The 10 Influential Education Leaders, 2023

Claudio Cesarano

Uniting Language, Culture, and Opportunity in Education

CEO Media Touristik AG

EDITOR’S LETTER

Building a Diverse and Brighter Tomorrow!

earreaders, D

Inanever-evolvingworld,theimpactofvisionaryleadersintheeducationsectoris immeasurable.Theypavethewayfortransformativechangeandprogressinshapingthe futureofoursociety.The“10InfluentialEducationLeaders,2023”editionofMirror Reviewcelebratestheremarkableindividualswhohavededicatedthemselvestodriving innovation,fosteringexcellence,andredefiningthelandscapeofeducation.

Theseleadersrepresentadiversespectrumofexpertise,ideas,andcommitment,yettheyall shareacommonpurpose:todrivepositivechangeineducation.Theirstoriesand achievementsareatestamenttothetransformativepowerofeducation,andweareproudto showcasetheirjourneysinthisspecialedition.

OurcoverstoryfeaturesClaudioCesarano,thevisionaryCEOofMediaTouristikAG.With apassionforeducationandanunwaveringcommitmenttoenhancingthelearning experience,Cesaranohasemergedasatrailblazerintheeducationsector.Hisinsightsand leadershiphavenotonlytransformedMediaTouristikAGbuthavealsoleftalastingimpact ontheindustry.DiscoverhowCesarano'sjourneyandhisforward-thinkingapproachare shapingthefutureofeducation.

Inadditiontoourcoverstory,thiseditionfeaturesprofilesoffourmoreremarkable educationleaders:LeilaCentner,RossRomano,EdithHamilton,andKirsiEkberg.Their workcontinuestoshapethewaywelearn,grow,andadaptinarapidlychangingworld.As wedelveintotheirstories,weaimtoinspirethenextgenerationofeducationleadersand empowerthemtocreateabrighterfutureforall.

AtMirrorReview,weremaincommittedtorecognizingandcelebratingthetirelessefforts ofthosewholeadthewayineducation.Weinviteyoutojoinusinhonoringthese influentialleadersandtoembarkonajourneythroughthepagesofthisedition,discovering theinspirationandtransformationtheybringtotheworldofeducation.

Wewanttoexpressoursincerethanksforyourconsistentsupportandcontinuous readership,whichenableustohonortheoutstandingaccomplishmentsofthesesignificant individualsandmotivatethefollowinggenerationofeducators.

Happy Reading!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

C l a u d i o C e s a r a n o

Cover Story

C O V E R S T O R Y

Claudio Cesarano

Uniting Language, Culture, and Opportunity in Education

COVER

STORY

TTheeducationindustryrepresentsa vastandever-changingsectorthat encompassesallaspectsofteaching andlearning.Itincludesschools, colleges,universities,trainingcenters, andothereducationalinstitutions,as wellascompaniesthatprovide educationalmaterialsandservices.To keeppacewiththedynamicworldwe livein,theeducationsectoris continuouslyadapting,mostrecently placinganemphasisonleveraging technologytoenhancebothtraditional classroomeducationandonline learning.Furthermore,theeducation industryisincreasinglycommittedto providingopportunitiesforlifelong learning,cateringtoindividualsofall ages.

Attheforefrontofthistransformative landscapestandsClaudioCesarano, theCEOofMediaTouristikAG. Spearheadingthesechanges,he endeavorstoofferthebestlearning experiencespossibleandhasalready achievedremarkableresultswithinthe industry.Letusdelveintohisjourney andgaininsightintohisvisionfor transformingtheeducationscene.

ClaudioCesarano’sJourneyfrom TourGuidetoEducationSector Leader

Claudio’sdiverserangeofexperiences shapedhisjourneyintotheworldof education.Startingasatourguidein thetourismindustry,hediscovereda naturalabilitytouniteandleadgroups oftouristsandcreatealastingimpact

ontheirexperiences.Histimeasa karatetrainerhonedhisskillsin guidingandmotivatingindividualsto achievetheirgoals.Whilststudying economics,Claudiorealizedhehada strongleaningtowardshands-on businesspracticalityratherthan theoreticalcomplexities.This realizationdrewhimbackintothe tourismindustry,wherehetookcharge ofleadingasmallteam.Overtime,his exceptionalleadershipskillsandvision drovethecompanytobecomeoneof theindustry’slargesttouroperators.

However,Claudio’sheartretaineda deep-rootedpassionforteachingand education.Beingmultilingualfroma youngage,hedisplayedlanguage proficiencyinDutch,Italian,German, andFrench.Additionally,hefurther expandedhislinguisticrepertoireby activelylearningEnglishandachieving fluencyinSpanishduringhisyear-long stayinCuba.Theselanguageskills enrichedbothhispersonallifeand sparkedastrongdesiretoactively contributetotheeducationsector Thus,Claudiomovedintomanagingan educationcompanywithafirmbelief inthetransformativepowerof education.Thecompany’sprimary goalistoprovidelanguagecoursesand facilitatestudentexchangestoforeign countries,wherelearnerscanimmerse themselvesinstudyinglanguagesand careerprograms.

Claudio’smissioniscrystalclear–to buildbridgesineducation.Inhis opinion “Education is not a privilege but a basic right that should be accessible to all.” Hispurposeisto empowerpeopletosurpasstheir limitations,explorediversecultures, anddeepentheirglobalawareness.By offeringopportunitiesforinternational study,heaspirestoopenmindsand nurtureglobalcitizens,fosteringa deeperappreciationfordiversityanda broaderperspectiveonlife.

MediaTouristikAG: RevolutionizingLanguage Learning

In2015,MediaTouristikAG emergedasagame-changerinthe educationindustrymovingits headquartersinZurich,Switzerland. Withaprimaryfocusonlanguages, thecompanyoffersprogramsin German,French,English,Spanish, Portuguese,Korean,andJapanese,as wellasotherlanguages.Media TouristikAGcentersitsmissionon sendingSwissstudentsabroadto learnlanguagesfromnativespeakers whileatthesametimeimmersing themselvesindiversecultures.The companyhasdiversifieditsofferings beyondlanguagecourses,now extendingtocareerprograms,work experiences,volunteering opportunities,andtheinnovative conceptof“Workation”–a harmoniousblendofworkand vacationwherepeoplestudywhile traveling.

Oneoftheirpopularprograms,“Ata Teacher’sHome,”enablesstudents privatestudyopportunitiesata teacher’shouse,providinga personalizedlearningexperience.A furthersuccessfulbranchofthe companyistheGroupsDepartment, whichcaterstoschoolgroupsand adultgroupstravelingtogether, fosteringasenseofcamaraderieand offeringcollectivegrowth opportunities.Furthermore,Media TouristikAGtakesprideingiving the50+communityspecialized activityprogramstailoredtowards differentlearningspeeds,ensuring age-appropriatelearning opportunities.

Inthiscompetitivemarket,whatsets MediaTouristikAGapartisits commitmenttocreatingahealthy andthrivingworkplaceenvironment.

It is better to keep on moving at a steady pace to stay in the market, or else you'll be overridden by the competition

“Have more of a coach mindset than just a leader mindset.”

Thecompanyactivelycultivatesacultureofinternal sustainabilityandmutualrespectamongteammembers, emphasizingthevalueofteamandtogetherness.Claudio’s dedicationtoprovidinginternaltrainingopportunitiesaswellas externalopportunitieswithtravelabroadtopartnerschoolsand destinationsdemonstratesthecompany’sfocusonemployee growthandcontinualdevelopment.Thiscommitmentnotonly nurturesemployeeloyaltybutalsodrivesexceptional performance.

MediaTouristikAGencouragesopencommunication,welcomes innovativeideas,andcelebratesfreshperspectives.They continuallyreinventthemselves,embracingchangeand innovationasthekeystogrowth.Throughaseriesof improvements,theyconsistentlystayaheadofthecurve,setting newindustrystandards.

Claudio’sExperientialLearningRevolutionInspiresthe World

Claudiofirmlybelievesinexperientiallearningandemphasizes theimportanceoffirsthandexperience.Hepassionately advocatesthatpersonalencountersandculturalimmersionare farmoreenrichingthanmeretextbooklearning.Thisphilosophy stemsfromhisownlifeexperiences,whichhaveshapedhiminto theleaderheistoday

Claudio’sdesiretomakeadifferencedriveshisleadership.He leadshisteamwithpassionandpurpose,inspiringthemtoshare inhisvisionandcontributetothegreatergood.Byguidinghis teamstowardsself-discoveryandself-improvement,heinstillsa senseofpurposeintheirhearts,motivatingthemtoachievetheir fullpotential.

“Be clear with your message and communicate with your team to achieve your goals. Let them know what you expect from them and what they can expect from you.”

UnderClaudio’sleadership,Media TouristikAGexemplifieshowpassion, dedication,andapeople-centricapproach leadtoremarkablesuccess.By revolutionizinglanguagelearningand expandinghorizons,theyempower studentsofallagestoconnectwiththe worldandembraceitsdiversity

Beyondachievingfinancialsuccessinhis business,Claudiofindsfulfillmentinthe positiveimpactitcreates.Forhim,itis notsolelyaboutthebottomline;rather,it isaboutcontributingtoacausethat transcendsbordersandenricheslives. Throughhiseducationcompany,he envisionsprovidingpeopleofallages withopportunitiestolearn,grow,and embracenewchallenges,regardlessof theirbackgroundorcircumstances.

BalancingPassionandPleasure

PassiondrivesClaudioCesarano,andhe viewsworknotjustasameanstoanend butasasourceofinspirationandselfexpression.Hefindsimmensejoyin aligninghisprofessionallifewithhis personalpassionsandinterests. Moreover,Claudiohasmasteredtheart ofnottakingworktooseriously, allowinghimselftoenjoythejourney andsavormomentsofhappinessalong theway

Whenit’stimeforarefreshingbreak, Claudioescapestothebreathtaking SwissAlps,wheretheinvigorating mountainairbringstranquilityand relaxation.Duringhisleisuretime,he indulgesinhisfavoriteactivitiesof hikingandbiking,immersinghimselfin nature’sbeautyandfindingsolaceinthe simplicityofthegreatoutdoors. However,Claudio’spursuitofwork-life balanceextendsbeyondphysical activities.Hecherishesqualitytimewith lovedones,whetheritinvolvessharinga beautifuldinner,watchingamovie together,orengaginginlively conversations.

Meetingnewpeopleremainsa passionandsparksjoyfor Claudio,ashethriveson buildingconnectionsand learningaboutdiverse perspectives.Musicalsoplaysa significantroleinhislife,and occasionally,Claudiodelights inplayingtheguitar The melodiesprovideacreative outlet,allowinghimtoexpress hisemotionsandfindsolacein theharmonyofsound.By embracingaholisticapproach tolife,Claudioembodiesthe

essenceofwork-lifebalance, strikingtheperfectharmony betweenhisprofessional pursuitsandpersonal pleasures.

AdvicetoEntrepreneurs

Inthebusinessworld,an entrepreneurisarevolutionary individualwhodisruptsoldschoolmethodsinthe industry.Claudiois determinedtobringthat revolutiontoeducation,

makingitavailabletoevery person,irrespectiveoftheirage. Hence,hehassomewiseadvice foreducatorsandentrepreneurs, whichhesharesasfollows:

●Challengeyourselfandyour teamtoachievethebest together

●Recognizethecrucialfactor oftrust.Trustyourteam,as theyaretheoneswhowill leadyoutothedesired success.

●Assigntasksandopportunitiesto yourteamwithtrust,especially theyoungoneswhoarenot solelyinterestedinbingewatching;someofthemare highlyskilledattakingon challengingwork.

URL

Description

Description

Cognician

Management-

BarryKaton,CEO

URL-

www.nfo.cognician.com

Founded-

2010

Description-Cognicianisabehaviormodification platformthatusesscalable,tailored,data-drivendigital experiencestoinfluenceemployeebehavior This behaviormodificationstrategybasedonneuroscienceis builtonaction,follow-through,reflection,andsocial involvement.

Imparta

Management- RichardBarkey,Founder&CEO

URL-www.imparta.com

Founded-1997

Description-Impartaisamarketpioneerinsalesand accountmanagement,customersuccess,andcustomer experienceperformanceenhancementforteamswho interactwithcustomers.

Kings Cornerstone International College

ManagementJohnChristopher,Chairman& CO-Founder

URL-www.cornerstone.edu.in

Founded-2018

Description-Inordertodeliversuperioreducationfor asuccessfulprofession,KCIChasimplementeda customisedmethodthatwasdesignedusingatwo nationstudyprogram

Media Touristik AG

Managementwww.mediatouristik.ch

ClaudioCesarano,CEO

URL-

Founded-

2015

Description-MediaTouristikAGisatourism companywhichoffersmulti-languagecoursestothe Swisscitizenstolearnfromthenativesandexperts It promotesTravelandLearnpolicytointegrategreat cultures.

Next New Growth

Management-EdithHamilton,ExecutiveCoach

URL-www.nextnewgrowth.com

Founded-2016

Description-ThefoundationofNextNewGrowth's coachingprogramsistheideathateveryonehasthe capacitytosucceed.Thecoachesatthecenterassistclients indeterminingtheirstrengthsandlimitations,setting objectives,andcreatingastrategytoreachthosegoals

September Strategies

Management-

RossRomano,Founder&CEO

URL-www.septemberstrat.com

Founded-2022

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

Scotwork

Management-

HoraceMcDonald,CEO-UK

URL-www.scotwork.com

Founded-1975

Description-Overthepastfortyyears,Scotworkhas mentoredanumberofsenior-levelindividuals It concentratesoneducatingworkingprofessionalsfromall overtheworldin29languagesintheartofnegotiation.

Vilike

Management-KirsiEkberg,Founder

URL-www.vilike.fi

Founded-2014

Description-Vilikeisaneducation-focusedITstartup thatusesAIgamesforwell-being.Theywerefounded byadevotedteamofspecialistsandhaveserviced clientsworldwide,benefitingover100,000users

E dith

Executive Coach

Hamilt on

"If you want to be a leader in finance, as a female you must manage your career proactively and courageously build relationships at least 2-3 levels above you."

An Inspiring Executive Coach for Women CFOs Disrupting the Finance Industry

Whydomaleexecutivesinfinanceandother

professionsearnmoreandgetgreater recognitionthanmostfemaleleaders?Typically menaremoresupportedbysenior-levelexecutivesandget promotedfaster.Ontheotherhand,womenoftengravitate tomentoring-stylepartnershipsthatprovidethemwith encouragementandadvice.Theyarelesslikelytotakerisks andelevatetheirownprofile.However,thissituationis changingasmorewomenleadersleaninandaskforclear sponsorshipandsupportfromtheircompanyleaders.One resourcemanyfemaleexecutivesturntoisEdithHamilton (ExecutiveCoachforCFOs,NEXTNewGrowth)whois equippingfinanceleaderstodrivechangeintheC-suite. SheequipsChiefFinancialOfficerstodeliverthegrowth, processimprovementsandprofitabilitythatdrivehigh multiples.

“I love the stories that numbers tell,” saysEdith.Financial statementsunfoldinsightsabouttheupsanddownsofthe organization.AsEdithfoundanaffinityfornumbersand lovedsolvingpuzzles,shebecameafinanceanalystinthe earlyyearsofherwork-life.Overthecourseofher corporatecareer,shereportedto8differentCFOs–andfrom someofthem,shelearnedhowtobeaneffectivefinancial leader.Fromothers,shelearnedwhatnottodo,andhow nottobe.

GivenEdith’sskills,experienceinthehealthcaresector,and recommendationsfromothers,anexecutivesearch consultantwhorepresentsalargeprivateequityfirm reachedouttohertoseeifshewouldcoachafemaleCFO ofahealthcarecompanyintheLosAngelesarea.Thisis howEdith’sjourneybeganasaCFOcoach;shelater becameaccreditedbytheInternationalCoachFederation aftera15-monthtraining,coachingandmentoringprocess ofherown.

DuringarecentconversationwithMirrorReview,Edith elaboratedonherprofessionaljourneyandthe establishmentofherorganization–NextNewGrowth Followingaresomesnippetsfromtheconversation:

1.Couldyoupleasesharewithusthemostinteresting storyaboutwhatbroughtyouintothefinancefield?

IactuallystartedasanEnglishmajorincollege!Iloved literature,andIhaveanaffinityforwordsasmuchasfor numbers.Backincollege,Ibeganworkingpart-timeatan investmentbankingfirm,whereIlearnedtousea spreadsheettoenterdataandcreateformulastoadd valuableinsightsandstatistics.Excelhelpedmeto

understand,organize,sort,andfiltermyworld.Suddenly, algebrahadpracticalapplicationsforme,andthedry statisticaltoolsIwasthenlearningincollegebecame meaningfulsourcesofnewinsightsformyboss,my colleaguesandourclients.Thispart-timejobduringmy collegedaysinspiredmetopivotandlooktowardacareer inthefinancefield.

2.Whatdoyouthinkmakesyoustandoutinthe competitivefinancesectorasaCFOCoach?

Foronething,I've“been there, done that”. Thisispartof whatmakesmeuniqueintheworldofCFOcoaching.In therealworld,Ihavewalkedamileintheirshoes. Additionally,IamtheonlyCFOcoachwhousesa technology-basedplatformtosupplementthevalueofour weeklycoachingsessions.Ithelpsfinanceleadersrewrite theirbrainsforpeakperformanceinrelationtotheirCEO, theirBoard,theirpeersanddirectreports.Theycanlearn toidentifyandsilencetheirgreatestinternalcriticsto attainsuccessbeyondwhattheycouldhavewithoutthese specifictools.Thisiswhatgivestopperformersanedge, whilealsoincreasingjobsatisfaction–andincreased abilitytomanagetheoverwhelmthat’scommonto executives.

3. Whataretheexclusiveservices/solutionsofferedfor CFOsbyNEXTNewGrowth?

Ourcompanyoffersexecutivecoachingservicesfor privateequityandpubliccompaniesthatwanttodeliver growth,processimprovements,andcostsavings.Some focusareasforusinclude:

a. CFO Coaching: Wedesigncustomizedplanstogether basedonthediscussionswiththeprivateequityOperating Partner(s),theCEO,andtheCFO.Itincludesintercepting certainpatternsorbehavioralissuesthataretrippingyou up,broadeningyourvision,improvingteamperformance, enhancingleadershippresence,anddrivingKPIs(key performanceindicators).

b. Executive Coaching and Leadership Development: NEXTprovidesleadershipcoachingforCOOs,CXOs, SVPs,andotherseniorexecutives.Thisincludesprecoachingandpost-coaching360assessmentsthathelp identifythegreatestopportunitiesforimprovement, coachingsessionsthatincreaseflexibilityandversatilityas aleader,andevendirectmentoring.

c. Tech-enabled Executive Mind Fitness Program: NEXTusesanappdevelopedbythePositiveIntelligence grouptoextendtheeffectivenessofitsweeklycoaching usingasmartphone.Theappstrengthenscoremuscles

aroundcuriosity,connection,creativity,emotional intelligence,andenablesyoutotakeclear,laser-focused actionbasedonyourvaluescombinedwithdata. d. CFO First 90-Days Coaching:Thisstrategictransition planhelpsyouachievealignmentwiththestrategy, structure,systems,skills,andcultureofyournewfirm.It alsoenablesyoutobuildcooperative,trustingrelationships thataccelerateyourintegrationplansandhelpyoudelivera fewimportant“quickwins”thatareimportanttoyour leadersandthatsolidifyyourimpact.

4.Whatresponsibilitiesdoyoushoulder?Whatareyour notableawardsandachievementsasaCFOCoach?

Mymainfocusistohelpotherfinanceexecutivesfindtheir ownpathasItrainthemtobeversatile,effectiveCFOs.As aleader,Icreatevalueattheintersectionofprivateequity andC-levelleadership.Icombinemybackgroundin finance,operations,processimprovement,andbusiness developmentwithexecutivecoachingandconsultingskills groomedbytopcoachesintheindustry.Inthisway,with toolsIhavegatheredorbuiltoverthecourseof25+years inthecorporatefinanceworld,IhelpCFOsandother leaderswhohaveincreasedexpectations,expanding responsibilities,ornewchallengestobuildadditionalkey skillsthatproducepersonal,team,andorganizational success.Ihavebeenfeaturedin Fortune magazine,the CFO Brew,andoneofmyclients,theCFOofa$2billion companywasrecognizedas CFO of the Year in2021.

5.Whatarethetoughestchallengesthatwomenfacein thefinancesector?

Thetoughestchallengeswomenfaceincludethe expectationthattheyhavetoactlike“oneoftheboys”.A lackoffemalementorsisalimitingfactor,andthetime womenspendoutoftheworkforceduetomotherhood,can impactthemomentumofadvancementforsome.Taking maternityleavehashistoricallyaffectedwomen’searnings, promotionpotential,andultimatelyfuturecareers.Butnot inallcases.Andthatisincreasinglychangingforthebetter

6.Whatisyourtakeon‘feminism’? Whatmeasures cansupportwomen'sempowerment?

Ithinkthat‘feminism’isanoutdatedterm.Ialwaysgained supportfrommaleCFOsIworkedwith.7outof8CFOs weremalesandeveryonehascontributedandengagedin mycareerpath.Asfemaleexecutives,themainthingwe needtodoistobeclearonourvalues,andpickgood bosses.Avoidworkingforajerk.Andifyoufindyourselfin

thatsituation,gogetyourselfanewrolewithabetter mentor.Someonewhowilladmireandappreciateyour skillsandcontributionsandwhoiswillingtobeyourally, andyouradvocateatthenextlevelupthechain.

7.Howisyourlifebeyondthecabin?Howdoyou ensurework-lifebalance?

Ihaveaconsiderablybigfamily,alargecircleoffriends andprofessionalconnections.AsafollowerofChrist,Iam activeasagroupleaderinmycommunityatJourneyof FaithinManhattanBeachCA.Ihavelearnedthatwehave toMAKEtimeforthethingsthatareimportanttous.Inmy case,IcreatedalistofthekeyrelationshipsIwantto nurtureandliterallybookappointmentstomeetwitheach ofthemmonthly,quarterlyinmypersonallife.Iliterally followachecklistthatshowsmeifI’venotconnectedwith someoneinawhile,andmaybeit’stimetocallthemwhile I’mdriving,orwalkingorsuch.Ibelieveyouneedto scheduletheimportantbutnoturgentstuffFIRST,andthen allowthelessimportantdailystuffbelikestreamthatflows aroundthoselargerocksinthemiddleoftheriver

8.Beingapersonofinfluence,whatisyourmessagefor buddingwomenleaderswhowishtomakeamarkinthe financesector?

● Lookforopportunitiesinyourcompanytogetinvolved withoperationsandwithP&LManagementopportunitiesto understandthebusinessandbuildyourcredibility

● Buildrelationshipswithleaderswhocanbeyour advocateswithintheorganization.

● Identifythewaysinwhichyouhaveatendencytoselfsabotageyourownsuccess. Youcanlearnmoreaboutthat here.

● Learnhowtocommunicatethevalueyouaddtothe company,andspeakforyourselfquicklyandconfidently

Manypeoplewonderhowtheycan successfullywritemultipleessays withoutconfusionoraccidentally includingthewrongschoolname.Themost effectiveapproachistowritetheessaysoneata time,completingthemconsecutively.Byfocusing ononeessayandoneapplicationatatime,you canavoidthementalstrainthatcouldharmyour chancesofbeingaccepted.Thismethodalso makesthewritingprocesseasier,asyoucanfully concentrateoneachtask.Therefore,thekeyto managingmultipleessayssuccessfullyliesnotin deadlinesororganization,butinhavingthe patiencetoprioritizeonetaskovertheothers.

Therearesomepracticalguidelinesfor implementingthisapproach.Firstly,itisadvisable tocreateseparatedirectoriesforeachschool’s materials,includingessaydraftsand

recommendationoutlines.Thishelpswith organization.Secondly,aftercompletingall theessaysforoneschool,thoroughlysearch throughthedocumentstoensurethatthe namesofotherschoolsarenotmistakenly included.Ifcircumstancesdonotallowyouto exclusivelyworkononeschool’sessaysata time,itisimportanttoavoidworkingon multipleschoolsduringthesamesessionor dayinordertominimizeanymistakesor confusion.Buttomakeyourlifeeasier,itis bettertouseanEssayWritingServicewhere professionalwritersarereadytohelpand createasuccessfulessayontime.

WriteDownDeadlinesInYourDiary

Whetheryouenteryouressaysusinganapp orwritethemontheboard,makesureyoucan

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH MULTIPLE ESSAY DEADLINES?

controlyourworkload.Thiswillallowyouto organizeyourscheduleinawaythatmakesit easiertocompletetasks.

PrioritizeYourTasks

Theorderinwhichtasksneedtobecompletedis notimportant,butratherthenumberoftasksin eachcategory Tomanageyourtimeeffectively, differentiatebetweenwhatisimportantandwhat isurgent.Thenprioritizetasksthatrequiremore resources,energy,andtime.Ifpossible,setyour owndeadlines:thiscouldbeaweekorafew daysbeforetheactualdeadline.Thiswillkeep youaccountableandgiveyouextratimeto reviewyourworkandmakeanynecessary changes.

ManageYourWorkload

Ifyourcalendarisfilledwithdeadlines,itcan makeyoufeeloverwhelmedfromthevery beginning.Tohandlethisfeeling,trybreaking downbigprojectsintosmaller,moremanageable tasks.Thiswillincreaseyourmotivationandhelp youstayontracktomeetallyourdeadlines.

ReduceDistractions

Whilemeetingdeadlinesisyourimmediate priority,itshouldnotcomeattheexpenseofa balancedlife.Youmustcontinuetomanageyour personalaffairsalongwithyourprofessional commitments.Forexample,youwillstillhaveto answeremailsandattendmeetings.Therefore,it isimportanttoadoptguilt-freeandstress-free strategiestoensureasmoothflowofyourlife. Thisinvolvesadjustingyourworkinghoursand includingthisinformationinyouremail signature.Thisway,anyonewhocontactsyou willhaveaclearunderstandingofyour availability,reducingtheriskoflosingclientsor potentialleads.Additionally,abriefoverviewof yourcurrentprojectwillsparkcuriosityand interestinothers.

SaveYourWorkingHours

It’stemptingtoworktirelesslythroughoutthe daytoachievegoalsordeadlinesthatultimately gounfulfilled.However,sacrificingfreetime doesnotleadtohighacademicperformanceoran effectiveemployee.Infact,itonlyleadstoless

productivity,irritabilityandfatiguethanifyoutook breaksbetweenworksessions.Allowyourselfsome timeawayfromyourworkschedule,asthiswill enableyoursubconsciousmindtogenerate solutionsandbrilliantideas.

StayHealthy

Consumingsugaryfoodsandenergydrinksisnot aneffectivemethodtoenergizeyourself.Itis importanttoprioritizeahealthydietandmindful breaksfromusingyourlaptop.Ensuring productivityiscrucial.Bytakingcareofyour physicalwell-being,youwillhaveampleenergyto performatyourbestandattainremarkable outcomes.

BeHonest

Peoplewhoworkforthemselvesfeelasenseof obligationtoaccepteveryopportunitythatcomes theirway Yet,itisadvisabletobeforthrightand confessifyoucannotmeetadeadlinetoprevent

anydisappointments.Additionally,itis importantnottooverexertoneselfto safeguardagainstjobloss.Ifyourwork involvesfulfillingclientrequirements,it maybehelpfultoproposealternative deadlines.

LookAfterYourself

Whenfacedwithmultipledeadlines,itis advisabletoknowtheabilitiesandskills ofthosewhoworkunderyou;youmaybe surprisedbysomesuccessesandfailures. Throughouttheseprocesses,always prioritizeyourwell-being.Whileitis beneficialtohaveasubstantialworkload, maintainingmotivation,positivity,and focuswillallowyoutoachieveyourgoals andmeettherequireddeadlines.

DefineYourEfforts

Theamountofeffortrequiredtocomplete yourassignmentsmayvarysignificantly Sometimesseeminglysmalltasksactually requiremoreeffortthanlargerones. Therefore,itisimportanttoconsiderthis beforestartinganytask.

Attempttogaugetheamountofwork requiredforeachtask.

Startwithtasksthatrequirethehighest amountofexertionandconcludewith tasksthatrequirethelowestamountof exertion.

Let’sconsiderlong-termtasks.

UseFlexibility

Whencompletingyourtasks,itis importanttorecognizethattheremaybe problems.To avoidanycomplications withyourassignments,itisimportantto haveadaptabilityandconcentration.There maybeoccasionswhereitbecomes necessarytotransitiontoadifferent projectforvalidreasons.Inthese situations,itisimportanttoacceptand adapttosuchchanges.

W KirsEkbrg

A Enthusias An Drv Edtec Enprneur

“Womenarethelargestuntappedreservoirsof talentintheworld,”quotesHilaryClinton.Today, thedisparitybetweenmenandwomenasbusiness leadersisreducingandthegendergapisbeing filledbytheequalparticipation.Overthepastfew years,therehavebeennumerouswomenleaders takingholdoftheglobalbusinesses.KirsiEkberg, theFounderofVilike,isonesuchinfluential womanleaderwhoisbringingtransformational changestothesportseducationalresearchindustry Kirsistrivestoempowerpeople,evolveeducation, co-createwithcommunities,buildbusinesses,and harnesspossibilitiesoftechnologytobuildnew solutionsenablinggoodevolutionforpeopleand theplanet.Sheadherestovaluessuchasaheartfor art,dreaminganddoing,technologyforapurpose, peoplebeforeprofit,etc.tomakeadifference.

Inherearlydays,alongsideherstudiesinchildren’s sportseducation,shecameacrossamethodthathad beenusedsince1994viz.usingpenandpaperto assessmotorandperceptualskillsdataofchildren. However,shelostallthepapersandthuslostthe possibilitytofollowandresearchthedevelopment ofmotorandperceptualskillsofchildrenaswell. LaterduringherBBAICTstudies,shedecidedto pursuetheideaofleveragingtechnologyinsports researchandasperheridea,sheproducedthefirst softwareforsportseducationresearch.Afterher graduation,sheinceptedVilikein2014.Sinceits inception,Kirsihasbeenthebackboneofthe company

ElevatingEducationwithTechnology

Vilikedevelopsplayfultechnologiesthatboost learningandoverallwellbeing.Itcombines

“

I believe open digitization of education can help to set learning free.And once we build the business with prupose, we can give access to high-quality learning with low entry barries.

technology,sports,andeducationtoactivatechildren tomovemoreandcreatenewwaystolearn.The companyelevateseducationbydevelopinggames withsportpedagogicallyaccuratecontent.Vilike takesthetraditionalplaytonewdimensionswith gamificationandplayabletechnology.Besides,the companyleveragesartificialintelligenceandmachine learningtoassesstheskillsdevelopmentdataand conductlong-termresearch.

Presently,Vilikeispreparingforuser-centered developmentprojectstolaunchthefinalversionofthe gamifiedPhysicalExerciseEducationapplication withAI-drivenkineticlearningskillresearch functionality Thecompanyis launchingan interactivee-bookinSeptembertointroducemotor skillsforparentswithtoddlersthroughplay Thiswill beaccompaniedlaterwithlanguageagnosticAR mobilegame.Talkingaboutbeingaheadofthe competition,Kirsiasserts,“Thecombinationofgrit, educationalandsportscientificcontent,gamification withnew-ageAItechnologyenablingdeepresearch onskillsdevelopmentandloveforthecausehasbeen thesecrettooursuccess.”

BeingtheFounderandCEOofthecompany,Kirsi usedtohandlealloperationsotherthanAI development.Shehasbeenanintegralpartofthe activitiessuchassocialmediamarketing,website hosting,preliminaryaccounting,shareholder relations,networking,pitching,networkingfor partnerships,andfindingtheperfectteam.Moreover, shehasmanagedtheSWDiterationprojectin combinationwithHaaga-Heliain2016and2018and alsowroteandillustratedaplaybookaroundsport scientificcontentaroundAPMinventorywithJenni Nadin.LuckilynowteamVilikehasgrownand developmenthappenswithLoveandsweatequity amongamazingco-founders,JenniNadin,Sarthak TripathiandJennyArolinna.ApartfromVilike,she hasbeenalsohelpingothercompanieslikeDoerz.co, Ultrahack,Moiko.fiandstartupsStuDisco.com, Rehaboo.com,AtlantisatandTrafficAye.Addressing thecurrentprojects,Kirsiasserts,“Wearedeeply devotedtothecausesomotivationarisesfromthe needthatparentsandeducatorshaveatthemoment.”

ExploringtheOpportunities

TheCOVID-19pandemichastakentheworldbya storm.Inthebeginning,theunprecedentednatureof thepandemicmadeithardforpeopleaswellas businessestotacklethesituation.Duetothesudden impositionssuchaslockdownandsocialdistancing norms,almostalltheindustryverticalswere

significantlyaffected.However,asthecountries aroundtheworldstarttoreleasetheimpositions, theworldisslowlystartingtoadapttothenew normal.Unlikesomeoftheindustryverticals,the digitalsportsandeducationindustryhasbeenone oftheleastaffectedindustries.

Kirsitoohasbeenmakingthemostofthe opportunitiescreatedbythepandemicandis takingthecompanyforwardinthesetoughtimes. Sheadds,“Forus,lockdownandpandemichave wokenuptheneedforoursolutions.Westarted developingthe5thpivotofthedigitalproductto helpparentsandeducatorswiththephysical activationofchildren.”Althoughthepandemic hasprosperedthere-birthofthecompany,startup facesfundingchallengescausingaslow developmentpace.Kirsiisaddressingthis challengebygivingallthepossibleresourcesanf openingfirstseedroundtogatherfundingona biggerandfasterscalego-to-marketforimpact.

DigitalizationofEducation

Theworldisshiftingtoonlineplatformsdueto thesocialdistancingnormsimposedbythe COVID-19pandemic.“Duringmy6yearsasan edtechentrepreneur,Ihaven’tseensuchaneed fordigitalsolutionsbefore,”saysKirsi.She expectsthatsoon,evolutionineducationwill blendinmoreandmorewiththepossibilities technologyoffers.Consequently,Vilikeis creatinganothermediatosupportthechange alongwithbooksandsensorylearningmaterials. Kirsiemphasizestheimportanceofdigitalization ofeducationbysaying,“Ibelieveopen digitalizationofeducationcanhelptosetlearning free.Andoncewebuildthebusinesswith purpose,wecangiveaccesstohigh-quality learningwithlow-entrybarriersforeveryone withinthereachofinternetconnectivityand mobiletechnology.”Shebelievesthatthiscan helpreducetheobstaclesofmonetarymonopoly ineducationwhichsetsbarriersforthelearning andgrowthofmanychildrenandyouth.

BePlayfullyActive

Beingaprolificentrepreneur,Kirsigivesapiece ofadvicetotheparentsandeducators— “Parents,keeponplayingwithyourchildrenand keepthegrittobeplayfullyactiveeveryday The samegoesforeducatorswithawishtoopentheir mindstothepossibilitiestechnologycangiveus intermsofresearchandnewknowledge.”

Haveyoueverwonderedwhatit’s liketohavethehighestIQinthe world?Doyouoftenthinkabout whothesmartestpeopleonEarthareand howtheyreachedtheirexceptionalIQ scores?Ifyouranswerisyestoanyof thesequestions,you’vecometotheright place.Inthisblog,wewillprovideabrief overviewoftheIQconceptandexplore thelivesoftheindividualswiththehighest IQsglobally

Whatis IQ?

Beforedelvingintoourlistofindividuals withthehighestIQintheworld,let’stake amomenttorefreshourunderstandingof IQ.

IQ,shortforIntelligenceQuotient, originatedfromtheGermanphrase “Intelligenzquotient,”ascoinedby psychologistWilliamStern.

Furthermore,IQfunctionsasagaugeofanindividual’s reasoningability,evaluatingtheiraptitudeforapplyinglogic andreasoningtotasksinvolvingproblem-solvingand prediction.

IQtestsarecraftedtoevaluateanarrayofcognitiveskills, encompassing:

Verbalreasoning

Nonverbalreasoning

Spatialreasoning

Workingmemory

Processingspeed

IQTestsandtheirimportance

AnIQtestevaluatesanindividual’scognitiveskillsand generatesascoretomeasuretheirpotentialandintellectual abilities,determiningtheirpositioninthehierarchyof intelligence.Asaresult,itiswidelyusedtoassess intelligence.ThepersonwiththehighestIQintheworldis oftenasubjectoffascination,astheirexceptionalscore surpassesallothers.

IQtestsaretypicallyscoredonascaleof100,withan averagescoreof100.Mostpeoplescorebetween85 and115,butthosewiththehighestIQintheworld oftensoarwellbeyond130,indicatingtheir exceptionalgiftedness.Scoresbelow70,ontheother hand,indicateintellectualdisability

IQLevel

Classification

130+

VerySuperior 120-129

Superior 110-119

Highaverage 90-109

Average 80-89

Belowaverage 70-79

Borderline

69andbelow Intellectualdisability

Didyouknowthattherearedifferenttypesof IQtests todetermineIQ?Theyareasfollows:-

CognitiveAssessmentSystem:TheCognitive AssessmentSystem(CAS)isdesignedtoassess cognitiveabilitiesandisapplicabletoindividuals aged5-17years.Furthermore,scoresarederivedfrom fourfactors:Planningability,Attention,Simultaneous processing,andSuccessiveprocessing.

KaufmanAssessmentBatteryforChildren: Movingon,theKABCisanIQtestintendedto evaluatethecognitiveabilitiesofchildrenand adolescentsaged3-18years.Anindividual’s intelligenceisscoredbasedonAge,Rawscore, Scaledscore,Agepercentile,andcompositescores.

Stanford-BinetIntelligenceScale:Shiftingfocusto theStanford–BinetIntelligenceScales,theseare individuallyadministeredintelligencetestsdeveloped byAlfredBinetandThéodoreSimon.Theyare employedfordiagnosingdevelopmentaland intellectualissuesinbothchildrenandadults.These testscanbeadministeredtoindividualswithintheage rangeof2-85years.

UniversalNonverbalIntelligenceTest:Next,let’s discusstheUniversalNonverbalIntelligenceTest (UNIT),whichisdesignedtoassessintelligence (cognitivecapacity)inchildrenandadolescents aged5-17years.Itsaimistomeasuregeneral intelligence,memory,reasoning,andinternal mediation.

WechslerAdultIntelligenceScale:Transitioning totheWechslerAdultIntelligenceScale(WAIS), thisisanindividuallyadministeredintelligencetest createdtomeasurecognitiveabilityinadultsand olderadolescents.Itstandsasthemostwidelyused intelligencetestforadultsglobally.Scoringis basedonVerbalcomprehension,Perceptual reasoning,Workingmemory,andProcessingspeed.

Woodcock-JohnsonTestsofCognitiveAbilities: Finally,let’sexploretheWoodcock-JohnsonTests ofCognitiveAbilities.Thisstandardizedtest measuresabroadspectrumofcognitiveabilitiesin individualsaged2to90+.Thetestcomprises18 subtestsassessingvariouscognitiveabilities, includingGeneralintellectualabilityandbroadand narrowcognitiveabilitiessuchasAuditory processing,Visualprocessing,Verbal comprehension,Fluidreasoning,Workingmemory, andProcessingspeed.

IQtestscanbedoneforawiderangeofpurposes whichareasfollows:-

EducationalPurposes:Thesetestscanbenefit studentswhoneedsupportinlearningortheycan benefitstudentswithextremelyhighintelligence forquicklearning.

Jobs: IQtestscanservethepurposeofindirectly interrogatingaclienttoseeifhe/sheisfitfora certainrole.

Research: IQcanbeusedtostudytheeffectsof differentfactorsonintelligence,suchasgenetics, environment,andeducation.

Diagnosis:Thesetestscanbeusedtodiagnose intellectualdisabilitiesandgiftedness.

Belowisalistofpeoplewhohavethehighest IQ intheworld:-

TerenceTao

IQ:230

Born:July171985

Occupation:AustralianMathematician

TerenceTao,ahighlyregardedmathematicianof bothAustralianandAmericanheritage,currently servesasaProfessorofMathematicsatthe UniversityofCalifornia,LosAngeles(UCLA). Heiswidelyacknowledgedasoneoftoday’s leadingmathematicians,andhisintellecthas earnedhimtheunofficialtitleof“thehighestIQin theworld,”alsoknownas“TheMozartof mathematics.”BritishFieldsMedalistTimothy GowershascommendedTaoforhisextensive knowledge.

Tao,whowasborninAustraliatoChinese immigrantparents,demonstratedhismathematical talentattheremarkablyyoungageoftwowhenhe delvedintomathematicalliterature.Attheageof seven,hewasadmittedtoagiftededucation program.Remarkably,hegraduatedwitha BachelorofScienceinmathematicsfromFlinders Universityattheageof16andcompletedhis Ph.D.inmathematicsatPrincetonUniversityby thetimehewas21.Tao’sresearchcoversawide rangeofmathematicalfields,includingharmonic analysis,partialdifferentialequations,algebraic andarithmeticcombinatorics,geometric combinatorics,probabilitytheory,compressed sensing,andanalyticnumbertheory.

Hisexceptionalcontributionshaveearnedhim numerousprestigiousawards,suchastheFields Medal,theMacArthurFellowship,andthe BreakthroughPrizeinMathematics.Witha substantialportfolioofover300scientific publications,Taoisnotonlyanoutstanding researcherbutalsoahighlyeffective communicatorandeducator,asevidentinhis popularsciencepublicationslike“Whatis Mathematics?”and“TheManWhoLovedOnly Numbers.”

MarilynVosSavant

IQ:228

Born:August11th1946

Occupation:AmericanColumnist

MarilynVosSavantisarenownedAmerican columnistknownforherexceptionalIQof 228.Thisachievementhasearnedheraplace intheGuinnessBookofRecordsasoneofthe individualswiththehighestrecordedIQscores worldwide.Since1986,shehasauthoredthe Sundaypuzzle-solvingcolumntitled“Ask Marilyn”inParademagazine.

VosSavantattainedanimpressiveIQscoreof 228attheageoftenwhenshetookthe Stanford-BinetIQtest,classifyingherinthe “genius”category.In1968,shegraduatedfrom WashingtonUniversityinSt.Louiswitha degreeinphilosophy.Hercolumn,“Ask Marilyn,”hasbeenaconsistentfeaturein Parademagazinesince1986.Notably,in1990, hercolumnplayedasignificantrolein increasingpublicawarenessoftheMontyHall problem.Amonghernotableworksare“The MarilynvosSavantBrainTeaserBook”(1987) and“AskMarilyn”(1993).

Furthermore,VosSavanthasmadenumerous televisionappearances,includingappearances onshowssuchas“Jeopardy!”and“The TonightShowStarringJohnnyCarson.”Sheis amemberofboththeAmericanAssociation fortheAdvancementofScienceandtheMensa Society Additionally,sheholdsthedistinction ofbeingafellowoftheAmericanHumanist Association.

K.Visalini

IQ:225

Born:23May2000

Occupation:Researcher

K.Visalini,oneoftheIndianprodigieswith thehighestIQintheworld,,standsamongthe topachieversintermsofIQ.Despitebeing bornwithankyloglossia,shehasearned13 internationalcertificationsandset5world records.Currently,sheengagesinresearch spanningfieldssuchasArtificialIntelligence, CognitiveNeuroscience,Neurophysiology, Non-InvasiveBrainStimulation,BrainComputerInterface,ExoskeletonTechnology, ComputerVision,SignalProcessing,and AutonomousNavigation.

Duringherschoolyears,herremarkable abilitiesearnedhertwopromotions.Atthe youngageof15,shereceivedhonorsfrom formerPresidentDr APJAbdulKalamand PrimeMinisterModi,andsheaddressedan audienceofover700scientistsatISRO. Subsequently,shecompletedherB.Tech degreeinthreeyearswithaGPAof9.6/10at KalasalingamAcademyofResearchand Education.

Attheageof22,sherepresentedIndiaatthe 72ndLindauNobelLaureatesMeetingon Medicine/PhysiologyinGermany,as nominatedbytheIndianGovernment. Additionally,theTamilNaduState Governmenthasincludedherbiographyinthe 11th-gradeEnglishtextbookforsix consecutiveacademicyears.

KimUngYong

IQ:210

Born:March81962

Occupation:CivilEngineer

KimUng-Yong,acelebratedfigurefrom SouthKoreawithabackgroundincivil engineering,isrenownedforholdingthe world’shighest-recordedIQ.Asachild prodigy,heachievedanextraordinaryIQscore exceeding210ontheStanford-Binet IntelligenceScale.

Atthetenderageofone,Kimhadalready memorizedtheentireKoreanalphabetandhad mastered1000Chinesecharactersfromthe ’ThousandCharacterClassic,’a6th-century Chinesepoem.Bytheageofthree,he demonstratedproficiencyinsolvingcalculus problems.Impressively,heauthoreda247pagebookinbothEnglishandGerman,which featuredessays,calligraphy,andillustrations.

Kim’sremarkableIQscoreof210,achievedat theageoffouronatestintendedforsevenyear-olds,earnedhimrecognitioninthe GuinnessBookofWorldRecordsasthe world’ssmartestindividual.Byagefive,Kim couldfluentlyconverseinKorean,English, French,German,andJapanese.His

exceptionalintelligenceledtohisrecruitment byNASAattheageofeight,wherehemade remarkablecontributionsovertenyears.

JacobBarnett

IQ:170

Born:May261998

Occupation:AmericanPhysicist

JacobBarnett,ayoungAmerican mathematicianandphysicist,garnered widespreadrecognitionforhisextraordinary accomplishmentsdespiteearlychallenges associatedwithautism.Fromayoungage,he displayedexceptionalproficiencyin mathematicsandscience.

Attheageofjusttwo,Jacob,possessingthe highestIQintheworld,demonstratedthe abilitytosolve5,000-piecejigsawpuzzlesand readtextbooksinmathematicsandphysics typicallyreservedforcollege-levelstudents. Whenhereachedeightyearsold,hebegan enrollingincollege-levelcoursesatIndiana University-PurdueUniversityIndianapolisand authoredresearchpapersinthefieldsof theoreticalphysicsandastrophysics.

In2012,JacobdeliveredaTEDxTeentalktitled “ForgetWhatYouThinkYouKnow,”wherein hesharedhisuniqueeducationalexperiences andperspective.Subsequently,hegained admissiontotheesteemedPerimeterScholars InternationalprogramatthePerimeterInstitute forTheoreticalPhysicsinCanada,renownedfor itscontributionstotheoreticalphysicsresearch.

InourquesttoidentifythehighestIQinthe world,we’veexaminedthelivesofexceptional individualswithremarkableintellectual abilities.WhileIQisavaluablemeasureof cognitiveprowess,it’simportanttoremember thatintelligencetakesvariousforms.These exceptionalmindshaveshownthatwith dedicationandsupport,anyonecanreachtheir fullpotential.Thepursuitofknowledgeandthe celebrationofdiversetalentsenrichourworld, remindingusthatthehighestglobalIQisjust oneaspectofhumancapabilitywithinour intricatetapestry

The Visionary Leader Revolutionizing Education and Empowering the Next Generation

Everygreateducationalleaderunderstandsthat

buildingacommunityrequirestheeffortof many.Theypossessanunquenchablethirstfor self-improvementandapassionforenhancingthelives ofothers.Theystrivetocultivatealoveforlearning, embracemistakes,andpushthemselvestobecome betterforthebenefitoftheworld.Theseleadersbelieve thatstudentsthrivewhentheyusetheirmindstosolve problems,createsolutions,andcollaboratewithpeers tomakeadifference.

Tocultivatefutureleaders,itiscriticalthateducation focusesondevelopingcriticalthinkingandproblemsolvingskillsratherthanjustmemorizingfacts.The futureofeducationrequiresleaderswhounderstand thatcultivatingdisciplineinchildreniscrucial.These leadersunderstandthatacommitmenttosupporting childrenwithtoolssuchasmindfulness,selfawareness,andself-regulationisnecessaryforthemto growintoemotionallyintelligentandresilientadults.

LeilaCentner(FounderofCentnerAcademy)isan exemplaryeducationalleaderwhoistransforming educationandempoweringthenextgeneration.Her visionaryapproachtoeducationisrevolutionizingthe wayweteach,learn,andgrowandismakingalasting impactonthelivesofcountlesschildren.

FromAdversitytoAmbition

Leila’sjourneytowardeducationalleadershipisrooted inhertumultuouschildhood.Growingupinarough neighborhoodwithoutafatherfigure,shewas surroundedbynegativeinfluences.Herfriendswere becomingpregnantatthirteen,andsheevengotchased homebyagangwithknivesonce.Itwasachallenging environment;however,itmotivatedhertostrivefor moreandtocreateabetterlifeforherselfandher family

Leila’sambitiontoimprovethingsforherselfand othersfueledherpassionforeducationalleadership. Whensearchingfortherighteducationalinstitution forherdaughter,shefoundthatnoschoolmether highstandardsforengaginginacademicsandthe holisticdevelopmentofchildren.Ratherthan settlingforless,Leiladecidedtocreateherown school,CentnerAcademy,aConsciousDiscipline schoolthatempowerschildrentobecomefuture leaders.

CentnerAcademy:RedefiningEducationfor FutureLeaderswithHeart

Leila’sbrainchild,CentnerAcademy,isa trailblazingeducationalinstitutionthatfocuseson buildingfutureleaderswithheart.Foundedin2019, CentnerAcademyislocatedinMiamiandhasthree campuses,withnewconstructionintheworksto furtherexpanditsreach.

TheAcademy’sapproachtoeducationiscenteredon developingcriticalthinkingandproblem-solving skillsoverrotememorizationandfactrecall.Their signatureEntrepreneurshipProgramisan excellentexampleofthis.Studentsexperiencethe entireprocessofbringingaserviceorproductto market,includingcreatingabusinessplan,makinga SharkTank-styleinvestmentpitch,andbringingthe productorservicetothepublicattheBeeHappy Marketplace.

CentnerAcademyisknownforitsforeignlanguage program,whichincludesHebrew,Mandarin, Spanish,Italian,andFrench.Theschoolalsohas competitiveLegoRoboticsandSpeech&Debate Teams,aswellasTennisandSoccerprograms.They haveauniquepartnershipwithCentner’slocal regenerativefarm,Regener8Farm&Retreat.

LEILA CENTNER FOUNDER

Moreover,theschoolprioritizes developingemotional intelligenceandresilienceinits students.AsaConscious Disciplineschoolthatfocuseson thedevelopmentofdiscipline withinthechild,Centner Academyiscommittedto providingtoolssuchas mindfulness,self-awareness,and self-regulationtosupporttheir students’growthinto emotionallyintelligentand resilientadults.

TheAcademy’sBrain Optimizationprogramis anotherstandoutfeature,with nutritiousandhealthyfoodanda physicaleducationprogramthat supportsneurodevelopment.The academicsareequallyrigorous

“At Centner Academy, our academic approach is designed to prepare our students for success in a rapidly changing world.”

andengaging,withacrosscurricularproject-basedlearning approachthatallowsstudentsto divedeeplyintotopicsofinterest whilemasteringessentialskills.

CreatingaThrivingLearning Community

LeilaseesherselfastheChief HappinessOfficerandfocuseson motivatingherteamandleading byexample,alwaysemphasizing theimportanceofkindness, compassion,andhumilityin everythingtheydo.AstheCEOof theschool,shetakesonavariety ofrolesandresponsibilities,allof whichareaimedatcreatinga thrivinglearningcommunity.Her toppriorityistoensurethateach student’sindividualneedsaremet,

whichsheachievesbyprovidinga broadrangeofacademicprograms andextracurricularactivitiesthat fostercriticalthinking,problemsolving,andcreativity

Leila’sapproachiscenteredon cultivatingfutureleaderswithhearts whocannavigatetheuncertainand ever-changingworldwithintegrity, grit,andagrowthmindset.Inaddition toshapingtheacademicprograms offeredbytheschool,Leilaalsotakes ahands-onapproachtocultivatinga cultureoflearningandgrowthwithin theinstitution.

“We have a strong culture of learning, growing, and problem-solving.” “If we model this for our students, we are successful!” addsLeila.

EducationfortheFuture

Leilaiswellawareoftheflawsinthe currenteducationsystemandthedire needforchange.Accordingtoher,the educationsystemwasdesignedfora differentera,anditnolongercatersto theneedsoftoday’sstudents.The traditionaldefinitionofsuccess, namelyfinishingcollegeandpursuing traditionaloccupations,isnolonger theonlyoption.Sheunderstandsthat happinessleadstosuccessratherthan theotherwayaround.

Inlightofthis,CentnerAcademyis focusingondevelopingskillsthatwill helpstudentsthriveinany circumstance.Emotionalintelligence, resilience,agrowthmindset,and criticalthinkingareemphasizedto helpstudentsbecomesuccessful regardlessofthechallengestheymay faceinthefuture.

Leilaunderstandsthattomakea positivechange,heracademyneedsto beagileandresponsive.Beingastartupinstitution,theycontinuously

“

“We empower our learners with research-backed learning strategies that foster problem -solving and critical-thinking skills.”

iterateandrespondtonewinformation toensurethattheeducationsystem theyprovideisrelevantandbeneficial tothestudents.

LivinglifetoFullest

Leilaisoftenaskedabouthowshe maintainsahealthywork-lifebalance. Inherresponse,shehighlightsher personalpassionforherworkandher commitmenttomaintainingher physicalandmentalhealth.Having spentyearsoptimizingherbrainand

health,Leilahasahighlevelofenergy comparedtotheaverageperson.This enableshertoworklonghours,asshe isdeeplycommittedtoherworkat CentnerAcademyandCentner Wellness&Spa.

Despiteherbusyschedule,Leilamakes timeforherhobbiesandinterests outsideofwork.Sheenjoysspending qualitytimewithherlovedones, exploringnewplacesandcultures,and throwingpartiestobringpeople together

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.