Issue 11 2024 Featuring: GoldCore: The CEO Taking Gold and Silver Investment Global
Welcome to the November 2024 issue of CEO Monthly. CEO Monthly remains committed to giving its readers the most up-to-date information and features in the business sector. By sharing information, perspectives, skills, and success stories from around the world, we hope to uplift and inspire others in a world that is always changing. Leadership plays a pivotal role across the corporate landscape, especially in our business communities. In business, we look to our leaders to guide us to our collective goal. Being a leader is so much more than making decisions for a company, so, here, we showcase those dedicated individuals who work extremely hard to empower their teams and bring people together. Our award-winning CEOs span a vast range of industries. From cryptocurrency to asset management, precious metals to defense manufacturing, architecture and design to growth marketing, this issue is bubbling with revolutionary ideas and practices that enrich our world. We invite you to peruse this issue for more information, and we look forward to welcoming you back next month for our final issue of 2024. Sofi Parry, Senior 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 6. GoldCore: The CEO Taking Gold and Silver Investment Global 8. Yasmine Mahmoudieh Design: Award-Winning Architect and Designer 10. Link2Tek, LLC (L2T): Most Influential National CEO 2024 – North Carolina (Communications) 12. Traianus Partners: The Founder and CEO for the Future of Cryptocurrencies 13. Agencia Áurea: The Creative Communication CEO 14. Wildfire Strategies: Transformation Across the Workplace Landscape 15. UAV Latam: UAV LATAM , Advanced Drone Solutions Across Latin America 17. Arescosm: Most Influential CEO 2024 – Italy (Defense Manufacturing) 18. 5Rivers CRE, LLC: Asset Management CEO of the Year 2024 (USA): Ishnella Azad 19. Orbit Futures: Best Economic, Social, & Sustainability Delivery CEO 2024 (Australia): Dennis Mirosevich Contents
NEWS Home Hardware Stores Limited Appoints New President and CEO, Ian White
The PCL family of companies is pleased to announce the succession transition for the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Chris Gower is appointed the ninth President and CEO of PCL in its 118-year history. Chris brings nearly three decades of experience with PCL to his new role, leading PCL’s office of the CEO. Chris previously held the position of Deputy CEO, and before that was Chief Operating Officer, overseeing PCL’s building operations in Canada, the United States and Australia. He has been a key figure in PCL’s Office of the CEO and Board of Directors and, while guiding numerous landmark projects across North America, played an instrumental role in leading the company’s expansion into the solar energy market. Chris holds an executive certificate from Stanford University and is an alumnus of Fanshawe College. He is also a CCA Gold Seal certified estimator and project manager and was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 leaders. “I am honoured and proud to assume the role of President and CEO at PCL,” said Chris. “Leading a company with such a rich and successful legacy is a privilege, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dave Filipchuk for his leadership over the past eight years. I also extend my deepest gratitude for his mentorship throughout our transition time together. Looking forward, I am filled with excitement for the journey ahead. With the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines PCL, I am confident that we are poised for even greater heights. Our talented builders across Canada, the United States and Australia will continue to build a better future together and uphold the legacy that has defined PCL for more than a century.” Dave Filipchuk will step into the role of Chair of PCL Construction’s Board of Directors on November 1, 2024, continuing an over 40-year career with the company, including the last 8 years as President and CEO. PCL proudly acknowledges and thanks Dave for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership. Reflecting on the transition to Chris, Dave stated, “Effective succession planning is about positioning the right leaders at the right time. We prioritize succession at every level of our company, ensuring time for a smooth transition to maintain business continuity. Chris is an exceptional leader with a proven history of success, and our board looks forward to his continued commitment to excellence as he leads our growing and thriving organization.” During his PCL CEO tenure, Dave successfully led the company to record achievements and accolades. He has recently been recognized with the University of Alberta Canadian Business Leader Award in 2023 and the Canadian Construction Association’s Pinnacle Leader Award in 2024. Additionally, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2024. PCL Construction Announces CEO and Board Chair Leadership Succession Ian White takes over from Kevin Macnab as Home Hardware Stores Limited embraces a new era of growth. Home Hardware Stores Limited, Canada’s largest Dealer-owned home improvement retailer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian White as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 18, 2024. Ian White is a career retailer with over 30 years of experience and a proven history of leading highperforming teams to achieve exceptional results. For the past 10 years, White has held senior executive roles at Parkland Corporation, a global fuel, convenience, and food retailer. Most recently, he held the position of President of Parkland Canada, Parkland’s largest operating division, where he had full operational accountability for all of Parkland’s Canadian retail, commercial, wholesale and M&M Food Market businesses. “It’s an honour to join Home Hardware, one of Canada’s truly iconic brands,” said White. “Home Hardware is a trusted leader in the home improvement industry and has a strong history of Dealers from coast to coast maintaining deep connections to their local communities. I look forward to working alongside the Home Hardware team and our Dealers to create even greater value for our customers and position the company for the next phase of growth.” “The Board is thrilled to welcome Ian White as our new President and Chief Executive Officer,” said Christine Hand, Chair of the Board. “Ian has a proven track record of leadership, strategic vision, and has expressed a deep commitment to our Dealer model that has been the source of the company’s success for over 60 years. We are confident that Ian will build on our strong foundation and lead the company to even greater success.” Prior to his role as President of Parkland Canada, White also served as Senior Vice-President, Strategic Marketing and Innovation at Parkland, Head of Dollar Financial Group’s subsidiary, National Money Mart Company, and in progressively senior roles over an 18-year career at Canadian Tire Corporation. In those roles, White had accountability for significant business areas that will further help strengthen Home Hardware’s strategy and operations, including corporate business development, marketing, merchandising, product management, loyalty, digital and analytics. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Kevin Macnab for his service and dedication over the past six years at Home,” said Hand. “As an enterprise, we have benefited from his leadership, and we wish him well in his retirement.” Home Hardware Stores Limited looks forward to the future and the positive impact that White’s appointment will bring for its Dealer network and partners.
The CEO Taking Gold and Silver Investment Global
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 7 May24778 GoldCore is an esteemed member of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) with access to secure vaults all around the world. Here we explore what the company has to offer as its CEO Dave Russell wins his title of Most Influential CEO 2024 – ROI (Precious Metals). “GoldCore’s mission is to provide the safest way to buy, sell, and store physical gold and silver,” says CEO Dave Russell. Spanning the business’ 21 years of operation, Dave has helped to guide GoldCore to unrivalled success so that its clients may prosper. The company’s dedication to providing the best prices and secure storage over this time has meant that its reputation for excellent partnerships, trustworthiness, and the best security measures has flourished. “Our core values, including trust, transparency, and excellence in execution, guide us daily in ensuring we deliver the best service to our clients.” Built on a foundation of trust and brilliance in business, GoldCore acts as a buttress for those looking to invest in alternative assets. For GoldCore this means gold or silver investments which may be easily purchased then expertly stored in secure vaults around the world. Dave tells us, “As LBMA members, we strive to achieve the highest industry standards. What sets us apart is our international storage service, which is available to all types of clients – whether it’s someone starting with our GoldSaver plan or larger private investors, family offices and pension funds.” The GoldSaver plan is 100% backed by physical investment grade gold bullion, gives the chance to store your precious metals in high-security vaults worldwide, and is an affordable way to invest. If you’re looking for the perfect way to invest in physical gold, with peace of mind supported by a team of experts, GoldCore’s GoldSaver plan is the place to get started. As the GoldSaver plan is an alternative to traditional savings accounts, GoldCore’s clients can be sure to reap the benefits as the years go by. Investing in alternative assets may seem complex, but GoldCore’s team work hard to demystify the subject and guide their clients to solid investments for a greater return on investments. GoldCore’s CEO Dave guides the company’s decisions, actions, and offerings. He shares, “As CEO, my primary responsibility is to free people up so they can focus on their highest value tasks. I believe that while a person can achieve anything, it’s not possible to do everything, and certainly not all at once. That’s why delegation and prioritisation are key to success. One mantra that guides me is “Perfect is the enemy of done.” It’s important to strike a balance between striving for excellence and ensuring progress is made.” Dave’s career in finance started when he became a trader at a bank. With experience in banking and investments in his past, including forex trading, forwards, and bonds, he had the background knowledge necessary to make a positive impact when he became the Director of Marketing for his friends who had set up the ambitious gold brokerage company. In 2023, Dave took on the role of CEO at GoldCore and continues to stand strong at the helm of the business. He leads with an open mind and highly values cooperation amongst his team members. He comments, “My leadership style has become more collaborative and strategic over the years. I don’t feel the need to have all the answers; instead, I rely on my team’s strengths and problem-solving abilities. The key is to create an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. I’ve also learned not to shy away from making decisions, even when faced with imperfect information. Being able to take responsibility for those decisions and their outcomes is crucial in leadership.” The team at GoldCore is close-knit, collaborative, and dedicated to helping others with their gold and silver investments so that they can keep the industry refreshing and accessible for investors. Dave enthuses, “Integrity is at the heart of our business, and all staff understand the importance of responsibility towards our clients. I personally ensure these values are reinforced regularly, from the onboarding process through to ongoing communication with the team across our all-hands, one-to-ones, or and our offsite get-togethers. Focusing on our values and keeping ourselves refreshed on the culture is especially important given that we work in a hybrid model, with many of our staff splitting time between home and the office, and across different countries.” “Our whole business and philosophy is about trust and integrity; people trust us with their gold and silver. That’s a big responsibility. So, this also needs to be reflected in our internal culture. And I am very proud to say that it is. We have a strong internal culture built on trust, integrity, and collaboration.” Balancing his personal life with his responsibilities as GoldCore’s CEO, Dave continues to support his family and his employees in every way possible. His commitment to managing travel, organisation, and delegation has led him to success in the industry even in the face of challenges – and we’re sure that the years to come will see everyone at GoldCore and their clients experience the best of the best in gold and silver investments. As the future beckons, Dave shares, “Internally, we’re continuously focusing on a LEAN approach to improve efficiency across all departments. Externally, we’re expanding our offerings both in terms of products and geographical presence. We’re also increasing our physical footprint, which will allow us to serve more clients and regions effectively. I’m always focused on growth—both personally and professionally. My development as a CEO comes with the aim of driving the company’s continued success while adapting to any challenges that come our way.” With the rising demand for physical gold, Dave believes that the world is truly GoldCore’s oyster. Although the world faces worrying times, GoldCore aims to grow beyond what has been expected of the business. From a gold and silver buyer, seller, and storer, GoldCore is soon to solidify its presence around the globe. In this particular industry it is of utmost importance to build trust and a reputation of excellence, mutual respect, and unparalleled knowledge. GoldCore has done just that as its team contributes years of hard work and growth in the sphere to the future of precious metal investments. Winning Most Influential CEO 2024 – ROI (Precious Metals), Dave’s dedication has been recognised by us at CEO Monthly. We wish Dave and GoldCore all the best for the sparkling future to come. Contact: Jan Skoyles Company: GoldCore Web Address: https://www.goldcore.com/
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 8 Award-Winning Architect and Designer: Yasmine Mahmoudieh rom a young age, Yasmine Mahmoudieh has been captivated by the beauty and intricacy of architecture and design. It was only natural for her to study Art History in Florence, Architecture in Genève, and Interior Design in San Francisco before graduating from UCLA with a BA in Architectural Design. She has since made a successful career out of her passionate approach to the timeless practice. Her work has consistently combined creativity with purpose, tackling the environmental challenges of the building industry. With 15 years and ongoing of teaching at prestigious hotel schools, as EHL in Lausanne and as a RCA mentor, Yasmine has built a reputation for excellence. Yasmine Mahmoudieh Design was founded just one year after its namesake graduated, and has flourished under her guiding hand ever since. Today, the firm leads the field in sustainable innovation, with a library of over 300 sustainable and recycled materials, and a commitment to helping clients in hospitality, high-end residences, office and multiuse projects, retail, and more embrace green practices. The firm is bringing sustainable construction and multi-sensory design to the entire globe. One of Yasmine’s latest groundbreaking projects is her own sustainable hotel concept, the Y-Material Wellness – a luxury brand centered on longevity, biohacking, and wellness. The Y-Material Wellness concept combines high-end hospitality with a focus on health optimization, where Oct24283 Yasmine Mahmoudieh is an award-winning architect, impact designer, and sustainable architect with an extensive portfolio of projects, materials, and a wealth of skills gathered over the decades of her illustrious career. Recently awarded the esteemed title of Most Influential CEO 2024 – London (Architecture & Interior Design), Yasmine continues to shape the world of architecture and design through her dedication to sustainability and innovation. F our wellness comes from the materials used throughout the center’s construction, offering guests a transformative experience rooted in cuttingedge longevity science and biohacking practices. This wellness center goes beyond traditional spas. Integrating the latest advancements in wellness technology, personalized health programs, and holistic therapies to support longterm vitality and well-being, the center is a transformative prototype for sustainability in the future. Guests are invited to embark on a unique journey of rejuvenation, supported by expertly curated programs that balance the body, mind, and spirit. Designed for serene locations outside major metropolitan areas, the Y-Material Wellness concept includes luxurious, eco-conscious accommodations and immersive wellness programs that encourage guests to disconnect, recharge, and realign with nature. With its focus on creating a global community, she envisions this concept as a pioneering model for wellness-centered travel. This project offers a unique investment opportunity, and she is actively engaging with partners to bring it to life. In addition to the Y-Material Wellness, Yasmine is launching an ESG marketplace for sustainable materials, set to serve both B2B and B2C markets. This platform will connect architects, contractors, and developers with sustainable materials for greener construction and design, and represents an exciting new venture for investors interested in pioneering the future of ecofriendly building. Yasmine’s vision is to change the way we build and to innovate with sustainable materials and ideas, so that we may better our health and the wellbeing of the planet. Also offering expert sustainability advice, she ensures that her experiences may be passed along to have a positive impact for any sustainable project. With a great influence on sustainable design, which extends beyond architecture, her FLOWNIVERSUM installation, showcased at Design Miami Art Basel in 2022, is more than an art piece; it demonstrates the potential to repurpose plastic waste through 3D printing into architecture and design.. FLOWNIVERSUM emphasizes the beauty and functionality that recycled materials can bring to design, showing the world how to reduce waste creatively and meaningfully. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental consciousness in design, a message she has shared at the World Economic Forum in Davos, COP28 in Dubai, and other global events. The FLOWNIVERSUM’s non-toxic and versatile qualities make it a significantly accessible and artistic space to add value to foundations, museums, and private collectors. While studying and living in Los Angeles for 10 years, Yasmine redesigned the former home of The Beatles for a Canadian French family, adding a new chapter to the storied property while preserving its historical charm. Additionally, she designed the restaurant Manhattan West for Sylvester Stallone, a landmark project that fused innovation with starquality style. Throughout her career, Yasmine has worked with notable hospitality clients like Kempinski and Intercontinental Hotels, as well as projects in diverse sectors, including high-end residences, multiuse developments, office spaces, and retail. She has also collaborated on a unique variety of projects such as the Airbus, bringing innovation and sustainability to new heights. Yasmine Mahmoudieh Design approaches each project with creativity, functionality, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. Her designs prioritize understanding human needs, while increasing ROI for clients, creating spaces that are as profitable as they are sustainable. With ESG regulations evolving around the globe and Yasmine’s lifetime of dedication to sustainability – both for people and the planet – she not only responds to the rising demands for greener practices, but anticipates what needs to be done. Yasmine commented, “Our mission is to be an innovator in global architecture and design. We are always pushing boundaries, integrating future-focused technologies to evolve and grow. As an impact designer and sustainability architect, I’m committed to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry by replacing harmful materials like concrete with natural alternatives such as hempcrete
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 9 or mycelium. Every project we take on is approached with creativity, functionality, and sustainability, and we focus on holistic, multi-sensory design. I’m proud that our company is now recognised globally for impact design, which has been a focus for decades.” Introducing sustainable practices in addition to cutting-edge technologies, including VR and AR, the team at Yasmine Mahmoudieh have built an empire formed on trust, innovation, and creativity. This award-winning, global architect and impact designer has much to offer to any project as she pushes limitations and prioritises longevity through each part of the process. Yasmine is developing an exhibition for the Venice Architecture Biennale, focusing on repurposing plastic waste through 3D printing and ultimately replacing it with mycelium, a fungal root structure. This project calls for global action and offers companies an opportunity for recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events. She also consults with hotel brands and companies on sustainability, conducting workshops to help them adapt to stringent global ESG regulations. Her dedication to creating sustainable biohacking longevity centers marks a revolutionary journey in hospitality, and she is also reimagining co-working concepts and underutilized spaces such as retail shops. Seeing her role as a CEO “much like that of a conductor leading a diverse team toward the same goal”, Yasmine strongly believes in her mantra of succeeding as a team. Her recent recognition as Most Influential CEO is a testament to her leadership, her dedication to pushing boundaries, and her commitment to creating spaces that inspire and endure. Contact: Yasmine Mahmoudieh Company: Yasmine Mahmoudieh Design Web Address: https://www. mahmoudieh.com/Home Award-winning Strandhotel Hotel Atlantic Lobby Longevity centre for the Y hotel
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 10 Link2Tek’s story begins in a way that many would never expect – in a time where becoming part of the alert and warning sector seemed to be gradually developing into an impossible venture. Following the decision of President Bush to move airport incident management and communications back into the hands of the state and local jurisdictions, Juliana Lam found herself at an impasse. She didn’t wish to create something that lacked structure, and instead had her sights set on introducing systems that were vastly applicable, yet uniform and suited to regulations. Unfortunately, programming struggles left her wondering if such a feat could be accomplished – she believed that perhaps there was ‘only so long I could be a CEO of a technology firm where the telecommunications side continued to “fail” when demonstrating our functionality’. It was at this point that, when in conversation with her father about her conundrum, he posed a solution. A solution that took the form of none other than Juliana’s cousin, Dr. Yuk Ming Lam. Having seldom even heard of said cousin, Juliana was astounded when, after only two weeks following their introduction, the pair of them were able to develop and implement full telecommunications functionality where other attempts had proved unsuccessful. And, with Barak Obama running for Presidency, now seemed like the perfect time to pivot toward the political sector and present an inspired method of communications to those deeply invested in it. As it seems, the rest is history. Link2Tek now stands as one of the most impactful communications entities in the United States, Most Influential National CEO 2024 – North Carolina (Communications) Proud to spend each day amplifying the voices of campaigners by equipping them with actionable intelligence and communication products, Link2Tek, headquartered in Asheville, is a powerful subsidiary of the incredible Alert Technology Holdings Inc., whose impact can be felt across the state of North Carolina and beyond. Despite facing roadblocks and hardships, this perseverant organisation represents what it means to never – no matter how uncertain situations may seem – give up on what you believe in. This very nature is captured in award-winning CEO Juliana Lam, whose determination to cultivate something meaningful has enabled the creation of a truly outstanding communications entity. and it’s all thanks to the combined efforts of the Lam family. Though her cousin’s affinity for programming helped to shape the company’s product and services line, Juliana was responsible for putting all of the plans into motion. Inspired by her previous ventures, and equipped with prior experience as a Founder, CEO, and COO of Healthcare Revenue Management Inc. – a role that saw her managing over $100 million in government receivables in its first year of operation alone – in addition to various other discerning roles, Juliana was determined to prove that she had what it takes to build something both successful and influential. As it happens, Link2Tek is a robust example of the immense drive and determination Juliana carries with her each and every day. From injecting focus and experience into her leadership style, to remaining dynamic in order to benefit clients and colleagues alike, she brings a fresh perspective to the industry that truly allows Link2Tek to stand out from its competitors. The company demonstrates more than just the power of fate – being in the right place at the right time can only get you so far, and you must be prepared to pursue brilliance in order to truly thrive. Juliana Lam embodies this sentiment through and through, elevating her to the esteemed position she now finds herself in within the industry. It’s due to this combination of commitment and diligence that Juliana Lam has been recognised by CEO Monthly as the Most Influential National CEO 2024 – North Carolina (Communications), and we look forward to seeing what new attributes she brings to the market in the final quarter of 2024. S Contact: Juliana Lam Company: Link2Tek, LLC (L2T) Web Address: https://www. link2tek.com/
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 11 Tel: 020 7971 1990 | 0161 711 1442 | Email: [email protected] | instagram: @pinnaclerisk At Pinnacle Risk, we are passionate about providing our clients with a bespoke service to fully meet all of their prerequisites and specific requirements. We adopt a contemporary approach with traditional values and apply ultimate discretion to the needs of every client. Please Contact Us for a free consultation.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 12 Beginning his career in 2012 when he started trading Bitcoin via BitcoinMarket and Mt.Gox, Alessandro Pellegrino entered the realm of cryptocurrencies with a pioneering approach to bettering the industry. With his early involvement in the industry, with the initial ICO boom unravelling before him, Alessandro gained a rich knowledge of the digital finance landscape – solidifying Based in London, Traianus Partners is a leading proprietary trading firm which delivers excellence at every turn. Here we learn more about Traianus Partners’ offerings as its Founder and CEO Alessandro Pellegrino is bestowed with the title of Most Influential CEO 2024 – London (Cryptocurrency Trading). a foundation upon which to begin his own company in the ever-changing industry. Now, as Founder and CEO of Traianus Partners, Alessandro dedicates his time to the evolution of the company, his team members’ growth, and their many clients. With experience such as this throughout his younger years, he built a successful and unique crypto firm with a bespoke approach to automated algorithms, machine learning, and cutting-edge technology to ensure liquidity in the market. Working with a variety of clients, Traianus Partners serves a diverse range of individuals looking to invest. From exchanges to institutional funds, high net worth individuals to token issuers, and more, Traianus Partners has swiftly become a reliable partner for all exchanges within the crypto market. Despite challenges, Alessandro has led Traianus Partners to success year upon year. He shares, “During my time at the company, we’ve successfully navigated significant industry challenges such as the Terra Luna collapse, the FTX bankruptcy, and the prolonged bear market. We turned these crises into opportunities by adapting our strategies, learning from each event, and even finding ways to profit amidst the turmoil. These experiences have not only strengthened our resilience but have also reinforced the importance of agility and risk management in our operations. They have profoundly shaped my role, emphasizing the need for proactive leadership and strategic foresight.” Without strong leadership a company is unable to steer itself in the best direction for both its team members and the clients in need of its services. Alessandro tells us more about his approach to being a leader: “My leadership approach is centered around fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where each team member feels empowered to contribute and grow. “I believe in leading by example, maintaining transparency, and encouraging open communication. Influenced by my early experiences in the fast-paced world of cryptocurrencies, I have learned the importance of adaptability and resilience. Over the years, my leadership style has evolved to focus more on mentorship, recognizing that nurturing talent and promoting a sense of ownership within the team are key to achieving long-term success.” Traianus Partners is a highly collaborative, horizontally structured team of seasoned professionals in different departments such as risk, trading, operations, and IT. Alessandro adds, “We promote an inclusive culture through mid-week meetings for open discussions and brainstorming. Additionally, we have a strong incentive program with ESOP and bonus schemes to motivate and align the team’s efforts with our goals. I actively participate in maintaining this culture by encouraging collaboration and ensuring that every team member’s voice is heard and valued.” For the future, Traianus Partners has exciting plans to expand its presence in key markets across the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland. These key markets will become major hubs for the cryptocurrency sector, and Alessandro “will be actively involved in building strong relationships with funds and investors for Qubrax Capital.” He continues, “This will enhance our network and solidify our position in the industry. This strategic focus will help drive our growth and capitalize on the increasing demand for digital asset investment opportunities.” Awarded with the title of Most Influential CEO 2024 – London (Cryptocurrency Trading), Alessandro has gained recognition for his impact on the sector. To finish with some advice, and sharing his wisdom for aspiring CEOs, Alessandro concludes, “My advice is to stay flexible and open-minded in the face of change. Cultivate a strong team culture based on trust and clear communication. Don’t shy away from taking strategic risks and learning from your experiences. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and be willing to listen and adapt your strategies. Finally, remain committed to your vision, but be prepared to pivot when necessary to seize new opportunities or overcome unexpected challenges.” Contact: Alessandro Pellegrino Company: Traianus Partners Web Address: https://www. traianuspartners.com/ The Founder and CEO for the Future of Cryptocurrencies
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 13 The Creative Communication CEO Established in 2017, Áurea offers comprehensive solutions for marketing via its mid-sized team who keep their fingers on the pulse of the industry. CEO Santiago Cachon shares, “We are inspired by the golden ratio, known to represent the perfect proportion, because we believe in assigning the right weight to each action within an overall strategy, ensuring that every step has a positive impact on the client.” Responsible for defining Áurea’s vision and growth strategy, Santiago oversees the overall running of the agency. He tells us, “I ensure that all teams are aligned with our objectives and work efficiently. For me, it is essential to promote a culture that supports the training and leadership of the younger generation, because I believe that young talent is our engine of innovation. I am also in charge of financial planning, ensuring that we are profitable and efficient. As for my relationship with the team, I always seek to support them in their professional and personal development. We share part of our profits, because I firmly believe that Áurea’s success is everyone’s success.” In 2016, Santiago set out to create an agency that people can rely on for creativity, innovation, and longstanding partnerships. After a year of market research and preparation, Áurea was born. Beginning by working with relevant clients such as the Vatican, the University of Las Palmas, and RE/MAX Spain, the agency took its first steps in the right direction. Santiago shares, “Looking back, I see how each step has brought me this far and how each project has helped me build the vision that Áurea has today.” Of course, any industry experiences its challenges. However, with its dedicated CEO and valued team, Áurea has built a solid strategy for moving forward no matter what the industry may be impacted by. Laser focused on what the client needs, Áurea delivers an outstanding service which matches the success needed by each client with whom it works. Santiago affirms, “At Áurea, we are much more than an advertising and marketing agency. We see ourselves as a team committed to integrating strategy, creativity and innovation with a people-centric approach.” “At Áurea, we don’t limit ourselves to digital; we believe in a hybrid approach that combines online and offline. This allows us to adapt to each client’s needs and offer complete solutions. I consider it essential to educate our clients on the use of a strategic plan that is adapted to their business stage and needs and that is able to evolve with their business.” Celebrating its first anniversary in Galicia this year with its Os Restornados campaign, Áurea’s vision stands a beacon of light for the agency – and all of its partners. This campaign has helped Áurea to tell its very own story and Santiago adds, “This process has allowed us to align ourselves more deeply with our values and the direction in which we want to go, fusing the best of our origins with our commitment to creativity and strategy.” Planning to expand further in the Americas, where Áurea already has a presence, and solidify its positioning in Spain, the future is looking exciting for the agency and its team. Furthermore, “As CEO, I will be present at more than 24 events and congresses, seeking strategic alliances that will allow us to continue growing,” says Santiago. As Santiago creates further synergies and key strategic alliances, Áurea continues to grow and gather experience which inevitably pushes it further to the forefront of its industry. Santiago plans to learn more about artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He says, “These are topics that I am passionate about and that I believe have great potential to transform our industry. Keeping up to date allows me to ensure that Áurea remains relevant and able to offer innovative solutions.” Bestowed with the title of Most Influential CEO 2024 - Galicia (Growth Marketing), Santiago Cachon is garnered a reputation as an award-winning CEO in the world of marketing. He is set to reach news heights with his team at Áurea in the near and distant future, and we can’t wait to see what comes next for the agency. Contact: Santiago Cachon Company: Agencia Áurea Web Address: www.agenciaaurea.es Oct23629 Áurea is a creative agency with a keen eye for detail in a market which always seeks quick results. Although a relatively small agency, Áurea has experienced great success with its partnerships as it sees both the finer details and the bigger picture. Here we explore the agency’s services as we celebrate Santiago Cachon’s win of Most Influential CEO 2024 – Galicia (Growth Marketing). “As CEO of Áurea, my passion has always been to create strategies that not only meet, but exceed our clients' goals.” – CEO Santiago Cachon
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 14 cross the workplace landscape in every industry, individuals and teams face roadblocks such as unproductive conflict, lack of skills and capacity, and misalignment, which lead to pain points within organizations. These issues can present a plethora of problems for strategy formation, teamwork, leadership, and the achievement of long-term goals. In response, Wildfire Strategies’ mission is to “clear human roadblocks to success in highpressure environments like hospitals, law firms, and mission-driven organizations.” With the core values of compassion, respect, and candor, Wildfire Strategies helps businesses and individuals to combat their organizational issues to reach new heights individually and as part of a team, with a clear vision for the bigger picture as well as a keen eye for the small details. CEO Steve Salee tells us, “We follow the truth, not a formula, so our clients know they’ll get the feedback and guidance they need, not just what they might want to hear.” This approach guarantees strong, trusting relationships with clients across myriad industries and ensures the best outcomes can be achieved. As a diverse team themselves, Wildfire Strategies brings a deeply specialized and rich set of perspectives that help them to understand the needs of any type of client, as well as give them the opportunity to craft a solution that is tailored to those needs. Summarizing Wildfire Strategies’ approach, Steve says, “When we look at an issue, we are searching for root causes and seek to understand how those issues can be addressed and solved at many levels of the organizational system: does it exist at the individual level, the team level, the department level, the organizational level, larger industry levels, or community levels? There are specific interventions for each of these levels of system and different people who need to play a role in those interventions. Our uniqueness is that we operate at the intersection of trust, diverse perspectives, compassion, and systems thinking, which helps our clients identify and pull the right levers of change for their organizations.” Steve continues, “I think my greatest responsibility as CEO is to be humble. To me, humility means listening deeply to my clients’ and team members’ experiences, goals, and challenges. It means respecting and valuing the experiences and wisdom of people at every level, in client organizations, and at Wildfire. It means not assuming I have the answer. It means always trying to learn how to be better by constantly evaluating our practices and how we function as a team, and how I manage my time and priorities.” Transformation Across the Workplace Landscape Wildfire Strategies is brimming with skilled consultants, facilitators, and coaches looking to make a difference to teams and leaders everywhere. At the helm is Steve Salee, a leadership, team transformation, and coaching expert who was recently bestowed with Most Influential CEO 2024 – North East USA (Organizational Change Consulting). Here we take a closer look at Wildfire Strategies and Steve’s contribution to the firm’s success. Guided by the four pillars of Wildfire Strategies’ operations – quality, growth, learning, and innovation – Steve and his team prioritize building partnerships and delivering only the best service to their clients. As a CEO, Steve is driven by growth and innovation, but not purely for Wildfire Strategies’ gain – he is deeply invested in responding to the changing needs of clients as they trust Wildfire Strategies’ expertise, experience, and guiding hand. Utilizing his life experiences, even his past experiences of family conflict, Steve has become an empathetic person who contributes excellent problem-solving skills to every situation in his life. Carrying his compassion and problem-solving abilities through every workplace he’s been part of – from government to finance to business consulting, and organizational development to public administration and social work – Steve’s life-shaping experiences have delivered a different lens through which to view and understand the world. Steve’s creative approach to engaging with life and the people in it has meant he has become a strong and authentic coach, leader, colleague, and partner. He shares his wisdom with us: “Get connected with your own lifeshaping experiences. Understand how they make you who you are and make you unique in the world. Don’t fear them, but embrace them. It’s also essential to get to know your own working styles, strengths, and limitations, as well as those of your colleagues. This knowledge will enable you to have honest and hopefully light-hearted conversations about how to honor your respective humanity and get the most out of it.” For award-winning leadership, coaching, and team transformation, Wildfire Strategies is the organization to depend on. We’re delighted to present Steve with his award as he continues to support the people around him with a dedicated approach to nourishing their lives. A Contact: Steve Salee Company: Wildfire Strategies Web Address: https://www. wildfirestrategies.com/
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 15 UAV LATAM , Advanced Drone Solutions Across Latin America Striving to provide nothing less than best-in-class drone and anti-drone services and solutions throughout Latin America, UAV Latam is a business built on the cornerstones of safety, efficiency, and an unrelenting drive to operate at the forefront of this market. By embracing change, intelligently navigating risks, prioritising partnerships, and nurturing an inclusive environment, this company is a beacon of trust in this setting – something that starts with its CEO, Juan Bergelund, who has been recognised as the Drone Technology CEO of the Year 2024 - Latin America. In the ever-evolving drone industry, UAV Latam distinguishes itself through its offering of bespoke and technology-driven solutions across the likes of the energy, telecommunications, and security sectors, as a Drone As A Service business model. All of the company’s drone services are scalable and professional in equal measure, and they benefit from a network of skilled operators at the helm, overseen by Juan Bergelund, who has been in this leading role for close to 3 years, as well as the owner of his former company, UAV del Perú, for more than 10 years. As a former immigrant, Juan’s life has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a keenness to thrive in new and challenging environments. For Juan, a strong mindset only goes so far, and hard work, continuous learning, maximising opportunities, and a discernible attitude – combined with remaining grateful and optimistic about life, are equally important in laying the foundations for lasting success. Throughout his career, Juan has leveraged these qualities and an enthusiasm for technology, especially new technology, to get ahead. Graduating from the Peruvian Navy Academy with a major in nuclear engineering, it was after a more than 15-year stint in the Navy that Juan caught the entrepreneurial bug, and this career change resulted in him entering the telecommunications sector, focusing particularly on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in the very early days of this development. For his next challenge, Juan turned to establishing several new businesses across this region, one of which was UAV del Perú, which would eventually lead him to UAV Latam. Since UAV Latam today operates in nine countries across Latin America, Juan’s duties as CEO revolve around him being an effective leader across a number of diverse cultural and economic market landscapes. By thinking globally and operating locally, the team under Juan uphold the company’s customer-first approach, one that encompasses agility in decision making and clear and consistent communication across the board. The result is that UAV Latam today partners with such clients as Repsol, Panama Canal Authority , Cosco Shipping Ports Chancay and World Food Programme. “I strive to exemplify leadership that drives both organisational success and personal excellence”, says Juan. “This requires a visionary approach that not only inspires but also cultivates a motivated team focused on talent development, mentorship, and team cohesion.” Having nurtured such a strong team, Juan is able to delegate responsibilities as he works towards achieving the company’s financial, operational, and strategic goals. This stems from a piece of advice Juan once received from his business mentor, Jack Welch, who told him to: “Entrust responsibilities to people better than yourself.” Like with all great leaders, the greatest lessons that Juan has been taught over the years have stemmed from the mistakes that he has made. It is inevitable that the occasional foot will be put wrong when traversing a developing landscape and growing a business, and what matters is taking responsibility and moving forwards with the information that has now been learnt. This reflects a commitment to growth, and growing UAV Latam is something Juan remains entirely passionate about as we move into 2025. As for what the coming year has in store for UAV Latam, Juan explains that the plan is to create an efficient ecosystem for using drones as a digital platform, something that will allow the company to become the “Uber of drones”, as he puts it, with a focus on the defence and security markets, as well as control center and aerial surveillance. On the back of this, UAV Latam is currently seeking series A funding to scale its drones-as-a-service platform, accelerating its growth and allowing for expansion into new markets, mainly on the Defence and Security , Business Analytics and Drone Cargo sectors. In closing, Juan tells us: “Our goal continues to be to become the largest drone security provider in Latin America while maintaining innovation and operational excellence.” With his loving family on his side, including a wife of 40 years, two children, and a granddaughter, this CEO is continuing to pioneer, even after a more than 40-year career, making Juan Bergelund more than worthy of inclusion in the CEO of the Year Awards 2024. Contact: Juan Bergelund Company: UAV Latam Web Address: https://uavlatam.com/ Sep24348
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 16 Most Influential CEO Awards 2024 “Never mistake the power of influence” Jim Rohn. CEO Monthly Magazine has been celebrating CEOs since we published our inaugural issue back in 2017. It’s no secret that what we perceive as a good leader today, is very different to what it would have been twenty years ago. Modern leadership has been borne out of the complexities of modern workplaces and the increasingly diverse team members working within them. It takes a lot of things to become a truly great leader, but one thing is for sure; to be effective in leading an organisation big or small, influence is a fundamental element. CEO Monthly Magazine’s Most Influential CEOs are handpicked by us every month, based on our own comprehensive analysis and research. It’s not just a vanity list of the typical household names but it’s a real-world representation of those who influence and lead within their organisations every single day. Enquire Here!
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 11 2024 17 Most Influential CEO 2024 – Italy (Defense Manufacturing) Steven Taylor is well-known for his varied skillset which has helped him throughout his highly diverse career with startups, SMEs, and international corporations. Working within many sectors, from aviation to consulting, chemicals to technology, and more, he has aided multiple businesses with their projects, people, and overall success. With excellent operational, organisational, and restoration skills, Steven was recently brought into Arescosmo, an innovative defence and space company, which was in need of recalibration. As Chairman of the Board and CEO of Arescosmo since January 2023, Steven has brought a wealth of experience, compassion, and unwavering strength into the company’s everyday operations. One of the key factors of Steven’s contribution to any company he has worked with is his dedication to problem solving. Although he has worked in multiple CFO positions, he has focused less on numbers and more on the people he has been in contact with over the years. His commitment to organising people has been a major strength throughout his career, helping him to successfully transform companies and facilitate positive change within them. Steven told us that strength in building relationships is absolutely fundamental to any business’ operations. Keeping contact with various people who have worked for him, he has constructed many strong relationships over his time in different leadership roles. The relationships he has built with those at Arescosmo are no different as he has helped the company to become more integrated across departments. Building trust and using knowledge to help people comes as part of life, especially for those in business. He is no stranger to utilising all he knows to support those around him, no matter which department they work in or what role they fit into at an organisation. He has mentored many people and built connections both between himself and his team, and between colleagues at numerous companies. Atop this, having worked in so many sectors, Steven brings his consulting skills to transformational roles that seamlessly fit into any company’s needs, across any industry. Helping people to refine and reach their vision, Steven’s experience has led him to successfully aiding positive change throughout each company he’s been part of. For example, at Arescosmo, Steven calls the entire management team on a weekly stand up basis to ensure free-flowing information sharing across the business. With around 50 people at the company, this is an important process for ensuring transparency and teamwork across the board. Keeping information flowing decreases the risk of rumblings and rumours across any business and, therefore, ensures that trust can be built between all team members. Knowing how each department impacts one another is key to a successful business network, and guarantees that people come together to reach the same goal while helping one another to succeed. With a shared interest in a business and its team members, Steven gets people involved in activities, makes sure everyone is aware of their surroundings, and helping them to build their cultural values to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. He commented that, although this is a slow process, this is a crucial part of team building and demonstrates that even as an executive you’re part of the team. With so much experience behind him, Steven has plenty of wisdom to share with others. Sharing his insights for budding CEOs, he said, “You must create a good team as you cannot do everything by yourself. You must have a team to trust, know your product, and know your realm. Humility as a boss is important – you make the decisions and weigh them up but the Sep24268 When working within any sector as an executive, it is of utmost importance that you lead with compassion while utilising everything you know. Here we introduce Steven Taylor who provides invaluable consultancy, advisory, and capital raising experience to any company he works with. Currently Chairman and CEO of Arescosmo, Steven brings his unique experiences to the Defense Manufacturing sphere. humility approach creates better empathy and delivers emotional intelligence.” For the future ahead, Steven is keen to share his expertise and experiences with others and we are sure that the projects he plans to take on will be a success. He has been, and will always be, devoted to helping others and, with a new important start-up project in the pipeline for the future, Steven will contribute to the creation of new products in the defence industry – and beyond. Contact: Steven Taylor Company: Arescosmo Web Address: https://arescosmo.it/
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