naworldofbeautifulterrains,pleasantplateaus,and
Imind-bogglingdiscoveries,theurgetotroubleshoota problemandcomeupwithanovelsolutionhasbeen thedreamofmany Togetsuchaspirationintorealityand shootthenerveoftheimpossibleintothedarklight,many innovativeandstandoutleadersemphasizedonembracing thenever-endingtrailofinspiration.
Yes,thisaboveideationmightbeblossomingyourmindto thinktowardthereignofdraggingthepulseintothecloset anddivingdeepintotheinspirationalstoriesthatmade businessmenandindustrialistsintothehugesuccessthey aretoday Andtheglobalspotlightonsuchentrepreneursis justthetipoftheiceberg!
Ifyouareonthesamepage,thiseditionisaperfectmatch foryou!
Whatistheeditionabout,andwhydoesitwanderaround theideationofinnovationandinspiration? Whileyouaredippedintofindingtheanswertotheaboveideatedquestion,ensuretowalkonatrailthatexplainsthe importanceofinspirationinthebusinesscommunity
Whiletheworldgetsovershadowedinmeetingthehand-tomoutheconomy,itisthesheerresilienceandinnovative handofbusinessleadersthatscoutschallengesandstorms thecorporateobstaclesontobackstage.
Beitthemanufacturingsegment,technologyworld, corporatemanagement,hotelandhospitalityoreventhe staffingindustry;inspirationalstorieshavealwaysfoundthe primespotlight.
Withthesamemotivationandenthusiasmtoget inspirationalbusinessleadersintotheforefrontofthe businesscommunity,weatInsightSuccessresearchedtop businessleaderswhoarenotonlyturningthetideof businessbutalsoexemplifyingtrueleadership.
Whileyouwalkthroughsuchinspirationalstories,ensureto readtheinsightfularticlesopinedbyourin-houseeditorial note.
Ihopeyouhaveahappyread!
,
,
The Value of an Idea Lies in implementing it, Thus giving rise to innovative Solutions and Inspirations Stories.
Breaking Barriers, Leading Innovation, and
People to Achieve
Ulrich
Mindset, Bolstering Lives!
Lurdh Allam
Spreading Positivity through the Power of Art
Interview with Insights success
Makuachukuu Okonkwo
Foundations with Dynamic Counsel
Towards Social Equity
Closing the Gender Pay Gap
DEI in the Workplace
Strategies to Infuse Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in your Organization
Editor-in-Chief Merry D’souza Anish MillerSenior Editor
Bhushan Bhad
Assisting Editors Trishika, Shrutika Paul Belin
Art & Design Assistant
Managing Editor Sherin RodricksBusiness Development Manager
Visualiser David King Co designer Rohil Shinganapurkar Mrunalinee Deshmukh Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza
Art & Design Head
Kelly, DavidBusiness Development Executives
Technical Head Jacob Smile Assistant Technical Head
Sales Executives Mark, Alice Amar Sawant
Technical Consultants Prachi, Rajeshwari
Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka Kulkarni
SME SMO Executive Gemson
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade Research Analyst Eric Smith
sales@insightssuccess.com
June, 2022
DaveUlrich Co-founderandPrincipal
DawnTiura CEOandPresident
DerekDistenfield
COOandCo-founder
ElenaAgaragimova CEOandFounder
IritEizips CEO
LurdhAllam CEOandCo-founder
2022
ChiefPeopleOfficer
TheRBLGroup rbl.net
SourcingIndustry Group sig.org
DaveUlrich,RensisLikertProfessattheRossSchoolof Business,UniversityofMichiganandParter,TheRBLGrouphas spenthiscareerstudying,innovating,anddeliveringhuman capabilityinsightsthatmakeadifference.
DawnTiuraisthePresidentandCEOofSourcingIndustryGroup (SIG),theworld’spremiermembershipassociationrepresenting Fortune500andGlobal1000companieswithacombinedspendof $17trillionUSDinsourcingandoutsourcing.
PurePerformance Communications pureperformancecomm.com
GSDVentureStudio gsdvs.com
Bessern bessern.co
CSMPractice csmpractice.com
DeirdreBreakenridge,30+yearindustryexpert,mediatrainer andpublishedauthoroncommunication,brandinganddigital mediastrategiesaswellasthefounderandCEOofPure PerformanceCommunications.
DerekistheoperationalbrainatGSD,bringingtogetheradiverse setoftalentstoeffectivelyserveeachportfoliofirm.
AccordingtoElenaAgaragimova,theexternallikefinances, clients,andoutsourcingcanbetakenchargeof,butthemindset isanintegralandhardestpartthatrequiresmanagedand continuouslearning.
IritEizipshastakenanactivepartinthecustomersuccess community.Sheisfeaturedinpodcasts,books,andindustry eventsasasubjectmatterexpertoncustomersuccess strategyandonhowtolaunchcustomersuccessinitiativesat scale.
SMBGroup smb-gr.com ArtSmiley Artsmiley.com
LaurieMcCabebringsmorethan25yearsofexperienceinthe ITindustrytohercurrentroleasCofounder&Partner,SMB Group.
LurdhAllamisgeneratingpositivitythroughthemediumof ArtSmileyandsharinghispassionforartwiththeworld.
TBOConsultingGroup tboconsulting.com
TheGraniteGroup thegranitegroup.com
MakuachukwuOkonkwo—thecrownleaderisassistingthe globalmarketbyinfluencingbusinessdevelopmentprocesses whiledeliveringinnovativesolutionstobusinessesworldwide.
TracieSponenbergisChiefPeopleOfficerofTheGranite Group,responsibleforleadingallPeoplefunctionsforthe50locationwholesalecompany.
Webelievethatintellectual capacityisevenlyspread throughouttheworld,but opportunityisnot.If entrepreneurscanpopthe 'SiliconValleybubble'withthe capital,network,andtools theyneed,thenanyonecan buildaunicorn!
Derek Disten eld, COO and Co-founder GSD Venture Studio
Theworldisabigscarydwellingfilledwithits varietyoftwistsandturnsandwhereeveryoneis interconnected,especiallywhenitcomesto business.Whetheryouproduceandsellgoods internationallyoryoudon't,globalbusinessestendto impacteveryorganization.
Let'ssayyou'reabusinessowner,manager,oremployee. Thenanimportantquestionyoumightponderonishow canyougathertheinformation,tools,andresourcestoput yourorganizationontheglobalmap?
Self-motivatedentrepreneurshaveoftenhadtofightan uphillbattletolaunchaglobalcompanywithverylittle support.Inthatrespect,anunproventeamwithouttheright knowledgeandexpertiseorthetrustfactorisnottheideal preference.Alas,thisage-oldtraditionhascometoanend, allthankstotheinspiringCalifornia-basedenterprise–GSDVentureStudios
GSDVentureStudiostravelstheglobeinsearchofresilient teams,invitingthemtoestablishcollaborationsthatensure organizationsgrowtherightway,withoutgamesor gimmicks.LeadingfromthefrontistheastuteCOO,Cofounder,andoperationalmastermindofGSD–Derek Distenfield.
Derek'shightoleranceforambiguityandcomplexitymakes himavitalsourceofinspirationandcounselforgrowthorientedfirmsandfounders.Heisknownforintroducing ground-breakingnewideastoorganizationsthatprovide rapiddevelopmentandforbeingefficientwithlittle resources.
DerekistheoperationalbrainatGSD,bringingtogethera diversesetoftalentstoeffectivelyserveeachportfoliofirm. DerekresidesinSiliconValleywithhiswifeandtwo childrenandregularlygoestoRussiatoworkwithGSD's globalclientele.
Workingintechnologycompaniesthatwere$0failuresto $2billioncompanies,itwouldbeappropriatetosaythat Derekhasaccumulatedquiteafewbattlescars.Throughout thisjourney,Derekhasfocusedonavarietyofindustriesin bothB2BandB2Cmarkets.Heispassionateabout simplifyingexperiencesforusersbothintermsofproduct andmessaging.
Derekisthe operationalbrainat GSD,bringing togetheradiverseset oftalentsto effectivelyserveeach portfoliofirm.
Derekrealizedthispersonalmissionwhenhefirstbuiltand soldastorytellingmarketingfirmcalled Cult Following, wherehisteambuiltonlineandofflinecommunitiesfor brands.Importantly,helearnedhowtoaccomplishmissions withlittletonoresourcesandgetthingsdoneasaUSArmy officer
Eventually,asaculminationofhiscareertodemocratize financialandintellectualcapitalforstart-ups,he Co-foundedGSDVentureStudiosalongsideGaryFowler.
GaryisoneofthetopinfluencersinArtificialIntelligence andhasaglobalviewofhowcompaniesshouldbestarted.
Hebelievesthatentrepreneur2.0isdecentralizedteamsthat aregloballybasedthatareintergenerational–start-up veteranswiththebattlescarsworkingwithyoungerguys withfreshideas.
GSDtravelstheworldlookingforresiliententrepreneurs thatareboldenoughto#GoGlobal.Inthewordsofthe astuteDerek, “We believe intellectual capacity is evenly spread throughout the world, but opportunity is not. If entrepreneurs can pop the 'Silicon Valley bubble' with the capital, network, and tools they need, then anyone can build a unicorn!”
GSDalsobelievesthat'start-upsupport'todaytheworld overindexesonhelpingpeoplestartacompanyandhelping themscale.Thebetweenstageisthereasonthat80-90%of start-upsstillfail.
“By focusing on start-ups outside the Silicon Valley bubble, meaning companies with international roots or groups that have been marginalized in the US, supporting them after they have shown some success but are not ready to scale, we are curating unicorns,” addedDerek.
Atheart,thecompanycomprisesventurebuildersthattake anentrepreneurialviewoftheworld,incorporating additionalvaluessuchas Scrappiness, Loyalty,and Diversity,allwitha#GoGlobalperspective.
Whenaskedaboutthetrialsandtribulationspresentedby theCOVID-19pandemic,Derekrespondedbysaying, “The best way to navigate a crisis like COVID-19 is to act like a trauma surgeon who makes quick, deliberate decisions, and not as a neurosurgeon that waits for 100% of the information before moving forward. Additionally, you need must maintain both a realistic outcome and the incredible optimism that you will succeed.”
TheVentureCapitalistsinvestalotofmoneyin'changemakingcompanies,'however,historicallyhavebeenslowto actthemselves.Additionally,VentureCapitalhasbeenvery centralized,notdiverseatall.GSDismakingchangesby usingtechnologytoconnectitselftothewholeworldto curatethebestcompaniesto#GoGlobal.
DerekDistenfieldhasbeenfeaturedinthe'40Under40 Innovators'listbyAnalyticsInsightandcelebratedasone of'The10MostInfluentialPeopleof2020'byYahoo Finance.
Additionally,Derekisoneoftheofficialmembersofthe exclusiveForbesBusinessCouncilforsuccessful entrepreneursandbusinessleaders.Hewasselectedbased onhisdepthanddiversityofexperienceandknowledge,
GSDwillcontinue its#GoGlobal WorldTour developing authentic,tangible relationshipsthat start-upsflockto.
andsincethenhasgoneontopublishhisexpertiseon Forbes.com.
“We participated in GSD Venture Studios accelerator program in Q4 / 2021 and were very happy with the outcome. Derek Distenfield and the team provided a concrete, professional, and hands-on program for creating a clear investment deck, messaging, and strategy for a growing tech company like Choicely no-code app development platform. Derek successfully connected us with relevant investors and funds from their network that works with SaaS technology platforms like ours. We look forward to continuing a partnership with GSD Venture Studios and highlyrecommendstart-upstojointheprogram.”
-KaiusMeskane,CEOofChoicely.
“Derek and GSD have been a major part of the growth of Frostwolf. Through the program, I have been able to make great connections and build relationships with like-minded individuals, advisors, and investors.”
-NatnaelTsega,FounderofFrostwolf.
"Derek and GSD helped us to re-position our company with our capital raising. Derek is aggressive and very
precise in articulating the message, which helped us to articulate our message to the investors.”
-TonyWeeresinghe,Founder&CEOofUstocktrade.
“GSDLabshasbeenamajorpartofthegrowthof Xoxoday;throughtheaccelerator,wemadegreat connectionsandbuiltrelationshipswithlike-minded individuals,advisors,andinvestors.
GSDlabstaughtusthatSiliconValleyisnotageographic locationbutamindset.Wearethrilledtohaveworkedwith themandlearnedhowto#GoGlobalandland$30min fundingandscaleacrosstheworld.
WeareconfidentthatXoxodaywillbeaunicorn,andGSD Labswillhelpourjourneytremendously."
-ManojAgarwal,Co-FounderofXoxoday
Unlikeitscompetitors,whomakeglobaltripsonceevery fewyearsandhaveafewtokensofglobalinvestments, GSDhascompaniesfrommorethan38countries.Asfor whatthefutureholds,GSDwillcontinueits#GoGlobal WorldTourdevelopingauthentic,tangiblerelationshipsthat start-upsflockto.
GSDVentureStudios travelstheglobeinsearch ofresilientteams,inviting themtoestablish collaborationsthatensure organizationsgrowthe rightway,withoutgames orgimmicks.
Dave Ulrich Co-founder & Principal RBL Group
Everyoneexperiencesthechangingcontextof businesstoday: physicalhealth(COVID), emotionalwellbeing,societytrends,political toxicity,attentiontoenvironment,andtechnological innovation. Torespondtothiscontext,businessleadersare investinginhumancapability(talent,leadership, organization)todelivervaluetoallstakeholders.
Anenormousamountofresearchandpracticeexistsin upgradinghumancapabilityDaveUlrich,RensisLikert ProfessattheRossSchoolofBusiness,Universityof MichiganandParter,TheRBLGrouphasspenthiscareer studying,innovating,anddeliveringhumancapability insightsthatmakeadifference.
Dave answers some questions about his past and present work.
Dave,pleaseintroduceyourselfandyourprofessional backgroundtoourreaders.
IamaprofessorattheRossBusinessSchoolatthe UniversityofMichiganandafoundingpartneroftheRBL Group.Iliketostudyhoworganizationsthink,act,feeland createvalueforallstakeholders(employees,customers, investors,andcommunities).Ibelieveininsightsbasedon theory(whythingshappen),research(evidenceaboutwhat happens),andpractice(howtoshapewhatwillhappen).
Whatwasyourinspirationtostepintothebusiness consultinganddevelopmentprofession?
Decadesago,inmyundergraduatework,Itookan“OB 321”coursefromaremarkableprofessorwhochallengedus toobserve,think,andwriteabouttheorganizationsthat shapedourlives.Iwrotea10-12pagepaperweeklyabout aspectsoforganizations.Hethenencouragedmetomove fromfocusingonthelawto“OB.”WhenItoldmyparentsI wasgoinginto“OB,”theythoughtIwouldbecomea doctorsincenooneknewwhat“OrganizationBehavior” reallymeant.Sincethen,IhavehadaversionofOCD, “Organization”CompulsiveDisorder.” Organizations shapenearlyeveryaspectofourlives-wherewework, play,live,andworship.Studyingandfiguringouthowto improveorganizationscontinuestocaptivateme.
TellusaboutRBLGroup,itsmission,anditsvision. Whatroledidyouplayinfurtheringitsdevelopment andoutreach?
About20yearsago,NormSmallwoodandIfound ourselvescooperatingonseveralprojects.Wedidabook (withJackZenger)calledResultsBasedLeadershipwhich focusedonourbiasofensuringthatleaderscreatedresults. WetookRBLasourfirmnamesincewearecommittedto results.
Pleasebriefusabouttheprogramsandservicesoffered byRBLGroup.Andhowdoesitenableclientcompanies toenhancetheiroperations?
Wehavecommittedtoinnovativecontent(beathought leader)inwhatwecall“humancapability,”whichincludes thestudyoftalent,organizations,leadership,andHR.
We worktoconnecteachofthesedomainsinsidean organizationtothevalueoutsideandbelievethatfutureof workisbothinside/outandoutside/in.
Dave,tellusaboutthebooksthatyouhavewritten.How havetheybeenreceivedbythereaders?
Wehavewrittenover30books,eachaddressingaspecific challengeinoneofthefourhumancapabilitydomains.For example,wehavewrittenquiteabitonleadershipandhow leadersshouldconnecttheirattributes(competenciesor skills)toresultsinasustainableway
throughresearchandevidencetopredictwhatwillhappen. Ideasmustshapetalent,leadership,organization,andHR (humancapability)choicesandactions.Writingistheart andscienceofputtingideasintowordsintoaframework intotextandultimatelyintoabook,article,orpresentation. Writersseektocodifyideaswithimpact.
Asanexperiencedleaderinthebusinessarena,what challengesdoyouseeleadersoftodaycomeacross? Also,whatadvicewouldyouliketogivetobudding entrepreneurs?
Thestudyofleadershipisnotnew.Googleleaderor leadership,andyougetover5billionhits!Givenour research,weliketoexplorepatternsofleadershipinfive areas(seebookLeadershipCode),andweseeemerging leadershipskillsineachofthefiveareas
Pleasesharewithustheremarkablechallengesyouhave overcomeinyourcareer.Andhowhavetheyshapedyou tobecomeabetterleader?
Ioftenstepintotheunknownandtrytosolveproblemsfew havesolved.Thismeansobservingchallengesandthen seekinginnovativesolutionstothem.Intheprocess,Ioften experimentwithnewideasthatdon’tworkwellatthetime. Forexample,whydotwofirmsinthesameindustrywith thesameprofitsoftenhavedramaticallydifferentmarket valuations?Thisdoesnotmakesenseinitially,butthis questionleadsmetoexploretheintangiblevalueinvestors recognizebutdon’toftencodify Thisleadsmetowrite LeadershipCapitalIndextoofferinvestorsarigorousway todetermineleadershipquality.Someoftheseideaswere wellreceivedatthetime,somenot.
Whattipswouldyouliketogiveindividualswhowant togetintothewritingprofession?
Makeideasyourbestfriends.Ideasoftenwakemeuplate atnightorinthemorning;theystaybymemuchoftheday andendthedaywithme.Ideascomefromobservingwhat ishappeningaroundmeandtryingtounderstandwhy thingshappen(theory).Ideasneedtobecomepatterns
Wheredoyouseeyourselfinthefuture?Also,howdo youenvisionscalingRBLGroup’soperationsand outreachinthecomingyears?
OCDisalifetimedisorder Wecontinueexploring innovationsineachofthefourdomainsofhuman capabilitythroughtheory,research,andpractice.Iliketo endworkshopswiththeline,“thebestisyetahead,”which Ihopeshapesmywork.Iwanttohaveabout20%new materialevery12to18months,whichsoundseasy,but requiresagoodidea,friends.
Giveusafewtestimonialsfromyourclientsor customersandawardsorrecognitionthataccurately highlightyourcompany’spositioninthemarket.(If available/permissible)
Here are a few accolades;
Ÿ
Oneofthetop10voicesonculturebyLinkedin
Ÿ LifetimeAchievementAwardfromInstituteof ManagementStudies
Ÿ
#3(outof200)thoughtleaderin2021byPeopleHum
Ÿ "MostInfluentialGlobalHRLeader,2021”sponsored byPeopleFirstandHRDForum
Ÿ DistinguishedFellow(oneof15total),National AcademyofHumanResources
Ÿ
Initiatedthe Dave Ulrich Impact Award bytheAcademy ofManagementtohonorcontributiontoHR
Ranked#1thoughtleaderinHRbyHRDConnect
Namedoneofthe20mostinfluentialbusiness professorsintheworldbytop-business-degree(#13)
NamedtotheThinkers50“HallofFame,”arecognition oflifetimeachievementininfluencingmanagement
LifetimeAchievementAwardfromHRMagazinefor beingthe“fatherofmodernhumanresources.”
“
Writingistheart andscienceof puttingideas intowordsintoa framework.
The‘genderpaygap’or‘genderwagegap’arguably datesbacktothebeginningsofcivilization.Even so,itprominentlyemergedasanissueofpolitical discussioninthe1860sintheUnitedStates.Sincethen,the struggletomeetthewagegaphasbeenpersistentasmany socialreformistshavetirelesslymadeeffortstobringthe problemtolight,andthecorporatespaceisrecognizingthe same.Severalinitiativeshavebeentakeninthewayto ensureequalpayforequalworksincethestruggletooka headstart.Inthisarticle,wewillexploresomeoftheways inwhichthemovementtoclosethegenderpaygapcanbe givenaboost.
Youcanabsolutelysharepayinformationbecauseitis legallyprotected.Manypeopledonotbelieveit,but accordingtotheDepartmentofLabor,itis.Asaresult,you cancertainlyshareitwithoneanother.Peoplebelievethat moreclaimsofunequalpayarecomingtolightbecause more[women]marriedtomenareworking,andwhenthey workinthesameindustriesoroccupations,theycompare theirpaychecksandnoticethewagedisparity
Thereismoreinformationavailable,andallofthese methodsofsharingyoursalaryontheinternetare extremelybeneficial.Andwhenyou’reupforaraiseor beinghired,youcancheckthosewebsitestoseeifyou’re beingofferedsomethingcomparableforyourarea,job,or companysize.
Womenincoupleswithchildrenfrequentlytakeabackseat tomeninorderfortheirjobstobemoreabletobeon-call
athomeandformen’sjobstobemoreabletobeoncallat work.Womenareoftenseencompromisingtheircareers aftermarriageandhavingkidsbecausethenorminsociety saysthatawomanshouldbetheprimarycaregiverofa child.So,theynotjusthavetoperformintheirprofession butalsohavetobeafull-timecaregivertotheirchild, whichistechnicallyunpaidlabor.Itisonlyfairforcouples withkidstosharetheworkloadathomeandsupporteach otherintheirrespectivecareers.
Paidfamilyleave;increasedpublicsubsidiesforthecareof children,thesickandspecially-abled,andtheelderly; legislationtodecreasepenaltiesforpart-timework;changes totheperiodoftheschooldayandschoolvacations; decreasedtuitionandfeesatpublicuniversities;and MedicareforAll.
Sure,allthesepolicieswouldcosttaxpayersmoney,but theywouldalsocutdownout-of-pocketexpensesformost families.Becausealmosteveryoneisatriskofneeding assistanceforthemselvesoralovedoneatsomepointin theirlives,socialinsurancebenefitseveryone.
Thisisanimportantstepthatneedstobetakentoward closingthegenderwagegapbecause,accordingtoseveral surveys,morewomenareemployedatthatlevelthanmen, andtheunwillingnesstoraisetheminimumwageistaking atollonwomen.
Morewomenneedtobeawareofthelawsthatexist exclusivelytotackletheproblemofthegenderwagegap.If you’reawomanworkingatanorganizationandyounotice thatyourmalecounterpartisgettingpaidmoreforthesame workthatyou’redoing,youcanraiseaformalcomplaint aboutitbeforegoingtothelaw.Iftheorganizationfailsto acknowledgethedisparityandcontinuestopayyouless, takethehelpofthelawtoclaimyourequalshare.
Anotherstepnecessarytoclosethegenderwagegapisthat societyneedstohavebetterstructurestosupportcaregivers andcaregiving.Theresponsibilitytotakecareofayoung onealmostalwaysentirelyfallsuponawoman,beita workingwomanorastay-at-homemother Thismakesit
difficultforthewomantoexcelandprogressinhercareer. Morecommunitycarecentersshouldbeinplacetoassist workingwomenintakingcareoftheirchildren.Thiswill ensurethey’renotburntoutworkingfulltimebothathome andatwork.
Asaresultofthecontinuousstruggletomeetthegender wagegap,theworldhasmadesomeslowbutremarkable progressinthedirectionofachievingsocialequity There stillneedstobeastrongerpushinthesamedirectionto ensurethatthegapisclosedbeforetheeconomistshave predictedittobeclosed.Thiswillnotonlyhelpempower womenbutalsofostertheinclusionofdiversetalentinany givenorganization.
- Trishika Rokade
Organizations should move away from the paradigm that learning is about acquiring knowledge – in today's business dynamic – it is about helping people learn how to learn and build the mindset for change,"statesElena Agaragimova.
ElnaAgaragimovatheCEOand FounderofBessernbelieves thathavingamindsetfor changeisthekeytoeffectivelearning.
Accordingtohertheexternallike finances,clients,andoutsourcingcan betakenchargeof,butthemindsetis anintegralandhardestpartthat requiresmanagedandcontinuous learning.
Workingtowardsthischange,Bessern providesindividuals,organizations, andcorporatesakeytogrowing throughtheirwell-equippedmindset, skills,andmentalresources.Withits science-backedmethodology,the organizationintendstotransformhow peoplethink,feel,andbehaveatwork.
WithamotivetofindtheTop10 InspiringBusinessLeadersMakinga Difference2022,weatInsights SuccesscrossedpathswithElenato knowaboutherinspiringstoryand howismakingadifferenceinpeople's lives.
Delve into the interview to know more:
Elena,kindlytellourreadersabout yourselfandyourprofessional journeysofar.
Icomefromahighereducationand learningbackground,havingspentthe firstpartofmycareerworkingin varioushighereducationinstitutions aroundtheworld,followedbyshifting towardscorporatelearningandthento thecorporatesideoflearning.Itwasa hobbythatturnedintoacareerand thenabusiness.In2019–afteryears ofdoingsidegigsandtryingdifferent things–Ifinallyhadthecourageto jumpintoentrepreneurship.
Originally,IamfromRussia,and havingmovedtotheUSattheageof 13,Ididn'thavemucheducationand careerguidance,whichiswhythese topicsofprofessionaldevelopmentand howwecanbeatourbestarevery personaltome.IwishIhadthe mentorshipandadviceearlieroninmy career,soItrytogivethattopeople nowbybringingawarenessto strategiesthatworkwhenitcomesto performance.Itrulybelievewecanall havefulfillingjobswhileatthesame timemonetizinginawaythatworks forusandtakingcareofouroverall wellbeing.Itispossible–youcanlove yourjobeveryday(maybenotallday, butdefinitelyeveryday).
Ispentabigpartofmy20s experimentingwithdifferentjobsand foundthisboxtofitintoasIbeganto navigatethe'realworld'aftercollege. AndrealizedthatIdidn'tfitintoany boxes,soIcreatedmyownbut combinedallofmyexperiencesto
Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022essentiallycreatemyowncareerpath andbusinessopportunities.
Inmyfreetime,Ienjoygivingmy timeandcareerdevelopment experiencetoyoungstudentslooking totransitiontotheworldofworkpostgraduationandveteranstransitioning frommilitarytocorporatejobs.
Whatwasyourinspirationtostep intotheHumanSkillsTraining space?
ThestoryofBessernstartedafew yearsbackwhenmyco-founder(Ivan Palomino)andIhavedecidedtodo something;anybodywilltellyounotto dowhenyoustartabusiness–whichis startingabusinesswithyourfriends. After6yearsoffriendshipandseveral dinnerconversationsaboutthestateof learninganddevelopmentin organizations,wehavedecidedto combineforcesandcreateasolutionto oneofthebiggestpainsincorporate learning:gettingactualresultson
Patience is part of the game, while you pivot, innovate, go through trial and error, and re-invent your business and yourself, it is just part of the process.Elena Agaragimova CEO and Founder Bessern
learning,ortoputitbluntlyhavingas anindicatorofsuccesschangeof behaviorsinpeople.
Wehaveapersonalstoryaboutthe needtoreinventlearningtohelp individualsgetmorecontroloftheir lives.Mybusinesspartner,afterover 17yearsworkinginseniorcorporate positionshadexperiencedaburnout(& heisnotaloneinthis;infact,thisis anotherpandemicthattheworkers aroundtheworldareexperiencing); whichmadehimdecidetoleavehis seniorleadershiproleasitwasadirect causeofhisburnout.
Frommyside,Ihaveworkedin variousorganizationsandhadmyown strugglesinfindingmeaningand purposeatworkwhilefindingwaysto continuetogrowinmycareer Essentially,Ihavecreatedmycareer path,whereIfoundmypassioninthe worldoftalentdevelopmentand quicklyrealizedIcanhelppeopledo thesame.Didyouknowthatover75% oftheglobalcorporateworkforceis disengaged?Meaningtheyshowupto workanddotheirbareminimum, withoutmuchjoy,creativity,orinterest inwhattheydo.Gallup–ananalytics andadvisorycompany,releasesannual reportsonthestateoftheglobal workforce.Everyyear,Iamsaddened (althoughnotsurprised)thattheseare thenumberswearelookingat.
Thatiswhywedowhatwedoat Bessern.Becausewhenanemployeeis engaged,theydogreatwork,theyare creative,theybringtheirbesttowork &everyonearoundthem(includingthe business)benefits.Itisawin-win formula.
TellusaboutBessern,itsmission, anditsvision.Whatroledidyou playinfurtheringitsdevelopment andoutreach?
Ourpersonalstoriesdroveourpassion tomakeachangeinthewaypeople learnatwork.Butthereismorethan justpassion:
Ÿ Corporatelearninghasn'tchanged muchinthelast20years–long hoursoftrainingswithlittle opportunitiesforpractice.Ifwe don'tpractice,wesimplyforget
Ÿ E-learningsuseincorporatehas expandedbutunfortunatelyonly 15%ofparticipantsfinisha program–peopleneedtohavea feedbacklooptohavethe motivationtofinishtheendless suiteof"movieswithoutpractice”
Inthelast3years,employeesstartedto voiceouttheirconcernsaboutthe impactoftraditionaltrainingontheir development–withahighrateof dissatisfaction.
Theseweretheindicatorsforusonthe opportunitytobecomedisruptorsin thisindustry–combingprinciplesof brainscienceandtechnology.Sothat ourlearningapproachcanbeeffective andscalableinorganizations.
AtBessern-wehelppeoplebuild essentialskills,mindsetsforgrowth andresiliencetoperformattheirbest atwork.Itisalmostlikehelping peoplecreatearegularpracticeof skillsinashortandimpactfulformat.
Ivan(myco-founder)andIhavea complementarysetofskills–myfocus asCEOistheoperationalgrowthof Bessern–fromourhumblestart–
todaywehavecustomersin3 continents.Oneofmyfavoritephrases inthedevelopmentofourcompany wasinthecreationofthelearning approach–combiningfreshbehavioral scienceresearch,buildingtech,and buildingatrainingdelivery.
Pleasetellusaboutthevarious sectorsBessernservesandhowit adaptstotheclients'corporateskills trainingrequirements.
Bessernfocusesontechand engineeringindustrieswhereyou wouldtypicallyfindthemajorityof analyticalteamswhocanbenefitfrom
From Bessern's side - our aspiration by 2023 is to impact 1 million people in corporates around the world with our programs and ultimately decrease the number of people who are disengaged at work.
oursuiteofofferings.Thisisnotsuch asbigsurprisewhenyouconsiderthat thecostofhavingunproductive employeesisoftenhighinthese industries.Thus,theneedfortrying innovativesolutionstoupskill organizationsisquitehigh.
Weusuallydevelopprograms combininglivesessions,in-appaccess topracticeandaccesstofacilitators–Ourtypicalcustomeronboardingstarts withadiscussionaboutthetypeof corporateculturetheywanttohaveand what'schallengingwiththecurrent. Thisleadstotailor-madeprogram designedinordertohavequickreturns onnewbehaviorsthatneedtobe displayedintheorganization
Whatarethebiggestchallengesyou havefacedinyourcareer?Andhow havetheyhelpedyoutobecomea strongleader?
IthinkIfacedsimilarchallengesas mostwhenitcomestobeingawoman inbusiness.Insomeaspectsithelped me,inothers–therearestilllotsof stereotypesthatgoalongwithbeinga womaninbusiness&overcomingthe 'oldboys'clubisarealthing.AndI wasalsoveryluckytohavementors whoopeneddoorsformeandcreated opportunitiesformetoshineandtest myownpotential.Whenyoudo anythingthatisdifferentfromwhat mostpeoplearedoing–youwillbe doubted,youwillberidiculed,etc.
So,youveryquicklylearnwhowants toseeyouwinandwhoarethepeople youneedtosurroundyourselfwith. Youalsolearnresilience,patience,and strangelyenough–kindness.Because yourealizehowoftenwhenpeople speaktoyoutheyareactuallytalking tothemselves.Aslongasyouareable
tofilterthroughadvicethatisnot meantforyou,andyouareabletostay awareofyourownjourney,havethe rightcircleofpeoplearoundyou–you willbealright.
Asanexperiencedleader,what advicewouldyouliketogiveto aspiringentrepreneursand enthusiastswhowishtoventureinto thecompetitiveindustrythatyouare serving?
IfIhadonepieceofadvicefor entrepreneurswhoarebuildingisthat thingstaketime.Greatthingstakea lifetime.Patienceispartofthegame, whileyoupivot,innovate,gothrough trialanderror,andre-inventyour businessandyourself,itisjustpartof theprocess.Ifyoudon'tenjoythe processandthestruggle,then entrepreneurshipisprobablynotthe bestchoiceforyou.Therearemany differentwaystocreatevalueinthis world,findoutwhatitisforyou.
Wheredoyouseeyourselfinthe future?Also,howdoyouenvision scalingyourbusinessoperationsand outreachinthecomingyears?
IseemyselfexpandingBessernin differentpartsoftheworld,continuing ourmissionandimpactingpeople aroundtheworld.
Iseemyselfdivingmoreintoyouth educationandprograms,particularlyin lowsocio-economicareaswhereitis neededthemost.Ithinkeducationis oneofthebiggestgiftswecangiveto thenextgeneration.Wedon'tknow whatwedon'tknowandbringing awarenessandaccesstoareasofthe worldwhereyouthneeditthemostis whereIwouldliketofocus–afterall–theyareourfuture.Weowethemthat much.Iseemyselfcontinuingmy multi-dimensionaljourneyintheworld ofprofessionaldevelopmentandaspire togetadegreeinClinicalPsychology aswell,toaddmyworkwith individuals.
FromBessern'sside-ouraspirationby 2023istoimpact1millionpeoplein corporatesaroundtheworldwithour programsandultimatelydecreasethe numberofpeoplewhoaredisengaged atwork.Within10years'timeframe, ourdreamistomakeBesserna householdnamethatmakesanimpact notonlyinorganizationsbutalso individuallivesaroundtheworld.We alsohaveaveryaspirationalarmtoour business–BloomYouth–wherewe arelookingtoclosethegapbetween educationalinstitutionsandthe corporateworldwhenitcomesto preparingouryouthforthefuture.
reationandcontemplationhavebecomevital
Cantidotesforoverstimulatedandoccupiedminds.It notonlyassistsinbringingthesemindstogether butcanalsobeusedasapowerfulcollectivetoolfor healingandcatharsis.
That'sthepowerofart,andLurdhAllamhasfelt compelledtousethispowerbynotjusttakinganactivepart inbuildingthecommunitybutalsogivingbacktosociety TheCEOandCo-founderofArtSmileyisgenerating positivitythroughthismediumandsharinghispassionfor artwiththeworld.
Makingartaccessibleandaffordableacrosstheglobe,Mr Allam,hassuccessfullyexpandedArtSmiley'swings acrosstheworldinvariousverticals.Hebelievesnotonly inworkingwiththeestablishedartistbutalsowiththebest upcomingartistsinordertoshowcasetheirtalenttothe worldthroughhisplatform—ArtSmileyBizz.
Weat Insights Success encounteredwithMr Allamwhile seekingtofindthe Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022.InordertolearnaboutMr AllamandhowheismakingadifferenceintheArt Industry,kindlygothroughtheinterviewhighlights.
Mr.Allam,pleasegiveusabriefoverviewofyour journeyastheCEOandCo-founderofArtSmiley. Thankyouforgivingmethepleasureofintroducingmyself asLurdhAllam,CEO,andCo-founderofArtSmiley Professionally,IhaveworkedasaSeniorManagement Professionalforthepast20years,workingwith multinationalcorporationsthroughoutEuropeandthe MiddleEast.Myexperienceencompassesabroadrangeof operationalandmanagementresponsibilities.
IamthefounderofArtSmiley,amarketplaceconnecting artistsandbuyers.Ihaveapassionforart,whichinspired
metocreatemyplatform.Inmyvision,Ienvisioneda platformforconnectingartistsandhelpingthemreach biggeraudiences.Itdawnedonmethatifartistscould monetizetheirworkthroughaplatform,boththeartistsand audienceswouldbenefit.IfoundedArtSmileytomakethat happen.Withourplatform,artistscanrentandselltheirart easily Withanimmersiveexperience,youcanshopforthe bestartandsculptureatArtSmiley
PleasetellouraudienceaboutArtSmiley,itsUSPs,and howitiscurrentlypositionedasaleadingnameinthe retailartsuppliesmarket.
ArtSmileyisaglobalmarketplaceforthesaleofart.Itwas launchedin2017inDubai.Withaglobalnetworkofmore than2000artists,wecanconnectyouwithuniqueartists acrossthecountry.OurtechnologyenablesArtSmileyto facilitateconnectivityandaccessibilitytoartwork.Weare leadingtheindustry,usheringinaneweraoftheart industry.Ourstunningartworkandpaintingswilltransform yourofficeorhomeintoabetterplace.Wealwayslookfor opportunitiesthatmakeconnectourlifewithartworks.
Withourdedicatedbusinessservicesplatform ArtSmileybiz,weoffersolutionsforvariousdomains,such asrealestate,healthcare,hospitality,educational institutions,andhomedecor.Ourartistsarespreadacross 50differentcountries,creatingworksofartuniquetoour clients,makingusoneoftheworld'smostartlovers landmarks.ArtSmileyusestrendingtechnologiessuchas IoT,AI,andblockchainforhigh-qualityservices.Wenever wanttomissvaluableartthroughoutcustomerlife,whichis whyweofferartrentalsforspecificregionsofourservice.
TellusmoreaboutArtSmiley'sofferingsandservices andwhataspectsmakeitstandoutintheindustry.
ArtSmileystartedwiththemottoofconnectingartistsand artbuyersthroughanintuitiveplatform.Weholdpridein
beingthefirstserviceprovidertodeliverworld-classart servicessatisfyingtheincreasingdemandsofourclients. ArtSmileyisaleadingbrandintheMiddleEastthathas partneredwithartexhibitionsandartfairstoexpandour collectionofhigh-endartondisplay
OurmultichainNFTmarketplacewillofferbothtraditional anddigitalartwork,increasingthedemandforcreative artwork.Besidesofferingoriginalartworksfromartiststo corporationsandindividuals,wehaveexpandedour servicestoincludeartprinting,whichisagrowingindustry. Wecanprintwallpapers,vinylstickers,glass,wood,metal, ceramics,murals,androyalportraitswithourwiderangeof UVprintingoptions.ToourB2CandB2Bcustomers,we providethefollowingservices:
Saleoforiginalartworks
SaleofNFTs
Saleoflimited-editionprints
Artrentals
UVprintingservices
WallMurals&Graffitiworks&
Artconsultancyservices
Creating a unique and immersive experience for our customers is exactly what sets us apart in the industry.
Lurdh Allam, CEO and Co-founder Art Smiley
WeareproudtoannouncethatArtSmileyhasbeenawarded digitalbusinessoftheyearattheGulfCapitalSMEAwards forthetwoconsecutiveyearsof2020&2021.Creatinga uniqueandimmersiveexperienceforourcustomersis exactlywhatsetsusapartintheindustry
Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow adoptingmoderntechnologiesintheretailsector impactstheindustryandhowisArtSmileyridingthe technologywave?
Inthemodernworld,technologiessuchasAI,ML,andXR offerendusersadistinctiveandinspiringexperience.We workwithbusinessesthatneedtochooseartworkfortheir walls,soitisessentialthatourcustomerscanseethe artworkontheirwallsbeforetheymaketheirdecision.Asa pioneerinusingcutting-edgetechnology,wearecommitted toenhancingtheexperienceforourcustomers.Ouronline platformsincludeARandAIfeaturestohelpbusinesses findtherightartworkstomatchcustomervisionand interests.
It dawned on me that if artists could monetize their work through a platform, both the artists and audiences would benefit. I founded Art Smiley to make that happen.
Ouronlinemarketplaceimplementsnon-fungibletokens (NFTs)basedonblockchain,whichallowartiststoearn moneyandgivecredibilitytotheirwork.Ontheotherhand, itallowspotentialbuyersoforiginalartworkstopurchase themwhileretainingfullownershiprights.
Whatchallengeshaveyoufacedthroughoutyour journeyasaleaderinthevariousorganizationsthat you'vespearheaded?
Thechallengeinbringingupanorganizationwillalways remainalessonforasuccessfulmilestone.Inmyopinion, communicatingtherightmessagetosubordinatescanbea challengethataffectstheorganization'sproductivity.SoI takepersonalcareinaddressingtheissuesandconcernsof theemployeesofmyteam.Also,Ilookforwardtotaking upopinionsontheout-of-the-boxthinkingofthe employeesthatpushestheorganization'sdevelopmentto thenextstage.Thus,ArtSmileyhasworkedwithnumerous artistsandclientsbyestablishingawarmandlong-lasting relationships.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheretailindustry?
Beingasuccessfulentrepreneurrequirestheabilityto balancethevariousaspectsofthebusiness.Togrow startups,wemustcontinuallyinnovateandlookfor opportunitiestogrowthem.
Iwouldhighlyprefertoadvisebuddingentrepreneursto haveanever-endingpassionforthegoal.Thus,itcanhelp themstayupdatedontheirvisioninallbusinessphases.For example,Itooktheartindustryasmypassion,andoverthe years,Igainedexperiencedeliveringreliableandquality servicetoourcustomers.Also,analyzingyourcompetitors' strengthswillhelpyouidentifykeyexpansionpossibilities anddevelopmorevaluableproductsandservices.
Iwouldalsoliketoaddanotethatbuddingentrepreneurs mustfindlearningopportunitiesthatenhancetheservicesto theclientsandmakethemwithstandthecompetitiveworld.
HowdoyouenvisionscalingArtSmiley'soperationsand offeringsin2022andbeyond?
Ourbusinessstrategyincludesexpandingacrossthemiddle eastandintheEuropeanmarket.ArtSmileyleveragedits existingandstrongecosystemtoadvanceitstechnology
OurNFTplatformservesasasourcecenterforpromoting andsellingartworktoartloversworldwide. Withtheintegrationofthelatesttechnologiesandhands-on experienceintheartindustry,wecancatertotheneedsof diverseclientsandindustries.Intheupcomingyears,we looktoexpandourartistbaseandofferourcustomersmore uniqueanddistinctiveartworks.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsofyour clients/customersandalistofawards/recognitionsthat accuratelyhighlightyourorganization'spositioninthe market.
IboughtmyfirstartpiecefromArtSmiley Theteam assistedandguidedmeineverysteptoanswerquestions, providesuggestions,andensuremybuyingexperiencewas positive.
Astheownerofanewlypurchasedhome,Iwantedtobring someflairintomylivingroomwithsomeartwork.SoI decidedtogowithArtSmileyinelectingtherightmixof printingservicesandartworks.TheArtSmileyteamhelped mebyreceivingmycommentsandsuggestionsand deliveringartpiecesthatperfectlymatchmyhouse.Thanks totheteam.
I take personal care in addressing the issues and concerns of the employees of my team. Also, I look forward to taking up opinions on the out-of-the-box thinking of the employees that pushes the organization's development to the next stage.
iversityisawildprimitivestateuntouchedby
Dcivilization.Infact,thesurvivalofthehumanrace ultimatelydependsonit.Imaginebeing surroundedbypeoplewhoareexactlylikeyou.Howeasy woulditbeforaminordiseasetocompletelyefface humankind?Quiteeasy,right!
Buthere'sakicker!Howmucheverdiversity,inclusion, andequitysoundappealing,itreallyisn'tatthe organizationallevel.The2018WomeninWorkplaceReport byMcKinsey&CompanyandLeanIn.orgpulledout strikingfacts.Thevastmajorityofthecompaniesincluded inthisreportemphasizedtheneedforgenderdiversityas theirtoppriority Thereportfurtherhighlightedtheneedfor implementingfairhiringsandpromotionalpracticesthat correctforbiases.Itadditionallyplacedaspotlighton activelyworkingtobuildaninclusiveandrespectful culture.
Thisclearlystatesthatthediverserepresentationinthe corporateworldisn'timprovinginleapsandbounds. Instead,itisnotevenimprovinginleapsandbounds.
Inordertoaddressthisage-oldquestionandbringabout institutionalchange,thisarticlereflectsonthevarious reasonstoinfusediversity,equity,andinclusionandhow theyareplayingasignificantroleincreatingamassive impactonbusinessesintheshortandlongterm.
Below are some tips for building an effective DEI strategy:
Eventhoughamajorityofcountrieshaveworkedon implementingtheEqualPayActformanyyears,thewage
gaphascontinuedin2022.Thispaydisparityisevenmore prominentamongBlacksandLatinwomenwithrespectto theaveragesalaryofCaucasianmen.Asthewagegapis systemic,payauditscanbeaveryeffectivetoolinthe pursuitofpayequity
Hence,organizationsshouldfocusonpayreviewsofthe employeesandensurepayparity.Quickactionsmustbe takentoidentifythesegapsandfillthemthroughthepay structures.
Whenitcomestoinclusion,underrepresentedemployees canfacechallengesintheircareerprogression.Underthe guidanceofamentor,employeescanminimizethese challengesandmakeprogresstowardleadershippositions.
Formingastrategythatrevolvesaroundthedifferenttypes ofmentorships;Reversementoring,Careermentoring, Buddyprograms,andmentoringcirclescanhelpalignwith theoverallobjectiveoftheDEIstrategyoftheorganization.
Anumberoforganizationshavesuccessfullyestablisheda diverseworkforce.However,thepracticeofincludingthe workforceinallsegmentsofworkstillremainsan unaddressedissue.Nottosideline,thereareseemingly innocuouspracticesthatmakeemployeesfeelalienor unwelcomed.
Hence,itisimperativeforeveryorganizationtostructure itsinclusiveplanandmakesurethatthebenefitsand programsrunbytheorganizationareall-inclusive
irrespectiveofgender,creed,andethnicityofthe employees.
EmployeeResourceGroupsarevoluntarygroupsledby employeesthemselveswhoaimtofosteradiverseand equitableworkplacealignedtotheirrespective organizations.Thefunctionofthisgroupistoprovide personalorcareerdevelopmentandcreateaspacewhere theemployeesgetanopportunitytothetablewithoutbring theirwholeselvestothetablewithoutanyfilters.
Theorganizations'topleadershipshouldparticipateand leveragethemtosupporttheorganization.
Organizationalandboardroomdiversity,especiallyinthe contextofwomen'srepresentation,hasbeenatopof discussionformorethantwodecadesnow.Forthefirst timein2003,Norwayintroduceda40%genderquotafor women'srepresentationoncorporateboardsinthecountry
Suchacompositionofboardandexecutiveshelpsmirror thediversityofthegeographicalareas.
AnyDEIstrategythatanorganizationfollowswillonly workifthereisaspaceforaccountabilityandtransparency withintheorganization.Mostemployeeslookuptotheir leadersforguidance,buttheywillonlybelievethemifthey arementorsaswellaschangemakersfortheorganization.
Itistimeandagainproventhattheorganizationsthat followDEIstrategiesareinnovativeandthrivingbecauseof thecomprehensiveperspectivetheybringtothetable.This isnotjustwordofmouthbutratherastrategicallyproven fact.
Corporatesandorganizationsofallcompaniesneedto investinDEInotbecauseitistherightthingtodobut ratherbecausethat'showtheywillcreatesuccessinthe future.
Eventhoughorganizationsdifferinnature,theydohave commonalities;selectingtherightstrategiesmentioned abovewillhelpthemmovealongwaytowardsthepathof progress.DEIisnotjuststrategiesbutaratherajourneyto growandchange-individually,nationally,andglobally.Itis notjustaboxtocheckbutawaytooperate,anditwill requireplanning,commitment,andanopen,inclusive mindset.
- Shrutika Khedekar
mergingthroughtheinnovativejunction,itis
Enoticedthattheconsistencyintheglobalmarketis essentialforcreatinganuprisingboom.Inthis system,thecomponentsthataffectthevalueofan organizationtendtoconcludeoutcomesofgrowthand liabilitiesinGlobalbusinesssphere.
Inordertoprogressworldwide,reinventingthecorporate statuswhilesecuringstabilityistheprimarygoalofany organization,willingtohaveskyrocketinggrowth. Advancingontheway,chasingdownthein-house infrastructuresolutionsthatadheretostrengtheningthe organization’sestablishmentisthenecessaryprogressionof theoverallvalue.
Withfascinatingamenitiesandconclusiveresults, MakuachukwuOkonkwo—thecrownleaderisassisting theglobalmarketbyinfluencingbusinessdevelopment processeswhiledeliveringinnovativesolutionsto businessesworldwide.
Whileconsideringtheindispensableauthority,the deliveranceofinnovativeITSolutions,advanced Infrastructuralexplication,anddigitaltransformation,TBO ConsultingGrouphasupliftedtheuniversalspectrumto enduregeneralobstacles.
How effective could be a transformative personality? Let’s move forward to find out. Makua,pleaseintroduceyourselfandyourprofessional backgroundtoourreaders.
IamMakuachukwuOkonkwo,aBusinessDevelopment ExecutiveandCustomerSuccessManagerwithover6 yearsofexperienceinbusinessdevelopmentprocesses, customerengagement,andthedevelopmentofnew businessopportunities.
Kindlysharewithusyourprofessionalexpertiseand experience.Whatinspiredyoutotakeonyourcurrent professionalroleasaBusinessDevelopmentExecutive?
IhavebeendoingBusinessDevelopmentforthepast4 monthswithoversixyearsofcustomerserviceexperience inoneofthefirst-tierbanksinNigeria.Inthelastfour monthsasaBusinessDevelopmentExecutive,Ihavebeen involvedincontactingpotentialclientstoestablish relationshipsandarrangemeetingswithC-levelexecutives. Whileplanningandoverseeingnewmarketinginitiatives, researchingorganizationstofindnewopportunities,and increasingthevalueofcurrentcustomerswhileattracting newcustomers.
We are a technology solutions provider and systems integrator, specializing in delivering innovative hybrid IT solutions, including IT Consulting, IT Security, Cloud, Mobility, Infrastructure solutions.
TellusmoreaboutTBOConsultingGroup,andasBDE, whatwasyourcontributiontowardsimprovingits operationsandoutreach?
ItooktheroleasaBDEinmycurrentorganizationsoI coulddirectlyimpactthecompany’sbottomlineandwork inadigitallydrivenenvironment.
Weareatechnologysolutionsproviderandsystems integrator,specializingindeliveringinnovativehybridIT solutions,includingITConsulting,ITSecurity,Cloud, Mobility,Infrastructuresolutions,andservicesthatdeliver unparalleledcompetitiveadvantageandbusinessagility
Whatwerethemajorchallengesyoufacedthroughyour professionaljourney,andhowhavetheyenabledyouto becomeabetterleader?
ThemajorchallengethatIfacedduringmyprofessional journeywasthelackofITknowledge,expertise,andfearof beingunabletoachievemygoals.I’veovercomethisby remainingpositive,believinginmyself,andacquiringmore knowledgeinmycurrentfield.
Asanexperiencedprofessional,tellusyouropinionon technology’sroleinNigerianbusinesses.andhowis yourorganizationadoptingtechnologicalsolutions withinitsoperations?
Throughtechnology,Nigeriahasbeenabletouse technologytotradeoninternationalborders,gain internationalrecognitionandactivelycollaboratewithother nations.Technologyhasalsoimprovedbankingprocesses andsimplifiescommunicationprocessesthrough businesses.
TBOisadoptingtechnologicalsolutionstomodernizeits businessprocesses,buildseamlesscustomerengagements andeffectiveteamcollaboration.
Inyourview,whatarethelimitationsandchallenges womenprofessionalsfaceincurrenttimes?And,what suggestionsdoyouhavetoovercomethem?
ThelimitationandchallengeswomenfaceareSexual Harassment,Work-lifebalance,Motherhood,andcounter responsefrommalecoworkers.I’veovercomethisby creatingahealthyandconduciveenvironment,beingselfconfident,andbeingawareofwomen’srights.
Asanexperiencedprofessional,whatadvicewouldyou liketogivetothenewgraduatesseekingtoenterthe sameindustryasyours?
Theyshouldneverstoplearning,workontheirgoals,be teamplayers,andfocusongettingresults.
Pleasetellusaboutyourpassionsandhobbies.
ReadingNovels,ListeningtoMusic,travelling,and watchingMovies.
Wheredoyouseeyourselfinthefuture?Also,howdo youenvisionscalingyourcompany’soperationsand outreachinthecomingyears?
AsIbuildoutmyprofessionalnetwork,Iseemyself becomingaleaderinmyindustry.
TBOaspirestobecomeAfrica'sleadingtechnology companyby2026.Myroleinscalingthiseffortishinged upondevelopingasolidgrowthstrategythatisfocused bothonfinancialgainforthecompanyandcustomer satisfactionintheemergingmarkets.
