World’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders in Business, 2023.pdf

www.worldsleaders.com Vol. 08 | Issue 01 | AUGUST 2023
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Nurturing
Mindsets for the Next Generation
World's Most Inspiring
Women
Leaders
in Business, 2023

World’s Most Inspiring Women
Leaders in Business, 2023
There are many names in the queue of business
leadership who are famous and inspirational, but what
makes a leader inspiring? To be an inspiring business
leader, one has to dedicate oneself to achieving a
common goal that inspires many and pushes others'
growth as well. In the corporate sector, there is no
gender-specific leadership remaining today. As we can
see, both men and women are making equal efforts to be
the best in their respective sectors.
However, women's leadership is getting more voice than
its counterpart. They are exceptionally making strides in
the business sector, where they are transforming work
culture, improving processes, and going ahead of
traditional norms. We praise such business leaders and
try to bring their stories in front of the world so everyone
can learn, get inspired, and believe in their own vision.
These inspiring individuals are light bringers for future
visionaries.
World's Leaders latest edition “World’s Most Inspiring
Women Leaders in Business, 2023” has curated a list of
the women business leaders that have been successful in
leading some of the top organizations working in
industries as diverse as healthcare to consumer goods.
The cover has Biba Pédron, a best-selling author, and
international speaker who has empowered countless
entrepreneurs and professionals to unlock their full
potential in the realms of marketing, social media,
branding, and mindset. With her transformative
strategies, Biba's clients have experienced remarkable
results, often doubling or even tripling their revenues
within a mere 90 days.
Originally from France, Biba has been living in the
United States since 2003, bringing her unique
perspective and cross-cultural expertise to her work. She
is the visionary behind the groundbreaking "Success of
Women" summit, the first-ever Francophone summit
exclusively designed for and presented by women. This
influential event serves as a platform for women to
connect, inspire, and share their stories of triumph.
Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to
read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff
and industry experts.
Inspiration for Millions
of Dreams
Have a lovely read!

Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine
should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights
remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS.
3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA
Follow us on :
Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez
Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar
Executive Editor Nicole Williams
Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal
Art & Design Director Jack Anderson
Business Development Manager Kyle Adams
Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey
Associate Designer Kevin Rust
Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke
Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh
Marketing Manager Tom Swann
Technical Specialist Barry Jones
Circulation Manager Danny Parker
CREDIT PAGE
AUGUST 2023

Biba Pédron
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Nurturing
Mindsets for the Next Generation
08

Dr. Nairouz Bader
Hannah Holland
Kavita Channe
Sheri Hinish
Lindsey Gamell
Layne Lewis
Kange Kaneene
Kristin Decas
Dima Rachid Jamali
58
52
46
42
38
34
28
24
20

Empowering Women
Entrepreneurs and
Nurturing Mindsets for
the Next Generation
worldsleaders.com | 09

Biba Pédron International
Biba Pédron International is a coaching company that
primarily caters to women entering the business world.
From Biba's perspective, the company was born out of a
realization she had many years ago, shortly after starting
her second business in New York. It became apparent to
her that women entrepreneurs often require more
information and support than their male counterparts due
to the overwhelming abundance of information and
critical feedback. Women face unique challenges, as they
are frequently hesitant to take up space and express
themselves.
Having worked in both the French and US markets, Biba
also observed that French women entrepreneurs struggle
even more with visibility compared to their American
counterparts. This stark contrast inspired Biba to
dedicate herself to a mission: empowering French
women entrepreneurs to overcome their fears, embrace
success, and become role models.
Biba spearheading efforts such as Club Impacter Au
Féminin in April 2021, following the first year of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
This group arose in response to the loneliness that
women felt during the lockdown, when they were
confined to their houses, operating their companies or
jobs during the day, caring for their children in the
evenings, and keeping domestic obligations. The absence
of external networking opportunities, such as lunches or
conferences, further contributed to their isolation.
Biba established the practical Club Impacter Au
Féminin, with the goal of providing a virtual platform for
women to meet, discuss their businesses, handle
difficulties, and share their growth methods. The goal of
Biba Pédron International is to bridge the gap between
Arenowned business and mindset expert, Biba Pédron is a best-selling author, and interna onal
speaker who has empowered countless entrepreneurs and professionals to unlock their full
poten al in the realms of marke ng, social media, branding, and mindset. With her
transforma ve strategies, Biba's clients have experienced remarkable results, o en doubling or even
tripling their revenues within a mere 90 days.
Originally from France, Biba has been living in the United States since 2003, bringing her unique
perspec ve and cross-cultural exper se to her work. She is the visionary behind the groundbreaking
"Success of Women" summit, the first-ever Francophone summit exclusively designed for and
presented by women. This influen al event serves as a pla orm for women to connect, inspire, and
share their stories of triumph.
Biba's latest summit, tled "MDR: The Winning Formula for a Successful Life," draws its inspira on
from her book of the same name. Breaking away from the conven onal understanding of "MDR" as an
abbrevia on for "Mort De Rire" (meaning "Dying of Laughter" in French), Pédron redefines it as
"Mo va on + Determina on = Realiza on" of one's dreams, projects, or objec ves. Through this
powerful concept, she guides individuals to embrace unwavering mo va on and unwavering
determina on, leading them towards the actualiza on of their deepest aspira ons.
Fuelled by her unwavering passion to empower others, Biba's driving force lies in helping individuals
thrive with enthusiasm and unwavering determina on. Her empowering message is specifically
tailored for women, as she aims to infuse them with posi ve energy and dispel any doubts about their
own poten al. Biba believes that every woman possesses the capability to achieve their goals, create
fulfilling ventures, and forge paths that resonate with their true selves.

France and the United States,
allowing women to collaborate on a
global scale. Through programs such
as the Global Abundance Lifestyle,
Biba encourages French women to
broaden their views and participate
with the US market. Similarly, she
assists women in the US by
introducing them to the French
market, facilitating connections, and
providing opportunities for them to
speak and collaborate. Biba also
hosts the Abundance Retreat in
Dubai and Miami, where women
from both countries can come
together, fostering collaboration and
accelerating business growth.
Ultimately, Biba's overarching goal is
to unite French and American women
in their entrepreneurial pursuits,
recognizing that collaboration is a
powerful catalyst for success.
Pursuing Dreams
Biba's childhood dreams of moving
to the United States shaped her
entrepreneurial journey. She left her
traditional job at 35 and started her
own business with determination and
limited resources. She achieved
success in sales support for small
business owners after venturing into
virtual assistance. Biba followed her
desire of relocating to New York,
immersing herself in business skills,
and creating her networking firm.
Despite her low English skills and
lack of connections, Biba learned
that establishing a business was a
possible option for obtaining a visa.
She spent three months in
Manhattan's business library,
excitedly learning about American
business culture, marketing methods,
and business planning. It was during
this time that Biba stumbled upon the
concept of networking, a term
unfamiliar to her in France at the
time. Intrigued by its potential, she
launched her networking company,
initially known as Biba4Network.
Over the course of five years, Biba
organized numerous networking
events in Manhattan, New Jersey,
Connecticut, and beyond. Although
coaching was not her initial
intention, people were drawn to
Biba's remarkable success in growing
her own visibility from scratch. They
sought her secrets and guidance,
leading Biba to create her first
program, "Power of Networking
Secrets," which she shared in
physical formats like binders. As
digital products became more
prevalent, Biba adapted her offerings
accordingly. Clients continued to
seek her assistance, especially in
growing their visibility through
networking and utilizing social
media effectively.
Organizing networking events and
sharing her success led to coaching
requests, leading Biba to create
programs like "Power of Networking
Secrets" and adapt to digital formats.
Over time, Biba expanded her
coaching services to encompass
broader marketing strategies,
realizing that networking and social
media were just pieces of a larger
puzzle. Her clientele predominantly
consisted of women, and she noticed
a recurring need for branding
expertise. This realization prompted
Biba to delve into the intersection of
business and mindset, as she
understood that addressing the latter
was crucial for success in marketing.
She crafted her signature program,
the "Formula - Strategy Visibility
Impact," with a focus on mindset
work.
By helping women recognize their
value, overcome impostor syndrome,
and raise their prices confidently,
Biba saw significant transformations
in her clients' businesses. Biba's
coaching practice flourished, serving
women entrepreneurs in both the
French and US markets. While she
primarily focused on women in the
French market, she continued to
serve both genders in the US. Her
multidimensional background
equipped her to guide clients in sales,
marketing, branding, and mindset.
She wants to encourage women
entrepreneurs all around the world
with her 12-month curriculum,
"Global Abundance Lifestyle," which
will help them attain the lifestyle
they want while also building
flourishing enterprises. Her personal
motto directs her clientele toward
prosperity and global influence.
Journey as a Leader and Lifelong
Learner
Biba's experience has led her to
become a leader who understands the
value of teamwork and seeks advice
from experts. She quickly realized
that while establishing a business on
her own was conceivable, growing it
on her own was not. The contrast
between France and the US taught
her the importance of coaches and
mentors in boosting business success.
She also recognized the importance
of ongoing personal development
and surrounding herself with
accomplished people who may help
her broaden her perspective.
Observing others, learning from their
experiences, and surrounding herself
with the appropriate people became
critical to Biba's development as a
leader. She stressed the
disadvantages of relying entirely on
12 | AUGUST 2023

For more Information Follow us on
website- https://www.bibapedron.com
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/BibaPedronFans

Biba shares that her journey has taught her the
importance of collaboration, continuous personal
development, and surrounding oneself with the right
people to achieve success.
Empowering Dreams
Biba's desire to live life on her own terms and empower
individuals to achieve the lifestyle they desire through
their own businesses grows stronger over the years. She
recognizes that a successful business provides protection
against economic uncertainties and allows for increased
financial resources. Biba yearns to help individuals
establish solid business structures and master
management skills to secure more clients and escape the
cycle of financial struggle.
Drawing from her own life as an entrepreneur, Biba
enjoys the freedom to pursue her passions without
financial constraints. She aims to extend this opportunity
to others and shares her knowledge through public
the internet for information, stating that it cannot replace
the depth of understanding achieved via personal
connection. Biba stressed the importance of investing in
the right people and resources, even in the age of
technology.
Biba recognized the necessity of having a knowledgeable
entourage to support her, challenge her decisions
constructively, and provide guidance. She compared
seeking investors for a business venture to seeking
advice from experts, highlighting the significance of
external knowledge and the need to listen to
uncomfortable truths.
In her book, "MDR: The Winning Formula for a
Successful Life," Biba explored the idea that luck was
within one's control and shared stories of individuals
who turned challenges into growth opportunities. She
acknowledged life's unpredictability, including her own
battles with breast cancer.
14 | AUGUST 2023

speaking engagements. Biba understands the importance
of confidence in determining one's revenue and
empowers individuals, especially women, to recognize
their own expertise and charge what they are worth.
Beyond improving business ventures, Biba plans to
establish a foundation for children, exposing them to the
realities of the world and instilling a growth-oriented
mindset from an early age. She believes that this
approach will empower children to overcome obstacles
and achieve their dreams.
Biba emphasizes that mindset development is crucial for
personal and business growth. By redefining people's
perception of themselves and their capabilities,
individuals can lead more fulfilling lives and overcome
challenges. Surrounding oneself with like-minded
individuals who share the same aspirations strengthens
the journey towards success.
In Biba's vision, society undergoes a transformation
where individuals possess the tools to attain their desired
lifestyle regardless of external circumstances. Financial
independence plays a crucial role in this vision, granting
a sense of freedom and resilience in the face of
challenges. Biba aims to teach individuals how to build
their businesses, overcome financial constraints, and
navigate life with confidence.
Catalyst for Change
Biba's responsibilities as President are twofold. First and
foremost, she ensures the smooth operation of the
business and the acquisition of clients to foster
continuous growth. However, the true impact lies in the
ability to empower more people to live life on their own
terms. Biba believes that with an increasing client base,
more individuals can enjoy the freedom to overcome any
challenges that life, national crises, or international
situations may present. By establishing their own
businesses, they gain a sense of security and the means
to navigate through uncertainty. This responsibility also
extends to the growth of the Club Impacter Au Féminin,
which Biba initiated in France two years ago.

Finding the right individuals to serve
as business or regional managers in
different countries becomes crucial to
represent the club effectively. Biba
ensures that the networking events
and structure of the club remain
consistent across all locations,
providing women with the same
valuable information and continuous
encouragement to push their limits.
As a representative of the company,
Biba's role involves communicating
and connecting with people. Whether
they are paying clients, club
members, or participants in her free
IMPACT strategy sessions, Biba's
aim is to raise awareness about the
possibilities available to individuals
and motivate them to take bold
actions. Many women lack
confidence and struggle with
impostor syndrome, often holding
themselves back from achieving their
full potential. Biba's responsibility is
to show them what they are capable
of and provide them with the
necessary guidance and support.
Through her daily interactions and
mindset audios, Biba seeks to inspire
and encourage individuals to think
bigger, take risks, and pursue their
aspirations. She relishes the moments
when people share how her words
have positively impacted their lives,
giving them the confidence to pursue
long-held dreams or rekindle
abandoned projects. Hearing their
stories of transformation brings her
immense joy and fulfillment.
16 | AUGUST 2023

Building Exceptional Teams
Biba's view on a valuable lesson she
learned when starting her first
business in 1998 in France. Initially,
she sought employees who would
replicate her exact methods, but this
approach proved unsuccessful. Her
perspective changed when she
moved to the United States and
realized the importance of
identifying individuals' expertise and
allowing them to excel in their own
areas. Biba shifted her focus to
observing their work, ideas, and
adherence to important aspects such
as company structure and deadlines.
She encouraged them to follow their
own paths, understanding that
imposing her way limited their
potential.
In collaboration and partnerships,
Biba values diverse perspectives,
appreciating the opportunity to learn
from others and their different
approaches. She recognizes that team
members possess expertise she may
lack and actively seeks individuals
who can contribute fresh ideas and
perspectives. Biba evaluates
candidates based on their expertise,
reactions to various situations, and
performance rather than solely
relying on resumes or past
accomplishments. Building strong
working relationships, some team
members and freelancers have
worked with Biba for over a decade
without meeting face-to-face.
While acknowledging reservations
about building a team, Biba
emphasizes the importance of trust
and evaluating individuals based on
their strengths. By empowering team
members to contribute their best
ideas, Biba believes in cultivating an
environment that yields fruitful
results. Embracing diversity and
trusting her team, she is confident in
achieving common goals with
exceptional individuals.
Insights on Coaching, Technology,
and Authenticity
Biba reflects on the contrasting state
of the coaching industry in France
and the United States. When she left
France 20 years ago, coaching was
virtually nonexistent there, while the
United States had a wide range of
coaching specialties. The
accessibility of coaching and training
through technology and the internet
transformed the industry, impacting
the French market as well. However,
Biba notes that some individuals fail
to recognize coaching as a business,
leading to income struggles and a
lack of expertise among self-
proclaimed coaches.
The rise of technology has made it
easy for anyone to proclaim
themselves as a coach, potentially
saturating the market with varying
levels of quality. Biba stresses the
importance of understanding actual
needs and offering personalized
services, rather than making
assumptions about what people want.
In marketing, she observes a
tendency to duplicate information
without adding original ideas,
cautioning against the mindless
copying and pasting of content.
While tools like ChatGPT can
streamline content creation, Biba
emphasizes the need to go beyond
relying solely on AI-generated
responses. She believes that critical
thinking and creativity are essential
in producing valuable and original
content. Biba expresses concern
about the overreliance on technology,
such as students using AI to complete
assignments without truly learning,
which may undermine personal
growth and individual thinking.
Unyielding Conviction
Biba's greatest risks in her life
involved quitting her job without
savings or a business plan and
venturing to the United States despite
language barriers and skepticism
from immigration lawyers. She
possessed unwavering conviction,
determination, and an unyielding
mindset that propelled her forward.
Biba's burning desire and
commitment allowed her to
overcome obstacles, establish her
business in a foreign country, and
achieve her American dream.
Looking to the future, Biba
envisioned her company expanding
its reach globally, establishing more
clubs in different countries, and
empowering women to pursue
entrepreneurship. Financial
independence was important, but she
aimed to foster a sense of
independence beyond finances,
helping women chart their own
course. Biba wanted to bridge the
gap between French-speaking and
English-speaking women through
events that brought them together.
Additionally, Biba had a deep desire
to create a foundation for children,
ensuring they had a brighter future
and instilling in them the belief that
anything is possible. She hoped to
motivate students to pursue their
aspirations with zeal, using her own
life experience as an example of
endurance and drive. Biba witnessed
her organization grow, broaden its
effect, and leave a legacy that

inspired the next generation to
believe in their boundless potential
over the next five years.
Expanding Horizons
According to Biba, changing the
name of the company to Biba Pédron
International was a deliberate move
to expand its global reach. She has
launched a new program called
Global Business Connection, which
functions as an international
networking organization. Biba
intends to bridge the gap between the
French and US markets, as some
women may underestimate the
potential of international commerce.
Her goal is to show that, with the
correct network and connections,
doing foreign business might be
easier than they believe.
Biba hopes to build a broader
worldwide network of female
entrepreneurs, not just in France and
the United States, but also in other
countries, by bringing them together
through various events. She
understands the benefits of traveling
to diverse cultures and believes that
it provides great insights and ideas
for entrepreneurs of all genders.
Drawing from her experiences in the
US market, Biba is known for
incorporating effective techniques
and strategies into her coaching,
which is why people seek her
guidance. She plans to continue
expanding globally and organizing
events like the abundance retreat in
locations such as Dubai, the US, and
potentially France.
With advancements in technology,
language barriers are no longer a
significant obstacle, as there are
numerous translation apps and ways
to work internationally. Biba firmly
believes that being an entrepreneur
transcends language and cultural
differences, and she aims to facilitate
business collaborations among
women from different countries.
Moreover, Biba has a new project in
mind—a foundation for kids.
Working with women entrepreneurs
of various age groups, she has
observed that limited beliefs often
hinder their progress. This is
prevalent in the French market, but
also present in the US market.
Recognizing the importance of
mindset transformation, Biba
prioritizes mindset work before
delving into marketing strategies.
She understands that removing
limited beliefs and instilling a sense
of worthiness in her clients is crucial
for their success. As part of her
business expansion, Biba plans to
teach mindset principles to children
through her foundation. By instilling
in them the belief that everything is
possible, she aims to prevent the
development of limiting beliefs from
an early age.
Biba acknowledges that achieving
dreams may not be easy and can take
a long time, as evidenced by her own
journey of moving to the US.
However, she wants to empower
future generations to pursue their
aspirations, overcome failures, and
keep trying until they succeed. Her
vision extends beyond empowering
women entrepreneurs in their
businesses; she aims to create a
legacy of changed mindsets and a
new generation of resilient and
determined individuals who embrace
entrepreneurship and view failure as
a stepping stone to success. This is
the vision that Biba intends to pursue
passionately for the next 20 years, as
she understands the importance of
making a lasting impact before
passing on her company's heritage.
18 | AUGUST 2023

Dima Rachid
Dima Rachid
Dima Rachid
Jamali
Jamali
Jamali
Educating Future Leaders as Change
Makers of a Better Tomorrow
“Lifelong learning
has been my motto
since the early
start of my career”.
Dima Jamali
Dean & Professor
University of Sharjah
20 | AUGUST 2023

The Backstory of Her Success
Dima Jamali previously held the
Kamal Shair Chair in Responsible
Leadership and was a professor and
associate dean at the Olayan School
of Business, American University of
Beirut (AUB). She graduated with a
PhD in Social Policy and
Administration from Canterbury,
UK's University of Kent. Her studies
and instruction have mostly focused
on social entrepreneurship and
corporate social responsibility (CSR)
over the years (SE). She is the author
or editor of seven books, including
Handbook of Responsible
Management (Edward Elgar 2019),
CSR in Developing and Emerging
Economies: Institutions and
Sustainable Development
(Cambridge University Press), Social
Entrepreneurship in the Middle East
(Palgrave, 2015), CSR in the Middle
East (Palgrave, 2012), and Corporate
Governance in Arab Countries:
Specifics and Outlooks (NTER Press
2019), and over 100 significant
international publications, which are
widely circulated and cited
internationally and concentrate on
various facets of sustainability,
sustainable development, and CSR in
developing nations generally and the
Middle East specifically. She gained
invaluable experience founding,
growing and working with the UN
Global Compact Network of
Lebanon to organize high-level
forums, roundtable discussions,
national programs, and activities
focused on empowerment, inclusion,
development, and well-being with
the goal of leaving no one behind.
She also engaged a broad range of
individuals from the private sector,
the public sector, academia, and the
entire UN system.
Bestowed for excellence
Dima Jamali was recognized by
Stanford University as one of the top
2% most influential global scholars
in the field of sustainability as a
result of her extensive research, and
she also received the 2015 Aspen
Institute Faculty Pioneer Award,
which the Financial Times referred to
as "the Oscars of the Business School
World" for faculty who are at the
forefront of their discipline's teaching
and research. She also received the
2015 Arab Organization for Social
Responsibility Personality of the
Year for CSR award and the Shield
of Excellence for the Arab Region, as
well as the 2010 Shoman Prize for
Best Young Arab Researcher, which
honors outstanding scientific
contributions that help address
pressing issues at the local, regional,
and global levels.
At Global Compact Network
Lebanon, Dima founded this
important network and continues to
serve as steward and president. The
UN Global Compact is the largest
sustainability program in the world
and calls on businesses to connect
plans and operations with
fundamental values of anti-
corruption, labor, environmental, and
human rights. She is also a member
of the Global Council for the UN
Principles of Responsible
Management Education (PRME),
which strives to instill sustainability
at the core of higher education
institutions, which has invited her
=to join in 2020. She is also a
contributor to the Globally
Responsible Leadership Initiative
(GRLI), an organization that
promotes ethical leadership in both
the public and private sectors.
The University of Sharjah
The University of Sharjah was
established with the intention of
adding to the qualities of
distinguished universities all over the
world share. University of Sharjah
provides extensive and multi-
disciplinary education and research
programs. The University of Sharjah
is a full-service academic
organization with a unique teaching
methodology, great research
reputation and a worldwide
perspective. In the UAE and the
GCC, it is a leader in academia,
science, and the arts and was ranked
number 1 in the UAE along with
UAEU University by Times Higher
Education Rankings in 2022. The
UAE Ministry of Higher Education
has accredited all programs.
Engineering, Communication,
Science, and Business are just a few
of the disciplines that have received
international accreditation. At the
University of Sharjah, faculty
members are dedicated to delivering
a top-notch educational experience
that equips future leaders with a
comprehensive set of knowledge and
abilities. They are committed to
creating a cooperative, long-lasting
atmosphere that supports cutting-
edge research and scholarship as well
as the development of skills for the
twenty-first century. They provide
state of the art academic and
professional programs geared
towards empowering our students,
teachers, and the community at large
22 | AUGUST 2023

in an effort to meet the present and
future requirements of our local
community and beyond.
Responsibilities in her Role
In her first two years as dean of the
College of Business Administration
at the University of Sharjah, Dima
Jamali was able to win the respect
and admiration of the administration,
faculty, and students. She also
managed to get the college's AACSB
accreditation back on track and
update its mission and curriculum to
take into account current trends. She
establishes multidisciplinary
partnerships with other colleges,
particularly the Colleges of
Engineering, Computing, and Arts
and Design; cultivates strong ties
with the local community; and
signs/activates a number of pertinent
MOUs with businesses. She is in
charge of organizing yearly at least
three significant international
symposiums on innovation and
entrepreneurship; leadership; and
sustainability in collaboration with
industry, each of which was a great
success. She also develops
competitions and extracurricular
activities for students, works to
improve the students' skills, and
increases their employability. She
finds it most fulfilling to maintain
close ties with the UN ecosystem,
cooperate with them, and work
together on high-level international
forums and events focused on the
UN 2030 Agenda and the 17
Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). In just two years, the college
has made tremendous strides in the
international rankings, advancing to
No. 2 in the UAE in the Times
Higher Education Rankings, and has
been chosen by Higher Education
Digest as one of the 10 Must Watch
Business Schools for 2022.
Adaptations Amid a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic's
unparalleled effects have expedited
the development of the future of
work and generated a highly unclear
outlook for the upcoming skills
revolution. More than ever, Dima
thinks it's important to gather the
opinions of business executives who
are directly involved in decision-
making processes in order to create a
clearer picture of both the current
situation and the future outlook for
jobs and skills. Dima and her faculty
want to improve students' job
readiness and transform the student
experience.
They, as educators, are aware that
without "micro-credentials," a
bachelor's degree could become
outdated before it is finished. In order
to improve students' readiness for the
workforce, help them succeed in
school, and advance along their
professional paths, it is necessary to
build and nurture 21st century talents
inside educational institutions and
programs. These abilities are
centered mostly on:
Ÿ Fostering Digital Literacy with an
emphasis on learning-support
tools to help students receive a
high-quality education through
technology and the internet.
Ÿ Embedding soft skills includes
communication, organization,
teamwork, critical thinking, social
skills, creativity, along with
adaptability and agility.
Ÿ Facilitating learning versus
teaching through differentiated
instructions and flipped
classrooms
Ÿ Bringing students to key industry
players through fostering multi-
disciplinary partnerships and
agreements to sustain internship
opportunities and elevate their job
readiness through exposing them
to best practices and lessons
learnt
Ÿ Changing mindset, building self-
confidence, resilience, and a
instilling a life-long learning
attitude
“e most interesting and
happiest part of my daily routine
is interacting with faculty and
students and forging
collaborations with industry.”

Kange
Kaneene
Vice President
SAP.iO
32 | AUGUST 2023

A Tech Expert Believing
in Equal Opportunities
Kange Kaneene is the Vice President at SAP.iO.
She is both a computer scientist and has an
MBA, and she knows a lot about enterprise
software. Right now, her main goal is to make SAP's
ecosystem grow by helping new and creative startups.
She really cares about making sure everyone has the
same chances in life, and she works hard for it through
education, supporting new businesses, and helping
people who have been in trouble before get back on
their feet.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted
between World's Leaders and Kange Kaneene:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside
of the workplace.
My friends and family call me a connector because it
gives me great joy to bring people together. For
example, I have planned large scale events in Portugal,
Morocco, Martha's Vineyard, and many dinner parties
at my apartment.
I have a passion for diversity and creating equally
distributed access to opportunity. I am so proud of what
we are doing at SAP.iO to support representation in
SAP.iO's portfolio. In addition, I am an angel investor
with Pipeline Angels, a group of female investors who
invest in female founders. I am a mentor for
entrepreneurs as a volunteer for Defy Ventures, a non-
profit organization that invests in founders who are
currently or formerly incarcerated. Finally, I am chair of
the public charter school board for KIPP NYC, a
network of public charter schools that focuses on
education parity.
I also have an entrepreneurial spirit. At SAP, I founded
the Black Employee Network (BEN), which has since
scaled to 3 continents and 15 chapters with 6K+
members, including allies. Finally, at the University of
Michigan, I co-founded Girls in Electrical Engineering
and Computer Science (gEECS) in response to the
decreasing number of women in technical disciplines.
The organization has since spread to other universities
and is funded by iconic organizations such as Microsoft
and Goldman Sachs.
As an adult, I have lived in Atlanta, Chicago,
Philadelphia, and Singapore, and I currently live in
Brooklyn, New York.
Describe your background and what did you do
before you started/joined the company?
During high school, I spent a lot of time with my
friends on AOL Messenger. My father mistook my
obsession for an actual interest in computers and
suggested that I study computer science. I followed his
advice and majored in it at the University of Michigan.
It was a grueling curriculum, but I still found time to
have fun and I made great lifelong friends while I was
there.
Instead of working as a software engineer, I accepted a
job with Manhattan Associates, a tech consulting
company. I was based in Atlanta and worked with
clients such as Vera Bradley. After two years, I decided
that consulting was not my lifelong career, and I began
to explore what I needed to do to get accepted to the
business school of my choice. I reviewed applications,
found my gaps, and made sure to correct them over the
next year. After three years at Manhattan Associates, I
left to pursue my MBA at NYU Stern School of
Business.
I picked NYU because of its collaborative, team-
oriented culture. While there, I decided I wanted to join
a tech company that had a rotational program as well as
an international footprint. SAP reached out to me, and
they matched my criteria. After the rotational program,
I wanted to work in their corporate strategy department,
and I basically wore the Chief Strategy Officer down
until he hired me. When my program was over, he
offered me a full-time job. After 18 months, the Chief
Revenue Officer was looking for an apprentice, and the
Chief Strategy Officer recommended me. That was a
life changing job that included global travel and a front-
row seat to how decisions are made. After two and a
half years, I did some assignments in Asia (Singapore
and Tokyo) and then moved to New York to work in
business development roles.
While working in business development, my boss

wanted to do an acquisition and asked me to do a market
scan. I loved getting to speak to the heads of different
companies and set the goal of working with startups and
scaleups full time. I started going to demo days and pitch
competitions and asking a lot of questions. In short, I got
the venture bug. I started angel investing and VC scouting
with a specific focus on underrepresented founders. In
parallel, my former boss, SAP's Chief Strategy Officer,
started SAP.iO (SAP's global startup ecosystem) and asked
me to mentor some of the startups in the portfolio. I quickly
gained a rapport with the entire SAP.iO team and was later
recruited to lead SAP.iO North America, which later
launched in Latin America and the Caribbean as well. I am
extremely grateful for the career I have had so far. From my
parents' blueprint of following curiosity, I've fashioned a
career and life out of my passions, which include solving
big problems, building strong relationships, and traveling
the world. I never thought AOL Messenger could have led
to such wonderful adventures. I look forward to continuing
to identify winning start-ups and helping them grow and
succeed.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it
all start?
SAP is the largest enterprise software company in the
world, and is SAP's external startup accelerator.
SAP.iO
SAP.iO started in 2017 and was designed to be SAP's
inclusive startup ecosystem. The team has been through
several stages of evolution and has transitioned away from
an umbrella including a corporate venture fund, venture
studio, and intrapreneurship program and is exclusively
focused on an external startup accelerator. However, today
we are proud to say there is no other corporate startup
accelerator in the world like SAP.iO.
As a startup in the enterprise software space with a direct
sales model, acquiring large brands as customers is
uniquely challenging. Understanding the buying
organization for startups to sell into and then getting in
contact with the specific decision-maker within the
organization is a significant barrier. Furthermore, if startups
are lucky enough to secure meetings with the correct
decision-maker, the sales cycles are painfully
long—sometimes 6–18 months.
On the other hand, SAP has massive scale and is trusted by
450K+ customers globally, including 92% of the Forbes
Global 2,000 companies. Still, SAP has opportunities to
34 | AUGUST 2023

innovate further beyond its portfolio to add the most value
for its customers. Therefore, at SAP.iO, we believe SAP
technology paired with the power of startup innovation
amplifies the value we can bring to the world. Here is how
it works: First, the SAP.iO team goes out into the market
and curates the most innovative and relevant startups that
complement SAP's solution portfolio and meet the needs of
its customers. Then SAP and the startups go to market
together with a revenue share. This process generates a
triple win. 1) Startups can leverage SAP's existing
relationships with some of the largest enterprises in the
world and secure revenue contracts. Again, this is extremely
difficult for startups to do on their own. Furthermore,
SAP.iO is non-dilutive, so it does not take equity in
startups, invest, or charge a fee. 2) Customers are
introduced to cutting edge technology that is easily
consumable and integrated into the SAP solution(s) they are
already implementing. 3) SAP delivers optimal value to its
customers as a true innovation partner.
Since its inception in 2017, SAP.iO has already realized
fantastic success. SAP.iO is spread across 11 innovation
hubs around the world with 525+ portfolio companies. To
date, 7K+ interactions have been made between SAP.iO
portfolio companies and SAP customers. 44% of the
portfolio is managed or led by underrepresented individuals
(defined as individuals whose share of venture capital in the
technology sector is disproportionate to the region where
they live). That 44% surpasses or ties the rest of the
portfolio on key metrics: number of exits and unicorns,
amount of venture capital raised, and likelihood to progress
a partnership with SAP.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
The only unit of measure for my success is my ability to
create and maintain meaningful relationships. People have
opened doors for me when they feel confident about my
professional capabilities and ability to lead with empathy,
do the right thing, and be a collaborative team member.
Which are the major services of the company and how
do they the company to get ahead in the competition?
What value-added services does the company provide?
SAP.iO is differentiated because it is non-dilutive and
focused on revenue generating business development.
What are the most important aspects of a company's
culture? What principles do you believe in and how do
you build this culture?
People are the most important contribution to a company's
culture. Establishing an environment where people feel
valued and have opportunities to grow yields the most
success.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the
company?
We know when we have found the most innovative startups
when SAP's large customers are dying to work with them.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily
on individual heroics or team processes?
I think it depends on the group.
What are your responsibilities as the VP of the
company? What is the happiest part of your daily
routine?
As the VP of SAP.iO North and Latin America, I am
responsible for three foundries: New York, San Francisco,
and Latin America and the Caribbean. I have seven people
on my team that run the day-to-day operations of each. I
spend most of my time managing the team, generating
partnerships with venture capital firms, attending
entrepreneur ecosystem events, public speaking, and
uplifting startups.
What advice would you give someone going into a
leadership position for the first time?
Be transparent about activities happening within the team
and be vulnerable (when appropriate) about things
happening in your personal life. This helps to build trust
and also inspires your team to be open with you.

A Pioneer in Infrastructure, Transportation,
and Trade Based on the Sea
I feel it is so important to apply for
the big jobs. I was the only woman
that applied for my current job out of
60 applications, and guess what?
I got the job.
42 | AUGUST 2023

CEO & Port Director
The Port of Hueneme
Kristin Decas

A vision is a distinct, clear, and
focused image of the future, and it is
frequently associated with significant
organizational advancements. Effective
leaders will articulate their vision in a
way that inspires excitement and
dedication among all members of the
company. The difference between a
manager and a leader lies in their
capacity to articulate a vision and
utilize it to motivate others.
Kristin Decas is a seasoned leader who
consistently proves her capacity to
develop a vision and carry out a plan
through open, collaborative methods
that encourage outcomes. The CEO of
the Port of Hueneme is passionate,
focused, and committed to serving the
needs of the local community and Port
customers.
For the first 18 years of her life, Kristin
lived in New York, where she was
born. She graduated from the
University of Vermont with a
bachelor's in economics with a minor
in philosophy and from the University
of Denver with a master's in
environmental policy and law with a
concentration in natural resources. She
began her career at the Port of New
Bedford in Massachusetts, the top-
value fishing port in the country, and
has held the position of Port Director
and CEO for the past 16 years. She
reasoned that it would be wise to
consider opportunities for professional
advancement after serving in that
position for six years. As soon as she
learned about the Port of Hueneme's
port director/CEO position, she made
the decision to apply.
Throughout the interview process,
Kristin discovered she truly loved the
location, the neighborhood, and the
port, which increased her excitement
for the chance. Nearly ten years later,
she still genuinely loves her job and
working with her amazing staff, the
best clients, and neighborhood
partners. She adds, "I am fortunate to
be part of it.”
Port of Hueneme
The Port of Hueneme is one of the
West Coast's busiest and most effective
cargo trading gateways. The port,
which is governed by five locally
elected Port Commissioners, is the
sixth-largest on the west coast and the
fourth-largest in California. The port
consistently ranks among the top 10
U.S. ports for vehicles and fresh
vegetables, moving $11.4 billion worth
of commodities annually. Port
operations benefit the neighborhood by
generating $2.2 billion in economic
activity and 20,032 jobs in the trade
sector. More than $173 million in
direct and associated state and local
taxes are generated by trade via the
Port of Hueneme, and these taxes are
used to pay for essential community
services. The Port has had a number of
accomplishments thanks to the board's
vision and the team's dedication. On
the front of foreign trade, freight saw a
gain of 58% and revenues increased by
an astonishing 116%.
Steps to Community Service
The Port of Hueneme places a high
priority on the community. Beginning
in 2012, Kristin and her team started
hosting an annual Banana Festival to
honor the working waterfront, which is
currently attended by over 12,000
people annually. During the pandemic,
"Feeding the Frontline" programs took
the place of the festival, utilizing Port
clients, local small business owners,
volunteers, and health clinics to
provide over 40,500 families in
Ventura County with over 1.1 million
pounds of vegetables and other
resources. They established an
environmental framework, which
resulted in the installation of a
shoreside power system where vessels
plug in at berth, making them
emission-free and the development of
world-class air quality monitoring in
South Oxnard.
The Port won the title of greenest port
in the US at the International Green
Shipping Summit in 2017, becoming
the first port in California to receive
Green Marine Certification in
California (a third-party environmental
audit). The Board approved a
decarbonization resolution in
November 2021.
Successful Supply Chain Leaders'
Traits
For the upcoming generation of leaders
in the product movement, there are an
increasing number of academic options
at higher education levels that are
easily accessible. According to Kristin,
backgrounds in a variety of industries
pave the way for individuals to
advance to leadership roles throughout
the supply chain. Soft skills must be
preserved despite the digital age's
temptations and technologies, though.
Kristin contributed to a publication and
co-authored a chapter on the future of
transportation professionals and
workforce development. She
conducted an American Association of
Port Authorities (AAPA) poll of port
CEOs across the country in order to
gather the most accurate information
available, and the results showed that
leadership, interpersonal
communication, and teamwork skills
are the most in-demand skill sets.
A
A
A

“The most difcult
thing is the decision
to act, the rest is
merely tenacity.”
Amelia Earhart
The Leading Lady of the Aviation Industry

T
T
T
Today's aviation sector is lacking in
crucial leadership expertise since
more than half (59%) of women in
leadership roles in the sector have
thought about quitting. Women are
more likely to be forced out of the
profession because of bad
experiences, but males are more
likely to be drawn away by the
promise of greater prospects. Greater
and more noticeable roles for women
are emerging in the sector.
There have never been more women
in top positions in the aviation sector.
Still, there is a leadership gap as a
result of the prejudices and obstacles
faced by female leaders that continue
to limit their development and
influence. There is a growing trend
for people of all genders to adopt
leadership styles that support
successful women in business and
the organizations they manage, as
more women assume high-ranking
positions.
Lindsey Gamell is a skilled and
seasoned company leader and
manager who is extremely passionate
about aviation, is well-versed in the
laws and rules pertaining to FAA
compliance, and develops and
upholds policies and procedures. She
skillfully manages teams, production,
maintenance work orders, supply and
inventory, and ensures customer
satisfaction and support in her role as
business development and program
manager at TP Aerospace. To
improve organizational strategy, she
cultivates long-lasting connections
with stakeholders, senior
management, and customers.
After graduating from high school in
2002, Lindsey began working in
aviation. She comes from a highly
varied background in the industry.
She began in general aviation,
working in different office support
functions and learning the
fundamentals of aviation
maintenance. After that, she briefly
worked as a flight attendant for an
airline. She then entered the area of
maintenance repair organizations
(MRO), which is essentially where
she is currently as TP Aerospace is a
part 145 repair station. For most of
her career, Lindsey worked as a
maintenance planner, arranging
heavy maintenance projects on
airplanes, which in layman terms
entailed organizing the whole work
scope and process for disassembling
an airplane fully, inspecting it, and
then putting it back together to get it
back in the air.
The Leading Aviation Aftermarket
Supplier
As the top aftermarket provider of
aircraft wheels and brakes, TP
Aerospace provides all of its clients
with an easy substitute for
conventional component
management. It excels at what it does
because it has a narrow focus. The
firm ensures quality, simplicity, and
value for all of its clients globally,
wherever they may be, at any time. It
combines market experience with
substantial MRO capabilities and a
global network. The Honeywell 737
Classic Series is distributed solely by
TP Aerospace.
TP Aerospace provides its airline
clients with the highest level of
flexibility and cost transparency
through its integrated programs, all
of which are powered by its pay-as-
you-go model. Customers of the
program benefit from an all-inclusive
approach that is supported by an
excellent warranty, a guarantee of
stock availability, and first-rate
customer service.
The staff is committed to serving its
clients and is aware of the many
difficulties faced by aircraft
operators. When enrolled in a
program with TP Aerospace, its
clients are given a personal program
manager who is intimately familiar
with their requirements and serves as
a sparring partner in streamlining
their wheels and brake operations.
Being an Aviation Leader
At TP Aerospace, Lindsey's duties
include leading a group of Customer
Executives that, together with her,
handle all of the program accounts
for the North American region. This
includes managing contracts, visiting
with clients to report on KPIs;
monitoring daily operations; and
managing the technical facets of
asset management, including
establishing priorities with the
business' internal MRO shop.
Lindsey also works to provide
awareness and brand familiarity in
her business development role.
54 | AUGUST 2023

Sheri Hinish
Vice President
IBM
58 | AUGUST 2023

Sheri Hinish loves highlighting sustainable
innovation, insights that challenge
conventional thinking, and diverse people
across global supply chains who are
underrepresented in STEM and supply
chains. She hosts a top podcast called the
Supply Chain Revolution, exploring how we
can use circularity, sustainability, inclusive
leadership, and technology to design a
better world. Companies featured include
Microsoft, SAP.iO, Ellen MacArthur
Foundation, Pyxera Global, Roundtable for
Sustainable Palm Oil, Rheaply, Infor, IBM,
Starbucks, and many more.
SHERI
HINISH
Creating Change
that is Impactful,
Equitable, and
Responsible

Below are highlights of the interview
conducted between World' leaders and
Sheri Hinish:
Describe who you are as a person,
inside and outside of the workplace.
I am someone who is incredibly driven
by purpose in all that I do. My purpose
is simply to make a meaningful impact
on the clients, colleagues, partners, and
communities I serve. I help customers
design and build supply chains of the
future that empower the human
experience, strategically champion
stewardship, and create change that is
impactful, equitable, responsible, and
profitable. When I am not working, I
am... spending time with my 3 kids and
husband, walking outdoors, gardening,
and cooking.
Describe your background and what
did you do before you started or
joined the company?
Colleagues and clients affectionately
call me the nickname "Supply Chain
Queen." I'm recognized as a trusted
advisor that companies consistently
leverage for strategy and a unique
point of view in supply chain,
sustainability & the SDGs, talent +
organizational change management,
diversity as a business imperative, and
strategy in digital transformations.
I have spent over 17 years leading and
influencing transformations as a
practitioner and consultant for Fortune
500 clients in consumer, technology,
industrial, and disruptive innovation in
e2e processes and product design.
I am a rebel and an eternal student who
loves to bring out the best in people.
I've made a career of simplifying the
complex, rethinking supply chain
strategy and customer experience. I
host a top podcast that evangelizes the
future of supply chains called the
"Supply Chain Revolution." My vision
is to change the world through shared
purpose, sustainable supply chains,
circularity, and building technology
grounded in the principles of
sustainable development.
Before joining IBM, I served as a
sustainability and supply chain leader
for a number of global brands. I also
founded Supply Chain Revolution, a
podcast that shares stories of purpose
and sustainable transformation,
innovation, and provocative points of
view that challenge paradigms for
progress.
Tell us about the inception of the
company. How did it all start?
IBM is a leading provider of global
hybrid cloud and AI services and
consulting expertise. We help clients in
more than 175 countries with insights
from their data, streamline business
processes, reduce costs, and gain a
competitive edge in their industries.
Earlier this year, IBM Consulting
officially launched our Sustainability
Services offering. Our team of leaders
and consultants work with businesses
to develop sustainability roadmaps that
go beyond compliance to meet board
and consumer expectations; implement
a holistic, responsible computing
platform based on cloud and AI; and
operationalize sustainability by
incorporating data and automation into
daily workflows.
What has made you successful?
What do you value?
My work ethic, determination, and
passion for work have all led to my
success. I think it's also my love of
learning and ability to challenge
traditional paradigms of work that set
me apart from others and is one way
that I've achieved success.
I truly value my relationships—in
particular, my relationships with my
family, friends, team and peers in
sustainability and supply chain. My
relationships bring me joy, they keep
me informed and they help me get a
better view of what the latest
challenges and best practices are that
we can implement on our journey to
become more sustainable.
Which are the major services of the
company and how do they the
company to get ahead in the
competition? What value-added
services does the company provide?
IBM Consulting Sustainability
Services guides clients from strategy to
execution to become a sustainable
enterprise. IBM helps embed
sustainability into an organization's
operations and culture across
transparent supply chains, ESG
reporting and finance, responsible
computing and green IT,
decarbonization and clean energy
transition, climate risk assessment and
adaptation, and most importantly,
putting the human experience and
planetary health at the center of
transformative change.
What is the significance of
innovative ideas in the company?
Innovation is at the core of what I do
each day. I surround myself with a
team of diverse thinkers who are
passionate about sustainability and
how IBM Consulting can help
companies drive meaningful change
while not losing sight of achieving
their business goals.
Give us your opinion on; do
organizations rely heavily on
individual heroics or team
processes?
I really think that it depends on the
organization. I believe that individual
heroics are not the key to long-term
success. You need to have an engaged
team and a clear vision, along with
processes in place that can help you
achieve success as a unit rather than a
singular person.
B
60 | AUGUST 2023

What are your
responsibilities as the
Founder/CEO of the
company? What is the
happiest part of your daily
routine?
I currently lead sustainability
services and alliances
globally for IBM. My job is
to serve and deliver
differentiated value and
impact for our clients with a
breadth of offerings, strategic
alliances, research, world-
class talent, and ethical
innovation to build a
responsible, equitable, and
circular world. The happiest
part of my daily routine is
waking each morning
knowing I am doing exactly
what I was put on this earth
to do!
What advice would you give
someone going into a
leadership position for the
first time?
Never stop learning. Being a
leader doesn't mean always
having all of the answers. A
great leader listens to their
team and learns from them,
regardless of how junior or
senior they may be.

World’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders in Business, 2023.pdf

World’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders in Business, 2023.pdf

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to World’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders in Business, 2023.pdf

Similar to World’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders in Business, 2023.pdf (20)

More from Worlds Leaders Magazine

More from Worlds Leaders Magazine (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

World’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders in Business, 2023.pdf