World’s Most Influential Women Leaders Inspiring The Education World, 2024

www.worldsleaders.com Vol. 02 | Issue 01 | February 2024
Programme Director,
Executive MBA in Shipping
and Logistics, Copenhagen
Business School
A Trailblazer in
Maritime Education
and Leadership
Irene
Rosberg
Inspiring The Education World,
2024
Women
Leaders
World's Most Inﬂuential

World's Most Inuential Women Leaders
Inspiring The Education World, 2024
The necessity of closing the gender wage gap has been
emphasized alongside calls for greater gender equality in
recent decades. Despite the fact that great progress has been
made in this area, there are still far too few women in
leadership positions.
There are several reasons why women are underrepresented
in top leadership roles in higher education worldwide. This
research looks at institutional and national policies and
procedures as well as other hurdles that prevent women
from developing into leaders in Ethiopian higher education.
Utilizing the perspectives and experiences of female
leaders, the study employed a phenomenological research
design to gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles to
women's leadership development in higher education.
The obstacles to women in leadership are complex, and
solving them calls for a multifaceted strategy and
coordinated efforts by key players, including legislators.
Women in higher education will continue to face obstacles
in their pursuit of senior leadership roles unless a
comprehensive solution is implemented. Studies have
shown that businesses with more gender diversity—not just
in the workforce but also among top leaders—are
substantially more profitable than those that don't. This
finding lends more credence to the idea.
World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Influential
Women Leaders Inspiring The Education World, 2024”
focuses on women who are playing a critical role in
creating more equitable opportunities for students from
underrepresented communities. Through initiatives like
mentorship programs, scholarships, and outreach efforts,
these women are working to ensure that students from all
backgrounds have access to quality education.
The cover has Irene Rosberg who has garnered high-level
contacts in leading organizations across Europe, Asia, and
Latin America. Currently serving as the Director of the
Executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics (The Blue MBA)
at Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Irene has played a
pivotal role in the design, development, and coordination of
The Blue MBA since its inception. Her responsibilities
extend to building global relationships and networks within
the maritime industry on behalf of CBS, and she actively
engages in promoting research to identify challenges and
future trends for the entire maritime sector. Irene is also a
member of numerous international boards and committees,
showcasing her influence and involvement in shaping the
maritime landscape. Her extensive international network
and wealth of experience have led to her taking on major
roles in diverse maritime-related activities, and she is a
sought-after speaker at leading maritime events. Irene
Rosberg stands as a respected leader, contributing
significantly to the advancement and understanding of the
maritime and logistics industries globally.
In this special edition, let us share similar, inspirational
tales and interviews with many such dedicated leaders in
order to raise awareness about their contributions to making
the world a better place.
Narrowing Gaps in
Education Sector
Have a lovely read!

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CREDIT PAGE
February 2024

08
Cover
Story
A Trailblazer in
Maritime Education
and Leadership
Irene
Rosberg

Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi
Dr. Selina Neri
Liz Bacon
Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
Parmi Natesan
Patti France
Dr. Shauli Mukherjee
Maithé Quintana
Anne Rajasaikaran
54
50
44
40
36
32
26
22
18

Irene
Rosberg
A Trailblazer in
Maritime Education
and Leadership
08 | February 2024

Known for her tenacity, dedication, and
meticulous attention to detail, Irene
Rosberg has garnered high-level
contacts in leading organizations
across Europe, Asia, and Latin
America. She has earned widespread
recognition and respect in the maritime
and logistics sectors on an international
scale. Her impactful contributions in
executive education, research on future
industry challenges, and the
establishment of global relationships
have solidified her reputation as a
prominent figure. Colleagues from
various countries acknowledge her as a
committed professional who
approaches challenges with innovation
and unwavering determination.
Currently serving as the Director of the
Executive MBA in Shipping and
Logistics (The Blue MBA) at
Copenhagen Business School (CBS),
Irene has played a pivotal role in the
design, development, and coordination
of The Blue MBA since its inception.
Her responsibilities extend to building
global relationships and networks
within the maritime industry on behalf
of CBS, and she actively engages in
promoting research to identify
challenges and future trends for the
entire maritime sector. Irene is also a
member of numerous international
boards and committees, showcasing
her influence and involvement in
shaping the maritime landscape. Her
extensive international network and
wealth of experience have led to her
taking on major roles in diverse
maritime-related activities, and she is a
sought-after speaker at leading
maritime events. Irene Rosberg stands
as a respected leader, contributing
significantly to the advancement and
understanding of the maritime and
logistics industries globally.
Achieving Expertise
Apart from leading the Blue MBA
programme, Irene has assumed various
roles, such as serving as the Chief
Executive of The Blue MBAAlumni
Association, The Blue MBAAlumni
Academy, and Director of the Blue
Board Leadership Programme at CBS
Executive Fonden, the programme
which seeks to show how boards can
navigate accelerated change, the
growing ESG agenda and increased
complexity within the global ambit of
the sector; discuss examples of
business success and learning from
failures, how to mitigate risk, and how
to maximise business opportunities,
growth, and shareholder value through
strategic board involvement. She is
also a member of the Executive
Offshore Wind MBA Programme
Board at Gdynia Maritime University
and a member of the MBA Industry
Advisory Board at the University of
Bradford School of Management. She
contributes to the field by being part of
the AMBA (Association of MBAs)
Accreditation Peer Review Panel and
is the Co-Founder and Chairperson of
M-NOW (Maritime Network of
Women) based in Denmark.
She was named the #1 woman in
global shipping industry in both 2020
and 2021 by
www.allaboutshipping.co.uk.
10 | February 2024

A Dynamic Personality
Irene is an extroverted individual,
characterized by her outgoing nature
and a penchant for directing attention
towards matters beyond herself.
Possessing a high degree of sociability
and assertiveness, she thoroughly
enjoys public speaking and engaging
with others socially, considering it an
estimable pursuit. This quality has
proven to be a significant asset in the
industry she serves, where effective
networking is paramount.
For Irene, work goes beyond being
merely a source of income; it needs to
be socially rewarding and provide a
sense of accomplishment. Her passion
for what she does is evident, viewing
her work not as a job but as a deeply
identified passion. Irene is highly
result-driven, forward-looking, and
demonstrates total dedication and
tenacity in her work. Her keen
attention to detail and proactive
approach to challenges shape her as an
individual who sees obstacles as
opportunities to shine. She is known
for innovatively tackling challenges or
problems that come her way.
Outside of work, Irene's personality
remains consistent, as she believes in
the unity of one's character. In terms of
hobbies, she has a love for traveling
and exploring new cultures, a fondness
for animals and nature, an appreciation
for classical music, and, when time
permits, she enjoys running in the
woods, playing the piano, or engaging
in watercolor painting.
Irene's past achievements include serving as the Director of the DBA (Doctor of
Business Administration) program from 2005 to 2010. During her tenure, the
DBA programme underwent a merger with other PhD programmes at CBS in
2010.
The success of the Blue MBA programme was solidified when it won the
prestigious Danish Maritime Prize in 2011. Irene has actively contributed to the
academic community by being involved in different maritime conferences and
seminars across the globe.
In 2009, Irene became involved in Panama Maritime, joining the Board of
Advisors for the Panama Maritime XII World Conference in 2014. CBS
Executive Fonden recognised her expertise by appointing her as the Scientific
Director of the European Short Sea Shipping Conference held in June 2015.
12 | February 2024

industry facets enables her to evolve
not only as a woman leader but as any
leader in a dynamic and interconnected
field. Taking on new projects is another
avenue she explores for personal and
professional development. Irene
emphasizes the need to adapt and move
with the industry, comparing it to a
flowing river where one must navigate
obstacles to reach the destination.
For emerging leaders, Irene advocates
persistence in the face of challenges
Philosophy of Growth
According to Irene, her approach to
constant growth and development
involves staying attuned to the
challenges in her industry and finding
innovative ways to address them. She
actively seeks new skills and expands
her knowledge base through curiosity,
a desire for learning, and positive
interactions with industry stakeholders.
Irene believes in a two-way inspiration
process—being inspired by others and
inspiring them in return, fostering a
creative mindset.
Maintaining a holistic view of the
interconnected segments within her
industry is crucial for Irene's growth
and development. Staying informed
about challenges across different
and a willingness to take risks, as
change often involves making
decisions that carry inherent risks.
Clear strategic planning and action
plans are essential, and involving the
team in the creative process fosters
shared passion and vision.
Additionally, Irene highlights the
importance of emotional intelligence,
especially in the context of remote
work, where unique challenges require
special attention.
worldsleaders.com | 13

Irene has played a pivotal role since
the program's inception. She is
responsible for designing, developing,
and coordinating The Blue MBA,
Europe's premier program in maritime
education. Irene represents CBS in
building global relationships and
networks within the maritime industry
and actively engages in promoting
research to identify challenges and
future trends in the sector.
Drawing on her extensive international
network and experience, Irene holds
significant roles in various maritime-
related boards and committees. She is a
featured speaker at leading maritime
events, contributing her insights and
expertise to industry discussions.
Additionally, Irene leads the Blue
MBAAlumni Association, overseeing
initiatives such as the Blue Board
Leadership and Governance
Programme, catering to the governing
board members of the maritime
industry. Her recent endeavor, the Blue
MBAAlumni Academy, serves as a
hub for short development courses,
diploma courses, and certificate
programs, fostering lifelong learning
opportunities for maritime
professionals. Irene's multifaceted
contributions underscore her
commitment to advancing education
and leadership in the maritime domain.
Teamwork in Organizational Success
Irene emphasizes the symbiotic
relationship between leadership and
teamwork, considering both as equally
vital components for organizational
success. In her perspective, a strong
leader is essential to guide the team
through challenges, providing a clear
vision, fostering enthusiasm, and
maintaining effective communication.
A great leader builds and nurtures a
high-performing team by instilling
trust, motivating members, and
creating positive experiences.
Conversely, a great team possesses the
ability to influence the leader, turning
them into a collaborative team
member. Cooperation skills,
enthusiasm, and shared passion for
goals contribute to the team's ability to
influence and enhance leadership
effectiveness. Irene underscores that
the success of an organization hinges
on the seamless interplay between
effective leadership and a well-
coordinated, motivated team.
Communication, Adaptability, and
Lifelong Learning
Irene places great importance on
several key attributes for professional
success. She emphasizes the
significance of excellent
communication skills, considering
Success through Knowledge,
Proactivity, and Global Networks
Irene emphasizes that the key to
success lies in possessing the right
knowledge and skills, coupled with a
proactive approach to tackling
challenges. This mindset has earned
her recognition and immense respect in
the maritime and logistics sectors
globally. Her expertise in executive
education within the maritime industry,
research on future challenges, and the
cultivation of global relationships has
contributed to her standing.
Building a solid network has been
instrumental in Irene's success,
fostering high-level contacts with
leading organizations across Europe,
Asia, and North and Latin America.
This extensive network has enabled her
to attract top talent from the emerging
generation of management in shipping,
logistics, and associated services. Irene
takes pride in grooming the next
generation of CEOs, contributing to the
modernization of the maritime sector,
which she describes as the lynchpin of
global trade. The progress made over
the past two decades has been
applauded by maritime leaders as a
driving force for positive change in the
industry.
Leadership in Maritime Education
and Industry
In her role as the Director of the
Executive MBA in Shipping and
Logistics (The Blue MBA) at
Copenhagen Business School (CBS),
14 | February 2024

according to Irene. Loving what you do is seen as integral
to performing tasks effectively.
Transformative Learning and Business Evolution
Irene recognizes the transformative impact of technology
on business and education. She views technology as a
major disruptive force, particularly in the realm of business
education. According to Irene, the education industry must
comprehend and embrace these technological changes to
remain pertinent in a rapidly evolving marketplace and
work landscape.
them essential for sharing ideas and demonstrating self-
confidence. Additionally, adaptability, flexibility, and the
ability to perform with confidence under pressure are
crucial traits in a dynamic work environment.
Furthermore, Irene highlights the value of being eager to
learn and maintaining a curious mindset. Continuous
learning and staying updated are essential for addressing
new challenges and finding innovative solutions. Having a
passion for the work and being inspired to view one's role
as a profession rather than just a job is another key factor

a key factor in her ability to take risks
and contribute meaningfully to her
work. In her view, an environment that
facilitates risk-taking is crucial, as it
mitigates the fear of failure, rejection,
or criticism that can often hinder
individuals from embracing new
challenges.
Key Qualities for New Leaders
Irene emphasizes several key qualities
and actions that are crucial for a new
leader:
Ÿ Offering Personal Development: A
new leader should demonstrate the
ability to provide opportunities for
personal development within the
team. This approach is not only
inspiring but also fosters a sense of
followership among team members.
Ÿ Setting High Expectations: It is
important for a leader to set
ambitious expectations for
themselves and actively strive to
achieve them. This dedication and
passion become contagious,
inspiring others and showcasing the
leader's commitment to achieving
results.
The advent of new technologies,
particularly those accelerating
digitalization, has profound
implications for both work and life. As
an educator, Irene emphasizes the need
to reassess traditional learning models
and explore innovative approaches that
align with the digital age. The rise of
remote learning, in particular, has
opened up a diverse range of
possibilities for both learning and
teaching.
Moreover, Irene underscores the
importance of embracing a mindset of
lifelong learning, facilitated by the
opportunities presented by
digitalization and new technologies.
Executives, in particular, are urged to
stay current and relevant by actively
engaging with and adapting to the
evolving technological environment in
their respective industries.
Perspective on Risks
Irene does not pinpoint a specific
occasion as the greatest risk in her
professional journey. Instead, she
emphasizes that success is inherently
tied to taking risks. Irene views risks as
opportunities for personal and
professional growth, allowing her to
evolve as a leader, acquire new skills,
gain insights, and explore alternative
solutions beyond traditional
approaches. Taking calculated and
intentional risks has been instrumental
in expanding her horizons and
fostering innovative perspectives.
She highlights the importance of a
supportive organizational environment
that encourages challenging the status
quo and taking risks. Irene appreciates
the freedom to innovate at CBS,
crediting this supportive atmosphere as
Ÿ Holistic View of the Organization:
A leader should possess a holistic
view of the organization,
understanding its various aspects
and intricacies. This broader
perspective enables strategic
thinking on a larger scale.
Ÿ Assuming Additional
Responsibility: Leaders should be
willing to take on additional
responsibilities as situations
demand. Being adaptable and ready
to handle new challenges is a key
aspect of effective leadership.
Ÿ Seeking Mentorship: Irene
emphasizes the value of having a
mentor at every stage of life,
including for leaders. Learning
from other leaders who inspire and
being open to continuous learning
and development contribute to
effective leadership.
These principles collectively contribute
to a leader's ability to inspire and lead a
team successfully.
16 | February 2024

They are who
we make
them to be.
“
18 | February 2024

Anne
Rajasaikaran
Making Education Affordable
And Accessible For All

Some leaders rose to prominence as a
result of their ability to maintain
hope in the face of adversity and go
on to accomplish feats so outstanding
that people still hold them in high
regard decades after their passing.
While others remained true to their
principles and demonstrated in
support of others' rights, doing so
even when doing so put their own
freedom—not to mention their
lives—in danger.
However, some leaders have a
natural ability to innovate, inspire,
and convince others to take
significant action that will ultimately
alter the world, making them really
inspirational and well-respected. One
such inspiring leader is Anne
Rajasaikaran. She serves as Chief
Executive Officer of the Edumaax
Group of Companies, which is the
parent company of the Imperium
International College, St. John's
International School, and Pusat
Tuisyen Kasturi.
She is also the Principal Officer of
Budimas Charitable Foundation, an
NGO that supports impoverished
children in Malaysia, and has more
than 15 years of expertise in
communications and fundraising.
She has previously managed a public
trust with a 25-year history.
Imperium International College
With a focus on growing its
education industry, MAA Group
powers Imperium International
College. The driving force behind
Imperium International College is its
dedication to making sure that its
students have access to top-notch
instruction and the greatest job
possibilities in all industries. The
institution offers a wide range of
training programs, including
diploma, certificate, and degree
programs with American and UK
degrees.
Imperium International College has
merged outdoor and indoor
classroom experiences in order to
increase the number of students who
engage in interactive hybrid learning.
It thinks that's the route Imperium
would want to go to make it more
interactive: trips to industries, offices
under courses, and audits of
businesses.
To make education more relevant
post-COVID, the college emphasizes
making learning more exciting and
having a higher percentage of
graduates and students who actually
enjoy practicing what they studied.
That's how Imperium International
College is revolutionizing education.
It is planning to make it as integrated
as possible. The college is making it
about the student rather than profiting
for just business purposes.
Imperium International College has
hybrid and face-to-face teaching
processes. Its framework and
procedures are well maintained, and
the teams keep up with students'
expectations by interacting with
them. Imperium International
College caters to the reasonable
expectations of students.
Leadership Philosophy
Anne is personable and has a flat
leadership style. She prefers to be
direct and truthful, and she thinks
that everyone has a voice, and
regardless of their level, they are free
to suggest or express their ideas. She
holds that no thought is too small and
that everyone can offer something.
When she hears from the experiences
and viewpoint of her employees, she
believes that she derives something
valuable from them. Anne has a
knack for relating to people and can
talk about issues that concern
employees. She says, "You could only
speak about poverty to people who
have experienced it or struggled with
it in their lives rather than people
who have not experienced poverty,
you learn about their hardships or
difficulties (e.g., for someone who
has only commuted using the bus or
taken a loan to study) so that they
can tell me what it really feels like or
what they really want. You ask the
right questions to the right people.”
Words for Young Education
Leaders
Anne met many young people who
had no inspiration and were
incredibly young, she wanted to
change that. When she graduated
from college, she had big plans to
transform the world. To motivate
students: they lead wonderful lives
and are capable of so much more.
"Please don't believe you are
insignificant," she urges, "because
you are the future." Inspiring kids
and igniting their enthusiasm for
achievement is Anne's main
motivation.
S
20 | February 2024

Dr. Aishah
Dr. Aishah
Dr. Aishah
Yammahi
Yammahi
Al
Al Yammahi
Al
Using AI and Technology in the
Educational Sector to Inspire the
Next Generation for Learning

As a female leader, what has been the most signiﬁcant
barrier in your career? Have you been confronted with
gender-related roadblocks in your career?
Gender equality is of paramount signiﬁcance in the UAE, and
as far as I know, the female population of the country do not
typically face challenges in this regard, as we are constantly
encouraged and supported by our wise leadership. This is
further evidenced by the fact that women hold senior
leadership and managerial roles in the country's business and
government sectors. Moreover, my co-workers have also
always been encouraging and supportive, especially my male
colleagues.
24 | February 2024

Alef Education was established with the primary goal of redefining the educational
sector by developing an innovative educational system tailored to meet the needs of all
the public schools in the country. However, as a result of the rapid advancements in the
global education landscape, this idea later evolved to include the development of an
educational system based on cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence
(AI). Through our Alef platform, students, teachers, administrators, and parents can
enjoy a plethora of benefits, as our services are equally suitable for all of them. On the
student level, our platform broadens knowledge by providing students with thorough,
simple, yet rich and captivating educational content that is easier for them to
comprehend. The platform notifies parents of their child's performance reports on a
weekly basis, enabling them to monitor their children's academic progress. On the other
hand, teachers can use the platform to automatically improve their tasks, saving them
time and effort and allowing them to stay focused on their students. Administrators can
also benefit from the platform, as it allows them to look directly for openings in the
educational sector.
Tell us about Alef Education.

Dr.
Shauli
Mukherjee
Led the Charge in Developing a
Personalized, Engaging,
and Stress-FreeCurriculum
for Children of All Ages
Director - School of Education
Adamas University India
Former Founder Principal
Adamas World School
STEM World School
32 | February 2024

With a purposeful career in the
education space spanning more than 20
years, Dr. Shauli Mukherjee has
dedicated her life to the promotion of
child-centric and activity-oriented
education. Dr. Mukherjee was the
founder principal of Adamas World
School and STEM World School, West
Bengal's first STEM school. He is a
dedicated educator and thought leader
with experience founding and running
new generation K-12 schools. STEM is
flourishing under her inspired
leadership. World School was ranked
and awarded as the 2nd best
international day school in West
Bengal by Education World.
Below are highlights of the interview
conducted between World's Leaders
and Dr Shauli Mukherjee:
Describe who you are as a person,
inside and outside of the workplace.
I am a person who thrives on intrinsic
motivation to touch, impact, inspire
and create a visible and tangible
difference in people’s lives through the
transformative and life-changing
power of education. I would define
myself as an extremely passionate and
purpose-driven academic who has been
relentlessly working in the education
sector for more than two decades to
hone and nurture the creative and
innovative genius and the unique
talents and capabilities of young
learners. I believe that my primary
responsibility as an educationist is
to help enable young learners to
evolve into more confident,
competent, dynamic, and authentic
versions of themselves who are
holistically equipped to address the
constantly emerging global
complexities of the 21st century
VUCA world.
Describe your background and
what did you do before you
joined the present organization?
With a purposeful career in the
education space spanning more
than 20 years, I have dedicated my
life to the promotion of child-
centric and activity-oriented
education. I have been the Founder
Principal of Adamas World School
and STEM World School, the first
STEM school in West Bengal.
Under my leadership, STEM World
School has been ranked and
awarded as the 2nd best
international day school in West
Bengal by Education World. I also
held senior academic and
administrative positions in some of
the reputed colleges in West
Bengal.
Throughout my career in education,
I have been actively contributing to
and spearheading the process of
creating a personalized, engaging,
and stress-free curriculum for
learners of all age groups. I have
been the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including the
National Quality Excellence Award,
the GEM of India Award, the
Sarvepali Radhakrishnan Award,
the National Education Leadership
Award in the category of
commitment to excellence in
education, (to name a few), and the
World Peace Award. The Academic
Council of ULektz also recognized
me as one of INDIA'S TOP 50
WOMEN LEADERS IN THE
EDUCATION INDUSTRY and
TOP 20 REVOLUTIONARY
EDUCATION LEADERS.
Additionally, I am associated with
premiere educational organizations
across India as well as globally in a
senior advisory capacity. I have
also been recognized among the 99
WOMEN ACHIEVERS OF INDIA
FOR THE YEAR 2021.
As an internationally acclaimed
inspirational speaker, I am regularly
invited to numerous national and
international conferences,
universities, summits, conclaves,
and events to share my insights on
the futuristic and transformative
role of education. I am currently
working as the Director of the
School of Education at Adamas
University, India.
Tell us about the inception of
your organization. How did it all
start?
Adamas University is rated the Best
Private University in Eastern India
and was established with the
intention of providing a solution to
all educational needs under one
roof. It aims to create an
environment for students that will
not just arm them with the right
kind of knowledge, but also
develop them as well-rounded
members of society.
W
34 | February 2024

What has made you successful?
What do you value?
I am a conscious and ardent
believer in the concept of IKIGAI –
the reason for being. In terms of my
professional career as an academic,
there has been a conscious and
fortunate intersection between what
I was good at and what I loved
doing. I am a person who has
actually turned her passion into her
profession and, through her
profession, has actually found her
IKIGAI – the sole reason for being.
When there's a culmination of
passion and purpose, one tends to
work with an elevated sense of
conviction and commitment, and
there's absolutely no need for any
external stimulus to keep him/her
motivated or inspired, since both
inspiration and motivation are
intrinsic for a person who is
purpose driven. All through my
career, I have strongly valued
passion, purpose, and integrity.
What obstacles did you overcome
to get to where you are today?
I believe that almost all potential
and great opportunities in life often
come disguised as challenges and
obstacles. Though there have been
numerous challenges in my
professional journey, especially
since I have been committed to
bringing about a visible and
tangible difference in people's
minds concerning the real essence
of education, which was definitely
not an easy task, I have never
viewed those obstacles as
stumbling blocks in my life, rather I
have considered them as essential
stepping stones which had helped
enable me to evolve into a better,
stronger, and more confident
version of myself.
What are your responsibilities as
the Director of the University?
What is the happiest part of your
daily routine?
I firmly uphold the belief that the
purpose of meaningful education is
to develop lifelong learners,
creative thinkers, and responsible
global citizens who are confidently
equipped to face the challenges of
an uncertain and constantly
unfolding future. In my current role
as the Director of the School of
Education at one of the premiere
universities in India, I am
committed to developing and
nurturing the future generation of
teachers and researchers who will
be endowed with the ability to
inspire and impact the lives of
many people around them through
the ennobling power of education.
The happiest part of my daily
routine is being with my
students—inside or outside the
classroom—being able to interact
with them and connect with them at
a deeper level.
What are your current struggles
and your future goals?
There is an urgent and pressing
need to reimagine and redefine
education to meet the needs and
demands of a volatile, uncertain,
complex, and ambiguous world that
is constantly changing and
unfolding.A complete mind-set
shift is required to re-imagine
education and learning that will
essentially suit the learning needs
and demands of our current
generation of youth. Our current
education system still continues to
promote a one-size-fits-all
educational structure, which needs
a complete transformation. As a
futuristic and progressive educator,
I am committed to positively
contributing to facilitating a
paradigm shift from an overtly
structured and rigid framework of
education to a more personalized,
stress-free, fulfilling, happy, and
productive educational ecosystem.
What advice would you give
someone going into a leadership
position for the first time?
I strongly believe that a true leader
is one who knows the way, shows
the way and most importantly, goes
the way. A leader takes people
where they want to go but a great
leader takes people where they
don’t want to go but ought to be
going. The real role of leadership,
especially in the sphere of
Education should never be one of
command and control; rather it
should be one of climate control –
that is, creating a suitable climate of
infinite possibilities and immense
potentialities where the people
would continue to evolve into the
highest, truest and the very best
versions of them.

Liz
Bacon
Crea ng Immersive Learning Experiences
Professor Liz Bacon holds the posi on of Principal and Vice-
Chancellor at Abertay University. In addi on, she has earned
several professional dis nc ons, including Principal Fellow of the
Higher Educa on Academy (PFHEA), Chartered Engineer (CEng),
Chartered Scien st (CSci), Chartered IT Professional (CITP),
Fellow of the BCS, the Chartered Ins tute for IT (FBCS), Fellow of
the Ins tute of Science & Technology (FIScT), and Professional
Member of the ACM. Her exper se lies in designing and
developing systems, with a par cular research interest in smart
systems, security, ar ﬁcial intelligence, and technology-
enhanced learning. She is especially interested in using smart
games-based learning environments to create immersive
learning experiences.
36 | February 2024

Below are highlights of the interview conducted between
World's Leaders and Professor Liz Bacon:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of
the workplace.
I like to think I take a similar approach both in the
university and outside of my professional sphere in that I'm
open and approachable, and I value and take on board the
perspectives put forward by the people in my life, whether
that's in or out of the workplace. Creating and sustaining
positive relationships is absolutely key to success in any
endeavor, and remaining open to new ideas, while also
having the ability to challenge those that don't seem right
has stood me in good stead to date.
Describe your background and what did you do before
you started/joined the company.
I have an international research background in computer
science, and I'm a global speaker on a range of related
topics, including preparing staﬀ and students for the fourth
industrial revolution's impact on teaching, learning, and
work, and improving diversity and participation in STEM,
particularly among women and people from disadvantaged
backgrounds.
Part of my focus as an academic has been to work closely
with politicians, professional bodies, and many other
organizations to address the global shortage of skills in the
IT industry and drive forward the agenda in this area. I also
work with a range of external organizations—I'm a National
Liz Bacon
Principal & Vice-Chancellor
Abertay University

Teaching Fellow, a Principal Fellow of the
Higher Education Academy, a Chartered
Engineer, a Chartered Scientist, and a
Chartered IT Professional. I'm also a former
president of both BCS, The Chartered Institute
for IT, and EQANIE, the European Quality
Assurance Network for Informatics Education;
a past chair of both the BCS Academy of
Computing and the Council of Professors and
Heads of Computing; and a trustee of
Bletchley Park Trust and a board member of
V&A Dundee.
I joined Abertay University in September 2018
as Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-
Chancellor and initially led the university's
activities in the areas of partnerships, teaching
and learning, research, and knowledge
exchange, while also pioneering a new digital
strategy—all areas we have continued to
develop since I was appointed Principal in
2022.
Tell us about the inception of the company.
How did it all start?
Abertay is a modern, friendly university in the
heart of Dundee, Scotland, with a strong focus
on teaching and preparing our graduates for
the world of work, combined with excellence
in research and knowledge exchange.
With roots going back to 1888, Abertay has
always responded to the needs of industry,
supplying a pipeline of graduate talent to
work, lead, and innovate across a wide range
of sectors.
Having forged a reputation as one of the UK's
leading tech universities, we are best known
for our expertise in video game education, and
our degrees in this field are consistently ranked
among the best in the world.
From mental health nursing to civil
engineering, or business analytics to ethical
hacking, our three academic schools offer
programs that prepare our students for
employment and offer real-world work
experience alongside their studies.
We pride ourselves on offering an inclusive,
friendly, and welcoming environment for our
students and staff, along with award-winning
teaching and an excellent student experience.
Abertay Campus
Facili es
Classroom
38 | February 2024

What has made you successful?
What do you value?
Abertay's success has come from
staying in close alignment with the
needs of our students and our local
community and responding quickly to
the changing demands of industry. As a
smaller institution, we are well placed
to pivot quickly to adapt to disruptions
caused by advances in technology or
societal shifts, and that has helped us
deliver on our key strategic aim of
providing transformational
opportunities.
Which are the major services of the
company and how do the company
to get ahead in the competition?
What value-added services does the
company provide?
Our core business is teaching, research,
knowledge exchange, and innovation,
and all of our activities are geared
towards having an impact in the real
world, whether that's supplying the
talent pipeline for Scotland's booming
games industry, creating the country's
first hub for cybersecurity R&D, or
leading food innovation work that
helps Scottish firms produce more
sustainable products. In addition to
these core strands of work, we also
take an active role in civic engagement
and in informing political discussion
and debate on a range of issues where
we have academic expertise.
What are the most important aspects
of a company's culture? What
principles do you believe in and how
do you build this culture?
At Abertay, we pride ourselves on
offering a friendly, welcoming culture
for both staff and students, and creating
that close-knit feel on campus is
something we do really well. We very
much welcome open dialogue and
diverse views and put inclusivity high
on our agenda. Creating a genuine
team ethos is a difficult challenge for
any organization, but it is particularly
hard for universities, which more often
than not have a hugely diverse
portfolio of teaching and research
interests. We tackle this by promoting
cross-disciplinary work and
collaboration in our activities, which
leads to more and better co-working
between staff departments and cohorts
of students, meaning that a culture of
support and teamwork is able to thrive.
What is the significance of
innovative ideas in the company?
We are well versed in supporting the
innovation requirements of our
partners through projects like
Transform Net Zero, an innovation
scheme for food sustainability, and
InGAME, a center for driving
innovation in the Scottish video games
industry. But we also have a culture of
innovation within the university itself,
and at the moment we are going
through a period of significant digital
transformation that is going to improve
the way we teach and undertake
research, work, and engage with our
students and stakeholders. Abertay
University places a lot of value on free
speech and openness, and I'm proud
that our campus is a place where
there's ready access for ideas to be fed
into the senior management team.
What advice would you give
someone going into a leadership
position for the first time?
Be bold in your decision-making, but
always follow what data, institutional
knowledge, and verifiable feedback are
telling you, and communicate your
intentions and actions effectively, both
within and outside the organization.
Listen and take advice; surround
yourself with good people that you can
trust and that you believe in; and never
forget that your greatest strength is
your colleagues. These are the people
who take the organization's culture off
the written page and into reality, so it's
imperative that their voice be
acknowledged and their ideas
harnessed.
Professor Liz Bacon

Maithé
Quintana
A Journey of
Resilience,
Empowerment,
and Innovation
40 | February 2024

No matter what you say, no
matter what you do, you
won't get out of this alive.
So be yourself!
Maithé Quintana
International-ikigai-academy.com
Maïthé's emphasis on
continuously stimulating
creativity aligns with her
belief that the brain, which
is the source of creativity,
requires regular exercise
and mental engagement to
flourish. She remains deeply
connected to evolving
trends in various areas, such
as new consumer
behaviors, AI tools, human
resources, and
infopreneurship techniques,
demonstrating her
dedication to staying at the
forefront of relevant
knowledge and insights.
Maïthé Quintana's story is a
testament to resilience and
determination. Despite
facing significant learning
challenges and setbacks in
her early education, she
managed to overcome
these obstacles and achieve
remarkable success as an
entrepreneur.
Her journey has inspired her
to create a program aimed
at helping both adults and
children unlock their full
potential, find their purpose
(IKIGAI), and achieve their
goals. This program
leverages a combination of
artificial intelligence,
neuroscience, and human
guidance, highlighting her
commitment to utilizing
innovative approaches to
support personal and
professional growth.
M
42 | February 2024

Not content with her achievements in
France, Maïthé Quintana launched the
IKIGAI JUNIOR process in 2020,
training coaches to help young
individuals position themselves in their
studies and careers. Her commitment
to education and personal development
led her to open the International Ikigai
Academy in Miami in near future,
marking her entry into the American
educational landscape.
In addition to her professional
achievements, Maïthé is a dedicated
mother of two boys, and her decision
to explore the "American dream"
showcases her adventurous spirit and
determination to make a positive
impact globally.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Maïthé's insights into the challenges
faced by emerging women leaders are
both profound and empowering. She
recognizes that self-confidence often
wavers due to the influence of limiting
beliefs imposed by various sources,
including the media, people in one's
life, or early experiences. These beliefs
can manifest as fears of failure,
imposter syndrome, and the need for
discipline and a clear vision for their
projects.
Her perspective on setbacks and
failures as opportunities for growth is
particularly noteworthy. Maïthé views
her own experiences of business
difficulties not as failures but as
stepping stones to eventual success.
She draws a parallel between the
process of learning to walk as a child,
where falling is an integral part of the
journey. In this analogy, each fall is a
valuable learning experience that
contributes to eventual mastery.
The emphasis on embracing falls and
setbacks as learning opportunities
resonates with the idea of resilience
and perseverance. It's a reminder that
challenges are an inherent part of any
journey towards success, and they
Following Her Calling in the
Business World
Maïthé's life journey is a remarkable
testament to her resilience and
determination. Despite facing
challenges in her early education and
entering the workforce at a young age,
she quickly realized her true calling lay
in the business world. Her career path
is a testament to her ability to turn
obstacles into opportunities.
Starting as a secretary, Maïthé honed
her sales skills through door-to-door
visits and eventually climbed the
corporate ladder, becoming Sales
Director at Club Internet. Her
entrepreneurial spirit led her to take
over a struggling company, Booster
Game, which she successfully
restructured and turned into a thriving
business, serving well-known clients.
In 2008, Maïthé founded her own
investment fund, Dharma et Associés,
demonstrating her versatility and
aptitude for business leadership.
Inspired by her own challenging
educational journey, Maïthé Quintana
established the Centre National de
l'Innovation Pédagogique (CNIP) in
2014. This institution focuses on adult
education, teaching emotional
management techniques and neuro-
sales management, among other skills,
using the neuroscience-based N-ASS®
method.
In 2015, she expanded her educational
efforts by founding the Centre
International de l'Ikigai, where students
learn to master their abilities and
develop soft skills through the
neuroscience-based N-Ass method.
Maïthé's approach to education
incorporates concepts from
neuroscience, NLP, hypnosis,
psychology, and multiple intelligences,
providing students with highly
effective learning experiences. Her
methods have shown impressive
results, with students retaining up to
seven times more information
compared to conventional methods.
should be seen as opportunities for
growth rather than as insurmountable
obstacles.
Embracing Imperfection
Maïthé emphasis on the importance of
commitment and honesty in leadership
reflects timeless values that hold true in
the modern business world. She
highlights the significance of keeping
one's word and maintaining integrity,
values that were once symbolized by a
simple handshake. In an era where
trust in business dealings can be
eroded, her emphasis on these
principles serves as a reminder of their
enduring importance.
Her perspective on success,
characterized by the belief that "I've
got nothing to lose," reflects a mindset
of daring and calculated risk-taking.
This approach acknowledges the
balance between audacity and taking
calculated risks. It's a mindset that
encourages innovation and growth by
embracing the idea that perfection isn't
necessary; progress and learning come
from taking action.
Maïthé's willingness to embrace
imperfection and pursue projects even
when they are not 100% finalized
reflects an entrepreneurial spirit and a
commitment to continuous
improvement. Her reference to
"versions 2.02" suggests that ongoing
refinement and iteration are integral to
the process of growth and success.
Anticipation is the Key
Maïthé's views into entrepreneurship
highlight the challenges and sacrifices
that come with leading a business. Her
focus on anticipation underscores the
importance of being prepared for
various situations, including dealing
with non-paying customers, financial
challenges, and the potential risks of
bankruptcy. As a business leader, the
ability to anticipate and respond to
such challenges is essential for survival
and growth.

Parmi
Parmi
Natesan
Natesan
Parmi
Natesan
A Leading Corporate Governance Specialist
and Renowned Business Leader
Parmi Natesan | CEO | IoDSA
44 | February 2024

According to experience, ethical
leadership promotes higher levels
of employee satisfaction and
lower turnover rates. Even when
their actions are not directly
visible to their staff, ethical
leaders should always act
morally and appropriately in all
aspects of their lives. Good
corporate governance is
promoted by the Institute of
Directors in South Africa (IoDSA),
which King IV defines as ethical
and efficient leadership. Parmi
Natesan, the CEO of IoDSA, finds
that this is consistent with who
she is as a person and what she
stands for. According to her,
businesses and the nation will go
forward on a positive trajectory
under the direction of ethical
and effective leadership.

Indulged as CEO
Parmi Natesan is a certified chartered
accountant who holds a BCom (cum
laude) and a BCom (honors) degree
and is a qualified Chartered
Accountant by the South African
Institute of Chartered Accountants.
She started working with the IoDSA
in 2010 as a Senior Governance
Specialist before being appointed to
Executive for Governance in 2015
and CEO in 2019.
Parmi is in charge of the business's
overall performance. She directs and
keeps an eye on strategy
implementation and progress. Over
the past few years, she has made
significant progress with the plan.
The company's performance has
improved with time, and last year's
business success was the best in the
company's 60-year history. Her
responsibilities also include a sizable
portion of stakeholder relations. She
is also in charge of reporting,
especially the annual integrated
report of the company, which she
drafts.
Institute of Directors in South
Africa
The Institute of Directors in South
Africa is a nonprofit company that
represents directors in South Africa.
Its history spans more than 60 years.
Although it is primarily a
membership organization, it also
provides various services pertaining
to governance and directorship, such
as board and governance training,
governance advice services, and
board evaluation services.
Additionally, it owns and grants the
Certified Director and Chartered
Director SA director designations,
both of which are registered with the
South African Qualifications
Authority. Better Directors, Better
Boards, Better Business is its tagline.
The King Committee for Corporate
Governance in South Africa and the
many King Reports and Codes are
both under the auspices of the
IoDSA, which also promotes good
corporate governance in South
Africa.
Defines her Characteristics
Parmi is passionate and driven, and
she goes above and beyond to
accomplish her goals despite being a
busy CEO in the fast-paced business
world, working as a non-executive
director on outside boards, and
participating in numerous local and
international forums and committees.
She prides herself on being well-
organized because she has such a
hectic life and is constantly being
pushed in a variety of directions. She
made swift connections to figure out
the best course of action. She is
Meticulous—For her, quality and
attention to detail are non-negotiable.
This also means that she holds others
to high standards, which motivates
them to succeed. She is humble and
doesn't consider any task beneath her,
so to speak.
Walks the Day
Parmi Natesan is not only an active
housekeeper and mother. In order to
give each area of her life attention,
she tries to achieve balance in her
life. She devotes a lot of time to
raising her two teenage children
because she believes it is our
responsibility as leaders of today to
produce better leaders of tomorrow.
I am especially proud that
my first two Integrated
Reports as CEO have won
the Integrated Reporting
Awards in the NPO
category for 2020 and 2021.

A Renowned Name with
Extensive Experience in the
Post-Secondary Education Sector
Pre s i d e n t | S t . C l a i r Co l l e g e
50 | February 2024

As we begin the third
decade of the twenty-first
century, education is
more important than ever
for comprehending the
modern world. Whether it
is teaching students or
instructors, analyzing the
role of education in
leading and driving
change via policy,
practice, and ongoing
innovation for a more
inclusive education is
essential in the creation
of new and improved
educational systems
across the world.
Patti France has worked in the field of post-secondary
education for more than 35 years. She has had direct
responsibility for several important College departments
over the past ten years, including the Registrar's Office,
Human Resources, Student Services, Information
Technology, Health and Safety and Facilities Management.
She has also handled formal College interactions with both
unions as well as the majority of College interactions with
the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills
Development. Patti France, the College's President, serves
as head of many committees, including the Senior
Operations Group, which is made up of members of the
senior management team.
Patti France participates on numerous committees and sub-
committees. She is the Board Chair of the Ontario College
Application Services (OCAS), the Board Vice-Chair for
Windsor Regional Hospital and is also the Chair of their
Quality of Care Sub-Committee. Patti is a Board member
of the Windsor Family Credit Union and also sits on their
Audit Committee. Patti also currently serves as a member
of the Ontario Colleges Committee of Presidents.
Journey to Becoming an Educational Chief
President France was raised in Essex County's northern
region, close to Windsor, Ontario. When she graduated
from high school in the 1990s, she decided to enroll in the
diploma program in Computer Programming because she
was interested in the still-relatively-new but fascinating
field.
In fact, Patti was a bit of an anomaly when she was chosen
to lead St. Clair in 2015. President France was one of a
select group of Canadian college presidents whose first
tertiary education had actually occurred inside the college
system as opposed to having gone to a university.
Additionally, over the course of more than twenty years,
she had spent her entire professional life at the same
organization: from being a student at St. Clair to a
Computer Lab Technician and lecturer, to managerial
positions in the school's I.T. Department, to Vice-
Presidential appointments overseeing nearly every division
of the College, and finally to St. Clair's Presidency. The fact
that students and potential students could see how their own
President used her College credentials to advance inside the
school was a fantastic marketing and recruitment picture.
President France had earned degrees in adult education
while still pursuing her work (a B.A. from Brock University
in Ontario and an M.A. from St. Francis Xavier University
in Nova Scotia). That was another important message to
students, demonstrating that "I practiced what I preached"
when she spoke about the importance of life-long learning.
Stepping into the Education Sector
President France wasn't overly ambitious when she first
began at the College and certainly would have never
thought she would one day be President.
52 | February 2024

Through its Schools of Business, Information Technology,
Media, Art and Design, Community Studies, Engineering
Technologies, Health Sciences, Nursing, Skilled Trades,
and Apprenticeships, the institution provides over 120
programs in a variety of disciplines in Windsor and
Chatham.
Most of those are intensively practical, two- to three-year
programs that are quite technical. The College is also
currently providing a number of four-year applied degree
programs, including a brand-new hybrid that combines
business and computer studies, in an effort to develop I.T.
experts who are thoroughly acquainted with the procedures
and requirements of commercial and manufacturing
enterprises.
St. Clair's mission and mandate have remained practical and
fundamental throughout its 55-year history: to train students
for the jobs of today while also looking ahead to prepare
them for the jobs of tomorrow—and to retrain current
employees with the evolving new skills required in their
workplaces.
The provincial government's first goal in developing the
network of twenty community colleges in 1967 was to meet
local demands for employment training. Today, however,
St. Clair and all Ontario colleges find themselves
welcoming the world in the form of a huge influx of
international students. Approximately half of its total
enrolment now consists of international students from over
60 nations around the globe.
Preparing Students for the Outer World
While the delivery of knowledge and theory is, of course,
part of the St. Clair curriculum, the most distinctive element
of an Ontario college education is its "real world," hands-
on, technology-laden practicality. There are three items that
implement that element of this education:
First, faculty members engage individuals who are
professional practitioners in the academic fields. Many –
most – of St. Clair's professors don't have extensive
backgrounds as lecturers, but the College has professional
development programs to "teach them to teach." President
France states, "What we want, more than anything, is their
professional expertise and experience, because it is that
"real world" information that will allow graduates to enter
workplaces and meet employers' expectations.”
But when President France took on new troubleshooting
tasks, she established herself as a "go-to" problem solver.
She was a person who worked with or oversaw every single
operation at the College, including Academics, I.T., Labour
Relations and Human Resources, Governance, Community
Relations, Facilities Management and Student Services. As
a result, she became a generalist rather than a specialist
over the course of her administrative career.
As per President France, her love of education and of St.
Clair's students and colleagues has driven her and brought
her joy every single day of her career.
St. Clair College
St. Clair now maintains campuses in three different
locations in Ontario: Windsor, Chatham, and Toronto. It
also has a "sister school" affiliation with a private college in
Toronto. Currently, it serves about 14,000 students
throughout its several campuses.

World’s Most Influential Women Leaders Inspiring The Education World, 2024

World’s Most Influential Women Leaders Inspiring The Education World, 2024

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