World’s Most Exemplary Women Leaders in Business, 2023

1. Vol. 10 | Issue 09 | October 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World's Most Exemplary Women Leaders Founder & CEO Top Shelf Services in Business, 2023 Jennifer Blazer Entrepreneurship Pioneering by Transforming Visions into Ventures

4. World's Most Exemplary Women Leaders in Business, 2023 The Path to be an Exemplary Leader For an emerging leader, the first challenge is to find out what effective leaders do when they are performing at their highest levels. Being in leadership is a series of behaviors, or visible talents and abilities, rather than a personality trait. It's because a leader entails an array of duties, including inspiring others to take on leadership roles in the future. Most individuals nowadays get their motivation from those who are more open to trying new things and taking risks. These events also create a picture of followership that elevates a leader to a model position. Someone in leadership position must possess qualities including ethics, vision, commitment, and resilience in the face of difficulties. These characteristics stand in for the concept of leadership achievement as well. The most dependable leadership in the corporate world is one which motivates others. From an early age, Jenn held a clear and unwavering dream – to establish her own bakery. This resolute aspiration served as a guiding light, influencing her life choices at every turn. She pursued this dream with tenacity, earning a Bachelor's of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, and later, attending the Scottsdale Culinary Institute to refine her culinary skills. In the midst of her passionate pursuit, Jenn's interests unexpectedly expanded into the accounting industry. Through experiences in private settings, she gained invaluable insights into this realm. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Exemplary Women Leaders in Business, 2023” has featured success stories of renowned women leaders which are setting goals for every business leader out there. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. The cover has Jennifer Blazer, the visionary force behind BBP Services LLC. With a unique perspective on the needs of business owners, Jenn founded BBP in 2015, driven by her mission to assist small businesses. Her unwavering commitment to providing solutions that drive personal and professional success is the cornerstone of the company's ethos. Have a lovely read!

5. 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 OCTOBER 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :

6. 08 Jennifer Blazer Pioneering Entrepreneurship by Transforming Visions into Ventures

7. 16 Adrianne Pozzi 20 Amy Buynoski 26 Angela Legh Donnica Hawes-Saunders 30 36 Jean Drummond 40 Jen Du Plessis Mamela Luthuli 46 Maria Peck 50 Nathalie Botros 54

8. COVER COVER Jennifer Blazer Pioneering Entrepreneurship by Transforming Visions into Ventures COVER COVER 08 | October 2023

9. COVER COVER COVER COVER COVER COVER worldsleaders.com | 09

10. M 10 | October 2023 Meet Jennifer Blazer, the visionary force behind BBP Services LLC. With a unique perspective on the needs of business owners, Jenn founded BBP in 2015, driven by her mission to assist small businesses. Her unwavering commitment to providing solutions that drive personal and professional success is the cornerstone of the company's ethos. From an early age, Jenn held a clear and unwavering dream – to establish her own bakery. This resolute aspiration served as a guiding light, influencing her life choices at every turn. She pursued this dream with tenacity, earning a Bachelor's of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, and later, attending the Scottsdale Culinary Institute to refine her culinary skills. In the midst of her passionate pursuit, Jenn's interests unexpectedly expanded into the accounting industry. Through experiences in private settings, she gained invaluable insights into this realm.

11. As Jenn's personal and professional journey unfolded, it gradually became evident that her path was steering her toward a distinct and unforeseen calling. This realization marked the inception of BBP Services LLC. In 2015, she bravely embraced the opportunity to blend her unique fusion of culinary aspirations and accounting expertise. This marked the beginning of her journey to empower fellow business owners. Jenn's motto, "Helping business owners get back to what matters to them," encapsulates BBP's essence. With a fervent passion for her work, she dedicates herself to providing the foundation for clients to achieve both personal and professional success. Steering the Ship Jenn's role has undergone a significant overhaul, transforming her into the driving force behind the company. Departing from the earlier days of managing all aspects herself, she now operates from a strategic standpoint. Daily operational details and direct client interactions have taken a backseat, replaced by a focus on providing the team with the necessary resources, training, software, and equipment to ensure their efficiency. Venture into Top Shelf Services Back in 2015, Jenn took a big leap of faith and started BBP. At the beginning, BBP's main focus was on helping with bookkeeping, management reports, payroll, and taxes. And guess what? Jenn quickly gained a reputation as a problem-solver extraordinaire. Basically, if you had a mess of receipts, years of messy books, or a backlog of taxes to sort out, Jenn was the go-to person to turn things around. She especially became known for her knack for handling tough situations. Her foremost responsibility revolves around charting a course towards the company's objectives. Whether through crafting effective sales and marketing strategies, orchestrating training initiatives, or devising expansion plans, she's the catalyst for propelling the company forward. But that's not all, Jenn also had a special talent for creating detailed reports, especially for businesses in construction, oil & gas, real estate, and even the cannabis industry. Yes, you could say she loves a good challenge. One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is witnessing clients sing praises about the exceptional bookkeepers and other team members. The knowledge that her team is making a positive impact is a source of great satisfaction. But it's not all business; a strong sense of camaraderie is deeply ingrained in the company culture. Birthdays are a major highlight, spanning an entire week of celebration to showcase appreciation for each team member. This collective spirit truly forms the core of the work environment. As time went on, BBP didn't just grow in size, but also in what it could offer. In the middle of 2020, Jenn started Top Shelf Services, a new part of the business aimed at helping cannabis clients with specific services related to regulations (280E & 471) and even giving advice on cultivation. And now, there's been a big change. BBP has undergone a makeover and is now known as Top Shelf Services. It's all about the team now – the "I" turned into a "We". Having two separate companies wasn't necessary anymore, because Top Shelf Services truly represents who they are as a united team and the top-notch help they provide. Bold Steps Toward Bridging the Gap Top Shelf's growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down; in fact, it's skyrocketing. The team has recognized worldsleaders.com | 11

12. a glaring issue: there's a significant shortage of skilled bookkeepers to match the surging demand for services. It seems that the art of bookkeeping is becoming a vanishing skill. Taking her role as a problem-solver to heart, Jenn has taken a decisive step – she's launching a bookkeeping institute to bridge this gap. Recipe for Building the Perfect Team When hiring for Top Shelf, Jenn seeks out certain quali?es that spell leadership. It's not about formality here – it's about vibes and a?tude. In Jenn's book, every team member has their own blend of strengths and not-so-strong points. The key is being open to learning and evolving, together. Think of it like being a coach and being coachable all at once. Everyone pitches in to tackle the tough spots and shares the good stuff. This company will not just offer the education required to become a Certified Bookkeeper; it goes beyond that. Students will also get a chance to partake in a paid internship program, gaining hands-on experience that solidifies their understanding of the concepts and allows them to put these skills into practice. However, there's a crucial quality that Jenn places great importance on – being a team player. Within Top Shelf, hierarchical dis?nc?ons that elevate some or marginalize others are absent. The company culture is rooted in a profound ethos, trea?ng every individual entering the premises or engaging over the phone as if they were conversing directly with Jenn. Rudeness is an unequivocal taboo; it simply has no place here. As Top Shelf keeps growing, they need more than virtual space. They're in the early stages of designing a brand-new building to house their team, ready to offer services all across the country. Top Shelf has always been about working remotely, using tech to keep them connected with clients, but now, with this growth spurt, they're taking things to the next level. Technology is not just a tool anymore; it is a game- changer. Top Shelf is gearing up to use it in full force, reaching more people and helping more business owners. They are not just sticking to the same old routine; they are embracing technology to make a tough job easier – handling those daunting books. This expansion is not just about a building; it is about using their skills and tech-savviness to assist fellow business folks all over. Addi?onally, Jenn pays close a?en?on to fundamental a?ributes: effec?ve grammar usage, comfort with so?ware tools, and adept conversa?onal skills. The significance of communica?on cannot be overstated in any way. And here's the scoop on a?tude – grit and sleeves rolled up. While Jenn's all about taking care of yourself and having mental health days when needed, there's work to be done. Goals to smash. So, it's about showing up, even when your bed's calling you. Some?mes it's over?me, some?mes it's rallying together for a curveball task, and some?mes it's fuelled by a massive pot of coffee and snacks. This team thrives on the idea that they're in it together, and everyone's success is wrapped up with each other's. So, pulling your weight is a must. Following Learning and Collaborative Leadership To keep pace with this rapid growth, Jenn is an unyielding learner. She immerses herself in podcasts, articles, newsletters, blogs – anything that is relevant to the industry or technology. In a world where AI has elevated her team's efficiency and speed, it is only fitting that Jenn remains up-to-date, maintaining a competitive edge in this realm. 12 | October 2023

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15. A co-founder of The Association, the sole women's professional development group in her vicinity, Jenn wears yet another hat. Week after week, they furnish invaluable content on an array of topics: leadership, marketing, growth, human resources, negotiation, and more. in the limelight and you handle the complaints. It's about providing unwavering support and being a living example, that others can proudly emulate. Sharing Significance of Taking Risk Jenn shares that the biggest risk she has taken is to let go of control. This sounds easy but it was extremely difficult. She had to learn to trust that she hired the right person and then trained them correctly. She had to learn to let go so she could stop wearing all of the hats. Now, don't get her wrong, she still struggles with this because no matter what happens, everything falls on her. When a mistake happens, she takes the hit or falls on the sword because this is her company and her responsibility – her liability. She has had to adjust her mindset to become comfortable knowing that her team is capable of performing their job as directed to. It may not be exactly how she would do it, but it's professional, follows procedure, and the client is happy. Her commitment to learning and nurturing the next generation is unwavering. For Jenn, leadership is a concept deeply intertwined with personal experiences and encounters with leaders. She's noticed a prevalent misconception – that leadership involves selfishness, trampling over others to climb the ladder, and an overt 'Look at me!' attitude. To her, this could not be farther from reality. For Jenn, leadership is about collaboration. It's about reaching the pinnacle and then extending a helping hand to those on their ascent. It's devoid of selfishness, secrecy, or an air of superiority. True leadership is found in humility – in teaching someone to surpass you, in recognizing that your skills can propel someone to new heights and serving as their mentor. Sometimes, it's about working behind the scenes while your team revels “Without taking this risk, we would not be where we are now. We are moving in a steady direction towards a larger team, larger building, and the institute. Our mission is to help business owners get back to what is important to them. Simply put, we are putting in the work to keep our word and to help more business owners.” Jennifer Blazer worldsleaders.com | 15

16. Adrianne Adrianne Pozzi Pozzi Pozzi Discovers a Mortgage Solution for Clients to Gain their Homeownership Adrianne “Change is paramount in the success of our industry.” 16 | October 2023

17. Senior Mortgage Advisor U.S. Bank worldsleaders.com | 17

18. I effectively and profitably. Building a loyal customer base and offering a memorable customer experience depend on being consistent in your contact with your customers. Adrianne Pozzi, Senior Mortgage Advisor at U.S. Bank, is consistent in her needs, is creative and stimulates her staff by coming up with fresh ideas and solutions for her clients. n business, consistency is significantly more crucial than you may think. Consistency will help you get recognition, develop trust, and provide your services Journey to the Present For the past 24 years, Adrianne Pozzi has worked in the mortgage market. She promoted debt consolidation while working in sales for a credit card business. She has always been passionate about sales and enjoyed interacting with people to try to improve their financial situations. She finally started working for a mortgage broker for a while and quickly developed a passion for lending. A recruiter for U.S. Bank then called Adrianne, and the owner decided to take a chance on her and offer her a wonderful job working with a wonderful builder. It's been a great experience for her to work with them for the past 12 years. She is currently a Senior Mortgage Advisor for She truly cares about assisting customers in realizing their aspirations of becoming homeowners and creating personal wealth for themselves through home equity. Like everyone else in the field, she first struggled to establish a foothold, but perseverance over time and a passion for the sector have moulded her and the relationships she has now. U.S. Bank . U.S. Bank U.S. Bank provides access to loan facilities and investor groups critical to the success of house builders and realtors. U.S. Bank has been a leading lender in the real estate and house-building sectors since its founding in 1985. The company model, work culture, and philosophy are created to fulfil the expectations of the customers in terms of service delivery and accomplishment of objectives. The success of U.S. Bank depends on its ability to offer service, fulfilment, products, and competitive rates to builders, realtors, and their clients. Builders and realtors have historically increased closings by up to 30% thanks to U.S. Bank's efforts and skills that other lenders lack. Because it 18 | October 2023

19. provides all credit products, the company remains competitive in the market. The level of expertise of the team that works for customers is what distinguishes it. respond to them are constantly evolving. Adrianne participates in webinars, business training sessions, conferences focused on developing momentum, and other learning opportunities. She strongly supports using the most up-to-date technologies, but on the other hand, she is a traditional loan officer who still enjoys sending out birthday cards. In Adrianne's opinion, a loan officer's success depends on the purchasers still receiving the personal touch from their loan officer despite the importance of technology and modern platforms in the lending industry. She claims that economics plays a significant role in the purchasing process and can be unpleasant for a new homeowner. It's critical that they have their hands held. She believes it would be great if banks could figure out a wonderful way to combine the two. A Workaholic by Nature Adrianne prefers to think of herself as someone who is passionate and driven, and who enjoys assisting buyers and sales agents with the home-buying process; most others would describe Adrianne as a workaholic. Her daily responsibility as a high-producing senior mortgage advisor is to maintain the team's and the buyers' satisfaction. Monitoring the loans as they move through the pipeline, speaking with her builders on the pipeline call, and continuing to create friendships with her sales representatives. She has also been a part of many organizations over the years, such as Soroptimist International, which is a women's helping women organization. COVID Outbreak The epidemic probably hastened the industry's use of digital capabilities. Many consumers took advantage of digital tools and had virtual experiences they would not have had otherwise. Lenders grow accustomed to employing remote workers and start utilizing team-based solutions that improve communication with clients and coworkers. Because of this, decisions should be made with the future in mind. Lenders should move right away to address issues that have already come to light and to prepare for those that are sure to arise in mortgage origination and loan servicing. The biggest obstacle Adrianne faced over her 24-year career was COVID-19. She is accustomed to face-to-face encounters, meetings, and showing her sales representatives to the customers. Adrianne adds, "The happiest part of my daily routine is when I get to call buyers and tell them they are loan approved or that their loan is closed and how happy I am for them and their families.” Work-Life Balance Beyond the workplace, Adrianne is the proud mother of a great son, Alex Hamilton, who is 26 years old, and the cutest dog, Lulu. She enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and traveling, and she spends most of her free time doing these things. She is all about exploring new places and making the most of her free time. Struggling to strike a balance between work and family life has always been the most difficult element of her job. Being forced to pick between meetings with buyers or sales agents and being present for family. Making compromises on both sides is sometimes a requirement of having a career. Adrianne's desire to always create more for herself and her family has always come from her childhood in a limited environment. "Change is paramount in the success of our industry." - Adrianne Pozzi says. Adrianne had to conduct business and deal with the public differently as a result of the pandemic. She had to mostly use phone, email, and/or video zoom calls to explain the process and coach buyers through it. She enjoys interacting with her sales representatives, meeting with them face-to-face to discuss the business and engage in enjoyable social activities. She believes that the best friendships may be formed when people can engage both inside and outside of their job. It greatly increases the satisfaction of working with everyone. Technology in the Lending Industry: Yes, or No? Any loan officer must keep up with new programs, technology, marketing strategies, and other developments since the market and how consumers worldsleaders.com | 19

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30. Donnica Hawes-Saunders Innovative and Results-Driven Executive that Excels in Highly-Regulated Industries 30 | October 2023

31. Senior Manager, Global Strategic Partnerships and Civil Engagement Philip Morris International worldsleaders.com | 31

32. R which privilege faith, family, and friendship. Following her graduation from college preparatory school, she attended Spelman College, a stellar member of the constellation of institutions of higher education known as HBCUs (historically black colleges and institutions}. Beverage Media, Beverage Industry, Westfair Online, Just-Drinks, Hungry Forever, Engage for Good, SelfishGiving, and Cause Radio. Before joining Heineken USA, Donnica spent several years serving as a senior staffer on Capitol Hill. As a part of her broad background in policy and legislative strategy, she's drafted and advanced legislation including bills to improve responses to victims of child sex trafficking (P.L. 114-22) and established amendment language in the 2014 Farm Bill Conference Report designating a historically black college (HBCU) as an 1890 Land Grant University, increasing access to federal funds. At Spelman, Donnica earned her bachelor of arts degree (B.A.), magna cum laude, in Sociology and Anthropology before moving on to earn her doctor of laws degree (J.D.) from the University of Dayton School of Law. About her sojourn at Spelman, Donnica recalls, “Spelman really helped me show up more authentically and have a different perspective on challenges, which prepared me for some of the experiences I have had in my career on Capitol Hill and in the corporate sector.” Recognized and acknowledged for achieving extraordinary results at the nexus of commercial objectives and social impact, Donnica Hawes- Saunders is a mission-driven, collaborative connection builder. She creates and manages public relations outreach and external communication engagements for Philip Morris International (PMI) with civil society as the company transitions out of the cigarette business and toward a smoke-free future. Donnica links public policy and corporate interests by means of politically astute, coalition-based communications and strategic alliances. She has over ten years of experience in the private sector and on Capitol Hill. A Communication and Collaboration Expert Donnica utilizes a collaborative leadership style because she recognizes the value of being consultative as well as authoritative. As a leader, she assumes the obligation to know the way, show the way, and go the way. As a team member, she values empathy because compassionate concern, together with empowering support, promotes mutuality, reciprocity, and compatibility. She believes that leadership should be inspirational and aspirational as well as strategic and pragmatic. Donnica worked for Heineken USA prior to joining PMI, where she executed the company's legislative agenda on the national and state levels and developed connections to enhance brand reputation through corporate philanthropy, industry responsibility, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her work was featured in a number of media sites, including Food & Drug Magazine, The Examiner News, Convenience Store News,, Abasto, Early Life and Work Experience Donnica was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and she remains committed to her Midwestern values, 32 | October 2023

33. ‘ ‘‘ ‘ If we work responsibly and accountably at the intersection of social impact, public policy, and global communication, opportunities can look better for all parties involved.” worldsleaders.com | 33 ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

36. Jean Drummond President & CEO HealthCare Dynamics Interna?onal (HCDI) 36 | October 2023

37. Jean Drummond Championing Vulnerable Populations Towards a Healthier Future worldsleaders.com | 37

38. V V years in low-income areas that experienced health professional shortages, she experienced the devastating impact of health disparities on disadvantaged communities and sought drastic, systems-wide change to the health care system in the United States. Nonetheless, Drummond watched them build a life doing things for others and committed to doing the same. Later, her mother invested in Drummond's dream by providing $400.00 to start HCDI. As her company grows, Jean cherishes the support she received from her mother during its inception. The convergence of Jean's experiences, unwavering faith, and persistent family support launched the foundation of HCDI as an award-winning business. As a result, Drummond studied public administration and health care management at Bowie State University, graduating with a master's degree. Drummond's unique educational background and professional experience enable her to view the challenges across the health care continuum. She knew one thing for certain: those most vulnerable were often left out of economically driven decisions. Visionary leaders are responsible for creating a captivating and compelling vision to galvanize the hearts and minds of the staff and managers of organizations. Not only is the President responsible for creating the vision, but also assumes the role of ensuring the staff has the necessary resources to execute and assure the achievement of such audacious goals to transform the vision into a tangible reality. This support is imperative to help staff members align with a company that has a big, bold vision to give back. When staff members have a vested interest in the company's vision and feel connected, they are naturally inspired to accomplish their best work. Jean Drummond, President and CEO of HealthCare Dynamics International (HCDI), ensures every team member feels empowered to strive toward HCDI's vision: improving the quality of health for all, especially vulnerable populations. The HCDI Difference The policy-to-practice strategy specialized by HCDI assists health systems and health plans to raise the standard of care provided at lower costs. Emphasizing both the social determinants of health and using data as the foundation for impactful interventions, HCDI understands the context needed to reach underserved populations improving access to necessary health services and education. The team of more than 200 staff members has in-depth knowledge, which benefits the communities they serve. From a Dream to Reality: Founding HCDI Two fundamental beliefs have shaped Drummond's relationship with the world and her sense of purpose. As a global citizen, Drummond embraces our common humanity while celebrating the unique and different cultures, backgrounds, and traditions we share. This understanding guides her vision for the future of health care and an unwavering belief in destiny compels her to believe the best is yet to come. The power of pivoting is evident throughout Jean's business. She understands a business must continually innovate if it wants to have a significant impact on public health. Drummond understands a public health consultancy must be responsive to the moment. She acknowledges the differences in every unique population and never forgets the people behind the statistics. This philosophy drives the community-based, on-the-ground interventions offered by HCDI. This multifaceted and targeted approach is what makes HCDI's strategy so impactful within communities. Journey to Destination Lending a helping hand and connecting with others through empathy always came naturally to Jean Drummond. Her passion for health and the greater good for all was fundamental in the pursuit of her career in healthcare and public health. Beginning her studies in respiratory therapy, she continued to become a dedicated Physician's Assistant, delivering quality primary health care to those most vulnerable in her community. Serving for over 15 Beyond her beliefs, both Drummond's mother and grandmother served as role models who cultivated her entrepreneurial spirit. Jean considers herself blessed to come from a family with two strong women who demonstrated what it means to run successful businesses. Her grandmother ran a general merchandise store in her community and her mother had a business as a seamstress. 38 | October 2023

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40. Jen Du Plessis The Impact Mentor, Leading Expert in Building World Class Teams 40 | October 2023

41. Jen Du Plessis CEO Kinetic Spark Consulting worldsleaders.com | 41

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43. I rate leaders on their character and skills, and they equate integrity with kindness and having altruistic goals rather than self-interest. Leaders must develop scripts and put plans into place for responding to the frequently cited justifications for dubious behaviors in order to take values-driven action. Integrity in leadership is also a crucial component in resolving these conflicts of values. As the CEO of Kinetic Spark Consulting (KSC), Jen Du Plessis prioritizes integrity in both her personal and professional life. As a result, every decision she takes, whether professionally or personally, is guided by this decision-making process. n the relationship between a leader and their employees, integrity and trust go hand in hand. Employees "When I'm dancing, I will make sure that I'm acting with integrity; that the dance will not diminish my integrity." -says Jen. Bringing KSC into Being Jen Du Plessis worked in the mortgage industry for four decades as a processor, manager, underwriter, branch manager, district manager, regional manager, and national manager. She also had her own brokerage for nine years. For half her time in the industry, she was an originator. She also was a managing member of BNI (Business Network International), and that's when she began expanding her coaching practice. Many people approached her and enquired about how she had accomplished so much. worldsleaders.com | 43

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