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Market Agility: Techniques to Quickly Adapt to Industry Changes

Do you remember Blockbuster, the video rental giant? That iconic blue-and-yellow storefront was once the go-to spot for movie nights. However, when streaming services like Netflix entered the scene, Blockbuster’s resistance to change proved fatal. They clung to late fees and physical rentals, ultimately filing for bankruptcy in 2013.

This cautionary tale highlights the importance of market agility. Companies must embrace change as industries evolve, consumer tastes shift, and technologies disrupt the status quo.

But you don’t have to be a tech giant to master this skill. From small startups to established businesses, market agility is a survival skill for the modern age. In this article, we’ll explore the practical strategies to ensure your company doesn’t become the next Blockbuster.

Cultivate a Culture of Curiosity

The first step towards market agility is fostering a company culture that values curiosity and continuous learning. In simple words, it’s about creating an environment where people aren’t afraid to ask, “What if?” or “Why not?”

You must encourage your team to explore new ideas and even embrace a little bit of healthy dissent. It is also important that failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. After all, some of the greatest breakthroughs came from those who dared to try something new.

But the question is- how do you create such a culture? Well, it all begins when you lead by example. Host brainstorming sessions where everyone’s ideas are welcome, and celebrate those who bring fresh perspectives.

Encourage employees to attend conferences, take online courses, or simply explore new hobbies that spark their creativity. This way, you’ll have a team that naturally seeks new ways to improve, innovate, and adapt.

Tap into Agile Expertise

Sometimes, the best way to embrace change is with a helping hand. In other words, partnering with Business consultant services specializing in market agility can be invaluable here. They bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the table, helping you identify blind spots and develop effective strategies.

They give your company the tools and strategies to make real, lasting change. They can tailor team-building activities to strengthen trust and communication, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

These service providers don’t stop there; they even offer personalized development programs that empower your employees to reach their full potential.

In essence, by investing in expert guidance, you can accelerate your journey towards market agility and set your business up for long-term success.

Embrace Technology as Your Ally

In the race for market agility, technology isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The right tools can be like a turbo boost for your business, helping you streamline operations, make smarter decisions, and even deliver better customer experiences.

For example, software platforms can automate repetitive tasks, freeing your team to focus on innovation. Data analytics tools give you valuable insights into customer behavior and market trends. Cloud-based solutions offer flexibility and scalability so your business can grow without missing a beat.

In fact, you must not be afraid of experimenting with new technologies. It will help you build a faster, smarter, and more agile business.

Prioritize Customer-Centricity

Your customers are the lifeblood of your business. They’re the ones who buy your products, use your services, and ultimately determine your success. That’s why prioritizing their needs and preferences is non-negotiable.

Think of your customers as partners, not just buyers. Listen to their feedback, both the good and the bad. Pay attention to what they say online, in reviews, and during direct conversations. What problems are they trying to solve? What features do they wish your product had?

Use this valuable information to shape your offerings. Tailor your products or services to meet their specific needs. Go above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Putting your customers first will build loyalty and create a brand that people love.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Last but not least, in today’s world, information is power. And for businesses, that information often comes in the form of data. However, it is worth noting that this data is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about understanding your customers’ habits, tracking market trends, and measuring your own performance.

Are sales spiking on certain days? Is a new competitor gaining traction? Data can reveal these insights and more. By analyzing this information, you understand where your business stands and where it’s headed. You can identify areas for improvement, spot emerging opportunities, and make decisions based on facts, not just gut feelings.

It is also worth noting that data isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s a powerful tool. Used wisely, it can help you handle the complexities of the market, make informed choices, and chart a course toward success.

Final Thoughts

By embracing these strategies, you can transform your business into an agile powerhouse, ready to adapt and thrive in the face of any challenge. Remember, market agility is not a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing learning, adapting, and evolving process. So, start implementing the strategies mentioned above right away.

Highlights from the 2024 G7 Summit in Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, Italy

The G7 Summit, hosted by Italy from June 13-15, 2024, in Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, brought together global leaders to address pressing international issues. The summit highlighted the importance of maintaining the international order based on the rule of law and focused on strengthening engagement with developing nations. Key topics included climate change, international security, economic resilience, and technological advancements.

Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, played a crucial role in the summit. She emphasized the need for a united and proactive approach to global challenges. Her leadership was instrumental in fostering discussions on enhancing cooperation with developing countries. She also played a key role in reinforcing the international legal framework.

The participating nations included the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Representatives from the European Union were also in attendance.

Main Issues Discussed at G7 Summit

Africa, Climate Change, and Development

The G7 leaders underscored their commitment to supporting sustainable development and local value creation in Africa. Initiatives like Energy for Growth in Africa aim to develop clean energy infrastructure, and the G7 Apulia food systems initiative focuses on reinforcing global food security.

Middle East and Gaza

The summit addressed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The G7 leaders criticized the terrorist attacks by Hamas and emphasized that Israel should follow international laws. They supported a comprehensive deal for an immediate stop in fighting in Gaza and to work towards creating two separate countries as a solution.

Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine

The G7 leaders repeated their strong support for Ukraine, criticized Russia’s actions, and promised around $50 billion to help with Ukraine’s reconstruction. The summit discussed measures to increase production and delivery capabilities to help Ukraine defend itself. Additionally, efforts were made to apply significant pressure on Russian energy and other commodities revenues.

Migration

During the recent G7 summit, leaders made tackling migration a top priority. They committed to understanding why people migrate irregularly, improving border management, and stopping migrant smuggling. The G7 aims to address root causes, collaborate with origin and transit countries, and create safe, legal migration options. They also launched a coalition to prevent and combat migrant smuggling.

Indo-Pacific and Economic Security

The summit highlighted the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. G7 leaders discussed maintaining economic resilience, reducing dependencies, and confronting non-market policies that harm economic security. They also emphasized the importance of constructive relations with China, recognizing its role in global trade.

Artificial Intelligence and Energy

The G7 leaders emphasized the need for safe, secure, and trustworthy AI. An action plan on using AI in the workplace and developing an international code of conduct for AI systems were proposed. On energy, the summit stressed the holistic approach to addressing energy security, climate change, and geopolitical risks.

Engagement with Developing Nations

Leaders from 11 countries and 5 international organizations were invited to participate in the summit. The engagement with these partners aimed to foster equitable and strategic partnerships, particularly with African countries, to promote global stability and prosperity.

In conclusion, the 2024 G7 Summit in Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, Italy, marked significant progress in addressing global challenges. The summit showcased the collective determination of G7 leaders. They are committed to upholding international law, promoting global security, and fostering resilient economic practices, from supporting Ukraine and addressing Middle Eastern conflicts to promoting sustainable development in Africa. The leaders’ statement captured the commitments and collaborative spirit that characterized this important gathering.

Surgeon General Advocates for Warning Labels on Social Media to Protect Youth Mental Health

In a decisive move to protect the mental health of young people, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has suggested adding warning labels to social media platforms. This recommendation highlights the growing concern over the harmful effects of social media on the mental health of adolescents. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to these impacts.

The Surgeon General’s Call to Action

Dr. Murthy emphasized the urgency of this issue. He compared the suggested social media warning labels to those on tobacco products, which have successfully raised awareness about health risks and influenced public behavior.

Dr. Murthy noted that social media particularly affects adolescent girls. The Surgeon General’s proposal, which needs Congressional approval to become law, asks tech companies to protect children at crucial brain development stages. A 2019 American Medical Association study showed that the risk of depression doubled for teenagers who spent three hours a day on social media.

“It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents,” Dr. Murthy wrote. He stressed that a warning label alone would not solve all issues but would be an important step. It would increase awareness among parents and adolescents about the potential dangers of social media use.

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

Dr. Murthy’s recommendations are based on extensive research. This research indicates that excessive use of social media can hurt the mental health of young users. In a 2019 study by the American Medical Association, teenagers who spent three or more hours daily on social media had double the risk of developing depression. These findings are particularly concerning because adolescents’ brains develop critically during this time. Being online a lot and dealing with social pressures can make anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems worse.

Legislative Efforts and Broader Context

Because of these growing concerns, some states in the U.S. are starting to make laws to protect children from the adverse effects of social media. For example, New York passed a law that restricts social media platforms from showing addictive content to users under 18 without their parents’ permission. Florida also made a law that says kids under 14 can’t use social media, and those aged 14 and 15 need their parent’s permission to use it.

These state-level initiatives show that many people agree we need strong rules to keep youngsters safe on the internet. However, Dr. Murthy’s suggestion for a national warning label could bring everyone together under one clear set of rules that might have a big impact.

The Road Ahead

Implementing a warning label on social media platforms could remind people about the risks to mental health. It might also lead to stronger rules and protective measures to better protect people. Tech companies have been told to implement their safeguards. However, the Surgeon General says they need official warnings that all companies must use, supported by laws.

As discussions about this proposal progress, it remains clear that protecting youngsters’ mental health in the digital age is a critical priority. By drawing attention to the significant risks associated with social media, Dr. Murthy aims to make social media a safer online environment for adolescents by showing how risky it can be. He also wants to ensure that the benefits of technology do not come at the expense of their well-being.

In conclusion, adding warning labels on social media is a pivotal step to helping young people with mental health problems. Dr. Murthy wants to advocate for greater awareness and legislative action. He hopes these measures will lead to a safer and healthier digital landscape for future generations.

Hiring Overqualified Employees: Helpful or Harmful?

Hiring overqualified employees doesn’t seem an ideal decision for many employers. They believe that these candidates aren’t a good fit for the position because they don’t truly want the job or that they’ll quit as soon as they find a better opportunity.

Although these concerns might come true for some candidates, these are assumptions based on past experiences. Sometimes, companies reject applicants because they find them overqualified and thus lose the significant advantages that they can bring to the team.

The concept that highly qualified candidates are not ideal has existed for a long time. As per The Harvard Business Review reports, an Israeli scientist’s study revealed that overqualified employees are less satisfied with their jobs and leave more often than those who are a perfect fit for their jobs; the study supports the idea that hiring less qualified candidates is a good idea. However, as the labor market continues to evolve, employers have started embracing the concept of hiring overqualified candidates.

What does an Overqualified Employee Mean?

In simple terms, if a candidate has more qualifications than required or has worked in positions with a higher salary, he is seen as overqualified.

Each job role you are offering and every career opportunity you get come with a unique definition of what that means, but in general, recruiters can discern quickly whether a candidate is a good fit for the position, even if they are overqualified or have little to no experience.

Why do Overqualified Candidates Apply?

In a stable economic environment, overqualified candidates apply for varied reasons, like changing their work/life balance, using their experience as a springboard for reentering the workforce, switching industries or professions, or pursuing a humanitarian objective.

With time, the candidate will prove whether he is a wonderful fit for the company or if he serves as the ideal reason to reject a candidate, depending on how he performs and behaves at the workplace.

In this tough time, mainly after COVID, candidates mainly need a job since the great majority of people looking for work right now are probably doing so as a result of the severe economic impact and these widespread job losses.

Is Hiring an Overqualified Candidate a Good Idea?

There is no right or wrong answer since the outcome depends on candidate to candidate and company to company. To get some clarity on this, we have listed below the advantages and disadvantages of hiring overqualified employees.

Overqualified Employees can be Helpful: What are the Major Benefits?

Fresh Insights and Ideas: Candidates who hold higher positions and are overqualified for the job may see their present role differently or have knowledge of the company’s various structures. It helps to bring improvements to the organization.

Mentoring Skills: Highly qualified employees with great expertise may impart their knowledge to other team members. While not all skills require formal teaching, the presence of a highly experienced person can improve the performance of other team members.

Cost Reduction in Training: Several times, the overqualified individual doesn’t need to get training. They may be able to train others themselves, but they need a proper brief on how the business operates.

Qualified Enough: When it comes to hiring someone, the biggest concern is whether or not they will be able to perform the job requirements perfectly. An overqualified candidate eliminates this uncertainty since they have probably performed this exact work earlier. Employees still need to screen candidates for other factors like personality, but they are sure that the particular applicant is capable of carrying out the fundamental duties of the position.

The Interesting Motive: When companies reject overqualified applicants, it implies they make assumptions about their motivation for applying for the job. It’s possible to find out that the applicant was previously employed by a huge company but would want to be more hands-on in a smaller structure. Or, the candidate is specifically looking for a position that can provide him with a better work-life balance.

Better Output: Experienced candidates accept the job fast and perform exceptionally well. So in comparison to those perfect-fit workers, you get a better outcome from overqualified ones. Besides, they might inspire other team members to perform better.

Maturity: Workers with extensive experience and high qualifications will be more mature and can come in handy in an emergency. When the situation arises, they might support their bosses and apply their abilities to the company’s advantage.

Overall, overqualified employees might have a lot to contribute if you can get past your old ideas and hire them. They can provide fresh ideas to your company, as well as leadership potential, mentorship, and knowledge in other areas. These employees have a wealth of experience that your company has never leveraged before.

Overqualified Employees can be Harmful: Why do Companies Reject Them?

Employers generally reject overqualified candidates or are hesitant to hire them due to varied reasons. Here is a list:

Disinterest: Most of the research shows that a clear and substantial link between overqualification and work discontent is disinterested. When overqualified workers are poorly managed, they appear to be more prone to developing bad attitudes toward their jobs. All of this provides a simple explanation for the common practice among HR managers of rejecting overqualified job applicants.
Weak Outcome: Some overqualified employees seem to be approaching their new positions negatively; they could get complacent, bored, or lazy. Employees who believe a task is too easy for them may even attempt to assign it to a different employee. The first step toward poor work performance and carelessness is a mental rejection of the assigned work.
Negative Impact: Any new employee brings with them a change in the dynamics of the company. Overqualified employees could be harmful to other team members’ aspirations for future growth. Some employees may even choose to quit if they experience intimidation.
Outdated Information: Not all knowledge acquired earlier is effective today in this rapidly evolving business world. Overqualified employees may have knowledge that has become obsolete. Additionally, they might continue with activities that could harm the company. It will cost money to implement some specialized unlearning techniques to lessen the potential harm that outdated knowledge could do.

Suggestions for Hiring Overqualified Candidates

An employee may be overqualified for a post, for which there are several possible explanations. It’s advisable to find out why they want to work in a certain position before you hire them. By doing this, companies can determine whether the hire will fit in well and won’t hinder output or instill insecurity among coworkers.

Startups should make extra effort to ascertain the motivations behind an overqualified candidate’s desire to work for them. If such an employee is sincere, they can be a huge help; if they are not, they could cause problems for the firm.

Companies must keep in mind that not everyone values money above all else. For a variety of reasons, an individual who is overqualified for a position may decide to work in it. They might prefer a less demanding profession, for example, or they might be less driven by status or money.

An employer may hire wisely and create a productive work environment by finding out why people who are overqualified for a position want to work there.

Last Verdicts

It is a fact that not every overqualified employee will work well for your business. During the interview process, you should be careful with warning signs, just like you would with any other candidate. For example:

Do they lack moral values?
Are they serious about the duties of the job?
Do their salary requirements go well beyond what the position entails?
Do they have valid reasons for joining a low-paying job?

Evaluating the candidates around these questions will help you determine whether the applicant you have is genuinely excited and could add a lot of value to your company. All you need to do is offer them an opportunity.

Growing Plants at Home During the Rainy Season: A Comprehensive Guide

The rainy season is an excellent time to start growing plants at home. With abundant rainfall and favorable conditions, this period makes it easier for plants to establish and thrive. If you want to create a lush, green space at home, start now…it is the perfect time to begin. Here is a detailed guide on why the rainy season is ideal for planting and how to make the most of it to create a vibrant garden.

Why the Rainy Season is Ideal for Plant Growth

Consistent Water Supply: The rainy season ensures a reliable and abundant source of water, which is crucial for plant germination and early growth. Water is essential for various physiological processes such as nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and cell expansion. Consistent moisture helps seeds swell, break their coats, and start growing.
Optimal Soil Conditions: Rain moistens the soil, creating an ideal environment for seed germination and root growth. Moist soil prevents young seedlings from drying out and supports their establishment. Also, rain helps soften the soil, making it easier for roots to penetrate and expand.
Enhanced Nutrients Availability: Rainwater helps dissolve nutrients in the soil, making them more accessible to plants. This nutrient availability is crucial for young plants’ healthy growth and development. The increased microbial activity during the rainy season also helps break down organic matter, enriching the soil further.
Favorable Temperature: The rainy season usually brings warmer temperatures, which are optimal for the metabolic activities that drive plant growth. Warm, moist conditions promote faster seedling development and stronger root systems, giving plants a better start.
Reduced Water Stress: Plants established during the rainy season experience less water stress than those planted in drier periods. With ample water available, plants can focus more on growth and development than survival.
Improved Soil Structure: Consistent rainfall improves soil structure by facilitating the breakdown of organic matter and promoting microbial activity. A healthy soil structure is beneficial for root penetration and overall plant health.
Natural Growth Cycles: Many plants have evolved to exploit the rainy season. Seeds often remain dormant during dry periods and germinate with the onset of rains. This synchronization with natural growth cycles ensures that plants get the best possible start.
Increased Daylight Hours: The rainy season coincides with longer daylight hours in many regions. More sunlight means more energy for photosynthesis, which supports robust plant growth.
Reduced Competition: The rainy season signals a time of renewal with reduced competition from established vegetation. This gives new seedlings a better chance to establish themselves and grow strong.
Enhanced Soil Aeration: Rain helps aerate the soil, ensuring plant roots receive adequate oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for root respiration and overall plant health.

Steps to Grow Plants at Home During the Rainy Season

Choose the Right Plants: Select plants that are well-suited to your region’s rainy season. Consider local climate conditions and choose native species or those that thrive in wet conditions.
Prepare the Soil: Ensure your soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can harm plant roots. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Planting: Sow seeds or plant seedlings in well-prepared soil. Ensure they are spaced appropriately to avoid overcrowding and to allow for healthy growth.
Water Management: While rain provides most of the water, monitor your plants for signs of water stress. Ensure good drainage and avoid areas where water tends to pool.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also helps prevent soil erosion during heavy rains.
Pest and Disease Control: The rainy season can increase pests and diseases. Monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate measures, such as using natural pesticides or removing affected leaves, to keep your garden healthy.
Support Structures: Provide support for plants that may be vulnerable to heavy rain or wind. Use stakes or trellises for climbers and tall plants to prevent damage.
Regular Maintenance: Removing dead leaves, weeds, and debris keeps your garden tidy. Regular pruning and maintenance encourage healthy growth and reduce the risk of disease.

Starting a home garden during the rainy season offers numerous advantages. The abundant water supply, improved soil conditions, and favorable temperatures create an optimal environment for plant growth. Following the steps outlined above and understanding the benefits of planting during this time, you can enjoy a thriving and vibrant garden at home. Happy gardening!

Don’t Leave Your Career for Your Kids: Here’s How to Balance Your Work and Family as a Mom

Margaret Thatcher the former UK Prime Minister, once said, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” Well, it is best suited to any mother.

Nobody is more adept at multitasking than a mother, be it physically, emotionally, or mentally. It’s as though your productivity peaks at the moment you become a mother. primarily out of necessity but somewhat out of choice.

You’ve undoubtedly realized that you can handle any challenge, whether you’re a stay-at-home mother, a full- or part-time employee, or running your own business.

Working mothers are resilient, even if they might not finish every task on their to-do list every day, and they might feel bad for needing to check their work email while their child(ren) is/are homesick for what seems like the 50th time this year. They do their best to be the best mothers, partners, friends, employees, or employers they can while maintaining their commitment to their professional and personal goals.

We have always empowered and educated aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders for professional success. In this article, we have tried to list the best tips and strategies on how women can balance their work and kids and grow in their careers.

Keep your health a priority.

This is the first formula. Whether you are an employee or an entrepreneur and also a mother, the goal should be focused on living a long, healthy life so you can enjoy your children well into adulthood as a working millennial mother of small children in your forties. Making decisions that promote your longevity and energy is essential.

This is a fact; it can never be a 50/50 split between work and life since family and health come first; otherwise, what purpose is it? You should arrange your work hours to fit in with your priorities, which include getting enough sleep, preparing meals, eating healthily, exercising, and spending time with friends and family. When you prioritize your health, it helps you become more focused and effective at work, allowing you to finish more tasks in less time.

Get a head start on the game.

When you manage your work, family, and kids from the front seat and work whole daily continuously, you get exhausted by the evening. This is normal. Here, you can set aside some time to make lunches, make coffee, and arrange school clothing. To help you handle some domestic chores, try to rise early in the morning before your family does. You can even use this early morning time for self-care to stay energetic and productive the whole day.

Establish realistic expectations and goals.

Effectively managing your workload and preserving your sanity requires you to set reasonable expectations and goals. While you should also change your objectives according to the situation,

You do not need to put too much pressure on yourself; be realistic about your abilities. Establishing attainable goals makes it simpler to balance your obligations since they keep you focused and lower your stress levels.

Be ready to sacrifice a lot.

Having a healthy work and home life requires sacrifice, even if your business is profitable. You may have a great time in your current city; you can take care of your business or job with your family, but what if your kids need to move to another city for better education and they are not old enough to manage on their own? You will have to move with them. You will have to say yes in many situations where you do not want to.

Live in the moment.

“Work-life balance is no piece of cake”Work”! There is no secret formula; it is part of our daily routine that we need to practice daily. If you have become a mother for the first time or just started your career, things get tougher for you.

Whether it’s for work-related purposes, you are making a presentation for your meeting, or you are playing football with your kids, keep your mind focused on the same. Because the moment is fleeting, live in the now. Set the things that matter most first. Your priority can be your kid; everything else can wait. Many people say that balance is a myth. But you can achieve this when you know you are doing your best, and it is sufficient.

Get children to do routine work.

Involving children in routine duties promotes a sense of community and accountability. Assign tasks suitable for their age, such as putting away their toys, watering plants, and feeding pets. When you involve children in these activities, you not only lessen your workload but also encourage family members to work together. It teaches them valuable life skills and instills responsibility at an early age.

Establish a fixed timetable.

Making a timetable with specific times for work, family, and education is one strategy. You may have hundreds of tasks, but you can still manage them with the right strategy. Set job priorities, assign work when you can, and be honest about responsibilities with family, coworkers, and employers. To ensure personal and professional progress, set boundaries, engage in health and self-care, and make use of support networks.

Focus on effective time management.

Learning efficient time management techniques is essential for working parents who wish to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. Prioritize your work, set realistic expectations for each area, and plan your calendar with care. Allocate a specific time frame for work, family activities, and personal needs. When any unexpected events occur, you need to be adaptable and don’t be scared to ask for help or change your plans.

Cherish your free time.

While managing your work and family, do not forget about self-care. Set some time aside every day for work or relaxation. You can get some time before, after work, or after your family goes to bed. When you get some relaxation time and use it for unscheduled work, it benefits you a lot. But it is one of the most difficult aspects of balancing everything. Working should be done at the time of day that best suits your concentration; taking some time to unwind is just as crucial to long-term success.

Multitasking when required.

While taking classes online, finding balance might be difficult, but multitasking is essential. Making the most of your time is beneficial when you work and take continuing education courses. Time management techniques include eating well and using lunch breaks to finish homework or reading.

These are a few tips and techniques to balance your work and family perfectly. Hopefully, you have found them helpful. That’s it for now.

Happy Reading!

NetApp appoints José Manuel Petisco as Vice President for EEMI (Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America)

In his new role, the executive will lead innovation and growth for the company in key markets.
In 2022, he was appointed as the General Manager of NetApp Iberia.

Dubai, UAE– May 11, 2024 – – NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, announces the appointment of José Manuel Petisco as the new VP for the EEMI region, which includes Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Petisco, with over 30 years of experience in the information technology sector, takes on this new responsibility after serving as the General Manager of NetApp Iberia since 2022, and previously as the Cloud Director of NetApp for Ibero-America since joining the company in 2021.

Prior to joining NetApp, Petisco had a long career at Cisco, where he held various management positions in Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, both in Spain and Europe, for 19 years. His extensive experience also includes positions of responsibility at companies such as 3Com, Alcatel, Ericsson, and Veritas.

In his new role, Petisco will oversee the implementation of NetApp’s global strategy in key regions for the company, focusing on digital transformation and the adoption of new platforms with intelligent data infrastructures for private and public cloud environments. He will work closely with the organization’s customers and partners to drive growth, profitability, and digitalization of businesses.

“This opportunity, taking on this new role, represents a significant challenge and, at the same time, an immense responsibility,” says José Manuel Petisco. “During my years at NetApp, I have been fortunate to work at the forefront of digital transformation, collaborating closely with teams and customers to implement innovative solutions in data management and cloud services. My goal in this new role is undoubtedly to continue driving NetApp’s leadership in these strategic regions. I am committed to taking our vision and strategy to new horizons, always focused on the ever-changing needs of our customers and market dynamics. I appreciate the trust placed in me for this role and I am eager to collaborate with our talented team, valuable partners, and customers to achieve new levels of success and excellence.”

According to Giovanna Sangiorgi, Senior Vice President of NetApp EMEA and LATAM, “Jose Petisco has led the business in Iberia and get Spain to climb the ladder and get to the top ranking. He inherits a strong legacy and I’m fully confident that with the support of the strong leadership team built so far and his experience and trajectory, he will continue to deliver growth and add value to our customers’ and partners’ business in this Area.”

A SUCCESSFUL HEALTHRENEUR WITH A BEAUTIFUL SOUL, SUPPORTING PEOPLE TO HEAL FROM THE ROOT

Growth wit hout its growing pains—although a fallacy—appears an effortless possibility when represented by tenacious forces who have pioneered and moulded the landscape of female empowerment and leadership in modern industries, such as the healthcare sector.

One such character in the pantheon of pioneers is Dr. Uzma Raheem. The daughter to pioneering histopathologist, Dr. Mohammed Abdulraheem—credited for the founding of the first medical laboratory in the Kingdom—Dr. Uzma Raheem set out to create her own legacy in the fields of psychology and special needs during their infancy in the region in the 90s.

Although her journey began as most fresh graduates’: at an entry-level job, working under rigid industry standards of the time, it soon became evident to Dr. Raheem that the axion on which the special needs sector functioned was deficient in its stringent inability to adapt and collaborate with differing perspectives.

As a staunch proponent of holistic therapy, the more singular approach to treatment her workplace employed served as the launching-pad for her to finally stand up and strike out on her own, only 9 months after joining the workforce, in 1998.

Finding HOPE and Success

The genesis of HOPE for Exceptional Needs occurred in 1999, in two rooms, when Dr. Raheem decided to treat private clients as a matter of supplementing her income. Soon thereafter, demand for her services increased—as they were inevitably wont to do in a landscape of untapped potential dependant on word of mouth advertising.

This unforeseen growth led to the venture’s expansion from a home-based operation to the apartment next door in 2000, where Dr. Raheem’s initial capacity of 6 clients grew to 9. 2004 saw another growth spurt as HOPE moved to its first independent building with a capacity of 50, and in 2007, they moved into two buildings with a capacity of 238.

Through all its years, HOPE, and by extension, Dr. Uzma Raheem, innovated through the creation of Saudi Arabia’s first multilingual and multicultural centre for special needs, employing novel and holistic therapy programs hitherto unseen in the Kingdom, such as occupational, play, hydro, and hippotherapy; and the use of SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, plan) notes to ensure quality control and the furthering of research. HOPE has also been the first to provide free counselling for parents, and free screenings for disabilities and disorders across four major cities of the country: Riyadh, its home-base, Jeddah, Al-Khobsr, and Madinah.

Over its 25 years of existence, HOPE’s excellence, and its founder’s prowess and leading expertise have been recognized by multiple significant bodies, totaling at 41 nominations, and 15 wins, including—but not limited to—the UNDP and the EU’s Challiot Award for Human Rights.

Almaseerah and the Woman at its Helm

From psychologist, to founding director of HOPE, to PhD in clinical psychopathology, to CEO at Almaseerah center, Dr. Uzma Raheem has maintained a standard of operation that distinguishes all her ventures with her proverbial Midas’ touch.

As with HOPE, under Dr. Raheem, Almaseerah centre has grown into a business that upholds values of ‘healing from the root’.

“Unlike other centers, where the focus is placed on symptoms, we seek the root, to heal from the root. We assess brain functionality and the nervous system and tailor therapies accordingly,”- explains Dr. Raheem. “Every two months, we host free training, awareness, and counselling for parents, and mothers and parents (as couples) separately. This program is called Learning to Repair the Wound.”

Almaseerah functions with the level of excellence it is renowned for due to its proactive and diligent staff, all of whom are trained under Dr. Raheem’s tutelage, and who are thereafter entrusted with the integral task of SOAP note-taking for the sake of research and quality control.

Its greatest distinction is as a consolidated entity that provides ‘comprehensive solutions in behavioral science’ in an industry that is largely focused on pediatrics, autism, or Down syndrome, and does not address co-morbidities or other disabilities and disorders.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the way Almaseerah stays ahead of the curb is through the use of AAC (Augmented and Alternative Communication) with children who struggle, especially with verbal communication, and Dr. Raheem hopes for greater technological implementations to fuse with her nature and learning-based approach as the venture expands.

Picture of the Future

On the subject of expansion, the inevitable conclusion for a new venture such as Almaseerah is the double-sided coin of physical and service expansion.

Dr. Raheem recognizes the gap of consolidated services that still remains in the Kingdom’s healthcare industry, and as is evident by her career and efforts thus far, the goal post only keeps moving forward.

With an aim to expand not just its facilities, through Almaseerah, Dr. Uzma Raheem hopes to initiate Saudi Arabia’s first center that will accommodate both special needs, and general mental health, thus offering therapies and services across the board.

About the Author:

Marwa Hussain is a fiction writer and freelance book coach/editor specializing in character work. She is currently working on her debut novel: a YA Urban Fantasy and fairytale retelling that blends everyone’s childhood favorite stories, but with a dark twist. You can learn more about her writing and services via @inkpotandpages on Instagram.

The 10 Most Innovative Healthcare Leaders in Asia, 2024

How Top Entrepreneurs Win their Customers

In the current competitive business landscape, customers are powerful enough to decide the fate of your business. The customer is the king and lifeblood of the company. Therefore, a wise entrepreneur knows that offering the best products or services will no longer help you attract and retain them. Providing exceptional services and outstanding customer experience are the keys to winning and retaining customers. You should act smarter and think out of the box to appeal to your customers. In this blog post, we will learn about how top entrepreneurs win their customers.

Know your customers

Knowing your customers is the first step towards success. If you are aware of their wants, wishes and buying behaviors, it will be possible to entice them. Top entrepreneurs know their customers’ names, income, age, hobbies, tastes, dislikes, etc. By deeply knowing your customers you can expect to attract new customers and build a successful business. This is how top entrepreneurs win their customers.

Often, entrepreneurs invest time and money in marketing their products and services without knowing their customers, so they fail severely. It is essential to know your audience even before you start designing your products.

Offer discounts to customers.

Offering discounts is a highly effective strategy to attract and win first-time customers and encourage repeat business. By offering incentives and special offers, you can give potential customers a reason to choose your products or

services over competitors. For new customers, you can set a percentage discount, like 20% off. Such a straightforward approach appeals to price-conscious consumers and can entice them to try your business. You can also create package deals by combining multiple products or services at a discounted price. This can attract and win customers and offer them a convenient and cost-effective way to experience various offerings from your business.

Take advantage of referrals

Leveraging word-of-mouth referrals, driven by satisfied customers, can be one of the most effective ways to expand your customer base. Whenever a customer receives a recommendation from a trusted source, they’re more likely to trust and choose that product or service. Word-of-mouth referrals are one form of social proof in marketing. This is the practice of influencing people to buy a product or service by leveraging reviews, user-generated content, and other customer testimonials.

You can offer incentives to your existing customers, such as freebies or cash rewards, to encourage referrals. By rewarding customers for recommending your business, you can create a win-win situation for you and your customers.

Creating a structured referral program is another strategy to leverage referrals. Such programs can provide customers with unique referral codes or links they can share, and in return, they receive rewards for each successful referral. This encourages existing customers to refer others and tracks the success of your

referral efforts.

Build a network for business growth

Networking is essential in establishing connections and building relationships within your industry. It plays a crucial role in driving business growth and opening up opportunities for collaboration. You can attend industry events for networking. Such gatherings provide a platform to meet potential customers, partners, and industry experts. You can engage in conversations, exchange business cards, and follow up with contacts to solidify the connection. Joining professional groups can also help you in networking. Such groups hold regular meetings, workshops, and networking events where you can connect with like-minded professionals and gain insights into industry trends.

Optimize the website for customer attraction

Whether for e-commerce or informational purposes, a website is essential for businesses today. You can offer a positive user experience to your customers by creating a well-designed website that is easy to navigate. Create a visually appealing website with clear navigation menus and intuitive user

interfaces. While browsing websites, customers value speed and efficiency. So, optimizing your website’s loading speed will improve the user experience and boost your search engine rankings. Minimize code, compress images and leverage browser caching for faster load times.

Collaborate with complementary businesses.

Partnering with businesses that offer products or services that complement yours allows you to tap into their customer base and benefit from their existing relationships. Business partnerships, such as joint marketing efforts and cross-promotion, will enable you to reach a broader audience that may aware of your business.

Produce a loyalty program.

Producing a loyalty program is an effective strategy for attracting and retaining customers. By rewarding their loyalty, you can encourage repeat purchases. There are many types of loyalty programs you can implement. For example, point systems allow customers to earn points based on their purchases and redeem them for rewards.

Creating a well-designed loyalty program can improve customer retention and attract new customers. These customers are more likely to choose businesses that offer rewards and incentives for their continued support.

Deliver personalized services

Nowadays, customers like services and products tailored to their needs. This can be as simple as showing them a location-based advertisement or something more complex like speeding up the checkout process using saved payment information and preferences. It is essential to find the right balance between personalization and raising privacy red flags.

Use online reviews

Potential customers often turn to online reviews to make purchasing decisions. Hence, you should leverage these reviews to help boost the perception of your brand and attract new customers. Valuable and positive online reviews help build trust and credibility. Whenever prospective customers see others having a positive experience with your business, it instills confidence in your products or services.

Show your expertise

Whether it’s your skills, experience, or industry knowledge, showcasing your expertise in your industry can establish you as a trusted authority. You can share your knowledge and insights at conferences, webinars, or industry events, position yourself as an expert, and gain exposure to a wider audience. This can help you win the trust of your potential customers so that they will prefer to make a purchase from your business.

Last Thoughts

Always remember that successful businesses are not built in a day. A lot of hard work and perseverance are needed to make a successful business, and its customers are at the heart of a successful business. To succeed in the industry, you must know your customers and offer them the best possible experiences. Consider your customers your family members and get to know them as much as possible. Create experiences that will help you build life-long connections with your customers and take your business to the next level.