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Mogens Birkelund, the CEO of S.C. Nordic, grace the cover of the renowned Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of World's Most Versatile Business Leaders Making a Mark in 2023
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Vol. 11 | Issue 08 | November 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World's Most Versatile Business Leaders Making a Mark in 2023 Mogens Birkelund A Renowned Expert in Demand Response Solutions in Denmark CEO SC NORDIC
World's Most Versatile Business Leaders Making a Mark in 2023 Emblem of Versatile Ledership Within an era where people differ from one another, there is no such thing as a leadership strategy that fits everyone. To unite and unify their team around a common purpose, great leaders need to be adaptable enough to deal with a range of personalities, ages, and cultural backgrounds. The cover features Mogens Birkelund, the CEO of S.C. Nordic, a prominent expert in Denmark when it comes to Demand Response solutions. His company has received awards for its innovative solutions in this field. Despite being the CEO and founder of a rapidly growing company, Mogens' primary focus is on making himself redundant. He strives to transfer his knowledge and expertise to his team and integrate it into their technology. Mogens is aware that when he fails to do so, he becomes a bottleneck for the rest of the organization. In a successful organization, a leader's role is to make sure that a varied set of people in different positions are working toward the same objective. There is no ideal style of leadership since organizations contain members with a variety of skills, motives, personalities, experiences, age groups, and cultural backgrounds, and because they are in different stages of growth and competitiveness. A variety of ideas about leadership must be implemented in various kinds of challenging and often complex organizational contexts. During times of transition, a transformational leadership style is frequently necessary and may prove to be extremely advantageous. These inspirational leaders inspire their followers to do better things, and they are usually compelling, even though they aren't always joyful. Through the promotion of a shared objective, they urge people to embark on creative, challenging projects with excitement and originality. As the power grids in their potential markets evolve and undergo restructuring, Mogens places great importance on staying updated about these changes and plans. However, the most satisfying part of his daily routine is witnessing the success of their partners' customers when they go online, start earning money, and eagerly anticipate the next project to begin. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. World's Leaders newest release of "World's Most Versatile Business Leaders Making a Mark in 2023" showcases business leaders who have made remarkable strides towards creating higher performing cultures inside the current frameworks and always coming up with fresh ideas. Have a lovely read!
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 Nicole Carter 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 November 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 :
10 Cov Sry Mogens Birkelund A Renowned Expert in Demand Response Solutions in Denmark
Alex Melgar & Carlos Telles 18 22 Ben Foster 28 Dr. Eric Darr 32 Dr. Gabriel Serrano 36 Fritz Zerweck 40 J Daks 46 Matthew Telesca 50 Miquel Colet 54 Oliver Drews
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Mogens Birkelund A Renowned Expert in Demand Response Solutions in Denmark 10 | November 2023
Mogens Birkelund, the CEO of S.C. Nordic, is a prominent expert in Denmark when it comes to Demand Response solutions. His company has received awards for its innovative solutions in this field. Despite being the CEO and founder of a rapidly growing company, Mogens' primary focus is on making himself redundant. He strives to transfer his knowledge and expertise to his team and integrate it into their technology. Mogens is aware that when he fails to do so, he becomes a bottleneck for the rest of the organization. As the power grids in their potential markets evolve and undergo restructuring, Mogens places great importance on staying updated about these changes and plans. However, the most satisfying part of his daily routine is witnessing the success of their partners' customers when they go online, start earning money, and eagerly anticipate the next project to begin. worldsleaders.com | 13
The Journey Mogens' journey into the world of SmartGrid technologies and Virtual Power Plants began during his time as a CTO in the Telecom industry. The turning point came in 2009 when Denmark hosted the UN COP15 conference, which placed a strong focus on environmental sustainability. This event, combined with Denmark's longstanding commitment to green initiatives, inspired Mogens to delve into the development of SmartGrid technologies, ultimately leading to the creation of Virtual Power Plant technology. He took the initiative to establish a startup named GridManager and successfully secured initial funding. However, the market was not yet ready for such innovations, and the venture faced challenges. Recognizing the need to bide their time, they temporarily halted the project. S.C. Nordic quickly became a growth project, expanding its team to 15 members over the last 18 months. Strengthening Renewable Energy Transition S.C. Nordic is a prominent player in Scandinavia, specializing in the development of solutions for flexible consumption, which is commonly referred to as ancillary services or Demand Response. This field is considered a critical component for regions transitioning to renewable energy production, as renewable sources like wind and solar power are variable, requiring consumers to use electricity when it's abundantly available. As a trailblazer in Denmark, S.C. Nordic was the first independent aggregator to offer demand-side flexibility to the power grid through aggregation. This flexibility encompasses both production and consumption resources, providing a comprehensive solution for the grid's needs. As the market matured, the role of Aggregator emerged as a viable route to market. This development prompted a restart of the project. Leveraging Mogens' experience and network, 12 | November 2023 14 | November 2023
background in various types of equipment and a deep understanding of the opportunities within the power grid. He places a significant focus on revenue potential and is committed to the execution and development of projects to the point where they can start generating income. green transition and emphasizes the importance of taking smaller, faster steps rather than trying to create a comprehensive plan before implementation. Mogens is not only a member of the town council of Skive but is also closely associated with a groundbreaking initiative called Greenlab. Skive has distinguished itself as a pioneering town in Denmark by establishing Greenlab, a designated area where residents are granted special permission to share energy resources among themselves without the usual tax implications. This means they can install wind turbines and develop solar capacity within this area, and those resources aren't subject to taxation. With an electronics engineering degree and extensive experience in software development, Mogens possesses the skills to identify potential issues with different types of equipment and envision effective solutions for their development. His drive and determination for execution can sometimes make him appear impatient or even a bit hostile to individuals who require more time to make decisions. However, he is conscious of this and makes efforts to ensure that everyone is on board. Additionally, this unique setup allows for the efficient utilization of excess heat generated by companies, which would typically go to waste. In Greenlab, this excess heat can be shared with other residents who can put it to good use. Greenlab serves as a demonstration of what is possible when tax policies and infrastructure are reimagined. Mogens is deeply passionate about environmental sustainability, to the extent that he has entered the realm of politics to advocate for green initiatives. He uses his knowledge and drive to inspire other politicians to recognize the opportunities within the S.C. Nordic's approach allows its customers to purchase certified green power while simultaneously contributing to the growth and utilization of renewable energy sources. This innovative technology is referred to as 'TrueGreen,' and it functions as a Virtual Power Plant. The 'S.C.' in S.C. Nordic stands for Smarter Consumers, emphasizing the company's commitment to empowering its customers to become more intelligent and conscious consumers of energy. Advocating Green Initiatives Mogens describes himself as a natural entrepreneur with a strong technical worldsleaders.com | 15
Search for Young and Open-Minded Innovators Mogens emphasizes that SCN represents a new industry that will undergo significant development in the next decade, much like the experiences of the past century. This transformation poses challenges to all facets of the industry, from seasoned technicians to emerging market developers. What's noteworthy is that Greenlab is located within the same municipality where Mogens resides. By actively participating in local politics, Mogens can bridge the gap between the regulatory knowledge and the practical industrial applications. This collaboration between the municipality and an expert like Mogens highlights the potential for innovative solutions at the intersection of policy and industry. SCN, like many others, grapples with the global demand for more skilled and motivated individuals. Mogens states, “We are a forerunner in a completely new industry, so we have the find the right people and invest in training and increasing the personal skill sets. We are looking for young and open-minded people that a driven by execution and eager to learn. By young minds, we mean people that are eager to learn and doesn't confront the world with an 'already full mind' mindset.” Collaborative Approach for Market Dominance Mogens strongly believes in the power of partnerships, recognizing that combining efforts with other entities can result in more significant outcomes than working in isolation. This partnership-driven approach allows for rapid growth and the establishment of a strong market presence while avoiding unnecessary competition. S.C. Nordic (SCN) has already forged a partnership with Norlys, the second-largest utility company in Denmark. Additionally, they have supporting agreements with other partners, solidifying their position for growth and market dominance in Denmark. Risk That Paid Off Mogens acknowledges that one of the most significant risks he took was developing TrueGreen with the available resources, a practice often referred to as "bootstrapping" in the startup world. This approach carries the constant threat of depleting funds before reaching a break-even point. However, successfully accomplishing this has been a personal triumph, as it saved us the time and resources that would have otherwise been spent on seeking potential investors, negotiating deals, and restructuring the business. The current setup grants us substantial freedom to make decisions about the best path forward. This collaborative approach will extend to the entire Scandinavian region by the end of 2023, with active efforts to seek partnerships in other markets as well. S.C. Nordic is also a partner in a network formalized by the Foreign Office and the representation in Palo Alto. Through this program, they have explored the U.S. market and are eager to assess its potential while identifying the right partner setup for future endeavors in the United States. Vision for Environmental Preservation Mogens thinks that addressing the critical issue of environmental preservation is undoubtedly the most significant task at hand. This entails a continued expansion of renewable energy sources. SCN's technology, known internationally as "Virtual Power Plant," "Demand Response," "SmartGrid," or "Ancillary Services," is globally recognized as one of the fundamental components to ensure a consistent power supply and the efficient utilization of energy. SCN is committed to enhancing the business case for renewable energy capacity development by actively supporting its utilization. This, in turn, strengthens the overall societal value of transitioning to renewable energy sources Fueling Innovation Innovative leaders understand the value that agile small companies can bring to larger organizations. S.C. Nordic (SCN) recognizes this strength and considers it a driving factor for its future growth. SCN intends to position itself as an entrepreneur and innovation center, dedicated to ongoing development and growth. The company's strategy for achieving this goal involves offering its technology, expertise, and skills as a technology center that others can leverage and benefit from. SCN aims to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and driving technological advancements in the energy and demand response sectors. worldsleaders.com | 17
V Ambassador Services. Alex, the CEO, is an accomplished executive with a remarkable history of leading high-performing organizations to unprecedented growth. With his extensive experience in the maintenance services industry, he joined Ambassador Services in 2012 as the Chief Operating Officer, swiftly ascending the ranks. Alex strategic prowess enabled him to merge three companies, streamlining operations and reducing costs while enhancing customer satisfaction. Under his guidance, the organization achieved an impressive revenue growth of 157% over the past five years, all while maintaining an exceptional 92% customer retention rate. Ambassador Services isionary leadership is the cornerstone of success, and Alex Melgar and Carlos Telles exemplify this quality at Ambassador Services, established in 2007, is a renowned company specializing in commercial maintenance services. With a successful track record of 16 years in the industry, it has firmly established itself as a reliable and experienced provider. Its headquarters are located in Houston, TX, strategically positioning them to serve a wide range of clients. At Ambassador Services, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including janitorial services, grounds maintenance, HVAC services, and general labor solutions. Its dedicated team is equipped to handle diverse maintenance needs, ensuring that its commercial spaces are clean, well-maintained, and conducive to productivity. Carlos Telles, the Managing Director, brings his operational expertise to the forefront. With 20 years of industry experience, Carlos leads the overall operations at Ambassador Services with an unwavering focus on fostering innovation. He is renowned for his dedication to the training and development of service personnel, readily immersing himself in the trenches to guide the team. Carlos's consistent track record of delivering exponential business growth has earned him widespread respect and admiration within the organization. He is passionate and decisive, prioritizing customer needs while steadfastly supporting the associates day in and day out. Together, Alex and Carlos embody visionary leadership, propelling Ambassador Services to new heights of success. While Ambassador Services' primary operations are focused within the state of Texas, it extends its services beyond its borders. The company has expanded its reach and now cater to clients across the nation, enabling it to proudly claim a national footprint. From Entrepreneurial Upbringing to Building a Legacy Alex's and Carlos's journey in the business world began at a very young age when they were still children. Their father owned small businesses in the service and distribution industry, specifically in restaurants. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, Alex and Carlos had the opportunity to assist their father from an early age. Their Alex Alex Alex Melgar & Carlos Telles Carlos Telles 18 | November 2023 Alex Alex Alex Melgar & Telles Telles Telles Telles
responsibilities included tasks like moving boxes around, which may have seemed simple at the time but provided valuable lessons and experiences that would shape their future. decisions and sharing their opinions. This level of involvement allowed them to gain firsthand experience and develop their entrepreneurial skills. As teenagers, Alex and Carlos ventured into the business of clubs and dance floors, starting their own small venture. Alex was around 16 years old at the time, while Carlos was even younger. These early ventures laid the foundation for their As Alex and Carlos entered their teenage years, their father encouraged them to contribute to the family business by making worldsleaders.com | 19
entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. In 2002, Alex and Carlos made the decision to migrate to the United States, seeking new opportunities. They joined a national company in the maintenance industry, working with them and gaining valuable knowledge. Their work required them to travel across multiple states, further expanding their experience and expertise. Continuing to develop their careers, they later transitioned to another national maintenance company. In 2005, with a growing desire for independence, Alex and Carlos made the bold choice to start their own business. They named it after themselves but initially lacked knowledge on how to market it or fully comprehend the responsibilities of being business owners in the United States. Language became a significant hurdle for them, as their native language wasn't commonly spoken. They tackled this challenge by using dictionaries, videos, and pocket-sized language learning tools to teach themselves English. Despite the obstacles they faced, Alex and Carlos persevered and dedicated themselves to learning and adapting to their new environment. Their journey from their early involvement in their father's businesses to their experiences in El Salvador and the United States equipped them with a diverse skill set and a tenacious spirit that would prove essential in their future endeavors. A Journey of Excellence in the Maintenance Industry Alex and Carlos embarked on their journey in the United States, with their story commencing in Tennessee. It was there that they began their exploration of the American job market, working for a company. However, it is important to note that their work experiences trace back to their time in El Salvador, where they 20 | November 2023
actively engaged in various pursuits from a young age. involved in the work. crucial aspect of leadership and personal development. Leaders should encourage their team members to embrace failures as learning opportunities and to constantly seek improvement. According to Alex, continuous education and a commitment to learning are essential for growing as leaders. He emphasize the importance of self-evolution and personal development in order to effectively lead others. Alex refers to the concept of "ROSE," which stands for the rate of self-evolution. This concept suggests that the growth of an organization depends on the leader's ability to evolve and prepare themselves for leadership. Following their time in Tennessee, Alex and Carlos decided to relocate to Houston, TX, where they continued their careers in the maintenance industry by joining another company. In this new environment, they sharpened their skills and acquired valuable expertise in providing top- notch maintenance services. It was during this period that Alex took a leap of faith and established Cleaning Services of America as his own venture. Within a year, the business thrived, successfully catering to the needs of their clients. Driving Positive Change To drive improvement in society, organizations, and people's lives, Alex believes that providing accurate and truthful information is crucial, especially in the realm of education. He emphasizes the need to counteract misleading information by offering genuine and reliable knowledge to society. This improvement in social information can contribute to better decision-making and progress. Alex describes three stages in the life of an entrepreneur or business owner: the "I," the "we," and the "they." The "I" stage represents a time when the leader operates independently, making decisions and directing the business on their own. This stage reflects the highest level of responsibility and control for the leader. The "we" stage, on the other hand, signifies a transition towards working with a team of individuals. It acknowledges the importance of collaboration and delegating responsibilities to others. The “they” stage is for the ability to become a push-up Organization, delegate responsibilities to each department and then monitor results at a higher level. As fate would have it, their paths eventually converged, leading them to join forces at Ambassador Services. For the past sixteen years, they have been devoted team members of this esteemed organization. Their diverse experiences culminated in a strong background in the maintenance sector, enabling them to deliver exceptional services to their valued clients. Within their own organization, Alex sees room for continuous improvement. One aspect he aims to enhance is work-life balance. In today's fast-paced world, where professional demands often take precedence, he recognizes the importance of creating a culture that promotes a healthy balance between work and personal life. By prioritizing this balance, he envisions positively impacting the lives of the people within the organization. Fostering Growth and Overcoming Leadership Challenges Alex believes that there are certain qualities lacking among today's emerging leaders. He emphasize the importance of personal growth as a leader and also share your opinion on what other leaders commonly lack as a result of their leadership styles. Carlos adds that one of the significant shortcomings of many leaders is their lack of attention to their team and people. A leader can only be effective if they have good followers who support the team and its ideas. It's essential for leaders to listen to their team members and consider their thoughts and opinions. Carlos highlights that sometimes the best ideas come from those who are directly Regarding opportunities, Alex identifies equality as an important focus area. Promoting equal opportunities for individuals regardless of their background or circumstances is vital to foster a fair and inclusive environment. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of continued education, highlighting the value of ongoing learning and development for personal and professional growth. Carlos emphasizes the importance of being a good listener as a leader. Actively listening to the team members and creating an open and supportive atmosphere encourages effective communication and collaboration. Additionally, he highlights the need for flexibility in leadership. Being adaptable and open to different perspectives and ideas allows for innovation and growth within the team. Carlos believes in providing constructive feedback to the team, even in situations where they may have failed. Learning from failures is a worldsleaders.com | 21
Delivering Tangible Results and Great Customer Service Through a Wide Range of Digital Marketing Services Ben Foster CEO | The SEO Works 22 | November 2023
The Leader T Google. A company can raise its position in the search engine results pages (SERPs) for pertinent keywords by optimizing the content, structure, and other elements of its website. This will increase organic traffic, leads, and potential customers. oday, SEO is important because it aids companies in expanding their visibility and audience on search engines like Ben Foster, CEO of The SEO Works, found his way into the digital industry through a combination of interest and opportunity. As a young computer enthusiast, he gravitated towards the hands-on aspect of media creation during his university studies. This led to a web design role, thanks to a successful final year project. Over time, he honed his skills in creating user journeys, optimizing e-commerce flows, and measuring the impact of his designs, always keeping a strong focus on driving commercial outcomes through clear calls to action. He shares, "This experience then broadened out into marketing and thinking about how to get people to your site in the first place." Having a solid SEO strategy is crucial for businesses to stay competitive and succeed online in a world where more and more people rely on search engines to find information, goods, and services. Additionally, SEO can often offer a higher ROI than paid advertising, and the advantages of having a strong search engine ranking can have a lasting, positive effect on a company's online presence. After his web design role, Ben moved on to work at a marketing agency, where he sharpened his skills in account management, project management, strategy, and leadership. Working at an agency exposed him to diverse business problems and a wide range of clients. He later took on the challenge of running a digital health business and was successful in growing the online platform from 2 million to over 30 million monthly unique visitors. His team also introduced the UK's first appointment booking app. When the chance arose to lead The SEO Works, Ben saw it as a perfect opportunity to utilize his extensive knowledge and experience to help clients maximize their digital potential. He has now been with the company for over seven years, and the experience has been phenomenal. The SEO Works is a highly regarded provider of search marketing, websites, and paid social media for well-known brands and thriving SMEs. For more than fifteen years, the company's main focus has been getting businesses more customers online. The SEO Works is committed to providing a high return on investment and is focused on delivering tangible results for businesses. The company takes a data-driven approach and leverages its experience in digital measurement to show the impact of its work. With over a decade and a half in the industry, The SEO Works has established a reputation for delivering real results to its clients and maintaining high standards in its output. The company's longevity is a testament to its ability to consistently deliver results and meet the needs of its clients. worldsleaders.com | 23
Team of Experts Working with The SEO Works provides access to a diverse team of SEO specialists, each with expertise in specific areas of SEO. This approach results in campaigns managed by multiple team members, with a dedicated point of contact for clients. With more than 80 digital marketing experts in the company's broader team, clients can benefit from a wealth of experience and support. options include freelancers, small businesses, full- service agencies offering SEO as one aspect of their services, and specialized SEO agencies. As a result, the cost of SEO services can vary greatly. It's important to be cautious of providers offering quick, low-cost SEO services with limited transparency, as this can often result in more harm than benefit. With this wide range of practitioners in the company, the experience and support is phenomenal. Ben asserts, "If there is a current issue that is challenging a client, you can be sure that one of our team members has experienced it in some form or another in the past—this "hive mind" really helps. SEO consultancy and support come as part of the service—we really get to know your business, your USP, and the unique challenges and needs of your customers.” While cost is an important factor, it's also crucial to evaluate an SEO agency's track record and client base. A tailored proposal and positive client references, as well as awards and accolades, can be signs of a quality agency. Be wary of providers who are secretive about their methods, practices, or personnel. View on Market and Client Approach The SEO industry is not regulated, leading to a diverse range of options for those seeking SEO services. These It's important to note that SEO is not a cheap marketing strategy, but it can be a highly valuable investment in 24 | November 2023
terms of increased website traffic and potential customers. In terms of return on investment, SEO can be one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing when done correctly. This requires time, patience, and investment, as the results can be exponential once your site begins ranking for relevant searches. Keep in mind that the cheapest option is unlikely to be the best. SEO success requires effort, time, and investment; if it were easy, fast, and cheap, everyone would rank number one for their desired terms. businesses are already openly using AI to help generate content, which is then thoroughly checked for accuracy and revised by editors. Google has made a direct statement about the technology, reiterating their stance that content quality and user experience are the key factors in determining rankings. They have also announced that they will be bringing AI technology to their search engine experience. It will be fascinating to observe how AI continues to shape and influence work methods in 2023. others. Ben states, "We'll continue to invest in our team so that they are the most talented digital practitioners across the UK.” The SEO Works is experiencing significant year-over-year growth and is making progress towards its goals. This success is largely due to the talented team and the supportive culture that the company has cultivated. A structured strategic planning process that involves the entire leadership team, with a focus on adaptability, has enabled the company to continuously improve and build upon its strengths while addressing its weaknesses. "We are always interested in speaking with other businesses who feel they are not getting enough from digital, and want to invest in a quality outcome," says Ben. World Leader for Marketing Services The goal of The SEO Works is to become a leading global provider of marketing services in the digital age, while maintaining steady growth. The company aims to earn its customers' trust and loyalty through exceptional service, accreditations, and successful results, leading to satisfied customers who are willing to recommend the company to Digital Marketing Forecasts As the possibility of a recession looms, 2023 may be a challenging year for marketers. In tough times, marketing budgets are often the first to be trimmed. However, this short- term approach could harm long-term efforts. Instead, marketers should adjust their messaging and approaches to accommodate changing behaviors and sentiments. Hiding your brand to save money may limit recovery. If cuts are necessary, prioritize channels that have no measurable return on investment. Reach out to The SEO Works via https://www.seoworks.co.uk/contact- us/ In 2023, browsers will block more ads, and third-party cookies will become less relevant. Cookieless advertising will likely have fewer targeting options unless marketers have first-party data to enhance their efforts. Marketers should focus on collecting and organizing their first- party data to prepare for this changing landscape. Artificial intelligence has made significant progress with the release of GPT-3 and ChatGPT. Some worldsleaders.com | 25
Dr.Gabriel Serrano Pioneering Skin Care Innovation worldsleaders.com | 33
For over four decades, Dr. Gabriel Serrano has been at the forefront of dermatology, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As the esteemed owner of the renowned Dermatology Clinics in Valencia, Madrid, Dubai, Bogotá and Bayahibe, bearing his name, Dr. Serrano has built a legacy of exceptional patient care and groundbreaking innovation. In fact, the Valencia clinic is th celebrating its 50 anniversary in 2023. With a commitment to personalized care and attentive listening, he embarked on a journey to develop specialized products that address a myriad of skin concerns. At the heart of Sesderma's success lies a relentless pursuit of research, development, and innovation (R+D+I), driving the creation of groundbreaking solutions. The Sesderma Group encompasses several notable brands, including Sesderma, Mediderma, Sophieskin, Dr. Serrano, and Dermopartners, specializing in third-party manufacturing. Sesderma, a leading Spanish dermatological laboratory with a remarkable 34-year history, has emerged as a dominant force in over 90 global markets. The company is dedicated to intensive research, development, formulation, and manufacturing of advanced dermocosmetic products, nanonutraceuticals, and medical-aesthetic cosmetics. In 2008, Sesderma made history with the introduction of complete product lines utilizing the power of nanotechnology. This groundbreaking achievement revolutionized the industry, allowing ingredients to effectively penetrate the skin's protective layer, ensuring their utmost efficacy. Unlike superficial offerings from other cosmetic lines, Sesderma's liposomal products go beyond mere hydration and comfort, providing comprehensive repair and protection throughout all layers of the skin. Driven by his deep understanding of patients' skin needs, gained through direct contact in his daily practice, Dr. Serrano founded Sesderma Laboratories in 1989. The ethos of “Listening to your skin” encapsulates the essence of Sesderma, a laboratory devoted to nurturing skin health and beauty. Through dermatological innovation and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of the skin, Sesderma continues to redefine the boundaries of the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. 34 | November 2023
Dr Serrano Ramon y Cajal Academy of Health Sciences, Madrid later, he ventured into the United States and eventually settled in Spain to study medicine, and later specialized in Dermatology, obtaining a doctorate Cum Laude from the University of Valencia. Subsequently, Dr. Serrano worked as a resident doctor and dermatologist at the University General Hospital of Valencia, becoming Deputy Clinical Head of the Dermatology Service, where he worked for more than 25 years. In 1976 he opened his own dermatological clinic in Valencia, where he has had the privilege of treating over 40,000 patients throughout his career as a dermatologist. He soon discovered that there was a lack of dermatological products to address the problems of his patients and was inspired to formulate and create dermocosmetic products himself. As a businessman, Dr. Serrano embraces a restless, tenacious, and enthusiastic nature. He approaches life with optimism and friendliness, finding joy in engaging in significant projects and new challenges. Driven by a desire to inspire others, he often encourages people to join him in embracing life with enthusiasm and celebration. He considers life as more than just a dream, but rather a unique opportunity to be cherished and enjoyed. Rather than shying away from challenges, Dr. Serrano actively seeks them out, consistently striving for growth and fulfillment. Dr. Serrano's purpose of helping others has marked his career and led him also in 2014 to create the Sesderma Bali Foundation, dedicated to helping women and children without resources and disadvantaged, so that they can have a dignified life. In addition to this, Dr. Serrano has also launched another Foundation in Bayahibe, focused on helping people with disabilities and cerebral palsy. This reflects the doctor's true passion for Latin American countries such as Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Embracing Family, Medicine, and the Joy of Life Family holds a significant place in Dr. Serrano's life, serving as one of the central pillars of his happiness. His love for his wife Claudia and adoration for his six children bring him immense joy. Being close to them, particularly his youngest daughter Sofia, who is just two years old, fills his heart with love and vitality. Dr. Serrano cherishes every moment spent with his family, recognizing the value of time and appreciating its significance. He often expresses his belief that time is precious, both in terms of its worth and its association with life. Medicine stands as another pillar in Dr. Serrano's life, stemming from an early calling that he felt at the age of 12 in his native Colombia. He would sneak into the family library to explore the medicine books belonging to his father and grandfather, fostering his passion for the field. Years worldsleaders.com | 35
Fritz Zerweck Your Digital Travel Partner that Ensures Your Comfort at Every Step of the Way I believe that our customer service is as good as it is because our employees genuinely like working at ehotel. ® 36 | November 2023
A accountants, and specific user demands serve as the foundation for ongoing innovation. Because it is a data-driven company, ehotel® regularly analyses its operations to improve customer satisfaction and process efficiency. foundation. Users can apply filters that include both basic options like equipment and amenities and more complex options like various sustainability criteria to their search, taking into account company guidelines as well as suitable and, most importantly, valid offers from among the more than 7 million hotel rooms. For instance, guests have traditionally chosen hotels with e- charging facilities. Similar to this, clients have started to take certified green credentials into account more and more since ehotel® started promoting hotels with them. Of course, ehotel® keeps all information up-to-date at all times. The Visionary Albert Schweizer, a Nobel winner, once said, "Setting an example is not the most important way to influence others. It's the only one." This saying is something that exemplifies the leadership style of Fritz Zerweck, the CEO of ehotel®. He is a team player, a motivator, and a source of innovative ideas and was initially intended to take over his parents' retail business. Working on new inventions continually and collectively, according to Zerweck, is crucial. Even though he is the one who is responsible, he always leaves the door to his office open and would never use his authority to impose his will. "Everyone contributes their thoughts and ideas," he explains, "and that helps us to avoid mistakes and grow beyond what we thought was possible." The continuous team efforts to perfect the digital cycle of business travel have been the open secret of ehotel®'s success for 22 years. A study shows that the yearly income for the travel and tourism sector is roughly 63% derived from online reservations. You can handle online bookings effectively with a competent hotel reservation system. By automating reservation procedures, the possibility of human error and financial losses in the hotel industry is decreased. A simplified booking process also enables hoteliers to give customers a more user-friendly booking experience. A Promotive Workplace His team members value this thoughtful approach, and ehotel® has received favourable reviews on workplace rating websites as a result. According to their comments, employees are pleased with ehotel's® commitment to a healthy work-life balance, the respect shown in all interactions, and the company's support of open communication. Working at ehotel® includes access to air-conditioned offices, contemporary equipment, team assessments, and further training possibilities. Employees also receive open-ended job contracts, financial help for their retirement planning, childcare cost subsidies, and coaching. It all started with the notion of making it possible for business visitors to swiftly and precisely choose appropriate hotel rooms from a broad range of offers and contingents at the best price. As an independent web portal offering cutting-edge technology and comprehensive solutions, ehotel® now covers all aspects of business travel, from booking to invoicing. Every new product since 2000 has been centred on the consumer. The service offerings of ehotel® are influenced and shaped by the daily activities of business travellers, travel managers, purchasers, and At ehotel®, Fritz Zerweck is able to combine his love of travel with his aptitude for money management and interest in cutting-edge technology. For instance, he played a key role in the introduction of the cutting-edge meta-search technology that currently forms the company's ehotel® also provides remote working options and reasonable compensation. The pleasant working environment at ehotel® is something 38 | November 2023
that Fritz Zerweck particularly values. He previously worked in finance, which is akin to a shark tank, where there is continual pressure to do better than everyone else. When people get along and cooperate well, he thinks one may do much more. Collaboration entails mutual respect, consideration of opposing viewpoints, and the development of ideas from one another. Customers use the ehotel® Rate Manager sourcing tool to confirm the availability, completeness, and accuracy of negotiated contract rates. Through rigorous audits across all GDS and non-GDS channels, the platform avoids undesirable contract prices and supports data-based purchasing. The ehotel® central billing system completes the range of ehotel® services by enabling clients to easily automate their booking and payment procedures and manage their business travel expenses. 6,000 of the 30,000 accommodations that ehotel® covers are part of a large chain, the rest are individual businesses. The CEO compares the hotel industry to the food sector, where booking portals are the supermarkets in the system: "You don't see Coca-Cola running its own stores and handling sales and distribution itself," he continues, explaining how hotels benefit from ehotel®'s concept and offering. When asked what advice he would give to young corporate leaders, Fritz Zerweck says, "You have to have confidence in your employees and be prepared to take on responsibility, even if you have gone down the wrong path before. Too often, leaders bask in the success of the company while shifting responsibility for failures down the line. That poisons the working atmosphere.” Leading the Market To enhance internal procedures and hence reduce costs further, all ehotel® products can be used alone or in combination. Customers' travel habits have altered as a result of the epidemic, but Fritz Zerweck is certain that hotel booking websites will survive. As a result, ehotel® will keep making sure that clients have the most flexibility possible. The business has already responded to the request for new standards by introducing fresh ideas and modifying its search criteria to include, among other things, hygiene ideas, digital check-in possibilities, and hybrid event planning. With a focus on all aspects of the company, ehotel® has a distinct competitive edge. The secret to everything is transparency, fairness, and trust, including happy consumers, engaged clients, and cooperative hotels. Long-term success as a service provider is impossible if all you're after is a fast buck, claims Zerweck. His business's consistent expansion demonstrates this hypothesis. Enabling Tech for Service Improvement A key ehotel® technology is ehotel® Analytics, a complete tool that assists travel managers in compiling data and producing trip volume evaluations. The dashboard has 29 integrated reports that can filter all the data by location, nation, hotel, cost centre, order number, contract rate, and payment method, among other criteria. Processes may be made simpler by automatically analysing all data to find potential for savings. Each employee may also be located in the field by travel managers, a capability that was very helpful during the epidemic. For the past 22 years, ehotel® has been a leader in the hotel reservation market. When it comes to user friendliness and consumer trust, ehotel® routinely ranks highly in market research surveys conducted by reputable media outlets. The Berlin-based business can take pride in a number of prizes for both its inventions and its superior webpage. "A company is only ever as good as its employees," emphasises Fritz Zerweck," and our employees are fantastic in every respect." By emphasising these alternatives, ehotel® helps both business travellers and the lodging facilities that provide this extra benefit. Since ehotel® encourages and rewards high standards and exceptional quality, it goes beyond simple price comparison. "The hotel market in Europe is very molecular and fragmented," Fritz Zerweck explained in an interview with Handelsblatt newspaper: Only about worldsleaders.com | 39
MATTHEW TELESCA An Entrepreneur and Technology Enthusiast Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Revolutionize Logistics and Supply Chain Management 46 | November 2023
PRESIDENT MGN Logistics, Inc. & CEO worldsleaders.com | 47
Matthew Telesca is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and business leader. In 2000, he founded MGN Logistics, Inc., a company that specializes in logistics and transportation solutions. As an early adopter of web-based transportation solutions, Telesca launched were rudimentary and lacked many features. He envisioned an interactive website that would allow users to create accounts, compare shipping rates, manage and dispatch shipments, and track them online. No website offering these capabilities existed at the time. Together with a computer programmer friend, he brainstormed and started building a website in 1999. They launched it in May 2000 under the name LogisticsQuote.com, which was the first of its kind. The site became extremely popular and went viral. In 2004, he sold the website to a group of private investors, which marked the beginning of his journey in freight management and technology. M LogisticsQuote.com, an innovative platform that provided transportation quotes to customers online, in the same year. His entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of MGN Logistics over the years. MGN Logistics Telesca opened MGN Logistics as a traditional truckload brokerage. The company is the leading freight management and technology solutions provider in the country. Its Transportation Management System, or TMS, is used by many of the country's top manufacturers and Fortune 500 companies. With all modes of transportation, including LTL, truckload, rail, intermodal, air, ocean, expedited, last-mile, international, and parcel, the system is one of the most comprehensive and technologically advanced systems on the market today. Freight analysis, business intelligence, mode and pricing optimization, along with sophisticated algorithms, combine to create a powerful but simple-to- use fully digital freight management software. MGN's fully proprietary TMS easily allows users to manage, analyze, and track every aspect of their freight spend, along with carrier performance. Matthew is an enthusiastic reader, passionate entrepreneur, and technology aficionado. He has successfully founded and sold several companies while retaining significant investments in numerous others. Apart from his business ventures, Telesca has also made substantial investments in real estate and cryptocurrency, with estimated holdings valued between $18 to $23 million. His diverse business interests, coupled with his entrepreneurial acumen, have helped him build a considerable net worth over the years. As the President and CEO, Telesca's main responsibility is to guide the company's future direction in terms of both acquisitions and technology development. He is constantly evaluating potential acquisitions, networking with other company founders and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities. Additionally, he keeps abreast of the latest technology trends in the transportation and logistics industry. Currently, the company is focused on expanding into artificial intelligence and developing technology that will provide exceptional results for their clients' freight management performance. Business Growth Business growth has occurred through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth. Since 2007, MGN has acquired several advanced technologies and logistics companies, and Matthew has developed a successful roadmap for each acquisition that has allowed each transaction to be easier and more successful than the previous. Idea to Improve Process Telesca started as a laborer in a warehouse, but was quickly promoted to the position of warehouse and logistics manager. He became enamored with creating systems and processes that could simplify and automate his responsibilities. At that time, there were very few transportation websites available, and those that did exist 48 | November 2023
Aligning Work Life Balance Entrepreneurs often struggle to maintain a balance between work and personal life. Fortunately, Matthew is in a favorable position as his executive team has expanded, enabling him to delegate many of the day-to- day responsibilities of the business. This strategic move allows him to stay more focused on the broader picture rather than becoming bogged down in the nitty-gritty details, a common pitfall for many entrepreneurs. Losing sight of the overall management and goals of the business can be a fatal mistake. To be successful, entrepreneurs must learn to strike a balance between the two. worldsleaders.com | 49