worked as an attorney, mediator, and facilitator, what pivotal

Founder Communication Wise

experiences shaped your philosophy around communication and leadership?

Asanattorney,Iwatchedclients getsweptupinrigidcourt procedures—andevenwinners oftenleftthecourtroom

emotionallyspent,inancially drained,andpermanently disheartened.Thatrevealedtome thetruecostofdecision-making takenoutofpeople'shands.

WhenItransitionedinto mediation,Iappreciatedhowit

DYNAMIC LEADERS 2025

shiftedownershipbacktoclients. However,Ialsorealizedahandful ofsessionscouldn'terasedeeply ingrainedandoftenunconscious beliefsandhabits.Likewise, intensiveworkshops—whether onedayorthree—trulyengaged participantsbutrarelyledto lastingchange.

Theseexperiencescrystallizedmy corebelief:realgrowthin leadershipcommunicationcomes fromsustainedpractice, continuousrelection,andongoing conversationsaboutselfawareness.Ourmindsneverstop runninginnerdialogues,and becausewe'refundamentally socialcreatures,weoweitto ourselvesandourteamsto cultivateskillsthatendurebeyond one-offtraining.Continuous coaching,follow-up,andreal-world applicationaretheleversthat genuinelymakeadifference.

You take a gentle yet honest approach to coaching. Can you expand on what that means in practice, especially when working with executive leaders?

Fromtheveryirstconversation, manyexecutivesnoticehowIlean intocuriosity—askingclarifying questionsinsteadofjumpingto conclusionsorapplyingarigid framework.Idon'tpositionmyself

asthearbiteroftruth;instead,I treateachperspectiveasone possiblelensamongmany.

Myroleisn'ttohanddown“the answer.”It'stobroadenmyclient's viewoftheirownchallenges, revealingfreshangles,untapped opportunities,ornewwaysto connectwithstakeholders.Igently pushbackonassumptionsor potentialblindspots.

Thegentlesideshowsupinhow weapproachandnavigatetopics.I meetleaderswheretheyare,atthe pacetheyset.Theydecidehow activelyIshouldengage,which keepsownershipfullyintheir hands.Becausetheyknowtheir contextbest,Iaddalayerofactive

listeningthathelpsexpand viewpointsanduncover opportunities.

Thiscollaborativeprocessnotonly uncoversclaritybutoftensparks genuinereliefandrenewed optimism.Ultimately,“gentleyet honest”meansholdingaspacethat balancescompassionwith accountability,enablingleadersto growwithconidenceand authenticity.

As an ADR specialist, how do you deine healthy conlict in an organization, and how can leaders engage with it productively?

Healthyconlicthappenswhen

everyonewithastakeinanissue feelssafetovoicediffering viewpoints,listensactively,and collaboratesonclarifyingthetopic andpotentialsolutions.It'sabout leveragingdiverseperspectivesto generatesmarter,moresustainable outcomes.

Butthisishard.Humansarenot wiredforit—weinstinctivelyight (compete,win)orlee(givein) whenfacedwithdisagreement, especiallywhenthestakesare high.Awarenessandpracticeare neededtochoosethemost effectivemode,tailoredtothe situation.Peopleinstinctively defaulttooneofthreestyles:

• Withdraw/Avoid:Stepping backtododgetension.

• Accommodate:Prioritizing harmony(or“fakepeace”) overpersonalneeds.

• Compete:Pushingforcefullyto getourway.

Eachstyleservesapurposein certainmoments,butnoneworks allthetime.Over-avoidingbreeds distrust,constantaccommodation leadstoresentment,andperpetual competitionerodesrelationships.

Leaderscangaugewhetherconlict isstillconstructivebylookingfor signssuchas:

•Participantsaskingopen questions.

•Genuinecuriosityaboutthe

•otherside'srationale.

•Willingnesstotest assumptionstogether.

•Rapidrecoveryfromheated momentswithoutlingering grudges.

Relectingontenseconversations withatrustedpersonhelps identifyourdefaultmodesand wherewecanshift.Practicing conlictscenariosbuildsthe “mentalmuscle”neededto responddifferentlynexttime.

How does effective communication contribute to a healthier company culture? Can Communication Wise really achieve 100% success in this area?

Ahealthycompanycultureis deinedby“howwedothings aroundhere(whennooneis looking).”Atitsheartishow peoplenavigatetough conversations.Whenteamsengage inproductive,respectfuldialogue, theyfostertrust,clarify expectations,andstayalignedon sharedgoals.

Effectivecommunicationlaysthe groundworkfor:

• Trust and psychological safety:Teammembersfeel empoweredtospeakup.

• Shared purpose and values: Dialoguereinforceswhat mattersmost.

What's your vision going forward? Any upcoming projects, training, or new directions you're exploring at Communication Wise?

I'mdeeplysatisiedwithwhereCommunicationWise standstoday.Sinceitslaunchin2020,thecompanyhas experiencedconsistent,organicgrowth.

Lookingahead,myfocusisondeepeningimpact,reining myofferings,andpursuingstrategicpartnerships.I continuouslylearnfromcrediblesourcesandlarger organizationstostrengthenmyskillsandapproach.

I'mnotforcefullychasing“what'snext,”butIremainopen andattentivetoopportunities.Thisensures CommunicationWisecontinuestogrowinwaysthatare bothmeaningfulandenduring.

• Rapid problem-solving: Diverseperspectivesreduce costlysurprises.

• Resilience and adaptability: Openfeedbackloopshelp teamsrecoverfromsetbacks.

CanCommunicationWisedeliver 100%success?Itdependsonhow youdeinesuccess.

Ifsuccessmeansfostering attentiontoandgenuine willingnessforproductive dialogues,absolutely.Ipartner withleaderstoimplementtools, frameworks,andongoingcoaching

thatembedtheseskillsintodaily routines,drivingmeasurableshifts inbehavior.

Ifsuccessmeanslawless communication—no misunderstandingsorconlict, that'simpossible.Human dynamicsarecomplexandeverchanging.Mygoalissustained progress,achievedthrough continuousreinforcementof healthycommunicationhabits.

HARRY SANDERS

Atjust17,HarrySanders wasnavigatinglife withoutahome,bouncing fromcouchtocouchandrelyingon thekindnessofotherstostay aloat.Today,heleadsoneofthe mostsuccessfuldedicatedSEO agenciesintheworld,StudioHawk, withover$15millioninrevenue andagrowingpresencein Australia,Britain,andtheUnited States.

WhatsetsHarryapartisnotjust hisentrepreneurialsuccess,but thepathhetooktogetthere.His journeyhasbecomeacasestudyin resilience,self-teaching,and bettingonpotentialratherthan pedigree.Throughthisexclusive interviewwithExeleonMagazine, Harryopensupaboutthelessons thatshapedhim,thephilosophies thatguidehisteam,andhowhe

Building a Multi-Million Dollar SEO Empire from Rock Bottom

envisionsthefutureofbothSEO andsocialimpact.

You've spoken openly about becoming homeless at 17. Looking back, what were the deining lessons from that period that still guide you today?

Alotofthedeininglessonsfrom beinghomelessatsuchayoung agearetough.They'renotsexyor glamorous.Theyarethingslike realizingthatifyouendupinabad situation,sometimesit'sonyouto getyourselfoutofit.Thatwasthe primarylessonIlearned.

Iwasluckytohavepeoplearound me—mymentorGraham,my socialworkerCarla,andthepeople Icouch-surfedwith.Butevenwith thatsupport,nothingchanges

unlessyouarewillingtomakeit happenyourself.Youcanleada horsetowater,butyoucannot makeitdrink.Thatreallystuck withme.Changehastocomefrom within.

How did you irst discover SEO, and what convinced you to turn it into a business rather than just a side skill?

IdiscoveredSEOwhenIwasabout 13,playingRuneScape.Afewofmy buddieswhowerewebdevelopers mentionedthisthingyoucoulddo sothatyourwebsitewouldshow uponGoogle.Ifounditfascinating. Ireallywantedtotravel,soI startedatravelwebsite.Ieven askedonlinefriendsfromaround theworldtowritearticlesforit.

Whenstrangersstartedindingmy sitethroughsearch,Iwashooked. ItwastheirsttimeIlearned somethingpurelybecauseIloved it,notbecauseaschooltoldmeto. Igaveupvideogamesandspentall myfreetimebuildingthatsite.By 14,Iwasfreelancing.

Later,whenIwashomeless,Iwent backtoSEOfreelancing.Itwasn't tostartabusiness,justawayto makeendsmeet.Buteventually,

theworkgrewtoobigforjustme, andthat'swhenthingsstartedto shift.

What was the spark that made you decide to oficially launch StudioHawk? What were some of the initial challenges?

Therewasnolightningbolt moment,nograndplan.Iwasina government-fundedstartup program,andmymentorGraham

suggestedIstopfreelancingfor agenciesandstartworkingdirectly withbusinesses.Thatwasthepush Ineeded.

Thechallengeswereprettymuch everything.Iwascouchsuring, hadnostableplacetolive,no money,andnoconnections.Even havingareliableplacetoshower wasdificult.So,startinga businesswithzerocapitalandno networkwastheirstbighurdle.

StudioHawk has grown from $1M to $15M in revenue. What were the biggest turning points that fueled that scale?

Theirstbigturningpointwas hiringmyirstteammember.It wasn'tevenplanned.Ibrought someoneonwhowasbehindon rentandfacingeviction.Itold themIwouldteachthem everythingIknew.Suddenly,I wasn'tjustfreelancinganymore.I wasresponsibleforsomeoneelse's livelihood,andthatlitaireunder me.

Anotherleapcamein2019when welandedourirstenterprise clientinAustralia.Thatwin openeddoorstomoremajor brands.ThenCOVIDhit,and suddenly,everyonewasonline. Thatdigitalsurgewasmassivefor us.

Now,withAIreshapinghow peoplesearch,SEOisbackinthe spotlightagain.We'vebeen fortunatetobepositionedwell duringeachofthosemajorshifts.

SEO is evolving rapidly, especially with AI changing search. How do you see the future of SEO, and where will agencies like StudioHawk add the most value?

AIsearchisthebiggestshift we'veseeninyears,thoughit's rollingoutmoreslowlythan peopleexpected.Still,theway peoplesearchisfundamentally changing.Manyarealreadyusing AIalongsideGoogle.Oneday,they mightrelyentirelyonAI.

Thatshiftishuge.AIsearchstill reliesonthecoreprinciplesofSEO, likecontentstructure,authority building,anddigitalPR.Agencies likeStudioHawkareperfectly positionedtogodeepintothose areas.

Thedaysofgenericmarketing adviceareover.Businessesneed specialiststohelpthemadaptto thisnewlandscape.That'sexactly wherewecomein.

You're known for hiring “wholesome nerds” over resumes or degrees. What qualities do you look for when building your team?

Attitudeiseverything.Iwantpeoplewhogenuinelycare aboutwhattheydoandalignwiththevaluesofthe business.SEOis,let'sbehonest,aprettynerdyield.We're notthelashymarketersorinluencers.We'redigginginto data,code,research,andindingwaystoearntrafic.

That'swhyIlovewholesomenerds—peoplewhoare deeplypassionateaboutsomething,whetherit'sgaming, movies,sports,oranythingelse.Theybringthatsame curiosityandenergyintotheirwork.Whenyougetagroup likethattogether,itcreatesaculturewherepeoplecan geekoutaboutSEOandbuildsomethingmeaningfulatthe sametime.

When you think about the next ive years, what's your vision for both StudioHawk and your personal journey as an entrepreneur?

ForStudioHawk,Ibelievewecan doubleoreventripleinsize.Our U.S.oficeisalreadydoingreally well,andifAIsearchcontinuesto takeoff,theopportunityiseven greater.Ithinkwehavearealedge inthatspacebecauseofourfocus andourpeople.

Personally,Iwanttobuildmy platformtomakeameaningful difference,especiallywhenit

comestoyouthhomelessness. ThroughtheLighthouse Foundation,Iwanttohelpdrive realchangeinhowwesupport youngpeopleindificult circumstances.Ialsowanttouse mypersonalstorytoinluence policyandraiseawareness.

Growingabusinessisgreat,but growingyourimpactisevenbetter.

Eva Medilek

DYNAMIC LEADERS 2025

Redefining High Performance Without Burnout

henEvaMedilektalks aboutsuccess,she'snot preachinghustleculture. She'snotsellingtheideathat18hourworkdaysarebadgesofhonor. Instead,she'sinvitinghigh achieverstolookcloserattheir relationships,theirhealth,their habitsandaskiftheirversionof successiscostingthemmorethan it'sworth.

BecauseforEva,thisisn'tatheory. It'slivedexperience.

A Personal Wake-Up Call

BeforeEvaMedilekbecamea sought-aftercoach,speaker,author, andtrainer,shewasadental hygienistbuildingarealestate businessontheside.Herschedule waspacked,herenergystretched thin,andherattentionconstantly dividedbetweenprofessionalgoals andpersonalresponsibilities.Then camethemomentthatchanged everything.

“Idiscoveredinidelityinmy marriage,”shesays.“Iwasworking

full-time,buildingmybusiness, runningthehousehold,andtrying tokeepeverythingaloat.Iwas exhausted,andthatexhaustionwas quietlytakingatoll—onmy health,mymood,andespecially howIshowedupasawife.”

Thediscoverywasdevastating.But italsoservedasamirror,forcing hertoconfrontahardtruth:her relentlesspursuitofachievement hadcomeattheexpenseofher mostimportantrelationships.

“Ihadtotakeresponsibilityforhow my'do-it-all'mindsetcontributed tothebreakdown,”shesays.“That self-awarenessbecamethe beginningofourbreakthrough.”

Insteadoflettingthefracturedeine them,Evaandherhusbandchosea differentpath:therapy,coaching, rebuilding.Throughthathealing process,somethingshifted.Shesaw howmanyotherprofessionalswere chasingthesameillusionofsuccess andburningoutintheprocess.

“Onedaymyhusbandlookedatme

andsaid,'Youneedtohelpothers thewayyouhelpedus.'Thatwas themomentIknewthiswasmy calling.”

Spotting

the Hidden Habits That Sabotage Success

Today,Evaworkswithambitious professionalsandleadershipteams acrossindustries.Whethershe's coachingexecutivesorspeakingon stage,hermessageisclear:high performanceshouldn'tcomeatthe expenseofyourwell-beingoryour relationships.

Whenaskedwhatderailsmosthigh achievers,Evadoesn'thesitate.

“OneofthebiggestperformancesabotaginghabitsIseeistherefusal todelegate.There'sthismindsetof, 'IfIwantitdoneright,I'lldoit myself.'Itmayhaveworkedearlyin theircareers,butovertimeit becomesabottleneck.”

Anothersilentculprit?Lackof boundaries.

“Leadersoftenletconstant

interruptionslikecalls,texts,emails hijacktheirfocus.Itstretchestheir workdayintopersonaltime,leading tochronicfatigueandlow-quality output.Theyendthedaydrained, withnothingleftfortheirloved onesorthemselves.”

Andit'snotjustaboutwhattheydo, it'salsoaboutwhattheydon'tdo.

“They'renotpracticingenergygeneratinghabits.Theyilltheir timewithlow-impacttasksinstead oftheonesthatmovetheneedle. They'rebusy,butnotproductive.”

Tobreakthesepatterns,Eva developedher CPR Formula — Clarity,Prioritization,and Responsibility.It'sasimplebut powerfulframeworkdesignedto helpleadersgetclearonwhattruly matters,setboundaries,andtake fullownershipoftheirtimeand energy.

“Thisishowtheylearntoperform attheirbestwithoutburningout.”

Overtheyears,herleadershipand inluencehaveearnedheralonglist ofrecognitions,including The Brainz Crea Global Award, The Los Angeles Tribune Outstanding Leadership Recognition,and The CXO 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award

SheisalsotherecipientofThe EvolutionaryBusinessCouncil's BronzeMentorshipAward,the FearlessWomanofInspiration Award,andwasnamedaGoody BookAwardFinalist.

The Art of Listening: A Leadership Essential

Ifthere'soneskillEvabelieves

everyleadermustmaster,it's listening—real,intentional listening.Especiallyintoday'sfastmoving,hybridworkenvironments wherediverseperspectivesand remotecollaborationarethenorm.

Sheteachesherclientsthe L.A.P.I. Listening Framework,amethod thatfostersinclusiveandeffective communication:Listen, Acknowledge,Paraphrase,Inquire.

“It'saboutslowingdownandreally hearingpeople,”shesays.

“Acknowledgingwhatsomeone sharesshowsrespect.Paraphrasing ensuresclarity.Andinquiringwith thoughtfulquestionsdeepens understanding.”

It'sthekindofcommunicationthat buildstrust.Andtrust,Evabelieves, isthecurrencyofmodern leadership.

“Whenleaderscommunicatethis way,theycreatespacefordialogue andinnovationtothrive.Peoplefeel seenandheard.Andthat'swhat keepsteamsengagedand motivated.”

Balancing Ambition With Presence

Eva'sresumeisnothingshortof dynamic.She'saspeaker,ahighperformancecoach,arealestate investor,andaleadershiptrainer. Butbehindthescenes,she'salsoa wife,alifelonglearner,anda womanwhogenuinelyenjoysher morningwalks.

Sohowdoesshekeepitallfrom spinningout?

“Istrugglewithshinyobject syndrome,”shelaughs.“I'mcurious bynature,whetherit'sanewrecipe orabusinessidea.Butthat

curiositycanleadtofeeling scattered.”

Heranchor,onceagain,isthe CPR Formula.Everyevening,shelooks aheadtothenextdayanddeines herpriorities.Thefollowing morning,shereturnstothelistwith intention.

“Iaskmyself,'Whataretheneedlemovingtaskstoday?Whatreally deservesmyenergy?'AndIblock timeforthosebeforeanythingelse.”

She'salsoiercelyprotectiveofher mornings.

“Theirsttwohoursofmydayare mine.Iwalk,meditate,workout, andeatanourishingbreakfast. Thoseroutinesclearmymindand reducestress.Theyhelpmeshow upstrong.”

Anothernon-negotiable? Create before you consume.

“IworkonmytopprioritiesbeforeI evencheckmyinbox.ThatwayI'm focusedonwhatmatterstome,not reactingtowhateveryoneelse needs.”

Andwhenthedaygetschaotic,Eva leansintoasimplequestion:“Isthis alignedwithmypriorities,orisit pullingmeaway?”

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact

WhileEvacontinuestoworkclosely withindividualsandleadership teams,she'salsothinkingbigger. Hernextchapterisaboutaccess, makinghigh-performancecoaching andleadershipdevelopmentmore widelyavailable.

Building Cultures That Retain Top Talent

Burnoutisnolongerjusta personalissue;it'sabusiness one.Teamsaredisengaged. Talentedpeoplearequietly quitting.Andcompaniesare scramblingtoretaintheirbest.

AccordingtoEva,theproblem isn'talackofeffort.It'salack ofunderstanding.

“Mostmanagersjumpstraight toperformancefeedback withoutpausingtoask,'Whyis thispersonstruggling?'They correctbeforetheyconnect.”

Heradviceforforwardthinkingorganizations?Get curious.Useframeworkslike L.A.P.I.touncoverwhat'sreally goingon.Maybetheemployee

Oneofhernewestinitiativesisan on-demandcoursecalled The Inclusive Community Blueprint.It's designedforprofessionalswho wanttodeepentheirleadership skills,eveniftheircompanyhasn't investedinformaltraining.

“It'sforpeoplewhowanttogrow, bothpersonallyandprofessionally. It'saccessible,actionable,and rootedinthesameframeworksI usewithmyprivateclients.”

Andthat'sthethreadthatruns throughallofEva'swork:helping

isoverwhelmed.Maybethey're unclearonexpectations.Or maybethey'requietlydealing withsomethingpersonal.

“Thekeyistocreateaspace wherepeoplecanspeakup withoutfear.When communicationisopenand transparent,youcanactually supporttheminmeaningful ways—throughmentalhealth resources,lexibleschedules, orsimplymorerecognition.”

Retention,shesays,startswith relationships.

“Whenpeoplefeelseen,heard, andvalued,theystay.Andthey bringtheirbest.”

highachieverssucceedwithout sacriicingthemselvesalongthe way.

“Youdon'thavetochoosebetween yourambitionandyour relationships.Youdon'thaveto burnouttobebrilliant.There'sa betterwaytoleadandliveandI'm heretohelppeopleindit.”

Reza Satchu

Defining the Founder Mindset

Thepathto entrepreneurshipoften beginswithresilience, adaptability,andawillingnessto createopportunitieswherenone seemtoexist.Thesequalitiesnot onlyshapestrongbusinessleaders butalsodeinethewaytheyguide otherswhohopetofollowasimilar path.

Onepersonwhoembodiesthis approachisRezaSatchu,an entrepreneur,investor,and educator,whosejourneyhastaken himfromKenyatoCanada,and frombuildingcompaniesto mentoringthenextgenerationof founders.AstheFoundingPartner ofAlignvestManagement Corporationandalecturerat HarvardBusinessSchool,he continuestoinluencebothmarkets andminds.Inthisinterview,Reza Satchushareshowhisearly experiencesshapedhisoutlook, whathehaslearnedfrombuilding multiplebusinesses,andwhyhe believescommitmentandresilience arethetruehallmarksof entrepreneurialsuccess.

You were born in Kenya and raised in Toronto after your family immigrated to Canada in the 1970s. How did those early

experiences shape your outlook on opportunity and entrepreneurship?

WhenmyfamilyarrivedinToronto fromMombasa,Kenya,myparents tooktheapproachoffullimmersion intoCanadianculture.Wewanted tomakeithereonourownterms andthroughourownwilland determination.Webuiltbusinesses asafamily,startingwithmydad workingasarealestatesalesman andmeworkingasapaperboy, whereI'dsliphisbusinesscards intothenewspapersIdelivered.

Wemovedoftenwhennew opportunitiesarose,andtherewere constantadjustmentstonew circumstances.Therewere struggles,andweovercamealotof obstacles,butthatgavemewhatI believeisasecretoffounder success:resilience,orthebeneitof obstaclesnotofmyownchoosing. Wecreatedopportunitieswith hustleandanentrepreneurial mindset.Iknowhowfortunatewe weretobeoneofthefamilies selectedtocometoCanadafrom Kenya,andI'vealwayswantedto expressmygratitudetothis countryforgivingourfamilyso much.

Talk to us about Alignvest Management Corporation. What makes it a leading private investment irm in Canada and beyond?

We'reentrepreneurshelping entrepreneurs.Weunderstand whatmakesasuccessfulfounder andasuccessfulbusiness.The foundersofAlignvestManagement Corporationhavebuiltseven businessesfromthegroundupthat havesoldformorethan$7billion invalue.Ourpartnercapitalhas grownfrom$30milliontoover $200millionsincewestarted,with netassetvaluepersharegrowth exceeding20%annually.

InDecember2024,wesold AlignvestStudentHousingREITto ForumRealEstateIncomeand ImpactFundfor$1.7billion.We succeededbyexecutingthevision wehaveforalloureffortsat Alignvest:creatingindustrydeiningbusinessesthatservean undersuppliedneedanddrive substantiallong-termvalueforour stakeholders.

Wefavorinvestment-friendly structuresthattietoperformance ratherthantypicalprivateequity models,andthisapproachhas

allowedustoconsistentlybuild institutional-qualitybusinesses overtime.

You've co-founded and scaled several companies across different industries, from storage to inancial services to student housing. What was one of the most pivotal lessons you learned from building and exiting multiple businesses?

OneofthecentraltenetsIlivebyis therelentlesspursuitof opportunitieswithoutregardto resourcescurrentlycontrolled.It takesbeliefinyourselfandyour visiontobesuccessful.Thebest ideas,whetherit'ssellingbooks onlinewithAmazonorelectriccars withTesla,aresimple.There's nothingnewtothem—it'sthe approachthat'snew.Thebelief.

ThelessonsI'velearnedareabout trustingmyinstinctsandexploring allideas.Itellfoundersthatthey needtosuspendthedisbeliefthat largercorporationswithmore resourcesmusthavealready thoughtoftheirideaandpursuedit fully.It'samazinghowmanyideas thatseemsimpleandobviousto you,asafounder,havenotoccurred toothers.What'sobvioustoyou, withyouruniquelivedexperience, isn'tobvioustoeveryoneelse.So committoit,knowingthatyouwill bringsomethingtotheideathatno oneelseiscapableofbecausethey haven'tlivedyourlife.

You teach “The Founder Mindset” at Harvard Business School. How do you deine that mindset, and why is it critical for entrepreneurs today?

TheFounderMindsetisabout developingtheskillofdeploying soundjudgmentandmaking consequentialdecisionsthrough continuouspracticeand accountability.Manyfounders hesitatetocommit—theywaitfor moreinformationoramoreperfect marketopportunity.Mymessageto foundersatHarvardBusiness SchoolandatNEXTCanadaisthat therealmagiccomeswhenyou commitfullytoanidea.

You'llneverhaveperfect information.There'sneveraperfect timetolaunchorpitchtoyourirst investor.Wheninvestorsseethat you'refullycommittedtoavision andthatyouholdstrong convictionseveninuncertain markets,that'swhenyou'llindthe partnersyouneed.Judgmentand decision-makingareskillsthat requirepractice,justlikemusicor sports.Youhavetocreatethose opportunitiesforyourself,and whenyoufail,acceptthatfailureas partoftheprocess.Overtime,you getbetter,andthoseexperiences becomethefoundationofyour success.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Alignvest and its portfolio companies?

Theworkofbuildingbusinesses alongsidecommitted,dedicated entrepreneursandourteamof insightful,experiencedinvestment partnersexcitesmetremendously. We'reconstantlyseekingout opportunitieswithsustainable competitiveadvantages,ledby capablemanagementteamswith proventrackrecords,resilience

througheconomiccycles,and scalablebusinessmodelsthat generateattractivereturnson investedcapital.

TheCanadianmarketisconstantly recalibratinginresponsetoglobal realignmentsandeconomicshifts, andourteamisamongthebest positionedinNorthAmericato identifyandcapitalizeon opportunitiesthatemergeinthese conditions.

Lastly, what according to you makes one dynamic? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

Ibelievethatwhatmakessomeone dynamicisthewillingnesstocreate theirownopportunitiesandto pursuethemrelentlessly,withfull commitmentandopennessto innovationandcollaboration.I've triedtofollowthatinmyownlifeas afounder,andI'vepassedthat lessononasaninvestmentpartner andasamentorthroughHarvard BusinessSchoolandNEXTCanada.

Asaleader,Istressthatthereal tragedyofabusinessopportunity isn'tfailure—it'snevertryingat all.Youhavetoembracethe unknownandbepreparedtolearn frommistakes.Thepotentialupside ofcreatingsomethingmeaningful andlong-lasting,somethingthat buildsalegacyandcreates resourcesforrealsocietalchange, faroutweighsanyfearoffailure.

Shaping a More Inclusive and Resilient Real Estate Future Adam Gant

Persistence,patience,and visionarequalitiesoften reservedforathletesand entrepreneursalike.Forrealestate professionalAdamGant,those traitswerehonedearlyonwhile trainingwithCanada'sNational RowingTeam.Thedisciplineand endurancethatrowingdemanded shapedhowhewouldlater approachrealestate—aieldthat, muchlikethesport,requireslongtermfocus,resilience,and adaptability.

Overtheyears,Ganthasworked acrossmultiplerealestatesectors andbecomealeadingvoicein sharedequityandinnovative housinginancemodels.Inthis interview,hediscussesthelessons thatshapedhisjourney,the evolvingdynamicsofthehousing market,andhisvisionforamore inclusiveandsustainablefuturein realestate.

You began your real estate journey in your early twenties while training with Canada's National Rowing Team. How did

that experience inluence your mindset as an investor and developer?

TrainingwiththeNationalRowing Teamtaughtmealotabout enduranceanddelayed gratiication.Inrowing,youspend countlesshourstrainingforarace thatlastsonlyminutes,andthe differencebetweenwinningand losingoftencomesdowntohow wellyouhandlediscomfortand pressure.Thatmindsettranslated directlyintorealestate.

Developmentcyclesarelong, sometimesivetotenyearsfrom ideatocompletion.Thereare setbackswithzoning,inancing,or marketshifts.Myrowing backgroundgavemethediscipline tostayfocusedonthelong-term visionevenwhentheshort-term challengesfeltoverwhelming.

You've worked across a wide spectrum of real estate sectors — residential, retail, ofice, industrial, hospitality, land development, and senior care. Which sector do you ind the

most dynamic right now, and why?

Residentialisbyfarthemost dynamicbecauseittoucheson affordability,urbanization,and demographicchangeallatonce. Canadaiswelcomingrecordlevels ofimmigration,andhousehold formationisaccelerating,but supplyhasn'tkeptpace.The disparitycreatesbothsocial challengesandinvestment opportunities.

I'malsointerestedinseniors housingaswell.Ourpopulationis agingquickly,andthecurrent infrastructureisn'tsuficient There'saneedforhousingthat balancesaffordability,accessibility, andcherishesaginggenerations. Thatsectorisgoingtoexpand dramaticallyoverthenexttwo decades.

Buttherealinnovation,inmyview, isn'ttiedtoasingleassetclass;it's ininancingmodels.Sharedequity isoneexample.It'sasystemwhere ownershipissplitbetweenthe

occupantandanequitypartner, makinghomesmoreaffordable withoutover-leveragingindividuals withdebt.Ico-wrote A House Shared toexplorethisideain narrativeformandprovidean exampleofhowalternativemodels couldstabilizemarkets,improve accessibility,andstilldeliver returnsforinvestors.That'sthe conversationIbelievewilldeine thenexteraofrealestate.

What common mistakes do you see real estate developers or investors making when it comes to inancing projects?

Themostcommonmistakeis assumingthatliquiditywillalways bethere.Toomanydevelopers structureprojectswiththin marginsandaggressivetimelines, leavingnoroomfordelaysorcost overruns.Wheninterestratesrise, salesslow,orapprovalsdragout, thewholeprojectbecomesfragile.

DYNAMIC LEADERS 2025

Anothermistakeisover-relianceon conventionaldebt.Traditional mortgagesandconstructionloans havetheirplace,buttheyaren't alwaysthebesttoolsforbuilding resilientportfolios.That'swhyI've spentyearsstudyingglobalmodels. MarketsinSingapore,Eastern Europe,andSoutheastAsiahave experimentedwithsharedequity, cooperativestructures,andhybrid inancinginwaysthatNorth Americahasn't.Thoseapproaches canprovidestabilitywhen traditionalinancingisunderstress.

How do you balance your professional commitments with your philanthropic initiatives?

Iseethemaspartofthesame mission.Myprofessionalworkis aboutbuildinghousingsystems thatfunctionbetterforpeopleand ideallysupplementsother initiatives,whetherthoseare focusedonaffordablehousing, shelters,orcommunity development.Thetworeinforce eachother.

Forexample,ifIadviseagroupon structuringasharedequityfund,I canalsosupportnonproitsthat helppreparefamiliesforequity sharingoptionsoncetheyareready. It'saboutalignment,notbalance. Whenmybusinessand philanthropiccommitmentsmove

inthesamedirection,they strengthenoneanotherinsteadof competingformytime.

What advice would you give to young professionals looking to break into real estate investment today?

First,learnthefundamentals— inance,markets,andconstruction. Youcan'tshortcutthose.Butonce you'vemasteredthebasics,stay curiousaboutnewmodels.Real estateisshiftingallthetime.Shared equity,co-living,andimpact-driven fundsarecreatingopportunities thatdidn'texistwhenIstarted.

Don'tthinkonlyintermsofa narrow-mindedROI,especially whensustainingoccupancywith lowturnoverisimportant.Ask yourself:howdoesthisdealholdup overtenyears,acrosscycles?Oneof thelessonsfromthecreditcrisisis thatwhatlooksproitableinthe shortruncancollapseifitisn't sustainable.Buildforendurance.

Andstartsmall.Yourirstdeal doesn'tneedtobegroundbreaking. Whatmattersislearningbydoing andthenscalinggradually.Real estaterewardspatienceand persistencemorethanrisk-taking.

What excites you most about the future of real estate development

and investment? What is your vision going forward?

Whatexcitesmeisthegrowing recognitionthatwearenotdone whenitcomestohousinginance innovation,andthereisawhole otherworldofequityoptionswe candeploy,wherethepasthas usuallyinvolveddebtinnovations. Housinghastofunctionasshelter irstbutcanalsoprovidefamilies withinancialequityforthe millionsofCanadianswhoneed affordablesolutions.

Mypersonalvisionistoseebroader adoptionofsharedequityandother innovativeownershipstructures thatbalanceindividualaffordability

withinvestorreturns.Theyreduce riskforfamilies,providestable yieldforcapital,andstrengthen communities.That'sthevisionI laidoutin A House Shared,andit's somethingIcontinuetoworkon withthegroupsIadvise.

Thefutureofrealestate,ifdone right,willbemoreinclusive,more resilient,andmoresustainable.We canbuildsystemswhereinvestors succeedbyhelpingpeoplelive better,notbypricingthemout. That'swhatmotivatesmeevery day.

AJONATHAN AZOURI

ccesstorecreational sportshasoftencome withbarriers;from unavailablerinkstoinconvenient bookingsystemsthatdiscourage participation.ForJonathanAzouri andhissisterMayaAzouri, growingupplayinghockeyin Torontomadethosechallenges clear.Whatifindingandbooking afacilitycouldbeasseamlessas bookingalightorhotelroom?

Thatidealedtothecreationof CatchCorner,asportsfacility bookingplatformthathasgrown intoover15NorthAmerican marketsandpartneredwith SportsIllustratedtofuelits expansion.Inthisinterview, JonathanAzouri,CEOof CatchCorner,sharesthestory behindtheplatform,the

Building CatchCorner into the “Expedia of Sports”

challengesandadvantagesof workingwithasiblingco-founder, andhisvisionforthefutureof recreationalsports

What sparked the idea for CatchCorner, and how did you both decide to turn it into a business?

GrowingupinToronto,mysister MayaandIplayedalotofhockey andothersports,butoneofthe biggestchallengeswasalways indinganavailablerinkorfacility nearby.Itstruckusthatifbooking alightorhotelissoseamlesson platformslikeExpedia,why couldn'tthesamebetruefor sportsfacilities?Atthetime,there reallywasn'tanythinglikethison themarket,soweknewwehadto

illthisgap.Afteralotof developmentandtesting,ourapp CatchCornerlaunchedin2019, intendedtomakeaccesstosports facilitiesasseamlessaspossible.

CatchCorner has expanded into over 15 North American markets. What factors guided your market expansion strategy?

EarlysuccessstoriesinToronto helpeddemonstratethevalueof theplatform,whichinturnmadeit easiertoenternewmarkets.We ine-tunedaformulathathas proventoaddvalueforourfacility partners,aswellasforcustomers whovalueconvenience.

Ourstrategyhasalwaysbeen

LEADERS 2025

guidedbycommunityneeds.We lookformarketswithstrong sportscultureswherepeopleare eagertoplaybutoftenstruggle withaccess.Partneringwith SportsIllustrated,themosttrusted nameinsports,in2021gaveus theopportunityandtheresources tomoveintobigUSmarketslike

NewYorkCity,Chicago,Los Angeles,andDallas.

As sibling co-founders, how do you both divide responsibilities and decision-making?

ThisisaquestionIgetoften,andI thinkit'sbecausesibling

CEO of CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated

relationships,bynature,are intertwinedandcanmakeit dificulttoindyourownfooting. Thatwasespeciallytrueforusin thebeginning,whentherewereno clearlydeinedrolesinthe company.Whowoulddesignthe UI?WhowouldmapouttheUX? Whatwouldthecompanyevenbe called?Thesewereallunknowns atirst.Overtime,werealizedthat wedidn'tbothneedtodo everything—wejustneededto bothunderstandeverything.Much likeitwaswhenweweregrowing up,asbusinesspartnerswerelied onamixoftrust,guidance,and rawhonestytoigureeverything out.

Ourstrengthsnaturally complementeachother.I'mdetailorientedandaplanner—bothin

personalityandinmyroleasCEO. MysisterMayaisdrawntopeople andsocialdynamics,whichhas alwaysbeenherstrongsuit.That balance,combinedwithagenuine friendship,honestfeedback,and anincredibleteamaroundus,is whathasallowedustoworkso welltogether.Therearedayswhen we'llargueapointuntilitfeels moot,butwe'vealsolearnedwhen tostepback,takeabreather,and returntoitwithaclearer perspective.

How do you see technology further transforming the way people access and experience recreational sports?

Peoplevalueconvenience.Every successfulbusinessseemstobe builtonthatpillar.Technologyhas transformedthewaypeople expecttoaccessservices.It'swhy wecannoworderaride,groceries, orahotelroominstantlyfromour phones.Sportsshouldbeno different.On-demandaccessis whatdrivesCatchCorner:the abilitytoindafacility,seerealtimeavailabilityandrates,and bookitinseconds.

Butastechnologyevolves,we're alwayslookingforwaystomake theuserexperienceevenmore seamless.Ourrecentcollaboration withGoogleisagreatexampleof that.Thenewintegrated“Book Online”buttonallowsusersto bookanycourts,ields,andice rinkswithinourmarketsdirectly fromGoogleSearch.Wearealways

What's next for you and CatchCorner? With nearly $50 million in annual bookings, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in the next 2–3 years?

Weseethebiggest opportunitiesin expandingrapidlyinto newgeographicmarkets wheredemandisstrong butcurrentoptionsare limited.Overthenextfew years,ourgoalistomake CatchCornerahousehold nameineverycityacross NorthAmerica.

lookingforstepsforwardin removingfriction,ultimately transformingthewaypeople accessrecreationalsports.

What advice would you give to other founders who are trying to disrupt legacy industries?

Frommyexperience,thebest adviceistobuildsolutionsthat makelifetangiblybetterand surroundyourselfwitharesilient, adaptableteam.Changedoesn't happenovernight,butifyoustay consistent,holdtruetoyour values,andremainopento

Byscalingourreach,we'll beabletointroduceour platformtoamuchwider audienceanddeepenour presenceineach individualmarket.This meansmorepeoplewill beabletodiscoverthe facilitiestheywantand enjoygreateraccessto sportsinevery communityweserve.

feedback,you'llcreateanimpact thatlasts.Ultimately,it'slessabout chasingdisruptionandmore aboutbuildingsomethingpeople can'timaginelivingwithout.

WBuilding a Regenerative Future Through Purpose, Power, and Presence Davis Pfund

henDavisPfundtalks aboutsustainability,he isn'tjustreferringtosolar panelsorgreenhabits.Hisvisionof sustainabilitystretches deeper—intocommunities, consciousness,andhowpeople connectwithoneanotherandthe planet.Atirstglance,hemaybe knownforhisventuresinclean energyandcommunitybuilding, butathiscore,Davisissomeone who'sdrivenbysomethingmuch moreprofound.

“I'malwayssearchingfordeeper connection,"hesays."Withpeople, withpurpose,andwiththeplanet weshare."

From Early Lessons to Lifelong Values

TheseedsofDavis'smissionwere plantedearly.Atjust14,hejoined

hisfamily'scompany,Zerodraft Maryland,andbeganworking hands-onintheenergyeficiency world."Iwentfrombuildinglights toinstallingthem,"herecalls."Then IbecameanLEDlightingspecialist andgotcertiiedinhomeenergy auditing."

Thatexperienceformedthe bedrockofhisprofessionalpath. Butbeyondthecertiicationsand projects,ittaughthimsomething bigger:thatenergyisn'tjusta utility,it'saformofempowerment.

Outsideofwork,hislovefornature andtheoutdoorsshapedhis environmentalethos."Seeingtrash inyourownbackyardorona beautifultrailwhilehikingjust hurtsmysoul,"hesays.That visceralreactionsparkedapersonal commitmenttonotjustprotectthe environment,buttoregenerateit.

Mettā Creative: A Party with Purpose

WhilestudyingEntrepreneurship& TechnologyInnovationatthe UniversityofDelaware,Davismet fellowchangemakerDylanNunn. Together,theycofounded Mettā Creative,aventurethatreimagined whatcollegenightlifecouldbe.

"Mainstreamnightlifelackedtrue connection,"Davissays."We wantedtocreateeventsthatwere funbutalsopurposeful."

Mettā Creativebecameaplatform formusic,art,andmeaningful communityexperiences.Witha "partywithpurpose"approach, theireventsraisedawarenessfor environmentalcauses,minimized waste,andfosteredrealconnection. Insteadofdisposablecups, attendeesbroughtreusablebottles.

Insteadofemptyconversations, guestsfoundauthenticfriendships.

Astheeventsevolved,sodidtheir impact.Peopleweren'tjust attending,theyweretransforming. "Wesawpeopleformlifelong friendships,startpartnerships, evenlaunchbusinessesbecauseof theconnectionsmadeatour events,"Davisrelects.

Grounded in Experience: Tierra Fresca

Whenthepandemichit,Davisand Dylanrelocatedtoafarmand immersedthemselvesin permacultureandeco-villageliving.

Renewab

Thatchapterbirthedanewvision: Tierra Fresca,aregenerativehub nearLakeAtitlán,Guatemala.

"Insteadofspendingthousands rentingvenues,wethought,why notcreateapermanentspacefor theseexperiences?"Davissays. TierraFrescaismorethanaretreat center.It'samodelforsustainable livingwherepeoplecangrowfood, makeplant-basedmedicines,and learnthroughhands-on experiences.Thelanditself,a historiccoffeefarm,isbeing revitalizedintoaneco-villagethat blendswellness,education,and environmentalism.

"Wewantpeopletowalkawaynot justrefreshed,buttransformed, equippedwithtoolstolivemore regeneratively."

New Earth Solar: Reclaiming Power

Onthebusinessfront,Davisisthe founderofNewEarthSolar,a renewableenergyconsulting companyoperatingnationwide. Backedbymorethan14yearsin theindustry,hesawarising demandforcleanenergythatwas notonlysustainablebutinancially accessible.

"Whatexcitesmeishelpingpeople reclaimtheirpower,"hesays. "Financially,environmentally, energetically."

NewEarthSolarconnectsclients

withtrustedsolarsolutions, helpingthemcutcostswhile reducingtheircarbonfootprint.For Davis,it'snotjustaboutenergy savings.It'saboutaligningdaily decisionswithdeepervalues.

"Solarisn'tjustaproduct.It'sa statementaboutthekindofworld wewanttocreate."

Spiritual Roots, Practical Impact

Asatrainedmusicianandartist, Davisweavescreativityintoevery venturehetouches.Butwhatunites allhisworkissomethingless visible:adeepinnerpractice groundedinspiritualityandselfawareness.

"Spirituality,wellness, environmentalism,theyaren't separate,"heexplains."They're differentexpressionsofthesame truth."

Thatbeliefinformshowheleads, howhedesignsexperiences,and howheapproachesbusiness. Whetherhe'sfacilitatinga meditationcircleorclosingasolar deal,Davisbringsintentioninto everyspaceheenters.

"Spiritualityistheroot,wellnessis thepractice,andenvironmentalism istheimpact,"hesays."That'show IstaygroundedinwhyIdowhatI do.”

Lessons in Leadership

Davis'sjourneythroughtheHorn EntrepreneurshipprogramatUD wasmorethanjustacademic.Itwas formative.ProgramslikeSummer FoundersandSiegfriedFellows

gavehimthestructureandsupport toreineMettaCreativeandbuild momentum.

"Theacceleratorprogramopened doorsandprovidedinvaluable lessons,"hesays."Italsohelpedme stayfocused.Whileotherswere caughtupincollegedistractions,I wassurroundedbypeopleactively buildingsomething."

HealsofoundedtheKronumClub atUD,blendingsportand

communityintoanotheravenuefor connection.

"Ilearnedearlyonthatleadership isn'taboutpushingpeople.It's aboutcreatinganenvironment wheretheycanseetheirown potentialmoreclearly.”

Mostrecently,Davisreceived3 awardsatthePowurWorld NationalConventionthisyear, includingtheprestigiousAndrea BuddAward.

On Being Transformational

ForDavis,transformationstarts within."It'slessabouthavingall theanswersandmoreaboutasking therightquestions,"hesays.

Inhisleadership,heemphasizes empathy,transparency,and alignment."Ifyourworkandyour valuesdon'tmatchup,peoplefeel that.Butwhentheydo,itinspires trust."

The Path Forward

Rightnow,Davisisfocused onscalingNewEarthSolar tomeetskyrocketing demand.Withrisingutility costsandincreased electriication,themoment isripe.

"Asoneofmymentorssays, 'followthemoney',"he notes."Solariswhat's fundingtherestofmylife andpassionprojects."

Atthesametime,thevision forTierraFrescaiscoming tolife.Thelanddealis nearlycomplete,andphase onedevelopmentis underway.Withinthenext fewyears,Davissees

himselfinvestingmostofhis timeintobuildingtheecovillage,preparingthe educationcenter,and hostingmore transformationalgatherings undertheMettā Creative banner.

Long-term,hedreamsof helpingbuildmoreecovillagesandregenerative communitiesacrossthe world.It'snotjusta businessplan.It'samission.

"Itbringstogether everythingIlove: connection,music, permaculture,education, andpurpose.”

Hesharesopenlywithhisteamand community—notjustwins,but lessons."Thatauthenticitybuilds realenthusiasm.Notsurface-level hype,butthekindofirethatsitsin yoursoul."

Whetherthroughmusic,clean energy,orregenerativefarming, DavisPfundisdoingmorethan buildingbusinesses.Heisbuilding environmentsthatempowerpeople tocomealive.

"Attheendoftheday,"hesays, "beingtransformationalisn'tabout pushingpeople.It'saboutshowing themwhat'spossibleandgiving themthetoolstostepintoit.”

Founder & CEO, Symbiosis Infinity Group

Jean-Christian Rindoni

FEmbracing a New Paradigm for Global Prosperity

ordecades,boardrooms acrosscontinentshave prioritizedspeedandcosteficiencyoversustainabilityand humanity.Yet,amidthislandscape, agrowingnumberofleadersare callingforsomethingdifferent, somethingmoreconscious, inclusive,andenduring.

Jean-ChristianRindoniisoneof thoserarevoicesturningvisioninto action.

Withmorethan20yearsof experiencenavigatingcomplex internationalmarkets,fromEurope toAsia,AfricatotheMiddleEast, Jean-Christianwitnessedirsthand thelawsinmodernsupplychains andtheethicalblindspotsoflargescalecommerce.Butinsteadof walkingaway,hemadeithis missiontorewritetherules.

Today,astheFounderandCEOof SymbiosisIninityGroup(SIG)and aCertiiedConsciousBusiness

GrowthAdvisorwiththeGlobal ChamberofBusinessLeaders (GCBL),Jean-Christianisleadinga globalmovementtoinfuse humanitybackintobusiness. ThroughSIG,he'shelping corporations,suppliers,and communitiestransform transactionalrelationshipsinto dynamic,equitableecosystemsof growth.

Whatdrivesthismission?A commitmenttolegacy.Abeliefthat business,whenrootedinempathy andpurpose,canbecomeoneofthe mostpowerfulforcesforgoodin ourworld.

A Turning Point in the Boardroom

"Aftermorethan20years navigatinginternationalbusiness, acrossEurope,Asia,Africa,andthe MiddleEast,Ifoundmyself increasinglydisillusionedbythe samepatternrepeating,"Jean-

Christianrecalls."Companies maximizingshort-termproitatthe expenseoflong-termvalue."

Hedescribesafamiliarscene: boardroomsobsessingover eficiencymetrics,treating communitiesasexpendable,and suppliersasnumberstobe squeezed.Butthatdisillusionment sparkedsomethingdeeper,avision forbusinessbuiltnotonextraction, butonsymbiosis.

"I'vealwaysbelievedintheconcept ofsymbiosis:amutuallybeneicial relationshipwhereallpartsthrive," heexplains."SIGismycommitment tocreateanecosystemwhere growthupliftseveryone,fromlarge corporationstosmallsuppliersin remoteregions."

Rehumanizing Supply Chains

AttheheartofSIG'smissionisone centralproblem:"Globalsupply

chainshavelosttheirhumanity," saysJean-Christian.

Intoday'sglobaleconomy, decisionsareoftenmadefrom thousandsofmilesaway,withlittle awarenessofthepeopletheyaffect. Smallsuppliers,particularlyin developingcountries,aretrapped inacycleofsurvival;forcedinto razor-thinmargins,withno resourcesleftforreinvestmentor growth.

"Thiscreatesaviciouscycle.They havenoresourceslefttoinvestin betterpractices,product innovation,orcommunity development.”

SIGworkstobreakthiscycle."We viewsupplychainsasliving, breathingecosystems,"hesays.By empoweringproducersand reconnectingstakeholders,SIG fostersinnovationandresilience fromthegroundupunlockingwhat Jean-Christiancalls"innovation pipelinesthatnocorporateR&Dlab couldreplicate."

The Symbiotic Growth Model: Proit with Purpose

ThefoundationofSIG'sworkisthe SymbioticGrowthModel,aradical departurefromtraditional, transactionalbusinessframeworks.

"Traditionalmodelsareextractive," hesays."Theytreatrelationshipsas

zero-sum:mygainisyourloss."

SIG'sapproachisbuiltonwhat Jean-Christiancallsthe"Symbiosis IninityLoop"acontinuouscycleof co-creation,reinvestment,and mutualupliftment.Insteadof negotiatingforthelowestprice, companiesareencouragedtocoinvestinsuppliers'capabilities, helpingthemimprovequality,gain certiications,andcreatebetter livelihoods.

"Thisisn'tcharity,"heinsists."It'sa strategicadvantage.Yougainaccess tobetterproducts,strongerloyalty, andstoriesthatresonatewith today'sconsciousconsumers."

ThroughhisadvisoryroleatGCBL,

Jean-Christianishelpingbusinesses aroundtheworldimplementthis model,showingthatlong-term proitabilityandethicalleadership arenotonlycompatiblebut interdependent.

Redeining Leadership for a Legacy of Impact

ToJean-Christian,leadershipinthis newparadigmmustbegroundedin self-awareness,empathy,andlongrangevision.

"Consciousleadershipmeansbeing fullyawareoftheripplesyour choicescreate—economically, socially,andenvironmentally,"he says."It'saboutleadingfroma placeofempathyandintegrity ratherthanegoorfear."

Legacy-drivenbusinessesask differentquestions.Arewe empoweringorexploiting?Arewe creatingco-ownersorclingingto control?Arewebuildingsomething thatwilloutlastus,forthebetter?

"Trustisacurrency,"hesays."And trustcompoundsovertime."

ThroughGCBLandSIG,he'spartof agrowingglobalmovementof executivesandchangemakers determinedtousebusinessasa forceforpeace,cooperation,and sustainabledevelopment.

Flipping the Paradigm: From Speed to Sustainability

Fortoolong,themantrainbusiness hasbeenspeedandcostaboveall else.ButJean-Christianbelieves thismindsetisnotonlyoutdated, it'sdangerous.

A Global Vision for the Next Generation

Jean-Christian'svisionfor thenextdecadeisclear:to scaletheSymbiosisIninity Loopacrossborders, sectors,andcommunities.

"We'rebuildingglobal coalitionsthatuseconscious businessgrowthasatoolfor peaceandcooperation,"he shares."Imagineregions historicallydividedby conlictcomingtogether throughinterdependent

"Cheapandfastmightwininthe shortrun,butitleavesyou vulnerabletosupplyshocks, reputationaldamage,andlossof consumertrust."

Headvocatesforashiftfrom "extractanddiscard"to"co-create andinvest."Thisincludes implementingfairtradepractices, creatingroomforinnovationin ruralsupplychains,andbuilding long-termrelationshipsinsteadof switchingvendorseachseason.

"I'veseenirst-handhow companiesthatadoptthismindset attractloyalcustomersandunlock supplychaininnovationstheir competitorscan'timitate.”

traderelationships."

Hebelievesthefuture belongstothosewho embracethisshiftnow.

"Overthenext10–15years, consciouscapitalismwill becomethenorm,notthe exception.Businessesthat balanceproitwithpurpose willleadtheway,thosethat don'twillbecomerelics.”

How to Join the Movement

Jean-Christianencouragesleaders everywheretobeginbyasking betterquestions:

"Whoarethepeoplebehindyour products?Whatdotheyneedto thrive?Wherecanyouturn extractionintocollaboration?"

Toexplorethesequestionsfurther, heinvitespeopletoconnect:

"Together,wecanbuildalegacy wheregrowthisnotjustabout whatwetakebutwhatwegive back,empower,andco-createfor generationstocome.”

SFrom Medicine to Mission-Driven Entrepreneurship NAVIN GOYAL, MD

uccessisoftenmeasured bytitles,stability,and expertise.ForDr.Navin Goyal,MD,thatdeinitionshifted aftermorethanadecadeasan anesthesiologist.Whilehevalued theimpacthemadeinmedicine, herealizedhisfulillmenthad plateaued.Choosinggrowthover comfort,hetransitionedinto entrepreneurship,building venturesthatcombinepurpose withinnovation.

Asco-founderofLOUDCapital, LOUDCollective,andOFFOR Health,NavinGoyal,MDhas dedicatedhimselftosupporting founders,rethinkingventure capital,andtransformingaccess tohealthcareforunderserved communities.Inthisinterview,he shareshisturningpoint,his

visionforimpact-driven businesses,andwhatexciteshim mostaboutthefuture.

You spent 13 years as an anesthesiologist before walking away to “wake others up.” What was the turning point that made you sideline medicine for entrepreneurship?

Theturningpointhitmeafter yearsofdoingthesameworkand realizingitnolongerfueledme thewayitoncedid.Ihadtrained foroveradecadetobecomean anesthesiologist,andwhileIloved theimpactIcouldmakeinthe moment,Ifeltcapped,my learningcurvewaslat,andmy fulillmentwasshrinking.

Iwantedtobuildsomethingthat

matteredtome,somethingthat challengedme,andwhereIcould keepgrowingwhilehelping othersrisewithme.Itwasn'tan easydecisiontowalkawayfroma careerIhadworkedsohardfor, butIknewstayingcomfortable wouldhavemeantsettling,and thatwasneveranoption.

What inspired the creation of LOUD Capital, and how is it different from traditional venture capital irms?

LOUDCapitalgrewoutofthe challengesIsawearly-stage foundersfacing,especiallyaround funding.Ihadinvestedinafew venturespersonallyandstarted connectingotherstocapital opportunities,andsoonIwas askedtotakethatresponsibility

further:couldIdeploycapitalto venturesthewayIsawit?That wasthestartofourinitialangel fund.

Butwhatquicklybecameclearis thatmoneyaloneisn'twhat founderstrulyneed.Building strongteams,makingcritical

decisions,managingresources, drivingbusinessdevelopment, andintegratingtechnologyare justasimportant,manytimes moreso.That'swhyLOUDCapital isn'tatraditionalVCirm.We investinpeopleirst,offerhandsonoperationalsupport,andfocus onscalingventureswithclarity,

infrastructure,andpurpose,not justdollars.

LOUD Capital now has more than 80 portfolio companies and four exits. What do you think has been the key to building such a strong portfolio?

Idon'tthinkthere'sonesecret formulatobuildingastrong portfolio.Whatmattersis showingupearly,beingpresent, andearningthetrustofthe foundersweworkwith.We've learnedtolistenirst,reallylisten, totheirchallenges,fears,and ambitions,andthenrollupour sleevestohelpineverywaywe can,whetherit'sstrategy, operations,team-building,or technologyintegration.

Whatsetsusapartisour willingnesstobevulnerable, relatable,andempathetic,to admitwhenwedon'thaveall theanswers,andtolearn alongsidethefounders.We pushforwardevenwhenit's hard,evenwhenthepathisn't clear,becauseweknowthat persistence,adaptability,and honestcollaborationarewhat ultimatelydrivesuccess.That mindsetdoesn'tjustbeneit theventuresthemselves;it createslastingvalueforour investorsandthepeople whoselivesareimpactedby theproductsandservicesour companiesarebuilding.

OFFOR Health is redeining how and where healthcare is delivered, particularly for underserved children. How did this mission-driven venture come about?

OFFORHealthstartedwith adults,butwithinourirst year,alargeMedicaid insurancecompany approacheduswitha challengewecouldn'tignore: thousandsofchildrenacross thecountrywerewaitingover ayearfordentalprocedures inhospitalsandsurgery centers.Thecurrentsystem wasoverloaded,andkids wereleftinpain,oftenwith diseaseprogressingwhile theywaited.

From physician to VC to healthcare innovator, your journey has been unconventional. How do you personally define success today?

Ourmodellipsthatonitshead. Bybringinganesthesiadirectly intodentalpractices,weremove theneedforfamiliestotravellong distancesorendurelongwaits, makingcaremoreaccessibleand timely.Today,we'veservedover 40,000childrenacrossmultiple states.It'smission-drivenwork, butit'salsopractical:we're creatingasystemthatmeets patientswheretheyareand deliverscareinawaythe traditionalsystemoftencan't.

I'mdrawntoventuresthatsolve realproblems,makeatangible differenceinpeople'slives,and

Ideinesuccessbymy abilitytokeeplearning, followingmycuriosity withcourage,andleaning intovulnerabilitywhile doingworkthat energizesmeand beneitsothers.It'sabout beinghonestaboutthe challengesandlessons alongthewayand

sharingthoseinsights throughplatformslike mypodcast, Made to Rise, andmynewsletter, Underdogs Don't Stop,so otherscangrow alongsideme.Forme, successisn'tatitleor milestone;it'shelping othersriseandcreating realimpact.

challengeoutdatedsystems.For me,buildingcompaniesisabout impact,purpose,anddesigning solutionsthatactuallychangethe worldforthebetter.

What excites you most about the future of LOUD Capital, LOUD Collective, and OFFOR Health?

Whatexcitesmemostisseeing thefoundationwe'vebuilt continuetogrowandinspire otherstoapproachbusiness differently.Thesearesmall organizationswithbigheartsand evenbiggeraspirations,andthe

incredible,ambitiouspeople withinthemmakemeconident thatwhatwe'recreatingwillhave lastingimpact.I'menergizedby theideathattheworkwe'redoing withLOUDCapital,LOUD Collective,andOFFORHealthnot onlybuildssuccessfulcompanies butalsoinspiresotherstodream bigger,leadwithpurpose,and approachentrepreneurshipand healthcareinawaythattruly changeslives.

Bringing a Cinematic Edge to the LA Real Estate Scene JOHN CAMPBELL

Betweenallthelights, cameras,andhigh-stakes dreams,JohnCampbell hasfoundauniquewaytoblend twoworldsthatrarelyoverlapso naturally: entertainment and real estate.Withacareerthatbeganout ofpersonalnecessityandevolved intoacreativepowerhouse,Johnis nowoneofLosAngeles'most dynamicrealestateagents,known forsellinghomeswiththesame lairhebringstothescreen.

OriginallyfromLondon,John's journeyintorealestatestartedat just21,whenhepurchasedahome forhisparentsduringainancial crisis.Thatexperiencesparkedan understandingofrealestatenot justasshelterbutasanasset,a waytocreatelong-termstability andwealth.Overtheyears,ashis actingcareerunfoldedwithits inevitablehighsandlows,real estatebecamehisanchor.

“Asaworkingactortherearetimes

whenyouareonaprojectandhave money,thensometimeslongspells withnoactioninbetween.So havingsomerentalincomewas incrediblyuseful,”Johnrecalls. “Eventually,Ibeganworkingasa realtorbetweenactinggigsand broughtmypassionforstorytelling andproductionintothewayI markethomes.”

Where Storytelling Meets Selling

Withadeeploveforthecreative process,Johnbeganincorporating high-productionvideocontentinto hispropertylistings.Theseweren't yourstandardwalkthroughs.They werecinematicexperiences.

“Weshootcrazyvideosinallprice points,beit$900,000or$90 million.Theyallgetthesame treatment,”hesays.“Andbelieve me,wehavelistingsinentrylevel aswellasluxury.”

Thisuniqueapproachisalso adoptedbyhisbrokerageRevel RealEstate,whichhasgarnered seriousattentioninthepast.One ofthestandoutmomentswasan $86millionsaleonCarolwood DriveinHolmbyHillsthatwas featuredinTheWallStreetJournal. Johnensureseachlistingisgiven thestartreatment,withdrone footage,narrativescripts,and cinematiceditingthathighlights thehome'spersonality.

Acting Experience, Real Estate Results

John'sbackgroundasanactorhas beenamajorassetinbuildinghis realestatebrand.Heconnects naturallywithclientsfromthe entertainmentworld, understandingtheirlifestylesand expectations.Manyofhisearly clientswereproducersand directorshehadworkedwithon ilmsets.

samepassionandstorytellingto eachinteraction.

Inluence Beyond the Listings

Withasocialmediafollowingof over73,000onInstagram,Johnhas carvedoutadigitalspacethat blendslifestyle,realestate,and community.Thisplatformisn'tjust aboutself-promotion,it'satoolto inspire.

HerecallshelpingrapperMozzy purchasemultipleproperties, includingastudioandarental investment.Afterpostingaphoto withMozzy,afanreachedoutthe sameday,inspiredtostartherown journey.

“Manyofmyclientsarealsofrom theentertainmentindustry,sothey reallyappreciatethisnarrative approach.Wetrytotellthestoryof thehousefromtheperspectiveof whowethinkthepotentialbuyer maybe,soitappealstothem,”he explains.

Hisabilitytopresentaproperty withemotionandlairdoesn'tjust appealtoHollywoodtypes.It resonateswitheverydaybuyers, too.Whetherit'safamilysearching fortheirirsthomeoraninvestor lookingforasmartadditionto theirportfolio,Johnbringsthe

“Oneweeklaterweopenedescrow onagreatfourplexforheronthe Southside.Itwasherirst purchase,andIpersonallyheldher handallthewaythroughit,”John shares.

Realtor® at Revel Real Estate

Thatcombinationofinluenceand accessibilityisrare,anditspeaks ofJohn'sgroundedapproach. Despitehissuccessandcelebrity connections,heremains committedtohelpinganyone seriousaboutrealestate,whether it'sairst-timebuyeroraseasoned investor.

Adapting to Diverse Markets

John'sreachisn'tlimitedtoLos Angeles.Histeam,TheJohn CampbellGroup,andbrokerage, RevelRealEstate,haveconnections invariousregions,includingMiami andevenTurks&Caicos.Whenit comestodealsoutsidehisprimary market,hecollaboratesclosely withlocalagentswhile maintainingoversight.

“FordealsinMiami,Ireferthemto oneofourexcellentMiamiagents andthenoverseethingsfromhere inLA,”hesays.It'sallpartofa widerstrategytodeliver consistency,quality,andtrust,no matterthelocation.

Balancing Acting and Real Estate

Oneofthemorefascinating aspectsofJohn'scareerishow seamlesslyhejuggleshisacting projectswithhisrealestate business.Hecreditshiswell-oiled teamformakingthispossible.

“Mytransactioncoordinator, ShakaraKing,runsatightback oficeallowingmetojustfocuson solvingpeople'sproblemsand ensureanexcellentservice,”he says.“Thisalsoallowsmetoact

whenaprojectcomesalong knowingourclientsareinsafe hands.”

Heoftenindshimselfclosingdeals fromilmsetsandembracesthe crossoverbetweenboththe worlds.Caseinpoint:hisrecent appearanceinCardiB'smusic video'Safe'featuringKehlani, whichamassedover13million

viewsintwoweeks.

“Can'tsaytoomuch,butI'm helpingsomeofthemembersof theproductionbuyandsellhomes rightnow!”headdswithasmile.

What's Next?

John'smomentumshowsnosigns ofslowingdown.He'swrappingup

theilm Expense of Death andis developinganactioncomedy called Best of Enemies.Onthereal estatefront,he'slistinga$7 millioncelebrityhomeinthe HollywoodHills,completewith loor-to-ceilingglasswallsand sweepingpanoramicviews.

Andthentherearethediscreet, off-marketlistings;exclusive homesforhigh-proileclients,like a$60millionTuscan-stylevillain HolmbyHills.Theseproperties, whilenotonthepublicMLS,are handledwithutmost

conidentialityandcare.

A Real Estate Star with Staying Power

JohnCampbellisn'tjustridinga trend.He'sbuildingalegacyrooted instorytelling,service,and strategicgrowth.Hisdualcareers inactingandrealestateinformone another,creatingadistinctive brandthatresonatesacross industries.

Whetherhe'sonsetoronasite visit,Johnbringsauthenticityto

everythinghedoes.“I'mjustas excitedtohelpairst-timebuyer indtherighthomeasIamto shootanewmusicvideoorclosea high-stakesdeal,”hesays.

Andinacitywherereinventionis currency,JohnCampbellproves thatstayingtruetoyourstory mightjustbethemostpowerful moveofall.

DYNAMIC LEADERS 2025

Leading with Principles, Growth, and Lasting Impact

Adaptability,responsibility, andvisionarequalities thatdeinestrong leadership.ForMichaelAmin,CEO ofPrimexWorldInc.,thosetraits wereinstilledearlyinlifeand continuetoguidebothhisbusiness andphilanthropicwork.Fromhis entrepreneurialbeginningsin Manhattantooverseeingaglobal portfolioofpermanentcrops,real estate,andprivateequities,Amin hasbuiltacareergroundedin integrityandcontinuouslearning.

Beyondbusiness,healsofounded theMaximumDifference Foundation(MDF),anonproit committedtocreatingthegreatest possibleimpactthroughcharitable work.Inthisinterview,Amin relectsonthelessonsfromhis upbringing,hisapproachto leadership,andthelegacyhehopes toleavebehind.

What according to you makes one Dynamic? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

Tome,beingdynamicmeanshaving theabilitytoadapt.Intoday's world,weareconstantlyaskedto reineourselves,toembracenew knowledge,newapproachestolife, andscientiicprogress.Adynamic

personisabletodothiswith opennessandlexibility.

Ilearnedthislessonmostclearly frommyfather.Hegrewupina smallcitybeforemovingtoTehran, thecapitalofIran,whichwasfar moreadvanced,progressive,and open-minded,andhehadtoadapt. Towardstheendofhislife,he movedtotheUnitedStates.That wasabigtransition,anditrequired anevengreaterlevelofopenmindednessbecausethecultural normsintheU.S.werevery differentfromthosehegrewup with.Thingsonceseenas unacceptableinhisculturewere completelynormalinthisnewone. Formany,suchdrasticshiftscanbe overwhelming,butnotformy father.Heshowedmethattrue dynamismistheabilitytoadapt.

Dynamicpeoplenotonlyadaptto changebutalsochallenge themselvestore-evaluatetheir beliefs,embracepersonalgrowth, anddevelopnewwaysofthinking astheirsituationchanges.While manypeopleresistchangebecause oflong-heldtraditionsorreligious andmoralprinciples,dynamic leaderscanmovebeyondthose limits.Theystayopen-minded, acceptnewrealities,andfocuson

self-improvement.Thatmindset, whichmyfathermodeledforme,is whatItrytobringintomyown leadership.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as an entrepreneur / leader that you can remember?

Myirstrealentrepreneurial venturehappenedwhileIwas livinginManhattan.Ifounda100year-oldluxuryhousethatIrented outonFridaynights.Iorganized dinnerswithlivemusicfor entertainment,handledthe advertisingmyself,designed postersandpostedthematlocal storewindowswiththestore owners'approval.Iplacedadsfor thenightclubinanIranianAmericannewspaperanddid severalothertasksneededto promotethenightclub.Withonlya smallinvestmentoftwoorthree thousanddollars,Iwasableto createabusinessthatmadeaproit. Moreimportantly,itwasanidea thatIcameupwithcompletelyon myown,anditshowedmehow rewardingitcouldbetoturnmy visionintoreality.

As CEO of Primex World Inc., you oversee pistachio orchards and other investments. How do you

balance managing a diverse portfolio of permanent crops, real estate, and private equities?

AlthoughIamthefounder,owner, andCEOofPrimexWorldInc.,I'm luckytohaveanintelligentand capableteamtohelpmerunday-todayoperationsandmaintainall aspectsofthebusiness.Theydoa greatjobandgivemeimmensehelp inbalancingmymany responsibilitiesandinterests.

There'salsothebusinessmodelI follow,whichcanbeabighelpin thisrespect.Istructuremy orchards,realestate,andequity holdingstoruninalargelypassive way,withtrustedmanagers overseeingdailyoperations.Ialso arrangemyrecurringtasksand meetingsfordesignatedtimes throughouttheweek.Thissystem makesitquitepossibletomanage myaffairswithoutbeingstretched toothin.

In your view, what sets Primex apart in its approach to responsible and proitable business operations?

Oneoftherealmeasuresof responsibilityinthebusinessworld ismanagingtomakeadecentproit whilestillmaintainingyourmorals, ethics,andsenseofwhoyouareas anorganization.I'mproudthat Primexhasaccomplishedthis dificultfeat.Icansaywithirsthandknowledgethatthecompany wasstartedwithcertainprinciples inmind,andinitsdecadesof existence,ithasneverdeviated fromthem.Thisisacreditto everyonewhoworksatPrimex. Afterall,principlestranslateinto deeds,anddeedsarewhatwemust

allbejudgedon,asacompanybut alsoasexecutivesandhuman beings.

Ontheproitabilityside,Ibelieve mostentrepreneursalreadyknow whatneedstobedonetoruna successfulbusiness.Thedifference atPrimexisthatwesimplystriveto doabetterjobandpaycloser attentiontothedetailsthatreally matter.Everybodyunderstandsthe basics,butwemakeitapointto executethematahigherstandard, andthat'swhatsetsusapart.Our philosophyistoalwaysbebetter thanmost,notinanarrogantway,

butinadisciplinedway.Wealso neverstoplearning.I'vealways encouragedpeopleinthecompany tolookatwhatourcompetitorsdo andtopickuponthegoodideas. Thatmindsetofcontinuous improvementkeepsussharp,andit guaranteesweneverbecome complacent.

Looking ahead, when you think about your legacy, what do you hope people will remember most about your work and impact?

WhenIthinkaboutmylegacy,it's lessaboutwhatotherswillsayand

moreaboutwhetherIcanlookback onmylifeandfeelproudofthe choicesImade.Whatmattersmost isknowinginmyownheartthat I'vedonetherightthingsandmade apositivedifference.IfIcanbeat peacewiththat,thentheopinions ofothersdon'treallymatter.

Thatbeingsaid,in2001,Irealizeda long-heldgoalandlauncheda nonproitorganization.Iwantedto optimizetheamountofgoodI couldaccomplishinmylifetimeand evenbeyond,whichiswhy,after muchconsideration,Idecidedto callitMaximumDifference Foundation,orMDFforshort.The ideabehinditwastoapplythe principleofreturn-on-investment, orROI,thathadworkedsowellfor meintheprivatesectortothe charitablesphere.Inpractice,what thismeansismakingsurewedo charitableworkthatforevery dollarinvested,producesthe maximumpositivegoodinorderto makethemaximumpositive impact.TheFoundationmeasures itsprogressinwhatIcall“unitsof positivechange,”whichisjust anotherwayofexpressingthe reverberationscausedbyour actions.

Wehavemanyinitiatives,butoneI liketotalkaboutisourcampaignto motivateparentstolearnaboutthe artandscienceofgoodparenting byreadingbooks,watchingvideos, attendingseminars,and,if necessary,speakingtotherapists.It ismybeliefthatpositively inluencingtheyounger generationswillprovidethebest ROIastimepassesandultimately makethemaximumdifferencefor good.ThewayIseeit,happyand well-adjustedchildrengrowinto

What advice would you give to the next generation of entrepreneurs and philanthropists who want to create both financial success and meaningful impact?

Bekind.Behonest.Trytodo asmuchgoodintheworld asyoucan.Learnasmuchas youcanthroughoutall stagesofyourlife.Bea positiveforceinyourfamily. Raiseyourchildrentobe happyandhealthy,nothing ismoreimportantthanthat.

Alwaysconsideryour businessmoveswiththeend inmind.Imagineyourselfat theendofyourlife,looking back.Whatwouldyouwant tosee?What accomplishmentswould trulymakeyouproud?Ifyou keepthesethoughtsinmind, manydecisionstendto

happyandwell-adjustedadults, whowillthenmakevaluable contributionstosociety.Ishould notethatMDFdoesn'tprovideany trainingorparentingclasses ourselvesbutrather,throughpublic relationsandadvertising,motivates parentstolearntheartandscience ofparenting.

Butthat'snotalltheFoundation does.Wealsopartnerwithawide varietyofcharitiesandnonproit organizationssuchasThe InnocenceProject,DoctorsWithout Borders,HumanRightsWatch,

makethemselves.It'salso worthrememberingthat successonitsowndoesnot bringhappiness.Happiness comesfrompracticing gratitude,stayingpresent, andlearningtobecontent, nomatterthe circumstances.Achieving inancialsuccessisa wonderfulgoal,butitshould nevercomeatthecostof yourintegrity.Don'tletego, greed,orambitionpushyou intobeingdishonestor takingadvantageofpeople. Truesuccessisbuilding somethingthatlastswhile doinggoodalongtheway.

AmnestyInternational,aswellasa hostofothersinordertofacilitate goodworkacrosstheglobe.

Intheend,IthinkthatstartingMDF andguidingitsworkwillbewhat, lookingback,Iwillbemostproud of.ThestartupsIworkedonearly inmycareer,andlater,Primex WorldInc.arehowImademyname inbusiness,butIbelieveMDFwill bemymostpositiveimpactonthe world.

IEmpowering Women to Lead Authentically Christopher Lubwama

ntheheartofUganda, BrotherChristopher Lubwamahasdedicated hislifetocreatingmeaningful change.AstheFounderand DirectorofJireh'sLoveCharity Organization,Christopherleads withdeepcompassion,lived experience,andavisionrootedin faith.Whatbeganasasmalleffort tocarefororphanedchildrenhas sincegrownintoamissionthat touchesthelivesofhundreds— restoringhopetothosemost overlookedandbuildingpathways towardself-relianceanddignity.

Bornandraisedamidstthebeauty andhardshipofUganda, Christopher'sjourneyisdeeply personal.Asachild,heknewthe stingofhungerandtheweightof loss,havinglosthisparentsata youngage.Raisedbyextended

familyandupliftedbythefaithof hischurchcommunity,hebeganto dreamofadifferentkindoffuture, onewherenochildfeltinvisible andnowidowfacedthenightalone. Thatdreamwouldeventually becomeJireh'sLoveCharity Organization.

A Mission Rooted in Compassion

Foundedin2015,Jireh'sLovebegan withjustahandfulofchildren, somefood,andtheboundlessfaith ofayoungmandeterminedtomake adifference.Whatstartedasa modestoutreachhasgrownintoa vibrantmissionservinghundreds oforphans,widows,andstruggling familiesacrossruralUganda.

“OurmissionisrootedinJames 1:27,”Christopherexplains.“To lookafterorphansandwidowsin

theirdistress.Thatiswhatweare calledtodo.”

Throughanetworkofchurches, villageelders,andcommunity leaders,Jireh'sLoveidentiiesthe mostvulnerable—children orphanedbydisease,widowswith nosourceofincome,andyoung peopleatriskofexploitation.For Christopher,eachlifetheytouchis sacred.“Theyarenotstatistics. TheyarechildrenofGod.Eachone withaname,astory,andafuture worthightingfor.”

Programs that Restore Dignity

AttheheartofJireh'sLoveCharity Organizationaresimplebutlifechangingprograms.Dailyfeeding initiativesensurechildrenreceive atleastonenutritiousmealaday. Educationsupporthelpskeepkids

inschoolbycoveringfees, uniforms,andsupplies.Discipleship programsofferspiritual nourishment,encouragingchildren togrowinfaith,character,and hope.

“Wearenotjustfeedingstomachs,” Christophersays.“Wearefeeding dreams.”

Oneofthemostambitiousand transformativeinitiativesonthe

horizonistheChickenFarm Project,asustainablesolutionto recurringinancialchallenges.“This projectismorethanpoultry.Itis aboutbreakingthecycleof dependency,”Christopherexplains. Thefarmwillprovidefoodforthe children,generateincomethrough eggandmeatsales,andoffer employmentandtrainingfor caregiversandyouth.

“Itismydreamthatthisfarm

Founder and Director of Jireh's Love Charity Organization

becomesalivingtestimony,”he adds.“Proofthatwhen communitiesworktogether, orphansandwidowscanind dignitythroughself-reliance.”

Challenges on the Journey

Likemanygrassrootsorganizations, Jireh'sLovefacesdailychallenges. “Sometimes,theneedfeels overwhelming,”Christopheradmits. “Wewanttohelpeveryone,butour resourcesarelimited.”

Consistentfundingisaconstant concern.Schoolfees,medical emergencies,andbasicsuppliescan quicklydraintheirsmallbudget.

“Therearedayswhenwehaveto stretchonemealtofeedmany,”he says.

LaunchingtheChickenFarm

Projectisacrucialsteptoward long-termsustainability.Butit requiresupfrontinvestment:land, properhousingforthepoultry, feed,veterinarycare,andtrained staff.Withoutoutsidesupport,this visionrisksstallingbeforeitcan takeoff.

“Thereisnoquickixtopoverty,” Christopheracknowledges.“Itis complexandgenerational.Butwe believethatwithfaithandaction, wecancreaterealchange.”

A Vision for the Future

Lookingahead,Christopher'svision isboldandexpansive.Inthenext5 to10years,hehopestoseeJireh's Lovebecomeaself-sustaining organization.TheChickenFarm Projectwillbethefoundation,but plansarealreadyinmotionto expandintovegetablegardens, ishponds,andpossiblyevensmallscaledairyfarming.

Therearedreamsofbuildinga permanentchildren'shome;aplace ofwarmth,belonging,andfamily. Plansarealsounderwayto establishaChristianschoolto providequalityeducationnotonly tothechildrentheyservebutalso toothersinthesurrounding communities.Andasmallmedical cliniccouldsavelivesbyaddressing preventableillnessesthatoftengo untreatedduetolackofaccess.

“Thisisnotjustaboutcharity,” Christopheremphasizes.“Itis aboutempowerment.Wewantto raiseagenerationofteachers, doctors,andleaderswhocome fromtheseveryvillagesandgo backtoupliftthem.”

A Message of Hope

Forthosewhofeelforgottenor brokenbylife'shardships, Christopherhasamessagethat comesfromtheheart:“Youarenot invisible.Godseesyou.Yourlife

matters.Yourdreamsmatter.”

Andforthosewiththemeansto help,heextendsaheartfelt invitation.“Youcanbetheanswer tosomeone'sprayer.Everydollar, everyprayer,everyactofkindness

isaseedthatwillbearfruitina child'slife.”

HehopestheChickenFarmProject willnotjustfeedmouthsbut

inspirehearts.“Letthisfarmbea symbolofwhathappenswhenlove movesintoaction.Together,wecan bringhopetothehopelessandlight tothedarkestplaces.”

An Invitation to Give

AsChristophercontinueshis mission,hecallsondonors, churches,businesses,and individualsaroundtheworldto standwithhim.TheChickenFarm Projectisthekeytounlockinglongtermimpact—butitneeds generoushandstobuild.

“Everygiftisaninvestmentina child'ssmile,amother'speace,a community'sfuture,”hesays.

TosupportJireh'sLoveCharity Organizationandhelpbringthe ChickenFarmProjecttolife,visit theirGoFundMecampaign: www.gofund.me/f9856f1b

WEmpowering Women to Lead Authentically Dr. Stephanie Duguid

henDr.StephanieDuguid steppedintoherirst classroom,shehadnoidea thatthethirddayofherteaching careerwouldbethemostpivotal momentofherlife.Itwastheday shelosthermothertoatragiccar accident.Ratherthanbeing derailedbygrief,Stephaniefound purposeinthepain.Shemadea powerfuldecision:tochannelher mother'slegacyofconnectionand compassionintoeveryaspectofher work.

"MymomalwaysknewI'dendupin education,evenwhenItriednotto," Stephanierelects."Sheandmy grandmotherwereincredible communicators.Mymomhadaway ofmakingpeoplefeeltrulyseen andincluded.Shewaseventrained astheWelcomeWagonWomanin ourcommunity,whichenhanced hernaturalgiftforcreating

belonging."

Stephanie'spathtoleadership wasn'tconventional.Butherstory isproofthattrueleadershipdoesn't comefromchasingtitles.Itcomes fromhowyoutreatpeopleandthe environmentsyoucreate.

From the Classroom to the Boardroom

Stephanie'sjourneyineducation spansmorethanthreedecades, encompassingbothK-12andhigher education.Whatstartedasawayto honorhermother'smemory quicklyevolvedintoamissionto supportnotjuststudentsbutalso faculty,staff,andadministrators. Herunderstandingofleadership shiftedearlyon.

"Leadershipisnotaboutholdinga titleorposition,"shesays."It's

abouthowyouinluence,connect with,andtreatothers.Theheartof leadershipisinrelationships."

Thatguidingprincipleledherto establish Do Good Leadership,a platformdesignedtoempower womentoleadwithauthenticity, strength,andclarity.

The Birth of Do Good Leadership

After25yearsofworkingalongside educatorsandleaders,Stephanie noticedapattern.Womenwanted togrow,butmanylackedthe supportandconidenceneededto riseintheircareers.Theywere missingtoolsincommunication, connection,authenticity,and positivity.Sheknewsomethinghad tochange.

"Iwantedtocreateaprogramthat gavewomenthetoolsand

encouragementtheyneededtostep intoleadershipwithconidence," sheexplains.

ThemissionofDoGoodLeadership isclear: to exponentially elevate leadership impact.Through mentorship,keynotes,workshops, andcoachingprograms,Stephanie helpswomenunlocktheirpotential withouthavingtomoldthemselves intosomeoneelse'sversionofa leader.Instead,herprogramsguide

LEADERS 2025

womentoleadwiththeirown voice,theirownstrengths,andtheir ownstory.

A Program Rooted in Real Transformation

Stephanie'soriginalprogram, WomeninEducationGrowingin Leadership,wasa90-day experiencefocusedonbuilding conidenceandclarity.Itquickly becameclearthatherimpactcould

Founder of Do Good Leadership

extendbeyondeducationalone.

"Overtime,Irealizedtheprogram neededtoexpand,"shesays. "Womenweren'tjustlookingfor conidence.Theywanteda structuredprocessthattied relection,action,andlong-term growthtogether."

Thatrealizationledtothecreation ofherlagshipprogram: Exponentially Elevate Your Leadership Impact with 9 Key Steps to Success.This10-week guidedjourneyisbuiltaroundher uniqueframework, The Leadership Dance,andunfoldsinthreekey phases:

• Relect:Participantsbeginby examiningtheirexperiences andhabits,askingdeep questionslike,"AmItruly alignedwithmypurpose?"

•Theylearntoreframeobstacles asopportunities.

• Strengthen:Thisphasefocuses onbuildingresiliencethrough self-care,emotional intelligence,andintentional connection.

• Elevate:Womenbegintolead withpurpose,upliftingothers, steppingintocollaboration,and embracingboldleadership.

Thetenthandinalweek, The Empowered Journey,bringsitall together.Participantsrelecton theirgrowth,celebratetheir progress,andbuildaroadmapfor continuedimpact.

"Therealignmenthasmadethe programmorepowerful,"Stephanie says."It'snolongerjustforwomen ineducation.It'sforanywoman readytoleadwithauthenticity."

Helping Women Move from Stuck to Strong

Throughoutherwork,Stephanie oftenmeetswomenwhofeel disconnectedfromtheirpower. Theyarrivelost,stuck,orstagnant. Thechallengestheyfaceare consistentanddeeplyhuman:

• Imposter Syndrome:Despite theirqualiications,many doubtthemselves.

• Lack of Mentorship:Without rolemodelswhorelecttheir ownexperiences,womenoften feelisolated.

• Burnout and Overwhelm: Withsomanyresponsibilities,

leadershipcanseemoutof reach.

Stephanieunderstandsthese strugglesintimately.Herownstory, steppingintotheclassroomunder tragiccircumstances,gaveher irsthandexperiencewithgrief, growth,andgrit.

"Iknowwhatitfeelsliketobe thrownintounexpected challenges,"shesays."ButIalso knowthatthosechallengescan sparkpurpose.Myroleistohelp womenreframethosemoments andrealizetheyalreadyhavewhat ittakestolead."

Speaking with Heart and Clarity

Withmorethan100conference keynotesunderherbelt,Stephanie isnostrangertothestage.Her message,however,alwayscomes backtoonecoreidea: leadership is

about people, purpose, growth, and connection.

Whethershe'sspeakingto educators,businessleaders,or women'sorganizations,sheadapts hermessagetomeetthemoment. Still,shealwaysgroundshertalks inuniversalleadershipskills: communication,emotional intelligence,andempowerment.

"Losingmymomsoearlytaughtme theimportanceofauthentic communication,"shesays."Iwant everypersonintheroomtowalk awaywithpracticalstepstheycan take.Butmoreimportantly,Iwant themtoleavefeelingupliftedand equippedtomakeadifference."

Advice for Institutions: How to Support Women Leaders

Stephaniebelievesthatinstitutions haveanimportantroletoplayin

helpingwomenrise.Her recommendationsaresimple,but impactful:

• Create Pathways, Not Pipelines:Leadership developmentshouldoffer multipleentrypoints. Flexibilityiskey.

• Mentorship and Sponsorship: Womenneedmentorsfor guidanceandsponsorswho advocateontheirbehalf.

• Encourage Authenticity: "Wearyourownshoes,"she says,quotingacolleague. "Leadershipbecomesmost powerfulwhenit'sauthentic."

Stephanieknowsfromexperience thatwhenwomenareencouraged toleadasthemselves,theydomore thansucceed—theythrive.

Leading with Legacy

ForStephanie,leadershipis personal.Itbeganwithhonoring hermother'smemoryandevolved intohelpingothersindtheir

A

Book, A Playlist, and What Comes Next

Thisyearhasbeenoneof majormilestonesfor Stephanie.Hernewbook, Exponentially Elevate Your Leadership Impact: A Yearlong Journey to Relect, Strengthen, and Elevate Your Leadership,recently launchedonAmazonand becameabestsellerinseven categories.

"It'saweek-by-weekguide illedwithafirmations, relections,andlessons,"she explains."It'sthebookI wishI'dhadwhenIirstlost mymom."

Alongsidethebook,she launchedbookvaluepacks thatofferbonusesbasedon ordersize.Largerorders includeaccesstoadded resources,keynotes,and evenworkshops.

strength.

"ThroughDoGoodLeadership,my book,andmyprograms,Ihelp womenstepintoleadershipwith clarity,courage,andauthenticity," shesays.

Hermother'slegacylivesonnot justinStephanie'sworkbutalso throughamemorialscholarshipthe familysupportsatalocalcollege.It

Stephaniealsocreated The Do Good Leadership Music Collection,aseriesof curatedSpotifyplaylists designedtoinspireleaders throughmusic.Whether someoneneedsaresetora conidenceboost,the playlistsofferauniqueand upliftingresource.

Lookingforward,Stephanie isworkingonaseriesof booksthatwillbreakdown eachphaseofherleadership framework.Eachbookwill comewithacompanion workbooktohelpreaders putlessonsintopractice. Shecontinuestoreach womenthroughherpodcast, alsotitled Exponentially Elevate Your Leadership Impact

isaittingtributetoawomanwho builtbelongingwherevershewent.

"Leadershipisnotabouttitlesor positions,"Stephaniesaysagain. "It'saboutinluence.It'sabouthow youtreatpeople,howyouconnect, andhowyouinspireotherstorise withyou.”

Redefining Age Management and Women's Wellness Lana Kerr

LanaKerristhevisionary forcebehindLumisque Skincareandthecreatorof CO2LIFT®,theworld'sirst professional-grade,non-invasive carboxytherapygel.Withmorethan twodecadesofexperienceinhealth andbeauty,Lanahasbuiltaglobal reputationasaleaderinaesthetics, agemanagement,andwomen's wellness.

Herjourneybeganwithasuccessful chainofweightlossclinics,butit washerdiscoveryoftopical carboxytherapyinJapanthat reshapedhermissiontoward clinicalinnovation.

Introducing CO2LIFT® to the World

In2016,Lanasecuredexclusive rightstothisgroundbreaking technologyandlaunched CO2LIFT®intheU.S.Whatstarted asasingleproductquicklyevolved intoaportfoliodesignedforboth medicalprofessionalsand consumers.Today,theCO2LIFT®

PROlineisusedin medicalspas, dermatologyclinics, andplasticsurgery practicesworldwide, whiledirect-to-consumerofferings bringclinical-leveltreatmentsinto homes.Amongthese,the CO2LIFT®Vhasbeena breakthroughinintimatewellness, offeringtheirstcarboxygelfor vaginaltissuerejuvenation.

Championing Accessibility and Conidence

Throughher“CARBOXIFYwith CO2LIFT®”movement,Lanahas madeclinicalinnovationaccessible withouttheneedforinvasive procedures,downtime,orstigma. Thousandsofpractitionersandan expandingconsumerbasenowuse CO2LIFT®asatrustedalternative foragemanagement.Herapproach combinesscientiicrigorwith compassion,empowering individuals,especiallywomen,to embraceagingontheirownterms.

Advocate for Women's Wellness and Equality

Beyondherroleasanentrepreneur, Lanaisastrongadvocatefor women'shealthandequality.She usesherplatformtochallenge taboos,educateonintimatecare, andencourageself-conidence withoutapology.Whetherspeaking onglobalstagesorengagingher onlinecommunity,Lana'smessage isclear:wellnessshouldbe inclusive,honest,andempowering.

TolearnmoreaboutCO2LIFT®and Lana'smission,visit thelanakerr.comorfollowheron InstagramandLinkedIn @thelanakerr.

Where Strategy Meets Storytelling Aleksandra Phelan

Inatimelinewhere visibilityoftendetermines value,AleksandraPhelan hasbuiltacareerturningnames intobrandswithstayingpower.As theFounderandHeadof CommunicationsatPhelan StrategicConsulting(PSC), Aleksandraleadsaboutiqueagency withglobalreach,offeringstrategic communicationsthroughtwo distinctverticals:lifestyleand sport.

A Global Foundation in Luxury and Sport

Aleksandra'scareerbeganinthe heartofEurope'sluxuryscene, managinghigh-impactcampaigns forMonicaBellucci,Domenico DolceandStefanoGabbana,and overseeingcommunicationsfor LVMH'sbrandportfolio.Her strategicvisionlaterextendedinto theworldofelitesports,whereshe ledmajorPRactivationsforthe FIFAWorldCup™andUEFAEuro, blendingculturalrelevancewith brandelevation.

Leading with Precision and Perspective

Withoveradecadeof experience,Aleksandra bringseditorialprecisionanda cross-continentalperspectiveto everycampaign.ThroughPSC Lifestyle,shepartnerswith entrepreneurs,creatives,andglobal brandstobuildpersonaland corporatenarrativesthatcut throughthenoise.Herworkhas deliverededitorialfeaturesin The New York Times, The Guardian, Condé Nast,and Good Morning America,aswellasfashion exclusivesin Vogue, L'Oficiel,and Interview Magazine.

Building Athlete Brands with PSC Sport

Ontheperformanceside,PSCSport representscompetingandretired athletes,Olympians,andsports brands.Aleksandraandherteam manageeverythingfrom sponsorshipstrategytopost-career platforms,givingathletesthetools

togrowtheirvisibilitybeyondthe game.

Turning Stories into Strategy

Nameda2025CanadianMarketing AssociationPRJudge,Aleksandrais recognizedforherabilitytoalign creativestorytellingwithstrategic growth.Hercampaignshave spannedNorthAmerica,Europe, theMiddleEast,andJapan,a testamenttoherabilitytoadapt messagingacrossculturesand industries.

AleksandraPhelanisn'tjusthelping clientsgetseen,she'shelpingthem buildvisibilitythatcompoundslike equity.ThroughPhelanStrategic Consulting,shecontinuestoprove thateffectivecommunicationis morethanacampaign,it'sthe cornerstoneoflegacy.

Engineering the Future of Intelligent Automation Agim Emruli

AgimEmruli'scareerhas alwaysbeenaboutmore thancode.Withovertwo decadesofexperienceacross softwarearchitecture,digital transformation,andleadership, Agimhasbuiltareputationasa visionarytechnologistwho bridgescomplexitywithclarity.

Today,heservesastheCEOof Flowable,aleadingopen-source IntelligentBusinessAutomation platformthatuniiescase, process,anddecisionautomation intoonecohesivesolution.

From Architect to Global Leader

Agim'sjourneybeganinsoftware development,wherehisearly workininance,healthcare,and publicsectortechnologyrevealed aconsistenttruth: technology creates real value when it enhances human potential.That philosophybecamethebackbone ofhisleadershipstyle,blending engineeringprecisionwith human-centricthinking.His

careerhastakenhim fromsolvingdeep architectural challengestoscaling internationalteams anddriving enterprise-wide transformation.

Leading with Innovation and Empathy

AtFlowable,Agimleadswitha clearvision:tomakecomplex worksimplerandsmarter withoutlosingthehumantouch. Theplatform'slow-code,modeldrivenapproach,poweredby agenticAI,enablesorganizations toconnectpeople,data,and systemsinrealtime.From bankingandinsuranceto manufacturingandhealthcare, Flowableempowersbusinessesto adaptfast,operateeficiently,and scaleinnovation.

Global Impact with a Human Core

With400+specialistsacross11 globaloficesandcustomers spanningstartupstoFortune500 enterprises,Flowableisfast becomingtheplatformofchoice fororganizationstacklinghighstakes,high-complexitywork.The company'sopen-source foundationandenterprise-grade capabilitiesofferunmatched lexibilityandintegration,making itidealformission-critical worklows.

Agim'sabilitytoconnectstrategy withexecution,andtechnology withpeople,hasshapedFlowable intomorethanjustanautomation platform.It'samovementtoward intelligent,scalable,andhumanfocusedenterprisesolutions.

Driving Innovation, Powered by People Angelo Adams

President of Zipcar

AngeloAdamsbringsarare blendofmilitarydiscipline, businessacumen,and people-irstleadershiptothe forefrontofmobilityinnovation.As PresidentofZipcar,theworld's leadingcar-sharingnetwork,Angelo overseesallfacetsofthebusiness, drivingforwardamissionto simplifyurbanlivingthrough sustainable,sharedtransportation. Hisleadershipistransforming Zipcarintoafuture-readymobility platform,onethat'sdigital, accessible,andresponsivetothe evolvingneedsofurban,university andbusinesscommunities.

A Career Forged in Service and Strategy

Angelo'sjourneybeganintheUnited StatesArmy,whereheservedasa nd SignalCorpsOficerinthe82 AirborneDivision,leadingover120 paratroopersthroughOperation IraqiFreedom.Histimeinthe militaryinstilledacommitmentto excellenceandresilience,valuesthat wouldlaterdeinehisapproachto executiveleadership.

Transitioningtocorporatelife, AngelospentoveradecadeatOtis

ElevatorCo.,eventually leadinga$300M businessunitand600+ employees.Hesteered OTISthroughkeydigital transformationefforts, M&Aintegrations,and operationaloverhauls, winningtheOTISNorthAmerica President'sAwardanddelivering record-breakingproitsandsales growth.

Driving Transformation at Zipcar

SincejoiningZipcar,Angelohas focusedonstreamliningoperations, modernizingthemember experience,andreestablishing Zipcar'sleadershipinthe competitivemobilityspace.Under hisleadership,thecompanyreached itshighestEBITDAandmargin performanceinsevenyears,while implementingmajorupgradeslike Bluetooth-basedvehicleaccess, instantmemberonboarding, membershiprewardsanda partnershipwithUber.

Hisexecutiveplaybookblends processimprovementwith authentic,purpose-driven leadership.Angelobelievesin

inspiringteamsthroughshared visionandclearaccountability;a styleshapedbybothcombat leadershipandyearsofFortune500 experience.

Beyond the Ofice

AngeloholdsaBSinMechanical EngineeringfromtheU.S.Military AcademyatWestPointandanMBA fromtheUniversityofMichiganRoss SchoolofBusiness,whereheserved asCo-ChairoftheAlfredL.Edwards ConferenceandVPoftheRoss ArmedForcesAssociation.

He'sarealestateinvestor,Military AcademyLiaisonOficer,andformer contestantonOprah'sBigGive.Most importantly,he'sahusband,father oftwo,andaleaderdrivenby impactoveraccolades.

Purpose-Driven Real Estate with an Entrepreneurial Edge Chantay Bridges

ForChantayBridges,real estateismorethan business,it'shercalling. Withovertwodecadesof experience,shehasbuiltacareer rootedinservice,leadership,and lastingimpact.Herjourneybegan withapassionforhelpingpeople, whichevolvedintosellingmultimillion-dollarproperties,launching multipleventures,andultimately foundingBridgesPublishingHouse, wherestorytellingandstrategy intersect.

Throughouthercareer,Chantayhas seenirsthandhowasingle propertytransactioncanreshapea family'sfuture.Thatbelief continuestoguideherworkasa realtor,entrepreneur,andmentorto otherslookingtoindmeaningand momentumintheirownpath.

A Trusted Name in Luxury and Leadership

Chantay'sreputationspeaks volumes.Shehasworkedwith celebrities,politicaligures,andCsuiteexecutives,offering unparalleleddiscretion, professionalism,andresults.Her rosterofhigh-proileconnections

includesnameslike OprahWinfrey,Donald Trump,DustinHoffman, andJenniferHudson, yetherdedication remainsthesame, whethertheclientisa globaliconorairsttimehomebuyer.

HerworkhasbeenfeaturedinUSA Today,CNBC,Bankrate,TheWall StreetJournal,BlackEnterprise, Essence,HufingtonPost,Business Insider,andmore.She'salsobeen recognizedwithawardsand commendationsfromtheWhite House,stateoficials,andlocal leaders.

Entrepreneur, Author, and Philanthropist

AsthefounderofBridges PublishingHouse,Chantayhas createdaplatformforauthorsand thoughtleaderstoamplifytheir voices.Herworkasacoach, speaker,andwriterblends seamlesslywithherentrepreneurial mindset;eachrolereinforcingher commitmenttobuildingvalue, whetherthroughpropertyor personalgrowth.

Beyondbusiness,sheisa philanthropistdedicatedto outreachandempowerment,using hersuccesstouplifthercommunity andsupportcausesclosetoher heart.

Underherpublishinghouse,sheis alsoreleasinghernewbookseries titled100'sofTips,Tricks& Loopholes:TheUltimateGuidefor Authors&Writers!

Built on Excellence, Driven by Faith

Awomanoffaith,Chantayleads withintegrity,sincerity,and purpose.She'sknownnotjustfor closingdealsbutforopeningdoors. Hercareerstandsasatestamentto what'spossiblewhenpassionmeets perseverance,andserviceleadsthe way.

Founder of Bridges Publishing House

Engineering the Future of Intelligent Automation Lazaros Kalemis

ALazaros“Laz”Kalemisisn't yourtypicalpayments industryexecutive.AirstgenerationGreek-Americanand two-timecancersurvivor,his journeyisrootedinresilience, gratitude,andgrit.In2000,froma modestapartmentabovehis family'spizzashopinNortheast Philadelphia,Lazco-foundedwhat wouldbecomeSimpay,withone goal–togivesmallbusinessesthe sametools,respect,and transparencytypicallyreservedfor thebigplayers.

From Humble Beginnings to a National Platform

Whatbeganasapayment processingcompanyforlocal merchantshasgrownintoamultifacetedenterpriseserving businessesacrossNorthAmerica. Simpay'sTotalBusinessSolutions platformnowincludespayment acceptance,payroll,HCM,POS systems,businessinsurance,and growthtools.Eachtoolisdesigned tosimplifyoperationsanddrive revenueforsmallandmid-sized businesses.

Founder & CEO of Simpay

UnderLaz'sleadership, Simpayhasearneda spoton Inc. Magazine's listoffastest-growing companiesninetimes inaten-yearspan.He wasrecognizedasa Philadelphia40Under40honoree, inductedintothePhiladelphia100 CEOHallofFameasitsyoungest member,andreceivedthe SmartCEOCircleofExcellence awardinDistinguishedLeadership, alongwithbeingnamedainalist fortheErnst&YoungEntrepreneur oftheYear.

Thatbeliefhasshapedinitiatives liketheSimpayValueSharingPlan, whichprovidesallqualiied employeeswithastakeinthe company'ssuccess.

The Road Ahead

Leading With Vision and Values

Laz'sleadershipstyleis plainspokenandpeople-irst. ThroughtheimplementationofEOS (EntrepreneurialOperating System),heredeinedSimpay's internalstructure,aligningteams aroundcleargoalsandashared purpose.Hebelievesthatbytaking careofthreekeygroups,clients, partners,andemployees(or “Simpayans”),thebusinesswill thrivesustainably.

Simpaycontinuestogrowits footprint,investingin infrastructure,technology,and talent.Asdigitalpayments,AI,and embeddedinancereshapethe industry,Lazisfocusedonkeeping Simpayagile,ethical,andclientirst

Hisstoryisn'tjustaboutscalinga business,it'saboutdoingitwith integrity,transparency,andthe beliefthatsmallbusinessesdeserve aseatatthetable.

Financing the Future of Small Business Andrea Reynolds

AndreaReynoldshaslong beenachampionforsmall andmedium-sized businesses.Aseasonedaccountant andcorporateinanceadvisor,she spentmorethan15yearshelping companiesraisefundsthrough loans,investment,andgrants beforefoundingSwoopin2018,a globalintechplatformbuiltto simplifyaccesstofundingforSMEs.

Hermissionwasclear:touse technologytobreakdownthe barriersthatsmallbusinessowners facewhentryingtogrow.Today, SwoopfunctionsasavirtualCFO, leveraginginancialdatatomatch businesseswiththerightfundingat therighttime.Theplatformalso helpsownersunlocksavings throughsmarterdecisionson banking,utilities,andother operationalcosts.

A Leader Rooted in Experience

Andrea'sleadershipisdeeply groundedinlivedexperience.“We areourownbest-casestudy,”she says.Swoop'sownjourneyhasbeen poweredbygrants,debt,and

Founder of Swoop

equity,thesametoolsit helpsotherbusinesses navigate.Thatempathy drivesthecompany's corevaluesandsetsit apartinanincreasingly crowdedintechspace.

Underherleadership,Swoophas grownrapidly,withoficesin Dublin,London,Toronto,and Sydney,andateamof100+ employees.In2023,thecompany wasnamedIreland'sfastestgrowingtechnologycompanyby Deloitte'sFast50andraised€6.3 millioninSeriesAfunding,valuing thebusinessatover$30million.

Recognized for Impact

Andreawasnamed Irish Tatler Business Woman of the Year in 2024 andwasshortlistedforEY's EntrepreneuroftheYearIreland thesameyear.She'saffectionately knownasthe“Martin Lewis of business inance,”anamethat relectsbothherdeepexpertiseand thetrustshe'searnedwithinthe businesscommunity.

InadditiontoherroleatSwoop, AndreaservesasChairofBerkshire HathawayInternationalInsurance, RiskCommitteeChairofBerkshire HathawayEuropeanInsurance,and NEDofFaraday.Shealsositsonthe IrelandforFinanceCommittee, advisingtheMinisterforFinancial Services.

A Voice for Founders

Beyondboardroomsandbalance sheets,Andreaiscommittedto educatingandempowering underrepresentedfounders,leading masterclassesandfunding workshopsglobally.ProudlyIrish andpurpose-driven,she'sliftingup thenextgenerationof entrepreneurs,onefunding decisionatatime.

Accelerating Innovation in Global Healthcare Dr. Raza Bokhari

CEO of Medicus Pharma

r.RazaBokhari'sjourney spanscontinentsand industries,fromthepractice ofmedicinetotheboardroomsof biotech.APhiladelphiaBusiness Journal“40Under40”honoreeand recognizedchangeagent,Razahasbuilt acareeraroundidentifyinghighpotentialhealthcareventuresand unlockingtheirpathtogrowth.

Withdeepexpertiseinlifesciences, biotech,andhealthcareservices,heis knownforturningaroundstruggling companiesandscalinginnovation throughstrategiccapitalacess, operationalexcellence,andvisionary leadership.

Leading Medicus Pharma on a Global Stage

AsExecutiveChairman&CEOof MedicusPharma(NASDAQ:MDCX),Dr. BokhariissteeringthePhiladelphiabasedbiotechcompanythroughan ambitiousphaseofglobalexpansion. Medicusspecializesinaccelerating underfunded,de-risked,clinical-stage assetsindermatology,urology,and vaccinedevelopment,usingathesisdrivenmodeltomovebreakthrough therapeuticstomarketmoreeficiently.

Highlightsinclude:

• SkinJect,adissolvable

microneedlepatchfor basalcellcarcinoma (BCC),which achievedmorethan 50%clinical clearanceinPhase1 andisnowinPhase2 trialsacrosstheU.S., Europe,andUAE targeting~$2Bmarket.

• Teverelix,anext-gentreatmentfor advancedprostatecancerpatients withhighCVriskproileand preventingrelapseofacuteurinary retention,duetoenlarged prostate..TheassethastwoFDAapprovedPhase2trials,targeting collecting ~$6B+market.

•Acollaborationwith HelixNano to developneedle-freethermostable mRNAvaccinesusingMedicus' microneedledeliveryplatform— aimingtorevolutionizeglobal vaccineaccessibility.

Track Record of High-Value Exits

BeforeMedicus,Dr.Bokhari servedas ExecutiveChairman&CEOofFSD Pharma(Nasdaq:HUGE),whereheled itspivotfrommedicinalcannabistoa clinical-stagepharmaceuticalR&D company,raisingnearly$100Min institutionalcapital.Hisearly entrepreneurialwinsincludethe

recapitalizationandsaleofLakewood PathologyAssociatesandParkway Clinical;transactionsthatdelivered outsizedreturnsincludinganIRRof 137%.

Leadership, Legacy & Giving Back

Dr.Bokhariisalsothe Managing PartneratRBxCapital,LP,andhas servedonboardsofleadingcivicand policyinstitutionsincludingtheWorld AffairsCouncilofPhiladelphia,The FranklinInstitute,andForeignPolicy ResearchInstitute.Hehasaddressed professionalorganizations,universities, andtheUSCongressionalCaucuson CapitolHill.

Inrecognitionofhis$1MgifttoTemple University,FoxBusinessSchoolnamed itsInnovation&Entrepreneurship Institutesuiteinhishonor.Alifelong Eaglesfanandavidgolfer,Raza continuestoinspireasafounder, philanthropist,andforceinglobal healthcareinnovation.

Smarter Finance for a Smarter World Laurent Charpentier

Financehaslongbeenseen asaback-oficefunction, focusedoncontrolling costsandpreventingerrors. LaurentCharpentiersawan opportunitytochangethat narrative.Withadeepbeliefthat inancecouldserveasagrowth engineratherthanaburden,hehas spenthiscareerrethinkinghow businessesapproachinancial operations.

Today,astheCEOofYooz,Laurent leadsaglobaltransformationin inance,bringingintelligence, scalability,andhumanfocustothe heartofbusinessstrategy.

Lean Financial Operations™

UnderLaurent'sleadership,Yooz introducedLeanFinancial Operations™,aframeworkdesigned speciicallyforCFOstocutwaste, preventfraud,andelevateinance intoadriverofvalue.BuiltonAI modelspoweredbymorethan300 milliondocuments,Yoozhas becomeabenchmarkininance automation.Thecompany empowersorganizationstoprocess

CEO of Yooz

faster,reducerisk,and unlockinsightsthatfuel growth,allwhile keepingpeopleatthe centeroftechnology adoption.

A Journey of Innovation and Expansion

LaurentjoinedYoozin2015and playedapivotalroleinbuildingits NorthAmericanpresence.AsCOO andCIO,hecombinedhistechnical expertisewithbusiness development,assemblingstrong salesandmarketingteamswhile stayingcloselyinvolvedinproduct innovationandintegrations.His leadershiphelpedYoozsuccessfully expandintotheU.S.,U.K.,and Spanishmarkets,creatinga foundationforsustained internationalgrowth.

AppointedCEOin2022,Laurent nowdrivesthecompany'sglobal strategy.Hiscareerpathincludes rolesatAccentureandDell,andhis academicfoundationfromMITand INSALyonaddstohisreputationas bothatechnologistandastrategist.

Yooz: A Recognized Innovator

YoozisnotonlyoneofthefastestgrowingSaaScompaniesininance butalsoanaward-winning innovator.Thecompanyhasbeen namedaTop10BestCloudSolution ProviderbyIndustryEra,Bestof SaaSShowplace(BoSS)by THINKstrategies,Top10 AccountingSolutionProviderby CFOTechOutlook,andaTop50 CompanytoWatchbySpend Matters.

Withmorethan7,000customers, 600,000users,andoperationsin over50countries,Yoozcontinues tothriveunderLaurent Charpentier'sleadership,proving thatinancecanbebothsmarter andmorehuman.

Turning Bold Ideas into Real-World Impact Neil Sahota

CEO of ACSILabs

DAsanIBMMasterInventor, AIAdvisortotheUnited Nations,andCEOof ACSILabs,NeilSahotahasspent overtwodecadeshelping organizationsaroundtheworld harnessemergingtechnologiesto solvecomplexproblemsatscale. WhetheradvisingFortune500 companiesormentoring entrepreneursinearly-stage startups,hismissionremainsthe same:toturnboldideasinto practical,impactfulsolutions.

Championing AI for Good

Asaco-founderoftheUnited Nations'AIforGoodInitiative,Neil hasplayedapivotalroleinshaping howartiicialintelligencecanbe usedforsocietalbeneit.His projectsspanhealthcare,climate action,education,andrisk management,workingacross borderstodeployAIwhereit mattersmost.HisworkinChina withIBM'sCorporateServiceCorps helpedhimdevelopadeep appreciationforcultural intelligenceandadaptive leadership;qualitiesthatcontinue

todeinehisapproach today.

Neilistheauthorofthe bestsellingbooks Own the AI Revolution and AI Activation Code, whichhavebecomeessentialreads forentrepreneursand changemakersnavigatingthe rapidlyevolvingworldofAI.

Bridging

Innovation with Entrepreneurship

organizationsunlockAI'spotential whilemaintainingahumancenteredapproach.

Driven by Mission, Grounded in Community

Neil'sleadershipgoesbeyondthe boardroom.Heisanactivestartup advisorandinvestor,supporting foundersinreiningtheirproducts, deiningmarkets,andsecuring funding.Amemberofinvestor networkslikeTechCoastAngels,he alsojudgesglobalinnovation competitionsandservesasa mentorinincubatorand acceleratorprogramsworldwide.

Withexperiencespanning industriesfromhealthcareandlife sciencestolegalservices,retail, energy,andgovernment,Neilis uniquelypositionedtohelp

Alifelongadvocateofmissiondrivenleadership,Neilvolunteers withnonproits,supportsyouth programsthroughthePlanetHome, andremainscloselyconnectedto hisalmamater,UCIrvine.

Whetheradvisingworldleadersor guidingthenextwaveof entrepreneurs,NeilSahotabrings curiosity,compassion,anda commitmenttoprogressinto everythinghedoes.