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Tracy Johnson is grace the cover of the prestigious Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine acknowledged as World's Most Influential Leaders Inspiring the Tech World, 2023
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Vol. 10 | Issue 10 | October 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World’s Most Influential Leaders Inspiring the Tech World, Revolutionizing Design Education for Skilled Design Professionals PG. 40 An industry expert, focused on working towards a sustainable and food secure future through plant- based foods PG. 50 A Visionary IT Professional with Customer- Centric Leadership in the Dynamic IT World Johnson Johnson Johnson Johnson Tracy Tracy Tracy
World's Most Inuential Leaders Inspiring the Tech World, 2023 Using Modern Tech as The Element of Transformation The business environment is changing swiftly as always. Modern business environments are global and fiercely competitive, and innovative technologies are transforming the world. A learning curve and continuous progression through the phases are required. To promote innovation, growth, and creative destruction, each outstanding person must deploy intellectual capital. stay in the loop about where it's headed. He does this by actively taking part in online and in-person tech events, where he pays close attention to the big tech shifts. This strategy has been a game-changer because change is the only constant in tech. Aspiring tech enthusiasts are happy with the products and services they receive from the sector and are positive about how it is leveraging technology, but they want it to be able to do more. For instance, they want more services to be available online and more opportunities to comment on and influence the design of services using technology. Young people and intelligent people describe themselves as aspirational technophiles. Technology has simplified many elements of their life. Future tech entrepreneurs, these people are also concerned about the wider world. They understand that having access to technology may help progress society in addition to assisting them in achieving their own personal goals. Tracy's journey is all about constantly learning. He's dead serious about keeping his tech skills top-notch. This commitment makes him a shining example for others in the tech field. But it's not just about being on the tech forefront; it's also about being a leader. Tracy says real leadership isn't just about the spotlight. It's about doing the right thing even when nobody's looking or the cameras are off. It's about solving problems instead of just talking about them. Tracy pushes for a problem- solving mindset, which sets leaders apart. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Influential Leaders Inspiring the Tech World, 2023” has curated a list of the tech visionaries who have been successful in leading some of the top organizations working in industries as diverse as healthcare to consumer goods. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. Have a lovely read! The cover has Tracy Johnson who stands out as an expert who gets the importance of connecting with fellow IT experts. He keeps up with the ever-changing IT scene to
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Gloria Sanchez Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker OCTOBER 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, 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 WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
Cover Story 08 A Visionary IT Professional with Customer-Centric Leadership in the Dynamic IT World Johnson Tracy Tracy Johnson Tracy Johnson
16 CP Lee Cristina Martinez Pinto 20 Dr. Eric Darr 26 Kange Kaneene 30 36 Miquel Colet Nicola Pighi 40 44 Oliver Drews 50 Sanjay Sethi 54 Tim Conroy
Tracy Tracy Tracy Johnson Johnson Johnson Johnson A Visionary IT Professional with Customer-Centric Leadership in the Dynamic IT World worldsleaders.com | 09
In the fast-moving tech world, Tracy Johnson stands out as an expert who gets the importance of connecting with fellow IT experts. He keeps up with the ever-changing IT scene to stay in the loop about where it's headed. He does this by actively taking part in online and in-person tech events, where he pays close attention to the big tech shifts. This strategy has been a game-changer because change is the only constant in tech. Tracy's journey is all about constantly learning. He's dead serious about keeping his tech skills top- notch. This commitment makes him a shining example for others in the tech field. But it's not just about being on the tech forefront; it's also about being a leader. Tracy says real leadership isn't just about the spotlight. It's about doing the right thing even when nobody's looking or the cameras are off. It's about solving problems instead of just talking about them. Tracy pushes for a problem-solving mindset, which sets leaders apart. Tracy thinks many tech leaders forget how important it is to listen to customers. He believes their job is to be the link between the company they work for and what the customers want. Amidst all the company's focus, Tracy tells tech leaders to remember they're there to serve customers and meet their needs as best they can. Tracy thinks tech leaders should become responsive team players who can explain tech stuff while understanding what customers want. He says this is the key to achieving success for the company. Tracy's vision is all about creating win- win situations—a philosophy that leads to long- term success and good relationships with customers and within the company. 10 | October 2023
Showing Determination and Resilience A Well-Rounded Professional Before starting his career, Tracy spent a lot of time playing basketball during his school years, from 6th to 8th grade. He was good at it, scoring an impressive 30 points per game in 8th grade. Tracy grew tall, reaching 6 feet 5 inches, and decided to play college basketball, even though he knew he wouldn't go pro. Through his sports experience, he also pursued a business degree and learned important teamwork and collaboration lessons that helped him in his career. At work, Tracy is all in—dedicated and hardworking, driven by the organization's goals and the team's success. He's a pro at connecting with people from all walks of life, taking the time to understand their unique stories and journeys. Tracy knows that people are shaped by their past experiences, which make them the pros they are today. To keep the workplace positive, he aims to be approachable and someone colleagues can chat with about work stuff or personal stuff. Tracy's journey has been all about staying determined and focused on his goal of becoming a successful business pro. Even when he faced lots of challenges and obstacles, he didn't give up. He showed he could overcome anything with his dedication and commitment to his goals. Tracy has learned that going beyond job duties and getting to know people on a personal level is how you get them to give their best effort and stay committed. He's all about humor and not taking life too seriously, knowing that life's short. His motto is to give it his all and do his best to succeed in tasks and projects. Tracy's really proud of being a top-notch salesperson. Vision for Transformation Tracy is focused on making significant changes in three key areas within the field of IT and technology. First, he's all about green tech. He thinks it's important to cut down on our carbon footprint and protect the planet, especially with all the wildfires and other environmental problems going on. Outside of work, Tracy likes taking walks during the week and is working on getting better at golf again after a break during the COVID-19 pandemic. He's a big sports fan, loving basketball, baseball, football, and golf. Spending quality time with his family is super important, and he helps his 96-year- old grandma and 80-year-old mom with chores on the weekends. Tracy's upbringing in a single-parent household, with his grandma and mom as big influences, has made him who he is today. When he's got free time, Tracy enjoys watching movies and playing strategy games. People say he's the kind of person you'd want to sit next to on a plane because he's friendly and easy to talk to. Second, Tracy's on a mission to make sure everyone in the world can get on the internet. He knows that having internet access is a must in today's connected world. He's all about closing the gap and giving folks in underserved areas the same chances. Lastly, Tracy wants to use IT to make life better for everyone. He wants to use tech to improve things like healthcare, education, and just daily life in general. His goal is to bring us all closer together and make the world a better place. 12 | October 2023
Formula for Success The ability to embrace change is important. Tracy says, "Many people can only view business from their vantage point and not others. How will you come across the next great idea or strategy if you are not willing to embrace change? Being open- minded is very important.” Being consistent. Success requires a steady amount of effort. Monday through Friday, you must put in the work and work the plan for the plan to work. Ÿ Tracy attributes his success to a set of core values and traits that have guided him throughout his journey: Ÿ Competitive drive and a desire to always strive to be the best at what he is doing. Ÿ Being a good listener and observer. Ÿ Working hard to provide mutually beneficial outcomes. Ÿ Tracy values working with people who have strong interpersonal skills, have a sense of humor, are able to tell a joke, and laugh while also getting the work done. Ÿ Having a level of emotional empathy is extremely important, which ultimately leads to a solid work culture. Ÿ Key Traits for a Team Member When hiring a new team member, Tracy places a high value on specific traits that he considers crucial: Ÿ Fire in the Belly (High Energy and Drive): Tracy 14 | October 2023
and planning. The idea is not to come in and change everything too quickly. One-on-one meetings with current staff are important to learn what is working and what the pain points are and to establish rapport. Be approachable! Approachable leadership will earn the trust and approval of the organization much faster than a leader with the door closed in meetings 24/7. Surround yourself with industry experts to offset your weaknesses. No one is exceptional at everything, so if you know you have a weakness in a certain area, hire or promote from within people in the area that will offset your weaknesses. This will ultimately lead to a more successful long-term leadership journey for yourself and the organization. Communicate and make people feel like they are part of the team. In-person communication, looking people in the eye, versus virtual meetings, is much more effective when applicable. Do not pretend to have all the answers. No one wants to work for a "Know-It-All." You were hired to lead, but that doesn't mean that you know everything. Your team will respect and appreciate you more in the long term, and it also humanizes you to the team. looks for candidates who exhibit a strong sense of energy and drive, often referred to as having "fire in the belly." He values self-starters who are highly motivated and proactive in their approach to work. Longevity at a Company: Tracy regards longevity at a company as a significant trait. He prefers candidates who have a track record of staying with a company for 4-5 years rather than frequently changing jobs. This stability indicates a commitment to their roles and a capacity to contribute to a team over the long term. It also highlights loyalty and perseverance, especially if the candidate has held various positions within the same organization. Positive Personality and Interpersonal Skills: Tracy emphasizes the importance of personality and solid interpersonal skills. He believes that individuals with strong interpersonal abilities contribute positively to workplace culture. Building relationships within the office fosters collaboration, particularly when different departments need to work together effectively. A candidate's ability to connect with colleagues and contribute to a harmonious work environment is highly valued. Taking Big Risks Ÿ Tracy took a big professional risk by leaving a company where he had a high-level job after 20 years. He trusted himself and joined a startup. Later, he took on an even bigger challenge by managing a business unit in the United States for a much larger global company. These career changes showed he's not afraid of change and believes in his skills and ability to adapt. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Looking ahead to the next five years, Tracy sees himself leading an organization that's all about growing the IT business. With his 26 years of experience and relationships, he wants to lead a team that's all about growth and innovation in the ever-changing tech world. Tracy's vision shows how ambitious and committed he is to achieving even more success in his career. Ÿ Ÿ Insights for First-Time Leaders Tracy offers valuable advice for individuals stepping into a leadership position for the first time: Ÿ Your first 90 days are extremely important, so make sure you take the time to understand the company's past and present situation, what has been effective, and try to maintain the positives and incorporate them into your go-forward strategy Ÿ worldsleaders.com | 15
ith over two decades of dynamic experience in the tech industry, CP Lee has established himself as a technically sophisticated executive leader. As Chief Technology & Operations Ofcer at Mola, Lee has a proven track record of leading engagements with potential and existing partners to source new business, inspire customer loyalty, and drive positive impact to the top and bottom line. Dr. Lee's journey began as a research scholar at one of Asia's premier universities. His sharp intellect and persistent quest for solutions have been a driving force. Moving from academia to the corporate world, he has worked with leading organizations like Apple, Motorola, and HBO, gaining diverse industry exposure. Despite the varying industries, a consistent theme of Change and Transformation has emerged, presenting a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of different worlds. Throughout his professional journey, Dr Lee has consistently demonstrated his ability to take ownership of highly critical and visible projects and deliver optimal results in a fast- paced, deadline-driven environment. His keen aptitude for leadership and innovative problem-solving has earned him multiple accolades and awards in the industry. 18 | October 2023
clockwork, keeping the lights on without people realizing the challenges involved in achieving this feat. He makes it look easy, like A-B-C, so that users can seamlessly enjoy the products. By embracing these traits, new team members can effectively integrate into the team and contribute to the company's success. An Operational Efficient CTO As a CTO, Dr. Lee understands that operational efficiency and performance are crucial aspects, not just technology. The ultimate goal is to let enhance and optimise technological operational efficiency to support the business growth and expansion. Balancing innovation, stability, and efficiency while juggling risks is a fine art that Dr. Lee excels in, making changes while ensuring optimal performance. Dr. Lee is driven by the desire to see the company's products evolve into something that's not just usable, but also exciting and well- regarded by users. This daily motivation helps him strive towards achieving the best for the company and its users. According to Dr. Lee, bringing a new team member onboard, even if they are highly experienced, can be disruptive to the team dynamics. However, there are three key traits that can help them succeed: adaptability to change, the ability to anticipate potential issues in a positive manner, and authenticity. These traits are crucial in empowering team members to navigate changes and overcome obstacles that arise along the way. In CTO Role As the CTO, Dr. Lee's primary responsibility is to ensure that everything runs smoothly like worldsleaders.com | 19
Kange Kaneene Vice President SAP.iO 30 | October 2023
A Tech Expert Believing in Equal Opportunities K software. Right now, her main goal is to make SAP's ecosystem grow by helping new and creative startups. She really cares about making sure everyone has the same chances in life, and she works hard for it through education, supporting new businesses, and helping people who have been in trouble before get back on their feet. ange Kaneene is the Vice President at SAP.iO. She is both a computer scientist and has an MBA, and she knows a lot about enterprise As an adult, I have lived in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Singapore, and I currently live in Brooklyn, New York. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? During high school, I spent a lot of time with my friends on AOL Messenger. My father mistook my obsession for an actual interest in computers and suggested that I study computer science. I followed his advice and majored in it at the University of Michigan. It was a grueling curriculum, but I still found time to have fun and I made great lifelong friends while I was there. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Kange Kaneene: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. Instead of working as a software engineer, I accepted a job with Manhattan Associates, a tech consulting company. I was based in Atlanta and worked with clients such as Vera Bradley. After two years, I decided that consulting was not my lifelong career, and I began to explore what I needed to do to get accepted to the business school of my choice. I reviewed applications, found my gaps, and made sure to correct them over the next year. After three years at Manhattan Associates, I left to pursue my MBA at NYU Stern School of Business. My friends and family call me a connector because it gives me great joy to bring people together. For example, I have planned large scale events in Portugal, Morocco, Martha's Vineyard, and many dinner parties at my apartment. I have a passion for diversity and creating equally distributed access to opportunity. I am so proud of what we are doing at SAP.iO to support representation in SAP.iO's portfolio. In addition, I am an angel investor with Pipeline Angels, a group of female investors who invest in female founders. I am a mentor for entrepreneurs as a volunteer for Defy Ventures, a non- profit organization that invests in founders who are currently or formerly incarcerated. Finally, I am chair of the public charter school board for KIPP NYC, a network of public charter schools that focuses on education parity. I picked NYU because of its collaborative, team- oriented culture. While there, I decided I wanted to join a tech company that had a rotational program as well as an international footprint. SAP reached out to me, and they matched my criteria. After the rotational program, I wanted to work in their corporate strategy department, and I basically wore the Chief Strategy Officer down until he hired me. When my program was over, he offered me a full-time job. After 18 months, the Chief Revenue Officer was looking for an apprentice, and the Chief Strategy Officer recommended me. That was a life changing job that included global travel and a front- row seat to how decisions are made. After two and a half years, I did some assignments in Asia (Singapore and Tokyo) and then moved to New York to work in business development roles. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit. At SAP, I founded the Black Employee Network (BEN), which has since scaled to 3 continents and 15 chapters with 6K+ members, including allies. Finally, at the University of Michigan, I co-founded Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (gEECS) in response to the decreasing number of women in technical disciplines. The organization has since spread to other universities and is funded by iconic organizations such as Microsoft and Goldman Sachs. While working in business development, my boss worldsleaders.com | 31
wanted to do an acquisition and asked me to do a market scan. I loved getting to speak to the heads of different companies and set the goal of working with startups and scaleups full time. I started going to demo days and pitch competitions and asking a lot of questions. In short, I got the venture bug. I started angel investing and VC scouting with a specific focus on underrepresented founders. In parallel, my former boss, SAP's Chief Strategy Officer, started SAP.iO (SAP's global startup ecosystem) and asked me to mentor some of the startups in the portfolio. I quickly gained a rapport with the entire SAP.iO team and was later recruited to lead SAP.iO North America, which later launched in Latin America and the Caribbean as well. I am extremely grateful for the career I have had so far. From my parents' blueprint of following curiosity, I've fashioned a career and life out of my passions, which include solving big problems, building strong relationships, and traveling the world. I never thought AOL Messenger could have led to such wonderful adventures. I look forward to continuing to identify winning start-ups and helping them grow and succeed. several stages of evolution and has transitioned away from an umbrella including a corporate venture fund, venture studio, and intrapreneurship program and is exclusively focused on an external startup accelerator. However, today we are proud to say there is no other corporate startup accelerator in the world like SAP.iO. As a startup in the enterprise software space with a direct sales model, acquiring large brands as customers is uniquely challenging. Understanding the buying organization for startups to sell into and then getting in contact with the specific decision-maker within the organization is a significant barrier. Furthermore, if startups are lucky enough to secure meetings with the correct decision-maker, the sales cycles are painfully long—sometimes 6–18 months. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? SAP is the largest enterprise software company in the world, and is SAP's external startup accelerator. SAP.iO SAP.iO started in 2017 and was designed to be SAP's inclusive startup ecosystem. The team has been through On the other hand, SAP has massive scale and is trusted by 450K+ customers globally, including 92% of the Forbes Global 2,000 companies. Still, SAP has opportunities to 32 | October 2023
innovate further beyond its portfolio to add the most value for its customers. Therefore, at SAP.iO, we believe SAP technology paired with the power of startup innovation amplifies the value we can bring to the world. Here is how it works: First, the SAP.iO team goes out into the market and curates the most innovative and relevant startups that complement SAP's solution portfolio and meet the needs of its customers. Then SAP and the startups go to market together with a revenue share. This process generates a triple win. 1) Startups can leverage SAP's existing relationships with some of the largest enterprises in the world and secure revenue contracts. Again, this is extremely difficult for startups to do on their own. Furthermore, SAP.iO is non-dilutive, so it does not take equity in startups, invest, or charge a fee. 2) Customers are introduced to cutting edge technology that is easily consumable and integrated into the SAP solution(s) they are already implementing. 3) SAP delivers optimal value to its customers as a true innovation partner. People are the most important contribution to a company's culture. Establishing an environment where people feel valued and have opportunities to grow yields the most success. Since its inception in 2017, SAP.iO has already realized fantastic success. SAP.iO is spread across 11 innovation hubs around the world with 525+ portfolio companies. To date, 7K+ interactions have been made between SAP.iO portfolio companies and SAP customers. 44% of the portfolio is managed or led by underrepresented individuals (defined as individuals whose share of venture capital in the technology sector is disproportionate to the region where they live). That 44% surpasses or ties the rest of the portfolio on key metrics: number of exits and unicorns, amount of venture capital raised, and likelihood to progress a partnership with SAP. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? We know when we have found the most innovative startups when SAP's large customers are dying to work with them. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? I think it depends on the group. What are your responsibilities as the VP of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? What has made you successful? What do you value? The only unit of measure for my success is my ability to create and maintain meaningful relationships. People have opened doors for me when they feel confident about my professional capabilities and ability to lead with empathy, do the right thing, and be a collaborative team member. As the VP of SAP.iO North and Latin America, I am responsible for three foundries: New York, San Francisco, and Latin America and the Caribbean. I have seven people on my team that run the day-to-day operations of each. I spend most of my time managing the team, generating partnerships with venture capital firms, attending entrepreneur ecosystem events, public speaking, and uplifting startups. Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? SAP.iO is differentiated because it is non-dilutive and focused on revenue generating business development. Be transparent about activities happening within the team and be vulnerable (when appropriate) about things happening in your personal life. This helps to build trust and also inspires your team to be open with you. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? worldsleaders.com | 33
Revolutionizing Design Education for Skilled Design Professionals Nicola Pighi D fulfilling path. Fueled by an unwavering passion to make quality education accessible to all, Pighi's visionary spirit gave birth to Hdemy Group and NAD Nuova Accademia del Design. iscover the dynamic realm of Hdemy Group NAD, a hub brimming with youthful talent and finely honed professional profiles for the world of design. As an entrepreneur in the education sphere, Nicola Pighi embarked on a challenging yet As the CEO of Hdemy Group/NAD Nuova Accademia del Design, Nicola assumes a range of crucial responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, business development, and ensuring the overall success and growth of the organization. Working closely with a talented team, Nicola drives innovation, identifies new market opportunities, and fosters a positive and enriching learning experience for students. worldsleaders.com | 41
Looking ahead, Nicola envisions Hdemy Group/NAD Nuova Accademia del Design as a global leader in the digital education landscape over the next five years. The organization's trajectory will involve a continuous expansion of course offerings, reinforcing partnerships with renowned industry experts, and leveraging emerging technologies to deliver unparalleled learning experiences. The primary focus will be on empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in the digital age, equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in their respective fields. Spanning a wide spectrum of subjects, Hdemy Group's offerings encompass business and entrepreneurship, technology and digital skills, leadership and management, creative arts and design, as well as personal development. Leveraging state-of-the- art technologies and industry expertise, the institution consistently delivers captivating and interactive learning experiences, ensuring accessibility anytime and anywhere for its learners. Lifelong Learning: Nicola firmly believes that education should extend beyond a specific phase of life. He recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and continuous skill development in an ever- changing world. Encouraging individuals to embrace learning as an ongoing journey empowers them to adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workforce. By fostering a culture of curiosity and a growth mindset, individuals can continuously acquire new skills, explore new fields, and stay relevant throughout their lives. Ÿ Today, Hdemy Group's impact resonates in the lives of countless learners, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to soar in their careers. Pivotal to this success is the remarkable transformation of a struggling startup into a thriving e- learning platform. Through strategic alliances and an unwavering focus on customer needs, Hdemy Group identified the pain points of their target audience and tailored their offerings accordingly. The result? Exponential growth and the solidification of Hdemy Group as a trusted brand in the multifaceted education industry of design, spanning interior, product, fashion, and graphic disciplines. Closing the Skills Gap: The rapid advancement of technology has resulted in a significant skills gap in various industries. Nicola emphasizes the need to address this gap by equipping learners with the skills that are in high demand. This can be achieved through collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners, ensuring that educational programs align with the needs of the job market. Ÿ Under Nicola's leadership, Hdemy Group/NAD aims to remain at the forefront of the industry by embracing innovation, driving impactful growth, and providing a transformative educational journey for its learners. By aligning strategic planning with a deep commitment to excellence, Nicola envisions a future where Hdemy Group/NAD plays a pivotal role in shaping the digital education landscape, empowering learners worldwide to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to the modern world. Additionally, upskilling programs and continuous feedback loops between educators and employers can play a crucial role in closing the skills gap and preparing individuals for meaningful employment opportunities. Transforming Education for a Changing World Nicola identifies three key areas that require transformation in both society and education: Ÿ Access to Education: Nicola advocates for greater access to quality education worldwide. By leveraging technology and eliminating barriers such as geographical constraints and financial limitations, he believes that everyone should have equal opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Through the use of digital platforms and online learning, education can become more accessible and inclusive, breaking down traditional boundaries. Empowering Learners Worldwide Hdemy Group, along with its flagship brand NAD Nuova Accademia del Design (www.accademiadeldesign.com), stands as a prominent global educational organization renowned for providing a vast array of innovative learning solutions. Its core objective revolves around empowering individuals and businesses with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the contemporary world. By offering an extensive range of online courses, training programs, and professional certifications, the institution caters to a diverse audience from various backgrounds and industries, with a particular focus on the realm of design. From Doubt to Success One of the most significant risks that Nicola took as a professional was venturing into the online education space when it was still in its early stages. During that time, there was considerable skepticism surrounding the viability and potential of online learning. However, Nicola had unwavering faith in the transformative power of technology to revolutionize education, and he decided to take the leap. worldsleaders.com | 43
my office.‘‘‘‘ Communication and connection are fundamental human needs that provide comfort and allow people to share their experiences and concerns with others. For inmates, who often have limited physical connections and rely on telephones to stay in touch with family and the outside world, communication is particularly important. wrongfully accused. He recalls, "At that time, I did not know that the world of prisons would determine my future life. Today a painted picture of this Château hangs on the wall of my office.” Prior to joining Telio, Oliver underwent a banking apprenticeship. The previous management team of Telio was in search of someone who could bring structure and a serious business perspective to their company, which led them to approach him. At that time, I did not know that the world of prisons would determine my future life. Today a painted picture of this Château hangs on the wall of Oliver Drews, CEO of Telio Group, is a Hamburg-based entrepreneur. He is dedicating his life for the last 20 years to the world of prisons. Telio Group develops and delivers communication solutions for ministries and prisons in 23 countries around the world. All Telio products are designed to make an important contribution to the resocialization of inmates. Seeing an urgent need to advocate and build a lobby for the many children of prisoners, Oliver Drews founded Connecting Hearts in 2022. Founding Telio Group The Telio Group was established in Hamburg, Germany 25 years ago with the goal of revolutionizing and modernizing the penal system through innovative breakthroughs. Its focus on creating smart digital prisons that provide inmates with more opportunities and enable officers to focus on high-value work has been central to its mission. The Telio Group's solutions contribute to creating a positive work environment. Its journey began with a simple service of providing detainees with telecommunication services via secure hallway phone booths in a few German prisons. Over time, the company has grown into a global company with more than 250 employees operating in 23 countries and serving over 700 facilities worldwide. In his position as CEO, his goal has always been to find the right balance between enabling a safe and secure environment for inmates and staff against a backdrop of facilitating rehabilitation. As a 12-year-old, Oliver participated in a student exchange program that took him to Marseille where he had the opportunity to visit Château d'If, a location featured in the famous movie "The Count of Monte Christo" and known for housing one of the most prominent inmates who was Aligning Digitalization and Innovation The Telio team's primary focus is to 46 | October 2023
partner with jurisdictions and promote positive correctional outcomes, such as reducing recidivism, to ultimately create safer communities. Their expertise lies solely in corrections, as they do not serve other industries like hotels or hospitals. By listening to their customers' needs, Telio is committed to providing valuable solutions and dedicated service. Their approach is one of collaboration, and their diverse product and service portfolio includes innovative digital technology programs that help inmates make a fresh start. Telio believes in promoting hope through connection and communication, which includes a greater access to the outside world, social exchange, and contact with family and friends. Bringing normalcy to their lives as far as possible. As the vast majority of inmates return to society Telio wants to equip them to thrive when they return. Founding Telio Group The Telio Group was established in Hamburg, Germany 25 years ago with the goal of revolutionizing and modernizing the penal system through innovative breakthroughs. Its focus on creating smart digital prisons that provide inmates with more opportunities and enable officers to focus on high- value work has been central to its mission. The Telio Group's solutions contribute to creating a positive work environment. Its journey began with a simple service of providing detainees with telecommunication services via secure hallway phone booths in a few German prisons. Over time, the company has grown into a global company with more than 250 employees operating in 23 countries and serving over 700 facilities worldwide. Establishing Culture of Integrity and Innovation The Telio Group is driven by the mission to modernize the correctional landscape and to maximise the outcomes of the jurisdictional partners. Oliver is proud to lead his team in this mission. Its wide range of products and services goes beyond just next-level digital innovation; it is also about promoting rehabilitation and providing inmates with the motivation and desire they need to have a better chance after their release from prison. The management believes that by offering better access to communication, inmates are more likely to successfully reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending, leading to lower crime rates, safer communities, and a reduced burden on the criminal justice system. As a company, Telio Group strives to look beyond the negative connotations often associated with prisons and instead focus on providing inmates with a second chance at life. It believes that this second chance must be deeply ingrained in the company's DNA. worldsleaders.com | 47
