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Wende Amerie, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Corporate Edge, Inc, graced the cover of Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of the Worlds Most Prominent Women Leaders in Business, 2024
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World's Most Prominent Women Leaders in Business, 2024 Stepping in New Horizons More often than not, women in leadership roles are shifting jobs, and aspirational young women are prepared to follow suit. If businesses want to truly, sustainably advance gender equality, they must go above and beyond the bare criteria. Women are already noticeably underrepresented in leadership roles. For years, fewer women have been rising through the ranks as a result of the "broken rung" at the first step up to management. Businesses are presently struggling to retain the relatively small number of female executives they have. Furthermore, all of these factors are noticeably more apparent to women of color. leadership advisory firm providing guidance to prominent organizations. Amerie holds an MBA from Golden Gate University and a bachelor's degree in business. Before joining Corporate Edge, she accumulated decades of experience in corporate America, working with companies like Lee Hecht Harrison, Key3Media, Fish and Richardson, and Informatica. Although women in leadership roles often face barriers that prevent them from progressing, they are just as driven as men. They are more likely to experience degrading microaggressions, such having their judgment called into question or being mistaken for a lower-class person. They are putting up more effort to support inclusivity and worker well-being, but this crucial work is taxing them and generally going unrecognized. As President and COO of Corporate Edge, she finds that there is never a dull day and takes pleasure in witnessing the positive impact that the firm's coaches make on clients' lives, which has been a driving force for her continued dedication to the organization. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. In this edition “World's Most Prominent Women Leaders in Business, 2024”, World's Leaders features woman leaders from various sectors which are thriving in leadership and leading with best practices and strategies to take their idea into action. The cover features Wende Amerie serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Corporate Edge, Inc., a 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 Casey Simpson, 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 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 :
08 Cover Story Wende Amerie Where Trust Meets Transformation :Unlocking Potential and Elevating Leaders
14 Alison Antrobus 18 Alivia K. Barrett 24 Ana Tereza Basilio 28 Anna Gudmundson 32 Caroline Dinsmore Dr. Angela Butts Chester 36 40 Maithé Quintana 46 Nichole Daher 50 Ria Behniwal
Alison Antrobus Transforming Dreams into Reality by Designing Luxury Boutique Interiors, and Unique decorative products. worldsleaders.com | 15
“Working alongside a design legend like Philippe Starck was an opportunity of a lifetime.” ANTROBUS DESIGN COLLECTIVE. was established by Interior Designer, Alison Antrobus in 2002, serving as a platform to grow her Luxury Boutique Interior Design Studio, catering to a plethora of high-profile clients. With her exceptional skills and sterling reputation, she has garnered worldwide recognition and fostered long-lasting relationships with her clientele over the past two decades. Beyond Interior Design, Alison's creativity also sparked the design of a unique watch band for PHILIP STEIN watches, featured on Oprah, and a Patented Handbag, which caught the eye of the fashion world and earned her appearances on CNBC's "The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch" and The TODAY SHOW along with a feature in the coveted fashion publication, “WWD” Woman's Wear Daily. Alison's design philosophy and foundation can be attributed to her Caribbean roots and her distinctive academic background at The Rhode Island School of Design, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in 16 | February 2024
Interior Architecture. Her innate talent as a Visual Artist, coupled with her training at RISD, allows her to approach Interior + Product Design from various perspectives such as that of a Painter, Sculptor, Fashion Designer, and Artist, resulting in a multi-layered narrative unique to each project. Starck. "Working alongside a design legend like Philippe Starck was an opportunity of a lifetime," says Antrobus. "His influence on me will remain forever." Early on in Alison's career she also had the incredible honor to work as a liaison for Legendary Designers, Axel Vervoordt and the late David Hicks for projects in Miami which she refers to as her “Master's Degree in Design”. Throughout her career, Alison was invited to lead the Miami studio for YOO Ltd, a London-based Design Development firm led by John Hitchcox and design icon, Philippe worldsleaders.com | 17
Alivia K Barrett Mini Courses from Alivia Barrett 18 | February 2024
Alivia K. Barrett An Entrepreneur with a Heart for Helping Others “The concept of a minicourse was actually a new thought. From research I had found, most people were doing long courses and then would have levels like 101, 201, 301, 401 and masters series. I wasn't finding much in courses that would give small amounts of information to digest quickly and go right into implementing what was learned. But that was exactly what I wanted to do.” worldsleaders.com | 19
In a turning of events, entrepreneur Alivia K. Barrett started using her passion for helping others and incorporated her teaching abilities with a bit of business flare. She spent a few years after college working as a mentor in a school system, but she soon realized that she was ready for a change. Because of her abilities in business, Alivia began managing multiple enterprises concurrently for 20 years after that turn in careers. When the world went virtual in 2020, Alivia felt compelled to get back into teaching and began developing minicourses online (ltkradio.com/minicourses) that combined her interests in business, education and faith in God. Joining Corporate World Alivia recounts the moment when she was "finding herself" in an opportunity when a business was being presented to her. It was a wonderful chance for Alivia and her expanding family. She was unaware that it was the first in a string of occupa?ons that she thought were her des?ny. It astonished Alivia how much she felt at home in these unfamiliar surroundings because being around business was simply in her nature. She was managing teams, scheduling, bringing in new clients, and doing all of that while working from home before that was the thing to do. She was really passionate and driven. Her distinctive method combines these three worlds in harmony with an excellent learning opportunity. Alivia is passionate about interacting with people and fostering their development. Everything she does shows it. Since a few years ago, Alivia has been changing lives by instructing these minicourses. The virtual platform is an area of influence that is constantly expanding. Since that shift, Alivia K. Barrett is part of that wave of online resources and development. She wants to spend time on a mission that matters to her and matters to others that take these minicourses. When 2020 arrived, she had almost 20 years of experience managing small businesses in various contexts. For Alivia's job to survive, she recalled believing that everything had to change. She was not only terrified but also inspired to succeed despite the difficult situa?on. Alivia had faith that God would reveal to her a different route that would work— and He did. While out on a walk, Alivia heard from a mentor a brand-new but really profound idea about riches. It was the idea that building healthy soil both within you and outside of you is the founda?on of kingdom wealth. Alivia was literally stopped in her tracks by just that no?on and how different business could look. Although it seemed contradictory, Alivia claims it was the beginning of a new journey that she needed and started looking forward to. Initial stages Young Alivia K. Barrett recalls longing for a purpose—something that would identify her and be greater than herself. Early on, her parents had a significant impact on her. Her father was an excellent public speaker who inspired audiences to think outside the box. He was a pastor, a community club volunteer, and a shepherd to those who went to their neighborhood church. Her mother instilled in her a constant belief in children's capacity for greater understanding. She crafted and led musicals for people of all ages and taught in both Sunday school and baby classes while teaching in a local elementary during the week. Alivia wanted something similar to what they both had, which were missions bigger than themselves. Alivia helped their school out in the yard. Although she admitted that being hot or dirty wasn't her favorite thing, she was nonetheless picking up very important knowledge. She and others around her were given such vitality by her presence, hard effort, and lack of complaint. She yearned for more adventures! This journey grew for Alivia when she went with her dad on a trip to St. Vincent. Alivia says, "I could see kids and families that were completely different from me. They were so grateful for us being there. It made me want to jump in and help." Imagine that it was 1997 and Alivia was about to board a plane for Kenya, Africa. She had collected enough cash to cover a three-month internship that summer of college. She set out to research the relationships between Americans and Kenyans. She was looking to see if there 20 | February 2024
was an assignment she could pick up on. The information she discovered was crucial to her journey. Enter Alivia's encounter with the neighborhood Massai school. These young people looked extremely stylish. She remembers that they were wearing blue uniforms and had the biggest, whitest smiles she had ever seen. They could hardly wait to meet her and stroke her pale skin. It was hilarious to Alivia, she thought. Like they needed to be certain that she was real. Alivia stood up in front of the class to speak about her family, the journey from America to their school, and her relationship with God. She could see the adorable ebony children huddled together and listening closely. Alivia returned to the US, continued in college, and eventually earned a teaching degree. She remembers thinking that was the appropriate move and the new beginning she was ready to make. Nevertheless, after a few years of mentoring in a school system, she discovered a new interest and she was drawn to business and managing businesses. worldsleaders.com | 21
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Ana Tereza Basilio A Renowned Arbitration Expert Serving Client with Excellence D can be challenging, it may present a chance to improve crucial listening skills that might never be put to the test. Legal leadership is dis?nct in and of itself. Even though there are many common traits of effec?ve leadership, the demanding technical exper?se required of lawyers adds extra elements to success in the field. Elected as a Leading Individual in the list of the best lawyers in the world in the area of corporate li?ga?on by the Bri?sh magazine Who`s Who`s, Ana Tereza Basilio is a Founding Partner at Basilio Advogados and a renowned name in the area of arbitra?on. espite the fact that understanding and mastering group dynamics is crucial for all leaders, there was a sense in our conversa?ons that it may, regre?ably, be more likely to be put to the test if a female is in charge of the group than a male. Although dealing with unconscious prejudice 24 | February 2024
Ana Tereza Basilio Founding Partner Basilio Advogados worldsleaders.com | 25
Journey to the Best Brasileiro de Estudos em Proteção de Dados - IBRADADOS, assuming its presidency until April 2022. Growing as a Litigator Ana Tereza Basilio is a Brazilian lawyer, completed her Bachelor of Laws at the Cândido Mendes University of Rio de Janeiro (UCAM) in December 1989 and her graduation in US Law at the University of Wisconsin. She was a partner at Sergio Bermudes Law Firm from 1990 to 1998 and an international partner at Baker & McKenzie, responsible for the civil and commercial litigation and arbitration areas in Brazil, from July 2002 to 2005. She was an honorary partner of the Andrade e Fichtner Law Firm, in the civil and commercial litigation and arbitration departments from January 2006 to December 2008. In 2008, Ana and her brother João Basilio took on the challenge and launched themselves into the new project. They invited prominent lawyers on the national scene and graduates of law firms within the country. They founded Basilio Advogados Law Firm, which has grown exponentially in specialized civil litigation, arbitration, and consulting firms in the past 12 years. It is everyone's responsibility to learn and evolve. Evolving means growing by putting down strong and deep roots. It means consolidating itself in the market, having a strong base, and transmitting security to the customers and employees. Ana herself keeps changing, modifying, and developing in accordance with society and the law. She keeps studying, improving herself, exchanging experiences with her colleagues, and dedicating her time to each new challenge she comes across. Basilio Advogados Basilio Advogados is well-known among Brazilian families and is skilled in providing legal services in the fields of corporate, real estate, family law, and civil litigation. It focuses on business and is built around serving huge corporations in a variety of industries, including public service concessionaires, healthcare, mining, banking, construction, retail, and individual customers. The firm's diverse team works in a variety of industry sectors, but it excels at strategic civil litigation and arbitration. They respond to demands that have both domestic and international implications, as Ana is proud to state. "Solving our customers' challenges is the result we seek, the fruit we want to reap day after day. Nowadays, what I see that young lawyers lack, not all of them, but in some, is precisely this constant search for learning, the desire to grow, to develop." Exhorts Ana Gains Accolades and Recognition As per her considerations, one cannot be conformist and stagnate. If society changes, the law adapts to new realities, laws fall out of favor, and new laws are written and enacted, then this evolution must be followed. In November 2018, Ana was elected to serve as the Vice-President of the Brazilian Bar Association, Section of the State of Rio de Janeiro for the 2019–2021 biennium, and in November 2021, she was chosen to serve once more for the 2022–2024 triennium. The Permanent Forum of Transparency and Administrative Probity, of the School of Magistrates of the State of Rio de Janeiro-EMERJ, nominated Ana as a member in May 2022. She was awarded the Medal of Judicial Merit, from the Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro, in 2014 and the Medal of Merit from the Federal Regional Court of Rio de Janeiro in 2015; she was finally awarded the Tiradentes Medal in September 2019 by ALERJ - Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro and recently, in August, 2022, she had the honor of being awarded the Medal of Merit Pedro Ernesto, conferred by the illustrious councilors that make up the City Council of the city of Rio de Janeiro. In her journey, Ana had the honor to be a judge of the Regional Electoral Court of the State of Rio de Janeiro, from December 2010 to July 2015. She was a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), based in Paris, in the Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (ADR) commission, Director of Mediation and Arbitration of the Institute of Brazilian Lawyers elected in 2018 for the biennium 2018-2019, and President of the Mediation and Arbitration commissions of this Institute since 2019. In 2019, Ana was nominated as Member of the Permanent Forum of the Arbitration Commission of the Escola de Magistratura of the State of Rio de Janeiro (EMERJ), and in August 2021, together with great names of the legal profession, she founded the Instituto Secrets of Success Ana, João and Márcio Notini, three partners, run Basilio's management. Operations and financial duties are managed on a daily basis by João and Márcio Notini. When it comes to working with clients, managing cases, putting teams together, creating procedural tactics, and, of course, meetings, dispatches, and oral arguments, Ana is in charge. Ana intends to keep up her aggressive legal advocacy since she finds her greatest enjoyment and satisfaction in being at the forefront of her clients' and their interests. Another source of her happiness is her horses, who steal her attention from work. From childhood only she craves 26 | February 2024
monitor notarial steps overall, all from a cell phone. According to Ana, this generation was affected by technology in a way that made digitization the foundation of the fundamental principle of access to justice. Statement on Women's Professionalism Since women gained professional freedom, there have been many differences in the range of salaries. Ana asserts that women have already proven their worth in terms of professionalism and commitment; however, they are not naive, and some issues, such as women being paid less than men and motherhood being taboo in certain areas, need to be addressed in the corporate and legal sectors. Ana highlighted the current scenario, "It is a matter of time, a short time, until the quantitative scenario of female leadership in large offices is equated with the male one. Based on which arguments do I say this? Certainly, based on history. The legal career, as many others, stopped being eminently masculine because every day, more doors opened for women.» for horse riding. "It is through my animals that I recharge my energies. It is a sport and a hobby that I recommend to everyone." Says Ana. Being on such a success peak is also a reason for having the best team, Ana finds that each team is made up of professionals with unique characteristics that, together, add to everyone on the team. She always looks for someone with a combative spirit and a nonconformist soul, who should be passionate. In addition to technical qualifications, Ana is in search for ethical person who shares relentless pursuit of excellence to provide best outcome to the clients. Ana adds, "This is because we are lucky to have an extremely qualified and truly combative team of professionals, but always bearing in mind that our priority is work that is worthy of our clients, transparent, and ethical.» Ana believes that success does not depend on gender; the one with an intellectual mindset and determination surely gains peak position, it's just a matter of time. Impacted by Technology Although digitalization in the judiciary was unthinkable 15 years ago, technology is now used for agility, transparency, and procedural speed. These developments are amazing. The judges and lawyers are now more connected thanks to digitalization, which is a major step forward for the legal profession. Ana explains that it is simpler to observe protocol and behave vehemently across the nation's territory while remaining in the comfort of one's home. Lawyers can also participate in procedural acts, hearings, oral arguments, dispatch at the virtual counter, distribute the action, and Suggestions for Young Leaders Ana suggests that future leaders should concentrate on their studies and work to get better. She advises that in order to overcome laziness and give up quickly, one must possess a passionate spirit. Advocacy, in Ana's opinion, is a rewarding and democratic job. One should keep in mind that success only comes through perseverance and hard work. Although cliche, these conclusions are frequently true. worldsleaders.com | 27
Redefining Stress Relief with Technology and Innovation 28 | February 2024
The Company 83% of US workers, experiences work-related stress, with 25% considering their job as the primary source of stress in their lives. Furthermore, workplace stress has been reported to affect personal relationships by 76% of US workers (*The American Institute of Stress). Sensate serves as a powerful life tool that empowers individuals to effectively manage and overcome the daily stresses and anxieties that arise in today's fast-paced world. By enabling users to regulate their body's natural response to external stressors, Sensate helps them shift their state from one of tension and overwhelm to a state of calm, relaxation, and clarity. The patented technology utilized by Sensate involves the use of infrasound played against the sternum, combined with proprietary audio soundscapes experienced through headphones. This unique audible and tactile resonance experience has shown remarkable potential in calming both the mind and body. Sensate's mission is to help millions of people enhance their stress resilience and become even more remarkable individuals, equipped to navigate the challenges of our times. By empowering individuals with the tools and techniques to effectively manage stress, Sensate aims to improve their overall well-being and enable them to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Through its innovative technology and commitment to making a positive impact, Sensate strives to be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience, ultimately helping individuals lead more fulfilling and balanced lives. Stress is an inherent part of life, but how we respond to it and build resilience determines whether it has a negative impact on our well-being and those around us. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of the workforce, with 30 | February 2024
Transforming the Wellness Landscape Over the past three years or more, Sensate has undergone significant transforma?ons as a company and as a team. The core long-term team has experienced substan?al growth and evolu?on, while new members have joined at different stages of the journey to fulfill specific needs. With a strong background in technology, it has been deeply ingrained in the business culture to leverage tools, data, and tech to support and accelerate various aspects of the business. Sensate is not solely a wellness tech company focused on innova?on and technology development; they also explore how other innova?ons can enhance their opera?ons, delivery processes, and support their people. The team ac?vely explores and tests a mul?tude of new AI- powered tools, incorpora?ng them into different processes and business domains where applicable. As for the product itself, Sensate will con?nue to evolve through ongoing research and refinement of the system. There is a growing number of individuals worldwide who require a simple and effec?ve means to relax, alleviate stress, or quickly recharge in just 10 minutes. The feedback received from users globally is invaluable, and Sensate eagerly an?cipates how their con?nued technological innova?on and research will drive the future evolu?on of their product. Sensate remains commi?ed to providing an easy and accessible solu?on for individuals seeking relaxa?on and stress relief, and they are enthusias?c about the posi?ve impact their technology can make on people's lives. From Advisor to CEO Once Anna committed to the role, she never looked back. What continues to drive her every day is witnessing the life- changing impact that Sensate's products have on users, the incredible team she works with, and the continuous personal growth and learning she experiences along the way. These factors serve as a constant source of energy and motivation, reinforcing her dedication to the mission of Sensate and its transformative effects on individuals' lives. Anna's decision to embark on her journey with Sensate was driven entirely by a strong sense of mission. Initially, she had no inclination towards taking on a startup CEO role. Her involvement began as an advisor, supporting Stefan, the co-founder and Integrated Healthcare pioneer, in bringing the first prototype to market. As she transitioned into roles such as Board Director and Consultant, her focus was on facilitating product launch, sales, marketing, and gathering valuable data. Role as CEO After a few weeks, Anna observed adoption and retention numbers that exceeded her expectations, indicating the product's potential for global impact. It was at this point that she recognized the significance of the opportunity and made the leap of faith. Despite having prior experience in tech startups and CEO roles encompassing consumer hardware and software tech, Anna was well aware that the startup journey is an arduous one, marked by numerous challenges and 'near-death' experiences in the early stages. It requires immense determination, resilience, and motivation to navigate through daily obstacles and find the energy, solutions, and courage to move forward. As an early-stage co-founder and CEO, Anna feels it can sometimes feel like absolutely everything is your direct responsibility. She states, “We're at a stage now where we're transitioning to a slightly more process driven and less informal way of working. We've brought this transition right to the surface and it was actually a big part of our OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) for the last quarter.” As Sensate grows, Anna's role evolves from being a "Chief Doer" to focusing on strategic growth, team building, and organization development. Fundraising remains a significant part of her job, which she enjoys and actively engages with investors. worldsleaders.com | 31
A Trailblazing Realtor Redefining Success in Silicon Valley's Real Estate Market In the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley's real estate market, one name stands above the rest: Caroline Dinsmore. Ms. Dinsmore is a visionary entrepreneur, award-winning realtor and the founder of Caroline Dinsmore & Co. She has a remarkable track record that dates back to 2005, establishing herself as a formidable presence in the industry. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with renowned firms including Engel and Volkers, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, Keller Williams, Sotheby's International Realty, and Compass. 32 | February 2024
diverse experiences. Following her college graduation, she ventured abroad to Madrid, Spain, where she taught English as a second language from 1992 to 1995. Embarking on a career in the technology industry, she honed her skills at Oracle Corporation and later thrived in sales and marketing roles at WebEx Communications, Inc. After more than a decade of remarkable success in the corporate sector, her true passion for real estate emerged, propelling her towards the path she was destined to walk. As a fifth-generation California native, Ms. Dinsmore possesses intimate knowledge of the region's ever-evolving landscape. Throughout her remarkable career, she has successfully closed hundreds of real estate sales, leveraging her deep understanding of the market to deliver exceptional results. Leading her team of talented individuals, Ms. Dinsmore's unwavering passion for client service is contagious. Together, they prioritize forging strong relationships with each client, ensuring they receive vital information to make informed decisions. In a testament to their unwavering dedication, Ms. Dinsmore closed over $100 million in business in 2021. A proud alumna of the University of California at Santa Barbara, Ms. Dinsmore graduated with honors, earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1992. While attending UCSB, she became a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, the Historian's Honors Society, and Phi Alpha Theta. Undoubtedly, her academic accomplishments laid a solid foundation for her thriving real estate career. A Journey to Real Estate Excellence Ms. Dinsmore's journey to real estate excellence showcases her multifaceted background and Market Expertise for Optimal Results Understanding the intricacies of market dynamics and strategic selling approaches is crucial in securing the best outcomes for clients. Caroline Dinsmore & Co. prides itself on possessing an intimate knowledge of the local market, particularly the Peninsula. Armed with this rare insight, they implement proven strategies to sell homes at the highest possible price and on the most favorable terms. Sellers can trust that their interests and investments are diligently protected, while buyers benefit from the team's impressive acceptance rate. 34 | February 2024
Ms. Dinsmore's extraordinary achievements have earned her esteemed accolades within the real estate community. Recognized as one of the Leading 100 Realtors by Luxe SF, she exemplifies excellence in her field. Additionally, the San Francisco Business Times acknowledged her outstanding accomplishments by listing her among the Top 25 real estate advisors. Positioned in the heart of Silicon Valley, Ms. Dinsmore remains steadfast in her commitment to utilizing the most advanced technology available. In recent years, Ms. Dinsmore fully embraced a state-of-the-art CRM platform, automating every aspect of her business operations. Through relentless refinement and optimization, her team now operates with unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness. This tech-driven approach has revolutionized their practices, enabling them to provide clients with a seamlessly streamlined experience. A Tech-Driven Approach With a decade of experience in business development and marketing, particularly within the realm of tech startups, Ms. Dinsmore possesses a profound understanding of the ever-shifting dynamics of the industry. Anticipating the inevitable shift towards online real estate searches, she foresaw the importance of establishing a robust digital presence. Guided by her intuition, she proactively created a Yelp profile, ensuring that prospective clients would easily find her when searching for reputable real estate agents. Empowering Clients through Education At Caroline Dinsmore & Co., the philosophy revolves around empowering clients to make informed decisions. Ms. Dinsmore firmly believes that by equipping clients with the best advice and education, they can navigate the real estate landscape with confidence. With a focus on transparency and expertise, she and her team prioritize client education, ensuring that clients have all the necessary information to shape their real estate goals. worldsleaders.com | 35
Maithé Quintana A Journey of Resilience, Empowerment, and Innovation 40 | February 2024
Following Her Calling in the Business World Not content with her achievements in France, Maïthé Quintana launched the IKIGAI JUNIOR process in 2020, training coaches to help young individuals position themselves in their studies and careers. Her commitment to education and personal development led her to open the International Ikigai Academy in Miami in near future, marking her entry into the American educational landscape. should be seen as opportunities for growth rather than as insurmountable obstacles. Maïthé's life journey is a remarkable testament to her resilience and determination. Despite facing challenges in her early education and entering the workforce at a young age, she quickly realized her true calling lay in the business world. Her career path is a testament to her ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. Embracing Imperfection Maïthé emphasis on the importance of commitment and honesty in leadership reflects timeless values that hold true in the modern business world. She highlights the significance of keeping one's word and maintaining integrity, values that were once symbolized by a simple handshake. In an era where trust in business dealings can be eroded, her emphasis on these principles serves as a reminder of their enduring importance. In addition to her professional achievements, Maïthé is a dedicated mother of two boys, and her decision to explore the "American dream" showcases her adventurous spirit and determination to make a positive impact globally. Turning Setbacks into Opportunities Maïthé's insights into the challenges faced by emerging women leaders are both profound and empowering. She recognizes that self-confidence often wavers due to the influence of limiting beliefs imposed by various sources, including the media, people in one's life, or early experiences. These beliefs can manifest as fears of failure, imposter syndrome, and the need for discipline and a clear vision for their projects. Starting as a secretary, Maïthé honed her sales skills through door-to-door visits and eventually climbed the corporate ladder, becoming Sales Director at Club Internet. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to take over a struggling company, Booster Game, which she successfully restructured and turned into a thriving business, serving well-known clients. Her perspective on success, characterized by the belief that "I've got nothing to lose," reflects a mindset of daring and calculated risk-taking. This approach acknowledges the balance between audacity and taking calculated risks. It's a mindset that encourages innovation and growth by embracing the idea that perfection isn't necessary; progress and learning come from taking action. In 2008, Maïthé founded her own investment fund, Dharma et Associés, demonstrating her versatility and aptitude for business leadership. Inspired by her own challenging educational journey, Maïthé Quintana established the Centre National de l'Innovation Pédagogique (CNIP) in 2014. This institution focuses on adult education, teaching emotional management techniques and neuro- sales management, among other skills, using the neuroscience-based N-ASS® method. Maïthé's willingness to embrace imperfection and pursue projects even when they are not 100% finalized reflects an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to continuous improvement. Her reference to "versions 2.02" suggests that ongoing refinement and iteration are integral to the process of growth and success. Her perspective on setbacks and failures as opportunities for growth is particularly noteworthy. Maïthé views her own experiences of business difficulties not as failures but as stepping stones to eventual success. She draws a parallel between the process of learning to walk as a child, where falling is an integral part of the journey. In this analogy, each fall is a valuable learning experience that contributes to eventual mastery. In 2015, she expanded her educational efforts by founding the Centre International de l'Ikigai, where students learn to master their abilities and develop soft skills through the neuroscience-based N-Ass method. Anticipation is the Key Maïthé's views into entrepreneurship highlight the challenges and sacrifices that come with leading a business. Her focus on anticipation underscores the importance of being prepared for various situations, including dealing with non-paying customers, financial challenges, and the potential risks of bankruptcy. As a business leader, the ability to anticipate and respond to such challenges is essential for survival and growth. Maïthé's approach to education incorporates concepts from neuroscience, NLP, hypnosis, psychology, and multiple intelligences, providing students with highly effective learning experiences. Her methods have shown impressive results, with students retaining up to seven times more information compared to conventional methods. The emphasis on embracing falls and setbacks as learning opportunities resonates with the idea of resilience and perseverance. It's a reminder that challenges are an inherent part of any journey towards success, and they 42 | February 2024
She candidly acknowledges the difficulties and stresses that entrepreneurs face, emphasizing that it's not a path for everyone. The personal sacrifices, including missing out on family moments and navigating marital and family issues, are part of the reality for many entrepreneurs. This perspective sheds light on the human side of entrepreneurship, where individuals often grapple with the complexities of balancing personal and professional life. Holistic Recruitment Approach Maïthé's recruitment approach emphasizes assessing soft skills over traditional qualifications and experience. Key takeaways include a focus on skills like collective emotional intelligence, creativity, and decision-making. Diverse perspectives, including individuals with unconventional backgrounds, are valued. This strategy recognizes the importance of soft skills in building high-performing teams and fostering innovation. Her mention of managing the emotional well-being of teams highlights the importance of leadership skills beyond business acumen. Effectively addressing emotional challenges within a team is crucial for maintaining productivity and cohesion. A leader's ability to defuse emotional tensions and support team members contributes to a healthier work environment. Alignment of Passions and Talents Maïthé's perspective on Ikigai and its application in personal and professional development is enlightening. Ikigai, which originates from Okinawa, Japan, is a concept that revolves around finding purpose, satisfaction, and well-being in life, encompassing both personal and professional aspects. Perspective on Technology and AI Maïthé recognizes the significant technological advancements throughout her lifetime, from early computers to the integration of technology into daily life. She emphasizes the importance of embracing technology to streamline administrative tasks while focusing on human interactions and collective intelligence. Maïthé also discusses her work in artificial intelligence (AI) and acknowledges concerns about AI's potential misuse, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and critical thinking to preserve free will and freedom of thought. Here are some key insights into Ikigai and its applications: Rediscovering Well-being and Serenity: Ikigai serves as a pathway to rediscover professional motivation and life's purpose. It helps individuals overcome feelings of malaise and guides them to bring out their talents, ultimately leading to a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Ÿ Finding One's Way: Ikigai encourages individuals to align their passions and talents with what they can contribute to the world while sustaining themselves financially. It's about finding the intersection of what one loves, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for. Ÿ Suitable for Everyone: Ikigai is a versatile concept applicable to individuals and groups alike. It can reduce emotional burdens and conflicts, both internally and within teams. Ÿ worldsleaders.com | 43
