World’s Iconic Women Leaders Making An Impact in 2023.pdf

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Aviles
World’s Iconic
WOMEN
LEADERS
Making An Impact in 2023
A Renowned Leader
in the Field of HR and
Leadership
PG. 22
On a Mission to Bring
Innovation to the
Fintech Industry
PG. 50
Founder | AELSTONE
Vol. 10 | Issue 14 | October 2023

World's Iconic Women Leaders
Making An Impact in 2023
The fact that women have been successful
businesswomen for a very long time is unknown to many
people. The earliest known businesswomen may be
found in the northern Iraqi city of Assur around 1870
BC. At the period, Assyrian women frequently
participated in the region's extensive commercial
networks, demonstrating that commerce was not just for
males.
For instance, Katharine Graham was the sole female
CEO of a Fortune 500 corporation in 1973. Only 38% of
women worked in the US at this time. That percentage
rose to 46.2% in 2019.
The corporate environment is evolving, and so are
perspectives on "traditional" business practices.
Furthermore, there is data that suggests that women are
actively influencing the direction of business. “World's
Iconic Women Leaders Making an Impact in 2023” is
World's Leaders latest edition that features women
leaders from various sectors which are thriving in
leadership and leading with best practices and creating
their personal value and contribution to the world.
The cover features Lidia Aviles who is dedicated to
spreading awareness about sustainability and promoting
eco-friendly practices. Sustainability has always been her
passion and way of life, and she is driven by finding
practical solutions to make the world a better place.
Lidia's academic journey began with the study of
International Relations, followed by a Master's in Global
Management. Her career in the diplomatic sector started
during her university years and has since allowed her to
accumulate a wealth of experience in various fields. She
has contributed to diverse specializations and
organizations, ranging from Education, Economics, and
Cybersecurity to Art, Academia, Research, Sustainability
& Innovation, Energy, and Sustainable Investment. With
this broad expertise, she endeavors to bring about
positive change and a more sustainable future.
Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to
read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff
and industry experts.
Transforming the World
Have a lovely read!

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OCTOBER 2023

10
Cover
Story
Lidia Aviles
Paving the Path to a Sustainable Future

Dr. Ankita Singh
Ingrid Watkins
Lyn Ola
Shamane Tan
Sabrina Tharani
54
50
46
40
36
32
26
22
18
Noor Al Muhaideb
Jelena Djakovic
MEGHA R. AHUJA
Christie J. Lawler

Lidia
Aviles
Paving the Path to a
Sustainable Future
10 | October 2023

“Bringing the world,
sectors and
policymakers together
into full awareness
and collaboration.”
12 | October 2023

an esteemed EU Climate Pact
Ambassador, Lidia Aviles is
dedicated to spreading
awareness about sustainability
and promoting eco-friendly
practices. Sustainability has
always been her passion and way
of life, and she is driven by
ﬁnding practical solutions to
make the world a better place.
Lidia's academic journey began
with the study of International
Relations, followed by a Master's
in Global Management. Her
career in the diplomatic sector
started during her university
years and has since allowed her
to accumulate a wealth of
experience in various ﬁelds. She
has contributed to diverse
specializations and
organizations, ranging from
Education, Economics, and
Cybersecurity to Art, Academia,
Research, Sustainability &
Innovation, Energy, and
Sustainable Investment. With
this broad expertise, she
endeavors to bring about
positive change and a more
sustainable future.
worldsleaders.com | 13

Driving Global Impact
As the Founder of AELSTONE,
Lidia has leveraged her expertise as a
global Sustainability & Innovation
expert to establish a remarkable
organization. Through her efforts, she
has become a central figure,
connecting and supporting various
sectors simultaneously, thus
embodying a natural alignment and
purpose for Sustainability &
Innovation-related developments.
AELSTONE now offers diverse
forms of support, serving as an
Investor Finder & International
Relations Intermediary on a global
scale. This role allows Lidia and her
team to assist sectors in forging
connections with other stakeholders,
organizations, and institutions,
ultimately leading to greater impact
and progress. Their initiatives are
driven by a commitment to fully
accelerate the achievement of
SDG17, which focuses on
collaborations "Partnerships for the
goals.”
Exceeding Expectations
At AELSTONE, meeting clients'
expectations is of utmost importance,
and they maintain a strict standard to
achieve it. They follow a priority
pipeline approach with specific dates
to ensure that each client has the
potential to create a sustainable
impact. Throughout the process,
transparency remains a top priority,
keeping clients well-informed about
the progress and outcomes of their
initiatives.
14 | October 2023

What sets AELSTONE apart is their
unwavering dedication to success.
They don't settle for complacency
but consistently push harder to
achieve the end goals set by their
clients. This commitment to
excellence makes them a reliable
partner in the pursuit of
sustainability and innovation.
Driving Sustainability Forward
As an Ambassador for the EU
Climate Pact, Lidia Aviles holds a
prestigious role bestowed upon her
by the European Commission as part
of the Green Deal initiative in 2021.
The EU Climate Pact is a significant
effort to rally communities and
sectors in taking concrete actions
towards climate change mitigation
and sustainability.
In her capacity as an Ambassador,
Lidia collaborates closely with key
figures. This privileged position has
enabled her to support the aviation
sector across 124 airports since
2019, providing invaluable guidance
for sustainable development and
offering advisory support for
sustainability reporting, market-
based instruments, and policy
analysis.
Over time, Lidia's sphere of
influence expanded to include the
energy sector and a broad spectrum
of sustainability-related
developments. Her expertise covers
diverse domains, ranging from
fashion and deep tech to renewables,
mobility, investment, virtual reality
(VR), additive manufacturing (AM),
and the metaverse.

Sustainability is not just a professional
pursuit for Lidia; it is ingrained in her
lifestyle and values. Her diverse
expertise allows her to contribute to
various sustainability initiatives with a
holistic approach. In this context, Lidia
helps the European Innovation
Council's disruptive startups attract
interest from impact investors to make
those technologies a reality and provide
support to the EIC Fund under the
guidance of Stéphane Ouaki, Head of
Department EIC.
Lidia feels honored to utilize her
knowledge, skills, and passion for the
betterment of our only planet, making a
meaningful impact towards a more
sustainable and environmentally
conscious future.
Harmony for Humanity
Lidia aims to improve collaboration
among diverse communities,
organizations, and countries to promote
justice and mercy. She believes that we
can continuously grow and become
better every day, with the support of
each other. Division arises not from our
diﬀerences but from a lack of
acknowledgment of our unique
strengths. Lidia values all skills,
careers, and choices as they serve a
purpose. She emphasizes that the planet
belongs to all of us, and we must
protect it rather than abuse it to reap its
rewards. Nature is our valuable friend
in this endeavor. Additionally, Lidia
reminds us that a healthy spirit leads to
a healthy lifestyle, contributing to a
more sustainable world.
Fearless Pursuit
Lidia has taken some risks in her
professional journey. She studied a lot
16 | October 2023

and focused on the big picture of
sustainability and innovation. It's not
always easy to explain complex ideas
and connect different concepts to
raise awareness, but she believes it's
important for the greater good. She
also took a unique approach by
exploring various fields before
specializing, which can be
challenging. But this has led to great
rewards and a lot of knowledge,
making her feel fulfilled.
Despite the difficulties, Lidia's
commitment to understanding and
making a positive impact in the
world keeps her motivated.
Embracing Individuality and
Making a Difference
Lidia's advice to emerging women
leaders is to take themselves
seriously and not let others define
them. Society may try to fit them into
certain molds, but it's essential to
stay true to themselves and not waste
energy trying to conform. Instead,
focus on moving forward and making
a positive impact. She asserts, “Take
your calling seriously and respect
your purpose in life; live with a sense
of mission and direction.” By doing
so, emerging women leaders can
bring about meaningful change and
create a safer, more inclusive world.
Championing Change
Lidia's diverse expertise and passion
for learning are evident in the
multiple hats she wears in various
sectors. As a Philomath, she finds joy
in continuous learning and has
achieved remarkable recognition in
different disciplines.
Recently, she won the 2nd place in
an Art contest organized by
Euspacehub in Ibiza. Additionally,
she has been named the Top Global
Advisor for the year 2023 by IAOTP,
showcasing her outstanding
contributions and influence in the
global landscape.
Lidia's impact extends beyond her
personal achievements. She serves as
a board advisory member for several
prestigious organizations:
Ÿ Environmental Council member,
City Hall Koekelberg, Brussels.
Ÿ Advisory Board Member,
Galanthus Initiative, which
empowers women to access job
Ÿ opportunities where they face
challenges, based in Dubai.
Ÿ Expert for the European
Innovation Council (EIC) Fund in
Brussels, EU.
Ÿ Advisory Board Member, Sanford
Royce, with a global presence.
Ÿ Advisory Board Member, Design
Thinking Sweden, contributing to
innovative solutions.
Ÿ Expert, European Commission-
Green Assist, focused on
environmental initiatives within
the EU.
Ÿ Partner at SIGF, contributing to
advancements in infrastructure
solutions worldwide.
Ÿ Advisory Board Member,
Sustainability Advisor,
360GREEN Solutions, playing a
role in promoting sustainability
efforts within the EU.
Ÿ Public Affairs Advisor, Integrals
Power UK, bringing expertise to
energy-related endeavors.
Lidia's active involvement in these
organizations reflects her dedication
to making a positive impact across
various sectors, contributing to a
more sustainable, innovative, and
inclusive world.

18 | October 2023
20 | October 2023

Founder
Libra Consulting
32 | October 2023

Libra Consulting was formed
by Jelena Djakovic with the
goal of providing each
customer with a personalized
approach and solutions tailored to
their specific needs. Libra Consulting
is a full-service marketing and
consulting firm focused on company
growth in the hospitality industry.
Since its inception in 2011, the firm
has offered customers in a variety of
sectors with marketing, sales, and
consulting services (entertainment,
FMCG, hospitality, charity, banking).
Libra Consulting frequently
collaborates with other specialized
agencies and subcontractors to offer
customers the highest level of
knowledge and services adapted to
their individual requirements.
Below are highlights of the
interview:
Tell us about the inception of the
company. How did it all start?
It was a winding path that brought
me here, but every experience and
everything I have done was a
necessary step on that path. I studied
applied arts and started working at a
TV station as an assistant in the
production department. From there, I
went on to a marketing agency,
where I fell in love with marketing. I
switched to the client side, worked
for a university as the marketing
manager, and then transitioned to
hospitality. I was very lucky and

privileged to work for two of the
most prestigious hotels in Belgrade
as their Marketing and Sales director.
During that time, I saw a space, a
niche that was needed – for a
marketing and consulting agency that
would be specialized in hospitality
with a full understanding of the
particular needs of this industry, and
that is how Libra Consulting came to
life; out of sheer energy, desire, and
the love of marketing.
What has made you successful?
What do you value?
I value hard work, integrity, and good
service. We always go the extra step.
No shortcuts, no cutting corners, just
work. Smart, hard and on point. I
strongly believe that this is the only
real path to success.
What are the major services of the
company and how do they help the
company to get ahead in the
competition? What value-added
services does the company
provide?
We started with a small portfolio of
services that I thought were needed –
design, social media, business
planning, menu consultations, and
event planning consulting.
In the past 6 years since the company
was founded, we have expanded the
portfolio quite a bit, as well as the
team.
Now we oﬀer full-service consulting
for hospitality businesses, with a
main focus on hotels. We create
business plans, assist in all aspects of
execution, advise, help with strategy
and business development, design,
produce, create branding strategies,
train employees.
We approach each client individually,
considering every aspect of their
business idea, needs, ﬁnancial
capacity, potential for growth,
positioning as it is, positioning
34 | October 2023

potential, and much more.
We take pride in the work we do, and
we make sure that there is something
to be proud of.
What is the signiﬁcance of
innovative ideas in the company?
Innovation is a part of life. You have
to at least keep up, and if possible,
excel. We have a quote from Albert
Einstein on our website: Life is like
riding a bicycle; in order to keep
your balance, you must keep moving.
Give us your opinion on whether
organizations rely heavily on
individual heroics or team
processes?
It depends on the organization. We
strive to create a company where
everyone feels like an equal part of
the team, and can give an idea,
suggestion, or improvement to any
other part of the organization. We do
not believe in: It was not my job.
What are your responsibilities as
the founder and CEO of the
company? What is the happiest
part of your daily routine?
Honestly, I love all of it. I love
mentoring. I love working with
clients. Seeing something we created
come to life. I am incredibly lucky to
be able to do what I love. Our 3 p.m.
mandatory glass of wine is a good
part of the day. Of course, there are
the tough talks when you manage a
team of people. But the wine helps,
both sides.
What advice would you give
someone going into a leadership
position for the ﬁrst time?
There is a Serbian proverb – Measure
3 times, cut once. I think it is the
best leadership advice. Take your
time, don't make rash decisions, sleep
on it.

Noor Al
Muhaideb
Striving To Craft the Ingredients of Absolute Luxury, Creating Spaces
That are not Only Beautiful, but Breath-taking
Noor Al
Muhaideb
Noor Al Muhaideb is the CEO & Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors and
Detay Living. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the
American University of Sharjah in 2002. She gained her remarkable
portfolio over her ﬁfteen years of professional expertise by implementing
and completing several residential, hotel, and commercial developments
for Emaar Properties.
Clients and coworkers alike hold Noor in high regard for her extraordinary
inventiveness, design sensibility, organizational prowess, and capacity to
lead diverse teams. With an eye for elegance, craftsmanship, and quality,
she is renowned for her world-class visionary style and designs that set
trends whilst remaining fresh and timeless year after year.
N
46 | October 2023

Below are highlights of the interview conducted between
World's Leaders and Noor Al Muhaideb:
Describe your professional journey as a business leader.
I have always had an eye for beauty and a deep appreciation
for lovely spaces. Throughout my childhood, this
disposition blossomed into a skill-set as my creative mind
explored the possibilities of design. I set my sights on the
American University of Sharjah and pursued a Bachelor of
Interior Design degree. After graduating in 2002, I was
hired as Interior Design Director with Emaar Properties.
My fifteen years of extensive experience at Emaar furnished
an impressive portfolio. I relished the opportunity to
implement and deliver countless residential, hospitality, and
commercial developments. As my confidence and first-hand
knowledge grew, so did a real drive to complete each
project in a timely manner. Now, at the helm of Opaal
Interiors, I love to nurture the young designers here. I have
not forgotten what it was like to be a fresh graduate and I
give each young designer a voice and opportunities to use
their gifts. I look for strong, creative, competent thinkers.
They each bring immense value to the table, and my hope is
that they are empowered here at Opaal to step bravely into
the world of design. I take great care in the hiring and
training process, ensuring that each candidate understands
our unique business model.When we first began, I focused
mainly on design for property developers so that I could
build a strong business case in one specific area, but now
we have really branched out into all kinds of projects and
developments. I know this is only the beginning for us!
Who inspires you to wake up every day and keep
making a difference in the interior space?
I am a mother of four, and my family is absolutely my
greatest inspiration and support. This profession is so
rewarding; seeing the vision taken from rough sketches all
the way through to the end result is just an incredible
feeling. I also love to read books about successful business
leaders. There is a bit of a reality check in observing what
has been sacrificed, but there is so much wisdom and
inspiration in seeing the road to success. I've been
particularly inspired after reading Shoe Dog and the
challenges Phil Knight faced and overcame while building
the empire that is Nike. I never assumed that success would
be inevitable. There are many factors outside of our hands,
as business-owners, but I do know that what I can control is
my dedication to put in focused time and effort. And it has
truly paid off.
As the CEO and Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors,
what challenges have you faced while establishing and
running the business?
The biggest challenge proved to be the very early stages of
the company. Building client lists and relationships with
those clients takes time, and there is no way around it.
We're up against well-established firms, so providing
excellent customer service and being willing to go above
and beyond helped us build our reputation from the
beginning. I am happy to say that the patience and
determination to stick with the process has paid off. We'll
still lose a pitch occasionally, but I'm far better at handling
those moments now. My reactions to a challenging moment
like that are now far more rooted in my knowledge of the
complexity of the design world and the many factors that
contribute to those decisions.
Brief us about the operations of Opaal Interiors, its
mission, vision, and core values.
At Opaal Interiors, we are committed to finding the balance
between the ambitions of the user, the needs of the industry,
48 | October 2023

and the shape of the physical space. With ingenuity,
enthusiasm, and 50 years of combined experience, we
desire each client to feel a sense of partnership in the
process of design and creation. We believe that an expertly
designed interior is fundamental to a lasting first
impression, and take on this responsibility with great
gladness and great seriousness. Eager to realize each client's
vision, we combine our understanding of materials,
textures, finishes, and colors to elevate the space in a way
that authentically represents each client's vision.
What exactly Opaal Interiors is doing differently in
acquiring and sustaining customers for itself?
I believe what sets us apart is, most importantly, the vitality
of our client/designer connection. Both strong creative
leadership and real client partnerships exist side-by-side.
This is our greatest motivation to hire well-rounded
professionals with strong communication skills. Working at
Emaar also gave me insight into what was missing in the
market. Quick execution and timeliness are of high
importance, but we never rush the planning process. We are
especially meticulous in the concept phase, listening
carefully to the client's needs and requests. We can take a
very rough idea and patiently collaborate with the client as
the vision becomes more specific. Due to the subjective
nature of design, we never assume we know exactly what
the client wants, but we communicate several options we
know could satisfy their needs and place a high value on
their input.
What creative ways have you employed to make the
work environment of Opaal Interiors vibrant?
Virtual work has really helped with brainstorming; it may
sound counter-intuitive, but away from distractions in the
office, our team has really been able to be productive in the
idea-generating stage of each project. Even since we
returned to the offices in August, the ideas have continued
to flow more freely. Perhaps there's a collective sense of
confidence now that we have surmounted the obstacles of
2020. The question we are asking ourselves now is, "How
can we enhance even further the way we're operating?" We
believe that good ideas can come from anywhere, and we
are open to creative problem solving and innovation of all
kinds.
In terms of future growth, where do you see yourself
and Opaal Interiors?
As I look into the future of my own career, I see so many
thrilling opportunities for growth. Three years ago, we
opened a sister company to manage furniture procurement.
It is the perfect complement to Opaal Interiors, and I'd love
to grow that business so that we can offer an even more
robust, holistic experience to our clients. Another huge
development in the near future will be the opening of an
office space in Saudi Arabia. We see many exciting
opportunities to continue expanding globally, and have our
sights set on an eventual location in North America. I know
this is only the beginning for us.
What do you think are the essentials of being a
trendsetting businesswoman?
A strength many women embody is the gift of precise and
insightful communication with others. I've learned that as
businesswomen, we can harness that for the success of our
endeavors. Client partnerships are a critical aspect of most
businesses, so the ability to place ourselves in the shoes of
the client will give us a real edge on the competition.
Staying on top of trends (or better yet, setting trends) can
seem daunting. Keep your eyes and ears on consumers'
desires and remain true to your unique vision, and you'll be
sure to stay competitive and relevant.

SHAMANE
TAN Working to Resolve C Suite Leader's
Cyber Security Challenges
Chief Growth Ofﬁcer
Sekuro
54 | October 2023

Many societies have always held the
belief that as long as virtual crimes
are out of sight, they are out of mind.
The Covid storm, on the other hand,
has had a more tangible impact.
Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that
cybercrime will be a $6 trillion
business, and cyber security is
already universally acknowledged as
a serious problem. Individuals and
families are affected as well as
corporations.
In today's world, cybersecurity is a
vital investment for organisations, as
well as a required collaboration
across all industries. With her team
of strategic advisers, risk assessors,
and ethical hackers, Shamane Tan,
Chief Growth Officer at Privasec
(now Sekuro), is responsible for
identifying issues faced by various
CISOs or security executives in
organisations and assisting them in
bridging any knowledge or skill gaps.
She says, "We have a whole army
who contributes to maturing an
overall organisation's security
posture.”
Privasec (now Sekuro) is one of the
APAC's fastest growing cyber
security company. It has a RED Team
that conducts ethical hacking for
organisations and a GRC team
specialising in Governance, Risk, and
Compliance.
front of mind across all levels of the
organisation, and we need to help
make it personal and relevant to the
individuals.
The second thing I would do is to
challenge the mindset of the
business, especially the executive
leaders, if they have taken a
proactive approach with their cyber
risk strategy, instead of being
reactive. As part of growth and
security maturity, it makes sense for
businesses to start looking at an
offensive strategy which will give
them foresight to plan their next
tactical move, as compared to just
being on the backfoot playing
defence.
Finally, executive leaders will take a
very different approach to preparing
their organisation if they start from
the assumption that a cyber-attack or
breach is bound to happen. I believe
if businesses start preparing for the
inevitable cyber disruptions, they
will be looking at running more war
room exercises and maturing their
business continuity processes as part
of crisis management drills.
Companies need to be talking to their
peers more, especially across
industry sectors. Information and
experience exchange are invaluable
in contributing to the growth and
uplift of our ecosystem.
According to you, what is the most
significant barrier for female
leaders in the tech sector?
I have always grown up in a male-
dominated industry. Even in
university, when I was doing my
Bachelor's Honours in Computer
Engineering, there were only two of
us women in a whole class filled with
men, and it could be quite a daunting
sight to enter the room.
Shamane Tan, Sekuro's Chief Growth
Officer, is in charge of the company's
outreach strategy, which aims to
assist C-level executives in achieving
value preservation and corporate
growth goals through cyber risk
management. She began her career
with a bachelor's (hons) degree in
computer engineering and even as a
keynote speaker today, brings the
best perspectives of both worlds,
technical and business, to assist
executives bridge comparable
barriers.
The following are the highlights of
the interview between World's
Leaders and Shamane Tan:
How would you describe your
leadership style and philosophy?
Having experienced the benefits
myself of being under leadership that
empowers and encourages their sta ff
to take ownership of what they desire
to achieve, I am a strong believer in
the same. Great leadership
influences. It does not look at
clipping people's wings, but
empowers, equips and supports
people in expressing their potential
on a blank canvas that's laid before
them. A disruptive leader is creative,
challenges boundaries, and celebrates
diversity in thinking. It is also
important to have a culture that does
not condemn mistakes but displays
empathy.
What are the three things you
would like to see improved in most
businesses in addressing cyber
risk?
In order to impact a cultural change
across an organisation, we need to
pivot the awareness and thinking at
the leadership level that cyber risk
affects everyone. This has to be at the
M

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