How to Create a Social Media Plan Like a Pro - Jordan Scheltgen
The 10 Business Leaders Transforming Their Industries, 2023.
1. VOL 09 I ISSUE 01 I 2023
L E A D E R S
www.thecioleaders.com
Carter's
A Cloud Above the Rest:
Approyo Adventure
Carter's
A Cloud Above the Rest:
Approyo Adventure
ristoph
ristoph
The
10 Business
Leaders
Transforming Their
Industries, 2023
Renewable Energy Microgrids
Revolutionizing Energy
Distribution in Remote Areas
see page 16
The Electric Revolution
Leaders and the Automotive
Industry's Green Transition
see page 20
Inside the Mag:
5. One of the most crucial leadership traits that sets
great leaders apart from average ones is the
capacity to inspire. While there are many excellent
managers, there are very few excellent leaders who have
the ability to bring life, passion, and connec on to their
ac ons and behaviors. Along with a crystal-clear vision,
mission, and dedica on to integrity that directs them in
everything they do to improve the world.
Those who are inspira onal leaders lead with a strong
sense of purpose and obliga on to effect posi ve change.
They know exactly what their values are and don't give in
when under pressure to do something that would require
sacrificing those values.
They might not always become well-liked for this, but in
order to grow and scale the progress eventually, these
adept personali es understand the essen al aspects that
are focused on cul va ng an environment that makes their
employees feel comfortable coming and talking to them.
Inspiring leaders behave honorably because they are aware
that their employees are constantly watching and that
every ac on counts. They adhere to their values and
incorporate them into everything they do as a result.
Moreover, risk-taking ability is an essen al part of
leadership. Rosa Parks, Henry Ford, and Elon Musk are a
few leaders who have made a difference in this world by
taking courageous risks.
Successful teams inspire inspira onal leaders to be
dedicated to and mo vated by their work. They foster an
environment where people can come together to share
their experiences, knowledge, opinions, and ideas resul ng
in disrup on and innova on.
Accep ng collabora on encourages people to step outside
of their comfort zones and learn from one another while
achieving great things. Employees then become more self-
assured and eager to take on more responsibility.
Embracing the journey of such resolute leadership
charismas, The CIO Leaders features the enthralling stories
of the astute personas of the industry in its latest edi on,
“The 10 Business Leaders Transforming Their Industries,
2023.”
Flip through the pages and embrace the odyssey of
exploring the dis nct approaches to cul va ng wisdom
driven by passion and innova on.
Have a Deligh ul Read!
Defining the Attributes of
Excellence
AbhishekJoshi
7. 08
Carter's
A Cloud Above the Rest:
Approyo
Adventure
Christopher
TE
TE
Articles
Articles
Renewable Energy Microgrids
Revolu onizing Energy Distribu on
in Remote Areas
16
The Electric Revolution
Leaders and the Automo ve
Industry's Green Transi on
20
9. DBrief
Company Name
Featured Person
Aminu is an accomplished ICT professional with vast experience
in delivering business bene its through Integrated Business
System Applications and bespoke solutions across multiple
areas.
In a world where technology reigns supreme, Christopher
and Approyo, Inc. are trailblazing a path to success by
helping organizaons harness the power of SAP and, in
turn, achieve their most ambious goals.
Hamid spearheads the design and development of cutting-edge
solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life, by leveraging
state-of-the-art technologies such as AI, IoT, ITS, Drones, etc.
Iman works on complex transformations, product start-ups,
scale-ups, delivery, and scale to end-to-end digital factories and
has over a decade in a variety of domains.
Kareem is an experienced Human Resources Lead, with a
demonstrated history of working in the banking industry and he
is skilled in Business Planning, Sales, Training Delivery,
Management, and Business Relationship Management.
Jacky has over 15 years of executive-level experience identifying,
qualifying, building, and implementing enabling technologies.
John is experienced in IT Management with a
demonstrated strong experience in Microsoft
Infrastructure, Cloud adoption, and Digital transformation
and strategy.
A talented, strategic and innovative business leader, Shoyinka
has a strong background in formulating business strategies and
technology, mitigating operational risks, transforming
businesses, capital project execution, etc.
Sudarsan is an entrepreneurial-spirited, pioneering
technologist who has has a passion for technology-led
services, focusing on transformative solutions, digital
services design, and product design.
Aminu Garba
CIO
Christopher Carter
Chairman & CEO
Hamid Menouar
Principal R&D and
Innovation Lead
Iman Elnashar
Director of Digital
Experience and Product,
Regional
Kareem Refaay
Managing Director
MENA and GULF
Jacky Koh
IT and Data Analytics
Director
John Mankarios
Vice President
Shoyinka Shodunke
Chief Information
Of icer
Sudarsan
Lakshmikumar
Co-founder and Chief
Technology Of icer
Susana has over 20 years of experience and at LinkedIn,
she provides innovative solutions for her customers and
partners using her expertise in AI and tech.
Susana Correia
Regional leader (Staf ing
and Scaled)-LinkedIn
Talent Solutions MENA
Kano Electricity
Distribution Plc
kedco.ng
Approyo
approyo.com
QMIC
qmic.com
eXtra
extra.com
The London Institute
of Banking & Finance
libf.ac.uk
IT & Data
Analytics Director
Qinvest LLC
qinvest.com
MTN Nigeria
mtn.com
KeepFlying
keep lying.aero
LinkedIn
linkedin.com
11. Cov
S t o r y
Carter's
A Cloud Above the Rest:
Approyo Adventure
Carter's
A Cloud Above the Rest:
Approyo Adventure
ristoph
ristoph
12. he landscape of IT services and consul ng is home
Tto leaders who stand out, paving the way for
innova on and excellence. These leaders embrace
risk, encourage crea vity and innova on, work
collabora vely with others and drive progress and growth
in the field. Christopher Carter, the Chairman & CEO of
Approyo, is a dis nguished figure in the IT domain.
Imagine this scenario: A mul na onal corpora on
is at a crossroads, seeking a technology solu on that will
propel them into the future. They require not just any
solu on but one that aligns perfectly with their unique
goals and objec ves. This is where Approyo comes into
play, providing full-service technology solu ons with a
par cular focus on cloud-based SAP consul ng, solu ons
architecture, hos ng and managed services.
At the helm of this remarkable company—which specializes
in making SAP simple for organiza ons around the globe is
Christopher, a visionary leader. Under his guidance,
Approyo has not only thrived but has also become a driving
force in simplifying SAP for businesses worldwide.
In a world where technology reigns supreme, Christopher
and Approyo, Inc. are trailblazing a path to success by
helping organiza ons harness the power of SAP and, in
turn, achieve their most ambi ous goals.
Let’s explore the journey of Christopher which embarks
towards streamlined, efficient and innova ve IT solu ons!
Beyond the Corner Office
Christopher knows that passion is the key to success in any
endeavor. He firmly believes, “First and foremost, you must
have a passion for what you’re doing.” It’s this burning
desire that fuels his journey as a leader.
This is a focal
point of our
organization, we
embrace
technology and
adept training
scenarios for all
of our team
members day-in
and day-out, week
after week, month
after month.
“
“
The 10 Business Leaders Transforming Their Industries, 2023
13. In Christopher’s world, leadership isn’t just a tle—it’s a
way of life. He emphasizes, “If you do not have the passion
to lead, to be a leader and to drive an organiza on to
success, you’re nothing more than a follower who thinks
they could.” It’s not about having a fancy job tle—it’s
about taking the reins and steering the ship towards
success.
But passion alone isn’t enough. Christopher knows that to
be an effec ve leader, you must possess the drive and
capabili es to lead from the front. He advises, “If you do
not have the passion, the drive and the capabili es to jump
out in front to support your team and to lead, you must be
that in order to start second.” In other words, leadership is
not just about words—it’s about ac on. A true leader leads
by example, se ng the standard for their team.
One of Christopher’s golden rules of leadership is the
importance of listening. He wisely points out, “You must
have great listening skills—God gave you two ears and one
mouth—use them accordingly.” Effec ve leaders
understand the power of ac ve listening. They take the
me to hear their team’s concerns, ideas and feedback. It’s
through listening that a leader can truly understand the
needs and aspira ons of their team members.
From Ideals to Ac ons
With three decades of experience under his belt,
Christopher shares his leadership insights, saying,
“Fundamentally, what I rely on is the fact that I have 30
years of experience to look back on to make decisions.” It’s
this wealth of knowledge that forms the founda on of his
leadership style.
Christopher knows the value of teamwork, sta ng, “I also
have brought in some incredible team members to work
with me and take on the responsibili es of items that I
cannot take on every single moment of every single day.”
Collabora on and delega on are key to his leadership
approach.
Leadership Metamorphosis
Christopher reflects on his leadership style, sta ng, “My
leadership approach does grow on a year-to-year basis, will
it change from the core leadership that I have? No! but it
will adapt and grow along with the ac vi es that are going
on in the world today.” While his core principles remain
steadfast, he recognizes the need for adapta on in a
changing world.
He stays vigilant in staying updated, no ng, “I will always
be following and monitoring the new trends, some of those
are just trends but some of those are ac vi es that will
s ck and will need to be followed upon as part of my
leadership.” Christopher’s commitment to con nuous
learning ensures he remains an effec ve leader.
In his journey, Christopher not only evolves as a leader but
as a person. This dedica on to personal and professional
growth is a testament to his leadership philosophy.
The Shape-Shi ing Leader
Christopher is a strong advocate for servant leadership,
emphasizing, “I believe firmly that leadership principles
grow and guide our organiza on with or by being servant
leaders.” Their approach centers on serving customers, staff
and partners consistently, recognizing the impact they have
on those they interact with.
Their ul mate objec ve is clear: “Our goal is to lead them
to success on a day-in and day-out basis because of who
we are and our capabili es leading them to the success
that they should be and will be because of our
rela onships.” Through their commitment to servant
leadership, they aim to empower others to achieve the
success they deserve, driven by strong rela onships and
unwavering support.
The Living Vision
Christopher emphasizes the importance of ins lling values
in every team member, sta ng,
Cover Story
14. “From the moment we hire individuals we ingrain into them
our vision and values.” It’s these values that form the
bedrock of their organiza on.
Their team is commi ed to providing unwavering support,
with Christopher no ng, “We rely on those individuals to
provide those values on a day-in and day-out basis to our
customers and address their needs as a 24/7 support desk
and full CC flex partner to SAP.” They understand the
significance of being a dependable support system for their
customers, available around the clock.
For SAP customers, these values translate into tangible
benefits. Christopher affirms, “For the SAP customers, we
provide values that we live with every day.” It’s this
dedica on to their values that sets them apart from the
rest.
Christopher’s vision, as part of the execu ve team, serves
as their guiding light. He emphasizes, “That’s why our
values are who we are and the vision I provide as part of
the execu ve team—leads us daily.”
Innovate or Stagnate
Christopher firmly believes they are in the midst of an
unprecedented era of innova on, sta ng, “I truly believe
that we are at the forefront of the most innova ve me in
history.” Their commitment to 24/7 support is driven by
their innova ve spirit, poised to lead them all to success
through SAP.
He underscores the importance of innova on, cau oning,
“Innova on is the key to your success. Being stagnant, not
doing anything, or not even moving forward will crush your
spirits your soul and your company.” Stagna on is not an
op on—innova on is the lifeline to vitality, both personally
and within an organiza on. Christopher’s message is clear:
Embrace innova on to thrive.
Leading By Example
Christopher highlights the organiza on’s commitment to
technology and ongoing training, sta ng,
“This is a focal point of our organiza on—we embrace
technology and adept training scenarios for all of our team
members day-in and day-out—week a er week—month
a er month.” In a rapidly evolving world, staying current is
essen al.
Their responsibility, as Christopher sees it, is to nurture
growth and knowledge, remarking, “It is upon us to lead
them to the growth and knowledge that we must have for
our customers and our partners.” They understand that
their team’s exper se directly benefits their clients and
partners.
Furthermore, readiness is crucial. Christopher emphasizes,
“It is upon us to have our staff up to speed and ready at a
moment’s no ce for any and all of the ac vi es that we
must sustain for our customers.”
Adapt or Evaporate
Christopher, o en ques oned about what sets his team
apart, proudly shares, “What makes us unique is the fact
that we are a growing organiza on yet we remain very
nimble to the advancements in the SAP and cloud
ecosystems.” Their ability to adapt to the ever-changing
tech landscape sets them apart.
16. way that we hire, and as such, it
will con nue to remain a focal
part of our growth strategy.”
Cul va ng Unity
Christopher’s commitment to his
team shines through his daily
engagement, as he explains, “I
con nuously talk with my team
on a day-to-day basis, I am
engaged with not only my
leadership but with my staff.”
Distance is no barrier—he
remains a constant source of
guidance, no ma er where they
are in the world.
Con nuous learning is a cornerstone of their approach, as
Christopher explains, “Our team is always learning and
grasping at new knowledge to make sure that we can move
forward.” Their commitment to staying updated allows
them to provide cu ng-edge solu ons.
A shining example of their innova on is a tool with AI
capabili es they developed years ago, as Christopher
reveals, “We created a tool over five years ago with an AI-
based backbone that allows us to pre-monitor and support
organiza ons in the SAP.” This tool exemplifies their
proac ve approach to support.
Embracing the cloud ecosystem not only empowers their
support staff but also strengthens rela onships with
customers and partners, according to Christopher. He
emphasizes, “Agility is key for us on a day-to-day and the
We aspire to be a
leader in the SAP
ecosystem, we
want to help lead
the technology
revolution and
the innovation of
SAP into the new
Millennium.
“
“
17. Their comprehensive offerings make them a standout, as
Christopher explains, “You start with us being a fully ve ed
SAP CC flex partner to provide licenses to those
organiza ons, then our upgrade and implementa on
capabili es and our long-term AMS capabili es.” They
provide end-to-end solu ons for organiza ons running SAP
so ware, posi oning themselves as a one-stop shop.
Christopher’s vision revolves around empowerment and
innova on, asser ng, “We want to lead by example! We
want to allow companies to have the ability to
innovate—to be able to use new technology and to grow
their organiza on.”
Approyo’s goal is to foster innova on and growth, not
hinder it. Christopher says, “We believe that all these
organiza ons that run SAP so ware should be innova ve
and be allowed to innovate. They get that with Approyo!”
Their mission is clear: to enable organiza ons to embrace
innova on while running SAP so ware.
Striking While the Iron is Hot
Christopher’s aspira ons are high as he shares, “We aspire
to be a leader in the SAP ecosystem, we want to help lead
the technology revolu on and the innova on of SAP into
the new Millennium.” Their vision extends beyond the
present, aiming to shape the future of SAP technology.
He recognizes the vast poten al ahead, sta ng, “We feel
that we are just scratching the surface with the new
upgrade cycle, that we are in—helping organiza ons to
achieve their goals.” Their journey is only beginning, with
the promise of assis ng organiza ons in reaching their full
poten al.
Christopher’s goals are ambi ous, both for the company
and its staff. He adds, “My goals and aspira ons for this
company are great. My hope for my staff is even greater, I
look forward to achieving my goals, the company’s goals
and our team’s goals over the next several years.” With a
focus on growth, success and empowering the team, he
envisions a bright future for all.
Core values hold a special place in his leadership
philosophy, as he stresses, “And so, my core values for this
company and who we are are constantly being
communicated.” For Christopher, clarity reigns supreme, as
he ensures that “Who we are, what we do and why we do
it—those are central focuses and are always going to be
moved to the head of the line for our staff, our customers
and our partners.”
Approyo’s Tomorrowland
Christopher envisions the organiza on at a pivotal
moment, sta ng, “I see this organiza on in the prime of its
life—to be honest—I think we’ve just hit our teens and we
are ready to grow even harder and further than ever
before.” With the monumental SAP ecosystem upgrade,
they aim to become the global partner of choice.
Cover Story
19. ccess to reliable and sustainable energy is a
Afundamental necessity for human development. Yet,
in many remote and underserved areas around the
world, energy distribu on remains a significant challenge.
These regions o en lack access to centralized power grids,
leaving communi es in the dark and hindering their social
and economic progress. However, recent innova ons in
technology and renewable energy sources are
revolu onizing energy distribu on in remote areas, offering
hope for a brighter and more sustainable future.
The Challenge of Energy Access in Remote Areas
Remote areas, whether located in rural parts of developing
na ons or isolated regions within developed countries, face
a common dilemma: inadequate access to electricity. This
lack of energy access has far-reaching consequences,
affec ng educa on, healthcare, economic opportuni es,
and overall quality of life.
Educa on: Without access to electricity, students struggle
to study a er dark, limi ng their educa onal poten al.
Reliable electricity enables the use of computers, the
internet, and ligh ng, thereby improving learning
outcomes.
Healthcare: Many medical facili es in remote areas lack
the power needed to operate cri cal equipment and
refrigerate medicines. Reliable electricity is vital for
healthcare delivery and saving lives.
Economic Opportuni es: Energy is the lifeblood of
economic ac vi es. In the absence of electricity, businesses
and industries cannot operate efficiently, limi ng economic
growth and job crea on.
Quality of Life: Electricity enhances the overall quality of
life by providing access to modern conveniences, such as
refrigera on, communica on devices, and clean cooking
solu ons.
Innova ons Transforming Energy Distribu on
To address the energy access gap in remote areas, several
innova ons are transforming the landscape of energy
distribu on:
Off-Grid Renewable Energy: Off-grid solu ons, such as
solar and wind power, have become increasingly affordable
and efficient. Solar panels and small wind turbines can
September 2023 17
Renewable Energy Microgrids
20. www.thecioleaders.com
18
generate electricity locally, reducing dependence on
centralized grids.
Microgrids: Microgrids are localized energy systems that
can operate independently or in conjunc on with the main
grid. They offer flexibility and resilience, making them ideal
for remote areas. Microgrids can be powered by a mix of
renewable sources and storage systems, ensuring a
con nuous energy supply.
Energy Storage: Advances in energy storage technologies,
like lithium-ion ba eries, have made it possible to store
excess energy generated during the day for use at night.
This addresses the intermi ency of renewable sources,
making them more reliable.
Smart Grids: Smart grid technologies enable efficient
energy management and distribu on. They use data
analy cs and automa on to op mize energy usage,
reducing waste and costs. Smart grids can be adapted for
use in remote areas to maximize energy efficiency.
Mobile Payment Systems: Mobile payment pla orms have
made it easier for remote communi es to access and pay
for electricity. These systems reduce the need for physical
infrastructure, making energy distribu on more cost-
effec ve.
Impact and Benefits
The adop on of these innova ons is already having a
profound impact on remote areas:
Improved Quality of Life: Access to electricity enhances
living condi ons, allowing communi es to refrigerate food,
access informa on, and enjoy be er healthcare and
educa on.
Economic Development: Reliable energy supply fosters
economic growth by suppor ng small businesses,
a rac ng investments, and crea ng job opportuni es.
Environmental Sustainability: The shi towards renewable
energy sources reduces reliance on fossil fuels, mi ga ng
climate change and reducing pollu on in remote areas.
Energy Independence: Localized energy solu ons reduce
dependence on centralized grids, making communi es
more resilient to power outages and fluctua ons.
Challenges and Future Direc ons
While remarkable progress has been made in
revolu onizing energy distribu on in remote areas,
challenges remain:
Ini al Costs: The upfront costs of renewable energy
installa ons can be high, making it necessary to find
financing models that are accessible to remote
communi es.
Maintenance and Skills: Ensuring the long-term
sustainability of energy systems requires adequate
maintenance and training for local technicians.
Policy and Regula on: Suppor ve policies and regula ons
are needed to incen vize investment in remote energy
projects and ensure fair pricing and access.
The transforma on of energy distribu on in remote areas
is an essen al step toward achieving sustainable
development and improving the lives of millions of people.
As technology con nues to advance and renewable energy
solu ons become more accessible, the future looks
promising for remote communi es, where the power of
innova on is bringing light, hope, and progress. With
con nued investment, collabora on, and policy support,
we can bridge the energy access gap and create a more
equitable and sustainable world for all.
23. he automo ve industry is undergoing a profound
Ttransforma on as it races toward a more sustainable
and environmentally friendly future. This transi on is
primarily driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions,
combat climate change, and meet increasingly stringent
regulatory standards. In this ar cle, we will explore the
pivotal role of leaders in the automo ve sector who are
steering the industry towards a greener and more
sustainable future.
1.Visionary CEOs
At the forefront of the automo ve industry's green
transi on are visionary CEOs who recognize the importance
of sustainability. Leaders like Elon Musk (Tesla), Mary Barra
(General Motors), and Herbert Diess (Volkswagen) have
played instrumental roles in shi ing their companies'
strategies towards electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable
prac ces. These CEOs have set ambi ous goals for their
organiza ons, with the aim of making EVs more accessible,
improving energy efficiency, and reducing their carbon
footprint.
2.Electric Vehicle Revolu on
The transi on to electric vehicles is perhaps the most
significant aspect of the automo ve industry's green
transforma on. Leaders in this space have priori zed the
development of EV technology, charging infrastructure, and
ba ery innova on. Tesla, under the leadership of Elon
Musk, has not only pioneered electric cars but also invested
heavily in ba ery research, aiming to make EVs more
affordable and accessible to the masses. This has sparked a
global electric vehicle revolu on, with established
automakers like GM and Volkswagen following suit.
3.Sustainable Supply Chains
Green leaders in the automo ve industry understand that
sustainability goes beyond just the end product. They are
ac vely working to make their supply chains more eco-
friendly. This includes sourcing raw materials responsibly,
reducing waste, and minimizing the environmental impact
of produc on processes. Companies like Ford are
collabora ng with suppliers to develop more sustainable
materials, such as recycled plas cs and eco-friendly
manufacturing techniques.
September 2023 21
The Electric Revolution
24. 4.Autonomous and Connected Vehicles
Autonomous and connected vehicles have the poten al to
significantly reduce emissions and improve traffic efficiency.
Leaders in the industry are inves ng in research and
development to bring autonomous and connected
technologies to the mainstream. Companies like Waymo, a
subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., are working on self-driving
technology that could revolu onize transporta on and
reduce the number of vehicles on the road, leading to lower
emissions and improved traffic flow.
5.Collabora ve Ini a ves
Many automo ve leaders recognize that addressing the
environmental challenges of the industry requires
collabora on, not just compe on. Ini a ves like the Drive
Sustainability alliance, which includes major automakers,
focus on improving social and environmental condi ons in
the supply chain. Collabora on with governments and
environmental organiza ons is also crucial for se ng
industry standards and regula ons that promote
sustainability.
6.Consumer Educa on and Adop on
Leaders in the automo ve industry are ac vely engaged in
educa ng consumers about the benefits of green vehicles.
They are working to dispel myths about EVs, highlight their
cost savings over me, and emphasize their posi ve impact
on the environment. By fostering consumer adop on of
green technologies, these leaders are driving market
demand for sustainable vehicles.
7.Investment in Research and Development
Leaders understand that innova on is paramount in the
shi towards sustainability. They are inves ng heavily in
research and development (R&D) to create cu ng-edge
technologies that can improve the efficiency and
environmental performance of vehicles. This includes
advancements in aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and
energy-efficient powertrains. Companies like BMW, for
instance, are con nuously exploring innova ve materials
like carbon fiber to reduce the weight of their vehicles and
increase fuel efficiency.
8.Global Expansion and Market Penetra on
To accelerate the adop on of green technologies, leaders
are expanding their global reach and aiming to penetrate
new markets. This involves adap ng products to suit local
preferences and regula ons. For example, Chinese EV
manufacturers like NIO and BYD are leaders in their
domes c market and are expanding their presence
interna onally to make EVs more accessible globally. This
strategy not only drives sales but also promotes the
adop on of electric vehicles worldwide.
9.Sustainable Mobility Services
Leaders in the automo ve industry recognize that the
future of transporta on is not limited to manufacturing
and selling vehicles. They are venturing into mobility
services that emphasize sustainability, such as ride-sharing
and carpooling. By providing alterna ves to individual car
ownership, these services can reduce the overall number of
vehicles on the road and lower emissions. Companies like
Uber and Ly are pioneering this approach, while
automakers like Ford are inves ng in mobility services to
complement their vehicle offerings.
10.Government Advocacy and Policy Engagement
Automo ve leaders are ac vely engaging with
governments and policymakers to shape regula ons that
promote sustainability. They understand that suppor ve
policies, such as incen ves for electric vehicle purchases
and emissions reduc on targets, are crucial for
accelera ng the green transi on. These leaders are using
their influence and resources to advocate for policies that
align with their sustainability goals and benefit the
environment.
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22