OGDEN MARQUES MARQUES OGDEN
elevates brands to the next level of growth and success
Editors Insights
Welcome to The Fortune Leader magazine's special feature, “The 10 Most Innova ve Leaders Reforming Business in 2024.” In this issue, we highlight the extraordinary contribu ons and visionary leadership of individuals who are redefining success and driving transforma on across various industries.
Here, we feature Marques Ogden, CEO of Ogden Ventures, on the cover page of "The 10 Most Innova ve Leaders Reforming Business in 2024." Ogden has redefined inspira onal keynote speaking by adap ng to changing audience preferences, technological advancements, and societal shi s toward inclusivity and sustainability. His elite brand, Ogden Ventures, specializes in mo va onal speaking for major corpora ons and organiza ons, as well as coaching and consul ng for business professionals and high-level execu ves.
Ogden's philosophy of sharing powerful life lessons to amplify messages and elevate brands to new levels of growth and success has made a significant impact in the industry. His innova ve approach and commitment to excellence have set a new standard for what it means to inspire and lead in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.
Also included in The 10 Most Innova ve Leaders Reforming Business in 2024 issue are the successful journeys of Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale; Nicole Mar n, Founder of HRBoost; Roberta Perry, Owner of ScrubzBody; and Ralf Schreiber, Founder of Qfour.ai. Each story showcases the remarkable achievements of these dynamic women leaders and their contribu ons to their respec ve fields. Addi onally, Joe Hawayek, CEO of Diginova Health Solu ons, shares an insigh ul ar cle on leveraging healthcare solu ons for preventa ve health.
Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-chief
Business
MARQUES OGDEN CoverStory
Cov er Story
MARQUES OGDEN MARQUES OGDEN
elevates brands to the next level of growth and success
Thelandscapeofinspirationalkeynotespeaking continuestoevolvewithchangingaudience preferences,technologicaladvancements,and societalshiftstowardinclusivityandsustainability. Successfulspeakersnavigatethesetrendsbystaying relevant,authentic,andresponsivetotheneedsoftheir audiences.
OgdenVentures,LLCisanelitebrandfoundedby MarquesOgdenspecializingininspirationalkeynote speakingformajorcorporationsandorganizationsand coaching+consultingforbusinessprofessionalsand high-levelexecutives.“Workwithusonwhatwedo best;sharingourpowerfullifelessonsontheworldstage helpingamplifyyourmessageandelevatingyourbrand tothenextlevelofgrowthandsuccess,”saysMarques Ogden,Founder,OgdenVentures.
TheManbehindthecurtain
MarquesOgdenisaformerNFLplayerwhoisnowan inspirationalkeynotespeaker.Heisalsothefounderand CEOofOgdenVenturesLLC,three-timebest-selling author(SleeplessNights;TheSuccessCycle),business coachandconsultant,andthepodcasthostof AuthenticitywithMarquesOgden;althoughhisjourney didnotcomeeasyorwithoutunrelentingadversity After retiringfromfootball,Marquespursuedacareerin constructionandcontracting.At27,hefoundeda constructioncompanywithfastgrowthbuteventually wentbankrupt,losingalmosttwomilliondollarsonone projectin90days.
Hepulledhimselftogetherduringhisdarkesthoursand gotapart-timejobasacustodian.Marquesrosetothe topagainwithhardworkanddetermination,usinghis strugglesasinspirationtoblazehistrailforward.Now, heshareshispowerfulstorytohelpotherslearnhowto failforwardandachievesuccessintheirlives.Marques' storyandinsightsasathoughtleaderhavebeenfeatured intoppublicationssuchasUS
AToday,Forbes,CheddarNews,andAuthority Magazine.Asaspeaker,heislandedjobswithover40 Fortune500companiesandover15Fortune100 companieslikeAmazon,GoldmanSachs,Intel,
JPMorganChase,andHomeDepot.Asapodcasthost, heisinterviewediconicguestssuchasMichaelStrahan, JoeNamath,andWillieParkerJr.Marqueshopesto continuereachingnewlevelsinhisprofessionalcareer andpositivelyimpactingasmanypeople'slivesas possiblethroughdoingwhatheloves;speakingonstage andsharinghisexperiencesandknowledgewithothers.
Client-orientedservices
“Thetop-performingcompaniesintheworldinvestin high-levelconsultants.Andthatisexactlywhoweare. Wehelpidentifyandaddressyouruniquebusiness challenges,workwithexecutiveleadershipon efficienciesanddecision-making,andcreateatailored actionplantoultimatelyelevateyourcompanytoreach newlevelsofgrowthandsuccessyoudidnotevenknow waspossible.
Webringourreal-lifeexperiencespairedwithafresh perspectivetogiveyoutheadvicewewouldgive ourselvesifwewereinyourshoes.Ourbrandisproudto partnerwithsomeofthemostsuccessfulcompaniesin varyingindustriestohelpthemreachthesamegoal: achieveunimaginablesuccessthroughactionand accountability.OurclienteleincludesOracleNetSuite,JP Morgan,TheUniversityofTennessee,andNestle,to nameafew,”addedOgden.
Achievements
IAOTP2024Award TopInspirationalAthleteand : KeynoteSpeakerofTheYearFor2024!
TheInternationalAssociationofTopProfessionals (IAOTP)isaninternationalboutiquenetworking organizationthathandpickstheworld'sfinest,most prestigioustopprofessionalsfromdifferentindustries. Thesetopprofessionalsareallowedtocollaborate,share theirideas,bekeynotespeakers,andhelpinfluence othersintheirfields.Thisorganizationisnota membershipthatanyonecanjoin. Youmustbeaskedby thePresidentorbenominatedbyadistinguished honorarymemberafterabriefinterview Withalmost2 decadesofexperience,IAOTP'sgroupofpublishers,IT experts,PR,Marketing,andBrandingprofessionals, havehelpedthousandsoftopprestigiousprofessionals
gettherecognitionandcredibilitythattheydeserveandhavehelpedinbuildingtheir brandingempires. Ourcompanypridesitselftobeaoneofaone-of-a-kindboutique networkingorganizationwhohandpicksonlythebestofthebestandcreatesanetworking platformthatconnectsandbringsthesetopprofessionalstooneplace.
Futureroadmap
“WearefocusingoureffortsmoreonconsultingandgettingintotheEvergreensandonline communitiestohelpasmanypeopleaspossiblewhocannotaffordourhigh-ticket coachingandspeakingservicesbutstillwantaccesstoinformationandknowledgeto movethemforward.Wearefocusingononlinecommunitieswithdifferentpartnersandwe aretryingtofocusonmoreconsultingtobuilddeeperconnectionswithourclientsand workwiththemaroundtheclocktohelpthemmeettheirgoalsandaspirations,”concluded Marques.
Joe Hawayek is the CEO of Diginova Health, a leading provider of digital health solutions. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, Joe is passionate about leveraging technology to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. He is committed to advancing preventative health initiatives and fostering innovation in the digital health space.
LEVERAGING HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS FOR PREVENTATIVE HEALTH
Inrecentyears,thelandscapeofhealthcarehas
undergoneaprofoundtransformation,witha notableshifttowardspreventivehealthmeasures. Thisparadigmaticchangeisnotmerelyatrendbuta strategicapproachaimedatenhancingpatientoutcomes, reducinghealthcarecosts,andimprovingoverall populationhealth.
TheRiseofPreventativeHealthcare
Preventativehealthcarefocusesonmeasurestoprevent illnessandpromotewellnessratherthantreatingdiseases aftertheyhavealreadyoccurred.Thisapproach encompassesarangeofinterventions,fromvaccinations andscreeningstolifestylemodificationsandpatient education.Theadoptionofpreventativehealthstrategies hasgainedmomentumduetotheirpotentialtomitigate theburdenofchronicdiseases,whichareasignificant driverofhealthcareexpendituresglobally
Preventativehealthcareisincreasinglyontherisedueto itsproactiveapproachinmitigatinghealthrisksbefore theyescalateintoseriousconditions.Thisshiftisdriven byseveralfactors:risinghealthcarecosts,anaging population,andagrowingemphasisonimproving overallpopulationhealthoutcomes.Byfocusingonearly detection,lifestyleinterventions,andpersonalized
medicinepoweredbydigitalhealthtechnologies, preventativehealthcareaimstoenhancequalityoflife, reducehospitalizations,andultimatelylowerhealthcare expenditures.Thisapproachnotonlyempowers individualstotakechargeoftheirhealthbutalsoenables healthcaresystemstoallocateresourcesmoreefficiently, creatingasustainablemodelforfuturehealthcare delivery.
KeyTrendsinHealthcareSolutions
Oneofthepivotaltrendsshapingthelandscapeof preventativehealthcaresolutionsistheintegrationof digitalhealthtechnologies.Thesetechnologies encompassawidearrayofinnovations,including telehealth,wearables,AIalgorithmsforpredictive analytics,andpersonalizedmedicineapproaches. Telehealth,forinstance,facilitatesremoteconsultations andmonitoring,enhancingaccesstohealthcareservices.
AIandmachinelearningalgorithmsplayacrucialrolein analyzingvastdatasetstoidentifypatternsandpredict healthrisksbeforetheymanifestclinically.This capabilitynotonlyaidsinearlydiseasedetectionbut alsoenablespersonalizedtreatmentplanstailoredto individualpatientprofiles.Moreover,wearabledevices equippedwithsensorscantrackvitalsigns,physical
activitylevels,andsleeppatterns,providingreal-time datathatempowersindividualstotakeproactivesteps towardsbetterhealthoutcomes.
ChallengesinImplementingPreventativeHealth Solutions
Despitethepromisingbenefitsofpreventativehealthcare solutions,severalchallengeshindertheirwidespread adoption.Onesignificanthurdleistheintegrationof disparatehealthcaresystemsanddatasilos,whichoften impedeseamlessinformationexchangeandcollaboration amonghealthcareproviders.Additionally,regulatoryand privacyconcernssurroundingthecollection,storage,and utilizationofpatientdataposeethicaldilemmasand requirestringentadherencetodataprotectionlaws.
Moreover,thedigitaldivideremainsapertinentissue, withdisparitiesinaccesstotechnologyanddigital
literacyamongdifferentdemographicgroups. Addressingthesedisparitiesiscrucialtoensuring equitableaccesstopreventativehealthcareservicesand achievingpositivehealthoutcomesacrossdiverse populations.
OpportunitiesforFutureAdvancements
Lookingahead,thereareseveralopportunitiesfor advancingpreventativehealthcaresolutions. Collaborativeeffortsbetweenhealthcareproviders, technologyinnovators,andpolicymakerscanfosterthe developmentofinteroperablesystemsthatfacilitate seamlessdatasharingandenhancecarecoordination. Moreover,investinginpublichealthinitiativesand educationalcampaignscanpromotehealthliteracyand empowerindividualstoadopthealthierlifestyles.
Furthermore,theevolutionofvalue-basedcaremodels incentivizeshealthcareproviderstoprioritizepreventive measuresthatpromotelong-termhealthandreduce hospitaladmissionsandtreatmentcosts.Byaligning financialincentiveswithhealthoutcomes,thesemodels encourageashifttowardsaproactiveapproachto healthcaredelivery.
Theshifttowardspreventativehealthcaresolutions signifiesaprofoundparadigmshiftinhealthcare delivery,placingastrongemphasisonearlyintervention andcomprehensivepatientcarestrategies.The integrationofdigitalhealthtechnologies,alongwith innovativeapproachestodataanalyticsandpersonalized medicine,playsacrucialroleindrivingthis transformativeagendaforward.Whilechallengeslike technologicalintegrationandregulatorycomplexities persist,theopportunitiesforenhancingpopulationhealth outcomesandconcurrentlyreducinghealthcare expendituresthroughproactive,preventativemeasures aresubstantialandpromising.Byembracingthese emergingtrendsandcollaborativelyaddressingcurrent challenges,stakeholdersacrossthehealthcarespectrum caneffectivelypavethewayforahealthier,more resilienthealthcaresystemthatprioritizesproactivecare andpatientwell-being.
Energy Visionaries
Asof2024,themarketlandscapeofrenewableand sustainableenergyisdynamicandevolvingrapidly, drivenbytechnologicaladvancements,policysupport, andgrowingpublicandcorporateawarenessofenvironmental sustainability.Here'sanoverviewofthecurrenttrendsandkey elementsshapingthislandscape:
RenewableEnergyTechnologies
1. SolarPower:
Ÿ Photovoltaic(PV)Panels:SolarPVcontinuestodominate therenewableenergysector,withdecliningcostsmakingit increasinglycompetitivewithfossilfuelalternatives. InnovationsinPVtechnology,suchashigherefficiency panelsandintegratedstoragesolutions,areexpanding deploymentopportunities.
Ÿ Utility-ScaleProjects:Large-scalesolarinstallationsare becomingmoreprevalent,especiallyinregionswithabundant sunlightandsupportivepolicies.Thisincludesbothgroundmountedsolarfarmsandrooftopsolarinstallations.
2. WindPower:
Ÿ OnshoreandOffshoreWind:Onshorewindfarmsremaina significantsourceofrenewableenergy,withongoing developmentsinturbinetechnologyimprovingefficiencyand output.Offshorewindisgainingtraction,particularlyin EuropeandincreasinglyinNorthAmericaandAsia,dueto higherwindspeedsandreducedvisualimpact.
Ÿ FloatingWindFarms:Emergingtechnologyinfloatingwind farmsisextendingwindpowergenerationintodeeperwaters, unlockingnewpotentialforoffshorewinddevelopment.
3. Hydropower:
Ÿ ConventionalandPumpedStorage:Conventional hydropowerremainsastablecontributortoglobalelectricity generation,withpumpedstoragefacilitiesplayingacritical roleingridstabilitybystoringexcessrenewableenergyfor lateruse.
4. OtherRenewableSources:
Ÿ Bioenergy:Biomassandbiofuelscontinuetobeutilized, particularlyinheatingandtransportationsectors,although concernsoverlanduseandsustainabilityareinfluencingtheir deployment.
Ÿ Geothermal:Geothermalenergy,harnessingheatfromwithin theEarth,isagrowingnicheinregionswithsuitable geologicalconditions.
MarketDynamics
Ÿ CostCompetitiveness:Thedecliningcostsofrenewableenergytechnologies,particularly solarandwind,havemadethemincreasinglycompetitivewithtraditionalfossilfuelsinmany partsoftheworld.Thiscostcompetitivenessisdrivinginvestmentanddeploymentacross bothdevelopedanddevelopingeconomies.
Ÿ PolicySupportandRegulation:Governmentpoliciesandregulationsplayacrucialrolein shapingtherenewableenergymarket.Supportivepoliciesincludefeed-intariffs,tax incentives,renewableportfoliostandards,andcarbonpricingmechanisms,whichincentivize investmentincleanenergyinfrastructure.
Ÿ CorporateInitiatives:Manycorporationsaresettingambitiousrenewableenergytargetsas partoftheirsustainabilitystrategies.Thisincludesdirectprocurementofrenewableenergy throughpowerpurchaseagreementsandinvestmentsinrenewableenergyprojectstomitigate theircarbonfootprintsandenhancecorporatesocialresponsibility
Ÿ TechnologicalInnovation:Ongoingadvancementsinrenewableenergytechnologies,suchas energystoragesolutions,smartgrids,anddigitalization,areenhancingtheintegrationand reliabilityofrenewableenergysourceswithinexistinggrids.
Ÿ InternationalCollaboration:Globalinitiativesandagreements,suchastheParisAgreement andvariousUnitedNationsframeworks,arepromotinginternationalcooperationand commitmentstoreducegreenhousegasemissionsandacceleratethetransitiontorenewable energy.
ChallengesandOpportunities
Ÿ GridIntegration:Managingthevariabilityofrenewableenergysourcesandintegratingthem intoexistingelectricitygridsremainsatechnicalandoperationalchallenge.Advancementsin gridflexibilityandenergystoragearecriticaltoovercomingthesechallenges.
Ÿ InvestmentNeeds:Continuedinvestmentinrenewableenergyinfrastructure,bothin developedanddevelopingeconomies,isnecessarytomeetgrowingelectricitydemand sustainablyandreplaceagingfossilfuel-basedpowerplants.
Ÿ EnergyTransition:Thetransitionfromfossilfuelstorenewableenergysourcesinvolves complexeconomic,social,andpoliticalconsiderations.Balancingenergysecurity, affordability,andenvironmentalsustainabilityrequirescomprehensiveplanningand stakeholderengagement.
Ÿ EmergingMarkets:Developingcountriespresentsignificantopportunitiesforrenewable energygrowth,giventheirrisingenergydemandandpotentialtoleapfrogtraditionalenergy infrastructurewithcleantechnologies.
Inconclusion,thecurrentmarketlandscapeofrenewableandsustainableenergyischaracterized byrapidtechnologicalinnovation,costcompetitiveness,supportivepolicies,andincreasing corporateandsocietalcommitmentstodecarbonizeenergysystems.Addressingchallengessuch asgridintegrationandinvestmentneedswhileseizingopportunitiesinemergingmarketswillbe essentialforacceleratingtheglobalenergytransitiontowardsamoresustainablefuture.
Ralf Schreiber Founder, CEO Qfour.ai
Qfour.ai
a service that provides tailored solutions to companies, ensuring their employees and leaders receive the right support at the right time.
Qfour.ai:aservicethatprovidestailoredsolutionsto companies,ensuringtheiremployeesandleaders receivetherightsupportattherighttime.
Thedigitalcoachingmarketispoisedforcontinuedgrowth, drivenbyongoinginnovationsintechnology,increasing organizationalfocusonemployeedevelopment,andthe needforadaptable,scalablecoachingsolutions.Asmore organizationsrecognizethevalueofcoachinginenhancing
productivityandemployeeengagement,thedemandfor digitalcoachingservicesisexpectedtorise,leadingto furtheradvancementsandpossiblymoreconsolidationin theindustry.
Qfour.aiwasfoundedsixyearsago,motivatedbya powerfulvisionandasetofcoreinspirations.Thefirst inspirationwastherecognitionoftheneedforaccessible learning,coaching,andtrainingopportunitiesforevery
employeeandleader,regardlessoftheirlocation.The objectivewastoprovidesolutionsandservicesthatcould delivertherightsolutionstotherightpersonattheright time,ensuringthateveryonereceivedpersonalizedsupport tailoredtotheirspecificneedsandcareergoals.Thisvision aimedtomakeprofessionaldevelopmentaseamlessand integralpartofeverydayworklife.
Theseconddrivingforcebehindtheestablishmentof Qfour.aiwasthepotentialtocombinecutting-edgeartificial intelligencewiththeinsightsandexpertiseofglobalhuman professionals.Thisuniqueapproachpromisedtooffer solutionsthatwerenotonlyinnovativebutalsodeeply informedbyhumanexperienceandwisdom.Byleveraging AItoprocessvastamountsofdataanddeliverprecise recommendations,andbyintegratingthenuanced understandingofexperiencedcoachesandtrainers,Qfour.ai setouttocreateaholisticandeffectiveapproachtotalent developmentandmanagement.
ThethirdinspirationwasthedesiretobuildQfour.aiasa fluidandagileorganization.Inarapidlychangingbusiness landscape,theabilitytoadaptandevolveiscrucial. Qfour.aiwasdesignedtoberesponsivetotheever-changing needsofitscustomers,capableofgrowingandshiftingits strategiesandservicesinalignmentwithemergingtrends andchallenges.ThisagilityensuresthatQfour.airemains relevantandeffective,continuallyprovidingvaluetoits clients.
Together,thesethreeinspirationspersonalizedlearningand development,thesynergyofAIandhumanexpertise,and organizationalagilityformedthebedrockofQfour.ai's mission.Thecompanycontinuestothriveonthis foundation,strivingtoempowerorganizationsand individualsthroughinnovative,AI-drivensolutionsand expertguidance.
Theinitialchallenge
Duringitsinception,Qfour.aifacedseveralsignificant challenges.Oneoftheprimaryhurdleswascreating awarenessandacceptanceoftheinnovativeapproachof combiningAIwithhumanexpertise.Manypotentialclients wereinitiallyskepticalabouttheeffectivenessofAI-driven solutions,fearingthattheymightreplacehumanjobsor lackthepersonalizedtouchthattraditionalmethodsoffer Overcomingthischallengerequiredextensive demonstrationsandpilotprojectstoshowcasethetangible benefitsandcomplementarynatureofAIandhuman expertise.Bypresentingreal-worldsuccessstoriesand
empiricaldata,Qfour.aigraduallybuilttrustandacceptance amongitstargetaudience.
Anothermajorchallengewasfosteringanunderstandingof thenecessityforagileworkingmethodsandtheimportance ofongoingtransformationwithinorganizations.Many companieswereaccustomedtostaticprocessesandwere hesitanttoembracethedynamic,flexibleapproaches advocatedbyQfour.ai.Toaddressthis,Qfour.aiinvestedin educationalinitiatives,workshops,andseminarsaimedat illustratingtheadvantagesofagilityinafast-pacedbusiness environment.Theydemonstratedhowagilepracticescould leadtofasterdecision-making,improvedinnovation,and greateradaptabilitytomarket.
Services
Qfour.aioffersacomprehensiverangeofservicesdesigned topreparecompaniesforthefuture,focusingonconsulting, training,coaching,andtalentmanagement.Ourservices include:
Consulting:Weprovidestrategicguidancetohelp companiesbecomefuture-ready Thisinvolvesanalysing currentprocesses,identifyingareasforimprovement,and implementingAI-drivensolutionsthatenhanceefficiency andadaptability.Ourconsultingservicesensurethat organizationsareequippedtomeetfuturechallengesand capitalizeonemergingopportunities.
TrainingandCoaching:Ourtrainingprogramsand coachingsessionsaredesignedforreskillingandupskilling employeesandleaders.WeuseacombinationofAI technologyandinsightsfromover100globaltrainersand coachestodeliverpersonalizedlearningexperiences.These programsaretailoredtotheuniqueneedsofeach individual,ensuringtheygaintheskillsnecessarytothrive inarapidlychangingbusinessenvironment.
TalentManagement:Weofferinnovativetalent managementsolutionsthatleverageAItoidentify,develop, andretaintoptalentwithinorganizations.Ourapproach ensuresthatcompaniescaneffectivelymanagetheirhuman resources,fosteringacultureofcontinuousimprovement andhighperformance.Byintegratingadvancedtechnology withexperthumaninsights,wehelporganizationsbuildand maintainadynamic,skilledworkforce.
Clientele
Qfour.aiservesadiverseandextensiveclienteleacross
variousindustries,includingtechnology,finance, healthcare,manufacturing,andmore.“Ourclientsrange fromlargemultinationalcorporationstosmallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs)whoarelookingtoenhancetheir talentmanagementandoperationalefficiencythrough advancedAIsolutionsandexperthumanguidance.”
Futureroadmap
AtQfour.ai,weseeourselvesasforwardthinkers, committedtopavingthewayforourclientsandcustomers bycontinuallyfindinginnovativesolutions.Ourfuture roadmapiscentredaroundtheseamlessintegrationofnew AIadvancementswiththeexpertiseofourglobalhuman trainersandcoaches.Webelievethatthisunique combinationwillcontinuetodriveoursuccessandthe successofourclients.
About RalfSchreiber. Founder/CEO.Qfour.ai
AsadynamicCEO,Iamatthevanguardofdigital transformation,steeringventuresintothefuturewitha focusondigitalcoachingandtraining.Mytwodecadesof experienceinconsultingandprojectmanagementhave honedmyexpertiseinnavigatingthedigitallandscape, particularlyinleveragingAItoenhancelearningand operationalefficiencies.
Mypassionliesinempoweringorganizationstothrivein thedigitalagebyembracingAI-enhancedlearning platformsandstrategiestailoredtotheiruniquechallenges andambitions.Thisensuresnotonlyimmediate improvementsbutalsosetsthefoundationforlong-term growthandsuccess.
Leadershipformeisaboutbeinga'Visionär'—apioneer whonotonlykeepspacewithtechnologicaladvancements butalsoshapesthem.IemphasizetheintegrationofAIwith theinvaluableinsightsthatonlyhumancoachingcan provide,creatingacomprehensivelearningexperiencethat evolveswiththeneedsofbothindividualsandbusinesses.
Iamalifelonglearner,alwaysexpandingmyknowledge andadaptingtothelatestdigitaltrends.Ibelievethat continuouslearningisessentialforfosteringinnovationand maintainingacompetitiveedgeintoday'sfast-paced businessenvironment.
Lookingforward,Iamexcitedtocontinuedeveloping initiativesthatblendthelatestintechnologywiththe
transformativepotentialofhumaninteraction,redefining thelandscapeofdigitalcoachingandtrainingforthe bettermentofindividualsandorganizationsalike.My visionistoleadQfour.aiinsettingnewstandardsinthe industry,ensuringthatweremainattheforefrontofdigital transformationanddeliverunparalleledvaluetoourclients.
AsadynamicCEO,Iamatthevanguardofdigital transformation,steeringventuresintothefuturewitha focusondigitalcoachingandtraining.Mytwodecadesof experienceinconsultingandprojectmanagementhave honedmyexpertiseinnavigatingthedigitallandscape, particularlyinleveragingAItoenhancelearningand operationalefficiencies.
Mypassionliesinempoweringorganizationstothrivein thedigitalagebyembracingAI-enhancedlearning platformsandstrategiestailoredtotheiruniquechallenges andambitions.Thisensuresnotonlyimmediate improvementsbutalsosetsthefoundationforlong-term growthandsuccess.
Leadershipformeisaboutbeinga'Visionär'—apioneer whonotonlykeepspacewithtechnologicaladvancements butalsoshapesthem.IemphasizetheintegrationofAIwith theinvaluableinsightsthatonlyhumancoachingcan provide,creatingacomprehensivelearningexperiencethat evolveswiththeneedsofbothindividualsandbusinesses.
Iamalifelonglearner,alwaysexpandingmyknowledge andadaptingtothelatestdigitaltrends.Ibelievethat continuouslearningisessentialforfosteringinnovationand maintainingacompetitiveedgeintoday'sfast-paced businessenvironment.
Lookingforward,Iamexcitedtocontinuedeveloping initiativesthatblendthelatestintechnologywiththe transformativepotentialofhumaninteraction,redefining thelandscapeofdigitalcoachingandtrainingforthe bettermentofindividualsandorganizationsalike.My visionistoleadQfour.aiinsettingnewstandardsinthe industry,ensuringthatweremainattheforefrontofdigital transformationanddeliverunparalleledvaluetoourclients.
Roberta Perry ScrubzBody: Make customers feel pampered and special
Theskincareindustryis thriving,characterizedby innovation,consumer-driven trends,andastrongfocuson sustainabilityandpersonalization.As consumerawarenessanddemandfor high-quality,effective,andsafe skincareproductscontinuetorise,the industryisexpectedtomaintainits robustgrowthtrajectory.Brandsthat canadapttochangingconsumer preferences,leveragetechnological advancements,andprioritize sustainabilityarelikelytosucceedin thiscompetitivelandscape.
ScrubzBodywasfoundedbyRoberta Perrytomakecustomersfeel pamperedandspecialandimportant. “Weconsiderourselvesacustomer service/experiencebusiness,that happenstosellskincare,asopposedto theotherwayaround.Thisway,we fulfillthehappinessfactorfirst,”added Perry,CEO,ScrubzBody
Theinceptionstory “Iwasawork-from-homemom, juggling2freelancecareers,a husband,and3kids.Isomehow managedtogetallmyworkdoneand takecareofthefamily,butIforgotto takecareofmyself.Myskinsuffered andwassodryandchappedithurt. Onedayinameeting,Iscratchedmy elbow,anddropsofbloodhitmy papers.Irealizeditwastimetodo somethingformyskin.
Ifoundscrub-typeproducts,butnone seemedtobesatisfyingwhatIbelieved couldbeamoremulti-taskingproduct. Plus,saltscrubsmademyeyestear whentheyhitmycut,sotheywereout. Iplayedaroundwithdifferent formulationsandfinallyhitononethat couldbeusedonbothyourfaceand body.Onethatwouldmoisturize withoutbeinggreasy.
Mylatesister,Michelle,knewwe couldsellit,sotheproductImadefor
mypersonalusebecamethe cornerstoneofournaturalskincare company,”saystheCEO.
Theinitialchallenges
“First,itwasthecombinationoflong hoursandschleppingthejarstoan eventandschleppingthemhome.It wasfunandexciting,butexhausting andtooktimeawayfromthefamily Thenitwasmarketingonabudget. Howwouldwegetthewordoutwhen ourcompetitionhaddeeppockets.We facedthemonebyoneandgathered loyalcustomersalongtheway.”
OurServices
“Wemakeoil-basedsugarscrubsof variousscentsandvarieties.Wemake lotionsandbalmsandnaturalbodyand faceoils.Wesellproductsfrom independentmakersthatweloveand useourselves.
WehostMakeYourOwnScrubz parties,aswellaslocaleventsthat benefitthecommunity,suchasLawof Attraction,Reiki,Meditation, Mediumship,andmore.Wesellretail, online,wholesaleonFaire,andhelp otherbusinesseswithourprivate label,”saysPerry
Thedifferentiatingfactor
“Wemakesuperquality,high-end feelingskincareinalow-fussproduct line,butit’sourcustomerservicethat setsusapart!Wejustgotthatasa commentonour18thbirthdaypost, “AllScrubzproductsareamazing,but it'syourcustomerserviceandsmile thatkeepsusallcomingback! CongratulationsSo,itisbecausewe adoreandrespecteverycustomer, whetheryoubuy15jarsofScrubzora simplebarofsoap,wewilltreatyou withthesamelove.”
Ourclientele
“Myclientelerunstowardwomenwho are45-65yearsold,whofiguredout thatitisoktotreatthemselvestosome
pamperingbutarestillrunningaround withthefamilyorwork,sotheyneed somethingeasier.Ofcourse,wehave menandteensandtweensandkidsand olderseniorsbecauseofalltheparties andeventswehost,butthat45-65 blockseemstobeourpocket.Welove treatingthemlikefamilybecausethey showaloveandloyaltythathumbles andexcitesusdaily.”
Theworkculture
“Ithasalwaysbeenoneoffamily.My latesister,Michelle,whohelpedme getoffthegroundisstillhereinspirit everytimewehostaparty,whichwas heridea.Myparentswouldshowup andhelpuswithlargeorders,andmy bestfriend,Wendy,steppedinwhen mysisterpassedin2017.Eventhe part-timestaffwehirebecomes quicklyembracedintoourfoldand shownhowtotreatcustomerswith respect,loveandgratitude.Wendyis theVPofProductionsosheisin chargeofallthingsmanufactured.I’ll doallthemarketingandthedaily runningofthebusiness.Part-timestaff isallaboutsalesandproduction. Somehow,withatightstaff,we managetogetitalldone.”
Future
Roadmap
“Happily,theScrubzBodySkinCare Productsroadmapisverymucha repeatofwhatwehavebeendoing, justdoingmoreofit.Moreevents, morewholesale,reachingmore customersatourshop,andhelping morepeoplefeelbetterabout themselvesandtheirskin.Iam workingona“Jot-downJournal”book seriesthatincorporatesself-careand lovealongwiththeabilityto“write thatsh*tdownandturnthepage”.It’s calledNotestoSelf–AWritten ReminderThatIAmUniqueand Amazingandwillbepartofaseries. I’llsellthemattheshopaswell,” concludedPerry
Changing the Landscape of Shopping and Logistics
Thecurrentretaillandscapeischaracterizedbythe
dominanceofe-commercegiants,theriseof omnichannelstrategies,technologicalinnovation acrossthesupplychain,ashifttowardssustainabilityand ethicalsourcing,andthegrowinginfluenceofdirect-toconsumerbrandsandmarketplaceplatforms.These dynamicscontinuetoreshapehowconsumersshopand howbusinessesoperateintheretailsector
Asof2024,theretaillandscapecontinuestobeshapedby severalkeyplayersandtrendsthatcanbeconsidered "RetailRevolutionaries."Here'sanoverviewofthecurrent marketlandscape:
OmnichannelRetailing:Traditionalretailershave increasinglyadoptedomnichannelstrategiestocompete withe-commercegiants.Thisinvolvesintegratingonline andofflinechannelstoofferseamlessshoppingexperiences, includingoptionslikeclick-and-collect,same-daydelivery, andin-storepickupsforonlinepurchases.
Direct-to-ConsumerBrands:Theriseofdirect-toconsumer(DTC)brandscontinuestodisrupttraditional retailmodels.DTCbrandsleveragedigitalmarketing, socialmedia,anddataanalyticstoestablishdirect relationshipswithconsumers,bypassingtraditionalretail intermediaries.
Tech-DrivenInnovation:Technologiessuchasartificial intelligence(AI),machinelearning,augmentedreality (AR),andvirtualreality(VR)areincreasinglybeing deployedinretail.AIpowerspersonalized recommendationsandchatbotsforcustomerservice,while AR/VRenhancestheshoppingexperiencebyenabling virtualtry-onsandinteractiveproductdisplays.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing:Consumersare placinggreaterimportanceonsustainabilityandethical practices.Retailrevolutionariesarerespondingbyoffering eco-friendlyproducts,implementingsustainablesupply chainpractices,andtransparentlycommunicatingtheir sourcingandproductionprocesses.
RetailRevolutionariesChangingtheLandscapeof ShoppingandLogistics"couldfocusspecificallyonthe leadersandcompaniesthataretransforminge-commerce, supplychainmanagement,andcustomerexperience.Here's astructuredapproachtoexploretheseareas:
E-commerceTransformation
Amazon:Asthelargeste-commerceplatformglobally, AmazoncontinuestoinnovatewithinitiativeslikePrime delivery,andAmazonWebServices,andexpandinginto sectorslikegroceryandstreaming.TheiruseofAIfor personalizedrecommendationsandlogisticsoptimization setsbenchmarksintheindustry.
Alibaba:DominantinChinaandexpandinginternationally, Alibabaintegratese-commercewithdigitalpaymentsand cloudcomputing.TheirecosystemincludesTaobaoand Tmall,offeringdiverseproductrangesandsupporting businesseswithdata-driveninsights.
JD.com:Knownforitslogisticsexpertise,JD.comemploys AIandroboticsinwarehousestostreamlineoperationsand ensurerapiddeliveryacrossChina.Theirfocuson authenticityandinvestmentsintechnologyillustratetheir commitmenttoinnovation.
SupplyChainManagementInnovators
Walmart:Aleaderinsupplychaininnovation,Walmart leveragestechnology,dataanalytics,andsustainabilityto optimizeefficiencyacrossitsglobaloperations.Their
investmentsine-commerceandomnichannelretailing demonstrateadaptability.
Zara:Knownforfastfashion,Zararevolutionizedsupply chainmanagementwithitsagilemanufacturingand distributionmodel.Bycloselyaligningproductionwith consumerdemandandleveragingdataanalytics,Zara reducesleadtimesandminimizesinventoryrisks.
UPS and FedEx: Theselogisticsgiantsarecrucialforecommercefulfillment,usingadvancedtrackingsystems, routeoptimizationalgorithms,anddeliveryinnovationsto meetthegrowingdemandforfastandreliableshipping.
CustomerExperienceLeaders
Apple: Beyondhardware,Appleexcelsinretailcustomer experiencethroughitsstores(AppleStore),onlineservices, andcustomersupport.Theirfocusonseamlessintegration acrossdevicesenhancesusersatisfactionandloyalty.
Nike:Withitsdirect-to-consumerstrategy,Nikeintegrates physicalretailwithdigitalplatformstoofferpersonalized shoppingexperiences.Nike'suseofARforvirtualtry-ons andcommunity-buildinginitiativesfurtherenriches customerengagement.
Sephora:Apioneerinbeautyretail,Sephorautilizesdigital technologyforpersonalizedproductrecommendationsand virtualmakeuptry-ons.Theirloyaltyprogramandin-store experiencesblendonlineconveniencewithoffline engagement.
ThemestoExplore Technological Advancements:AI,machinelearning,and bigdatainenhancingcustomerinsightsandoperational efficiencies.
Logistics Innovations:Robotics,dronedelivery,and predictiveanalyticsinoptimizingsupplychain management.
Personalization and Customer Engagement:Useof AR/VR,virtualassistants,andloyaltyprogramstoenhance shoppingexperiences.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices:Fromsupplychain transparencytoeco-friendlypackagingandfairlabor practices.
Byfocusingontheseleadersandthemes,"Retail Revolutionaries:ChangingtheLandscapeofShoppingand Logistics"canprovideinsightsintohowthesecompanies aredrivinginnovation,shapingconsumerexpectations,and redefiningthefutureofretail.
Smooth Smooth Sale Sale
Thelandscapeforwomeninsalesisimproving,with increasingrecognitionofthevaluetheybringto salesteamsandagrowingnumberofinitiatives aimedatsupportingtheircareers.However,challengessuch asgenderbiasandwork-lifebalanceissuesremain. Companiesthatactivelypromotediversity,provide supportiveresources,andleveragetechnologytocreate flexibleworkenvironmentsarelikelytoseethemost successinattractingandretainingtalentedwomeninsales.
“Uponbeing'encouraged'toquitmyeleventhsalesposition onceagain(ayearlyeventasIwasthetopproducerandan embarrassmenttothemen),Ifinallytookadayoffjustfor me.Istoppedforaredlight,butthepersonbehindmewas unawareandrammedintothebackofmycaratfullspeed. Uponenduringpainfortenyears,Isay'thankfully'asa passengeronarainynight;thecarskiddedintoalamppost formetosay,'Youbettercallanambulance,”addsStutz, Founder,SmoothSales.
MyLifeWasAbouttoChangefortheBetter I'mararepersonwhohadanear-deathexperiencewhile awaitingadmittancetothehospital.Abeautifulgoldlight encasedmyentirebodywhiletwovisionsappeared.The firstwasindicatedIwastobecomeaspeakerinspiring audience,towhichIferventlysaid,Yes!(inmymind).That visionfaded,andthenextappeared.Ihadhighlifemarks, buttheright-handsideentitled'CommunityService'was completelyblank.Atthatinstant,Ipledgedtobegingiving backtocommunitieshoweverImay,butasasalesperson,I added,'ButIneedtobeabletowalkoutofthishospitalon myowntodomybestwork.'Ablinkofagoldlight indicatedtomeIwouldrecover
Leader who stands out for encouraging growth
IcreatedmybusinessplanintheICU.Uponbeingheavily medicatedthenextmorning,Iheardthesurgeonsay,'Mrs. Stutz,whenyouwakeup,youwilllikelybeparalyzed.' Beingasalesprofessional,Iknewhedidn'texpectmeto survive.Givenwhathappenedthepreviousnight,Iusedhis wordstolethimknowIfullyexpectedtobewell.Hours later,hestoodovermetosay,'Youareawalkingmiracle!' Believe,Become,Empower'Uponrecoveringfromthe brokenneckthesayingbecamemymantra.Ittranslatedto (believingyoucanbecomethepersonyouenvisionand empowerotherstoadvancesimilarly).
TheInitialChallenges
“UponmovingtoSanFranciscoandattendingalarge event,Iwasaskedtointroducemyselfonstage. Humiliationtookover,asnoonebelievedIcouldknow enoughtobeasalestrainer Theridiculeandnastylaughter werehorrific.Thankfully,asIsteppedoffthestage, someonegrabbedmeandadvisedmetowriteabookto establishcredibility.
NiceGirlsDOGettheSale:RelationshipBuildingThat GetsResults,Sourcebooks,wasfeaturedinTIME MagazineandABC-TVnews,quicklybecamean InternationalBestsellerandlater,Evergreen–amongthe classics.
Whyisitsopopular?Irefertothebookasacorporatetellall,withnameschangedtoprotecttheguilty!Iwanted everyworkingfemaletoknowit'sokaytospeakupfor oneselfwithexamplesofwhatIdid.Evenbetter,Ishared allofmytop-producingsalestechniquesforreadersto advancetheirskillsandcareers.
Inthemeantime,Ideliveredinspirationalkeynotesat conferencestoreceivestandingovationsandthunderous applause.
Aftermovingacrossthecountry,again,Iwasnotaccepted atbusinessevents.Bloggingwasnewthen,soIdecidedto makethatmycommunityserviceprojectbydeliveringmy bestinsightsintoentrepreneurshipandbusinessgrowth, includingsellingskills.Gradually,Ibeganaskingleaders fromvaryingindustriestocontributetheirinsightsfora comprehensiveefforttohelpaudiencesreachtheirgoals. Today,theSmoothSaleBlogenjoysawide-reachingand collaborativeaudience.
MissionandVision
“Basedonmynear-deathexperience,mymissionistohelp blogreadersadvancetheircareersorbusinesses.Ialsohave leadersfromvaryingindustriessharetheirexperiencesand lessonslearned;alltogetherweprovideawidearrayof learninginsightstoachievethegoalofhavingour readershipachievethesuccesstheydesire.”
OurServices
TheSmoothSaleBlog,providesknowledgeconcerning Sales,BusinessDevelopment,Leadership,Communication, Marketing,Branding,GoalSetting,andallrelatedtopics applicabletomostindustries.
Additionally,twobooksarebeneficial,oneforsalessuccess andtheotherforinterviewingwelltobetheselected candidate:
NiceGirlsDOGettheSale:RelationshipBuildingThat GetsResults,Sourcebooks,isanInternationalBest-Seller andEvergreenamongtheclassics!
TheDifferentiatingfactors
“Numerousprioritiesplusapproachestobusinessand clientsdistinguishwhatwedo.Gonearethedaysof competitiveness;amarketinggeniustaughtmeto collaborateanduseattractionmarketingtosellproductsand services.Itwasscaryatfirst,butIfounditworkedlikea charm,anditismymantratoday.Moreover,myfirstgoalis toensurethatIhelpmyclientele.”
TheClientele
“TheSmoothSaleclienteleisseekingtoadvancetheir careersinbusinessorentrepreneurship.Theyaregenerally atthebeginningorintermediatestageoftheirworkand seekingtolearnwhattheycan.”
Elinor Stutz CEO
TheWorkCulture
“Firstandforemost,everyideadeservesconsideration,and itisbesttoweighalltheprosandconsofquestionableones toarriveatabetterdecision.Ouraudienceisglobal,the timezonesvary,andwemustrespectprivatetime. Additionally,itgivesevenmoreimportancetorespecting varyingculturesandwelcomingallideas.Last,all assumptionsaretobedroppedfromhabitualactivity.”
FutureRoadmap
“Mygoalistocontinueencouragingwomen,inparticular, tospeakupwithaprofessionaltonetoensuretheirfullfledgedrightsashumans,citizens,andpeoplewhowantto delivertheirbestforfuturegenerations,”concludedStutz.
