Top Transformational Global Business Leaders

www.cioworldindia.com May, 2024 Beyond Borders Leading a Global Workforce in the Age of Transforma?on Unlock Global Growth Mastering Transforma?onal Leadership Strategies Making a Las?ng Impact on the Transforma?ve Future Landscape via Paul Merchants Ltd

" Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower " -Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder

Editor’s Note I n an era marked by unprecedented technological advancements and evolving economic landscapes, the role of business leaders has transcended traditional boundaries. Today, the most impactful leaders are those who embody transformation, reshaping industries and societies alike. These CioWorld India’s ‘Top Transformational Global Business Leaders,’ are not merely managing companies; they are driving significant changes that ripple through the global marketplace and beyond. At the heart of transformational leadership lies a relentless drive for innovation. These leaders are not satisfied with incremental improvements; they seek to disrupt existing models and create entirely new markets. Their approach to innovation is holistic, integrating cutting-edge technologies, novel business models, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. By fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation, they ensure that their organizations are always at the forefront of their industries, leading the charge in shaping the future. The legacy of transformational business leaders is defined by their ability to leave a lasting impact on their industries and society at large. They are the visionaries who turn challenges into opportunities and inspire others to reach new heights. In an age where change is the only constant, these leaders are the guiding lights, leading the way towards a future that is innovative, sustainable, and inclusive. As we look to the future, the influence of these transformational leaders will continue to shape the world in profound and positive ways, setting new standards for what it means to lead in the modern era. Pioneers of Change in the Modern Era Transformational leaders of today are defined by their ability to envision a future that deviates from the status quo and to inspire others to follow their vision. Their influence extends far beyond their immediate business environments, impacting global trends and contributing to the shaping of modern economies. These leaders are characterized by a blend of innovative thinking, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to social responsibility. They are the architects of change, crafting new paradigms that redefine success in the contemporary business world. Modern transformational leaders recognize that success is not solely measured by financial performance but also by the impact on society and the environment. They are champions of sustainability, embedding ethical practices into the core of their business strategies. These leaders understand that long-term viability depends on responsible stewardship of resources and a commitment to positive social impact. They lead by example, demonstrating that businesses can thrive while making a meaningful difference in the world.

Profiles 20 Arun K Singh Guiding Ilantus Services and Network Intelligence in Alignment with Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape 30 Sonica Aron Making a Difference to Peoples’ Lives and Careers through Marching Sheep Making a Las?ng Impact on the Transforma?ve Future Landscape via Paul Merchants Ltd Articles 16 26 Beyond Borders Leading a Global Workforce in the Age of Transformation Contents Unlock Global Growth Mastering Transformational Leadership Strategies

CREDIT Editor-in-Chief Abhishek Joshi CONTENT FOLLOW US ON www.twitter.com/cioworldindia www.facebook.com/cioworldindia/ Managing Editor: Gaurav PR Wankhade Assisting Editor : Prajakta Zurale DESIGN WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Visualizer : Sandeep Tikode Art & Design Director : Sameen Arif Sr. Graphic Designer : Rashmi Singh SALES Vice President : Swapnali Vasaikar Asst Team BDE : Manthan Tambe CONTACT US ON . Vice President : Tejaswini Whaval d : Yogesh Kadam Email Featuring Company Brief Lea sales@cioworldindia.com As the the Global CEO of Ilantus Services, Arun is leading the charge in driving accelerated growth through innovation and market alignment. Arun K Singh, Global CEO Ilantus Services TECHNICAL For Subscription Led by Sonica, Marching Sheep is renowned for its bold, authentic and pioneering approach to enabling progressive DEI practices across organisations. Technical Head : Prachi Mokashi Technical Specialist: Rajeshwari Avhad Technical Consultant : Tanaji Fartade Sonica Aron, Founder Marching Sheep www.cioworldindia.com Mr Rajneesh is the Managing Director of Paul Merchants Limited (PML), the flagship Company of the renowned PAUL GROUP OF COMPANIES, a conglomerate with interests in varied fields. Rajneesh Bansal, Managing Director Paul Merchants Ltd SME-SMO Research Analyst : Renuka Kulkarni Lead : Nikita Khadalkar Under Venkat's leadership, ATPOLE specialise in the design, manufacture, and supply of Brushless DC (BLDC) motors that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. Venkat Katta, CTO & Founder ATPOLE Technologies Pvt Ltd SEO sales@cioworldindia.com Copyright © 2024 CIOWorld India, 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 CIOWorld India. Reprint rights remain solely with With more than 17 years of experience in the technology industry, Venkata Siva Reddy brings a wealth of leadership, software, and executive management expertise to TEKROI. Venkata Siva Reddy, CEO & Founder TEKROI April, 2024 Cover Price: Rs.350/- CIOWorld India.

Story Rajneesh Bansal

T inspire and motivate others to achieve great things, often beyond what was initially thought possible. They create a vision for the future and empower people to work towards it. Today's businesses operate across borders and have a global impact. Leaders like Mr Rajneesh Bansal understand this interconnectedness and its implications. he greatest transformational global business leaders are those who ardently believe in an exceptional ethos of corporate governance. These leaders Mr Rajneesh is the Managing Director of Paul Merchants Limited (PML), a company that believes in the importance of corporate social responsibility. Paul Merchants Limited is the flagship Company of the renowned PAUL GROUP OF COMPANIES, a conglomerate with interests in varied fields, including International Money Transfer, FOREX, Tours and Travels, Prepaid Instruments, Domestic Money Transfer, Gold Loans and the Entertainment Industry (Satellite TV). Ensuring Ethical Ethos of the Corporate Governance impact. We earn from society, and we will fail in our duty if we don’t return our gratitude to society.” Amid his business empire, Mr Rajneesh is a strong advocate for ethical business practices and giving back to society. According to him, “A trifle neglect may breed great mischief – for want of a nail, the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe the horse was lost, for want of a horse the rider was lost, and for want of a rider the battle was lost.” “This ironically summarizes the need for and importance of good corporate governance as we cannot afford to let even a little neglect happen.” A Journey Inspired by A Legacy As a visionary leader in the industry, tracing his journey back to his upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs, Mr Rajneesh says that it is in that culture that his fascination with business was nurtured. With a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to dynamic adaptation, He embarked on his educational journey, culminating in a Master's degree from Victoria University of Technology, Australia. Mr Rajneesh says, “Inspired by the legacy of my father, the honourable Mr Paul, I was driven by a vision to propel Paul Group of Companies to new heights of success.” Mr Rajneesh explains it further, “My idea of Corporate Governance rides upon key principles; • Independence and objectivity in the decision-making process, Transparency and disclosures, Fairness and integrity, Compliance and accountability, Customer supremacy, and Social responsibility.” • • • • • For the last twenty years, Mr Rajneesh has dedicated himself to contributing to Paul Merchants' growth and expansion. “Today, our company stands as a testament to this dedication, with a robust presence spanning over 200 offices and over 1200+ workforce nationwide, with a diverse portfolio encompassing foreign exchange, travel services, gold loans, Prepaid Cards, and insurance,” he informs. He strongly believes that a responsible business house must have a self-regulating mechanism whereby it monitors and ensures its continued support of law, ethical standards, environment protection and social welfare. He adds, “Whatever we do as a business house, our activities surely leave an impact on all quarters of the society, and it becomes our sacred duty to embrace responsibility for that Indebted in Your Trust The industrial landscape is continually evolving. In such a scenario, Mr Rajneesh says they hold major USPs that

Top Transformational Global Business Leaders position them as one of the best transformational companies. “Our USP has always been our unwavering integrity and steadfast adherence to fundamental principles, which we have upheld throughout our many years of operation. At the core of our ethos lies a commitment to providing what is truly beneficial for our customers, making their needs our top priority. We have consistently operated within the bounds of all regulations and embraced positive work ethics, believing nothing should supersede these principles.” the society a better living place.” This country's history is replete with big business houses coming forward to assist society in testing times. “The trade and commerce going all out to surpass its commercial targets and yet keeping a Humane face ironically differentiates our country from rest of the world.” In this regard, Mr Rajneesh ardently advocates that effective leadership hinges on empowering and bolstering his team members to realize their fullest potential. “Instead of assuming a frontal position, I position myself in steadfast support of our team, offering unwavering guidance and encouragement as we collectively progress,” he says. Collaboration is their cornerstone at Paul Merchants, where all Heads of Departments (HODs) synergistically cultivate an atmosphere conducive to uninhibited ideation and innovation. They nurture transparent dialogue through multifaceted platforms such as conferences, roundtable discussions, and seminars, enabling employees to articulate their insights and contribute meaningfully to the company's trajectory. “Our HODs are pivotal in furnishing candid feedback and guidance, facilitating professional growth, and fostering introspection.” By championing a culture underpinned by mutual respect and empowerment, they endeavour to forge a workplace wherein everyone feels esteemed and galvanized to transcend. Mr Rajneesh says, “I feel honoured and proud that Paul Merchants has not only met but surpassed every expectation, establishing itself as an outstanding Great Place to Work for two consecutive years. I am confident that we have set a standard of excellence that will endure, continuing to be the top choice for many more years to come.” Mr Rajneesh furthers that their current position as one of the premier transformational companies in their sector is a testament to the faith and trust their valued customers and their esteemed partners bestowed upon them. “We recognize the invaluable contributions of each employee, considering them as vital assets driving our success. Our journey to where we stand today is indebted to the unwavering support of our customers, the dedication of our employees, and the collaborative efforts of our associated partners. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of them for their integral roles in our journey. Their trust, loyalty, and hard work continue to propel Paul Merchants towards greater heights of excellence.” A Steadfast Pillar of Strength Shedding light on his leadership and team-building approach, Mr Rajneesh says that as the head of the organization, he always believes that ethics and business go together. “By going a yard beyond the usually accepted prudence norms, we can take several steps which can make An Ever-Evolving Operational Framework Furthermore, Mr Rajneesh firmly acknowledges that the essence of future transformation resides in the realms of innovation, disruptions, and the relentless pursuit of enhancing the customer experience. “This truth has been ingrained in our ethics since time immemorial, recognizing that progress necessitates seamlessly integrating emerging technologies and methodologies into our operational framework. For that, we remain vigilant in our commitment to staying abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of advancements, understanding that failure to adapt would inevitably compromise the satisfaction of our clientele.” The crucible of the pandemic has reinforced this in all businesses, prompting heightened preparedness and agility in the face of uncertainty.

navigate the ever-changing landscape of technological advancement with aplomb,” adds Mr Rajneesh. “With every technological leap, we enrich our already robust portfolio of products, including Foreign Exchange, Travel Services, Gold Loans, Prepaid Cards, and Insurance with avant- garde digital enhancements, ensuring they stand as paragons of innovation and excellence.” A Transformative Future of Societal Betterment Looking ahead, Mr Rajneesh divulges that their vision for 2024 is one of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. They aspire to forge ahead with unwavering determi- nation, exploring new ventures, fostering strategic partnerships, and embracing positive developments to propel their business to new heights. Their commitment remains steadfast in delivering unparalleled customer services, surpassing industry standards and expectations. They aim to strengthen existing relationships while cultivating new ones, introducing novel concepts and cutting-edge technologies to enhance their service offerings further. “We are expanding into new geographies, adding new branches, and innovatively proceeding towards many new and Next- generation digital applications and services.” Consequently, Mr Rajneesh adds that they have embarked on a journey of profound metamorphosis, leveraging digitization and technological innovations to optimize operational efficiency and augment customer engagement. This symbiotic relationship between technological prowess and human-centric adaptability epitomizes their unwavering dedication to meeting and exceeding their valued customers' expectations. Additionally, Mr Rajneesh says they envision themselves not only as a business entity but also as a catalyst for societal advancement, endeavouring to contribute positively to the communities they serve. “At PML, we are always up on our heels to do our bit to combat poverty, hunger, unemployment, illiteracy, disease and environmental degradation.” Also, according to Mr Rajneesh, digitalization and technological advancements are indispensable pillars of the modern industry, facilitating global connectivity and streamlined interactions. “Embracing this paradigm shift, our company has fervently embraced and integrated cutting-edge technologies into our core operations, fostering enhanced accessibility and responsiveness for our customers,” says Mr Rajneesh. The Management of PML has always focused on integrating these principles into business processes. In this pursuit, they have reached out to even the remotest parts of the country where the presence of a business house not only helps people with its commercial services but lends a lifeline to society as a whole. “Through our CSR projects, we are trying our best to achieve excellence and societal betterment; we aim to make a lasting impact on the transformative future landscape, solidifying our position as a leader in the financial sector. I look at the future and find PML steadfast in its vision to create value for all its stakeholders and do its best to build a better society,” concludes Mr Rajneesh. A Brand of Digital Efficiency With over 200 offices and a wide range of financial services and travel products, they have meticulously crafted a harmonious blend of digital efficiency and personalized service, ensuring that their customers benefit from both technological innovation and the human touch. They have forged a formidable digital presence by developing user- friendly online applications and seamless payment and investing platforms, catalyzing their transition towards a technovative future. “Our commitment to pioneering digital solutions underscores our unwavering dedication to remaining at the forefront of industry evolution, poised to

Beyond Borders Global Age I n today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the concept of a global workforce has transcended from a novel idea to an essential component of competitive strategy. The age of transformation, characterized by technological advancements, cultural diversity, and economic globalization, demands leaders who can effectively manage and inspire teams spread across different continents. Leading a global workforce in this transformative era presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a new paradigm of leadership that goes beyond traditional boundaries. The Rise of the Global Workforce The globalization of businesses has led to the emergence of a diverse and dispersed workforce. Advances in technology, particularly in communication and collaboration tools, have made it feasible for companies to tap into talent pools worldwide. Organizations now have the ability to build teams composed of individuals from various cultural, linguistic, and geographical backgrounds. This diversity enriches the company with a multitude of perspectives, fostering innovation and enhancing problem-solving capabilities. Challenges of Leading a Global Workforce Leading a global workforce comes with a set of complex challenges. Leaders must navigate differences in time zones, cultures, languages, and work habits, which can complicate communication and collaboration. Additionally, varying legal and regulatory environments across countries can create obstacles in managing employee relations and ensuring compliance with local laws. The need to maintain a cohesive organizational culture and consistent standards across diverse regions adds another layer of complexity. Embracing Cultural Diversity One of the most significant challenges of leading a global workforce is managing cultural diversity. Leaders must be culturally sensitive and aware of the nuances that influence team dynamics and individual behaviors. This requires a deep understanding of different cultural norms, values, and communication styles. By fostering an inclusive environment where cultural differences are respected and valued, leaders can harness the full potential of their diverse teams, leading to greater creativity and innovation. Effective Communication Across Borders Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful global leadership. Leaders must bridge the communication gap created by differences in language, culture, and time zones. May, 2024 16 |www.cioworldindia.com

This involves not only ensuring that messages are clearly understood but also being attentive to non-verbal cues and cultural contexts that may affect interpretation. Utilizing technology to facilitate real-time communication and collaboration is crucial. However, leaders must also recognize the importance of personal interaction and build trust through regular and meaningful engagement with team members across different locations. perspectives, leaders can foster a culture of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. A diverse global workforce can provide unique insights into different markets and customer needs, leading to the development of innovative products and services that cater to a broader audience. Leaders should encourage open dialogue and idea-sharing, creating an environment where diverse viewpoints are welcomed and valued. Building a Cohesive Global Team Developing Global Leadership Skills Creating a sense of unity and purpose among a geographically dispersed team is essential for maintaining productivity and morale. Leaders must work towards building a cohesive team culture that transcends geographical boundaries. This can be achieved through establishing clear goals, promoting shared values, and encouraging a spirit of collaboration. Regular team-building activities and opportunities for personal interaction, such as face-to-face meetings or virtual social events, can help strengthen bonds and foster a sense of belonging. To effectively lead a global workforce, leaders must cultivate a set of skills that go beyond traditional management competencies. This includes cultural intelligence, adaptability, and emotional resilience. Leaders must be able to navigate complex global dynamics, demonstrate empathy, and build relationships across diverse groups. Continuous learning and development are crucial, as leaders need to stay informed about global trends, cultural shifts, and technological advancements that impact their teams and business operations. Leveraging Technology for Collaboration The Future of Global Workforce Leadership The digital age offers a plethora of tools that can facilitate the management of a global workforce. Cloud-based platforms, video conferencing, and project management software enable seamless communication and collaboration among team members, regardless of their location. Leaders must be adept at leveraging these technologies to enhance efficiency and connectivity. Moreover, they should stay abreast of emerging technologies that can further streamline processes and improve the overall functioning of the global team. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of leading a global workforce will continue to grow. The future will see an even greater emphasis on remote work, digital collaboration, and cross-cultural integration. Leaders who can effectively manage and inspire a global team will be at the forefront of driving organizational success in the age of transformation. They will be the pioneers who embrace change, foster diversity, and lead with a vision that transcends borders. Embracing a New Leadership Paradigm Adapting to Local Markets and Regulations In essence, leading a global workforce in the age of transformation requires a shift in leadership paradigms. It demands a deep appreciation of cultural diversity, a commitment to effective communication, and the ability to leverage technology for collaboration. Leading a global workforce also requires an understanding of local markets and regulatory environments. Leaders must be agile and adaptable, tailoring their strategies to align with the unique economic, political, and social contexts of each region. This involves being well-versed in local labor laws, business practices, and cultural expectations. By doing so, leaders can ensure compliance, minimize risks, and effectively leverage local opportunities to drive business growth. Leaders must be adaptable, culturally intelligent, and forward-thinking, ready to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape. By embracing these principles, they can unlock the full potential of their teams, driving innovation and achieving success on a global scale. Fostering Innovation Through Diversity The age of transformation is here, and it calls for leaders who can unite a diverse and dispersed workforce, guiding them towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity. Diversity is a key driver of innovation. By bringing together individuals with varied experiences, backgrounds, and May, 2024 18 |www.cioworldindia.com

Top Transforma?onal Global Business Leaders Arun K Singh In envisioning the future landscape of cybersecurity services in 2024, our company embraces the transforma?ve power of Genera?ve AI (GenAI) to revolu?onize how we approach security. Guiding Ilantus Services and Network Intelligence in Alignment with Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape A s one of the top transformational global business leaders, Arun K Singh is the Global CEO of Ilantus Services. He’s leading the charge in driving accelerated growth through innovation and market alignment. Drawing upon his experiences with large organizations and startups, he is steering Ilantus through transformative cycles to ensure its trajectory aligns with the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Ilantus Services was acquired last year by Net- work Intelligence, a digital security company. Arun also serves as the CEO of Network Intelli- gence for the Americas region. “Our unique delivery approach includes building a robust foundation with key critical systems in the cloud or on- premise. Once the foundation is tested for high availability and peak load, we bring in our “Factory Model” to enable security control for the rest of the environment. This enables sustainability and helps us to scale up the rapid deployment of cybersecurity controls,” he added as he spoke in an exclusive interview with CioWorld India. The rest of that discussion is given herein. As a visionary leader, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into this dynamic ecosystem? My journey into the dynamic cybersecurity ecosystem began with a passion for cryptography and security research. After completing my post-graduation at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, I started a career at Infosys Technologies. It was a pivotal time as regulatory frameworks like HIPAA, PCI, and Sarbanes Oxley were gaining traction, prompting me to delve into creating innovative security solutions, particularly for the healthcare sector. Ilantus, combined with Network Intelligence, offers clients end-to-end cybersecurity capabilities. The below picture presents its combined services catalogue – Recognizing the burgeoning demand for cybersecurity services, Wipro Technologies offered me the opportunity to spearhead its Enterprise Security Services practice. Over a decade, I led a team that grew from 40 to 4000 skilled professionals, establishing a robust global footprint. Our portfolio encompassed the entire cybersecurity spectrum, earning accolades for our productized service offerings and cementing Wipro as a worldwide security brand. Arun K Singh, Global CEO, Ilantus Services and CEO, Network Intelligence (Americas Region) Arun said, “We have built productized service offerings supported with unique solution accelerators to ensure predictive outcomes. Our dedicated service quality audit division works with each client engagement independently and presents unbiased reports to the senior management.” My journey continued at Accenture, where I transitioned into driving their Managed Security Services (MSS) business. I navigated the challenge of defining service catalogues, establishing delivery processes, and garnering May, 2024 May, 2024 20 |www.cioworldindia.com 21 |www.cioworldindia.com

The industrial landscape is continually evolving. Please brief our audience about your firm’s USPs and how you are currently positioned as one of the best transformational companies in its sector. buy-in from senior leadership, resulting in exponential growth and industry recognition. customers and employees are paramount. We prioritize customer centricity, aiming to empower them with top-tier cybersecurity solutions. Our employees are encouraged to pursue excellence relentlessly, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. We uphold an open-door policy at all levels, ensuring approachability and transparency among leaders. In the face of challenges, we strive for excellence, leaving no room for mediocrity in our services. Integrity is ingrained in our DNA, guiding our interactions with customers, employees, vendors, and partners. Through these principles, we foster a cohesive team environment where everyone is aligned toward our goal of making a positive difference in the world. development, leading to high retention rates and a cohesive, winning team. We maintain a client-centric culture, which encourages innovation and the development of solution accelerators to streamline processes and reduce costs. At EY LLP, I undertook the Americas Risk Advisory Leader and Partner role, pioneering the "Cybersecurity-as- a-Service (CaaS)" business. Ilantus Services is a global leader providing identity- centric, holistic cybersecurity solutions built on the Zero Trust Framework. Ilantus has over two decades of unparalleled expertise in delivering Identity and Access Management (IAM) services to clients across all industry verticals. It was founded in 2000 as a global cybersecurity company focusing on the IAM domain to offer products and services to customers globally. The product business was recently rolled out as a different company, and the Services business merged with a digital Security company – Network Intelligence. Ilantus Services is now a fully owned subsidiary of Network Intelligence, a digital cybersecurity company. In addition, we have established the Institute of Information Security (IIS), recognized globally as one of the most trusted sources of hands-on training in information security. Through IIS, we offer cybersecurity training via open workshops, customized programs, and eLearning platforms, ensuring our employees can access the latest skills and knowledge. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and ML, we developed innovative SaaS solutions to address emerging cyber threats. Despite the challenge of aligning market- facing teams with this new business model, we successfully deployed next-generation cybersecurity services to EY's enterprise clients. The essence of future transformation lies in innovation, disruptions, and enhancing the end-user experience. How do your companies strike a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction? My decision to step into the cybersecurity ecosystem was driven by a combination of passion for technology, a commitment to protecting digital assets, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in an increasingly interconnected world. In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, our firm stands out with a comprehensive suite of unique selling propositions (USPs) that position us as a premier transformational company in our sector. We prioritize a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, recognizing its critical importance in safeguarding businesses' reputation and financial stability in the digital age. We prioritize applied innovation to strike a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, leveraging cutting-edge solutions like Generative AI. Our dedicated team of Research & Development professionals continually monitors the technology landscape, emerging trends, threat vectors, and client priorities. Through this proactive approach, we identify and refine innovative ideas that can set new trends in the market, keeping us ahead of the competition. Your companies have emerged as the world's leading organisations in cybersecurity. Please share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization's success. Our company's success as the world's leading transformational entity in our niche is underpinned by our guiding philosophy: Identity Centric Security (ICS) and Zero Trust. ICS focuses on securing systems based on user identities, emphasizing authentication, authorization, and access controls. Zero Trust, in tandem, mandates continuous verification of user and device identity, assuming no inherent trust. This combined approach forms a robust cybersecurity strategy, minimizing attack surfaces and thwarting unauthorized access. By prioritizing identity as a core security element and adopting a sceptical stance on trust, we ensure that access is granted only after rigorous authentication and ongoing monitoring. This fortifies our defences against cyber threats and instils confidence in our solutions, driving our transformational success. Our USP lies in deploying the Zero Trust security model, continuously validating user identity to bolster defence mechanisms against evolving cyber threats. We excel in conducting regular risk assessments and engaging in proactive threat intelligence gathering and proactive threat detection and response. Our firm emphasizes strict access controls to minimize vulnerabilities, prioritizes data privacy, and ensures compliance with relevant regulations, fostering trust with customers. Our R&D team transforms these ideas into Proof of Concepts, ensuring alignment with client needs before transitioning them to our product engineering teams. By involving clients in the process, we ensure that our solutions meet and exceed their expectations, enhancing the end-user experience. This iterative approach allows us to maintain operational efficiency while delivering innovative solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges. By embracing applied innovation, we empower our clients to stay ahead of threats and achieve their cybersecurity objectives effectively and efficiently. By offering proactive communication during incidents and investing in cyber insurance to mitigate financial risks, we provide a holistic approach that fortifies businesses against cyber threats, ensures reputation preservation, and guarantees long-term economic stability in the dynamic digital landscape. The workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization. How do your companies foster a culture of growth, skill development, and employee empowerment? Through ICS and Zero Trust, we uphold the principle of granting access to the right individuals for the right duration, safeguarding against lateral movement within networks and unauthorized intrusions. Our commitment to this philosophy enables us to continually innovate and adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape, reinforcing our position as a leader in our industry. Your transformational leadership style is often recognized as a driving force behind your company’s achievements. Could you explain your approach to leadership and team building within the organization? Fostering a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among our employees is integral to our company's success. Our "people first" strategy prioritizes our team members' well-being and professional At the core of my transformational leadership style lies a commitment to our company's values and culture, where May, 2024 May, 2024 22 |www.cioworldindia.com 23 |www.cioworldindia.com

To ensure continuous growth and skill development, we employ various communication channels such as community meetings, town halls, and cultural events to stay connected with each team member. Inter-team competitions and weekly check-ins with reportees further promote motivation and engagement. Our incentive programs are aligned with performance objectives, and quarterly appraisal cycles recognize and reward top performers. I offer two key pieces of advice to budding entrepreneurs venturing into the startup space. Firstly, recognize the evolving landscape of cyber risk, characterized by exponential, automated, and multidimensional threats. Embrace an identity-centric approach like Ilantas, focusing on creating a holistic risk-aware identity fabric to protect critical data seamlessly. Above all, we instil a value of collaboration in our employees, fostering a supportive and unique work environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective success. Secondly, prioritize networking and cultivate emotional intelligence (EQ). Networking facilitates valuable connections and opportunities, while EQ fosters empathy and collaboration, essential for effective leadership and innovation. Aspire to be purpose-driven leaders, contributing to transformative change in the industry. I aim to extend my impact by serving on the boards of technology companies and supporting cybersecurity startups through investment firms. Embrace these principles to navigate the startup journey with resilience and success. As the world's industrial sector leader, your company has likely faced its share of challenges. Could you share an instance where your team's resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity? In a recent instance, we encountered a sophisticated cyber- attack that threatened to compromise sensitive data for one of our clients, with whom we were engaged in providing cybersecurity services. The client's network experienced a sophisticated phishing attack aimed at exploiting user identities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, our team sprang into action, leveraging our expertise in identity-centric security solutions. Looking ahead, what is your vision for your companies? How do you aspire to continue significantly impacting the world's transformational future landscape? In envisioning the future landscape of cybersecurity services in 2024, our company embraces the transformative power of Generative AI (GenAI) to revolutionize how we approach security. Our vision centres around advancing Identity-Centric Security and Zero-Trust principles, leveraging GenAI to create a paradigm shift in cybersecurity. We identified the attack vectors through meticulous analysis and swift action and deployed advanced authentication protocols to bolster user identity verification. Additionally, we implemented behavioural analytics and anomaly detection solutions to monitor user activity in real time, enabling us to swiftly detect and mitigate suspicious behaviour. We see GenAI as a catalyst for enhancing the efficacy of identity-centric security by enabling real-time, adaptive authentication and authorization mechanisms. Through continuous analysis of user behaviours and contextual data, GenAI empowers us to dynamically adjust access controls, ensuring that only trusted individuals gain entry to critical assets. Despite the complexity of the attack, our team's resilience and ingenuity prevailed. By adopting an identity-centric approach and harnessing innovative cybersecurity technologies, we successfully thwarted the attack, preserving the integrity of our client's network and safeguarding their valuable assets. This experience showcased our team's ability to adapt to evolving threats and reinforce our position as a leader in identity-centric cybersecurity solutions. Furthermore, our focus is to enhance the Zero Trust model by offering predictive threat detection and automated response capabilities to our clients globally. By analyzing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns indicative of potential threats, we plan to leverage GenAI for proactive risk mitigation, minimizing the likelihood of successful cyber-attacks. Businesses are a way for the Indian industry to accelerate its economic potential and capacity. What would you advise other budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the startup space? For more information, please visit https://www.ilantus.com http://www.niiconsulting.com , email at arun.singh@ilantus.com arun.singh@niiconsulting.com . , or , May, 2024 24 |www.cioworldindia.com

I n today's hyper-connected world, businesses face an unprecedented landscape of opportunities and challenges. The key to thriving in this environment lies in mastering transformational leadership strategies that unlock global growth. Transformational leadership goes beyond traditional management practices by fostering innovation, empowering teams, and driving significant organizational change. This article delves into the core principles of transformational leadership and how mastering these strategies can pave the way for global expansion and sustainable growth. The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Global Growth Unlock Global Growth Transformational leadership is a critical driver of global growth. By fostering an adaptive and resilient organizational culture, transformational leaders enable their businesses to navigate the complexities of international markets and capitalize on new opportunities. Here are several ways transformational leadership impacts global growth: Cultural Agility and Integration: Global expansion requires navigating diverse cultural landscapes. Transformational leaders promote cultural agility by valuing diversity and fostering an inclusive work environment. They encourage cross-cultural collaboration, which enhances the organization's ability to integrate into new markets and build strong relationships with local stakeholders. The Essence of Transformational Leadership Transformational leadership is characterized by its ability to inspire and motivate employees to exceed their own expectations and achieve exceptional outcomes. Unlike transactional leadership, which focuses on routine management and maintaining the status quo, transformational leadership aims to transform organizational culture, instill a sense of purpose, and drive continuous improvement. The core elements of transformational leadership include: Innovation and Adaptation: In the global marketplace, innovation is essential for staying competitive. Transformational leaders create a culture of innovation by encouraging experimentation and supporting new ideas. They empower teams to adapt to changing market conditions, leading to the development of products and services that meet the unique needs of diverse customer bases. Visionary Thinking: Transformational leaders possess a clear and compelling vision for the future. They articulate this vision in a way that inspires and aligns the organization towards a common goal, creating a shared sense of purpose and direction. Mastering Transformational Leadership Strategies Agile Decision-Making: Transformational leaders facilitate agile decision-making by decentralizing authority and empowering teams to act swiftly and autonomously. This agility allows businesses to respond quickly to market trends, customer demands, and emerging opportunities, driving global growth. Inspirational Motivation: These leaders motivate their teams by creating a sense of commitment and enthusiasm. They empower employees by recognizing their contributions and fostering a positive, optimistic outlook. Intellectual Stimulation: Transformational leaders encourage innovation and creativity by challenging conventional wisdom and promoting critical thinking. They support risk-taking and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth. Sustainable Practices: In an era where sustainability is increasingly important, transformational leaders prioritize ethical and environmentally responsible practices. They integrate sustainability into their business strategies, enhancing their brand reputation and appeal in global markets that value corporate social responsibility. Individualized Consideration: They pay attention to the individual needs of their team members, offering support and mentoring to help them develop their full potential. This personalized approach builds trust and loyalty within the organization. Mastering Transformational Leadership Strategies for Global Growth To unlock global growth, leaders must master specific transformational leadership strategies that foster a dynamic and responsive organizational culture. Here are key strategies to consider: May, 2024 May, 2024 26 |www.cioworldindia.com 27 |www.cioworldindia.com

Articulate a Global Vision: Developing a clear, compelling vision for global growth is crucial. Leaders must communicate this vision effectively, ensuring that it resonates with employees at all levels and aligns with the organization's core values. This vision should encompass the organization's aspirations for market expansion, cultural integration, and sustainable practices. Embrace Change and Uncertainty: The global business environment is characterized by constant change and uncertainty. Transformational leaders embrace this reality by fostering a culture that is adaptable and resilient. They prepare their teams for change by promoting a proactive approach to problem-solving and encouraging a willingness to embrace new challenges. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: A growth mindset is essential for driving innovation and adaptation. Transformational leaders encourage a culture where employees view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. They promote continuous learning and development, fostering a workforce that is eager to explore new ideas and take calculated risks. Invest in Employee Development: Investing in employee development is essential for building a skilled and motivated workforce. Transformational leaders provide opportunities for training and professional growth, helping employees to enhance their skills and advance their careers. This investment not only boosts employee satisfaction but also strengthens the organization's ability to compete globally. Empower Cross-Functional Teams: Cross-functional teams bring together diverse perspectives and expertise, driving creative solutions and innovation. Transformational leaders empower these teams by providing them with the resources and autonomy they need to collaborate effectively and deliver results. Build Strong Partnerships: Successful global expansion often involves building strong partnerships with local businesses, governments, and other stakeholders. Transformational leaders prioritize relationship-building and collaboration, fostering partnerships that facilitate market entry and growth. Foster a Culture of Inclusivity: Inclusivity is a cornerstone of transformational leadership. Leaders must create an environment where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their cultural or geographical background. This inclusivity promotes collaboration, enhances employee engagement, and drives a unified effort towards global growth. Measure and Celebrate Success: Finally, transformational leaders recognize the importance of measuring success and celebrating achievements. They establish clear metrics for tracking progress towards global growth goals and celebrate milestones along the way. This recognition reinforces the organization's commitment to its vision and motivates employees to continue striving for excellence. Leverage Technology for Global Collaboration: Technology plays a pivotal role in enabling global collaboration. Transformational leaders leverage digital tools and platforms to facilitate communication and collaboration across borders. They ensure that teams have access to the latest technology, enhancing their ability to work together seamlessly and efficiently. The Path to Global Success Mastering transformational leadership strategies is key to unlocking global growth. In an era of rapid change and increasing complexity, leaders who can inspire, innovate, and adapt are well-positioned to lead their organizations to success on the global stage. By embracing a visionary approach, fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, and leveraging technology and partnerships, transformational leaders can drive sustainable growth and create a lasting impact in the global market. The journey to global success begins with a commitment to transformational leadership, guiding organizations beyond borders and into a future of endless possibilities. Promote Ethical Leadership: Ethical leadership is critical for building trust and credibility in the global market. Transformational leaders prioritize transparency, integrity, and accountability in their business practices. They lead by example, ensuring that their organization adheres to ethical standards and contributes positively to the communities in which it operates. May, 2024 28 |www.cioworldindia.com

Top Transformational Global Business Leaders At Marching Sheep, our purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives and careers, and this runs through everything we do. Making a Difference to Peoples’ Lives and Careers through Marching Sheep or a successful transformational global leader, her F with her people. Whatever she does is always people- centric – her colleagues and clients alike. Thus, by putting her people at the centre of all her endeavours, Sonica Aron not only became one of CioWorld India’s Top Transformational Global Leaders but was also recognized in various capacities by other world-renowned organizations, including being listed among Marching Sheep is team is her strength. Company is never about monetary profit but lifelong connections she forges A Purpose-Driven Organisation Sonica states their purpose- “Making a difference in people’s lives and careers runs through everything we do. We are a passionate team of committed individuals who enjoy doing what we do and feel immense satisfaction when we see results.” Sonica’s journey from an employee to one of the best employers is fascinating. In her own words, Sonica always considered herself the most risk-averse person. She says, “When I started my career, I never thought I would ever start a firm of my own.” • Forbes India's Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs in 2020, Forbes India's Most Valued Leaders in 2021, and Inspirational Leadership Icons by Fortune India, 2021. • • However, as she navigated through different professional and personal life stages, Sonica realized over some time that what made her happy was making a difference, a real difference. She took a sabbatical in 2012. She recalls, “I was heading HR for Philips Consumer lifestyle business at that time.” After a year, a mother of two, when it was time to get back to work, having been an HR professional for over a decade and having worked across industries like FMCG, FMCD, telecom and healthcare in Strategic HR business partnering roles, Sonica realised the power of having streamlined HR policies and processes, aligned, motivated and capable workforce in driving business results. Having been a professional woman, she had also closely seen the evolving narrative of diversity and inclusion and the gaps in the industry. Armed with these insights and experience, it was natural for her to establish her firm, Marching Sheep, with service lines in these areas. Additionally, she has been honoured as the Women Entrepreneur of the Year at the 62nd National Summit on ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat 2022’ by the Government of India The recipient of the Gender Impact Award by the American Embassy and Featured among Asia's Top 100 Power Leaders. • • • Renowned for its bold, authentic and pioneering approach to enabling progressive DEI practices across organisations, Marching Sheep, led by Sonica, has emerged as the world's leading transformational company in the human resource and human capital management niche. Sonica Aron Founder and Managing Partner Marching Sheep May, 2024 May, 2024 30 |www.cioworldindia.com 31 |www.cioworldindia.com

The Distinctions OD Consulting workforce and finally, governance models. The team understands the situation's nuances, societal backdrop, and mindsets individuals and organizations struggle with. It proposes and implements multi-pronged solutions, driving visible, long-term, sustainable change. Global industries are always evolving. Yet, carving out its niche by positioning itself as the best HR solution provider means Marching Sheep has its set of USPs. Sonica shares the same. Their biggest USP is the fact that the entire team at Marching Sheep has industry experience. “We are not just trainers or consultants, but HR professionals who have recognized their passion for contributing to client organizations in tangible ways and are realizing this passion through our work at Marching Sheep.” Organizations need their HR strategy, process, and policies to enable employees to deliver on the business strategy and goals. “We work closely with client organizations to streamline the Vision, mission, values, behavioural frameworks, HR strategy, policies, and practices, drive communication and socialization, the internal Leadership, managerial capability to enable the same,” shares Sonica. In all of these, Sonica’s transcendental leadership style is recognized as a driving force behind Marching Sheep’s tremendous achievements. Sonica states her approach to leadership and team building within the organization: Bespoke learning interventions Respect, Humility and Inclusion Their second USP is solution orientation. Sonica and her team help clients find solutions to their articulated needs. “We always keep our audience at the centre and work on- what will benefit them,” she adds. As the socio-economic fabric evolves, so do the competencies needed to succeed at work. Sonica says they work with clients to enable individual contributors, managers, and leaders to grow by building the right competencies. “We curate each intervention to drive the right behaviours by facilitating insights, reflection, and practice.” As a leader, Sonica says, “My biggest strength is my team and the connection I share with them. I am transparent with them about my weaknesses, openly seek feedback, and work on them. I am accessible to my team for both professional and personal concerns 24*7, and I know they would do the same for me. This honesty builds trust and support among us.” Their third USP is that they do not just consult; they also help in the implementation, and all their assignments are directed towards driving Metrics that matter. “We truly help clients move the needle,” says Sonica. We do not offer canned off-the-shelf programs but work closely with the clients to design solutions, curate contextualised interventions that truly move the needle, and address real business and people needs.” Sonica adds that they set clear goals and ensure everyone knows what to do. They also manage their work-life balance to stay motivated and not get too tired. “Celebrat- ing small and big wins keeps us excited about our work.” Health and Wellness Portfolio Wellness today includes emotional, mental, and physical well-being. While policies and insurance can take care of the physical aspect, there still needs to be awareness and life skill-building around dealing with issues like anxiety, stress, and burnout. With programs curated after research and with the help of clinical psychologists, Sonica and her team enable individuals to become emotionally resilient by identifying their stress triggers, responses, and coping mechanisms and, hence, more productive, personally and professionally. Perseverance, emotional intelligence, Resilience, self- awareness, and nurturing team members are critical competencies needed for a leader to succeed in today’s complex and dynamic environment. Success is not just about how a leader operates but getting the best out of their team members and building other leaders. Sonica ardently believes that it's important to help each other grow. “That's why we guide and support each other. And we don't forget to enjoy our success too.” Marching Sheep’s four main services are: The Enlightening Equilibrium *Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Strategies and interventions In today’s BANI world, as an entrepreneur and business owner, Sonica says she needs to ensure that her team is taken care of mentally and emotionally, that they enjoy their work, are treated fairly, are given timely constructive feedback and are enabled to do their job. She must create an environment where everyone can be authentic, no matter how challenging the business situation. “The feeling in the team should be that if we are together, we shall prevail.” The essence of future transformation lies in innovation, disruptions, and enhancing the end-user experience. Marching Sheep has clients across industries and life stages. Sonica says they have worked with global MNCs and Indian conglomerates, large giants and emerging organisations, and funded startups. Sonica says, “We truly believe that inclusive organizations are more productive and enable our client organizations to arrive at their diversity charter and strategy through a diversity diagnostic, executable plans, and partner with the execution, drive mindset change, and culture building.” Marching Sheep offers holistic interventions in people strategy, development, diversity and inclusion, starting from diagnostics to enabling solutions, including policies and processes, customized interventions that help organizations attract, engage, retain, develop and grow a diverse “We have worked with the FMCG and FMCD sectors, the Power and infrastructure sector, the manufacturing sector, the IT and ITeS sector, the Financial sector, the Media, Health Care, and BPO/KPO. We have delivered interventions for participants across India, the APAC region, Australia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.” At Marching Sheep, they have a plan to strengthen and motivate their team. “We know that a successful team is what drives us forward,” says Sonica. We follow strategies that keep us motivated and help us work well together.” Sonica lets her team members take charge of their tasks. This helps them make good decisions and feel responsible. “We talk a lot, and I'm always available to listen. We also learn new things all the time to stay up-to-date.” According to her, innovation and continuous learning are key to offering meaningful solutions to their diverse clients. “We as a team also keep upgrading ourselves on new technology and concepts to deliver high-impact interventions for our clients.” Every assignment has multiple consultants engaged so that balls don’t get dropped and collective expertise is utilised. It is important to say "thank you" and give helpful advice. This helps them grow and improve. They also work as a team, sharing ideas and developing new ones. May, 2024 May, 2024 32 |www.cioworldindia.com 33 |www.cioworldindia.com

Principles of Progress Envisioning Ahead So, the values of integrity, perseverance, client orientation, and responsiveness were pervasive. At the same time, the team remained resilient, united, and collaborative. Businesses are a way for the Indian industry to accelerate its economic potential and capacity. In her advice to other budding entrepreneurs aspiring to venture into the startup space, Sonica says: It’s very important to be passionate about what you do and keep learning and growing. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself, but the results are extremely exhilarating. Sonica says their purpose at Marching Sheep is to impact lives and careers through meaningful interventions that truly move the needle and drive respect and equality for all through inclusive workplaces. “We believe in doing meaningful work that touches and impacts the lives of the workforce and, in turn, builds agile, responsive, and great organisations. We will continue to research and evolve our offerings. We wish to enable organisations by building capability within and offering more certification programs. We wish to expand our geographical presence further.” Humility. As a leader, she believes that the biggest strength is the team and “the connection we share with them.” Perseverance, emotional intelligence, Resilience, self- awareness, and nurturing team members are some of the critical competencies needed for a leader to succeed in today’s complex and dynamic environment. Success is not just about how a leader operates but also about getting the best out of their team members and building other leaders. They also keep upgrading themselves to new technology and concepts to deliver high-impact interventions for their clients. Every assignment has multiple consultants engaged so that balls don’t get dropped and collective expertise is utilised. They conduct many on-ground non-commercial engagements and research with diverse communities. Their expertise is based on reality and lived experiences, which connect with their clients authentically. “It has enabled us to connect with and deliver for clients globally,” says Sonica. A Better World As a consulting organisation, they must evolve with the times. “We need to evolve and cater to the needs of this evolving workforce.” Leadership imperatives and managerial skills have all evolved. At the same time, they firmly believe that technology is an enabler that makes their work more effective and efficient, not a destination. “Here again, we keep our clients' capacity in focus while offering them different delivery modalities,” she informs. Further, she adds that they are extremely passionate about building an inclusive world. “So, in addition to our work with our clients, we do a lot of non-commercial work to bring awareness and equity at the societal level.” They work closely with Brave Souls Foundation, an NGO working towards the rehabilitation of acid attack survivors. “We recently worked towards raising funds for a survivor’s surgery.” Additionally, they have associated with Tweet Foundation, another NGO that educates, skills, and grooms transgender persons. Here are a few things Sonica follows- “Integrity is another core value of our organization,” she adds. “We follow some important guiding principles- Her one success Mantra is that there isno shortcut to success. Do the right things, and success will follow. She works very hard Monday through Friday, but she gives herself a clean break on weekends as far as possible to recharge her batteries. We build long-term relationships with clients based on the quality of our delivery. We deliver what we commit and on time. We spend time understanding our clients' real needs and pain points and offeringsolutions that will solve those issues. We build authentic relationships. We proudly say that all our clients return to us for more work based on trust and credibility.” • • • Emerging Victorious Integrity in everything is non-negotiable. “In what we say and do, we have to honour our commitments.” Trust has to be earned. “My team is my family, and I will stand by my team however challenging the situation might be.” Adversities are part of all successful journeys. It had been the same for Marching Sheep. Sonica says all their interventions got cancelled when COVID-19 struck and the lockdown was announced. “We were down but not beaten.” The team demonstrated extreme resilience and presence of mind. Sonica reflects, “The question we asked ourselves is, what is it that industry needs now? We engaged in the following-” • • Despite not being into search and recruitment, team Marching Sheep supports the Tweet Foundation by connecting Transgender candidates to appropriate openings with its clients. This will be another non-commercial initiative. “We organize several fireside chats and panel discussions to increase awareness about different disabilities, reasonable accommodation, infrastructure, and mindset challenges that need to be addressed,” concludes Sonica. Perseverance—it has been a roller coaster ride with its ups and downs. “I have learnt to celebrate the wins and not let the dips demotivate me or my team.” Techno-Momentum Digitalization and technological advancements are crucial aspects of the modern industrial ecosystem. Integrating these principles into its core functioning and contributing to a technovative future, Marching Sheep is offering its interventions using various technological platforms. • • • • • Pulse surveys. One-to-one Industry leaders’ engagements. Panel discussions. New content curation. Getting trained in virtual facilitation. She adds, “We also realized that the industry, too, was going through its own pain, and pushing clients for engagements would not work. So we spent all our energies on building awareness about topics relevant to the industry and building relationships.” Over time, as the situation improved, so did the inflow of work for them. May, 2024

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Top Transformational Global Business Leaders

Top Transformational Global Business Leaders

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