Category: Business Spotlight

cyber security concept, finger logging in to account next to a padlock

Cyber Security of the Year 2023 – Aberdeenshire

Posted on | by Magdalena Lew

Onca Technologies provides a complete range of Cyber Security and IT services, creating bespoke solutions for businesses of an array of sizes across a wide range of industries. By prioritising the understanding of a client’s business from the outset, the team are able to gain a unique understanding into the challenges it faces, and in turn can provide adequate security solutions to fulfil these needs. Onca works alongside its clients to implement any required cyber security improvements or additional IT requirements in line with the client’s existing services. CEO Kurtis Toy is an experienced CISO, whose demonstrable successes in managing information security, IT, and large data content sets him apart from other business owners in the field.

Onca understands that cyber security is just one of the many demands its clients face when running a business, and it can often fall to the bottom of priority lists or be put off until it is too late. As technology becomes smarter, faster, and more prevalent in society and our daily lives, so too do the cyber threats. All industries are becoming increasingly digitised, and businesses rely more on the internet and technology now than ever before. In the wake of the pandemic, considerable shifts have also taken place in the areas of remote and hybrid working, which also results in a dramatic increase in the likelihood of a cyber-attack.

Safeguarding an organisation against such threats should be a priority, but it is no easy task, with the ever-evolving landscape of threats requiring time and expertise that most businesses simply do not have the time or resources to manage. This is where Onca comes in, as outsourcing cyber protection to an acclaimed Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), provides business owners with the peace of mind that their cyber security and IT needs are taken care of.

Spearheading this whole operation, Kurtis has been CEO for more than seven years now and is qualified as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), as well as being experienced with GDPR and ISO standards implementation, management and compliance. Getting his start with a Master of Science in Biological Sciences and then a second Masters in Information Technology , Kurtis possesses considerable experience in the industry with such roles as a data analyst, Global IT team leader, Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

With Kurtis and his team of qualified specialists on hand dedicated to protecting clients’ data, the company can confidently offer a range of cyber security solutions, ranging from guidance on GDPR procedures through to the implementation of a fully managed Security Operations Centre (SOC), which in turn continuously monitors, identifies, and responds to incidents, guaranteeing a high standard of 24/7 threat detection.

There are many benefits of outsourcing to a MSSP company, primarily this is due to a combination of experience and expertise. A comprehensive cyber security stack requires specialists that are always in demand yet are in short supply. Incredibly few IT teams in-house have the credentials necessary to carry out the task and ensure effective and reliable cyber protection company wide. Recruiting such talent can be challenging, time-consuming, and costly, making outsourcing a cost-effective choice.

Onca, not only provide practical support or technical solutions, but also offer strategic advice and recommendations at a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) level. This vCISO consultancy, or CISO as a service, provision allows a company to gain objective but informed insight into how to best improve their cyber security posture.

Under the EU GDPR, the repercussions of a security incident can be devastating for a business, not only on a financial level, but also in terms of reputation. Companies can be fined up to 4% of their global annual turnover in the event of a data breach, and these breaches must be reported, and the details disclosed to customers. Ultimately, this can damage or even sever relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders, making it a matter of the upmost importance.

Onca can support in proactively identifying and targeting emerging risks, using an intelligent and dynamic tool  to  analyse possible vulnerabilities within a system or network before these are noticed by an outside attacker. This level of protection also demonstrates to customers, partners, and stakeholders, that their best interests are taken care of as matters of security are treated seriously.

In addition to an intact reputation, MSSPs like Onca will assess and implement the best security systems for a specific business, which ensures that all necessary policies and procedures in that specific industry are adhered to, resulting in compliance with the strict legal standards that are imposed on businesses. This is particularly paramount in industries such as financial services and health, where the handling of customer and patient data has additional security requirements. Onca keeps up to date with all these changes, so rest-assured the business is always on its front foot and will help you to stay informed and prepared..

The company fully appreciates that time is money, and businesses are often restrained on both of these fronts. Through partnering with Onca, efficiency will improve, and a clear ROI will be demonstrated through immediate and continual specialist access. Moreover, it is much easier to manage such a comprehensive service from a single security provider than invest in a combination of unfinished solutions, which will save time, money, and increase efficiency in the long run.

Onca understands that it is essential to choose the right cyber security partner and can assist its clients across every stage of the process, The level of support a business requires will depend on a number of factors, such as the current capabilities of the team, the size and function of the business, and where the key gaps in security defences can be found. As the organisation continues to develop, the cyber security requirements will evolve concurrently, and Onca can expand its service provision in line with this.

Ultimately, the right MSSP can mitigate the attack risks related to remote working, introducing necessary measures such as network access controls, security best practices and staff training, to better protect a client’s network while allowing flexible access for staff. This is in addition to providing and maintaining good “cyber hygiene”, including measures such as network firewalls, antivirus software, regular secure data back-ups, device and file encryption, regular software updates, and robust password control.

As a proud MSSP, Onca strives to deliver all of these services efficiently, robustly, and to the highest standards. Through his hard work, Kurtis has crafted a stellar cyber security firm that is providing innovative services while upholding everything that MSSP’s stand for and hold dear. With a free first consultation and excellent client feedback highly recommending the firm, business owners in need of a cyber security partner should look no further than Onca Technologies.

For business enquiries, contact Kurtis Toy from Onca Technologies LTD on their website – https://oncatechnologies.co.uk/

Kurtis Toy
Kurtis Toy
metal coin

UK Precious Metals CEO of the Year 2023

Posted on | by Magdalena Lew

Paul Withers is the CEO of Direct Bullion, the UK’s no.1 rated bullion dealer. With its office located in the heart of London, it is Paul’s aim to create an environment for his team where everybody can reach their full potential and clients can achieve all of their asset goals. Every day, Paul is fortunate and honoured to benefit people’s lives through gold, an asset that is the ultimate form of wealth protection. In the past 17 years, gold has increased by an average value of 12.5% per year, it is an asset that is considered absolutely zero risk, and nothing can come close to achieving the same level of security. We speak with Paul to learn more about the industry and his journey to become CEO of the UK’s premier bullion dealer.

Paul began his career in an industry very different from that of bullion dealing, making his mark working intelligence for the Royal Navy. Shortly after, he worked as a carpenter, where he saw a colleague in his 50s struggle to succeed within the occupation, which resulted in a great sense of admiration for those in the field, although ultimately, he found that carpentry was not for him. In 2008, Paul invested in the stock market, but the market crash later that year left him with almost none of the money that he had initially put in. At the same time, the price of gold was increasing considerably, and in a keen moment of realisation, Paul decided this was the best way to invest.

A few years later, Paul began working for a bullion dealership, and while there he noticed the firm was making considerable mistakes and not providing the level of customer service that Paul expected. Harking back to his carpenter’s drive to craft something that would last for generations, Paul began work on building a gold company of his own from scratch, putting his philosophy in action by providing a more personal and meaningful alternative to clients.

Today as Direct Bullion CEO, Paul fondly looks back on these experiences as having shaped his all-round business perspective, giving him the ability to lead teams well and craft the right conditions for everybody to succeed. To further improve his CEO skillset, Paul regularly consumes business and entrepreneur podcasts and audiobooks, taking inspiration from such greats as Rob Moore, Napoleon Hill, and Dale Carnegie.

Forging a business from nothing meant that in the early days Paul took a very hands-on approach, working across all the company’s functions simultaneously. After achieving initial growth and to help the business expand into the successful enterprise it is today, Paul recruited industry experts in a variety of fields, which has resulted in a leadership style grounded in being advisory and supportive, letting the team get on with daily operations while nurturing an environment that allows them to be successful and achieve their full potential.

Direct Bullion now provides gold in an array of formats, with customers given the ability to buy gold coins and buy gold bars. Gold coins that the company offers includes Gold Britannia, Queen’s Beasts, Krugerrand, Canadian Maple Leaf, American Eagle, and American Buffalo. In regard to gold bars, these are available in 1 gram, 1 oz, 100 grams, 1kg, and more, making this an investment that is possible regardless of budget or space. For those interested in silver, the company provides a range of coins, some of which are offered with no VAT.

The modern world we live in is gripped by economic uncertainty, conflicts across nations, and political turmoil. With these problems rife, the value of other assets that people hold can drop significantly. Gold is the exception to the rule, the ultimate safe haven asset, these conditions serve to stimulate growth in the precious metals’ worth. Paul is totally confident that gold is going to continue to rise in value and popularity, as more people search for a safe and tax-efficient avenue to protect their wealth.

In order to ensure customer satisfaction is guaranteed, Paul has six key values that allow him to drive Direct Bullion: freedom, honesty, passion, loyalty, wisdom, and growth. Ultimately, these have evolved over time, with the last two being added as a result of the national and international growth the company has experienced.

The approach Direct Bullion offers is different to that of the industry standard, as the precious metals market is populated with long-established competitors and government organisations. These invariably provide a generic, one-size-fits-all approach, providing space for the company to offer individuals who want to protect their wealth a personalised and friendly service that will keep them satisfied and coming back time and again.

Customers buy from Direct Bullion as it is the only dealer in the industry to hit the four key requirements which all clients want. First of all, the company is the UK’s number one dealer, having been independently rated as such and won numerous awards for its fantastic services. Secondly, smooth and secure delivery is provided, with every item fully insured and a money back guarantee providing clients with total peace of mind. Third, clients benefit from unlimited access to the company’s friendly team of specialists who help them get the most from their gold portfolio, and finally, clients are kept up to date with their gold’s value growth.

Everyone who works at Direct Bullion contributes to delivering this exceptional level of service and, in return, the team members are provided with opportunities and the space to grow personally and professionally. For those looking to get into the industry, Paul is always happy to share advice or refer people to his expert team, who are always on the look out for great people, so would be delighted to help.

Current economic uncertainty means that a rapidly increasing number of people are protecting their wealth with gold, and with Direct Bullion’s status at the number one UK bullion dealer, tremendous growth is expected within the next twelve months and beyond. As well as operating successfully in the UK and US, the company is soon to launch in an additional 5 European countries, hoping to use this as a springboard to other markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Paul is a firm believer in learning along the way and putting this into action by doing. There are no plans for Paul to retire, as he loves the building and growth process involved in taking a business from 0 to 1, then finding the people and fostering the environment to grow it from 1 to 1,000,000. It is this dedication to his craft that has resulted in Direct Bullion becoming a pioneer at the forefront of the sector.

Through a wealth of expertise in precious metals as well as diverse life experiences, Paul is one of the UK’s best CEOs, possessing an abundance of care and understanding for both his team and clients. Undoubtedly, it took a great deal of hard work to get to this point, and he was able to recognise the power of gold first-hand, and how it can better the lives of those looking for a tax-free, zero-risk method of wealth protection.

For business enquiries, contact Paul Withers Direct Bullion on their – https://directbullion.com/

Paul Withers
group of people standing in front of trucks smiling

Best-In-Class Plumbing Solutions for the Floridian Market

Posted on | by Magdalena Lew

As a standout leader in pipe lining and re-piping in the state of Florida, Rooter360 has been an influential force on setting best practices in the market. As CEO, William Gardner has been a crucial driver of this initiative, ensuring that Rooter360 remains a pacesetter despite constant development in the space. On the back of his recognition in 2023’s Most Influential CEO Awards as the Most Influential CEO – Miami (Plumbing Solutions), we spoke to William to find out more about his leadership ethos and plans for the future.

Industry leaders thrive through innovation. A drive to do things differently. To do things better. That’s the case regardless of industry, whether it be construction, or banking, or technology or any other multitude of sectors. No matter the size of the business, innovation and constant betterment should form the foundational elements of its operation. To do otherwise in this rapidly moving world could lead to stagnation, especially now that it’s easier than ever for potential clients to access any of your competitors.

However, there’s no worry of stagnation when it comes to Rooter360 and its work, with a reputation built through integrity, accountability, quality, teamwork, and innovation. William discusses how these values have forged the company’s success since its establishment. “We have created a quality process that allows customers to fix without trenching or replacing pipes, leaving the home better than we found it. Our values guide our processes. With integrity, we are honest about our performance. With innovation, we are always looking for new ways or technologies to apply. There’s accountability from each department. They all have their own process to do good work and if something goes wrong, they take accountability for it. When you combine all these three, there’s quality. These values have remained unchanged and are the bedrock for our growth through word-of-mouth referrals.”

A key question to address is how William views the role of CEO when it comes to inspiring and influencing those he manages and oversees. In this post-COVID world, it pays to remain flexible and dynamic – open to all opportunities, with the business agility and reactivity to capitalise on those opportunities. While that may seem to be less necessary in this particular industry, the overall market necessitates such an approach. As they say, you can never be too prepared when it comes to facing challenges.

Luckily, for William, challenges have been relatively easily overcome, with the most pressing of those being a need for skilled labour in a market that is experiencing a limited pool of talent across the board. This is compounded by the fact that Rooter360 simply doesn’t operate in the same way as its peers. “Our biggest challenge has always been finding skilled labour; this type of jobs is very specific and needs attention to detail – it takes time and experience. Now, we know that this takes time to provide the training needed before sending them to a job.” Naturally, one of the key pitfalls of being innovative is that most new employees will need to be trained in the techniques that have distinguished Rooter360 from its competitors. But the techniques utilised comprise just a small part of what has differentiated this company from a competitive landscape, as William goes on to discuss.

“We primarily serve single-family homeowners and multifamily projects. Our distinctiveness lies in our end-to-end process, from when we answer the call, our branding, sales process, and installation. Additionally, we offer the strongest warranty in our market.” This customer-centred process helps ensure that Rooter360 sees a significant referral rate through positive word of mouth, as touched on early in the interview.

William continues to talk about how he approaches management. “Running this type of company, I prioritise fairness and employee incentives. As the company wins, so do the employees, ensuring that employee success aligns with company achievements. Every team member plays a pivotal role for the entire process, from initial customer contact to job execution and logistics. I’m a conductor orchestrating an orchestra; I don’t play any specific instrument.”

With this leadership style firmly in place, the future of Rooter360 looks towards expansion, with William hoping to enter promising new markets. Here, he concludes by describing those future plans in more detail. “My plan is to focus on market expansion as we currently cover all of the South Florida and Orlando areas. In 2024, our plan is to get to the Jacksonville and Tampa areas to be able to cover all of the state of Florida. When it comes to summarising my career so far, I’ve been fortunate with many mentors in my professional life. I’ve played important roles in companies that scaled from 5 million to 30 million and from 30 million to 50 million. This is the first time where I started from 0 and I feel confident to continue to grow.”

All things considered, it’s easy to see how William has become a known and influential CEO, with a mission dedicated to providing client-centric services that are, from the outset, different from any other option on the market. With an approach defined by fairness and recognition, he drives his team towards greater success regardless of challenges and industry uncertainty. A well-deserved success by all regards, with a future that is as ambitious as it is achievable. If you need plumbing solutions, look no further than Rooter360.

For business enquiries, contact William Gardner from Rooter360 via email – [email protected] or on their website – rooter360.com

 

Address: 11511 Interchange Circle South, Miramar, FL 33025

Telephone: 866-843-4738

man sitting on concrete block in suit in front an office

Kris King: Prop Tech’s Most Influential CEO

Posted on | by Magdalena Lew

Originally started in Markham, Canada, SnapHouss is an award-winning real estate photography company that delivers professionally enhanced photos, cinematic property videos, floor plans, and 3D tours to real estate agents looking to enhance their property listings. Through its easy-to-use app, clients can book an appointment, track progress, and receive content instantaneously. The mastermind behind SnapHouss is tech titan Kris King, who has been named Most Influential Proptech CEO in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023.

Born in Scarborough, Kris King remained in his home province of Ontario, Canada, while he studied to obtain a bachelor’s degree in IT management. After graduating, he entered the corporate world, working in managerial roles at several large franchises, including Pet Valu Inc., Hudson’s Bay Company, Canadian Tire Corporation, and Hiwell Technology Inc.

In these roles, Kris steered crucial divisions like cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and IT software services, juggling his successful career with his thriving digital marketing company, which provided web and app development solutions to startups. Interestingly, his career eventually took him to Los Angeles, where he led the expansion initiatives of a cybersecurity company, serving as Director of IT Operations.

Before the recent Covid-19 pandemic, Kris moved back to Canada to establish SnapHouss, a prop-tech franchise. Since then, he has wielded his expansive technical knowledge in programming and management to create an internationally recognized organization. Today, SnapHouss has grown into the world’s largest property technology franchise, serving more than 100 cities with an impressive portfolio that includes over 40 locations across North America.

Striving to help real estate agents improve the quality of their next listing, SnapHouss captures photos, videos, 3D tours, aerial/drone footage, and more media related content that captures every detail of the home. With a team of experienced graphic designers, the company pairs exceptional capturing methods with graphically enhanced digitization to produce the best images with their proprietary AI-powered processing systems.

To make the property stand out even more, SnapHouss can digitally alter photos to make it appear as though they were taken at the peak sunset hour. Furthermore, if the property is unfurnished or untidy-looking, the company can also digitally stage rooms to appear beautifully decorated. This is not only priced more competitively than hiring a traditional staging company but also quicker, with results delivered within 12 hours.

Moreover, SnapHouss offers video walkthroughs of properties that can be shared, played, and distributed amongst clients at the click of a button. It provides viewers with the feeling that they are walking into and through the property, taking in features of both its exterior and interior. For properties that would look stunning from a bird’s eye view, the company also offers aerial photos and videos, taken with drones to bring out the best features the area has to offer.

To provide your clients with an immersive, interactive experience, SnapHouss also creates three-dimensional virtual tours using the industry’s best-in-class software. Users can click to move through the property and even zoom in on the details of every nook and cranny in each room. This is ideal for conducting virtual showings, enabling both real estate agents and their clients to save time travelling to and from properties.

SnapHouss can also provide two-dimensional and three-dimensional floorplans, allowing potential buyers to visualize every room from a bird’s eye view and decide if the property’s layout meets their needs. They can also consider the dimensions of each area to work out if their furniture will fit.

By marrying real estate with cutting-edge tech solutions, Kris has transformed the traditional property scene into a digital powerhouse. It’s no hyperbole to say that SnapHouss’ monumental success in the prop-tech industry can be credited to his impeccable technical acumen.

However, Kris’ ambitions extend far beyond revolutionizing the field of prop-tech with his exceptional technological knowledge. His latest venture, DefenseIQ, promises to be a game-changer for public safety. Primarily, this new company offers Enhanced Public Safety Drone Systems, aiming to address some of America’s most pressing issues.

Firstly, approximately 70,000 wildfires occur across America every year, destroying around seven million acres of forestland. DefenseIQ’s rescue mission drones are primed to tackle this problem, reducing the impact of wildfires on the country.

Secondly, a tragic reality is that there have been nearly 240 school shootings recorded in America since 2013. DefenseIQ’s tactical solutions and drones can aid emergency responses, potentially saving countless lives.

Thirdly, with hundreds of major events taking place in America annually, it is crucial to ensure effective security when large crowds are expected. The advanced surveillance capabilities of DefenseIQ’s drones can drastically improve event security management. This feature will also be beneficial for safeguarding the nearly 2,000-mile-long border that spans across the south of America, bolstering the country’s security efforts.

DefenseIQ sets itself apart from other safety solutions through its centralized command centre, which is operated by licensed RPA pilots and emergency service personnel to promise coordinated and efficient responses to crises.

With an astounding 20,000 hours of RPA flying experience, Kris is among the world’s most seasoned drone experts. He has invested more a combined 10,000 hours in training over 100 staff members to ensure their strict adherence to safety guidelines and their proper use of protocols, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to safety.

In an era dominated by technology, Kris’ ventures are not just business models. Instead, they are visionary endeavours that promise to redefine industries and ensure a safer, more secure future. He has utilized his unparalleled tech expertise to enhance both prop-tech and public safety thus far, demonstrating his status as an innovator with a cause. Crafting solutions that resonate far beyond boardroom discussions and profit charts, Kris is certainly one to watch in the years ahead.

For his continued excellence, Kris King has been awarded the title of Most Influential Proptech CEO as part of the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. With ambitious plans, Kris looks towards a bright future; we wish him and his team at SnapHouss the best of luck in all their endeavours.

For business enquiries, contact Kris King from SnapHouss on their website – www.snaphouss.com

RIOT Secure

Pioneering Lifecycle Management for the Internet of Things

Posted on | by Akeela Zahair

RIoT Secure AB is a Stockholm based tech firm who specialise in the secure lifecycle management of the Internet of Things (IoT). It covers all sizes of device, large or small, with an aim to make essential security more accessible to device manufacturers. It’s visionary architect Aaron Ardiri has recently been recognised as the Most Influential CEO 2023 – Sweden (IoT Technology), so we were delighted to have the chance to find out a little more about him and his work.

These days, we live in a world that is interconnected by a myriad of different devices, from smart appliances to connected cars, with many having the built-in ability to connect directly to the Internet. There are also many networks of interrelated devices that connect and exchange data with each other and the cloud. This is the Internet of Things (IoT), and it is obvious that security is a major factor, with many security exploits and vulnerabilities making headlines since their introduction. RIoT Secure AB specialises in lifecycle management for IoT by providing unprecedented security by leveraging the power of a hardware sandbox. It helps clients manage security across all devices, which might be something they find complex and time-consuming to do alone. RIoT Secure AB can help with a ready to use robust security solution for IoT, that takes into account concerns clients might have about being targeted for malicious purposes.  

CEO, Aaron Ardiri has a multifaceted role at the company, covering everything from business strategy, financial, and stakeholder management to overviewing the hardware/software development from conception through to deployment. He focuses on the firm’s key values of innovation, security, and collaboration to help address the complexities of IoT, but also accepts the evolving nature of the business. For example, whereas it used to be innovation as the primary focus, collaboration has become increasingly important as it is vital both for sustained growth and to stay ahead of the curve in technology.

Aaron is also cognisant of the fact that the firm is built on deep-rooted relationships. He identifies that he has worked with almost everyone on his team in some capacity, in various roles, over the previous two decades. This understanding and personal knowledge is vital, especially considering the team is geographically dispersed all across the globe. RIoT Secure has had to navigate time zones, cultural differences, and the nuances of remote working long before it became the norm for many businesses. The trust this has engendered over the years has become a glue, holding this rich and complex group together, and is a strength it hopes to pass on as a self-perpetuating cycle to any new team members who come onboard.

Considering his leadership style, Aaron sees himself as a fusion between the servant leader and transformational model styles. His overarching approach is to inspire rather than dictate, and empower team members by making sure they are provided with the tools necessary for success. He has been influenced by hands-on experience, working alongside peers and mentors in the industry. In addition, he has also been guided by leadership literature, and perhaps most of all has learnt from real-world interactions. This has combined to lead to Aaron’s flexible and adaptable leadership style.  

“Earlier in my career, I favoured a more directive style, particularly in high-stakes, fast-paced settings like start-ups. However, as I gained experience and led increasingly diverse teams, I recognised the benefits of a more inclusive and collaborative approach.”

RIoT Secure caters to a diverse range of clients, ranging from hobbyists to companies who are household names. To encourage continued engagement, the company operates from a foundational partnership perspective, customising solutions to overcome individual industry challenges. Its transparency and mutual respect within long-term relationships is something that allows it to go beyond mere transactional interactions, and truly collaborate with clients in building sustainable success. Aaron sees the company’s defining edge as being its willingness to tackle challenges others might reject as overly complex or difficult to take on. Because RIoT Secure has an agile team who are backed by robust R&D investment, it is able to adapt quickly to market changes, and excel in problem solving. Aaron describes it as offering “holistic end-to-end solutions providing unmatched value and establishing long-lasting client relationships.”

In many ways, because of its unique approach to security, the company is there to help clients negotiate the Internet of Things, placing the customers solution in a secure hardware sandbox – effectively making them disconnected. Because we live in a world where the IoT is woven across billions of devices, the intricate network is under constant threat of attack from security vulnerabilities, the most secure device is one that is not exposed to outside threats. RIoT Secure has the expertise to rise to the challenge, offering robust security measures that seamlessly integrate with clients’ devices. It offers lifecycle management for microcontrollers, even those that are resource-constrained, and works tirelessly to keep pace with technological advancements. Its employees are the backbone of the company, with each person contributing their unique skills and viewpoints to help the company achieve its goals. Such a blend of talent results in a dynamic work environment, where every new challenge is seen as an opportunity to grow.

Maintaining a culture of collaboration and continuous learning is a priority for Aaron. He does this by regularly engaging with the team through open forums, as well as via individual one-to-ones that keep the channels of communication flowing. Team building activities are also embroidered into the business culture, and professional development is an integral part of the workplace. Aaron ensures that he gets personally involved in such initiatives, to underline the fact that a hands-on approach is more than words, it is a principle embodied in daily work life.

“Adopting agile made us more adaptable to market changes, while fostering cross-functional collaboration improved efficiency and client value. These experiences have broadened my role from a manager to a change-inspiring leader.”

Looking to the future, Aaron has shared plans for global expansion and further market penetration over the coming year. RIoT Secure is spotting new industries where it can make a difference in a meaningful way, in addition to increasing its global territories. In this way it seeks not only to grow as a business, but also to become an integral part of the development process within IoT projects. Early engagement is imperative as it will allow the customers to see the importance of security and lifecycle management, ensuring they are built into products from the ground up. This will mean that systems are better designed and more security-aware from the very start. Long-term, RIoT Secure is aiming to be more than a business success; it wants to be a developer’s first choice for securing IoT solutions. To do this, strategic partnerships need to be formed, and relationships fostered not only at executive level but with developers building concepts and prototypes.

In terms of his own career, Aaron explains what an interesting journey it has been so far. He has had the privilege of being involved in a successful acquisition, and has been able to glimpse what retirement might look like for him. Ultimately, however, he knows that his heart lies in the world of innovating and problem solving for the industry he loves. For Aaron, the work is more than just a job, it’s a lifelong passion, and he is delighted to be carrying on doing what genuinely excites him.

For further information, please contact Aaron Ardiri or visit www.riotsecure.se. 

Hands, stack and team building, business people and support with winning, planning and mission, low angle and trust.

Diverse Directors: Insight Into the Benefits of Workplace Diversity

Posted on | by Magdalena Lew

FTSE 350 businesses are paying more attention to diversity amongst their senior team candidates than ever before.

The percentage of seats filled by ethnically diverse directors has risen to 22%. When it comes to gender balance, it has been found that 54% of new board seats have been taken by women, showing that companies are moving in the right direction.

But why is workplace diversity becoming such a priority? One of the most obvious benefits is that organisations can gain precious insight from people with varied backgrounds and experiences.

Impact International, a world-leading expert in experiential learning, looks at ways in which diversity can enhance a business’s operations and how it can be implemented effectively.

 

The advantages of workplace diversity

Building a diverse workplace means employing people of different genders, ethnicities, age ranges, sexual orientations, and education levels.

With a squad of workers from all walks of life, you can truly promote team development and ensure that your company is as efficient as it can be.

Here are some of the advantages of embracing a diverse and inclusive workplace.

 

Diversity boosts creativity and decision-making

In a world where creativity is crucial to stand out from competitors and other businesses, having a diverse workforce by your side can act as an important ace up your sleeve.

Impact International, said: “People from different backgrounds can offer fresh, innovative perspectives and ideas to help solve day-to-day challenges.

“This is because they see the world in their unique way and may be able to come up with solutions or suggestions that you might struggle to think of yourself.

“Pulling from a wide range of experiences, a diverse team is more likely to make sound, educated decisions. In fact, according to studies, they tend to make smarter choices than non-diverse workforces up to 87% of the time.

“Ultimately, with workers from all sorts of backgrounds, you will have a more socially aware team that can pick up tasks in a creative, efficient fashion.”  

 

Diversity promotes open-mindedness

Communication and collaboration are some of the most important ingredients in a successful business recipe.

In a company full of people from similar experiences, education, and upbringings, there’s little consideration for opposing opinions and outlooks. This is because colleagues may often be on the same wavelength and – through no fault of their own – fail to explore more original ways to carry out a task.

Instead, being part of a diverse group means sharing different viewpoints, which can encourage people to be more open to alternative solutions and expose them regularly to new ideas.

As well as benefitting the organisation’s efficiency and performance, it can also help foster a better company culture in which team members can thrive.

 

Diversity enhances a business’s reputation

Putting diversity at the top of your agenda can also improve your reputation in the eyes of the general public. This includes anyone from current employees, potential candidates, clients, customers, and even vendors.

Why? Because if you have created a visibly diverse workforce, more people will relate and feel a stronger bond to your company, as they can see themselves represented in the business, too.    

A good reputation can spur a larger clientele, as consumers are more likely to support and deal with organisations that share their same ethos.

In short, as well as allowing you to keep your staff happy and productive, workplace diversity can give you a better chance to secure business and maximise your profits.

 

How to create a diverse workplace

As a manager or business owner, it is your responsibility to encourage a diverse workplace culture. But where to start?

Currently, 47% of employers in the UK don’t have an inclusion and diversity strategy in place. If you’re one of them or have plans to nurture your workplace diversity even further, here are some tips to take into consideration:

 

  • Diversity recruitment processes – One of the first steps you can take as a business is to introduce a recruitment process that allows an unbiased selection of potential candidates. This doesn’t mean that you should focus exclusively on setting up interviews with people from different backgrounds. Instead, evaluate candidates fairly and equally based on their skills and competencies.

 

The reality is that, at times, unconscious bias can step in the way of assessing applicants on their qualities only. A good start to nip the problem in the bud is to use software that filters out candidate information, including ethnicity and gender, meaning you can concentrate solely on people’s suitability for the role.

 

  • Conduct diversity and inclusivity training – If you are already investing in training to enhance your team’s knowledge and skills, think about adding programmes to promote the importance of diversity and inclusivity.

 

This will provide your people with the right tools and knowledge to facilitate an inclusive environment. In fact, there may be instances where a non-inclusive workplace is the result of colleagues being oblivious to actions that might upset or affect others.

Training sessions can prevent these situations by raising awareness. They can also help managers and seniors understand each team member’s needs, making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate in business activities and enjoy their time at work.

 

  • Refresh any outdated policies – As society continues to evolve and diversity begins to receive more attention, now is the perfect time to review your company policies. If you’ve been open for quite some time, there are bound to be policies that are a tad outdated. So, it is a good idea to look over your current approaches and update any policies that have remained stuck in the past.
  • Allow employees to celebrate their culture – Events such as Christmas, Easter, and birthdays are well-loved occasions here in the UK. But in a diverse workforce, there may be other festivities that individuals wish to celebrate based on, for example, their religious beliefs.

 

A great way to promote inclusivity is to put all cultural holidays on the business calendar. This doesn’t mean the whole company needs to throw a party on the day, but it will encourage and make it easier for employees from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their culture.  

Outstanding.Global

Best Leadership Development Business Leader 2023 (East of England): Nigel Hughes

Posted on | by Magdalena Lew

The further we step into the digital age, the more we start to disconnect from one another. It becomes far easier to approach certain methods of development through technological means, as opposed to face to face. Whilst this may be convenient for most, it starts to strip away our ability to connect with one another on a more holistic level. Enter Nigel Hughes, multi-award-winning CEO of Outstanding.Global, who has set his sights on reminding us how beautiful being human really is.

Based in a small cottage in the East of England, Outstanding.Global has been at the forefront of encouraging big changes in the aspiring leaders of tomorrow. By adopting a holistic approach towards leadership development, the company managed to break down the process into its fundamental pieces, and adapt these pieces into an uplifting, empowering form of tutelage that’s wholly focused on preparing clients for the next steps in their career. As a result, it’s fostered an all-encompassing experience through open-hearted leadership programmes, through which people of all backgrounds, races, and genders can become the best versions of themselves.

Outstanding.Global doesn’t believe in solutions to which individuals are expected to adapt – instead, it seeks to reinvent itself in order to suit the client. It ventures into every level of self, and utilises the modules that it’s developed to create a tangible scenario that’s fully catered to individual needs. Whether this is a female client looking to break the glass ceiling, or someone simply struggling to amplify their own voice, Outstanding.Global deploys an experience that dares individuals to be bold. This, in turn, promotes a very humanised approach towards leadership development, a counter to the rise of technology.

It’s thanks to Nigel’s ingenious leadership development strategy that Outstanding.Global has been able to touch the lives of so many throughout its four-year lifespan. He’s been at the forefront of overseeing each individual method that the collective takes towards assisting its clients, all to ensure a holistic approach through ‘bringing inspiration from life, business, and The Arts’. As such, Outstanding.Global has managed to encourage clients to make the transition from past to present, in the hopes that they can go on to create their own future using the skills that Outstanding.Global has equipped them with. Nigel places a resounding faith in every individual he meets, tirelessly working to encourage them to be ‘the master of their creativity, and to become outstanding’.

However, Nigel’s dedication to his clients is just the beginning. In addition to his relentless pursuit of holistic teaching on a global scale, he has gone above and beyond to represent exactly what a leader should look like. One that, before the conversation of environmental and rainforest protection became a hot topic, was already taking action to build the foundations of change. One that, through daring to trust his dream despite the challenges faced, has overcome language barriers, cultural clashes, and the divide between nature and capitalism, has fostered brilliance again and again on a monumental scale. Nigel’s story is one that’s filled to the brim with resilience, which has allowed him to transfer his skills and experience to those around him.

Nigel is a strong believer in the notion that leadership is everywhere, no matter who you are. Anyone can lead at any given moment, but sometimes a little assistance may be necessary in order to truly refine what it means to become a leader. Nigel created Outstanding.Global for those who need a little guidance in their leadership development journey to excel in a loving and uplifting environment. All of us have an inner leader, and Outstanding.Global is at the ready to help each person uncover their true potential in the most holistic way possible.

Of course, it wasn’t an easy process to get Outstanding.Global to the point that it finds itself in today. It was born from Nigel’s adventures with his husband Ric, travelling to Papua New Guinea in search of primary rainforest. Here, their belief in global kinship helped forge lifelong bonds with the people of the East Sepik. Together, they fought to protect the virgin rainforest and their friendship ultimately led to the founding of Green Light Trust. This Environmental Education Charity was the first big step that Nigel took towards recognising that he had the ability to make a difference for the better, and it’s this epiphany that laid the groundwork for Outstanding.Global’s inception.

It was due to this period of Nigel’s life that he was able to determine each element of leadership with which Outstanding.Global operates today. His experiences and learnings have acted as a cornerstone for his practices, throughout which he not only conquered sustainable operations when founding a new HQ for Green Light Trust, but managed to win The Foundry the RIBA East 2006 Innovation and Sustainability Reward as a direct result of his carbon-neutral approach towards building. Nigel has always been dedicated towards achieving the best for people and the planet as a harmonious unit, and this is clearly showcased throughout his wealth of experience in making our world a better place.

Following over 30 years of working within both corporate and NGO sectors, Nigel quickly came to understand his own definition of a leader. His principles have since been explored, tested, challenged, and reinforced along his personal journey, and the result is what we see today in Outstanding.Global. Thanks to his guidance, the collective has managed to strike the perfect balance between effectiveness, humanisation, and versatility. Though times and markets may be changing, Nigel is committed to ensuring that Outstanding.Global remains true to what it believes in, all whilst delivering on its promise of exceptional leadership development.

Nigel Hughes truly is a remarkable individual. His unwavering love for being the best version of himself, all whilst assisting others in discovering their potential, is simply astounding to witness in practice. He utilises all of his best qualities to help forge the leaders of tomorrow. He listens, understands, and goes above and beyond for both people and the planet alike. Refusing to back down from a challenge, he’s found himself in a staggeringly influential position, where his kind-hearted values are able to truly shine through the people that he supports. We’re very proud to present Nigel with this award title, and we’re beyond excited to see how his unbreakable moral compass continues to invite brilliance into the world.

For business enquiries, contact Nigel Hughes from Outstanding.Global on their website – https://www.outstanding.global/

portrait of man of sitting and smiling
Nigel Hughes
man in suit and glasses smiling

A Britenet-work of Success

Posted on | by Magdalena Lew

Efficiency within companies and businesses alike has always been essential. And yet, with the direction in which our technological sphere is heading, the demand for streamlined automation, digitisation, and data usage services is ever increasing. For the past 17 years, Britenet has been providing such services. Equipped with a specialised team, spearheaded by its brilliant CEO Michal Borny, Britenet has placed itself at the forefront of innovation. Below, we venture into how Michal’s accomplishments have earned him the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 – Poland (Software Development).

Forged from a union between former competitors, Britenet came to be in 2006 with one key mission in mind – to create something that would have a positive impact on the lives of a variety of people. Now heralded as one of Poland’s leading IT providers, Britenet embodies what 17 years of hard work and dedication can accomplish, despite its humble beginnings. What was once a small business operating from the attic of a block of flats in Warsaw has evolved into the catalyst for multinational companies to revolutionise their respective industries. Britenet’s guidance has garnered an impressive network of brilliance – one that is geared towards encouraging the flourishing of its clients and their customers alike.

As expected of an incredibly skilled CEO, Michal has played a crucial role in securing the success of both Britenet and its operations. He’s responsible for implementing development strategies in an effective and concise manner, all whilst overseeing all operations in order to ensure that they’re functioning in conjunction with his ambitious vision. By combining the role of pioneer with the attitude of a visionary, Michal has managed to prepare for every eventuality. This serves to secure a sense of stability within Britenet, allowing it to deliver assurance to any who involve themselves with this spectacular organisation. Be it clients or employees, Michal guarantees continual support as a result of his attitude towards his role.

At its core, Britenet is a company that seeks to bring growth to businesses across the world through a tight focus on innovation and support. By implementing and developing IT systems for its clients, it’s able to not only make their lives easier, but has the power to streamline the processes for its clients’ customers too. Michal sees Britenet as a companion to its clients, bringing them all of the necessary developments to help their collectives flourish in new and exciting ways. All the while, Britenet will be there to assist and support any who require it. The result is a cohesive development and growth strategy born from an ingenious digitisation process. Michal has always had Britenet’s intended impact in mind, and has never once faltered in ensuring that it meets his exceedingly high expectations.

But how has Michal managed to expertly navigate the inner workings of multiple industries? By learning from a range of sectors, Michal has expertly moulded Britenet into a unique entity that has a variety of uses, no matter the client. This, combined with an implementation of emerging solutions within the IT industry, grants Michal the unique opportunity to utilise Britenet as a means to encourage continual growth within its clients. Whether it’s tackling the finance, banking, education, energy, or insurance sectors, Britenet displays an unrelenting determination to deliver on its promise of greatness.

Of course, no organisation is able to shine without the tireless work of its internal collective, and nobody is more aware of this than Michal. As such, he’s constantly seeking new ways to enhance the inner workings of Britenet. Any growth is gradual, and is never implemented without the input of the staff that make up the organisation. Michal’s approach is wholly unique, encouraging involvement from directors, managers, leaders, and a variety of other employees alike to pave the best possible pathway towards the organisation’s success. This, combined with a union of responsibility and personalisation, puts Michal in a position to guide his team, whilst actively involving himself in their continued growth alongside Britenet.

Following an extensive 17 years of being a part of the market, Britenet has coalesced a vast network of clients across the globe, each representing numerous industries. Whether it’s placed its focus on establishing competence centres for large multination companies from Israel, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, or approaching software development from an angle that companies have not yet previously experienced, Britenet has achieved excellence again and again under Michal’s guidance. In more current times, however, Britenet has initiated major collaborations with Kornit Digital and AerCap, among others. This truly showcases the versatility that Michal has tirelessly worked to cultivate within Britenet.

As a direct result of its unrelenting flexibility, Britenet is able to deploy an individual approach that truly focuses on the specific needs of its clients. Whether this focuses on their goals, work standards, or expectations, Michal has prioritised developing the means for Britenet to deliver comprehensive support and services that make cooperation a natural part of the process. Despite the growth that Britenet has faced over the years, it has never once lost this quality, allowing it to differentiate itself from the competition. Michal has reinforced Britenet’s individuality again and again, making it a go-to for clients who are looking for a more personal solution to their needs.

So far, Britenet has been an overwhelming success within the Polish IT market, so much so that it’s taking confident strides to firmly insert itself into international markets. Of course, despite these ambitious plans for the future, Michal has never lost sight of what Britenet was always meant to be – a trusted provider of IT solutions that doesn’t just support its customers, but the entire society in the surrounding digital world. By bringing together some of Poland’s most experienced industry specialists and guiding them towards the greatest versions of themselves, Michal has lifted Britenet to new heights, and we’re sure that it’ll continue to thrive under his watch.

The future looks incredibly bright for Britenet. Michal’s genius continues to lend itself to the organisation’s success, placing it in a position to tackle any challenges that may come its way. Through his incredible insight and ability to predict various outcomes, Michal has granted Britenet the chance to excel again and again. As such, it seems only fitting to award him with the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 – Poland (Software Development). Michal Borny stands as an example of what can be accomplished, no matter how small your organisation may start. So long as you can see yourself succeeding, you will.

For business enquiries, contact Malgorzata Garnek from Britenet on their website – https://en.britenet.eu/

Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) - Asad Kamal

Pakistani Success Story, GIDS – The Shining Star

Posted on | by Patrick Doherty

Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) is Pakistan’s leading state-owned defence conglomerate, operating under the patronage of Joint Staff Headquarters and dealing in the export of defence and technological products. Led by CEO, Asad Kamal, we are celebrating his extraordinary work in transforming an underperforming business unit into a profit-making entity, making GIDS the biggest brand out of Pakistan and South East Asia. He is our team’s pick for the Award of Most Dynamic CEO 2023 from the Defence Industry of Asia. We discover how he has taken both his career and GIDS to the exceptional heights they are reaching today.

This brilliant CEO is no stranger to an accolade, with Asad Kamal also being recently praised as among the Top 100 Best Performing CEOs of Pakistan by CEO Club Pakistan, the country’s premier business group which draws hundreds of business leaders across the region – No feat to be taken lightly.

Having been associated with the defence industry for the last 24 years, Asad has diverse multinational experience of defence exports in more than 20 countries across four continents, giving him a fair amount of understanding of different cultures, procurement habits, and chain of command. He holds an MBA degree with a specialisation in marketing, and has organised and coordinated more than 150 international events and tradeshows across the globe.

While Asad doesn’t deny how his role in leadership can be challenging, he believes it is a process of learning and evolution, as he tells us, “We learn, we grow, and we eventually evolve towards our better selves. As CEO, I believe that timing is everything. As leader, timing becomes decisive in life while encountering different situations. ‘Define priorities, make smart trade-offs, and embrace the actions!’ I practice to break through the inertia to keep the organisation going on business continuity. At the same time, I try to align my team’s focus to keep the momentum going in line with the organisational goals.”

As CEO of GIDS – as well as Chief Salesman and Chief Brand Manager – Asad’s prime objective remains as transformation – Transformation of a company struggling with consistently churning revenues and its board members slowly losing faith in the cause. Asad recalls, “My first job was to win the hearts and minds of my management and bring their faith back. Then inspire my team and push the system to slowly incite change – Easier said than done! It was a strategic battle at two fronts, outward and inward. Exhaustive and challenging, but rewarding eventually.”

He goes on to explain what transforming the organisation involved. “So, I had to go back to the drawing board and do major alterations to the company DNA: some by changing mindset and some by doing complete business process re-engineering. Finally, I had to trust my team to do their best and bring this dream to reality. I am happy that what unfolded subsequently for us made everyone proud. However, my job is far from done; there is a lot to achieve yet.”

“I consider myself as an instrument of change and that is my biggest value and contribution to the company.”

Today, GIDS has more than three decades of experience behind it in developing indigenous defence technologies and solutions, now boasting more than 150 products in its portfolio, from cruise missiles to small pyros. In addition to having expanded its customer base across 20 countries, GIDS has in the last six years established a global brand name and one of the most vibrant and professional defence sales companies in the region – and it’s all thanks to the visionary leadership of Asad Kamal.

Further, we ask Asad to give us more of an insight into how GIDS remains steadfast specifically as a Pakistani weapons company against big industry giants across the globe. “Well, it’s a bit of strategy and a bit of resilience combined. Pakistan has made a lot of technological prowess in the last few decades when it comes to indigenous defence protection. Given our inherent geopolitical challenges, our nation has put a lot of resource, human capital, and faith into defence production. However, when it comes to sales, we have to pick our competition and the battlefield wisely; we have our own niche, and that is the cost benefit and value that we offer to our clients. We go to great lengths to understand what our customer wants, as we make the solution ‘easy on the pocket’ with ‘no strings attached’.”

Even as a pure government entity, luckily, GIDS operates with a lot of operational/ business autonomy given by its management. Asad states, “I always feel proud to claim that GIDS is our local success story, where young professionals contribute in doing their humble best every day for the nation.”

“I feel an organisation is like a tree; it will only grow and bear fruit once the people who work for it grow and prosper along with it.”

Indeed, as part of the work GIDS does, Asad is keen to highlight the crucial role his staff play, believing they are the company’s greatest asset. He places great importance on developing their skills and knowledge, which in return increases the company’s stature and profits. GIDS is an organisation manned by professionals at all management levels, and that has allowed it to evolve, grow, and make a difference.

Asad goes on to say, “A CEO must always be switching between what I call different altitudes and frequencies – tasks of different levels of abstraction and specificity. At the highest altitude, you’re asking the big questions, like “What is the company’s mission and strategy?”, “Do people understand and believe in these aims?”, “Are decisions consistent with them?” At the lowest altitude, you’re looking at on-the-ground operations and tactical manoeuvring. Mainly, though, I prefer to work at a middle-to-high altitude. I’m fascinated with long-term strategic alternatives. I’m not a daydreamer, but I like to reflect on and talk about realistic options and strategies, forcing myself out of my comfort zone. In business, inspiration and experience often leads to wisdom and success, so every day is a new day for me to learn to do what is in the best interest of my country and organisation both.”

Now, Asad reflects on how the last two years have been very busy for Global Industrial & Defence Solutions, as it has reorganised itself to introduce a completely new line of products for the world. Thus, the next 12 months are going to see the manifestation of the company’s new product strategy – Bigger systems like cruise missiles, long range drones, and artillery weapons will become its flagship products, which means an entirely new segment of customers. The team is extremely excited and motivated to embrace all that is to come in the near future – and we at Acquisition International are looking forward to seeing it all unfold.

Company: Global Industrial & Defence Solutions

Contact: Mr. Asad Kamal

Website: www.gids.com.pk

Address: GIDS Building, Complex-II, Chaklala Garrison – Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Telephone: +92 51 92800 61 / 62

Sonia Amoroso

Empowering Women With Confidence Through Transformative Skincare

Posted on | by Akeela Zahair

One of Australia’s leading cosmetic houses, Self Care Corporation boasts a portfolio of powerful brands, including the top selling phenomenon freezeframe. Founder and CEO Sonia Amoroso  has recently been honoured with the award for Most Influential CEO 2023 – Australia (Beauty Care). With an EY Entrepreneur of the Year award already under her belt,  we decided this was the perfect time to take a closer look at this dynamic entrepreneur and how her brands are changing lives for the better.

Sonia Amoroso is the founder and CEO of the Self Care Corporation, a business dedicated to  empowering women with the confidence to live their best lives through scientifically backed skin, beauty and oral care treatments. Its award winning freezeframe brand provides alternatives to aesthetic surgeries and salon treatments that customers can use in the comfort of their own home, whilst clean beauty brand KEEP IT SIMPLE SKIN makes clinically effective, simplified skincare for sensitive skin and bodies. The portfolio also includes oral health brand alfree, which provides flavour free toothpaste to people with allergies and sensitivities. Sonia has a passion for solving problems by making clinical strength skin treatments accessible to all women.  This is skincare made for women – by women who truly understand how life changing a little extra confidence can be.

Sonia’s passion is driven by the desire to help women feel better about themselves. She says that perceived imperfections or blemishes can sometimes cripple a woman’s self-confidence, so she is dedicated to finding solutions for women’s most frustrating beauty issues. Sometimes, the issue can seem insurmountable. Sonia recalls a letter from a customer who was undergoing radiation treatment for cancer and lost not only her hair, but her eyelashes too.. She explained that she began using the freezeframe LASH PRESCRIPTION when she was at an all time low, but thanks to the product she soon found her lashes growing back faster than she thought possible. This gave her a new found confidence to face the world, and her treatment. Sonia explains that this customer, and every other woman who feels less than the goddess they are, are the reason for the company’s existence, and constitute its true mission.

All of the company’s innovations are clinically proven to address targeted problems. That is why, at face value, it has a very unique product range. It includes treatments for specific signs of ageing on the face and eyes, pigmentation issues, body products designed to enhance the figure, alternatives to injectable treatments, and even products to help grow eyelashes and plump lips. Sonia is active in product development, in addition to still performing all the tasks one would traditionally expect from a person with CEO responsibilities in an organisation. She is the driving force behind the company’s NPD and also works as the Creative Director, taking a very hands-on approach to creating the firm’s marketing campaigns, right down to writing the copy for advertising and product packaging.

A walking testimony to the efficacy of her products, Sonia is very much the face of the brand, and will regularly appear in advertorials and speak at both media and industry events. She champions the company’s core values of respect, customer care and its commitment to providing women with transformative, accessible solutions to their beauty problems. This is something that has been consistent right from the start when she established the company in 2008. The goal has always been to provide women with professional results that are achievable within the privacy of their own homes. This focus on results, and the unique problems it aims to solve, have been the cornerstone of Self Care Corp’s success. Sonia strongly feels it is also the reason more than 1 million women choose to use freezeframe in their skin care regimes.

“Established in 2008 by award-winning entrepreneur Sonia Amoroso, Self Care have fast become the recognised leaders in the development, distribution and marketing of high tech and clinical beauty products in Australia. Famous for building sales generating brands in record time, Sonia has been responsible for some of the most successful brands and advertising campaigns in Australian history. The Self Care portfolio is proving to be no exception.”

As a leader, Sonia prioritises embodying the values, behaviours and work ethics she expects from her team. She tries to create an environment where staff feel like a part of something big and important. Sonia is particularly passionate about staff caring for customers, as well as for each other. She thinks it is essential to encourage a conscious culture of kindness, respect and accountability. The way she describes this is as a culture of empathy and excellence, where everyone is held to high standards, not just in their tasks, but in how they treat one another.

Of course, life is often filled with challenges, but recently Sonia has been faced with what amounted to the biggest of business problems she’s ever encountered in her 25-year long career in personal care. Following the tremendous growth of the company throughout Australia, leading to it becoming the foremost skincare brand (with numerous category leaders in its portfolio such as Australia’s number 1 selling eye cream for 4 years running) it was hit with the devastating impact of its freezeframe brand being counterfeited. The company had to navigate the awful effect of the counterfeit product entering the market in both China and Australia. Fortunately, the perpetrators were caught quickly, and legal proceedings shut them down.  

Litigation is never an ideal situation to be in, but unfortunately it was a necessary evil under the circumstances. One of the culprits escaped to China, where he had the nerve to continue conducting the illegal activity. Thankfully, the Chinese Police were supportive and were able to conduct raids that finally drew the proceedings to a welcome close. Prosecution swiftly followed by a prison sentence was delivered to the offender in China, but the legal proceedings are still continuing in Australia. Sonia is hopeful that justice will prevail soon, and that the legal system will clamp down on this repellent infringement of intellectual property rights. It was the biggest counterfeiting case ever seen in Australia, and although this is hardly the standout example of what the company wants to be known for, the manner in which Sonia fought for her rights, and defended the essential safety needs of her customers, certainly is something to be greatly admired. This awful and considerable challenge was the worst thing she has faced in 25 years of business within the personal care realm, and all done while she was diligently working to build and grow her brand.

On a brighter note, Sonia has some very exciting news to share regarding the future 12 months. She tells us she has imminent plans to launch the freezeframe brand in the UK, which she considers to be a market culturally very similar to Australia, with shared values and a strong bond between the nations. Initially there will be a UK e-commerce site, but freezeframe will also be looking for retail partners to help it achieve its goal of empowering the women of the UK with the tools and confidence they need to feel happy and confident in their own skin. It is her intention to continue developing more life changing products, both in the personal care industry and through involvement in her other creative passion – film. Remember the name, because Sonia Amoroso is already about to embark on her second movie project! The first was when she came onboard as Executive Producer on the Australian movie Penguin Bloom. As with personal care, her central mission here is one of female empowerment, and so she looks forward to championing many more meaningful projects in the future.

For further information, please contact Sonia Amoroso or visit http://www.freeze-frame.uk/

Kent Athlone Pharma Group

Responding to the Ever-Changing Needs in Healthcare with Consistent Access to Medicines

Posted on | by Akeela Zahair

Following the turmoil of the global pandemic, and the current economic climate the pharmaceutical industry has had to find new ways to respond to the needs of healthcare. One such company is Kent Athlone Pharma Group, so we wanted to interview its CEO, Terry Petersen, to find out more.

To begin, please could you give us an overview of Kent Athlone Pharma Group?

Kent Athlone Pharma Group is a Specialty, European Pharmaceutical Company with offices and production sites in the UK and Ireland. The company has a broad portfolio of Value-Added Medicines, and for example is already one of the largest suppliers of Hospital Injectables, and antibiotics to the NHS, in the UK.

Likewise, we have a very successful service business within the Group, which provides a valuable service to NHS organisations as one of the leading providers of over-labelling services in the UK.

The company has a long heritage dating back to 1986, supporting/collaborating with customers in the UK, Ireland, and Internationally through a network of partners across Europe, and around the globe.

Could you tell us more about how you started with Kent Athlone Pharma Group, and how your past experience guided you to making such a difference to the team?

I joined the company as CEO, in July 2022, to work with an established, & experienced team, to help lead, and facilitate the ongoing rapid growth of the business, as we seek to service our customers and support patients in the UK, Europe, and beyond.

In terms of my professional background, I have spent the last 20+ years shaping and leading pharmaceutical businesses in Europe (Largely for Global Multi-Nationals), and I was very pleased to join Kent Athlone Pharma Group, because I could see the future potential to grow the business, with an excellent current portfolio of products, a strong product pipeline, and a committed team.

How do you approach your business strategy?

On joining the company 12 months ago, we took the time to speak/meet with every single employee, to understand their perspective in terms of what was working and what we needed to focus on improving. We identified a number of key areas including company culture, product portfolio, medium-term Company Strategy, and operational excellence.

We also spent time analysing our business, and our company processes to identify where we really needed to focus, to transition the business from a “Good” to a “Great” Company in the next few years.

What challenges have you faced, or think you will face, due to the nature of your industry?

Like any company in the recent economic climate, we have had to manage a number of challenges on an ongoing basis. For example, we face the ongoing challenges of global medicine shortages, substantial increases in cost of goods, and the low margins for some Value-Added Medicines in many countries.

And of course, it is taken as a given that we will operate at all times with the appropriate levels of compliance in line with our regulatory obligations, and our Corporate Social Responsibility as a manufacturer and employer in the UK and Ireland.

What do you value in your team and how does Kent Athlone Pharma Group cultivate a rich environment for personal and professional growth?

Over the last 12 months, one thing that has always impressed me, has been the level of commitment from our team, the desire to get it right for our customers every day, and the level of collaboration across every function across the business. We have a great team which I am very proud of.

Within Kent Athlone Pharma Group, we call this the “One Team” culture, and it is something we have really focussed on and invested in bringing to life in everything that we do.

We have taken the time to re-define our company values, and they guide our approach in everything that we do:  Honesty, Teamwork, Diversity, Commitment, Agility, and Leadership.

When we are recruiting in addition to the right experience, we also think very carefully about if the cultural fit is there for both parties. This is a fast-moving, action-orientated, hands-on culture where “smart, goal-orientated, precise, driven, do’ers” thrive.  It is not for the faint-hearted, but it is a stimulating environment for the right people, who enjoy learning/collaborating, where individuals are provided with genuine autonomy to drive the business forwards and take pride in making a difference every day.

We proactively invest in frequent and engaging communication/events with the whole team, so everyone is kept informed, all of the time, and has the opportunity to share their views openly, make suggestions for improvement and ask questions freely.

The biggest investment that we make every year as a business is in our people.

To finish, what are your plans for the future?

Our 5-year growth strategy is focussed on five pillars:

  • Expand the Product Portfolio: Through pro-active Business Development, Partnering and New Product Development. Our focus going forwards will be differentiated Value Added Medicines, in 5 core therapy areas: Anti-Infectives, Pain, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Hospital Injectables.
  • Effectively launch and commercialise: Working closely with our partners, and regulatory bodies to launch products on time, and then effectively promoting/distributing these products to achieve commercial expectations.
  • Expand the presence Internationally: Of our product range either via direct distribution or partnering.
  • Improve Operational Excellence: Effectively managing our supply chain, and business functions via streamlined, integrated and automated applications, systems and processes.
  • Build and maintain a High Performance Culture: That attracts, retains, develops and engages a high calibre, diverse team.

In summary the future outlook for Kent Athlone Pharma Group looks strong. We have a clear Growth Strategy, a Great Team a positive Company Culture, and the ambition to do everything we can to get it right for our customers, partners and the patients we serve, every day.

We appreciate hearing from Terry as he secures the title of Most Influential Pharmaceutical Products Development & Supply CEO 2023 – UK from CEO Monthly.

 

For further information, please contact Terry Peterson or visit https://www.kentpharm.co.uk/

Mature businessmen standing while looking on the plane in airport

Unique Travel Experiences at the Best Prices

Posted on | by Magdalena Lew

Driven by desire to help customers embark on truly lifechanging journeys, Travelwings.com is a Dubai-based Online Travel Company (OTC) that delivers some of the best vacation experiences in the world, offering packages that cater to any budget and desire. Established in 2016, the company is headed by Albert Fernando, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, who has recently been named Most Influential CEO 2023 – Dubai (Travel). Here, we discuss his experience and leadership style.

Travel is not just a break from our exhausting daily lives, instead it is an experience that stays with us forever. Travelwings.com believes that the desire to travel is synonymous with the urge to experience, which is why it strives to deliver tailored vacation packages through expert knowledge and unparalleled customer service. The company is dedicated to providing customers with the opportunity to create memories that they will always cherish.

Headquartered in Dubai, Travelwings.com is a technologically innovative online travel portal that makes it easy for travellers to book their holidays for the best possible price. The company is making waves in the travel domain, offering holidaymakers a seamless experience, from booking to vacation. By making travellers’ dreams come true, the company aims to become the world’s most admired and trusted OTC.

As a people-first business, the priority at Travelwings.com is always the happiness of its travellers as well as the wellbeing of its staff. This has truly been at the heart of the business since it was founded by Albert Fernando, who was inspired by his love for travel to create a comprehensive platform through which people can book their entire travel experience, from flights and hotels to cruises and activities.

Having worked in travel since he was 17, when he began his career helping customers book their holidays over the phone, Albert has grown into an experienced and successful leader in the industry. Today, he boasts a proven track record of specific expertise, including travel management, business development, operations management, profit and loss management, travel technology, and more.

Over the years, Albert has built Travelwings.com into a highly successful company, catering to holidaymakers in over 32 countries across the world. The company has especially become prevalent in emerging markets where it is the only OTC in 19+ of these 32 countries in which it operates. To do this, he has crafted a business that is equipped with the best talent in every department. Albert believes that a company cannot be successfully run by one person alone, so he strives to hire people who possess specialised skills and experience in their fields, filling the gaps in his capabilities.

In his leadership, Albert has primarily focused on providing his team members with a vision to achieve, then giving them the freedom to make logical decisions to bring it to life. He understands that people make mistakes, so he does not frown upon them. Instead, he believes that mistakes are beneficial for the learning process, allowing staff and leaders to gain experience and better themselves. For this reason, when things go wrong, Albert is always there to provide support and help in any way he can to get the situation back under control.

Through his outstanding methods of leadership, Albert enables his staff to deliver the best booking experience to travellers with innovative technology and excellent customer service. For this reason, Travelwings.com has amassed an impressive 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot, with numerous reviews praising the excellent, patient, and professional customer service as well as the stress-free booking process they received. Many reviews state that they did not experience any issues when booking with Travelwings.com. The few who have faced challenges tend to express satisfaction with the way in which the company’s team assisted them in an effective and efficient manner.

As a result of the leading tourism brand he has created, which provides customers with competitively priced holiday packages, flights, hotels, and more, Albert Fernando has been awarded travel’s Most Influential CEO in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. We congratulate Albert on this achievement and look forward to seeing how Travelwings.com continues to grow.

For business enquiries, contact Albert Fernando from Travelwings.com on their website – travelwings.com

Albert Fernando