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Hamid Kohan, President and CEO of Legal Soft, featured by Fortunes Time Magazine on cover of The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Follow in 2024
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The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Follow in 2024 FORTUNES TIME February 2024 ARTICLES A Visionary Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Pioneer in AI Technology President & CEO Legal Soft ARTICLES A Serial Entrepreneur in the Financial Technology Sector Ham d Legal Innovation Trailblazer www.fortunestime.com
EDITOR’S NOTE In the fast-paced, constantly-changing world of business, executives achieve more than just exercising leadership. They are the inventors of novel concepts, the agents of change, and the custodians of a moral compass that guides their businesses into undiscovered affluent areas. Although there are many definitions of leadership, true leadership is about inspiring others. A lot of charismatic CEOs have the power to propel a company to previously unthinkable levels of success. That is not, however, the same as inspiring their peers. When leading others, one needs to be motivated by the way they operate, think, and share knowledge. Adapting the Changes The modern leadership style has undergone such radical transformation that it is no longer recognizable. Businesses are emphasizing leadership development programs that will educate tomorrow's leaders and foster a more creative and varied work environment. Fortunes Time's latest edition “The 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Follow in 2024” has featured success stories of renowned business executives from across the world whose expertise in leadership is echoing globally. The cover has Hamid Kohan, a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record in both the computer software and legal industries. Before venturing into legal services, Mr. Kohan established himself as a serial entrepreneur, public speaker, and acclaimed author. His professional journey began in Silicon Valley, where he held the position of Director of Business Development at Sun Microsystems. During this time, he had the privilege of collaborating with industry luminaries like Eric Schmidt (Google CEO) and Carol Bartz (Yahoo CEO). Currently, Mr. Kohan serves as the President and CEO of Legal Soft, leading initiatives to revolutionize the legal industry. Additionally, he is the founder of Magic Law Group, a distinguished nationwide law firm specializing in personal injury, lemon law, employment law, and workers' compensation. Throughout his journey, Mr. Kohan has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, leadership, and a passion for transforming the landscape of legal services. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts.
FORTUNES T IME CREDIT PAGE Elizabeth Graves Vijay Khulpe Dafny Meyer Tony Anderson Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editor Art & Design Director Head of Design Department Charles Lee Sanket Zirpe Associate Designer Sarah Jones Business Development Manager Business Development Executive Tracy Miller Robert Taylor Digital Marketing Manager Sales Manager Marketing Manager Technical Specialist Circulation Manager Laura Wright Albert Hill Stacey Flores Jennifer Thomas Carol Green FEBRUARY 2024 For More Details : Email: info@fortunestime.com Address. 8 The Green Suite R, Dover, DE 19901, USA Copyright 2024 Fortunes Time, 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 Fortunes Time Reprint rights remain solely with Fortunes Time.
CONTENT PAGE 08 COVER STORY Hamid Kohan Legal Innovation Trailblazer
Ayman Baky Arun K. Singh John Byrne 16 26 22 Dr. Andy Khawaja Dr. Zarine Manchanda Brandon Sawalich 30 32 38 Kestutis Pagalys Majed Rashad Vineet Trakroo 44 48 42
Ham d Legal Innovation Trailblazer C o v e r S t o r y 08 | February 2024
President and CEO at Legal Soft, Hamid Kohan is a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record in both the computer software and legal industries. Before venturing into legal services, Mr. Kohan established himself as a serial entrepreneur, public speaker, and acclaimed author. His professional journey began in Silicon Valley, where he held the position of Director of Business Development at Sun Microsystems. During this time, he had the privilege of collaborating with industry luminaries like Eric Schmidt (Google CEO) and Carol Bartz (Yahoo CEO). Legal Soft stands as a testament to Mr. Kohan's commitment to bridging these gaps and offering comprehensive solutions for legal practitioners. Despite not being a lawyer himself, his journey as a legal tech innovator is characterized by a dedication to empowering legal professionals with the tools and resources necessary for unparalleled success and growth. Through Legal Soft, Mr. Kohan aims to redefine the possibilities for lawyers and law firms, utilizing technology and business acumen to propel their ventures to new heights. Role as President and CEO Following his tenure at Sun Microsystems, Mr. Kohan took on the role of President at Web Radio, guiding the company to remarkable growth, reaching a valuation of $1 billion and ultimately going public on the New York Stock Exchange. These experiences provided him with a unique perspective on business operations, strategy, and scaling enterprises. As the President and CEO of Legal Soft, Mr. Kohan assumes a multifaceted role that significantly influences the company's direction and overall prosperity. He holds the responsibility for strategically navigating the organization, overseeing day-to-day operations, identifying avenues for growth, fostering a resilient and positive work culture, and managing crucial financial aspects. Currently, Mr. Kohan serves as the President and CEO of Legal Soft, leading initiatives to revolutionize the legal industry. Additionally, he is the founder of Magic Law Group, a distinguished nationwide law firm specializing in personal injury, lemon law, employment law, and workers' compensation. Throughout his journey, Mr. Kohan has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, leadership, and a passion for transforming the landscape of legal services. At the core of Mr. Kohan's responsibilities is the cultivation and maintenance of robust relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners. He recognizes the paramount importance of these connections in driving collective success. Moreover, Mr. Kohan is dedicated to staying at the forefront of legal technology and industry trends, ensuring that Legal Soft remains an innovative and forward-thinking entity in the legal landscape. Journey from MBA to Legal Tech Disruptor Transformation in Legal Staffing and Business Development Diverging from the conventional legal pathways, Mr. Kohan brings a unique background to the legal services industry. Armed with an MBA and fueled by a passion for innovation, he made a transition into legal tech, drawing on extensive experiences with some of the nation's largest companies and leading their growth. Throughout his career, Mr. Kohan closely collaborated with legal professionals, including lawyers and law firm owners, identifying intricate challenges in their businesses. Recognizing gaps in areas such as hiring, training, case management software, and client services, he envisioned Legal Soft as a transformative force in the legal tech landscape. Mr. Kohan envisions a future for Legal Soft characterized by continuous growth and global impact. His idea is centered on expanding the innovative services offered by Legal Soft to new frontiers. The commitment is to broaden the reach and establish strategic partnerships, extending beyond collaboration with legal professionals to encompass alliances with medical institutes and providers. Legal Soft's proven expertise in comprehensive business scaling, ranging from virtual legal staffing solutions to dynamic marketing strategies, positions the company as a catalyst for enterprises seeking to elevate their brand Fortunestime.com | 11
and services. While the current focus is on the United States, there is a sincere aspiration to see Legal Soft leave an indelible mark on a global scale, with a particular emphasis on making a significant impact in the UK. The goal is to extend support to countries worldwide, assisting them in realizing their business objectives and mirroring the success achieved for U.S. citizens. At the core of Legal Soft's mission is the global redefinition of virtual legal staffing and business development, aiming to foster success and innovation wherever the company goes. The commitment transcends borders, and Legal Soft strives to be a driving force for positive change in the legal landscape on an international level. The vision is to be not just a service provider but a transformative partner in the global legal community, reshaping the way legal staffing and business development are perceived and executed. Insights on Leadership Prospects According to Mr. Kohan, there are substantial opportunities for emerging leaders to grow and assume leadership roles in the legal services sector. The evolving landscape of the legal industry, mirroring trends in various sectors, creates a demand for new leaders with diverse perspectives, skills, and innovative approaches. Several factors contribute to these opportunities: Technological Advancements: The legal industry is undergoing a digital transformation, incorporating technologies such Ÿ 12 | February 2024
as artificial intelligence, legal analytics, and automation. Emerging leaders with a strong grasp of these technologies can drive innovation and efficiency within legal firms. change and innovation. The dynamic nature of the legal sector provides a fertile ground for ambitious and forward-thinking individuals to rise to leadership positions. Ÿ Changing Client Expectations: Clients now seek legal services providers that not only possess legal expertise but also demonstrate business acumen, efficiency, and a client-centric approach. Emerging leaders who understand and meet these evolving client expectations have the chance to excel. Risk-Taking Journey Ÿ Mr. Kohan has willingly undertaken one of the most significant professional risks by spearheading unconventional strategies and navigating uncharted territories within the legal services sector. This risk revolves around the constant exploration of novel methodologies and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. While inherently uncertain, this approach has proven instrumental in propelling Legal Soft into a position of leadership within the industry. Career Wisdom Diversity and Inclusion: There is a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the legal industry. Organizations recognize the value of diverse leadership teams for fostering creativity, better decision-making, and improved client relationships. Emerging leaders with diverse backgrounds and perspectives are well-positioned to contribute to these initiatives. Ÿ Mr. Kohan offers valuable advice for individuals embarking on their careers, emphasizing key principles to guide their professional journey: Ÿ Passion is Your North Star: Allow passion to guide your career choices, as genuine excitement fuels dedication and resilience in the face of challenges. Alternative Legal Service Providers: The rise of alternative legal service providers presents new avenues for emerging leaders to make an impact. These providers often leverage technology and innovative business models to deliver legal services more efficiently, offering opportunities for leaders to pioneer novel approaches. Ÿ Embrace a Lifelong Learning Mindset: Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning, staying curious and adaptable to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies throughout your career. Ÿ Globalization: With businesses operating on a more global scale, legal issues become increasingly complex. Emerging leaders with international experience or a global mindset can significantly contribute to navigating the complexities of cross- border legal matters. Ÿ Build Meaningful Connections: Networking is a powerful tool for career growth. Establish and nurture professional relationships early on, seeking mentorship and learning from experienced individuals. Ÿ Entrepreneurship in Legal Tech: The intersection of law and technology has given rise to numerous legal tech startups. Emerging leaders with entrepreneurial spirits and an understanding of legal tech have opportunities to lead and shape the future of the legal industry. Ÿ Welcome Constructive Feedback: Actively seek constructive criticism as a catalyst for improvement, using feedback as a guide to refine your skills and approaches. Ÿ Patience and Persistence are Virtues: Recognize that success in your career is a journey, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent, and maintain a positive outlook in the face of setbacks. Ÿ To capitalize on these opportunities, emerging leaders in legal services should stay informed about industry trends, continually develop their skills, build a strong network, and demonstrate a willingness to embrace Fortunestime.com | 13
Passion Over Paycheck: Prioritize personal fulfillment and passion in your chosen field over monetary gains alone. A fulfilling career brings joy and purpose beyond financial considerations. Ÿ Set Realistic Goals: Define both short-term and long-term goals for your career. Celebrate small victories, understanding that each achievement is a step forward in your professional journey. Ÿ Give Generously: Be generous with your time and skills, helping others without expecting immediate reciprocation. Collaboration and generosity can lead to meaningful connections and unforeseen opportunities. Ÿ See Challenges as Opportunities: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Approach obstacles with resilience and a positive mindset, recognizing that overcoming them contributes to your personal and professional development. Ÿ can lay a solid foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career journey. Mr. Kohan observes that AI, along with other technological advancements, has not just been a tool but a paradigm shift reshaping the world. Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Aim for a healthy work-life balance from the outset. Taking care of your well-being, both physically and mentally, is essential for sustained success and fulfillment throughout your career. Ÿ Leading the Technological Frontier Mr. Kohan has consistently positioned himself at the forefront of the technology industry's evolution, with a particular emphasis on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into legal practices. This commitment is exemplified in his book, 'How to Scale Your AI Law Firm,' which delves into the transformative impact of AI on operations within the legal industry. From the digital revolution to the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the advent of cloud computing, these innovations have interconnected the globe and revolutionized sectors spanning healthcare to commerce. In the legal realm, AI has played a crucial role in empowering firms, enhancing efficiency, and elevating client experiences. Amidst this technological frontier, Mr. Kohan Remember that success is a holistic concept encompassing personal fulfillment, growth, and meaningful contributions. By staying true to your passions, fostering a commitment to continuous learning, and maintaining a positive and giving mindset, you 14 | February 2024
maintains a focus on pioneering these changes, ensuring accessibility, and fostering understanding for all in the swiftly evolving digital landscape. potential and emotional intelligence enhance an individual's impact within the team, while a customer-focused mindset contributes to overall organizational success. Ÿ Cultural fit remains a crucial aspect of the hiring process at Legal Soft, emphasizing shared values and a commitment to ethical behavior and integrity. Resilience and creativity are valued traits contributing to an individual's ability to excel, and strong time management skills are deemed essential for maintaining productivity. Flexibility, Adaptability, and Holistic Hiring In navigating the evolving work landscape, Mr. Kohan's perspective on the future of work underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability. While traditional office settings have long been associated with collaboration and company culture, the rise of remote work has disrupted these norms. The future of work at Legal Soft embraces a dynamic approach that values both in-person collaboration and the flexibility afforded by remote work. The focus on hiring individuals with a diverse set of skills, traits, and values is seen as essential for success in the evolving work landscape. Mr. Kohan believes that the future of work involves striking a balance that recognizes the advantages of in-person collaboration while embracing the flexibility offered by remote work. Technology has facilitated seamless communication and collaboration, enabling teams to thrive in a virtual environment. The key is to cultivate a company culture that transcends physical boundaries, emphasizing shared values, goals, and effective communication. In the hiring process at Legal Soft, Mr. Kohan prioritizes a holistic approach. Beyond technical skills and experience, he seeks candidates demonstrating adaptability in dynamic environments, strong teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. A solid work ethic, effective communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning are also essential. Leadership Fortunestime.com | 15
JOHN BYRNE A Serial Entrepreneur in the Financial Technology Sector 16 | February 2024
In Below are highlights of the interview conducted between Fortunes Time and John Byrne: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace At work, I'm passionate, focused, and driven. I really enjoy the process of thinking about, and then discussing with my team, the next project, the next innovation, the next solution, and then listening to the feedback from my team. Listening is a key skill for any leader. When I'm not working, I make time to switch off and spend time with my family and our dog, Teddy. I'm lucky to live beside the sea in Dublin and like to walk the dog along the beach. I also swim in the sea as often as I can. In the colder weather, it's more of a quick dip. In terms of assessing the effect of regulatory risk, John Byrne, founder and CEO of Corlytics, is the industry pioneer. Incorporated in 2013, Corlytics collaborates with banks, authorities, and prestigious financial organisations all around the world. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? I am a serial entrepreneur in the financial technology sector, I have built and sold a number of global technology-based enterprises. I co- founded one of the first campus companies in Ireland in the energy technology sector and founded Information Mosaic in 1997, a global player in the securities software industry, which was sold to IHSMarkit in 2015. The Corlytics system classifies and organises regulatory notifications and, where necessary, internal business data into highly structured relevant information using a combination of artificial and human intelligence. Through better regulatory planning, this makes it possible for a financial system to be more open and stable. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? I founded Corlytics (Compliance and Regulatory Risk Analytics) to provide real regulatory risk intelligence. Following a tsunami of global regulation that arrived for the financial markets in 2009, I realised there was no joined-up intelligence and predictive analytics to help banks, regulators and their advisors make informed decisions. Corlytics was formed in 2013 and today is the global leader in regulatory risk intelligence. What has made you successful? What do you value? My team and my family are key to what has made me successful. At work, I actively recruit people Fortunestime.com | 17
who know more than me and are also great team players. I value people's skills and their ability to both adjust and grow with the company as well as actively shape it, we are an innovative company. I'm lucky to be surrounded by super people, and I value their curiosity, their contributions, and their dedication. people that are fundamental to the quality and scope of our solutions. Great products come from great people. Companies with the best people will have the best products in the long run. We are also super focused on customer care and will continue to nurture our customers and listen to their ideas. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? I believe that a crucial part of building a successful business is creating a culture that is productive and engaging, one that listens and adapts, and one that fosters a sense of fun. A company with a positive culture has the power and ability to make change, be innovative and be successful. I also value time to think about what's next and how can I build on this - this can be difficult while dealing with the day to day and the what is needed now. Which are the major services of the company and how do the company get ahead of the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? Corlytics provides a range of solutions to help manage regulatory change management and implement regulatory risk reduction strategies. Our customers include financial institutions, regulators, and payment firms—many of whom have global operations. I believe in providing leadership that has clarity and purpose. I also positively encourage people at Corlytics to explore ideas and bring their thoughts and insights to the table. Again, I think listening is key to fostering a culture that's inclusive, collaborative, and beneficial to all. Many technology companies build state-of-the-art products but give secondary importance to their talent – it is the 18 | February 2024
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Innovation is a cornerstone of Corlytics. Tech companies are, by definition, driving significant change in how businesses globally operate, and so innovation is an intrinsic part of it. We will continue to innovate in terms of solutions but also in encouraging people to consider innovation in their particular role and in projects where they are involved. We innovate with our clients as they often have to not just onboard new technology but think about their work processes in a new way. experience, collective talent and shared effort provide a more enriching environment to work in, and the success they bring is long-term. All team members are diverse, smart, and have an important contribution to make to any project. The happiest part of my daily routine is seeing a project come to life and getting that extra 5 minutes in the bracing Irish sea. What advice would you give to someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Bring your whole self to work, as authenticity in leadership is valuable in getting buy-in from your people. Lead by example, but do remember to lead and not manage people. Build your team with people who are collaborative, bright, and bring added value to the company. Building companies is about the growing and building capabilities of every single person in the organisation. A great culture comes from making every single person matter in your firm. What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? My responsibilities as CEO are varied. The collective vision of the team at Corlytics is to fundamentally change the way financial regulation is managed, and my responsibility is to ensure that we keep a keen focus on that goal. We have earned a reputation in the industry for reliability—this needs to be nurtured as we grow with our clients. We build relationships and partnerships that can help the company's progress. Give us your opinion on: do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? It depends on the company. In Corlytics, we value team processes. We grow as a company because of the strong teams we have in place. From Fortunestime.com | 19
President & CEO Starkey Laboratories, Inc Brandon Sawalich 30 | February 2024
Brandon Sawalich was appointed president of Starkey in 2017 and chief executive officer in 2020. The company has offices in more than 29 countries and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. In order to promote the company's beliefs and objectives, he directs Starkey's strategic direction and collaborates closely with the Executive Team and other executives within the business. About the Company As President and CEO, Brandon Sawalich is devoted to providing customers with the highest-quality goods at competitive costs while focusing on innovative leadership and constant advancements in the science, design, and manufacturing of hearing aid technology. The world's largest privately held provider of hearing equipment, Starkey is based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The business is known for its cu?ng-edge design, crea?on, and distribu?on of complete digital hearing solu?ons. It creates products u?lizing an evidence-based design methodology, which means that before a hearing aid is ever fi?ed on a pa?ent, extensive tes?ng is done to demonstrate the advantages of a new technology or algorithm. Every single Starkey employee is dedicated to assis?ng individuals daily in achieving improved hearing. Starkey has added integrated sensors, artificial intelligence, and health and wellness technologies to our hearing health products under Brandon's direction, and he is always looking for chances to sell cutting- edge goods and services. In 1994, Brandon Sawalich started working for Starkey's All Make Repair and Earmold Lab. Prior to becoming President and CEO, Brandon helped expand, shape, and manage the sales division as he worked his way up the corporate ladder over a twenty- year period. He did this by assiduously learning about various areas of the business. Brandon has a wide range of professional experience, which has allowed him to have a profound grasp of the company's offerings and the demands of its clients. Before becoming president, Brandon Sawalich worked with Starkey from 2005 to 2017 as senior vice president. Starkey has over 25 loca?ons and works in more than 100 markets throughout the globe. Three main brands—Audibel, NuEar, and its original brand, Starkey—are used by the corpora?on to design, produce, and market hearing aids. Along his lengthy career, Brandon learned the importance of integrating state-of-the-art technology, expert evaluation, and tailored customer service to provide each individual customer with the highest level of care. Because of his superior level of customer service, Brandon was named "Executive of the Year" at the Business Intelligence Group's 2023 Excellence in Customer Service Awards. Fortunestime.com | 31
DR. ANDY KHAWAJA A Visionary Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Pioneer in AI Technology Fortunestime.com | 33
a major contributor to charitable organizations, including UNICEF, Wounded Warrior Project, Eagle and Badge Foundation, After-School All- Stars, and many more. His philanthropic ideals drive him to make a positive impact on global societies and support various causes for a better environment and future generations. sustainable future for mankind. As a natural-born entrepreneur, Dr. Khawaja remains committed to building, innovating, succeeding, and giving back to society. sectors. For example, we have a department with a focus on AI technology for child advancement. The youth is our future, and we want to devote our efforts not only to the advancement of mankind, but to the advancement of our children. We have another department focused on sustainable life on Mars. We have another department that is working to revolutionize the workplace, with a focus on health and morale. Another department is utilizing AI technology for psychological advancements. AIDP is creating software and machines that enable humans and machines to collaborate to more accurately to diagnose illnesses, physical and mental. We can save lives with more “I founded AIDP in 2019, although it had been forming for quite some time. Since I began AIDP, innovation has not stopped, and it never will. We are continually creating new departments to innovate different aspects of life and society, integrating new technological advancements into every industry. We will continue to expand and grow AIDP for the sake of finding new ways to improve living conditions for mankind. We have many departments focusing on AI advancement in several In early 2019, Dr. Khawaja transitioned from the payment services industry to focus on innovation and new technology. He founded the Artificial Intelligence Defense Platform (AIDP) with the goal of creating new AI technology for compatible systems and machines to contribute to a safer and more 34 | February 2024
Career Wisdom Dr. Khawaja's advice to individuals starting their careers is rooted in passion and perseverance. He encourages them to approach their work with sincerity and dedication, giving it their full effort. Dr. Khawaja emphasizes that success and achievement are attainable through relentless determination. The key is to stay committed to one's dreams and not give up in the face of challenges. This advice underscores the importance of working with passion and unwavering determination to make a meaningful impact on one's career journey. Driven by Purpose power to create positive change. This relentless pursuit of goals reflects his determination to continue changing the world for the better. His work is not just a professional endeavor but a personal mission aligned with his vision for a brighter and more prosperous future. He asserts, “We will change the world. We are implementing technology that will really make a difference around the world. I want to improve the quality of life for future generations. I want to bring peace all over the world.” accurate physical diagnoses. But also, we can save lives by better diagnosing and treating mental illness. Dr. Khawaja expresses a deep sense of purpose and passion for his work, considering it his life's mission. His commitment to his work serves as a driving force, motivating him to make a meaningful impact on the world. Driven by the belief in the positive difference he can create during his time on Earth, he emphasizes the importance of leaving behind products, solutions, and innovations that will benefit future generations. For Dr. Khawaja, the goal is to contribute to a better tomorrow for children and generations to come. He dedicates himself to giving all that he can and doing everything within his 2.6 million years ago, stone tools were created. In 4000 BC, we created the th wheel. In the 19 century, we created the lightbulb - then in the 20 century, we created vehicles, nuclear technology, and the internet. In the 21 century, we created biotech, nanotech, and fusion. God created mankind. We are creating AI technology. AI technology will save the future of mankind. We will continue to expand and grow AIDP for the sake of finding new ways to improve living conditions for mankind.” th st Fortunestime.com | 35
Dr. Zarine Manchanda Aspiring to Transform the Global Business Landscape Dr. Zarine Manchanda is the CEO of Zarine Manchanda Enterprises, a prominent parent company that oversees five businesses across various sectors, all of which proudly bear her name. Among these enterprises are the popular Zarine Manchanda Cafe, the innova?ve Heavenly Flavours Cloud Kitchen, and the exquisite Flavours of the Himachal Pradesh restaurant. Addi?onally, she manages Zarine Manchanda Premium Security Agency and Zarine Manchanda Produc?ons, a successful film and entertainment produc?on shingle. In addi?on to her diverse businesses, Dr. Manchanda holds the posi?on of CEO at the Zarine Manchanda Founda?on, a noble charity NGO that she founded as her first organiza?on. 38 | February 2024
Elevating Experiences In addition to her diverse businesses, Dr. Manchanda holds the position of CEO at the Zarine Manchanda Foundation, a noble charity NGO that she founded as her first organization. Dr. Manchanda believes that all companies under Zarine Manchanda Enterprises share a common goal - to bring luxury and a sense of spiritual charm to every market segment they operate in. For instance, her café holds the distinction of being India's first seven-star café, boasting elegant and luxurious decor, crockery, cutlery, and other elements. Similarly, her new restaurant, showcasing the flavors of her native state, Himachal Pradesh, is also adorned with opulence. With a grand vision in mind, Dr. Manchanda aspires to build an international, multinational business conglomerate. Her strategic plan involves expanding each of her businesses beyond Mumbai to various locations across India and even venturing into foreign countries. Moreover, she intends to explore new opportunities in sectors that align with her skills and passions, including Interior Design, couture clothing and apparel, specialty retail, and eventually, construction, hotels, and other industries. Through her ambition and dedication, she aims to leave a remarkable and lasting impact on the global business landscape. Dr. Manchanda is committed to crafting a unique selling point (USP) that combines sophistication and elegance with a touch of spirituality. She wants her clients and customers to experience the best of both worlds - a refined and sophisticated ambiance alongside an environment infused with blessings and spirituality, creating a distinctive and memorable experience for all who visit. 40 | February 2024
Gra?tude and Aspira?ons Every day, Dr. Manchanda is filled with joy and gra?tude since her businesses and charitable founda?on are doing so well. They are now preparing to expand not only in India, but globally. She opines, “Naturally, when these organiza?ons and businesses carry my name, I feel an added pride that things are going so well, and that my vision for each business to combine, luxury and spiritual charm has captured the a?en?on of my clients, customers, as well as receiving extensive coverage by pres?gious Indian and interna?onal media.” Setting Trends, Not Following Key to Success in Multiple Ventures As CEO, naturally, Dr. Manchanda has to remain focused that her vision is implemented in each of these business sectors, and also with her charity foundation. She says, “I want to be unique; I want to set the trend. I do not follow trends! I insist that there be a wow factor in all of my businesses, whether it is through the design and decor of my food establishments, or the crisp and unique uniforms worn by personnel in my premium security agency. I have hired a core team to manage and operate these businesses and my Foundation on a daily basis.” Dr. Manchanda As CEO, it is vital to be thoroughly engaged and completely focused on each and every aspect of my businesses, so that the vision is achieved, and the strategic plans are implemented for success. For all of my companies and my Foundation, they all started as a vision in my mind. Of course, the vision was meticulous in many ways so that the launch and implementation of the strategic operational plans could progress smoothly, encapsulating, my USP, and to hire management and staff to run the businesses after launch. Office Culture vs. Remote Work As a woman entrepreneur, of course Dr. Manchanda feels there are opportunities for women to grow and lead in the business world. Happily, each generation sees an advancement in women's education and training to be the leaders of tomorrow. She asserts, “I think we all recognize that the playing field is not completely equal at this time, but women are closing that gap, and I hope to lead by example in showing that each woman can bring her own skill set, bold vision, hard work and determination to fulfill dreams and implement strategic plans for commercial success.” Dr. Manchanda shares her perspective on the future, stating that she doesn't have a crystal ball to predict the future of business. However, she thinks that business owners around the world now realize, because of Covid and its aftermath, that there can be a realignment of office culture versus working at home remotely. She emphasizes that it is up to each business owner or CEO to calibrate that balancing act appropriately for each business. For her, her current entities in the hospitality and security sector require management and staff to work at the venue. The same can be said for her charity Foundation, Fortunestime.com | 41
Kestutis Pagalys, CEO at Servermall, has more than several years Management experience and over several years of working with people and leading teams across all levels within organizations. Kestutis is a dynamic leader in my present position as Director - B2B, where he can contribute to a company's Project Management goals and objectives by overseeing every aspect of the business, from sales to pricing and invoicing to e-commerce and sales management. Building and managing diverse, high-performing teams for the company's clients while ensuring that their demands are always addressed to encourage repeat business is Kestutis' area of expertise. establishing priorities for both himself and the employees. His job is fast-paced and demanding, so he has to be ready for unforeseen obstacles and make the most of every opportunity. Kestutis takes advantage of the necessity to be both technically adept and imaginative to succeed in his profession. Kestutis actively monitors business operations throughout the day with a focus on making sure that ready orders are sent out on time. This demonstrates his dedication to effective execution and exceeding client expectations. Kestutis successfully juggles his duties as CEO with direct participation in procurement efforts. He usually begins his day by going over his emails and 42 | February 2024
Kestutis Pagalys CEO | Servermall Kestu?s Pagalys, CEO at Servermall, has more than several years Management experience and over several years of working with people and leading teams across all levels within organiza?ons. Kestu?s is a dynamic leader in my present posi?on as Director - B2B, where he can contribute to a company's Project Management goals and objec?ves by overseeing every aspect of the business, from sales to pricing and invoicing to e-commerce and sales management. Building and managing diverse, high-performing teams for the company's clients while ensuring that their demands are always addressed to encourage repeat business is Kestu?s' area of exper?se. Kestu?s ac?vely monitors business opera?ons throughout the day with a focus on making sure that ready orders are sent out on ?me. This demonstrates his dedica?on to effec?ve execu?on and exceeding client expecta?ons. About the Company Kestu?s successfully juggles his du?es as CEO with direct par?cipa?on in procurement efforts. He usually begins his day by going over his emails and establishing priori?es for both himself and the employees. His job is fast-paced and demanding, so he has to be ready for unforeseen obstacles and make the most of every opportunity. Kestu?s takes advantage of the necessity to be both technically adept and imagina?ve to succeed in his profession. Fortunestime.com | 43
Majed holds a strong belief in the significance of physical office spaces for fostering collabora?on and nurturing company culture. He considers it essen?al for employees to work together within the same physical workspace, where they can immerse themselves in a warm, friendly, and familiar environment that resembles a family atmosphere. According to him, this physical proximity enables employees to share their experiences, build meaningful rela?onships with colleagues, and ac?vely engage in day-to-day ac?vi?es. He sees this as a fundamental aspect of a company's culture, one that breathes life into it and creates an in?mate and vibrant atmosphere. 46 | February 2024
Majed's counsel to those se?ng sail on their professional journeys is to kickstart their careers as team members before se?ng their sights on entrepreneurship. He suggests gaining experience and acquiring skills by collabora?ng with someone who is knowledgeable and trustworthy before venturing into entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of le?ng your passion be your compass, loving what you do, and allowing these genuine feelings to lead you in the right direc?on. This commitment to giving your best, both to yourself and to those around you, is a key factor in achieving success. Fortunestime.com | 47