World’s Most Promising Business Women to Follow in 2023

1. Vol. 10 | Issue 15 | October 2023 www.worldsleaders.com Business women to Follow in 2023 World's Most Promising Hacia CEO & Founding Director Empowered Women In Trades Atherton Advocating to Increase Female Participation in Skilled Trades

4. World’s Most Promising Business Women to Follow in 2023 Bridging Traditional Corporate Gaps 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. The cover features Hacia Atherton, CEO and Founding Director at Empowered Women in Trades, is a passionate advocate for empowering women in trades and creating more meaningful economic opportunities and skills for women in the workforce. She envisions a future where women are inspired to pursue apprenticeships in skilled trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical, automotive, and other fields that they may not have considered before. Hacia recognises the importance of creating safe work environments where women feel valued and can return home feeling fulfilled from the work they have done. Her wish is to support and encourage women to pursue their passions and careers in the trades, while also promoting gender equality in the workplace. The justifiable reasons given by female CEOs for quitting their companies are instructive. 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. 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. In this edition “World's Most Promising Business Women to Follow in 2023”, 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. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. 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 Grace Nelson 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. CO VE R STO R Y 10 Ha ci a Ather t o n Advocating to Increase Female Participation in Skilled Trades

7. 18 Brittany Scott Claudia Wyatt 22 26 Durana Elmi 32 Grace McNamara Hayley Bohan 36 40 Melinda Emerson Tamara Chase 46 50 Torre Capistran Virginia MacSuibhne 54

10. H Advocating to Increase Female Participation in Skilled Trades A “As I lay in my hospital bed, I realised how my once ac?ve lifestyle was now replaced with one where I could barely move. As the weeks passed, I began to find the courage to try to move, but the limita?ons of my physical pain and broken body meant that I felt my old life was certainly gone forever.” 10 | October 2023

11. Hacia Atherton CEO & Founding Director Empowered Women In Trades worldsleaders.com | 11

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13. Hacia is passionate about advocating for increased female participation in skilled trades and has established a not-for-profit organization called Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT). Her goal is to facilitate a cultural change in trade-based industries by providing resources and support to increase the representation of skilled female tradespeople in the workforce. Hacia envisions a future where becoming a tradesperson is a viable and attractive career option for all Australian women. Hacia Atherton, CEO and Founding Director at Empowered Women In Trades, is a passionate advocate for empowering women in trades and crea?ng more meaningful economic opportuni?es and skills for women in the workforce. She envisions a future where women are inspired to pursue appren?ceships in skilled trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical, automo?ve, and other fields that they may not have considered before. Hacia recognises the importance of crea?ng safe work environments where women feel valued and can return home feeling fulfilled from the work they have done. Her wish is to support and encourage women to pursue their passions and careers in the trades, while also promo?ng gender equality in the workplace. During her journey, Hacia met a female welder who shared her struggles in pursuing her passion for welding. This encounter further strengthened Hacia's resolve to empower more women to pursue careers in the trades without societal barriers holding them back. She is committed to breaking down these barriers and creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce for the betterment of society. Hacia established Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) with the aim of inspiring women to view trades as viable career options and to support industries and society in shifting their culture to create a more supportive environment for women to thrive in these fields. Her organisation provides resources and support to facilitate a cultural change in trade-based industries, empowering women to pursue their passions and careers without societal barriers holding them back. Through her work with EWIT, Hacia is committed to promoting equality and empowering women to achieve success in the trades. Family Background instrumental role in uniting the colonies to form the Australian Federal Government. Through her family's legacy, Hacia is inspired to continue making a positive impact in skilled trades and promoting gender equality in the workforce. Hacia's family has a long history of making positive changes in Australia, particularly in skilled trades. Her great-great grandfather, Fred Atherton, played a significant role in the establishment of the Master Plumbers Association in 1891, leaving a legacy in the plumbing trade in Australia. Additionally, Hacia's great-great-great grandfather, Sir Henry Pakes, is known as the "Father of Federation" for his Despite her formal training as an accountant, Hacia has a strong connection to the skilled trades through her family company, which is a global leader in manufacturing sterilization equipment and infection worldsleaders.com | 13

14. control products for the medical and scientific industries. She has had the unique opportunity to work on the factory floor and learn the skills of manufacturing firsthand. Through her work at the Atherton family company, she has witnessed the negative impact of Australia's shortage of skilled tradespeople, particularly in areas such as welding and tool making. providing support to educational institutions and workplaces. All programmes and services are specifically designed to connect women, non-binary individuals, schools, industry partners, employers, unions, and VCAL/VET providers. Its goal is to make it easier for females and non-binary individuals to consider a career as a tradesperson. The organisation offers education and support to employers to help them create a female-friendly workplace culture. tradespeople in their career progression towards management and business ownership. Ultimately, the mission is to empower women in trades throughout their entire career. EWIT also promotes gender equity and balance in the workforce by supporting skilled female tradespeople. It focuses on creating a future where becoming a tradesperson is a viable and appealing career option for all women and non-binary individuals. Through collaboration with educational institutions and industry leaders, it strives to increase women's About EWIT EWIT is a charitable organisation that aims to promote trades as viable career options for women by Additionally, EWIT offers guidance and training to support female 14 | October 2023

15. participation in trade skills education, which is essential for the growth and prosperity of its communities and businesses. of the sector. It envisions rebuilding Australia's trade-based sectors with a more diverse and inclusive workforce. dressage, resulting in serious injuries. The horse she was riding reared up, causing her to fall and be crushed under its weight. She was rushed to the Alfred Hospital by helicopter, where she underwent a nine-hour surgery. After the surgery, Hacia woke up in agonising pain and was told by doctors that she might never walk again in a meaningful way. Committed to Women's Empowerment Today, EWIT is creating a life- changing impact for its participants and for industry. However, it believes it can't do this alone and needs everyone's support to scale its impact on industry and the lives of vulnerable women. EWIT is committed to supporting women in the workforce by providing the necessary resources to thrive in trade-based sectors. It helps women enter the trades and progress to leadership positions across various industries. Additionally, it supports industry by providing resources to enhance the economic development While recovering in the hospital, Hacia gained a new perspective on the limitations that women face in learning occupations and how disempowering it can be to have options taken away. Her experience Overcoming Adversity In 2017, Hacia experienced a traumatic accident while training in worldsleaders.com | 15

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17. made her realise the importance of promoting equality and empowering women to pursue their passions and careers without barriers. "As I lay in my hospital bed, I realised how my once active lifestyle was now replaced with one where I could barely move. As the weeks passed, I began to find the courage to try to move, but the limitations of my physical pain and broken body meant that I felt my old life was certainly gone forever." Hacia realised she didn't want to sit in a wheelchair forever and that finding the courage to take her first steps would be a gradual process that was uncertain and difficult. individuals to reach their full potential and overcome challenges. She believes in the power of connecting with one's courage to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. She says, "We all have fears, but we often don't know how to deal with them in a productive way. We let these emotions hold us back from living the life that we want or becoming the leaders we know we can be." She further adds, "There are so many ways in which you can change your perspective on what scares you and even use these emotions to guide you towards new opportunities instead of letting them hold back progress. The key is to embrace your courageous self and communicate with yourself and your team with vulnerability and empathy." Following Her Passion While Hacia's passion is primarily focused on empowering women in trades, it is also evident that she is driven to inspire and empower worldsleaders.com | 17

18. Scott B provides the world's largest platform for security awareness training and simulated phishing. She climbed the ranks at KnowBe4 quickly and played a significant role in the organization's successful initial public offering in April 2021. Brittany's exceptional contributions to KnowBe4's sales success have earned her recognition, including a 2x Stevie Award for Woman of the Year in Sales (Bronze Winner), as well as a Silver Winner of the SVUS Women in Business and Professions World Awards. Creating a Culture of Success and Developing Business Strategies to Achieve the Company’s Goals rittany Scott is currently the Vice President of SMB Sales for KnowBe4, which Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. offer. I have made it my mission to pay it forward by helping others rise up the ranks like KnowBe4 did with me. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Brittany Scott: What has made you successful? What do you value? The people I am surrounded by You have to surround yourself with like- minded, positive, ambitious people who want to bring you up with them. This starts with your friends. I am so fortunate to have a group of amazing men and women who believe in each other and want everyone to succeed. There is no ego, jealousy, or greed. Just people who want their friends to succeed and do well. It’s a beautiful thing. Also, I am fortunate to have an amazing group of employees that inspire me every day to be better and do more. My boss is someone who, from day one, believed in my vision and mission and helped me get to where I am today. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from him, day in and day out. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? I grew up in a little town outside of Pittsburgh, PA, with my mother and grandmother. I was surrounded by strong and independent women who really shaped who I am today. I graduated with my hospitality degree when I was 21, packed up my little car, and drove it down to Florida with three hundred dollars in my bank account. Thinking back to that time, damn, I had some guts. I ended up working for Disney for a bit before landing a manager position at Outback Steakhouse. I realized that I wanted to get my MBA, and working 70 hours a week wasn't conducive to that goal. At 25, I got my MBA, and I ended up doing timeshare resales before I moved to Tampa and fell into a position at KnowBe4 in 2017 as an account manager. I can really attest to the fact that KnowBe4 believed in me and gave me the opportunity to show what I had to Additionally, she was acknowledged as a Top 100 LinkedIn Sales Star for her engaging posts and contributions to thought leadership in the areas of sales and cybersecurity. Brittany founded the Women in Technology Employee Resource Group at KnowBe4. She also was recognized as a 2022 nominee for #GirlsClub Mentor of the Year where she has spent the last three years working with women in sales who are looking to move into leadership positions. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Johnson and Wales University and a Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? We are the world's largest provider of 18 | October 2023

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20. Vice President SMB Sales KnowBe4, 20 | October 2023

21. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team Processes? I think both have a place in organizations. I think that it is important to have "go-to" individuals but not to just produce numbers. Those individuals must believe in the mission and vision and be able to disseminate this to their colleagues and employees. This then creates an environment where everyone feels inspired and is on the same page, which ultimately contributes to team processes. Team processes are important staples of any successful organization because they are the foundation of success. You need to build upon these principles in order to continue rising through the ranks and ensure that everyone has a clear sense of purpose and direction. and have fun while you're doing it! I also believe in transparency within a company. When we as employees feel as if the wool is being pulled over our eyes, this is when we begin to distrust the company. security awareness training and simulated phishing. We are not only the leaders in this space, but we also think outside the box and constantly improve and add to our platform with our customers' best interests in mind. We are not just a different kind of security company, but we are a security company that, together with you, makes a difference by helping to manage the on-going risk of social engineering. I've never sold a product that I believed in as much as I do here at KnowBe4, and you can tell that is the case with every person that works here. We are helping organizations fight the on-going war with hackers. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? When I became VP, I was worried that I had to create a different executive presence to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, as women, we sometimes feel as if we have to be more authoritativeor aggressive to be heard. This isn't the case. People want to be led by authentic leaders, and itis important that you find your own voice and believe in yourself before you try to get others tobelieve in you. Imposter syndrome is real, and it is something that almost everyone will gothrough. I went through it a few times before I understood what it truly meant. You will doubtyourself and your abilities, but it's okay. You are worthy and deserving of everything youreceive. Remember that. Also, companies need to invest in the professional and personal development of their employees. We have a team that specializes in helping employees work towards their career goals, which is an amazing attribute of the company. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? I like how KnowBe4 gives you a voice and takes your suggestions into consideration.There have been many times where someone on my team had a great idea that we brought up the chain and instead of instantly rejecting it, they provided a platform to be heard. I learn just as much from my employees as they do from me, and I think that it is important that we provide an accepting space for them to want to come to the table with ideas that will help benefit the organization. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? We really do have an inclusive workplace that lends itself to an amazing culture. Every morning, our CEO addresses the entire company in an all-hands meeting. He finishes it by saying our three rules we live by: do it right the first time, do it fast, worldsleaders.com | 21

22. Claudia Wyatt C laudia Wyatt is a skilled writer who possesses a magnetic quality, as well as a speaker with a contagious enthusiasm that inspires others to believe in themselves. As a certified confidence and life purpose coach, she is passionate about empowering and inspiring people to achieve their full potential through imagination, confidence, and self-care. With over two decades of experience in coaching high-performing teams, she has a proven track record of helping people discover and harness their personal power. 22 | October 2023

23. Ms. Wyatt is the creator of The Walkabout Method, a signature 6-step coaching program that is designed to transform individuals into the person they want to be and help them achieve the life they desire. Her coaching methods involve developing a personalized plan, visualizing the desired reality, and taking action towards achieving those goals. It's time to tap into your inner compass and follow your dreams! Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World' Leaders and Claudia Wyatt: Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? I have had some very interesting twists along my journey. I was conditioned to be a performer. I grew up dancing and singing on stage. By the time I reached 18, I was already experiencing burnout. That was my first real experience with reflection and clarity. By changing lanes, I went down another path after leaving the university. During that time of soul-searching, I landed a job as a makeup artist. I had always loved the beauty and fashion industries. I had no idea it would inspire me to become a licensed esthetician. This launched me into a 23-year career in the spa industry. I worked my way up in the ranks from Esthetician, Assistant Spa Director, Spa Director and Executive Director. I learned how to coach clients and teams, run a business, do marketing, plan events, educate, do public relations, and so much more. Walkabout Method. allowing you to start showing up and believing in yourself to take action on your dreams. By "following your inner compass.” My mini programs Hero's Journey. Rewrite your story as the hero. Freedom Walk. Breaking the chains holding you back and keeping you stuck Clarity Quest. Get very clear on what you really want. What has made you successful? What do you value? Success is something you find in your own heart. I'm happy! When I am coaching, speaking, or writing, I put my whole self out there. People related to me I understand it and them because of my own experiences. I found a part of me I had forgotten about. Being able to help others do the same is my life's purpose! What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? If you are not listening to your team, you don't have a culture that anyone wants. Your team is the reason you are able to do business. If you want to keep doing it, you must value your team. Listen to them, encourage them to participate. Allow them to take the initiative. Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? I provide coaching, speaking, and writing with my company. I have my signature coaching program, The worldsleaders.com | 23

24. Respect at all costs. You can have a conversation without throwing your weight around. Constantly solicit feedback on your performance from your team. for their days and to achieve goals. Highlighting team members who shine because they use the process reinforces their work. What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? I am a solopreneur. Everything is my responsibility. I know when to ask for help. I have people and services that are experts in their fields. Not everything is in my wheelhouse. At the end of the day, I am responsible for the success of my company. I need to participate in my present and my future to turn the dream into reality. The happiest part of my day is working with people. When I am allowed to witness their breakthroughs, celebrations, and missteps and guide them through this process, it is a beautiful experience. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Change is going to happen whether you're on board or not. You have a collection of minds at your fingertips. More minds equals more ideas and points of view.Let them loose. See what happens. Evolving in every aspect of your business will keep things exciting and growing. You never know what the next big thing could be. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? It depends on the organization. Utilizing them together in the right way is what sets them apart. Processes are important. People need structure 24 | October 2023

25. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Stand up for yourself. You will have tough days, don't let them defeat you. Use them to be better. If something isn't right, call it out. You are not doing yourself or anyone else any favors by allowing bad behavior. Remember to have fun. Find ways to add fun to your daily routines. Take care of yourself. Put proper boundaries in place with your team and upper management. You can't work 24/7. You will burn out. Reflect. Remover to look back and see how far you've come. We frequently forget the small steps that got us to where we are.It's incredible how much we really can do. Celebrate all your wins! Even those small wins serve a purpose. Don't hold back. If you want it, go for it. Living your dreams will inspire your team to live theirs. worldsleaders.com | 25

26. Durana Elmi COO Cymbio?ka LLC 26 | October 2023

27. Durana Elmi Changing the World by Empowering People to Reclaim Their Health Through Educa?on, Transparency, and Nutri?on T tasks and priori?es with great efficiency. Being a successful household manager can require skills such as budge?ng, planning, delega?on, communica?on, and problem-solving, which are also valuable in the business world. Likewise, being a successful business leader can require skills such as adaptability, strategic thinking, collabora?on, and empathy, which can also be applied to household management. he ability to balance responsibili?es at home and at work is not limited by gender. Many women have demonstrated strong organiza?onal and leadership skills in both areas, o?en handling mul?ple Durana Elmi, a mother and wife, is not only an entrepreneur but also a founder and a leader. Although born in Afghanistan, she moved to the U.S. with the goal of building a successful life for herself and her future family. A?er comple?ng her studies at UCLA, she began her career at T-Mobile and, subsequently, AT&T, where she advanced up the corporate ladder with the help of great mentors. However, with years of experience in Corporate America, Durana shi?ed her focus and together with her husband, co-founded five startups, three of which were successfully sold. Among these ventures, she is especially proud of building two nine-figure companies from scratch, including Dash Radio, a digital radio broadcas?ng pla?orm. worldsleaders.com | 27

28. includes plant protein, vitamin C, and magnesium L- threonate, which is a potent form of magnesium that can cross the blood-brain barrier to enhance cognitive function and concentration. Focusing on Team Success According to Durana, Cymbiotika's success is largely attributed to her people-first leadership style. She states, "If you step inside our headquarters in San Diego, you will see that our team exudes positivity, community, excellence, and support." Durana believes in fostering a workplace that motivates and uplifts team members, which she considers to be a top priority. Cymbiotika has implemented various initiatives to promote team bonding, such as weekly family lunches, quarterly team-building events, and an open-door policy. By adhering to these traditions, the company has cultivated an environment where every aspect of the business, from customer experience to technology and marketing, is influenced by the team's diverse perspectives and experiences. This approach has enabled Cymbiotika to stay ahead of its competition and continuously generate innovative ideas that fill gaps in the industry. As a leader, Durana believes that team processes are more crucial to achieving organizational success than individual heroics. While individual efforts can be useful in specific situations, a culture that prioritizes teamwork and collaboration can lead to consistently high-quality results that surpass the achievements of individual efforts. Cymbiotika has experienced the benefits of a team-oriented approach firsthand. By prioritizing open communication, cross-functional collaboration, and a shared dedication to excellence, the company has consistently met and exceeded its targets. Cymbiotika's unique culture allows the team to leverage the diverse strengths and perspectives of its employees to develop innovative solutions and drive growth. Founding Cymbiotika Durana was involved in the establishment of Cymbiotika, a remarkable movement that was founded in 2018 by herself, her husband, Shahab Elmi, and Chervin Jafarieh. The company's main goal is to become a leading force in the health and wellness industry by offering customers clean, scientifically-backed supplements and products that they can incorporate into their daily routines. Moreover, depending solely on individual heroism may result in exhaustion, high staff turnover, and a deficiency of responsibility. Conversely, team procedures establish responsibility, inspire ongoing enhancement, and cultivate a communal sense of achievement. In essence, although individual heroism may be required on occasion, Durana firmly upholds that teamwork and cooperation are the fundamental components for long-term prosperity in an organization. Cymbiotika provides a range of high-quality natural supplements that combine modern scientific innovation with traditional eastern medicine to develop formulas that work in synergy with the body. Their supplement line 28 | October 2023

29. Leadership Insights Durana, as the COO, is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization. She collaborates closely with department heads and the operations team to provide daily support. The most gratifying aspect of her job is observing the diligent efforts of everyone and seeing their happy expressions. Durana believes that developing leadership skills requires time and consistency, and it's essential to acknowledge that not everything will go as planned, and mistakes will be made. However, by learning from these errors and continually striving to improve, anyone can become an exceptional leader. She opines, "As long as you learn from your mistakes and always work on improving, you are already a fantastic leader. When you are in a leadership position, it is your full- time job; you are setting an example every waking minute.” Durana always says that she is not threatened by anyone taking her position—in fact, she wants someone to sit in her chair one day. Durana's encouragement for her employees to seek her guidance and advice stems from her desire to share her experiences, both the successes and failures, for their learning and growth. By learning from her accomplishments and mistakes, she hopes to cultivate a workplace culture that fosters continuous improvement and development for everyone. worldsleaders.com | 29

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33. Grace McNamara Embracing Health, Fitness, Positivity, Partnership, and Preventative Care in Personal and Professional Life H positivity, partnership, and preventative care both in her personal and professional life. Her unwavering passion for making a positive impact, acquiring knowledge, being truthful, and taking ownership has guided her towards a career that is in harmony with her values. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Grace McNamara: aving begun her career more than two decades ago, Grace McNamara is deeply committed to health, fitness, Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I'm a huge sports fan who believes that teamwork translates into every aspect of life, both professionally and personally. I still play sports myself and will continue to contribute to my team as long as I'm adding value. Both on the sports field and in the boardroom, being succeeded by someone better at the role is the goal. I do like to mentor and motivate younger teammates so they can bring all the skills of leadership from sports into the boardroom. Grace is highly dedicated to driving changes that promote population health, and she firmly believes that when people confront life's obstacles, they develop the confidence, resilience, and skills needed to attain a work-life balance that promotes both individual and family health. Additionally, she sees technology as an invaluable tool that can provide crucial support throughout every stage of our lives. I'd like to believe that I will leave the world in a better place. My network is full of amazing people who are driving change and societal improvements. I get energy from them every day. Outside of EXI, I'm a co-founder of a not-for- profit organization that is focused on empowering females to reach their potential in the fitness For more info visit www.EXI.life worldsleaders.com | 33

34. What has made you successful? What do you value? I'm a very driven y creating the future and believe we can achieve anything if we do two things: 1) work hard to deliver above expectations by being the best you can be; and 2) bring people with you on the journey as no one can achieve anything on their own. The power of relationships and networks can't be underestimated. What value-added services does the company provide? EXI connects people to people through personalization and technology. EXI is classified as a medical device in app form, prescribing intensity based programs designed with multiple conditions in mind (up to 23 conditions). It's a trusted, evidence-based, automated prescription platform. The EXI platform connects people and professionals seamlessly by making it easy to share and view real-time data from wearables and smartphones in a user-friendly way. Therefore, EXI is the ultimate partner for professionals and digital therapeutics that want to engage people who need to be more active for health reasons. By uniting science with sophisticated motivational systems, care providers can achieve lasting behavioral changes for all, including those who need them the most. By combining science, technology, and incentives, EXI is reversing the trends for long-term conditions, and we won't stop until every person can control and change their diagnosis. It's about each person being empowered and having the necessary tools and knowledge. industry: RISE, the Females in Fitness Collective. At the same time, I was the chair of a female sports organization for the past 2 years. Both roles involve facilitating and inspiring females in business to achieve their highest potential and not settle under an imaginary 'glass ceiling.” to deliver best-in-class onsite and virtual services was a privilege and a joy. When I changed roles and relocated to London to lead on EMEIA partnerships, I gained insight into the breadth of industry strategies from global leaders to entrepreneurs. Again, an invigorating challenge that enabled significant learning and growth. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? I've been extremely lucky to have worked alongside people with vast experience and high standards. I started my career in the fitness industry, which overlapped with working for the Irish public health system and driving preventative care programs. When I moved to Apple in 2008, it gave me the opportunity to expand my opportunities like I had never imagined. Leading a team of healthcare and fitness professionals Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? I began assisting start-ups in 2017 as part of the Sport England and London Sport accelerator programs. I met many co-founders, and EXI stood head and shoulders above the others. Due to the nature of exercise being undisputed in its value to healthcare, the idea that we can finally change the implementation to be personalized and globally scalable for all healthcare professionals was evident from the start. 34 | October 2023

35. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? I believe every person should give themselves the opportunity for what I call 'stretch' projects to show themselves they are capable of more than they might believe. A stretch project means taking "ownership" of a project that they know is outside their comfort zone and will challenge them more than before, e.g., in collaboration, leadership, knowledge, etc. When we have a team of people who want to excel beyond their expectations, we can achieve anything together. the happiest part of your daily routine? I focus on making sure we're all driving towards a shared goal, but the division of labor is focused on each person's expertise and responsibilities. Seeing successful communication and collaboration among the team is a joy to watch, as the energy and positivity are high and we know our purpose is to change people's lives for the better. It's exhilarating. I like to remember frequently. Ÿ It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do. We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do". Every team member is better than me in their area of expertise, and I respect them as leaders. Ÿ A players attract A players". Therefore each new hire contributes to enhancing the team as a whole. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Steve Jobs had two great quotes that H positivity, partnership, and preventative care both in her personal and professional life. Her unwavering passion for making a positive impact, acquiring knowledge, being truthful, and taking ownership has guided her towards a career that is in harmony with her values. improve the implementation of best practices globally for every healthcare professional. We look forward to talking more about our clinical trial on AI with Kings College London. Watch this space. aving begun her career more than two decades ago, Grace McNamara is deeply committed to health, fitness, Interestingly, as a team of healthcare professionals and engineers, we focus more on evidence-based best practices and ease of use. The future innovation experience is where we get excited about how we can What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Grace is highly dedicated to driving changes that promote population health, and she firmly believes that when people confront life's obstacles, they develop the confidence, resilience, and skills needed to attain a work-life balance that promotes both individual and family health. Additionally, she sees technology as an invaluable tool that can provide crucial support throughout every stage of our lives. processes? I believe no-one gets anything significant accomplished when operating as an individual. Teamwork should never be underestimated or undervalued. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team What are your responsibilities as the CEO of the company? What is worldsleaders.com | 35

36. Hayley Bohan Founder, Brand Strategist & Marketing Coach Marketing on Purpose 36 | October 2023

37. Taking Small Business to Success with Purpose- Driven Marketing Offerings Hayley Hayley F knowledge into every client she works with. or those who run heart-led businesses, Marketing On Purpose was built by Hayley Bohan with them in mind. Hayley has over twenty years of experience in marketing and brand-building, and she puts all of her Hayley's expertise lies in brand building and strategic marketing, with her main services focusing on the Marketing Mentorship program. This program takes heart-led business owners through the entire process of brand building and annual marketing planning, and then helps them bring their brands and plans to life. The program spans a full year, during which Hayley meets with business owners one-on-one either weekly or bi-weekly. With her blend of creativity and analytical skills, coupled with her passion for demonstrating that doing good can lead to better results, Hayley is a truthful and passionate coach who doesn't hide behind any facades. You'll hear her express her love for her work frequently, as she genuinely enjoys every aspect of it. She'll support you through the ups and downs, and while she may shed a tear or two, it's only because she cares deeply. She admires those who step out of their comfort zones, and she'll encourage you to do the same, especially if your current strategies aren't leading you toward your desired outcomes. worldsleaders.com | 37

38. believed that Marketing On Purpose would provide her with a chance to lead a more fulfilling life, one that allowed her to inspire brave business owners and prevent them from making mistakes that could waste valuable resources. Hayley recognized that taking this risk could result in failure, but she was confident that the fulfillment she would experience from this endeavor would be worth it. Fortunately, she was right. Marketing On Purpose exceeded her expectations and provided her with a sense of inspiration and satisfaction that she hadn't anticipated. Furthermore, Hayley incorporated impact and contribution, or Brand Purpose, into her training, her clients became empowered to create meaningful impact beyond their businesses. With their new brand strategies, known as Brands-Worth- Loving, they began to take action and make a difference in their local communities and society. This ripple effect of Hayley's work has resulted in numerous positive outcomes, demonstrating the incredible power of purpose-driven marketing. Filling the Gap Aligning Balance in Personal and Professional Life Hayley spent over fifteen years in corporate marketing and brand management before launching Marketing On Purpose in 2017. During this time, she worked with well-known Canadian brands like Swiss Chalet, Moosehead, and Alexander Keith's. However, in 2012, she made the decision to prioritize spending time with her young family and transitioned to the role of Marketing Director, then Chief Marketing Officer, at a small technology company. Hayley maintains a consistent personality whether inside or outside of the workplace, demonstrating traits of vulnerability, compassion, and positivity. While outside of work, she tends to be more impulsive and less strategic, following her heart. However, in her role as a strategic marketing coach, Hayley frequently adopts an analytical mindset to identify patterns and connections that can aid in the development of strategies to enhance customer engagement, acquisition, and loyalty. In both her professional and personal life, Hayley values deep understanding and connections, and tends to avoid superficial conversations. Ensuring Long-Term Client Success Hayley's focus on brand purpose and contribution is not only good for business growth but also has a positive impact on society. By helping small businesses create authentic and purpose-driven brands, she is empowering them to create positive change in their communities and beyond. Hayley's Brand-Worth-Loving Method emphasizes the importance of understanding your ideal customer, defining your brand's purpose and values, and creating a clear and consistent brand identity across all channels. By following this method, small business owners can build strong and meaningful relationships with their customers, which leads to long-term success and impact. It was during her time at the technology company that the idea for Marketing On Purpose was formed. . She observed that the company had invested a significant amount of time and resources in marketing that ultimately didn't yield the desired results. This realization led her to believe that many other small businesses were in a similar position and inspired her to start Marketing On Purpose, with the aim of bridging the gap and helping small business owners achieve better outcomes through more startegic marketing and brand development. Meeting All Marketing Needs Marketing On Purpose was actually the third business venture that Hayley attempted. In the past, she had been held back by her fear of failure, particularly since enjoyed the work she was doing already, and the security it brought.However, Hayley strongly 38 | October 2023

39. To stay ahead of the competition, Hayley believes that there is room for all and that her ideal clients will be drawn to her based on what she stands for and her authentic approach to marketing with integrity. She understands that marketing is not always a favorite for small business owners, so her goal is to make it easier, more effective, and something they can be proud of and confident in. This begins with humanizing the brand, infusing purpose into it, and ensuring that the business owner's unique strengths and values shine through. By doing so, they will attract their ideal customers who share their values and beliefs. Hayley enjoys personal connections with her clients and finds the one-on-one discussions to be the most fulfilling part of her daily work routine. In small businesses, the business owner is responsible for all aspects of the business until they can build a strong team to rely on. Therefore, Hayley emphasizes the importance of finding the right people and building a strong team to support the business owner's vision, purpose, and mission. This is where leadership and effective delegation play a crucial role in scaling a small business. Leading to Bringing Change Hayley believes in leading with kindness and intentionally leveraging her strengths. Her personal goal is to be a positive force for change and help her clients achieve the same. Rather than hiring a large in-house team of marketing experts, Hayley has chosen to partner with a network of channel experts who coach her clients in areas where she may not be as strong, such as Search Engine Optimization and mindset. This model provides her with flexibility and allows her clients to work with the best in their respective fields. According to Hayley, true leadership is not about holding a position of power, but rather about being a source of inspiration and support for others to grow and flourish. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who possess strengths that complement one's own and who are more skilled in certain areas. Additionally, she stresses the importance of demonstrating compassion, setting clear expectations, and living in alignment with one's values in order to lead effectively. Hayley will be launching a new program in May, known as the Brand-Worth-Loving Boot Camp. This program will be similar to the Mentorship, but it will be conducted in a group coaching format with video training, weekly group coaching sessions, and work reviews. This option will be more affordable for clients while providing the same results. worldsleaders.com | 39

40. Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady" on her mission to End Small Business Failure! M PA. She also runs a second company SmallBizLadyUniversity.com, where she assists small businesses to start, grow and scale with her webinars, online courses, and coaching programs. She considers herself a fierce advocate for small businesses with her mission to End Small Business Failure. elinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” is regarded as America's #1 Small Business Expert. For more than 24 years, she has been the CEO of Quintessence Group, an award-winning marke?ng consul?ng firm based in Philadelphia, Through Quintessence Group, her firm advises Fortune 500 companies on marke?ng strategies to engage the small business market. Ms. Emerson's firm has worked with over 150 corporate partners including VISA, FedEx, Verizon, Google, Adobe, The Har?ord, American Express, Pitney Bowes, and Sam'Club. Quintessence specializes in customer acquisi?on and reten?on strategies to enhance customer growth in the small business market. She helps both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies u?lize social selling techniques including content, digital marke?ng strategy, email, and influencer marke?ng programs. Melinda Emerson draws upon a wealth of business knowledge and insights to inform her work. She has published more than 5,000 ar?cles on her highly regarded blog “succeedasyourownboss.com,” which reaches over 3 million readers each week online. Her bestselling book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, is in its third edi?on through Simon and Schuster. In addi?on to being a former columnist for The New York Times, she is regularly featured in publica?ons such as Inc., Entrepreneur, Yahoo Business, Black Enterprise, and Essence magazines. She is frequently sought a?er as a media spokesperson for news outlets including Fox Business, CNBC, MSNBC, ABC News and NBC Nightly News, as well as in print publica?ons like The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Fortune. In fact, Forbes Magazine recognized her as the number one woman for entrepreneurs to follow on Twi?er. 40 | October 2023

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42. In addition to running her successful businesses, she has a passion for teaching entrepreneurs. She is currently as adjunct professor at her alma mater, Drexel University and she mentors many young women business owners, “I want to help young entrepreneurs benefit from my hard-learned lessons in business. I love sharing my secrets to success.” Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Melinda Emerson: family, my community, and my faith. I am involved in many community service organizations, and I sing on the praise and worship team at my church. I am a professional single mom and dedicated business owner on a mission to end small business failure. I am a coaching leader who is committed to helping everyone be successful around me. I believe in leaving people better than I found them. in top-rated television. I worked in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia markets. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? My company, Quintessence Group, started in 1999 as a video production company; later, we developed websites too, and in 2007, we completely pivoted to focusing on social media marketing and content strategy. In 2011, we morphed into a full-service marketing consulting firm that exclusively focuses on working with Fortune 500 brands that target the small business market. Some of our clients include Verizon, Google, VISA, FedEx, and American Describe your background and what you did do before you started the company. I have a degree in broadcast journalism from Virginia Tech; I started my career as a news producer Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. Outside of my workplace, I am extremely passionate about my 42 | October 2023

43. Express. We also have an online school for small businesses www.smallbizladyuniversity.com. of the small business community, which I leverage for my clients. at what your customers and employees will need to be successful in the future. What value-added services does the company provide? Nobody knows the small business market like we do. We also develop courseware and educational content for our clients. What has made you successful? What do you value? I am extremely passionate about what I do, and I am relentlessly consistent in my work. I value establishing lasting relationships. I value partnering with clients to build innovative strategies to get results. I value my team. Teamwork really does make the dream work. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? Any business is only as strong as its team's processes. In a strong company, anyone can be empowered to be a leader, even an intern. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? An ideal company culture is one that focuses on its employees and customers. I feel it's important to continuously improve and find ways to meet customers' needs while upholding company values. What are your responsibilities as the President of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? I love it when someone takes what I taught them and turns it into success. I believe in celebrating small and big wins in business. Which are the major services of the company, and how does the company get ahead of the competition? At Quintessence Group, we develop customer acquisition, customer retention, social media/content strategy, and influencer marketing programs. Our competitive advantage is that we only do B2SMB marketing. Our secret sauce for helping our clients reach the small business market is our intimate relationship with their target customers. As the SmallBizLady, my personal brand, blog, podcast, social media, and newsletter reach millions of small business owners each week online. I have my finger on the pulse What principles do you believe in, and how do you build this culture? You want your workplace to be nurturing and fun, with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence. You need to be kind and thoughtful as a leader, and that will set an example for everyone else. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? As a new leader, when in doubt, focus on the needs of the client, ask lots of questions, and do more listening than talking. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? In any business, you need to be focused on the future needs of your customers. It's not about what they need today; it's about looking ahead worldsleaders.com | 43

46. Tamara Chase Defied the Male Dominated Roofing Standard with Her Feminine Leadership Style the company. In the early 2000s, the company shifted its focus from general contracting to roofing after a negative experience with their own roof replacement project led them to realize the need for a better homeowner experience. Core values play a critical role in a company's growth. When established effectively, they can boost employees' dedication and motivation, leading to job satisfaction and a positive attitude towards work. Managing values efficiently is crucial, as they can significantly impact a company's performance. Proper utilization of a company's fundamental principles can facilitate business expansion. Tamara Chase, the co-owner of Chase Roofing, has a clear understanding of the company's values, which include quality and compassion. These values serve as a guide for the desired outcomes she aims to achieve. After collaborating with a successful roofing crew for several years, they began building roofs for those in need after a series of devastating storms hit Florida, and the governor issued an executive order allowing residential contractors to pull roofing permits. In 2005, they officially founded Chase Roofing as a dba, marking the start of their successful roofing business. When Hurricane Wilma hit South Florida, the couple's home and newly formed roofing business were left without power for several weeks. However, they persisted and managed to keep the business running using a generator, laptop, and printer to work with carbon copy contracts. From that point on, they decided to focus solely on roofing and never returned to general contracting, marking the official beginning of Chase Roofing. Over the years, they adopted a servant leadership approach and prioritized building long-lasting relationships with their clients over making quick profits, leading to business expansion. In 2010, Tamara discovered her passion for leadership and took control of the company's operations, while her husband shifted his focus to sales and found ways to serve the customer for a lifetime and not just that initial interaction. Foundation of Chase Roofing Originally intending to pursue a career in law, Tamara's plans changed when she was unable to gain admission to a local law school while her children were in middle school. Instead, she joined her husband's handyman company, which he co-owned with another partner. However, due to different objectives, the partnership dissolved, and Tamara saw an opportunity to start a business with her husband. She initially took on the role of business development, handling the legalities, permits, and insurance requirements to start Best Version of Herself Tamara is deeply committed to her work and finds great fulfillment in her role as a roofing contractor. She enjoys interacting with people, building relationships, and engaging in strategic planning throughout her day. One of her core beliefs is that everyone deserves opportunities and support, and she is a strong advocate for women in business, inspiring them to succeed and achieve their goals. 46 | October 2023

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49. Tamara finds great joy in contributing to the success of others and witnessing their happiness, which is one of her greatest sources of fulfillment. She takes pride in being the best version of herself and is passionate about giving back to her community. Employee growth and development are also central to the company's culture, and Tamara encourages her team to adopt a similar mindset and remain open to fresh perspectives. By prioritizing these values, she aims to create a supportive and empowering work environment that benefits everyone on the team. This fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation while also assisting them in remaining creative and adapting to changes in the business. The company aims to take care of its employees and keep them happy and engaged. This results in content team members who look after the clients, who then look after the business. Tamara says, "I am very proud of the company our team has built together.” challenges and have continued to refine their business practices over time to ensure the company's long-term success. The owner is the only one who has the ability to align everyone around a shared vision and then maintain a positive work environment. Tamara asserts that despite the busy schedule, it's critical to maintain contact with the team. The bottom line should always be considered. The health of the business depends on profit. Tamara now has the opportunity to follow her passions through Chase Roofing, much like she did with the nonprofit organization Emerge Movement, which she founded a few years ago. "Be the CEO your mom told you to marry," is her motto. Her most recent adventure focuses on construction sector couples. Couples who own and run construction companies jointly face a unique set of difficulties on top of the many other responsibilities that construction companies already have. These couples may also have a significant amount of personal partnership challenges, such as feeling imprisoned, unheard, unseen, or underappreciated. When there is no time for fun, it might be difficult to know when to stop working. Is it even feasible to strike a balance? Throughout the years, Tamara has created several programs, such as retreats, masterminds, and trainings, to assist owner-operator couples in the construction sector. She brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, training, and kindness to the table in order to support couples. Recommendations of the day Tamara believes relationships are the root of all of her successes as she looks back over the past twenty years. There are so many opportunities to learn skill-sets in business. She advises maintaining good relationships with stakeholders to have peers to look up to and that will hold you accountable. She also advises to learn the true overhead costs associated with business so that one can charge appropriately. She adds, "remember cash is king… watch your cash-flow and save for a rainy day, they are definitely coming.” Obstacles seldom obstruct the horizon "I believe in challenging the status quo and thinking outside the box"- Tamara says Tamara faced several challenges when starting the business, including the issue of not fully understanding the true overhead costs. Initially, they based job pricing on market rates rather than practical considerations, which nearly led to the company going out of business. This experience forced them to delve deeper into business dynamics and learn more about financial management. Tamara urges one to learn one's own leadership style and always seek to learn something new to grow. She encourages to stay updated on customer's requirements. "Every year ask yourself, 'Who am I serving and how' the answer will change as your business grows and you need to adapt." Tamara provokes. Employee Growth and Development As a woman working in a male- dominated field, Tamara recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment. This starts with recruiting a diverse team and fostering a culture where everyone's opinions and talents are valued. Collaboration is crucial to this effort, as it allows individuals to leverage each other's strengths and work together towards a shared goal. Another significant challenge was cash flow management, which has been an ongoing learning process for the company. Developing effective systems and processes to manage cash flow requires considerable effort, and the team has had to work hard to optimize their approach. Tamara and her team have learned many valuable lessons from these worldsleaders.com | 49

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