This edition features a handful of Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in April 2023 across several sectors that are at the forefront of leading us into a digital future.
5. W
omen leaders possess a range of traits that
set them apart and enable them to achieve
great success. Inspiring women leaders have
a clear vision of what they want to achieve and are able
to communicate that vision effectively to their team
and stakeholders.
These women are highly determined and persistent,
willing to overcome obstacles and challenges to achieve
their goals. Inspiring women leaders are able to bounce
back from setbacks and failures, using them as learning
opportunities to grow and improve. Women leaders
often possess a high level of emotional intelligence and
are able to connect with their team and stakeholders on
a deeper level.
These women understand the importance of
collaboration and teamwork and are skilled at building
strong relationships and partnerships. Inspiring women
leaders are authentic and true to themselves, building
trust and respect with their team and stakeholders.
Women leaders are often pioneers in their field, willing
to take risks and blaze new trails in the face of
adversity. These starlets are often highly innovative
and creative, constantly pushing the boundaries and
finding new and better ways to do things.
Inspiring women leaders are strategic thinkers, able to
see the big picture and develop plans to achieve their
goals. Inspiring women leaders are adaptable, able to
pivot and change direction quickly when needed and
thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
These are just some of the many traits that are
commonly associated with inspiring women leaders.
While no two women are exactly alike, these traits
provide a framework for understanding what sets
successful women leaders apart and what it takes to
achieve great things in a leadership role.
Women have made incredible strides in leadership over
the past few decades, breaking down barriers and
shattering glass ceilings in traditionally male-
dominated industries. However, there is still much work
to be done to achieve gender equality in leadership
positions, and it is crucial to continue to celebrate and
support the women who are paving the way.
Through the latest edition, entitled “Top 10 Inspiring
Women Leaders to Follow in 2023,” The Business Berg
highlights some of the most inspiring women leaders in
a range of industries in the dynamic business arena.
These women have overcome obstacles and challenges
to achieve incredible success, and they serve as role
models for future generations of female leaders.
It is essential to recognize and elevate the
accomplishments of women leaders to inspire and
motivate other women to pursue leadership positions
and continue to push for progress and equality. By
showcasing the achievements of these remarkable
women, we hope to encourage more women to take on
leadership roles and help to create a more diverse and
inclusive future for all.
Flip through the pages and have a delightful read!
Abhishek Joshi
AbhishekJoshi
W
6. Ellen Voie
Exhibi ng Sheer Excellence
Nermine Khouzam Rubin
Cra ing Perpetual Be erments
CONTENTS
16
24
32
20
28
Understanding the Diverse Leadership
Approaches in the Dynamic Business Arena
Exploring the Different Approaches
to Transforma ve Leadership
Leadership Talks
Facets of Leadership
Articles
Tania Amar
Spotligh ng the Journey of Excellence
9. Brief
Company
Women In Trucking
littlewins.com
Joelle Edwards-Tonks
Chief Sales and
Marketing Officer
Paramount Hotel Dubai
paramounthotelsdubai.com
Nermine Khouzam Rubin
Founder & CEO
Sally Acton
Chief Executive Officer
Infinity Concepts
infiniconcepts.com
Water 4 Mercy
water4mercy.org
Tania Amar
Founder & CEO
CXP Consulting
cxpconsulting.com
Claire Miller
Marketing Director
Inna Gernega
Director Marketing
& Communications
María Ollero Sunyer
Marketing Director
Ellen Voie
CEO
Rachael Ayo-Oladejo
Executive Head:
Strategy & Performance,
Consumer Business Unit
Torque Solutions
torque.pro
Sunlife
sunlife.com
Maria has hands-on experience in managing teams, content
management, data-driven thinking and has strong analytical
skills.
Nermine is the Founder & CEO of Water 4 Mercy; an
organization that aims to uphold human dignity by eradicating
thirst, hunger and poverty in Africa.
Vodacom
vodacom.co.za
Rachael Ayo-Oladejo is strategy, business transformation,
delivery Excellence, business performance, and Certified
Executive Coach.
Sally is enabling people leaders to optimise the Employee
Experience through the 4-EX Formula with Torque Solutions.
Tania aims to build a creative and impactful storytelling for
tech companies, from the perspective of the outstanding
customer experience that they generate.
Featuring
Ellen Voie was honored as a Champion of Change for her time
and effort developing innovative ways to help grow and expand
the transportation industry.
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry,
successfully evaluating marketing strategies, and aligning with
organizations, Joelle Edwards-Tonks is known for building
brand awareness.
Lexis Serot
Founder and CEO
LittleWins
littlewins.com
Lexis created LittleWins to build a community for support and
sharing equipment among families, caregivers and therapists of
children with disabilities.
Claire is an experienced Marketing Director with a history of
working in the building materials industry.
Inna likes to explore the new potential and consider how to
elevate the market by setting new standards.
Adey
adey.com
10. Lexis
Serot
Lexis
Serot
Helping Communities to Thrive
C o v e r S t o r y
We’re not a company
focused on the bottom-line.
We measure our success
based on our user
satisfaction and the
feedback we get from the
people that have benefited
from LittleWins.
We’re not a company
focused on the bottom-line.
We measure our success
based on our user
satisfaction and the
feedback we get from the
people that have benefited
from LittleWins.
12. L
exis Serot, a proud humanitarian, founded LittleWins,
after her daughter—post birth— was diagnosed with
cerebral palsy. When her daughter was undergoing
treatments, Lexis spent five years navigating a
frustratingly complex healthcare system while
familiarizing herself with the many forms of care,
therapies, and equipment that could help her daughter
reach her fullest potential. More often than not, she felt
isolated and alone.
To address the above problems of the healthcare
system, Lexis started LittleWins, an online community
dedicated to connecting “people” with disabilities to
search, buy, sell, and donate durable medical
equipment. It is a community built for supporting and
sharing equipment among families, caregivers, and
therapists of “people” with disabilities.
It is Lexis’ belief that access to proper medical
equipment and care should be simple. Therefore,
LittleWins fosters a supportive environment for anyone
who deserves help while suffering from disabilities and
empower them with the tools they need to thrive.
LittleWins was awarded for being one of the best
companies by health 2.0 conf. Dubai in 2022 and was
listed in the IFAH’s Top 100 Healthcare Visionaries and
Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas in 2021 & 2022.
In an exclusive interview with The Business Berg, Lexis
Serot shares her struggles and the innovations she
came up with to overcome them.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Please enlighten our readers about LitteWins
highlighting its significance in the community.
LittleWins is a community marketplace where members
can donate or sell their used medical equipment. We
started LittleWins because there was no real
community for people in need of affordable medical
equipment. I talked to so many people. I shared my
story, and they shared their story with me, and I saw so
much commonality between our stories. People wanted
so badly to open up and connect with someone who
shared their experience, but they were hesitant. We are
a marketplace, yes, but more than that, we are the place
where people can go to be seen, heard, and helped.
Tell us about you and shed some light on your
professional tenure in the industry.
My tenure in this industry is comparatively short, but
that’s what makes me so effective as an innovator. It is
because I have a fresh perspective on an industry that
has long been set in its ways. LittleWin’s success comes
from being able to approach industry problems with an
outsider’s objectivity and unconventionality. While I am
an elaborate thinker, I am able to identify simple and
effective solutions to problems. I am constantly
working on bridging the gaps in the processes and help
in all ways that I can.
13. What inspired you to establish a medical equipment
company in the modern industry?
My professional career in the industry began out of
necessity, not a choice. When my daughter was
diagnosed with cerebral palsy, I knew there had to be a
better way. I couldn't believe how little advice was
given to anyone facing such a difficult challenge. I knew
I couldn't be alone in this, so I started reaching out to
others who were in the same situation.
I sought clarification and information by asking
questions, and I soon concluded that everyone
appeared to be experiencing the same things. When my
focus was on people with disabilities specifically, when
she began interviewing people, she became aware that
there were three main commonalities in the issues
people were having: either they had something they no
longer needed, or they needed something, but it wasn’t
enough to solve the problems.
What shocked me the most was that regardless of their
socioeconomic status, access to care and equipment, or
even diagnoses people felt alone, isolated, and
occasionally even depressed. These realizations served
as my impetus for starting LittleWins.
Tell us about the services that LittleWins provides to
its users.
LittleWins is a community marketplace where users can
donate or sell their used medical equipment directly to
each other. Additionally, users can connect and support
each other through the sharing of ideas and solutions.
It’s extremely easy to use.
Anyone who has the equipment they no longer need
and want to donate needs only go to the website, give
some quick information on whatever equipment they
are trying to donate and sell, and then post. Soon
enough, people who need that item in the community
will reach out.
There is something wonderful about the directness of
the service LittleWins provides. With LittleWins, you
know exactly who you are helping. Additionally, users
have the option to message each other about posted
items and even just ask questions and get help from
other people with shared experiences. LittleWins is a
community and an ideal that strives to constantly
better itself and adapts to the needs of its users.
What were the initial challenges that your company
had to overcome, and what are the challenges now?
When trying to disrupt an industry so large and set in
its ways, you’re undoubtedly going to be met with
friction. Our initial challenge was tuning out the
naysayers and staying true to our mission. All of that
became much easier when we saw how much of a need
there actually was for the service we provided.
Like any fast-growing company, proper scaling was very
important. Each new level of growth brought with it
new obstacles that needed to be navigated. And while
these were all good problems to have, our team’s ability
to adapt and be dynamic was essential to our survival in
the early days.
Another obstacle we faced while expanding was hiring
the right personnel. We weren’t necessarily looking for
the most efficient workers or the ones most qualified
on paper, but rather the people who understood what
we were trying to do and WHY we were trying to do it.
Synergy is essential for any business, and finding highly
motivated people for the job is more than just a nice-
looking resume.
Users have the option
to message each other, ask
questions, and get help from
other people with shared
experiences. LittleWins is a
community and an ideal, one that
strives to constantly better
itself and adapt to the needs
of its users.
Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2023
14. Under your staunch leadership, what is the vision and
mission of LittleWins in the ever-evolving medical
industry?
Our mission has always been a simple one: to help
people. The unfortunate reality of the medical device
industry is that it’s expensive, and it’s easy for anyone
to feel alone and helpless.
In no world should someone not be able to experience a
basic quality of life simply because they cannot afford
to. That’s why this community we’re creating is so
important. The entire past, present, and future of our
company is not what we offer but why we offer it.
When you look at it like that, it opens up endless
possibilities for LittleWins and what we can and will do.
Beyond medical equipment, there is so much more that
can be done to improve the lives of people with
disabilities. So, you can expect exciting things from us in
the upcoming years, and we will never stop working to
achieve our mission, which can never be achieved
completely.
What are the necessary factors and aspects in the
medical equipment industry, and how does LittleWins
stand out as one of the leading companies in the
industry?
As with all industries, profit is a priority. This isn’t to say
that innovation isn’t high on the list or that
manufacturers aren’t interested in making the best
possible product, only that not everyone can afford
access to these innovations. We aren’t here to undercut
prices or even compete against medical device
manufacturers. We’re simply creating a forum where
used products can be donated or sold at a cheaper price
to allow people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to
have access to them.
That being said, we’re not a company focused on the
bottom line. We measure our success based on our user
satisfaction and the feedback we get from the people
that have benefited from LittleWins. Like all companies
in our space, we are always looking to satisfy the needs
of present and future users. The industry is constantly
changing, and being able to adapt to those needs is
paramount.
Can you tell us about your leadership style and the
approach you take to solve unforeseen challenges at
the workplace?
Choosing the right personnel is essential to our success
as a company. We ask very specific questions to anyone
we interview to make sure their head (and their heart)
are in the right place before they join our family. We say
family because, in a lot of ways, that’s what we are.
Synergy is huge at LittleWins, and when everyone can
think like a team, there is no challenge we can’t
overcome. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.
Like we’ve said earlier, our space is constantly changing
and innovating, and I want my people not only to be
able to adapt but also to be at the forefront of those
innovations, specifically regarding accessibility. I want
everyone who works at LittleWins to constantly keep
an open mind. I want them to see from multiple
perspectives and be empathetic. It’s important that my
team understands that what we are doing is bigger than
a single person or making a few dollars. We are making
an important change.
In no world should someone
not be able to experience a basic
quality of life simply because they
cannot afford to. LittleWins is a
community where people can
donate or sell second hand
medical products so that people
from all socioeconomic
backgrounds can have
access to them.
15. Share your valuable opinions on how advanced
automated technology is reshaping the medical
equipment industry and how LittleWins is leveraging
these technologies to enhance its service and
operations.
Assistive technology devices, specifically eye-tracking
technologies, are creating exciting new paths forward
in accessibility. Giving someone a voice is something so
intrinsic and profound. We consider the engineers of
these technologies as first responders.
Now, during emergencies, people who previously had
no voice can now be heard. It’s funny, this is another
bare necessity that most people take for granted in
their everyday life, but so many people don’t have
access to it. Imagine not being able to understand your
child; imagine needing something so badly and so
clearly, but not being able to be understood. Eye-
tracking technologies are so vital and should be a
primary focus in assistive technology devices.
What do you think had the biggest impact on your
career? What do you want to do in the future?
The interviews I had with people during the conceptual
stages of LittleWins definitely had the biggest impact
on my career. The dialogue we created with those who
shared our experiences became a catalyst for the
progress we would eventually make and a confirmation
that what we were doing was important. I realized that
people wanted to share their stories and they wanted
to ask for help, but they were scared. They were
hesitant to appear lost or alone, but when I shared my
own similar feelings, they were much more willing.
I found a solution to the problem that I had by finding
commonalities between the people I talked to and
telling them about my story and my hurt, and opening
up the door to them to let them know that it’s okay to
talk. I think about each field that we’re in and how much
of someone’s story we actually get when we’re
interacting with them, doctor or patient. I had an
epiphany that people have a fundamental need for
community, and when it comes to healthcare, it’s no
different. I will never forget the feeling I got when we
started getting feedback from our first users.
What would you like to advise the budding aspirants
who are thinking of venturing into this industry?
It’s a daunting industry, especially if you’re trying to
disrupt it, but do not be discouraged. Believe in your
concept, and don’t listen to outside naysayers. I had so
many doubts when I started, but I soon realized that a
lot of the doubt was brought on by surrounding voices
and not my inner one. This is an industry with plenty of
room for change and improvement, and people are
hesitant to make waves, but it’s time that the smaller
voices are heard. Your idea might be a game-changer, so
stick with it.
How do you envision LittleWins eventually, and how
do you plan to advance its operations and services
concerning its future goals?
We have a lot of exciting plans for LittleWins, including
expanding into accessible transportation and creating
braille labels. The possibilities for growth and
innovation are endless, and wherever we see
discrepancies or opportunities for improvement in
some facet of our society, we will rise to the occasion to
remedy it. In the meantime, we will keep growing our
community and raising awareness for the issues that
matter to us. Our advancement and innovation stem
from why we do and not what we do.
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18. Ellen Voie
Exhibiting Sheer Excellence
W
hile more and more women are finding
careers in male-dominated sectors, that
wasn’t the case in the seventies, which Ellen
Voie experienced as a Baby Boomer. Girls were
expected to learn how to cook and clean by taking
home economics courses, while boys learned how to
weld, do woodworking, and understand engines in
industrial arts classes.
Ellen was drawn to the activities often enjoyed by boys,
so she asked if she could take the shop classes instead.
During the Title IX era, schools were required to offer
girls the same opportunities as boys, so Ellen was
allowed to learn how to weld and service motor and
craft items like bookshelves and gun racks (for her dad).
This started Ellen’s lifelong interest in traditionally
male-oriented endeavours. She initially went to school
for broadcast journalism but returned home after
working at a radio station as a disc jockey.
Ellen’s mother had gotten ill with ALS, so she found a
job nearby at a steel fabricating plant, working as a
drafter. Ellen was designing material handling
equipment, such as racks, pallets, and shelving. After
her mom passed away, she was offered a role in the
shipping department.
Ellen started out as the Assistant Traffic Manager, but
after earning a diploma in Traffic & Transportation
Management in 1980, she was promoted to the
position of Traffic Manager. Ellen was responsible for all
outbound material handling equipment and inbound
raw steel products.
Since she was still very young for this position (age 20),
she experienced apprehension from the carriers calling
on her, as they didn’t believe she was capable of the
position at such an early age. Ellen proved them wrong
and went on to enjoy a protracted career (44 years) in
the trucking industry. After starting her family, Ellen
worked as a freelance consultant to trucking companies
in central Wisconsin, keeping the carriers, trucks, and
drivers in compliance with state and federal
regulations.
In 2000, Ellen became the Executive Director of
Trucker Buddy International, a non-profit organization
that matches professional drivers with elementary
classrooms to exchange letters and postcards each
month.
In 2006, she was hired by a large midwestern carrier as
the Manager of Recruiting and Retention Programs,
where she worked to create corporate level initiatives
to attract and retain non-traditional groups, such as
women.
During that time, she was working toward her private
pilot’s license and belonged to a women’s aviation
The Women In Trucking
Association's mission is to
encourage women's
employment in the trucking
industry, address obstacles that
might keep women from
succeeding, and celebrate the
success of our members.
“ “
| April 2023 www.thebusinessberg.com
16
19. | April 2023 www.thebusinessberg.com
17
Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2023
Ellen Voie
CEO
20. association, which made her wonder why there wasn't a
similar group for trucking. In 2007, she gathered a
group of influential women who agreed with her
mission to make the trucking industry more gender
inclusive and the Women In Trucking Association was
founded in March of that year.
The challenge was to convince the trucking industry
that gender diversity was important and that her
organization was the group to create that change. In its
first year, Women In Trucking Association attracted
500 corporate and individual members and grew into a
group with more than 8,000 members worldwide.
In an interview with The Business Berg, Ellen shares
valuable facts highlighting her professional tenure and
journey so far in the dynamic business arena.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Tell us something more about your company and its
mission and vision; how does your company thrive
towards enabling advancements in the dynamic
business arena?
The Women In Trucking Association's mission is to
encourage women's employment in the trucking
industry, address obstacles that might keep women
from succeeding, and celebrate the success of our
members. That mission remains to this day, and we are
now the premier and most widely recognized
organization in the world which works toward a more
gender-inclusive trucking workforce.
Our goal is to be the resource for carriers as well as
government entities to turn to when they want to
better understand how to attract and retain more
women at all levels of the supply chain, from driver to
CEO.
Enlighten us on how you have been impacting the niche
through your expertise in the market.
We provide data, research, and benchmarking
information so companies can first determine how well
their diversity efforts are working and how they can
improve them. We offer white papers, webinars, an e-
newsletter and our publication, “Redefining the Road,”
to supplement the information on our website.
What are the fundamentals that you implement to
drive betterments within the work culture of your
organization?
Our programs include a Driver Ambassador who takes
our trailer to industry events. The trailer is fitted with a
| April 2023 www.thebusinessberg.com
18
21. simulator, videos, touch screen monitors, and even
clothing for women designed by women. We also have
an Image Team in the US and Canada who give rides to
regulators, legislators and journalists to help them get a
glimpse into the challenges a female driver faces on the
road.
We have many recognition programs, including our
driver of the year, Influential Woman in Trucking,
Distinguished Woman in Logistics and others. We share
our member’s stories in a monthly feature, and we
strive to have our driver members featured in the
mainstream media to share their stories. Our annual
conference, accelerate! attracted nearly 1,800
attendees last year and is the premier event to advance
gender diversity in the trucking industry.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that
drives your organization.
We are a unique association in many ways. First, we all
work in a virtual environment, and that includes
thirteen team members who live in nine states!
Secondly, we don’t have set hours or days but measure
effectiveness by output. This means we are all able to
work when we want and to take time off as needed. We
encourage vacations and a positive work-life balance,
and we expect our associates to get their work done
without counting their time in minutes.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you leveraging
technological advancements to make your solutions
resourceful?
During the pandemic, we had to learn to rely on
technology to engage our members, so we pivoted to a
virtual conference and have had success in keeping this
feature in addition to our in-person event each year. It
gives our members who might be unable to travel the
time to participate and learn via online events.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company preparing
to be a part of that change?
I am concerned that the industry is not ready for the
environment regulations facing us in the coming years.
Diesel engines will need to be replaced with alternative
fuels or even electric engines, but the infrastructure is
not in place for these mandates at this time. We will
need to adapt to a more environmentally focused
world.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for your company?
I have already announced my retirement this year, and
we have a succession plan in place. The new CEO has
been named and is in the process of learning about the
industry and the organization. My goal is for her
continued leadership in a growing and increasingly
valuable association that leads the industry in gender
diversity.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the dynamic business arena?
My advice to anyone considering a career in trucking is
to ask a lot of questions and to join an organization such
as ours to learn from peers and mentors. Read as much
as possible and then determine the best fit for your
talents and interests. There are many positions in the
trucking industry, from driver to diesel technician to
marketing and human resources and eventually into
leadership roles.
| April 2023 www.thebusinessberg.com
19
23. n the dynamic business arena, leadership
Iapproaches can vary significantly based on the
situation, the team, and the goals of the
organization. Leaders must be able to adapt to different
styles of leadership to meet the ever-changing
demands of today's business world. This article will
explore the different leadership approaches and their
applicability in the diverse business environment.
Autocratic Leadership
An autocratic leadership style is a top-down approach
where the leader makes all decisions without input
from the team. This approach can be effective in
situations where a quick decision needs to be made,
and time is of the essence. However, it can lead to low
morale and a lack of motivation in the team, as they feel
their ideas are not being heard.
Clear direction and accountability: Autocratic leaders are
often very clear about what they expect from their
subordinates. They provide clear directions and
guidelines, which can help ensure that everyone is on
the same page. In addition, since the leader is the one
making the decisions, they are accountable for the
outcomes. This can help ensure that there is a clear
chain of command and that everyone knows who is
responsible for what.
Democratic Leadership
Democratic leadership involves the leader working
collaboratively with the team to make decisions. This
approach can be effective in situations where the team
has a high level of expertise, and the leader trusts their
input. It can lead to a more engaged and motivated
team, as they feel they are part of the decision-making
process. However, it can also be time-consuming, as the
team may need to reach a consensus before a decision
is made.
Increased creativity and innovation: When team members
are involved in the decision-making process, they are
more likely to feel valued and engaged. This can lead to
increased creativity and innovation, as team members
are more likely to share their ideas and perspectives. In
a democratic leadership environment, team members
are encouraged to brainstorm and suggest alternative
solutions, which can lead to a more diverse range of
ideas and, ultimately, better outcomes.
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their
team to achieve their goals. They focus on the bigger
picture and encourage their team to think creatively
and take risks. This approach can be effective in
situations where the team needs to innovate and adapt
quickly to changing circumstances. It can lead to a more
engaged and motivated team, but it requires a high
level of trust and collaboration between the leader and
the team.
| April 2023 www.thebusinessberg.com
21
24. Increased motivation and engagement: Transformational
leaders inspire their followers to achieve their full
potential by setting high standards, providing guidance
and support, and modeling behavior. This can help
increase motivation and engagement among followers,
as they feel empowered to take ownership of their
work and strive for excellence. Transformational
leaders also foster a sense of purpose and meaning,
which can help followers feel more connected to their
work and the organization's mission.
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership is a more traditional approach
where the leader sets clear goals and rewards the team
for meeting them. This approach can be effective in
situations where the team needs to meet specific
targets and deadlines. It can lead to a more results-
oriented team, but it can also create a culture of
competition and individualism rather than
collaboration.
Clear expectations and accountability: Transactional
leaders provide clear expectations for their followers
and hold them accountable for meeting those
expectations. This can help ensure that everyone is on
the same page and working towards the same goals. In
addition, followers know what is expected of them and
what they need to do to be rewarded or avoid
punishment.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is a philosophy that places the needs
of the team first. The leader serves the team and
supports them in achieving their goals. This approach
can be effective in situations where the team needs
support and guidance to reach their full potential. It can
lead to a more engaged and motivated team, but it
requires a high level of empathy and emotional
intelligence from the leader.
Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-faire leadership is a hands-off approach where
the leader delegates tasks to the team and allows them
to work independently. This approach can be effective
in situations where the team has a high level of
expertise and self-motivation. It can lead to a more
creative and innovative team, but it requires a high
level of trust and collaboration between the leader and
the team.
Promoting creativity and innovation: When subordinates
are given the freedom to make decisions and manage
their own work, they are more likely to take ownership
and think creatively about how to solve problems. This
can lead to increased innovation and new ideas that
may not have been generated under a more restrictive
leadership style.
In conclusion, understanding the diverse leadership
approaches in the dynamic business arena is essential
for leaders who want to achieve success. Effective
leaders must be able to adapt their leadership style to
meet the needs of their team and the situation they are
facing.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of
each approach, leaders can create a culture of
collaboration, innovation, and engagement that drives
their organization towards success.
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27. Our vision is to create a world
where all people have access
to basic needs of clean water
and nutritious foods, so that
communities can thrive,
leading to hope, economic
opportunities, and knowledge
sharing to empower future
generations.”
“
“
Nermine Khouzam Rubin
CEO and Founder
Water 4 Mercy
Tell us something more about your company and its
mission and vision; how does your company thrive
towards enabling advancements in the dynamic
business arena?
Overall, Water 4 Mercy's work to provide clean water
to communities in need has the potential to contribute
to the economic development and sustainability of the
business arena. Through our innovative solutions and
commitment to sustainability, we are helping to build a
better future for all people.
At Water 4 Mercy, we understand that water is the
critical first step that leads to food. That's why we work
with world-renowned partners to implement water
projects supporting agriculture and food production in
our communities.
Our vision is to create a world where all people have
access to safe and clean water and communities can
thrive without the burden of water-related illnesses or
water scarcity. Access to clean water is a basic human
right and a critical component of sustainable
development that can lead to hope, economic
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28. opportunities, and knowledge sharing to empower
future generations.
Enlighten us on how you have impacted the niche
through your expertise in the market.
Water 4 Mercy has impacted the niche through our
expertise in water and agriculture, innovative solutions,
and commitment to sustainability and environmental
stewardship. By utilizing the added value of Israeli
technologies and knowledge adapted to unique
circumstances in Africa, Water 4 Mercy is transforming
the cycle of poverty into ‘Cycles of Success’ to
positively impact many people’s lives.
Water 4 Mercy's sustainable projects are 100%
successful and remotely monitored, which makes the
village’s solar powered water source resistant to
breakdown, vandalism, theft, and other problems
typically faced by water systems installed by many aid
organizations.
What are the fundamentals that you implement to
drive betterment within the work culture of your
organization?
Water 4 Mercy believes that a positive work culture is
essential to achieving our mission and goals. The
fundamentals to drive betterments within our work
culture include:
Ÿ Empowerment and Collaboration: We value the
input and participation of all team members and
encourage an environment where everyone feels
empowered to contribute their ideas and insights.
This collaborative approach fosters innovation and
creativity and helps to build a sense of ownership
and accountability among team members.
Ÿ Continuous Learning and Development: We
recognize the importance of continuous learning
and development for our team members. Our team
provides opportunities for ongoing training and
development, both on the job and through external
resources, to help expand their skills and expertise.
Ÿ Accountability and Transparency: We operate with
a high level of accountability and transparency
within our organization and with our advisory
board. This creates a culture of trust and integrity,
where team members feel confident in their work
and are able to build strong relationships with
partners and communities.
Ÿ Diversity and Inclusion: We value diversity and
inclusion in all aspects of our work and strive to
create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all
team members. This includes promoting equal
opportunities, embracing different perspectives and
experiences, and respecting individual differences.
Ÿ Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: We recognize the
importance of work-life balance and strives to
create a flexible work environment that supports
the needs of our team members. This includes
offering flexible work arrangements, time off for
personal needs, and resources to support mental
and physical well-being.
By implementing these fundamentals, we are able to
create a positive work culture that supports the
success of multiple team members and our organization
as a whole.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture
that drives your organization.
Water 4 Mercy is an organization driven by a set of core
volunteers with values and a positive work culture that
supports our mission of providing sustainable access to
clean water and promoting food security in
communities worldwide.
A commitment to compassion, collaboration,
innovation, and sustainability drives the values and
work culture at Water 4 Mercy. These values create a
positive work environment within our service chapters
that support our mission's success and our team
members' well-being.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company
preparing to be a part of that change?
Increasing Use of Technology: The use of technology in
agriculture and water management is rapidly
increasing, and this trend is likely to continue. Water 4
Mercy is preparing for this change by investing in new
technologies, such as precision irrigation systems and
remote monitoring tools, and incorporating them into
projects to improve efficiency and sustainability.
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29. Climate Change Adaptation: Water 4 Mercy is
preparing for this change by implementing climate-
resilient practices, such as water-efficient irrigation,
crop diversification, and soil conservation techniques,
to help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Market Linkages: Water 4 Mercy is actively preparing
for this change by improving market linkages for
smallholder farmers, helping them access new markets
and earn higher prices for their products.
Water Resource Management: Water scarcity is a
significant challenge in many parts of Africa, and
effective water resource management is becoming
increasingly important.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for your company?
Water 4 Mercy envisions itself to be a leading
organization in providing sustainable water,
agriculture, and education solutions in communities
facing poverty, hunger, and water scarcity.
The long-term goal is likely to continue providing
innovative and sustainable solutions that can help
alleviate poverty, hunger, and water scarcity in
developing countries, particularly in Africa.
Water 4 Mercy's future goals will likely be centered
around expanding our impact and reach through
developing and implementing sustainable solutions to
help communities achieve self-sufficiency and long-
term resilience.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the dynamic business
arena?
Overall, the journey of entrepreneurship can be
challenging. Still, with dedication, passion, and a
willingness to learn and grow, budding entrepreneurs
can succeed and positively impact the world.
Believe in yourself: Believe in your vision and
capabilities and be confident in your ability to succeed.
Entrepreneurship requires resilience, determination,
and a willingness to take calculated risks.
Find your niche: Identify a gap in the market or a need
that is not being met and develop a product or service
that addresses that need. This could involve conducting
market research, analyzing trends, and staying updated
with industry news and developments.
Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2023
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30. eadership is an essential aspect of organizational
Lsuccess, and the style of leadership that a leader
adopts can significantly impact the productivity,
creativity, and innovation of their team. Transformative
leadership is a style of leadership that focuses on
inspiring and motivating followers to achieve their full
potential and exceed their expectations.
This leadership style emphasizes creating a vision for
the future, inspiring followers to work towards the
vision, and empowering them to take ownership of
their work. In this article, we will explore the different
approaches to transformative leadership and discuss
their benefits and limitations.
Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership is a style of leadership that
emphasizes being true to oneself and one's values.
Authentic leaders are transparent and open about their
values and beliefs, and they encourage their followers
to do the same. Authentic leadership involves creating a
sense of trust and openness within the team and
fostering an environment where team members feel
comfortable being themselves.
Exploring
Different
Approaches to
Transformative
Leadership
the
Facets of Leadership
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31. Benefits of Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership has several benefits, including:
Increased trust and credibility: Authentic leaders are
honest and transparent about their values and beliefs,
which can help build trust and credibility with their
followers.
Greater engagement and motivation: Authentic leaders
inspire their followers to be themselves and take
ownership of their work, which can increase
engagement and motivation.
Greater creativity and innovation: Authentic leaders
foster an environment of trust and openness, which can
encourage creativity and innovation among team
members.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is a style of leadership that focuses
on serving others. Servant leaders prioritize the needs
of their followers and work to help them achieve their
goals. Servant leadership involves being humble,
empathetic, and compassionate and working to create a
sense of community and purpose within the team.
Benefits of Servant Leadership
Servant leadership has several benefits, including:
Increased trust and loyalty: Servant leaders prioritize
the needs of their followers, which can help build trust
and loyalty within the team.
Greater collaboration and teamwork: Servant leaders
work to create a sense of community and purpose
within the team, which can encourage collaboration
and teamwork.
Greater creativity and innovation: Servant leaders
encourage their followers to take ownership of their
work, which can lead to greater creativity and
innovation.
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32. The key characteristics of servant transformative
leadership include:
Focus on serving others: The leader must prioritize the
needs of their followers and be willing to serve them in
whatever way necessary.
Empathy: The leader must be empathetic and able to
understand the needs and concerns of their followers.
Collaborative mindset: The leader must be able to work
collaboratively with their team to achieve their goals.
Charismatic Leadership
Charismatic leadership is a style of leadership that
emphasizes the personality and charisma of the leader.
Charismatic leaders are seen as inspiring and
motivational, and they have a strong vision for the
future. Charismatic leadership involves creating a sense
of excitement and enthusiasm within the team and
inspiring followers to work towards a common goal.
Benefits of Charismatic Leadership
Charismatic leadership has several benefits, including:
Increased motivation and enthusiasm: charismatic
leaders are seen as inspiring and motivational, which
can increase motivation and enthusiasm among
followers.
Greater creativity and innovation: charismatic leaders
inspire followers to think creatively and come up with
new ideas, which can lead to greater creativity and
innovation.
Greater clarity of vision: charismatic leaders have a
strong vision for the future, which can provide clarity
and direction for the team.
The key characteristics of charismatic transformative
leadership include:
Charismatic personality: The leader must have a
charismatic personality and be able to inspire followers
through their words, actions, and vision.
Visionary thinking: The leader must be able to envision
the future and communicate that vision in a way that
inspires followers.
Emotional intelligence: The leader must be emotionally
intelligent and able to connect with their followers on
an emotional level.
In conclusion, transformative leadership is a style of
leadership that can have a significant impact on
organizational success, and there are various
approaches to this leadership style. Charismatic
transformative leadership is focused on inspiring and
motivating followers through the leader's charisma and
vision, while servant transformative leadership
prioritizes serving the needs of followers and
empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Authentic transformative leadership is focused on
building trust and being true to oneself, while
collaborative, transformative leadership emphasizes
collaboration and teamwork.
Each approach to transformative leadership has its
benefits and limitations, and the most effective
approach will depend on the specific organizational
context and the needs of the team.
However, by understanding the key characteristics of
each approach, leaders can better identify the most
appropriate style of transformative leadership for their
organization and team.
Overall, transformative leadership is a powerful
leadership style that can help organizations achieve
their full potential by inspiring and motivating followers
to do their best work. By adopting one of the different
approaches to transformative leadership, leaders can
create a culture of innovation, creativity, and
collaboration, which can drive long-term success and
growth for the organization.
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33.
34. A
s an entrepreneur in the business consulting
space for tech companies, 's journey
Tania Amar
has been one of constant learning and
transformational growth. She began her career in
France as the PR leader for the nuclear energy group
COGEMA (today AREVA).
Then, she moved to Israel (this was 26 years ago) and
joined the technology industry, working as the
marketing leader for some of the top global tech
companies in Israel (NICE, Magic Software,
ClickSoftware) and Venture Capital (JVP). In her
different executive roles, she gained valuable
experience in management and business strategy.
During her tenure at the venture capital firm, she
realized that she had a passion and talent for helping
start-ups and scale-ups achieve success through strong
marketing strategy and storytelling. This led Tania to
start her consulting firm, , which has
CXP Consulting
since grown into a successful business with additional
experts in the fields of marketing and sales.
Selected as one of the top 10 inspiring women to follow
in 2023 by the editorial team, In an interview with The
Business Berg, Tania shares valuable facts that highlight
her professional tenure and her journey, along with the
challenges she surmounted to reach the horizons of
success.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Brief our audience as a business leader about the
challenges have you had to overcome to reach where
you are today.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a
business leader is the need to constantly adapt to
the changing needs of the dynamic tech market.
With technology evolving at an ever-increasing
pace, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the
latest trends and developments in order to provide
our clients with the best possible advice and
guidance.
In the tech sector, it is still a challenge to convince
executives to make marketing strategy and storytelling
their priority when the focus is mostly put on product
development.
I have been relentlessly investing my time and energy
in raising market awareness on this topic to ensure
tech entrepreneurs and executives include Marketing
strategy and storytelling in their overall go-to-market,
not only when they need to raise funds.
I am proud that our consistent efforts have brought
some change in market perception and excited about
the opportunities that lie ahead.
Tell us more about your company and its mission and
vision; how does it thrive towards enabling
advancements in the dynamic business arena?
At CXP Consulting, we empower tech entrepreneurs
and CEOs to build their differentiated, value-based
stories and transform their stories into sales. How we
integrate storytelling and storytelling is unique in the
landscape of Israeli and international tech consulting
firms.
StorySelling is based on a method that we call T.O.P.
TM, which covers the full spectrum of persuasion
techniques, from neurolinguistics methods of using
"power' or "magic" words to body language analysis,
behavioral cold reading and how to successfully handle
objections.
Tania Amar
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35. Tania Amar
Founder and CEO
CXP Consul ng
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Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2023
36. TM
As a result of using T.O.P techniques, communication
effectiveness and influence power are significantly
improved - resulting in dramatic business growth.
Enlighten us on how you have been impacting the
niche through your expertise in the market.
I have been able to make an impact through my unique
expertise in the market and a broad, powerful network
of successful projects.
By leveraging my extensive experience in multiple tech
domains, I am able to help companies quickly identify
and address challenges in their GTM and differentiated
positioning in global markets.
Additionally, my team and I have been able to stay
ahead of the curve by constantly researching and
staying up to date with the latest trends and
technologies, which allows us to provide clients with
innovative solutions that help them stay ahead of the
competition. Through our work, we have been able to
help numerous companies achieve their goals and grow
their businesses, which is a testament to the impact of
our expertise in the market.
What are the fundamentals that you implement to
drive betterments within the work culture of your
organization?
I believe that the individual expertise and mindset of
each consultant are central to the success of a business
in the consulting space. There are several fundamentals
that I implement to foster a positive and creative work
environment. My priority is to remain constantly
curious and open minded and adopt what I call a "first-
timer attitude" for each new client.
I place a strong emphasis on keeping the highest level of
energy and enthusiasm for each project, as if it was the
first! I believe that we owe this to our customers, and it
allows us to really give our very best, all the time.
I am also a big believer of the concept of giving my
clients what they need and not necessarily what they
want. This is my work ethic of not "selling them short"
but really pushing them out of their comfort zone to
reach excellence. I am personally convinced that if we
want our tech companies to be recognized
internationally as leaders in their domain, they need to
push the boundaries of the possible, be ambitious and
brave enough to rise above the noise.
By implementing these fundamentals, we manage to
drive change and truly make a difference with the firms
we serve.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you leveraging
technological advancements to make your solutions
resourceful?
As an entrepreneur in the tech space, our customers
are obviously very sensitive about this aspect.
Technology is at the core of what we do, and we are
always looking for new and innovative ways to
incorporate into our work.
For example, we use analytics tools to help our clients
make informed decisions and track their progress
towards their goals. We also utilize project
management software to streamline our processes and
improve our communication and collaboration with
clients. Additionally, we are always exploring emerging
technologies, such as artificial intelligence and
innovative MarTech solutions to see how they can be
applied to solve our clients' business challenges. By
staying at the forefront of technological advancements
and incorporating them into our daily work, we are able
to provide more effective and efficient outcomes that
drive success.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company
preparing to be a part of that change?
I have no doubt that the next significant change will be
the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our
At CXP Consul ng, we
empower tech entrepreneurs and
CEOs to build their differen ated,
value-based stories and transform
their stories into sales.
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37. domain of sales and marketing strategies.
With the vast amount of data generated by
technology, companies will need to leverage
these technologies to better understand
customer behavior, personalize their
marketing efforts, and improve their sales
processes.
We are also actively researching and testing
new applications in the sales and marketing
space to stay ahead of the curve and provide
our clients with innovative solutions. By
embracing this change and leveraging these
technologies, we believe that we can help
our clients achieve even greater success in
their sales and marketing efforts.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the
long run, and what are your future goals for
your company?
As an entrepreneur, my ultimate goal is to
help companies build successful businesses
that make a positive impact in the world. In
the long run, I envision myself continuing to
grow my company and expanding our reach
to new markets and industries. I also aim to
be a thought leader in my field, sharing my
knowledge and expertise to inspire and
educate others.
My future goals include expanding our
services to more clients and industries,
while maintaining the same level of quality
and personalized attention that we are
known for.
Additionally, I believe in giving back to the
community, and continue to engage in
startup bootcamp programs and tech
incubators that empower and support other
entrepreneurs and businesses. Ultimately,
my goal is to build a legacy that inspires
others to pursue their passions and make a
positive impact in their own lives and
communities.
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