Exclusive Interview Archives

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:

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

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!”

Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ever-Passionate Leader Striving Hard To Scale African Enterprise Since 2008 at Future Software

Innovative, passionate, result-oriented, and a seasoned Information Technology professional, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, CEO, Future Software Resources Ltd. has navigated through a 15-year journey of cross-sector industry experience in Nigeria, Africa’s largest emerging economy.

Because of her outstanding efforts and leadership as a fierce leader spearheading the company’s flanks, this leading lady has been recognized as an Obama African Leader, Forbes’s Top Ten Female Tech Founders in Africa, Global Digital Women top 10 Most Inspiring Women in Africa, Lionesses of Africa top 100 Women and Ventures Africa 42 most Innovative Africans.

Nkemdilim combines strategic, digital technology, and operational experience with a deep understanding of business transformation, change leadership, and risk oversight. She has designed and led strategy and implementation of digital marketing & digital transformation projects across Africa, resulting in enhanced customer experiences, customer acquisition & bottom-line growth, optimized and more cost-effective operations, and a more digitally skilled labour force within the organisations she has worked with.

Her entrepreneurial background, involvement in the global and pan-African Technology landscape, and a focus on building the Nigerian Technology ecosystem through enabling policy development, investing, education and mentoring, affords her a deep understanding of cutting-edge innovation, emerging & disruptive technologies, as well as access to a large network of technology leaders, policymakers and investors across the continent and globally.

She is also an experienced Non-Executive Director across not for profit, private and listed companies. On the boards she serves on Nkemdilim is trusted for her attention to detail, the ability to identify key issues and provoke deeper discourse to unlock alternative viewpoints.

Futuresoft & its Exclusive Service Portfolio

Futuresoft is a full-service digital agency & IT Solutions company, providing a broad range of business solutions for the scaling African enterprise, to consistently attract and retain its target audience. Futuresoft has over 13 years of experience in designing and managing digital properties and online activities of businesses across various industries.

Their understanding of technology, lateral thinking, and process-based approach allows the team to provide tailored, innovative, and sustainable solutions for businesses; empowering them to leverage all relevant channels to improve user experience, increase customer engagement and grow profits. The goal is to build lasting relationships and function as part of the customers team to achieve overall company success. Their two core service areas are:

Digital Marketing & IMC

The combination of our individual services by our team of strategists, content writers, developers, and analysts create a full suite of integrated marketing and communications with a well-coordinated approach. This combination is a well-blended mix of creative campaigns, animations, video production, digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and search engine marketing (SEM).

Digital Transformation

At Futuresoft we help you build out your Digital Transformation Roadmap. We empower our customers with smarter ways of doing business and frictionless ways of delivering a great customer experience to their customers. We bring years of experience across various industry sectors, as well as a wealth of experience in deploying digital technology solutions to the table, providing ways for our customers to maximise value creation across asset and operations lifecycles while improving profitability.

From the CEO’s Desk

Some of the major reasons that influenced my decision to be an entrepreneur are:

Wanting to put African businesses on the digital map and ensuring that African businesses are able to harness the opportunities Digital provides.
Wanting to build a life that allows me the freedom to manage my time, build my dreams, and create an impact.
The challenge that is entrepreneurship

The Clientele

The clientele includes private sector and government organisations as well as nonprofits and associations predominantly located in Nigeria. It is particularly well suited to work with the:

Scaling Business: the services are aimed at businesses in the growth or expansion phase that are already profitable; they are not the ‘best fit’ for most startups.
Result Driven Business: When companies are interested in setting clear measurable goals and meeting objectives, they do the best work.
Doubtful But Willing Business: When clients have already worked with other agencies that have underperformed, it creates a healthy challenge for the team to deliver the best results.
Business With Audacious Goals: They do their best work with clients that have big dreams and huge goals. It’s exciting for them to work with companies that want to disrupt their industries and dominate their market.

Nkemdilim Uwaje further apprised, “We focus on delivering excellent work and exceptional service, which sets us apart from many other agencies. Our cross-industry experience combined with in-depth marketing and technology experience allows us to build strategies and design campaigns that are aligned with business goals and deliver results.”

The Team & Corporate Ethos

Future Software’s vibrant and multi-dimensional team is led by Founder & CEO, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, who provides leadership to the team and ensures high-quality technical work across all Futuresoft projects. The team is composed of experts in strategy, marketing, content, web design, graphics, branding, lead generation, ad campaign management, website development, SEO, and more with the right experience across multiple industries. The Futuresoft family values are anchored in excellence, integrity, customer centricity, continued learning, resourcefulness, and teamwork.

Major Hurdles & The Support System

The company has gone through multiple difficulties over the years, like:

Finding the right team
Creating adequate processes that support growth
Creating brand visibility and brand awareness within the right target segment

“It is said, “10 years of hard work make you an overnight success” …to sum it up, drive, discipline, diligence, and determination are the keys that helped Nkemdilim in her growth journey.

Creating a more Balanced and Equal Industry

Ensure gender diversity and gender parity across the board – from board level all the way down to entry-level.
Invest in the ecosystem – especially in the area of Digital Skills development
Get involved in policy development

Future Roadmap

Nkemdilim Uwaje is looking to expand the executive training offering as well as deepen the Digital Transformation consultancy practice. The team is very excited about building out their executive training academy for C-level executives and board members who are learning to navigate the digital world.

Favourite Book

The Alchemist – because it teaches key lessons on finding your why, pursuing your dreams and enjoying the journey.

Favourite Quote

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

A Piece of Advice for Female Entrepreneurs

Work hard, deliver excellence, document your journey, pay it forward, build and nurture the ecosystem, build your personal brand and gain visibility, position as a thought leader – have fun and enjoy the journey with its mountains and its valleys.

Liezl Thom: The Amazing, Inspiring Woman Entrepreneur, Helping People in Reframing their Life Story

A qualified Master Transformation Coach, Life Coach, Neurolinguistics Practitioner, and Inner Conflict Therapy Practitioner with a sustained passion for people’s welfare, Liezl Thom is one such inspiring woman who has been guiding people on their journeys to self-discovery and awakening. She helps people re-evaluate and change the stories they tell themselves about themselves, which liberates them from their fears and limiting beliefs and helps them harness the power of change. With an aim to inspire, guide, and help as many people as possible to give birth to their own expression of inner excellence, Liezl Thom established the foundation of Liezl Thom Coaching on 21st September, 2021.

An alumna of the prestigious University of Pretoria, Lizel did her graduation in Political Science. She is also an experienced Journalist, amazing Author, and renowned Producer, Researcher, and Media Trainer. Further, the inspiring lady shared about her journey- “I have always questioned everything – especially my own thoughts. My inquisitive nature led me to a career in journalism and I absolutely loved my job. Unfortunately, my exposure to the dark side of humanity created some serious internal conflict and cognitive dissonance, which eventually caused some mental health issues. As a result, I stepped away from an extremely fulfilling career and focussed my attention on healing myself. Through this deeply meaningful process, I discovered tools and processes I now use to help others reframe their narrative to change the stories they tell themselves about themselves.

What Influenced Lizel to be an Entrepreneur?

Her approach to work has always been that she works for herself – even when she was employed full-time, she viewed her employer as a client to whom she provides a service. She would not necessarily describe herself as an entrepreneur, because an entrepreneur creates jobs for other people, but Lizel empowers people to take charge of their own destiny.

Clients & the Unbreakable Faith

Lizel says that she has been extremely fortunate to have an eclectic mix of clients over the years but they all have one thing in common – the unstoppable desire to harness change to take charge of their own lives. It is said that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. Change is inevitable, but it creates a momentum that, when used with intention, can propel us into the life of our dreams.

Her clients know that regardless of where they are in their journey, Lizel is their biggest cheerleader. She believes one of the biggest joys in life is to serve others and she serves her clients by opening their eyes and their hearts to their own inner wisdom.

The Key Players behind Liezl’s Success

“There’s a saying in coaching that “what you resist, will persist” so I try to allow and encourage change as much as possible. There are hundreds of teachers along the way – most of them we never get to meet in person, but through their books, their words can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Some of my biggest influences are Martha Beck, Louise Hay, Caroline Myss, Deepak Chopra, and Dr Joe Dispenza”, Liezl proudly shared.

From the Founder’s Desk

Covid-19 has changed the way we approach work irrevocably. It also reaffirmed – if we had any doubts before – that we as humans need each other to not only survive but to thrive. In South Africa, we have a concept called Ubuntu, which translates into “I am because you are”. Another principle we live by in South Africa is Batho Pele, which literally means “people first”. We have to put people at the centre of what we do – whether it is clients, shareholders, or employees.

A Day in Liezl’s Life

Liezl begins her day with a positive note saying to herself that it’s going to be a great day. She then goes down to her office and gets some coffee while scanning the papers. She meditates for half an hour before taking her son to school. After the school run, she hits the gym before taking a shower and getting ready for work. Depending on the day, the inspiring coach will coach clients, study, write blogs or proposals, do interviews, record podcasts or meet with collaborators or potential collaborators, create new tools, read and research. After work, it’s either time for family or studying Sepedi – one of the eleven official languages spoken in South Africa. On some days Liezl takes her son to soccer. She lives to have dinner together as a family as it creates the opportunity to connect. After dinner, she will either read or watch a series before meditating again and then preparing for bed.

Favourite Book

When asked about her favourite book, Liezl apprised, “Books can be some of our biggest teachers and it’s hard to choose just one favourite but if I’m pressed, I’d have to say “Finding Your Own North Star” by Martha Beck and then its companion, “Steering By Starlight”. I have several qualifications in coaching – but my first introduction to coaching was when I became a Martha Beck Life Coach. These two books formed the basis of my training. I often buy copies of North Star to give to people as I know it will change their lives as much as it did mine.”

Jewels in the Crown & Road Ahead

The leading lady has been a coach on two reality tv shows.
In 2018, she was honoured as one of the Coaching Top 50 by CV Magazine.
Earlier this year, she was awarded Best Life & Transformation Coach 2021 (South Africa) in the African Excellence Awards hosted by MEA Markets.

While discussing her future plans, Liezl Thom said, “I would love to inspire more people to find their own truth and to share the insights and wisdom I have accumulated with a wider audience. Over the past year, I’ve had several speaking engagements – which I absolutely loved – and I look forward to many more.”

Words of Wisdom

In the immortal words of Polonius: ”This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any (wo)man.” We first have to know who we are and what we want before we can make a difference in the world. You have to ask yourself What are your unique talents and gifts and how can you use them?

Favourite Quote

Staying positive in a negative situation is not naïve. It’s leadership. – Ralph Marston

Lynda Aphing-Kouassi: The Woman Behind Initiative to Empower Business Aspirants with Cabinet International Kaizene

“Be Still and know that I am God.” – Bible

These words effectively steer motivation for Lynda Aphing-Kouassi, Founder & Managing Director, International Firm KAIZENE, a renowned name in Professional Training & Coaching that aims for excellence, Transformation specialized in capacity building; coaching, the organization of institutional conferences and women empowerment through the accelerator focused on agriculture.

Personifying a rigorous, determined; hardworking, daring, disruptive, spiritual, passionate for development, optimistic, and self-motivated individual who diligently transverses the path to achieving, Lynda enjoys the reputation of chairing a front-runner in the industry with a name that has ripened since she rooted it years ago.

In her 18 years of professional journey, Lynda managed to navigate through a journey of new experiences working with different professionals and achieving realistic goals. She started her career in the banking sector at Santander, Societe Generale, Vaultex (a subsidiary of the HSBC banking group) as a team leader, director of investments, and then investment banker in London for over 15 years. This career gives her solid expertise in the banking and financial field and the management of human capital constituting for her the “heart of the development of any Companies and the Society”.

In recent years, she has decided to return to her country in order to share her experience through the activities of her cabinet KAIZENE and thus contribute (i) to the development of the African continent (ii) to the empowerment of women and young people in through mentoring, coaching and training and (iii) through the organization, since 2015, of the annual conference on infrastructure and construction. She is a member of the board of directors of the African Diaspora Network (ADNE) based in Brussels (Belgium), the British chamber of commerce and a member of the Institute of Directors of London (I.O.D).

KAIZENE, Focusing on Women Empowerment & Youth Inclusion

KAIZENE was founded in 2015 on the initiative of Lynda Aphing-Kouassi. It is a training company that aims for excellence, specialised in capacity building; coaching, the organisation of institutional conferences, and finally KAIZENE accelerator for women SME.

The leading lady came up with this initiative when she realized that there was a lack of adequate training for companies but mostly that the employee’s soft skills were not fully utilized; that women’s empowerment was at the back of the agenda, and youth inclusion slow. She decided to contribute at her level in the ways she knew possible:

KAIZENE is a team of experienced employees who put their expertise at the service of their clients. They all share the values of rigor; faith and excellence. It is based in London Pall Mall Piccadilly (United Kingdom) and in Abidjan zone 4 (Ivory Coast).

Here, the clientele mainly includes institutions; governments small and medium-sized companies. We instill in them values of determination, agility; excellence; ambition, innovation, efficiency, and commitment.

Some conference themes organized by KAIZENE

Mining, Oil and Gas (December 2015) – London, United Kingdom
Oil Sector: Challenges and Opportunities (April 2016) – Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Electrification of Africa (October 2016) – Cape Town, South Africa
Construction and Infrastructures (December 2017) – Dakar, Senegal
AGOA FORUM (August 2018) Cote- d Ivoire
Construction and Infrastructures (December 2018) – Kigali, Rwanda
Construction and Infrastructures (October 2019) – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
ROADMAP CONFERENCE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF COTE-D IVOIRE (October 2020)

Challenges & the Driving Force

“Our main challenges have been the sustainability of the empowerment for a larger number of women and the integration of young people through vocational training not being discouraged we carry on and are doing intense lobbying to achieve our goals”, shared Lynda when asked about her major challenges during the journey.

She continued, “As a woman entrepreneur in Africa, we worked hard and smart; we have met some very talented people and institutions that have also contributed to our growth.”

A Day in the Leading Lady’s Life & Her Hobbies

Lynda’s day is punctuated by her family and her work from the moment she wakes up she prays; speaks to her family and gets ready for her daily meetings, then she has meetings with her employees. Her hobbies are watching animated movies; travelling, art and culture and spending with her few friends

Jewels in the Crown

Lynda Aphing-Kouassi has been recognized by Forbes and Financial Afrique mentions; ASCOM awards, TOP MANAGER awards for our Nobel initiatives and contributions. Besides, the CSR activities have earned her the recognition of Forbes Africa and Financial Africa magazines as a development actor.

Through her services, Miss APHING-KOUASSI wishes to make a contribution to the economic and social development of the African continent. In her perpetual quest for development, she deeply believes that the desire to succeed and move forward must overcome obstacles and difficulties.

Favorite Read

Lynda said, “I have read a lot of books but the Bible is where I draw my real inspiration.”

Future Roadmap

Lynda Aphing-Kouassi and her team will continue to train as many businesses as possible to help them grow, empower as many women as possible and change the mindset and integrate as many young people so that they become the African leaders of tomorrow.

A Piece of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Be unapologetic; intentional; determined; Believe in yourself, pray; have a mission and don’t give up until it’s done; embrace failures, don’t apologise for who you are and stay true to your values, don’t look for people to love you or to like your quotes look for real tangible impact in people lives and remember to stay humble.

In the always on era, creativity is key to business success

It’s often forgotten that business is a creative pursuit. Every business, be it a technology giant such as Microsoft, or a tiny corner store serving one community, stems from a single idea. An idea that’s born from creative intent, but can be lost in deadlines, bottom lines and lines of business. Success today is still defined by return on investment (ROI) and numbers, but it’s strengthened by the organisation’s ability to build a culture of creativity. In the era of the always on business, customer and employee, this is as invaluable as ROI.

This ethos has driven the rapid growth and expansion of Skynamo, a South Africa original organisation. Founded by Sam Clarke in 2012, the organisation now has a presence on four continents and in five countries, from New Dehli to South Africa to Columbus, Ohio with support teams that run 24/7. The goal of building a company at scale, globally, with offices in multiple locations with cross-functional teams has already delivered with a percentage increase in employee numbers 2020 of 66%.

“We grew from a company of 60 people to 100 in 2020, which was quite an exceptional increase for one year,” says Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of Skynamo. “We aren’t looking at doing that again – we’ve stabilised now, and are continuing to increase our capacity and growth at 10% year on year. This consistent growth has required that we focus on building a robust culture that’s embedded across every office, branch and silo.”

The core that Skynamo gets right is recruitment. This is the key to ensuring that the organisation catches the attention of the right talent, and that this attention is tightly held over the long term. One of the biggest challenges facing global organisations today is the lack of skills and talent diversity, which makes recruitment and talent management absolutely critical to ensuring business success. High turnovers, toxic environments, challenging workplace cultures tend to overflow into the public domain and have long-term negative impacts on reputation and organisation. To resolve this, companies have to get the core right.

“There’s an energy that comes from people working on projects they care about in environments that care about them,” says Clarke. “An energy that’s reflected in quality of product and service, and in a culture that’s capable of adapting to change and uncertainty. Elastic, capable and relevant companies are those that do more than just invest into process, talent and technology. They focus on the core creativity that each skilled person brings to the company.”

Clarke believes that the energy that drives projects and the passion that defines people who are passionate about those projects are two qualities that need to be replicated in the working environment. This has led to a recruitment drive that focuses on hiring people that share company chemistry right from the outset. They need to be capable of working autonomously and delivering to KPIs and creating outcomes without being handheld through the working day. They also need to understand that the customer sits at the heart of the business. Here, every employee spends time at the customer coalface so that they fully understand how their work impacts the business, and the people the business serves. Each employee is empowered to do this as a new starter as part of the company’s onboarding process is for employees to spend time taking customer support calls, for example.

“This ethos is embedded by a Chief People Officer, Sarah Rice, who does a deep dive chemistry check into a person’s values and their ability to fit within the culture of the company,” says Clarke. “The emphasis is on creating one team, globally. This isn’t one value set for one company in India, and another in the US – it’s shared teams, values and culture across every customer, partner and employee.”

The reality of 2020 has set in. The business shifts are being seen in 2021. Companies are no longer powered by shoulder pads and rage, as defined by the 80s and 90s. Today, business success is as visible in its bottom line as it is in its culture, creativity and recruitment retention.

Kate Bohn: Stepping out of the Usual

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected industries adversely, yet the business must go on. During such difficult times, we, as in the business world, are in a need of innovative leaders to rely on. One such young and inspiring businesswoman is Kate Bohn, Incubator & Accelerator lead at Lloyds Banking Group.

In an interview with Tycoon Success, Kate talks to us about her inspiring journey of becoming an award winning evangelist. Her unique ideology and exceptional methods have led her in achieving many milestones in her pathway. She wishes to cement the ‘Technical Women in Leadership’ network which she co-founded for a much-needed, psychologically-safe space for senior female practitioners in the tech and FS industries. Moreover, in the future she also plans to co-edit a book.

Tycoon Success admire such businesswoman and take pride in featuring Kate in its latest issue, “The 10 Young and Inspiring Businesswomen to Watch.”

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Into the Shoes of Kate

Growing up with a migrant lifestyle across both hemispheres of the globe has helped Kate to attain a resilient approach towards change. Initially, she straddled the creative world and science/math avenue in terms of her interests and capabilities, which resulted her acquiring an undergraduate degree in both Art History and Chemistry, for a secure future career path into academia or art conservation.

Initially, Kate came across an awful roundabout of attempting to move industries where she did not have enough experience for the position or was overqualified for the role. She solved this conundrum by taking various contract roles which offered her an opportunity to experience a number of different employers before taking on a permanent contract. “A ‘try before you buy’ on both sides”, says Kate.

One such role was with an American operation called Citigroup Global Investment Bank, and there, her interactions whilst visiting senior management from global headquarters in New York, led her being asked to build out an innovative platform offering customer online access to equities research content and create profiles/alert notifications. Eventually, this grew into the primary digital access channel for the Bank.

Kate states that the ability to interact with sales personalities and traders, research analysts, clients, to travel, all the while creating a space in which both buy and sell-side actors could have the complexity of their roles simplified, automated, analysed and nudged using technology and data-driven metrics was an exciting proposition for her. She also states that this opportunity resulted in her entry in the industry massively labelled as “Fintech”, “customer journeys”, and “problems to be solved.”

Defining Success Differently

“There are so many lenses to success for me – not just the traditional markers of money or titles,” says Kate.

Kate believes that, while measuring success, one must understand that the mental and physical health are foundationally important. She also believes that the ability to have quality spare time and to be involved in an activity that one can really get behind in terms of impact and purpose, surrounded by people working together in mutual respect, is priceless.

This approach was not only game changing in a period of time where ‘digital’ was still to be fully understood. It remains in play today and she is incredibly proud of all the colleagues and partners involved in bringing that original vision to life.

On the basis of her past achievements and experiences, she believes that ‘success’ will often be wrapped up in the ability to action and execute on outcomes that offer simplification, time saving and ease of use/engagement for any consumer. It is also important to her that this is achieved without negatively affecting future generations or creating negative consequences, albeit unintended, for the current social or economic welfare of all.

“My ego would also like to note that the ability to have made a difference in the fact that I took on a role or undertaking, shaping it in my own unique approach, rather than it was merely completed, is also in there somewhere!” asserts Kate.

Principles One Must Follow

Kate believes that soft skills have always been key for her growth in the industry, especially the ones that can be learnt but are often more authentically core to an individual’s personality and make-up. She seeks to build strong teams with high engagement levels in supportive and positive environments where obstacles are tackled with trust, transparency and appropriate levels of risk. The certain principles she admires as her ‘top three’ are empathy, curiosity, and influence without authority.

“The drivers of my unconscious motivation are deeply rooted in ‘imposter-syndrome-meets-perfectionist-meets-try-harder-and-carry-on-regardless.’” quotes Kate.

She also notes there are many leadership styles albeit some may feel ‘better’ than others to each individual in execution or engagement. However, Kate states, every style has its place in a leaders’ toolkit, flexing across the spectrum of ‘autocratic’ to ’laissez-faire’ as a situation demands or unfolds.

Kate believes that one characteristic every leader must possess, in the current Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) and amid the Covid-19 pandemic, is enhanced curiosity. By quoting an old Chinese proverb ‘the wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water molds itself to the pitcher’, Kate asserts that an agile leadership may be the ultimate requirement for leading today/ tomorrow’s talent, underpinned by the core characteristic of constant curiosity that our ever-changing world demands.

Advice to Rely on

In this particular excerpt, Kate emphasizes over the advice presented to her on her way to success. She states that the drivers of her unconscious motivation are deeply rooted in ‘imposter-syndrome-meets-perfectionist-meets-try-harder-and-carry-on-regardless.’ Below are few of many pieces of advice she adapted and moulded herself for the better approach, in her own words:

“These elements (or Life scripts as Taibi Kahler would define them) are fabulous motivators in respect of propelling me forwards and to succeed, and yet the flip side of this is that I regularly hold myself to expectations and standards that are significantly higher than anything I would ever apply to colleagues or peers. As part of a recent 360 feedback session, I was advised to STOP doing this, and so I am working on becoming more intentional on wrapping that insight into the primary advice I use on a daily basis: “Yes, if….”

“Yes, if….” should be used in place of any phrase that starts “Yes, but….” This phrase was introduced to me by Vicki Lintern (then working at Salesforce, and now with Temenos) in respect of creating better, braver outcomes – be that public speaking engagements, new ways of working/ collaborating, or simply retaining curiosity and an appetite for the art of the possible. If you never say ‘yes, if….’ you’ll never know just how supported, empowered, confident and valued you can feel while you deliver courageous work and outstanding results.”

Sujata Dasgupta: Leading the way for the Greater Good!

Amidst COVID-19 pandemic, many sectors in various industries have had faced difficult time. Be it healthcare, fintech or IT, the damages done to businesses ranges from lowest to the highest. Yet, in such striving/difficult times, some leaders have beautifully portrayed their exceptional skills on sustaining their organizations to its desired stature. One such professional is Sujata Dasgupta.

Being the Global Head – Financial Crimes Compliance Advisory at Tata Consultancy Services, Sujata has excellently implicated her unique ideas and methods to enhance the financial risk management and compliance.

“Early in my career, my goal was to rise the corporate ladder, just like anyone else,” quote Sujata. She envisions to finding a purpose and adding value through the work she does, rather than to only focus over the career growth. That later become her driving force to last 5-6 years. Moreover, she is extremely active in the global community on financial anti-crimes, and wrote in multiple journals and spoke extensively at industry events about this subject.

Tycoon Success admire such leaders and takes pride in featuring Sujata in its special edition ‘The 10 Young and Inspiring Businesswomen to Watch’.

Below are the highlights interview:

A Journey worth Appreciating

She started his career as a Banker with India’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI), in the year 2000. Having worked across varied functions from retail banking to corporate credit, foreign exchange, risk and compliance in India and New York for close to 7 years, she moved to the IT industry as a banking advisory consultant. She states that in the last 14 years, she initially worked in IT services and eventually moved to IT and Management Consulting, focusing on non-financial risk and compliance. During this period, she worked earlier with IBM and Infosys, and now with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) where she head the global advisory on financial crimes risk management and compliance. She have worked in 7 countries across USA, UK, Europe, and Asia, in Risk and Regulatory compliance related transformational programs for leading global banks. And, she is currently based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Accomplishing many Achievements

Sujata states that there have been several achievements during her career which are very precious to her, as each has helped her to grow both personally and professionally. From being the topper in the selection for foreign postings from SBI India (leading to her New York deputation) to several awards in IBM, Infosys and TCS, being featured in interviews by leading international journals viz. She also states that the Economist and Bloomberg, the privilege to run her own column in Corporate Compliance Insights, USA, being invited to speak in the FinCrime World Forum where each one has been very special. However, she states that the most recent accomplishment, and probably the most notable yet, has been winning 2 prestigious international awards in the March 2021 – ‘Risk Professional of The Year’ by Waters Technology in their ‘Women in Technology & Data Awards’ and ‘Fraud Prevention Award’ by Themis in their Anti-Financial Crimes Awards 2021. “Industry recognitions like these are truly motivating and drive me to pursue my passion in the risk and compliance field with a stronger resolve!” quotes Sujata.

Overcoming the Challenges

Sujata addresses that her area – financial crimes risk and compliance – is a very dynamic, complex, and challenging space to work in. Thus, it takes a lot of effort to stay up to date with all that is going on in the financial world in terms of Regulations, technology advancements, emerging risks and designing corresponding controls. “But this is an area which has grown beyond my profession – it is more of my passion now, and I consider myself one of the many fincrime fighters who are doing their bit to prevent some of the disastrous impacts of these crimes on human lives, environment and the economy!” says Sujata. So, in addition to helping her clients develop robust risk management and controls framework around fincrime and other non-financial risks, Sujata is and has been very active in the global community writing and speaking on this particular subject to bring awareness in these areas as well.

A Unique Approach

Sujata asserts a commonly known definition of leadership which states that it is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could. And she tries to inspire by example, by pushing her own boundaries, reinventing herself and accomplishing new milestones, continuously learning while keeping her ear to the ground to stay ahead of the curve. She also believes in and also practice sending the elevator back down, to groom and nurture the next layers and build the leaders of tomorrow. When asked about success, Sujata explains that success for her is to be happy doing what she love and making a difference in the process by achieving tangible results. With years passing, her idea of success has changed from material wealth and rising the career ladder to pursue her passion of research and innovation, writing and speaking on the subject that has grown very close to her heart—anti-financial crimes. “The fact that I have had a positive impact on the businesses of our clients as well as the global community in this pursuit, and the recognitions that have come my way through this are what I hold as my successes!” Sujata adds.

Creating Room for new Ideas

Sujata states that she is a strong advocate of data-driven and AI powered solutions for financial crimes risk management & compliance (FCC), aligning with the business 4.0 agenda that is steering all industries globally. FCC is poised to witness a digital disruption in this new decade, and she has been sharing her ideas on leveraging digital innovations like smart identification and verification solutions for KYC, automated screening for customers and transactions including adverse media, AI based transaction monitoring, graph technology based linkage analysis for discovering criminal networks, dynamic risk monitoring and due diligence, to name a few. She advise that enriching financial institutions’ data quality through ongoing remediation and integration of internal data with external data, as the effectiveness of AI models are heavily dependent on the firms’ data quality. She describes herself as a people’s person and have strived to build effective relationships with her teams and all stakeholders she work with.

Through quoting, “A leader is as good as his team, and that is why I invest a lot of effort in grooming those who work with me, bringing out the strengths they are not sure of themselves!” Sujata states that she leads her team from the front, with a clear vision of what she and her team must and can achieve, enabling her team to work towards that goal. She trust her people and give them the autonomy to drive initiatives on their own, while providing all the required support to achieve the target.

Advice to Rely On

Sujata expresses that her parents have always advised her to stay humble and keep her feet firmly on the ground, no matter how high life takes her. Incidentally, after her successive international award wins this year which are undoubtedly some of the highest points of her life, a close friend of hers gave me this very advice which says, “I do not to get carried away by this success but stay humble and continue the hard work!”

Sujata believes in ‘Empathy!’ She recites a quote that she read long ago: ‘if you want your team to accomplish great things, you must first show them that you truly care’ and has always stayed with her. She admire such quality in her superiors and do practice with her teams. She discovered that empathetic leaders are able to communicate with their team better, eliciting more effective feedback in the process.