Issue 11 2023 Most Influential Investment Management CEO 2023 - New York Featuring: Jan Hutton: Leading Digital Transformation in Tourism Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC (Continuum) is a comprehensive wealth management company covering investments, retirement planning and financial organization. Based in Saratoga Springs, New York, the company consists of a team of seasoned wealth management professionals, led by Managing Partner and CEO, Timothy M. Smith.
Welcome to the November 2023 issue of CEO Monthly. As always, CEO Monthly is dedicated to providing the latest news and features across the business world to our readership. By sharing knowledge, insights, expertise, and success stories from around the globe, we aim to inspire individuals and promote positivity in a world that is in a constant state of evolution. From tourism marketing to branding, virtual care to medical aesthetics, precious metals to home improvement, cybersecurity to market research and intelligence, this issue is jam-packed with awardwinning CEOs hailing from an array of industries, and they are ready to share their extraordinary stories with you. 2023 is panning out to be prosperous year for these CEOs, as they continue to lead their businesses with grace and take challenges on with resilience, the passion for what they do always shining through. One such CEO is our cover feature, Timothy M. Smith, from Continuum Wealth Advisors (Continuum), whom we are celebrating as our Most Influential Investment Management CEO 2023 – New York. With more than three decades of experience behind him, Tim’s knowledge and expertise is vast – so there isn’t much that he hasn’t seen in the industry! He uses this to lead on Continuum’s strategic vision, whilst also fulfilling the role of lead advisor, always focusing on what matters most to each and every client. I hope you find this issue to be insightful and inspiring, and wish you a wonderful month ahead. In the meantime, I look forward to welcoming you back again soon for our final issue of the year. Rebecca Scotland, Editor Website: www.ceo-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. News 7. Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC: Most Influential Investment Management CEO 2023 - New York 8. Jan Hutton: Leading Digital Transformation in Tourism 10. Scientifically Inspired, Personalised for You 11. Investment in Nature-Based Solutions 12. Beyond Boundaries: The Digital Healthcare Revolution with Virtual Care 13. Making court proceedings faster, more convenient and secure. 14. Trusted Certification For Homeowners and Contractors 15. Next-Level Business Leadership 16. Direct Bullion: Precious Metals UK CEO of the Year 2023 18. Onca Technologies LTD: Cyber Security CEO of the Year 2023 - Aberdeenshire 20. Illuminating the Path Forward 21. Push Beyond the Obvious 22. Why Independent Board Reviews Are More Important Than Ever Contents
NEWS NEWS Canadian Orthodontic Partners (docbraces) announces appointment of George Jeffrey as CEO, and formation of its Doctor Advisory Council
Thomas Collins, former COO of Accion Labs and exGlobalLogic leader, takes on the role Marlabs Innovation LLC., the global digital solutions company, announced the induction of Thomas Collins as its new Chief Executive Officer. He brings 28 years of experience in various leadership roles across global companies. Before Marlabs, Collins was Chief Operating Officer at Accion Labs and had successful stints at Accenture, Siemens, Atos, and GlobalLogic. He is also the Co-Founder of AppliLog, a Supply Chain Management Software Company and Customer Experts, a Business Development Consulting Company. Company Co-Founder and current CEO, Siby Vadakekkara, will transition to the role of Chairman. Collins’ appointment comes after an exhaustive search to recruit an exceptional leader who resonates with the cultural values of Marlabs. Siby stated, “I congratulate Tom on his new role. Throughout his career, he’s been instrumental in shaping go-to-market strategies, winning marquee clients, and transforming teams into hyper-growth organizations. I’m confident that Tom’s experience in scaling digital engineering firms and helping customers drive transformation initiatives will accelerate our growth ambitions while delivering compelling value to our customers.” Revered in the industry for his strategic leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, Collins holds a diploma in business administration from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. “It’s an honor and great responsibility to lead Marlabs,” said Collins. “I was drawn by Marlabs’ exceptional client base and its reputation for accelerating enterprise digital transformations. I want to especially thank Siby and Matt Kinsey, Managing Partner at Marlabs’ investor BV Investment Partners, for trusting me to take on this role,” Collins stated about his appointment. Marlabs has been on an accelerated growth path ever since its partnership with BV Investment Partners, continuing to deliver high-value and high-impact services to clients across pharma and life sciences, manufacturing, and retail as well as banking and insurance verticals. It acquired Extentor Tquila in 2015 to strengthen its Salesforce platform capabilities and earlier this year announced its expansion into LATAM with the acquisition of the Brazil-based Monitora Soluções Tecnológicas, enabling it to access new markets for growth, offering near-shore capabilities to clients while deepening technology capabilities. Marlabs announces Thomas Collins as new CEO Canadian Orthodontic Partners (COP), Canada’s leading orthodontics provider and the company behind the growing docbraces clinics network, announces today the arrival of George Jeffrey as its new CEO and the formation of its Doctor Advisory Council (DAC). In post since September, Mr. Jeffrey joins Dr. Robert Hatheway, Chief Clinical Officer at COP at Docbraces-Hatheway in New Brunswick as co-chair of the council. “George is a gifted leader with a remarkable track record who has thoroughly impressed us since day one,” says Brian Chambers, COP Board Chair “It’s no overstatement to say he’s given us reason for great big smiles since joining our passionate and talented team. We’re delighted to have him on board and act as a founding co-chair of our Doctor Advisory Council.” Experienced in scaling up businesses and fostering strong cultures of performance, purpose and team spirit, George recently helped launch Laser Clinics Canada, part of the world’s largest network of advanced medical aesthetic clinics. Before that he was Senior Vice President at McKesson Canada where he oversaw the growth and development of a network of more than 2,600 pharmacies – a $3.8+ billion business unit. Prior to entering the healthcare sector, he played similar roles at leading international brands in retail foodservice and food processing industries. “I could not be happier,” says Jeffrey. “I have always focused on delivering smiles inside and outside of the organizations for which I’ve worked. The only difference is that now it’s official – I’m joining a team that builds self-esteem, one beautiful smile at a time. I’m wholly aligned with our purpose, values, and our mission and see clearly that docbraces is blessed with a strong team of doctors, clinic and administrative teams who share a common passion for the field of orthodontics, service experience and innovation.” The creation of a Doctor Advisory Council, the brainchild of both Jeffrey and Dr. Hatheway, serves the purpose of reinforcing the company’s mission and its nature as a patient centric, doctor partnered operating network. Specifically, the DAC will ensure the highest standards of orthodontic excellence, firmly rooted in the company’s core values of trust, learning, confidence, and community. To be comprised of the two co-chairs and 10 members representing the leading doctors who operate local docbraces clinics, the DAC will provide advice, perspective and feedback to COP management and share best practices on the industry at large. It will include members from Canada and the United States. “With the arrival of George and our first slate of DAC members, which will be announced soon, we can be sure our team and brands will continue to be supported by experts on the ground in both the U.S. and Canada,” says Dr. Hatheway. “When I look around myself and our network, I see rich, deep experience, and a contagious energy that bodes well for our company as we create the brightest possible future for orthodontic clinics in North America.” Founded January 2016, COP operates a network of 71 COP and docbraces clinics. Driven by its purpose of building self-esteem, one beautiful smile at a time, the company has become the leading orthodontics provider in Canada and the second largest in North America. The company is currently working on expansion plans which will include both organic growth and possible acquisitions. To learn more about George Jeffrey, Dr. Robert Hatheway or the members of the Doctors Advisory Council at COP, visit https://www.canadianorthodonticpartners.com/
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CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 7 Most Influential Investment Management CEO 2023 - New York Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC (Continuum) is a comprehensive wealth management company covering investments, retirement planning and financial organization. Based in Saratoga Springs, New York, the company consists of a team of seasoned wealth management professionals, led by Managing Partner and CEO, Timothy M. Smith. Timothy M. Smith, AAMS (Accredited Asset Management Specialist) is the CEO of Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC. He has extensive industry experience tracking more than 30 years and is confident that there are few situations he hasn’t been exposed to, and little in terms of financial and investment management of which he can’t be of assistance. His many years of experience have allowed him to gain an overall sense of the bigger picture and propose solutions for clients that focus on what matters the most to them. Tim has built a team around him that enables Continuum Wealth Advisors to successfully handle all financial matters under one roof. This ranges from investment management strategies to comprehensive financial planning. Everything is covered in house by dedicated, knowledgeable and helpful financial experts. Continuum Wealth Advisors not only handles the investment management and planning strategies in house, if needed, it also coordinates with other professional advisors to ensure all aspects of a person’s financial life are addressed and in sync. Continuum is able to expertly and efficiently handle the requirements of a client’s investment environment, significantly reducing their financial stress. “Investments represent the cornerstone of any financial plan. Our job is to develop a comprehensive investment strategy while providing comfort through clarity for our clients. If someone doesn’t understand what we’re doing and why, we haven’t done a good job. As investment managers, our commitment to clients is that we will always act in a fiduciary capacity. Building strong relationships is about trust, clear communication and respect. Everything this firm does uses those three pillars as a guide for how we conduct business and interact with our clients. Clarity is key, so while we actively manage our portfolios, we regularly communicate our thoughts and any changes we make to our portfolios so that our clients are never in the dark.” Concerning investment management, the company aims to harness the longterm growth potential of stocks and bonds for clients, while being aware of the inherent risks involved, and working to avoid serial underperformers. It has an overall goal to provide value, which is achieved through the constant monitoring of the markets, and by making prudent tactical decisions when appropriate. Likewise, when it comes to retirement planning, Continuum will be there to ease the journey. It works with clients to answer the big questions, such as when they can retire, and how much they can afford to draw from their investments each month. With regards to financial coordination, Continuum wants to make sure that every dollar in its clients’ pockets is being leveraged correctly to serve the best purpose. It helps to organize assets, identify opportunities, and strategize effectively to produce the best outcomes for its clients’ money. The company is adamant that advice without implementation is a wasted opportunity, and so it ensures it steps in as the customer’s personal financial advocate to provide encouragement, accountability, and get them exactly where they need to be. Every aspect of a person’s financial life is important, so “leaving no stone unturned” is a phrase you hear often with the firm. As a registered investment advisory firm (RIA), the professionals at Continuum are independent and not tied to any one particular investment, strategy or custodian. This allows an unbiased approach to constructing investment portfolios. The primary focus of the whole team at Continuum is very simple: to make life easier for its valued clients. As CEO and Managing Partner, Tim oversees Continuum’s strategic vision while being the lead advisor for managing clients’ portfolios. His clientele includes high net worth individuals and successful businesses, with a strong emphasis on professional physician practices. His focus is always aimed squarely at addressing the unique financial needs of each client, which is what has helped him to develop a thoughtful yet structured decision-making process. He also credits his upbringing as something he draws upon. “I was taught at a young age to always be humble and honest.” – Traits he uses daily with his clients. Tim earned his Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation from The College for Financial Planning in Jan 2004. He attended Memphis State University in Memphis, Tennessee, and The College of St. Rose in Albany, New York. Tim is a member of both the Financial Planning Association and the IMCA (Investment Management Consultants Association), and he also holds a Series 66 securities license, and an NYS Life, Accident and Health Insurance license. The incredible work Tim has been doing, and has encouraged his team to achieve, has now been recognized with a prestigious award as the Most Influential Investment Management CEO 2023 - New York. This title is a huge honour for the man and his company, who are both having a significant impact on the lives of so many grateful people. Company: Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC Web Address: https://contwealth.com/ Contact Name: Timothy Smith Apr23017
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 8 Jan Hutton: Leading Digital Transformation in Tourism ourism has played a central role in your career. What inspired your choice of industry? I’ve always believed that travel makes the world a better place. It changes us from the inside. Tourism isn’t just an industry; it’s an economic powerhouse that drives growth and prosperity. It builds local community empowerment, creates opportunities, and ignites collaboration beyond borders while playing an extremely important socio-economic role. Generating billions in revenue, the industry isn’t confined to just a few regions; it benefits the entire country, employing over 660,000 Australians (and many more needed!). Put simply, when tourism works, we all work. Digital transformation for tourism: what’s the imperative? Embracing digital transformation in the tourism sector is not just an option, it’s a necessity for responsible visitor economy growth. I’m privileged to work with a Board who are leading the charge, committed to equipping tourism businesses for the future. It’s become tough to keep pace with the changing expectations of travellers, the exponential impact of changing Apr23017 In the heart of the 21st century, it’s no secret that digital transformation has become an integral part of nearly every industry. From healthcare to finance, education to entertainment, the digital revolution has redefined how we operate, connect with customers, and achieve organisational goals. However, perhaps no sector stands to gain as much from embracing digital transformation as the Australian tourism industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), Jan Hutton is acutely aware of the vast opportunities and challenges facing Australian tourism. Having been recognised as 2023’s Most Influential CEO in Tourism Strategy, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jan and explore her perspective on why spearheading digital transformation in tourism is a role she considers both a privilege and a passion. T technologies, essential climate adaption, tightening margins, and fierce global competition; all of this is reshaping the way tourism businesses need to operate. Tourism businesses that embrace digital transformation are not only going to be better equipped to meet these challenges, but they’re also poised to be more resilient and thrive in our fast-evolving sector. What is ATDW’s role in the tourism industry? ATDW is a tech-enabled marketplace that connects products and experiences with people, powering visibility for tourism businesses across Australia. For 22 years, we’ve been the trusted source of truth for all tourism businesses, empowering local tourism operators to showcase their brand, reach global audiences, and grow their business. This was (and still is) the bold vision of Australia’s State and Territory tourism organisations, alongside Tourism Australia, the proud owners of ATDW. How are you pioneering digital transformation for the sector? We embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the way that ATDW supports tourism now and in the future, through
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 9 genuine collaboration with our industry partners. As a result, our platform has been reimagined and redeveloped, emerging as a modern marketplace to accelerate the way data is leveraged and tourism businesses are connected to increase their visibility and conversion opportunities. I’m grateful to our Technology Director, Todd Bachelder, who has led this program brilliantly. At the core of our future-ready platform lies a fresh brand identity and an innovative data and distribution strategy, designed to put Australian tourism businesses in the spotlight, both at home and on the international stage. Amongst the opportunities and hurdles faced by the tourism sector, which one are you most passionate about? Being from South Africa, conservation and regeneration are part of who I am. We need to preserve that which preserves us. I’m thankfully one of many leaders in our industry that want to prioritise visitors who contribute to making a positive impact on our place, our community, and critically on Mother Nature. I’m extremely proud that ATDW will shortly be launching an internationally aligned Sustainable dataset, as a direct result of our important partnerships with Ecotourism, Earthcheck, and Austrade. Our goal is to provide practical tools to every tourism business, fast-tracking the realisation of Australia’s sustainability goals, and acquiring extremely valuable national data in the process. What’s the key to your success in driving digital transformation? People… everything revolves around people and purpose. We couldn’t have achieved what we have without our Corporate Services Director, Rob Cain, who leads our business with equal measures of productivity and compassion. I firmly believe that game-changing performance emerges from sincerely caring about the well-being of all team members, cultivating an empowering workplace culture. Each member of the ATDW team breathes our values. It’s baked into how we engage customers and partners and suppliers, and each other. While the ATDW Board keep us sharply focused on governance and performance, they also allow me to foster genuine resourcefulness, with everyone feeling responsible for contributing to positive change. I’m privileged to work with remarkable people – they fuel our ambition, while keeping ATDW grounded, humble, and committed to truly serving our industry rather than merely offering services. Left to right: Rob Cain, Jan Hutton, Todd Bachelder What does the future hold for tourism? Over the next decade, international tourism will face unprecedented changes. Competition for the right visitors will sharpen as destinations chase the attention of discerning travellers. Aviation negotiations and investment prioritisation will play a critical role in determining which destinations thrive, and which falter. Destination marketing will wrestle with significant changes as AI and data mature, with digital platforms and channels dominating the customer decision journey. Technology and data will be at the forefront of this disruption, exacerbating performance disparities between destinations and businesses. The ability to harness data and leverage technology will be the key competitive differentiator in the race for visitors. Those who can adapt and innovate will be the winners. Closing this delta is what motivates our Senior Manager of Industry, Nadia Feeney, who is incredible at translating the needs of our industry into future technology innovation. In the face of these challenges, now is the most exciting era for ATDW. We’re expanding visibility through a new focus on distribution, leveraging the best technology, delivering sustainability tools, optimising conversion, driving bookings, and supporting businesses to make better decisions through high value insights. Our shareholders believe that the time is right for ATDW to play a meaningful role in empowering and supporting the future digital success of our national tourism sector. About Jan Hutton With a career steeped in global sustainable destination development, Jan Hutton has proven herself as a trusted visionary in the global travel and tourism sector. Her journey has spanned pivotal executive roles that include CMO at Destination Gold Coast, Destination NSW, South African Tourism and Deloitte Consulting Africa, and Managing Director of Ogilvy One. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of ATDW, Jan is at the helm of a passionate business, poised to deliver the company’s most ambitious project in its 22-year history. About ATDW ATDW was born in 2001 from a collective endeavour between Australia’s official tourism organisations. Their shared purpose was simple: to assist local tourism businesses to expand their online presence. This collaborative spirit led to the establishment of ATDW; a globally unique platform that is a cornerstone in powering the digital future of tourism for Australia. Today, ATDW supports more than 55,000 tourism operators, connecting them with an impressive 80 million potential visitors annually. It stands proudly as Australia’s only homegrown tourism marketplace, showcasing nearly 90% of the nation’s accommodation and attractions. Jan summarises, “Our business is making sure everyone knows your business”. Contact Details Company: Australian Tourism Data Warehouse Pty Ltd Contact: Jan Hutton Website: www.atdw.com.au Nadia Feeney
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 10 As the CEO, face, and spokesperson for 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic, Lancho Cephivenus is North America’s leading medical aesthetics professional and a global laser expert. With over 50 licenses and certificates under his belt, Lancho expresses his adoration for the field through 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic. Renowned throughout Greater Vancouver as an all-encompassing cosmetic dermatology clinic, 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic promises perfection through its myriad of treatments. Be it hair, body, face, or health, its services aim to target a client’s insecurities and completely eliminate them using cutting edge technology piloted by experts. Each treatment is backed by avid scientific research and clinical approval, guaranteeing an experience that’s both safe and specialised. Throughout the past decade, the aesthetics industry has been seeing notable growth, with the rise of social media completely reinventing the way individuals view themselves. People of all genders have been increasingly seeking out ways to better their dermis, regardless of age, and 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic exists to fill this need. Investing in appearances has never been more sought after. Thankfully, Lancho manages to expertly utilise his wealth of experience to provide access to North America’s most comprehensive medical aesthetic clinics. To understand 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic’s overwhelming success, however, we must first revisit Lancho’s initial endeavour into the industry. In 2015, Lancho founded Chobee Marketing MD. Existing as a means to offer marketing services specifically tailored to the medical aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology industry, Chobee Marketing MD rapidly came to accumulate a staggering client base of over 200 clinics. After accomplishing such a feat after only five years since its opening, Lancho found himself empowered by his skills in translating difficult medical messages to the public, all whilst assisting certain clients in growing to become an eight figure business. After half a decade, Lancho finally believed he was fully prepared to open his own clinic. And thus, 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic was born. Representing the pinnacle of Lancho’s prowess, 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic stands as a testament to his aspirational nature and eye for opportunity. Scientifically Inspired, Personalised for You As an all-inclusive cosmetic dermatology clinic situated within two separate locations in Greater Vancouver, 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic is widely known for its status as the only ‘Candela Flagship Centre’ in the world. Owning all available medical aesthetic laser devices, and acting as the showroom of said lasers for other medical professionals to visit and receive training from, the clinic boasts an impressive array of beneficial skin treatments. Below, we explore how its highly experienced CEO, Lancho Cephivenus, came to earn the illustrious title of Medical Aesthetics CEO of the Year 2023 - Greater Vancouver. According to Lancho – “The most important quality as a CEO is to leverage all the resources you have, and the ability to continuously create values for the business.”. It’s clear that, to him, being the CEO of 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic is more than just a job role, but is more so about holding the responsibility of helping your team and your business succeed. Having held this mindset since even before 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic’s inception, Lancho has truly set himself apart from many other CEOs – where some take years to recognise the implications of being at the head of a company, Lancho has used that time to consistently adapt 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic into the best version of itself. Only then can it deliver its best to clients throughout Greater Vancouver. We’re very excited to present Lancho with the title of Medical Aesthetics CEO of the Year 2023 - Greater Vancouver. His unparalleled passion for the field is uncontested, and, through his hard work, he’s built an empire that’s sure to go on to make waves throughout North America as times progress. Lancho has an expertise that’s simply timeless – a quality that 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic exemplifies throughout each and every treatment. Needless to say, Lancho has redefined the industry, and we can’t wait to see where he takes 67 Degrees Cosmetics in the future. Contact: Lancho Cephivenus Company: 67 Degrees Cosmetic Clinic Web Address: https://67degrees.com/ Sep23104 F
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 11 Mar22259 Investment in Nature-Based Solutions Based in Scotland, Land Carbon Ltd. is dedicated to promoting peatland restoration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Founded to create a positive environmental impact, the company was designed for the specific purposes of ecosystem improvement and biodiversity enhancement. It is the organisation’s mission to become the UK’s leading natural capital firm. Land Carbon is headed by CEO Ian Thompson, who has received our award for this year’s Natural Capital Trading CEO of the Year – Scotland. It is Land Carbon’s objective to encourage its clientele to invest in natural capital to reduce climate change and environmental harm. Natural capital is the world’s stock of natural resources that provide social, environmental, and economic benefits to society. By investing in the peatlands, Land Carbon aims to save businesses from future costs through its sustainable management and restoration efforts. Its core values of professionalism, dynamism, and meticulous planning guide the company in its delivery of nature-based solutions. Land Carbon is unique in its client-focused and outcomes-based approach. The peatlands occupy around 12% of the UK’s land area. Restoring the peatlands to full health will provide valuable carbon stores that will benefit nature and society. Land Carbon offers its clients GHG Emission Reduction Credits for their contributions to peatland restoration. Carbon credits, or carbon offsets, are permits that allow businesses to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. One credit is equivalent to one ton of greenhouse gas. This system creates a monetary incentive for companies to reduce their carbon emissions and positively impact the planet. Professional custodianship of natural capital will create a greener future that benefits both stakeholders and the environment. Having previously trained as an Infantry Officer and been commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, CEO Ian Thompson has an established background in successful leadership. On his leadership style, Ian Thompson says, “My style has changed from one of robust, hands-on leadership in the military to a more empathetic and goal-oriented style of entrepreneurial leadership. I find myself referring back to the many different styles of leadership I came into contact with in the Army and cherry picking the parts most relevant to my current leadership role.” Land Carbon is solely focused on delivering high-quality peatland restoration projects for its clients. The organisation places great importance on collaborating with its stakeholders and the local community to ensure they are involved at every stage of the project. Land Carbon is a pioneer in attracting private investment into the peatland space and is passionate about large-scale peatland restoration through natural capital financing. Its dedicated staff have been instrumental to the business’s success. The team provides immeasurable contributions to every aspect of Land Carbon and consistently proposes ideas to streamline efficiency and improve the company’s output. The organisation seeks enthusiastic and hardworking individuals determined to achieve success. Its workforce must be self-motivated and analytical to maintain Land Carbon’s high standards and deliver its first-rate investment opportunities. During the pandemic, the company faced challenges around hiring, meeting clients, and winning businesses. Land Carbon is proud that its resilient team was able to overcome these obstacles with an agile approach and strength of character. Under the steadfast direction of CEO Ian Thompson, Land Carbon is now looking to expand its restoration efforts. The organisation plans to extend its existing one million tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) project pipeline to three million tCO2e. Over the next five to ten years, the company has ambitions to become the UK’s leading natural capital firm. Land Carbon will continue to offer its stakeholders innovative nature-based solutions and promote peatland restoration to positively impact the global ecosystem. For his empathetic leadership and client-focused approach, Ian Thompson has received this year’s award for Natural Capital Trading CEO of the Year – Scotland. Contact: Ian Thompson Company: Land Carbon Ltd Web Address: www.land-carbon.com Sep23486
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 12 Born in Montreal, Neil Salem’s upbringing was rooted in the values of hard work and entrepreneurship. His family built a thriving textile wholesale business, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a passion for innovation. After moving to Florida, soon after meeting his wife, Neil channeled his entrepreneurial spirit by founding NESA Solutions Inc. Originally established as a location intelligence solutions company, NESA provided location-enabled patient, staff, and asset management solutions, integrating actionable intelligence across the healthcare enterprise. With the onset of the COVID pandemic, the demands of the industry shifted. Faced with a shortage of workers As healthcare organizations are increasingly challenged to deliver better and more personalized care, to more patients, more efficiently, all with increasingly limited resources, leveraging proven virtual care solutions becomes a critical way to bridge the divide. Founded in 2014, NESA Solutions Inc. (NESA) delivers cutting-edge, Epic-embedded Virtual Care solutions that transform the way healthcare organizations deliver patient care. Neil Salem, a visionary entrepreneur from Canada, is the founder and CEO of NESA. After relocating to Florida, he has successfully transformed his small location intelligence solutions company into a leading virtual care platform that serves hospitals globally. and a heightened focus on patient and staff safety, hospitals began exploring innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and elevate patient care quality. To address this pressing challenge, NESA introduced OptiKal AI, a cutting-edge computer vision software platform tailored for telehealth and remote patient monitoring. OptiKal AI’s artificial intelligence allows clinicians to monitor vast numbers of patients in real-time, establishing predictive workflows based on patient behavior patterns for proactive interventions. This solution enables healthcare systems to bolster patient safety and significantly enhance staff efficiency using a comprehensive enterprise IoT platform. To launch OptiKal AI efficiently and meet global demand, Neil established partnerships with top-tier camera provider Hanwha Vision, audio provider Commend International, and leading cart manufacturer Altus. With a singular camera and speaker, NESA’s AIdriven software supports advanced virtual care workflows for various virtual care scenarios like virtual sitting, virtual nursing, virtual rounding, virtual medication verification, virtual behavioral health, fall prevention, virtual patient discharge, clean bed management, and more – all consolidated within one platform. Owing to its notable success, OptiKal AI has become the first Virtual Care Enablement platform to be fully integrated into Epic Systems, the largest Electronic Medical Records (EHR) company in the United States. This integration provides Epic users across the country with seamless access to the comprehensive benefits of the OptiKal AI platform. NESA Optikal™ supports Epic ECAL (Embedded Context Aware Linking), thereby unleashing the complete potential of virtual care. The swift progression of AI technology offers unprecedented opportunities for healthcare institutions to redefine care delivery. OptiKal AI employs sophisticated tools such as computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Coupled with specialized workflow engines and predictive analytic models, it elevates patient care, boosts operational efficiency, and delivers financial returns. Furthermore, OptiKal AI evolves in tandem with care teams, empowering clinicians to consistently develop and employ novel tools tailored to their distinct requirements. The healthcare AI market has expanded by roughly 167% in the last two years and is projected to become a foundational technology in the forthcoming decade, setting OptiKal AI on a trajectory of sustained growth for the foreseeable future. Through tenacity and commitment, Neil’s vision has materialized. His journey embodies the pinnacle of what can be achieved when passion, innovation, and collaboration converge to reshape our environment. Over the past decade, Neil has showcased a remarkable capacity to gather and steer a robust, dedicated, and adept team crucial in catapulting NESA to its commendable success. Through ceaseless collaboration, they’ve leveraged their collective acumen, both in the healthcare domain and in virtual care. Neil’s leadership has cultivated an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and a unified mission amongst his team. This tight-knit and committed group has not only adjusted to the swiftly changing healthcare environment but has also played a crucial role in bridging healthcare disparities with pioneering virtual care solutions. Their steadfast dedication to delivering accessible and superior healthcare services has transformed care delivery. Neil’s exceptional ability to nurture and maintain this standout team undeniably speaks volumes about his leadership prowess and visionary approach, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare sector. Contact Details Company: NESA Contact: [email protected] Website: www.nesasolutions.com Beyond Boundaries: The Digital Healthcare Revolution with Virtual Care
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 13 Making court proceedings faster, more convenient and secure. Founded as a means to change the way that legal proceedings are conducted via a new, fast-paced eCourt System, Justikal equips itself with eIDAS certified trust services to submit legal documents to the courts. As such, it’s able to meet deadlines in a far swifter manner, without having to sacrifice professionalism to get the job done. Its convenience allows clients to monitor cases, receive automatic event notifications, and even make use of qualified timestamps to meet deadlines more conveniently, all whilst granting them access to personal annotations and group sharing. In doing so, Justikal has already proven that it’s able to shorten the average case processing time by a whopping 25-30%. Without Margrét’s help, however, this revolution in the legal proceedings system may have never even been possible. Yet, thanks to her extensive background in the legal sphere, she had plenty of time to familiarise herself with the downfalls of the industry, and devise solutions that would best rectify them. She recognised that the paper-based structure of legal proceedings caused immense delays, negative environmental impacts, and left parties and attorneys scrabbling to meet deadlines as a result – a quality that needed to change as soon as possible. Enter the evolution of technology, and Justikal’s subsequent inception. Now, clients are able to stay in the loop with their court cases, whilst the court proceedings themselves are drastically accelerated. In addition, Justikal’s solution is a free one – courts needn’t pay for its services in order to reap such incredible benefits. This is, of course, a direct result of Margrét’s mindset. She holds a genuine love for the legal sphere, and has continuously dedicated her efforts to improving it for each and every person involved in the process. Her unwavering commitment is what drives her forward, which has ultimately led to Justikal’s incredible accessibility capabilities. Despite its universally applicable nature, however, Justikal boasts a standard of quality that’s second to none. Margrét believes that challenging the norm is the only way to secure intelligent solutions, and applies this approach through her proactive mindset. Only then can Justikal benefit others. Representing an unapologetic desire to revolutionise court proceedings, Justikal is the manifestation of Margrét’s vision. Despite being offered a partnering position in 2017 at a highly regarded law firm, Margrét instead followed her gut, and the result is what we see today – Justikal. Margrét has never once faltered in her stance when it comes to improving the industry. Whether this manifests through her commitment to self-improvement, or her devotion to ensuring that her leadership style perfectly reflects her eagerness for industry change, it’s simply undeniable. And, with such a driven woman backing a team of flourishing professionals, Justikal promises to be the definitive face of change throughout court proceedings. Already being used before the district courts in both Iceland and the Nordic Arbitration Centre, Justikal’s solution has proven time and time again to be absolute gamechangers. Resulting in huge savings for societies, and having been praised for its capabilities, its inclusion is set to continue growth as we move into the future. Of course, Margrét will be right there alongside it as it transitions towards foreign markets, and there’s no doubt in our mind that her work will spearhead the inevitable transformation of court proceedings in the coming years. Contact Details Contact: Margrét Anna Einarsdóttir Company: Justikal Web Address: https://justikal.com/ Sep23101 Court proceedings are notorious for the length of time that they occupy, but it seems as though very few have been able to determine why. However, Margrét Anna Einarsdóttir, following ten years of working as an attorney, quickly identified the issue – its paper-based nature created widespread delays throughout each and every court proceeding. In response, she established Justikal, an eCourt System that allows stakeholders in legal proceedings to handle digital documents in a secure and trusted way. Join us as we explore how Margrét’s vigilant approach to innovation has earned her the title of Legal Technology CEO of the Year 2023 – Iceland.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 14 ased in Canada, RenovationFind. com offers a range of solutions, including a data-driven vetting and monitoring system for certified contractors, contractor reputation management software, trusted certification, and marketing services. The business’s exclusive certification process assesses contractors by considering background checks, customer complaints, business insurance, provincial worker’s compensation, and better business bureau accreditation. As the CEO of RenovationFind.com, Keith Riley’s responsibilities encompass overseeing the strategic direction of the company, ensuring that its mission is consistently upheld, and fostering an internal culture of excellence and trust within the team. Keith plays an active role in operations by engaging with contractors and valued homeowners to ensure their requirements are met effectively through the platform. Since the company’s establishment, its core values have remained steadfast, serving as pillars to build a firm business foundation. RenovationFind.com prides itself on its integrity, culture of growth, client-focused mindset, and solutions-oriented approach. The business is committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty and transparency. Its certification process serves as a testament to this commitment, establishing trust with homeowners by ensuring all contractors are professionals. CEO Keith Riley is passionate about the company’s culture of growth saying, “We foster a culture of continuous learning and evolution. Embracing change and thinking outside the box are essential components of our DNA. We are always open to new ideas and approaches that enhance our platform and services.” At RenovationFind.com, the primary focus is serving its clientele of homeowners and contractors. The business is dedicated to providing exceptional value to customers and fulfilling their individual needs. With a solutions-oriented approach, its team keeps the end goal in mind by focusing on problem solving to achieve its objectives. RenovationFind.com is committed to upholding its core values, which guide its decision-making processes and drive its dedication to excellence. Speaking on his leadership style, Keith Riley says, “My leadership style at Trusted Certification For Homeowners and Contractors RenovationFind.com is an online platform dedicated to connecting homeowners with certified local contractors in their community. Working within the home improvement industry, the firm provides quality renovation services, products, and workmanship. RenovationFind.com is headed by founder and CEO Keith Riley, who has received our award for Home Improvement CEO of the Year. Here, Keith shares how RenovationFind.com has achieved success through its clientfocused approach and commitment to excellence. RenovationFind.com is characterised by a blend of democratic and transformational leadership principles. Early in my career, I recognised the importance of collaboration and input from all team members. I carried this democratic leadership style with me as I founded RenovationFind.com. I believe in empowering my team by valuing their opinions and insights. However, my leadership style also incorporates elements of transformational leadership. Building and scaling RenovationFind. com requires envisioning a future where homeowners could easily find trustworthy contractors and where contractors could grow their businesses. I lead by example, setting high standards for innovation and excellence and demonstrating unwavering commitment to our mission.” The business’s approach to its clientele of homeowners and contractors is centred around providing tailored solutions that address their unique requirements. RenovationFind.com provides homeowners with an easily accessible online platform to connect with certified local contractors. The company has built a foundation of trust through its rigorous certification process and transparent business model. For contractors, RenovationFind. com offers all-encompassing reputation management software, trusted certification, and marketing services. Its user-friendly platform empowers homeowners to make informed choices while providing contractors with the tools to succeed in a competitive market. The team at RenovationFind.com plays an essential role in the growth and reputation of the firm. Keith Riley actively participates in fostering a positive internal culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and client-centricity. Its culture, maintained through his leadership, ensures the business’s continued growth and success in the industry. CEO Keith Riley is the recipient of our award for Home Improvement CEO of the Year – Alberta. Looking to the future, Keith Riley shares, “My career plans include not only the growth and success of RenovationFind.com but also a strong commitment to mentoring and supporting startups and entrepreneurs. By leveraging my experiences and resources, I hope to contribute to the growth, learning, and innovation within the entrepreneurial community and the broader industry. I am passionate about sharing my experiences and insights with aspiring entrepreneurs and startups.” Contact Details Contact: Keith Riley Company: RenovationFind Inc. Web Address: www.renovationfind.com B
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2023 15 Mar22259 Next-Level Business Leadership For a long time, Stephen Twiss’ dream was to start his own group. Thus, Lakeshore Leisure Group was born in 2019 – but now, the exciting chapter of leading this business has drawn to a close. Recognised as our Most Influential Leisure Brand CEO 2023 – UK, we speak to business leader and non-executive, Stephen to learn more about his extraordinary career so far. What was your vision for Lakeshore Leisure Group? It’s a vision that I’d developed over eight or nine years whilst in senior executive roles within the industry. I had a real utopian view of how it could be done in terms of product, team, and guest experience. That vision was to create an enviable and innovative medium-size UK holiday resort group that filled a gap in the market. We wanted to offer an eclectic and alternative mix of accommodation in relaxed rural and lakeside settings that allowed holidaymakers and lodge owners to truly escape the urban. Realising a vision alongside amazing people is the most satisfying part of leading a business. To have built something from scratch that you have imagined really is an incredible experience. How did you identify the correct sites to develop? At the time, there was a lot of new investment coming into the sector; subsequently, the market for resorts and holiday parks was super competitive, so the challenge faced by myself and my investors, Kings Park Capital, was to find value in an overvalued market. This led me to search for under invested or operationally challenging businesses, as well as existing greenfield sites and leisure sites that we could develop or diversify. In essence, we sought the opportunities that others would dismiss and developed them into a product and brand that the rest of the industry would take notice of and covert. For this reason, we were focused equally on both retail and corporate PR which had a big impact on the overall success of the project and investment. Recently, both you and your investors experienced a successful exit from Lakeshore Leisure Group. How was this process? What are your biggest learnings from it? The potential to sell the business came much quicker than expected, with the first approach coming just two and a half years after our initial site acquisition. As mentioned, I attribute this early interest to our commitment to sharing our journey and success with the industry, creating a strong reputation for quality and innovation. There was a huge amount of work, and as a management team, you are performing dual roles. Therefore, the most significant take away from this experience is the need to maintain focus on the business’s strategy and vision. A sale is never guaranteed, so it’s crucial to keep your team and yourself aligned with the company’s core objectives throughout any sales process. What have been the key drivers in your senior career journey? I would say that I’ve always been ambitious, challenging myself with career decisions that were not necessarily the obvious path. I also have a real passion for innovation and creating change, in particular having innovation and your point of difference as the key drivers in a strategy. When coupled with sound business practice, great people and intelligent funding, the results can be incredible. It’s this principle that led me to start Lakeshore Leisure. How did you integrate that sense of passion into your culture? In simple terms, we focused on fairness and engagement, as when a team feels fairly treated and is truly engaged there will be higher levels of performance. From my experience, if you’re leading a business, it’s unreasonable to expect that everyone in the business will have the same level of attachment and engagement as you. However, without a sense of purpose that drives a unified culture, I don’t believe people can or will do their best work. When a team understands the vision and feels passionate about something that is beyond their direct financial gain, commercial success becomes a wonderful bi-product, almost an inevitability. You currently hold two nonexecutive positions; how are you adapting to this board advisory work? The experience with Lakeshore was so incredible that I’m now highly selective, focusing on projects that hopefully ignite the same level of passion and enthusiasm in me – whether in the capacity of a CEO or serving on advisory boards. I have the opportunity to take a more expansive view of challenges and projects, offering valuable insights and posing critical questions that can either solidify the business’s thinking or chart a better course forward. The ability to influence and shape the company’s strategic decisions in this way is extremely rewarding. These roles also provides a degree of flexibility and freedom, allowing me to explore a wider range of opportunities and engage with different organisations. The networking aspect has been great too; this is already leading to investment opportunities and larger projects that I will have more direct or executive influence on. NED work is certainly different, but equally fulfilling, and I’m excited to continue making a positive impact on companies in this way. Feb23472
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