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The 10 most influential business leader of 2020 october 2020; The Insights Success has published its magazine on title of The 10 most influential business leader of 2020 october 2020.
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Networking and Business A Connected World Tech Insights Laboratoire Huckert's 1 1 0 0 Business 2020 The Most Influential Leader of + Marko Podgornik Committed to Solve Every Problem in the Experimental Environment of the Laboratory VOL 10 | ISSUE 09 |2020
Editor’s Desk T here is no doubt that the world is facing an unprecedented challenge. In the world of business, leadership now is not just restricted to meeting rooms. Today, business leaders with vision and determination are more visible and reachable than ever before. Leadership will have to navigate, organize, display, and demonstrate optimism in such situations. Discover and Implement Solutions that serve Priorities Leaders can face problems better, manage operations, and make decisions quickly enough to respond effectively. In such a situation, a leader’s instinct can organize a network of teams. This will solve and execute a common purpose to work together as a single team. Another important part of the leader’s role in a tense environment is promoting psychological safety, this shows the concern for the employees. Leaders need to acknowledge personal and professional challenges that demonstrate empathy and remain attentive to the employees. After all, the employees are the biggest asset of the company. Leadership is the accomplishment of an aim through the direction of human aides. The person who triumphantly assembles his people to achieve particular ends is a leader. He should invest in his own personal growth as well as stay open to new ideas and challenges. A leader that has the potential to motivate employees, will lead to innovation in the company. Having one such great leader at the front is something that all investors, consumers, and employees want. While some moments require immediate action, leaders can cope up better by collecting information and thinking ahead before making further moves. The
ability to focus, prioritize, think strategically out of the box, and taking good decisions resembles the traits of a good leader. An influential leader is one who can do so persistently, year after year, in a wide variety of circumstances. This way they prepare themselves to become an entrepreneur, whereas some entrepreneurs are born. There are innate skills that take an individual on the entrepreneurial path. Embracing such practices, Insights Success is taking leaders of companies and organizations of every sector in its edition of “The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020”. Reinforcing such values is Marko Podgornik, Partner and CEO of Mikro+Polo, who is bringing music and dance to the serious laboratory business. In 2006, Marko started working as a CEO. Since then, he developed his leadership in the direction of inclusive, family, employees, and pets-friendly company with a human touch. rohit.chaturvedi@insightssuccess.com Lastly, while flipping pages, do not forget to take a good look at the articles and CXOs written by our in-house editorial team and the industry-experts respectively. Have a good read!
COVER STORY 08 MARKO PODGORNIK Committed to Solve Every Problem in the Experimental Environment of the Laboratory Article 42 30 NETWORKING AND BUSINESS A Connected World TECH INSIGHTS Laboratoire Huckert's
16 20 Leigh Rust 24 Alex Radetich A Leading Name in Healthcare Innovation Anna Homenko An Inspiring Leader with Proven Track Record A Winning Entrepreneur 34 38 46 Louisa Maliako Mojela Empowering Women and Youth in Africa Dr. Paul Guenther An Astute Leader Advocating Constant Innovation Pete Pallares An Active Associate in Autism Awareness and Treatmen 50 52 Saana Azzam Creating an Enlightened World through Dialogue and Knowledge Transfer Ran Rachlin A Dedicated, Productive & Natural Leader
Editor-in-Chief Sumita Sarkar Executive Editor Rohit Chaturvedi Assistant Editors Jenny Fernandes Managing Editor Anish Miller Co-designer Visualizer David King Art & Design Director Asha Bange Associate Designer Sanket Zirpe Kushagra Gupta Senior Sales Manager Business Development Manager Peter Collins Kshitij S Sales Executives David, Martin, Maneesh Marketing Manager John Matthew Business Development Executives Technical Head Jacob Smile Steve, Joe, Aidan, Prathamesh Digital Marketing Manager Marry D'Souza Technical Specialist Aditya Research Analyst Frank Adams SME-SMO Executive Amol Wadekar Database Management Stella Andrew Technology Consultant David Stokes Circulation Manager Robert Brown sales@insightssuccess.com October, 2020 Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ We are also available on : www.twitter.com/insightssuccess Copyright © 2020 Insights Success, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success.
The Most Influential Business of 2020 Company Name Featured Person Brief Alertgy has recently been founded by a small team of innovators that have collaborated on challenging technical programs over the years, specifically to address the highly desired ability to measure blood sugar levels with an external wearable sensor device. Alex Radetich Chief Business Development Officer Alertgy alertgy.com Fiduciana Trust (Cyprus) Limited is a “boutique” Cyprus trustee and fiduciary services company with international coverage. Fiduciana Trust (Cyprus) Ltd fiduciana.net Anna Homenko Managing Director Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows are well known for challenging and overcoming the design, safety and security limitations of conventional louvre windows. Safetylinejalousie safetylinejalousie. com.au Leigh Rust Founder & Director Halo is on the vanguard of modern cannabis extraction technique and cannabinoid isolation – possessing proprietary trade secrets and leading-edge technology that is setting the standard in a new and booming industry. LOUISA MOJELA Chairman Halo halocanna.com Mikro+Polo is a family company founded by Vojko Podgornik in 1990 in Maribor. During this twenty-year period, it has grown into the largest Slovenian supplier of laboratory accessories, equipment, chemicals, and diagnostics. MIKRO+POLO d.o.o. mikro-polo.si Marko Podgornik CEO Knowledge Hub Media helps business professionals by providing useful insight and analysis on the most current topics within their industry, and across multiple job functions, including: IT, marketing, finance, human resources, mobility, operations, sales and more. Paul Guenther Corporate Strategy & Development Knowledge Hub Media knowledgehubme dia.Com CSD uses a family-centric, multidisciplinary, multicultural, and evidence-based approach to treating individuals with autism and other developmental delays. Pete Pallares Founder/Chief Executive Officer Center for Social Dynamics Autism Services csd.me Ubertesters is a mobile application beta testing management software tool that allows mobile development businesses to easily manage all of their beta testing resources in a single environment. Ran Rachlin Co-founder & CEO Ubertesters Inc ubertesters.com The company is a UAE based MCs and Speakers bureau that educates, engages, and empowers by connecting speakers, MCs, and trainers to events, companies, and governments around the World. The company received the Best Speakers’ Bureau award in the Middle East in 2019. Saana Azzam Chief Inspiration Office Mena-Speakers mena-speakers.com Transplant Transportation Services transplanttransportat ionservices.com Transplant Transportation Services, Inc. ("TTSI" ) has been one of the nation's leaders leaders in transplant transportation for well over a decade. Scott Pritchard Founder
The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020 Marko Podgornik Committed to Solve Every Problem in the Experimental Environment of the Laboratory “ “Our motto »Your partner in the laboratory« really applies here! Come and try us out!”
COVER STORY Marko Podgornik Partner & CEO Mikro+Polo
L eadership is the achievement of a goal through the direction of human aides. The person who successfully marshals his/her supporters to achieve particular ends is a leader. An influential leader is one who can do so persistently, and year after year, in a wide variety of circumstances. One such business leader is Marko Podgornik, Partner and CEO of Mikro+Polo, who is bringing music and dance to the serious laboratory business. “At MIKRO+POLO, we have been following and realizing our mission of solving every problem our customer might encounter in the experimental environment of their laboratory for 30 years now.” Markostarted working at the company Mikro+Polo, owned and directed by his uncle – first, as a child, later as a student and employee. But he wanted to prove himself elsewhere first, so he went to work at IKEA Graz Austria and took over the re-organization of their sale to B2B customers. In a year, he introduced the same model to all IKEA Austria and was consequently offered a position at IKEA Vienna. At the same time his uncle asked him to take over the family company due to his health problems and he agreed. Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between Insights Success and Marko: Introduce us to your company and its solutions which address the needs of your customers and make you a prominent market player. In the last 14 years under my leadership Mikro+Polo developed into No 1 wholesaler for everything needed in laboratory environment with 30 % market share in Slovenia and 100+ employees. Our slogan is Your Partner for Laboratory. In 2006, Marko started working as a CEO (at 32 years). Since then he developed his leadership in the direction of inclusive, family, employees, and pets-friendly company with human touch. He strongly agrees with Richard Branson: if the company takes good care of its employees, they will take excellent care of company's customers. “I myself as a leader developed with every step the company successfully implemented. I started being a 'classical' white collar manager, but I today operate at a completely different level, being able to combine my personal lifestyle and wellbeing with being a leader.” says Marko. We established a daughter company in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2009, introduced our own label of laboratory furniture Lab Interior in 2015, which is sold globally to more than 20 countries, and in 2018 we invested in new production line. In 2008 we implemented SAP ERP, which almost completely automatized our sales process document flow from order to delivery and shortened our delivery time. The company has more than 100 employees who make sure that the link between more than 4000 buyers on the one hand and 300 suppliers on the other hand is a successful one. A high level of professional competence is achieved by employing 25 sales agents, each of them having a university degree in various fields: chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, health care, pharmacy, etc., who make over 9000 sales visits per year. The product line contains more than 500,000 products; most of them are represented and made available in the first Slovenian online application (market.mikro-polo.si). In 2011 we developed own online store – Mikro Polo Market, a sales channel which today represents 40 % of our sales. In 2012, we introduced a CRM System. We keep doing things our own way and are a leader in innovative practices and original business initiatives with a strong company culture of commitment, self-initiative, fault tolerance and responsibility by every employee. We also nurture relaxed working climate and openness to all kinds of diversity. In 2016 we presented our “behind the scenes” practices to our customers with a promo video. It went viral (300.000+ views) and since then we do not have problems with Markoasserts“We take particular pride in our own brand of laboratory furniture LAB INTERIOR with which we have equipped 1000 laboratories in Slovenia and other countries around the globe.”
recruiting new employees. We regularly present our good practices at different business events. enlarged needs – health system, laboratories, etc. Our main challenge was how to organize work to be able to fulfill these needs during the time of lock-down. Over the weekend 70% of the employees started to work from home. It was a big test and we passed it with excellence. In 2019, we won European Business Award for the development of workplace and employees. We are a holder of AAA Gold Credit Rating for a second year in a row, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025 certified, a certified Family Friendly Company, LGBT and seniors friendly company. Nevertheless, it is possible that the recession which would most probably follow the pandemic, will affect our customers and consequently our company as well. I believe that the good work during the lock-down and the constant investment in our people, their skills and personal growth will support our existence and development under these circumstances as well. Provide us with a little insight into your philosophy of impactful leadership and how you implement that philosophy within your organization. In my opinion an impactful leadership means understanding people you work with, giving them voice, but also knowing your priorities, being able to focus on them and remain strategic-oriented. A leader should always be aware that the needs of the company come first. If not, company cannot take care of its employees and their well-being. That includes personal needs of CEO, who has to remain humble and in touch with people (s) he works with. What would be your advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders? First and foremost – be human, stay human and bear in mind that the employees are the biggest asset of the company – their knowledge, their skills and their attitude. Treat them just, and they will be loyal, committed and take good care of your customers. Invest in your own personal growth, stay open to new ideas and challenges. Do not be afraid to stay loyal to yourself and your personal values. What are some of the vital attributes, in your opinion, that every leader should possess? Ability to focus, to prioritize, to think strategically and out of the box, to take good decisions based on incomplete data, to remain authentic and above all – to remain human. What are your company's future aspirations? What strategies are you undertaking to achieve those goals? Our vision is to become our customers' first choice and remain a leading player in the Slovenian market. In the field of laboratory furniture, we want to be one of TOP 5 players in the global market. In order to achieve that we invest in ICT and people's skills, we develop top services to our customers at all levels and we plan to build new production facilities to be able to address larger demand. As a business leader, what challenges have you faced with an unforeseen pandemic? And how do you envision on sustaining your organization's competency post the pandemic? Our company has so far had “sweet worries” in terms of dealing with the pandemic. We operate in the sector that has
COVER STORY “ “Our vision is to become our customers' first choice and remain a leading player in the Slovenian market”
T ever before. here is no doubt that the world is facing an unprecedented challenge. In the world of business, leadership is now not just limited to conference rooms. Today, business leaders with vision and determination are more visible and reachable than Insights Success in its upcoming edition The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020, is bringing stories of such leaders, and Alex Radetich the Chief Business Development Officer of Alertgy is one of them. Alex is known for his persistence and drive to achieve goals and consistency in delivering high impact results for his customers and colleagues. Being the Chief Business Development Officer and an early investor, Alex is in charge of company’s strategic development efforts, including managing industry partner relationships across a variety of medical device manufactures, clinical facilities, healthcare organizations and investment sources and also serves on the company’s Board of Directors. Prior to Alertgy, he successfully founded, developed, and exited several companies in the data marketing space. An Improvement with Advancement Unlike existing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) companies that use chemical reactions to measure glucose, Alertgy is patenting dielectric spectroscopy as a way to measure blood glucose levels up to 3 times a minute, without needles, patches, discomfort, and constant fear. The final product will be in the form of a wristband, wearable device the size of a women’s iWatch. Current CGMs use patch sensors that are attached to/and puncture the skin to measure glucose just under the skin. Because of the skin barrier and the time of glucose molecule travel to the readings are delayed, and leading to what is called “interstitial lag.” Conversely, Alertgy’s radio frequency wave tech measures glucose in the actual blood, real time. Thriving with Young Talents Alertgy is an SMB, integrated across multiple locations and 100% entrepreneurial in everything it does from technology innovation, business development, and critical thinking. The company is attracting world-class engineering talent whose ability to think of out the box has allowed it to grow significantly over the last 3 years and break new barriers. 16 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020 Alex Radetich A Leading Name in Healthcare Innovation | 17 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
What Clients Say “As a data provider, Alex and his company have played a crucial role in the List Brokerage group at Merkle for several years. Alex has always been hands-on with any business we do with Take 5 and has never been anything but professional, responsive, and extremely easy to work with. He is one of the top vendors we turn to with complicated data requests. With his knowledge of data and the industry, he always has a creative solution for us” - Kacey Moore “Alex is a superior partner and a great direct marketer. In working with him and his company, we received superior customer service -- in essence, he made us look like heroes to our clients. In addition, Alex has the ability to think outside-of-the-box. When faced with some of our most challenging customer needs, he would always take the time to brainstorm with us to ensure that we were able to provide the best solutions to our valued clients. Sometimes this meant proposing other solutions along with his own. He makes it his business to be an expert in all areas of direct marketing so that he can assist his clients with full solutions. Alex is a great business partner and I highly recommend him -- you’ll be delighted with the level of creativity and integrity that you’ll experience when working with him” - Nancy Arter, Senior Vice President at Escalent Additionally, the advisory and directors board is made up of industry leaders with expertise in engineering, technology, materials, military, healthcare, business, law, ethics, and medicine. Alertgy believes in ’paying it forward’ and investing its resources in young local talent and supporting local businesses, such as its clinical partners on the Space Coast. During these challenging times it is working with NIH and other healthcare organizations on pivoting its technology to provide breakthrough solutions for mask- contained Covid 19 sensors. Future Aspirations Alex asserts “Our mission is to improve diabetes management for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.” He further added that while Type 1 diabetes is life threatening, the real danger lies with Type 2 diabetics and pre-diabetics, who often fail to heed the signs. These groups represent 95% of the diabetic population worldwide, growing by millions each month. By allowing them to monitor their glucose levels easily and painlessly, Alertgy hopes to improve their quality of life. “ Improving Diabetic HEALTH Through INNOVATION. “ In addition, the company is funding a grant with Florida Atlantic University to research and develop Covid 19 monitoring and tracking technology, using common masks. Just like with diabetes, our goal is to provide an easily manageable solution for Covid 19 tracing and contact management. 18 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020 Anna Homenko An Inspiring Leader with Proven Track Record A industry, Anna leads by example, taking a hands-on approach and inspiring her teams to utilize all that they learn, create and believe in. She is solution oriented and believes there is never a problem that cannot be resolved. Her approach is to take responsibility and focus on the desired outcomes rather than any obstacles that may get in the way. s the Founder and Managing Director of Limited, Anna Homenko has brought her 20 years of experience, knowledge and resources to the table. Well known and respected in the Fiduciana Trust (Cyprus) “Trust, Anna has cemented her reputation in Cyprus and abroad as one of the most knowledgeable people in the administrative services industry. Her passion for her work and for striving for excellence in all that she does, has made her the inspirational leader she is today. integrity and a Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between Insights Success and Anna Homenko: What led to an inception of the company? dedicated It is often the case that service providers lose that personal touch with their clients. The increased workloads often result in larger teams and less day to day contact with the people they are actually working for. From my vantage point within these large international entities, I could see a real gap in the industry and a true need for a more hands-on approach. This is where the concept for my boutique company was born – offering high level services with a commitment to building long lasting and truthful relationships with all our clients. Clients want to feel that their service providers are a part of their 'internal' teams and this is what we strive for. commitment to success.” Could you throw some light on your mission and vision statement? Our mission is to become our client's one and only port of call for all their corporate, tax, legal and administrative needs. By ensuring our services are of the highest standard, our team of experts is well equipped to handle even the most complex of international transactions. We combine our legal knowledge, fiduciary experience and business sense to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. 20 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
Anna Homenko Founder & Managing Director Fiduciana Trust (Cyprus) Limited | 21 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
Our vision is to create long lasting relationships and conscious corporate and fiduciary services built on transparency, efficiency and excellence. departments. This teams focus on working together to get things done – to supporting each other and stepping up to take responsibility whenever we can, really drives us all forward. Describe your company and its cutting-edge (domain of the respective project) solutions which addresses all the needs of your customers. What is your idea of Corporate Social Responsibility? Corporate Social Responsibility goes beyond a yearly donation to a charity of choice. At Fiduciana, we look at the concept of CSR as encompassing the transparent nature of the work we do, the ethical nature of our clients' businesses and how we can support our community and fill the needs that arise outside our doorstep. We support many community initiatives by providing resources, funding and time wherever we can so that we give back, with gratitude. Fiduciana Trust (Cyrus) Limited is a “boutique” administrative and fiduciary services company established in Cyprus, July of 2009. By using the very best of our collective knowledge, experience and abilities, we keep evolving, enriching our services, expanding our operations and strengthening our presence. At Fiduciana, we focus on offering the highest level of personalized corporate and accounting services and solutions to our clients, operating as their own home office. The boutique nature of our business ensures that our clients' affairs are kept strictly confidential whilst our teams are highly responsive when offering a personalized approach in the handling of all matters In this way we lead by example – not only through our day to day work, but as an active and involved member of our community. A corporation can only be socially responsible when it takes responsibility for its own actions also – caring for our people, our planet and raising awareness whenever we can. What are your company's future aspirations? What strategies are you undertaking to achieve those goals? Our teams consist of chartered accountants, lawyers and paralegal administrators - high caliber professionals, carefully recruited and suitably trained. For each client we create their own dedicated team of professionals who undertake the administration and management of their corporate needs locally as well as internationally. We lead the field in providing added value to our clients. Fiduciana has grown rapidly during its first 10 years of operations. We are striving to continue this growth as we become the leaders in the provision of top quality corporate and business services through promotion of holistic business, conscious management and investment in our people. Describe in detail about the work culture and the values that drive your company. To do this we continue to work through our growth strategy but with flexibility and adaptability at the forefront. Current events have shown us that every business has to be resilient, flexible and quick to pivot. This makes the difference between moving forward during any crises or losing ground. We are future focused but comfortable in letting go whatever no longer serves us and our clients, to ensure that we all keep moving forward. Fiduciana is very much focused on the creation of a conscious working environment, focusing on and investing in the wellbeing of our employees together with their professional development and training. We balance our client needs with the needs of our own teams and ensure that the culture is open, compassionate, honest and reliable. We love what we do and this shows through, not only in our work, but also in that our working environment has cultivated friendships and real camaraderie within all 22 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020 Leigh Rust A Winning Entrepreneur 24 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
A designed for health and safety over aesthetics and value. This includes incorporating smart ventilation into buildings and having flora as a major feature in the city buildings. How do we design and build? The Driving-Force t Present, offices, schools, restaurants and even hospitals are not built for the post-COVID-19 world. People are now demanding for spaces Family values, along with the company values and standards have been paramount for shaping the team's culture over the past 10-years. Leigh Rust is proud to say he still has a number of staff members who have been with SJLW since day one - which he believes is a testament in itself. With the same perception, Safetyline Jalousie Louvre Windows are built for top performance even in extreme conditions and designed for sustainability. Leigh Rust - Founder and Director manufactures the most versatile, highest performing, Australian made louvre window systems on the market. When it comes to team culture, it has been a challenge keeping everyone 'together' during this time with staff isolated in Brisbane, Melbourne and Malaysian offices where, he has been making more of a conscious effort to include them in decisions about the future of the business and check in with them regularly on video calls. A Passionate Advocate for Australian goods An Open and Honest Individual Leigh Rust is a huge believer of dedicating time to personal development and he does a lot of work around mindset and overcoming challenges. Leigh does not like to take no for an answer, he firmly believes there is always another path and he encourages everyone within his company to approach their own roadblocks with the same attitude. Leigh Rust believes, we must all play out part in ensuring the social welfare of others. It's why 'Social Impact' is one of the underpinning pillars of his business. Beyond the innovative work that the organization does developing performance louvre windows to improve social outcomes, it also gets behind a number of causes and community fundraisers including the recent CEO Dare Cure event for childhood cancer research. In terms of Leigh's influence on the industry, it is something he is more determined to focus on now that he has things under control with the business since the pandemic broke out. With borders shutting down all over the world, the founder saw an opportunity to step up and create some noise important for Australian Manufacturing within the construction sector. During the devastating Australian Wildfires, SJLW adopted several Koalas at the local Koala hospital and throughout the year, it tried to take part in events to help raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. What started with standing up for 1500 small businesses in window fabrication, ended up coinciding with announcement of the Federal Governments $5 million, “Go Local First' campaign in July 2020. The company has also worked with the Tiny Homes Project in the past to help find solutions for homelessness and may have something more to announce to work it hopes to do to assist with homelessness in the future. Always Looking for Ways to Grow Since then, Leigh has employed the services of a number of specialist consultants to help him devise a plan to lobby government and raise the profile of the importance of this cause in the media. After successfully partnering with government in the past to supply over 400 schools with its performance louvre windows, SJLW is now working on expanding out into other areas of government like social housing, aged-care, and defence. It has definitely been his most outstanding work yet, he is thankful for the opportunity, even though it was born out of such a terrible situation, where so many lives have been lost. In recently months, Leigh Rust spearheaded a proposal for governments in Australia to coincide with a $17.6 billion building and construction stimulus. Leigh's work lobbying government is ongoing, and he has personally met, and will continue to meet with politicians and government representatives to create mutually beneficial relationships to create these opportunities. Leigh now sees the potential impact he can have as a leader in this space and he plans to continue making noise for this cause as part of a longer-term goal to keep money on-shore to make sure his kids, and other kids have the opportunity to live and work in this great country. | 25 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
Prior to Covid, SJLW was about to expand operations into New Zealand, so as soon as the company can, it will get that rolling again too and it is also looking into its exporting capability for 2021 and beyond. regulations and expectations, but after a decade in business, and then the pandemic, Leigh Rust realized it was time to review the core values which will carry the company into the future. The pandemic has seen a re-evaluation of the functionality of space and a call for increased emphasis on physical safety and health through well-designed buildings. It is anticipated that high quality ventilation will be key in creating safer buildings and that automation will play a big part in post-pandemic architecture where the development and use of no-touch technology is expected to be the norm. So, in addition to its lobbying efforts, Leigh is really optimistic about SmartAir's potential to provide a pandemic friendly ventilation solution for the built environment. “ The company now has a new code to stand by and the entire team can feel proud of their involvement in a business that seeks to do more than just produce high performance louvre windows for sale. The code is built from the following four pillars: Ÿ Social Impact: Better outcomes for the health and wellbeing of building occupants Ÿ Environment Preservation: It supports the United Nations global sustainable development goals Ÿ Sustainability: It is the market leader delivering building products for ongoing energy efficiency Ÿ Stronger Economy: It supports local job growth and Australian manufacturing Core Values for the Future SJLW has always been big on performance and exceeding “We're a family business producing Australian made louvre windows that improve natural ventilation and reduce energy costs, consumption and carbon emissions” 26 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
Leigh Rust Co-founder & Director Safetyline Jalousie Louvre Windows | 27 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
H They are also the triggers of technical and scientific prowess and life-saving innovations. istorically, pandemics have marked the course of history. They are an integral part of the life and evolution of every civilization. They are the symbol of the development of our societies. Each obstacle leads to reflection and it is in adversity that man grows and develops innovations that see their usefulness put to the benefit of humanity. The year 2020 will remain engraved in the collective memory as a black year. A difficult year, a year of mourning, of fear for loved ones and for oneself. Nations that had been at peace for decades had to face this microscopic virus, which disrupted our independence. 2020 will have been a year of deprivation, a year that will have robbed us of our freedoms and brought us back to a sometimes traumatic reality : we are all vulnerable in this pandemic. Each individual has become aware that the threat is not always visible, and that it is therefore essential to have good hygiene. 80% of contaminations are made by manual contact, so it is imperative that our civilization is attentive, applying barrier gestures to protect itself and thus avoid the spread of numerous contaminations. It is against this invisible threat that we fight every day at LABORATOIRE HUCKERT'S. Fighting what cannot be seen with the naked eye is not an easy task because we must convince people of a risk that is not perceived in the same way by everyone. Our approach is often informative, because we tend to forget that our environment is populated by microorganisms that are sometimes dangerous. We have developed high-level disinfectant solutions based on fine chemistry. Our different ranges of disinfection products respond to the different problems linked to our customers sectors of activity. Whether it is a sensitive environment, an imposed process, or a technical need for example food contact, we meet the needs by offering adapted products completely safe for humans, equipment, and the environment. This health crisis will reveal us to others, calling us to order, and awakening us to our way of life : individualism has no place in a society. We are all connected to each other, we must relearn to be a nation, it is together that we are stronger. Solidarity, altruism and the values of human mutual aid are the key, and these have emerged stronger than ever. During this most complex period, LABORATOIRE HUCKERT'S has increased its efforts to respond to the many calls for help from around the world. Since our grandfather's founding in 1957, we have maintained the idea of a circular economy. Globalization must not make one nation dependent on another. For too long, our countries have favored economic development at the expense of losing their know-how. Today, Europe has become too dependent on certain countries. Developing countries where the price of labor flirts with the most attractive profitability devaluing our local labor force and thus having a considerable impact on our economy (reduced jobs, lower purchasing power, loss of our know-how, etc.). As entrepreneurs we also have a role to play in our economies. As a family business, we are committed to the development of renewable energies, such as the introduction of major innovations in our manufacturing processes with packaging made entirely of green PE; we are advocates of "nothing is thrown away, everything is created". For the good of 30 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
Tech Insights | 31 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
our planet and humanity, it is important to introduce our customers to this responsible purchasing. effectiveness is regularly tested on new strains of viruses, bacteria etc.. We believe in the power of nature, we strive to use the most natural ingredients without altering the effectiveness of our products. "Don't replace a biological risk by a chemical hazard" is the leitmotif of our father, Etienne HUCKERT, who for more than 35 years developed and oriented the company's core business towards niche markets such as high-risk infectious sectors in the hospital and pharmaceutical sectors. It is obvious that a company must find its way to make its know-how benefit. Differentiation is the only way to stand out from technical and qualitative competition. Within LABORATOIRE HUCKERT'S, our production unit is exclusively based in Belgium. We actively participate in the development of our country and Europe by selecting our partners according to their location and the geographical location of their manufacturing units. It is important that we share the same values. What we do, we want to do it well. The opposite would not make sense. It is fundamental for us to convince our customers of this ethic and the leitmotif that drives us every day. ISO 13485 certified, medical devices, LABORATOIRE HUCKERT'S solutions are used in more than thirty countries. This year, in order to meet all demands and future requirements, LABORATOIRE HUCKERT'S are investing more than €2,500,000 in new automated production lines and an expansion of a unit by more than 1000m2. Many actors have taken advantage of this health crisis to set up their own companies offering hand sanitizer and disinfectant products that have not norms and not validated by the national public health agency. But beware, we are not talking here about a lucrative economic activity, but about a vital need that saves lives. We must therefore be aware that our customers need safety and reliability. When buying disinfectant solutions to protect against viruses, diseases, we must ensure a flawless efficiency and a completely safe product for our customers and their environment. Using toxic, carcinogenic or abrasive products or products that you must protect yourself from when using them with protection (gloves, masks, glasses) makes no sense to us. Our products are completely safe, we validate all standards and the Our team has given 200% to help all the actors on the front line, this war effort is not over but this year allows us to highlight our role, the importance of our actions, and the importance of good disinfection, because every day we save lives. 32 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020 Louisa Maliako Mojela Empowering Women & Youth in Africa A employees want. In its upcoming edition “The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020,” Insights Success is bringing success stories of such leaders who are influential business leaders that are changing the world. great leader has the capability to motivate employees, help others see and believe in an idea, and lead innovation in the company. Having a great leader at the front is something that all investors, consumers, and Meet Louisa Maliako Mojela Founder of Bophelo Bio-Science & Wellness Pty Ltd, an avid woman business leader, and South Africa’s most accomplished black women leaders in business. She asserts “Our mission is to leverage the natural purity of the Kingdom of Lesotho’s Lowlands and climate to produce medicinal cannabis of the highest quality.” Her vision is to become producer of medicinal cannabis products in the continent of Africa. The company’s values are integrity, community upliftment and good citizenship, common purpose, team spirit and harmony. She wants Bophelo to be a company that is committed to the empowerment and upliftment specifically of women and the youth residing near where the company operations are. Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between Insights Success and Louisa Maliako Mojela: What led to an inception of the company? The opportunity arose following the legalization of medicinal cannabis by the Government of Lesotho and its being proven that cannabis if properly used for medical purposes has many benefits that can save lives, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity. Furthermore it is estimated that the cannabis industry is poised to grow around $57 billion by 2027 according to various market researchers. Describe your company and its cutting-edge (domain of the respective project) solutions which addresses all the needs of your customers. We hope to create an economically sustainable company with upstream and downstream value chain, become a leading medicinal cannabis cultivator, manufacturer and exporter in the region, maintain international standard especially the Good Agricultural Collection Practices (GACP), create the much needed jobs to communities especially the youth, contribute to skills and enterprise development above all maintaining the quality of our products. 34 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
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Give a detailed description of the featured person’s influence over the company and the industry. As the founder of the company first and foremost I have to ensure the company is successful and achieves its stated objectives. The policies of the company must be attractive to make the company the best employer and the employer of choice. I must also attract and retain young professionals and talent to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the company in the foreseeable future. More importantly we must identify credible partners with expertise, track record in the cannabis industry as we did by partnering with Halo Labs which is a leader in cannabis growing, cultivation, manufacturing and distributing as well as extraction and processing of oils and concentrate. Describe in detail about the work culture and the values that drive your company. Our culture is based on equal employment opportunity in order to provide equal employment and opportunities to all individuals based on merit, qualifications and individual abilities without discriminating race, gender, religion, or any characteristic prohibited by law. Our goal is to attract formidable team of professionals and reputable institutions in the industry. We strive for honesty and respect in our dealings and accountable to all our stakeholders. Lastly we strive to be good corporate citizens by giving back to communities. What are your company’s future aspirations? Our future aspirations are to become a leading producer and exporter of quality medicinal cannabis products that comply with international standards and becoming a trailblazer to other women to venture in the cannabis industry. Maintain the wellbeing of our employees and investing in social projects and projects that can bring about meaningful change to those in need. What is your idea of Corporate Social Responsibility? Corporate Social Responsibility is part of our culture and values. The success of the company must be measured by the development of the community around it. It can’t be that communities are left impoverished whilst companies are thriving at the exclusion of communities especially the youth as they are the future. What strategies are you undertaking to achieve those goals? The first goal is to become a successful and profitable company and thus enable us to meaningfully have a social, transformative and impactful contribution to the greater communities and creating wealth for stakeholders. 36 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
““ “It is my wish and that of the company that this ground breaking opportunity created by the Government of Lesotho by legalizing the growing and cultivation of medicinal cannabis will bring meaningful change to the communities and contribute to the economy of the country.” | 37 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
“For me, a conservative approach to business builds a better company. I equate starting and growing my company to a stone building…The old stone building that's been standing for Ddr. Paul Guenther, DBA President & CEO Knowledge Hub Media 500 years.” 38 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020 Dr. Paul Guenther An Astute Leader Advocating Constant Innovation S skills that take an individual towards the entrepreneurial path. The story of Dr.Paul Guenther,the Founder & CEO of Knowledge Hub Media, aptly exemplifies the above statement. ome people prepare themselves to become an entrepreneur, whereas some entrepreneurs are born. There are innate Prior to founding Knowledge Hub, he was working for a company that was in the B2B Advertising industry. He had successfully taken on and worked in several different roles within the company, more specifically, in sales, client services and client marketing. While working there, he felt that he had a rather good grip on most of the moving parts. Paul has always innately been an entrepreneur. He started his first eCommerce website when he was 14 and paid his way through college via another ecommerce website that he started back in 2002. So, in 2009, he quit his job, and started his own B2B Advertising Technology Company. Back then, it was called 'IT Knowledge Hub' – as IT Professionals and IT Decision Makers were its general target market in terms of visitors and email subscribers. Most of the challenges he faced during the time of inception included fulfilling campaigns with a limited audience. He had to spend a large amount of money on marketing in the beginning to get his name out there and keep the registrations coming in. Paul graduated from Penn State University with his bachelor's degree in the Spring of 2006. Between 2006 and 2009, he had seven different jobs, but he didn't like any of them too much. He was always bouncing around to new opportunities, chasing a higher paycheck. He was never truly fulfilled career wise until he started Knowledge Hub Media. Later on, Paul went on to receive his MBA from Wilmington University in 2010. | 39 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
Eventually, he also earned his Doctorate in Business Administration, from Wilmington University, in 2019. Built from Scratch Paul built Knowledge Hub Media from the ground up with the help of a few key employees: Anthony DiFilippo, James Pastuf, and his brother, Chris Guenther. Today, it has been a leader in delivering breaking news, expert blog articles, and the newest and most relevant white papers, webinars, and case studies across all industry verticals. It provides B2B demand generation (or lead generation) services via white paper and content syndication. The company utilizes its customer's white papers, webcasts, eBooks, and other assets to generate highly qualified sales leads; based on the specific software and/or service-based solution(s) offered by each of its clients. Each client's internal salesforce then contacts the leads that the company has generated to (1) gauge their interest in the solution that they are offering/selling, (2) get them into the automation platform and/or sales pipeline, and (3) ultimately close the deal. The company runs many different types of specialized lead generation campaigns, as well. These include BANT Campaigns, where four qualifying questions are asked to ensure the contact has the authority, the budget, the buying timeframe, and the need for the solution being promoted. Additionally, it also runs SQL/SRL lead campaigns, where the leads indicate that they want to be contacted and receive more information about a client's solution. These are remarkably high quality, sales ready leads. The company has recently developed the ability to provide intent data to its clients. Dr. Paul Guenther Founder & CEO Knowledge Hub Media So, in addition to run standard Account-Based marketing (ABM) campaigns, it can also build customized ABM lists for clients. These lists are made up of companies who are already showing intent to buy their solution. The intent is measured by the types and amounts of content they are consuming on a number of different B2B technology related topics. “I do take breaks and hang out with my family in between all of this, of course! But I NEVER work on the weekend. This is a promise that I made to my wife before we got married; a promise that I made to myself before I even started the company. I do not want to be tied to work 24/7 and being a fairly sociable person. I also like doing things with friends and family on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays. And most importantly spend as much time as possible with my beautiful wife Allison and three year old son. Pledging to never work on the weekend ever has afforded me the ability to do all of this,” states Paul. A Balance is Important Maintaining a steady balance between professional life and personal life is difficult. Paul is a passionate entrepreneur, but he never let his professional and personal life clash. He works hard all week, but never works on weekend. He starts his day at 8am early in the morning and works till 3am, the next day. Some Glorious Awards & Recognition Paul has come so far with his company. Recognized three 40 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
Constantly Innovating years running as an Inc. 5000 List Company (Inc. Magazine), and named one of Entrepreneur Magazine's “Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America” in 2017, 2018 and 2019 (Entrepreneur 360), Knowledge Hub Media separates itself as one of the finest and most trusted technology and business information resources online today. Speaking about the vision, Paul aims to continue to add new team members, create new products, and innovate new technologies to offer its clients a true edge over their competition. He is also striving to build revenue year over year and reach $10 million in annual sales by the end of next year. Paul doesn't believe in forecasting growth with any assumed trajectory. Instead, he believes in learning the industry, ramping things up the right way, and constantly innovating. In 2018, Knowledge Hub Media was also recognized by CV Magazine, receiving a “Corporate Excellence Award” for B2B Advertising & Research. In 2019, The CEO Views named Knowledge Hub Media one of the “Top 10 Emerging Companies of the Year.” | 41 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
A Connected World 42 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
Networking and Business | 43 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
rom speedy access to the F almost anyone anywhere in the world by dialling just a few digits, the contemporary technology-oriented world has changed the way we connect and communicate. With smart devices, people have also become smarter. efficiency and excellence in their operations. seamlessly deliver services proving that physical distances can’t dampen the innovative spirits. Digital experi- ences supported by Cloud have found new takers during the pandemic and the technology is poised for steady growth. internet to the ability to instantly get in touch with Even though enterprises have under- stood the importance of network infrastructure, choosing the right networking services partner is another challenge. Businesses are in search of partners with integrated networking solutions and a team that possesses the required skill-set and industry rich expertise. They are on the lookout for a solution provider which they can trust and rely on. With so much dependence on net- works, it is bound to grow complex. To reduce and manage its complexity and shift creation of network rules and its maintenance, Intent-based networking is one solution to look-out for. The idea is to put a network control- ler(deploying AI/ML) that can regularly monitor the network, suggest best paths and continuously adjust the network performance for maximum output. Though the processes of connecting have become simpler, there is a need for effective communication and service between users, applications, services, devices and so forth. This is where network infrastructure comes into the picture. Taking this need into consideration, many networking solution providers have come forward with cutting edge solutions and are ensuring the smooth running of the enterprises without any performance issue. The changes start with migration to 5G technology. It is built to increase the network speed and reduce latency. It will assist in the mobilization of employees allowing them to work from any part of the world. Let’s consider the current situation. COVID-19 has compelled IT busi- nesses to close their workplace and made their employees work remotely. As employees working from a different location on enterprise networks consists of traffic and thus, centralizing traffic could have been a challenge for business. To address this challenge, there arises a need for a suitable network infrastructure. And while we are at it, how can we not mention Internet of Things(IoT). From empowering manufacturing, providing enhanced tracking to logistics, to helping the healthcare sector in remote monitoring and more, IoT is redefining the way industries work and behave. As connectivity grows, so does IoT’s application. Next up is harnessing the prowess of Artificial Intelligence(AI) and Machine Learning(ML) in solving business problems in real-time. Right from hiring the most suitable candidate to process transformation and enriching customer experience, AI and ML can deliver solutions to help business flourish. Along with the employee's perfor- mance and excellent equipment, the agility and productivity of organiza- tions also depend on the robust and secured network infrastructure. In today’s digital age, businesses cannot afford to have poor user experience and security issues that can impact employee productivity and thus, are realizing the importance of adopting comprehensive network infrastructure. With sound networking solutions, businesses can ensure optimum Networking is evolving and with each new step that it takes, it presents a new opportunity for businesses to digitally transform and scale their services. Cloud Solutions are seen as the way forward to maintain business continu- ity and resilience and are being proven effective in today’s crisis. It has helped teams stay connected over work and 44 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
Pete Pallares An Active Associate in Autism Awareness and Treatment A precautions. During this time, when social distancing might be necessary, you and your child can continue behavioral health treatment through Telehealth. Center for Social Dynamics (CSD) is a company that offers specialized assessments, evaluations and treatment as woll as diagnostic services to meet the developmental needs of the child with his/her particular way to learn. The company’s multidisciplinary team, incorporating behavior analysis, occupational and psychological therapies, is committed to providing individualized and cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment services. One such team member is Pete Pallares providing unparalleled support for your child and your family. s a parent or caregiver, you may be wondering how to keep your child’s development on track through school closures and other COVID-19 Pete has also a foundation, The Pedro Pallares Autism Foundation, and his leadership and work on social equality and diversity has received national recognition. Originally from Barcelona, Spain, he spends time in his native country and the Bay Area helping families affected with autism. Pete is currently an active member and presenter for different organizations that focus on Autism treatment and awareness and has also been an associate to important autism research studies conducted by the Department of Public Health and Kaiser Permanente. Pete has also received recognition from Inc5000 and SFBT as one of the US fastest growing companies in the last 5 years and has been a recipient of the EY entrepreneur of the year award. Treatment through Telehealth Telehealth through the pandemic has taken over the industry. Telehealth - delivering health care services, health education/coaching and treatment through a live video call. It primarily facilitates patient self-management and caregiver support for patients through real-time training, consultation, and delivery of services. Simply the convergence of technology, its digitalization, and security will have a huge impact on the patient experience...and that is why and what Pete Pallares is here for. Also, the ability to simplify through innovative ideas the day of a clinician is key in what the Center for Social Dynamics does – It is a constant. Devoted towards Specialization Pete Pallares is the Founder and CEO of the Center for Social Dynamics. Active in the field of autism and developmental disabilities for over 25 years, Pete has devoted much of his time working in research, diagnosis, and the treatment of autism across our communities, cultures and languages. As CEO, Pete oversees a team of highly qualified clinicians and administrators develop and implement individualized treatment programs for children and families diagnosed with autism utilizing the principles of applied behavior analysis and the cultural and linguistic context within their geographical location. Pete has provided intervention programs for a wide range of patients from high- functioning children to very challenging individuals. His specialization includes unpacking and analyzing cultural dynamics within a setting, an environment, or an individual. Pete’s Foundation The Pedro Pallares Autism Foundation was created in 2017 to help individuals and families impacted by Autism nationally and internationally. “This is the job I want when I grow up!!” says Pete. 46 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com
The 10 Most Influential Business Leader of 2020 Pete Pallares Founder & CEO | 47 www.insightssuccess.com October 2020
to embark on an inner journey of self-growth, tolerance, and patience to achieve results for his families and the organization he wanted. Both CSD and The Pedro Pallares Autism Foundation require a different view but a similar type of character and personality. Continuous Support The world of healthcare is a frantic one in the US! Pete Pallares hopes to continue helping families and creating high-level administrators in five years. In terms of the foundation, in five years hopefully, the Pedro Pallares Autism Foundation has strong branding around Pete’s space and it continues to support and fund organizations and practitioners. Pete is very focused on growing CSD and having his foundation active and operating to the best of his ability. The Founder always tries to focus on things he can control, so his team gets most of the attention. Diversity and multi-culturalism are the principles and foundation of why Pete Pallares started organizations that provide care for others. Both CSD and the PPAF are built on the core components that diversity, equality, and a multi- diverse population make the society stronger and the world better in all aspects. So, from day one the team has been always very active about what they believe in. Only recently those core values are making headlines and political campaigns. The team has always been a diverse community at CSD and the PPAF. It will always be. ““ Pete Pallares feels that the team is finally becoming a proper foundation. Pete is getting much better at fundraising and the ideology behind it. The Foundation is constantly supporting organizations and causes that have a great impact on people’s lives. Next for Autism is one of the organizations it collaborates with. Also, the support it provides to communities in terms of awareness and advice is big as well as the attention to minorities and how they access services in the healthcare industry are important for the company. It is incredible what you can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit From the Leader The term leader has different meanings for people but what Pete Pallares clearly knows is that leadership is a hard, daunting job of passion and emotions. “For most of us, it takes much more than learning the latest theories of operations and management and operate from a manual; it is about transforming ourselves, shares the leader. Pete had 48 | October 2020 www.insightssuccess.com