Day: December 2, 2024

The financial services industry has been at the forefront of technology adoption. The intersection of finance and technology (fintech) is ripe with possibilities. The consequences of deploying technology solutions can be readily observed, and technology initiatives attract a high degree of investment from the financial services industry.  The opportunity to traverse the dimensions of technology, finance, and people management attracted Vinayak Bhat to the fintech industry and has sustained his interest over the years.

Vinayak’s fintech journey in the last 25 years has included leadership roles in software engineering, program management, consulting, sales, and P&L management.  He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Surat, India, and upon graduation joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business processes.  He got an opportunity to move to the US and live there for nearly 10 years, consulting for some major Wall Street firms based in New York and New Jersey.

After the stint at TCS, he took a break to pursue a full-time MBA at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and subsequently joined FactSet Research Systems to head its India business. Vinayak moved to Singapore in 2016 to head up Southeast Asia alongside South Asia and later took up the responsibility for the APAC business of FactSet. In April 2024, he joined Charles River Development, a State Street company.

The Company

State Street is a global leader across investment servicing, global markets and financing, and investment management.

State Street Alpha®, the business vertical that Vinayak is a part of, helps asset managers and asset owners unify and simplify their investment processes. By providing aggregated data, advanced analytics, and real-time insights, State Street Alpha facilitates seamless collaboration, accelerates integration of workflows, and enhances decision-making capabilities for users. Firms can manage all investment products and business lines from a single cross-enterprise interface.

Integral to the State Street Alpha Platform is Charles River’s Investment Management Solution, which helps automate and simplify the investment process across asset classes, from portfolio management and risk analytics through trading and post-trade settlement, with integrated compliance and managed data throughout. Charles River’s partner ecosystem enables clients to access the data, analytics, application, and liquidity providers that support their product and asset class mix.

“The uniqueness of State Street Alpha’s front-to-back platform is unmatched in the industry.  There are providers in the industry that offer best-of-the-breed solutions or a portion of front-to-back solutions; however, Alpha is well-differentiated in its front-to-back coverage and embrace of open architecture that offers ready integration with partner ecosystems,” asserts Vinayak.

Leading the Team

In his role, Vinayak is responsible for all aspects of Charles River’s Asia Pac business – which includes client relationship management, sales, service delivery, operations, and product enhancement.  He also has commercial oversight for the business in the Middle East.
Having just finished the first 90-day period in the role this month, Vinayak has had the opportunity to meet most of the clients and most of the colleagues based in the APAC region.  Meeting stakeholders face-to-face and listening to them firsthand about the opportunities and challenges in the regional business has been very helpful in developing a very grounded view of the business.

This has also been a period when Vinayak has been developing an understanding of the team he heads and is working to tap the best that the team has to offer while continuing to nudge the team to improve along the way.  For that to happen, he feels it is important to understand what drives people.  As a leader, he believes, he must go beyond the obvious aspects of competencies – centered around knowledge, skills, and behaviour — and try to understand people more deeply in terms of what motivates them and the things they value and cherish.  That makes it possible to engage with the minds and hearts of the people in one’s team.  

“At the very core, what people in general want revolves around similar themes – being able to create meaningful value and being acknowledged for it, a path to progress and “become more”, and a sense of workplace community that makes them feel like they belong. The degree to which a leader can foster these aspects determines the success of one’s leadership,” he says.

On the aspect of his communication style, Vinayak feels that listening is perhaps one of the most underrated life skills.  As a leader, he advises that active listening helps develop a deep understanding of people but is only effective when one is genuinely interested in what others have to say rather than being preoccupied with one’s own thoughts and how one wants to respond.

“In one-on-one communication, I often use the mantra “You can’t tell anything to anyone unless they are prepared to hear it”.  This is especially important in crucial conversations where the stakes are high, and emotions run deep.  Taking the audience along the route of successive steps where they can engage meaningfully at each stage is critical to get the message across and be understood the way one wants to be understood,” he explains.

View on Adversity

One of Vinayak’s all-time favorite quotes is –

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances” – Victor Frankl

Vinayak believes that adversity is inherent in one’s journey. Key is to accept it – at a deep emotional level – which equips one to deal with adversities effectively when they occur. Reflecting on his own journey, he thinks that the adversities taught him some very valuable lessons – salient one being the mindset to focus on elements that one can influence and control and not dwell on the elements that are outside the sphere of influence. “There is much that is unknown and unknowable about the future. It helps a great deal to accept that and become comfortable with it” he says.

Solutions Backed by Technology

Technology is at the front and center of what they do at Charles River and State Street Alpha.  The company has adopted a cloud-centric approach to its solutions that makes it possible to scale the business as its clients expand their footprint and tackle the increasing complexity of the technology landscape. There has been a big push for the adoption of large language models and generative AI to improve productivity, reduce operational risk, and make it easier to harness organizational intelligence.
 
The starting point for any AI solution is making sure that clients have access to clean data. Alpha Data Platform (ADP), a key aspect of State Street Alpha’s proposition, is a cloud-native and AI-enabled data management solution, that provides a foundation for capturing, curating, and distributing data critical to driving investment processes and operational efficiencies. 

“Further, we have deployed AI-enabled engines quite effectively to detect data anomalies and help clients achieve significant improvement in productivity.  In the near future, we will deploy gen AI-enabled Co-Pilots that clients can use to ask questions and have the AI engine gather intelligence and present insights in near real-time,” shares Vinayak.

Assessing Trends and getting ready for the future

Vinayak observes that the complexity that State Street Alpha’s clients in the investment management industry face will continue to increase.  With the proliferation of data sources, the demand for asset management firms to connect the dots across disparate systems will increase.  The market pressure to continue to produce fund performance justifying the management fees, pressure to manage the total cost of ownership (TCO) and the need to get better at managing the operational risk will create further momentum to adopt innovative solutions.  The trend of increasing interest in private markets is likely to continue and the allocation to private market assets is likely to increase further.

State Street Alpha along with Charles River’s Investment Management Solution is in a great position to help clients navigate these challenges.  The connectivity across the front, the middle, and the back office that State Street Alpha offers along with the solution for private markets makes it possible to create a whole of-funds view -across public and private markets; alongside the ecosystem to harness organizational intelligence and manage complexity. “There is a great opportunity ahead of us, with a clear need in the investment management and asset owner industry for an integrated solution across the front, middle, and back offices.  State Street Alpha platform is very well positioned to help address the challenge” assures Vinayak.

Speaking about the future plans, he says, “Over the next few years, I expect to spend considerable time taking the offerings of the firm to clients, helping them realize the benefits of our solution.  I also expect to enrich myself professionally with new experiences. One of the greatest pleasures of leadership roles is enabling the growth of one’s teams.  It is very fulfilling to help team members find their calling, pursue their professional dreams, and realize their potential.”

Quote: “What I enjoy the most is the intersection of technology, finance domain, and people management.”

To be designed in PDF:

Accolades
In the past 12 months, State Street has received several awards globally, some of which are:
–          Securities Finance Times Industry Excellence Awards 2024 – State Street was named Asian Lender of the Year and Operations Team of the Year.
–          HFM Asian Services Awards 2024 – State Street was recognized as Best Administrator – Over US$30 billion Single Manager.
–          The Asset Triple A Sustainable Investing Awards 2024 – State Street was recognized as Best in Securities Lending for the 10th consecutive year, Best Global Custodian, International Clients for the second consecutive year, and Best in Collateral Management
–          Global Custodian Leaders in Custody Asia Awards – State Street’s partnership with United Overseas Bank Asset Management (UOBAM) to provide custody, investment administration, and data management services was recognized as the Asset Servicing Deal of the Year (Editors’ Choice).
–          Global Custodian Editor’s Choice Awards – State Street Alpha® for ETF issuers was recognized as the ETF Initiative of the Year.
–          ETF Express US ETF Awards – State Street was recognized as Best ETF Custodian, Best Overall ETF Administrator, Best ETF Administrator – Equity ETFs and Best ETF Administrator – Fixed Income ETFs

The aviation fuel market was valued at USD 219.79 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 793.62 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Globally, various aviation fuels power both commercial and military aircraft. The rise in air traffic, especially in emerging nations, coupled with volatile crude oil prices, drives the evolution of the aviation fuel market. As the number of airline passengers increases, so does the demand for aviation fuel, particularly in developing countries.

However, the ever-growing demand beats the supply as of now. Add to it, the growing concern regarding the environment. The rise in air traffic means a surge in emissions and carbon footprint. There’s a growing focus on biofuels to reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector. Airplanes, responsible for 2 percent of global carbon emissions, lag significantly behind cars and power plants in transitioning away from fossil fuels. The challenge lies in creating batteries that are lightweight yet powerful for jets using electricity.

The most practical approach, as of now, for the airline industry is to use cleaner fuels known as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). However, the availability of SAF falls far short of meeting the industry’s fuel requirements. In the United States, last year’s production of sustainable fuel accounted for less than 0.2 percent of the airline industry’s jet fuel consumption Industry players are closely monitoring renewable aviation fuels.

Swiss-based iFuel AG promotes Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by investing in its production and distribution and offering it as a renewable alternative to traditional jet fuel. The company works closely with suppliers and partners to ensure a steady supply of SAF, helping airlines reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals. iFuel’s role in greening the aviation industry involves supporting the transition to a greener future through eco-friendly initiatives and collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable practices.

“We are committed to raising awareness about the benefits of SAF and advocating for policies that support its adoption. By leading by example and demonstrating the feasibility and advantages of SAF, we aim to drive the industry towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices,” says the Founder and CEO, Rinad El-Rabaa.

Global Aviation Services

iFuel AG is a global aviation services company with headquarters in Cham and representative offices in Barcelona, London, Dubai, and Riyadh. It offers worldwide aviation fuel supply, wholesale Jet A1 delivery, complete trip support, and air charter services. Its uniqueness lies in its innovative solutions and the ability to identify and cater to specific market niches. It forms strategic partnerships and ensures strict regulatory compliance, all while maintaining a customer-centric approach.

iFuel’s investment in talent and technology allows it to adapt swiftly to industry changes and client needs. It works directly with over 170 suppliers globally, offering the best deals on sustainable and jet aviation fuel, which allows it to deliver services wherever its clients need them. This comprehensive network and iFuel’s commitment to excellence and sustainability distinguish it in the competitive aviation services market.

The Leader

An entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for driving success and fostering growth inspired Rinad to establish iFuel AG in 2009.

Rinad is a service-driven executive with a robust background in international fuel sales and brokerage within the global aviation sector. His professional journey began with roles at Natalco Airlines UAE, Jet Aero Fuels, and World Fuel Services, where he honed his expertise in navigating the complexities of the aviation fuel market. These experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the industry’s dynamics and the critical role of efficient fuel management.

Rinad’s vision for iFuel AG is to be a forward-thinking and industry-leading fuel and trip support management company, setting the standard for excellence, sustainability, and innovation in the aviation industry. By continuously evolving and embracing new technologies and practices, he aims to ensure that iFuel AG not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our clients and partners, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient aviation sector.

Steering the Company from Challenges to Opportunities

The initial challenges Rinad and his team faced were multifaceted and included regulatory compliance, rising fuel costs, technological disruption, environmental sustainability, global economic uncertainty, cybersecurity threats, and talent shortages. Overcoming these challenges required a proactive and strategic approach. They invested in robust compliance management systems to navigate regulatory complexities and ensure adherence to industry standards.

To manage rising fuel costs, iFuel employed hedging strategies and diversified its fuel procurement sources. Embracing digital transformation helped Rinad and his team to mitigate technological disruptions and enhance operational efficiency. Their commitment to environmental sustainability led them to adopt sustainable practices and invest in the promotion and distribution of SAF. To address global economic uncertainties, they diversified their revenue streams and built financial reserves. They also implemented robust cybersecurity measures to protect their data and systems. Lastly, they focused on attracting and retaining top talent through comprehensive workforce development programs and by fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Leading with Innovation

Rinad’s working style can be described as entrepreneurial, service-driven, and strategic. He believes in leading by example and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. As CEO, he has introduced several unique and fresh ideas to enhance iFuel’s operations and service offerings. These include innovative fuel management solutions that streamline and optimize fuel procurement and distribution.

As a Founder & CEO, the main challenges he faces include navigating regulatory complexities, managing rising fuel costs, and addressing environmental sustainability. These challenges require strategic planning and a proactive approach to mitigate risks and seize opportunities. However, these challenges also present significant opportunities to innovate and lead the industry towards more sustainable practices.
Rinad has spearheaded iFuel’s expansion into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), positioning iFuel AG as a leader in the promotion and distribution of eco-friendly fuel alternatives. Another significant initiative is the development of a digital fueling platform that digitizes and automates fueling operations, improving efficiency and accuracy. These initiatives, coupled with a strong emphasis on building relationships with clients and partners, have strengthened iFuel’s market position and set the stage for future growth and innovation.

Creating an Amazing Team and Work Environment

When assembling a team at iFuel AG, Rinad and the core members look for individuals who demonstrate expertise in their respective fields, a strong commitment to customer service, and a passion for innovation. Team members should also exhibit adaptability, resilience, and a collaborative mindset.

“We value those who can contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional value and fostering long-term partnerships with our clients. Additionally, we seek individuals who are proactive problem solvers, and able to navigate the complexities of the aviation industry with creativity and strategic thinking. By building a diverse and skilled team, we ensure that iFuel AG remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our clients and the market,” shares Rinad.

The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture by promoting open communication, encouraging creative problem-solving, and investing in continuous learning and development. iFuel has implemented regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions where employees can share ideas and collaborate on projects. The management also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and recognizes and rewards contributions that drive innovation and excellence within the company. By providing opportunities for professional growth and development, they ensure that the employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the company’s success.

Additionally, iFuel fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect, where diverse perspectives are valued and all employees feel empowered to contribute to the shared goals. It encourages diversity and inclusion by promoting an inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. It strives to attract and retain a diverse workforce by offering equal opportunities for growth and development and fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

“We have implemented policies and practices that support diversity and inclusion, such as inclusive hiring practices, diversity training programs, and employee resource groups. By creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued, we can leverage the diverse perspectives and experiences of our team to drive innovation and achieve our business goals,” says Rinad.

Leveraging Technology

iFuel leverages technology through digital transformation initiatives, including developing a digital fueling platform that automates fueling operations, and implementing data analytics and predictive algorithms for fuel management. It is embracing advanced technologies like AI and blockchain to enhance efficiency and transparency. These technologies enable iFuel to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.

“By harnessing the power of technology, we can better meet the needs of our clients and stay ahead of industry trends. Additionally, we use technology to enhance communication and collaboration within our team, ensuring that we can respond quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and client requirements,” asserts Rinad.

Staying Agile in Turbulent Times

iFuel AG navigates industry complexities by staying abreast of regulatory changes, adopting robust compliance management systems, and fostering a culture of safety and regulatory awareness. Additionally, it diversifies its revenue streams, adjusts capacity in response to market conditions, and maintains financial reserves to weather economic downturns. iFuel AG’s proactive approach to risk management and its commitment to operational excellence ensures that it can navigate challenges effectively and continue to deliver high-quality services to its clients. It also engages with industry stakeholders and participates in industry forums to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices.

iFuel AG ensures agility and adaptability by investing in continuous learning and development, embracing technological advancements, and fostering a culture of innovation and resilience. It continuously monitors market trends to anticipate and respond to changes effectively. Its flexible and responsive organizational structure allows it to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and client needs. “By staying proactive and open to change, we can ensure that iFuel AG remains at the forefront of the aviation services industry,” shares Rinad.

Sharing the challenges hindering the progress of the aviation industry, he further points out regulatory compliance, rising fuel costs, environmental sustainability, and technological disruption. He believes that potential solutions involve investing in digital transformation, adopting sustainable practices, leveraging alternative fuels like SAF, and forming strategic partnerships to enhance resources and expertise.

“By embracing innovation and staying ahead of industry trends, we can overcome these challenges and drive progress in the aviation industry. Additionally, collaboration with industry stakeholders and advocacy for supportive policies can help address regulatory and sustainability challenges,” says Rinad.

Expanding Globally

Rinad and iFuel AG’s next big goals include expanding the company’s global footprint, advancing digital transformation initiatives, and leading the industry in sustainability efforts. The global expansion strategy is centered around forming strategic partnerships, alliances, and collaborations with airlines, airports, and fuel suppliers worldwide. By extending iFuel’s reach and strengthening its presence in key aviation hubs, Rinad aims to offer consistent, high-quality services on a global scale.

Additionally, iFuel will invest in digital transformation initiatives to enhance efficiency, transparency, and scalability. This includes further development of its digital fueling platform and leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain to streamline operations and improve service delivery. It will also continue to explore new markets and identify opportunities to expand its service offerings, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the aviation services industry.

Summing up the efforts, Rinad concludes, “We plan to tackle challenges by continuing to innovate, investing in talent and technology, and forming strategic partnerships to drive growth and success. By staying committed to our vision and leveraging our expertise and resources, we can navigate challenges effectively and achieve our goals. We will also continue to engage with industry stakeholders and participate in industry forums to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices.”

To the budding entrepreneurs:

“My advice to budding entrepreneurs is to stay committed to your vision, embrace innovation, and build strong relationships with your stakeholders. Be adaptable, and resilient, and always prioritize delivering exceptional value to your customers. Invest in continuous learning and development and stay abreast of industry trends to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively. Remember that success requires hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from your experiences and adapt to changing circumstances.”

“One quote I live by is, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” This quote, attributed to Steve Jobs, inspires me to continuously innovate and lead by example in the aviation industry. It reminds me of the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and embracing new ideas and technologies to drive progress and success. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, we can ensure that iFuel AG remains a leader in the aviation services industry.

Global Services:

iFuel AG stands out as an innovative global aviation service supplier, using cutting-edge technology and sustainable fuel options to provide flexible, client-focused solutions. Its commitment to excellence and adaptability makes it a valuable partner in the aviation industry. It offers a range of solutions for the aviation industry:

1. Fuel Services: iFuel AG ensures that the client’s bulk aviation fuel needs are met promptly. With a solid network of jet fuel suppliers, it delivers the quality and quantity of fuel required. It also explores sustainable fuel options to reduce the carbon footprint of its clients’ flights.
2. Trip Support: iFuel’s trip support services offer a bespoke approach to flight planning. The experienced team pre-empts issues and overcomes unexpected problems, from changing regulations to weather considerations. The company brings all the pieces of the puzzle together, ensuring seamless travel experiences.
3. Aircraft Refueling: iFuel takes personalized care of client’s aircraft refueling requirements. Leveraging an extensive global chain of fuel suppliers, it optimizes service delivery based on industry experience. It even offers sustainable fuel options, striving to exceed client expectations.
4. Concierge Services: iFuel’s exclusive concierge service caters to luxury travelers. From securing tickets for coveted events to seamless transfers and exquisite hotel bookings, iFuel tailors every detail to client preferences, allowing them to relax and indulge in every moment of their journey.
5. Boutique Private Jet Charter: For those who demand fast, efficient, and personalized service, iFuel offers boutique private jet charter solutions. iFuel’s innovative approach, combined with 24/7 wraparound support, ensures a premium experience while saving clients time and worry.
6. Global Fuel Support: iFuel’s impressive global fuel supplier network ensures that it meets the client’s aviation fuel needs while providing financial savings and premium service.

“The growing demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) provides an opportunity to expand iFuel’s market presence and promote eco-friendly alternatives.”
Quote: “Technological advancements offer us opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery.”

“By staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging our expertise and resources, we can navigate the challenges and capitalize on opportunities to drive growth and success.”

Our body, an impeccable machine, is a tool for us to carry out our ordinary and extraordinary works on this planet. How we treat it is of utmost importance to lead a healthy, happy, and content life. However, more often than not, we get into the trap of achieving ‘that perfect body’ which might or might not be our true requirement. Under social pressure, we often push our bodies to extremes which may prove to be unhealthier than we thought. This is why, taking expert advice, when it comes to maintaining optimal weight and good health is crucial.

Naturhouse helps people reach and maintain their target weight with the support of a personal coach. With their free and professional help, one can naturally acquire a healthy lifestyle.

Simple and Effective

The Naturhouse Method is simple and yet absolutely brilliant: alimentary education, provided for free on a weekly base by nutrition professionals, plus nutraceuticals: the client receives a weekly diet really easy to follow and pays only for the supplements.

Naturhouse has emerged as by far the most effective, 100% natural, and affordable approach to weight management in the market.
“With the great difference to give since the first meeting with any single client the cultural tools to maintain the results in the long term as we teach them how to eat appropriately according to their own lifestyle, that we do our best to improve week by week,” says Raffaello Pellegrini, CEO.

Raffaello joined the company in 2005, and started to develop from scratch the Italian retail network reaching 500 openings within 60 months; in 2015, when the company was listed on the Madrid stock exchange, the Italian market was the second of the company by turnover, and on top the Italian branch had the best EBITDA.

A few months ago, after 18 years, and after colonizing other countries as International Director of Development, the founder Felix Revuelta appointed him CEO, and now he has full responsibility for all the operations worldwide.

A Tough Journey

After studying business administration in Milan, Raffaello’s professional training ground was the Cuba of the tourism-related economic boom in the late 1990s, first managing a personal investment in the hotel industry himself, later reselling his know-how to tour operators of different countries, then finally acting as a trojan horse for some US based universities (USC and Michigan) eager to send students from their business schools to study the peculiarities of the economy of a communist country.

Upon his return to Italy, after a brief stint as commercial director of a large advertising agency, he accepted the proposal of a Spanish company, seeking a manager with fluent Spanish and previous entrepreneurial experience, to develop from scratch an innovative business format of weight management based on herbal products, an opportunity that he accepted even though he had never before entered an herbalist shop in his entire life.

In the beginning, Raffaello had at least a couple of big mountains to climb: the first was that the brand was totally unknown, and the second, the highest by far, was that the business idea was not legal. It wasn’t outlawed, but the idea was so new there was no law to regulate it, and for this reason, it was very easy for the competitors to report them to local market authorities.

With the help of his wife, Silvia, a lawyer, after 5 years the business format was finally 100% legal as a regulation custom-made for their business was finally created, also to grant the over 1.000 job opportunities created in the meantime.

“Developing the Naturhouse network in Italy I survived so many challenges that I had to write a book about it, called “From zero to 500” (500 is the number of shops opened in the first 5 years) which is now a best seller in Italy in the franchising books niche,” shares Raffaello.

He learned more by errors and bad experiences as it always happens, as such a long career in the same company has not been always as smooth as silk. But Raffaello learned a lot, bit by bit, also from all the people he met during this great professional journey, always trying to find profiles better than himself to add to his team. “I’m proud that the hard core of my pivotal colleagues is still with me after more than 15 years of daily passionate hard work. This is for sure the best recognition I received, and keep receiving daily, as a leader, and what I started to apply to all the other branches (we’re presently operating in 24 countries worldwide) since I was appointed as CEO of the group,” he shares.

Innovative and Personalized Solutions

It was company founder Felix Revuelta who had the insight 30 years ago that overweight and obesity would have become a worldwide pandemic problem, inventing the Naturhouse method and the first line of nutraceuticals focused on weight management. Naturhouse is a revolutionary model in the diet industry, which is almost totally based on the “rebound effect”: They don’t explain why you gained weight and how your body will allow you to get rid of it, only offering you a short-term solution knowing that in a few months, you’ll return with the same problem or bigger. Naturhouse’s approach is completely the opposite: starting with the first meeting with every client they start with how to eat better according to their lifestyle, giving them the chance not only to solve the overweight problem, but also the alimentary know-how to maintain the results in the long term.

Raffaello’s contribution at the beginning, developing Italy starting with the very first shop, was to realize the fine-tuning of the business opportunity for the Italian market, to choose the right people for his team, and to create a winning strategy to develop the network. “And now, on a daily base, to keep doing my best to have my team focused on our mission to deliver results to our clients and to have happier franchisees possible,” he says.

Quality and Affordability

Naturhouse has a unique business format and provides free weekly dietary education and affordable nutraceuticals. The real secret, explains Raffaello, of their system is their capacity to find and train talents in the nutrition world, as their added value is the professional effort of their nutritionist, always cost-free, and their capacity to build long-term empathic relations with the clients, nurturing them, delivering results in terms of losing overweight but also, even more important, giving them the chance to have a better life in terms of quality. And probably longer for obese people.

No doubt that in this business Naturhouse represents the most ethical approach to weight management, due not only to the affordability of their products in terms of retail price but to the fact that they teach people how to maintain results in the long term. And this is priceless.

Driven by Passion

Raffaello has been with Naturhouse for over 18 years. He is more passionate about the way he does his job than the job itself. “I’m totally in love with the franchising system, the perfect way to make business being your boss but at the same time lowering the entrepreneurial risk at minimum as you’re applying consolidated retail know-how and you’re 100% supported in terms of training and marketing,” he says.

He feels that the only way to franchisee seriously is to make your franchisee happy giving them the chance to make money out of their investment, a goal that you can reach only if you try to do your job better every day, not losing any chance to make your business format every day better.

Aligning the Personal and Organizational Mission

The most difficult part for Raffaello is keeping his body coherent with his mission and not gaining overweight. It seems extremely challenging for someone always traveling like him: more than 100 flights last year, and eating at home as a rare event represent the worst combination of trying to have healthy alimentary habits, not to mention the lack of time to exercise regularly, the other indispensable cornerstone of a quality lifestyle. Regarding delivery results to franchisees, and shareholders, the daily commitment translated into hard work aimed to achieve always better results is the only way he knows to run the business.
“And numbers confirm it has been a good recipe, so far,” he adds.

Human First; Technology Next

Naturhouse is a ‘human to human’ service offering help to everybody to learn how to fight overweight, eat the proper way, and consolidate better alimentary habits to maintain the results in the long term. So, it will always be human-centric.

But technology can help them to optimize their business in many different ways, with new tools, apps, and miracle machines arriving every day in the market. Raffaello feels they have to be open to new tech opportunities, and try in their online and offline shops if they think they could be useful. If they get results, they’ll apply it to their franchisee shops as soon as they’re sure tools will represent an added value.
“But we’ll always have to keep our focus on finding the right people to train to implement our method,” he adds.

Planning Ahead

Raffaello’s personal next big goal is to write a second book whose title he has already decided: “From 500 to 5.000”
5 thousand Naturhouse shops worldwide is a reachable goal, considering that they’re still unknown in the biggest and “fattest” countries of the world. He thinks about the US, for example, where they have actually only one shop testing the market, and where within 2030 more than 50% of the population will be obese, or China, where even if the percentage of the overweight population is under 20% the number of potential clients is numerically higher than the whole US population.

“I still have a lot of work to do, and many great markets to colonize with the “Naturhouse method” as actually out of the 20 countries with the bigger population we are only operating in Mexico, where we signed the master franchising contract only last year.  The challenge has just begun! And being based on teaching people how to eat better, there’s no doubt that the “Naturhouse method” can be applied successfully everywhere. We have only to choose the right quality people to work with us and train them properly,” concludes Raffaello.

Quote: “Live as You’d have to die tomorrow, behave as You’d never die.”

Quote: “Our mission is to educate clients on eating habits, so they can reach and maintain a healthy weight.”

Quote: “After more than 30 years in business, we have almost 1,500 establishments in 25 countries worldwide and provide nutritional advice to more than 7 million people.”

Telio (stylized as tel.io), was founded in Hamburg, Germany 1998 and has more than two decades of dedicated experience in the global correctional facility environment. It develops, installs, and operates communications and media systems, including video interaction platforms, digital phone services for correctional facilities as well as digital services for inmates and staff.

A Worldwide Leader in Technology for The Criminal Justice Sector

In the early 2000s, Telio began with the straightforward objective of providing telecommunication services to inmates through secure hallway phone booths in selected German prisons. In a constantly evolving business landscape, it strives to embrace progress and innovation. It acknowledges the significant impact its work can have on the well-being and rehabilitation of individuals within the correctional system. By leveraging digitalization and advanced technologies, it aims to improve the living conditions in corrections, offering inmates hope, opportunities, and a pathway to a better future.
“We extend our services to regions where they are currently unavailable. For instance, we initiated a pilot project in 2019 at the largest prison in Namibia, located in Windhoek, where approximately 1,000 inmates now have access to hallway and in-cell telephony,” says Oliver Drews, CEO of Telio Group.

A Dedicated Leader

Oliver’s career began with a banking apprenticeship, equipping him with valuable financial industry insights. Little did he know that this background would lead him to make significant contributions in an entirely different field. Starting as a Managing Director and shareholder in 2004, he has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth.

Curiosity, innovation, and teamwork are at the heart of how Oliver works. He loves diving into new ideas and pushing the envelope to discover fresh perspectives. When tackling new challenges or tasks, he creates a team environment where open-mindedness and critical thinking are key.
“At Telio, we have the unique opportunity to work with a team of over 20 nationalities, making our team structure truly multicultural. By embracing diverse viewpoints and encouraging constructive feedback, we can craft inventive solutions and achieve significant progress,” explains Oliver.

Persistent in its Mission

At Telio, the mission has been to enhance life in prison through innovative communications. Today, they operate in more than 20 countries all over the world, providing advanced communication solutions to over 800 facilities. Telio’s guiding principle is to create modern socially responsible solutions for corrections that significantly improve the lives of inmates from their first day in detention. From the very beginning, the company paid attention to what correctional facilities, their inmates, and staff really need.
“If there is one lesson I have learned, it is the importance of staying persistent. In our sector, achieving goals can take longer due to legal regulations, tender processes, and other restrictions. A reliable network of partners is indispensable. This tenacity, combined with strong partnerships, has been crucial in driving our continuous progress and success in the industry,” states Oliver.
Telio’s exclusive focus on the prison sector has allowed it to specialize deeply and understand the unique needs of correctional facilities. This dedication has enabled the group to develop tailored solutions that address the specific challenges within this niche. By concentrating solely on prisons, Telio has built a strong reputation and expertise, which has facilitated its expansion into more than 20 countries.

Digitalization of The First German Women’s Correctional Facility

In May 2024 Telio launched its digital solution at the first women’s correctional facility in Berlin Pankow. This significant initiative aims to transform the culture within Berlin’s prisons for both correctional staff and inmates by converting paper-based communication and workflows into streamlined digital processes. Requests for visits and the regular, beloved shopping routines can now be handled without any paper. This digital shift brings a touch of normality from the outside world into the correctional environment.

As Oliver points out, the digital solution plays a crucial role in resocialization by integrating inmates into the modern technological landscape, thus preventing their exclusion from contemporary technical advancements. Additionally, digitization leads to significant time and cost savings, which is essential in addressing the current shortage of correctional staff.

Challenges in the Way

Oliver shares that introducing advanced technologies to correctional facilities involves overcoming challenges like resistance to change and ensuring security and privacy. Telio addressed these by establishing robust partnerships with jurisdictions, demonstrating the benefits of its solutions, and customizing its technologies to meet high-security standards. Telio does not see itself as merely providing telecommunication services to inmates; instead, it aims to bring services to jurisdictions that embrace rehabilitation.

“We work with jurisdictions that recognize the Mandela Rules and embrace the philosophy of a more humane approach. We ensure that our technologies contribute positively to the lives of inmates. By doing so, we align our services with the highest ethical and operational standards in the industry,” shares Oliver.

Ensuring Privacy and Security

Telio ensures the security and privacy of data while streamlining prison administration processes with new technologies. The group’s team is developing user-friendly tools, including the rapid and efficient handling of inmate requests and access to information.

Telio envisions a future beyond simple automation, aiming to replace paper-based processes with digital systems that incorporate Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for decision support. These advancements will accelerate processes and ensure decisions are made more accurately in alignment with policies. This not only enhances the inmate experience but also reduces the workload for correctional officers.

“By providing inmates with a sense of self-sufficiency and freedom of choice within a controlled environment, fast and efficient data exchange becomes essential for effective communication and decision-making for both inmates and administration staff,” explains Oliver.

Ensuring Continuous Growth

Telio is today the leading international technical provider for prisons because it has been 100% focused on the world of corrections for more than 25 years. Oliver has personally supported strong collaboration between the public and private sectors for 20 years. Telio continuously strives to be state-of-the-art, presenting its clients and potential clients with current and future technical instruments to solve their challenges. It delivers solutions and maintains a permanent exchange with jurisdictions worldwide to understand their needs. Besides its personal contacts, the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) is the most important platform for exchange and information. As a non-governmental organization, it aims to promote ethical and effective correctional practices to enhance public safety and healthier communities globally.

To underline its commitment to innovation, Telio has started integrating AI into its solutions, which will be a game changer.

“Growth is inevitable when you are a respected and reliable partner like Telio. Staying updated with industry changes involves continuous learning and engagement with the latest technological advancements. We participate in international conferences, collaborate with industry experts, and invest in research and development. By fostering a culture of innovation within Telio, we ensure that our team is always ready to adapt and evolve, keeping us at the forefront of the correctional technology sector,” asserts Oliver.

The Goals Ahead

Telio’s upcoming priorities involve increasing its footprint in the North American market and advancing the digitization of correctional facility operations to boost efficiency and inmate rehabilitation. To address future challenges, it intends to keep investing in advanced technologies, forge strategic partnerships, and concentrate on user-friendly solutions that simplify administrative tasks.
Moreover, Telio is investigating the use of electronic monitoring as an alternative to traditional sentencing, aiming to expand its influence and more effectively support the global correctional system.
“By developing a reliable and secure electronic monitoring solution, we can help jurisdictions embrace a more modern approach to corrections and keep families together. Thousands of children will no longer have to be separated from their parents as they serve their sentence at home rather than being sent to prison,” concludes Oliver.

A Quote to Live By:
The one quote that Oliver absolutely lives by and finds incredibly helpful is, “Never give up, and no vision is too big.”

“Never give up” is a powerful reminder that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles. Whether facing setbacks in projects, navigating the complexities of business growth, or encountering personal challenges, this part of the quote inspires me to keep pushing forward. It’s about resilience, determination, and the belief that every hurdle can be overcome with enough effort and dedication.

The second part, “no vision is too big,” encourages bold thinking and ambitious goal-setting. In the fast-paced world of technology and innovation, it’s essential to dream big and aim high. This mindset has been instrumental in driving Telio’s growth from a small start-up to a global leader. It’s about believing in the potential of your ideas and not being afraid to pursue them, no matter how grand they may seem.

The Foundation – Bringing Care

Driven by a strong sense of compassion and family values, Oliver was inspired to make a difference in the lives of children with incarcerated parents. Seeing their silent struggles and the lack of support they received from society deeply affected him. In 2022, he established the Connecting Hearts Foundation to address this issue. The foundation’s mission is to provide these children with the care and opportunities they deserve, ensuring they are not forgotten. Through targeted international projects and initiatives, the Connecting Hearts Foundation aims to offer support, stability, and a sense of normalcy. Oliver’s dedication to this cause reflects his belief that every child should have a chance to thrive, even in challenging circumstances.

“Our commitment ensures that we continuously innovate and provide the most effective technologies to improve the lives of inmates and support the operational efficiency of correctional institutions.”

“Telio has a highly advanced product portfolio in the areas of communications and digital services.”

“Every system by Telio adheres to the highest security standards, simplifies work processes significantly, and supports rehabilitation.”

Solutions for Health and Safety

At SAAM Inc, the mission is to enhance the health and safety of people worldwide by creating accessible and innovative solutions for monitoring air quality, as well as detecting smoke, fire, and gases. The is set to revolutionize safety measures by offering early warnings of dangerous conditions, thereby saving lives. Additionally, it promises to improve the air within buildings by providing vital information about air quality. “Our multifunctional devices are designed to replace several separate detectors, offering a more integrated and cost-efficient approach to safeguarding health and safety at home,” says Corey Myers, Chief Commercial Officer, SAAM Inc.

SAAM’s leadership team boasts a proven track record of founding and scaling enterprises, as well as pioneering technologies that tackle global challenges. With a wealth of experience garnered from senior roles in top-tier Fortune 100 and 500 corporations, they bring unparalleled expertise in business growth and operations.

“Our engineering team is equally skilled, with a rich background in crafting scientific tools and consumer products, particularly in the applied use of optical spectroscopy and machine learning. poised to as a frontrunner for consumer-grade detectors of air quality, smoke, fire, gases, and chemicals, thanks to our technology,” shares Corey.

Driven by a fervent dedication to preserving life and fostering better health, our team is
A Focused Leader
Corey Myers stands at the forefront of SAAMs commercial strategy as the Chief Commercial Officer. With a rich history of success in global product promotion, particularly in North America, Corey’s expertise is pivotal in driving the national sales of .

Corey’s career has been a non-linear journey, to say the least. He has always found himself trying to solve problems as opposed to working with a defined industry. He has started companies in the video game industry, international tradelogistics, angel investments, and a golf driving range with a bar and restaurant. Nestled in these entrepreneurial projects, he also spent five years at Tesla and is now the Chief Commercial Officer at SAAM Inc. working to bring the HavenGO to market. SAAM was exceptionally interesting to him from its inception. He joined as an investor over four years ago as he knew the patented technical capabilities using IR spectroscopy for gas detection held a unique value proposition. 

As mentioned, before joining SAAM Inc., Corey’s career highlights include a significant tenure at Tesla, where he led the Tesla Mobile Games division, indirectly reporting to Elon Musk. His entrepreneurial spirit is evidenced by his substantial start-up and exit experience in the software industry, marking him as a seasoned player in the field.

Corey’s academic background is as diverse as his professional journey, holding a BS in Biology and Chemistry from Wittenberg University. His college years were marked by active participation in sports, including basketball and rugby, reflecting his dynamic and competitive spirit.

In his current role at SAAM, Corey’s main focus is to bring HavenGO to market across both B2C and B2B verticals. He joined a stellar team of technologists and they’re building an even larger team with the same ethos of creating healthy, safe spaces. They’re racing to bring this device to market and meet the consumer where they’re at – direct to them online, through influencers they know and trust, or at their local big box stores. SAAM’s  Haven brings laboratory-grade science into the home – or the dorm room, hotel room, AirBnB, RV, wherever you need – to keep you healthy and safe in whatever space you’re in. 

A Winning Approach

In his journey so far, Corey has seen more challenges than he can even count. He takes the same approach to all problems: Humility and networking. He has learned to seek counsel from the great relationships he has built and lean in with vulnerability. “Just saying “I don’t know this” or “Have you ever been in a similar situation?” or “How did you handle it?” or “I need help.” can make amazing things happen,” he insists.

As for problem-solving, he believes in failing fast. “It is imperative to go with your gut, make decisions fast, gain insight, and adjust on the fly. It is ok to fail, and it is ok to make mistakes, there is no better way to learn than experience. You can make any mistake, just do not make the same one twice,” says Corey.

Having been on board several initiatives, Corey is on a constant quest to surround himself with amazing humans. A substantial portion of his background is in talent acquisition, and he learned that for him to be the best leader possible, he needs to be the dumbest guy in the room. “Hire great people, treat them well, and do not manage them. Rather empower them to do what they do best,” he believes. 

Envisioning the future

Corey expects SAAM and the HavenGO to become the household name when it comes to health and safety for air quality. SAAM’s engineers are at the bleeding edge of what sensors can do today, and their continued iteration and improvements have produced the HavenGO, a device that can detect harmful gases, VOCs, pollutants, and much more. Their AI (Artificial Intelligence) enabled technology will inform individuals about the precursors for dangerous events and life-threatening issues through voice-enabled alerts as well as on our smartphone companion application.

“I have full conviction that our technology will not only be in the HavenGO product lines but sought after as a white-labeled technology solution that will provide numerous other products with advanced detection capabilities,” concludes Corey.

 “There are two things you can control in this life: Attitude and activity.”

“No matter what the task, challenge, or problem is, if you run at it head-on with a positive and inquisitive disposition while working super hard, there is an extremely high probability you will win.”