The Most Admired Women Leaders in Business, 2023

1. The Most Admired Women Leaders in Business, 2023 FORTUNES TIME December 2023 ARTICLE A Visionary Leader in Transforming Elder Care and Health Plans ARTICLE Leading the National Startup Ecosystem Facilitator Creating a Hospital of Excellence with a Heart www.fortunestime.com

4. EDITOR’S NOTE Innovative companies are being founded and expanded by women, who also bring fresh perspectives and are upending entire industries. They are creating great businesses and making a lasting impact on the industry by applying their unique talents and expertise. In the modern world, women's leadership has changed so drastically that it is no longer evident to see the previous leadership approaches. Businesses are emphasizing diverse leadership more because it can produce future leaders and encourage a more creative and diversified work environment. Not just in specific industries or professions, but across the board in business, women are making strides. In a variety of fields, such as marketing, technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, women are thriving. In domains that have traditionally been dominated by men, they are excelling and shattering glass ceilings and boundaries. Leading the Today's Business World Women are creating compelling advertising campaigns, building brand strategies, and profoundly and realistically interacting with consumers. Their deep understanding of consumer behavior makes them essential for fostering brand development and market expansion. Fortunes Time's latest edition “The Most Admired Women Leaders in Business, 2023” has featured success stories of renowned woman executives from across the world whose expertise in leadership is echoing globally. The cover has Ms. Upasana Arora who serves as the CEO and Director of Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital in Ghaziabad, NCR. She is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to her community and has implemented a pricing structure aimed at offering affordable care without compromising on advanced technology. Upasana is responsible for overseeing the hospital's administration and strategic growth. She believes in continuous education and has pursued various programs, including the Quality Leadership Program from Harvard Medical School and management programs from IIM Ahmedabad. Upasana has a strong commitment to patient safety and privacy, regularly reviewing these aspects during hospital rounds. She maintains an open-door policy, welcoming all staff and clinical colleagues to meet with her, regardless of their role or designation. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts.

5. 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 DECEMBER 2023 For More Details : Email: info@fortunestime.com Address. 8 The Green Suite R, Dover, DE 19901, USA Copyright 2023 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.

6. Creating a Hospital of Excellence with a Heart 08 COVER STORY UPASANA ARORA

7. CONTENT PAGE CONTENT PAGE 20 24 16 Ami Feller Cindy Watson Dawn Maroney 30 34 38 Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram Louise Hampton Roberta Perry 44 52 48 Roberta Rudokiene Sharvette Mitchell Simone Clow

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11. Ms. Upasana Arora serves as the CEO and Director of Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital in Ghaziabad, NCR. She is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to her community and has implemented a pricing structure aimed at offering affordable care without compromising on advanced technology. Upasana is responsible for overseeing the hospital's administration and strategic growth. She believes in continuous education and has pursued various programs, including the Quality Leadership Program from Harvard Medical School and management programs from IIM Ahmedabad. Upasana has a strong commitment to patient safety and privacy, regularly reviewing these aspects during hospital rounds. She maintains an open-door policy, welcoming all staff and clinical colleagues to meet with her, regardless of their role or designation. Upasana's leadership is guided by values such as personal care, respect for all, creating a homely atmosphere for both patients and staff, and fostering open communication. She actively participates in meetings and continuing education events within her organization and finalizes policies and procedures before implementation. Fortunestime.com | 11

12. The Organisation Balanced Approach to Leadership The journey of Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals began 33 years ago, following the unfortunate passing of Late Yashoda Ji, who was Upasana's mother-in-law and diagnosed with cancer. The family worked tirelessly to improve her health, but tragically, she passed away. During her illness, the family faced the challenge of having to travel to other cities like Mumbai for state- of-the-art treatment since there was no such healthcare center in Ghaziabad. Upasana believes that having a single leader with a well-defined philosophy that permeates throughout the organisation can create a unified and centralized approach to organizational management. This approach helps improve control and enhances the execution of work since there is clarity about the roles and responsibilities of different staff members, leading to smoother achievement of objectives. However, Upasana also values the importance of developing leaders within their respective domains to effectively manage and lead specific areas of the organization. This dual approach, combining centralized guidance and empowered domain leaders, contributes to a well- rounded and effective management structure. In response to this need, the family decided to establish a healthcare facility in Ghaziabad to ensure that people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, wouldn't have to travel far for advanced medical care. They started with a secondary care hospital with 100 beds in 1990 and later expanded to 300 beds in 2000. Subsequently, a tertiary care hospital was established in 2006, followed by the opening of a quaternary care hospital in 2017. This journey reflects their commitment to providing accessible and advanced healthcare to the community. Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital's future plans include establishing new centers, such as a 1200-bedded hospital, Yashoda Medicity, in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad; a 300-bedded Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital in Greater Noida, and Yashoda Medicentre in Meerut, UP and Karkardooma, East Delhi, India. Additionally, the hospital group aims to set up offices focused on medical tourism in Europe, the Middle East, and the USA to provide quality healthcare at international standards to populations in these regions. Wisdom for Emerging Leaders Upasana's advice for someone entering a leadership position for the first time centers on self-belief and leading by example. She emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and working diligently to accomplish goals. In her view, actions are more impactful than words and are a reflection of one's personality and leadership qualities. Upasana advises new leaders to lead by example, meaning that they should be willing to do the tasks and exhibit the behaviors they expect from their team members. This approach can inspire trust and respect among the team and foster a positive work environment. Commitment to Accessible Healthcare and Social Responsibility Upasana's vision is to provide quality healthcare to those who are often left at the end of the line, as well as to work selflessly for the betterment of society. To achieve this vision, she has undertaken various initiatives and projects. She has played a crucial role in implementing the Ayushman Bharat program, India's largest social insurance initiative, aimed at providing accessible healthcare to all. Her hospital has been actively involved in this initiative. She is working on the ambitious goal of TB elimination in her district by adopting 5100 TB patients as part of the Prime Minister's initiative, "Nikshya Mein Potion ka Nishchay." This contributes to the National TB Elimination program's target of eliminating TB in India by 2025. Upasana serves as the Chairperson of the Special Olympics Delhi Chapter. Through this role, she promotes the well-being 12 | December 2023

13. of individuals with special needs, including the blind and mentally challenged, by providing them with free health check-ups and suitable office spaces to work in. She is involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including collaborating with Olympus to set up mobile vans equipped with endoscopic facilities in the remote and rural areas. These vans bring endoscopic services directly to people, making healthcare more accessible. She has adopted a girls' residential school and various NGOs working for the girl child. She provides free health check-ups to the students and supports their educational needs. Additionally, she has adopted the village of Masauta, in the periphery of Ghaziabad district, where she oversees healthcare requirements. Upasana contributes to healthcare in high-altitude areas of Uttarakhand by providing ambulances and medical equipment to the Swami Vivekanand Health Mission Society, ensuring that people in remote regions have access to medical services. Through her dedication and various initiatives, Upasana is actively working to make healthcare accessible and improve the well-being of marginalized communities in India. Ethical Patient-Centric Care Upasana's hospital provides a wide range of healthcare services covering various medical specialties and super specialties, along with comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative facilities, all available within a single healthcare facility. While their current focus in quaternary care involves kidney transplants, there are plans to expand and offer liver transplant facilities in the near future. Fortunestime.com | 13

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15. The hospital's core values are centered around delivering healthcare with a patient-first approach. They prioritize providing personalized care with a strong emphasis on quality, aiming to achieve positive patient outcomes. This patient-centric approach is how the hospital distinguishes itself in the healthcare industry. An important aspect of their commitment to ethical healthcare is their status as one of the few signatories of the Ethical Principles in Health Care (EPiHC) in India. They adhere to the ten operating principles outlined by EPiHC: Ÿ Respecting Laws and regulations Ÿ Making a positive contribution to society Ÿ Promoting high-quality standards Ÿ Conducting business matters responsibly Ÿ Respecting the environment Ÿ Upholding patient rights Ÿ Safeguarding information and using data responsibly Ÿ Preventing discrimination, harassment, and bullying Ÿ Protecting and empowering staff Ÿ Supporting ethical practices and preventing harm individuals may change over time, but well-established systems and processes have the potential to endure and provide consistency and reliability in healthcare delivery. This perspective emphasizes the significance of building robust, sustainable, and efficient healthcare systems that prioritize patient care and safety over individual efforts. These principles guide the organisation in conducting its healthcare operations with integrity, responsibility, and a strong commitment to ethical practices, ensuring the well-being of both patients and staff. Building a Hub of Innovation and Compassionate Care Making a Positive Impact in the Lives of Others Upasana's perspective on success goes beyond monetary achievements. She believes that true success lies in making a positive impact in the lives of others, especially in areas that matter most to them. This impact can take various forms, such as creating job opportunities for those in need or providing guidance to individuals who are unsure about their goals. Upasana's own challenging experiences in childhood have shaped her desire to be the kind of supportive figure she needed back then. Her definition of success is closely tied to the satisfaction of seeing a patient at her hospital smile, knowing that she has made a positive difference in their life through healthcare and support. Upasana is committed to making her hospital the best in terms of facilities and technologies, with a strong emphasis on continuous innovation. She also places a high priority on creating a patient-friendly environment where patients feel as comfortable as they do in their own homes. Her vision is for Yashoda Hospital to be a place where patients are happy to seek medical care and consider it their second home when they are unwell. In addition to prioritizing patient satisfaction, Upasana also strives to create an employee-friendly workplace. She wants her employees to feel a sense of joy when they come to work, fostering a positive and supportive work environment for all staff members. This commitment to both patients and employees reflects her dedication to overall well-being and excellence in healthcare. Vision for Sustainable Healthcare Upasana holds a strong belief in the importance of focusing on processes rather than individual heroics within the healthcare industry. She recognizes that Fortunestime.com | 15

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20. CINDY CINDY WATSON Exemplifying Exceptional Representation, Exclusively in Union-Side Labour and Employment Law across Canada Cindy Watson, the founder and managing partner of Watson Labour Law and a graduate of the renowned Osgoode Hall, is an experienced and recognized attorney who has specialized in social justice for the past 30 years. Cindy is a sought-after corporate trainer and speaker who works to bridge the gap between men and women in order to improve productivity, communication, and gender prejudice. Cindy is committed to breaking down barriers, achieving wage fairness, and putting an end to discrimination. She has a demonstrated track record of empowering, fighting for, and pushing individuals to be the greatest versions of themselves. She is a well-known international speaker, author, and consultant who is recognized for her enthusiasm, devotion, and ability to inspire. 20 | December 2023

21. Cindy Watson Founder & Managing Partner Watson Labour Law Fortunestime.com | 21

22. company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? We offer the full range of services to our trade union clients, including (but not limited to): Representation before all labour tribunals and at all levels of court Ÿ Grievance & arbitration advocacy Ÿ Labour Board advocacy Ÿ Workers compensation matters Ÿ Disability benefits Ÿ Equity work Ÿ Human Rights advocacy Ÿ Legislative and political lobbying Ÿ Training & Education programming We stand out from the competition given our passionate commitment to the cause which is reflected in our advocacy and in our ability to secure better outcomes without litigation where appropriate. We tirelessly seek the best possible results for our clients. We do so utilizing what we call the Art of Feminine Negotiation, where we bring rapport-building, empathy, flexibility, intuition and trust-building to the table so our clients get more creative outcomes with better relationships, greater buy-in and longer-lasting agreements. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between Fortunes Time and Cindy Watson: years, but while I loved the practice, I knew I didn't want to do it there. Everyone thought I was having an early midlife crisis when I turned it down and opted to put out my own shingle. I wanted a firm that was mission-driven and ideologically committed to protecting and enhancing rights for workers and unions. Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I've always been passionate and driven about issues I care about. Growing up in a blue-collar family (in a low-rent apartment complex with a father who worked shift work in a paper mill factory), I felt called to protect the rights of workers. It was always instilled in me from a young age that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace and beyond. That is a life-long philosophy I have embraced and brought to my law practice, zealously representing trade unions and the rights of their members. With the naiveté that comes from youth, I had no doubt that it would succeed. In hindsight, I had no equity, no assurance of clients, no business plan, or any of the typical minimum requirements for a business start-up, but my unshakable confidence in the power of my mission allowed me to forge a path to kickstart my own boutique labor law firm, which quickly grew (both in size and reputation). We became known for our passionate advocacy on behalf of our clients, and I'm proud to say that reputation continues. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? Coming from a blue-collar background, my parents didn't have the resources to afford a post-secondary education for me. So, I worked almost full-time hours waitressing throughout the school year for my high school, university, and law school experiences to earn the money to fund my education. In the summers, I sought out relevant work experience, doing an internship in the Students Training in Industrial Relations program, working at employment agencies (both private and public), and working with a trade union. What has made you successful? What do you value? I've always prided myself and our firm on our core values of integrity, passion, drive, commitment, and excellence. That winning combination delivers consistent, superior results. We believe in what we do and the important value it brings, not only to our clients but the broader community as we advocate for enhanced rights for workers on a global level. We think outside the box, looking for unexamined options for enhanced solutions. This cooperative versus competitive approach consistently yields better experiences and outcomes for our clients. Having said that, where necessary we are known for our exceptional advocacy, where we leave no stone unturned. Because we are mission-driven, we aren't motivated by the money. We pride ourselves on our ability to effect superior settlements, knowing when and how to avoid litigation to secure creative best outcomes and when to litigate. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? I went to law school knowing I wanted to practice trade union labor law. I articled at the Labour Relations Board, and after my call to the bar, I took a position at a boutique labour law firm. I was offered a partnership after only 3 We care about our clients and their issues. We don't treat them like numbers. Unlike most law firms, we also think proactively, seeking to anticipate issues and redressing them before they Which are the major services of the company and how do they the 22 | December 2023

23. become conflicts or problems. Our proactive (vs reactive) approach is unique in the practice of law and saves our clients much time, money, angst and relationships. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? Team is key in life generally, in business organizations, and particularly for trade unions and service providers for unions. Unions are based on a philosophy of solidarity—stronger together. Individual heroics do not serve the greater good. Building an engaged, dedicated, passionate team is key to success. Studies show that diversity in thinking allows for more creative outcomes and better results (not to mention improved productivity and efficiency). What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? I'm proud to have built our thriving practice over the last 30 years. We've built a reputation for our passion, integrity, and results. I'm still integrally involved in the building of our team and ensuring that our culture continues to reflect our core values. Hiring our best team is a key part of that process, as is fostering relationships with our long-time clients and building on client development for the future. Teamwork and the brainstorming it affords will increase the output of any organization (both in terms of quantitative productivity, but perhaps more importantly, in terms of more refined, creative, distinctive, move-the-dial end results). I'm lucky to still be passionate about representing trade unions. I love the advocacy, and I particularly love the exceptional training and education we offer. Engaging directly with members, stewards and front-line union reps feeds me – the energy flows both ways as we inspire each other in carrying forward the important work that needs to be done. This holds true generally, and we see it as particularly important for our law firm. Unions secure their strength in numbers. Unions that rely on individual heroics don't survive. The law firms that serve trade unions need to similarly embrace and foster team environments to deliver the best possible service, advice, and results. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Listen. Really listen. Bring empathy to the table, truly seeking to understand and meet the needs of others (both within and outside your organization). The benefits of this approach cannot be overstated. Never seek to exert power over others, but rather, always strive to achieve power with those you engage with. Fortunestime.com | 23

24. A Visionary Leader in Transforming Elder Care and Health Plans 24 | December 2023

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26. V Validation & Aspiration Dawn observes that competitors within the industry are adopting Alignment Health Plan's approach, which she finds exciting as it validates the company's direction. The overarching aim is to progressively revolutionize healthcare, impacting one patient at a time. Dawn's personal goal is to play a role in driving this transformation, making improvements in senior care throughout the United States. 26 | December 2023

27. As the average life expectancy increases, as do the number and proportion of older people in most developed and developing countries, a central question is whether this population aging will be accompanied by sustained or improved health, an improving quality of life, and adequate social and economic resources. system, its financing sources, and American families will face significant strain as our population ages. A lack of personal savings for long-term care, combined with a fragmented and institutionally dependent delivery system, will endanger the health and quality of life of aging Americans. To handle the various chronic illnesses prevalent in this vulnerable population, our healthcare personnel will need to be retooled. Dawn Maroney is the President of Markets at Alignment Health, a tech- driven firm that promotes a new approach to elder care through its Medicare Advantage services. She is also the CEO of Alignment Health Plan. Dawn is now in charge of Alignment Health Plan, where she oversees many areas of the health plan. Adults over the age of 65 will account for 20% of the US population by 2050. The fiscal and policy ramifications of this demographic transformation are two of the most significant difficulties that federal and state governments confront today. Our healthcare Dawn Maroney is considered not just as an industry specialist, but also as a pioneer in preparing health care firms for success in the hard Medicare, Medicaid, and disadvantaged sectors. Fortunestime.com | 27

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31. Dr. Nadine Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram Hachach-Haram Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram, FRCS (Plast), BEM, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and the Head of Clinical Innovation.The NHS clinical entrepreneur founded Proximie in 2015 with the goal of saving lives by disseminating the world's finest clinical practice. She relied on her surgical expertise as well as her love for innovation and teaching. As part of the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours, Dr. Nadine was awarded the British Empire Medal for her pioneering achievements in the disciplines of surgery and medicine. She also undertakes a number of roles to help advance surgery, including council member of the Royal College of Surgeons' Future of Surgery Commission, council member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), Innovation UK, and council member of the Royal Society of Medicine plastic surgery section. Fortunestime.com | 31

32. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between Fortunes Time and Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram: has really come to define me as a person. I spent 10 years working on global health initiatives around the world as a trainee surgeon. During that period, I definitely found myself feeling like I simply wasn't doing enough. When I looked at the Lancet Commission that revealed five billion people in the world lack access to safe surgery, I realized that we were only scratching the surface. I realized that it was really about building scalable, sustainable models of support and delivery, so I started to look at technology, and the idea for Proximie was born. Describe your background and what did you do before you started the company? I grew up in post-war Lebanon in the early 1990s, which was undoubtedly a formative period in my life. It shaped my career, not just as a surgeon but also as the founder of Proximie. Seeing the human impact conflict exacted on my homeland had a profound influence at a very young age. At that point, I started to get interested in the ability to help patients and to look for opportunities. Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I think I am a very driven person who is passionate about innovation in healthcare. Proximie was born out of a need, and my ambition as a surgeon was to find a solution and scale it using technology. In my experience, disruption in healthcare has many challenges, but I can say with experience that if it is really solving a problem, then adoption can be swift and decisive. I think having that drive to create a sustainable solution for creating better access to safe surgery 32 | December 2023

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35. Louise Hampton Chiropractic graduate from the University of South Wales, Louise Hampton is the owner of Attend2Health. She looked at many health care careers before deciding she wanted to be a chiropractor. She was intrigued with the outcomes of chiropractic care and, in certain cases, the quickness with which patients would begin to feel better. Prior to relocating her practice to Buntingford she first started seeing patients in Birmingham and opening a chiropractic office there. She states, "Attend2Health is my second clinic, closer to home and with my husband Dominic." She has been awarded a Fellowship of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) for the work she has done on the BCA council and is a trustee of the Chiropractic Research Council. Fortunestime.com | 35

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37. Buntingford High Street. It was October 2007, just before the 2008 recession. Times were hard, but the business got through it. My main goal has always been to do the best I can for my patients. Over the years, the clinic has grown and taken on more staff. We now have a practice manager and five receptionists, as well as all the practitioners. Louise is proud to be a fellow of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) after sitting on the BCA council for a number of years. Louise has also just become a trustee of the Chiropractic Research Council. As well as treating patients, Louise is keen to help the local community by sponsoring local sports teams such as the Buntingford Cricket Club and the Buntingford Bowls Club. She also likes to raise money for charity and this year she raised money for the Buntingford Food Bank. Attend2health has also won a number of awards over the years, including WhatClinic Service Awards for the past 3 years. Best Business Woman in Health and Wellbeing in 2019 and Best Below are highlights of the interview conducted between Fortunes Time and Louise Hampton: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. Louise Hampton is a chiropractor and owner of Attend2Health. I am th celebrating our 15 anniversary this month, which I am incredibly proud of. In that time, the clinic has grown so much. 15 years ago, I started by renting a shop at the top of Fortunestime.com | 37

38. Roberta Perry Committed to Creating a Customer Experience Business with Great Natural Products Fortunestime.com | 38

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40. Roberta Perry started ScrubzBody Skin Care when her own skin was suffering, and she figured out a way to make it feel and look better. She recalls, "After sharing it with my late sister, Michelle, she suggested I sell it to others. It was a way to share my sugar scrub creation and the concept of pampering oneself with others, and also get the chance to work with my late sister. It really began when I was so chapped on my elbow that when I scratched it, it bled. All over the papers I was working with at a meeting. I was so embarrassed. I left the meeting and headed to a skin care store, where the manager introduced me to a scrub. I liked it but didn't love it, so I searched out another. And then another. And then another still. After a while, Roberta decided to make some herself, using only the things that made the great scrubs great and eliminating all the things that made an OK scrub just OK. That was in 2006, and she has grown the business and enjoyed the ride ever since. Fortunestime.com | 40

41. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Roberta Perry: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I like to think of myself as a positive, happy with her fate in life, forward-thinking person. It doesn't mean I haven't had my share of sh*t, most especially losing my sister, business partner, and best friend, Michelle, but I am grateful for everything I have and really embrace what life has to offer. I love exploring new places and eating new foods. I have always been OK with trying and failing and trying again. I am also a wife, a mom of 3 grown adults, a mother-in-law, a grandmom of 3 incredible boys, a daughter, a sister a friend, and a mentor. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? My background after college was graphic design, so I did that for five years in NYC before having my first son and starting my freelance design company. Along the way, I started selling telecommunications when the industry was exploding and honing my sales and customer service techniques. I was the marketing director of a failed start-up in Texas, but the 2 years involved in that gave me the chance to learn about web design and trademarks, dealing with the public, and free publicity. I really believe that every job and position I have had prior has been a stepping stone to my business. What has made you successful? What do you value? I have said this before and I will say it again: money is necessary to keep my business alive, well, and thriving. However, my greatest success is the relationships I have been lucky enough to develop with my business associates and my customers. I have the greatest people surrounding me, and that is my biggest joy and business accomplishment. I got to start this business with my late sister, and I get to work with my childhood bestie. I get to sell other products in my shop that were made by great friends whom I found through my larger business group. These are the things I value most. 41 | December 2023

44. Roberta Rudokien? Leading the National Startup Ecosystem Facilitator "Don't be afraid to fail, be ready to pivot and change. Don't think that you know the best. Make each step after evaluating the needs of your potential customers," says Roberta Rudokienė. She works as the Manager of Startup Lithuania, a national startup ecosystem facilitator that connects fast- growing businesses, venture capital funds, accelerators, startup-friendly enterprises, and the government. 44 | December 2023

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46. Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between the Fortunes Time and Roberta Rudokienė. Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader. What challenges did you have to face to get where you are today? My journey as a business leader was really interesting and challenging: I worked in managing positions in different sectors: I managed the Baltic Retail department in a big furniture manufacturing company, was responsible for sales and marketing in the first universal arena in Lithuania, then moved to the public sector, and for almost four years now, I've been managing Startup Lithuania, a national startup ecosystem facilitator, which aims to create the most favourable conditions for Lithuanian startups' creation, development, and growth. Changing sectors and working in different spheres is always challenging at the beginning, but also very interesting. And that's driving me. startups in our database rose from 380 in 2017 to 1000 in 2020. We also started to conduct representative surveys of Lithuanian startups each year in order to know them better and what challenges they face. As a facilitator of the ecosystem, we aim to know all the startups in Lithuania, how they are doing, how many investments are attracted, what help they need from the government, or what changes in the laws should be made to make Lithuania a perfect place for startups. Describe Startup Lithuania's offerings that address the needs of your customers. Startup Lithuania aims to be a one stop shop for current and future startups in Lithuania, we organise different events and workshops, administer an online pre-acceleration program, "Startup Guide", which is designed for early-stage startups and potential developers of innovatiprogrammenesses, and give free consultations to current and future startup founders. We also administrate the Startup Visa Lithuania program and help foreign startup founders from non-EU countries to relocate to Lithuania and develop their innovative businesses here. We also decided that the Lithuanian startup ecosystem needs a separate international event specifically designated for startups and started to organise the Startup Fair event, which attracts a lot of attention from startups and investors every year. (Until 2017, this event was a part of another tech conference). Enlighten us on how you have made an impact in this industry through your expertise in the industry? When I started to work at Startup Lithuania, my main goal was to collect information about all Lithuanian startups and to know their needs better. Not by guessing and making predictions, but from startups themselves. Therefore, together with my team, we made big efforts to „catch" and register all Lithuanian startups. The result: the number of When we saw that our audience, potential, and early-stage startup founders, were asking the same questions again and again, we initiated a free online pre- acceleration course, "Startup Guide" – which I'm very proud of. The 46 | December 2023

47. What people, what books, what life factors have influenced and impacted you? I can't distinguish specific people or books that influenced and impacted me. I believe that all the jobs I did and all the people I've met in my career have had some influence. I'm always striving to do my job as well as I can. And the work at Startup Lithuania does seem very meaningful to me, since I feel that I can make a difference. Our team members are independent and proactive, and being in a small team makes it easier for us to get involved in each other's activities, create and suggest better services to our startups. Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run and what are your future goals for Startup Lithuania? I don't like to make big plans for the future, but to grab the opportunities that I meet on the way. So it's hard to say where I see myself in the long run. As for Startup Lithuania, I have big visions for it. I hope that Startup Lithuania will expand in terms of the team and services and will be able to offer Lithuanian startups financial support and more designated services. I also want to grow our partnerships and to have a wider network of partners all over the world in order to be able to help Lithuanian startups to enter different markets and conquer the world. Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drive Startup Lithuania. We are a small but very enthusiastic team that wants to make an impact. We are driven by the possibility of helping startup founders start, develop and grow their innovative businesses. The main values in our organisation are professionalism, cooperation, and the success of Lithuania. Lithuanian startup ecosystem is really booming and thriving at the moment, and I hope that all the steps that Startup Lithuania took contributed at least to a small part of this success. What are the challenges you and your team at Startup Lithuania come across in your day-to-day operations? Sometimes things can't get done so easily and smoothly as we would like. Especially that we're a governmental agency with some strict procedures. But this doesn't stop my team from striving to reach the best possible results and implement everything that we wish. We are constantly trying to get to know Lithuanian startups and help them when the opportunity arises. Fortunestime.com | 47

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