World’s Most Successful Leaders to Follow in the Middle East, 2023

1. Vol. 04 | Issue 02 | APRIL 2023

4. World’s Most Successful Leaders to Follow in the Middle East, 2023 Prioritizing Sustainability to Ensure Long-Term Success Business leaders recognize the potential for a significant entrepreneurship boom in the Middle East region. According to a report by Magnitt, a prominent start-up data platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the region had 1,251 start-ups in 2020, receiving a total funding of $1.2 billion. This represents a remarkable increase from 2019, where there were 704 start-ups and a total funding of $704 million. and has performed over a thousand surgical procedures. Dr. Ivanchuk's Plastic Surgery Clinic is located near Kiev, in the city of Vyshneve. To ensure high-quality service delivery in health and comfort, only experienced professionals are handpicked to work at the facility. Investors looking to support entrepreneurship in the Middle East should adopt a patient approach to their investments, as start-ups require time to develop and grow. Building long-term relationships with start-ups can yield significant returns in the future. Despite being based in Ukraine, Dr. Ivanchuk's clientele is widely diverse and includes individuals from various backgrounds who have placed their trust in his remarkable skills and exceptional results in cosmetic surgery. His reputation in the field of plastic surgery extends beyond his successful track record in helping patients achieve their desired body transformations. He is also highly regarded for his profound understanding of aesthetic procedures. Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation is essential to support entrepreneurship. Innovation is at the core of entrepreneurship, and by promoting a culture of innovation, investors can support the development of disruptive technologies and businesses that can create significant value. The latest edition of World's Leaders, titled "World's Most Successful Leaders to Follow in the Middle East, 2023," highlights business leaders who are promoting sustainability as a key factor for start-ups to achieve long- term success. As sustainability gains importance among consumers, investors, and regulators, emphasizing its significance can help start-ups succeed in the long run. In this special edition, let us share similar, inspirational tales and interviews with many such dedicated leaders in order to raise awareness about their contributions to making the world a better place. Have a lovely read! The cover has Dr. Maxim Ivanchuk, a highly esteemed plastic surgeon in Ukraine, has garnered extensive expertise

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 Mia Oliver 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 APRIL 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. Cover Story 08 Maxim Ivanchuk A Globally Acclaimed Surgeon in the Field of Aesthe?c Surgery

7. 20 Abdulaziz Al Jouf 24 Adeeb Ahamed 30 Carlos Santos 34 Diego Granese 40 Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram 44 Noor Al-Sulaiti 48 Rizwan Sajan 54 Saifi Ismail 58 Wolfgang Zulauf

8. COVER STORY COVER STORY A Globally Acclaimed Surgeon in the Field of Aesthetic Surgery Maxim Ivanchuk 08 | APRIL 2023

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10. Dr. Maxim Ivanchuk, a highly esteemed plastic surgeon in Ukraine, has garnered extensive expertise and has performed over a thousand surgical procedures. Dr. Ivanchuk's Plastic Surgery Clinic is located near Kyiv, in the city of Vyshneve. To ensure high-quality service delivery in health and comfort, only experienced professionals are handpicked to work at the facility. Dr. 10 | APRIL 2023

11. Despite being based in Ukraine, Dr. Ivanchuk's clientele is diverse and includes individuals from various backgrounds who have trusted his remarkable skills and exceptional results in cosmetic surgery. His reputation in the field of plastic surgery extends beyond his successful track record in helping patients achieve their desired body transformations. He is also highly regarded for his profound understanding of aesthetic procedures. His fervor for the field has led him to devise innovative techniques that are unparalleled anywhere else in the world. During a recent rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Ivanchuk demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency and aesthetic acumen while delivering top- notch care to the patient throughout the entire process. For Dr. Ivanchuk, the ultimate reward is the happiness and satisfaction of his patients. Nothing brings him greater joy than being invited to his patients' weddings, receiving pictures and videos of beautiful transformations, or getting heartfelt messages about how he has changed their lives. His work is not just a job or another plastic surgery procedure; it is his life's calling, and he feels genuinely fulfilled when he sees the positive impact it has on his patients. Dr. Maksym Ivanchuk is an accomplished celebrity plastic surgeon with a wealth of career highlights to his name. His exceptional work has been featured in various media outlets, including Forbes, Vogue, Maxim, USA Today, and many more. He is widely respected by professional organizations and has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to the field. worldsleaders.com | 11

12. medical professional. Forming Alignment between Work and Life For Dr. Ivanchuk, his operating room is not just a workplace but a way of life. He finds excitement, relaxation, and energy in his work, so he meditates and exercises regularly to maintain balance. When he does have free time, he prioritizes rest and recovery by sleeping and spending time with his family. He also loves to indulge in his passions, such as traveling to new countries and enjoying fast cars and speed. Despite being a highly sought-after plastic surgeon, Dr. Ivanchuk has faced challenges balancing his work and personal life. To overcome this, he has implemented a strict schedule and prioritizes self-care through exercise, meditation, and spending quality time with his loved ones. Work Excellency Success Mantra Dr. Ivanchuk is a true master of "pioneer procedures" in the realm of plastic surgery, catering specifically to the needs of celebrities. His expertise in the field is unparalleled, and his exceptional skills have transformed the looks and lives of countless individuals. Driven by a deep passion for his craft and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Dr. Ivanchuk is a distinguished figure in the world of plastic surgery. "If you want to become successful, you should always go forward, never be afraid of challenges, and never stop. People can learn from him how to be really hard-working," says Dr. Ivanchuk. Dr. Ivanchuk possesses a repertoire of unparalleled techniques exclusive to him in the world of plastic surgery. Knowing about his remarkable achievements should be a priority for anyone seeking to enhance their appearance, reduce their age, or become more beautiful. His story is truly inspiring - he embarked on his career as a surgeon at a remarkably young age, observing the experts in the operating room when he was just 12 years old. Over the years, he has treated over 5,000 patients with his unique approach, transforming their lives beyond just their physical appearance. Many of his patients have found new confidence and even walked down the aisle, and I've been amazed at his skill, sometimes calling him a magician instead of a surgeon. Dr. Ivanchuk is not only an exceptional doctor but also a successful businessman who owns a hospital and is regarded as a top Dr. Ivanchuk is a charismatic and assertive individual with boundless energy, yet he remains humble and avoids flaunting his achievements and successes. He prefers to let his work speak for itself and rarely talks about himself or his accomplishments. 12 | APRIL 2023

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14. Future Endeavors Dr. Ivanchuk finds great satisfaction in seeing his patients happy and transformed after their surgeries. Despite his already well-known reputation, he remains focused on his ultimate goal of becoming the world's best plastic surgeon, and he continues to develop new and innovative procedures that lead to even more happy patients. He also has aspirations for his business. He dreams of owning his own hospital, embodying his ideals of the unparalleled organization and top-tier professionalism. By implementing the best practices, he has gathered from around the world, he hopes to create a facility that is a model for the entire industry. Additionally, Dr. Ivanchuk plans to continue his commitment to education and training, sharing his knowledge and expertise with other aspiring plastic surgeons. He wants to continue to raise the bar for the industry, ensuring that other plastic surgeons can provide the same level of excellence in patient care and results. Ultimately, Dr. Ivanchuk's vision is to leave a lasting impact on the field of plastic surgery, both through his innovative techniques and his commitment to patient satisfaction and safety. He hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions relentlessly and never give up on their dreams, just as he has done in his own life and career. 14 | APRIL 2023

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17. His advice to others is to pursue their passions with unwavering determination and focus. He encourages people to take calculated risks and to persist in the face of adversity, never giving up on their dreams. Dr. Ivanchuk's own story serves as a testament to the fact that with hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset, anyone can achieve their goals and aspirations. Prioritizing Client Safety Dr. Ivanchuk possesses a rare gift for performing unique and unparalleled plastic surgery procedures that are unmatched by any other plastic surgeon in the world. He attributes his success to a combination of divine inspiration, innate talent, and his exceptional skill set, including his golden hands. When Dr. Ivanchuk works his magic on a face or body, the transformation is truly remarkable. In addition, his patients heal quickly and efficiently after undergoing procedures, a testament to his outstanding surgical skills and attention to detail. He states, "Post-operatively, the surgeon provided clear and thorough instructions to the patient and arranged for appropriate follow-up care. Although the patient experienced some mild swelling and bruising, these issues were resolved within the expected timeframe, and the patient reported being satisfied with the overall outcome of the surgery." Dr. Ivanchuk's unwavering dedication to excellence is reflected in every aspect of his work, from his reputation for mastering "Pioneer Procedures" that are unparalleled in the world to his focus on patient safety and satisfaction and his commitment to staying at the forefront of the latest advances in plastic surgery. However, what sets him apart is his personalized approach to patient care, taking the time to listen to each client's unique needs and desires and tailoring his approach to deliver exceptional, customized results. As a doctor, he is dedicated to showcasing his expertise, professionalism, and commitment to delivering the best possible patient outcomes. He aims to build trust and credibility with potential patients and reinforce his position as a top plastic surgeon in the industry by providing exceptional, personalized care and attention to each individual client. Social Media Links: https://instagram.com/dr.maxim_ivanchuk?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://instagram.com/dr.ivanchuk?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= worldsleaders.com | 17

20. rather than a failure. simplifying the merchants' and consumers' payment journey. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Abdulaziz Fahad Al Jouf: Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. It started with USD 10,000 and a big idea to enable e-commerce businesses to sell online and collect payments seamlessly. After months of sleepless nights, I successfully pitched the idea to investors, and the rest, as they say, is history. Anyone that truly knows me would say I'm a workaholic. The sun is always shining in some parts of the world, and I try to keep up with that energy. I don't believe in boundaries, obstacles, or challenges. I believe in setting goals and trends, being a first mover, and getting things done along with my team. Outside of the work place, I continue to lead a fast-paced lifestyle. However, family is equally important to me, and they are my rock and foundation. What has made you successful? What do you value? Abdulaziz Fahad Al Jouf is a Saudi entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of PayTabs, a revolutionary payment processing firm that he founded in Saudi Arabia in January 2014. Abdulaziz founded PayTabs after gaining extensive experience in founding previous e-commerce businesses such as SaleTab and Extabs. I value people. Above all else, Products, solutions, services, platforms, machines, they are the intangible side of businesses. But people who have a vision, dedication, commitment, passion, enthusiasm, and the drive and determination to make PayTabs succeed are what I value the most. It's the people – employees, vendors, merchants, successful partners, investors, well- wishers, fans, followers – who form the backbone of this company I have built. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? His team refers to him as AA, and he is a dynamic, passionate, focused, and hands-on natural leader who is fiercely supportive of his team's personal growth and development. He believes in giving back to the community, and he does it through mentoring emerging businesses in the area. He admits to being a risk taker who is always looking for new possibilities and making the most of them. He sees failure as a lesson in which he may gain vital experience I come from a predominately tech background. I have a university degree in information technology from the US. Before starting PayTabs, I founded other innovative startup companies focused on sales optimization and events management; looking back, I like to think they were experiments in preparation for my ultimate goal of Which are the major services of the company and how do they help the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? Ÿ EASES THE PAYMENT 20 | APRIL 2023

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22. JOURNEY FOR SME'S Ÿ PayTabs is an award-winning payment processing company that operates in the MENA region. The core business of the company is to provide payment gateway services for startups and SMEs to sell successfully online. PayTabs offers B2B services to seamlessly 'plug and play' features on client websites. It offers e- commerce websites seamless integration with API plugin tools and offers electronic invoicing, QR code, and secure social media payment link solutions for merchants to ease their payment collection efforts. BUILDS GAME CHANGING PAYMENT SOLUTIONS FOR ENTERPRISES Ÿ Backed by private investment, PayTabs has evolved since its founding from a home-grown payments company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2014, to a regional GCC market player to an iconic global payments' solutions enterprise with global presence. Over the years, PayTabs has forged strategic partnerships worldwide. PayTabs in-built and exported a full stack of game changing mobile applications, hospitality, governmental, education, airline, travel, transport, and billing solutions, to interlink the enterprise market chain in the MENA region. OFFERS FREELANCERS AND MICRO MERCHANTS MAINSTREAM PAYMENT METHODS Ÿ In April 2021, PayTabs launched PT Touch, the first soft POS 22 | APRIL 2023

23. solution in the MENA market to transform smart phones into merchant point of sale (POS) terminals. PayTabs enables you to accept payments digitally through the Social Commerce solution. Securing transactions on social media platforms like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Whatsapp and other channels by providing online payment links, QR codes and complimentary online store fronts for a faster checkout experience. of the usual cost. successful. While people are visionary and dynamic, processes are vital for success as they keep us in check to ensure we meet industry standards in executing any payment product or solution. What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? What are your responsibilities as the founder and CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? Our brand values embody our company culture. Everything we do at PayTabs is led by values which define our goals, and the ways we wish to achieve them. Our team is diverse in nationality, culture, and gender, yet we are united across all the markets we operate in. Our values are the foundation of our business culture and are embedded in daily operations. We believe these values provide both us and our stakeholders a competitive advantage. I'm a very hands-on CEO. While I have an A-team that I delegate to, I'm also involved in decision making, especially when it comes to engineering, products, commercials, expansion to new markets, and the marketing aspects of business. I also enjoy networking, meeting successful partners. ORCHESTRATES FULL STACK PAYMENT SUITE FOR BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Ÿ More recently PayTabs has introduced its proprietary Switch technology. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? The happiest moments of my daily routine are the good news stories. For example, a break through with regard to facilitating payment solutions for an enterprise merchant, a ground breaking partnership or a news article or tweet that features PayTabs brand always brings a smile to my face. The payment card industry (PCI) certified solution includes a switching and authorization system, a card and wallet management system, and a merchant management system. My team comprises some of the smartest minds in financial services and technology, including ex- bankers. We are never short of thinking caps to brainstorm and generate innovative ideas. Most ideas make it to the drawing board, and the best ones get filtered. And from there, some of the most ground-breaking payment solutions are born. For example, PT 2.0 is our enhanced Business Manager Dashboard, which tracks and measures sales performance. It enables merchants to craft their own customer retention and loyalty programs and strategies for zero additional cost or effort. This product was born out of a home- grown idea. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Orchestrated to offer banks, financial institutions, and other fintech firms a 360-degree payment experience, PayTabs SwitchOn has been validated globally and is now available for local deployment, at a fraction of the cost. The flexible and compelling price points offered aim to empower processing, and scale in the region, resolving the challenges of procuring astronomically priced switch solutions. With fresh thinking and a flexible approach, PayTabs Switchon provides in-depth white labeling solutions, addresses regional data security concerns, and grants access to premium switching and settlement programs at a fraction I would tell them to conquer their fears and set expectations. You are only as good as you believe you are. So do believe in yourself. Mistakes are part of the game. But if you don't play, you will never win. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? It has to be the right combination of both for the company to be worldsleaders.com | 23

24. A Adeeb Ahamed is the managing director of LuLu Financial Holdings, a multinational supplier of financial services with operations in 11 nations. With the help of his ambitious and forward-thinking leadership, the firm has expanded across the Asian continent with a network of 250 locations. Adeeb has just been nominated to the Emirates Board of Directors for Overseas Investors by the UAE International Investors Council (IIC). Speaking about his nomination, Ahamed said, "I am honoured to be chosen to play a key role in the UAE's economic development. The UAE has shown amazing resilience and innovative governance during the time of the pandemic, and new perspectives will help to reinforce the country's foreign investment outlook. As a proud resident of the UAE, it is my privilege to contribute to the development of this nation and I look forward to working with fellow members of the IIC.” founding LuLu Financial Holdings in 2008. I am a dual Master's Holder from prestigious European universities. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? LuLu Financial Holdings was founded in 2008 in Abu Dhabi. The company started with its first branch opening at Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2009. The company initially offered remittances and foreign currency exchange. Today, our services include WPS, banknotes, bill payments, and other value added services. Being a family man and philanthropist, he has contributed immensely to the development of geriatric care, girls' education, and community development. What has made you successful? What do you value? I value my team for internal success and the larger vision of financial inclusion for outward growth. I consider humility as one of the biggest necessities for a leader to succeed, and I have been fortunate to have mentors at various stages of my professional growth. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Adeeb Ahamed: Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? I worked in the luxury retail space in Europe before Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the 24 | APRIL 2023

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26. competition? What value-added services does the company provide? Remittances, forex, banknotes and value added services such as ticketing, bill payments etc. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? The company has 8 core values: customer first, let's talk, teamwork, determination, we own, we celebrate, integrity, and learning. These principles have been a guiding light for the company in its pursuit of excellence. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? No company can grow without harboring the spirit and mind of a collective. Individual champions have a role in inspiring fellow members, and ultimately getting entire teams to work in tandem internally and with other connected teams. In this regard, having set processes is of utmost necessity, while a person-driven approach can do wonders for personal development and learning. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Listen, be patient and be ready to face the downtimes as much as you celebrate the peaks. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Innovation is central to the company's march into the new decade. The year 2022 is being celebrated as the Year of Intrapreneurship since the country believes that great ideas often come from within. We have a platform for employees to share ideas, as well as a dedicated medium for them to send ideas directly to the Managing Director and other senior management. 26 | APRIL 2023

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30. Carlos Santos Ethos Asset Management Inc. A Global Investment Firm with the Vision of Building a More Fair Economy CEO, President & Founder Ethos Asset Management Inc. 30 | APRIL 2023

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32. E company's course and no longer lease the algorithm or trade on behalf of other parties. Ethos moved on to the next level, in which it solely traded its own money. as banks or funds (this allows Ethos to have a unique opportunity cost and offer prices of finance not available in regular markets); and The collateralization structure of the deal through financial guarantees allows Ethos not only to migrate the operational risk and macroeconomic risk to the banking system but also to trigger an indirect return on the project in question. Ÿ Throughout these years, and going back to 2012 for hedging/rebalancing its asset allocation in trading, Ethos has invested 20% of its assets in project financing while keeping the other 80% in trading. Ethos’ projects have mostly concentrated on energy, infrastructure, and the industrial sector in order to achieve this diversification goal. The majority of these have taken place in the private sector, with a minimum ticket size of US$ 50 million. Ethos Asset Management Inc. was founded in 2012 in Portugal by Carlos Santos with the goal of launching its own designed trading algorithm - a novel trading intangible asset with considerable value in its prediction/measurement ability and compounding potential. At the time, Ethos licensed the algorithm to big investment funds in exchange for royalties. Carlos states, “When we entered the market in 2014 and 2015, these investment funds were trading around 300 billion USD through this structure. Due to the volatility of the market resulting from the sovereign guarantee crisis in Europe, these investment funds proposed to Ethos to operate in a different structure that could avoid their exposure to the volatility. To achieve this, they sent the funds to Ethos, who traded on their behalf and paid a fixed profit.” He goes on to say that this was extremely beneficial to Ethos since it boosted overall assets to a new level while also allowing Ethos to get higher spreads on securities purchases. Ethos’ business structure allows it to have a very strong financial capacity that is both sustainable and unaffected. Ethos' debt-to-asset ratio is less than 16 percent, while its asset-to-equity ratio is less than 84 percent. This means Ethos is continually trading five times more money than it is investing in project funding. A Global Service Provider Ethos is a project financing organization with a worldwide reach. It funds government and privately funded initiatives on every continent and privately funded initiatives. The company invests in projects and helps clients restructure debt. Ethos has created a one-of-a-kind risk modulation strategy that allows them to provide funding on conditions not available in traditional financial markets. Ethos added a very strong corporate culture to this financial stability, with Knowledge, Professionalism, Dedication, Excellence, Integrity, and Social Responsibility directing all of the art of Ethos’ acts. Ethos established a unique type of philanthropy as a result of a very strong corporate and social responsibility philosophy. The Ethos business model's long- term viability and security are built on three distinct financial market innovations: The strategy addresses market issues such as foundations failing to distribute cash to their objectives and financial firms such as Ethos lacking the time and structure to focus on social responsibility on a daily basis. The Philanthropic Financial Facility (PFF) began as a standard finance facility, but Ethos would convert the financing into a non-repayable grant if the client met its economic and social goals satisfactorily, as shown Algorithm of trading with unique accuracy and compounding power in the market (source of funds); Ethos’s project finance model is based on setting aside funds from the trading piece and not raising capital from normal markets such Ÿ When Carlos Santos was appointed as a relevant advisor for Monetary Policy in Dollars for independent reasons in 2019, the Ethos board of directors decided to modify the Ÿ 32 | APRIL 2023

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34. One of Italy’s Best Emerging Leaders Diego Granese is a prominent Italian business consultant, entrepreneur, influencer, and global marketer who has made a name for himself by owning various well-known national and international businesses. Among his notable enterprises are El Original S.r.l, a beverage innovation company that has launched brands such as Aviva Wines (the world's first coloured sparkling wines) and Au Vodka (the best-selling golden vodka in the UK) in Italy, and Juventus Beer (the official beer of the famous Juventus Football Club).Fitup Europe one of the most important gym chains in Europe. He is also the founder of Billionaire Group, a UAE-based consulting company. In addition, he has established several innovative startups both domestically and internationally, including Unlike Agency(a major international marketing agency) and Offshore (an offshore-related clothing brand) . 34 | APRIL 2023

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37. The focus of the Billionaire Group shifted towards internationalization, taxation, and international tax planning in 2015, quickly becoming a leading company in transferring Italians to Dubai, with over 500 clients and assets. The company specializes in opening businesses in tax-advantaged countries, primarily in Dubai, obtaining residency, financial strategy and planning, business consulting, foreign market consulting, opening business accounts, and other related services. Granese has achieved significant notoriety in Italy, where he has appeared as a guest on numerous television programs such as Mediaset's LIVE non è la D'urso, Pomeriggio 5, and Rai3's BLOB. He has garnered attention from various prominent media publications and magazines for his exceptional business skills and acumen, including Libero Quotidiano, ANSA, IlTempo, TGCom, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Millionaire, IBtimes, Disrupt, Vents Magazine, Medium, Influencive, Thrive Global, Metropolitan, American Daily, and others. The Group of Companies El Original S.r.l. is an Italian-based innovative beverage company founded in September 2019. The company's primary objective was to distribute Aviva Wines' products exclusively in Italy. However, due to its efficient and effective business model, El Original S.r.l. quickly became a significant player in the Italian beverage industry. Early Life Developments El Original S.r.l. is known for its unique and innovative products, including Aviva Winer, the world's first colored sparkling wine,AuVodka, the gold-bottled vodka with colored flavors that is the best- selling in the UK, and Juventus Beer the first official beer of a famous, international football team. The company is committed to producing and distributing high-quality beverages that stand out in the market. Diego was born in 1990 in Vigevano, a town near Milan, Italy. Despite coming from a family without any entrepreneurial background, he always dreamed of starting his own international companies and being independent. At the young age of 21, he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by opening his first business, a gym, with no financial assistance from anyone. Although he faced many challenges, he persevered, and after two years, he sold the gym and invested in a gym brand that would soon become international with his assistance. Following the success of his gym brand, Diego expanded his business ventures and founded his first consulting company, "Landmark International," which provided services such as business consulting, strategy and product development, and marketing. Over time, the company grew and evolved into the Billionaire Group, with its headquarters based in Dubai and additional offices in Hong Kong, London, and New York. Thanks to its success in Italy, El Original S.r.l. is now looking to expand its presence on the international market. The company is planning to launch its products globally, offering unique and innovative beverages to consumers worldwide. The company's strategic focus on innovation, quality, and exceptional customer service has made it worldsleaders.com | 37

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44. Noor Al-Sulaiti Former CEO Ooredoo Oman 44 | APRIL 2023

45. Al-Sulaiti Utilizing Business to Improve People’s Lives through Pioneer Technology The organization's success depends on having a strong corporate culture, which must include terms like performance-driven, collaborative, inclusive, and challenging. When their performance-driven culture is lost, some organizations become disoriented. Delivering on company goals requires setting clear expectations for divisions, giving them the freedom to carry them out, and holding them accountable. A collaborative culture is essential to building a successful workforce, so one cannot stop there. It's crucial to end isolation, promote cross- functional collaboration, and foster a supportive culture among team members. Meet, Noor Al-Sulaiti, Former Chief Executive Ofcer of Ooredoo Oman, supports a collaborative and healthy corporate culture within the organization. She explains, "I personally do not have an ofce, I only have a collaboration room where we work together, and people are free to use it while I am not there." worldsleaders.com | 45

46. term technology strategy to build the foundation required to position the business at the forefront of technological advancement and aid in the nation's digital transformation. Noor and her team provide a complete communications solution for individuals, businesses, and government, and have grown to become a leading all-round communications company in Oman with a focus on customer experience and providing the customers with a unique and rewarding end-to-end journey. The solutions provide the ability to tailor-make and customize to meet every need and budget, and they can be flexed to grow and develop in the case of corporate solutions. Destined Journey and FastTelco's head (in Kuwait). She had a big influence on the market when she was CEO of Starlink because she rebranded the business and improved its capacity to compete in e-commerce, retail, and ICT. From the beginning, the company has attracted the best talent and is dubbed the Google od Oman from a culture and work environment point of view. Employees at Ooredoo are encouraged to contribute to the strategy and develop ideas. The company provides a huge range of training courses and mentoring to employees in the hope of developing future telecom leaders. Noor Al-Sulaiti holds bachelor's degrees in computer science from the University of Qatar and a master's degree in business administration in strategic management from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. She briefly worked in IT after graduating before switching to product development. Ooredoo recruited her and offered her a technical-commercial position. She has worked in the telecoms sector for more than 19 years. A track record of achievement in change management, business expansion, and transformation served to support this. Her priority has always been on creating cohesive teams, establishing a common goal, and working with all stakeholders to improve goods and services for customers, boost shareholder returns, enable and empower individuals and teams, and integrate this work with overarching goals. Noor has held a variety of management positions, including those of Phono's general manager Inception of Ooredoo Oman Omani Qatari Telecommunications Company SAOG (also known as "Ooredoo") was established and incorporated in the Sultanate of Oman in December 2004. Under the name Nawras, it began operations in Oman in March 2005 as a rival mobile operator. It changed its name to "Ooredoo" as of March 2014. The second fixed license was granted to the company in 2009, and in April 2010, it opened an international gateway. In May 2010, it began offering corporate fixed and broadband services, and in June 2010, it offered residential fixed and broadband services. Cut-edged Offerings People in Ooredoo are ambitious and always challenging themselves to stay at the cutting edge of technology in the smartest ways to cater to the country's ever-evolving online and telecom needs by focusing on the growth of AI, IoT, virtual reality, augmented reality, and fintech, all aimed at fulfilling the promise to upgrade the customers' world. They pioneered disruptive technologies by expanding internet access and championing innovation and value in products and services. Since its inception, Ooredoo has been working on an ambitious long- 46 | APRIL 2023

47. They have a young, dynamic, challenging culture which has helped them through a very challenging period, with a third entrant to the market. With a population of 4.8 million and three mobile network operators, three mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and one fixed player, it is incredibly competitive. However, today, it's the digital experience that sets them apart. But perhaps more uniquely, Ooredoo has had the spirit of a start- up since its inception. them, deal with pain points head-on, and tailor solutions to the customer's needs. Noor and her team have a network that covers over 99% of Oman's population and the 5G is expanding at a rate of knots. They ensure that their facilities are up to date with technology and plans and services provide to the customers are also signed with needs and trends. "In the last year, we've also had an increasing focus on device sales; something we have ramped up in recent months, and this has been hugely successful to date," says Noor. Staying Ahead in the Game Oman is a small market with three operators, and so there are challenges to overcome. One of the key differentiators is an end-to-end digital customer experience with 24/7 availability. The customer service team is award-winning, and the approach is to really listen to Capitalize on Challenges Noor thrives on challenges, especially those that pertain to her line of work. She plans to put in a lot of effort, maintain her integrity, worldsleaders.com | 47

48. A Visionary Entrepreneur and Global Business Thinker A capacity to be open to change while also discovering and energizing the group has led to the company’s defining success. I am a simple and humble person. I started life a bit earlier than others – at the age of 16, right after the sad demise of my father, and started to take care of the family through the meagre earnings that I could generate by working side by side with my classes in college. Mr. Rizwan Sajan’s imaginative approach earned him a spot on Forbes Middle East’s “Top 100 Indian Leaders in the UAE” list. In business and management, I am a very straight forward person. I want to empower people, take risks, give responsibilities to people who deserve them, and hold them accountable if anything goes wrong. Transparency and accountability are very important. I am a transparent person, and I am accountable for the Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Rizwan Sajan: An entrepreneur recognizes a need in society and creates a business to fill it. Mr. Rizwan Sajan, backed by the principle of perpetual evolution, has been the driving force behind the Danube Group’s success. His Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. 48 | APRIL 2023

49. Founder & Chairman Danube Group worldsleaders.com | 49

50. success or failure of the entire group. But I can only be successful if my team works in tandem. my father. I was 16 and not eligible to work. However, I was offered a part-time position in the same company where my father worked by his colleagues—to support our family. So, I used to work at the company in the evening while continuing my college studies. At one point in time, I was entrusted by my uncle to make business decisions for him – and run the business – till the outbreak of the Iraq-Kuwait war in 1991. We had to close the company and return to India. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? I come from a humble family background – in Mumbai. My father used to work in a private company. My mother used to be a homemaker. We are two brothers and a sister. We were brought up on strict principles and ethics – imbibed in our character by our parents in our early childhood. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? A few years later, one of my uncles offered me a job in his building materials shop in Kuwait when I reached the age of 18 and was eligible to work. So, I went to Kuwait and joined his business. I learned the ins and outs of the building materials trade in my uncle's shop and soon helped to expand it through my knowledge and hard work. After the setback in Kuwait, I started thinking of coming back to the Gulf to start my career. That’s what I did. I came to Dubai – the land of opportunity. Life used to be normal in the Mumbai neighbourhood where we grew up and had our schooling. However, things almost came to a standstill after the sudden death of Since I knew the business of building materials, I joined a company as their sales person. I used to procure orders for the company and ensure supplies. 50 | APRIL 2023