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Inaneramarkedbyrapidtechnologicaladvancements,shifting
globaldynamics,andevolvingsocietalexpectations,leadership todaydemandsfarmorethanauthority—itcallsforvision, resilience,andaprofoundsenseofpurpose.Aswestepinto2025,the worldstandsatapivotaljuncture,whereinnovationmustalignwith responsibility,andboldideasmustconvergewithmeaningfulaction.It isinthiscontextthatweareproudtopresentourcarefullycurated selectionof“MostInfluentialLeadersToLookUpToIn2025.”
Thisexclusivelistismorethanacompilationofaccomplished individuals;itisacelebrationofthosewhohaveconsistently challengedthestatusquo,transcendedconventionalboundaries,and driventransformationalchangeacrossindustriesandgeographies. Eachleaderfeaturedinthiseditionembodiesauniqueblendof strategicforesight,unwaveringdedication,andanenduring commitmenttoupliftingpeopleandcommunitiesthroughtheirwork.
Frompioneeringtechnologicalbreakthroughsinartificialintelligence, healthcare,andcleanenergy,tochampioningsustainablebusiness practices,socialinnovation,andinclusiveleadership,thesetrailblazers representtheveryessenceofmodernleadership.Theirstoriesreflecta sharedabilitytonotonlyanticipatethefuturebuttoactivelyshape it—ofteninthefaceofadversity,complexity,anduncertainty
Whatdistinguishestheseleadersisnotjusttheirprofessionalsuccess buttheirpurposefulapproachtocreatingimpact.Whetherredefining corporateresponsibility,empoweringunderrepresentedcommunities, ornavigatingthecomplexitiesofaglobalizedeconomy,theyleadwith empathy,agility,andaclearvisionforlong-termprogress.Their influenceextendsbeyondboardroomsandexecutiveoffices,inspiring anewgenerationofentrepreneurs,policymakers,andchangemakersto thinkbigger,actbolder,andservebetter
Aseditors,ouraimistohighlighttheindividualswhoseleadership goesbeyondpersonalachievement,reachingintotheheartofsystemic change.Theirjourneysremindusthattrueleadershipismeasurednot merelybyprofitsoraccolades,butbythepositivedifferencemadein societyandthelegaciestheyleavebehind.
Wehopethisissueservesasbothaninspirationandacallto action—encouragingreaderstoreflectonwhatleadershipmeansin 2025andhoweachofuscancontributetoamoreinnovative, inclusive,andsustainablefuture.
A Purpose-Driven Journey: The Vision of Serge Vilson –A Leader Forged in Empathy
18
THE STORY WITHIN
The Global Architect – Jorge Souza Building Bridges of Trust and Innovation
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
The Geometry of Leadership Excellence Angles of Authority and Influence
The Unseen Engine Emotional Intelligence in Transformational Leadership
Editor-in-Chief
Managing
Art
Business
Business
Digital
Co-designer
Marketing
Technical
Jorge Souza Co-founder and CEO
Golden Eagles UAE goldeneagles-uae.com
Murat Candan Co-founder and CEO
Barikat Cyber Security barikat.com.tr
Naci Baserdem CEO Serge Vilson Founder and CEO
Serhan Turfan CEO
The Marmara Group themarmarahotels.com
SBCS SERVICES LLC sbcsservices.com KoçZer koczer.com
Jorge leads Golden Eagles UAE in delivering bespoke solu ons designed for high-net-worth individuals, corporate leaders, and elite businesses.
Murat is highly regarded for building a cybersecurity culture that blends technical excellence with strategic foresight—empowering organiza ons to confidently navigate the digital age.
A visionary in the hospitality industry, Naci brings decades of experience in hotel opera ons, strategic development, and guest-centric innova on.
With deep exper se in business development, technology integra on, and opera onal excellence, Serge leads SBCS Services in delivering tailored solu ons across industries.
At the helm of KoçZer, one of Turkey’s most innova ve supply chain and procurement solu on providers, Serhan Turfan brings a rare combina on of strategic foresight, digital acumen, and purpose-driven leadership.
MostInfluentialLeaderstoLookuptoin2025
Leadership is a journey of learning. It is where the leader guides a team. Faces obstacles. Overcomes them by empowering his team. Learns from their lessons.Growsinstature.Andultimatelycreatesalegacyfor theirfollowers.
Inthatsense, hasbecomealegendbyestablish- SergeVilson ing , “Whereyouandyourfamilycanfind SBCSServicesLLC all the high quality services you need to achieve your goals: Tax service, immigration service, notary public, translation service: French to English, English to French, insurance servicesincludinglifeinsurance,annuities,healthinsurance, autoinsurance,andhomeinsurance.andsoon,”heinforms.
Mr VilsoncameupwiththenameSBCSfromtheinitialsof hisown–S,hisdaughter’s–B,hisson’s–C,andS―againfrom lettersofhisson’sfirstname.“Godpromisesmeason,andHe is faithful to keep his promises to me. This is where I come up withthenameSBCSservices,”heshareswithasmile.
Mr Vilson's path to entrepreneurship was not a straight line but a deliberate course shaped by a powerful desire to serve others. His early aspirations were in the field of healthcare, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in health services administration.
During this time, he gained hands-on experience through an internshipinahospital,assistingpatientswithvarioushealth concerns.Hispassionwasfurthersolidifiedduringhistimeas a nursing student, where he worked alongside doctors and nurses,gainingafirsthandunderstandingofpatientcare.
He saw nursing as an opportunity for job advancement and, more importantly, a direct way to help people achieve their healthgoals.Thisfoundationalexperienceinaclinicalsetting instilledinhimtheimportanceofempathy,attentiontodetail, andacommitmenttopeople'swell-being.
Whilehisjourneythroughformalnursingeducationfacedan unexpected setback with his dismissal from the program at ConcordiaCollege,Mr Vilsondidnotallowthistoderailhis mission.
Instead, he viewed it as a pivot point, an opportunity to continue his academic pursuits with a renewed sense of purpose He transferred to Lehman College, where he
completed his bachelor’s in health services administration, and later his master's degree. It was during this period of transition and reflection that he came to a profound realization:thechallengeshehadfacedhadpreparedhimemotionallyandmentallytolead.
He recognized in himself the inherent drive and vision of a leader,andfromthis,theideaforhisownbusinesswasborn. Launching SBCS Services LLC was not just a business decision;itwastheculminationofhislife'sexperiencesand atestamenttohisresilience.
Mr. Vilson's story is one of a leader who understands that genuine leadership is built on a foundation of service and resilience He took a difficult personal moment and transformeditintotheimpetusforanewbeginning,creatinga company where his deeply ingrained values of care and support could thrive, touching the lives of many beyond the confinesofasingleindustry.
ThemotivationbehindestablishingSBCSServicesLLCwas deeplypersonalandaspirational.Mr.Vilsonwasdrivenbythe desire to build a lasting legacy for his family, a principle he finds rooted in a powerful proverb about leaving an inheritanceforfuturegenerations.
For him, the company is more than just a business; it is a vehicle for creating a positive impact that will endure. The firm'smissionisadirectreflectionofhisvalues,focusingon maximizingcustomersatisfactionandprovidingaffordable, accessibleservices
Thiscommitmenttofindinglow-costsolutionsisatestament tohisunderstandingofthefinancialpressuresmanyfamilies face,ensuringthatqualitysupportiswithinreach.
As the CEO of his company, Mr Vilson leads with a transformational leadership style. He operates on the firm
belief that every individual has valuable ideas to contribute, andthatacollectiveapproachleadstoabetteroutcome.
Hehascultivatedanenvironmentwhereopencommunication andthesharingofdiverseperspectivesareencouraged.This collaborative spirit not only empowers his team but also allowsforsituationstobetransformedforthebetter
He understands that unity can lead to powerful and positive change, and he actively works to bring people together to achievesharedgoals.
For Mr Vilson, empowerment is defined by the simple, yet profound,actofgivingpeopleopportunitiestoachievetheir goals,especiallythosewhoareunderserved.
Hebelievesthatbyprovidingtheseopportunities,individuals areequippedtoovercometheirownlifechallengesandmake sounddecisionsbasedontheirexperiences.Hehaswitnessed firsthand the transformative effect of this approach, seeing peoplewhowereoncemarginalizedthriveandsucceed.
ThisphilosophyisattheheartofSBCSServices,whichseeks toempowerindividualsbyprovidingthemwiththetoolsand support they need to navigate life’s complexities and take controloftheirowndestinies.
Buildinganewcompanyisachallengingendeavor,andMr. Vilson has faced his share of obstacles, particularly in the realm of marketing. However, he maintains a relentless determination,choosingtopressforwarddespitethedifficulties.
Heviewschallengesnotasbarriers,butasinevitablepartsof the journey, believing that while he cannot prevent them, he can choose his response. His philosophy is that victory is in themind,atestamenttohismentalfortitudeandhisunwaveringcommitmenttohisvision.
Though his career path shifted away from a clinical setting, Mr.Vilson'scoremissionremainsunchanged:tobridgegaps in care and resources. He advocates for a healthcare system wherepatientsreceivethecaretheyneedatareducedcost.
He believes that for any organization to succeed, it must be builtonthefoundationalvaluesoftrustandtransparency.He seesthesenotjustasethicalprinciplesbutascrucialcomponentsforfinancialhealthandlong-termstability
For him, a company that fails to uphold these values is ultimatelydestinedtofail,whileonethatembracesthemwill buildalastinglegacyofsuccessandintegrity.
Beyondhisexecutiverole,Mr Vilsonisdeeplyinvestedinhis own personal growth. He operates on the principle that "the more you know, the more you function," and he has never stoppedlearning.
He pursues knowledge in a variety of subjects, not for intellectualcuriosityalone,butsohecanapplyittohiswork andbeofgreaterusetohiscommunity Thisloveforeducationandhiscontinuousquestfornewskillsarecentraltohis characterandhisabilitytoinnovate.
In a dynamic world where technological innovation is paramount, Mr. Vilson finds his inspiration in two powerful forces:technologyandhisfaith.Heharnessestechnologyto make his workplace more efficient and to build robust solutionsforhisclients.
However,hisabilitytothinkdifferentlyandactboldlyisalso rootedinadeepsenseofhumilityandkindness,guidedbyhis spiritual practice. He attributes his unwavering resolve to a constantconnectionwithhisfaith,whichhesaysprovidesthe rightpathforward.
ForMr Vilson,themostprofoundsolutionsarebornfroma fusion of modern tools and a timeless commitment to doing good.
As Mr Vilson reflects on his journey, he sees it as a "good journey" despite facing less-than-perfect conditions. The defining moments for him have been the convergence of his spiritual growth, the establishment of his business, and his professionaldevelopment.
He views these milestones not as isolated events, but as interconnectedpartsofalargertransformationthathasgiven
himanewperspectiveonlifeandabeliefthathecanachieve evenmore.
Heunderstandsthateverysetback,includinghisdisappointment with the nursing program, was a crucial part of the processthatstrengthenedhisresolveandpreventedhimfrom givinguponhisdreams.
Whenconsideringhislegacy,Mr Vilson'svisionextendsfar beyondtheprofessionalachievementsofaCEO.Hehopesto leave a legacy that helps others achieve their own goals—financially,spiritually,andsocially
He believes that anyone can succeed by trusting in a higher powerand,mostimportantly,bybelievinginthemselves.He findsinspirationinthephrase“Yes,wecan,”whichembodies hislife’srefusaltoquitinthefaceofadversity
By breaking the chain of poverty in his own family and embracingeverychallengewithdetermination,SergeVilson isbuildingalegacynotofwealthorstatus,butofempowerment,resilience,andhopeforallwhofollowhisexample.
Serge Vilson, via SBCS Services LLC is going to open enrollment,whichwillstartinmid-October2025
Formoreinformation,pleasevisitSBCSServicesLLC.
The concept of leadership excellence is regularly discussed in numerous fields, including psychology and organizational behavior However, a very interesting model to perceive its complexity is through the prismofgeometry Liketheshapes,lines,andanglescombine to form balance and composition in geometric forms, leadershipexcellenceisaresultofagoodinteractionbetween authorityandinfluence.
Fundamentally,leadershipexcellencereferstothecapacityto inspire, direct, and influence others towards a common objective. But this is not a linear process and is more of a multidimensional geometric figure with different angles depictingdiverseaspectsofpowerandinfluence.
Angles define the integrity and functionality of the shape in geometry In geometry, the integrity and functionality of the shapeisdefinedbyangles.Likewise,inleadership,aspectsof power, expertise, and decision-making, also referred to as positional power, and the aspect of influence, persuasion, emotional intelligence, and relationship building, together createabalancedandrobustframework.Aleaderpossessing all these dimensions will establish a healthful and correct structurethatcanadapttodifferentchallenges.
TheAnglesofAuthority
Authority is the foundation of excellent leadership. It is the formal authority that is bestowed upon a leader by an organization or community that gives one a legitimate authority to make decisions and to enforce compliance. Nevertheless, power itself is complex, with various angles included,whichleadtoeffectiveleadership.
• PositionalAuthority
Thisistheanglewherepowerisbasedonnameorpositionina hierarchy Positional authority creates visible lines of responsibility and accountability This empowers leaders to distribute resources and lead teams. In the absence of this angle,leadershipwillbedirectionlessorinconsistent.
• ExpertAuthority
Theotherdimensionisexpertauthority,whichisbasedonthe knowledge,skills,andexperienceoftheleader Thistypeof authority is respected and trusted because it demonstrates competence, and not positional power Excellence in leadership in this aspect means that the decisions made are credible,strategic,andinformed.
• MoralAuthority
Ethical excellence of leadership is moral authority When leaders are honest, fair and transparent, they earn moral authority that boosts their legitimacy. The angle makes the followersloyalandcreatestrust.
TheAnglesofInfluence
Whereas authority determines the right to lead, influence determines the potential of the leader to impact beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes. The forms of influence tend to be morecovertandcomplicatedandarenotdictatedbyauthority butthroughsocialandpsychologicalmechanisms.
• PersuasiveInfluence
An important angle of influence is persuasion Communication and negotiation leaders can harmonize various viewpoints, encouraging agreement and action Effective persuasion means it is necessary to comprehend people'sneeds,implementideasinapowerfulway.Anditis theprocessofinfluence,notdictation.
• EmotionalIntelligence
Another important angle of influence is emotional intelligence. Effective leaders understand themselves and how to manage their emotions, and the emotions of others, which will help them build a stronger bond. This emotional consciousness promotes empathy, decreases conflict, and increases collaboration, which are essential leadership components.
• Relationship-Building
Establishing good relations is a tactical aspect of influence. The relationships founded on trust develop an encouraging atmosphere where followers feel respected and empowered. Leadershipexcellencebecomesarealitywhenleadersinvest inbuildingsustainablenetworksinthelongrun.
• BalancingAuthorityandInfluence
Leadership geometry demands balancing these angles of powerandinfluence.Excessivefocusonpositionalpowercan result in authoritarianism, which suppresses creativity and involvement.Ontheotherhand,theuseofinfluencewithouta clearsenseofauthoritymayendupcreatingalackofpurpose andconfusion.
Successful leaders adjust their style according to the circumstances and move back and forth between the relationalandstructuralanglesofinfluence.Suchadynamic balanceformsashapeofleadershipthatisstableandflexible enoughtoleadorganizationsthroughcomplexityandchange.
Leadership excellence is a metaphor that encompasses the many facets of an effective leader The balancing and combinationofvariousanglesofauthorityandinfluenceare the whole concept of leadership excellence because the geometric shapes can only keep their shape when they are using the right angles. A sense of these dimensions helps leaders to be holistic in approach (integrating the aspects of power and empathy, structure and flexibility, authority and real influence). Doing so, leaders can address complexities andensurethelong-termsuccess.
In today’s interconnected world, digital transformation and globalization have blurred boundaries, making borders less relevant than ever before. For visionary leaders, these shifts are not obstacles but opportunities. Among them, Jorge Souza stands out as a driving force, proving that with determination, discipline, and vision, possibilitiesarelimitless.
AsCo-founderandCEOofGoldenEaglesUAE,Jorgehas builtaglobal-localplatformdesignedtoempowerbusinesses throughinnovationandcollaboration.Hisjourneyreflectsthe belief that growth emerges not from following conventional limits,butfromredefiningthem.
Jorge’scareerhasbeenshapedbyresilience,globalexposure, andentrepreneurialambition.HispivotaltenureatthePrivate Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Ahmed Al Maktoum offered him a rare opportunity to operate at the highest levels of international business. There, he mastered the art of strategic vision, discretion, and cross-cultural diplomacy
ThisexperiencebecamethefoundationforlaunchingGolden Eagles UAE a platform of excellence integrating innovation, trust, and global connectivity. His decision to channel high-level expertise into his own enterprise marked thebeginningofanewchapter:creatingacompanydesigned to empower global partners and redefine standards of credibility
APlatformofExcellence
Golden Eagles was founded on a bold yet simple vision: to connect opportunities across continents while upholding the higheststandardsofgovernanceandefficiency.
Headquartered in Dubai, the company operates as a multisectorplatform,bridginginternationalmarketsthrough:
Ÿ Global Trade & Commodities (food, fresh produce, FMCG)
Ÿ Luxury Mobility (strategic partnership with Monarché, managingaUSD15MfleetinDubai)
Ÿ Construction & Infrastructure (launch of Dats ConstructionCompany,USD200Kengagement)
Ÿ Strategic Partnerships (over 30 global alliances through engagementfeesandequityparticipation)
Eachverticalwascarefullydesignedtooperateindependently while contributing to the group’s collective strength. This ensuresresilience,scalability,andsustainableprofitability.
Golden Eagles’core mission is clear: bridging markets with trustandinnovation.Insectorswherecompliance,speed,and precision are non-negotiable, the company has built a reputationforuncompromisingstandards.
Jorge’sapproachisproactive:anticipatingindustryevolution, investingindigitaltransformation,andintegratingadvanced systemssuchasAI-drivenforecasting,blockchain-enabled
Jorge defines his leadership philosophy as strategic empowerment—building high-performance teams, giving them autonomy, and ensuring accountability.
compliance,andOdooERP Forhim,technologyisnotjusta tool it is a competitive edge that elevates business performanceandreliability
Jorge defines his leadership philosophy as strategic empowerment—building high-performance teams, giving them autonomy, and ensuring accountability In the early days,hewasdeeplyinvolvedineverydetail;today,hisfocus isonthebigpicture:macrotrends,internationalpartnerships, and positioning Golden Eagles as a global reference in excellence.
Underhisleadership,GoldenEagleshas:
Ÿ ForgedpartnershipsacrosstheUAE,Brazil,India,andthe US
Ÿ Attractedmultimillion-dollarinvestmentsacrossmultiple sectors
Ÿ Established credibility at governance and institutional levels
Ÿ Projected to reach USD 40M net profit by 2027, with expansioninto30+newpartnerships
For Jorge, however, the most significant achievement is building a trusted ecosystem that transcends business, creatingimpactataglobalscale.
Golden Eagles integrates responsibility and sustainability into its DNA. From supporting ethical trade and sustainable supply chains to empowering local talent and eco-conscious practices, the company ensures its growth contributes positivelytosociety.
As Jorge emphasizes: “Profitability without responsibility is incompleteleadership.”
Beyond business, Jorge is committed to mentorship and knowledge-sharing Through forums, incubators, and leadership initiatives, he encourages young entrepreneurs to think globally, act ethically, and lead with integrity. His adviceisbothpragmaticandtimeless:
“Think beyond borders, act with discipline, and lead with integrity Successisneverchased—itisbuilt.”
ThenextfiveyearsaresettotransformGoldenEaglesfroma regionalpowerhouseintoatrulygloballeader.Withstrategic expansionsintoBrazil,theUnitedStates,andIndia,alongside venturesinluxurymobilityandconstruction,thecompanyis positioned to deliver not just revenue, but influence and legacy
For Jorge Souza, success is not about personal gain—it is about leaving behind a structure of excellence, vision, and trustforfuturegenerations.
Transformationalleadershipisaninfluentialparadigm whereby leaders inspire and motivate people to go beyondtheirself-interestsintheshortruntobenefit Emotional intelligence is the key element of this paradigm thatisfrequentlyunderestimated.Althoughtransformational leadershipisoftendiscussedastheabilitytocreateavision, strategy,andorganizationalchange,emotionalintelligenceis the invisible engine, driving influence, and keeping momentum The inclusion of emotional intelligence in transformational leadership creates a layer of depth and fluiditythatcanfacilitateatrulyglobalimpact.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, respond, comprehend, and utilize emotions for a positive effect. In transformational leadership, emotional intelligence not only facilitates interactions but also builds trust, empathy, and resilience.Emotionallyawareleadershaveagreaterabilityto read the subtexts of group behavior, react to emotional signals,andguidegroupsthroughchangeswithgrace.
When transformational leaders introduce the influence of emotionalintelligenceintothegame,theystopbeinglimited tostatingradicalambitions.Theyformhumanbondsasthey realizeresistanceandanxietyattheteamlevel.
Emotionally intelligent leaders affirm the human experience by accepting emotions instead of minimizing them. This confirmationpreparesthechanneloffactualchange,aligning emotional preparedness with the intellectual argument of change.
Transformational leaders break cultural boundaries and motivate people to influence the world. The only thing that worksatanyculturalsetupisemotionalintelligence.Onlyby using the ability to tune in to the emotional state of others, irrespective of their cultural setting, can a leader establish empathy This connection forms the core of international influence,astheleaderisabletoexpressaunifyingvisionthat cutsacrossboundaries.
Leaderswithemotionalintelligencealsounderstandthatnot everystatementofsuccess,concern,ormotivationcanwork in every culture They can customize their practice by watching tone, body language, and norms to be inclusive. Such flexibility creates trust and reduces misinterpretation. By so doing, emotional intelligence not only improves the leader's presence but also makes the transformational leadershipreachfurther,makinglocalchangeglobal.
Resistance,emotiveturbulence,anduncertaintyarecommon when there is an organizational transformation Transformation leaders are equipped with emotional intelligence to help them be empathetic of the discomfort, confront unspoken fears, and stay motivated. Instead of implementing change only with policies, emotionally intelligentleadersarereadytolistenandspeakwithempathy and address issues in good faith. This approach decreases oppositionandearnsageneraltrustinthecourseofaction.
The calmness of the leader is critical during stressful or emotionallyheatedsituations.Tostayincheckevenwhenyou arestressedoutbecomesastabilizingfactorwithinthegroup. Transformational leadership, using emotional intelligence, does not get derailed when setbacks occur It provides an opportunity to get to know each other better, learn, and redevotethemselvestothecommonobjective.
Transformational leadership is a change that aims at permanency Leaders can model emotional awareness and empathetic communication to establish the standards of
interaction,changemanagement,andsupportforpeople.This model challenges others to embrace the same emotional actions-arippleeffectthatreinforcesthetransformation.
People in cultures influenced by emotional intelligence are proud to express themselves openly, provide feedback in a respectfulway,andunderstandeachother Withinthesetypes of environments, individuals feel secure in taking initiative, communicating, and being creative. Consequently, the transformational principles initially conceived by the leader are internalized as normative and passed on by the leader in concertandinpermanence.
Anothermythisthatemotionalintelligenceopposesstrategic rigor. Emotional intelligence, however, does not undermine strategy in the transformational leadership context, but enhances it Emotionally intelligent leaders align their strategic choices with human realities and emotional undercurrents. They know when the moment has arrived, when the momentum is slowing, and they sculpt their approachaccordingly
Theresultofthisintegrationisnotonlytechnicallysoundbut humanly resonant, strategies that the people own. They not only make goals attainable but also emotionally significant. By doing so, emotional intelligence will make transformational leadership a process that is more human insteadofmerelytransactional.
Emotional intelligence is the invisible force behind transformational leadership, and it helps leaders transcend vision to real global impact. Transformational leaders can createresonanceinavarietyofsettings,roottheirvisionsin emotional connection, overcome resistance empathetically, and develop lasting cultures through empathy, emotional awareness, flexibility, and emotional self-management. Emotional intelligence is not a soft skill, but rather the powerhouseofradicalchange,thepowertomakeleadershipa sustainable,emotionallyinfusedadvancementacrossborders andcommunities.
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