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raditionalthinkingmethodscanoftenput
Temployeesinadullenvironment,resultinginwhy manyworkspaces,offices,andremoteteamsdonot usetheirwholepotentialintheirwork.However,thisisnot thecasewheninnovativeleadersgroomtheiremployees andofficeculturesothatthereismaximumproductivity andmaximumcreativity.Innovativebusinessleaders understandtheweightagethanabrightandcheerful environmentcarries.Theemployeesfeelfreshand motivatedtowork,anditkeepstheirmentalhealthingood shapesothatthequantityofworkisnothampered.The sameisthecasewithremoteofficemodels,whereitis equallynecessarytomaintainahealthyenvironmentsothat employeesdonotmissthein-officeworkmethodsandget usedtoremoteworkingeffectively.New-ageinnovative leadersaretakinghugestepsinthedirectionofcreative waysofworkingtokeepthemselvesaheadofthe competitionqualitativelyandquantitively
Whenpeoplewithdiversebackgrounds,knowledge,and experiencescollaborate,intendingtouseinnovationto propelthebusinesstonewheights,creativeinsights emerge.Moreandmoreleadersadopttheformulafromthe best-skilledworkersfromdifferentteams,evenifthe departmentsarediverse.Afewyearsago,thiswasnotthe casewhenaspecificdepartmenthandledthetasks associatedwiththeirnameandwork.Asleadersopenup thepossibilitiesofexpandingabusiness,itwasdiscovered thatthebestqualityskillsarerequiredtogetthebest qualityworkdone.Bestskillsarenotfoundinthesame teams.Managersoftenputdifferentemployeesfrom differentfieldsoncommonprojectssothatthereisa collaborativeapproachtoexploringanideaandfindinga creativesolution.
Innovativeleadersfostercollaborativeargumentationto coverallpossiblescenariosandcomeupwithoptimal answersforanychallengestheinventionmayfacealong
theroute.Theywanttomakeinnovationaspainless aspossiblebybringingtogetherdifferentskillsand knowledgethatthefirmcanutilizetogeneratenew concepts,products,andservicesthatwillhelpthem breakintonewmarketsinthefuture.
Theinnovativeleadersfeaturedinthismagazine haveonecommontrait:theyarenotafraidtotake risksandpromotethesameculturewithintheir teamsandcompanies.Althoughinnovation leadershipencouragescreativity,innovation managersknowthatunbridledcreativitycarries severalrisks.Businessleaderswithahigh-risk tolerancearemorelikelytoincreasetheirinnovation performance.Theyinvestigateeveryconceivable perspectivethatcomeswithaproblemwithgreat attentionandprecision.Theyalsorecognizethat advancemententailsdangers,buttheybelievethat theserisksmaybeusedtolearnmoreabouttheir chosensubjects.Thismakestheemployeesinstill theirfaithintheirleaderandgivethemthebest possibleresultwithoutworryingaboutthe implicationsofrisks.
Inthiseditionof “The 10 Most Innovative Business Leaders to Follow in 2022,” wecameacrossmany impactfulleadersfromwhomyoucanlearnalotof innovativesecrets.
Donotmisstheinsightfularticlespenneddownby ourin-houseeditorialteam.
Haveagoodread!Raunak Mhetre
AliceChang CEO
CarstenNygaard Brogger
FounderandCEO
DerekAnthony VicePresident
DavidWachs CEO
JeanineJerkovic Economic DevelopmentDirector
KaseyOrtoski DeputyChief InnovationOfficer
MayYap SeniorVicePresident
PerfectCorp perfectcorp.com
CasusGrill casusgrill.com
WoodmontCompany woodmont.com
Handwrytten handwrytten.com
PerfectCorp.istheworld’sleadingbeautytechsolutions provider
CasusGrill™isanaward-winningDanishinnovationcompany
Woodmontspecializesineveryaspectofcommercialreal estate,includingdevelopment,assetmanagement,tenant representation,brokerage,constructionsupervision,and investmentsales.
Handwryttenallowsyoutosendrealcardsandnoteswithyour messagewritteninpenandink.
Surprise,Arizonaishometonearly140,000residentswho enjoysafeneighborhoodsandafamily-friendlyenvironment.Surprise AZsurpriseaz.gov
Jacobsdeliversimpactfulglobalsolutionstocreateamore connected,sustainableworldfromintelligenceto infrastructure,cybersecuritytospaceexploration. Jacobs jacobs.com
Iht iht.com.sg
LHTHoloingsistheTransportation,LogisticsandStorage.
PetarReshovski GeneralManager
RanRachlin Co-founder&CEO
SouadBenkredda ManagingDirector HeadofFinancial MarketsUAE
Williams&Marshall Strategy wm-strategy.com
Ubertesters ubertesters.com
Williams&MarshallStrategyisaglobalfull-servicemarket researchandconsultingcompany.
Ubertestersisacrowd-based,completemobileapps/web testingsolutionprovider.
StandardCharteredisaleadinginternationalbankinggroup, withapresenceinmorethan60oftheworld’smostdynamic markets. Standard Charteredsc.com
Theworldneedsinnovators andproblemsolverswho turnchallengesintogreater opportunities.Wetackle theworld'stoughestchallenges.
KaseyOrtoski DeputyDirectorofMissionOperations Jacobs
nnovationisachallengingjob–imaginebuildingthe
IGrandCanyononyourown.Thewindingintricacies andoverwhelmingmagnitudeofcanyonswereformed overcenturies,ifnotmore.Nature’spersistencelaidouta visionthathasmesmerizedhumanityforgenerations.Ina similarfashion,individualsarerequiredtoputinthousands ofhourstobuildaknowledgebase.Moreover,general knowledgeisn’tenough.Wearerequiredtouseour experience,imagination,andultimately,applyintuitionto solveworldlychallenges,sometimesseeminglyasbigas theGrandCanyonitself.Inanincreasinglycomplexworld filledwithcanyons,aleaderwhohaslittheworldof innovationwithinspirationisKaseyOrtoski,theDeputy DirectorofMissionOperationsatJacobs
KaseystartedatJacobsasaprojectmanager.Therolewas modest;thetaskathandwasnot.Herjobwastomodernize theUnitedStatesSpecialOperationsCommand(SOCOM) inTampa,Florida.Shequicklyrosethroughtherankswith heringenuityandabilitytoworkwithpeoplefromvarious backgrounds.Soonafter,anewopportunityledKaseyto acceptthepositionofIntegratedMasterScheduler supportingtheNorthAmericaAerospaceDefense Command.Herknowledgemanagementskillsandintegrity propelledherforward,eventuallylandingastheleadof MissionAssuranceCentersacrossthecountry Today,her responsibilitiesinvolveidentifyingkeywaystoinnovate thecoreofdefensemanagementwithmodernization implementationsandtakethecompetitivenessofdefense commandtothenextlevel.Despiteherillustriouscareer, Kaseyremainshumbleonherfeet.Shenotes, “My team is a group of highly-skilled and mission-minded people, despite the major challenges with security innovation.” She believesthisremainshercorestrengthasshebreaksdown barrierstomodernizenationalsecurityintheDepartmentof Defense(DoD)space.
Onherwaytothetop,Kaseyexperiencedmanychallenges. Manychallengessharedthecentralthemeofsecurity, whichKaseybelievescansometimesgetinthewayof innovation.Securitynecessitatesoperatingwithinthe confinedboundsofarigidset,anditrequiresstrong problem-solvingskillsandcreativitytoovercomethese challenges.Insuchdifficultpositions,itisimportantfor leaderstooperatewithaclearvisionandaroadmapahead. KaseyfoundsuchinspirationthroughMediciEffect,abook byFransJohansson.Thebookaddressesthenotionthat innovationcomesfromanintersectionalrelationship betweenthingsseeminglycompletelyunrelated.Kasey embracesthisconceptwholeheartedlyinhercareer.She appliesittoeveryfacetofherprofessionallife,including findingnewtalenttoaddtotheteamordeployingkey techniquesofproblem-solvingtobringnewinnovation.She alsofindsadeepconnectionwithherhobby,painting,asa waytoactualizehervisionofinnovation,adeeply satisfyingpursuit.Kaseyexpresses, “I seek to create in innovative ways by considering the nontraditional as this provides opportunities for me to operate or develop in an inventive manner.”
BeforebecominganinnovatorintheDoDsector,Kasey spentyearsbecomingauniverseofknowledgeinherown smallway.Sheunderwentmanytrialsbyfirebefore becomingauniqueinnovator Asachild,shetraveledwith herparentstosellfusedartglass;shealsomanageda restaurant,taughtinelementaryschool,andworkedonfilm sets,amonghermanyvariedexperiences.Kaseybelieves theseuniqueexperiencesareessentialforextendinga naturalloveforlearningandfuelingcuriosityforlifeat everystep.Shesummarizestheimportanceofexperiencein afewwords.Kaseyasserts, “Knowledge is my currency, and experience is one of the best generators of knowledge.”
AtJacobs,wemaketheworldsmarter, moreconnected,andmoresustainable.
Herloveforlearninganduniquelifeexperienceshelpedher overcomesomegrandchallengesduringherleadershipat Jacobs.DuringtheCovid-19pandemic,Kaseyfacedan incredibleobsticalwithsecurityprotocolskeeping employeesfromworkingremotely.Contrarytotheneedon theground,employeesneededtodeliver24/7serviceto ensuresupportforcriticalmissions.Shemanagedto provideaflexiblescheduleforemployeesduringthis challengingtimetoensuretheycouldtakecareoftheirsick lovedones.Atthesametime,shealsoensuredrobust supportforclientsbyhiringdedicatedteammemberswho alwaysbroughtaninnerpassionforwork,valuingitabove themerefinancialgains.Despitethechallengingworldof innovation,underKasey’sleadership,Jacobsmanagedto secureprestigiousawardssuchastheVeteranAward,a testamenttothecompany’ssuccesswithitsworkforce.Her leadershipsailedJacobsthroughturbulentwaterstoemerge withgreaterresilienceandresolve.
TheCovid-19pandemicalsobroughtmajordisruptionsin supplychainsglobally.Theissueculminatedinchallenges relatedtosoftwaredevelopment,runningstandard operations,andhardwaremaintenance,allwhileattempting tokeepconstantinnovationfromderailing.Kasey witnessedorganization-widedifficultieslikegainingaccess tohardware.Shemetthosechallengeshead-on,and mitigatedthemusingin-depthresolutioncourseswith supplyvendorsandleveragingtherelationshipofthe companytosecurekeyresourcesduringtestingtimes.She
outlinesthisasacorepriorityforcompaniestogrowinthe nearfuture.Shenotes, “Alignment with technologies like digitalization is imperative for a sustainable future. We need to be strategic on modernization endeavors, and clearly map our efforts to build a roadmap.”Whenprogress isnear,thetemptationtoslipbackintoeasier,oldhabitsis neverfarbehind.Kaseyremainscautiousinherapproach. Shebelievestacklingthelong-termtransformationrequires asolidplatform,andfindingaquickcodefix,asitisoften done,isnotthewaytogo.
ARoadmapfortheCommunity KaseyleadstheeffortsofJacobstobuildastrong communityofemployees,alongwiththeirfamilymembers. Thecompanyregularlyholdsschoolsupplydriveswitha strongfocusonsustainability.Jacobsalsopridesitselfinits initiativestogoaboveandbeyondwhenitcomestosafety foremployeesofallbackgrounds.Jacobscurrentlyhas eightnetworkgroupsofemployeesintheworkplacethat extendpasttheirhomesandcommunities.Thecompany employees,includingKasey,regularlyparticipateinfood bank,breastcancerawareness,andotheradoptiondrives withlocalfamilies.Manyfeelthisisnotthebadgethatan organizationshouldfeelstronglyabout;however,Kasey feelsdifferently.Shesays, “I am proud to work for a company that truly puts people and communities first.”
Alongwithherpassionforcommunitybuilding,Kaseyalso keepsastrongfocusonthefutureroadmapofJacobs. Buildingasustainabletomorrowispartofthebrightfuture Kaseyenvisionsforthecompany.Shenotesthatthe strengthofJacobsliesinitsteam,whichhasendured tremendoushardshipsandhascontinuouslyproved resilient.ForKasey,small,incrementalimprovementseach dayarehowsheenvisionsherteambuildingabetter tomorrowfortheglobalcommunity.Shealsooffersadvice toyoungentrepreneurs.Shesays, “make yourself visible, be curious, and use your voice. Take up opportunities like attending conferences, and speak and volunteer at every opportunity.”
Throughyearsofdiverseexperiencesandchallengingthe statusquo,Kaseycametofindherownvoiceandadoptan open-to-growthmindsetthatpusheshertoconsistentlyseek outbetterwaysofexecutinggoals.Shebelieves opportunitieslikeattendingconferencesarevitaltoshaping curiosityandfindinganaturalspaceintechnologyforan individualtogrow.Shealsoadvisesyoungentrepreneursto connectwithnewpeople,collaborate,andseekhelp whenevertheyneedit.
sanindustryprojectedtobeworthnearly440
Abilliondollarsbythe2026,itissafetosay consumersareintotheirbeautyproducts.Given thecomplexityandever-growingassortmentofnewness enteringthebeautyshelves,consumersarelookingfor waystoasafelyandconvenientlyexperimentandexplore newproductsinordertomakemoreconfidentpurchase decisions.
Asabeautyloverherself,AliceChangwasmotivatedto findauniquesolutionthatimprovedtheconsumershopping journey.Shehadalwaysbeenaproblemsolverandher experiencewithadvancedARandAItechnologiessparked herdesiretotranslatetheideaforthebeautyjourney.She wantedtofindasolutionthatwoulddeliverhyper-realistic virtualbeautyeffectsthatrivaledtheaccuracyofphysical producttry-ons,inanengaged,fun,andconvenientway Herdesiretoimprovetheconsumerbeautyexperienceled totheinceptionofPerfectCorp.,theleadingglobalbeauty techsolutionsproviderusingAI&ARtotransformthe consumerexperience.
Alicehasalwaysbeenaleadertoembracechallengesthat solveconsumerandbusinesspainpoints.It’swhat motivatesAlicetothinkstrategicallyandfindresourceful andimpactfulwaystogrowasanindividualandasa company.Theroadtosuccessinthebeautytechcategory hasbeenanongoinghustletoprovetopotentialbrand partnersandbillionsofbeautyconsumers,thatitsvirtual try-ontechnologyandsolutionswentbeyondacoolselfie editingtool,andprovedatrueutilitytoaidintheconsumer shoppingexperience.Overtheyears,brandsadoptedthe hyper-realisticAIandAReffectsasameansofboosting
conversionandconsumershavelearnedtorelyonthetrueto-lifetry-onstohelpthemmakemoreconfidentpurchase decisions.
DuringpandemicconsumershavequicklyadoptedARand AIpoweredvirtualtry-onasameanstosafelyexperiment, discover,andshopforbeauty.LivinginaPandemic,virtual beautyhasbecomeanecessity,forbrands,retailers,and consumers.Withbusinessclosingsandstayathomeorders, thedemandforengagingdirecttoconsumersonline shoppingexperiencesincreased,andbrandswereforcedto looktowardtechnology-poweredsolutionstodeliveronthe try-before-you-buyconsumerjourney
Asacompany,PerfectCorp.quicklyadaptedtooffera varietyofspecialprogramstoprovidecomplimentary beautytechservicestobrandslookingtoleveragethe powerofARandAItoenhancetheironlineconsumer journeyandadapttotheevolvingimpactofCOVID-19. PerfectCorp.ishelpingbrandsleanintobeautytechwitha 360-degreeomni-channelapproachthatdeploysinnovative, experientialdigitalservicesacrossallconsumertouchpoints,instore,online,mobile,andsocial.
Apositiveworkcultureisessentialforproductivity.At PerfectCorp.,itsleadershipteamstrivestomaintainaflat organizationthatgiveseveryemployeedirectaccesstotop managementandencouragesfree-flowingcommunication fromallteammemberstohelpdrivethenextbigidea forward.Innovationandteamworkareattherootof everythingPerfectCorp.doesandnoideaistoobigortoo crazy
InnovationisattheheartofeverythingPerfectCorp.does, andithopesthisforward-thinkingvisioninspiresitsbrand partnersaswell.It’sessentialforbusinessestocontinue findingnewwaystoaligntheirofferingsandconsumer journeywiththeevolvingconsumerdemandformore engagingshopperexperiencesandtoseamlesslyintegrate acrossallomni-channeltouchpoints.
TheageofShoppertainmentishere,andbrandsmust challengethemselvestofindnewwaystoconnectwiththeir audience—acrossphysical,online,mobile,andsocial—and deliverimpactfuldigitalexperiencesthrougha360-degree direct-to-consumerstrategy.PerfectCorp.hopestoinspire brandstoleanintothedigitaltransformationandadoptthe impactfulbeautytechsolutions—likevirtualmakeuptryon,AISkinDiagnostics,on-demandbeautyconsultations, andARlivestreamvideocontent—inordertodelivera morepersonalizedandfulfillingconsumershopping experience.
Asaleaderinbeautytech,PerfectCorp.strivestonotonly serviceitsbrandpartnerswithcuttingedgebeautytech solutionstomeettheirbusinessneeds,anddeliverone-of-akindvirtualappexperiencestoitsusers,butitalsowantsto drivethoughleadershipandeducatethegreaterbeauty industry
PerfectCorp.firstlauncheditsGlobalBeautyTechForum in2019withsingledayconferencesaroundtheglobe(from NewYork,toTokyo,andParis),featuringinnovatorsand
keyopinionleaderswhocanspeaktodigitaltransformation andresultsofbeautytechinnovation.Thecompanyalso launchedaGlobalBeautyTechEducationSerieswhich offersstepbysteptutorialsspotlightingnewinnovation todayanditssuccessfulimplementation.
Furthermore,PerfectCorp.strivestocontinuetobea resourceforbrands,retailers,press,andaspiring entrepreneurs,andreleaseregularweeklycontentacrossits blogtohelpeducatereadersaboutthebenefitsofbeauty techindrivingbusinesstoday.Italsoreleasesaquarterly GlobalBeautyTrendsReportthatdivesintodataand analyticsofvirtualtry-ontodeduceevolvingconsumer beautybehaviorsaroundglobe.
ThevisionforPerfectCorp.overthenextfiveyearsisto continueexpanding,innovating,andadaptingtodeliveron themostimpactfulconsumerbeautyshoppingexperience possible.It’stimetodoubledownonAIinnovationand unlocktheendlesspossibilitiesthatthissmarttechnology bringstotheindustry.PerfectCorp.willcontinueto providecutting-edgebeautytechservicestopartnersacross theglobeexpandingtoallmarketsinordertomeetthe growingdemand.Itwillstrivetodeliveruniquebeautytech solutionsanddigitallyenhancedconsumerexperiencesto theindustry,leaningintothedigitaltransformation.Italso envisionscross-categoryexpansionusingadvancedbeauty techforjewelry,hats,eyewear,accessoriesandbeyond. Alicesaysthatthe‘skyisthelimitsostaytuned’.
Alice’smessageforaspiringentrepreneurshasalwaysbeen todreambig,embracechange,andnevergiveup!Shesays thatthismentalitywillinspireafutureofinnovatorswho embracechallengewithconfidencenecessarytoachievethe impossibleandbreakboundaries.
“Perfect Corp. is the world’s leading beauty tech solutions provider transforming the industry by marrying the highest level of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology for a reimagined consumer shopping experience.”
nnovativeideasarethepredicamentoftheleadersthat
Itookadifferentapproachandtookvalidactionsto makethemareality.Itmakesthemunique,anda sought-outleaderkeenondrivingchangecaninspire, cultivate,andignitemeaningfulchangesintheworld.Akin tosuchinnovativeleadershipskillsisCarstenNygaard Broegger
AstheFounderandCEOofCasusGrill,Carstenaimsto becomearolemodelforthemarketindisposablebarbecue andinspireotherstobecomehealthierandenvironmentally consciousabouttheproductstheymayencounter.
CasusGrill™isanaward-winningDanishinnovation companywithagreenDNAandpassionformakinga differencefortheplanetearth.Itaimstocombine sustainabilityandsmart,functionaldesigntore-designand makeagreentransformationofexistingproducts,whichwe useeveryday
Bornandraisedinafamilythathasalonghistoryinthe furnitureindustry,Carsten'supbringingwashighly influencedbylifelessonsandchallengesthatcamewithit. Hereminiscedthattheconversationsatdinnerwereoften abouthowtheycouldchangeandinnovatewhileperceiving hownewtomorrowwillbe!
Creativityanddevelopmenthavealwaysbeentheessential thingsinCarsten'slifethathelpedhimshapetobecome
whatheistoday.Hesays, "My wife often expresses her dissatisfaction when we shop because I do not look at the products, but more how things change. It can be anything from store decor, customer behavior, trends, and compositions or how things are simply made!”
Carstenknowsthatbeinganentrepreneurisnotjustrosy! Gettingagoodideapresentsmanychallengesand
ponderingquestions.Howshouldyournewideabemade? Howdoyoufundyouridea?Howtocreatesuccesswiththe idea?Howdoyouprotectyouridea?Speakingfrom experience,Carstenasserts, "I have made my mistakes and fallen into many "stupid" fall groups. One thing is for sure if you do not dare to think differently and change things, the road to success is much longer.”
Carstenstatesthateverythingmaysoundextremelysimple, butpersistenceisoneoftheessentialcornerstonesof success.Heknowsthatmostpeoplegiveupjustbeforethe finishline!Carsten'smottosiswhenadoorcloses,three newdoorsopen–itisalwaysamatteroffindingthemin time!
Ifyouarenotconstantlyevolving,thenyouarein liquidation.
CarstenassertsthattheideabehindCasusGrillaroseonan RVtripintheFrenchmountainsbackin2009,wherehehad theexperienceofusingdisposablealuminumgrills.The firstdidnotstart,andthesecondtookalongtimebeforeit
gothot,andtheheatwasunevenandtoughtocookon.He says, "Our son was eight years old and very curious. By accident, he touched the aluminum tray and got a small blister. But it was not just that - the discarded aluminum trays from the disposable grills lay left around in fields, in bushes with burn marks after use. A really bad experience!”
Thus,CASUSGRILLwasborn!
TheDNAofCasusGrillistocombinesustainabilityand smart,functionaldesigninre-designandgreen transformationofexistingproductspeopleuseindailylife atanaffordableprice.
CasusGrillisaninnovativeandgreencompany.Itwantsto becomearolemodelforthemarketforsustainableproducts andinspireotherstobecomehealthierandenvironmentally consciousabouttheirproducts.
Carstenexpressesthatthebarbecueandaccessoriesmarket hasalwaysbeenconservative.Thelackoffocuson sustainabilityandgreentransformationhasbeenahallmark
oftheindustry Thebiggerandmoremasculinethegrillcan get-thebetter!
CasusGrillhasanentirelydifferentapproachandpointof view,wheresustainabilityplaysacrucialroleintheproduct beingconvenientandsolvingthechallengesoftheexisting disposablealuminumgrill.Ithasmadeagreen transformationofoneoftheessentialthingsinhuman existence-cooking,however,withaminimumfootprintin naturecomparedtotheexistingproductonthemarket!
InCarsten'sview,technologyismanythings.However, CasusGrillisonlymadeofsustainablematerialslike cardboard,bamboo,lavastone,andbamboobriquettes.All biodegradablematerials,exceptthelavastoneinsulation, areinorganicandneutralproducts,withoutanyriskof rottingortransforming.Itcanberecycled,andthereisno needforalandfill;itcaneasilybereturnedtonatureor evenusedassoilimprovementand100%purecultivation forplants.
Todothis,you'llneedfireandcardboard.Thekeyistouse andputtogetherdifferentmaterialsinanewway-ina specificrelationshipandaparticulardesign.
Carstennotes, "What may not be possible today will be possible tomorrow - the sky is the limit, or you set the limit!”
AccordingtoCarsten,VirtualShoppingwillbethenextbig thingintheMETAuniversecombinedwithartificial intelligence.Onecanvirtuallywalkaroundalocal supermarket,hardwarestore,orshop.Henotesthatonecan talktotheclerkandreceiveguidanceinthebuyingprocess, demonstrationofproductsifdesired.
Carstensays, "CasusGrill will be ready and a part of this META universe when it becomes a reality. CasusGrill must be able to be bought, experienced, and enjoyed with family or friends in a virtual way anywhere in the world.”
InCarsten'sview,CasusGrillisjustthebeginningofalong journeythatneverends. "There will always be products where green transformation will be relevant. One day it will be relevant to make a green transformation of green products that already exist - due to technology evolving at a rapid pace and making the impossible possible today." CasusGrillwillalwaysstrivetobeoneoftheleadersinits segment.
Carstenadvisesbuddingentrepreneursaspiringtoventure intotheconsumergoodssectortotakeeventhemost impossibledreamsandmakethemcometrue.Hebelieves thatthisiswherethebestideasemerge!Hecontinues, "Never take a NO for an answer, even if it looks bad and you thought all options are exhausted. There is always a solution to everything - it's just about finding the right solution. Never be greedy as it can end your days as an entrepreneur.”
Carstenaddsthatgoingtoastoreandgettinginspired-the taskissimple-justdoitbetterthanyourcompetitorsand keepitassimpleaspossible.
Alwayschoosethepathtoabetterfuture!
“
CasusGrill is here to make its green print on our planet.
Inanagewhereeveryoneisdrowninginelectronic communication,handwrittennotesreallystandout. Theygoalongwayinbuildinglastingrelationships withpeople,andcompaniesthatsendnotesaresetapart fromthecompetition.Tohelpitsclientsleveragethis untappedformofoutreach,Handwryttenautomates handwrittennotesonbehalfofcompanieslargeandsmall.
Handwryttenwasfoundedtofillanunmetneedofsending handwrittennotesaseasilyassendinganemail.Tosolve thisproblem,thecompanyinvestedheavilyinroboticsto buildamachineunmatchedinhandwritingqualityand scalability ThemindbehindthecompanyisDavidWachs,
CEO,FounderandChiefRobotMechanic.Aserial entrepreneur,Davidisbringingbackthelostartofletter writingthroughscalable,robot-basedsolutionsthatwrite one'snotesinpen.
Handwryttenwasfoundedin2014.Thefirstchallengethat Handwryttenfacedandisstillfacingismakingitstarget audienceawareofitsservice.Handwryttenisveryunique andhastrulydefinedthespaceofautomatedhandwritten notes.Ithasbeensuccessfulindoingthisprimarilythrough
FacebookandLinkedInadvertising,butalsothroughearned andpaidmediaplacement.
AsHandwryttenhasgrown,itneededbetterrobotstowrite thenotesforitsclients.Itsinitialvendor'stechnologywas antiquated,andtheresultswerenotinlinewithits expectations.Fouryearsago,Handwryttenbeganajourney todesign,programandbuildrobotsitself.Now,ithas115 custombuilt,pen-wieldingrobots.Theserobotsdeliverthe mostrealistichandwritingavailable.Handwryttenbuilds theserobotsformuchlessthanitsoldrobotsusedtocost, allowingittoscaleupfaster.Asithasfullcontrolofthe softwareandfirmware,itdesignsfontsandsignatures quickerthanitcouldhaveotherwise,andmakesadditional improvementstoincreaserealismaswell.Handwrytten's robotsarenowitspointofdifferenceandnoothercompany comesclosetoitscapabilities.
DavidstatesthathewasfortunatetomeetConanO'Brien whilehewasincollegeovertwentyyearsago.Conantold Davidandhisclassmatesto“alwaysgetinoverone's head”.Davidhasneverforgottenthesewordsofadvice.He
livesbythismantradaily.Thebook“E-Myth”byMichael GerberhasalsomadeanimpactonDavid.Thiseasy-toreadbooktalksaboutsettingupone'sbusinessasa franchise,evenifoneneverplansonoperatingitasone.By goingthroughthisprocess,oneisforcedtocreateamanual, definejobs,createprocesses,andasMichaelexplains, “workonthebusinessinsteadofwork in thebusiness”.
Thepandemichascreatedterribleisolationforagood percentageofthepopulation.Peopleareforcedtowork fromhome,abstainfromin-personmeetingsandgettogethersandareseparatedphysicallyfromtheirloved ones.Thisispainfulandscaryformanypeople.Davidsays thatasabusiness,itisimportanttoreachouttoone's clientsandcustomersjusttotellthemyoucare.Ofcourse, Handwryttenrecommendsreachingoutusingitsservice,as itknowsthathandwrittennotesgenerateimpactfuland personalresults.
AsacompanyHandwryttenusedhandwrittennotes throughoutthepandemic,butitsteamalsopickedupthe phone,calleditsclientsandaskediftherewasanything theycoulddotohelp.
Handwryttenisuniquelyqualifiedtoovercomethis challengeduetothenatureofitsbusiness.Bytheendof 2020,Handwrytten'sbusinesswashittingsalesrecordsas peoplebeganusingitsservicetosendwell-wishestotheir prospectsandclients.
Davidhasbuiltandsoldacompanybefore.Inthisprocess, hehaslearnedwhatistrulyimportant.Itturnsout,happy, productiveemployeesarethekey!Assuch,heworksevery
daytoensurehisemployeesarehappyandexcitedtocome towork.Whilehecertainlymakeshisemployeeswork hard,Davidwantsthemtostickaroundforthelong-haul. Hestatesthatemployeeturnoverisoneofthemost expensivefactorsinrunningabusiness.
Toimproveworkculture,Davidadvisestoholdweekly meetingsonthefinancialandoperationalstateofthe company Thiscreatesasenseoftransparencyandinstils ownershipbytheentireteam.Hesuggestspraisingpublicly andcriticizingprivately.Headvisesgiving“shoutouts”to teammembersduringtheweeklymeetingbutgiving criticismtoemployeesonlyinprivate.Healsosuggests havingfrequentfunevents.
Handwryttenhasputa“HandwryttenCares”sectiononits website,withcardsforequalrightsandBlackLivesMatter causes.100%oftheprofitsfromthesecardsgotoaligned causes.
Handwryttenwillcontinueiteratingitsrobotsandcreating moreintegrationsintootherplatforms.Inadditiontoits pluginsforSalesforce,Zapier,IntegromatandSyncSpider, itisreleasingapluginforShopifyshortly,andithopesto revisititsHubSpotintegration.Itiscurrentlyrevampingits websiteandisexcitedtoreleasethenewversioninQ3of thisyear.Longer-term,Handwryttenplanstorollout additionalfacilitiesaroundtheworld.Itwillalsopartner with3PLandotherformsofpartnerstoincorporateits offeringintotheirservice.
Wheneverybodyelseispivotingtowardsdigital,David advisesfutureleaderstorealizetheconsumerisanalogand emotional.Herecommendstheleadersoftomorrowto comeupwithsolutionstograbtheemotionsbehindtheir targetaudience,anddon'tjustrecreateafamiliarmarketing offeringdonebydozensofothersoftwarefirms.Davidsays thatinthelast5yearssomuchofmarketingand advertisinghasgoneonline,andthishascreatedhuge opportunitiestoimprovetheofflineexperienceaswell.
Handwrytten's technology allows customers to scale their handwritten outreach, creating positive impressions and long-lasting bonds.David Wachs CEO, Founder and Chief Robot Mechanic
verydaythereisanewproductthatbrings
Edisruptiontothemarketandbecomesinnovative. Inthebusinessworld,innovatorsaretheoneswho lookatproblemsdifferentlyandfindsolutionsothersmay notsee.Notfollowingtraditionalmethodsandlookingfor newwaysisthewaytosuccess.
Beinginnovativeisthemostcrucialaspecttothrivein today’scompetitivebusinessworld,andwithoutit,onemay survivebutwillnotgetsuccessful.
In2015,theDeloitteInnovationSurveyfoundoutthat manycompaniesapprox.sixty-sixpercentbelievedthat innovationisthekeytobusinessgrowth.Innovationallows businessestoincreasetheirreach,mergewithnewpartners, andscaleuptomorehumanforce.Addinginnovationalso putstheorganizationatapositivefrontendandattracts moreinvestorstowardsit.
Whenanorganizationcomesupwithinnovation,nomatter itssize,growthisguaranteed.Topleadingcompaniesinthe worldwithdifferentsectorslikeTesla,Apple,Google,and Microsoftareknownfortheirinnovation.Appleisthe leadingsmartphonecompanybutitgenerates1/3revenue fromitsaccessories;Apple’sAirPods'revenueismorethan Adobe,Spotify,andTwitter Thereasonbehindthis enormoussuccessistheinnovationandthefocustowards theproblemswhichcanonlybesolvedbymakingan innovativeapproach.
Weallhaveencounteredpeopleinourlifewhoaredifferent thanothersandevenbeingaloneisnotbecomingahurdle totheirsuccess.Thelogicissimple,thinkingdifferentor outoftheboxisalsoapartofinnovationwhereonewants toexplorenewthingsbeyonditsdeclaredboundaries.
ThinkingEVcarsasthefutureofautomationlookedlikea dreambutTeslamadethispossible.Thecompanydidnot choosetheeasypath,butexplorethepossibilitieswith futuristicbatteries,andenhancethedurability.Now,thisis whatanycompanycandowhichiswhatwecalladvancement.WhatTesladiddifferentlyistheyjustdidnotadvance
theirEVcarsbuttransformthemintofuturisticonesby addingautomation.Theyintroducedtheconceptofcars withouthumaninteraction.Itwascombiningtheideaof renewableenergyandmakingdrivingsaferthanever before.Today,TeslaisoneoftheleadingFortune500 companiesthathasdoubleditsrevenueinaveryshort period.
Innovationisalsothekeytorulingthemarket.Themodern worldisnotwaitingforanyone,asthecustomers'demands barhaverisenveryhigh.Fromadvancedcommunication, digitalplatformstoglobalization,everythingfromanywhereisreachablenowwithoutanyboundaries.Wealready haveseenthatifanythingthathasthecapacitytobring globalimpactcanbemonitoredbythewholeworldinfew seconds.Anideathathasthepotentialtotransformpeople’s livestosomeextentorcanfilltheconsumers'demandthat hasnotnoticedbefore,isinnovation.Peopleconstantly changetheirchoicesandwantsomethingamazing,andnew withupgrades,andthatmakesthemarketunpredictable. Innovatorshavetopredictchangeandunderstandthe demandofconsumers,sothattherewillbeasolutioneven beforethecustomerneedsit.Determinationandappetitefor constantgrowthistherealqualityofinnovatorsand successfulbusinessleaders.
Transforminganinnovativeideaintoasuccessfulventureis alongjourney.Ifyouarecapableenough,youcanfinance theidea,butifyouarenotthenthereyouneedstockholders (angelinvestors)whowillprovidethefund.Butarranging thefundsandestablishingtheoperationsisonlyhalf success.Itispeoplewhobringsanideaintoreality,and thenleadittosuccess:peoplewiththesamemindset, peoplewhoareabletoseeandmodifytheperspective.
Findingandaddingtalentedpeopletotheteamisessential. Andpeoplewithtalentandvisionalsolovetoworkwith innovativeideasandinavisionthatcomprisessuccess.For aninnovator,thechallengeisthethrilltheyarestarvingfor andisthewaytokeepthemencouraged.Soleadwith talent,alignvisionwithinvestors,andmostsignificantly innovate;anidea,adream,orsomethingthatcanbring change.
oworkistoosmallortoobig;ifonedoestheir
Nworkwithpassionatedetermination,onewill eventuallyclimbtheladderofsuccess.Having suchstrongdetermination,DerekAnthony,workedat22 jobsinhisprofessionaljourneylearningavaluablelesson inhindsight.EachoftheselessonsmoldedDerekinto becomingtheVicePresidentofRealEstateatThe WoodmontCompany.Histremendouscorporate backgroundinsales,marketing,operations,P&L,and negotiationskillsareunlikeanyoneintherealestate business.
Woodmontspecializesineveryaspectofcommercialreal estate,includingdevelopment,assetmanagement,tenant representation,brokerage,constructionsupervision,and investmentsales.
GrownupinNorthCountyofSt.Louissuburbs,from cuttinggrass,tolifeguardinginhighschool,tostringing racketsincollege,tohelppayforbills,tobuyan engagementring,andthengraduatefromMissouriStatein Marketing,Derekwasn’tsurewhathewantedtopursue. DerektookhisfirstjoboutofcollegeatWoodsWire Products,Inc.,whichgothimontherightfoothavinga wonderfulfriendandmentor,JohnWiesehanJr Johnhad15yearswithGEandacorporatestructure backgroundinSales&MarketingandpatientlygotDerek tobreakoutofhisshell.Sincethen,Derekhastakenevery opportunitythatknockedonhisdoorutilizinghisabilityto putdealstogether,whichhasbeenwithhimevenafterthe WoodsWiredays.
Overthenext17years,Derekmanaged,sold,andmarketed ConsumerElectronicproductstobigretailersand distributorsthroughout the UnitedStateswithCoby, Uniden,X-10,FulfillmentPlus,GPX,andmanymore brands.Derektraveledtheworld,visitedfactories,learned
aboutdifferentculturesprofessionally,tookhisstrengthsof directreports,andincorporatedthosetraitsintohowhe managesandleadshisteamtoday
Speakingabouthisjourney,Dereksays, “Given all my experiences from operations, P&L’s, people skills, emotional intelligence, and how to read a room, makes commercial real estate no different. It just comes down to deal-making and figuring out how to get to the closing table and being sensitive to both sides views and having an open mind, while making the soft ask.”
Derekhascomeacrossmanychallengesinhisjourney.He remembersonecompanyheworkedforwasdealingwitha lawsuitof$64,000,000fornotpayingroyaltiesandthe companywasshutdown.DerekhadtosignupasanUber drivertotakecareofhistwokidsandwife,eventhoughhe hadthehighest-earningperiodofhislifeandamortgage. HealsoappliedforawarehousejobatAmazonandwas
offeredthejob,andadaylater,TheWoodmontCompany called.
Forthefirsttwoyears,heworkedfingerstothebonefor12 hoursadaythroughcoldcallingandnetworking,getting everyleadhecoulduntilhewassatisfiedwiththeprospect list.Henotes, “Singles and Doubles are good starting points to get to the home runs, eventually. For the last four years, I still am still doubling my business year over year.”
Derekmentionsthattoday’srealestateindustrymakes decisionsdrivenbydata,asmuchasfinancial.Datain termsofmobiletracking,demos,salesfigures,anddataat ourfingertipshelpsthecompanymakemoreofafinite decision.Itcannowtrackvisitorsandpullthemfor yesterday,lastquarter,orlastyear,andcomparethe rankingsofthatsameoperatorelsewhereinthemarket, city,town,orUS.
DerekstatesthatCRM’sareallovertheplace,andthe biggestchallengeintherealestateworldistheschedule, follow-up,andstayingontrackoneverydeal.However, prospectingLandlordsandTenantsthereareseveral avenuestogodownoneachofsideofthetable.Derek wantstocreateabusinessplanandstayontrack.Henotes, “Google Earth and Google maps have been a savior for the CRE world and amazing tools that are free to help us with our job. There are smarter folks than me that will create the next best thing, but I look forward to embracing it and learning about it!”
Derekbelievesthattouringaspacewithvirtualreality couldbethenextdisruptor;however,itallcomesdownto whopaysforit.Woodmontisvettingnewsoftwarepartners allthetime,onlyifthetechnologyisefficient,productive, andcost-effective.Currently,Woodmontpartnerswith CoStar,LoopNet,PlacerAI,RetailTrac,andSiteSeerfor commercialrealestatevettingandanalysis.
Derekenvisionshimselfconductingdeals,makingnew friends,andgrowinghisteamtoamoreprominentnational footprintinNashville,Charlotte,Austin,OklahomaCity,St. Louis,Denver,andothersinthenexttenyears.Healso expectsorganicgrowthoracquisitiontoalwaysbeonthe table.
Derekadvisesaspiringentrepreneursnottogettooexcited ortoodown;ifyouaredoingthetedious,mediocretasksto getyouadeal,thatiswhatittakes.Hesays, “No deal is ever done until it’s done, and the commission has been paid, and tenant is open. There will be uncontrollable substances or decisions made in the process, and you cannot let it get to you.”
Concludinghisthoughts,Derekasserts, “It’s not that hard; you have to be disciplined in your everyday tasks and don’t get distracted. Remember, attitude is a choice. What gets measured gets improved.”
Epillarofgrowthinallareasanditssustainable growthdependsongoodleadership.Cityof Surpriseisastrikinginstanceoftheabovementioned notion,asitisthrivingundertheleadershipofJeanine Jerkvoic.
conomicdevelopmentofanyregionisthecentral
ThroughouthertenureatCityofSurprise,Jeaninehas enjoyedcreatinginitiativestochangeperceptionsaboutthe city!Inspiredbyhervisionaryapproach,weatInsights SuccesscaughtupwithJeaninetolearnmoreabouther journeyandhercontributiontothedynamiceconomic developmentindustry.
Amanagementprofessional,Jeanineservesasthe EconomicDevelopmentDirectoratCityofSurprise.Her 15yearsofenrichingexperienceintheeconomic developmentindustryreflectsherpassionforeconomic development.Shebelievesthatthemostimportantskillset tobuildislearningtoembracechangeandpracticesthe sameinherapproach.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatSurprise.What challengesdidyouovercometoreachwhereyouare today?
IgrewupintheGreaterPhoenixWestValleyinGlendale, ArizonaandthengraduatedfromArizonaStateUniversity (ASU).Earlyinmycareer,Ihadthegreatfortunateof completingacollegeinternshipforformerUSSenatorJohn McCainandthenworkingforapoliticalactioncommittee (PAC)calledCampaignAmerica.Aftergraduatingfrom ASU,IattendedtheLondonSchoolofEconomicsinthe UKtogetamaster’sdegree.WhileintheUK,Iinterned withtheUSEmbassyinLondonandsoonaftergotajob withthedesignatedUK-basedEuropeancontractorforthe ArizonaDepartmentofCommerce.ItwastherethatIwas exposedtothecommercialtradeandeconomic developmentprofessionandlearnedaboutitasacareer option.ImovedbacktoArizonasoonafterandworkedin theInternationalTradeandInvestmentDivisionforthe
ArizonaDepartmentofCommerce,butitwasonlywhenI acceptedapositionattheGreaterPhoenixEconomic Council(GPEC),whereIworkedforfouryears,thatIcan sayItrulyfellinlovewiththeeconomicdevelopment profession.
IleftGPECin2006toworkwhereIlivetodayintheCity ofSurprise!IwastheEconomicDevelopmentManagerin Surpriseforoverfouryearsbutleftforanexciting opportunitywiththeCanadianConsulateinPhoenix. Shortlyafterlandingthere,theCanadiangovernmentbegan toshutterseveralUStradeandconsularlocations,and unfortunately,ourofficewasoneofthem.Ilandedatthe CityofGlendale,Arizona–myhometown–butultimately, IreturnedtotheplaceIloveandstillcallhome,theCityof Surprise!IhaveservedastheSurpriseEconomic DevelopmentDirectorformorethansevenyears!
Theeconomicdevelopmentprofessionisfacedwith constanteconomic,politicalandsocialchanges,andwhileI havefoundthistobethegreatestchallenge,itisthegreatest opportunity!
Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.
ThemissionoftheCityofSurpriseEconomicDevelopment Departmentis: to accelerate an enhanced quality of life and a thriving business environment for the community through the facilitation of new employment opportunities and workforce development initiatives; the attraction of retail amenities; the promotion of entrepreneurship and small business growth; and the retention and expansion of local businesses.
Untilrecently,theSurpriseEconomicDevelopment Departmenthasbeenprimarilyfocusedonstrategic industryandbusinessattractioninfourkeygeneralsector areas:advancedmanufacturing,innovation,medical excellence,andsignatureretail.Businessretention,small businessassistance,workforcedevelopmentand infrastructure,whileimportant,havegenerallybeen secondaryforusuntil2021.Thisfocuswillchangealotin 2022!
Movingahead,itwillbeessentialtopivotquicklyand executeeffectiveworkforcedevelopmentandinfrastructure supportprogramsthatallowustoaccommodatethecurrent surgeofcommercialandresidentialgrowth.
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.
Iamahugebelieverinservantleadership,andtheCityof Surprisehasaculturethatreflectsandsupportsthis.Itis importanttobuildaculturewherepeopleconnect,relateto oneanother,andbuildoneanotherup.AsImentioned before,economicdevelopmentisadynamicindustry,and therecanbeconsiderablepressuretomeet–orevenexceed –expectations.Thismakesitcriticaltohiretalented, likeableindividualswhoaren’tafraidtoleaveegosatthe door,andIamluckytoworkwiththebestteaminthe world.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?
“The Surprise Economic Development team is committed to the constant pursuit of attracting quality jobs and business to Surprise and the Greater Phoenix Area.”
Technologyhasmadeusallmorevirtuallyaccessible,and theSurpriseEconomicDevelopmentDepartmentisno exception.Ourmarketinghasbecomemorecreative, especiallyaswehavehadtoadaptandcreatemeetings, eventsandevencommunitytoursofSurpriseinavirtual format!During2020,wehadaprospectivecompanyunable tovisitduetorestrictions,andwewereabletoproducea customvirtualtourvideoforthem,whichimpressedthem! Additionally,wehostedafirst-evervirtualSpringTraining VIPeventwithover200businessesanddevelopment professionalsonline–andasaresult,wenowhavea signaturerestaurantnegotiatinginourmarketafter attendingthat!
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein EconomicDevelopment?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange?
Thenexttidalwaveintheeconomicdevelopment professionistheworkforcedevelopmentissue.Itwillbe everyone’sgreatestchallenge–andgreatestopportunity
Overthenextseveralmonths,wearealigningour workforceandindustrypartnershipswithcertificationsand resourcestohelpaccelerateopportunitiesfordislocated workers,youthandremoteprofessionals.Workforce developmentwillbecomeourprimaryfocusin2022.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforSurprise?
TheCityofSurprisehasincredibleeconomicassetsthatare anyeconomicdevelopmentprofessional’sdream:a successfulbusinessincubator;anemergingdowntownwith aresidentialuniversity–OttawaUniversityArizona-as wellasanaward-winningSpringTrainingstadium; developableland;highwayaccessibility–andevenrail!My futuregoalsaretoleadinitiativestocreateathriving downtown,toigniteouruntappedworkforcepotential,to supportnewinfrastructuresolutions,suchasbroadband development,andtoattractmorecommercialand employmentopportunitiestoourfuturegrowthareain NorthSurprise!
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheEconomicDevelopment sector?
Iamabigbelieverinjustputtingyourselfoutthereand talkingtopeople!Myadvicewouldbetoreachouttoa localeconomicdeveloperlikemyself,haveavirtualchator acupofcoffee,andlearnmoreabouteconomic developmentasacareerpath.
“Deforestation is one major cause of climate change. Recycling is one of the many e orts that reflect our commitment toward mitigating climate change and global warming”
We must know the market well, identify our competitors’strengths and weaknesses. Build rapport with customers, find out what matters to customers, provide solutions, and solve their matters,” saysMayYap.Sheisthe ,andManagingDirector CEO of andaccountableforstrategicLHTHoldingsLimted ITmanagementandsmoothdaytodayoperationsacross operatingsitesinAsiaandUS.
MayhasExtensiveManagementConsultingExperience advisingclientsonbusinesstransformationinitiatives; familiarwithoperationsinManufacturing,Government, pharmaceutical,BankandInsurance,Telco,FMCG, AirlinesandLogisticssectors.
InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,MayYap highlightstheimportanceofcustomerserviceand understandingthemarketonewantstogrowin.
Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterview:
Kindlytakeusthroughyourjourneyonbecominga youngandproficientshepreneur.
ItallstartedinDecember1977,aftercompletedmy secondaryschool,IjoinedformerLianHupTimber TradingCobeforeitwasretitledtoLHTHoldings Limitedasamulti-taskingclerkwhichhandlesaccounts, administration,operations,andhousekeeping.Atthat time,thefirmhadaround20employeesandonleasing landsizeoflessthan1000sqmsituatedinaremotearea inthenorthregionofSingapore.
Duringmy40yearsofservicesatLHT,Ihaveclimbed thecorporateladderthroughrank-and-filefromanadmin clerktoachairwoman.Ihavewitnessedthechanging landscapefromatraditionalcompanytoan environmentallyfriendlycompany.
Astimewentby,woodpalletsbecameprominentas manyforeignMNCsinvestedmassivelyinSingapore thatrequiredthesepalletsasexportgoods.And inevitably,LHTfollowedthesamewindtoo.Atthat time,Singaporewasonitsjourneytowarddevelopment andthefirmgrewsotremendouslythatwehadtopursue biggerlandinSungeiKadut.
Movingthefactorytwotimes,in1988,thefirmacquired a35,680sqmland,andthecompanystaffstrengthwent upto168employees,andwiththerighttiming,the grouprenamedtoLHTHoldingsLimitedwhenlistedin themainboardin1999.
Duringthistime,IwasSalesDirector-inchargeofall salesandmarketingfunctions.Perceivingthe opportunitytobeanExecutiveDirector,Ibecameoneof themajorshareholdersduringthecompany’s reconstruction.
IwasappointedastheactingManagingDirectorin2016 duetomyMDhadhealthissues.In2017,followedby theretirementofmyfounderMD,Iwasre-designation asthechairwoman,ManagingDirector,andCEO.
Howdoyoudiversifyyourorganization’sofferingsto enticethetargetaudience?
Woodpalletshavebeentraditionalformorethan60 yearssinceworldwartwo,toenticeourtargetaudience weneedtoprovideacompetitiveone-stopsolution. Besidessellingwoodandplasticpallets,wehave technologypalletsknownassystempalletsthat cooperatewiththeRFIDsystem.Wealsomanufacture
environmentally-friendlypalletsthatmakefrom recyclingwoodwaste.By2013wetookovera bigplant atJohor,MalaysiaforGreeninnovativeGpacmoulded palletproduction,andbecameamultidiversityof wide rangesofECOGreenpalletleadershiptodistributeall kindsofWoodpackagingandChampionthegreen journeyandmadecompanywithmoreeffectivebusiness modelandlongevity sustainable forsuccess.
Whatarethevitaltraitsthateverybusinesswoman shouldpossess?
Asuccessfulentrepreneurisfocusedonthebusinessand itsgoals.Atthisdigitaltransformationera,andCovid-19 hadchangedthewaywedobusiness.Creativityand flexibility,weneedtoembracethatchangedandgoback tothedrawingboardandrestart,reorganize,relookon whatisthebetterwaysatthecurrentsituation, brainstorm,andamendaccordingly.Asa businesswoman,sheshallhaveacharismaticcharacter thatpossessesgoodknowledgeinthatfield,ahighlevel
ofconfidenceandtrusttobebuiltovertheteamor managementworkingwith.
Asperyouropinion,whatroadblocksorchallenges werefacedbyyouinacorporatebusiness?Andhow didyouovercomethem?
NobodyknowsthattheCovid-19willhitanddisruptthat hardinallkindsofbusinessandmakechangestothe waywedobusiness.Asapalletmanufacturer,weare luckytobeconsideredasessentialservicesaswe providelogisticsupporttothesupplychain.Without pallets,goodscannotbetransportedandstoredinthe warehouses.Asforus,weremainstatusquo,exceptthe reshuffleofourworkforcetocopewiththehighdemand fromsomesectorsduetocustomers’stopwork.
Haveyouinanywaycontributedtowardsthecause ofwomenempowerment?
InSingapore,Idonotseeanygenderdiscriminationas longasyoucandothejob.Thisday,Idoseemany womenareleavingtheirhomeasahousewifetojointhe societyandmanywomenarenowholdingthehigh rankingpost.Icouldonlypostandsetanexamplethata femaleclerkthatitispossiblecomesonedayshecanbe thetopmanagement.
Howdoyoucopeupwithcapricioustechnological trendstoboostyourpersonalgrowth?
Yes,weneedtoembracethechangeandadaptthe appropriateone.Firstly,wemustunderstandthepurpose ofadoptingthetechnology,whichistoprovide convenienceortomakethingssimplerandnot complicatedandshouldbeusersfriendlytoo.
Whatareyourfutureendeavors/objectivesandwhere doyouseeyourselfinthenearfuture?
TheCovid-19pandemicisatestamentthatproofthe companyissustainableoverthemajorityofcompanies thatwereshutdownduetothelockdownperiodandwe werethefewcompaniesthatprovidetheessential servicetothecommunityaswellasthesociety.
Thebeginningofallknowledgeisthedesire toconstantlylearn,improveandgrowand strivetodaytobebetterthanyesterday Whenappliedtobusiness,constantdesireto learnandimprovecanimbibebetter expertiseandunderstanding,helpingone viewthebusinessfromdifferentperspectives.
Gaininginsightsintobusinessesandindustries,tappinginto thevastarrayofknowledgewithinsightstoguideclientsin makingbetterbusinessdecisionsisPetarReshovski As theGeneralManageratWilliams&MarshallStrategy, Peterstrategizesvariousbusinesstacticstohelptheirclients understandthemarketsandindustriesbetter,improveon theirbusinessperformanceandstayaheadofthecompetition.
InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,PetarReshovski shareshisjourneyandcontributiontothebusinessconsultingindustrythroughWilliams&MarshallStrategy.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatWilliams& MarshallStrategy.Whatchallengesdoyouhaveto overcometoreachwhereyouaretoday?
Unfortunately,thechallengesIhaveovercomearefartoo manytolistinafewsentences.SinceIstartedWMStrategy abouteightyearsago,Ihavemadealmostallpossible mistakes–wrongpricing,badpeopledecisions,wrong strategy,etc.Butanalyzingtheresultsandchangingthe strategyaswegomademelearnalotandgrow–both personallyandasaprofessionalandaleader Thisshowed methatregardlessofthecurrentstate,therewillalwaysbe challengesahead(bothinternalandexternal).Sowealways havetostayhumbleandkeeplookingforthem,analyzing thesituationintherightway,andthentakingmeasuresto improveonthem–thesooner,thebetter.
TellussomethingmoreaboutWMStrategy,itsmission, anditsvision.
Williams&MarshallStrategyisafull-servicemarket researchandbusinessconsultingcompany.Wehelpour clientsunderstandthemarket(s)theyareinterestedin,how theyaremoving,andthereasonsbehindthosemoves.We provideintelligencethathelpsourclientsmakeinformed commercialplanningandstrategicdecisionsandsotimely
tacklethecomplexchallengesandmaximizetheopportunitiesthatimpacttheirbusinesses.Weprovideintelligence thatdrivesthegeneration,evaluation,andimplementation ofpowerfulgrowthstrategiesandhelpsourclientsbe alwaysastepaheadofthecompetition.
Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe Consultingnichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.
Ourimpactliesinouruniquemethodology,processes,and thethinkingweapplyincollectingandanalyzingthedata wehave.Also,weareoneoftheveryfewcompaniesthat analyzecertaindevelopingcountriesandspecificmarket segmentsinthem,someofwhichhadneverbeencovered byanycompanybefore.Wearealsoworkingonafew noveltyprojectswehaveneverseenanywhereandwillbe morethanhappytotellyoumoreoncetheyareoperational.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveragingtechnologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutionsresourceful?
Technologyisanever-developingfield,andthespeedwith whichitgrowsandinnovatesisjustfascinatingandnot comparabletoanythingelse.So,wearealwaysinterested innewtechnologiesthatcanhelpusincreaseourefficiency andprovideabetterservicetoourclients.Onerecent exampleisinascriptthatwehavebuiltinternally,whichis usedtoautomatecalculatingthousandsofdifferentpoints ofrawdata,writinghundredsofpagesoftexts,alongwith puttingtherighttablesandgraphsinit.Wehaveimplementeddifferenttechnologicaladvancementsinthe processesofrecruitingmarketexpertsandanalyzingthe insightsfromthemarketexpertinterviews,buildingand presentingourreports,andmanymore.Thisallowsusto spendlesstimeonthingsthatarenotoffirstnecessityand providemorevaluetoourclientswherewecandobest.
Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring intheBusinessconsultingindustry?
Ithinkweallhaveachancetochangebothourindustries andourprivateuniverseseveryday Asfortheconsulting industry–Ibelieveitismisunderstoodbymany(especially thosewhohavenevercrossedpathswithit),andmany peoplehaveaverywrongideaaboutit.Thebusiness consultingindustryisheretocreatevalueandhelpclients understandtheworldbettersothattheycanmakebetter decisions,improvetheirbusinessoperationsandthusserve theirclientsbetter Thisiswhatweareworkingonevery
day,andIamhappytosaythatwearechangingthataswe speak–onepersonandcompanyatatime.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein Marketresearch?HowisWMStrategypreparingtobe apartofthatchange?
Inthelastfewyears,thechangesinmanyservice-related industriescamemostlyfromtechnology Thedeveloping newtechnologiesallowedthewholeindustrytostreamline manyprocessesandcutdownoncostsandtimingwhile increasingeffectivenessandefficiency.However,inthat longtechnologicalmarathon,wesometimesputpeoplein secondplace,andIbelievethiswillbeoneofthebiggest changesfortheshort-to-mediumterm.Everybodyshould understandthatpeoplealwayscomefirst,andonlythose whocanattractandkeepthebesttalentcangetasignificant competitiveedge.Asforthenextbigchange,Ipersonally believetherewillbealotofnewdevelopmentsinthe marketresearchindustry,connectedwiththedifferent metaverseplatformsthatarecurrentlybeingdevelopedand theamountofattentionanduserstheyaregoingtoreceive.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforWMStrategy?
Thelongrunmightbetoofaraway,soIpersonallyalways keepavisionforthenext5-10years,buttrytofocusonthe next1-3andhowwhatwedointhemhelpsusgroweven
more.Theimmediateplansfortheshortterminclude growingourbusinessfurtherbyattractingnewtalenttothe teamandalsoexpandingourcurrentportfolio.Weare alreadycoveringtensofthousandsofmarketsinmorethan 150countriesglobally,butwearesoonaddingsomenew industryverticalsandtitlesnoneofourcompetitors currentlyoffers.Wearealsoworkingonourinternal software,streamliningafewofourworkingprocesses,and onacompletelynewwayofanalyzingandpresenting informationalinsights.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothebusinesssector?
Iknowitmightsoundcliché,buttobelieveinthemselves andnevergiveupontheirdreams.AndIcansaythatasa personwhohasseenthatworkinginreallife–attimes,I havefeltverysuccessfulbutalsohavebeenverycloseto theotherendofthespectrumnotonce.Talentisgreat,but nothingbeatshardworkandanopenmind.So,iftheyare readytoputintheworkandbeattentiveandanalyticalto theresults–theneverythingispossible.Anotherimportant pieceofadviceIcangive–beconsistentandpatient–the overnightsuccessdoesnotexistandusuallytakeslotsof yearstobuildbehindthescenes.Lastbutnotleast-itis alwaysaboutthepeople.So,regardlessofthebusiness nicheyouhavechosen–makesureyoulearnhowtoattract thebesttalentandkeepthemmotivatedallthetime.Only thencanyoustriveforrealsuccess!
We provide intelligence that helps our clients make informed commercial planning and strategic business decisions.
hegreatnessofapersonorleaderhastobe
Testimatedbyhisorherabilitytothriveeveninthe mostprovokingorchallengingsituations.Itisin thetoughtimesthatone’smettleistested.Anditisatthe sametimeonehastheopportunitytoproveone’smettle.It issaidthatpatienceisbitter,butitsfruitsaresweet.The moreoneisabletoholdone’snerveseveninthe challengingtimesandcontinuetofightforsuccess,the moreonewillbeabletocrossovereventhetoughest challenges.Liferewardsthosewhoputinsincerehardwork andstriveforachievements.“Aswesow,soshallwereap.” Successisnotthecakewalk,butitisaboutrepeatedefforts dayinanddayout.
Thereisnofreelunchinthisbusiness-mindedworld.One hastobepreparedtomakethenecessarysacrificesfor accomplishingsomethingworthwhileinthisworld, especiallyintheworldofbusiness.Onehastoaccomplish somethinginthisworldtoearnthetrustofpeopleand therebytobethewell-wisherofpeople.Onecancontribute alottootherswhenheorshehasgainedworthwhile accomplishmentstocreatehisorhercredibility The reliabilityofleadersincreasesingreatproportionwhenthey deliverresultsmorethanexpectedbyothers.Thereliability orcredibilityofleadersisdirectlyproportionaltothe expansionofthebusinesses.
Greatbusinessleadersareawarethatitisimportanttolead withmorality Theyconsideritisveryimportanttokeepthe moraleofeveryoneintheirorganizationveryhigh.High moralehelpsintakingthemostcourageousdecisions.They understandthatitisessentialtodeliverwhatisexpectedby clientsorevenbeyondthinkingwellaheadoftheclients. Thisiswheretheinnovativenessinleadersplaysabigrole. Thatisthereasontheykeepitonhighprioritytobewell updatedwiththelatesttechnologiesandtheyarekeento implementthosetechnologiesintheirbusinesses.
Determination,Dedication,andDisciplineformabigpart ofsuccess.Thereisahugesignificanceofresolute determinationtosucceedintheworldofbusiness.The worldisfilledwithcut-throatcompetition.Tosustainone’s competencyinthebusinessworld,onehastokeepon improvingoneselfandeveryoneintheorganizationto createmassivesuccess.Thejourneysometimescanbefilled withalotofchallenges,butifonehasadeterminationto persistthenonecanachieveone’sgoalsinduecourseof time.Dedicationgiveslifetoone’spurposeandgoals.Itis verymuchsynonymouswithleadingwithpurposefulness. Thestrongerthepurposethegreatercanbethededication
toachieveit.AndDisciplineisthebridgebetweensuccess andfailure.Withoutdiscipline,nothingsubstantialcanever beaccomplishedinlife.Onehastopaythepriceofresolute determination,absolutededication,andhighdisciplineto besuccessfulintheworldofbusiness.
Asmuchasitisimportanttoknowwhattodo,itisalso equallyimportanttoknowwhatnottodo.Doingwhatis favorableforsuccessandavoidingwhatisharmfulfor successshouldbeavoidedatanycost.Forbusinessleaders tosucceedinthebusinessworld,theyshouldbewellaware nottowastetheirpreciousresourcesafterbadmoneyorbad deals.Theyshouldnotthrowtheirgoodmoneybehindbad moneyvianegativedeals.Theyshouldbecalculativeand shouldtakecalculativedecisionsrelatedtowheretoinvest andwherenotto.
Havingagoodmentorgoesalongwayinmakinghighvaluedecisions.Oneshouldchoosethatpersonasone’s mentorwhohasdemonstratedone’scharacterand competenceinone’schosenfield.Greatleadersarenotjust interestedinbeinggreatleaderthemselvesonly,butthey wouldliketocreatemoregreatleaders.Bychoosinga capableleaderasone’smentor,onewillbeabletoattain greatheightsinlifeinashortspanoftime.Onegood mentorisworthmorethanallthebooksinthelibrary.
Booksalsoplayahugeroleinthelivesofgreatleaders,but thehelpofamentorispricelessasonewillbeableto developoneselfmorequicklywiththehelpofagood mentorandavoidthemistakesthatpreviousleadershave done.Greatleadersbecomegreatbecausetheydon’tshyat acceptinggoodmentorsinlife.Theyareopentolearning fromall.Theyknowthattheydon’thaveallthetimeinthe worldtocommitallmistakesandthenlearnandthenapply Therefore,theyprefertoavoidmistakesonthejourneyby havingagoodmentorinlife.
Itisamarkofgreatleaderstodojusticetotheirroles, routines,relationships,andresponsibilities.Theyalsobuild suchatypeofcultureintheirfellowteammatesand employeesandstaffintheorganization.Thishelpsthemto achievegreatnessintheirbusinessbybuildingan organizationwithresponsibleandcompetentpeople.They leadbyexampleandwithresolutedeterminationandwitha goaltodelivermorethanneeded.Theythriveontheir purposeandnecessaryactions.Theydowhatneedstobe donewithduediligenceandtheysetthestandardsfor everyoneelsetofollowandthatisthereasontheybecome admirable.
Leadership RedenedhegrowingsignificanceofCrowdsourcedis
Tbecomingmorereliabletogetconstructive feedbackandinsightstodevelopanutterlybug-free productbeforelaunch.Theamountofflexibilitythatthese testsprovideishelpfulinnumerousapplications, permutatingvariousscenariosasapartofquality improvement.Tocontributetomakingdigitalproductsbugfree,RanRachlinco-foundedUbertesters.Heleadsthe companyastheCEOimplyinghisextensiveglobal experienceinvariousindustriestoofferunmatchedcrowd testingservices.
Ubertestersisacrowd-based,completemobileapps/web testingsolutionprovider Thecompanyoffersacrowdof global,professionaltestersforhirewithdevicesthatcan testanydigitalproductandprovidefeedbacktoclients.
TheLead-Up Rantrainedhimselftobecomeaneffectiveleaderfroma veryyoungagehavingaglobalview Whenhetookhisfirst jobinsalesinaHi-TechIsraeliCompanythatsoldproducts globally,hisgoalwastogaincross-culturalexperience. Later,hemovedtotheUSAtocompletehisMBAand makealivinginthecenterofwherethingshappen.He advancedinhisroles,climbinguptheladder,holding severalhigh-profilemanagementpositions,conducting businessacrosssixcontinentsindifferentindustries.Ran decidedtoleavethesafetyofcorporatelifein2013tocofoundUbertesters-astartupinthefieldofsoftwaretesting.
OneofRan'smainchallengesishowtokeeptheteam inspiredandmotivated.Hefirmlybelievesthatsuccess shouldcomefromteamwork,allowingteammembersto speaktheirmindstoprovideorsuggesthowtoimprove things.Heunderstandsthatwhenanemployeefeelsvalued, themotivationlevelissignificantlyincreased.Healsotries toprovidecleargoalstoavoidmicromanagementby completelytrustinghisteamandaskingthemtobe responsibleandaccountablefortheiractions.Hesays, "When they make a mistake or fail, I don't punish them. I use this as a trigger to learn a valuable lesson and what to do next time to avoid this mistake. I believe that these guidelines allow me to keep my team motivated and inspired."
Ranmentionsthathewasexcitedwhencompaniessuchas 'Uber,''AirBNB,''Lime,'andZipcarcametotheworld. "The "sharing economy" (or gig economy) term blew my mind. It allows companies to use available resources to benefit clients while allowing the resources to earn money. I helped implement this within the software testing segment."
OneofthesignificantchangesUbertestersdoesisproviding theopportunityforyoung,inexperiencedQApeoplewho completedtheirQAeducationtogainexperienceintheQA andtestingworld.ItworkswithmanyQAschools worldwideandallowsrecentgraduatestogettheirfirst testingexperiencebyworkingforusasfreelancetesters.It enablesthemtoearnmoneyduringtheirfreetime.More importantly,itallowsthemtogaintheneededtesting experienceandputthisjobexperienceintheirresumewhile lookingfortheirfirstjobopportunityintheITworld.
Ubertestersoffersacompletesoftwaretestingsolutionfor digitalproductstohelporganizationsbetatesttheirdigital productsbeforelaunching.Itprovidestwocomplementary services:
1)Acrowdtestingserviceofglobal,professionalfreelance testersforhirewithdevices(partofthe"sharingeconomy"
model)forthemostflexibleandcost-effectiveglobal testingunderreal-lifeconditions.
2)OffshoreoutsourcingservicesofremoteQAexpertsona full-timebasisbasedinthecompany'sEastEuropean facilities.
RannotesthatUbertestershasaclearvision"toprovide cost-effective,innovative,andqualitytestingservicesthat exceedtheexpectationsofitsesteemedcustomers."Its missionstatementcanbesummarizedas"helpdigital organizationslaunchbetter,well-tested,bug-freeproducts byenhancingnaturalbesttestingpracticeswhileproviding exceptionalcustomerservices."
Ubertesteraimstohelpdigitalconsumers(theend-user)get atremendousbug-freeproductfromitsbusinesscustomers forabetter,faster,simpler,andno-frustrationdigital experience.
Ranunderstandsthattechnologyandhumantoucharethe mainvaluesUbertesterprovides.Ithadtodevelopits proprietaryQAmanagementplatformtoalloweasybug reporting.Theplatformenablesthetesterstoeasilysubmit bugsandissues(includingvideorecordingsand screenshots)whileprovidingtheclientwithaneasy-to-use andprecisetooltoreviewthebugs/crashes.Technology allowedustosimplifythebugreproductionprocessforthe client.Thus,allowingtheclientamuchfaster'time-tomarket.'
RanstatesthatUbertestersaspirestobecomethe#1global playerinthefieldofcrowdsourcedtestingwithinthenext threeyearsperiod.Itwillachievethisbygrowingthrough creativity,invention,andinnovation.
AccordingtoRan,thefollowingsignificantchangeinthe professionalapptestingindustryisMobileTest Automation.Thetrendofmobileappdevelopment
continuestogrowasmobiledevicesareincreasinglymore intelligentandcapable.
Mobiletestautomationmustbeapartofthesoftware developmentlifecycletofullysupport'time-to-market'and thefactthatmobileappsarebecomingmorecomplicated. However,thecurrentutilizationofmobiletestautomation isverylow,partlyduetothelackofmethodsandtoolsand themultitudeofdevices,andthefragmentationofoperating systems.Hestronglybelievesthatautomatedtestingforthe mobileappwillcontinuetoincrease.Thistrendisdrivenby theneedtoshortentime-to-marketandmoreadvanced methodsandtoolsformobiletestautomation.
Ubertestersisworkinghardtobepartofthefuture alternativesformobiletestautomation.Itsdevelopment roadmapincludesasolutiontoallowitsclientstousethe Ubertestersplatformtoperformmobiletestautomation.
Personally,RanseeshimselfdevelopingUbertester, ensuringitcontinuestogrowinthenextfewyears.He hopestobuildanewcompanytofindaproductthatwill helphumanitybyimprovingthequalityoflifeandlife longevity
"TakeCareofYourTeam"isthemostvaluableadviceRan impliesinhiswork.Hesays, "Trust your team and let them shine but also be prepared to accept responsibility when things don't go as planned. Help your employees advance their careers and always respect them. As a leader, maintain the 'personal touch and often speak to your team. Lastly, stay humble. Humility is not a weakness; it's a strength.”