CXO Outlook – December 2022 – The 10 Most Inspiring Business Leaders - 2022

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Most Inspiring Business Leaders - 2022

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Building a Culture of Success

2022 is about to end, and we must admit that it was eventful. After the chaos of a global pandemic, many people returned to the office. For business leaders worldwide, it was a big lesson - that the traditional methodology of conducting operations may not work well in the future, and they must build a robust work culture within the organization to stay afloat. It was also an opportunity for them to reimagine and recreate modern culture by identifying the weak aspects that critically affected outcomes.

The watchwords of 2022 were Employee WellBeing and DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The quarantines and never-ending zoom meetings did inversely affect workers' mental health, forcing leaders to prioritize employee satisfaction and development. We saw companies taking measures such as flexible work hours, employee resource groups, and wellness programs to create a better work-life balance for those facing more pressure from home than before. With more humane leaders taking up the mantle or more leaders becoming

increasingly humane, the world of work was a better place in 2022. It was heartening to see companies committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

In this special year-end issue of CXO Outlook Magazine, we have identified the 10 Most Inspiring Business Leaders - 2022 who created a culture of success within the organization and helped their teams perform well in adverse situations. On the cover, we feature Greg Pritchard, Executive Business Coach, Leadership Trainer & Mentor, Speaker, Author, and Founder of LEAD N EDGE Consulting. He has led big teams, big projects, and big ideas, but as a social scientist - it is the role that people play in their own success is where he seeks to focus to increase their success. Enjoy Reading.

Sarath Shyam

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS COACH, LEADERSHIP TRAINER & MENTOR, SPEAKER, AUTHOR, AND FOUNDER OF LEAD N EDGE CONSULTING

UNDERSTANDING THE DEPTH OF TRUE LEADERSHIP

Mette Dyhrberg, Founder & CEO, Mymee Empowering People with Autoimmune Diseases to be Healthier & Lead Quality Lives

Carl Osborne, EHR Consultant and Creator of seeCOLe

Cort Twitty, Founder, Steele Institute

Manpreet

IN MY VIEW

LEADER'S

How Mentorship Can Help Women with Office Politics

Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis, President/CEO, Executive Women's Success Institute

How AI is Set to Transform the Workplace

Sparking Engaging Conversations with Industry Leaders to Create Value for the Supply Chain Community 26

Five Ways to Foster a Cybersecurity Work Culture

Mike Hendrickson, VP Tech & Dev Products, Skillsoft

58

Why Leveraging Data in the Digital Age is Crucial to Business Success

Rob Mobsby, Head of Digital, EverythingGlobal

How Women in Real Estate Can Overcome Challenges and Thrive

Meenakshi Jamwal, Founder, HOM-EASE Mortgage Consultants

IN MY VIEW

HOW MENTORSHIP CAN HELP WOMEN WITH OFFICE POLITICS

Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis, President/CEO, Executive Women's Success Institute

Office politics! That dreaded word that most women in the workplace do not want to utter or even want to believe exists.

Yet office politics are a fact of corporate life; the reality is that politics is how power is managed on a practical basis daily in the workplace. This power, however, can be used unfairly against women.

Women often tell me how their work life sucks because they must deal with manipulative and vindictive

coworkers or a manager who is deliberately mistreating and abusing his power against them even though they are excellent at their jobs. In cases when women decide to stand up for themselves and inform Human Resources (HR) hoping to bring some change to their situation, they find out that even HR do not believe them, and the manager is absolved of all wrongdoing. Women walk out of these meetings feeling confused, upset, and gaslit.

Being proud of your background and unique attributes will ensure continued growth. Recognition provides the opportunity to speak about and showcase our experiences as women exhibiting strength in the business world

Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis is President/CEO of the Executive Women’s Success Institute, a 22-year Army veteran, creator of the online course “Crack The Career Code: Unlock The Amazing Power Within To Lead With Confidence, Charisma, and Credibility”, host of the Success 4 Women Radio/TV Show, Career Strategist, International TEDx Speaker, International Bestselling Author, Trainer, and Business Consultant. She helps women progress in their career into upper management and executive level positions by providing them with a fast track, yet comprehensive toolkit of life skills and abilities. She also helps women who are transitioning out of the workplace into business entrepreneurship. Dr. Lewis has numerous awards and accolades. And…she was just selected for the 2022 Veteran Champions of the Year (VCOY)" in Corporate America" list. The 2022 VCOY Corporate list honors 30 champions who advocate for our nation's veterans in the civilian workforce. Her mission is to “Help Women Accelerate Their Path to Success.”

Let’s be honest here, it is not uncommon for bright smart, hard-working women to end up getting walked over, and beaten down. But you did not need me to tell you that, because as a woman trying to climb the corporate ladder, you have probably experienced that one too many times. And since business is about competition, your coworkers and managers are competing for budgets, opportunities, promotions, recognition, bigger salaries, and, of course, power.

Women often go to work with the mindset to refuse to play the political game, and instead focus on their jobs and work hard in the hopes of being noticed and rewarded for their efforts. Unfortunately, that is not the reality of the workforce, and because of this naivety, women often end up getting burned, some even end up at the therapist’s office or having to quit their job for their sanity and happiness.

According to a research report published by The Center for Work-Life Policy, in a recent survey, 68% of women office politics.

Mindset Shift

There is a definite need for a mindset change among women. Move from thinking about office politics as being sleazy to it

being a means to exert genuine influence and a tool for career advancement, an activity that requires a high degree of social astuteness, one that requires a good grasp of IQ and EQ.

How Women can Lean into Office Politics the Right Way

To win office politics, women need to first comprehend and accept that they will have to deal with office politics throughout their working years. This means that you can run but you won’t be able to hide. The best way is to lean into it and learn all about it so it won’t affect you. And here lies the problem, many women do not know how to do this on their own and thus stay stagnant in their careers.

What can Women do Women can seek support from other women who have successfully navigated the corporate world and reached the top in the form of mentorship. A female mentor can offer guidance and support to women less experienced with workplace politics. Mentors can teach women how to navigate the subtle wars happening in the office and provide inspiration and a different perspective. The idea is for the mentor to impart their knowledge and hard-learned lessons to help the mentee’s career.

How can Mentors help

Female executives know the game. They played it strategically and won. Having a woman who’s reached the

Women often go to work with the mindset to refuse to play the political game, and instead focus on their jobs and work hard in the hopes of being noticed and rewarded for their efforts

top of corporations help mentor you is thus extremely helpful. Here is what a mentor can teach you:

How to prepare: Office politics is especially tricky for women. 81% of women said that women are judged more harshly than men when they are seen as “engaging in corporate politics.” Thus women must prepare every day to handle their tasks, meetings and the criticism they will eventually receive.

Understanding the political landscape: Understand the details of the power structures in your organization. Connect with key influencers and focus your energy and efforts only on these relationships. Engage with these colleagues on a more personal level. Look for opportunities to go on luncheons, coffee breaks, and events with them. Send them birthday cards, celebrate anniversaries, and other personal milestones.

Why you should not gossip: Be tactful and do not engage in gossip at the workplace. Never engage in conversations that disparage other colleagues. It is toxic and will come back to haunt you.

Have allies: Allies will help you climb the corporate ladder, so have multiple allies. Your allies can give you advice, campaign for you during promotion meetings, etc.

Final Word

Office politics in the workplace will always exist so instead of sulking over it, it is time to think bigger about it. Women can accumulate influence and ascend in their careers with big, bold ideas. To ensure success in their career, women can seek coaching from established executives to think bigger, aim higher, and show up with confidence. Only by being truly self-confident can we influence others to follow us.

To win office politics, women need to first comprehend and accept that they will have to deal with office politics throughout their working years

SlimYoo slimyoo.com

Greg Pritchard

Headed by Greg Pritchard, Executive Business Coach, Leadership Trainer & Mentor, Speaker, Author and Social Scientist, LEAD N EDGE consulting is where practical experience meets human insight. As the Managing Director, Greg has led big teams, big projects, and big ideas but as a social scientist - it is the role that people play

in their own success is where he seeks to focus to increase their success.

Established in 2012, LEAD N EDGE has been engaging with leaders in business by teaching the behaviors that create success. Manager HR Magazine named LEAD N EDGE Consulting in the Top 20 Leadership Development Training / Coaching Companies in APAC – 2022. Besides, Greg has won multiple awards as a Director

Consultant in Business Network International (BNI) and within Australian Government agencies.

He is always expanding a positive and powerful influence. People are constantly amazed by his ability to think on multiple levels on any topic. In over 28 years as an executive leader, Greg has experienced the successes and challenges of managing people, implementing change, and delivering results. He has led thousands of

people through large restructuring and business transformation projects.

Greg says, “I have worked with government agencies, small and medium businesses, international fisheries, hospital and medical services, and other domestic and international organizations. I have contributed by being in person in 5 different countries. I have also contributed to a body of work including leadership behavioral training, social and emotional intelligence in leadership, growth, exit, succession, and business coaching to bring focus to strategy, goals, and profitable work, and facilitation of business processes to support change in strategies.”

Journey of a Business Leader

Greg’s early leadership roles were in sports and youth clubs. Before leading and training in a workplace, he was a sports captain and sports coach. Through sports, Greg learned that people will be remembered as leaders for how they show up. The same is true in business leadership where Greg became less focused on learning new material once he was satisfied that he had a unique and practical skillset that enabled him to engage any leader or business owner.

Greg believes titles mean less than relationships, followership, and team results. He claims, “When you achieve with others, relationships are built on purpose and for a purpose. Those insights apply to business and leadership as well.” Greg has worked in government and for many private business clients. The earliest business leadership challenges were about taking teams through organizational change, aligning leadership training and leadership expectations to prevailing challenges, and establishing new teams with a new purpose.

“Leadership is engaged action – you get the response you deserve. If leaders are

Staff and customers deserve the best leader their organization can get for them – leaders owe it to everyone to get better

not prepared to work for the future of their organization (and for results for customers), they should get out of the way and let someone else lead. Staff and customers deserve the best leader their organization can get for them – leaders owe it to everyone to get better,” Greg opines.

Uniqueness is What Makes You Special

After 28 years in executive leadership, Greg reflected on what he had done and whom he had helped. Greg counted over forty managers he felt he had directly influenced. Greg believed they were better, higher-paid managers/leaders –partly because of what they all had done together, and there were many more he had influenced positively. He has brought that perspective to LEAD N EDGE.

Greg says, “I had partnered on projects with some leaders and consultants who had stretched my thinking too and completed leadership and management assignments in property, leadership training, corporate services, program management, compliance, fraud, business process and organizational redesign, emergency management, and others.”

Greg learned that while getting results is essential, so is building relationships everywhere - because the perception of a result is as important as the result itself. When you positively influence people, you also influence politics, corporate memory, and opportunity.

Conquering all the Challenges

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. Greg says, “The solutions clients seek often fail to recognize the role the clients themselves play in their challenges. So, program design and how / when to

challenge leaders and business owners should be powerful, and timing is important. Mostly, I ask the most challenging questions after we have built some connection or relationship. A successful relationship can survive the truth.”

When they connect with clients on purpose, they uncover what is most important to them and what they are prepared to do (and not prepared to do) to achieve their desired results.

Greg says, “People at LEAD N EDGE believe Clients are not invested just because they pay a fee; clients are invested only when they contribute to the outcomes. So, the aim is for them to love the goals, the journey's challenge, and that they can celebrate results with their teams, and even their customers."

The key tools of inquiry for LEAD N EDGE are the Business Model Canvas, a selection of behavioral profiles, and a commitment to deep connection

Greg adds, “I take care to remember that the client is the expert in their own life. My expertise is in viewing their life and leadership differently and sharing insights or questions that might take their breath and change their thinking at first. Strategically sharing experiences about what fires the passion, thinking, or courage in others can open-up other possibilities for some.”

Understanding Your Clients

The key tools of inquiry for LEAD N EDGE are the Business Model Canvas, a selection of behavioral profiles, and a commitment to deep connection.

The whole LEAD N EDGE team seeks agreement on outcomes, agreement on process, and agreement to be flexible enough to respond to what arises within the engagement. They use over thirty established programs, then modify them to suit client needs. Program sources include Conversational Intelligence (C-IQ), Institute for Social + Emotional Intelligence (ISEI), the Center for Executive Coaching, and many others.

21st Century Leadership Thinking

When it comes to designing and training, the LEAD N EDGE team asks for or uncovers the skills/capabilities/behaviors that need to be developed for the challenging future ahead. Executive leaders today have different challenges from 20th Century leaders and managers.

New behavioral requirements (including cross-generational challenges) mean deepening their understanding of social structures is essential to drive future action. Diversity changes workplace conversations.

“We focus on leadership behaviors, social + emotional intelligence, conversational intelligence, and the team skills of leading change. Behavior, connection, and insight+adaptability will be the coaches of future relationships, while

Greg is currently involved in cooperative agreements with Australian and overseas training/coaching partners while working with other private clients in Australia for results like business growth, exit and succession, leadership development, and business coaching. In the coming year, Greg is expecting more leadership training engagements

risk, technology, and inclusion will compete on the pathways. What goes wrong will limit acceptance of what is right.” Greg adds.

Current working Involvements

Greg is currently involved in cooperative agreements with Australian and overseas training/coaching partners while working with other private clients in Australia for results like business growth, exit and succession, leadership development, and business coaching. In the coming year, Greg is expecting more leadership training engagements.

Greg says, “I am a Director Consultant in Brisbane Central for 3 Business Network International (BNI) Chapters and a member of the Worldwide Director Consultant Chapter that has membership across 6 continents. One power group we are developing has a membership of seven coaches in seven countries. We plan to develop more ways to cooperate and extend our reach and results.”

Most Successful Projects as a Facilitator

Greg has always enjoyed working in partnership with other talented people. He mentioned three of his projects: a) the restructuring of the service delivery arm of an Australian government agency; b) the examination of fraud risks and control structures in sickness / medical insurance in China; and c) working with the National Fishing Authority of Papua New Guinea to increase the capability of staff and ultimately revenue.

He shares, “In the PNG project, my task was to train and coach leaders while the principal project leader, Glenn Hurry of MRAG Asia Pacific, brokered new financial arrangements through international fishing agreements – a substantial benefit to the PNG government.”

Developing partnerships with other training and coaching development organizations is how they do business. LEAD N EDGE Consulting regularly partners with others to leverage capacity and skill sets for clients.

He further adds, “Well-designed training also gathers feedback on whether the training met the needs of the group being trained, but there are other observable in-training moments: engagement through questions; body language of participants; and something I have heard called ‘the eyebrow test.’ When leaders and managers hear something for the first time, they are not only lifting their heads and then writing things down but also lifting their eyebrows and asking even more questions.

Feedback at the end of a program is useful, but feedback during the program – especially engaged eyebrows tell you about the training experience and the impact you are having.”

Milestones as a Leadership Trainer

In Greg’s earlier years as a trainer, he was thinking about the content he was teaching, not content with the thinking he could be influencing. Greg tended to modify a course based on the previous group feedback rather than changing the experience for the new group as he responded to the group dynamics. Now Greg is more in the room and less in the content – he engages more, their team does more

activities, and it is more about the attendees and their experience.

Greg says, “The decision to become a coach was a milestone in itself – it was not my plan; it was suggested by leaders I had worked with who recognized the value in the mentoring work I was doing. I was a leader who was a mentor, and meeting coaches whose expertise was coaching, not leading, was interesting. I had to understand my place. When I heard Malcolm Gladwell’s definition of expertise 10,000 hours + of practice, I finally realized where I should niche – leadership behavior, change leadership, EQ, and other areas of my business expertise.”

He adds, “I do not expect to be offered work as a coach. I wish to be offered work because I can help solve business and leadership problems and have rich leadership experience. Now that I have 10,000+ hours running a coaching business, that hasn’t changed my view – I am a practical leader who can teach, coach, and model behavior. I will be hired for my lived leadership experience and the insights that might bring, not just because I can coach or train, it’s because that is how I like it.”

A Workday in the Life of a Leader

Greg does not work traditionally at all. He programs three full days and three half days weekly, although he has international connections - which means he might take meetings at strange hours once or twice a week. Greg’s typical day at work begins at 5:00 am, and he rarely works after 5:00 pm (apart from the meetings at strange hours).

Greg says, “I do my best work in the morning when I am fresh and usually go to bed early. I take a 1-2 hours break on my full business days. One of the benefits of collaborating with partners and support staff in other parts of the world is that I

can plan my time - including 8-9 hours of sleep most days and breaks for other planned activities. I schedule time (where I can) to complete work or review the work of others.”

He adds, “Mostly, I have limited a former tendency to overthink, overdesign and overextend myself in getting something right. The perfectionist trap can be limiting – I now like ‘excellent,’ and I know ‘really good’ more than meets most expectations. I am making them meet my expectations too.”

Leaders and coaches can create a lot of work for others too. Greg is conscious of that and plans to reduce the pressure on himself and others by being attuned to the impact Vs. the value of what he asks for. Mostly though, getting started early and planning effort opens- up time for new opportunities – he still plans to get better at that.

Advice for Other Business Executives

Words are powerful; they can prime others to trust and be inspired or hurt or damage a relationship. Human interaction does not require hierarchy. It requires engagement – that always means partnering is preferable to punishing, cooperation is preferable to coercion, and alignment is preferable to disagreement.

Greg’s advice, “Purpose and accountability can be revealed through conversation and facilitation. The executives who can engage, consult, and motivate in a multi-generational, diverse workplace can still expect behavioral standards – staff and customers deserve standards.”

“Belonging is important when we do not belong or believe, we leave – that is true of both staff and customers. Build a safe, exacting standards environment where staff and customers thrive,” Greg concludes.

LEADER IN FOCUS

SPARKING ENGAGING CONVERSATIONS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS TO CREATE VALUE FOR THE SUPPLY CHAIN COMMUNITY

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Founder, Let's Talk Supply Chain, Shipz, & Blended

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey is a logistics and supply chain expert, as seen on BBC World News, Inc Magazine, The New Yorker and Huffington Post. Sarah has reached over 50 million supply chain professionals through the Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast, her weekly live stream show “Thoughts and Coffee”, The Blended podcast and now The Blended Pledge.

Sarah boasts recognition as one of the Top Women in Supply Chain, 10 Most Admired Women in Business to Follow and Most Influential Leader in Supply Chain 2022. Her commitments have led her to instruct a LinkedIn Learning course called Fundamentals of Sustainable Supply Chains, where she walks you through how to make small, intentional changes. Through her passion for collaboration, sustainability, and diversity Sarah is the first ever supply chain podcaster ever to start a franchise. With a franchise in Asiapac and now setting her sights on Africa, Europe, and South America she is taking the brand global!

From thought-provoking questions, company deep dives to lively discussions and the celebration of real people’s industry success, Let’s Talk Supply Chain has been in front of brands like Dell, Lowes, and Netflix. But one podcast simply isn’t enough! Sarah also founded Women in Supply Chain which brings a breath of fresh air to logistics by highlighting the journeys and advice from women leaders and has furthered her passion for diversity and inclusion by founding Blended podcast to bring tough topics into the limelight, in order to create real change.

The team of CXO Outlook Magazine caught up with logistics and supply chain expert, Ms. Sarah BarnesHumphrey to know about her insights on the status and future of global supply chain management. She also spoke about the inspiration behind starting her Let's Talk Supply Chain podcast, the secret sauce behind her success, and a lot more. Following are the excerpts from the interview.

Be collaborative, openminded, and willing to learn. Above all, keep doing something small toward your dreams each and every day

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the global supply chains at an unprecedented speed and scale. What is the status of the global supply chain in 2022?

Right now, budgets are being cut but the community are consistently looking for solutions to supply chain problems so now is the time to stay in front of supply chain professionals. things are changing rapidly

According to you, which key areas should the supply chain leaders focus to thrive in this new normal. Be collaborative, open-minded, and willing to learn. Above all, keep doing something small toward your dreams each and every day.

What do you think will be the future of supply chain management?

Collaboration is truly the future of business. But without a safe space to share creative freedom to be able to go that extra mile, collaboration can’t exist.

Taking a trip down the memory lane, were there any life instances that led you to make a career in supply chain?

What is the one thing that kept you going during the hard times?

For 20 years I worked in the family business, I helped build it, give it life. Along the way I took risks, I succeeded, I failed, I learned, and I grew. Eventually, the family business fell apart and I was left with nothing. The plan I’d had for

my life, from as far back as I could remember, was over. I became obsessed with the supply chain and the belief that “collaboration is the future of business”, and we can all win together. I now run “Let's Talk Supply Chain (LTSC)” and it is the hottest supply chain podcast on the market. I have found my calling!

As the Founder & Treasurer of Blended, what does diversity and inclusion mean to you? How important is it to have those authentic conversations with people to create more acceptance across industries?

I empower people to be their authentic selves by giving them the space to make their own decisions and be heard. Collaboration is truly the future of business. But without a safe space to share creative freedom to be able to go that extra mile, collaboration can’t exist.

Collaboration is truly the future of business. But without a safe space to share creative freedom to be able to go that extra mile, collaboration can’t exist

What inspired you to start Let's Talk Supply Chain? What makes it unique?

I started the LTSC podcast because back in 2016. I thought it was a unique way to community brand value and brand story. In addition, I wanted to create a fun show highlighting cool stories about supply chain so I created Thoughts and Coffee, a weekly live show streamed across multiple social media platforms.

You are an award-winning leader, entrepreneur, host, and author. What is the secret sauce to your success? Making an impact, experiences, and happiness, money will come and go.

Having reached millions with your supply chain content, which things do you keep in mind while posting your daily supply chain, diversity & inclusion, and leadership content? Consistency is key. At LTSC, exclusivity, live shows, and DEI are a part of our future plans. We’re bringing diverse voices to the supply chain stage through another initiative called the Blended Pledge. You can expect the same great information we always bring but coming from some people you’d never expect. We’re excited to show everyone!

What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs looking to make a career in supply chain management?

First, be yourself, it's too hard to be someone else. Second, keep doing something towards your dreams every day. I’m not to say it will be easy, because it will be hard, but remember who you are, all the amazing things small and large you have accomplished, be flexible, work hard, and take some time for yourself.

METTE DYHRBERG

FOUNDER & CEO, MYMEE

Empowering People with Autoimmune Diseases to be Healthier & Lead Quality Lives

Mette Dyhrberg is the Founder & CEO of Mymee, a specialized care and support program for people with rheumatic autoimmune diseases and long COVID. She is a serial entrepreneur who has and continues to constantly challenge the status quo and push for more innovative ways to solve problems and seek solutions. Being brought up in Europe and living across the west and east coasts in the US has significantly influenced her leadership abilities. Mette is also a recognized

authority on autoimmune issues and regularly speaks on rethinking healthcare and autoimmunity at industry events.

The Making of an Entrepreneur

By age three, Mette was an entrepreneur in the making. At every turn, she looked for business opportunities, starting with charging her grandfather for lunches she “cooked” on a wooden toy stove. Understanding the importance of repeat customers, Mette even

Dyhrberg Founder & CEO, Mymee

The ultimate goal for Mymee is for our program to become standard care for rheumatologists as they help their patients. Of course, this is ambitious – but we believe it can happen

Mette

returned her grandfather’s coins ahead of his lunch purchase the next day.

In high school, Mette started a business by trying to figure out how to make international travel more affordable for her peers. Soon enough, she coordinated trips for her high school friends to different countries. She then delved into organizing large concerts from there.

During college, Mette sold her first company— a company where she realized she needed leadership experience to find employment after completing her degree. She built an early iteration of an on-demand home services company,

“matching” families with employees with the skills for the work required. The business’s framework was an earlier example of her use of “offline algorithms” – identifying patterns to solve problems – even pre-Mymee.

In the end, she sold the company, having grown it in size to 160 employees in just three years. After that, Mette went on to build numerous companies which made a meaningful impact on people's lives.

Taking Matters into Own Hands

At 14, Mette was first diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that grew to six autoimmune

disease diagnoses as the years progressed. It became evident that traditional healthcare had limited answers to more complex situations like hers. This experience led Mette to tackle her chronic autoimmune health issues on her own. Through her college training, she became an economist with a knack for finding patterns in data which later spilled into her personal life.

Soon, Mette began tracking her daily food intake, flares, and as many factors from her everyday life as possible using an Excel spreadsheet. Over time, she could connect the dots to identify specific triggers causing her to feel worse. “Essentially, I had hacked my own health by approaching my autoimmune disease symptoms systematically,” shares Mette. “Since then, I have experienced over a decade of remission and created Mymee to help others experience symptom improvement and management by analyzing their own data.”

Mymee’s rigorous data analysis dashboard supports coaches on the backend in their work to find client triggers and provide personalized guidance in one-on-one sessions

What Sets Mymee Apart from Other Market Competitors?

Established in 2017, Mymee pioneers selfevidence-based research for people with mild to severe rheumatic symptoms associated with diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, and long COVID.

What makes Mymee unique is its program’s ability to provide clinically significant symptom improvement. Mymee helps people collect and analyze their personal data to find their specific trigger-symptom correlations. “Our self-evidence data platform makes it possible to improve patients’ symptoms by finding atypical triggers hidden in their food and environment,” explains Mette. As a result, around 79% of Mymee clients feel improvement in their symptoms within the first eight sessions.

Specialized Tools and Support for Personalized Patient Experiences

Mymee’s specialized tools and support services are designed to put autoimmune patients first. Its dedicated care team comprises clinicians and specialized autoimmune health and nutrition coaches with personal experience addressing their autoimmune disease symptoms. Their approach towards clients is always empathetic, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported. Secondly, the client determines the timeline to move forward in the program. Coaches work to move at the client’s own pace and respect their limitations and desires when suggesting or helping them make incremental behavior or diet changes.

Furthermore, Mymee recognizes that there is no “one size fits all” approach to addressing autoimmune symptoms and that each client’s disease experience and personal triggers are

unique. The program’s intuitive mobile app was designed to simplify the generation of data in order to test and identify individualized trigger-symptom correlations. In-app tracking tags are tailored to each client. The customization means clients can quickly note their personal preferences (like coffee with almond milk and Stevia), their water intake (down to the ounces in their favorite water bottle), and their specific symptom experience (burning pain versus shooting).

The app has the option to take and log photos, thereby helping clients to log their meals in realtime. Mymee’s rigorous data analysis dashboard supports coaches on the backend in their work to find client triggers and provide personalized guidance in one-on-one sessions. Coaches are available to answer questions directly or provide support through unlimited in-app messaging. Not to mention, Mette and her team are constantly adding new features to increase ease of use for clients and improve their experience at every step.

A Beneficial Acquisition

Recently, Mymee acquired Breakthrough Health. The addition has been meaningful to the company in multiple ways. Breakthrough Health created

Emilyn, the leading mobile application for people with multiple sclerosis. In a short time, Emilyn achieved five stars, became the #1 app in both the Apple and Google app stores, and has over 20,000 users, allowing for rich consumer research opportunities.

In addition to deeper insight into the unique needs of MS patients, Mymee gained Breakthrough Health's experienced leadership to help scale its personalized health platform and research. Breakthrough understands the importance of creating great mobile products and ease of use for health consumers struggling with frequent autoimmune symptoms, along with the nuances required for tracking what’s important to them. In all, the team brings its deep expertise in personalization, privacy, security, modular architecture, human-centered design, and scalability, proving as a valuable addition to Mymee.

Growth by Leaps & Bounds

Mymee’s progress and success have been underscored through the clinical research that Mette and her team have invested in over the past decade focused on autoimmune triggers, symptoms, and

Mymee’s progress and success have been underscored through the progressive research that Mette and her team have invested in over the past several years

personalized interventions. In addition, Mymee has gained trusted partners, including Mount Sinai Hospital; expanded its research to include long COVID; and diversified its patent and trademark portfolio, which continues to grow through nonstop innovative thinking. Similarly, Mymee’s health coaches continue to deepen their expertise through well-respected certifications and steady growth in client sessions.

Encouraging Employee Autonomy at Work

According to Mette, the best way to motivate team members is to allow them autonomy. She also suggests that leaders must put trust in the people they have chosen to work with and provide them the tools and freedom to apply their talents as experts in their area.

Breakthrough Moments during the Entrepreneurial Journey

Prior to founding Mymee, Mette formed a company that enhanced the motor skills of young children. The company’s service provided a tangible improvement in physical abilities for its tiny clients. Therefore, being able to impact her clients' lives is a special milestone for Mette.

Likewise, the relationships Mette has formed at Mymee and other companies are invaluable to her. She has had the opportunity to work alongside

mission-driven, imaginative people who are equally as passionate about disrupting the status quo and doing what was considered impossible. Cultivating meaningful relationships with her team and partners is critical to Mette’s success.

A Day in the Life of a Multi-talented Leader

Mette’s work schedule is full of variety. Being a natural problem-solver, her love of complex opportunities makes work feel much less like work to her. She is also someone who can mentally disconnect between work and her personal life, pause from a challenging day, meet with friends, and return straight away to the task at hand. This separation allows her to keep stress levels in check and remain calm.

“If you’re able to take a break and truly let go, you can recharge your batteries and be better at handling what’s next at work,” reveals Mette.

Working Towards the Ultimate Goal

“The ultimate goal for Mymee is for our program to become standard care for rheumatologists as they help their patients. Of course, this is ambitious – but we believe it can happen,” reveals Mette. To turn this goal into reality, Mette and her team are working to put the steps into place to continue to scale, including finding the right talent, empowering the team, and acquiring additional resources and funding.

38

CEO, Si2

Website: https://vocodia.com/

Headquarters: Florida, USA

About the Company: Vocodia is poised to explode on the scene with a next-generation conversational AI that promises to disrupt the contact centre industry.

Website: https://www.si2blue.com/

Headquarters: California, USA

About the Company: The Strategy & Innovation Institute (SI2) is a management-consulting firm that helps executives transform and grow their company through the leading proven strategy and innovation methods.

CEO, Vocodia

Brian Podolak

Brian Gladden

Website: https://www.seecole.app/

Headquarters: Florida, USA

About the Company: seeCOLe (see Clinical data On Lens) is an awardwinning augmented reality health app that enables clinicians to navigate & document in the electronic health record hands-free using voice commands.

Website: https://cort-twitty.com/

Headquarters: Utah, USA

About the Company: Founded in 2020 on the principles of hard work, devotion to others through self-care and mastering financial concepts not taught in school, the Steele Institute aims to educate and inform.

Website: https://www.liquidweb.com/

Headquarters: Michigan, United States

About the Company: Liquid Web delivers reliable, highly-available, secure, and hasslefree hosting fueled by its Heroic Support®. The company provides managed hosting products and services to over 45,000+ customers, spanning 150 countries.

Website: https://www.hayden.ai/

Headquarters: California, USA

About the Company: Hayden AI is pioneering smart traffic enforcement with its mobile platform to increase safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Founder, Steele Institute

EHR consultant and Creator of seeCOLe

Founder and CEO, Hayden Ai

EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Liquid Web

Cort Twitty

Carl Osborne

Chris Carson

Carrie Wheeler

Headquarters: Florida, USA

About the Company: Natural Cure Labs is a manufacturer of dietary supplements that enables individual to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Headquarters: Queensland, Australia

Website: https://www.naturalcurelabs.com/ Website: https://www.leadnedge.com.au/ Website: https://dleducationsolutions.com/ Website: https://www.cimb.com/

Headquarters: Tennessee, USA

About the Company: D&L Education Solutions is a national technical workforce development company with a passion for helping companies train and retain exceptional technicians and frontline workers through innovative instructional training programs.

About the Company: Established in 2012, LEAD N EDGE has been engaging with leaders in business by teaching the behaviors that create success.

Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

About the Company: CIMB Group is a leading focused ASEAN bank and one of the region’s foremost corporate advisors. It is also a world leader in Islamic finance.

CEO, D&L Education Solutions

Founder and CEO, Natural Cure Labs

Senior Managing Director & Group Head –Customer Experience Management, CIMB Group

Executive Business Coach and Founder, LEAD N EDGE Consulting

Mark DeHart

Damon Sununtnasuk Manpreet Singh

Greg Pritchard

CARL OSBORNE

EHR CONSULTANT AND CREATOR OF SEECOLE

Developing Easy-to-use Applications to Make Healthcare More Connected

The healthcare domain has been comparatively slower to employ digitization within its sector despite the increased utilization and consumption of the internet in our daily lives. Yet, citizens across the globe still exchange handwritten medical documents/prescriptions and find it an arduous task to even make a direct doctor’s appointment. Moreover, the fear of losing vital information is another factor that plays a crucial role in the slow uptake of the digitization of records. Systems such as EHRs (Electronic

Health Records) are far more secure today than their conventional counterparts, revolutionizing how healthcare administration is handled.

A staunch advocate of this transition is Carl Osborne, EHR Consultant and Creator of seeCOLe, bringing to the market his novel flagship product, seeCOLe. This application stands apart from other solutions in the market as it is one of the first fully automated augmented reality applications.

Using HL 7 FHIR APIs eliminates the scribe or middleman when clinicians need to get clinical data while conducting surgery or in the middle of

EHR Consultant and Creator of seeCOLe

We aren't the first to use augmented reality, but we are the first to do it without the use of someone watching live footage and transcribing the medical visit

Carl Osborne

a physical exam. In addition to that, because the system is fully automated, the end-user can also document various parts of the medical record by using verbal commands without needing to navigate to a laptop, desktop, or workstation. “We aren't the first to use augmented reality, but we are the first to do it without the use of someone watching live footage and transcribing the medical visit,” informs Carl.

Leveraging Skill and Expertise to Deliver Better Solutions

Carl is making groundbreaking progress in the healthcare industry through his work and experience gained. He has worked on 23 applications for more than 25 different health systems in his 17-year-long tenure. “I have incorporated the lessons learned along the way and the positive attributes of the different management styles I’ve encountered into how I lead my current projects,” elucidates Carl.

He goes on to tell us one of the biggest challenges he has faced is inspiring change. He often recounts situations where an organization has been following certain processes and procedures for so long that they have become accustomed to conducting work in a certain way, even if it is not backed by strong rationale. Through this, Carl learned the art of gentle questioning.

When first meeting a client, Carl would try to identify the pain points, understand the organization's goals and aspirations, and finally, locate the technology compatible with helping achieve the set business goals. “Sometimes with technology, not everything can be addressed, and so you have to be really good at being creative knowing what tools are out there to satisfy your client,” explains Carl.

The Journey

Carl walks us through the application’s journey of inception. seeCOLe, which stands for See Clinical data On Lens, was created when he observed clinicians had to navigate to a laptop/ workstation to analyze the health record. It was then that Carl had the idea that Clinical data should follow the clinician wherever they are, whether in the hospital or clinic and that the information needed should be summoned and used as a tool instead of a journal. “Coming up with the name was a bit of a challenge. Being an African American, I wasn’t taught about many famous black clinicians. So when thinking of a name for the app, I sought Google to search for any famous clinicians of color with a cool-sounding name, and I came across this Caribbean nurse named Mary Seacole. Coming from a Caribbean background, it was intriguing that there was a nurse during the Crimean war who worked alongside Florence Nightingale, and so I took her name, and what the application was about and seeCOLe was born,” declares Carl.

Becoming a Core Part of the Healthcare Domain

An innovator, Carl has devoted his time, skills, and experience to reshaping the way we perceive healthcare. His career spans one and a half decades as a leading clinical informaticist - optimizing, designing, and building computer systems for various healthcare organizations. He is also a part of the Guyana United Youth Development Association of New York (GUYDA), an organization centered around improving the lives of youth in Guyana, South America, and the Caribbean. He is

also the public relations officer tasked to assist with developing the website and anything technical-related.

In addition, he has also designed and developed a mobile application called WellnessWits, which was launched this year. This mobile application allows clinicians to conduct Medical Group sessions virtually and permits the clinician to monitor the patients between visits. He adds, “What was a huge milestone for me was working directly with physicians, in particular, Doctor Kiki Oduba. This was my first time working to develop a system that aligns with Medical Group sessions. She had a lot of faith in my ability to help design

the application and advise on the user experience. When we went live with the mobile app, it was very special for me.”

Another significant milestone for Carl this year was winning MIT Hacking Medicine in the spring. “There is nothing like having your peers award you as one of the most innovative people in your industry. Over the weekend, I was surrounded by some of the great minds in clinical informatics and to come up with an idea and work with people whom I’ve never met before to come up with a solution was outstanding,” says Carl.

These achievements can be attributed to Carl’s drive and passion for elevating the patient-

An innovator, Carl has devoted his time, skills, and experience to reshaping the way we perceive healthcare. His career spans one and a half decades as a leading clinical informaticistoptimizing, designing, and building computer systems for various healthcare organizations

healthcare provider relationship. Additionally, since winning the 2018 Oracle Cerner code app challenge, seeCOLe has been approached by several healthcare organizations interested in piloting the solution. The organization has also been invited to speak about seeCOLe and showcase its abilities.

Mapping Future Plans

Carl envisions building strong relationships with his customers and vendors while transforming the healthcare domain. Keeping this in mind, he has recently onboarded a chief medical officer. He explains his tactical move to us, “Having a chief medical officer gives seeCOLe a lot of credit because you have another clinician who can articulate the benefits of using augmented reality in the healthcare industry.”

The next step for seeCOLe integrated with AR is to harness the power of AI to help make clinical decisions by analyzing the data and making instantaneous recommendations. Carl elaborates, “I knew augmented reality would be a game changer. By utilizing devices such as the Google Glass or the Vuzix Blade 2, I knew that using those tools and integrating them with the electronic health record was a no-brainer. The next step with this application is to create a true virtual assistant that not only can present clinical data on demand but take that clinical data and assist the clinician in making medical choices.”

Carl and his team of experts are currently working with the US government on implementing a new functionality within seeCOLe that will improve patient safety through augmented reality.

EXPERT OPINION

Five Ways to Foster a Cybersecurity Work Culture

Mike Hendrickson, VP Tech & Dev Products, Skillsoft

Mike Hendrickson is VP, IT Cert & Dev Products at Skillsoft. Prior to Skillsoft, Mike spent 15 years at O’Reilly Media, Inc. where he most recently was the VP of content strategy. Mike is a technology strategist with extensive experience establishing, building and maximizing relationships with industry leaders, companies, and partners. Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated success leading, directing and managing the development, sales and delivery of thoughtprovoking content.

The importance of privacy and safety cannot be overstated in this digital age. So much of our business infrastructure relies upon digital technology. This makes the technology, and the data it contains, a constant target for hackers and other malicious actors. As a result, robust cybersecurity training is imperative for businesses that want to keep their insights, data, intellectual property, and additional proprietary information safe and secure.

For many, one of the answers to the problem has been cybersecurity awareness programs. The traditional approach is a mandated one-off training session where employees read information and answer questions. But given the growing cost of data breaches and cybercrime, IT and security experts are coming to the realization that they must refine how they train their workforce to effectively combat threats.

So, how can organisations encourage learning about cybersecurity to protect our assets more effectively?

1. Introduce regular, individualised training

Training equips employees with the tools they need to be more thoughtful about cybersecurity. It boosts morale and leads to high-quality outcomes and quicker incident resolutions. However, employees' existing workload can often act as an obstacle. If you have a lot on your plate, engaging in security training can be a big ask.

Nevertheless, training is vital to defending against phishing attacks, intrusions, and malicious threats, so managers must ensure adequate time to complete training in full. Security managers need to reinforce the value of training via multiple

routes. If employees prefer books, on-demand training, or instructor-led courses, it's crucial to provide them with the vehicle that best suits their preferences.

2. Incorporate blended, continuous learning into daily work

It is essential to see cybersecurity training not just as a one-off quarterly session, bolted to the employees’ real work. Instead, it should also be incorporated into day-to-day activities, so there is always a strong engagement with security priorities. This can be done simply by having clear, regularly communicated updates around threats and best practices. Engaging a dedicated cybersecurity team with visibility across the organisation — and direct feedback into training — is the best way to ensure that the workforce is fully aware of its responsibilities.

3. Ensure your training reflects past trends

Explore your attack vulnerabilities regularly. The only way to successfully defend against threats is to be aware of all possible entry points and how every aspect of your organisation is affected by them. By making that information widely available at regular intervals, you can map previous trends to fine-tune your training.

Creating updated contingency plans and protocols, conducting game-day scenarios, refreshing documentation and making it accessible will help ensure you minimise the impact of attacks when they inevitably occur.

By sharing trends, strategies, and new developments as they happen, you're giving

If employees prefer books, ondemand training, or instructor-led courses, it's crucial to provide them with the vehicle that best suits their preferences

the workforce insight into how you're keeping them safe. Education and communication help create a cyber-aware community where we all look out for each other.

4. Keep your training up to date

It is critical to ensure your training content and methodologies are continually refreshed. Skillsoft has developed Skillsoft Career Journeys, which delivers customised, immersive learning experiences for the most sought-after career and technology areas. These career-centric learning programs enable employees to develop and master mission-critical cybersecurity competencies at scale.

The Cybersecurity Career Journey combines learning science with expert content to increase knowledge retention and on-the-job application of new skills. It is a prescriptive path to certification and skill development built on a trusted foundation. The 12-month program delivers all the training your security professionals will need to develop advanced cybersecurity competencies, including on-demand videos, instructor-led training, books, test preparation, hands-on practice labs and mentoring.

5. Ensure data security, privacy, and compliance

Organisations should establish a broad data privacy strategy, including high information governance standards that meet or exceed regulations. Creating such a culture of compliance around cybersecurity will not only avoid the risk of regulatory sanctions, costly reparations and incalculable reputational damage but also reap a competitive advantage in consumer trust.

Data security is not simply an IT responsibility. In fact, among the most significant risks to privacy and information security are employee actions. Well-meaning but poorly trained employees can cause a breach by falling for a phishing scam, inadvertently downloading malware, or clicking on a malicious link. Therefore, any training should encompass both broad data privacy concepts as well as specific requirements and cyber threats.

These are just five ways to improve your cybersecurity landscape quickly. There are many others, most of which will be unique to your business and working practices. Remember, a solid cybersecurity culture thrives when employees are continuously educated and enabled. Getting them enthusiastic about their personal cyber safety will help them understand why they should be vigilant regarding their employers' security. When staff know what to look for and clearly understand what their security teams do, they can better protect themselves and the organisation's data.

CORT TWITTY

FOUNDER, STEELE INSTITUTE

Bolstering the Link between Emotional Intelligence and Financial Literacy

Emotional and financial literacy today is of paramount importance. Yet, when we talk of emotions and money, they are viewed as two entirely separate entities. Several studies indicate that someone loses control of their emotions every forty seconds enough to commit suicide. Death by suicide is at an alltime high, fueled by overdoses and alcohol. In conjunction with this, multiple credible sourced studies indicate that nearly 70% of the population is considered financially illiterate. Even so, as per the ‘Survey of the States'

Council for Economic Education conducted in February 2020, only 17 out of 50 states in the US require a finance class to graduate high school, but all 50 states mandate a sex-ed class. Financial literacy is not made a priority. Tying these observations up, the correlation between the two topics above is that over 75% of suicide notes left behind specifically mention money, finances, insurance, or debt.

Cort Twitty, Founder of Steele Institute for Emotional and Financial Literacy, is changing the narrative. Incepted in 2020 with the vision to educate and inform, the institute

Cort Twitty Founder, Steele Institute

At the Steele Institute, and in my book Godfidence, we discuss emotional and financial literacy. We discuss both subjects for one reason: to save lives! No more suicide. Every life matters!

was built upon the strong foundation of hard work, devotion to others through self-care, and mastering financial concepts not taught in school. “I co-founded Steele Institute with my two children, ages 19 and 10. I wanted them to see how much work goes into starting a business. I’m aiming for both of them to have an entrepreneurial spirit and mindset. I believe success isn’t a destination; It’s a way of life, a mindset. We named the institution after my grandparents Cliff and Emily Steele,” shares Cort.

All Lives Matter!

Cort holds this initiative close to his heart, having led a life of struggle in his formative

Incepted in 2020 with the vision to educate and inform, Steele Institute for Emotional and Financial Literacy was built upon the strong foundation of hard work, devotion to others through self-care, and mastering financial concepts not taught in school

years. He found himself homeless at the tender age of 16, where his little joys were when someone let him sleep on their couch and even take a shower. He was expelled from school at 15 for hacking the school district's servers and taking money from fellow students in exchange for changing their grades. When he wasn’t homeless, he moved 41 times before graduating high school. His life lacked supportive leaders who prioritized and valued him. “But I strongly believe it was the strength I developed in those years that has made me the businessman and father I am today. I truly know what it feels like to be unhappy, stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. So, I try to help others not have to suffer the way I suffered. I attempted suicide, and so knowing that every 40 seconds, someone dies keeps me up at night! With a little prevention and assertiveness, we can lower the suicide numbers!! There is hope. Every season passes," adds Cort.

Now, Cort dedicates his time and resources toward helping change lives for the better through the Steele Institute and his book titled Godfidence: The Art of Quiet Confidence and Emotional Intelligence. He declares, “So, at the Steele Institute, and in my book Godfidence, we discuss emotional and financial literacy. We discuss both subjects for one reason: to save lives! No more suicide. Every life matters!”

Leveraging Uplifting Material and Hands-on Experience to Better Educate Individuals

Cort has a few processes in place to which every client can be catered to a program customized to their specific needs. When approached by a client, the first step is educating the individual. The process is commenced with a couple of quick-read books. The book, Godfidence, is used to help attain emotional regulation and maturity.

There are optional worksheets at the end of each chapter that teaches a daily routine for positive mental health. On the finance side, the team at Steele Institute has aligned themselves with a book/training called “How Money Works.” Both books are acceptable for ages 13+ and are easy to understand. In addition to the books, automated online courses are also available. From there, the client is guided through the rest of the program, which includes workshops, followed by masterminds, and then one-on-one meetings to customize a financial strategy for others. “Each step has a jumping-off point and is optional; everything is optional. Outside of buying the books, we charge a small monthly subscription fee, but we aim to provide massive value and stay

as close to free as possible. We sleep well at night knowing we’re making a difference,” elucidates Cort.

Looking at setbacks as just stepping stones to achieving a better life, Cort shares how he effectively deals with high-pressure situations and rises above them. He firmly believes that to make coping with the pressure worth it, one must create a schedule conducive to their own life. Keeping this in mind, he ensures he makes time to pick up his daughter from school, is present at events, and is present for his kids. But leaders need to set the tone and model consistency. So whether he is doing a simple personal task like grocery shopping on the weekend or exercising, he is always working, improving, refining, and building leadership underneath him that will one day surpass him.

And while it may sound like a cliché, implementing breathing techniques in crises

is what helps him overcome these intense moments. So when his family or friends call in an unavoidable predicament, they need a stabilizing and empathetic voice that understands such situations. “Breathing techniques help me get to their level, so they feel comfortable and get me up and going because these conversations can be draining. It takes work to learn how to not let these things affect my productivity and to get energized again. I think it’s an art, which is why I wrote a book about it. Not to say I have all of the answers, but to show people what I have learned or experienced that might make their day a little brighter,” explains Cort.

Giving Sound Advice

And to business executives in similar situations looking for advice while working toward carving a top management space in

Having made immense headway in this domain, Cort aims to continue to positively impact people’s lives. He is currently working on setting metrics to ‘karma’

their respective domain, he says, “My advice in most situations is to work on you. Everything gets better when we turn inward, which isn’t easy and start working on ourselves. If you want to move up in your company or reach a certain income level, start by controlling what you can control. Let go of expectations and continue working on yourself. You will be shocked at the doors that suddenly start opening. Double down on your goodness and spend time magnifying your great qualities rather than trying to fix what you don’t do well. When your mindset shifts, and it will, by working on yourself, the whole world looks different, and something truly miraculous begins to unfold.”

Reap What You Sow

Having made immense headway in this domain, Cort aims to continue to positively impact people’s lives. He is currently working on setting metrics to ‘karma.’ A believer in good and bad karma, he is working on quantifying how bad karma can get and how it actually transpires in our world. Cort signs off, “I call it the Karmic Multiplier Index. While it’s unlikely to win a Nobel Prize, I hope that the scientific data we can extract will be helpful when other people are looking for guidance in this world or searching for some form of a higher power. This way, they can access data that might convince them that karma is a great place to start. Imagine how bright and loving the world would be if we all answered to karma and believed in it wholeheartedly.”

EXPERT OPINION

Why Leveraging Data in the Digital Age is Crucial to Business Success

Rob Mobsby, Head of Digital, EverythingGlobal

Rob Mobsby is an expert in all things digital, with over 17 years’ experience working in digital transformation and creation from start-ups all the way to multinational organisation level. His experience in multi-channel campaigns and global territory expansion with Amazon positions him as a leader in the field. He joined EverythingBranded in 2018 to oversee a company on the ascendancy with a new HQ in Las Vegas being among the plans for rapid expansion. Rob’s role involves overseeing the digital transformation of the business at all levels and enhancing the sector delta in data value and significance.

Make no mistake: data is now the single biggest piece of power any business can wield with a view to grow and scale. Not knowing how, why and who makes life difficult in attempts to pivot, or simply improve in-store and online. This applies to nearly every sector.

In an increasingly competitive and busy online landscape, data can make a huge difference in the acquisition of customers and sustaining their attention on your business. The right data builds a strong foundation for enterprise and long-term engagement.

Data is power. This is why businesses currently trend towards describing themselves as a tech business, rather than as retail or a car manufacturer. Does Tesla primarily ship electric vehicles or is it in the business of data, leveraging analytics collected by a myriad of sensors and GPS to construct an unparalleled vision of the world? Many billions of miles of real-world driving data collected would suggest the latter.

Each nugget of data can tell you something and offer insight; it makes decisions easier and imbues greater confidence into business processes.

What Data Means to a Business

A pool of data can take many forms: it can be an email, telephone number, buying history or even likes. This is an invaluable source of information which can be put to work.

In its simplest form, possessing email addresses allows you to communicate with a customer as does a phone number, so long as permission has been granted.

Now imagine the limitless combinations of data put together. Suddenly, you can match an email with buying history. Emails can be timed to

hit customers’ inbox at a certain time or date and if they open or ignore it, you can make a further decision based on how they interacted, if they purchased again or even if they went on to buy something totally different than the original item.

In practice, our firm Everything Branded sells both products and services; we gather information via online and offline channels, to then use this to provide an outcome from which we either expect a sale or further communications to get an end sale. With very basic information we can provide a reasonable service, but with depth we can tailor the experience. This ultimately leads to a much better experience for the customer.

As an example, we may receive an online enquiry for 100 pens in one colour with a logo. We can create Quote A from this, but a call to the customer allows us to ask more questions in order to provide Quote B, with greater confidence and insight into what the customer needs these for. It even opens the door to recommending other products they might need.

Data allows the company to be agile to consumer needs and demands which may be fairly unique to each situation. Better understanding the circumstances through data collection massively increases the likelihood of retention.

Overcoming Hurdles

Bad data creates hurdles and challenges. Without the right data, or enough data, you are fighting an uphill battle from day one and this cannot often be overcome without compromising business processes designed to create the best customer journey possible.

In our industry, we have the manufacturer, distributor and end user. If we start with poor data from the manufacturer, then it translates directly

Data is power. This is why businesses currently trend towards describing themselves as a tech business, rather than as retail or a car manufacturer

to poor quality data for the end user. Therefore, the distributor (us) has to update and improve the data in order to improve the end user experience.

This is time consuming, challenging and a constant process given that manufacturers change pricing and products every year. We compete across multi channels with other distributors, and if we try to introduce new techniques, or B2C techniques into a traditional B2B environment, the end user experience can break down entirely.

However, in our market there are solution providers that help distributors create a seamless end user experience. But be warned: if you want to scale across product, territory and revenues then this solution needs to run in concordance with good data.

Good Data and the Customer Journey

More than ever, firms are competing in online sectors on a customer experience (CX) level. Because if many businesses purvey the same products at a similar price, the million-dollar question is how do they win the customer?

By way of demonstration, you may find three companies sell the same trainers with a similar online buying journey.

Company 1 sells at £100 at the cheapest price

Company 2 sells at £125 with trainer personalisation

Company 3 sells at £150 with next day delivery, personalisation and 10% off the next order

A customer now has options, and the ability to make an informed decision based on their needs or requirements. There is no single correct answer, and this is the beauty of ecommerce: a company can differentiate itself from the competition in various ways. They might well find data drives this sort of decision making.

Useful Data at Scale

For Everything Branded, our industry lags behind retail and more familiar online industries. But there is no excuse for not jumping into the same initiatives. I believe the gap between B2B and B2C is rapidly closing due to the change in B2C experiences.

In my view the biggest way forward is to use an API feed. We’ve decided it’s an essential component and deem it to be part of the future of our industry particularly concerning data. The only solution moving forward for us is indeed to use an API feed as it offers a real time solution to counter changes in data by the manufacturer, for example. However, an API is not easy to build and can be resource heavy.

We actively work with manufacturers to understand the importance and efficiencies and API provides.

This is one challenge to overcome, the next is to reconcile the many ways to collate datafrom web forms, chat facilities, by phone and so on — with the ways you collect data in reference to trends or the need to filter at a greater level. Adding additional data fields can certainly impact conversion rates so it’s a minefield at times.

The Bottom Line: Making Customers Return

Every online business should be looking for the highest lifetime value (LTV) per customer. They

know providing great products and services is paramount to achieving this: it can be done by having an easy checkout process, storing customer data, offering rewards and incentives all with the goal to encourage the customer to purchase again and again.

Sometimes, even if a customer encounters a bad experience, factors such as speed and account creation become so good, they don’t even think about going elsewhere. Amazon is perhaps the greatest example of this in play.

Everything Branded is the UK arm of the business which benefits from a positive 40/60 ratio for new/existing customers. We know that returning customers spend more, therefore we need to ensure that in future we convert a greater number of potential customers who then return multiple times a year.

The ultimate goal? To create a multilayered user journey and experience depending on where the customer is along that road. And without good data, you’d be going in completely blind.

We know that returning customers spend more, therefore we need to ensure that in future we convert a greater number of potential customers who then return multiple times a year

MANPREET SINGH

SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR & GROUP HEAD – CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT, CIMB GROUP

Taking Customer Experience to the Next Level

Prior to her current role of Senior Managing Director and Head of Group Customer Experience Management at CIMB, Manpreet Singh garnered over a decade of experience managing sales and service business functions in retail, commercial, SME, and corporate banking roles in Malaysia and India. She built a solid foundation in straightthrough processing and delivering changes that delight not only customers but also employees. She is also a member of Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) member and holds a Forrester CX Pro (CX-I) certification.

Throughout her journey in banking, Manpreet has had the opportunity to understand the industry from the ground up. “When forming and pursuing a strategy to improve CX in the bank, it is vital to strike a balance by putting on a customer lens while also considering internal perspectives regarding preparedness, potential challenges, and feasible solutions,” shares Manpreet. “Having served as a frontline staff and then taking on a strategic role responsible for determining the roadmap guiding the overall experience has given me a deep appreciation of what it really means to put the customer first.”

My overall focus aims to shape a Customer-First mindset across all business andemployee chains and, ultimately, make it a key differentiator for the bank

Manpreet Singh Senior Managing Director & Group Head –Customer Experience Management, CIMB Group

Today, Manpreet continues to not only successfully demonstrate transformational leadership but also encourages and empowers her team members to make a mark in the highly competitive and complex banking environment. She has successfully navigated a career built around putting the customer first and championing CX as a way of life, inspiring others along the way to adopt a customer-centric mindset.

A Strong Academic Background

Having grown up in a business family, Manpreet acquired entrepreneurial skills from an early age. At 15, she managed part of an MLM-style cherry

distribution network. This was followed by doing multiple creative works for her father’s printing business and running a tutorial center during her graduation and post-graduation days. “This experience of teaching and running the tutorial center became a great advantage in my career later on as it prepared me to always be aware of my audience and adapt my communication style,” reveals Manpreet.

In college, Manpreet studied Zoology as a discipline and completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree in the same subject from Delhi University. She then pursued her post-graduate programme in human resource management at

Manpreet currently heads the regional team in CIMB that is responsible for operationalizing strategic initiatives to accelerate the CX transformational journey within the organization

Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies. Being an exceptionally bright student, Manpreet gained the opportunity to conduct research at some of the finest institutes in India (National Institute of Communicable Diseases, New Delhi, and PUSA Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi) and also has national and international publications to her credit.

An Impressive Career Trajectory

In 2001, Manpreet took on the position as a crosssell officer at a Citigroup subsidiary. This marked the beginning of her career in banking as she discovered a passion for the industry. Following

her time in the Citigroup subsidiary, she took on a leadership role in customer service at ABN AMRO Bank, where she managed frontline officers and a branch team. Subsequently, she had an 8-year stint with HSBC, where she grew her career to lead the Customer Experience and Service delivery throughout East Malaysia and later to develop the Customer Experience and Touchpoint Strategy for all customer interaction points of HSBC Malaysia. She later took on the role as the Head of Customer Experience and Relations. Following that, she led the Group Customer Experience at Maybank before coming to CIMB to head the Group Customer Experience Management department in 2016.

Manpreet pioneered the CX roadmap in CIMB by setting up and leading the function across all geographies by creating a standardized customer experience and delivering sustainable value regionally. She leads the regional team responsible for operationalizing strategic initiatives to accelerate the CX transformational journey within the organization. “My overall focus aims to shape a Customer-First mindset across all business and employee chains and, ultimately, make it a key differentiator for the bank,” states Manpreet.

She has led the way in building a concerted effort across the organization to shift the focus from being primarily on service quality to now being firmly centered on putting the customers at the forefront of everything which is done. The transition required a multi-prong approach of rebuilding the organization’s measurement ecosystem for an outsidein perspective by determining key metrics that matter to customers, focusing efforts on intentional design and delivery with customers

in mind, instilling a customer centric culture internally and making Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) central to the corporate culture.

Milestones that Matter the Most

One of the most pivotal moments in Manpreet’s career was during a training she attended while at Citibank. At that time, the trainer had mentioned that to create magic, one needs to combine service knowledge with passion and understand the reasons driving a person’s actions. “This session impressed upon me the importance of reflecting on finding my own reasons and understanding how they align with what I can do to further

the collective goal,” shares Manpreet. She was among the first to push through a deal over the phone and successfully anchored her relationship management on forming lasting relationships with her clients through transparency and a clear demonstration of what she could do to make things easier for them. “A few of these relationships have even lasted well beyond my stint in Citibank and taught me the value of developing human connections and taking a genuine interest in a customer as an individual,” affirms Manpreet.

Another significant challenge in forming Manpreet’s leadership acumen was in 2011 when she was posted to head the East Malaysia region.

This was unchartered territory for Manpreet, with the cultural change, language barrier, and different management styles. Never afraid to take on a new challenge, Manpreet took on her role with perseverance, determination, and panache. “My time there fostered resiliency and adaptability, which have served me well throughout the years as they pushed me to explore new horizons and develop my leadership philosophy to focus on empowering and trusting my team,” says Manpreet. This experience shaped her perspective and taught her that leaders should guide with wisdom and delegate confidently, both of which she strives to embody every day.

A Day in the Life of a Leader

Manpreet gets a head start on the day as an early riser by habit. Before going to work, she likes having breakfast with her family. “Being with my family grounds me for the day ahead and reminds me of why I do the things that I do,” says Manpreet. At work, her schedule is packed with meetings and calls. However, she tries to schedule blocks of uninterrupted time to address urgent matters and focus on deep work.

When it comes to staying calm under stressful situations, Manpreet admits to having days when she is pulled in multiple directions to solve urgent issues that require all hands on deck. But instead of getting weighed down, she tries to look at them through different lenses and ensures to grow her team’s capability to respond to similar situations in the future. To unplug from work, she reads or meditates. She also enjoys spending quality time with her energetic toddler, who is her biggest stress buster and the joy of her life.

Lessons Learned Along the Way According to Manpreet, there are no shortcuts to success. Leaders must embrace the hard work it requires and do it with honesty and integrity. It is also very important to believe in possibility thinking, recognize personal potential, and remain a lifelong learner. Given her diverse experience throughout her academic life, Manpreet considers her adaptable and flexible nature as an essential quality for her current role, as no two days are alike in the CX world. Her ability to think on her feet and to rally those around her have proven invaluable in fostering collaborative problemsolving and promoting the practice of recognizing colleagues who go the extra mile to make things better for customers.

Currently, Manpreet and her team are focusing on a transformation program that seeks to enhance customer journeys and improve employee experience, and process efficiencies to make CIMB a simpler, better, and faster organization

Mantras behind Building the Best CX Team

Since the beginning of her career, Manpreet has been and continues to believe that a successful leader is always backed by a brilliant team. She considers her CX team at CIMB as one of her biggest achievements as she has successfully pulled together a harmonized group that is highly skilled, diverse yet inclusive, driven by a passion for customer centricity and genuine assets. As a result, at external award ceremonies on several occasions, CIMB’s CX team, led by Manpreet, has been recognized as the “Best CX team.”

Therefore, when it comes to motivating her team members, Manpreet likes to maintain an open line of communication with them so that they are free to offer a suggestion to ease daily tasks or a solution that has the potential to be scaled up to improve things across business lines. She also likes to keep her team regularly updated on the latest developments as it allows them to understand the organization’s goals and contextualize and take pride in their own role in reaching them. Likewise, she also takes the time to get to know them personally to foster camaraderie.

As custodians for the customer and champions of change, there are times when Manpreet’s team runs into difficult situations. Manpreet recommends that they be objective and datadriven and keep emotions out of the equation. She also suggests they be passionate about the cause but know when to detach and let go. Being relevant, adding value, and bringing the outsidein perspective are also important. Above all, Manpreet insists her team members to always remember that ‘Customers are the Boss.’

Ongoing Projects and Planning for the Future

Currently, Manpreet and her team are focusing on a transformation programme which seeks to enhance customer journeys, improve employee experience, and refine processes to make CIMB a simpler, better, and faster organization. This programme also aims to encourage staff to explore new areas within the organization by participating in projects that appeal to them.

“Bringing together staff from different backgrounds ensures that we can optimize the range of knowledge and expertise brought into the projects while opening avenues for all levels of staff to develop skills in crossfunctional teams,” reveals Manpreet. “This directly supports the organization’s values of holistically enabling talent, collaboration, and customer-centricity.”

Manpreet believes that there are many opportunities in the road ahead to bring CX to the next level. In considering the future, Manpreet shares that while the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated society towards digitalization, there needs to be a hybrid “phygital” (marrying both physical and digital environments) strategy which could create the optimal experience for customers if it is operationalized correctly by combining the right functional and emotional values for a much more complete, integrated, and seamless journey. Therefore, managing such an engagement lifecycle requires a holistic perspective as it entails balancing CX, EX (Employee Experience), and Operational Efficiencies. To make this happen, Manpreet suggests, “The best way to build up all 3 areas simultaneously and effectively can be done with the 3D approach of Design, Delivery, and Delight.”

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HOW AI IS SET TO TRANSFORM THE WORKPLACE

Tony Boobier, AI and Analytics Expert, Author, Mentor & Consultant

Tony Boobier is a former worldwide technology executive who now provides advisory and mentoring services to new and established organizations. Qualified in engineering, insurance, marketing, and supply chain management, he has a particular interest in European, Asian, and Latin American markets. Independently identified as a global thought leader, he is the author of four published books on the topics of AI and analytics, including ‘Advanced Analytics and AI: Impact, Implementation and the Future of Work’. His ‘lockdown project’ comprised his 4th book ‘AI and the Future of the Public Sector’ which was released in August 2022. He lives near London. www.tonyboobier.co.uk.

If someone cannot add personal value to a work function or process, then their role is likely to be automated. It might sound a bit drastic or even dystopian but in a world of data, analytics and the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), this idea is thought by some to be an inevitable outcome. Internet lawyer Robert Cannon also suggested nearly a decade ago, ‘Anything which can be automated will be automated’.

Since Cannon expressed that viewpoint in 2014, there’s been an exponential increase in the amount of structured and unstructured data being created. Advanced analytics and AI are now seen as the main way that sense can be made from the vast and growing amount of information. Data is the intellectual fuel that feeds technology systems which are increasingly able to learn by themselves, and which helps transform routine processes by automating them.

Gaining new insights from the data isn’t enough by itself. It’s important that action is taken from what is learned

Gaining new insights from the data isn’t enough by itself. It’s important that action is taken from what is learned. This might comprise simple changes to existing operations but on a grander scale might also be the reaffirming of existing strategies, the creation of new ones, or the use of corrective action where strategic targets are at risk of being missed.

The advent of 5G and imminently 6G communications will add to the amount of data, of which 80% or more is unstructured. Unstructured data is taken to mean textual or non-textual data such as visual or voice data, and which sits outside preset database formats.

Some say that the greatest source of competitive advantage rests with those organisations that are most able to obtain insight from this massive pool of unstructured data, typically about their market or what the customer really thinks about their product or service.

For business leaders, this new world of data, analytics and AI represents a new industrial revolution. One particular challenge for executives is the extent of their knowledge and understanding about the likely full extent of the implications. Even if traditional key strategic imperatives of improved efficiency, better profitability and reduced risk remain

mainly

An effective performance management system is essential to ensure universal agreement about what has changed, and to prevent dispute regarding the accuracy of any benefits which are being claimed

the same as they always were, new analytical methods are increasingly being used to achieve them.

For some, these new approaches can be both baffling and complicated. Fortunately, executives don’t need to have a detailed knowledge of how these technologies work but they do however need to be sufficiently aware of them so as to be able to recognise the implications and how to apply them to their own business environment.

Increased emphasis on data has not only opened the door to new insight but also has created new areas of vulnerability, that of cybercrime. In what is an increasingly connected world, each new device, be it in the office, home or factory, is a potential weakness in the system and a possible point of entry for the cyber-criminal. It’s essential that systems and behavior of employee are cyber compliant and although rigid internal compliance rules might seem at times to be an extreme reaction, the end without doubt justifies the means. Breaches of data regulation or loss of sensitive information can be both costly and embarrassing. Beyond this, damage to reputation ranks high in the fears of executives. After all, who wants to be the boss of a ‘leaky’ organisation?

Despite the uncertainty of current times, the executive still needs to have a clear vision of the future. Perhaps one version of this vision is one of leading an analytical organization which uses data, top to bottom, to provide insight and to inform decisions. One particular critical aspect is that of being able to effectively implement that vision. Some suggest that success is about having 20% vision and 80% excellent implementation capabilities.

The ability to effectively communicate organisational and technological change is a critical success factor as is the ability to be able to accurately measure the benefit of change. There will always be those who need to be convinced about the benefits which have been obtained. A successful advanced analytics or AI programme is not only dependent on its ability to create improvements but also that there is a ‘single version of the truth’ in terms of what has been achieved. An effective performance management system is essential to ensure universal agreement about what has changed, and to prevent dispute regarding the accuracy of any benefits which are being claimed.

Executives might also reasonably ask how do experience and intuition contribute in this new industrial revolution. Both of these have a part to play but it’s getting more complicated. In today’s business marketplace. Executives now need to be able to effectively combine a blend of data insight, experience and intuition as they manage their business. In a volatile and changing world, experience and intuition are unlikely to be enough by themselves to ensure success, and insight from data driven systems has become an essential part of the executive toolbox.

Coping with a shifting business landscape, at the same time as massive technological change, comprises one of the greatest professional challenges that modern executives are likely to meet. Being a CXO during this new industrial revolution is a time in their career that they are unlikely to forget in a hurry. Whilst there might be a temptation to wait and see what happens, the expression ‘carpe diem’ or ‘seize the day’ has never been more appropriate.

BUSINESS LEADERS

MARK DEHART

CEO, D&L EDUCATION SOLUTIONS

Empowering Today’s Skilled Workers for Productive & Lasting Careers

Mark DeHart is an award-winning educational entrepreneur with over thirteen years of teaching, curriculum design, and development experience. He has worked with colleges across the United States in assisting and developing Diesel Technology programs that are adaptive to the ever-changing environment centered around the students.

Career and Technical Education, curriculum development & design, and

immersive learning techniques are his areas of expertise. “Creating situations where people can improve their lives is why I do what I do,” says Mark. “This is done by developing a curriculum that is active, engaging, and relevant.”

A Roller Coaster Journey

From a high school dropout to a military veteran to leading a workforce development company, Mark’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Calling his childhood unique yet

Mark DeHart CEO, D&L Education Solutions

Creating situations where people can improve their lives is why I do what I do

challenging, Mark believes that individuals learn from their past to better their future. He lost his mother, a single mom, at 17, and since then, he has been on his own. Later on, bringing a ray of hope in Mark’s life, a kind and generous person took him under her wings and raised him as one of her own. This humble experience gave him a sense of belonging and purpose to change and become a better version of himself.

In 2004, Mark began his career as a technician and received his formal training in the United States Army. He then went on to achieve the rank of Staff Sergeant and became an instructor in the military, where he trained soldiers in the diesel technician field for over 8 years. In 2014, Mark finished his master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He is now pursuing his doctorate in Career Technical Education Leadership as he is a staunch

advocate of the ‘Forever Learning, Forever Improving’ philosophy.

Mark also enjoys mentoring current and former students of business and leadership classes in building their personal profiles to appeal to future employers as part of his volunteering work. “I help build leadership skills in individuals who want to make an impact,” mentions Mark. He is also a member of the Disabled American Veterans community, where he works to help veteran students coming out of the military to make a good start in life.

Leading from the Front

Currently, Mark spearheads D&L Education Solutions as its Chief Executive Officer. He believes that a company is only as good as the team members. “My team works beside me, not behind me,” asserts the dynamic CEO. Today, D&L Education Solutions has some

Today, D&L Education Solutions has some of the most skilled instructors and developers because the company invests in their future

of the most skilled instructors and developers because the company invests in their future.

When it comes to his persona, Mark is admired for his astute business acumen, leadership style, sheer determination, and drive to succeed. He attributes his knowledge and tenacity to his difficult childhood and military experience, shaping him into the leader he is today.

D&L Education Solutions: Better Skills Lead to Better Work

D&L Education Solutions is a national technical workforce development company passionate about helping companies train and retain exceptional technicians and frontline

workers through innovative instructional training programs. “We combine immersive learning techniques, world-class training, and focused expertise to help you engage learners and improve performance through various delivery formats, new technologies, and innovative approaches,” shares Mark.

D&L’s vision is to be a catalyst in engaging organizations to bring innovative educational solutions to individuals and employers to create, sustain, and drive the future of technical skills and workforce development.

What Sets D&L Education Solutions

Apart from its Competitors?

The team of D&L is made up of educators who are passionate and dedicated to technical training. Their skills and background expertise allow them to create and deliver world-class curriculum and training to instructors and employees – helping them to better understand concepts, stay engaged, and improve their skills. Moreover, D&L’s custom turnkey programs allow companies to seamlessly integrate critical skills into their existing training programs quickly and cost-effectively – ultimately increasing the bottom line.

With experienced and expert facilitators, industry specialization, leading-edge curriculum, interactive & hands-on learning, custom training facility design, and traditional and digital delivery modalities, D&L Education Solutions sets itself apart from the market competitors.

Onwards & Upwards

“Our company has continued to grow and increase our partnerships over the past three

D&L Education Solutions is a national technical workforce development company passionate about helping companies train and retain exceptional technicians and frontline workers through innovative instructional training programs

years,” reveals Mark. “We have also witnessed growth in every area of our business, from providing trainers for training events and curriculum development to training department development.”

To date, D&L Education Solutions has worked with over 200 globally-recognized companies, trained over 5,000 technical professionals internationally, and designed and delivered programs in all 50 states across 9 countries.

Existing Challenges in the Education Industry

In today’s fast-changing environment, professionals must be agile learners, able to adapt and learn new things quickly. However, educators' most significant challenge is the ‘desk and row’ method of delivering knowledge to the students.

When it comes to D&L Education Solutions, Mark and his team’s biggest challenge is getting companies to ‘flip the classroom’ and change their method of delivering the content. “We provide various delivery methods for the company, but it is

still a challenge,” mentions Mark. “But I do admit that we are seeing companies become more receptive to this change when we introduce it to them.”

Cutting Down Costs for Clients

D&L Education Solutions works with companies to create customized training plans for their equipment. To achieve this, Mark and his team spend time with their clients at their locations, either developing material on their equipment or coming up with a solution to a problem they are having. This lowers the cost of training for the clients by not having to ship their equipment to D&L’s location for development.

Ongoing Projects

Currently, Mark and his team are developing new training materials, reorganizing existing training materials, teaching courses, and administrating assessments for leading companies such as Snap-On Corporation, Kubota Tractor Company, Subaru University, etc. In addition, the team of D&L Education Solutions is guiding colleges across the country that want to develop a technical education department for automotive and diesel.

“Going ahead, we will continue to walk on our mission to provide valuable technical education and impactful, cost-effective training solutions to support, build, and grow a highly-skilled workforce for today and the future,” reveals Mark.

EXPERT OPINION

How Women in Real Estate Can Overcome Challenges and Thrive

Meenakshi Jamwal, Founder, HOM-EASE Mortgage Consultants

Meenakshi Jamwal is the Founder of HOM-EASE Mortgage Consultants, which provides financial assistance to all the real estate asset class. She is also the Sales Operations head at Freehold Mediation & Information LLC that focuses on resolving real estate dispute in all parts of UAE. With over 17 years of experience in telecom & real estate & banking industry, one thing that stands common for Meenakshi is to take care of clients & they will take care of your business. For her, there is no Sale without Service. She has had diverse managerial skills and working experience in different geographical areas. Her expertise lies in Sales & Marketing, Customer Relationship Management, Leadership, Coaching, Team Management, Data Analytics. She is an adventurer, avid reader, Spiritual by Living, Yoga Trainer, and athletic by Heart & Body. Her life’s motto is ‘Family First, Keep your Word and Take Responsibility.’

There is no denying that the real estate industry can be a daunting one for women. The challenges of the profession can seem overwhelming, but there are many ways to turn these obstacles into opportunities. The top few are mentioned below.

The Gender Gap

Despite recent efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry, which is the biggest gap, it remains dominated by men, with only 20% of agents and brokers being female. This disparity creates an unequal playing field, which can lead to wage disparity and other forms of discrimination. However, women can start advocating for equal pay, joining professional leadership networks for women in real estate, and becoming actively involved in industry events. They should be subject matter experts & come out & speak in forums about the market trends etc. These steps will not only help close the gender gap but also provide valuable networking opportunities.

The Glass Ceiling

Another common challenge faced by women in real estate is the glass ceiling, I call it—the invisible barrier that prevents them from reaching higher levels of success within their organizations or career paths due to a lack of mentors or role models who have already achieved success in similar positions. As such, it’s important for aspiring female leaders to seek out mentors or sponsors who can help guide them toward their goals. They should also look for opportunities within their workplaces to demonstrate their talents and leadership potential to upper management to rise up through the ranks more quickly.

Harassment & Discrimination

Unfortunately, harassment and discrimination are still all too common experiences for many women working in real estate today. This can be especially true when dealing with clients or colleagues who may not value their expertise or contributions due to their gender identity or other factors beyond their control. To combat this issue, its important women are aware of their rights & the companies must create safe environments where employees feel comfortable speaking up about any form of discrimination or harassment they experience without fear of repercussions from peers or supervisors.

To sum it, women have been making great strides in the world of real estate over the past few years—but there is still much work

left to do before they are fully represented at every level within this industry. The challenges faced by female professionals often seem insurmountable, but with dedication and resilience they can be overcome and turned into successes stories instead!

With strong support networks behind them (including both male and female allies), access to resources that empower them professionally such as mentorships programs/networks/events along with knowledge about anti-discrimination laws -women have more tools than ever before at their disposal when it comes time overcoming obstacles within this dynamic field! It's time for us all celebrate our collective accomplishments while continuing strive towards greater representation & equity across all industries! Go Women in Real Estate!

Despite recent efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry, which is the biggest gap, it remains dominated by men, with only 20% of agents and brokers being female