CXO Magazine – July 2023 – Inspiring CXOs of the Year – 2023

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VISIONARY TRAILBLAZERS: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF INSPIRING CXOS

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, the role of a CXO extends beyond traditional responsibilities. These exceptional individuals possess the remarkable ability to envision the future, drive change, and foster innovation within their organizations. They are not only adept at navigating challenges but also instill a sense of purpose and motivation in their teams, propelling them toward success.

Welcome to the latest edition of CXO Magazine, where we bring you stories of visionaries who are shaping the business landscape with their exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication. In this issue, we delve into the world of inspiring Chief Executive Officers (CXOs) who epitomize the essence of true leadership.

Through our in-depth interviews and profiles, we aim to shed light on the extraordinary journeys of these business leaders. Their stories are a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence, their unwavering commitment to their organizations, and their ability to adapt to an ever-changing landscape.

From disrupting established industries to spearheading groundbreaking initiatives, these CXOs inspire us all. Their visionary thinking and willingness to take risks set them apart, while their dedication to making a lasting impact on their respective industries is truly remarkable.

On the cover, we feature Igor Zijan, the Founder and CEO of System Of All LLC, an exceptional leader who has left an indelible mark on the business health and technology sectors. From the ground-breaking System Of All token SALL and SALL1 to the innovative System Of All multi-sig wallet, Igor has continuously demonstrated his knack for creating products that revolutionize the industry.

As you read through these stories, we hope you feel inspired by the unwavering determination and relentless drive of these CXOs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the featured business leaders for sharing their invaluable insights and experiences. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration, reminding us that leadership is not just about titles but about creating a positive and lasting impact.

We hope this edition of our magazine leaves you feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to embark on your own journey toward success.

Sarath Shyam

IGOR ZIJAN

FOUNDER AND CEO OF SYSTEM OF ALL LLC

REDEFINING INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP IN THE BUSINESS HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY SECTORS

Making an Impact on Society through Technology Leadership

20

Making a Transformative Impact by Revolutionizing Workplace Environments

28

Nabeel Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer, Mahmood

44 Hugo Cheuk, Co-Founder & COO, viAct, Hong Kong

Ms. Julie Young, Vice President, Education Outreach & Student Services, Arizona State University & Managing Director, ASU Prep Academy & ASU Prep Digital Creating Seamless K-20 Pathways

IGOR ZIJAN

REDEFINING INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP IN THE BUSINESS HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY SECTORS

FOUNDER AND CEO OF SYSTEM OF ALL LLC

In the world of entrepreneurship, there are few individuals who possess the vision, drive, and innovation to make a lasting impact. Igor Zijan, the Founder and CEO of System Of All LLC, is undoubtedly one of those exceptional leaders who has left an indelible mark on the business health and technology sectors.

With a relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Igor has transformed System Of All LLC into a powerhouse specializing in consulting, research, and development. Under his visionary leadership, the company has become synonymous with cutting-edge solutions and strategic thinking.

Igor's portfolio of successful ventures speaks volumes about his ability to identify opportunities and turn them into thriving enterprises. From the groundbreaking System Of All token SALL and SALL1 to the innovative System Of All multi-sig wallet, Igor has continuously demonstrated his knack for creating products that revolutionize the industry. And his latest endeavor, the upcoming 3D NFT Collection, The King Of Elites Club, promises to redefine the concept of digital art. Beyond the boardroom, Igor's influence has garnered widespread recognition and admiration. He has received personal thank-you letters from the White House and President Biden, a testament to his exceptional achievements and dedication. The US government's highest honors bestowed upon him on multiple occasions further solidified his status as a global leader.

Igor's trailblazing efforts have not gone unnoticed by the international community. His outstanding leadership in the health industry earned him the prestigious Health

2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award in Dubai 2022 and the esteemed Health 2.0 Visionaries

Award in Las Vegas 2023. These accolades recognize his invaluable contributions to shaping the future of healthcare.

As an entrepreneur and visionary, Igor's impact extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. He has graced the covers

From the groundbreaking System Of All token SALL and SALL1 to the innovative System Of All multi-sig wallet, Igor has continuously demonstrated his knack for creating products that revolutionize the industry

of Brainz Magazine and the Gold Edition of "Who's Who of the Industries 2023," showcasing his status as one of the world's foremost leaders. Furthermore, his inclusion in the Brain CREA 500 and receipt of the Global HEaL Award 2023 solidify his position among the elite.

A Journey of Inspiration and Innovation

Igor embarked on a remarkable journey from an early age, driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence. His exceptional achievements were honored with a prestigious award for special accomplishments by the European Business

School. Igor's remarkable feat of completing his Economics degree in just 16 months, surpassing numerous exams, stands as a testament to his dedication and unwavering determination.

"As a child, I aspired to become a global entrepreneur," Igor reflects, drawing inspiration from his observations and surroundings. "Studying the actions of successful global leaders, I sought to emulate their path to success." This led Igor to establish System of All LLC, a dynamic company dedicated to addressing complex life problems through innovative solutions.

At the heart of Igor's mission was challenging the limitations imposed on free expression through the human-machine interface. He tackled this issue head-on, developing a groundbreaking solution that has now been enacted as the Havana Syndrome Act in the United States. "I was driven by a desire to empower individuals and provide them with a voice," Igor explains. "It is disheartening to witness people being silenced by scientifically unsupported definitions of behavioral differences. I decided to fight against it and emerge victorious."

Undeterred by his achievements, Igor and his team are now determined to expand the impact of their revolutionary solution globally. Their vision encompasses not only the European Parliament and European Commission but also extends to Switzerland, Russia, Asia, India, and the entirety of South America. "We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of every individual," Igor emphasizes, highlighting the broader scope of System of All LLC's operations.

Triumphing over Adversity as a Visionary CEO

The path to becoming the Founder and CEO of System of All LLC was a challenging journey for

System Of All LLC is currently engaged in several projects, with a strong focus on ensuring the high security of its utility token SALL

Igor. Born in Slovenia, where human, economic, and political conditions were far from ideal, Igor realized that he would need to relocate to fulfill his entrepreneurial aspirations. However, even after moving, he encountered significant obstacles caused by the government and its employees, who sought personal gain at the expense of his projects.

Facing relentless challenges, including project piracy and aggressive behavior from government entities, Igor remained determined and resilient. He actively engaged with NATO, seeking sanctions against human rights violations, but unfortunately, the desired outcome was not achieved. Instead, his projects were borrowed, with the government of Slovenia providing protection from prosecution. This modern crime challenge, named Project Pirating, highlighted the hurdles many companies face in protecting their intellectual property.

Amidst these trials, Igor did not just grapple with the question of acceptance from the likes of the U.S. Senate; he also faced extreme aggression and unwanted obstacles, even in the midst of countries like Switzerland, Great Britain, the EU, and the USA. Nevertheless, he remained consistent, unwavering, and resolute in his mission. "I went through a nightmare, but I refused to give up," Igor explains. "I have always approached problems head-on and aimed to solve them not only for myself but for the entire world."

Taking the highest possible risk, Igor embarked on a journey that he believes has ultimately succeeded. As System of All LLC continues to evolve, Igor’s vision centers on establishing a modern, transparent society with freedom of speech, freedom of awareness, and freedom of thought. Despite the adversity he faced, Igor's unwavering determination and commitment to solving global challenges have propelled him forward.

Overcoming Challenges and Garnering Support for Global Transformation

Reflecting on the unexpected but gratifying recognition received from President Biden, Igor expresses his journey and persistence in advocating for change. Since the start of the Trump administration, Igor has been actively engaged with the White House and the United States Department, aligning with their initiatives and proposing his project.

However, he encountered significant resistance, particularly from the Slovenian government, despite his lack of connection or residency in Slovenia. The government's interference, fueled by their influence in NATO, Switzerland, and international organizations, caused considerable damage, yet these details remain undisclosed for now.

"I believe in the power of change, and my journey has been fueled by persistence and a vision for a better world," says Igor. Recognizing the need for global change, Igor did not rely solely on Trump's support. Instead, he approached the United States as a whole, hoping Trump would champion the initiative due to the country's strength and cultural appeal. When the administration transitioned to President Biden, Igor was uncertain about the future. Fortunately, President Biden acknowledged and understood the positive impact of his initiative, leading to significant developments.

In September 2021, the United States Senate passed the Havana Syndrome Act, and in November 2021, Igor received his first thankyou letter from President Biden. The momentum continued, with a second thank-you letter arriving in February 2022.

While other administrations, including Trump, Obama, Clinton, and Bush, were likely aware of the background events tied to

Igor's initiative, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of change. His aim is to gather representatives from various countries and organizations, including G9 or G12, Asian countries, Russia, India, Africa, South and Central America, and Canada. Transparency and control within intelligence environments are crucial, ensuring the prevention of systemic misconduct such as sexual assault, pedophilia, and harassment.

"I started this project with a deep conviction to shed light on the truth and provide a voice to those suffering from the effects of mind-reading technology," pinpoints Igor. Throughout his project, Igor encountered disbelief and denial from various institutions and professionals. From hospitals to law enforcement agencies, many were unwilling to acknowledge the existence and consequences of mind-reading devices. Despite presenting concrete evidence, such as videos and research from renowned institutions, Igor witnessed the catastrophic effects of denial on those in need of help.

Igor says, “It was disheartening to witness highly respected professionals dismiss the evidence and continue to deny the existence of mind-reading technology, even when faced with irrefutable proof."

Undeterred by the challenges, Igor tirelessly pursued justice by reaching out to government agencies, international organizations, and intelligence departments worldwide. From the United States to Europe, and Asia to Africa, Igor's initiative gained recognition and support. He firmly believed that protecting humanity's intellectuality and recognizing the value of every individual was crucial for the advancement of society.

While acknowledging the benefits of human-machine technology, Igor emphasized the need for responsible development and control. He stressed that a higher ethical approach and self-perception were necessary to establish a harmonious human-machine interface. Igor envisioned a world where the boundaries between humans and machines were transcended, leading to unprecedented advancements in healthcare and other industries. "With great technological advancements comes an even greater responsibility to redefine our relationship with machines and ensure the preservation of human values. We must build a new contract to guide our path forward,” opines Igor.

Token SALL: A Paradigm of Quality, Security, and Profitability

Igor was unwavering in his pursuit of creating a token that excelled in quality, security, and profitability. Drawing inspiration from market dynamics and witnessing the rise and fall of various tokens, Igor and his team embarked on a meticulous analysis to identify the key factors that contributed to success or failure.

"We knew that developing just another token wouldn't be enough," Igor explains. "We aimed to craft a token that not only maximized profits but also minimized losses during challenging market conditions." This led to the development of the groundbreaking SALL token, employing a split contract logic that prioritized safety against booting and cyber threats. To safeguard against control takeovers, robust security features were implemented, ensuring the token remained resilient against

manipulation by large buyers. Furthermore, the token's functions were carefully fine-tuned to prevent booting, while an additional feature was incorporated to minimize the impact of partial supply sales on the token's price.

As Igor further elucidates, "We recognized the importance of addressing the security concerns that plague the industry." In response, the team focused on developing the SALL multi-sig wallet, poised to revolutionize the field. "We are proud to introduce the world's first wallet that offers over fifty private keys per user," Igor reveals. This pioneering solution not only ensures heightened security for individual users but also caters to the needs of large corporations, delivering unrivaled protection and flexibility.

Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the market, Igor emphasizes the significance of timing in investment decisions. "To succeed, one must carefully choose the right moment to enter or exit the market," he advises. While market fluctuations can pose challenges, Igor believes that SALL's low fees present an enticing opportunity for secure long-term holdings as well as daily trading activities.

Combining SALL's enhanced security measures with the forthcoming multi-sig wallet, investors can expect a level of protection and adaptability that exceeds industry standards. "Our commitment to delivering the best token on the market, coupled with robust security measures and a system designed for short-, mid-, and long-term profits, sets SALL apart," Igor affirms.

When it comes to token regulations, Igor emphasizes ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and investor security. While traditional fiat currencies and stock investments have established regulations, the token landscape is still in its early stages of development.

"We are constantly working on compliance and regulations to provide a secure environment for ourselves and our investors," Igor explains. "We prioritize following requirements that protect us from fraud and illegal market speculations."

It is important to note that universal token regulations do not yet exist. Instead, regulations differ from one government to another. "We closely monitor government changes and adapt quickly to them. Our focus is on maintaining control and financial security, preventing fraud and crypto crimes, and protecting our wellintentioned investors." With a proactive approach to regulatory compliance, System of All LLC ensures that its operations align with the evolving landscape, safeguarding both the company and its valued investors from potential risks.

Advancing the Future of Tokens and Security

System Of All LLC is currently engaged in several projects, with a strong focus on ensuring the high security of its utility token SALL. According to Igor, this token plays a pivotal role in the future of their company and the global economy. Igor emphasizes the importance of data analysis in the token's development and the insights gained from analyzing other tokens on the market. He states, "The data analysis we conduct is critical for making informed decisions and shaping the future outcomes of our projects."

The team at System Of All LLC is known for its meticulous approach to analysis, going above and beyond what is expected. Igor believes that exceptional results can only be achieved by putting in the extra effort, stating, "We don't settle for average results; we love going the extra mile. That's where the real magic and fun happen."

In addition to the SALL token, System Of All LLC is working on other significant projects. They are preparing to introduce a new multi-sig wallet called SALL, which will offer advanced security features. Igor highlights the importance of this wallet, stating, "For many companies, both governmental and private, including banks, having a multi-sig wallet with the capability of more than fifty private keys is a great security advantage."

Another exciting project from System Of All LLC is the upcoming NFT collection called 'The King Of Elites Club.' Igor explains the concept behind this collection, saying, "Our aim is to present a 3D collection of the highest quality. The term 'elites' represents individuals who embody excellence, success, and distinction in their respective fields."

System Of All LLC is driven by its commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering outstanding projects. Igor expresses their dedication, saying, "We believe in the pursuit of excellence and the belief that hard work is the foundation of true success."

Fostering Growth and Personal Development

In his pursuit of knowledge and problemsolving, Igor recognizes that there are long miles to walk before becoming knowledgeable about detecting problems and delivering the right solutions. He says, “I firmly believe that there are no shortcuts to acquiring knowledge and finding effective solutions. It requires walking long miles and developing patience, consistency, and a distinctive approach.”

Igor's passion for knowledge, problem-solving, and creating environments that promote individual and organizational development drives his work at System Of All LLC

Igor finds pharmaceutical and biotech environments particularly appealing, as they align with his work style and vision. However, he acknowledges that there is still ample room for improvement within these highly regulated sectors. He holds the belief that System of All

LLC and its associated organizations should treat people and their investments with the same level of care and attention.

Taking a holistic approach to building organizations, Igor sees them as environments for personal, professional, and mental growth. Just as one's home or school can foster growth, Igor believes that organizations should stimulate individual and organizational development. He is determined to create an environment that empowers individuals to be their best, as he believes in the profound impact of personal growth and confidence on both individuals and humanity as a whole.

Not only does Igor dedicate himself to the growth of his organizations, but he also invests significant time in his personal development. Recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence, social intelligence, and adaptability, he believes that honing these skills enables individuals to better understand the world and effectively navigate personal circumstances. "I reject the notion that genetics solely define us. It is through our environment, both micro and macro that we learn behaviors and shape our potential. This belief extends to our organization, where I encourage personal and collective achievements," pinpoints Igor.

Igor's story is one of continuous growth, both personally and professionally. His passion for knowledge, problem-solving, and creating environments that promote individual and organizational development drives his work at System Of All LLC. With his unwavering commitment to fostering growth, Igor envisions a future where individuals reach their full potential and organizations prioritize the well-being and growth of their members.

Creating Seamless K-20 Pathways

Julie Young is a visionary CEO, educator, and entrepreneur. As VP of Educational Outreach and Student Services for Arizona State University and Managing Director of ASU Prep Academy, Julie’s role is to create seamless K-20 pathways. She was founder of Florida Virtual School, the world’s first state-wide virtual school and one of the largest K-12 online providers. Julie graduated from the University of South Florida, M. Ed, and the University of Kentucky, BA. She is also a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Magazine, Ms. Young shared her insights on the transformation of K12 education landscape over the last 5 years, current roles and responsibilities as the VP of Education Outreach & Student Services at Arizona State University, personal leadership style, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.

Julie Young Vice President, Education Outreach & Student Services, Arizona State University & Managing Director, ASU Prep Academy & ASU Prep Digital

Ms.

How has the K12 education landscape transformed over the last five years and where is it heading now?

I don’t think anyone can deny the impact that the pandemic had on the rate and trajectory of change and innovation in education. There has been a rapid adoption of digital tools, online learning platforms, and educational apps. This has allowed for personalized learning experiences, expanded access to resources, and increased collaboration among students and teachers.

Certainly, there is a greater awareness of digital learning in general. That’s a positive. But because the pivot to a “remote learning” environment was conducted almost overnight, the quality of the student experience was all over the map—and much of it was negative. At the same time, many parents and teachers, perhaps for the first time, saw the potential of digitally supported learning environments in their ability to provide a more 1:1 learning experience. This is especially true for students who were lucky enough to pivot to an online experience that was already designed as such. At ASU Prep, for example, because we already had an established and well-designed online learning program in place, complete with the requisite systems, content, and even instructional models to effectively support students, our transition to online learning was seamless. That’s how it should be for all students.

Since the pandemic, we have seen increased interest from families in creative learning models that leverage technology to offer more personalization and flexibility. At ASU Prep, many, but certainly not all, students opted to remain as fully online students after they had the option to return to physical classrooms. We

are also seeing increased demand for students who want both—a hybrid of online and faceto-face learning. Some students want to come to school at least one day per week, while others want a more even split between online and onsite learning.

Technologically, we’ve had the capability of providing hybrid learning models for a long time. For the first time, though, families are asking for microschools, learning pods, and hybrid learning environments. This demand will increase because it meets many students’ dual needs for flexibility and focused support. It also meets family needs for choices, and even industry needs for models that can be shaped around specific learning themes to prepare for college and career.

The importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) has gained significant recognition in recent years. Schools now emphasize the development of students' emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, resilience, and well-being. SEL programs are being integrated into curricula to support students' mental health, foster empathy, and cultivate positive relationships. I would expect the focus on SEL will only increase, as educators recognize how crucial it is in students realizing success and overall health and well-being.

Finally, I’m pleased to see that traditional standardized testing as the main measure of student achievement is changing. Educators and policymakers are exploring different assessment approaches that provide a more complete evaluation of students' skills, knowledge, and abilities. Performance-based assessments, portfolios, and project-based evaluations are becoming more popular. There

has been a growing trend among colleges and universities to drop or modify the ACT and SAT requirements for college admissions with an increasing number of institutions implementing test-optional or test-flexible policies. Students are allowed to focus on their extracurricular activities, special

Ms. Young, can you brief us about your professional background and areas of interest?

I began my career as an elementary teacher and followed the traditional path of progressing to various administrative roles. In fact, as early as I can remember, I used to play “school” with my friends, and I was always the teacher. I had an opportunity in the 90s to lead a tech initiative between IBM and the Fort Myers, FL school district, where I was working at the time. It was all about integrating technology into the classroom to improve reading outcomes, and I found I had a true love for this work and a knack for pioneering new learning models.

Schools now emphasize the development of students' emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, resilience, and well-being

interests, past work experience or letters of recommendation and choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. This represents a trend for schools to be deliberate about focusing on the whole child/person.

A few years later, I was approached by the Orange County school superintendent in Orlando about leading a grant-funded initiative to experiment with offering online courses to high school students. At the time, “distance learning” was not widespread and much of what was available was more about translating the classroom experience via satellite or online. Too often, it was nothing more than notes or textbooks on a screen. There hadn’t really been a systemic “rethink” of how online learning could or should be designed around the needs of the student, using technology as a tool.

A “redesign” was exactly what I had the opportunity to do, and that is the charge I gave to my earliest leadership team. I kept asking, “If we could design school around the needs of the student instead of the other way around, what would that look like?” That question, along with the work of so many who worked out the practical implications on a daily basis, led to many of the innovations you see today.

The importance of socialemotional learning (SEL) has gained significant recognition in recent years.

For example, the fact that an expert teacher in physics, who happens to live in Florida, can leverage her years of experience and expertise to work with students in Arizona—and vice versa—came from those like us who worked through the politics and design challenges to make it happen. Students gained access to expertise, quality content, college pathways and college-related content, and to 1:1 guidance and coaching. They gained flexible pacing, digital tools like online dictionaries and translators, and, as in the case of ASU, even access to college faculty and courses.

I left that grant-funded program in Florida, which began with just 77 students, and by 2014 was known as Florida Virtual School, a vehicle for many “firsts” in education: first state-wide, public virtual school district; first school to provide a way for teachers to share expertise across district and even state lines; first to eliminate the barriers of place and time; first to offer “rolling enrollment” options that maximize pacing flexibility; first to implement a performance pay mechanism – and many more. We were serving over 2 million students by the time I left.

Today, at ASU Prep, I’ve been charged with scaling ASU Prep’s K-20 vision, where students can access and begin their college experience as soon as they are ready. We are taking full advantage of the mandate ASU has given us to create new learning models while also raising the level of achievement for all students. ASU Prep Academy launched in 2009 and grew a network of Arizonabased charter schools over the next eight years. Since establishing these successful community schools, growth and demand have

been exponential. In 2017, after launching our fully online program, ASU Prep Digital, online student enrollments grew from just 19 full-time students to 153 students and 3 graduates in the first year. Fast forward to 2022-2023, and we served more than 6000 students and graduated over 500! Beyond student growth, though, is the relentless commitment to continuous improvement of learning environments for the sake of students. How can we open more doors and support students ever more effectively in their learning journeys? That’s what drives us onward.

Tell us about your roles and responsibilities as the Vice President of Education Outreach & Student Services at Arizona State University.

My role at ASU is to provide oversight and direction for the K-12 arm of the university, as realized through ASU Prep. I am both a listener and advisor. I listen to the vision of the university, the programs that are available or under development, and the strategy of the President, Michael Crow, and I look for synergies in our K-12 programming. I am an advisor in that I am continually bringing feedback from our day-to-day experience to the university so that we can collectively find ways to open more doors to more students for a quality college education. My feedback to the university comes from practical, onthe-ground daily insights of running our K-12 programming, which includes sitebased, hybrid, and online offerings that serve not only our own students, but also, through partnerships, students in schools and districts all over the country. I interact with

educational and policy leaders every day, and I bring feedback from those interactions to our own school leaders, to the university, and to educational leaders nationwide.

What are the most important recommendations you would like to drive home for administrators and leaders at other institutions regarding the integration of technology and education?

I think most leaders are past the point of denying the importance of preparing students to live in a tech-integrated world, but for any who are still in denial, I would challenge them to consider this: If you don’t prepare your students to manage technology, technology will manage them. They will be passengers versus drivers in their own learning journeys, and we will have done them a disservice.

For those who see the promise that technology offers, I would encourage them to not abdicate their responsibilities to ensure that tech-supported environments are truly designed around student needs. At one time, I was challenging the idea of a 10-month school year in an age where technology allowed students to attend school any time, any place, and any pace. Now, I find I also need to challenge us to take every shiny new technology that comes down the pike, and there are obviously many, and put each to the litmus test of student outcomes. How does this new thing truly move the needle for learning, skill building, increased competencies, and stronger soft skills? Is this new app or design truly facilitating outcomes, or is it actually a distraction? Does it accelerate the learning journey or does it get in the way? We can

never stop asking the questions, listening to our students and families, and taking the feedback to heart if we want to see this thing we call “school” be a place where kids thrive.

What are some of your greatest achievements in your career till date?

What makes them special?

I’m proud of what we were able to achieve not just related to the growth and influence of Florida Virtual School and ASU Prep Academy, but more importantly in terms of the impact on students. There was a time when a student who lived in a dysfunctional or failing school district had no other options but to “make do” in their assigned school. That is no longer true, and it gives me great satisfaction to know that families have choices they did not have before. The same is true for the students who, at one time, couldn’t access the same kinds of advanced learning opportunities as their counterparts in districts with greater resources.

One of my greatest achievements has been ‘saying yes’ and taking calculated and informed risks to pioneer new educational models which have improved outcomes for students everywhere. I pride myself on choosing great talent, putting the student at the center of our decisions, and knowing when to pivot. There are footprints of our work around the globe.

While I’m honored by the awards I have received from peers and from industry organizations, what I find most gratifying is watching students walk across a graduation stage and knowing that I had some part in their success. I still get chill bumps. Just to give you one example of many, we had a student who just graduated this May who has enough

college credits to enter ASU’s College of Engineering as a college senior - at the age of 18! He will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering with a focus in cyber security.

You have been a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions over the years. What is the secret mantra behind your success?

I love what I do. My work is my play, and my closest circle of friends have come from the workplace. I am extremely gratified by watching kids soar as they discover who they are and what they are capable of achieving. I also love solving problems, re-imagining systems, policies, and practices to better serve students and families. And I love putting teachers and leaders in a place where they are encouraged to bring their best ideas to the table in service of students. I get to do all of that, and most of the time, it doesn’t feel like work.

What advice would you give to aspiring edtech professionals?

Keep your focus on students. Enjoy all the fun and wonder of technology, but never forget that the student should be central to every decision we make. For teachers, remember that you are the most important component in a child’s learning experience – not the technology. For those who are designing next-generation learning environments, be sure your designs, whether a digital tool, a course, or even an entire program, truly support student outcomes and that they reflect the voice and needs of the students, families, and communities you are serving.

Making an Impact on Society through Technology Leadership

Nabeel Mahmood is a Technologist, Futurist, Board Member and a Keynote Speaker. His career is driven by one question – what’s next? He brings over 25 years of experience leading large-scale global technology organizations through seasons of explosive growth via M&A, global expansion, implementing new business models and technology innovation. His area of expertise includes leading organizations through transformation changes, connecting IT to the needs of the business, technology innovation, Big Data, Cloud, ERP, IoT, AI, ML, RPA, Mobility, and Data Centers.

Nabeel is passionate about the power of technology to deliver competitive and transformational change and the need to develop digital leadership that will create the enterprise of the future. He believes strongly in simplification, with a purpose.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Magazine, Nabeel shed light on the inspiration behind Nomad Futurist along with its mission and vision, the driving force behind his success, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.

Nabeel Mahmood

Chief Executive Officer, Mahmood

Nabeel, can you tell us about your professional background and areas of interest?

I am a true technologist and futurist at heart. I am a proven strategist, winsome communicator and leader with extraordinary vision and operational expertise within very large, complex organizations.

We are heading towards a data tsunami and human capital deficit. There is a lack of awareness of an industry that is shrouded in mystery

I am a strategic CEO identifying opportunities that are being underpinned by emerging technologies and an advisor to CTOs, CIOs, CFOs, and CEO across a number of industries. I serve on multiple boards of private and publicly traded companies including United Security Bank, SCB Global,

Nomad Futurist and Critical Ventures and I am a brand ambassador for Air2O and Tate.

What’s the story behind Nomad Futurist, why did you start the NonProfit? Tell us about the mission and vision of the company.

The Nomad Futurist foundation started as a Podcast and a media outreach platform in 2020 with the vision of raising awareness about the information technology sector and shine a light on these often-surprising journeys of leaders, propelled by passion and curiosity. Today, digital infrastructure education happens late in life in our industry – at best, some kids are exposed to the industry in high school. We realized that we need to change the paradigm and capture the interest of children – help them understand the space at an early age when they are like sponges and get them excited about digital infrastructure which led us to creating the Nomad Futurist Foundation.

There was a personal element involved in all this as well. Creating the Foundation was something near and dear to my heart and I realized that I have limited time on this planet. Some of you here have heard my story and I’m not going to relate it now but if you are interested, you can hear it on the July 11th 2021 Nomad Futurist Podcast — “Happy Birthday for the Third Time”. So, giving back is an important goal for us and our mission is to ignite a passion for the industry among younger generations. We want to raise awareness of the foundational digital infrastructure technologies and create a future pipeline of talent. The foundation’s key focus is on underserved communities — unlocking growth opportunities and career possibilities. We have started establishing dynamic collaborations with educators, NGOs, schools, trade schools,

colleges, and government agencies and are working hard to create a global ecosystem of technology champions.

Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. According to you, what is the real challenge right now?

The extraordinary magnitude of data collection, the exponential speed at which data is growing, and our increasing reliance on digital infrastructure. We are heading towards a data tsunami and human capital deficit. There is a lack of awareness of an industry that is shrouded in mystery. We need people, we do not have a sufficient talent pool to meet the accelerated demands and ensure the technology leadership of tomorrow.

How would you describe your approach to doing business?

We realized that we need to change the paradigm and capture the interest of children – help them understand the space at an early age when they are like sponges and get them excited about digital infrastructure which has led us to creating and launching our academy which will be FREE to everyone globally whilst developing scholarship and internship program. To this end, we want to work with as many organizations as possible globally. We want to continue to serve as a resource and aggregator for efforts at the local, regional and global levels — providing support, infrastrucure, resources, and guidance, so that everyone does not have to recreate the wheel.

What has been the driving force to get you where you are today?

The driving force behind my success has been my relentless determination to stay ahead of the curve.

As technology advances at an exponential rate, I have continuously sought out new opportunities to gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in order to better inform my perspectives on emerging technologies. My ability to look at the bigger picture while also paying close attention to detail has enabled me to develop nuanced views on how these cutting-edge tools can be applied across different sectors and industries. Furthermore, I am constantly challenging myself by exploring new ideas and reaching outside of my comfort zone in order to provide innovative solutions and drive positive change in our rapidly evolving world. With every step I take towards embracing a more techdriven tomorrow, I am becoming a more influential leader in the industry.

In addition to keeping up with technology advancements, I have always been passionate about making an impact on society. As a Nomad Futurist, I believe that it is our duty to help shape the future and create a better tomorrow. This means pushing boundaries and leveraging technology to come up with creative solutions that can empower people around the world. It also means staying informed and advocating for progress by engaging in conversations with peers

and experts alike. By taking actionable steps towards achieving these goals, I have grown as both a professional and individual. With this in mind, I strive to continue inspiring others to think innovatively about technology and use it to make our world a better place.

What advice do you wish you received when you started your business journey and what do you intend on improving in the next quarter?

I have been very fortunate to have built on the family, education, exposure and experiences, I have had over the years. Knowing what I know today and where I am at in my life, I wouldn’t want to change a thing ‘cause if I did; I wouldn’t be the same person I am today. However I would advise the younger generation to strive for success by channelling their passion and creative energy into tangible goals. This means having an entrepreneurial mindset by setting realistic, yet ambitious goals, and actively working towards them. It is important to remember that it takes hard work and dedication to bring these goals to fruition.

In addition, I would encourage younger generations to focus on continuous learning

We want to continue to serve as a resource and aggregator for efforts at the local, regional and global levels — providing support, infrastructure, resources, and guidance, so that everyone does not have to recreate the wheel

and development; this could mean enrolling in relevant courses or reading books related to their field of interest. Gaining a strong understanding of the industry will allow them to identify successful strategies that they can implement in their own journey.

Finally, it is essential to surround yourselves with mentors who have experience in the same field or expertise in business. These mentors can provide invaluable guidance along the way, such as offering direction when faced with challenges or connecting them with potential opportunities.

Looking ahead into the next quarter, I intend on slowing down just a little so that I can go faster in the future. It is important not to forget about yourself, family and friends whilst striving to make an impact. Furthermore I plan on speaking at more conferences and seminars related to innovation and technology. By doing so, I hope

to share insights on how we can leverage cuttingedge technologies like AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain Quantum computing.

Coming to the big question, what’s next for Nabeel?

Most of my time now is focusing on solving illiteracy and climate change and working on my non-profit.

What are some of your proudest achievements in career till date? What makes them special?

Achieving global recognition as a top influencer and leader in the industry, being invited to speak at conferences and forums across the world. My insights on trends in business have been featured in leading publications and being sought out for advice from start-ups and or F1000 enterprise or being asked to mentor.

Technology is constantly changing, and in order to stay relevant, it's important to stay informed about the latest developments and trends

However, the proudest achievement has been the ability to recover from multiple medical, personal and professional setbacks. The ability to be able to get back on my feet no matter how hard it is continues to give me the motivation to change and be the change agent.

What is something that you believe now that has never occurred to you previously?

Let the imperfection be the perfection. This is the only way we can challenge ourselves and strive for progress. To push the boundaries of what is possible and make our mark on the world. To embrace life fully, take risks, follow our passions, and live with purpose every day as if there was no tomorrow. And if tomorrow does come, then live again!

One piece of advice you would like to give to aspiring tech professionals. Strive for diversity in your knowledge and skills. Technology is constantly changing, and in order to stay relevant, it's important to stay informed about the latest developments and trends. Developing a strong base of knowledge across multiple disciplines can make you a valuable asset to any team or organization. Additionally, having a diverse set of experiences will also help you develop creative problem-solving skills that can help you solve complex problems quickly and efficiently. Lastly, take advantage of the available resources out there, such as online classes, forums, and conferences to ensure that your skills are up-to-date and competitive. By doing so, you can ensure that your career will be future-proofed and ready for whatever the future may bring.

Heightened Humancentric Risk Assurance in Digital Era

Jenny Tan is currently leading a global internal audit practice, including IT audit, with a global real estate cum fund management MNC. Outside of work, Jenny volunteers heavily in the technology community space where she actively promotes technology (including cyber) awareness and adoption to both the business and IT professionals and organisations. She is currently the President of ISACA SG Chapter. She is the winner in 2022 Top Woman in Security (SG & Asean), 2022 Women Program of the Year Award (Asia), 2021 Women in IT Outstanding Contribution Award (Asia) and 2021 SG 100 Women in Tech recipient. She has also received the Top 20 Cybersecurity Women in Singapore, 2020 award.

Tan Head, Group Internal Audit, CapitaLand Investment Group & President, ISACA SG Chapter

Jenny

With the lightning speed of technology and digital development, human-centric risk assurance should take priority in all business aspects. To the contrary of what most management and organisations are thinking that technology &/or post digitalization, risk management can be replaced by automation, I offer different opinion on this matter. Granted that technology and automation can greatly complement risk management effort, they are not full-proof. In this article, I hope to share some of my views to offer some help to organisations when they consider enhancing their risk management. And the

best value of adopting or adapting some of my recommendations requires zero external costs.

Despite the hot topics about machines/ technology replacing human effort, everyone should take a deep breath, keep cool and step back to “truly see” the “digital landscape” holistically. Human resources design, develop, implement and use these digital and technological solutions. Hence, there are talks about bias and ethics when rolling out the solutions and there is negligence when using the solutions. The technology itself has nothing to be blamed. So, when one performs risk assessment, regardless of technology

Despite the hot topics about machines/ technology replacing human effort, everyone should take a deep breath, keep cool and step back to “truly see” the “digital landscape” holistically

applied &/or deployed, human-centric risk-based controls cannot be ignored. By the way, processes are initiated and effected by human resources.

Let us understand the simple humancentric risk assurance components that I’ve conceptualized:

Regardless of which component, the underlying issue across all components is that everyone, other than risk & compliance professionals, does not acknowledge that they are not aware of or not receptive to risk management. These groups of people would assume that risk management is not their responsibility, these are the responsibilities of risk & compliance professionals. They have also stereotyped that risk management slows down their functional delivery. Hence, when each group of people carries out their responsibilities, only functional efficiency and effectiveness are considered. Risks have never been incorporated in their discussions and project designs.

Developers

- IT (including Vendors)

&/or Citizens: There has been a great promotion several years back about “Controls by Design” and “Security by Design”. These are approaches that developers can adopt to ensure vulnerabilities and risks can be mitigated prior to roll-out. It is too costly to perform damage control post implementation. Unfortunately, many developers were not given the opportunity for technology risks training. This becomes evident when auditors talk to the developers. To make matters worse, digital tools available allow organisations to push for citizens developers to encourage innovation and to control the developer’s talent crunch.

The design and implementation risks of such digital tools roll-out heightened as citizens developers are not trained to design, develop and implement solutions properly. Audit has also discovered many issues relating to this matter and of the many issues I’ve observed, the key concern is that IT department was not aware of such developments in the various business units. IT department will not be able to govern when they are not aware of the existence of such projects.

Recommendation 1-2-3: (1) Establish a project governance process across all organizational business units and that all projects, regardless IT or Business Unit driven and zero cost or more, have to be registered with the Project Office prior any project procurement convenes. (2) Ensure mandatory targeted project training, including essential targeted ethics & security training, was received by the project design & development team members prior project commencement.

(3) Establish a policy about information security that no approved freeware can be used for corporate projects.

Testers - IT &/or Business Users:

Many testing audits noted poor test plans and test cases were used. The test plans and test cases were not complete, not co-designed by business users and testers were not properly trained to perform the tests. If the project is IT vendor led, most of the time vendors want to close the projects quickly and will push for test cases that may be “favorable” to their products to ensure a “pass”.

Recommendation 1-2-3: (1) Ensure the project plan has a proper testing phase that

includes training the testers and test case design effort. (2) Ensure that the component of system testing versus functional testing versus user designed test cases versus vendor-provided test cases are not skewed e.g., 25% across and not 90% vendor-provided test cases. (3) Ensure that regardless of methodology applied, relevant

training is provided, and documentation maintained i.e. scrum methodology versus conventional software development life cycle will have different expectations. Tweak the test approach accordingly and not “skip” it.

Users - Internal vs External: Data protection is key to users of any digital and

technology solutions. The treatment of data and information should be classified and educated to all internal users. Internal users need to appreciate that corporate and personal information have to be managed with care and will face different consequences when leaked. The users involved in the leakage (and usually the negligence of the users) will have to be held accountable. Who can have access to the corporate and personal information have to be scoped out accordingly too.

Recommendation 1-2-3: (1) Establish a data usage and protection policy and ensure awareness provided to all internal users. Ensure vendors and external users have read your policy and acknowledge adherence and responsibilities accordingly. (2) Conduct crisis management simulation &/or training to internal users using data leakage scenarios and explicitly outline the sanction policy on such matters. (3) Verify your external users/ vendors control environmental strengths periodically.

Governors - Board/ Management:

It is not enough to only talk about risks and whether they are controlled at reasonably acceptable level at risk committee meetings. Risk management has to be a strategy that goes hand-in-hand with all other business strategies. When risk management is incorporated in the DNA of an organization, it is no longer a perceived roadblock, it boosts outcome. There are many research conducted that agree that deploying risk management as a strategy will lead to positive business performance. Unfortunately, many Boards and Management Teams do not acknowledge that their risk management knowledge and risk responsibilities are lacking in some areas. The reality is that organisations that have risk and audit teams have much smaller teams as compared to business units’ staffing. This is logical understanding too. Hence, all the more for Boards and Management Teams to be prorisk (beyond only financial risks focused) and incorporate risk management as a culture in all business dealings. In this way, risk and audit professionals can play their business partnering roles better and more effectively.

With encouraged employees’ creative way of working and work flexibility, sometimes, the gray area has widened, and this will cause organizational damages in many different ways

As outlined above, everything revolves around human resources. Training is key but many training are not effective as they are not right fit to the objectives that the trainees have been expecting or expected to have to fulfil their tasks. And many trainees do not appreciate the training received and hence never apply the relevant knowledge at work, leading to repeated audit issues noted. In addition, the recommendations listed above may seem easy to achieve but in reality, it is very challenging to execute them right.

Regardless of what your organization is deploying cloud, artificial intelligence or internet of things solutions, the above-mentioned are still valid. With technology, the impact of breaches can be fast and furious and can be escalated into crisis mode in a very short time. To stay resilient, your human resources have to be trained and prepared to act accordingly. Tools cannot make their own decisions. Hence, human-centric risk assurance maturity becomes critical.

And perhaps it is also the right time to make risk management a component of organizations’ balance scorecards. The scorecard should not be the number of audit issues considered as this drives negative auditees behaviour. I suggest perhaps consider the scorecard from a collaborative effort perspective e.g., number of risk-related training hours clocked, risk team invited to at least 20% of project discussion, audit team invited to perform readiness review of a key process, etc.

I will strongly recommend any organization in this digital era to (re) emphasize human-centric risk assurance effort, especially starting with hiring right and (re) starting the Code of Ethics awareness training programme. With encouraged employees’ creative way of working and work flexibility, sometimes, the gray area has widened, and this will cause organizational damages in many different ways. I am confident that should this concept and recommendations of mine be implemented right, fulfilling ESG & Sustainability mandates become natural and the incremental effort minimal.

With technology, the impact of breaches can be fast and furious and can be escalated into crisis mode in a very short time

Making a Transformative Impact by Revolutionizing Workplace Environments

Hugo Cheuk is the COO and Co-Founder of viAct. He is a building engineer with a master’s degree in business administration. He has 10+ years of experience in marketing strategy and brand development as a serial entrepreneur and community builder. Before starting his AI journey at viAct, he had been the head of business development at Shiseido, HK where he was in charge of channel strategies and corporate partnership. Earlier Hugo have also owned a profitable engineering company. Hugo currently has extraordinary contribution in positioning viAct as one of the most renowned AI companies in Asia & beyond.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Magazine, Hugo shared his insights on how AI is revolutionizing the construction industry, his role as the Co-Founder & COO at viAct, success mantra, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.

Hugo Cheuk

Co-Founder & COO, viAct, Hong Kong

In what ways is AI revolutionizing the construction industry?

The construction industry, though ranked as the world's second largest sector after finance, remains prominently reliant on labourintensive practices and human involvement.

methodologies. Consequently, the increasing integration of human-robot interactions within construction sites is becoming increasingly apparent, with computer systems autonomously managing decision-making processes and on-site operations, thereby diminishing the commanding authority typically attributed to a project manager's directives.

According to you, what are the three most disruptive technologies that will be used in the future, especially in the construction industry?

viAct is a specialized entity catering specifically to the AEC industry, carefully delineated into three primary stages, namely: 1) design and planning, 2) production and construction, and 3) maintenance and operation. Within this sector, a plethora of emerging technologies are poised to make considerable inroads. From this vast array, I shall highlight three paramount contenders that possess the utmost significance in challenging the entrenched practices of the industry's time-honoured legacy.

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a novel concept, its fundamental principle of offering data-focused solutions driven by machine-based decision-making is profoundly challenging the established norms of traditional construction

Autonomous technology offers a direct remedy for the pressing concerns surrounding labour scarcity, human fallibility, and safety vulnerabilities within the industry. AI assumes a pivotal role in effecting a profound metamorphosis of the industry, transitioning it from mere digitalization to comprehensive automation. The maturation of generative AI holds the potential to disrupt established paradigms governing project design and optimize workflow dynamics, thus instigating a paradigm shift in the construction domain. The integration of ultra-fast data transmission technology has emerged as the

AI assumes a pivotal role in effecting a profound metamorphosis of the industry, transitioning it from mere digitalization to comprehensive automation

linchpin for interconnecting an expansive array of data sources. However, the challenges posed by extreme and remote environments have impeded the seamless adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and AI technologies. Despite their immense potential, the true extent of AI and IoT capabilities remains shrouded, awaiting full disclosure.

As data continues to proliferate across diverse networks in the comprehensive implementation of robotic systems, AI, and IoT devices to drive automation, the prevailing trend is a heightened emphasis on data encryption technology and an augmented awareness regarding the perils of cyberattacks. This growing recognition underscores the imperative to fortify security protocols governing the intricate flow of information, safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities that arise from extensive interconnectivity of these advanced technological frameworks.

What has been your biggest learning as a Chief Operating Officer over the last 12 months?

Cash, Cash & Cash! I believe, in this postCOVID and fundraising winter era, for every startup founders, the paramount importance of maintaining a sustainable cash flow cannot be overstated. In the past twelve months, startup fundraising activities have plummeted precipitously, surpassing a significant 100% reduction compared to previous years. The conventional paradigm of unbridled expenditure to propel growth no longer holds sway as the guiding principle for startups. Fortunately, our operational philosophy embodies the intrinsic value of cultivating a positive cash flow, which

holds an equivalent importance to fostering the incessant advancement of business growth.

Hugo, please tell us about yourself and your background. How did you get into the construction technology space? viAct's inception can be traced back to a poignant real-life anecdote that deeply affected me. During my tenure with a general contractor, I bore witness to a tragic incident involving the untimely demise of a subcontractor. The poignant nature of the situation was compounded by the fact that I engaged in daily conversations with the said subcontractor's boss, who sat in close proximity to me. The harrowing news of his demise reached me one morning at the site office; it was revealed that he had tragically fallen from a considerable height from a lift shaft after the conclusion of site operations.

Having graduated in Building Engineering and accumulated several years of industry experience following my academic pursuits, I have operated my own design and build a company before setting up viAct.

However, this sombre incident served as a catalyst, propelling me towards an exploration of the utilization of AI to prevent such fatalities and safeguard the lives of workers. AI, with its capacity for incessant site monitoring without the need for human intervention, emerged as the transformative technology capable of mitigating similar risks. Had such a system been available at the time, the AI could have alerted the subcontractor's boss, potentially averting the tragedy altogether, thus enabling him to continue contributing to the industry and sparing his family the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one.

Please brief us about viAct. What is the mission and vision of the company?

viAct is a company driven by a dual mission to combine vision and action. The name itself reflects the core values and aspirations of the organization. The first aspect of the vision pertains to the advanced technology of computer vision that viAct develops and believes in. This technology harnesses the power of AI to enable machines to understand and interpret visual data, thereby revolutionizing various industries and domains.

The second aspect of the vision embodies a proactive and results-oriented approach. viAct aims to go beyond mere conceptualization and actively implement practical solutions that create tangible impact. The company is dedicated to translating innovative ideas into actionable strategies and products that drive positive change.

Overall, the vision and mission of viAct converge in their pursuit of leveraging cuttingedge technology, particularly computer vision, to empower industries and organizations with transformative tools and insights. By combining visionary thinking with decisive action, viAct aims to propel the world towards a future marked by enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Could you elaborate a bit more on your role as the Co-Founder & COO at viAct? And what inspires you about this role?

Several years ago, my esteemed co-founder, Gary Ng, and I embarked on the establishment of viAct. Our bond is deeply rooted in a profound friendship that blossomed during our university days, where we demonstrated

a remarkable alignment of minds and shared ideals. While we bear the designations of work titles, these labels serve primarily as external formalities, as internally, the demarcation of roles is occasionally less defined. My professional journey, marked by a multidisciplinary background, has equipped me with a diverse skill set encompassing highlevel strategic planning, business development, and marketing acumen. As a result, my current endeavours within viAct predominantly revolve around these realms, where my focus seamlessly converges.

What has been your most careerdefining moment that you are proud of?

The auspicious juncture, as it stands, has not yet materialized, I think. Haha! Frankly, I had never given much thought to it since embarking upon my professional journey. Nevertheless, without a shadow of doubt, the present moment represents the pinnacle of my career achievements, evoking a profound sense of elation. I am unequivocally proud of the collective efforts of my team, comprising a dynamic assemblage of multicultural, young professionals. Despite grappling with an indeterminate and volatile market landscape, each individual exhibits an unwavering dedication, diligently confronting novel challenges with unwavering resolve, day in and day out.

What’s the best advice you have received in your career?

The best advisor in my life has perpetually been my mother, whose profound influence transcends her complete comprehension of

my professional pursuits. From an early age, she imparted a timeless wisdom upon me, emphasizing the paramount importance of treating individuals with utmost kindness and compassion within the context of our humancentric existence. This enduring philosophy has manifested itself in every facet of my endeavours, compelling me to consistently extend goodwill to customers, employees, and all stakeholders alike. While it is an unfortunate reality that individuals may occasionally exploit or harbour personal animosity, I remain steadfast in my conviction that such fleeting encounters bear little significance in the grand tapestry of a lifelong journey. Embracing the principle of treating people well has become the guiding principle anchoring my entire career trajectory, endowing me with a sense of tranquillity that permeates my nightly repose.

How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?

The mere act of engaging in specific endeavours to spur self-motivation holds little sway over my inner drive, as it is the market itself that serves as an incessant source of inspiration. Each day, my unwavering curiosity is fuelled by the profound desire to explore novel avenues wherein viAct can be seamlessly applied, with the overarching objective of enhancing jobsite safety. This pursuit has transcended a mere professional ambition, metamorphosing into a personal mission to actively empathize with our clients, diligently discerning their pain points and subsequently introducing our product as a means to effectively monitor riskprone areas. The unyielding aspiration to cultivate an environment devoid of hazards provides an intrinsic motivation that propels us to innovate ceaselessly, day in and day out.

Embracing the principle of treating people well has become the guiding principle anchoring my entire career trajectory, endowing me with a sense of tranquillity that permeates my nightly repose

With a resolute focus on creating a harmonious convergence of human capabilities and advanced technologies, I navigate the intricate landscape of operations with a steadfast resolve to forge a future that is both socially responsible and economically prosperous

to excellence, I strive to harness the power of technological innovation to revolutionize work environments. I firmly believe that our collective success lies in our ability to integrate cutting-edge AI solutions that not only enhance productivity but also prioritize the well-being and safety of every individual within the workplace. With a resolute focus on creating a harmonious convergence of human capabilities and advanced technologies, I navigate the intricate landscape of operations with a steadfast resolve to forge a future that is both socially responsible and economically prosperous.

What advice would you offer others looking to build their career in technology?

What mantra do you live by?

As a Co-founder and COO of an AI company dedicated to fostering safer, more efficient, and sustainable workplaces, the mantra by which I live is rooted in the pursuit of transformative impact. Guided by an unwavering commitment

To me, the realm of technology transcends the boundaries of a mere industry or career path; rather, it represents a paradigmatic shift in problem-solving and an unceasing drive to surpass the status quo. Regardless of its nomenclature, individuals immersed in this sector must cultivate an unwavering conviction in their endeavours and beliefs. The journey embarked upon is oftentimes solitary and arduous; yet fuelled by an unwavering resolve, one can continue to wear a smile even in the face of immense adversity. With conviction as the guiding force, one can transcend personal ego, make self-sacrifices to forge ahead, and continuously challenge every preconceived notion to achieve even greater excellence. The singular and ultimate objective remains crystal clear: to construct a solution that embodies an unwavering belief in one's ability to address a specific problem, surpassing any competitor in the pursuit of that noble goal.

A Partnership Between Teacher and Technology

Andrew Pass is the founder of A Pass Educational Group, LLC. With 2,400 associates, A Pass works with organizations to develop content. A Pass designs courses, writes assessment questions, correlates instruction to assets, has a world language department, and more. The company works with all levels, from pre-kindergarten to corporate. Under Mr. Pass’s leadership, A Pass Educational Group, LLC has grown into a multi-million-dollar business.

Web 4.0, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence have radically transformed parts of our world. Many professionals are nervous as to what this means for future employment opportunities. This includes hundreds of thousands of teachers. Many teachers worry that if students can easily access high quality individualized instruction via technology the teachers’ own roles will become significantly limited. As technology advances, this worry may become more profound. However, eliminating the teacher's role would be detrimental to society. In fact, teachers have never had a more important role to play than they have today. Within their classrooms and even online virtual courses, teachers must break through the technological worlds all people occupy and build the world of humanity - an authentic world of humanity.

Like all technologies, learning technology will continue to advance. Educational technology will know many things about each student such as how they ingest information and how they think about it. Using this knowledge, this technology will have the ability to present content in just the right way for each individual student. This technology will know the ideal media in which to present content and the best activities that students should complete to most effectively master it. In essence, every student will have his own personal learning program.

While students will greatly benefit from enhanced educational technology that provides learning experiences that best meet learning needs it is important to remember what is behind this technology - zeros and ones. Zeros and ones are the building blocks of computer code. They do not provide authenticity. Computer technology does not have the empathy and humanity that

Computer technology does not have the empathy and humanity that people have, so while there are great aspects of the highest quality educational technology it also has weaknesses

people have, so while there are great aspects of the highest quality educational technology it also has weaknesses.

No human teacher, working with twenty-five or thirty students at a time, could ever develop personalized learning paths for each student on a continual basis. This is not a criticism of teachers. Rather, it is an acceptance of reality. Teachers could not possibly develop many different lesson plans for every day of the school year, even if this was the only thing that they had to do. But of course, it would never be their only responsibility.

As technology further develops, all teachers will need to recognize that they are not a 'sage on the stage." The teacher's job will not be to transmit information to students. Nor will they even need to be the knowledge authority in the classroom. Rather, the teacher will represent a far more experienced member of the learning community, learning and interacting with the students and encouraging cognitive and emotional growth.

Many years ago, as a young teacher, I recognized the best teachers in the schools within which I worked. I made it a habit of asking them what made them such great teachers. Amazingly, every one of them had the same answer, "I love my students." The best teachers listen to their students, not because they have to but because they want to. The best teachers engage in informal conversation with their students because they find it fulfilling. Students in the best teachers' classroom know that they matter as people, not because the teacher says "you matter" but because the teacher shows, you matter.

In her workspace, the classroom, the teacher will demonstrate that the classroom is first and foremost a community of people. Every single person, every single student, is a unique

individual who is the person they are because of their unique biological nature and set of experiences, or stories. The teacher remembers that the person who brings about world peace will have a teacher. The person who invents the cure for blindness will have a teacher. Every person who makes this world a better place will have a teacher. People do these great things not because of the information that teachers promote but because of the habits of heart that teachers stimulate.

Imagine a classroom built upon authenticity. All students would know that they matter to at least one person, the teacher. This classroom will quickly become a warmer, safer environment in which students feel comfortable taking risks, an important component of an authentic learning process. An environment of caring will also spread amongst the students. The classroom culture will be infused with a spirit of respect amongst all. This respect, authenticity, and safety will lead to the greatest opportunity for high quality academic success when combined with educational technology that enables individualized instruction.

In the year 2000, I taught a pre-service teacher education course at a major university. One day I invited a state department of education official to speak to my students. She explained that people should not enter teaching because they love working with students. They should enter teaching to transmit knowledge to students. In 2000, this might have been true. As technology advances we will not need teachers to transmit knowledge. Technology will do that well. We need teachers to love students, honor students, and provide a trusting and authentic learning environment. Technology will never do this.

I-Robots versus Human Reactors

Dr. Lady Kendal Jaggar – known in the industry as LKJ is an advocate for Mental Health Awareness and Well Being. LKJ strives for excellence as a Freelance Current Affairs News Reporter, Travel Journalist, Travel Writer, Published Author and World Critic. She is an honorary doctor in psychology, also certified in many fields including Criminal Procedures, Criminology, Advance Criminology, Forensic Science & Profiling, Forensic Psychology, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Tort Law, Wills & Probate Law, Family Law. She has been awarded with numerous awards around the globe including “Top Successful Women Leaders in the World - Guinness Book of Records 2023. LKJ was also awarded The Most Inspirational Women of The Earth By IIU World Education. She is a highly academic who uses her ability to reach out and help another human being

Dr. Lady Kendal Jaggar

Presenter, Author, & International Keynote Speaker

We know as the human race we are always looking for innovations, we are constantly searching the unknown. As we head now further into Artificial Intelligence are we now delving too far into technology? Are we playing with the hands of god! Are we delving into an area of the universe that should be left alone, or are we right to search for the help of robots to help humans achieve our daily challenges we face?

We are as humans uncertain about robots, but this doesn't mean we can avoid this fact — robots are better than humans at certain tasks.

Do you believe this is a good thing! Many still question the amount of power we are placing into the hands of artificial intelligence.

The question still lay on our lips should we embrace the tasks and challenges that humans are just not great at by placing the control over to the robot. Will we reap the rewards and benefits as it helps us to get the most from our valuable human workers, therefore trusting the IROBOT.

Which tasks are humans better at?

Which tasks are robots better at?

The argument is that WEB 3 is what WEB 2 didn’t finish i.e., the internet. They weigh to conclusions based on when you understand the strengths of both robots and human workers, you can maximize your company's output and make your workers happier in the process.

However, do we apply a law of the land to I-Robots, Artificial Intelligence and the

A robot can’t hurt or allow harm to any human no matter what just cause or defense, it is a mechanical device it does not have the natural human reactor, no matter how much they are trained by the human

Metaverse - A policing and criminal court the same as we do the human race?

Should the code of practice be written with the strict rules i.e.

A robot can’t hurt or allow harm to any human no matter what just cause or defense, it is a mechanical device it does not have the natural human reactor, no matter how much they are trained by the human.

Robots must always obey the human commands (without contradicting the first law) any written formal law as the coding law, also underwritten that all employment laws. It's to be adhered to!

Robots are not covered under any form of equality disability or equality; they do not possess the same rights as a human.

Robots must preserve their own existence, unless it compromises the first law.

Do you believe they should have rights? Do you believe that robots will learn the natural human reactors by our teachings and their ability to learn everything from us and be like the wooden boy who wants to be a real boy!

"Are we creating ROBOTS with the correct personalities when we still haven’t understood fully why more and more HUMANS are suffering with Mental Health that hasn’t been treated yet due to pressure after Covid 19?

Personality traits are factors that can predict an individual's attitudes and by extension behaviour.

The Big Five personality traits consist of extraversion

agreeableness

conscientiousness

neuroticism, openness to experience.

Robots have become vital to the delivery of health care and their personalities are often important to understanding their effectiveness as health care providers.

There is a lack of a systematic overarching understanding of personality in health care human-robot interaction. This makes it difficult to understand what we know & do not know about the impact of personality in health care human-robot interaction.

COVID-19 outbreak has only exacerbated the demand for more health care workers, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for health care services was overwhelming. The mental health suffered was one no one could predict; we are humans & enjoy social interaction.

However, robots played a huge part during the pandemic conducting health screening, delivering goods & even patient care.

Are we seeing our health system now more reliant on Robots whereas humans our mental health is at its lowest & the immense pressure is too much for the human to take?

My question is as the robot learns from humans are they going to encounter personality disorders which will cause even more mental health trauma?

There are different types of personality disorder with different symptoms. All personality disorders affect how you think, feel and behave. The loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others. Who is taking care of the robot’s mental health if they are programmed to copy us?

As the brand ambassador Flosverse CIC I have seen how AI & the metaverse are

Robots have become vital to the delivery of health care and their personalities are often important to understanding their effectiveness as health care providers

contributing to this, robots can be a useful tool to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace. They are perception processing, attention allocation, anticipation, planning, complex motor coordination, reasoning about other agents and perhaps even about their own mental states.

However, we must understand In artificial intelligences, mental illnesses may similarly arise from conscious robots having adaptive or maladaptive responses to external exposure, or alternatively may suffer from these from their inherent human design.

So, I have my answer, robots will pick up any mental health issues as they learn more about us.

How many of us see our robot hoovers take us on, how many of us are using robots as a companion for loneliness?

AI cannot replace humans, we have human reactors that no robot can replace, we must not lose sight of the importance of the human race as we rely more heavily on AI.

We need to support & help the human race with mental health before we teach the robot the human reactor.