eadershipcancreatearippleeffectonpeoplewith
Litsstrategicthoughtprocessanddiligentactions. Whentheleadershipatanyorganizationisstrong enoughtocarrythisrippleeffectthroughout,ithelpsthem getincrediblebusinessresults.Atthecenterpointofthis rippleistheCEO,whoisfocusedonempoweringthe uniquepotentialineveryone.Theirutilitarianapproachis alwaysatthehelm,findingdesiredresultswithattentive learninganddiligentexecution.
Thebusinessworldconstantlyevolvesbytheminute.Tobe asuccessfulbusinessleader,oneneedstothinktensteps ahead,anticipateevents,andpreparetodealwithsituations pragmatically.Byanalyzingthepre-occurredevents, learningfromthemtocurateaplanofactionalwayshelps leaderstomakebetterdecisionsinthefuture.
Leadershipisn’tsomethingthatyouarebornwith.Obviously,youmayhaveheardtheterm“He/Sheisaborn leader,”however,Ibelievethatleadersarethepeoplewho havegainedknowledgeovertheyears,educatingthemselveswitheverysituation.Theyarekeenonlearningfrom everyone,eventhesmallestaspectoftheirwork,tobetter understand,whichhelpsthemmaximizetheirability
Seizingtheopportunitieswithdiligenceisthehallmarkof successfulbusinessleaderswhoknowstograbtheopportunitiesthatalignbestwiththeirstrategiesandbusiness acumen.Theyutilizeeveryassettoleverageacompetitive edgeoverotherstogrowsustainably Aleaderwithgreat marketawareness,concept,andmindsetalwaysbelievesin combiningpreparationandpreparednessandmaintaining calm,evenunderthegreatestpressure.Workingunder pressureisn’tahurdleforthembutastrongskillset.
InsightsSuccessventuredworldwidetofindleaders withsimilarskillsetswhohavechangedthecourseof thebusinessworld,imprintingtheirmarkonthe world.Inthiseditionof“The10MostPromising CEOstoWatchin2022,”wearecherishingthe CEOsthatareleadingpragmaticallytodeliver maximumperformanceandsuperiorbusinessresults.
FeaturingonthecoverisPetiaDimitrova,wholeads byembeddingthecodeofsuccessatthePostbankas theCEOandChairpersonoftheManagementBoard. Comeacrossthearrayofsuccessfulleaderswhile flippingthroughthepages.Don’tforgettolookat CxOpenneddownbytheindustrialexpertsand insightfularticleswrittenbyourin-houseeditorial team.
Let’shavealook!
Sharad Chitalkar sharad@insightssuccess.com
CarolLafferty
FounderandCEO
CaliCoincalicoin.me
ChristopherAmos CEO&Chief DigitalArchitect NoBoundariesMarketing Groupnoboundaries marketing
EdwinBessant CEO CeutaGroup ceutagroup.com
JudeGomes ChiefExecutiveOfficer
Mohammed MubinMallick CEO&Founder
UnionAssurancePLC unionassurance.com
KiranSmart kiransmart.com
Mr.SamiSharif CEO KuwaitInsurance Companykic-kw.com
PetiaDimitrova Chairpersonofthe ManagementBoard andCEO
RobRosenberger CEO&Co-Founder
ThomasP.Shivers CEOandPresident
Postbank postbank.bg
Blackdragon blackdragon.expert
FourStonePartners fourstonepartners.com
ThomasA.Bock MD,MBA,CEO Notable notablelabs.com
CaliCoinisacharitytokenfocusedonhelpingwhatweterm, “AnimalsofDetermination”(“AOD”)–Animalswhichsuffer fromadisabilityand/orarehomeless.
NoBoundariesMarketingGroupwasfoundedonthebasisof simplifyingthemarketingandadvertisingworldforsmallto mediumsizedbusinesses.
CeutaGroupisaglobal,consumerbrandservicesbusiness workingwithsomeofthemostdynamicbrandsinHealth& PersonalCareandFood&Drink.
UnionAssuranceisprotectinglives,empoweringpeople achievetheirdreams,andprovidingpeaceofmindtothousands ofSriLankanssince1987.
KiranSmartisaTopITCompanyinKuwaitthatprovidesan industry-standardintegratedsolution,ITconsulting,IT maintenance,ITconsultancyandITsolutions.
KuwaitInsuranceCompanywasestablishedin1960byAmiri DecreeNo.7of1960asthefirstinsurancecompanyinKuwait andtheGCC.
Postbank,legallynamedEurobankBulgariaAD,isthefourth biggestbankinBulgariaintermsofassets,havingabroad branchnetworkacrossthecountryandaconsiderableclient baseofindividuals,companiesandinstitutions
Blackdragonisthefederalcontractingindustry’smost advancedtechnologyplatform.
FourStonePartnersisaninnovativeconsultingfirm specializinginbusinessdevelopment,salesoutsourcing,and operationalsupportservices.
Notableisaclinical-stageplatformtherapeuticcompany
Petia Dimitrova CEO and Chairperson of the Management Board of Postbank
& Chief Execu ve Officer CaliCoin
Thefoundationofhumanityhasalwaysbeenhelping eachother.Therearepeople,andcertainlyanimals, whoarelessfortunatethanus.Animal-based charitiesareinperpetualneedoffinancialsupport—onlyan estimated10%ofallcharitablegivingisdirectedtowards animal-basedcharities;butunfortunately,thesecharities alsosufferfromthesameissuesoffundingandgovernance manycharitiesface.
Now,imagineacharitytokenexistingtoaddresssuch animalwelfareneedswithtransparent,seamless,and documenteddonation.
MeetCarolineLafferty,wholeveragedthisrelativelynew worldofcryptocurrencytoopennewavenuesofdonation forneedyanimalcharitiesbyfoundingCaliCoin.
CaliCoinisthefirstandonlycryptocurrencydevotedto helping,whatCarolineterms,AnimalsofDetermination (animalsthatsufferfromadisabilityand/orarehomeless) aroundtheworld.Itprovidesa100%flow-throughoffunds (0%commissions,overheadfees,orothercharges)directly topre-qualifiedanimal-basedcharitiesservingAODs aroundtheworld.ItensuresCaliCoindonorsthattheir donationsarehelpinganimalsofdetermination,andtheir fundsaregoingdirectlytohelpingtheanimalswithoutany oftheissueswhichcanplagueexistingcharitablegiving options.CarolinewearsthehatoftheCEOinthecompany
CaliCoinisawonderfulblendofpassions.
Carolinehasalwaysbeenanavidanimallover.Shealong withherhusbandJamesMichaelLaffertymovedtoDubai withtheirwonderfulYorkiedog,“Cali”.Shortlythereafter, theydiscoveredthatshehasageneticdisorderofherbones. So,they,unfortunately,hadtoamputateoneofherlegs.
Calihoweverneverletthissituationbringherdown;she continuedtorompandplayandenjoylife,inspiringthem all.Shortlyafter,theybothfoundanabandonedkittenon thestreetinapileofrubble,whofollowedthemhome.She isalovableArabianMaunamed“Karma”.Botharebest friendsandintegralpartsofthecompany’sfamily.The three-leggeddogandtheorphancat!
Besidesherloveforanimals,Carolinealsohadaspecial affinitywiththeemergingworldofcryptocurrency.Shehas beendeeplyinvolvedasaninvestorforthepast5years. Shesawauniqueblendofthetwo,anideainwhichitcould leveragecryptocurrencyandtheuniverseofcryptousers,to openentirelynewpathwaystosupportAnimalsof Determination.AndthatishowCaliCoinwasborn! CaliCoinmarriesCaroline’sloveofthecryptocurrency worldwithherloveforanimals.
Inessence,CaliCoinwascreatedoutofthepandemicto bringurgenthelptoanimalcharitiesaroundtheworldthat sawtheirdonationsandfinancialsupportdryup.Caroline hearsfrommanycharitiesabouthowCaliCoinhashelped keepthemoperatingandservingAnimalsofDetermination. “I get a huge sense of pride and joy in being able to help these noble causes. I firmly believe it represents the best of humanity when we can help those on our planet truly less fortunate than ourselves. It’s hard to imagine a population more in need than animals who suffer from disabilities or
This is all about helping the world be a better place, one needy animal at a time.The 10 Most Promising CEOs to Watch in 2022
are homeless and roaming the streets,” expressesCaroline. CaliCoin’smissionisverynoble:Ithelpsperhapsthemost disadvantagedsubsetonthisplanet—Animalsof Determination.TheteamatCaliCoinhasfinanced100%of thestart-upofCaliCoinandittakesnofeesorcommissions ondonations.
ThebiggestchallengeforCarolinebyfarwasdoingwhat anyentrepreneurknowswell—doingthingsprudentlyand onyourown!MostICOsareexecutedvialargeteamsand theengagementofmanyconsultantsandadvisors,whereas CarolineandherhusbandlaunchedCaliCoinentirelywith aninternalteamofjustahandfulofpeople.Theteam createdthisentireprojectfromscratchwithlimitedbudgets andlotsofsweatequity,alldrivenbyacombinedpassion forgivingbackandhelpinganimalsinneed.Andsofar,she isproudoftheearlyresults:CaliCoinhasgainedglobal tractionandhasappreciatedover300%sinceitslaunch.
Carolinewasgreatlyinfluencedbyherparents.Shelearned fromthem,thecourageandwilltosucceed.Theyemigrated fromHongKongtoCanadawithnothingandbuiltalifeso thatCarolineandherbrothercouldhaveopportunitiesthey neverhad.Shewatchedthemsacrificeandworkendless hours,justtogivetheirkidsachance.Shewasn’tgoingto letthemdownandsquanderthesacrificestheymade.
Carolinewasatopstudentandthus,sheworkedtogetinto thebestschoolssuchastheUniversityofTorontoand studiedthemostdemandingfields.CaliCoinisonlythe latestofseveralsuccessfulstart-upsshehaslaunchedover thepastdecade.
ThesecondgreatinfluencerwasherhusbandJames,who co-foundedCaliCoinalongwithher
Carolinehasalwaysbelievedthatsuccessstartsandfinishes withpeople.Hersmallteamislikeafamilytoher,andshe takescareofherfamily!Shetriestobreedacultureof ownership,whereeveryemployee“owns”apieceof CaliCoin.Shefurtherbelievesindevelopingtalent,as peoplearemostinspiredwhentheyseethemselvesgrow Shesays, “We are fair and principled, and we do the right
thing. It’s a passionate and caring team and I think this directly reflects on the culture we put people in at CaliCoin.”
InheradvicetoemergingCEOs,Carolinesays“This industry, cryptocurrency, is rife with questionable ethics and people out to make a quick buck. And it is undermining the entire space and the adoption of what is an amazing and forward-thinking concept. Be able to look in the mirror at yourself and be proud. Look at any industry and eventually, ethics wins out. If you want to be both proud and sustainable, embrace strong ethics as a core of your business. It will be harder and take more time. But choosing the “harder right” over the “easier wrong” is always the winning way.”
Christopher Amos
aveyoueverwonderedwhileenjoyingascoopof
Hthedessertthatyouwantedtotrywhilerelaxing onyourcouchwhatmadeyouchoosethespecific brandtosatisfyyourhunger?Wasitthebrandjingle,orthe tagline,orwasitthemind-bogglingpostthatyousawon socialmedia?Whicheverreasonitmightbe,oneofthe essentialfactorsthatmakeanyproductpopularamongthe massesisthemagicofmarketing.
Often,itisquiteamisconceptionthatonlylarge organizationsinvestinmarketingtheirproductstocreatea buzzwhenitcomestomarketing.However,itisnotthe caseanymorewithsimplifiedmarketingandadvertising servicesprovidedbyNoBoundariesMarketingGroup.
ChristopherAmos,theCEOandChiefDigitalArchitect hascultivateduniquemarketingstrategiesandsolutions thatassistmicroandmedium-sizedenterprisesin promotingtheirproductsandachievingsuccess.
Christopherhashadquiteajourneyoverthelastfewyears todesignanagencythatcanconsistentlyexceedthe expectationsofsmallbusinessesbothlocallyandnationally. Withoveradecadeofexperienceintheindustry,heknows businessownersneedmoreasateam.Theyneedadditional transparency,leads,andextraeffortsoutoftheirmarketing team!
NoBoundariesMarketingGroupwasfoundedtosimplify themarketingandadvertisinggameforsmalltomedium-
sizedbusinesses.Itsgoalistoproducetransparent, measurableresultsforclientstofocusongrowingtheir business.
Asafull-servicemarketingandadvertisingagency,No BoundariesMarketingGroupusesvarioussoftware platforms,applications,tools,andresourcestoensureits clientsgetthebestvalueoutoftheirmarketingdollar.
Christopherhaslearnedthatthekeytoanawesometeamis tofosterapositiveworkculture.Aworkenvironment wherepeopleareencouragedtosharetheirthoughts,grow thebusiness,andcollaborateacrossproductsandplatforms eliminatesservicebarriersandultimatelyhelpsproducean amazingresultforclients.
Thetruthis,Christopherhasanamazingteamwithskill setsthatrangefromformerbusinessowners,customer serviceprofessionals,webdevelopers,SEOstrategists,and more!Eachpersonprovidesvaluableinsightandproblemsolvingskillsthathelpthecompanyproduceabetter experienceandoutcomeforitsclients!
Christopermentionsthatthepost-pandemicworldhas changedconsiderably,fromthewaysconsumerssearchand findlocalbusinessestothewayoneshopsforgoodsand services.Theneedforastrong,consistentdigitalpresence
The 10 Most Promising CEOs to Watch in 2022hasneverbeengreaterthanitistoday.Evenpost-pandemic asconsumersventurebackouttorestaurantsandlocal shops,themeanstowhichtheyfindthesebusinessesalmost alwaysoriginatesonadigitalplatform.
Formanybusinesses,thismeansthathavingawebsiteor socialmediapagejustisn'tenough.Businessesownershave tofocusonprovidingconsumersaccesstohigh-quality contentanddynamicimagesacrossnumerousplatforms. Thisiswhereaccesstoanexperiencedmarketingteam comesintoplay.Businessownersarealreadystretchedthin, sotheneedforareliableandexperiencedmarketercannot onlydriveleadsbutcansavetime,createefficiencies,and somuchmore.
Thepost-pandemicbusinessenvironmenthasreallyforced businessestobecomemoredigitalortechnologysavvyto meetthedemandsofconsumers.Thisdigitaltransformation hastakenownersandmarketersalikeoutoftheircomfort zonesandthrustthemintodiversifyingtheironline presence.Now,thingslikereputationmanagement,social
media,emailmarketing,andmorearenolongeroptional. Creatingasynergybetweenplatformsandbrandmessaging hasneverbeenmorecritical.Christopherputsthiswitha saying, "You get one shot to make a great first impression!”
Christopherexpressesthatforabusinessownertomeetthe challengesofthefutureistocommunicatewiththeir marketingteam.Sadly,becausebusinessownerswear multiplehats,itcanbedifficulttostayuponthedataand trending.Thiscanleadtomissedopportunities,diminished results,andpoordecisionsinthelongrun.Thebestwayto avoidfiredrillsandgetthemostoutofthemarketing strategyistostayconsistent,understandthedata,and communicate!
Whenitcomestogivingbacktothecommunity,No BoundariesMarketingGrouppridesitselfinbeingapartof theveryfabricthatmakesupthiscommunity!Itinvestsin severallocalchambersofcommerce,volunteersat
communityevents,anditsteammembersvolunteertheir timetohelpeducatestartupsandnewbusinessessothey canhitthegroundrunning!
Christophersays, "If given a chance, I would absolutely love to get additional resources into the hands of aspiring entrepreneurs. A common issue that we hear after meeting with a new client is "I wish I found you guys sooner" or "I wish I knew about that before I wasted my money.”
"Sadly, many new business owners just don't know the insand-outs of the marketing game, and so they are susceptible to being taken advantage of. So, if I could change something, I would love to see more transparent information about marketing and advertising provided to new business owners to help them better navigate the marketplace," Christopherasserts.
Inhisadviceforaspiringentrepreneursintothemarketing space,Christophersays, "Be transparent and communicate.”
“Most marketing professionals are great at the sale and the creative. Sadly, what most marketing professionals lack is the transparency and communication skills necessary to truly wow a client. As an entrepreneur myself, we made significant investments into our reporting platform to make sure clients have access to data in real-time, and we made significant investments in our CRM platform to ensure we can effectively communicate with our clients," concludes Christopher.
Edwin Bessant CEO Ceuta Group
Settingupandstartingabusinesssoundslikeaneasy task,butevenafterhavingahighlysuccessfuland lucrativecorporatejob,itisnotasimplefeat.It requiresonetohavealotofgutsandcouragetogiveupon suchajobandentertheworldofbusinesswithaleapof faith.Acourageousleader,EdwinBessant,spottedagapin thehealthcarearena27yearsago,gaveuphishigh-flying careerinconsumerhealthcareatPfizerConsumer [FormerlyWyeth],andsetupCeutaHealthcarewithhis foundingpartnerAnnetteD’Abreo.Edwinisnowserving astheCEOofCeutaGroup Tenaciouslyanddiligently, Edwincontinuedtoretainavisiononthefuture,ensuring thatCeutawasalwaysfitforthefutureanddeliveringa marketneedforhisclientbase.CeutaGrouphasastrong andtrustedglobalManufacturing&PrivateEquity[ consumerbrandacquirers]clientbaseandisagloballeader withfirstmarketmoveadvantage.
Startedin1994asanomni-channelsales&marketing outsourcingpartner,CeutaHealthcarehasnowtransformed intoaGroupoftwelvecompanieswithaccessto114 internationalmarkets.Together,CeutaGroup’sbusinesses deliverthenextgenerationofanindustry-unique
‘IntegratedConsumerBrandOutsourcingServices’ business–Globalservicesinclude:Advisory,Digital, Shopper&CategoryInsights,CreativeDesign,Data Analytics,FieldMarketingSales&MarketingExecution andLogistics[https://www.ceutagroup.com/.]
EdwinandAnnettelaunchedbrandmanagementspecialist
CeutaHealthcarealone,withnoclients,fromathree-desk officeinBournemouthin1994.TodayCeutaGroup, throughEdwin’spioneeringanduniquevision,hasseveral officesaroundtheworld[including:NewYork,Dublin, Amsterdam,Singapore,Bangkok,andSydney].Ceuta
Groupemploysmorethan400people,turnsoveraround $140m,andafterawhirlwindofacquisitions,comprises twelvedistinctcompanies.Severalofthesebusinesseswere boughtaftermeticulousplanningtologicallyexpandthe businessmodel.Edwinpredictsthattheirnetincome, currentlyaround$13m(EBITDA),willdoubleoverthe nexttwo–threeyears.
EdwinwasworkingforPfizerConsumerwhenhespotteda gapinthemarket.He’dbeenwiththepharmagiantfor18 years,whichledtoaDirector’sroleonaEuropeanfast trackprogramme.There,hesawagrowingdemandfor “Outsourcing”and“BrandFostering”–wherean organizationgivestotalresponsibilityforoneormoreofits brandstoathirdparty.Certainly,hecouldbuildacompany tomeetthisuntappedmarketdemand,andusingallhis blue-chipexperience,Edwincraftedoutavisionaryand pioneeringbusinessplan,lefthishighlysuccessfuljob,and settowork,encouragingAnnetteD’Abreotojoinhimas equally,shehadasuccessfulroleatPfizer.Annette immediatelyunderstoodtheopportunityandtrustedEdwin toleadthepioneeringinitiative.
“By the end of Year One, Ceuta Healthcare had 30 employees,” Edwinsays,togivetheimpressionofhowhe hasneveroncedoubtedCeuta’sabilitytobecomeaglobal powerhouse.Headds,“We made a loss of around £300,000 [ $414,000] in the first two years [in line with the bank’s support]. And in year three we made a profit of £50,000 [ $69,000].” Sincethen,thegrowthandinvestmenthave beenexplosive,leadingCeutatobetheONLYcompany thatcandeliverasinglepointofcontactforacompanythat needsinternationalreachandcompletemanagementfor theirbrands.
The 10 Most Promising CEOs to Watch in 2022Edwinadmiresthepioneeringinnovatorsandentrepreneurs whohavetrulytakenuptheopportunityofspottingagapin themarket,definingandshapingthenewwayweliveand shopwithphenomenalsuccess,changingconsumer
engagementandtechnologicalenhancementi.e.:JeffBezos –Amazon,ElonMusk–PayPal,Tesla,Space-X,Steve Jobs–Apple,TravisKalanick&GarrettCamp–Uber,Will Shu&GregOrlowski–Deliveroo&JackMa–Alibaba, LarryPage&SergeyBrin–Google,LarryEllison,Ed Oates,BobMiner–Oracle.
Edwinexpressesthathedoesnotliketoplagiarisewhen readingbusinessbooks,butofcourse,heconsidersitis importanttoneverstoplearning,andthereisnoharmin havingagoodmentor.Hedoeslikereadingbooksthathave actuallybeenwrittenorco-writtenbysuccessful entrepreneursi.e.:‘TheAlchemist’byJimRatcliffe[The IneoStory]andtheseriesoftheBlueOceanStrategy& BlueOceanShiftbyW.ChanKim&ReneeMauborgne.
Duringthecovidperiod,CeutaGrouphasthankfullyhada record-breakingyear,workingwithintheHealth&Personal CareandFood&Drinkindustries,andhavingpartofits workforceworkingfromtheofficesandthemajorityof personnelsuccessfullyworkingfromhome.Ceuta experiencedmorechallengeswithBrexitaffectingits
Ceuta Group provides a unique collective of services to enhance, grow and support the brands it represents; delivering everything a brand owner would ever want or need from one outsourced partner.
‘‘ ‘‘
MarketingAgencies,ascorporationswereholdingback becauseoftheuncertaintyofelectionsandgettingthe Brexitbillpassed.Intheshortterm,therewasatemporary holdonMarketingbudgetswithinsomesectors,butoverall, itsawarapidchangetobrandmarketingdevelopment whichcontinuestoaccelerate.
Further,Edwinopinesthatculturecreationwithinany organizationiskey,andthishasalwaysbeenanimportant mantraforCeuta.CeutaGrouphasfourdifferent generationsofemployees,andtheyallhavedifferentlevels ofexpectationsfromanemployer.Ceutamustdeliverto ALL,andtherightculturegluesitsworkforcetogether.In additiontoculturecreation,ithasalsoengagedwithfurther intent,monitoring,support,andexecutingfortheright reasonssuchas‘Diversity,InclusionandGenderbalance[ CeutaGroupisapprox.48%female/52%male]’.Also, sustainabilityandenvironmentalprotectionarekey imperativeforCeutaGroup.
CeutaisemersedandengagedthroughitsCSRteamand supportsadifferentnumberofinitiatives:
Supportlocalcharitieswithfinancialcontributions
Organizeclean-upevents
Volunteerinlocalschoolsorcommunityprojects
Localfund-raisingevents
Edwinisa‘FellowofthePrince’sEnterpriseTrust’which helpsvulnerableyoungpeoplegettheirlivesbackontrack.
Itsupports11to30year-oldswhoareunemployedand thosestrugglingatschoolandatriskofexclusion.Edwin periodicallygoesintoclassroomstotalktostudents[from allethnicities]onbusinessbuildingandthewatchoutsetc. whichhereallyenjoys.
Inaconclusion,Edwinmentionsthatforthenextfiveyears, CeutaGroup’svisionistocontinuetobuildoutitsGlobal Digitalservices.Itwantstocontinuetobuildoutits ‘MarketplaceSupportPlatform’–USA,Europe,andChina. ItwantstoselectivelyacquireotherCeutatype organizationsworldwideandtoacquireConsumerHealth& Wellnessbrands’.
Edwinisalsoa‘LifeFellowofTheRoyalSocietyof Medicine’.
abilitytobemostpragmaticandcleverintheapproachand playtheroleofsituationalleadershiptoresolvethe challengesinunprecedentedtimesmakethemadmirable.
Leadershipisnotaposttoenjoy,butitisaserious responsibility.Greatleadersthinkinthisway Theyarethe personificationofexemplaryandingeniousleadership. Theyalsoholdtheabilitytocomeupwithsolutionstothe challengesevenatthespurofthemoment.Theycantake high-valuedecisionseveninunprecedentedtimes.They don’tbelieveingivingupandkeepfightingcourageously withpassionandperseverance.Theyknowthatwiththe fightingspirit,anythingcomplexcanbeovercome.They adoptanewapproachtodealingwithsituationsthatare neverexperiencedbefore.
Theworldisabattlefield.Businessleadersbelievein havingafighterspiritforsustainingtheircompetencyand valueintheworld.Theyunderstandthatnewsituationswill requirenewsolutions,andoldwaysneedtobegivenup. Theyprioritizeclearingouttheoldtomakewayforthe new
hechallengesinlifeorbusiness,oranyfieldare
Tinevitable.Challengesmakethejourneymore interesting,andovercomingthemmakeslife meaningful.Withoutchallengesjourneyoflifebecomes dull.Aneasylifedoesn’tallowustocomeoutofour comfortzoneanddosomethingextraordinary.Challenges addagoodflavortolifeandareblessingsindisguiseas challengesbringoutourrealleader.
Crisisforcesapersontobealeader,andchallengesarethe wake-upcalltothinkinnovativeandintangibletobreakthe shackles.Ifweseewiththerightperspective,obstaclesare opportunities.Pioneeringleadersbelieveintransforming challengesintoopportunities.Theybelievethattough challengesaretheopportunitiestocomeupwithmore innovativesolutions.
Unprecedentedchallengescallfordistinctiveandout-ofthe-boxsolutions.Pioneeringleadersinanyfieldchoose thisapproachtodealwithunprecedentedchallengesand understandthatnoproblemcanbesolvedwiththesame levelofthinkingwhenitarrives.
Thetimeofpandemicisunprecedentedgivesrisetonew challenges.Thegreatnessofapersonorleaderhastobe estimatedbytheirabilitytodealwithtoughtimes.Their
Notbeingstuckandalwayshavingtheattitudetodeliver whatthesituationdemandsshouldbetheattitudetobethe mostoutstandingleaderinmoderntimesfordelivering evolvingsolutionstosustainthecompetencyinthemarket.
Innovativeandout-of-the-boxthinkingisthehallmarkof pioneeringbusinessleaders.Theyarealwaysopento acceptingthenewwayofworkingandexpandingthe business.Theyensurethattheycancontinuetheir dominanceinthemarketbyservingtheirclientsevenif therearechallengingtimes.Theyarecleveratadaptingnew waystoservetheclients,buttheywillnevergiveuptheir spiritofservitude,andinthisway,theykeepexpanding theirservicestothegreaternumberofclientsandcan ensurethesuccessoftheirbusinesses.
Timeslikepandemicsmaybeunprecedentedand challenging.However,pioneeringleaderscandealwith suchsituationsalsoimmaculatelywiththeirclever, innovative,rational,andpragmaticapproach.Theycan delivervaluetotheclientsnomatterwhattheoddsor challengesare.That’swhatthegloriousleadersdo,andthat iswhattheywillkeepondoing.Inthisway,theyinspirethe nextgenerationofentrepreneurstothriveevenin challengingsituationswithaspiritoffighting,grit, perseverance,andresilience.Suchleadershipgoesalong wayinmakingasustainableimpactinthelivesofeveryone theycomeacross.
napandemic-riddenenvironmentthatwasuncertain,
Icomplex,andfast-evolving,ahandfuloforganizations haveshowntrueresilienceandbusinesssuccessunder theguidanceandnavigationofleaderswhohavebroken awayfromthearchetypal'commandandcontrol'mouldof traditionalleadership.
JudeGomes,theChiefExecutiveOfficerofUnion AssurancePLC,isamongthoseleaders.Hedrawsfroma highlyaccomplishedcareerinfinancialservicesspreadover threedecadeswithexperienceaccruedacrosskeyAsian marketsandkeyglobalfinancialinstitutions.Withover threedecadesofindustry-leadingsuccess,UnionAssurance (UAL)isthecountry'soldestprivateLifeInsurer empoweringtheSriLankandream,offeringarangeof insurancesolutionscoveringeducation,health,protection, retirement,andinvestmentneedsofSriLankans.Powered byanetworkof76branchesanda3,000-strongteamthat sharesacustomer-centricapproachtobusiness,the companycontinuedtoinvestinpeople,digital infrastructure,productsandprocessestoremainagileand responsivetoemergingandunprecedentedchangesunder Jude'sguidanceandvisionaryleadership.
Underthebanner'Yourlife,Ourstrength,'thecompanyhas nurturedtheSriLankandreaminuniqueandpersonalways tosupportitspolicyholdersandthepeopletheylove. Excellence,ethics,integrity,innovation,andacustomercentricmentalityaretheheartbehindday-to-dayoperations atUnionAssurance.
Thecoronaviruspandemicbrokeoutjustafewmonths afterJudetookthereinsastheCEOofUnionAssurance.
However,heguidedhisteamonajourneyof transformation,positioningtheCompanyasamodern, customer-centric,digitallifeinsurertoaddressthelagin technologyadoptionwithintheindustry
Withthemissionofsimplifyinginsuranceandempowering customers,theCompanyshifteditsfocustowards digitisationduringthistime.Thetransformationwas initiatedbysimplifying,innovating,anddigitisingcomplex processes,culminatinginanoverhaulofitsoperating systemtoadigitalmodel.Toprovideuninterruptedservice toitspolicyholders,theCompanyestablishedatrilingual callcentrethatoperated24/7,anonlinechatbotandenabled digitalplatformsandgatewaystomeetthegrowingdemand incustomerqueries.Furthermore,UnionAssurance disruptedthefutureofLifeInsurancebyaddingadynamic facettoitscustomerexperiencewitha100%digital platform-Clicklife,whichofferscustomerstopurchase productsinstantlywithoutanypaperworkandphysical interactionaswellasaplatformwithrealtimeselfservicingcapabilityaspartofitsend-to-endonline insurancesolution.TheappfeaturesWorldHealth Organizationapprovedchallenges,rewards,andother excitingin-appfeaturestoengageandmotivateusersto stayfitandhealthy.
Speakingaboutchallenges,Judementionedthataspectsof economicgrowth,socio-culturalfactorsandfinancial literacyhavebeenbarrierstoindustryexpansion.Inhis view,financialliteracyislowcomparedtodeveloped marketsinwhichinsurancepenetrationishigh.Thisisan importantfactorforimprovinginsuranceconsciousnessand awarenessacrosssociety.
Jude Gomes Chief Executive Officer Union Assurance PLC
Gomesarticulatedthreekeystrategieshebelieveswilldrive theinsurancesector:first,cohesivestrategiesshouldbein placetoattractandretaintherighttalent,especiallygiven thattheindustryismanpower-dominant;second,there shouldbeafocusonanomnichanneldistributionmodelto providegreateraccessibilitytocustomers;third,isin creatingefficienciesinoperationsanddeliveryplatforms makingthebuyingcycleeasy,convenient,fast,and transparent.
Judeisanardentbelieverthatleadersshouldconstantly challengethemselvesandtheirteamstoexceed expectationsandembracenewopportunities.
Empowermentisanimportantcriterionforleadingpeople andorganisationstosuccess.Tothisend,Judenurturesa workplaceenvironmentinwhichsafetyandtrustare prerequisitesforpeople’sempowerment.Whenpeoplefeel empoweredandsafeintheworkplace,itpavesthewayfor moreinnovationandadvancementstotakeplace.He believesincultivatingaculturewhereemployeeslearn frommistakesandstrivetowardsexcellence.
Insurancehastrailedotherindustriesandinparticular financialserviceswhenitcomestotransformation–digital orotherwise.Inanincreasinglydata-drivenenvironment, poorpublicperceptionofinsurerscamedowntoa combinationoffactors.Thelackoftransparencyaugmented byarchaicprocesses;lowunderstandingand misinformationofinvestmentvs.protection,lackof confidenceininsuranceagents,inadequatefocusontraining andskilldevelopment,restrictedchannelsandlimited productsuitesskewedtowardsinvestmentratherthan protection,aresomeoftheindustrychallenges.
Gomesbelievesadefiningfeatureforgrowthaccelerationis inthedepthofcustomer-centricityadopted.Protection shouldcentrearoundthepeopleitprotects.
Byrollingoutasimplifiedcustomer-focuseddigitalagenda in2019,UnionAssurancemappedoutacomprehensive customerjourney,addressingpainpoints,eliminating complexities,andcustomizingsolutionsthroughthe applicationoftechnology,settingthebenchmarkfora future-readyoperatingmodel.
“When you’re in a leadership role, developing your intuition plays a big part as your employees rely on you to make trustworthy decisions meeting needs of all stakeholders.
“It is important to note that staying true to your values and morals is key in your journey. Understanding that you don’t know everything is a very valuable lesson to learn early on. Admitting to failures, taking accountability, and making necessary changes fast is important for success.”
Understanding that you don’t know everything is a very valuable lesson to learn early on. Admi ng o failures, taking accountability, and making necessary changes fast is what is important for success.
“ “
Sincedecades,technologicaladvancementshavebeen assistinghumansinalmosteverysphereoftheir lives.Eveninthispandemicsituation,technology didn’tfailtoofferassistancetous.Theuseofrobotswas exploredextensivelybymostoftheresearchersand businesses,especiallyhealthcareorganizations,considering thefactsthattheydon’tneedmask,theycaneasilyget disinfected,andtheydon’tfallsick.Withthisidea, MohammedMubinMallick’sKiranSmarthas significantlycontributedtothedevelopmentofadvanced roboticsinthisongoingpandemicthroughitsstate-of-theartroboticssolutions.
Intheyear2017,Mubinpredictedthefutureasitisgoing totakeaturntowardssomeadvancedtechnology The thoughtcameintohismindwasrobotsasitwashis childhooddreamtohaverobots.Buthewasdemotivated anddiscouragedafterbeingrejectedonhisroboticsideaor topicbymany Thesenegativefactorsmadehimstrongerto faceandchallengethemarket.
Sincehischildhood,Mubinhasseenmanydifficultiesand hastackledthemsuccessfully,beitstudies,sports,
traveling,orlivingaloneawayfromhome.Hehasnever brokendownandhasalwaysstooduptofightthesituation. Astimepassed,thingsbecameeasierforhimtohandledue totheexperiencehegained.
MubinfoundedKiranSmartwithlotsoflovefrompeople whoreallywantedtohavetheseservicesandsolutions.He didmarketresearchinGCConrobots.Hedevelopedevery singleroboticssolutionforeveryindustryandaswellfor hometoo.HedidnotfindsuitableCEOwhowould understandhisvisionandthatisthereason,hedecidedto wearthehatofCEOaswell.
Wellversedwithdifferentroboticsmanufactureraroundthe world,MubinisworkingonhisVisionaryPrimeProject whichcouldmakehimthepioneerintheworldonrobotics servicesthathumanhasneverimaginedorexpectedonthe idea.
GettingtheBestoutofEverything Mubinmentionsthateveryjourneyisnotpleasantandthus, runningacompanysuccessfullyisalsonotaspleasantas wethink.Therearealwaysupsanddowns,becauseasa holisticviewitisacompanyandnotabusiness.
ForMubin,buildingacompanywaslikebeingonthe battleground.Asachallengehesawfinancialcrisis,getting therightpeopleforrightplaceandrightjob,findingexpert peoplewithinnovativeideas,andgettingtheinvestor. Mubinkeptongoingandtoday,KiranSmartisafirst HumanoidRobotSolutionsandServicescompanyin Kuwaithavingexistenceinmultiplelocation,providingIT servicestobusinessandhomeusers.
Mubin’sfatherlatehajiNoortaughthimtoliveforothers andservehumanity.Oneoftheincidentsthatimpactedhis lifewasthecasewherehefoundaladywhowascryingfor themoneytodothetreatmentofherdaughter.Hewasjust achildandonlycouldunderstandthatsheisaskingfor money.Hehad50paisainhispockettobuyachocolatefor heryoungersister.Hecouldnotsaynototheladybecause hertearsbroughthimdownsoemotionalthathestarted weepingandgaveher50paisa.Theladyjustsawthecoin andsaid,“My son GOD will give you enough so that you can help others and GOD will make your heart big enough to help others.” Hecanneverforgetthisincident.
KiranSmartisintoInformationTechnology,Digital Transformation,Robotics,ArtificialIntelligence,and Fintech.Mubinisofthebeliefthatthesetechnologieswill playamajorrolepost-pandemic.Thus,ifbusinessesinany industryhavetosurvive,theywillneedtoimplement Robotics,Automation,andArtificialIntelligencetomake advancedhybridsolutionstosurviveinthefuture.
AtpresentKiranSmart’sRobotServicesareinclusiveof HumanoidRobots,ServicesRobots,DeliveryRobots, EducationalRobots,LogisticsRobots,PetRobots, DisinfectionRobots,CleaningRobots.Otherthanthisithas smartdigitalscreenswhichthecompanysellassolutions andalsorentsthemout.EvenforRobots,itprovidesthe solutionsandalsorentsouttherobotsinmulti-purposeuse, providingservicesgloballyaswell.
Atthesametime,Mubinisalsoworkingonthe“Riseof RoboticsGeneration”whereheistrainingchildrenabout robots,teachingaboutrobotsbutwithlivedemoonthe company’sdifferentmodelsofrobots.Hisvisionissimple forthenext5years–toberecognizedasoneofthebest brandserviceprovidersgloballyespeciallyintermsof RoboticsServices.
Mubinandhisteamgeneratejobsforeverycategorysothat peoplecouldsurviveandfeedtheirfamilies.Heandhis teamcreatejobsfordrivers,engineers,managers, supervisors,developers,skilledandunskilledlabor,waiters andwaitress,andcleaners.Also,hesharesthecompany profitonacertainpercentageascharityacrosstheworld wherethecommunityishelpingtosurvivetheirlife. Heislookingforagreatopportunitytochangetheworld intoasmartvillagebutofcoursetheremustbeagoodteam toexecuteitlikeinvestors,businessmen,entrepreneurs, partners,engineers,andalotmore,becauseheisworking ononeofhisprojectcalledROBO2050whereeveryhouse willhaveKiranSmart’srobots.
“Information
Technology will be so advanced and if we don’t adopt ourselves in terms of business and personal life then we will be left alone to suffer.”
Mr. Sami Sharif
Thepioneeringleadershipisacombinationof exemplaryskills,abilitiesandtalents.Tolead organizationsuccessfully,itisessentialforleaders tohavegoodamountofcompetence,asitplaysa significantroleinthesuccessoftheorganizationandits clients.Whenthesamecompetenceispairedwithstrong managerialandtechnicalskills,theresultsattainedare excellent.AnembodimentofsuchaleadershipisMr.Sami Sharif.HeistheCEOofKuwaitInsuranceCompany (KIC)since2016.
PriortoKIC,Mr.Sharifhasheldvariousleadershiprolesin differentrenownedcompanies.HeearnedhisBachelor’s DegreeinMathematicsandSpacePhysicsandaMaster’s DegreeinMathematicsbothfromtheUniversityof Houston–USA.Heworkedforseveralyearsasalecturer inmathematicsandstatisticsatthesameuniversity.Heisa FellowoftheSocietyofActuaries(FSA)intheUSAsince 1996andamemberoftheAmericanAcademyofActuaries (MAAA)since1993.Besides,healsohasanin-depth experienceinlife,health,andgeneralinsurance,and takaful.Hecarriesanimmenseknowledgeofstrategic managementconsultingcombinedwithsoundactuarial background.Healsohasin-depthexperienceinlaunching andleadingnewinsuranceoperationsindifferentcountries.
KIChasafulllineofconventionalandtakafulinsurance productsforcorporateandindividualscoveringgeneral insurance,lifeinsuranceandmoneyaccumulation.Ithas morethan200employeesand10branchesinKuwait.
Mr.SharifisdrivenbyKIC’ssharedvaluesi.e. Achievement,InnovationandPeopleDevelopment.He mentionsthatthecompanycaresforitsstaff,shareholders, andclients.Itadherestoasetofvalues.
KIC’svisionistobethefastestgrowingcompanyin Kuwaitandtoexpandgeographically.Itaspirestobethe
companyofchoiceforpersonalandcommercialinsurance productsandservices.Itaimstobethefastestandthe simplestindeliveringitsservicesandthemostadvancedin usingtechnology.Itenvisionstobethecompanyofchoice foremployment.AlltheeffortsofMr.Samiareinthe directiontowardsachievingthisgoal.
KIC’smissionistoprovideitsclientswiththemost competitiveproductsintermsofbenefits,valuesand services,toprovideitsdistributionchannelswithstate-ofthe-artservices,toinvestondevelopingitsstaff,andtobea schoolofinsuranceandmanagement.Besides,thecompany alsobelievesinbeingsales-drivenandinachievingitssales target.Itbelievesindifferentiatingitselfwithinnovative Products&Services,DistributionChannels,and Technology.ItbelievesinitspeopletoexhibitKnowledge, Leadership,andCommunication&InterpersonalSkills.
Talkingaboutthechallenges,Mr.SharifsharesthatKIC hadtodealwithachallengeofpoliticalrisksincethearea isinflamedwithmanypoliticalproblemsthatleadtosome businessinstabilityintheregion.Maintainingthesizeof theportfoliowasamajorchallengeforKIC.
KICisthefirstinsurancecompanyinKuwaitandtheGCC. Ithastheadvantageofkeepingexperiencedstaffwhohave beenwiththecompanyfordecades.Takingsomeofthekey stafftothemostadvancedwaystorunabusiness,in particulartherelianceontechnology,wasachallengethat theyenjoyedthestagestoovercomeit.
Mr.Sharifisanex-consultantwithMcKinsey&Co.thathe considershisbestschool.Hestillcherishesthedayshe workedforMckinsey,thepeopleheworkedwith,andthe leadersthatheworkedundersuchasMr.DominicBarton. Inaddition,hehasworkedwithpeoplewhohadagreat influenceonhim,like:
The 10 Most Promising CEOs to Watch in 2022Ÿ
HismathematicsprofessorDr.KlausKaiseratUniversity ofHouston.
HisspacephysicsprofessorDr.BeringatUniversityof Houston.
HisfirstactuarialmanagerMr.MarcPitoniacwhotaught himhowtosurviveunderanyworkchallenges.
Mr AbbasKhalaf,RegionalpresidentofALICO, MEASARegionwhotaughthimleadership.
Mr.BarryJacobson,PresidentofACELife(nowChubb) agreatleader.
Mr.GhaziAbuNahl,PresidentofNestInvestmentshard workandperseverance.
Mr.SharifhascreatedapositiveenvironmentatKICwhere everyonethrives.Thecompanystronglybelievesinthe well-beingofitsemployees.Itstronglyencourages educationandpaysalleducationexpensestoitsemployees. Moreover,itcreatedthefirstcompanykitchenrunbya professionalcheftoprovidedailyhealthymealstoitsstaff atminimumcharges.Itcreatedanurseryatworktohelp motherswithbabykids,age0-5atnocharge.Ithasa thorough360systemtoevaluateitsemployeesobjectively andtocompensatethemfairly.ItestablishedKICacademy toofferprofessionalcoursesandtrainingtoitsstaff.
WhenCovid-19pandemicarrived,ithaditsprosandcons ontheinsuranceindustryasawhole.However,Mr.Sharif seesmoreprosthancons.Thewayofdoingbusiness becamemoretechnology-driven,astechnologyisakey successfactorforallindustriesincludinginsurance.
AKICputsabalancebetweenpeoplesafetyandbusiness safety.Assuch,itwaspresentandfunctionalinitsmarket.
ContributingtoCommunitywithWelfareServices Whenitcomestogivingbacktothecommunity,KIC alwaysstandstall.Onalmostmonthlybasis,itruns differentcampaignsExamples:
CleaningthebeachinKuwait
BloodDonationcampaign
Brestcancerawarenesscampaign
Diabetesawarenesscampaign
BeingPeoplePersonandExpandingRobustly Mr.SharifadvisesaspiringandemergingCEOsinthe insuranceindustrytoworkontheirtechnicaland managerialskills.Hetellsthemtolearntheessenceof leadershipandcultivateahealthylifestyle.Heasksthemto berough,tough,butreasonable.
Besides,healsoadvisesthemtobepeopleperson,havea largeconnectioninindustry,andtoavoidarroganceand givesmiletoeveryone.
StrikingaBalancebetweenPeopleSafetyandBusiness Safety
ecentadvancesinscienceandtechnologyhave
Rresultedinaneweraofmoretargetedtherapiesfor manydiseases.Theseadvanceshavematerialized forpatients,resultingissometrulytransformative treatments,thankstothetalentanddedicationofthelife sciencescommunity
Meetonesuchlife-scienceleaderwhohasdevelopedand commercializedsixlifesavingparadigm-changing blockbustermedicinesincancer,ultra-raredisorders,and inflammation,andwhohasbuiltfourentrepreneurial organizationsthatcreatedamajorimpactforbothpatients andinvestors.-ThomasA.Bock,MD,MBA,andCEOat Notable.
Inspiredbyhiswork,weat Insights Success hada conversationwithThomastoknowmoreabouthisjourney andhowNotableistransformingthewaycanceristreated.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Giveusabriefoverviewofyourpositionatthe company,andyourjourneysinceinception. IjoinedNotableasanIndependentBoardDirectorin2020 andthenstartedservingastheCEOinFebruary2021.At thattimeourcompanywasknownforourpredictive technologyplatformdevelopedtohelpphysicians determinewhichcancertreatmentsaremosteffectivefor theirindividualpatients.
Today,wearebeginningtoleverageNotable'sleadershipin predictivetechnologytodevelopcancertreatmentsfocused onindividualpatientswhoweknowwillrespondtoa specifictreatment.Myroleistodriveourorganizationtoa leadingprecisiontherapeuticscompanybycreatinganew classofprecisionmedicines– predictive precision medicines.
Pleasedescribethetechnologythatmakesyour companystandoutfromthecompetition.
Notable'spredictivetechnologycombinesmachine learning,laboratoryautomation,andhighthroughput screeningdirectlyonpatientbloodsamplestopredict responsestotherapieswitha92%accuracy.Overthepast years,wecreatedauniqueandcontinuouslygrowing libraryofoptimized(outofmillionsofoptions)platform conditionsandpredictivedataacrossapprovedand investigationalcancertreatments.Thisenablesustofocus onthemostpromisingcandidatemedicinesanddevelop themaspredictiveprecisionmedicinessolelyinclinically respondingpatients.Patientbypatient.Cancerbycancer
Whatisyouropinionontheadvancementsofbusinesses toimprovetheirofferingswithnewertechnological developments?
Notablerepresentsthenextgenerationofpredictive precisionmedicinesforpatientswithcancer,basedonthe emergenceofnewtechnology.Ourplatformcanpredictan individual'sclinicalresponsetocancertreatmentfroma bloodsampletaken before beginningtreatmentwitha92% accuracy.Iamproudofhowourproprietarytechnology addressesthequestionthatmattersmosttopatients,yet previouslycouldnotbeanswered:"Doctor,willthis treatmentworkforme?"
Whatisyourthoughtonthenecessityofapositivework culture?Inwhatwaysdoyouimplementitatyour organization?
Notable'scultureextendsfromitscoremissionof redefiningtreatmentforpeoplewithcancer.Forus,the patientmattersmost.Thismeansthatwenotonlypursue transformativemedicalimpactbutalso,proceed responsiblyandwiththesenseofurgencythatpatients deserve.Ourteamisspearheadingtherapeuticsolutionsat theinterfaceoftherapeutics,diagnostics,andengineering.
The 10 Most Promising CEOs to Watch in 2022Scientists,engineers,andexpertsfrommanyfieldswork togethercloselyandalsobuildoffoftheinsightsandideas fromeachother Theyworkhandinhand,peertopeerina uniqueandcollaborativeapproach.Leadingthispatientfocusedandintegrativecultureiskeytoaninnovative environment,andIbelieveitisbecauseofthisthatwehave beenabletorecruitandretaintoptalentacrossindustries.
Inwhatwayshaveyouoryourcompanycontributedto thecommunity?Ifgivenachance,whatchangewould youbringincreatinga"communityofhealthy business"?
Today,mostcancertreatmentsdeliveronlymodestclinical responseratesandfailforthemajorityofpatients,exposing themtoineffectivetherapiesandunnecessarysideeffects andtoxicities.Notable'smissionofdeliveringpredictive precisionmedicinethatworksforeachcancerpatient,and reducingunnecessarysideeffects,makesanimportant impactforthecommunity Thesetypesofadvanceswill revolutionizetreatmentforpeoplewithcancer
Whatisthebestwaytomeettoday's/tomorrow's challengeswithyourcompany'sexceptionalproducts andservicesforurgentneedscomingourway?
Inordertocreatethestreamofpredictivemedicinesthat patientscanrelyonwiththeurgencytheydeserve,itis criticalthatwecontinuetocollaboratewithindustry partnersandacademia.Havingdevelopedand commercializedmedicinesforcancerandrarediseasesfor morethantwentyyears,Iknowthatmanymedicinescan deliverahugemedicalimpactbutunfortunatelyonlyfora smallsubpopulationofthepatientswhoreceivethem. Wehavecreatedaplatformthatreproducesthehuman cancercellmicroenvironmentthatcanbeusedtotest cancertherapies,patientbypatient,witha92%accuracy,
beforetheyreceivetreatment.Thankstoourplatformand itspredictionaccuracy(asreportedbyStanford University*),wecannowengagewithprospectivepartners toco-developandlicensesuchtransformativemedicines solelyfocusedonrespondingpatients.Patientscanbe confidentthattheirtreatmentwillworkforthem,andour lifesciencespartnersbenefitfromafasterdevelopment speedandahigherlikelihoodofsuccess.
*Source:MichaelA.Spinner,…,PeterL.Greenberg;Ex vivodrugscreeningdefinesnoveldrugsensitivitypatterns forinformingpersonalizedtherapyinmyeloidneoplasms. BloodAdv2020;4(12):2768–2778.
AsanestablishedCEO,whatwouldbeyouradviceto thebuddingentrepreneursaspiringtoventureintothe industry?
Beabletopivotquicklytotakeadvantageofemerging opportunities,expectbumpsanddetoursalongtheway,and mostimportantly,staytruetoyourcorevalues.Whenyou developproductsforpatients,proceedwithextraurgency andcare.
Howdoyouenvisionsustainingyourcompany's competencyinacutthroatandvolatileworldof Security?Wheredoyouseeyourselfandthecompany inthenextfiveyears?
Partofourintegrativecultureistobeexternallyfocused andequallyseizeopportunitiesandaddresschallengeswith thebestpossibleapproaches.Challengesmakeusstronger andwillexpediteourvisionofdeliveringastreamof predictiveprecisionmedicineandredefiningthestandardof care,alwaysensuringthebestpossibleoutcomesfor patients.Patientbypatient.Diseasebydisease.
Each patient is notable and can benefit from a predictive precision medicine that works for them.
“ “
Tourselves."Well,whatdoesittaketobecomeone?
hereisasaying,"becomethebestversionof
Itisthebreakfromtheordinary,challenging orthodoxthinking,andcomingoutasthebestversionof ourselves.Itappliesthesameinleadership;today,itisthe breakfromorthodoxleadership,whichweneedwith innovativeideas.Whatelsefollowsinthejourneyofa leader?Let'shavealookthroughthisarticle.
Thewilltolearnnewthingsbycollaboratingwiththe expertsofthatparticularfieldexpandstheknowledgeofthe businessleaders.Whilewemayagreethateveryone's journeyinlifeisdifferent,itfollowsyoutilltheendonce youchoose.Buttheendgoalistomakeanimpactinthe lifeofothers,beitintheformofbusiness,sports,politics, entertainment,oranyotherniche.And,whenitcomesto business,thereisapositionwhereassisting,motivating, andimpactingthelivesofothersistheresponsibilityofthe businessleader-CEO.ThedecisionstakenbyaCEOcan haveahugeimpactontheorganization'slifeandthe people.
WhenwespeakabouttheCEO,whatarethemust-have qualitiestowatchoutfor?Theprimaryaspectcomesfrom knowingtosolvetheproblemsoftheemployeesandthe company Theteam'ssupporthelpstheCEOincritical timesandwithoutateamplayer,onecannotsucceedin businessoranyotherfield.Therestofthequalitiescomes frommaintainingaculturethatisworthinspiringand following.
TheCEOisthemostappropriateandresponsiblepersonfor meetingtheneedsoftheemployeesandthecompany The ideas,decisions,andculturesetbytheCEOmakethe companyshineineverysituation.He/sheisinvolvedin everymanagementdecisionandisthepersonwho understandstheclientsandtheemployee'sneeds.He/she
alsoactsasamediatorwhodigsdeepintoeveryproblemof allthecompanylevels,astheCEOisinvolvedinseveral meetingsrightfromtheemployeetothecompanygrowth. ThereisnosingledecisiontakenwithoutaCEO;asa matteroffact,he/sheisthefaceofthemanagement.
ThereisalotofvalueforintegrityinthelifeofaCEO becauseyouhavetoprovidehonestrecommendationsand instructionineverypartoftheorganization.Additionally, beingawareofthemarketupdatesandknow-howcomes naturally,asyougottobethebestinbusinessfortheteam andthecompany.Lastly,promotinginclusivityand diversityintheorganizationmakestheorganizationaplace tothrive.
Today,weseemoreintelligentCEOswithapositiveand freshapproachenteringthebusinessarena,breakingthe trendoforthodoxleadership.Withtheirinnovative thinking,companiesareresultinginmoreinnovative practices.TheCEOisbringingthetransformationand successfullymeetingalltheexpectationsfromtheclientsto theemployees.Ultimately,onlylivinguptothesevalues canbringtheoveralltransformationintheindustry.
ThejourneyoftheCEOisnodoubtchallengingbutlooking attheresults,itisallworthyintheend.Inaworldfullof transformation,itisbesttobalancebothtechnologyand compassion.Itwillleadusalltoabetterfuture,wherewe ashumanscannurtureandprogressevenmore,makingthe worldabetterplacetoliveforusall.
Lastly,withthis,let'sallhopethatwelivealifefullof compassionandkindnesswhatevertimewehaveonearth. Afterall,itshouldnotalwaysbeaboutthebusinessand profitbutalsoaboutcreatingaworldofopportunities, whereallthepeoplefeelincluded.And,beingaCEO,it becomeshis/herroletoleadallsuchpeoplewiththebest skillset.
Relentlessleaderssetdirectionstomakeideasinto reality.Theyfocusonproducingideasthathave practicalimplicationsforthem.Whatmakesthem standoutfromtherestistheirabilitytolistentotheirteam andrecognizetheeffectivenessoftheirofferings.Onesuch pioneerofrelentlessleadershipisThomasP.Shivers,who hasbeenconsistentlyrecognizedasanindustryleaderfor hisconstantfocusonresults,accountability,andpractical application.
Withover25yearsofexecutiveandentrepreneurial experienceintheworkers’compensationmanagedcare marketplace,Tomhasbeeninstrumentalinshapingthe industry AstheCEOandPresidentatFourStone Partners,hehascreatedauniqueconsultingfirmthathas beenwidelypraisedforitsinnovation,effectiveness,and efficiency.
We,atInsightsSuccess,caughtupwithTomtounveilhis entrepreneurialjourneyandhowFourStonePartnersis optimizingtheperformanceofbusinesses.
TomfoundedFourStoneasastartupthathasnowgrown intoanationalorganization.Thefirmstartedwithoutany privateequitymoney;FourStonehasbeenself-fundedsince itsinception.
Alongtheway,Tomhasmetgreatpeopleandgreatclients who,inonewayoranother,havecontributedatremendous
amountoflearningexperienceforhim.Ithasbeenan incrediblejourneyforTom,andthereisyetmoretocome.
FourStonehascontinueditsexpertiseintheworkers’ compensationindustryandcommercializinghealthcare productswithauniqueapproach.Tomhascentered FourStonearoundpracticalapplicationandcollaboration. Hefocuseshistimeandattentiononpracticalapplication thathelpsclientsmaximizetheiropportunitiesbasedon whattrulyworksanddevelopsimplementableand actionablestrategies.
Tombelievesinlesstheoryandmorepracticalactions.In hisopinion,whatdifferentiatesFourStonefromits competitorsisthatitprovidesitsclientswithimpactful strategiesandthenexecutesthemontheirbehalf.
FromtheperspectiveofTom,impactfulleadershipis collaborativeinnature,anditisalsoneveraskinganyoneto doanythingthatyouwon'tdoyourself.Aleaderneedstobe accountableforthedecisionsofhisorherteam.
ThepersonalphilosophyofTomis 'everybody in the room is the smartest person in the room based on the subject.' He implementsthesameatFourStone.Thisway,thebestidea wins,nomatterwhocreatesthatidea.Thisallowspeopleto beattheirbestselveswithoutanyfearandexpresstheir
pointofview,thoughts,andideasonthesubject.Atsome point,theseideasandcanbeembracedandmovedforward. Overall,thisempowerspeopletofeelfreeandnotbeafraid tomakemistakes.Thisapproachwillunlocktheir maximumpotentialinthelongterm.
Inaddition,Tomalsobelievesthathumilityisanessential traitforaleader ACEOshouldbeopentonewideasand understandthateverycolleaguebringstheirknowledgeto thebusiness.Itiscrucialtobeabletolisten.Ontheflipside ofbeingahumbleleaderisbeingrelentlessinpursuing goalsandsuccess.
Tomsays, "I've got a team of employees that count on me to be very good at my job. So, I have to be really good at my job for them. And I feel like one of the traits that I have that has allowed me to succeed is that sort of relentlessness and tenacity. If you combine that with humility and behaving honorably, I think it creates a nice culture. And I think the culture at our firm is something we're very proud of.”
Whenaskedaboutmaintainingpositiveworkcultureat FourStone,Tomsays, "I don't think you can overvalue a positive work environment and a positive work culture. I think it's incredibly paramount to the success of a firm long term. We take an immense amount of pride in the culture that we have.”
ThecultureatFourStoneiscollaborative,competitive,and family-orientedthatprioritizesperformanceandtakingcare ofeachother Thecultureisalsobaseduponpractical application;theteamatthefirmtreatsthemselveslikethey treatitsclients.Thereisn'tanytheory,esoteric, unquantifiablesortofmissionorgoal.Whenpeoplebring ideastothetableforthefirmortheclients,theyhavetobe basedonpracticalapplication,focusingonrealworld solutionsthatcanbetrackedandmanaged.
Tomandhisteamarefearlessandtenaciouswhen implementingnewthings.Theyaren'tafraidtoquickly makeeducateddecisionstorolloutnewproductsand enhanceexistingproducts.Theyworkcollaboratively,both internallyandwiththeirclientsandotherconstituents.The teamtakesmuchprideinhowtheypresentthemselvesto oneanotherandtheirclientsandindustry.
FourStonemanagedtosurviveandexperienceaslight growthduringthepandemicbecauseofitsdiversified portfolio.Someofitsproductsandservicesdidsuffer,but someofthemcouldmaintainandgrow.
Culturally,thepandemicaffectedFourStonethemostas everyonehadtoundergoaremoteworkculture.The companyimplementedsomevirtualmodelsforsomeofits productsandservicesinabrieftimeframe.Italsomeantto
We are a high energy, high intensity, results driven organization that fully engages with our clients to optimize performance.
‘‘
‘‘
trusttheteamtodotherightthingandworktherightway Fortunately,Tomhasspentmuchtimeonhiringbasedupon character Thishelpedthefirmwhenitwentremoteandhad todothingsdifferentlyovernight;thehiringphilosophy provedsuccessfulastheentireteamadjustedremarkably well.
Tomopinesthatitwascrucialtoadapttothecircumstances. Theperformanceofthecompanyinmanywayshas exceededexpectations.Infact,someoftheFourStoneTeam willcontinuetoworkfromhomepost-pandemic.
Technologyhasplayedsuchanincredibleroleinthe evolutionofhowcompaniesfunctionduringthispandemic, andTomdoesn'tthinkthat'severgoingtorollitselfback.It willgetmoreimportantmovingforward.
Tomhasanabsolutevisionoforganicgrowth,whichisa challengingroad,andhethinksinthefutureFourStonewill alsogrowthroughacquisition.Thecompanyisactively lookingatsomepotentialacquisitiontargets.Thefirm wouldalsoliketodiversifyandexpandtheservicesthatit offerstoitsclients.
Inhisadvicetoupcomingentrepreneurs,Tomsays, "Be absolutely relentless in your pursuit of success. Listen to people who know more than you, surround yourself with the best team that you can find that has complementary skills to yours, and allow them full opportunity to help grow the company with their own expertise and spirit”.
