Business Innovators: The Five Most Prominent Leaders, 2025

EDITOR’S LETTER

The Guards of Sustainable Future!

DearReaders,

Theglobalbusinesslandscapeisundergoingasignificanttransformation,drivenbyanincreasing focusonsustainabilityandenvironmentalresponsibility.Therenewableenergysector,inparticular, isgainingconsiderablemomentumasnationsworldwideprioritizedecarbonizationandtransition awayfromfossilfuels.IntheU.S.alone,energytransitioninvestmentsawasubstantial22%increaseto$303 billionin2023,reflectingagrowingrecognitionoftheeconomicandenvironmentalimperatives.

Thebusinesscaseforembracingrenewableenergyisbecomingincreasinglycompellingfororganizations, spurredbyfavorabletaxcreditsandpromisinginvestmentreturns.Environmental,social,andgovernance (ESG)considerationsarenowpivotalsuccessmetrics,promptingbusinessestoadaptandexplorediverse renewabletechnologiestoenhancetheircompetitivenessandunlocknewgrowthavenues.

ThiseditionofMirrorReview “Business Innovators: The Five Most Prominent Leaders, 2025” celebrates industrypioneerswhoareshapingthefuturethroughinnovation,resilience,andsustainableleadership.

OurcoverstoryhighlightsDr.MaurizioBragagni,OBE,CEOofTratosUKLtd.,whosevisionaryleadership hasredefinedsuccessbeyondmereprofit.Longbeforesustainabilitybecameacorporatebuzzword,Dr Bragagnichampionedabusinessmodeldrivenbypurpose,innovation,andsocialresponsibility.His multidisciplinaryjourneyacrosslaw,business,andengineeringexemplifiesaneweraofleadership—onethat integratesstrategywithadeepcommitmenttosocietalwell-being.

AlongsideDr.Bragagni,thiseditionfeaturesprofilesonDavidWebb,NerminOsmanovic,HoumanSalem,and JohannesPeschel—leaderswhoaresteeringtheirindustriestowardamoresustainableandinnovativefuture. Theirinspiringstoriesreflectthetransformativepowerofbusinessleadershipinaddressingglobalchallenges anddrivingmeaningfulchange.Weinviteyoutoexploretheirjourneysandinsightsastheyredefinethe standardsofsuccessinthemodernbusinessworld.

HappyReading!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

Mirror Review Media & Tech

Dr. Maurizio Bragagni

BRAGAGNI

“We have the technology. We have the expertise. We have the capacity. Now, we just need the orders.”

Theworldischangingfast.Technologyleaps forward,andglobalprioritiesshift.Inthis whirlwind,trueleadershipmeansmore thanjustkeepingpace.Itdemandsvision,heart,and adrivetoinnovate.Fordecades,oneleaderhasbuilt alegacyontheseveryprinciples:Dr.Maurizio Bragagni, - of OBE CEO TratosUKLtd

Longbefore“renewableenergy”and“sustainability” becameindustrybuzzwords,Dr.Bragagniwas buildingafuturewherebusinesssuccessismeasured bypurpose,notjustprofit.Hisstoryisoneof resilience,constantlearning,andadeepcommitment tomakingsocietybetterthroughsmartbusinessand genuinecareforpeople.Dr.Bragagni sunique ’ journey,spanninglaw,business,andengineering, definesleadershipforourtimes–leadershipwith bothmindandsoul.

FoundationsofaLeader:EducationandEarly Career

Dr.MaurizioBragagni’sleadershipfoundationis builtuponrigorouseducationanddiverseearlycareer experiences.Hisacademicjourneybeganatthe UniversityofPisa,culminatinginaDoctorofLaw (PhD)in2000.Herecalls,“Myacademicjourney began…whereIearnedaDoctorofLaw(PhD) degreein2000.Myacademicjourneylaidastrong foundationinlegalprinciples,governance,and strategicdecision-making.”

Theseformativeyearsinstilledinhimaprofound understandingoflegalframeworksandstrategic governance.Recognizingtheneedtomergelegal expertisewithbusinesspracticality,hepursueda MasterofBusinessAdministration(MBA)fromBayes BusinessSchool,CityUniversityofLondon,in2016. This,henoted,“wasinstrumentalinrefiningmy leadershipskillsanddeepeningmyunderstanding ofcorporatemanagement.”

Furtheringhiscommitmenttoexcellence,hebecamea CharteredDirector(CDir)andFellow(FIoD)ofthe InstituteofDirectors(IoD)in2021.Specialized trainingatCambridgeJudgeBusinessSchoolin CircularEconomyandSustainabilityStrategies completedhisrobustacademicprofile,reflectinghis dedicationtosustainablebusinesspractices.Hisearly careerbeganatTratosin2000,joiningasExport Director,markingthestartofhisascentinthecable industry

TrialbyFire:FromTurnaroundstoIndustry Leadership

Dr.Bragagni’searlycareeratTratosasExportDirector in2000waspivotal.He“playedakeyrolein expandingthecompany’sglobalreach,introducing innovativeproductlines,andestablishingTratosas amajorplayerinthehigh-voltagecableindustry.” Hisleadershipextendedbeyondexpansion;hebecame knownforrevitalizingstrugglingcompanies.

AsManagingDirectoratHamiltonPowerSafeLtd (2004-2008)andNorthWestCablesLtd(2008-2011), hesuccessfullyturnedaroundfinanciallydistressed enterprises.Anotherdefiningmomentwashistenure asCEOofModularWiringSystemsLtd(2011-2015), whereheledarestructuringandturnaroundthat culminatedinacompanybuyout.

Theseexperiences,hereflects,honedcrucialskills: “ResilienceandAdaptability–Leadingcompanies throughrestructuringandexpansionrequired perseveranceandanabilitytopivotinresponseto challenges…StrategicDecision-Making–Holding seniorrolesindifferentorganisationsrequiredme tomakehigh-stakesdecisionsthatshapedthe futureofcompaniesandindustries.”

Eachrole,andeachchallenge,addedtohis understandingofbusiness,innovation,andglobal strategy Today,asCEOandChairmanofTratos, ChairmanofEsharelife,andHonoraryConsulofSan MarinointheUK,Dr.Bragagnidrawsonthesehardwonlessonstodrivepositivechangeinbusinessand societyalike.

AFamilyVision,GlobalReach:“Cablefora MovingWorld”

TheTratosGroup’sstorybeganin1966withEgidio CapacciniandevolvedundertheleadershipofAlbano Bragagnifrom1974.Initiallyafamilyventure,it

grewintoaglobalcablemanufacturingleaderacross Europe,includingGermany,theUK,Spain,andItaly.

Thecompany’svision,“CableforaMoving World,”embodiesitsmission:“Tocreatejobsin depressedareaswhiledeliveringhighperformance,technologicallyadvancedcablesthat enhanceconnectivity,efficiency,andsafetyacross industries.”

UnderDr.Bragagni’sstewardship,Tratoshasnot onlyhonoredthislegacybutstrategicallyexpanded itsinternationalfootprint,particularlyintheUK.The companyremainsdeeplycommittedtoinnovation andsustainability,ensuringitsproductspowera worldinconstantmotion.

InnovationinWire:AdvancedCablesfora DemandingWorld

Tratosisrenownedforpioneeringadvancedcable solutions,drivenbyresearchandacommitmentto highquality Theydelivercutting-edgetechnology acrossdiversesectors.“Tratosisaglobally recognizedleaderinresearch-driven,high-quality cablesolutionstailoredtodiverseindustryneeds,” Dr.Bragagniexplains.Theirportfolioincludes:

●High-VoltageCables:Essentialformodernpower gridsandrenewableenergyinfrastructure.

●FibreOpticCables:Enablinghigh-speeddata

transmissionfortelecommunicationsanddigital networks.

●Fire-Resistant&Low-SmokeCables:Enhancing safetyintransportinfrastructure.

●SubmarineCables:Facilitatingoffshoreenergy andintercontinentalpowertransmission.

●UmbilicalCables:Supportingdemandingoffshore oilandgasoperations.

●Railway&MetroCables:Ensuringreliable transitsystems.

Keydifferentiatorsinclude“CustomizedSolutions–Engineeringcablestailoredtospecificindustry requirements,ensuringoptimalperformance,” and“AdvancedResearch&Development–Investingindurability,efficiency,and environmentalcompliancetomeetevolvingglobal standards.”Tratosexcelsthroughcontinuous innovationandaclient-focusedapproach.

LeadingtoServe:TheHeartofBragagni's Leadership

Dr.MaurizioBragagni’sleadershipphilosophyis rootedinservice.Heemphasizes,“ToBeaLeader MeanstoServeOthers,”aprinciplethatshapeshis businessapproach.Heviewsleadershipas“not abouttitlesorauthority—itisaboutservice,”a dutytoemployees,clients,andthebroader community.EchoingPopeBenedictXVI,hestates, “IamaworkerinthevineyardoftheLord.” Underhisleadership,Tratoshasexpandedglobally, drivenbykeystrategies:

●UnderstandingtheEndClient:“Leadership beginswithlistening.AtTratos,weengagedeeply withourclients,understandingtheirchallengesand needstodevelopsolutionsthattrulyservethem.”

●CommitmenttoLocalManufacturing:Investing inlocalUKproductionensuresquality,creates jobs,andstrengthenscommunities–“True leadershipalsomeanstakingresponsibilityforthe communitiesinwhichweoperate.Investingin localmanufacturinghasbeenacornerstoneofour strategyintheUK.”

●CompetingonaGlobalScale:Leadingthrough innovationandstrategicpartnerships–“While rootedinstronglocalfoundations,Tratoscompetes onaglobalstage.Ourcommitmenttoinnovation,

research,andstrategicpartnershipsallowsusto leadthecableindustrywithworld-class solutionsthatmeetthehigheststandards worldwide.”

●InnovationandSustainability:Shapingthe futurebyprioritizingR&Dinsustainable solutions–“Leadershipisnotjustabout today—itisaboutshapingthefuture.By continuouslyinvestinginR&D,particularlyin sustainablecablesolutions,weremainatthe forefrontofindustryevolution.”

SustainabilityinAction:FromHydroelectric PowertoGlobalRecognition

SustainabilityisintegraltoTratos,demonstrated bytheirEcovadisSustainabilityAwardSilver Medalfortwoconsecutiveyears,placingthem amongthetop25%globally.Dr.Bragagni highlightsthiscommitment:“Sustainabilityisat theheartofTratos’operations,andits continuouseffortsinenvironmental responsibilityhavebeenrecognizedwiththe EcovadisSustainabilityAward…placingit amongthetop25%ofcompaniesglobally.” Tratos’sustainabilityjourneyincludes:

1.GreenManufacturing&RenewableEnergy: Since1980,TratosItalyhasusedits hydroelectricplant.In2001,TratosGreencable waslaunched,“acablemanufacturedusing onlyhydroelectricenergy,reducingitscarbon footprint.”

2.CircularEconomy&CarbonReduction: ProjectsforCO₂recoveryandseabedstoragein theUK,AENORpartnershipforcarbonfootprint management,andISO14001certificationare keyinitiatives. “Tratosisactivelyworkingon aUK-basedprojecttorecoverland-based CO₂emissionsandstorethemunderthe seabed,helpingtomitigateclimatechange.”

3.SustainablePackaging&SupplyChain: Recycledpackagingandoptimizedlogistics minimizewasteandemissions.

4.CommitmenttoGlobalSustainabilityGoals: AligningwiththeUN's17SDGsreflectsa globalvisionforsustainability.

“Failure is not something to fear; it is the greatest teacher. The key is to accept it, learn from it, and move forward stronger.”

GlobalTrendsandCutting-EdgeInnovations

Theglobalcableindustryisundergoingrapid transformation,drivenbyrenewableenergy expansion,electrification,anddemandforhigh-speed data.Dr.Bragagninotes,“Theglobalcableindustry isundergoingsignificanttransformation,driven bykeytrendssuchastheexpansionofrenewable energy,thepushforelectrificationandsmart grids…”

Tratosisattheforefront,leveragingthesetrends throughcontinuousinnovation.Keyinnovations addressingmoderndemandsinclude:

1.High-CapacityPowerCablesforDataCenters: Ultra-lowresistanceandHVDCcablesforefficient, high-powerdelivery. “TratosisdevelopingUltralowresistancecablesthatminimizeenergylossand improveoverallefficiency.High-voltagedirect current(HVDC)cablestosupportlong-distance powertransmissionwithminimallosses.”

2.AI-OptimizedSmartCables:EmbeddedfibreopticsensorsandAI-drivendiagnosticsfor predictivemaintenance.“Weareincorporating Embeddedfibre-opticsensorsforreal-time monitoringofpowerusage,temperature,andfault detection.SmartcableswithAI-drivendiagnostics, enablingpredictivemaintenanceandminimizing downtime.”

3.AdvancedCoolingSolutions:Liquid-cooledand heat-resistantcablesforhigh-densitycomputing environments.

4.Sustainable&Energy-EfficientSolutions:Ecofriendlymaterialsandcirculareconomyinitiatives.

5.EnhancedCybersecurity:Tamper-proofcableswith electromagneticshielding.

ThePowerofSetbacks:EmbracingFailureasa CatalystforGrowth

Dr.Bragagniembracesfailureasacrucialpartof entrepreneurship.Hestatesdefinitively,“Ifyouhave notfailed,youhavenotlived.”Heviewssetbacksas essentialforlearningandgrowth.Hisapproachto failureincludes:

1Acceptance:Owningmistakeswithoutexcuse–“Thefirststepinovercomingfailureis acknowledgingitwithoutexcuses.”

2.LearningfromtheExperience:Analyzingmissteps objectivelytoimprovefuturedecisions–“Every failureprovidesvaluablelessons…Byanalyzing failureshonestlyandobjectively,weextractlessons thathelpusmakebetterdecisionsinthefuture.”

3.Resilience:Perseveringwithoutgivingup–“Failure isonlypermanentifyoustoptrying.Thebest entrepreneursarenottheoneswhoneverfail—but theoneswhonevergiveup.”

4.Innovation:Turningfailuresintoopportunitiesfor improvement–“Manyoftheworld’sgreatest innovationswerebornfromfailure.Whensomething doesn’twork,itforcesustothinkdifferently,adapt, andcreatesomethingbetter.”

5.SurroundingHimselfwiththeRightPeople: Buildingasupportivenetworkfordiverse perspectivesandsupport.

6.MaintainingaLong-TermVision:Viewing setbacksastemporarystepsonalongjourney–“Onefailuredoesnotdefineanentrepreneurora company.Iremindmyselfandmyteamthatsuccess isbuiltovertime,notovernight.Setbacksaresimply steppingstonesalongthejourney.”

ForDr.Bragagni,failureisnotanendpointbutavital pathwaytoinnovationandlastingsuccess.

BeyondtheBottomLine:TrueSuccessisMeasured byLastingImpact

ForDr.MaurizioBragagni,businesssuccessisnotjust aboutbalancesheetsandmarketdominance.He believesthat“truesuccessgoesfarbeyondmaterial wealth.”Whilefinancialgrowthisnecessary,he measuresrealachievementbythepositiveimpacthe leavesontheworld.

Amomentthatcrystallizedhisdefinitionofsuccess occurredduringacriticalillness. Recountinghistimeinintensivecare,Dr.Bragagni shares,“Oneofthemostprofoundmomentsofmy lifewasafterintensivecare,whenanursehanded mearosary—theveryfirstthingIhadaskedfor afterhavingmytubesremoved.Eveninastateof unconsciousness,myfaithneverleftme.”

Thisexperiencerevealedafundamentaltruth:“That realizationgavemepeace—areminderthat,atthe coreofeverything,whattrulymattersisourbeliefs, ourpurpose,andthelovewesharewithothers.”

Fromthisdeeplypersonalinsight,Dr.Bragagni deriveshismetricsfortrueleadershipimpact:

1.ChangingtheWorldfortheBetter:ForDr Bragagni,realsuccessliesingivingbacktosociety “Success,forme,isnotabouthowmuchwetake, buthowmuchwegiveback.Ifmyworkcan improvelives,createopportunities,andcontributeto societyinameaningfulway,thenthatisreal success.”

ThroughtheEsharelifeFoundation,heactively supportseducationandsocialdevelopmentprojects inKenya,offeringchildren“hopeand opportunities…morethanjustfinancialaid—itis aboutgivinghopeandopportunitiestoyoung generationswhowillshapethefuture.”

2.CreatingJobsandStrengtheningEuropean Industry:Tratos’commitmenttoEuropean manufacturingreflectsthisvalue.“AtTratos,we arecommittedtomanufacturinginEurope, ensuringthatthousandsofpeoplehavestable,wellpayingjobs…ManufacturinginEuropeisnotjust aboutbusiness—itisaboutresponsibility,quality, andbuildingafuturewhereindustryandpeople growtogether.”Heprioritizesjobcreationand communitystrengthovercheaperoverseas production.

3.InspiringandHelpingPeople:Thehuman connectionisparamount.Dr.Bragagnirecalls, “Duringmytimeinthehospital,Ireceivedsomany letters,emails,andmessagesfrompeoplewhose livesIhadtouched.Thatoverwhelmingsupport wasasignthatweweredoingsomethinggood.”He understandsthatleadership'struemeasureis upliftingothersandcreatingalastingpositive influence.

4.UpholdingFaithandIntegrity:Corevaluesare non-negotiable.“Ifsuccessmeantabandoningmy values,itwouldbemeaningless.Stayingtruetomy faithandprinciples,nomatterhowdifficultthe journey,givesmepeaceandfulfilment.IfIcan navigatechallengeswhileholdingontomybeliefs andstillmakeadifference,thatisatruemeasureof success.”Integrityandfaithguidehispath.

5.BuildingaLastingLegacy:Truesuccessisabout creatingsomethingenduring.“Abusiness,a foundation,oranidea—realsuccessisbuilding somethingthatoutlivesus.It’saboutknowingthat whatwecreatewillcontinuetoimpactpeoplefor generations.”Heaimstobuildinstitutionsand initiativesthatwillbenefitfuturegenerations.

The Most Five PROMINENT LEADERS 2025

ARGYLE Haus

Management- HoumanSalem,Founderand ChiefExecutiveOfficer

URL- https://www.argylehaus.com/

Founded-2014

Description-ARGYLEHausisagarmentmanufacturer inLosAngelesthatprovidesavarietyofservicessuchas technicalfashiondesign,appareldevelopment,pattern making,samplemaking,andfull-serviceproduction

Aurora Solar

Management-ChristopherHopper, Co-FounderandCEO

URL-https://aurorasolar.com/

Founded-2013

Description-AuroraSolarisacloud-basedplatform thatenablessolarprofessionalstoeasilydesign,sell, anddeliversolarprojects.Itcombinessatelliteimaging, LiDAR,weather,andutilityrateswithotherdata sourcestodeliverrealisticanddependableinformation forbestsolararchitecture

CISA

Management-DavidWebb,AgencyCyberOfficer

URL-https://www.cisa.gov/

Founded-2018

Description-CISAenhancesgovernmentcybersecurity defencesagainstprivateandnation-statehackersand workswithUS statestocoordinatecybersecurity initiatives. Byissuinglegallyenforceableoperational instructions,theagencycompelsfederalgovernment agenciestoaddresscertaincybersecuritythreats.ought leadershipviaongoingprocessenhancement

EVLO Energy Storage

Management-SoniaSt-Arnaud,PresidentandCEO

URL-https://evloenergy.com/fr

Founded-2020

Description- EVLOisdevelopingtheenergystoragesector asaprovideroffullyintegratedbatteryenergystorage systemsandsolutions.Itcombinessignificantindustry experiencewithunmatchedcustomerservicetocreateworldclassstoragesystemsandsolutions.

Eos Energy Enterprises

Management-JoeMastrangelo,CEO

URL-https://www.eose.com/

Founded-2008

Description-Withitspositivelyinventivezinc-powered batteryenergystoragesystem,Eosseekstoaccelerate thetransitiontosustainableenergy

Flux Renewables

Management-TannerRobertson,CEO

URL-https://www.fluxrenewables.com/

Founded-2023

Description-FluxRenewablesisdedicatedtomaking theshifttorenewableenergyassimpleandeconomical aspossible,anditprovidesacompletesolutionforsolar panelinstallation,fromgettingpermitstomountingthe panels.

Glaser Solar Inc

Management-DouglasGlaser,CEO

URL-https://www.glasersolar.com/

Founded-2020

Description-GlaserSolarisasolarenergyfirmthat offershomeandcommercialsolarsolutions.Itprovides severalservices,includingsolarpanelinstallation, repair,andmaintenance Inaddition,itprovides financingsolutionstomakesolarenergymore affordable

Kitepower

Management-JohannesPeschel,CEOandFounder

URL-https://thekitepower.com/

Founded-2016

Description-Byofferingtop-notchITservices, consulting,andimplementationsolutions,RTSisa worldwidetechnologyservicesfirmwhosegoalisto modernizeandtransformindustriesthatmatter.

Mendaudio

Management-NerminOsmanovic,Founder

URL-https://mendaudio.com/

Founded-2023

Description-Mendaudioisapioneeringforceinaudio technology,committedtoofferingcreativeanddependable powersolutionsforartists.Italsoprovidesuniquelithiumionbatterypackstomeetspecialneedsbeyonditsusual offerings

Tratos UK Ltd

Management-Dr.MaurizioBragagni,OBE–CEO

URL-https://tratosgroup.com/

Founded-1966

Description-Leadingthewayinelectrical,electronic, andfibreopticcabletechnologyisTratos,acreative cablemanufacturer. Itcaterstoglobalmarketsby producingtoaveryhighstandardand,whereneeded, developingcustomsolutions.

DAVID WEBB

Leading the Charge in Cybersecurity Innovation

Keypoints:

●David“Spud”Webb,AnAgencyCyberOfficerat CISA,focusesoninnovation,risk-rewardbalance,and stayingaheadofthreatstosecurecritical infrastructure.

●FrommanagingdefenseprogramsintheU.S.Air Forcetoleadinga$110Mcybersecurityinitiative, Davidhasdevelopedexpertiseinsecuresystemsand mentoringfutureprofessionals.

●Davidbelievesorganizationsshouldprioritize endpointprotection,sharethreatintelligence,and activelymanagevulnerabilitiesin2025whilebeing transparentaboutsystembreaches.

Cyberthreatsaregrowingfasterthanour solutions,andthesituationisserious.By2025, cybercrimeisexpectedtocosttheworld$10.5 trillioneachyear Thisurgentproblemforcesorganizations toprotecttheirdata,systems,andreputations.Yet,inthis challengingenvironment,someseeachancetolead, innovate,andimprovehowweprotectourcritical infrastructures.

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity,” says DavidWebb,quotingSunTzu.It’salinethatperfectly sumsuphisjourney.DavidisanAgencyCyberOfficerat theCybersecurityandInfrastructureSecurityAgency (CISA)andaseasonedcybersecurityexpertwithamilitary background.Hehasspentdecadesturningchallengesinto steppingstones.

Hiscareerspanseverythingfrommanagingmassive defenseprogramsintheUSAirForcetoleadingcritical cybersecurityinitiativesatCISA.Whetherit’screating securesystemsormentoringthenextgenerationofcyber professionals,Davidbelievesinstayingaheadofthegame.

Inthisstory,weexplorehowDavid’searlyfascination withcomputers,histimeinthemilitary,andhispassion forendurancesportsshapehisapproachtocybersecurity leadership.Fromthestorybehindhisnickname“Spud” tohisinsightsonthebiggestthreatsin2025,hisjourney isbothinspiringanddeeplyrelevanttothefutureof cybersecurity

Pleasenote: “Opinions expressed in this interview are my own and not the views of my employer,” DavidWebb.

MR:You’reknownbythenickname“Spud.”What’s thestorybehindthat?

David:Well,it’sabitofabasketballreference.For thosewhoknowNBAbasketball,thenicknamecomes fromSpudWebb,theprofessionalbasketballplayerwho famouslywontheSlamDunkContestin1986.

Backintheearly1990s,whenIplayedonanAirForce basketballteam,thenamestuck.Iwasheavilyinto basketballthen,playingforthreedifferentAirForcebase teams.Oneofthehighlightsofthattimewasbeingpart ofateamthatwonanAirForceBaseChampionship.It’s anicknametiedtomypassionforbasketballandthose competitiveyearsonthecourt.

MR:Couldyoubrieflyshareyoureducational backgroundandcareerjourney?Whatsparkedyour interestincybersecurity?

David:Myintroductiontocomputerscameinhigh school,whereIwasoneofafewselectedforacomputer programmingandexposureprogram.AlthoughIdidn’t excelatit,theexperiencepiquedmyinterest.Afterhigh school,Iattendedjuniorcollegetobecomeamath teacher.Itooksomecomputerprogrammingand databasecoursesthere,butIdidn’tperformwell.Life thentookaturn,andIdecidedtojointheUnitedStates AirForce.

Whileonactiveduty,Iwasencouragedtopursue furthereducation.IstartedwithaCommunity CollegeoftheAirForcedegreeandlaterearned mybachelor’sdegreefromStrayerUniversityin 1999,despitemovingthreetimesandattending fourdifferentcolleges.Alongtheway,I’vebeen fortunatetoencounteruniqueopportunitiesthat propelledmygrowth.

Throughoutmycareer,I’vealwaysbeenopento newopportunities,evenwhenIwasn’tentirely surewhatIwassteppinginto.I’veworkedin rolesrangingfrombasicadministrativetaskstoa shortstintwiththespecialoperationscommunity, helpingbuildamilitarycommunicationstraining pipelineforaforeignnation,andmanaginga $110millionsoftwaredevelopmentprogramfora defensivecyberoperationsplatform.

MR:Canyoushareyourcurrentroleatthe CybersecurityandInfrastructureSecurity Agency(CISA)andthefocusofyourwork?

David:AtCISA,Icollaboratewithfederal agenciestosupporttheircybersecurityefforts undertheFederalCivilianExecutiveBranch OperationalAlignmentPlan.Thisplanisa cornerstoneofCISA’smissiontoestablisha baselineofcybersecurityinitiatives,allaimedat securingournation’scriticalinfrastructure.It’sa dynamicrolewhereIprovideguidance, assistance,andexpertisetoensurefederal agenciesarealignedwiththesecriticalsecurity goals.

MR:Cybersecurityofteninvolvesbalancing riskandinnovation.Howdoyouapproachthis delicatebalance?

David:Riskandinnovationareclosely tied—there’salwaysariskversusrewardaspect toconsider Asacommunity,Ibelievewemust adoptalifecyclemanagementperspectivewhenit comestosecuresoftwareandhardware.The processbeginswithbuildingsecurecodeand hardwarefromtheoutset,ensuringthatthese systemsaresecureatthetimeofdelivery

Itdoesn’tstopthere,though.Maintainingthe cybersecurityofthesesystemsrequiresa collaborativeeffortbetweenvendorsandusers.

‘‘ Be Comfortable being Uncomfortable.

Together,wemustworktoensurethesesystemsremainsecure throughouttheirlifecycle,upuntiltheyarephasedout.This comprehensiveapproachiscrucialforstayingaheadintheeverevolvingcybersecuritylandscape.

MR:Fromyourperspective,whatarethemostpressing cybersecuritythreatsorganizationsfacetoday,andhowcan theyaddressthemeffectively?

David:Basedonmyexperience,threekeycybersecuritythreats standout,andaddressingthemcansignificantlyimprovean organization'ssecurityposture.

Thefirstisassetmanagement.Surprisingly,manyorganizations don’thaveaclearpictureoftheirenterpriseassets.Poor acquisitionandsustainmentpractices,alongwithshadowIT,

David Webb | Agency Cyber Officer Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

leavecybersecurityprofessionalsunabletoprotectwhat theyaren'tawareexists.Understandingyourenterprise isfundamentaltosecuringit.

Thesecondisincidentdetectionandresponse.Many organizationshaveasecurityoperationscenter(SOC), butthat’snotenough.Theyneedformal,welldocumentedpoliciesandprocedurestohandleincidents effectively.It’scrucialtogobeyondjusthavingthese plansonpaper—theymustbetestedinreal-time,with lessonslearnedfromexercises.Importantly,incident responseshouldn’tbeleftsolelytotheSOC;theCSuitemustalsoengageintheseactivitiestoensurea comprehensiveapproach.

Lastly,resourcesplayacriticalrole.AChief InformationSecurityOfficer(CISO)mustcommunicate cyberrisksinoperationaltermsthatresonatewiththe C-Suite.Cybersecurityisn’tjustaboutprotecting systems;it’saboutsafeguardingcustomerdataandan organization’sreputationandmitigatingpotential adversarialactions.TheCISO’sabilitytotie cybersecuritytobusinessvalueiscrucialforsecuring thenecessaryresources.

MR:There’songoingdebateabouttheroleof formaleducationversuscertificationsforleadership inITandcybersecurity.What’syourtakeonthis?

David:Bothformaleducationandcertificationshave theirplace,buttherequirementsshouldalignwiththe role’sresponsibilities.Formaleducationoffersabroad knowledgebaseandcriticalthinkingskills,while certificationsprovidetargetedexpertiseandpractical insights.

ForleadershiprolesinITandcybersecurity,a combinationofbothcanbebeneficial.Leadersmustnot onlyunderstandtechnicalaspectsbutalsothestrategic andoperationalimplicationsofcybersecurity.

Ultimately,whatmattersmostistheabilitytotranslate technicalknowledgeintoactionablestrategiesthatalign withtheorganization’sgoals.

MR:Yourcareerjourneyhasbeendiverseand impactful.Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongthe way,andhowdidyouovercomethem?

David:Asaformerdefensivecyberoperator,oneofthe biggestchallengeswasunderstandinganadversary’s attackmethodsandstrategies.I’veoftenhearditsaid, “Cyberdefendersmustgetitrighteverytime,whilean attackeronlyneedstogetitrightonce.”Thatdynamic alonemakestheworkbothcomplexandhighstakes.

Anotherchallengeliesinsystemandsoftware acquisitionstrategies.WithMoore’sLawnolonger holdingtrue,therapidpaceoftechnologicalchange createsa24/7/365threatlandscapethateveryenterprise mustnavigate.Thesechallengesexistacrossall verticals,makingadaptabilityandvigilancecriticalfor success.

MR:Whatcybersecuritytrendsdoyoubelieve organizationsshouldprioritizein2025?

David:Endpointprotection,disasterrecoveryand response,andactivevulnerabilitymanagement programsarekeyareasorganizationsmustfocuson. Effectivevulnerabilitymanagementreliesonshared threatintelligenceacrossagencies,ecosystems,and enterprises.Thiscollaborationcanhelpprevent widespreadissuesandfosterstrongerdefenses.

Transparencywhensystemcompromisesoccurisalso crucial.Whenorganizationssharedetailsofbreaches,it enablesotherswithsimilarsystemstoprotect themselvesmorequicklyandeffectively.Ihopetosee moreopennessinthisregard,asitcouldsignificantly improveourcollectivecybersecurityposture.

THE THREAT IS REAL

Our adversaries and other threat actors don't care; their attack vectors are schools, water purification systems, emergency response systems, or electrical grids. we must do better... THE THREAT IS REAL we must be better! #thethreatisreal

MR:You’vemadesignificantstridesincybersecurity. What’snextforyou,andwhatexcitesyouaboutthe future?

David:I’mparticularlypassionateaboutmentoringthenext generationofprofessionalsandfosteringatalentpoolthat’s readytomeetthechallengesofanevolvingdigital landscape.

Currently, I’mpursuingaDoctorateinCyberLeadership, whichtiesintomygoalofaddressingthecybersecurity skillsgapandreducingthenumberofvacanciesinthisfield. I’mastrongproponentofvalidatingexperiencethrough certificationsandtargetedtrainingratherthanrequiring formalfour-yeardegreesforcyberandITprofessionals.

MR:Balancingademandingcareerwithpersonal interestscanbechallenging.Howdoyoumaintaina healthylife-workbalance?

David:Iprefertocallit“Life-workbalance”—with Life intentionallycapitalized.Myfamilyismyanchor,andIlove spendingtimewithmywife,fourchildren,andsix grandchildren.

Beyondfamily,I’manIronmantriathleteandhave completed11marathons.Enduranceeventsfuelmypassion,

‘‘ Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

teachingmedisciplineandperseverance.I’vealsotaken updual-purposeadventuremotorcycling.There’s somethingmagicalaboutbeinginthemiddleofnowhere, surroundedbynature,enjoyingbreathtakingviews.

MR:Lastly,doyouhaveanyadviceorencouragement you’dliketosharewithourreaders?

David: Myguidingprinciplehasalwaysbeentoexcelat thetaskathand—doitbetterthananyoneelseoratleast tothebestofyourability Whenyouapproachworkwith thismindset,youreffortsgetnoticed,andopportunities willcomeyourway.

Also,don’tshyawayfromdiscomfort.Growthoften happensinthosechallenging,uncomfortablemoments.A fewkeyprinciplesIliveby:

● Neverstoplearning.

● Beamentorandshareyourknowledge.

● Practicekindness.

● Listentohear,nottorespond.

● Strivetobetheleaderyouwishyou'dhad.

Andremember,asGeneralColinPowellsaid, “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” Keepmovingforward withpositivityandresilience.

Types Of

Intoday’sworld,weknowmoreaboutour fragileenvironmentandtheurgentneedto stopclimatechange.Energythatlastsand doesn’tharmtheEarthisnowamust.Renewable energyistheanswer.It’sawaytopowerourlives thatcomesfromnature,notfromlimitedresources likefossilfuels.Expertswillguideusthroughten typesofrenewableenergy,explaininghowthey workandwhattheycando,withinsightsfrom peoplewhoknowthesefieldsbest.Ourgoalisto giveyouaclear,simple,andtrustworthyoverview.

1.SolarEnergy:TheSun—EndlessPower

Think:“PowerEverywhere,”NotJust“Panels.”

Solarenergy:it’smorethanjustpanels.It’susing thesun,whichgivesuspowerallthetime.By 2030,solarpowerwillbeallaroundus,builtinto buildings,clothes,andevencars—likeaninvisible layerofenergy,changinghowtheworldgetsits power

Imaginecitiesthatmaketheirpower,withsunlight asanever-endingenergysource.Futuresolar technologywillbesmart,gettingthemostenergy fromthesunallthetime,creatingsmall,smart powergridsallover.Inventorsareworkingon makingenergyfromthesuneasytoget, affordable,andpartofoureverydaylives.Energy isaseasytouseaslight.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinSolar Power

BetterMaterials:Newmaterialswillmakesolar panelsworkbetterandcostless,somorepeople everywherecanusethem.

BetterBatteries:Solarpowerwillworkeven betterwithbetterbatteriestostorepower,used moreandmoreinhomesandbigpowerplants.

SmartPowerGrids:Smartcomputersystems willmakethemostofsolarpowerfrommany places,makingpowernetworksstrongerandmore flexible.

SolarEverywhere:Soon,solarcellswillbelike buildingmaterials—strong,bendable,andseethrough.

2.WindEnergy:PowerfromtheAir

Think:“AirPowerPlants,”NotJust“BigFans.”

Windenergy:morethanjustwindmills.It’susingthepowerofthewind allaroundourplanet.By2028,windfarmswillbelikeairpowerplants. They’llmanagethewind,guesswhenitwillblowhard,andgetthe mostpower,becomingthetoppowersourcefortheworld.

Imaginewindfarmsoutatseathatarelikelivingplaces,goodforsea animalsandevenwatchingtheweather.Futurewindpowerwillbe smart,watchingtheairandchanginghowwindmillsworktogetthe mostpower.Inventorsaremakingpowersystemsthatworkwiththe windandairaroundus.Powerasnaturalasthewinditself.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinWindPower

NewWindmills:Newkindsofwindmillsthatstandtallandstraight willbecomemorecommon,evenincitiesandhillyareas.

SmartWindFarms:Computersystemswillcontrolgroupsof windmills,learningfromtheweathertoworktogetherbest.

PowerfromHighUp:Newideaswillusestrongwindshighupinthe skywithspecialwindmillsorevenflyingmachines.

WindforPowerGrids:Windfarmswithsmartsystemswilldomore thanmakepower—they’llhelpkeeppowergridssteadyandstrong.

3.Hydropower:PowerofMovingWater

Think:“RiverPowerNetworks,”NotJust“BigDams.”

Hydropower:morethanjustbigwallsofwater.It’susing thenaturalflowofwateronEarth.By2035,hydropower willchangefrombigdamstosmallerpowersystemsin rivers,likeanetworkofcleansourcesallthroughour waterways.

Imagineriversgivinguspowerlikeroadsforenergy, helpingtownswithcleanpowerthatdoesn’thurtnature much.Futurewaterpowerwillwatchhowriversflowand changehowmachineswork,alsohelpingfishandfixing habitats,makingenergyandnatureworktogether Inventorsaremakingpowersystemsthatworkwith nature,notagainstit.Powerasnaturalasflowingwater.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinHydropower

RiversRunningFree:Morepowerplantswillusethe naturalflowofrivers,withoutbigdams,togetenergy easily

SafeforFish:Newmachineswillbedesignedtobesafe forfish,helpingthemswimbyandnotgethurt.

SmartRiverUse:Computersystemswillcontrolwater flowtomakepower,helpfarmsgetwater,andstop floods.

BetterWaterStorage:Newwaystostorewaterfor powerwilluseclosedsystems,notchangingriversmuch.

4.GeothermalEnergy:HeatfromtheEarth

Think:“EarthHeatPowerTaps,”NotJust“Steam.”

Geothermalenergy:morethanhotsprings,it’susingthe Earth’ssteadyheatfromdeepinside.By2040,we’llhave systemstogetheatfromanywhereonEarth,notjusthot areas,forpowerallthetime.

ImaginetownspoweredbytheEarth’score,whichis alwayshotandreliable.Futuregeothermalsystemswill checkunderground,findthebestspots,andgetheatin smartways,evengettingmineralsandstoringcarbon, makingsystemsthatuseeverythingwell.Inventorsare makingsmart,closed-loopgeothermalsystemsthatuse resourceswiselyandhelptheenvironment.Poweras naturalasEarth’sheat.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinGeothermal Power

MoreEarthHeatSystems:Newsystemswillletus getEarth’sheatanywhere,notjustinvolcanicareas.

PowerandMineralsTogether:Futureplantswill makepowerandgetmineralslikelithiumandtrap CO2underground.

ClosedHeatSystems:Systemsthatreusewaterwill becomebetter,savingwaterandbeingmorelasting.

VeryDeepHeat:Drillingverydeepwillgettohotter areasformorepower

5.BiomassEnergy:Nature’sEnergyRecycling

Think:“SmartPlantPowerFactories,”NotJust “BurningPlants.”

Biomassenergy:morethanburningstuff,it’susing nature’swayofrecyclingcarbonforenergyand materials.By2030,biomasswillchangetosmart powerfactories,turningwasteandplantsintofuels, materials,andevenplastics—likeanature-based economy.

Imaginewastebecomingusefulstuff,plantsturning intofuelsandproducts.Futurebiomasssystemswill checkwhatthingsaremadeofandchangehowthey areusedbest,eventrappingcarbontomakesystems thathelptheair.Inventorsaremakingsmartpower factoriesthatuseeverythingfromnatureandwasteas muchaspossible.Powerasnaturalaslifeitself, recyclingandreusing.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinBiomass Power

BetterPlantFuels:We’llseenewfuelsfromplant partsthatarenotfood,likeplantwaste,forcleaner transport.

BiomassandCarbonCapture:Systemsthatuse plantsforpowerandtrapcarbonwillbecomemore importanttocleanuptheair

CombinedPowerFactories:Powerplantswillmake fuels,materials,chemicals,andfoodalltogether, usingresourcesbest.

GoodPlantSources:It’skeytomakesurewegetplants forpoweringoodwaysthathelpnature.

6.Biofuels:RenewableFuelsforCarsandTrucks

Think:“Easy-SwapRenewableFuels,”NotJust“Corn Fuel.”

Biofuels:morethancornfuel,it’sliquidfuelsfromnature thatfitrightintoourcarsandtrucks.By2030,better biofuelsfromwaste,seaweed,andnon-foodplantswill replacegasanddiesel,helpingcleanuptransport.

Imagineplanesflyingonfuelsgrownfromplants,power plantsturningwasteintofuelforcarsandtrucks.Future biofuelsystemswillcheckmaterials,makefuelsinthebest way,andusesmartfarmingtobebetterfornature,creating smart,nature-friendlyfuelsystems.Inventorsaremakingeasy, lastingwaystomakefuelsthatfitourcarsandhelptheplanet. Cleantransportisaseasyasfillingupyourcar

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinBiofuels

BetterPlantSources:We’llusemoreplantwasteand seaweedforfuelstobemorelasting.

PowerandLiquidFuelsTogether:Usingcleanpowerto makeliquidfuelswillbecomeagoodwaytomakefuelsthat last.

CleanPlaneFuels:Fuelsforplanesfromplantsandclean powerareneededtocleanupflying.

CheckingFuelEffects:Wemustcheckwelltomakesure plantfuelsreallyhelpcleantheair

7.TidalEnergy:Ocean’sClockworkPower

Think:“UnderwaterPowerCollectors,”NotJust“Wallsonthe Coast.”

Tidalenergy:morethanwallsonthecoast,it’susingthe ocean’stidethatalwayscomesandgoesforsteadypower.By 2035,tidalpowerwillmovepastbigwallstopowercollectors underthewater–machineslikeunderwaterwindmills–using oceanflowswithlittleharmandgivingsteadypowertocoasts.

Imaginepowerfromtheocean’sregulartides,powerthat comesassteadyasclockwork.Futuretidalsystemswillwatch howtidesflowandmakemachinesworkbest,alsohelpingsea lifeandfixingmachineswithoutpeopleinthewater,smart systemsthataregoodfortheocean.Inventorsaremaking differentpowersystemsthatworkwithoceansandnature. Powerassteadyasthetide.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinTidalPower

LinesofUnderwaterWindmills:Morelinesofmachineslike underwaterwindmillswillbeusedinstrongoceanflows,less easytoseethanbigwalls.

MoreThanWallsforTides:Newideasareusingbaysand otherwaystogetpowerfromtidesthatarelessharmfulthan bigwalls.

MixedOceanPowerParks:Mixingpowerfromtidesand wavesinoceanpowerparkswillgetmorepowerfromthe oceanandbemoresteady.

PlanOceanUseCarefully:Weneedtoplanwellandget permitstobuildtidalpoweringoodwaysthatprotect oceans.

8.WaveEnergy:Ocean’sSurfacePower

Think:“OceanMotionPowerMakers,”NotJust“Floating Things.”

Waveenergy:morethanfloatingthings,it’susingthebig powerofoceanwaves,changingoceanmotiontopower.By 2040,wavepowerwillchangetosmartoceanmotionpower makers,usingwaveenergyasabigpowersourceforcoasts.

Imaginecoastsasplacesforpower,wavefarmsturning oceanwavesintocleanpower.Futurewavepowerwill watchwavepatterns,getthemostpower,andevenmake cleanwaterandhydrogen—oceanpowercentersthatdo manythings.Inventorsaremakingdifferentandgoodpower systemsfortheoceansthatcanworkinallkindsofocean places.Powerisasnaturalasoceanwaves.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinWavePower

DifferentWavePowerMachines:We’llseemanytypesof wavepowermachinesfordifferentoceanwavesandplaces.

StrongOceanMachines:Machinesmustbestrongtolastin roughoceansandworkforalongtime.

BigWavePowerParks:Bigparksofwavemachineswill beneededforlotsofpower,needinggoodplanstolinkto powergridsfarfromshore.

OceanPowerandMore:Wavepowerwillbeusedwithfish farms,cleanwatermaking,andoceanwatchingtousethe oceanbest.

9.HydrogenEnergy:Energy’sHelper

Think:“EnergyforEverything,”NotJust“RocketFuel.”

Hydrogenenergy:morethanrocketfuel,it’sahelperfor cleanenergy,movingandstoringpower.By2030,clean hydrogenwillbecommon—poweringcars,cleaningup factories,storingpower—likeatoolthatdoesmanythings forcleanenergy.

Imagineenergymovingaseasilyashydrogen,powering carstofactories,andkeepingsummersunpowerfor winter.Futurehydrogensystemswillwatchhowmuch powerisneeded,makehydrogenbest,andeventrap carbonfromfactoriestomakecleanhydrogeninways thathelptheair.Inventorsaremakingfullhydrogen systems—making,moving,storing,andusinghydrogen inmanyways.Energyuseisisaseasyasusing hydrogen.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinHydrogen Power

CheaperCleanHydrogen:Makingcleanhydrogen cheaperiskey.Newwaystomakeitandcheapclean powerwillhelp.

BuildHydrogenSystems:Weneedtobuildsystemsto move,store,andusehydrogen,whichcostsmoneyand needsplanning.

HydrogenforBigFactories:Hydrogencanhelpclean upbigfactorieslikesteelandcementandmakefactory heatclean.

HydrogenforLongStorage:Hydrogencanstore powerforalongtimetobalancepowerfromthesunand wind.

10.OceanThermalEnergyConversion(OTEC): HarnessingtheOcean’sGentleHeat

Think:“WarmOceanPowerhouses,”NotJust“Warm andColdWater.”

OTEC:morethanwarmandcoldwater,it’susingthe ocean’swarmthtomakesteadypower,mostlyinwarm places.By2045,OTECwillberealpowerplantsin warmoceans,givingsteadypower,cleanwater,and evenhelpingfishfarms—aspecialsourceforisland countries.

Imagineislandspoweredbytheocean’swarmandcool layers,powerassteadyasthewarmsea.FutureOTEC systemswillwatchoceantemperaturesandmake systemsworkbest,alsohelpingfishfarmsgrowbetter andevengettingmineralsfromthedeepsea—ocean centersthatdomanyusefulthings.Inventorsaremaking oceanpowerandresourcecentersthatgetthemosthelp fromwarmoceanareas.Powerasnaturalastheocean’s warmth.

ExpertInsights:WhatExpertsSeeinOTEC

BetterOTECSystems:MakingOTECsystemswork betterisimportant,usingbetterpartstogetmorepower.

OTECCentersforManyUses:UsingOTECforclean water,fishfarms,andminingmakesitmoreuseful.

UseDeepOceanWater:Cold,deepoceanwaterfrom OTECisgoodforfishfarms,farmsonland,andcooling buildings.

PowerforIslands:OTECisverygoodforisland countries,givingthemtheirownpowerandcleanwater

Conclusion:ExpertsLooktoaRenewableEnergy Future

Thesetentypesofrenewableenergysources,lookedat byexperts,showafuturewherepowerisclean,smart, connected,andpartofnature.Theyhavebigpotential, butwemustactwisely.ExpertView:“Togettoa renewableenergyfuture,weneedtomixdifferentpower sources,usesmartgrids,andstoreenergywell.Good rulesandhelpfromgovernmentsareneededtoget peopletoinvest,findnewideas,andbreakdown barriers.Experts’knowledgeandlookingaheadarekey foratrulyrenewablefuture.”

FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Houman Salem

Revolutionizing the Fashion Industry with ARGYLE Haus

Thefashionindustryisaconstantlyevolvingspace wherenewnessisalwaysindemand.With changingconsumerneedstechnological advancements,andsustainabilityconcerns,theindustry demandsleaderswhocanthriveonchallenges.Onesuch leaderwhohascarvedhisnicheinthefashionworldis HoumanSalem.

Asanentrepreneurandfashionbusinessconsultant, HoumanistheFounderandChiefExecutiveOfficerof ARGYLEHaus.Hisjourneyinthefashionindustrybegan afterhisexperienceinmanagementconsulting,working withvarioustechnology,consumerproducts,and entertainmentcompanies.Hespottedanopportunitytooffer smallclothingbusinessesall-in-onewrap-aroundservices suchasfashiondesign,materialsourcing,apparel development,andcutandsewmanufacturing,alongwith smallbatchproduction.

InaconversationwithHouman,wedelveddeepintohis journeyandhowARGYLEHaushasaddedsubstantial valueatthegroundlevel.Hisinsightsasafashionbusiness expertandaninspiringleaderareinvaluable,andweare excitedtosharethemwithourglobalaudience.Weare confidentthathisexperienceswillnotonlyamazeour readersbutalsoprovideaboosttotheirentrepreneurial streak.

TheMakingofaFashionIndustryLeader

HoumanSalem’sjourneyisnothingshortofinspiring. ArmedwithaBAinHistoryfromCaliforniaState UniversityNorthridgein1994,hebeganhiscareerinthe musicindustry.Heheldseveralpositionswithrenowned companieslikeEM-CapitolRecords,SonyMusicGroup,

andtheUniversalMusicGroup.However,histimeinthe musicindustrywasrelativelyshort,andhefelttheneedto exploremoreandbroadenhishorizons.Sohedecidedto pursueanMBAfromPepperdineUniversityin2001.

AfterearninghisMBA,hestartedhisownsmallbusiness consultingfirm.OneofhisclientswasForplay,Inc.,a Hollywood,California-baseddesignerandmanufacturer ofwomen’slifestylefashionandintimateapparel.Aftera three-monthconsultingassignment,theownersofthe companyweresoimpressedwithhisworkthatthey electedhimastheirCEOin2004.Thiswasthebeginning ofHouman’sillustriouscareerinthefashionindustry.

Houman’sexpertiseinmanagementconsultingcontinued togrow,andheworkedwithavarietyoftechnology, consumerproducts,andentertainmentcompaniesfrom 2008to2010.However,hispassionforthefashion industryremainedstrong,andhefoundedARGYLEHaus tocatertothespecificneedsofsmallclothingbusinesses.

ARGYLEHaus:TheSolutiontoHighMOQin FashionManufacturing

In2014,HoumanfoundedARGYLEHausasafactoryfor small-batchapparelproductioninLosAngeles,California. HismotivationforstartingARGYLEHausstemmedfrom hisownexperienceinthefashionindustry.Asan entrepreneurandfashionbusinessconsultant,hewas lookingforafactorytomanufacturehisownclothingline. However,thehighminimumorderquantitiesoffactories inLAwerenotsuitableforasmallstartup.Thischallenge presentedanopportunityforHoumantostartabusiness thatprovidesamuch-neededservicetosmallclothing businesses.Thus,ARGYLEHausofApparelwasborn.

“If you fall down and don't get back up, then you fail completely, but if you fall down and get back up and try again, then you've learned and are now well-educated.”

Today,ARGYLEHausofApparelisa leadingfashiondesignhouseand apparelmanufacturingcompanyinthe UnitedStates.Thecompanyoffersa fullrangeofservices,fromfashion designandmaterialsourcingto appareldevelopmentandcut-and-sew manufacturing.Itboastsateamof industry-leadingbusinessexperts, technicaldesigners,patternmakers, andmasterseamstresseswith extensiveexperienceinthefashion, apparel,andmanufacturingindustries. Itsservicescatertoestablished designers,growth-stagecompanies, andnationalbrands,makingtheman idealchoiceforclientsseekingthe highestqualityoutputtosatisfytheir valuedconsumers.

ARGYLEHausofApparelhasaclear vision–tobetheAmericanengine thatpowersglobalfashionandapparel brands.Theirmissionistoprovidethe

highestqualityfashiondesign,apparel development,andclothing manufacturingservicestocompanies andbrandsthatdemandthebestfor theirvaluedconsumers.

One-Stop-ShopforFashionBrands

Houman’scompany,ARGYLEHaus ofApparel,hasaclearcompetitive advantageoveritsrivals.Theyare fullyverticallyintegrated,which meansthattheyprovideallthe necessaryservicesfromstarttofinish, savingtheirclientstimeandmoney Theyofferfashiondesign,apparel development,productmanufacturing, anddigitalmarketingservices, includingwebsitelaunchandcontent creation,andalsointroducetheir clientstoresourcessuchasretail buyersnationwide.

Thisintegrationandstreamlined approachofferaone-stop-shopfor startupsandmid-sizeapparelbrands, eliminatingtheneedtofindnumerous resourcestogetthejobdone.The resultisthatARGYLEHausof Apparelcanprovideahigherqualityof serviceatalowercost,makingthem theclearchoiceforcompaniesthat demandexcellenceandefficiency

Redefiningwhatitmeanstobea ModernCEO

AstheleaderofARGYLEHaus, Houmanhasseveralrolesand responsibilitiesthatcontributetothe successoftheorganization.Intheearly daysofthecompany,hewasinvolved inalmosteveryaspectoftheoperation. Hetookonvariousroles,including sales,marketing,finance,websiteand SEOmanagement,andgovernment

relations.Overtime,asthebusiness grew,hebuiltdepartmentsandteams tooverseecriticalfunctions,allowing himtofocusonoverallbusiness strategyandgrowth.

“All those departments have my DNA and my methodologies infused into them,” saysHouman.Asaflexibleand adaptableleader,heunderstandsthat changeisconstant,bothintheexternal andinternalenvironmentsofa business.Asaresult,hegrantshisstaff lotsoffreedomtomakenecessary changesandisopentonewideasand methodologies.Hisleadershipstyleis markedbyhisabilitytotrusthisteam andthedepartmentheadshehashired. “Sometimes your department heads may know a lot more than you ever did about a particular function, and you have trust in the people you hire,” believesHouman.

ThrivingonNewness

AstheCEOofARGYLEHausof Apparel,Houmanbelievesthat challengesarejustapartofthe journey,andhehasauniqueapproach toovercomingthem.Insteadofletting themslowhimdown;heembraces themandlookstowardsthefuturewith

adeterminedmindset.Hebelievesthat challengesareopportunitiestogrow andpushboundaries.

Thefashionindustryisconstantly evolving,andnewnessisthenameof thegame.ThismotivatesHoumanand histeamtoworkharderandseekout newchallenges.Hebelievesthathiring peoplewiththesamemindsethelpsthe teamthriveonnewchallenges together Theyencounterchallengesin theformofnewproductstheyare designinganddevelopingforclients, newbusinessunits,andopportunities theycreateforthemselves.

Forinstance,lastyear,Houmanandhis teamlaunchedanewdigitaldivisionto helpclientslaunchtheire-commerce sites.Thismovesetthemapartfrom theircompetitorsandcreatedanew revenuestreamforthecompany

VisionforaSustainableandEthical FashionFuture

Houmanfindsinspirationinthe enthusiasmandentrepreneurialspirit ofstartupsheworkswith.Theindustry hasundergonesignificant transformationinrecentyears,with sustainabilityandethicalfashion

Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and don't be afraid of failure.

takingcenterstage.Consumersare increasinglyinterestedinthe environmentalimpactandlabor practicesofthebrandstheysupport.

Asaresult,fashionbrandsare adoptingsustainablepracticesandecofriendlymaterials.Theindustryhas alsoseenariseinathleisureand streetweartrends,emphasizingcomfort andpracticality

Houmankeepsaneyeontheindustry andisinspiredbythosewhoprioritize sustainabilityandethicalpractices.He isalwaysonthelookoutfornewtrends andemergingdesignerswhoare pushingtheboundariesoffashion.

Houman’sFutureOutlook

Houmanhasambitiousplansforthe future,withastrongfocuson expandinghisbusinessandoffering innovativenewservicestohisclients. Heiscommittedtostayingaheadof thecurveandprovidingcutting-edge solutionstohelphisclientssucceedin anever-changingmarket.

Inadditiontohisbusinesspursuits, Houmanisalsopassionateabout sharinghisexpertisewithothers.He hasrecentlybeenactiveinpublic speakingengagements,wherehehas beenabletoeducateandinspire audienceswithhisinsightsintothe fashionindustryandhisinnovative approachtobusiness.

Lookingforward,Houmanis consideringlaunchingapodcastto reachanevenbroaderaudienceand sharehisknowledgeandexpertisewith anevenwiderrangeofpeople.Heis excitedaboutthepossibilitiesthatthe futureholdsandiseagertocontinue pushingtheboundariesofwhatis possibleintheworldoffashionand business.

E-waste,whichstandsfor

electronicwaste,refersto discardedelectronic devicesandgadgetsthathave reachedtheendoftheirusefullives. Thiscategoryincludesold computers,smartphones,TVs, refrigerators,andotherelectronic equipment.Globale-waste productionhassoaredastechnology advancesrapidly,causingcritical environmentalandhealthconcerns.

Theglobale-wastecrisisisa pressingissuethatrequires immediateattentionandcollective action.Recognizingthedangersof impropere-wastedisposaland embracingresponsiblerecycling practicescanmitigatethe environmentalimpactandprotect humanhealth.Governments, industries,andindividualsmust collaboratetoestablisheffective recyclingsystemsandpromote awarenessaboutthebenefitsofewasterecycling.Onlythrough concertedeffortscanwepavethe waytowardasustainablefuture wherewemanageelectronicwaste responsiblyandconservevaluable resourcesforgenerationstocome.

ACauseforConcern

In2023,theglobale-wastegenerationreachedastaggering 53.6 millionmetrictons,reflectinga4.2%increasefrom 2022.Despitegrowingawarenessaboutresponsiblee-waste disposal,theworld’se-wasterecyclingratestillneeds improvement.In2023,peoplerecycledonly17.4%ofthe world'se-waste,leavingastaggering82.6%unaccounted forinlandfillsandincinerators.Thissituationcallsfor urgentactiontopromoteeffectiverecyclingpracticesand sustainablesolutions.

ProblemwithE-Waste

Thesurgeine-wasteposesnumerouschallengesandrisks toourplanetanditsinhabitants:

● EnvironmentalHazards:E-wastecontainstoxic substanceslikelead,mercury,cadmium,andflame retardants.Whenpeopledisposeofitimproperly inlandfillsorincinerateit,theseharmful chemicalsleachintothesoilandwater, contaminatingtheenvironment.

● HealthImpacts:Informale-wasterecycling practicesinsomeregionsexposeworkersto hazardoussubstances,leadingtoseverehealth problemssuchasrespiratoryissues,skindiseases, andneurologicaldisorders.

● ResourceDepletion:Electronicsoftencontain valuablematerialslikegold,silver,andrareearth metals.Failingtorecyclee-wastemeansmissing anopportunitytorecoverandreusethesevaluable resources.

BenefitsofE-WasteRecycling

Amidstthee-wastecrisis,responsiblerecyclingoffers significantadvantages:

● EnvironmentalPreservation:Recyclinge-waste helpspreventtoxicsubstancesfrompollutingthe environment,safeguardingecosystemsand wildlife.

● ResourceConservation:Recyclingreducesthe needforextractingrawmaterialsfromtheearth fornewelectronicproducts,whichconsumesvast amountsofenergyanddepletesnaturalresources. Itconservesvaluablematerials.

● EnergyEfficiency:Producingelectronicdevices fromrecycledmaterialsrequireslessenergy comparedtomanufacturingfromscratch, contributingtoenergyconservationandreducing greenhousegasemissions.

● JobCreation:Formale-wasterecyclingfacilities cangenerateemploymentopportunities,providing safeandsustainablelivelihoodsforworkers involvedintherecyclingprocess.

RecyclingE-Waste:FromCollectiontoEndMarket

Astheglobale-wastecrisisintensifies,weincreasingly needawell-structuredandefficientrecyclingchain.The journeyofe-waste,fromcollectiontopreparationforthe endmarket,playsacrucialroleinmitigatingenvironmental hazardsandconservingvaluableresources.Let’sexplore theessentialstepsinthee-wasterecyclingchain.

● Collection

Thefirststepinthee-wasterecyclingchain involvescollectingelectronicdevicesthathave reachedtheendoftheirlifecycle.Various stakeholders,includingindividuals,businesses, andmunicipalities,participateinthisprocess. Theysetupcollectionpoints,drop-offcenters,and recyclingeventstoencouragepropere-waste disposal.Theresponsiblecollectionensuresthat wedivertdiscardedelectronicsfromlandfillsand informalrecyclingpractices.

● Processing

Oncewecollecte-waste,specializedrecycling facilitiesprocessit.Duringthisphase,they disassemblethedevicesandcarefullyextract hazardousmaterialssuchaslead,mercury,and cadmium.Thegoalistopreventtheseharmful substancesfrompollutingtheenvironmentduring furtherrecyclingordisposal.

● DataDestructionandSecurity

Datasecurityisacriticalconcernduringe-waste recycling.Wetakepropermeasuresto permanentlyeraseanysensitiveinformationstored onthedevices.Certifieddatadestruction techniquessafeguardindividualsandbusinesses frompotentialdatabreaches.

● ComponentRecovery

Afterprocessing,therecyclingfacilityfocuseson recoveringcomponents.Weextractvaluable materialslikegold,silver,copper,andrareearth metalsfromelectronicdevices.Recoveringthese resourcesreducestheneedforrawmaterial extractionandconservesvaluablenatural resources.

● PreparationforEndMarket

Thefinalstageinthee-wasterecyclingchain involvespreparingtherecoveredmaterialsforthe endmarket.Manufacturerspurchasethese materialsandusethemassecondaryrawmaterials toproducenewelectronicproducts.Proper preparationensuresthattherecycledmaterials meetqualitystandardsandaresuitablefor manufacturingprocesses.

TacklingtheHurdles:TheChallenges

Astechnologycontinuestoevolveatanunprecedented pace,thegenerationofelectronicwaste,ore-waste,also increases.Disposingofelectronicdevices,rangingfrom smartphonestocomputers,hasbecomeapressingglobal concern.Whilerecyclinge-wastepresentsapromising solution,severalchallengeshinderitseffective implementation.

● LackofAwareness

Oneoftheprimaryobstaclesinthee-waste recyclinglandscapeisthelackofawareness amongconsumersandbusinessesalike.Many individualsremainunawareoftheenvironmental andhealthhazardsposedbyimproperdisposalof electronicdevices.Consequently,peopledispose ofmanydiscardedelectronicsinlandfills,leading toharmfulchemicalsseepingintosoilandwater sources.

Solution:RaisingAwarenessCampaigns

● PoorInfrastructure

Inadequateinfrastructurefore-wasterecycling posesasignificantchallengeinmanyregions. Someareaslackdesignatedcollectioncentersor recyclingfacilities,makingitdifficultfor

individualsandbusinessestodisposeoftheir electronicwasteresponsibly Therecyclingprocess canalsobecomplexandrequirespecialized equipmentandtechnologies.

Solution:StrengtheningRecyclingFacilities

● IllegalDumping

Oneofthemostconcerningchallengesine-waste recyclingisillegaldumping.Someunscrupulous entities,drivenbycost-cuttingmotives,chooseto disposeofelectronicwasteinenvironmentally sensitiveareasordevelopingcountrieswithlax regulations.Thisdangerouspracticeharmsthe environmentandposeshealthriskstovulnerable populations.

Solution:StrengtheningRegulationsand Enforcement

BetheChangeinRecycling

Addressingthechallengesofe-wasterecyclingrequires collectiveaction,andasindividuals,weallhaveacrucial roletoplayincreatingasustainablefuture.Wecanmakea significantdifferenceinmanagingelectronicwaste responsiblybytakingsimpleyetimpactfulsteps.

● RecycleYourE-Waste

Thefirststeptowardsresponsiblee-waste managementistorecycleyourelectronicdevices properly.Insteadofdiscardingoldorbroken gadgetswithregularhouseholdwaste,find certifiede-wasterecyclingcentersordrop-off locationsinyourcommunity.Recyclingcenters anddrop-offpointsinyourcommunitywill preventhazardousmaterialsfromendingupin landfillsandensurethattheyrecoverandreuse valuablecomponentsandmaterials.Rememberto wipeyourpersonaldatafromdevicesbefore recyclingthem,ensuringyourprivacyisprotected. Manyrecyclingcentersofferdatawipingservices orprovideguidanceonhowtodoitsafely.

● SupportCompaniesCommittedtoRecyclingEWaste

Whenpurchasingnewelectronicdevices,choose productsfromcompaniescommittedtosustainable

practices,includingrecyclinge-waste.Lookforbrandsthat offertake-backprograms,wheretheytakeresponsibilityfor recyclingtheirproductsattheendoftheirlifecycle. Supportingsuchcompaniessendsapowerfulmessagethat responsiblee-wastemanagementisaconsumerpriority Additionally,consideroptingforproductsmadefrom recycledmaterials,contributingtothedemandformore eco-friendlymanufacturingpractices.

● AdvocateforBetterRecyclingPolicies

Asconsumers,ourcollectivevoicecandrive change.Advocateforstrongere-wasterecycling policiesatlocal,national,andinternationallevels. Supportorganizationsandinitiativesworking towardsimprovingrecyclingregulationsand enforcingstricterpenaltiesforillegaldumping. Engagewithyourlocalgovernment representatives,attendtownhallmeetings,and raiseawarenessabouttheimportanceof responsiblyrecyclinge-wasteinyourcommunity Themorepeopleareawareoftheissue,themore likelypolicymakerswilltakeaction.

OpportunitiestoGrab

Thee-wasterecyclingindustryisagrowingindustrywith severalopportunities.Theglobale-wastegenerationrateis expectedtoincreaseinthecomingyears,creatinganeed formorerecyclingfacilitiesandservices.Byinvestingin thisindustry,youcanhelptoreducetheenvironmental impactofe-wasteandconservenaturalresources.

Herearesomeoftheopportunitiesintheindustry:

● Collectionandtransportation:Companiescan collectandtransporte-wastefrombusinessesand individualsthroughcurbsidecollectionprograms, drop-offcenters,andbuybackprograms.

● Processingandrecycling:Industriescanprocess andrecyclee-wastebyremovinghazardous materialsandrecoveringvaluablecomponents.

● Disassemblyandrefurbishment:Organizations candisassembleandrefurbishe-waste,extending thelifeofelectronicdevicesandreducingthe amountofe-wastethatneedsrecycling.

● Manufacturingofrecycledmaterials:Thereisa growingdemandforrecycledmaterialsfrome-

waste,whichcanbeusedtomake newproductssuchasbatteries, circuitboards,andplastics.

● Researchanddevelopment:Theewasterecyclingindustryneeds researchanddevelopmenttoleadto newandimprovedmethodsfor collecting,processing,andrecycling e-waste.

Herearesomespecificexamplesof companiesthataretakingadvantageofthe opportunitiesintheindustry:

● Envirocycle:Thiscompanycollects andrecyclese-wastefrom businessesandindividuals,boasting anetworkofover10,000collection pointsintheUnitedStates.

● TESRecycling:Itprocessesand recyclese-wastewithastate-of-theartfacilityinTexascapableof processingover100,000tonsofewasteannually.

● SimplyGreen:Itrefurbishesewastewithateamofexpertswho disassembleandrefurbishelectronic devices,extendingtheirlifespanand reducingtheamountofe-wastethat needsrecycling.

Thesearejustafewexamplesofthemany companiestakingadvantageofthe opportunitiesintheindustry.Ifyouare lookingforawaytoinvestinagrowingand sustainableindustry,thee-wasterecycling industryisagreatoption.

E-wasterecyclingisasharedresponsibility, andeveryindividual’sactionscount. Together,wecanpositivelyimpactthe environment,conservevaluableresources, andprotectourplanetfromthegrowing challengeofelectronicwaste.Letustake actiontodaytocreateabettertomorrowfor futuregenerations.Wehopethisbloghas helpedyouunderstandtheimportanceof recyclinge-waste.

The Kite Surfer of Renewable Energy

JohannesPeschelisavisionaryentrepreneurandengineerwhois revolutionizingtheuseofwindenergythroughkites.AstheCEO andfounderofKitepower,aDutchcompanyspecializingin airbornewindenergysystems,Peschelandhisteamhavedeveloped innovativetechnologythatutilizestetheredkitestogenerate electricityfromhigh-altitudewinds.Offeringaflexible,costeffective,andsustainablealternativetoconventionalwindturbines, Kitepowerisattheforefrontofrenewableenergysolutions.

APassionforKitesandCleanEnergy

Peschel’sfascinationwithkitesbeganduringhischildhoodwhenhe wouldflythemalongsidehisfatherinGermany.Thispassionfor kitesgrewashebecameanavidkitesurfer,revelinginthe excitementofridingthewind-poweredwaves.Alongsidethis, Pescheldevelopedakeeninterestincomputerscienceand engineering,pursuinghisstudiesattheTechnicalUniversityof BerlinandlateratDelftUniversityofTechnology.Duringhistimeat Delft,Peschelworkedcloselywiththerenownedkitepowerresearch groupofthelateastronautandprofessorWubboOckels,culminating inhismaster’sthesisfocusedonthecontrolofautonomouskitesfor powergeneration.

Drivenbyhisloveforkitesandcleanenergy,Peschelco-foundedKitepowerin 2016alongsideRolandSchmehl,anassociateprofessoratTUDelftandaleading expertinaerodynamicsandfluidmechanics.Together,theyrecognizedthe immensepotentialofharnessingtheabundantandconsistentwindresourcesat higheraltitudes,wheretraditionalwindturbinesareunabletooperateefficiently Furthermore,PeschelandSchmehlunderstoodthenumerousadvantagesthatkites

CEO and Founder | Kitepower

possessoverotherairbornewindenergysystems, suchasreducedmaterialandmaintenancecosts, simplifiedtransportationandinstallation,andminimal visualandenvironmentalimpact.Withtheseinsights, Kitepowerispioneeringthewayforwardinthefield ofrenewableenergy

AVisionforKitepower

Kitepowerenvisionsmakingrenewableenergy accessible,affordable,andreliableforeveryone, particularlyinremoteandoff-gridareaswhere conventionalwindandsolarpowerarenotfeasibleor cost-effective.Kitepower’stechnologyinvolvesa groundstationthatcontrolsakiteflyinginacircular motionatanaltitudeofupto500meters.Thekite pullsatetherthatdrivesageneratoronthegroundto produceelectricity.Thesystemcanfunctioninawide rangeofwindspeedsanddirectionsandcanbeeasily deployedandretracted.

Kitepowercurrentlyoffersa100kWmobileenergy systemthatcanpowerupto200householdsorcharge upto50electricvehiclesperday Thesystemis designedtobemodular,scalable,andadaptableto differentapplicationsandmarkets.Kitepowerserves variouscustomers,includingthemilitary, humanitarian,industrial,andagriculturalsectors,as wellascommunitiesandbusinessesinremoteand islandregions.Kitepower’ssolutionscandecrease dieselconsumption,greenhousegasemissions,noise pollution,andenergycostswhileenhancingenergy securityandresilience.

ALeaderforInnovation

Peschelisnotonlyasuccessfulentrepreneurbutalso aninnovatorintherenewableenergysector.Heis dedicatedtodevelopingandenhancingKitepower’s technologywhileexploringnewopportunitiesand partnerships.Heoverseesthecompany’sstrategy, operations,andfinances,alongwiththeengineering, research,anddevelopmentteams.Heisalsoinvolved intesting,installing,andmaintainingthesystems, oftentravelingtovariouslocationsandcountries.

PeschelhasguidedKitepower’sgrowthand recognition,securingfundingfromvarioussources, includingtheEuropeanUnion’sHorizon2020 program,theDutchMinistryofEconomicAffairsand

ClimatePolicy,andprivateinvestors.Hehasalso establishedcollaborationswithseveraluniversities, researchinstitutes,andindustrypartners,suchas TUDelft,WageningenUniversity,Fraunhofer IWES,Shell,andE.ON.Hehasreceivedawards andnominations,includingthePhilipsInnovation Award,theAccentureInnovationAward,andthe GlobalInnovationAward.ABelieverinRenewable EnergyandSustainableDevelopment

Peschelstronglybelievesthatrenewableenergyis notonlynecessarybutalsopresentsanopportunity forachievingsustainabledevelopment.Heviews renewableenergyasacrucialdriverforeconomic growth,socialequity,andenvironmental protection.Hearguesthatitcancreatejobs,lower costs,improvehealth,andincreaseresilience.He alsochallengescommonmisconceptionsabout renewableenergy,suchasitsintermittency, reliability,andaffordability.Peschelisoptimistic aboutthefutureofrenewableenergy,particularly inlightoftheCOVID-19pandemic.Thepandemic hasexposedthevulnerabilitiesandinefficienciesof thefossilfuel-basedsystem,creatinganopportune momenttoacceleratethetransitiontoaclean energyeconomy.Governments,businesses,and consumersarenowmoreawareoftheneedand benefitsofrenewableenergy.Peschelurgesall stakeholderstoseizethismomentandinvestin renewableenergysolutionsthatcanhavelasting valueandimpact.

Pescheloffersadvicetothoseinterestedinacareer orbusinessinrenewableenergy.Heemphasizes theimportanceofcuriosity,creativity,and collaboration.Itiscrucialtolearnaboutthe renewableenergysector,includingits technologies,markets,andpolicies.Thinking outsidethebox,experimenting,andinnovatingare alsoessentialasrenewableenergyisadynamic andevolvingfieldthatrequiresconstantadaptation andimprovement.Moreover,Peschelhighlights thesignificanceofworkingwithothers,building partnerships,andfosteringacultureoftrustand cooperation.Renewableenergyisacollective endeavorthatrequirescollaborationacross differentsectors,disciplines,andboundaries.

The Next Big Industrial Revolution

YoumighthaveheardoftheFourth

IndustrialRevolution,orIndustry 4.0,whichbroughtawaveof technologyandautomationintoour factoriesanddailylives.Butholdonto yourhatsbecausethere’ssomethingnew onthehorizon:Industry5.0.Moreover, it’slikethenextlevelofthegame, buildinguponwhatIndustry4.0started. Thus,theworldistalkingaboutIndustry 5.0,andit’stimetodivedeepto understandtheimpactitwillhave.Ifyou arewonderinghowitstandsoutfromits predecessor,Industry4.0,thecool technologiesdrivingit,andwhich industriesmightgetamakeover,well, we’reabouttoexploreitall!

Industry5.0vs.Industry4.0:What’stheBuzz?

Industry-5.0-vs.-Industry-4.0-What’s-the-Buzz

RememberIndustry4.0,thetech-savvyrevolutionthatbrought automationandconnectivitytotheparty?Well,Industry5.0takesthat upanotch.WhileIndustry4.0wasallaboutrobotsandmachines workingefficiently,Industry5.0inviteshumansbackintothemix.Itis liketransformingaone-persondanceintoaduet,wherehumansand machineswaltztogethertocreatesomethingamazing.

What’sDifferentAboutIndustry5.0?

What’sthedealwithIndustry5.0?Well,imagineIndustry4.0asa super-smartrobotdoingalltheheavyliftinginafactory.Itisefficient andall,butitismissingalittlesomething–thehumantouch.Industry 5.0stepsintobringthattouchback.Itisallaboutputtinghumansfront andcenter,workingtogetherwiththosesmartmachines.

Picturethis:inanIndustry5.0setup,humansandrobots teamuplikesuperheroestocreateamazingstuff.People bringtheircreativity,problem-solvingskills,andthat warmfuzzythingwecallintuitiontothetable.Robots, ontheotherhand,bringprecision,speed,andtireless energy.Itislikeabuddy-copmoviewherethehuman detectiveandtherobotpartnersolvecrimestogether; theyeachhavetheirstrengths,andtogetherthey’re unstoppable.

WhyItMatters?

Now,youmightbewondering,whyshouldwecare aboutIndustry5.0.However,forstarters,it’sgotabig heartfortheplanet.RememberhowIndustry4.0made thingssuper-efficient?Similarly,Industry5.0takesita stepfurther.It’snotjustaboutmakingthingsfastand cheap;it’saboutdoingitinawaythatdoesn’thurtthe Earth.Thinkofitasafactorythatgrowsitsown vegetablesandusessolarpanelsforpower Therefore,it isnotjustmakingthings;it’sbeingagoodneighborto theenvironment.

Industry5.0isn’tjustaboutmakingfactoriesgreener.It isalsoaboutmakingsurethatwhentoughtimescome knocking(likeapandemicorasupplychainhiccup), theshowcanstillgoon.Itislikebuildingatreehouse thatcanswaywiththewindinsteadofcrumblingwhen abreezeblows.InIndustry5.0,factoriescanadaptand keepchurningoutproductsevenwhenthingsgetalittle rocky

HowcanIndustry5.0makeBusinessesandSociety Better?

So,wehavetalkedaboutthisfancyIndustry5.0thing andhowitisallabouthumansandrobotsteamingupto createcoolstuff.Butyoumightbewondering,what’sin itforbusinessesandtheworldaroundus?Well,the benefitsareprettysweet!

BenefitsforBusinesses

Youknowwhateverybusinesswants,right?Todo thingsbetter,faster,andwithoutbreakingthebank. That’swhereIndustry5.0comesinwithacapeanda superheroattitude.

• IncreasedProductivity:Withhumansandrobots workinghandinhand,thingscangetdonequicker

andwithfewerhiccups.Forinstance,thinkaboutit: robotscanhandlerepetitivetaskswithoutgetting tiredorcranky,leavinghumanstofocusonthebrainy stuff.

• Efficiency:Industry5.0setsupateamworksituation whereeveryone’sstrengthsareputtogooduse. Robotshandlethenitty-gritty,andhumansbring creativity.Itislikeatag-teammatchwhereeveryone wins.

• CostReduction:Industry5.0isn’tjustfunand games;itisaboutsavingthosepreciouspennies. Moreover,robotscanhelpcutdownonwasteand mistakes,whichmeanslessmoneygoingdownthe drain.Inaddition,withtasksbeingdonefasterand smoother,businessescansaygoodbyetounnecessary costs.

• Safety:Robotscantakeonriskyjobslikehandling hazardousmaterialsorworkinginextreme conditions.Thatmeansfeweraccidentsandmore peaceofmindforeveryoneinvolved.

BenefitsforSociety

Industry5.0isn’tjustawinforbusinesses;societygetsa front-rowseattotheawesomenesstoo.

• JobCreation:Rememberthosenewopportunities wetalkedaboutearlier?Well,that’sbecauseIndustry 5.0needssomeskilledfolkstokeeptherobotparty going.Thinkofitasachanceforpeopletolearnnew tricksandstayvaluableinthejobmarket.

• Sustainability:WithIndustry5.0’sfocusonbeing kindtotheEarth,we’relookingatagreener economy.Lesswaste,lesspollution,andmorehappy trees–whowouldn’twantthat?

• Resilience:Industry5.0isn’tjustafair-weather friend.Whentoughtimeshit,likeaglobalpandemic orasupplychainshuffle,thesesmartfactoriescan rollwiththepunches.Itislikehavingabackupplan thatnevergivesup.

ChallengesAhead

Now,itisnotallrainbowsandbutterflies.Thereareafew bumpsontheroadtoIndustry5.0greatness.

Skills:Forbusinesses,Itisallaboutgettingtheir teamuptospeed.Thatmeansteachingemployees newskillsandhelpingthemadjusttotherobot revolution.Itislikeupgradingyourcharacter’sskills inavideogame–ittakestimeandeffort,butthe rewardsareworthit.

Investment:Newtechnologiesdon’tcomecheap, andbusinessesneedtobewillingtoputtheirmoney wheretheirrobotsare.Itisaninvestmentinthe future,butitrequiressomefinancialbravery

Ethics:Asrobotsbecomemoreintegratedintoour lives,therearequestionstoansweraboutthingslike privacy,fairness,andwho’sresponsibleifsomething goeswrong.Moreover,itislikethewildwestof Technology,andweneedsomedigitalsheriffsto keepthingsincheck.

HowisitEmbracingaPromisingFuture?

• TechnologiesoftheFuture:Artificial Intelligence(AI),theInternetofThings(IoT), and3DprintingaretheheroesbehindIndustry 5.0.Moreover,AIhelpsmachineslearnand makedecisionslikehumans(well,almost),IoT connectsgadgetsandgizmos,and3Dprinting letsusbringourwildestideastolife.Itislikea techdreamteam,andthey’reallworking togethertomakethefuturebrighter.

• IndustriesontheRadar:Thinkabout manufacturing–factoriesbuzzingwithrobots andhumansteaminguptomakeproductsfaster andbetter.Butitdoesn’tstopthere.Moreover, healthcaremightseesuper-smartrobots assistingdoctorsandnurses,makingsure patientsgettop-notchcare.Similarly, agriculturecouldbecomemoreefficient,with sensorsandAIhelpingfarmersgrowmorefood withlesswaste.Therefore,itislikegiving variousindustriesafancyupgrade.

• TheGovernment’sHelpingHand:Youmight wonder,what’sthegovernment’sroleinallthis? Well,governmentscanbelikecheerleaders, rootingforIndustry5.0tosucceed.Moreover, theycancreatepoliciesthatsupportthegrowth ofthesenewtechnologies,offerincentivesto businessesadoptingthem,andprovidetraining programstohelppeopleacquiretheskills

neededinthistech-poweredworld.Itislike havingamentortoguideyouthrougha challenginggamelevel.

• EthicalDilemmas:Ah,ethics–thetrickypart. AsIndustry5.0takescenterstage,itbringsalong afewmoralquestions.Like,who’sresponsibleif arobotmakesamistake?Howdoweensure robotstreateveryonefairly?Andwhatabout privacywhenmachinesknowsomuchaboutus? Thesearerealhead-scratchersthatneed thoughtfulanswers.Itislikeexploringuncharted territorywhereourvaluesandtechnology intersect.

TheImpact

Firstoff,itmightchangethewaywework.Moreover, imagineyourselfinafactoryoranofficewhererobots dotherepetitivestuff,andyougettouseyour brainpowertocomeupwithcoolideas.Similarly,it’s liketradingaboringchoreforanexcitingadventure. InAddition,Industry5.0couldcreatenewkindsof jobswehaven’teventhoughtofyet.Furthermore, somebody’sgottobuild,program,andfixthose robots,right?So,therecouldbeawholebunchof opportunitiesforfolkswholovetinkeringwith technology

Wrap-UpInaNutshell

Inanutshell,Industry5.0islikethetech-savvycousin ofIndustry4.0,andithassomefancynewmoves.Itis allaboutteamworkbetweenhumansandrobots, makingthingsinawaythat’skindtotheEarth,and beingtoughenoughtohandlewhatevercurveballsthe worldthrows.So,getreadyforafuturewhereyouand yourrobotsidekickmightjustchangetheworld–one awesomeinventionatatime!

Itisanamalgamationofhumansandmachines,driven byAI,IoT,andotherfancytech,promisingabrighter futureforvariousindustries.Governmentslendahand tomakeithappen,andwe’reallsetforanexciting ride.Butremember,aswestepintothisnewera,we alsoneedtoaddresssomeseriousquestionstoensure thatourdigitalpartnerbehavesethicallyand responsibly.Itisathrillingadventureintothefuture, wherehumansandtechnologywritethestorytogether

NERMiN OSMANOViC

Pioneering a New Era in Portable Power for

Musicians and Beyond

Ifyouareamusician,youknowhowfrustratingandtime-consumingit canbetosetupandteardownyourequipmentbeforeandafterevery show.Youhavetodealwithtangledwires,bulkypowersupplies, unreliablebatteries,andnoisyinterference.Youwishtherewasabetter waytopoweryourpedals,amps,andinstruments,without compromisingyoursoundqualityandperformance.

That’sexactlywhatNerminOsmanovic,ahobbyistmusicianandan electricalengineer,wishedforwhenhefoundedMendaudio,a companythataimstosolvetheproblemofpoweringmusical equipment.HedecidedtoreplacethetraditionalDCpowercableswith arechargeable9Vbatterypackthatissafe,easytouse,andhasrealtimepowermonitoringhardwaredesign.Healsoarchitectedandbuilt productsthatempowermusicianstoperformanywhere,anytime,with high-qualitysoundandminimalhassle:theDCBatteryPacksandthe ACBatteryPack.

MirrorReviewrecentlyinterviewedNermin,whosays,“Ifsomething inlifeisannoyingyou,andyouhavetheskillstoremedyit,goforit!It probablyannoysotherpeopletoo–theseareyourcustomers!”

(ThefollowingQ&Ahasbeeneditedforlengthandclarity)

MirrorReview:PleasetellusthestorybehindMendaudio.What sparkedtheinitialidea,andwhatproblemwereyouaimingto solve?

Nermin:IstartedplayingTrumpetinamarchingbandwhenIwas6 andGuitarat13.I’veorganizedandplayedhundredsofshowsinmany countries.Oneofthebiggestchallengesformusiciansissettingupand tearingdownequipment.

Iusedtospendalotoftimestretchingandwrapping9VDCpower cablesformyguitarpedals.Thiswasrisky,asdancerscouldtripover them.IwantedtogetridoftheDCpowercablesandusebatterypacks instead.

KeyPoints:

● Afterexperiencingthebiggest challengesofbeingahobbyist musician,NerminOsmanovic foundedMendaudiotosolve theproblemofsettingupand tearingdownequipmentbefore andaftershows.

● NermindecidedtoreplaceDC powercableswitha rechargeable9Vbatterypack thatissafe,easytouse,and hasreal-timepowermonitoring hardwaredesign.

● Hearchitectedandbuilt severalproductsthatempower musicianstoperform anywhere,anytime,withhighqualitysoundandminimal hassle:theDCBatteryPacks andtheACBatteryPack.

Founder | Mendaudio

Photographer - Tuyen Thai

However,thebatterypacksItriedwerepoor.Theyhadpoor hardware,nopowermonitoring,andshortbatterylife.So,I decidedtobuildmyown9VDCbatterypackthatissafe, rechargeable,easy,performant,andwithreal-time monitoring.

Ialsofoundahugemarketformyproduct.Ireadthereport, whichsaidtherearethreemillionguitaristsintheUS,and theaccessoriesbusinessisover$500million.

InJanuary,IattendedtheNAMMtradeshow,whichisthe biggestmusictradeshowofitskind.I’vemadeamazing connectionswithprofessionalguitartechs,andmusicians whowerelookingforwire-freeportable9VDCBattery Packs.Manyprofessionalmusiciansconfirmedline-level andnoiseissuesonstagewhenperforminginSouth America,orinEurope.

Thiscementedmydeterminationtokeeponmakingand producingtheBatteryPacks.MyDCBatteryPackswillbe usedbyfamousartists,andIexpecttoannouncemoreinfo soononmywebsitewww.mendaudio.com.Iwouldliketo mention,thatinJanuary2024,Isoldmyfirst2devices!

MirrorReview:Youmentioneditwasyourdestinyto buildstandalonebatterypacks.Howdidyoudiscover yourpassionforelectronicsandbatteries?Whatwere thekeymomentsandchallengesinyourjourneyto success?

Nermin:IwasborninYugoslaviain1976.Myparents supportedmeandmybrotherintakingmusicclasses,soI playedtrumpetinthemarchingband.Myparentshadmany books,andIbrowsedvarioustopics,fromRenaissanceart andGreeklegendstologarithmictables.Theyneverpushed metochoosemyfuturebutencouragedmyinterests.

Iwasanexcellentstudentingrades1-4(4.0),butthenmy dadsurpriseduswithaCommodore64computer.Iwas excitedtotypeandtrytoloadgamesfromthetapedeck.I skippedschoolfordays.So,Igotlowergrades(3.0)in grades5-8.

ButIlearnedEnglishandDeutch.Iwrotesimpleprograms inBasic.Iwascuriousaboutelectronics.Idisassembled andre-assembledalmostalldevicesinourapartment.

Sometimes,theywouldn’tworkafterthat.Iwas obsessedwithtinycomponents,de-solderedthemfrom oldPCBs,andcategorizedtheminboxes.

Mymomwassurprisedtoseehundredsofcomponents classifiedbysize,shape,andcolor.Later,Ilearnedtheir names:resistors,capacitors,inductors,transistors, potentiometers,etc.IwantedtobuildPCBfromscratch, soIusedacidtoetchthecopperononeside.Thereisa burnmarkonthewindowfromspilledacid.

WhenIwas15,wehadawarinYugoslaviaafter Bosnia-Herzegovinabecameindependent.In1992-1995, Ilearnedtouseallresourcestoovercomeobstacles.I recoveredoldleadacidbatteries,drainedthesolution, cleanedtheinside,andfilledthemwithnewelectrolytes. Tomysurprise,Iwasabletorecoverthebatteryand utilizea12-voltsourcetopowerlightbulbs(automobile headlightbulbs)andmytapedeck.Whenthepowerwas out,Ilistenedtomusicandlearnedguitarsolosbyear, allduetohavingtheleadacidbatterybackup.

Then,ImadeanAC/DCchargeranddesignedand assembledaLeadAcidBatteryCharger.Ibuiltthe enclosuretoo.Itlookednice!Isoldthisdevice,and yearslater,Irealizeditwasmydestinytobuildbattery packs.

Ialsoexperimentedwithotherthings,likemakinga distortionwithaSonyWalkman(connectingguitar pickupstothetapehead),usingaboomboxasanamp, andbuildingapowersupplyforNeonLightswith12V DC.Bythen,Iwasinanelectro-technicalhighschool andmygradesimproved(4.0)forgrades11-12.

MirrorReview:Mendaudio’svisionisto“unlockthe fullpotentialofmusicians.”Howdoesyourproduct lineupcontributetothismissionandempower musicians?

Nermin:Icreatedtwoproductsformusicianstoperform anywhere,anytime,withhigh-qualitysoundandminimal hassle:theDCBatteryPacksandtheACBatteryPacks.

TheDCBatteryPackisaportable,safe,andreliable devicethatpowersguitarpedalswithoutACplugsor converters.Iteliminatesthenoiseandcablesthatcan ruinthesoundandstage.Italsoreducesthesetupand tear-downtime.Itworksanywhereintheworldandis idealfortravelingandperforminginternationally.Itlasts 20+yearsfortypicaluse.

If something in life is annoying you, and you have the skills to remedy it, go for it! It probably annoys other people too – these are your customers “

TheACBatteryPackisaninnovativedevicethatgenerates aperfectACwaveform,freeofnoise,whichcanpowerany stageequipment,suchasspeakers,mixers,microphones, andTVs.Itissuper-safe,controllable,independent, rechargeable,purehardware,andextensible.Ithasa transportmode,switches,chargers,monitoring,solar panels,anextensionport,andalonglifespan.Thefirst versionis125Wh,butIaimtobuilda1kWhsystemto powerthewholestagefor4hours.

ImadetheseproductsbecauseIwantedtoplaymusic anywhere,withoutthegridornoise.IneededACpowerfor myspeaker,mixer,microphone,andTVformyproject (www.nazband.com).Ibuiltitfromscratchtodesigna perfectACbatterypackthatisportableandeasy.

MirrorReview:YoufoundedMendaudiofromscratch. Howdidyounavigatetheearlystagesofgrowthand funding,andwhatweresomekeyturningpoints?

Nermin:Itwashardtobalancethetimeforstartinganew company.But,IknewIwassolvingarealissuefor musicians.IfIsolveditformyself,itwouldhelpothers.So, Ibuiltandtestednewprototypes(solderingbyhand)inreal life.Thiskeptmyconfidence.Iwasself-funded,soIdidnot needinvestors.Thisfreedmetodelivermyvisionofa productthatiseasy,safe,reliable,andpurehardware, withoutunnecessaryadditions.

Thefirsttaskwastofindthebestbatterycell.Ilearnedalot aboutLi-Ionchemistryandperformance,bought20+books onBatteriesandSystems,andwatchedonlineresearchon Li-IonCells,includingNASAdesign.Iorderedthetop3 cellmanufacturers(LG,Panasonic,Sony)andtestedthem. But,Ineededfullsafetytosellmydevices.So,Ilearned aboutthenewhardwaretechnology,“AdvancedSafety CircuitProtection”,andorderedsamples.Iwassurprised thatthecellsperformedwell,andhad1000cycles.Thecells areLi-IonhybridbyPanasonic,builtinJapan,withSafety CircuitsbySeiko,andtestedinFlorida.Ifoundmybattery cellsandmovedtothenextstage.

IrealizedthatearlyDC-DCBoostConverterdevices didnotworkwellforallpedalsduetoDCVoltage Rippleartifacts.Idecidedtobuildanewdesign.I workedwithengineersinvariouscountries(Spain, Turkey,andUSA)andtried3differentcircuitdesigns. IalsogotsamplesfromaPCBsupplierinArgentina.

Aftermonthsofdevelopmentandevaluation,Ifound thebestdesigninDCsignalqualityandpower delivery.The2-celldesigncouldpower12pedalsat once!Thiswasamazing.Inoticedbetterguitarsound qualityandnonoiseissues.Mybatterydevices workedgreat,andIusedthemeverywhere,intheU.S. andSpain.Thecompactdesignwaseasytocarryon theplane.Igothelpwithenclosuredrilling,whichwas amanualprocess.Ihadthewoodentemplatesmadeby myconsultant,andIusedalaser-guideddrillpressto maketheperfectholesattheexactspotsfora professionalfinish.Thenextmilestonewasordering 100PCBsformypacks.Then,Iordered1000PCBs, tosellonAmazonWebstore.

IwantedtodesignaperfectACwaveformbattery pack,freeofnoise,portable,andeasyformymusic project.Iaimedtodesignasolutiontoplayanywhere, for2hours.IneededACpowerforaspeaker,amixer withamicrophone,andaTVformyvideo (www.nazband.com).So,IbuiltanACBatteryPack fromscratch.

Inthisdesign,IusedaPowerInverterandhandsolderedallotherelements.ACBatteryPackhada super-safeoperation,manualswitches,independentcelldesign,individualchargers,andreal-time monitoring.Italsoletsusersseehowdevicesare performedandanyissueslikeanimbalancedcellor dischargedsystem.

ACBatteryPackcanberechargedviaGrid,with independentchargingcircuitsforeachcell.Nebulais purehardware–nosoftware,instantpower-on,and safetytransportmode.Thefirstmodelis125Whand extensibleviaport.Iaimtobuilda1kWhsystemto powerafullstage,includinginstruments,amps, speakers,andlights.

Iwantallmydevices(DCandACpacks)tohave SolarPanelsforoff-gridcharging.IavoidBluetooth, Wifi,orothersoftwareelementstomaximize efficiencyandminimizedisruptions.Akeystonewas realizingmyDCPackswouldlast20+years.

Photographer - Tuyen Thai

MirrorReview:AsthefounderandPrincipal EngineerofMendaudio,whatarethemain challengesandjoysofyourwork?

Nermin:Ihandlemanytasksandroles,suchasmarket analysis,productdesign,prototypevalidation,engineer hiring,externalnegotiation,devicemanufacturing, reliabilitytesting,productpromotion,account application,andstakeholderengagement.

Iworkwithasmallteamoftwoconsultingengineers whoassistmewithvariousaspectsofproduct development,suchascircuitdesign,enclosuredrilling, partssoldering,andgeneralassemblypreparation.I keepapositiveattitudeandafriendlyappearanceto fosteragreatworkenvironment.

WhatIlovethemostaboutmyworkistheresearch anddevelopmentprocess,whereIturnmyideasinto realityandseethemdelightmycustomers.Ialsoenjoy interactingwithmanywonderfulpeoplealongtheway, especiallymusicianswhovaluemyproducts.

MirrorReview:Doyouhaveplanstoreachnew customersbeyondmusiciansandmusicenthusiasts?

Nermin:Yes,Idoplantoexpandmytargetmarketsin thefuture.Ihaveseveralideasforcreatingnew productsthatcanbenefitothersegmentsofcustomers whoneedreliableandportablepowersources.For example,Iplantodesignandbuildaseamlesspower extensionbatterypackforMacBookProthatcan providetrue12hoursofoperationinanyenvironment. Thiswouldbeidealforoutdoorfilmproduction professionalsandothervideo/audioproducerswho workoutdoors.

MirrorReview:Howdoyoubalanceyourworkand personallifeasthefounderofMendaudio?

Nermin:Inadditiontothefullworkloadduringthe workweek,onoccasionsIfindmyselfdoing somethingoverontheweekendiftherearedevicesto assembleorshipmenttobemadeoverseas.Ialso noticedthatIplayguitarsomewhatlessthanbefore. So,Itrytoremindmyselfthatitisimportanttotake thetimeforpersonalenjoyment.Itrytospendalotof timeinmybackyardwithourcatsandtrytotakewalks innaturewithmygirlfriend.Stayingcreative,and doingartsythingsisveryimportanttomaintain positiveoutcomes.

MirrorReview:Whatarethebiggestchallengesyou facedinyourcareerjourney,andhowdidyouovercome them?

Thebiggestchallengesinmy20-yearprofessional Nermin: careerwithsomeofthebiggestcompaniesintheworld havebeenagenerallackofunderstandingandfollowingof basicexcellenceprinciples:safety,transparency,andethics. Thisiswhy,workinginmyowncompany,Icanmaintain theseprincipleswithoutcompromise.

MirrorReview:Howdoyouinspireaspiring entrepreneurswhowanttomakeadifferenceinthe world?

Nermin:Ibelievethatifyouhaveaskillandapassionto solveaproblemthatannoysyouandothers,youshouldgo forit.That’showyoufindyourcustomersandyour purpose.Butbeforeyoustart,makesureyouhavea financialbackupsoyoudon’tdependonanyone.Andtrust yourgut,evenifothersdoubtyou.Butalsotestandrefine yoursolutionuntilitworksperfectly.

Youwillfeelthesupportwhenyoumeetpeoplewholove yourproducts.That’swhatmotivatesmetokeepdoing whatIdo.Anddon’tbeafraidtogethelpfromothersin areasthatyoudon'tenjoy Andalwaysfollowtheprinciples ofexcellence:safety,transparency,andethics.Iwishyoua wonderfuljourneyandsuccessinyourfutureendeavors.

MirrorReview:Couldyoupleasesharewithusany upcomingeventsthatyouarelookingforwardto?

Nermin:Ihavetwoexcitingeventscomingupinthenext fewmonths.InFebruary,IwilltraveltoDoha,Qatar,to participateintheWebSummit,aspartoftheAlphaStartup Program.Thisisagreatopportunityformetoshowcasemy DCBatteryPackandACBatteryPacktechnology,which areinnovativesolutionsforportablepower.Iwillalso networkwithindustryprofessionalsandpotentialinvestors.

Then,inMarch,IwillexhibittheACandDCBatteryPacks inAustin,Texas,aspartoftheSXSW2024CreativeExpo tradeshow.

Inaddition,Ihavesomegoodnewstoshare.Ihave receivedAmazonSellerapproval,includingTrademarkand Brandingapproval,andIexpecttohavethe9VDCBattery PacksavailableforpurchaseonAmazoninMarch2024. Thiswillmakeiteasierforcustomerstoaccessmy productsonline.