World's Flying High Women Leaders of 2022

AchieversofTomorrow

Themajorityofentrepreneurswereoncethoughttobemen. However,thenumberofwomenentrepreneursthroughoutthe worldhasbeenincreasinginrecentyears.Womeninbusiness havemadesignificantstridesinrecentyears,withSheryl SandbergleadingFacebookthroughitsmuch-anticipatedIPO, IBMappointingGinniRomettyasitsfirstfemaleCEO,and MarissaMayertakingoverasCEOofYahoo.

Womenhavebeguntoasserttheirleadershiprightsinrecent years,buttheyfrequentlyfindaworkplaceculturethatmakes thetaskdifficult.Foralongtime,women'sprofessional successhasbeendecidedbytheirabilitytoadapttomaledominatedconceptsandcommercialproceduresintheir industry.Womenfacetheextrachallengeofsociety'sideasof howwomenshouldactandbeviewedwhiletheystriveto operatewithintheestablishedstandardsintheworkplace.

Whileeducationandpreparationarehelpingtoalleviatesome oftheunseenanguishthatcomeswithbeingawomanina positionofleadership,therearestillchallengestofaceand conquer.Itisincumbentoncontemporaryfemaleleadersto accepttheirpositionasrolemodelsandconfrontthe challengeshead-onwithactionandexecution.

Tothataim,womeninpositionsofleadershiparegradually pushingtheboundariesofgenderequalitybyemployingtheir skillsandleadershiptraits–inskill,experience,knowledge, andemotion–topushtheboundariesofgenderequality They arepursuingtheaspectsoftheirjobandcareerthatthey desire,ratherthanwaitingforittocometothem.Confidence inallofyourtalentsandresources,notjustthoseonPPT,is thekey

Empoweredleadersadoptaproactiveapproach.Theyare eagertotakeonnewchallengesandachieveexceptional achievements.Fearormediocritynevergetthebestofthese leaders.Womenleadersinspiretheirfollowersbysetting

Editorial Note

World’s Flying High Women Leaders of 2022

ambitiousgoals.Theyturnchallengesintopossibilities.They seizepossibilitieswithzealandseizetheminordertomakea difference.Emotionalintelligenceprioritizesempathy, competence,andcompassion.Theyaregoal-orientedleaders whoconsidertheadvantagesanddisadvantagesofeach situation.Thesewomentaketheleadandleadbyexample.

Initsmostrecentedition, “World's Flying High Women Leaders of 2022," World'sLeadersrecognizedthemost renownedwomenleadersbasedontheirvisionandsuccess.

ThecoverfeaturesDanielleSolomonNationalHealthcare LeaderatFORVIS.Aftergraduatingwithanaccounting degreefromtheUniversityofIllinoisandpassingtheCPA exam,DanielleSolomonacceptedajobataninternational accountingfirm.Shewasintriguedbyhealthcareand wonderedhowhereffortsinpublicaccountingmightbenefit society After15yearsinpublicaccounting,shetookan opportunitytoworkforahealthsystemwhereshegained essentialknowledgeandextendedherhorizonsbeyond accountingandfinancetothetrends,strategies,and innovationsthatwilldrivetheindustryforward.Her experienceinthatjobledhertoFORVIS(previouslyBKD), whereshenowhastheprivilegetoleadFORVIS'healthcare industryteamacrossthecountry

Inthisspecialissue,we'llsharesimilar,inspirationaltalesand interviewswithmanyofthesededicatedwomenleadersto raiseawarenessabouttheireffortstomaketheworkplacean abodeimprovementandgrowth.

Happy Reading!

World's Leaders Magazine is a Media Company that covers stories of business leaders around the globe. Consistent updatestoouronlinepublication,internetbasedlifeandmastersentiment give a substance rich pursuing knowledge loaded up with fascinating perspectives and remark on the issues of the worldwide business. World's Leaders Magazine inspires readers and users to think beyond traditional boundaries, lead conversations and create the future of business. Everyone wantstoknowthejourneyofasuccessfulpersonalityoraventure.Theywant toknowmoreabouttheestablishment,aboutthepaththatledthemtothe pinnacle, about the obstacles overcome, and the all hard work about the Success.World'sLeadersMagazineistheplatform,whereweareunwinding theuntoldstoriesofbusinessleadersandthestoriesofstartupturninginto the venture. World's Leaders Magazine is a trustworthy and honesty acquiringacknowledgmentfrombusinesspioneersuniversally.

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National Healthcare Leader at FORVIS

Danielle Solomon

A Visionary Financial Professional with a Passion for Client Service

Aftergraduatingwithanaccountingdegreefromthe UniversityofIllinoisandpassingtheCPAexam, DanielleSolomonacceptedajobataninternational accountingfirm.Shewasintriguedbyhealthcareand wonderedhowhereffortsinpublicaccountingmight benefitsociety.After15yearsinpublicaccounting,she tookanopportunitytoworkforahealthsystemwhere shegainedessentialknowledgeandextendedher horizonsbeyondaccountingandfinancetothetrends, strategies,andinnovationsthatwilldrivetheindustry forward.HerexperienceinthatjobledhertoFORVIS (previouslyBKD),whereshenowhastheprivilegeto leadFORVIS’healthcareindustryteamacrossthe country.

WhenDaniellefirstmethercolleaguesatDHG(now FORVIS),shewasstruckbyhowwellthebusiness’s healthcarepracticescomplementedoneanotherandthe opportunitiesasacombinedfirm.Shecommented everyoneshehasmetfromlegacyDHGhasbeengreat, andsheseesagenuinepassionforhealthcareandadrive toprovideexceptionalservicetothefirm’sclients throughoutthemergedworkforce.

Danielleasserts, “The growth potential is exponential and that excites me—both for our clients and for our teams and professionals. The number of opportunities that have already surfaced as well as increased inquiries for new engagements and activity both firms are seeing is exciting. “Sheseesherworkastheleaderofthenew firm’smergedindustryasatremendousopportunityfor her,andsheishumbledandhonoredtoleadthisbright andcommittedteamof950professionalsstrong.

FORVIS

BeginningJune1,BKDCPAs&AdvisorsandDixon

AHughesGoodman(DHG)mergedasequalstocreatea Top10nationalfirmnowcalledFORVIS.Thename FORVIS—acombinationofthewordsFORwardand VISion—reflectsthefirm’suniquefocusonwhatisnext. Daniellesays, “Our combined vision builds on BKD’s and DHG’s strong foundations and legacies.”

Businesstodayismovingfasterandwithgreater complexitythaneverbefore.Thepasttwoyearshave certainlyshowntheworldthatitcanchangeinstantly, andyoucanneverbetoopreparedfortomorrow. AccordingtoDanielle,FORVISisdrivenbyitsforward visionbecausetheydonotseetomorrowassomethingto dealwithlater;weseeitassomethingtopreparefor today.

Asonefirm,FORVISisevenstronger,withgreater resources,enhancedcapabilities,andanexpanded nationalplatform—anditscommitmenttoexceeding clientexpectationsandprovidingexceptionalvalue remainsthesame.

AccordingtoDanielle,FORVIS’combinedpractices complementeachotherwell.Itwilltrulybeahealthcare providerpowerhouse.Thecoreservicesofauditand regulatoryreimbursementconsultingarewhatboth legacyfirmsdoverywellandareknowninthespace. Bothlegacyfirmsalsohaveastrongcommitmenttothe powerofleveragingdataanalyticsandtechnologytools. Daniellehasbeenveryimpressedwiththedigital solutionsDHG(nowFORVIS)developed,andclients andusersofthesedigitalsolutionshaveexpressedthat theyareextremelyvaluablefordecisionmaking.And thentherearetheadvisoryandconsultingservicesthat eachofFORVIS’firmsprovidedthatreallyroundoutthe serviceofferingstoitsclients.Allofthiswillcome togethertobemorethanthesumofitspartsasFORVIS.

FORVIScomprisesmorethan5,400teammembersand morethan530partnersandprincipalswithofficesin69 marketsin27states,aswellasintheUnitedKingdom andCaymanIslands.Danielleshares,“Thismergerof equalsallowsustobetterserveourhealthcareclientsas wellasotherhealthcareprovidersacrossthecare continuumbybroadeningourexpertise,deepeningour resourcepool,andofferingmorespecializedsolutions.”

AsaLeaderinHealthcareSector

Daniellebelievescontinuallearningisnecessarynotjust forherownprogressbutalsotokeepherchallenged.She believeshealthcareiscomplicatedanddynamic,yetvital

toeveryone.Shepreferstorelyonherstrengthsasa “connection”tohelpfindsolutionsandopportunities. Whetherit’sintroducingateammembertoanew opportunityorintroducingaclienttoaresourceor solutionthatwillbenefittheircompanyand/orsolvea need,sheaimstohelpmakeithappen.Daniellecan recognizestrengthsonherteam,highlightplacesto improveandinvestinresources,anticipatefuture needs,andalignandpursuepossibilitiessinceshehas abird'seye,360-degreevisionofthefirm spractice. ’ SheintendstousethisviewpointtohelptheFORVIS healthcarepracticestayinventive,enthusiastic,and strategicinordertohelpoutstandinghealthcare organizationsbecomeevenbetter

Daniellealsoseeksoutinformationfromothersand findsthisknowledgeandinsightinvaluable.She explainsthatsheformeda“personalboardof directors”earlyinhercareer,consistingoffriends, family,andmentors,whoshecontinuestolearnfrom andutilizeasasoundingboardforideasandissues. Onamoreformallevel,Danielle’shealthcare committeeatworkisacollectionofenergeticand enthusiasticexecutiveswhoareallworkingtoward thesamestrategicgoals.Shesays, “It’s been amazing to watch this group come together and get into our ‘flow’— all while having a lot of fun. And it’s important to be self-reflective. I’m still learning about myself and how to effectively achieve my purpose.”

Daniellesupervisesanumberofgrowthstrategies, prospectdevelopment,andsignificantengagementsas theNationalHealthcareLeaderforFORVIS,aswell asleadingastaffofabout950individualsdevotedto servingthehealthcarebusiness.Shesaysshewill focusextensivelyoncontinuousteamalignment, growth,andcommunicationoverthenextsixmonths, aswellasencourageandchallengeherteammembers toseekmethodstoaddresstheunmetrequirementsof clients.

AccordingtoDanielle,theFORVIShealthcare practicestandsoutbecauseofitsculture,devotionto clientservice,anddeephealthcareknowledgeand experience. Ifyouworkinthehealthcareindustry, youshouldconsiderFORVISasaresourceforyour organization'sneeds.Themomentswhenshegetsto networkwithherpeers,brainstormonwaysthefirm canbettermeetaclient sneeds,assistaclientin ’ solvingacomplexproblem,and/orhearpositive feedbackfromasatisfiedclientthatshethengetsto sharewithherteamsarethehappiestpartsofher workdayroutine.

Enjoying ’ ‘Me Time

Likemanyleaders,Daniellelikestostartherdaywith amorningmeditationtosetthetoneforthedayand findsomequiettime,andthenattendclassatthegym, goonarunwithfriends,ortakeaPelotonride.These twoactivitiesforherselfareanessentialpartofher routine.Shesays, “As I’ve gotten older and wiser, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for stillness and quiet time. I find that peaceful mornings and taking time for self-care is not selfish – it’s essential for setting yourself up for success. “And the only time to ensure it will happen is before I start my day!”

Find Your Own Way

Beingasuccessfulfemalebusinessleaderstillhas uniquechallenges.Danielleadmitsthattryingtobe everythingtoeveryoneandthensettingherselfupto failwhenshecouldn’tliveuptoheridealshasbeen oneofthemostdifficultpartsofherjourney.Shewas abletoletgoofalotofherguiltonceshelearnedit wasOKtooutsourceandseekhelpinordertoavoid missingsignificantoccasionsandmilestones.

Learningtobetterunderstandandmanagegender differences,aswellasovercomemanyapparent hurdles,hasbeenhelpful,accordingtoDanielle. Muchofithascomefromtrainingprograms,butshe hasdiscoveredthatleaningonherconnectionsisthe mosteffectivemethodofgettingoverobstacles.She shares, “I’m in good company as many of my friends are strong female leaders and professionals, and we all keep each other grounded, supported, challenged, and sane.”

Whileadvisingemergingwomanleaders,Danielle statesthatcreatingastrongnetworkandfinding mentorswhowillguideyoualongthewayis invaluable.Sheadvisesemergingleaderstocreate theirvillagetosupportthemnotonlyprofessionally, butpersonally.Shesays, “I am where I am today due to many au pairs that lived with us and were part of our family and provided great support for me and my children, other parents that helped with rides and encouraging words. It will make all the difference in your career and life.”

Danielleishonoredandpleasedtobeawomanleader atFORVIS,andshehopesthatherroleandpathto thispositionwillbringhope,inspiration,anddirection tootherwomenleaders.

DR. NITA CHHINZER

Arecognizedexpertonleadership andhumanresourcemanagementin Canada,Dr.NitaChhinzeristhe principalagentforAccountable HR.Dr.Chhinzertakesavery pluralisticapproachtoherareaof expertise,bothinsideandoutsideof theworkplace.Shehasmultiplework identitiesthatconvergetoadvance thehumanresourcemanagement professionandimproveworkplaces: professor,author,consultant,and corporatetrainer/speaker

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andDr.NitaChhinzer:

Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideofthe workplace.

Wespendsomuchofourwaking timeatwork.Thenotionoftrading ourtimeformoneyisbeingreplaced withtheideathatworkisan expressionofourvalues,our motivations,andourcontributionsto society.Morespecifically,inCanada, theconceptofworksuggeststhat individualsmakedecisionsabout theircareersandprofessional development,withthepotentialto change,adapt,ormodifytheircareer trajectoryastheyseefit. Outsideoftheworkplace,Dr Chhinzercontinuestoleverageher expertisethroughvoluntary

contributions.Sheisonthe GovernanceProfessionalsof Canada'sCOVID-19AdvisoryPanel andtheAdvisoryBoardforthe CanadianHRReportermagazine. Shehasservedonnumerousboards ofdirectorsfornon-profit organizations(currentlyontheBoard oftheTorontoCentreforLearning andDevelopment).Sheisalsoa highlysoughtaftermedia contributor,discussingavarietyof HRissueswith21professional developmentwebinars,14 professionalmagazinecontributions, 35news/TVcontributions,andover 45radiocontributionsduringthelast 2yearsalone.

Describeyourbackgroundand whatdidyoudobeforeyou started/joinedthecompany?

Ratherthanbeingacareeracademic, Nitare-enteredacademeafter workinginthetechsectorpostMBA. Themostpivotalexperience camein1998-2002,whenshe workedforCanada'sleading technologyfirm(NortelNetworks).

In2000,thecompanywasinits prime.Ithad93,000employeesand $30billioninrevenue.By2002,the companywasinturmoil,withmissed revenuetargets,accountingscandals, andstockinstability.Masslayoffs occurredfrequentlyandwithout warning.Nitafeltthattheinstability couldhavebeenpartiallyneutralized withamoreproactiveand responsibleapproachtorestructuring.

ThatinspiredhertopursueaPhDin management,launchamanagement consultingfirm,andstartsharingher expertisethroughauthorship, research,andpublicspeaking.With theuniquecombinationofapractice-

focusedMBAandaresearch-focused PhD;shecontinuestobridgethe academicandpracticalworldstoday

Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?

Theprofessorrole(Departmentof Management,UniversityofGuelph) helpscurrentstudents,other academiccolleagues,andtheoverall managementdiscipline.Theworldof workcontinuallyevolves.Assuch, myareaofexpertiserequiresmeto keeplearning.Itrequirestheability toforecastinternalandexternal pressuresthatreshapehow employersandemployeesachieve organizationalgoals.

Authorshiphelpsfuturemanagers, entrepreneurs,andemployees. Regardingauthorship,Dr.Chhinzer positionsresponsibilityfortalent managementasafunctionofevery manager,notjusttheHRmanager

SheincorporatesmultipleHR executiveinterviews,current companyexamplesandleading academicresearchresultsinher writing.Collectively,thishelpsto reinforcedthenotionofashared responsibilityforimprovingthe worldofwork.

Theconsultingfirm (AccountableHR)helpscurrent leaders,managers,andemployees. Thisbeganorganically,whena colleagueataHumanResource ProfessionalAssociationboard meetingbegandescribingthe challengestheirorganizationwas experiencing,afteranacquisition. Retentionofkeyemployeeswas criticaltothesuccessofthe acquisition,butthecompanydidn't knowwheretostart.Dr.Chhinzer

helpedtheorganizationcollectvalid andreliablemetricsaboutemployee performance,competencies,and interests.Sheimplementedincentive programs,careerdevelopment support,andamentorshipprogram basedonwell-researchedbest practices.Thiscreatedawin-win situationforboththeemployerand employees.Nitacontinuesworking towardsdevelopingmutually beneficialsolutions,presenting unbiasedbutdatadriveninformation, andforecastingthenextbigissuesin theworkplace.

Corporatetraininghelpsexecutives andtheirorganizations.Dr.Chhinzer hasover20yearsofexperience trainingexecutives,aswellas teachingattheMBAandExecutive Programslevelswithsuccess.Her approachtocorporatetraininguses experientiallearning,simulations, cases,AI,physicalactivities,and teamchallengestotransfer knowledgeeffectively.

Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?

Ifeelthemostsuccessfulonthedays thatIlearnsomethingnewand engageinknowledgeexchange.It fuelsandinspiresme.However, learningdoesn'tcomefromsimply readingabook.Itcomesfrom experiences,conversations, observation,andcriticalthinking.I purposelyjoindiversegroupsand encouragedissentfromgroup thinkinginmypersonaland professionalenvironmenttoprovide anopportunitytolearnabout differentperspectives,concerns,and issues.Havingmultiplework identitieshelpsmetransferand

exploreissuesfromoneroleto anotherinauniqueway

Ivalueinformationexchangethatis unbiasedandawareofbothinternal andexternalchangesandtrends.Iam highlynumericallyoriented.Thus,I valueandusemetrics,evidence,or dataanalysistohelpunderstand complexissues.

Whicharethemajorservicesof thecompanyandhowdotheythe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompany provide?

Asamanagementprofessor,I researchorganizationalchange management,employerdecision making,andnegativeorganizational eventslikelayoffsandrestructuring, withtheaimofbalancingemployer andemployeeneedsand responsibilities.Iteachinboth humanresourcemanagementand businessconsultingdisciplinesatall levels(B.Comm,MBA,MSc,PhD).

Myconsultingpractice (AccountableHR)extendsthis expertisetohelpcompanies implementchangeandadoptpolicies thatmaximizetheirpotentialfor success.Iuseevidence-based researchanddataanalysistoguide decision-making.Recentconsulting activitiesincludeassistingaNorth Americanfranchisorwith recruitmentandretentionneeds, helpinganinternationalsoftwarefirm understandandarticulateitsvalue propositiontoHRstakeholders, integratinganHRISatanon-profit organization,andstrategizingaround howahealthcarecentercouldadapt toCovid-19realities.

TheHumanResourceManagement textbookIco-authorhelpsfuture managerslearnaboutthe complexitiesoftheevolving workplaceandbuildtheskillsneeded tobeadaptableandeffective.Itis groundedintheperspectivethat responsibilityformanaging, motivating,anddevelopingworkers issharedbetweenallorganizational managers,andnotisolatedtotheHR department.

Lastly,Iamregularlyinvitedto speakatmultipleindustryand corporatetrainingeventsregarding currentHRissuesliketheimpactof COVID-19onworkplaces,jobloss orrestructuring,communicatingbad news,remote/hybridworkplaces, evolvingmanagementcompetencies, EDI(equity,diversity,andinclusion), aswellasworkplacewellnessissues.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Theworldtodayneedsleaderswho engageincontinuouslearningand thinkabouttheimpactoftheir expertiseoutsideofasingular companyordomain.Thenewworld ofworkrequiresustoinnovate, collaborate,andshareknowledgeso ourexpertisecanpositivelyimpact multiplestakeholders.Sharing knowledgeisthekeytounlocking ourtruepotential,andweneedtobe preparedtobeco-creatorsandcoproducersofourowndestiny

Inyoursparetime,coachasports team,mentorsomeone,orattend seminars.Offloadtasksthatdon'tadd valuetogiveyoutimeforcreativity, learning,andgrowth.Getoutofyour comfortzoneandtrysomethingnew!

Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development at the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)

CarolineNugentistheDirectorof HumanResourcesand OrganizationalDevelopmentatthe FinancialOmbudsmanService (FOS).Asamemberofthe Executive,sheisresponsibleforthe operationalandstrategicgovernance ofthefirm’scasework,aswellas leadingthefirm’soverarchingpeople strategyandpromotinginclusionand diversitythroughouttheorganization.

Carolineformerlyworkedwith oneSourceaspartoftheLeadership Team,servicingthreeLondon boroughsatthesametime.Shewas thePresidentofthePublicService PeopleManagers’Associationanda boardmemberofVineHR,anawardwinningnon-profit.Sheisalsoa proudmemberoftheChartered InstituteofPersonneland Development’sBoardasaNEDand Trustee.Herpersonalgrowthis reallyessentialtoher.Sheshares, “I’m a Fellow of the CIPD with qualifications in Human Resource Management, executive coaching, leadership mentoring, psychometrics, and workplace and employment mediation. I started working life as an Apprentice, so I’m extremely passionate about apprenticeship opportunities as an alternative to large student debt! Workingwhile learningandearningisawin/win.”

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview

conductedbetweenWorld’sLeaders andCarolineNugent:

CTellusaboutyourcompany.

WeweresetupbyParliamentunder theFinancialServicesandMarkets Act2000toresolveindividual complaintsbetweenfinancial businessesandtheircustomers–fromdebtcollectionandpayday loanstoinsuranceandmortgages–fairlyandreasonably,quicklyand withminimalformalityasan informalandfreealternativetothe courts.Sinceweweresetupwe’ve receivedandresolvedoverfour millioncomplaints.Wegettothe heartofwhat’shappenedandreach ananswerthathelpsbothsidesmove forward,usingourpowerstoput thingsright–tellingthebusinessto apologise,takeaction,orpay compensation.Thewayweresolve complaintsmakesnodifferenceto thefundingwereceive.Thishelpsto makesureourdecisionsare impartial.

Whatabouttheprofessioninspired youtojointheindustry?Andhow doyoucontinuetogrowand developasaHRleader?

Ihadtheopportunitytoworkin variousdepartmentsofaLondon boroughwhenIstartedasan apprenticeat18.Workingonthe frontlineinahousingdepartment mademegrowupquickly Working attherefusedepotalsomademe resilientandabletostandupfor myselfasoneofahandfulofwomen andbeingsoyoung.Let’sjustsay thatworkingenvironmentswere differentinthe1980s,aswe unfortunatelyhearsomuchabout now Atayoungage,Ilearntyouhad topushforwhatwasright.WhenI startedworkingintheHR department,IknewIhadfoundmy vocation.

Seeingpeopledevelopandgrow givesmesuchjoy.Seeingsomeone startacareerandcoachingthemto becomeaHRDoraCEOgivesme greatpleasure.Ialsobelievein personaldevelopmentandthat continuallearningiscritical.Too often,youwillhearpeoplesaythat somethingthatworkedinbusiness twentyyearsagoisstillbestpractice!

Ilistentopeopleonthefrontlineof abusinessastheywilltellyouwhat needstochange.Culturechangeisn’t easyorquick,butit’sworth pursuing.

Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideofthe workplace.

IlovedthefactthatIwastoldbymy PAwhenIjoinedtheFOSthatpeople thoughtIwas‘normal’–thereis nothingmoresatisfying.Peoplewill sayI’mdependableandwill challengeyoutomakesurethingsare doneproperly ThefewtimesI'venot beenlistenedtoinmy30yearshave alwayscomebacktobite.I'mrarely ignored,andIdon’tlikebeing provedright-Ijustwantthingstobe doneproperly.Occasionally,itcanbe abattletogetthingschanged,butI dopersevere.PeoplewillalsosayI havefun,whetheratworkorinmy owntime.Justbecauseweareat workdoesn’tmeanweshouldforget thatfuniswhatmakesushuman. I’vehadnumerouspeoplefollowme fromorganizationtoorganization, andtheywouldn’tdothatifthey didn’trespectmeorenjoyworking th withme.Havingmy30 wedding anniversaryplayedbyRickAstley’s ‘NeverGonnaGiveYouUp’aswe walkeddownthechurchaisleshows youwhoIam!

Shareyourthoughtsonwomen’s engagementintheHRbusiness.Do youfeelwomen’sparticipationis currentlylacking?

Iamhonestlyworriedaboutthe pressureonwomennowmorethan everwiththesandwichgeneration (havingolderparentsandchildren) havingtoworkwhilsttheyaremore oftenthannotattheageofgoing throughthemenopause.I’vebeen reallypersonallyimpactedby menopausalsymptoms,andwejust don’ttalkaboutitenough.Having womenreachouttometosaythey thoughttheyhadearlydementia whenIwasvocalaboutmy symptomsisjustupsetting.I’ve heardoflotsofwomenbeingforced outofworkduetothesesymptoms, eitherthroughunsupportive employersorjustbecausetheycan’t cope,whichisawasteofsuch naturaltalent.Asmorewomenare nowinseniorroles,itishavinga biggerimpactthanpreviously

TellusaboutyourroleasHR Director.Whatabouttheculture andvaluesresonatewithyou?

IloveknowingHRmakesa difference.Peoplethinkitisaneasy careerandeveryonecandoit,buta goodHRpartnerknowswhento pushandwhentochallengeorwhen tosupport.Textbooksarefine,but youneedtolearnonthejob. Inclusion,diversity,andwellbeing arecoretomyvalues.Ifpeoplefeel valuedand‘themselves’atwork, theywillalwaysdotheirbestforan organization.

Whatarethemostimportant attributesofsuccessfulleaders?

Puttingyourselfinotherpeople’s shoesandhavingself-awareness. Unlessyourealisethatpeoplehave livesoutsideofworkwhichmight impactontheirabilityatanygiven timeyouareseenasaloof. Youhave totakedifficultdecisionsbutyou havetodosowithyourvaluesand ethicsattheforefront.Youshould alwaystreatpeoplewithrespect, despitetherebeingchallenging

circumstances. Makingpeople redundantforexampleshouldbe donewithcompassionanddignity. DoingaP&Oandspringing redundancyonanybodyisappalling behaviour. Personaldevelopment,as Imentionedearlier,iscriticalaswell asdevelopingothers.Andobviously beingcommerciallysavvyand encouragingstrategicthinkingand newideasiscritical.

Whyshouldsomeonecomeand workatHumanResourcesector? Whatadvicewouldyougivetothe nextgenerationofHRleaders?

Whywouldn’tyouwanttowouldbe inHRismythought! Havingarole whereyouactuallymakeadifference topeople’sworkinglivesisso rewarding. AstheCIPDso eloquentlyputsit,ourroleis ‘Championingbetterworkand workinglives’. Myadvicewouldbe toremainasgeneralistaspossibleat firstsoyoulearnallareas,from employeerelationstoresourcing, organizationaldesign,reward,talent, diversityandL&D. Yourbreadthis thenwhatwillpromoteyou.

Sidewaysmovesareagoodthingto continuallylearn.

Naomi Kewley

A Finance Expert and SMSF Compliance Specialist

Managing Director Peak Super Audits

NaomiKewley,memberofthe CharteredAccountantsAustraliaand NewZealand(CAANZ),is managingdirectoratPeakSuper Audits.SheisaTaxMasters graduatefromtheUniversityofNSW andanactivememberoftheSMSF Association,holdingboththe accreditationsofSMSFSpecialist AuditorandSMSFSpecialist Advisor.NaomireceivedtheWomen inFinanceawardfor“Auditorofthe Year”in2019&2020.Shewasa finalistfortheawardin2021.

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andNaomiKewley:

Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideofthe workplace.

I’maprettyfocusedperson.I’malso abitofaperfectionist.That combinationmeansit’scriticalIset asidetimetostopandrelax.It’shard, especiallywithayoungbusiness whereIstillwearalotofhats.I laughabout‘buildingawall’around Sundays,butthat’sbasicallywhatit takes.IfIdidn’tsetthistimeaside,I wouldstruggletofindtheoffswitch. Withoutit,mysubconsciouskeeps workinginthebackground.Iwas onceinAccidentandEmergency, gettingabrokenwristset.Highly

amusedstaffafterwardsinformedme thatI’dbeenmutteringaboutSelf ManagedSuperFundsthewhole timetheywerere-settingthebreak underanaesthesia!

Describeyourbackgroundand whatdidyoudobeforeyou started/joinedthecompany?

Myfirstjobafteruniversityinvolved Self-ManagedSuperannuationFunds (SMSFs).Ihadspecialisedin AustralianTaxationLaw,butwhen anopeningwaspresentedinSMSF administration,Itookit.Ilovedit fromthestart.SMSFspresenta marvellousblendofpracticaland technical;there’ssamenessand variety;thesamerulesapplytoevery SMSF,butweseeeverythingfrom massiveretirementfundstomodest mum-and-dadsavings.

Iswitchedfromfundadministration toauditafterabouttwoyearsandhad theprivilegeofworkingwithoneof thebestSMSFauditorsinAustralia. Justwatchingherrunapracticeand manageateamtaughtmesomuchI didn’tevenrealiseIwaslearning–untilsuddenlyachainofeventsand aninterstatemovetoTasmanialeft meseriouslythinkingofquittingthe SMSFindustry.

Thefactshitprettyhard.SMSF auditingishighlyspecialised.There weren’tmanyfirmsinTasmaniawith adedicatedauditteam.Iwasayoung professionalwithoutmanylocal contacts.Thethoughtofstartingmy ownpracticewasslowtocome. CouldIdoit?Growastart-up practiceinamatureindustryfrom nothing?

Thenthebarrierswentdownbyan invisiblehand.Inthespaceofweeks:

Ÿ

IsattheASICexamatshort notice(thenextday!)and qualifiedasanSMSFauditor

Ÿ

Iwasofferedworkasacontractor andtheopportunitytopurchasea clientlist

Ÿ

Ireceived(bysurprise announcement)anationaltop achieverawardthatraisedmy industryprofileinawayIcould nothaveimagined.

Itwasincredibleandtotallybeyond mypowertoarrange.PeakSuper AuditswasfoundedinMarch2018.

Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?

Inthisjob,Ineedtenacityand curiosityinprettymuchequalparts. Legislationandregulatorguidanceis constantlychanging,nottomention caselawandtechnology.Ineeda mindthatkeepsaskingquestions–andthenperseveresinapplying answers.Ashoutouttomy educationalbackgroundhere:Iwas homeeducatedandwentonto completemyunidegreesby correspondence.Noonewaschasing mefordeadlinesandassignments,so Ihadtoorganisemyselforpickup thepieces!Ittaughtmetotake responsibilityformytimeandgoals andprimedmeinauniquewaytobe acompliancespecialist.Ilovemy job.Ilikedoingthiseveryday.I knowthisshowsinday-to-day qualityandconsistency,andinteam skillsbuildingtoo.Myantennais alwaysuptolearnandimprove SMSFauditpractice.

Whatarethemostimportant aspectsofacompany'sculture? Whatprinciplesdoyoubelievein andhowdoyoubuildthisculture?

Respectforeachotherandthejobwe

doisveryimportant.PeakSuper Auditsisafamily-runbusiness,with severalfamilymembersontheteam. Familyinbusinesscanbegreat:you knoweachotherinsideout,strengths andotherwise,andyoucarryeach otheralltheway.Butfamilyatwork canalsobechallenging.Everyone hastoputfamilypressuresasideto dotheirjobwell,andthatcanbe difficultwhentheofficeandhome aresoclose.Soweleavehomeat homeandtheofficeattheoffice! Thattakesdiscipline,commitment, andgraceallround.

Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany?

Itmadesenserightfromthestartto embraceawhollypaperlessapproach totheauditprocessandauditfile system.Specialistauditsoftware makesthispossible,andyes,Istill useagreenpen–anelectronic version,usingNitroProPDF software.Iknowofseveralpractices thathaveembracedthisdynamic, paperless,real-timeauditapproach. We’recertainlynotmarketleaders. ButI’veseenwhatworkswelland implementedthisinPeakSuper Auditsfromthegroundup.Wehave asmallteamandflatmanagement structure,soourpracticehasthe muscleofanintelligentengineroom whilecallsforhelpreachmeatthe topveryquickly.I’mareal-time auditoreveryday.Iresolvequeries astheyarise.Bybeingoncalland takingtheopportunitytoequip peoplewithresources,Iempower themtoidentifycomplianceissues beforethesethingsarriveasabig messontheauditscene.

Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?

Both!Processesareasafeguardfor traineesortiredness,andthey're essentialtoensureahighstandardof work.Butindividualheroicsarethe fabricthatknitsateamtogether And byheroics,Idon’tnecessarilymean grandgestures.It’saboutgoingthe extramile–likewashingupthe coffeecups,volunteeringtostayback foranurgentjob,orre-arranging yourscheduletomakesureyour teammembercantakethatshortnoticeleave.Weneedthesekindsof heroics.

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas theFounder/CEO/Managing Partnerofthecompany?Whatis thehappiestpartofyourdaily routine?

Myauditingresponsibilitiescombine withmanagingthefirm’smarketing strategy,growingaclientbase,and continuingtodevelopmyselfasa professional.Iamalsoresponsible forstafftrainingandsupportingstaff professionaldevelopment.That’sa fewhats!

IlovetechnicalwritingintheSMSF space.Iwasrecentlyaskedtoassist

inpreparingmaterialsforacourse thatis(arguably!)theforemost SMSFauditoreducationprogramin Australia.AcolleagueandI completelyre-wrotetheprogramand havereceivedgreatfeedbackfrom usersfollowingitsrelease.We reviewandupdatethematerials annually.It’shugelyrewardingto contributetotheindustryinthisway.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Leadersmakehardcalls.That’spart oftheterritory.Butdon’treactto authoritybyactinglikeyouhaveto provesomething.Therewillbetimes you’llneedtoputyourfootdown. Doso,butmakesureyouleadfrom thefront.Showateamwhatitmeans toknucklein,tobecourteous,andto learnfromotherpeople.

An Award Winning Industry Thought-Leader

Founder & CEO Chimes Consulting

LynOla,thefounderandCEOofChimes Consulting,isaforcetobereckonedwith. Sheisstrategicandfasttoseean opportunity.

ChimesConsulting,whichwasfoundedin2019, combinesITanddigitalmarketingtoprovide solutionsthataretailoredtothedemandsofits clients.Chimes isagroupofbrilliantconsultants selectedbyOlawhoarereadytotakeonany businesschallenge,nomatterhowcomplicated.

LynOlahadastrongfootinthebusinessworld beforetoassumingthehelmasCEO,havingworked forinternationalcorporations.LynOlaisalsoaparttimelectureratoneofthePhilippines'top institutions,wheresheteachesBusiness Administrationcoursesandconnectsthemtothe originsofChimes.

Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterviewconducted betweenWorld'sLeadersandLynOla:

WhatwastheideabehindstartingChimes Consulting?

Olastartedherbusinessindifferentindustries,and ChimesConsultingwassomethingthatshedidn't plantobuild,butwascreatedbydemand.

Olahasagreatpassiontohelppeople. Shehopesof providingmorejobs.SinceLynOlaisknowninthe industry,sheisbeinghiredleftandrightbydifferent projects. SeeingtheneedintheITanddigital marketingarea,LynOlaofficiallyfoundedChimes Consulting.

Today,Chimeshasateamofconsultantswithunique backgroundsandhailingfromdifferentpartsofthe world.TeammembersarelocatedinthePhilippines, Japan,Singapore,SouthAfrica,France,UAEand Japan.Theteam'sdiversityincreasedcreativityand productivity,whichalsohelpedthecompanywithan increaseinclientele.

Howdoyoudiversifyyourcompany'scuttingedgeservicesandsolutionsforpeople, entrepreneurs,andbusinessleaders?

MostoftheprojectsthatChimesConsultinghandle areclientbasedrequirements.Weprovidesolutions totheirautomation,digitalmarketingand customizationproblems.

Additionally,ChimesconsultingalsoprovidesSAAS solutions,thataremostlybasedondaytoday problemsbeingencounteredbyanyone.

AstheCEOofChimesConsulting,whatareyour majorrolesandresponsibilities?

AstheCEOofChimesConsulting,Olaistaskedwith significantresponsibilities.

Olatakestheroleofmentorandleaderforherteam. She'dhelppeopleoutoftheircomfortzoneswhen shesensesuntappedpotentialinthem—allbecause shebelievesintheirindividualdevelopment,even outsideofChimes."After all,"Olamentions, "businesses are only as resilient as the people behind them.”

Startingoffthebusiness,she'dplayalmostallthe functionalrolestherewereandjokinglywishedthat shehadlistenedmoretoherMBAsubjectswayback.

Mostofthetasksthatsheisresponsibleforare buildingrapportwithclientsandsales,asidefrom managing,forecasting,andstrategizingitsdirection.

Whatarethethreethingsyouwouldliketo improveintheorganization?

Atthetopofmyhead,moresystems.Notjust automatedsystemsasatoolbutsystemsthatwill efficientlymakeallthefunctionalareasfunction smoothly

ForChimestocontinuegainingtraction,theentire organizationwouldneedtoadapttotheevolving worldofbusiness.However,Olabelievesthat Chimesstillhasaroomforgrowth.

Whatarethechangesthepandemichasbrought totheITindustry?

TheITindustryhasboomedaseveryoneneedsIT anddigitalmarketingservicestosurvive.Imustsay thatithasincreasedtheopportunitiesintheIT industry,whichhasalsotriggeredalotofcompetitors torise.

Haveyoubeenexposedtocompetitioninthe industry?Ifyes,telluswhatmakesthecompany differentfromitscompetitors?

Competitionisnever-ending;companieswiththe sameservicesarepoppingupeverywhere,withjust oneclick.ThoughChimesConsultingisnot aggressivelymarketingitsservices,thecompany continuouslystepsaheadandinnovates.Clients chooseChimesConsultingbecauseofthe relationshiptheybuildandoftheirpreviousclients' referrals.

TheflexibilityoftheproductsthatChimesoffers makesthemcompetitive.

Chimesaimstobethemosttrustedandsought-after marketingandITsolutionsprovidertobusinesses andentrepreneursworldwide.

Tellusaboutyourvisionforthecompany.Howdo youensureacultureofintegrityandinnovationin thecompany?

Ienvisiontoexpandthebusinessgloballyby providingSaaSandcustomizedservices.

Youneedtowalkthetalk.Dowhatyouimplement.

What'sthegreatestriskyou'vetakenasa professional?

Resigningfrommycorporatejobwasoneofthe gamblesImade.

IwantedtoprovidemorevalueinwhatIdobutI don'thaveanyplanbackthen.AllIknowisIwantto helppeople.KnowingmyselfthatIalwaysfind opportunities, IriskedthecareerIbuiltthatIalways wanted.

Howdoyoubalanceworkandlife responsibilities?

Workingremotelyisachallenge.PersonalandWork lifeintegratesmostofthetime.

Timemanagementisthekey.Mycalendaris maintainedproperly.Strictlymaintained.Imakesure Ihavetimeforworkandforleisureormyself.

Whatadvicewouldyougivetotheemerging entrepreneursandenthusiastsconsideringa careerinanindustry?

Beinganentrepreneurisgreat.Youwillbeabletodo alotofgoodwork.Justprepareyourselftohandle demandingpeople.Additionally,donot

SENIOR ANALYST, ECONOMIC RESEARCH DIVISION WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)

Emmanuelle Ganne

Revolutionizing International Trade through Empowering Businesses with Blockchain Technology

EmmanuelleGanne,Senior Analyst,Economic ResearchandStatistics DivisionatWorldTrade Organization(WTO),isaspecialist ininternationalcommerce,trade policy,globalgovernance,and diplomacywithawiderangeof expertise.

AtWTO,Emmanuelleleadsworkon blockchainsandSMEs.Sheisa regularspeakeratblockchainevents and,in2018,wrotethebook "Can Blockchain Revolutionize International trade?",whichis widelyacknowledgedasareference onthistopic.

Belowarethehighlightsofthe interviewconductedbetweenWorld's LeadersandEmmanuelleGanne.

Briefouraudienceaboutyour journeyasaleader.What challengesyouhadtofacetoreach whereyouaretoday?

Theworldofinternationaltrade remainstraditionalinmanywaysand isstillverypaper-intensive.WhenI startedlookingintoblockchain's potentialforinternationaltrade,I realizedthatpeoplearoundmeknew verylittleaboutthetechnologyand oftenreducedittocryptocurrencies. Manydismissedit.Thisprompted metowritemy2018book"Can BlockchainRevolutionize InternationalTrade?"toraise awarenessabouttherelevanceofthis technologyforinternationaltrade,to trytobuildabridgebetweenthe businesscommunityandgovernment officials,andtomaketradediplomats realizethattheyhaveakeyroleto playinenablingthedevelopmentof thistechnologytosupportthemove towardspaperlesstrade.

Thefirstreactionsintradediplomatic circleswereoftencircumspect,but

myworkwasmetwithgreatinterest fromthebusinessside.The internationalrecognitionIreceived frombusinesseshasproved importanttohelpingmepushthese issuesattheWTO.

DescribehowtheWorldTrade Organizationcanhelppush Blockchainfortrade?

TheWTOisarules-based Organizationandhas,inmyview,a criticalroletoplayinsupportingthe widescaledeploymentofthis technologytofacilitateinternational trade,fortworeasons.First,because thecodeneedslaw Technologyis onlyatool.BlockchainandDLT applicationsintradecanonlybeused onalargescaleifanenablinglegal andregulatoryenvironmentisputin placetoallowthemtobedeployed widely Weneedtomakesure,for example,thate-signaturesare recognizedandthatelectronic documents,includingnegotiable instruments,canbetransferredacross borders.Onthesetwofronts,alotof workremainstobedonetosupport tradedigitalization.Discussionson issuesrelatedtodigitaltradeare underwayattheWTOinthecontext ofthejointinitiativeonecommerce.

Second,blockchainisaglobal technologyandinternationaltradeis cross-jurisdictionalbynature.Having acoordinatedapproachata multilaterallevelontheseissuesis essential.

Enlightenusonhowyouhave madeanimpactonthisindustry throughyourexpertise?

Myrolehasbeentoraiseawareness, initiateadigitaltransformation journeyandbuildknowledgeoftrade officialsthroughresearch, publicationsandeventsonissues relatedtoblockchainfortradeto

supporttheirrule-makingwork.The 2019and2021GlobalTrade& BlockchainForumsbroughttogether hundredsofpractitionersandtrade officialstodiscussissuesrelatedto blockchainfortradeandhelpbring theseissuestotheWTO.

Irecentlydeveloped,incooperation withtheInternationalTradeCenter, thefirstonlinecourseonblockchain fortradeaimedprimarilyatSMEs. Buildingabridgewiththeprivate sectorhasbeenoneofmypriorities. I'vebeenworkingcloselywiththe InternationalChamberofCommerce –andrepresenttheWTOonthe governingboardoftheICCDigital StandardsInitiative.

Whatarethechallengesyouand yourteamattheWorldTrade Organizationcomeacrossinyour day-to-dayoperations?

Anotherpartofmyworkrelatesto SMEs:tryingtomaketheirlivesas exporterseasier.Becausetheyhave limitedresources,SMEsstruggleto participateininternationaltrade.

WheninteractingwithSMEs,I realizehowcriticaltrade digitalizationisforthem,howit couldbeagamechangerforthem, butalsohowmuchsupportthey need.

Bringingthevoiceofbusinessesto theWTOandtryingtomakethe worldofdiplomacymoveinsynch withbusinessisessential.This connectionwiththeprivatesectoris importantandneedstobenurtured.

Whatpeople,whatbooks,whatlife factorshaveinfluencedand impactedyou?

Ithinkmyjourneyhasbeenlargely influencedbyatripImadeto Burkina-Fasowithmyparentswhen

Iwasachild.Duringthistrip,we metalocalcraftsmanwhowas makingbeautifulleatherbags.He wassellingthemtoneighbouring placesandtheearningswerejust enoughtoallowhimandhisfamily tolive.Myfatherputhimincontact withArtisanduMonde,afair-trade associationthatsellshandicraftsfrom allovertheworld,andhadalocal storeinthecenterofLyon,my hometown.Theopportunitytosell internationallytransformedthelifeof thislocalcraftsman.Thisexperience showedmefirst-handhowtradecan beapowerfulleverofdevelopment, providedwegivesmallplayersa chancetotradeandhelpthem overcometheburdensome procedurestheygrapplewith.

Describethevaluesandthework culturethatdrivetheWorldTrade Organization.

ThepreambleoftheMarrakesh Agreement,whichistheagreement establishingtheWTO,isclear:the WTOisaboutraisingstandardsof living,ensuringfullemployment, makingtradeworkbetter.Itisabout people.TheWTOisavalue-based organization.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourself beinginthelongrunandwhatare yourfuturegoalsfortheWorld TradeOrganization?

Ihavealong-termvision,butIdo notwanttotiemyhandswithalongtermplan.WhatIbelieveiscritical intoday'sworldistoremaincurious andagile,tokeepaneyeonnew developmentsandtoseizenew opportunities.Bypushing Blockchainfortradeandtrade digitalization,Iwanttomakesure thattheWTOremainsrelevantand

contributesthebestitcantomaking trademoreefficientandmore inclusive.

Whatwouldbeyouradviceto buddingentrepreneurs?

Theworldischangingfast.Weneed peoplewithpassion,vision,and energytodrivechangeandmakethe worldabetterplace.Bebold, ambitiousandinnovative.Goforit!

JANE PEYTON

An Award-Winning Writer and Alcoholic Drinks Expert

Founder School of Booze

JanePeytonfoundedSchoolof Boozein2008duringtheglobal financialdown-turnasacorporate eventscompanyofferingbeer, cider,andwinetastingevents.Jane waswarnedthatitwasnota sensibleideatostartanevents businessduringaglobalrecession, butshethoughttheopposite, becauseeveninarecession,people stillwantadrinkandsome entertainment.

Somebusinessadviserssaidthat usingtheword"booze"inthe companynamewasafollyandthat no-onewouldtakethecompany seriously Thenameturnedoutto beaverygoodideabecauseitis memorable,itdescribeswhatthe companydoes,andthenamemakes peoplelaugh. Theyarethepeople thatwewantasclients!

Itwasachallengetofindclients duringthe2008globalrecession. Fortunately,SchoolofBooze'sfirst clientsofferedrepeatbusinessand gaveexcellentwordofmouth,so theclientbasebuilt.

WhenSchoolofBoozestarted,no othereventsbusinesswasoffering beer&cidertastingeventstheway thattheteamdidsothecompany hadamonopolyforafewyears.

Shesays, "It also helped that we offered pub experiences and worked with destination management companies handling business groups into the UK from overseas – overseas groups are very keen on having pub experiences.”

Belowarethehighlightsofthe interviewconductedbetweenthe World'sLeadersandJanePeyton:

DescribetheSchoolofBooze offeringsthataddresstheneeds ofyourcustomers.

SchoolofBoozeisaone-stopshop forbeer,cider,andwine knowledge,offeringinpersonor videoconferencingtrainingforthe staffofhospitalitycompanies, drinksbrands,anddrinks marketingandPRcompanies.The SchoolofBoozealsohasanelearningplatformwith downloadablebeer,cider,andwine courses.

SchoolofBoozealsooffers corporatebeer,cider,andwine tastingeventsforclient entertainment,networking, incentives,andteambuilding,both inpersonandviavideo conferencing.

JanePeytonisacopyandfeature writerandsupplieswebsiteand publicitycopy,promotionalcopy, andsocialmediacopyfordrinks brands.

Enlightenusonhowyouhave madeanimpactinthisindustry throughyourexpertiseinthe industry.

JanePeytonhaswonmanyawards inallareasofherwork,including forherdrinkknowledge,advocacy, theuniqueaspectofSchoolof Booze'sbusinessoffering,andfor herentrepreneurialskills.Oneof Jane'sfavouriteaccoladesisbeing aGuinnessWorldRecordholder forhostingtheworld'slargestbeer tastingtutorial(1,256people).The companythatorganiseditneededa well-known,accreditedbeer sommelier.JanewasBritain'sfirst beersommelieroftheyearandalso theinstigatorofBeerDayBritain (theUK'sannualnationalbeer day),sothatiswhyshewas chosen.

Professionalawardsinclude:

Ÿ SchoolofBoozewasintheTop 100SME'sinLondonandthe South-EastBusinessAwards 2021.

Ÿ

SchoolofBooze-GreatBritish EntrepreneurAwards2021 (Finalist)

Ÿ JanePeyton-BestCorporate EventsBusinessLeader(South EastEngland(awardedby InfluentialBusinesswoman Awards2021)

Ÿ

JanePeyton-Lifetime AchievementinBeer2018 awardedbytheBritish ParliamentAllParty ParliamentaryBeerGroup

Ÿ

JanePeytonbecametheUK's firstaccreditedPommelier (cidersommelier)in2018 throughtheBeer&Cider Academy

Ÿ

JanePeyton-Outstanding IndividualAchievementinBeer 2017fromtheBeer&Cider MarketingAwards.

JanePeytonistheDrinks EducatoroftheYear(2016) fromImbibeMagazine.She wasalsonominatedforthis awardin2015.

Whatarethechallengesyouand yourteamatSchoolofBooze comeacrossinyourday-to-day operations?

Wealsoaimtobringfunand sociabilitytoourcorporateevents clients. Forourtrainingstaffwe aimtoimpartknowledgeinafun learningenvironmentthatinspires themtosell,serve,and communicatewithconfidence.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourself beinginthelongrun,andwhat areyourfuturegoalsforthe SchoolofBooze?

Futuregoals,tomarkettheSchool ofBoozee-learningplatformin India.

Inthelongrun,Iplantowritemore books(Ihaveninepublished books).

Whatwouldbeyouradviceto buddingbusinessleaders?

Ÿ

JanePeyton-WomenoftheYear Award2015

Findingnewclients,clientspaying ontime,keepinguptodatewith socialmedia,keepinguptodate withandimplementingchangesto SEO.

Findanicheand'own'it.Havea uniqueofferinginsomethingthat haswideappeal.Choosetoworkin asectororspecialiseinasubject thatyoureallyenjoyandthatdoes notfeellikework.

Ÿ

JanePeyton-Britain'sfirstBeer SommelieroftheYear(2014) awardedbytheBeerAcademy andBritishInstituteof Innkeeping

Whatpeople,whatbooks,what lifefactorshaveinfluencedand impactedyou?

Ÿ

JanePeyton-GoldAwardfor WritingintheTradeMedia 2015andSilverAwardforBeer &FoodWriting2014,Silver AwardforBestBeer

Broadcasting2017-allthree camefromtheBritishGuildof BeerWriters.

Smallbusinessownerswhobuilta businessfromscratchand succeededinspireandinfluenceme tokeepgoing.Allthebookson alcoholicdrinksthatIreadimpacts mebyincreasingmyknowledge.

Describeindetailthevaluesand theworkculturethatdrivethe SchoolofBooze.

Ÿ

JanePeyton'sHistoricLondon beertastingpubtourwasvoted TopGlobalExperiencein2012 andBestBritishOperatorin

AtSchoolofBoozewestriveto makeworkfunforourassociates.

2014and2015byTrip Adviser'stouragency,Viator

Founder Libra Consulting

JELENA DJAKOVIC

Making Marketing a Fun Way

for Both the Client and the Agency

LibraConsultingwasformed byJelenaDjakovicwiththe goalofprovidingeach customerwithapersonalized approachandsolutionstailoredto theirspecificneeds.LibraConsulting isafull-servicemarketingand consultingfirmfocusedoncompany growthinthehospitalityindustry Sinceitsinceptionin2011,thefirm hasofferedcustomersinavarietyof sectorswithmarketing,sales,and consultingservices(entertainment, FMCG,hospitality,charity,banking). LibraConsultingfrequently collaborateswithotherspecialized agenciesandsubcontractorstooffer customersthehighestlevelof knowledgeandservicesadaptedto theirindividualrequirements.

Belowarehighlightsofthe interview:

Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?

Itwasawindingpaththatbrought mehere,buteveryexperienceand everythingIhavedonewasa necessarysteponthatpath.Istudied appliedartsandstartedworkingata TVstationasanassistantinthe productiondepartment.Fromthere,I wentontoamarketingagency, whereIfellinlovewithmarketing.I switchedtotheclientside,worked forauniversityasthemarketing manager,andthentransitionedto hospitality.Iwasveryluckyand

privilegedtoworkfortwoofthe mostprestigioushotelsinBelgrade astheirMarketingandSalesdirector

Duringthattime,Isawaspace,a nichethatwasneeded–fora marketingandconsultingagencythat wouldbespecializedinhospitality withafullunderstandingofthe particularneedsofthisindustry,and thatishowLibraConsultingcameto life;outofsheerenergy,desire,and theloveofmarketing.

Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?

Ivaluehardwork,integrity,andgood service.Wealwaysgotheextrastep.

Noshortcuts,nocuttingcorners,just work.Smart,hardandonpoint.I stronglybelievethatthisistheonly realpathtosuccess.

Whatarethemajorservicesofthe companyandhowdotheyhelpthe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompany provide?

Westartedwithasmallportfolioof servicesthatIthoughtwereneeded–design,socialmedia,business planning,menuconsultations,and eventplanningconsulting.

Inthepast6yearssincethecompany

wasfounded,wehaveexpandedthe portfolioquiteabit,aswellasthe team.

Nowweofferfull-serviceconsulting forhospitalitybusinesses,witha mainfocusonhotels.Wecreate businessplans,assistinallaspectsof execution,advise,helpwithstrategy andbusinessdevelopment,design, produce,createbrandingstrategies, trainemployees.

Weapproacheachclientindividually, consideringeveryaspectoftheir businessidea,needs,financial capacity,potentialforgrowth, positioningasitis,positioning

potential,andmuchmore.

Wetakeprideintheworkwedo,and wemakesurethatthereissomething tobeproudof.

Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany?

Innovationisapartoflife.Youhave toatleastkeepup,andifpossible, excel.WehaveaquotefromAlbert Einsteinonourwebsite:Lifeislike ridingabicycle;inordertokeep yourbalance,youmustkeepmoving.

Giveusyouropiniononwhether organizationsrelyheavilyon

individualheroicsorteam processes?

Itdependsontheorganization.We strivetocreateacompanywhere everyonefeelslikeanequalpartof theteam,andcangiveanidea, suggestion,orimprovementtoany otherpartoftheorganization.Wedo notbelievein:Itwasnotmyjob.

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas thefounderandCEOofthe company?Whatisthehappiest partofyourdailyroutine?

Honestly,Iloveallofit.Ilove mentoring.Iloveworkingwith

clients.Seeingsomethingwecreated cometolife.Iamincrediblyluckyto beabletodowhatIlove.Our3p.m. mandatoryglassofwineisagood partoftheday.Ofcourse,thereare thetoughtalkswhenyoumanagea teamofpeople.Butthewinehelps, bothsides.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

ThereisaSerbianproverb–Measure 3times,cutonce. Ithinkitisthe bestleadershipadvice.Takeyour time,don'tmakerashdecisions,sleep onit.