The 10 Dynamic Business Leaders of 2024

EDITOR’S LETTER

Transforming Business Ecosystems!

DearReaders,

Inaworldwherechangeistheonlyconstant,businessleadershipstandsasthelinchpinto navigatingthecomplexitiesoftoday’sglobalmarketplace.Theroleofaleaderhastranscended frommerelymanagingoperationstoembodyingthevisionandvaluesoftheorganization.Effectiveleadership isnowsynonymouswithinspiringinnovation,fosteringresilience,anddrivingsustainablegrowth,allwhile maintainingakeenfocusonethicalstandardsandsocialresponsibility.Amidstevolvingconsumer expectations,rapidtechnologicaladvancements,andheightenedemphasisoncorporatecitizenship,today’s leadersaretaskedwithchartingacoursethatnotonlyensuresfinancialsuccessbutalsocontributespositively tosocietyatlarge.

Businessleadership,asweexploreit,involvesadynamicblendofstrategicforesight,adaptability,anda profoundunderstandingofthehumanelementwithinthecorporateecosystem.Leadersmustexcelincreatinga culturethatvaluescontinuouslearning,inclusivity,andagility Thechallengestheyface—rangingfrom navigatingdigitaltransformation,andaddressingenvironmentalconcerns,toleadingamulti-generational workforce—demandabalancedapproachthatintegratesinnovativethinkingwithcompassionateleadership.

ThiseditionofMirrorReview,“The10DynamicBusinessLeadersof2024,”highlightsindividualswho exemplifytheseleadershipqualitiesinremarkableways.Theseleadershavenotonlysteeredtheircompanies throughuncertaintimesbuthavealsolaidthefoundationsforfuturegrowththatalignswithbroadersocietal goals.

OurcoverstoryfeaturesJoelGueguen,thevisionaryFounderofDreamOnTech,whohasredefinedwhatit meanstoleadinthetechindustry.Withacommitmenttoethicaltechnologydevelopmentandaculturethat championsdiversityandcreativity,Gueguen’sleadershipexemplifieshowvaluesandinnovationcancoalesce toshapethefutureofbusiness.

Otherprofilesinthisedition,includingNerminOsmanovic,KarlFriesenbichler,SergheiBusmachiu,and PhillipLomax,shedlightondiverseleadershipstylesandstrategiesthathavepropelledtheirorganizationsto newheights.Eachstoryisatestamenttothepowerofvisionaryleadershipincreatingsustainable,positive changeinboththeircompaniesandthecommunitiestheyserve.

HappyReading!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

Mirror Review Media & Tech

JoelGueguen

DREAM ON TECH’S

Joël Guéguen

on Pioneering a Global Tech Revolution

From Start-Up to MMA Leader

KeyPoints:

● JoëlGuéguenstartedthebeginningsofDreamOnTech(DOT)in2020withonlyfour people.Now,DOThasover500+in-housefreelancersandmorethan400partner companiesonfivecontinents,withanaverageof85employeespercompany

● Onamissiontosavetimeandmoneyforanycompanyintheworld,thecompany providesaccesstothebestsolutionsanddreamteamstosatisfyalltheirprojects, regardlessoftheirbudget.

● Joëldecidedtodonate15%ofthecompany’sprofitstoACDAS(Association CommuneDesActionsSolidaires)andotherpartnerassociations.Hethinksevery companycandothis,attheirscale,andmakeapositivechangeinsociety.

JoëlGuéguenisaserialentrepreneurand

innovatorwhohasalwaysbeenpassionate abouttechnologyanditspotentialto transformtheworld.HefoundedDreamOnTechin 2021withaclearvision:tocreateacompanythat wouldnotonlyprovidecutting-edgetechnologybut alsofosteracultureofcreativity,collaboration,and excellence.Hesays, “I’ve always put innovation before digital, then R&D before news. In an increasingly uncertain world, it was time for me to realize a dream where people and technology would eventually work in synergy to create a better future. Welcome to the world of DreamOnTech.”

InthisexclusiveinterviewwithMirrorReview,Joël shareshisjourney,hisphilosophy,andhisambitions forDreamOnTech.Herevealshowhebuiltateam ofexpertsfromdifferentfieldsandcultures,howhe fosteredacultureofinnovationandcollaboration, andhowheleveragedthelatesttechnologiesto delivercutting-edgesolutionsforhisclients.

ReadontodiscoverhowDreamOnTechismaking dreamscometrueforitsclientsandemployees.

(ThefollowingQ&Ahasbeeneditedforlengthand clarity)

MirrorReview:Tellusaboutyourearliest experiencewiththeworldofbusinessor technology.Howdidyouacquiretheskillsand knowledgethatbecamethefoundationforyour successintheindustry?

Joël:EversinceIwasveryyoung,Ihadadreamof leadingprojectsandcreatingmyownbusinessone day,whileadheringtowell-definedethics, principles,andvalues.

Myjourneyintheworldofbusinessandtechnology beganin2009whenIwas15yearsold.Ihadjust completedmystudiesatCollègeprivéJeanXXIII inTambacounda,Senegal,andImovedtoFranceto continuemyeducationattheLycéeprivéNotreDameDuMurinMorlaix,Finistère.

In2012,afterobtainingmyscientificbaccalaureate, IjoinedtheUniversitédeBretagneOccidentale (UBO)inBrest,whereIenrolledintheScience Pourl’Ingénieurdegreeprogram.Afewmonths later,in2013,Ireceivedacertificationformy participationinanentrepreneurialprojectthat

COVER STORY

involvedfindingtoolstoraiseawarenessof entrepreneurshipamongstudents.

In2015,IcompletedmyBachelor’sdegreeinComputer SciencewithaspecializationinRobotics.Iwas fascinatedbytheR&Dsector,especiallytheresearch activitieswiththeLAB-STICCwithintheUBO.Ialso appreciatedmultidisciplinarityandparticipatedin numerousprojectsduringmyBachelor’sdegreein ComputerScience.

Forexample,Icontributedtothepromotionofthe InternationalJournalofEngineeringandTechnology Innovation(IJETI);Icreatedanewdesignforthegame 2048,whichwasverypopularatthetime,inSmalltalk programminglanguageformyparticipationintheESUG 2014organizedbyCincomSystems;Itookpartina scientificpublicationentitled:ProcessAssessmentIssues inaBachelorCapstoneProject,andsoon.Therefore,I decidedtopursuemystudiesfurtherandjoinedthe InformationTechnologyandSoftwareEngineering Master’sprogramatUBOinBrest.

Then,in2016,afterfinishingmyMaster1(Maîtrise),I enrolledintwoMaster2programssimultaneously: EngineeringComputerScienceswithINEADand International-European-ComputerScience-ITProject ManagerwithFEDE,whichwereinpartnership.INEAD wasbasedinVitrollesandParisthenFEDEinGeneva, Switzerland.

In2017,whenIwas23yearsold,Iwasclosetofinishing mytrainingandIplannedtocontinuetoadoctoratewith FEDE.However,Ihadalackoftimeandaresurgent entrepreneurialspiritthatpromptedmetoembarkonmy researchintoSeriousGames:Education,Training,Elearning,andInnovation.

From2015to2020,Igainedvaluableexperienceworking inseveralcompaniesrangingfromstart-upstolarge corporations.IalsoworkedforanESNandsoftware publishers/integrators.

MirrorReview:DreamOnTechisattheforefrontof innovativetechsolutions.Tellusthestorybehindits origin-whatinspiredyoutolaunchthiscompany, andwhatproblemareyouaimingtosolve?

Joël:Ihavealwayshadapassionforentrepreneurship andtechnology,whichledmetopursuevariousprojects andeventsinthisfield.From2018to2020,Iplannedthe

Businesses will have to reinvent themselves or disappear

creationofmycompanywhileworkingasafreelanceIT consultantandastheMarketingandCommunication Directorforthehigh-endbrandVICTORIAGUALICIA (www.victoriagualicia.com),mysister’scompany

IofficiallylaunchedDreamOnTech(DOT)inJanuary 2021afterinitiatingitinOctober2020.Westartedwith fourpeopleattheendof2020,andtodaywehavegrown toover500.

TheideabehindDreamOnTechcamefrommy frustrationofnotfindinganagencythatcouldofferso manyserviceswithqualifiedstaff.Iwantedtocreatea uniqueagencythatwoulddisruptthecurrentIT ecosystemandprovideasinglepointofcontactfora rangeofcomplementaryservicestoensurethesuccessof allkindsofprojects.Mypreviousexperiencesinthe industryshowedmethattherewasarealneedfor DreamOnTech,astheglobaldigitalecosystemhadnot yetcomeupwithaconceptlikemine.

MyvisionforDreamOnTechistosavetimeandmoney foranycompanyintheworldbycreatingtheirdream teamtosatisfyalltheirprojects.DreamOnTechisno longerastartupbuttheMMAamongMMAs! (MultidisciplinaryMulti-serviceAgency).

MirrorReview:DreamOnTechboastsadiverse portfolioofservices,fromITsolutionsto communicationstrategies.Canyougiveourreadersa conciseoverviewofthecompany’scoreofferingsand howtheycatertodifferentclientneeds?

Joël:DreamOnTechisaone-stopshopfordigital transformationandvisibility,offeringacomprehensive rangeofservicesatattractivepricesandwithan internationalreach.Ourgoalistoprovidetheright servicesforB2B,B2C,and,mostimportantly,the innovative(head-to-head)H2Happroach.

Weoffer25tailor-madeservicesinfourmaincategories:

Specific,web,andmobiledevelopment:Wecreateand designwebsites,mobileapplications,andcustom softwarethatareuser-friendly,responsive,andoptimized forSEOandSEMontheWorldWideWeb.

Digitalmediaandcommunication:Weproduceand managemultimediacontent,networkadcampaigns, audiovisualproduction,socialmedia,streaming, videoconferencing,customizedgoodies,andbrandingfor youronlinepresenceandidentity

ITsolutionsandsupport:Weoffercloudcomputing, cybersecurity,seriousgames,videogames,AR,VR, chatbots,AI,BIediting,GED,ERP,CRM,hardwarespecific,embeddedsystems,IoT,technicalandfunctional supportforyourITinfrastructureandprojects.

Consultingandsourcing:Weofferspecificcoachingand consulting,GDPRcompliance,dataprotection,and customizedsourcingforyourspecificneedsand challenges.

Wecansupportvarioustypesofclients,includingESNs, startups,VSEs,SMEs,MSEs,freelancers,andautoentrepreneurs.70%to80%ofourcustomersareSMEs andMSEs.

DOTcentralizesvirtuallyeverythingacompanyneedsto enterorimproveinthedigitalage,withhigh-quality follow-up.Themostcommonproblemsweencounterare societalones.

Wespendalotoftimeinforming,discussing,andadvising ourcustomerssothatwecanofferthebestchoicefortheir business.Workforcemanagementisalwayscomplexwhen thereareseveralrecruitmentneeds.DOTisheretohelp.

MirrorReview:Canyouelaborateonyour“100% tailor-made,100%reliable,100%secure”motto?How doesDreamOnTechensurepersonalized,reliable,and securesolutionsforitsclients?

Joël:Iworkonlywithexperiencedandpassionate freelancerswhocanprovidethebestsolutionsattheright time.DOTstrivestohavethebestprofilestoofferhighqualityservices.Besidesour500+in-housefreelancersat DOT,wehaveover400partnercompaniesonfive continents,withanaverageof85employeespercompany

Ourmascot,“DOTly,”thinksthatwehavenocompetitors, onlycolleagues.Youwillbesurprisedbyhishumanistic sideforarobot.

Wefollow10commitmentsforeachofourservices: Efficiency/Quality/Personalizedadvice/Creativity/ Responsiveness/Transparency/Meetingdeadlines/ Teamspirit/Productivity/Strategy/Innovation

DOTstandsoutasauniquepolymorphiccompanywith threepillars.

1. WeareanMMA(MultidisciplinaryMulti-service

Agency)thatcansatisfyalltheprojectsentrustedtousasa serviceprovider

2. Wehaveourownsoftwareandhardwareproducts availableonthemarket.

3. Weareanintegratorofproprietaryandopensourcesolutionsalreadyonthemarketthroughour manypartnershipsaroundtheworld,forboth hardwareandsoftware.

Thecompanyisabletointerveneinprojectsthatareas muchinthedevelopmentphaseasinthefinalizationphase.

Ourexpertiseinawiderangeofservicesalsoenablesusto meetthegrowingdemandfromcompaniestohelpthem developtheskillsoftheirownteams.

MirrorReview:YouhaveledDreamOnTech’s expansionintonewmarketsandservices.Howdoyou makestrategicdecisionsforgrowthandinnovation?

Joël:IplayamultifacetedstrategicroleatDreamOnTech.I amthefounder,CEO,CIO,andGlobalCTOoftheagency WhenIcreatedDOT,IalsodevelopedMethoDOT,anew alternativetothewell-knownAGILEmethod.

AstheCEO,Ibalancemytimebetweenmanagingthe company,traveling,andengaginginprofessional discussions.

AstheCIO,Ikeepaneyeonthelatesttechnologiesand innovationsinallourservicesandoverseeourprogressin DOT’sR&D/InnovationCenter Thisway,wecanalways stayaheadofthecurveandsatisfyourcustomers’needs.

AstheGlobalCTO,Icollaboratewiththeprojectmanagers andCTOsinvolvedineachprojecttodecideonthebest possiblestrategyforthetechnicalandfunctionalaspects. Weworktogethertofindtheoptimalsolutionfora customer,consideringtheirbudget,objectives,andmarket dynamics.

MirrorReview:Briefusonspecificprocess improvementsyouhaveimplementedorareplanningto implementwithinDreamOnTech.

Joël:AllourcurrentprocessesarebasedonMethoDOT.It isbasedonconstantimprovementofvariousaspectsofour work:communication,feedback,customersatisfaction, teamcohesion,andsoon.Ourgoalistobuilda

professionalfamily,notjustagroupofpeoplewho worktogetheronprojectswithoutknowingeachother well.

Wehavemanyplansforfurtherdevelopment.For example,weoffercustomizedtrainingthatisoutofthe ordinary.Itcanbemulti-disciplinary,individualor group,shortorlong,andasfrequentasyouwish.Our participationrateisover99%.

Wealsoprovidepersonalizedsupportforourteamsand customerswithmentors,psychologists,andlife coaches.Moreover,wehaveauniquegamecalled“Put yourselfintheshoesof,”whichallowsouremployees andclientstoexperiencedifferentrolesand perspectivesforadayoraweek.Thisgameaimsto fosterempathyandunderstandingamongcolleagues andpartners.

Iwanttoemphasizethatallourservicesareflexibleand affordableforanybudget.Wedon’twantyoutochoose betweennothingandsomethingbutbetweensomething andSOMETHING.That’swhywecreatemultiple packagesthatofferfinancialbenefitstoourcustomers.

Additionally,wehaveanR&DandInnovation departmentwithinthecompanythatworksonallour projectstoensurethatwearealwaysatthecuttingedge oftechnologyandthatourservicesareofthehighest quality,durability,andinnovation.

Ourapproachistogobeyondtheinitialhopesand expectationsofourpotentialcustomers.Bycocollaboratingwiththem,wecanexploreaninfinite rangeofcreativepossibilitiestosuittheirneeds.

MirrorReview:Youmentionedwantingto“give hopetootheryoungentrepreneurs.”Couldyou shareapersonalstoryofhowyouovercame adversityorchallengesinyourentrepreneurial journey?

Joël:Mylifestoryisfullofchallengesandlessons.I facedhatred,jealousy,misunderstanding,andmalice fromothers,butIlearnedtoforgiveandlove.I overcametheobstaclesandbecamestronger.Iwantto inspireyoungpeopletopursuetheirdreamsand ambitions,nomatterhowcomplexlifemaybe. Therefore,IfoundedDOTtoshowthewaytowhat’s possibleinmyownway,supportthem,andshowthem thewondersofscience,digital,andinnovation.

COVER STORY

Somepeoplesaythatloveisstrongerthananything. However,I’dsaythere’ssomethingstrongerthanlove,and it’scalledhope.I’mjustlookingtobringhopetoyoung peoplelikeme,whowillfeelalotbetterwhentheysee whereIstartedandwhereIamtoday.

I’mnotinterestedinpower,glory,ormight.Iwanttohelp myparents,myfamily,andpeopleinneed.Theywerethe oneswhobelievedinmeandsupportedme.I’mgrateful forwhatthey’vedoneforme,andIwanttomakethem proud.Ialwayskeepmywordandfightformygoals. Meanwhile,Ialsowanttochangetheworldforthebetter bysettinganexampleandfollowingethicalprinciplesand values.Ithinkit’spossibletodothataslongaswehave trustandcourage.

MirrorReview:Youmentioned,“Whatyouareand whatyoudoaremoreimportantthanwhatyouhave.” Canyouelaborateonthisstatementandwhatvalues guideyourapproachtobusiness?

Joël:Ireallymeanit.Ibelievethatwhatyouareandwhat youdoaremoreimportantthanwhatyouhave.Your personalityandactionsreflectyourvaluesandgoals. Somepeopleareunhappyandtrytodestroyothers,but theyshouldbuildinstead.Thatwouldmakethemhappier andgivemoremeaningtotheirlivesingeneral.

Ihaveacomplexlife,butIfindapurposeinit.Idon’tcare aboutmaterialthings,butaboutbeingawarrior,an inspiration,andahopeforfuturegenerations.Iwantto showthemthattheycanstartfromnothingandachieve greatthings.InevergiveupandIalwayschallengemyself andotherstodobetter

Ilovewritingandreadingforcreativity.Iwanttowrite bookstohelppeoplepreparefortomorrow’sworld.Iwant tolivefully,andfearlessly,andgivebacktosociety.I decidedtodonate15%ofthecompany’sprofitsto ACDAS(AssociationCommuneDesActionsSolidaires) andotherpartnerassociations.Ithinkeverycompany,at theirscale,candothisandmakeapositivechange.

MirrorReview:Whatareyourplansforscalingup yourcompany,andwhatistheonethingyouaremost excitedaboutin2024?

Joël:In2024,wewilllaunchnew«PoweredbyDOT» products,partnerwithleadingcompanies,andattemptto establishthestructureofourtraininginstituteforall disciplines,fromkindergartentodoctoralschool.Wewill

co-createaglobalprogramthataddressesthehuman andenvironmentalneedsoftheworld.Wewillalso urgetheFrenchgovernmenttoreneweducationin Franceandglobally.Furthermore,wewilloffer qualityhardwaresolutionssuchaschargingstations, laptops,VRheadsets,and360°screensforboth individualsandbusinesses.

MirrorReview:Howdoyoumanagetohavea perfectwork-lifebalance?Whatareyour hobbies/interestsbeyondthecabin?

Joël:Findingabalancebetweenworkandlifeisthe essenceofbeinganentrepreneur.Forme,Ihave alwaysbeenanartistatheart,alongwithmysister. Sincewewereyoung,wehaveenjoyedsinging, dancing,drawing,andbeingpassionateabout cinema,videogames,andmusic.Thesepassionsare mywaysofescapingfromthebusylifeoftraveling andmanagingresponsibilities.

Ialsovaluereadingandwriting,especiallyfor improvingmylanguageskills.Ireallyneedto practicemorebutIcanspeakseverallanguages fluently.

Musicisaveryimportantpartofmyfreetimethese days.Ilovelisteningtoitbecauseittakesmeallover theworld.Ialsoproducemyownmusic,which bringsalotofcreativitytoallmyactivities.

MirrorReview:Whatadvicewouldyougiveto young,aspiringentrepreneurs?Whatessential qualitiesorskillsarenecessarytosucceedinthe businessworld?

Joël:Myadvicetoyoungentrepreneursistoknow yourself,analyzetheworld,learnfrommistakes,and findsolutionsforthepresentandfuture.Youshould alsochoosewhereyoubelong,considertherisksand parametersofyourventure,andbeawareoffake newsandtoxicinformation.

It’sahugeadvantagetobeabletobouncebackfrom setbacksquicklyandalwaysstayconfidentby movingforwardnomatterwhattheobstacles. Becausebytryingagainandagain,you’llfindthe rightsolutiononeday.

Datingisimportant,asitreflectsyourchoicesand lifestyle.Youshouldalsoliftothersup,seek

feedback,andavoidpartnerships thatdon’tshareyourvision.They willwasteyourtimeandmoney.Be inspiredbythepeoplewhohave changedtheworldwiththeir vision.

Finally,don’tbeafraidtospeakout andact.Showadifferentand positiveversionoftheworld.Think ofthefuturegenerationsandthe urgencyofthesituation.Appreciate thepositivethingsyoucandoand replicatethem.Beresilient, perseverant,anddetermined. Anythingispossible.

It’s quite paradoxical, but we live in a world where it’s so complex to make a real impact while loving what you do and remaining anonymous at the same time “

BIA Separations

Management-AlesStrancar(CEO)

URL- www.biaseparations.com

Founded-1998

Description-BIASeparationsofSloveniaspecializesin innovative,scalableCIM®monolithicchromatography columnsforeffectivebiomoleculepurification,aswellas customisedprocessdevelopmentandanalyticssupportfor biopharmaceuticalandgenetherapyproduction

Curious Ant Creative

Management-RobertBirnbach(Partner)

URL-www.curiousantcreative.com

Founded-2019

Description-CuriousAnt,abranding,marketing,and strategyagency,leveragesdecadesofindustry experiencetohelpbrandsbuildstrongmarketing foundations Theycollaboratecloselywithclients, fosteringasenseofbeingseen,heard,andexcitedabout thefuture

dereOida Pty Ltd.

Management-KarlFriesenbichler

URL-www.dereoida.com

Founded-2018

Description-Thecompany’smissionistoreducehuman mistakes,warehousingandlogisticalconcerns,and increaseproductaccessibilityforeverybody DereOida's purposeistodevelopthegreatestproductinthebusiness, withastaffcommittedtopushinginnovationandquality inalltheydo.

Finrenes

Management-PetteriSalonen(CEO)

URL-www.finrenes.com

Founded-2013

Description- FinrenesisaFinnishcompany specializingininnovativetechnologyforconverting lignocellulosicwastebiomassintobiogasandbrown pellets Theirpatentedsteam-basedprocessefficiently breaksdownbiomass,enablingefficientconversion intovaluableenergyresources

DreamOnTech

Management-JoelGueguen(Founder)

URL-www.dreamontech.net

Description-GapInc.caterstodiverseneeds:Old Navyforaffordablefashion,Athletaempowering women,BananaRepublicfocusingonsustainable luxury,andGappromotingindividualityinresponsibly craftedessentials,drivenbyaglobalteamcommittedto inclusivityandsustainability (CEO)

Founded-2020

Description-DreamOnTechisaone-of-a-kindagency thatdisruptstheconventionalITecosystembyoffering asinglepointofcontactforavarietyofcomplementary servicestoassurethesuccessofanyproject.

Gap Inc.

Management-SoniaSyngal(CEO)

URL-www.gapinc.com

Founded-1969

L'AVYANNA LTD

Management-DrMayIkeora(CEO)

URL-www.lavyanna.com

Founded-2014

Description-Thiscompanywasestablishedonthestrong convictionthatskincareshouldaccentuateratherthan changeawoman’sintrinsicattractivenessbecausesheis alreadybeautiful.

MediaScience

Management-PhillipLomax(SeniorVP)

URL-www.mediascience.com

Founded-2008

Description-MediaScienceprioritizesprecisedata collectingbyincorporatingnewscientific methodologiestoassessitsaudiences Ituses neurometricstodeterminetheaudience'sgenuine response

Mendaudio

Management-NerminOsmanovic(Founder)

URL-www.mendaudio.com

Founded-2023

Description-Mendaudioisapioneeringforceinaudio technology,committedtoofferingcreativeand dependablepowersolutionsforartists.Italsoprovides uniquelithium-ionbatterypackstomeetspecialneeds beyonditsusualofferings.

Utilities One

Management-SergheiBusmachiu(CEO)

URL-www.utilitiesone.com

Founded-2016

Description-Itisatrustedpartnertosomeofthe world'smajortelecommunicationscorporations,electric andgasutilities,cellularcarriers,andtechnology deploymentfirms Theyhaveademonstratedtrack recordofdeliveringhigh-qualityinfrastructuresolutions thatmatchtheirclients'demands

NERMiN OSMANOViC

Pioneering a New Era in Portable Power for

Musicians and Beyond

Ifyouareamusician,youknowhowfrustratingandtime-consumingit canbetosetupandteardownyourequipmentbeforeandafterevery show Youhavetodealwithtangledwires,bulkypowersupplies, unreliablebatteries,andnoisyinterference.Youwishtherewasabetter waytopoweryourpedals,amps,andinstruments,without compromisingyoursoundqualityandperformance.

That’sexactlywhatNerminOsmanovic,ahobbyistmusicianandan electricalengineer,wishedforwhenhefoundedMendaudio,a companythataimstosolvetheproblemofpoweringmusical equipment.HedecidedtoreplacethetraditionalDCpowercableswith arechargeable9Vbatterypackthatissafe,easytouse,andhasrealtimepowermonitoringhardwaredesign.Healsoarchitectedandbuilt productsthatempowermusicianstoperformanywhere,anytime,with high-qualitysoundandminimalhassle:theDCBatteryPacksandthe ACBatteryPack.

MirrorReviewrecentlyinterviewedNermin,whosays,“Ifsomething inlifeisannoyingyou,andyouhavetheskillstoremedyit,goforit!It probablyannoysotherpeopletoo–theseareyourcustomers!”

(ThefollowingQ&Ahasbeeneditedforlengthandclarity)

MirrorReview:PleasetellusthestorybehindMendaudio.What sparkedtheinitialidea,andwhatproblemwereyouaimingto solve?

Nermin:IstartedplayingTrumpetinamarchingbandwhenIwas6 andGuitarat13.I’veorganizedandplayedhundredsofshowsinmany countries.Oneofthebiggestchallengesformusiciansissettingupand tearingdownequipment.

Iusedtospendalotoftimestretchingandwrapping9VDCpower cablesformyguitarpedals.Thiswasrisky,asdancerscouldtripover them.IwantedtogetridoftheDCpowercablesandusebatterypacks instead.

KeyPoints:

● Afterexperiencingthebiggest challengesofbeingahobbyist musician,NerminOsmanovic foundedMendaudiotosolve theproblemofsettingupand tearingdownequipmentbefore andaftershows.

● NermindecidedtoreplaceDC powercableswitha rechargeable9Vbatterypack thatissafe,easytouse,and hasreal-timepowermonitoring hardwaredesign.

● Hearchitectedandbuilt severalproductsthatempower musicianstoperform anywhere,anytime,withhighqualitysoundandminimal hassle:theDCBatteryPacks andtheACBatteryPack.

Founder | Mendaudio

Photographer - Tuyen Thai

However,thebatterypacksItriedwerepoor.Theyhadpoor hardware,nopowermonitoring,andshortbatterylife.So,I decidedtobuildmyown9VDCbatterypackthatissafe, rechargeable,easy,performant,andwithreal-time monitoring.

Ialsofoundahugemarketformyproduct.Ireadthereport, whichsaidtherearethreemillionguitaristsintheUS,and theaccessoriesbusinessisover$500million.

InJanuary,IattendedtheNAMMtradeshow,whichisthe biggestmusictradeshowofitskind.I’vemadeamazing connectionswithprofessionalguitartechs,andmusicians whowerelookingforwire-freeportable9VDCBattery Packs.Manyprofessionalmusiciansconfirmedline-level andnoiseissuesonstagewhenperforminginSouth America,orinEurope.

Thiscementedmydeterminationtokeeponmakingand producingtheBatteryPacks.MyDCBatteryPackswillbe usedbyfamousartists,andIexpecttoannouncemoreinfo soononmywebsitewww.mendaudio.com.Iwouldliketo mention,thatinJanuary2024,Isoldmyfirst2devices!

MirrorReview:Youmentioneditwasyourdestinyto buildstandalonebatterypacks.Howdidyoudiscover yourpassionforelectronicsandbatteries?Whatwere thekeymomentsandchallengesinyourjourneyto success?

Nermin:IwasborninYugoslaviain1976.Myparents supportedmeandmybrotherintakingmusicclasses,soI playedtrumpetinthemarchingband.Myparentshadmany books,andIbrowsedvarioustopics,fromRenaissanceart andGreeklegendstologarithmictables.Theyneverpushed metochoosemyfuturebutencouragedmyinterests.

Iwasanexcellentstudentingrades1-4(4.0),butthenmy dadsurpriseduswithaCommodore64computer.Iwas excitedtotypeandtrytoloadgamesfromthetapedeck.I skippedschoolfordays.So,Igotlowergrades(3.0)in grades5-8.

ButIlearnedEnglishandDeutch.Iwrotesimpleprograms inBasic.Iwascuriousaboutelectronics.Idisassembled andre-assembledalmostalldevicesinourapartment.

Sometimes,theywouldn’tworkafterthat.Iwas obsessedwithtinycomponents,de-solderedthemfrom oldPCBs,andcategorizedtheminboxes.

Mymomwassurprisedtoseehundredsofcomponents classifiedbysize,shape,andcolor.Later,Ilearnedtheir names:resistors,capacitors,inductors,transistors, potentiometers,etc.IwantedtobuildPCBfromscratch, soIusedacidtoetchthecopperononeside.Thereisa burnmarkonthewindowfromspilledacid.

WhenIwas15,wehadawarinYugoslaviaafter Bosnia-Herzegovinabecameindependent.In1992-1995, Ilearnedtouseallresourcestoovercomeobstacles.I recoveredoldleadacidbatteries,drainedthesolution, cleanedtheinside,andfilledthemwithnewelectrolytes. Tomysurprise,Iwasabletorecoverthebatteryand utilizea12-voltsourcetopowerlightbulbs(automobile headlightbulbs)andmytapedeck.Whenthepowerwas out,Ilistenedtomusicandlearnedguitarsolosbyear, allduetohavingtheleadacidbatterybackup.

Then,ImadeanAC/DCchargeranddesignedand assembledaLeadAcidBatteryCharger.Ibuiltthe enclosuretoo.Itlookednice!Isoldthisdevice,and yearslater,Irealizeditwasmydestinytobuildbattery packs.

Ialsoexperimentedwithotherthings,likemakinga distortionwithaSonyWalkman(connectingguitar pickupstothetapehead),usingaboomboxasanamp, andbuildingapowersupplyforNeonLightswith12V DC.Bythen,Iwasinanelectro-technicalhighschool andmygradesimproved(4.0)forgrades11-12.

MirrorReview:Mendaudio’svisionisto“unlockthe fullpotentialofmusicians.”Howdoesyourproduct lineupcontributetothismissionandempower musicians?

Nermin:Icreatedtwoproductsformusicianstoperform anywhere,anytime,withhigh-qualitysoundandminimal hassle:theDCBatteryPacksandtheACBatteryPacks.

TheDCBatteryPackisaportable,safe,andreliable devicethatpowersguitarpedalswithoutACplugsor converters.Iteliminatesthenoiseandcablesthatcan ruinthesoundandstage.Italsoreducesthesetupand tear-downtime.Itworksanywhereintheworldandis idealfortravelingandperforminginternationally.Itlasts 20+yearsfortypicaluse.

If something in life is annoying you, and you have the skills to remedy it, go for it! It probably annoys other people too – these are your customers “

TheACBatteryPackisaninnovativedevicethatgenerates aperfectACwaveform,freeofnoise,whichcanpowerany stageequipment,suchasspeakers,mixers,microphones, andTVs.Itissuper-safe,controllable,independent, rechargeable,purehardware,andextensible.Ithasa transportmode,switches,chargers,monitoring,solar panels,anextensionport,andalonglifespan.Thefirst versionis125Wh,butIaimtobuilda1kWhsystemto powerthewholestagefor4hours.

ImadetheseproductsbecauseIwantedtoplaymusic anywhere,withoutthegridornoise.IneededACpowerfor myspeaker,mixer,microphone,andTVformyproject (www.nazband.com).Ibuiltitfromscratchtodesigna perfectACbatterypackthatisportableandeasy.

MirrorReview:YoufoundedMendaudiofromscratch. Howdidyounavigatetheearlystagesofgrowthand funding,andwhatweresomekeyturningpoints?

Nermin:Itwashardtobalancethetimeforstartinganew company.But,IknewIwassolvingarealissuefor musicians.IfIsolveditformyself,itwouldhelpothers.So, Ibuiltandtestednewprototypes(solderingbyhand)inreal life.Thiskeptmyconfidence.Iwasself-funded,soIdidnot needinvestors.Thisfreedmetodelivermyvisionofa productthatiseasy,safe,reliable,andpurehardware, withoutunnecessaryadditions.

Thefirsttaskwastofindthebestbatterycell.Ilearnedalot aboutLi-Ionchemistryandperformance,bought20+books onBatteriesandSystems,andwatchedonlineresearchon Li-IonCells,includingNASAdesign.Iorderedthetop3 cellmanufacturers(LG,Panasonic,Sony)andtestedthem. But,Ineededfullsafetytosellmydevices.So,Ilearned aboutthenewhardwaretechnology,“AdvancedSafety CircuitProtection”,andorderedsamples.Iwassurprised thatthecellsperformedwell,andhad1000cycles.Thecells areLi-IonhybridbyPanasonic,builtinJapan,withSafety CircuitsbySeiko,andtestedinFlorida.Ifoundmybattery cellsandmovedtothenextstage.

IrealizedthatearlyDC-DCBoostConverterdevices didnotworkwellforallpedalsduetoDCVoltage Rippleartifacts.Idecidedtobuildanewdesign.I workedwithengineersinvariouscountries(Spain, Turkey,andUSA)andtried3differentcircuitdesigns. IalsogotsamplesfromaPCBsupplierinArgentina.

Aftermonthsofdevelopmentandevaluation,Ifound thebestdesigninDCsignalqualityandpower delivery The2-celldesigncouldpower12pedalsat once!Thiswasamazing.Inoticedbetterguitarsound qualityandnonoiseissues.Mybatterydevices workedgreat,andIusedthemeverywhere,intheU.S. andSpain.Thecompactdesignwaseasytocarryon theplane.Igothelpwithenclosuredrilling,whichwas amanualprocess.Ihadthewoodentemplatesmadeby myconsultant,andIusedalaser-guideddrillpressto maketheperfectholesattheexactspotsfora professionalfinish.Thenextmilestonewasordering 100PCBsformypacks.Then,Iordered1000PCBs, tosellonAmazonWebstore.

IwantedtodesignaperfectACwaveformbattery pack,freeofnoise,portable,andeasyformymusic project.Iaimedtodesignasolutiontoplayanywhere, for2hours.IneededACpowerforaspeaker,amixer withamicrophone,andaTVformyvideo (www.nazband.com).So,IbuiltanACBatteryPack fromscratch.

Inthisdesign,IusedaPowerInverterandhandsolderedallotherelements.ACBatteryPackhada super-safeoperation,manualswitches,independentcelldesign,individualchargers,andreal-time monitoring.Italsoletsusersseehowdevicesare performedandanyissueslikeanimbalancedcellor dischargedsystem.

ACBatteryPackcanberechargedviaGrid,with independentchargingcircuitsforeachcell.Nebulais purehardware–nosoftware,instantpower-on,and safetytransportmode.Thefirstmodelis125Whand extensibleviaport.Iaimtobuilda1kWhsystemto powerafullstage,includinginstruments,amps, speakers,andlights.

Iwantallmydevices(DCandACpacks)tohave SolarPanelsforoff-gridcharging.IavoidBluetooth, Wifi,orothersoftwareelementstomaximize efficiencyandminimizedisruptions.Akeystonewas realizingmyDCPackswouldlast20+years.

Photographer - Tuyen Thai

MirrorReview:AsthefounderandPrincipal EngineerofMendaudio,whatarethemain challengesandjoysofyourwork?

Nermin:Ihandlemanytasksandroles,suchasmarket analysis,productdesign,prototypevalidation,engineer hiring,externalnegotiation,devicemanufacturing, reliabilitytesting,productpromotion,account application,andstakeholderengagement.

Iworkwithasmallteamoftwoconsultingengineers whoassistmewithvariousaspectsofproduct development,suchascircuitdesign,enclosuredrilling, partssoldering,andgeneralassemblypreparation.I keepapositiveattitudeandafriendlyappearanceto fosteragreatworkenvironment.

WhatIlovethemostaboutmyworkistheresearch anddevelopmentprocess,whereIturnmyideasinto realityandseethemdelightmycustomers.Ialsoenjoy interactingwithmanywonderfulpeoplealongtheway, especiallymusicianswhovaluemyproducts.

MirrorReview:Doyouhaveplanstoreachnew customersbeyondmusiciansandmusicenthusiasts?

Nermin:Yes,Idoplantoexpandmytargetmarketsin thefuture.Ihaveseveralideasforcreatingnew productsthatcanbenefitothersegmentsofcustomers whoneedreliableandportablepowersources.For example,Iplantodesignandbuildaseamlesspower extensionbatterypackforMacBookProthatcan providetrue12hoursofoperationinanyenvironment. Thiswouldbeidealforoutdoorfilmproduction professionalsandothervideo/audioproducerswho workoutdoors.

MirrorReview:Howdoyoubalanceyourworkand personallifeasthefounderofMendaudio?

Nermin:Inadditiontothefullworkloadduringthe workweek,onoccasionsIfindmyselfdoing somethingoverontheweekendiftherearedevicesto assembleorshipmenttobemadeoverseas.Ialso noticedthatIplayguitarsomewhatlessthanbefore. So,Itrytoremindmyselfthatitisimportanttotake thetimeforpersonalenjoyment.Itrytospendalotof timeinmybackyardwithourcatsandtrytotakewalks innaturewithmygirlfriend.Stayingcreative,and doingartsythingsisveryimportanttomaintain positiveoutcomes.

MirrorReview:Whatarethebiggestchallengesyou facedinyourcareerjourney,andhowdidyouovercome them?

Thebiggestchallengesinmy20-yearprofessional Nermin: careerwithsomeofthebiggestcompaniesintheworld havebeenagenerallackofunderstandingandfollowingof basicexcellenceprinciples:safety,transparency,andethics. Thisiswhy,workinginmyowncompany,Icanmaintain theseprincipleswithoutcompromise.

MirrorReview:Howdoyouinspireaspiring entrepreneurswhowanttomakeadifferenceinthe world?

Nermin:Ibelievethatifyouhaveaskillandapassionto solveaproblemthatannoysyouandothers,youshouldgo forit.That’showyoufindyourcustomersandyour purpose.Butbeforeyoustart,makesureyouhavea financialbackupsoyoudon’tdependonanyone.Andtrust yourgut,evenifothersdoubtyou.Butalsotestandrefine yoursolutionuntilitworksperfectly

Youwillfeelthesupportwhenyoumeetpeoplewholove yourproducts.That’swhatmotivatesmetokeepdoing whatIdo.Anddon’tbeafraidtogethelpfromothersin areasthatyoudon'tenjoy.Andalwaysfollowtheprinciples ofexcellence:safety,transparency,andethics.Iwishyoua wonderfuljourneyandsuccessinyourfutureendeavors.

MirrorReview:Couldyoupleasesharewithusany upcomingeventsthatyouarelookingforwardto?

Nermin:Ihavetwoexcitingeventscomingupinthenext fewmonths.InFebruary,IwilltraveltoDoha,Qatar,to participateintheWebSummit,aspartoftheAlphaStartup Program.Thisisagreatopportunityformetoshowcasemy DCBatteryPackandACBatteryPacktechnology,which areinnovativesolutionsforportablepower.Iwillalso networkwithindustryprofessionalsandpotentialinvestors.

Then,inMarch,IwillexhibittheACandDCBatteryPacks inAustin,Texas,aspartoftheSXSW2024CreativeExpo tradeshow.

Inaddition,Ihavesomegoodnewstoshare.Ihave receivedAmazonSellerapproval,includingTrademarkand Brandingapproval,andIexpecttohavethe9VDCBattery PacksavailableforpurchaseonAmazoninMarch2024. Thiswillmakeiteasierforcustomerstoaccessmy productsonline.

ANDY

AAndyJassyismorethanjustaname;it’sa beaconofinnovationandexceptional leadershipwithinthetechnologicalrealm.Most peopleknowhimastheinfluentialPresident andCEOofAmazon,buthisascendancytothis prestigiouspositionisanarrativerichinvision, unwaveringdedication,andaprofound capacitytopioneerthefutureoftechnological advancements.

EarlyLifeandEducation

Bornin1968,Jassyembarkedonan educationaljourneythatwouldlayarobust groundworkforhisillustriouscareer.He securedanABfromthereveredHarvard University,followedbyanMBAfromHarvard BusinessSchool.Theseillustriousinstitutions didn’tjustprovidehimwithadegree;they honedhisanalyticalandcriticalthinkingskills, preparinghimtoadeptlynavigatethe complexitiesoftheever-evolvingbusiness landscape.

FromHumbleBeginningstoLeadingthe CloudRevolution:

Jassy’sprofessionalsagacommencedin1997 whenhejoinedAmazon,markingthe beginningofwhatwouldbeanextraordinary contributiontoreshapingthetechindustry Throughouthistenure,henavigatedthrough variousleadershiprolesacrossdistinctbusiness sectors,amassingawealthofexperiencein bothbusiness-to-business(B2B)andbusinessto-consumer(B2C)frameworks.Hisjourney, however,waspoisedforahistoricmilestone.

JASSY

In2003,Jassy,incollaborationwithJeff Bezos,conceptualizedwhatwouldbecome acornerstoneofmoderntechnology: AmazonWebServices(AWS).Launched in2006withamodestteamof57pioneers, AWSwasdestinedtorevolutionizetheway businessesutilizecloudcomputing.Under Jassy’sastuteleadership,AWSburgeoned intothepreeminentcloudserviceprovider globally,atestamenttohisforwardthinkingandstrategicleadership.His contributionsweregloballyacknowledged in2016whenhewaslaudedasPersonof theYearbytheFinancialTimes.Thatyear furthermarkedhisascenttoCEOofAWS, recognizinghispivotalroleanddedication.

TakingtheHelmatAmazonandBeyond

In2021,Jassy’sjourneytookanother monumentalleapashewasappointedto succeedJeffBezosastheCEOofAmazon. Thistransitionwasn’tjustachangeof leadership;itrepresentedanewerafor Amazon,withJassyattheforefront, steeringtheconglomeratetowardsnewer heightsofsuccessandinnovationin domainssuchase-commerce,streaming services,andartificialintelligence.

BeyondAmazon,Jassy’sinfluenceextends intophilanthropicefforts.Heactively participatesinthegovernanceofnotable institutions,includingtheTrustofthe AmericanAcademyofArtsandSciences

andtheBoardofTrusteesfor RainierScholars.Hisroleas ChairofRainierPrep’sBoardof Directorsunderscoreshis commitmenttonurturing educationalopportunitiesforthe youthandshapingfutureleaders.

AndyJassy’slegacytranscends hisroleatAWSandasthe commanderofAmazon.His journeyisanarrativeof navigatingthroughthe intricaciesofthetechindustry withaclearvisionandsteadfast leadership.Hiscontributions havenotonlycementedhis statusasaluminaryinthe businessworldbutalsoseta benchmarkforfutureleaders.As hecontinuestodriveAmazon’s visionforward,thebusiness communityandtheworldat largeeagerlywatch,anticipating theinnovativestrideshewill takeintheforthcomingyears.

Jassy’sstoryisacompelling testamenttotheimpactof perseverance,strategicforesight, andtherelentlesspursuitof innovation,servingasan unparalleledsourceof inspirationforbudding entrepreneursandbusiness leadersalike.

“Always

stay focused on your goals and vision without compromising your ethical values,” concludes Karl

An Icon of cellence driving Multifold Growth arehouse utomation Industry

Karl Friesenbichler

Karl Friesenbichler

Meettheexhilaratingleader andanA.I.nerd,Karl Friesenbichler CEO ,the of Atrue dereOidaPtyLtd entrepreneuratheart,Karl’svisionfor supplychainmanagementand thewarehouseautomation industryisexceptional. Givingwingstohis passion,Karlbuilthis brainchildwithhis knowledgeand experience.Hisabilityto takerisks,dealwith multiplechallenges,and translatethehighlycomplex processesofsupplychainmanagement andwarehouseautomationintoa languageeverybodyunderstands makeshimstandoutfromothers.He findscustomizedsolutionsforevery projectandchallengehefaces.

“I was drawn into the warehouse management industry very early during an internship in the United Kingdom. I developed one of the first applications to allow retail stores to trigger replenishment from warehouses via a small handheld scanning terminal and a modem,” Karladds.

Automated Systems Control

“The intricate dance of goods flowing through a business’s supply chain immediately attracted me and became my passion. Even after twenty years, this industry will keep you on your toes as it is ever-changing,” Karl continues.

CreatingaSolution,Layinga Foundation,andBuildinga Legacy

AnInternshipthatTurnedintoa Full-FledgedCareer

Karlgraduatedwhenhewas17and decidedtotravelandexperienceother culturesandlanguages.Whileabroad, hedidaremotedegreewhileworking full-time—somethinghedoesn’t recommendtoeveryone.

Karlsharesthestoryof thecompany’sinception anditsmissionandvision.

andautomationinawarehouse.He wasfrustratedwiththefactthat differentsoftwarecontrolsystemswere requiredtomanageautomationin additiontothewarehousemanagement system.Karlthought,“Whynothavea singlesourceoftruth?”Thus,theidea ofa“UnifiedControlSystem”was born.

Initially,thecompany’sproduct, doWarehouse,wasdevelopedasa hobby,withthefirstversionbeing goodbutnotgreat.Afterlearningfrom thefirstversion,theteamdeveloped version2,whichtheyknewwas outstandingandwouldprovidereal benefitstocustomers.

Flexible workflows

Foundedin2018,dereOida cameintobeingoutof necessity,asKarlwasworking foraglobalplayerinhisindustryand noticedaneedforasuperiorsoftware producttomanageprocesses,people,

Thecompany’svisionisto eliminatehumanerrorand warehouseandlogistics issuesandimprove accessibilityto productsforeveryone.

Themissionof dereOidaistocreate thebestproductinthe industry,withateam dedicatedtodriving innovationandexcellencein everythingtheydo.

Future-ProofWarehouseOperations

Karlassertsthattheeraofinflexiblewarehouse managementsystemsthatcannotbemodifiedor canonlybemodifiedatasignificantexpenseis over.Instead,businessesrequireasystemthat swiftlyadaptstoevolvingbusinessconditions andneeds.Heemphasizestheimportanceof havingadynamicandagilesysteminplace thatcanproactivelyrespondtothechanging demandsofthemarketplace.

Thecompanyfocusesonprovidingawarehouse managementsuitethatcaterstotheneedsof customersseekingafuture-proofsolutionfor potentialautomationorthosewhorequireasoftware suitetounifydistinctareasoftheirwarehousethat arealreadyautomated.Theirtargetaudienceisnot limitedtoaparticularindustrybutrather encompassesanybusinessthatneedsa comprehensiveandadaptablesolutiontooptimize theirwarehousemanagement.

ByofferingthedoWarehousesoftwaresuite,whichis bothversatileandimpartial,thecompanyempowers itsclientstopromptlyadjusttoshiftingbusiness conditionswithoutcompromisingtheirservice standards.Ultimately,itcomesdowntohavinga trustworthyallywhocandeliveraproductthatcan seamlesslyconformtotheevolvingneedsoftheir clients.

SimplifyingWarehouseManagement

AttheheartofdereOida’sofferingsistheirunique product,doWarehouse,whichcombineswarehouse managementfunctionalitywithagnosticwarehouse control.Unliketheir competitors, customerscanuse onesoftware productto manage theirmanual warehous eoperations and control automati on, includin g conveyo rs,ASRS(or AMR) systems,and other solutions.

onewarehouse,providingcustomerswithacosteffectivesolutiontomanagetheirwarehouse processes.dereOida’ssolutionisdesigned withfulltraceabilityandtransparency, enablingcustomerstoseetheactualcost ofanytaskconductedinrealtime.This featurecanbetracedbacktoaspecific workstep,order,orderline,oruser, providingoneofthemostpotenttools forcontinuousimprovement.

Furthermore,doWarehouseisalsodesigned tobeconfigurable,allowingcustomersto changeprocesseswithoutincurringadditional softwarechanges.Thisflexibilityiscrucialto adaptingdoWarehousetoever-changingbusiness requirements,therebyavoidingthecostofsoftware changes.

DecodingtheRoleofanEntrepreneur

AstheCEO,Karlbelievesthatyouareresponsible foreverythinginyourbusiness.Inhisjourney,hehas beenfortunatetohaveterrificmentorsontheway andlearnedearlyonthatyouneedtobuildateam aroundyouthatcomplementsyourskillsetandtrust themtodotheirjob.

Today,Karlseeshimselfmoreasacoachthana businesscaptain,enablinghisleadershipteamtolead thebusiness.

RealAccomplishmentsareBeyondAwards

OneofthekeybenefitsofusingdoWarehouseisits abilitytocontroldifferentautomationvendorswithin

Whenitcomestoachievements,hismostsignificant achievementisfoundingdereOidaandseeingthis businessgofromideatomultinationalplayer Asfor accomplishments,heinsteadcallsthemexperiences; speakingataUnitedNationsconferenceinCambodia onhowsupplychainandlogisticsautomationcan transformlabormarketsinemergingeconomies comestomind.

Nowadays,hegivesbacktoemergingtalentsinthe warehousemanagementindustrybysharinghis experienceandknowledgeandguidingthemintheir path,whichisalsoveryrewardingforhim.

Karl’sPerspectiveonGlobalBusinessLeadership

Thecurrentscenarioofglobalbusinessleadershipis

dynamicandconstantlyevolving,drivenbyfactors suchasglobalization,technology,changingcustomer preferences,andgeopoliticalshifts.Leadersneedto adapttothesechangesandnavigatetheir organizationsthroughuncertaintyand disruption.Theyneedtobeagile andinnovativeandhaveaclear visionofwheretheywanttotake theirorganizations.

Multiple warehouses

Tostayrelevantamidstchanging leadershipstyles,itisessentialto keeplearningandupgradingyour skills.Leadersneedtobeawareofthe latesttrendsandbestpracticesintheirindustry andbeyond.Theyshouldalsobeopentonewideas andperspectivesandbewillingtoexperimentand takerisks.

Networkingandbuildingrelationshipswithpeersand mentorshelpKarlstayrelevant.Helearnsfrom others’experiences,exchangesideas,andgainsnew insightsintohisleadershipapproach.

Leadersshouldfocusondevelopingtheiremotional intelligence,empathy,andresilience.Theyshouldbe abletoconnectwiththeirteams,buildtrust,and motivatethemtoachievetheirgoals.Theyshould alsobeabletomanagetheirstresslevelsandadaptto change.

StayingProactiveisaMassiveAdvantageforthe LongerRun

Beingproactiveisacriticaltraitforanyleader, particularlyintoday’scompetitivebusiness environment.Proactivityallowsleaderstostayahead ofthecompetition,makebetterstrategicdecisions, andensurethattheirorganizationispreparedfor whateverthefuturemaybring.Italsoenablesthem toidentifyopportunitiesthatothersmightmissand takeadvantageofthembeforecompetitorscan.

TheArtofWork-LifeBalance

Maintainingagoodwork-lifebalancerequiresdaily effort.Itistemptingtoleantowardswork,especially ifyouleadastartup.Makingtheconsciousdecision nottoworklatehoursandallowtimeforfamilyand friends,aswellassports,helpsKarltobalancehis busyschedule.LivinginSydney,heisoftenoutdoors

andlikestoexplorenatureinandaroundthecity

Karl’sImpeccablePieceof

AdviceforBudding BusinessLeaders

Asadecoratedleaderwithawealthofexperience, Karlimpartsvaluableadvicetoaspiringbusiness leaderswhoyearnforsuccessintheirchosen fields.Hebelievesbuildingacompetentteamthat complementsone’sskillsetandsharesthesame visionandgoalsiscrucial.Headvocatesembracing innovationandbeingopentochangesintheindustry astheworldisconstantlyevolving.

Furthermore,Karlunderscoresthesignificanceof continuouslearningandcultivatingacurious mindset.Hesuggeststhatonecangainvaluable insightsfromotherleaders’adviceandexperiences, servingasatreasuretroveofleadershipideas.

Local language supported

“do Warehouse is the key ton successful warehouse control through automation, enabling educated decision-making, accurate insights, and accelerating business growth.”

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO TECH TITAN

The Inspiring Journey of

SUNDAR PICHAI

ThenameSundarPichaiissynonymouswithGoogleandhas becomeahouseholdnameinthetechworld.However,hisjourney tothetopisaninspiringstoryofhardwork,dedication,anda brilliantmind.

Pichai’svisionistomaketechnologymoreaccessible,useful,and beneficialtopeopleworldwide.HehasledGoogle’stransformation fromasearchenginegiantintoadiversifiedtechnologypowerhouse, focusingoninnovationanduser-centricproducts.Inthisarticle,we summariseSundarPichai’sjourney,whichinspiresall.

SundarPichai’sLifeTrajectoryEnteringtheTechWorld

BorninMadurai,India,in1972,SundarPichaigrewupinamodest householdinChennai.Thisinstilledinhimstrongvaluesofhard workandeducation.Hisacademicbrillianceshonethroughearlyon, leadinghimtoexcelattheIndianInstituteofTechnology Kharagpur,whereheearnedadegreeinMetallurgicalEngineering. Pichaididn’tstopthere.Hewentontosecurescholarshipsto prestigiousuniversities–StanfordUniversityforaMaster’sin MaterialSciencesandEngineering,followedbyanMBAfromthe WhartonSchooloftheUniversityofPennsylvania.

BeforeembarkingonhisextraordinaryjourneyatGoogle,Pichai gainedvaluableexperienceasamanagementconsultantat McKinsey&Company.In2004,hetookaleapintothetechworld, joiningGoogle’sproductmanagementteam.

MakingHisRisetotheTopatGoogle

SundarPichai’ssharpproductsensedidn’tgounnoticed.Heplayed apivotalroleinleadingtheGoogleToolbarproject,which significantlyincreasedGooglesearchesonpopularbrowserslike InternetExplorerandFirefox.However,hismostsignificant contributioncamein2008withthedevelopmentandlaunchof GoogleChrome,thewebbrowserthatnowdominatestheonline world.

OverseeingAndroidRecognizingtheimmensepotentialofAndroid, GoogleentrustedPichaiwithoverseeingthemobileoperating systemin2013.HeplayedacrucialroleinsteeringAndroidto becomethemostpopularmobileOSglobally

SundarPichai’sstrategicthinking,exceptionalproductdevelopment skills,andabilitytoseamlesslycollaborateacrossvariousteams

madehimanaturalchoiceforleadershippositions. In2015,hebecametheCEOofGoogle,andin 2019,hereachednewheightsbytakingthehelm asCEOofAlphabetInc.,Google’sparent company.

ExpandingHorizonswithLeadingVision

UnderPichai’sleadership,Googlehasembraced ArtificialIntelligence(AI)asatransformative technology.HebelievesAIhasthepowerto improvelivesinvariousfields,andGoogle’s commitmenttoAIhasledtogroundbreaking advancementsinsearch,translation,and healthcare.

PichaihasalsospearheadedGoogle’sventureinto hardware.ProjectslikePixelsmartphones, GoogleHomesmartspeakers,andwearablesaim tocreateaseamlessandintegrateduserexperience forcustomers.

Pichaichampionsaglobalperspective, emphasizingtheimportanceofmakingtechnology accessibleforeveryone.Hehaslaunched initiativeslikeGoogleforIndia,aimingtobridge thedigitaldivideinhishomecountry.

BalancingFreedomandResponsibilitywith ChallengesandControversies

Aswithanylargecorporation,Googleand Alphabetfacetheirshareofchallenges.Theirsize anddominancehaveattractedregulatoryscrutiny regardingantitrustconcernsanddataprivacy. Pichaihasaddressedthesecomplexissuesby testifyingbeforetheUSCongress,navigating themwithinthepublicpolicylandscape.

Strikingabalancebetweenallowingfreedomof expressionandaddressingharmfulcontentonline acrossplatformslikeYoutubeisanotherongoing challengeforPichai.Thisinvolvesfinding effectivestrategiestocombatmisinformation, extremistcontent,andhatespeech.

Serghei Busmachiu

A Zealous Leader unlocking Ingenious Infrastructure Development

Utilities One CEO

Infrastructuredevelopmentisvitaltothegrowthof

acountry’seconomy.Goodinfrastructure, particularlyinsectorsliketelecommunication, power,oil,transportation,andconstruction,impactsthe costofproductsandservicesaswellasincreases competitiveness.Establishedin2016,UtilitiesOneis cateringtotheinfrastructuredevelopmentneedsinthese sectorswithitspremiersolutions.Thecompanyisthe brainchildofSergheiBusmachiu,anambitiousleader leveraginghisexperienceandimpeccablemanagement skillstodriveittowardunrivaledgrowth.

ALeaderwithDivergentThinking

SergheicomesfromanEastEuropeancountrycalled Moldova.HegraduatedfromtheCollegeofTransport inChisinau.Sergheisteppedintoinfrastructure developmentashewasalwayspassionateabout buildingnewtechnologyandimpactingthecommunity Hestaystruetohisvisionsandwithexemplary leadership,hehasexpandedhisbusinessreachinto otherindustriesbyestablishingUtilitiesOne—an organizationthatservespeoplewithout-of-the-box solutions.

TheInceptionofUtilitiesOne

UtilitiesOnestartedwithitssistercompanyMoldcable. Thecompanyusedtofocusondeliveringcable installationandrepairservices.Inthecompetitive market,Sergheirealizedthatastechnologyisevolving, thereisaneedforacompanythatprovidesbothcivil andindustrialinfrastructuredevelopment.Withthegoal toprovidehighlyadvancedsolutionsandservices, Sergheigavebirthtotheideaofthenewcompany This ishowUtilitiesOnewasborn.

AnArrayofExceptionalServices

Overtheyears,UtilitiesOnehasexpandeditselfto becomeabigplayerinprovidingnationwideTelecom serviceforILEC&CLECprovidersandWireless Carriers.Thecompanydeliversafullrangeof infrastructuresolutionsforTelecommunications providers,Electric&GasUtilities,WirelessCarriers, andtheTechnologyDeploymentsector.Itoffers servicessuchasEngineering,Design,andConstruction forWirelineProjectsaswellasFTTx,FTTH,FTTP, FTTC,andFTTN.

Additionally,thecompanyisakeyserviceproviderfor

newsitebuilds,modifications,lineandantenna installation,andSmallCell/DAS.Itprovidescustomers withSiteAcquisition,RealEstate,Engineering,Project Management,ConstructionServices,andMaintenance services.ItalsobuildsOverheadandUnderground DistributionandTransmissionlinesaswellasindustryleadingSmartGridsolutionsforGridModernization.In additiontoGasUtilityConstructionandEngineeringfor DistributionandPipelineconstruction,thecompany alsoprovidesafullrangeofDesign/BuildEPCservices forSolarSystems,WindFarms,andElectricalVehicles networks.

EfficientTeam

AteamisavitalpartofanyorganizationandUtilities Oneisblessedwithanexcellentpersonnel.Serghei believesthatthecompanyhasoneofthegreatestteams withmanygreatleadersandspecialists.Theteam ensuresthateveryemployeegetsmotivatedtobringthe companytothenextlevel.Mr.JosephDiMelis,a seasonedandgreatlyrenownedTelecomleader,has joinedthecompanyandbroughtmanygreatexecutives alongwithhim.Thereasonbehindthisistheysharethe visionofUtilitiesOne.Theyalsokeeppushingthe businesstoreachnewandgreaterheights.

DelegatingtheDuties

ServingastheCEOofthecompany,Sergheiwears manyhats.Hehasservedinmanypositionsinthelast coupleofyears.Accordingtohim,hisprimaryroleisto hiretherightmanagement,implementthecompany’s vision,strategy,andcorevaluesaswellasfollowtheset KeyPerformanceIndicators(KPIs).Talkingabout teamsandemployees,SergheiaddsthatPeoplearethe backboneofanybusiness,andfindingtherightcrewis justasimportantasanyothermajortask. “As for my greatest achievements, I guess I have a knack for finding the right people for the right positions,” hebriefs.

OptimumCustomerSatisfaction

Toensureoptimumcustomersatisfaction,Serghei focusesoncustomerexpectations.Inthecaseof UtilitiesOne,theteamhasbeentransparentwith customersfromthebeginning.Thecompanyholdsa goalofunderpromisingandover-delivering.According toSerghei,customersneedtobeheardandwanttohave ahealthydialoguethatfacilitatesmutualbenefits. “That’s why I believe most customers love us and want

us to do more business with them,” addsSerghei.

PromisingFuture

UtilitiesOnehasbeendeliveringthebestexperiencesto itscustomersandhasanoutstandingreputationfor facilitatingoptimumvalue.Thecompanythinksthat 2023isverypromising.Consideringtheimportanceof energysourceslikesolarpower,windturbines,etc.in thelongrun,UtilitiesOnehasplannedtoventureinto therenewableenergysector.Thecompanysupports sustainability,greenerchoices,carbonneutrality,etc.It isalsoacceleratingbroadbandexpansioninthenew area.Foreffectivework,itaimstohire500new employees.

FuturisticContributions

“I think technology will always keep evolving, and there will always be a need for a company like Utilities One,” briefsSerghei.Astherewillalwaysbeadvanced developmentsemerginginthefuture,thecommunity andpeoplewillneedorganizationslikeUtilitiesOneto helpthemgrowtheirbusinesses.Beingabigplayerin theindustry,thecompanywillcontinueexpandingthe

essentialinfrastructurenationwideastheneedforitwill continuetoincreaseovertime.

AdvicetoBuddingLeaders

Beingadecoratedleader,Sergheigivesadviceto aspiringentrepreneurs,executives,CEOs,etc.Themain thingistoalwayskeepworkingandnevergiveup.He alsoaddsthatasnothingisgoingtobeperfectinthe beginningandlifeisfilledwithlotsofchallenges,the keytosuccessisto “Always keep going”.

“In my opinion, the only competition is ourselves. Even the sky is not the limit if we are doing the job right at 100%.”

EElonMuskisanamesynonymouswithinnovation, disruption,andaudaciousgoals.Fromelectriccarsto spaceexploration,hehasrevolutionizedentire industrieswithhisboldvisionandrelentlesspursuitof theseeminglyimpossible.ButElonMuskisalsoa complexfigure,generatingbothferventadmiration andsharpcriticismforhisbusinesspracticesand personalconduct.

EarlyYears:SeedsofAmbition

ElonMusk’schildhoodwasmarkedbychallenges, includingbullyingandaparentalsplit.These experiencesmayhaveinstilledinhimtheresilience anddeterminationthatwouldbecomehallmarksofhis character.Heharboredadeepfascinationwith computersandsciencefictionfromayoungage, foreshadowingthetechnologicalpathhewould eventuallycarveforhimself.

FirstStepsinBusiness

ElonMusk’sentrepreneurialspiritblossomedearly Atthetenderageof12,hecreatedandsoldavideo game,demonstratingaprecociousunderstandingof businessandawillingnesstotakecalculatedrisks. Theseinitialventuresnotonlyprovidedhimwith valuablelessonsbutalsoinstilledinhimalifelong dedicationtopursuinghisideas,nomatterhow ambitious.

University:BuildingaFoundation

ElonMuskchoseanunconventionalacademicpath, pursuingdegreesinphysicsandeconomics.This seeminglydisparatecombinationofdisciplinesproved tobeapowerfulforce,equippinghimwithboththe scientificknowledgeandtheeconomicacumencrucial fornavigatingthecomplexitiesofhisfuture endeavors.Whileatuniversity,heencountered inspiringmentorswhoplayedasignificantrolein shapinghisfuturepursuits.

BusinessPhilosophyandStrategies:Reachingfor theStars

ElonMuskisrenownedforhis“moonshotthinking,” settingaudaciousgoalslikecolonizingMarsand revolutionizingtransportation.Thisunwavering ambitionstemsfromadeepdesiretosolvehumanity’s mostpressingchallengesandleavealastingimpacton

theworld.Whilethesegoalsmayseemfar-fetched,Elon Muskadoptsarigorousapproachtofeasibilityassessment, meticulouslyevaluatingrisksandpotentialrewardsbefore embarkingonanyventure.

VerticalIntegration:TakingControl

ElonMuskfrequentlyemploysthestrategyofvertical integrationwithinhiscompanies,suchasSpaceXand Tesla.Thisinvolvescontrollingallaspectsofthe productionprocess,fromrawmaterialstofinished products.Thisapproachallowsforgreatercontrol, efficiency,andinnovation,butitalsocomeswiththe challengesofmanagingacomplexandmultifaceted operation.

RapidIteration:EmbracingChange

ElonMuskstronglyemphasizesrapidprototypingand constantrefinement.Hebelievesinswiftlytestingideas, learningfromfailures,anditeratingrapidlytoachieve optimalresults.Thisfast-pacedapproachallowshis companiestostayaheadofthecurveindynamic technologicallandscapes,butitcanalsoleadtoproduct launcheswithunforeseenglitchesandrequireahighdegree ofadaptabilityfromemployees.

RiskTolerance:CalculatedGambles

ElonMuskisknownforhiswillingnesstotakesignificant risks.FrominvestinghisearlyfortuneinSpaceXto acquiringTwitter,hisbolddecisionshaveoftenpaidoff handsomely.However,thesecalculatedgambleshavealso comewiththepotentialforsubstantiallosses.Examining bothhissuccessesandfailuresrevealsElonMusk’skeen understandingofriskassessmentandhisabilitytolearn frompastexperiences.

LeadershipStyleandControversies:ADouble-Edged Sword

ElonMusk’sleadershipstyleischaracterizedbyhigh expectations,longworkinghours,andademandingnature. Whilethisapproachhasundoubtedlycontributedtohis company’ssuccess,ithasalsoraisedconcernsabout employeemoraleandturnover

Work-LifeImbalance:ThePriceofAmbition

ElonMusk’sdedicationtohisworkislegendary,often leadingtopersonalsacrifices.Thisrelentlessdrivehas

Fr Video Games to Mars The Audacious Journey of ELON MUSK

Changing the Course of Mankind

undeniablyfueledhis accomplishments,yetitraises questionsabouttheimpactonhis personalwell-beingandthe sustainabilityofsuchademanding lifestyle.

SocialMediaPersona:A PlatformforPraiseandPitfalls

ElonMusk’sactivepresenceon socialmedia,particularlyTwitter, allowshimtoconnectdirectly withthepublic.However,his unfilteredpronouncements, sometimesleadingtomarket manipulationandclasheswith critics,havesparkedcontroversy anddamagedhispublicimage.

PolarizingFigure:AManof ManyFacets

ElonMuskisafigurewhoevokes strongemotions,attractingboth ferventadmirationandintense criticism.Someviewhimasa visionaryleaderwhopushesthe boundariesofhumanpotential, whileothersperceivehimasa recklessandegotisticalindividual. Ultimately,ElonMuskremainsa complexandmultifaceted individualwhoselegacywill continuetobedebatedforyearsto come.

Phillip Lomax

Pivoting Businesses into New Horizons with Neuromarketing

Overtheyears,neuroscience

hasemergedasavitalcrux formarketresearchstudies. Neuromarketingtechniqueshave becomeadvantageousoverregular marketresearchasithelpsmarketers tapintothemostimportantfacetsof marketing—emotionsandmotivations ofcustomers.Aswetranscendfurther intoatechnology-drivenworld, neurosciencehasbecomeoneofthe mostpurposefulassetsforhelping marketersandbusinessesunlock customerrequirementswithutmost accuracy

Althoughneuromarketingisa significantdeterminantofmarketing, itspotentialsareyettobeleveragedby marketers. “The largest enterprises in the space still had a lot to learn about how advertising works and neuromarketing was not being fully leveraged,” believesPhillipLomax. Phillip’sencounterwiththeconceptof neuromarketingmadehimrealizeits significanceinthemarketsphere.

DecoratedWorkProfile

Phillipwaseducatedininternational schoolsaroundtheworldandholdsa decoratedcareerportfolio.Hereceived aPresidentialScholarshiptoattend CornishCollegeoftheArtswherehe focusedonActingforTheaterand MusicalTheaterandgraduatedCum LaudewithHonors.In2011,Phillip participatedinFoxNetworks’The X Factor wherehefinished4thinthe Men’scategory.Healsoraisedover $450,000forvariouscharitiesandhas

showcasedhissingingtalentat renownedplatformssuchasFrank Sinatra’sBachelorPadinPalmSprings andmanymore.Hefurtherventured intohospitalityasaFrontOffice Manager.andtookover24/7 operationsofahotelpropertyin Seattle.

Phillipfurtherbroadenedhisbusiness developmentskillsetwiththeteamof UberEatswhereheestablished partnershipswiththousandsof restaurantsandenterprisechainsfor 3.5years.BythetimePhillipexited thecompany,hewasoneofthetop3 salespeople—intermsofaccounts signedandrevenueforthetechgiant. WhileatUberEats,heattended HarvardExecutiveEducationclasses for2yearsandearnedagrateful experience.

In2019,Phillipattendedthe NeuromarketingWorldForumhosted inRomewherehewasastoundedby neuromarketingandregardeditasone ofthemostadvancedtechnologieshe hadeverwitnessedthroughouthis career.Sixmonthslateritwaswhenhe wasinSingaporeattheGlobal RestaurantLeadershipConference, whereherealizedthepotentialof neuromarketingwithintherestaurant industry.Currently,Phillipservesas theSVPofBusinessDevelopmentat MediaScienceandcontributestoits continuoussuccess.

OptimizingExperimentalDesign

MediaSciencewasestablishedin2008

byDr.DuaneVaraninpartnershipwith Disney.HewasapproachedbyDisney withanintriguingproposal.Underthis proposal,Dr Varanwassoughtto performadvancedresearch—whichhe pioneeredasanacademic—ona broaderscaleandinadedicated customresearchlabforDisney’s properties.Afteranexclusive5-year periodwithDisney,thecompany onboardedvariousclientelesuchas Warner,NBC,Google,andseveral others.MediaSciencehascollaborated withnearlyeverymajorTVnetwork andsocialmediaplatforminthe industrytoday Withitsmethod agnosticapproach,MediaSciencehas beenoptimizingexperimentaldesign forthepastdecadetogenerateaccurate dataforitsclients.

MediaSciencefocusesonaccuratedata collectionbyintegratingnewscientific methodstomeasureitsaudiences.It determinestheaudience’strue responseusingitsneurometrics.Its toolboxincludesmultipleplatforms thatcanbeusedtotestadvertisingand programming,suchasitsin-home streamingplatform, StreamPulse,a privatestreamingsystemthatenablesit tocollectaccurateconsumerfeedback inanenvironmentwheretheaudience isatease.

“If a brand is looking for a more controlled environment, we have multiple laboratories across the United States where they can access our comprehensive toolbox,” quotes Phillip.

"Optimism compliments a scientific mind, and when compounded by belief, becomes the catalyst for innovation and disruption.”

WideArrayofIndustrialTargets

MediaSciencetargetsawidearrayof industries.Thecompanyispreferred byplatformsandpublishers,whowish toshowcasetheperformanceoftheir advertisingformats,foritsabilityto accuratelytesttheirefficacy.Itis trustedbybrandsforitsabilitytodig deeperthantraditionalmeasures,and agenciesrelyonitsworktosteerthe wholeindustrytowardinnovationthat works.Yet,Phillipbelievesthatthefull powerofneuromarketinghasyettobe leveragedanditsapplicationsare boundlessandevenreachpastthe mediaindustry

MediaSciencebeginswithexcellent datacollectionandtranslatesits datasetsintopowerfulinsightsthatcan befurtherusedtodevelopan appropriatebrandstrategyforits clients.Usingitsrefinedalgorithms anddatasets,MediaSciencehas becomean“emotion-smith”by understandingcognitiveengagement, responseintensity,emotionalfeedback, memory,anditsimpactonthe consumer-brandjourney

“We use an ever-evolving process to make sure we are always on the cutting edge of the neuromarketing industry,” assertsPhillip.

LeadingintoNewVerticals

Beingatthehelmofthecompany, Phillipleadsthesalesorganization, partnershipacquisition,andgrowth strategyofMediaScienceintonew verticals.Hewasresponsibleforthe company’sbrandrefreshin2020,its marketingstrategy,andnewclient development.Philliphasalso contributedtoestablishingthepremise forsomeofthecompany’sself-funded researchonvarioustopics.

EnunciatingSuccessElements

Neuromarketingisanindustrythat demandsthegreatestminds,whoare perpetuallycuriousandalwaysasking themselves,“why?”andascientific mindisimperativetomakeitbig. Phillipbelievesthatasmallgroupof peoplecanchangetheworld. Speakingofhisexperienceat MediaScience,headdsthatheisatthe

beginningofajourneywithhisteam. Hementionsthatitisimportanttostay evervigilantandoptimistictowards thevisionwhilealsotakingastepback andlookingatthebiggerpictureby applyingknowledgewiththe considerationofglobalculture.By doingthis,andthroughexperience,one willbuildwisdom.

Phillipbelievesthatpassionisthefuel thatpowersusinternally,however,itis importanttonotethatitisnot exclusiveandthatpeoplearemultidimensionalintheirwantsandneeds. Onedoesnotgettopicktheirpassions, butjustbeawareofthemtoharness theirfullpotential.

“Following my passions has led me to my journey and brought me several successes - but I don’t feel “successful” yet, I’m still hungry to make an even greater impact. The ability to understand and measure your own success is unique to each person. Success is dynamic and internal,” concludesPhillip.