EDITOR’S LETTER
Igniting Passion, Illuminating Futures!
Dearreaders,
Theeducationindustryisundergoingaperiodofsignificantchange,drivenbyaconfluenceof factorsincludingtechnologicaladvancements,evolvingsocietalneeds,andthelastingimpactsof theCOVID-19pandemic.Thisdynamiclandscapepresentsbothchallengesandopportunitiesfor educators,learners,andinstitutionsalike.Addressingthechallengesandharnessingthe opportunitiesintheeducationindustryrequiresacollaborativeeffortinvolvingeducators, policymakers,researchers,andtechnologycompanies.Investinginteachertraining,promoting equitableaccesstotechnologyandresources,andfosteringinnovationincurriculumandpedagogy arecrucialsteps.Ultimately,thegoalistocreateaneducationsystemthatispersonalized,relevant, andaccessibletoall,preparinglearnersforsuccessinarapidlychangingworld.Inthisedition,we shineaspotlighton“The10InfluentialEducationLeadersof2024,”recognizingtheirpivotalrole inshapingthemindsoftomorrowanddrivingsocietalprogress.
AttheforefrontofthisdistinguishedlistisWilliamReed,PresidentandCEOofLIGSUniversity. Reed’sgroundbreakingstrategiesandunwaveringcommitmenttoeducationalexcellencehavenot onlytransformedLIGSUniversityintoabeaconofinnovationbuthavealsopositioneditasa drivingforceforpositivechangewithintheeducationsector Throughhisvisionaryleadershipand tirelessdedication,Reedhasredefinedtheroleofhighereducationinpreparingstudentsforthe challengesofthe21stcentury,emphasizingtheimportanceofadaptability,criticalthinking,and lifelonglearning.
AmongtheotherprofilesfeaturedinthiseditionareLeilaCentner,RossRomano,LukeWhiting, andKirsiEkberg,whoseremarkablecontributionstoeducationhaveleftanindeliblemarkonthe landscapeoflearningintheUnitedStates.Frompioneeringinitiativesinearlychildhoodeducation tochampioninginclusiveandaccessiblelearningopportunitiesforall,theseleadersexemplifythe transformativepowerofvisionaryleadershipinshapingthefutureofeducation.Aswecelebrate theirachievementsandcontributions,weareremindedoftheprofoundimpactthateffective leadershipcanhaveinshapingthemindsandlivesoffuturegenerations.
Happyreading!
Parag Ahire Project Editor
MANAGING
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William Reed
William CoverStory
William(Bill)Reed,Ph.D.isaseasonedprofessionalwith adiverseandaccomplishedcareerspanningaviation,air trafficcontrol,entrepreneurship,academics,andcorporate management.Withsevenyearsofexperienceasacorporate jetCaptain,servingexecutiveclientsacrosstheU.S.,the Caribbean,Canada,andMexico,hedevelopedprecision andclientrelationsexpertise.
TransitioningtotheFederalAviationAdministration(FAA), BillservedasanAirTrafficControllerinmajorhubslike ChicagoandNewYork,bringingauniqueperspectiveto thedynamicsofairspacemanagement.In1981,heventured intoentrepreneurship,owningmultiplebusinessesand organizations.For17years,heactivelyparticipatedin businessdevelopment,emphasizingtrainingand developmentforsalespeopleandmanagers.
Hiscorporatejourneycontinuedwithnearlytwodecadesin managementroles,culminatinginhispositionasthe ExecutiveDirectorofSalesforadivisionwithina$2.5 billionsalesorganization.Throughouthiscareer,heplayed apivotalroleindevelopingsalesandmanagement personnel,shapingorganizationalbehavior,andproviding leadershipatboththefrontlineandexecutivelevels.
Beyondhisprofessionalendeavors,Williampursued academicexcellence,earningaBachelorofSciencein Technology,followedbyaMasterofSciencein Management.HeattainedaPh.D.inManagement PerformanceandLeadership,integratingacademicinsights withpracticalbusinessacumen.
Withover24yearsofexperienceingraduate-level teaching,Billhasseamlesslyadaptedtoonlineeducation models.Hisuniqueblendofhands-onexperienceand academicknowledgepositionshimasavaluableasset, readytocontributetothecourseandshareinsightsgained fromarichandmultifacetedcareer
GlobalLeadershipinHigherEducation Transformation
Bill,thePresidentandCEOofLIGS University,hasbeenleadingtheinstitution throughatransformativephaseforthepast18 months;estimating12-18monthsremainingin thisjourney.Hisleadershipfocusesonastrategic initiativetoappealtointernationalstudentsfrom diverseregions,suchasAfrica,India,Central Europe,SouthAmerica,andIndonesia.Underhis guidance,theuniversityisundergoinga significanttransition,aligningitsprogramswith thespecificneedsoflearnerstoenhanceboth theirprofessionalcareersandpersonal knowledge.
Billoverseesthecomprehensivetransformation oftheuniversity,ensuringthatitsacademic offeringsresonatewiththeglobalstudent community.Heplansstrategicallytoattractand catertointernationalstudents,tailoringprograms toaddresstheuniquerequirementsoflearnersin differentculturalandgeographicalcontexts.
Billalsoshapesthecurriculumtomeetthe evolvingdemandsofstudents,aligning educationalcontentwithindustrytrendsand globalperspectives.Heleverageshisextensive experienceinbothbusinessandacademiato bridgethegapbetweentheoryandpractice, providingstudentswithawell-roundededucation thatenhancestheiremployability.
Furthermore,Billfosterspartnershipsand collaborationswitheducationalinstitutions, businesses,andorganizationsinthetarget regions.Thiscollaborativeapproachensuresthat theuniversityremainsresponsivetothedynamic needsoftheinternationalstudentbodyand establishesaglobalnetworkforeducationaland professionalopportunities.Billcontinuesto provideprivatecoachingforonlineprofessors seekingtofine-tunetheirskillsintheonline academicworld.Additionally,Billisapartnerin DoctoralAchievementProgramLLC:adoctorallevelprogramfocusingonlearnerswith considerablecourseworkcompletedtowards theirdoctoraldegree;butstillneedtofinishtheir dissertation.
TransformativeJourneyandGlobal Commitment
LIGSUniversity,founded17yearsago astheLondonInternationalGraduate School,hasembarkedona transformativejourneythatreflectsits commitmenttoglobaleducation.The universityrelocateditsheadquartersto Honolulu,Hawaii,about12yearsago, maintainingitsoperationsofficein CentralEurope,therebyestablishinga uniqueblendofacademicexcellence andatropical,andglobal,setting.
LIGSUniversity’smissioncenterson businesscoursesandprograms, distinguishingitasaninstitution dedicatedtonurturingexpertiseinthe dynamicfieldofbusiness.The universityoffersacomprehensive educationalspectrum,frombachelor’s todoctoratedegrees.Thisinclusivity enablesstudentstopursueaseamless educationaljourneywithinthe institution.
LIGSUniversityalsoemphasizes personalizedattention.Students experienceaneducationalenvironment thatrecognizesandaddressestheir uniqueneedsandaspirations.The university’smotto,“educationwithout bordersorlimits,”capturesthis philosophy,emphasizinga commitmenttobreakingdownbarriers andprovidingaholisticlearning experiencethattranscends conventionalconstraints.
Bill’sDistinctiveLeadershipin Education
Bill,asuccessfuleducationleader,has arichanddiversebackground spanning26yearsintheeducation sector.Hehasheldvariouspositionsin businessschoolsintheUSand internationally,gaininga
comprehensiveunderstandingoftheeducationallandscape. Thisversatilityenableshimtonavigatecomplexitiesand makeinformeddecisionsthatdrivepositiveoutcomes.
Bill’sglobalperspective,cultivatedthroughhis internationalroles,setshimapart.Thisbroadworldviewis avaluableassetintoday’sinterconnectededucational environment,asitcanaddressthediverseneedsand expectationsofstudentsfromdifferentcultural backgrounds.Bill’sadaptabilityisevidentinhis commitmenttostayingabreastofcurrentteachingmethods andtechnology Thisqualityensuresthattheeducational experienceunderhisleadershipisrelevantandaligned withtheevolvingdynamicsoftheeducationsector.
Bill’ssuccessstemsfromaprofoundunderstandingof currentstudentneeds,reflectingastudent-centricapproach. Hetailorseducationalstrategiestomeettheevolving aspirationsandchallengesofstudents,creatingan environmentwheretheycanthriveacademicallyand personally.
Bill’sleadershipgoesbeyondtheacademicrealm.He helpsstudentsreachtheircareergoals,personallives,and academicjourneys,underscoringaholisticapproachto education.Hefostersanenvironmentthatnurtureswellroundedindividualsbyrecognizingtheinterconnectedness ofpersonalandprofessionaldevelopment.
AdefiningqualityofBill’sleadershipishisdedicationto continuouslearning.Hestayscurrentwithteaching methodsandtechnology,settinganexampleforeducators andensuringthattheinstitutionheleadsremainsatthe forefrontofeducationalinnovation.
OvercomingObstaclesinTechnology,Processes,and Services
Asaleader,Billfacedseveralchallenges,including outdatedtechnology,manualprocesses,andsluggish studentservices.Theseobstacleshinderedastreamlined andefficientlearningexperience.Billshowedstrategic leadershipbyimplementingtargetedsolutionstoovercome thesechallenges.
Outdatedtechnologyrequiresaforward-thinkingapproach. Billrecognizedtheimportanceoftechnological advancementsineducationandengagedinnewer,more
efficienttechnologies,including artificialintelligence(AI).This initiativemodernizedthelearning environmentandenhancedthe educationalexperienceforstudentsby incorporatingcontemporarytoolsand platforms.
Manualprocesseswereanother challengethatBilltackledhead-on.He understoodtheinefficienciesofmanual workflowsandintroducedinternal processestoautomateandstreamline administrativeandacademicfunctions. Thistransitionincreasedoperational efficiencyandfreedupresourcesfor morevalue-addedactivities,benefiting facultyandstudents.
Slowservicestostudentsimpeded theirlearningexperience.Bill prioritizedservicedelivery enhancement.Hebroughtinnew professorsalignedwiththeinstitution’s commitmenttoacademicexcellence andstudentsuccess,ensuringtimely andqualitystudentsupport.Thismove addressedservicespeedandimproved thelearningenvironment.
The institution must maintain constant contact and a real picture of what the students need in the current world to get ahead in their lives and in their business “
ProactiveMeasuresforEducational InclusivityandAffordability
Billtakesaproactiveapproachto addressingkeychallenges.One prominentissueisaligningeducational offeringswiththediverseneedsof students,especiallythosewithprior experience.Theuniversityhas introducednewprogramstocaterto students’specificneeds,allowingthem tobuildontheirexistingknowledgeand experience.Thisstrategicadaptation ensuresthateducationisrelevantand valuable,acknowledgingthevaried backgroundsofthestudentbody
Anothercriticalchallengeisthe increasingcostoftuition.The universityisreevaluatingitstuition structure,makingeducationmore affordableforabroaderdemographic. Thecommitmenttoaffordability extendsfurtherthroughmultiple scholarshipsfundedbytheinstitution. Thesescholarshipsalleviatefinancial burdens,ensuringaspiringstudentscan accessqualityeducationwithout financialconstraints.
Thebiggestchallenge,therefore,is balancinghigh-qualityeducationand accessibilityforadiversestudent population.Theuniversityaddresses thischallengethroughongoing evaluationsoftuitionstructures, tailoredprograms,andscholarships. Billseekstofosteraneducational environmentwherefinancial considerationsdonotimpede students’aspirationsbycontinually adaptingandfindinginnovativeways toenhanceaccessibility
CultivatingWork-LifeBalanceand aFamily-OrientedEnvironment
Billemphasizesabalancedwork-life relationship,recognizingthe demandingscheduleofthe university’sinternationalscope.LIGS Universityfostersafamily-oriented environment,evidentinmeetings wherefamiliesandevenchildrenof workersarewelcome.Thisunique approachincludesflexiblescheduling, accommodatingthediverseneedsof employees,andaligningwiththe multipletimezonesoftheuniversity
Thecommitmenttoflexibility facilitatesasupportivework environmentandenablesefficient assistancetolearnersacrossdifferent timezones.Withaglobally distributedworkforce,LIGS Universityensurestimelysupportfor learnersbyleveragingthediverse locationsofitsemployees.
Theleadershipteam’sdiverse locations,spanningtheUnitedStates, Hawaii,SouthAmerica,Europe,and Africa,reflecttheuniversity’s dedicationtomaintaining relationshipswiththecountriesand regionsitserves.Thisglobal perspectiveispivotalin understandingandaddressingthe diverseneedsoflearnersworldwide.
NavigatingtheEducational Landscapeinthe21stCentury
Billoffersinsightfuladvicefor aspiringleaders,drawingfromhis extensiveexperience.Heemphasizes cultivatinganopenmindtowardnew andtechnology-basedlearning. Acknowledgingtechnology’s transformativeroleineducationis crucialforstayingrelevantinan ever-evolvinglandscape.
Furthermore,Billhighlightsadopting aglobalvision.Aseducation becomesincreasinglyinternational, futureleadersshouldbeattunedto thechangingneedsofstudents worldwide.Thisinvolves understandingandcateringtothe diverserequirementsofstudentsfrom variousculturalbackgrounds, globallyandlocally
Addressingtheevolvingnatureof thebusinesslandscapeisanother crucialpieceofadvice.Bill encouragesfutureleaderstobe adaptable,meetingtheneedsof globalcompaniesandlocal businessesenteringlargermarkets. Thisadaptabilityensuresthat educationalinstitutionsalign effectivelywiththedynamic demandsofthebusinessworld.
Billconsiderspracticalexperiencea cornerstoneforeffectiveleadership. Gaininginsightsfrompastevents equipsleaderstoidentifyand proactivelyaddressfuture challenges.Thisforesightis invaluableinnavigatingthe complexandever-changing educationallandscape.
Billemphasizesstayingcurrentwith businessknowledgeasanessential traitforfutureleaders.Maintaining adeepunderstandingofcurrent trendsandissuesinthebusiness sectorenablesleaderstocorrelate businessinsightswiththeeffective managementofeducational institutions.
Inaddition,Billunderscores maintainingconstantcontactwith studentneeds.Establishing continuouscommunicationensures thateducationalinstitutionsremain responsivetothecurrent requirementsofstudents.This approachisvitalforcreating educationalexperiencesthatmeet academicstandardsandprepare studentsforsuccessintheirpersonal andbusinesslives.
W Kirs Ekb rg
A Enthusias An Dr v Edtec En pr neur
“Womenarethelargestuntappedreservoirsof talentintheworld,”quotesHilaryClinton.Today, thedisparitybetweenmenandwomenasbusiness leadersisreducingandthegendergapisbeing filledbytheequalparticipation.Overthepastfew years,therehavebeennumerouswomenleaders takingholdoftheglobalbusinesses.KirsiEkberg, theFounderofVilike,isonesuchinfluential womanleaderwhoisbringingtransformational changestothesportseducationalresearchindustry Kirsistrivestoempowerpeople,evolveeducation, co-createwithcommunities,buildbusinesses,and harnesspossibilitiesoftechnologytobuildnew solutionsenablinggoodevolutionforpeopleand theplanet.Sheadherestovaluessuchasaheartfor art,dreaminganddoing,technologyforapurpose, peoplebeforeprofit,etc.tomakeadifference.
Inherearlydays,alongsideherstudiesinchildren’s sportseducation,shecameacrossamethodthathad beenusedsince1994viz.usingpenandpaperto assessmotorandperceptualskillsdataofchildren. However,shelostallthepapersandthuslostthe possibilitytofollowandresearchthedevelopment ofmotorandperceptualskillsofchildrenaswell. LaterduringherBBAICTstudies,shedecidedto pursuetheideaofleveragingtechnologyinsports researchandasperheridea,sheproducedthefirst softwareforsportseducationresearch.Afterher graduation,sheinceptedVilikein2014.Sinceits inception,Kirsihasbeenthebackboneofthe company
ElevatingEducationwithTechnology
Vilikedevelopsplayfultechnologiesthatboost learningandoverallwellbeing.Itcombines
“
I believe open digitization of education can help to set learning free.And once we build the business with prupose, we can give access to high-quality learning with low entry barries.
technology,sports,andeducationtoactivatechildren tomovemoreandcreatenewwaystolearn.The companyelevateseducationbydevelopinggames withsportpedagogicallyaccuratecontent.Vilike takesthetraditionalplaytonewdimensionswith gamificationandplayabletechnology.Besides,the companyleveragesartificialintelligenceandmachine learningtoassesstheskillsdevelopmentdataand conductlong-termresearch.
Presently,Vilikeispreparingforuser-centered developmentprojectstolaunchthefinalversionofthe gamifiedPhysicalExerciseEducationapplication withAI-drivenkineticlearningskillresearch functionality Thecompanyis launchingan interactivee-bookinSeptembertointroducemotor skillsforparentswithtoddlersthroughplay Thiswill beaccompaniedlaterwithlanguageagnosticAR mobilegame.Talkingaboutbeingaheadofthe competition,Kirsiasserts,“Thecombinationofgrit, educationalandsportscientificcontent,gamification withnew-ageAItechnologyenablingdeepresearch onskillsdevelopmentandloveforthecausehasbeen thesecrettooursuccess.”
BeingtheFounderandCEOofthecompany,Kirsi usedtohandlealloperationsotherthanAI development.Shehasbeenanintegralpartofthe activitiessuchassocialmediamarketing,website hosting,preliminaryaccounting,shareholder relations,networking,pitching,networkingfor partnerships,andfindingtheperfectteam.Moreover, shehasmanagedtheSWDiterationprojectin combinationwithHaaga-Heliain2016and2018and alsowroteandillustratedaplaybookaroundsport scientificcontentaroundAPMinventorywithJenni Nadin.LuckilynowteamVilikehasgrownand developmenthappenswithLoveandsweatequity amongamazingco-founders,JenniNadin,Sarthak TripathiandJennyArolinna.ApartfromVilike,she hasbeenalsohelpingothercompanieslikeDoerz.co, Ultrahack,Moiko.fiandstartupsStuDisco.com, Rehaboo.com,AtlantisatandTrafficAye.Addressing thecurrentprojects,Kirsiasserts,“Wearedeeply devotedtothecausesomotivationarisesfromthe needthatparentsandeducatorshaveatthemoment.”
ExploringtheOpportunities
TheCOVID-19pandemichastakentheworldbya storm.Inthebeginning,theunprecedentednatureof thepandemicmadeithardforpeopleaswellas businessestotacklethesituation.Duetothesudden impositionssuchaslockdownandsocialdistancing norms,almostalltheindustryverticalswere
significantlyaffected.However,asthecountries aroundtheworldstarttoreleasetheimpositions, theworldisslowlystartingtoadapttothenew normal.Unlikesomeoftheindustryverticals,the digitalsportsandeducationindustryhasbeenone oftheleastaffectedindustries.
Kirsitoohasbeenmakingthemostofthe opportunitiescreatedbythepandemicandis takingthecompanyforwardinthesetoughtimes. Sheadds,“Forus,lockdownandpandemichave wokenuptheneedforoursolutions.Westarted developingthe5thpivotofthedigitalproductto helpparentsandeducatorswiththephysical activationofchildren.”Althoughthepandemic hasprosperedthere-birthofthecompany,startup facesfundingchallengescausingaslow developmentpace.Kirsiisaddressingthis challengebygivingallthepossibleresourcesanf openingfirstseedroundtogatherfundingona biggerandfasterscalego-to-marketforimpact.
DigitalizationofEducation
Theworldisshiftingtoonlineplatformsdueto thesocialdistancingnormsimposedbythe COVID-19pandemic.“Duringmy6yearsasan edtechentrepreneur,Ihaven’tseensuchaneed fordigitalsolutionsbefore,”saysKirsi.She expectsthatsoon,evolutionineducationwill blendinmoreandmorewiththepossibilities technologyoffers.Consequently,Vilikeis creatinganothermediatosupportthechange alongwithbooksandsensorylearningmaterials. Kirsiemphasizestheimportanceofdigitalization ofeducationbysaying,“Ibelieveopen digitalizationofeducationcanhelptosetlearning free.Andoncewebuildthebusinesswith purpose,wecangiveaccesstohigh-quality learningwithlow-entrybarriersforeveryone withinthereachofinternetconnectivityand mobiletechnology.”Shebelievesthatthiscan helpreducetheobstaclesofmonetarymonopoly ineducationwhichsetsbarriersforthelearning andgrowthofmanychildrenandyouth.
BePlayfullyActive
Beingaprolificentrepreneur,Kirsigivesapiece ofadvicetotheparentsandeducators— “Parents,keeponplayingwithyourchildrenand keepthegrittobeplayfullyactiveeveryday The samegoesforeducatorswithawishtoopentheir mindstothepossibilitiestechnologycangiveus intermsofresearchandnewknowledge.”
The Visionary Leader Revolutionizing Education and Empowering the Next Generation
Everygreateducationalleaderunderstandsthat
buildingacommunityrequirestheeffortof many.Theypossessanunquenchablethirstfor self-improvementandapassionforenhancingthelives ofothers.Theystrivetocultivatealoveforlearning, embracemistakes,andpushthemselvestobecome betterforthebenefitoftheworld.Theseleadersbelieve thatstudentsthrivewhentheyusetheirmindstosolve problems,createsolutions,andcollaboratewithpeers tomakeadifference.
Tocultivatefutureleaders,itiscriticalthateducation focusesondevelopingcriticalthinkingandproblemsolvingskillsratherthanjustmemorizingfacts.The futureofeducationrequiresleaderswhounderstand thatcultivatingdisciplineinchildreniscrucial.These leadersunderstandthatacommitmenttosupporting childrenwithtoolssuchasmindfulness,selfawareness,andself-regulationisnecessaryforthemto growintoemotionallyintelligentandresilientadults.
LeilaCentner(FounderofCentnerAcademy)isan exemplaryeducationalleaderwhoistransforming educationandempoweringthenextgeneration.Her visionaryapproachtoeducationisrevolutionizingthe wayweteach,learn,andgrowandismakingalasting impactonthelivesofcountlesschildren.
FromAdversitytoAmbition
Leila’sjourneytowardeducationalleadershipisrooted inhertumultuouschildhood.Growingupinarough neighborhoodwithoutafatherfigure,shewas surroundedbynegativeinfluences.Herfriendswere becomingpregnantatthirteen,andsheevengotchased homebyagangwithknivesonce.Itwasachallenging environment;however,itmotivatedhertostrivefor moreandtocreateabetterlifeforherselfandher family
Leila’sambitiontoimprovethingsforherselfand othersfueledherpassionforeducationalleadership. Whensearchingfortherighteducationalinstitution forherdaughter,shefoundthatnoschoolmether highstandardsforengaginginacademicsandthe holisticdevelopmentofchildren.Ratherthan settlingforless,Leiladecidedtocreateherown school,CentnerAcademy,aConsciousDiscipline schoolthatempowerschildrentobecomefuture leaders.
CentnerAcademy:RedefiningEducationfor FutureLeaderswithHeart
Leila’sbrainchild,CentnerAcademy,isa trailblazingeducationalinstitutionthatfocuseson buildingfutureleaderswithheart.Foundedin2019, CentnerAcademyislocatedinMiamiandhasthree campuses,withnewconstructionintheworksto furtherexpanditsreach.
TheAcademy’sapproachtoeducationiscenteredon developingcriticalthinkingandproblem-solving skillsoverrotememorizationandfactrecall.Their signatureEntrepreneurshipProgramisan excellentexampleofthis.Studentsexperiencethe entireprocessofbringingaserviceorproductto market,includingcreatingabusinessplan,makinga SharkTank-styleinvestmentpitch,andbringingthe productorservicetothepublicattheBeeHappy Marketplace.
CentnerAcademyisknownforitsforeignlanguage program,whichincludesHebrew,Mandarin, Spanish,Italian,andFrench.Theschoolalsohas competitiveLegoRoboticsandSpeech&Debate Teams,aswellasTennisandSoccerprograms.They haveauniquepartnershipwithCentner’slocal regenerativefarm,Regener8Farm&Retreat.
LEILA CENTNER FOUNDER
Moreover,theschoolprioritizes developingemotional intelligenceandresilienceinits students.AsaConscious Disciplineschoolthatfocuseson thedevelopmentofdiscipline withinthechild,Centner Academyiscommittedto providingtoolssuchas mindfulness,self-awareness,and self-regulationtosupporttheir students’growthinto emotionallyintelligentand resilientadults.
TheAcademy’sBrain Optimizationprogramis anotherstandoutfeature,with nutritiousandhealthyfoodanda physicaleducationprogramthat supportsneurodevelopment.The academicsareequallyrigorous
“At Centner Academy, our academic approach is designed to prepare our students for success in a rapidly changing world.”
andengaging,withacrosscurricularproject-basedlearning approachthatallowsstudentsto divedeeplyintotopicsofinterest whilemasteringessentialskills.
CreatingaThrivingLearning Community
LeilaseesherselfastheChief HappinessOfficerandfocuseson motivatingherteamandleading byexample,alwaysemphasizing theimportanceofkindness, compassion,andhumilityin everythingtheydo.AstheCEOof theschool,shetakesonavariety ofrolesandresponsibilities,allof whichareaimedatcreatinga thrivinglearningcommunity.Her toppriorityistoensurethateach student’sindividualneedsaremet,
whichsheachievesbyprovidinga broadrangeofacademicprograms andextracurricularactivitiesthat fostercriticalthinking,problemsolving,andcreativity
Leila’sapproachiscenteredon cultivatingfutureleaderswithhearts whocannavigatetheuncertainand ever-changingworldwithintegrity, grit,andagrowthmindset.Inaddition toshapingtheacademicprograms offeredbytheschool,Leilaalsotakes ahands-onapproachtocultivatinga cultureoflearningandgrowthwithin theinstitution.
“We have a strong culture of learning, growing, and problem-solving.” “If we model this for our students, we are successful!” addsLeila.
EducationfortheFuture
Leilaiswellawareoftheflawsinthe currenteducationsystemandthedire needforchange.Accordingtoher,the educationsystemwasdesignedfora differentera,anditnolongercatersto theneedsoftoday’sstudents.The traditionaldefinitionofsuccess, namelyfinishingcollegeandpursuing traditionaloccupations,isnolonger theonlyoption.Sheunderstandsthat happinessleadstosuccessratherthan theotherwayaround.
Inlightofthis,CentnerAcademyis focusingondevelopingskillsthatwill helpstudentsthriveinany circumstance.Emotionalintelligence, resilience,agrowthmindset,and criticalthinkingareemphasizedto helpstudentsbecomesuccessful regardlessofthechallengestheymay faceinthefuture.
Leilaunderstandsthattomakea positivechange,heracademyneedsto beagileandresponsive.Beingastartupinstitution,theycontinuously
“
“We empower our learners with research-backed learning strategies that foster problem -solving and critical-thinking skills.”
iterateandrespondtonewinformation toensurethattheeducationsystem theyprovideisrelevantandbeneficial tothestudents.
LivinglifetoFullest
Leilaisoftenaskedabouthowshe maintainsahealthywork-lifebalance. Inherresponse,shehighlightsher personalpassionforherworkandher commitmenttomaintainingher physicalandmentalhealth.Having spentyearsoptimizingherbrainand
health,Leilahasahighlevelofenergy comparedtotheaverageperson.This enableshertoworklonghours,asshe isdeeplycommittedtoherworkat CentnerAcademyandCentner Wellness&Spa.
Despiteherbusyschedule,Leilamakes timeforherhobbiesandinterests outsideofwork.Sheenjoysspending qualitytimewithherlovedones, exploringnewplacesandcultures,and throwingpartiestobringpeople together
THE TOP 10 LARGESTAIRPORTS IN THE WORLD BY SIZE IN 2024
Discoverthelargestairportsintheworld.Exploretop-notch facilities,globalconnectivity,andmuchmoreatthesemega aviationhubs.
Didyouknowthatoneofthelargestairportsintheworldby sizecoversanareaof776squarekilometers,whichislarger thantheentirecountryofBahrain?
Orthattheworld’sbusiestairportbypassengertraffichandled over93millionpassengersin2022?
Orthattheworld’snewest airport starfish-shapedstructured openedin2019andcostover11billionU.S.dollarstobuild.
Well,thesearejustsomeoftheamazingfactsandatrailerto getanideaofwhatinformationyouwillgetafterreadingthis.
Inthisblogpost,youwilllearnhowairportsare measuredbysizeandwhysizemattersfortravelersand airlines.Sobuckleuptodiscoverthetop10largest airportsintheworldbysizeandwhattheyoffer.
Let’shavealookatthelargestairportsinthe world:
1. KingFahdInternationalAirport
● Size:299squaremiles
● Country:SaudiArabia
● IATA:DMM
● ICAO:OEDF
● Elevation:22m
● Opened:1999
KingFahdInternationalAirport topsthelistof thelargestairportsintheworld..OriginallyaU.S. airbaseduringtheGulfWarbeforetransitioning intoacivilianairport.KFIAboastsapassenger terminalwithsixlevels,equippedwith66check-in counters,10baggagereclaimcarousels,and42 gates.
SpecialFeatures:
● RoyalTerminalforVIPsandroyalfamily withparking,gardens,andfountains.
● CargoVillage(SouthernSide)handles1.2 milliontonsofcargo,16aircraftstands, andcustomsclearance.
● AirportMosquehosts2,000worshipperswith Bedouin-inspireddesign.
● ControlTowerstandsat85.5meterswitha radardomeandobservationdeck.
● Two4,000-meterparallelrunwaysforvarious aircraft.
KFIAservesasahubforSaudiaandFlynas,connecting to43destinationsglobally.Theairportoffersamultitude ofotheramenitieslikeshops,restaurants,duty-free outlets,airlinelounges,abusinesscenter,amedical center,ahotel,andvarioustransportationoptions.
KFIAhasexpandedwithanewrunwayin2006,acargo terminalin2015,andacheck-inhallinTerminal1in 2019.Bothterminalsprovidemodernamenitieslike check-incounters,securitycheckpoints,baggageclaim areas,diningoptions,retailstores,currencyexchange services,ATMs,freeWi-Fi,prayerrooms,restrooms, andairlineloungesforpassengerrelaxationbefore flights.
2. DenverInternationalAirport
● 53squaremiles Size:
● UnitedStates Country:
● DENIATA:
● KDENICAO:
● 1,656m Elevation:
● 1995Opened:
DenverInternationalAirportisarenownedaviationhub withastoriedhistoryandremarkablegrowth.Replacing theoldStapletonInternationalAirport,itexpandedover landannexedbyDenver,makingitthesecond-largest airportsintheworld.Cateringtothesurgingdemandfor airtravel.DENisapivotalhubboastinganarrayof facilities.
SpecialFeatures:
● IconicJeppesenTerminalresemblingthe Rockies.
● Fiveinterconnectedconcourses(A,B,C,D, andE).
● TwocolossalrunwaysforAirbusA380.
● Afuturistic327-foot-tallcontroltower.
● WestinHotelandTransitCenterfor accommodationsandrailconnectivity
● Amenitieslikeaplayarea,businesscenter, lounges,shops,restaurants,andnearbyhotels forseamlesstravel.
Artinstallations,includingsculptures,murals,and interactiveexhibits,gracetheairportgrounds.Withover 25airlinescallingDENhome,itoffersnon-stopservice to215destinationsacrosstheglobe.
DENchampionssustainabilitywitha10-megawattsolar powersystem,reducingemissionsby15,000metrictons annually.Eco-initiativesincluderecycling,composting, alternativefuels,energy-efficientlighting,native vegetation,andwaterconservation.
3. IstanbulAirport
● Size:29.5squaremiles
● Country:Turkey
● IATA:IST
● ICAO:LTFM
● Elevation:99m
● Opened:2018
IstanbulAirport,isthecity’slargestinternational airport,offeringawiderangeoffacilitiesandservices. Themodernterminalcovers1.4millionsquaremeters withanannualcapacityof90millionpassengers, featuringfivepiers,sixrunways,andadistinctive90meterairtrafficcontroltower
SpecialFeatures:
● Itoffersdiverselounges,shops,restaurants,and ahotelcomplex.
● Theairportconnectstothecitycenterthrough varioustransportationoptions.
● Constructionbeganwithanapproximatecostof 10.2billioneuros.
● Futureplansincludefourterminalbuildings, increasingcapacityto200millionpassengers annually.
Theterminalcomprisesfivelevels,emphasizing passengercomfortwithnaturalventilationsystemsto
reduceenergyconsumption.Italsoincludesaduty-free area,piersnamedfromAtoG,andacargoterminal spanning165,000squaremeters.
IstanbulAirportisamajorhubforTurkishAirlines,with flightstoover300globaldestinationsandotherairlines alsooperatingthere.Theairportexcelsinpassengerand cargotrafficandisknownforitsadvancedtechnologyand sustainabilityefforts.
4. Dallas/FortWorthInternationalAirport
● 26squaremiles Size:
● UnitedStates Country:
● DFWIATA:
● KDFWICAO:
● 185m Elevation:
● 1973Opened:
Dallas/FortWorthInternationalAirportistheresultofa visionarycollaborationbetweenDallasandFortWorth, initiatedtoaddresstheirinadequateindividualairports. Withaninvestmentofapproximately$700million,itis alsoamongtheoneofthelargestairportsintheworld.
SpecialFeatures:
● DFWAirportoffersfiveterminalswithdining, retail,andservices.
● Italsohasanobservationdeck,anaviationhistory museum,andconferencecenters.
DFWAirportexperiencedsubstantialgrowth,adding TerminalD,Skylinkpeoplemover,DARTOrangeLine station,andrenovatingTerminalsA,B,C,andE. Additionalenhancementsinvolvednewrunwaysand runwayextensions(13R/31L).
Servingover28airlinesandconnectingtravelerstomore than260destinationsworldwide. DFWAirportisa bustlingtravelhubwithcarrierslikeAmericanAirlines, DeltaAirLines,andmore.Additionally,ithostsover22 cargoairlines,makingitasignificantplayeringlobalcargo transportation.
5. OrlandoInternationalAirport
● 20squaremiles Size:
● UnitedStates Country:
● MCOIATA:
OrlandoInternationalAirporthasfourterminals:the MainTerminal,amajorhub;theNorthTerminal,serving SouthwestAirlines;theSouthTerminal,featuring advancedamenities;andTerminalAforinternational airlines.MCOoperatesfourrunways:1R/19Lforlarge planes,1L/19Rfordomesticflights,9L/27Rfor internationalflights,and9R/27Lforbackupand crosswindlandings.
SpecialFeatures:
● UniformloungeexperienceatMCO,including airline,PriorityPass,andindependentlounges.
● Variedshoppinganddining,fromluxury boutiquestofast-foodanddine-inrestaurants.
● Convenientaccommodationsnearby,including HyattRegency,Marriott’sGrandeVista,and HiltonOrlandoAirport.
● Fourterminalsandthreerunways,makeMCOa majortravelhub,especiallyforAmerican Airlines.
● Ongoingexpansionandimprovements,suchas TerminalD,theSkylinksystem,DARTOrange Linestation,andextensiverenovations.
MCO’sappealextendstoitswide-rangingairline offerings,connectingpassengerstoover200destinations acrosstheglobe.
Itsoutstandingdomesticandinternationalconnectivity ensuresitscontinuedprominenceontheglobalstage, makingitapreferredchoicefortravelersnearandfar.
6. DullesInternationalAirport
● 18squaremiles Size:
● UnitedStates Country:
● IADIATA:
● KIADICAO:
● 95m Elevation:
● 1962Opened:
DullesInternationalAirportisamodernhuboftravel excellencewithsixinterconnectedterminals(A,B,C,D, E,andF)andfourrunwaystoefficientlyhandlevarious aircraftsizes.Itoperates24/7,offeringover100gates andadiverserangeoffinediningoptions.
SpecialFeatures:
● Duty-freeshopsforretailtherapy
● CurrencyexchangebureausandATMsfor financialservices.
● Dedicatedcentersandconferencefacilitiesfor businesstravelers.
● Variousloungesforcomfortandrelaxation.
● Medicalfacilitiesforemergencies.
● Convenienttransportationoptionstosurrounding areas.
● Multipleparkinggaragesforpassenger convenience.
Ithasseenextensiveexpansionsandupgrades,suchasthe additionofafourthrunwayin1978,fosteringitsgrowth andmodernization.
Theairportservesasamajorhubforairlinesconnecting travelerstoawiderangeofglobaldestinations,offering diversepassengeramenitiestocatertotheirneeds.
● Size:18squaremiles
● Country:China
● IATA:PKX
● ICAO:ZBAD
● Elevation:30m
● Opened:2019
BeijingDaxingInternationalAirportisalsooneofthe largestairportsintheworldandamajortransportation hub.Itboastsa700,000-square-meterterminalwitha distinctivefive-pointedstardesignandfourrunways, handling620,000aircraftmovementsannually
SpecialFeatures:
● Theairporthasauniformlayoutwithasingleterminalbuildingandfiveconnectedconcourses.
● Itoperatesefficientlywithfourparallelrunways foraircraft.
7. BeijingDaxingInternationalAirport
● Businesstravelershaveaccesstovariouslounges withamenities.
● Therearediverseshoppinganddiningoptionsto suiteveryone.
● Accommodationchoicesrangefrombudgetto upscalehotelsforalltravelers.
Sustainabilityandefficiencywerecentraltoitsdesign, incorporatinginnovativetechnologieslikeRFIDbaggage tracking,geothermalheatpumps,andfacialrecognition securityaccess.
BeijingDaxingInternationalAirportconnectsmajor carrierstoglobaldestinations.Inessence,itseamlessly connectstheworldtoBeijingandbeyond.
8. GeorgeBushIntercontinentalAirport
● 17squaremiles Size:
● UnitedStates Country:
● IAHIATA:
● KIAHICAO:
● 30m Elevation:
● 1969Opened:
GeorgeBushIntercontinentalAirport,23milesnorthof downtownHouston,isacrucialgatewayfortheHouston metropolitanarea.Itfeaturesfiveterminals(A,B,C,D,and E)withparking,check-in,security,baggageclaim,and groundtransportationservices.IAHconnectsterminalsvia anundergroundtrainsystemandashuttlebus.
SpecialFeatures:
● Theairportfeaturesamodern269-footairtraffic controltowerforsafetyandefficiency.
● Passengersandvisitorscanenjoylounges,shops, restaurants,cafes,andvariousservices.
● Terminalshavespecificfunctions:Afordomestic UnitedAirlines,BforUnitedExpressregional flights,CfordomesticUnitedAirlines,Dfor internationalflights,andEforinternationalflights.
IAH’shistorydatesbacktowhenitreplacedHouston InternationalAirport(nowWilliamP.HobbyAirport).The airportwasnamedafterGeorgeHerbertWalkerBush.
Multipleairlinesofferextensivedomesticandinternational routes,connectingtravelerstoover150globaldestinations.
IAHboasts161gates,anautomatedpeoplemoversystem, subwayconnections,superjumbojetgates,petreliefareas, chapels,andvariousshopsandrestaurants.
9. Shanghai
PudongInternationalAirport
● Size:15squaremiles
● Country:China
● IATA:PVG
● ICAO:ZSPD
● Elevation:4m
● Opened:1999
ShanghaiPudongInternationalAirportstandsasa prominentandmodernairport,knownforitsextensive offeringsandworld-classservices,servingasavitallinkfor passengerstovariousdestinationsandcontinuallysetting newstandardsintheaviationindustry
SpecialFeatures:
● ShanghaiPudongInternationalAirportfeatures Terminal3withastate-of-the-artdesign.
● PVGoperateswithfourparallelrunways,ensuring efficienttrafficmanagement.
● Theairportoffersdiverselounges,includingfirstclass,business-class,andmore.
● PVGhasavarietyofshopsandrestaurants, includinginternationalbrandsandduty-free options.
PrimarilyestablishedtoalleviatecongestionatShanghai HongqiaoInternationalAirport.Situatedonreclaimedland inShanghai’sPudongdistrict,theairporthasundergone severalexpansions,withthemostrecentin2019,which introducedanewsatelliteterminal.
PVGservesasamajorhubforChinaEasternAirlines, ChinaSouthernAirlines,andAirChina,whilealsoacting asasignificanthubforinternationalcarriers.Theairport’s extensivenetworkconnectstravelerstoover200 destinationsglobally.
10. CairoInternationalAirport
● Size:14squaremiles
● Country:Egypt
● IATA:CAI
● ICAO:HECA
● Elevation:116m
● Opened:1963
CairoInternationalAirportisthe10thlargest airportsintheworld.Itprominentlyserves bothdomesticandinternationaltravelers offeringacomprehensivesetoffeaturesand facilities.
SpecialFeatures:
● Threeterminals:Terminal1 (domesticflights),Terminals2and 3(internationalflights).
● Tworunways:Runway1(4,000 meters)andRunway2(3,399 meters)fordifferentaircraft.
● Variouslounges(business,firstclass,family)andarangeofshops andrestaurants.
● Nearbybudgetandluxuryhotels forpassengerconvenience.
Theairport’shistoryismarkedby development,withitsmostrecentrenovation in2011significantlyboostingitscapacityto serveover40millionpassengersannually.
Arangeofdomesticandinternational airlines,connecttravelerstodestinations worldwide,makingCairoInternational AirportacrucialgatewaytoEgyptand beyond.
Conclusion
Alargeairportoffersbenefitslikeincreased capacity,connectivity,convenience,and economicgrowth.However,italsocomes withchallengessuchascongestion,noise, pollution,security,andenvironmental impacts.Attheendofourjourney,we rankedthetop10largestairportsinthe worldandexploredthedetailsabouteach. Sowhichairportareyouexcitedaboutand why?
MirrorReview’slateststoryshedslightonthelife andworkofanInfluentialEducationLeader whohastransformedcountlesslivesthroughthe powerofeducation.LukeWhiting(ChairmanandChief ExecutiveOfficer,YarwayGroup)iswell-knownforhis successinchairing,leading,andrunningstartupsandscaleupsacrossarangeofindustries,includingHealthtech, Adtech,Hospitality-tech,andservicebusinesses.With valuationsexceeding£20m,Lukehasestablishedhimselfas atruevisionary,providinginspirationalleadership, corporategovernance,andstrategicoversighttoeach ventureheembarksupon.
However,itwasLuke’spassiontocreateameaningful impactonpeople,places,andtheplanetthatledhimtoset upYarwayGroup.Thismission-drivenorganizationis focusedonleveragingeducationasavehicleforpositive change,inspiringindividualstoreachtheirfullpotential andcreateabetterworldforall.Inthisstory,Lukeshared hisuniqueleadershipphilosophy,whichhasbeenthe drivingforcebehindhissuccess.
FromSportandBusinessPsychologytoEducation LeaderExtraordinaire
LukeisaqualifiedSportandBusinessPerformance Psychologistwhoembarkedonhisfirstjourneyofselfemploymentattheyoungageof23.Hisworkwithhigh performersandeliteindividualsledhimtofeelacalling fromGodtosupportthedisadvantagedandmarginalized.
Lukerespondedtothiscallingbysettinguphisfirst educationbusinesswithinAlternativeProvision.His businesssupportedschoolchildrenatriskofexclusion, thosewithSEND(Specialeducationalneedsand disability),alongwithchallengingbehaviorsandmental healthissues.Althoughitwasatoughendeavor,hefoundit incrediblyrewarding.
“Education is so much more than imparting knowledge, it’s about cultivating an environment to give people hope and a future, and to support them in their own unique way to live healthy and fruitful lives and to thrive,” saysLuke.
Hispassionforeducationstemsfromhisdifficult upbringinginasingle-parenthousehold,wherehelosthis fatheratayoungage.Histeachersplayedaninstrumental roleinguiding,supporting,andcaringforhim,sparkinga lifelongcommitmenttopayingitforward.
In2018,Lukeexpandedintopost-16educationthrough YarwayGroup,andtherestishistory.Heisinspiredbythe workthatYarwayGroupandtheirsubsidiarybusinessesdo inchangingpeople'slivesthroughthevehicleofeducation.
Luke Whiting
The Serial Entrepreneur with a Mission to Empower Through Education
CHAIRMAN & CEO | YARWAY GROUP
“Education is so much more than just providing programs or training and imparting knowledge. It's about supporting individuals holistically, by cultivating an environment to give people hope and a future, and to support them in their own unique way to live healthy and fruitful lives and to thrive.”
YarwayGroup:RevolutionizingEducationwith ChristianValues
YarwayGroupisagroupofcompaniesfoundedinthe UnitedKingdomin2018.ThegroupoperatesonChristian valuesandaimstomakeaneternalimpactonpeople'slives throughthevehicleofeducation.Theircorevaluesarethe drivingforcebehindtheirdecision-makingprocess,and theirteamisinvestedinmakingadifferenceinthelivesof youngpeople.Thegroupisdeterminedtoexpandits internationalpresence,aimingtomakeapositiveimpacton people'slivesacrosstheworld.
YarwayGrouphasfoursubsidiarybusinesses,allofwhich operateacrosstheUKandoverseas,andprovide complementaryindustry-specificeducationandtraining services,suchas:
● RevelationAcademy:Itprovidesprofessional servicetraining.
● HeathercroftTrainingAcademy:ItoffersHealth andSocialCareandChildcareprograms.
● ActiveLearningandDevelopment:Itdelivers leadershipandmanagementtraining.
● Mindflex:Itisanaward-winningproviderof Digital,IT,andTechnologyprograms.
Furthermore,thegroupprovidesgovernment-funded trainingthroughapprenticeships,adulteducation, traineeships,andadvancedlearnerloansforindividuals aged16-65.
LeadingYarwayGrouptoGreaterHeights
Luke,astheChiefExecutiveoftheinstitute,holdsacrucial roleinsettingthevisionandstrategyoftheorganization, ensuringthattheyremainaheadofthecurveandfulfill God'svisionforthecompany.Heiscommittedto continuingtobuildaninternationalpresenceandchanging people'slivesthrougheducation.
Asthedrivingforcebehindtheinstitute,Luke’sprimary responsibilityistoensurethatthevisionandstrategy informkeybusinessobjectivesoutlinedintheirbusiness plan.Hisemotionalintelligencehasshapedhisapproachto leadership.Hebelievesthatachievingacollectivegoal throughthe'fruitsofthespirit’isessential,ensuringthatthe organizationoperatesonafoundationofintegrity,faith,and love.
MeetingtheEvolvingNeedsofStudents
Lukeacknowledgesthateducationgoesbeyondproviding academicprogramsortraining.Itisaboutprovidingholistic
supporttoindividuals,whichcantake manyforms,suchascounseling, mentoring,friendship,guardianship,or discipline.TheimpactoftheCovid-19 pandemichassignificantlyaffected people’swell-beingandmentalhealth, leadingtoashiftinstudents’ requirements.Individualshaveput theirlivesonholdforseveralyears, andtheirneedshavechanged.
Asaneducationalleader,Luke understandstheimportanceof respondingtothesechanging requirements.Hisfocusison supporting,guiding,andmotivating individualstoaspireandachievetheir goalsandpurpose,bothprofessionally andpersonally.Heaimstobuilda collectionoforganizationsthathelp individualsdefinewhotheyareandget towheretheywanttobeinlife.
NavigatingUncertaintywithAgile ThinkingandInnovation
LedbyCEOLuke,YarwayGroup understandstheimportanceofbeing agileandinnovativeintheeducation
industry.Theyhaveidentifiedtheneed tobeabletopivotandmakekey decisionsinresponsetochangesin governmentpolicyandfunding.The companyhasbuiltasustainableand scalablebusinessmodelthatde-risks itspositionandleveragesitsgroup supportservices,mitigatingany downturninonearea.
Whenfacedwiththechallengeofthe Covid-19pandemic,YarwayGroup pivotedtheirdeliverymodeltoelearningwithin48hours, demonstratingtheirabilitytoadaptand thriveinthefaceofadversity. “In turn, this has allowed us to look at how we operate best for both the interests of our service users and our business,” addsLuke.Lookingahead,the organizationremainscommittedto pushingboundariesandfinding innovativesolutionstothechallenges theyface,whilecontinuingtoprioritize theholisticwell-beingand developmentofitsstudents.
FruitsoftheSpirit
Lukefindshisrolemodeland inspirationinJesusChrist.Hestrives toemulateJesusasaleaderinevery waypossible.Asanentrepreneur,he understandsthategocanoftencloud goodjudgmentwhenmakingdecisions forthebusiness.Hebelievesleading bythe“fruitsofthespirit”and adoptingaservantleadership philosophy,canhelpovercomeany challenge. “I see myself as a steward for God's business,” statesLuke, emphasizingtheimportanceLuke placesonseeingYarwayGroupmakea positiveimpactforallitsclients.
Lukehaslearnedthroughhisfaiththat thereisnooneblueprintforgood leadership.Hebelievesthatbeing authenticandtruetooneselfis essential.Hehasmademistakesinthe past.However,hehaslearnedtoput
histrustinJesusandseekhiswise counselforkeydecisionsinthe business.Duringtoughtimes,heturns toprayerandseeksguidanceto navigatetheuniquechallengesinhis industry
Lukeassertsthathisfaithandtrustin Jesushelpedhimmakeimportant decisionsandpivottobuildanagile businessmodel,whichisuniqueinthe Post-16educationsector.Asa Kingdombusinessleader,Luke believesinleadingwithlove,joy, peace,forbearance,kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,and self-control,asprescribedinGalatians 5:22-23.
PursuingPassions
Outsideofwork,Lukeleadsanactive lifestyleandhasadiverserangeof hobbiesthatkeephimengaged.He enjoyswalkinginthecountryside, hittingthegym,playingsemiprofessionalfootball,readingbooks, catchingshowsintheWestEndtheatre district,andtravelingtoexplorenew culturesanddestinations.
KeyAdvicetoBuddingLeaders
Lukebelievesthatleadershipisa highlyindividualjourneyandthat thereisnoone-size-fits-allapproach. Heacknowledgesthattherearemany self-helpandleadershipbooksout therethatcanprovidepractical techniquestoimproveone'sleadership skills.However,hefirmlybelievesthat themostvaluablepieceofadvicefor buddingleadersistounderstandandbe theirtrueauthenticselves,bothas individualsandasleaders.
“I believe reading can be a great opportunity to help you learn more about yourself, whilst adopting practical techniques to improve your leadership charter,” Lukeconcludes.
BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY
AGatewayForStudentsto CreateaCareerfromScratch
Imaginecollegeasavastocean.Insomeareas,it’sared ocean,teemingwithcompetitionforgrades,scholarships, andlimitedopportunities.Stressandanxietyswirllike sharks,circlingstudentswhofeellikethey’rejusttryingto stayafloat.Butthere’sanotherwaytonavigatethese waters:bychartingyourowncourseinaBlueOcean.Blue OceanStrategy,abusinessconcept,empowersindividuals tomovebeyondhead-to-headcompetitionandcreate uncontestedmarketspace.Inthecontextofstudentlife,it’s aboutdiscoveringuniquepathstosuccessthatavoidthered ocean'sfiercecurrents.
Thinkofitlikethis:Insteadofcompetingforapre-med spot,focusonnicheareaslikeenvironmentalmedicine. Insteadofchasingpopularinternships,youcouldcreate yourownBlueOceanbystartingacommunityproject.The BlueOceanStrategyisaboutwisebattles.Identify opportunities,standout,andnavigatestress-free.
TheBlueOceanStrategyisn’taboutabandoning competitionaltogether.It’saboutchoosingyourbattles wisely.Byidentifyingoverlookedopportunitiesand developinguniquevaluepropositions,youcanstandout fromthecrowdandnavigateyouracademicjourneywith
lessstressandmoresuccess.BlueOceanStrategy challengesthetraditional “me-too” mentality,urgingyouto createuniquevalueinsteadofcompetinghead-onwith everyoneelse.Thinkofitlikediscoveringahiddentreasure chestoverflowingwithopportunitiesthatothershaven’t evennoticed.
WhatistheBlueOceanStrategy?
BlueOceanStrategyisabusinesstheorythataimstocreate newanduncontestedmarketspaceswherecompetitionis irrelevant.Itisbasedontheviewthatmarketboundaries andindustrystructurearenotagivenandcanbe reconstructedbytheactionsandbeliefsofindustryplayers.
ThecoreconceptofBlueOceanStrategyisvalue innovation,whichmeanscreatingandcapturingnew demandbyofferinguniqueproductsorservicesthatare bothdifferentiatedandlowcost.Bydoingso,businesses canavoidcompetingincrowdedandcutthroatmarkets,or redoceans,andinsteadcreatetheirblueoceansof opportunityandgrowth.
AsimplewaytounderstandBlueOceanStrategyistothink
ofitasawayofchoosinguniqueclubsorsidehustlesthat canmakeyoustandoutfromthecrowd.Forexample, insteadofjoiningapopularclubthathasmanymembers andsimilaractivities,youcouldcreateyourownclubthat offerssomethingdifferentandappealingtoanewgroupof students.Or,insteadofdoingacommonsidehustlelike tutoringorbabysitting,youcouldofferaservicethatis morecreativeandvaluable,suchasdesigningwebsitesor organizingevents.Bydoingso,youcanattractmore customersandearnmoremoney,whilealsoenjoyingwhat youdo.
Someexamplesofcompaniesthatsuccessfully implementedBlueOceanStrategyareNetflix,which createdanewmarketforonlinestreamingservices; DoCoMoi-mode,whichofferedmobileinternetaccessand contentinJapan;Apple,whichrevolutionizedthemusic industrywiththeiPodandiTunes;andFord,whichcreated themassmarketforautomobileswiththeModelT.These companieswereabletocreateandcapturenewdemand, differentiatethemselvesfromcompetitors,andachieve sustainablegrowthbyfollowingtheprinciplesand frameworksofBlueOceanStrategy
HowcanStudentsApplytheBlueOceanStrategy?
Feelinglikeyou’rejustanotherfishinacrowdedred ocean?Collegelifecanbefierce,withintensecompetition forgrades,internships,andscholarships.Butwhatifyou couldnavigatebeyondtheredanddiscoveravast, unexploredblueoceanteemingwithopportunities?Blue OceanStrategyisn’tjustforbusinessesanymore.This innovativeapproachempowersstudentslikeyoutocreate uniquevalueandstandoutfromthepack.
ButhowcanyouapplyBlueOceanStrategyasastudent? Herearesomestepsyoucanfollowtocreateyourownblue oceansinyouracademicorextracurricularlife.
Step1:IdentifyYourRedOcean
Thefirststepistoidentifytheareaswhereyoufaceintense competitionandlimitedopportunities.Theseareyourred oceans.Forexample,youmightbecompetingwithother studentsforhighgrades,scholarships,admissions,orjobs. Youmightalsobejoiningpopularclubsoractivitiesthat havemanymembersandsimilarofferings.
Step2:ReconstructtheBoundaries
Thenextstepistochallengethestatusquoandask
questionsthatcanhelpyoureconstructthemarket boundaries.Thesequestionscanhelpyoufindnewwaysto createandcapturevalue.Forexample,youcanask:
● Whatfeaturesoftraditionalstudymethodscanbe eliminated(rotememorization)?
● Whatvaluableskillsareoverlookedintherace forhighgrades(creativeproblem-solving)?
● Whatentirelynewapproachescouldbring success(mentorshipfromindustryprofessionals)?
Step3:CreateYourBlueOcean
Thefinalstepistocreateyourblueoceanbyoffering somethinguniqueandappealingtoanewgroupof customers.Theseareyourblueoceanstrategies.For example,youcan:
● Buildanichetutoringservicetargetingspecific learningstyles.
● Createanonlinecommunityforstudentswith sharedinterestsbeyondacademics.
● Developuniqueskillsetsthroughunconventional internshipsorprojects.
Byfollowingthesesteps,youcanapplytheBlueOcean Strategyasastudentandstandoutfromthecrowd.You canalsoenjoywhatyoudoandachievesustainable growth.
SomeStudent-PoweredBlueOceanexamples
● TurningTutor:Insteadofjoiningamassprep course,astudentcreatesengagingonlinecourses tailoredtodifferentlearningstyles.
● BuildingBridges:Anotherstudentbuildsan onlinecommunityforstudentspassionateabout socialimpact,connectingacademicstoreal-world challenges.
● UnconventionalEdge:Astudentdevelops uniqueskillsthroughunconventionalinternships orprojects,makingthemastandoutcandidatein thejobmarket.
PrimeExamplesofBlueOceanStrategy
Herearesomecompaniesthatsuccessfullycreatednew anduncontestedmarketspacesbyfollowingtheprinciples oftheBlueOceanStrategy:
● Netflixreinventedthevideorental marketbyofferingonlineDVD rentalservicethroughpostalmail insteadofcompetingwithbrickand-mortarstoreslikeBlockbuster Later,Netflixalsocreatedanew marketforonlinestreaming services,offeringunlimitedaccess tomoviesandTVshowsfora monthlyfee.
● StitchFixisafashionretail companythatofferspersonalized stylingservicesbasedon customers’preferences,budgets, andlifestyles.Customersreceivea boxofcuratedclothingand accessoriesandonlypayforwhat theykeep.StitchFixavoids competingwithtraditionalretailers bycreatingauniqueand convenientshoppingexperience.
● YellowTailisawinebrandthat createdablueoceaninthewine industrybyofferingasimple,fun, andeasy-to-drinkwinefornonwinedrinkers.YellowTail eliminatedthecomplexityand sophisticationoftraditionalwines andfocusedoncreatingan enjoyableandsocialproduct.
● CirqueduSoleilisaclassic exampleofBlueOceanStrategyin theentertainmentindustry.It createdanewformofcircusthat combinesartisticelements, acrobatics,andmusic,without usinganimalsorstarperformers. CirqueduSoleilappealedtoanew groupofcustomerswhowere lookingforamoresophisticated andmemorableentertainment experience.
Thesearesomeoftheexamplesofhow companiescanapplytheBlueOcean Strategytocreateandcapturenewdemand, differentiatethemselvesfromcompetitors, andachievesustainablegrowth.
ROSSROMANO
A LEA DER SHIP C OAC H GUID ING THE EDUCATI ON INDUSTRY
Businessleadershiphas undergonearadical transformationinrecentyears. Thepandemic,theriseofremotework, andtheentryofGenZintothe workforceplayedasignificantrolein thisshift.Today,employeesexpectand demandfreedomintheirworklives.As businessesfacenewchallenges,the responsibilityofretainingtalentand fosteringapositiveworkenvironment fallsontheshouldersoftoday’s leaders.Withtheintroductionof modern-dayleadershipcoaches,the futureofbusinessleadershipappears bright.RossRomano(Founderand CEOof,SeptemberStrategies)isone ofthosestrategiccoacheswhose creativesolutionsaredrivinga leadershipdialogueandchangingthe faceoftheeducationindustry
LeadershipInsightsCanTakeYou Far―andFast
“The difference between a great product and a great business is a great story.” AsRomanoexplainsthis,he makesclearthatstorytellingisacritical leadershipfunction.Afterhaving partneredwithnearly100companiesto date,heconcludesthatagreatstory stemsfromauthenticity,values,and meetingcustomerneeds. “Sometimes the ‘best’products don’t win because they fail on those points; they fail to make people care,” hesays.
Overtheyears,Romanoanalyzedthe challengesfacedbyleadersand observedthedifferencesbetweenthose whothrivedorstruggled.Leaderswho fosteracollaborativemindsetwith respectiveteamsandindustries,rather
thanfocusingoncompetitionfor example,tendtogofar―andgofar fast Additionally,developing empatheticleadershiptraitsisakeyto attractingandcultivatingtalent.
“LevelingUp”EducationLeaders
“We help organizations and highperforming leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success.”
Establishedin2022asaconsultingand advisoryfirm,SeptemberStrategies thriveswiththismission.Thecompany isheadquarteredintheWashington,DC metrobutworksgloballytohelp organizationswithstrategicdecisionmakingthatenhancestheirmissionalignedimpact.
Romanotakesaholisticapproachto workingwithleaders,butthefollowing areasofsupportareamongthemost criticalasorganizationsmovetoward success:
Ÿ Leadership Consulting: Advisementondevelopingand implementingastrongvision, assemblingacapableteamof employeesandpartners,and buildingasolidculture.
Ÿ Brand Storytelling:Connecting anorganization’svalue propositionwithrelevant influenceranddecision-maker audiencestobuildengagement andcompelaction.
Ÿ Communications Strategy:Using multimedia,multi-channel communicationsandcontent marketingstrategiestobuild awarenessandunderstanding.
Ÿ Business Development and Sales Enablement: Breakingdown organizationalsilostoformthe foundationforeffective partnershipsandsustained success.
IndustryleadersseekRomano’sadvice toimprovetheirimpactintheeverchanginglearningspace.He establishedareputationasatrusted advisortofoundersandC-level executivesfromeducationtechnology (ed-tech),publishing,professional learning,events,andnonprofit organizationsacrossK-12. Additionally,mediaorganizations, B2Btechnologycompanies,and membershipassociationsseekhis advice.
ReliefforPersistentPainPoints
Whyarecompaniesstruggling?The reasonsarenumerous,butRomano sharedhisinsightsonsomeofthemost
commonissueshe’sobservedinrecent years.Byaddressingthese,leaders immediatelyincreasetheirchancesat success:
Companies:
Ÿ Companiesarefailingtomake qualityproductsrelevantto customers’needs. “Companies should always begin with the end in mind ― their desired customer and/or end user’s challenges, needs and ambitions ― and work backward to design a solution from there,” saysRomano.
Ÿ Salesteamsofsomefirmsare strugglingtoclosesalesafter initialinterestwassparked.
Ÿ Mostorganizationsrequirebetter supportfortheirsalesand marketingteams,aswellasbetter alignmentoftheirproduct, marketing,andsalesefforts.
Ÿ Growingbusinessesface difficultiesinexpandingtheir workforce.
Ÿ Businessesthatneedamissiondrivenpartnertoensuretheir workconsistentlyhasamajor impact.
Leaders:
Ÿ Leadersarehavingtrouble definingorredefiningtheir organization’slong-termstrategy
Ÿ Influencerswhoneedtoenhance theirthoughtleadership. “This is true externally, but also internally,” saysRomano.
“Leaders who become and remain successful can move and motivate stakeholders through their vision.”
DifferentiatingfromtheCompetition
Therearemanygoodbusiness consultants.Thejobfororganizations istofindtheadviserwho’stherightfit fortheirapproach.Romanodescribeda fewofthedifferentiatorsSeptember Strategieshasimplemented:
Ÿ Connecting “Attention to Detail” with “Big Picture”:Romano doesn’tfocusonanisolatedarea absentthecontextoflarger objectives,andhehelpsleaders achievethesamefortheirteams.
Acompany’svisionisthevery definitionof“bigpicture,”yetit
“WE HELP ORGANIZATIONS AND HIGHPERFORMING LEADERS IN THE K-12 EDUCATION INDUSTRY COMMUNICATE THEIR VISION AND MAKE STRATEGIC DECISIONS THAT LEAD TO LONG-TERM SUCCESS.”
W O R D S O F W I S D O M
Secretstosuccess?Romanosaysit’saboutfollow-through,notsecrets. Andhesaysstartsimplewiththesethreetips:
= Putpeoplefirst = Tellyourstory = Findgreatpartners
Ÿ requiresrelentlessattentionto detailtobringittolifeatscale.
Ÿ Increasing Effectiveness and Audience Understanding: SeptemberStrategiesemphasizes theimportanceofdoinggreat work,butalsothenecessityof publicizingthatwork consistently “Consistent storytelling is such a trustbuilder,” saysRomano.
Ÿ From Strategy to Execution and Adaptation to Improvement: Romanostayswithclients throughtheexecution,aspartof theirteam.Hetriesnew strategiesormakesadjustments asneeded,andcontinuestogrow together.
TransformingBusinessfromthe GroundUp
Whenitcomestobusinesssuccess,it
allstartswithaclearandcompelling vision.Romanodescribeshisworkas “guiding leaders from vision to decision.” Asacoach,hehelps foundersandorganizationleaders definetheirmission,vision,values,and valueproposition.September Strategieshelpsleadersputthemselves inthemindsetoftheirkeyaudiences, theinfluencersaroundthoseaudiences, andthepressingpainpointstheywant addressed.Romanoadds, “We then speak, in their language, directly to those pain points and how we can solve them. Every action stems from this and every decision traces back to it.”
Romano’srelationshipswithclientsare long-lastingandintegrated.Heprefers toapproachtheserelationshipsasa partnershiporteamwork,ratherthana typical“client”dynamic.Hetakesa holisticapproachtostrategicplanning,
startingwithawell-definedvisionand values.Thisprovidesafoundationfor developingacohesivesalesand marketingplan,incorporatingthought leadershipandongoingengagementto buildandmaintainanaudience.
KeepingFocusontheTeam
“The team always comes first,” says Ross.Hebelievesthatbeingatrue leaderrequiresmorethanjusthaving thetitle.Itneedstobesomeonethat theteamrecognizesandwillingly follows. “I’ve come up with what I call the 3 ‘Cons’of Effective Leadership ― Conscientiousness, Consistency, and Constancy ― and they just come up over and over again in the leaders to whom people really respond,” he explains.Whatmakestheseimportant istheireffectonthepeoplewhomake uptheorganization.
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THE USA LEADERS IS AN ILLUMINATING DIGITAL PLATFORM THAT DRIVES THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN LEADERS DISRUPTING TECHNOLOGY WITH AN UNPARALLELED APPROACH.