Through the latest edition of 10 Leaders Driving Innovation & Transformation Their Industries, 2024, they serve as catalysts for transformation, inspiring others to embrace innovation, embrace change, and strive for excellence in their endeavors.

1. Leaders
Driving Innovation
& Transformation in
Their Industries,2024
1
Breaking Boundaries
How Innova on
Drives Progress
Digital Transforma on
Revolu onizing Industries
for the Future
Leadership Focus and Learning Rewards
Ayedime
Amadi
Leadership Focus and Learning Rewards
Path to Cross-Functional Success
VOL-04 | ISSUE-02 | 2024
The Silicon Leaders
Excellence in The Spotlight

2. Leadership
is not a
person or
aposition.

4. Editor’s
Desk
Editor’s
Desk

5. he global business is witnessing
Ta remarkable surge in
innovation and transformation,
spearheaded by visionary leaders across
diverse industries. These leaders, with
their pioneering spirit and strategic
acumen, are driving unprecedented
change, reshaping traditional norms, and
charting new paths for progress. From
technology and finance to healthcare
and manufacturing, their influence
extends far beyond their respective
sectors, shaping the future of our
interconnected world.
They stand as beacons of inspiration,
guiding their organizations through the
complexities of the digital age with
foresight and resilience. By embracing
emerging technologies, fostering
collaboration, and prioritizing agility,
they are spearheading initiatives that
redefine industry standards and drive
sustainable growth. Their unwavering
commitment to innovation, coupled
with a deep understanding of market
dynamics, enables them to anticipate
trends, seize opportunities, and navigate
challenges with confidence.
These leaders recognize the importance
of corporate responsibility and social
impact, integrating sustainability and
ethical practices into their business
strategies. By championing diversity,
equity, and inclusion, they create
inclusive workplaces that empower
employees to thrive and innovate.
Furthermore, their efforts to address
pressing societal issues, such as climate
change and healthcare disparities,
demonstrate their commitment to
driving positive change beyond business
objectives.
As we reflect on the achievements of
these visionary leaders, it becomes
evident that their contributions extend
far beyond the bottom line. Through the
latest edition of 10 Leaders Driving
Innovation & Transformation Their
Industries, 2024, they serve as catalysts
for transformation, inspiring others to
embrace innovation, embrace change,
and strive for excellence in their
endeavors. In a world characterized by
uncertainty and rapid change, their
leadership offers a beacon of hope,
guiding us towards a future defined by
progress, resilience, and shared
prosperity.
Victors Reinventing
Innovative Transformations
JamieCason

6. 08
C
O
V
E
R
S
T
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Y

7. Contents
Articles
CXO
Breaking Boundaries
How Innova on Drives Progress
16
Digital Transformation
Revolu onizing Industries for the Future
24
A Staunch Leader’s
Eternal Novelties
- by Natasha Makhijani
20
Ayedime
Amadi
Leadership Focus and Learning Rewards
Path to Cross-Functional Success

8. contact@thesiliconleaders.com
April, 2024
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9. Atsuko is experienced in Digital Technology and Development
with a demonstrated history of working in Asia and the Pacific,
Africa and Middle East.
ITU
www.itu.int
Ayedime is a seasoned Technology Strategy , Architecture and
Transformation Leader with over 24 years experience spanning
Telecoms, Consulting , Banking and Financial services.
MTN
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Robert Taylor Media
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Relations, Project Management, Advisory & Crisis
Management, Brands Strategy, Competitive Analysis, and
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Taeillo
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professional people development network serving the Middle
East and Africa. Offering video courses and
motivational/informative talks in Arabic and English.
Almentor
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Jean is the Head of Member Services of MSDUK, and now
working with over 90 global corporations and over 2000 ethnic
minority businesses in the UK.
MSDUK
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Melissa is Advisory Board Member of IBM. She collaborates
and builds trusted relationships with executive leaders to
connect for real and sustainable transformation:
IBM
www.ibm.com
Natasha is the Group CEO of award-winning executive search
firm Oliver Sanderson, Founder and Director of the digital
recruitment platform Snapp, and Co-Founder of B.L.A.C., a
charity established to address a range of issues related to D&I in
the business world.
Oliver Sanderson
Group PLC
www.oliversanderson.com
Atsuko Okuda
Director
Ayedime Amadi
Group Senior Manager in
Enterprise Architecture and
Customer Channels - Group
Technology function
Dana Hill
Senior Director of
Engagement
Ibrahim Kamel
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Melissa Drew
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Jean Chawapiwa
Head of
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Jumoke Dada
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Natasha Makhijani
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General Manager
As an accomplished marketing and communication executive,
Rusha brings a wealth of experience in driving corporate
strategies, brand development, CSR & Sustainability across
diverse industries.
stc
careers.stc.com.sa
Bukky George-Taylor
Founder and CEO
Brief
Featured Person Company Name

10. Cover
Story
When employees
understand the
strategic importance of
their work and see a
connection between
their efforts and the
overall ambition of the
organization, they are
more likely to
contribute innovative
ideas and solutions.
Ayedime Amadi
Group Senior Manager
in Enterprise Architecture
and Customer Channels -
Group Technology function
MTN Group
“
“

11. COVER STORY
yedime Amadi is a trailblazing
Aand seasoned leader in the
realms of Technology Strategy,
Architecture and Transformation. With
an impressive career spanning over 24
years, Ayedime has left an indelible mark
in diverse sectors, including Telecoms,
Consulting, Banking, and Financial
Services.
Not just a professional, Ayedime is a
fervent advocate for Women in
Technology embodying visionary
leadership in the dynamic landscape of
cutting-edge technology. Her influence
extends beyond her roles, as she stands
as a driving force propelling the future
of innovation and Digital
Transformation.
With a passion for breaking boundaries,
Ayedime is on a mission to bridge the
gender gap in the STEM field. Her
commitment goes beyond the present,
Ayedime
Amadi
Leadership Focus and Learning Rewards
Path to Cross-Functional Success

12. 10 Leaders Driving Innova on & Transforma on in Their Industries, 2024
aiming to inspire the next generation of
female tech leaders.
Currently, Ayedime holds the position
of Group Senior Manager in Enterprise
Architecture and Customer Channels
within the Group Technology function
at MTN Group. MTN Group is a Pan
African Digital Operator boasting a
significant presence across 19 markets in
the Middle East and Africa.
Let’s explore how Ayedime’s role reflects her
dedication to shaping the technological landscape
and contributing to the success of one of the
region’s leading digital players!
From Determination to
Transformation
Ayedime traces her journey with a
passion for technology that began with a
degree in Computer Science. “My
fascination with technology led me to pursue a
degree in Computer Science,” she shares.
With a career spanning over diverse
sectors, Ayedime’s determination to lead
and make a positive impact has been
unwavering. “I am guided by my
determination to lead and make an impact in a
tech-driven world,” she emphasizes.
Navigating diverse roles across
industries, Ayedime discovered the
transformative power of technology in
shaping societies , enhancing customer
experiences and impacting the world .
Technology has a transformative power
to make revolutionary changes that
technology can bring to various aspects
of human life, society, and the economy.
Ayedime continues to leverage
technology as a catalyst for
differentiation and transformation. “I am
on a mission to enable technology as a catalyst
for differentiation and transformation,” she
declares.
Reflecting on her 24-year journey,
Ayedime notes her evolution from the
early days to leadership roles, realizing
her capacity to drive the change she
envisions. “I have evolved from when I first
started 24 years ago to realizing that I can
drive the change I want to see,” she shares
embodying a commitment to continuous
growth and positive impact.
Innovation with Purpose
Ayedime emphasizes the importance of
finding purpose in work, stating, “I see
what I do as more than a job—it’s a path to
creating impact and that in itself gives personal
fulfillment.” She believes that
commitment and passion are essential
fuels for executing one’s purpose.
In her role as Senior Manager in
Enterprise Architecture and Customer
Channels at MTN Group, Ayedime sees
technology as a powerful tool for
unlocking value and addressing global
challenges. “As an operator, we are
committed to driving innovation for the benefit
of communities and customers guided by a clear
sense of purpose,” she asserts.
Ayedime aligns her energy and passion
with the initiatives aimed at delivering
commitments to stakeholders and

13. COVER STORY
customers. For technology to show
value, it needs to improve customer
experience, introduce efficiencies and
make a positive impact on society.
Ayedime underscores that a clear sense
of purpose and commitment serves as a
guiding force, shaping the innovation
process with a focus on social
responsibility, ethical considerations and
positive long-term outcomes.
Connectivity as a Game-Changer
Ayedime emphasizes the belief that
everyone deserves the benefits of a
connected life, highlighting connectivity
as a key enabler. In the face of evolving
service revenues and the need to remain
competitive, Ayedime stresses the
necessity for operators to expand
beyond traditional roles. “As operators, we
already have massive investments in
sophisticated infrastructure, giving us more scale
and depth in capabilities,” she explains.
Identifying Manufacturing, Bio-Tech,
Retail, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Agri, and
Mining as pivotal, Ayedime foresees
these sectors as core revenue drivers for
Telco services in the next five years.
With Edge Cloud, AI and IoT as key
enablers, Telcos are strategically
positioned to provide this, leveraging
connectivity as the core differentiator.
Ayedime’s insights illuminate the
transformative role of
telecommunications in shaping the
future of diverse industries.
Adopt, Adapt, Achieve
Ayedime shares the crucial elements for
success in navigating the dynamic
demands of the digital age. To be
successful, maintaining agility and
adaptability in technological
infrastructure is crucial.
Aligning technology initiatives with
business goals is paramount. Align
technology initiatives with the overall
business strategy to ensure that
technology supports and enables
business goals and is seen as a value
driver to the Business.
Continuous assessment and planning
play a pivotal role, as she advises,
“Conduct regular assessments of the existing
technology landscape identifying strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.” A
modular and scalable architecture is
essential for promoting flexibility,
maintainability, collaboration, and
adaptability in various domains,
including software development and
hardware design. It enables systems to
grow, evolve, and respond effectively to
changing needs and technological
advancements. Design and implement
systems with a modular architecture
allowing for easier updates, replacements
and integrations.
Embracing cloud computing, Agile
methodologies and DevOps practices
are integral components of her strategy.
She advocates embracing cloud
computing to leverage scalable and on-
demand resources along with fostering a
culture of experimentation and learning.
Data-driven decision-making, security by
design, collaboration, and
communication are also key principles.
Ayedime’s approach involves regular
evaluation of new technologies and
vendors ensuring compliance with
regulatory standards.
Ayedime states, “By adopting these strategies,
I am able to create an environment where
technological infrastructure is not only aligned
with business objectives but also agile and
adaptive to navigate the challenges and
opportunities presented by the digital age.” Her
insights offer a comprehensive guide for
enterprises seeking success in the ever-
evolving landscape of technology.
Creating Value
Ayedime underscores the pivotal role of
partnerships in driving innovation and
market expansion. Partnerships play a
crucial role in driving innovation and
expanding reach across the markets. She
highlights key reasons for their
significance.
Partnerships provide access to expertise,
allowing organizations to tap into their
partners’ strengths. Partnerships allow
organizations to tap into the expertise
and strengths of their partners.
Collaborating with partners helps
distribute and mitigate risks, accelerating
time-to-market. Ayedime notes that
collaborating with partners can help
distribute and mitigate risks and
highlights the critical speed factor in
competitive industries.
Strategic partnerships offer a
competitive edge through unique
technologies, distribution networks and
complementary products. Strategic
partnerships can provide a competitive
advantage by differentiating a company
from its competitors. Additionally,
partnerships can lead to economies of
scale, reducing costs and creating more
value for customers.
Leadership is more
about influence and this
has a big multiplier
effect on delivering
sustainable outcomes.
“
“

14. Ayedime emphasizes, “Partnerships are a
strategic approach for organizations looking to
foster innovation, mitigate risks and expand
their presence in the market, leading to
mutually beneficial outcomes and a stronger
competitive position in the marketplace.”
Collaboration and Ambition
Ayedime, a firm believer in the power of
focus and ambition, asserts, “I am a
strong believer in where your focus goes,
your energy flows.” hence having an
ambition to implement strategic
solutions can play a crucial role in
driving innovation. At MTN our
Ambition 2025 is a key enabler for this
coupled with the Technology Vehicle –
PACE together these two form a
formidable force that enable and drive
our transformation outcomes.
The ambition serves as a guiding force
for innovation efforts providing vision
and direction to identify areas needing
strategic solutions for long-term goals.
This becomes a guiding force for
innovation efforts, helping to identify
areas where strategic solutions are
needed to achieve long-term goals.
Collaboration and partnerships are
pivotal, with Ayedime noting, “To
implement strategic solutions, we leverage and
seek external collaborations and partnerships.”
This approach brings in fresh
perspectives, expertise and resources,
fostering an innovative environment.
Continuous improvement and
adaptability are key principles, viewed as
a continuous process that responds to
evolving market conditions. Employee
engagement is emphasized, as Ayedime
states, “When employees understand the
strategic importance of their work and see a
connection between their efforts and the overall
ambition of the organization, they are more
likely to contribute innovative ideas and
solutions.”
Adaptability and creativity go hand in
hand, leading to innovative solutions.
Ayedime’s experience in driving complex
transformation initiatives emphasizes
the importance of these skills.
Adaptability, resilience, creativity, and
the ability to influence have been key
ingredients to enable delivery on large-
scale Technology and Digital
transformation initiatives. These
qualities, she believes, are crucial for
delivering immense value and business
outcomes across diverse markets.
Championing Change
With respect to collaborating across
diverse geographies, notes, “In the
course of the different roles I have held,
the below have been quite helpful in
achieving successful outcomes”:
Inclusive Decision-Making: Ayedime
emphasizes the importance of including
diverse voices, stating, “Include diverse
voices from the markets across the
business in decision-making processes.”
Community Engagement: Actively engaging
with markets ensures an understanding
of unique needs, preferences, challenges,
market-specific regulatory posture, and
compliance rules.
Language Localization: Ayedime
underscores the need to ensure that
communication materials, products and
services are localized to meet the
linguistic preferences of the markets to
foster adoption.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Being
adaptable and responsive to changing
needs is crucial. Regularly reassessing
change management strategies and
solutions to ensure they remain relevant
and effective.
Structured Organisation Change Management:
Ayedime highlights the significance of
Ayedime highlights that an ambition to
implement strategic solutions creates a
foundation for a proactive and forward-
thinking approach to innovation. This
ambition influences organizational
culture, resource allocation and risk
tolerance, shaping how the organization
fosters and embraces innovation.
Influence, Adaptability and
Creativity
Ayedime reflecting on her career
emphasizes the transformative power of
leadership, stating, “Leadership is more
about influence and this has a big multiplier
effect on delivering sustainable outcomes.” She
believes in leadership that goes beyond
achieving results, emphasizing the
importance of empowering and
supporting the people you lead.
Adaptability stands out as a key skill for
professional success in Ayedime’s
perspective. “One key skill and mindset that
I believe contributes to professional success is
adaptability,” she notes. This quality
enables individuals to embrace change,
learn from it and thrive in dynamic and
uncertain environments.
Ayedime underscores the significance of
resilience in facing setbacks and
challenges. “An adaptable mindset helps you
to build resilience,” she states, highlighting
its role in bouncing back from failures
and viewing challenges as opportunities
for growth.
Build the capability to
be versatile, go beyond
your comfort zone and
expand your skills. The
future belongs to the
multiskilled.
“
“

15. COVER STORY
OPCO ownership and internal
championing to ensure no resistance to
the changes from these initiatives,
deeming it a vital success factor.
Beyond the Basics
Ayedime addresses the critical challenge
of data security and privacy with a
comprehensive approach. Ensuring data
security and privacy is a critical and
multifaceted challenge. Here are key
strategies she advocates:
Encryption: Ayedime emphasizes the
importance of implementing strong
encryption protocols for data both in
transit and at rest to render
unauthorized access unreadable.
Access Control: Strict access controls and
authentication mechanisms are crucial.
Ayedime notes the need to limit access
to sensitive information only to
authorized personnel.
Regular Security Audits and Testing: Regular
audits and vulnerability assessments,
including penetration testing, are vital to
identify and address potential
weaknesses.
Security by Design: Integrating privacy
considerations from the outset involves
assessing the impact on privacy at each
stage of development.
Backup & Recovery: Regularly backing up
data and having disaster recovery plans
minimize data loss in security incidents.
Compliance with Regulations: Ayedime
stresses the importance of staying
informed about and complying with
relevant data protection and privacy
regulations.
Incident Response Plan: Developing and
regularly updating an incident response

16. plan ensures efficient handling of
security incidents.
Continuous Monitoring: Implementing
continuous monitoring systems
enables real-time detection and
response to security threats.
Third-Party Security: Ayedime highlights
the need to ensure third-party
services adhere to stringent security
and privacy standards through regular
audits and assessments.
Unlocking Team Potential
Ayedime underscores the significance
of fostering a culture of curiosity and
continuous learning within a team
having an adaptive mindset to fail
fast, learn and be better is crucial for
staying ahead. Here are tried and
trusted recommendations that have
yielded positive outcomes:
Leadership Focus: Ayedime emphasizes
that leaders must demonstrate a
commitment to learning by
continuously seeking new knowledge
and skills and setting a positive
example for the team.
Encourage Questions: Creating an
environment where team members
feel comfortable asking questions
fosters curiosity, asking questions is a
sign of engagement and a desire to
learn.
Provide Learning Opportunities:
Allocating time and resources for
regular training sessions, workshops
and conferences helps expose the
team to the latest trends and
technologies.
Establish Mentorship Programs: Pairing
experienced team members with
newcomers facilitates valuable
learning experiences and knowledge
transfer within the team.
Acknowledge and Reward Learning:
Recognizing and rewarding team
members for acquiring new skills or
knowledge reinforces a culture of
continuous learning.
Promote Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Encouraging collaboration between
team members with diverse skills
facilitates knowledge sharing and
exposure to different perspectives.
Create a Learning Culture: Ayedime
emphasizes fostering a mindset where
mistakes are viewed as opportunities to
learn and improve rather than as failures.
Utilize Online Learning Platforms:
Leveraging online courses and webinars
provides flexibility and accessibility for
team members to learn at their own
pace.
Support Professional Development Plans:
Working with team members to create
personalized professional development
plans aligns their career goals with
training and learning opportunities.
Encourage Knowledge-Sharing Sessions:
Organizing regular knowledge-sharing
sessions promotes a collaborative
learning environment.
Stay Informed About Industry Trends:
Keeping the team informed about the
latest industry trends ensures they
remain updated on the growing
technology landscape.
Ayedime concludes by noting that
fostering a culture of continuous
learning is an ongoing process that
requires commitment and consistency,
positioning teams to adapt to new
technologies and stay competitive.
The Winning Edge
Ayedime shares her insights
encapsulated in what she calls the ‘7Cs,’
emphasizing the crucial combination of
skills, mindset and strategies for success:
Congruence: “Ensure that my goals match my
actions; where your focus goes, your energy
flows.”
Competence: “Be the best at what you do to
change the narrative. This encompasses technical
expertise, practical experience, problem-solving
skills, and adaptability.”
Curiosity: Stay up to date and keep
learning. Be a lifelong learner, staying
curious about new technologies, trends
and emerging paradigms.
Collaboration: Seek out diverse
perspectives and wisdom from different
backgrounds. Collaborate with
professionals to inject diversity of
thought for richer ideas and insight.
Courage: Face setbacks with adaptability
and build resilience. View challenges as
opportunities for growth.
Consistency: “Be consistent in your personal
brand, building trust, credibility and fostering
reliability over time.”
Capacity: “Build the capability to be versatile,
go beyond your comfort zone and expand your
skills. The future belongs to the multiskilled.”
These nuggets of wisdom, derived from
Ayedime’s experience, offer valuable
guidance for professionals seeking
success and impact in the dynamic
landscape of technology and
innovation. SL
T

17. Leadership
is not about being
the best. It is about
else better.
making everone

18. How
Innovation
Drives Progress
www.thesiliconleaders.com
16

19. Breaking Boundaries
nnovation is the cornerstone of
Iprogress, the engine that propels
societies forward, and the key to
overcoming challenges. From the
invention of the wheel to the advent of
the internet, human history is a
testament to the power of innovation in
shaping our world. But what exactly is
innovation, and how does it drive
progress? Further, we will explore the
intricate relationship between innovation
and progress, examining how
groundbreaking ideas, technologies, and
methodologies break boundaries and
propel humanity toward a brighter
future.
Defining Innovation
At its core, innovation is the process of
creating something new or significantly
improving existing products, services, or
processes. It encompasses a wide range
of activities, from scientific discoveries
and technological advancements to
creative endeavors and organizational
strategies. However, innovation is not
limited to the realm of invention; it also
involves the successful implementation
and adoption of novel ideas, leading to
tangible improvements in various
aspects of life.
The Catalyst of Progress
Innovation serves as the catalyst of
progress by driving economic growth,
fostering social development, and
addressing pressing challenges.
Economically, innovative products and
services create new markets, stimulate
demand, and enhance productivity,
thereby fueling economic expansion and
creating jobs. Socially, innovation
improves the quality of life by providing
access to essential services, promoting
inclusivity, and empowering
marginalized communities. Moreover,
innovation plays a crucial role in
addressing global challenges such as
climate change, healthcare disparities,
and food security through
groundbreaking solutions and
sustainable practices.
| April 2024 |
17

20. Breaking Boundaries
One of the most remarkable aspects of
innovation is its ability to break
boundaries and transcend limitations.
Whether it's pushing the boundaries of
scientific knowledge, challenging
conventional wisdom, or disrupting
established industries, innovative ideas
have the power to reshape the world.
Take, for example, the field of space
exploration, where groundbreaking
innovations have enabled humans to
venture beyond Earth's atmosphere,
expanding our understanding of the
universe and inspiring generations of
dreamers and explorers.
Technological innovation, in particular,
has revolutionized virtually every aspect
of human life, breaking down barriers
and opening up new possibilities. The
internet, for instance, has transformed
communication, commerce, and
education, connecting people across the
globe and democratizing access to
information. Similarly, advancements in
renewable energy technologies are
revolutionizing the way we produce and
consume energy, offering sustainable
alternatives to fossil fuels and mitigating
the impacts of climate change.
Moreover, innovation often thrives at
the intersection of disciplines, where
diverse perspectives and expertise
converge to tackle complex problems.
Interdisciplinary collaboration fosters
creativity, fosters cross-pollination of
ideas, and accelerates the pace of
innovation. For instance, the field of
bioinformatics combines biology,
computer science, and statistics to
analyze and interpret biological data,
leading to groundbreaking discoveries in
genomics, personalized medicine, and
synthetic biology.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its transformative potential,
innovation also presents challenges and
risks that must be addressed.
Technological advancements, for
instance, can exacerbate inequalities,
disrupt traditional industries, and raise
ethical concerns regarding privacy,
security, and autonomy. Moreover, the
rapid pace of innovation may outstrip
regulatory frameworks and societal
norms, posing challenges for
policymakers, businesses, and individuals
alike.
However, these challenges also present
opportunities for innovation to drive
positive change and address pressing
issues. By fostering collaboration,
promoting diversity and inclusion, and
prioritizing ethical considerations, we
can harness the power of innovation to
create a more equitable, sustainable, and
prosperous future for all.
The Role of Education and Research
Education and research play a critical
role in fostering a culture of innovation
and nurturing the next generation of
innovators. By providing students with
opportunities to explore, experiment,
and solve real-world problems,
educators can instill a passion for
learning, creativity, and
entrepreneurship. Likewise, investing in
research and development is essential
for advancing scientific knowledge,
developing cutting-edge technologies,
and tackling grand challenges.
Moreover, fostering a supportive
ecosystem that encourages risk-taking,
collaboration, and knowledge-sharing is
essential for fostering innovation.
Governments, businesses, academia, and
civil society must work together to
create conducive environments that
enable innovators to thrive and bring
their ideas to fruition.
Conclusion
Innovation is the driving force behind
progress, propelling humanity forward
and breaking boundaries in the pursuit
of a better future. By fostering creativity,
collaboration, and inclusivity, we can
harness the power of innovation to
address pressing challenges, drive
economic growth, and improve the
quality of life for people around the
world. As we stand on the cusp of a
new era of innovation, let us embrace
the opportunities it presents and work
together to build a brighter, more
resilient, and sustainable world for
generations to come.
www.thesiliconleaders.com | April 2024 |
18
18

22. A Staunch Leader’s Eternal
Novelties
- by Natasha Makhijani
ADynamic Personality
Natasha Makhijani is the Founder and
CEO of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC.
After graduating with a bachelor’s
degree from City, University of London
and a master’s from DePaul University
in Chicago, she began her recruitment
career on the Graduate Scheme at Hays.
Fast-tracked into management roles, she
achieved four promotions in four years
and took a team from billing £10,000 to
£80,000 a month.
She then moved to Michael Page, where
she worked on a hybrid desk across
permanent and interim senior leadership
roles. She was given responsibility for
growing Michael Page’s Public Sector
division from its offices in London. She
soon became the company’s number one
biller in HR across the UK, but always
wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial
path.
Having already set up executive desks at
both Hays and Michael Page, Natasha
switched her focus to establishing a
business of her own, and in 2011, Oliver
Sanderson was born. What started as
one woman on a laptop in her dining
room has grown into an international
business at the cutting edge of executive
search, working with big clients, winning
awards, and making a difference
internationally!
Oliver Sanderson
Oliver Sanderson is an executive search
firm with a difference, combining
experience and expertise with innovation
and fresh thinking. Their Values of
Honesty, Integrity and Passion are at the
heart of everything they do.
Their aim is to help clients achieve
greatness by attracting, developing and
retaining professionals of the highest
calibre. They ensure that clients
strengthen their organisations by
identifying and recruiting the very best
individuals, as well as supporting their
progression into accomplished leaders.
Oliver Sanderson has built up a strong
track record of senior and C-suite
appointments at FTSE 100, FTSE 250,
and Fortune 500 companies. They offer
end-to-end recruitment and consultancy
solutions, and their team of highly
experienced consultants offer a bespoke
service designed to satisfy all
recruitment and consultancy
requirements. Unlike other recruiters,
they offer a genuinely consultative
service that ensures they listen to the
client’s needs and tailor the search
process accordingly. This ensures that
they can comprehensively search for
candidates that are the best possible fit
for the company and role.
Snapp CV
Oliver Sanderson is a pioneer of digital
innovation in executive search and
recruitment. Natasha is also the co-
founder of Snapp CV, the world’s first
voice-technology-enabled mobile jobs
platform with exclusive Amazon Alexa
integration - if you ask your Alexa
device to “find me a job,” the search will
be powered by Snapp. The platform
recently featured on the Mayor of
London's TechInvest programme; an
initiative delivered in alliance with the
UK Business Angels Association to
showcase London’s most ground-
breaking tech start-up businesses. It also
won Recruitment Technology
Innovation of the Year at the 2022
Recruiter Awards.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As an Asian woman in the recruitment
industry, Natasha has had to be
extremely assertive to get to where she is
today, and it has been far from an easy
ride. Building an inclusive culture has
been pivotal to Oliver Sanderson’s
success, not just for themselves but also
for their clients and candidates.
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20

23. Natasha is passionate about tackling
DE&I challenges with clients, and
ensures it is far more than a box-
ticking exercise. Having built a strong
track record of high-profile
appointments of candidates from
minority backgrounds across a wide
range of industries, more and more
companies are approaching Oliver
Sanderson for help finding top level
candidates who can help them
improve representation in their
organisations. During briefing
meetings, Natasha and her team are
often asked: “how do you ensure a
diverse shortlist?” There are a number
of steps that Oliver Sanderson takes to
provide an industry-leading diversity
shortlisting process for their clients,
including:
- Collaboration with diverse
organisations and networks, such as
BWHR (Black Women in HR) and HR
Girlfriends. These networks and
communities, often anchored and
organised on LinkedIn, provide vital
forums and support networks for
minority candidates.
- The use of gender-neutral language
in all job postings to avoid any gender
bias in the selection process. They also
remove any identifying information
from CVs to ensure that candidates
are selected based on their
qualifications, experience, and skills
rather than their gender, race, or
ethnicity.
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24. I think it is vital to be aware of the
needs of the sector, the job market, and
the requirements of one’s company and
people. I firmly believe that a leader
should have passion, drive, energy,
honesty, integrity, and humour, to name
a few! A leader has to be open-minded
and find solutions through difficult
times. Leaders must be challenged,
actively listen, constantly know that they
are always learning, and be open to
others guiding them. As a business
grows, a leader should be apt at
identifying and cultivating talent; proper
succession planning can lead to great
leaders.
Challenges
The first two years are especially difficult
when starting a new business – you need
to get your systems and processes in
place, build a good team, refine your
market proposition, and begin to
establish a reputation. Each of these
steps is extremely challenging, and
financial pressures can overwhelm some
entrepreneurs at this stage.
Natasha and Oliver Sanderson overcame
these challenges by hiring great
colleagues, focusing on brand building,
and working around the clock on their
first assignments to make the best
possible impression on their early
clients. Several of those early clients
have stayed with them ever since, and
every successful assignment led to
numerous referrals and new business
leads. Things snowballed quickly, but it
was all about making a strong start.
A female leader who has inspired
Natasha
“Marija Simovic is an ambitious and
dynamic COO with Transformation &
Change experience. She was originally a
client of mine, whom I recruited for and
got to know well. She subsequently
became a NED and investor of Oliver
Sanderson. Marija is a corporate
entrepreneur and businesswoman at
heart who has inspired me to believe in
myself and make the impossible
possible. She has stood by me and the
business through good times and bad
times and has encouraged me as an
Asian female leader to become a
thought leader and an example in the
marketplace. Being a head-hunter in
executive search is second nature to me,
but being a business owner and running
a business was and still is my biggest
learning curve. This is where Marija gave
me the strength and insight to think
outside of the box and empowered me
to scale Oliver Sanderson.”
Biggest Achievement
“I am lucky enough to have celebrated a
number of achievements throughout my
business journey. A major highlight has
been watching Oliver Sanderson become
established in the UK and begin to grow
overseas – having set up the company
from my dining-room table, it is so
rewarding to see how far we’ve come!
Other successes include winning exciting
new client relationships with major
businesses like British Airways, Aviva,
and Engie, and winning many different
awards.
Most recently, I was honoured to be
invited to feature in the 2022 Platinum
Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album,
as an organisation with aligned values.
We were selected for “our
transformational contribution” to the
sphere of business. It is one of my
proudest achievements. Being a British
Asian, my life has been shaped by our
Royal Family. In particular, I have always
been inspired by the late Her Majesty
the Queen – her values, her global
presence, her exceptional work ethic,
and the way that she always upheld
service, even in the most challenging
circumstances.”
- Conducting structured interviews with
all candidates to ensure fairness and
minimise any unconscious bias. They
use a standardized set of questions and
assess all candidates on the same criteria,
which helps to objectively evaluate their
qualifications, experience, and skills.
- Providing diversity training to their
team to raise their awareness of
unconscious bias and encourage a more
inclusive workplace culture. Their
recruiters are trained to recognise and
mitigate any potential bias that may
affect the selection process.
- Tracking and monitoring diversity
metrics throughout the recruitment
process to ensure that they are meeting
diversity goals. They measure success by
tracking the percentage of
diverse candidates in their pipeline and
the number of diverse candidates hired.
Advice for Female Entrepreneurs
Being specific with your market
proposition is probably the most
important part of the initial journey as
an entrepreneur. I believe it is essential
to know what your goal is, devise a
strategy and a business plan, and
continuously refer back to it. This way
you never lose focus on what your goal
is and where you want to go.
Throughout your journey always be
open and adaptive to how things can
change. There will be stumbles and
knockdowns, but you can’t let them
define you. What matters is how you get
back up and get back on track.
As a female leader, never be afraid to
speak up in the boardroom and stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with other leaders,
but at the same time, be open to
listening and change. Nobody knows
everything, and there is always room to
learn from others in the industry.
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26. www.thesiliconleaders.com
24
Revolutionizing
Future
Industries
forthe
Digital Transformation

27. | April 2024 |
25
n an era characterized by rapid
Itechnological advancement and
unprecedented connectivity,
industries around the world are
undergoing a profound transformation.
Digital technologies are revolutionizing
traditional business models, reshaping
customer experiences, and driving
innovation across sectors. From
healthcare and finance to manufacturing
and retail, the digital transformation is
unlocking new opportunities, enhancing
efficiency, and fueling economic growth.
The Digital Revolution Unfolds
The digital revolution, fueled by
advancements in computing,
communication, and data analytics, is
reshaping the way businesses operate
and interact with customers. At the heart
of this transformation lies the
proliferation of digital technologies such
as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet
of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and
blockchain. These technologies are
enabling organizations to collect,
analyze, and leverage vast amounts of
data to gain insights, automate
processes, and deliver personalized
experiences at scale.
In the healthcare industry, for example,
digital transformation is driving
improvements in patient care, diagnosis,
and treatment. Telemedicine platforms
allow patients to consult healthcare
providers remotely, reducing the need
for in-person visits and improving
access to care, particularly in
underserved areas. AI-powered
diagnostic tools can analyze medical
images and patient data to assist
clinicians in identifying diseases and
developing personalized treatment plans,
leading to better outcomes and reduced
healthcare costs.
Similarly, in the financial services sector,
digital transformation is revolutionizing

28. the way financial institutions engage
with customers, manage risk, and deliver
products and services. Fintech
companies are leveraging technology to
offer innovative solutions such as digital
payments, peer-to-peer lending, and
robo-advisors, challenging traditional
banks and driving greater competition in
the industry. Blockchain technology,
meanwhile, is transforming the way
financial transactions are conducted,
providing secure, transparent, and
efficient solutions for payments, trade
finance, and asset management.
The Impact Across Industries
The impact of digital transformation
extends beyond healthcare and finance,
permeating virtually every sector of the
economy. In manufacturing, for
instance, the adoption of advanced
robotics, 3D printing, and IoT sensors is
revolutionizing production processes,
enabling greater customization,
flexibility, and efficiency. Smart factories
equipped with connected devices and AI
algorithms can optimize production
schedules, predict equipment failures,
and minimize downtime, leading to
significant cost savings and productivity
gains.
In the retail industry, digital
transformation is reshaping the way
consumers shop and interact with
brands, both online and offline. E-
commerce platforms and mobile apps
provide customers with seamless
shopping experiences, personalized
recommendations, and convenient
delivery options, driving the growth of
online retail sales worldwide. Brick-and-
mortar retailers are also embracing
digital technologies to enhance the in-
store experience, leveraging technologies
such as augmented reality (AR) and
RFID tagging to create immersive
shopping environments and improve
inventory management.
Moreover, the transportation and
logistics industry is undergoing a digital
revolution driven by the rise of on-
demand services, autonomous vehicles,
and predictive analytics. Ride-hailing
apps and food delivery platforms have
transformed urban mobility and last-
mile delivery, offering consumers greater
convenience and flexibility. Meanwhile,
logistics companies are leveraging IoT
sensors and AI algorithms to optimize
supply chain operations, reduce
transportation costs, and improve
delivery accuracy.
Challenges and Opportunities
While digital transformation presents
immense opportunities for businesses to
innovate and grow, it also poses
significant challenges that must be
addressed. One of the key challenges is
the need to adapt to rapid technological
change and embrace a culture of
continuous learning and
experimentation. Organizations must
invest in digital literacy and training
programs to equip employees with the
skills and knowledge needed to thrive in
a digital-first world.
Moreover, cybersecurity remains a
pressing concern as businesses
increasingly rely on digital technologies
to store and process sensitive
information. The proliferation of
connected devices and the growing
threat landscape pose risks such as data
breaches, ransomware attacks, and
intellectual property theft. Organizations
must prioritize cybersecurity measures,
implement robust security protocols,
and foster a culture of vigilance to
protect against cyber threats.
Furthermore, digital transformation
raises ethical and regulatory
considerations regarding data privacy,
algorithmic bias, and the impact of
automation on jobs and society.
Businesses must navigate complex legal
and ethical frameworks, ensure
transparency and accountability in their
use of technology, and proactively
address societal concerns to build trust
and credibility with customers,
regulators, and stakeholders.
Conclusion
Digital transformation is reshaping
industries, driving innovation, and
unlocking new opportunities for growth
and prosperity. From healthcare and
finance to manufacturing and retail,
organizations that embrace digital
technologies stand to gain a competitive
advantage, enhance customer
experiences, and drive operational
efficiencies. However, realizing the full
potential of digital transformation
requires a strategic approach, a
commitment to continuous learning, and
a focus on addressing the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead. By
embracing innovation, fostering
collaboration, and embracing a culture
of agility and adaptability, businesses can
thrive in the digital age and shape the
future of their industries.
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