World’s Rising High Women Leaders to Watch in 2023

1. Vol. 10 | Issue 03 | October 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World’s Rising High Women Leaders to Watch in 2023 Expert in Franchising and Digital Printing Industries PG. 18 Demonstrating Strong Leadership and Management Skills to Succeed in Different Sectors PG. 40 CEO Zarine manchanda company zarine Manchanda A Trailblazer Inspiring Countless Others to Embrace Their Own Poten?al and Unleash Their Inner Greatness

4. World’s Rising High Women Leaders to Watch in 2023 Inspiring Others to be Leaders of Tomorrow There have been many well-known and inspirational corporate leaders in the globe, but what qualities define an inspirational leader? To be an inspirational business leader, one must dedicate oneself to achieving a common goal that inspires others and drives them to succeed. In today's economic environment, there is no longer any gender-specific leadership. We can observe that both sexes are exerting equal effort to succeed in their respective domains of expertise. endeavours. Zarine's unflinching drive and bravery in the face of adversity have become a tribute to the incredible power of perseverance. The voices of women are more influential than men's when it comes to leadership. They are making notable progress in the corporate world, where they are transforming workspaces, streamlining procedures, and questioning traditional thought. We applaud these company owners and aim to promote their tales throughout the world so that everyone may learn, be motivated, and believe in their own idea. These role models carry the torch of vision for future generations. Zarine has left an everlasting effect on society through the folds of her organization, supporting her cause with unshakable conviction. Her dedication to creating a society that balances affluence and social responsibility has earned her a place among an elite group of important female leaders. Zarine Manchanda is a brilliant example of the extraordinary impact that may be produced when driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Rising High Women Leaders to Watch in 2023” has created a list of the women business leaders that have been successful in leading some of the top organizations working in industries as diverse as healthcare to consumer goods. Have a lovely read! The cover has Zarine Manchanda. She is the visionary Founder of the Zarine Manchanda Foundation who unquestionably belongs among these extraordinary leaders. Her tenacious spirit has carried her through various obstacles, both in business and in her charity

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 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. Cover Story 08 An Award-winning CTO with Keen Aptitude for Leadership and Innovation Dr. Zarine Dr. Zarine Manchanda

7. 18 Catherine Monson Ceylan Boyce 22 26 Kange Kaneene 32 Kavita Channe Kimberlee Shelley 36 40 Monieka Khanna 46 Rana Florida 50 Shanesha Scott 54 Tania Amar

8. COVER STORY Zarine Manchanda A Trailblazer Inspiring Countless Others to Embrace Their Own Potential and Unleash Their Inner Greatness 08 | October 2023

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10. In In today's business world, where competition reigns supreme, only a select few rise above the rest. Zarine Manchanda, the visionary Founder of the Zarine Manchanda Foundation, unquestionably belongs among these extraordinary leaders. Her tenacious spirit has carried her through various obstacles, both in business and in her charity endeavours. Zarine's unflinching drive and bravery in the face of adversity have become a tribute to the incredible power of perseverance. Zarine has left an everlasting effect on society through the folds of her organization, supporting her cause with unshakable conviction. Her dedication to creating a society that balances affluence and social responsibility has earned her a place among an elite group of important female leaders. Zarine Manchanda is a brilliant example of the extraordinary impact that may be produced when driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a deep well of wisdom, Zarine understands the fluid nature of the business landscape. While many bow to the pressures that come with the ever-changing tides, Zarine's bravery and strategic acumen allow her to not only survive but prosper. She has an instinctive capacity to anticipate and outmanoeuvre difficulties, keeping her at the forefront of her business. Zarine's entrepreneurial spirit is fuelled by a long family business tradition. This genealogy is a constant source of inspiration for her, sparking her enthusiasm and propelling her to new heights. Zarine pushes her organization ahead with exceptional passion and determination, armed with an astute vision and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. 10 | October 2023

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13. From Bollywood Dreams to Empowering the Underprivileged Born into a prominent family in Himachal Pradesh, Zarine had big dreams of becoming a Bollywood actress. Despite her efforts, she was unable to achieve success in the sector. Undaunted, she pursued a political career and received advice to establish a charitable foundation. In 2019, the Zarine Manchanda Foundation was established as a result of this. Since its founding, the charity has successfully conducted approximately 300 donation initiatives that have benefited Mumbai's poorest inhabitants. Zarine's passion to assisting the poor has won her the moniker "Princess of the Poor" and major media exposure in India's leading magazines and newspapers. Inspired by the success of the foundation, Zarine delved into the hospitality industry, creating the Zarine Manchanda café during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the obstacles, the café quickly became a popular destination for Bollywood's A-list celebrities, attracting attention from both local and international franchise inquiries. Zarine Manchanda Foundation combines philanthropy and business in a unique way. According to Zarine, corporate philanthropy becomes a sensible strategy when it strategically impacts a company's competition. By successfully combining business and philanthropy, the foundation can produce a consistent revenue, giving it more time to execute its objective and grow effectively. As donations from the corporate side increase, more money can go directly to the cause. Building on her entrepreneurial spirit, Zarine expanded her business portfolio. She established Zarine Manchanda's Heavenly Flavors, a cloud kitchen food delivery service, and a high-end security company that catered to film sets and private events. More recently, she introduced Zarine Manchanda's Flavors of the Himalayas at her cloud kitchen location, serving authentic Himachali cuisine in Mumbai. Zarine believes that the turning point in the foundation's growth occurred when people recognized the elegant and spiritual beauty of her businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry. This creative branding disproved the notion that spirituality, compassion, and glamour couldn't coexist. It was well received by clients and contributed to the foundation's success. Through her various ventures, Zarine has shown resilience and a knack for identifying opportunities. Her commitment to philanthropy and her ability to adapt to changing circumstances have positioned her as a rising business leader in the industry. The Zarine Manchanda Foundation's key draws are luxury and spirituality. Zarine grew up in a luxurious environment and aspires to give quality goods and services to suit India's demand. Zarine appreciates Blending Philanthropy, Luxury, and Spirituality worldsleaders.com | 13

14. spirituality because she wants all of her undertakings to have moral standards, generate positive karma, and have loving intents. other CEOs. However, she has keenly observed certain shifts in the business landscape. According to her understanding, the pandemic has compelled numerous companies to reconsider their work practices. Working from home has become more common, resulting in a sense of isolation among people in India and around the world. Zarine sees this fundamental desire for connection as a promising possibility for her companies. She attempts to create an environment that is pleasant and develops a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond traditional customer-business interactions. She describes this unique attribute as "spiritual charm," which has played a pivotal role in propelling her businesses forward even in the post-pandemic era. The foundation also employs technology to provide clients with superior services. They offer online and mobile browsing, purchases, payments, live chats, and customer support. This use of technology helps gather valuable information on customer preferences and behaviors. Despite these changes, Zarine senses a great force unleashed by the pandemic: a need for true and profound personal connections. When people leave their homes, they have developed a strong desire to have a strong feeling of belonging and to engage in meaningful interactions. Vision of Charity, Luxury, and Global Impact Nurturing Human Connections in a Post-Pandemic World Zarine has big dreams for the future. She has extensive expertise running profitable enterprises and now wishes to carry on her father's legacy in her own unique way. She began by As per Zarine, on the impact of the pandemic on entrepreneurship in India, she acknowledges that her insights may differ from those of 14 | October 2023

15. and spirituality. Zarine is incredibly determined and passionate, and she's not slowing down anytime soon. She is committed to making a positive difference in the world, one project at a time. venture outside of one's comfort zone and think creatively. This method, according to Zarine, leads to a better and more stable road toward accomplishing one's goals. Zarine is now a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who has made a big contribution to society. Her path to success has been fraught with obstacles and setbacks, but she has proven that with persistence and hard work, everything is possible. Zarine's tale inspires many people by demonstrating the strength of tenacity and endurance in the face of hardship. Empowering People and Making a Positive Impact Zarine credits her mother with teaching in her the principles of honesty, purity, and ethics, as well as continuously reminding her that God is watching. These lessons have had a significant impact on Zarine's leadership style. True leadership, she believes, does not entail forcefully exerting power or speaking loudly. Instead, it entails encouraging her employees and ensuring their pride in being linked with her brand and businesses. Zarine leads with compassion and a focus on the larger good, guided by her mother's wisdom. She feels that the best leaders embody these characteristics and attempts to live up to this level every day. Zarine has built a profitable and respected business that has a good impact on the globe by prioritizing people and leading with integrity. establishing a charity to assist individuals in need in Mumbai. She didn't stop there, though. Zarine also established a high-end café, a food delivery business, and a top-tier security firm in her name. Zarine, on the other hand, does not want to be stuck in one spot. She wants to expand her business into other countries as well. People from India and other countries have already inquired about franchise opportunities. Despite all of her intentions, Zarine never forgets what is truly important to her. Her life's mission is to do good things, have good intentions, and show kindness to those who need it. She believes that all her businesses should have a touch of charity, kindness, luxury, Zarine has a powerful message for aspiring entrepreneurs based on her own experiences and accomplishments. She highlights the value of bravery and taking chances. Rather than following the pack, aspiring entrepreneurs should identify and act on their unique selling proposition (USP). Her message is simple: in order to succeed, one must be willing to worldsleaders.com | 15

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17. Zarine's Recipe for Business Success Zarine thinks that by cultivating a secure environment that supports the expression and development of new ideas, organizations may attain a harmonic blend of innovation and stability. Zarine highlights the necessity of giving employees with the resources they need to contribute to the company's success. Managers must clearly describe their innovation plans in relation to the overall business strategy. Creating a strategy allows organizations to expand and remain successful indefinitely. Innovation is critical for long-term success because it saves time, reduces costs, and provides a competitive advantage. Zarine illustrates the principle with an analogy, stating, "An excellent curry cannot be made with just nice ingredients." To make a delicious curry, you must gather the ingredients, prepare them, and follow the recipe." In other words, talent alone is not enough to ensure success. Companies must create the appropriate conditions to effectively attract, retain, and leverage talent. Using both quantitative and qualitative criteria, the Zarine Manchanda Foundation employs performance management tools to analyse staff performance and potential. In addition, they use a 360-degree feedback method to identify behavioural patterns that serve as indications for the person-performance matrix. Furthermore, each employee is given the option of selecting an ecosystem that best suits their individual skills, ensuring that they are respected and recognized for their work. Understanding employee motivations and aligning the business to reflect the aspirations of the Zarine Manchanda Foundation's primary target group is paramount, according to Zarine. Additionally, motivations can vary based on demographics and purpose. worldsleaders.com | 17

18. CEO | Propelled Brands Catherine Monson Expert in Franchising and Digital Printing Industries 18 | October 2023

19. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Catherine Monson: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I knew as a young child that I wanted to lead a company. While I had to deal with the effects of growing up with an abusive, alcoholic mom, I came to understand in my early 20s that I had a decision to make: I could either be a victim or a victor. I could wallow in "woe is me" victimhood, or I could decide to take personal responsibility for my life, my choices, and my happiness, by choosing to be a victor. I chose—and I choose daily—to be a victor. I manage with a combination of business acumen, adaptability, and compassion. I am a strong advocate for small businesses and franchising, which is why I spend a large portion of my time and energy serving on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA), the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. I am now serving as the Immediate Past Chair of the IFA after serving as the Chair of the IFA from February 2020 to February 2022, the only Chair in the 66-year history of the IFA to serve two one-year terms. I truly love championing the franchise business model and supporting so many in the franchising world. I pour myself into the company and the people, spurring them on to even greater success and achievement. to mow the lawns and clean the kitchens and restrooms. While there and on our drive to the schools and back home, we would talk business. I fell in love with the business of business at a very young age. By high school, I wanted to be the president of a large company. Describe your background and what did you do before you joined the company? I grew up in a small family business. My parents started one preschool, and over time, they opened another preschool, getting to five locations, then adding kindergarten to all locations and elementary school at their largest location. Growing up in the family business, I would go with my dad on the weekends to the schools My background in franchising began in 1980 with Sir Speedy, Inc., where I served in many roles, starting as a sales coordinator and quickly being promoted to Western Region Operations Manager. In 1984, I was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Catherine Monson currently holds the position of CEO at Propelled Brands, where she utilizes her extensive expertise in management and business leadership with over 40 years of experience in franchising and business growth. With her impressive background, she is well-suited to lead the multi- brand platform company of FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE®, NerdsToGo® and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza®. worldsleaders.com | 19

20. Franchise Development and later Vice President of Franchise Development, where I was responsible for opening over 400 Sir Speedy locations. In 1991, I was promoted to Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications, playing an integral role in Sir Speedy developing and becoming the first printing franchise to launch a website. In 1996, I became Vice President of Business Development for Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI), the parent company of Sir Speedy. From January 1997 until April 1999, I was responsible for the turnaround of MultiCopy Europe, FSI's European subsidiary, serving in the role of Managing Director. My vision of becoming president was fulfilled in 1999, when I was named President of PIP Printing & Document Services (PIP was acquired by Franchise Services, Inc. in 1996). As president, I had the pleasure of successfully reorganizing the company and changing the strategic marketing direction, increasing franchisee satisfaction and profits after six years of decline. In addition to being CEO of Propelled Brands, I also serve on the boards of directors of Brain Balance, a franchisor with a non-drug alternative for children with behavioral challenges, and Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation's fastest-growing swim schools. While individual heroics can be nice to have, they are rarely reproducible. Reproducible business processes are what lead to sustainable, long-term business success. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? The most successful leaders cultivate a positive mindset and use positive leadership skills. They also need to establish goals for themselves and their team and hold team members accountable for their results to drive the organization forward. It's important for the leader to be self-motivated as well as thoughtful, considerate, and approachable. It is essential to become an expert in your industry and company and to also become accomplished in leadership. I believe in creating an open-door policy and providing all employees the opportunity to visit with thoughts, questions, or concerns. I would advise any new leader to continually "sharpen the saw." I do that by reading books on leadership, watching TedTalks, and reading blogs by influential thinkers. I'm also a collector of motivational quotes. I believe strongly in the power of positive thinking and goal-directed behavior. In our office, we reinforce this with visual displays such as our "Inspiration Hall," which is filled with over 150 quotes that inspire and motivate employees and visitors. 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 in creating a growth-oriented, positive culture and leading my team and the company to meet goals and achieve success. I also know how important it is to create an engaging and positive work culture with integrity, from the top down. Creating and maintaining a positive culture and hiring the best people is imperative. I am truly grateful for my employees, eagerly welcoming new employees aboard and celebrating performance, milestones, and anniversaries. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? Team processes and systems are far more important than individual heroics, as team processes and systems are repeatable and scalable. Creating processes and systems and training our team members to implement them with excellence created the foundation that Propelled Brands is built upon. The team mentality and reliance on strong processes and systems are infused into everything we do. Our philosophy of franchise support is to, first and foremost, improve franchise profitability; then, increase average unit sales; continually work to increase the value of the brand, both by outstanding marketing and increasing the number of locations; successfully sell and open franchises and get them to ramp quickly; and increase already- high franchisee satisfaction. What has made you successful? What do you value? In my reading, studying, and the mentoring I received, I came to understand that there are 5 common characteristics of all highly successful people, and that all 5 are learned skills. These five common characteristics are a positive mental attitude, goal- directed behavior, self-motivation, a sense of urgency, and never stopping learning. I work to improve at least one of them every day. If I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I know it's up to me to get myself in the right frame of mind with a positive mindset. I do something every day to achieve my goals. I work hard to keep learning and to build upon my skill set. 20 | October 2023

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26. Kange Kaneene Vice President SAP.iO 26 | October 2023

27. A Tech Expert Believing in Equal Opportunities K software. Right now, her main goal is to make SAP's ecosystem grow by helping new and creative startups. She really cares about making sure everyone has the same chances in life, and she works hard for it through education, supporting new businesses, and helping people who have been in trouble before get back on their feet. ange Kaneene is the Vice President at SAP.iO. She is both a computer scientist and has an MBA, and she knows a lot about enterprise As an adult, I have lived in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Singapore, and I currently live in Brooklyn, New York. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? During high school, I spent a lot of time with my friends on AOL Messenger. My father mistook my obsession for an actual interest in computers and suggested that I study computer science. I followed his advice and majored in it at the University of Michigan. It was a grueling curriculum, but I still found time to have fun and I made great lifelong friends while I was there. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Kange Kaneene: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. Instead of working as a software engineer, I accepted a job with Manhattan Associates, a tech consulting company. I was based in Atlanta and worked with clients such as Vera Bradley. After two years, I decided that consulting was not my lifelong career, and I began to explore what I needed to do to get accepted to the business school of my choice. I reviewed applications, found my gaps, and made sure to correct them over the next year. After three years at Manhattan Associates, I left to pursue my MBA at NYU Stern School of Business. My friends and family call me a connector because it gives me great joy to bring people together. For example, I have planned large scale events in Portugal, Morocco, Martha's Vineyard, and many dinner parties at my apartment. I have a passion for diversity and creating equally distributed access to opportunity. I am so proud of what we are doing at SAP.iO to support representation in SAP.iO's portfolio. In addition, I am an angel investor with Pipeline Angels, a group of female investors who invest in female founders. I am a mentor for entrepreneurs as a volunteer for Defy Ventures, a non- profit organization that invests in founders who are currently or formerly incarcerated. Finally, I am chair of the public charter school board for KIPP NYC, a network of public charter schools that focuses on education parity. I picked NYU because of its collaborative, team- oriented culture. While there, I decided I wanted to join a tech company that had a rotational program as well as an international footprint. SAP reached out to me, and they matched my criteria. After the rotational program, I wanted to work in their corporate strategy department, and I basically wore the Chief Strategy Officer down until he hired me. When my program was over, he offered me a full-time job. After 18 months, the Chief Revenue Officer was looking for an apprentice, and the Chief Strategy Officer recommended me. That was a life changing job that included global travel and a front- row seat to how decisions are made. After two and a half years, I did some assignments in Asia (Singapore and Tokyo) and then moved to New York to work in business development roles. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit. At SAP, I founded the Black Employee Network (BEN), which has since scaled to 3 continents and 15 chapters with 6K+ members, including allies. Finally, at the University of Michigan, I co-founded Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (gEECS) in response to the decreasing number of women in technical disciplines. The organization has since spread to other universities and is funded by iconic organizations such as Microsoft and Goldman Sachs. While working in business development, my boss worldsleaders.com | 27

28. wanted to do an acquisition and asked me to do a market scan. I loved getting to speak to the heads of different companies and set the goal of working with startups and scaleups full time. I started going to demo days and pitch competitions and asking a lot of questions. In short, I got the venture bug. I started angel investing and VC scouting with a specific focus on underrepresented founders. In parallel, my former boss, SAP's Chief Strategy Officer, started SAP.iO (SAP's global startup ecosystem) and asked me to mentor some of the startups in the portfolio. I quickly gained a rapport with the entire SAP.iO team and was later recruited to lead SAP.iO North America, which later launched in Latin America and the Caribbean as well. I am extremely grateful for the career I have had so far. From my parents' blueprint of following curiosity, I've fashioned a career and life out of my passions, which include solving big problems, building strong relationships, and traveling the world. I never thought AOL Messenger could have led to such wonderful adventures. I look forward to continuing to identify winning start-ups and helping them grow and succeed. several stages of evolution and has transitioned away from an umbrella including a corporate venture fund, venture studio, and intrapreneurship program and is exclusively focused on an external startup accelerator. However, today we are proud to say there is no other corporate startup accelerator in the world like SAP.iO. As a startup in the enterprise software space with a direct sales model, acquiring large brands as customers is uniquely challenging. Understanding the buying organization for startups to sell into and then getting in contact with the specific decision-maker within the organization is a significant barrier. Furthermore, if startups are lucky enough to secure meetings with the correct decision-maker, the sales cycles are painfully long—sometimes 6–18 months. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? SAP is the largest enterprise software company in the world, and is SAP's external startup accelerator. SAP.iO SAP.iO started in 2017 and was designed to be SAP's inclusive startup ecosystem. The team has been through On the other hand, SAP has massive scale and is trusted by 450K+ customers globally, including 92% of the Forbes Global 2,000 companies. Still, SAP has opportunities to 28 | October 2023

29. innovate further beyond its portfolio to add the most value for its customers. Therefore, at SAP.iO, we believe SAP technology paired with the power of startup innovation amplifies the value we can bring to the world. Here is how it works: First, the SAP.iO team goes out into the market and curates the most innovative and relevant startups that complement SAP's solution portfolio and meet the needs of its customers. Then SAP and the startups go to market together with a revenue share. This process generates a triple win. 1) Startups can leverage SAP's existing relationships with some of the largest enterprises in the world and secure revenue contracts. Again, this is extremely difficult for startups to do on their own. Furthermore, SAP.iO is non-dilutive, so it does not take equity in startups, invest, or charge a fee. 2) Customers are introduced to cutting edge technology that is easily consumable and integrated into the SAP solution(s) they are already implementing. 3) SAP delivers optimal value to its customers as a true innovation partner. People are the most important contribution to a company's culture. Establishing an environment where people feel valued and have opportunities to grow yields the most success. Since its inception in 2017, SAP.iO has already realized fantastic success. SAP.iO is spread across 11 innovation hubs around the world with 525+ portfolio companies. To date, 7K+ interactions have been made between SAP.iO portfolio companies and SAP customers. 44% of the portfolio is managed or led by underrepresented individuals (defined as individuals whose share of venture capital in the technology sector is disproportionate to the region where they live). That 44% surpasses or ties the rest of the portfolio on key metrics: number of exits and unicorns, amount of venture capital raised, and likelihood to progress a partnership with SAP. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? We know when we have found the most innovative startups when SAP's large customers are dying to work with them. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? I think it depends on the group. What are your responsibilities as the VP of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? What has made you successful? What do you value? The only unit of measure for my success is my ability to create and maintain meaningful relationships. People have opened doors for me when they feel confident about my professional capabilities and ability to lead with empathy, do the right thing, and be a collaborative team member. As the VP of SAP.iO North and Latin America, I am responsible for three foundries: New York, San Francisco, and Latin America and the Caribbean. I have seven people on my team that run the day-to-day operations of each. I spend most of my time managing the team, generating partnerships with venture capital firms, attending entrepreneur ecosystem events, public speaking, and uplifting startups. 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? What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? SAP.iO is differentiated because it is non-dilutive and focused on revenue generating business development. Be transparent about activities happening within the team and be vulnerable (when appropriate) about things happening in your personal life. This helps to build trust and also inspires your team to be open with you. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? worldsleaders.com | 29

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36. Kimblee Kimblee Shelley Shelley K K A Proficient HR Leader with Passion for Empowering Women Kimberlee Shelley is a seasoned branch manager with a track record of accomplishments in the staffing and recruitment sector. She possesses strong company growth and customer service abilities, as well as a love for the community and encouraging others. She is proficient in executive search, HR policies, management, leadership, and interviewing. 36 | October 2023

37. Kimberlee Shelley Branch Manager / Advisor, Stakeholder Rela?ons Universal Staffing Inc/ Office Graham McGregor – MPP Brampton North worldsleaders.com | 37

38. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? Company culture may be the most complex aspect of running a business. There are an almost endless number of variables to consider when trying to get a group of people to work together in a way that has a positive impact on people's lives and consistently produces great results. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Kimberlee Shelley: Relations with the Office of Graham McGregor – Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Brampton North. Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I'm an author, community and political activist, speaker, and HR professional. Based on my professional accomplishments and community work, I've had the honour of receiving several awards, including She is the recipient of several awards, including: What has made you successful? What do you value? I think what has made me successful is working hard, maintaining focus, paying it forward, setting goals and having something that grounds me, and for me, that's my faith. 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? For over 20 years Universal Staffing has been giving people the opportunity to find their calling. In order to make the biggest, positive impact on company culture in the least amount of time, it is essential for leaders to identify and focus on the most important element of the organization's culture. * Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) Business Person of The Year * RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award * CIBWE TOP 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH * BRAMPTON TOP 40 UNDER 40 I was also honoured with a bench located at Humber College (North Campus) in 2021. Beyond that, I'm a people person and very outgoing and adventurous. I value my family. I'm passionate about my faith and my community. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ At the most basic level, an effective company culture is one in which people work well together to achieve a common goal. Specializing in connecting candidates with opportunities where they can excel, whether temporary, contract or permanent, Universal Staffing provides effective staffing solutions across a broad range of industries. This has resulted in the utmost satisfaction for both employees and customers. We have achieved these results by understanding our customers' core business and their reasons for using a staffing agency. This has allowed us to cater our services to each and every customer, satisfying their staffing needs and requirements. We have also assisted each applicant in finding work that is both financially and personally rewarding to them. Ÿ Ÿ There is no question that company culture is just as important as strategy, if not more important. These are the principles to adhere to. £ £ What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Innovative ideas are significant in a company because it's how you implement new business ideas successfully. Innovating allows us to improve our existing products, processes, and methodologies, as well as create new ones from scratch. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? Prior to branch managing Universal Staffing, I did schooling in paralegal education, did some pro-bono work, and I worked in two separate staffing companies, the first as HR administrator, the second as staffing consultant, and later as senior consultant and account manager. As sis from that, I did lots of community work, served on several boards, worked with grass-root organisations and different levels of government to champion issues surrounding racism, equity, women's empowerment and religious freedoms. Universal Staffing thrives on challenges. Whatever your requirements, we'll work with you to customize a solution that fits perfectly with your needs. We've used a number of approaches to introduce something new. Each model involves innovating a different aspect of the organization. The 3 most common ones are : Ÿ Revenue-model innovation Ÿ Business-model innovation Ÿ Industry-model innovation Whether you're a job-seeker looking to join a close-knit team that's passionate about providing great service or an employer in need of experienced and motivated help without delay, we're ready to exceed your expectations of what a staffing service can do for you. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? In addition to being branch manager at Universal Staffing, I recently acquired a new role as Advisor, Stakeholder 38 | October 2023

39. Every organization is different and both are used across industries. However, while I've experienced the benefit of some individual heroics, I prefer to focus on processes and systems as this builds a truly scalable business. What are your responsibilities as the Branch Manager of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? As branch manager, there are a number of things I'm responsible for, but in a nutshell, I maintain the overall operations of the office, do day-to-day management of internal, train and orient all new staff as needed, and implement policies and procedures for all staff accordingly. Additionally, maintain an effective balance of time spent on people and business development, maintaining positive employee morale and relationships with clients. The happiest part of my routine would have to be being able to make an impact on individuals' lives by providing them with a shop so they can support their families and sustain themselves. It's even more rewarding to see them progress and evolve into different roles. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Let me start by saying that stepping into a leadership role is one of the most courageous decisions in one's career. That said, I would say remain humble, be open to learning, and remember that a good leader is a good listener. Additionally, they follow: 1. Adopt a growth mindset 2. Build rapport with everyone you can 3. Start one on ones with your team right away 4. Master the art of managing up 5. Get to know your peers 6. Look for some quick wins Finally, know that no one is immune to facing new challenges New leaders must understand the problems, identify what needs to be done now, and how they can impact the organization. worldsleaders.com | 39

40. Monieka Khanna Head Strategy & Business Development SIPL Group 40 | October 2023

41. Monieka Khanna Demonstrating Strong Leadership and Management Skills to Succeed in Different Sectors M Monieka Khanna is the Head of Strategy and Business Development at SIPL Group, Gurgaon. Along with the education sector, she expanded into the healthcare, hospitality, and infrastructure sectors. In a short period of time, she opened a Cloud Kitchen, a unique healthcare clinic in Gurgaon, and a resort where families can spend their weekends. She is skilled in the setting up of startup schools, educational technology, budgeting, planning, public speaking, market analysis, management, and marketing. worldsleaders.com | 41

42. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Monieka Khanna: education vertical, I was hired and then stayed and still a part of their entire group activities. have also worked on strategizing and boosting SIPL's hotel and hospitality ventures. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? As a choreographer, performer, teacher, and production manager for the past 18 years, I have attained a lot of knowledge in the fields of events and media. Taking all these further, I utilized my creative knowledge and practical exposure skillfully and efficiently and became a part of school organizations to achieve individual as well as the organization's goals and objectives, and I grew with them. Skilled in setting up start-up schools, educational technology, Budget Planning, Public Speaking, Market analysis, management, and marketing. When this group was opening their Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? SIPL is primarily an infrastructure company. I joined the firm as an education consultant around six years ago when they were venturing into education and wanted to open their school. From marketing and HR operations to hiring teachers and the principal and working on admission targets, I set up the school's operation from scratch. Impressed with my strategy and operation, the firm moved me to its corporate office. I have also worked on setting up the firm's operations in the healthcare sector, which includes setting up the firm's medical centers, hiring doctors, and much more. During the pandemic, I Currently, as the Strategy Head of Subash Infraengineers, I take care of the entire marketing, strategize the budgeting, and make the necessary calls regarding the position and presence of various verticals of the firm and the necessary steps required. I have a team of professionals under me whom I have trained myself, helping me with all the tasks. Our digital marketing team is responsible for both online and offline marketing and budgeting for the firm's operations. What has made you successful? What do you value? My strongest asset is my ability to maintain relationships and collaborate. I value my team and ensure a happy 42 | October 2023

43. environment is created so that we all work positively towards achieving personal and organizational goals. and make the necessary calls regarding the position and presence of various verticals of the firm and the necessary steps required. I have a team of professionals under me whom I have trained myself, helping me with all the tasks. Our digital marketing team is responsible for both online and offline marketing and budgeting for the firm's operations. My main goal is to figure out how we can promote our brand and collaborate with other companies to make our presence known. Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? The company has marked its presence in various sectors like infrastructure, hospitality, health care, education, and various other land and water conservation projects. SIPL is constantly striving to achieve our future goals by adhering to the highest quality standards and adhering to our delivery schedule with our client commitment. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? I strongly believe that you have to diversify yourself, explore, and learn from it. You are the result of what you say and perceive. Keep striving for hard work and never stop. We should not be satisfied with the knowledge we have; we should discuss it with our team and give them the chance to bring out new concepts and give them the responsibility to take their idea forward. 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 entire team at SIPL is exposed to a very positive and inspiring work culture that promotes trust and respect for each member of the team. SIPL, also strongly emphasizes women's empowerment. Competitive pay packages, ensuring job security, effective and transparent management, and fast-tracked career growth opportunities help give equal opportunities to all and maintain a healthy environment and culture for all. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Establishing a rich culture that leads to success, whether in a small or large company, is not easy.But what's more difficult than that is sustaining that success. Herein comes into play the significance of innovative ideas that not only put any organization on the map but also helped it sustain itself for a long time. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? Though many organizations focus on individual heroics where the name and face of the organization are prominent and easy for people to relate to, what's going on inside the team or in the area where the real work is being done is never clear. I strongly feel that if our process is strong and clear, any team can do wonders. In this case, rather than putting on a heroic face, we should try to support and lift each team member so that we can all grow stronger together. What are your responsibilities as the Head Strategy Business Development of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? Currently, as the Strategy Head of Subhash Infraengineers, I take care of the entire marketing, strategize the budgeting, worldsleaders.com | 43

46. In the dynamic world of business and philanthropy, one name stands out as a true powerhouse: Rana Florida, the Chief Executive Officer of the Creative Class Group. With a diverse range of accomplishments and an impressive list of clients, Rana has become a prominent figure in her field. At the Creative Class Group, Rana excels in managing new business development, marketing, consulting, research, and global operations. Her expertise has attracted renowned clients such as Meta (WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram), BMW, Converse, IBM, Cirque du Soleil, Audi, Zappos, and Starwood Hotels, among many others. Rana Florida Rana Florida Leading the Way in Business and Philanthropy 46 | October 2023

47. A Trailblazer's Journey Rana's journey to success began after earning her MBA. She quickly rose through the ranks, assuming various roles for Fortune 100 companies in corporate strategy, communications, and marketing. Notably, she served as the Vice President of Marketing for HMSHost, the world's largest airport developer, and as the VP of Corporate Communications for Feld Entertainment, the proud owner of Disney on Ice, Disney Live! and the Doodlebops. Her entrepreneurial spirit alongside her husband, famed urbanist Richard Florida they co-founded and launched CityLab, the preeminent digital platform on urbanism, for The Atlantic. This groundbreaking initiative later caught the attention of Bloomberg, which acquired it. In this collaboration, Rana played a pivotal role in organizing events and programming for The Aspen Ideas Institute and Bloomberg. Rana's ability to articulate ideas and share insights has resulted in her contributing dozens of articles to esteemed publications like Fast Company, Inc.com, the Huffington Post, and The Miami Herald. Her writing prowess includes captivating interviews and profiles of influential figures such as President Bill Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama, Tennis star Andre Agassi, Grammy Award winning artist Nelly Furtado, and Fashion Designer Tory Burch. Furthermore, her expertise has been sought after for on-air business analysis on major platforms like The Today Show and MSNBC's The Cycle. From Knowledge Seeker to Collaborative Visionary Rana has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, always seeking to learn as much as possible. She believes that work is more enjoyable when approached collaboratively, with a spirit of discovery rather than a task-oriented mindset. Surrounding herself with interesting and creative people, both inside and outside of work, brings her immense joy. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Rana's work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Vogue Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Market Watch, CNN, and The Globe and Mail. Her business book, "Upgrade—Taking Your Work and Life from Ordinary to Extraordinary," garnered critical acclaim and was selected as an Editor's Pick at The Globe and Mail. Her husband, Richard Florida, is a world renowned cities expert, speaker, and professor. He advises cities worldwide on economic growth strategies, drawing from his bestselling book, "The Rise of the Creative Class." When BMW approached Richard to feature his ideas in a commercial, Rana saw the perfect opportunity to expand their venture in Washington DC, the Creative Class Group, into a full-service consulting, research, and strategy firm. Beyond her remarkable professional achievements, Rana dedicates herself to philanthropy and public service. She actively participates in renowned organizations, including the United Nations Global Network on Digital Technologies and Sustainable Urbanization, Best Buddies Canada, The Olympics Committee for the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association, and Silver Art Projects in the World Trade Center, among others. worldsleaders.com | 47

48. Rana's commitment to making a difference extends to various cultural and artistic endeavors. She contributes to organizations such as The National Ballet of Canada, St. Mike's Hospital Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit, the Luminato Festival, Le Miami, The Design–Exchange, the Isabella Blow Foundation, Girls E Mentorship, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Let Grow, the Council for International Visitors, and The Founders Junior Council of the Detroit Institute of Arts. globe. Additionally, they identified the most creative neighborhoods for Cirque du Soleil to showcase their performances. Collaborating with Le Méridien Hotels, alongside Chef Jean Georges and other creative professionals, Richard and Ranaserved as Le Méridien 100 members, an advisory group dedicated to enhancing the overall guest experience. The Creative Class Group also provided valuable insights to property developer Edens for their Union Market project in Washington DC and supported Air Canada's Growth of Cities campaign. Elevating Value through Collaborative Partnerships Rana asserts, “We worked with Converse to help position their Jack Purcell brand to the entrepreneurial Creative Class. From Sibiu, Romania to Dubai to Singapore, our clients span the globe.” Rana considers Creative Class Group's clients as experts in their respective fields and actively partners with them to enhance their value. The team has had the privilege of collaborating with pioneering companies worldwide, including Microsoft and Zappos. They assisted BMW in the successful launch of their Ideas Class ad campaign and provided guidance to Starwood Hotels on measuring creativity at various locations across the Creative Class Group's clients share a common ethos of creativity embedded in their DNA. Currently, the company is working closely with META to quantify the economic impacts of the new Creator Economy. Gaining a Competitive Edge in the Knowledge Economy According to Rana, innovative ideas and knowledge allow individuals, organizations, and societies to stay ahead of the curve and gain a competitive edge. By constantly exploring new concepts, technologies, and approaches, they can differentiate themselves from competitors and adapt to changing market demands. Innovative individuals and organizations embrace change, rebound from disruption, and seize new opportunities for entrepreneurship, and new ways of living and working. Their ideas and knowledge contribute to the development of the new ideas and business models that drive economic growth. The Creative Class Group has a trove of proprietary data on the Creative Class and global trends. It can measure anything from centers of innovation and creativity to venture capital investments and real estate trends. Breaking Boundaries Rana has always held the belief that Creative Class Group swims upstream, challenging traditional business norms. 48 | October 2023

49. The company has never considered office environments or mandatory attendance as crucial to their culture or productivity. In fact, it has been a fully-remote company long before the term became widely known. The approach is simple: the company seeks out the brightest minds in their field and extends an invitation for collaboration, regardless of their location. The team encompasses individuals residing in various places, such as Brooklyn, Washington DC, Miami Beach, New York, Portland, Detroit, or Mexico City. What truly matters to the Creative Class Group are the insights and knowledge contributed by their team members, rather than whether they adhere to strict work hours or occupy cubicles. A Forward-Thinking CEO Rana holds a firm conviction that organizations prioritizing collaboration ultimately emerge as winners. Collaboration brings together individuals possessing diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, resulting in a collective synergy that surpasses their individual contributions. Through collaboration, the process of decision-making becomes a collective endeavor, where various viewpoints and expertise are taken into account. This approach minimizes the influence of biases, fosters critical thinking, and ultimately leads to the attainment of high-quality outcomes. Rochelle de Goias-Jackman Founder, Board Co-Chair of Girls E Mentorship (GEM) As a CEO, Rana takes great pleasure in engaging in collaboration and deriving knowledge from the most innovative organizations worldwide. Unlocking Success Rana's advice to individuals stepping into a leadership position for the first time is to recognize that being the smartest person in the room is not a prerequisite. Instead, it is crucial to surround oneself with intelligent individuals and provide them with the autonomy necessary to lead effectively. Rana emphasizes the importance of being both a learner and a leader, embracing a mindset of continuous growth and seeking knowledge from others. By fostering a collaborative and an empowering environment, new leaders can leverage the collective intelligence of their team and drive success. Richard and Rana Florida for the Na?onal Ballet worldsleaders.com | 49

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