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Benjamin Desaint, Founding Partner and CEO of FACTORHY Avocats, graced the cover of the renowned Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of the Worldu2019s Most Influential Leaders Inspiring The Business World, 2024
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World’s Most Inuential Leaders Inspiring The Business World, 2024 Guiding to Success A leader who can inspire and excite their team members toward a common objective or vision is demonstrating leadership that has a big influence. To effectively communicate their vision and inspire a sense of direction and purpose in the team or organization, they must possess strong communication skills. Strong vision, empathy for team members, strategic thinking, and the capacity to work with others and modify plans in response to obstacles or environmental shifts are just a few of the attributes of influential leaders. The capacity to inspire and motivate others to work toward a common goal is the most important component of impactful leadership since it promotes success and progress for the team or organization. Prior to establishing FACTORHY Avocats, Benjamin initiated his professional journey in the corporate sector as the Head of Legal and Social Affairs France within the German METRO Group. Over time, he honed his expertise in employment and labor law, exclusively representing employers. By 2014, he ascended to a partnership position at his previous firm. Benjamin also undertakes governance roles in various HR associations and employer organizations, in addition to fulfilling teaching responsibilities in his field. His multifaceted background showcases a comprehensive understanding of legal and social intricacies within the business landscape. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Influential Leaders Inspiring The Business World, 2024” features leaders who shared insights and strategies that are enabling them to making an impact despite the challenging business environment. In this special edition, let us share similar, inspirational tales and interviews with many such dedicated leaders in order to raise awareness about their contributions to making the world a better place. The cover has Benjamin Desaint, a Founding Partner and CEO at FACTORHY Avocats, bringing extensive expertise as a lawyer specializing in labor law, with a focus on social security and social protection law. His practice caters to a diverse clientele, including Very Small Enterprises (VSEs), Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and large accounts. Benjamin serves as the Vice-President of at CPME 92, and a formal industrial tribunal advisor in Nanterre during 4 years. 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 Kate Anderson Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Megan Morgan, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker February 2024 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2024 WORLD’S LEADERS, 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 :
COVER STORY 08 Benjamin Desaint Leading Expert in Labor Law and Governance Roles
18 Nicola Pighi 22 Christophe Sicot 26 Dr. V. Francis John Jared Radtkey 32 36 Mogens Birkelund 40 Newton Queiroz Noah DiPasquale 44 Phil Bristol 50 Sony George 54
worldsleaders.com | 09 worldsleaders.com | 09
Revolutionizing Design Education for Skilled Design Professionals Nicola Pighi D fulfilling path. Fueled by an unwavering passion to make quality education accessible to all, Pighi's visionary spirit gave birth to Hdemy Group and NAD Nuova Accademia del Design. iscover the dynamic realm of Hdemy Group NAD, a hub brimming with youthful talent and finely honed professional profiles for the world of design. As an entrepreneur in the education sphere, Nicola Pighi embarked on a challenging yet As the CEO of Hdemy Group/NAD Nuova Accademia del Design, Nicola assumes a range of crucial responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, business development, and ensuring the overall success and growth of the organization. Working closely with a talented team, Nicola drives innovation, identifies new market opportunities, and fosters a positive and enriching learning experience for students. worldsleaders.com | 19
Looking ahead, Nicola envisions Hdemy Group/NAD Nuova Accademia del Design as a global leader in the digital education landscape over the next five years. The organization's trajectory will involve a continuous expansion of course offerings, reinforcing partnerships with renowned industry experts, and leveraging emerging technologies to deliver unparalleled learning experiences. The primary focus will be on empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in the digital age, equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in their respective fields. Spanning a wide spectrum of subjects, Hdemy Group's offerings encompass business and entrepreneurship, technology and digital skills, leadership and management, creative arts and design, as well as personal development. Leveraging state-of-the- art technologies and industry expertise, the institution consistently delivers captivating and interactive learning experiences, ensuring accessibility anytime and anywhere for its learners. Lifelong Learning: Nicola firmly believes that education should extend beyond a specific phase of life. He recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and continuous skill development in an ever- changing world. Encouraging individuals to embrace learning as an ongoing journey empowers them to adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workforce. By fostering a culture of curiosity and a growth mindset, individuals can continuously acquire new skills, explore new fields, and stay relevant throughout their lives. Ÿ Today, Hdemy Group's impact resonates in the lives of countless learners, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to soar in their careers. Pivotal to this success is the remarkable transformation of a struggling startup into a thriving e- learning platform. Through strategic alliances and an unwavering focus on customer needs, Hdemy Group identified the pain points of their target audience and tailored their offerings accordingly. The result? Exponential growth and the solidification of Hdemy Group as a trusted brand in the multifaceted education industry of design, spanning interior, product, fashion, and graphic disciplines. Closing the Skills Gap: The rapid advancement of technology has resulted in a significant skills gap in various industries. Nicola emphasizes the need to address this gap by equipping learners with the skills that are in high demand. This can be achieved through collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners, ensuring that educational programs align with the needs of the job market. Ÿ Under Nicola's leadership, Hdemy Group/NAD aims to remain at the forefront of the industry by embracing innovation, driving impactful growth, and providing a transformative educational journey for its learners. By aligning strategic planning with a deep commitment to excellence, Nicola envisions a future where Hdemy Group/NAD plays a pivotal role in shaping the digital education landscape, empowering learners worldwide to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to the modern world. Additionally, upskilling programs and continuous feedback loops between educators and employers can play a crucial role in closing the skills gap and preparing individuals for meaningful employment opportunities. Transforming Education for a Changing World Nicola identifies three key areas that require transformation in both society and education: Ÿ Access to Education: Nicola advocates for greater access to quality education worldwide. By leveraging technology and eliminating barriers such as geographical constraints and financial limitations, he believes that everyone should have equal opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Through the use of digital platforms and online learning, education can become more accessible and inclusive, breaking down traditional boundaries. Empowering Learners Worldwide Hdemy Group, along with its flagship brand NAD Nuova Accademia del Design (www.accademiadeldesign.com), stands as a prominent global educational organization renowned for providing a vast array of innovative learning solutions. Its core objective revolves around empowering individuals and businesses with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the contemporary world. By offering an extensive range of online courses, training programs, and professional certifications, the institution caters to a diverse audience from various backgrounds and industries, with a particular focus on the realm of design. From Doubt to Success One of the most significant risks that Nicola took as a professional was venturing into the online education space when it was still in its early stages. During that time, there was considerable skepticism surrounding the viability and potential of online learning. However, Nicola had unwavering faith in the transformative power of technology to revolutionize education, and he decided to take the leap. worldsleaders.com | 21
Dr. V. Francis Francis John F.R.S.A John F.R.S.A A Pioneering Tech- A Pioneering Tech- Driven Entrepreneur Driven Entrepreneur Shaping the Future Shaping the Future 26 | February 2024
Changing Ideas into Reality Startup Success Criteria Ztartup.com started in 2020 with a big goal: to make Dubai even better. Dubai is known for business, but we wanted to make it a hotspot for new thinkers, creators, and leaders. Dubai has great tools and connections for this, like good internet and transportation. It's like fertile soil for new ideas and businesses. But, to turn these ideas into real businesses, people need help and advice. In Dubai, things change fast, so Dr. John wants to use new technology to improve old ways and find new ones. Lots of people have good ideas, but now the hard part is finding the right help and resources, like solving a big puzzle. At Ztartup.com, the team wants to be the support that helps these new thinkers and creators turn their ideas into real businesses that last. Dr. John has a checklist for start-ups before he decides to mentor or fund them: Ÿ A de rigueur compelling story Ÿ A team par excellence Ÿ A viable scalable model with fit to market metrics Ÿ A sustainable business model Ÿ Strong execu?on skillsets Ÿ Valida?on from early customers and/or end users Ÿ Impeccable financials Ÿ Alignment with the investor's strategy Ÿ Be passionate to the core. Ztartup.com is the first private entity business incubator in Dubai and is a sector-agnostic business incubator that works to foster synergies between the company's incubates. This has led to the company having a vibrant and collaborative community of entrepreneurs and teams working together and making each other better. "For our incubates, we offer everything from guidance to 28 | February 2024
administrative support. As an entrepreneur that comes to the UAE with just an idea, this initial help is paramount; it could be the inflection point between letting their idea stay an idea or a successful business venture," says Dr. John. Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit Dr. John has been an entrepreneur at different times in his life. Some of his ventures were really successful, while others taught him important lessons that he now considers as wisdom. Being an entrepreneur is really important for any community, area, and economy. This is what motivated him to work in this field, to help more people become entrepreneurs by sharing what he's learned from his experiences. At ZtartUp.com, Dr. John's job begins with listening to business ideas and deciding if they fit the company's investment plan. After that, he helps new businesses join the company smoothly and regularly talks to the business owners to find out if they need help. He also makes sure that the ZtartUp.com values are followed by our creative, IT, and management teams. Empowering Entrepreneurship through Tech Innovation and problem-solving strategies have always been key components of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs now have access to a wide range of tools, applications and resources thanks to the development of technology, which can help them grow their companies. Technology influences and facilitates entrepreneurship in various ways, from social media to e-commerce platforms, automation tools to artificial intelligence. Dr. John leverages the power of technology in business for the benefit of industry: By investing in automation Increasing the effectiveness of the business operations and lowering the amount of time and resources needed to perform tasks, has had a significant impact on the business models. Additionally, automation enabled businesses to expand their operations, boost production, lower expenses and errors, and enhance the calibre of their services. By embracing cloud computing Making the switch to the cloud for the company's operations is among the best things one can do as an entrepreneur. Cost reductions, enhanced adaptability, and effective data security are a few proven advantages of cloud technology. Dr. John says, "You may utilise your information and software from any location, collaborate with teammates instantaneously, and speed up procedures by storing them in the cloud.” By using social media to build brand awareness Have increased our brand awareness by positioning as a thought leader and developing a consistent brand voice, engaging with followers, producing helpful material, utilizing influencers, and employing paid advertising. worldsleaders.com | 29
J ared Radtkey Creating an Environment Creating an Environment Where Employees Thrive Where Employees Thrive Jared Radtkey's role as Managing Director at Cymbiotika underscores the significance of leadership that blends strategic vision, data- driven decision-making, and a people-first approach. In his role, Jared assumes a multifaceted role that is pivotal in the company's growth and success. At the heart of his responsibilities lies general management, where he oversees operations spanning various departments. Jared's expertise ensures a cohesive and efficient organizational structure. He provides valuable insights and data- driven guidance, empowering departments to make well-informed decisions that drive the company forward. worldsleaders.com | 33
supplements on the market fall short, containing little to no nutritional value and often loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients that are not beneficial for our well-being. Faced with this dilemma, Cymbiotika took matters into its own hands. The result is a premium line of supplements meticulously crafted to bridge the nutritional gaps in our diets. These supplements are designed to give you confidence that your body is receiving everything it needs for optimal health while avoiding anything it doesn't. Prior Work Experiences Jared attended the prestigious University of California, Berkeley and earned his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy. His relentless pursuit of knowledge empowered him to question everything and address complex challenges with a discerning mindset. After receiving his degree in Philosophy, Jared worked at Zoomer, a food delivery startup reminiscent of platforms like DoorDash. In this capacity, he was City Launcher and Field Operations Manager. His role involved launching new markets and managing field operations. After his time at Zoomer, Jared served as the Head of Growth and Operations at Voyajoy, a startup in the short-term rental industry located in the Bay Area. In this role, he played a pivotal part in developing and implementing software solutions tailored for vacation rental owners managing multiple properties. Overseeing a portfolio of more than 400 rental properties, Jared honed his skills in operations, growth strategies, and product management. Bridging Nutritional Gaps Cymbiotika is a San Diego-based health and wellness brand that empowers individuals to take ownership of their health. Since its establishment in 2018, Cymbiotika has emerged as a trailblazing leader in the industry. They are committed to creating clean, science-backed supplements and products that address specific nutritional deficiencies and promote healthy aging, immunity, longevity, and more. Cymbiotika's mission is to provide individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to prioritize their well-being and live their healthiest lives. In August 2020, Jared embarked on a new chapter by joining Cymbiotika. Initially, he assumed the role of Director of Distribution, where he made significant contributions to enhancing the company's distribution channels and retail strategies for its products. Jared is also an entrepreneur and innovator, having founded Pool School in 2020. This innovative application aims to connect swim instructors with individuals seeking to enhance their swimming skills, making swimming more enjoyable and accessible for enthusiasts of all levels. His entrepreneurial spirit and diverse background showcase his commitment to innovation and positively impacting various industries. Cymbiotika recognizes that obtaining essential nutrients solely from food can be challenging, especially in uncertain times when our bodies require proper nourishment more than ever. Unfortunately, many worldsleaders.com | 35
Mogens Birkelund A Renowned Expert in Demand Response Solutions in Denmark 36 | February 2024
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, 38 | February 2024
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 | 39
Newton Newton Newton Queiroz Queiroz A Multifaceted Leader, with a focus on Transformation, Continuous Learning, People/Empathy & Strong Positive Track Record of delivering results (be it financially or HR – the request is deliver) worldsleaders.com | 41
Transforming a Company's Operational Model for Future Success Throughout his career, Newton has faced numerous challenges, but the most significant risk he undertook was leading a complete overhaul of a company's opera?onal model during a cri?cal financial juncture. While conven?onal wisdom may have suggested a conserva?ve approach, Newton believed that achieving a paradigm shi? required bold and transforma?ve ac?on. The stakes were enormous. The company faced poten?al revenue losses, stakeholder dissent, and the daun?ng task of retraining the en?re workforce for a new paradigm. However, Newton maintained an unwavering belief that the future depended on innova?on and agility, and the exis?ng model would render them obsolete. The journey was filled with hurdles, sleepless nights, and moments of doubt. Nevertheless, as they persevered, the changes began to yield posi?ve results. Today, while recognizing the gamble of that decision, Newton also views it as a testament to the power of visionary leadership, trust in one's team, and the courage to venture into unfamiliar territories in pursuit of long- term success. 42 | February 2024
Newton Queiroz, Chief Executive Officer currently of the Brazilian subsidiary of the largest assistance company in the globe, Europ Assistance, which has been increasing (in Brazil) since he took the position & is currently believed to be between number one and two (there are no official studies in the local market). Queiroz is a seasoned executive with an impressive career spanning more than twenty-five years. His professional journey has encompassed both national and multinational companies, where he has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft strategies that optimize various facets of business operations, which earned him the respect of an executive with a positive track record that delivers the results in different environments and cultures. Also valid to mention that Newton has work in different sides of the industry, dealt with complex claims, was underwriter for off shore / aviation / liability, and participate of the placement of the largest account of Brazil in the open market in 2007. Newton’s Vision Throughout his professional journey, Newton has come to value not just the des?na?ons but also the routes he takes and the valuable lessons they bring. As he looks towards the future, his vision for his career centers on crea?ng las?ng and meaningful impacts that extend beyond profit margins. Newton's goal is to foster innova?on and collabora?on, posi?oning himself at the forefront of emerging industries and technological advancements. As a CEO, Newton has lead teams of different sizes, as he has worked in green field operations, turn around operations and transformational operations. Currently, he directly leads a team of eight hundred employees (directly hired by the company), but also needs to deal with nonexclusive providers where the numbers are north of ten thousand people. In the current project, he has been hired to transform the company by what he says, “to take it from an Oil Tanker to a Sailboat – being as light as possible, fast, adaptable and where teamwork makes the difference.” In five years, Newton envisions himself leading a mul?faceted organiza?on or ini?a?ve that champions sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transforma?on. He sees this enterprise as one that doesn't merely adapt to changing ?mes but an?cipates and ac?vely shapes them. In addi?on to his career aspira?ons, Newton aims to mentor and nurture the next genera?on of professionals, sharing the wealth of experience he has accumulated. Newton's leadership involves initiatives focused on digital transformation, innovation, the continuous development of professionals, the creation/testing/deployment of new products, research & development in all fields that can touch the industry, staying abreast of market trends & being a hands-on present leader. As such, Newton is focusing on actions aimed at repositioning the company's culture, climate, and people, thereby enhancing the overall organizational environment, which is crucial for sustainable growth. In a very summarized way, THE FOCUS ON ADAPTABILITY, which for him is key currently to all of us in our life. The future holds both promise and challenges, and Newton is invigorated by the prospect of further growth, both as a leader and a lifelong learner. Beyond the executive role, Newton also works as board member, both administrative and consultive, different segments of the economy, where he can leverage his expertise and insights to contribute to different industries. He also works with some executives and youngsters as a Coach and Mentor, always with the aim to support their professional and personal journeys. worldsleaders.com | 43
Noah DiPasquale Crafting Unforgettable Golf Experiences N N oah DiPasquale is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Epic Golf Club, drawing from over two decades of experience as a corporate executive. His primary focus is on providing Epic Golf Club members with unforgettable experiences at some of the world's most prestigious golf courses. blessed to wake up every day with a smile, knowing that he has the privilege of interacting with his favorite people in the world. In addition to his role at Epic Golf Club, Noah has a history of successfully founding various business ventures. Notably, he recently launched GolfLync, a social media company aimed at connecting millions of golfers worldwide. Furthermore, Mr. DiPasquale has initiated the Epic Foundation (www.epicfoundation.us), a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of communities in which they operate. In his role as a business leader, Noah sees it as his responsibility to assemble a team of talented and passionate individuals, forge a collective vision that extends years into the future, and empower his team to make sound decisions for the benefit of the business, its customers, and the communities they serve. He considers himself incredibly fortunate to have chosen a career path that brings him immense satisfaction and feels 44 | February 2024
The Club Epic Golf Club subscription-based membership that operates as a private golf society allowing like-minded golfers who share a passion for golf to play the best private golf courses in the world, together. Members of Epic have the opportunity to play at over 1,000 of the top private courses in North America and around the world. Through its careful curation and application process, the club's society of private club members have the privilege of playing at each other's impeccable, top-rated private courses among the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Epic also hosts 20+ events each year at top-rated clubs for members and their guests to enjoy. The Epic Golf team provides a fully curated white-glove experience to ensure the quality of the trip meets or exceeds the quality of the world class golf. 46 | February 2024
Personal and Professional Philosophy Founding His Passion in Golf Noah is the same person inside and outside of the workplace. He holds exceptionally high standards for the individuals he chooses to surround himself with, and he deeply values the people in his life, whether they are family, friends, customers, or co-workers. Noah has a penchant for operating at a rapid pace and takes pride in his ability to swiftly and accurately assess situations, adapting as necessary. He strongly believes in the philosophy of "work hard and play hard," and he has cultivated a culture that rewards both personal and professional growth. Originating from humble beginnings, Noah views each day as a blessing and relishes every moment. He firmly adheres to the notion that "the journey is the destination." Noah had a self-described “unusual path” to his start in the golf business, since he had really only taken up the game a few years prior. He was in the management and technology consulting space where he led a mid-tier firm for over a decade and started his own consulting firm in 2016. However, he quickly became drawn to the game of golf by its social and competitive foundation. Noah instantaneously noticed that there was a huge gap in the way golfers interacted with each other and saw his opportunity to change the game of golf forever. worldsleaders.com | 47
