Greentech Innovators AS: Developing Solutions for Circular Bio-economy with Innovative Minds Led by Ingmar Hogoy

“Success is to contribute to solving some of the great environmental challenges and produce healthy and sustainable food!” – Ingmar Hogoy

Greentech Innovators AS, a humble entrant into the landscape of Biotechnology, is the brainchild of Ingmar Hogoy. The story of the innovative success of ‘Greentech’ started on January 30th, 2018 by Ingmar and his partner to identify the needs in the market and collaborate with research communities, innovators, and industry to develop solutions for circular bio-economy.

Ingmar Hogoy, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Greentech Innovators AS/, is a business leader, visionary and expert professional within the aquaculture industry. He is an amazing project leader within the aquaculture industry in protein recovery, biotechnology, process technology, feed, hydrolysis, new aquaculture species, fish health, and project funding.  He holds expertise in fish farming, R&D, product development, process development, processing of fish by-products, marketing, and sales.

Working together with partners like researchers and employees to solve new and upcoming challenges within Aquaculture and sustainability has been a great inspiration for Ingmar. It has been an extraordinary journey since he started with aquaculture at the age of 12 up until today. And, his greatest achievement is to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse emissions by giving waste value.

The Beginning of a Business Leader

“My lifelong passion for fisheries and aquaculture started when I was a young boy. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents at their island home which gave me insights into marine life. At the age of 12, I started experimenting with microalgae in an aquarium using fertilizer for growth. I made a small pond and was catching wild trout fry for farming. When I was 15 years old, I began fish farming with rainbow trout in a homemade fish cage”, shared Ingmar.

“Later in my career, I have been dedicated to different parts of the aquaculture value chain in Norway, through research, product development, processing, and sales. In the early stage of the Norwegian salmon industry, I was working in a salmon processing plant when I realised that there was no waste management solution for the processed by-products like viscera and bones. This became an environmental problem. I found that the rest of the raw material from processing was a valuable resource containing high-quality protein and oil – left unutilised. I was hired at a pioneering company, built up a factory for processing the rest of raw materials from the salmon industry into fish protein and oil as feed. Ever since, I have been dedicated to the circular economy, utilizing waste from fisheries and aquaculture by developing new products as feed, special feed, and proteins for human consumption. The utilisation of the rest raw materials from fisheries and aquaculture is now a large and profitable industry in Norway”, he further added

Greentech Since Inception

Through his experience with aquaculture and by solving the challenges of by-products from aquaculture and fisheries, Ingmar realised that they still have environmental challenges with food waste. In 2018, he established Greentech Innovators and the subsidiary Algaepro. The idea was to find more sustainable solutions to organic waste like food waste. The environmental challenges with today’s waste management solutions became more and more obvious.

Food waste on landfills is contributing to 11 % of Methane emissions, a greenhouse gas 70 times stronger than CO2. Ingmar focuses on how they could develop more sustainable solutions and utilise the valuable resources in food waste? They found that the solution was using microbes and microalgae to convert food waste into highly demanded and valuable protein and omega-3. Since then, they have been working to develop our business idea and improve the fermentation process. One of their main strategic goals was a partnership with our local waste management company BIR which we succeeded within 2019.

Due to new EU regulations prohibiting incineration of food waste from 2023, waste management companies need to create more sustainable waste management solutions in partnership with start-up companies with new and innovative solutions. Ingmar and his team are acting as a service provider for waste management and producing feed ingredients for the growing aquaculture industry. They now have under construction a pilot plant for fermentation and like most start-ups; they are looking to raise capital.

The Challenges & the Driving Force

The leading man has always been fascinated by farming the ocean to increase food production. He has also been interested in sustainability and that they have to reduce the man-made negative impact of the climate. Combining these elements and improving utilisation of underutilised resources and reducing the negative impact on nature is fascinating and a driving force for me.

As a start-up, the challenge will always be to convince investors of what a “brilliant” idea this is. There are many challenges as a start-up but funding takes too much time and it would be better to spend time on developing products and markets.

Making the Solutions more Efficient & Sustainable

The goal is to grow microalgae on a large scale to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food waste and capture CO2 in microalgae, at the same time as they are producing sustainable and healthy seafood. That is really a win-win situation.

Keeping the Team Motivated & Innovative

The employee must be enthusiastic in making a difference and Ingmar always tells his team that they are contributing to solving some of the main global challenges, namely reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing food production. That is a good motivation for the whole team working in Greentech Innovators & AlgaePro.

The Current Landscape of the Waste Management

The current landscape of waste management and feed sources is emerging at high speed. Greentech mainly operates in two markets; the market of improved waste management and the market of new protein and omega-3 feed sources. Most countries are looking for more sustainable waste management solutions as it becomes clearer that food waste results in large Methane emissions from landfills and biogas production. New regulations are supporting this market growth.

Global aquaculture production is growing exponentially and requires new sustainable feed sources. There is a need for new protein and omega-3 sources in order to continue the growth in global aquaculture production. The dominating protein sources like fish meal and soy have limited supply and face environmental concerns regarding overfishing and severe deforestation.

The Business World of Europe

Europe is on the right track regarding the focus on environmental challenges with new green solutions flourishing, However, the access to capital for start-ups is a limitation slowing down the development and scaling of green solutions. Generally speaking, the governments, finance institutes, and industries are talking too much and doing too little. Now it’s time to take action!

Future Roadmap

Ingmar Hogoy’s vision is to scale the solution of food waste management and microalgae production and give a substantial contribution to reduce greenhouse gases and farm the ocean. Further, he believes that they need to utilise the ocean in order to produce more sustainable food.

Ingmar’s Advice to Aspiring entrepreneurs

You have to fight for your ideas and never give up. You will face expected and unexpected challenges. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy walk, but you have to go uphill to reach the top. Now, go out and do it!

Eugen Lukas Gross: Delivering Enhanced Audio Content Solutions by Leveraging AI and Data Science at aiconix GmbH

A brainchild of Eugen Lukas Gross, aiconix GmbH has set a new benchmark for the analysis and processing of audio-visual content and positioned itself strongly in the market. Founded on 13th April 2018, the company has been working with a mission to improve content production by using data science in a meaningful way. With solutions such as automated live streaming transcription and subtitling, speech-to-text, facial recognition, or AI analysis of media content, the company allows people to add significant value to their AV content production processes, gain innovative data insights, and increase monetization.

The Man behind aiconix’s Unique Concept

Eugen Lukas Gross is the Founder and CEO of aiconix. He is a seasoned professional with over 29 years of expertise in different fields. He started as a camera assistant (feature film, commercials, magazine) in Vienna, quickly became a cameraman for news when he moved to Berlin. In the 90s he worked as an SNG operator and technical lead of an OB-van. But he was drawn back to the camera, shooting mainly live music and entertainment productions for TV. In the 2000s Eugen became a partner of a TV production company in Cologne and produced a long-term documentary in Northern Germany where he was a shareholder. In early 2010 he also worked as a producer and director before he took a master’s degree in media management and set the course for aiconix in 2016 with his master’s thesis.

In his master’s thesis, he didn’t only focus on AI, but primarily on the possibilities of predicting the user behavior of viewers when consuming media content. While researching AI providers, he noticed that the market is quite opaque and that’s when he came up with the idea of building a platform that curates and orchestrates AI providers and features. There is a lot of need especially in the Speech-to-Text space and they received an overwhelming market echo. With the pandemic and the resulting reluctance of media customers to invest, the government space has come into focus.

What Influenced Eugen to Start a Business?

It happened by accident. When Eugen moved to Berlin in the early 90th, as an Austrian not a member of the EEC, he did not get a working permit, so he had to work self-employed.

Again, after graduating, he initially wanted to work for a company. But he quickly realized that he might not be able to shape things there the way he would like to. Agile working, the courage to take risks and learn from mistakes, the joy of driving innovation. These are things that drive him. Due to his years of self-employment prior to his studies, it quickly became clear that he wanted to build something of his own.

Keeping the Team Innovative and Productive

The secret formula of motivating the team to stay innovative and productive by informing and educating them what they are working towards. Employees need to not only know the company’s vision and goals but also want to share them. This encourages everyone to work together to achieve better results. With clear and measurable goals that align with the vision, all employees can track progress and their success becomes tangible. In addition, fostering alignment and communication within and between teams is hugely important, as it increases productivity and can help employees feel valued and motivated.

Definition of Success

For Eugen Lukas, success is being able to earn a living by doing what he really enjoys doing. Success is being able to feed his family. Success is being able to determine one’s own life and being independent. Success is being able to constantly learn from people that you meet every single day. Success is finding your place in this world where you feel that you can make a contribution.

Eugen’s Views on the IT Industry  

The market is in upheaval. Everyone is talking about digitization and innovation management, but unfortunately, action is too slow in many areas. The larger the company (customer), the more sluggish it is in making decisions and implementing new technologies. This is usually due to the fact that too many stakeholders, who often do not have the technological know-how, have to be involved, and this delays decisions and the speed at which innovative technologies are introduced.

Current Business World of Europe

Many European countries still rely heavily on the “old economy”. Innovations are desirable and necessary, but the path to implementation is often too bureaucratic and full of legal hurdles. In general, digitization is also progressing far too slowly. But it is found that many, especially younger people, have an innovative mindset redefining entire industries. And, they are the future of a modern, high-performance Europe.

From the CEO’s Desk

The biggest challenge for me is to be patient. It never goes as fast as I want it to and focusing on just one topic is, for someone bubbling with ideas, just as big a challenge. A great team that pulls together with me keeps me motivated and positive feedback from satisfied clients is my daily ration of happiness.

Our platform aingine is the basis for all further products. My original idea of being able to predict people’s media user behavior with AI is still something I’m convinced could change the way media is produced and something I still want to implement. I want our AI solutions to empower people in all industries to work smarter. They should see AI as their assistant and not as a job killer.

Achievements & Accomplishments

Eugen Lukas Gross and his team believe their biggest success is their visibility in a European ecosystem and the inquiries from customers they didn’t know about before.

Eugen’s personal success was and is that he managed to come out of low blows, such as a sports injury that forced him to give up his old job, to reorient himself, and to have now embarked on a new professional perspective through a late master’s degree. Change as a drive.

Road Ahead

Discussing his future plans for the company, Eugen Lukas Gross shared, “We want to offer our customers the best AI solutions to facilitate, improve and monetize their daily work. We want to play a relevant role in our markets and strive for long-term, trusting customer relationships. Personally, I am satisfied when I get to lead a company that has motivated, happy and appreciative employees who enjoy going to work every day and believe in what we do aiconix and our products shall not be the last innovations I have worked on. More is to follow.”

A Piece of Advice to Budding Entrepreneurs

You need luck and perseverance. And it’s important to believe in your vision, but you also have to react, pick up and listen to what customers are saying. Products should always be in beta: you should constantly think about how to improve them. If you are personally balanced and have support from your family and environment, then you can excel professionally.

Closing quote

Experience only comes from taking detours.

Dr Milan Krajnc: The Business Expert, Helping Companies to Grow By Sorting Out Their Difficulties

Everything begins and ends in the mind of the individual. – Milan Krajnc

Dr. Milan Krajnc, a man with many hats, is an academic and university professor, author, mentor, business expert, and problem-solver. He is an expert in resolving the challenges that arise from the interaction of different personality types within a company or organization. He is skilled in personal advising, psychology, marketing, negotiation, and lobbying at organizations of any size and scope, from local to national levels. He is an expert on State psychology and local authorities. Mr. Krajnc is the creator of the Dynamic Leadership Model, an exceptional method for helping organizations and companies, using the laws of nature. He has written more than 300 books in the field of management and relationships.

In academics, Milan studied physics, at the Faculty of Education in the belief that one day, he would become a physics teacher at school. However, he started teaching during his studies and realized that this would not be his future, so at the end of his studies, he quit school and started working for various companies in the field of business process optimization, where he quickly realized that the problem was in the way of thinking, in leaders. So, he started studying psychology and psychotherapy while working and working on projects all the time. Present-day, Mr. Milan Krajnc is a Doctor of Science in Management Psychology and a University Professor of Public Management. However, he spends most of his time in companies where he teaches leaders a different way of thinking.

While talking about his successful journey from scratch Dr Milan apprised, “My company was in the beginning, a family business, but my wife and I were too young, for business and personal life, so at some point, we decided to continue only business cooperation. Today, I led the entire business group. It was named after the brightest constant star in our visible sky, SIRIUS, as I studied physics and earned a degree in astronomy. Astronomy and space have been my hobbies since early childhood. And this hobby also broadened my horizons in a way. The company is constantly engaged in the innovation, development of business solutions that allow users to easily manage the company. You could say we sell time to give our customers more time to live!”

Overcoming the Challenges & Staying Motivated

“I do not face any challenges, but I take it as a laboratory where we can develop solutions for all companies on our own examples. namely, we sell better communication, a better organization to other companies … Everything is based on the personality of the employees. Because we have a very diverse nationality in the company, we treat employees as our customers, they are kings for us. We try to understand their personal and business problems and create a business environment to foster their potential. Above all, we want to separate their personal and business lives, because that way they are happy and the company has more than their creation. Together we are getting stronger,” asserted Milan when asked about his major challenges.

Innovations on the Way

As a scientist, Dr Milan founded the new scientific method Dynamilogy. Dynamilogy is the active study of “living” processes and phenomena related to humans and nature! It is a new branch of science that he formed based on physics, psychology, and economics. It is decoding nature’s secrets of a sort. Only if we look at nature, we see that everything is simple, that everything works on its own. And we often say that it would be great if it was like that also in our lives.

Let’s examine a diamond as an example. A diamond is made of carbon. But graphite is also made of carbon. The difference between the two is only in the atomic structure. And if we transfer this fact to our economy, how much graphite would we have to sell to get a value that is equal to the value of one diamond sold?

The whole secret is therefore in the right order. The code of nature is in the right order. If we compare a business process or a process in personal life with natural processes, we quickly figure out what we are doing wrong. This way we will also quickly come up with a formula for success. All we need to do is to put the process in our personal or business life in the right order.

And in the end, you will realize that happiness is just a decision! Dynamilogy aims to put a person before work and to reverse the course of the current chaos in the world.

The following models are derived from dynamilogy:

  1. The Dynamic Leadership Model, a business methodology that puts people first.
  2. The Dynamic Leadership Model for Administrative Systems on a Local Level, which puts the potential of the environment and people first.
  3. The Dynamic Communication Model, which creates a refined flow of information.
  4. Sirius Personal Transformation, a psychological method of self-discovery.
  5. Sirius Business Transformation, a business methodology of process reform.
  6. Project Office, a form of enterprise organization with projects and project management as basic elements, representing a completely natural process.
  7. Dynamic Circle, organization of one’s own life in order to accomplish inner peace.
  8. Dynamic Leader, a New Age business profession.
  9. Dynamic Manager, a New Age business management profession.
  10. Dynamic Engineer, a New Age profession for personality-based process planning.

Dr Milan and his want companies to start operating like nature because only then we all be able to save the world and humanity.

This model (Dynamic Leadership Model) has saved thousands of lives, which has been recognized by the most influential intellectuals in the world and nominated for the Nobel Prize in Economics.

Future Outlook

In the near future, the company will be a public institute where new ideas for the future of the world will be developed.

A Piece of Advice

Be honest with yourself and keep your balance at all times.

Favorite Quotes

True power lies in awakening our own nature, returning to the source, and becoming aware of our calling.

Iman Pour Navab & Dynamise: Rapidly Emerging Global Leader in Manufacturing The Finest Quality Health Products

Together, let’s make natural products that are safe for everyone and the environment!

DYNAMISE is an endeavour initiated in 2002 by Iman Pour Navab, the pioneer in homeopathic healthcare, a visionary business leader, botanist, herbalist, and author. It manufactures natural health products with ethically sourced ingredients and is made under an environmentally sustainable system. With its heritage of serving the healthcare industry, DYNAMISE continues to be one of the leading Canadian custom manufacturers and exporters of herbal extracts, oils and liquid supplements on the global level, supplying all kinds of custom labelled herbs in liquid, oil and topical forms for Natural Health Products and Nutraceuticals.

Iman Pour Navab, Founder of DYNAMISE, hails from a humble, hardworking, and reputed background. He studied a six-year natural medicine program at the CCHH in Ontario. He is a registered homeopath healthcare provider and president of the Applied Research in Homeopathy Foundation of Canada (arhfc.ca), a not-for-profit research organization.

Aside from his business success, Iman is also a reputed author. He wrote two books, one is about “Miasma of Cancer”, and the other one is called: “An Interview with Dr. Samuel Hahnemann”.

More About The Brand & Its Exclusive Offerings

DYNAMISE is widely renowned for supporting people in converting their ideas into a final formula. Under the competent leadership and supervision of Iman Pour Navab, it is successfully delivering contract manufacturing, packaging, and labeling services for liquid natural health products, essential oils, herbs and mushrooms extracts, and cosmetics. In his headship, the company has introduced numerous innovative alternatives in Liquid Natural Health Products, Essential Oils, Liquid Herbs and Mushrooms Extract Tinctures, Liquid Homeopathics, and Natural Cosmetics.

Here is the list of services offered by the company:

  • Formulation: Discuss what you have in mind, the expert team will formulate and create your product.
  • Stability Study: They take care of stability-study needs for your finished product with several third-party laboratories to establish the product’s shelf-life.
  • Regulatory Affairs: The team helps in filling and submitting the application forms on your behalf to the NNHPD of Health Canada.
  • Manufacturing: They provide Extraction, blending, and filling services. They have production capability for the Liquid and Topical (from 5 mL and up) format.
  • Packaging & Labeling: They have different packaging and labeling solutions for your product. You can get the filling and bottling service here in different types and sizes of containers.
  • Bulk Materials: They have excellent solutions for offering items in bulk containers.

CLIENTELE & THE UNBREAKABLE FAITH

Faith and integrity are the essences of both Iman’s family and business. At Dynamise – the whole team believes in mutual respect for everyone, and as well as protecting the rights of animals and the environment. Thus, they strive to source ethical plant-based ingredients, and to manufacture products under an environmentally sustainable system.

DYNAMISE serves clients from different states and provinces in North America. Mostly, clients are brand owners that sell their products online through different eCommerce platforms, and also in stores nationwide. For the clients, the company offers custom formulations, product development, manufacturing, packaging, and labeling services. Our facility is in compliance with GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and registered to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System.

HICCUPS ON THE WAY & THE SUPPORT SYSTEM

The primary challenges for Iman were to understand his own weakness and fears. He means to truly realize what are the areas of deficiencies, to do self-assessments and internal gap analysis, and to make continuous improvements.

When asked what helped him along the way to reach where he is today, Iman apprised, “First, God’s mercy and grace. My wife and my brothers are the force and strong engines who with their unconditional love supported me through every step. I am forever grateful for my family’s dedication, sacrifices, and for their hard work.” 

CREATING A MORE BALANCED AND EQUAL INDUSTRY

Iman’s suggestions are, to be mindful of your actions; be aware of the impacts that your policies have towards your personnel, environment, and customers. Don’t be afraid of change; improvement is a never-ending process.

A DAY IN IMAN’S LIFE

Iman’s daily routine begins early in the morning with a meditation around 4:00 o’clock. I start my work at 6:00 in the morning until 5:00 pm. After work, he loves spending time with his family, and then he reads books, which is his only hobby, before going off to sleep.

FAVOURITE BOOK

“I have a list of few books that always inspire me. However, my first favourite book is Physiology, which is the study of how the human body works. During my college years, when for the first time I was reading about the functions and physiology of the organs, I was fascinated. For example, it is mind boggling how the heart works and pumps continuously without resting, and doesn’t need to get plugged in for recharging. Think about it really, this is an utmost advanced technology, beyond words, designed and created by our Lord, and thankfully we don’t receive a monthly bill for the services that our organs perform”, asserted Iman while disclosing his favourite read.

ENVISAGING FUTURE GOALS

Iman said that he tries not to think about the future, he learned this the hard way; future is unpredictable and out of his hand. He can only take care of this moment, and he tries to be aware of his actions now. As his spiritual teacher, Ram Dass, says: Be Here Now.

Iman believes, if he focuses right now, works diligently, and does his best, then the future will surely take care of itself.

Obviously, I hope for the best outcome, God willing.

 AWARDS & MILESTONES

Executive Award for Excellence in Natural Medicine – Canada in 2017

FROM THE COO’S DESK

My late father, who was a pharmacist, had an important influence on me to study herbs, nutrition, and natural remedies. As a registered health care provider, due to my clinical experiences, I observed and learned how effectively herbs can help us”, shared Iman while discussing his main inspiration of starting a career in healthcare.

“My advice to female entrepreneurs including my daughter is to understand and appreciate your vulnerabilities. In this modern society, we put on a social mask and suppress our human vulnerabilities. Truly, it doesn’t matter if you are a female or male.  We have to realize that as human beings, we have a vulnerable side, and that is absolutely okay. Don’t ignore it, just study yourself and love yourself. If you are planning to enter the business world, it is like entering a big noise show, so don’t rush – stay focused, have faith in your capabilities, and be keen about your business.”– Iman Pour Navab

FAVOURITE QUOTE 

Be Here Now. — Ram Dass

Genevieve Leveille: On Being a Leader in an Innovative World

Leadership is a commonly used word all around. In business, it can involve setting goals, telling teams what to do, and planting seeds of potential within the company. With that said,  In our ever-changing world, the philosophy of leadership has to keep up with changing team needs and problems they wish to tackle. Companies today must be innovative and open-minded to changing their problem solving approach. Because of that, leadership isn’t solely about executives making decisions for the company anymore, but finding new ways to engage and motivate your team. 

 

Genevieve Leveille’s novel approach to leadership has helped her manage teams and work with governments with the mission of empowering farmers and decreasing food mismanagement. Her cutting edge enterprise, AgriLedger, provides a blockchain solution that tracks food across global networks, allowing everyone to know who and what happens to the products we purchase.  
 

To do all this, Genevieve has had to redefine leadership within AgriLedger. She allows everyone, regardless of the position, to participate in the decision-making. To her, it’s the team members’ individual skill sets and expertise that lead the decision making process. 
 

Companies and organizations comprised of members with competence and capability are left to decide on projects and goals. A recent study found that this kind of approach is compatible with companies with complex environments and guarantees better transparency, effectiveness, and agility. 

 

In her words “effective leadership, really, falls back to your ability to communicate with different people. You have to empower their team and ensure that they are heard and their needs are met. By doing this, it is easier and more efficient to make sure expectations are met from everyone’s side.” 

 

With a virtual office operating with team members across the world, she draws light to the importance of this in diverse workspaces, where entertaining approaches form different viewpoints are essential to moving forward and ensuring needs are met. This has opened more gates to cooperation and open-mindedness in their work environment. This was particularly important in the roll out of their solution in Haiti throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 
While leaders are normally known to be the shepherd of their team, genevieve believes in non-hierarchical leadership, where leaders are there as communicators that bind their team together into achieving their goals. She also believes that this kind of leadership approach is empowering. Her leadership style is a philosophy, which goes from her company’s mission to empower farmers and consumers, to the way in which she manages those that work directly with her. 
 

According to Zappos CEO Tony Helsh, workers are more responsible and conscious of what they think and do in this leadership style. Meanwhile, Genevieve said that these expert team members under this kind of leadership approach are entrusted to come up with the right ideas in the right place. Since the leader will not be monopolizing ideas, authority, and the right to speak, team members can pitch sensible ideas and opinions within the team without the fear of not being heard. Through the individual efforts by the team members and innovative leadership, trust and cooperation can be attained easier.  
 

In this fast-paced environment where a lot of things change around us, it is also high time to let go of archaic methods that keep us from evolving. Another thing to consider as well during this metamorphosis is to utilize the technology and human potential around us. As long as we keep tapping on that resource, there will always be room for innovation and development for all companies as well as better leaders, team members, and results. 
 

From a technological side, Genevieve has begun to explore halocratic  leadership, and the potential of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO). Generally, Holacracy and DAO put emphasis on how decisions and authority should come from capable team members instead of the leader.  
 

DAO is an internet-reliant decentralized organization where decisions are made from the bottom up and governed by a community with a set of rules enforced on a blockchain. Along with that, all members have a sense of shared ownership and this promotes a more homogenous and harmony in the work environment. She is interested in the potential of this in allocating community funds in developing economies. 
 

“The future of organizing is more Holacratic, where democratic decision making on governance can be managed through technological innovations that make it easier”, Genevieve said. 

Educating People On The Importance Of Fitness, David Lyons Thrives as The Fitness Industry’s Trendsetter

Fitness enthusiast David Lyons, Founder, MS Bodybuilding Challenge and Co-founder, MS Fitness Challenge (MSFC), is globally renowned for his work in both the entertainment and fitness industries. The owner of the OPTIMALBODY fitness brand and President of Lyons Entertainment, David with his wife Kendra, has dedicated his life to helping people with MS understand and be educated on the importance of fitness in their lives. Besides, he is a sought-after motivational speaker and a faith-based author dedicated to helping others by sharing the lessons gained from his life experience.

The Inspiring Journey from a Survivor to a Successful Entrepreneur

In 2006, David Lyons was hospitalized and diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 47. David was a bodybuilder and health club owner, who exercised regularly and lived a healthy lifestyle. He was devastated by the diagnosis and frustrated by the physical limitations of his condition. His initial MS attack left him with partial paralysis, tightness, pain, and numbness in his extremities and back. These common symptoms of MS come and go without warning. The multiple lesions in David’s spinal cord made it difficult for him to coordinate movements and they affected his balance. The lesions in his brain caused cognitive problems affecting his concentration. And the lesion by his optic nerve, at times, caused vision impairment and blackness when seeing out of his left eye. David also lives in a constant state of fatigue caused by this disease attacking his nervous system. While in the hospital the doctors told David he would most likely leave in a wheelchair and would not return to his normal workout routine. They also warned him that MS is a disease that most often progressively worsens and to prepare for his limitations as he ages. So, what does David do?

At the age of 50 David Lyons decided to compete in the NPC Bodybuilding Competition! David’s doctors all told him that his pursuit of competing in a bodybuilding contest was sheer madness, especially at 50 years old…but if anyone could do it – he could. On august 22, 2009, David competed in the Florida State Bodybuilding Championship Where he was awarded an impressive trophy for the most inspirational bodybuilder! And, the victorious journey begins…

More about the Brands

MS Fitness Challenge aims to provide guidance and support to people with MS and fitness professionals worldwide in an effort to educate and train them in the benefits of exercise, nutrition, and mindset in winning the battle against Multiple Sclerosis. MSFC pays for these programs through the donations of its supporters. Here, the main focus is on fitness programs.

OptimalBody is a fitness brand that caters to the market of those “challenged in fitness”. Whether you have a chronic condition such as Multiple Sclerosis or you are over 40 and seeking to get in the best shape of your life, OptimalBody has a program that will fit your needs and goals.

Clients & the Unbreakable Faith

“My clients range from those battling MS to people over 40 wanting to exercise properly. The many awards such as Most Dedicated MS Fitness Expert the past 3 years and being voted as one of the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders in the world, coupled with my lifelong commitment in the fitness industry and my induction into the National Fitness Hall of Fame gives my clients the foundation of faith. And with thousands of success stories over the years and many testimonials, trust in me is never an issue”, asserted David.

From the Founder’s Desk

I believe my faith in God has enabled me to achieve all the success and acknowledgment I have received in the fitness industry, the MS community, and life’s entire journey.  It is by His strength, guidance, and grace I am where I am today. Aside from my faith, the support of my family and especially my wife Kendra over the years has kept me grounded, motivated and focused.

The biggest challenge I faced was inexperience with social media and the internet. I’m a dinosaur at 63 years old and the digital world has grown tremendously throughout my career in fitness.  Fortunately, my son, Deric, is my partner in my fitness endeavours and internet, social media, and marketing genius!

A Day in David Lyons’s Life

When asked about his daily routine, David shared, “I am up at 6 am (most days) and head to my home gym for my own workout. After that, it’s time to review the emails and messages that came in overnight and reply. Then I start my day of training private online exercise students, mostly those with MS.  After the 6-8 hours spent on the one-on-one students, it’s now onto reviewing social media and posting/responding to requests for both my MS Fitness Challenge charity and OptimalBody fitness company.”

He continued, “When there is time between students and management of the companies, I then shoot educational, instructional, and training videos for OptimalBody and do whatever writing I need to for blogs, books, and interviews. Most often that is left to Saturday when I keep my private student workouts to a short schedule.”

Favourite Book

The Reset Plan by Shanna Ferrigno

Future Roadmap

MS Fitness Challenge will continue to bring the most educational and worthwhile no-cost fitness programs to the MS community through its non-profit cause. OptimalBody will continue to develop and release the most comprehensive fitness and exercise programs available to the “challenged” market of chronic conditions and over 40’s fitness enthusiasts.

Accomplishments & Achievements

In 2013 David received the Health Advocate of the Year Award with Lou Ferrigno. And in 2015, at almost 57 years old, he was the only person with MS to receive the Health Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award from Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as the Lifetime Fitness Inspiration Award in Feb 2016, next to bodybuilding legend Mike Quinn at the Global Bodybuilding Organization’s International Fitness Expo.

In January 2017 David received the Special Recognition Award from the National Fitness Hall of Fame and later in the year he was honored as a Founding Partner of the organization’s Institute for learning. David is considered the face of MS and fitness worldwide and his fitness book, Everyday Health & Fitness with Multiple Sclerosis was a #1 New Release on Amazon while his MS Fitness Training Specialist certifications partnered with the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) and MedFit Education Foundation educate trainers internationally on how to work with MS clients. David is the Creator and Director of the OptimalBody Training Program for MS and is the Vice President of Adaptive Sports for the United Intercontinental Bodybuilding Fitness Federation (UIBFF). David Lyons is a 2019 inductee in the National Fitness Hall of Fame for his work as a fitness educator. He has appeared on Good Morning LA, FOX News Orlando, and other TV and radio show nationwide as well as in print media.

A Piece of Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs

Female entrepreneurs should see themselves as equals despite the discrimination they sometimes face in the business world.  If they set their sights on the many very successful females in business who have far surpassed men in accomplishments and use those examples as their role models, there is nothing they cannot accomplish.

Favourite Quote 

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Muhammad Ali

Carolyn Jenkins: The Philanthropist, Author, & Social Reformer, Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for The Underserved

As a Foot Health Advocate, Carolyn Jenkins is part of a group of uniquely dedicated social reformers and out-of-box thinkers. While achieving career heights up the corporate ladder, Carolyn Jenkins, Creator & CEO of CjQenterprises, LLC and Executive Director of Jenkins Donelon Foundation, is living her life’s motto, ‘good healthcare for all’ in the truest sense of the word.

As an out of box thinker, Carolyn  foot health and healthy lifestyles for the underserved. In March 2016, the Foot Health Advocate formed the Jenkins Donelson Foundation (JDF) to promote good foot health through education, services, and resources in the USA and globally.

In 2019 The JDF mission expanded to “promote foot health and healthy lifestyles.” In addition to giving away shoes, socks, clothing, and foot care supplies, The JDF began giving away everyday essentials, including beds/bedding, toys, and household goods, to families in need. Even with the expanded mission, Carolyn is still passionate about foot health because, many times, foot pain is preventable. Everyone deserves to own a decent pair of shoes and socks. As importantly, no one should suffer from foot pain because they can’t afford medical care. The JDF team actively works to prevent and eliminate foot pain to ‘heal and shoe the world.’

In academics

Carolyn graduated from Bowie State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She earned her Social Sector Certification from the University of California Berkley Haas School of Business. She is also an author and an avid booklover.

The Inspiring Journey: From Author to Social Worker

“I have wanted to be an author since I was a child. After working my way through college and working professionally for a few years, I founded a Christian bookstore and a general bookstore. Surrounding myself with books, and authors occasionally, kept my dream alive. The industry changed when Amazon launched, so I went back into the workforce and became a government contractor.

One day I heard myself say, ‘I always wanted to write children’s books,” and I wondered, “why haven’t you?” I sat down and wrote The Family Adventures of Princess Ladybug and Princess Ladybird: Laundry Day. I self-published it through Amazon and immediately decided I didn’t want to be a one-hit-wonder, so I wrote volume two in the series, Papa’s Farm. As I was fulfilling my childhood dream, I broke my pinky toe for the second time. This accident led me to write the book that changed the course of my life. I wrote a poem that highlighted the important role our feet play in our lives. I forgot about the poem until I was introduced to an artist who offered to add beautiful illustrations to my poem, My Feet: An Ode. As I was publishing my book, I searched the National Calendar website to see if a special day existed to encourage people to appreciate their feet and take good care of them. Not finding one, I registered National I LOVE My Feet Day! to be celebrated on August 17. This special day is now recognized annually in the US and abroad”, shared Carolyn Jenkins.

“To supplement I LOVE My Feet Day!, I created ilovemyfeetdays.com so that people could get foot health information in layman’s terms, 24/7. I quickly realized what I was doing was not reaching the people who needed it most, the underserved. At that time, I had already witnessed and understood the inequity in health care, but the inequalities crystallized for me when I began promoting good foot health. The most vulnerable had the greatest need.

Within one year, I established the Jenkins Donelson Foundation, which promotes foot health and healthy lifestyles for the underserved. In 2016 volunteers began giving recycled shoes and new socks to the homeless and low-income. Today, due to multiple retail partnerships, we give away free shoes, socks, clothes, beds/bedding, school supplies, baby/children’s goods, seasonal goods, bikes, kitchenware, bathroom goods, personal products, detergents, outdoor supplies, including swimming pools and lawnmowers, along with a wide assortment of household goods. To date, we have served those in need in eight states, the District of Columbia, and three countries”, she further added.

Favourite Book

Carolyn Jenkins has always loved books. For her, selecting a favorite book is like choosing a favorite child; it’s impossible. Each one shines on different levels at different times. Right now, her favorite shining stars are Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson, Everyday is a Gift by Senator Tammy Duckworth, My Soul Looks Back by Jessica B. Harris, and Along the Way by Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Carolyn Jenkins enjoys learning about the ‘journey’ others have made to reach their goals and destinations.

Making A Difference in Lives

Established in 2016, the Jenkins Donelson Foundation (JDF) is focused on promoting good foot health to the underserved. The JDF operates solely through volunteer support and donations. In 2019 The JDF won multiple retail partnerships allowing volunteers to pick up overstock, seasonal goods, and returned goods. This plethora of valuable retail inventory led the Board of Directors to expand the mission to promoting foot health and healthy lifestyles for the underserved. Presently, the JDF is serving the homeless, the underserved, and those in need.

Future Roadmap

The JDF still operates through volunteer efforts and donations. Most JDF volunteers have full-time jobs. In FY21, despite the pandemic lockdown, JDF volunteers gave away more than $150K to those in need.

The JDF keeps its goods in storage units, and this is the location where people come to pick up their everyday essentials.. The JDF hopes to operate from a free-standing building or rent warehouse space in the future to make it easier to serve those in need. The nonprofit would also like to hire part-time assistance, which would reduce the heavy workload on volunteers and help to expand its outreach.

Feathers in the Cap

The JDF received national and international recognition during the pandemic. JDF volunteers remained committed to serving those in need, and donations were distributed to homes, directly to the homeless, engaged through new partnerships and pick-ups at the storage units. JDF volunteers realized quickly that the lockdown would cause mental and additional financial stress, so the goods it had to offer were in greater demand. Through its sister organization, ilovemyfeetdays.com, The JDF also provided foot health information people could incorporate immediately to improve their health during the lockdown. Below is a list of awards The JDF and its volunteers have won:

  • 2021 Top-Rated Nonprofit from Great Nonprofits
  • 2021 Corporate Live Wire Innovation & Excellence Awards Foot Health Specialists of the Year
  • 2021 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for JDF volunteers
  • 2021 Five Year Recognition Award from Senator Mark Warner, VA
  • 2021 Volunteer Recognition Award from Senator Tim Kaine, VA
  • 2021 Points of Light Volunteer Recognition #7100 for a JDF volunteer
  • 2020 ManTech International Community Partner
  • 2020 ManTech International Pedersen Community Service Award recognizing a JDF volunteer
  • 2020 General Dynamics IT (GDIT) Volunteer of the Year Award recognizing a JDF volunteer
  • 2020 Fitness & Nutrition Foot Health Social Enterprise of the Year
  • 2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit from Great nonprofits

A Piece of Advice for Female Entrepreneurs

Doing your best is great but striving for balance is critical. Trying to “have it all” can cause us to lose the most important things in life, love and family. One of the biggest takeaways during the pandemic was the reminder that we need to love one another everyday.

Favourite Quote 

My trademark quote is, “Take good care of your tootsies; they have to last you a lifetime!”

Michael Whife: An Innovator and Leader

Meet Michael Whife, the Chief Executive Officer of Selling Simplified Group, Inc. Wife has exceptionally portrayed his unique ideologies and methodologies to lift him and his company to its current stature. As the leader of global B2B demand gen company, Whife has introduced various disruptive technologies to the industry that meet growing demand through an innovative, data-driven approach to business.

Tycoon Success admires leaders like Whife and takes pride in featuring him in this month’s special issue: “The 10 Most Inspiring CEO’s to Watch in 2021.”

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Innovative Services & Solutions

Selling Simplified Group, Inc. (SSG) takes a holistic, intent-driven approach to demand generation and martech solutions. Whife shared that the business was born from the idea that there are more opportunities to track engagement and garner insights from content consumption than traditional lead generation programs capture. The company offers two core solutions to helping marketers make more meaningful B2B connections:

Visionayr: This all-in-one marketing solution is designed to give B2B marketers a real-time view of organic demand and intent surrounding their products and customers. Operating atop SSG’s robust global database of 170M+ global B2B records, Visionayr offers a unique way to share content, track engagement, and drive high quality demand.

Integrated Programmatic: The SSG approach to programmatic display hinges on first-party data. While third-party data is costly and assumptions-based, first-party data ensures 100% targeting accuracy. Our programmatic offerings can be leveraged in any multichannel lead gen strategy, ensuring targeting efficiencies and reducing ad spend waste.

Customer-Centric

While Selling Simplified’s core mission has always revolved around helping its clients making more fruitful B2B connections, Whife and his team approached that mission in a few different ways before finally finding a path that set the company apart and enabled it to grow.

They developed the idea when they witnessed a need to capture intent. They realized that the company could provide more value for its clients by delivering digitally engaged sales leads. “To do this, we would need data,” he shared. As its proprietary database of B2B decision makers grew, the lead gen sphere became increasingly data-driven and started leveraging more digital methods. Whife’s team was able to grow over the past few years because they have built a vast global database and because their smart technology and global presence has positioned the company competitively in the market.

Selling Simplified primarily serves software and IT companies in the B2B space and has adopted a human-centered approach to demand gen, which can often be lost in the world of big data and marketing technology. Whife is committed to identifying and analyzing human behavior that’s useful to both its clients and their prospects. He stated that many SSG clients praise the company’s unique and out-of-the-box approach. Its core values center around customer service and localization, which the company believes go hand-in-hand. He and his team don’t believe in simply servicing clients from overseas; they strive to create jobs in the countries where the company does business. At the end of the day, Whife shared that the company’s technology is designed to help people. “This is core to what we do and the marketing message that we promote,” he said.

A Strong Team

The collective success of the company has contributed to the overall drive of Whife’s team. Thanks to an outstanding core leadership team, Selling Simplified has been able to create an environment that nurtures and cultivates its employees as professionals in the industry and allows them to grow within the organization.

Whife continues to emphasize the importance of corporate social responsibility and giving back to the community. “When we talk about Selling Simplified’s hyper-localized approach to doing business, one of the biggest elements is our model of hiring local to create fully operational regional office,” he said.

In the Digital Age, quality data plays a crucial role in understanding the market and empathizing with the buyer’s evolving needs. Data is an incredibly personal form of currency that, when mishandled, can have dangerous effects. Selling Simplified has always taken data security and privacy seriously, and Whife considers this a major responsibility of him and his company.

Whife also stated that some of the changes that the company made to its operating model over the years have been tumultuous for the company and were difficult to implement as a leader, but in hindsight he would now say that they were in the company’s best interest.

Lastly, Whife shared that Selling Simplified has nearly doubled the size of its team and continues to employ some of the most, talented, innovative, and seasoned individuals in the industry. This accomplishment is truly the result of all of its team’s tenacity, first-rate customer service, and knack for ingenuity. Whife expressed that he could not be prouder to work amongst such a fine group of global leaders in an innovative company such as theirs.

Effective leaders allow great people to do the work they were born to do -Warren G. Bennis

Future Endeavors

As the company continues to gain midsize status, Whife sees Selling Simplified becoming a truly viable competitor to top publisher and demand gen companies. While their presence in the Asia Pacific region continues to grow and further cement their status as APAC market leaders, Whife has expansion plans for Europe, North America, and Latin America.

As we continue to expand throughout the globe, we pride ourselves on maintaining a data-driven, culturally sensitive presence,” said Whife. Around the world, Selling Simplified captures data in-language, and all their records come from a subscriber opt-in network that complies with global privacy & data regulations.  As they continue to open offices around the world and build a data capture system that mirrors the nuance of those regions, they are positioned to be the largest demand generation and data service provider in APAC and a competitive force in the world.

Selling Simplified also researches market trends to understand evolving needs and continues to set up global operations in an agile fashion. The company focuses on developing tools that improve their global database and add intelligence to the data. In the future,  Whife intends to adapt their products and hone their hyper-localized approach to demand gen, highlighting their opt-in framework that guarantees real-time, quality intent data for clients.

Awards and Achievements

2020 achievements:

  • 94 new employees are hired
  • 200+ new clients are added to the clientele list
  • 65% annualized growth was witnessed from 2019-20
  • 5 new offices are opened across the globe
  • The company achieved industry benchmark gross profit margin with 84% increase
  • Named on Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for fifth straight year

Parting Advice

Whife stated that growth and success are huge motivators for any team, which includes collective success and individual success. He advised that one must be patient and believe in one’s team and their ability to deliver. One must also empower others to do their best work and continue learning and expanding one’s skill set, even if it has nothing to do with the day job.

For companies seeking global expansion, Whife shared some tips:

  • Be patient with expansion and understand that it requires cultural adaptation
  • Ensure leadership has an authentic sensitivity to culture and empowers the team to deliver
  • Understand every market’s unique business challenges and business customs
  • Account for data capture and privacy policies, and capture data in-language
  • Strive to support local communities, hire locally, and contribute to the world

Why is healthy diet important part of your life?

The key to a healthy, wealthy and prosperous lifestyle is a balanced diet. The main things that are essential in a balanced dietary food should contain all right foods in optimum quantities. A balanced diet contains proper amounts of carbohydrates, fibre, water, proteins, vitamins, fats, and minerals. Foodoholic people who do not live a healthy lifestyle are more prone to get diseases just because of the unnecessary food items that they eat. Cheatfood orjunkfood is very #delicious but you should be aware of the fact that which food is to be avoided and which food is to be taken. Other than the correct quantities and ingredients, correct time of eating particular foods is also a crucial aspect. International food festival  is held every year to teach people more about healthy food. In this article, we discuss the benefits of a healthy diet.

These benefits of a healthy diet on a Human body are: 

  • Reduces Disease Risk

A healthy diet gives you an additional protection to fight certain diseases. It helps you to regulate your blood cholesterol levels and provide your body with sufficient antioxidants. It is also researched and proved by the scientists that a combination of a healthy food diet along with an active lifestyle has potential huge health merits. Also, it reduces the disease risk.

  • Weight Management

The reason for an individual getting fat is the intake of processed and refined foods which are basically full of sugars, saturated fats, trans fats, and calories. This is sufficient to undermine weight control. Eating more than the requirement of body certainly leads to an individual getting fat because of the extra addition of energy in the fat cells. It is good to be a foodie but keeping in mind that it is advised by the researchers that eating sufficient and healthy food at correct times decreases the risk of getting fat and helps you in obtaining proper weight management.

  •  Brain Health

Omega-3 fatty acid is an example of a nutrient which is found abundantly in nutrient-rich foods such as fish and nuts. Omega-3 fatty acids are very vital for transmitting signals from eyes to the brain. This acid also aids in the positive moods as well as improves depression. As researched by the scientists, healthy diet enhances the brain function. It is also said that consumption of high saturated fat foods reduces the power of learning. Whereas diets which accumulate omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, are considered good for the overall brain health.

  •  Immune System Strength

The immune system provides the ability to the body in order to fight the unwanted diseases entering your body. The immune system is a grouping of interconnected tissues, organs, and cells which in general stops the invasion of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and parasites in the body. Scientists have observed that malnutrition affected people are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. A healthy diet includes all the proper vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are required by the body in order to strengthen the immune system. Consuming adequate nutrients plays a crucial part in strengthening as well as maintaining the immune system. 

Effects Of Wrong Eating Habits:

An immediate outcome of wrong eating choices of food deteriorates the health levels and may result in excessive weight gains that too in a short period of time or obesity. Various common diseases caused due to bad eating habits may cause you problems like high blood pressure, low weight, diabetes, heart diseases, weak bones or maybe even slow the development of the brain. It is very important to eat healthy food in order to stay healthy.

Top 10 Reasons to do MBA in Marketing Management

Having engineering in IT has a great scope in the corporate world. An engineer, who works efficiently to make the computer functional without any error, may be interested in computer software or hardware domain. An MBA in Marketing Management, also have good career growth opportunity in various industries. Let’s understand in detail.

What is Marketing Management?

Marketing Management is a process of finding the right market, identifying, marketing, communicating, and delivering the required products & services to prospective customers for satisfying their needs at an affordable price.

Reasons to do MBA in Marketing Management 

There is no doubt that an MBA in Marketing Management has a bright future. There are several reasons to do that. You can go through the top 10 reasons to do an MBA in Marketing Management, which is as follow?

  1. Understanding Business Scenario: Marketing Management is a broader term. An MBA gets thorough knowledge of multiple subjects like marketing, finance, human resource, corporate management, organization behavior, etc. The marketing domain is useful for understanding marketing research, brand management, sales management, and negotiation management. You know the whole business environment to market the products & services strategically.
  2. Consumer Behaviour: The customer is a king. It is necessary to understand consumer behavior properly. It helps to analyze the consumers’ actual requirements to satisfy their wants.
  3. Product Development: Marketing is a process of identifying the customers’ needs and providing the product as per their interest. It motivates you to make the product more qualitative.
  4. Skill Development: Skill development is always required whatever you are doing in your life. Marketing management gives you a chance to improve your different skills. You learn other skills like lead generation, tele-calling, prospecting, team handling, and sales conversion.
  1. High Job Responsibilities:Marketing management demands high job responsibilities. You have to perform different roles at various levels. It requires a positive attitude, never give up trait, and persistence to perform job responsibilities correctly.
  1. Target vs. Achievement:Marketing management covers sales management too. There is more learning in such a job profile regarding setting up sales targets to sell the products and services and achieve them with consistent efforts.
  1. Branding:Branding is a part of Marketing Management. It helps you out to get to know about the brand management thoroughly. You develop a skill gradually throughout how to build a brand.
  1. Scope of Digital Marketing:Digital Marketing field is booming these days. It is useful for marketing your products and services online through SEO (Search Engine Optimization, SMM (Social Media Management), PPC (Pay per Click), Content Marketing, and Remarketing Campaigns.
  1. Marketing Research Analyst: Under the Marketing Management scenario, you have the opportunity to become a Marketing Research Analyst. You get a chance to learn about collecting and analysing data to take out inferences from them for high efficiency.
  1. Customer Relationship Marketing:Building relations with prospective and existing customers require good interpersonal skills. Marketing Management covers all such aspects. It enhances your conversion ratio and also maximizes your repeat business prospects.

Job Opportunities after MBA in Marketing Management

Marketing Management is the foundation of business growth. There are immense career growth opportunities after MBA in the marketing domain. Irrespective of any industry, all businesses do require marketing management. A master’s degree in Marketing Management promises you to get a starting salary ranging from Rs. 3 lac to Rs. 35 lac per annum or maybe more depending upon the company, profile, industry, and brand. Many reputed companies like Vodafone, Airtel, Tata Consultancy Services, HDFC Bank, P&G, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Amazon, Flipkart, and many more.

Conclusion

Marketing Management comes with a lot of career growth opportunities. It is an art, and you learn a different set of skills in an MBA. It brings overall development in your personality. Without marketing, no company can survive at all. It is a way to know about the customers’ actual requirements and fulfill them with a commitment to satisfy them for mutual benefits.

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