Issue 12 2024 The Sky’s the Limit? It’s Just the Beginning Seeking to redefine a sector with its bespoke aviation services and solutions, Stratify Aerospace proudly serves the likes of air navigation service providers, airlines, airports, and the commercial aviation industry. More than just another company, Stratify Aerospace is a beacon of passion, purpose, and collaboration, with its team committed to innovating and making their mark in the field. Gene Hayman is the company’s CEO and has been named as the Aviation Services CEO of the Year 2024 - Mid-Atlantic USA.
Welcome to the December 2024 issue of CEO Monthly. Covering individual and team journeys across a myriad of industries from hospitality to aviation, financial services to software automation, and more, this month’s magazine brings a diverse selection of news, insights, and inspiration to end 2024. Our cover features Gene Hayman from Stratify Aerospace – a CEO of tremendously rich experience of over 30 years in the aviation industry. Enhancing the company’s contribution to aviation for the Mid-Atlantic USA and beyond, Gene brings his skill, knowledge, and experience of business of varying sizes within the aviation market, and we’re proud to present him with his title of Aviation Services, CEO of the Year 2024 - Mid-Atlantic USA. If you’re looking for more inspiration and information, read on to learn more. We hope you enjoy perusing our final issue of the year and we wish you a magnificent end to 2024 as well as a prosperous new year for 2025. 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. The Sky’s the Limit? It’s Just the Beginning 8. Unprecedented Performance Transparency 9. The New Entertainment Mainstream 10. Highlighting Alchemy Crew Ventures’ Dedication to its Craft 12. Ray Mooney: Setting New Standards in High-Class Hospitality 13. The Next Generation of Healthcare 14. A CEOs GUIDE TO NAVIGATING UNCERTAIN TIMES 16. How Corporate Gifting Can Enhance Your Brand’s Reputation and Visibility Contents
NEWS ASEA announces leadership transition: Scott Aldred retires as CEO and Jarom Webb appointed new CEO
Airtower Networks, a leader in wireless connectivity solutions for real estate and CVC DIF portfolio company, has appointed Craig Gillespie as CEO, bringing over two decades of expertise in driving growth in commercial real estate technology. Gillespie’s vision, combined with Airtower’s innovative Connectivity-as-a-Service platform, positions the company to lead the rapidly expanding market for in-building wireless solutions and deliver transformative value to property owners, tenants, and communities nationwide. Airtower Networks, the nation’s premier provider of wireless connectivity solutions for real estate owners and operators, and portfolio company of CVC DIF, announced today the appointment of Craig Gillespie as its Chief Executive Officer. Gillespie brings over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate software and services, including serving as Chief Executive Officer at Manhattan Software, where he led the organization to more than 50% annual growth. Most recently, Gillespie served as Managing Director of MRI Software’s Occupier Division. “I am thrilled to join Airtower Networks at such an exciting time in the company’s journey,” said Gillespie. “The market for in-building connectivity solutions is expanding rapidly, and Airtower is uniquely positioned to lead the way with our client-first, allin approach and unmatched technical expertise. The potential to capture this massive opportunity, combined with the incredible team and vision at Airtower, makes this an extraordinary opportunity to drive growth and deliver transformative connectivity solutions for all our clients.” Manny Dureja, Airtower’s Founder and President, elaborated on the hiring of Mr. Gillespie, “This marks an exciting milestone for Airtower as we continue our journey to redefine in-building wireless connectivity and position to become the nation’s leading provider. Craig brings unmatched expertise in providing innovative, subscription-based solutions tailored to the evolving needs of real estate owners and operators. This will be pivotal in accelerating the expansion of our Connectivity-as-a-Service platform to meet the demands of our rapidly growing client base.” Kanan Joshi, Partner, Co-Head of North America and Head of Digital Infrastructure at CVC DIF added, “Craig’s extensive leadership experience and proven track record in driving rapid growth make him an exceptional addition to the Airtower team. His expertise will be invaluable as Airtower expands its market presence and solidifies its position as the leader of in-building connectivity solutions.” AirtowerNetworksAnnounces Real Estate Services Veteran Craig Gillespie as New CEO ASEA announces the retirement of Scott Aldred, who has served as CEO since 2023 and has been with the company for 13 remarkable years, and the appointment of Jarom Webb as the new CEO. our new CEO. Webb has been part of ASEA as a founding executive since 2009, and he has served as president (2012 – 2021) and as vice chairman of the board (2021 – 2024). ASEA®, a global leader in health and wellness, has announced the retirement of Scott Aldred, who has served as CEO since 2023 and has been with the company for 13 remarkable years. Under his leadership, ASEA has achieved significant milestones and made strides in empowering associates and delivering innovative products across the world. Aldred’s visionary guidance has transformed ASEA into a leader in the health and wellness industry. His commitment to excellence and dedication to our mission have profoundly impacted both our company and our employees. “On behalf of the entire ASEA family, we thank Scott and wish him all the best in his retirement years,” said ASEA Founder and Chair Tyler Norton. “His many contributions will certainly leave a lasting impact, and he will be missed.” ASEA is also excited to introduce Jarom Webb as our new CEO. Webb is a deeply experienced leader who has been part of ASEA as a founding executive with Norton since 2009. Serving as president from 2012 to 2021, and most recently as vice chairman of the board, Webb has played an integral role in leading ASEA’s growth and success since the beginning. Aldred shared, “It has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I am confident that Jarom will lead ASEA to new heights and I look forward to seeing all the amazing things ahead.” Webb stated, “I am honored to take on this role and build on the strong foundation Scott has established. I am excited to work alongside our dedicated team and continue empowering our associates and customers.” ASEA remains committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence as we move forward into this new chapter. At ASEA: We power potential™. ASEA, a global leader in redox technology, is pioneering cellular health products through a principles-based, direct-selling business model. ASEA offers first-to-market revolutionary redox signaling molecule products, helping your cells work together as they’re meant to do. Our redox technology supports the body’s natural cellular renewal and communication and signals the regulation of genetic pathways. ASEA redox products power the potential of your cells, body, and life to help you feel your best.* Founded in 2010, ASEA currently operates in 34 international markets. For more information about ASEA® products or the accompanying business opportunity, visit aseaglobal.com.
Seeking to redefine a sector with its bespoke aviation services and solutions, Stratify Aerospace proudly serves the likes of air navigation service providers, airlines, airports, and the commercial aviation industry. More than just another company, Stratify Aerospace is a beacon of passion, purpose, and collaboration, with its team committed to innovating and making their mark in the field. Gene Hayman is the company’s CEO and has been named as the Aviation Services CEO of the Year 2024 - Mid-Atlantic USA. We find out more about his career and the company. The Sky’s the Limit? It’s Just the Beginning
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2024 7 Oct24107 Stratify Aerospace is the brainchild of co-founder Damaris Toro, a former model and successful beauty pageant contestant, who comes from a long line of visionary entrepreneurs, and co-founder Gene Hayman who has more than 30 years of first-hand experience in the aviation industry. Their combined entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to results created the foundation for which Stratify was built on. Taking on the helm of the company as its President and CEO is Gene. With his vast experience in the aviation industry, including stints at Boeing, L-3 Communications, and Collins Aerospace, Gene has carved out a name for himself as a leader in this industry. Aside from the heavy hitters, Gene has also worked with smaller companies, lending his expertise to businesses of any size and shape that focus primarily on the aviation market, be it commercially or for the government. Over the course of a celebrated career, Gene has done it all, from managing large organizations with profit and loss responsibilities, growing a company’s footprint in the global aviation market, to writing articles and speaking at events offering up invaluable contributions to global air traffic management sector. Just some career highlights over the decades include working on the likes of the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen Modernization efforts to CANSO’s Future Skies, as well as collaborating with other global leaders on modernising air traffic management systems around the world. Today an integral part of Stratify, Gene is responsible for overseeing the company’s direction and its growth, and his duties include managing fiduciary outcomes concerning profit and loss. Beyond this, Gene is the person who ensures the company upholds its vision and values, as well as that it retains the close relationships with its customers, guaranteeing that, by working side by side, the future of aviation can be explored, developed, and defined. Gene himself explains, “our approach begins with genuine listening – we don’t just hear what our customer’s say, we strive to deeply understand their objectives, challenges, and mission.” He continues: “We don’t just slot customers into a standard template. Instead, we dive in hands-on, fully committing to their success as much as they are.” Having proudly served on a number of aviation boards and committees over his career, including chairing the AIA’s Air Transportation System Committee, Gene has crafted his own unique approach to leadership – one that is grounded in inclusivity. From actively listening to encouraging every member of his team to challenge and give their input, Gene makes sure that every person under his authority recognises that they are appreciated and integral to the success of the wider company. Aside from the way he approaches managing his team, Gene’s own position has been fortified thanks to the skills and insights he has picked up over the years. Learning from one’s own mistakes is undeniably the best way to grow, and doing so has been an integral part of the curve for Stratify’s CEO. This, combined with his philosophy of treating everyone as he would like to be treated, has resulted in many of Gene’s former employees expressing a willingness to work with him today, some even decades later. Customers, employees, and peers alike also frequently mention Gene’s ability to create and sell a vision, something that has continued to stand him in good stead across the numerous leadership positions he has filled. As Gene himself puts it: “I have been recognised as a visionary leader who consistently explores the possibilities of what could be, asks challenging questions, and successfully motivates and unites everyone around that vision.” Of course, when it comes to Stratify, it is not just Gene who delivers on the company’s high standards. Rather, every member of this team consistently goes above and beyond to provide the best client experience, something that can be attributed to the business’ internal culture – a supportive atmosphere where success is not just an individual thing, but the result of a collective effort. Thus, everyone feels equally empowered by triumphs and likewise compelled to do better when things don’t quite go to plan. And yet, the company’s culture also celebrates individuality, something Gene demonstrates through the high levels of engagement he nurtures across his staff. From whole staff meetings to one-on-one discussions, Gene gives everyone a chance to speak and feel heard, not only concerning the company, but their lives outside of work too. “I make it a point to connect with staff on a personal level”, explains Gene. Exploring this further, Gene tells us: “Typically, before we dive into business matters, I inquire about their family, recent trips, or any exciting plans they might have.” For this CEO, such an interest is not only crucial, but genuine. “My aim is to ensure that employees have a healthy work-life balance and feel genuinely cared for in terms of their wellbeing.” The results of such initiatives are that the team remain committed to seeing the business through the challenges it faces, including when it comes to one of the primary difficulties plaguing the aviation industry at present – aging infrastructure. Because many of the systems and structures used in the field were developed and implemented several years ago, they are starting to show signs of being outdated. However, given the industry, new technologies cannot be implemented unless they are guaranteed not to compromise on safety or security. This is where the team at Stratify truly shine, as they always keep one eye on the global aviation market and make strategic adjustments to ensure their aviation services and solutions align seamlessly with them. Avoiding the trap of relying too heavily on legacy products to truly embrace the future, this is a company with a flexible and dynamic working environment, as seen through its ongoing efforts concerning future air transportation. Stratify’s commitment to the future of this space is seen through the mergers and acquisitions it has invested in heavily over the past 12 months, a strategy that has proven to be equal parts advantageous and demanding. One acquisition was completed earlier this year, with many more currently in the pipeline. Although this undertaking has proven integral for growth, it does mean that Gene has to strike the balance between focusing on these endeavours and allotting time to existing customers, something he achieves with careful planning. On the back of this, Gene tells us that Stratify remains committed to this global growth strategy over the coming year, as these mergers and acquisitions highlight. He explains: “These strategic moves are aimed at enhancing our capabilities in the commercial air traffic management and advanced air mobility sectors of the aviation industry.” The company’s appeal to these sectors has been aided considerably by it being named as a Top Aviation Consulting Services Provider 2024 by the Aerospace & Defense Review. Concerning his own career, Gene remains committed to his own personal development, all while advancing the growth of Stratify. Then, when it comes to his legacy, this award-winning CEO tells us, “a true indicator of my success will be the number of leaders I can develop during this journey. A common pitfall for both small and large companies is the lack of strong leaders prepared to take the helm. My current objective is to cultivate as many capable leaders as possible who are ready to eventually lead the company.” Driving a vision for not only Stratify Aerospace, but also the future of the wider aerospace and technology industries, Gene Hayman is the embodiment of knowledge and integrity in this sphere. Recognising that the difference between a truly great CEO and a bad one is simply character, Gene goes the extra mile to do the right thing for everyone, making him more than worthy of being featured in this programme of best-in-class CEOs. Contact: Gene Hayman Company: Stratify Aerospace Web Address: https://www.stratifyaerospace.com/
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2024 8 tilising classical AI, not risking fallible machine learning or LLM systems, OnlyBoth relieves its customers of complicated dashboards and information overload, recognising instead that a sentence is worth 1,000 data. This is something that Raul Valdes-Perez, who serves as the CEO and co-founded the business back in 2015, has come to understand over the course of his storied career in the software space. A former computer science academic, Raul’s impressive education took him from the internationally renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, where Raul completed a PhD in computer science. After staying on as a research faculty member for a decade, Raul in 2000 cofounded Vivisimo Inc., his first spin-off from CMU, serving as executive chairman until its acquisition by IBM in mid-2012. Raul explains: “One of my academic projects led to spinning off Vivisimo Inc., which took a new approach to the presentation of voluminous search results: not as a list, but rather as thematic groups calculated and described on the fly.” Exploring his tenure at the organisation in more detail, Raul continues: “During my 9 years as CEO, I was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the North Central Region and celebrated as one of the top ten reader favourites for Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. magazine.” Sitting alongside this venture are the memberships which Raul has held for numerous boards representing a range of corporations and non-profit organisations. From the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh through to the Pittsburgh Technology Council and even The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE), Raul has lent his invaluable expertise to a number of local initiatives, highlighting a dedication to give back to the city that has given him so much. Diving deeper into his CEO career, Raul emphasises the importance of business books in his journey, with his philosophy, sourced from a book by acclaimed author Jack Welch, being to both “say what you mean and do what you say.” Since a company’s culture usually starts at the top and works its way down the ladder, this approach is imperative when it comes to nurturing success, particularly concerning start-ups. Owing a great deal of success to these sorts of books, Raul decided to write his own, with Advice is for Winners: How to Get Advice for Better Decisions in Life and Work being published in 2012, demonstrating all he had absorbed. This book paved the way for OnlyBoth a few years later, which Unprecedented Performance Transparency Leading Pittsburghbased software development company OnlyBoth Inc. harnesses the power of AI to elevate performance transparency and benchmarking engines in such fields as employer benefit plans and healthcare. Leveraging four unique evaluation engines designed to address user needs – namely individual benchmarking, sideby-side comparisons, scoring, and discovery queries – this company, led by Raul Valdes-Perez, the Software Automation CEO of the Year 2024 - USA, uncovers factual and contextual comparisons written in natural language. was founded as start-up alongside Andre Lessa, Raul’s former colleague at Vivisimo and a person with whom Raul had carried out several projects across subsequent ventures over the years. With this expertise to boot, OnlyBoth has also created BenchMine.com, which offers a range of free and open tools to deliver robust performance transparency based on data that is publicly available. These insights can then be utilised by the likes of employer retirement plans, school districts, and the healthcare industry, to name just a few. Raul adds, “we also use simulated data to demonstrate how such engines could be applied to retailer locations, large sales teams, and B2B customer success operations.” The increasing availability of this detailed sector data – which is both collected and published by governments – as well as the company’s strategy of making its subsequent engines free and accessible to the public, has resulted in Raul deciding to post weekly answers to the questions had by stakeholders about this sector. More recently, these have taken the form of 401(k) retirement plans, with insights about this topic able to be explored via BenchMine.com. As the above shows, OnlyBoth Inc. is always on the lookout for the next datasets, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the space. With Raul at the helm, this is something that the company is sure to continue to achieve, as its award-winning CEO remains dedicated to unearthing new and innovative ways of automating creative tasks. U Contact: Raul Valdes-Perez Company: OnlyBoth Inc. Web Address: https://www.onlyboth.com/ https://www.benchmine.com/
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2024 9 The New Entertainment Mainstream Bringing culturally inspired stories to life with depth and authenticity, particularly those reflective of the Latino experience, 3Pas Studios is, above all else, a storyteller. Creating content such as feature films and both scripted and unscripted television in the Spanish and English languages, this is a production company that is building bridges between borders and nurturing dialogue between people and cultures. Named as the TV & Film Production CEO of the Year 2024 - California, we explore more about 3Pas Studios and its CEO, Benjamin E. Odell, below. Headquartered in Los Angeles at the heart of the US’ worldleading film and television industry – with additional hubs located in Mexico City, Miami, and New York – every project executed by the innovative 3Pas Studios is done to shatter harmful stereotypes, celebrate the power of diversity, and ultimately connect audiences through the shared experience that is life. All of the content produced by the company is done so according to the ‘three Hs’ – humour, heart, and humanity – with at least two of these needed to make anything. At least, this is the view taken by Benjamin E. Odell (Ben), the company’s remarkable CEO, and his successful track record makes us inclined to agree. Balancing creative leadership and general business supervision across his multifaceted role, Ben is responsible for everything from driving the business’ strategy through to developing partnerships and exploring new content areas. When it comes to this content, Ben always questions exactly how it brings people together, with this focus allowing the company to always make a difference. Explaining to us what he believes differentiates 3Pas Studios in this space, Ben hits the nail on the head when he says: “What sets us apart is our commitment to communitydriven entertainment. We’re not just creating content; we’re creating connections. Whether through film, television, or digital media, we’re exploring new ways to blend storytelling with community engagement. It’s this blend of creative ambition and community focus that drives us forward and positions us uniquely in an industry that’s evolving fast.” Ben has been passionate about storytelling and Latino heritage from a young age, beginning when his Dad married into a Colombian family when Ben was a child. Becoming immersed in this unique and fantastic culture, Ben moved to Colombia when he was 22, and this allowed him to appreciate the nuances and style of Latin America storytelling. Co-writing more than 300 hours of television and feature film material with local screenwriters, Ben then honed his craft and evolved his career by occupying various film and TV production roles. It was 2014 when Ben cofounded 3Pas Studios alongside Eugenio Derbez, and together, this duo have been empowering the Latino culture for more than a decade, telling the sorts of stories it is truly passionate about. Producing such hit films as Overboard and How to be a Latin Lover, as well as successful television shows such as The Valet on Hulu and Acapulco on Apple TV+, to name just a few, this is a company that remains rooted in its purpose and clear about what it seeks to achieve. On an internal level, Ben realises this by leading with empathy and open dialogue. He explains: “Over the years, I’ve learned that empowering others and encouraging them to take ownership of their work leads to the best outcomes.” Furthermore, having nurtured a culture anchored around the core values of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation, this is a team thriving by breaking down barriers and getting voices heard, with global repercussions. Ben’s small, scrappy, and highly creative team make all of this possible. “Our team are all Latino: Mexican American, Colombian American, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and even Paraguayan… and from different generations. It gives us so many angles to approach a story from and so many sensibilities to bounce ideas off. ” With the strengths of such a dedicated team in tow, 3Pas Studios is striving to spend the next 12 months blending its traditional media with several community projects, giving back to local Latino cultures. Ben, meanwhile, remains focused on positioning the company as a pioneer when it comes to community-driven entertainment, and he tells us that he will continue to push for entertaining Latino storytelling that inspires, reaching as many people as possible through inclusive content and culturally rich media. Delivering a welcome approach in the world of media, Benjamin E. Odell is a beacon of positive change in today’s film and television landscape thanks to his work with 3Pas Studios, making him a worthy feature in this programme. Contact: Benjamin E. Odell Company: 3Pas Studios Web Address: https:// www.3pas-studios.com/ Oct24386
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2024 10 Highlighting Alchemy Crew Ventures’ Dedication to its Craft adalina’s unique trajectory through academia and industry has shaped her into a thoughtful innovator. While teaching modern British and American literature across European universities, she resonated deeply with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s words: “Books are like brothers and I am an only child.” This academic foundation fostered a nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives and emotional intelligence, echoing the timeless wisdom: “whenever you feel like criticising anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had. Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope.” During her academic years, she mastered the power of storytelling and embraced continuous learning – skills that define her leadership approach. Her expertise helps entrepreneurs craft compelling investor pitches, transforming ideas into narratives of opportunity and impact. As Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder of LinkedIn, notes, “The best pitch decks don’t just present data; they tell a compelling story about opportunity and potential.” While researching her comparative literature thesis, she explored how storytelling and mythology fortify cultural resilience, exploring their role in shaping the collective subconscious during times of oppression in Ireland and Transylvania. By examining these narratives, she uncovered the power of stories to preserve identity, inspire hope, and unify communities in the face of adversity. Oct24400 Madalina Preda’s expertise lies in supporting and cultivating high-impact ecosystems across education, insurance, healthcare, and deep tech sectors, where cutting-edge technologies drive transformative change through servant leadership. Her journey spans academia, life sciences, finance, insurance, automotive industries, and alternative mobility solutions across 8 countries. M While at Corning Inc., Madalina learned three crucial lessons about innovation. First, collaboration – between corporations and startups – sparks groundbreaking innovations, as evidenced by Corning’s pivotal contributions to Thomas Edison’s lightbulb and the iPhone. Second, innovation requires serndipity, disciplined processes, and patient capital. Third, the longterm impact of innovation is profound and changes people’s lives: Corning developed Pyrex cookware, TV tube glass, the hair-thin glass strands forming the internet’s backbone, and Gorilla Glass, now used in over 8 billion devices worldwide. While working for LeasePlan Corporation (currently Ayvens Corporation) Madalina led the transformation in customer experience for the automotive and leasing industry during Europe’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs), with Scandinavia and the Netherlands spearheading adoption and expansion into Central and Southern Europe. Her focus was on working with the global organistaion on adapting traditional processes to meet the unique demands of a transition industry, including EV-specific assets, safety standards, and service models, while tackling the complexities of insuring new vehicle types. This transformation required close collaboration across internal stakeholders, driving an organizational culture shift to embrace sustainability and innovation. These efforts involved navigating regulatory landscapes, developing charging infrastructure, and aligning with the evolving expectations of eco-conscious customers. Under her leadership, the organization positioned itself at the forefront of a sustainable, tech-driven future, setting a new industry benchmark in a rapidly changing market. As Head of Startegic Partnerships for Innovation Department at NN Group, she led the Startegic Partnerships team, its daily operations and build strategic relationships with global Venture Capital partners. This exposure has provided deep insights into how funds and LPs invest in innovation, what VCs look for in startups, and how they differentiate successful ventures from those that falter. By engaging closely with top investors, fund managers, and entrepreneurs, she remains at the forefront of industry developments. A committed advocate for growing the insurtech and fintech ecosystems across Europe and the U.S., she champions innovation through highimpact projects in both Dutch and international markets. Her collaboration with fintech thought leaders in the Netherlands has further strengthened partnerships between startups and industry incumbents, fostering a dynamic environment for growth and innovation. she has managed relationships with global Venture Capitals in innovation hubs such as London, Barcelona, LA, Madrid, Amsterdam, and San Francisco. She has spearheaded the establishment of innovative healthcare and elderlycare platform services through strategic partnerships in the Netherlands, Spain, Greece, Romania, Poland, Turkey, and Hungary. To strengthen internal collaboration ion inovation, she has build a the Innovation Partnerships Community of Practice. Her commitment to diversity is evident in her efforts to elevate female representation in both Venture Capital and entrepreneurial landscapes, supporting more female investors and entrepreneurs. Recognized by Femtechnology as a thought leader in femhealth, she has championed innovation and investment in femhealth, elderly care, and broader healthcare sectors. A strong advocate for impact investing, she actively supports initiatives that close the insurance gap, foster climate resilience in insurance, and promote the transparent and ethical implementation of AI. As she notes, innovation and impact are realized when stakeholders unite to share resources, ideas, and a vision for transformative change. As a seasoned insurance and technology leaders, Sabine VanderLinden and Madalina have joined forces through Alchemy Crew Ventures to drive transformative innovation in the InsurTech industry. This powerful partnership represents a convergence of exceptional expertise, visionary thinking, and complementary skill sets that positions them at the forefront of a rapidly evolving landscape. Sabine VanderLinden brings over 25 years of deep industry experience to the table, having established herself as a thought leader in the InsurTech space. As the CEO and Venture Partner of Alchemy Crew Ventures, she has demonstrated a keen
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2024 11 understanding of corporate innovation, venture capital, and the transformative potential of technology within the insurance sector. Her co-authorship of ‘The INSURTECH Book’ and recognition as a Most Influential CEO underscores her influential standing in the industry. Complementing Sabine’s expertise, Madalina offers a unique global perspective, having navigated diverse industries spanning academia, life sciences, finance, insurance, and automotive across eight countries. One of the key synergies between Sabine and Madalina lies in their shared commitment to fostering collaboration and building dynamic ecosystems. Sabine’s focus at Alchemy Crew Ventures on bridging the adoption gap between corporations and growth ventures through open innovation and design thinking aligns seamlessly with Madalina’s experience in building strategic relationships with global venture capital partners and championing innovation through highimpact projects. The partnership further benefits from Madalina’s strong background in storytelling and communication, developed during her academic years and through her expertise in evaluating compelling investor pitches. This complements Sabine’s role as a thought leader and tech ambassador, enhancing Alchemy Crew Ventures’ ability to articulate its value proposition and engage effectively with stakeholders across the InsurTech ecosystem. Both leaders share a deep passion for driving social impact and supporting diversity in the tech and insurance sectors. Sabine’s track record of supporting female-founded startups and diverse InsurTech leaders aligns perfectly with Madalina’s focus on empowering female investors towards creating meaningful social impact. Together, they possess the potential to amplify these efforts, fostering a more inclusive and equitable InsurTech ecosystem. As the insurance industry witnesses rapid integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, and blockchain, Sabine and Madalina’s combined expertise positions Alchemy Crew Ventures to capitalize on these transformative trends. Their understanding of the applications of these technologies in automating underwriting processes, enhancing risk assessment, and personalizing insurance products will be crucial in driving innovation. Moreover, Sabine and Madalina’s global perspective and experience managing relationships in innovation hubs across Europe and the US provide a strong foundation for Alchemy Crew Ventures’ international expansion. Their combined networks and insights into diverse markets can facilitate cross-border collaborations and knowledge sharing, which are essential for addressing global challenges in the insurance industry. In a rapidly evolving landscape where InsurTech startups and traditional insurers are increasingly collaborating, the partnership between Sabine VanderLinden and Madalina through Alchemy Crew Ventures is well-positioned to play a pivotal role. Their ability to bridge the gap between established insurance companies and innovative startups can accelerate the adoption of new technologies and business models, transforming the industry’s trajectory. California’s robust innovation ecosystem presents a particularly exciting opportunity for expansion. The state’s strong focus on sustainable technologies and its thriving InsurTech sector align perfectly with the vision for Alchemy Crew Ventures. By tapping into California’s network of research institutions, government agencies, and private enterprises, we can foster collaborations that drive innovation in areas such as AI-powered risk assessment, usage-based insurance models, and sustainable insurance solutions. Alchemy Crew Ventures exists to bridge the critical gap between innovation and impact – a gap that often defines the success or failure of digital transformations. Its mission is to turn brilliant ideas into market-shaping realities, moving them from R&D into the mainstream to drive meaningful change in sectors like insurance and finance. It’s here to bring innovations to life in ways that redefine entire industries and unlock new possibilities for its many clients Alchemy Crew Ventures understands that true transformation requires more than technology; it demands a thoughtful balance of visionary innovation, pragmatic application, and deep market insight. “Our values – rooted in open innovation, collaborative ecosystems, and democratized knowledge – drive our work. These principles make us the partner of choice for organizations not only ready to adapt but to lead.” For senior leaders in financial services and insurance, the path to digital transformation is complex and daunting. They visit Alchemy Crew Ventures not for ideas alone but for results – market-ready solutions that tangibly elevate their businesses. Its clients need more than a roadmap; they need a partner who can transform strategic ambition into concrete success. What sets Alchemy Crew Ventures apart is its unique integration of corporate venturing, strategic expertise, and operational execution. Where others propose theories, Alchemy Crew Ventures delivers. Its methodologies, grounded in open innovation and validated through realworld testing, focus relentlessly on translating digital potential into measurable outcomes. Alchemy Crew Ventures is driven by its people – seasoned industry experts, innovation specialists, and digital transformation strategists who blend rigorous analysis with bold problem-solving. Its culture is a fusion of scientific precision and creative vision, designed for professionals who are as comfortable in boardrooms as they are in startup spaces. This balance allows us to speak the languages of both traditional finance and digital disruption. The financial services and insurance industries are in a period of radical transformation. Traditional models are being dismantled by technology, evolving customer expectations, and new market entrants. Alchemy Crew Ventures doesn’t see this as chaos; it sees it as fertile ground for innovation. The company is focused on three key pillars for the future: the democratization of advanced technologies, ecosystem-centered business models, and scalable innovation frameworks. Its role is to guide organizations through these shifts, helping them maintain a competitive edge in an evolving landscape. Alchemy Crew Ventures believes the future belongs to those who can bridge innovation with implementation. Its vision extends beyond consulting; Alchemy Crew Ventures is leading a movement toward more practical, scalable, and actionable approaches to digital transformation. It’s not waiting for the future to arrive – it’s actively shaping it. Consider Alchemy Crew Ventures your guide in the digital revolution – armed with proven expertise, robust methodologies, and a relentless focus on impact. It empowers organizations not just to keep pace with change but to lead it, redefining what’s possible in financial services and insurance. Contact: Madalina Preda Website: alchemycrew.ventures/
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2024 12 A unique venue steeped in rich history, Stephen’s Green Club is one of the oldest and most respected Clubs in Ireland. The Club first opened its doors in 1840, initially known as The Stephen’s Green Club, and was closely associated with 19thcentury political reformer Daniel O’Connell. Following the closure of Hibernian United Services Club, a neighbouring Club, the two Clubs joined forces to become The Stephen’s Green Nestled in the heart of Dublin, Stephen’s Green Club is a private members’ club providing discerning members with an exclusive space amongst likeminded individuals. With a continually growing membership consisting of professionals in many fields, the Club has become one of the largest private members’ clubs in Dublin. The club is helmed by Chief Executive Officer Ray Mooney, who has been recently recognised in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2024. We take a closer look at Stephen’s Green Club below, and the ways in which Ray has successfully steered the Club to excellence. Hibernian Club and extended its services to an even larger membership base. 2019 saw the Club rebranding once more, following a strategic review conducted in 2018, reverting to Stephen’s Green Club. That being said, the Club ensured to honour Hibernia, the female personification of Ireland, in the new Club crest and logotype launched in the same year. At its core, Stephen’s Green Club holds a deep respect for its history, which permeates every corner of the magnificent 18thcentury building that captures the very essence of the city’s historical culture. Stephen’s Green Club is driven by Ray Mooney, a seasoned professional with more than three decades of industry experience under his belt. Ray first entered the hospitality industry in 1991, as Operations Manager of K Club, aiding in the establishment of the country resort. Here, he worked for almost a decade, gaining invaluable experience in leadership and management, as well as an understanding of the high standards that guests expect from such upscale venues. Such knowledge has been instrumental in Ray’s position of Chief Executive Officer of Stephen’s Green Club; for 20 years, Ray has utilised his understanding of the sector to make strategic decisions and deliver the level of care to its members for which Stephen’s Green Club has become renowned. Astute, understanding, and discrete, Ray treats Club members with a masterful blend of familiarity and respect, making sure that each member feels like part of the Stephen’s Green Club exclusive, prestigious family. It is for his vast experience and honed approach that Ray Mooney has been awarded the title of Most Influential CEO 2024 – ROI (Private Member Clubs). Ultimately, Stephen’s Green Club strives to provide members with a space exclusive and unique to them. Membership at Stephen’s Green Club is much more than merely paying a subscription fee to utilise the facilities; it is becoming a part of something bigger than oneself. Stephen’s Green Club offers an opportunity for similarly minded professionals to unite in this home away from home, for networking, conversing, or simply escaping from the bustle of their everyday lives. Whether attending the Club for an event or simply seeking to read a newspaper in the peaceful Reading Room, Stephen’s Green Club provides a historic and elegant setting in which to unwind. From fine dining and luxurious accommodation to exclusive social events and networking opportunities, the Club offers a sophisticated environment for members to indulge in the very best, among their peers. “Since I joined as a member, the Club has become a great networking source for me,” writes an esteemed member. “I have enjoyed some great nights in Stephen’s Green Club, from the annual wine tasting dinners, steak nights, snooker tournaments, and of course, the annual golf day. These are dates booked in my diary that I always look forward to.” “The Club has been a great social experience for me, having made lots of friends over the years,” reports another. “I have attended lots of events every year organised by the wonderful Sharon, from the annual dinner and Christmas Choir to the rugby lunches and golf outings. I love Stephen’s Green Club for making me feel like being part of one big ‘family’.” “I stay at Stephen’s Green Club nearly every month, as my work brings me to Dublin to meet clients,” says a third member. “I find that it’s the perfect home from home. I travel a lot for work, and it always feels like I have just landed home when I stay at Stephen’s Green Club.” Contact: Ray Mooney Company: Stephen’s Green Club Web Address: stephensgreenclub.ie Ray Mooney: Setting New Standards in High-Class Hospitality
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2024 13 The Next Generation of Healthcare Steering the healthcare industry in a better direction for all, Steer Health is bolstered by some incredibly impressive figures which reflect its excellence in this space. Be it its 24% year-on-year revenue growth or its 11% reduction in the average length of a patient’s stay, almost 20 million patients trust this company as a result of its demonstrably effective solutions. These offerings include a seamless digital front door strategy, automation to both expand and enhance clinical capacity, and robust electronic health record integrations. Across these industry-leading AI solutions, proven results have been yielded at every turn. This has been achieved thanks to the seamless integration of AI into every aspect of the workflow of a hospital or medical facility. From measurable reductions in scheduling times to decreases in inbound calls, claims denials, administrative task and triage times – as well as a significant increase in the website visitor to customer conversion rates – this encompassing AI platform lives up to its promise of streamlining existing healthcare processes. Both the company itself and its remarkable solutions are the result of the unwavering passion for the sector embodied by Sridhar Yerramreddy, who both founded the business and serves as its CEO. Hailing from a long line of revered physicians, Sridhar operates atop more than three decades of experience in world of IT and software, expertise based in the healthcare sector and beyond. Some highlights of this career so far include developing and implementing high-value business models across both healthcare and insurance. Sridhar’s first business venture came more than a decade ago, when he established Oculus Health in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For several years, Sridhar served as the CEO of this company, which also worked towards his ongoing mission of transforming healthcare. Offering a suite of products revolving around chronic care management, this business added value to all across this sphere. Its potential was then recognised by Wellbox, who acquired the company in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020. On the back of this, Sridhar doubled down on his efforts with Steer Health, which has quickly positioned itself as the all-in-one growth and automation platform for the healthcare industry since opening its doors in 2021. This is corroborated by the 98% of customers who recommend these solutions to their fellow industry professionals, including Dr Kavitha Bhatia of Prime Healthcare, who said: “Our partnership with Steer Health has improved patient access to care, resulting in increased revenue and improved efficiency.” Moreover, the plug-and-play nature of these services makes them ready for use in just a few weeks, and the platform also benefits immeasurably from Sridhar and the team here working closely with their hospital and medical centre clients to further enhance these products, tackling the ever-changing nature of this market and, at the same time, directly addressing the unique needs of these facilities. Such consistency across these solutions results in enthusiasm from the likes of nurses and physicians, who use Steer Health as their co-pilot. Even in cases where a facility already has digital tools and systems at its disposal, Steer Health can benefit these existing processes further, with its platform being integrated around these current systems if possible, or, failing this, the team here will even buy out a client’s previous contract. This in no way impacts security, which remains a cornerstone at Steer Health. An SOC-2 certification and full HIPAA compliancy underpin this, with the system securing all of its data to the highest standards and not sharing it with anyone. As all of these points suggest, Sridhar Yerramreddy has quickly positioned Steer Health as a gamechanger in the field, leveraging AI to make the world of healthcare more accessible, streamlined, and effective for all. What makes this all the more impressive is that these technologies are still very much in their infancy, and one can only imagine the ways in which Sridhar and his team will continue to pioneer as we move into 2025 and beyond. Web Address: https://steerhealth.io/ Aug24513 The world of healthcare is dynamic and never sleeps, making it ripe for automation and AI processes to boost productivity, optimise patient flow, and empower clinicians. This is something recognised by Steer Health, a Texas-based healthcare operating systems company that is driving growth and heightening experiences across more than 50 hospitals ands 300 medical facilities across the US. Headed up by Sridhar Yerramreddy, who has been recognised as the Most Influential CEO 2024 - South (Healthcare Operating Systems), Steer Health is changing healthcare forever.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2024 14 A CEOs GUIDE TO NAVIGATING UNCERTAIN TIMES f there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to happen in business, it’s change. How you respond to change and navigate through it is the difference between a business that thrives and a business that barely survives. Your team and your clients and customers want to know that you are consistent, and that you are doing the right thing, for the company and for them. This is especially true when you grow, when change can often seem overwhelming. Change isn’t always a huge catastrophic crisis, but if you’re not paying attention it can become negative and snowball into a bigger issue. Here are three effective strategies to use when those uncertain times are keeping you up at night. 1. Cultivate trust: Early in my career, my favorite boss and mentor gave me sage advice. He said, “People in real estate want to shake your hand and look you in the eye. This is how we build trust.” I don’t know what’s happened to the handshake in today’s world but the concept is the same and it applies to any business. Since so many of us are working remotely or in a hybrid environment, establishing and earning trust has to come first, no matter where your team is based. People want to work with those they like and trust. 2. Communication counts: Communication really is everything. When change is in the air, transparency, genuineness and authenticity should be at the top of their list. Here’s why: when our communication is light or even non-existent, people filI in the gaps. Forward Features I Follow along with what I call the “Exploding Engine Theory”. If I take my car in for service at 9:00 am and my service rep Jack says “Shannon, I’ll be back by 9:30 to tell you our status- what’s good, and what isn’t.” and he does exactly that, what happens? My shoulders relax and I believe him. If he doesn’t come back as planned and I have to find him, my mind fills in those gaps. I figure something must have gone very wrong if Jack doesn’t return: perhaps the engine exploded. Of course, that’s highly unlikely but it’s the consequence of poor communication. 3. Spend time with your people: This sounds simple, but it often isn’t. As CEOs we have many demands on our time. Our employees want to know, and see that we’re paying attention. This can be especially challenging when change is going on all around us and we have in-person, hybrid and remote teams. Remember why your leaders joined your organization in the first place. It can be lonely for team members out there. Seeing and hearing you and your leadership team can make all the difference. Try these strategies to improve communication and clarity: 1 . Onboarding is key and can be difficult in a hybrid or remote work environment. What you want is to get new hires’ buy-in quickly and in advance. Don’t wait until the day they start to bring them into the fold. Send them a little company swag or have “thank you” notes sent by their leaders-to-be. 2 . This sounds simple, but often we forget to provide people with the who/where/ what and they may be too shy or hesitant to ask. This works for both new and existing employees. Let them know how communication works in your environment, how decisions are made and what you’ll need to do to be able to do it quickly for them. 3 . Providing a mentor or “buddy” can be key. Again, this works for new and even existing team members, especially with a distributed workforce. You have to figure out how to replace or add onto that “water cooler” effect when there is no water cooler. It’s great to offer a peer buddy across departments, for example. You can also mentor both ways. Have younger professionals mentor seasoned professionals in certain areas too. 4 . Especially when working with newer leaders, it’s critical to help them understand that a big part of their job is to pave the way and remove obstacles for their team. To do that, their ability to communicate with clarity is key. The transition from manager to leader can be a tough one and it often shows up right away when their teams aren’t right in front of them; they are in another city, or their only contact is on a screen. Often, the key is simply to ask “how can I help you today?” KEEP CALM AND COMMUNICATE Your team really is paying attention to you and they will notice your actions. They are looking to you for guidance and reassurance. Being able to communicate effectively under the pressures of the day will help the team feel like they’re coming together as one entity and focusing on what needs to be done at any given moment. The last thing you want is for rumours to start circulating as this creates a fractured team who will feel like they’re working against each other. The best thing to do in any situation of uncertainty is to address everyone within the organization at the same time, as soon as possible, that way everyone is hearing the same information at the same time from the same person. It eliminates doubt and reduces the anxiety that people naturally feel during uncertain times. Emotional intelligence is a huge priority when navigating uncertainty, so it’s important to remember that you’re a human being communicating with other human beings. In a crisis situation it’s natural for people to go into freeze, fight or flight mode, so the sooner you can allay their fears and insecurities, the better. LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND When you’re in a leadership position it’s easy to fall into a hierarchy model where you sit at the top, call all the shots and make all the decisions, but this isn’t always the best approach to take as you’re making assumptions on what you think people need, rather than listening to what they actually need. People want to feel seen and heard, they don’t want to feel dictated to. Not only does this impact their morale but it will also affect their performance and willingness to work towards the vision and mission of the business. One way to help employees feel more engaged is to create a weekly ‘open door’ policy, where people can spend time with you to discuss their ideas or challenges and get input from you. This will help you to feel more connected to those driving your business forward, but also improves their sense of belonging. When people feel like they’re being taken seriously and that their voice matters, they’re more motivated and committed to doing good work over a longer period of time. AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH The most successful leaders know that they can’t predict
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