Beyond Limits: Top 5 Extraordinary Business Leaders To Watch In 2024

BeyondLimits:Top5ExtraordinaryBusinessLeadersToWatchIn2024

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Greeting to our beloved readers!

Toomanyleadersbothatthetopandacrossorganizationsaretakingalinear perspectivethatfocusesonsmallincrementalgains,oftenachievedby squeezingharderonwhattheyalreadyknow.Theproblemisthat,ina worldofexponentialchange,alinearpathisanexitramp.

ItistheBusinessLeaderwhodecides,moves,andputsasealonstrategiesthatset thetrackforacompany.Suchresponsibilitiesalsomakethepositionpeerlesswithin acompanyandthemostcovetedone.Butitalsohasitsdownside.Whenthe fortunesofacompanyplummet,theleaderbearsthebruntanddrawsalltheflacks.

Thus,itpromptedInspireZonesMagazinetolookforsomeoftheExtraordinary Leadersinthislatestissueandhighlighttheexcellencethattheseindividualsbring tothetable.Inourlatestissue“Beyond Limits: Top 5 Extraordinary Business Leaders To Watch In 2024”weshedlightsuchinspiringanddynamicleaderswho haveturnedtheirvisionintotoday'sleadingenterprise.Theseleadersaremanaging personalandorganizationaluneaseeffectivelyandradiatingcalmandconfidence throughthemodernleadershipapproach.

Oncoverstarwehave,PhilBristolisthevisionaryFounderandCEOof ProjectivitySolutions,adynamicandinnovativecompanyattheforefrontof deliveringcutting-edgeprojectmanagementsolutions.Anoutwardmindsetisa foundationforhowPhilandhisteamhelpleadersachievesustainablegrowthand performance.Thismindsetisafoundationfortruecollaborationandcollective businesssuccess.Assuch,aleader'sinwardoroutwardmindsetprofoundlyimpacts leadershipstyle,treatmentofpeople,innovation,collaboration,teambuilding,and overallbusinesssuccess.

Entrepreneurshipinnovationtranscendstheindividualandpermeatesthevery cultureofanorganization.Cultivatinganinnovativemilieuinvolvesfostering transparentcommunication,endorsingexperimentation,andrewardingcreative ideation.Whenemployeesfeelempoweredtocontributetheirperspectives,the ambiencebecomesfertilegroundforinnovationtoflourish.

Five Key 5 Benets Why Building An Agile Team Can Be Valuable For Your Business Effective Ways of Monitoring and Enlightening Leadership Development

LionelLodge CEO

SyncLodge

AsokanAshok CEO UnfoldLabs

ChitraShinde CEO

VicePresidentof Operations

PhilBristol FounderandCEO Projectivity Solutions

RobinDoenicke

FounderandCEO Zensho

MarcoOleotto

FounderandCEO CleanSwift

JosÃOliveira CEO BI4ALL

NicoleRodrigues FounderandCEO NRPRGroup

ReemShehada

FounderandCEO PotensiaSystems

ChristopherCarter CEO Approyo

Founder and CEO Projectivity Solutions

PhilBristolisthevisionaryFounderandCEOof ProjectivitySolutions,adynamicandinnovative companyattheforefrontofdeliveringcutting-edge projectmanagementsolutions.Withapassionfordriving organizationalsuccessthrougheffectiveprojectexecution, PhilhasledProjectivitySolutionstobecomeatrusted partnerforbusinessesseekingexcellenceinproject management.

FoundationofProjectivitySolutions

AfterleavingtheUSArmyin1984,Philworkedasa strategicsystemsconsultantforaninternational pharmaceuticalcompanyandlatermanagedmanufacturing systemsbeforefoundingProjectivitySolutions,Inc..His interestinmanagementwasinitiallysparkedbyAdmiral Rickover'sinvolvementindevelopingthePolarisnuclear submarine.Inthelate1960s,heattendedtheDepartmentof Defense(DOD)ProjectandProgramManagementtraining program.

AsLTCUSArmy,servingasanAirborne-Rangerofficer with3rdAmourDivision,FrankfurtFRG,UnitedNations Command,SeoulROK,Test&EvaluationCommand, AberdeenMD,HQSeventhArmy,HonoluluHI,Phil appliedprojectmanagementtechniquestoavarietyof projects.

From1990to1997,theextraordinarybusinessleaderhoned leadershipandprojectmanagementskillsatSyntex Corporation,holdingpositionssuchastheinternational strategicsystemsplanningofficeranddirectorof manufacturingsystems.In1997,ProjectivitySolutionswas established,initiallyofferingprojectmanagementservices tocustomhomebuildersinPaloAlto,CA.Thecompany initiallyfocusedoncomplexprojectsfornotableentities likeHewlett-Packard,SunMicrosystems,NewUnited Motors(NUMMI),andEddieBauer.

Overtime,ProjectivitySolutionstransitionedfromserving Fortune500organizationstocateringtofor-profitandnonprofitcompanieswith500orfeweremployees.Theclient baseisnowdispersedglobally,withacorepresenceinthe UnitedStates,Europe,andIndia.Utilizingassessmentsto gaugeorganizationalcomplexity,thecompanyassistsCEOs inobjectivelyidentifyingstrengthsandchallengesthat impactcustomerexperienceandservicequality

Thisinclusiveapproachintegratesculture,people relationships,workprocesses,projectmanagement,and strategicplans,fosteringacommonlanguageand knowledgefortheleadershipteamandemployees.Plus,the serviceofferingshaveevolvedtoencompassstrategic planning,businessprocessimprovement,leadership development,andorganizationalculture.

In2021&2022,ProjectivitySolutionsfacedasignificant challengeinrespondingtoCOVID-19andadaptingits serviceoffering.Thepandemicledtotheclosureofinpersonclientengagements,butadvancementsin telecommunicationstechnologyenabledcontinuedclient interactionsandopenednewopportunitiesinEuropeand Asia.TheevolvedintegratedservicesfromProjectivity Solutionsnowprovideclientswithmultipleengagement optionsbasedontheirspecificneedsandmaturitylevels.

InnovativeOfferingsForBusinesses

“AtProjectivitySolutions,technicalexpertiseand relationshipbehaviorknowledgearethefoundationfor exceptionalindividualandteamperformance,servingsmall andmid-sizedcompanieswithfewerthan500employees,” saysPhil.Thecompanyemploysvariousapproachestohelp teammembersenhancetheirskills.ItutilizestheThinkingDoingsequence,intentionallybalancingWHATandHOW managementprinciplestoestablishadynamicand responsiveorganization.

TheWHATaspectfocusesonthefoundationforsuccess, assumingthecreationofawell-formedfunctional organizationapproach.Thisincludeselementssuchas StrategicDirectionandafour-tieredExceptionalEnterprise program.ThisEnterpriseProgramcomprisesfour components:strategy,culture,infrastructure,and leadership.Theessentialprocessesare1)business development,2)interdepartmentalplanning,3) organizationalstructure,4)masterprocesses,and6)key performanceindicators.

IntheHOWaspect,essentialskillsforProjectivity Solutionsincludeleadership,communication,time management,negotiation,teamdynamics,andcritical thinking.Theseskillsplayafundamentalroleindelivering aqualitycustomerexperience,consideringtime,scope,and costconstraints.

Furthermore,ProjectivitySolutionsdistinguishesitselfbybuildingpeople,relationships,andhigh-performing,trust-based cultures.Utilizingover130yearsofscienceandresearch,thecompanyobjectivelygathersclientdatabyconductingtargeted “X-Rays”inareassuchasbusinessoperations,relationships,financialperformance,andmindset.Thecurrentcoreofferings includetheEnterpriseFoundationProgram,ExceptionalEnterpriseProgram,ExceptionalManagerProgram,Exceptional MindsetProgram,andExceptionalLeaderProgram.

Ÿ EnterpriseFoundationProgram:FocusedonFast Results

Developmentofcomprehensivesolutionstailored specificallytoacompany'sbusiness.Theprogramtreatsa businessasadynamic,livingsystemwithinterconnected elements.Itcreatesacustomizedsolutionbypinpointing themostcrucialfactorstointegrateintoabusinessand prioritizingthemaccordingly

Ÿ ExceptionalEnterpriseProgram:Movingfrom REACTIVEtoFOCUSED

Theprogramcontributestothedevelopmentofoutstanding businessesbyutilizingtheStagesofGrowth™ methodology,whichpinpointsandintegratescrucial missingelementsintoacompany'secosystem,resultingin theformationofhighlyefficientandprofitable organizations.Muchliketheessentialcomponentsthat constituteathrivingecosystem,thereare11elements essentialforanexceptionalbusiness.Eachcomponent correspondstoawell-structuredengagementaimedat fortifyingthatspecificaspectofthebusiness.

Ÿ ExceptionalManagerProgram:WorkingONthe

business,notworkingINthebusiness.

MovingfromDOINGtoCRITICALTHINKING.The programisaunique12-monthlearningexperiencethat shapesthemanagementteamintothebackboneofan exceptionalcompany

Ÿ ExceptionalMindsetProgram:CreatingaCulture

MovingfromMEtoWE.Anoutwardmindsetisa foundationforhowPhilandhisteamhelpleadersachieve sustainablegrowthandperformance.Thismindsetisa foundationfortruecollaborationandcollectivebusiness success.Assuch,aleader'sinwardoroutwardmindset profoundlyimpactsleadershipstyle,treatmentofpeople, innovation,collaboration,teambuilding,andoverall businesssuccess.

Ÿ ExceptionalLeaderProgram:OptimizingHuman Potential

MovingfromCONTROLtoINFLUENCE.Thisprogram integratesself-masteryskillswithleadershipcapabilities, enhancingteampotentialthroughtheestablishmentoftrustbasedrelationships.Thethirdcomponentemphasizesa

Ÿ cultureofcollaboration,effectivelymaximizingorganizationalpotentialthroughaharmoniousblendofbusinessacumen andcompassion.Lastly,theprogram'sadvancedleadershipmodulesencompassconflicttransformationandthe acquisitionofkeypersonnel.

ThecoachingstaffatProjectivitySolutionsincludesFranckRamaroson,Dr.Buckholz,andGaryYeatts,whobringtheir yearsofexperiencetothetable.

IntegratingTheCoreOfferingsIntoaRealisticSolution

Philinitiallyfocusedonservingbusinessesandtheiremployees,drivenbyalifelongmotivationtohelpothers.However,the challengearoseinfindingtherightbalancebetweenworkandinterpersonalrelationships.TheuseofTargetTrainingInstitute behavioralassessmentsuites(DISC,DrivingForces,AcumenCapacityIndex,andJobCompetencies)revealedself-imposed limitations,leadingtoinitialdenialbuteventualacknowledgmentandimprovementinbehavioralbalanceandflexibility.This positivelyimpactedrelationshipswithothers.

Whileadeptatlogicalstepsinstrategicplanningandprocessimprovement,hefacedadilemmaasthecompanysolved complexorganizationalworkissuesforFortune500clientsbutdidnotexperiencegrowth.Theemphasisonwork successfullyproducedresultsandearnedexecutivemanagementpraise,butthestruggleliesinachievingoverallcompany expansion.Themostsignificantchallengewasintegratingthecoreofferingsintoarealisticsolutiontoformanengagement frameworkandroadmap.

TheoverallengagementisdeterminedbytheStagesofGrowthassessment,whichobjectivelyevaluatestheorganization's currentperformance.

AtProjectivitySolutions,Philandhisteamworkalongsidetheownertodeterminethetopicthatdeliversthegreatest organizationalimpact.

Inmanysmallandmid-sizedcompanies,thelackofalignmentingoalsamongexecutives,mid-management,andemployees caninadvertentlyhinderperformance,particularlyduringperiodsofstaffexpansion.Hence,itsintegratedapproachis specificallycraftedtoenhanceandoptimizeresultsinsuchscenarios.

APeople-FirstCompany

“Weareapeople-firstcompany,”saysPhil.TheProjectivitySolutionsteamadoptsaproactivemindsetinclient engagements,withastrategicplanundergoingathoroughreviewtwiceayearforcompanydirectionandinternalprocess adjustments.Theoperationalreviewassessesinfrastructureelements(likeprocessmapdocumentation,positionrolesheets, keyprocessindicators,andmeetingformats)andculturalbuildingblocks,includingvision,mission,corevalues,hiring,and performanceconversations.Recognizingthesebuildingblocksasstabilityproviders,theteamemphasizesdeliveringtimely andhigh-qualityservicetoeachclient.

ManagingOperationalStabilityInaCulturallyDiverseTeam

ProjectivitySolutionsisageographic,skill-set,communicationstyle,andculturallydiverseteam,posinguniquechallenges. FourgeographicallylocatedstrategistsintheUSandEUhandlecontentsolutionsandhaveprimarynewclientengagement responsibilities.Marketing,websitemaintenance,promotionalcommunication,andadjunctconsultantsarespreadacrossthe UnitedStatesandthePhilippines.

Philcollaborateswithteammatestoensureoperationalstabilityandplanningserviceenhancements.Healsomanagestwoor threeactiveclientengagementsannually,utilizingZoommeetingsastheprimaryconnectionapproach.Monthlyprofessional meetingsandspeakingengagementsprovideopportunitiestomeetothersandshareexperiences.

BiggestLearningExperiences

Phildescribeshismostsignificantlearningexperiencesasmulti-layered.Theextraordinarybusinessleaderhighlightsthree keylearningexperiences:

Ÿ AdaptingtothechallengesposedbytheCOVIDpandemicandsuccessfullyexpandingbusinessgloballythroughonline platforms.

Ÿ AtransformativeshiftinapproachtoorganizationalengagementsinfluencedbyDr.JerryEpplerin1979.

Ÿ ThefoundationallifelessonsgainedfromtheUSArmyRangerprogramemphasizegratitudeforbasiccomfortsinthe faceofuncertainty,providingasolidframeworkfornavigatingbothpersonalandprofessionalchallenges.

KeyMilestones

In2024,Philwillfocusondevelopingthecompany'sofferingstoincludestrategicplanning.Hehasrecentlybeenintroduced toDRSO,a360°strategicplanningassessmenttool,byaEuropeancolleague.Thistoolfacilitatesamulti-tierorganizationwideapproach,analyzingthecurrentsystemstate,challenges,andemployeebeliefsinthecompany'sfuturethrough81 anonymousquestionsdirectedtotheteamoperationsowner Theresultingresonancediagnosisimagehighlights12critical pointsoftheorganization,indicatingcurrentorpotentialpointsofdifferenceorfailure.

Thisassessment-basedapproachtostrategicdirectionprovidesobjectivedataforeachdomain,project,governance,and relationship,offeringacomprehensiveorganizationalview.Itrepresentsthefirstassessmenttoprovideobjectivedatafora holisticunderstandingoftheorganization.

Words of Wisdom

The extraordinary business leader Phil, gives advice, “Unleash creativity and excellence by serving others to build positive and supportive relationships. Re-think your thoughts when obstacles occur… pause and reflect, find three viable solutions, then choose the best alternative for action.”

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“We strive to create the future of work”

Wearedisruptingthemanpowerspace,bychangingthewaypeopleworkand companieshire.Youcouldsaywe'recreatinganewwayoflife.Thewayweseeit, we'reempoweringworkerstotakebackcontrol-oftheirschedules,oftheir earnings,oftheirlives.We'reunshacklingthemfromrestrictivefull-timejobsand givingthemthefreedomtochoose.Andwhatdobusinessesget?Asuper-charged flexibleworkforcethatisengaged,driven,reliableandcompliant.

Lionel Lodge:

Empowering Qualities of Leadership with Creativity

Theentertainmentindustryisarapidlyexpanding commercialsector.Withover40yearsinthe entertainmentindustry,LionelLodgehasbeen activeinawiderangeofindustries.Lionelhasspenthis wholeadultlifeintheentertainmentsector,bothasa creatorandabusinessmanager

LionelLodgeservesastheCEOofSyncLodge,an innovativetechcompanythatfocusesonempowering creativeinthemusicsynclicensingindustry.While Lionelleadsthecompany,hestronglyemphasizes teamworkandcollaborationwithintheSyncLodgeteam. Theyworkcloselytogether,openlycommunicate, discussgrowthstrategies,andshareideas.

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterviewconductedof LionelLodge:

Tellussomethingaboutyourself? Whatinspiredyou tostartyourjourneyinthisindustry?

Ihaveworkedinandbeeninvolvedwiththe entertainmentindustryallmylife.Myfatherwasafairly bignameintheUKinthe60'sandsoIgrewupinthat world.

Istartedmyentrepreneurialjourneyearly,startingmy firstbusinessattheageof10.Overtheyears,Ihave workedasamusician,performer,songwriter,producer, andengineer,whilealsofoundingandmanagingseveral successfulcompanies.Thecombinationofthese experienceshasgivenmethegiftofclarityonthe mechanicsoftheindustryandanunderstandingofthe needsandchallengeswithin. SyncLodgewasathoughtinautumn2017andwas registeredasacorporationinJanuary2019.

Inthemid-2000s,Iwaslivingoffmymusic,enjoying

mylifeandtheworldIlivedin,butCDsaleswere dying,soIneededtofindanewrevenuestreamto replaceoratleastsupplementthedeclineinmyincome.

WhatsolutionsorservicesdoesSyncLodgeoffertoits clients?Wouldyoutellustheoverallvisionbehind SyncLodgeandyourfocustoday?

SyncLodgeisahighlyinnovativetechcompanyfocused ontheneedsofthesynclicensingsectorofthe entertainmentindustry.Welookatthewholeindustry, notjustsectors.Welookathowallthepartswork togetherandhowitischanging.Weanswertheneedsof theindustrywithdigitalsolutions.

Ourfocusistobringtogetherthedifferentsectorsofthe industry,bringtogetherthemanytechinnovations deliveredbyothercompanies,supportingcross-industry growthandinnovation.

WhendidyourecognizetheneedforSyncLodgeand whatweresomeofthechallengesinputtingtogether youroffering?

IfirststartedtorecognizetheneedforSyncLodgeat conferences,speakingwithindustryprofessionals, learningabouttheirworkflowandworkload.Theytold meaboutbeingcreativepeoplebutspending80%of theirtimedoingadministrationwork.Ithought,thatis notright,someoneneedstofixthiswithtechnology We spentover3yearsbuildingthesystemwithdirectinput fromthesehundredsofindustryprofessionals.

EveryCEOhasnumerousresponsibilities,beinga fearlessleaderatSyncLodgewhatadded responsibilitiesareyoudealingwith?

IamtheCEOofSyncLodge,whichisaveryinnovative

techcompanyfocusedon empoweringcreativeinthemusic andvisualproductionindustries.I amspeakingatalotofindustry conferences,moderatingpanelsonthe industry,andgivinginterviewslikethis one.Wearealsobeinginvitedbysomeof theworld'smostrespectedlearning institutionstodiscussindustrystructureand revenuestreams.Itisimportantfor SyncLodgeasitisthenextgenerationandthey willstartusingSyncLodgetolearntheindustry.

Howwouldyoudescribeyourleadershipstyle, andwhathasbeenyoursuccessmantra?

Oneofthecompany'smantrasis“Pullingtogetherso weallmoveforward.”Anotheris“Thepowerof clarity.”Itissaidthatrespectisearned.Therearemany levelsofrespect,andonegreataspectofgainingrespect isgivingit.Itisshowingrespectbylistening,having patiencewithanotherunderstandsorlackof.Wearea startupwithverylargelong-termgoals.AtSyncLodgeit isanenergizedatmospherewherepersonalegosareleft atthedoor;ideasarethrownonthetableandsometimes takenbackoffjustasquickly.

Tellussomethingaboutyourteamandthecultureof yourcompany.Howareyoukeepingthemmotivated incurrenttimes?

Weareateam.Everymember,regardlessoftheir positionintheteam,isjustasimportantasanyother memberoftheteam.Wesharewhatisgoingon,we discussandlookfortheoutsideperspective.Whenwe collectivelyacceptedthattheworldwasrounditmade navigationandexplorationalotmoreefficient.Whenwe workasateamthatcaresabouteachotheronahuman

MUSIC has been a core focus throughout my life, as a creator as well as a

CEO | SyncLodge

level,cracksbecomebeneficialtoolsformoving forward.

Whatarethekeymilestonesyouhavesetforyour companyfortheyear2024?Whatdoesthenextsix monthstoayearlooklikeforSyncLodge?

Long-termthinkingiskeytoanysuccessfulbusinessor relationship.Inthelongrun,Ienvisionmyselfbeing busilyinvolvedwithcontinuingtomakethe entertainmentindustryfunctionwithmoreclarityanda lotlessfriction.WeseeSyncLodgebecomingthe standard,globalsystemforIPlicensingwithinthe entertainmentindustry

Wehaveadetailedroadmapofinnovativetechnologies thatwewillintroduceoverthenext6months,year,5 years,10years.Weareexpandingintomanycountries andwillcontinuetodoso.Wearefocusedonbringing claritytotheindustry.

Whathasbeenyourbiggestlearningexperiencein theindustry?Whatdiditteachyou?

Itishardtosaywhathasbeenyourbiggestlearning experience.TherehavebeenmanyandIamsurethere willbemanyinthefuture.Ithinkthemostfrustrating andrevealingwaslearningthetruestateofthedatain themusicindustry Therearemanyworkingatfixingthis problembutwestillhavealongwaytogo.

Ifyouwanttoshareamessageorgiveasuggestionto ourreaders,whatwoulditbe?

Ourdevelopmentteamnowworksremotelyandsodoes ourmanagementteam.Weallareopenlyhappierthis wayandwefindpeoplearemoreproductive.Plus,with ournetworkofadvisorsandthemanycompanieswe workwith,everyoneismorecomfortabletojustjumpon avidmeettodiscussanissue.Itseemscommunication processeshavebecomealoteasier. IZ

Five Key 5 Benets Why Building an Agile Team Can Be Valuable for Your Business

Manyorganizationsaremakingtheeffortto becomemoreagile.Whereastraditional organizationsseemmechanical,hierarchical, andlinear,agileorganizationsfeelmoreorganic,they balancestabilitywithdynamismandcanadaptforaneverchanging,unpredictablefuture.

Anagileteamisaone-extensiveteamthatcantakeupany jobrole,task,ordeadlineandaccomplishestheimpossible throughsystematicplanning,approach,andstrategies.An agileteamunderstandstheprojectcompletely,breaksit downintofragmentsormodules,worksonthem individuallyorcross-functionally,testsdeploy,and completestheprojectwellbeforeascheduleddeadline.

Everyonehasfearsandqualmsastheyareledoutoftheir comfortzone,andintotheunknownsofachangingworld. Youneedtobeconfidentandtrustedsopeoplewillchoose tofollowyou,andyouneedtomakeitclearthatyouhave confidenceandtrustinthepeopleyouworkwith,aswellas customers.

OPENTHELINESOFCOMMUNICATION

Oneofthefastestwaystohelpyourteamknowyoucare

aboutthemandtheirsuccessisbycommunicating.Listen totheirqueriesandconcernsandfindoutwhattheythink aboutdifferentprojects.Themoreopenyour communicationstyle,themoreappreciatedandheardyour teammayfeel.

Managementshouldcommunicatetheirgoalsaswellas thoseofthecompany.Routinelytalkingwithyour employeesabouttheirgoals,bothpersonaland professional,willcreateaccountabilityforboth managementandemployees.Whenanissuesurfaces,it mustbedealtwithimmediatelysoeveryonecanmoveon. Achievementsmustberecognizedandcommunicatednot onlydirectlytothedeservingindividual,butpubliclysoall cantakepartinthecelebration.

Onewaytofostercommunicationistoenactanopen-door policy Thiscreatesaculturewhereemployeesare comfortablegoingtomanagementforquestionsand support,butonlyiftheemployerreallymeansit. Employeescantellifit'sjustforshow Anopen-doorpolicy shouldalsoallowandencourageemployeestoprovide candidfeedback.Thishelpsemployerskeepaneyeon potentialconcernswhileestablishingwithemployeesthat theyarecaredabout.

PROVIDEAGROWTHENVIRONMENT

Providingagrowthenvironmentmeansfindingwaystobe detachedfromprojectsandoutcomes.Thisiswherethe groupdynamicmatterssomuch.Withoutastrongculture, theteam'ssupportsystemisweak.Feedbackloopsare disengaging.Internalprojectsdragon.Self-initiated explorationandexperimentingstiflealongtheway Multiplythatbyafewtoomanymembersandyou'vegot anotherlongstretchofdullinnovation.

SHOWCASEGREATWORK

Providingaplatformforemployeestoshowcasetheir creativeworkwiththeirpeersandwiththecompanymore broadlyisareallyeffectivewaytocelebrateajobwell done.Italsoallowsemployeestohelpothersinthe organizationunderstandtheroletheyplayinoverall companysuccess.

REALLYENJOYDOINGTHATWORK

Withremoteworkingheretostayandmorejob opportunitieswithintheglobalmarket,wecanbechoosier aboutwhereweworkandhowwespendourtime.What makesusenjoyourworkcanmeanalotofthingsfrom doingprojectscloselyalignedtoourskillsettohavinga strongmanagementteamthatlistensandrespondstothe team'sneeds.

ASKFORTHEIROPINIONS

Itallstartsbyverbalizingthegreatworkthey'vedoneand howtheycontributedtothecompany.Simplysaying, “Greatwork!”or,“Amazingjob!”canmakeadifference. Next,askthemtocontributetheirstakeinsolvinga probleminthecompany.Bydoingso,yourecognizetheir capabilityandacknowledgethattheyhavewhatittakes.

Itisvitaltobalancebothrunningabusinessandchanginga businessinorderforittosustaingrowthanddelivervalue. Asabusinessgrowsanddevelopsitcanstrugglewith capacity,lesstimeisavailableforinnovationand improvement.Ensurethatabalanceismaintainedbetween runningtheday-to-dayactivitiesofthebusinessand makingtimeforcontinuousimprovementanddevelopment throughoutthebusiness.

Agileembraceschangeandprovidesamethodologyto manageit,agileacceptschangeswillhappen.Plansare implementedflexiblytorespondtochangeandallowfor continuousimprovement.Anagilemindsetembraces changeasopportunityandpotentialforlearningand growth.

Asokan Ashok

Tech-Savvy Business Leader Driving Innovation

Digitaltransformationisnotjustthedigitizationof thecompanyprocessesorevenjustgoing paperless,butmoreaboutdiscoveringnew frontiersforthebusinessesusingtechnologicalinnovation toanadvantage.

AsokanAshok,CEOofUnfoldLabshasover30+yearsof experienceasatechnologyleaderandinnovator.Beinga technologyleaderwithhisbusinessrelationshipsand industryexpertise,hehasnurturedandinfluencedmany aspirantstowardsstrategicthinking.

Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterviewconducted betweenInspireZonesandAsokanAshok.

Tellussomethingaboutyourself? Whatinspiredyouto startyourjourneyinthisindustry?

Theinspirationbehindmyjourneyintechnologyand innovationstemsfromadeep-seatedbeliefinthepotential forpositivechangeforhumanity.Ihavealwaysbeendriven bythedesiretoaddresssomeofthemostpressing challengesfacinghumanitytoday,withtechnology.

Withthebeliefthatbypushingtheboundariesofwhat's possible,wecancreateabetterfutureforallthattakesus intotherealmoftheimpossible.Thepotentialimpactof advancementsintechnologyandinnovationisimmense, andit'sourresponsibilitytoharnessitforthegreatergood. IamconstantlymotivatedbytheincredibleteamsI'vehad theprivilegetoworkwith.Theirdedicationandbrilliance havebeeninstrumentalinturningambitiousideasinto reality Togetherasateam,wearestrivingtobuildafuture that'snotonlytechnologicallyadvancedbutalso sustainableandinclusive.

WhatsolutionsorservicesdoesUnfoldLabsoffertoits clients?Wouldyoutellustheoverallvisionbehind

UnfoldLabsandyourfocustoday?

UnfoldLabsoffersarangeofinnovativesolutionsand servicestoitsclients,primarilyfocusingonadvanced technologyandproductdevelopmentinsoftware,mobile andcloud.UnfoldLabsiswhereinnovationmeetsmobility andcloudexcellence.Wearededicatedtocraftingcuttingedgeproductsandsolutionsthatseamlesslyintegratewith yourdynamicworld.Ourforward-thinkingapproach redefinesuserexperiences,leveragingthepowerofmobile technologyandcloudsolutionstodriveefficiency, connectivity,andgrowth.

AtUnfoldLabs,wearenotjustdevelopers;weare visionaries.Ourteamharnessesthelatestadvancementsin mobileplatformsandcloudarchitecturetodeliversolutions thattranscendexpectations.Whetheritisrevolutionizing workflowsorenhancingcustomerengagement,our productsempowerbusinessestothriveinanever-evolving digitallandscape.

WhendidyourecognizetheneedforUnfoldLabsand whatweresomeofthechallengesinputtingtogether youroffering?

AtUnfoldLabs,ourjourneycommencedin2015witha keenunderstandingoftheevolvinglandscapein technology Werecognizedapressingneedfortechnology andinnovationdrivenproductsandsolutionsthatcould addresshumanissuesaroundtheworld.

Intheprocess,weencounteredseveralsignificant challenges.Thefirstwasassemblingateamwiththeright skillsetandacan-doattitude,vitalforrealizing UnfoldLabs'vision.Second,weneededtopersuadeearly userstoembraceourproductsandprovidevaluable feedbacktoenhanceourofferings.UnfoldLabssuccessfully builtaculturecenteredoninnovation,customerfeedback,

andstrategicthinkingtodevelop productsthatnotonlysimplifyuser experiencesbutalsoaddresstangible real-worldchallenges.

EveryCEOhasnumerous responsibilities,beingafearlessleaderat UnfoldLabswhataddedresponsibilities areyoudealingwith?

AstheCEOofUnfoldLabs,Ibearamultitudeof responsibilitiesthatencompassboththestrategic directionandoperationalaspectsofthecompany. Apartfromleadingtheoverallvision,strategy,and growthofUnfoldLabs,I'mresponsibleformanaging thecompany'sdailyoperations,ensuringthesuccessful developmentanddeliveryofinnovativeproductsand services.Ialsoplayapivotalroleininteractingwith clients,partners,andstakeholderstoensurethat UnfoldLabscontinuestomeetandexceedtheirneedsand expectations.Furthermore,I'mdedicatedtomentoringand guidingtheteam,drivinginnovation,andcontributingto thoughtleadershipinthetechnologyindustry.These responsibilities,alongwithmanyothers,requirearelentless commitmenttoexcellence,strategicthinking,and adaptabilityinadynamicandever-evolvingbusiness landscape.

Howwouldyoudescribeyourleadershipstyle,andwhat hasbeenyoursuccessmantra?

Myleadershipstylecanbedescribedascollaborative& empoweringvisionary.Ibelieveinleadingbyexample, settingaclearvisionforthecompany,andinspiringour teamtoworkcollectivelytowardourgoals.Empowerment isatthecoreofmyleadershipapproach;Itrustmyteamto makedecisions,takeownershipoftheirwork,anddriveour sharedmissionforward.Iencourageopencommunication,

collaboration,andafocusonproblem-solving,alwayswith thecustomerinmind.

Howdoyouhelpacompanyunderstandwhattheywant toachieve,howareyouabletoencouragepeoplein that?

AtUnfoldLabs,ourapproachtohelpingcompanies understandandachievetheirgoalscentersonacombination ofstrategicinsightandfosteringacultureofcollaboration andinnovation.Webeginbyconductingacomprehensive assessmenttograspthespecificneeds,challenges,and aspirationsofthecompanyandproducts.

Westronglybelieveinopencommunicationandactively engagewithallstakeholderstoensurealignmentandfoster asharedvision.Encouragingpeoplewithintheorganization involvesempoweringthemtobepartofthesolution.We emphasizetheimportanceofeveryteammember'sroleand contributions,encourageopenfeedback,andpromotea cultureofcontinuouslearning.

Tellussomethingaboutyourteamandthecultureof yourcompany.Howareyoukeepingthemmotivatedin currenttimes?

UnfoldLabsisfueledbyatalentedanddedicatedteamof professionalswhobringdiverseexpertisetothetable.Our companycultureisbuiltoncorevaluesofexcellence, innovation,empathy,safety,care,andresponsibility.To keepourteammotivatedinthesechallengingtimes,we prioritizetheirwell-being,bothpersonallyand professionally Weencouragecontinuouslearningand growthopportunities,enablingourteamtostayupdated withthelatesttrends.Remoteworkflexibilityand emotionalsupportmechanismswerevitalduringthe pandemic.Overall,ourculturethrivesonmutualrespect, opendialogue,andthepursuitofinnovativesolutions, whichkeepsourteammotivatedandengaged.

Whatarethekeymilestonesyouhavesetforyour companyfortheyear2024?Whatdoesthenextsix monthstoayearlooklikeforUnfoldLabs?

In2024,UnfoldLabshassetambitiousmilestonestofurther solidifyitspositionasaleaderininnovativetechnology solutions.Theupcomingyearisdedicatedtolaunching cutting-edgeproductsinvariousareas,includingartificial

intelligence,predictiveanalytics,UI/UXandCXwith machinelearning.Theseinnovationsaimtoaddressrealworldchallengesandenhancecustomerexperiences.Inthe nextsixmonthstoayear,we'recommittedtodeliveringon thesemilestones,ensuringourproductsarewell-receivedin themarket,andcontinuingourjourneyofgrowthand transformation.We'llremaindedicatedtofosteringaculture ofinnovation,learning,andstrategicthinkingthatdriveus toprovideexceptionalproductsandservicestoourclients andtheworld.

Whathasbeenyourbiggestlearningexperienceinthe industry?Whatdiditteachyou?

Oneofthemostsignificantlearningexperiencesinthe industryhasbeentherealizationthatinnovationisan ongoingjourney,notadestination.Ithastaughtmethat stayingrelevantandimpactfulinthetechnologysector requiresaconstantthirstforlearning,akeeneyeon emergingtrends,andanagileapproachtoadaptingto change.

Whatmeasuresisyourcompanytakingtoovercomethe challengesposedbythepandemic?Ifyouwanttoshare amessageorgiveasuggestiontoourreaders,what woulditbe?

UnfoldLabs,likemanyorganizations,facedchallenges duringthepandemic.Weadaptedbyenablingremotework, prioritizingthehealthandsafetyofourteam,and enhancingourdigitalcollaborationtoolstoensurebusiness continuity Wealsoexploredopportunitiestocreate productsthatcouldaddressemergingneedsinachanging world.

Foryourreaders,I'dliketoshareapieceofadvice:inthe faceofadversity,embraceinnovationandchange. Challengescanbetheseedsofgreatinnovation.It's importanttostayagile,opentonewpossibilities,and, aboveall,focusedoncreatingsolutionsthattrulymakea differenceinpeople'slives.Thisperspectivecanhelpnot onlyovercomechallengesbutalsoleadtotransformative success. IZ

About the Gideon Group

For over thirty years, the Gideon Group has provided capital advisory and capital access services to clients requiring debt and equity capital, mergers and acquisitions, project finance and corporate restructuring. We are also uniquely positioned to make direct investments in select client opportunities.

Our offerings are reinforced through our deep sector expertise in conventional and renewable energy, technology, commercial real estate, infrastructure, aerospace, defense and government services, consumer services, gaming and leisure, banking and financial institutions, telecommunications and media.

Our services are provided via three operating units:

DUBAI, UAE

Gideon Group International, FZCO

6WB 150

DubaiAirport Free Zone

P.O. Box 34988

Dubai, UnitedArab Emirates

LONDON, UK AUSTRALIA

Gideon Capital Management, Ltd.

71-75 Shelton Street

Covent Garden

WC2H 9JQ

London, United Kingdom

Gideon Group International Pty Ltd

225 Fullarton Road

Effective Ways of Monitoring and Enlightening LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Aleadershipdevelopmentplanisausefultoolto ensurethatyourorganizationhasastrongpipeline offutureleaders.Thecontinuousevolutionand successofanyorganizationarelinkedtothecontinuous growthandevolutionofitsleadership.Creatingasolid leadershipdevelopmentplanhelpsoutlinedetailedstepsto identifyandnurturethenextgenerationofleaderswithin yourorganization.

Inmanycompanies,theindividualswhomaketheirwayto thetopofthehierarchydosobydemonstratingsuperlative performance,persistentambition,andtheabilitytosolve theproblemsofthemoment.Thesearevaluabletraits,but theyarenottheskillsofastrategicleader.

Strategicleadersgaintheirskillthroughpractice,and practicerequiresafairamountofautonomy Topleaders shouldpushpowerdownward,acrosstheorganization, empoweringpeopleatalllevelstomakedecisions. Distributionofresponsibilitygivespotentialstrategic leaderstheopportunitytoseewhathappenswhentheytake risks.Italsoincreasesthecollectiveintelligence, adaptability,andresilienceoftheorganizationovertime,by harnessingthewisdomofthoseoutsidethetraditional decision-makinghierarchy

Assessandidentifytalent

Someorganizationshaveaformalleadershipdevelopment programandtalentpoolsfromwhichtheycanselecttalent foraspecificleadershipdevelopmentplan.However,some

organizationsdonothaveformaltalentidentificationor assessmentprocedures. Behonestandopenaboutinformation

Themanagementstructuretraditionallyadoptedbylarge organizationsevolvedfromthemilitary,andwas specificallydesignedtolimittheflowofinformation.Inthis model,informationtrulyequalspower.Thetroubleis,when informationisreleasedtospecificindividualsonlyona need-to-knowbasis,peoplehavetomakedecisionsinthe dark.Theydonotknowwhatfactorsaresignificanttothe strategyoftheenterprise;theyhavetoguess.Anditcanbe hardtoguessrightwhenyouarenotencouragedto understandthebiggerpictureortoquestioninformation thatcomesyourway.Moreover,whenpeoplelack information,itunderminestheirconfidenceinchallenginga leaderorproposinganideathatdiffersfromthatoftheir leader

InteractwithYourNetwork

Aprofessionalnetworkisoneofthemostvaluable resourcesinanyleader'sarsenal,somakeitapointtogrow yours.Throughoutyourleadershipdevelopmentjourney, connectwithlike-mindedpeersandseekoutopportunities tonotjustemploytheknowledgeyou'vegained,butreceive feedbackonyourprogress.

Thesekindsofinteractionsarecoretenetsoftheonline courseLeadershipPrinciples.InLeadershipPrinciples, learnerspracticedeliveringfeedbacktoeachotherthrough

videouploadexercisesthatallowthemtoevaluatetheir effectivenessinvariousbusinessscenarios.

Developopportunitiesforexperience-basedlearning

Thevastmajorityofprofessionalleadershipdevelopmentis informativeasopposedtoexperiential.Classroom-based trainingis,afterall,typicallyeasierandlessexpensiveto implement;it'sevidenceofshort-termthinking,ratherthan long-terminvestmentintheleadershippipeline.Although traditionalleadershiptrainingcandevelopgoodmanagerial skills,strategistsneedexperiencetoliveuptotheir potential.

Delegate&Empower

Perhapsthebestleadershipstrategytoengageyourteamis toempowerthembydelegatinggreaterresponsibility.Itcan beexcitingtobeentrustedwithapositionofresponsibility,

soifsomethingmakesyoufeelasenseofself-worth,give thatself-worthtoothersonyourteam.Findareaswhere youcangivepeopletheresponsibilityand,importantly,the authoritytogetthingsdone.

Leadershipisajourneywithnorealdestination.Great leaderscommittocontinuedgrowthandrefinementthrough continuededucation,practicalapplicationofskills,and networkingbothinternallyandexternally.Youarenever donegrowingasaleader

HRandbusinessleaderswillbeplayingcatch-upwithall thechangesthathavehappenedbecauseofCOVID-19. However,leadersmustpressaheadbyadaptingproven processes,relinquishingthosethatdonotmeetthedemands ofthetimes,becomingmoreagile,andacquiringdigital andculturalintelligencetofacethesechallenges.

Mostimportantly,leaderscannotlosesightofemployees andthenextgenerationsofleaderswhowanttobe equippedtomeetthechallengesahead.Theymaybe intimidatedbythevolatilityofthetimes,buttheyarealso excitedabouttheopportunitiesthatariseduringtimesof crisis.Investinyourfutureleadersbycreatingleadership developmentplansandensuretheneededskillsare identifiedanddevelopedinreal-time.

Chitra Shinde: Top Creative Leader in DHL Express NZ with Desire for Customer Value

MeetChitraShinde,VicePresidentofOperations atDHLExpressNewZealand,whohasbeen withthecompanyforanimpressivetenureof 24years.Chitra'sdedicationandcommitmenttolearning haveplayedapivotalroleinherrisetohercurrentposition. Withapassionforcontinuousimprovementand sustainability,Chitrahasbeenfocusingoncreatinglongtermvalueforcustomerswhilenavigatingtimesofchange withherteam.

Inthisexclusiveinterview,Chitrasharesherintuitionson leadership,growth,andcreatingapositiveimpactonthe environment.

Wheredidyoustart?Drawusapictureofyour educationalandprofessionaljourney.

I am originally from a picturesque town situated on the

banks of the Malaprabha river in Belgaum, India. I pursued my education at Karnatak University in Dharwad before taking up a Trainee position at DHL Express in Mumbai. During this time, the logistics industry was experiencing rapid growth and I was fortunate enough to witness the introduction of automation, scalable software, and innovative processes. Over the course of fifteen years, I have worked in five different countries, including India, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. After gaining valuable experience overseas, I returned to India and worked with Gati Limited for five years as Chief Business Chain Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and eventually President and Board Member of Gati-KWE. I was fortunate to return to DHL Express, Globally the No 1 Great Place to Work, as Customer Operations Group Manager in Australia and currently hold the position of Vice President Operations in New Zealand.

HowhasbeenyourjourneysofarwithDHLExpress andwhatdrivesyoutoday?Whatinspiredyouto becomeaVicePresidentand/orleadacompany?

DHL has provided me with the ideal environment to develop both personally and professionally as a leader. Our purpose of Connecting People, Improving Lives deeply resonates with my personal mission to make a positive difference. I am fortunate to work alongside a team of passionate, dedicated individuals who inspire me every day to go above and beyond. Collaborating with my colleagues and leaders has helped me to build my competence and confidence, allowing me to take on larger projects, execute our global strategy locally, and make decisions that have a positive impact on our people and customers. Throughout my career, I have benefited from the guidance and mentorship of many role models who have invested their time in my development and encouraged me to strive for excellence. I am grateful for the support and hard work of my team, without which success would not be possible.

WhatsolutionsorservicesdoesDHLExpressoffertoits clients?

DHL Express offers time-definite international express services to 220 countries and territories worldwide. Although we began as a document carrier in 1969, we have since expanded our capabilities to transport almost any type of shipment.

Our customer base spans a wide variety of industries and includes large global and multi-national corporations, SMEs, and B2C shippers, including start-ups operating out of their garages. Many of these businesses start with a single market and aspire to expand into other areas, and we help them achieve this by providing fast, high-quality service that makes global markets more accessible. We take care of customs clearance and provide door-to-door delivery, giving our customers peace of mind.

As a global logistics leader, we believe it is our responsibility to set the standard for our industry and be a sustainability leader. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and maintaining the highest social and governance standards. Our comprehensive green product and solution portfolio helps our customers reduce emissions throughout the logistics value chain and achieve their sustainability goals through clean fuel and technology, certified climate protection projects, green optimization, and carbon reports.

WhatareyourkeyrolesandresponsibilitiesastheVice PresidentofOperationsatDHLExpressNewZealand?

As Vice President of Operations for DHL Express, my responsibility is to drive our strategy and ESG objectives in New Zealand. This entails from my team, receiving input including our front-line employees, as well as our customers, through the voice of the customer or the voice of our business. Based on this input, I am tasked with making decisions that are aligned with our strategy and promote our three bottom lines of being an employer of choice, provider of choice, and investment of choice. I then initiate actions in the form of projects or investment business cases and the execution of approved activities to coordinate ensure they are delivered according to plan while continuously improving our employee and customer experience.

Tellussomethingaboutyourteamandthecultureof yourcompany.Howareyoukeepingthemmotivatedin currenttimes?

DHL Express is an established company for over 50 years and has achieved success by placing the customer at the core of our operations. Our straightforward strategy revolves around our motivated employees delivering excellent service quality, which results in the creation of loyal customers and ultimately a profitable network. We believe that emotionally connected employees are essential to creating emotionally connected customers.

To ensure that our leaders understand and align with our values, we prioritize delivering results without compromising on respect and encourage them to lead with head, heart, and guts. This leadership culture is consistent throughout the company. We have a strong feedback culture where we continuously give and receive feedback to boost the confidence and competence of our employees at all levels. This was achieved through the introduction of a Global Certified International Specialist program (CIS) and 21 Century Successful DHL Express Manager, Certified st International Manager CIM and other programs on Inspirational Leadership and Coaching for Success and Enabling a Coaching culture. The beauty of these programs is that they provide us a common understanding of leadership behaviours across the globe and across the divisions of the DHL Group. As experienced Senior leaders we are not professional trainers but DHL Invests in the development of these skills to be a certified facilitator. In

doing so, we not only relate content to application in our company but also must be authentic and role model these behaviours, competencies and attributes. This is our secret sauce.

Our coaching culture enables our employees to come up with solutions, which makes everyone feel included and valuable. We foster teamwork by sharing common goals and rewards. We continually adapt to changing market conditions, harness technology as an enabler, and scale up through investments in aircraft, infrastructure, last-mile capability, and resources. We leverage the strengths of our group companies, suppliers, and partners to be flexible and responsive to market changes. We also adapt to demand fluctuations by reducing excess capacity, waste, and continually improving and innovating. Our team is made up of passionate, committed, smart, positive and innovative individuals.

Asaleader,howdoyoumaintaintheperfectbalance betweenyourpersonalandprofessionallife?

It is crucial for leaders to be "Fit to Lead," to maintain a balance in all areas of their lives, including physical, mental, financial, and personal. Changes in one area can affect the others. Over the past decade, I have made it a deliberate priority to maintain this balance. I set SMART goals each year and make time to work towards them. I integrate my personal life demands with my professional life to ensure that important aspects and milestones receive the attention they require. Achieving balance requires good planning and a clear understanding of priorities. While it is not always easy, it is possible. I began by making changes in my own life, overcoming my fears, limitations, and thought patterns.

Whatarethekeymilestonesyouhavesetforyour companyfortheyear2024?

At our company, safety is a top priority, and we strive to continuously improve our policies and procedures to create a safe working environment. To ensure that our workplace is a great place to work for all, we recognize the importance of including everyone, especially our younger workforce. Our journey towards making a great team better is an ongoing one. We are committed to making incremental continuous improvements.

As part of our efforts, we are increasing the number of electric vehicles in our last mile fleet in New Zealand and investing in our e-facilities of the future. During periods of slower growth, we focus on new business, new industries, new products, optimization, training, continuous improvement, standardization, waste reduction, and digitalization, to be well-positioned for the next period of growth. We are committed to the long haul and are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, transparent, fair, providing equity and most importantly an inclusive workplace for all.

Goingforward,whatarethechangesinmarket behaviourthatyouanticipate,andwhatarethe opportunitiesthatyouforesee?

In these uncertain times, forecasting or predicting the future can be challenging due to multiple macroeconomic factors and local challenges. However, despite these obstacles, we have seen a 25% increase in shipment volume and 50% increase in shipment weight in 2023 compared to 2019, indicating continued strength. As healthy cross-border trade is a lead indicator of economic recovery, we are encouraged by the improving outlook. Additionally, we have observed that B2B shipment growth is stronger than B2C. We anticipate that technology will continue to evolve and rapidly transform the way we collaborate, automate, innovate, and digitize supply chains.

Ifyouwanttoshareamessageorgiveasuggestion toourreaders,whatwoulditbe?Whatisthelifeor successmantrayouliveby?

Environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and equity, as well as governance with trust, transparency, and compliance are critical components of our collective consciousness. As we continue to improve our understanding of these issues, ESG will take centre stage. Companies that can effectively futurize, humanize, and digitize will be well-positioned to outperform. Personally, I believe that doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons will always stand the test of time.IZ