Revolutionary CEOs To Watch in 2023.pdf

VOL 04 I ISSUE 11 I 2023
Insights from Top
Leaders
How Revolu onary
CEOs Build Successful
Companies
Driving Business Growth while Optimizing
Business Operations
Hesham
Hesham
Almekkawi
Almekkawi
Hesham
Almekkawi
CEO
Tim Hortons
Revolutionary
Revolutionary
2023
2023
To Watch in
To Watch in
Crea ng Posi ve
Change
Exploring the Traits of
Revolu onary CEOs
Empowering Sustainability

Ed or's
Note
Ed or's
Note
Ed or's
Note

T
he business world is constantly changing;
business leaders are adapting to new challenges
and opportunities. They are flexible and open to
new ideas and are willing to pivot their strategy when
necessary. In the dynamic business arena, an inspiring
CEO is true to themselves and their values. They are
honest and transparent with their team and are able to
build trust through their authenticity. A CEO who is
empathetic and understands the needs of their team
can create a positive and supportive work environment.
A successful business leader is often the driving force
behind a company's growth and success. A CEO
possesses various traits that create a difference from
the rest and can motivate and inspire their team to
reach new heights. An inspiring CEO has a clear and
compelling vision for their company's future. They are
able to articulate this vision in a way that motivates
their team and creates a sense of purpose.
A leader who is passionate about their work can inspire
others to share that passion. They are enthusiastic
about their company's mission and are willing to go
above and beyond to achieve their goals. An excellent
CEO is able to make tough decisions quickly and
confidently. They weigh the pros and cons of each
option and make a choice based on what is best for the
company.
They listen to their employees and are able to address
their concerns in a thoughtful and compassionate way.
Building a successful company is not without its
challenges, and an inspiring CEO is able to bounce back
from setbacks and keep moving forward. They are
tenacious and persistent in the face of adversity. A CEO
possesses a combination of vision, passion,
decisiveness, adaptability, authenticity, empathy, and
resilience. These traits enable them to lead their team
to success and create a positive impact on the world.
Spotlighting these charismas and their odyssey of
excellence, the latest edition CIOLook, “Revolutionary
CEOs To Watch in 2023,” features the CEOs who are
making a positive difference in their respective
industries in 2023.
These CEOs are not only successful in their businesses
but also lead with purpose and have a significant impact
on their communities and the world.
Flip through the pages and indulge in this saga of
brilliance.
Have a delightful read!
Abhishek Joshi
Abhishek Joshi
T
Showcasing an
Epitome of Excellence

C o n t e n t s
A r t i c l e s
32
28
40
18
14
Dr Amit Lath
Defining the Attributes of
Transformational Leadership
Giovanni Blandina
Crafting Systems that Assure Safety
Luca Meinardi
Exemplar of Resolute Leadership
Kim Mitzo Thompson &
Karen Mitzo Hilderbr
Benchmarking Excellence
Tom Swanciger
Thriving to Ensure Perpetual Reliability
22 36
Insights from Top Leaders
How Revolutionary CEOs Build
Successful Companies
Creating Positive Change
Exploring the Traits of Revolutionary CEOs
Empowering Sustainability

C
O
V
E
R
S
T
O
R
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08
Hesham
Almekkawi
Business Operations

CONTENT
Deputy Editor AbhishekJoshi
Managing Editor Alex Spellman
DESIGN
Visualizer Dave Bates
Art & Design Director Ankita Pandharpure
Associate Designer Revati Badkas
SALES
Senior Sales Manager Sihanee M., Rouniyar A.
Customer Success Manager Anish Rokade
Sales Executives Shashi, Josh Patrick
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi
Technical Consultant Victor Collins
April, 2023
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Brief
Company Name
Hesham Almekkawi
CEO
Nancy J. Lewis
CEO
Hesham Almekkawi is an International Business Consultant
and Food and Beverage industry expert with more than 27
years’ experience in managing global and international chains
of restaurants in the USA and the Middle East.
Nancy is a transformational management and leadership
development trainer and strategist who helps organizations
leverage generations, talent, people and processes to positively
impact the bottom line.
Giovanni Blandina
Founder and CEO
Giovanni Blandina is developing the world’s ﬁrst active safety
system capable of combating the aquaplaning phenomenon and
providing optimum driver safety.
EasyRain
easyrain.it
Tim Hortons
timhortonsgcc.com
Progressive Techniques, Inc.
progressivetechniquesinc.com
Dr Amit Lath
CEO
With Amit's leadership, the organization aims to serve its
clientele with excellence, honestly and ethically provide high-
quality professional real estate services, keeping the customer's
best interests in mind.
Sharda Group of Companies
shardagroup.pl
Kim Mitzo Thompson
Founder
and
Karen Mitzo
Hilderbrand
CEO
Standing out as inspiring business leaders and enabling a
plethora of educational and inspirational products, Kim Mitzo
Thompson and Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand are creating
benchmarks in the dynamic business arena.
Twin Sisters
twinsisters.com
Luca Meinardi
CEO
Under Luca's coherent leadership the company's vision
and mission statements summarize the essence of the business
Griven
griven.com
Featured Person
Tom Swanciger
CEO
Helping fathers to maintain a consistently Positive presence in
their children’s lives, Tom Swanciger thrives on providing
community-based programs and support groups for fathers,
free of charge.
Father to Father, Inc.
fathertofatherinc.org
Revolutionary
Revolutionary
2023
2023
To Watch in
To Watch in

Hesham
Almekkawi
Business Operations
Hesham has had a fulﬁlling 28-year
career in various countries, during
which he has had the opportunity
to meet fantastic people and
mentor many individuals who
have gone on to achieve
immense success.

Story
Hesham
Almekkawi
CEO
Tim Hortons
Cover Story
Cover

eaders who are visionaries have a distinctive set
Lof qualities and abilities that allow them to
establish a clear and compelling vision for their
company and motivate their team to work towards it.
They have a talent for recognizing emerging trends and
opportunities in the market and possess the foresight
to anticipate their potential impact on the business in
the long term.
Hesham Almekkawi, a seasoned international business
consultant and an accomplished food and beverage
industry stalwart, has amassed a wealth of over 28
years of expertise in orchestrating and managing the
operations of illustrious global and international
restaurant chains across the USA and the Middle East.
He is the mastermind behind AHRAMIZ FZ LLC, a
pioneering leadership development and management
consulting enterprise situated in Dubai, and the
founder of A-TO-KEY, a distinguished consulting agency
for restaurants in the United States. As the CEO of Tim
Hortons Middle East, Hesham is leading the charge on
the brand's bold growth and expansion strategy
throughout the region.
Journey to Success
Hesham embarked on his journey 28 years ago in the
US. In 1995, he started working at Pizza Hut in New
York as a restaurant manager. He worked his way up
the ladder until he was eventually promoted to
Regional Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region. During
his time at Pizza Hut, he worked with both the
corporate and franchisee sides of the business and was
introduced to KFC and Taco Bell.
Hesham was present on the founding day of Tricon,
which later became known as YUM! Brands, the parent
company of Pizza Hut, KFC, and Taco Bell. While
working full-time, Hesham also pursued an MBA at the
Zicklin School of Business in New York, graduating in
2003. After graduation, he served as an adjunct
professor, teaching courses on operations management
and service strategy.
In 2008, Hesham received an offer to relocate to the
UAE and oversee operations for the Americana Group,
the biggest YUM franchisee! Brands in the Middle East,
encompassing KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell.
For Hesham, this presented a unique opportunity to
return to the region where he was born and raised and
to expand his knowledge of the F&B industry beyond
the US by learning about the dynamics of a growth
market and the major differences between mature
markets like the US.
Although the transition was not without its challenges,
particularly in terms of adapting to the business culture
in the Middle East, Hesham was eager to move across
countries and continents to grow, learn, and explore.
He has long been known for his mantra, "go where you
grow."
Following his seven-year tenure with the Americana
Group, Hesham pursued various leadership positions
with different organizations. In 2021, he was selected
to lead the ambitious growth plan for Tim Hortons in
the Middle East. Under his leadership, the company has
opened over 100 new restaurants in the last 16 months,
bringing the total number of Tim Hortons locations in
the Middle East to 270, with plans to reach 500 by
2025.
According to Hesham, the food
and beverage industry requires
passionate entrepreneurs who
possess knowledge, education,
and business acumen related to
food and beverage.
Revolu onary CEOs To Watch in 2023

Recently, Hesham was recognized as one of the 200
Global Inspiring Leaders by White Page International.
Throughout his career, Hesham has found great
enjoyment in the challenges, opportunities, and
personal and business growth the restaurant industry
offers. His passion for serving and adding value to
others has been the driving force behind his love for
restaurants. His proudest moments have always been
when he sees others grow and develop. For Hesham,
this journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and he would
happily repeat it again.
Tech Advancements in the Industry
The rise of AI is transforming the world in many ways,
including the food and beverage industry. Technology in
this sector is no longer limited to digital menu boards or
ordering apps; it now encompasses the ability to
understand consumer behaviour, purchasing habits,
and food preferences, allowing Tim Hortons to tailor its
offerings to meet these needs.
In the past, it was challenging to tailor a brand offering
to millions of customers with different preferences, just
like their fingerprints. However, with AI and technology,
this is now possible. Hesham was particularly
impressed by Tim Hortons Canada, where he witnessed
new AI technology in action for drive-thru menu
boards.
The system customizes the menu offering for each
customer based on their past purchasing habits and
favourites, which are identified through their personal
QR codes from the Tim Hortons app. This type of
technology is the future, helping us understand our
customers better, speed up ordering times, and
maximize sales.
Hesham says, "Customers in 2023 are not the same as
those in the 1990s. AI in digital media advertising is
defining the odds for who, when, what, and how. We should
be a step ahead, or we will fall behind."

Changes Required for the Food and Beverage Industry
Hesham aims to educate investors that opening a
restaurant is not a part-time hobby for everyone. Many
investors believe that restaurants are an easy way to
invest and make money quickly, but Hesham has seen
many people lose everything because they did not
understand the restaurant business. These "noise
makers" create chaos, affect established businesses,
and exit after causing fragmentation that affects
everyone.
Just like hospitals need doctors and nurses and auto
shops need mechanics, restaurants need people who
understand the business. Hesham believes that passion
for food alone is insufficient to run a successful
restaurant.
When someone tells him they have a passion for
restaurants and want to open one, he asks them if they
like to travel and therefore, if they should build a hotel.
Opening a restaurant requires a significant amount of
time, preparation, research, product development, site
selection, training, and more.
For this reason, Hesham wrote his book, "The 9 Traits of
Hero Brands." He wanted to share his views on how to
minimize the risk when investing in or creating a new
brand. After researching "hero brands" for two years,
he concluded that the nine traits are necessary for any
brand to succeed.
The World Needs More Visionaries
According to Hesham, the food and beverage industry
requires passionate entrepreneurs who possess
knowledge, education, and business acumen related to
food and beverage. He advises conducting thorough
research before investing, and instead of looking for a
gap in the market, entrepreneurs should search for a
market in the gap.
Successful entrepreneurs create disruption by finding a
market in the gap. This is the first trait mentioned in
Hesham's book, which outlines nine traits of hero
brands. Hesham recommends that emerging
entrepreneurs create a realistic business plan and seek
expert advice. They should not be swayed by others'
success, as it is their money on the line.
Careful consideration should be given to the first
location as it will determine the success of the venture.
Using technology and data to evaluate the potential
success rate of the location is essential. Investing
money upfront is better than losing a lot later.
Entrepreneurs should ask potential customers about
their offerings and the likelihood of success. They
should always be present and focused on their
investment, as no one else will do it for them.
Leading Tim Hortons to be "The Café of Choice"
At Tim Hortons, the vision is "To Be The Café Of
Choice." Unlike some other chains that prioritize having
the most outlets or the largest market share, it focuses
on creating a special and memorable experience for
customers. The team strives to be the go-to destination
for people seeking moments of enjoyment and
relaxation.
For the Tim Hortons team, providing high-quality
coffee is just the start. It wants to offer its customers an
immersive and enjoyable experience, whether they're
together in one of its cafes or enjoying a cup of Tims
coffee from afar. The mission is to provide experiential
Tims moments to its customers always.
Hesham has had a fulfilling 28-year career in various
countries, during which he has had the opportunity to
meet fantastic people and mentor many individuals
who have gone on to achieve immense success.
One of his proudest accomplishments is his
involvement with Tim Hortons Middle East, which has a
remarkable 60-year heritage in Canada and around the
world. Hesham considers it a great privilege to be
associated with this brand. He asserts, "We are the
largest international company for Tim Hortons outside
Canada, and we are on a mission to achieve the vision to
become "The Café Of Choice"."

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Today

Our Company's
vision and values
are not only for the
senior leaders
but for all the
employees.
Dr Amit Lath
CEO
Sharda Group
of Companies
www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
14

Dr Amit Lath
Defining the Attributes of Transformational Leadership
transformational leader drives innovation and
Ainspires new ways of thinking, harnessing a
team's creativity to respond to change. The
more you know about transformational leadership, the
better prepared you'll be to lead in today's dynamic
business environment.
Transformational leaders find motivation from within
and use that as the driving force to manage the
direction of the company effectively. The best natural
form of motivation is to love what you do and ensure
that your values are aligned with the organization you
work with.
Being a visionary is about setting a realistic and concise
company mission, vision, and values that fit the culture
of your organization. Transformational leaders have the
ability not only to effectively communicate the vision
but also to get every person to buy in and work toward
that vision by communicating with passion and clearly
emphasizing the direction they want the company to
pursue. These traits spotlighted the CEO of the Sharda
Group of Companies, Dr Amit Lath.
Under his proficient leadership, the organization aims
to serve its clientele with excellence, honestly and
ethically provide high-quality professional real estate
services, keeping the customer's best interests in mind.
In an interview with CIOLook, Dr Lath shares valuable
facts highlighting his professional tenure and his
journey in the dynamic business arena.
Brief our audience about your journey as a business
leader until your current position at Sharda Group of
Companies. What challenges have you had to
overcome to reach where you are today?
My journey started when I took the first risk into this
industry, and today Sharda group has grown to great
heights in recent years only in the European markets
but also in other international markets.
There are many challenges that I have overcome to
achieve success; however, again, my major challenge
even today is the risk I take.
Tell us something more about your company and its
mission and vision. What are the qualities and aspects
that make it stand out as a leading company in
providing reliable construction and development
solutions?
The Mission of Sharda Group, Inc. is very simple, "Our
goal is to serve our clientele with excellence, honestly
and ethically provide high-quality professional real
estate services, keeping in mind our customer's best
interest in mind.
Through our Vision, we strive to maintain a global
standard for quality and customer satisfaction. Hence,
what makes Sharda Group stand out in the
Construction and Development Industry is our Quality
of service and delivery according to customer
satisfaction keeping in mind the Budget and Timeframe.
Enlighten us on how you have been transforming the
construction and development niche through your
expertise in the market.
There is a lot of competition in the construction and
development business. Still, we have made a niche in
the market as our staff always keeps a priority on
maintaining quality check and control in providing
excellent and exceptional architectural structures,
which has been our key pillar in delivering the
best to our clients, keeping in mind the budget
and timeframe.
Our company strictly adheres to honesty and integrity
in establishing trust with our clients, leading to a long-
term relationship.
15

Describe in detail the values and the work culture that
drives your organization.
At Sharda Group, we focus a lot on work culture ethics
as we strongly believe that employees play a major role
in the organization's growth, just mentioning a few of
our values and work culture.
Trust and Integrity: - Integrity at work is about more
than honesty and respect. As our organization has a
true culture of integrity, and our employees take their
commitments seriously, are proactive when they don't
understand their responsibilities, and ultimately, are
accountable for their results. As a result, the business
succeeds.
Vision Statement: - Our Company's vision and values are
not only for the senior leaders but for all the
employees. One primary reason some employers
struggle with creating a good culture is that they never
talk about their vision and values with all the
employees.
At Sharda Group, the "vision statement" is positioned
on a sign board; however, our vision and values are not
just displayed but also spoken and discussed. When our
employees start discussing, that's when they start living
with the vision and values, and we start seeing our
employees bring in the best efforts for the organization.
Innovation: - Innovation and new ideas are completely
upheld and encouraged across all verticals in our
organization. Employees work on an approach to
pursuing resolutions to challenges and finding new
projections.
If we observe minutely, organizations flourish by
implementing this type of culture and involving all the
employees in the innovation process rather than just
the R & D departments or board members. Productivity
and employee well-being are always enhanced. If your
business culture is positive, you should be able to
measure a few results, such as:
Rewards and Recognition
Reward and recognition can range from praising an
employee for resolving an angry customer's query to
innovating a solution in the construction field. Often,
appreciation is sent to the owner or some other senior
leader, but at Sharda Groups, we make it a point to pass
the appreciation on to the workers. This reinforces
their efforts and conduct, which make a positive
difference with the customers who are paying for our
success. Finally, R&R contributes to our organisation's
success.
These workforce values and culture also have other
indirect benefits on our organization that we might not
observe like, Absenteeism and late-arrivals are lower,
Customer and employee complaints are lower,
Customer and employee retention are higher and
majorly profitable, and on-time-completion are higher.
We also have a compiled and comprehensive set of
facts, rules, and requirements, making the process of
buying a property easier for our ever-growing NRI
customer base.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you leveraging
technological advancements to make your solutions
resourceful?
Indeed, technology is playing a pivotal role in almost
every sector, so the construction business is also a part
of it. Leveraging technology in businesses saves a lot of
time so that SMBs can focus on other essential areas to
grow their business. Innovation in the modern-day
world is directly or indirectly related to technology, and
SMBs can survive in the market with innovation.
AI in construction has the potential to help players
realize value throughout project life cycles, including
design, bidding, and financing; procurement and
construction; operations and asset management; and
business model transformation. AI in construction
helps the industry, as a whole, overcome some of its
toughest challenges, including safety concerns, labor
shortages, and cost and schedule overruns.
AI has turned out to be an essential part of our lives in
some way or another; mentioning below some points
which are a part of the business: -
Ÿ Costing and Budgeting of a Project
Ÿ Project planning
Ÿ Data Source
Ÿ Training
Ÿ Building Information Modeling (BIM) and designing
software
16

Ÿ 3D Printing
Ÿ Productivity and risk reduction
Ÿ Drones and Robots
Ÿ Post-constructive Management
Technology helps increase the efficiency of systems,
products, and services. It helps in tracking and
streaming the processes, maintaining data flow, and
managing contacts and employee records. In fact, this
increased efficiency in operation helps reduce costs as
well as enables the business to grow rapidly.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company
preparing to be a part of that change?
We are already witnessing a hugely significant change
in the construction and Development Industry,
however in my opinion, below are the pointers which
are going to majorly take over the industry: -
Ÿ Digital collaboration software is going to shrink the
distance even if it's going to be miles apart, which
will permit teams to stay connected despite the
remoteness.
Ÿ 3D printing is one of the greatest technological
advances and innovations of the 21st century. The
use of 3D construction printing has been growing
rapidly in the last five years, not only in terms of
buildings made but also with respect to the type of
building or structure being made. 3D printing has
the advantage of faster access to tools and
equipment.
Ÿ Robots and machines that can work on repetitive
and menial tasks.
Ÿ Droves are mainly used in the construction industry
for surveying and inspection purposes. Drones are
equipped with downward-facing sensors, such as
RGB, multispectral, thermal, or LIDAR, and they can
capture a great deal of aerial data in a short time.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for Sharda Group of
Companies?
My goals for Sharda Group of Companies will always
remain the same, present or future; I will always want
to ensure that my Clients and Employees are satisfied.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the construction and
development sector?
My advice to budding enterprisers who want to venture
into the construction and development sector is as follows: -
Ÿ Take Risk: Many aspiring entrepreneurs have put in
a lot of time and effort researching their great idea,
but they are terrified of going into business. My
advice to them is to take the risk and go for the leap
towards executing the idea. The idea will just die if
the risk is not taken.
Ÿ The aspirants need to prepare a proper Business
Plan: This section should contain details of things
such as the goals and target audience. Detailed
information about the products and services that
will be offered to the customers. It is also important
to write the SWOT Analysis in the Business Plan as
it will help in building the business because it's
important to know our Strengths and Weaknesses.
Ÿ Need to fixate on a good cash flow: As the business
starts scaling, it will be very important to focus on
your gross margin for each individual project. The
success of the projects will depend on it. The most
important way to measure the cash flow is by
understanding a work-in-progress (WIP) report. It is
vital that the bookkeeper maintains this report. A
WIP report depicts the active projects executing the
funds that have been debited versus the funds that
have been credited, which will result in the gross
profit margin. This will indicate the health of any
company's cash flow.
Ÿ Be Resourceful: - In every Industry it is stated that,
Time is Money. In Our industry, time is money.
Hence, young entrepreneurs must learn how to use
all available resources and enhance their cash flow.
Ÿ Always be ready to accept changes: - When people
get into a comfort zone in their personal life or any
business, they don't like change. However, this is not
the right mindset, and it impedes accepting changes,
as accepting changes can open the horizon of
opportunity.
17

Giovanni Blandina
Founder & CEO
EasyRain
18

Giovanni Blandina
Crafting Systems that Assure Safety
C
hallenging conventional wisdom is always a
tough choice. You either fall flat on your face
dramatically or achieve more than you have ever
dreamt of. It’s a high-risk, high-reward situation, and for
Giovanni Blandina, Founder & CEO of EasyRain, the
rewards couldn’t have been better.
The automotive industry is in the grips of the
technological wave and is experiencing a shift of focus
from hardware to software. Autonomous driving,
software-defined vehicles and terms as such occupy
industry chatter and hardware technology is
considered a saturated market. Going against such
mainstream accepted ideas, Giovanni founded a startup
that has been focused on using hardware technology to
reduce car accidents and save lives.
EasyRain is a company that makes car safety systems
that uses low-grip technology to make for a better and
safer driving experience on wet roads, snow, or sleet
conditions. Its whole and sole mission is to save lives.
Let us dive into Giovanni’s narration of his journey of
finding EasyRain and the impact that he hopes to create.
Big Ideas, Skeptical Beginnings
“At EasyRain, we’ve approached an issue (reducing
accidents on wet roads and aquaplaning conditions) that
has been around since the cars came out,” begins
Giovanni. “The idea that we could succeed where the big
names have failed was hard to believe. Over time we have
managed to overcome skepticism, and today, car makers
are starting to collaborate with us.”
Giovanni started his career in 2001 as Testing
Methodology and Process Designer for Urmet, a Turin-
based company that designs and manufactures
integrated building communication and security
systems. In January 2008, he became Team
Coordinator for MotoGP team FB Corse. In January
2009, he moved to Marelli as SkyTechnology’s Senior
Consultant, designing new testing strategies for
automotive products in the telematics area. In
September 2013, he became Testing Methodology
Designer for Marelli. He founded EasyRain in March
2013. It started as a part-time job, but it became a full-
time job in July 2018.
Despite a 50% decrease in road fatalities across the EU
since 2000, aquaplaning and wet roads remain one of
the most dangerous driving conditions. This is the
reason that led Giovanni to establish EasyRain. Its
mission is, in fact, to save lives and reduce the number
of accidents in driving conditions on low-grip surfaces –
first on wet roads, but soon also on snow and ice.
The challenge was to launch a startup with the mission
of developing active safety systems, thus requiring a
huge amount of money. Finding the funds to do R&D,
staying in Italy, and having no helping channels was
certainly one of the most important challenges
At EasyRain, we’ve approached an issue,
reducing accidents on wet roads and
aquaplaning condi ons, that has been
around since the cars came out. The idea
that we could succeed where the big
names have failed was hard to believe.
Over me we have managed to overcome
skep cism, and today, car makers are
star ng to collaborate with us.
19

Giovanni had to face. Another hazardous but very
rewarding choice was to follow the opposite direction
of where the automotive industry had been allocating
investments. In an era of digitalization, software, and
autonomous driving, EasyRain had chosen to develop
hardware systems.
“As part of this journey, we have reinvented safety for cars
and autonomous vehicles by introducing the first active
safety system capable of changing road conditions: the
Aquaplaning Intelligent Solution. We then introduced
virtual sensors, starting with Digital Aquaplaning
Information (DAI), as a set of features that allow car
manufacturers to activate a long series of new vehicle
safety features based on the grip detected,” says Giovanni.
A Culture of Choice & Challenge
At EasyRain, employees are encouraged to express
their views and ideas because the need is to think faster
and more efficiently to overcome problems quickly.
Since there will not be any second chances, the team
considers its responsibility to ensure they innovate on a
daily basis. Furthermore, every team member knows
that they are essential for the success of the entire
project and in the development of the products.
“The choice is dictated by the desire to be part of a
challenge. Skills can be bought and enhanced by paying for
master classes, but the willingness to face challenges, the
desire to participate in something great, and the attitude to
sacrifice cannot be bought. This is why these aspects are a
priority in the selection of people both as employees and
partners,” explains Giovanni.
Keeping Pace with Technology
The automotive industry is changing on the back of
autonomous driving and electric vehicles, and change is
often frightening. However, on the contrary, EasyRain is
living the moment with incredible enthusiasm because
Giovanni and the team believe that change is the
synonym for opportunity.
In an era of digitalization, software, and autonomous
driving, EasyRain has chosen to develop a hardware
system. “It feels like we’re swimming against the tide,”
says Giovanni, “but our strategy turned out to be
successful as carmakers have started to strongly consider
our products. That being said, we firmly believe that AIS,
DAI, and ERC will be closely related to technological
advancements in the automotive industry as they will
become a key safety feature for autonomous driving
vehicles.”
Over the years, EasyRain has become a leader in the
research and development of innovative safety
systems, and being close to the series introduction
represents an incredible success, especially considering
that the most positive feedback EasyRain got at the
beginning was “Nice, but you’ll never make it. The
automotive world is inviolable.” Strongly believing in
themselves and in the possibility of succeeding has
allowed Giovanni and the team to make great strides.
They also believe that their technologies will represent
a key feature for autonomous vehicles, as they showed
in January 2023 at Consumer Electronics Show.
Italdesign ClimbE driverless car featured EasyRain’s
solutions to enhance road safety.
The Dream
“My biggest dream is for EasyRain to become a key player in
EU strategy for 2050 aimed at zero road fatalities. I’m sure
we have the potential to fulfill our mission and become a
benchmark player in the field of automotive safety on low-
grip surfaces,” aspires Giovanni.
Beyond his dream, he also relies on the feedback that
comes out after the November test on Applus+ IDIADA
Spanish proving ground talk– test drives with OEMs
showed the effectiveness of the systems on various car
types, including sedans, station wagons, and SUVs.
“Participants gave enthusiastic responses, and the AIS test
was compared to the introduction of braking and stability
control systems,” concludes Giovanni.
20

Insights from Top Leaders
22

How Revolutionary
CEOs Build
Successful Companies
R
evolutionary CEOs are the driving force behind
some of the most successful companies in the
world. These leaders have a unique vision for
their companies and the ability to execute on that
vision.
They are often disruptors in their industry, challenging
the status quo and pushing their companies to new
heights. In this article, we will explore some of the key
traits of revolutionary CEOs and how they build
successful companies.
They have a clear vision
Revolutionary CEOs have a clear vision for their
company's future. They know where they want to take
the company and what it will take to get there. They are
not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and take
risks to achieve their vision.
They focus on innovation
Revolutionary CEOs are constantly looking for new and
innovative ways to solve problems and improve their
business. They are not content with the status quo and
are always pushing for change. They encourage their
employees to think creatively and embrace new ideas.
Competitive Advantage: Innovation can give
businesses a competitive advantage by allowing them
to offer new products or services that meet changing
customer needs or preferences. This can help
businesses stay ahead of their competitors, attract new
customers, and retain existing ones.
23

Increased Efficiency: Innovation can help businesses
increase efficiency by automating tasks, reducing
waste, and streamlining processes. This can lead to cost
savings, improved productivity, and higher profits.
Brand Reputation: Companies that are known for
innovation can build a strong brand reputation that
attracts customers and investors. This can help
businesses build long-term relationships with
customers and increase their market share.
Growth: Innovation can drive business growth by
creating new revenue streams or expanding into new
markets. This can help businesses increase their profits
and expand their reach.
They lead by example
Revolutionary CEOs lead by example. They set the tone
for the company and demonstrate the values and
behaviors they expect from their employees. They are
not afraid to get their hands dirty and work alongside
their team to achieve their goals.
They are adaptable
Revolutionary CEOs are adaptable and able to navigate
change. They understand that markets and industries
are constantly evolving, and they are prepared to adjust
their strategies to stay ahead of the curve. They are not
afraid to pivot when necessary and are always looking
for new opportunities.
They prioritize their people
Revolutionary CEOs understand that their employees
are the backbone of their company. They prioritize
creating a positive work culture that fosters creativity,
collaboration, and innovation. They invest in their
employees' development and wellbeing and reward
their contributions to the company's success.
They are data-driven
Revolutionary CEOs use data to make informed
decisions about their business. They track key metrics
and use analytics to gain insights into their operations.
They are not afraid to make tough decisions based on
data and are always looking for ways to optimize their
business.
They have a strong sense of purpose
Revolutionary CEOs have a strong sense of purpose
and are driven by a desire to make a difference. They
are not motivated solely by profits but by a desire to
create something meaningful and impactful. They
understand the importance of their company's role in
society and strive to make a positive impact.
Increased Resilience: Innovation can help businesses
become more resilient by developing new products or
processes that can withstand market fluctuations or
other challenges. This can help businesses weather
economic downturns or other disruptions and emerge
stronger on the other side.
Conclusion
Revolutionary CEOs are the driving force behind some
of the most successful companies in the world. They
have a clear vision for their company's future and the
ability to execute on that vision.
They prioritize innovation, lead by example, are
adaptable, prioritize their people, are data-driven, and
have a strong sense of purpose. By embodying these
traits, they create a culture of excellence that attracts
top talent and drives success.
24

Kim Mitzo Thompson
Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand
and
Benchmarking Excellence
classroom and family fun, Twin Sisters® positions itself
as the leader in children's educational music.
In an interview with CIOLook, Kim and Karen share
valuable facts highlighting The Twin Sister Digital
Media's significance in the modern industry.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
leader until your current position at Twin Sisters.
What challenges have you had to overcome to reach
where you are today?
During our 36 years in business, we have been faced
with many challenges. When the entire music industry
was taken by surprise when Napster made music free, it
was in chaos for a long time. We pivoted at the time
from being a children's record label to a children's
educational publisher.
We started making workbooks, flashcards, learning
games, and all sorts of new products. We also started
ensuring we were set up to sign up with all of the online
streaming services, such as Apple, Amazon, Spotify, etc.,
as they all emerged.
Then years later, when the same thing happened in
children's books, we turned our company into a totally
digital products company. We focus on eBooks,
audiobooks, apps, teacher resources, videos, sheet
music, and music.
eadership traits are essential qualities that make
Leffective leaders in the workplace. Whether you
are managing a team, a department, or an entire
company, these traits allow you to guide people and
projects to success.
The best leaders rarely follow established pathways or
copy the routes others have taken. Instead, they
embrace new ways of thinking and strategies that
others have yet to try. Standing out as inspiring
business leaders and enabling a plethora of educational
and inspirational products, Kim Mitzo Thompson and
Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand are creating benchmarks in
the dynamic business arena.
For over 36 years, Kim Mitzo Thompson and Karen
Mitzo Hilderbrand, known as The Twin Sisters®, have
been writing and producing educational and
inspirational products through an establishment
renowned as Twin Sisters® Digital Media that utilizes
music to teach children basic skills.
Starting with just one album, "Rap with the
Facts—Multiplication," written for Kim's third-grade
students to help them memorize their facts, the twins
formed a record label in 1987. Together they have led
their company through dynamic changes in the music
and publishing industries.
With over 75 million albums sold and over 180 national
awards, including nine Record Industry Association of
America (RIAA) certified gold albums and one Platinum
album for educational excellence, creativity, and overall
28

At Twin Sisters, we are
dedicated to our Christian
Faith, volunteering, and helping
children learn. Our many
partners are all dedicated to
children as well.”
mission and vision. What are the qualities and aspects
that make it stand out as a leading company in
providing educational and inspirational products?
Twin Sisters® Digital Media is the #1 award-winning
provider of digital resources for teaching children
through music, eBooks, audiobooks, videos,
instructional materials, and more!
Our core values are Faith & Family, Kindness & Service,
Perseverance & Hard Work, and Creativity & Fun! Our
vision is to be known as a wholesome brand that
encourages children to love learning.
29

artificial heart the Cleveland Clinic is pioneering for
physicians.
and what are your future goals for Twin Sisters?
I envision ourselves being a household brand
recognizable by everyone and dedicated to helping
children learn through music, art, video and other
experiences. Our B2C website is just launching this
month and we hope to be able to reach millions more
parents, homeschoolers, teachers, and children.
Though we have sold over 75 million albums and
millions of other products, we want to be easily
accessible for every new generation. At the same time,
we keep up with new technologies and trends in
learning.
who aspire to venture into the digital media sector?
I think the key to success is finding something you are
passionate about, being persistent and not giving up,
but being open to change along the way so you can
adapt to new ideas and ways to learn. Whatever the
business you learn, it is ok to fail and keep refining until
you get it right!
Enlighten us on how you have been transforming the
digital media niche through your expertise in the
market.
Our focus continues to be on music and education, as
well as inspirational materials to help children learn.
We have just launched our first business-to-consumer
website and plan to continue growing our brand
through this website, a subscription app we are
developing, and an NFT launch that allows access to a
VIP section of our site.
At Twin Sisters, we are dedicated to our Christian Faith,
volunteering, and helping children learn. Our many
partners are all dedicated to children as well.
As a company, we have supported Royal Family Kids
Camp with their auction, birthday parties at camp and
other meaningful activities our employees have
participated in. We continually align ourselves with
like-minded charities and projects that benefit children.
resourceful?
We are continually developing and using new
technologies in our products, content delivery, and
e-commerce website. We spent years making all of
our products available digitally, which is now the
focus of our B2C website.
In addition, we have published many AR books and have
many apps as well. The newest QR code technology
allows users of our physical products to use their
cameras to stream videos, audio, and/or download
products. We are also exploring how AI technology can
be used in future products.
change in your sector?
How is your company preparing to be a part of that
change? I believe the next significant change will first be
around AI and how it can be incorporated into
products. Eventually, also the AR experience will also
be enhanced with holographic learning, such as the
30

Luca Meinardi
Exemplar of Resolute Leadership
E
ffective leadership is one of the single most
important drivers behind the performance.
Successful companies employ skilled leaders in
every key position. CEOs know this and are in constant
search of people who embody great leadership qualities
and character.
Good leaders develop a vision. Great leaders, on the
other hand, take this vision, bring it to life, and follow
through on it - leading to real results and outcomes. It's
one thing to be visionary; it's another thing to turn
vision into results.
Staying focused on outcomes, taking time to engage in
priority setting, and getting to the roots of efficiency
are all qualities of a revolutionary leader. Standing out
with proficiency and attribute that exhibit sheer
determination and brilliance is Luca Meinardi, Chief
Executive Officer of Griven.
Under the coherent leadership, the company's vision
and mission statements summarize the essence of the
business: to steadily grow within both domestic and
international architectural outdoor lighting markets as
a genuine, reliable partner for all its customers with a
consistent attitude towards innovation.
Moreover, Griven's respect for the environment, its
tireless commitment to sustainability, steady focus on
quality, and unlimited customization capabilities drive
the organization towards the development of
innovative solutions that stand out for their
distinctiveness and efficiency in an increasingly
competitive market.
In an interview with CIOLook, Mr Meinardi shares
valuable facts that highlight his professional tenure and
his journey in the dynamic architecture niche.
leader until your current position at Griven.
What challenges have you had to overcome to reach
where you are today?
During the last 25 years, I have been working in
different market fields mainly in the commercial, PR,
marketing, general consultancy, and top management
areas. Since 2004, I have focused my expertise on the
lighting industry, where I had the opportunity of
working side by side with world-leading designers and
architects, at first within top lighting companies, and
later as an independent consultant.
My journey with Griven began in November 2019 when
I decided to face this challenge. Looking back, I am now
very proud of what I and my team have achieved in this
relatively short period, a thorough company renovation
that will take us very far.
mission and vision; how does your company thrive
towards enabling advancements in the dynamic
business arena?
In our company's vision and mission statements we
have summarized the essence of our business: to
steadily grow within both domestic and international
architectural outdoor lighting markets as a genuine,
reliable partner for all our customers.
We are determined to bring our passion for ideas and
innovation to combine with our history of quality and
values to reach excellence through our continuous R&D
achievements, consistent quality standards, and
sustainable and eco-friendly attitude while showing
commitment towards truthful human relationships and
respect for people. I think that behaving with
consistency in every situation is a win-win decision.
Enlighten us on how you have been impacting the
architectural lighting niche through your expertise in
the market.
32

Our Research &
Development
department is
always at work to
study the latest
industry evolutions in
order to ensure
maximum
performance levels
for our complete
collection of
architectural
lighting solutions.
Luca Meinardi
Chief Executive
Ofﬁcer
Griven
33

My personal experience in different fields of the
international lighting industry brought me to
successfully translate the style and elegance of indoor
illumination into outdoor appliances, creating new
ranges of products capable of mixing the advanced
technical know-how of the company with a new
appealing design to create groundbreaking solutions
for new markets.
Our latest landscape and accent lighting fixtures range
translate our advanced technical expertise in
previously unexplored markets, offering competitive
and performing alternatives to expanding demand.
First of all, we firmly believe in our true Made in Italy
tradition. We have always been designing, engineering,
and assembling all our lighting fixtures here in Italy.
Our consistent attitude towards innovation, our
respect for the environment, our tireless commitment
to sustainability, our steady focus on quality, and our
unlimited customization capabilities drive us towards
the development of innovative solutions that stand out
for their distinctiveness and efficiency in an
increasingly competitive market.
As I strongly believe in our human resources skills and
expertise, I fully rely on their capabilities, ideas, and
initiative to be always at the forefront in our field.
resourceful?
The lighting industry has been improving in a quick and
dynamic way in recent years, mainly due to the
continuous technological developments of LED
technology and of related intelligent lighting
management systems. Exceeding customary standards,
we always purchase high-performing LEDs from strictly
selected micro-bins allowing our fixtures to maintain
the highest levels of color consistency and uniformity
over time.
Our Research & Development department is always at
work to study the latest industry evolutions in order to
ensure maximum performance levels for our complete
collection of architectural lighting solutions.
change in your sector? How is your company
preparing to be a part of that change?
Energy-saving solutions are becoming more and more
important for the preservation of our environment and
its limited resources. We have already moved in this
direction upgrading our production and supply
processes. As a result, our lighting fixtures are 90%
recyclable and 95% of their components come from
production sites located within less than a 100 km
distance.
We follow strict internal energy-saving and
environmentally friendly procedures according to
newly obtained certifications. We are also
implementing new lighting technologies which are
respectful towards the safe development of vegetal and
animal environments. All our efforts go in this direction.
and what are your future goals for Griven?
I firmly want Griven to become one of the most
important Italian players in the international outdoor
architectural lighting market, offering an always up-to-
date range of highly innovative fixtures capable of
illuminating in a sustainable way from the smallest
residential premises to the largest urban
infrastructures in every possible shade of both colored
and white light. An ambitious goal that makes me proud
and eager to do my job every day.
who aspire to venture into the architectural lighting
niche?
It's true, this is a niche market, but it features an
impressively large number of competitive high-quality
players. Thinking and acting out of the box can really
make a difference in this industry. Facing any new
challenge with an unconventional approach and
innovative methods is what I would recommend to any
newcomer.
34

I
n today's world, it is more important than
ever for companies to embrace sustainable
practices in order to protect our planet and
ensure a better future for generations to come.
This is where CEOs play a crucial role, as they
are the ones who can set the tone for their
organizations and drive change towards more
sustainable practices.
But what does it take to be a revolutionary CEO
who empowers sustainability? What are the
traits that set them apart from their peers? In
this article, we will explore some of the key traits
of revolutionary CEOs who are leading the way
towards a more sustainable future.
Visionary Leadership: Revolutionary CEOs who
empower sustainability are visionaries who can
see the bigger picture and understand the
impact of their actions on the environment and
society. They have a clear vision of where they
want to take their companies and the role they
can play in creating a sustainable future.
Innovative Thinking: These CEOs are not afraid to
think outside the box and explore new ways of
doing things. They are open to new ideas and are
willing to take risks to drive change. They
Exploring the
Traits
of Revolutionary
CEOs
Empowering
Sustainability
Creating Positive Change
36

understand that sustainability requires
innovation and creativity, and they are not afraid
to challenge the status quo.
Commitment to Purpose: Revolutionary CEOs
who empower sustainability are driven by a
sense of purpose beyond proﬁts. They are
committed to making a positive impact on the
world and understand that sustainability is not
just a moral imperative but also a business
imperative.
Stakeholder Engagement: These leaders recognize
the importance of engaging with all
stakeholders, including employees, customers,
suppliers, and communities. They understand
that sustainability is a collective effort and that
everyone has a role to play in creating a more
sustainable future.
37

Resilience: CEOs are resilient and able to weather the
challenges that come with driving change. They
understand that sustainability is a long-term journey
and that progress can be slow at times. They are patient
and persistent, and they do not give up easily.
Transparency: Revolutionary CEOs who empower
sustainability are transparent about their actions and
their impact on the environment and society. They
understand that transparency builds trust and
credibility, and they are willing to be held accountable
for their actions.
Collaboration: These CEOs understand the importance
of collaboration and partnerships. They recognize that
they cannot solve sustainability challenges alone and
that working together with other companies,
governments, and organizations is critical to driving
change.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Innovative leaders use
data to inform their decisions and measure their
impact. They understand the importance of setting
targets and tracking progress towards sustainability
goals.
Employee Empowerment: CEOs empower their
employees to take ownership of sustainability
initiatives and create a culture of sustainability within
their organizations. They provide the necessary
resources and support to help employees drive change.
Holistic Thinking: Organizational leaders take a holistic
approach to sustainability, considering the
environmental, social, and economic impacts of their
actions. They understand that sustainability is not just
about reducing carbon emissions but also about
creating a more just and equitable world.
Agility: Business and organizational leaders are agile
and able to adapt to changing circumstances. They
understand that sustainability is a dynamic and
evolving ﬁeld and that they need to be ﬂexible and
responsive to new challenges and opportunities.
Courage: Leaders have the courage to take bold action
and lead by example. They are not afraid to challenge
the status quo and push for change, even if it means
taking risks or making unpopular decisions.
Authenticity: Leaders are authentic and genuine in their
commitment to sustainability. They understand that
sustainability is not just a buzzword but a fundamental
value that needs to be embedded in their organizations.
Openness to Feedback: Business leaders are open to
feedback and willing to learn from their mistakes. They
understand that sustainability is a journey and that
there is always room for improvement.
Strategic Thinking: People in leadership positions are
strategic thinkers who can identify opportunities for
sustainability and integrate them into their business
strategies. They understand that sustainability can
create value for their organizations and contribute to
their long-term success.
Systems Thinking: These leaders take systems thinking
approach to sustainability, considering the
interconnectedness of environmental, social, and
economic systems. They understand that sustainability
requires a holistic perspective and a focus on creating
positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Empathy: CEOs have empathy and compassion for the
people and communities impacted by their actions.
They understand that sustainability is not just about
protecting the environment but also about creating a
more equitable and just society.
In conclusion, the traits of revolutionary CEOs who
empower sustainability are many and varied, and they
require a deep commitment to creating a better future
for all. By embracing these traits, CEOs can drive
change towards a more sustainable world and inspire
others to join them on this important journey.
38

Tom Swanciger
Thriving to Ensure Perpetual Reliability
elping fathers to maintain a consistently
Hpositive presence in their children’s lives, Tom
Swanciger, CEO of Father to Father, thrives to
provide community-based programs and support
groups for fathers, free of charge.
In order to fulfil their obligations and protect parental
rights, fathers can connect with other services; this has
been a significant contribution by the Father to Father
organization. For the benefit of fathers, their families,
and local employers, Father to Father Inc. provides job
counseling and linkages to the workforce. The
organization is also a resource for regional groups
looking to offer services geared toward fathers and
families.
Father to Father has helped more than 1,500 men,
children, and families since it began. The organization
has helped fathers reconnect with their children since
its commencement in a closet adjacent to the kitchen at
St. Peter’s Church, and it still does so today from its
new location on Woodbine Avenue in North
Charleston, SC.
The services provided by the program are specially
created to assist men in mending damaged family and
interpersonal bonds, engaging in healthy parenting, and
finding gainful and stable employment.
In an exclusive interview with CIOLook, Tom Swanciger
shares the challenges of running a non-profit
organization and the overwhelmingly positive impact of
their work.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
leader until your current position at Father to Father.
Inc. What challenges have you had to overcome to
reach where you are today?
Being in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years, I have
found that the biggest challenge is continuously finding
different funding sources to keep the organization
viable.
Tell us something more about Father to Father. Inc,
and its mission and vision.
Our mission is to help fathers in the Low-country of
South Carolina be positive and consistent figures in
their children’s lives.
We strive to help fathers better
themselves, their relationships
and their understanding of
how important a responsible,
active father is in a child’s life.
Building stronger families
creates a better South Carolina
for every citizen.
“
“
40

Tom Swanciger
CEO
Father to Father, Inc.
Ÿ We provide community-based programs and
support groups for fathers, at no cost to them.
Ÿ We help fathers connect to other services they need
so they can meet their responsibilities and secure
their parental rights.
Ÿ We offer job coaching and employment connections
that beneﬁt fathers, their families, and employers in
our communities.
Ÿ We’re a resource for local organizations that want
to provide family support and father-friendly
services.
We know engaged fathers are the best way to get to
the root of problems that affect all of us—so that we
can make real progress toward ending poverty,
reducing crime and improving outcomes for children.
When fathers are engaged, children are:
Ÿ More likely to graduate from high school
Ÿ Better positioned to be good parents themselves
We strive to help fathers better themselves, their
relationships, and their understanding of how
important a responsible, active father is in a child’s life.
Building stronger families creates a better South
Carolina for every citizen.
We always look for community partners who want to
collaborate with us—from local law enforcement and
family court judges to health clinics and churches who,
like us, want to help fathers succeed.
Enlighten us on how you have impacted the Individual
and Family Services industry through your expertise
in the market.
What do fathers need to be successful parents and
contributing family members?
41
How we can help: Ÿ Less likely to go to jail

This program takes a holistic approach to helping men
become the best fathers they can be and provides one-
on-one coaching that helps each participant overcome
his unique obstacles.
Core Content areas include:
Ÿ Employability Bootcamp
An intensive session that explores skill sets and
career paths and helps fathers expand their
networks, prepare resumes, and build interview
skills to gain the jobs they want.
Ÿ Economic Mobility
Dads learn about increasing income, managing
money, getting credit, navigating child support and
addressing arrears.
Ÿ Healthy Relationships
Drawing on their personal histories, men build
relationship skills that can improve life for their
children and themselves.
Ÿ Parenting/Co-Parenting
Fathers learn how to enhance co-parenting skills
and have positive roles in children’s lives—from
providing structure and stability to establishing
paternity and visitation rights.
Ÿ Men’s Health
Fathers learn how to manage their own physical and
mental health, so they can thrive and model healthy
behaviors for their children.
The One-Man Plan
Along with taking classes, each father in our program
works individually with a staff member to create his
own One Man Plan. In this plan, each father sets his
goals and creates a road map for reaching them.
Peer Group Sessions
Peer groups are a place for fathers to share their
frustrations, learn from other fathers and begin
building a positive network of support.
A one-stop center for fathers with staff and ofﬁces
close to where dads work and live.
We take a holistic approach to strengthening fathers
and helping them overcome obstacles with a range of
education, services and support that includes:
Ÿ A comprehensive fatherhood curriculum to teach
the essentials of responsible fatherhood
Ÿ Employment coaching to help dads get jobs or ﬁnd
better paying jobs
Ÿ Help navigating the child support system
Ÿ Guidance on establishing paternity, visitation and
other legal issues
Ÿ Peer group sessions that provide fathers with a safe
space to talk and support each other
Ÿ Referrals for help with complex problems
Ÿ Mediation with the child’s mother and other family
members
Ÿ Access to men’s healthcare education, screenings
and referrals
Ÿ Assistance with transportation
Ÿ Ongoing connection with an experienced,
supportive program staff
Ÿ Unique programs such as Jobs Not Jail, a way to
catch up on child support obligations that is a
successful alternative to incarceration
Many fathers face chronic health conditions and
untreated problems, because they can’t afford
treatment or don’t trust healthcare providers.
What methodologies do you implement that
contribute to new growth opportunities?
Having a strong team is what propels us to grow and
have great success. The Father to Father team is
dedicated to our mission and what we do on a daily
basis. They are well-versed and highly educated in all
areas of Fatherhood and Youth Development. Their
commitment to our organization is evident in the lives
they change, which affords us the opportunity to
continue to grow.
Our 24-week fatherhood program is one of the most
important services we provide. Offered free to every
participant, all the program requires is your
commitment.
42

who aspire to venture into the Individual and Family
Services industry?
Be genuine, honest, and never over promise something
you cannot deliver.
We’ve learned from our work that many fathers feel
alone in their struggles. Some men lack good role
models for parenting, perhaps because they had no
contact with their own fathers. We’ve also seen
through our peer groups that fathers share many things
in common and can be great resources for one another.
resourceful?
Father to Father is currently using new technology to
actively fundraise within the community; we are
utilizing social media to educate the community or who
we are and what we do. We use a system designed to
help fathers find their passion in terms of employment
and, in turn, help them get into the careers they are
seeking.
change in the Individual and Family Services sector?
How is Father to Father. Inc, preparing to be a part of
that change?
I believe the next shift in communities will be focusing
on youth and the alternatives to detention programs,
specifically here in South Carolina. Father to Father is
currently working with both the Department of
Juvenile Justice and the Charleston County Detention
Center to teach youth in a new program called, Building
Better Bridges. Building Better Bridges is the youth
program targeting young men and women. It is
designed to educate and inspire the youth to
understand the importance of informed decision
making, especially the choices that benefit their mental,
physical, and economic health.
and what are your future goals for Father to Father.
Inc?
Father to Father is constantly progressing. In the
future, we look forward to establishing offices in
Beaufort and Dorchester County. We are constantly
increasing the number of people we are serving and
getting valuable partnerships throughout the Low-
Country of South Carolina.
43

Revolutionary CEOs To Watch in 2023.pdf

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