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Lidia Aviles, Founder of AELSTONE, grace the cover of the renowned Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of World's Iconic Women Leaders Making An Impact in 2023
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Vol. 10 | Issue 14 | October 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World’s Iconic WOMEN LEADERS Making An Impact in 2023 A Renowned Leader in the Field of HR and Leadership PG. 22 On a Mission to Bring Innovation to the Fintech Industry PG. 50 Aviles Founder | AELSTONE
World's Iconic Women Leaders Making An Impact in 2023 Transforming the World The fact that women have been successful businesswomen for a very long time is unknown to many people. The earliest known businesswomen may be found in the northern Iraqi city of Assur around 1870 BC. At the period, Assyrian women frequently participated in the region's extensive commercial networks, demonstrating that commerce was not just for males. passion and way of life, and she is driven by finding practical solutions to make the world a better place. Lidia's academic journey began with the study of International Relations, followed by a Master's in Global Management. Her career in the diplomatic sector started during her university years and has since allowed her to accumulate a wealth of experience in various fields. She has contributed to diverse specializations and organizations, ranging from Education, Economics, and Cybersecurity to Art, Academia, Research, Sustainability & Innovation, Energy, and Sustainable Investment. With this broad expertise, she endeavors to bring about positive change and a more sustainable future. For instance, Katharine Graham was the sole female CEO of a Fortune 500 corporation in 1973. Only 38% of women worked in the US at this time. That percentage rose to 46.2% in 2019. The corporate environment is evolving, and so are perspectives on "traditional" business practices. Furthermore, there is data that suggests that women are actively influencing the direction of business. “World's Iconic Women Leaders Making an Impact in 2023” is World's Leaders latest edition that features women leaders from various sectors which are thriving in leadership and leading with best practices and creating their personal value and contribution to the world. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. The cover features Lidia Aviles who is dedicated to spreading awareness about sustainability and promoting eco-friendly practices. Sustainability has always been her Have a lovely read!
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker OCTOBER 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
Cover Story 10 Lidia Aviles Paving the Path to a Sustainable Future
Christie J. Lawler 18 22 Dr. Ankita Singh 26 Ingrid Watkins Jelena Djakovic 32 Lyn Ola 36 MEGHA R. AHUJA 40 Noor Al Muhaideb 46 Sabrina Tharani 50 Shamane Tan 54
Paving the Path to a Sustainable Future Lidia Aviles 10 | October 2023
“Bringing the world, sectors and policymakers together into full awareness and collaboration.” 12 | October 2023
an esteemed EU Climate Pact Ambassador, Lidia Aviles is dedicated to spreading awareness about sustainability and promoting eco-friendly practices. Sustainability has always been her passion and way of life, and she is driven by finding practical solutions to make the world a better place. Lidia's academic journey began with the study of International Relations, followed by a Master's in Global Management. Her career in the diplomatic sector started during her university years and has since allowed her to accumulate a wealth of experience in various fields. She has contributed to diverse specializations and organizations, ranging from Education, Economics, and Cybersecurity to Art, Academia, Research, Sustainability & Innovation, Energy, and Sustainable Investment. With this broad expertise, she endeavors to bring about positive change and a more sustainable future. worldsleaders.com | 13
Driving Global Impact Exceeding Expectations forms of support, serving as an Investor Finder & International Relations Intermediary on a global scale. This role allows Lidia and her team to assist sectors in forging connections with other stakeholders, organizations, and institutions, ultimately leading to greater impact and progress. Their initiatives are driven by a commitment to fully accelerate the achievement of SDG17, which focuses on collaborations "Partnerships for the goals.” As the Founder of AELSTONE, Lidia has leveraged her expertise as a global Sustainability & Innovation expert to establish a remarkable organization. Through her efforts, she has become a central figure, connecting and supporting various sectors simultaneously, thus embodying a natural alignment and purpose for Sustainability & Innovation-related developments. AELSTONE now offers diverse At AELSTONE, meeting clients' expectations is of utmost importance, and they maintain a strict standard to achieve it. They follow a priority pipeline approach with specific dates to ensure that each client has the potential to create a sustainable impact. Throughout the process, transparency remains a top priority, keeping clients well-informed about the progress and outcomes of their initiatives. 14 | October 2023
What sets AELSTONE apart is their unwavering dedication to success. They don't settle for complacency but consistently push harder to achieve the end goals set by their clients. This commitment to excellence makes them a reliable partner in the pursuit of sustainability and innovation. Driving Sustainability Forward As an Ambassador for the EU Climate Pact, Lidia Aviles holds a prestigious role bestowed upon her by the European Commission as part of the Green Deal initiative in 2021. The EU Climate Pact is a significant effort to rally communities and sectors in taking concrete actions towards climate change mitigation and sustainability. In her capacity as an Ambassador, Lidia collaborates closely with key figures. This privileged position has enabled her to support the aviation sector across 124 airports since 2019, providing invaluable guidance for sustainable development and offering advisory support for sustainability reporting, market- based instruments, and policy analysis. Over time, Lidia's sphere of influence expanded to include the energy sector and a broad spectrum of sustainability-related developments. Her expertise covers diverse domains, ranging from fashion and deep tech to renewables, mobility, investment, virtual reality (VR), additive manufacturing (AM), and the metaverse. worldsleaders.com | 15
Sustainability is not just a professional pursuit for Lidia; it is ingrained in her lifestyle and values. Her diverse expertise allows her to contribute to various sustainability initiatives with a holistic approach. In this context, Lidia helps the European Innovation Council's disruptive startups attract interest from impact investors to make those technologies a reality and provide support to the EIC Fund under the guidance of Stéphane Ouaki, Head of Department EIC. Lidia feels honored to utilize her knowledge, skills, and passion for the betterment of our only planet, making a meaningful impact towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Harmony for Humanity Lidia aims to improve collaboration among diverse communities, organizations, and countries to promote justice and mercy. She believes that we can continuously grow and become better every day, with the support of each other. Division arises not from our differences but from a lack of acknowledgment of our unique strengths. Lidia values all skills, careers, and choices as they serve a purpose. She emphasizes that the planet belongs to all of us, and we must protect it rather than abuse it to reap its rewards. Nature is our valuable friend in this endeavor. Additionally, Lidia reminds us that a healthy spirit leads to a healthy lifestyle, contributing to a more sustainable world. Fearless Pursuit Lidia has taken some risks in her professional journey. She studied a lot 16 | October 2023
and focused on the big picture of sustainability and innovation. It's not always easy to explain complex ideas and connect different concepts to raise awareness, but she believes it's important for the greater good. She also took a unique approach by exploring various fields before specializing, which can be challenging. But this has led to great rewards and a lot of knowledge, making her feel fulfilled. Despite the difficulties, Lidia's commitment to understanding and making a positive impact in the world keeps her motivated. Recently, she won the 2nd place in an Art contest organized by Euspacehub in Ibiza. Additionally, she has been named the Top Global Advisor for the year 2023 by IAOTP, showcasing her outstanding contributions and influence in the global landscape. Green Assist, focused on environmental initiatives within the EU. Partner at SIGF, contributing to advancements in infrastructure solutions worldwide. Advisory Board Member, Sustainability Advisor, 360GREEN Solutions, playing a role in promoting sustainability efforts within the EU. Public Affairs Advisor, Integrals Power UK, bringing expertise to energy-related endeavors. Embracing Individuality and Making a Difference Ÿ Lidia's advice to emerging women leaders is to take themselves seriously and not let others define them. Society may try to fit them into certain molds, but it's essential to stay true to themselves and not waste energy trying to conform. Instead, focus on moving forward and making a positive impact. She asserts, “Take your calling seriously and respect your purpose in life; live with a sense of mission and direction.” By doing so, emerging women leaders can bring about meaningful change and create a safer, more inclusive world. Ÿ Lidia's impact extends beyond her personal achievements. She serves as a board advisory member for several prestigious organizations: Ÿ Environmental Council member, City Hall Koekelberg, Brussels. Advisory Board Member, Galanthus Initiative, which empowers women to access job opportunities where they face challenges, based in Dubai. Expert for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund in Brussels, EU. Advisory Board Member, Sanford Royce, with a global presence. Advisory Board Member, Design Thinking Sweden, contributing to innovative solutions. Expert, European Commission- Ÿ Lidia's active involvement in these organizations reflects her dedication to making a positive impact across various sectors, contributing to a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive world. Ÿ Ÿ Championing Change Ÿ Lidia's diverse expertise and passion for learning are evident in the multiple hats she wears in various sectors. As a Philomath, she finds joy in continuous learning and has achieved remarkable recognition in different disciplines. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ worldsleaders.com | 17
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Founder Libra Consulting 32 | October 2023
L customer with a personalized approach and solutions tailored to their specific needs. Libra Consulting is a full-service marketing and consulting firm focused on company growth in the hospitality industry. Since its inception in 2011, the firm has offered customers in a variety of sectors with marketing, sales, and consulting services (entertainment, FMCG, hospitality, charity, banking). Libra Consulting frequently collaborates with other specialized agencies and subcontractors to offer customers the highest level of knowledge and services adapted to ibra Consulting was formed by Jelena Djakovic with the goal of providing each their individual requirements. Below are highlights of the interview: Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? It was a winding path that brought me here, but every experience and everything I have done was a necessary step on that path. I studied applied arts and started working at a TV station as an assistant in the production department. From there, I went on to a marketing agency, where I fell in love with marketing. I switched to the client side, worked for a university as the marketing manager, and then transitioned to hospitality. I was very lucky and worldsleaders.com | 33
privileged to work for two of the most prestigious hotels in Belgrade as their Marketing and Sales director. During that time, I saw a space, a niche that was needed – for a marketing and consulting agency that would be specialized in hospitality with a full understanding of the particular needs of this industry, and that is how Libra Consulting came to life; out of sheer energy, desire, and the love of marketing. No shortcuts, no cutting corners, just work. Smart, hard and on point. I strongly believe that this is the only real path to success. was founded, we have expanded the portfolio quite a bit, as well as the team. Now we offer full-service consulting for hospitality businesses, with a main focus on hotels. We create business plans, assist in all aspects of execution, advise, help with strategy and business development, design, produce, create branding strategies, train employees. What are the major services of the company and how do they help the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? We started with a small portfolio of services that I thought were needed – design, social media, business planning, menu consultations, and event planning consulting. In the past 6 years since the company We approach each client individually, considering every aspect of their business idea, needs, financial capacity, potential for growth, positioning as it is, positioning What has made you successful? What do you value? I value hard work, integrity, and good service. We always go the extra step. 34 | October 2023
individual heroics or team processes? potential, and much more. clients. Seeing something we created come to life. I am incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love. Our 3 p.m. mandatory glass of wine is a good part of the day. Of course, there are the tough talks when you manage a team of people. But the wine helps, both sides. We take pride in the work we do, and we make sure that there is something to be proud of. It depends on the organization. We strive to create a company where everyone feels like an equal part of the team, and can give an idea, suggestion, or improvement to any other part of the organization. We do not believe in: It was not my job. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Innovation is a part of life. You have to at least keep up, and if possible, excel. We have a quote from Albert Einstein on our website: Life is like riding a bicycle; in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? What are your responsibilities as the founder and CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? There is a Serbian proverb – Measure 3 times, cut once. I think it is the best leadership advice. Take your time, don't make rash decisions, sleep on it. Give us your opinion on whether organizations rely heavily on Honestly, I love all of it. I love mentoring. I love working with worldsleaders.com | 35
Noor Al Muhaideb Striving To Craft the Ingredients of Absolute Luxury, Creating Spaces That are not Only Beautiful, but Breath-taking N Noor Al Muhaideb Noor Al Muhaideb is the CEO & Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors and Detay Living. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the American University of Sharjah in 2002. She gained her remarkable portfolio over her fifteen years of professional expertise by implementing and completing several residential, hotel, and commercial developments for Emaar Properties. Clients and coworkers alike hold Noor in high regard for her extraordinary inventiveness, design sensibility, organizational prowess, and capacity to lead diverse teams. With an eye for elegance, craftsmanship, and quality, she is renowned for her world-class visionary style and designs that set trends whilst remaining fresh and timeless year after year. 46 | October 2023
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Noor Al Muhaideb: rewarding; seeing the vision taken from rough sketches all the way through to the end result is just an incredible feeling. I also love to read books about successful business leaders. There is a bit of a reality check in observing what has been sacrificed, but there is so much wisdom and inspiration in seeing the road to success. I've been particularly inspired after reading Shoe Dog and the challenges Phil Knight faced and overcame while building the empire that is Nike. I never assumed that success would be inevitable. There are many factors outside of our hands, as business-owners, but I do know that what I can control is my dedication to put in focused time and effort. And it has truly paid off. Describe your professional journey as a business leader. I have always had an eye for beauty and a deep appreciation for lovely spaces. Throughout my childhood, this disposition blossomed into a skill-set as my creative mind explored the possibilities of design. I set my sights on the American University of Sharjah and pursued a Bachelor of Interior Design degree. After graduating in 2002, I was hired as Interior Design Director with Emaar Properties. My fifteen years of extensive experience at Emaar furnished an impressive portfolio. I relished the opportunity to implement and deliver countless residential, hospitality, and commercial developments. As my confidence and first-hand knowledge grew, so did a real drive to complete each project in a timely manner. Now, at the helm of Opaal Interiors, I love to nurture the young designers here. I have not forgotten what it was like to be a fresh graduate and I give each young designer a voice and opportunities to use their gifts. I look for strong, creative, competent thinkers. They each bring immense value to the table, and my hope is that they are empowered here at Opaal to step bravely into the world of design. I take great care in the hiring and training process, ensuring that each candidate understands our unique business model.When we first began, I focused mainly on design for property developers so that I could build a strong business case in one specific area, but now we have really branched out into all kinds of projects and developments. I know this is only the beginning for us! Who inspires you to wake up every day and keep making a difference in the interior space? I am a mother of four, and my family is absolutely my greatest inspiration and support. This profession is so As the CEO and Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors, what challenges have you faced while establishing and running the business? The biggest challenge proved to be the very early stages of the company. Building client lists and relationships with those clients takes time, and there is no way around it. We're up against well-established firms, so providing excellent customer service and being willing to go above and beyond helped us build our reputation from the beginning. I am happy to say that the patience and determination to stick with the process has paid off. We'll still lose a pitch occasionally, but I'm far better at handling those moments now. My reactions to a challenging moment like that are now far more rooted in my knowledge of the complexity of the design world and the many factors that contribute to those decisions. Brief us about the operations of Opaal Interiors, its mission, vision, and core values. At Opaal Interiors, we are committed to finding the balance between the ambitions of the user, the needs of the industry, 48 | October 2023
and the shape of the physical space. With ingenuity, enthusiasm, and 50 years of combined experience, we desire each client to feel a sense of partnership in the process of design and creation. We believe that an expertly designed interior is fundamental to a lasting first impression, and take on this responsibility with great gladness and great seriousness. Eager to realize each client's vision, we combine our understanding of materials, textures, finishes, and colors to elevate the space in a way that authentically represents each client's vision. What exactly Opaal Interiors is doing differently in acquiring and sustaining customers for itself? I believe what sets us apart is, most importantly, the vitality of our client/designer connection. Both strong creative leadership and real client partnerships exist side-by-side. This is our greatest motivation to hire well-rounded professionals with strong communication skills. Working at Emaar also gave me insight into what was missing in the market. Quick execution and timeliness are of high importance, but we never rush the planning process. We are especially meticulous in the concept phase, listening carefully to the client's needs and requests. We can take a very rough idea and patiently collaborate with the client as the vision becomes more specific. Due to the subjective nature of design, we never assume we know exactly what the client wants, but we communicate several options we know could satisfy their needs and place a high value on their input. to flow more freely. Perhaps there's a collective sense of confidence now that we have surmounted the obstacles of 2020. The question we are asking ourselves now is, "How can we enhance even further the way we're operating?" We believe that good ideas can come from anywhere, and we are open to creative problem solving and innovation of all kinds. In terms of future growth, where do you see yourself and Opaal Interiors? As I look into the future of my own career, I see so many thrilling opportunities for growth. Three years ago, we opened a sister company to manage furniture procurement. It is the perfect complement to Opaal Interiors, and I'd love to grow that business so that we can offer an even more robust, holistic experience to our clients. Another huge development in the near future will be the opening of an office space in Saudi Arabia. We see many exciting opportunities to continue expanding globally, and have our sights set on an eventual location in North America. I know this is only the beginning for us. What do you think are the essentials of being a trendsetting businesswoman? A strength many women embody is the gift of precise and insightful communication with others. I've learned that as businesswomen, we can harness that for the success of our endeavors. Client partnerships are a critical aspect of most businesses, so the ability to place ourselves in the shoes of the client will give us a real edge on the competition. Staying on top of trends (or better yet, setting trends) can seem daunting. Keep your eyes and ears on consumers' desires and remain true to your unique vision, and you'll be sure to stay competitive and relevant. What creative ways have you employed to make the work environment of Opaal Interiors vibrant? Virtual work has really helped with brainstorming; it may sound counter-intuitive, but away from distractions in the office, our team has really been able to be productive in the idea-generating stage of each project. Even since we returned to the offices in August, the ideas have continued worldsleaders.com | 49
