The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023 by CIO Business World

Issue :02/2023

Does the concept of metaverse have any substance to it? PG No. 20

Has real estate become more affordable? PG No. 32

The

Most Dynamic

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Making Waves In The Business World, 2023

Krystn Macomber

Editor in chief Robert Patrick

Contents Managing Editor : Smith Collins

Design Visualizer : Jack Thomas Arts & Design Director : Adam Jones Associate Designer : Erick Williams

Sales Senior Sales Manager : Scott M Marketing Manager : Andrew T Sales Executive : Mark Davis

Technical Victor Anderson

SME- SMO Research Analyst : Henry Martinez SEO Executive : Daniel Lee

Circulation Manager Alexander Nelson

EDITORIAL Pioneers of Business Evolution

he way we communicate determine the way we act and how others act with us. Thus communication is pivotal in the realm of business and leaders are shaping the entire landscape of industry because of it. The intricate challenges of 2023, is imperative to turn our attention to the unsung heroes. These architects are sculpting the future with their innovative strategies and transformative visions. Navigating Territories: The business landscape is full of uncertainties, and these dynamic CEOs are not just navigating but thriving in uncharted territories. Their ability to adapt to change, anticipate, challenges, turn obstacles into opportunities that sets them apart as true leaders. Fostering a Culture of Innovation: At the heart of leadership lies a commitment of innovation. These leaders understand that in a changing world, stagnation is the enemy. They inspire creativity, technological advancements, and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges: A true leader is not just success in times of prosperity but resilience in the face of challenges. These CEOs have weathered storms, faced upheavals, and emerged stronger. It is this resilience that cements their position as influencers in the business world. Beyond Corporate Milestones: The influence extends far beyond the corporate milestones of companies. These dynamic CEOs are contributing to the broader narrative of progress, industry trends, and setting new benchmarks for success Catalysts for Change: With a conscious impact, these leaders are not focused on profit margins. They are catalysts for positive change, emphasizing ethical practices, CSR, and sustainability. Inspiring the Next Generation: The journey of these CEOs is not only their own, it is an inspiration for the next generation of leaders. Their stories of seizing opportunities, navigating challenges, and leaving an indelible mark, serve as a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and executives. Shaping the Future As we celebrate the pioneers of business evolution, it is important to recognize that they are not only shaping companies, but they are the future itself. Their dynamic leadership is a testament to the fact that in an ever-changing world, the ability to evoke is key to sustained success. Through this editorial, The 10 Dynamic CEOs Making Waves in the Business World 2023, these CEOs are known for their commitment, innovative spirit, and serve as an architects of change. Overall the business world is a canvas and these leaders are painting a future that is dynamic, resilient, and filled with endless possibilities.

Contents COVER STORY

12 Krystn Macomber

ARTICLE

20 32

Does the Concept of Metaverse have any Substance to it Has Real Estate Become more Affordable

CXO How To Determine If A Leader Deserves Your Alligence

28 20

Daniel Fincham

Lori Vann

38 Rob Whiteld

Cover Story

Krystn Macomber CP APMP Fellow, LEED AP Founder + CEO Summit Strategy

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rystn Macomber knows winning.

Going back to her days as a D1 basketball player at the University of Richmond, the Founder and CEO of Summit Strategy, a game-changing proposal development and marketing consulting ﬁrm, understands what it means to earn wins for her clients no matter the challenge.

“I've always been ambitious,” said Krystn. “As a kid growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, I've always had big dreams and set lofty goals for myself. This ﬁrst manifested for me in sports where I became an elite basketball player, but this theme of embracing challenges has played out throughout my professional career.”

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023 While Krystn's roots are in South Appalachia, her career began when she moved to Washington D.C. after ﬁnishing her undergraduate degree in business. She quickly worked her way through the corporate world, scaling the ranks until she became a proliﬁc proposal manager and writer for federal government contracts. As each position transitioned to the next, Krystn realized she had a natural ability to build teams, departments, and processes.

my industry and being a diﬀerence maker to my team and to my clients.”

It was during these years that Krystn's vision for what would become Summit Strategy emerged.

“At Summit Strategy, we believe we're more than just another small business,” she said. “I want to reach the end of my working years knowing I made a real impact and changed the way my peers, colleagues, and competitors do business.”

“What I deeply wanted was to captain my own ship,” she said. “I wanted to lead a team of driven, forward-thinking professionals who cared about winning for their clients as much as I do. While the experience in corporate America was invaluable, I didn't want to spend my career advancing someone else's ﬁnancial interests. I wanted my working years spent leaving a dent in

Founded on the principles of care, innovation, and commitment, Summit Strategy swiftly established itself as a force in the market. A 100% woman-owned enterprise, Summit has taken on more than just turning a proﬁt. For Krystn, she and her team carry the responsibility of redeﬁning industry norms and fostering real change.

On the business side, Krystn's vision for Summit Strategy is clear - to set the new industry standard for integrated sales + marketing solutions that empower professional service ﬁrms with eﬀective growth strategies through game changing

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strategic planning, proposal support, branding + marketing with purpose, and best practices training. By helping firms tell their stories, fueling their potential, and achieving sustainable competitive advantage, Summit Strategy is shaping a generation of industry leaders who pioneer positive social impact. For Krystn, pushing Summit Strategy to be both a cultural difference maker and a financial powerhouse are one in the same. Winning for her

clients means shifting the industry towards increased equity for everyone involved. This task can feel like scaling a mountain over and over again, Krystn said, but it's a challenge Krystn is willing to continually take on. “The challenge has been to navigate running a small business while maintaining my vision of

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023 what a proposal development and marketing consulting business could be. It's at times been lonely, frustrating, and exhausting while at the same time exciting and aﬃrming that it's exactly what I want to be doing. It's hard to think beyond the day-to-day operations and expectations to exceed, but I'm embracing the challenge every day to continue focusing on the bigger picture.” So far, this perspective has paid oﬀ for Krystn with Summit seeing more than 800% growth from 2021 to 2022; and the team is on track to

grow about 50% from 2022 to 2023. With the focus on growth, Krystn is spending much of her time traveling to conferences and events promoting the message that incorporating engaging storytelling into your marketing and proposal writing will win more business. “We aim to be a major player in proposal development, especially in the government contracting (GovCon) sector,” said Krystn. “There's serious room for growth there, and we believe our GovCon clients can distance themselves from their competitors with the right proposal guidance and strategy.” However, Krystn and her team also believe in empowering entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, and it's why Krystn has taken on the role of mentor and thought leader for many young professionals breaking into the industry. It's all part of Summit's core ethos – caring every day. “I can't stress enough how important it is to care,” she said. “Care about your clients. Care about your team. Care about your industry. If your sole focus is the bottom line and earning money for your shareholders, you've missed an incredible opportunity to make the world just a little less crappy. See yourself as an agent for change, as someone who has been put in place for a reason and has a chance to make a real diﬀerence.” The best advice she can give to these young, ambitious pros to start winning for themselves? Don't settle. “Don't settle for the status quo. Most of the time, things are the way they are because people lack imagination and vision. The reality is, though, the status quo exists until someone decides to challenge it. There's no reason that person can't be you.”

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Does the Concept of

Metaverse have any Substance to it

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023

n today's world the term “metaverse” has its own conversations, capturing the imaginations of tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and casual observers. It emerged as a buzzword, shrouded in excitement and skepticism. The question here is, is the metaverse has permeated conversations, capturing imaginations of tech enthusiasts and even casual observers. This metaverse concept is merely a speculative vision fueled by technological utopianism? At its core, the metaverse represents a virtual shared space, merging AR and VR to create immersive digital environments. In this digital realm, users can interact with computer-generated environments and others in real-time, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds. The metaverse concept gained prominence from science fiction, Neal Stephon's “Snow Crash” and Ernest Cline's “Ready Player One.” However, today the discussions are anchored around the metaverse in the rapid advancements in AR, VR, and blockchain technologies. The question remains: the metaverse hold substance beyond the speculative allure? Foundations of the Metaverse: Technological Advancements The evolution of the metaverse rests on the shoulders of technological prowress. AR and VR technologies have matured significantly, that enables more realistic and immersive experiences. These advancements have paved the way for the creation of virtual worlds where users interact, socialize, work, and play. Some key drivers is the exponential growth of computing power, allowing for the seamless rendering of complex virtual environments. Additionally improved graphics, faster processors, and enhanced connectivity contribute to the immersive experiences that define the metaverse. Here blockchain technology adds another layer of significance, decentralized ledgers provide a secure and transparent infrastructure for virtual economies within the metaverse. Also digital assets like Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), enable users to own, trade, and monetize virtual

goods. This introduces a novel approach, giving substance to the metaverse's potential as a digital marketplace. Social interaction and collaboration The true substance of metaverse lies in its potential to redefine how we interact and collaborate in the digital world. The virtual worlds offer environments where people can engage in shared experiences, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering global communities. Platforms like Decentraland, Roblox, and Fortnite exemplify this shift. Here users can attend virtual concerts, conferences or collaborate on projects in shared spaces. Metaverse has become a canvas for creativity and collaboration, transcending traditional limitations. Economic Opportunities and Digital Ownership Metaverse isn't just playground for digital interaction, it is a frontier for economic opportunities. The virtual real estate, digital art, and even virtual businesses are flourishing in these spaces. The concept of digital ownership is facilitated by blockchain technology is also pivotal. NFTs here represent ownership of digital assets, creating a paradigm shift in how we perceive and trade digital goods. Challenges and Considerations While the metaverse holds substantial promise, it is not possible without challenges. Privacy concers, like digital inequality, and potential monopolization are among the considerations that demand attention. The centralized control of these spaces has raised questions on who governs access and regulates the economic transactions within the metaverse. Conclusion: Navigating the Future All in all, metaverse isn't just a speculative concept but a tangible evolution of digital landscape. Its substance lies in the convergence of advanced technologies, reshaping social interaction, emergence of new opportunities and challenges that accompany this transformative shift.

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CEO Recoverlution

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023

Daniel Fincham Transforming Personal Struggle into Digital Hope at Recoverlution

f you have to venture anything, dare to be strong and courageous. For a business leader he has to focus on compassionate and informed leadership. Additionally collaborate with experts, data-driven decision-making, and adaptability to impact the lives of those in recovery.

Today we uncover the story of one such leader, Daniel Fincham, with a remarkable journey from personal struggle to purpose-driven success. His career in the technology industry was driven by an early fascination with the transformative power of technology. As the CEO of Recoverlution, he has leveraged his unique blend of tech expertise and personal experience to pioneer a groundbreaking platform that oﬀers hope, support, and digital innovation to individuals on the path to recovery. Thus we at CIO Business Leaders interviewed to Daniel to know more about the impact he has to transform lives. Below are the highlights of the interview: What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and how did you rise to your current position as CEO? At a young age, I'd always marvelled at technology. Its seemingly never-ending ability to surprise people, to do things unthinkable just years before and its endless possibility to innovate. I soon realised that technology can do a lot of the hard work for you when used eﬀectively. From simply improving a process to revolutionising or disrupting an industry, technology is power and can help and serve people at scale.

At 36 I was a VP at a software company that I'd grown up with. To most, I would have been viewed as successful. I excelled in education, sport, have great friends and come from a loving family. After travelling the world I landed in Copenhagen; found my career and a place to be at my happiest. In reflection, that this was a foreign residence seems more likely hiding than a happy place. Having met my wife on holiday, I moved back to the UK and in the following 10 years we married, had 3 wonderful children and built a dream house. I'd never felt comfortable in my own skin and had been drinking to negate worry, anxiety or focus on where I was going or where I belong. I couldn't connect with a purpose, or what life was about so I just let it take me where it would. When I reached the finished line there was no celebration. The goalposts just moved. I was exhausted and took off the mask. Before I had a chance to even breathe, I was hit by the tirade of bullets I'd missed from the comfort of my hiding place. But as I took cover, the airstrike would this time ensure I had no safety and I would be ripped apart to a point of submission. Almost. Rehab, redundancy, divorce and multiple times of sanctuary in hospital and jail all haunted me for the next 9 months. In June 2020, At 37, I made it to recovery and 6 weeks later, I started Recoverlution. I'd struggled to find a place to start, a place to understand why I was who I was. Whether that was sat at my desk and Googling for help, listening to others stigmatised opinions or talking to medical professionals – I couldn't find a digital www.ciobusinessworld.com 25

Recoverlution, he has leveraged his unique blend of tech expertise and personal experience to pioneer a groundbreaking platform that oﬀers hope, support, and digital innovation to individuals on the path to recovery. Thus we at CIO Business Leaders interviewed to Daniel to know more about the impact he has to transform lives. Below are the highlights of the interview: What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and how did you rise to your current position as CEO? At a young age, I'd always marvelled at technology. Its seemingly never-ending ability to surprise people, to do things unthinkable just years before and its endless possibility to innovate. I soon realised that technology can do a lot of the hard work for you when used eﬀectively. From simply improving a process to revolutionising or disrupting an industry, technology is power and can help and serve people at scale.

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023 breathe, I was hit by the tirade of bullets I'd missed from the comfort of my hiding place. But as I took cover, the airstrike would this time ensure I had no safety and I would be ripped apart to a point of submission. Almost. Rehab, redundancy, divorce and multiple times of sanctuary in hospital and jail all haunted me for the next 9 months. In June 2020, At 37, I made it to recovery and 6 weeks later, I started Recoverlution. I'd struggled to find a place to start, a place to understand why I was who I was. Whether that was sat at my desk and Googling for help, listening to others stigmatised opinions or talking to medical professionals – I couldn't find a digital home to start getting well. So I researched everything – nutrition, exercise, meditation, sleep, spiritual principles, philosophy, music, you name it, I wanted to know about it. And the more I applied to my life, the better I felt. As I started to engage with the recovery community, I noticed it cobbled together with differing technologies. The first thing I was asked on an AA Zoom meeting was for my name and phone number so I could be added to a WhatsApp group and it just felt bonkers. But it was the people I feel in love with, you cannot define a person with addition, but what was synonymous was our drive to help the still suffering and grow together. Ironically, you'll not find a more sober or spiritually well community anywhere in the world, and this community is 100M+ worldwide. So I used my background to start Recoverlution and bring together educational content, a community platform and a dedicated to addiction wellness hub – free to join anonymously and available anytime anywhere. You can find the information you need, you can connect or build your recovery tribe and continue to build your recovery capital all in one safe space. Can you highlight a significant achievement or turning point that played a pivotal role in your career trajectory?

We launched Recoverlution in July 2022 and our community started to grow. But what we soon noticed, was that it wasn't just the member we needed on the platform, it was the people who support people in recovery. The service providers, the charities, the rehabs, health services and peer support groups. The more we talked with these people, the more we understood their universal digital challenges. They cant use WhatsApp (as an example) for legal reasons, so they were immediately disconnected from their people who create groups regardless. I've been through rehabs, and had to tell them that people had died before they were aware, just from peer communication. Soon after, I dropped oﬀ their mailing list so they don't know how I'm doing, how their services perform or if im even alive. So this year we are launching Recoverlution Spaces to connect the eco-system with its community. An easy-to-use technology that enables any supporting organization to showcase their services and reach the right people. I only knew about 1% of the support available to me at any given time and yet there are so many ways to recovery out there. We then embower the organization to not only grow their support systems but to they onboard

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The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023

How To Determine If A Leader Deserves Your Alligence. “

y daughter was murdered. I want to start a charity to support women in domestic violence.”

“My nephew died of a rare form of cancer and my sisters family lost everything trying to be there for him through the entire time. I want to start a charity to support families, so they don't need to worry about ﬁnances during this time.” Compelling, right? These all sound like incredible causes to support, right? I am frequently sought out by passionate, motivated, and well intended individuals wanting to start a charity. All are grounded in a deep desire to not have anyone else go through that hardship again. I work with them. Usually for 1-2 sessions. Almost never any more.

funds potentially ever, and certainly not right away. No matter how much they believed in themselves and/or their cause, the amount of eﬀort required to launch their charity has always been insurmountable. 

None of them have been willing to share limelight. I have suggested strategic partnerships to create exposure, build brand awareness etc. None wanted to share even a small amount of the success they 'knew' was coming.



All have been unwilling to put themselves last. Even just for a short while. Most would say it's unfair to have to put yourself last anyway. Most will never understand it isn't about fair.

They all possess a compelling story, have a great deal of passion, and they've all had some form of charisma.

Occasionally those who see a need and wish to exploit it for their own gains come along as well. Those people are usually shockingly transparent about their desire to drive fancy cars and live a lifestyle of the rich and famous for bestowing their good deeds upon their community.

To create something new in the NPO world, you must lead diﬀerently. The success of your mission requires others to buy in. Literally, and for what? They receive nothing tangible in return. They receive nothing but the belief in the cause and personal joy in supporting it, and you. They must choose to follow, unlike when someone is employed and is obligated to.

I will work with them, for a fee. Usually 1-5 sessions (their belief in their superiority usually propels them further than those with altruistic intentions). Never more.

Due to this reality, using a leader in this situation is a great way to exhibit the three best ways to determine whether a leader deserves your allegiance, or not.

Both have three critical, and limiting, elements in common.

The true value of a leader is not the 'great founding story'. Nor charm or charisma. All of those are smoke and mirrors. The true value is in what lies behind the scenes where most people don't see.



None have been willing to sacriﬁce what it takes to build something that is not going to generate sizeable

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Inspiration is the magnet through which most people are drawn to leaders and their cause in the ﬁrst place. True inspiration doesn't fade days or weeks after hearing a moving story.

inspiring leaders have, is complete alignment between all 'faces'. Sure, there may be more profanity slipping out behind the scenes and occasionally relieving awkwardly placed itches, but again, it is about their actions.

Common inspirational traits i.e. bravery, humility, an inspirational story etc. move people but they are all utilized by most leaders including those who will utilize them to deceive. I will dive into the three most important 'tells' which show those from the outside if the leader is a: worthy of following and b: whether the inspiration is true, or surface only.

If they promote honestly, are they honest? If they promote generosity, are they generous in the ways they are asking you to be? If they demand professionalism, do they conduct themselves in a way that makes you happy to have your name attached?

True inspiration is shown, not told. We can all hear and inspirational story and be moved for a period, but the feelings fade and the motivation expires as our psyche becomes more accustomed to their story. You can gain many clues to the quality of leader when you hear them speak.

When words and actions do not align, that is a red ﬂag. When words and actions do align, that is a leader to consider following. Why? Because it is incredibly diﬃcult to live like that. To live by your word, you will be choosing being honourable over what is comfortable, over what is convenient etc. repeatedly. That is a leader, who will be true to the mission through mistakes, learning curves and all challenges. That is a leader you can count on. Do they give credit for the good and take the blame for the bad?

Actively ask yourself the following questions. 

Do they live the strength they exempliﬁed in their story? Is the 'healing' they attested to ﬁctional and told with vigor to create a response without it being truly achieved? What is the purpose of the story? What do they want from you?

This is something to watch carefully for. It is incredibly telling as most people will put self preservation ahead of everything. If you observe the opposite, you can be sure of two things. 

They have a sizeable amount of humility.

Are they allowing the audience to feel or are they ensuring the audience feels what they want them to? Secure/ transparent leaders will tell their story and let you feel what you will. Less secure leaders will speak about their feelings to curate the same feelings in you.



They are willing to put the group ahead of themselves.



They don't care about what is considered 'fair' when it comes to them taking blame and passing up on credit. Protecting and elevating their team will always be most important.

Are they who they say they are?

In a world where everyone must sell themselves as a leader or risk never getting a promotion, being seen as an under achiever etc. It has become more important to critically decipher between those who are genuinely what they say they are and those to be wary of.



When determining whether a leader is as stellar as they seem, I would counsel everyone to look beyond the public face and learn about what goes on behind the scenes. Many would argue their private life is not anyone else's business. I would agree, most times. However, when someone is asking you to trust them, give up your personal time, go out on a limb and align your name with theirs, it is now your business. We all have diﬀerent faces required to navigate diﬀerent situations appropriately, but what I believe the most

When you align yourself with an organization, remember you are aligning your reputation, and those of all connected to you as well. Be careful. Be critical. Don't be impulsive and remember someone you can trust will not be afraid of you taking note of all the above.

Has REAL ESTATE Become more Affordable

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023

n this ever-evolving realm of real-estate, affordability takes center-stage. The markets keep fluctuating, interest rates are vary, and the global dynamics impact economies. Thus the perception of real estate has undergone a huge transformation. In this hunt, we delve into the factors that contribute to the evolving landscape of realestate and assess whether real estate has become more accessible for aspiring homeowners. The EBB and Flow of Affordability From the past, the real estate market has witnessed cycles of highs and lows, with periods of rapid appreciation followed by corrections. The early 21st century saw this surge in property prices, and fueled the economic growth, low-interest rate, and a robust demand for housing. Moreover, this prosperity was short-lived because of the infamous global financial crisis of 2008. The aftermath, stringent lending practices and increased regulatory oversight prevented the recurrence. Additionally the market underwent a corrective phase, prompting debates about long-term affordability of real-estate. Interest Rates and Financing Dynamics The primary drivers influencing real estate is the prevailing interest rates. Over the past decade, central banks worldwide have maintained low-interest rate to stimulate economic growth post-recession. This financial environment has translated into more favorable borrowing conditions for homebuyers. Lower rates mean reduced mortage costs, making owners more feasible for broader spectrum of the population. Thus individuals have been on sidelines due to high interest rates, and find themselves in a more favorable position to enter the housing market. Demographic Shift and Preferences Demographic shift and changing lifestyle also play a pivotal role in the affordability equation. The milennials, cohort in many markets, their preferences, include focus on experiences over possessions and an inclination toward urban living, have also influenced the type of properties in demand.

In response, developers have adapted more affordable housing options, like smaller units, co-living spaces, and developments in overlooked neighborhoods. This shift aligns with changing demographic needs and contributes to the perception of increased affordability. Technology and Transparency The focus on technology has revolutionized the real-estate landscape, making information more transparent. The online platforms provide prospective buyers with extensive data on property prices, market trends, and financing options. This increases transparency empowers buyers to make informed decisions, fostering a more competitive and consumer-friendly market. Challenges and Disparities The overall trend suggests increased affordability, regional disparities, particularly in urban centers, leads to affordability issues. The demand for housing in prime locations is resulting in soaring prices that challenge the accessibility of real estate for many. On the other hand, the economic impacts of unforeseen events like pandemic introduce uncertainties that influence market dynamics. The job market fluctuations and economic uncertainties affect too, to the homebuyers. Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift Overall, the affordability of real estate is multifaceted and dynamic of the broader economic landscape. While factors like low-interest rates, demographic shifts, and technological advancements contribute to the increased affordability, challenges persists in the form of regional disparities and economic uncertainties. This paradigm is shifting, with more people finding opportunities to enter the housing market. Moreover, it is essential to recognize that real estate affordability is a nuanced and complex issue influenced by a myriad of factors. As we navigate this changing landscape a balanced perspective considers the one with opportunities and challenges for a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market in the current state.

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MA< LPCS, Founder of the Institute for NSSI and also Vann Coaching, Counseling, Consulting Institute for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury 34

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023

Lori Vann Pioneering Mental Health Advocacy and Healing

o live a better life, you start working towards it in the present, and that's how you live for the future. We all actually do live for a better future, better life, which is eventually better mental health care. Leaders here, play a pivotal role in shaping raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.

With a career spanning over two decades in clinical counseling and a strong commitment to making a positive impact, Lori Vann has risen to prominence as a driving force behind the Institute for NSSI (Non-Suicidal SelfInjury) and Vann Coaching, Counseling, Consulting. Her journey as a leader in the mental health sector has been marked by dedication, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. To know more about Lori's remarkable journey, join us in the interview below: Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at your company. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today? I have been a clinical counselor since 1998 and have worked in outpatient clinics, one of the directors for a nonprofit counseling center, inpatient psychiatric, and went full-time into my own private practice in 2008. Throughout the last 15 years, I have expanded my business to include coaching and consulting work. Regarding obstacles, every time I expand a service or develop a new part of the business, there are unique challenges that range from time, energy, and financial management to finding the best resources to assist in the process to challenging how I may have viewed a situation. Starting business coaching almost 7 years ago has been one of the best business decisions that I have made, and I only wish that I would have received it during year 1 of my private practice instead of year 9.

Tell us something more about your company and its mission and vision. The origins of the Institute for NSSI have been in development since 2000. Through a process of research, direct client contact, case consults with fellow professionals, creation of several support groups, delivering over 115 talks on NSSI throughout the U.S. and several countries, development of the Self-Injury Prevention Intervention Program (SIPIP), and the writing of four books, Lori Vann has been driven by the desire to turn the tide on this international epidemic. Bothered by the lack of resources, myths, misconceptions, stigma, and harassment that those who participate in NSSI receive, Lori knew that there was an unmet need that so many felt that they could not express. A passion to not only save people's limbs from bodily harm but to also save their lives is the fire that drives the Institute. With over 60% of those who engage in NSSI also having a history of suicidal ideation or attempts, the need to address this often hidden, shame-filled behavior is critical. The Mission Statement for the Institute for NSSI is dedicated to serving the community by providing easily understood and up-to-date information about NSSI, implementable & proven techniques to treat the behavior, and awareness to stop the stigma by starting conversations & providing resources. How do you build and manage a motivated and effective team? Servant leadership is a key in creating a business culture. A team that is appreciated and sees a leader serving, helping out, genuinely cares about the welfare of their team, and providing constructive feedback is one that is more likely to build loyalty & they care for your business. Leading by example is one way to summarize what I believe is a tenant for a business' longevity. www.ciobusinessworld.com 35

The Institute for NSSI will continue to pursue its mission to bring education, prevention, intervention, and healing to the local, national, and internal communities. The goal of expanding awareness of the low-cost online support groups is a top priority with second to it providing more speaking events to school districts, colleges, treatment centers, medical programs, and government entities. Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization. Our tag line is Here to Serve and that drives many of the decisions that we make and the focus on the organization. We believe in providing quality, ethical, and professional services from a non-judgmental perspective. We encourage a collaborative oﬃce where we share resources, ask questions, and support one another.

Upper management that is distant, aloof, feels that they are “too good” to do certain tasks will create an environment where the team feels disrespected. Once a leader has lost his/her respect of their team, the bottom line will be negatively impacted through turnover, decreased productivity, potentially more mistakes, and decrease in their reputation in the community. Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your company? The counseling practice that is associated with the Institute for NSSI is getting ready to double in size and with it, we will be oﬀering additional services.

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023

Rob

Whitfield

Building a Future of Unprecedented Transformation

magine a world where challenges are not obstacles, but stepping stones to greatness. This is where a leader's passion is ignited by the thrill of pushing boundaries, the joy of unraveling complexities, and the belief that every individual and organization carries within them untapped reservoirs of capability. As a certified Master Facilitator and Coach, Rob Whitfield is a symphony of expertise and facilitation that harmonizes with your business priorities, elevating your agenda to unprecedented heights. With a portfolio adorned with successful transformations we at CIO Business World interviewed Rob to know more about his experiences and the overall journey. Below are the highlights of the interview: Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at your company. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today? I started in technology coding and testing at a major consulting firm and realized that people's behavior makes or breaks business results – regardless of the technology being deployed. As a consequence, I became certified as a trainer

in Coaching and Neuro Linguistic Programming, and focused on specializing in behavior change and transformation as a management consultant, partnering with organizations like Coca-Cola, General Motors, UK Border Agency, Walmart, Warner Bros., and World Bank Group to deliver a return on investment from behavior change in the workplace. Along the way, I have helped thousands of teams get the personal and business results they tried hard to achieve on their own, and it's been an absolute privilege. Over the past twelve years, based in Los Angeles and traveling the world to partner with client teams, I have really been able to hone my craft, deepen our research, and put my skills to the test, coaching some of the most senior executives at Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, board members, and celebrities to truly unlock their full potential as individuals and in the teams they lead. The toughest but most rewarding obstacle I regularly overcome is to help teams open their minds to new possibilities. Many organizations, especially those who have a long history, ﬁnd it incredibly diﬃcult to change their cultures and working styles, still reliant on the now redundant hierarchical model of working. We worked with www.ciobusinessworld.com 39

a Fortune 100 company who had planned to take their call centres remote for 10+ years but never did at the fear of losing market value during the change. When the pandemic happened, we partnered with them and they made that change in a matter of weeks, saving millions of dollars in the cost of physical buildings and boosted staﬀ availability due to eliminated commuting time. Breaking down the barriers of why companies think they can't do something and helping them move towards something exponentially better is an obstacle, but one that gets me out of bed every day and excited to support clients! Tell us something more about your company and its mission and vision. My personal mantra is to ignite a passion for challenge and change so that everyone achieves their full potential. I work with so many teams, executives, and organizations across the world and, unfortunately, see the same patterns of behavior and culture that lead to burn out, executives working long hours, and folks missing precious time with their families. In our applied research with teams, I have reﬁned it into what we call Team Cohesion.

Teams that pull together in service of their north star, have a safe space for crystal clear candor, have peer-to-peer accountability, and a 'we win as one' mentality, get exponentially better results in a shorter time, and more joyfully. My team and I coach teams to our proven Team Cohesion mindset using thin sliced practices, which are a toolkit of shortcuts and collaborative tools a team can apply. We constantly see incredible results and I thrive on the opportunity to help as many people as I can. It is exciting to have refined such a winning formula with our coaching; we truly cracked the code to make average teams world class. For me, holding client satisfaction and business outcomes as priority above all else has helped us build a strong client base. We are so confident in our methodology that we guarantee our work. Rather than teaching or training, like many companies, we focus on tackling business priorities and coach our clients on how to be successful in targeting what is important to them. We truly advance an organization's agenda through our expert facilitation and team coaching. Our approach has always been to co-create solutions with our clients; we listen, we flex, and we are agile in our approach to ensure maximum impact. Many of our competitors merely try and

The 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves In The Business World, 2023 force in solutions to problems without really tailoring solutions to the client's needs. The best way for us to demonstrate early value and gain clients is to offer our free team diagnostic that shows our prospective clients how their team performs against our benchmark data set. You can try the free team diagnostic assessment here. How do you build and manage a motivated and effective team? Building a motivated and effective team is easier than you would think with the right support. We have helped so many teams totally transform from dysfunctional to high performing 10X teams. We have also helped teams go from being good to great; there is always room for improvement. Over the years, we have built and refined the methodology that makes teams world class. We partner with our clients to accelerate and elevate their results, make their work more joyful, and transform the careers of the people we work with. One of the foundational blocks that we commence with is shifting the team from a group of folks to a team that cares about each person in the team. When people show up as who they truly are, that gives permission for candor, and this is one of the twelve critical pillars in our methodology that will accelerate and elevate results, joy, and careers. This is the perfect foundation for the team to build on as they work on their own business challenges and we coach to the right behaviors, practices, and tools that will make them world class. I recently gave a keynote for UCLA and talked through these steps – you can watch that section of the keynote here.

never seen before, requiring innovation and new ways of working. Indeed, I wrote an article on how much it enabled exponential change and transformation in organizations. It was scary but also very exciting. We at Redeﬁne Winning are always evolving and our extensive research always keeps us steps ahead. It's our job to bring those ideas to the market in service of supporting our clients. We want to be able to share best practices and new ways of working with as many individuals, teams, and organizations as we can to help them have better work life balance, greater enjoyment, broader diversity and inclusion in their teams, and ultimately 10X their goals and results! AI is the next big area and our research project in that space, along with the impact it will have on teams and teaming competencies, is a must read for leaders, managers, and team members alike. Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization. The thing that motivates me and my team is that we know we have a key that can unlock greatness in teams. I've spent 30 years working with teams and have developed a really powerful set of tools and techniques to facilitate them through the rough terrain of change and out the other side to a better way of working. Their work lives are more productive and engaging, their results are exponentially better, and their work-life balance is restored. All of this is very easily achievable using the Team Cohesion mindset. When a team develops beyond just co-existing you start to feel the strength from The Power of Team. The same eﬀort put into achieving 10 percent improvement becomes 10X the improvement and results.

Our research institute continues to identify, test, iterate, and apply new practices to enable teams to go further, faster, and more jofylly, and our resource center can be located on our website so check out Redeﬁne Winning to ﬁnd out more. Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your company? The pandemic really just highlighted a lot of the problems that had been unaddressed for years and taken as the norm. Many companies had plans for the future but never jumped in and started making practical and much needed changes, for fear of falling behind in the market. The pandemic forced everyone out of their comfort zone in a way we've