W W W . T H E E N T E R P R I S E W O R L D . C O M | A M E R I C A S E D I T I O N | A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 To Watch In 2022 Top 5 SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS MUCCIOLISTIVEN Promoting a World Without Financial Barriers Founder & CEO BKN301
Knockingoffthehardships,keepingastraightheadanentrepreneuristheonethatinspireshisemployeesandhispeers toachievethegreatmilestonesintheirjourney.
halmaliS
LetusunfoldNatashaMakhijani’sjourneyastheCEOofOliverSandersonwiththisinterview.
Anentrepreneuristheonethatvisualizesthefutureandsuccess,realizeshisvisionandtakessteptoworkingtowardsit.
ThisissueofTheEnterpriseWorldofTop5SuccessfulEntrepreneurstoWatchfeaturesthestoriesofsuchselectentrepreneurs whowiththeirdedication,theirzealandexcellencehavesurpassedallthehurdlesthatcametheirwayandhaveemergedasthe greatstory-tellersoftheirsuccessfulventures.Inspiringothersandthemselvesateverystep,hereareallthesuccessful entrepreneursthathavebeenfeatured.
ThoseexperiencesgaveStiventhechancetoengageinstart-upinvesting.Andwithhissuccessfulstints,hehasmorethan30 stakesworldwide.
“IcollaboratewithleadinginvestmentbanksandinternationalfundsontechoperationsandhaveestablishedaVCfund(SM Capital)inSanMarino.”
Shalmali W.
From Editor’s Desk
BKN301markshisfirstofmanyventures,whereStivenaimstoopenfintechbanksoutsidetheEuropeanUnionandwishesto forayintothefast-growingmarketsofCentralAsiaandNorthAfrica.
“Icomefromaveryentrepreneurialcommunity,andIknewthatIcouldmakeawiderimpactasabusinessleader.People questionedwhetheritwastherightthingtodo,butItooktherisk.Iknewitwastherightthingtodo,andIhaveneverlooked back.
PenelopePrzekop,CEOofPDCPharmaStrategy. “PDCPharmaStrategyisaconsultingfirmthatoffersservicestothehighly-regulatedpharmaceuticalindustry Wedevelopand executerisk-basedstrategies thatsupportcomprehensiveglobalregulatorycompliance throughoutthedrugdevelopmentprocess andproductlifecycle. We’reparticularlyinterestedinworkingwithclientsatthestrategiclevelasearlyinthedrugdevelopmentaspossibletostartat thestarttocreateregulatorycompliancestrategiesthatcansmoothlyscaleandpivotwiththetrajectory,twists,and/orturnsthat come,asweallknowtheywill.”
BestVersionofYou,LLCisnewlyfoundedcompany. Pamisanattorneyandhergreatestpassioniswhensheamabletobe theretosupportherclientsthroughthehardtransitionsthatlifedealsthem. “However,whatIfoundisthatprocessISmypurpose.”
ForthecoverstoryreadaboutVenturingagainintothestart-upspacewithBKN301,StivenMuccioliisawell-knownserialentrepreneur.Amonghisformer start-ups,Tippest.it(couponing)wasthensoldtoanItaliangroupin2016,whileVentis(eCommerceandFintech)toIccrea BancaGroupin2020.
PamstartedtheBestVersionofYou,LLCtobealifecoachforprofessionalwomen.Itstartedbyherdesiretohelpothers.She haverecentlyco-authoredintwodifferentwomenseriesofbooksatotalofsix(6)books. EverydayWomenandUnstoppable Women,bothserieshavereachedstatusasinternationalbestsellersandamazonbest-sellinginseveralcategories.
Copyrights © The Enterprise World | 2019. All Rights Reserved. The images and content included in this magazine should not be copied, transferred or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronics, mechanical, photocopying, recording, otherwise, without proper permission from The Enterprise World. The Enterprise World solely owns all the reprint rights. The Enterprise World Publisher Peter NarendraElenaJamesJ.H.KuoSushantK.S.AmandaV. Creative Content Editor Marketing Coordinator(USA) PR & Marketing Coordinator Business Development Executive Creative Design Head: Social Media Manager Digital Circulation Manager editor@theentetpriseworld.com For Editorial Concerns: sales@theenterpriseworld.com For Sales & Branding Enquiries: info@theenterpriseworld.com For Subscription: The Enterprise World, 1985, Henderson Rd, Columbus, Ohio, 43220 Follow Us On: Shalmali W. | Adeeb This list is NOT a ranking. The companies on listed in magazine serve different aspects of the market, making ranking them in any order except revenue impossible and unfair. We try to bring a perfect platform for business organization to showcase their valued products/ services. Prachi K. Digital Marketing Executive
PenelopePrzekop,CEOofPDCPharma “PDCStrategy.PharmaStrategyisaconsultingfirm thatoffersservicestothehighly-regulated pharmaceuticalindustry.Wedevelopand executerisk-basedstrategies thatsupport comprehensiveglobal Wprocesscompliance throughoutregulatorythedrugdevelopmentandproductlifecycle.e’reparticularlyinterestedinworkingwithclientsatthestrategiclevelasearlyinthedrugdevelopmentaspossibletostartatthestarttocreateregulatorycompliancestrategiesthatcansmoothlyscaleandpivotwiththetrajectory,twists,and/orturnsthatcome,asweallknowtheywill.”LetusunfoldNatashaMakhijani’sjourneyastheCEOofOliverSandersonwiththisinterview“Icomefromaveryentrepreneurialcommunity,andIknewthatIcouldmakeawiderimpactasabusinessleader.Peoplequestionedwhetheritwastherightthingtodo,butItooktherisk.Iknewitwastherightthingtodo,andIhaveneverlookedback.IstartedOliverSandersonin2011.Ileftagreatjob,soldmycartoconsolidatemysavings,andsetupanofficeinthediningroom.Whatstartedasonewomanonalaptophasgrownintoaninternationalbusinessatthecuttingedgeofexecutivesearch,workingwithbigclients,winningawards,andmakingadifferenceinternationally!”
ForthecoverstoryreadaboutVenturingagainintothestart-upspacewith BKN301,StivenMuccioliisawell-known serialentrepreneur Amonghisformerstart-ups, Tippest.it(couponing)wasthensoldtoan Italiangroupin2016,whileVentis(eCommerce andFintech)toIccreaBancaGroupin2020.
Leaders in Spotlight
ofYou,LLCisnewlyfounded company. Pamisanattorneyandhergreatest passioniswhensheamabletobethereto supportherclientsthroughthehardtransitions thatlifedealsthem. “However,whatIfoundisthatprocessISmy Pampurpose.”startedtheBestVersionofYou,LLCtobe alifecoachforprofessionalwomen.Itstarted byherdesiretohelpothers.Shehaverecently co-authoredintwodifferentwomenseriesof booksatotalofsix(6)books. Everyday WomenandUnstoppableWomen,bothseries havereachedstatusasinternationalbestsellers andamazonbest-sellinginseveralcategories. HernextbookwillbereleasedonMother’s Day,May8thcalled;“Becomingan UnstoppableMomprenuer.” Whetheryouare lookingtopivottoanewcareer,levelupat yourcurrentcareer;orjustknowsomethingis missingandwanttofindyou.
ThoseexperiencesgaveStiventhechanceto engageinstart-upinvesting.Andwithhis successfulstints,hehasmorethan30stakes “Iworldwide. collaboratewithleadinginvestmentbanks andinternationalfundsontechoperationsand haveestablishedaVCfund(SMCapital)inSan AMarino.”manofvisionandatechentrepreneur,Stiven Mucciolitookupthechallengeoflaunching SanMarino’sfirsteverFintechcompanyand startedBKN301,aB2Bmodelthatprovides embeddedfinancialserviceswithtokenissuing BKN301services.markshisfirstofmanyventures, whereStivenaimstoopenfintechbanksoutside theEuropeanUnionandwishestoforayintothe fast-growingmarketsofCentralAsiaandNorth BestAfrica. Version
Stiven12. Muccioli
C O N T E N T SNa22.tasha Makhijani Penelope28. Przekop Nicole42. Martin p34.amela kurt
MUCCIOLI STIVEN Promoting a World Without Financial Barriers C O V E R S T O R Y CEO&Founder BKN301 | AUGUST 202212
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Withmoreandmoreplayersemerging inFintech,thepaymentssectoris evolvingbythedaytosimplifythe livesofmany;thisconcepthastaken theindustrybystorm. StivenMuccioliisthemanwhotook upthischallengeofpromotingaworld withoutfinancialbarriersbylaunching BKN301,SanMarino'sfirstever Fintechcompany.Hisstorywas featuredonthecoverofTheEnterprise World'sTop5Successful EntrepreneursToWatchIn2022. StivenMuccioli-TheSerial Entrepreneur
W
Venturingagainintothestart-upspace withBKN301,StivenMuccioliisa well-knownserialentrepreneur Amonghisformerstart-ups,Tippest.it (couponing)wasthensoldtoanItalian groupin2016,whileVentis (eCommerceandFintech)toIccrea BancaGroupin2020. R S T R Y
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C O V E R S T O R Y | AUGUST 202216
"I collaborate with leading investment banks and international funds on tech operations and have established a VC fund (SM Capital) in San Marino." Amanofvisionandatech entrepreneur,StivenMucciolitookup thechallengeoflaunchingSan Marino'sfirsteverFintechcompany andstartedBKN301,aB2Bmodelthat providesembeddedfinancialservices withtokenissuingservices.
BKN301markshisfirstofmany ventures,whereStivenaimstoopen fintechbanksoutsidetheEuropean Unionandwishestoforayintothe fast-growingmarketsofCentralAsia andNorthAfrica.
Top150FintechLeadersand InfluencersinItaly Besidesencouragingandempowering youngandprofitableideas,Muccioli alsovolunteersasamentoratSan MarinoInnovation.Thisplatform managesstart-upprogramsand supportscompanieswithsolid technologicalbackinginSanMarino, promotingthemtoaninternational dimension.
BackingInnovationinEveryWayNotonlydoesthisconcernthe 'product'or'service,'butalsothe constanttrainingforpeople;thework environment,whichmustbeattractive, intelligent,andcomfortable;thewayof communicatingandtellingastory.In short,innovationisastateofmind,a culturalmood.Itisthewillingnessnot tobelieveourselvestobethebest,not tofeelthatwehavearrived,buttobe readytoquestionourselvesand everything,toimproveourselves throughrelationshipswithothersand theworkwedo.Whateveritmaybe.
StartingBKN301 "The start-up was born from the concept of accessibility." Itisaneraofprofoundchangewherethe financialsectorisatthecentreofthe evolutionprocess.Thefuturebankisnot abankasweunderstandittodaybuta corporatewithacustomerrelationship basedonvalue-addedservices.
Businessesandbusinessmenshine thankstotheirachievementsinthe “Innovation is surely the key to a company's growth only when applied at all levels."
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TheFinancialTechnologyReport,a platformthatempowersleadersin Fintechandthoseinnovatingthespace, awardedStivenasoneoftheTop25 CTOsoftheWorldinthefintech industry,andhisstintswithfinance start-upsalsogothimaplaceinthe field.Andeveryachievementmarksa newjourney.Oneaccomplishment Stivenisveryproudofishisconstant innovationtrack.Hebelievesthat innovationalwayscomesfromlistening tothedemandsofthemarketandthe people'sneeds.Andthankstorapidly increasingtechnologyandglobalization, thereremainnomorefrontiers,and companiescannotsetlimitsfor Stiventhemselves. andhisteamhaveexplorednew perspectivestoapproachAfrican countries,wherethepeopleare determinedtoimprovetheirconditions andthereforearemoreattentivetonew technologiesandprocessesstill'taboo' forEuropeans,likebanking disintermediation.
ThoseexperiencesgaveStiventhe chancetoengageinstart-upinvesting. Andwithhissuccessfulstints,hehas morethan30stakesworldwide.
“Thanks to the potential of fintech, we are simplifying the shopping experience of Asian customers and tourists who can finally use their smartphones in our country." C O V E R S T O R Y | AUGUST 202218
OvercomingChallenges,Emerging Stronger. Thebiggestchallengeatfirstwas gettingallthestakeholdersarounda tableinanecosystemwherenofintech start-uphaseverbeenborn.Itwas necessarytodialoguewiththevarious institutionsinvolved,butthestrength oftheideaandthedevelopment prospectsitentailsforthecountry's systemhavebeensuccessful.
BKN301'sSuiteofServices BKN301deliversthreeinterrelated products:301wallet,adigitalwallet systemactivatingonlinepayment accountsandcardsinjustafewclicks, adaptingtotypicalbanking infrastructuresofhigh-growthmarkets (thuswithdifferentcomplianceand characteristicsfromtheWestern Thenworld). there's301pay,acheckout solutionforacceptingdigitalpayments quicklyandeasily(withone-clickpay) bothonlineandoffline,combiningthe convenienceoftheBuy-Now-PayLatermodelwithrecurringpayments.
Theroadahead,asStivencites,is mainlyaboutinsightsandtheabilityto readthesignsofchangeamong massivedataandinformation,create newbusinessspacesanddynamics, andimagineabrighterfuture.
"It is from these countries that we receive an important stimulus to develop our services, for example, banking disintermediation."
Consequently,the"engine"ofglobal financewillbecomeBankingas Serviceoperators,capableof transferringfinancialservicesto operatorsthatarenottraditional Thisbanks. trendintersectswiththe substantialexpansionofhigh-growth marketsandasignificantdemographic push.Thatpromptedtheideaof creatingBKN301,aBaaSoperatorthat canadequatelysupplyemerging industriesandfast-growingmarkets.
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Theyalsodeveloped301XB,the blockchain-basedcross-border paymentsnetwork,allowingforthe firsttimetocreateactualinterbank infrastructureforcurrencypayments.
Today,thankstoBKN301,SanMarino isamongthefirstcountriesinEurope tofeatureAlipay+.Thisintegration withinBKN301'spaymentmethodsis asignificantdevelopmentandgrowth opportunityfortheState. Thischangewillopenupnew internationalmarketsandwelcomea vastnewpoolofcustomersfromthe East.Tofosterandpromotethe evolutionofbankingandfinancial services,BKN301willbringnew solutionstomarketsopentoinnovation andlookingbeyondtraditional offerings,thereforeshowinggrowth potential.
"Mypartners(FedericoZambelli Hosmer,founderandCBOatBKN301, formerGeneralManagerofPayPal Italy,andLucaBertozzi,founderand CFOatBKN301,formerCFOof Ventis)andIcamefromprofessional successstories."
Thepandemichasacceleratedspecific processes:forexample,theworldhas becomefurtherpolarizedeconomically andsocially;technologyhas demonstratedallitsusefulnessand versatility,acceleratinginnovationwith smartworking,distancelearningfor schools,anddigitizationofPA.Also, someemergingbuttechnologically backwardcountrieshavebeeneven morereadytoseizeeverypossible opportunitytoclosethegapwithfirstworldcountries.
An Ambitious Leader Dedicated to Retaining Talents Beingtheambitiousleader, Natashacomesfromavery strongentrepreneurial background.Afterservingin multiplerolesinvariouscompanies, Natashadecidedtotakeonher dreamjobofstartingherown company-beingtheExecutive Search FeaturingFirm.inTheEnterpriseWorld's thisissueofTop5Successful EntrepreneursToWatchIn2022,let usunfoldNatasha'sjourneywiththis interview. Briefusaboutyourjourneyatthe company,whatinspiredyouto startthecompany? Ileftacomfortablejobasarecruiter togoitaloneandsetupmyown company.Itwasaleapoffaith,butit wasalwaysadreamofminetobuild somethingimportantandleada team.Icomefromavery entrepreneurialcommunity,andI knewthatIcouldmakeawider impactasabusinessleader.People questionedwhetheritwastheright Weovercamethesechallengesby hiringgreatcolleagues,focusingon brandbuilding,andworkingaround theclockonourfirstassignmentsto makethebestpossibleimpressionon ourearlyclients.Severalofthose earlyclientshavestayedwithusever since,andeverysuccessful assignmentledtonumerousreferrals andnewbusinessleads.Things snowballedquickly,butitwasall aboutmakingastrongstart. Beingspecificwithyourmarket propositionisprobablythemost importantpartoftheinitialjourneyas anentrepreneur Whataretheproductsorservices thecompanyfocuseson?Howare yourservicesdifferentfromthosein themarket? OliverSandersonisanexecutive searchfirmwithadifference, combiningexperienceandexpertise withinnovationandfreshthinking. Specializinginpermanentandinterim assignmentsacrossarangeof industries,wesolverecruitment thingtodo,butItooktherisk.Iknew itwastherightthingtodo,andIhave neverlookedback. IstartedOliverSandersonin2011.I leftagreatjob,soldmycarto consolidatemysavings,andsetupan officeinthediningroom.What startedasonewomanonalaptophas grownintoaninternationalbusiness atthecuttingedgeofexecutive search,workingwithbigclients, winningawards,andmakinga differenceinternationally!
Whataretheinitialchallengesyou facedandwhatarethereasons behindcompany'slong-standing success? Thefirsttwoyearsareespecially difficultwhenstartinganewbusiness –youneedtogetyoursystemsand processesinplace,buildagoodteam, refineyourmarketproposition,and begintoestablishareputation.Each ofthesestepsisextremely challenging,andfinancialpressures canoverwhelmsomeentrepreneursat thisstage.
NatashaMakhijani
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headachesandD&Ichallengesforour clients,goingtheextramiletoensure success.HRandBusinessChange havebecomeparticularspecialismsof ourresearchteaminrecentyears. Ourpioneeringdigitalsolutionssetus apartfromthecompetition.Withour innovativesuiteofdigitalapps, includingSnapp–theworld'sfirst voice-technologyenabledmobilejobs platformwithexclusiveAmazon Alexaintegration–weareleadingthe wayindiscoveringthenext generationofbusinessleaders. Beingasuccessfulleader,please shareyourviewsoncurrent businessscenarioacrossglobeafter Covid19pandemic. Theglobalpandemichashadamajor impactonourdailybusiness operations,butwehavemanagedto surviveandthrivesincethefirst lockdown.Ourfirmhashadtoadapt tomeetnewchallenges,becoming moreflexibleinourdeliverymodels andtransitioningtodigitalplatforms throughourin-houserecruitment softwareSnappandtheOSExecutive app.Thankstoourflexibility,wehave managedtogrowandexpandour Inteam.myview,therecruitmentindustry hasalreadyundergoneaprocessof transformationtriggeredbythe pandemic.Wearenowseeinga candidate-ledmarket–talented candidatesareindemand,andthey arenowsettingtheirownterms, especiallywithregardtoflexible workingarrangements. Thereisnolongeranyobligationto commute,orspendthewholeworking weekintheoffice,andcompaniesare buildingdiverse,multi-talentedteams Founder & CEO, Oliver Sanderson
operatingacrossdifferentcountries anddifferenttimezones.Thereisnow abiggerglobaltalentpooltochoose from,butthecompetitionfortalentis alsoincreased.Soit'sacandidate-led market,andtherecruitment businessesisboomingacrossmany differentsectors. Whyitissaidthattheworkforce playsavitalroleineverybusiness's growth?Pleasetellusaboutyour team. Ourteamhasdrivenourgrowthfrom dayone,andIworkhardeverydayto keepmyteammotivatedandengaged withourvisionandourjourney. Asaleader,itisvitalthatIamalways challenging,supporting,andinspiring stayconnectedandsupported together,constantlylearning,and constantlystrivingtoimproveas individualsandasateam. Canyoupleasebriefusaboutyour professionalexperience? AftergraduatingwithaBachelor's degreefromCity,Universityof LondonandaMaster'sfromDePaul UniversityinChicago,Ibeganmy recruitmentcareerontheGraduate SchemeatHays.Fast-trackedinto managementroles,Iachievedfour promotionsinfouryearsandtooka teamfrombilling£10,000to£80,000 a Frommonth.HaysImovedtoMichaelPage, whereIworkedonahybriddesk them.AtOliverSanderson,notwo weeksareeverthesame–weare alwaysworkingonnewroleswith neworganisations,andmakingnew connectionsandrelationshipswith candidates.Itisthisaspectofour workthatensuresthatweare constantlylearning,keepingthe workingweekfreshandchallenging. Wesetmonthlyandannualtargetsto hitforourteamacrossanumberof areas,fromsalestosocialmedia engagement.Butwealsosupporteach other,understandingthatgrowthisn't alwayslinear,andwesometimes learnmorefromfailurethanfrom success.Dialogueiscrucial–daily conversations,feedbackand brainstormingsessions.Thesehelpus
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Whatarethekeyachievementsof yourbusinessjourney? Iamluckyenoughtohavecelebrated anumberofachievementsthroughout mybusinessjourney.Amajor highlighthasbeenwatchingOliver Sandersonbecomeestablishedinthe UKandbeginningtogrowoverseas–havingsetupthecompanyfrommy dining-roomtable,itissorewarding toseehowfarwe'vecome!Other successesincludewinningexciting newclientrelationshipswithmajor
acrosspermanentandinterimsenior leadershiproles.ThereIwasgiven responsibilityforgrowingMichael Page'sPublicSectordivisionfromits officesinLondon.Iwassoonthe company'snumberonebillerinHR acrosstheUK.ButIalwayswantedto pursueanotherpath–the entrepreneurialroute.Havingsetup executivedesksatbothHaysand MichaelPage,Iswitchedmyfocusto establishingabusinessofmyown. That'swhenOliverSandersonwas born,in2011. businesseslikeBritishAirways, Aviva,andEngie,andwinning awards.IwonaCEOTodayGlobal Award2021,andourfirmwas shortlistedfortheGlobalRecruiter Awards2021andtheAPSCoAwards forExcellence2021.Snappwas namedBestTechInnovationatthe GlobalRecruiterAwards2021,won anAPSCoAwardforInnovation 2021,andwasfeaturedintheMayor ofLondon'sTechInvestprogramme. 'Innovationisthekeytobusiness growth',Pleaseshareyourviews. Innovationisthekeytobusiness growth,anditisvitaltofoster innovationthroughsuitablebusiness processes.AtOliverSandersonweare constantlylearning,andwehave systemsandwaysofworkinginplace tofostercreativityandinnovative Onethinking.ofourspecialismsisindigital recruitment-wearepioneersof digitalinnovationsinexecutivesearch andrecruitment.Ico-foundedSnapp, theworld'sfirstvoice-technology enabledmobilejobsplatformwith exclusiveAmazonAlexaintegration. IfyouaskyourAmazonAlexadevice to“Findmeajob”,thesearchwillbe poweredbySnapp.Theplatform recentlyfeaturedontheMayorof London'sTechInvestprogramme,an initiativedeliveredinalliancewith theUKBusinessAngelsAssociation toshowcaseLondon'smostgroundbreakingtechstart-upbusinesses.
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Coach, LLCYouofVersionBest | AUGUST 202234
Helping You Work Towards the Best Version of You! Everynowandthen,itseems asifweareatcrossroads, stuckinanendlessloopof choices,andlandingontonone.The ambiguityitbringsinlifemakesan impactandcanswayyoufromyour goals.Butinthefastworldthatwe livein,thisisprettyunacceptable. Thisiswherealifecoachentersto turnyourviewsandchangeyour perspectives,helpingyoutoworkto your Featuringgoals.for
TheEnterpriseWorld's thisissueofTop5Successful EntrepreneursToWatchIn2022is PamelaKurt,aCoach,helpingyou worktowardsyourdreams. passionandempowerthemtobeof servicetootherwomen.It'sapowerful, never-endingcycleifonedoesitright. Itwasonlythroughherown experiences,bothinthefamilyand AboutPamela“I've assisted my clients through what can be some of the greatest seasons of transition in their lives.”
PAMELA KURT
GraduallyFamilyDomesticAdoption.Divorce.Violence.Rights.,Pamrealizedshewas goingthroughherowntransition. Herpassionhadevolvedfromlaw intocoachingherclientsthrough thosetransitions.Pamwantedto helpwomenlivelivesfullof “These experiencesdifficultheldallofthepowertocatapultmeintowhoIamtoday.”
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professionallives,thatsherealized whatwasblockingherfromlivingmy fulfilledlife. Pam'sfather,DanielKurtservedinthe USArmyandshelosthimwhileshe wasstillalittlegirl.So,likemanywho losttheirparentsatayoungage,Pam hasworkeddiligentlytobuildalifeher fatherwouldbeproudof.Herworkas acoach,businessowner,andattorney isinspiredbyhissenseofservice,duty, andhonor.Itwashisprivilegetoserve thecountryandgivebacktohis community mediation,domesticviolence,and guardianadlitem,wheresherepresents childreninjuveniledelinquency,child abuse,orcontestedcustodycases.As anattorney,herspecialtyisinfamily lawandjuvenilelaw. Pamisaveryactivebusinessownerin hercommunity,andasaresult,has heldmultipleleadershiproles, includingPresidentoftheLakeCounty BarAssociationfor2021.Otherroles include: Ÿ OhioStateBarFoundationFellow, 2011
PamelaD.KurtreceivedherAssociate DegreeatLakelandCommunity Collegebeforecontinuingher educationatClevelandState University There,shereceivedher bachelor'sdegreeinUrbanStudies Management,graduatingmagnacum laudein2000.Shelaterenrolledinthe ClevelandStateCollegeofLaw'sdual degreeprogram,graduatingwithher master'sinPublicAdministrationand JurisDoctorateinDecemberof2003. Asaprofessional,Pamhasadded severaladditionalcertificationsand advancedtrainingintheareasof
Ÿ
Development
Ÿ JoAnnDavidsonOhioLeadership Institute,Classof2013 Ÿ LakeCountyDistrictMockTrial Judge,2010
Ÿ CentralCommitteeMember, "LearningAboutBusiness"Former BoardMemberandRotary
Pamstartedthecompanytobealife coachforprofessionalwomen.It startedbyherdesiretohelpothers.She haverecentlyco-authoredintwo differentwomenseriesofbooksatotal ofsix(6)books. EverydayWomen andUnstoppableWomen,bothseries havereachedstatusasinternational bestsellersandamazonbest-sellingin severalcategories. Hernextbookwillbereleasedon Mother'sDay,May8thcalled; “BecominganUnstoppable Momprenuer.” Whetheryouare lookingtopivottoanewcareer,level upatyourcurrentcareer;orjustknow somethingismissingandwanttofind you. “I want to help you on your journey to be the Best Version of you!”
Ÿ NationalAssociationof ProfessionalWomen Ÿ AmericanBarAssociation AdvisoryPanel Ÿ OhioStateBarAssociation Ÿ GeaugaCountyBarAssociation, CurrentlyservingonCertified GrievanceCommittee Ÿ OhioWomen'sBarAssociation LegislativeCommittee Ÿ WesternLakeCountyChamber BoardMember Ÿ WilloughbyChamberofCommerce BoardMember Ÿ OhioCareCouncil,FormerBoard Member
BELIEVEDREAMTo….
Ÿ
Ÿ LeadershipLakeCountyAlumni Ÿ LakeCountyOhioADAMHS BoardMember Ÿ LakeCountyPlanningCommission
DBA:ACHIEVEYOU!Asshewasdevelopingtheprograms, speakingatsummits,doinginterviews, andwriting;Pamsawandfelttheneed isthere. BestVersionofYouis becomingamovement. Thisplatform isgoingtobeusedtocontinueto encourageotherwomentobethebest theycanbe.Ladiesarewantingto becomeapartofthiscommunity. It's satisfying,supporting,andyouare worthit. Themovementisabout collaborationNOTcompetition. “I want to change lives and collaborate with as many women as I can.” Bringingthemtogethertoempower them!Thereareladiesthatarejoining tobeaffiliatecoachesaswell. These coachesmayhaveaspecialnicheto offerthecommunity. Thereis merchandise,books,events,speaking eventsandacommunitymembership isforthcoming.Thismovementis international. Therealsoareladiesthat arepartofthecommunityglobally ThenextbiggoalPamisworking towardsistostrengthenthemovement andbringthistoNortheastOhio. PeoplethatknowPampersonallyor professionallysay,“Iseethegood you'redoing”. Butdotheyknowwhat itis? Thegoodisbringingthe communitytogether,united,and empowering. BestVersionofYou, LLC(BVU)offersworkshops, seminars,summits,grouptrainingsand coaching,merchandise,books,and more. Themembershipplatformwill havefreeresources,discountsforother merchandiseandworkshopsandthe communityofBVU. andhergreatestpassioniswhenshe amabletobetheretosupporther clientsthroughthehardtransitionsthat lifedealsthem. “However, what I found is that process IS my purpose.”
Ÿ Forbes,BoardMember Ÿ McKinleyOutreachCenter,Board member LakelandStrategicPlanning Committee WilloughbyHillsEconomic Committee
TheJourneyofBestVersionofyou, LLCBestVersionofYou,LLCisnewly foundedcompany. Pamisanattorney
However,intheprocessofdeveloping thislifecoachingbusinessPamhas createdasignaturecoachingprogram: Dream.Believe.Achieve. DBA: YOU!Soyoucan“DBA”or“Do BusinessAs”asYOU! Theauthentic fulfilledandpurposefulyou. Sometimeswearesobusy“doing”;we don'tseewhatelsethereisoutthere andmissourownpurposes. Lookingatthebigpicture,amission Pamisonthatshewantswomentobe empoweredandtakentothenextlevel. Theprogramhasthreedistinctsections tothejourneytobecomingthebest versionofYOU!
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Focus on to Protect Themselves and their Customers
Thisblogpostwillexplorewhat enterprisesshouldfocusonwhenit comestosecurity.Itwillalsogive youvaluabletipsonhowtostay aheadofhackersbyusingadvanced protectiontechnologythatcan detectknownandunknown vulnerabilities.We'lldiscussrisks, preventionmethods,andshowyou howtoprotectyourcustomerswith thebestpracticesfortoday's market.
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It'snosecretthatnotonlyare thethreatstoyourcompany morenumerousthanever before,buttheyarealsobecoming moresophisticated.Youmayhave investedinexpensiveenterprise securitysolutionsinthepastonly toseethemrendereduselessina matterofweeks.Theindustryisat acrossroads.Whatdoyouneedto bedoingtodaytoprotectyour customersandyourbusiness?
TheEvolutionofThreats toEnterpriseNetworks Companynetworkshave facedanevolvingthreat landscapeinrecentyears, alongsidearapidlyexpandinglistofthreats. Thenumberofhigh-profile databreacheshasgrown significantlyoverthepast fewyears.In2016,the largestbreachofdatain historytookplacewhen hackersstoletherecordsof almost150millionVerizon customers.Earlierthat sameyear,Equifax sufferedamassivedata breachaffectingover140 millionpeople. Manyothercompanies havesufferedcyberattacks andsecuritybreachesas Evenwell.inthefaceofthese breaches,therehasonly beenanominalincreasein cybersecurityawareness. Worse,manycompanies don'thaveeffective systemsorprocessesin place,suchasasmalland mediumbusinesspassword manager.Acoreissueis howrapidly devices,declineriseEverypace.itchanges,cybersecuritythelandscapeandhowdifficultisforbusinessestokeepnewtrend,fromtheofthecloudtotheofphysicalpromptsvarious
THE FUTURE SEENTERPRISEOFCURITY
TheInternetofThings essentiallyacatch-alltermforany Internet-connecteddeviceor appliancethatwouldn'tordinarily connecttoanetwork—hasseen explosivegrowthinrecentyears. IoTdeviceshavebecomemore commonplacethaneveraswe increasinglyembedconnectivityin everythingfromtrafficlightsto fridgesandmicrowaves.Thisalso meansthatdevicesinthebusiness andconsumersectorsarebecoming increasinglysophisticatedat collectingandsharingdata. Ontheonehand,thismeansthat, armedwitheffectiveanalytics, organizationscanlearnmoreabout boththemselvesandtheirclientele thaneverbefore.Ontheother hand,thismeansthatevenasmall businessmayhavetocontendwith anoverwhelmingthreatsurface, oneinwhich anything couldbean accesspointforahacker Andyes, thatincludesthekitchensink. Forexample,AI-powered intelligentsecuritysystemscan
3.MachineLearningin Pentesting Artificialintelligenceandmachine learninghavesomeincredibly compellingapplicationsinthe cybersecuritysector,and penetrationtestingisarguablyat thetopofthatlist.Pentesting typicallyrequiresanimmense amountofmanuallabor Through machinelearning,security professionalscanaugmenttheir ownexpertisewithtoolsthat automaticallyprobefor weaknesses, progressivelybecomingbetteratdoingso throughtrialanderror. Unfortunately,pentestingisn'tthe onlyapplicationofthis technology—itcanjustaseasilybe weaponizedinthehandsof cybercriminals. TechnologiesthatWillShapethe FutureofCybersecurityin2022
2.DataistheNewOil Successnowhingesondata; availability, orchestration,governance,andanalysis,for boththepublicandprivate sectors.Thisisespeciallytrue fortheFortune1000. Moreover,manyorganizations nowrelyontheirabilityto generateandmanagedata—it isthekeytounderstanding customerbehavior,predicting whattosell,anddetermining howtomarketagainst Itcompetitors.isimpossibleforanyhuman beingtoeffectivelyorganizeand evaluatethevastquantityof datageneratedbyevenasmall ormid-sizedbusiness.Instead, theroleofhumanactorsinthis newecosystemistoensurethe dataisavailableandaccessible foranalyticstools.Withthat accomplished,theycanunlock insightsabouteverythingfrom productintelligencetoflawsin theirsecurity enough,Orchestrationposture.aloneisn'teither.Criminalsare wellawareofthevalue containedincorporatedata.As such,inadditiontoavailability, modernbusinessesmustensure alldataisencryptedbothatrest andinmotion.
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Overthenextfewyears,therewill beseveralnewtechnologiesthat willimpactcybersecurityinways neitherseennorpredicted.From artificialintelligencetoblockchain toIoT,theentirefaceofthe securitylandscapeischanging.And itwillcontinuetochangewellinto thefuture,evolvinginwayswe neitherexpectednorpredicted. detectthreatslikemalwareand illegalsoftware.Theycanalso detectallthesoftwareona devicetodetermineiftheyhave beeninfectedoriftheyhave beenattacked.
securityupgradesfororganizations. Therealityisthatanyenterprise shouldbothbeawareofthemyriad threatsthatexistandalso understandthemindsetthatis necessarytoaddressthem. Withthatinmind,herearethree majortrendsthathaveinfluenced thewaywethinkabout cybersecurityandthethingsthat businessesshouldconsiderwhenit comestosafeguardingtheir customersandtheirbusinesses.
1.IoTGoesMainstream
CEO & HRBoost®Founder, | AUGUST 202242
FeaturinginTheEnterpriseWorld'sTop5Successful EntrepreneursToWatchIn2022isNicoleMartin,the ChiefEmpowermentOfficer,helpingcompaniesbuildan effectiveHRfromscratch.
InthisinterviewwithNicoleMartin,FounderandChief EmpowermentOfficer,letusknowmoreaboutHRBoost.
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NicoleMartin
Building a Sustainable and Effective HR for the Growth of Your Company
Workplacesoftendebateabouttheimportance ofaHumanResourcesManagement.Some employeesseetheHRdepartmentasa policingandsystemizingarmoftheexecutive management,whileforothersHRisthegatekeepers.But nonetheless,itisimportantforanyorganizationtobuild anHRdepartment,tomanagethetalent,fortherecruiting processesandformanyorganizationstoformtheculture.
Whataretheinitialchallengesyou facedandwhatarethereasons behindcompany'slong-standing success? Ithinktheinitialchallengesofbeinga CEOaremany.Oneisneedinghuman capitalandfinancialcapitaltoscale andgrow.Manywillnotgrowbecause theyarenotinvestingintalentand oftenitistheCEO'sjobtobeardebt.I madeacalculatedrisktoinvestinmy talentandinvestinmybenchstrength. Intheearlyyears,Iwasreactingtomy businessandasamotherandwifeit canbeachallengetoorchestratework lifeintegration.Ilookbackandrealize
Briefusaboutyourjourneyatthe company,whatinspiredyoutostart thecompany?
You'llnoticeitinstantly.Nicole Martin,CEOandFounderof HRBoost®,loveswhatshedoes,and shedoesitremarkablywell.“I'mthe accidentalentrepreneur,”saidNicole, “Ilookedbackafterstartingmyown businessandsaid,'Istartedabusiness. Whoa!'” Nicoledidn'tsetouttocreate HRBoost.Shesimplyfollowedher passiontohelpclientsunderstandthe importancehumanresourcescanplay indevelopingastrongbusiness.Today Nicoleisasuccessfulentrepreneurand anHRindustryinnovatorwhois dedicatedtohelpingsmalltomid-size businessrealizetheirpotentialthrough theiremployees.
Aself-professed“countrygirlin disguise,”NicoleMartingrewupin Montana,where,shesays,“Everyone knowsyouandgreetsyouonthe street.”Nicolewasalsoluckytohavea greatmentorearlyinlife:hermom. “Mymotherishighlyspiritual,andshe raisedmewiththephilosophyofbeing happy,”saidNicole.“Shealways believedinthatyouareaspecial person—sheingrainedthatinme—and youarecapableofanything.”
| AUGUST 202244
Successisrelative.Manypeoplewould readmyresumeorsomeprintedarticle aboutmebuttherealsuccesscomesin thejoyofdoingwhatyouloveevery day.Itisamazinghowever,whenyou turnaroundandseemanyotherswho workforyouandsourceJoyand Purposethroughour\sharedworkand creation.WorkandLifeshouldbe integratednotcompartmentalized.Ilove thatthereisnorealdividingline betweenworkandplayforme.
Successisrelative.Manypeoplewould readmyresumeorsomeprintedarticle aboutmebuttherealsuccesscomesin thejoyofdoingwhatyouloveevery day.Itisamazinghowever,whenyou turnaroundandseemanyotherswho workforyouandsourceJoyand Purposethroughour\sharedworkand creation.WorkandLifeshouldbe integratednotcompartmentalized.I lovethatthereisnorealdividingline betweenworkandplayforme. Itismynumberoneresponsibilityto empowermyteamofBoosters,invest inongoingeducation,toolsand resourcestooptimizemyteam.Ihave faiththattheywillinturndelightour clients.Iwastrulyhumbledwhenafter yearsofservingonAdvisoryBoard andbeingpartofawinning organizationinmypriorroles,myown companytookthestageofBest& Brightest®CompaniestoWorkForin Chicagoin2020.Myphilosophyis thatleadershipmustliveateverylevel inabusiness.Thehierarchyisathing ofthepast. Howdoyoudecidetotakethe companyastepfurther? IamhonoredtoleadahighperformanceteamofHRleaderswho partnerswithourbusinessclientsto meetthemwherevertheyareontheir journey,tobeingabestplacetowork. Wehaveexperiencedtremendous growthandproudlynearlyeveryclient hasbeensourcedthroughwordof mouth.Ourappealandsuccessisdue toourpersonaldedicationforeachand everyclient. Iamblessedtohavetrulyblessed peopleonourteam.Thankfully,they liveourcorevaluesandinsteadofme recognizingeverytimeacorevalueis witnessed,theyhavetakenpeerreward recognitiontobeastrong reinforcement.Eventoday,Iwas thankedbymyAdminExtraordinaire forhershoutoutsasshejustcashedin onanewcarseatforherbeautiful child.WhatmorecanIsay?Itisall abouthowyoumakepeoplefeel.
Ithinktheinitialchallengesofbeinga CEOaremany.Oneisneedinghuman capitalandfinancialcapitaltoscale andgrow.Manywillnotgrowbecause theyarenotinvestingintalentand oftenitistheCEO'sjobtobeardebt.I
Beingasuccessfulleader,please shareyourviewsoncurrentbusiness scenarioacrossglobeafterCovid19 pandemic. Wehavealwaystrendedwithgrowth yearafteryear,howeveramidstthe pandemicwewerehardhitlikemany Thankfully,wehavesuccessfully returnedtopreCovid-19revenues levelsandthisissomethingweare pleasedwithgiventhelevelof uncertaintyinthemarket.Wehave revealedsomenewinnovativewaysto reachourclientsandastalentshifts occur,wearereadytohelpthe businessesthatseektoretaintalent.
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Whataretheproductsorservicesthe companyfocuseson?Howareyour servicesdifferentfromthoseinthe market? Weoffersmallandmidsizebusinesses HRservicesonanalacarte,projector retainerbasis.Wemeetourclients wherevertheyareontheirjourneytobe anemployerofchoiceandwealsomeet themattheirpaceandbudget.Our SharedServicesapproachallowsusto buildHRdepartmentsfromscratchand alignthemtobusinessstrategy While weseegreatvalueinthemiddlemarket, wedohavesomelargercompaniesthat augmenttheirinternalHRteamswith strategicprojectinitiativesfromour team. SoftwareisnotHR.AndHRis morethanpayrollandbenefits. Building ahigh-performanceculturethatdrives innovationandprofitabilityrequires leadersatalllevels.HRinfrastructure canupholdtheCultureInvitationand onceitisstrategicallyalignedand reinforcedacompanycancreate workforcealignmentempowering leaderstoinnovateamidsteventhe toughestclimateinbusiness. madeacalculatedrisktoinvestinmy talentandinvestinmybenchstrength. Intheearlyyears,Iwasreactingtomy businessandasamotherandwifeit canbeachallengetoorchestratework lifeintegration.Ilookbackandrealize thatwhenIputdownaprocess,hired capabletalent,anddisappearedtolet themwork,theprocessproved through;andnow,wecandoitagain, andagain,andagain.Youmusttrust thepeopleyouhire,andyoumusttrust theprocess.Whenitistimetotakea calculatedrisk,youinvestanddowhat youcantoincreasetheodds. Whatarethekeyachievementsof yourbusinessjourney?
thatwhenIputdownaprocess,hired capabletalent,anddisappearedtolet themwork,theprocessprovedthrough; andnow,wecandoitagain,andagain, andagain.Youmusttrustthepeopleyou hire,andyoumusttrusttheprocess. Whenitistimetotakeacalculatedrisk, youinvestanddowhatyoucanto increasetheodds.
