The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch March2021

Editor’s Desk

APivotalRole ThatCarries Missionand VisionForward

eingaleader,therangeofqualitiestravelsfrom

Bbeingastrongteamplayer,goodcommunicator, flexible,motivator,visionary,andsupportiveto beingcreativeintheapproachesandgoals.Aleader’sjobis determinedwithhisjourney,whichisfilledwithchallenges.

Innovation,technology,managementchanges,andallother bigdecisionsintheorganizationarebeingimplemented undertheleadershipofleaderspositionedasCEOsor Directors.AsfarasCEOisconcerned,he/shetakesthe decisionsinthemanagementofthecompanyprocessand thusforhimorher,maintainingtheentrepreneurialspirit becomestough.He/shecomesupwiththetechnological toolstoboosthisbusinessandspirit.

TheCEOnotonlyhelpseveryonetoworkasateam,but alsogivesequalopportunitytoeveryonebuildingthe careersoftheemployees.He/sheworkstowardsthe improvementoftheskillsoftheemployeesandleadsby example.Conversely,hisdecisionsaretransparentand straightforwardfortheemployeesbecause,thatishowthe companygrowsbyrecognizingeachindividual’seffortsfor thesuccessofthecompany

ThesuccessofaCEOismeasuredbytheimpacthe/shehas ontheorganization.Dealingwiththemarketchange, customers,employees,meetings,andtrainingareallpartof his/herjob.ACEOisthepersonwhoworksunderconstant pressuretomeetthedesiredtarget.Therearemanyother responsibilitiesforaCEOtodoandwhathelpshim/herin thisjourneyisthesupportofthepeople.Afterall,itisnot justaboutmakingprofitandmeetingsalestargets,butabout keepingpeoplesatisfiedandhappyatthecompany.

Believinginsuchleaders, Insights Success celebrates theaccomplishmentsofsuchCEOsinitsupcoming edition“The10MostInspiringCEOstoWatch”. Featuringonthecoverofthiseditionisanavid entrepreneur,AndyKhawaja,theFounder,andCEO ofArtificialIntelligenceDefensePlatform(AIDP).

Andyisahighlypublicizedphilanthropistand world-renownedentrepreneurwhohasbeenfeatured inover100publicationsforhiscontributionsto technology,society,andeconomicgrowth.His journeyhashadplentyofchallengesasthingswere notalwayseasy.But,hisnever-giving-upmindset andbeliefinself-ledhimtoestablishAIDP. Hehas beenanE-Commercepioneerpriortofounding AIDP.Becauseofhisaccomplishmentsinthe industry,hewasoftenreferredtoasthe“Messiahof DigitalPayments”.Hesteppedawayfromthe paymentservicesindustryafteroveradecadeof successandhundredsofawardstoinnovateand createnewtechnologythatwillchangetheworld.He leftthepaymentservicesbusinessande-commerce tofocushisattentiononArtificialIntelligence DefensePlatform.

Delveintomoresuchinspiringstoriesandalsomake suretoreadabouttheCXOstandpoints,while flippingpages,whichthrowslightontheindustry know-howswrittenbytheindustryexperts themselves.And,alsothecreativearticlesbyourinhouseeditorialteam,whichwillexpandyour knowledgeoftheindustry.

Let'sbegin!

sourabh@insightssuccess.com

Sourabh

FeaturedPerson

AndyKhawaja

FounderandCEO

BriefCompanyName

ArtificialIntelligence DefensePlatform (AIDP) ai-dp.com

DirkU.Proff

Founder BlueforteGmbH blueforte.com

ArtificialIntelligenceDefensePlatform(AIDP)isbuildingthe futureandchangingthewaytasksareperformed.

FritzZerweck CEO ehotel ehotel.de

GaryOlson CEO GHOGroupLLC. ghogroup.com

BlueforteGmbHispassionateaboutsupportingyouinyour data&analyticsmissions.Itsspecialistsworkpassionatelyto findthebestsolutionstogetherwithyou.

ThemediumsizedcompanyehotelAGfromBerlinoffersan outstandingserviceforPrivateandCorporatecustomersinthe Hotelreservation.

Beginningwithaninitialvisionthroughthedevelopment anddeploymentphasesGHOGroupLLC.provides managementandcontinuityforsuccessfulimplementationand rollout.

MarcRippen CEO

Alertgy alertgy.com

Alertgyhasrecentlybeenfoundedbyasmallteamof innovatorsthathavecollaboratedonchallengingtechnical programsovertheyears,specificallytoaddressthehighly desiredabilitytomeasurebloodsugarlevelswithanexternal wearablesensordevice.

NathanFrancis CEO NJF njf.com

RobLeslie CEO

Sedicii sedicii.com

NJFisatech-focusedcompanywhoseby-productis recruitment.

Sediciiiscreatingafederated,globalidentityverification networkwhichenablesreal-timeidentityverificationby certified,trustedidentityproviders,ensuringthatbusinesses canreactquicklytonewgovernment,regulatoryandindustry demandsforreal-timeidentityverification,authenticationand trustservices.

Seemant(Sam)Sehgal

Founder BreachLock breachlock.com

BreachLockisasecuritystartupthatoffersauniqueSaaS platformdeliveringon-demand,continuousandscalable securitytestingsuitableformoderncloudandDevOpspowered businesses.

SheriAtwood CEO

SupportPay supportpay.com

SupportPayimprovesmodernfamilylifebydeliveringhighqualityapplicationsthatsolverealfamilyproblems.

TarcisioVergani CEO N-andGroup n-andgroup.com N-andGroupLtdspecialiseindesignanddevelopmentof engineeringproducts.

AND ,LEARN LISTEN FIND THE DEMANDS OF CONSUMERS, AND BUILD A PRODUCT THAT WILL ACCOMMODATE NEEDSTHEIR . “

SAVING HUMANITY

Dr.

any people will doubt you and what you can

Maccomplish – especially when it comes to innovation. They are quick to believe that things are not possible. But I decided what was possible and created products and solutions that helped people all over the world,” statesAndyKhawaja,theFounderandCEO ofArtificialIntelligenceDefensePlatform(AIDP).AIDP isaleadingartificialintelligencecompanywithafocuson AIinnovationformoresustainablecommunities. The entrepreneurialjourneyofAndyKhawajahasbeenfullof undulatingmomentsandgloriousachievements.

Andyisahighlypublicizedphilanthropistandworldrenownedentrepreneurwhohasbeenfeaturedinover100 publicationsforhiscontributionstotechnology,society,and economicgrowth.He’sparticipatedindozensoflive interviewswiththoughtleaderssuchasLarryKingand receivedaccoladesforhisachievementsfromleaders, politicians,andpublicfiguresglobally.Hehasalsobeen featuredindozensofperiodicalsincluding:Forbes,Time Magazine,Bloomberg,DigitalTransactions,Fortune,INC, LABusinessJournal,FinanceMonthlyGlobal,StartYour Business,Lux,NewBusiness,SundayTelegraph,The GreenSheet,TheGuardian,andWiredMagazine.

AndyhasbeenanE-Commercepioneerpriortofounding AIDP.Becauseofhisaccomplishmentsintheindustry,he wasoftenreferredtoasthe“MessiahofDigitalPayments”. Hesteppedawayfromthepaymentservicesindustryafter overadecadeofsuccessandhundredsofawardsto innovateandcreatenewtechnologythatwillchangethe world.HeleftthepaymentservicesbusinessandecommercetofocushisattentiononArtificialIntelligence DefensePlatform.

Hisjourneyhashadplentyofchallengesasthingswerenot alwayseasy.But,hisnevergivingupmindsetandbeliefin self-ledhimtoestablishAIDP

ImprovingtheQualityofLife

AndyisoftheopinionthatAIisdefinitelygoingtobeabig

partoftheITindustry.Machinelearningandautomation willplayahugerolemovingforward.Takingthatinto consideration,AIDPiscreatingthemostadvancedsolutions thatwillcreatemoresustainableenvironmentsand communitiesaswellasimprovethequalityoflifefor humankind.Additionally,thecompanyisconfidentthatits innovationswillsavelives.Throughitstop-notchofferings, itstrivestohelpothersandimprovelivesglobally.The companyenvisionsbuildingthefutureandchangingthe waytasksareperformed.

APioneerProgram

AIDPisusingartificialintelligencetechnologytocreateits pioneerprogram“ISABELLA.”

Thehumanmindcanonlystoreacertainamountof information.Mankindcanonlyendureacertainamountof pressureandperformafiniteamountoflabor.ISABELLA’s artificialintelligencetechnologywillhaveaccessto unlimitedinformationwiththeabilitytolearnandprocess multi-lingualdatafromtheinternet,encyclopedias,and evenintelligenceresources.ISABELLAislimitless.

ISABELLAwillreadandretaininformation.Asopensource,wi-ficonnectedtechnology,theprogramwillbe connectedtotheinternetandabletoobserve,learn,andact. NewtechnologyandmachineswilluseISABELLA’s processingmindtoperformlaborandevenoffermilitary functionality

Inanutshell,ISABELLAwillbetheAItechnologydriving thefuture.ArtificialIntelligencepersonnelwillbeableto drive,pickupwaste,delivernecessities,anddothework whenhumanscannot.

MakingaDifferencearoundtheWorld

ThroughAIDP,Andyaimstochangetheworld.Hewantsto improvethequalityoflifeforfuturegenerationsandbring peaceallovertheworld.

“

BUILD A PRODUCT OR THAT LASTS,SOLUTION AND YOU WILL LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION OF AND ASUCCESS PRODUCT THAT GENERATIONS CAN .ENJOY

AIDPisinnovatingfordefense,nottotakelivesbuttosave them.Itisinnovatingtoprotectcommunitiesglobally.Itis workingtouseAItoprotecttheinnocent.Andyasserts, “I’ve seen war and violence, and I’ve seen innocent casualties first-hand. It’s something that is hard to witness and even harder to unsee. The world may unfortunately always know war and will always have to innovate for defense, but I want to create AI technology for defense that will protect people and save the innocent.”

PositiveWorkEnvironmentistheKey

Andyemphasizesonhavingapositiveworkcultureinthe organization.Heencouragescommunicationandteamwork.

Accordingtohim,it’simportantforpeopletofeelopenand abletocontributeideas.Apositiveandproductiveteamis madeofhappyemployeesthatfeelvaluedandfulfilled. ThisissomethingAIDPfocuseson.Ithasworked successfullyforAndyformanyyears,andhehasbeenable tocultivatepositiveworkenvironmentsthatbringcontinual innovationandachievegoals.

ConstantlyLearningandAdapting

Inordertocopeupwithcapricioustechnologicaltrends Andykeepsconstantlylearning,listening,observing,and adapting.Thisisthewaytogrowandsucceedaccordingto

him.Hementions, “New developments happen every day, but you need to keep moving forward. Take what you have learned and apply it. This is how to continue innovation.”

APhilanthropicIdeology

Andy’sphilanthropistidealsmotivatehisachievements,and hehasbeenamajorcontributortocharitableorganizations including:UNICEF,WoundedWarriorProject,Eagleand BadgeFoundation,After-SchoolAll-Stars,StarTeamfor theChildren,BrentShapiroFoundation,ASACP,Action Innocence,FromtheHeartProductions,LAPCA,United ServiceOrganizations,HopeforChangeInternational, ParalyzedVeteransofAmerica,andmore.

Andyisnotonlyasuccessfulleader,butalargecontributor toglobalsocieties.He’snotonlyaninnovatorof technology,butacontributortoabetterenvironmentfor futuregenerations.

Asanaturalbornentrepreneur,Dr.Khawaja’sobjectiveis tobuild,innovate,succeed,andgiveback.

ATakeonLeadership

Andy’sideaofimpactfulleadershipinvolvesnotonlybeing smart,butalsostrategic.Accordingtohim,anyleader shouldbeconfidentandagoodlistener.Heorsheneedsto beateamplayerandcommunicatewiththeirteam.Mostof all,oneshouldbedrivenandrelentless.

Andydoesn’tbelieveinmistakes.Heconsidersthemas partofthejourneytosuccess. “Sometimes things do not go as you planned, but I take them as opportunities to learn and improve,” headds.

Inhisadvicetoemergingentrepreneursandenthusiasts consideringacareerinthetechindustry,hesays, “Follow your dreams and make your vision a reality. Don’t give up. There will be difficulties along the way, and you will meet people who doubt what you can do. Believe in yourself and work hard towards your goal. Work smart and always continue to learn and adapt.”

The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs t o W at ch

The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch

Fritz Zerweck

A Successful Business Leader

hetheryouareacorporatetraveleroraprivate

Wvacationer:everybodyislookingforthebest hotelatthelowestprice.Asaspecialistfor businesstravelers,ehoteloffersthelargestpossiblerangeof hotelsandMETASEARCHtechnology,therebyreducing theindirectcostsofbusinesstrips.Likemanymiddle-class childrenFritzZerweck’spathseemedtobepredetermined byhisparents’lineofworkwithasuccessfuljourney The innovativemeta-searchtechnologywasdevelopedunderhis leadership,whichenablescustomerstosearchforall availableroomsfromallleadinghotelroomproviders,tour operators,resellers,andhotelcontingents.

ExcitingExperience

ThecoincidencethatbroughtFritzZerwecktotheboardof ehotelmighthavecausedthemostimpactfulchangeinhis life.Infinance,Fritzalwaysfeltlikehewasjugglingwith abstractvalues,andlikehewasunderconstantpressureto succeed.Ofcourse,healsohadmanyexcitingexperiences inthisindustry;buttheworkatehotelislessabstract,the teamisclosertothepeopleitsupportswiththeservice. Here,itisnotallaboutprofitoptimization,butabout satisfiedcustomers.

Incontrasttovacationtravel,businesstripscanoftenbe strenuousandrequireadditionalwork–usuallyinseveral

departmentssimultaneously.ehoteleliminatesmanystress factorsfortravelers,travelagents,accountants,andother involvedemployees,andhelpscompaniessavetimeand moneyandstreamlineitsbookingandexpensemanagement processes.Ofcourse,Fritzalsousesandbenefitfromthe ehoteladvantageswhenitcomestohisownbusinesstrips.

SimplifyingfortheTravelersandCompanies

“Maintainingmyentrepreneurialspiritisnotdifficult:Now asalways,Ibelievethatwearedoingagreatjobatehotel, andthatwearesimplifyingtheworkofbusinesstravelers andcompaniesaroundtheworld,”saysFritzZerweck.Asa one-stop-shop,italwayshastokeepupwiththetimesand providetechnologiestocoverneedsbeforetheyevenarise. TheehotelteamandFritzenjoythischallenge,andsoit growswiththetasks.

“Itcertainlydoesn'thurtforaCEOtohavestrongnerves andperseverance,butIthinkitisjustasimportanttobea fairteamplayerandtobeabletogetothersexcitedabout yourvision.Itisnotonlymoremotivatingforemployees whentheyknowtheyaretakenseriouslyandcanactually makeadifferenceinthecompany.Itisalsomorepleasant formanagerswhentheyaresupportedanddonothaveto dealwithproblemsontheirown.Atehotel,Idonotfeelleft alonewiththeresponsibilitiesandrisks–thatkeepsmy

FritzZerweck, CEO

headclearforcreativeapproachesandnewgoals,”asserts Fritz.

RelaxedWorkEnvironment

ehotelworkstogetherasateam.Everyoneisimportantand everyonehastheopportunitytocontributeideasand improvethewaysofworking.Anditsemployeesliketouse that.FritzZerweckdoesnotpresenthimselfasanemperor orpreachthathiswayistheonlyrightwaytodothings.On thecontrary,hisdecisionsasaChiefExecutiveOfficer shouldbetransparentandcomprehensiblefortheteamas well.Thisishowthecompanyhasbeengrowingnaturally foryearsandthisishowitcelebratesallsuccesses,asthe rewardforthejointefforts.Beyondthat,ehotelprovidesa goodfoundationforarelaxedworkenvironment,with moderntechnology,apleasantatmosphere,opportunities forfurthertraining,opencommunicationchannels,and flexibleworkinghours.

QuickandEasyAssistance

Ehotelspecializesinmakingbusinesstripseasierfor businesstravelersandtheircompaniesbyofferinganendto-endhotelbookingexperiencealongwithsimplifyingthe search,organization,andbillingprocess.Sinceitoffersa completepackagethatcoverseverythingfromplanningto billing,thecompanyisautomaticallybroadlypositioned.

ehotel’sdiverseportfolioisbasedontwopillars:innovative meta-searchtechnologyandpersonal,around-the-clock customerservice.Withitscomprehensivemeta-search technology,travelerscansearchforsuitablehotelsamong sevenmillionoffersfromvariousproviders.Thefilter functioncantakeintoaccountinternalcompany specificationaswellasotherfactorslikesustainabilityor corporateownednegotiatedrates.

Atthesametime,ehotel’scustomerserviceprovidesquick andeasyassistancewithquestionsandproblems,whether theyconcernindividualtripsortheorganizationoflarge corporateevents,conferences,ormeetings.Asahotel bookingplatform,itofferscompaniesasanadd-on,a worldwideapplicablecentralpaymentandbillingsolution thatdoesalloftheworkforthemfromcollectiveinvoices toclaimingVATrefundsfromabroad.Ofcourse,customers canalsosearchforandbookhotelswithoutcompany access,beitforprivateorbusinesstravel.

WhatModernTechnologyMeanstoehotel?

Withoutmoderntechnology,thisbusinesswouldnoteven exist.Asahotelbookingplatform,ehotel’smeta-search technologyisthecoreofitsbusiness.Itcombines companies’respectiveguidelineswithbusinesstravelers’ personalpreferencesandprovidesallnecessaryinformation forplanningtrips,meetings,conferences,andthelike.The innovativesearchengineisalsothefoundationoftheother time-andcost-savingservicetechnologiesthatitoffers,like theehotelRateManagertoolortheehotelcentralbilling system.Ofcourse,thecompanyisconstantlyworkingto evolveandadvanceitstechnologies.

“

A company is only ever as good as its employees.

Gary Olson, CEO & Co-founder GT Digital

The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch

Gary Olson

A Go-to Expert in Almost any Industry

comfortablelevelofcommunicationbetween

Abusinessunits,stakeholders,seniormanagement, finance,andtechnologygroupsdeliverstangible results.Acommonunderstandingofgoalspromotesclear accountabilitythroughouttheorganization.GaryOlsonCEO&Co-founderatGTDigitalisleadingwithsuch visionandmakingtheefforttoattractfinancing,building theteam,marketstrategy,andhandlingoperational planning.Heisconsideredathoughtleaderinthetransition toIP.Heworkscloselywithhisclientsanddevelopsnew workflowsandbusinessprocesses.

AsamanagingDirector,GaryalsofoundedGHOGroup,a specializedadvancedtechnologyconsultantgroupwherehe isresponsibleforbuildingitsportfolioofsuccessesona projectportfoliooverUS$1B.Hisarticleshelpbroadcast engineersunderstandaboutthetrendsandchangesinthe industrywithoutpromotingproductsorcompanies. AninterviewconductedbetweenGaryOlsonand Insights Success shareshisknowledgeworkingtowardssuccess withGTDigital.Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterview:

Giveabriefoverviewofyourbackgroundandyourrolein GTDigital.

AsCEO,Founder,andTechnicalDesignerforGTDigital,I amresponsibleforallaspectsofthecompanyfroma leadershipperspective.Asaserialentrepreneur,Ihave startedandoperatedseveralbusinesses. Eachofthese businesseswerefocusedondesigningnewtechnologies, typicallyinvolvingvideowithdata.Inmycurrentcompany androle,Idesignedtheproduct,amraisingthecapitalto fundthebusiness,andevangelizingthecompany.

Howdoyoudiversifyyourtechsolutionssoastoappeal yourtargetaudience?

Thefirstthingistoidentifyaproblemthatneedstobe solved,isthereapainpointoragapthatnewtechnology

canaddress.Techsolutionsshouldsolveproblemsnotexist fortech’ssake. ArtificialIntelligenceisaninterestingspace toworkin.It’slargelymisunderstoodandmis-interpreted. Thetermitselfhasbecomegenericwithtoomany meaningsandmostAIisnotreallyAI.Helpingpeople understanditischallenging.

Whatwasyourlifechangingevent/incidentthat changedyourlife?

Whenthe“Internetbubble”burst,whileIwasnotadotcomcompany,theworldchanged.Myengineering companywascompetingagainstwell-established integrators,andascompaniesclosedthemarketwas floodedwithconsultantsandengineers.Itwastimetoreinventmyself.

Whatstrategiesdoyouundertaketomakeyour employeesresourceful?

Inspirethemtothinkoutsidethebox. Lookatthewhole picturenotjustpartsofit.Oneofthemostimportantisto allowthemtodoittheirway,differentisnotwrong. HowI dothingsisdifferentthanthewaysomeoneelsemight. Also,themostimportantthingistorespecttheideasand thoughtsofothers.

Whataresomeofthevitalattributes,inyouropinion, thateveryleadershouldpossess?

AsIjustmentioned,allowingthepeopleunderyouto flourish,figurethingsout,guidewhereneeded. Encouragementisimportant.

Hownecessaryisittoalignbusinesswithtechnology andwhatareitsoutcomes?

Itiscriticaltoalignbusinesswithtechnology Asa businessowner,it'simportanttobothtakeadvantageofthe

benefitsproductivitytechnologyoffers,atthesametime overburdeningabusinesswithtechnologycanbe disruptive.Theotherconsiderationisbothadoptionand workflows.Willtheusersadoptthetechnologyandare therenewworkflows?Forourclients,wehelpthemselect thebesttechnologyfortheirapplicationandbeclearthat thetotalcostofownershipincludesannualcostsand operationscosts.

Howdoyoudealwiththedynamicsofthemarket?

Thisisaconstanteffort,monitoringandanalyzingtrends.It isonethingtobeontheleadingedge,it’sanothertobeon thebleedingedge.

Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivetotheemerging leaders?

Trustyourpeople. Ifyoucannotyouhavethewrong people.

“It’s never about if, it’s always about how!”

Leadership Theories

Do BUSINESS LEADERS Need Philosophical Theories?

Oftenphilosophiesareconsideredboringandbetter ignoredamongfriends,becauseofitscomplicated nature.Buttheconceptsandtheoriesmakemuch moresenseifrelatedtotoday’smodernworld.Sohow exactlywillthesetheorieshelptheentrepreneursandthe businessworld,wewilltrytoanswerthroughthisarticleby introducingsomeofthem.

TheScienceofTheories

So,therearetheorieslikeNewCriticism,Formalism, Behavioral,Marxism,andsoon.Thesetheorieshelp individualstobuildthethoughtprocessoftheindividual, enlighteninghim/herwiththetruemeaningoflife.Looking throughbusinessperspective,thesetheoriescanhelpdrive criticalbusinessgrowth.Let’shavealookatsomeofthem:

BusinessCriticism:Whetheryouareatechleader,start-up entrepreneur,orabusinesswoman,acceptingand encouragingfeedbackisimportantforimprovingfromboth happyandunhappycustomers.Itshowsthewayforthe leaderstoworkontheirshortcomingsandhelpingthemto becomemoreauthenticleaders.Hence,objectivecriticism isagreatwayforbusinessleaderstogrowthrough unbiasedfactsandopinions.

Formalism:Formalismisthatpartofthecriticismthat dealswiththestructuralpartofaparticulartextwithoutany

outsideinfluence.Inthebusinesscontextitmeansthatit analysesthequalitiesofabusinessleaderwithouthis historicalandbiographicalbackground.Itiscrucialforthe leaderstoshapetheirpersonalityasaleaderbecause formalismdoesnotholdbackthepositionorpowerofthe leaderbutcommentsandevaluatethetruepersonalityof theleader.So,foranyleader,beitinbusinessorinany otherfield,formalismisimportanttobringthebestoutof theleaders.

Marxism:WhileMarxismtheoryisasocial,political,and economicphilosophytoviewsocialtransformation,it makesbusinessleadersrealizetheircontributiontosociety. CorporateSocialResponsibilityisanimportantpartofthe businessandasanethicalbusinessleader,he/sheknowshis roleandcontributionforhelpingthepeopleinthesociety

PsychoanalyticTheory:Psychoanalyticisthatpartofthe personalityoftheindividualthatfocusesonpast experiencesandreactionstothoseexperiencesinthemind. Thistheorymaintainsthebalancebetweentheindividual’s id,ego,andsuper-ego.Forbusinessleaders,itallowsthem tocontroltheirurgesanddesireswiththemoralideasand standardswiththeactualneedofanyparticularthing.It helpstobuildthecharacteristicsoftheleader’spersonality bystudyingthisconcept.

BehavioralTheory:Itshowstherelationofpersonality withtheenvironmentoftheindividual.Byunderstanding thistheory,wecometoknowthatleadersarenotborn successfulbutbytheirpatternsofbehaviorcanbecome successfulleaders.Anotherbenefitofthistheoryisthatit allowsleaderstobeflexibleandadapttothecircumstances, andonecanrealizethatanyoneiscapableofbecominga leader

ParticipativeTheory:Participativetheorysuggeststhat employeesshouldbedirectlyinvolvedindecisionmaking andhelpingbydirectingthechangeintheorganization.By implementingsuchatheory,employeescanfeelmuchmore engagedandmotivatedastheirdecisionscanbereflectedin theoutcomesofthecompany.BillGatesincorporates employeesinthedecision-makingprocess.Heencourages employeestobeopenandhonestintheirdiscussions.So, businessleaderscanlookforwardimplementsuchastyle andtheoryintheirculture.

RelationshipTheory:Itismainlyconcernedabout interactionswithothers.Thistheoryfostersapositivework environmentbyguidingandmentoringsincerelationshiporientedleadersgetthebestoutoftheiremployees. Employeesfeelconfidentduetothisbecausementorship providesgrowthopportunitiesforthemwhichalso encouragesthemtostayintheorganization.Aleadercan trytounderstandtheproblemsoftheemployeesand solvingthoseproblemsresultsinahappyenvironmentin theorganization.

TraitTheory:Traitmeansqualitiesandthistheoryfocuses onundergoingleadershipqualitiesthroughvarious situations.Leaderscanthinkoutsidetheboxandadaptto changingsituationsquicklywiththistheory.Leaderscome upwiththeirownleadershipstyleandcreativityamongthe teammembers.Itbuildsresponsibilitytotakeownershipof theirownmistakesandputthembehindbylearningfrom themandkeepgrowingforward.

HumanisticTheory:Humanisticasthenamesuggestis abouttrustinghumansandhavingcompassiontowardseach other.Itdevelopstransparentcommunicationamongthe membersoftheteam.Thebasicideaofthistheoryis keepingtheneedsofthepeopleoverprofit.Itisabout havingaclearbusinessvisionandworkingtowardsthe commongoaloftheorganization.Thistheorygetsthebest outoftheemployees.Thishelpsaleadertoadjusthis behaviorandbuildaconnectionwithemployees.

SocialCognitiveTheory:SocialCognitivetheoryworks collaborativelyinmakingadifferencewiththecollective effortoftheteam.Itengagesincollectiveanalysissharing thevisionandgoalsoftheactivity.Also,itgivesthe7C’s totheleadersofConsciousness,congruence,collaboration, commonpurpose,citizenship,civility,andchange.

ArchetypalTheory:Archetypaltheoryismorethanone characterinanindividual.Thistheoryinspiresaleaderto beproactiveindecision-making,whileenjoyingthe responsibilityofleadership;notthepoweritbringsbutthe opportunitytomakeadifferenceintheworld.Amodern archetypalleadercanbegivenexampletothatofBarack Obama,whowaspreparedtoleadbyexampledespiteall odds.Intech,ElonMuskisthemodernarchetypewhowith hismultipleskillsandtalentsistakingpeopletoa completelydifferentplanet,andissettochangetheworld withteslaandothercreativeproducts.

FinalWords

Allinall,thesebusinesstheoriescanhelpyoubuild relationshipswithemployeesandsolvethemostcomplex problemsforbusinessleaders.Withthesetheories,youcan understandandrunthebusinesssuccessfully.Because,this iswhatexpectedfromanybusinessleader.Ultimately,these theorieswillhelpleaderstoevolveandtransformfroma studenttoagreatleaderandtouchthelivesofthepeople. Whetheryouareanindividualorinstitution,thesetheories aresomethingyoucantrustandfosterabondwithhumans.

Finallyansweringthequestionofbusinessleadersandthe businessneedphilosophicaltheoriesisupontheoptionsfor theindividual.Therearemorebenefitsthandrawbacks whichcreatesthecomforttotryassessingthesetheoriesin thebusinessworld.Hence,toalargeextent,thetheories mentionedabovehavealotofpotentialandareheavily loadedwithgoodreviewsandwillbeagreatassettothe business.

“Never give up on something that really matters to you.”

Marc Rippen, President and Founder, Alertgy

Marc Rippen

A Proficient Leader Transforming the World of Diabetes Management

necatastrophicincidentoratragedycanchange

Osomeone’slife.ThestoryofMarcRippenisa strikinginstanceofthis.Marcfoundherwife nearlyslippingintoadiabeticcomaandbecame unresponsiveduetobeinginprolongedlowbloodsugar state.Afterhewasabletorehabilitateher,hetookastrong holdofthesituationandstartedAlertgy.Heturnedhis tragedyintoatriumphbyinceptingAlertgy,aplatform committedtotransforminghowwemonitorbloodsugarto improvethelivesofdiabetics,andinthefuture,helppeople preventdiabetes.

InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,Marcshedslighton hisinspiringentrepreneurialjourneyandhowAlertgy’s technologyisaddressingthehighlydesiredabilityto measurebloodsugarlevelswithanexternalwearable sensordevice.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Giveabriefoverviewofyourbackgroundandyourrole inAlertgy.

Iwasaformerarmyofficer,andmostrecentlythedirector ofEngineeringfortheMarineandSpaceTechnology DivisionofStanfordResearchInstitute(SRI)International. Iholddegreesinmicrobiology,analyticalchemistry,and aeronautics.Ihavealwaysbeeninvolvedthedevelopment

oftechnologytosolvecriticalproblemsstartingasa materialengineeratPratt&WhitneywhereImanaged advanceresearchanddevelopmentprogramsthatsupported thedevelopmentofadvancedmaterialsforjetandrocket engines.Ithentransitionedtobecomeafieldengineerfor leadingatomicandmolecularspectroscopycompanies whereIprovidedturnkeysolutionstomaterialsanalysisfor abroadvarietyofindustriesfromagricultureto environmentaltomanufacturingtoadvancedresearchand developmentinleadingresearchinstitutions. FromthereI becamethedirectoroftheFIUCollegeofEngineering NASAtechtransfercenterwhereIhelpedcompaniesutilize NASAtechnologiesinthecommercialarena.InthisroleI helpedsmallbusinessesraiseventurecapitalandpursue SBIRandSTTRprogramstofundthecommercializationof theirtechnologies.FromthereIco-foundedanInternet Start-upcompanyandraised1milliondollarsand eventuallywasabletotakethecompanypublicinan acquisition.Thecombinationofmyeducationand experienceallowedmethemeanstolaunchAlertgyand bringittowhereitistoday.

The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch

Howdoyoudiversifyyourtechsolutionssoastoappeal yourtargetaudience?

Alertgyprovidesthefirstnon-invasivewearablecontinuous glucosemonitorandalertsystemtomeasuretrueblood glucose.Itsetsdiabeticsfreefromhavingtothinkabout takingglucosemeasurementsbyallowingforfully automated,continuousmonitoringwithpre-setalertsfor loworhighglucoselevels,assetbytheuser.Themedical deviceanddiagnosticindustryareconstantlygrowingand changing,withnewtechnologiesbeingintroducedtothe marketallthetime.Weareenteringaneweraofmedicine thatwillbesignificantlyimpactedbytheincrediblegrowth andbreakthroughsinwearables,cloud-basedIoTsensor systems,applicationofAI 10,anddigitalhealth.

Whatstrategiesdoyouundertaketomakeyour employeesresourceful?

ThestrategyIundertaketomakeouremployeesresourceful istomotivatethembyleadingthroughexample,by understandingwhatisimportanttothemandgivingthem anopportunitytomeetingtheirneedthroughtheirwork assignments.

Whataresomeofthevitalattributes,inyouropinion, thateveryleadershouldpossess?

HavingledAlertgysuccessfullysinceitsinception,I believesomeofthevitalattributesthateverysuccessful leadershouldpossessarehumility,honesty,empathy,caring forpeoplethatworkwithyou,willingnesstofallandlearn frommistakes,andopen-mindednessaresomeofthemusthavequalitiesforanidealleader.Additionally,Ireckonthat aleadershouldhavepassion,abilitytolisten,forgiveness, opennesstolearning,andanever-say-dieattitudetothrive intoday’scompetitiveworld.

Hownecessaryisittoalignbusinesswithtechnology andwhatareitsoutcomes?

Thereisnoquestionthatbusinessandtechnologygohand inhandtodayandonecannotexistwithouttheother. Inthe

caseofAlertgy,ourproductswouldnotbeaccessibletothe patientpopulationwithoutAIalgorithmsandInternetof Things(IoT).

Howdoyousustainyourentrepreneurialspiritinthis changingtechnologicalera?

Changeistheonlythingthatisconstant,andwemuststay aheadofthecurve. Ourworld-classengineeringteam adoptedandimplementedanaggressiveAIandIoT implementationstrategyearlyonwhichisnowbearing fruit.

Howdoyoudealwithdynamicsofmarket?

Marketdynamicsareeverchanging,andchallengesabound. However,wethriveoncompetitionandlearning/pivoting alongthewayinordertocomeupwithawinning combinationoftechnologyandpatientapplicationsthatwill makelifeeasierfortensofmillionsofdiabeticsandprediabetics.

Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivetotheemerging leaders?

Haveagoodattitudebecauseitiscritical,flexibilityand abilitytorecognizewhenyoumakemistakesandthento solvethemisalsoimportant.

Aaleadercanhave. Thisvisionallowsaleaderto inspirechangewhiledrivingacollaborative workforceofindividualstomeetimportantbusinessgoals. Leadersshouldalsohaveastrongsenseofself-awareness. Knowingwhentostepoutsideoftheircomfortzoneand providecriticaldirectionintimesofcrisisiswhatmakesa goodleadergreat.

clearvisionisoneofthemostimportantattributes

thesesetbacksbyre-focusingontheirgoals,and,with determinedefforts,learnandgracefullytoovercomeany obstacles. Onceonemilestoneisachieved,theysetanother one. Inthisway,greatleaderschampionconstant improvementandanevergreenrenewalprocessfor visionarygoals.

SeemantSehgalisonesuchleader. Seemantisthe FounderandCEOofBreachLockInc.–theWorld’sfirst AI-poweredfullstackandSaaS-enabledPenetration TestingasaService. Since2019,BreachLockhasquickly emergedasamarketdisrupterinthetraditionallyhumandependentPenetrationTestingmarket.

PurposefulBusiness

Moreimportantly,greatleadersareneverdiscouragedby theirsetbacks. Instead,mistakesareviewedasstepping stonesonthejourneytosuccess. Greatleadersovercome

ForSeemant,hisbusinessisareflectionofhispersonal values. Hebelievesthat,whateveronehas,itneedstobe multipliedandsharedforthegreatergood. Inaworld wherenoteveryoneisgivenanequalopportunity,Seemant

Seemant Sehgal, Founder and CEO, BreachLock Inc

Seemant Sehgal

Harmonizing Knowledge, Efforts, and Decisions with Business Needs

strivestomakeadifferenceinothers'lives. Withhisteam andtheknowledgehebringsasthefounderofBreachLock, Seemantaimstoconstantlybringpurposeandmeaningto hisday-to-dayoperations. Afterall,withoutapurpose, businessisnothingmorethanafinancialtransaction. Seemant’sdrivetoconstantlyprogresscanbeappliedtoall aspectsofhisbusiness–fromthetechnologyBreachLock offersitscustomerstothewayBreachLockendeavorsto changethewaybusinessesremainsecureinanexposed world. Seemant'sbeliefinsettingagood-intentioned purposeisattheheartofwhatdriveshisbusinessto achievenewheights.

Goal-Focused

Seemantbelievesthatlifedoesnotchangeinadayorwith onesingleevent. Forhim,heviewssetbacksasthebest fuel–somethingthatfireshimupandmotivateshimtodo evenbetter. Regardlessofwhatthesetbackmaybe, Seemantovercomestheseobstaclesbyattackingthemwith

vigorandbecomingevenmorecommittedtohisgoals. He statesthatsettingcleargoalsandbeingfocusedonthemis essentialtosustaininganentrepreneurialspirit. Hebelieves thatgoalshelpkeepyouoncourseandalignyouwithyour vision. Withoutthem,youwouldneverknowwhereto focusyourknowledge,efforts,anddecisions.

ContributingtoaSharedMission

BreachLocksetshighstandardsforanyonethatjoinsthe organization. BreachLocklooksforpeoplethatarehungry tomakeanimpactandvaluetheopportunitytolearnover anythingelse. Seekingemployeeswhoareself-driven ensuresthatnewteammembersareastrongfitfor BreachLock,whichpridesitselfonneverhavingto motivateitsworkerstogivetheirbest.Theyareallthe “CEO”intheirownrightfortheirownassignments. They takefullresponsibilityandgobeyondthecallofdutyto contributetoasharedmission. BreachLockalso encouragesaveryinformalwayofworkingwhereteam

The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch

membersfromalllevelsoftheorganizationareencouraged tosharetheirthoughtsfreelybecausethebestideasleadthe company–notahierarchy

UsingTechnologyRealistically

Technologyisanenabler. Usingtechnologywithout aligningitwithbusinessgoalsmakesituseless. Fortech endeavors,thiscanbedifficult. Itiscommonfortech founderstofallinlovewiththesolutionandlosetrackof theproblemtheyintendedtosolve. Asaresult,tech foundersoftenfindthey'vedevelopedacutting-edge productthatnooneneedsorcaresabout. Seemantbelieves theneedsofabusiness'scustomersmustremainatthecore ofitsvision.

MovingintheDirectionofClearVision

Seemantbelievesthemarketisjustoneofmanyimportant dimensionsanybusinessmustevaluatebeforeitconsiders attemptingtoenterandcompeteinanindustry. Onceyou havestudiedthemarket,designedyourvision,anddecide tocompete,themarketdynamicsbecomesecondary Your visionleadsyouintherightdirectionandyou,bydefault, pivotasneeded. Seemantexplainsthatunderstanding marketdynamicsisakintodrivingavehicledownabusy highway Youmightchecktherear-viewmirroreveryonce inawhile,butyouneverdriveconstantlylooking backward. Inordertohaveaclearvision,youmustlook aheadinthedirectionyouwanttogo. Thatis,ofcourse, theonlywayyouwillreachyourdesireddestination.

MasteringtheArtofScalingTime

ToSeemant,aleaderislikeafunnel. Allofan organization'sissuesarereviewedandcontemplatedbyits leader Withonlysomanyhoursinasingleday,effective leadersmustmastertheartofscalingone’stime. Scaling timerequirestheleadertomentorothersinordertofeel comfortabledelegatingtaskstherebyfreeinguptheleader's

timetoprocessmoreissues. Hedetailsfurtherthatyoucan alsoscaletimebydevelopingotherleadersandexpertsthat workrelentlesslytosupportyourmission,whichinevitably createsmultiplechannelsforissuestobeprocessedand attackedhead-on. Seemantexplains,“aleaderdoesnot chooseateam. Theteamchoosesitsleader.”

SmartandScalableSecurityTesting

BreachLock’suniqueapproachmakesuseofmanualas wellasautomatedvulnerabilitydiscoverymethodsaligned withindustrybestpractices. Itexecutesin-depthmanual penetrationtestingandprovidesbothofflineandonline reports. Itretestsfixesandcertifiesforexecutinga PenetrationTest. Thisisfollowedupwithmonthly automatedscanningdeliveredviatheBreachLockplatform. Throughoutthisprocess,customershaveaccesstothe platformanditssecurityexpertswhohelpfind,fixand preventthenextcyberbreach

BreachLock™ offers a SaaS platform that enables its clients to request and receive a comprehensive penetration test with a few clicks.

‘‘

‘‘

Jeanniey Walden Chief Innovaon and Markeng Officer DailyPay

Leader’s Viewpoint

6 Ways

to Ensure Your

On-Demand Pay Program is a Success

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeanniey Walden builds companies from start-up to global success. Her skill in recognizing and capitalizing on new markets in a way that results in driving consumer adopon of new products in those markets is unparalleled. She is the Chief Innovaon and Markeng Officer for DailyPay, was previously the Global Chief Markeng Officer for Mercer, and the co-founder of ringblingz™, a line of fun and fashionable connected devices ( part of the R/GA Accelerator powered by TechStars). One of the most experienced, accomplished, and respected women in markeng, Jeanniey's experience spans from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies including her role as the Global EVP, CMO for Zinio, Founder of the Email Experience Council, Execuve Director, Digital Dialogue, OgilvyOne, and Corporate Director at JCPenney to name a few. Jeanniey has also authored and contributed to mulple books, blogs and magazine arcles.

Acompaniesareworkingovertimetosaveontime andcostinordertomakeupforlostprofits.The economyremains3.5%belowitslevelattheendof2019 andincomesplungedinthethirdquarter,suggestingwe haveawaystogobeforewe’retrulyback“businessas usual.”

swecontinuetonavigate“thenewnormal,”many

Inthemeantime,itisaprudentdecisiontolookfor efficiencies,digitizeoperationsandmaximizeemployee productivity.Oneeasy,actionablewaytodoallthree? Implementanon-demandpayprogram.On-demandpayhas beenproventoreduceemployeeturnover,boosthiringand encourageworkerproductivity.Butnotallon-demandpay programsarecreatedequal,andsomewillrequiremore workfromyourpayrollandHRteamstomaintain.Toreap therewardsofon-demandpaywithouttheextralegwork, evaluatethesesixkeycriteria:

1.HowmuchworkwillmypayrollandHRteamsneed todotoservicetheon-demandpayprogram?

Differenton-demandpayofferingsrequirevaryinglevelsof involvementfromyourpayrollandHRteams.Ifyourteam doesn’thavethebandwidth(ordesire)totakeonadditional workstreamstorunanon-demandpayprogram,lookfora vendorthatprovidesadedicatedAccountManagement

team.VendorslikeDailyPayofferadedicatedAccount ManagerthatwillprovideanAgency-graderolloutplan, includingcustomizedmaterialsthatwillprovideemployees withaseamless,on-brandexperienceeverystepoftheway.

Itisalsoagoodideatoevaluatethevendor’sautomations capabilities.Someofferingsrequireyourpayrollteamto manuallyapproveemployeehours,forexample,which essentiallytranslatesintoyourcompanyrunningpayroll daily.Asidefrompossibletaximplications,thiscan introduceadditionalcomplianceanddiscriminatoryrisk.

2.Doesthevendoroffer“full”on-demandpay?

Industryleadersofferusersthemostadvancedfeaturesof on-demandpay,suchas100%accesstofunds,instant accessandflexibilitywithanydestinationaccount(versus requiringaparticularpaycardtousewiththeprogram,for example).Ason-demandpaygrowsinpopularityand employeeslearnmoreaboutitsmaximumcapabilities,they maywonderwhyyouintroducedaprogramwitharbitrary limitssuchas50%accesstofunds.

3.Whocanemployeesgotoforhelpwiththeprogram?

Whenitcomestopay,questionsfromemployeesare inevitable,butthey’relikelytooccuraroundpayday.When employeeshaveaccesstopayanytime,however,the supportrequestscanalsopopupanytime.Tofreeupyour payrollteamfromhandlingthem,chooseanon-demand payvendorwithadedicatedsupportteam.Best-in-class providerswillofferdigitalsupportaswellaslivecallcenter support.

4.Istheon-demandpayprogramcompatiblewithany payrollsystem?

Choosinganon-demandpayvendor,implementingthe programandpromotingittoyourworkforceisnoeasyfeat. Tomakesureyouremployeescanenjoythebenefitwithout interruptions,chooseaproviderthatcanworkwithany payroll/TMSsetup.Thisensuresthatevenifyouelectto changepayrollsystems,youremployeeswon’tloseaccess totheiron-demandpaybenefit.Nearly20%ofDailyPay clientschangedpayrollproviderschangedpayrollproviders

inthelastyear,andeverysingleoneoftheiremployeeswas abletoenjoythedailypaybenefitwithoutinterruption.

5.Whofundstheon-demandpayprogram?

Ifyourcompanyhastofundtheon-demandpayprogram, theIRStakestheviewthatthisistantamounttorunning payroll,andconsequently,yourcompanywillowetax withholdingwhenanemployeerequestsanon-demandpay transferwithinthepayperiod.Toavoidthecompliancerisk andhasslethatcomesfromfundinganon-demandpay programyourself,lookforavendorwhofundsthe program.

Whilevendor-fundedprogramsavoidthiscompliancerisk, it’simportanttoevaluate how thevendorisfundingthe program.Programsthathaveadedicatedlineoffinancing willnotimpactyourpayrollprocess,butifthevendoracts asacommerciallender,forexample,yourfinancialteam mayneedtojumpthroughhoopssuchascheckingyour charterandgoverningdocumentsregardingdebtincurrence andcheckingyourexistingequitydocuments.

6.Doestheprogramofferfinancialwellnesstoolsto employees?

Thegoalofanyon-demandpayprogramshouldbetohelp youremployeesachievefinancialstability.Whileondemandpayitselfisakeydriverbehindwhetherornotan employeecanmeetherfinancialobligationsandavoid paydayloans,otherfeaturescanhelpemployeesdevelop goodfinancialhabits.Somevendorsoffersavingsand budgetingtoolstohelpusersdojustthat,butit’simportant tocarefullyevaluatethesefeatures.Forexample:Arethey free?Canusersearninterestontheirsavings?Theanswers tothesequestionscanhaveasignificantimpactonprogram adoption,whichiscriticaltomakingalastingimpact.

Asbusinessesacrossthenationworktorecoverfromthe pandemic,implementingon-demandpayisanimpactful waytosaveontimeandcost,whilehelpingyourworkforce achievefinancialstability.Butinordertomakesureyou andyouremployeesgetthemostoutofyourprogram,be suretochooseavendorwithagoldstandardoffering-one thatwon’timpactyourpayrollteam’sworkflow,butthat will beadoptedandlovedbyyouremployees.

SheriAtwood Founder&CEO SupportPay

Sheri Atwood

Making Childr en ’s Li v es Bett er

Raisingchildrenisnotaneasytask.Itisessentialto takecareofchildrenespeciallyintheirupbringing years.Itisessentialtoprovidesupporttochildren sotheywillgrowasstable,calm,andemotionally intelligentadults.Itisharderifparentsareexperiencing stressoverexpensesandpayments.Ifparentsaredivorced, thedramaorfightingbetweenco-parentsovertheissueof childsupportisnotgoodforthehealthandwell-beingof thechild.Thismayleadtonegativeearlierimpressionson thechild.Therefore,toavoidthisitisessentialtohave somethingthatmanagestheexpensesandpaymentsofthe childsupportwithoutquarrelandfighting.

SupportPaymakesthisentireprocesssimpleand streamlined.SheriAtwoodiscurrentlytheFounderand CEOofSupportPay,theonlyco-parentingappthatenables parentstomanagechildsupportandshareexpensesdirectly witheachotherwithoutanyquarrelorfightingbetween them.SupportPayisfirst-everautomatedchildsupport paymentplatformforparentslivingapart.SupportPayseeks toeliminatechildsupportconflictandenablecollaboration withaneasytouseonlineandmobileapplication, providingbothparentstransparencywhilesavingtime& money.ThroughSupportPayparentscannowspendless timemanagingchildsupportandexpensesandmoretime focusedonraisinghappy,healthychildren.

RevolutionizingFamilyFinancialManagement

PriortoSupportPay,SheriwasaSiliconValleyexecutive anddivorcedsinglemomjugglingacareerandraisinga child.Duringthattime,shefoundthatitwasdifficultto managetheintricaciesofchildsupportandwascertain therewasasolutionouttheretohelp.Shesearchedhigh andlowforasolutionandwasshockedtofindoutthere wasnothingavailable.Atthesametime,herdaughterhad tohaveemergencybrainsurgerywhichreallyforcedherto lookathowshewasspendinghertime.Sherealizedthen thatifshewasgoingtospendsomuchtimeawayfromher daughter,shewantedtobeworkingonsomethingthatmade

animpactintheworld.Therefore,theideabehind SupportPaywasborn:anapptomakeiteasyforseparated anddivorcedfamiliestoexchangemoney,withoutthe dramaorthefighting.SupportPayseekstorevolutionize familyfinancialmanagementbycreatingsimpleyet effectivesoftwaretohelpmodernfamilies.

EnsuringFinancialSecurityforChildren

TheSupportPayappeliminatestheneedtodiscuss expensesandpaymentsdirectlywithone’sexregarding childsupportandsharedexpenses.SupportPaymanagesthe entireprocess,storesacertifiedrecordforcompliance, court,andtaxpurposesandfacilitatesallofthe communicationbetweenparents!SupportPayappislikean automatedfinancialmediator WiththeSupportPayparents canspendmoretimebeingaparentandlesstimemanaging theirsupportpayments,expenses,receipts,anddocuments. Payingparentscanseewheretheirmoneyisgoing,and parentscanreceivetheexacttrackofchildsupport, expenses,andpaymentsthatcanbeaccessedfromtheweb ormobiledevice.Thishelpsingivingchildrenthefinancial securitytheydeserve.

UniquePerspective

AstheCEOandalsoaparentwhofacestheproblemsof managingchildsupportandsharingexpenseswithher daughter’sfather,Sherihasauniqueperspectiveof understandingthecustomeraswellasthewaytodelivera solutionthatisbeneficial.

Inrunninghercompany,Sheriencouragesallofher employeestotrytofindsolutionstoproblemsontheirown beforecomingtoher.Alotoftimesquestionscanbe answeredwithaGooglesearch,sosheconsidersitis alwaysimperativetodosomeofone’sownresearchfirst. Thishelpsemployeesbecomemoreresourcefulandallows themtoseeknewwaystoachievegoals.

The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch

InspiringJourney

OnethingthatreallychangedSheri’slifewasbeingfired fromherowncompanyin2017.Aftercodingtheapp herselfandworkingtirelesslytobuildhercompanyfrom thegroundupforyears,shewasterminatedasCEO.The evenmoredisappointingthingisthatoncesheleft,the companystartedaquickdecline-losingmostofits customers,havinganon-workingproduct,andfiring countlessemployees.Andtoboot,justthreemonthsafter herdepartureshefoundoutthecompanywasbeing liquidated.Sheriknewshecouldn’tstandbyandletthis happensowhenherofferstoreturnandhelpwent unanswered,shebeganherjourneyofbuyingbackthe assetsherself.In2018,shetookoutapersonalloanand usedallofherremainingsavingstopurchasethe SupportPayassets.Sincethen,shehasfocusedallher energyonrebuildingtheproduct,winningbackcustomers, andgrowingthebusiness.Thoughit’sbeenalong,hard journeytowheresheistoday,Sherihopesherstoryinspires evenonepersonnottogiveup,evenwhentheyfeelall hopeislost.

UtilizingAdvancesinTechnology

Sheribelievesinbeingaboutsomethingratherthanjust talkingaboutit.Constantchangesinthemarketforce organizationstobenimblethereforeSheristatesthat technologyisincrediblyimportantindrivingher organization’sbusiness.SupportPay’ssolutionisa technologysolutionandeverythingitdoesusesthe technologytomaketheorganizationmoreproductiveand efficient.Asthetechnologicaleracontinuestochangeand evolve,Sheriisalwaysseekingbetterwaystoachieve

organizationalgoals.Shebelievesthatitisimportantto continuetoadaptone’smindsettokeepupwiththechanges andneverstopthinkingofnewwaystodothings.Sheriis constantlytalkingtocustomersandgettingtheirfeedback toenableSupportPaytoquicklyadjustprioritiesandmake sureitisdeliveringthebestproductwiththemostvalueto itscustomers.

EncouragingWomenLeaders

Firstandforemost,Sheritellsemergingleaderstoensure theirideaorcompanyissolvingareal-worldproblem. Beyondthat,herbestpiecesofadvicearetobepreparedfor along,hardrideandhavetoughskin.Shestatesthatone mayhearNOs,andonemayrunintoproblemsstillone shouldcontinuetoberesilientandhungrytosucceed.In regardtofemaleleaders,Sheriadvisesthemtoneverbe afraidtospeakup.Womenbringauniqueperspectivetothe table,especiallyinindustriesliketech,andshesaysthat theyshouldn’tshyawayfromvoicingthatperspective.

“

SupportPayassists single,divorced, separatedorremarried parentsinmanaging theirchildsupport paymentsandshared expenses.

TARCISIO VERGANI

When Innovation Meets Technical Excellence

henthelinesofinnovation,technology,and

Wbusinessareintersected,greatresultsare achieved.N-andGroupLtd.istheresultof onesuchintersection.Asaninnovationenabler,N-and Groupspecializesinthedesign,developmentand manufacturingofcutting-edgeengineeringproductsand softwareplatforms.

ThecompanyhasspreaditswingsinUK,Italy,Chinaand HongKongandhaspartnernetworkacrossEurope,Asia andAmerica.Thepositionandvaluethatthecompany holdstodayinthemarkethasallbecomepossibledueto continuouseffortsofavisionaryleader,TarcisioVergani, thePresidentandGroupCEOofthecompany,andhis team.Withhistechnicalexcellence,deepbusinessacumen, andsharpleadershipskills,Tarcisioissteeringtheshipof N-andGroupinadirectiontocreatenovelexperiencesfor businessesandendusers.

N-andGroupconstantlykeepsaneyeonthelatest technologytrends,andittakesthemintoconsideration whenitdevelopsaproductroadmap.Theultimategoalof thecompanyistomakesureitscustomergetsfuture proofedtechnologiesthatallowthemtoevolveandpromote newbusinessmodels.Thecompanyscoutsemerging technologiesaswellasmaturedtechnologiesinadjacent marketthatcanbeadaptedtodriveinnovationforits customers. “At the end of the day we want our customer to succeed by differentiating themselves in the market place. If they win, we win,” saysTarcisio.

Tarcisioisdrivenbytheword‘innovation’andhe inculcatesthesameineverythinghedoes.Sincetheageof 14,hehasalwayskepthimselfbusywithdifferentjobs whilebeingastudent.At24,helandedhisfirstproperjob inEngineeringandsincethenhehasalwaysfocusedonthe puremeaningofvalueinnovation.

Tarcisioalwayswantedtocapturethebestofotherstobuild abetterversionofhimself.Hehaschangedalotduringhis life.Hewasfortunatetomeetmanyextraordinarypeople thatcontributedtohispersonalandprofessionalgrowth.An eventthatchangedhislifewasthecompulsorymilitary serviceinItaly.Duringthattime,hehadtheopportunityto serveinaverysmallCarabinieriStationinthemountainsin thenorthofItalyforabout1year Thisexperiencemade himgrowup,believeinhisabilities,beinchargeofhislife byalsobeingaccountableforhischoices,andfeel comfortablewithpressureandchanges.

Sincethen,Tarcisiohasbeendriventoabsorbknowledge andtakingonmoreandmoreresponsibilities.Hewantedto makeapositivedifferenceineverythinghedid.This, combinedwithhispassionforengineeredproducts,allowed himtobewhereheistoday

AccordingtoTarcisio,everybusinessleadershouldpossess Integrity,Accountability,Empathy,Vision,andResilience toclimbtheladderofsuccess.Withhispassionand

“

We are in a constant learning mode to become as individuals a better version of ourselves with the experiences and stories we are writing together as a business.

The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch

TarcisioVergani, CEO N-andGroupLtd

determination,Tarcisioleadsbyexampleandthus,histeam respectsandfollowshimwithconfidence.Whenaround him,peoplefeelsafebothprofessionallyandpersonally becauseheisresponsibleandtrustworthy,andhisactions aredrivenbyethicalprinciplesanddowntoheartattitude.

Tarcisioisoftheopinionthattechnologychangesatafast paceandcanhaveinterestingstrategicimplicationsfor companies.Inmostcases,newtechnologiespresent opportunitiesfororganizationstoreinventtheirbusiness modelsanddrivesignificantefficiencyintotheiroperations. Companiesthatareopentothechangeandembracenew technologiescanseizeasignificantcompetitiveadvantage. N-andGroupdoesso,whichiswhatmakesitago-to companyandpreferredchoiceforbusinessestoconsider

Inordertosustainhisentrepreneurialspiritinthischanging technologicalera,Tarcisiostaysupdatedbyreading relevantcontentonlineincludingsocialmedia.Notonly this,healsotakeseverychancetolearnandfeedhis inspirationbyvisitingcustomersandsuppliers.Pandemic aside,hetravelsalottogettoknowmarkets,tolearnabout newtrendsandhowtechnologiesadapttoindifferent cultures,whichhetriestoexperience“inthefield”.

“I like to understand how things are built so I can transfer this knowledge into our product, to improve it and make it

best in class,” assertsTarcisio.Hefosterscollaboration insideandoutsideN-andGroup,creatingaculturethat empowersemployeesandpartnerstoshareknowledgeand ideas.Heconstantlyengageswithcustomerstohave feedbacksandabetterunderstandingofthechallengesthey face,tocomeupwithvaluablesolutionstohelpthemgrow further.

Besides,Tarcisiokeepsaneyeonmarketdynamics.Heand histeammapthemarketanddefinethebestapproachto adapttheirstrategyandproductsbasedonhowthe dynamicsarechanging.Intheirstrategicmeetingsthey focusalsoonhowcustomersarelinkedtogether,howthey play,howtheyleveragetheirpartners,whatistheirprice strategyetc.Toachieveadeeperlevelofunderstanding, theyusenetworkingasanefficientwayofboostingthe knowledgewithinthebusiness,whichalsosometimes opensupnewopportunitiesandpartnerships.

ThroughN-andGroup,Tarcisio’svisionistorevolutionise thewayhuman-machineinteractionworks.