Download
1 / 60
0 likes | 10 Views
Liliam M. Lu00f3pez, listed by Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine under World's Rising High Women Leaders to Follow in 2023
E N D
Vol. 09 | Issue 06 | September 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World's Rising High WOMEN LEADERS to Follow in 2023 LILIAM M. LOPEZ Miami's Most Influential Executive Helping Business Leaders and Organizations to Achieve Constant Growth
Take note, cause clogs are everywhere 305-455-2600 Mon to Fri 8 am to 5 pm EST. visit us for more information: www.miashoes.com
Shop GAVI She is the MOMENT 305-455-2600 Mon to Fri 8 am to 5 pm EST. visit us for more information: www.miashoes.com
World’s Rising High Women Leaders to Follow in 2023 Leading Towards a Better Future Whenever it comes to leadership, women's voices are more powerful than men's. They are notably making strides in the business realm, where they are reshaping workplaces, simplifying processes, and challenging conventional wisdom. We salute these business entrepreneurs and strive to spread their stories throughout the globe in order for everyone to learn, be inspired, and believe in their own vision. These role models carry the visionary torch for next generations. who has dedicated her career to empowering and advocating for Hispanic communities. She has served in various leadership roles in organizations such as the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Spanish American League Against Discrimination, and the Alliance for Aging. Additionally, López is a sought- after motivational speaker and has been invited to speak at various events and commencement ceremonies. Through her work with the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, she has helped provide scholarships to financially disadvantaged Hispanic students. The world has seen a lot of well-known and inspirational corporate executives on the list, but what makes a leader inspiring? An individual must commit themselves to attaining a shared objective that motivates others and inspires them to flourish in order to be an inspirational business leader. There is no longer any gender-specific leadership in the business world. As we can see, both sexes are working equally hard to excel in their specialized fields. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Rising High Women Leaders to Follow in 2023” has curated a list of the women business leaders that have been successful in leading some of the top organizations working in industries as diverse as healthcare to consumer goods. Have a lovely read! The cover has Liliam M. López, “Lily” President/CEO and founder of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC), a highly accomplished individual
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 :
Cov Sry 10 Liliam M. Lopez Miami's Most Influential Executive Helping Business Leaders and Organizations to Achieve Constant Growth
18 Biba Pédron Dupe Olusola 22 28 Durana Elmi Emily Hartstone 32 36 Hannah Holland Kange Kaneene 40 46 Kavita Channe 50 Patti France 54 Tania Amar
LILIAM M. LOPEZ Miami's Most Influential Executive Helping Business Leaders and Organizations to Achieve Constant Growth worldsleaders.com | 11
Liliam M. López, “Lily” President/CEO and founder of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC), is a highly accomplished individual who has dedicated her career to empowering and advocating for Hispanic communities. She has served in various leadership roles in organizations such as the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Spanish American League Against Discrimination, and the Alliance for Aging. Additionally, López is a sought-after motivational speaker and has been invited to speak at various events and commencement ceremonies. Through her work with the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, she has helped provide scholarships to financially disadvantaged Hispanic students. López has also been recognized for her leadership and invited to participate in a private roundtable discussion with President Barack Obama in Miami. She has served on numerous boards, including the Entrepreneurial Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Regional Economic Information Network and the Board of Directors of WLRN Public Radio and Television. She currently serves on three prestigious boards: Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts Trust Board, the Miami Dade Beacon Council and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. López's dedication to her community and her impressive accomplishments make her a true leader and role model.She currently serves on five prestigious boards: different Mayors of Miami Dade County, and the City Keys to the City of Miami Beach presented by the Honorable Mayor David Dermer on June 20, 2002. For 10 years Lopez was the producer and host of a weekly television show, “Panorama con Liliam Lopez” that aired on WLRN Cable-Tap. The program highlighted the career of executives, elected officials, and entrepreneurs at the local, State and national levels. The pandemic required Lopez to pivot. She launched a digital show, "A Business Minute with Lily Lopez", which is featured on all social media platforms reaching over 23,000 businesses. South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) is a non- profit organization that was founded in 1994 with the goal of promoting business leadership, creating economic opportunities, and providing legislative advocacy for the Hispanic business community in South Florida. With a diverse population of approximately 70% Hispanics, Miami-Dade County serves as a gateway to the Americas and offers immense potential for companies to do business with people from different backgrounds and experiences. The SFLHCC provides opportunities for its members through local programs aimed at improving the economic condition of the Hispanic population. The organization has over 1,650 members and advocates for thousands of Hispanic businesses in Florida. It is recognized as one of the top five most influential Hispanic chambers in the country and one of the leading Hispanic business organizations in Florida. The SFLHCC is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. The chamber serves as a platform to promote business leadership, create economic prospects, and provide legislative advocacy for the Hispanic business community in South Florida. Under Liliam's leadership, the SFLHCC has flourished into one of the most resilient Hispanic chambers in the United States, boasting a membership of over 1,650 individuals. Additionally, the SFLHCC Foundation has awarded more than $975,000 in scholarships to underprivileged students of Miami Beach Senior High School and Miami Liliam graduated from St. Thomas University with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science in 1988. Liliam M. Lopez has received numerous awards, she was recently awarded a Honorary Doctor degree in Humane Letters from St. Thomas University, 15 Proclamations from 12 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Springs High School who are pursuing careers in the fields of Business and Hospitality. The Foundation's Education Enrichment Fellowship Program, which is a component of its efforts, has taken students to significant destinations such as Microsoft headquarters, Facebook, Comcast, Southwest Airlines, the nation's Capital, and other significant venues, in order to empower these young people. These initiatives contributed to the SFLHCC Foundation's recognition as a Champion of the Miami-Dade County Public School's Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. ceremonies, television appearances, and overseeing the organization's social media platforms. She also hosts a digital show called "Business Minute with Lily Lopez." Liliam finds the greatest joy in seeing the success of her organization. One of the most satisfying moments is observing the high attendance ranging from 200 to 400+ at the chamber luncheons held every month. Additionally, she feels a sense of accomplishment seeing her LinkedIn following reach over 16,000 followers. Liliam's happiness stems from the growth and success of the organization she founded with only four members. On Path of Successful Leader Liliam is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of her organization. Her duties include coordinating chamber luncheons, meetings, awards Liliam shares the significance of several critical attributes for a successful leader. Firstly, humility is a vital characteristic that a leader should possess. Leaders must worldsleaders.com | 13
Message for All Women Visionaries Liliam is a continuous learner and draws inspiration from the accomplishments of great women throughout history. She believes that discipline is a key factor in achieving success. While younger leaders may have different work patterns, it is important for them to dedicate sufficient time and effort to their work. Liliam acknowledges that social media can be a distraction, even for herself, but she uses it solely as a promotional tool for the organization. She cautions that younger generations may be too absorbed in social media, potentially causing them to lose valuable time that could be spent on more important tasks. She advises the younger generation of women in leadership roles to always remain true to themselves. She emphasizes that pretending to be someone you're not will not help, as people can easily tell if you are an authentic leader or not. Real leaders acknowledge their weaknesses and mistakes, just like everyone else. Moreover, it is crucial not to overestimate oneself and to listen to others' viewpoints. While being open to discussion, one must also trust their instincts as a leader. worldsleaders.com | 15
More Women in Board Liliam is a strong advocate for increasing the representation of women in leadership roles within businesses and corporate boards. She is particularly concerned about the lack of progress for Hispanic women, despite the fact that they are the largest minority group in the US. Liliam believes that there are many qualified women of all races who could excel in top positions, and that it is unacceptable for the percentage of women CEOs to remain so low. never let success make them arrogant and overconfident. Secondly, leaders must be compassionate and understanding towards their team members and society in general. In today's world, everyone faces various issues, and a leader should understand their staff's problems and be available to listen to their worries and concerns. By doing so, leaders can build a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, ultimately leading to the success of the organization. organization's willingness to adapt and innovate helped them stand out and thrive. Overall, the pandemic has been a catalyst for positive change within the organization, with the introduction of new digital initiatives and a renewed focus on the importance of in-person networking and events. Advocating Diverse Cultures As a woman leader in Miami, Liliam recognizes the importance of understanding and embracing the diverse cultures that make up the community. With 70% of the population of Hispanic descent, she believes it's crucial to recognize that Hispanic people come from different countries and have unique identities, including distinct foods, traditions, and beliefs. Miami is a shining example of multiculturalism, with residents from Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and other places, all living together in harmony. Adopting the Post Pandemic Changes The pandemic forced Liliam's organization to adapt quickly, and the changes that were made have been overwhelmingly positive. When the organization had to close for five months due to COVID-19, they switched to virtual conferences and events via Zoom. During this time, Liliam launched her digital show, the "Business Minute with Lily Lopez," which she was able to do easily due to her experience hosting a Spanish- language television show for the chamber for 10 years. “As women we should support each other. Unfortunately, we all know that sometimes there are women that don't support other women and that needs to change. They pretend they do but some just don't. Perhaps some women feel threatened by a woman leader and they compete too much against each other and that affects the overall possibilities of women being hired to top positions. Obviously, the main problem is society in general, but I do see light at the end of the tunnel.” Liliam believes that one quality that many leaders lack today is a deep passion for the issues they care about. She has observed that some leaders may become overly focused on special interest groups, which can have negative consequences for everyone. In addition, some leaders may lose sight of their humble beginnings and become arrogant, forgetting that they are there to serve their constituents rather than special interests. After five months of virtual events, the organization decided to start hosting live events again with all necessary precautions, such as open windows, plexiglass barriers, and mask-wearing. They held an outdoor reception in late September 2020 and followed up with live luncheons in October, November, and December of 2020, which were smaller in size to maintain safety. The decision to offer live events proved to be a major success, as they provided a much-needed opportunity for members to network and connect in person. In fact, the organization grew tremendously during this time, with a significant increase in membership and a tremendous following. Despite these challenges, Liliam believes that most leaders are great individuals who genuinely care about their communities. She emphasizes the importance of remembering one's roots and staying connected to the people one serves, regardless of how much recognition or success one achieves. For Liliam, leadership is ultimately about compassion, care, and humility, qualities that she strives to embody in her own work. While other Chambers of Commerce closed for two years, Liliam's worldsleaders.com | 17
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Nurturing Mindsets for the Next Generation worldsleaders.com | 19
A tripling their revenues within a mere 90 days. renowned business and mindset expert, Biba Pédron is a best-selling author, and interna?onal speaker who has empowered countless entrepreneurs and professionals to unlock their full poten?al in the realms of marke?ng, social media, branding, and mindset. With her transforma?ve strategies, Biba's clients have experienced remarkable results, o?en doubling or even Originally from France, Biba has been living in the United States since 2003, bringing her unique perspec?ve and cross-cultural exper?se to her work. She is the visionary behind the groundbreaking "Success of Women" summit, the first-ever Francophone summit exclusively designed for and presented by women. This influen?al event serves as a pla?orm for women to connect, inspire, and share their stories of triumph. Biba's latest summit, ?tled "MDR: The Winning Formula for a Successful Life," draws its inspira?on from her book of the same name. Breaking away from the conven?onal understanding of "MDR" as an abbrevia?on for "Mort De Rire" (meaning "Dying of Laughter" in French), Pédron redefines it as "Mo?va?on + Determina?on = Realiza?on" of one's dreams, projects, or objec?ves. Through this powerful concept, she guides individuals to embrace unwavering mo?va?on and unwavering determina?on, leading them towards the actualiza?on of their deepest aspira?ons. Fuelled by her unwavering passion to empower others, Biba's driving force lies in helping individuals thrive with enthusiasm and unwavering determina?on. Her empowering message is specifically tailored for women, as she aims to infuse them with posi?ve energy and dispel any doubts about their own poten?al. Biba believes that every woman possesses the capability to achieve their goals, create fulfilling ventures, and forge paths that resonate with their true selves. Biba Pédron International women entrepreneurs to overcome their fears, embrace success, and become role models. Biba Pédron International is a coaching company that primarily caters to women entering the business world. From Biba's perspective, the company was born out of a realization she had many years ago, shortly after starting her second business in New York. It became apparent to her that women entrepreneurs often require more information and support than their male counterparts due to the overwhelming abundance of information and critical feedback. Women face unique challenges, as they are frequently hesitant to take up space and express themselves. Having worked in both the French and US markets, Biba also observed that French women entrepreneurs struggle even more with visibility compared to their American counterparts. This stark contrast inspired Biba to dedicate herself to a mission: empowering French Biba spearheading efforts such as Club Impacter Au Féminin in April 2021, following the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. This group arose in response to the loneliness that women felt during the lockdown, when they were confined to their houses, operating their companies or jobs during the day, caring for their children in the evenings, and keeping domestic obligations. The absence of external networking opportunities, such as lunches or conferences, further contributed to their isolation. Biba established the practical Club Impacter Au Féminin, with the goal of providing a virtual platform for women to meet, discuss their businesses, handle difficulties, and share their growth methods. worldsleaders.com | 21
Dupe Olusola A Distinguished Business Leader with Experience Spans Various Sectors Locally and Internationally Journey to Achieving Proficiency Dupe always had a strong desire to make a positive impact on African economies by creating employment opportunities and addressing poverty. From a young age, she was drawn to watching CNN and keeping up with global events. This led her to study economics at the University of Leicester and then specialize in development Economics, focusing her thesis on the impact of aid and trade on growth in developing economies. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Transcorp Hotels' brands are uniquely identifiable and collectively powerful. The company's expanding portfolio of award-winning and innovative brands ensures superior guest experiences across its key locations and all touchpoints. The hotels have hosted numerous notable personalities, making them destination venues for business leaders and celebrities visiting Nigeria. Transcorp Hotels has undergone notable changes since its inception in 1994 and has achieved significant milestones. After obtaining her degrees, Dupe worked with Bloomberg and Northern Trust in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria. In Nigeria, she worked with SecTrust (now Afrinvest) and Africa's leading Private Equity Firm SME Manager/African Capital Alliance. She then joined the Investor Relations department of the UBA group in 2008 before eventually becoming the Director of Resources at Transcorp in January 2010. Leading NigerianHospitality Service Provider Transcorp Hotels Plc is a leading hospitality company in Africa and is listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The company owns the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, which is Africa's premier business hotel. However, in response to the pandemic, Transcorp Hilton Abuja introduced innovative strategies that enabled it to cater to a wider range of guests, including those in the leisure segment, leading the way in serving the rapidly growing Bleisure market. The company also owns Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a rapidly expanding digital platform for booking hotels, apartments, and experiences. Launched in 2021 as part of the company's asset-light strategy, Aura by Transcorp Hotels is helping to accelerate growth and expand into new markets. The platform currently offers over 5,000 rooms across different hotels and apartments nationwide, and the company is leveraging technology to drive further expansion. Transcorp Hotels Plc. Transcorp Hotels Plc is a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, a diversified conglomerate with interests in the Power, Hospitality, and Oil & Gas sectors. Transcorp Hotels Plc was established in Nigeria on July 12, 1994, and is responsible for managing prestigious properties such as the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Transcorp Hotels Calabar, and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, an online booking platform for homes, hotels, and experiences. 22 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Dupe Olusola is the Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, which is considered to be the leading hospitality brand in Africa and is the proud owner of the award-winning Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja and Transcorp Hotels in Calabar. Before assuming her current role, she served as the Group Marketing Director at United Bank for Africa where she cherished working with an excellent team. Additionally, she held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Teragro Commodities Limited, a Nigeria-based agricultural company and the agribusiness subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (now Transnational Corporation Plc) which she was appointed to in 2014. worldsleaders.com | 23
Transcorp Hotels Plc works closely with various stakeholders and introduces innovative offers to improve demand while expanding its business. In 2024, the company is set to deliver a world-class event center at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, while also developing a new five- star hotel in the heart of Lagos, the economic hub of Nigeria. With its commitment to innovation, technology, and customer satisfaction, Transcorp Hotels Plc is well- positioned to maintain its leadership position in the hospitality industry in Africa. Leading with Passion and Confidence Dupe is a dynamic, fearless, and joyful individual who savors life both in and outside of work. She believes in seizing every opportunity to learn and gain fresh experiences to become the best version of herself each day, reflecting her personal values of excellence, integrity, and kindness, as well as her family's values. Dupe is convinced that nothing is impossible and that there is always a way to accomplish any goal, no matter how difficult it may seem. She has a confident and determined attitude towards challenges and is always eager to build and maintain strong relationships. While she can come across as tough and straightforward at times, it is always for the greater good, as she refuses to settle for anything less than the best in all that she does. practice, team onboarding, and induction processes. These guiding principles are not limited to Transcorp Hotels Plc alone, as they are shared throughout the entire Transcorp Group. This has resulted in a strong culture of integrity and innovation, which has played a significant role in the company's ongoing growth and success. Success for Dupe Dupe recognizes that success is a subjective concept that varies from person to person. To her, success is all about striving to be the best version of oneself and constantly pursuing growth in all areas to achieve exceptional results. For her, achieving success has been about living a well- rounded life that encompasses social, emotional, mental, physical, and financial aspects. She has always been willing to break boundaries and challenge the norm, both individually and as part of a team, to meet and surpass set goals. Dupe also values being teachable and open-minded to new learning experiences, as she believes that anyone can impart valuable knowledge. Being authentic is equally essential to her, and she strives to remain true to herself and her values. With the support of her family and team, Dupe has accomplished a great deal, and she continues to set new goals for herself, aiming to attain even greater success. At Transcorp Hotels Plc, Dupe's role involves providing strategic direction for Transcorp Hotels, including developing strategies and advising leaders on how to achieve the company's goals. The company has cultivated a culture of excellence and enterprise, with motivated and self-driven employees who are supported with great working conditions, career progression opportunities, and new challenges to keep them motivated. Dupe finds joy in interacting with colleagues and family and seeing daily growth. Values to Maintain a Culture of Integrity Transcorp Hotels Plc's organizational culture is founded on three core values: excellence, execution, and enterprise, which are commonly referred to as the three Es. These values form the foundation of the company's beliefs and actions. At Transcorp Hotels Plc, the team strives for excellence by delivering real results through effective performance. It believes that enterprise is essential to innovation, and that integrity is key to executing with excellence, which involves ensuring that all stakeholders are committed to achieving the company's shared goal. Always Try to Learn New The advice from Dupe to aspiring leaders is that their team is there to provide support, and that their success is intertwined with the success of the team. To achieve success, they must continue to push boundaries and shatter any perceived limitations. They should be willing to embrace opportunities, even if they fear failure, as taking a chance is better than not trying at all. It's important to recognize that no one can accomplish everything alone, and networking and collaborating with others who share similar goals is key to achieving optimal growth. Developing strategic partnerships is also important for success. Transcorp Hotels Plc's core values are integral to its daily operations, and the company is committed to upholding them in all aspects of its business, including its standards of 24 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Durana Elmi COO Cymbio?ka LLC 28 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Durana Elmi Changing the World by Empowering People to Reclaim Their Health Through Educa?on, Transparency, and Nutri?on T tasks and priori?es with great efficiency. Being a successful household manager can require skills such as budge?ng, planning, delega?on, communica?on, and problem-solving, which are also valuable in the business world. Likewise, being a successful business leader can require skills such as adaptability, strategic thinking, collabora?on, and empathy, which can also be applied to household management. he ability to balance responsibili?es at home and at work is not limited by gender. Many women have demonstrated strong organiza?onal and leadership skills in both areas, o?en handling mul?ple Durana Elmi, a mother and wife, is not only an entrepreneur but also a founder and a leader. Although born in Afghanistan, she moved to the U.S. with the goal of building a successful life for herself and her future family. A?er comple?ng her studies at UCLA, she began her career at T-Mobile and, subsequently, AT&T, where she advanced up the corporate ladder with the help of great mentors. However, with years of experience in Corporate America, Durana shi?ed her focus and together with her husband, co-founded five startups, three of which were successfully sold. Among these ventures, she is especially proud of building two nine-figure companies from scratch, including Dash Radio, a digital radio broadcas?ng pla?orm. worldsleaders.com | 29
includes plant protein, vitamin C, and magnesium L- threonate, which is a potent form of magnesium that can cross the blood-brain barrier to enhance cognitive function and concentration. Focusing on Team Success According to Durana, Cymbiotika's success is largely attributed to her people-first leadership style. She states, "If you step inside our headquarters in San Diego, you will see that our team exudes positivity, community, excellence, and support." Durana believes in fostering a workplace that motivates and uplifts team members, which she considers to be a top priority. Cymbiotika has implemented various initiatives to promote team bonding, such as weekly family lunches, quarterly team-building events, and an open-door policy. By adhering to these traditions, the company has cultivated an environment where every aspect of the business, from customer experience to technology and marketing, is influenced by the team's diverse perspectives and experiences. This approach has enabled Cymbiotika to stay ahead of its competition and continuously generate innovative ideas that fill gaps in the industry. As a leader, Durana believes that team processes are more crucial to achieving organizational success than individual heroics. While individual efforts can be useful in specific situations, a culture that prioritizes teamwork and collaboration can lead to consistently high-quality results that surpass the achievements of individual efforts. Cymbiotika has experienced the benefits of a team-oriented approach firsthand. By prioritizing open communication, cross-functional collaboration, and a shared dedication to excellence, the company has consistently met and exceeded its targets. Cymbiotika's unique culture allows the team to leverage the diverse strengths and perspectives of its employees to develop innovative solutions and drive growth. Founding Cymbiotika Durana was involved in the establishment of Cymbiotika, a remarkable movement that was founded in 2018 by herself, her husband, Shahab Elmi, and Chervin Jafarieh. The company's main goal is to become a leading force in the health and wellness industry by offering customers clean, scientifically-backed supplements and products that they can incorporate into their daily routines. Moreover, depending solely on individual heroism may result in exhaustion, high staff turnover, and a deficiency of responsibility. Conversely, team procedures establish responsibility, inspire ongoing enhancement, and cultivate a communal sense of achievement. In essence, although individual heroism may be required on occasion, Durana firmly upholds that teamwork and cooperation are the fundamental components for long-term prosperity in an organization. Cymbiotika provides a range of high-quality natural supplements that combine modern scientific innovation with traditional eastern medicine to develop formulas that work in synergy with the body. Their supplement line 30 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Leadership Insights Durana, as the COO, is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization. She collaborates closely with department heads and the operations team to provide daily support. The most gratifying aspect of her job is observing the diligent efforts of everyone and seeing their happy expressions. Durana believes that developing leadership skills requires time and consistency, and it's essential to acknowledge that not everything will go as planned, and mistakes will be made. However, by learning from these errors and continually striving to improve, anyone can become an exceptional leader. She opines, "As long as you learn from your mistakes and always work on improving, you are already a fantastic leader. When you are in a leadership position, it is your full- time job; you are setting an example every waking minute.” Durana always says that she is not threatened by anyone taking her position—in fact, she wants someone to sit in her chair one day. Durana's encouragement for her employees to seek her guidance and advice stems from her desire to share her experiences, both the successes and failures, for their learning and growth. By learning from her accomplishments and mistakes, she hopes to cultivate a workplace culture that fosters continuous improvement and development for everyone. worldsleaders.com | 31
Kange Kaneene Vice President SAP.iO 40 | SEPTEMBER 2023
A Tech Expert Believing in Equal Opportunities K software. Right now, her main goal is to make SAP's ecosystem grow by helping new and creative startups. She really cares about making sure everyone has the same chances in life, and she works hard for it through education, supporting new businesses, and helping people who have been in trouble before get back on their feet. ange Kaneene is the Vice President at SAP.iO. She is both a computer scientist and has an MBA, and she knows a lot about enterprise As an adult, I have lived in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Singapore, and I currently live in Brooklyn, New York. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? During high school, I spent a lot of time with my friends on AOL Messenger. My father mistook my obsession for an actual interest in computers and suggested that I study computer science. I followed his advice and majored in it at the University of Michigan. It was a grueling curriculum, but I still found time to have fun and I made great lifelong friends while I was there. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Kange Kaneene: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. Instead of working as a software engineer, I accepted a job with Manhattan Associates, a tech consulting company. I was based in Atlanta and worked with clients such as Vera Bradley. After two years, I decided that consulting was not my lifelong career, and I began to explore what I needed to do to get accepted to the business school of my choice. I reviewed applications, found my gaps, and made sure to correct them over the next year. After three years at Manhattan Associates, I left to pursue my MBA at NYU Stern School of Business. My friends and family call me a connector because it gives me great joy to bring people together. For example, I have planned large scale events in Portugal, Morocco, Martha's Vineyard, and many dinner parties at my apartment. I have a passion for diversity and creating equally distributed access to opportunity. I am so proud of what we are doing at SAP.iO to support representation in SAP.iO's portfolio. In addition, I am an angel investor with Pipeline Angels, a group of female investors who invest in female founders. I am a mentor for entrepreneurs as a volunteer for Defy Ventures, a non- profit organization that invests in founders who are currently or formerly incarcerated. Finally, I am chair of the public charter school board for KIPP NYC, a network of public charter schools that focuses on education parity. I picked NYU because of its collaborative, team- oriented culture. While there, I decided I wanted to join a tech company that had a rotational program as well as an international footprint. SAP reached out to me, and they matched my criteria. After the rotational program, I wanted to work in their corporate strategy department, and I basically wore the Chief Strategy Officer down until he hired me. When my program was over, he offered me a full-time job. After 18 months, the Chief Revenue Officer was looking for an apprentice, and the Chief Strategy Officer recommended me. That was a life changing job that included global travel and a front- row seat to how decisions are made. After two and a half years, I did some assignments in Asia (Singapore and Tokyo) and then moved to New York to work in business development roles. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit. At SAP, I founded the Black Employee Network (BEN), which has since scaled to 3 continents and 15 chapters with 6K+ members, including allies. Finally, at the University of Michigan, I co-founded Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (gEECS) in response to the decreasing number of women in technical disciplines. The organization has since spread to other universities and is funded by iconic organizations such as Microsoft and Goldman Sachs. While working in business development, my boss worldsleaders.com | 41
wanted to do an acquisition and asked me to do a market scan. I loved getting to speak to the heads of different companies and set the goal of working with startups and scaleups full time. I started going to demo days and pitch competitions and asking a lot of questions. In short, I got the venture bug. I started angel investing and VC scouting with a specific focus on underrepresented founders. In parallel, my former boss, SAP's Chief Strategy Officer, started SAP.iO (SAP's global startup ecosystem) and asked me to mentor some of the startups in the portfolio. I quickly gained a rapport with the entire SAP.iO team and was later recruited to lead SAP.iO North America, which later launched in Latin America and the Caribbean as well. I am extremely grateful for the career I have had so far. From my parents' blueprint of following curiosity, I've fashioned a career and life out of my passions, which include solving big problems, building strong relationships, and traveling the world. I never thought AOL Messenger could have led to such wonderful adventures. I look forward to continuing to identify winning start-ups and helping them grow and succeed. several stages of evolution and has transitioned away from an umbrella including a corporate venture fund, venture studio, and intrapreneurship program and is exclusively focused on an external startup accelerator. However, today we are proud to say there is no other corporate startup accelerator in the world like SAP.iO. As a startup in the enterprise software space with a direct sales model, acquiring large brands as customers is uniquely challenging. Understanding the buying organization for startups to sell into and then getting in contact with the specific decision-maker within the organization is a significant barrier. Furthermore, if startups are lucky enough to secure meetings with the correct decision-maker, the sales cycles are painfully long—sometimes 6–18 months. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? SAP is the largest enterprise software company in the world, and is SAP's external startup accelerator. SAP.iO SAP.iO started in 2017 and was designed to be SAP's inclusive startup ecosystem. The team has been through On the other hand, SAP has massive scale and is trusted by 450K+ customers globally, including 92% of the Forbes Global 2,000 companies. Still, SAP has opportunities to 42 | SEPTEMBER 2023
innovate further beyond its portfolio to add the most value for its customers. Therefore, at SAP.iO, we believe SAP technology paired with the power of startup innovation amplifies the value we can bring to the world. Here is how it works: First, the SAP.iO team goes out into the market and curates the most innovative and relevant startups that complement SAP's solution portfolio and meet the needs of its customers. Then SAP and the startups go to market together with a revenue share. This process generates a triple win. 1) Startups can leverage SAP's existing relationships with some of the largest enterprises in the world and secure revenue contracts. Again, this is extremely difficult for startups to do on their own. Furthermore, SAP.iO is non-dilutive, so it does not take equity in startups, invest, or charge a fee. 2) Customers are introduced to cutting edge technology that is easily consumable and integrated into the SAP solution(s) they are already implementing. 3) SAP delivers optimal value to its customers as a true innovation partner. People are the most important contribution to a company's culture. Establishing an environment where people feel valued and have opportunities to grow yields the most success. Since its inception in 2017, SAP.iO has already realized fantastic success. SAP.iO is spread across 11 innovation hubs around the world with 525+ portfolio companies. To date, 7K+ interactions have been made between SAP.iO portfolio companies and SAP customers. 44% of the portfolio is managed or led by underrepresented individuals (defined as individuals whose share of venture capital in the technology sector is disproportionate to the region where they live). That 44% surpasses or ties the rest of the portfolio on key metrics: number of exits and unicorns, amount of venture capital raised, and likelihood to progress a partnership with SAP. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? We know when we have found the most innovative startups when SAP's large customers are dying to work with them. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? I think it depends on the group. What are your responsibilities as the VP of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? What has made you successful? What do you value? The only unit of measure for my success is my ability to create and maintain meaningful relationships. People have opened doors for me when they feel confident about my professional capabilities and ability to lead with empathy, do the right thing, and be a collaborative team member. As the VP of SAP.iO North and Latin America, I am responsible for three foundries: New York, San Francisco, and Latin America and the Caribbean. I have seven people on my team that run the day-to-day operations of each. I spend most of my time managing the team, generating partnerships with venture capital firms, attending entrepreneur ecosystem events, public speaking, and uplifting startups. Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? SAP.iO is differentiated because it is non-dilutive and focused on revenue generating business development. Be transparent about activities happening within the team and be vulnerable (when appropriate) about things happening in your personal life. This helps to build trust and also inspires your team to be open with you. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? worldsleaders.com | 43
