“
The leader is one who, out of the clutter, brings simplicity… out of discord, harmony… and out of
difficulty, opportunity,”oncesaidtheNobelPrizewinnerandworld'soneofthegreatestscientists, AlbertEinstein.
Definitely,it’snoteasytobealeader,butatthesametime,it’sneitherimpossibletoo.Thequalitiesthat makesonealeaderare:tohaveavision,passionandloveforwhattheyaredoing,befocusedabout findingsolutionsthanworryingaboutproblems,continuouslyhonetheleadershipsskills,andbegrowthoriented.Aleaderistheonewhoknowhis/herweakness,butinsteadofhidingthemfromtheworld, he/shetransformsthoseweaknessesintohis/herstrengths.
Whateverbethekindofindustry,thetrendsthatarecirculatingandinfluencingeverywhereareartificial intelligence,liveinteractionsthroughsocialmedia,in-depthsociallearning,andpersonalizedinteractive experiences,blockchainanddatasecurity.Onewhoisawareofallthat’shappeningintheindustryand doesthenecessarytodrivethecompanyforwardistheleaderwhoachievessuccess.
Inshort,leadershipisdefinedby3Csas“Continuity”,“Compassion”and“Consistency”.So,it’stime leadersmuststopworryingaboutpeoplewhodonotlikethem,makingdecisionsbasedonemotions,not beingconfidentaboutone’sself,ignoringminutedetailsbutworryingaboutunnecessarylittlethings, hidingthingsfromone’sself,lyingandnotmaintainingtransparencywiththeteamandone’sself.It’s timetogetup,dressandrun,runsolongthattheworldwillrememberyouforever.
Everybusinessisbuiltuponsomeone’sidea,whichisoftenbeingmoldedbyothers,butthereremains onecorepersonwhohasgivenupeveryefforttoturnthatinnovativeideaintoamulti-milliondollar
business.And,tobringupsuchextraordinarypersonalitiesintoprominence,wehavecomeupwith thisedition,“The10MostInnovativeBusinessLeadersToWatch”.
Onthecoverofthisissue,wehave Nina Simosko: Leading Technological Innovation at NTT i³. Ninaisanadvocateforinnovationinthetechnologyindustryformorethantwodecades;shehas workedinanexecutivecapacityforseveralwell-knownglobalcompanies.PriortoNTTi³,shewas responsibleforleadingthecreationandexecutionof Nike Technology strategy,planningand operationsworldwide.Beforethat,shehasservedasSeniorVicePresidentforSAP’sGlobalPremier CustomerNetwork(PCN).Shewaspartofthecompany’sGlobalEcosystem&PartnerGroup, whichwaschargedwithcreatinganopenecosystemofsoftware,serviceandtechnology.
Currently,sheleadsNTTInnovationInstituteInc.(NTTi³),whichistheprestigiousSiliconValleybasedinnovationcenterforNTTGroup,oneoftheworld'slargestICTcompanies.And,while talkingaboutleadership,Ninasaid,“Leaders need to know how to find the better person rather than always needing to be the better person in their organization.”
AlongwithsuchaninterestingCoverStory,wehavecomeupwithextraordinarystoriesofother renownedinnovativebusinessleaderslike Asokan Ashok: A Strategic Tech-Savvy Business Leader. Withabeliefthattechnologyandhi-techproductscanmaketheworldabetterplaceAsokanAshok, CEOatUnfoldLabsInc.,isleadingtheindustrybytakingInnovationtoIdeationtoRealWorld Products. Balaji Ramachandran: Creative Leader Making an impact with Digital Transformation Solutions.BalajiRamachandran,FounderandCEOofSoftClouds,isoneoftheindividualsleading thischarge,redefiningtermsinthedigitaltransformationindustryandcreatingnewbenchmarksin thesector. Bala Venkat: An Intuitive-Driven Entrepreneur with a Fearless Approach for Results.
Karanjit Singh: An Ace Leader Driving Kellton Tech towards a New Era of Digital Growth. KaranjitSingh,CEOatKelltonTechSolutionsLimited,isonesuchentrepreneurialleaderwhohas nurturedthesevitaltraitswithinhimselfandistransformingbusinessesevenwithoutcompromising onthebusinessethicsandhumanitarianvalues. Seppo Huurinainen: AVeteran Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Forestry and Biomass based Businesses.Toenrichtheindustrywithyearsof experienceandtorevolutionizethebusinessofforestryentersSeppoHuurinainen,CEOatMHG SystemsOyLtd.Mr.Huurinainenisanexpertinforestryandbiomass-basedbusinessoperations. Steve Wilson: An Ardent Leader Pioneering the Art of Transforming Adversity into Opportunity. SteveWilson,CEO,WhiteSkyLabsisonesuchpersonalitywhosestorywillinspiremany.Started fromscratch,SteveisnowtheCEOofanenormouslysuccessful,hyper-growthcompany.He currentlyleadsacompanywhichspecializesinEnterpriseIntegration,APIstrategyandconsulting andofferservicesacrossthefullSolutionDeliveryLifecycle.Othercontributingbusinessleaders enlistedinthiseditionarePrathamMittal,FounderofVenturePact,andPrivenReddy,CEOat KagisoInteractive
Tomaketheeditionmoreinterestingtoread,wehavealsotakenaninterviewofBimalGandhi, CEOatUniken,acompanywhichiscontributingmajorlytowardsintroducingamobile-firstworld withamazingsecurityandphenomenalcustomerexperience.Themostinterestinglessonswhich Bimalwantstoshareare“Two key lessons I would want to pass on – First, failure isn’t a bad thing –learn from it. Second, being loyal and showing loyalty is a must but don’t be blind about it.”
Thiseditionalsocontainssomemasterlyarticleswrittenbyourin-houseeditorstoenrichyouwith innovationandcreativity
Hopethisissuewillmakeamarkonyourmind.
Rajarshi Chatterjee
Everyentrepreneurisaleaderintheirown right.Aleaderisnotjustatitle.Itis someone,whoinanygivenmomenttakes actionbasedontheirprinciplesalongthelinesof “I’mgoingtoactintherightway.I’mgoingtodoa goodthinghere.”Itisinthatinstancethatthey becomeamoreauthenticandcompassionateleader
Onesuchsuccessful,innovativeandpassionatebusiness leaderisNinaSimosko,PresidentandCEOatNTT InnovationInstituteInc.(NTTi³),theprestigious SiliconValley-basedinnovationcenterforNTTGroup, oneoftheworld’slargestICTcompanies.
Anadvocateforinnovationinthetechnologyindustryfor morethantwodecades,Ninahasworkedinanexecutive capacityforseveralwell-knownglobalcompanies.Priorto NTTi³,shewasresponsibleforleadingthecreationand executionof Nike Technology strategy,planningand operationsworldwide.
Beforethat,NinaservedasSeniorVicePresidentfor SAP’s Global Premier Customer Network (PCN).Shewaspartof thecompany’sGlobalEcosystem&PartnerGroup,which waschargedwithcreatinganopenecosystemofsoftware, serviceandtechnology.
ShealsoservedastheGlobalChiefOperatingOfficerfor SAP’sworldwideCustomerEducationorganization, responsiblefordrivingmorethanhalfabillioneurosin globaleducationsoftwareandservicesrevenue.
Currently,Ninaleadsanorganizationthatisapartofa globalmulti-billiondollarentitywithover900operating companiesaroundtheworld.Shealsoplaysanactiverole ontheadvisoryboardsoftwoearly-to-midstage technologycompanies, Reflection and AppOrchid.
Speakingaboutwhatkeepsherschedulebusy,Ninasays, “Much of my energy is focused on building deep working relationships and cultivating a culture of compassion and innovation that naturally enables self-directed inquiry, learning, and collaboration among the company’s diverse team members and enterprise customers around the world.”
FromTechEnthusiasttoInnovativeBusinessLeader
“I believe that there is no single path to success. Many different paths can lead to the same success outcome,”says Nina.
Ninastartedhercareerfromthegroundlevelwhenshe enteredthetechindustry. HerfirstjobsinSiliconValley weremanagingglobalcallcentersat Oracle and Siebel.She thentransitionedtosupervisinganddrivingexternalsales
‘‘
‘‘A lasting and innovative business can only be built on top of a base of meaningful relationships that reflect honesty and transparency
andsuccessfullyrunningincreasinglylarger P&Lsforvariousbusinessunits.
After15yearswithtechnology companies sellingtotheenterpriseindustry,Ninamadethe movetotheconsumersidetobroadenher experienceandgainvaluableperspective.She joined Nike inaseniorITrole,leadingthe creationandexecutionofNikeTechnology’s globalstrategy,planningandoperations.This wastheturningpointinNina’sprofessional journey
“Without taking the bold step of transitioning to the client side at Nike, I would not be in the position I am in now, nor would I be able to fully understand and appreciate how to collaborate and support innovation initiatives for global companies,”saidNina.
Whenaskedaboutthelessonswhichhave helpedhertosucceed,Ninasays,“My most important and valuable learnings have been focused on people, behavior, and culture - how I see and treat others, as well as the maxims I use to guide my own behavior”
Withastrongemphasisonfosteringstrategic innovation,NinanowleadstheteamatNTTi³ workingwithestablishedenterprisecompanies lookingtoadoptnewapproachestohelpthem evolveintotechnology-first,digitally-driven businesses.Underherguidance,thecompany
Leaders need to know how to find the better person rather than always needing to be the better person in their organizationJohn
partnerswithearly-stagestartupsandotherNTToperating companiestoassisttheminestablishingproduct differentiationwithintheirrespectivemarketplaces.
DrivenbyPassion “WhenitcomestothewayIapproacheachdayatwork, therearetwomainthemesthatIemphasize: optimistic leadership and business bravery,”saysthemodernbusiness leader
Ninabelievesthatoptimisticleadershipisaboutbeingmore thanamindlesscheerleader.Rather,itisaboutcomingto workeachdayandbeingpositiveaboutoneself,the company,themissionandyourteam.Toher,business braveryisdefinedastheneedforleaderstohaveandto followaclearmoral compass.
“A lasting and innovative business can only be built on top of a base of meaningful relationships that reflect honesty and transparency ”
Workingwithtop-tier technology companiesinSilicon Valley,shehas learnedthatmore oftenthannot,people cometoworkin searchofpurposeand meaning,muchas theydointheir everydaylives.Theideathatacompany’ssolemissionisto makemoneyforshareholdersisneitherattractivenor meaningfulforemployees.Peoplearewillinglytoworkfor organizationswheretheyknowtheyaremakinga differenceandwheretheybelievetheyhaveanopportunity tobeapartoftheequationinapeople-centeredviewofthe world.
WhenNinatalksabouttheorganization’sneedtorecognize thewayinwhichpeopleandtheirteamswishtobetreated,
shesays,“Throughout my career, my goal has been and is to be part of an organization which is human-centered, that puts its people first.”
Thatiswhyshehascreatedabusinessenvironmentin whichpeoplehavetheroomtoflourishasindividualsand becomethebesttheycanbe.AtNTTi³,sheensuresthather teamgetsopportunitiestogrowandcontributeatahigher level.Shepersonallyvoicesappreciationforeach individual'sworkandmakesthemfeeltheirimportance.
Speakingofhergreatestmomentsofachievement,Nina adds,“If I do all these things and more—I will have succeeded in inspiring – which is and will be among my greatest achievements.”
Ninaactivelysupportsacultureof wonderandcuriosityandbelieves thatitistheresponsibilityof businessleaderstocreate organizationalculturesthat continuallyrenewandchange.She makescertainthattheworking environmentatNTTi³isonewhere peoplearetalkingaboutinnovation -trueinnovation-asafundamental responsibilityofthebusiness.
Freedom,theSecretBehind CreativityandInnovation Thewillingnesstobecomfortable toleadthechargeinembracing serendipityisakeyindicatorofa risk-tolerantandrisk-embracing organization.
Thismeansthatthereissupportandencouragementfor peopletoexploreoutsidetheorganization’sownwallsand forbreakthroughideas.Itrepresentstheorganization’s toleranceforfailure.Ninaisanardentbelieverthatthrough failure,trueinnovationoccurs.
Shesays,“You should give people the freedom to do what they need to do, no matter where that may be or where it leads them. This philosophy can be difficult for large organizations to embrace, as they sometimes incorrectly see serendipity and freedom as synonymous with chaos. They
My most important and valuable lessons have been focused on people, behavior, and culture - how I see and treat others, as well as the maxims I use to guide my own behavior ‘ ‘
‘ ‘
are wrong. It is synonymous with business creativity”.
Withthebeliefthatcompassionempowerstheenvironment ofriskrequiredforinnovation,Ninarevealsthatshethinks that“For entrepreneurs – young and old alike – working towards a philosophy centered around compassionate leadership will bring both personal and professional success in the workplace”.
AtNTTi³,whatiscreated,sharedandlearnedbetween employeesisfoundedontheprinciplesofopeninnovation. AcorepremiseoftheSiliconValley-basedcompany's innovationpracticeisthebeliefthatthebestideascome from-andaredevelopedby-awell-curatedandengaged globalecosystemoftechnologistsandbusinessexperts.
Ninagivescredittoherteamandthepeopleinvolvedin NTTi³’sdailybusiness,saying,“We are fortunate to have an amazing group of individuals with which to engage –from NTT's own operating companies, to the startup community of technologists and investors, to NTT’s global customers, to industry partners, and to our own executive advisory board.”
Over2018,NTTi³isdoublingdownoninnovation partnerships,investigations,andproofofconcept developmentwithitscolleaguesatNTT’soperating companiesaroundtheworld.Thesecollaborationswillnot onlyenablethecompanytoaddressrealindustryproblems, butalsocreatebestpracticeswhichNTTi³cansharewith others.
Inthenearfuture,NTTi³will continuetoevolveasoneofthe world’spremierinnovationcenters.
Recently,thecompanylaunched CLOUDWANinagloballycollaborative effortwithNTTGroupoperatingcompany partners:InternetSolutions(IS),theleading pan-Africantelecomsservicesprovider,and NTTPCCommunications(NTTPC),anetwork serviceandcommunicationsolutionproviderin Japan.
CLOUDWANisapowerfulnetworkingsolutionforthe nextgenerationofbusinesses,connectinglegacysystems withpowerful,centralizedvisibilityandcontrol.Itdelivers anenhanceduserexperience,powerfulflexibilityand extraordinaryagilitytoNTT’senterprisecustomers.With CLOUDWAN,NTTi³ishelpingorganizationstogrowand respondtochangingbusinessneeds.
Ninaremembersaquotethatthebest-sellingauthor,Stan Slaphadoncetoldher:“Be human first”.Shehasalso quotesalinebytheCEOofSAP,BillMcDermott,“Believe it. Achieve it”.
Ninafollowsthesemantrasandshesaysthatthesethemes arewhatmotivateandguidehertoachievesuccess.“What influences me consistently is the belief that if you do what you love and find joy in what you're doing every day, the rest will follow”.
Whentalkingabouthersourcesofinspiration,Nina acknowledgesthattheyare“My family, numerous amazing women leaders I’ve worked with in the past, all my colleagues at NTT with whom I collaborate, and friends and colleagues, past and present, who are in my professional network.”
Ninasharedherviewofthefactorsthatdrivesuccessinany organization,saying,“You need to hire people who are better than you, specifically in areas where you know you are not the best. This means truthfully acknowledging your own strengths and weaknesses within the team. Leaders need to know how to find the better person rather than always needing to be the better person in their organization.”
KagisoInteractive kagisointeractive.com
KelltonTechSolutions Ltd. kelltontech.com
MayosysInc. mayosys.com
PrivenReddy CEO
KagisoInteractiveisaleading,highlyadvanced,mobile applicationsdevelopmentagency,whichbelievesinproviding forward-thinkingcreativesolutionsthatyieldexceptionalresults.
KaranjitSingh CEO
BalaVenkat ChiefStrategy Officer&CMO
MHGSystemsOyLtd. mhgsystems.com SeppoHuurinainen CEO
NTTInnovationInstitute Inc.(NTTI³) ntti3.com
NinaSimosko President&CEO
KelltonTechisanITcompanythatprovideswide-range solutionincludesAI,mobileapplications,websitedevelopment solutions,digitalmarketingsolutions,IoT,SAPsolutions,and manymore.
Mayosysisaleadingtechnologyproviderforsmallandmidsizeenterprises,andthegovernment.
MHGSystemsLtdisapioneerindevelopingthemostcomplete bigdataandmobiletechnologymanagementsolutionsfor forestryandbioenergyproductionprocesses.
NTTInnovationInstituteInc.(NTTi³)istheprestigiousSilicon Valley-basedinnovationcenterforNTTGroup,oneofthe world’slargestICTcompanies.
SoftClouds softclouds.com BalajiRamachandran Founder&CEO
UnfoldLabsInc. unfoldlabs.com
AsokanAshok Founder&CEO
Uniken uniken.com
BimalGandhi CEO
SoftCloudsunderstandsthatCustomerExperienceisnotaspecific softwareapplication;rather,astrategyfordoingbusiness. SoftClouds’smodernsolutionsblendOracleTechnologiesand specialistexpertisetodeliversophisticatedinnovation.
UnfoldLabsisaninnovativeandstrategicproductdevelopment companyinmobile,cloud&dataplatformtechnologies.
Unikenisacompanywhichiscontributingmajorlytowards introducingamobile-firstworldwithamazingsecurityand phenomenalcustomerexperience.
VenturePact venturepact.com
PrathamMittal Founder WhiteSkyLabs whiteskylabs.com SteveWilson CEO
VenturePact’sSaaSplatformhelpsbusinessesintelligently sourceandmanagevettedsoftwaredevelopmentteamsfortheir digitalproductdevelopment.
WhiteSkyLabsspecializesinEnterpriseIntegration,API strategyandconsultingandofferservicesacrossthefull SolutionDeliveryLifecycle.
1. Tell us about you, your life-story and your journey since the beginning of your career.
Asaproductoftwocultures–IndiaandtheUS–Ihave strivedtomaintainthebestofbothculturesineverything Ido.Ifeelsoblessedtobeafirstgenerationimmigrant whohasbeengivenamazingopportunities.I’vealways pushedmyselfoutofthecomfortzoneandintothe unknown.Mycareerstartedwithastart-up entrepreneurialventure,jumpedtoaturnaround opportunityataglobalairlinethentobusinessschool, managementconsulting,backtoturnarounds,amember ofthemanagementteamforFortune250firmandthen backtoa“start-up”–youcansayI’vegonefullcircle andfoundthatIlovetobuildthings,growcompanies andtacklegroundthathasneverbeentouched.
Mymainmotivationisobviouslymyfamilyandthe desiretodowellforthem–whocan'tsaythatisnumber oneonthelist.However,myworkethicisdrivenbymy desiretoimplementideasanddriveexecutionto successfuloutcomes.I’myourtypical“typeA” personality–driventosucceed–onewhorelishes challenges,workshard,playshardanddoesn’tmind beingheldaccountable.Ithriveonformingawell thoughtoutplanbasedonfactbasedanalysis,building therightteam,executingontheplan,seeingmilestones
hit,andeveryoneandthecompanygrow. Ithinkfailure isnottrying–andwhenyoutry-takeyourbestshot.
3. State us about the most memorable and remarkable moment of your life.
Handsdownthemostmemorablemomenthastobethe birthofmythreechildren–eachofthosethreemoments ispreciousinmyheart.Professionally,thekeymoment formewasthelaunchofamajorbusinessthatstartedas aconceptonacocktailnapkininabar–yes,itreally doeshappen. Haveanidea–drawitonanapkin,then buildawholeplantocreatethatbusiness,findtheright peopletohelpyoubuildit,thenexecuteanddoit. Alwaysputtheclientfirst–designtheproducttomeet theclientneeds(don’tguess!Doyourhomeworkand research!)andlaunchit.Oncelaunchedfindoutwhat needstobetweakedanddoit!Ipromiseyouthatthat firstdayyouhitthemarketandgetyourfirstcustomer willbeamazing!
4. Kindly tell us about the major challenges you have faced while building up both your company and your career.
Thebiggestchallengeformeisalwaystakingthatfirst step–itmaybestartingsomethingnew,itmaybe changinggearsandtakingadifferentpath,itmaybe switchingjobsorcompanies.Onceyoudothattherest
becomeseasier.Manyofustendtogetparalyzed bylookingatallthefacts,theangles,thepitfalls –myadviceisfocusonwhatyoucanpotentially accomplish-ifitsexcitingdoit!Thesecond biggestchallengeissurroundingyourselfwith amazingpeople–findpeoplethatyouworkwell with–notnecessarilyalwaysseeeye-to-eye with,peoplethathavethesameworkethic,same passionandbeliefinwhatyouaredoing.Lastly, formealwaysstayclosetothecustomer–you willfindthatyoucanlearnanamazingamount bykeepingclosetothecustomer–thistakes time,effortandfocus–notalwayseasywhen youarebuildingabusinessbutacriticalelement.
5. Kindly describe in brief about your company and its distinctive services/products.
Unikenisveryunique–weareaninnovativeand disruptivecybersecuritycompanythatisfocused onhelpingourcustomerslockdowneverymajor vectoroffraudandbreach.Uniken’sREL-IDisa groundbreakingdefense-in-depthmobilesolution thatputsourcustomersownmobileappatthe centeroftheiromnichannelsecuritymodel.By bringingtogetherstrongauthentication,channel security,endpointthreatdetection,and transactionverificationintooneseamless platform-REL-IDdeliversbulletproofsecurity withaphenomenalcustomerexperiencefor mobile,online,andomnichannelusecases.Our bestcredentialisZEROfraud!Zeroidentities stolen,Zerofinancialloss,Zerodataloss.
Forme,thiswasano-brainertojoinUnikenand takeittonewheights.Ihavealwaysbeen dismayedaboutthehoopsonehastoojump throughtogetgreatsecurity–peopleforget abouttheclientexperience.Unikenblends amazingsecuritywithphenomenalclient experience.
6. State us your major achievements and your company’s achievements under your leadership.
Takinganamazingpieceofcoretechnologyandbuildingitintosomethingthattrulyisexceptionalandsolves severalproblemscompletely–notjustone.Bylisteningtocustomers,prospectsandothersintheindustry,we figuredoutthatsolvingtheproblempartiallyisn’ttheanswer.Asaresult,wehavecreatedseveralnew products,builtaworldclassglobalteam,andarenowstartingtoservesomeofthebiggestcompaniesinthe world. Thebestisyettocome!
7. How do you describe yourself in one-word or one-sentence?
Astrongandloyalleaderwhoblendsfinance,strategytechnologyandoperationsintoaseamlessportfolioto driveperformancefocusedonbuildingagreatteamthatbuildsagreatbusiness.
8. Tell us about your passion, aim and goal.
IwouldsayIamapassionatebuilderofthings–beitLegos,highpreformingteams,productorcompanies–myhighcomesfrombuildingandtakingittothenextlevelorthreeandthenmovingontothenextchallenge.
9. What would you advise to the budding entrepreneurs?
Surroundyourselfwithamazing,intelligent,interestingandsmartpeople–employees,partners,mentorsand boardmembers.Beingthesmartestoneintheroomisn’tthekey,it’sassimilatingthebestthoughtsfromthose aroundyou. Also,neverbeafraidofmakingthetoughdecisions–that’swhatleadersdo!
10. How do you motivate your employees and maintain a healthy working environment in the office? Share with us the work culture at your office.
Tomemotivationisbeingfocusedonasingulargoalthatwillhelpeveryoneachievetheirownprofessional andpersonalgoals–alongthewaytreateveryonewithrespectandensureeveryoneknowswhattheyare accountablefor–also–havesomefunalongtheway. Ifthecompanyachievesitsgoalsithasdosomaking sureeveryoneinthecompanycanseethefutureandunderstandhowtheygrowpersonally–beitskills, relationships,wealth.
11. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout and would like to share?
TwokeylessonsIwouldwanttopasson–First,failureisn’tabadthing–learnfromit.Second,beingloyal andshowingloyaltyisamustbutdon’tbeblindaboutit.
12. How do you see yourself and your company in the future ahead?
IseeUnikencontinuingtogrowandbecomeatrueleaderinthespace–wearenotoutforincrementalchange orsuccess–webelievewearethefutureofsecurity.Asforme,Iwilldomybestandwhenitstimetolet someoneelsetakethecompanytothenextnewlevelitwillbetimeformetofindthenextchallenge–but that’safewyearsdowntheroad.
Aleader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way ”-JohnC.Maxwell,celebrated Americanauthor,professionalspeakerandbusiness trainer.
Regardlessoftheindustryorthesizeoftheorganization, goodleadershipskillsarecrucialtobusinesssuccess.In smallandmediumenterprises,theentrepreneurialand leadershipskillsofbusinessownersandmanagersare especiallyimportantbecausetheirrolesareoftenmore hands-on,morevisible,andmoreaccessibletotheir employeesthanthoseoftheircounterpartsinlarger organizations.
Withabeliefthattechnologyandhi-techproductscanmake theworldabetterplaceAsokanAshokisleadingthe industrybytakingInnovationtoIdeationtoRealWorld Products.Withmorethan25yearsofexperienceashis guideandmotivation,AshokiscurrentlytheCEOof UnfoldLabsInc.,acompanythatfocusesoncreating
PriortotheinceptionofUnfoldLabs,Ashokheldavariety ofseniortechnologymanagementpositionsinrenowned companieslike , , , and Samsung Motorola Nokia Ericsson Compaq (HP), aswellasseveralstartups.Heisaserial entrepreneurandpioneeringinventor.
NavigatingUpsandDownstoBecomeanIndustry Leader
ForAshok,startingUnfoldLabswasamajorchallengefrom theverystart.Whilehehadagreatideaandaplantomake itwork,hedidnothavethepeopletohelphimrealizethat vision.Hisfirstandmostchallengingtaskwastofindthe rightpeoplewiththerightattitudetoformhiscoreteam.
Ashokhandpickedindividualswhosharedhismindsetof unwaveringcommitment,alovefortechnology,passionfor innovationandazealforinjectingfreshideasintothe marketthroughhigh-qualityproducts.
HardworkandpatiencedefinethecharacterofAshok.He
innovativeproductsandsolutionsforthetechnology industry
AshokisalsoontheBoardofAdvisorsof SoftClouds, Enterpret Communications, neXva and Rewind.Hispassion foremergingtechnologiesandfornurturingthenext generationofworld-shapingideashasledhimtoserveasa memberoftheExecutiveCommitteeofTiESouthCoast Chapter
acknowledgesthatittookhimconsiderabletimetobuild thesuccessfulteamatUnfoldLabs,butthatthepositive outcomesthathavemanifestedasaresultshowthatitwasa positiveandworthwhileprocess.
Ashokisaninnovator,astrategist,andaleading technologist,evercuriousabouttechnologyanditsfuture. Anythingwiththepotentialtoadvanceandbenefitsociety throughinnovativeadvancementsanduniquesolutions fascinateshim.
A leader is one who knows e way, goes e way, and shows e way “
Heisalsoskilledstrategistandhas beeninstrumentalincraftingthemost effectivecampaignsofUnfoldLabs.
BasedinSanDiego,California, UnfoldLabsisapioneeringstrategic productsdevelopmentcompanythat specializesintechnologiesaround mobile,cloudanddataplatforms. UnfoldLabshasanagileinnovations teamspecializinginmobile,cloudand newproductdevelopment/ideation, whichguidesandassistsenterprises fromthepureideationstageto completeproductdevelopmentand marketing.Thisapproachhasresulted inahighlevelofsuccessintheUS market.
“With disruptive technologies coming out each day, it is imperative that we get ideas out there on time, with the right user experience and innovation in products to capture the imagination of consumers,”saysAshok.The professionalsatUnfoldLabshelp clientstocaptureemergingtechnology trendsearlysotheycanleveragethem forgreaterbusinesssuccess.
Someofthenextgenerationmobile productsthatUnfoldLabshaslaunched are RedGreen, MobileSwitch, UnfoldPrints,and 2020Wallet,all underthewatchfulguidanceofAshok.
Inlessthantwoyearssinceinception, UnfoldLabshasbeenrecognizedwith twoawards–theFierceInnovation AwardsinCloudServicesfortheir industryleadingproduct, MobileSwitch-thatprovidesasimple, smartandsuper-fastwaytotransfer databetweenmobiledevices,andwas aCTIAeTechAwardsFinalistfor RedGreen-aproductthataddresses somecoreissueswithAndroidsuchas
performance,battery,application managementanddatasecurity
“Recognized for Innovation by industry leading experts makes me feel awesome, thrilled and excited to create more ground-breaking products,” says Ashok.
Likeanysuccessfulentrepreneur, Ashokhasmultiplesourcesof inspirationandmotivation.Hesays thathereallyadmiresElonMuskfor histhoughtleadershipandmotivation skills.AshokalsolooksuptoSteve Jobsforhisuserexperienceattitude andwillingnesstobringinnovation intotheworldbytakingtheroadless traveled.
RemarkablemomentfromAsokan Ashok’sentrepreneuriallife Ashoksaysthatoneofthemost remarkablemomentsinhisearlylifeas atechnologistwasthereleaseoftheir one-of-a-kindtelecomproject,a
Asokan Ashok Founder & CEO
subscribercarriersystem.Hesays,“I was very proud to be part of a team that produced an extremely imaginative and trail-blazing subscriber carrier system.”
Ashoksayshegetsthesamefeeling wheneveranyofhisotherinnovative productsreceivethatlevelof widespreadacclaim.
New businesses are springing up all over the world at an unprecedented rate. We see some very creative and innovative products invented by some of the most inventive minds on the planet. These budding entrepreneurs need to bring a new vision into the world and be prepared to nurture their business with innovations at each step. Novelty is the key. A businessman needs to understand that any product is just not for a specific society, city or country. This innovation and business is for the welfare of the world.
Entrepreneurshipisahottopic
inthemarketnow.Everybody wantstobecomean entrepreneurthesedays.Ithasbecome verypopularamongfreshersand experiencedprofessionalswhowantto starttheirownbusiness.Therehas beenamajorgrowthinnewventures recentlyasaresultofthegovernment's encouragementtowardsstart-upsina bigway Almosteveryday,wecansee newstart-upsemergingtotakepartin thecompetition.
Entrepreneurshavetoworkhardand comeupwithnewandinnovativeideas whichwouldtakethecompanytonew heights,establishitasaleaderinthe business,andmakesurethatitdoesn’t fadeawaysoon.
Entrepreneurshavetofollowcertain stepstomaketheirbusinessa successfulventure.Theyhavetobe preparedforanythingandeverything onthefield.Theymighthavehad thingsplannedaheadoftime,butit maybackfireandthingsmaygowrong inabigway.Instancesmayoccur
whenatrustedemployeedoesn’tturn up;orthecustomerwhohadpromised topurchasetheveryfirstprojectmay turnhis/herback.Moreover,the serviceprovidingagencymayturnout tobeunreliable.Inspiteofallthis, entrepreneursshouldkeepitcooland proceedaheadwiththeobjectiveof achievingsuccessattheendoftheline.
Entrepreneurshavetoimplementthe basicprincipleofdisciplineintheir dailylives.Disciplineinspires confidenceandensuresthatonedoes firstthingsfirstanddoesitrightatthe firstattempt.Inthefaceofchaos, disciplinekeepsthingsundercontrol andmakessurethatoneisnot distractedandstaysfocusedonthings thatmatterthemost.
Thereisnosubstitutetohardwork. Entrepreneurshavetospendsleepless nightsandmaintainearlymorning workschedules.Sheddingbloodand sweat,workinghardwithcommitment anddedicationmakesonesuccessfulin anyendeavor.Entrepreneurshaveto fastentheirseatbelts,forgetabout
work–lifebalance,andmoveaheadon theirjourneytowardssuccess.
EntrepreneurscanEfficaciously UtilizeaCo-workingSpace
Entrepreneurshipandco-workingcan gohand-in-handandplayamajorpart inbusinessesinwaysonewouldhave neverthoughtof.Self-workingison theriseandgivestheadvantagetobe one'sownboss.Itprovidesthe opportunityandflexibilitytochoose one'stimeandplaceofwork.An emergingentrepreneurcanjoinacoworkingspaceandcanmakethemost ofit.Co-workingdoesn’tmerelymean sharingdesksandworkspace.Itisin factalotmorethanthat;peoplecan sharetheirideas,makenew connectionsandgettoknoweach other.Anentrepreneurcangetlonelyat times;interactingwithotherfellow entrepreneurscanhelpthemin buildingrelationships;theycansupport andhelpeachotherattimesofcrisis. Moreover,interminglingwithalarge numberofsmartmindshelpsingetting properandearlyfeedbackonthe productsandservicesoneistryingto build.
Casualinteractionsbetweenfellowentrepreneurscan sometimesleadtoafruitfuldiscussionbeneficialtoall. Co-workingcanhelpstart-upsperforminascalableand cost-effectivemanner.Inco-workingspaces,entrepreneurs don’thavetoworryabouttheirexpandabilityandisthebest optionforbusinessesthatgrowbymultipletimeswithin months.Co-workingprovidesnetworkingopportunitiesand connectivitywithmentorsandinvestors.Itisalsoatroublefreeexperienceasstart-upsdon’thavetospendmoneyon administrationandothersuchjobs.
Co-workingcanbeusedwiselybyentrepreneursfor achievingbiggergoalsandforcreatingbetteropportunities forthemselves.Ithelpsentrepreneurstogrownotonly professionally,butalsoasaresponsiblehumanbeing. Networkingandmonitoringsessionsheldatco-working spacescanhelpinbuildingmotivationandsharingexpert discernmentsamongtheup-and-comingentrepreneurs.
Thesesessionscanalsohelptheentrepreneursin connectingwellwithcolleaguesandmentors.
Inaco-workingenvironment,sharingknowledgeisof utmostimportancewhichwillbebeneficialtoeveryone involved.Entrepreneursworkingtogethercansupporteach otherbysharingnewandinnovativeideas.Coworkerscan helpeachotherwheneverrequired.Aco-workingspace consistsofpeoplefromdifferentbackgrounds,makingita diverseworkplace.Anexpertinfinancecansharehis insights,ideasandopinionswithanexpertinmarketingand viceversa.
Inthishighlycompetitiveworld,entrepreneurshaveto strugglehardtosurviveandmakeitbig.Theyhaveto exposethemselvestoeverythinghappeningaroundthem, whichisbeneficialtothem.Co-workingwithemerging entrepreneurscanbroadentheirperspectiveandknowledge andprovidethemwiththeextraedgetosucceedinthelong run.
Mostpeoplestruggletoexcelinasingle domainthroughouttheirlife.Butonlyafew exemplaryhumansleavedeepimpression evenwhileworkingfordifferentindustries.BalaVenkat isoneofthem;hehasnotonlyjumpedontomany differentindustriesoverhislongprofessionalcareerbut alsoquicklyadaptedandlearnttheworkprocessesover there.Bold,determinedandrisktakingattitudetofollow hisdreamhashelpedhiminsuccessfullytransitioning fromoneindustrytoanother.Thesefacetshaveassisted himtowalkintoanybusinessandturntheknobsquickly togrowthatbusinessanddeliverdesiredresults.Bala believesthattransitionsaregoodforpersonalgrowthas itexposesapersonwithunfamiliarindustriesand conditionswhichultimatelyignitethethinkingprocess andoftenleadsindevelopingnewideas:aprerequisite forgrowth.
assignments.Balaisknownforcreatingnewbrandsand hassuccessfullylaunchedvariousleadingproductsfor thehealthcare,pharmaceutical,beautyandpersonalcare segment.Hissuccessfulmarketingandbrandingcareer hasassistedmanyorganizationsinexpandingtheir businessfootprintandacquiringnewcompaniesmultiple times.
Bala’sNoteworthyAchievementsthatreflecthistrue Strengths
• Bybringingcreativityintoworkplaceandforging partnershipamong20regionalcarriers,heassisted Sprintbyexponentiallyincreasingtheirsubscriber countby3Millionandthattoowithinjustoneyear
• LedExodusCommunicationsmarketingandbusiness developmentcampaignwitharunrateof$150M.
• ApproachedbytheCOOofOpenHarbortohelp
BalaVenkathaspursuedhisengineeringfromthe prestigiousIITBombayandcompletedhisMastersfrom UniversityofTexas.Duringhisextraordinary professionalcareer,Balahasworkedwithmany multinationalsgiantsinvariouscapacities.Hisresult drivenworkapproachandtheabilitytorealizethepulse ofabusinesshasassistedhimtoearntoppositionsin manymarketingandbrandingprojects.Heisachampion inhandlingandleadingcategorymanagement,brand managementandcustomerfocusedmarketing
scaletheirenterpriseB2Bbusiness.Heheadedupthe Marketing&Servicesprocess,andquicklydoubled thatbusiness.
• HesuccessfullygrewTrendMicro’sbusinessby$ 200Millioninjusttwoyearsthroughinnovative products,strategicpartnerships,androbust reseller/channelnetworks.
• SAPapproachedhimtoruntheirSMEBUGlobal Marketingoperation,andwithnosurpriseBala turnedSAP’sfortunebyscalingtheirbusinessfrom
100Meurosto980Meurosinjust twoyears.Healsoputtogetherthe cloudandmobilestrategyoperation whichresultedintheacquisitionof Sybase.
• Hisentrepreneurialthirstmade himtoquitSAPtohelpbuild Mayosys.Withinthreeyears,he launchedIoTsolutionsatlarge datacenterandrolled-out advancedtechnology.Heis creditedforprovidingadvanced technologysolutiontomany leadingcompaniesincludingDell EMC,Marvell,Cisco,Cadence, Google,etc.
• AsaCMOofCenzic,Balahas ledtheM&AwithTrustwave whichwasacquiredbySingTel for$800M.
Arolemodelshapesthethought processandultimatelythelife journeyforanyperson.Numerous personalitieshaveinspiredhimbut BuddhaandSteveJobcomesonthe topofhisstack.Buddha,beinga spiritualicon,hasinfluencedhim immenselyindevelopinghisvision withclearmindset,andpatiencein resolvingconflictingissues.At businesslevel,hereveresSteveJobs ashewasthemanofhisbeliefwho broughtmanyinventionswith passionandcouragebyfollowinghis intuition.Healsobelievesthat settingagoalandvisualizingits successtotheminutedetailisvery importanttoreachthefinishingline.
Developingnewideas,products,
technology;identifyingtalentsand empoweringthemtobringouttheir best,buildinghighperformance teamsandtakingbusinessestothe nextleveldriveshimeverydayand motivatestotakethestepahead.
Nurturingaworkculturethat encouragespeopletothinkoutofthe box,incentivizepeoplewhocomes upwithgoodideas,providing autonomyinexecutingprojectsare someofthevitalfacetsthatBala believesarenecessarytonurturea mediocremindintoaninnovative one,atworkplaces.
Onthepersonalfront,hestrongly believesthatgreatinnovationsdonot happenbychance.Theculture, mindset,andprocessingrainedinto histhinking,tofindinnovativeways todoeverytask,whetheritisrelated
todailylifeorbusinessisthekey ingredientinhisabilitytobring innovationandcreativity.
Bala’sPricelessAdvicetothe BuddingEntrepreneurs
Followyourpassion;donotgetbog downbythefalsebeliefsand distractionsfromtheskeptics. Meticulouslydevelopaplan,secure fundingforitandstartexecuting actionfromdayone,andnevergive up;perseveranceisoneofthevital assetsthatarerequiredtosucceed. Therewillbemistakes,admititand rectifyit.Andalwaysmentally preparetolosesomethinginorderto tastebiggersuccessintheend.
Hundredsofpeopleleavetheirmarksonthedigital transformationindustry,fromexecutivesto engineers.Some,however,leaveamuchbigger markandtrulyshapewhatistocomebycreating innovative,customizedtechnologybasedsolutionsthatwill takecustomerservice,CRM&CXtothenextlevel.
BalajiRamachandran(Bala)isoneoftheindividuals leadingthischarge,redefiningtermsinthedigital transformationindustryandcreatingnewbenchmarksinthe sector.HeistheFounder&CEOofSoftClouds,aleading CXsolutionsproviderbasedinSanDiego,California.
Balahaseverythingnecessarytobeabigplayerinthe digitaltransformationindustry:arealenthusiasmforthe customerexperiencesofthefuture,passionforcloud technology,andyearsofexperience.
Bala’sEntrepreneurialJourney Balahashadapassionforcustomerexperiencedriven solutions/applicationsandtheautomotiveindustryever sincehewasakid.
consultingcompanies.Balajokesthat,asaconsultant,he learnedlessabouthowtoandmoreabouthow todo NOT CRMimplementations.Hewitnessedprojectsconsistently failduetohighprices,ill-advisedservicesandpoor softwareandbusinessknowledge.Thatwasthetimehe decidedtostartacompanythatwoulddothingsright.
In2005,recognizingtheemergingtrendsindigital transformation,CRMandCloud,BalastartedSoftCloudsto addressandimplementQualityCRMSolutions.
BalapickedtheAutomotiveIndustryasabreak-thruground forhisinnovation&passionforcustomerexperience solutions.Thathastransformedhisclienteleoftop automotiveOEM’swithCXsolutionsandsettingthem futureready.Balahasbeenthemaninchargeofmaking SoftCloudsrespectedthroughouttheautomotiveindustry andfiguringoutwhichcloudandCXsolutionsbestfitthe needsofOEMsthatarestuckwithonpremiselegacyCRM systems.
ThosewhohadthechancetoworkwithBalasaythathe
Balastartedhiscareerin1993attheElectronicData Processing(EDP)departmentofIndia’slargestautomotive dealership&servicescompany TVS andlatermovedto second-largestcommercialvehiclemanufacturer, Ashok Leyland. Hisfocuswasonsalesandserviceautomation, inventorymanagementforparts,andonschedulingsystems tosolveserviceandcustomerserviceproblems.
Later,BalamovedtotheUnitedStatesandworkedasa technologyconsultantforseveralmajormanagement
alwaysseemstohavesomethinguphissleeve,andhe alwaysknowshowtofixeventhemostchallengingCRM problemsforhisOEMclients.
Balawasheavilyinspiredbysoftwarepioneer, Thomas Siebel AtSoftClouds,Balastartedwithdeveloping solutionstoimprovetheSiebelCRMsystemsformajor enterprises.BalawasinstrumentalinprogressingtheCRM industrytothecloudwithcloudandhybridCRMsolutions.
Bala’sSourcesofInspiration
BalathanksSteveJobsforinstillingin himthepassionforcreation,andBill Gatesforhisenthusiasmfor philanthropy.
WarrenBuffetQuote:Ittakesdecades tocreateareputationandminutesto ruinit.
Bala’sAttitude-LeaveNoStone Unturned
BalawantedSoftCloudstocapitalize ontheneedforcustomizedCRM softwarebutfacednumerous challengesonitsinception.Thebiggest onewasfindingawaytoprovethe brandanditscapabilitiesagainstmajor competitors,allwithoutanestablished customerbase.
However,Balashowedclientsthata passionateboutiquecompanywitha highqualitymindset,betterarchitects/ solutionproviderslikeSoftCloudscan provideamuchbettertailoredsolution foraconsiderablylowercost.Sheer dedicationandsmartworktookthose promisesandturnedthemintoactual, demonstrableresults.
Mostmemorablemomentforthis leadingentrepreneur Balasaysthathismostcherished memoryiswhenSoftCloudswona contractwithoneofthebiggestweight losscompaniesintheUS.Itwasavery largeventure,andthatwasthemoment thatherealizedthatSoftCloudscould handle,planandexecuteamultimillion dollarprojectiftheteamwasfocused onqualityanddelivery
SoftClouds:TakingYourCXtothe NextLevel
SoftCloudshelpsitscustomersdevelop aclearunderstandingofglobalCX strategy.Operatinginmultiple locationsacrosstheworld,the companyisabletobringinnovative
ideastothemarketandimplement themwithtailor-madesolutionsfor everyclient.
SoftCloudsoffersabroadrangeof renownedproductsandworld-classCX solutionsthatallowitscustomersto expandtheirreachandmessagein varioussectors,including manufacturing,automotive, communications,andfinancial services.
Thecompany’sexpertsareconstantly workingtoimproveideationand creationoffuturisticsolutionsaround Bots,IoT,Proactive/PredictiveCXand othercutting-edgetechnologies.This ensuresthatSoftCloudsnotonlymeets theneedsofitscustomertodaybutalso helpsthemplantostayaheadand readyforfuturetrends.
MakingSuccessaHabit
SoftCloudshasbeenapplaudedforits manyinnovationsoverthepastdecade. TheyrecentlydevelopedaNatural
LanguageSearchEngineforSiebel called Qupplet.Thisinnovative productisrevolutionaryinCRM searchmechanisms.
SoftCloudshasalsowonnumerous awardsandreceivedappreciationfrom thesoftwareindustryfraternity, includingbeinglistedamongInc. 5000'slistoffastestgrowingprivate companiesintheUnitedStates.
Sharingthatproudmoment,Balasays, “I would say leadership does play a role, but trophies like these aren’t achieved until you have shoulders to move with you in the race. I am very thankful to our amazing team at SoftClouds. My goal is to make SoftClouds a company of about 1000 people within the next 5 years!”
Speakingofhisviewofthefutureof SoftCloudsandtheindustry,Balasays thatAI-enabledCRMisthefuture, “WewanttotakeSoftCloudsinthat directiontobuildAIsolutionsfor CRMsystems.”
Balaji Ramachandran
Totransformacompany’sfortune,oneneedstohave therightskill-setwithalargermagnitudeto becomeacatalystforchange.Inthiscontemporary era,aCEOisconsideredtobethechiefarchitectwho drivesanorganizationtowardsthepathofprogression.A successfulandpragmaticCEOalwaysfocusesoncraftinga productiveworkenvironmentthattriggersthe transformationfromwithintheorganization.Defininga unifiedvisiontotheemployees,integratingacquisitionsto delivervalue,hiringandmotivatingpersonneltofulfilltheir aspirations,layingoutprocessesthatareagileandreliable, anddeliveringtheever-presentchangemanagementare someofthevitaltraitsthateveryCEOshouldhaveinorder toexcelintheirrespectivefield. KaranjitSinghisone suchCEOwhohasnurturedthesevitaltraitswithinhimself andistransformingbusinessesevenwithoutcompromising onthebusinessethicsandhumanitarianvalues.Andthat's thereasonpeoplereverehimforhisuniquepersonaamong equals.
post1990’sandsincethenhehaswitnessedtherapidstride Indiahasmade.
Afterinitiallyworkingfortraditionalenterprisesinthearea ofsupplychain,production,andprocurement,hemovedto theemergingITsectorwhereinKaranjitworkedbothfor productandservice-basedcompaniesandhashelpedthem buildandimplementworld-classsolutions.Priortojoining KelltonTech,KaranjithadasuccessfulstintastheDirector ofProductdevelopmentwithJDASoftware.Withhis extensiveexperienceinavarietyofoperatingroles,hehas builtareputationintheITindustryforhisabilitytobuild andgrowbusinesseswhilekeepingthecorebusinessethics intact. HecompletedhisBachelor sdegreeinElectrical ’ andElectronicsEngineeringfromAndhraUniversityand Master sdegreeinIndustrialEngineeringfromthe ’ prestigiousNationalInstituteofIndustrialEngineering, Mumbai,India.
KaranjitcurrentlyservesasCEOatKelltonTech SolutionsLimited.Hehasmorethan27yearsofvast experienceinproductdevelopment,engineering management,delivery,productmanagement,andpre-sales &implementationsupport.Hisprofessionaljourneybegan whenIndiahadinitiatedthefirstwaveofeconomicreforms
Karanjitpersonallybelievesthatchallengingoneselftogo beyondtheexpectationcanleadtowardsunimaginable results.Hissharpfocusandstrongdeterminationtowards goalshavehelpedhimimmensely.Hebelieves entrepreneurismisarealtestofconviction,resilience, perseverance,hardwork,andadaptation.Thesetraitshave shapedhisinnercoreimmenselyandassistedhimin cateringtheresponsibilityofdevelopinganddelivering complexsoftwareapplicationstonumerouscompaniesin thepast.
ProfessionalJourneyStartedattheInceptionPointof IndianEconomicLiberalization
Co itment and focus towards a single-minded goal can lead to unimaginable results “
FoundedinOctober1994,Kellton TechSolutionsLtd.isanextgenerationITservicescompany helpingclientstoemergeashigh performanceanddigitally-transformed enterprises.Theyhaverichexperience inprovidingend-to-enddigital transformationsolutions.Their portfolioofservices includes Digital/ISMAC(InternetofThings, Social,Mobile,AnalyticsandCloud Solutions), Digital Connected Enterprise solutions, SAP solutions, Artificial Intelligence, Outsourced Product Development, and Digital Commerce and Marketing With$100 millionyearlygrossrevenueandmore than1500employeesworkingon projectsacrosstheglobe,KelltonTech hasbeenofferinginfinitepossibilities withtechnology.
Overthelastsevenyears,KelltonTech haswitnessedthemeteoricriseandhas grownbyleapsandbounds.The companyhasworkedwithover200 clientsrangingfromstart-upstoearlystageenterprisesandFortune1000 companiesunderitsfold.Inthelast coupleofyears,thefirmhasacquired manyprominentcompaniesallaround theworldincluding Lenmar Group, Bokanyi Consulting, Prosoft Technology Group, Vivos Professional Services, eVantage Technologies, Supremesoft Global, DbyDx Software, MCS Global, and Tekriti Software.The stupendousgrowthofKelltonTechhas helpedittogetlistedonIndia’slargest stockexchange BSE and NSE and recentlyitwasassessedasa CMMI Level 5 Company
KelltonTech’spracticeofinnovation withtechnologyassistedhiscompany
todevelopbest-in-classandcosteffectivesolutionsfortheirclients.Due totheirqualityproductsandhigh-end services,KelltonTechhasreceived manyaccoladesfromtheindustry
·Recentlyrecognizedby Forbes Asia asoneamongtheTop200companies in‘BestunderaBillion’2017List
·Placedthreetimesinthe Deloitte Technology Fast50Indialisting
·Wonthe‘BestE-Governance InitiativeoftheYear’awardat Businessworld Digital India Summit forexperience-enrichedexpertiseand vasttechnologicalarsenalin implementinge-governanceprojects
Entrepreneurs fromanIndustryInsider
Karanjitbelievesthatskillsalongwith ethicsarethekeytosuccess.Withonly superiorskill,onecannotachieve
greaterheightsinone’scareerinthe timeswheneveryotherpersoninthe neighborhoodisdreamingandworking hardtopursuethesamedreamwiththe sameamountofzealandpassion.He believesthatonemustalsobuilda characterthatfollowscorebusiness ethicsandhumanitarianvaluestomake adistinctmark.Alongwiththese qualities,entrepreneursalsomusthave thepassion,risk-takingcapability,and adeepcommitmenttopursuetheir obsessiontilltheysucceed.Karanjit admiresWarrenBuffetforhis investmentandmanagementacumen. Heisalsoinspiredbyhispresentboss andKelltonTechMDforhisvisionary zeal,deeptechnicalunderstanding,and commitment. Heasserts “When a professional has the right goals in place, he can accomplish anything.”
Karanjit Singh
orbuddingentrepreneurs,“The best advice that I can offer is that being proactive and a careful planner is key. Think about the major things that could shake up your financial life, and I’ll bet there are some great ways to protect yourself,” saysAlexaVonTobel,thefamousAmericanEntrepreneurandtheauthorofNewYork TimesBestseller.
Technologyisnowinvolvedeverywhere,fromdoingdailychorestodevelopingrocket science.Inthisfastpacingworld,everythinginvolvestechnologyandtechnological devicesfromportablecomputerstosmartphone.Subsequently,forpeopletodo everythingfrommakingmonthlybudgettobookingamovieticket,takingabreakfrom theso-calledtech-savvyworldandusinganotepadandpencanhelpbetter.
Thedemonstrationofcomposingresembleszenforyourbustlingpersonality,and researchindicateswillprobablyrecollectthingsyouworkout.Takingthetimeevery daytorecordthegreaterpartofyourarrangements,undertakingsandobjectivesis justifiedregardlessofconsistentspends.Itwillspareyoutimethefollowingdaywhen youhaveagenuinearrangementandaren'tscramblingtomakesenseofwhatshouldbe finished.
Noundertakingistoolittletorecordifit’ssomethingyouwouldprefernottooverlook. Recordit,andafterthatmakeamove.
Expertsgenerallyprescribetakingacoupleofminutesout,eachearliernightbeforebed,todesignyour followingday,andaboveandbeyond,totakesometimeeverySettingupmonthtomonthmotivationis significantlymoreviable,thanbasicallymakingyearlyresolutions,andkeepsthingsnew.Recordwhatmakes blissinyourlife,thingsyouneedtostatenoto,schedulesandpropensitiesthatassistyoutoremainsound, extraordinarydatesandamonthtomonthcanlist.Makeapointtoalludebacktoyournoteseachweeksoyou keepthemotivationgoing.
Utilizeyourorganizerminusallpotentiallimitationsdegreeconceivable.Yourfundsareanenormouspiece ofyourlifeandbusiness,soforwhatreasonnotrecordthingstomonitoryourcash?
Stampwhenyourbillsasdueonthedatethattheyshouldbepaid,definemoneyrelatedobjectivesand verifythemwhenyouachievethem!Youinalllikelihoodhaveplanningprogrammingsetupforyour business,yethowoftenhaveyoubeeninarushamidtheweekandunderstoodyourelectricbillis expectedtodayor-muchmorelamentably-yesterday?Recorditanderasethatworryfrom yourlifetotally
Notjusttrackingyourfinances,useyourplannertodojot downeveryminutedetailoftheyourself.Planyour personallifeandincorporateself-careasthatiswhatis actingasthemainsourceofpowerbehindyourand yourenterprise’ssuccess.
Sundaynighttodesignyourupandcomingweek. Youwilldiscoveryourbrainisclearerandallthe extratimewillsurface.
Chooseaplannerwhereyoucanfillupyourtimetable anddailyagendaeveryday
Asavisualcreatorandanittygrittyorganizeridentity,most entrepreneurs taketheiraffectionfororganizersandmakestheir ownparticularimageoforganizersacoupleofyearsbefore.Oneof thefundamentalsegmentsoftheplanneristhedesigntooffer enoughspaceforeverydayschedule.
Itisimperativetoentrepreneurstohavethecapacitytoseethegreaterpartoftheirchancedelicateexercisesamidthe day,yetadditionallyhaveaspacetocomposeundertakings.Weasawholehaveagreatdealtoachieveeveryday, exceptwithanappropriateorganizersetup,wecanremainfocusedandaccomplishourobjectivessooner.
youcanachieve
Incaseyouplanyourscheduleseveryday,yououghttolikewisebeconsideringanoutlineeverymonth.Oneofthe keyelementsforbusinessvisionariesisdefiningobjectivesandafterwardfindingawaytocontactthem.Takesome timetowardthefinishofeverymonthtochoosewhatyouneedtoachieveinthenextmonth,andcomposeeverything outinyourorganizerorplannerbook.
AcurrentreportdirectedbyDominicanUniversityofCaliforniademonstratedrecordingyourobjectivesmakesthem significantlymorepronetohappen.Theseobjectivescanbebusiness-relatedandindividual.Youarenotadifferent elementfromyourbusiness.Youareapieceofit,somakingobjectivesthatworkforyourbusinessandforyouis critical.
Aplannerdiaryisn’tonlyaplacetoconfirmthingsandseewhattimeyoushouldbesomeplace.Itoughttobeaplace thathousesmotivationtoo.Somethingmostentrepreneursgenerallywriteintheirownparticularorganizerisaword toconcentrateoneverymonth.AgreatdealofuspickanexpressionoftheyearorsetaNewYear’sdetermination,yet weknowthatitissodifficulttoremainenlivenedallyear
Withthegrowingriseinthedeforestation,rapid useoffossilfuelandmakingupofluxurious spaceforhumanbeings,thereseemstobethe appearanceofdeclinationofthenaturalbalanceofearth.As peoplearenowbecomingabitawareofthecurrent scenarioanditsfutureoutcomes,therearisesthenecessity offorestryandbiomassbasedbusinesses.Toenrichthe industrywithyearsofexperienceandtorevolutionizethe businessofforestry,entersSeppoHuurinainen,CEOat MHGSystemsOyLtd.Mr.Huurinainenisanexpertin forestryandbiomass-basedbusinessoperations.
Apartfromnumerousyearsofexperienceinforest management,Seppohasabroadacademicbackgroundin GIS,ITandsilviculturewithfiveuniversityleveldegrees. Intheyear2005,hefoundedMHGSystemswhich currentlyofferswiderangeofICTsolutionsforforestand biomasssupplychainmanagement.Beforebecomingan
requiresimmenselevelofpersonalmotivationandutmost patience.Now,howeverthedifficultasituationis,Mr Huurinainenconsidersmotivationtobethemajor contributingfactorbehindhiscompany’ssuccess.Hehad stateditlikemostsuccessfulbusinessmenonearth.Seppo continuouslymotivateshisteamandkeepsproductand businessdevelopmentrollingeveninconstrained circumstances.
Mr.Huurinainenisaveteranentrepreneurindeveloping andcommercializingICTbasedsolutionsforforestryand biomassbasedbusinesses.And,whiletalkingaboutthe challengesthecompanyhasfacedduringitsmorethanone decadeofindustryexperience,Sepposaid,“At MHG Systems, we are developing visionary services, so sometimes we face problems with some prospective clients who are little hesitant to implement our services as they
entrepreneur,hehasheldseveraldevelopmentandresearch positionswithintheforestandagricultureindustryandhas workedfororganizationssuchasthe Finnish Forest and Park Service,the Forest Center, Metsäliitto, Stora Enso, andthe National Board of Education
ImmensePersonalMotivation&UtmostPatienceis whattakesanEntrepreneurForwards Lifeandcareerofanentrepreneurisnotatalleasyandit
have to adopt new and improved operational practices by throwing old and orthodox methods away.”
Seppoisapassionatemanwhosepassiontowards entrepreneurshipandthevisiontodigitalizetheforestryand biomassbusinessisdrivingMHGSystemstowardsthe growthofthecompany.Hehasclearlystatedthat entrepreneurshipandmanaginghisownaswellas neighbors’forestpropertyofaround1000hectaresintotal arehispassions.Withanaimtodigitalizeforestbusiness
My passion towards entrepreneurship and e vision to digitalize e forestry and biomass business is driving our steps towards e grow of MHG Systems. “
alongwithtree-wisemonitoring solutionsandagoaltobuilda visionarye-solution,wherealltypesof forestrydataareavailablewithjustone click,Seppoismakingmultiple forestrydatalinkedandprocessedinto oneweb-servicepossible.
AnEntrepreneurwhoturneda ProblemintoaRevolutionary Milestone
Mr.Huurinainenwassufferingfroma problemofmanaginghis500hectares offorestpropertyinaneasyand profitableway.Then,tokillhis problemandrevolutionizetheforest andbiomasssupplychainbusiness throughdigitalservices,Mr Huurinainenfoundedthis revolutionaryenterprise.
WhilehavingawordwiththeCEO, Mr.Huurinainensharedhismost remarkableandmemorablemomentof hislifeandsaid,“Birth of twins weighing only 1 kg each, raising them for half a year until full vaccination protection was covered and then moving to the poorest country, Mozambique, to work there for 2 years as a training expert under civil war circumstances.”
AbouttheCompanyRevolutionizing theForestryandBiomassIndustry
Whileinnovatingbyintegratingopen softwaretechnologywithyearsoffield experienceintheforestryandbiomass business,MHGSystemsisapioneerin managementsolutionsforforestryand bioenergysupplychainandlogistics. Withahighlycommittedteamofeight totenprofessionalsincludingsoftware developers,businessdevelopersand marketingprofessionalsandunderthe leadershipofMr.Huurinainen,MHG Systemsnowoffersforestryone-stopshopsolution:
Wuudis (Forest&Data):Full-service digitalforestpropertymanagement platformconnectingforestownerswith localcontractors,timber/biomass buyersandauthorities.
MHG Biomass Manager: Themost completesolutionforbioenergy production,procurement,managing, harvestingandlogistics.
MHG Mobile: Mobilereal-time managementofforestassets,biomass andhumanresourcesenablingmore productivebusinessmodels.
MHG BioPlant Optimizer: Feasibility assessmentserviceforBioenergy Investment.
Apartfromtheirstrongcommercial operations(i.e,developmentandsales ofMHGSystemsServices),onething worthnotingintheirsuccessrateisthe waytheyareacquiringEUresearch projects.Thisapparentlyprovestheir capabilitiesofdevelopingthemost
cuttingedgeICTsolutionsforforestry andbiomassindustry.Inthisway, someoftheirachievementsare successfulfundinginjectionsfrom multipleEUresearchprojects (LogistEC,CASTLE,SLOPE, DataBio)andEUH2020SMEphaseI project.
AVeteran’sAdvicetotheBudding Entrepreneurs
In entrepreneurship, motivation and patience are the most important aspects. Any aspiring entrepreneur should have these two qualities at their highest level to achieve something extraordinary. In their initial days, it is quite normal that an entrepreneur fails in many projects/negotiations. But one needs to learn from failures and keep the courage to move on. Another most crucial aspect is the entrepreneur’s vision. An entrepreneur should have the vision and a clear roadmap for both product and business development of his/her business to reach their desired goal.
Criticalinfrastructuresuchaselectric,gasandwater utilitiesrelyonInformationandCommunications Technology(ICT)solutionstodeliverreliable, efficientandaffordableservicesthroughouttheworld.UTC isthetrustedresourceforICTsolutions,collaborationand advocacyforutilitiesandothercriticalinfrastructure industries.ThegrowingconvergenceofITandOTwithin utilitiesisquicklybecomingacatalystforgreater interoperabilityandreal-timecommunications.
Newdiscussionsinvolving“smartcity”technologiesare startingwiththeelectricutilityinfrastructure.Thenew EnvisionAmericainitiativeannouncedbytheWhiteHouse isissuingachallengetoAmerica’scitiestobecomesmarter byacceleratingdeploymentofinnovativetechnologiesthat tackleenergy,water,waste,andairchallenges.UTCbrings togethergovernment,theresearchcommunity,utilitiesand citiestodiscussinnovativesolutionstoproblemscitizens careabout–likereducingtrafficcongestion,fostering economicgrowth,improvingsustainability,fightingcrime andimprovingthedeliveryofimportantcriticalinfrastructureservices.
Quicklyemergingissuesaroundcyberandphysicalsecurity arebringinganewchallengetocitiesandutilitieslargeand small.Notasingleweekgoesbywithoutanewsstory aboutacompanyorgovernmentagencybeinghackedand
millionsofpersonal,customerorotherwisesensitive informationexposed.Disruptionofcriticalinfrastructureby acyber-incidentisaseriousconcernforutilityexecutives andtechnicalpractitioners.UTCbelievesthatcyber securityisthe21stcenturyreliabilitychallenge.Tohelpour membersaddressthischallenge,UTCisimplementinga comprehensive,holisticstrategythatprovidespractical toolsandinformationabouthandlingcybersecurity challengesinautilitiesenvironment.
Withbillionsofdatapacketsandmillionsofendpoint connections,utilitiesareexploringoptimizationand efficiencysolutionsfromamultitudeofvendors,including largeestablishedcompaniesaswellasentrepreneurial solutionsbuiltonthelatestprotocols.Thekeydecision pointforpacket-basedcommunicationsnetworksisnot onlycybersecurity,butalsolatencywiththe communicationsnetwork.Machine-to-machineandgrid edgecomputinginteractingwithcentralcomputinganddata analyticsdemandsreal-timecommunicationsoversecure networks.
Howwilltelecomprovidersaddressthemassivegrowing listofsmartdevices,whichgatherterabytesofdatafor criticalinfrastructureprocesses?Jointheconversationat UTCTelecom&Technology2016,whichwilltakeplacein DenverattheColoradoConventionCenterMay3-6,2016.
Bobbi Harris is the VP of Market Strategy and Development at UTC. She is a smart city industry expert with more than 15 years of experience focusing on environmental issues and sustainability technologies to address water and energy challenges, including smart water infrastructure, smart grid, cleantech and green building initiatives. UTC is a global trade association dedicated to creating a favorable business, regulatory and technological environment for companies that own, manage or provide critical telecommunications systems in support of their core business. Founded in 1948, UTC has evolved into a dynamic organization that represents electric, gas and water utilities, natural gas pipelines, critical infrastructure companies, and other industry stakeholders.
Bobbi Harris the VP of Market Strategy and Development Utilities Telcom Council
Thequestionis“why”,insteadofhavingtonsoflaws
madeforgenderequalityinbusiness,womenarestill missingfromthechairoftopmanagement,alloverthe globe?Thesituationclearlyshowstheslowprogressofwomen folkelevatinginthetopposition,grabbingtheirchairinthe boardroomsofbusinesses.
Thesituationissameineverysingleindustry.Letitbe education,lawfirms,hospitals,orbusiness,lackofwomen presenceonthetoppositionscanbeobserved.Thoughitishard tobelieve,butyes,it’struethatinthelistof500CEO’sthereare only23businesswomenintheCEOposition,accordingtoa survey
Thiscurrentscenarioshowstheintenseneedtoempowerwomen inbusinessleadershippositions.Now,it’snotaday’staskto changethesituationthoroughly.But,yesthekeytothequestion ofhowtoempowerwomeninbusinessliesinthecurrent businessscenario.Thesituationcanbechangedbygivingsame opportunitiestothewomentogoaheadandgetintheshoes themselves.
Someofthereasonsbehindthisconditioncanbeseenas follow:
TheProfiledoesnotAppealtoMany Well,themostgenuinereasonbehindthelackofwomenin
business‘thelackofappeal’womenfolksarefindingwhenitcomestotheleadershiproles.Manywomendonot feelexcitedtogetpromoted.Thereasonissimple,thepresumptionofhavingnottotallyqualifiedforthatposition.
Apresenceofsupervisorprovidingamoralsupporttothewomenemployeeisanecessity.Accordingtoasurvey, mostofthewomendonotfindthecorrectboostexpectedfromthesupervisorstogoonandcompeteforahigher position.Lackofmoralsupportfromthesupervisorsisprovingtobeaveryseriousissuefortheprogressofwomen onatopposition.
Havingnorolemodelpresentbefore,canalsobetheanotherreasonofwomennothavinginthetopposition. Typically,womendonotseeotherwomenintheleadershiprolemadethesituationmoredisappointingforthem. Theabsenceofrolemodelbefore,womendoesnotfeelencouragedtooptforatopposition.
Thoughthereasonssoundsveryfamiliar,buttheirimpactonwomenisworsethanimagination.Butthesituationis stillinourhands,whichcanbechangedwithsomesimplebuteffectiveways.Thecurrentscenarioshowsthe vanishingofwomenassoonthyreachthetoppositiontheygetreplacedbymen.
Now,thethingiswecannotchangethepast.Butwecandefinitelychangethefuture.Thisistimeweneedtosearch thewaystochangethesituation.So,herearesomeofthewaysthatcanbeadheretoboostupthemoralofwomen andgivethemachancetobeonthetopoftheladder
Organizationscancontributealottogivewomenachancetobeonthetoppositionwithsomesimpleways,like conductingMentoringProgramsforwomen.Organizationscanhelpthewomentalentthroughgivingthema chancetogetthebestguidelinespossiblebytheexperiencedpeople.Goingfurtherorganizationscancreatea womengroupinsidetheorganizationtohelptheyoungtalentfindnewwaystoshowitandtacklethehurdles comingtheirway
Theboostupcannotbeonlyhelpful;organizationsneedtodevelopsomeopportunitiesforthewomenfolks.Giving arealopportunitytothewomenonthewaytogotogoontheseniorlevelisreallyimportant.Organizationsneedto encourageandatthesametimedevelopnewopportunitiesforwomenintheorganizationtoshowcasetheirreal talent.Thelackofrolemodelplaysaveryimportantroleinmakingtherefrainfromtheopportunitiesvisible.
Thebestwaytoincreasethewomencountinaleadershiproleisthatorganizationsshouldincreasethewomen countintheleadershipteam.Accordingtoastudy,organizationshavingwomenonthetoppositionmakebetter financialprogressthanthosewhoarenothavingthem.So,organizationsshouldemphasismoreonactively recruitingwomenonthetopposition,presentingthemtherolemodelfortheotherwomentalentinthecompany.
So,thegroundisclear.Ifwewanttoempowerwomeninbusiness,weneedtoinstrumentstrategiesthatwillnot onlyboost11.8theirmoralsbuttakethemtotheplaceswheretheirtalentsshouldbe!
Howapersondealswithadversecircumstances, whenthingsdon’tgoaccordingtotheplan, reflectsthetruestrengthofaperson’smind.Asin battle,strategiesoftengocompletelyoutthewindowonce theenemyisengaged.Thesameistrueinbusinessdueto theentryofnewplayersintothemarket,competitorsM&A activityortheappearanceofdisruptivetechnologiesor businessmodels.Theabilitytostaycalm,toevaluatethe situationanddecidethecorrectcourseofactionforthe business,requireshugeself-beliefandextensive experience.
SteveWilson,CEO,WhiteSkyLabsisonesuch personalitywhosestorywillinspiremany.Failureisapart oflifeanddespitefacingmultiplesetbacks;heforged ahead,continuouslyandvehemently.Embracingnew challengesandresponsibilitieseachtime,heprovedhis mantleasanadeptprofessionalandanaceentrepreneur Today,heisahighlysuccessfulleaderwhoisworkingin thetopmostmanagementposition,butitwasnoteasy climbingtheladderifyoudivedeeperintohisenthralling journey.
relocatingwithintheFletcher’sgroup,hedecidedtofollow hispassionfortheEnglishlanguageandseekajobinthe advertisingindustry.
Stevewrotetoonlytwocompaniesand“ ”Chiat/Day/Mojo employedhimasanAccountManager.Chiat/Daywas votedthemostcreativeagencyoftheyearintheUSnine timesinarowduringthe1980’sandmostcreativeagency ofthedecadeintheUS.Hisroleincludedmanaging marketingandbrandingstrategiesformultipleconsumer products,successfuldeliveringontimeandtobudgetTV andRadiocommercials,aswellasprintads,promotions, packagingredesignsandnewproductlaunches.
ThisrolegavehimexposuretotheCEOsoflarge companiesataveryyoungage.Afterworkingtherefor almosttwoyears,Stevedecidedtostarthisownbusiness. Evenafterseveralearlyandrapidfailuresworkingfor himself,hisperseveranceledhimtosuccessasthefounder of ,distributinganIsraelibasedanti-virus “Second Sight” softwareproduct.ThiswasdevelopedbyZviNetiv,an electronicwarfarespecialistandthepreviousheadof AvionicsintheIsraeliAirForce.Thiswashisfirsttriumph asanentrepreneur
Hestartedfromscratch,andisnowtheCEOofan enormouslysuccessful,hyper-growthcompany.Heworked inmanyoddjobsinhisadolescentdays,fromdelivering newspapers,toworkinginretailandevendeliveringpizzas. Upongraduation,Stevegothisfirstrealjobasa “ManagementTrainee”for New “Fletcher Fishing”, Zealand'slargestfishingcompanyandapartofFletcher Challenge,NewZealand’slargestcompanyatthetime.
Intheearly1990’swhenFletcherChallengemadea decisiontodivestitsfishingoperation,ratherthan
Hissharpbusinessacumenhelpedthecompanytoflourish fromastartupin1993tohavingofficesinAuckland, Sydney,Brisbane,MelbourneandOxford(UK)within threeyears.Afterasuccessfultradesalein1999,Steve movedtotheUKandworkedbrieflyfor“ ,aglobal Efdex” foodanddrinkexchangefirmunderCEOEllenMarram, theex-CEOofTropicanaintheUS,andalsoaBoard MemberofFordandtheNewYorkTimesduringthat period.
Steve’sFascinating
Later,heworkedwithacompany calledGlueintheUKforfiveyears, whileholdingaboardpositionand directingthestrategyforanotherfast growingUK-basedtechnology company.HethenreturnedtoAustralia andinvestedpersonallyfoundingGlue APACasthemajorityshareholder.He nurturedthecompanyfrominception inJuly2006,untilahighlysuccessful saletoUXC,Australia’slargest domesticITcompanyandlistedonthe AustralianStockExchange,in2009.
Overthenextfouryears,Steveserved ontheexecutiveleadershipteamof “Red Rock”,Oracle’slargestpartnerin theANZregioninvariouscapacities. HeleftRedRocktojoinWhiteSky LabsasCEOinAugust2013. WhiteSkyispartoftheportfolioofa localPrivateEquitycompany,Exto Partners.Sincethenhehas successfullyledatransformationofthe business,refocusingittothecloudasa MuleSoftpartner.In2017,WhiteSky LabswasselectedastheMuleSoft 2017 AsiaPac Delivery Partner of the year by MuleSoft.
Themotivationalfactorthatdrives himtotakestepahead Steveispassionateaboutdelivering bettersolutions,tobenefitall stakeholdersincludingshareholders, customersandstaff.Heisconstantly seekingtoreinventandimprove himselfandthecompany,ashe believeschangeisconstant. AsSteve says,“intheITindustry,ifyouarenot constantlyevolvingandobserving trendsinthemarket,thenyouandyour businesswillbeleftbehind”.
Variedapproachestomaintain creativity
Stevebelievesinbuildingateamof strongandexperiencedpeoplewhoare creativeleadersintheirownrightto supporthim.Hehashadapassionfor readingsincechildhood.Business booksandstoriesregardinghow companiesarebuilthavealways
attractedhim.Usually,thereisalesson ortwo,whichisrelevanttohim,says Steve.Readinghashelpedhim immenselyincreatinginnovative solutionsforhiscustomers,partners andstaff.
Unforgettablemomentsinlife
Sincechildhood,Stevehastravelleda lot.Hehasbeentomanycountriesand gainedvaluableexperienceswithother culturesbybeingindependentand challenginghimself.Onhisfirsttripto Japan,whileatAucklandGrammar School,hepursuedhispassiontolearn theJapaneselanguage.Hethensaved thefundshimselfandtravelledagainto Japanat17yearsofagealonefor3 months,followingtheendofhisfirst yearattheuniversity
WhiletravellingaroundJapanhe practicedJudofull-time,sevendaysa weekandalsoimprovinghisJapanese. Thisdecisionandthesupportofhis motherwasauniqueandfantastic experienceforhim,whichhealso considersoneofhismostmemorable ones.Thefollowingyearhespentfour
monthslearningtoskiandchose Aspen,“whynot”hesaid.Travelhas remainedakeypassionforSteveever since.
Others’successis‘Steve’s’real accomplishment
Thetenacitytokeepgettingupand tryingagain,evenifsomethingdoesn't work,hashelpedhimimmenselyin achievingsuccessinlife.Building companiesandseeingthebenefithis colleagueshavereapedintheircareers asaconsequenceisSteve’smostproud accomplishmentinbusiness.He believesinlivinglifewithasenseof compassionandempathy.Integrity, trust,empowermentandfunare fundamentalelementsinanywork culturehecreatesorparticipatesin.
Advicetobuddingentrepreneurs “Get started now. Don’t wait. Ask for help - most successful entrepreneurs are usually happy to give back through advice and sharing their experiences” assertsSteve.
Steve Wilson
