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World's Inspiring Business Leaders Making A Difference in 2023

Duke Kimhan, listed by Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine under World's Inspiring Business Leaders Making A Difference in 2023

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World's Inspiring Business Leaders Making A Difference in 2023

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  1. Vol. 09 | Issue 04 | September 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World's Inspiring Making a Difference in 2023 Guiding You to Find Your Dream Space Broker/Owner at Hi Pacific Property mgmt Duke Duke Kimhan Kimhan

  2. World’s Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2023 Presenting Leadership in its True Sense There is no question that business leadership has changed significantly throughout the years. These shifts frequently reflect current sociological and economic changes. Consumers actively seek out companies in today's society that are focused and committed to changing the world. Such an objective requires the existence of visionary leadership inside organizations. Duke originally bought and sold his own houses before becoming a broker himself. He has worked as a property broker with Coldwell Banker in Florida, Realty Experts in Hawaii, and Condo.Com in Hawaii. His newest challenge is managing the HiPacific Property Management division with his team. He has earned numerous Real Estate designations, such as: Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Real Estate Broker (CRB), Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), and Broker Price Opinion (BPO), and continues to educate himself in all areas of real estate to better serve his clients and his friends. Duke's career path took a significant turn when he entered real estate in 2000. Exceptional leaders have the power to completely change the course of their enterprises. They provide their team members a feeling of direction and purpose, directing them toward more worthwhile goals. As a result, inspirational leaders provide motivation to both their team members and clients. Each leader has their own distinctive skills and talents, thus there are many different ways to lead with vision. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2023” is featuring inspiring business leaders who are fostering social responsibility by implementing sustainable practices, supporting community initiatives, and promoting corporate social responsibility. 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 has Duke Kimhan, a real estate broker specializing in investment homes, condos, military relocations, 1031 tax swaps, and commercial properties, was born and raised in Honolulu and grew up in Manoa Valley. He is now the HIPacific Property Management's Principal Broker. Have a lovely read!

  3. 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 SEPTEMBER 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 :

  4. Duke Kimhan Guiding You to Find Your Dream Space 08 COVER STORY

  5. Alex Melgar and Carlos Telles 18 22 Charbel Aoun 28 Dr. Gabriel Serrano 32 Heidi Lindner 36 Liam Hardey 40 Luke Marani 46 Mitch Gould 50 Nasreen Alissa 54 Yesenia Ferreras

  6. 08 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  7. Cover Story Duke Kimhan Kimhan Guiding You to Find Your Dream Space Duke “Growth in leadership is as important as being staffed correctly. I do believe PM will be ready when it's time to find more leadership.” worldsleaders.com | 09

  8. Setting and achieving goals in life provides happiness. To begin, you must identify your values and your definition of success. Following that, mindset is concerned with aligning your actions to your ideas. Duke Kimhan is the successful business visionary who gained this approach. He is a real estate broker specializing in investment homes, condos, military relocations, 1031 tax swaps, and commercial properties, was born and raised in Honolulu and grew up in Manoa Valley. He is now the HIPacific Property Management's Principal Broker. property broker with Coldwell Banker in Florida, Realty Experts in Hawaii, and Condo.Com in Hawaii. His newest challenge is managing the HiPacific Property Management division with his team. Real estate brought excitement and diversity with different people, buyers, and sellers each day. After returning to Honolulu from Florida due to a divorce, Duke found property management to be consistent. A fellow realtor suggested he focus on property management full-time, and he made the switch in 2008, dedicating himself to providing exceptional services. Duke originally bought and sold his own houses before becoming a broker himself. He has worked as a 10 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  9. career path took a significant turn when he entered real estate in 2000. Previously in the restaurant business for over 25 years, he enjoyed it but didn't love it. Success through the Journey Duke has experienced significant personal growth over the years, particularly in his ability to be patient with the notion of "perfection." He has come to understand that certain levels of perfection are simply unattainable. Duke has a strong preference for cleanliness and strives to maintain a tidy environment at all times. Having grown up in Honolulu, sports played a major role in Duke's life. However, at the age of 19, he made the decision to move to the mainland and explore various job opportunities. Eventually, Duke set his sights on the restaurant industry, starting five different concepts and later selling them. Duke chose to work for chain restaurants for several years, and it was during this time that his perfectionist mindset began to take hold. In the chain restaurant setting, the quality of your work was Duke has earned numerous Real Estate designations, such as: Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Real Estate Broker (CRB), Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), and Broker Price Opinion (BPO), and continues to educate himself in all areas of real estate to better serve his clients and his friends. Duke's worldsleaders.com | 11

  10. PLANS FOR HI PM Duke defines success as continuing to develop and watching his people grow; the numbers will come as the people grow; he is well beyond the money and revenue side of this business and wants his people to accomplish their personal growth. That is where true life progress takes place. Duke solely intends to move forward in the future; there are no intentions to stop or sell. He's having a lot of fun right now. He explains that there is just laughter, cheers, and jokes in the office every day, and that as long as that continues, the team will expand! constantly evaluated by others, fueling Duke's desire for perfection. He found great satisfaction in seeing his colleagues and employees exceed his expectations as they grew and developed. He states, "I love my dog and Playing poker. I have a great wife who also shares our interest in Poker, Travel, Real estate, and our dog, Mochi!” management field. Over the past decade, the industry has evolved with the integration of advanced technologies and innovative guarantees, creating a more efficient and rewarding work environment. With the help of revolutionary apps, Hi Pacific has transformed the property management domain. Tasks such as tenant background checks, credit and background report deliveries, and automatic rent payment setups have become effortless, thanks to user-friendly interfaces. The use of real estate pinning apps enables quick property location, which is essential for handling inquiries about rental rates. The Company Hi Pacific Property Management, a full-time real estate company specializing in property management, is proud to announce the significant advancements and guarantees it offers to realtors entering the property 12 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  11. However, Hi Pacific goes beyond simply adapting to technological advancements. They have set new industry standards by introducing their groundbreaking 'Threefold Guarantee' system: Ÿ Communication Guarantee: Hi Pacific pledges to answer calls or return them within one hour, ensuring prompt and reliable communication. Ÿ Rent Guarantee: They provide a written agreement specifying a minimum asking rent. If a tenant is not secured at this rate within 30 days, Hi Pacific will pay the agreed-upon rent. Eviction Guarantee: In the unfortunate event of a tenant defaulting on rent, despite passing rigorous background checks, Hi Pacific covers the legal costs associated with eviction. Ÿ Ÿ By embracing the new era of property management technology, Hi Pacific ensures optimal tenant compliance and offers Realtors a more engaging and profitable career path. They invite Realtors to experience the future of property management with Hi Pacific Property Management—a progressive community at the forefront of transforming the industry. worldsleaders.com | 13

  12. Hi Pacific PM has learned that the Real estate landscape continues to grow and change. Ad marketing is always changing. It advertises its services in the print media, online, radio, and TV. The online media is where it gets the most leads, and the team tries to capture an appointment to meet with new owners as soon as possible each week! Duke states, "We hope to soon have 2000 owners under contract.” Facing Challenges Everyday According to Duke, challenges arise in every hour of his day, from owners arguing cost amounts to renters opposing repairs. There are so many things that may go wrong throughout the course of a working day! Repair requests come in at all hours of the day and night. It employs a maintenance crew to handle all calls and obtain authorization from the owner to fix the products. They must then deploy the appropriate suppliers in a timely manner! Then, pay the vendor and charge the appropriate account owner. All in 2-3 days—that's my toughest weekly task! Aside from dealing with these problems, Duke's daily routine consists of ensuring that the office has all it requires and leading the PMs in the development of their businesses. He goes out on most Owner meetings to assist them with the brand's Rent Guarantee amounts and sign all leases and PM agreements. He signs all the checks going out and is available to take any and all calls. The best part of Duke's Day is the problem-solving he gets to do with the PMs and the office staff! Advising Visionary Realtors Duke finds that One of the largest barriers in the PM business is one's own ability to grow! He mentions, "Are you prepared for growth, Staffing in the office is my toughest 14 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  13. Duke thinks that growth comes in numerous forms when coaching new leaders in the field. Leaders in business are assessed by numbers, and what lies behind the numbers is what really matters! People matter; their family's matter, their aspirations matter; business is simple if one focuses on their people rather than the statistics, as Duke has always thought. "When the numbers are down, you have to ask about the people, and you will find your issues. If you assist the barrier." He further adds, "Hiring licensed PMs was never an issue, as I speak to other owners. Finding good PMs is a challenge, but for Hi PM we have a great staff of PMs who, like me, are perfectionists and want to do a great job!” people, the numbers will return. Sometimes you have to replace the people (not always easy) to attain sustained growth," says Duke. “Growth in leadership is as important as being staffed correctly. I do believe PM will be ready when it's time to find more leadership.” worldsleaders.com | 15

  14. V Ambassador Services. Alex, the CEO, is an accomplished executive with a remarkable history of leading high-performing organizations to unprecedented growth. With his extensive experience in the maintenance services industry, he joined Ambassador Services in 2012 as the Chief Operating Officer, swiftly ascending the ranks. Alex strategic prowess enabled him to merge three companies, streamlining operations and reducing costs while enhancing customer satisfaction. Under his guidance, the organization achieved an impressive revenue growth of 157% over the past five years, all while maintaining an exceptional 92% customer retention rate. Ambassador Services isionary leadership is the cornerstone of success, and Alex Melgar and Carlos Telles exemplify this quality at Ambassador Services, established in 2007, is a renowned company specializing in commercial maintenance services. With a successful track record of 16 years in the industry, it has firmly established itself as a reliable and experienced provider. Its headquarters are located in Houston, TX, strategically positioning them to serve a wide range of clients. At Ambassador Services, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including janitorial services, grounds maintenance, HVAC services, and general labor solutions. Its dedicated team is equipped to handle diverse maintenance needs, ensuring that its commercial spaces are clean, well-maintained, and conducive to productivity. Carlos Telles, the Managing Director, brings his operational expertise to the forefront. With 20 years of industry experience, Carlos leads the overall operations at Ambassador Services with an unwavering focus on fostering innovation. He is renowned for his dedication to the training and development of service personnel, readily immersing himself in the trenches to guide the team. Carlos's consistent track record of delivering exponential business growth has earned him widespread respect and admiration within the organization. He is passionate and decisive, prioritizing customer needs while steadfastly supporting the associates day in and day out. Together, Alex and Carlos embody visionary leadership, propelling Ambassador Services to new heights of success. While Ambassador Services' primary operations are focused within the state of Texas, it extends its services beyond its borders. The company has expanded its reach and now cater to clients across the nation, enabling it to proudly claim a national footprint. From Entrepreneurial Upbringing to Building a Legacy Alex's and Carlos's journey in the business world began at a very young age when they were still children. Their father owned small businesses in the service and distribution industry, specifically in restaurants. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, Alex and Carlos had the opportunity to assist their father from an early age. Their Alex Alex Alex Melgar & Carlos Telles Carlos Telles 18 | SEPTEMBER 2023 Alex Alex Alex Melgar & Telles Telles Telles Telles

  15. responsibilities included tasks like moving boxes around, which may have seemed simple at the time but provided valuable lessons and experiences that would shape their future. decisions and sharing their opinions. This level of involvement allowed them to gain firsthand experience and develop their entrepreneurial skills. As teenagers, Alex and Carlos ventured into the business of clubs and dance floors, starting their own small venture. Alex was around 16 years old at the time, while Carlos was even younger. These early ventures laid the foundation for their As Alex and Carlos entered their teenage years, their father encouraged them to contribute to the family business by making worldsleaders.com | 19

  16. entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. In 2002, Alex and Carlos made the decision to migrate to the United States, seeking new opportunities. They joined a national company in the maintenance industry, working with them and gaining valuable knowledge. Their work required them to travel across multiple states, further expanding their experience and expertise. Continuing to develop their careers, they later transitioned to another national maintenance company. In 2005, with a growing desire for independence, Alex and Carlos made the bold choice to start their own business. They named it after themselves but initially lacked knowledge on how to market it or fully comprehend the responsibilities of being business owners in the United States. Language became a significant hurdle for them, as their native language wasn't commonly spoken. They tackled this challenge by using dictionaries, videos, and pocket-sized language learning tools to teach themselves English. Despite the obstacles they faced, Alex and Carlos persevered and dedicated themselves to learning and adapting to their new environment. Their journey from their early involvement in their father's businesses to their experiences in El Salvador and the United States equipped them with a diverse skill set and a tenacious spirit that would prove essential in their future endeavors. A Journey of Excellence in the Maintenance Industry Alex and Carlos embarked on their journey in the United States, with their story commencing in Tennessee. It was there that they began their exploration of the American job market, working 20 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  17. for a company. However, it is important to note that their work experiences trace back to their time in El Salvador, where they actively engaged in various pursuits from a young age. team members and consider their thoughts and opinions. Carlos highlights that sometimes the best ideas come from those who are directly involved in the work. Carlos believes in providing constructive feedback to the team, even in situations where they may have failed. Learning from failures is a crucial aspect of leadership and personal development. Leaders should encourage their team members to embrace failures as learning opportunities and to constantly seek improvement. According to Alex, continuous education and a commitment to learning are essential for growing as leaders. He emphasize the importance of self-evolution and personal development in order to effectively lead others. Alex refers to the concept of "ROSE," which stands for the rate of self-evolution. This concept suggests that the growth of an organization depends on the leader's ability to evolve and prepare themselves for leadership. Following their time in Tennessee, Alex and Carlos decided to relocate to Houston, TX, where they continued their careers in the maintenance industry by joining another company. In this new environment, they sharpened their skills and acquired valuable expertise in providing top- notch maintenance services. It was during this period that Alex took a leap of faith and established Cleaning Services of America as his own venture. Within a year, the business thrived, successfully catering to the needs of their clients. Driving Positive Change To drive improvement in society, organizations, and people's lives, Alex believes that providing accurate and truthful information is crucial, especially in the realm of education. He emphasizes the need to counteract misleading information by offering genuine and reliable knowledge to society. This improvement in social information can contribute to better decision-making and progress. Alex describes three stages in the life of an entrepreneur or business owner: the "I," the "we," and the "they." The "I" stage represents a time when the leader operates independently, making decisions and directing the business on their own. This stage reflects the highest level of responsibility and control for the leader. The "we" stage, on the other hand, signifies a transition towards working with a team of individuals. It acknowledges the importance of collaboration and delegating responsibilities to others. The “they” stage is for the ability to become a push-up Organization, delegate responsibilities to each department and then monitor results at a higher level. As fate would have it, their paths eventually converged, leading them to join forces at Ambassador Services. For the past sixteen years, they have been devoted team members of this esteemed organization. Their diverse experiences culminated in a strong background in the maintenance sector, enabling them to deliver exceptional services to their valued clients. Within their own organization, Alex sees room for continuous improvement. One aspect he aims to enhance is work-life balance. In today's fast-paced world, where professional demands often take precedence, he recognizes the importance of creating a culture that promotes a healthy balance between work and personal life. By prioritizing this balance, he envisions positively impacting the lives of the people within the organization. Fostering Growth and Overcoming Leadership Challenges Alex believes that there are certain qualities lacking among today's emerging leaders. He emphasize the importance of personal growth as a leader and also share your opinion on what other leaders commonly lack as a result of their leadership styles. Carlos adds that one of the significant shortcomings of many leaders is their lack of attention to their team and people. A leader can only be effective if they have good followers who support the team and its ideas. It's essential for leaders to listen to their Regarding opportunities, Alex identifies equality as an important focus area. Promoting equal opportunities for individuals regardless of their background or circumstances is vital to foster a fair and inclusive environment. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of continued education, highlighting the value of ongoing learning and development for personal and professional growth. Carlos emphasizes the importance of being a good listener as a leader. Actively listening to the team members and creating an open and supportive atmosphere encourages effective communication and collaboration. Additionally, he highlights the need for flexibility in leadership. Being adaptable and open to different perspectives and ideas allows for innovation and growth within the team. worldsleaders.com | 21

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  23. Dr.Gabriel Serrano Pioneering Skin Care Innovation worldsleaders.com | 29

  24. For over four decades, Dr. Gabriel Serrano has been at the forefront of dermatology, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As the esteemed owner of the renowned Dermatology Clinics in Valencia, Madrid, Dubai, Bogotá and Bayahibe, bearing his name, Dr. Serrano has built a legacy of exceptional patient care and groundbreaking innovation. In fact, the Valencia clinic is th celebrating its 50 anniversary in 2023. With a commitment to personalized care and attentive listening, he embarked on a journey to develop specialized products that address a myriad of skin concerns. At the heart of Sesderma's success lies a relentless pursuit of research, development, and innovation (R+D+I), driving the creation of groundbreaking solutions. The Sesderma Group encompasses several notable brands, including Sesderma, Mediderma, Sophieskin, Dr. Serrano, and Dermopartners, specializing in third-party manufacturing. Sesderma, a leading Spanish dermatological laboratory with a remarkable 34-year history, has emerged as a dominant force in over 90 global markets. The company is dedicated to intensive research, development, formulation, and manufacturing of advanced dermocosmetic products, nanonutraceuticals, and medical-aesthetic cosmetics. In 2008, Sesderma made history with the introduction of complete product lines utilizing the power of nanotechnology. This groundbreaking achievement revolutionized the industry, allowing ingredients to effectively penetrate the skin's protective layer, ensuring their utmost efficacy. Unlike superficial offerings from other cosmetic lines, Sesderma's liposomal products go beyond mere hydration and comfort, providing comprehensive repair and protection throughout all layers of the skin. Driven by his deep understanding of patients' skin needs, gained through direct contact in his daily practice, Dr. Serrano founded Sesderma Laboratories in 1989. The ethos of “Listening to your skin” encapsulates the essence of Sesderma, a laboratory devoted to nurturing skin health and beauty. Through dermatological innovation and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of the skin, Sesderma continues to redefine the boundaries of the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. 30 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  25. Dr Serrano Ramon y Cajal Academy of Health Sciences, Madrid later, he ventured into the United States and eventually settled in Spain to study medicine, and later specialized in Dermatology, obtaining a doctorate Cum Laude from the University of Valencia. Subsequently, Dr. Serrano worked as a resident doctor and dermatologist at the University General Hospital of Valencia, becoming Deputy Clinical Head of the Dermatology Service, where he worked for more than 25 years. In 1976 he opened his own dermatological clinic in Valencia, where he has had the privilege of treating over 40,000 patients throughout his career as a dermatologist. He soon discovered that there was a lack of dermatological products to address the problems of his patients and was inspired to formulate and create dermocosmetic products himself. As a businessman, Dr. Serrano embraces a restless, tenacious, and enthusiastic nature. He approaches life with optimism and friendliness, finding joy in engaging in significant projects and new challenges. Driven by a desire to inspire others, he often encourages people to join him in embracing life with enthusiasm and celebration. He considers life as more than just a dream, but rather a unique opportunity to be cherished and enjoyed. Rather than shying away from challenges, Dr. Serrano actively seeks them out, consistently striving for growth and fulfillment. Dr. Serrano's purpose of helping others has marked his career and led him also in 2014 to create the Sesderma Bali Foundation, dedicated to helping women and children without resources and disadvantaged, so that they can have a dignified life. In addition to this, Dr. Serrano has also launched another Foundation in Bayahibe, focused on helping people with disabilities and cerebral palsy. This reflects the doctor's true passion for Latin American countries such as Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Embracing Family, Medicine, and the Joy of Life Family holds a significant place in Dr. Serrano's life, serving as one of the central pillars of his happiness. His love for his wife Claudia and adoration for his six children bring him immense joy. Being close to them, particularly his youngest daughter Sofia, who is just two years old, fills his heart with love and vitality. Dr. Serrano cherishes every moment spent with his family, recognizing the value of time and appreciating its significance. He often expresses his belief that time is precious, both in terms of its worth and its association with life. Medicine stands as another pillar in Dr. Serrano's life, stemming from an early calling that he felt at the age of 12 in his native Colombia. He would sneak into the family library to explore the medicine books belonging to his father and grandfather, fostering his passion for the field. Years worldsleaders.com | 31

  26. Heidi Lindner Supporting Entities in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sectors “The possibility of designing solid and innovative legal strategies to face the challenges of my clients has always been a source of professional inspiration.” 32 | SEPTEMBER 2023

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  29. The Heidi Staircase its innovative and customer-focused mindset. It opened an office in Spain in 2011, and as a direct result of its success, they are still expanding both domestically and internationally today. Offering high-profile legal counsel in the fields of intellectual property, life sciences, marketing and advertising, civil and commercial litigation, corporate and regulatory, and personal data security, the company has more than 27 years of experience. It helps clients overcome the legal challenges they face by providing clear and accurate advice that recognizes and minimizes risks, foresees and resolves issues, and secures the highest potential profit for the clients within each business opportunity, market, or industry. As a young child, Heidi Lindner enjoyed arguing, debating, expressing her opinions, and taking the lead. Her decision to seek a career in law may have been influenced by her feeling of powerlessness in the face of injustices as much as her rage. Since her first year of high school, she has known that she wants to follow this area of study. She earned a master's degree from Panamerican University, a specialization in constitutional litigation (Amparo) from the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico's Institute of Judicial Specialization, and a master's degree from George Washington University. As her career progressed, Heidi eventually concentrated on the topic of Life Sciences within Intellectual Property Law, paying particular attention to the most recent developments in science and technology. She worked for Baker & McKenzie's Intellectual Property Department for about eight years. During that time, she also rose to the position of local partner. She joined the current company, which was formerly known as Arochi, Marroquin & Lindner, in 1994. She is a Senior Partner and the head of the Patent Litigation section of Arochi & Lindner, and she has more than 35 years of experience in intellectual property and life sciences litigation and advising, achieving favorable rulings in several landmark cases for clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Due to its unwavering commitment to each project, it is famous for its client- focused service delivery method that generates results quickly and effectively. This is made possible by the firm's commitment to each project; its thorough approach based on years of experience across a range of practice areas; the assertiveness and competence of its associates; and its excellent understanding of clients' business objectives. Arochi & Lindner Arochi & Lindner is a well-known and respected name in Latin American intellectual property protection. It was established in 1994 and has become a prominent firm in large part because of worldsleaders.com | 35

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  32. potential significance of the technology. It was a sustainable technology that would also be used to the energy transition, one of the fastest-growing and most important sectors of the economy. To the best of the team's knowledge, Cellfion is developing and commercializing the world's first bio-based ion-selective membrane made from the most abundant biopolymer on the planet, cellulose derived from wood. The membrane can be used in different energy storage and conversion devices such as Redox Flow Batteries (a battery technology that can store substantial amounts of energy) and hydrogen technologies such as fuel cells (used for hydrogen conversion to electrical energy) and Electrolysers (used for the production of green hydrogen). He says, "Our solution isn't limited to just these devices, as we have identified over 10 possible applications for the material." The Force behind Joining Sector The key driving force to join this sector was the feeling of knowing that Liamcould make a real impact with the technology. He says, "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we are facing, therefore we need to reduce greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere." One thing that is being overlooked when it comes to climate action is the materials that are being used. The world is still turning to unsustainable materials that are fossil based and contain rare, non-abundant metals because of the lack of better alternatives. This is where Liam believes that Cellfion can make an impact and hopefully inspire others to dare to take similar journeys. Life Story Liam was born and raised in a small town in the north of England, located on the outskirts of the North Yorkshire Moors. He participated in youth football leagues for several of England's top football (soccer) academies, including York City and Leeds United. He was released from York City (League 2) when he was 12 years old, which finally caused him to give up football for a short while. Liam later went on to play football again which resulted in a two-year contract with Leeds United at the age of 14 but later released after the two year contact. Liam re-joined York City, the team that had previously dropped him, for the next two years after turning 16 and signing his first professional youth contract. At the end of the contract, Liam was once again released, and at that time he was offered the chance to join a football club in the north of Sweden, where he played for the following few years. Seeing Challenges as Ways of Transformation In 2017, Liam suffered a career ending injury when he tore two ligaments, strained one, and tore both cartilages in his knee. After two years of rehabilitation and two operations, he made a limited return to football, playing with Swedish Division 1 and 2 teams and later training with a Singapore Premier League team in 2019. The future of manufacturing is exciting. The number of innovations that can be made in the area are enormous and Liam sees that manufacturing has the potential to be modern and innovative. He says, "We already see a push towards more sustainable manufacturing, and I believe that clean and bio technologies will be the future of manufacturing.” Cellfion AB Liam had the good fortune to land a job in 2020 with the Linköping- based business incubator LEAD, where he worked on a variety of deep tech projects. He met the research team behind the amazing technology and learned more about the work being done at the university through one of those projects, the Cellfion one. He spent six months researching the industry and financial prospects for the study and rapidly realized the Liam wants to see more daring individuals advancing novel, useful technology. 38 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  33. Governments, risk capitalists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and researchers all have important roles to play in this. The absence of risk-takers and entrepreneurs that desire to advance the technology into a commercial product causes a lot of wonderful research and new concepts to be lost. He thinks industries can create the future it desires by promoting greater innovation. According to Liam, in a start-up or scale-up company, one is constantly developing procedures and adapting value propositions based on the customers' demands and wants, which is a never-ending process. He asserts, "What we put a lot of focus on today is customizing our membranes for different market segments and customers." He believes that through market and customer focused development, Cellfion can improve performance and increase the efficiencies of energy devices. He adds, "There is immense potential in optimizing our solution to fit specific requirements in each of the applications we target, as well as the 10 potential applications we have identified." Guidance for Future Leaders Liam can guarantee that there will be days when everything feels hopeless, or one gets stuck in a rut. He suggests for those times, "Just keep going." He asserts, "You can only fail if you quit; hardships are just a part of the journey." He recalls, "My father always said to me growing up that hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. This is something that I carry with me every day, and something I saw as a footballer. The most talented players I played with at an early age are now working in dead-end jobs, whereas the ones that gave everything but did not have the most talent are now playing in the Premier League or representing international teams." Liam also believes that it is so easy to get caught up in one's own work and the little details that one actually loses sight of the long-term goals or fails to see how far he or she has come. He says, "By surrounding yourself with experts and people you can trust, you can always find a way to solve challenges." Future Ideas Liam envisions a really thrilling journey over the next five years. He anticipates that the business will have reached out to other geographic areas, increased the number of skilled employees at the company, researched new goods to add to its product line, and built the first plant in the world for the production of bio-based ion- selective membranes. worldsleaders.com | 39

  34. Luke Luke Marani Marani Revolutionizing E-commerce by Reshaping Online Stores through Ground-breaking Software 40 | SEPTEMBER 2023

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  37. From Adversity to Triumph Luke is a normal guy of 23 years old, that start his online business career when he was 20. In the past Luke doesn't had a very good time… his situation it was like: Debt, no money, no friends and bad situation at university… so he spent bad times with himself. But from this bad situation and difficult things, Luke found from him the strengthens to wake up and start to discover a method for earning online, without money, knowledge and too much time to invest. He bought a lot of courses for thousands and thousands of dollars but the results didn't arrive… so from this experience, he learn an important lesson: It's better to have own method for earn online and don't use the old method that everyone today use. Despite these adversities, Luke discovered the resilience within himself, prompting him to seek an online earning method that required no money, expertise, or significant time investment. He ventured into purchasing numerous courses, spending thousands of dollars, but unfortunately, the desired results eluded him. However, this experience taught him a valuable lesson: it is preferable to have a unique approach to online earning rather than following the same old methods everyone else employs. Luke's breakthrough came with an automated online earning method that required no expertise or resources. Recognizing AI as the future, he embraced it, rising from his challenging past. By harnessing AI's power, Luke transformed his life, paving a brighter future in online entrepreneurship. A Path to Unlock Financial Freedom The primary objective of the "Luke Academy" is to empower ordinary individuals such as students, employees, entrepreneurs, and the unemployed to generate income from the comfort of their homes without working long hours, investing in cryptocurrencies, the S&P 500, or any other complex endeavors, and without requiring prior knowledge. worldsleaders.com | 43

  38. A Legacy of Excellence in Retail Distribution and Manufacturing Mitch Gould, the accomplished Founder and CEO of NPI, brings a legacy of excellence in retail distribution and manufacturing as a third-generation professional. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Mitch has honed his expertise across diverse consumer product categories, including lawn and garden, hardware, sports nutrition, dietary supplements, skincare, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and beverages. 46 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  39. worldsleaders.com | 47

  40. GNC, Tree of Life, Albertson's, Amazon.com, Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, Target, USA Sports, Vitamin World, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards. Collaboration lies at the heart of Mitch's success, as evident in his partnerships with industry luminaries. Noteworthy collaborations include his alliance with the legendary eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman to establish RonnieColemanNutrition.com, his joint venture with Hulk Hogan for HoganNutrition.com, his partnership with Roberto Clemente Jr. for PowerIce.com, and most recently, his involvement with Tapout Nutrition. These ventures reflect Mitch's commitment to driving innovation and growth within the industry. M 2007. The driving force behind the company was a clear vision: to offer affordable guidance and support to small and medium-sized brands, both domestic and international. With his deep understanding of the industry, Mitch recognized the common challenges faced by numerous businesses, even those boasting exceptional brands on a global scale. "I watch the latest retail and economic trends, which benefit our clients as they plan to enter the US market or expand sales here," says Mitch. itch leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit and extensive retail expertise to establish Nutritional Products International, Inc. in Unmatched Expertise and All-In-One Solutions NPI stands out from its competitors primarily due to its expertise. Mitch began his career as a marketing and sales agent for renowned companies such as Igloo, Rubbermaid, Sunbeam, Remington, Chapin, Paramount, Miracle-Gro, Native Remedies, and Flora Health. Throughout his career, Mitch secured significant purchase orders with major retail stores like Target, Walmart, Lowe's, Costco, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, GNC, and CVS at their national headquarters. Throughout his journey, Mitch has been a trusted representative for esteemed organizations such as Igloo, Rubbermaid, Sunbeam, Remington, Chapin, Paramount, Miracle-Gro, Native Remedies, Flora Health, Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt, Body Basix, and Hulk Hogan's extreme energy granules. His proven track record includes successfully guiding a wide range of products from concept to store shelves, with many earning prominent features in renowned publications such as Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, People, US, U.S. News & World Report, Men's Health, and Maxim. In addition to his product expertise, Mitch has consistently demonstrated his leadership acumen by building and managing high- performing national sales teams throughout his career. Mitch developed the "Evolution of Distribution" system for NPI, a comprehensive solution that combines expert services to enhance sales and introduce new brands in the USA. NPI boasts a highly experienced team capable of handling all aspects of sales and marketing. Mitch's focus on pricing and speed to market has streamlined the sales expansion and product launch processes. NPI provides a complete, all-in-one solution for product launches in the United States. With its proprietary "Evolution of Distribution" system, NPI has the capacity to import, distribute, and promote products in various sectors, including food, drug, mass, convenience stores, warehouse clubs, and military channels. Effectively acting as the overseas clients' US headquarters, NPI allows clients to take advantage of its services at a reasonable price. Mitch's remarkable industry insights have paved the way for the successful entry of new entrepreneurs, major corporations, and celebrity-branded products into coveted markets and accounts across the country. Notable achievements include securing placements for iconic products like Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt, Hulk Hogan's "Hogan Energy" supplement, and Chuck Liddell's Iceman RX in highly sought-after retailers such as Walmart USA, Walmart International, Sam's Club, Costco, 48 | SEPTEMBER 2023

  41. Mitch emphasizes how NPI can help clients achieve their goal of entering the US market, offering a range of services that eliminate the need for recruiting sales representatives, administrative assistants, warehouse space, marketing expertise, logistical knowledge, and FDA compliance. The "Evolution of Distribution" platform proves invaluable in reducing costs for NPI clients and facilitating their successful entry into the US market. For brand manufacturers, especially those who primarily operated online, these changes presented new challenges. Managing the supply chain became increasingly difficult as they needed to meet the demand if a retail store decided to carry their brands. As an example, one customer shared with Gould that the bottle cap they had been using faced a backorder of nine months, forcing them to switch suppliers. The importance of having an online presence, which was already significant before the pandemic, became even more critical during the health emergency. Navigating the Changing Retail Landscape The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the retail industry, accelerating the growth of e-commerce. While online shopping had been steadily increasing, the pandemic compelled customers to make in-person purchases of brands they had previously only bought online. To adapt to these changing consumer behaviors, retailers introduced new services such as curbside pickup, next- and same-day delivery, and more. Many businesses, particularly startups, excel at developing innovative products but lack the necessary personnel to effectively market and sell them. These companies require a team of talented and qualified employees to navigate the complexities of the retail industry. worldsleaders.com | 49

  42. 50 | SEPTEMBER 2023

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