OfferingExceptionalServices, EnrichingtheCustomer Experience
usinessesarereformingthemselvesswiftly
Bthesedays.Newsolutionstooldproblemsare emerging,whicharehelpingconsumers simplifytheirlives.Inordertocomeupwithanewer orinnovativeproductorservicesolution,ittakesthe mindofaleaderwhohaswiselyobservedthegapsin themarketsandhasdecidedtodosomethingabout them,tofixthemonceandforall.Thosewho successfullyfixitareidentifiedasinspiringchange influencersformillions.
Youmaysaythatnowadays,anyonecancomeup withnewinnovations,andwhat'ssospecialaboutit? Andyes,youcouldberightinsayingso.Butbusiness isnotallaboutinnovation.Onecanhavea groundbreakingideatoreshapethewaythingsare done.Bringingitintothemarketbravelyand promotingitwithcompleteconviction,ontheother hand,requiresthemindsofbusiness-savvyleaders.
Aleadergetstoknowtheconsumersegmentbetter throughyearsofhisorheraccumulatedexperienceor
Consumersthesedaysarewidelypreferringcompaniesthat areenrichingtheiroverallproductand/orservice experience.Thesoonertheleadersunderstandthat,the quickertheystartfocusingonthe customer-first approach.
So,canwesaytheleaders'taskendsthere?Thesimple answerisno.Tobeachange-makingleader,onemusthave acomprehensiveunderstandingofallaspectsofthe stbusiness.Thethirddecadeofthe21 -centurydemands leaderstobeontheirtoesallthetime,readytoface anythingandeverythingthatcomesintheirway
TheCOVID-19pandemicprovedtobeagreattestfor leadersaroundtheworld.Leadershadtomanagetheir workforce,consumerdemands,technologyintegration, marketing,andsalesfigures.Thisisjustaneagle-eyeview ofwhatleadersacrosstheworlddointheireverydaylives. Thecloseryougettoit,themorerealandcomplexitwill getforpeopletounderstandhowthesepeoplearemanaging theirresponsibilitiessowellday-inandday-out.Itcan certainlyleaveyouamazed.
Inthisedition,Top10InfluentialBusinessLeaders
MakingaDifference2022,wehaveidentifiedalistof businessleaderswhoarethrivingintheirrespective industrieswiththeirinnovations,ideas,waysofdoing
business,andmostimportantly,makingadifferenceinthe livesofeverystakeholderintheircompanies.Theseleaders' journeyswillinfluenceyoutobetteryourselfandyour leadershipskills.
Lastly,doreadthewell-researchedexclusivearticles writtenbyourin-houseeditorialteamontrendsformingin today'sbusinessleadershipspace.
HappyReading!
- Vishal GolekarThe
Reasons
2022 is the
Ahmed De a An Extraordinary Leader Working for Humanity
Alexandra Gerritsen
An Empowering Leader
Crea ng a Healthy Work Culture
Dr. Chad Audi
An Eminent Leader Serving Humanity
Ma hew Brown Enhancing modern Digital Marke ng through Strategic Planning
Ne a Jenkins Adding Depth to Diversity and Inclusion with Dipper
Yaniv Shachar
Crea ng Cyberworld Safer through Discipline, Innova on, and Educa on
Featuring BriefCompanyName
AhmedDetta CEOandFounder
Enviroo advanced-sd.com
Envirooiscommittedtorecyclingplastictoaregulatorystandard thatencompasseseverystrandofthecirculareconomyrecycling model.
AlexandraGerritsen PresidentandCOO
BarbaraPaldus CEO
ArtemisInstitutefor ClinicalResearch artemis-research.com
ArtemisInstituteforClinicalResearchwasestablishedin2008 byagroupofcolleagueswithextensiveclinicalresearch experience,whosharedacommitmenttodevelopingamore thoughtfulandprofessionalapproachtoconductingclinical trials.
CodexBeauty uk.codexbeauty.com
DrChadAudi PresidentandCEO
JeannieyWalden ChiefInnovationand MarketingOfficer
DetroitRescueMission Ministries drmm.org DailyPay dailypay.com
CodexBeautyLabsisabiotechcompanygroundedinscience, dedicatedtosupportingthemicrobiome,andpioneering productshavingclinicallyproven,meaningfulskincare benefits.
TheDetroitRescueMissionMinistrieshasspentover100 yearsofcontinuedserviceprovidingfood,shelterandservices tointervenewherehomelessnessandsubstanceaddiction occur
DailyPay,poweredbyitsindustry-leadingtechnologyplatform, isonamissiontobuildanewfinancialsystem.
MatthewBrown CEO
DigitalKungfu digitalkungfu.com
MikeGriffin CEO
NettaJenkins Co-founder ShannonWilkinson Founder/CEO
FirstChoiceAgents Alliance fcaalliance.com Dipper ourdipper.com
Tegocyber tegocyber.com
DigitalKungfuisapremierdemandgenerationandpipeline accelerationpartnertotechnologybusinesses.
FirstChoiceAgentsAlliance(FCAA)isaninsuranceagency networkcreatedtoassistIndependentAgentsinsecuringtop levelcompanycontractsanddevelopingbusinessplanstohelp themgrowtheirrevenuestream.
Dipperisanonline,interactivecommunityandsafe-spacefor professionalsofcolortosharetheirworkplaceexperiencesboth pastandpresent.
TegoCyberistheonlythreatintelligencecompanymade specificallyfortheSIEM,regardlessofvendor,toquickly correlatethreatsacrosslargeenterprisesandhelpsecurity operationsteamsunderstandtheirattacksurfacefaster
YanivShachar Co-founderandCEO
Cympire cympire.com
Cympirewasfoundedbycyber,simulationandgamingexperts, whobelievethatmission-readycyberprofessionalsarethekey toasaferworld.
CoverStory
Mike Griffin
Helping Insurance Agents through Independent Agency Transition
First Choice has over 350 members and is fast establishing itself as one of the greatest premium volume networks in the United States.
Theworldweliveinisadwellingfullof uncertaintiesandrisks.Individuals,families, businesses,properties,andassetsareexposedto differenttypesandlevelsofrisk.Theseincludetheriskof lossestolife,health,assets,property,etc.Althoughitisnot alwayspossibletoavertunwantedeventsfromoccurring, thefinancialworldhasbroughtaboutproductsandservices thatprotectindividualsandbusinessesagainstsuchlosses bycompensatingthemwithfinancialresources.Insuranceis suchafinancialproductthatreducesoreliminatesthecost oflossoreffectoflosscausedbydifferenttypesofrisks.
Butinsuranceisnotthemostdesirableproduct.iPhoneisa desirableproduct.Peoplestandinqueuestoavailthelatest iPhone;butyouwouldnotfindthemassesshowingthe sameenthusiasmforbuyinginsurance.Thereasonis simple:becauseinsurancemakespeopleponderonan uncomfortablequestionthattheywouldrathernotthink about–"whatifsomethingwentwrong?"
Itistheartofaskilledfinancialadvisororinsuranceagent tositdownwiththeirclientandmakethemquestiontheir futureandhowtheywouldmitigateanyriskifitwereto arise.Anindependentinsuranceagent,however,isabroker whoisnotemployedbyanyspecificinsuranceagency. Rather,theyactasamiddlemantoconnectinsurance buyersandsellersinordertofacilitateatransaction.
Buttraversingtheinsurancesectorisatrickyendeavor filledwithitsownvarietyofuncertainty.Inthepursuitto bolstertheirclients'financialfuturesandsafeguardbusiness operations,independentagentshavetorelyontheirwits andtheirtenacitytohelptheirclientsfindthebestrisk mitigationproduct.
Fortunately,thereisamanwhohasmadeithislife's missiontofosteracommunityofgrowthandprosperityfor suchindependentagents.Since1978,thismanhasbeen establishinghisprominenceandgraduallybuildingalegacy forhimselfintheinsurancesector.MeetMikeGriffin–the CEOofFirstChoiceAgentsAlliance,LLC(FCAA),the PresidentofGriffinInsuranceAgencyInc.andaMajority MemberofTarheelInsuranceServices,LLC.
UnderthesupervisionofMikeGriffin,theseagencieshave growntothepinnacleofbeingcontinuouslyrankedamong thetopagenciesinthecountry,earningnumerousindustry honorsandrecognition.Hewasinductedintothe NationwideInsuranceSalesHallofFamein2011.
Recently,Mikehasbeenhighlyinvolvedingrowinghis newestenterprise,FirstChoiceAgentsAlliance,intoabig playerintheinsuranceaggregatorindustryandis committedtodevelopingaqualityorganizationfor insuranceagentsacrosstheUnitedStates.
FCAAisaninsuranceagencynetworkcreatedtoassist independentagentsinsecuringtop-levelcompanycontracts anddevelopingmeaningfulbusinessplanstohelpthem growtheirexistingrevenuestream.FCAAguidesagentsto managecarrierrelationships,increasetheirknowledge,and setthestageforcontinuedgrowthandprofitability
TheBirthofaCareer
Whilestillinschool,Mikeworkedforhisfatherinthe HVACbusinessand,atthesametime,beganworkingparttimeinthejewelrybusinessafterschoolandonholidays.It washerethathedevelopedakeeninterestinthejewelry businessandpursueditaftercollege,takingonthe responsibilityofmanagingastoreforasmalllocalchain.
HewasintroducedtotheinsurancebusinessbyaDistrict ManagerforNationwideInsurancewhohadmovedintohis neighborhood.Littledidheknowatthetimethatthis neighborlyrelationshipwouldleadtoamajorcareer transition.
WatchinghisfathergrowhisHVACcompanyfromthe groundup,Mikepickedupsomeusefulskillsandlearned somevaluablelessonsaboutestablishingabusiness.To begin,you'llneedastrategyandthewillingnesstotake somerisksalongtheroutetoattainyourobjectives.Mike hasusedthiscruciallessonmanytimesduringhisinsurance career.
Mike's vision for FCAA's future is for it to continue to grow responsibly and to become the preferred aggregator for insurance agents across the country.Top 10 Influen al Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022 (Volume 2)
TheGriffinInsuranceAgencyandTarheelInsurance Services
Forover40years,GriffinInsuranceAgencyhasprovided superiorinsurancesolutionstoitsconsumers.Ithas establisheditselfasatrustedadvisorforitspolicyholdersin allaspectsofpersonalandcommercialriskmanagement needs,withnineofficesandover50staffmembersinthe PiedmontregionofNorthCarolina.Theagencytakesgreat prideinhavinghighlyqualified,licensedprofessionals handlingitsclients'needs.Asaresult,thebusinessis continuouslyrankedamongtheNationwideInsurance Companies'top25agents.
Becauseoftheagency'sperformanceandtheincreased needforcompetitivepricinginthebusinessmarket,there wasagrowingneedforothersourcesof'workers compensation'(WC)coverage.Afterbrainstormingwith NationwideInsuranceleadership,Mikesuggestedaconcept todevelopaWCwholesalertodealwithNationwide CaptiveAgenciesexclusivelyinordertogivethema greateropportunitytoservetheirclients.
Tarheel Insurances Services, LLC wasfoundedbyMike andhisson,RobGriffin,inNovember2005.Tarheelbegan operationsbydealingwithagentsprimarilyinNorth Carolina,butsoon,itssuccessallowedittoexpandits operationalterritoryto27states,withover1100agency ties.RobhasmanagedtheWCbusinessfromthebeginning, andtogetherwithhisdad'srelationships,thiscompany continuestoexperiencepositivegrowth.
Tarheelisdedicatedtoofferingaffordableratesandindustry knowledgetoitsagents,allowingthemtomatchtheir insuredswiththecarrierthatbestsuitstheirneeds.Tarheel givesclientsaccesstoaprofessionalstafffamiliarwith everyaspectoftheWCspace,focusingonlowering 'WorkersCompensation'expenditures.Thishas distinguishedthemasago-toproviderinthebusinessworld asaspecialtybroker.
Untilrecently, Griffin Insurance, theretailfirm,wasa captiveagencyaffiliatedwiththeNationwideInsurance Companies.WhenNationwidedecidedtorestructureits businessstrategyin2015,allowingitsagentstorepresent othercommercialcarriersforthefirsttime,aneedaroseto discovermoremarketstoservicetheirexpandingbusiness clientbase.Thiswaseasiersaidthandone,andmany agentsdiscoveredthattheyeithercouldn'thandlemore carriersorcouldn'tgettheneededappointments.
TheInceptionofFirstChoiceAgentAlliance
BasedonTarheel'ssuccess,Mikewasapproachedby severalofhispeersandaskedaboutformingawholesale brokerageoutletwhereNationwideagentscouldgoforall linesofcommercialcoverage.Mike,RonParksandfourof hishighlyrecognizedindustrypeersgatheredin Washington,DC,inMarch2015todiscusstheproposal. Andthus,FirstChoiceInsuranceBrokerswasbornaftera lotofplanninganddevelopmentfromMikeandRon!
TheconceptofFirstChoiceInsuranceBrokerswassound. However,throughouttheimplementationofthisbusiness strategy,Mikeandhiscolleaguesranintosomeunexpected difficulties.Agents(allNationwideexclusivesatthetime) werejustnotreadyorequippedtomovebusinessaway fromNationwide,nordidtheyhavethenecessary understandingofothercarrierstoeffectivelyrepresentthem inthemarket.Despitethefactthatthebrokerageunit swiftlygrewtoover270agents,Mikeunderstoodhe neededtomakeachange.
Therewasaneedforgreateragenteducationinthecarrier spaceandtherewasaneedforothercarrierstotrustthat theseagentsknewwhattheyweredoing.Therewasalsoa needfortheagentstorecognizethattheycouldsucceed outsideofNationwide.Theideaofassistingagentsin gainingadditionalrepresentationwouldbeinadequate withoutthis.
ANewDirection
MikehadachancemeetingwithDianeWagnerafter battlingwiththiscompanyideaforalmost18months.
DianewasamarketingrepresentativeforoneofFirst Choice'scarriers.Theybegantalkingaboutthecompany's uphillbattleandthetimescaleandadditionalfundingthat
The best element of partnering with First Choice is the possibility for additional money above and beyond what an agency could earn on its own.
wouldberequiredforprospectiveprofitability
Duringthisinitialmeeting,DianeinquiredifFirstChoice hadeverconsideredbecominganaggregatorinsteadofa wholesalebrokeragemarket.Aggregatorsassistagentsin settingupdirectappointmentsandthenpooltheproducer volumetocreatelargerrevenueopportunities.
Astheconversationprogressed,MikelearnedthatDiane(in apreviouslife)hadbeeninstrumentalinestablishingan aggregatorfromthegroundupandhadservedasits Presidentforseveralyears.Atthatpoint,MikeaskedDiane aboutjoiningtheteamandassistinginthetransitionfrom thepresentbusinessmodeltothatofanaggregator.Afew monthslater, Diane was appointed as the COO of First Choice Insurance Brokers
Thechangeoverwasplannedinthefourthquarterof2016, andall270+contractswiththebrokerageunitwere canceledonJanuary1,2017.Asaresult,the'new'model onlybeganwiththeoriginal20investors.Because exclusiveagentswereunfamiliarwiththeroleofan aggregatorandhowtheywouldmanagedirectwritings fromothercarriers,thecompany'sinitialgrowthwasslow Despitethis,FCAAwasabletoenrollanadditional70 agentsinitsfirstyear
FCAAToday
Today,FirstChoicehasover380membersandisfast establishingitselfasoneofthefastest-growingpremium volumenetworksintheUnitedStates.FCAAcontinually supportsitsmembersbyprovidingcontractassistance, technologyguidance,trainingmaterials,andanexperienced
managementteamdedicatedtoassistingagentsin maximizingtheirrevenue.Eachagencyreceivesadditional saleshelpasneededandannualstrategicplanningto establishandimplementplanstoachievetargetedgoals.
Topcarrieralignmentandexceptionalcompensationplans areavailabletoitsmembers.FCAAiscertainthatthetools theyoffertomemberagenciesisaroadmapforachieving profitableexpansionbyapplyingindustrybestpractices.
WhatFirstChoicebringstothetable
Thefollowingaresomeoftheadvantagesofbecominga memberofFirstChoice:
Accesstotopinsurancecompanycontracts
Significantlyhigherexcesscompensation
earningpotential
Higherbasecommissions
Amultitudeofvendorresources
Strategicplanningatthe'agencyowner'level
Producersourcing
Producerdevelopmentprograms
Bestpractices,procedures,andanalysis
Successionplanning
Internalsecurityreviews
Googlepresenceoptimization
Targetmarketingplans
Bi-weeklyeducationalwebinars
Memberportalwithcarrierandvendor resources
Monthlynewsletter
AnnualMeetingsandTradeShows
Networkscanusuallyprovidedirectcarriercodeswith lowervolumerequirementsthananagencymightreceive onitsown.Theselessstringentrulesenableanagencyto representseveralcompaniesthatitmightnototherwisebe ableto.ThebestelementofpartneringwithFirstChoiceis theopportunityforadditionalrevenueaboveandbeyond whatanagencycouldearnonitsown.Thereareno minimumpremiumrequirements,soagenciesmaystart earninggrowthincentivesandcontingencieswiththeirfirst dollarofpremiumproduction.
TheWinningSpirit
MikeGriffindevelopedadesireforwinningasaresultof hisupbringinginasports-richenvironment.It'sapassion thathe'scarriedwithhimthroughouthislife,inboth personalandprofessionalundertakings.Hisleadership approachisfilledwiththispassion,andithasshapedhis career
FCAA guides agents to manage carrier relationships, increase knowledge, and set the stage for continued growth and profitability.
MikestartedworkingwithNationwideInsurancein1978as anagent,buthismajordutiesnow,asCEO,aretolistento hismanagementteam,offercounselandassistance,and supportthemintheirtasks.Mikeisextremelyproudofthe managementpersonnelateachofhiscompanies.Heknows thateachoftheseteamsiscomposedofagreatgroupof highlydedicatedprofessionalswhodoanawesomejob directingthesuccessoftheirrespectiveareasof responsibility
Hisprofessionalaccomplishmentshavenotcomeatthe expenseofhispersonallife.MikeandhiswifeCindylive inCornelius,NorthCarolina,wheretheyliveahappyand fruitfullife.Meredyth,Robert,andCourtneyaretheirthree grownchildren.Mikeenjoysbeingwithhisfamily,aswell asbeingonthelake,onthegolfcourse,andtravelingwith hiswife.
ToaProsperousFuture
Asanexperiencedentrepreneur,MikeGriffinadviseshis employeestoalwayskeepa1/3/5-yearplaninfrontof them.Theirgoalistomaintainasteadyrateofgrowth! "Ourapproachisforagentswhobelievewhatwebelieve andwanttoseetheiragenciesflourish,"Mikeconfidently declares."Webelievewecanassisttheminachievingthese objectives,"headded.
Mikeisequallyconcernedabouthisteam'spersonal development. 'Reinvent yourself regularly, not just when you realize you're losing ground,'saysoneoftheir objectives.Infact,thisishowheviewsleadership:assisting peopleinexcellingintheirchosenfieldswithpassion.He accomplishesthisbyinstillinginthemthebeliefthatthey canovercomehardship.Thisheconsidersasuccess.
Mike'svisionforFCAA'sfutureistocontinuetogrow responsiblyandbecomethepreferredaggregatorfor insuranceagentsacrossthecountry,allofthiswhile maintainingtheorganization'squalityandintegrity
I founded Enviroo because of realizing the huge problem within the UK recycling industry after having done comparative studies in the Middle East and the EU as well as having completed the feasibility of a facility in the Middle East.
Ahmed Detta CEO and Founder, Enviroo
Ahmed De a
Inthispresentcompetitiveworld,strongleadershipis thekeyelementforthesuccessofanorganization.An effectiveleaderprovidesclarityofvision,motivates employees,andguidestheorganizationtoachieveits objective.
Anorganizationmayhavepeoplewithuniquetalentsand capabilities;however,itistheleadershipthatutilizes individualeffortstowardsthecollectivegoalsinceheisthe torchbearerfortheentireteamandcontributestosociety too.
Onesuchinfluentialandsuccessfulbusinessleaderis AhmedDetta,whorealizedtheproblemsofUKandcame upwithasolutionwithitsinnovativebrandEnviroo
AhmedDettaistheCEOandtheFounderofEnviroowith thepurposetoraiserecyclingratesbyshiftingthe behavioralhabitsofsocietywhenitcomestorecyclingon thego.
Envirooisoneofthemostinnovativerecyclingbusinesses intheUKforthinkingaroundrecyclingandofferinga solutiontopost-consumerplasticwaste.
Inthefollowinginterview,AhmedDettashedslightonthe company'sjourney,thecurrentindustryscenario,andhis visionforthecompany'sfuture.
Ahmed,pleasegiveusabriefoverviewofyourjourney astheCEOofEnviroo.
IfoundedEnviroobecauseofrealizingthehugeproblem withintheUKrecyclingindustryafterhavingdone
An Extraordinary Leader Working for Humanity
comparativestudiesintheMiddleEastandtheEUaswell ashavingcompletedthefeasibilityofafacilityinthe MiddleEast.
ThebigdifferencebetweenEuropeandtheMiddleEast comparedtotheUKcomesdowntohabitualrecycling. We havethelegislationtorecyclebutwe'remissingthehabitto recycle,especiallyon-the-gorecyclingwhichiswherethe DepositReturnScheme(DRS)comesintoplay
OthercountriessuchasGermanyhaveDRSmachines acrossthecountrysorecyclingwhentravelingiseasy.In theUKwedon'thavethatoption,soonceEnviroo distributesDRSmachinesacrosstheUKafterawhile recyclingwillbecomeanon-the-godailyhabit.
Theplasticwecollectfromthesemachines,alongwith otherplasticsfromothersources,willthengotoour recyclingfacility.Wearebuildingthefirstnet-zero recyclingfacilitynextyeartorecyclePETplastic.Weknow thatthisisamaterialthatcanbeusedlongtermandwe planonfocusingonotherplasticsfurtherdowntheline.
So,Envirooisreallythesolutiontotheproblemthatthe UKisfacingwhenitcomestorecyclingplasticnow We're heretoprovidethepracticalrecyclingelement,aswellas changeconsumerbehaviorandmindsetaboutrecycling.
TellusmoreaboutEnviroo,itsvision,andthekey aspectsofitsstrongholdinthesustainabilityand technologyarenas.
Enviroo'svisionistocreateacirculareconomyforplastic. ThelegislationisinplacebytheGovernment,wehavethe
Top 10 Influential Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022Exhibiting Excellence
Enviroo has won ‘Plastic Recycling Experts of the Year in England –2022’ from the Global Advisory Experts (GAE) Awards.
Enviroo Ltd. has been awarded Best Consumer Plastic Waste Recycling Specialists – UK in the 2021 Recycling & Waste Management Awards hosted by BUILD.
Ahmed Detta has been featured as one of ‘The 10 Most Innovative Business Leaders to follow in 2021’ by Insights Success Magazine.
Enviroo has been recognized as the ‘Most Progressive Circular Economy Recycling Firm 2019’ awarded by Build Magazine.
Enviroo was cited as one of the top disruptive tech companies to watch in 2020 by Industry Wired.
besttechintheworld,we'regoinglivewithourfirstfacility nextyearandwealreadyhavethebrandpartnerswhoare readytobuytherecycledmaterial.What'smissingisthe consumerbuy-intorecycleanduseDRSmachines.
LocalauthoritiesacrosstheUKaregoodathomerecycling, itistheon-the-gorecyclingthoseneedsfixingtoenablethe UKtobecomeafullysustainablecirculareconomy regardingplastic.Themicro-economyintheNorthwest, whereourfirstfacilitywillbebuilt,willbetheblueprintfor therestoftheUKandinternationallyoverthecoming years.
ConsideringtheexampleoftheCOVID-19pandemic, howdoyouplantonavigatethroughsimilarsituations inthefuture?
AskanybusinessownerwhattheCOVID-19pandemichas taughtthemandthereisnodoubtthatthemajoritywillsay thatit'shelpedthembecomemoreagileandbetterat planningforchange.It'salsogivenusallmoreresilience andtaughtusthatthereisalwayslightattheendofthe tunnel.So,ourvisionwillalwaysremainthesame,butwe mighthavetobeagileandmaketweakswhereneededto overcomecertainchallenges.
COVID-19gavemanyorganizationstimetotakeabreak, pauseandrevaluatetheirbusiness. However,foruswho dealwithamaterialthatisservingaprimarybasicneed,to servefoodandwater,therewasminimaldisruption.There
waslesson-the-golitterbutoncesocietygotbacktoa semi-kindofnormal,thatproblemcameback.
So,alessontobelearnedisthatthesepandemicsor challengesarecyclical,anddespitethehysteria,successful companiescanstepbackandanalysethegoodaspectsofa pandemicandbringintheirbackupplans.
PleaseelaboratemoreonEnviroo'scarbonoffset program.
Envirooiscurrentlyreviewingthecredentialsoutinthe industrynow.Ultimately,wewanttomakesurethatwewill fullyoffsetandbethefirstnet-zerorecyclingfacility.This willbemanagedthroughacombinationofindependent
assessmentsandensuringthedeliveryofthesustainability goals.
Whateffortsdidyoutakeduringthepandemicto sustainoperationsandensurethesafetyofyourteamat thesametime?
Whilstourfacilityisnotoperational,thiswasatimewhen thecompanyfocusedonlookingafterthementalwellbeing ofstaff,ensuringthattheteamhaveagoodwork-life balance.Hybridworkingbetweentheofficeandhomehas nowbecomethenormandwe'vefoundthatthiswork culturehelpstoincreaseemployeewellbeingandefficiency Keepingtheteamhappyisourtoppriority.
Whatisyouropiniononthenecessityofindustriesto leveragetechnologieslikeAIandMLindeveloping sustainableproductsfortheeconomyandmanaging single-useplasticwaste,especiallykeepinginmindthe ever-evolvingenvironmentemergency?
Weneedallthehelpwecangettotackletheplastic problem.Thisisacollaborativejourneyandeveryperson andindustryneedstogetinvolved.PETplasticisamaterial presentineverybody'slife.Ifyouuseit,youshouldbe responsibleforit.
OurtechmakesiteasiertorecycleandnodoubtAIhas helpedwiththis. Wewelcomecontinuedinnovationwithin AItomakethisprocessmoreeffectiveaswellasutilizing appstohelpmonitorandencouragepeople'sbehaviorwhen itcomestorecycling.Thetechisimportantbutifthereis poorimplementation,itisuseless.So,ifAIcanhelpcreate thesehabitualbehaviorsthiswillbeagame-changer
Asanestablishedindustryleader,whatwouldbeyour advicetothebuddingentrepreneursandenthusiasts aspiringtoventureintotheindustry?
Therecyclingindustryneedsmoreentrepreneurs,nodoubt. Itneedspeoplewhoarepassionateaboutmakingchange andpeoplewhoarewillingtothinkoutsidethebox. Currently,theUKwasteindustryislitteredwithlarge companieswhoarefulfillingobligatoryservicecontracts whichmeansthatinnovationdoesn'texist.
However,newbiestothesectorneedtobeawareofthe financialviabilityoftheirprojectandhowthiscanchange astheycreatetheteam,securethefunding,andtakethe project.Also,peopleneedtobeopen-mindedtothe differenthelpthatisoutthere.
Ultimately,you'reenteringanindustrywithnoinnovation, andthiscanbedemoralizing,sothere'saneedtobestrongwilled.
HowdoyouenvisionfurtherstrengtheningEnviroo's strongholdin2022andbeyond?
Weenvisagestrengtheningourstrongholdin2022by stickingtoourcommitmenttocreatingacirculareconomy andnotbeingdeterredbypandemicsorthehysteria surroundingit.WeremainfocusedonthelonggoalEnvirooisabusinessthatwillbesupportingthelifecycle ofplasticandrememberthatplasticwillbewithusfora verylongtime.
For2022weneedtocommenceconstructiononourfirst facilityandproduceindustryfirstandleadingfoodgrade polypropylene.We'realsoplanningtolobbyandupthe gameforresearchforDRS.Wewillbepleasedtoshareour researchresultswithLancasterUniversityattheendofthe yearwhichwillgiveinsightsintothedirectionastowhere DRSwillbesuccessfulandhowwecanimplementthat aheadoftheGovernmentannouncements.
The ChangingDynamics Leadershipofinthe Post- covid World
Leadershipisallaboutpeoplemanagement.Agood leaderleadspeopletoachievethetargetssetbythe organizationwhilemakingsurethateachoneisat theirbestandgivingtheirbest.Whenanemployeehas completecontroloverhisphysicalandmentalstates,hecan givehishundredpercenteffort.
TheCOVID-19pandemictaughtushowimportantahealth issuecouldbe!Werealizedwhatitmeanttobeasocially connectedpersonwhenthesmallestofvirusesspread rapidlythroughouttheworld,surprisingeveryoneinterms ofpersonalandprofessionalconsequences.
LeadershipChallenges–ThenandNow
RightfromthestartofCOVID-19,itwaschallengingfor everyorganizationtoefficientlymanageitsworkforce. Managementhadtofullytrustitsassignedleaderstogetthe day-to-dayworkdoneinaremoteworkenvironment.The leadershadtorelyontheirrapportwitheachoftheir colleaguestomakethework-from-homemodeleffective. Nowthatthepandemicsituationseemstobegettingunder control,organizationsaroundtheworldhavestartedtocall backtheirworkforcetotheofficesordeviseworkdaysina hybridstructure.Whilesome,afterrealizingthepotential benefitsofthework-from-homemodel,havedecidedto keeptheirworkcompletelyremote.Inanycase,thepostcovidofficesandworkstructuresnecessitategreater flexibilityfromthecorporateleadership. Managingtheworkplaceandpeopleinthefaceof
increasingdemandforagilitywillbeachallengingaswell asaninterestingtaskforleaders.Butifhandledwell,this newpost-covidleadershipperiodcouldprovetobean exemplaryshiftinthecorporateworld.Whileeveryleader hastheirideaonhowtoeffectivelymanagethepost-covid workenvironment,certainviewpointscanbefocusedonto improvetheoutcomesforeverystakeholderinthe organization.
EmbracingChange
Theglobalpandemicgaveaboosttothedigitizationof businesses.Italsochangedthewaydailyoperationsare managed.Companieshaveadoptedvarioustechnology solutionstoestablishworkplacesdigitallytobetterserve theirconsumers.Employeeshavegottenusedtothiswork culture,andthetrendofdigitizationdoesnotseemtobe slowingdownanytimesoon.
Thisisthebeginningofanewerainbusinessthatneedsto beembracedtoachievegreaterreachandthemodernization oftheworkplace.Leadersmustnotbeleftbehindin identifyingtherevolutionwearecurrently undergoing—those who can adapt promptly will flourish
AnEmpatheticApproach
Familiesacrosstheworldwentthroughalotduringthelast twoyearsofthepandemic.Professionalshadtostaybackat home.Manyhadtofacepaycuts,joblosses,thedeathsof
familymembers,domesticviolence,andalotofother similarissues.
Today,whentheyaregettingbacktotheworkenvironment orstillworkingfromhome,itisimportantforleadersto haveanempatheticapproachtoreachingtheseemployees.
A Health Comes First Approach
Itissaidthat'health is the real wealth.'DuringtheCOVID19era,wetrulyunderstoodthemeaningofthisphrase. Peoplewithunhealthyhabitsorlessfocusonfitnesswereat ahigherriskofcontractingtheCOVID-19virusthan healthypeople.
Organizationsarestartingtorestoretheirday-to-daywork now,andbyusingtheirleadershipteam,theycan encouragepeopletofocusonbetterhealth.Several initiatives,betheyonlineorin-person,couldbeorganized tomotivateemployeestobehealthy.Indoingso,itcanset agreatexampleforsocietyinmakinghealth-conscious choices.
EstablishingOrganizationalStability
TheGreatResignationssawmillionsofemployeesquitor switchtheirjobsin2021.The'I Quit' trendisstillgoing strong.Ithasleftorganizationsscramblingtofillthevacant positionsfrequently AccordingtoarecentPEWsurvey,the maincausesbehindtheseresignationsarelowpayscale,no flexibility,lackofrespect,lackofopportunityforgrowth, familyissues,etc.
Toregainpeople'sconfidenceintheeight-hour-a-dayjob, leaders must make their colleagues feel secure in their jobs Thoughitisacutthroatmarketandleaderscannotlean themselvestomakeeveryemployeefeelhappyabouttheir job, basic respect and agility must be offered to make employees feel comfortable at work.
Conclusion
Inthepost-COVIDworld,organizationsandtheir leadershipmusthandletheirworkforceempatheticallyand sensibly Also,thechangesthatwerebroughtaboutby digitizationareheretostay,andtheyshouldbeembraced. Wehaveallrealizedagreatmanybenefitsfromit. This is a terrific opportunity for corporate leaders worldwide to modernize the workspace to save resources and invest smartly
Post-pandemic Leadership - Vishal GolekarAlexandra
Gerr sen
An Empowering Leader Crea ng a Healthy Work Culture
Forclinicalresearchorganizationsworkinginsite networks,thebiggestchallengeisemployee engagement.Thoughsalariesmattertomost employees,factorssuchasempowerment,involvement, mentoring,appreciation,promotions,value,andtrustare alsoessentialforthem.
Anunengagedworkforceleadstopoorstaffretention.Thus, motivating,andengagingemployeescanhelpreducethat attrition.Itfurtherleadstoabetterpatientexperiencein clinicaltrials.
Empoweringleadersretainatalentedworkforcebytapping intotheirstaff'srepertoireofskills,talents,aswellastheir expectationsanddemandsfromtheorganization.Theydoit bycreatingaculture,wheretheentirefocusremainsonthe people,theirengagement,andtheiroveralldevelopmentby buildinganexceptionalworkplace.
AlexandraGerritsen,thePresidentandCOOofArtemis InstituteforClinicalResearch,hasalwaysbeen extremelyfocusedonemployeeexperiencethroughouther careerandhasimplementedmultipleleadershiptraining programs,andmentorshipprograms,leadingtoherearlier companyreceivingthe'BestWorkplace'award.
Inthefollowinginterview,shespokeabouttheimportance ofcreatingapeople-orientedorganizationalcultureand howshealongwithhercompanyisdoingit.
Alexandra,pleasegiveusabriefoverviewofyour journeyasthePresidentandCOOofArtemisInstitute forClinicalResearch.
BeforeIstartedatArtemisin2019,Ihadneverworkedin clinicalresearchormedicine/healthcarebefore.My backgroundisinOperationsandTechnology,workingfor
My focus was on building a culture and a team that could stay connected and continues to make sure our patients were safe and healthy when they came to our sites.
e-commercecompanies,entertainment,andgaming companies,andstartingmycareerasatechnology consultant.In2019,IwonanawardforTopTechnology ExecutiveinSanDiegoandwasintroducedtoVishaal,the CEOandfounderofArtemisInstituteforClinicalResearch, whowantedtogrowArtemisinadifferentway
WethoughtmybackgroundwouldbeagoodfitandI startedastheVPofOperationsinAugust2019.Onlysix monthslatertheCOVID-19pandemichit,andwehadto alteralotofourplans.Myfocuswasonbuildingaculture andateamthatcouldstayconnectedandcontinuestomake sureourpatientsweresafeandhealthywhentheycameto oursites.
InOctoberof2020,IwaspromotedtoPresidentandCOO andproudlyhadateamofpeoplethatwerehighlyengaged duringtheheightofthepandemic.Thepeoplehave continuedtoremainacorefocusformeatArtemiswitha goalofcreatingthemostengagedworkforceinclinical researchresultinginpatientsthatareravingfansof Artemis.
Top 10 Influen al Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022 (VolumeTellusmoreaboutArtemisInstitute,itsvision,andthe keyaspectsofitsstrongholdintheClinicalResearch Sitespace.
Artemishasacorepurposeof Prioritizing Patients, Advancing Medicine, and Improving the World.Ourvision istohavepatientsthatareravingfansofourpeopleand whatwedo.Wehavearobustreferralprogramandmake sureourpatientsarealwaysfirst.Weoperateaccordingto fivecorevalueswhicharecriticaltothesuccessofour trials:
• Weputourpatientsfirst
• WeprovideexcellentCustomerService
• WeworkasaTeam
• WeDotheRightThing
• WevalueContinuousImprovement
Ourculture,ourpeople,andourcommitmenttooperational excellenceaswellasalivingcultureofradicaltransparency haveallowedustobesuccessfulinthisspace.
ConsideringtheexampleoftheCOVID-19pandemic, howdoyouplantonavigatethroughsimilarsituations inthefuture?
Whenthepandemichit,wehadtomakeatoughdecisionto layoff25%ofourworkforceinMarch2020,itwasthe hardestdecisioninmycareer Wewereopenand
transparentwitheachteammemberaboutthedecisionwe made,andIcriedwiththemwhenVishaalandItraveledto eachsitetotelleachteammemberinperson.
Wewereabletohiresomeofthosepeoplebackinthe monthsafterwhichwasoneofthebestdaysinmycareer Wealsochosetobeopenandtransparentwiththeentire companyandheldweeklyTownHallsforanentireyearto keeptheteaminformedandupdatednotonlyonthestatus ofCOVID-19butthestatusofourteamandourstudies.
Whilewedidn'thandlethingsperfectly,wewere transparentandcreatedacultureofover-communication thathelpedusgetthroughthepandemicandcomeout stronger.NowwehavethelargestteaminArtemishistory, andwestilldoTownHallseverytwoweekstocontinue thattransparency.Ifweweretoeverencounteranissuelike aglobalpandemicagain,wewouldbetransparentwithour team,gettheirinput,andexplaintheharddecisions.
Whateffortsdidyoutakeduringthepandemicto sustainoperationsandensurethesafetyofyourteamat thesametime?
WeappointedBrittanyHeath,myDirectorofOperations,as ourCOVID-19officer.Shecomeswith15plusyearsof clinicalresearchexperienceandwastheperfectcandidate fortherole.ShekeptuptodatewithCDCguidelinesand localandstateguidelines,madesurewehadenoughPPE, andwasproactiveinensuringweweretakingallthe precautionsneededtokeepourstaffandourpatientssafe.
Duetoherleadership,wewereabletoconductsome patientvisitsremotely(wehadjustimplementedanew technologycalledCRIOthatallowedforelectronicsource documentationthatmakesuscapableofperformingdecentralizedtrials).Wecouldnothavegonethroughthe pandemicwithoutBrittany'sleadership.
Additionally,ArtemisoptedinfortheFamiliesFirst CoronavirusResponseAct(FFCRA)eventhoughitwas optionalforussincewewereanessentialorganization.We didthissoouremployeeshadextratimeoff(10dayspaid) iftheyorafamilymemberfellill.Wedidnotwantour employeestosufferfinanciallyontopofallthestressofthe pandemic.Thiswasadecisionouremployeesreallyvalued andwereabletoutilizeuntilSeptember2021.
WhatisyouropiniononthenecessityforClinical ResearchSitestoleveragetechnologieslikeAIandML inclinicalresearch,especiallywhencateringtotheever evolvinghealthcareneeds?
Artificialintelligenceandmachinelearningissomething wehaveimplementedonthepatientrecruitmentsideto improveoursuccessratewithnoshows,randomizationsin studies,andcompletions.Ingeneral,technologyhascomea longwayinclinicaltrialsduetothepandemic,butthereis stillawaytogotoallowforde-centralizedtrialsandthe abilitytoseepatientsremotelywhereverpossible.
Asanestablishedindustryleader,whatwouldbeyour advicetothebuddingentrepreneursandenthusiasts aspiringtoventureintotheclinicalresearchsite industry?
Theclinicalresearchsiteindustryischangingrapidlyover thepast5years,withmoreconsolidationthaneverbefore. ArtemisjoinedtheHeadlandsResearchsitenetworkin February2021,throughanacquisition,whichhasallowed forbetterrelationshipswithsponsorsandgreateraccessto clinicalresearchbestpracticesacrossthecountry.Forthose aspiringtogetintothisindustry,thisisagreattimeto partnerwithgroupslikeHeadlandsResearch,thatare focusingondiversityintrialsandacquiringthebestsitesin thecountryandbeyond.
HowdoyouenvisionfurtherstrengtheningArtemis Institute'sstrongholdin2022andbeyond?
ForArtemis2021wasreallyarebuildingyear,wehiredall ourSiteDirectorsandfilledallmanagementpositions withinthecompany,whichhadbeenopensince2019. Gettingthesekeyleadersinplacewasacriticalstepto allowingustocontinuetogrowin2022.
Ourfocusin2022isoperationalexcellenceatalllevels, ironingoutourtrainingprogramandexpandinginto startingmemoryclinicsatbothsites-anewservicewewill offeratnocosttopatients,whoareconcernedabout memoryloss.ArtemisisexpandingintoAlzheimer'strials aswell,whichwebelieveisanindicationthatgreatlyneeds theadvancementofmedicine.
Beyond2022,weareplanningtoopenatleasttwomore sitesby2025inCaliforniaandexpandourreachtoother communitiesthatwillbenefitfromparticipatingandhaving accesstoclinicaltrials.
Dr Chad Audi
An Eminent Leader Serving Humanity
Dr. Chad Audi President, and CEOIntoday'scompetitiveworld,leadershipisthekey elementthatmakeseverythingworkseamlessly.In eitherformulatingnewstrategicdirectionsor communicatingandmotivatingemployees,leadershipis invaluable.
Thus,everysuccessfulorganizationrequireseffective leaders.Thelucidityinvision,honestytowardsambitions, andcompassioninbehaviourarethenecessaryqualitiesto becomeatransformationalleader.
OnesuchvisionaryanddynamicleaderisDrChadAudi whoseleadershipstyleandguidancearetheessencesto achieveforemergingleaders.
DrChadAudi,withover23yearsofexecutivemanagement experienceisthePresidentandCEOofanon-profitfirm DetroitRescueMissionMinistries(DRMM).
DRMMwasfoundedin1909.Itisaleadingnon-profit organizationthatconfrontshomelessness,runssocial enterprises,offersskillsdevelopmentandjobreadiness exercises.
Inanexclusiveinterview,DrChadAudishedslightonthe company'sjourney,itsservices,andhisvisionforthe future.
AsthePresidentandCEOatDRMM,howhasthe journeybeenforyoufrom1997untiltoday,andwhat arethefactorsthatdriveyoutostaymotivated.
Thejourneyhasbeenbothchallengingandrewardingfor me.WhenIstartedhereasavolunteerin1997,itwas simplybecausesomeonehadsuggestedthatIlendahelping handtoanonprofitthatwasfacingsomefinancial challenges.
ItwasthroughthatpersonthatIfirstheardofDetroit RescueMissionMinistries(DRMM).Andtruetotype,I gaveitmybest,bringingmyfinancialexpertisetobearon theirchallenges.Thathelpedtobringmuch-needed financialstabilitytotheChristiannonprofit.
Beforethattime,Iknewlittleabouttheplightofthe homeless,thehungry,andthedrug-addicted.Allthatcame tomindwerethemenandwomenIhadseenatstreet cornersholdingsignsaskingforhelp.Onmanyoccasions, Ihadgiventhemsomemoney,believingthatwasall theyneeded.Ineverknewtruly
homelesspersonsneededmorethanthat. Butwhilevolunteering,Idevelopedadeep interestinthetaskofhelpingtobringhelpto thoseindireneed–thehomeless,hungry, hurting,andhopeless.Seeingmyhardworkand dedication,thepresidentandCEO,DonDeVos, offeredmeajobintheFinancedepartment.
Havingbeenonacountdowntothestartdateofa well-payingprivatesectorjobIhadsecured,Iwrestled withtheideaofacceptingalow-payingjobinanonprofit.Butlookingbacknow,IamgladItookthenonprofitjobatDRMM,withtheencouragementofmydad whodoubledasmymentor.Sincethen,Ihaveenjoyed helpingtoputsmilesonthefacesoflessfortunatepersons –bothyoungandold–intheDetroitarea.Youcan'tputa pricetagonit.
Enlightenusonhow DRMM hasmadeanimpacton peoplethroughitsservicetothecommunity?
thDRMMisinits113 yearoflife-changingfaith-based operationsintheDetroitarea.Sinceitsfoundingin 1909,hundredsofthousandsofmen,women,and childrenhavebenefittedfromvariousservicesaimed atturningtheirlivesaround.Many,whoforyears werehomelessonthestreets,wererehabilitatedand
I have enjoyed helping to put smiles on the faces of less fortunate persons – both young and old – in the Detroit area.You can't put a price tag on it.
equippedwithmarketableskillsthatenabledthemtoget stablesourcesofincomeandliveintheirownapartmentor single-familyhome.
Manychildrenwhoseeducationwouldhavebeencutshort becauseofdomesticviolence,parentallossofincome,or substanceusedisorderweregiventheopportunitytogrow andcontinuetheirlearninginasafeandstable environment.HomelessVeteranshavefoundhopeandhelp throughourdedicatedprograms.
CountlessDetroitkidshavemadenewfriends,takena breakfromtechnology,boostingtheirself-confidence,and developedteamworkskillsandresilienceatourstate-ofthe-artcamp–WildwoodRanchinHowellMichigan.Each month,ourfoodbankinRoseville,theLighthouseOutreach Center,continuestobeofgreatservicetoover1000 familiesfacingfoodinsecurityinMacombCounty.
Andunlikemanyothernonprofits,thebooks,clothes, shoes,toys,wintergear,furniture,andotheritemsthat generousindividualsandorganizationsdonatetousarein turndonatedtothoseinneed.Wedonotselldonateditems. Infact,wehavedifference-makingcommunityfoodandtoy distributionoutreachesinoveradozenMichigan cities–andwedosoinpartnershipwithpolice departments,mayors,etc.
Beinganexperiencedleader,sharewithusyouropinion ontheimportanceofnon-profitorganizationsworking towardspublicwell-being?
Thefactistherearemanypeopleinourcommunitieswho arefacingamyriadoftoughchallengesthatgovernments andbusinessesarenotbestequippedtodealwith.That's wherenonprofitscomein.
Theypartnerwithgovernmentagencies,businesses,and generousindividualsandfamiliestoaddressthosetough challenges.Forinstance,hereatDRMM,wehavetheright know-howandexperiencetodealwithhomelessnessand substanceusedisorderandhavewonsomanyawardsfor providingneededsolutions.
Weareefficientandeffectiveinsolvingproblemsthataffect peopleinunderservedcommunities–andwedosoata reducedcost.Besides,weareanswerablenotonlytodonor agenciesinthepublicsectorandthefoundationsbutalsoto membersofthecommunitywhoboughtintoourcharitable missionandregularlysupportusasvolunteersanddonors. Together,wechangemanylivesforgood.
ConsideringtheCOVID-19pandemic,anditsimpacton globaleconomies,howdidyoudriveyourorganization tosustainoperationswhileensuringthesafetyofyour employees?
Weheardaboutthevirusbeforeitbecamepublic knowledge,andquickly,webegantakingtherightstepsto sustainouroperationswhileprotectingourguestsand dedicatedstaff.Weboughtfacemasksandhospital-grade disinfectantsbeforemanyindividualsandorganizations rushedtogetthem.Andassoonaslocal,state,andfederal authoritiesannouncedrelevanthealthprotocols,wereadily implementedthematourvariouslocations.
Also,inpartnershipwiththeDetroitHealthDepartment, regulartestingisdoneatoursites.Wealsoopenedoverflow andquarantinesheltersthathaveprovenveryeffectivein limitingthespreadofthevirus.Whiledoingallthat,we continuedupdatingourpartnersanddonorsaboutour progress,andtheyhavebeenverysupportive.
Whatisyouropiniononinculcatinggender egalitarianismwithintheorganizationalculturefroma leadershipperspective?
WomenarehalfthepopulationoftheStateof Michigan–50.7percenttobeprecise.So,organizations thatdiscriminateagainstthemaredenyingthemselvesthe skillsandgoodworkof50.7percentofthepopulation.
Thatmeanstheyareshootingthemselvesinthefootand hurtingsociety.
HereatDRMM,weprovideemploymentopportunitiesto allqualifiedandinterestedpersonswhobelieveinour MissionStatement,irrespectiveoftheirgenderorrace.In fact,manystaffinsupervisory,managerial,andleadership positionsarefemale.Ourchiefoperatingofficer,vice presidentforprograms,HRdirector,directorofhousing, directorofcommunityengagement,anddirectorof volunteerservicesareallfemale.
Icangoonandon.Also,manyofourprogramsincities likeDetroitandPortHuronservewomeninneed,andwe haveastrongandwell-knownpolicyofnotturningaway anybodythatcomestousforhelp.
Whatadvicedoyouhaveforindividualswhoaspireto ventureintothenon-profitpublicservicespace?
Iwilltellthemtogetabroaderunderstandingoftheneeds
andchallengesoftheirtargetbeneficiaries,creategoodand mutuallybenefittingpartnershipsandalliances,hirepeople whoarededicatedtotheirmission,anddoeverything possibletokeeptheircostslowwithoutcompromisingon thequalityofservice.
Andiftheyneedcoachingandmentoring,Iwillbegladto helpastimepermits.Overtheyears,Ihavehadthehonor ofcoachingandmentoringdozensofemergingnon-profit leaderswhoaredoingverywellindifferentAmerican cities,includinghereinDetroit.
HowdoyouplanonscalingDRMManditsservicesin 2022andbeyond?
WeareabouttolaunchourCertifiedCommunity BehavioralHealthClinic(CCBHC)inLivoniaatabig
buildinggiventousbyoneofourbiggestdonors.And that'sexcitingbecausetheserviceswewillrenderthere meetimportantneedsinthecity,andwealreadyhavefine supportfromthecitygovernmentandremarkable collaborationwithimportantagenciesandorganizations. Also,weareexploringpartnershipopportunitieswith agenciesandorganizationsinafewMichigancitiesthat havetheneedforourvariousservices.
Reasons is the of Year Why 2022 Workplace Culture
Whatisculture,andwheredowefindit?
Theanswertotheclassicquestionis 213.65 million The digitsservedasanansweraretheregisteredcompanies worldwide.Everyorganization,beitsmall,medium,or largescale,isinfluenced,flourished,andexpandedwitha magicrecipeknownasculture.Butthequestionstill remains,whatisculture?
Onageneralizedunderstanding,cultureisthepractices implementedtoorganizeacommunitytofunctioninan orderlyfashion.Movingintothespecificityofthe etymologicalconceptofculture,thebestsitetoexploreis OURWORKPLACE.
Aswewalkeverystepofourworkplace,employeesare guidedtofunctionaspertheorganizationalcodeof conduct.Beittheuniformityofemployees,thedailyoffice workflow,orrejuvenatingteabreaks,weareconditioned intotheculturalbehaviorpattern.Itistheculturethatgets usgoingandflourishesusintoanorganizedcommunity
Workplaceshavealwaysbeenflexibletoadapttochanges, andwiththerecentparadigmshiftofbeingworkfromthe
officetoworkfromanywhere,2022ispredictedtobethe Year of Workplace Culture.
ComfortingEmployeeswithFlexibleWork
Thepandemicstormtookemployeesandemployersona rollercoasterride.Officecubicleswereminimizedtolaptop screens,andconferencemeetingsfoundtheirresolvein cloudsystems.Knowingtheseshifts,companiesare lookingforwardtomakingflexibleworkmodespermanent. Theseflexibilitiesoffermultiplebenefits.Itisnotnecessary tomigratetoaparticularregionforwork.Norelocationor hasslesofcommutationisneeded.
Withflexibleworkmodules,onemightworkfromthe beachsideorwhileenjoyingacupofcoffee.These restrictionsoftheorganizationalstructurehaveblurred,and newdefinitionsofworkplaceculturearegettingdefined.
RecognizingEmployees,BoostingProductivity
Outofmanyworkforcesengagementhacks,recognizing employees'hardshipsisthemajorone.Thebestsolutionto increaseworkproductivity,companiesareinculcatinga practiceofappreciatingemployeesfortheirhardshipand helpingthemcrossindividualandindustrybarriers.
Itisimportantthatemployees'contributiontothe organizationisvisible.Inthenewworldofhybridwork culture,employersareusingdatainsightstounderstand performancereportsandengagewithemployeestoamplify theirexistingproductivityratio.
Socialengagementisoneofthechallengesintheout-ofofficeworkmode,butcorporatesarescoutingfornewways tocompensatefortheoldnorm.Connectingwith employeesandenablingtheworkforcetoengagein differentactivitieswillbeapositivewayahead.
ConnectionDrivesWorkplaceCulture
Itiswidelyacceptedthatconnectionsbetweenemployees ofanorganizationalsettingplayasignificantrolein boostingworkproductivity Themoreemployeesfeel stronglyconnectedwiththeirsubordinates,themorelikely theyaretobeengagedinwork.Understandingthese dynamicsofemployeeengagement,companieswillshift theirfocustopeople-centeredprograms.
Amongstmany,thetophumanresourcehackinitiativesare diversity,equity,andinclusionstrategy Theseassist
organizationsinemployeedevelopment,fostering personnelmanagementinitspeoplewhileestablishinga bondoftrustandbelongingnessbetweenemployees, subordinates,employers,andtheorganizationalsetting.
TechnocratizingtheWorkForce
Fosteringvalue-basedtrainingtoemployeeshasmany benefitstotheorganization,andcouplingthemwith technologicaladvancementcanbethecherryonthecake!
Today,technologyhasimbibedintoeverybusiness,and encapsulatingtheadvancementistheneedoftime.Ithas becomehighlyimportantthattheofficeapplicationsbe integratedandpersonalizedaspertheorganization's employeepoolneeds.
Astechnologybridgesbetweenemployeesandthe employer,technologyawarenesshavebecomenecessary morethananoption.
TheLastWords
Withremoteworkculture,tech-mediatedcommunication hasderidedtheimportanceofhumanconnectivity,losing empathy,creatingaworldofAIautomatedrobots,andunknittingthesocialfabricofcompanies.
Movingaheadin2022,companypolicieswillfocusonan employee-centricapproachwhileutilizingtechnology marvelsforthemutualbenefitofemployeesandemployers.
Drivingthesepracticeswithacohesiveapproachcansprout aneraofsocio-economicbalanceleadingtoaworkplace culturethatexemplifiessocialharmonyandinclusive development.
- Bhushan BhadMatthewBrown
Enhancing Modern Digital Marke ng through Strategic Planning
In this era of digitization and immense online public presence, businesses cannot ignore digital marketing to flourishandsustain.
Marketers are realizing the significance of digital marketing and are plunging into it like never before.This year's digital marketing trends are expected to bring about a bigger revolution to facilitate better customer reach Digital Marketing helps companies reach their targeted audience across the globe, with little investments and higher revenue conversion.
However,mostdigitalmarketingcompaniesmarketwithouta strategy Amarketingstrategygivesbusinessesdirectionand helpsthemunderstandthecustomerandtheirpositioninthe market.
Digital Kungfu is one such company that helps businesses carveoutmarketingstrategiesandmuchmore.
DigitalKungfuhadbegunitsjourneyasacontentproduction company while offering services to a variety of clients in different industries. Digital Kungfu began its eventful run with a determined innovative outlook and has never looked backsincethen.
Today Digital Kungfu has prominent clients of the industry, including Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, and other major technologybrands.Theyhavegeneratedover$24millionfor theircustomersinover50countriesand200industries.
CEO of Digital Kungfu, Matthew Brown, articulates his vision, the journey of the company, and the impact it has
Without deal flow, technology companies can't support the businesses they serve. Each new brand we launch solves a different problem, with our proprietary technology forming the founda on of our solu ons.
created in the industry Following are the excerpts of the interview:
Matthew,pleasegiveusabriefoverviewofyourjourney astheCEOofDigitalKungfu.
DigitalKungfubeganlifeasacontentproductioncompany withavarietyofclientsindifferentindustries.Soon,our technicalteamrealizedthatabout90%ofthebusiness's clienteleweretechnologycompanies.Atfirst,itwasjustan observation,butthenwestartedconductingcustomer feedbackinterviewsandrealizedthatweworkedbestwith technologybusinessesbecausewereallyunderstoodthem. Weunderstoodtheirproducts,thechallengestheir customersfaced,theirleadgenerationchallenges,andtheir markets.
Basedontheseinsights,wetookabigrisk.Insteadof wideningournet,wenicheddownandfocusedexclusively ontechnologybusinesses.
Today,remainingniche,specializinginthetechnologysector, and working with many of the world's top technology vendors, distributors and partners has given us unparalleled insight into the value chain challenges that hardware and softwarebusinessesface.
DigitalKungfuwasthefirstsolutionwetooktomarket becauseitsolvedtheimmediateneedforsales-qualified pipelines.Withoutdealflow,technologycompaniescannot supportthebusinessestheyserve.Eachnewbrandwe launchsolvesadifferentproblem,withourproprietary technologyformingthefoundationofoursolutions.
TellusmoreaboutDigitalKungfu,itsvision,andhow itsdistinctofferingsareimpactingtheindustryandits clients.
I have always been captivated by technology. As a kid growingupinthe80sand90s,Iwatchedfirst-handasarcade gamesshiftedintoNintendos,faxesmadewayforemail,and home computers became a reality – not to mention the first NokiasandMotorolastoreachSouthAfricanshores.Inshort, I was at the forefront of the first generation who integrated technologyintoeverydaylife.
ThisfascinationwouldonlygrowasIstartedmyfirstjobata management consultancy that focused on technology outsourcing. It was the late '90s, and I could already see the impactthattechnologycanhaveonabusiness.Therighttech deployed in the right way has the potential to increase revenue, reduce risk, and reduce expenses. It's a gamechanger.
Today,DigitalKungfuisthepremierdemandgenerationand pipeline acceleration partner to technology businesses, a nicheIbelieveisessentialifourbusinessesaregoingtomake apositiveimpactontheworld.
I have always recognized that technology has the power to solve the key challenges that businesses face. Our role is to supporttheirgrowthintokeymarketssothattheycanhavethe biggestimpactpossible.
ConsideringtheexampleoftheCOVID-19pandemic, howdoyouplantonavigatesimilarsituationsinthe future?
DuringCOVID,DigitalKungfu'steamhadgrownfromten employeestofiftyemployees,asteepcurvetosupportthe company'scontinuedgrowthasnewbrandsareaddedtothe fold.
IhaveaclearvisionofwhereIwanttotakethecompanyand grow. The 2024 Vivid Vision that our leadership team is working towards includes Digital Kungfu valued as a USD100-million company by the end of 2024. You cannot accomplishincrediblefeatsasateamifyourvisionisn'tbold andaudacious.Itmustexcitethepeoplewhoworkwithyou and those that are responsible for bringing that vision to reality.
Whateffortsdidyoutakeduringthepandemicto sustainoperationsandensurethesafetyofyourteamat thesametime?
Wehadmadethedecisioninearly2020tohavefully remoteandproductivestaff.Whileimplementingweekly taskstoensurethestaffandleadershipteamwasmentally fit,Ialsotooktimeoutofmydaytocalleachstaffmember andcheckontheirwell-being.
Whatisyouropinionontheadoptionofmodern technologieslikeAIandMLinthesalesandmarketing space?
Through the years, I have realized that the business environmentismoreunpredictablethanitwasfiveyearsago andthatchangeisaccelerating.
Accelerated change can be disconcerting for some, but we havealwaysembracedthefactthatwithchangecomesgreat opportunities. We love change. The greatest businesses and teamsintheworldknowhowtoadaptandtakeadvantageof change.
It is a topic I have discussed often on my podcast,The Matt Brown Show, and it centers on whether people have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. Fixed mindsets cannot look beyond their challenges They tend towards a victim mentalityandarenotabletopivotoradapt.
On the other hand, growth mindsets are very different.They lookattheworldandask,whatI needtolearn,andhowdoI needtoadaptandchangetomakethemostofmyever-shifting environment?
Whilemanybusinessesaregoingoutofbusinessorsuffering duetoCOVID-19,BlackSwanTechnologyHoldingsandits subsidiariesaremakingthemostofthegapsinthemarket.By recognizingthatthetechnologylandscapewillalwaysevolve and that more opportunity comes with change, there is no choicebuttotakeadvantageofit.
I've always recognized that technology has the power to solve the key challenges that businesses face. Our role is to support their growth into key markets so that they can have the biggest impact possible.
Asanestablishedindustryleader,whatwouldbeyour advicetothebuddingentrepreneursandenthusiasts aspiringtoventureintothesalesandmarketing industry?
Thekeytobuildingamulti-million-dollarbusinessisfailing faster, which might sound counterintuitive, but it is the only waytochangeanindustryfromtheinsideout.
Everyonefails.Failureisgrowth.Youneedtofigureoutwhat does not work before you can perfect what does. One of the advantages that we have always had over our competitors is that Digital Kungfu fails faster We fail, learn the lesson, adjustourofferingandultimately,findsuccessatafasterrate tostayahead.
Additionally, we know that anybody can copy the products thatBlackSwanTechnologyHoldingstakestothemarket,but itisfarharder–ifnotimpossible–tocopythecultureofthe company
You don't know what you don't know, which means you are oftenreachingoutintonewterritorytofigurethingsout,and when that happens, you are very likely to stumble and fall. That'sokay–justmakesureyougetbackupagain.
NettaJenkins
Adding Depth to Diversity and Inclusion with Dipper
tcanbesafetostatethattrulygreatleadersrecognize
Itheexistingproblemsinsocietyandcomeupwith innovativesolutionstoresolvethose,makingareal difference.Inourquesttofindsuchleadersforour upcomingedition, Top 10 Influential Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022, atInsightsSuccess,wecrossed pathswithonesuchprominentleader,NettaJenkins,the Co-founderofDipper.
Inthefollowinginterview,Nettashedslightonher inspiringjourneyinthecorporateworldandthechallenges thatshefacedonthewaytobecomingtheleaderthatsheis today
PleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyastheCofounderofDipper.
MyjourneyasCo-founderofDipperhasbeenagift.Imet mybusinesspartnerJacintaMathisatourformercompany WewereamongthefewBlackfemaleleadersatthe organizationandquicklybecamesisters.Shesharedher ideaaboutDipperinacoffeeshop,anditgavemechills. Theideaofcreatingaplatformthatguidesprofessionalsto betterworkplacesandhelpscompaniesimprovewas intriguing.Shesharedhervision,andItoldherIwasallin.
Mypartner,Jacinta,knewprettywellwhatitwasliketobe Blackincorporatesettings.Herlatefather,SamMathis, waspromotedtoaleadershiproleindiversityandinclusion atDardenRestaurants,aFortune500company,inthe 1990s.
I,however,grewupinaracistaffluentneighborhood locatedinRhodeIsland,whereourneighborscouldnot standthesightofaBlackfamilyonthatblockandlookedat uswithdisgustduetothemelaninofourskin.Irecall neighborstellingtheirchildrennottoplaywithusand pullingthemintothehousewhenwegotclose.
Iremembermymombeingpulledoverinourdriveway, andtheofficersaid,"ma'am,areyoulost"?Mymomsaid, "no,Ijustparked,andI'monmyland."Oneday,while
helpingmymothercleantheleavesinourfrontyard, unprovoked,aCaucasianwomanwalkeduptomymother withrage,cursing,spitinmyface,andsaid,"Blacksdon't belonginthisneighborhood!"Stunnedasaseven-year-old, Ivowedtousemyvoicetoprotectandempower marginalizedpeopleandespeciallymyfamilyfromthatday forward.
EnlightenusonhowDipperfunctionsandwhatitsgoals are.
Dipper,atechnologyplatformaimedatreviewingand ratingdiversityandinclusivityforemployersbypeopleof color,isflippingthescriptandshiftingourworkplace culturesforthebetter.Asolutionsplatformconnectsall peopleofcolorandhelpsemployersandemployees navigatediversity,equity,inclusion,andbelonginginthe workplace.
Dipperguidesprofessionalsofcolortoabetterworkplace onereviewatatime,whethergood,badorindifferent.
Dipperisasafecommunityforpeopletogainrealinsight intothemostinclusive-equitableplacesthatactivelybreak downsystemicgaps,offergrowthopportunities,andhave zerotoleranceformicro-aggressions,discrimination,and oppression.
Dipper is safe to have honest conversations, whether positive or negative.
“
CompaniesareinvestinginDiversityandInclusion,butwe don'tseetheneedlemoving.
Dipperisrevolutionizingthe$8billioncompaniesspendon DiversityandInclusionbyofferingdata-drivensolutions. Webelievethatoursolutionswillscaleanddisruptthe workcultureglobally
Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow socialinteractionforworkingprofessionalshaschanged overtimeandwhatmorecouldbeexpectedshortly?
Wehaveagoldenruleof"donotspeaknegativelyaboutan employer."Thisleadstomanysystemicallyoverlooked employeesnotfeelingcomfortablespeakingupaboutthe harmtakingplaceintheworkplace.Theyfearthatitwill impacttheirfutureopportunities.Dipperissafetohave honestconversations,whetherpositiveornegative.
Dipperalsoqualifiesexperiencestogetanoverallsenseof howthecompanyfeelsaboutdiversity.WithoutDipper,job seekerswouldaskdifferentsystemicallyoverlooked professionalsintheirsocialnetworkoruseasocial platformlikeLinkedIninhopesthatsomeonewouldtell yousomethingfruitfulandbehonestabouttheir experiences.
DuringtheCOVID-19pandemic,whatinitialchallenges didyouface?
DuringtheheightoftheCovid-19Pandemic,Ihadababy girl.Letmetellyou,Iwassonervous.Myhusbandcould notstaywithmeovernight.Iwasalonewithmybabyand paranoid.
Ihadacesareansection,andyoutypicallyneedtokeepat leastfourdays+inthehospital,butIwasoutofthehospital thedayafter.Ihadaone-year-oldathomewhobecameill withthevirus.Hewasadmittedtothehospitalforaweek. Oh,hebecamesicktwodaysafterreturninghomewithmy
newborn.Let'sjustsayitwasatoughtimeduringthe pandemic.
Whatisyouropiniononteachinggenderegalitarianism withinthecompanyculturefromaleadership perspective?
Weshouldbechangingtheattitudesofhumanstoincrease equalityamongstbothintheworkplace.Atthispoint,that meansthatweincreaseopportunitiesforwomenin executiveroles.Thismeansthatallofusinexecutive positionsshouldbeofferingsponsorshiptowomenleaders.
Weneedtobetakingacriticallookatourexecutiveteams andaskourselves,"doesourexecutiveteamrepresentour clientele,ourworkforce,andoursociety?"Ifso,thenwe shouldbeasking,"dowehaveprocessesinplacetoensure thatwecontinuetovaluediversity?"Ifnot,thenweneedto ask,"whywouldsystematicallyoverlookedcandidateswant toworkandstayhere?"
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs andprofessionals?
Findyourtribe,anddon'tbeafraidtoaskforhelp.Youcan't dothisworkalone.Thinkaboutfolksyoucrosspathswith andreachoutto.
HowdoyouplanonscalingDipperanditsofferingsin 2022andbeyond?
Dipperisblossoming,andit'sabeautifulthingtosee.We startedsolelyfocusedonB2C,andouraudiencerequested wehaveourplatformexclusivelyintheirorganizations.As aresult,wehiredabusinessdevelopmentleader,Rahdiah Barnes,PresidentofNAMICorganizationthatnowfocuses onDippersB2Badvancement.
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“ Dipper is blossoming, and it's a beautiful thing to see.
Leaders Making a
Yaniv ShacharYaniv Shachar
Creating Cyberworld Safer through Discipline, Innovation, and Education
Since1990,theinternethastakenovertheglobe,use oftheinternetisoneoftheneedsinthisdigitalized world.Morethan60percentoftheworld's populationusesinternetservicesontheirdigitaldevices.
Writtencontent,pictures,videos,documents,andafew confidentialdataareavailableontheinternet.Onlyasmall portionofthatdatacanbeconsideredsecured,buttherest isjustthereonworld-wide-web.
Adatabreachorcyber-attackishappeningevery40 seconds,mostoftheattacksarehappeningthroughemails. So,Cybersecurityisamustnowadays.Cybersecurity containsdefendingcomputers,servers,mobiledevices, electronicsystems,networks,anddatafromthecyber attack.
Servingandprotectingthenationbydoingnationaldutyto Co-FounderandCEOofCympire,YanivShachar,from 2019heprovidessecuritytohisclientspreventingthe cyberattacks.Amanwithdisciplineandethics,took educationwhileservingthenation.Asheworkedin differentorganizationsatthemanagerlevel,heisfilledwith leadershipskills,andthefocusistocreateasaferworld withthehelpoftechnology.
Recently,wehadconversationwithYanivShachartolearn moreaboutthepersonaljourneyandhowhisorganization isdealinginthemarket.
Followingisanexcerptoftheinterview: BriefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyastheCEOof Cympire. IstartedmycareerintheIsraelinavy.Ivolunteeredforthe navalcombatofficers'courseattheageofeighteen(18)and spentthenext18yearsasanavalcombatofficerand commander
DuringmyserviceIwasabletocompletemybachelors' degreeinEconomics.
In2009,Idecidedtomakeachangeandpursueabusiness career.Ijoinedaprivatecompany–Logic,whichwas
executingmegaprojectsinthehomelandsecurityfield.I startedasProgrammanagerwhereIledaglobalgroupof projectteamsinlarge-scale,multi-million-dollar,security projectswithintheOil&Gasindustry
In2013,IwaspromotedtoleadtheProjectExecution DivisionwhereItookresponsibilityforanextensive portfolioofsecurityprogramsandprojects,globally.My responsibilitiesincludedfullprofit-lossaccountability, Projectsexecution,andbothcustomerandstakeholders' relationships.
Igainedinvaluableexperienceinalltheaspectsofasenior executiverole,anddespitethishighlychallengingand fulfillingtime,IcompletedtheExecutiveMBAprogramat TheHebrewUniversityofJerusalem.
In2015,IjoinedMagalSecuritySystemsaspartofa managementtransformation,shortlyafterthecompanywas acquiredbythelargestprivateequityfundinIsrael.In additiontoleadingtheIsraelicompany,mymaintaskwas tobuildandshapesevensubsidiariesintothe"Integrated SolutionsDivision"withdirectresponsibilityfortheother subsidiariesglobally.
Onceagain,Ifoundmyselfinahighlyrewardingand incrediblychallengingenvironment,culminating successfullywhenthedivisionwasacquiredbyAeronautics Group.
After10yearsofseniorexecutiverolesinprivateand public(Nasdaq)companiesIdecidedthatIwantedtobuild somethingnew
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We believe that missionready cyber professionals are a critical component towards a safer world.
Top 10 Influen al
Cybersecurityrelevanceincreasesyearoveryear,andwe wantedtobuildasolutionthatfocusesondevelopingthe humanaspectofcyberresilience.Weknowthattheweakest entrypointtoyourorganizationisthroughphishingattacks andsocialengineering.Therefore,yourorganizationinvests instate-of-the-artdefensivetechnologies.Unlessyour responseteamsknowwhat,theyareobservingandhow theyshouldreact,thenyourinvestmentisnotdeliveringon itspotential.
Webelievethatmission-readycyberprofessionalsarea criticalcomponenttowardsasaferworld.Ourmissionisto improvecyberprofessionals'skillsandreadinessby providingeffectivehands-onimmersivetraininginreal worldconditions–realisticscenarios,usingrealcyber defensivetoolsinasafeandchallengingenvironment.
EnlightenusonhowCympirehasmadeanimpactin theCybersecuritytrainingspacethroughitsstronghold intheindustry?
Webelieveincreatingasaferworldthroughinnovationand education.Withthatmissioninmind,webuilttheworld's mostadvancedcybersecuritytrainingandassessment platform.
Ourcloudnativeplatformenablescybersecurityteamsto gainpracticalandrelevantexperiencethatincreasestheir cyberresiliencethroughcontinuoustrainingandassessment oftheircyberskills.Thetrainingexperienceisfully
theirteams'skillsandreadinesslevel,highlighting,for example,whereimprovementsareneeded. Our"Scenario Builder"allowsourcustomersandpartnerstocreatenew trainingscenariosorcustomizeexistingscenariosin minutes.Itenablesyoutotailorand/orcustomizethe trainingtofityourspecificorganizationcharacteristics.This isauniquecapabilitythathelpsusgrowthebusinessand expandourcontentoffering.
Ourplatformalsocomeswithavastlibraryofpre-built simulations.Youcaneasilyfilterthecontentbyvariables suchaslengthofexercise,difficulty,attackvector,and topics(amongothers).Theplatformisstreamlinedto minimizethetimeandeffortneededtoprepareorsetupthe exercises.Thatisthedirectioninwhichwearepushingthe industry.
Itisveryimportanttomentionthattheplatformiscloud nativeandcompletelynon-intrusivetoyourorganization. Therearenosetupcostsorinfrastructurerequiredandwe don'tinstallanything.Allthatisneededisalaptopandan internetconnection.
Beinganexperiencedleader,sharewithusyouropinion onhowtheadoptionofmoderntechnologiesinthe cybersecuritysectorhastransformedtheindustryand whatmorecouldbeexpectedinthenearfuture? Thecyberlandscapeisconstantlytransforming.The defensivetoolsandtechnologiesareconstantly
Thatisbecausethreatactorsarealsoeverevolvingand improving,butthatishonestlyoneofthethingsIlikeabout thisindustry-everydayisanewchallenge.The developmentofnewandimproveddefensivetechnologies takestime,anditcanbedifficulttokeepupwiththe attackers.
ThatiswhyIamafirmbelieverthattheonlywaytoforge aneffectivedefenceisthroughacombinationofinnovation, education,andaglobalnetworkofindustryprofessionalsto shareknowledge.Cloud-basedcybersecuritytrainingisthe future.Itallowsustodelivertrainingforemergingthreats inafractionofthetimeitwouldtaketoorganizeaninpersonworkshoporsetupdedicatedinfrastructurefor trainingscenarios.
ConsideringtheCOVID-19pandemic,anditsimpacton globaleconomies,howdidyoudriveCympiretosustain operationswhileensuringsafetyofyouremployees? Theaccelerateddigitizationchangesthewaypeoplework andhowtheyinteractwithcontent.Whenweconceived Cympire,weknewthatacloudnativesolutionwouldbethe futureofcybersecuritytraining.
TheCovid-19pandemichasacceleratedthedigital transformation,emphasizingjusthowrelevantacloudbasedserviceis.Ourclientswereabletoseamlessly continuetheirtrainingwithoutcompromisingtheirpersonal safety
AtCympireweadaptedquicklytooperatethecompanyina hybridmodel.Workingincybersecuritymeansthatweare facedwithnewchallengeseveryday,soweapproachedit asanotherchallengeforustoovercome.Ofcourse,there areteamtasksthatareeasiertoperformfacetofaceand humaninteractionwithinateamisparamount,butsafetyis ourpriority
Whatisyouropiniononinculcatinggender egalitarianismwithinthecompanyculturefroma leadershipperspective?
Unfortunately,cybersecurityisstillamale-dominatedfield. WehopethatthepushtogetmorewomenintoSTEMwill alsomeananincreaseofwomenincybersecurity.Progress isslow,butIthinktheriseofstart-upshashelpedsetanew standardforhowworkplacescanbe.
Inrecentyears,peoplehavebecomemuchmoreconscious oftheimportanceofagoodworkenvironment.Tothatend, itisessentialtoensurethatnobodyisdiscriminatedagainst
andthateveryoneisgiventhesamerespectand opportunitiesregardlessoftheirgenderidentity.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothecybersecurityindustry andtherelatedmarket?
Ioftenhearpeoplegivingtheadvicetojustkeeptrying,and whilethatistrue,itdoesn'tpaintthewholepicture.Ifyou trythesamethingoverandoveragain,youarenotsetting yourselfupforsuccess.Youhavetotryandfailandtry again,butwhatmattersiswhatyoudoinbetweenthose steps.Youhavetokeeplearningandtrulybecomeanexpert inyourfield.Evenifyouareconfidentinyourknowledge andskills,thereisusuallystillalottolearn.Ifyouever reachapointwhereyoufeellikeyou'velearnedallthatis outthereonaparticulartopic,thenthatisanopportunity foryoutopushtheboundariesandinnovate.
Createyourownpathandgiveothersmoretolearn.This approachisasignificanttimecommitment,soyoushould chooseyourpathcarefullyandgowithsomethingyouare genuinelypassionateabout.Thatlevelofdedicationand passionisn'taguaranteeforsuccess,butitimprovesyour odds.
HowdoyouplanonscalingCympireanditsofferingsin 2022andbeyond?
CybercrimeisontheriseandCyberprofessionalteamsare understaffed,undertrained,andunprepared.Cympireis committedtocontinuouslyimprovinganddeliveringthe bestsolutionpossibletohelptackleoneofthemost importantglobalchallengesofourtime
Therearenewcyberthreatseveryday,andourteamis continuallyworkingonnewmaterialforourtraining platform.Wewillcontinuetoexpandourcontentlibraryto ensurethatourclientsarewellpreparedforcurrentthreats –andwekeepourR&Dengagedindevelopingeasierand fastercustomizationandcreationofcontent.Wearealso workingonsolutionsbasedonfeedbackfromourpartners andcustomers.Icannotsharethedetailsbutthereis definitelymuchtolookforwardto,sokeepaneyeonour LinkedInandTwittertostayuptodate.
Cympireiscreatingasaferworldthroughinnovationand education.Weinviteyoutojointheride.