The 10 Start-up Founders to Watch in 2024

Maziar Adl

EDITOR’S LETTER

Disrupt-Innovate-Elevate!

DearReaders,

Theyear2024iswitnessinganexcitingshiftasstartupsbecomeenginesofinnovation, technology,andeconomicgrowth.Theconvergenceoftechnologicaladvancements,evolving consumerexpectations,andincreasedventurecapitalinvestmentsistransformingtheglobal businesslandscape.Startupsnowplayapivotalroleindisruptingtraditionalindustriesby introducingnewmodelsandsolutionsinsectorslikeartificialintelligence(AI),renewable energy,ande-commerce.

Theseinnovativeventuresarenotonlycreatingnewbusinessopportunitiesbutalsodriving jobcreationandtechnologicalprogress.AI-drivenplatforms,sustainablebusinesspractices, andfintechinnovationsareshapingthetopstartuptrendsof2024.

Investorsincreasinglyprioritizestartupsthatleveragetechnologytosolveindustry challenges,makingthetechnologysectorfiercelycompetitive.Startupsdeliveringvalue throughemergingtechnologiesarenowthefocalpointofattentionforentrepreneursand investors,establishingthemselvesaskeyplayersinthemarket.

ThiseditionofMirrorReviewhighlightstheremarkablejourneyofMaziarAdl,thefounder andCTOofGociousLLC,asourcoverstory.Maziaridentifiedacriticalgapinearly-stage productdevelopment—existingsystemslikeCRM,ERP,andPLMlackedtheabilityto supportteamsinformulatingcomprehensiveproductstrategies.HisvisionforGocious emergedfromtheneedforaunifiedplatformthatbridgesthisgap,enablingcross-functional teamstocollaboratemoreeffectively.Byofferingaholisticproductroadmap,Gocious empowersteamstomakebetterdecisionsandacceleratetime-to-marketwithgreater predictability.

InadditiontoMaziar’sinspiringstory,thisissuefeaturesotherdynamicleaderswhoare redefiningindustriesthroughinnovation.ThelineupincludesOferFamilier,Nermin Osmanovic,HarrisonAmit,andthetrailblazingduoRoxanaRohdeandFlorianRohde.Each ofthesefoundershasauniquestoryofentrepreneurialresilience,technologicalexpertise,and acommitmenttoshapingthefuture.

Throughtheirpassionandvision,theseentrepreneursarebuildingsolutionsthatnotonly addresstoday’schallengesbutalsosetthestageforabrightertomorrow.Wearethrilledto present “The 10 Start-up Founders to Watch in 2024,” andwehopetheirjourneysinspire otherstoembraceinnovationandboldthinking.

HappyReading!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

No. 430, 4th Floor, Gera’s Imperium Rise, Opp. Wipro Circle, Hinjewadi Phase 2, Pune, Maharashtra - 411057.

Cover Story

MAZIAR ADL

MAZIAR ADL MAZIAR ADL

Transforming Strategic Planning through Product Roadmap Software

Keypoints:

● Today'sfast-movingmarketdemandsthatcompaniesquicklyadapttheirproductstrategiesto staycompetitive.Businessesneedreal-timeinsightsintoproductdependenciesandimpacts.

● MaziarAdlidentifiedagapinexistingsystemslikeCRM,ERP,PLM,andCPQ,whichfallshort inearly-stageplanning,productroadmapdevelopment,andstrategicalignment.

● He,alongsideJakeShafran,foundedGocioustoaddresstheneedforaunifiedplatformthat enableshigh-level,strategicplanningandcollaborationthroughinnovativeproductroadmap software.

Today’smarketismovingfasterthanever. Companiesmustquicklyadapttochanging customerneedsandmarkettrends.Tomake informeddecisionsonwhatproductsandfeaturestoinvest inandbringtomarket,especiallyinlargeorganizationswith complexproductportfolios,youneedmanylevelsof organizationtocometogetherandalign.

Inthepast,itwasfeasibletohandlethiscoordinationwith morepeopleinvolvedthroughperiodicupdates,perhaps onceayearorquarter.Butnow,companiescan’taffordtobe inthedarkabouttheirnewproductinitiativesorthe dependenciesbetweenproductsandteamsforweeksor months.

Forinstance,anexecutiveneedsvisibilityintohowthe entireproductportfoliocollectivelyimpactsthebusiness.A teammustbeawareofthedependenciestheirproducthason otherteamsandtherippleeffectsoftheiractions.Product managersneedtoassesshowintroducinganewproduct alignswiththecompany’soverallobjectives.

MaziarAdl,thefounderandCTOatGociousLLC recognizedagapinhowproductstrategiesweredeveloped andcommunicated.Henotedthatexistingsystemssuchas CRM,ERP,PLM,andCPQareeffectiveafteraproduct conceptisdevelopedbutfallshortinearly-stageplanning andcreatingacomprehensiveproductroadmap.Thisgap oftenleavesteamsworkinginisolationwithoutclear insightsintohowtheiractionsimpacttheoverallproduct strategy.

Allthismeansthatyouneedoneplaceforallthis informationtobeavailablesoeveryoneatdifferentlevelsof productdevelopmentcanmakebetterandtimelydecisions. Thesewillresultinbetterproductsandfasterormore predictabletimetomarket.

InaconversationwithMirrorReview,Maziarexplained, “Wesawanurgentneedtofacilitatehigh-level,strategic planninginacollaborative,streamlinedmanner,andthus, Gociouswascreated.”

MR:BrieflysharetheoriginstoryofGociousLLC, specializinginproductportfolioroadmapmanagement.

Maziar:TheideaforGociousoriginatedfromthevisionof ourmainfounderandchairman, Jake Shafran.He envisionedcreatingaplatformtosupportnewproduct initiatives,particularlyinproductplanninganddeciding whichproductstobringtomarket.

Atthetime,Ihadjustcompletedamajortransformation projectatExperianandwaslookingformynext challenge.WhenJakeandImet,hisideaappealedtome forthreekeyreasons.First,hewasn’tjustfocusingon softwareandhigh-techindustries,butalsoon manufacturing.ThisresonatedwithmeasIhavean IndustrialEngineeringdegree,andmyfirstjobwasina plant.Isawanopportunitytobringsomeofthepractices fromsoftwaredevelopmentintothemanufacturingspace.

Second,Irecognizedthegrowingneedfortoolsthat supportproductmanagement,notjustinroadmappingbut alsoinmakingthecasefornewproductinitiativesand securingorganizationalbuy-in.Duringmytimeat Experian,Isawhowcriticaltheroleofaproductmanager wasandhowitwasgainingimportance.Whilenew frameworkslikeSAFeprovideguidelinesforproduct management,mosttoolsstillfocusonproject managementandday-to-dayexecutionratherthanthe strategicstagesofproductdevelopment.

Third,werealizedafterstartingGociousthatmany hardwareproductshavemoreandmoresoftwaredefining them.Itbeganwithdesktopsandlaptops,thenphones, andnowevencarsarebecomingplatformswhere softwaredefinestheirfeaturesandfunctions.Thesecyberphysicalproductsareontherise,buttoolsthatsupport hybridplanningatastrategiclevelarescarceornonexistent.

Sincethen,Gocioushaspivotedtwice,andwebelievewe havefoundastrategythatworksforus.

MR:Canyouquantifythechallengesproduct managersfacewithtraditional,siloedroadmaptools? Arethereanymarketresearchstatisticsthathighlight theneedforaunifiedplatformlikeGocious?

Maziar:Insteadofrelyingonmarketresearchstats,le’s lookatareal-worldexample.AGCO,aleadingglobal manufacturerofagriculturalequipment,experienced firsthandthelimitationsoftraditional,siloedroadmap tools.

BeforeadoptingGocious,AGCO’ssoftwareandhardware teamsstruggledwithalackoftransparencyand alignment.Thisledtodelays,miscommunications,and increasedrisks.Furthermore,preparingandprovidingthe rightinformationtotherightstakeholdersrequiredlarge leadtimesandalotofexercise,involvingmultipletools likespreadsheetsandpresentationsoftware.

Cover Story

Cover Story

Imaginetheconsequencesofaproductmanager discoveringlatethatacriticalcomponent,likean engine,wouldbedelayedorlackessentialfeatures. Theriskstotheoverallproductwouldbe significant.

Gociousaddressedthesechallengesbyprovidinga unifiedplatformthatbrokedownsilosand improvedcollaboration.AGCOwasabletoachieve greatertransparency,alignment,andefficiency, ultimatelydeliveringbetterproductstomarket.

MR:CouldyouelaborateontheGocious platform?Whatareitskeyfeaturesand applications?

Maziar:Gociousoffersasingleplatformtomap outyourentireproductportfolio.Ourplatform providesessentialanduniqueroadmapsthatallow youtovisualizeyourproductstrategyanddrill downintovariousdimensions,suchasbusiness units,marketsegments,andfeatures.Wealsooffer innovativewaystotrackdependenciesandmanage productlifecycles—allinoneplaceforyourentire portfolio.

MR:Whoareyourtypicalclients,andwhat commonmisconceptionsdotheyhaveabout productportfoliomanagement?

Maziar:Weprimarilyservemid-sizedtolargescaleenterprisesinthemanufacturingsector A commonmisconceptionisthatourplatformis simplyaprojectmanagementsystem,leadingsome tocompareuswithprojectorwork-trackingtools.

However,ourfocusisonstrategyandmanagingthe entireproductportfolio.Weintegratewithproject managementsystemstotrackthestatusandto initiateaprojectoranEpic—ifyou’refollowingan Agileapproach—onceithaspassedinitial approvalsandprioritizationinoursystem.

MR:Canyoutellusmoreaboutyourteam? Whatspecificexpertisedotheybringtothe table?

Maziar:Ourteamistrulyexceptional,withawide rangeofexpertise,fromclouddevelopmentand web-basedclientapplicationstosecurity,design, marketing,andcustomersuccess.

However,whatsetsusapartisoureagernessto deeplyunderstandourcustomers’businesses, particularlyinproductmanagement,andtoidentify thechallengestheyface.Wearedrivenbyapassion forsolvingthoseproblems.Hearinghowour customersapplyoursolutionsandthevaluethey gainfromthemkeepsushighlymotivated.

MR:AstheCTOofGocious,howdoyoubalance thestrategic,operational,andleadershipaspects ofyourrole?

Maziar:Beingpartofasmallcompanymeans wearingmanyhats.Iinitiallyworkedalongsideour firstdevelopers,writingtheinitiallinesofcode,and eventuallyexpandedmyknowledgeinmarketingand sales.

Today,mymainfocusisensuringourcustomers quicklyseethevalueinourplatformwhile simultaneouslyexpandingourproducttoattracta broaderaudienceandsupportmorefunctions.

MR:Isthereanythingelseyou’dliketosharewithourreaders?Perhapsamessageofencouragement,acalltoaction, oranywisdom?

Maziar:TherearemanythingsIcouldsay,butonekeylessonisthatwithoutthehelpofothers,itiseasytoloseyourway. Buildingastrongnetworkofsupportivepeopleisessentialforovercomingchallenges.

Ihavefaithinhumanityandbelievethatbeingfair,supportive,andwillingtohelpotherswillearnyoutrustandsupportin return.Whenthetimecomes,thosesamepeoplewillwanttohelpyousucceed.IsupposeIbelieveinkarma!

You can’t be blind to your new product initiatives or dependencies between products and teams for months or weeks. You need information in one place.

Duolingo

Management-LuisvonAhn,CEO

URL-www.duolingo.com

Founded-2011

Description-Duolingoisafunandusefulapplication forlearninganewlanguage.Itisfreetouseand includesarangeoffeaturesthatmakeitboth fascinatingandeffective.TheDuolingoappprovides classesin38languages,includingHindi,English, Spanish,French,German,Chinese,Japanese,and Korean

Management- OferFamilier,Co-FounderandCEO

URL-www.glossai.co

Founded-2021

Description-TheGlossAiplatformisacomprehensive solutionthatcombinesenrichment,repurposing,and generativecapabilitiestocreateasinglehubforcontent creationworkflows Theorganizationisalways introducingnewcapabilitiestoitscustomers,ensuring theyhaveaccesstothemostrecenttoolsand technologies

Gocious LLC HOVR

Management- MaziarAdl,FounderandCTO

URL-www.gocious.com

Founded-

2018

Description-Gociousisapioneeringbusinessinthefieldof ProductPortfolioManagement(PPM)andplanningsystems tailoredtodiscretemanufacturers Thecompanyprovidesa cloud-basedplatformthatallowsproductmanagerstomatch productstrategywithmarketexpectations,therebypromoting innovationandimprovingoperationalefficiency.

Management-HarrisonAmit,FounderandCEO

URL-www.ridehovr.com

Founded-2020

Description-HOVRisapromisingridesharingplatform offeringseveraladvantages,particularlyforbudgetconscioususersorthoseopentosharingrides.Its transparentpricing,convenientfeatures,andfocusonsafety makeitaviablealternativetotraditionalridesharing options

iProcess LLC

Management- RoxanaRohde&FlorianRohde,Founders

URL-www.iprocess-consulting.com

Founded-

2014

Description-iProcessofferstheabilities,know-how,and expertisetobesuccessfulineverythingfromprocessand strategydefinitionsforstart-upstocontemporaryandagile developmentandvalidationmethodsforexisting manufacturers

LotLinx

Management- LenShort,CEOandChairman

URL-www.lotlinx.com

Founded-2012

Description-LotLinxgivesautodealersandforwardthinkingOEMstheabilitytoautomatetheirretail inventorymerchandisingwithunmatchedprecisionby enablingacloud-basedlinkedlot.Itismadeupof exceptionallytalentedpeoplewithyearsofspecialized experienceinavarietyofindustries

Mendaudio

Management-NerminOsmanovic,Founder

URL- www.mendaudio.com

Founded-2023

Description-Mendaudioisapioneeringforceinaudio technology,committedtoofferingcreativeand dependablepowersolutionsforartists Italsoprovides uniquelithium-ionbatterypackstomeetspecialneeds beyonditsusualofferings.

Sothern Scholar Socks

Management-KevinWohlman,Founder

URL- www.southernscholar.com

Founded-2014

Description-SouthernScholarisahigh-endmen'sdress sockcompanycommittedtoofferingdistinctiveyet polishedmen’sdresssockstobothyoungand experiencedgentlemen.

NanoTextile Sdn Bhd

Management-Dr.ThomasOngP.S.,CEO

URL-www.nanotextileinnovation.com

Founded-2015

Description-Tokeepholdingontoitslong-termleading positioninthetechnicaltextilemarketsectors, NanoTextilelooksforhigh-gradecommercialand technologicaldevelopmentprospects

Utilities One

Management-SergheiBusmachiu,CEO

URL-www.utilitiesone.com

Founded-2016

Description-Itisatrustedpartnertosomeoftheworld's majortelecommunicationscorporations,electricandgas utilities,cellularcarriers,andtechnologydeployment firms.Theyhaveademonstratedtrackrecordof deliveringhigh-qualityinfrastructuresolutionsthatmatch theirclients'demands.

HARRISON AMIT

CRAFTING A FAIR FUTURE FOR THE RIDESHARE INDUSTRY WITH INNOVATION AND CARE

Inthepast,CEOsprimarilyfocusedon generatingprofitsandsatisfyingshareholders. Nowadays,theyalsomustestablishconnections withemployees,customers,andthecommunity.This entailssteeringthecompany’svalues,ensuring inclusivity,andfosteringthecompany’slong-term sustainability Astimeprogresses,thecallforchange intensifies.Wehadtheprivilegetointerview HarrisonAmit,theFounderandCEOofHOVR, anentrepreneurfromthenewgenerationwho ardentlyengageswithmarketdemands.Harrison AmitexemplifieshowtheroleofaCEOhasevolved.

Previouslyresemblingamanager,hehasnow transformedintoavisionaryleader

LaunchingarevolutionasaCEOnecessitatesa coherentstrategy,steadfastconvictions,and extensiveindustryknowledge.ForHOVR,the objectivewastointroducefairnessintotherideshare business.InhiscapacityasCEO,Amitservedasa rolemodel,championednovelconcepts,and attentivelylistenedtograssrootsvoices.This collectiveeffortresultedinsubstantial transformations.

Founder and CEO

CareerTransitionfromHealthcareto Technology

HOVR

Founder and CEO

Educationfuelsgrowthandguidesustoour intendeddestination.However,Amit’sjourney tookadifferentcourse.ItbeganwithaBScin APHNfromMountSaintVincentUniversity andlatershiftedfromthehealthandwellness sectortothetechindustry Afterwitnessingthe profoundimpactoftendingtobothphysical andmentalwell-being,heenteredthe technologyrealm,drivenbyinnovation.Amit

explains, “In tech, things are led by innovation. What I came to realize in more recent years is that there is still room for improvement in the business models surrounding these innovations.” Thedisparitiesintheridesharesector capturedhisattention.Thisawarenesspromptedhimto establishHOVR,aplatformwiththegoalofcreatinga fairerrideshareindustryforbothdriversandriders.

RideHovrCorporation:SettingNewStandards

Foundedin2020,HOVRfeaturesadistinctivedriver membershipstructureandreducedplatformfees.This

arrangementensuresthatdriversreceivetheir completefare,allowingthemtoclaim100%of thefare—anindustryprecedent—while simultaneouslyofferingriderscost-effective rates.Thisdual-sidedtransformationenhances theriderexperienceandamplifiesdriver earnings.

Nonetheless,penetratingamarketdominatedby industrygiantspresentsanongoingchallenge. Theinitialforayintosuchanarenapresents numerousobstaclesfornewandsmallerplayers. However,prioritizingtransparency,delivering top-tierservice,andgenuinelycaringfordrivers andridersgraduallyfosterstrust.Thisunique approachhassolidifiedtheirpositionasthey approachthelaunchphase.

Whenitcomestobusinessexpansionand cultivatingtrustwithinthecommunity, prioritizingcustomersatisfactionremains paramount.Consequently,HOVRadheresto customer-centricpolicies.Amitaddressesthis, stating, “We rely on feedback loops, regular driver-rider engagement programs, and a robust customer support system to ensure maximum satisfaction.”

SteeringStartupSuccessbyAligningPurpose withEndeavors

Runningastartupduringitsearlygrowthstages isachallengingendeavor.Thefounderandtop managementbeartheprimaryresponsibilities. Amitencountersasimilarsituation.Inhisroleas astartupCEO,hesupervisesvariouscompany divisionsandoverseesgeneraloperations.He focusesonshapingHOVR’sstrategies,forging partnerships,andaligningactionswiththe mission.Additionally,Amitstates, “We are providing the platform, but the drivers are the heartbeat of the organization. Hence, I personally feel responsible for thousands of drivers’ livelihoods and their family’s well-being as well.”

DiverseExpertisetoFosteraCultureof Growth

Whenaimingforasuccessfulbusiness,specific elementsmustaligninsequence.Tooperate

flawlessly,ateamofexpertsin appropriatepositionsisessential. Thisformulaisvitalforstartups, wherefindingtherightpersonat therighttimecanbechallenging. Here,Amitreveals, “Our team is a blend of tech enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, talented marketers, decorated operators, and industry veterans. I ensure their motivation by fostering a culture of recognition, continuous learning, and genuine care for their well-being.”

PlansAheadforExpansion

Runningastartupdemandsa proactiveapproachonmultiple frontsforbusinessexpansion. Nevertheless,theseactionsneedto befeasiblyattainable.Asaresult, breakingdownthevisioninto achievableshort-termtargets becomesessential.Whenasked aboutRideHovr’sfutureplans, Amitremarks, “Professionally, I hope to see HOVR expand to new cities in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). As for upcoming services, expect some tech integrations to enhance rider safety and some enhancements to the in-ride experience.”

LifebeyondtheCabin

Workisacontinuouspartoflife thathelpsusmoveforward. However,itisimportanttofinda balanceduringthistime.While thismayseemchallenging,it's achievablebyfollowingcertain principles.ThisCEOstandstallat 6'5"andhisworldextendsfar beyondtheoffice.Heisa basketballenthusiastwhoapplies thesport’steamworkandstrategy tohisbusinessapproach.Beyond thegame,heisarelentless innovator,craftingideastouplift

“We believe that drivers should be paid fairly for their work, and riders should be able to access affordable and convenient private transportation.”

humanity’sfuture.Hisjourneyblends entrepreneurialzealwithslam-dunk impact,inspiringbothboardroomsand communitycourtsalike.

Amit'spersonalgoalistostrikea betterbalancebetweenworkandlife. Inadditiontohisregularworktasks, he’spassionateaboutlearning,music, sports,andtryingnewthings. Healsoshares,“Iplayanumberof instrumentsasahobbytokeepthe mindsharp.ItrytobeasactiveasI can,andIalsotaketimetoexplore differentculturesfromaroundthe world,whichhelpsmeunderstand differentperspectivesthatIoften incorporateintomyleadershipstyle.”

AdviceforAspirants

Aninspiredentrepreneurpossesses theabilitytoinfluenceandmake positivechanges.Reflectingonthis, Amitoffersvaluableadviceforthose aspiringtobecomeentrepreneurs.He states, “Stay authentic, never stop learning, and remember that true success comes from making a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Bureaucratic Leadership

AGuide to Structured Management

Didyouknowthisfact?Inthelastfiveyears,

overtwo-thirdsoftheparticipantssaidtheir companyhadgrownmorebureaucratic.This meansbureaucraticleadershipisexpanding,asmanyhave claimed.Only14%ofthosesurveyedreportedthat bureaucracyhaddecreasedintheircompanies.

Bureaucraticleadershipsetsitselfapartfromotherforms ofleadership.Itinvolvesmaintainingastrictcodeof conductforcriticalthinkingandmanagement.Large corporations,governmentagencies,andorganizations withcomplexadministrationsallbenefitgreatlyfromthis leadershipapproach.

Let’sunderstandthisformofleadershipandknowthe characteristics,advantages,anddisadvantagesin detail:

Whatisbureaucraticleadership?

Bureaucraticleadershipisaformofleadershipinwhich theleadercarriesstrictresponsibilitiesunderan authoritativehierarchy,assignstaskswithrigiddeadlines, andfollowsadetailedchainofcommand.

FunFact:Doyouknow?Thetermbureaucratic leadershipwasfirstintroducedin1920byMaxWeber,a Germansociologistwhodevelopedthemethod’s ideology Whatremainedofabureaucraticleadership stylebecameincreasinglyapparentaftertheIndustrial Revolution.Ithappenedwhenastrictprofessional hierarchyofjobdescriptionsbecameknown.

CharacteristicsofBureaucraticLeadership

1. Focusonrulesandregulations

Bureaucraticleadershipisbasedonastrictdedicationto rulesandregulations.Thisguaranteestheactivitiesofthe organizationarefair,predictable,andconsistent.Onthe otherhand,anexcessivedependenceonrulesmayresult inalackofadaptationandflexibility.

Note:Whileregulationsarenecessary,theyshouldn’tbe sostrictthattheymakeitimpossibleforthecompanyto takeadvantageoffreshchancesandchallenges.

ActionableTip:Performroutineevaluationofthe organization’spoliciesandproceduresandrevisethemto ensurecontinuedeffectiveness.

Manypeoplethinkthatemphasizingrulesandregulations hasabeneficialeffectonbureaucraticleadership. AccordingtoareportbyInsightExecutiveSearch,65% ofrespondentsagreedthatastrongfocusonrulesand regulationsisessential.Itcreatesamorestableand predictableworkenvironment.

2. Centralizeddecision-makingtoselectsuitable employees.

Inabureaucraticleadershipstyle,leadersandauthority holdthemostresponsibilities,anddecision-makingis centralized.Thisensuresleadersmakedecisionskeeping inmindthewelfareofall.Also,selectsuitableemployees forthecompanywhoaddvalue.

ActionableTip:Makingcertaindecisionsforemployees balancesthecentralizeddecision-making.

Didyouknow?AccordingtoaGallupsurvey, companieswithhighlyengagedworkforcesbeattheir competitionby147%intermsofearningspershare.This importantbenefitshowshowmotivatedstaffmembers canimprovefinancialresults.Investinginemployee engagementpaysoffbecauseengagedcompaniesenjoya 21%riseinprofitabilityanda22%increaseincustomer loyalty.

3. Formalauthority

Anotheressentialaspectofbureaucraticleadershipisa well-definedchainofcommand.Thecompanycanmake surethateveryoneunderstandstheirrolesandwhothey shouldreporttobytakingthisaction.Atoo-strictchainof command,however,canblockcommunicationandcreate obstaclesbetweendifferentlevelsofanorganization.

ActionableTip:Encouragehonestinputfromalllevels ofthecompanyandpromoteopencommunicationwithin it.

4. Focusonadministrativeleadership

Administrativeleadershipisafundamentalcomponentof thebureaucraticleadershipstyle.Additionally,leaders focusontheadministrativeaspectsoftheirwork,which includeplanning,organizing,andcontrolling.However, sometimesthisfocusondetailcanleadtothehumanside ofleadership,thatis,connectingwithandmotivating subordinates,beingneglected.

ActionableTip:Engageteammembers frequentlyanddemonstraterealinterestintheir growthandwell-beingtobalancethe managementfocus.

5. CareerOrientation

Long-termjobsecurityisprovidedby bureaucraticleadership.Aperson’scareer advancesgreatlyiftheyfollowallofthe organization'srulesandregulationsandperform well.

ActionableTip:Inviteteammemberstobe willingtotestnewthingswhenapplicable.

SkillsRequiredforBureaucraticLeadership

1. Communicationskills

Inbureaucraticleadership,itisessentialto communicateclearlytoprevent misunderstandingsandensurethateveryoneis awareoftheirresponsibilities.

Funfact:AstudybytheAmerican PsychologicalAssociationfoundthatpoor communicationisresponsibleforupto68% of workplacemisunderstandings.

2. Attentiontodetail

Bureaucraticleadersmustbemeticulousin followingrulesandprocedurestoensure consistencyandcompliance.

RecentStudy:Accordingtoa2023SHRM [SocietyforHumanResourceManagement] study,78%ofemployeesbelieveclearand consistentcompanypoliciesareessentialfor theirjobsatisfaction.

3. Problem-solvingskills

Effectiveproblem-solvingskillsareessentialfor bureaucraticleaders,astheymustalsorespect setpoliciesandguidelines.

Funfact:ADeloittesurveyfoundthat80%of executivesbelievestrongproblem-solvingskills arecriticalforleadershipsuccess.

4. Decision-makingskills

Decisionsmadebyleadersmustbebasedonfacts anddefinedguidelinesratherthaninstinctorgut feeling.

Doyouknow?TheCenterforCreative Leadershipfoundthatleaderswithabureaucratic approachmakedata-drivendecisions50%more oftenthantheircounterpartsinotherleadership styles,highlightingtheiremphasisonstructured decision-making.

5. Consistencyandreliability

Bureaucraticleadersmustbedependableand consistentintheiractionstomaintainorderand predictabilitywithintheorganization.

SurveyInsight:Accordingtoa2023survey, 65%ofemployeesinbureaucraticorganizations reportedhigherjobsatisfactionwhentheir leaderswereconsistentandreliable.

AdvantagesofBureaucraticLeadership

Areal-lifeexamplethatillustratestheadvantages ofbureaucraticleadershipcanbefoundinthe structureoflarge,establishedorganizationslike theU.S.federalgovernmentormultinational corporationslikeIBM.

Interestingly,IBMisknownforitsbureaucratic organizationalstructure.Thissystemof leadershiphasseveraladvantages:

1. FavoritismisreducedbyIBM’scommitment towrittenpoliciesandstrictprocedures.Rather thanconsideringaperson’srelationships, decisionsaremadeusingsetstandardsand guidelines.Thisguaranteesthatrewardsand perksaregivenaccordingtoperformanceand merit.

2. IBM’sbureaucraticorganizationhassetup processesfortheinventiontoencouragetheidea thatbureaucracypromotescreativity Through establishedprocedureslikeresearchdepartments andinnovationlaboratories,wherestaffmembers cansubmitfreshconceptswithinaset framework,theorganizationpromotescreativity

3. Also,employeeshavemorejobsecuritybecause ofIBM’sbureaucraticstructure,whichoften involvescomplexpoliciesandlong-term employmentpractices.Anenvironmentatworkthat isstableisfacilitatedbyproceduresthatare predictableandconsistent.

DisadvantagesofBureaucraticLeadership

Areal-lifeexamplethatillustratesthechallengesof bureaucraticleadershipcanbeseeninlarge, establishedorganizationslikegovernmentagencies ormultinationalcorporations.Take,forinstance,the U.S.SocialSecurityAdministration(SSA).

1. Duetoitsrigidstructure,theSSAcanstruggle withimplementingnewtechnologiesoradaptingto changingsocialneeds.Thebureaucracycanslow downtheprocessofintegratingnewideasor innovations.

2. Additionally,theSSA’srelianceonstrict proceduresandquotascansometimesleadto productivitychallengesandalackofmotivation amongemployees,whomightfeelconstrainedby therigidsystem.

3. ThebureaucraticnatureoftheSSAmeansthat employeeshavelittlefreedomtoexperiment.Its lackofcreativitycreatesachallenge.New approachesshouldbethemainpriorityratherthan establishingprotocol.

Exampleofsuccessfulbureaucraticleadership:

ConductofCovidVaccineRollout:

Importantly,thegoalwastovaccinateasignificant portionoftheU.S.populationtocurbthespreadof COVID-19andreducehospitalizationsanddeaths.

Challenges:

● Coordinatingvaccinedistributionacrossavast anddiversecountry

● Ensuringequitableaccesstovaccinesforall communities,includingunderservedareas.

● Managingvaccinesupplyandcoldstorage requirements.

Steps:

1. Createguidelinesforvaccineprioritizationand distribution.

2. Iworkedwithstateandlocalhealthdepartmentstoset upvaccinationsitesanddistributionchannels.

3. Trainedhealthcareprovidersandpublichealthworkers onvaccineadministrationandsafetyprotocols.

4. Launchedextensivemediacampaignstoeducatethe publicaboutvaccinesafetyandefficacy

5. Rolledoutvaccinesinphases,startingwithfrontline workers,theelderly,andhigh-riskindividuals.

6. Monitoredvaccineuptake,adverseevents,and effectivenessthroughongoingdatacollectionand analysis.

Report:

OnenotablereportistheCDC’sCOVIDDataTracker, whichregularlypublishescomprehensivedataonthe vaccinationprogram.Forexample:

CDCCOVIDDataTracker(asofJuly2024):

● Totalvaccinedosesadministered:over700million

● PercentageofPopulationFullyVaccinated: Approximately70%

● ReductioninCOVID-19Cases:Significantdeclinein casescomparedtopre-vaccinelevels

● HospitalizationsandDeaths:markeddecreasein hospitalizationsanddeathsrelatedtoCOVID-19

Result:

● Thevaccinationprogramsignificantlyincreasedthe proportionofthepopulationvaccinated,contributingtoa reductioninCOVID-19casesandrelatedhospitalizations anddeaths.

● Througheffectivedistributionandpubliceducation, manyinitialchallengesweremitigated,althoughsome issues,suchasvaccinehesitancy,persistedandrequired ongoingattention.

● Datareportsshowedhighvaccinecoverageand effectiveness,whilesurveysindicatedagradualincrease inpublicconfidenceinvaccines.

Thisexampledemonstrateshowbureaucraticleadership caneffectivelymanagealarge-scalepublichealth initiativethroughstructuredplanning,coordination,and ongoingevaluation.

Conclusion:

Bureaucraticleadershipoffersastructuredapproachto management,idealforlargeorganizationsandthose requiringstrictadherencetorulesandregulations.While itencouragesstabilityandconsistency,it’scrucialto acknowledgeitslimitationsoncreativityandemployee empowerment.

Wehopeyoucarefullyconsideryourorganization’sneeds todetermineifbureaucraticleadershipisthebestfitfor achievingyourgoals.

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 foundedMendaudiotosolvethe problemofsettingupandtearing downequipmentbeforeandafter shows.

● NermindecidedtoreplaceDC powercableswitharechargeable 9Vbatterypackthatissafe,easy touse,andhasreal-timepower monitoringhardwaredesign.

● Hearchitectedandbuiltseveral productsthatempowermusicians toperformanywhere,anytime, withhigh-qualitysoundand minimalhassle:theDCBattery PacksandtheACBatteryPack.

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.

Doesyourto-dolistkeepgrowing,butyourtime totackleitkeepsshrinking?Well,you'renot alone!But,ifyou’veeverwishedformore hoursintheday,workflowautomationmightbeyour answer

If so, just imagine what you could do with an extra 20 hours each week. Moretimeforstrategicthinking, personalgrowth,orsimplyrelaxing.Soundstoogoodto betrue?

Indeed,weallknow,that ‘time is one of the most valuable resources we have.’ Yet,somanyofusspendcountless hoursonrepetitivetasksthatcouldeasilybeautomated. However,inthisblog,youwilllearnhowworkflow automationcanhelpyousave20hoursaweekandhelp youincreaseproductivity.

Excited?Let’sgetstarted!

Firstly,whatisworkflowautomation?

Workflowautomationisusingtechnologytoperform repeatingtasksautomatically.Thatmeansyouarenot manuallyperformingtheserepetitivetasks.Forexample, insteadofcopy-pastingthesameemailtomanypeople onebyone,acomputerprogramcandothatforyou.Isn't thatgreat?

But,howcanworkflowautomationsaveyou20hours aweek?

● Firstly,workflowautomationreducesrepetitive tasks.

Doyouknow?Today,manyworkersspendmuchtime doingrepetitivetasks,likecopyingdataorsending emails.Andgenerally,thistakesupto2hoursadayor, whichismoreinteresting,10hoursaweek.

Furthermore,byusingautomation,thesetaskscanbe donebyacomputerprogram,freeinguptimeformore importantwork.Thismeansemployeescanfocusontasks thatneedhumancreativityanddecision-making.

● Also,itimprovesefficiency.

Theprocesseswillbecomefasterandmoreefficient throughautomation.Forexample,ifyouaretoinputdata intoasystem,atoolcoulddoitinstantlyforyouinthe blinkofaneye.

However,thiswillsavemuchtime,especially whenthetaskhastobeperformednumerous timesinaday.And,yes,speedyprocesses entailthatbusinessescanperformmoretasks inthesameamountoftime,whichisahuge advantage.

● Interestingly,workflowautomation minimizeserrorstoo.

Weallknowthathumanscanmakemistakes, especiallywhendoingboringandrepetitive tasks.Butthecomputersdonotcommitthese sincetheystrictlyfollowtheinstructions givenanddonotfeelbored,tired,or distracted.

Nevertheless,thismeanslesstimespent fixingmistakesandmoretimespenton productivework.Moreover,fewererrorsalso meanbetterqualityandreliabilityinthework done.

Nowhowaboutunderstandingitwith somereal-lifeexamples?

● Firstly,let’sknowworkflowautomation in‘emailmarketing.’

Weallknowthatmanycompaniesusetools like ‘Mailchimp’ tosendmarketingemailsto thousandsofcustomersautomatically Moreover,thissaveshoursthatwouldbe spentsendingemailsmanually.

Furthermore,thisensuresthattheemailsare attherighttimesandtotherightpeople, leadingtohigherratesofsuccess.Thus, automationinemailmarketinginforms businesseshowtoreachthemaximum numberofcustomerswithminimaleffort.

● Hereisanotherreal-lifeexample, workflowautomationin‘Customer Support.’

‘Chatbots’ cananswercommoncustomer questionsautomatically,whichsavesalotof timeforcustomersupportteams.Well,this meansthathumanagentscanfocusonmore complexissuesthatneedpersonalattention.

Additionally,customersgetquickanswerstotheir questions,improvingtheirexperiencewiththe company Automationincustomersupporthelps businessesprovidebetterservicemoreefficiently

● Now,let’slearnaboutworkflowautomationin ‘DataEntry.’

Toolssuchas ‘Microsoft Power Automate’can automaticallytransferdatafromonesystemtoanother. Forexample,itcantakedatafromanemailandputit intoaspreadsheetwithoutthehumaneffortthatit requires.

Butthatsavestimeandreducesthechanceoferror. Automationindataentryhelpsbusinesseskeeptheir informationaccurateandup-to-date.

● Next,let’sdiscoveraboutworkflowautomationin ‘CostSavings.’

Businessessavemoneybecausetheyneedfewerpeople todorepetitivetasks.Thiscansavecompanies thousandsofdollarseachyear.

Themoneysavedcanbeusedforotherimportant things,likeimprovingproductsorservices.Moreover, costsavingsfromautomationhelpbusinessesbecome moreprofitable.

● Additionally,workflowautomationmakes‘better useoftalent.’

Now,employeescanfocusonmoreimportanttasksthat requirehumancreativityandproblem-solving.This

makesthebusinessmoreproductiveandemployees moresatisfiedwiththeirwork.

However,whenpeopledoworkthat,isinteresting andchallenging,theyarehappierandmore motivated.Betteruseoftalentthroughautomation helpsbusinessesgrowandsucceed.

● Withworkflowautomation,comesa ‘competitiveadvantage.’

Companiesthatemployautomationcanaccomplish thingsfasteraswellaswithmoreaccuracythanthose thatdonot.Thisgivesthemacompetitiveadvantage overtheircompetitors.

And,beingabletodeliverproductsorservices quicklyandreliablymakescustomersmorelikelyto choosethem.Competitiveadvantagefrom automationhelpsbusinessesstayaheadinthemarket.

EndNote

Asweconcludeourjourneythroughthisblog,we realizethatsaving20hoursaweekisn’tadream,it’s arealitywithworkflowautomation.So,whyspend timeontasksthatcouldbe automatedwhenyou couldbeworkingonwhattrulymatters?

It’stimetoworksmarter,notharder!Butthequestion is,areyoureadytoinfluenceitforyoursuccess? Well,ifyoufoundthisbloginformativeenough,do notletyourvaluabletimeslipaway,andshareitwith allyourfriendswhoneedhelptosavetimeand increaseefficiency

Co-Founder & CEO of GlossAi

We see secure suites of tools as the next leap in Generative AI– allowing C-suites through teams to maximize resources while enhancing levels of creativity we have yet to experience

Navigating theAI Landscape with Innovation at GlossAi

OferFamilieristheCo-Founder&CEOofGlossAi-a companyattheforefrontoftheAIindustry.

LeadingGlossAiwithaninnovativespiritandakeen understandingofmarketdynamics,he’schangingtheway andscopeinwhichtheeverydaypersonutilizesAI technology.HisjourneyinAIandtechnologyismarkedby auniqueblendofengineeringexpertiseandbusiness acumen.StartingasasoftwareengineeratIntel,Ofer’s earlycareerlaidastrongtechnicalfoundation,whichhe latercomplementedwithbusinessstrategyskillsdeveloped atINSEADandMcKinsey

Asavisionaryentrepreneur,Oferhassuccessfully navigatedthecomplexitiesoftheAIlandscape.Hehasbeen instrumentalindevelopingandmarketingdiverseproducts, displayinganexceptionalabilitytounderstandandleverage technologicaladvancements.Hisskillinnegotiatingand finalizingstrategiccustomeragreements,coupledwithhis experienceinleadinginvestorduediligenceprocesses,has helpedshapehimasaleaderadeptatnavigatingthe financialandstrategicaspectsnecessaryatthecuttingedge ofthetechindustry.

Ofer’sapproachtobusinessdevelopmentischaracterized byarelentlesspursuitofinnovationandadeep commitmenttounderstandingtheneedsandchallengesof theAImarket.Hisinsightsintotheevolvingtechnology landscapehaveenabledGlossAitoremainatthecutting

edge,consistentlydeliveringsolutions thatresonatewithconsumersandmeet theever-changingdemandsofthe industry

OrchestratingVision,Strategy,and GrowthatGlossAi

InhisroleasGlossAi’sCEO,Ofer Familierplaysmultiplepivotalroles crucialforthecompany’sgrowth.He isdeeplycommittedtobuildingateam thatembodiesthecompany’svision, focusingonrecruitingindividualswho arenotjustskilledbutalsosharea passionforAIinnovation.This approachhasfosteredacultureof enthusiasmanddedication,drivingthe companytowarditsgoals.

UnderOfer’sleadership,GlossAihas developedastrategicroadmapthat alignswiththerapidchangesin technology,includingtherapid developmentofnewtoolsandmeeting themarketneedsastheyemerge.He hasanexceptionalabilitytoanticipate industrytrendsandpositionthe companytoleverageforthcoming

innovations.Thisforward-thinkingstrategyhasbeen essentialinkeepingGlossAiattheforefrontoftheAI industry,readytoadaptandevolveasnewtechnologies emerge.

Fundraisingandestablishingstrategicallianceshavebeen keyareasoffocusforOfer.Bycarefullyselectingfunding partnerswhoshareGlossAi’svision,hehassecuredthe resourcesneededforthecompany'sinnovativeefforts. Additionally,hisemphasisonbuildingastrongecosystem throughstrategicpartnershipshasbroadenedGlossAi’s marketpresence,enhancingitsabilitytodelivercuttingedgeAIsolutions.

RevolutionizingVideoContentCreationwithAdvanced AI

GlossAihasemergedasaleaderinAI-drivencontent creation,particularlyintransformingthecontentcreation process.Thecompanyleveragescutting-edgeAIalgorithms thatgobeyondbasictextanalysis,consideringelements suchastone,facialexpressions,andaudienceengagement. Thisadvancedapproachenablestherapidtransformationof rawfootageintoengagingcontent,settingnewstandardsin theindustry

TheGlossAiplatformisacomprehensivesolutionthat integratesenrichment,repurposing,andgenerativefeatures, creatingacentralhubforcontentcreationworkflows.This all-in-oneplatformisagame-changerformarketers, trainingprofessionals,andotherbusinessunits,enabling

themtoproducecaptivatingvideos,createsocialmedia snippets,andevengeneratewrittencontent,suchas eBooks,blogposts,andmore,allfromaudioandvideo sourcesefficiently

InanerawhereAIisevolvingrapidly,GlossAi’s commitmenttoinnovationisevident.Thecompany consistentlyintroducesnewcapabilitiestoitscustomers, ensuringtheyhaveaccesstothelatesttoolsand technologies.ThiscommitmenthasestablishedGlossAias areliablepartnerinthedynamicworldofAI,trustedby clientstoprovidethemostadvancedandeffective solutions.

StrategicLeadershipAmidChallenges

LeadinganAIcompanylikeGlossAi,Oferfacesthe challengeofbalancinginnovationwithprudentresource management.Theteamisunderconstantpressureto developandlaunchadvancedfeatures,whichrequires carefulallocationoftimeandresources.Ofer’sstrategic decision-makingensuresthatthecompanyremainsfocused ontechnologiesthatofferthegreatestpotentialforimpact.

Ofer’sleadershipisalsodefinedbyhisabilitytoadaptto rapidlychangingmarketconditions.Consumer-facingAI appearstobeinitsinfancy—poisedtogrowrapidlyinthe comingyears.Successfullysteeringthecompanyand keepingitoncourserequiresanimbleandresponsive approachtoproductdevelopmentandstrategy.Ofer’s empatheticleadershipstyleallowshimtounderstandhis

team’sperspectiveandalignstrategieswithmarketneeds, ensuringGlossAistaysaheadofthecurve.

AnotherkeychallengeforOferismaintainingauthenticity andopennesstofeedback.Embeddingthiswithinthe companyculturehasfosteredanenvironmentofopen communicationwithinGlossAi,essentialfornavigatingthe complexdynamicsofteammanagementandmarket fluctuations.Ofer’sabilitytolistenandadapthasbeen instrumentalinguidingthecompanythroughthe challengesoftheAIindustry.

NavigatingtheLandscapeofAI:Opportunities,Risks, andtheCallforCollaborativeGovernance

OferrecognizesthetransformativeimpactofAImodels likeChatGPTandDALL-Ebutisalsoacutelyawareofthe associatedrisks.Heisconcernedaboutthepotential misuseofAI,includingcreatingharmfulcontent,violating copyrights,andspreadingmisinformation.Toaddressthese challenges,Oferadvocatesforcollaborationbetween businessesandregulatorybodies,drawingparallelstothe challengesfacedbysocialmediaplatformsandstressing theimportanceoflearningfrompastexperiences.

OferbelievesthatmanagingtherisksassociatedwithAI requiresaproactiveapproach,especiallyasAI technologiesbecomemoreadvancedandwidespread.He emphasizestheneedforcontainmentstrategiestoensure AI-generatedcontentremainswithinethicalandlegal boundaries.Thisperspectiveiscrucialinalandscape wherecontroloverAI-generatedcontentisbecoming increasinglycomplex.

Thiscallforcollaborativegovernanceisatestamentto Ofer’sforesightandunderstandingoftheAIindustry.He recognizesthatwhileAIoffersincredibleopportunitiesfor innovationandgrowth,italsopresentssignificantethical challengesthatmustbeaddressedresponsibly.His leadershipinthisareahighlightstheimportanceof balancinginnovationwithethicalconsiderations.

Ofer’sPursuitofHarmonybetweenWorkandFamily

Ofercontinuouslyworksonimprovinghisabilityto disconnectfromworkanddevotequalitytimetohis family Thiscommitmenttobalanceisnotjustforpersonal fulfillmentbutalsosetsapositiveexampleforhisteam,

encouragingthemtoprioritizetheirwell-being alongsidetheirprofessionalresponsibilities.

Annualskiingtripsandfamilyadventures,likethe recenttriptoSouthAfrica,aremorethanjustleisure activitiesforOfer.Theyareopportunitiestobondwith hisfamilyandexposehischildrentodiversecultures andlifestyles.TheseexperiencesareintegraltoOfer’s life,providinghimwithabroaderperspectiveand enrichinghispersonalandprofessionaljourney

Ofer’sdedicationtoachievingharmonybetweenwork andfamilylifeisakeyaspectofhisleadership.It reflectshisunderstandingthatsuccessisnotjust measuredinprofessionalachievementsbutalsointhe abilitytoleadafulfillingandwell-roundedlife.This approachresonateswithhisteamandservesasan inspirationforachievingbalanceintheirownlives.

StrategicInsightsforAISuccess

ToaspiringAIprofessionals,Oferoffersstrategic insightsforsuccessintheindustry.Headvises focusingondevelopingacomprehensiveAI partnershipthatregularlyupdatesitstechnology, ratherthanrelyingonmultiplesmallvendors.This approachensuresasmoothercustomerexperienceand enablesbusinessestoadaptefficientlytotechnological changes.

Oferemphasizestheimportanceofsettingabroad organizationalvisionandengaginginshort,focused developmentcycles.ForML/AIteams,participating inweeklysprintsallowsfortherapidintegrationof newfeaturesandinformeddecisionsregardingthe adoptionofnewlanguagemodelsoropen-source technologies.Thisagilemethodologyensures continuousimprovementofAIservicesandenables quickadaptationtoindustryadvancements.

Forstartups,Ofersuggestsfocusingondevelopinga comprehensiveproductrangeratherthanasingle feature.Thisstrategyprovidesacompetitiveedge, simplifiesproductadoption,createsbarrierstoentry, andprotectsagainstthedisruptiveeffectsofnew open-sourcemodels.Byfollowingtheseinsights, aspiringAIprofessionalscanmakeameaningful impactintheindustry.

Ronnie Screwvala

JourneyfromUTVtoupGrad

Doyouknowthebestwaytobuildasuccessful business?First,findyouraudienceandtheir painpoints.Then,designtheperfectsolution, andyou’reset.Simple,right?Buttoday,we’retalking aboutsomeonewhotookthisconcepttoawholenew level.Hedidn’tjusttargetoneaudience;hebuiltempires cateringtobothsidesoftheirneeds.First,heentertained studentsthroughUTV,distractingthemfromtheirstudies, andthenturnedaroundtobringthembacktolearning withupGrad.ThisistheRonnieScrewvalabiography—a storyofamanwhomasteredbothworldsandprofited fromboth.Inthisblog,wewillhaveaglimpseintohis careermilestones,networth,iconicmovies,SharkTank experience,andmore.

SeedStageoftheRonnieScrewvalaBiography

RonnieScrewvala,bornonSeptember8,1962,in Mumbai,India,grewupinavibrantParsifamily.Hisdad workedforBritishfirmslikeJ.L.Morrison,which influencedRonnie’searlyviewsonbusiness.Butyoung Ronniewasn’tjustaboutacademics—hehadaflairfor theartstoo.

AttheCathedralJohnConnonSchool,andlater SydenhamCollege,hislovefortheatertookcenterstage. HeperformedinplayslikeDeathofaSalesmanand Othello,unknowinglysettingthestageforafuturein entertainment.

Theseearlyexperiencesdidn’tjustlighthiscreativefire; theysparkedhisentrepreneurialdrive.Littledidheknow, thismixofartsandambitionwouldleadhimto revolutionizeIndianmedia.Thisisindeedoneofthe intriguingelementsoftheRonnieScrewvalabiography.

SeriesA:TheBirthofUTV–LayingtheFirst BuildingBlock

In1981,RonnieScrewvalatookhisfirststepsintothe IndianentertainmentworldbylaunchingNetwork,oneof theearliestcabletelevisionventuresatatimewhenthe countryhadjustasingle,government-runchannel.This

ambitiousendeavorwasn’twithoutitschallenges. Screwvalafacedintensecompetitionfromlarger,wellfundedrivals,buthisperseveranceinnavigatingthese obstacleslaidthegroundworkforhisfuturesuccesses.This markedthebeginningofamediajourneythatwould reshapethelandscapeofIndianentertainment,ajourney detailedintheRonnieScrewvalabiography

By1990,Screwvalaco-foundedUTVSoftware Communications,investing amodest$2,142.86tobring hisvisiontolife.Whatstartedasasmallcableoperation soonexpandedintoamultifacetedmediaconglomerate, encompassingfilmproduction,televisionchannels,and gaming.UTV’sstrategywasn’tjustaboutgrowthbutabout creatinganewblueprintforcontentinIndia.Screwvala’s visionhelpedUTVstandout,attractingattentionand investmentfrommajorinternationalplayers.Underhis leadership,UTVbecamesynonymouswithinnovation, consistentlydeliveringhigh-qualitycontentacrossvarious platforms.Thisremarkableevolution,aschronicledinthe RonnieScrewvalabiography,showcaseshowhis leadershiptransformedtheIndianentertainmentindustry, settingthestageforitsfuturedominanceintheglobal market.

Fromproducingpopularfilmstobreakingnewgroundin interactivemedia,UTVbecameatrailblazerintheIndian entertainmentindustry,settingthestageforitsfuture dominanceintheglobalmarket.

SeriesB:UTV’sBlockbusterSuccessandMoviesThat ShapedtheIndustry

UTVSoftwareCommunications,underthevisionary leadershipofRonnieScrewvala,playedapivotalrolein transformingtheIndianfilmindustry Thisjourneyisakey aspectoftheRonnieScrewvalabiography With groundbreakingfilmssuchas Rang De Basanti (2006) and Swades (2004),UTVpushedtheboundariesofstorytelling andproductionqualityinBollywood.Thesemoviesdidn’t justresonatewithaudiences;theyalsoearnedprestigious accolades,includingNationalAwards,showcasingUTV’s commitmenttoelevatingthestandardsofIndiancinema.

Screwvala’sinnovativeapproachbroughttransparencyand professionalismtofilmfinancing,introducingestablished fundingchannelsthatwerepreviouslyrareinBollywood. Thisfinancialrestructuring,highlightedintheRonnie Screwvalabiography,helpedfosteranenvironmentwhere high-quality,creativefilmscouldthrive.

Additionally,UTV’sportfolioextendedbeyondcinema. Thecompanysuccessfullyventuredintotelevisionwith channelslikeHungamaTV,furtherexpandingitsinfluence intheentertainmentindustry.Bybalancingcommercial successwithcriticalacclaim,UTVsetnewbenchmarks, especiallywithfilmslike Paan Singh Tomar,which captivatedboththeboxofficeandcritics.Throughthese ventures,UTVsolidifieditsplaceasatrailblazer, contributingtotheglobalrecognitionofIndiancinema.

SeriesC:TheDisneyAcquisition–ABillion-Dollar Exit

In2011,TheWaltDisneyCompanymadeastrategicmove byacquiringa70%stakeinUTVSoftware Communicationsforaround$400million.By2012, Disneyfurtherconsolidateditscontrol,purchasing the remaining49.56%ofUTV,includingthe20%stakeheld byRonnieScrewvala.Thisacquisition,highlightedinthe RonnieScrewvalabiography,markedoneofthelargest foreigninvestmentsinIndia’smediasector,allowing DisneytodominatetheIndianentertainmentspaceand leverageUTV’ssuccessfulcontentproductionand distributionnetworks.

ForRonnieScrewvala,thedealrepresentedacareerdefiningexitfromthecompanyhehadmeticulouslybuilt fromscratch.Aftertheacquisition,heremainedas ManagingDirectorofDisneyIndia,playingapivotalrole inintegratingDisney’sglobalstrategieswithUTV’slocal expertise.ThisallowedDisneytoexpanditsIndian operationsandreachabroaderaudiencethroughUTV’s establishedmarketpresence.

By2014,ScrewvalasteppeddownfromDisneyIndiato pursuenewventures.Hisfocusshiftedtoentrepreneurial andphilanthropicendeavors.HelaunchedRSVPMovies, producingiconicfilms,andco-foundedupGrad,aned-tech platform.ThroughTheSwadesFoundation,Screwvala alsodeepenedhiscommitmenttosocialchange,working onruraldevelopmentandpovertyalleviationinIndia.The RonnieScrewvalabiographynotonlyhighlightshis businessachievementsbutalsohissignificantimpacton varioussectors.

SeriesD:ThePivottoupGrad–Tackling Education’sPainPoint

In2015,RonnieScrewvalaco-foundedupGrad, markingasignificantshiftfromhismediaventuresto education.ThispivotalmomentintheRonnie Screwvalabiographyhighlightshistransitionfrom entertainmenttoedtech.Thevisionwasclear:provide qualityonlineeducationthatcaterstobothcollege studentsandworkingprofessionals.Ronnie Screwvala,alongwithco-foundersMayankKumar andPhalgunKompalli,aimedtosolveakeyissuein education.Theyfocusedonhelpingprofessionals upskillwithoutdisruptingtheircareers.Tomakethis possible,upGradpartneredwithtopglobal institutions,includingIITMadrasandDeakin University.Together,theyofferedspecialized programsindatascience,technology,and management.

TheplatformquicklybecameamajorplayerinIndia’s edtechlandscape.By2020,upGradhadover1million registeredlearners,showcasingthecompany’srapid growthandtheincreasingdemandforflexiblelearning options.Thissuccesswasfueledbyaninitial$16 million seedround,whichenabledthedevelopment andexpansionofitseducationalofferings.

Asof2024,upGrad’s valuation hassoaredto$2.25 billion,reflectingitsstrongpositionintheonline educationsector.Thisimpressivegrowthunderscores RonnieScrewvala’scommitmenttoinnovationand lifelonglearning.ThroughupGrad,hehasnotonly transformedonlineeducationbutalsomadeitmore accessibletoawideraudience,tacklingoneofthe mostpressingchallengesinmoderneducation.This chapterintheRonnieScrewvalabiography exemplifieshisdedicationtocreatingimpactful solutionsintheeducationalsphere.

SeriesE:RonnieScrewvalaonSharkTank–The Investor’sMindset

RonnieScrewvala’sroleonSharkTankIndiaSeason 3goesbeyondjustinvesting—it’saboutempowering thenextwaveofentrepreneurs.Asajudgeinthe show’sthirdseason,Ronniebroughthisvast entrepreneurialexperiencetothetable,helping startupsnavigatethechallengesofbuildingsuccessful businesses.Histhoughtfulapproach,pairedwithhis sharpinstincts,madehimakeyplayeronthepanel.

Aperfectexampleofhisimpactishisinvestment in Kibo,whereRonnie,alongsidePeyushBansal,raisedINR 60lakhsfor6%equity,valuingthecompanyatINR10 crores.TheyalsoteamedupforWITHOUT,investing INR75lakhsfor3%equity,givingitavaluationofINR 25crores.ThesecollaborationsreflectRonnie’sstrategic partnershipwithPeyush,leveragingtheircombined expertisetobackinnovativeideas.

ButwhattrulysetsRonnieScrewvalaapartishis mentorship.He’snotjustmakingdeals;he’sguiding entrepreneurstothinkcriticallyandpushboundaries.His timeonSharkTankservesasaplatformforhimtoshare hisbeliefinboldvisions,smartdecisions,andthe relentlesspursuitofsuccess,ashighlightedintheRonnie Screwvalabiography Thisbiographyshowcaseshowhis inspiringjourneyandachievementscontinuetomotivate manytofollowinhisfootsteps.

Valuation:RonnieScrewvala’sNetWorthand FinancialImpact

RonnieScrewvala’snetworth,standingatawhopping ₹12,800crores(aroundUSD1.53billion),reflectsthe sheerbreadthofhisventures.Butit’snotjustUTVand upGradthatmadehimthiswealthy.Ohno,Ronnie Screwvala’sbiographyrevealsthathehasmasteredthe artofdiversifyinghisincome.ThroughUnilazer Ventures,he'sinvestedinover30startups,spanning industriesfrome-commercetosportsandeven technology

Andspeakingofsports,he’snotjustwatchingfromthe sidelines.Hiscompany,USports,ownsteamslikeU MumbaintheProKabaddiLeagueandPIFAFC,a footballclubandacademy That’sjustonepartofhis businessstrategy.He’salsoabignameinBollywood throughRSVPMovies,continuingtochurnouthit films.

Now,let’snotforgethisheart.Screwvala’sphilanthropy shinesthroughhisSwadesFoundation,aimingtouplift ruralIndia.Hiseffortsineducation,health,and economicdevelopmentspeakvolumesabouthisdesire togiveback.Whetherit’sinvestinginstartupsorgiving backtosociety,RonnieScrewvala’sfinancialandsocial impactisundeniablysignificant.He’samanwhotruly knowshowtobalancewealthwithpurpose.

TheLastRoundofRonnieScrewvalaBiography

TowrapupthisRonnieScrewvalabiography,let’s reflectonhisincrediblelegacy.Hedidn’tjust revolutionizethemediaindustrywithUTV;he’snow reshapingeducationthroughupGrad.Bycontinuously adaptingtochangingtimes,Ronniehasmasteredboth entertainmentandeducation,provinghisversatility As forthefuture,he’snotslowingdownanytimesoon. Withongoingprojectsandinvestmentsinnew-age learning,hisinfluenceisonlysettogrow.Inshort, RonnieScrewvala’sjourneyfrommediamogulto educationpioneerisatestamenttohisvisionarymindset andunmatchedentrepreneurialspirit.

“ Aspiring automotive leaders can achieve success by mastering system interactions, multi-system integration, and validation.”

&Roxana Rohde Florian Rohde

Driving Innovation in the Automotive Industry

RoxanaandFlorianRohdearethefoundersof iProcessLLC,aconsultingfirmthat specializesinhelpingautomotiveR&D executivesachievebettersoftwareandproductqualityby applyingprocessmodelssuchasAutomotiveSPICE. Roxana’sextensiveexperienceintheautomotiveindustry includesworkingwithleadingcarmanufacturerssuchas BMW,Audi,Fiat-Chrysler,Volkswagen,andMercedesBenz.Beforestartingthefirm,shewasasoftwarequality engineeratContinentalAutomotive,wheresheledcrossfunctionalteamsandimprovedcustomersatisfaction throughvarioustoolsandmethodologies.

Florian,ontheotherhand,hasabackgroundin mechatronicsengineeringandhasworkedwithwell-known automotivecompaniessuchasBosch,SiemensVDO,and NIO.However,themostsignificantpartofhiscareerishis roleasthefounder,manager,andfirstmemberofthe vehiclesoftwarevalidationteamatTeslaMotors.During histimeatTesla,heinventedthesoftware-definedvehicle andbuiltanend-to-endautomatedtestingpipelinethat allowedforhundredsofsoftwarereleasesovertheyears. Florian'sexperienceatTeslaiswhatsetshimapartinthe automotiveindustryandisoneofthedrivingforcesbehind hissuccessatiProcessLLC.

Co-founderswithComplementaryExpertiseand Responsibilities

As50/50partnersatiProcessLLC,RoxanaandFlorian shareresponsibilityfortheoverallsuccessofthecompany Whiletheirindividualtechnicalbackgroundsformthe foundationoftheirwork,theyalsorecognizethevalueof combiningtheirabilitiesandknowledgetotacklecuttingedgeprojects.

Roxana’skeyroleandresponsibilityasaco-founderliein utilizingherextensiveknowledgeandexperienceinthe automotivefieldtodrivesoftwareprogramimprovements andenhanceproductqualityforclients.Withherexpertise inqualitymanagementsystemssuchasAutomotiveSPICE, sheleadscross-functionalteamstoachievehighresultsand improvecustomersatisfaction.

Florian’skeyroleandresponsibility,ontheotherhand,isto facilitatethecreationandimplementationofdevelopment andvalidationstrategiesforclients.Asanexperienced engineerwithabackgroundinmechatronics,hebringsa uniqueperspectivetothetableandensuresthatclients receivecustomizedsolutionsthatprovidethemostvalue.

CreatingaMotivatingandInclusive WorkplaceCulture

RoxanaandFlorianareexperienced leaderswhounderstandtheimportance ofmotivatingandinspiringtheirteams toachievetheirgoalsandobjectives. Theyleadbyexampleandprovide tailoredguidancedependingonthe teamsize,experience,and understandingoftheindustry.Roxana andFlorianbelievethatthecookiecutterapproachdoesnotwork.Instead, theyworkcloselywiththeirteamsto identifythestrengthsandweaknesses ofeachmemberanddevelop customizedplansforsuccess.

Toensureapositiveandinclusive workplace,RoxanaandFlorian prioritizeopencommunicationand collaborationamongteammembers. Theyencouragetheirteamtoshare theirideasandperspectivesfreelyand arealwayswillingtolistenandprovide constructivefeedback.They understandthatdiversityandinclusion arecrucialtoasuccessfulteamand activelyworktocreateanenvironment thatvaluesandembracesdifferent backgrounds,experiences,and perspectives.

RoxanaandFlorianalsomakeaneffort torecognizeandcelebratetheirteam’s accomplishmentsandmilestones,both bigandsmall.Theyunderstandthe importanceofshowingappreciation andgivingcreditwherecreditisdue, whichhelpstobuildasenseofpride andownershipamongteammembers.

ChallengesofaFemaleConsultant inaMale-DominatedIndustry

Roxanamentionsthatshefaced challengesatthebeginningofher journey.Clientstriedtonegotiatewith hermoreonpricing,questionedher skillsandknowledgebeforeshecould

speak,andsometimeshiredhernotto followheradvice.Whilesheisnot sureifthesechallengesweregenderspecificorconsulting-specific,itis worthnotingthatthetechindustry,in general,hasbeenhistoricallymaledominated.Womenoftenface challengessuchasdiscrimination,bias, andalackofrepresentationin leadershippositions.Toovercome thesechallenges,Roxanachoseto focusonbeinganexcellentservice providerandhelpingherclients achievetheirbestresults.Shedidnot letanygender-specificorconsultingspecificchallengesdefineherorlimit hercapabilities.

KeyAdviceforAspiringAutomotive Leaders

FlorianandRoxanahavetwopiecesof adviceforaspiringleadersinthe automotiveindustry.Firstly,they recommendmasteringthe understandingofsysteminteractions andmulti-systemintegration,asthisis wherethecurrentchallengesand opportunitieslieintheindustry With

“I don’t like to put myself in any buckets; my goal is to be an excellent service provider and help my clients achieve their best results.”

-Roxana

theintegrationofmoreandmore complexsolutions,leaderswhocan navigatethesesysteminteractionsand ensuresuccessfulvalidationwillbe highlyvaluable.

Secondly,theyadvisethataspiring leadersneedtobepreparedforthe non-technicalaspectsofthebusiness whenfoundingandgrowinga company.Overheadtaskssuchas accounting,legal,tax,andHRcan consumeasignificantamountoftime andenergy,andit’simportanttobe preparedforthisreality.Additionally,it isessentialtobalancetechnical problem-solvingwithafocuson businessaspectstoensuresustainable growthandsuccess.

“The landscape of mobility is poised for transformation; much like the shift from traditional telephones to smartphones revolutionized the world of communication.”

DrivingTransformationToward Software-definedVehicles

RoxanaandFlorian’sgoalsforthe futureofiProcessaretobeadriving forceintheautomotiveindustry’s transformationtowardssoftwaredefinedvehicles.Theywantto continuetoprovidehigh-quality softwareprocessimprovementand trainingserviceswhilealsoexpanding theirportfoliotoincludefieldssuchas functionalsafetyandcybersecurity. Theyhopetobeattheforefrontof innovationintheindustryandhelp theirclientsachievethebestresultsby providingexpertiseinmulti-system integrationandvalidation. Additionally,theywanttocontinueto supportandempowerwomeninthe industryandmentorthenext generationofleaders.

iProcessLLC'sTailoredSolutions forStart-upsandEstablished Manufacturers

iProcessLLCisaleadingproviderof automotiveprocessimprovementand consultingservices.Foundedin2014, thecompanyhasevolvedtooffera widerangeofcutting-edgeservicesto supportbothstart-upsandestablished carmanufacturers.Withafocuson helpingclientsnavigatethechanging landscapeoftheautomotiveindustry, iProcessoffersflexibleandtailored solutionstomeettheuniqueneedsof eachclient.Fromprocessandstrategy definitionsforstart-upstomodernand agiledevelopmentandvalidation strategiesforestablished manufacturers,iProcesshastheskills, knowledge,andexperiencetodrive success.Thecompanypridesitselfon beingatranslatorofsorts,ableto speakthelanguageofbothstart-ups andbigtechandbringthemtogether formutuallybeneficialcollaborations.

-Florian

w w w . m i r r o r r e v i e w . c o m