The Most Influential Women Leaders to Follow in 2023 by GlobalBiz Outlook

Volume 1 | June 2023

Unveiling Inspiring Stories

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SECURITY

THE BLUEBUGGING TECHNIQUE: HOW HACKERS STEAL YOUR DATA THROUGH BLUETOOTH-ENABLED DEVICES

The Most Influential Women Leaders to Follow in 2023

Nooraine Fazal FITNESS

FITNESS APPS: 10 MUST-HAVE FEATURES TO WATCH OUT FOR

The Accomplishments Of Women Who Are Determined Are Limitless Managing Editor Zoey Taylor

oday, the world is in a unique position to capitalize on the tremendous possibilities women’s participation offers across all levels of modern society. Women can inaugurate, organize, plan, and operate their small ventures efficiently, making positive strides in entrepreneurship. Women are steadily creating a new entrepreneurial classification by taking stock of their technical skills and business acumen, parlaying aggregate asset base into an instrument of profitability. Someone has rightly said that “the woman who is creative finds greater freedom to translate her creativity and ideas when she has her enterprises.”

GlobalBiz Outlook respects women in leadership while honoring their journey by dedicating this issue titled “The Most Influential Women Leaders to Follow in 2023” to them. In this edition of The Most Influential Women Leaders to Follow in 2023, we have enlisted the most creative outstanding women leaders who are changing organizations’ scenarios in the businesses, representing their spirit of enthusiasm, visions, and inspirational leadership to build excellent companies. It is interesting to know the story behind every potential leader that motivated GlobalBiz Outlook Magazine to shortlist The Most Influential Women Leaders to Follow in 2023.

Businesses will have new growth potential as more women take on leadership positions and more people from diverse backgrounds join them. Some ventured off on their own, while others joined forces to introduce the next great concept. In any event, these strong women have been creating and leading profitable, fast-growing businesses in various industries. They are aware that to empower themselves, they must also empower others. Thousands of young and aspirational women around the world look up to and appreciate many female leaders.

We sincerely hope that the articles and stories covered in this issue are a source of inspiration for all our readers, instilling them with a passion for achieving beyond success. Do flip every single page to unveil the secret of the success of these inspiring women leaders. Let’s Be Inspired!

C ove r Sto r y

Nooraine Fazal The Inventurer Ushering in a New Era in Education

ARTICLES 24

The Bluebugging Technique: How Hackers Steal your Data through Bluetooth-Enabled Devices

Fitness Apps: 10 Must-Have Features to Watch Out For

Security

Fitness

Cristina Dolan

Holly Morris

Paving the Way for Safer Schools

A Dynamic Entrepreneur Making Waves in the Cybersecurity Industry

A Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon Reshaping Healthcare by Leading with Reusable Medical Textiles

Chitra Kanagaraj

Michelle Tran A Dynamic FinTech Pioneer Inspiring the Next-Generation of Women Leaders

Natalie Tenzer-Silva

Sanja Kon

Creating Unforgettable Itineraries for Travellers, Residents, and Guests

Passionate Leader Making a Difference Locally and Globally

Tram Anh Nguyen Accelerating Transformation towards Diversity and Inclusion in the Financial Industry

Cover Story

Nooraine Fazal Co-Founder & Managing Trustee Inventure Academy 08

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Nooraine Fazal The Inventurer Ushering in a New Era in Education

“We aspire to shape young people to be the best they can be.”

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

Cover Story

hen it comes to education in India, there are few names that carry as much weight as Nooraine Fazal. Like the conductor of a grand orchestra, Fazal leads the ensemble of education with grace, precision, and unwavering passion. She orchestrates change and innovation in a field ripe for transformation, inspiring countless others to join her in the pursuit of a harmonious future. As the Co-Founder and Managing Trustee of Inventure Academy, one of Bangalore’s most sought-after schools, Fazal exemplifies the qualities of a trailblazer and a true Inventurer. Let’s take a deep dive into her life, vision, and leadership. Roots and Ambitions: The Making of an Inventurer Born into a family with strong political and business ties in Bangalore, Fazal’s journey took her across the globe before ultimately leading her back to her hometown. After completing her undergraduate degree at Mount Carmel College, she pursued a Master of Science degree in Management at Boston University, USA. This prestigious education laid the groundwork for her professional career, which saw her working with industry giants such as IBM Ltd (London) and Reuters Group PLC. Fazal’s tenure at these companies took her to various corners of the world, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, and Hong Kong. However, it was the aftermath of the September 11 attacks that spurred her into a year of self-discovery. As she explored life sciences, adventure tourism, and cross-border collaborations between Indian companies and US

universities, the seeds of her foray into education were sown. Inventure Academy: The Genesis of a New Age in Education Born from a passion for shaping the future, Inventure Academy is the brainchild of Nooraine Fazal and her unwavering dedication to educational excellence. By fusing the best practices of traditional and new-age schools, Inventure Academy has rapidly risen to prominence as a top choice for Bangalore’s discerning, upwardly mobile professionals and entrepreneurs. At the heart of the academy lies a unique, proprietary curriculum that strikes a delicate balance between rigorous academics and co-curricular activities. The result is an institution that nurtures well-rounded individuals, fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and the celebration of individuality. Inventure’s education philosophy and approach empowers children to be positive changemakers in the world they have inherited. Its nurturing environment and experiential learning opportunities enable all Inventurers to discover and realize their true potential, in both academics and beyond academics. The institution catalyzes students into becoming critical thinkers and self-directed learners who are equipped to excel in their chosen field(s), anywhere in the world. The Maestro’s Baton As an agent of change, Fazal wields her leadership baton with a combination of transparency, inclusivity, and adaptability. She is equally comfortable in driving

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

“At Inve n tu re Aca d e my, we e m powe r le arn e rs to re a l i s e t h e i r f ull po te n tia l, i g n i te ch a n g e a n d c re ate pos i t i ve i mp a c t .” or co-creating the vision for Inventure Academy and engaging in hands-on execution. Her natural style is intuitive and decisive, favoring collaboration and consensus-building as she navigates the challenges and opportunities of her role.

messages with compassion and maintains a zen-like composure under pressure. This situational leadership style has earned her a reputation as a resilient and effective leader.

In times of instability or disruption, Fazal’s leadership style shifts to a more command and control approach. Even in the face of adversity, she delivers tough

Fazal is passionate about education as a tool for personal growth and societal change. She believes that every child has the right to learn and participate in shaping their

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

Innovating for Change

future. With this ethos in mind, she led the Alliance for #RighttoLearn, a movement that brought together schools and stakeholders to ensure quality education for all. Her dedication to education is also exemplified in her work on drafting a White Paper - Online Learning & Community Building in the COVID-19 Age. The paper proved instrumental in helping the government and schools across different socio-economic spectrums

Cover Story formulate desirable and suitable online learning models to provide quality education to all in the post-COVID world. As a strong advocate for children’s voices, Fazal co-created Inventure’s Our Voice platform, enabling learners to participate in policy making and community problem-solving. This initiative empowered learners to contribute to the Karnataka State Child Protection Policy and the National Education Policy, creating a culture of participation and inclusivity. Inventure’s commitment to quality education extends beyond its own students. Fazal led the adoption of Ramagondanahalli (RGHalli), a government school, with the aim of transforming it into a center of excellence. Inventure recruited and trained the entire faculty, implementing its signature programs and best practices. Today, RGHalli has a waitlist of almost 200 students, a testament to the success of this transformative initiative. Fazal’s unwavering commitment to quality education and inclusivity is an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities.

Harmony in Work and Life: Fazal’s Philosophy For Fazal, achieving harmony in work and life is of utmost importance. She advocates for

integrating one’s life purpose with their work, creating a seamless balance between personal and professional pursuits. To accomplish this, she emphasizes the importance of nurturing the

Our sch ool m otto ‘ Seize th e Day ’ is an inspiration al an d relevant guide -post for our learn ers.

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of life. She expresses, “There will be times when your professional needs outweigh your personal needs and you need to focus on that. But that you need to eventually balance it out with also engaging in non professional things that make you happy, relax and recharge you. So the pendulum of work and life will swing more one way or the other but we as individuals need to constantly strive to keep the balance as much as possible.” Her own spiritual practices include meditation, connecting with nature, and engaging in physical activities such as golf, yoga, and workouts. Fazal also dedicates time to reading and prioritizing her relationships with family and friends, ensuring she remains grounded. Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges Nooraine Fazal is acutely aware of the challenges women entrepreneurs face in today’s world. She recognizes that access to funds, work-life integration, and self-confidence are pressing issues that hinder the progress of women in leadership roles. In a Harvard Business Review article, it was highlighted that women are often asked different questions than men when pitching to venture capitalists, leading to an imbalance in funding opportunities. Fazal believes that women-led companies should provide more flexibility and support for employees, especially in terms of caregiving responsibilities. She points out that even though research shows companies led by female CEOs demonstrate higher performance, women still find themselves underrepresented and underpaid in leadership positions. Fazal encourages women to pay it forward and help upcoming women

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

investors, while also involving men in the process to build trust and bridge gaps. Empowering the Next Generation Fazal envisions a world where women can participate as equal partners, benefiting from the opportunities and choices available to them. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the differences between men and women, valuing their unique contributions, and fostering an environment where women can thrive. As a society, it is crucial to help women overcome these challenges, as their empowerment acts as a catalyst for development at various levels. Fazal’s work with Inventure Academy and her advocacy for women in leadership positions exemplify her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. The Legacy of a Trailblazer Nooraine Fazal’s journey is a testament to her tenacity, vision, and passion for education and women’s empowerment. As the Co-Founder and Managing Trustee of Inventure Academy, she has redefined the educational landscape in Bangalore, inspiring countless others to join her in the pursuit of a better future. Her leadership style, adaptability, and work-life integration philosophy serve as an example for others to follow. As a champion for women entrepreneurs and a visionary in education, Nooraine Fazal’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the lives of future generations.

Chitra Kanagaraj Co-founder Pikmykid

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Chitra Kanagaraj Paving the Way for Safer Schools

s the world navigates through unprecedented times, education has been a sector that has been affected profoundly. Safety concerns are at an all-time high, and educational institutions are grappling with solutions to ensure the safety of their students. While many have struggled to find answers, Chitra Kanagaraj, the co-founder of Pikmykid, has been an instrumental force in revolutionizing school safety. From Humble Beginnings to Edtech Thought Leader Hailing from a humble background in India, Chitra’s journey to becoming the first female graduate and engineer in her family is a testament to the power of education to overcome poverty. With more than a decade of experience in the software services industry, Chitra was well versed in creating and implementing software products at scale. However, the challenge of investing her life savings to start her own business was a daunting one. The idea for Pikmykid came about when Chitra’s partner Pat Bhava, was waiting in a long carline to pick up his child from school. Pickup traffic was choking the neighbourhood traffic for hours every day, with students running around unaccounted for, loudspeakers blaring names and children getting into cars with the wrong families. This issue evolved into Chitra’s MBA cost-benefit analysis case study. As she delved deeper into the subject, she realized that the growing safety concerns in K12 schools presented an opportunity to proactively address and create a safer world for the next generation. The idea of developing a tool that could keep a check on schools became the core focus for Chitra in the coming years. June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

Weathering the Storms For Chitra & her partner, the hurdles were numerous and varied. One of the biggest obstacles they faced was convincing schools that their product was a necessary solution to a very real safety concern. Despite the fact that every school has had to deal with missing students or traffic accidents, many were hesitant to acknowledge the problem and the need for a solution. Funding was also a significant challenge in the early stages of the company. With limited resources, the team had to balance their desire to build a quality product with the need to get it to market quickly. Securing funding from angel investors was a turning point for the company, providing not only the necessary financial resources but also a much-needed vote of confidence. Another challenge that many startups face is building the right team. Chitra mentions that in the early stages, it’s often difficult to attract experienced professionals who are willing to take a risk on an unproven idea. Instead, the team may be comprised of individuals who are passionate and willing to learn along with the founders. For her, the most influential moment in her journey was securing that first angel investment. It was a powerful validation of their idea and a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Chitra & her team remained committed to their vision and were ultimately successful in bringing her product to market.

Empowering Schools with Safety Today, Pikmykid is the leading school safety software that empowers schools with easy-to-use software to simplify daily and emergency operations, helping keep students safe throughout the entire school day. By engaging parents and practicing daily dismissal safety, Pikmykid schools create a safer learning environment and help educators guide students to catch up on learning following COVID closures, supporting them through mental health crises exacerbated by social isolation, and filling in for colleagues during teacher (and substitute teacher) shortages. A Diverse Background As an entrepreneur, Chitra’s education and skills played a vital role in her success. Her background in software engineering and strategic planning provided her with the expertise necessary to create and implement the Pikmykid platform. Her MBA degree helped her evaluate the feasibility of her business idea and cost-benefit analysis for schools. With her skills and knowledge, she was able to successfully navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Key to Success Chitra’s role as an influential and dynamic women entrepreneur is to foster a diverse work environment that has been central to Pikmykid’s success. She believes in the saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Her

“With a combination of tools built to increase safety throughout the day, Pikmykid helps you create a stress-free experience for staff and parents during daily processes.” determination and ability to resolve conflicts help eliminate distractions and inspire the team to achieve their goals and build successful careers. Perseverance and Confidence is the Key According to Chitra, perseverance and confidence are essential traits for every woman entrepreneur to achieve success. As part of a small cohort of women at the C-Level, it is essential to showcase your talents and abilities. Women are often stereotyped and not taken seriously in many sectors, which further hinders their progress. Social networking and finding mentors often require more work than your male counterpart. Often, women downplay their accomplishments as a team or company, but as an entrepreneur, confidence is key.

helping schools establish a safe and secure environment for students, Chitra has made it possible for children to learn without fear. Her relentless focus on student safety has helped her build a powerful ecosystem with a record of every student’s journey integrated into their student information, supporting student success and school safety. In a Nutshell Chitra Kanagaraj is a true inspiration to women entrepreneurs all over the world. Her dedication to safety in K12 schools has led to the creation of a powerful software platform that simplifies daily and emergency operations, keeping students safe throughout the entire school day. Her journey from a thatched roof mud hut in India to becoming the first female graduate and engineer in her family is a testament to the power of education to overcome poverty. Her story shows that with perseverance, confidence, and determination, anything is possible. As we move forward in 2023, we need more women leaders like Chitra to inspire us and show us what is possible. With her vision, innovation, and unwavering commitment to safety and education, Chitra Kanagaraj is a true trailblazer and an inspiration to us all.

Building a Safer Future Chitra’s ultimate goal is to create a world where safety is a fundamental part of every child’s education. With Pikmykid, she has taken the first step towards achieving that goal. By

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Cristina Dolan Head of Global Alliances Head of Channel for the Americas LATAM Director RSA Netwitness 20

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Cristina Dolan A Dynamic Entrepreneur Making Waves in the Cybersecurity Industry

n a world where success is often measured by traditional standards, Cristina Dolan stands out as a true innovator who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. From humble beginnings to global success, Cristina's inspiring journey is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.

It’, her accomplishments have truly left a mark in the tech industry. Her recent co-authored book, Transparency in ESG and the Sustainable Economy, Capturing Opportunities through Data, has been the subject of keynote speeches and a highly acclaimed World Economic Forum article.

An engineer, author, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience building transformational businesses and products, Cristina is taking the business world by storm with her innovative ideas and unwavering determination. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has propelled her to the top of her field, earning her a master's degree from the prestigious MIT Media Lab.

Throughout her career, she has held high-level executive positions in some of the biggest corporations in the world, including Hearst, Disney, Oracle, and IBM. Currently, she is the LatAm Director and heads up Americas Channel Business and Global Alliances for RSA NetWitness. She has been an advisor to several cyber security, data, and next generation cloud computing companies.

She is a Co-Founder of Additum, an award-winning European ‘Value Based Healthcare’ company focused on improving patient outcomes. She also co-founded iXLedger, an early blockchain-enabled insurance marketplace that initially offered cyber insurance for blockchain companies. One of her companies, OneMain.com, grew to be the 10th largest ISP after a successful IPO (Acquired by Earthlink).

From Childhood Fascination to Leading Industry Innovator

Cristina’s impressive achievements are nothing short of inspiring. From founding the highly acclaimed student competition, ‘Dream it. Code it. Win it.’ to delivering a captivating TEDx Talk titled ‘Just Solve June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

Cristina’s remarkable journey began with her childhood fascination with space and science fiction movies where women who understood technology played key roles in solving the most important problems and saving civilization. Cristina’s father was an engineer, and she found in him a good role model. When she was growing up, she asked her father why some men appeared to have more fun than their devoted wives, and he said ‘they make all the money, so they deserve to have fun.’ At that moment, Cristina

decided that she wanted a career. Her education and skills prepared Cristina to be an entrepreneur. Cybersecurity was a natural interest, and she had worked at an institutional financial trading platform when all the US employees had their tax return information stolen through a phishing attack, which created many problems for employees. There were a series of other situations that resulted from that hack that were very invasive, and it was at that point that she decided to focus on cybersecurity. When she co-authored a book on ESG data, she realised that cybersecurity is central to corporate sustainability. In her opinion, cybersecurity is the most immediate, financially material sustainability and ESG risk that organisations face today. Cybersecurity has been weaponized by nation-states. This is a space that evolves continuously and professionals in the space must be continuously learning. With her passion for technology, Cristina has made significant contributions to the cybersecurity industry. Her current company, NetWitness, has earned a reputation as the most powerful detection, response, and forensics platform in the industry. It originated in 1997 as a U.S. Intelligence Agency

research project managed by CTX Corporation, a Vienna, Virginia based consultancy where most employees held Top Secret security clearance. NetWitness was custom-built to help analysts understand large volumes of captured network data. A Problem-solving Mindset is the Key Cristina firmly believes that being an entrepreneur is about being a fast problem solver and having the ability to think on your feet. Her skills and energy levels can be applied in any role and any type of organisation regardless of the size. Cybersecurity is evolving so quickly and becoming more and more sophisticated and complex, and having an entrepreneurial mindset has allowed her to create value. Engineers are natural problem solvers, and that has given Cristina an advantage in her career since entrepreneurs create opportunities through problem solving. As a woman entrepreneur, Cristina believes that it is important to possess a ‘problem-solving’ mindset to create opportunities by solving relevant problems for customers. She shares, “If you solve your company’s problems, you have a job. If you solve

customer problems, you have a company, and if you solve your problems, you will be happy.” In some ways, all entrepreneurs face the same problems, but they will all choose different ways to solve these problems. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to address these problems. Having the intuition and empathy to navigate important decisions will make the difference in the outcomes. An Empowering Women in Cybersecurity Cristina Dolan’s story is one of inspiration, dedication, and hard work. As an influential and dynamic woman entrepreneur, she has set an example for all women who aspire to make a difference in the world. She is a true inspiration for anyone looking to make a mark in the world of cybersecurity. Her work as an entrepreneur, author, and cybersecurity executive has made her one of the most influential women leaders to follow in 2023. She continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, and we are excited to see where her journey takes her next.

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Security

The Bluebugging Technique: How Hackers Steal your Data through Bluetooth-Enabled Devices

umerous smartphones’ Bluetooth settings are set to discovery mode by default, which makes it simple for hackers to access the phones when they are less than 10 meters away from the device. Knowing how the crime is committed and what steps to undertake to avoid it. Recent years have seen an increase in cyber security threats, with tales of hacks entering the news nearly every day. Along with the rise in digitalization, there has been an increase in the number of malware attacks on people all around the world. People who are unaware of such attacks may suffer significant financial losses as well as have their most private information stolen. Our devices are now much more susceptible to hacker attacks thanks to the increased use of Bluetooth-enabled devices like AirPods and other TWS products, as well as Bluetooth's use in vehicle stereos and even on smartphones. Hackers use a variety of techniques, like bluebugging, to access sensitive data and information. After bluejacking or bluesnarfing, hackers use bluebugging to take control of targets and gain access to confidential information on laptops and smartphones. Even the most protected computers, such as government portals, and devices, like iPhones, are susceptible to similar attacks.

Bluebugging: what is it? Hackers use the technique known as “bluebugging” to quickly gain access to a device when its Bluetooth is in “discovery mode.” Bluebugging is a technique used by hackers to intercept calls, read and transmit text messages, steal confidential data from the device, and even reroute calls to their numbers. Bluebugging was initially used to attack laptops, but hackers eventually created techniques to attack all Bluetooth-enabled devices. The reports state that cybersecurity experts have cautioned users about the possibility of hacking and conversation recording on applications that let users connect wireless earbuds to smartphones or laptops. According to some app developers, any program that has access to Bluetooth can record users' interactions with Siri and audio via the iOS keyboard dictation feature while wearing AirPods, the study said. In what way does Bluebugging work? A device’s vulnerability to cyberattacks increases if its Bluetooth is in discovery mode and it is nearby (within around 10 meters) of a hacker. Malware installation is typically the following step after gaining access to the device. Following this, attempts using brute force are conducted to defeat the security features of the device.

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Most gadgets have Bluetooth set to discoverable by default, making your gadgets vulnerable to illegal connections. Deactivating Bluetooth settings is the first thing you should do to stop anyone from finding your Bluetooth devices. By doing so, they won’t become hacker targets and won’t be able to pair with the gadget. Cybersecurity experts advise updating one’s phone and laptop to use the most recent software versions to prevent Bluebugging attacks. In this manner, any bugs in the current version are eliminated. Threatened devices Any device that has Bluetooth capabilities can be bluebugged. Wireless earbuds make it possible to perform such hacks. Users can record talks using apps that link to TWS (True Wireless Stereo) headphones or other devices. Once hacked, the perpetrator can alter or take control of your contacts, carry out and record chats, read and send messages, and more. How is Bluebugging used by hackers? Attacks known as “bluebugging” take advantage of Bluetooth-capable hardware. The device’s Bluetooth must be configured to be discoverable, which is typically the default

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

setting. The hacker then tries to pair with the device through Bluetooth. Once a connection has been made, hackers can use brute force attacks to bypass authentication. They can also install malware on the compromised device to gain unauthorized access to it. When a Bluetooth-enabled device is within a 10-meter range of the hacker, it can be executed. What you can do to prevent Bluebugging on your device Limiting the use of open WiFi, disconnecting Bluetooth, deleting associated Bluetooth devices when not in use, updating the system software on the device, and using a VPN as an additional layer of protection are some ways to prevent bluebugging.

It also helps to disconnect Bluetooth from any associated devices while not in use. Additionally, when using public Wi-Fi to connect devices, one must exercise caution. Avoid agreeing to arbitrary pairing requests because your carelessness could make it simple for hackers to gain access to your device. Reports state that you should keep an eye on your smartphone for unusual activity. Someone is likely in charge of your device if it starts to send SMS and disconnect calls at random. The default setting for Bluetooth on most devices is discovery mode, which leaves your device open to unwanted connections. Making your gadget untraceable is therefore advised.

Holly Morris Chief Medical Officer Revolution-ZERO

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Holly Morris

A Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon Reshaping Healthcare by Leading with Reusable Medical Textiles

olly Morris, Chief Medical Officer of Revolution-ZERO and a Trauma and Orthopaedic surgeon by background, specializes in the management of hand and wrist problems. Currently working in the prestigious Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Holly has a special interest in the management of paediatric and congenital hand pathology. In addition, Holly has a particular interest in the circular economy of ethically sourced, sustainable textiles used within healthcare. During her basic surgical training, she developed a fascination with textile engineering and has continued to develop this. Holly has contributed guidance to the Green Surgery Report and also sits on the medical textile working group of the European Division of Health Care Without Harm. The Inspiration Behind Holly’s Career Choice “I chose my career based on what I enjoy doing. I grew up in a family of engineers and spent my childhood taking things apart and building them. I do the same now as a surgeon! Living through the Christchurch Earthquake, whilst working in New Zealand, made me realize that nothing in life is predictable. I’ve taken calculated risks with career moves since this point and as a result, have managed to develop interests in two different fields,” expresses Holly. Holly is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Textile Institute and has spent her career working between both the surgical field and the medical textile field. She co-authored the textbook “Medical

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

Textiles” with Professor Richard Murray which updated the field and redefined its areas. The Covid-19 pandemic generated a significant quantity of contaminated waste from personal and protective equipment. This, a new impetus from the surgical world on the importance of increasingly sustainable solutions, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals led her to undertake research and work on improving the footprint of textiles used in healthcare. “I was headhunted for my position as Chief Medical Officer with Revolution-ZERO based on my interest and previous work in this area,” asserts Holly. The Progress of Revolution-ZERO The medical textile sector is the fastest-growing sector of the technical textile industry. It was valued at 24.7 billion USD in 2020 and has a CAGR of 4.5%. Advances in technology and manufacturing capabilities combined with an increasing need for products for an aging and growing population are some of the factors driving this expansion. The need to meet environmental targets will see an increase in sustainable solutions. The progress that Revolution-ZERO has realized to date has set it in a position to be the dominant global market leader in reusable Class I textile-based medical device technologies for decades to come. Revolution-ZERO is displacing the global single-use PPE and related medical textiles market with more effective, economic, and sustainable alternatives. Revolution-ZERO

utilizes circular economy principles where the end game is for resources to be continuously cycled and tightly controlled in an increasingly efficient system. The company provides technology-enabled solutions for Net Zero reusable textiles which are both scalable and transferable across healthcare settings. “I am excited to have such an integral role as we grow and develop new technologies, methods, and systems to enable a new and truly sustainable medical textiles industry,” says Holly. Revolution-ZERO works alongside the NHS, academia, and industry to develop circular solutions for reusable textiles that address both the decontamination of used textiles and inherent issues with end-of-life treatment. Phase 1 rollout projects in NHS Trusts have demonstrated both operational feasibility and significant reductions in the environmental footprint of regulated textiles. Has a Purpose: What is Next? “There is much scope to improve the delivery of sustainable healthcare to our patients at a local, national, and international level and I would like to see this positive change in the next phase of my career. Whilst I sit on international committees, I also sit on my hospital’s environmental committee which means that I can help drive and ensure change is happening in my direct practice,” says Holly. The Journey to Success Trauma and orthopaedic surgery, whilst being the second largest surgical

specialty, has a significant gender disparity with only 7% of consultant surgeons being female. Times are changing and predictions estimate gender parity by 2070. “I have always been surprised at how supportive my male colleagues have been and I wouldn’t hesitate in encouraging anyone, male or female, from pursuing the career,” says Holly. “I will be forever grateful to my mentors throughout my career. They are critical to success and will challenge and push you in ways you may not have considered,” she continues.

Signing off Advice with Work-Life Balance First, Holly believes; it is really important to encourage others to participate believing that everyone can offer a valuable perspective on problems, solutions, direction, and growth. She enjoys mentoring juniors and encouraging their growth and development. Secondly, she enjoys learning and surrounding herself with people who teach you. Every leader requires dedication and the ability to handle setbacks and failure with grace. Integrity and honesty are vitally important and with that comes the responsibility of sometimes having to have frank and challenging conversations. Female leaders need to ensure that they don’t succumb to imposter syndrome and lack the confidence and conviction to make, what can at times be, hard decisions.

“Surgical training requires discipline and grit. It is an endurance marathon rather than a fast sprint. Staying healthy yourself is vital and so eating well and exercising regularly, and having a strong network of friends is important. I have outsourced home chores but still block out time in my diary to ensure I don’t neglect relationships with those close to me,” ensures Holly. “Surgeons are perfectionists. Having insight and self-awareness into yourself is critical. Sometimes, when working with children, I have to put aside my perfectionism as children tend to follow their own post-operative recovery plans and ignore the surgeon!” she added. Driving Change in the Future “Congenital hand surgery is still a relatively new and evolving subfield. We are learning a lot about the genetics behind limb development and the more we understand, the greater our scope to improve outcomes for patients. Long term, in my surgical practice, I am keen to develop the field of regenerative science. Currently, we can grow new tissue (such as bone and cartilage) on nanofiber scaffolds. I would love to see the field develop to a stage where I can grow new tissue and reconstruct the hand and upper limb in the patients I treat who are born with congenital differences of the upper limb,” expresses Holly.

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Michelle Tran Co-Founder, NYC Fintech Women, & SVP, Head of Enterprise Sales

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Michelle Tran

A Dynamic FinTech Pioneer Inspiring the Next-Generation of Women Leaders

ichelle Tran, Co-founder of NYC FinTech Women, is a passionate FinTech leader dedicated to gender parity in FinTech. Also, she is the SVP, Head of Enterprise Sales at Vestwell, a digital 401k provider helping millions of people save for retirement. Michelle’s professional background includes BlackRock (San Francisco, Hong Kong, NYC), Apex Clearing, and Harness Wealth. Michelle has industry experience that provides for FinTech, WealthTech, Asset Management, Clearing/Custody, Payments, BaaS, Digital Assets, and more. As the Co-Founder of the largest fintech community (8k+ members), Michelle frequently speaks on fintech topics at leading conferences, events, and podcasts. She has been recognized as an industry leader by the Innovate Finance Powerlist (Senior Leader category 2019, 2020, 2021), #28 on the Top Women in FinTech 2021 by FinTech Magazine, and Primary Venture’s 40 NYC Leaders You Need to Know. A pivotal moment in Michelle’s career decision Michelle has been drawn by mission-oriented organizations, but professionally and personally. Her career has been with firms wanting to improve people’s financial lives, and this is especially true at Vestwell, where they help small businesses offer a 401k, a retirement savings plan, to their employees. “I have firsthand experience of what workplace savings can do to put people on different financial paths. I am the first generation born in the US. My parents emigrated from Vietnam and did not have the option to save for retirement when they opened their restaurant or took other jobs. Because they put me through college and I started with a large financial services firm, I was able to be part of my company’s retirement offering and will have a nest egg in the future,” says Michelle.

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

How did NYC FinTech Women begin For NYC FinTech Women, one of the biggest hurdles was trying to choose their path. For NYC FinTech Women, Michelle had been in financial services for years and was newly in FinTech, but she struggled to find the right network. The right network is essential for personal career development, professional deal-making, and partnerships. She was going to a ton of women in tech events or fintech events, and neither had a woman in the fintech network Michelle was looking for. So, she paid $80 to meetup.com in 2017 and found a bar to host a happy hour for them. They had 16 women at a bar in the Flatiron, including her co-founder Sasha Pilch. They knew they needed to do more to empower, connect, and promote women in Fintech. They quickly got a ton of fantastic support and people as they wanted to do more. NYC FW is a passion project, and they quickly realized they needed more people to help them build. The demand for the building was there. “We now have over 10k members, and members are located everywhere!” says Michelle. About Vestwell and NYC Fintech Women Vestwell is the modern fintech engine powering savings and investment programs for small businesses and individual savers across the country. Vestwell offers small businesses modern 401k solutions. The industry makes it hard for small businesses to provide retirement options, and Vestwell is making it easy, which benefits employers and employees alike. “We’re also excited to partner with states like Oregon and Virginia to offer retirement options through the state.

The goal is to ensure all employees have a pathway to retirement,” says Michelle. At NYC Fintech Women, they offer extensive programming to connect, empower and promote women in fintech. From events to office hours to Inspiring FinTech Females annual awards. It’s all about how they can shout their names from the rooftops and build strong, deep networks. “As Head of Enterprise Sales for Vestwell and Co-Founder of NYC FinTech Women, I have multiple responsibilities under different hats. I lead various teams at both organizations, am responsible for how we grow with partners at Vestwell, and then set the strategic vision for NYC FinTech Women. It’s a lot! And I love it all,” asserts Michelle. Helping FinTechs to Accelerate Growth Michelle started jumping into FinTech during the robo-advisor craze and seeing how fintech really opened the door for people to invest. FinTech, as a term now, refers to start-ups and big organizations like Goldman. Both are equally changing how people access and utilize their finances.

“At the heart, Vestwell and FinTech are democratizing access to financial services. FinTechs are making it easier for people to get bank accounts, send money internationally, to build generational wealth,” asserts Michelle. Work-life balance: Michelle’s words According to Michelle, I believe that work and life are very intertwined. I’m fully dedicated to Vestwell and NYC FinTech Women and committed to spending time with my kids and partner. The little micro ways you show up for both make significant impacts. For example, I start working with my team at Vestwell during East Coast hours (I’m on the West Coast), block off 30 mins to walk my boys to school, and then jump into NYC FW work after dinner. It all fits together, but in a well-coordinated juggle vs. entire balance. Entrepreneurship challenges abound for women: key characteristics for all women entrepreneurs Michelle’s two most important characteristics that every woman entrepreneur should possess are grit and integrity. Women entrepreneurs

face uphill battles from the get-go. Only 2% of VC money is invested in female founders. The percentage fell in 2021 even though it was a record fundraising year, with $330B going to fintech. It’s a hard percentage to swallow. Only 15% of decision-makers are female. It takes a lot of grit and integrity to push through the challenges we have. Michelle’s vision for the future According to Michelle, for Vestwell, we see us empower more than 32 million small businesses to offer retirement options which means their employees will be better prepared in the long run. The goal is to understand where the next best dollar goes - is it 401k or 529 or emergency savings? “For NYC FinTech Women, we are going national and global. We are launching chapters in San Francisco, Chicago, and Atlanta. We have interest from Singapore and London in offering similar programs. We are super excited!” asserts Michelle.

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Natalie Tenzer-Silva Director Dana Tours Lda

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Natalie Tenzer-Silva Creating Unforgettable Itineraries for Travellers, Residents, and Guests

atalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours Lda, has worked in the tourism industry since 1994 first managing a large travel agency and then becoming Mozambique’s largest inbound tour operator. Her language skills and capacity as a team leader have earned respect within Dana Tours, the Mozambican business community, and the Government being a member of the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee. She spends her spare time with her husband and two boys. How did Natalie start her journey? Natalie was born in South Africa and moved to Mozambique in the early 90s where she learned Portuguese. “In 1993 I followed my husband to Mozambique as he embarked on what was meant to be a 2-year work contract. Although he was ready to leave after that contract ended, I was extremely happy living in Maputo and convinced him to stay. I found an amazing job in the travel industry, working for one of the largest IATA agencies at the time. After 8 years of managing the Travel Agency, I felt the need for change, and a chance meeting with someone in 2002 led me to enter a joint venture with my bosses to create a Mozambique Inbound Operator and DMC June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

(Destination Management Company). I didn’t realize at that point how my career path would be reshaped,” says Natalie. “Mozambique tourism was just budding at the time, having only recently recovered from an almost 20-year civil war. I realized how privileged I was, living in such a unique and beautiful country, with a vast coastline, immense geography, and wonderful people,” Natalie continues. Surrounded by a positive and motivated team Although there were less than a handful of tourist attractions in the country at that time, some travelers were eager to venture into this relatively unknown part of Southern Africa. Dana Tours began with only Natalie and one other employee and grew to a 21-staff complement pre-Covid. During Covid, it was devastating to let staff go, but what was inspiring her was that everyone who left said they would come back in a heartbeat if the economic situation improved. They had a buddy system during those dreadful years, where each person was responsible for checking on the well-being of a colleague regularly. There is always a good spirit in the office. The staff often play music and laugh a lot and Natalie values the positive atmosphere.

Making the work environment a happy place for all “Our Team is a 50/50 female/male split and aside from me, every employee is Mozambican. I have found working with Mozambicans extremely rewarding and I strive to make our work environment a happy place for all. Having job security means that people can own up if mistakes are made, avoiding finger-pointing and rather learning from incidents. We work as a Team,” says Natalie. Dana Tours: Showering light into the luxurious world of travel Dana Tours bookings began with a couple of honeymoons to the Bazaruto archipelago, and slowly this grew to conference and incentive bookings and operating port excursions for all the cruise liners docking in Maputo. Over the years, they built a fleet of vehicles, and chauffeur-drive is now a large part of their portfolio. Working with oil & gas companies means that Health & Safety management systems had to be implemented, which they have instilled in their company. “Being a DMC, 99% of our portfolio is selling Mozambique. Most other local agents sell the whole world, but we concentrate on a fully Mozambique experience.

We know Mozambique! There is so much to offer, and our Team gives guidance on how to build sensible itineraries in Mozambique where guests get to experience the culture, safari, and beach. With limited domestic flight connections and sometimes arduous road journeys our dedicated Team irons out all the details,” says Natalie. Creating Itineraries for their clients “Creating itineraries for all our clients, be they a honeymoon couple or a large conference, attention to detail is paramount, and exceeding customer satisfaction is our goal. Word of mouth and repeat business shows us that this works!” asserts Natalie. MICE as well as leisure travelers will find it the perfect choice A Convention Bureau in Mozambique has just been set up, and this will enable us to proactively bid for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events) business. Natalie wants to see these events taking place every week. This will boost the tourism sector enormously and have a hugely positive effect all the way down the value chain.

Battling the balancing struggle Competing with online travel companies is a hurdle, but Mozambique is still very much a tailored experience, and Natalie believes that the need for a travel adviser is still very much required. “We are moving to an online platform for part of our service offerings, but tailored itineraries still involve lots of back-and-forth communication with our clients. Since each itinerary is suited to the individual client, complete automation isn’t a solution,” says Natalie Bright future roadmap Each year the company introduces a new day tour in Maputo. The more offerings they have, the longer the tourist will stay. Their latest offerings are Gastronomic Tour and a Batiq-making tour. Dana Tours operates port excursions for all the passenger cruise liners docking in Maputo. “I am hoping that soon we will have all the major cruise companies docking in our waters,” assures Natalie.

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Fitness

10 Must-Have Features to Watch Out For

t might be challenging to select the ideal fitness and exercise app for you when there are so many options available. A few apps promise to be an all-in-one solution with mindfulness and meditation programs, while others are promoted by celebrities and give diet and nutrition guidance. There is a lot to think about. Here are some qualities to look for in the top fitness apps if you’re browsing the iOS App Store or Google Play Store for the ideal tool to help you get started with your exercise routine. Use this guide to discover which characteristics and features are essential among the many fitness apps available. 1. Exercise apps with a variety of options The sense of boredom in exercising is one of the things that deters many people the most. You’ll rapidly grow tired with regular repetition. Even worse, you run the risk of overusing some muscle groups while underusing others. The workout applications you’ll use consistently offer a wide range of activities in a frequently updated and

renewed catalog. You’ll avoid falling into the trap of doing the bare minimum that way. 2. A Customized Workout Plan That Monitors Your Progress Obviously, everyone has different fitness aspirations, therefore your requirements will vary from those of other app users. Because of this, the greatest exercise apps begin with a questionnaire where you may enter important details about your starting position and fitness objectives. You get a customized training plan in return for sharing your fitness goals. You can overlook any apps that don’t tailor their routines to fit you because there are so many excellent exercise apps that do offer this functionality. Keep an eye out for applications that will track and record your progress through your program and even let you unlock more difficult exercises as you reach your goals. Like a genuine gym would, several apps also offer induction programs to help you become used to the workouts they offer.

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

3. Optimal compatibility with fitness trackers or wearables If you want to record and track your health data, fitness trackers and smartwatches are popular choices. If you have a wearable device, it goes without saying that you’ll want to be sure that any fitness software you download will work with it and track your workouts. Some wearables are supported by a comprehensive health and fitness infrastructure, such as Apple’s Health and Fitness+ services or Google Fit for Android devices. Many apps work with the most popular fitness trackers. My Fitness Pal, for instance, can sync with a variety of activity and step trackers. 4. Challenge-Oriented Apps If you can create, accomplish, and then increase your fitness-related goals, you are far more likely to stick with your program. You will always be improving because of the challenge component. Select a navigational app to help you on your journey. By following a nine-week program designed to get you ready for a 5K race, one of the most well-known running apps, Couch to 5K, helps you improve your aerobic fitness. 5. Rewards That Will Encourage You to Work Out For younger users, exercising in exchange for digital badges or stickers might be okay, but if you’re serious about getting in shape, seek applications that provide rewards that will genuinely inspire you. So, consider what would motivate you to get active and select an app accordingly. If you want to compete with your friends or other app users, for instance, you might choose an app with social features like Nike Run Club. You can participate in a wide variety of

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

challenges on this app, or you can even create your own. Meet your fitness objectives with others, connect with your friends, and see where you rank on leaderboards. 6. Different Forms of Exercise to Fit Your Lifestyle and Interests If you don’t look forward to exercising, you’ll come up with reasons not to. Find a mobile app that teaches you a new sport or ability. These fantastic boxing applications, for instance, might encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and discover untapped potential. Instead, pick an app that aligns with your present interests. For instance, if you enjoy gaming, you might want to consider using fitness-related apps. You will gain from workouts that don’t consume a lot of your day if you lead a hectic lifestyle, like this collection of seven-minute workout applications. 7. Exercise Apps at an Affordable Price The fact that using apps to plan your workouts is so much less expensive than joining a gym is one of its biggest aspects. Many have nominal subscription fees or are entirely free. You can also choose exercises that don’t disturb your neighbors and don’t demand a lot of room or pricey equipment. 8. Apps That Clearly Describe Exercise Poor fitness applications don’t clearly describe how to complete activities. This is at best an annoyance, and at worst you run the risk of hurting yourself if you move improperly. Always seek out programs like Skimble’s Workout Trainer that provide detailed instructions along with examples. This software offers step-by-step expert guidance in audio, photograph, and video formats.

9. Apps That Remind You to Work Out It’s simple to forget to schedule time for exercise during a hectic day. You are much more likely to keep a scheduled gym appointment than to remember to open an app on your phone. To avoid missing a class or workout, look for an app that lets you schedule it in advance and even add it to your calendar. When it’s time to relocate, an alert will then let you know. 10. Well-being apps that take your whole well-being into account The top apps understand that wellness is holistic and provide solutions for both your physical and emotional well-being in addition to your physical fitness. 10. Apps That Take Your Whole Well-Being Into Account Look for apps that offer breathing exercises and mindful meditations in addition to cardio and weight training. Asana Rebel, a yoga-based software, has a fantastic meditation feature. Although it’s simple to overlook this aspect of your health, mindfulness is a critical component that you can quickly add to your stretching or cool-down routine after an exercise. Discover an exercise app that works for you and Suits Your Individual Needs There’s no reason to persist with a fitness regimen that doesn’t suit your needs when there are so many great applications available. Utilize the free trials that subscription-based applications frequently offer by downloading several free apps. You’ll undoubtedly discover the ideal match.

Sanja Kon Chief Executive Officer Utrust

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Sanja Kon

Passionate Leader Making a Difference Locally and Globally

anja Kon, Chief Executive Officer of Utrust, was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, in a country that, before the war, was about the peaceful coexistence of multiple religions and backgrounds. Her family was lucky enough to have moved to Italy a year before the war started, so she was in a very particular situation where Sanja was physically safe but still fully witnessing the devastating consequences of it on our extended family and friends. People lost properties and money overnight and could not access their savings in a crisis when you have to escape a country to survive. Sanja feels this, and only some understand what it means, and these kinds of scars are difficult to heal. They don’t just affect you; they affect your entire family, your whole world. They also make you who you are, and this is Sanja’s backstory of being passionate about financial inclusion and working on solutions allowing people to control their money. Creating Mark Globally Sanja had the privilege of living in multiple countries, including Croatia, Italy, Denmark, the UK, the US, and Portugal, and she will never be able to define herself as belonging to one nationality. Sanja would go on to work in many different companies, seeking a good fit. Consulting, Telco, e-commerce, and traditional payments for years and in many countries. As the head of the Italian Consumer strategy team at eBay Italy, Sanja had the opportunity of launching eBay in the Italian market, and that experience was for sure one of the most rewarding and entrepreneurial-like in her corporate life. When she moved to the UK, Sanja had the opportunity to head the European Partnerships strategy at eBay, forming key global relationships to enhance the experience for eBay professional merchants. After many years in e-commerce and Telco, she was offered to join PayPal as the head of Marketplaces and Large Enterprise Partnerships, and that was a natural step, as payments were always a fascinating area to her. “The PayPal experience was what brought me to crypto. It gave me the opportunity to see the inefficiencies in the

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

traditional payments space. It made me understand how much something we all take for granted, the simple ability to pay for goods or services, can become a roadblock,” says Sanja. When Sanja joined PayPal as the Head of Payments for Marketplace platforms, she quickly realized how inefficient the traditional payment systems could be. Merchants and buyers were overcharged and had little transparency about the fees they paid. Cross-border payments were complicated to process, and international payments were prolonged. At the time, she was already investing in cryptocurrency and had some general knowledge about blockchain. Sanja knew some projects were already experimenting with blockchain to increase payment efficiency. Blockchain payments allow them to remove all the traditional intermediaries. Every person and institution exist to ensure money moves around securely and seamlessly, such as banks and credit card schemes. At some point, all of these things were necessary, of course. “By ridding ourselves of these unnecessary steps, we are removing high costs, chargebacks, and fraud, all characterizing the traditional payments industry. I fell in love with using blockchain to solve traditional payment problems. I wanted to integrate this technology into PayPal’s product. That would prove to be a fruitless endeavor. I was too early in Europe, far from where these decisions are made. I wasn’t too late to change my path. In any case, the seed was planted in my mind to change how the world pays, with or without PayPal,” says Sanja. “I analyzed many whitepapers, went through a bunch of interesting ideas being written at that time, and the Utrust one got my attention as it covered all the aspects I wanted to solve. These were kindred spirits. Then, I decided to leave my safe corporate career to pursue what can only be described as a dream. At the time, we didn’t even have a product, just an idea we wanted to pursue, and that was the beginning of my journey in Web3 payments,” Sanja added. “This was difficult, as only a few people left their corporate careers to move into blockchain. Today, this is different, and the situation is reversed. The most talented people in the business are moving from Web2 to Web3 as it becomes clear that we are the future,” she continues.

It is not hyperbolic to say that this will change the world Sanja is an investor and advisor in the Web3 space. The next few years will be crucial for blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption across the globe. The potential to unlock value for everyone using the Internet in this industry is unparalleled. Instead of centralized platforms controlling the data, users will own the content they create. This reality is closer than they imagine. She worked in the corporate world for almost ten years before entering the Web3 space, and this allowed her to see the problems of traditional e-commerce and payments in real-world scenarios, affecting real people and real lives. Lastly, as a woman in tech and a CEO of Web3, Sanja is involved and always interested in initiatives that promote gender diversity and education for women. Sanja’s Utrust Mission Utrust is the Stripe for cryptocurrency payments, bridging the gap between Web3 and Traditional Retail by allowing anyone, anywhere, to pay with cryptocurrency from any wallet, and allowing any merchant to choose whether they’re ready to get paid in crypto or whether they prefer to settle in fiat. Today, as the CEO of Utrust, Sanja’s primary mission is to increase cryptocurrency adoption among businesses and individuals. What drives her isn’t some fascination with crypto as an investment opportunity or as the next technically fascinating thing in tech (even though she understands why these things captivate people) but the awareness of how much fixing payments changes everything. Fixing payments and making them as safe, fast, and cheap as possible is the

single thing that will make the most significant difference for the greatest number of people. “What we’re doing at Utrust right now is building the technology that will turn payments into a source of income for merchants, as opposed to something that eats into their margins,” says Sanja.

will always be able to handle any situation, no matter what life reserves for the future. It gives her great comfort to know that with such certainty.

Our mission at the outset was to provide the safest crypto payment solution to merchants and disrupt the traditional payment space by drastically reducing payment processing fees, eliminating chargebacks and fraud, and providing the best borderless payment solution.

“From the moment I attended my first Tony Robbins event, my life was never the same again. I learned a lot about self-development, and I had the opportunity to meet many amazing people from all over the world who shared similar values, backgrounds, and desires as me. Every year, I will still attend at least one of Tony’s events because I love to be immersed in that energy, and I constantly challenge myself to achieve more, be more, and give more,” says Sanja.

Sanja’s journey from student to entrepreneur Sanja completed her university degrees in Italy and Denmark, with a BA in Economics and Business Administration and a master’s degree in marketing management. At the same time, the university did give her an excellent mindset framework and allowed her to meet amazing people who are part of her inner circle today. “What prepared me to be an entrepreneur was the skillset I have acquired with the experiences I had to go through in life, as well as an innate curiosity and willingness to disrupt the status quo I always had,” assures Sanja. Individuals who have shaped Sanja’s life in the most profound way According to Sanja, she will never forget that, and she owes everything she has achieved to her mum and the immense love she dedicated to her. Her grandmother and aunt were also very strong pillars in Sanj’s life. They both escaped the war as refugees in the 1990s, and her grandmother always said that everything could be taken away from you except your brain, intelligence, and ability to pick yourself up and start again. That’s why Sanja firmly believes that she

Apart from her family, entering the coaching world has changed her life profoundly.

As an influential woman entrepreneur, Sanja has many responsibilities On top of her Chief Executive Officer role at Utrust, Sanja is a limited partner in a few VCs, advising/mentoring start-ups in her free time. “I take up so many different challenges because discovering new businesses, meeting new entrepreneurs, and hearing about new ideas are the things that light up my day and help me become a better student of life Seeking new opportunities to learn, grow and improve myself every day are definitely that drives me. I want to serve causes that I believe in and get better at them,” says Sanja. “I am, first and foremost, the CEO of my own life. I have the freedom and flexibility to allocate my own time in the best way for me. I make the time for family, friends, passions, and creativity, and I ensure all of that needs to be in harmony with work, not separated from it in tiny little sealed boxes,” Sanja added.

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Tram Anh Nguyen Co-Founder CFTE

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

Tram Anh Nguyen

Accelerating Transformation towards Diversity and Inclusion in the Financial Industry

uccess is never simple; it requires a lot of effort, passion, and willpower to achieve. Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-Founder of CFTE, is an effervescent fintech whiz who embodies all of these traits. Nguyen stands out from the throng thanks to her easy-going nature and selfless vision for millions of people. “I am a ‘disruptor’– my goal is to accelerate change towards diversity and inclusion in the financial industry through educating and opening doors for people from all walks of life,” says Tram Anh. What it takes to become a social entrepreneur Before setting up CFTE, Tram Anh spent 16 years working in traditional finance where she started out on the trading floor of Standard Chartered Bank in New York, joined Dresdner Kleinwort Benson in London, and finally, UBS Wealth Management, where she was in charge of investments for clients in Asia and then advising family offices. When she left the industry in 2014, Tram Anh realized it was unprepared for tomorrow’s world. Technology is creating a new environment which enables the industry to change the world in more ways than ever, but very few people are aware of it. The business idea came about when Tram Anh witnessed how technology rapidly eats finance while she was still in her banking role. The pivotal moment happened in November 2016 at the Singapore Fintech Festival. A keynote given by Sopnendu Mohanty from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) made Tram Anh realize that technology will transform finance and affect society, triggering her to build this platform for Fintech education. And for Tram Anh, what matters is not only technology, but also people. What matters to her is ensuring that people have the tools to learn.

June 2023 | GlobalBiz Outlook

Tram Anh believes that education and training is essential in helping individuals understand Fintech and be part of this fast-changing ecosystem. Tram Anh and Huy Nguyen Trieu created CFTE with a mission of educating millions at-scale around the world to adapt and accomplish their own breakthroughs in this new world of technology-driven finance. CFTE was built as a new type of university which uses online learning to teach professionals about technology in finance and Fintech. Today, there are over 300+ industry experts leading at CFTE. “I wanted to become a social entrepreneur who could change the face of finance and make the industry more inclusive. I co-founded CFTE with Huy Nguyen Trieu to help individuals across the globe easily acquire skills in digital finance and discover their full potential to disrupt the Future of Finance and Fintech,” says Tram Anh. Learn about everything in Fintech at CFTE CFTE’s primary offering is its certified career-building specialization to help people and organizations upskill and make their next move. They also have a life-learning platform, THINK, which could be considered the ‘Netflix of Fintech’, allowing everyone to stay ahead of the events occurring in the industry. “We also produce cutting-edge research that has never been done before, such as our job reports in Fintech and Blockchain, which analysis the future jobs. We are continuously developing new innovative courses to launch soon, and our Megabrain site is a uniquely curated source of information for all news and outstanding research reports on Fintech topics,” assures Tram Anh. “I want CFTE to be the place everyone goes to for Fintech learning and discussions,” she adds. Promoting Diversity and Empowering Women in Fintech Revolution Tram Anh’s core value is diversity, and she makes it her responsibility to bring that into the financial industry. When

setting up CFTE, she knew that her goal was to ensure women were at the head of decision-making. A central focus of what Tram Anh does is elevate a higher number of women to higher positions in finance by providing them with the proper training, the global network, and the perfect platform to raise their voices and make an impact. “I’ll keep pushing and bringing more programs at-scale to governments to reach women all around the world and empower them to participate in the Fintech revolution,” declares Tram Anh. “For instance, we’ve recently worked with the ADGMA, the academy of Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, to provide scholarships to women and people coming from diverse backgrounds to accelerate their interests and growth in the fintech sector,” she adds. CFTE is disrupting the way they teach by acquiring land in the Sandbox and inviting many alumni to learn in the Metaverse, where they set up a special museum. In honour of International Women’s Day this year, the CFTE museum was opened enabling women discover the new world of the Metaverse. For CFTE, being vocal about what the industry has to offer to women is essential. Tram Anh wants to show other women that anything is possible through education and that they should not be afraid to grasp opportunities that could transform them into leaders of the new era of finance, she invites successful women fintech entrepreneur like Anne Boden, CEO at Starling

Bank to share her expertise on the CFTE online learning platform.

Naturally we apply this paradigm to ourselves.

How Tram Anh Reaches Her Work-Life Balance “This is a message I always convey to young students and my 3 daughters and I would also offer this to other young people and girls. See the world as bright and full of opportunities. Anything is possible if you have the right mindset and attitude”

On my side, I will aim to lead further education programmes to support countries worldwide, provide access to Fintech education with the industry on Innovation and Technology, on ESG, Digital Assets and Entrepreneurship.

Tram Anh: Describing Future Roadmap I would love to see more and more people getting into the Fintech industry. Our mission is to educate at-scale. We want to provide Fintech education to millions of people at the same time in an efficient manner so that people not only learn but also get constant updates about the industry and find career opportunities through our global network of over 100 thousand alumni, out of which 48% are women. Our long-term vision is to become what I like to call the next “MIT of finance” which will foster a highly innovative and aspiring Fintech community. We like to share the knowledge of a lot of industry experts. Our courses are taught by the industry for the industry. In this proactive environment, learners are encouraged to develop and lead their next digital innovation project or even drive disruption in finance by building their own venture. We are working to create a platform of lifelong learning because we do believe “learn to learn” is the true skill of the XXIth century.

I am convinced the Fintech industry will continue to grow for a very long time, and I want to be a significant actor who will make the future of fintech more inclusive for more people. This means continuously working with governments, CEOs and industry experts, and academia. Hopefully, we’ll be happy to witness much more transformation of people getting into the Fintech industry. Please happy for anyone to reach out to me if you'd like to discuss it.” Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-founder CFTE, Co-author of the Fintech Job Report, Advisor, NED, Board Member, Ambassador, Keynote Speaker, Women Leader in Fintech. Fintech Job Report: https://courses.cfte.education/fintech-jo b-report/ Blockchain Job Report: https://courses.cfte.education/blockchai n-job-report/ CFTE’s website: https://courses.cfte.education/

GlobalBiz Outlook | June 2023

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