Author: The Business Worldwide

Lauren Bartmanis: A Pragmatic Approach to Talent Acquisition for Driving Success

Posted on by The Business Worldwide

Global Management Solutions (GMS) is a distinguished executive search firm focusing on the automotive sector. It offers a wide array of services, including executive search, project hiring, and talent solutions for leadership and middle management roles. Its methodology ensures that its solutions are perfectly aligned with its clients’ goals, strategies, and organizational culture.

What sets GMS apart is its deep-rooted industry expertise, expansive global network, and unwavering commitment to its core values of trust, honesty, and respect. “With resources across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, we combine local insights with global best practices to assemble high-performance teams. This unique approach enables us to deliver sustainable competitive advantages to our clients,” says Lauren Bartmanis, the Managing Director at Global Management Solutions (GMS).

With over two decades of experience in the industry, Lauren leverages her extensive international networks to amplify talent across all levels of organizational structures strategically. She has cultivated a reputation as the preferred partner for top automotive businesses in the region.

The Business WorldWide (BWW) had had the opportunity to converse with Lauren and understand her journey. Here’s an excerpt:

Could you share your professional journey? What made you choose your current industry?

Lauren: I began my career in graphic design, driven by a passion for creativity and visual communication.

However, after being made redundant, I transitioned into the recruitment industry at the age of 20. This shift was fuelled by my sales ability and my love of cultivating and developing lasting relationships.

My determination and hard work paid off when I was promoted to branch manager at 22, becoming the youngest branch manager at the UK’s largest independent recruitment company. This early success in recruitment revealed my knack for the industry, ultimately leading me to specialize in the automotive sector and establish Global Management Solutions (GMS) in 2014. The drive to fill a market gap for specialized executive search services in the automotive field continues to motivate me and shape my future.

Brief us about the company and its services. How does GMS differentiate itself as the premier source for executive search and consultancy services in the automotive sector?

Global Management Solutions (GMS) is a distinguished executive search firm that focuses on the automotive sector. We offer a wide array of services, including executive search, project hiring, and talent solutions for leadership and middle management roles. Our methodology ensures that our solutions are perfectly aligned with our clients’ goals, strategies, and organizational culture.

What sets GMS apart is our deep-rooted industry expertise, expansive global network, and unwavering commitment to our core values of trust, honesty, and respect. With resources across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, we combine local insights with global best practices to assemble high-performance teams. This unique approach enables us to deliver sustainable competitive advantages to our clients.

Could you elaborate on how GMS sources candidates both globally and regionally? What unique advantages does this approach offer?

Lauren: GMS utilizes a comprehensive network of carefully selected professionals worldwide. By blending global reach with deep regional knowledge, we can tap into a vast talent pool. We employ industry best practices and maintain robust relationships with local talent, particularly in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

This dual approach offers several benefits:

  • Diverse Talent Pool: Access to a wide range of candidates with varied skills and experiences.
  • Cultural Fit: Ability to match candidates with the specific cultural and strategic needs of our clients.
  • Regional Expertise: In-depth understanding of local markets and talent dynamics.
  • Global Standards: Implementation of global best practices in recruitment and talent management.

BWW: Given the critical demand for talent in the automotive industry, how do you help clients find top talent in the market?

Lauren: We assist clients in finding top talent by leveraging our extensive industry knowledge, comprehensive candidate network, and tailored recruitment strategies. Our process includes:

  • In-depth Market Research: Understanding the specific needs and challenges of our clients.
  • Targeted Search: Identifying and approaching candidates who meet the precise requirements of the role.
  • Rigorous Screening: Conducting thorough assessments to ensure candidates possess the necessary skills, experience, and cultural fit.
  • Consultative Approach: Providing clients with insights and advice on market trends, talent availability, and recruitment strategies.

This meticulous approach ensures that we deliver high-quality candidates who can drive success and innovation within the automotive sector.

You have cultivated long-standing relationships with clients, some of whom partner with GMS exclusively. How do you maintain these partnerships, and what value does exclusivity bring to both parties?

Lauren: Maintaining long-standing relationships with clients involves a commitment to understanding their unique needs, delivering consistent results, and fostering trust and transparency. We achieve this by:

  • Personalized Service: Offering tailored solutions that align with our clients’ strategic objectives.
  • Regular Communication: Keeping clients informed throughout the recruitment process and maintaining open lines of communication.
  • Continuous Improvement: Seeking feedback and continuously refining our approach to meet evolving client needs.

Exclusivity brings significant value to both parties:

  • For Clients: Assurance of dedicated focus and priority, access to top-tier talent, and a trusted partnership that understands their business deeply.
  • For GMS: Deeper engagement with clients, enabling us to provide more effective and efficient recruitment solutions, and fostering long-term collaboration.

The automotive industry faces complex challenges. How do you guide clients through managerial changes, strategic shifts, and geographic expansions?

Lauren: Guiding clients through managerial changes, strategic shifts, and geographic expansions involves a comprehensive and consultative approach.

This begins with strategic planning, where we collaborate with clients to understand their goals and challenges and develop tailored strategies to address them.

In change management, we assist clients in managing transitions smoothly by providing experienced leadership and management talent.

For geographic expansion, we leverage our global network to source talent that can drive success in new markets and provide insights into local market dynamics.

Additionally, we offer continuous support and advice to ensure that clients can adapt to changes and achieve their strategic objectives.

BWW: Having spent over a decade in the Middle East, what insights can you share about talent dynamics and opportunities in this region?

Lauren: Over a decade in the Middle East has provided valuable insights into the region’s talent dynamics and opportunities. The region has seen a growing demand for skilled professionals, especially in the automotive sector, highlighting the need for expertise in this rapidly evolving industry. Governments are actively implementing nationalization initiatives to increase local workforce participation, which opens up numerous opportunities for local talent to thrive. The Middle East’s workforce is notably diverse, with expatriates contributing a wide range of skills and experiences, enriching the talent pool. Additionally, significant investments in technology and infrastructure are driving innovation, creating new opportunities for skilled professionals to contribute to cutting-edge projects and developments.
Understanding these dynamics enables GMS to effectively source and place talent that meets the specific needs of our clients in the region.

As a modern-day entrepreneur, how are you using technology to benefit your organization?

Lauren: Using technology has been crucial to our success at GMS. We utilize advanced tools to streamline our recruitment processes, improve how we match candidates to jobs, and maintain efficient operations. Technology helps us stay connected with a global network of candidates, allows us to conduct remote interviews (and working), and provides valuable insights that help our clients make informed hiring decisions. By embracing these technological advancements, we ensure that GMS continues to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

As a contemporary woman entrepreneur, how do you support diversity and inclusion at your workspace?

Lauren: At GMS, our team is entirely remote and spans five different countries. This diversity is a significant strength, and I firmly believe that without our talented team—Muhammad Toqeer, Hunbal Siddiqui, Libinda Paul, Linda Aujan, and our dedicated support staff—GMS would not be as successful as we are. While I may be the face of the company, it’s the team that truly drives our business forward.

We have achieved a 100% staff retention rate over the past five years, demonstrating that our system works effectively. Our diverse team enables us to excel in providing diversity and inclusion in all our endeavours, making us unbeatable in this regard.

By championing diversity and inclusion in all that we do, we create a dynamic and innovative workplace that drives success and reflects the diverse nature of the markets we serve.

BWW: Can you tell us more about the team at GMS? How do their diverse skills and experiences contribute to the company’s success?
 
Lauren: Our team at GMS is incredibly diverse and talented, each member bringing unique skills and experiences that drive our success. Muhammad Toqeer, our lead recruiter, has a strong background in the automotive industry and extensive experience in executive search. His deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic insight helps us identify and attract top-tier talent globally, Toqeer has worked with me for over 10 years now and his contribution to the business is essential to our success! His dedication is invaluable to GMS.
 
Linda Aujan, a GCC national who speaks both Arabic and English, has over 13 years of experience in in-house recruitment for a local automotive dealer group. Her bilingual abilities and regional expertise allow us to effectively communicate and connect with local talent and clients, ensuring cultural alignment and understanding.
 
Libinda Paul brings a wealth of knowledge in human resources and talent management in Automotive. Her experience in developing and implementing resourcing strategies helps us streamline our processes and ensure we deliver high-quality service to our clients, consistently.
 
Hunbal Siddiqui, with his robust experience candidate sourcing and management, enhances our capability to find the right fit for roles that require specialized. His analytical skills and strategic approach are vital in navigating the complexities of recruiting a diverse range of candidates from Technicians through to Managers.
 
Together, this team embodies the core values of GMS—trust, honesty, and respect. Their combined expertise and dedication enable us to provide exceptional executive search and consultancy services, tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients – GMS wouldn’t be GMS without these four absolute professionals!

BWW: What are the next big goals for you and how do you plan to tackle the challenges that lie ahead?

Lauren: The next big goals for GMS include expanding our reach into new markets, enhancing our technological capabilities, and continuing to build on our reputation as a leading executive search consultancy. To tackle the challenges ahead, we will:

  • Invest in Technology: Continue to leverage advanced tools and platforms to improve our services by launching a new automotive-specific product to the MENA region in 2025
  • Expand Global Network: Strengthen our global network to access a wider talent pool.
  • Enhance Client Partnerships: Deepen our relationships with clients to better understand and meet their evolving needs.
  • Foster Innovation: Encourage a culture of innovation within GMS to stay ahead of industry trends and challenges.

BWW: What is that one quote you absolutely live by or find helpful?

Lauren: A quote that resonates deeply with me is, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This quote by Steve Jobs serves as a constant reminder that passion and dedication are essential for achieving excellence in any field and I LOVE what I do. I am so very thankful for my fantastic team who are equally as passionate as I am!

Quote: “The drive to fill a market gap for specialized executive search services in the automotive field continues to motivate me and shape my future.”

Kashif Ikram: The MedTech Maestro Transforming Healthcare     

Posted on by The Business Worldwide

The medical devices industry plays a pivotal role in modern healthcare, significantly impacting patient outcomes and overall health system efficiency. This industry encompasses a wide range of products, from simple bandages to complex imaging systems and life-saving implants. Medical devices are crucial for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating various health conditions, thereby improving the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Moreover, the industry is a major driver of innovation, with substantial investments in research and development leading to continuous advancements in medical technology. These innovations not only enhance patient care but also contribute to reducing healthcare costs by enabling early diagnosis and less invasive treatments. As the global population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases rises, the demand for advanced medical devices is expected to grow, further underscoring the industry’s importance.

As a leading name in the industry, Kashif Ikram, Vice President, Europe, MicroPort has had an unconventional medical device career because he did not stay in one specific therapy area. He has worked with orthopedic implants and instruments, monitors that measure the amount of blood your heart is pumping, radiation therapy for cancer patients, replacement heart valves, Stents for the brain & heart, and even skin-harvesting products. This diversity of experience has often given him an edge over others when building a business strategy or go-to-market approach.

Stumbling upon His Niche

As a youngster in school, Kashif was drawn towards biology as well as design and technology. He split his time between the biology laboratory (learning about respiration) and the workshop (learning to form metal and plastic materials). Back then, he did not know how to combine his two passions. That all changed when he discovered the medical device industry via the Orthopaedic business.

“These people were talking my language, specialty plastics and alloy implants combined with human anatomy, infection control, and fluid dynamics. After a stint launching Hip and knee replacement, I surprised my colleagues by moving into the Intensive care and Anesthesiology world,” reminisces Kashif.

Here he helped introduce to the world minimally invasive monitoring of heart performance. After that, he switched again and launched a heart valve made from a metal frame and bovine tissue. Before he became too comfortable in that world he upped the challenge again, this time moving into the keyhole surgery world where he helped launch many technologies that moved surgery from open to minimally invasive procedures. From hand-held laparoscopic instruments, it was a natural progression to robotic-assisted surgery for Prostate, Kidney, Gynecological, Lung, and Abdominal cancers and even hernia repair.

“Introducing surgical robotics is very challenging, not just from a surgeon acceptance point of view but also from a regulatory, safety, and cost perspective. Microport® ®´s Medbot Toumai® is the 4th Medical Robot I have commercialized,” shares Kashif.

A Leading Medical Device Company

Since its foundation in 1998, the MicroPort® team has been driven by its mission that patients everywhere should enjoy better and longer lives. This motivates everyone in the company to push boundaries and accelerate access to life-changing medical devices and technologies for all. Every innovation the company creates, like a heart stent, surgical robot, or orthopedic implant is designed with healthcare professionals’ needs in mind and a focus on improving the patient´s healthcare outcomes.

“We are committed to mastering the details that truly make a difference in patient care worldwide and the company attracts like-minded people from all around the world.  We are proud of the fact that every 5 seconds, a patient somewhere in the world benefits from a Microport Medical product,” says Kashif.

Microport operates in multiple international markets across multiple fields, including orthopedics, cardiovascular intervention, cardiac rhythm management, electro-physiology, endovascular, and peripheral vascular intervention, among others.  Team Microport believes that it is the little details that make life special. That’s why they are relentless in perfecting every detail of their medical technologies.

The Underlying Challenges and Hidden Opportunities

Multiple challenges face the medical device industry in its relentless pursuit to finding solutions to the healthcare challenges. AI and digital are touching every aspect of our lives and healthcare is also embracing the advantages this can bring. For example, logistics and planning AI can help better schedules or timetables, drive efficiency, and remove costs. Video and voice analyzing software can write up patient notes and disseminate them to the clinicians who need to see them. AI can help clinicians see lesions and diseases not easily picked up by the human eye and AI can even read thousands of pages of clinical publications to find the right diagnosis and potential treatment.

“We are seeing a revolution today and surgical robotics is on the cutting edge of this revolution,” says Kashif.

Another serious challenge that he feels deeply about is democratizing healthcare across the world. How do we bring the best technology and optimal healthcare practice to every corner of the globe? A key measure of how developed we are as a human society is how we help the sickest. poorest and weakest in our world. He joined Microport as it is clearly a leader in bringing technology to all who may need it.

Another key challenge, shares Kashif, is how we pay for our healthcare. As new technologies are introduced, we must ensure that with increasing costs we significantly increase outcomes and efficiencies. This is known as value-based healthcare, where the monetized value is greater than the increasing cost.

Speaking about opportunities, Kashif feels that surgical robots are very under-penetrated in the market and dominated by just a few companies. There is a great opportunity to spread the technology to more hospitals and help more patients. In addition, there are more procedures where robotics can add value through automation or accuracy. And of course, AI will have a huge impact on improving patient outcomes, reducing the burden on healthcare workers making things more efficient, and reducing costs.

“Future transformation in medical care will be driven by data, information, and its processing. Surgical robotics` evolution is often benchmarked against the passenger airline industry or the self-driving car industry,” he says.

At the Forefront of Technological Advancements

As Microport celebrates its 26th anniversary this year, the team reflects on a remarkable journey marked by innovation, perseverance, and global impact. Over the past 26 years, they have continually pushed boundaries and advanced access to life-changing technologies. With a steadfast commitment to research and development, a diverse and dedicated global team, and an expanding global presence, they see a promising path forward. One that addresses the most challenging healthcare issues, while allowing them to explore ways to impact more lives every second so that patients everywhere can continue living better and longer lives.

Microport’s conglomerate of associated companies shares resources and expertise while retaining independence and agility to innovate in close partnership with healthcare professionals and medical communities. They relentlessly pursue excellence and are uncompromising where quality is concerned. In all aspects of their businesses, they are passionate in their pursuit of the highest standards and the implementation of a continuous improvement strategy.

“We demonstrate imagination and a pioneering spirit that makes Microport a leading innovator in our industry. Our insights and knowledge are quickly and efficiently applied to maximize physician and patient benefits. Take for example our stable of Medical and surgical robots, nobody has a portfolio as broad as ours working in diagnostics, General, and Orthopedic surgery,” asserts Kashif.

Focusing on Research, Development, and Innovation

Microport deeply understands that its products are directly related to patients’ lives, and even the slightest deviation could cause a significant impact. Because of this, the teams at Microport work relentlessly to master every detail of medical technologies so that patients everywhere can enjoy better and longer lives. That’s their purpose, and it’s how they remain true to their beliefs and committed to the core values they uphold. These principles are essential to the relationships they build with their partners and customers. And it’s evident in every detail of their workday.

In the medical device industry, innovation is essential, and for innovation to thrive, a leader has to develop the right culture, look at the flexibility of how and where their people work, remove barriers to efficiency embrace digitalization, and have inclusion that shows care. Volatility has increased in all markets and innovation and creativity are often the best way to ride out the waves, or even become the disruptor in one’s space. And the more volatility the quicker the leader must change.

Leaders drive this momentum, through transparency in information, a lot of communication that builds trust, and they create clear goals and aspirations. They must invest in people and keep them engaged, and challenged even. It´s important to focus their team on being solution-focused and not become entrenched in the problems.

“The secret sauce though, let’s keep this just between us, is empowerment. When you hire the right people and empower them to be creative, that is when you see the magic happen. Because people often know what needs to be done or know how to solve major challenges, they simply need to be given permission, provided with resources, and released into safe environment. It is so motivating for people when they realize, they did it themselves, it inspires confidence that drives further creativity. Happy, successful creative people are a lightning rod for others and therefore force multipliers to your business. If people have left your team and gone on to do great things, I suggest you do some self-reflection on your leadership style,” advises Kashif.

Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are subjects Kashif is very passionate about and spends a lot of time reflecting on. In healthcare, it’s a must that one brings all the talent to the table and hears everyone’s thoughts and ideas. Kashif has a 4-point model: Think Inclusion, Hire Diversity, Develop Culture, and Retain Diverse Talent.

Elaborating on this model, he says, you must first think about inclusion, foster a culture, educate leaders, and remove fear from the organization. Uncover unconscious bias, become mindful. Then hire diverse talent and find ways to attract them to your organization, ensure your selection process encourages diverse candidates. Ensure recruiters send you a variety of candidates. However, when you have them on board ensure their needs are being met and their diversity celebrated. Ensure this talent is learning and developing, integrating seamlessly into your organization. Enable learning and diversity to spread through your organization. Finally, once you have high high-functioning diverse team, retain it. Track attrition and segment the data you get in employee surveys on diverse parameters. This can be very insightful and lead to breakthroughs previously not tapped.

“However,” adds Kashif, “you must set up the right metrics for your company’s inclusion drive and hold leaders accountable. At the end of the day, you cannot improve what you do not measure!”

A Message for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

Kashif would like to suggest everyone to join the medical device industry. Along with his friend Silke Riemer, he has launched a Podcast called “Our MedTech Lives” available on YouTube.com. In this podcast veterans of the industry come and talk about their careers, the challenges they overcame, and the successes they fondly remember. It’s a lot of fun and very inspiring. This podcast started from work his friends and he did for St Gallen University in Switzerland introducing the Medical Device industry to their students.

“The medical device industry is highly rewarding and challenges you every day, however, think about this, no matter what job you do, logistics, accounting, R&D, or sales at the end of the day you are helping somebody’s child to be pain-free, somebody´s parent to live longer and somebody´s sibling to be cured of their cancer. What could be more motivating or rewarding than that? It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning,” concludes Kashif.

Joerg Guenther: Leading the Charge in AI-Powered Financial Services

Posted on by The Business Worldwide

Exafluence is a leading data and analytics company that empowers organizations to stay ahead in their industries by leveraging modern digital technologies. Founded in 2015, Exafluence specializes in IoT, Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence to provide actionable insights and solve complex business problems. Their flagship platform, ExfDigital, offers a low-code/no-code solution that accelerates digital transformation and data-driven decision-making. 

A Global Solution Provider

With a global presence and a team of over 200 professionals, Exafluence serves various sectors including Healthcare, Financial Services, and Consumer Products. It is a uniquely positioned platform-led solution provider employing a tremendously talented group of people. It uses open-source and cloud-native technologies to build its solutions. We have integrated AI across the life cycle of data management and analytics.

“Everything we do is driven by one thing: How do we solve real problems? How do we enable our customers to provide better data for better outcomes and how can we help them be more automated and efficient? We do this without the need to code (no code tools) and with the help of artificial intelligence,” emphasizes President & CTO, Joerg Guenther.

Exafluence’s expansive domain expertise coupled with the tech talent is what Joerg considers the secret sauce for the company’s affluent presence. Many of its associates have 20+ years of experience in delivering projects across financial services and the investment management life cycle.

The Leader’s Rise

Born and raised in Switzerland, Joerg accidentally landed in IT and in Financial Services. While he was pursuing his economics degree, he was offered a part-time job at Zuercher Kantonal Bank(ZKB) as a database developer. Having had no previous experience in IT, he negotiated a three-month period during which he could come up to speed. He was immediately hooked by the capabilities of developing software and solving real problems.

Joerg joined ZKB full-time and became a software developer and later was promoted to project manager and vice president. After 9 years with the company, he launched a startup with some of his co-workers and spent several years in IT consulting working for the big Swiss banks, the Swiss Funds Association but also Zurich Financial Services.

In 2001, Joerg moved to the US and joined KPMG Consulting as Manager of Financial Services and later Julius Baer in New York as Head of IT / CIO initially for wealth management and later on for asset management. In 2012, he joined Northern Trust in Chicago and headed up Hedge Fund Services Technology and Derivatives Technology. In 2016, he had the opportunity to relocate back to Europe (London) as Chief Technology Officer of EMEA and was also appointed Chief Information Officer for all Corporate & Institutional Services.

In 2019, Joerg switched to a similar role as global CIO Securities Services for Citigroup in London with a larger organization and a more global footprint(2’500 staff and consultants in 34 countries) . When COVID-19 hit a few months later,it made travel impossible and his integration and assimilation with the team and its culture very challenging.
“We made it work despite the lack of travel and despite the ability to meet people in person. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my team who supported me tremendously during that time. I never felt isolated,” he recalls.

. After a brief stint as a CTO for a German insurance service provider, he decided to pursue a very different kind of role with Exafluence starting in July this year.

In an Exciting Role

In his latest role at Exafluence, Joerg is entrusted to help grow the brand and especially expand the products and services across financial services. As he has a unique background combining 13 years of buy-side asset management experience with 11 years of service provider experience, he can add a different perspective to Exafluence’s target market.

“Solving problems for a buy-side asset manager or wealth manager is very different than solving problems for a service provider yet there are also common aspects we need to be aware of. First of all, understanding the domain and the perspective of the prospective client is of paramount importance. If I cannot put myself in the client’s shoes, I cannot solve the problem effectively and I cannot help make a difference. We do a lot of knowledge sharing and we pair young tech talent with experienced domain experts. This approach has been very rewarding for all parties involved,” explains Joerg.

This mindset is also shaping very much how he is focussing on product strategy and architecture. “Everything we do must have a purpose. Better data for better outcomes. What we build is aiming to help streamline the data lifecycle whilst providing tools that allow users to be much more efficient and automated in providing this data for their outcomes. That is really it in a nutshell,” he shares.

The People’s Leader

Joerg is a big believer in people and making people strong. So, believing in people’s abilities and delegating ownership is key to allowing staff to grow and also to stay motivated. It is the only way, he feels, to truly scale an organization but it is also extremely rewarding. He enjoys coaching and mentoring people and seeing them become stronger and more independent. Joerg tends to think about the big picture and communicate the vision and strategy so everyone can buy in but he equally enjoys getting his hands dirty and write some code

He has always been a big believer in understanding why we do things and what we solve for.  In order for a team to thrive it is critical to establish psychological safety. In other words, creating an environment where everyone has a voice and everyone can safely raise concerns and talk about mistakes without the fear of retribution.

“When we talk about D&I the I stands for inclusion and it means having a stake in the decision making and the future of the company. If these guard rails are put in place the results are absolutely amazing. I have built some relationships that have transcended a single job as connecting with people is more than just working together,” he asserts.

Allying with Technology

Technology, says Joerg, will continuously evolve, especially now that AI is growing quickly. The key is to stay hungry for change and to embrace it. “New technologies are not a threat but an opportunity. So, the willingness to learn continuously and to experiment with new things is a very important and differentiating quality,” he observes.

Exafluence encourages staff to use AI throughout their daily work and provides access to these tools. It encourages teams to learn and provide new ideas. The important thing is to apply the technology to real problems and provide real solutions. Otherwise, technology has no value.
“I have been very positively impressed by the speed at which new technologies are embraced. Our data scientists applied new LLMs within days and figured out what model configuration works best for particular use cases,” says Joerg.

AI, the Challenges and the Future

Joerg agrees that AI will have a massive impact on the industry. AI will disrupt how we work and many people will have to retrain in order to stay relevant. It will be challenging to keep up with the incredible pace of innovation. However, he is concerned about the socio-economic impact this all might have but he also sees it as a mandate to make AI accessible and available to all people.

Drawing parallel, he says, “It is a little bit like when the Internet started. For many people, it was not available. Over time we overcame that hurdle largely (There are still people that do not have access to this technology) also because smartphones became attainable. Now we face an even more differentiating innovation revolution. By using Open Source for our solutions and by providing our solutions in the Open Source space we want to allow everyone to adopt the technology. We will see how this evolves but ever the eternal optimist I am looking forward to the journey.”

Explaining the challenges, Joerg opines that successful AI needs comprehensive data models and clean and consistent data. Most companies do not have the data in the shape it needs to be. Many legacy applications and disparate data silos are preventing companies from being successful. They struggle to consolidate and integrate the data. In order to deliver a holistic comprehensive data model, domain expertise and knowledge are absolutely critical and many firms do not have enough of these skillsets. The model is needed to explain and organize the data properly. Lastly, many firms do not have the data integration and data mastering tools they need to efficiently produce the data in an automated fashion.

“If you try to run before you walk, AI will miserably fail and not produce the desired results. So, the homework has to be done and done right,” says Joerg.

This is where Exafluence comes in with its tools and solutions. It provides an investment data model that is technology-independent for clients that do not have such a model in place. It can naturally also work with existing models if they are available. Exafluence’s tools integrate and catalog the data, map the data into the target data models, and then acquire, validate, and transform the data in an automated, repeatable fashion. Without code, fully reusable.

Exafluence will deliver some disruptive solutions in the data and AI space and continue to push the envelope. The company’s cost model and how it works with its clients is changing the industry, The era of enterprise software is over. Companies want to be more flexible and not sign multi-year contracts that have them locked into an arrangement they cannot control.
“Our solutions empower companies to take ownership and deliver solutions much more quickly and efficiently without the foot in the bear trap. It is nice to work for a company that has a true sense of giving back. We make sure you have the data you need to successfully implement and deliver AI,” concludes Joerg.

Dr. Christina Rahm: A Visionary Changemaker Redefining the Way We View Health

Posted on by The Business Worldwide

Finding the root cause is akin to pulling out weeds by their roots; it ensures they don’t grow back, keeping the garden healthy and flourishing. Our body, just like a garden needs to stay healthy so that we are at our best doing what we love to do. However, it is not always that we feel raving to go, and when it’s important to show up at work or anywhere else even when we are not in the best of health, we often take to quick remedies. That might work for once or twice, but issues that crop up regularly need to be attended to and eliminated from the root.

Understanding the root cause of a problem is crucial for several reasons. Identifying the root cause ensures that solutions address the underlying issue rather than just its symptoms. This leads to more effective and long-lasting resolutions. Knowing the root cause can help prevent the problem from recurring. It allows individuals and organizations to put measures in place to avoid similar issues in the future. Instead of spending time and money on temporary fixes, it helps us optimize resources and direct them toward a permanent solution. It enhances the understanding of the systems and processes involved. This knowledge can be valuable for troubleshooting future problems.
This deep understanding of how root causes can be understood and solutions derived thereafter led Dr. Christina Rahm to establish DRC Ventures – Solutions for Deep Routed Causes. The vision is to create a future where consumer products, grounded in scientific research, are readily available to everyone. DRC Ventures strives for a world where the utilization of these goods yields tangible benefits for humanity and contributes to the well-being of our planet. 

The Company

Dr. Christina Rahm is a champion of transformation, focusing her efforts on enhancing the lives of humans, the welfare of animals, and the sustainability of our environment. Numerous stakeholders, including political figures, advocates, community service groups, healthcare providers, and charitable organizations, proclaim their commitment to fostering beneficial transformations. It’s an admirable, albeit complex and demanding, endeavor. But what truly defines transformation? Essentially, transformation involves the act of exchanging “something” or replacing one “element” with another that is superior, purer, more beneficial, more enduring, and ideally more advantageous for all. Through DRC Ventures, Dr. Rahm seeks to instigate such “transformation.” This innovative “venture” is poised to be a worldwide impetus for conservation initiatives, aiming to improve our planet’s environmental health for future generations.
DRC Ventures is committed to innovating and leading the way in new developments, ensuring transparency in its operations, and embracing ecological stewardship. Its mission is to create solutions that not only meet our customer’s needs but also contribute to the welfare of the community at large. It aims to be a leaders in the fields of science and nutraceuticals, driving significant advancements and making a positive difference in the lives of people around the globe.
DRC Ventures is known for its innovative approach, combining 22 different ventures specializing in various sectors into one platform. The company prides itself on creativity, virtue, humanity, and devotion, which are reflected in its products and business practices. 
Diverse Offerings

DRC Ventures is proud to present a diverse range of products. Its offerings include the Ella Pure skincare collection, the organic coffee brand Rahm Roast, and the eco-conscious fashion label Merci Dupre Clothiers. Merci Dupre is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and its innovative Enviremware fabric, which is designed to shield wearers from bacteria, toxins, pathogens, and 5G radiation. In addition to these, the portfolio also features Bill & Coo, a trailblazing luxury brand for pets that focuses on sustainable goods and advanced nutraceuticals for animals, alongside Rahm Pharma, a name synonymous with cutting-edge pharmaceuticals.
The prominent ventures include:

The Root Brands

In the same way that a discerning farmer selects crops suited to the land’s unique character and the season’s rhythm, The Root Brands emerged to fulfill the essential needs of humankind. The Root’s offerings are crafted to cultivate extraordinary living for those yearning to reconnect with their origins and thrive. Anchored in the principles of embracing transformation and leveraging the dynamism of social connectivity, the company stands as a beacon for those seeking to flourish.
Rahm Roast
Rahm Roast is a premium coffee concoction crafted by the esteemed Dr. Rahm. Tailored to enhance your vitality and promote peak wellness, this blend boasts organic, fair-trade beans sourced from the lush terrains of Guatemala. Each bean is enriched with a unique, patented detox formula celebrated for its healthful properties. Rahm Roast is the ideal choice for connoisseurs seeking to elevate their health and vigor.

Ella Pure Beauty

Ella Pure is a bespoke collection of all-natural skincare and cosmetics. Meticulously formulated for the discerning needs of maturing skin, Ella Pure marries the finest 100% organic ingredients with a commitment to cruelty-free practices. Each product is a testament to nourishment and rejuvenation, bestowing a visage of youthfulness. Embrace Ella Pure as your quintessential ally in the graceful defiance of time.
 
DRC Venture’s dedication to health and wellness extends to products like Clean Slate, which supports detoxification, and Give Me Back My Youth, which is geared towards promoting longevity. Furthermore, it offers RENO and Envirem Skin Defense, products that embody its commitment to protective and restorative skin care solutions.

The Leader

Dr. Christina Rahm is a figure of global influence, whose diverse roles as a patented scientist, dedicated mother, prolific author, and compassionate humanitarian are just the tip of the iceberg. With an impressive portfolio of managing 22 companies, her entrepreneurial spirit resonates across 89 countries. Her work, transcending borders and industries, reflects a commitment to innovation, leadership, and global health. Dr. Rahm’s multifaceted career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on a worldwide scale.

Dr. Rahm is renowned for her exceptional intellect and her dedication to humanitarian causes. Drawing from her rich Native American and Eastern European roots, she has crafted a unique perspective on health and wellness. Her comprehensive education spans across prestigious institutions like Cornell and Harvard, where she delved into Nanotechnology, Pharmaceutical Management, Nutrition, Education, and Philosophy, culminating in a Master of Science degree.

As a scientific investigator and a widely published author, Dr. Rahm’s contributions to research are extensive. She holds principal investigator roles in various research entities and institutional review boards. Her expertise is sought after worldwide, having presented her research and insights at esteemed venues including Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Cleveland Clinic, Wake Forest, Mayo Clinic, and Cornell.

Dr. Rahm’s career is marked by her significant contributions as a medical, clinical, and research scientist within the realms of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and biotechnology. Her expertise has been integral to the success of industry giants such as Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Biogen, UCB, Bristol Meyers Squibb, and Alexion. In the corporate sphere, she has lent her talents to Pfizer and Biogen, and she currently holds prestigious positions as the Chairman of the International Science Nutrition Society and the Chief Science Officer at ROOT Wellness.

A Challenging and Inspiring Life

Dr. Rahm’s life story has been the catalyst for founding a bespoke consulting firm, one that prioritizes holistic well-being by integrating spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical harmony through tailored DNA assessments and detoxification strategies. Her personal journey includes overcoming Lyme disease in her youth and facing ongoing and repetitive challenges with cancer. These experiences have been met with resilience, shaped by her scholarly, professional, and personal growth, as well as her spiritual and intuitive insights gained while engaging with over 80 nations. The lessons learned from her own path have underscored the value of steadfastness and fueled her ambition to inspire global communities to embrace lifestyles that are not only healthy but also joyful and rewarding.

“Facing challenges is part of the journey. A significant one was shifting the mindset of my team from doubt to belief. I overcame it by leading with vision, sharing success stories, and providing relentless support and training. It’s about showing what’s possible and walking the path together,” says Dr. Rahm.

Beyond the Boardroom

Beyond her impressive professional and academic milestones, Dr. Rahm cherishes her role as a mother to four children and values her relationships as a daughter, sister, friend, and partner. Every morning and evening, she consciously allocates time for her children, family, and self-improvement. Valuing the essence of engaging deeply with them, she navigates through life’s hurdles by meticulously organizing year-round activities that ensure a harmonious blend of her home and work life.

Navigating through a bustling agenda, she has established a steady workflow that sharpens her focus on pivotal tasks, fostering innovative solutions from entrepreneurial and scientific standpoints. Dr. Rahm aspires to leave an indelible mark on the planet, improving it for future generations and crafting a legacy of significance. The quest for an optimal balance between her career and personal life is ongoing, and she is dedicated to discovering avenues that elevate both realms.

Dr. Rahm’s professional journey commenced in the predominantly male sphere of the pharmaceutical sector. Similarly, in the United States, the landscape of patent ownership is heavily skewed towards men, with only 7% of patents held by women. Despite this, she secured several patents. “It’s crucial to strive for excellence, to shine brightly with intelligence and integrity, and to navigate gender obstacles with polite determination and strength,” she says.

The matriarchs of her family—her grandmothers and mother—have been Dr. Rahm’s pillars of inspiration. They embody strength, kindness, and nurturing spirits, and she holds their values in high esteem. Her path, however, has diverged from theirs, taking her across the globe. This has opened her eyes to the influence of many women. “I am moved by Eleanor Roosevelt’s dedication to human rights, her fight for civil liberties and gender equality, and her pivotal role in the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I am also inspired by Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the UK, whose tenacity in a male-dominated arena motivates me to face challenges head-on and to forge ahead in breaking down gender barriers,” she says.

An Impactful Leader of Today and Tomorrow

Known for her heartfelt communication, Dr. Rahm embodies honesty, integrity, and relatable wisdom. She holds the belief that it is through overcoming failures, rather than coasting on successes, that one finds the strength to make a meaningful difference. Dr. Rahm is dedicated to guiding others toward a fulfilling life, free from detrimental influences, both internal and external. Celebrated for her integrity and pragmatic insights, she guides individuals toward cultivating a wholesome and significant existence, free from detrimental elements.

Armed with her knowledge and determination, Dr. Rahm has committed to aiding individuals worldwide in discovering their own routes to empowerment, leading to lives filled with health, joy, and fulfillment.

Anne Schaeddel: Pioneering Logistic Solution to Facilitate Global Trade

Posted on by The Business Worldwide

The modern, amazingly connected world and its economy are heavily dependent on global trade. As businesses look to expand to new shores and consumers have the world’s best marketplaces literally at their fingertips, freight forwarding serves as the vital link between manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers worldwide. Although freight forwarders don’t physically move cargo, they act as intermediaries, orchestrating the movement of goods across various transportation modes—such as cargo ships, air freight, trucks, and rail.

Companies that specialize in freight forwarding, streamline shipping processes, allowing businesses to focus on core operations. Their carrier connections lead to better rates, benefiting client businesses of all sizes. From negotiating rates, and handling documentation to consolidating and tracking shipments, they make sure that the freight keeps moving. Without freight forwarding, cross-border trade would be hindered, causing delays and increased expenses.

Anne Schaeddel discovered freight forwarding while interviewing for trainee jobs, fresh out of school and unsure about her next career move. She knew that she didn’t want to take up university but was undecided about the industry she would like to take up next. She thought of freight forwarding as an interesting profile that could give her an opportunity to work with the world, as she’d always wanted to travel and get to know different cultures. She took a trainee job in Hamburg, Germany and that was her entry to the world of logistics, which she has never left.

From Exploring to Establishing Her Firm

Anne has been working in logistics for over 20 years, starting in Germany, then for several years in Brazil, and now for the last decade in the US. She has always been very passionate about logistics, especially ocean transportation. When she came to the US, she loved the business culture here and the variety of customers she was able to work with.

“For me, my priority was always the customer and the needs of their specific projects. Breakbulk logistics is incredibly interesting as no two projects are the same. Some companies in the industry focus on short-term profits, while my belief has always been that treating customer’s right and growing long-term relationships should be the focus. Quite simply I wanted to do it better, so I started Project One. The word “ONE” stands for our customers being our number ONE priority,” shares Anne.

When she started Project One, Anne also wanted to build a great workplace where people could feel comfortable and have their thoughts, ideas, and input to the company heard. She strongly believes that this is how you grow a successful business and that the people inside the company are the most important asset. “We built up our company culture on mutual respect and we value each other’s knowledge and experiences so we can grow together,” she asserts.

Navigating Choppy Waters

Being global also means that Anne and Project One have to navigate the complexities pertaining to legal, cultural, and other aspects to ensure successful delivery. Each country has its regulations, laws, and cultures. Anne learned very quickly when working with people around the world that each country has its own challenges, but with a good and reliable network, one can overcome these challenges together and make the customer’s transportation as smooth as possible.
“It’s important to understand and respect regulations as not doing so can lead to extra charges and delayed cargo, something we and our customers are obviously keen to avoid. For example, import duties from China can be a costly challenge for our customers, so we always work with our beforehand to help them understand what charges may apply to them,” she explains.

Project One currently has challenges with both the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal which potentially can cause heavy delays in ocean freight leading to it declining certain vessel sailings due to these issues. Instead, it needs to identify new routes for its customers’ cargo. Project One focuses on being as open and upfront as possible with its customers about potential challenges and charges. “While we can’t foresee every potential issue, we find being honest about costs and timelines reduces our customer’s stress levels and allows them to properly plan,” says Anne.

An Evolving Industry

The world is changing so quickly and to stay competitive Project One has to keep track of the newest software and other technologies. It utilizes artificial intelligence to check for possible new routes, although the team of course reviews them and works with the DOT who always have the final say. It also uses AI for initial rate estimates so we can quickly estimate what rates may be for a specific route.

“At Project One, all of our work is cloud-based, so we can have access anywhere in the world and all of our systems were built with cyber security front of mind to ensure our and our client’s data remains safe. We talk to our worldwide partners about possible solutions and have been able to identify solutions on the cutting edge of technology,” shares Anne.

A Holistic Leadership Approach

Anne’s approach to leadership is focused on hearing the views of everyone in the organization as they all come from different backgrounds and experiences and thus have different perspectives. She also nurtures her employees to grow as logistics professionals. Many of Project One’s team joined with specific experience (for example in finance or truck brokerage) and the goal is to help grow each team member’s knowledge and experience across adjacent areas so they can become well-rounded logistics professionals. “We focus on professional development and want to see team members take on increasing responsibility over time,” says Anne.

In the project logistics business problem solving is perhaps the most important skill! Every project has unique problems, so one has to systematically identify and solve these problems. Project One starts team members out by letting them focus on the areas where they have experience and then continuously expose them to other areas by involving them in an ever-growing share of a given project. Giving people the tools to succeed while letting them know that support is always available helps them become better problem solvers.

Innovation has always been a focus of the company; it is constantly searching for new solutions and technologies. The key from a cultural perspective is that everyone knows that if they present a new solution or technology everyone will be open to listening and discussing.
“I find that most people want to innovate and the main factor that stifles innovation is organizations that don’t listen to team members who try to innovate and aren’t open to change. One of the benefits of working with a smaller nimbler organization is that everyone has a voice and we have less bureaucracy that slows innovation,” shares Anne.
Differentiating Factors

One of the key points of differentiation for Project One is its focus on understanding its customers’ needs and transparency. It is always reachable and based on its knowledge and experience, it lays out its views to the customers regarding the best ways to transport their cargo in a timely, cost-effective manner.
“It’s important to understand what the customer is focused on, sometimes the transit time is more important, sometimes a specific route is more important, and sometimes costs are more important. We provide options, explain how these options differ, and empower our customers to make decisions that fit their needs based on accurate information,” explains Anne.

Service is always Anne and her team’s number one focus. If they can’t provide a good service at a price point that works for the customer, they will not take the cargo! In this business their reputation is everything. They are open with their clients about their options, in some cases costs are not as important and speed is everything.

“For example, in some cases, we work with mission-critical components where delays could lead to millions or tens of millions of dollars of extra costs if a plant was unable to start on time. In other cases, the schedule is slightly less critical so cheaper options are available. We are upfront about the tradeoffs with our clients but no matter what the case is service is always number one. We are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year to speak to customers and vendors, receive cargo in ports, and solve any issues that may arise,” asserts Anne.

Looking Ahead

Anne envisions the future of Project One to be a very bright one. Their customers like working with them, and this gives them the opportunity to continue to grow their share with current customers and continue to on-board new customers. The primary threat, feels Anne, is the economy itself in the US and globally as reduced economic activity leads to reduced capital expenditures which drive project logistics. She doesn’t see for example AI being a major threat to project logistics as for now projects are too complex.  

“We will continue to grow at a manageable pace and evolve within the logistics industry to keep up with all new trends that arise. We will continue to provide the best customer service experience for all our clients and that alone will allow us to keep climbing to the top. Our goal is to continue to grow the team and perhaps to open a few more office locations in the US,” concludes Anne.

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them. -Chris Grosser

Ioannis Michos: The Face Behind Success

Posted on by The Business Worldwide

Ioannis Michos is an acclaimed thought leader in the industry, named as the Top FS Leader globally for 2023 by “the Consulting Report”, and throughout his career, he has been involved and led some of the most iconic initiatives in the Financial Services and Insurance sectors. Currently, he serves as a Managing Partner in TCS, where he heads up the Financial Services and Insurance Consulting Practice in EMEA. He is at his best when designing, directing, and managing teams that challenge the status quo and influence large-scale change in the world of business. Name few of the industry’s biggest success stories and you’re very likely to find Ioannis’ footprints.

As a true value creator, Ioannis is well known in the industry for his deep knowledge of different markets and practices across the globe, as well as his high degree of business, political, and commercial acumen. Adding to the above his deep expertise in building, motivating, and retaining competent teams, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that his name has become a synonym of success in his field.

Prior to joining TCS, Ioannis served in multiple senior executive positions both in the consulting and in the industry, in organizations like Willis Towers Watson, PwC, Grant Thornton, and Achmea Group to name a few. He holds a Master’s in Management, and a Bachelor’s in Economics, he is an INSEAD alumnus, a Chartered Accountant (FCCA), a CFA Charter holder, an AWS Cloud Practitioner, and Prince2 qualified.

A Career of Choice

Ioannis always wanted to run businesses, share (in many cases create) best market practices, and advise senior executives about how they can improve their firms. And from the positions he had over the years, this is exactly what he has been doing. Even after almost 2 decades now, he does it with the same passion as day 1. Across geographies, across industries, and across topics such as strategy, operations, finance, risk, and technology – just to name a few. This multifaceted nature of his role is what he enjoys the most and what keeps him motivated.

In his current role as a Managing Partner in TCS Ioannis works closely with a number of FS and Insurance clients across EMEA to help them optimize their strategies and operations, improve their profitability, achieve quantifiable operational and financial efficiencies, and reduce their cost base. Also, as expected from someone at his level, he is responsible for the pipeline, the go-to-market strategy, the P&L, and all the strategic, operational, and financial aspects of this part of the business.

And what makes the work even more interesting is the work environment at TCS.

“The reason why I decided to join TCS in the first place is because of the unparalleled technological capabilities and advancements that it can offer to its clients combined with its deep domain knowledge. Not in theory, but in a very practical way; something I didn’t have in my previous firms. And, according to my personal view, the latter is one of the biggest key competitive advantages that TCS has. Yes, I do enjoy being at the forefront of every revolutionary change in my industry globally, but always in a way that can actually help my clients; I don’t like revolutionizing just for the sake of it,” says Ioannis.

An Optimistic and Approachable Leader

Ioannis does not believe in hierarchies. He feels that hierarchical structures eventually lead to unnecessary inefficiencies and bottlenecks that unavoidably affect peoples’ productivity, effectiveness, efficiency, and – ultimately – their morale. “Throughout my career, I have always tried to be very approachable, open to everyone (regardless of their seniority), and lead by example. Trust me when I say that no one will get inspired and follow a leader if this leader does not live by his / her beliefs. At least not in the long run,” he says.

An inherently optimistic person, Ioannis is always trying to see the bright side of things. His personal philosophy is that nothing is impossible and that we should always aim high, regardless of the hardships. Not a fan of excuses, Ioannis has always believed that excuses are there, only to hold us back. Trying to find justifications about why we failed in something is undeniably in human nature. However, he does not think it is constructive.

“It is much better to say that I failed because of XYZ so next time you solve the problem in a different way that addresses / takes into account the XYZ, than find all the excuses in the world so we can go easy on ourselves and get us “off the hook”. I do appreciate that the latter comes much more naturally, but the former is what helps us become better! Personal development and self-improvement is a never-ending journey, but the sooner we embark on it the better it will be for our professional and personal lives,” he explains.

Problem-solving and Strategic Planning

What truly matters to Ioannis is his clients. He always puts them at the center of everything he does. But he never forgets that this is the case with his clients too. Their clients are their most valuable asset. This is exactly the reason why it is very important in every problem-solving and strategic planning exercise to reverse engineer and carefully consider the impact that a decision will have on clients.

“This is my approach and one of the key strategic advices I give to the CxOs of the Firms I work with. Always consider your clients; they are the end buyers of your services / products and the ones who ultimately determine how successful – or not – an organization is. Everything you do should aim to have a positive impact on them,” he explains.

Pointers that Drive Growth

Diversification and strong knowledge of the market are the two factors Ioannis believes drive growth. “Diversification when it comes to services, offerings, market propositions, solutions, and accelerators so we can cover fully the breadth and depth of the demand we are creating. And strong knowledge of the market because understanding the true needs of the clients, their agendas, their pain points, and in many cases also helping CxOs to actually identify the aforementioned based on where the market is moving and what their peers are doing, should bea critical success factor for any business,” he shares.

The combination of these two is the recipe for success. But a recipe without a strong brigade is just words on paper. And this is why he cannot stress enough how important it is to have the right team. “As we used to say, if you want to go fast go by yourself but if you want to go far, go with your team,” he states.

Challenging Projects

Challenges have been the very nature of his work for two decades now. Challenging the status quo and helping CxOs achieve extraordinary results is what Ioannis excels at. One way or another, he has been involved in some of the most challenging programs in the world. Some had to do with redesigning from scratch and transforming end-to-end clients’ core operations so measurable efficiencies, improved profitability, and better bottom lines could be achieved. Some others had to do with designing and optimizing divisional and group-level strategies and business plans. Some involved material technology and/or outsourcing interventions across clients’ value chains with the aim of achieving significant cost cuttings and/or better valuations.

Despite the uniqueness of each program he has run over the years, there is one common denominator in all of them (one can call this a “lesson learned”). And this is that every single program in the world, regardless of the industry, the complexity, or the region, is doomed to eventually fail if the people in the business are not onboard!

“The people who are working in the business need to understand why something is happening, how it may influence their day-to-day jobs, what they will get out of it, and why they should support it. At the end of the day, they will be the ones who will live with its outcomes at the Business As Usual phase,” he explains.

Emerging Trends in Financial Services

The biggest trend Ioannis sees at the moment is Artificial Intelligence (more specifically Generative Artificial Intelligence) and its practical applications – and implications – that it can have on existing business models.

“Last week, I was reading a comprehensive study which involved approximately 1,300 senior executives from 24 countries in Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America (more than half with revenue over USD 5 billion), that proved – actually emphasized – exactly that. More than half of the respondents believed that AI will be greater than (or equal to) the Internet (!) and that they are excited about its potential impact on their business,” he points out.

“Also, a stunning 60% believed that the impact of AI will be greater than (or equal to) smartphones! Let me repeat that. Greater than smartphones! As you (and hopefully our readers) can understand, this megatrend has the potential to truly transform the Financial Services and Insurance sectors as we know them,” he adds.

Envisioning the Future

Ioannis vision for the future is to expand his reach in less “popular” regions and businesses, and to also continue to deliver unparalleled value to his clients by revolutionizing their current ways of working with practical and well-tested interventions. The reason for that is because despite all the transformations the industry has undergone over the past decade or so, the truth is that there are still significant quantifiable efficiencies to be explored and “unlocked” in the ways the vast majority of Firms globally are conducting their business.

“Efficiencies that have the potential to skyrocket their profitability, their bottom lines, and their valuations. Efficiencies that no one may have been able to realize a few years back due to technological (and perceptual) constraints. This is what experience is showing us. Not in theory, but in practice since I am seeing this actually happening day after day,” he shares.

Words of Experience

To the aspiring executives, here is what Ioannis has to say in the concluding lines:

“I would give them exactly the same advice my mentor gave me 20-plus years ago (this is what I have drawn to my daughter’s room when she was born by the way). Always have a clear target (a dream if you wish) and then strive to “fly” above it! Never, NEVER stop until you reach it. And then, set up your next target, and then the one after. And so on… We all need to redefine ourselves in the process of course, but this is the beauty of it! Throughout my career, I have seen many great minds with huge potential fail, because they were not persistent enough! They quit after the first or the second “fall”. We should never forget that it really doesn’t matter how many times we “fall”, but how many times we get back on our feet. As long as the latter is greater than the former, success will eventually come.”

A Quote to Live By

Undoubtedly, sky is the limit!

“From a very young age, this is the motto I passionately believed in and lived by. The reason is simple. If someone truly believes that the sky is the limit and he continuously strives to reach it with everything he has, then even if he fails and stops somewhere in the middle, well; it is high enough!”

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the interviewee and they do not represent the views of TCS and its clients.

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