This edition features The Tech Leaders Envisioning A New World Through Metaverse that are at the forefront of leading us into a digital future
Read More: https://ciolook.com/10-tech-leaders-envisioning-a-new-world-through-metaverse-2023-august2023/
5. Hire
character.
Trainskill.
Abhishek Joshi
AbhishekJoshi
S
taunch leaders with a mindset to innovate adopt a
continuous reflection—that is—these leadership
charismas have an answer to their first question, a
thought of their first idea, and the direction which leads
to the successful execution of the project promptly.
Innovation inherently involves uncertainty and
creativity with a certain mindset that creates a
difference not only in managing the precise operational
process but also ensures that employees are working in
a good work environment.
Moreover, when employees are actively involved in the
project with an approach of giving their best and
noticing new pieces of information that are potentially
important for the project, the process goes like a radar,
endlessly scanning the environment. With the rapid
developments in the ever-evolving business arena,
digitization is spreading its wings in a transformation
that enables augmentation and agility. Comprehending
this scenario, an aspect of a leader is that the person
never shies away from experimenting with things to
figure out the best possible path to achieving their
goals.
Now the advent of technology is providing ease of
access to diverse applications leading to prompt
execution of the project instead of taking a
conventional approach to achieving their shared goals.
It is one of the essential traits of leaders that are
constantly working under pressure; however, it evolves
the process involved in the project execution.
On the other hand, professional development and
constant growth are the only ways for tech leaders to
ensure that things won't get left behind in the fast-
paced environment. These people constantly explore
new methods to enhance and expand their business
skills and their technological comprehension of how
betterments can be leveraged to scale organizational
progress to new heights of success.
CIOLook embraces the journey of the staunch leaders
that are driving exponential progress and augmenting
the modern business arena by leveraging the emerging
trends of technology in its latest edition, "10 Tech
Leaders Envisioning A New World Through
Metaverse, 2023." Flip through the pages and indulge
in the odyssey of excellence that is transforming the
modern business world.
Have a Delightful Read!
7. 20
Shyair Ganglani
Shaping the Future of
Brand Marketing in the Metaverse
Industry Insider
The Emerging Trends in
the Realm of Metaverse
Attributes of Tech-visionaries
Exploring the Approaches of
Innovative Leaders in the Digital Era
A R T I C L E S
C O N T E N T S
16
24
9. Brief
Company Name
Shyair Ganglani
Co-founder & CMVO
Susan Furness
Consultant Metaverse
Strategist
Claire Rutkowski
C-Level Technology
Executive
Oliver von Wolff
Co-founder & CEO
Claire is a C-Level Technology Executive with deep experience
in IT Leadership and delivers creative and cost-effective
solutions that address complex problems and drives business
strategy advancement.
Shyair is a born entrepreneur who lives by the creed; see a
need, fill a need. Starting his first business at just 6 years old,
he has since established and sold 5 highly successful businesses
across various industries.
Susan is passionate about delivering top-quality customer
services and my experience and leadership skills enable me to
develop a customer-centric culture within my teams.
Oliver von Wolff is an experienced Venture Capitalist and
Venture Builder with experience in architecture and
establishing regulated and unregulated investment products.
Amir Husain
Founder & CEO
Amir Husain is the Founder and CEO of SparkCognition and
the founding CEO of SkyGrid. He is the author of the best-
selling book “The Sentient Machine: The Coming Age of
Artificial Intelligence.”
SparkCognition
sparkcognition.com
Bentley Systems
bentley.com
Helion Ventures
helion-ventures.com
Aleš Pevc
Head of Technology
Office and XR lab
visionary
Aleš focuses on XR community building as he firmly believes
in changing the world through Virtual and Augmented Reality.
Technology Park Ljubljana
www.tp-lj.si/sl
Yalla Group
yalla.com
Saifi has emerged as a prominent figure, leading Yalla Group
Ltd to new heights of success with his extensive experience and
expertise in the telecommunications industry.
Cyber Gear
cyber-gear.io
Greg Demchak
Senior Director, Digital
Innovation Lab
Greg Demchak is a highly creative visionary with a passion for
creating industry-changing solutions to challenging problems
and continues to work extensively to craft game-changing
digital platforms for the architecture, construction and
operations industry.
Bentley Systems
bentley.com
Metacom
metacom.sg
Danfoss Drives
danfoss.com
Janne is passionately delivering new achievements in motor-
driven applications and electrification and is interested in
learning, innovation and strategies.
Janne Kuivalainen
CTO & Head of
Technology
Saurabh Prakash
Group Senior
Vice President
Saurabh is a senior strategy leader with more than two decades
of successful career with leading hospitality organisations such
as Marriott International, TSA Solutions,Radisson Hotel Group
and Millennium Hotels & Resorts.
Featured Person
Saifi Ismail
President
Millennium Hotels and
Resorts
millenniumhotels.com
10. Shaping the Future of Hospitality with Commercial
and Digital Transforma on
Saurabh Prakash, a firm believer
in the 80/20 approach, understands
the importance of iden fying the most
produc ve factors and making them
the top priority. In his business
endeavors, Saurabh recognizes that
the key priori es revolve around
customers and employees.
Cover Story
Saurabh Prakash
from
Millennium Hotels & Resorts
11. M Social Decentraland with Singapore
Merlion's 50th Anniversary marking the
partnership with Singapore Tourism Board
and MHR.
12. W
ith a relentless passion for innovation and
an unwavering commitment to driving
growth, Saurabh Prakash has emerged as a
leading force in the realm of commercial and digital
transformation within the hospitality industry. As the
Group Senior Vice President at Millennium Hotels and
Resorts, Saurabh brings a wealth of expertise and a
visionary mindset to reshape the landscape of the
global hospitality sector.
Saurabh's journey into the business world began with a
firm belief in the transformative power of technology.
Armed with a solid educational foundation in digital
technology & marketing from a prestigious institution,
he embarked on a professional path that seamlessly
merged his technological acumen with a deep
understanding of business dynamics. This unique blend
of skills allowed Saurabh to drive digital innovation in
each of his endeavors consistently.
At Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Saurabh spearheads
the Commercial and Digital Transformation division,
empowering the organization to stay ahead of the
curve in an increasingly digital world. Leveraging
cutting-edge technologies and data-driven insights,
Saurabh crafts strategic initiatives that enhance
customer experiences, optimize operations, and unlock
new avenues for revenue generation. By seamlessly
integrating digital solutions into every facet of the
business, he propels Millennium Hotels and Resorts to
the forefront of the industry.
Leading by Choices
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) is a nimble and
solution-driven organization with an innovative and
entrepreneurial spirit built into its DNA. This culture is
what makes MHR unique and stand out from the rest of
its competitors. It resonates with Saurabh and incites
his motivation.
Saurabh Prakash, a firm believer in the 80/20 approach,
understands the importance of identifying the most
productive factors and making them the top priority. In
his business endeavors, Saurabh recognizes that the
key priorities revolve around customers and
employees. By emphasizing these essential elements,
he ensures that all areas impacting the organization
and its stakeholders are given attention.
Saurabh's customer-centric approach drives his
decision-making process. He understands customer
satisfaction is paramount, and their needs and
preferences should guide the organization's actions. By
leveraging the latest digital technology, Saurabh strives
to enhance customer experiences, simultaneously
driving satisfaction levels and boosting productivity.
Through the implementation of cutting-edge digital
solutions, he ensures that MHR stays ahead of the
curve, providing guests with the best offers in their
desired locations worldwide.
Equally vital to Saurabh is his focus on the company's
workforce. Recognizing that dedicated and motivated
employees are crucial to the success of any
organization, he prioritizes initiatives that empower
and engage the workforce. By creating a positive work
environment, fostering professional growth
opportunities, and nurturing a sense of purpose,
Saurabh ensures that his team remains committed and
passionate about delivering exceptional service.
Saurabh's approach of prioritizing factors that
positively impact customers and employees resonates
13. throughout the organization. It permeates all aspects of
the business, from developing innovative digital
technologies to crafting effective go-to-market
strategies.
Ultimately, Saurabh's focus on prioritization creates a
virtuous cycle. By consistently identifying and
addressing the most productive factors, he fosters a
culture of continuous improvement within Millennium
Hotels and Resorts. This approach leads to happy
customers who receive exceptional service and
offerings, and cultivates a dedicated workforce that is
passionate about contributing to the company's
success. It is through this process that all stakeholders
including customers and employees thrive in an
optimized business environment.
MHR has an exci ng
suite of new tech developments
in the pipeline as part of its
3- year digital roadmap.
M Social Paris Opera
M Social Decentraland - MHR becomes the first
international hotel chain in the world to launch
in Decentraland, Metaverse.
Millennium Hotels & Resorts (MHR) & Singapore
Tourism Board (STB) launches joint campaign to
celebrate Merlion's 50th Birthday at M Social
Decentraland.
14. Leading from the Forefront
MHR is at the forefront of embracing new and
innovative technologies. The year 2022 was a
significant milestone where MHR became the first
international hotel chain to enter the metaverse, an
unchartered territory for many companies, and
launched its first virtual hotel, M Social Decentraland.
In the same year, MHR partnered with Singapore
Tourism Board and launched a one-of-its-kind joint
campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary of
Singapore's national monument, the Merlion. MHR's
team built this campaign as a virtual game adventure
that enabled players to create and use their avatars to
enter M Social Decentraland and explore Singapore
while searching for clues to find the 'lost' Merlion in the
metaverse.
The campaign generated over $500,000 worth of
advertising mileage and revenue as it was tied to a
staycation package at its physical hotel, M Social
Singapore. As a result, M Social Singapore doubled its
brand revenues in December of 2022, compared to pre-
pandemic levels of December 2019. The ROI from the
campaign was 12X. This shows the nimble and
innovative nature of the MHR organization.
Overcoming Hurdles
Like many in the hospitality industry, MHR's key
challenges are rising energy and labor costs. To manage
these challenges, MHR deployed innovative digital
technologies like 'Smart Rooms" in its hotels, such as
Grand Copthorne Singapore Waterfront, that
automatically control room temperature when the
guest is not in the room. This saves energy costs and
reduces wastage by up to 20%.
On the other hand, the use of robots in crucial areas
such as front desk (service robots), housekeeping
(cleaning robots), and food & beverage (food delivery
and clearance robots) help to address acute labor costs.
Tech Forward
Saurabh states that the crucial role of technology is to
enhance customers' experience and increase our
employees' productivity. He says, "For example, MHR
introduced service and cleaning robots to deliver room
service, floor-cleaning, and assist as ushers for dish
clearance after meal service. Our customers have positive
feedback as it provides efficient and quick service. The
robots also freed up employees to do other duties while
helping them complete their work faster."
Executing Marketing Campaigns
A successful campaign begins with keeping the
customer focus in mind. MHR uses this customer-
centric approach to develop its marketing campaigns.
MHR's global loyalty program, My Millennium, has over
3.7 million members worldwide. More than 80% of
bookings through the MHR website via the Brand.com
channel are made by My Millennium members,
reflecting the success of its marketing campaigns that
resonated well with its loyal customers.
Saurabh expresses, "A recent campaign launched is the
"My Millennium Winning Wheel," which allows members to
spin for rewards like room upgrades, dining, free stays, and
other surprises when booking a hotel reservation via our
website. This is just one of the creative ways we give our
guests another reason to choose our website as their
preferred booking channel, while making it fun for them
when they book their stay."
15. Deliver Memorable Experiences
MHR is a nimble, solution-oriented organization poised
to create growth and transformation through its
entrepreneurial culture. Its purpose is to deliver
memorable guest experiences while purposefully
protecting the environment. The hotels actively
participate in local communities and provide care and
employment opportunities, sustainability initiatives,
and deliver results for its shareholders and owners
through exemplary service and digital transformation
strategy.
Millennium Hotels and Resorts
(MHR) became the first
interna onal hotel chain to
enter the metaverse... and
launched our first virtual hotel,
M Social Decentraland.
M Social Singapore
Grand Copthorne Waterfront, Singapore newly
renovated rooms making it one of the first hotels in
the country to have environmentally friendly water
dispensers in-room as well as smart room technology
like remote sensors for energy management.
MHR becomes one of the first chains to deploy
gamification rewards through their brand channel –
millenniumhotels.com by deploying the 'Spin & Win'
enhancement.
16. Revenue Management Strategy
MHR uses state-of-the-art revenue management
systems with the Idea Generation 3 model.
This is powered by AI-based machine learning and
helps manage demand and pricing across the group.
MHR is a pioneer in the space of global remote revenue
management excellence. "We have the best-in-class
revenue managers powering MHR's revenue management
discipline across the globe in various time zones.
With MHR's entrepreneurial and nimble approach, MHR's
revenue management center of excellence has grown. It
provides the flexibility of remote work while adding
continuous value to our hotels," says Saurabh.
MHR's people are key enablers of its journey in tech
transformation. As tech transforms job tasks and
responsibilities, employees need to be equipped with
the necessary skills to drive transformation activities.
Significant investments are therefore made to
strengthen staff capability by retraining and upskilling
them for their new and redesigned roles.
Solution Oriented Approach
MHR has a pragmatic vision of being solution driven. It
always tries to find and experiment with new
technologies and measure their impact. When a new
technology does not provide the desired outcome,
MHR quickly moves forward and sources the next
solution. Incremental revenue, profit, customer
satisfaction, and employee engagement are some
metrics that MHR uses to measure effectiveness.
Heading into the Future
MHR has an exciting suite of new tech developments in
the pipeline as part of its 3- year digital roadmap. Some
areas being deployed this year are robotics, digital
personalization and gearing up for a cookie-less
environment, a Salesforce-powered Amadeus Sales
System, a cloud-based upgrade of its property
management system, guest in-room voice technology,
and continuing development of the metaverse space."
MHR is at the forefront of
embracing new and innova ve
technologies.
Saurabh Prakash
Group Senior Vice President
Millennium Hotels and Resorts
19. T
he concept of the metaverse, a virtual universe
comprised of interconnected digital spaces, has
rapidly evolved from science fiction to a tangible
reality. As technology advances, so does our ability to
create and explore expansive virtual realms. This article
delves into the emerging trends within the metaverse,
highlighting how they are shaping various aspects of our
lives, from entertainment and social interaction to
business and education.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Integration
One of the most significant trends in the metaverse is the
seamless integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented
reality (AR). VR immerses users in entirely virtual
environments, while AR overlays digital elements onto the
real world. The metaverse combines these technologies to
create shared digital spaces that coexist with our physical
reality. This integration enhances experiences such as
gaming, shopping, and remote collaboration, blurring the
lines between the digital and physical realms.
Economy and Cryptocurrencies
The metaverse is giving rise to a new digital economy,
where virtual goods and services hold tangible value.
Blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
play a crucial role in this trend. NFTs enable the ownership
of unique digital assets, such as virtual real estate, digital
art, and in-game items. As metaverse platforms become
more sophisticated, users can buy, sell, and trade these
assets, creating new economic opportunities and
challenges.
Social Metaverse and Digital Identity
Social interaction within the metaverse is transforming
the way we connect with others. Users can engage in
virtual gatherings, attend concerts, participate in
conferences, and even create their own digital personas.
This trend raises questions about digital identity, privacy,
and the authenticity of online interactions. As more of our
social lives transition into the metaverse, these
considerations become increasingly relevant.
Entertainment and Media
Entertainment is undergoing a metamorphosis within the
metaverse. Virtual concerts, film screenings, and
interactive storytelling are becoming commonplace.
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Content creators are exploring innovative ways to
engage audiences through immersive experiences.
Moreover, the metaverse challenges traditional notions
of intellectual property and copyright, sparking
discussions about how artists are compensated in this
new landscape.
Education and Professional Development
The metaverse has the potential to revolutionize
education and professional development. Virtual
classrooms and training environments offer immersive
learning experiences that transcend geographical
limitations. Students can interact with historical figures,
explore distant planets, or dissect complex molecular
structures in ways previously unimaginable.
Corporations are also leveraging the metaverse for
employee training, team collaboration, and simulated
work environments.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
As the metaverse expands, so do its environmental and
ethical implications. The energy consumption of data
centers that support virtual worlds, the disposal of
outdated hardware, and the potential for addictive
behaviors all warrant careful examination. Striking a
balance between technological innovation and
sustainable, responsible usage will be crucial in shaping
the metaverse's long-term impact.
Healthcare and Therapy Applications
The metaverse is making waves in the field of
healthcare and therapy. Virtual reality environments
are being used for pain management, exposure therapy
for phobias, and even cognitive rehabilitation. Patients
can undergo treatments in immersive settings that
distract them from pain or provide controlled exposure
to triggers. Mental health support groups and therapy
sessions are also being conducted in virtual spaces,
offering anonymity and accessibility to those in need.
Remote Work and Collaboration
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of
remote work and virtual collaboration tools. The
metaverse takes this trend a step further by providing
interactive and immersive platforms for teamwork,
meetings, and presentations. Virtual offices allow
colleagues to collaborate regardless of their physical
locations, and companies are experimenting with
creative ways to replicate the spontaneity and
camaraderie of in-person interactions within virtual
environments.
Political and Societal Interactions
The metaverse has the potential to reshape political
engagement and societal interactions. Virtual town
halls, debates, and rallies could become commonplace,
offering politicians and citizens new avenues for
engagement. However, this trend also brings forth
questions about the authenticity of information and the
potential for manipulation within digital spaces.
Striking a balance between open discourse and
responsible information sharing will be vital.
Ethnicity, Identity and Inclusivity
As the metaverse becomes an extension of our
identities, it raises questions about representation,
diversity, and inclusivity. How do virtual spaces
accommodate different cultural norms and expressions
of identity? Ensuring that the metaverse respects and
reflects the richness of human diversity will be a
challenge that requires both technological innovation
and cultural sensitivity.
The Route Towards Future
The metaverse is not a distant vision of the future—it's
rapidly becoming an integral part of our digital
landscape. The trends mentioned above are just a
glimpse into the myriad ways the metaverse is
transforming industries and human experiences. As
technology continues to advance, society will grapple
with challenges and opportunities that require
thoughtful consideration to ensure that the metaverse
becomes a space that enriches, connects, and
empowers us all.
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27. n today's rapidly evolving digital landscape,
Iinnovation is not just a buzzword but a crucial factor
for the success of any organization. The digital era
has brought about unprecedented challenges and
opportunities, demanding leaders to adopt innovative
approaches to stay competitive. Innovative leaders are
those who not only embrace change but also drive it,
transforming their organizations and industries. This
article delves into the approaches of innovative leaders
in navigating the complexities of the digital era.
Visionary Thinking
Innovative leaders possess a forward-thinking mindset.
They anticipate future trends, disruptions, and
customer needs. By envisioning how the digital
landscape might evolve, they make strategic decisions
that position their organizations at the forefront. These
leaders not only react to changes but actively shape
them, driving innovation through their ability to
imagine and articulate a compelling future.
Agile and Adaptive Strategies
The digital era is characterized by its dynamic nature.
Innovative leaders understand that rigid, traditional
strategies may no longer be effective. They embrace
agile methodologies, allowing them to quickly respond
to changes, experiment with new ideas, and adjust their
course as needed. This adaptability enables them to
seize emerging opportunities and navigate unexpected
challenges effectively.
Embracing Technology and Data
Innovative leaders have a deep appreciation for
technology's transformative power. They don't just
adopt technology for the sake of it; they leverage it to
create new value for their organizations. These leaders
harness the potential of data analytics, artificial
intelligence, automation, and other digital tools to make
informed decisions, streamline processes, and enhance
customer experiences.
Cultivating a Culture of Innovation
One of the defining traits of innovative leaders is their
ability to foster a culture of innovation within their
organizations. They create an environment where
creativity is encouraged, risk-taking is rewarded, and
failure is seen as a learning opportunity. By
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28. empowering their teams to think outside the box and
explore new ideas, they ensure a steady flow of
innovative solutions.
Customer-Centric Focus
Digital transformation has shifted the power to
customers. Innovative leaders recognize this shift and
prioritize delivering exceptional customer experiences.
They actively listen to customer feedback, analyze data
to understand preferences, and develop products and
services that meet evolving demands. This customer-
centric approach not only drives innovation but also
builds long-lasting relationships.
Collaboration and Ecosystem Building
In the interconnected digital landscape, collaboration is
key. Innovative leaders understand the value of
partnerships and ecosystem building. They collaborate
with startups, industry experts, and other organizations
to pool resources, share knowledge, and co-create
innovative solutions that have a broader impact.
Continuous Learning and Personal Growth
The digital era is marked by rapid changes, requiring
leaders to be continuous learners. Innovative leaders
are dedicated to expanding their knowledge and skills,
staying updated on industry trends, emerging
technologies, and best practices. This commitment to
personal growth enables them to lead with authority
and adapt effectively to new challenges.
Ethical and Sustainable Innovation
Innovative leaders recognize that their actions have
far-reaching consequences. They approach innovation
with an ethical and sustainable mindset, considering
the social and environmental impact of their decisions.
By integrating ethical considerations into their
innovation strategies, they contribute to a better future
for both their organizations and society at large.
Risk Management and Tolerance
Innovative leaders understand that innovation often
involves calculated risks. They are willing to take bold
steps and challenge the status quo, even if it means
encountering failures along the way. These leaders
possess a high tolerance for risk and view setbacks as
opportunities for growth. Their ability to manage risks
effectively while maintaining a clear vision sets them
apart as trailblazers in the digital era.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
In the digital age, data is abundant and invaluable.
Innovative leaders leverage data-driven insights to
make informed decisions. They gather and analyze data
from various sources to identify trends, understand
customer behavior, and uncover opportunities for
innovation. By relying on data rather than intuition
alone, they increase the precision and impact of their
strategic choices.
Innovation as a Mindset, not a Department
While some organizations assign innovation to specific
departments, innovative leaders embed it as a mindset
across the entire organization. They believe that
innovation is everyone's responsibility, encouraging
employees at all levels to contribute their ideas and
insights. This inclusive approach taps into the diverse
perspectives within the organization and leads to a
continuous flow of innovative concepts.
Rapid Prototyping and Iteration
Innovative leaders embrace the concept of rapid
prototyping and iteration. They understand that the
first version of a product or solution doesn't need to be
perfect; it needs to be launched quickly to gather
feedback. They encourage their teams to create
prototypes, gather user input, and iterate based on
real-world testing. This approach accelerates the
innovation process and results in solutions that better
align with user needs.
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