The 10 Most Experts Leaders in Digital transformation Creating Global Impact, 2024

1. Optimizing AI for health Enquiry:The 5 Key Ingredients Pioneering the Future:How Digital Transformation Leaders are Shaping Tomorrow The Transformative Role of Digital Innovators in Driving Worldwide Impact

5. Editor in chief Robert Patrick Contents Managing Editor : Smith Collins Design Visualizer : Jack Thomas Arts & Design Director : Adam Jones Associate Designer : Erick Williams Sales Senior Sales Manager : Scott M Marketing Manager : Andrew T Sales Executive : Mark Davis Technical Victor Anderson SME- SMO Research Analyst : Henry Martinez SEO Executive : Daniel Lee Circulation Manager Alexander Nelson Follow us : www.ciobusinessworld.com

6. Editorial Note A Look at Visionary Leaders I n the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, digital transformation has emerged as a critical imperative for organizations seeking to remain competitive and relevant in the digital age. At the heart of this transformation are visionary leaders who possess the foresight, strategic acumen, and innovative spirit to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and drive meaningful change within their organizations. Digital transformation encompasses a wide array of initiatives aimed at leveraging digital technologies to revolutionize business processes, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. From the adoption of cloud computing and big data analytics to the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine

7. learning, organizations are harnessing the power of digital technologies to transform virtually every aspect of their operations. Central to the success of any digital transformation initiative is strong leadership that can inspire change, drive innovation, and foster a culture of agility and adaptability. Visionary leaders understand the importance of embracing digital disruption as an opportunity rather than a threat, and they are adept at navigating the complexities of digital transformation to unlock new value and drive sustainable growth. These leaders recognize that digital transformation is not just about implementing new technologies but also about reimagining business processes, reshaping organizational structures, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation and learning. They understand that success in the digital age requires a holistic approach that encompasses technology, people, processes, and culture. One of the key challenges facing organizations on their digital transformation journey is the need to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape while also addressing legacy systems and entrenched ways of thinking. Visionary leaders are adept at overcoming these challenges by fostering a culture of experimentation, embracing risk-taking, and encouraging collaboration and cross- functional teamwork. Moreover, visionary leaders understand that digital transformation is not a one- time event but rather an ongoing journey of continuous improvement and adaptation. They are committed to staying ahead of the curve by investing in emerging technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and staying attuned to evolving customer needs and market trends. In addition to driving internal transformation within their organizations, visionary leaders also play a crucial role in shaping the broader digital ecosystem. They collaborate with industry partners, technology vendors, and other stakeholders to drive innovation, share best practices, and shape industry standards and regulations. Ultimately, digital transformation is about more than just adopting new technologies—it's about fundamentally reimagining how businesses operate, how they engage with customers, and how they create value in a digital-first world. Visionary leaders are at the forefront of this transformation, leading the charge to unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and create a brighter future for their organizations and industries as a whole. In the pages that follow, we will explore the stories and strategies of these visionary leaders, shedding light on their insights, challenges, and successes in driving global digital transformation. Join us as we celebrate the pioneers who are shaping the future of business in the digital age.

8. Cover Story 10 Susant Mallick

9. ARTICLE 20 26 36 Optimizing AI for health Enquiry: The 5 Key Ingredients Pioneering the Future:How Digital TransformationLeaders are Shaping Tomorrow The Transformative Role of Digital Innovators in Driving Worldwide Impact CXO 22 28 32 38 AI: How engaging with schools is key to the future talent pipeline Emerging Technologies, Revolutions and Crises in the Business Environment Navigating the Intersection of Emerging Technologies, Revolutions, and Crises in Business and Education Top Digital Technologies Shaping Retail in 2024

10. SUSANT SUSANT MALLICK MALLICK Unleashing Innovation at CloudHub with Susant Mallick 10

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12. S usant Mallick's initiative, CloudHub, indeed appears to be a pioneering platform that harnesses cutting-edge technologies like Cloud Computing and Generative AI, or AI/ML, to revolutionize user and business experiences. With a strong focus on data science and data engineering expertise, the organization is empowering organizations by unleashing the power of data and providing actionable insights for business leaders. Susant's forward-thinking approach in founding CloudHub not only drives innovation but also equips individuals and companies with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. By fostering continuous growth for organizations through data-driven solutions, CloudHub is playing a significant role in shaping the future of the tech industry. Overall, Susant's contributions through CloudHub are undoubtedly meaningful, as they pave the way for transformative advancements in technology and enable businesses to stay competitive in the digital age. 12

13. Today CloudHub is impacting the fields of Machine Learning, Generative AI, Data Modernization, and Digital Transformation. Embracing opportunities for rapid learning and improvement, Susant fosters a mindset of continuous innovation. The emphasis has always been on continuous talent development, introducing new perspectives and skills to meet evolving client demands. months or years to just days. An Enterprise Data Platform (EDP) provides a comprehensive solution for efficiently managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets. By consolidating data ingestion, storage, processing, and analytics into a unified platform, organizations can expedite their data initiatives. This agile data management approach facilitates quicker decision-making, boosts operational efficiency, and enables businesses to promptly derive actionable insights from their data assets. Pioneering Innovation and Efficiency in the Digital Landscape CloudHub's DataCube empowers organizations to leverage advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities, driving innovation, gaining competitive advantage, and fueling growth in today's data-driven landscape. Discover the future of data management with DataCube, integrating advanced analytics, machine learning deployment, data mesh, and data enrichment to transform data complexity into clear, actionable insights. Susant Mallick's visionary leadership as the Founder & CEO of CloudHub BV has positioned the company as a powerhouse in the digital landscape. His commitment to efficiency, client-centric approach, and a team of experienced professionals from industry giants have propelled CloudHub to offer cutting-edge services in Cloud and Data Engineering, Generative AI, Security, and Compliance. Automated Compliance Solution (CompQ): Building end to end automated continuous compliance solution for regulated industry. With a delivery model promising 2-3X faster value, the company is not just thriving but setting new standards in the competitive realms of Cloud Solutions, IT Staffing, IT Training, and In-House Projects. His leadership underscores innovation, security, and transformative business solutions, making the organization a leader in the ever-evolving tech industry. The Automated Compliance Solution (CompQ) is a comprehensive system designed to streamline and automate the compliance processes within regulated industries such as healthcare and banking. By leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA). It streamline the compliance need with state-of-the-art compliance automation and proactive threat scanning. It automates Infrastructure Qualification, Operational and Performance Qualification, cloud application validation, access insights within minutes, and expedite your go-to-market strategy. By implementing CompQ, organizations can mitigate compliance risks, improve regulatory oversight, and achieve greater agility in responding to evolving regulatory landscapes. Predictive Maintenance - Building a sophisticated predictive maintenance & Sustainability platform using AI/ML Leveraging AI/ML, predictive maintenance is transforming asset management by proactively forecasting and preventing equipment failures. Analyzing extensive real- time datasets enables organizations to identify subtle patterns and anomalies, facilitating timely intervention and optimized maintenance schedules. This proactive approach minimizes unplanned downtime, lowers maintenance costs, and prolongs asset lifespan, enhancing reliability, efficiency, and safety. Seamlessly integrating with current systems, predictive maintenance provides actionable insights and recommendations, fostering continuous improvement and competitive advantage in today's dynamic business environment. Vision for CloudHub IT Solutions in Digital Transformation Under the leadership of Susant Mallick CloudHub IT Solutions positions itself as a key player in digital transformation, empowering clients to navigate Business As Usual (BAU) operations while embracing disruptive themes for sustained market leadership. With a strategic focus on becoming a leading end-to-end solutions provider, CloudHub excels in cloud & data engineering services across diverse horizontal and vertical segments. Distinguished by its commitment to building and operating enterprise data platform, CloudHub covers critical areas DataCube to accelerate the deployment of Enterprise Data Platform in days instead of months or year. The DataCube accelerates the deployment of Enterprise Data Platforms, condensing implementation time from 13 www.ciobusinessworld.com

14. such as Data Science, Data Engineering, Data Analytics, Data Governance, Predictive & prescriptive analytics. Susant's leadership underscores a dedication to enabling transformation through services in Mobility, Cloud, and Security, emphasizing meeting business SLAs and enhancing the end user experience. such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing. CloudHub aims to leverage these technologies to revolutionize the way of doing business and reduce the overhead cost. 2. Data Engineering & Data Science Automation and robotics take center stage in enhancing operational efficiency under Susant's leadership. By automating routine tasks, these technologies enable human resources to focus on strategic and creative aspects, fostering a culture of innovation. CloudHub IT Solutions, guided by Susant's vision, aims to leverage its extensive scale and global reach to broaden its portfolio. The company envisions offering high-value and innovative end-to-end solutions in both IT and outsourced business segments, marking significant progress in the dynamic tech industry. In summary, guided by Susant leadership, CloudHub IT Solutions foresees the integration of these technologies driving efficiency, innovation, and redefining business models. The company is poised to lead the way, paving the path for a more interconnected and digitally transformed future across various industries. As a technology evangelist for Digital Transformation, Susant foresees the profound impact of key advancements on various industries: Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence CloudHub offers cutting-edge cloud infrastructure solutions designed to optimize performance, scalability, and reliability for businesses of all sizes. Leveraging advanced cloud technologies and best practices, CloudHub streamlines the deployment, management, and integration of cloud-based applications and services, empowering organizations to achieve greater agility, cost-efficiency, and innovation in today's digital landscape. CloudHub, under Susant's guidance, underscores the transformative potential of data analytics and AI, empowering industries to extract meaningful insights and drive informed decision-making. 1. Predictive analytics, powered by AI, becomes a strategic focus, enhancing forecasting accuracy and optimizing resource utilization for clients. Nurturing Innovation and Client Success through Core Values 2. Internet of Things (IoT): Susant and his team at CloudHub recognize the significance of IoT in fostering seamless communication and connectivity among devices. The company envisions the development of smart ecosystems that streamline operations and enhance productivity in manufacturing & healthcare. At CloudHub, the team comprises dedicated professionals driven by a set of core values that serve as the foundation for the company's commitment to delivering value 2X faster and driving transformative changes in businesses. A brief overview of the company's guiding principles includes: 3. Cloud Computing: Cloud solutions emerge as a cornerstone, providing scalable and flexible infrastructure. Susant emphasizes the role of these solutions in supporting rapid innovation and ensuring cost-effective operations for clients. 1. Expertise and Experience CloudHub boasts a team of seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds and extensive experience in industry giants such as Amazon and Microsoft. This collective expertise is leveraged to provide comprehensive solutions across Cloud, Data Engineering, Security, and compliance. The company, under his leadership, anticipates the transformative power of cloud-based tools in enabling remote collaboration and enhancing agility in responding to market dynamics. 2. Client-Centric Approach CloudHub prioritizes its clients, adopting a client-centric approach in all aspects of its work. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of clients are fundamental to the company's strategy, ensuring client success is at the forefront of all endeavors. 1. Generative AI Susant anticipates the immersive experiences created by GenAI technologies, particularly in impacting industries 14

15. 3. Efficiency and Innovation Efficiency is a cornerstone of CloudHub's values, evident in the commitment to delivering value 2X faster. The company fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging the team to think creatively and proactively contribute to solutions that push boundaries in the digital landscape. 5. Foster a Hackathon Approach: Embrace a "hackathon mentality" when tackling problems, advocating for swift, collaborative, and creative solutions to overcome challenges in the tech industry. Pioneering Excellence with Accelerated Solutions 4. Agility and Adaptability In the fast-paced and ever-evolving tech landscape, agility and adaptability are key to CloudHub's success. The team responds quickly to changes, staying ahead of technological advancements and market trends to provide cutting-edge solutions. Accelerated Value Delivery Commitment: CloudHub stands out by pledging to deliver value 2-3X faster, providing clients with swift and effective solutions. Ÿ Strategic Industry Insight: CloudHub benefits from the expertise of seasoned professionals from Amazon and Microsoft, enriching the company with strategic industry perspectives for specialized services. Ÿ 5. Transparency and Integrity CloudHub operates with transparency and integrity, fostering trust with clients. The commitment to ethical business practices ensures that clients can rely on the team for openness, honesty, and integrity in all interactions. Tailored Solutions for Clients: CloudHub's client- centric approach extends beyond conventional offerings, crafting solutions that specifically address each client's unique needs, nurturing enduring partnerships. Ÿ 6. Continuous Learning and Development CloudHub places a high value on continuous learning and development, both at an individual and organizational level. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that the team remains at the forefront of industry knowledge and can adapt to emerging technologies. By upholding these principles, CloudHub aims not only to meet but to exceed the expectations of its clients, positioning itself as a reliable and innovative leader in the digital landscape. Culture of Continuous Learning: CloudHub places a strong emphasis on ongoing talent development, ensuring its team remains at the forefront, bringing fresh perspectives and skills to meet evolving client requirements. Ÿ Quality Beyond Standards: CloudHub is unwavering in its commitment to quality, surpassing industry benchmarks to provide clients not only with services but also with high-quality, dependable solutions. Ÿ Innovative Leadership Wisdom Comprehensive End-to-End Solutions: CloudHub aims to be the premier end-to-end solutions provider, offering a comprehensive suite of services covering infrastructure cost management, cloud, data engineering, and security. Ÿ 1. Iterate Swiftly, Learn More Rapidly: Embrace setbacks as valuable opportunities for swift earning and growth, fostering a mindset of continuous innovation and improvement. 2. Enhance Emotional Intelligence: Acknowledge the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, adeptly understanding and managing emotions to cultivate robust, collaborative teams. How Amazon and Microsoft Veterans Drive Innovation at CloudHub The wealth of experience brought by former employees from esteemed companies like Amazon and Microsoft plays a pivotal role in enhancing CloudHub's client-centric approach and delivering innovative solutions. This expertise manifests in various ways: 3. Embrace an Attitude of Experimentation: Foster an attitude of experimentation, promoting a culture where calculated risks are welcomed, nurturing a spirit of innovation and ongoing enhancement. 1. Deep Industry Knowledge Professionals with a background in major tech companies offer profound insights into industry intricacies. This knowledge is instrumental in understanding trends, best 4. Leadership Driven by Purpose: Align your leadership style with a sense of purpose, linking your efforts to a broader mission to inspire and energize your teams. 15 www.ciobusinessworld.com

16. practices, and emerging technologies, aligning CloudHub's solutions with the dynamic needs of clients. adaptability to change. This quality is essential in ensuring that CloudHub remains agile and responsive to shifts in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. 10. Leadership and Mentorship Former tech giant employees bring strong leadership skills and mentorship abilities. This contributes to the overall professional development and cohesion of the CloudHub team. In summary, the expertise of professionals with backgrounds at Amazon and Microsoft enriches CloudHub's capabilities, ensuring a client-centric approach and the delivery of cutting-edge solutions by drawing on industry knowledge, best practices, innovation, and a customer- focused mindset. 2. Best Practices from Tech Giants Having ex-employees of tech giants brings access to industry-leading practices and methodologies. CloudHub benefits from adopting proven approaches in solution development, project management, and service delivery. 3. Technological Innovation Former Amazon and Microsoft employees, exposed to cutting-edge technologies, infuse CloudHub with innovation. This expertise drives the company to offer state- of-the-art solutions, keeping it at the forefront of technological advancements. Quotes and Highlights 4. Robust Project Management Experience gained in large-scale organizations provides exposure to robust project management methodologies. CloudHub's projects benefit from effective planning, execution, and delivery, ensuring timely and within-scope outcomes. 1. Visionary Leadership: - "Susant Mallick's visionary leadership drives CloudHub towards unprecedented heights, where innovation meets excellence." - "In the dynamic tech landscape, Susant Mallick stands as a beacon of visionary leadership, guiding CloudHub towards pioneering achievements." 5. Customer-Centric Culture The emphasis on customer-centricity in major tech companies is ingrained in CloudHub through its experienced personnel. This mindset translates into a strong commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of CloudHub's clients. 2. Driving Innovation: - "Susant Mallick's relentless pursuit of innovation fuels CloudHub's mission to revolutionize the digital landscape." - "Innovation is not just a goal; it's a way of life at CloudHub, under the dynamic leadership of Susant Mallick." 6. Global Perspective Employees with multinational backgrounds from Amazon and Microsoft bring a global perspective to CloudHub. This is invaluable for serving diverse clients, aiding in understanding global market dynamics, compliance issues, and cultural nuances. 3. Client-Centric Approach: - "Susant Mallick's client-centric approach ensures that every solution crafted at CloudHub is tailored to exceed client expectations." - "At CloudHub, clients aren't just partners; they're the driving force behind every innovation, thanks to Susant Mallick's unwavering commitment to their success." 7. Network and Partnerships Professionals with experience at tech giants boast extensive industry networks. CloudHub leverages these connections to establish partnerships, collaborations, and access resources contributing to overall growth and success. 4. Transformative Impact: - "Susant Mallick's leadership at CloudHub is synonymous with transformative impact, reshaping industries and redefining standards." - "Through Susant Mallick's leadership, CloudHub isn't just changing the game; it's rewriting the rules of digital transformation." 8. Scalability and Reliability Insights from large-scale operations contribute to building scalable and reliable systems at CloudHub. This is particularly crucial for solutions dealing with significant data volumes, traffic, or concurrent users. 5. Continuous Learning and Growth: - "Susant Mallick's emphasis on continuous learning and 9. Adaptability to Change Experience in dynamic tech environments fosters 16

17. growth fosters a culture of innovation and excellence at CloudHub." - "At CloudHub, learning never stops, thanks to Susant Mallick's dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development." 6. Global Vision: - "Susant Mallick's global vision propels CloudHub towards becoming a key player in the international tech arena, transcending geographical boundaries." - "Under Susant Mallick's leadership, CloudHub is not just a local success story; it's a global phenomenon in the making." 7. Ethical Leadership: - "Susant Mallick's ethical leadership sets a benchmark for integrity and transparency in the tech industry, earning trust and respect from clients and peers alike." - "At CloudHub, ethical leadership isn't just a choice; it's a way of doing business, thanks to Susant Mallick's unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity." 17 www.ciobusinessworld.com

20. ARTICLE Optimizing AI for health Enquiry: The 5 Key Ingredients Human-AI collaboration can counteract bias. AI systems that combine human expertise with machine learning not only improve performance but help address algorithmic bias. Humans provide context and equity, while AI adds speed and scale. This balanced approach prevents marginalized groups from being overlooked. A rtificial intelligence (AI) holds tremendous potential to improve healthcare and public health outcomes. But if not developed thoughtfully with equity in mind, AI risks exacerbating disparities. Here are five things to know about ensuring AI promotes health equity: Diversity in data and teams enables equity. To develop equitable AI, diverse real-world data and perspectives are needed. Inclusive data collection and having representative teams involved in design, validation, and evaluation helps build sensitivity to different populations into systems. AI can reveal healthcare disparities. By analyzing large, diverse health datasets, AI systems can uncover differences in access, treatment, and outcomes across demographics that may otherwise go unnoticed. For example, an algorithm may find racial disparities in cardiac care by mining electronic health records. These insights allow targeting of solutions to disadvantaged groups. Post-deployment audits uphold fairness. Ongoing testing for discrimination and regular algorithmic impact assessments after implementation are key to ensuring AI fairness in practice. This allows prompt identification and correction of emergent biases as systems are used in changing real environments. AI models can perpetuate bias. Because AI learns from data, models trained on historically biased datasets may disproportionately misdiagnose, underserve, or negatively impact marginalized populations. Studies have found automated systems that exhibit gender and race bias. Ongoing bias monitoring and mitigation is crucial throughout development and use. The increasing use of AI in medicine holds vast potential to improve care, but thoughtfully embedding equity considerations through its development and application is crucial to truly benefitting all patients. This requires conscientious effort, but the rewards will be more informed, just, and compassionate healthcare for all. 20

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22. AI: How engaging with schools is key to the future talent pipeline T will be needed in the future, and how do we prepare our businesses for that future? Starting young he letters on all our minds are of course AI and what it means for our businesses and our technology teams. What skills Did you know that children can make career level type decisions as young as five years old? Also, between leaving primary and secondary school children's views on which careers are 'for them' continue to narrow as they are influenced by their families, communities, teachers, and peers. They then narrow again when they pick GCSEs, usually to try and match a very small number of career options. While AI might be busy revolutionising how we work, how we interact, and how we run our lives, there is one critical thing it's not going to change unless we act quickly. Right now, we are experiencing a crisis around skills gaps in digital, tech and tech adjacent roles. All research companies, recruiters, and management consultants tell us that the technology skills gap is only going to widen. Simply, more people need better digital skills and the ability to work confidently with AI as it augments and enhances their roles. How to make schools engagement part of your talent management programme A crucial but often under-developed component of strategic talent management programmes is the implementation of a volunteering scheme that works with schools to inspire new generations to join the tech workforce in the future. Not only can this create a bigger pool to recruit from, but a well-designed scheme focusing on young people from disadvantaged or under-represented groups can also create a large and diverse pipeline of previously untapped talent. It can also create a double-digit social value return on investment, not to mention engaged, confident and motivated employees. There's also a compelling need for technology and data teams to be far more diverse than they currently are. The most productive and performant businesses need to have teams that match the demographic of their customers and citizens - not just to be competitive, but also to avoid unintended negative consequences in the AI driven services being created. Despite more than 20 years of targeted interventions by progressive businesses to recruit inclusively, to create supportive environments, encourage early careers, continuous learning and 'squiggly' careers, diversity levels haven't really changed. Partnering with organisations who are trusted advisers to teachers and schools can accelerate impact both on the immediate and long-term 22

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24. talent pipeline, as well as deliver measurable social value at national and local levels in terms of addressing systemic issues such as social mobility. Your employees can: Ÿ Quickly register and undertake the required 45 minutes of training which includes safeguarding training Sustainable volunteering programmes in schools are easy to implement and manage if an educational partner like STEM Learning is used. You don't need to start from scratch. The free to use STEM Ambassadors platform has a Computing Ambassador scheme which guides and supports individuals and organisations through the volunteering process. Ÿ Get a free DBS check or share their DBS certificate if they already have one Ÿ Free access to a range of self-paced and remotely delivered training such as planning and delivery an activity, how to talk inclusively, how to engage virtually in an impactful way and many more 24

25. If more than 25 of your employees register and log at least one activity every 12 months, STEM Learning can create a data sharing agreement which will give you access to a consolidated social impact report for all the volunteering work reported by your employees on the platform. It really is that simple to generate social value impact, build a diverse future talent pipeline, help your early career employees develop key business skills - and ultimately increase both employee retention and productivity. To better represent the world we live in, we need to continue to challenge and diversify the industry. This starts in schools. Join us! employers@stem.org.uk Bio: Dr Nicki Clegg has over 30 years of experience as a technologist and 15 years as strategist and senior leader. She was a Chief Technology Officer for almost five years before deciding to focus fully on driving social mobility, diversity and inclusion in technology. She is now Industry Stakeholder Relationship Manager for STEM Learning helping deliver the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). Her role raises awareness of the NCCE and increases business engagement with schools and young people to help inspire a new and more diverse generation into careers in technology. Ÿ Free access to a digital community of other volunteers supporting each other Ÿ Free access to templated, tried and tested, impactful school activities Ÿ Free access to a 'marketplace' where teachers ask for volunteers to support them with specific asks (such as careers events or to support a competition), and where volunteers can share their offers to teachers Ÿ Free personal social impact score based on the activities logged on the platform 25 www.ciobusinessworld.com

26. ARTICLE Pioneering the Future: How Digital Transformation Leaders are Shaping Tomorrow 26

27. I profound transformation. At the forefront of this revolution are visionary leaders who are harnessing the power of technology to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and create new opportunities. Here's a closer look at how these digital transformation leaders are shaping the future: n today's digitally-driven world, the landscape of business is undergoing a make data-driven decisions that drive growth and innovation. 4. Agility and Flexibility: In today's rapidly changing business environment, agility is key to success. Digital transformation leaders prioritize flexibility and adaptability, enabling their organizations to respond quickly to changing market dynamics and customer needs. They embrace agile methodologies, iterative development processes, and cross- functional collaboration to accelerate innovation and drive results. 5. Digital Talent Development: Building a skilled workforce is essential for driving digital transformation. Leaders in this space invest in recruiting, training, and retaining top digital talent, equipping their teams with the skills and expertise needed to drive innovation and deliver results. They foster a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering employees to embrace new technologies and adapt to changing roles. 1. Embracing Disruption: Digital transformation leaders understand that disruption is inevitable in the fast-paced world of technology. Instead of fearing change, they embrace it as an opportunity to challenge the status quo and drive innovation. By adopting agile methodologies and fostering a culture of experimentation, these leaders empower their organizations to adapt and thrive in an ever- evolving digital landscape. 6. Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration is essential for success in the digital age, and digital transformation leaders understand the value of strategic partnerships. Whether partnering with technology vendors, startups, or industry peers, they seek out opportunities to leverage external expertise and resources to accelerate innovation and drive growth. By building strong partnerships, they position their organizations for success in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. 2. Customer-Centricity: At the heart of digital transformation lies a relentless focus on the customer. Leaders in this space prioritize understanding customer needs and preferences, leveraging data and analytics to gain actionable insights. By delivering personalized experiences and seamless interactions across digital channels, they create value for customers and build long-lasting relationships. 7. Ethical and Responsible Innovation: As technology continues to advance, digital transformation leaders prioritize ethical and responsible innovation. They understand the importance of data privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible AI practices, ensuring that their organizations operate with integrity and respect for societal values. By embedding ethics and responsibility into their digital transformation strategies, they build trust and credibility with customers, employees, and stakeholders. 3. Data-Driven Decision Making: Data is the lifeblood of digital transformation, and leaders in this space understand its power to drive informed decision-making. By harnessing big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies, they gain valuable insights into market trends, customer behavior, and operational performance. This enables them to In summary, digital transformation leaders are pioneering the future of business by embracing disruption, prioritizing customer-centricity, leveraging data-driven insights, fostering agility and flexibility, investing in digital talent development, forging strategic partnerships, and promoting ethical and responsible innovation. By leading with vision, courage, and integrity, these leaders are shaping a future where technology drives progress, innovation, and positive change. 27 www.ciobusinessworld.com

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29. Emerging Technologies, Revolutions and Crises in the Business Environment T The Fourth revolution is transforming our world in unprecedented ways, with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and 3D printing impacting every aspect of our lives. These changes create new risks and uncertainties for the workforce, as many employees fear that AI will replace their jobs or render them obsolete. However, technology has always been the driving force in the advancement of our civilization and it is an inevitable and essential reality that we have to confront and adapt to. The pace of this revolution, however, surpasses the human capacity and speed to learn, which implies that we are constantly faced with new opportunities and challenges that require us to adjust and acquire new skills. The gap between technological progress and human competencies is widening, and the urgency to find ways to bridge it is vital. One of the most prominent examples of this technological revolution is the emergence of generative AI, which has opened new possibilities for individuals and businesses in various domains such as content creation, research, and marketing. Generative AI enables us to generate high- quality content faster and cheaper, enhance our creativity, and solve complex problems more efficiently. However, it also poses significant challenges and threats for organizations, as it can also be used for malicious purposes such as hacking, spamming, or spreading misinformation. These malicious applications can compromise our security, privacy, and trust, and cause serious harm. Therefore, it is he Fourth Revolution crucial for companies to keep up with the rapid pace of change and innovation that AI brings, and to leverage its benefits while mitigating its risks. The Slowbalization Movement The world is becoming less connected and more fragmented as globalization gives way to slowbalization. The movement of information, talent, and goods across borders is hindered by digital firewalls, immigration bottlenecks, and ideological conflicts. These barriers affect various aspects of the global economy, such as trade, investment, and migration among the major powers. This trend, which is driven by factors such as nationalism, protectionism and technological advancements, poses significant challenges for businesses. It limits their potential for growth, innovation, and collaboration in the global market and increases the uncertainties of operating in different regions. But most importantly, it restricts the access and availability of talent for organizations and ultimately it creates a mismatch between the demand and supply of skills in the labor market and reduces the diversity of talent within organizations. This can lead to a skills crisis that can undermine the performance and sustainability of businesses. To overcome this challenge, businesses need to adopt a more agile and responsive talent flow. They need to foster a learning culture that supports talent development and retention to ensure that their talent is always ready, relevant, and productive in the changing world. 29 www.ciobusinessworld.com

30. The Talent Disruption Conclusion Another challenge that businesses are facing is the talent disruption, which refers to the sweeping changes in the nature and structure of work and employment. This disruption is caused by various factors, such as the automation and digitalization of work; the social revolution that is shifting people from traditional full-time jobs to gig and freelancing jobs; the high living cost and interest rates that are affecting people's income and savings; and the recent union strikes that are demanding better wages and working conditions. The issues that modern enterprises face today all share a common solution: talent. By investing in learning and developing diverse talents, businesses and enterprises can overcome these obstacles. In this digital era, we can use creative ways to foster talent more effectively. Some of the ways to foster talent are: Create immersive learning platforms, which use technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR) to simulate realistic and engaging environments for learners. Promote talent mobility and allow them to move across different roles, teams, projects, or locations within or outside an organization. Share talent with other organizations, which means lending or borrowing talent for specific purposes or periods of time. This helps talent experience different work settings, cultures, and challenges, as well as create opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Create the leaders of the future by finding, nurturing, and supporting those who have the potential to lead and giving them the resources and tools to help them grow and lead. Ÿ The talent disruption poses a serious threat to businesses. It creates a shortage of skilled and qualified workers in many sectors and industries. It also increases the turnover and dissatisfaction of employees who are looking for more autonomy, flexibility, and purpose in their work. Ÿ Ÿ The leadership crisis The world today faces many complex and urgent issues, such as climate change, labor shortage, and global economic instability. These issues demand visionary leaders who can think creatively and innovatively. Moreover, the workforce is experiencing a social revolution, with new generations of workers who have different values and expectations than their predecessors. Today's workforce want leaders who can empathize with their needs and goals, and who can foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity. However, many businesses are struggling with a leadership crisis that stems from the mismatch between the traditional and the contemporary leadership styles. The traditional style relies on hierarchy, authority, control, and stability; while the contemporary style emphasizes collaboration, influence, agility, and innovation. Ÿ As the famous author and salesman Zig Ziglar said, “The only thing worse than training employees and losing them is to not train them and keep them.” Let's invest in talent and prepare them for the future. About the author Sahar Cain is the CTO of Mogul Hotels, a hotel brand powered by AI. She has 12 years of software development and data science experience and a master's degree in Computer Science. She published research papers on AI and built platforms for non-profit causes. A study by the World Economic Forum found that 86% of business leaders believe that there is a global leadership gap. This gap is caused by various factors, such as the increasing complexity of business, and the lack of opportunities for women and minorities to advance into leadership roles. The challenges today require leaders with qualities such as creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and courage. The traditional leadership mindset of short term high revenue and returns is not enough to solve these challenges. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-cain/ 30

32. CXO CXO Navigating the Intersection of Emerging Technologies, Revolutions, and Crises in BUSINESS AND EDUCATION 32

33. I the landscape of both business and education. As an entrepreneur, musician, and educator, I've witnessed the transformative power of these dynamics firsthand. In this article, I will share my thoughts on how individuals and institutions can navigate and harness these forces for positive change. n today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the intersection of emerging technologies, social revolutions, and unexpected crises is redefining quo. The rise of social media has empowered individuals to mobilize and advocate for change on a global scale. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and climate activism have forced society to confront issues of systemic inequality, discrimination, and environmental sustainability. In business, these social movements have pushed for corporate social responsibility and ethical practices. Technology as the Catalyst Companies are now expected to take a stance on social and environmental issues, and consumers increasingly support businesses aligned with their values. This shift underscores the importance of purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the need for businesses to contribute positively to society. Emerging technologies have always been at the forefront of driving innovation and change. From the advent of the internet to the proliferation of smartphones, technology has altered the way we communicate, work, and learn. The current era is witnessing a wave of groundbreaking technologies, such as virtual reality, AI and blockchain, that have the potential to disrupt and enhance various industries. In education, social revolutions call for a more inclusive and equitable system. Access to quality education remains a global challenge, and educators must address disparities in learning opportunities. Social justice movements demand diverse and inclusive curricula that reflect the experiences and contributions of marginalized communities. It is essential to empower students with the knowledge and skills to be informed, responsible global citizens. In business, these technologies offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and efficiency. For example, AI-driven analytics can provide valuable insights into customer behavior and market trends, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions. Virtual reality can revolutionize employee training and customer engagement by creating immersive experiences. However, adapting to these technologies requires a willingness to embrace change and invest in education and skill development. Businesses that prioritize digital literacy and innovation will be better positioned to thrive in the tech-driven future. Crisis Management and Resilience While technology and social revolutions offer immense potential, we cannot overlook the role of crises in shaping our world. Whether it's a global pandemic, economic recession, or environmental disaster, unforeseen crises can disrupt businesses and education systems. In education, technology is transforming the way we learn and teach. Online platforms and e-learning tools have become essential in providing accessible education. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this digital shift, highlighting the importance of flexible and adaptable learning models. Students and educators have had to adapt to virtual classrooms and remote collaboration, and this experience will likely shape the future of education. The COVID-19 pandemic is a recent example of how a crisis can impact both sectors. Businesses had to adapt to remote work and changing consumer behavior, while schools and universities had to transition to online learning. The ability to respond swiftly and with resilience became a key differentiator. Revolutions and Social Movements In business, crisis management and contingency planning are essential. Companies must be prepared to pivot their strategies and operations in response to unforeseen challenges. Flexibility, adaptability, and a Simultaneously, we are living in an era of social revolutions and movements that challenge the status 33 www.ciobusinessworld.com

34. focus on employee and customer well-being are crucial during times of crisis. In education, the pandemic highlighted the need for robust digital infrastructure and preparedness. Institutions must invest in technology and training to ensure continuity of learning in challenging circumstances. Moreover, crises have shed light on the importance of mental health and well-being in education. Students and educators alike need support systems to navigate the emotional toll of uncertainty and disruption. Navigating the Intersection To thrive in the ever-evolving intersection of technology, social revolutions, and crises, individuals and institutions should consider the following strategies: **Embrace Lifelong Learning**: In both business and education, the ability to adapt and learn continuously is paramount. Stay curious and open to new ideas, technologies, and perspectives. **Foster Innovation**: Encourage creativity and innovation within your organization or classroom. Embrace new technologies and methodologies that can enhance productivity and engagement. **Promote Well-being**: Prioritize the physical and mental well-being of employees, students, and yourself. Resilience in the face of crises begins with individual and collective well-being. **Prioritize Inclusivity**: Ensure that your business or educational institution is inclusive and equitable. Embrace diversity and consider the needs of all stakeholders. **Seek Collaboration**: Engage with your community, industry peers, and educational networks. Collaborative efforts can lead to innovative solutions and shared resources. **Prepare for Change**: Develop contingency plans and strategies for crisis management. The ability to pivot and adapt in challenging times can make the difference between survival and stagnation. The intersection of emerging technologies, social revolutions, and crises may present challenges, but it also offers boundless opportunities for growth and positive change. As we navigate this complex landscape, let us remain adaptable, compassionate, and committed to building a brighter future for business and education. Together, we can harness these forces to drive innovation, equity, and resilience. **Stay Informed**: Keep abreast of emerging technologies and trends in your industry. Stay informed about social issues and be prepared to engage in constructive dialogue. 34

36. ARTICLE The Transformative Role of Digital Innovators in Driving Worldwide Impact 36

37. T driving change across industries. It is through their creativity and technological prowess, these innovators are catalyzing progress on a global scale. Fostering growth their contributions are reshaping the way we live and interact with the world around us. he interconnected world we live in today plays an important role in shaping the global landscape environmental impact through initiatives. Right from leveraging AI and data analytics to handle climate change and environmental degradation, they are harnessing the power of technology to address pressing challenges. Thus by leveraging expertise, digital innovators are catalyzing collective action driving change on a global scale. Moreover, digital innovators are driving impact worldwide by fostering collaboration across borders. Through open-source initiatives, global networks, innovators are enabling individuals to collaborate, co-create, and share best practices. Thus by breaking down silos and fostering a culture of collaboration, digital innovators are unleashing a collective potential of the global community. At the center of this digital revolution are individuals who are leveraging technology to address pressing challenges. These innovators are not just disrupting but driving economic growth, and fostering innovation that spans continents. The most significant contributions of innovators is their ability to democratize access to information. Through digital platforms, they are breaking down barriers enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to healthcare, finance, education, and other essential resources. Whether it's about online learning platforms for creating mobile banking solutions for the unbaked developing telemedicine services for remote areas, these digital innovators are expanding access to improve the quality of life for people around the globe. Digital innovators are also playing a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From developing innovative solutions for remote work and online learning to accelerating the deployment of telemedicine and contactless delivery services, they are leveraging technology to mitigate the impact of the crisis and support global efforts to combat the virus. By harnessing the power of digital tools and platforms, they are enabling individuals, businesses, and governments to adapt to the new normal and navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. However these innovators are driving economic growth by empowering entrepreneurs, businesses, and startups to thrive in a digital economy. With e- commerce platforms and digital marketplaces, innovators are connecting entrepreneurs with customers and mentors enabling them to scale their ventures on a global scale. By giving access to markets, digital innovators are leveling the playing field to prosperity for aspiring entrepreneurs. All in all the role of digital innovators is driving a worldwide impact that cannot be overstated. It is through creativity, vision, and commitment to positive change; they are transforming industries, and driving progress across borders. This way we navigate a complex world that continues to be instrumental in shaping the future and a more sustainable and prosperous world. Fostering economic empowerment, innovators are driving social and 37 www.ciobusinessworld.com

38. CXO CXO 38

39. Top Digital Technologies Shaping Retail in 2024 T technology soared to an impressive $40.2 billion in 2020, reflecting the sector's commitment to innovation. With the rise of omnichannel customers who shop 1.7 times more than single-channel clients, staying ahead of the curve in technological advancements is not just an option but a necessity for retailers. This is my thoughts on key digital technologies that will shape the development and investments for retailers in their stores during 2024. - Digital Signage: Display dynamic content such as advertisements, product information, or special promotions. It's a versatile tool that can enhance in-store marketing and communication. Smarter systems that utilize data and AI to provide conditional playlists, personalizing content, and interactive screens. he retail sector is a dynamic landscape, evolving in response to new technological developments. According to recent data, investments in retail - Queueing solutions: if you have more than two persons standing in line you are losing sales. Providing pre booking services and mobile ticket solutions let the customers brows the store increasing sales and prevent dropout. First get the basics in place: - Modern POS: A cornerstone of retail operations. Beyond transaction processing, these systems are often cloud-based, integrated with inventory, staff devices and CRM systems. They support diverse payment methods, including mobile and contactless payments. They also serve as a base for clienteling solutions and transaction in other areas of the store like Endless aisle and Fitting rooms. - CRM and Loyalty solutions: Is essential for understanding customer behavior and preferences. It can collect and analyze customer data, helping retailers to personalize their offerings, increase sales and improve customer service. Established solutions ready to scale: - Frictionless Shopping Experiences: Retailers will increasingly adopt self-service elements such as self- checkout, autonomous checkout, smart fitting rooms, and endless aisle kiosks to meet immediate shopper needs and provide a friction free and more personalized shopping experience. The full merge of Online and store, always creating and offering OMNI solutions. - Inventory management: An efficient digital inventory management system can track stock levels in real-time, preventing out-of-stock situations and helping retailers make informed decisions about reordering and restocking. RFID plays a key role in this for many retailers. - Empowering Retail Staff: Tools providing product and stock information, clienteling with customer purchase history, recommendations, and checkout capabilities will empower retail staff. Task management, notification, and collaboration tools will further enhance store operations. - Online, Click & collect and returns in store: In the digital age, retailers must ensure a seamless integration between online and offline channels. This includes offering services like click&collect, where customers can order products online and pick them up in-store, and easy in-store returns for online purchases. These services bridge the gap between online and physical shopping, providing customers with the convenience of online shopping and the instant gratification of a physical store. - Sustainability Initiatives: Retailers will increasingly embrace sustainability initiatives such as rental, resell, and repair services. Advanced size and fit, and virtual try on solutions, including foot and body scanners, will reduce return rates online and contribute to sustainability efforts. 39 www.ciobusinessworld.com

40. - Store Experience: Retailers will continue with flagship stores and pop-ups to build the brand and create awareness. Malls are not for shopping it's for socializing, a lifestyle. Making the store more of a marketing channel then the place for transaction. Create interactive engagement zones within their stores to attract and engage customers. These could include selfie mirrors equipped with AR technology for customers to virtually try on clothes, share their looks on social media, or even get style recommendations. Other cool features could include interactive product demos, touchscreen displays, and immersive VR experiences that allow customers to engage with products in new and exciting ways. These zones will not only make shopping more fun and engaging but also encourage customers to visit the physical store. - Hyper-Personalization: The trend towards personalized shopping experiences will intensify in 2024. Advanced AI and machine learning algorithms will analyze vast amounts of data to provide highly personalized recommendations, enhancing customer engagement, loyalty, and sales. Emerging Technologies to Keep on the Radar: - Blockchain and Supply Chain Transparency: This will become increasingly important in ensuring supply chain transparency. Retailers will use blockchain to authenticate products and ensure ethical sourcing, addressing growing consumer concerns about product origin and sustainability. - Autonomous last mile delivery: This is rapidly evolving, with advancements in autonomous vehicles and drone technology more and more retailers test this for delivery, for now most in hard-to-reach areas but will soon be more widespread. It will reduce cost, increase efficiency, increase customer satisfaction and easy to scale up and down depending on need. - Reducing cost and increasing efficiency: To enhance operational efficiency, retailers will increasingly adopt real- time data dashboards. These dashboards will provide staff with instant access to key information such as inventory levels, sales data, and customer feedback. This will allow staff to make quick, informed decisions, improving store operations and customer service. We see a continuation of smaller store formats, pop-up, and solutions to keep rent and stock levels down. - The Rise of the Metaverse: Following the trend in 2023, the Metaverse will continue to be an intriguing trend to watch, potentially shaping the retail landscape in 2024. Retailers can create immersive and interactive virtual shopping experiences in the Metaverse, reaching customers in entirely new ways. - Curation: With so many options for everything, customers want personal and tailored recommendations. Social sharing and input when you shop, guides and tutorials etc. Solutions to provide help in exploration phase of the customer journeys, selecting dinners and provide grocery basket for pickup, tinder your style for fashion and online subscription models. Conclusion: As we start to plan for 2024, the retail industry is on the cusp of exciting transformations, with digital technologies playing an instrumental role in shaping its future. Retailers must not only stay abreast of these emerging trends but also strategically implement these technologies to stay competitive. By leveraging these advancements, they can enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and foster business growth. Moving from Test to Production: - Sophisticated AI and Machine Learning: AI's role in retail is set to expand in 2024, with advanced AI algorithms driving personalized customer experiences. AI-powered virtual assistants will provide personalized recommendations and assistance, supplementing human representatives. AI-created products on-demand might also gain traction. Moreover, these technologies will not only redefine the shopping experience but also push the boundaries of what is possible in the retail sector. They will allow retailers to explore new business models, create novel customer experiences, and make their operations more sustainable and efficient. As we look forward to 2024, it's clear that the future of retail is not just about surviving but thriving in this new digital era. This exciting journey of transformation promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for retailers ready to embrace these next-generation technologies. - Extended Reality (XR): The fusion of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality into Extended Reality will redefine customer shopping experiences. XR will enable customers to virtually try on clothes, visualize furniture in their homes, and even tour virtual stores, bridging the gap between physical and digital shopping. 40