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<br>CP Lee, Chief Technology & Operations Officer at Mola, is delighted to grace the cover of the renowned Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of the Worldu2019s Top 10 Technology Executives to Watch in 2023
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Vol. 10 | Issue 01 | October 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World’s Top Technology Executives to Watch in 2023 Chief Technology & Operations Officer LEE CP An Award-winning CTO with Keen Aptitude for Leadership and Innovation
World’s Top 10 Technology Executives to Watch in 2023 Tech Transformers The thought leaders and entrepreneurs who helped shape the technology that have made our everyday lives simpler and more connected may be found in plenty in today's digital environment. Social networking applications and smartphone technology enable us to communicate with people quickly and simply. Numerous life-saving items have been developed as a result of developments in sectors like healthcare and home security. Many professionals may work from anywhere at any time thanks to several technology and software advancements. persistent quest for solutions have been a driving force. Moving from academia to the corporate world, he has worked with leading organizations like Apple, Motorola, and HBO, gaining diverse industry exposure. Despite the varying industries, a consistent theme of Change and Transformation has emerged, presenting a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of different worlds. There are many excellent executives driving change across sectors, but only a select handful stand out for their accomplishments and innovations. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Top 10 Technology Executives to Watch in 2023” has listed tech leaders who are cultivating effective communication, tech intelligence, and a strong vision to right practices while propelling positive change for the benefit of people, business professionals, and the broader community. 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 CP Lee, Chief Technology & Operations Officer at Mola. He has a proven track record of leading engagements with potential and existing partners to source new business, inspire customer loyalty, and drive positive impact to the top and bottom line. Let's Begin! Dr. Lee's journey began as a research scholar at one of Asia's premier universities. His sharp intellect and
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 Grace Nelson 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 :
Dr. CP LEE An Award-winning CTO with Keen Aptitude for Leadership and Innovation Cover Story 10
16 Anna Gudmundson Gavin Prime 20 26 Genevieve Leveille 30 Jason English 36 Maxcene Crowe 40 Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin Sallyann Della Casa 46 50 Sébastien Vandervannet Tim Conroy 54
ith over two decades of dynamic experience in the tech industry, CP Lee has established himself as a technically sophisticated executive leader. As Chief Technology & Operations Ofcer at Mola, Lee has a proven track record of leading engagements with potential and existing partners to source new business, inspire customer loyalty, and drive positive impact to the top and bottom line. Dr. Lee's journey began as a research scholar at one of Asia's premier universities. His sharp intellect and persistent quest for solutions have been a driving force. Moving from academia to the corporate world, he has worked with leading organizations like Apple, Motorola, and HBO, gaining diverse industry exposure. Despite the varying industries, a consistent theme of Change and Transformation has emerged, presenting a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of different worlds. Throughout his professional journey, Dr Lee has consistently demonstrated his ability to take ownership of highly critical and visible projects and deliver optimal results in a fast- paced, deadline-driven environment. His keen aptitude for leadership and innovative problem-solving has earned him multiple accolades and awards in the industry. 12 | October 2023
clockwork, keeping the lights on without people realizing the challenges involved in achieving this feat. He makes it look easy, like A-B-C, so that users can seamlessly enjoy the products. By embracing these traits, new team members can effectively integrate into the team and contribute to the company's success. An Operational Efficient CTO As a CTO, Dr. Lee understands that operational efficiency and performance are crucial aspects, not just technology. The ultimate goal is to let enhance and optimise technological operational efficiency to support the business growth and expansion. Balancing innovation, stability, and efficiency while juggling risks is a fine art that Dr. Lee excels in, making changes while ensuring optimal performance. Dr. Lee is driven by the desire to see the company's products evolve into something that's not just usable, but also exciting and well- regarded by users. This daily motivation helps him strive towards achieving the best for the company and its users. According to Dr. Lee, bringing a new team member onboard, even if they are highly experienced, can be disruptive to the team dynamics. However, there are three key traits that can help them succeed: adaptability to change, the ability to anticipate potential issues in a positive manner, and authenticity. These traits are crucial in empowering team members to navigate changes and overcome obstacles that arise along the way. Risk with Every Tech Transformation In CTO Role Dr. Lee believes that the emergence of AI tools will be heavily exploited by various organizations, As the CTO, Dr. Lee's primary responsibility is to ensure that everything runs smoothly like worldsleaders.com | 13
both good and bad. While this reliance on AI may widen the gap between different social groups, it also has the potential to create new opportunities for those who previously did not have access to them. Improving to Create a Positive Impact According to Dr. Lee, the desire to learn is a constant process, and each day brings an opportunity to discover something new that enriches our lives, whether it's technology-related or not. As a technology leader, it's crucial to not just focus on the technical aspects in isolation but also have a deep understanding of the business world and current trends. This ability sets one apart from others. Historically, technology has always been a tool to assist those who embrace it positively and adapt to it quickly. While there are always risks associated with new technology, Dr. Lee believes that the benefits of AI will outweigh the potential negative consequences. Dr. Lee acknowledges that every technology change represents a risk for tech professionals, and with each evolving role and project, the risks become increasingly significant. However, he believes that taking risks is necessary for personal and professional growth. As a leader grows, their qualities must evolve to meet the changing demands. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to new situations are key ingredients for success. Dr. Lee values kindness over niceness, and this motto serves as a guiding principle in both his professional and personal life. While niceness might be supercial and focused on pleasing others, kindness is rooted in empathy and concern for others' well-being. By prioritizing kindness over niceness, Dr. Lee strives to build authentic connections with others and create a positive impact in the world around him. For him, the greatest individual risk he took was leaving his full-time job at Apple and becoming a self- powered individual working on projects he never thought he could. This experience shaped his approach to people and responsibilities and informed how he approached his subsequent roles. Traits Required to be a CTO Dr. Lee strongly believes that anything is possible if one strives towards it. Even if the exact end goal is not achieved, the journey itself will take one closer to it. This belief was particularly evident during his time at Apple, where a group of engineers came together with a renegade attitude of us against the world. Another key trait that Dr. Lee values is the ability to navigate uncertainty. As businesses are fundamentally about people, uncertainties arise unexpectedly, and it's essential to be prepared for anything. Staying alert, curious, and observant when things happen gives a sense of power in retaining control. While taking risks can be challenging, Dr. Lee believes that it's crucial to push oneself out of their comfort zone to achieve growth and success. By embracing new challenges and opportunities, individuals can develop new skills, expand their knowledge base, and ultimately reach their full potential. Finally, Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of authenticity. Being true to oneself and others is crucial in manifesting one's role, work, and results in the grand scheme of things. Living by this motto ensures that one's actions and achievements are genuine and aligned with one's values. worldsleaders.com | 15
Redefining Stress Relief with Technology and Innovation 16 | October 2023
on an extraordinary journey of explora?on and transforma?on. With a rich professional background in exponen?ally growing technology fields, Anna brings a wealth of exper?se to her role. From her early contribu?ons to mobile features and products at Lucent Technologies to her involvement in startups and innova?on in diverse areas such as big data, social media tech, luxury tech, and wearables, Anna's passion for technology's poten?al knows no bounds. the modern, fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become ubiquitous challenges, affec?ng individuals across the globe. Recognizing the need for effec?ve stress management solu?ons, Anna Gudmundson, CEO and co-founder of Sensate, has emerged as a visionary leader at the forefront of technological innova?on in the wellness industry. Driven by a deep desire to create meaningful change, Anna seeks out opportuni?es to collaborate with cu?ng- edge technologies that not only possess commercial viability but can also scale effec?vely. Her visionary leadership at Sensate is rooted in the belief that technology can be harnessed to cul?vate a be?er future for humanity. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anna's journey is characterized by her commitment to personal growth and her belief in the power of collabora?on. She fosters a team culture that values transparency, innova?on, and con?nuous learning, enabling Sensate to flourish and redefine the wellness landscape. Sensate, with its groundbreaking device and app, offers a unique approach to soothing the nervous system and enhancing stress resiliency. The patented technology combines infrasonic waves with specially composed hemispheric audio, crea?ng a harmonious experience that promotes relaxa?on and well-being from the very first session. Anna's unwavering belief in the power of technology to posi?vely impact human evolu?on has propelled her 18 | October 2023
Isaure Courcenet worldsleaders.com | 27
CG Tech An Investment Holding Company Focused on Industrial and Event-Related Services CG Tech is an owner-managed holding company that shares and supports strategic insights and innova?ve execu?on processes with its business partners. It exists to serve, solve, and upli? and aims to build businesses that inspire those they serve. CG Tech's investments include Prommac, New Age Engineering, Kumunyack, Al Laith Group, Serious Interna?onal, The Virtulab, and Virtuworx Today, the CG Tech group of companies employs more than 4,500 people in six opera?ng companies across the EMEA Super Region through eight companies. Jason English | Chief Ecosystem Officer | CG Tech 30 | October 2023
“In our construction business in the Middle East, our early adoption of IoT systems has enabled us to hold a sizable fleet of SMART machinery which gives great data analytics and reports for our customers and enables our business to understand clients' utilisation in a far more e?ective way." A Group of Companies CG Tech was founded to construct a holding company that would include all of its underlying businesses and assets and provide the individual businesses with a sense of coherence and a unified group brand. Ÿ Prommac was established in 2005 and provides mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, maintenance, shutdown, and project management services to a variety of industry segments across South Africa. Ÿ Al Laith was established in the Middle East in 1995 and provides design and engineering, as well as project management and execution of technical temporary infrastructure projects around the Middle East. It has been recognized as the leading one- stop provider of rental solutions in the Middle East. Ÿ New Age Engineering Solutions was established in 2002 and has become recognized as one of the top welding engineering services in South Africa. Kumunyack was established in 2014 and provides electrical and instrumentation services, including low- and medium- voltage solutions. Serious International was established in 2020 and has become recognized as a leading provider of temporary and permanent sound stages for the film production industry across the United Kingdom. The Virtulab was established in 2016 and provides consultancy, software, and APP development solutions for the industrial and events sectors globally. was established in Virtuworx 2020 to participate in the metaverse race and is a fully- fledged virtual campus that can be used for conferences, education events, and remote office requirements. Jason made the decision to leave the corporate world in 2012 and embark on a quest to create the company he had always imagined; one that would change the lives of everyone involved, one that would serve as a model for others. He established himself as being supported by a group of private investors in 2014. As a result, the process of forming an international group got underway. Ÿ Ÿ In 2015, the group hired a COO and soon after bought 50% of a company in Dubai aimed at expanding its horizons into the Middle East oil and gas space. Jason shares, "In 2016, we started a drone company based out of London, acquired an electrical company in South Africa, and later in the same year, acquired Al Laith. Ÿ Ÿ Meet the Visionary Jason English is a business owner, author, speaker, co-founder of CG Tech, and chief eco-system officer. 32 | October 2023
Maxcene Crowe Empowering Organisations with Years Empowering Organisations with Years of Facilities Management and of Facilities Management and Procurement Expertise Procurement Expertise 36 | October 2023
W ith over 27 years of experience in Facilities Management and Procurement, Maxcene Crowe assists organisations in making an impact through education, knowledge-sharing, and the implementation of strategies and solutions for facilities management and procurement. Maxcene holds the Chartered Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (CIWFM) credential and is also the author of the book "Mobilisation Mastery," which imparts insights and best practices for Mobilising supply chains and operational teams. Maxcene's journey began in service at a young age, starting in the Retail industry within a clothing factory, handling administration and product fulfillment. After pursuing a BA Honours in Business and Psychology from University, Maxcene entered an Estates Management department, taking on roles such as Contracts Administration and Lease Car Management for a fleet of 144 vehicles. This path eventually led to a career in facilities management, with the initial role being a Trainee Facilities Manager, during which Facilities Management qualifications were achieved. With years of operational experience, Maxcene's first consultancy was established in 2004, delivering operational facilities and procurement solutions to significant facilities management entities, including global and European roles. Approaching nearly three decades in the facilities management field, Maxcene's focus shifted towards MCFM Global after recently being with Jones Lang LaSalle. Within the latter company, Maxcene served as a Sourcing Lead for a global enterprise Client, offering support, training and mentoring to operational teams. This chapter highlighted the need to pursue the passion for inspiring, educating, and energising the industry, particularly through the specialisation of Mobilisation and Transformation. The Company MCFM Global was founded in 2021 and provides consulting and advisory services in facilities management and procurement to clients who own over 1 million square feet of real estate, and have a requirement for management of their facilities and building services. Mobilisation Mastery is the training and development side of the business offering workshops and transformation programs for large corporations and individuals who want to embed mobilisation and transition skills into their business or develop the specialism of mobilisation and transformation of facilities management services. MCFM's workshops follow a 5-step methodology and framework created by the Founder to enable learners to develop an understanding of the mobilisation stages and worldsleaders.com | 37
Harmonising Vision and Impact also capture what stage they are in their transition journey. innovations and ideas, adapting to and utilising various technologies to enrich learning, and cultivating diverse perspectives are all essential for delivering the most optimal learning experiences and positive customer experience journeys for clients. Maxcene's cherished priorities resonate with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, encompassing better mental well-being, fostering health and advancement for the disadvantaged, and ensuring accessible quality education and skill development. A pivotal thrust of "Mobilisation Mastery" involves establishing a global online platform accessible to all, offering a career path for students specialising in transition. With the facilities management sector poised for substantial growth in the next five years, securing adept talent for successful project management is crucial. “We offer introductory webinars that cover the key stages of transition and specialist areas during the contract period a Client experiences,” says Maxcene. Drawing lessons from thought leaders and gathering insights from experts within and outside the industry are key aspects of this approach. Moreover, Maxcene emphasises the significance of remaining connected to the broader world and individuals across different sectors. The webinars flow into workshops that take a deep dive into specific topics i.e. Pre-mobilisation, The transition stage, transformation stage, stabilisation and at end of contract life de-mobilisation of the contract. Maxcene shares that mobilisations are complex as such MCFM offers training modules that breakdown the interdependencies in the transition world, for example, understanding legal entities, the importance of due diligence, risk management and stakeholder engagement to name a few of the courses on offer in 2024. The whole framework is supported by a Mobilisation toolkit aimed to provide its learners with essential documents, templates and checklists to mobilise successfully and embed skills into their business. In Maxcene's view, emerging leaders today might be lacking certain qualities. For instance, a sense of the importance of giving back and creating a positive societal impact through their endeavors could be under-emphasised. Amidst the prevalence of digital -, the human skills component is vital but can often be overlooked. Traits like humility and gratitude hold immense value to Maxcene. Collaboration and partnerships stand as Maxcene's third priority. A strong Elevating Education Maxcene's vision is to expand Mobilisation Mastery as a brand and develop Mobilisation Mastery Academy as a global online platform accessible to all who want to learn and develop their skills in this exciting field. She says, “Our services will be workshops virtual and face to face, transformation programs with our participants having an option to choose 6, 12 or 18 month programs.” She further adds, “Each program will be supported by Accountability group sessions, the Mobilisation Mastery community and live education sessions for knowledge sharing and insights.” Nurturing Lifelong Growth According to Maxcene, it's crucial to maintain an ongoing commitment to one's own training and development. Staying updated on the latest 38 | October 2023
advocate of multiplying efforts, Maxcene seeks the right partners to achieve both social impact and business objectives. Maximising Leadership Success Maxcene's advice for those entering their first leadership role revolves around understanding people, culture, and the business. Taking time to learn about teams, actively listening, and avoiding micro-management are key aspects. Notably, Maxcene highlights the value of quieter individuals, suggesting ways to empower them for maximum contribution. Empowerment, according to Maxcene, forms a strong team and allows personal growth. Maxcene stresses that being the smartest isn't essential; rather, drawing the best from team members and nurturing them is vital. Accepting that team members may move on to new passions is important, and adapting swiftly is essential. Maxcene finds the most joy in her daily routine when connecting with others and disseminating knowledge through writing and training. Inspiring Transformation Vision for Mobilisation Mastery Academy In her role as a visionary, Maxcene undertakes the task of developing a business that embodies her values—serving as a source of inspiration, education, and positive transformation for others. This endeavor aims to invigorate and energise individuals. Maxcene's responsibilities extend to drawing in top industry experts to instruct at the Mobilisation Mastery Academy, fostering an environment of inclusivity that encourages authenticity, diversity and a passion to thrive. Maxcene reflects on a significant professional risk taken years ago when transitioning from the industry to becoming a landlady of a rural publican house. Acknowledging the adage that growth often arises from setbacks, Maxcene recounts a period marked by several unsuccessful business ventures, which posed challenges that have fortunately been overcome. Looking ahead, Maxcene envisions a future where the Mobilisation Mastery Academy is firmly established, fostering social impact in learning, education, and communities. This vision involves collaborations with organisations like B1G1.org, GLEAC, as well as local community and social enterprises, all with the aim of generating positive change in various spheres. Want to learn more about Maxcene's vision you can email info@maxcene.com , connect on LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3Yv4oIA visit her website https://www.mcfmglobal.com worldsleaders.com | 39
“When I look my tools in my bag, having over 180 granted patents, which is an indicator of an innovative mind, must be my greatest strength.” Prof. Dr. Utku Prof. Dr. Utku Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin Pioneering Innovation & Sensory Integration worldsleaders.com | 41
M the President and CTO of Sensobright Industries LLC, he has a strong passion for converting scientific discoveries into practical applications. Prof. Dr. Buyuksahin has remarkable technical expertise with a vast background in mechanical engineering, robotics, and image processing that guides his team. He promotes a collaborative working environment, encouraging solution- oriented discussions and welcomes new ideas. His dedication towards company's mission, along with his excellent leadership skills, empowers his team to achieve success and transform the field of sensory integration and automation. eet Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin, a dynamic and inventive individual in the workplace. As I trained my mind to listen to the others, think very fast, react very fast but not break the rhythm of the others while doing this. As being a musical composer, I trained myself to be innovative and bring things together in a harmony. As being a musical arranger, I trained my brain for multitasking and used to handle over 10 tasks at the same time. This also gave me the ability to think all the aspects at the same time while searching for a solution or doing an invention.” With a charismatic and friendly personality, he easily connects with people from all walks of life, showing genuine interest in their stories and perspectives. Prof. Dr. Buyuksahin's insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge make him an engaging conversationalist, enriching any social gathering he attends. Outside of work, Prof. Dr. Buyuksahin is a curious and imaginative person who draws inspiration from various sources. He also actively engages in music to stimulate his mind and fuel his imagination. He is both a music enthusiast and a skilled musician. He plays over 10 instruments and has been composing/playing/recording/arranging advertisement music for television channels for many years. Prof. Dr. Buyuksahin's love for music extends beyond performance, as he actively explores different genres and attends live concerts to experience the transformative power of sound. Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin's dedication to making a positive impact on society and his unwavering commitment to advancing technology have earned him respect both professionally and personally. In 2019, he was honored as "One of The Top 25 Scientists Worldwide" by the Falling Walls Foundation, which includes the President of the Nobel Foundation among its board members. He has also been recognized as a "Most Influential Leader to Follow in 2023," "Innovator of the Month," and "Star of Innovation," among other accolades, and has graced the covers of numerous technology and business magazines. “When I look my tools in my bag, having over 180 granted patents, which is an indicator of an innovative mind, must be my greatest strength.” Says Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin, and continues: “I think being a professional musician for decades must be the other strongest tool in my bag: As being an instrument player, worldsleaders.com | 43
Sébastien Vandervannet Driving Progress, Change and Improvement through IT 50 | October 2023
