rtuneLeader
THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS IN BUSINESS TO LOOK OUT FOR 2024
Vijay K Singh Group Director
BALASORE BALASORE ALLOYS
PRODUCE DIFFERENT GRADES OF FERRO CHROME AS PER MARKET DYNAMICS
Editors Insights
Welcome to The Fortune Leader magazine’s
special feature on the “The Most Inspira onal Leaders in Business to look out for 2024”. In this issue, we shine a light on the incredible work and forward-thinking leadership of those who are se ng new standards and transforming industries.
At The Fortune Leader, we are proud to spotlight the remarkable journey of Vijay K. Singh, Group Director of Balasore Alloys Limited, in our special feature on “The Most Inspira onal Leaders in Business to Look Out for in 2024.” Under Vijay’s visionary leadership, Balasore Alloys has become a leader in the ferrochrome manufacturing industry, successfully naviga ng challenges like raw material supply and environmental regula ons. By embracing technological advancements and focusing on sustainability, the company has increased system agility, transparency, and collabora on with suppliers. This strategic approach has allowed Balasore Alloys to stay ahead of industry trends, op mize resources, and achieve opera onal excellence, all while preparing for future disrup ons. Vijay's dedica on to innova on and excellence is driving the company toward its mission of becoming one of the top five next-genera on ferrochrome manufacturers in the world.
we are proud to celebrate the innova ve spirit of excep onal business leaders who are transforming industries. This edi on highlights the remarkable journeys of Natasha Makhijani, CEO of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC; Devesh Chawla, founder and CEO of Chatur Ideas; Arun K. Singh, CEO of Ilantus Technologies; and Loly Vadassery, CHRO of Datama cs Business Solu ons Ltd. We also feature Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Sco , founder and CEO of Essence of a Lady, Inc., who shares her insights on building genera onal wealth in an ar cle tled “Legacy Architect: Blueprin ng Genera onal Wealth for Our Family.” These leaders represent the innova on and resilience that shape today’s business landscape.
We are thrilled to present these trailblazers and their innova ve journeys. Let's draw inspira on from their achievements and gain insights from their groundbreaking efforts.
Enjoy the issue!
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor-in-chief
Sco Edward
Sales & Marke ng
Lily Hayler
Business Development Manager Rosie jonas
Business Development Execu ve
Lauren Green
Ashley Tucker
John Hart
BALASORE ALLOYS 10
CoverStory
Vijay K Singh Group Director
BALASORE ALLOYS
PRODUCE DIFFERENT GRADES OF FERRO CHROME AS PER MARKET DYNAMICS
Theferrochromemanufacturingindustryisevolvingwith advancementsintechnologyandsustainability,whilealso navigatingchallengesrelatedtorawmaterialsupplyand environmentalregulations.BalasoreAlloysfocusesonincreasingthe agilityofitscurrentsystems,rapidlyadaptingtochange,increasing transparency,andpreparingforfuturedisruptiontobetterpreparefor thechallengestocome.Thefocusofthesupplychainistorelyon ERPstomanagedataandcoreprocessesandeffectivecollaboration withsupplierscanbringaboutreal-timevisibilityintoinventory, materialquality,andcoststoeasilyunderstandandreportonsupplier performance.Itfurtherfocusesontheimportanceofsourcingbalance, savingsmallsuppliers,managinginflationarytimes,anddigitizing procurementgiventhegrowingcomplexityandrawmaterialvariability
MissionandVision
“Tobeanorganizationthatcontinuouslyachievesvaluecreationbyoptimizingresourcesthroughoperational excellence,enabledbytechnology,anddrivenbyinnovation,tomeetcustomersatisfactionandtomaximize thevalueforallstakeholders.Tobeamongsttheworld'stopfivenewgenerationFerrochromemanufacturing companiesinourproducts,inthewayweserviceourclients,inourworkethics,andinourcultureofsocietal integration.”
Client-OrientedServices
“ThecompanyhasaspecialgradeofchromeoremineandFerroChromeproduct,whichisquiterarely availableworldwide,andthisispresentlybeingusedbystainlesssteelproducers.Thecompanyisexpanding theChromeminingbygoingwithundergroundminingoperationsofChromeore(thefirsttimeinIndia).As thisproductisnotavailableinChina&otherNorth-AsianCountries,itisleadingtoaspikeindemandfor suchrawmaterial.Afterdiscussionswithvariousstainlesscompanies,ithasbeenfoundthatthereisalotof scopetoworktogetherforbothshortandlongtermsandthispromptedthecompanytostartexportinginto themarketandsigninglong-termagreementswithlargestainless-steelcompanies.”
TheInitialChallenges
Thecompanywasalwaysgrowing,ithadtomovearounddifferentlocationstoexploreandhelpasneeded.
“DuringmynewassignmentinChinainyear2003,Icameacrossmanyhurdlesincludinglanguagebarrier, differentcorporateculturewithdifferentmindsetinbusinessdealing.Duringthoseyearsitwasquitedifficult toworkonlongtermbasiswithbothbuyersandsellersastheykeepchangingtheircommitmentand executingprojectontime.Tounderstandtheirbusinessethics&pastperformanceforselectingtheright vendorandbuyersathoroughassessmentwithvendorrating,byvisitingtheirprocessingplant, manufacturingunitandbymeetingtheirteamleaderstodevelopamutualtrustandconfidenceforensuring theywillnotbackoutonexecutionofordersincaseofanykindofmarketup&downwhichwasquite regularpracticeatthattime,”saysVijayKSingh,GroupDirectorandCountryHead,BalasoreAlloys.
TheDifferentiatingFactor
BusinessexpansioninareaofFerroChromeexportworldwideby21%.Thiswasachievedwithleadership competencies&strategybywell-definedroadmaps&commercialperformance.
FirsttimeinIndiastartedprojectofundergroundminingofChromeoreatBalasoreChromemineafterdue diligencestudyandundergrounddesignworkhasalreadystartedinearly2020.Thiswillincreasethe productionoutputaswellasexportbynextyear.
Oneofthelowestcostproducersgloballyduetotheirfullyintegratedbusinessmodel.
GloballypreferredsuppliertoStainlessSteelproducersandalliedindustries
TheArtofBalancingWorkandLife
Timemanagementplaysasignificantroleineveryone'slives.Onecanonlyspendmoretimewithfriendsand familyiftheyarewell-balancedandefficient.However,itisessentialtoknowwheretodrawtheline,one
partofyourlifeshouldnottakeoverotheraspectsoflifeandliving.ThiswayVijayenjoyslifewithoutany stressorinconvenience.Smartdelegationisessentialforyourselfandyourteamasitbenefitsallinvolved parties.Thiscanonlybedonethroughsmartinteractionsandeffectivecommunicationwithteammembers andunderstandingtheprerequisitesofwork.
Forbettermanagementoftime,heusestwofundamentalstrategies:flexibleschedulingasallowedbythe companyandprioritizingresponsibilities.Settingprioritiesandcreatingascheduleisthemosthelpfulto integrateallaspectsoflife:work,family,classes,fitness,andsocialactivitieswithotherone-timeevents.He mapsouthisresponsibilitiesandtimelinesdailyinato-dolistoftasksthatneedstobecompleted.
Regardlessofhowhardonetries,therewillbesometimeswhenoneortheotherbecomesmoredemandingin life.Learntobecreativeandthinkofpossiblewaystomeettheurgentprioritywhilestillattendingtoothers. Withoutaclearseparationbetweenhomeandoffice,itmaybehardtotransitionfromworklifetopersonal life.Tocounteractthisissue,oneneedsadistinctiveworkzone.
AwardsandRecognitions
BalasorealloysofISPATGroupwasawardedtheTopExporterSilverAwardfortheyear2017-18inthe ThreeStarExportHouse(Non-MSME)categorybyFIEOEasternRegion.TheAwardwashandedbyBharat RatnaShriPranabMukherjee,Hon'bleFormerPresidentofIndiainpresenceofMr.BruceBucknell,British DeputyHighCommissionKolkata.
BalasorealloylimitedhasbeenawardedbyCII(ConfederationofIndianIndustry)withthe“Excellence AwardinEnergyConservationinthe9thENCON"awardceremonyorganizedbyCIIeasternregionfor initiatingandimplementingdifferentenergy-savingmeasures/techniquesintheplant.
TheawardwhichwasinstitutedbytheEngineeringExportsPromotionCouncil(EEPC),UnionMinistryof CommerceandIndustrywashandedatthe49thEEPCNationalAwardPresentationFunction2016-17byMr. C.R.Chaudhary,HonorableMinisterofStateforCommerceandIndustry,GovernmentofIndiainthe presenceofMs.RitaTeaotia,Secretary,DepartmentofCommerce,MinistryofCommerceandIndustryand Mr.B.S.Bhalla,JtSecretary,DepartmentofCommerce,MinistryofCommerceandIndustry
BalasorealloysofISPATGrouprecognizedasagoodneighbourthroughitsCorporateSocialResponsibility activitieshasbeenappreciatedagain.TheInstituteofQuality&EnvironmentManagementServices (IQEMS)backedbysupportfromSouthAfricaHighCommission,CREDAIOdisha,RotaryInternational organizedacompetition-cum-seminaron''CSRInitiatives-ValueDrivenSocialChange''on21stMay2016.
TheFutureRoadmap
“Seamlessintegrationofallbusinessprocessesforgreaterefficiencyisessentialforfuturepractice,alongside theimplementationofSAPandcloud-basedCRMmodulewillcertainlyhelpgrowth.This,however,doesnot preventcybercrime.Withthatinmind,moreorganizationscreateandappointChiefSecurityOfficerand CCOwhowouldberesponsibleforensuringthatanorganizationiscyber-ready,wouldbearthe responsibilityforpreventingbreaches,taketheleadifabreachdoesoccur,andprovidearobustconnection betweentheboardandtherestofthecompany,”concludesVijay.
Devesh Chawla Founder & CEO
ChaturIdeasistheinceptionofthefirstever
dynamic,multifariousonlineplatform,which willengage,counsel,andinterconnectthe entrepreneurialbreedofIndiatoinvestors,financers, andmentorsinacontrolledinvestment-friendly ecosystem.Itactsasa'virtualintellectbox'whereall thebrilliantandingeniousentrepreneurialideaswill bescrutinized,enhanced,andmentoredandwillbe givenassistanceandorpossiblefunding.Italso simultaneouslyrunsvariousentrepreneurialcontests, whichhelpentrepreneursgetseedcapitalthathelps theminfinancingtheirbusinesses,start-ups,and inventions.
Theinceptionstory
“Mystorybeganin2009,withmyideatostartacab servicebasedonGPS.Icreatedaworkingmodeland reachedouttovariousindustryexperts.However, whenIapproachedtheaggregatorsofthetaxi/cab servicecompanies;Iwasdiscouragedfrompursuing theidea.Itooktheirwordsseriouslyanddecidednot tofurtherworkontheideaasitneededpolitical connectionsandmanagingunions.Havingdropped theidea,Istartedworkinginafirmasawealth managerandwasresponsibleformanagingultraHNWIsmoney,whoinvestedinIndiaandabroad acrossassetclasses.Throughthisexperience,I acquiredahugeamountofnetworkinganddomain expertise.
However,simultaneously,IalsosawOla’sbirthand theirjourneytothe1000-croreclubonthefootholds ofthesameideathatIwantedtoinitiatebackin2009. Thisturnedouttobeaneye-openerformeandcaused metoreflectonthedecisionsImade.
Overtheyears,Ihavealsospentalotoftime mentoringstartupsandinvestinginthem,connecting withinvestors,andgainingalotofexperienceand exposure.
Asaresult,Idecidedtobridgethegapbetween
entrepreneursandinvestors/mentorsbyprovidinga platformfortheirinteractionsandvaluablefeedback fromthesedignitariestotheseentrepreneurstohelp themwiththeirjourney.Thus,tookplacethe establishmentofChaturIdeas–whichhasnow becomeoneofIndia’sleadingstartupsenabling platformsthatactsasa‘ONE-STOPSOLUTION'for start-upsandentrepreneurs,”saysDeveshChawla, CEOandFounder,ChaturIdeas.
Theadvicetotheaspiringleader
“Neverstopmeetingtherightpeople:Your connectionskeepyourbusinessafloat.Makerelevant connectionsandnetworksthatwillkeepyou elucidatedwiththeirexperienceandlearnings.Keep intouchalongthewayandbuildqualityrelationships toupliftyourknowledgeandbusiness.Astheysay, yournetworkisyournetworth.
YourBusinessWillDemandMoney:Ifyouare startingastartup,itwilldemandsomemoneyandyou mighttakesomefinancialhits.Butwithoutspending money,youcan'tmakeitalongway.However,don’t forgettobefrugalandsmartwithyourspending patterns.Atipherewouldbe:tospendmoneywhere youseethevalue.Thisvaluecanbesocial, physiological,orotherways.”
Supportthedevelopmentoffutureleaders
“Whilemicromanagingexertsagreatercontrolonits operations,apartfromwhentheoperationsare complexandinstructionsneedtobecommunicated,it isnotveryuseful.Themicromanagementstyle,or morespecifically,keepingclosetabsonwhatworkis beingdone,howitisbeingdone,andthequalityof theoutput,cancertainlybeusedeffectively,however, employeewellbeing&psychologicalsafetymustbe takenintoaccount.
Micromanagingyouremployees,toputitbluntly, annoysthem,createstrustissues,andcancause
employeestobecomedependentonmicromanagementleading ittobeunscalable.
So,Ibelieveinefficientmanagement;Creatingimportanttasks, andallowingemployeestodotheworkintheirwaygoesa longwaytowardcreatingtrustbetweentheemployeesandme. Simplytouchingbasewiththematpredefinedpointsalongthe wayeasestheemployeetocompletethetaskatadefinedpace inhismethodsimprovinghisgrowthandcreativity.Asstated earlier,atChaturIdeas,wenurturecreativity,beitofour employeesorourclients,”addsDevesh.
Awards
Ÿ AwardedasCEOoftheyear2019inDubaibyGISR FoundationandAmericanCollegeofDubai
Ÿ AwardedasEntrepreneuroftheYear2018byMinisterof StateforHealth&FamilyWelfare,AshwiniKumar Choubey
Ÿ AwardedtheMahatmaGandhiSammanAward,whichis givento25Indiansonlyacrosstheworld
Ÿ SelectedamongstTop30EntrepreneursoftheYear2018by TheSiliconReview
Ÿ SelectedamongstForbes’Top100GreatPeopleManagers 2021
Ÿ FacilitatedtheYouthLeadershipAwardbytheTrade CommissionerofCanada
Ÿ NominatedforBusinessWorld40under40)
Ÿ ChaturIdeashasbeenselectedasTop5RisingStartupsof IndiabyTechinAsia
Ÿ ChaturIdeashasbeenawardedasIndia'sleadingstartup enablingplatformatBRICSConclave
Ÿ ChaturIdeashasbeenawardedasTop50SmallBusinesses ofIndia2021
FutureRoadmap
“Ihavebeendeeplycommittedtoassistingtoday’syouthto gainfinancialindependence,beitthroughentrepreneurship, jobs,orthestockmarket.Peopleneedtolearntobeselfreliant.Toachievethat,Ihaveconductedvariousworkshops andcoursesonstockmarkettechnicalanalysis, entrepreneurship,andfinancialindependencesothatmy studentscanmakemoneyontheirown,”concludedChawla.
AThe Future of AI in Business: Opportunities
and Ethical Challenges
sartificialintelligence(AI)continuestoevolveata breakneckpace,itspotentialtotransformthe businesslandscapeisbecomingincreasingly apparent.Fromenhancingoperationalefficiencyto revolutionizingcustomerexperiences,AIoffersamyriadof opportunitiesforgrowthandinnovation.However,therise ofAIalsobringsahostofethicalchallengesthatbusinesses mustaddresstoensureresponsibleandequitableuse.
Opportunities:UnleashingPotential
Ÿ EnhancedDecision-Making:AI-drivenanalyticscan processvastamountsofdatafarbeyondhuman capability,providingbusinesseswithactionableinsights thatcandrivestrategicdecisions.Predictiveanalytics, forinstance,canforecastmarkettrends,optimizesupply chains,andpersonalizemarketingefforts.Thisdatadrivenapproachenablescompaniestomakeinformed decisionswithgreateraccuracy,therebyenhancingtheir competitiveedge.
Ÿ Efficiency:Automationofroutinetasksisoneofthe mostimmediatebenefitsofAI.Inindustriesranging frommanufacturingtofinance,AI-poweredrobotsand softwarecanhandlerepetitivetaskssuchasdataentry, inventorymanagement,andevencustomerservice inquiries.Thisnotonlyreducesoperationalcostsbut alsoallowshumanemployeestofocusonmorecomplex andcreativetasks,fosteringinnovationandproductivity
Ÿ ImprovedCustomerExperience:AIhasthepotential togreatlyenhancecustomerexperiencesthrough personalizedinteractions.Machinelearningalgorithms cananalyzecustomerbehaviorandpreferences, enablingbusinessestooffertailoredrecommendations andsolutions.Chatbotsandvirtualassistants,powered bynaturallanguageprocessing,canprovide24/7 customersupport,improvingresponsetimesand satisfactionrates.
Ÿ InnovationandNewBusinessModels:AIopensthe doortonovelbusinessmodelsandproducts.For example,theriseofAI-drivenplatformshasledtothe emergenceofnewsectorssuchasautonomousvehicles, personalizedmedicine,andAI-as-a-service.These innovationsnotonlycreatenewrevenuestreamsbut alsohavethepotentialtodisrupttraditionalindustries, pavingthewayfornewmarketleaders.
EthicalChallenges:NavigatingtheMinefield
Ÿ BiasandFairness:AIreflectwhatitisfed.Ifthedata reflectsexistingbiaseswhetherrelatedtorace,gender, orsocioeconomicstatusthesebiasescanbeperpetuated orevenexacerbatedbyAIalgorithms.Forinstance, biasedhiringalgorithmscandisadvantagecertain groups,leadingtounfairemploymentpractices. Addressingthisissuerequirescarefuldatacuration, transparentalgorithmicprocesses,andongoing monitoringtoensurefairnessandequity
Ÿ PrivacyConcerns:WithAI'sabilitytocollectand analyzevastamountsofpersonaldata,privacyconcerns areasignificantchallenge.Businessesmustnavigatethe delicatebalancebetweenleveragingdataforinsights andrespectingindividuals'privacyrights.The implementationofrobustdataprotectionmeasures, compliancewithregulationsliketheGeneralData ProtectionRegulation(GDPR),andtransparentdata usagepoliciesareessentialtomaintainingconsumer trust.
Ÿ JobDisplacement:Theautomationoftasksand processescanleadtojobdisplacement,particularlyin rolesthatareroutineormanualinnature.WhileAIcan createnewjobopportunities,thetransitioncanbe challengingforworkersdisplacedbyautomation.
Businesseshavearesponsibilitytoinvestinreskilling andupskillingprogramstohelpemployeesadapttonew rolesandensureasmoothtransition.
BalancingInnovationwithResponsibility
AsAIcontinuestoevolve,businessesmustnavigatea delicatebalancebetweenleveragingitstransformative potentialandaddressingtheethicalchallengesitpresents. ThekeytoharnessingAI'sbenefitswhilemitigatingits risksliesinadoptingaresponsibleapproachtoits developmentanddeployment.
Ÿ EthicalAIFrameworks:Developingandadheringto ethicalAIframeworkscanguidebusinessesinmaking responsibledecisions.Theseframeworksshould encompassprinciplessuchasfairness,transparency,and accountability,andshouldbeintegratedintothedesign, development,anddeploymentofAIsystems.
Ÿ CollaborationandRegulation:Collaborationbetween businesses,regulators,andethicistsiscrucialin establishingguidelinesandregulationsthataddressthe ethicalchallengesofAI.Engagingindialogueand
sharingbestpracticescanhelpcreateamorebalanced andequitableAIecosystem.
Ÿ OngoingEducation:Continuouseducationand awarenessprogramsforemployees,stakeholders,and thepubliccanhelpfosteracultureofethicalAIuse. UnderstandingtheimplicationsofAIandstaying informedaboutemergingchallengescanleadtomore responsiblepracticesandinnovations.
Inconclusion,thefutureofAIinbusinessholdsimmense promise,withopportunitiesforinnovation,efficiency,and growth.However,theethicalchallengesassociatedwithits adoptionmustbeaddressedproactively.Bybalancingthe transformativepotentialofAIwithacommitmenttoethical practices,businessescannavigatethecomplexitiesofthe AIlandscapeandcontributetoamoreequitableand responsiblefuture.
Legacy Architect
Blueprinting Generational Wealth for Our Family
Onthisjourneycalledlife,wemustunderstandthat wearethearchitectsofourlegacyforgenerations tocome.Thefollowingquotehelpsyou understandwhycreatingyourblueprintissoimportant.
"Buildinggenerationalwealthisnotjustaboutacquiring assets;it'saboutcraftingalegacythattranscendstime, creatingablueprintforsuccessthatechoesthroughthe corridorsofgenerationstocome.”
IlearnedwhenIwas18yearsoldhowimportantitwasto developapositivemindsetandhavingdailyaffirmationsare thecornerstonetodevelopingapositivemindset.Hereare twoaffirmationsthatcanchangethetrajectoryofyour legacyblueprint.
"Iamthearchitectofmylegacy,weavingatapestryof financialwisdomandprosperitythatwillendurefor generations.”
"EveryfinancialdecisionImakeisabrickinthefoundation ofgenerationalwealth,securingabrighterfutureformy familyandthosewhofollow.”
Althoughexperienceisconsideredthebestteacher,learning fromthosewhohavehadtheexperiencecanshortenyour timelearning.
MeetLaquana,aself-madeentrepreneurwhotransformeda smallfamilybusinessintoathrivingempire.Through disciplinedfinancialmanagement,strategicinvestments, andacommitmenttoeducatingherchildrenaboutfinancial literacy,Sarahnotonlysecuredherownfinancialsuccess butalsopavedthewayforherfamily'sprosperityfor generationstocome.Sarah'sstoryexemplifiesthepowerof visionarythinkingandintentionalactionsinbuildinga legacyofgenerationalwealth.
Theseelements,combined,offerinsightsandguidancefor youtoarchitectyourownlegacy,establishingasolid
foundationforfinancialsuccessthatwillendureandbenefit futuregenerations.
Now,youcangofurtheronyourjourneyandimplement thesefiveactionstepstoachieveyourgoalsonyour journeyofbuildingyourlegacyofgenerationalwealth.
DefineYourLegacyVision:
Clearlyarticulateyourvisionforthelegacyyouwantto leavebehind.Whatvalues,principles,andfinancial milestonesdoyouwanttopassontofuturegenerations?
Defineyourlong-termobjectivestoguideyourfinancial decisionsandwealth-buildingstrategies.
DevelopaComprehensiveFinancialPlan:
Workwithfinancialadvisorstocreateadetailedfinancial planthatalignswithyourlegacyvision.Thisplanshould encompasssavings,investments,estateplanning,andrisk management.Regularlyrevisitandadjusttheplanasyour financialsituationandgoalsevolveovertime.
PrioritizeEducationandFinancialLiteracy:
Empoweryourfamilymemberswithfinancialeducation. Ensurethatthenextgenerationsunderstandtheprinciples ofbudgeting,investing,andwealthmanagement.Fostera cultureoffinancialliteracywithinyourfamily,providing thetoolsforinformeddecision-makingandresponsible stewardshipofassets.
DiversifyInvestmentsforLong-TermGrowth:
Implementadiversifiedinvestmentstrategythatbalances riskandreward.Explorevariousinvestmentvehiclessuch asstocks,bonds,realestate,andotherassets.
Diversificationnotonlyprotectsagainstmarketfluctuations butalsoenhancesthepotentialforlong-termgrowth, contributingtothesustainabilityofgenerationalwealth.
EstablishaFamilyGovernance Structure:
Createafamilygovernancestructure thatincludesclearguidelinesonwealth management,decision-making processes,andcommunication strategies.Thisstructurecanhelp preventconflicts,ensurecontinuityof values,andprovideaframeworkfor futuregenerationstoactively participateinthestewardshipofthe family'sfinanciallegacy
Bytakingthesesteps,youlaythe foundationforalastingandimpactful financiallegacy.Theproactive approachtofinancialplanning, education,andgovernanceoutlinedin thesestepswillcontributetothe creationofgenerationalwealththat enduresthroughtheyears.
Formoreinformationortolearnmore aboutimplementation,contactDr. JoAnnAjayi-ScottonLinkedIn, Facebook,Instagram,Alignableor BeeKonnected
AbouttheAuthor
Dr.JoAnnAjayi-ScotthasaPhDin OrganizationalLeadership.However, herfinancialexpertisebeganwithaBA inEconomics,andshewasthe#2sales agentinthecountryforITTLiferight outofcollege.Overtheyears,she neverborrowedmoneyfromthebank butlearnedtoBeHerOwnBankby borrowingagainsthercashvaluein annuitiestobuyhomesandotherlarge purchasesovertheyears.Now,Sheisa licensedInsuranceBroker,with emphasisonhelpingfamiliesprotect themselves,BuildtheirownBankand aLegacyofGenerationalWealth.
Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott Founder & CEO
Loly Loly Vadassery Vadassery
AtDatamaticsBusinessSolutionsLtd.(DBSL),our
corephilosophyissimple:"Wetakecareofour people,andthepeopletakecareofthebusiness." Thisguidingprincipledriveseverythingwedo,fromour commitmenttoflexibleworkarrangementstooursupport systemsdesignedtoempowerourteam.
AsaleaderinB2Bdata,demandgeneration,andbusiness intelligencesolutions,weofferacomprehensivesuiteof servicesincludingfinanceandaccountingsolutionsfor CPAs,B2Bsalesandmarketing,businessprocess transformation,andtechnologyoutsourcingforFortune 1000clientsacrossvariousindustries.Ourinvestmentin peopleleadership,cutting-edgetechnology,andoperational excellenceismatchedbyourdedicationtobuildingstrong clientrelationshipsandmaintaininghighstandardsof corporategovernance.
Missionandvision
“AtDatamaticsBusinessSolutions(DBSL),ourmission andvisionarestraightforward.Weaspiretobealeaderin theBusinessProcessManagement(BPM)industryby helpingbusinessesleveragetechnologywhilekeepingthe humantouchatthecenter Webelieveourgreatestassets areourpeople,deservingofthebesttoolsandresourcesto thrive.Thatiswhyweinvestinthelatesttechnology;AI,
automation,andmoretoempowerthemtoreachnew heightsofcreativityandstrategicthinking.
OurvisionistobearecognizedleaderintheBPMindustry, butmoreimportantly,atrustedpartnerforbusinessesofall sizes.Webuildstrongrelationshipswithourclients, becomingmorethanjustaserviceprovider Wesee ourselvesasanextensionofyourteam,workingalongside youtoachieveyourgoals.AtDBSL,wefosterawork environmentwherepeopleandprogressmeet,working togethertohelpbusinessesaroundtheworldachievemore. Weharnessthepowerofadvancedtechnologiesandhuman ingenuityinperfectharmonytocreatestate-of-the-art businesssolutionsforourclients,”saysLolyVadassery, CHRO,DatamaticsBusinessSolutions.
Client-orientedservices
“DBSLempowersbusinessestonavigatetoday'sdatacentricworldwithacomprehensivesuiteofservices designedtohelpunlockthepowerofinformationand achievestrategicgoals.FromB2Bdataandbusiness intelligencesolutionstosalesandmarketingassistance, financeandaccountingsupport,andbusinessprocess transformation,weassistbusinessesinstreamlining operationsandboostingefficiency.Ourtechnology outsourcingsolutionsprovideaccesstothelatest
advancementsandexpertise,freeingourclientstofocuson runningbusiness,”addsMs.Vadassery
Thedifferentiatingfactor
“AtDatamaticsBusinessSolutions(DBSL),our commitmenttoourpeopleiswhattrulydistinguishesus. Weunderstandthatoursuccesshingesonthewell-being andempowermentofourteam,whichiswhyweprioritize creatinganinclusiveandsupportiveworkenvironment.
Ourapproachtodiversityisakeydifferentiator.Webelieve thatinnovationandcreativityflourishindiversesettings, whichiswhywemaintainagenderratioof45:55(female tomale).Ourdedicationtogenderdiversityisgroundedin thebeliefthatdiverseenvironmentsdrivegreater innovationandcreativity Thisbeliefshapesourinclusive policiesandflexibleworkarrangements,ensuringthat everyindividualfeelsvaluedandhastheopportunityto thrive.
Technologyalsoplaysacrucialroleinourstrategy.By leveragingtoolslikeMSTeamsandourLearning ManagementSystem,wehavecraftedahybridwork environmentthatenhancesefficiencyandfostersasenseof belonging.Ouruseofautomationsupportsaflexibleworklifebalance,allowingourteammemberstomanagetheir professionalresponsibilitiesalongsidepersonal commitmentseffectively”notesLolyVadassery.
Theclientele
“AtDBSL,we'reprivilegedtopartnerwithclientsfrom diverseindustries,honingourexpertisetodelivertop-notch solutions.FromFortune500leaderstoSMBs,weempower businessesofallsizestothriveinthedata-drivenworld. Ourindustry-specificknowledgeensurestailoredsolutions, fosteringlong-termpartnershipsbuiltontrustandshared success.Whetherbigorsmall,DBSLisheretoempower businessestoachievetheirgoals.”
Theworkculture
“Ourorganization'sculturegoesbeyondpoliciesand numbers;it'saboutcreatingasenseofbelongingand empowermentforeveryone.Wefosteranenvironment whereeveryvoiceisheardandvalued.Withanemployee engagementscoreof91%,ourculturethrivesonactive participationandsupport.Flexibleworkarrangements, mentorshipprograms,andleadershipdevelopment
initiativesensurethateveryone,especiallywomen,can growandsucceed.
Ourtailoredbusinessprograms-iCARS,iDATA,iSPEND, andiTOUCH,catertospecificneedsinknowledge managementandgrowth,offeringover6,000training hours.Leadershipempowermentisapriority,supportedby programslikeIGNITEandiRise.Theseinitiativesenhance communicationandcollaborationskills,preparingour leaderstonavigatechallengeseffectively We'veconducted over1,000nichetrainingandcoachingsessionsfor301 existingleaders.
Lookingahead,ourvisionisclear:toremainabeaconof inclusivityandequalityintheworkplace.We'recommitted toprovidingequalopportunitiesandfosteringaculture whereeveryonefeelssupportedandempoweredtoreach theirfullpotential.AtDBSL,weknowourstrengthliesin ourdiversity,andwecelebrateiteveryday”,added Ms.Vadassery.
Futureroadmap
Ourfutureroadmapreflectsoursteadfastcommitmentto ourcorevaluesandourpeople.Lookingahead,weare dedicatedtocreatinganevenmoreinclusiveandsupportive workplacewhereeveryindividualfeelsvaluedand empoweredtoreachtheirfullpotential.
Ourfocusisonstrengtheningconnectionsandenhancing opportunitiesforgrowthanddevelopmentacrossthe organization.Weareadvancinginitiativesthatprovideour employeeswiththetoolsandresourcesnecessaryfor success.Atthesametime,weareleveragingtechnologyto enhancecollaborationandstreamlineprocesses,ensuring seamlessteamworkwhetherintheofficeorworking remotely.
Mostimportantly,ourroadmapunderscoresour commitmenttofairnessandequality Wearecommittedto maintainingpayparityandensuringequalopportunitiesfor everyone,regardlessofbackground.Ourvisionisclear:to buildaworkplacewhereeverypersonfeelsseen,heard,and valued.AsMs.Vadasseryaptlyputsit,“Attheendofthe day,it'sourpeoplewhomakeDBSLtrulyspecial,and we'recommittedtosupportingthemeverystepoftheway.”
The
Intoday’sfast-pacedandinterconnectedworld,thetraditionalmodelsof
leadershipareevolving.Gonearethedayswhentechnicalexpertiseand strategicacumenwerethesoledeterminantsofaleader'seffectiveness.Today, emotionalintelligence(EI)hasemergedasacriticalfactorinmodernleadership, influencinghowleadersconnectwiththeirteams,navigatechallenges,anddrive organizationalsuccess.
UnderstandingEmotionalIntelligence
Emotionalintelligencereferstotheabilitytorecognize,understand,manage,and utilizeemotions—bothone'sownandthoseofothers.Itencompassesseveralkey competencies:
Ÿ Self-Awareness:Recognizingone'sownemotionsandhowtheyaffectthoughts andbehaviour
Ÿ Self-Regulation:Managingone'semotionsinhealthyways,includinghandling stressandadaptingtochange.
Ÿ Empathy:Understandingandconsideringotherpeople'semotions,especially whenmakingdecisions.
Ÿ SocialSkills:Helpingpeopletomoveindesireddirections.
Ÿ
TheImpactofEmotionalIntelligenceonLeadership
Ÿ BuildingStrongerRelationships:Effectiveleadershiphingesontheabilityto buildandmaintainstrongrelationships.Leaderswithhighemotionalintelligence excelatunderstandingandempathizingwiththeirteammembers.This empatheticapproachhelpsinfosteringtrustandloyalty,creatingasupportive workenvironmentwhereemployeesfeelvaluedandunderstood.Bytuninginto theirteam'semotions,emotionallyintelligentleaderscanaddressconcerns proactively,leadingtoimprovedmoraleandcollaboration.
Ÿ EnhancingCommunication:Clearandeffectivecommunicationisahallmark ofgreatleadership.EIenablesleaderstocommunicatemoreeffectivelybybeing awareoftheirownemotionalstateandunderstandinghowtheirmessagesmight bereceived.Thisawarenesshelpsindeliveringfeedbackconstructivelyand resolvingconflictsefficiently Additionally,bybeingattunedtonon-verbalcues andemotionalundertones,leaderscannavigatecomplexinterpersonaldynamics andfacilitatemoremeaningfuldialogues.
Ÿ NavigatingChangeandUncertainty:Intoday'sbusinessenvironment,change isconstantandoftenrapid.Leaderswithstrongemotionalintelligencearebetter equippedtohandlethestressandambiguitythatcomewithchange.Theirability tomanagetheirownemotionsandremaincalmunderpressurehelpsinguiding theirteamsthroughtransitions.Bydemonstratingresilienceandapositive attitude,emotionallyintelligentleaderscaninspiretheirteamstoembracechange ratherthanresistit.
Ÿ MotivatingandInspiringTeams:Motivationisacriticalcomponentof effectiveleadership.LeaderswhopossesshighEIcanconnectwiththeirteam membersonadeeperlevel,understandingtheirindividualmotivationsand aligningthemwithorganizationalgoals.Thispersonalizedapproachhelpsin craftinginspiringmessagesandsettingachievablegoalsthatresonatewithteam members,therebyenhancingoverallmotivationandperformance.
Ÿ ResolvingConflicts:Conflictsareinevitableinanyteamsetting.Emotionally
Ÿ intelligentleadersapproachconflictswithacalmand balancedperspective,usingtheirempathyandsocial skillstomediateandresolvedisputes.By acknowledgingtheemotionsinvolvedandaddressing therootcausesofconflicts,theseleaderscanfacilitate amicablesolutionsandmaintainaharmoniouswork environment.
DevelopingEmotionalIntelligence
GiventheprofoundimpactofEIonleadership,leaders needtodevelopandrefinetheiremotionalintelligence. HerearesomestrategiesforenhancingEI:
Ÿ Self-Reflection:Regularself-reflectionhelpsleaders becomemoreawareoftheiremotionsandhowthey influencetheirbehaviour.Journaling,seekingfeedback, andengaginginmindfulnesspracticescanaidingaining deeperinsightsintoone'semotionalresponsesand triggers.
Ÿ ActiveListening:Practicingactivelisteninginvolves fullyconcentratingonthespeaker,understandingtheir message,andrespondingthoughtfully.Thisskillhelps inbuildingempathyandimprovingcommunicationwith teammembers.
Ÿ EmpathyBuilding:Toenhanceempathy,leaders shouldmakeaconsciousefforttounderstandandrelate
toothers'perspectivesandemotions.Engagingin conversations,askingopen-endedquestions,and observingbodylanguagecandeepenone'sabilityto connectwithothers.
Ÿ StressManagement:Learningtechniquesformanaging stress,suchasmindfulness,exercise,andtime management,canhelpleadersregulatetheiremotions andmaintaincomposureinchallengingsituations.
Ÿ ContinuousLearning:Emotionalintelligenceisa lifelonglearningprocess.Leadersshouldseekout trainingopportunities,readrelevantliterature,and engageincoachingormentoringtocontinuously developtheirEIskills.
Conclusion
Emotionalintelligencehasbecomeacornerstoneof effectivemodernleadership.Leadersexcellinginemotional intelligencecanbuildstrongrelationshipsandcan communicateeffectively Asthebusinesslandscape continuestoevolve,theabilitytonavigatetheemotional complexitiesofleadershipwilldistinguishthemost successfulleadersfromtherest.Investinginthe developmentofemotionalintelligenceisnotjustapersonal growthendeavourbutastrategicimperativeforfosteringa resilient,motivated,andhigh-performingteam.
Natasha Makhijani Natasha Makhijani
Inspired by the need for a more personalized and consultative approach to executive search
Thetalentacquisitionindustryisundergoinga significanttransformationdrivenbytechnological advancements,changingworkforcedynamics,and economicshifts.Organizationsthatadapttothesechanges byleveragingtechnology,focusingonDEI,andenhancing theiremployerbrandingwillbebetterpositionedtoattract andretaintoptalentinacompetitivelandscape.The emphasisondata-drivenstrategies,remoteworkmodels, andcontinuouslearningwillbekeytonavigatingthefuture oftalentacquisitionsuccessfully.
Thetalentacquisitionindustry,acrucialsubsetofthe broaderrecruitmentsector,iswitnessingprofoundchanges drivenbytechnologicalinnovations,evolvingworkforce dynamics,andeconomicfluctuations.Theinceptionof OliverSandersonGrouptracesbacktomydesiretocarve outauniquepathintheexecutivesearchindustry.“After gainingvaluableexperienceinrecruitmentatleadingfirms, Ienvisionedacompanythatprioritizedhonesty,integrity, andpassionineveryaspectofitsoperations.Inspiredby theneedforamorepersonalizedandconsultativeapproach toexecutivesearch,IfoundedOliverSandersonGroupin 2011withacommitmenttoredefiningthestandardsof excellenceintalentacquisition.”SaysNatashaMakhijani, CEO.
TheInitialChallenges
ThemissionofOliverSandersonGroupistoempower organizationstoachievegreatnessbyconnectingthemwith top-tiertalentandfosteringacultureofexcellence, inclusion,andinnovation.“Ourvisionistoberecognized asatrustedpartnerinexecutivesearch,renownedforour unwaveringcommitmenttointegrity,quality,andclient satisfaction.”
Likeanyentrepreneurialendeavour,theinceptionofOliver SandersonGroupwasnotwithoutitschallenges.“Securing initialfinancing,buildingastrongteam,andestablishing credibilityinacompetitivemarketwereamongtheprimary hurdleswefaced.However,throughperseverance,strategic networking,andarelentlessfocusondeliveringexceptional results,weovercamethesechallengesandlaidasolid foundationforthecompany’sgrowth,”addedNatasha.
OurServices
“OliverSandersonGroupoffersacomprehensivesuiteof executivesearchandtalentacquisitionservicestailoredto theuniqueneedsofourclients.Thisincludesexecutive searchforboardandseniorleadershippositions,interim managementsolutions,talentmappingandmarket
intelligence,anddiversityandinclusionconsulting.Our innovativedigitalplatform,SnappCV,revolutionizesthe recruitmentprocessbyleveragingcutting-edgetechnology toconnectemployerswithtoptalentseamlessly.
Designedbyrecruitersforrecruiters,Snapphas transformedtherecruitmentprocess,empowering recruiters,andjobseekersinthetransitiontodigital platforms.Bystreamliningthejourney,Snappmakesit easierforemployerstofindtherighttalentwhilesaving applicantstimeandenergy.
Astheworld’sfirstvoice-activatedmobilejobboardwith completeintegrationwithAmazonAlexathroughthe“Find meaJob”skill,Snappisatrulyuniqueinnovation.Our closestcompetitors,suchasZoek,MonsterJobs,TotalJobs, JobToday,andIndeed,offermobilejobboards,while otherslikeSparkHire,interview,myInterview,and VidCruiterspecializeinvideointerviewingsoftware. However,noneofthemofferbothservicestogetherlike Snappdoes.”
Thedifferentiatingfactor
“WhatsetsOliverSandersonGroupapartfromour competitorsisourunwaveringcommitmenttodelivering personalized,consultative,andresults-drivensolutions.We prioritizebuildinglong-termrelationshipswithourclients, understandingtheirspecificneeds,andtailoringour approachaccordingly.Ourdeepindustryexpertise, combinedwithouragileandinnovativemindset,allowsus tostayaheadofthecurveandprovideunparalleledvalueto ourclients.WearealsothoughtleadersinEquity,Diversity &Inclusion.Sinceourfoundationin2011,EDIhasbeenat theheartofourworkatOliverSanderson.
Ourmissionistoleadthewayindiscoveringandengaging withthenextgenerationofdiversebusinessleaderswhile drivingimprovementsinrepresentationacrossawiderange ofsectors.Forourclients,wearecommittedtoconnecting mission-ledbusinesseswithdiversetalent.Forour company,wearecommittedtofosteringacultureofequity, diversity,andinclusion–aplacewhereeveryonefeels welcomeandsupportedtofulfilltheirpotential.
Toachieveourmission,wefosteracollaborativeapproach thatinvolvespartneringwithdiverseorganizations, communities,andnetworks.OurCEO,NatashaMakhijani, continuallysharesherpath-breakingexperiencesasan Asianwomanleaderinthisindustryandmaintainsa
powerfulvoiceinthediscussiononEDIanddismantling barrierstoentry.”
Clientele
“Ourclientelecomprisesadiverserangeoforganizations spanningvariousindustries,includingFortune500 companies,FTSE100andFTSE350firms,privateequitybackedenterprises,andemergingstartups.Wetakepridein servingclientsacrosssectorssuchasfinance,technology, healthcare,consumergoods,andbeyond,helpingthem securetop-tiertalenttodrivetheirgrowthandsuccess,” proudlyelaboratedNatasha.
Theworkculture
“AtOliverSandersonGroup,ourorganizationalcultureis characterizedbycollaboration,transparency,anda relentlesspursuitofexcellence.Wefosterasupportiveand inclusiveworkenvironmentwhereeveryteammemberis valued,empowered,andencouragedtoreachtheirfull potential.Ourcultureofcontinuouslearningandinnovation enablesustoadaptquicklytochangingmarketdynamics anddeliverexceptionaloutcomesforourclients,”addedthe CEO.
ClientTestimony
A true entrepreneur, designing a mobile job app called Snapp CV, which is the first in the world for voice technology job search using the ‘Find me a job’skill on Amazon Alexa, is a remarkable achievement that will change the face of recruitment moving forward. Natasha, with the support of her team, is always breaking down boundaries.”
PamWright,ChiefHumanResourcesOfficer–Equans UK&IrelandFutureRoadmap
“Lookingahead,ourfutureroadmapiscentredon acceleratinggrowth,expandingourmarketpresence,and drivinginnovationintalentacquisition.Wearecommitted tofurtherstrengtheningourclientrelationships,expanding ourserviceofferings,andleveragingtechnologytoenhance efficiencyandeffectiveness.Additionally,weremain dedicatedtoadvancingdiversity,equity,andinclusionboth withinourorganizationandacrosstheindustriesweserve, positioningOliverSandersonGroupasaleaderinexecutive searchandtalentacquisition,”concludedNatasha.
