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Author: CIO Times

Lidia Aviles: An Expert helping Organizations Adopt and Practice Sustainability 

Posted on by CIO Times

Of late, but better than never, business organizations have realized that running a successful business is not just about profits but also about taking care of environmental, social, and governance matters. Stakeholders today agree that sustainability has to be an integral part of organizational strategy and guide its operations for better profits and business longevity.

As a Global Sustainability Expert, Lidia Aviles agrees that she would be worried if there is an organization somewhere that doesn’t have sustainability as part of the key strategies yet. But having said that, she also thinks an organization today needs sustainability as part of their core focus; for different reasons, including economic incentives and savings these provide in future projections. But more importantly, the conscious call to serve the planet. “We might think that we don’t have the money to save the planet because everyone is focused on how much it costs a paper straw vs a plastic one, but let’s be honest, what is there without a planet to live in? Conscious and compassionate actions can make a difference and help an organization integrate a sustainable strategy,” asserts Lidia.

Helping Organizations and Planet Earth

Lidia is a Sustainability & Innovation Expert, mentor, writer, educator, and entrepreneur; Discoverer of the Earthquake Pattern “The Rebound” following multi-disciplines. Studying international affairs and being a Philomath, Lidia encountered herself learning more and eventually walking towards Sustainability expertise without knowing it. She has a few specializations and academic papers like Space travel, seismology, Investment, Innovation, Economics, Law, etc. She loves learning and finds lots of joy when her brain is fully stimulated. Her various studies and interests compound all the different angles of a more sustainable world, and she loves it. 

As a Global Sustainability Expert, Lidia provides global advisory in different ways to multiple organizations and institutions globally. Understanding very well the industries of Innovation, High Tech, and Energy (among others) allows her to help better in all realms of the different sectors.  

Lidia is creative and a strategic thinker. When things seem blurred, she doesn’t know how, Then she practices foresight and lays down the path. Not always easy, but effective. She takes her time to meditate and also to detach from the problem, as she feels it is important to recharge one’s batteries constantly. “The busy professional life sometimes gets glorified by exhaustion, but I see that people that have a calm spirit usually get further in their steps than someone who is jumping around all the time. Independently of the energetic personality, meditation calms down the pace of action to give solid steps and achieve macro-opportunities,” says Lidia.

The Guiding Words

“Don’t forget about our creator”- Rev. Ulises Aviles (R.I.P). Lidia’s dad was a reverend and passed away a couple of years ago. When in dark moments and happy moments, these words of his bring her the feeling of home. Her work is guided by her desire to learn, provide solutions, and go to the core of the problems. “I don’t like spending time on the surface of any situation. I’m very conscious of the value of my energy and time. My question to the organization is “what do you need and how I can help?”- then I figure it out (if possible),” she explains. 

However, this approach also poses some challenges. To start with, not everyone has the learning and training to be proactive. Even though perceiving challenges proactively is a boon to leaders and businesses, people tend to practice it less and panic when issues arise. Practicing foresight kind of puts Lidia in a futuristic mode, and it’s always a challenge to make people understand the pressure of some issues on the horizon. The interaction can be different depending on the professional maturity of the person. She has learned to be patient and sometimes she lets it go, to come back to it in the next few years when she will get the call asking her “…Remember that issue you mentioned a few years ago and asked us to be ready? We need to follow up…”.  

Leveraging Technology

When Technology is used correctly, we can see wonders. Lidia reminds herself every day. As a millennial, she is used to using technology daily, but she also knows how to detach from it as she does from coffee every Saturday. “I’m usually an early adopter in all possible things of technology, from coding to AI and, currently, the Metaverse. I try to see them as extensions of myself and keep them for that purpose, but I also like to explore the different ways to leverage technology for business in general. I remember using the old version of a cloud back in 2006… I saw the benefit of it but the world wasn’t ready,” she says.

Metaverse and Sustainability

Taking about Metaverse, Lidia says that the best thing to remember from the word itself is to imagine a completely new universe within. It’s growing fast, and it’s already unstoppable in the sense of creative opportunities. The regular business strategies are constantly changing if these are being updated; we live in a constantly changing world, where adapting to new challenges is the new normal. Businesses should consider the Metaverse (if haven’t already) as part of the many different constellations of opportunities; it’s the next frontier of technology. 

Metaverse is the ideal environment where all sustainability goals can be assessed beforehand and problems can be fixed before they happen. An example is the metaverse can be used to track and assess the environmental impact of building roads. Another benefit of the metaverse in terms of making citizens aware is that users’ avatars can help them learn how to live sustainably with other avatars that have different backgrounds and perspectives. This will allow users to explore possible solutions together. While metaverses offer many opportunities for positive environmental change, there are some limitations that we must consider; for instance, metaverse technology is not yet widespread and metaverses also require electricity and bandwidth. However, this technology has the potential to make metaversing more sustainable by using solar energy.

Going Forward

Lidia previously held positions as Digitalisation Manager and Sustainability Leader for an international aviation company with more than 84 locations worldwide for its Global Operations; at the same time, she is a Global Advisor at Guidepoint. Having different interests, including the arts, she has a list of achievements and positions that she serves as. However, the most relevant honor is that of being a European Climate Pact Ambassador. She concludes our interaction by saying, “Always learn and keep matching the right network with the different organizations accordingly. I find it satisfying to bring solutions to different institutions… it’s exciting. And knowledge is key.”

Matthew Yip: Devoted to the Field of Mathematics Education

Posted on by CIO Times

In the modern world, when knowledge is available everywhere and in every possible form, the role of educators or teachers becomes all the more crucial in shaping the future of society. They are the ones who can guide the students and save them from information overload, helping them separate fact from fiction. They are responsible not just for imparting knowledge, but life skills to students that will help them thrive in today’s economy. 

The role of educators and educational institutes becomes more crucial and the demand diminishes simultaneously, as the number of potential clients (parents and students) will decrease but with more requirements. Therefore, educators and educational institutes must provide services and products with a higher quality. With the rapid advancement of technology, teachers need to be familiar with modern teaching methods and be able to use technology effectively to provide students with a holistic education. For Matthew Yip and his team, they understand that there is a demand for the recognition of students’ abilities, and it cannot be fulfilled by the digital revolution alone. So, they have made it a point to introduce interesting and competitive ways in which students can understand mathematics and be ready for its applications. 

An Innovative Educator                                      

Matthew’s current role is as an innovative mathematics educator. His institute, Top Mathematics Education Centre mainly provides 3 products or services with their uniqueness. First, he has published 14 books. For instance, “Mathewmatician’s Pedagogies Collection”, “Mathewmatician’s Challenging Problems”, “Mathematics Olympiad Masterpiece”, and “Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Learning and Teaching Masterpiece”. It is impossible or very difficult to find similar publications in the market. For this reason, their readers come from more than 40 countries or regions. 

Second, they have published the “Global Mathematics and Mathematics Olympiad Graded Assessment Test with Competition”. The current math public exams do not have a detailed grading system, and there is no competition to examine the school math. On the other hand, the Mathematics Olympiad competition does not have a systematic and popular training system, leading to unfairness in these competitions, such as the use of a large amount of money to purchase training courses, and the difficulty level of the questions exceeding the range of the questions that the students of that grade have learned, so that only a small number of questions need to be answered to win the award.

Therefore, the Global Mathematics and Mathematics Olympiad Graded Assessment Test with Competition could improve all the above problems at the same time, and be open to all ages to apply. It will encourage people with higher math intuition to learn faster, and people with lower math intuition to apply after completing the preparation, and graduated individuals can apply at any time to improve their math level. In addition, applicants can get a free preparatory course, which is sufficient and fair learning support, to reduce the inequality brought by different family backgrounds.

Third, the Top Mathematics Education Centre has published an automatic math learning system, called “Mathewmatician’s Dictionary”, which integrates textbooks, notes, teachings, exercises, and assessments into one, allowing each student to learn actively according to their own abilities and at their own pace. The progress is also automatically adjusted according to each student. Students must be able to fully rely on themselves to complete all the math problems in a topic before moving on to the next topic, to ensure that they will not be unable to understand the content of the later topics due to the insufficient absorption of the previous topics.

Finding his Light

Matthew’s professional journey has two key turning points. The first turning point was during his high school course selection. He had to choose one subject between economics and additional mathematics. He chose economics considering the subject to be more practical. His grade in compulsory mathematics came out to be the highest, while that in economics was just average. He realized that he had a talent for mathematics, so he spent a year self-studying additional mathematics and chose a major in mathematics at university.

The second turning point was after Matthew started university. He began to teach at private tutoring and mathematics tutoring classes. The first reason was to support his study financially and the second was that he found it difficult to understand the course content through the lectures of the teachers. This was not because they taught poorly, but because he believed that mathematics has a unique learning mode. He could fully rely on himself to study by reviewing notes and reference books after class. Therefore, he spent a lot of time working part-time to earn income. 

During the time he took up private tutoring and mathematics tutoring classes, Matthew did not want to make the same mistakes as those university lecturers, and he hoped that every student could understand his teaching. Therefore, he constantly studied and improved his teaching methods. On the other hand, he found that many mathematicians may not be able to prove some of the more important theorems even if they spend their entire lives. Compared with this, he hopes to do more beneficial things for people in the field of mathematics education in his limited lifetime. 

“To be a mathematics educator, there are a few reasons. First, I just love math. but not other subjects since I was a teenager. I enjoy the process of solving different math. problems, and teaching my classmates to solve difficult problems. Second, my father gave me “Matthew” as my English name when I was born, I believe that my life mission is to be a mathematics educator, but not to be a mathematician. The reason is I realized there could be many improvements in mathematics education, and I hope I can be the leader to change the current situation,” says Matthew.

Beating Challenges Skillfully

Matthew’s biggest challenge is not in the development path of mathematics and mathematics education but in his ATCL piano performance exam. When taking any mathematics or other exams, as well as lower-level piano exams, he passed all at once. When he was in high school, he took the piano performance exam for the first time, and the result was far from a passing score. Then he focused on his studies, and after entering university, he continued to work hard to practice. The second time, he made a significant improvement, but it was still a small score from passing. Therefore, he worked hard every day to practice and improve and finally passed with a passing score for the third time. However, when he continued to register for the LTCL exam, no matter how hard he tried, he could not reach a score close to passing. Therefore, he decided to give up and focus on developing the field of mathematics and mathematics education.

As he accumulated achievements in mathematics education, he found that the lowest level of piano performance exam seemed very small. In this experience, he realized the following three points.

(1) Persist if it is close to your own ability.

(2) As age increases, gradually give up those fields that have not enabled one to reach the top of the field.

(3) As long as there is one field left, continue to persist until reaching the top of the industry.

Matthew continues to apply his learnings in his life thereafter. At work, he sets up his ultimate goal and then separates it into smaller goals. After that, he ranks the order of each small goal by the combination of importance and urgency. Finally, he uses the principle of “first effective, then efficiency” to achieve his goals. For him, the process is to first enhance his own strengths, including education, professional qualifications, and teaching experience, and then enhance personal achievements, such as helping students achieve good grades in public exams and competitions and publishing various meaningful publications. 

The next step Is to make good use of his own strength and personal achievements to increase personal fame, and at the same time launch the life-representative work of the greatest math educator, namely the Global Mathematics and Mathematics Olympiad Graded Assessment Test with Competition and automatic mathematics learning system (Mathewmatician’s Dictionary). Finally, uses the reputation, strength, and achievements he has accumulated to promote the above two life representative works, to improve future math education development.

Trends in the Industry

Matthew shares that for the next 5 years, the involvement of AI in education, including math education, will have a greater proportion and significance. Therefore, he. Along with his team members are involved in a continuous process to learn the latest tools in AI, and find out which of them are suitable to their products or services. “For example, we would like to develop an automatic grading system by AI in the long term, to reduce the demand for mathematics teachers, to release good mathematics talents to engage in professions other than teaching mathematics, give full play to their strengths, benefit the people, and accelerate human development,” he explains.

Goals for the New Year

Matthew’s ultimate goal is to be recognized as the greatest mathematics educator. To achieve that, first, he and his team are setting up the “Global Mathematics and Mathematics Olympiad Assessment Test”, to assess all students fairly and without age restrictions. Second, they are developing an automatic math learning system – Mathewmatician’s Dictionary, which integrates textbooks, exercises, and classrooms into one, starting from the basics and teaching each math problem step by step. Third, they are to promote an optimized method to learn math, to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Matthew lists our four main reasons for him to achieve the above goals.

  • Let people now and in the future learn mathematics anytime, anywhere, according to personal needs and progress.
  • To enable individuals with high mathematical aptitude to learn advanced mathematics and Olympiad mathematics more quickly. People with weaker mathematical abilities should the same amount of time mastering basic mathematics. Once they reach the level required for their chosen profession or further studies, they can stop, rather than forcing themselves to study mathematics in higher grades.
  • In the future, academic qualifications will not be divided (the division of Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees is not necessary); instead, recruitment standards in the workplace will be based on grades obtained in various subjects and their levels from public assessments.
  • Reduce the demand for mathematics teachers, improve the average quality of the remaining mathematics teachers, release good mathematics talents to engage in professions other than teaching mathematics, give full play to their strengths, benefit the people, and accelerate human development.

“Since my goal is to be a great person, but not a rich person, I expect my life will not change a lot in the near future. On the other hand, I strongly believe I could make great progress in 3 to 5 years,” says Matthew.

Words of Encouragement

Matthew concludes with the following advice for young entrepreneurs:

“First, in the early stages of life, seek and establish personal ultimate goals, as well as break them down into smaller goals to achieve the ultimate goal. In the process of striving, enjoy the joy of achieving each small goal.

Second, time is far more important than money. There are far more people who die of old age than of hunger. Changing the time originally spent pursuing goals to pursuing money and material enjoyment is a reversal of the meaning of life.

Third, do not be influenced by other people’s thoughts, and do not let others control you, thereby giving up self-realization.

Finally, try to experience and enjoy special moments in your life.”

Quote: “Fulfil what you need, find out what you want, then take action!”

Quote: “I have devoted myself to the field of mathematics education.”

Prasuk Jain: Creating Next-gen Entertainment and Hospitality Brands

Posted on by CIO Times

The hospitality industry in India is consistently growing at almost 100% YOY and accounts for about 7.5% of the country’s GDP. After a drastic hit in the covid era, the hospitality sector has come out strongly due to consumer behavior in the form of revenge spending.

The entertainment industry market has the potential for more consumption and penetration in regard to customer segmentation, purchase situation, and direct competition.

The ever-growing hospitality industry is buoyed by the fact that the world has returned to normal and people are more eager than ever to explore the world. India, the ever-hospitable country has been gaining significant ranks when it comes to being a travel destination. The new-gen, when it comes to travel and tourism, expects more in every trip they take. They want it to be packed with events that strike the balance among entertainment, relaxation, adventure, and holiday. The service providers thus need innovative and engaging concepts that can cater to their dynamic choices.

As a leading entrepreneur in the hospitality and entertainment industry, the key factor that drew Prasuk Jain towards the industry was the realization that there was a vacuum of entertainment in India. Traditional forms of entertainment were prevalent, and he saw an opportunity to introduce new and different entertainment concepts that would cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of the Indian audience. He wanted to create unforgettable experiences and add a new dimension to Indian amusement. Which he is doing through his venture Snow World Entertainment (SWE). 

Inspired by India 

Prasuk’s professional journey has been focused on the hospitality and entertainment industry, driven by a deep passion for transforming the entertainment landscape and seizing untapped opportunities. He has been fortunate to spearhead successful ventures in the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, aiming to bring unique and innovative concepts to the Indian market.

Additionally, he was motivated by the desire to put India on the global map in the hospitality and entertainment industry. He believes in the immense potential that our country holds and the talent that exists within it. By nurturing homegrown talent and fostering a spirit of innovation, he aimed to showcase India’s capabilities and establish its position as a global leader in the field.

Furthermore, Prasuk was inspired by the “Make in India, Make for the World” narrative, which emphasizes the importance of creating locally and serving globally. He wanted to champion this narrative and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy by building a globally recognized brand in entertainment and hospitality.

Innovative Ideas

Snow World Entertainment, as a company, focuses on the hospitality and entertainment industry offering a range of unique and innovative services that set them apart in the market.

The company operates various brands, including Koa, Amazonia, Formula 11 Karting, The Game Palacio, The Game, The Beer Garden and Game Garden, Snow World, The Game Ranch, and Pink Wasabi, etc. Each brand offers a distinct experience and caters to different segments of the market, providing customers with a wide array of options to choose from.

Amazonia is a renowned brand that has been recognized as one of the World’s Top 50 Indian & Indian-Owned Restaurants by Élite Magazine. It offers a unique dining experience that combines global cuisine with Indian culture, creating unforgettable flavors and ambiance.

Formula 11 Karting is a next-generation karting adventure that provides an exhilarating racing experience on an international race track. With a focus on safety and sanitization, Formula 11 Karting offers high-performance karts and a range of services, including a Super License Program that nurtures young talent and provides professional racing opportunities.

The Game Ranch brings rustic Texan charm to the entertainment scene, offering a countryside-themed gaming resto lounge. It features bowling alleys, arcade games, a mechanical bull, and a lineup of events that create a fun and memorable experience for guests.

Koa, with its boho tropical theme, takes guests on a culinary journey around the world. It offers an immersive dining experience with eclectic decor, global cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Snow World Entertainment’s services encompass gaming, dining, entertainment, and social experiences. They prioritize customer satisfaction, innovative concepts, and sustainability in all their endeavors. The company’s commitment to excellence and its ability to blend industry trends, Indian culture, and a global perspective makes it unique in the market.

Additionally, Snow World Entertainment has received prestigious awards and accolades for its exceptional services and experiences. These achievements further highlight their dedication to delivering unforgettable moments and setting themselves apart from the competition.

Overall, Snow World Entertainment’s services provide a diverse range of entertainment options that cater to various customer preferences. By combining unique concepts, immersive experiences, and a commitment to excellence, they uphold their uniqueness in the market and continue to be a leading player in the hospitality and entertainment industry.

Overcoming Hurdles

After introducing the largest indoor ski park with a carpet of 1 lac sq. ft. in DLF Mall of India in Noida, there was a huge interest seen in the visitors. They were running 7 sessions in a day with a time duration of 1hr 30 minutes. The place could entertain 500 guests in one session. The Ski Park was designed by the Sanderson Group with a sci-fi theme. The maintenance cost to run such a huge space to keep a temperature of -10 degrees & snow in place, all 365 days was a big cost along with the necessary equipment needed like shoes, jackets, gloves, skis, skating shoes, tubes, sleds, etc.

A point came in where Prasuk and team realized due to the lack of tourism in India, the local audience was very low to keep space running for a very long time. This was the intense time when they decided to keep the place get going for years but planned to remove the ski track and make the space a little small so that it can be operated without any complications. The place was modified and again picked up in no time.

Immediately a new idea was to hit the ground getting a luxury entertainment center in the heart of Mumbai city, Worli –Atria Mall. “My ability to make strategic collaborations, and seize opportunities with my strong will, energetic personality, and passion have helped me overcome the challenges,” feels Prasuk.

Other hurdles en route growth include the procurement of finance+business licenses in the country which are traditionally tough for startups. “For the 1st Snow World in India, after 20 bank meets, Corporation Bank approved the 1st line of credit after 1 year. Finding quality labor is our 2nd challenging responsibility as the work in entertainment & hospitality is a hands-on job,” shares Prasuk.

Leading with a Vision

Prasuk always had a strong inclination for entrepreneurship. From an early age, he possessed an innate drive to create and innovate. This drive, coupled with a passion for the hospitality and entertainment industry, led me to pursue a career as an entrepreneur in this field.

“In terms of my working style, I can be described as a future-forward and visionary. I have a deep passion for transforming the entertainment landscape and seizing untapped opportunities. I am constantly looking ahead, anticipating trends, and identifying ways to revolutionize the industry. My approach is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, creativity, and innovation,” he says.

Prasuk believes in assembling exceptional teams, composed of the most talented and dedicated individuals. Collaboration and teamwork are integral to his working style, as he recognizes the power of collective efforts in achieving ambitious goals. He values the input and expertise of each team member and fosters an environment where ideas can flourish.

Additionally, he embraces the “Make in India, Make for the World” narrative, which guides his decision-making process. He prioritizes customer satisfaction and considers ecological implications in all his endeavors.

“Sustainability and creating unforgettable experiences are at the core of my working style, as I strive to enhance the lives of people and add a new dimension to Indian amusement. Overall, my working style revolves around being future-focused, visionary, and committed to excellence. I am driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to make a lasting impact on the hospitality and entertainment industry,” asserts Prasuk.

How the Pandemic Changed the Industry

Covid has changed the requirements of workspaces by necessitating the implementation of health and safety measures, such as regular sanitization, increased cleaning protocols, and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE). Workspaces now need to adhere to social distancing guidelines and ensure proper ventilation and air filtration to maintain a safe working environment. 

The pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of remote work, with many companies implementing work-from-home policies. Technology integration has become crucial for remote collaboration, virtual meetings, and online communication. Additionally, businesses have prioritized the mental health and well-being of employees, offering resources and support to alleviate stress. Overall, Covid has emphasized the need for flexibility, adaptability, and a focus on employee safety and well-being in workspaces.

Recognitions

The following accolades highlight the organization’s commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver exceptional experiences to customers.

· Business World Disrupt 40 under 40 awards in 2022 (received by the visionary entrepreneur)

· Asia One Most Influential Young Entrepreneur 2023

· Élite Magazine’s World’s Top 50 Indian & Indian-Owned Restaurants for Amazonia (BKC, Mumbai)

· Times Food & Nightlife Awards’ Noteworthy Newcomer Nightlife for Amazonia (BKC, Mumbai)

· Food Connoisseurs India Awards’ Best Restaurant in Powai for The Game Ranch (Powai, Mumbai)

· Best Design Restaurant for Pink Wasabi (Juhu, Mumbai)

Vision for the Future

“Success always comes with a price tag attached; doesn’t it? But the last lap is where the glory lies. I dream about leaving a legacy anyone hopes to leave behind,” shares Prasuk.

His vision is to improve the experiences with the addition of new verticals and diversification to our umbrella over time. “Our projects must be validated by our conscience on the ecological implications and must add a new dimension to the amusement of the Indian audience,” he adds.

Continuing their soaring expansion, SWE aims to double the revenues they did in 2022, making them one of the most unique companies in delivering ideas and innovations in their sector of business.2023 will be the year of newfound opportunities with the resumption of consumer spending invigorating the hospitality landscape. Plus, the many new concepts SWE is executing will effectively change the entertainment dynamics in the country. 

“Entertainment and Hospitality will continue to be our primary areas of focus and investment to make our brand a global name. Planned investment of approximately around INR 300 crores for 2023-24 and INR 500 crores for 2024-2025 with a top line of 500 crores and 1000 crores respectively,” concludes Prasuk.

Quote: “I believe as long as we’re creating awesome stuff, sketching powerful attractions, and having fun doing it, we’re on the right path.”

Quote: “Overall, my professional journey in the hospitality and entertainment industry has been fueled by a commitment to innovation, a desire to create unforgettable experiences, and a vision to make a lasting impact on the industry both in India and on the global stage.”

Healthcare Stocks Surge as Voters Weigh in on Key Policy Changes

Posted on by CIO Times
  • Healthcare stock prices have risen significantly.
  • The increase is due to voter sentiment and upcoming policy changes.
  • Investors are optimistic about the impact of upcoming decisions on healthcare.

As major legislative changes approach, healthcare stocks are surging. With crucial policy changes up for vote, investors are counting on prospective reforms in areas like as healthcare access, insurance coverage, and prescription drug costs. Many people hope that these improvements will result in a more accessible, economical, and effective healthcare system, which will benefit not only patients but also providers and insurers.

Voters’ Influence on Healthcare Stocks

Voter turnout and sentiment are increasingly seen as driving forces in the stock market’s movement. With election day approaching, voters will decide on several policies that could reshape the healthcare landscape. This includes reforms aimed at reducing drug prices, expanding Medicaid, and improving healthcare infrastructure.

Investors are closely monitoring polling data, as public support for specific healthcare policies could indicate which direction the market might take. Positive sentiment towards healthcare reform has led to a boost in healthcare stocks, particularly those related to insurance and pharmaceutical companies, which stand to benefit from the passage of more progressive healthcare measures.

The market’s responsiveness to these political developments underscores the close link between policy changes and stock market performance. Healthcare stocks, especially those that are most exposed to regulatory changes, tend to experience higher volatility during election cycles. This presents both opportunities and risks for investors, who must stay attuned to the shifting political landscape.

Policy Changes Driving Investment

Prescription drug price reduction plans are among the most likely to have an impact on healthcare stocks. If enacted, such policies might drastically alter the financial dynamics of the pharmaceutical business, resulting in lesser revenue for corporations that rely on high medicine costs. On the other hand, companies who provide generics or revolutionary treatments may gain from new laws that promote affordability and competition.

Similarly, proposals to expand Medicaid could result in a significant influx of new patients, increasing demand for healthcare services and improving the financial outlook for hospitals and insurance providers. Investors are betting that a larger insured population will lead to greater stability and profitability in the healthcare sector.

As voters weigh in on these policies, their decisions will have far-reaching consequences. Many market analysts believe that the upcoming votes could mark a turning point for the healthcare industry, ushering in a new era of reform that could change the dynamics of how healthcare is delivered and paid for.

The Future of Healthcare Stocks

Looking ahead, healthcare stocks are poised for continued growth, with the upcoming elections serving as a potential catalyst for further investment. The prospect of sweeping healthcare reforms is exciting investors, who view the changes as a long-term opportunity to capitalize on the evolving healthcare landscape.

With the excitement, several analysts warn that the results of important ballots could create uncertainty. A split decision or an unexpected policy shift might create major fluctuations in healthcare equities, requiring investors to be watchful and adaptable to shifting market conditions.

Ultimately, the surge in healthcare stocks underscores the important role that voter decisions play in shaping the future of the healthcare sector. As the nation heads toward pivotal policy votes, the market’s performance may provide valuable insight into the direction of healthcare reform and the broader economic landscape.

Arvind Goel: Empowering Growth through Unwavering Focus on Quality and Customer-First Approach 

Posted on by CIO Times

Tata AutoComp Systems, established in 1995 and promoted by the Tata Group, was created to introduce advanced auto component technologies into India, catering to the burgeoning Indian automotive sector. The company specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and supply of a wide range of auto-component products and services. Operating through various Business Units (BUs), Tata AutoComp encompasses its own divisions, subsidiaries, and joint ventures to deliver comprehensive solutions to automotive OEMs across multiple segments, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two and three-wheelers, tractors, off-road vehicles, allied industrial segments, non-auto businesses, and the aftermarket. 

With a robust structure comprising 18 Business Units and nine joint ventures with leading global auto component manufacturers, Tata AutoComp boasts 61 manufacturing facilities located across India, North America, Latin America, Europe, and China. The company is actively engaged in several segments such as EV components and electricals, interior and exterior systems, thermal management, emission control and powertrain solutions, body and suspension systems, engineering services, supply chain management, and aftermarket services. Under the leadership of Vice Chairman Arvind Goel, it has made significant strides in establishing joint ventures and acquiring TitanX, which have been pivotal to the company’s growth and success. 

The Passionate Leader 

Arvind Goel has been a prominent figure in the industry for over four decades. Before being appointed as the Vice Chairman of Tata AutoComp in January 2023, he served as the Managing Director & CEO at the Company since 2018 and has held several other leadership positions within the company. He is leading the company with a vision to be the most trusted mobility components and systems partner. 

Right from his childhood, Arvind had a passion for automobiles and soccer. As he grew, his passion for automobiles got the better of him and transcended into a four-decade career. Before joining Tata AutoComp in 2008, he had also served as President and COO of Man Trucks and various leadership positions at Force Motors, Bajaj Tempo, and Kirloskar Oil Engines. Arvind is also an active member of various industry bodies and has received several awards for his contributions to the auto industry. 

The Journey at Tata AutoComp 

As the Vice Chairman, Arvind plays a crucial role in overseeing the long-term vision of Tata AutoComp, with a particular focus on areas like EV components. He strengthens partnerships with global technology providers and fosters joint ventures to bring innovative solutions to the market. He also drives initiatives that expand the company’s market presence and improve operational efficiencies across all business units. He also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to keep the company ahead in the automotive industry. 

Arvind has closely followed the technology revolution in the automotive industry, particularly the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). By anticipating global technological trends, he made sure that Tata AutoComp was prepared to supply EV components ahead of the market. This proactive approach ensured that the company was ready to meet the industry’s evolving needs, positioning it as a leader in EV technology supply. He has also instilled a culture of continuous improvement and total quality management and has prioritized R&D to drive innovation and keep Tata AutoComp competitive. Arvind is focused on making the company a full-service supplier to meet diverse customer needs and hence cultivated a performance-driven culture to align teams with high standards and accountability. 

Beyond his work at Tata AutoComp, Arvind actively contributes to various industry bodies. He serves as a Board Member of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA), Vice Chairman of the Western Region Automotive Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA), an elected member of the CII National Council and CII Western Regional Council, and President of the Employers’ Federation of India. His involvement in these organizations highlights his commitment to advancing the automotive industry and fostering collaboration within the sector. 

Helping Ideas Flourish 

To drive innovation and growth within the organization, Arvind has built a robust culture of innovation. This has involved fostering the appreciation, recognition, and implementation of new ideas. With this supportive culture firmly in place, innovation naturally thrives. He has prioritized involving all stakeholders—employees, vendors, and customers—in the innovation process. By engaging everyone, Tata AutoComp has harnessed diverse perspectives and created a collaborative environment. 

 Tata AutoComp has also established a dedicated platform where individuals can present and implement their innovative ideas. This platform is supported by financial resources, ensuring that practical and creative solutions come to life. He emphasizes the vital role of senior leadership in driving innovation from the top, setting a positive example through their appreciation and encouragement of new ideas. 

Under his guidance, innovation has been cultivated both internally and externally. Vendors are empowered to develop creative solutions, enhancing Tata AutoComp’s products, while customer feedback has been seamlessly integrated into product development. These efforts have ensured that offerings are innovative and closely aligned with customer needs. Together, these strategies have propelled Tata AutoComp toward sustained growth and success in the auto component sector. 

Sailing through Challenges 

The hardest decision Arvind took as a leader was recognizing the significant megatrend indicating that electric vehicles (EVs) would be the next major technological shift in India, a shift already established in markets like China and creating advancements in the US and Europe. At that time, the Indian auto component industry was still in a dilemma about whether to invest in battery packs and drivetrains, and there was little to no experience available in these areas. Despite these challenges, he decided to take a strategic risk and enter this technology sector. 

In 2020/21, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, under his guidance, Tata AutoComp planned to establish its manufacturing capabilities for battery packs, drivetrains, and other EV components. The situation was particularly challenging, as travel restrictions prevented the partner companies from assisting with the installation and commissioning of machinery. Despite these hurdles, Arvind made the decision to invest heavily in these two areas. 

This strategic approach allowed them to overcome significant obstacles. Today, Tata AutoComp stands as the number one supplier of battery packs and drivetrains in India, achieving the highest level of localization for these projects. This decision not only positioned them at the forefront of the EV market but also demonstrated their capability to adapt and innovate in challenging circumstances. 

Leveraging Novel Technologies 

Tata AutoComp Systems leverages new technologies by aligning with industry megatrends, customer needs, evolving sustainability goals, and global advancements. Its approach is structured and collaborative, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry: 

Sources of New Technology: 

  • Feedback from the customers 
  • Industry megatrends and developments. 
  • In-depth PESTEL analysis to identify opportunities and challenges. 

Strategies to Bring Technology: 

  • Develop the technology on your own. 
  • Partnering with global technology leaders to adopt cutting-edge innovations. 
  • Acquiring companies with expertise in specific advanced technologies. 

Strategy for Leveraging the Right Technology 

  • Engaging industry experts to identify relevant technologies to leverage. 
  • Monitor what developments are happening globally. 
  • Get feedback from customers on the types of technologies/innovations they want to introduce in India. 
  • PESTEL Analysis 

Key Achievements: 

This strategy has positioned the company as a market leader in Battery Pack, Drivetrain, BTMS, and EV Chargers, securing its competitive edge. 

Innovations: 

Implemented: EV vehicles, BS6 compliance, lightweight solutions, modular seating and many more. 

Recent: 

  • Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): Tata AutoComp is the first to introduce DCT in India. 
  • Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS): First to manufacture LVDS cameras in India. 

Integrating ESG principles 

Tata AutoComp integrates ESG principles into its business operations and strategies in the following ways: 

  1. Sustainability Alignment: Committed to TATA Group reporting frameworks for transparent progress on sustainability. 
  1. Climate Change Mitigation: Integrate environmental and social considerations across business operations. 
  1. Governance and Reporting: Establish governance to oversee sustainability, valuing natural and social capital, and reporting in alignment with TATA Group. 
  1. Measurable Targets: Set and track goals, including Net Zero by 2040, through Project Aalingana. 
  1. Social Responsibility: Support communities, uphold human rights, and promote social welfare per the CSR policy. 
  1. Sustainable Materials: 
  1. Reduce: Promote the use of Low-density materials for efficiency. 
  1. Reuse: Use Waste in cement kilns. 
  1. Recycle: Incorporate recycled materials. 
  1. Redesign: Use pigmented materials to avoid painting. 
  1. Renew: Use renewable raw materials. 

Current Trends 

Arvind points out several trends that are shaping the future of the auto component industry: 

  • Electrification & Sustainability 
  • Advanced Manufacturing 
  • Connected Vehicle 
  • AI-ML & Digitalization 
  • Shared Mobility 

A visionary, he is already leading the company to address and even stay ahead of these trends in the following ways: 

  • Electrification – Tata AutoComp has made 2 joint ventures to bring the latest technology to India, and it is an industry leader in this sector in India. As part of its strategy for localising EV components, it has established dedicated business units to design and manufacture them. Additionally, it has implemented vertical integration.  
  • Sustainability – The Company is working on lightweight, environmentally friendly materials for automotive interiors and exteriors. The team is also exploring new avenues to develop materials that comply with evolving sustainability norms. 
  • Advanced Manufacturing – Most of Tata AutoComp’s plants are Industry 4.0 ready. 
  • Connected Vehicles – It is the first to manufacture LVDS Cameras and bring more products into the ADAS segment. It is also in the process of bringing various products related to Power Electronics. 
  • AI-ML & Digitalization – These platforms are being used for productivity monitoring and various other monitoring systems. 
  • Shared Mobility – The Company is aligning with the automotive OEMs’ vision of meeting the demands of Shared Mobility. It is helping OEMs with advanced technology that focuses on durability.  

Green Initiatives  

Tata AutoComp integrates sustainable practices across operations to achieve long-term competitive advantages while improving quality of life. The company aligns its values with customer, employee, partner, and community expectations, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and economic targets to ensure sustainable growth. 

  • Environmental Initiatives: Tata AutoComp actively supports global climate action by reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, optimizing resource efficiency, preventing pollution, and conserving biodiversity. Efforts include reforestation and achieving a net positive impact on ecosystems while adhering to strict environmental regulations. 
  • Stakeholder Empowerment: A safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace is a priority. The company fosters diversity, safeguards human rights, and emphasizes employee health and safety. It engages communities through social responsibility initiatives and collaborates with stakeholders to address sustainability concerns effectively. 
  • Business Sustainability: Sustainability is embedded in the company’s decision-making, focusing on mitigating climate change risks. It promotes green revenue growth by developing environmentally friendly products and building a sustainable value chain. Comprehensive risk assessments ensure the identification and mitigation of potential sustainability risks. 
  • Ethical Practices: It upholds integrity and transparency, implementing robust anti-corruption measures and continuously improving environmental, health, and safety performance across its value chain. 
  • Policy Implementation: Guided by a dedicated governance structure, the company monitors its progress on sustainability goals, including achieving Net Zero by 2040 under Project Aalingana. Training, stakeholder engagement, and measurable targets drive continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with Tata Group’s sustainability frameworks. 

A Great Place to Work At 

Tata AutoComp has several initiatives in place to develop and support its employees and foster a culture of innovation and excellence. 

  • Culture of Growth 

Life at the company combines professionalism with a vibrant culture of collaboration, respect, and support. The environment fosters growth through continuous learning, innovation, and integrity, celebrating achievements while nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose. As part of their strategy to mentor and shape tomorrow’s leaders, they focus on recruiting young talent. 

  • Diversity & Inclusion 

It prioritizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and respected. The inclusive policies foster equal opportunities and embrace diverse perspectives, building a workplace that encourages respect and drives innovation. 

  • Corporate Social Responsibility 

The CSR initiatives reflect the company’s dedication to sustainable growth and community welfare. The initiatives range from education and health programs to environmental conservation, embodying their values of integrity, responsibility, and excellence. They strive to make a positive impact on society, combining corporate responsibility with career advancement opportunities. 

Awards 

Tata AutoComp Has Received Global Recognition with Two Deming Prize Awards, in a recently concluded ceremony in Tokyo, Japan 

Two of Tata AutoComp’s business units, Tata Ficosa and Tata AutoComp’s Composites Division, have won the prestigious Deming Prize Awards for 2024. Tata AutoComp’s Composites Division is the first entity in the global composites industry to receive this recognition, while Tata Ficosa is the first auto-component company in India to win the Deming Prize in the Vision Systems product category. The Deming Award presented by JUSE [Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers] Japan honours organizations excelling in quality management. 

Tata AutoComp has been recognized as a Future Ready Organisation for 2024-25 by The Economic Times and named the Best Organisation for Women in 2023 and 2024 by ET Now and The Economic Times. 

Quote: “Innovation and technology, driven by a commitment to quality and societal responsibility, are the pillars of progress. It is through effective leadership development that we bring this vision to life, ensuring that every step forward creates lasting, meaningful change.” 

Quote: “Our mission is to deliver value to all stakeholders by differentiation through safety, quality and constant innovation.” 

Quote: “Tata AutoComp is targeting a 3X growth over the next 5 years across the Automotive, Railway, Aviation, and Energy sectors.” 

The Vision: 

Tata AutoComp aspires to lead the future of mobility by building trust through customer satisfaction, ethical practices, and quality excellence. We envision a safer, sustainable world by advancing environmental, social, and governance goals with zero harm. Through global and industry-agnostic partnerships, we aim to drive innovation in engineering, energy, and electronics, delivering cutting-edge solutions across the automotive, railways, defence, and airways sectors. We strive to become the most valued auto components player and technology leader in India as we realize this vision. 

Prioritizing Customers:  

At Tata AutoComp Systems, customer needs and satisfaction are integral to the operations. The company actively captures customer voice to enhance customer-centric processes and refine its product and technology development. This ensures that customers receive products of the right quality, equipped with advanced technology, delivered on time, and offered at the right price. This comprehensive approach consistently delivers exceptional value and satisfaction. 

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Neil Tan:  A Multi-Dimensional Leader in the FinTech Space

Posted on by CIO Times

The FinTech Association of Hong Kong (FTAHK) is a not-for-profit organization that operates independently with a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and governance. A highly connected and successful group of volunteer board members and committee co-chairs advocate for the role of FinTech in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) but as well across Asia with other like-minded associations. Neil Tan has been involved with FTAHK for several years and co-headed its WealthTech Committee. In the summer of 2022, he was elected to the Board of Directors and appointed as Chairman.

In its six years of existence, the FTAHK, arguably Asia’s most impactful of its kind, is a fully independent, member-funded industry association that focuses its activities around (i) Advocacy (ii) Collaboration & Connectivity and (iii) Education. Its 1,000+ members comprising of individuals and corporate entities come from all walks of the fintech life, from various segments, backgrounds and sizes.

“We are particularly proud of the network effects that we create as well as our strong standing with regulators and government bodies that listen to ‘the Voice of the FinTech Ecosystem’ that we holistically represent in numerous public and private consultations thus enabling our members to shape the framework of a thriving FinTech Ecosystem,” says Neil.

Improvising Always

Neil has over two decades of experience in Corporate Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Development, and Partnerships – across Banking (HSBC, Deutsche Bank), Management Consulting (BCG) and Industry (Philips Electronics, Siemens). 

 Today, Neil is the Managing Partner at Tsunami Advisors, a consulting firm that specializes in supporting the growth and scaling of FinTech and Web3 companies in the Asia Pacific Region. He has extensive experience in the industry, having previously served as the CEO of Neptune Digital, an award-winning blockchain startup that was incubated under the Cyberport Incubation Program (CIP). Prior to this, he was the Head of Business Development for the Digital Partnerships & Innovation Team at HSBC in the Asia Pacific, where he focused on Banking-As-A-Service (BaaS) and Embedded Finance.

Prior to being the Chairman, Neil began his journey within the FinTech Association of Hong Kong a few years ago. Starting off as a member that regularly attended the FTAHK’s events, he wanted to increase his engagement and was subsequently elected as a Co-Chair of the FTAHK WealthTech Committee. As Co-Chair, Neil covered various topics from Asset Management and Robo Advisors to Cryptocurrencies, Digital Assets (NFT) and the Metaverse.

Since he began chairing the new board, along with the core board members, he has:

  • Reshaped the committees to even further align with the Regulators’ FinTech 2025 agenda, especially fostering their GreenTech & ESG activities
  •  Increased Web3 and Metaverse topics across their spectrum and powered a dedicated Web3 & Blockchain committee in existence  as Hong Kong is enroute to establishing itself as a global virtual asset hub. 
  • Introduced FinTech Master Classes that target audiences who wants to learn about Fintech in HK and the Greater Bay Area
  • Ensured that the FTAHK partook in various public and private consultations with regulators and government bodies especially but not limited in the Virtual Asset space.
  • Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, reinvigorated FTAHK’s connectivity with other global FinTech communities in FinTech hubs through Mission Trips targeting such destinations as Shenzhen, Singapore, the UAE and the United Kingdom.

A Collaborative Leader

Neil is a people person and enjoys interacting with FTAHK Members either at large events or small occasions (i.e. coffee, lunch, etc.). He likes to get to know them on a personal level and also hear about any business problems they are encountering in order to see if there is a way FTAHK can help them personally or professionally. This direct interaction helps him understand the problems from a first-hand account. Once identifying the problems, suggestions can be easily formulated and the best solutions arrive at with consensus. 

Neil is always about delivering value to members. The majority of members of any association are looking to connect and do business with other members. He encourages the FTAHK Leadership Team (consisting of the Board, Committee Co-Chairs, and Executive Team) to listen to the feedback of members and to constantly as well as consistently deliver value to them. This is usually in terms of collaboration and connectivity, hence the tagline #SuperConnector.

“Be a “Play Maker” not a “Title Taker” – in NGO space there are often times when people take positions for the title to build their resumes. I am proud of the FTAHK Leadership Team (consisting of the Board, Committee Co-Chairs, and Executive Team) as they take a very active role and their position seriously. They all make contributions within their areas of responsibility to ensure the best for the association,” says Neil.

Powered by Innovation

Innovation is innate to FinTech and therefore plays a crucial role for FTAHK in several ways:

  • Showcasing and educating about the adoption of new technologies through its events such as panels, fireside chats, webinars and workshops amongst the members and invited guest speakers.
  • Encouraging collaboration and partnerships be it with other associations (local and abroad), local universities to exchange ideas and foster talent that can spur innovative new products and services.
  • Advocating for regulatory changes with policymakers and regulators that can help create an environment that fosters innovation and supports the growth of the industry.

“Nothing can really hold back the FinTech Industry in a world where Technology and Financial Services continue to collaborate, compete or merge. Especially in an evolving and buzzing Financial Hub like Hong Kong you can feel the innovative and business-oriented vibe on a daily basis and we are privileged to play our part to help shape and foster the FinTech Ecosystem,” says Neil.

Supporting Diversity 

Representing a comparatively ‘new industry segment’, it has come naturally to the leadership at FTAHK to embrace diversity and inclusion from the get-go, both in terms of their mandate, their board and leadership team representation as well as in the events. For example, they have been very adamant about holding themselves accountable to their Gender Pledge, which is to ensure female representation on panel events, and they expect similar adherence from the stakeholders that they support.  The association’s commitment to diversity has received a significant boost with the results of its latest Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting saw the election of new board directors, resulting in a majority female board. This marks another major milestone for the company’s diversity pledge. “We can confidently say that we are setting the standard amongst the industry associations in Hong Kong,” shares Neil.

Miles to Go

In the next few years, FTAHK aims to achieve the following goals:

Advocacy: They will continue to advocate for policies and regulations that support the growth and development of the fintech industry in Hong Kong, working closely with government agencies, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure a favourable environment for fintech innovation. 

Collaboration: They will grow the level of collaboration among the members and other industry players, and encourage the sharing of best practices, knowledge, and resources to drive innovation and growth. 

Education: They aim to provide masterclasses to help the members and the wider community stay up to date with the latest fintech trends and technologies, and to foster a culture of continuous learning and development. 

Globalization: They will work towards promoting Hong Kong as a leading fintech hub in the region, building strong partnerships with other fintech associations and industry players from around the world, and exploring opportunities for international expansion. 

Thought Leadership: They aim to strengthen their position as thought leaders in the local fintech industry, contributing to the development of new ideas and solutions, and driving the conversation around the future of finance in Hong Kong.

Overall, the team is committed to promoting the growth and development of the fintech ecosystem in Hong Kong, and to ensuring that its members and the wider community are well-equipped to thrive in this rapidly evolving industry.

“We are not award seekers, our ‘rewards’ comes through our strong brand recognition, our outstanding reputation and standing in the market and the high satisfaction levels of our members. We can’t ask for more and are motivated to keep going from strength to strength. We want to remain home to and the go-to industry association of choice for all FinTechs in HK and even the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Equally, we will continue our role as reliable advisors to policymakers and regulators to shape a framework that fosters a safe and thriving FinTech Ecosystem,” concludes Neil.

Advise to budding entrepreneurs:

In the world of FinTech specifically, there is also great value in a quote from John Maxwell that goes “Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward.” It is very practical in the agile and fast-paced FinTech landscape that is constantly evolving. Also, as cliché as the saying goes, it would be to do what you love. There’s little point in going into business simply to go into business.

Quote: “Help People that Help You”

Nick Palomba: The Tech Leader Driving Innovation and Transformation

Posted on by CIO Times

Nick Palomba is the General Manager for Azure Infrastructure, Copilot, Modern Work, Security, and Business Applications at Microsoft, specializing in the Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sectors. With a career spanning over three decades in the technology industry, Nick has been at the forefront of driving innovation and transformation. His leadership has been pivotal in enhancing cloud infrastructure, advancing modern workplace solutions, and fortifying security measures, ensuring businesses can thrive in a digital-first world.

Nick’s strategic vision and expertise have significantly impacted the Retail & CPG industries, enabling these sectors to leverage cutting-edge technologies for improved efficiency and performance. Known for his ability to lead diverse teams and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence, Nick continues to shape the future of technology with a focus on delivering value and driving growth.

Tracing His Journey

Nick started in the industry at the boom of networking, without a college degree at the time, but with a huge ambition to learn. It was the era of Novell and Netware 2.15C. He worked for a few small companies and then was fortunate enough to be hired by Photronics (PLAB). It really was the first time he was able to see the way technology impacted a business and its outcomes.

In 1996, Nick had the opportunity to join Microsoft Corporation, and he couldn’t pass it up. Microsoft has been life-changing for him in so many ways. He has learned, met, and grown in ways he never thought were possible. Microsoft’s culture has kept him here for close to 30 years.

“Industry has changed in many ways technologically but also has stayed the same in some ways. Data and infrastructure continue to be constantly critical, and Cyber and AI have changed the landscape,” says Nick.

He has held a variety of roles, showcasing his leadership at some of Microsoft’s largest virtual teams, M1 and M2 levels. Nick’s career has evolved from the Commercial sector working with most of the largest Fortune 100 customers to the Public sector, where he has collaborated with the Department of Defense, military branches, and other agencies.

Nick’s leadership experience extends to managing large and complex customer and project engagements, building lasting relationships, as well as serving on the board of directors for multiple charities.

Innovation at its Core

At Microsoft, Nick is proud to be part of a company that offers a diverse and impressive range of products and services. Their cloud offerings, like Azure, provide robust solutions for businesses of all sizes, while their security products ensure that data and systems are protected. The advancements in GenAI and AI are paving the way for innovative solutions across various industries.

Flight Simulator is a fantastic example of Microsoft’s long-standing commitment to creating immersive and engaging experiences. Xbox continues to be a leader in the gaming industry, offering a wide array of games and services. Their Surface products showcase their dedication to innovation and design, providing users with powerful and versatile devices.

“But what I believe is the most important aspect of Microsoft is our people. The talent, creativity, and dedication of my colleagues drive the success and growth of the company. It’s the people who make Microsoft a great place to work and a leader in the tech industry,” says Nick.

Leading with Excellence

Nick’s leadership philosophy for many years is what he likes to call the 3 F’s: Firm, Fair, and Fun.

Firm means there are critical things Microsoft’s customers and the company expect from them, and these measurables should be one of the major focuses in how they drive their daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly activities.

Fair means he wants to hear every side of the story, problem, or situation. There are several aspects, and Nick doesn’t like to jump to conclusions. He prefers to be informed, hear all sides, and then work together to fix the situation based on what they’ve learned from each perspective.

Fun is exactly what it sounds like. Nick and his team work together 40, 50, and sometimes more hours a week. They travel together, see each other’s highs and lows, and witness changes in their families and friends. He likes to ensure that they are a team, able to laugh, share, and enjoy each other’s company. “Stress is part of our workdays, but the way we handle it together should also lead to fun,” he says.

Nick has amended his leadership philosophy to include something he calls “Know Your Numbers.” During COVID and in a post-COVID world, we have seen many changes in our lives.

“Know Your Numbers is about making sure you know your emotional health score and ensuring you are using all the tools and capabilities that our company and other resources offer you. Secondly, it’s about your physical health. We have had some scares in our families, and because of those, we have worked hard with our doctors to know our numbers. This helps us choose better paths for eating, exercising, and taking time for our physical health,” explains Nick.

Lastly, he wants his team to know their financial numbers. Take time to work with someone to help budget, invest for the future, and put themselves on a path to financial health. Nick believes that when someone knows these numbers about themselves and takes the time to dig into them, their whole life will improve, both in and outside of work.

Bringing AI to All

Nick has played a crucial role in the development of Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered tool designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows across various business applications. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in integrating Copilot into Microsoft’s suite of products, including Azure Infrastructure, Modern Work, Security, and Business Applications. The idea behind Copilot is to democratize access to advanced AI capabilities, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to harness the power of AI.

Copilot is designed to assist users in performing tasks more efficiently, reducing the time and effort required to complete complex workflows. By leveraging generative AI, Copilot can provide intelligent suggestions, automate repetitive tasks, and offer insights that help users make better decisions. It allows businesses to customize their functionalities to suit their specific needs, ensuring that it adds maximum value to their operations. The tool aims to transform how organizations work, collaborate, and create by integrating AI into everyday business processes.

Nick’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing this innovative tool to life, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the digital age with greater ease and efficiency. He has been pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of Copilot, ensuring it aligns with the broader goals of enhancing productivity and efficiency for businesses. He has emphasized the importance of robust security measures within Copilot, ensuring that businesses can use the tool confidently without compromising their data integrity. He has championed a user-centric approach, making sure that Copilot is intuitive and accessible, thereby maximizing its adoption and impact.

How CoPilot Enhances the Productivity of Retail and Consumer Goods Companies

In today’s fast-paced retail and consumer goods industry, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just innovative products and services. It demands efficiency, agility, and a deep understanding of customer needs. This is where CoPilot, an advanced AI-driven tool, comes into play. CoPilot is transforming the way retail and consumer goods companies operate, driving productivity and enhancing overall business performance.

  • Streamlining Operations — One of the primary ways CoPilot enhances productivity is by streamlining operations. Retail and consumer goods companies often deal with complex supply chains, inventory management, and customer service processes. CoPilot leverages AI to automate routine tasks, such as inventory tracking, order processing, and customer inquiries. This automation not only reduces the workload on employees but also minimizes errors and ensures that operations run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Enhancing Customer Engagement — Customer engagement is crucial for retail and consumer goods companies. CoPilot helps businesses understand their customers better by analyzing vast amounts of data from various sources, including social media, customer reviews, and purchase history. This analysis provides valuable insights into customer preferences and behaviors, allowing companies to tailor their marketing strategies and product offerings accordingly. By delivering personalized experiences, businesses can build stronger relationships with their customers and drive loyalty.
  • Optimizing Product Development — Product development in the retail and consumer goods sector can be a lengthy and resource-intensive process. CoPilot accelerates this process by providing data-driven insights that guide product design and development. For instance, CoPilot can simulate consumer sensory experiences based on product formulations, predicting how different ingredient variations might affect taste, texture, and aroma. This helps in fine-tuning products before physical production, reducing the need for extensive sensory testing and speeding up time-to-market.
  • Improving Decision-Making — Effective decision-making is essential for the success of any business. CoPilot enhances decision-making by providing real-time data and predictive analytics. Retail and consumer goods companies can use CoPilot to forecast demand, optimize pricing strategies, and identify market trends. This data-driven approach enables businesses to make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.
  • Facilitating Collaboration — Collaboration across departments is vital for the seamless functioning of retail and consumer goods companies. CoPilot fosters collaboration by providing a centralized platform where teams can share information, track progress, and communicate effectively. This unified approach ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing silos and enhancing overall productivity.
  • Ensuring Regulatory Compliance — Compliance with regulatory standards is a significant concern for retail and consumer goods companies. CoPilot assists in ensuring regulatory compliance by analyzing ingredient lists, nutritional information, and labeling requirements. This helps businesses avoid costly fines and maintain their reputation in the market.

“CoPilot is a game-changer for retail and consumer goods companies. By streamlining operations, enhancing customer engagement, optimizing product development, improving decision-making, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring regulatory compliance, CoPilot drives productivity and helps businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. As the retail and consumer goods industry continues to embrace digital transformation, CoPilot will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future,” shares Nick.

He believes the future is even brighter. He says, “Imagine a future where I can tailor my own Copilot to meet my unique needs, driving innovation and efficiency like never before. The extensibility of Copilot empowers me to create personalized AI assistants that seamlessly integrate with my workflows, providing bespoke solutions that enhance productivity and decision-making. This vision of customizable Copilots is not just a possibility; it’s the future we should be embracing. By enabling businesses to develop their own Copilots, we are paving the way for a new era of AI-driven transformation, where the power of technology is harnessed to its fullest potential, tailored to the specific demands of each organization.”

Addressing Security Challenges

Given the evolving threat landscape, Nick shares how CoPilot for Security addresses security challenges specific to the retail and consumer goods industry through a comprehensive and proactive approach.

Firstly, CoPilot for Security leverages advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to detect and respond to threats in real time. This proactive approach helps identify potential vulnerabilities and mitigate risks before they can impact the business. By continuously monitoring and analyzing data, CoPilot for Security can provide early warnings and actionable insights to prevent security breaches.

Secondly, CoPilot for Security integrates seamlessly with existing security frameworks and tools, enhancing the overall security posture of retail and consumer goods companies. This integration allows for a unified view of security across all platforms, making it easier to manage and respond to threats effectively. Additionally, CoPilot for Security’s ability to authenticate users and apply the right security controls ensures that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.

Furthermore, CoPilot for Security adheres to high levels of regulatory compliance, privacy, and industry standards. With a global footprint and multiple data centers worldwide, CoPilot for Security ensures that data is stored and processed securely, meeting the stringent requirements of various regions. This is particularly important for retail and consumer goods companies that operate in multiple countries and need to comply with different regulations. 

Lastly, CoPilot for Security provides comprehensive security training and resources to help retail and consumer goods companies stay ahead of emerging threats. By educating employees and stakeholders on best practices and the latest security trends, CoPilot for Security empowers organizations to create a culture of security awareness and resilience.

“In summary, CoPilot for Security addresses security challenges in the retail and consumer goods industry by leveraging advanced AI, integrating with existing security frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing comprehensive security training. This holistic approach helps protect businesses from evolving threats and ensures the safety of their data and operations,” says Nick.

Bringing Value to Clients

CoPilot quantifies its value to clients through a combination of qualitative and quantitative measures. Here are some key ways it does this:

  1. Efficiency Gains:
  2. Task Completion Speed: CoPilot for GitHub helps users complete tasks significantly faster. For example, GitHub Copilot has been shown to help developers complete tasks up to 55% faster.
  3. Time-to-Merge: By assisting in writing cleaner and more efficient code, CoPilot reduces the time it takes for code to be reviewed and merged, improving overall development speed.
  4. Time Savings: CoPilot helps users complete tasks faster by automating repetitive processes and providing intelligent suggestions. For instance, it can summarize long email threads, draft replies, and create presentations quickly, saving valuable time.
  5. Enhanced Productivity: By integrating seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, CoPilot allows users to focus on more strategic tasks, thereby boosting overall productivity.
  6. Cost Savings:
  7. Reduced Operational Costs: Faster task completion and improved productivity translate into cost savings. Organizations can achieve more with the same resources.
  8. Optimized Resource Allocation: By automating routine tasks, CoPilot enables employees to allocate their time and skills to higher-value activities, leading to better resource utilization
  9. Improved Productivity: By automating repetitive tasks and providing intelligent suggestions, CoPilot allows developers to focus on more complex and valuable work, thereby increasing overall productivity.
  • User Feedback and Surveys:
  • Developer Surveys: Regular surveys and feedback from users help quantify the perceived value and satisfaction with CoPilot, providing insights into its impact on productivity and efficiency.
  • Telemetry Data:
  • Usage Metrics: Telemetry data, such as the frequency and context of CoPilot’s usage, helps measure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement 

“By combining these methods, CoPilot provides a comprehensive view of its impact on efficiency and cost savings, ensuring that clients can see tangible benefits from its use,” concludes Nick.

Henzie Heally – Partner and Managing Director at Mezzle, Middle East

Posted on by CIO Times

Unwavering ambition holds the potential to drive an individual to zeniths of success. Exhibiting such ambition inadvertently inspires others and lays down a path for them to follow.

This edition, ‘Top Five Proficient Women Leaders, Shaping the Industry in 2022’, brings to you a list of such ambitious trailblazers who’re nothing less than a symbol of inspiration. One prominent name among these women is that of Henzie Heally, Partner and Managing Director at Mezzle, Middle East.

Henzie is a an accomplished and skilled, common law qualified lawyer residing in Dubai and catering to a global clientele. Her academic and professional backgrounds showcase remarkable potential having earned a degree in Business Management from Canada and an LLB with Honors from New Zealand.

She was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2014. Later, she moved to Dubai in 2014 after being offered a permanent role at an international law firm she interned at.

“In 2019, I prayed for a job that I would really love, and God pushed me into a situation where I was compelled to start my own business. Even though I did not know it at the time, it was the answer to my prayers,” Henzie expressed.

This marked the onset of her own legal consultancy and an organic paint company, both of which have been projecting substantial success and growth. In 2021 Henzie merged the legal consultancy with a UK firm, rebranded it, and is now a Partner, and Managing Director of, Mezzle Middle East.

A Business that Empowers

Mezzle is a legal consultancy which is seeking to disrupt the provision of legal services and the way that lawyers conduct their business. It provides a platform through which lawyers can join and continue to service their clients, without having to worry about the endless non-billable hours taken up by admin and running a business all by themselves.

Mezzle allows lawyers to join a global brand, have the support that they need to provide the highest level of service to their clients efficiently and effectively, while having the freedom to enjoy life and be their own boss.

As a partner, and Managing Director of Mezzle Middle East, it is Henzie’s role to lead the team and ensure the company in the Middle East runs smoothly. Along with Shameeg Dollie, her most trusted associate, Henzie is the point of contact for the local lawyers and strive daily to drive the business forward.

“Shameeg is the backbone of the organization, not me, but together we work as a team to ensure that everything runs smoothly and our legal consultants, and clients, are all happy,” Henzie states.

Creating a better world for lawyers inspires Henzie. “If I can be successful and help others to be successful while reclaiming their own lives, that motives me to work harder. I know what it’s like to be chained to a desk, making the same salary, month in and month out and working 24/7,” Henzie asserts.

“There is no moving forward until one puts the time and the effort to make partner. Depending on the traditional law firm, this could take ages. With Mezzle you become your own boss with the backing of a big firm. You reduce your non-billable time through innovation, and are only accountable to yourself, with the ability to make big bucks, since we work on a consultancy model, with the lawyer doing the work retaining the lion’s share of the fees.”

Accolades that Instill Inspiration

Mezzle has two offices, one in the UK and one in the Middle East and is already in talks for opening two more in other locations within the next 12 months. Mezzle Middle East has won Best Corporate & Commercial Law Firm 2022 during the 2022 Global Excellence Awards. It was named one of the 5 Best Law Firms of 2022 and one of the most Innovative Law Firms to Watch in 2022.

Henzie has been named as one of the Top 10 Business Leaders to Follow in 2021 and received this title twice on two separate occasions for 2022. She was also featured in various magazine articles and received an award of honor from the Women’s Investment Empowerment Forum and Lex Falcon Award earlier this year.

“While each of these have been notable achievements, if one considers that all of this has happened within the last 6 months, we can call that an achievement of achievements,” Henzie exclaims.

Sharing one of the highlights of her career, Henzie says, “At the Female Founders Initiative in Dubai, I was asked to speak about setting up a business in the UAE and the experiences I came across being a woman in the legal industry.”

“I was honest and said that I never felt that being a woman in law hindered my success and it was quite the opposite. I know a lot of women have had a hard time in the workplace and I was not trying to downplay anyone else’s experience. I thought that the women that were there would criticize me for saying something like that, but instead they cheered. It was so nice that so many women could be so happy about the experience of one and share in the happiness of their success, that being a woman was such a positive thing in my experience, compared to the experiences that some others have had. That really touched my heart and reiterated my views that we can always be happy for each other and share in each other’s success,” Henzie expressed.

Championing Adversities

Sharing her insight on the changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic, Henzie says, “Lawyers have realized that they don’t need to be in an office, chained to their desks. They can work remotely while spending time with their families, or simply doing more of what they love.”

“The challenge comes with starting a fresh with a new firm and all the administrative liabilities that comes along with it. Considering the nature of our work, we can work from anywhere in the world. Lawyers do not need to be in an office for 5 days a week, working ridiculous hours, for the same amount of pay each month, waiting for the day they’ll make partner and at what sacrifice?” Henzie exclaims.

Imparting Compassion and Wisdom

We asked Henzie about the one thing she wishes she had known about women in her line of work before she started working. To which she said, “Despite common misconceptions that women are catty and jealous, they also band together to support and help each other.”

“If you are nice, people tend to be nice back. In my opinion hose that don’t wish you well, are not the type of people that will succeed because you should wish the same for them and each should help the other through their success.”

“There is nothing I wish I had known about women in my line of work before starting. I have always thought the same and tried to keep competition and negative thinking out of my life. Treat others the way you want to be treated and they will do the same,” Henzie expresses.

Bequeathing her valuable advice to the next generation of female leaders, Henzie says, “You can do it. Be the leader you were borne to be. Get yourself a good support group of other female leaders and other female founders that can guide and inspire you, that you can support and that can support you back and grow together.”

“I thank these amazing women who’ve always lent their effort and support to me – Rosheen Ngorima, the Owner of Neeps Consulting; Rosa Aygun, Founder of Anqa; Oksana Tashakova, Founder of QPQ; and Rahil Khoobroo, professional make-up artist and professional photographer.”

“Being at the top can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Surround yourself with people that genuinely want you to succeed and that you geneuinely want to succeed and work together to make it happen so that you are all on the top. Its nicer to celebrate success together,” Henzie concludes.

Jasmin Landry: Ensuring Secure Solutions for Global Markets

Posted on by CIO Times

A cybersecurity and hacking enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in the field, Jasmin Landry has come a long way from being a young bug bounty hunter to Senior Director, Information Security, at Nasdaq. 

A Bountiful Career

Getting into IT and security wasn’t the first thing on Jasmin’s mind. He wasn’t really passionate about computers when he was younger. He had started school in accounting, and after a year, he realized it wasn’t for him. He took a year off school to try and think of what he wanted to do. Back then, there was a lot on the news about the famous hacking group Anonymous. Jasmin was curious about how they did that, and he ended up developing an interest in everything computer-related but he still wasn’t sure he wanted to do that as a job. One day, on his way to work, Jasmin saw an advertisement for a school that had a new computer science program. He looked it up online and decided he was going to give it a shot. “It turns out it was one of the best decisions I took in my life since I developed a passion for cybersecurity and I’m now getting paid to do a job that I love,” says Jasmin in hindsight. 

Jasmin started off his career in IT as a Systems Administrator. He always had an interest in cybersecurity, so he started to do certifications like OSCP, CEH, etc., with hopes of landing a job in that space. It eventually happened and he got a job as a Jr. Security Analyst. He was doing Penetration Testing and AppSec-related work and at approximately the same time, he also started doing bug bounty in his free time as a hobby. He feels it actually helped him excel at work as he quickly saw a huge increase skills-wise, and was finding a lot of vulnerabilities during his assessments which resulted in a few promotions. 

After a few years of working at the same company, he ended up doing consultancy work and bug bounty full-time for a few months. Doing bug bounty had become his passion. However, when he decided to do that full-time, Jasmin realized he wasn’t made for doing that as a job. He was stressed and exhausted. It was a challenge for him to give it up full-time and keep doing it as a hobby in his free time and make sure he was mentally and physically healthy to spend more time with his family. 

Jasmin moved on to join Metrio as the Head of IT & Security. He built up their security program and then a year later they got acquired by Nasdaq and his work with Nasdaq continues as a Senior Director, Information Security!

Jasmin has participated in several live hacking events around the world winning trophies such as the Best Bug as well as the Most Critical Findings. He has also been a speaker at several infosec conferences.

The Pioneering Company

Nasdaq has always been a disruptor in the financial world. Positioned at the nexus of technology and the capital markets, Nasdaq provides premier platforms and services for global capital markets and beyond with unmatched technology, insights, and market expertise.

The Company created the first electronic exchange and innovative indexes and provides cutting-edge technology to over 130 markets globally. Nasdaq’s vision is to transform the future for the better. They empower economies, promote equal opportunities, and support environmental sustainability through their daily work. Nasdaq helps communities, clients, employees, and people from diverse backgrounds to achieve their full potential. As a technology company, they are focused on embracing the unknown, exploring the amazing, and shaping a future that benefits everyone.

An Exemplary Leader

As a Senior Director of Information Security at Nasdaq, Jasmin gets to work with a lot of different teams, such as marketing, sales, development, and of course, other infosec teams as well. His team’s role is to ensure Nasdaq’s products are as secure as possible to prevent security breaches.

Jasmin likes to lead by example! He likes to be hands-on with his team and still do technical work even though his role is more of managerial. He tries to use his experience, skills, and knowledge in infosec and cybersecurity to advance his team and bring them to the next level. “I’m all about constant learning so I try and teach as much as possible so my team can grow, and each attain their individual and professional goals,” he says.

Jasmin mainly uses social networks such as X and LinkedIn to stay up to date with changes that are happening in the industry. He also schedules some time on his calendar every week to read up on what’s happening in the world in infosec and cybersecurity. It allows him to better prepare for upcoming changes, develop expertise in new areas, and so forth.

Upbeat about the Future

Before speaking about the future, we asked if there was something Jasmin would like to change anything in the past. To which he says “I wouldn’t necessarily change anything in my career as I’m happy with how it went so far and how it’s going now.” However, he shares how he started school in programming and after the first semester, he switched to a different program which was more IT and networking-related. He didn’t really like programming and wasn’t too good at it. But after a dozen years in the industry, he feels knowing how to code would’ve greatly helped him automate certain tasks to be more efficient. He still learned throughout the years, but he does need to Google it or ask ChatGPT for certain things, as it’s not natural for him.

Coming to the future, Jasmin is upbeat about AI and its prospects. He feels AI will have a significant impact not only on the industry that he works in but on a lot of other industries as well. “We’ve already seen a lot of changes and improvements on that end in the last couple of years or so, and I only expect it’ll improve a lot more 5 years from now,” he says.

Jasmin concludes our interaction with a message for the young tech enthusiasts saying, “Follow your goals and dreams, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes happen, and you’ll continue making some. You need to accept it and learn from it, and you’ll grow both personally and professionally.”

Quote: “Never give up. When we set objectives, we have to work for it. No matter how hard or how long it’ll take, don’t give up. Once you achieve your goal, you’ll be extremely happy and proud of yourself!”

Shikha Bhatt: Driving Digital Transformation at Newgen

Posted on by CIO Times

Steering the ship to success is no mean feat. It requires a visionary leader who never stops learning, growing, and nurturing the people along the way. One such leader who personifies resilience and integrity is Shikha Bhatt, Vice President and Head of Delivery (India) at Newgen Software.

Driven by her passion for innovation and excellence, this exemplary leader shattered the glass ceiling and brought about a transformation in the IT sector. With a career spanning over two decades, she has been at the forefront of driving digital success for the organization. The India delivery head and her team were involved in a $5 million project to develop a data warehouse that saved the company $500K through a customer information system redesign.

The Ladder to Success

A commitment to transform the way businesses operate has always inspired Shikha.  

The advanced Computer Science graduate, who became a part of Newgen’s journey when she joined the organization as a software engineer, got an opportunity to work on multiple enterprise-level implementations across various domains and geographies, including banking and insurance. Working on complex projects helped her push her limits.

“I had been highly passionate about learning new skills and developing codes during my graduation. The IT & IT services domain—an emerging opportunity around the same period—had a high demand for skilled professionals. It was an excellent opportunity to learn, grow, and deliver quality products,” she said.

Over the years, she climbed up the corporate ladder and delivered efficiency. She navigates the delivery unit of over 350 employees and more than 50 customers. As Head of Delivery for the digital transformation platform provider, she oversees critical aspects of project management, quality assurance, and client satisfaction. Globally, Shikha’s involvement has encouraged successful enterprises to rely on Newgen’s industry-recognized low-code application platform to develop and deploy complex, content-driven, and customer-engaging business applications on the cloud.

Unity In Diversity

For Shikha, an organization’s strength lies in its people. This belief helps her work with diverse teams, leveraging each member’s strengths to achieve collective success.

Known for her strategic vision, she knows the secret sauce behind aligning technological innovations with business requirements. Her focus on operational excellence has been instrumental to the company’s growth. “As a team, we continuously improve our processes to develop vertical solutions that enhance the quality of our deliveries. We have a degree of focus on building complex enterprise solutions using a low-code framework,” she said.

An advocate for diversity and inclusion, she mentors and encourages young professionals to embrace challenges and drive change. Even in the face of challenges, this zealous leader has bravely guided her teams, fostering growth and development. Her commitment to empowering women in technology is widely known throughout the organization. For her, diversity and inclusion are essential for any organization.

As an experienced professional, it is crucial to foster an inclusive culture where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. There is a high focus within her teams to encourage open communication and create opportunities for all voices to be heard.

In 20 years, she has never shied away from building meaningful customer relationships. Her innate ability to understand and translate their specific needs into actionable strategies has been a hallmark of her success.

Balancing the Workplace Beam

No woman is a stranger to the workplace obstacles in leadership roles. Newgen’s India Delivery Head has also had her share of challenges. Despite her abilities, she has been at the receiving end of gender bias and stereotypes from external quarters in the male-dominated industry.

Limited access to mentorship, role models, and support networks made it more difficult for her to advance her career in the initial years. Furthermore, balancing her professional and personal responsibilities posed significant challenges, ultimately pushing her to adopt a healthy work-life balance. This was when Shikha decided to become a positive guiding force for her female colleagues at the organization. With determination and resilience, she was able to excel and inspire others along the way.

Despite several hiccups, she kept innovating and building complex enterprise systems, meeting tight project deadlines while ensuring high-quality delivery and optimal productivity from allocated resources. To make this possible, she invests sufficient time in learning, upskilling resources, and developing reusable and accelerator-based solutions with Newgen’s low-code framework to stay ahead and achieve desired productivity levels.

Journey Towards Excellence

Being committed to growth can help leaders stay ahead of their peers. Throughout her journey, Shikha followed the same mantra. She has been dedicated to learning continuously and staying updated with the latest developments. With an unwavering enthusiasm for work, she consistently sought opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge. Her proactive approach, ability to adapt to new challenges, and willingness to embrace change helped her to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.

Her passion for excellence extends beyond her personal growth. She leads by example, demonstrating the value of perseverance and continuous improvement. This is how the power of determination and lifelong learning can help achieve professional excellence.

Ensuring Scalability

For leaders, one of today’s most pressing challenges is ensuring their teams have experience in emerging technologies, such as complex enterprise solutions, low-code framework, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Shikha ensures product innovation and exploring new technologies stay the focus to gain a competitive edge.

Flexibility and adaptability are essential to designing these tools to create scalable solutions. A modular architecture, cloud-based infrastructure, and scalable databases can accommodate growth and changing needs. Building modular and flexible solutions can adapt to changing business needs. “Regular performance testing and monitoring can also help identify potential bottlenecks and optimize the system for scalability. Continuous monitoring and optimization practices are important to ensure that solutions remain scalable and perform well over time,” she added.

Understanding current infrastructure, business goals, and growth projections can help customers undergo digital transformation. By conducting a thorough assessment, a tailored roadmap can be developed to guide the customers through the transition process. Training and support to the customer’s team can also help them effectively utilize and maintain scalable solutions. “Continuous communication and collaboration are key to ensuring a smooth transition and successful implementation of scalable technology solutions,” she concluded.

A Quote to Live By

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb.

This quote encourages the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and shared vision in achieving long-term success and sustainability. “It fosters synergy, innovation, and collective growth. It underscores the importance of balancing individual initiative and collective effort in pursuing goals, ” says Shikha.

About CIO Times

CIO Times is a print and digital media platform that curate’s opinions, outlooks, and visions about the industries from their leaders. We strive to serve as a one-stop, reliable source of information from the industries we cater to and showcase their growth opportunities.
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