The 10 Influential Education Leaders, 2023

EDITOR’S LETTER

Inspiring Personalitie

s Shaping the Future!

DearReaders,

Theeducationfieldiswitnessingsomeofthemajorshiftsofthecentury.Several individualsandinstitutesarecontributingtomakingeducationreachremoteplaces. However,challengesarenowarisingwithinthewell-equippedtownships.Wearecovering suchpersonalitiesandinstitutesinourlatesteditionof“The10InfluentialEducation Leaders,2023”thatareindulgedinaddressingtheflawsintheeducationsystem.

WearepleasedtohaveJoshuaBrown,FounderandCEOofF.A.C.E.S.,onourcoverpage. Hehasfollowedhisfamily'slegacybyrunninganeducationinstitute.F.A.C.E.S.ismainly centeredoncommunitybuildingandworkingforeveryaspectofsociety Theirofferings includeeverythingfromenhancingintrapersonalabilities,socialandemotionalwell-being, toacademicassistance.Theyareindeedfocusingoncreatingapositivechangeinsociety.

Further,wehaveacoupleofinspirationalpersonalitieswhoarecomingupwithaunique strategytocontributetotheindustry:LukeWhiting,RossRomano,StefanQuartemont,and ShfikMina.Theseareaselectedfewwhohavecomeupwithanapproachtocreatinga uniqueimpactinthestudents'livestomakeitbright.Theyareleveragingtheirexpertise, knowledge,andintentiontoprioritizethebesttocreatethebestforthefuture.

Witheverypageofthisedition,youwillgettoknowhowtheeducationfieldismoving towardsinnovativestandardization.Theeffortsbeingmadebyentrepreneursand changemakersareexceptionalandcouldgetbetterastimepasses.Here,wehavecovered theinstitutesthatareintocoachingandtrainingservicesandthatarebuzzingaroundevery corneroftheglobe.Wearesurethiswillbeinformativeenoughtoaddsomevaluable knowledgetoyourtable.

Wewanttoexpressoursincerethanksforyourconsistentsupportandcontinuous readership,whichenableustohonortheoutstandingaccomplishmentsofthesesignificant individualsandmotivatethefollowinggenerationofeducators.

Thank you for being part of this edition!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

MANAGING

PANKAJ

PROJECT

PROJECT

Review Media &

ASHWINI

AAKASH

Joshua Brown

Cover Story 10

NTENTS

FOUNDER & CEO

F.A.C.E.S.

A Visionary Leader in Education

Counseling and Underserved Community

Theintroductionofthedigitalsystemhas

changedtheentireeducationscenario.As theeducationsectorcontinuestoevolve,so doestheneedforspecializedsupportto helpindividualsmakeinformeddecisions abouttheirfuture.Educationcounselinghasbecomea criticalaspectofthisprocess,guidingstudentsofallages andthoselookingtochangecareersorfurthertheir education.Thus,correctguidanceplaysavitalrolein success.Thatiswhyexceptionaleducationservice providerslikeJoshuaBrownarecrucial.

JoshuaistheFounderandCEOofF.A.C.E.S.whichwas foundedin2018.Acompanythathelpsstudentsbuilds bettercareersandmakeseffortstokeepthecommunity together.F.A.C.E.S.(FaithinActionCommunity EducationServices)intentlyprovidesservicestothe community,whichisfilledwithseveralissues.Itserves schoolstudentsmainlyformentalhealth,behavioral health,andeducation.

Joshuaaimstomakesubstantialcontributionstothe educationfieldthathelpsstudentsandthecommunity flourish.Toreachthattarget,hefollowsamethodtohire ateamofdedicatedindividualsatF.A.C.E.S.whocan connectwithhisintent.Sinceitsinception,Joshuahas beenmakingconsiderableeffortstoserveathisbest. Thus,hiscommitmenttotheachievementofhisstudents andstaffhasearnedhimareputationasagreat educationaladministrator

InspirationalJourneyofanEducationalLeader

Joshua,ayoungmanfromSouthStockton,hasagenerous storythatisatestamenttothepoweroffamilyandthe positiveimpactthattheycanhaveonone’slife.Joshua, theyoungestofsixsiblings,grewupobservinghis family’scommitmenttogivingbacktothecommunity Hewasencouragedbyhisparentstopursueacareerin teachingandtoserveothers.Joshua’smotherservedasa teacherfor30yearsatalocaldistrictschool.Hisfather wasapastorandstartedachurchinhishometown, Stockton.

Parentsarealwaysimportanttoeverychild.Losingthem hitshard.Unfortunately,Joshuaandhissiblingslosttheir parentstocancerataveryyoungage.Despitelosingboth parentstocancer,Joshuaandhisfivesiblingsremained unitedandclose-knit.Helearnedvaluablelessonsfrom

hissiblings,likeresilience,perseverance,andthe importanceofstickingtogether Thesequalitieshelped shapehiscareer,andhecontinuestodrawinspiration fromhissiblings’strugglesandsuccesses.Their unwaveringsupporthasbeenadrivingforceinhis journey,motivatinghimtosucceedagainstallodds.That isthereasonJoshuacreditshisfamilyashisrolemodels.

Joshuanowcarriesonhisfamilylegacyasapioneerin educationbyfoundingF.A.C.E.S.in2018.Hehas committedhislifetosupportstudentsfromkindergarten through12thgrade,transitional-agedyouth,persons seekingre-entryintothecommunityafterincarceration, andpeopleofallagegroupsseekingmentalhealthcare. Heisadamantthathisdecisiontobecomeaneducational leaderwasnotachoicebutacalling,andhehasdevoted hislifetofulfillingthatpurpose.ThroughF.A.C.E.S., Joshuaandhisteamprovideessentialservicestothe underservedandvulnerablepopulationsofthe community Theircommitmenttoeducation,mental health,andcommunityoutreachhashadasignificant impactonthelivesofmany.

RevolutionaryCoursesOfferedbyF.A.C.E.S.

F.A.C.E.S.,thecommunity-centeredorganization,has beentransformingthelivesofstudentsthroughitstoptiermentalhealth,behavioralhealth,andeducational services.TheteamatF.A.C.E.S.consistsof instructionalaids,behaviorists,andcounselors,who workcloselywithschoolstoprovidecomprehensive supportthroughouttheyear Theirservicesrangefrom improvingsocialandemotionalwell-beingand intrapersonalskillstoprovidingacademicsupport.

F.A.C.E.S.iscommittedtobecomingalinkthat connectsthecommunitytotheeducationsystem.It offersservicesthatincludeIEPplans,mentorship, tutoring,social-emotionalcounseling,andbehavior interventionsupport.Theirmission,“tobridgethegap betweenthecommunityandtheeducationsystem,”is creatingapositivechangeinsociety.Theirdedication toexcellencecontinuestosetthestandardfor community-basedorganizationseverywhere.

ResponsetotheEvolvingNeedsofStudents

Intoday’sever-changingeducationallandscape,students needsupportservicesmorethanever.Withevolving requirementsrangingfromtestingtosocial,emotional, andmentalhealthneeds,itiscrucialtorespondtothese challenges.Joshuaisleadingthechargeinprovidingthe necessarysupportservicestostudents.Heisdedicated tocreatingeventsthatallowstudentstoaccess additionalsupportfromotheragencies.

AddressingIssuesattheCore

Joshuaisaddressingoneprominentissueoncampus–thelackofdiversementalhealthcounselorsinschool. Herecognizesthesignificanceofassemblingadiverse groupofleaderstoassiststudentsinschools.Joshua believesthatforkidstoacquireknowledgesuccessfully, theymustseerepresentationintheclassroomandon campus.Heisdedicatedtoassemblingateamthatis bothknowledgeableandapproachable.Andensuring studentshavethetrustandrapportrequiredtoflourishin asafeandsupportiveatmosphere.

PushingtheEnvelope

Joshuabelievesengagingwiththecommunity,aswell ascreatingandmaintainingconnections,arecore responsibilities.Hiscoredutiesincludefinding appropriatestafftoofferservicesatlocaleducational institutionsandcommunity-basedorganizations.He useshismanagementabilitiestoestablishcontracts, buildteams,andprovideexceptionalcommunity services.Agenuineanddevotedgroupofindividualsis thelinktothecompany’svisionandmission.Joshua furtherstatesabouthisteamselection,saying,“Myrole istocontinuepushingtheenvelopeofeducationby findingdedicatedandpassionatestaffwhoIbelievewill makeapositiveandlastingimpactinthecommunities weserve.”

Joshuaplacesgreatemphasisonempoweringhisteam ofeducatorsandcreatinganenvironmentwherethey canlearnandgrowintheirfield.Asaresult,histeamis well-equippedwiththeskillsandknowledgetoprovide thebesteducationtotheirstudents.Hisenthusiasmfor hisprofessionisevidentinhisclearvisionandstrategy, whichheskillfullyimplementswithdataandresources tobenefitstudents,staff,andthecommunity

ConnectingLocalBusinessesandCommunity

F.A.C.E.S.continuestodismantleobstacles,encourage communityengagementandempowerment,andhavea positiveinfluenceonthecommunityunderJoshua’s direction.Ithasmadesubstantialcontributionsinthis segmentbecauseitunderstandsthatcommunity engagementisessentialtoitssuccess.Theorganization hoststhreecommunity-friendlyeventsannuallytoallow smallbusinessesandentrepreneurstoshowcasetheir goodsandservices.Community-basedorganizationsare welcometoattendtosharetheirresourceswiththe community Theyprovidefreeentryforthecommunity Kidsandfamiliesareinvitedtoparticipateingamesand entertainmentactivitieswhileenjoyingcuisinefromlocal foodtrucks.Furthermore,children,adults,andalllocal businessesgetachancetolearnaboutthesupportoffered byStockton.

DiverseTeamofExperts

Auniqueteamofindividualscontributestobuildinga reliableorganization.F.A.C.E.S.comprisesingredients thatcontributetomakingitastand-outagency,whichare individualsfromdiversebackgroundsandethnicities. Furthermore,Joshuaaddsabouthisstaff,saying,“Our team,whoareoutservingthecommunityandthestudents intheschools,arenotonlycredibleandcertifiedintheir fieldbutarealsorelatableandrelevanttothosetheyare serving.”

Work-lifeBalanceandInterestsbeyondtheCabin

InJoshua’sopinion,successinbothpersonaland professionalendeavorsdependsonmaintainingahealthy work-lifebalance.Heplacesahighvalueonspending qualitytimewithhisfamily,whichincludeshiswife, children,andextendedfamilymembers.Joshuabelieves thatspendingtimewithhislovedoneskeepshim groundedandconnectedtohisobjectiveofmakinga positiveimpactonthecommunity.Furthermore,he ensuresthathestaysphysicallyfitbyindulginginregular exercise,whichnotonlyhelpshimmaintainhisphysical healthbutalsohasagreatimpactonhismentalwellbeingbyloweringstress.Throughthesepursuits,heis abletostaycommittedtohisgoalofleavingalasting impressionthatwillhelpfuturegenerations.

WisePieceofAdvicetoAspirationalLeaders

Joshuaprovidessageadviceforanyleaderlookingto havealong-lastingeffectinthefieldofeducation:“Build therelationshipandfocusonthewholechild.”This necessitatestakingintoaccountastudent’shomelifeand personalcircumstancesinadditiontotheiracademic success.Byadoptingacomprehensiveapproach,leaders mayprovidesubstantialsupportfortheyouththeyserve andfosterlong-lastingpositivechangeintheir communities.

“

The qualities of an ideal education leader would consist of understanding the importance of building community.

Management-

Description-

Management-

URL-

Founded-

Description-

Crayola Imagine Arts Academy

Management-ShafikMina,Founder&CEO

URL-www.imagineartsacademy.com

Founded-2016

Description-Childrenareexposedtotheworldthey liveinwiththehelpoftheirimaginativeprogramming, whichfeaturesartprojectsthatarepresentedinavery kid-friendlywayandemphasizeculturaldiversity, designvocations,andanimalprotection

F.A.C.E.S

Management-JoshuaBrown,Founder&CEO

URL-www.facesedu.org

Founded-2018

Description-Thecommunity-basednonprofitF.A.C.E.S. hasbeenshapingkids'livesviaitstop-notcheducational, behavioralhealth,andmentalhealthprograms

Management-RichardBarkey,Founder&CEO

URL-imparta.com

Founded-1997

Description-Impartaisamarketpioneerinsalesand accountmanagement,customersuccess,andcustomer experienceperformanceenhancementforteamswho interactwithcustomers Kings Cornerstone International College

Management- JohnChristopher,Chairman&CO-Founder

URL-www.cornerstone.edu.in

Founded-2018

Description-Inordertodeliversuperioreducationfora successfulprofession,KCIChasimplementeda customisedmethodthatwasdesignedusingatwonation studyprogram

Kortext

Management-JamesGray,CEO

URL-www.kortext.com

Founded-2013

Description-TheHEsector'stransformationtodigital learningisbeingledbyKortext,theindustryleaderin digitaltextbooksolutionsforuniversitiesandpublishers.

Scotwork

Management-HoraceMcDonald,CEO-UK

URL-www.scotwork.com

Founded-1975

Description-Overthepastfortyyears,Scotworkhas mentoredanumberofsenior-levelindividuals.It concentratesoneducatingworkingprofessionalsfrom allovertheworldin29languagesintheartof negotiation

September Strategies

Management-RossRomano,Founder&CEO

URL-www.septemberstrat.com

Founded-2022

Description-Itsupportsthesuccessofleadersat organizationsintheK–12industrybecauseitisdriven bythekeyvaluesofjoy,understanding,integrity, connection,andexcellence

Yarway Group

Management-LukeWhiting,Chairman&CEO

URL-www.yarwaygroup.com

Founded-2018

Description-TheorganizationisbasedonChristian principlesanduseseducationasameansofhavingan eternalimpactonpeople'slives

Impressive Techniques to Enhance Employee Performance

Thesuccessofanycompanydependsonitsemployee’sperformance.However,notmany companiesknowwhatemployeeperformanceisorhowtomeasureit.Findingtherightpeople toworkforyourbusinessisjustthebeginning.Youmustensurethatyouremployeesremain loyal,respectful,andproductivetowardsthemselvesandyourbusiness.

Attaininghighemployeeperformanceisachallengingthing.However,ithelpsthecompanyrunmore efficientlyandimprovesitscultureandmoralewhilekeepingupwithconsumerdemands.

Thereisnoone-fit-allsolutionortechniquetoensuringyouremployeesperformexcellentlyattheir roles.Still,youcanusemethodstoboosttheirperformanceandensurehighproductivity.Herearesix impressivetechniquestoenhanceemployeeperformance.

ImpressiveTechniquesToEnhanceEmployeePerformance

Youremployeesdeservethesamedevotionyougivetoyourbusiness,astheyformoneofthebasic foundationsofthecompany.Withoutyouremployee’seffectiveproductivity,yourbusinesswilllikely fail.Belowaresometechniquesyoucanusetoimproveyouremployee’sperformance.

SetClearandConciseGoals(S.M.A.R.TGoals)

Whenyoudon’tsetcleargoals,youremployeeswillbelessinclinedtoworkonthemortakethem seriously.It'salsopossibleforyouremployeestomoveblindlywhentheobjectivesofaprojector assignmentneedtobeclarified.Createagoal-settingframeworktohelpyousetstrategic,measurable, achievable,relevant,andtime-boundgoalsforyouremployees.

Rememberthatyourgoalsmustalsoberealistic.Anunrealisticgoalwilllikelyleadtoyouremployee’s failure.Whetheryou’retraininganewemployeeortryingtoimproveyouroldemployee’s performance,havingaclearsetofgoalswillhelpyouassessyouremployee’sproductivity

EffectiveCommunication

Communicatingeffectivelywithyouremployeesisoneofthebestwaystoenhanceemployee performance.Whenthereisanopencommunicationchannelbetweenyouandyouremployee, everythinggetsunderstoodandheard.Afriendlyandtrustworthyworkenvironmentwillencourage honestandeffectivecommunicationbetweenyouandyouremployees.

Effectivecommunicationalsohelpstocommunicateyour workexpectationstoyouremployees.Youcaneasily manageandmonitorworkexpectationswhenyoushare freely.Ifyouremployeescanexplainthegoalsofaproject clearlyintheirterms,thatmeanstheyknowwhattodoand howtodoit.

Encouragetheopendoorpolicyinyourcompany,where employeescandiscussproblemswithaparticularproject andsolutionstotheissues.Theycanalsospeakabout changestheywouldlovetoseeinthecompany,conflicts youmightneedtobeawareof,andthingsthathindertheir workflow.

Whenyouremployeesknowtheycanbeheard,itwillhelp themperformmoreeffectivelyintheirroles.

SetUpaRewardsProgram

Employeeappreciationisoneaspectofthecompanyculture thatshouldbenoticed.Everyindividuallovestobe celebrated,especiallyaftercompletingaproject.Arewards programletsyoucelebratetheworkerswhohaveputinthe workandencouragesthemtodomore,therebyincreasing theirperformance.

Therewardsprogramcanbesmallandinformalorbigand formal.Dependingonthecompanyculture,ensure employeesthatperformaboveandbeyondtheirdutyare recognizedandrewardedappropriately Youcanalso

celebrateoutstandingemployeesduringteammeetings sothattheycanreceiverecognitionfortheir accomplishmentsinfrontoftheircolleagues.

Youcouldalsoincludeaworkincentivetohelpyour employeesfocusonindividualandbusinessgoals.The incentivesworktoensureyouremployeesareas productiveaspossibleandmotivatethemtostay productive,loyal,andcommitted.

EncourageTeamworkandCollaboration

Whenemployeesworktogether,itcreatesanavenue forlearningandhelpsthemimprovetheirwork performance.Createsituationswhereyouremployees havetocollaborateonprojectstohelpthemlearn aboutteamwork.

Manyentrepreneursneglectteambuildingasanaspect ofemployeetrainingbecauseitrequiresmuchtime, andsomeemployeesdon’tparticipate.However, suitableteam-buildingactivitiesgoalongwayto creatingahealthyworkenvironment.

Researchshowsthatteamworkhasasignificantimpact onanorganization’sperformance.Ateamthatworks togethermoreoftenwillformclosebondsand cooperatemoreeffectivelyonprojectswhile improvingeachmember'smorale.

PrioritizeEmployeeDevelopment

Mostrecruitersaskintervieweeswheretheyseethemselves intenyearsatjobinterviews.Foryouremployeeswho havebeenworkingforyouformorethanfiveyears,have theybeenabletoachievethosegoals?Whatareyoudoing toensureyouremployee’scareergoalsaremet?

Ifyouhaveemployeesstrivingtoreachtheirfullpotential inyourcompany,itmightbetimetospeakwiththem, addresstheirgoalsandstrategizehowtheycanmeetthem. Providethemwithtrainingandlearningopportunitiesto benefitthemandyourbusiness.

AllowFlexibilityandAutonomyForTaskCompletion

Whenyouremployeeshavemorecontrolovertheirtasks andprojects,theygetasenseofresponsibilityand ownership,whichmakesthemstrivetoperformbetter The mostimportantthingyouneedtonotewhenhandingover controltoyouremployeeiscreatingabalance.

Toomuchautonomywillmakethemfeellost,andtoolittle willmakethemfeellost,whiletoolittlewillcausea trappedfeelingandcanbuildinsecuritiesintheirwork

abilities.Communicatewithyourstaffbefore eachprojectbeginstodecidehowmuch flexibilityandautonomywillbeappropriatefor eachofthem.

FinalSummary

Employeeperformance,negativeorpositive, directlyimpactsyourbusiness.Youmustknow howtomeasureandrecognizeyouremployee’s performance,whichwillhelpkeeptheright employeesworkinginyourcompany.

Organizationalsuccessflourishesonlywhen suitablesystemsandrulesareimplemented.But knowinghowtomaximizeyouremployee’s potentialcanbetricky.However,youdon'thave towaituntilyourcompanyisintroublebefore youtakeaction.

Beginearlybyimplementingthetechniques mentionedinthisarticletocreatepracticalways toenhanceemployeeperformance.Setupregular meetingstoreviewthesetechniquesandlookfor waystoimproveonareasofconcern.

Crayola Imagine Arts Academy

Fostering Creave Spirits Amongst Children

Theeducationalsectorhasbeenconstantly

transformingmillionsoflives.Therehavebeen numerousvitalchangesintheeducationalsector thathavehelpedinitsimmensegrowth.Furthermore,the arrivalofdigitaltransformationhasextendeditsreach andavailabilitytoawidenumberofstudents.Today, creativityandcriticalthinkingarethecorevaluesthat needtobeintroducedtochildrenastheyenhance curiosityandreinforcetheproblem-solvingabilityin them.

Creativityandartisticexpressionareconsideredtobe extremelyvitalamongstallchildren.Nevertheless,art canbeextremelydiverseandtherapeuticforpeopleofall ages—kidsandadultsalike.Itisbeneficialtodevelopthe creativityandcriticalthinkingofall.Foundedin2016, TM Crayola®ImagineArtsAcademy promotes creativitybyinspiringchildrenthroughart.

ASetofComprehensiveandCreativeServices

Crayola®ImagineArtsAcademyoffersadiversesetof creativeprogramsforchildren.Thebrandprovidesafterschoolprograms,birthdayparties,andsummer/vacation camps.Withthehelpoftheircreativeprogramming, childrenareintroducedtotheworldthattheylivein –withartprojectsthatfocusonculturaldiversity,design careers,andanimalconservation,deliveredinan extremelychild-friendlymanner Theclassesteach childrenuniqueandexcitingfoundationalarttechniques whichlaterhelptheminartprojects.Allprograms offeredcanbeconductedvirtuallyorin-personduring

COVID-19.Crayola®ImagineArtsAcademybelieves itsprogramminginstillsasenseofempathyand understandingamongstchildren.

BuildingaTrustworthyBrandviaFranchising

Withthepioneeringideaofeducatingchildrenon efficaciousvalues,Crayola®ImagineArtsAcademy gainedrecognition.Threeyearslater,in2019,Crayola® ImagineArtsAcademystartedofferingfranchising opportunitiesduetotheincreaseindemandandthe desiretoreachmorecommunitiesandkids.Expanding gradually,thebrandhasgrowntoincludemorethan20 locationsacrossNorthAmerica.

Crayola®ImagineArtsAcademyisafranchisorthat helpsincreatingasenseofcommunityamongstallits franchiseowners.Thecompanyoffers3mainbenefits tothefranchiseowners,

· Exclusiveservices:Crayola®ImagineArts Academyemphasizesbuildingacommunity amongitsfranchiseestoencouragecollaboration andafamilyatmosphere.

· Investinginvitaltools:Crayola®ImagineArts Academyprovidesthefranchiseeswithexclusive toolsthatareuser-friendlyandeasy-to-operate. Thesetoolsmakedailyprocesseslesstime consumingandarecost-effectiveaswell–which keepsthebrandrunningsmoothlyand consistently

We aim to nurture kids’ innate creave spirits while exposing them to the different facets of the dynamic world we live in.

· ProactivePlanning:2inspire–theparentcompany ofCrayola®ImagineArtsAcademyandMad Science–isabrandthatencourageschildrento embracetheircuriosity.Thesizeandscaleof2inspire haveprovedbeneficialforthebrandasitisprovided withmoreresourcesandcanbeproactiveforfuture planning.

The“ChiefWheelGreaser”

ShafikMina(FounderandCEOofCrayola®Imagine ArtsAcademy)isatthehelmofthecompany’soperations. BeingtheCEO,hehasundertakenseveralnewinitiatives formaintaininganidealfranchisor-franchiseerelationship.

Shafik’sprimaryresponsibilitiesincludemakingsurehehas thebestpeopletofillspecificroleswithintheorganization andprovidingthemwiththetoolsneededtoachievetheir goals.

Duringhistenure,Shafikhasbeeninstrumentalinleading thecompanytowardsunprecedentedgrowth.Herefersto himselfasthe “chief wheel greaser” asheensuresworkis carriedoutsmoothlyandmentorstheteamwhenevera challengearises.Shafik,alongwithhisteam,haveworked hardontheaccomplishmentsthathavecatapultedthe Crayola®ImagineArtsAcademybrandforward.

OvercomingtheCOVID-19Pandemic

Crayola®ImagineArtsAcademyhaditsshareofobstacles duringtheCOVID-19pandemic.Untilremoteworkingwas ineffect,theentireeducationcommunitywasworking competently.Thepandemicturnedanewpagewhenthe teachersandthestudentshadtoadapttotheon-going

change.Thetransitionfromstudyingina classroomtoattendingonlinelectureswasa drasticone.

Whilethetransitionseemedchallengingformost organizationsintheindustry,Crayola®Imagine ArtsAcademymanagedtothriveduringtheshift. Thecompanypivoteditsbusinessmodeltoteach childrenvirtuallyamidsttheglobalcrisis.In ordertomaintainthesamehands-onexperience providedduringin-personprogramming,class sizeswerekeptsmallformaximumchild engagement.Inaddition,artsupplieswere deliveredtochildren’shomestoensuretheyhad allthatwasneededtocompletetheirprojects, whileprovidingparentswithanall-inclusive service.Thus,thekidsweresafeandcouldalso utilizetheirfreetimeinlearningnew conceptions.Theresearch&developmentteam ofCrayola®ImagineArtsAcademymodified programmingsothatallclassescouldbetaught virtuallyandeasily.

UpcomingManeuverstoLookForward

Pivotingtothevirtualworldwasachallenge, however,theteamgraduallyadaptedtothenew wayofoperating,succesfully. Experiential lessonslieatthecoreofthebrandinordertohelp childrentry,failandthentryagain.Shafik envisionsliftingtheboundariesandlimitations thatareimpliedonthechildrenviathehands-on sessionsofferedbyCrayola®ImagineArts Academy

10 Books Which Made

WARREN BUFFETT

One of the Greatest Investors of All Time

WeallknowMr WarrenBuffettasoneofthe

mostsuccessfulinvestorsintheworld,former richestmanontheearthandaninspirationfor many.Butapartfromhisachievementsinbusinessand management,he’salsoverywellknownforhisavid reading.Inhisvariousinterviews,hehasconfessedthathe oftenreadsaround1000pagesaday!Rightfromthestartof hisinvestmentcareer,hewasabibliophile.Eventodayat theageof89,hespendsabout80%ofhisdayreading. WhileanalysingBuffett’slifeandthereasonsbehindhis successasanentrepreneur,hisreadinghabitwould definitelyberightthereamongstthetop.

ThebooksreadbyBuffettchangedhisperspectiveonlife, wayofthinking,anddevelopingbusinessstrategies.Each bookunfoldsdifferenttheories,philosophiesand viewpoints.JustlikeBuffett,readingthesebookswillhelp yougrowinconfidence,inculcateanentrepreneurattitude inyouandshowyouthepathwaytowardsbecomingoneof themostsuccessfulinvestorsofalltime!

Thepage-turnersfromBuffett'sShelf

Asaprolificreader,Buffettoftenspeaksoutaboutthe bookshehadread.Hehasrecommendedthosebooksfor newupcominginvestorsinmanyofhisinterviews.We've filteredoutalistofhistop10recommendationswhich wouldshowyouthedirectiontowardsthebestbooksabout businessandwhatgreatpeoplehavereadtoreachwhere theyare.Let'stakealookatthelist:

1.“TheIntelligentInvestor”byBenjaminGraham

Sinceitspublicationin1949,thisbookhasremainedoneof thebestbookseverwrittenaboutinvestment.Warren Buffettratesthisbookas‘byfarthebestbookon investmenteverwritten'.Buffettreadthisbookwhenhe wasjust19yearsold.

Buffett’sRecommendation:“Thisbookgavemethe intellectualframeworkforinvesting,”saysBuffett.He mentionedagainin2013,“OfalltheinvestmentsIever made,buyingBen’sbookwasthebest.”Forthosewho arelookingforaninvestmentinspiration,thisbookisa mustread.

2.“SecurityAnalysis”byBenjaminGrahamand DavidL.Dodd

Oneofthebestsellersofitstime,thisbookhasinspired agenerationofinvestorswithitsphilosophyof“Value Investing.”Evenafter85yearsfromitsrelease,thebook isstillusefulandrelevant.Ithastriumphedthetestof timeinseveraladversemarketconditions,countriesand differentmanagementstrategies.

Buffett’sRecommendation:WarrenBuffett contemplatesthisbookastheroadmapthathehasbeen followingforover60years.Lookingatthesuccesshe hasachieved,nowonderthisbookisthereinthebucket listofmanyemerginginvestors.

3.“BusinessAdventures”byJohnBrooks

“BusinessAdventures”,aNewYorkTimesBestselleris abookthatbringstogetheranumberofstoriespublished byJohnBrooksintheNewYorkerin1920sand1930s.

Buffett’sRecommendation:In1991,BillGatesasked WarrenBuffettabouthisfavouritebookandinreply, Buffettsenthimacopyofthisbook.Itquicklybecame Bill’sfavouritebooktoo.Inpraiseofthebook,Gates says,“thisbookservesasareminderofprinciplesfor buildingawinningbusinessthatlasts.”Recommended bytwoofthegreatestinvestorsofalltime,thisoneis surelyabookwhichwillremainaninspirationforages ofinvestors.

4.“TheClashofCultures”by

JohnBogle

JohnC.Bogle,VanguardGroupfounderwrotethis bookanditwaspublishedin2012.Thisbookputs aheaditsviewaboutlongtermvaluebased investments.Sincethebook’srelease,Warren Buffetthasbeenstronglyrecommendingthisbook toallinvestorslookingforlongtermsuccess.

Buffett’sRecommendation:Herecommendedthis bookinhis2012shareholderletter Alongwith arguments,thisbookfinisheswithpracticaltips like“Rememberreversiontothemean”and“Time isyourfriend,impulseisyourenemy.”Boththese tipsfindresemblanceinBuffett'sbusinessideology.

5.“NuclearTerrorism”byGrahamAllison

“AnuclearattackonUSisinevitable,unlesswe changeourpoliticalstrategy,”saysGraham Allison,foundingDeanofHarvard’sJohnF KennedySchoolofGovernmentandalso,the writerofthisbook.HestatesthattheInternational securityordermustbebuiltupon“threeno’s”:no loosenukes,nonewnascentnukes,andnonew nuclearstates.

Buffett’sRecommendation:Buffettcallsthisbook“a mustreadforthoseconcernedwiththesafetyofour country”inhis2004shareholderletter

6.“TheLittleBookofCommonSenseInvesting”by JohnBogle

Inthisbook,JohnBoglegivesinformationaboutindex investing.Theinformationcomesonthebasisofhisown experienceworkingwithVanguardclients.Manyconsider thisbookas‘TheInvestmentBible’becauseitoffersnew information,newperspectivesandnewpointsofview.Fans say,unliketheconventionalbooksaboutthistopic,thisis aninterestingbookwithcatchystatsandchartswell balancedwithshorttales.

Buffett’sRecommendation:Buffettrecommendedthis bookinhis2014shareholderletter

7.“CommonStocksandUncommonProfits”byPhilip Fisher

Widelyrespectedandadmired,PhilipFisherisamongstthe mostinfluentialinvestorsofalltime. Inthisbook,he articulateson,fixatingonfinancialstatementsisn’tenough; youalsoneedtoevaluateacompany’smanagement.

Buffett’sRecommendation:Thoughhedidn’tshape Buffettthewaysomeotherwritersdid,Buffettrates Fisherveryhigh.“Iamaneagerreaderofwhatever PhiliphastosayandIrecommendhimtoyou,”said Buffett.

8.“TakeontheStreet”byArthurLevitt

AformerchairmanofUSSecuritiesandExchange Commission,ArthurLevittwrotethisbookwhich waspublishedinNovember2003.Inthisbook,Levitt includescandidstoriesaswellasofferseveryday investorswaystoprotectthemfromWallStreet.

Buffett’sRecommendation:Inhis2002shareholder letter,Buffettexplains“Howaccountingstandards andauditqualityhaveerodedinrecentyears.”Buffett alsowrites,“Thedetailsofthissordidaffairare relatedinLevitt'sexcellentbook,takeonthestreets.”

9.“StreetTest:ReflectionsonFinancialCrises”by TimGeithner

ThisbookiswrittenbyTimGeithner,aformer secretaryoftheU.S.treasuryandwaspublishedin

May2015.Thisbookportraystheunprecedentedeffort thathasbeenmadetosavetheAmericaneconomy fromcollapse.

Buffett’sRecommendation:Buffettsaysthatthis bookisamustreadforanymanager.Hethinksthat everypersoninvolvedinmanagementmustreadthis book.

10.“EssaysinPersuasion”byJohnMaynard Keynes

Thisbookwaswrittenin1931bythelegendaryJohn MaynardKeynesandisoftenconsideredoneofthe 100greatestbooksofalltime.Thisbookincludesa popularessay,“EconomicPossibilitiesforOur Grandchildren.”Inthisessay,Johnpredictedthatthe currentgenerationwouldnotworkmorethan15hours aweekwhichmightprovetrueinfuture.

Buffett’sRecommendation:WarrenBuffettconsiders thisbookamustread.HetoldtheInvestorDigestin 1989,“ReadingKeyneswillmakeyousmarterabout securitiesandmarkets.I’mnotsuremosteconomists woulddothesame.

MirrorReview’slateststoryshedslightonthelife andworkofanInfluentialEducationLeader whohastransformedcountlesslivesthroughthe powerofeducation.LukeWhiting(ChairmanandChief ExecutiveOfficer,YarwayGroup)iswell-knownforhis successinchairing,leading,andrunningstartupsandscaleupsacrossarangeofindustries,includingHealthtech, Adtech,Hospitality-tech,andservicebusinesses.With valuationsexceeding£20m,Lukehasestablishedhimselfas atruevisionary,providinginspirationalleadership, corporategovernance,andstrategicoversighttoeach ventureheembarksupon.

However,itwasLuke’spassiontocreateameaningful impactonpeople,places,andtheplanetthatledhimtoset upYarwayGroup.Thismission-drivenorganizationis focusedonleveragingeducationasavehicleforpositive change,inspiringindividualstoreachtheirfullpotential andcreateabetterworldforall.Inthisstory,Lukeshared hisuniqueleadershipphilosophy,whichhasbeenthe drivingforcebehindhissuccess.

FromSportandBusinessPsychologytoEducation LeaderExtraordinaire

LukeisaqualifiedSportandBusinessPerformance Psychologistwhoembarkedonhisfirstjourneyofselfemploymentattheyoungageof23.Hisworkwithhigh performersandeliteindividualsledhimtofeelacalling fromGodtosupportthedisadvantagedandmarginalized.

Lukerespondedtothiscallingbysettinguphisfirst educationbusinesswithinAlternativeProvision.His businesssupportedschoolchildrenatriskofexclusion, thosewithSEND(Specialeducationalneedsand disability),alongwithchallengingbehaviorsandmental healthissues.Althoughitwasatoughendeavor,hefoundit incrediblyrewarding.

“Education is so much more than imparting knowledge, it’s about cultivating an environment to give people hope and a future, and to support them in their own unique way to live healthy and fruitful lives and to thrive,” saysLuke.

Hispassionforeducationstemsfromhisdifficult upbringinginasingle-parenthousehold,wherehelosthis fatheratayoungage.Histeachersplayedaninstrumental roleinguiding,supporting,andcaringforhim,sparkinga lifelongcommitmenttopayingitforward.

In2018,Lukeexpandedintopost-16educationthrough YarwayGroup,andtherestishistory.Heisinspiredbythe workthatYarwayGroupandtheirsubsidiarybusinessesdo inchangingpeople'slivesthroughthevehicleofeducation.

Luke Whiting

The Serial Entrepreneur with a Mission to Empower Through Education

CHAIRMAN &

CEO

| YARWAY GROUP

“Education is so much more than just providing programs or training and imparting knowledge. It's about supporting individuals holistically, by cultivating an environment to give people hope and a future, and to support them in their own unique way to live healthy and fruitful lives and to thrive.”

YarwayGroup:RevolutionizingEducationwith ChristianValues

YarwayGroupisagroupofcompaniesfoundedinthe UnitedKingdomin2018.ThegroupoperatesonChristian valuesandaimstomakeaneternalimpactonpeople'slives throughthevehicleofeducation.Theircorevaluesarethe drivingforcebehindtheirdecision-makingprocess,and theirteamisinvestedinmakingadifferenceinthelivesof youngpeople.Thegroupisdeterminedtoexpandits internationalpresence,aimingtomakeapositiveimpacton people'slivesacrosstheworld.

YarwayGrouphasfoursubsidiarybusinesses,allofwhich operateacrosstheUKandoverseas,andprovide complementaryindustry-specificeducationandtraining services,suchas:

● RevelationAcademy:Itprovidesprofessional servicetraining.

● HeathercroftTrainingAcademy:ItoffersHealth andSocialCareandChildcareprograms.

● ActiveLearningandDevelopment:Itdelivers leadershipandmanagementtraining.

● Mindflex:Itisanaward-winningproviderof Digital,IT,andTechnologyprograms.

Furthermore,thegroupprovidesgovernment-funded trainingthroughapprenticeships,adulteducation, traineeships,andadvancedlearnerloansforindividuals aged16-65.

LeadingYarwayGrouptoGreaterHeights

Luke,astheChiefExecutiveoftheinstitute,holdsacrucial roleinsettingthevisionandstrategyoftheorganization, ensuringthattheyremainaheadofthecurveandfulfill God'svisionforthecompany.Heiscommittedto continuingtobuildaninternationalpresenceandchanging people'slivesthrougheducation.

Asthedrivingforcebehindtheinstitute,Luke’sprimary responsibilityistoensurethatthevisionandstrategy informkeybusinessobjectivesoutlinedintheirbusiness plan.Hisemotionalintelligencehasshapedhisapproachto leadership.Hebelievesthatachievingacollectivegoal throughthe'fruitsofthespirit’isessential,ensuringthatthe organizationoperatesonafoundationofintegrity,faith,and love.

MeetingtheEvolvingNeedsofStudents

Lukeacknowledgesthateducationgoesbeyondproviding academicprogramsortraining.Itisaboutprovidingholistic

supporttoindividuals,whichcantake manyforms,suchascounseling, mentoring,friendship,guardianship,or discipline.TheimpactoftheCovid-19 pandemichassignificantlyaffected people’swell-beingandmentalhealth, leadingtoashiftinstudents’ requirements.Individualshaveput theirlivesonholdforseveralyears, andtheirneedshavechanged.

Asaneducationalleader,Luke understandstheimportanceof respondingtothesechanging requirements.Hisfocusison supporting,guiding,andmotivating individualstoaspireandachievetheir goalsandpurpose,bothprofessionally andpersonally.Heaimstobuilda collectionoforganizationsthathelp individualsdefinewhotheyareandget towheretheywanttobeinlife.

NavigatingUncertaintywithAgile ThinkingandInnovation

LedbyCEOLuke,YarwayGroup understandstheimportanceofbeing agileandinnovativeintheeducation

industry Theyhaveidentifiedtheneed tobeabletopivotandmakekey decisionsinresponsetochangesin governmentpolicyandfunding.The companyhasbuiltasustainableand scalablebusinessmodelthatde-risks itspositionandleveragesitsgroup supportservices,mitigatingany downturninonearea.

Whenfacedwiththechallengeofthe Covid-19pandemic,YarwayGroup pivotedtheirdeliverymodeltoelearningwithin48hours, demonstratingtheirabilitytoadaptand thriveinthefaceofadversity “In turn, this has allowed us to look at how we operate best for both the interests of our service users and our business,” addsLuke.Lookingahead,the organizationremainscommittedto pushingboundariesandfinding innovativesolutionstothechallenges theyface,whilecontinuingtoprioritize theholisticwell-beingand developmentofitsstudents.

FruitsoftheSpirit

Lukefindshisrolemodeland inspirationinJesusChrist.Hestrives toemulateJesusasaleaderinevery waypossible.Asanentrepreneur,he understandsthategocanoftencloud goodjudgmentwhenmakingdecisions forthebusiness.Hebelievesleading bythe“fruitsofthespirit”and adoptingaservantleadership philosophy,canhelpovercomeany challenge. “I see myself as a steward for God's business,” statesLuke, emphasizingtheimportanceLuke placesonseeingYarwayGroupmakea positiveimpactforallitsclients.

Lukehaslearnedthroughhisfaiththat thereisnooneblueprintforgood leadership.Hebelievesthatbeing authenticandtruetooneselfis essential.Hehasmademistakesinthe past.However,hehaslearnedtoput

histrustinJesusandseekhiswise counselforkeydecisionsinthe business.Duringtoughtimes,heturns toprayerandseeksguidanceto navigatetheuniquechallengesinhis industry

Lukeassertsthathisfaithandtrustin Jesushelpedhimmakeimportant decisionsandpivottobuildanagile businessmodel,whichisuniqueinthe Post-16educationsector Asa Kingdombusinessleader,Luke believesinleadingwithlove,joy, peace,forbearance,kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,and self-control,asprescribedinGalatians 5:22-23.

PursuingPassions

Outsideofwork,Lukeleadsanactive lifestyleandhasadiverserangeof hobbiesthatkeephimengaged.He enjoyswalkinginthecountryside, hittingthegym,playingsemiprofessionalfootball,readingbooks, catchingshowsintheWestEndtheatre district,andtravelingtoexplorenew culturesanddestinations.

KeyAdvicetoBuddingLeaders

Lukebelievesthatleadershipisa highlyindividualjourneyandthat thereisnoone-size-fits-allapproach. Heacknowledgesthattherearemany self-helpandleadershipbooksout therethatcanprovidepractical techniquestoimproveone'sleadership skills.However,hefirmlybelievesthat themostvaluablepieceofadvicefor buddingleadersistounderstandandbe theirtrueauthenticselves,bothas individualsandasleaders.

“I believe reading can be a great opportunity to help you learn more about yourself, whilst adopting practical techniques to improve your leadership charter,” Lukeconcludes.

DECODING ELON MUSK’S Success Mantra-Traits differentiating him

from the rest of us?

Themanwhoknowsnoboundariestolimithisambitions,theman whothinkswayaheadofthetime,asuccessfulentrepreneur,an idealengineer,acreativeinventor,andundoubtedlyoneofthemost successfulinvestorsofthecentury,ElonMuskisnostrangertotheworld. Foreverypersonwhowantstodreambigandlivethatdream,Muskhasset ahugeexample.Heisknownforhisoutoftheboximaginationand revolutionaryideas,andhasmanagedtoturnmostofhisideasintoactual inventions.

Therearemanyordinarycompaniesledbyordinaryleaders,andthenthere israrevisionarylikeElonMusk,whoisinaleagueofhisown.The traditionalconceptofbusinesswastofindthesolutiontoacurrentproblem. However,accordingtoMusk,businessisallaboutfindingtheidealsolution toproblemsthatareexpectedtoriseinthefuture.Hehasconvincedpeople todreambigandprovedthatdreamscanturnintoreality.Hissuccessis fuelledbyseveralqualitiesthathepossesses.WehaveanalyzedMusk’s careerandtriedtofindthequalitieswhichmakehimstandoutfromhis competitors.Nodoubtheissuccessful:butbeingdifferentisthemantra behindhisundisputedsuccess.So,let'shavealookatwhatmakeshim differentthantherestofus!

DreamingBigistheKey

“First step is to establish that something is possible, then probability will occur,” saysMusk.ElonMuskisoftenregardedasthemanofimpossible dreams.Hisfatherwasanengineerandthefamilywasfinanciallystable. Muskwasneverinneedofmoney.Yet,hehadastrongdesiretobe successful.Tofulfilthatdesire,hechoseunconventionalwaysofdoing business.

Hisdreamswereneveracceptedbymany andwereoftentermedasunrealistic.In 2008-09whenheintroducedtheconceptof anelectriccar,peoplelaughedathimsaying itwasimpossibleandunnecessary.But today,hispredictionsaboutthedepleting energyresourcesseemtohavecometrue andhehasrisenastheonlyrayofhopefor thefutureofautomotiveindustrybecauseof hisinventionoftheelectriccarandTesla. Imaginewhatwouldhavehappenedifhe hadpaidattentiontothelaughingpeople.So theimportantthinghereisthathedidnot botheraboutwhatotherssaid,and regardlessofthesituation,healwayschose todreambigandsoshouldyou!

RisingAboveFailures

ElonMusk’sfailuresareperhapsthemost talkedabout.Ifyoutalkwithhissupporters orcritics,what’sinarguableaboutMuskis thathehasfailedmultipletimesinhislife. Muskfamouslyquoted, “Failure is an option here, If things are not failing, you are not innovating.” Hisoptimisticattitude towardshisworkandtheabilitytorise abovefailuresmakehimdifferentthanthe restoftheworld.Ineverystageofhis personalandprofessionalcareer,hefaceda numberoffailures.Butineverytricky situation,supremeconfidenceinhisideas didn'tlethimgiveup.Heoftenfailedinhis life,butwhat'smoreimportantishisfaithin himself,perseveranceanddedication towardshisgoalwhichhasmadehimwhat heistoday

HisLeadershipTraits

Successfulentrepreneurshipandleadership aretwosidesofacoin.Agoodleaderplays acrucialroleinanycompany’ssuccess. ElonMusk’sleadershiptraitshavebeena highlightofhissuccessasanentrepreneur Hisqualitiesasaleadermakehiman inspirationforalltheaspiringbusinessmen aroundtheworld.Theleadershiptraitsof ElonMuskincludetransparencyabouthighs andlows,usinghissenseofhumortogetthe

workdone,andsettinganexampleby himself.Muskiswellknownforhis qualityofspeakinghismind.Thisensured transparencyamongtheemployees. Moreover,Musk’smostsignificant leadershipqualityisleadingfromthe front.Thiskindofapproachbreaksthe wallsbetweenhimandhisemployeesand alsobringsasenseofbelongingness amongthem. “Smart teams won't be told what to do. They work together to figure out what to do,” quotesMusk.His leadershiptraitsshouldbeinculcatedby oneandall.

BeingaBibliophile

Goodbooksarepioneersinbuildinga sophisticatedsociety. “I was raised by books, books and then my parents,” Musk saidinaninterview.Forhim,reading booksisasimportantasanythingtowiden thewingsofyourimagination.Rightfrom hischildhood,hehasreadmanydifferent kindsofbooks.Hisfamilysaysthatasa kid,healwayshadabookwithhim whereverhewent.Itissaidthatheread theentireEncyclopaediaBritannicaatage nineandwouldreadSci-finovelsformore than10hoursaday.Heoftenconfesses thatreadingbookshaschangedhislife. Hisoutoftheboxideas,creativethinking hasalottodowithhisreading.Musk’s successasanentrepreneurishighly relevanttohisreading.Notmanypeople readbooks;andneitherimplementwhat theyread.However,thisMuskisthebest exampleofimplementingwhathereads. ElonMusk’sbooklistisavastoneanda must-readforalltheaspiringbusinessmen. Ifyoueverwanttofollowhisfootsteps, thenreadingbooksmustbeoneofyour primarypreferences.

Tobedifferentfromothers,youdon’thave tododifferentthings;youhavetofollow simplethingswiththoroughdedication andpassion.Thesewerethequalities whichmadeElonMusk,‘THE’Elon Musk!Ifhecandoit,whycan’tyou?

ROSSROMANO

A LEA DER SHIP C OAC H GUID ING THE EDUCATI ON INDUSTRY

Businessleadershiphas undergonearadical transformationinrecentyears. Thepandemic,theriseofremotework, andtheentryofGenZintothe workforceplayedasignificantrolein thisshift.Today,employeesexpectand demandfreedomintheirworklives.As businessesfacenewchallenges,the responsibilityofretainingtalentand fosteringapositiveworkenvironment fallsontheshouldersoftoday’s leaders.Withtheintroductionof modern-dayleadershipcoaches,the futureofbusinessleadershipappears bright.RossRomano(Founderand CEOof,SeptemberStrategies)isone ofthosestrategiccoacheswhose creativesolutionsaredrivinga leadershipdialogueandchangingthe faceoftheeducationindustry

LeadershipInsightsCanTakeYou Far―andFast

“The difference between a great product and a great business is a great story.” AsRomanoexplainsthis,he makesclearthatstorytellingisacritical leadershipfunction.Afterhaving partneredwithnearly100companiesto date,heconcludesthatagreatstory stemsfromauthenticity,values,and meetingcustomerneeds. “Sometimes the ‘best’products don’t win because they fail on those points; they fail to make people care,” hesays.

Overtheyears,Romanoanalyzedthe challengesfacedbyleadersand observedthedifferencesbetweenthose whothrivedorstruggled.Leaderswho fosteracollaborativemindsetwith respectiveteamsandindustries,rather

thanfocusingoncompetitionfor example,tendtogofar―andgofar fast Additionally,developing empatheticleadershiptraitsisakeyto attractingandcultivatingtalent.

“LevelingUp”EducationLeaders

“We help organizations and highperforming leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success.”

Establishedin2022asaconsultingand advisoryfirm,SeptemberStrategies thriveswiththismission.Thecompany isheadquarteredintheWashington,DC metrobutworksgloballytohelp organizationswithstrategicdecisionmakingthatenhancestheirmissionalignedimpact.

Romanotakesaholisticapproachto workingwithleaders,butthefollowing areasofsupportareamongthemost criticalasorganizationsmovetoward success:

Ÿ Leadership Consulting: Advisementondevelopingand implementingastrongvision, assemblingacapableteamof employeesandpartners,and buildingasolidculture.

Ÿ Brand Storytelling:Connecting anorganization’svalue propositionwithrelevant influenceranddecision-maker audiencestobuildengagement andcompelaction.

Ÿ Communications Strategy:Using multimedia,multi-channel communicationsandcontent marketingstrategiestobuild awarenessandunderstanding.

Ÿ Business Development and Sales Enablement: Breakingdown organizationalsilostoformthe foundationforeffective partnershipsandsustained success.

IndustryleadersseekRomano’sadvice toimprovetheirimpactintheeverchanginglearningspace.He establishedareputationasatrusted advisortofoundersandC-level executivesfromeducationtechnology (ed-tech),publishing,professional learning,events,andnonprofit organizationsacrossK-12. Additionally,mediaorganizations, B2Btechnologycompanies,and membershipassociationsseekhis advice.

ReliefforPersistentPainPoints

Whyarecompaniesstruggling?The reasonsarenumerous,butRomano sharedhisinsightsonsomeofthemost

commonissueshe’sobservedinrecent years.Byaddressingthese,leaders immediatelyincreasetheirchancesat success:

Companies:

Ÿ Companiesarefailingtomake qualityproductsrelevantto customers’needs. “Companies should always begin with the end in mind ― their desired customer and/or end user’s challenges, needs and ambitions ― and work backward to design a solution from there,” saysRomano.

Ÿ Salesteamsofsomefirmsare strugglingtoclosesalesafter initialinterestwassparked.

Ÿ Mostorganizationsrequirebetter supportfortheirsalesand marketingteams,aswellasbetter alignmentoftheirproduct, marketing,andsalesefforts.

Ÿ Growingbusinessesface difficultiesinexpandingtheir workforce.

Ÿ Businessesthatneedamissiondrivenpartnertoensuretheir workconsistentlyhasamajor impact.

Leaders:

Ÿ Leadersarehavingtrouble definingorredefiningtheir organization’slong-termstrategy

Ÿ Influencerswhoneedtoenhance theirthoughtleadership. “This is true externally, but also internally,” saysRomano.

“Leaders who become and remain successful can move and motivate stakeholders through their vision.”

DifferentiatingfromtheCompetition

Therearemanygoodbusiness consultants.Thejobfororganizations istofindtheadviserwho’stherightfit fortheirapproach.Romanodescribeda fewofthedifferentiatorsSeptember Strategieshasimplemented:

Ÿ Connecting “Attention to Detail” with “Big Picture”:Romano doesn’tfocusonanisolatedarea absentthecontextoflarger objectives,andhehelpsleaders achievethesamefortheirteams.

Acompany’svisionisthevery definitionof“bigpicture,”yetit

“WE HELP ORGANIZATIONS AND HIGHPERFORMING LEADERS IN THE K-12 EDUCATION INDUSTRY COMMUNICATE THEIR VISION AND MAKE STRATEGIC DECISIONS THAT LEAD TO LONG-TERM SUCCESS.”

W O R D S O F W I S D O M

Secretstosuccess?Romanosaysit’saboutfollow-through,notsecrets. Andhesaysstartsimplewiththesethreetips:

= Putpeoplefirst = Tellyourstory = Findgreatpartners

Ÿ requiresrelentlessattentionto detailtobringittolifeatscale.

Ÿ Increasing Effectiveness and Audience Understanding: SeptemberStrategiesemphasizes theimportanceofdoinggreat work,butalsothenecessityof publicizingthatwork consistently “Consistent storytelling is such a trustbuilder,” saysRomano.

Ÿ From Strategy to Execution and Adaptation to Improvement: Romanostayswithclients throughtheexecution,aspartof theirteam.Hetriesnew strategiesormakesadjustments asneeded,andcontinuestogrow together.

TransformingBusinessfromthe GroundUp

Whenitcomestobusinesssuccess,it

allstartswithaclearandcompelling vision.Romanodescribeshisworkas “guiding leaders from vision to decision.” Asacoach,hehelps foundersandorganizationleaders definetheirmission,vision,values,and valueproposition.September Strategieshelpsleadersputthemselves inthemindsetoftheirkeyaudiences, theinfluencersaroundthoseaudiences, andthepressingpainpointstheywant addressed.Romanoadds, “We then speak, in their language, directly to those pain points and how we can solve them. Every action stems from this and every decision traces back to it.”

Romano’srelationshipswithclientsare long-lastingandintegrated.Heprefers toapproachtheserelationshipsasa partnershiporteamwork,ratherthana typical“client”dynamic.Hetakesa holisticapproachtostrategicplanning,

startingwithawell-definedvisionand values.Thisprovidesafoundationfor developingacohesivesalesand marketingplan,incorporatingthought leadershipandongoingengagementto buildandmaintainanaudience.

KeepingFocusontheTeam

“The team always comes first,” says Ross.Hebelievesthatbeingatrue leaderrequiresmorethanjusthaving thetitle.Itneedstobesomeonethat theteamrecognizesandwillingly follows. “I’ve come up with what I call the 3 ‘Cons’of Effective Leadership ― Conscientiousness, Consistency, and Constancy ― and they just come up over and over again in the leaders to whom people really respond,” he explains.Whatmakestheseimportant istheireffectonthepeoplewhomake uptheorganization.

Learning how to communicate your product with potential customers is more important than ever, and this is a great down-to-earth resource to grab a hold of key concepts.”

Stefan Quartemont President AppSheetTraining.com & QREW Technologies

STEFAN QUARTEMONT

Pioneering Professional Services & Education

in the No-Code Software Industry

Withchangebeingtheonlyconstantforallbusiness domains,leadershiphasevolvedtobecomemore flexibleandhighlyadaptable.Therehasbeena significantshifttowardsamorecollaborativestyleofleadership, whereleadersareintegratingwithemployeestopivotcompanies towardssuccess.Asaresultofthisdynamicshift,manyleaderstoday havebeensuccessfullypropellingtheircompaniestowardsimmense success.

AnexampleofsuchmarkedleadershipisportrayedbyStefan Quartemont(PresidentofAppSheetTraining.com&QREW Technologies).Stefanstandsasanembodimentofproactive leadershipbycontributingtothecompany'sgrowth.Withan importantparttoplay,Stefanensurestoinculcatecollaborative characteristicsinhisleadershipstyletohelphiscompanygrow throughallodds.

UniqueSoftwareSolutions

QREWTechnologieswasestablishedin2018tohelpadvancea generationofcitizendevelopers.Thecompany'scorefocusis'NoCode'AppDevelopment,Training&Consulting,andprovidesnocodeplatformswhichareefficientandapproachable.Itoffers developmentservicesandsta ffaugmentationthroughitsQREW Techbrandtocompanieslookingforexpertdevelopmentteamsto deployAppSheetapps.

Thecompany'sprimarysolution—AppSheetTraining.com—makes itarecognizedleaderintheTrainingandDevelopmentspacesatthe currenttime.ThroughitsAppSheetTrainingplatform,itsells OnDemandTraining,How-ToGuides,andLiveInstructional BootcampsforpeoplelearningtheAppSheetplatform.Additionally, thecompanyalsoholdsthe#1mostpopularChromeExtensionfor enhancingtheAppSheetappcreationexperience:AppSheetToolbox.

LeadingfromtheFront

Duringthedevelopmentalstagesofthecompany,asit grewfromitsinfancystage,Stefandelegatedseveral dutiestotrustedpeopleofhisteam.Withtime,hehas acquiredtraitssuchaslearningtotrustpeoplewithkey rolesandempoweringthemwithenoughsupportand information,fromhisexperience.Cultivatingthesetraits asapartofhisleadershipmodelhashelpedStefanto deriveflexibilityandmoremomentumforhisteam.

Beingatthehelmofthecompany,Stefandevoteshis primaryfocustowardsfindingplacesinthecompany's missionwherehisteammembersarefindingenjoyment, andstrivestomaximizethatmomentum.Stefanseeksjoy increatingafunandenjoyableworkenvironment.

Beingnewtothemarket,thecompany'steamkeeps shiftingrolesandprioritiestosecuretractioninthe market.Withalimitednumberofemployees,Stefan operatesthemajorityofitsroles,beitHRorsales.He quotes,“Fortunately, my team has matured enough to take on the lion-share of technical & operational roles. This frees me up to continue connecting with customers and charting the strategic course of our products and services.”

AdheringtoLatestChanges

Businessesinthecurrentgenerationfeelmorepressured thanevertooperateefficientlyandgainanedgeinthe marketplace.Withasurplusofintuitiveconsumermobile software,manyentrepreneursandline-of-business decision-makerswitnessthegapbetweentheirarchaic businesssoftwareandconsumermobileapps.These companiescanvisualizeamobilesolutionfortheir business,however,findingasuitableout-of-the-box softwaremightposeachallenge.

Briefinghowthisscenariohaspavedwayforno-code softwareemergenceintheindustry,Stefanquotes,“NoCode tools such as AppSheet give business users and entrepreneurs an approachable toolkit to create mobile and automated workflow tools to streamline their operations.”Thisallowsausertodevelopafully functionalbusinessappinunderanhourwithoutusing codinglanguage.

LeveragingCompany'sSolutionsduringCrisis

COVID-19pandemicacceleratedtheneedforspeedand

efficiencybypushingseveralbusinessesand organizationstotheirbreakingpoints.Amidstsuch challengingtimes,QREWTechnologiescollaborated withGoogletocreateleanappsforstateandlocal governmentstohelpthemmanagetheunprecedented logisticalchallengesofpublicsupportandresourcing duringthelock-downs.Thecompanyassistedoneofthe biggestcitiesinthecountryinmanagingthedeployment ofover50,000personnelshiftsforCOVIDresponse programsinthecityoverthenext3months.Itworked withtheITandOperationsteamstobuildafully-featured web&mobileapplicationinunder3weeks.

HarnessingLatestTrendsoftheIndustry

Asthecurrentsoftwaredevelopmentsectorisdominated byhighcompetition,Stefanbelievesthattwofactorsare thekeytosuccess,namely—relentlesscustomerfocus, andleanproduct/servicephilosophy.Hestatesthereisno pointinhavingatechnologicallyimpressiveproduct unlessitisrelevantandtailoredforthespecificneedsof one'scustomersegments.

No-codeandlow-codetechnologieshaveopenedthe doorformanynon-technicalfounderstolaunchrelevant productstomorenicheandspecificmarkets.Stefan perceivesthatifapersonhasinsightonaneedinthe marketandtimetolearnaboutit,theycanintroducea productinthemarketwithinweeksandstartpivotingwith arealproduct/businessandwithlittletonostartupcost. Headdsthatthisisthebesttimeforapersontobringtheir productandsecureaplaceinthemarket.

StefanstatesthatQREWTechnologiesaimstooffer trainingandtoolsforothercommontoolswhichthey CitizenDevelopersliketouse,alongwithconcepts requiredtosucceed.Headds,“We love the innovation and determination in the citizen developer movement and want to remove as many barriers to entry as possible.”

MeaningfulExperiences

Justifyinghiskeennesstolearncustomerserviceand research,Stefanassertshowpeopleareseeking meaningfulexperienceswhichcommunicaterespect, honor,andvalue.Heasserts,“Building a product or service line that evokes those feelings in customers is a surefire winner,”Hefurtherrecommendslisteningtothe podcast'The Brand Manual'statingthatithasgreatdialog andpracticalsforcommunicatingeffectivelytoyour market.