Most Influential CEO Awards 2023 Redefining Addiction Recovery Dan Hostetler of the Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, has been honoured with the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 – Chicago (Non-Profit Organization Management). We wanted to find out a little more about the history of this outpatient addiction treatment facility, and the man at its helm.
Welcome to the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023 The Most Influential CEO Awards were launched by CEO Monthly Magazine to recognise strong leadership within a range of industries and celebrate those who are continually improving, adapting and innovating to ensure their business is at the forefront of their field. We are proud to acknowledge the stories of CEOs who have demonstrated exceptional acumen in navigating complexity, fostering innovation, and inspiring their teams to achieve unparalleled excellence. The Most Influential CEO Awards celebrate not just individual achievements, but the collective impact these leaders have on the industries they serve and the global business community as a whole. This award is judged purely on merit by our inhouse team with all potential winners assessed against multiple relevant criteria, including company performance over a given period of time with the individual at the helm, expertise and experience within the industry, sector or region, previous accolades won, and client testimonials or recommendations. Congratulations again to all of our winners this year! Jo Holloway- Senior Account Executive 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.
6. Redefining Addiction Recovery 8. Helping Entrepreneurs to Achieve Business Success in Canada 9. Lighting Up the Lighting Market 10. No Cure No Pay Sales Resultancy 11. Transforming Businesses with Salesforce 12. Perfect by Design 14. A Sporting Chance 15. Putting Members First 16. Trading Places 17. Coaching with Passion 18. The Vertical Future of Agriculture 20. Beauty is in the Eye of Beholder 21. Striving for Global Leadership 22. Smart Tech Supported by Smart People 23. Metaversally Speaking! 24. Going Through the Motions 26. Consulting for Grown Ups 28. A Story to Tell 29. A Highflyer! 30. Making International Expansion Happen 31. #MakeItalyGreen 32. It’s a Numbers Game! 33. Events Services You Can Count On 34. Shonela Grabowski: We Redefifine Sales 36. Think Cost, Think Circular, Re-Think Food Waste 37. Europe’s Most Influential Data Leader 38. Find Your Dream Home in the Costa del Sol 40. Most Influential CEO 2023 – New South Wales (Performance Improvement Consulting) 41. Creating Sustainable Growth in the Financial Sector 42. Innovation Through Tradition: CEO Gianluca Di Tondo 44. A Marvellous Mission to Manage Menopause 45. Artisan Flowers for Any Occasion 46. Let’s Make Tech Human 47. Legal Advice and Solutions From a Brand You Can Trust 48. Eric Simmons: Leading Asigra to Pioneer the Backup Space 49. Introducing The Future 50. Leading Inspiring Brands to Success 52. Leading By Example 54. Saying ‘Yes’ to the Customer 55. Senior Sleep Expert - Martin Seeley Contents
56. Luke Traina: Most Influential CEO Under 30 57. Most Influential CEO 2023 – Australia (Civil Engineering) 58. Thomas Chacko – Leading Productive and Efficient Teams 60. Innovation With Yooo In Mind 62. Unique Travel Experiences at the Best Prices 63. Success Led By Passion 64. Leading Reliable Transport 65. Natural Animal Health and Welfare Solutions 66. Leading Security Provider That Cares 68. Building a Better World Through Sustainable Architecture 70. Building Better Public Services For All 71. Lighting the Way Forward 72. Industry Leading Planning & Network Design 73. Delivering Success 74. Welcome to the next generation of innovative technologies. 76. Influencing Success 77. Would You Credit It? 78. Most Innovative CEO 2023 - Netherlands (Built Environment) 79. Making eCommerce Flow 80. Working Smart and Working Hard 81. Cathilea Robinett - Empowering Government and Education 82. Careful, Compassionate Recovery 83. Leading with Empathy, Trust, and Support 84. Fleet Management You Can Trust 86. Entrepreneurial Prowess 87. Innovation, Inclusion, Growth 88. Innovative Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Business Improvement 90. Visionary Recruitment 91. Adaptive and Creative 92. Strategy. Talent. Results. 94. The Shift from Image to Impact: How brands can create an antidote to apathy 95. CEO with the Golden Touch 96. Collaborative, Innovative, Empowering 97. Fruits of the Spirit
98. This Sporting Life! 100. Media Moguls Secure Success 102. Tech, Learn, Grow 103. Next-Level Business Leadership 104. Jan Hutton: Leading Digital Transformation in Tourism 106. -Most Influential Investment Management CEO 2023 - New York 107. Beyond Boundaries: The Digital Healthcare Revolution with Virtual Care 108. Breathing Life into Empty Spaces 109. The Home Care Sector’s Most Influential CEO 110. A Firm Foundation 111. Aneliese Hirst: Most Influential CEO in Events Services 112. A Lasting Legacy of Positive Change 114. A Distinguished Founder in an Emerging Market 115. The Only Way to Play 116. Best-in-Class Plumbing Solutions for the Floridian Market 118. Pioneering Lifecycle Management for the Internet of Things 120. 33Fuel CEO Pairing Win Most Influential Sports Nutrition CEO 2023 121. Taking Risks to Build Successful Businesses 122. Kris King: Prop Tech’s Most Inflfluential CEO 124. Responding to the ever-changing needs in healthcare with consistent access to medicines 126. Daniel Ragone: Most Influential CEO in Advertising Services 127. Getting the Message Across 128. Fangage CEO Damian Kozak: Revolutionizing Fan Engagement in the Digital Age 129. Keeping Your Subscribers & Employees Engaged 130. Pakistani Success Story GIDS – The Shining Star 132. Empowering women with confidence through transformative skincare 134. The Accomplished CEO to Lead Startup Incubator EuraTechnologies 135. Physical and Virtual Reality: Better Together 136. A Britenet-work of Success 138. Dave Jangid: Leading the UK’s Best Online Accounting Company
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 6 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 6 2023 18 Redefining Addiction Recovery Dan Hostetler of the Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, has been honoured with the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 – Chicago (Non-Profit Organization Management). We wanted to find out a little more about the history of this outpatient addiction treatment facility, and the man at its helm. bove and Beyond Family Recovery Center is a licensed (Level I and Level II) outpatient addiction treatment facility with a focus on serving the communities, both at large and those who are disenfranchised, in West Chicago. It is a not-forprofit organisation, funded privately which ensures no one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay for treatment. The treatment centre was built by an artist/builder using repurposed materials to create a uniquely modern, eclectic industrial space. The building is inhabited by original furniture pieces and art. The clinic believes that many of these discarded pieces retain value, and can be transformed into something useful and beautiful. This is very fitting as it’s the same sentiment the facility applies to the lives of its clients, believing they too can be transformed. Its goal is to offer a place that evokes order and pride in the people it serves. The clinical services it provides are conducted in group sessions, as well as on an individual basis. Its certified and licensed counsellors and clinicians are a handpicked team, all solidly grounded in the traditional techniques of addiction therapy. Its CEO Daniel Hostetler has more than 30 years of experience in corporate consultancy and non-profit management under his belt. This includes serving as president and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Southern European Division of an International Consultancy for 10 years, where he managed more than 300 consultants. In the light of his award announcement as Most Influential CEO 2023 – Chicago (Non-Profit Organization Management), we have taken the opportunity to catch up with Dan, and dig a little deeper into his past. Mar23686 A Dan explained what a long journey it’s been for him, beginning when he was a young boy at the Cub Scouts. When the Den Mother asked who would like to volunteer as the leader, the Den Chief, Dan raised his hand. He looks back on that moment now as the beginning of his life in, mostly, inglorious servitude to his masters. He can imagine now how his business school professors might scoff or even openly mock this vision of his young self. But ever To be honoured with this recognition is quite strange to me. I accept it with deep gratitude and humble disbelief, both, because the role I fulfil as CEO looks very different than what I believe most onlookers would expect. “ “
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 7 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 6 2023 19 since that first tentative step forward, Dan has continued through the epochs of many leadership opportunities. Even as a ‘leader’, Dan has always answered to someone else, a higher human power as it were, whether this be the board, a president, a donor, benefactor, or constituencies. It is very rare that he has ever had time to indulge in other interests, as the rigours and constant vigilance that come from being a conduit for someone else’s mission has never allowed for such an indulgence. In the 40 years or so that Dan has spent tackling challenges and fulfilling a wide variety of leadership roles across the United States and the world, he’s learnt a few things. He’s been able to clarify his primary role as being that of a balancing pole between defining reality and providing hope; sharing credit and taking responsibility; providing a living wage and being able to keep the doors open; simultaneously serving the stockholders and the constituencies; being a boss while remaining a human being. The key for Dan has always been to stay centred and true to himself, but he has borne witness to many colleagues become unglued and lose their footing over shifting principles and wavering loyalties. For him, the gauges of progress and success have always come from the attitudes of his constituencies, something that has always been easy for him to read. His guiderails have always communicated their satisfaction or dismay loudly and clearly. The only thing that’s not been so easy to pin down is how their satisfaction was won. In the end, age and experience has revealed the answer comes down to his employees and designees. He’s realised if they’re happy and satisfied in their job roles and environment, that positive energy will be transmitted vicariously to the constituencies. This creates a win-win sort of contagion, spreading joy on contact. This means that for Dan, his primary and overarching purpose as CEO is the long-term, measurable, and sustainable well-being and outcomes of his patient populations. The secondary priority is the overall wellbeing of his staff, something that is obviously well-served by successful achievement of the primary priority. In fact, this is very much a chicken/egg situation, so closely linked are the outcomes dependency on each other. Dan sees it as a paradox on most modern perceptions of leadership. The other factor to consider for any company is of course the need for survival in good fiscal and governance health. Without satisfying the stockholders, the auditors, and the ogres of compliance, all other endeavours are rendered meaningless. This is another set of skills requiring constant monitoring and balancing, ensuring the pressures and anxieties of the business side of operations don’t invade or infect the provision of the services. One side usually doesn’t understand the other, so they both stand at bay to one another, leaving Dan as the middle-man connector and balancing pole once more. This strategy has become Dan’s go-to policy, with the majority of his attention being focused on the superior functionality of a well satisfied staff. This is the key to producing unequivocal business outcomes throughout all constituencies, almost without exception. He has also found it works equally as well in both for-profit and non-profit settings. In his moment of reflection on past leadership positions, Dan has been filled with gratitude for all the many thousands of lives he’s had the opportunity to improve. His positions have included President and Board Chair of an International Business Consulting Firm, Operations and Finance Director for a national refugee resettlement nonprofit, and Executive Director and Spiritual Leader of a 100+ year old international spirituality organisation. And now, of course, there’s his current position as CEO of one of the most innovative addiction treatment centres in the United States and maybe the world. Throughout it all, the most consistent key to untangling the collective messes he’s been faced with has been to put his ego aside and work in deft, intuitive servitude to those around him. He has a need to help those that depend on him to navigate the dense fog of uncertainty and doubt, and deliver them to a better destiny without any personal gain or selfaggrandisement. For Dan Hostetler, the gains and rewards he’s received have exceeded his expectations, and reassured him that whatever gifts he possesses they have been put to good and proper use. Company: Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center Contact Name: Dan Hostetler Web: http://anb.today/
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 8 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 1 2024 23 Helping Entrepreneurs to Achieve Business Success in Canada Upasana Sharma is the founder of Investor Quotient Canada, a company that offers consultancy services enabling a wide range of start-up businesses to successfully transition to Canada under the Start-up Visa Programme. She is also the Vice President of TiE Toronto, a business concentrated on encouraging entrepreneurship in the Greater Toronto area through mentoring, networking, education and funding opportunities. Upasana has recently been recognised as the Most Influential CEO 2023 - Toronto (Business Consulting), following which we decided to find out more about her and her business interests. The dynamic and pioneering Upasana Sharma is a renowned expert in the Canadian Startup Visa Programme, and has helped several global startups to successfully enter the Canadian market. During her time at Investor Quotient Canada (IQ Canada), the Start-up Visa programme has been involved in assisting more than 250 businesses. This has extended to a wide range of sectors such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, finance, software development, agriculture, and education. The team at IQ Canada, overseen by Upasana, assist with every aspect of the start-up visa process, from ideation to the successful receipt of a Letter of Support, and beyond. IQ Canada has a belief that fully encompasses its motto “to stand with its clients, ensuring they successfully enter Canada.” Alongside IQ Canada and TiE Toronto, Upasana is also the co-managing partner at Tangentia Ventures, which happens to be a designated venture capital group that exists within the Canada start-up visa programme. Upasana also brings an erudite level of understanding to all her undertakings, with a pool of conscious knowledge gained from her time spent practising law for one of Toronto’s leading legal firms, Lerners LLP. This enables her to bring a somewhat unique discernment of the Canadian legal and regulatory systems to everything she does. This is something that is absolutely indispensable within her work as an advocate, a negotiator, and when she is problem solving on behalf of clients. Upasana is an unstoppable force in providing exceptional service, which has positioned her as a trusted advisor to business owners, startups, and organizations. Upasana Sharma is herself an entrepreneur, which provides her with an additional level of knowledge, awareness, and empathy when helping clients through the sometimes intimidating process of bringing their business enterprises to Canada. Upasana has been recognised many times for her expertise, in the form of awards and affiliations. For example, she currently sits on the Board of Angel One Network Inc., which is an investment opportunity catalyst. Upasana received a LLM degree from the University of Toronto, and was also named as a MacArthur Foundation Scholar in recognition of her commitment and drive. The network she fosters unites high end investors, lawyers, business consultants, and many experts within numerous industries. All help when it comes to mentoring entrepreneurs, and provide knowledge-based resources that can’t be beaten. Upasana’s many achievements are most indicative of the hard work she applies to everything she’s involved in, and her tireless dedication to achieving excellence. The things that Upasana wants people to know about her are symptomatic of her commitment to always go the extra mile. For instance, there is nothing more important to Upasana than “hard work and determination”. She is also known for her unsurpassed ability to navigate complex, highly lucrative markets, consistently hit goals, eschews problems, and welcomes new possibilities wholeheartedly. The teams assembled and managed by Upasana are made up of top quality individuals who can deliver results and perform fluently. She strongly believes in the benefit of rising to challenges with tenacity, and unifying people and ideas in order to build a successful business. It is a delight for her to energize businesses, and then watch them grow. Anyone who requires help with a Start-up Visa, and assistance launching a business in Canada will certainly do well to remember the name Upasana Sharma. The incredible, awardwinning CEO should most definitely be your first port of call. Company: Investor Quotient Canada Inc. Web Address: iqcanada.ca Contact Name: Upasana Sharma Aug23403 “ “
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 9 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 1 2024 25 Lighting Up the Lighting Market Fully focused on bridging the gap between product and user, Renami Group is a combined manufacturer and distributor that has spent its years working towards one resounding goal – bringing products from the factory directly to the user via modernised online platforms and services. Equipped with a team of experts, each in tune with the sphere’s technological developments, Renami Group has already mastered user accessibility, and has gone on to further enhance its services and the user experience to herald consistent results for clients. With manufacturing locations spanning a myriad of countries, including Germany, Belgium, Spain, Slovakia, Turkey, and Hong Kong, Renami Group can proudly monitor each product individually. As such, the collective’s quality control is simply unparalleled, allowing its products to enter into its unique distribution system in order to reach the client in peak condition. Backed by a collective of brilliant minds, each imbued with decades of experience in their respective industries, Renami Group boasts a level of product understanding that’s simply unmatched within the field. Combined, all of these qualities make for a company that demonstrates commitment to its craft in abundance. When recognising the achievements of Renami Group, however, it’s essential to highlight the brilliance of the man behind the plan, Roland Koch. Proud holder of the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 – Middle East (Lighting Manufacturing), Roland began the company completely from scratch. He explains how he did so by simply listening to the needs of both his customers and his friends alike, ultimately resulting in the collective that we see today. As an experienced business professional with a demonstrated history of working within the lighting industry, Roland has accumulated a collection of talents that have gone on to develop Renami Group beyond market expectations. Roland Koch is a CEO who clearly adores his role. Whether this manifests through his exceptional treatment of his staff, to the devotion he shows his clients, Roland has never once faltered in proving that he is more than deserving of his award-winning status. Renami Group is a company that has become simply invaluable over the recent years, and it’s all thanks to Roland’s careful and attentive planning. Combined with a staff that’s brimming with gifted individuals, Renami Group is yet another outstanding accomplishment among Roland’s track record of brilliance. Contact: Roland Koch Company: Renami Group B.V. Web Address: www.renamigroup.com Jul23064 Often regraded as an artisan of light and wind machines, Renami Group is a collective whose expertise in lighting, ventilation, and design is a force to be reckoned with. Spearheaded by CEO Roland Koch, who recently earned himself the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 – Middle East (Lighting Manufacturing), the company has come leaps and bounds in its pursuit of satisfying the developing needs of the market. We take a closer look into how Roland’s combined knowledge and attitude has played an integral role in Renami Group’s staggering success.
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 10 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 1 2024 24 When Patrick Verwaijen joined Actavant back in 2008, it was a move that made total sense to him. Both he and the company shared a like-minded passion for sales, and a desire to pass this on to business partners. Even now, almost more than fifteen years later (five under Patrick’s watchful eye), Actavant ties its successes to the collaborations which it has expertly forged. For Patrick, “a genuine partnership is Actavant began life as a training agent in 1999, and before long was the preferred sales training provider to several private banking and accounting firms. Patrick Verwaijen meanwhile was working as a sales manager and finding himself increasingly frustrated with the business around him and was fortunate enough to cross paths with then CEO of Actavant Just Jongeleen, who recognised this frustration and brought Patrick aboard. The rest as they say, is history. Most Influential CEO 2023 – Netherlands (Sales Resulting) awardee Patrick Verwaijen today proudly spearheads the operation and believes that the company is like a second skin. We catch up with Patrick, who provides us with further information about his journey and the successes that have resulted in him being recognised with this award. defined by a shared interest to achieve particular goals and a willingness to be rewarded only upon the demonstration of concrete results.” It is this demonstrably proven proposition that has stood the company in good stead for more than two decades, bolstered by a core team of colleagues and shareholders who remain dedicated to the business’ success and serve as the solid foundations which all subsequent triumphs have been built upon. At the dawn of the New Millenium, Actavant was still an up-and-coming firm, but it would not be long before it had carved out a name for itself in the industry and was trusted by clients in the banking and accounting sectors. Concurrently, the company’s management began to explore additional ways to make an impact, changing course soon after to become the exceptional sales results company it is today. At this time, Patrick was disgruntled in his sales management position, frustrated that many of the training agencies with which he frequently partnered possessed an inability to draw on their own direct experiences throughout the process. As Patrick explains, “I deal[t] with highpaid consultants who use[d] their theoretical knowledge to conjure up elaborate processes, structures, and sales propositions, but who [had] never spent a single day in the trenches.” When Patrick was first introduced to Actavant, he and then CEO Just Jongeleen had a tremendous impact on each other, their shared frustrations served as a primary reason for the company’s decision to become an agency paid based primarily on results. This was a bold promise and serves to represent the company’s unbridled dedication to its customers. Under Patrick’s more than five years in the CEO position so far, Actavant has experienced a host of successes, and following on from its first with ABNAMRO Private Banking, more long-term partnerships were not far behind, with a strong presence apparent in the private banking sector, as well as the leasing and insurance industry, and relationships with many major accountancy and consultancy firms. Even today, the market is rife with consultants who get themselves hired and just provide their opinions without having any obligation to performance, often at incredibly absurd rates, as they are not even prepared to commit to the results of their efforts. In contrast, Actavant serves to embody this very willingness, championing teamwork as the ultimate method to achieving the desired results. Simultaneously, the team are working hard to prepare clients for their exit as soon as they begin, providing the necessary provisions to ensure clients thrive without the company’s help. Determined to provide solutions on a global scale, Actavant’s materials have been made available in all of the main European languages, and international start-ups and scale-ups are also supported, offered the same care and attention to detail. Patrick states, “What strikes me, though, is that in all these years, in all these places we have been and even with the heyday of expensive consultants behind us, we have never come across an agency equally committed to results as we are. We may very well be the only one.” None of this would be possible without Actavant’s extensive support network, and celebrating this, Patrick summarises, “I extend my sincere thanks our business partners and colleagues for their dedication and acknowledgment. I eagerly anticipate achieving many new successes and demonstrable results in our upcoming endeavours.” Contact: Patrick Verwaijen Web Address: actavant.nl No Cure No Pay Sales Resultancy
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 11 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 1 2024 17 Transforming Businesses with Salesforce Supporting clients in over thirty industries across both the UK and Europe alike, Performa IT is a registered salesforce consulting partner that has long since recognised the value of bespoke approaches. As opposed to a reseller, it sees itself as a tailor who intricately adapts salesforce to the specific requirements of each client. Guided by CEO Ben Coleman, proud holder of the title of Most Influential Salesforce Software CEO 2023 - UK, Performa IT has overseen client prosperity in droves. Since its inception, Performa IT has been providing essential services and salesforce solutions to clients from all walks of life. Often regarded as a onestop-shop library of services, from implementation and integration to support, training, and digital transformation, the collective truly embodies the very meaning of service provision. Performa IT is a strong believer in the notion that its product is its people, and has therefore built its foundation around support, positivity, and togetherness both within and outside of its internal working structure. In order to deliver steadfast Salesforce services to clients, Performa IT recognised that, first and foremost, it must foster the brilliance of its staff. Spearheaded by CEO Ben Coleman, the collective boasts a working environment that’s simply brimming with opportunity. At every turn, each individual member of the team is presented with the chance to develop their innate skillsets in new and exciting ways, ultimately leading to a resounding brilliance that’s woven into the very fabric of the company. Learning and developing are the values that underpin Performa IT – ones that, in their own right, have served to help the business prosper. Fostered and nurtured by none other than Ben Coleman himself, Performa IT’s empowering internal structure has paved the way for many forms of excellence. However, to best realise just how this came to be, we must delve into Ben’s personal approach to leading. And what an approach it is – Performa IT operates with a horizontal leading structure that has drastically evolved since its initial inception. Within which, Ben leverages over two decades of industry experience to guide each staff member through their own personal journeys. Imbuing them with specialist insights, while supporting their growth, is where Ben flourishes as CEO, leading to a collective of constantly growing individuals. Clearly, Ben has spent his years honing his leadership style in order to reach the point he finds himself at today. Now, he’s surrounded by passionate people who are each continuously improving themselves for the betterment of both their work and personal lives. As such, clients greatly benefit from engaging with a collective of exceptionally skilled individuals. Ben even goes as far to express that - “Every member of our team loves what they do, and puts tremendous amounts of effort and care into delivering the best support for our clients. We could not be happier with the dedication and hard work of our colleagues, and seek to compensate this devotion with rewarding career opportunities and continued professional development.” Combined with Ben’s passion for maintaining an outstanding level of corporate social responsibility, Performa IT has become a safe space for clients and colleagues alike. From becoming a certified carbon neutral collective, to earning itself recognition for being a disability confident employer, Performa IT has demonstrated an unapologetic love for being the right thing for the right people. Under Ben Coleman’s watchful eye, the company has managed to succeed in astounding ways, fundamentally resulting in what we see today. Not only does it have an award-winning CEO guiding it, but Performa IT also boasts a strong workforce that will surely continue to oversee its success in the years to come. Company: Performa IT Web Address: www.performa-it.co.uk Email: [email protected]
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 12 Perfect by Design
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 13 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2023 19 Feb23091 For over 20 years, Iain Johnson has been sharing his strategies and vision for architecture, marine and interior design with the industry. And, through his brilliant leadership and incredible insight into how to best navigate this juggernaut of an industry, Iain has been able to establish a name for himself as a man whose ambition knows no bounds. With three brands all operating alongside Allect Design Group, Iain has accomplished his goal of redefining luxury, and has already transitioned to paving the way towards design perfection. We explore how Iain manages these brands, alongside Allect Design Group, and how he’s been able to expertly cultivate a portfolio of unparalleled luxury. CEO of both Allect Design Group and Rigby & Rigby, Iain Johnson has proven again and again that he is a man of incredible prowess and has a superb eye for the finer things in life. With his wealth of expertise, and years of leadership experience, he’s been able to share his visions with clients across the globe, assisting each and every one in constructing a project that is both personalised and positively lavish. No matter the space, Allect Design Group, Rigby & Rigby, Helen Green, and Lawson Robb are able to outfit it with the true definition of luxury. Of course, each brand has its own unique style, whilst still maintaining Allect Design Group’s aspiration to design liveable luxury spaces that are functional and timeless for its clients. As such, it works in tandem with these three brands to promote their identities and oversee the creative development of each project they may undertake. This keen insight, and expert understanding of every crucial detail that goes into the design process, is what’s enabled Allect Design Group to create exceptional residences of the utmost quality and style. In addition to the stunning interiors that Allect Design Group is able to design for its clients, Iain ensures that, above all else, your individual intentions for your property are fully catered to. With such a star-studded range of brands under its watch, Allect Design Group has every tool necessary to envelop you in luxury, and will work in collaboration with its clients to suit their every need. Throughout the entire process, you will be the one approving every step, all so your vision, partnered with Allect Design Group’s expert design team’s skillsets, can become a tangible reality. And, with Iain’s vast expanse of design experience, you’ll never find yourself stuck for ideas. As the CEO of Rigby & Rigby, Iain has already garnered a fantastic reputation. Rigby & Rigby, one of the brands that assisted in founding Allect Design Group, is a London-based designer that offers a holistic approach to design. It believes that clients deserve to be able to utilise their dream properties the moment the building process is complete and designs its projects accordingly. Clients can be certain that, upon completion, their new space will be outfitted with every necessary measure to ensure a comfortable, luxurious living space that’ll transport you to a brandnew way of life. Its aim is to create the most exceptional properties in the world, and this goal is accomplished with each project it completes. None of which would be possible without Iain’s fantastic leadership and impressive imagination. However, if you’re wanting to experiment with colour and boldness, Lawson Robb, another of Allect Design Group’s three founding members, will be able to implement a vast array of shapes, colours and decorative details in order to produce results unlike anything ever seen before. And, under Iain’s watchful eye, you’ll be whisked into a design that is both sleek and eye-catching. Nothing will be able to compare to the vivid and contemporary ideas that the team will be able to produce for you, and you’ll have a clear understanding of any materials, quirky shapes and organic textures that Lawson Robb may utilise throughout the design process. If you can imagine it, Iain can oversee the entire project to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want. Though Allect Design Group and its brands operate internationally, on a variety of interiors, what if you’re wanting a property that adheres to traditional British elegance? The final brand that unites the trinity of Allect Design Group’s founding members, Helen Green, specialises in comprehensive luxury interior designs that focuses on combining British architecture with modern luxury. It’s synonymous with creating multilayered interiors, with its residences each adopting a personal approach that’ll have you feeling as in control as the design team is. And, with personalised levels of service offered to private clients, Helen Green, alongside Allect Design Group, is able to put the ‘personal’ in ‘personal space’. Iain Johnson truly is a remarkable man, with both a knack for interior design, and a mastery of customer service. Each client he works with will feel as valued as the next, and such a service lends itself to Iain’s most recent award title of Most Influential International Interior Design Group CEO of the Year 2023 – London. Iain’s prowess in the field is second to none within London, and his definition of luxury will match yours, regardless of your request. From properties to yachts, Iain has a keen awareness of how to establish a lavish design that caters to your every desire and will do so with intense passion. Above all else, Iain’s dedication to his clients’ experiences is what allows him to truly enrich their journeys, and Allect Design Group acts as a fantastic conduit for his devotion to the craft. If it’s a luxury interior that you’re looking for, born from the mind of a man who has you at the forefront of the creative process, there’s no person better for the job than Iain. He’ll ensure you exit the process with a property that’s unlike any other in the world and will do so with an unrivalled devotion to your satisfaction. Perfection has never been so easy to achieve. Contact: Iain Johnson Company: Allect Design Group Web Address: https://allect.com/
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 14 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2023 20 lobal 13 is a sport, entertainment and culture business advisory and consultancy firm with a clear mission: to help extraordinary organisations deliver sport, entertainment and culture experiences that inspire the world. Collectively as leaders and consultants, the team at Global 13 has advised, developed and activated exciting and ground-breaking strategies and projects for national and regional governments, major city projects, and governing bodies of sport, entertainment and culture. “Our experience and knowledge ensures we deliver strategies and project solutions that are aligned to our clients’ vision and ambitions and position them for success,” explains Jason Harborow, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are committed to excellence, and we like to deliver projects that make a difference and have impact – we like to be creative and change the way people think and ultimately deliver projects.” With a career spanning 36 years, Jason has worked globally in a variety of senior leadership roles for major sports, cultural, entertainment, tourism, education, and technology organisations, and he is passionate about sport. Of his leadership style, Jason says, “I have always enjoyed being a member of a team and playing sport all my life has been important. I learned so much on the sports field, my skills are transferrable. I enjoy the responsibility of leadership, helping to grow people, their confidence, ability, etc. It’s very rewarding.” Combined, the team at Global 13 have more than 150 years’ worth of experience dedicated to working in the global sport, entertainment and culture business. At Global 13, the USP is response time, and the firm ensures that it is always there for the client, no matter the time zone. Working on many high profile and confidential projects, Global 13 is proud to be the expert on some of the highest profile projects, on a global scale. Much like on the sports field, the team at Global 13 plays a key role, supporting c-suite leaders to drive and develop content, reports, marketing and commercial activity across the sports, A Sporting Chance With its experience and knowledge, Global 13 ensures it delivers strategies and project solutions that are aligned to its clients’ vision and ambitions to position them for success. Its CEO, Jason Harborow, tells us more as he wins Most Influential Global Sport & Entertainment Business Consultancy CEO of the Year 2023 – UK. entertainment, and culture market. The team provides the foundations for each company to achieve their ambitions and become a front runner in the industry. Jason tells us more about the key qualities he looks for when searching for new talent. He adds, “Creative thinking is one of the most important,” he states. “Solutions aren’t simple, and we need someone to think outside the box. Another quality we look for in new talent is the ability to take initiative when leading projects and to be open and ask questions. This helps us to challenge ourselves to improve as a company and produce high-quality work.” An inner culture of integrity and empathy is of the upmost importance and the very fabric of who the company is and how it approaches business. Global 13 understands the needs of clients, employees, and partners to empower them to achieve success is of the utmost importance, especially in such a fast-paced industry. Speaking of fast-paced, things can change very quickly in the sports world, along with which can come a raft of problems and challenges. Jason and the team have adapted to become proactive, reactive, and flexible to meet the needs and demands of the constantly changing market. Whilst the sports, entertainment and tourism industries were greatly affected by COVID-19, their re-activation has been incredibly strong, and Global 13 even found positive outcomes from the Covid-19 pandemic, including the adaptation to remote working – which has allowed the team to be well positioned for the future. More recently Jason was recognised in the Most Influential CEO Awards and bestowed with the title of Most Influential Global Sport & Entertainment Business Consultancy CEO of the Year 2023 – UK. As an incredibly ambitious CEO, Jason is developing the foundations to expand the business into new markets and territories. One market it is specifically targeting for growth is the Middle East, and he tells us the rationale behind this. “We already do the majority of our work in the region, and we see the enormous potential across several key sectors including sports, entertainment and culture” he explains. “Also, our Global Beach Sports concept is a key focus for us in 2023. The free-to-attend event aims to promote health and fitness amongst the community and activate coastal towns. It is our goal to reach and positively impact as many people as possible in 2023 and beyond.” Contact: Jason Harborow Company: Global 13 Web Address: https://global-13.com Feb23104 G
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 15 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2023 21 Mar22259 Putting Members First As a modern day mutual, Shepherds Friendly is owned by its members, not shareholders, which means its profits are returned to them. CEO, Ann-Marie O’Dea tells us that, while the organisations’ plans and services evolve, its principles of mutuality will always remain. We find out more as she celebrates receiving recognition as Most Influential Personal Investment & Insurance CEO 2023 – Northern England. Shepherds Friendly is a friendly society that offers simple savings and insurance plans to its members. The organisation was formed on Christmas Day in 1826, based on offering mutually beneficial savings and protection for its members. The modern, technologically advanced Shepherds Friendly of today still maintains its founding mission to be there for its members in their time of need, and the firm’s proposition is based on the three core values of doing the right thing, working together, and making a difference. “CEO Ann-Marie O’Dea explains “whether its in the area of technological innovation to add value to members experience; or through our people contributing to society through charitable intiatives, our values are indoctrinated into everything we do.” When Ann-Marie started her career at Shepherds Friendly she brought with her a wealth of marketing experience. It was a very different company back then and has since grown in all areas – member and staff numbers, as well as the value of our assets. “I was very lucky that the previous CEO took on the role of mentoring me,” she elaborates. “He was looking for someone with the experience to push the organisation to the next level and he put his faith in me to realise those goals. When the time came for him to step down, he put me forward to the Board as his successor, and since then I’ve been working to realise that vision of modernising the company throughout, ensuring our members are at the heart of everything we do”. Ann-Marie’s leadership style is relaxed and informal. With a head office occupying a very open space, Ann-Marie and the Senior Management team all sit among the firm’s dedicated team of employees with the aim to always be approachable to all of its people. “I believe that my management style allows me to keep my finger on the pulse of the company and to be there for all members of the team,” Ann-Marie continues. “Early on in my career, one of my very first bosses said, “To be successful, you really need to be true to yourself”, and that’s what I’ve tried to do throughout.” As all members own the society, and there are no shareholders, everything is done for the benefit of the membership and the organisation’s ethos as a mutual gives it a different approach, meaning it can spend time and energy on understanding its members and how it can help them. Over the years, Ann-Marie and the team have worked on enhancing the member experience through new technological developments, such as providing online access to their plans, opening new avenues for them to contact the company (for example, through web forms or online chats), and introducing paperless communications, all of which has helped to provide reassurance to members during the uncertainties of the past few years. Recently, Ann-Marie was recognised for the achievements of Shepherds Friendly by being awarded the prestigious accolade of Most Influential Personal Investment & Insurance CEO 2023 – Northern England in the Most Influential CEO Awards. Despite her overwhelming success, Ann-Marie humbly attributes this achievement to the dedicated team which surrounds her, explaining that every single member is pivotal to the firm’s success. “Our people make a huge difference, and their input is actively encouraged and welcome”, she enthuses. “It’s a team effort and we are all working towards the same goals. “We also have a great Board who are inclusive and involved with our people, and I think that makes our culture what it is.” Now, as the future beckons, Ann-Marie plans to maintain the organisation’s momentum and ensure that the culture of the society thrives, as well as continuing to make a difference and enhance the lives of both its people and its members. Contact: Ann-Marie O’Dea Company: Shepherds Friendly Web: https://shepherdsfriendly.co.uk Feb23131
CEO MONTHLY / MOST INFLUENTIAL CEO AWARDS 2023 16 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2023 23 Trading Places One Global Market Limited provides a world-class trading experience where clients can trade CFDs on exclusive instruments, including indices, commodities, currencies, and stocks. Recently recognised in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023, Naji Karak tells us more about the company. One Global Market (OGM) is an FCA regulated broker that has earned international recognition for its dedication to fulfilling the needs of traders. The platform is designed with traders in mind, incorporating essential trading tools and dependable customer support from the ground up. The aim for OGM is to be the preferred destination for traders seeking to fulfill their trading requirements. The firm caters to a broad spectrum of clients, including individual retail traders, institutional professional traders, hedge funds, and corporations, each with unique needs, goals, and risk appetites. To effectively serve them, it offers a range of personalised and tailored services. These include competitive pricing, a diverse range of tradable instruments, advanced trading platforms, tools, and exceptional customer support, with a focus on providing a comprehensive range of assets and cuttingedge trading technology. “OGM is committed to enhancing the accessibility of trading by providing traders with cutting-edge tools, and our objective is to deliver an exceptional trading experience that enables traders to build the skills, confidence, and trust necessary for success,” explains Naji Karak, the firm’s CEO. “Our core values are centered around offering outstanding customer support and implementing state-of-the-art technology.” At OGM, providing exceptional customer support is not only a key strength but also a foundational principle of the business. Irrespective of the industry, customers expect and deserve personalised and knowledgeable assistance, and the support team is dedicated to delivering courteous, proficient service to ensure clients’ overall satisfaction. Prior to joining OGM, Naji was MENA Head of Sales at FXCM US. Primarily focused on leading teams of the firm’s relationship development of new and existing customers, he worked closely with the firm’s partners to evaluate new opportunities. “Effective leadership in our industry requires a combination of strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to foster a positive culture,” he elaborates, speaking of his own personal leadership style. “I have a clear vision of the company’s goals and the ability to communicate it effectively to employees, investors, and other stakeholders.” Over the years, the forex industry has evolved rapidly, driven by technological advancements, and shifting market trends. As a result, Naji tells us that his leadership style has had to adapt to these changes, including having to embrace digital transformation, prioritise cybersecurity, and develop strategies to compete in a global market. “My management style evolved over the years to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.” he continues. “It is required in our organisation from top to bottom to prioritize ethical behavior, transparency, and social responsibility in our decision-making processes.” At OGM, the dedicated team of employees are vital to the success of the firm as they provide the expertise and services that the clients require, maintain a positive company image, build strong client relationships, and contribute to business growth and profitability. Naji tells us that the internal culture is characterised by innovation, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. “We promote open communication, mutual respect, and continuous improvement, which leads to higher employee engagement, productivity, and performance. Additionally, we strive to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by emphasizing the importance of diversity, creativity, and personal growth within our work environment. “Ultimately, our success depends on the talent, dedication, and teamwork of our employees.” In the industry, brokers face a multitude of challenges both currently and in the future. Among these challenges is the intense competition in the market, which necessitates continuous innovation and differentiation to attract and retain clients. Regulatory and compliance requirements also pose a challenge, as brokers must comply with ever-increasing regulations and requirements that can be costly to implement. “The firm had to contend with market volatility and geopolitical events that at times impacted our trading volumes and profitability,” elaborates Naji. “As a result, managing risk effectively became critical. Additionally, we had to keep up with technological advancements and offer cutting-edge trading platforms and tools to stay ahead of the competition.” Recently, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the industry, Naji gained recognition in the Most Influential CEO Awards, being named Most Influential Brokerage Services CEO, 2023 – London. With regards to OGM, he tells us that it is soon to undergo a Change in Control, which will allow for additional investment in the firm. This, in turn, will enable the company to pursue its technological and personnel ambitions to become the preferred broker for its clients. On a more personal level, Naji plans to build upon his current experience by focusing on several key areas, these being innovation, expansion, compliance, client relationship management, and talent development. “By focusing on these areas, we aim to build upon our current success, increase our market share, and become a leading broker of choice for clients globally.” Contact: Naji Karak Company: One Global Market Limited Web: www.ogm.market Feb23141
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