Welcometoourlatestedition,wherewespotlightthe Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Watch in 2024. Intoday’sfast-pacedandever-evolvingbusinesslandscape,leadershipismorethanjusta title—it'saboutvision,resilience,andtheabilitytodrivemeaningfulchange.Aswenavigatea worldmarkedbyrapidtechnologicaladvancementsandshiftingglobalmarkets,theroleofatrue leaderhasneverbeenmorecrucial.
Looking for an Online MBA Here Are 8 of the Best Online MBA Programs
38
Theobroma: A Journey from a Tiny Cake Shop to a Renowned Bakery Chain 46
Montessori Schools Nurturing Independent Thinkers and Lifelong Learners
CARMEN SÁNCHEZ - LaulhéCarmen Sánchez-Laulhé
Leading Through Cultures and Diversity in the Communications and Crisis Management Industry
Vice President (Latin America)
Building a strong reputation is crucial for ensuring the stability, sustainability, and longterm success of any organization. Brand value and reputation have emerged as some of the most valuable intangible assets a company can possess, positioning communications as a strategic and cross-functional priority that is gaining increasing importance within executive boards.
Carmen Sánchez-Laulhé, vice president of ATREVIA in Latin America, is a recognized expert in crisis management and reputation, with a leadership style that generates both impact and credibility. Highly results-driven, yet deeply grounded in a strong human touch that inuences every aspect of her work. Her genuine passion for what she does is palpable, and after a conversation with her, you leave convinced of the vital role communication plays in shaping the society we aspire to create.
“We spend too much of our lives working to waste it on something we don’t enjoy.”
“It is essential to live according to your principles, sleep peacefully at night, and be able to look at yourself in the mirror.”
Hermother,whoretiredafter47yearsofworkandraisedfour childrenduringatimewhentherewasneitherwork-life balancenorsharedresponsibilitiesinmarriage,hasalsobeena sourceofinspirationandarolemodel. “She never gives up or sets aside her dreams. In fact, she’s still active as a volunteer in a social organization and has even enrolled in university.”
instinctively.Beyondpursuingsomethingthatgenuinely motivatesher,shealsowantedtomakeadifference. “Even the smallest positive action can spark another of equal value.”
“Every situation that jeopardizes the normal operations, performance, and reputation of an organization demands robust communication support. Even when such situations aren’t publicly disclosed, there will always be stakeholders invariably affected”. Overtheyears,Carmenhasobservedmajorcompaniesexecutestellarcrisismanagementstrategiesthathave allowedthemtoemergestronger.Conversely,therehavebeenpoorlymanagedcrisesthathaveledtolossesamountingto millionsofdollars.
Carmen says that effective crisis management rests on four fundamental key pillars:
Comprehensive Analysis
Rapid Decision-Making
It’s essential to conduct a thorough analysis of the situation, assessing the impact and identifying potential risks. Understanding the scope and potential fallout of the crisis is crucial for formulating an appropriate response strategy.
Agility and immediacy in decision-making are critical during a crisis. Quick, decisive actions are necessary to mitigate damage and navigate the situation effectively.
Flexibility and adaptability
Sticking to the usual procedures might not be effective in a crisis. Adapting to the unique challenges and demands of the situation is necessary.
Transparency
LeadingaTeamthroughCrisis
In an era of information overload, transparency is paramount. Misleading or unclear information is likely to be scrutinized and exposed. Stakeholders may forgive errors, but they will not tolerate being misled or underestimated.
Precededbyareputationforupholdinghigh standardsandbuildingreliableteams,thissenior executiveexplainsthatwithoutmaintainingan impeccableimage,acommunicationsconsultancyor agencycannotexpectsomeonetotrustitwithits ownimage.Inthemarcommsindustry,youmust stayaheadoftrendsandunderstandtheneedsof others.Aligningtheteamisalsoessentialforsuccess andgrowth. “The team’s work brings the value promise of the organization to life, making it tangible”.
Theperceptionofwomeninleadershiprolesvaries acrossdifferentcountries.Thishasinfluencednot onlyCarmen’scareerpathbutalsoherpurposeand howshedoescertaintasks,particularlyregarding theirpotentialimpact.Shesays, “Globally, we still have a long way to go - not just in terms of women’s roles but in creating truly diverse and equitable environments. As a woman, I’ve encountered challenging situations, and I hope the progress we’re making now will spare future generations from the same struggles. We are still questioned, and we often have to work harder than men to reach the same level. In my view, talent knows no gender, but unfortunately, the barriers still do.”
Artificialintelligencehasbroughtasignificant changetothecrisismanagementindustry.Itsuseis settogrow,withnewtoolsplayingapivotalrolein shapinghoworganizationscommunicate.However, thisalsopresentsthechallengeofnotsacrificingthe humanelementforthesakeofconvenience.The emotionaldepthandauthenticitythatcomefrom humaninteractionareirreplaceable.Listeningis morecriticalthanever In today’s time, effective communication is less about speaking and more about truly listening. Without this, an organization can risk losing the connection with its audiences.
Carmensaysthatmaintainingawork-lifebalanceis noteasy.Shefeelsincrediblyfortunatetoworkwith anamazingteam: “They are the ones that truly make things happen”. Withoutthem,shewouldnot beabletoaccomplisheverythingshedoes.Ona personallevel,sheconsidersherselfluckytohave peoplearoundherwhounderstandhowdemanding herjobis.Theyalsorecognizethatherjobfulfills herambitionsandthatsheenjoysit.Moreover,her jobhelpshergrowbothprofessionallyand personally Theirunconditionalsupportservesasa crucialfoundationforher
Imagine a city where ancient history intertwines with vibrant modernity, where the aroma of freshly baked pizza dances on the wind, and where the Mediterranean Sea stretches out in a dazzling expanse. This is Naples, a symphony of beauty and avor that captivates the senses and leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
Naples, a beautiful city in southern Italy, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant street life, and coastal charm. This city is known for its rich history, cultural treasures, and stunning views. This city is mainly known for those who are seeking adventure and relaxation. Let's see how this city offers you the world's best cuisine and authentic Italian experience, rich in tradition and surprises.
Your Adventure Starts Here
Nestled on Italy's southwestern coast, Naples, the capital of Campania, is a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty. The city's proximity to the Bay of Naples, the active volcano Mount Vesuvius, and nearby attractions like Pompeii, the Amal Coast, and the islands of Capri and Ischia makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.
If you are one among many individuals who have busy lives, then nding time for education is a task that seems impossible. That is why most people are going for online MBA programs, as they offer you an option of studying when convenient with no effects on the job. However, how do you choose the appropriate one among the many programs available? Here, we will highlight some of the best online MBA programs with guidance on nding a program that matches your schedule and career goals.
Top 8 Best Online MBA Programs in the USA
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Kenan-Flagler Business School
The best online MBA programs are not just about earning a degree—they’re about gaining the knowledge, skills, and network you need to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.
8. Arizona State University — W. P. Carey School of Business
Theobroma, a beloved name among chocolate and dessert enthusiasts, has carved a niche in the Indian bakery scene. With its roots in Mumbai, this bakery chain has expanded rapidly, captivating customers with its delectable treats.
However, the journey from a single outlet to a prominent bakery chain was not without its challenges. Theobroma's founders faced obstacles related to operations, marketing, and adapting to a growing business.
This article explores Theobroma's history, the challenges it overcame, its effective business strategies, and its customer-centric approach. By understanding these factors, we can gain insights into the company's remarkable success and the factors that have contributed to its growth.
Anchored core strengths in high-quality ingredients and innovation.
Continued to experiment with new recipes to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
Differentiated from competitors by maintaining quality even at large-scale manufacturing, avoiding cost-cutting measures that compromised product integrity.
Operational Excellence:
Invested in staff training and optimized supply chains.
Standardized processes across outlets to ensure consistency in product quality and customer experience.
Strong backend support allowed the company to focus on customer-facing strategies.
Effective Marketing and Customer Engagement:
Leveraged social media and word-ofmouth to promote new products and outlets.
Emphasized storytelling in marketing campaigns, sharing the brand journey and showcasing products made with passion.
Highlighted customer testimonials that resonated with the target audience, enhancing brand loyalty and engagement.
Expansion & Future Plans
A major landmark was passed when the expansion of Theobroma beyond Mumbai began, with outlets opening in Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, all replicating the successful Mumbai model. By 2020, the brand had scaled up to over 70 locations across India, securing a place as a national name. Further expansion in the years to come will likely aim at consolidating this across-the-nation presence and making forays into high-potential tier-2 markets. Theobroma might also go international, focusing on regions with large Indian communities. It has plans for diversifying into vegan, gluten-free, and lowsugar offerings, among others, while improving its online and e-commerce platforms in preparation for the surge in demand.
The journey of Theobroma stands as an epitome of vision, persistence, and a constant drive for excellence. From that small bakery in Mumbai to becoming a household name across the nation, this journey has only strengthened them and sharpened their eyes for focus. Looking ahead to the future- it is only better poised to keep an upward graph. While following its inherent values, the brand can shape itself according to the changing market dynamics, and it is likely to achieve not merely sustained growth but perhaps new benchmarks in the Indian dessert industry. Be it through expansion to new geographies, diversication of the product portfolio, or enrichment of the customer experience, the future of Theobroma appears as rich and rewarding as the desserts served.
Montessori education, pioneered by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, represents a unique and innovative approach to learning that has gained global recognition for its emphasis on child-centered, hands-on education. Montessori schools, characterized by mixed-age classrooms, self-directed activities, and a focus on fostering independence, have become a popular choice for parents seeking a holistic and personalized educational experience for their children. In this article, we will delve into the principles and practices of Montessori education, exploring how these schools shape the foundation for independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
Montessori schools, with their childcentric philosophy and emphasis on independent learning, have left an indelible mark on the landscape of education. The success of this approach is evident in the countless individuals who credit their early Montessori experiences with shaping their love for learning and their ability to think critically.
While challenges and criticisms exist, the enduring popularity of Montessori education speaks to its impact on the development of well-rounded, independent thinkers. As parents and educators continue to seek holistic educational approaches that nurture the whole child, Montessori schools stand as beacons of innovation in the ever-evolving realm of education.
