The Most Influential Women Leaders To Watch In 2023 | CIO Women Magazine

From Editor’ s Desk

Butthetruetestiswhenyoucanseeastormcoming,whenthesearoarswithitswildestroar, andtriestoengulfyouwithallitsmight.ThatiswhentheGodsarelookingatyoucontrolling theshipandgettingthrough.

FeaturingforCIOWomenMagazine’sthisspecialeditionofTheMostInfluentialWomen LeaderstoWatchin2023arethestoriesofsuchastuteleaders. Forthecoverreadabout-

Dr.RachaAbdrabboHaffar,avisionaryinthefieldofdigitaltransformation,standsasan influentialwomenleaderattheforefrontoftheindustry AstheesteemedfounderandMDof DigitalExcellenceBridge,sheisrevolutionizingtheknowledge-buildingfield bynavigating through thecomplexlandscapeoftechnologyandinnovation,andutilizingittoservepivotal endeavorssuchaswomenempowerment,youthleadership,andclimatechange

Withherexceptionalexpertiseandstrategicacumen,DrHaffarhasempoweredcountless businessestothriveinthedigitalera.Herremarkableabilitytobridgethegapbetween technologyandbusinessobjectiveshasgarneredwidespreadrecognition,establishingherasa truepioneerinthefield.

ErinO’DonnellistheFoundingPartnerofInfusedBanking,Co-FounderofBankersHub,and Co-FounderandformerCEOofBankerstuffoverseesproductinnovationandeducation.She hasover30yearsofexperienceinstrategiceventmanagement,specializingintechnologyand onlinedeliveryofcontent.BankersHubofferseducationandcertificationinthebanking industryandlaunchedtheindustry’sfirstcertificationforCannabisBanking.

Whatinspiredyoutodirectyourjourneyinthisparticularfield?

“I’vealwaysbeenpassionateaboutcreatingmemorableexperiencesforpeople.Asa professionaleventplanner,I’veseenfirsthandhowtechnologyhastransformedtheevents industryoverthepastfewyears.Virtualevents,inparticular,havebeengame-changers. They’vemadeeventsmoreaccessiblebyeliminatinggeographicalbarriers,allowingpeople fromallaroundtheglobetoparticipate.Thismeanswecanreachmorediverseaudiencesand createtrulyglobalexperiences.”

“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm. —Publilius Syrus

This list is NOT a ranking. The companies on listed in magazine serve different aspects of the market, making ranking them in any order except revenue impossible and unfair. We try to bring a perfect platform for business organization to showcase their valued products/ services.

PR News Section

AmantyaTechnologiesRankedaLeaderinthe ER&DServices–Telecommunications,SME Category,inZinnovZones’2022GlobalER&D ServicesRatings

~ AmantyahasbeendeclaredaleaderintheSmall andMediumServicesProvidersverticalinER&D Services–Telecommunicationssegmentandhas beenrankedintheExecutiveZoneintheoverall ER&DcategoryinZinnovZones’annualER&D Servicesratings.

AmantyaTechnologiesInc.,aleadingglobalproduct engineeringandsystemintegrationcompany, announcedtodaythatithasbeenrankedinthe ‘LeadershipZone’intheER&DServices–Telecommunicationsverticalandinthe‘Executive Zone’intheoverallER&DServicescategoryin ZinnovZones’2022GlobalER&DServicesRatings.

Theannualreportbytheprestigiousglobal managementconsultingandstrategyconsultingfirm providesa360-degreeevaluationofengineering researchanddevelopment(ER&D)service providers,identifyingtheirexpertiseandscalability acrosskeymarketsandtechnologies,andis consideredanindustrystandard.The2022study evaluatedover75+topglobalserviceproviders acrossindustryverticalsandmicro-verticalsfortheir digitalengineeringprowess.Theratingshavebeen assessedonmultipledimensions,including scalability,growthrate,innovationandIP,services capability,maturityofdeliveryandservices capabilities,ecosystemlinkages,andfeedbackfrom enterprisebuyers.

“Wearethrilledtoreceivethisrecognitionandbe includedinZinnovZones’ER&DServicesratings. It’sahugehonortobefelicitatedbysucha prestigiousbodyandberecognizedforourstrong capabilitiestodelivervalue-addedservicesand solutionsinthe5Gwirelessanddigitaldomains. BuildingacultureofR&Danddisruptingnew

technologiesareattheheartofwhatwedoat Amantya.Ourin-houseinnovations,5GSACore, 5GNetwork-in-a-Box,and5Genterprisesolution, 5GAstra,areatestamenttothiscommitment.

Theratingacknowledgesourcontinuedabilityand deepcommitmenttoexploringanddisrupting cutting-edgetechnologiesthatdrivenext-gen digitaltransformations.Overthepastfewyears,we havepartneredwithsomeofthebestcompanies globally,andourleadershippositioninginZinnov ER&DServicesreiteratesourgrowingstaturein themarket.Welookforwardtoacceleratingand broadeningourexpertiseinemergingtechnologies andbeingafrontrunnerinprovidingsolutionsthat transformeverydayexperiences,”saidAnuradha Gupta,CEO,AmantyaTechnologies,Inc.

Thecompanywasalsorecognizedas“BestSMEin TelecomEcosystem2022”atIndiaMobile Congressand“MostPreferredWorkplacein IT/ITES2022-23”byMarksmenDaily

ToknowmoreaboutAmantyaTechnologiesand thecompany’scompleteecosystemof transformativesolutionsin5G,IoT,AIML, Digital,Cloud,andEdge,contact connect@amantyatech.com

AboutAmantyaTechnologies,Inc.

AmantyaTechnologiesisaleadingproduct engineeringandsystemintegrationcompanywith operationsintheUSA,Canada,andIndia (Gurugram,Bangalore&Nagpur).Aglobal organizationwithprovenexpertiseinnextgenerationtechnologieslike5G,IoT,AIML,edge, andcloudservices,Amantyaworkswithsomeof theworld’sbestbrands,includingFortune500 companies.

Formoreinformation,pleasevisit amantyatech.com

C O N T

Dr. Racha

Abdrabbo Haffar

E N T S

The Many First

Women

Tina Turner - How Tina Turner defied the odds and redefined Stardom?

Profile

Helping Businesses Weed out the Industry Complexities

Monuments

Chapel Bridge - 10 Facts about Chapel Bridge and Things to Do On Your Visit

Liveperformancesandstageshowsaresomething manypeoplecravefor.Theamountofjoyyouget whilewatchingsomeoneperformliveissecondto none.Thereareartistsaroundtheworldwhohave ruledtheheartsofpeoplelikemewiththeir scintillatingliveperformances. Andwhenwetalkaboutaperformersettingthe stageonfire,TinaTurnerisanamewesimply cannotmiss.

TheQueenofRock‘n’Roll,TinaTurneriswellknownforherenergeticstagepresenceand powerfulvoice.Sheusedtobringinfectiousjoyon thestagewhilesinging,nodoubtshebecameone ofthemostpopularandbelovedsingersofthe20th century.Inthisarticle,we’llgothroughherjourney andexploremoreaboutwhatmadehersopopular.

Swagger,Sensuality,Vocals,Energy!

TinaTurnerwasanAmerican-bornSwisssinger whowasknownforsingingwithIkeTurnerinthe early1960s.ShewasbornwiththenameAnna MaeBullockandlaunchedasuccessfulcareerasa soloperformer.Attheageof44,shewastheoldest femaleartisttotoptheHot100andshehadthe oldestformidableactsinthehistoryofmusic.Tina wasaneminentsingerwhowasnotedforher “swagger,sensuality,powerfulgravellyvocals,and unstoppableenergy”.Inadditiontoherwellpublicizedhistorywithherex-husband,IkeTurner, herlegsmadeheadlinesatthetime.

BooksonTinaTurner’sLifeJourney

Tinagavevoicetoherjourneythroughher autobiography “I, Tina: My Life Story” inwhich sherecallsherexpeditionfromhavingproblematic childhoodtobecomingabrandiconinthemusic industry.Tinawritesaboutherpersonallife, growth,andlovelifethatimpactedherdeeplyto becomeanexceptioninhercircle.Inthisbook, Tinawritesabouthowitwasdifficultforherto consummatehermarriageanddealwithherbroken heart.

MarkBego’s “Tina Turner: Break Every Rule” isherbiographythatexploresherlife,struggle, triumph,andtheenduringlegacyofmusic. Anotherbook, “Tina Turner: The Legendary Queen of Rock ‘n’Roll” byRikkyRooks highlightshergroundbreakingperformances, iconicsongs,etc.

RemarkableFactsaboutTinaTurner

TinaTurnernotjustbrokethestereotypesofthe musicindustrybutalsobecameanexceptioninit. Sheusedtograbtheattentionofeveryoneinthe audiencewhileperformingonthestage.Tina belongedtothehardscrabblefarmingcommunity andendedupbecomingoneofthefabulousstars ofthemusicindustry.Letusreadmoresuch lesser-knownfactsabouther:

1.TinaTurnerwasoneofthefirstblackartists onMTV

Duringthe1980s,MTVbroughtsuddendemand formusicvideos,andthisisthesameperiod whenTinaTurnermadeahistoriccomeback. MTVwasnotusedtobethesamediversemusic platformasitistoday.Shebecameoneofthefirst blackartiststoperformthere,whichhelpedherto gainmorevisibilityamongmusicloversatthe internationallevel.ThisishowTinaTurner becameahouseholdnameworldwide.

2.TinaTurnerwasabandonedbyhermother attheageof11yearsold

DuringWorldWarII,Tinaandherthreesisters wereseparatedfromherparents.Theyusedto livewiththeirgrandparentsintheUnitedStates. Afterthewar,shewasreunitedwithherparents andherfamilywentbacktoNutbush.Tina’s motherhadanabusiverelationshipwithher father.SheabandonedTinaalongwithherthree otherdaughters.Theyweresenttolivewiththeir maternalgrandparentsinTennessee.

3.

Shestartedsinginginnightclubs

WhileperformingatSt.Louisenightclubs,Tina learnedthefinerpointsregardingvocalcontrol andliveperformance.Shejoinedthebandatthe nightclubandbecameafeaturedvocalist performer.‘Boxtop’washerfirstsinglemusic albumwhichsherecordedwiththebandin1958. TinawasleadingamongothervocalistswithIke andCarlsonOliver.

4.Foundermemberof ‘Ike&TinaTurner Revue”

TinaTurnerbecamepartofthemusicworld through ‘A Fool in Love’ in1960.Itwas acclaimedbythepublicaswellascriticsonthe internationallevel.Itssuccessledtothecreation of‘Ike&TinaTurnerRevue’whichincludeda groupofgirlsandKingsofRhythmasbacking vocalistsanddancers.Itwasoneofthemost successfulduosinthehistoryofUnitedStates music.Someoftheexamplesinclude, ‘It’s Gonna Work out Fine’, ‘River Deep – Mountain High’, ‘Proud Mary’, and ‘Nutbush City Limits’.

5.Herrollingstonecoverappearancewas historic

Tinahadbeenonthecoverof‘RollingStone’ magazinesseveraltimes,however,herpresence onthecoverin1967washistoric.AstheCivil RightsMovementwasatitspeakatthattime, Tina’sseparationfromIketookherawayfrom mainstreamsuccess.Themagazinerankedher 17thamong100onthelistofthegreatestsingers ofalltime.Furthermore,shegotacclaimedasthe best-dressedwomanin1971.

6.Shemetherhusbandduringoneofthe performances

TinaTurnerusedtowatchtheKingsofRhythm playattheManhattanClubinIllinois.Duringthe interval,sheheldthemikefromadrummerofthe

KingsofRhythmandsang ‘You Know I Love You’ byB.B.King.There,shemetIkeTurner, andthecrowdwasinstantlyblownbyherlive performance.Shemarriedhimin1962inMexico.

7.Shesufferedthroughdomesticviolence frequently

Tina’sex-husbandIkeTurnerwasaddictedto Cocaineandbecameabusivetowardsherduring theirmarriage.Shefacedseveredomestic violenceinherfirstmarriageandstruggledhard tomakeendsmeetevenafterthedivorcefrom him.Tinareceivedfoodstampsandperformedin smallclubstoearnmoney.Somesponsorssued herasshecanceledsometourswithIke.

8.Tinareceivedanoffertoplaytheroleof HinduGoddessKali

Tinawascastinamoviecalled ‘The Goddess’ in whichshewassupposedtoplaytheroleofthe HinduGoddessKali.Togivejusticetotherole, TinatouredIndiatovisitseveralHindutemples, especiallyinBengalwhichisfamousforKali temples.Duringhertour,Tinalearnedthefolk dancesinwhichDanceofDestructionwasavital partofthestoryofKali.Unfortunately,themovie shutdownasthedirectorIsmailMerchantpassed away.

9.TinaTurnerrecordedaduetwithDavid Bowie

DavidBowiewasoneoftheclosefriendsofTina Turner.Bothofthemrecordedaduetsongcalled ‘Tonight’ whichwasoriginallycomposedby IggyPop.HeisfamousastheGodfatherofpunk. Thesongwasreleasedin1977aspartofthe album ‘Lust for Life’. Bowieconvincedher recordlabeltorenewthecontractin1983.His versionofthesongwasfirstreleasedwhichdid notinvolveTinaTurneranddidnotincludea musicvideo.Turnerbecamepartofitafterafew daysandpublisheditasamusicvideo.

10.Sheworkedasadomesticworker

Tinaworkedasadomesticworkerinherteenage fortheHendersonfamily.Duringthatperiod,she joinedafemalebasketballteamandacheerleader squad.Tinahadtheexperienceofworkingasa nurse’saideatBarnes-JewishHospital. Furthermore,shestartedappearingonTVshows asapartofearningincome.Shemadeasolo performancedebutin1976onthealbumRough.

AwardsandRecognition

TinaTurnerhadavibrantpersonalitynotjustasa performerbutalsoasahuman.Shehadsmashed everyrulethatpreventedhergrowth.Shewas acknowledgedbyseveralawardsandmagazines. Herearesomeofthem:

Ÿ In1988,shesettheGuinnessBookWorld Recordforthelargestpayingaudiencetoa soloperformerwith180,000ticketssold.She brokethe1980recordofFrankSinatra.

Ÿ Tinawon12Grammyawardsasshewasthe firstartisttohaveatop40hitinseven consecutivedecades.Accordingtothereport, shesoldaround100to150millionrecordsat theinternationallevel.

Ÿ In1986,ontheHollywoodWalkofFame, Tinareceivedastarformusic,andin1991,a starontheSt.LouisWalkofFame.

Ÿ Turnerwasacknowledgedbytheprestigious KennedyCenterHonorsin2005.GeorgeW. Bushcommentedonherashaving“natural skill,energy,andsensuality.”

Ÿ PeoplelovedTina’s “What’s Got to love with It” anditwasincludedintheGrammyAwards ceremony.Shewasranked63rdbyRolling Stoneontheirlistofthe100GreatestArtists ofAllTime.

Ÿ In1993,TinawaspresentedbytheWorld MusicAwardswiththeLegendAward moreover,in1996,Tinawashonoredbythe accoladeofLégiond’Honneurfromthe Frencheducationminister.

Ÿ In1999,shewasrankedsecondonVH1’slist of100GreatestWomenofRockandRoll,and in2002TennesseeStateRoute19wasnamed “TinaTurnerHighway”.

Ÿ Tinabecamethefirstblackartistandthefirst femaleonthecoverofRollingStone magazine.Also,in2013,shebecamethe oldestperson(age73years)whogotfeatured inVogueGermanymagazine.

TosumupTina’sjourney,thereareseveral valuablelessonsyoucanlearnfromherand implementtheminyourlife.Self-empowerment, strongworkethics,professionalism,embracing changethroughouthercareer,andpromoting individualityweresomeofhergoodqualities.We hopeyoufindourarticlehelpfulandgetinspired byTinatogrowfurtherinyourlife.

Cover Story

Dr. Racha

Abdrabbo Haffar

UnwaveringCommitmenttoEmpowermentandInnovation

Digital Excellence Bridge | Founder & MD

Cover Story

Dr.RachaAbdrabboHaffar,a visionaryinthefieldofdigital transformation,standsasaninfluential womenleaderattheforefrontofthe industry Astheesteemedfounderand MDofDigitalExcellenceBridge,she isrevolutionizingtheknowledgebuildingfield bynavigatingthrough thecomplexlandscapeoftechnology andinnovation,andutilizingittoserve pivotal endeavorssuchaswomen empowerment,youthleadership,and climatechange

Withherexceptionalexpertiseand strategicacumen,DrHaffarhas empoweredcountlessbusinessesto thriveinthedigitalera.Herremarkable abilitytobridgethegapbetween technologyandbusinessobjectiveshas garneredwidespreadrecognition, establishingherasatruepioneerinthe field.Embracing keyaspects,suchas ‘women’sroleinClimateChange usingdigitalliteracy,andCOP28 communityparticipation,The EnterpriseWorldisproudtointroduce Dr.RachaAbdrabboHaffarasoneof theMostInfluentialWomenLeadersto Watchin2023.

Sheembarkedonherprofessional journeyinconsultancy,specializingin economicresearchandfeasibility studies,beforetransitioningintothe realmoffinancialadvisingfollowing thecompletionofherMBAinfinance. Notably,herclienteleprimarily consistedofwomenspearheading smallandmedium-sizedenterprises.

Ashercareerpathledhertowards academia,shemadethebolddecision topursueaPhDwhilesimultaneously immersingherselfintheworldof financeeducation.Shededicatedher timeasaprofessor,sharingher expertiseinvariousareassuchas corporatefinance,Principlesof Investments,FinancialInstitutions,and fiscalpolicies.

However,therapidprogressofdigital advancementsrevolutionized numerousaspectsofsociety,including education.Recognizingthe transformativepotentialofthisshift, DrHaffarembracedamoreinnovative approachtoeducation,venturinginto therealmofdigitaltrainingutilizing EdTechtools.

Motivatedbyapassionfor empoweringindividuals,she establishedherowncompany,Digital ExcellenceBridge,focusingondigital trainingencompassingareassuchas digitalfinance,entrepreneurialskills, leadership,andsustainabilitystartups. Herevolutionfromconsultancyto academiatodigitaltrainingexemplifies herunwaveringcommitmenttostaying attheforefrontofeducational innovationandequippingindividuals withtheskillsnecessarytothriveina rapidlychangingworld.

TheTransformativePowerof Education

“Education is the bedrock of all knowledge, and knowledge is empowerment!”

Fromayoungage,DrHaffarhada profoundappreciationforthepowerof knowledge,immersingherselfinbooks andrecognizingthetransformative impacttheybrought.Thisearly recognitionlaidthefoundationforher lifelongpursuitofeducationandits profoundinfluenceonindividuals.

Asaseasonedprofessor,shewitnessed first-handhoweducationshapedthe trajectoriesofcountlessstudents.This instilledinherthenecessaryskillsand mindsettonavigatethecomplexworld ofbusiness.Withanappreciationfor education'ssystematicstructure,she approachedeveryaspect,from designingthebusinessmodelto formulatingstrategies,financial planning,andoperationsmanagement,

withthesamerigouranddedication.

Drivenbyherbeliefinthepowerof education,sherecognizedthata strongeducationalfoundation preparesaspiringbusiness professionalsforthechallengesand opportunitiestheyencounterintheir entrepreneurialjourneys.Herlove foreducationasacatalystfor successunderscoresherprofound understandingofitsessentialrolein shapingthefutureofthecompany.

ThePathofDigitalExcellence Bridge

DigitalExcellenceBridge, headquarteredinDubai,United ArabEmirates,isaleadingtraining andcoachingcompany The companywasofficiallylicensedin 2022withaclearmissiontobridge thegaptowardsdigitalinclusionand providesupporttoentrepreneurs throughthedisseminationof knowledgeusingadvanced-tech tools.

Throughleadershipandbusiness simulationcourses,itenables businessestoachievedigital financialmasteryandstrategic planning,incorporatingadvanced modulesintotheiroperationsto drivegrowthandachieve sustainablegoals.Itsinception markedasignificantmilestonein empoweringindividualsand businessesinnavigatingthedigital landscape.

DrHaffaradds, “Our objective is to primarily cater to incubators across all of UAE. Startups need many aspects of know-how, especially at the beginning. We are providing our services to many incubators, innovation hubs, universities and educational institutions. We aim to contribute to revolutionizing the educational landscape.”

Thevisionofthecompanyrevolved aroundmakingdigitalliteracy accessibletoall,therebyleadingthe economythroughthetransformative powerofdigitalization.Theideaisto leavenoonebehindinthedigital transformationjourney.

NurturingEmpowerment

DrHaffarrevealsadeep-rooted passionforsharingknowledgeasher inspirationbehindherchosenpath.As sherecallsherdaysinacademia,the momentsspentexplainingcomplex conceptsandclarifyingfinancial methodstoherclassmatesbecame transformativeexperiences.

Herjourneyasanentrepreneurhas beenprofoundlyshapedbypersonal lifeexperiences,particularlyin

witnessingtheentrepreneurial endeavoursofothers.Fromthese experiences,shegleanedinvaluable lessonsinriskcalculationand management,understandingthatrisks inherentlyaccompanypotential returns.

Herownventurebeganasafreelance financialadvisor,wheresheengaged withnumerousclientsembarkingon theirentrepreneurialjourneys,seeking guidanceinfinancialmatters.This hands-oninvolvementallowedherto intimatelygrasptheintricaciesof businessplans,aspirations,and dreams,andthecruciallinkbetween themandfinancialbudgets.

Throughtheseexperiences,she recognizedthecommontendency

amongentrepreneursto wholeheartedlyembracetheirproducts whilepotentiallyoverlookingcritical factsanddata.Thisrealization emphasizedthesignificanceof ensuringstartups,thatareconsidered todaythebackboneoftheinnovative economy,maintainasustainable foundation,steeringthemawayfrom potentialpitfallsandtowardslong-term success.

EmbracingtheFuture

Dr.Haffar,inherpursuitofembracing thefuture,understandsthesignificance ofpausingtoreflectonthepast.Taking thisintrospectiveapproach,sheoffers valuableadvicetoheryoungerself: ‘Followyourpassionandtakeyour dreamsseriously.’Recognizingthe

transformativepowerofpursuingone's truecalling,sheencouragesindividuals towholeheartedlyembracetheir passions,emphasizingtheimportance ofbeliefinoneself.

DrHaffar,drawingfromherextensive expertise,envisionsafuturewhere artificialintelligence(AI)playsa pivotalrole.Sheseesimmense potentialinrevolutionizingthe educationalfieldthroughinnovative teachingmethods,enhanced interactivity,andthedigitalizationof knowledgeexchangeprocessesather company,DigitalExcellenceBridge (DeXB).

SheplanstoexpandDeXB'sprogram offeringstoencompasssocietalcauses likewomen'sempowerment, innovationanddesignthinking,and sustainability,ensuringtheircontinued impact.ByleveragingAIand embracingcutting-edgetechnologies, sheaimstodriveeducational accessibilitytoreachthe underprivileged andmakeapositive socialchangeinthecommunities..

TheEssenceofLeadership

DrHaffarbelievesinemphasizingthe transformativepoweroffeedbackin shapingone'sleadershipperspective. Theadviceshereceived,"Appreciate thefeedback.Itgivesa360-degree view,"resonateddeeplywithherand hasprofoundlyinfluencedher leadershipapproach.Byactively seekingandvaluingfeedbackfrom diverseperspectives,leadersgainselfawareness,enablingthemtomake informeddecisions,foster collaboration,andinspirethosearound them.

Herforthcomingbook,‘Ambition Unfolded:EmbracingJourneysof EndlessPossibilities,’standsasanother testamenttoherremarkableleadership. Inthisinsightfulwork,shesharesher

ongoingpersonaljourney, emphasizingtheprofoundimpact ofambitioninherlife.Throughthe pagesofherbook,shecapturesthe essenceofambition,underscoring itssignificanceasadrivingforce thathasshapedherpathand openeddoorstoboundless opportunities.

Thetitleresonateswithherbelief thatambitionhasbeenthedriving forcebehindherpursuitof challengingpathsthateventually ledtopersonalandprofessional growth.Throughherbook,she seekstoinspirereaderstonurture theirownambitionsandembrace theever-evolvingnatureoftheir dreams.

Roadblocks

Embarkingonthejourneyof entrepreneurshipentails overcomingvariouschallenges, fromchoosingtherightfieldto craftingacomprehensivebusiness planandstrategy.DrHaffar,inher ownentrepreneurialpursuit, encounteredtheinitialhurdleof financialconstraints.Sheadds, “When I started, I faced difficulties as I wanted every part of the establishment phase to be done perfectly and comprehensively, which has put a burden on the budget; since the pay-back period is usually laying a few years down the project’s life.”

Anotherchallengesheconfronted wastheapprehensionamongher targetedaudienceregardingthe perceivedcomplexityofthe trainingprograms'subjectmatter, encompassingtopicssuchasdigital applications,AItools,anddigital finance.Tonavigatethisobstacle, sheastutelysimplifiedthecontent tocatertoindividualswithdiverse backgroundsandlevelsof

expertise,bycreatingadimensionthattookhuman componentintoconsideration.Sheensuredthatthe companyalignedwiththespecificbusinessneeds.

Throughherresourcefulnessandcommitmentto overcomingchallenges,DrHaffarpavedherwayforward. Byaddressingthefinancialconstraintsandtailoringthe trainingprogramstoalleviatefearsofcomplexity,she successfullynavigatedtheinitialhurdlesandpositioned DigitalExcellenceBridgeasanaccessibleandvaluable resourceforindividualsseekingknowledgeindigital applications,AItools,anddigitalfinance.

TransformativeOfferings

DigitalExcellenceBridgeoffersawiderangeoftraining coursesthatarecertifiedbyKHDA.Thesearefocusedon empoweringindividualsandbusinessesforsuccess.

1.BusinessStartupTraining

Thiscomprehensivecourseequipsaspiringentrepreneurs withessentialskillsinentrepreneurialfinance,business planning,andoperationalmanagement.Additionally, participantsgaininsightsintosustainabilityand sustainabledevelopmentgoals,toensuresupportfor environmentally-friendlystartups,learninghowto effectivelyintegratetheseprinciplesintonewandexisting ventures.

2.DigitalLiteracyCourses

ThecompanyoffersaninsightfulcourseonIntroduction toRecentDigitalApplications,designedtoenhance business,management,financialreporting,andstrategic planningcapabilities.Thesecoursesnotonlycover essentialtechnicalskillsbutalsoemphasizethe developmentofrelevantsoftskillsnecessaryfor promotingdigitalinclusionintheeconomy.Notably, digitalfinancialmasterytakescenterstageinthese comprehensivetrainingprograms.

3.LeadershipandBusinessSimulation

Itisadynamicleadershiptrainingprogramthatleverages digitaltoolstodevelopessentialskills.Participants engageinactivitiesthatassessteaminteractivityand exploredifferentprofessionalpersonalities.Withastrong focusonwomenempowermentandyouthleadership,this programhighlightstheirsignificanceaskeycomponents. Throughinteractivesimulations,aspiringentrepreneurs gainvaluableexperienceandpreparethemselvesforthe challengescommonlyencounteredbySMEs.

WhatFutureHolds

DigitalExcellenceBridgeispoisedforanexcitingfuture,with planstoexpandandenhanceitsservices.Alongsideitscurrent offerings,thecompanyenvisionsprovidingworkshopsand trainingsessionsthatutilizecutting-edgeEdTechtools,creating immersivelearningexperiences.

Inaddition,thecompanyaimstobolsteritsonlinepresenceby offeringcoachingsessions,grantingindividualsconvenient accesstoexpertguidanceandsubject-specificresources.Itis committedtosupportingstartupsthroughouttheirjourney.

Italsoextendsitsadvisoryservicestoencompasscrucial aspectssuchasfundingstrategies,marketingtechniques,and branddevelopment.Withthesefutureplansinmotion,Digital ExcellenceBridgeissteadfastinitscommitmentto empoweringindividualsandbusinesseswiththenecessary skillsandknowledgeforlong-termsuccess.

WordoftheWise

Entrepreneursare change-makers,andtheir businessesareconsidered thebackboneofthe economy!So“Goforit, justmakesureyouhave theknow-howyouneed ineachstep”

10 Facts about & things to do on your visit

ThereismoretoSwitzerlandthanicymountainsanddelicious chocolates.TakeChapelBridge,forexample.Namedafterthe nearbySt.PeterChapel,thebridgeisoneoftheMajortourist attractionsinLucerneCity.ItisSwitzerland’soneoftheoldest woodenbridgesthatconnectstheoldtowntothenewtown.

Asyouarestrollingthebridge,onethingthatinstantlycatchesyour eyesarethehistoricalpaintingsfromthe17thcentury,astheygive youaquickglimpseintothehistoryofthebridge.

Asmallpartofthebridge’shistoryalsoincludestragedies.Amajor onewasthe1993firethatdestroyedthebridgeanditsvaluable belongingssuchasthepaintings.Whiletheincidenthurtitslegacy, italsocaughtmajorattentionfromtouristsglobally.Butshouldyou reallyvisitit?Let’sfindout.

HistoricalSignificance

TherichhistoryofChapelBridgecanbetracedbacktothe14th century.Thebridgewasbuiltin1360andremainsthelongest survivingtrussbridgeintheworld.Surprisingly,amajorlandmark ofthebridge,thewatertowerisevenolderthanthebridgeitselfand wasbuilt30yearsbeforetheChapelBridge.

Thewatertowerwasusedasaprisonandatorturechamberbefore gettingusedasthetown’streasuryandmunicipalarchive.Currently, althoughyoucanwitnessthewatertoweronyourvisittothebridge, youcan’tenteritasitisclosedtothepublic.

10 Facts about Chapel Bridge

Architecture

Thebridgeisfamousforitsbeautifullycrafted woodenarchitectureanddistinctcoveredstyle.

OldestCoveredWoodenBridge

TheChapelistheworld’soldestcovered woodenbridge. TheBridgeUsedtobeLonger

So,howlongisthechapelbridge?Well,atthe start,thebridgewas270meterslong.Later,the numberofshorteningsandbankreplenishments madeadifferenceandithasnowbecome204.7 meterslong.

ThePaintings

Thehistoricpaintingswerepaintedonspruce woodenboardsduringthecounter-reformation ofthe17thcenturybytheartistHansHeinrich Wägmann.

SponsorofPaintings

Thepaintingsweresponsoredbythecity councilmembers,whoaftersponsoringapanel wereallowedtoattributetheircoatofarmstoit. Tounderstandthepaintingsbetter,onecan alwaysrefertotheexplanationsprintedbelow thepainting.

ChapelBridgeFire

Themidnightfiretragedyburnedmorethan two-thirdsofthepaintings.While47total paintingswerecollected,only30were completelyrestored.

OtherRestorations

Afterthefire,onlythepillars,bridgeheads,and thewatertowercouldbesaved.Ittookawhole yearfortheentirebridgetogetcompletely restored.

MostPicturesque

ChapelBridgeinLucerneisthemost photographeddestination,adoredbyboth touristsandlocals.

KeepinganEyeonthePaintings

Toprotectthepaintingsfromtheftand vandalism,thecityemployedawatchmanin 1726.Thiswasaftersomeincidentswhere peoplevisitedthebridgeatmidnightandtried todamagethepaintings.

It’sa1/3WoodenBridgeinthecity

That’sright.TheChapelisnottheonlywooden bridgeinLucerne,it’soneofthethreebridges. Onebridgewasa14th-centuryHofbrücke,and theotheristhe16th-centurySpreuerbrücke. WhiletheHofbrückewasdestroyed,theother tworemaintothisday

TopSightsinChapelBridge

HerearethetopsightstovisitinLucerneonyourtrip:

1.SwissMuseumofTransport

OpenedinJuly1959,themuseumshowcasesavarietyoftransportmodessuchastrains,ships, automobiles,andaircrafts.Inaddition,themuseumalsohasalargecollectionofworkbyHansErni,a localpainterandsculptor.

2.Spreuerbrücke

PreviouslyknownasMühlenbrücke,Spreuerbrückeisoneofthetwowoodencoveredbridgesin Lucerne.ItwasinitiallybuilttoconnectmillsontherightsideoftheReusswiththeonesatthecenterof theriver.

3.LucerneCultureandCongressCentre

TheLucerneCultureandCongressCentrebuilding,alongwithitsconcerthalliswellknownforitshigh levelofacousticabilities.ThecreditforthearchitecturalworkgoestoJeanNouvel.Thecentrewas inauguratedin1998withaconcertoftheBerlinPhilharmonicOrchestradirectedbyClaudioAbbado.

4.LionMonument

LionMonumentisoneofthemostfamousmonumentsinSwitzerlandsituatedonahilloutsidetheold city.ThemonumentcommemoratestheSwissGuardswhowerekilledin1792duringtheFrench Revolution.Inrecenttimes,themonumenthasalsobeenatthecenterofcontroversies,forvaried reasons.

5.ChurchofSt.Leodegar

FromSwitzerland’sRenaissanceperiod,thechurchofSt.Leodegarisoneoftheprimeexamplesof Churchbuilding.However,itwasn’tbuiltinoneattempt.Thechurchwasconstructedinpartsfrom1633 to1639,anditisoneofthefewchurchesbuiltduringtheThirtyYearsWaronthenorthernAlps.

8 Dishes You Must Try in Lucerne

1.CheeseFondue

Youcan’ttalkaboutSwissfoodwithoutmentioningfondue.Thedishis madewithmeltedGruyereandEmmentalCheesesandservedinahot potoverasmallflameandsavoredwithbreadsandveggiesofdifferent sorts.DuringthecoldweatherofSwitzerland,thedishprovidesmuchneededwarmth.

2.Alplermagronen

ThedishisalsoknownasanAlpineMacaroniorHerdsman’sMacaroni andincludesingredientssuchascheesesauce,choppedpotatoes,bacon, caramelizedonionsandapples,andofcourse,macaroni.Intheearly days,Alplermagronenwasoriginallycookedwithingredientsthatwere availabletotheherdsmenwholookedafterthealpinepastures.

HeissiMerroni

ThedishisessentiallyhotRoastedChestnuts,anditisexclusively availableinthewinterseason.YouwillfindHeissiMerronipacketsbeing soldinthestandsnearthechapelbridgeandalsoinotherplacesin Lucerne.

Ifyou’reapotatolover,thenyoumustcheckoutthisdishRosti.This sidedishismadewithgratedpotatoesthatareshapedlikepancakesand furtherpan-friedtoacrispfinish.Peopleusuallypairitupwithcheese, onions,andfriedeggs.

3.

4.Rosti

5.Chügelipastete

ThishistoricalmeatpieisafamousdishofLucernethathasbeen savoredsincethe18thcentury.Itcontainsornate,apuffypastryfilled withcreamysauce,vealandsausagemeat,andmushrooms.Ideally,the dishisconsumedascomfortfoodandcanbeeasilyfoundinmost restaurantsinLucerne.

6.ZuppaDiZucca

ZuppaDiZuccaisapumpkinsoupperfectforthechillywinterweather. IfyouarelookingtotryoutsomelocaldishesofLucerne,thenputthis onyourprioritylist.Thesoupisusuallyslurpedalongsidebaconand toast.

8.SwissChocolate

It’sagingerbreadcakeavailableatLucerne’sLakearea.Whatmakes LuzernerLebkuchen’sflavoruniqueistheuseofPearSyrup,overthe traditionallyusedingredientofhoney.Ifyou’reinthecityforyour Christmasholidays,thenthiscakeisamust-have.

Youdidn’tthinkthefoodsinSwitzerlandlistwasgoingtoendwithout theSwisschocolates,didyou?Theunwrittenrulesaysthatonemustnot leaveSwitzerlandwithoutyourfavoriteSwisschocolates.TheeverevolvingSwisschocolatesarefamousfortheirqualityanddistinct flavorsallaroundtheworld.

IsLucerneWorthVisiting?

WhileChapelBridgeasthemostattractivetouristdestination,thecityofLucernealsohasotherthings fortheenjoymentofvisitors.Fromitsmountainsurroundingsorlakeviewstothelocalcuisineand historicmonuments,thecityexhibitsadistinctviberightatthecenterofSwitzerland,attractingtourists fromacrosstheglobe.

7.LuzernerLebkuchen

Founding

Evenwithallthelawsandrestrictions, theCannabisindustrycontinuesto flourishrapidlyacrosstheglobe.While Cannabishasbeenusedinthemedical fieldforyears,mostfieldsdon’thave thatluxury.Seeingthecontinuous growthoftheindustry,itisonly naturalthatbusinessesand entrepreneursareattractedtothe cannabisworld.

WhileseveralUSstateshavemade Cannabislegal,manybusinessesand entrepreneursstillstruggletoaccess safeandreliablecannabisservices. Althoughtheindustrysatonan estimatedvalueof$13.2billionin 2022,federally,itisstillcategorized alongsidethelikesofheroin,crystal meth,andotherSchedule1substances. Asaresult,businessesthatrakein largesumsofmoneythroughcannabisrelatedsalescannotusebanking servicesandhavetogothecashroute instead,puttingtheminatoughspot.

Noticingthelackofreliablebanking services,InfusedBankingcametolife. Today,througheducationandresearch, thebankaimstoguideentrepreneursor businessestounderstandtheintricacies ofthecannabisindustry,whilealso enablingthemtoaccessbeneficial informationeasily

Initslatestissue, The Most Influential Women Leaders To Watch In 2023, CIOWomenhasfeatured,Erin O’Donnell(FoundingPartnerof

EInfusedBanking).Belowaresomeof thesnippetsfromthefascinating conversation.

1.Whatinspiredyoutodirectyour journeyinthisparticularfield?

I’vealwaysbeenpassionateabout creatingmemorableexperiencesfor people.Asaprofessionalevent planner,I’veseenfirsthandhow technologyhastransformedtheevents industryoverthepastfewyears. Virtualevents,inparticular,havebeen game-changers.They’vemadeevents moreaccessiblebyeliminating geographicalbarriers,allowingpeople fromallaroundtheglobeto participate.Thismeanswecanreach morediverseaudiencesandcreatetruly globalexperiences.

2.Howdifficultweretheinitial years?Stateafewchallengesyou faced.

Theinitialyearswerecertainlytough. Bootstrappingabusiness(wejust celebrated11yearsin2023)requiresa lotofhardworkanddedication,and beingasinglemotheraddedtothe challenge.Ihadtobalancemytime andenergyinbetweennurturingmy childrenandgrowingthebusiness fromthegroundup.

Thereweresleeplessnightsandlong hours,butIwasdeterminedtosucceed asbothamotherandanentrepreneur.I liketothinkthesetwothingsare similar,IworkedthewayIdidtotake careofmykids.Workingfromhome gavemetheflexibilitytobehomewith mykidsafterschool,whichmeansa lottomelookingback.

3.Pleasewalkusthroughyour professionalbackground.

IamtheFoundingPartnerofInfused Banking,Co-FounderofBankersHub, andCo-FounderandformerCEOof Bankerstuffoverseesproduct

innovationandeducation.Ihaveover 30yearsofexperienceinstrategic eventmanagement,specializingin technologyandonlinedeliveryof content.BankersHubofferseducation andcertificationinthebanking industryandlaunchedtheindustry’s firstcertificationforCannabis Banking.

Previously,Ico-foundedBankerstuff, anonlineportalofbankingeducation andinformation,wherewelaunched thebankingindustry’sfirstvirtual conferenceandexpoandservedasthe CEO.Ifrequentlyspeakatindustry conferencesonplanningvirtual events,includinglive-streaming eventsandwebinars.Ihavealsobeen afeaturedkeynotespeakeronthe topicoftheimportanceofsocial mediainfinancialservices.

Inthelate1990s,duringthe “dot.com”boom,IworkedinSan FranciscoforVentureOneCorporation (nowownedbyDowJones)whereI wasresponsibleforcreatingand leadingthecompany’sevents department.AtVentureOne,Iwas responsiblefortheP&Loftheevents businesswhichIgrewfrominception intomorethan25%oftheoverall corporaterevenueforVentureOne.

PriortoVentureOne,Iworkedinthe renewableenergyindustry,creating industryeventsforTechnology TransitionCorporationinWashington, DC,focusingonthescalabilityand growthofthePhotovoltaic,FuelCell, andHydrogenPowerIndustries.Ialso workedwithrenownedGeophysicist, Dr.GordonMacDonald,atthethink tank“InstituteonGlobalConflictand Cooperation”attheUniversityof California(SanDiego)foundedby HerbertYork,whereIplanned conferencesforgovernmentofficials, scientists,andacademics.

IamaCannabisBankingProfessional

(CBP),acertifiedDigitalEvent Strategist(DES),andaCertified MeetingManager(CMM).Ialsohold aB.S.inMarketing/Business AdministrationfromBloomsburg UniversityinPennsylvania

4.Withtheyearsofexpertiseyou bringtothetable,whatareyour futureplans?

I’mreallyexcitedaboutthefutureand thepotentialopportunitiesinthe cannabisindustry.Oneareathathas myattentioniscannabisbanking.As theindustrycontinuestogrow,thereis avitalneedforlegitimateandsecure bankingsolutionsthatcatertocannabis businesses,whichstillfacemany financialchallengesduetothelegal complexitiessurroundingtheindustry.

Asthecannabisindustrycontinuesto expandandevolve,thereisagrowing needforeducationandresources. InfusedBankinghascreateda comprehensivelearningplatformthat bringstogetherprofessionals, researchers,andenthusiastsfrom acrosstheentireindustry.Ourplatform offersacentralizedhubforknowledge sharing,networking,andcollaboration.

5.Awordforbudding entrepreneurs?

Ialwaysgivethesameadvice,because Itrulybelieveithasbeencriticaltomy success.Donothirefriendsorpeople whothinklikeyou.Hiresomeonewho pushesbackandchallengesideas, especiallyyours.Mybusinesspartners andIareverydifferent,butweshare thesameworkethicanddesiretomake thecompanythebestitcanbe.

6.Ifyourlifestorywasabook,what woulditbecalled,andwhy?

“ZeroSumGame”becausebeingan entrepreneurisaboutbalancinggains andlossestostayafloat.Itrequiresa lotofflexibilityandthingsoftendon’t

gothewayyouhope.Youhaveto evaluatelossesandmistakesquickly andmoveon.

7.Howhasyoureducationhelpedyou toshapeyourenterprise?

That’sathought-provokingquestion,I attendedcollegeatatimebeforethe internet,email,socialmedia,and widespreaduseofcomputers.Over time,Ihaveadaptedandembracedthe latesttechnologicaladvancementswith enthusiasm.Additionally,mycollege yearspredatetheubiquityofcell phones,whichfosteredadifferentmode ofinterpersonalinteraction.Iconsider myselffortunatetohavestrucka balancebetweenharnessingtechnology andmaintainingstrongpeopleskills.

8.Howhaveyourpersonallife experiencesinfluencedthe entrepreneurinyou?

Ibelievethatourexperiencesshapeour perspectivesanddriveourdecisionmaking.AsImoveforwardwith InfusedBanking,Iwillcontinueto drawonthelessonsI’velearned throughoutmylife,bothasasingle motherandasanentrepreneur.My fatherwasahighschoolEnglishteacher whoworkedthreejobstokeepour familygoing.Hetaughtmethe importanceofperseverance,creativity, andastrongworkethic.Ilearnedfrom thebestandI’dbehonoredifmykids learnedfromme.

9.Lookingback,whatadvicewould yougivetoyouryoungerself?

IfIcouldsharesomewisdomwithmy youngerself,thereareafewkeypieces ofadviceIwouldoffer

First,Iwouldemphasizetheimportance ofbelievinginyourselfandyour capabilities.Self-confidenceandtrustin yourownabilitiesarecrucialfor overcomingchallengesandachieving success.

Secondly,I’dencouragemy youngerselftoseekout mentorshipandsupportfrom others.Buildingastrongnetwork ofmentorsandsupporterscan provideinvaluableguidance, encouragement,and opportunities.It’simportantto rememberthatyoudon’thaveto navigateyourjourneyalone.

Next,I’dadvisemyyoungerself toprioritizeself-careand maintainahealthywork-life balance.Asasinglemotherand entrepreneur,it’seasytoget caughtupinthedemandsofboth roles.Buttakingtimefor yourself,settingboundaries,and focusingonyourwell-beingis essentialforlong-termsuccess andhappiness.

Finally,I’dtellmyyoungerself toembracechangeandbeopen tonewexperiences.Theworldis constantlyevolving,andbeing adaptableisakeytraitforany successfulentrepreneur.Keepan openmind,staycurious,and don’tbeafraidtotakerisks.

10.Whatwastheonepieceof advicethathashadanimpact onyourleadership?

Onepieceofadvicethattruly resonatedwithmeandhasmade alastingimpactis“Don’tbe afraidofmakingamistake”.This advicehasbeentransformativeto mebecauseit’shelpedme embracechallengesandapproach setbackswithamoreconstructive mindset.Insteadoffearing failure,Inowviewitasa steppingstonetosuccess.By learningfrommymistakesand applyingthoselessonstofuture endeavors,I’vebeenabletogrow bothpersonallyand professionally

11.Whenwasthecompany incepted?

InfusedBankingwasinceptedin2022 withthemissiontohelpbankers navigatethecomplexlandscapeofthe cannabisindustrybyensuring compliancethrougheducation, research,andexpertwitnessservices. Recognizingtheuniquechallengesand legalintricaciesthatfinancial institutionsfaceinthisrapidlygrowing sector,InfusedBankingprovides comprehensiveresourcesand specializedguidancetoempower banksandotherfinancialentitiesto operatesafelyandconfidentlywithin thecannabismarketwhileadheringto allrelevantregulations.

12.Whatwereyourinitialchallenges andhowdidyoupaveyourway throughthose?

Initsearlystages,InfusedBanking facedseveralchallenges,including navigatingtherapidlychanginglegal landscape,establishingcredibility,and gainingthetrustoffinancial institutionsinahighlyregulatedand oftenstigmatizedindustry.Our companysuccessfullyovercamethese hurdlesbyconsistentlydeliveringup-

to-date,accurate,andreliable informationthroughin-depthresearch andcollaborationwithindustry experts.Bydevelopingtargeted educationalprogramsandresources, InfusedBankingdemonstratesits commitmenttoaddressingtheunique needsoffinancialinstitutionsinthe cannabisspace.

13.Whatwasthevisionofyour companywhenyoustarted?

TheinitialvisionofInfusedBanking wastorevolutionizetheonline cannabisbankingindustrybycreating asecure,transparent,andcompliant financialecosystemtailoredtothe uniqueneedsofcannabis-related businesses.Recognizingtheexisting gapsandchallengesfacedbyboth financialinstitutionsandcannabis businesses,InfusedBankingaimedto provideacomprehensiveplatformthat wouldfacilitateseamlesstransactions, promoteregulatorycompliance,and fostergreatercollaborationbetween thebankingsectorandtheburgeoning cannabisindustry.

Byfocusingoneducation,research, andexpertguidance,InfusedBanking soughttobreakdownbarriers,dispel

misconceptions,andultimately contributetotheestablishmentofa moreinclusiveandsustainable financiallandscapeforthecannabis sector

14.Howwouldyoufurtheryour services?

InfusedBankingplanstobroadenits scopeofservicesbyextendingits expertisebeyondthebankingsector andofferingtrainingtocannabisrelatedbusinessesonadiverserange ofprofessionaltopics.Byleveraging theirindustryknowledgeand experience,thecompanyaimsto providecomprehensiveeducational programsandresourcestohelp cannabisbusinessesnavigatethe complexitiesoftheirindustry, includingregulatorycompliance, financialmanagement,marketing strategies,andoperationalbest practices.Thisexpansionofservices reflectsInfusedBanking’s commitmenttofosteringthegrowth anddevelopmentofthecannabis industryasawhole,empowering businessestooperatemore efficiently,responsibly,and successfullyinanincreasingly competitivemarket.