Top 10 Pioneering Business Leaders to Follow in 2023.pdf

Ethical Leadership
The Importance of Values
in Business
TOP
Pioneering
2023
Visualizing Success with Meticulous Planning
Sathyanarayanan
Business
LEADERS
to Follow in
10
Bala V
Sathyanarayanan
Executive Vice President
& Chief Human
Resources Ofﬁcer
Grief Inc.
Sathyanarayanan
Leading with Empathy
The Human Side of Business
Leadership

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

L
eadership is not just about being in charge of a
team; it’s about inspiring and motivating others to
achieve a common goal. Inspirational leaders
possess certain traits and characteristics that set them
apart from others. These leaders are able to inspire and
motivate people to go above and beyond what is
expected of them. In this article, we will explore the
traits of the most inspirational leaders.
Inspirational leaders possess certain traits and
characteristics that set them apart from others. They
are visionary, empathetic, authentic, courageous,
resilient, innovative, humble, and inspiring. These
leaders create a culture of collaboration, innovation,
and growth, which helps to motivate and inspire their
team members to achieve great things. By
understanding these traits, we can all strive to become
more inspirational leaders in our own lives and careers.
Inspirational leaders have a clear vision of what they
want to achieve. They are able to articulate this vision
to others in a way that is inspiring and motivating. A
leader's vision provides a sense of purpose and
direction for the team and helps to align everyone's
efforts towards a common goal. The most inspirational
leaders are able to communicate their vision in a way
that resonates with their team members.
Empathy is the ability to understand and relate to the
needs and concerns of others. Inspirational leaders are
able to show empathy towards their team members,
which helps to create a sense of trust and respect.
These leaders listen to their team members and take
their opinions and ideas into account when making
decisions. This creates a sense of belonging and fosters
a culture of collaboration.
Business leaders are authentic and true to themselves.
They are honest, transparent, and genuine, which helps
to build trust and credibility with their team members.
Authentic leaders do not try to be someone they are
not, and they are open about their strengths and
weaknesses. This creates an environment where people
feel comfortable being themselves and encourages
them to be honest and transparent as well.
Above all, inspirational leaders are able to inspire
others to be their best selves. They lead by example and
are able to bring out the best in their team members.
These leaders create a positive and supportive
environment that fosters growth and development.
They encourage their team members to take on
challenges and push themselves to new heights.
Mapping the journey of these business leaders,
CIOLook—brings its latest edition—Top 10 Pioneering
Business Leaders to Follow in 2023.
Flip through the pages and indulge in the odyssey of
excellence these business leaders are mapping in the
dynamic business arena.
Have a delightful read!
L
Pioneering Elements
of Eternal Success
Abhishek Joshi
Abhishek Joshi

C o n t e n t s
22 32
26 36
C
X
O
14 18
Simon Bonk
Kashif Ali
Ellen Voie
Nikhil Jayaraj
A Staunch Leader with Magniﬁcent
Attributes
A Certiﬁed IT Professional with Extensive
Experience in Leading Technology Infrastructure
Driving Perpetual Betterments for a
Sustainable Future
The Fundamentals of Driving Change
Ethical Leadership
The Importance of Values in Business
The Human Side of Business Leadership

08
C
O
V
E
R
S
T
O
R
Y
Bala
Sathyanarayanan
V

CONTENT
Deputy Editor AbhishekJoshi
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DESIGN
Visualizer Dave Bates
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SALES
Senior Sales Manager Sihanee M., Rouniyar A.
Customer Success Manager Rokade. A
Sales Executives Shashi Rajbhar, Josh
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi
Technical Consultant Victor Collins
May, 2023
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Brief
Company Name
Todd Hulman
CEO & Co-founder
Tom Swanciger
CEO
Kashif Ali
CTO
Shankar Sitapati
Vice President
of Service Delivery
Kashif is a founding committee member of GRF's Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion initiative formalized in 2019.
Todd is an Operations Executive successful at leading strategic
change through building and developing diverse teams to
implement operational excellence principles.
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.
With over 25+ years of experience in the IT industry, Shankar
has been blessed to have a wide variety of professional
backgrounds
Ellen Voie
Founder
Ellen is honored as a Champion of Change for her time and
effort in developing innovative ways to help grow and expand
the transportation industry.
Women In Trucking
womenintrucking.org
GRF CPAs & Advisors
grfcpa.com
SoftClouds
softclouds.com
Bala leads global human resources and communications at
Greif, Inc.
Greif
greif.com
Sharon Hilton
COO &
Kristy Nichols
CEO
Sharon and Kristy hold extensive knowledge and significant
expertise through which they are developing innovative
solutions and scaling PBS to new heights.
Peachtree
BioResearch Solutions
PBS.com
Father to Father, Inc.
fathertofatherinc.org
Nikhil Jayaraj
Managing Director
Nikhil is an experienced manager with a demonstrated history
of working in the renewables and environment industry.
Regen Power
regenpower.com
3Scan
3Scan.com
Sami Slim
CEO
Sami is passionate about developing companies in the Internet
infrastructure space (telecommunications, data centers, cloud
computing).
Telehouse France
telehousefrance.com
Simon Bonk
CTO & Co-founder
Simon Bonk is the Chief Research Officer and Director of
Business Development at Telio Group, a prominent name in
inmate communication.
Telio
tel.io
Featured Person
Bala
Sathyanarayanan
Executive Vice President &
Chief Human Resources
Officer

Bala
Sathyanarayanan
V
Greif is leading the way
by setting goals around
these essential topics, which
are outlined in its
Sustainability Report.

Cover
Story
Bala V Sathyanarayanan
Executive Vice President &
Chief Human Resources
Ofﬁcer
Grief Inc.

W
ith a clear focus on the goals, today's leaders
are executing effective strategies that are
relevant and time-bound, ensuring that
their vision becomes a reality. Setting up a robust
foundation with innovation, leadership development,
and succession planning Bala V Sathyanarayanan is a
recognized thought leader who spearheads Grief Inc. as
the Executive Vice President & Chief Human
Resources Ofﬁcer.
Gathering experiences from his three-decade
professional career, Mr. Sathyanarayanan has held
leadership positions at global Fortune 500 companies,
including Xerox, Hewlett Packard, Coca-Cola, and
United Technologies. What makes him unique is his
ability to maintain focus on business transformation
through the intentional development and
empowerment of leaders, which he believes is the key
to delivering an engaged workforce to execute a
company's business strategy.
Conquering Challenges, Leading Effectively
Mr. Sathyanarayanan has moved countries and
continents and moved across industries and functions
from time to time. While each of these was personally

Greif is a global leader
in industrial packaging
products and services and
is pursuing its vision to
be the best-performing
customer service company
globally.
challenging in itself, the support he received from his
parents, his family, global colleagues, and a personal
board of advisors has been immense, making him face,
handle and thrive on any challenge thrown his way. He
asserts, "Being resilient and learning and growing from
crisis helped me become a more empathetic global leader
who practices servant leadership to empower organizations
and position them for global success."
Mr. Sathyanarayanan expresses that he is privileged to
hold leadership positions serving the HR industry and
broader business environment through various
organizations. He also serves as the Chairman and
Board Director for Balmer Lawrie-Van Leer Limited,
Board Director of the Columbus Council on World
Affairs, Board Member of the Center on Executive
Compensation. Bala is also a New York CHRO
Community member and a founder of the PEER 150 HR
Group. Stagnation is not an option. He says, "To improve
as a leader, one must consistently learn and grow. I give and
receive knowledge from these leadership communities by
serving in these capacities and speaking in various forums
and conferences."
The Greif Way
Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products
and services and is pursuing its vision to be the best-
performing customer service company globally. It exists
to safely package and protect its customers' goods and
materials to serve the essential needs of communities
worldwide.
Grief carries out its vision by employing its four
strategic missions: Creating Thriving Communities,
Delivering Legendary Customer Service, Protecting Our
Future, and Ensuring Financial Strength.
Bala describes that Greif is guided by the principles set
out under The Greif Way. The Greif Way outlines the
standards for the company, its customers, suppliers,
and shareholders. "We subscribe to the Servant
Leadership model and break down silos within the
organization wherever we find them. To be successful, we
must all move in the same direction as One World, One
Greif, and One Team," he explains.
Grief encourages and embraces cultural, language,
location, and thought diversity. It honors its history as it
focuses on the future. It utilizes financial, natural, and
human resources wisely without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their needs and is
committed to improving for the betterment.
The company produces steel, plastic, fiber drums,
intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned
containers, containerboard, uncoated recycled
paperboard, coated recycled paperboard, tubes, and
cores, and a diverse mix of specialty products. It also
manufactures packaging accessories and provides
filling, packaging, and other services for various
industries. Greif also manages timber properties in the
southeastern United States. The company is
strategically positioned in over 40 countries to serve
global and regional customers.
Preparing for Changes
Mr. Sathyanarayanan shares that leveraging digital
technology is critical for agile, world-class global
organizations. Greif is constantly looking for ways to
adopt technology to improve its communications and
service delivery. It continues to drive its value
proposition – leveraging technology to promote Greif
as an employer of choice.
Top 10 Pioneering Business Leaders to Follow in 2023

Over the last few years, the topics that gained
momentum were thrust into the spotlight during the
COVID-19 Pandemic. Bala believes the industry will
scrutinize three topics in 2023 DEI, pay equity, and
sustainability. Greif is leading the way by setting goals
around these essential topics, which are outlined in its
Sustainability Report.
Bala understands that the Human Resources function
needs to prioritize agility. He adds, "We live and work in a
VUCA world. Remote and hybrid work is the new norm for
many. Businesses have been required to adapt quickly to
the Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, and now to Loud
Layoffs – accompanied by fears of an impending recession."
For HR to provide adequate support to the leaders,
they must focus on agility in the face of change and turn
uncertainties into opportunities for growth. Leading
with authenticity and energizing your organization to
deliver for your key stakeholders is something that HR
will need to continually master.
What Lies Ahead?
Greif celebrated its 145th anniversary in 2022. "My
responsibility as CHRO is to help set up this company for
success for the future: this is Greif's Build to Last strategy.
I'll never stop engaging, encouraging leaders and
championing the cause of the global communities in which
Greif operates," Mr. Sathyanarayanan asserts.
Greif is committed to building a better tomorrow by
giving back to its communities today. Following The
Greif Way, it strives to create a culture that supports
the common good by using our ﬁnancial and human
resources to support charitable organizations focusing
on education, health, and social services.
Bequeathing Guidance
Bala advises aspiring people seeking a career in
business to always be ready to adapt to change as it is
the only constant and always comes with opportunities.
"Take your seat at the table. Advocate for yourself, and ﬁnd
a coach, a mentor, and a sponsor who will advocate for you
in your absence! Always be curious. Never stop learning; the
day you stop learning is when you stop growing as an
individual and a business person.
Get outside of your comfort zone. Get comfortable with
being uncomfortable and stretch yourself not to the point of
breaking but to the point of growth," Mr. Sathyanarayanan
concludes.

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Ellen Voie
A Staunch Leader with Magnificent A ributes
A
great leader has a vision. These personalities
know how to motivate and inspire others,
building, nurturing, and coaching their team.
Leadership means different people to different people,
but there are several traits that define the
characteristics of the greatest leaders.
Effective leaders think analytically about their
businesses and those they oversee. They invest the
time and effort to clearly understand any outstanding
weaknesses, threats, strengths, and opportunities.
This helps them identify how they can support the team
and help them overcome problems. Great leaders know
when to pivot, constantly evaluating their own input to
see how it aligns with organizational policy and
objectives. These attributes shed the spotlight on the
Founder of Women In Trucking, Ellen Voie.
The Women In Trucking Association's mission is to
encourage women's employment in the industry,
address obstacles that might keep women from
entering trucking and celebrate our members'
success.
In an interview with CIOLook, Ellen shares valuable
facts highlighting her professional tenure and journey
so far in the dynamic business arena.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Brief our audience about your journey as a business
leader until your current position at your company.
What challenges have you had to overcome to reach
where you are today?
One of my first jobs after high school was working
for a steel fabricating plant in the drafting department.
I was offered a transfer to shipping along with the
offer to earn my d Traffic and Transportation
Management diploma.
I was the assistant and then Traffic Manager at a very
young age. I had to prove that I was capable and
knowledgeable both as a female in a male-dominated
area and as a very young person.
After I started my family, I used my training to become a
consultant to trucking companies in central Wisconsin
for the next eighteen years. During that time, I
completed my Master's Degree in Communication at
the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point. I went on
to become the executive director of a trucking-related
non-profit association. In 2006 I was, a large
midwestern carrier hired me ager of Recruiting and
Retention Programs.
I was tasked with better understanding how to attract
and retain non-traditional groups, which included
women. I realized that the trucking industry wasn't
doing such a great job in encouraging women to
become professional drivers. I belonged to a women's
aviation organization, so I used their group as a model
to create the Women In Trucking Association in 2007.
Tell us about your company and its mission and vision;
how does your company thrive towards enabling
advancements in the ever-evolving modern industry?
That mission hasn't changed, and we have become the
resource for the industry in creating a more gender-
diverse supply chain. Some of our initiatives include
research and creating White papers to provide data
and facts to our members.
We also created programs to encourage young girls to
become more aware of jobs in trucking through a truck
driver doll and a Girl Scout patch program.
www.ciolook.com | May 2023 |
14

We have educated
the industry to consider ways
women create a more proﬁtable
but also a more engaging
environment.
Ellen Voie
Founder
Women In
Trucking
15

Recently, we launched our driver ambassador program
trailer, which is taken to schools, trade shows, and
company events. It has a hands-on learning
environment with videos, quizzes and a simulator.
We have both US and Canadian Image Teams who
provide ride-along for regulators, legislators and the
media as well as give media interviews and product
reviews. Our recognition programs include a driver of
the year, an influential woman in trucking, a
distinguished woman in logistics among others.
Enlighten us on how you have been impacting the
industry through your expertise in the market.
The Women In Trucking Association has been a change
agent in the trucking industry by creating a movement
that encourages and supports women in all areas, from
the cab of a truck to the C-suite. We have educated the
industry to consider ways women create a more
profitable but also a more engaging environment. We
are the top resource in providing facts and data to
support hiring and retaining more women.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that
drives your organization.
Since we are a remove workforce, we rely on
technology to unite us as one team. We all work from
our home offices (twelve associates in nine states) but
are motivated by our mission. Also, we are a result-
oriented work environment, which means we don't
count hours or days; we value output.
We don't have sick days, vacations, or standard work
hours, as we are all self-motivated and work until we've
completed our tasks. We encourage each person to
work around family obligations.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you advancing towards
technological innovations to make your solutions
resourceful?
When the pandemic hit, we had to pivot to a virtual
conference instead of being in-person. We had to rely
on technology to deliver the content our members
expected.
We have also used technology to create a brand for the
association through our publications, e-newsletter and
social media content. We push out a lot of information
16

to our members as well as to anyone connected
through these venues.
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 often go through an exercise to better understand
how the industry will change in the next few years. One
of the most imminent changes will be the increased
competition for autonomous (self-driving) trucks and
how that will affect the driver's role.
Although these companies continue to test their trucks
on the highway, there is still a need to have an operator
in the truck's cab in the event of inclement weather,
construction zones, and animals trying to cross a busy
road.
The idea of seeing driverless trucks in the near future is
still limited to areas where the lanes are clear of
unexpected hazards. While these technology
companies keep testing these vehicles, they are adding
more and more technology that removes driver error
and creates a safer environment.
From radar to lidar, anti-collision and anti-rollover
equipment and more products that increase safety are
both encouraging and welcome. We applaud these
efforts and look forward to seeing more trucking fleets
adopting the technology.
Part of our mission at the Women In Trucking
Association is to address obstacles, and safety is an
area of concern for our female drivers. From personal
safety to the safety of the equipment, the technology
being added to the autonomous trucks is a positive
change for a safer career.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for your company?
As the founder of the organization, I recognized the
need to create a succession plan which is being
implemented. In January of this year, we hired a new
executive who will become the President and CEO
upon my retirement later this year.
My future goals are to ensure my replacement has the
tools, the information and the support of our members
to succeed. I've grown the association from an idea to a
group of over 8,000 individuals and corporations in ten
countries who support our mission.
Fifteen percent of our members are men! Once I retire,
I plan to spend more time with my grandchildren and
flying my Cessna Skyhawk.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the dynamic industry?
My advice to anyone interested in joining the
trucking industry is to look into all the career
options and do your homework about the skills
and education needed, and then to ask a lot of
questions.
Try to shadow someone doing the job you're
interested in before you apply at a company. There are
so many options to work in transportation careers,
from driver to technician, to safety professional,
dispatcher or CEO.
17

Kashif Ali Chief
Technology Oﬃcer
GRF CPAs & Advisors’
18

Kashif Ali
A Certified IT Professional with Extensive Experience in
Leading Technology Infrastructure
W
ith over two decades of experience in
leading technology infrastructure, Kashif
Ali has established himself as a true icon in
the world of IT. Starting his journey as a humble tech, he
has risen through the ranks to become the Chief
Technology Officer at GRF CPAs & Advisors. His skills
in supervising, creating policies and procedures,
enhancing cybersecurity, network architecture, and
deployment of computer network systems, including
hardware, software, applications, cloud-based systems,
servers, and mobile devices, are unmatched.
As a certified IT professional, Kashif has tested and
deployed both on and off-site technologies and
monitors existing technology to determine future
network needs. His current position sees him
overseeing the firm's technology, from servers to
individual personal computers, installing network
upgrades, managing technicians and engineers,
coordinating helpdesk systems, managing IT clients,
and maintaining vendor relationships.
The impact has been phenomenal in firm's growth
over the years. The head count has doubled which
speaks for itself when it comes down to the bottom-line
revenue growth. Technology provides the tools that
drives the growth. Kashif has been keeping up with the
latest technological advancements and identifying
ways to leverage them to improve GRF CPAs &
Advisors services and operations. He has implemented
new systems, processes and tools to streamline
communication resulting in efficiency. Kashif has been
responsible for firm's digital assets, such as data,
privacy and protecting from cybersecurity threats. All
of this has made client's trust in firm ability to provide a
better and secured work environment.
Kashif has built a high-performing team as a CTO that
required a strategic approach that considers the firm's
goals, the team's needs, and the available talent pool.
Some of the areas of this approach includes, defining
team roles and responsibilities, identifying the talent
pool, conducting proper assessments, fostering
collaboration, providing developmental opportunities
while monitoring performance. This "work hard, play
hard" culture has made a significant difference in
achieving high-end results while keeping the work life
balance.
Journey From Humble Tech to CTO
Kashif embarked on his IT journey from the very
bottom as a humble tech and steadily climbed the rungs
of success, transcending from a specialist to an
engineer, then a senior engineer, a supervisor, a
manager, a director, and ultimately, a CTO. His career
path has been a diverse tapestry of roles and
responsibilities, enriched by a wealth of experiences
and learnings.
Kashif's source of inspiration for delving into the tech
industry was ignited by his neighbor who was a senior
in high school at the time. As the dot-com bubble was
about to burst, this enterprising neighbor founded a
computer school. Kashif was fascinated by the
One of the most
fundamental
aspects of IT is
ensuring that people
can perform their
job efficiently and
accurately.
“
“
19

computer software and books his neighbor was
working on, as well as his home lab that showcased how
servers and networks connected. Hanging out at his
neighbor's house and discussions with his father gave
Kashif the opportunity to explore his curiosity for
technology and gain a deeper understanding of its inner
workings.
Following in his neighbor's footsteps and father's
encouragement, Kashif enrolled in the computer school
soon after graduating from high school. His passion for
technology only grew stronger as he learned more
about the field and discovered new ways to improve it.
The allure of constantly learning something new was
what drew him to pursue a career in tech. He found the
idea of constantly evolving and expanding his
knowledge base throughout his life incredibly inspiring.
Contributions to the Accounting Industry
Having dedicated over a decade to the accounting
industry, Kashif finds immense joy in being an active
participant in the CPA America of Firms roundtable.
Attending these conferences provides him with a
platform to share his valuable insights and opinions,
and he takes great pride in the contribution he makes to
these discussions. Kashif's firm, GRF CPAs & Advisors,
is considered one of the leaders in the industry when it
comes to technology. They have implemented policies
and procedures that are innovative and ahead of the
curve, which is a source of great satisfaction for Kashif.
As a part of his efforts to advance the industry, Kashif
has created a range of IT policies, employee IT
handbooks, network security policies and sensitive
data processes for accounting and financial firms. He
shares this knowledge and learning with other firms,
and has even created a library of policies and
procedures that are utilized by many firms within the
CPAmerica network. Kashif is committed to continuing
his efforts to enhance the industry and will keep
creating new policies and procedures that are efficient,
effective, and keep up with the latest technological
developments.
The Company
Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan
region, GRF CPAs & Advisors (GRF) is a full-service
professional services firm providing clients with
accounting, tax, and advisory solutions. For more than
40 years, the firm has supported the financial and
operational success of for-profit and tax-exempt
organizations locally, nationally, and around the world.
For more about GRF CPAs & Advisors, visit the firm's
website at .
www.grfcpa.com
GRF places a great deal of emphasis on hiring
individuals from diverse backgrounds who are
passionate about their work and willing to go the extra
mile for clients. This creates a culture of growth,
profitability, and enthusiasm that permeates
throughout the organization.
In the realm of IT, GRF CPAs & Advisors has carved out
a niche for itself in cybersecurity and IT services. The
firm's diverse portfolio of IT clients adds value to its
services.
Enhancing Efficiency and Security
When Kashif first joined GRF CPAs & Advisors as an
advisor in 2012, the firm had a modest user base of
around 80-85 individuals. Over the years, however, the
firm has grown significantly, and it now boasts a user
base of 250 individuals, including contractors. This
growth has necessitated a number of changes in the
firm's IT infrastructure and policies.
His primary focus at GRF CPAs & Advisors has been on
creating and implementing policies and procedures that
ensure the security of the firm's financial and
accounting data. While this has required a significant
amount of red tape, Kashif recognizes that it is
necessary to maintain a secured network. One of the
most significant changes that Kashif has observed
during his time at GRF CPAs & Advisors is how people
communicate and collaborate.
One of the core principles of IT is to ensure that people
can perform their jobs efficiently and accurately. In light
of this, Kashif has implemented strict parameters
around the firm's network to make it both secure and
efficient for both users and clients. By doing so, he has
created an environment in which individuals can work
with peace of mind, knowing that their data is
protected from prying eyes.
Kashif's approach to IT at GRF CPAs & Advisors is a
testament to his commitment to excellence and his
willingness to go above and beyond to ensure that the
firm's clients receive the best possible service.
20

His efforts have helped position the firm as a leader in
the industry, setting the bar for others to follow.
Enabling Remote Work and Ensuring Cybersecurity
To ensure effective communication and collaboration
despite physical distance, GRF CPAs & Advisors has
implemented various remote tools such as Citrix, VPNs,
Teams, Zoom, and other collaborative tools. These tools
have made it possible for the firm to transition
smoothly from working in the office to working
remotely without any significant disruptions.
In addition to these remote tools, the firm has also
implemented various cybersecurity measures to
protect its network and sensitive client data. This
includes implementing policies for every vendor the
firm works with, as well as closely monitoring the
network to prevent any potential security breaches.
Impact of AI on the Accounting Industry
The financial and accounting industry is being
influenced by various factors, with technology being a
major contributor. One notable trend that Kashif has
observed is the growing utilization of AI. Its impact can
be seen in the creation of financial statements, data
gathering, and even audit processes, where automated
sample-taking and analysis are becoming more
prevalent.
Previously, auditors had to physically collect samples
from their clients and manually cross-reference
numbers on spreadsheets. However, various
technologies now enable remote collaboration and data
collection, making the process more efficient.
Therefore, Kashif believes that AI will play a crucial role
in shaping the industry's future.
Insights and Strategies for the Accounting Industry
Kashif acknowledges the significance of data analytics
in enhancing business operations and recognizes
machine learning and data analytics as major players in
this domain. At their firm, they take part in accounting
industry roundtable conversations to keep themselves
updated about the latest implementations and
upcoming trends. Whenever they come across
something new, they adopt a creative approach and
experiment with it. They delve deeper into it to
understand how they can leverage it within their
systems.
Advice for Budding Leaders: Embrace Learning, and
Remain Curious
Kashif suggests that for budding leaders, it is often the
case that you may not know what you want to do until
you start experimenting with various things. Therefore,
the best approach is to initiate your education, explore
your interests and learn more about them. For instance,
many people have an interest in information
technology, but they may not have a clear idea of what
it encompasses beyond computer repairs. IT involves
coding, data analysis, application development, and
software creation, such as the operating system that
powers Tesla's self-driving cars or the codes for
cryptocurrencies.
There are numerous programming languages to learn,
and Artificial Intelligence is advancing at a remarkable
pace, generating vast amounts of information. You can
even pose questions to applications such as ChatGPT
and receive responses. Therefore, Kashif's
recommendation is to continually learn, remain curious,
and embrace new technologies and opportunities as
they emerge.
21

22

TheImptance
Values in
Business
of
n today's fast-paced and highly competitive
Ibusiness environment, it is essential for companies
to establish a strong set of values that guides their
operations, decision-making, and overall culture. Values
serve as a compass, providing a framework for ethical
behavior, responsible practices, and long-term success.
This article explores the importance of values in
business and highlights how they contribute to
organizational growth, employee engagement,
customer loyalty, and societal impact.
Ethical Decision-Making:
Values form the bedrock of ethical decision-making in
business. They deﬁne the principles and standards that
guide employees in making choices aligned with the
company's core beliefs. A strong set of values promotes
integrity, honesty, and fairness, ensuring that decisions
are made in the best interests of all stakeholders,
including employees, customers, suppliers, and the
community at large. By upholding ethical values,
businesses can establish trust and credibility, fostering
long-term relationships and mitigating potential risks.
Organizational Culture:
Values shape the organizational culture, creating a
shared sense of purpose and identity. When employees
understand and embrace the company's values, they
become motivated to work towards a common goal.
Values-driven cultures promote collaboration,
teamwork, and inclusivity, enabling employees to thrive
Ethical Leadership
in a positive work environment. A strong culture based
on values attracts and retains top talent, as individuals
are more likely to seek out organizations that align with
their personal beliefs and values.
Employee Engagement and Retention:
Values play a crucial role in fostering employee
engagement and retention. When employees feel that
their values align with those of the organization, they
experience a sense of belonging and purpose. By
recognizing and appreciating the diverse values of their
workforce, businesses can create an inclusive
environment where employees feel valued, respected,
and motivated to contribute their best. Engaged
employees are more likely to be loyal, productive, and
committed to the organization's success.
Customer Loyalty:
Values also have a signiﬁcant impact on customer
loyalty. In today's socially conscious landscape,
consumers are increasingly mindful of the values and
practices of the companies they support. Businesses
that prioritize values such as sustainability, social
responsibility, and transparency resonate with
customers who share similar beliefs. By consistently
demonstrating their commitment to these values,
companies can build trust, differentiate themselves
from competitors, and cultivate long-term customer
loyalty.
23

Societal Impact:
Values-driven businesses have the power to make a
positive impact on society. By integrating values into
their business strategies, companies can address social
and environmental challenges, contribute to
community development, and promote sustainable
practices. Embracing values such as corporate social
responsibility and philanthropy allows businesses to
become agents of change, improving the well-being of
society while also enhancing their reputation and brand
image.
Reputation and Brand Image:
Values are integral to shaping a company's reputation
and brand image. Consistently upholding values in
business practices helps build a strong reputation for
integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness. Customers,
partners, and stakeholders are more likely to engage
with and support businesses that align with their own
values. A positive brand image built on strong values
can lead to increased customer loyalty, brand advocacy,
and market differentiation.
Decision-Making Alignment:
Values provide a framework for decision-making at all
levels of the organization. When faced with complex
choices, having clearly defined values helps guide
leaders and employees in making consistent and
principled decisions. Values act as a reference point,
ensuring that decisions align with the organization's
purpose, vision, and long-term goals. This alignment
fosters a cohesive and unified approach to decision-
making, promoting the overall effectiveness and
success of the business.
Adaptability and Resilience:
Values serve as a compass during times of change,
uncertainty, and challenges. In a dynamic business
environment, where market conditions and industry
landscapes evolve rapidly, values provide stability and
guidance. They help businesses navigate turbulent
times, make difficult decisions, and adapt their
strategies while staying true to their core principles.
Values instill resilience and enable businesses to
withstand external pressures while remaining focused
on their mission and purpose.
Stakeholder Trust and Relationships:
Values are essential for building and maintaining trust
with stakeholders. Whether it's employees, customers,
suppliers, or investors, stakeholders seek relationships
with businesses that share their values and
demonstrate a commitment to ethical behavior. When
businesses prioritize values in their interactions, they
foster trust, strengthen relationships, and create
mutually beneficial partnerships. Trust is a valuable
asset that can lead to increased collaboration, support,
and opportunities for growth.
Values are not just buzzwords or empty statements;
they form the foundation upon which successful
businesses are built. By prioritizing values in business,
organizations can create a strong ethical framework,
foster an engaging culture, and build lasting
relationships with employees, customers, and the
community. Values guide decision-making, influence
behaviors, and contribute to the overall success and
sustainability of a business. In today's complex and
interconnected world, the importance of values in
business cannot be overstated, as they drive purpose,
integrity, and long-term growth.
24

Nikhil Jayaraj,
Nikhil Jayaraj,
Managing Director
Managing Director
Regen Power
Regen Power
Nikhil Jayaraj,
Managing Director
Regen Power
26

Driving Perpetual Betterments for a Sustainable Future
Nikhil Jayaraj
Brief our audience about your journey as a business
leader until your current position at Regen Power.
What challenges have you had to overcome to reach
where you are today?
My journey at Regen power has been both exciting and
vindicating. I entered as a Sales and Marketing
Specialist in 2010 and slowly developed my profile to
Business Development Manager in 2012. I was
handling solar retailing for residential, commercial, and
off-grid markets in 2014 after being promoted to
Senior Sales Executive.
By this time, I had identified key problems vis-a-vis
business such as a judicious business idea, funding,
onboarding like-minded people acquiring a conducive
location, targeting customers, keeping up with the
technology and coming up with tactics for beating the
competition, dealing with dynamic rules and orders,
and above all, tackling unforeseen challenges and
expenses.
Tell us something more about your company and its
mission and vision.
We live in a world where energy dependence has been
twisting the scales, and its toll is borne by the common
man. I want Regen to be the leading provider of
sustainable energy solutions, powering a cleaner and
brighter future and tipping the scales in favour of the
less fortunate.
To feed my vision, we have converted it to our mission
which is to design, install and maintain high-quality
solar energy systems that provide clean, affordable,
and reliable power to homes and businesses. I have
pledged to make renewable energy accessible to
everyone, even in the remotest part of the earth.
ver the last ten years, researchers have
Ofocused on transformational leadership as
being an effective leadership strategy to
implement within public and private sector
organizations. Transformational leaders work with
their employees to implement change. These starlets
create a vision for their followers and guide the change
through inspiration and motivation.
They are excellent role models, and their followers
emulate many of their actions. They also inspire by
activating follower self-efficacy so that followers
believe that they can go beyond expectations.
Exhibiting these significant traits with proficiency,
Nikhil Jayaraj has contributed immensely to enabling
betterments with a resolute approach.
As the Managing Director at Regen Power, Nikhil
stands at the helm of the enterprise and executes all the
key decisions to formulate business strategies with his
resilient business acumen.
Under his leadership, Regen Power has been enabling
and empowering communities by making them energy
efficient. Its 200 MW solar installations produce clean
and green 800,000 units of electricity per day which is
equivalent to burning 111 million kg of coal or planting
6 million trees every year to compensate for carbon
emissions. While enabling a plethora of innovations and
going ahead for perpetual betterment, Nikhil says, “I
feel I have been to space and back and want to go
further.”
In an exclusive interview with CIOLook, Nikhil sheds
light on his journey as a business leader while
highlighting the challenges he faced along the way.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
27

Enlighten us on how you have impacted the renewable
energy niche through your expertise in the market.
Our business is to save future generations to face the
brunt of incessant fossil fuel combustion and make
them self-reliant in energy. We have enabled
developing nations of Asia by installing solar farms of
155 MW capacity.
Regen spends $400,000 annually on R & D to
materialise our idea of sustainability. Regen Academy
courses, which saw 1000 registrations within 2 months
of launch, are designed to equip the workforce with
skills relating to renewable energy.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that
drives your organization.
Regen Power is a company driven by its mission to
accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. This
mission is reflected in its core values, which include,
prioritising customers, sustainability, novel solutions,
transparency and making products better. We believe
in challenging ourselves and consider ourselves our
bigger competitors. Everyone at Regen is fueled with
the rigour of revolutionising the renewable energy
industry with their breakthrough research and
development, be it product development or customer
retention.
The company's work culture is fast-paced, innovative,
and results-oriented. Employees are encouraged to
take risks, think outside the box, and work
collaboratively to achieve the company's mission. There
is also a strong emphasis on continuous learning and
personal development, with opportunities for growth
and advancement within the organisation. Overall,
Regen's values and work culture are designed to drive
innovation and bring sustainable energy solutions to
the market as quickly and effectively as possible.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you leveraging
technological advancements to make your solutions
resourceful?
Tesla, Huawei preferred partner and ISO 9001:2015
certified, Regen Power primarily deals in residential,
commercial and off-grid solar energy solutions. In
addition to installing rooftop solar or solar farms, we
provide ancillary solutions as well.
28

A Staunch Leadership
Nikhil has added many accolades to his name. He is the winner of the Business News ‘40 Under 40 Awards WA 2020’. AsiaOne
Magazine has recognised him as Most Influen al Young Leaders 2021- 2022.
He was the finalist in the ‘Managing Director of the year’ category in The CEO Magazine's Execu ve of the Year Awards 2022. and In
the year 2019, Nikhil was the finalist in the ‘Young Entrepreneur Category’ in Belmont and Western Australian Business Award 2019.
He was also ranked in the Top 10 Indian Leaders in Australia 2022 by CEO Insight magazine. He wants Regen Power to become a
leading solar energy solu ons provider and electricity retailer in Australia. Regen Power has a 8% market share in WA, and it is
gradually expanding its residen al, commercial, and off-grid markets and solar farm project opera ons to cover eastern states.
They have footprints in NSW, QLD, SA, VIC. He is a staunch believer of the Gandhian philosophy of ‘commerce with morality. There-
fore, he tries to give back to the community as much as possible. For instance, Regen has provided internship opportuni es to more
than 50 engineering graduates/students over the last 10 years under his guidance.
Regen’s Achievements under Nikhil’s Resolute Leadership
Regen Power has not looked back since Nikhil became an execu ve member and shareholder in 2016. The company’s annual revenue
genera on was $5 million which has grown six-fold now. The company has grown as a brand. A er some ini al hiccups and trial and
error, Nikhil has helped it to become one of the fastest-growing companies in Australia.
In the past six years, Regen achieved a remarkable growth of 500% in sales and revenue. From a turnover of $5M in 2015-2016, we
have increased revenue to Approx. $30M in 2021-2022. The profit margin grew over 1000% during this period.
Ÿ For the last three years (2020, 2021, 2022), Regen is ranked in the ‘Top 500 High Growth Companies in Asia Pacific’ by Financial
Times which is one of the most pres gious recogni ons.
Ÿ Winner of ProductReview Awards 2021, 2022 & 2023, 3 mes in a row for receiving the highest 5-star reviews in the solar retailer
category
Ÿ Regen has experienced 600% growth in just six short years i.e., $5 million in 2016 to $30 million approx in 2022 and 1000% growth
in Net profit
Ÿ Ranked as ‘55th Fastest Growing Company in Australia’ by Financial Review in 2020, based on the last 3 years’ performance
growth.
Ÿ Won ‘Rising Star Award 2019’ from Business News under People Choice Category
Ÿ Winner of ‘Belmont & WA Awards’ under the category ‘Business Management’ in 2019, ‘Sustainability’ in 2021 and ‘Enterprise of
the Year’ in 2022.
Ÿ Finalist in ‘Australian Technologies Compe on 2014’ and semi-finalist 2019 for our patented product called “HybridGen”
Ÿ In 2019, Regen became “TESLA Cer fied Installer” and in 2021 partnered with Huawei.
Ÿ Regen is a strategic partner with Cur n University & University of Tasmania. Regen was awarded $326,000 for working on Research
and Development Projects by Cur n in 2015 and $404K by the University of Tasmania in 2019. Pioneering solar energy projects
Ÿ Un l 2022-Supplied and installed roo op commercial solar systems from 6 - 100kW with more than 2000 completed installa ons.
Ÿ Un l 2022- Supplied and installed roo op residen al solar systems from 1kW – 6kW with more than 40000 completed
installa ons.
Ÿ 2021- Established ‘Regen Solar Academy’ where people can learn about solar installa on, earn a cer ficate and increase their
employability.
Ÿ 2019-Designed, tested and pre-commissioned the first 50MW Solar Farm Project in Vietnam.
Ÿ 2017-Consor um Partner - designed, supplied and installed the first 500kW floa ng solar power system project in India.
Ÿ 2016-Par cipated in the engineering design and procurement of a 5MW solar farm project in Malaysia.
Ÿ 2016- Supplied and installed a 40kW solar-diesel hybrid system for Balladonia Roadhouse/Motel in Western Australia.
Ÿ 2014-Supplies containerised solar hybrid system for BHP Billiton - one of the largest mining companies in the world.
Ÿ 2014-Supply and installa on of a 30kW solar-diesel hybrid system for a remote mining site in Western Australia
29

The company offers EV charging, PV design software,
solar charge controller, wind turbines, and solar battery
storage.
We have patented HybridGen, a generator that runs on
solar, battery and wind aims at energy conservation and
helped Regen to win the Sustainable Energy
Association Awards 2011. Regen’s patented
technology—Regen Microgrid—runs standard diesel or
gas generators in both variable speed mode and fixed
mode. Regen Microgrid provides reliable 24/7/365
power with maximum renewable penetration and
minimum diesel or gas consumption. Our analytics are
run on Microsoft Powered BI. We try to align our
solutions with contemporary technologies.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in the renewable energy sector? How is your
company preparing to be a part of that change?
World Economic Forum says that renewable energy
would replace fossil fuels by 2050. If I talk solely about
solar energy, the struggle is to make more efficient
solar cells. The University of Toledo and the University
of Toronto have reportedly made a silicon-free solar
cell that is equally efficient.
I read in a paper that researchers are developing a bio-
solar cell with cyanobacteria. Japanese researchers are
working on transmitting solar energy from space to
earth. The possibilities are endless and constantly
changing. We are closely keeping an eye on these
breakthroughs and our R&D team is persistently
working on orienting these with our solutions.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for Regen Power?
The concept of producing 100% clean and green energy
seems far too recondite to the general populace today. I
want to introduce disruptive technology that makes it
executable and real.
With this, I see Regen Power becoming a leading solar
energy solutions provider and electricity retailer in
Australia. Right now, we have an 8% market share in
WA, and we want to expand our presence in other
states.
Our analytics have projected to grow exponentially for
the next 5 years with a growing 500% installation rate.
Through Regen academy, we are negotiating with 20
companies to design a course on solar energy to allow
people to add a skill, make conscious choices and
become employable.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the renewable energy
sector?
A silkworm has to try hard to come out of its cocoon
and start its journey as a fly. It is tough to advise
someone else when it comes to entrepreneurship.
Everyone has their own journey, challenges, discovery
and flight.
However, before starting, there are some things that
one should keep in mind, both altruistically and
practically. Formulate a business plan around your idea
and brainstorm it multiple times. You will come up with
something new every time. Identify that you want to
sell a product or a service and classify your target
customers.
Be your own critic but be open to suggestions. It is
important to weigh what you are offering with existing
competition. The market is dynamic. Therefore, you
have to be flexible and adapt quickly.
30

The Human Side of
Business Leadership
n the realm of business leadership, a shift is
Ioccurring—an acknowledgment of the essential
human element that drives success. Beyond
strategy, numbers, and bottom lines, effective leaders
recognize the critical importance of nurturing and
harnessing the potential of their people. This article
delves into the significance of the human side of
business leadership, exploring the value of empathy,
emotional intelligence, collaboration, and employee
development in cultivating a thriving organization.
Empathy and Understanding:
Successful leaders understand that empathy is not a
weakness but a strength that fosters connection and
trust. Empathy allows leaders to recognize and
understand the emotions, perspectives, and needs of
their employees. By demonstrating genuine care and
consideration, leaders create a supportive environment
where individuals feel heard, valued, and motivated to
perform at their best. Empathy enables leaders to make
informed decisions, resolve conflicts, and build strong
relationships, enhancing overall team dynamics and
organizational culture.
Emotional Intelligence:
Leadership that embraces the human side recognizes
the significance of emotional intelligence. Emotional
intelligence encompasses self-awareness, self-
regulation, social awareness, and relationship
management. Leaders who possess high emotional
intelligence can effectively manage their own emotions
and respond empathetically to others. This ability
enables them to navigate challenging situations, inspire
their teams, and create a positive work atmosphere. By
fostering emotional intelligence within their
organizations, leaders cultivate resilience,
collaboration, and improved overall performance.
Collaboration and Teamwork:
The human side of business leadership emphasizes the
power of collaboration and teamwork. Effective leaders
understand that a cohesive team is greater than the
sum of its parts. They foster an environment where
open communication, active listening, and diverse
perspectives are valued. By encouraging collaboration,
leaders harness the collective intelligence and
creativity of their teams, leading to innovation,
problem-solving, and enhanced decision-making.
Collaborative cultures nurture a sense of belonging and
motivate employees to work together towards shared
goals.
Employee Development and Growth:
Leadership that prioritizes the human side recognizes
that investing in employee development is vital for both
individual and organizational success. By providing
opportunities for learning, skill-building, and growth,
leaders empower their employees to reach their full
potential. Through mentoring, coaching, and
continuous feedback, leaders create a culture of
learning and development. Engaged and motivated
employees are more likely to contribute their best
efforts, leading to increased productivity, job
satisfaction, and retention.
32

33

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:
Leaders who value the human side understand the
importance of work-life balance and employee well-
being. They recognize that sustainable success requires
employees to have a healthy integration of work and
personal life. These leaders promote ﬂexible work
arrangements, encourage self-care practices, and
create a supportive environment that respects
boundaries. By prioritizing work-life balance and well-
being, leaders foster a culture of health, reduce
burnout, and increase employee satisfaction and
loyalty.
Authentic Leadership:
Leaders who embrace the human side of leadership
prioritize authenticity. They understand the power of
leading by example, being transparent, and
demonstrating genuine care for their employees.
Authentic leaders create a culture of trust and respect,
where individuals feel comfortable expressing their
ideas, concerns, and aspirations. By being true to
themselves and their values, leaders inspire their teams
to do the same, fostering an environment of honesty
and integrity.
Effective Communication:
Communication is a cornerstone of effective
leadership. Leaders who understand the human side of
business recognize the importance of clear, open, and
transparent communication. They actively listen to
their employees, encourage two-way dialogue, and
provide regular feedback. Effective communication
fosters a sense of belonging, ensures alignment
towards common goals, and mitigates
misunderstandings and conﬂicts. Leaders who
communicate effectively build stronger relationships,
enhance team collaboration, and drive organizational
success.
Motivation and Inspiration:
Leadership that embraces the human side understands
that motivation and inspiration go beyond monetary
incentives. These leaders tap into the intrinsic
motivations of their employees by providing a sense of
purpose and meaning in their work. They connect
individual roles and contributions to the broader
organizational mission, allowing employees to see the
impact of their efforts. Inspirational leaders motivate
their teams by setting high standards, recognizing
achievements, and fostering a positive and empowering
work environment.
Adaptability and Change Management:
The human side of leadership recognizes the
importance of adaptability and change management.
Leaders who understand the human element of their
workforce can effectively guide their teams through
times of change and uncertainty. They communicate
the reasons for change, address concerns, and provide
support to employees during transitions. By
considering the impact of change on individuals and
facilitating their adjustment, leaders create a resilient
and agile organization that can thrive in a rapidly
evolving business landscape.
Embracing the human side of business leadership is an
essential aspect of creating thriving organizations. By
cultivating empathy, emotional intelligence,
collaboration, employee development, and work-life
balance, leaders unlock the potential of their people
and create a positive, productive work environment.
The human side of leadership is not only compassionate
but also strategically impactful. When leaders prioritize
the well-being and growth of their employees, they
build trust, loyalty, and engagement, ultimately driving
sustainable success and creating a culture that attracts
and retains top talent.
34

his article is written by Simon Bonk, Chief Research
TOfficer and Director of Business Development at
Telio.
Previously I had the opportunity to talk about my transition
from the public sector to the private sector. After a year on
the “dark side” as one of my colleagues described the
private sector, an exploration of leadership when driving
change seems to be an apt follow-up.
When those outside sector reflects on corrections, I suspect
many default to simply an industry that keeps incarcerated
people behind bars. The reality is a highly complex
environment that mirrors small cities; it is just that the
population cannot leave.
Prisons need to manage realities such as health care,
education, employment, environmental considerations, and
other elements of a city. They are tackling similar
challenges cities must including but not limited to, mental
health, gender identity considerations, racial equality,
indigenous reconciliation and many more. The sector is
further challenged by an engrained, risk-averse culture.
So how does a company such as Telio succeeds in such an
ecosystem? Clearly, our focus needs to be on excelling as
the partner who enables the realization of the correctional
jurisdiction’s results. In the private sector more often than
not this is defined as the financial bottom line. For
correctional jurisdictions, it is enabling the duty of care tied
to rehabilitation and reduced recidivism entwined with the
safety and security of incarcerated peoples, staff,
stakeholders and our communities. As I touched on in the
last article, all lead to stronger societies via outcomes such
as strengthened economies, addressing issues of race and a
focus on indigenous peoples.
Telio has a 4-pronged approach to facilitating a modern
approach to corrections. We focus on people, a program of
thought leadership, the use of modern technologies and a
humane approach to what we do. Let’s explore each of
these briefly.
An intercultural grown team which is passionately
committed to the cause
Telio is a family, and I spoke about this in my last article
and how I was struck by the tangible ways our executive
suite supports the team. The great thing about my
colleagues is their dedication to making a difference in the
communities we support. I was having a conversation with
a colleague just recently, and we discussed how we are
making the world a better place on so many levels.
Working at Telio is empowering, and we are attracting the
best and brightest as they recognize what can be
accomplished. I am so proud to be working alongside such
an accomplished group of professionals that are committed
to their craft. And kudos to the Telio managers for
recruiting such highly skilled talent.
Partners who share the same values
But our focus on people goes beyond our team. We seek out
like-minded partners, and in fact, we only work with
jurisdictional partners who are aligned with our philosophy
of corrections.
As an example, we employ robust ESG evaluation for each
jurisdiction and will only engage if they meet this ethical
standard. For those not familiar with ESG it refers to a set
of standards that guides a socially conscious company’s
behaviour (taken from Investopedia). Our values are
beyond reproach.
Thought leadership in the correctional landscape
Telio is much more than our core services. One of my key
responsibilities is to engage in thought leadership for the
betterment of the corrections sector writ large. I have the
good fortune to partner with researchers and academics
around the world to explore challenges facing our sector.
We then partner and work towards uncovering solitons and
approaches to overcome these challenges.
Simon Bonk
Simon Bonk
The Fundamentals of Driving Change
36
CXO

Simon Bonk
Chief Research
Oﬃcer and Director
Business Development,
Telio
37

Some of the topics Telio has started to reflect on is
empirically demonstrating the link between correctional
outputs leading to societal gains which will strengthen the
business case to facilitate modernization. Constantly
questioning what we do and what brings us forward.
Another example is our partnership with Dr Victoria Knight
where we unite to develop a corrections-focused approach
to change management, possibly tied to leadership
development. More recently I have been exploring the
notion of diversity and the impact this can have on
correctional operations.
Finally, I am engaging with colleagues from Europe and
here in the North America to reimagine what the future of
corrections will look like in 2033. 10 years ago, we were
talking about tablets in institutions; what should we be
talking about now to facilitate the next wave of a
modernized approach to corrections?
Create a deep understanding for technical challenges
and potential visions for our sector
Telio must be future looking; how can we inspire
jurisdictions to leverage emerging technology to modernize
their business, be more efficient and effective and enable
them to address the operational realities that they need to
overcome? We are incorporating AI into our solutions and
looking to partners to further extend the impact we can
have. Correctional processes are ripe to be automated, and
Telio is exploring how to take it one step further by
hyperautomating these processes. This includes leveraging
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial
intelligence (AI). Obviously, we are conscious of the risks
of emerging technology and are thinking about how to
ensure this is mitigated.
We are always on the lookout for other opportunities, and
this is a key responsibility in my role of Chief Research
Officer. How can we employ Virtual Reality (VR) or
augmented reality into the sector, there are an abundance of
use cases. Working with my colleagues at the American
Probation and Parole Association (APPA) we are
developing an approach that will leverage APIs (application
programming interface) and data standards to facilitate data
exchange across correctional solutions and entities.
38

This discussion could extend for pages and needless to say
Telio is at the fore of incorporating emerging technology
into our solutions.
Following a humane approach as a differentiator from
competitors
The most exciting aspect of Telio’s leadership has to be the
humane approach we take. This is our true differentiator. I
have talked about the Connecting Hearts Foundation that
our CEO, Oliver Drews has launched. We at Telio
understand we must give back if we truly want to cement
our place as the vendor of choice to transform and realize
the benefits that good corrections is capable of. Recently,
we were talking with Dean Williams, the former Executive
Director for the Department of Corrections in both
Colorado and Alaska. He stated, “Telio is positioned to be a
part of not just a different way forward, but a better way
forward. Prison communication systems and all the related
technology can be so much more. It simply needs to
collaborate with like-minded correctional partners to map
out the better course.”. Not sure I can better describe the
manner in which we approach making a difference in our
sector.
Leadership is not easy and needs to be purposeful. I am
proud to be part of an organization that has recognized we
are more than phones, digital services, and contraband
cellphone detection and neutralization. We are a technology
company that recognizes its social responsibility. We are
only as successful as our partner jurisdictions, and this will
be accomplished through our amazing people. We are
committed to making a difference, and we will/are
accomplishing this with broad engagement and sharing our
expertise for the benefit of the entire sector. Telio realizes
that if the sector is enabled, Telio will realize our goals and
organization’s will want to work and be associated with us.
39

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