The Most Innovative Leaders Shaping the Future of Tech, 2025

1. VOL 11 | ISSUE 02 | 2025 www.globalpublicist24.com THE MOST INNOVATIVE LEADERS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF TECH, 2025 TOP PICK The Rise of Human-Centric Technology: Why Businesses Are Putting People Before Profits TOP PICK Tech Trends 2030: What Lies Beyond the Digital Horizon AANCHAL GUPTA Bu??ng An Embl? of E?ici?cy ?d Innov?ion

4. From Editor’s Desk Dear Readers, T Publicist 24, titled The Most Innovative Leaders Shaping the Future of Tech, 2025, we celebrate the pioneers whose vision and creativity are redefining the future. These leaders are not only transforming industries but also shaping a more responsible, sustainable, and human-centered technological world. echnology has become the driving force of modern progress, influencing every aspect of how we live, communicate, and lead. In this special edition of Global forward-thinking organizations are embracing empathy-driven innovation. It discusses how human needs, inclusivity, and ethical design are becoming central to the next phase of digital evolution. The goal of technology today is no longer just automation or efficiency; it is to serve and uplift humanity. Another engaging article, Tech Trends 2030: What Lies Beyond the Digital Horizon, looks into the technological forces that will shape the next decade. From quantum computing to sustainable AI, the article provides insight into how leaders are preparing for a future defined by intelligent systems and responsible innovation. It also reminds us that the future of technology depends on leadership that combines foresight, creativity, and accountability. At the forefront of this issue stands Aanchal Gupta, Founder and CEO of Agents Stack. Her journey is an inspiring example of innovation with purpose. Through her leadership, Aanchal has created an ecosystem that blends strategy, empathy, and innovation to empower businesses and people alike. She represents the evolving definition of leadership in technology, one where impact and integrity are as important as innovation itself. This edition of Global Publicist 24 reflects a global shift toward responsible innovation. The leaders featured here are not only advancing technology but also ensuring it is built with purpose and integrity. Their stories remind us that the most powerful form of innovation begins with a simple idea to make life better for others. We are also proud to feature remarkable global leaders who are redefining how technology drives growth and security. Marcel Velica, Senior Security Program Manager at Eventbrite, brings unmatched expertise in cybersecurity and operational resilience. Boitumelo Makgoba, CEO of Fetsi Data Technologies, is transforming Africa's digital landscape by merging data intelligence with social empowerment. Alexandre Horvath, CISO and DPO at Cryptix AG, stands out for his dedication to digital trust and privacy, both of which are essential to a secure and ethical digital future. As you turn the pages of this issue, we invite you to discover the people who are creating the blueprint for the next era of progress. Their courage, insight, and compassion show that the future of technology will not just be smarter, but also more human. Warm Regards, Johnson T. Johnson T. One of the key highlights of this edition is our feature article, The Rise of Human-Centric Technology: Why Businesses Are Putting People Before Profits. The piece explores how the world's most Editor-in-Chief

5. From Editor’s Desk

8. Cov Story

9. Cov Story Aanchal Gupta Building An Emblem of E?ciency and Innovation 14 Contts Pfi’s 24 28 36 Alexandre Horvath Boitumelo Makgoba Marcel Velica Arc’s 32 The Rise of Human-Centric Technology: Why Businesses Are Putting People Before Profits 40 Tech Trends 2030: What Lies Beyond the Digital Horizon

10. GL BAL PUBLICIST 24 EDITOR IN CHIEF JOHNSON T. MANAGING EDITOR PEREZ GONZALEZ ART AND DESIGN HEAD SAGAR J. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER MARTIN MOORE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE ROBERT ALLEN DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER UTTEJ T. RESEARCH ANALYST EARL LEWIS CIRCULATION MANAGER SCOOT TAYLOR sales@globalpublicist24.com FOLLOW US Global Publicist 24 www.globalpublicist24.com www.facebook.com/GlobalPublicist24 www.twitter.com/GlobalPublicist Copyright © 2025 Global Publicist 24. All rights reserved. The materials and visuals contained within this magazine are protected and should not be reproduced or transmitted in any manner, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission from Global Publicist 24. Reprint rights are exclusively retained by Global Publicist 24. www.linkedin.com/company/globalpublicist24/ www.instagram.com/globalpublicist24/

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14. Bu??ng An Embl? of E?ici?cy ?d Innov?ion COVER STORY

15. Aanchal Gupta Founders and CEO,Agents Stack

16. F that breathe in data and breathe out decisions. Valves open. Lines adjust. A hundred moving parts look for balance so the whole can run a little cleaner, a little faster, a little safer. That is the kind of music Aanchal Gupta, Founder and CEO of Agents Stack listens for. actories have a music of their own. Not the clang of metal, but the quiet rhythm of systems Her work finds the small hinges that move heavy doors. She enters where processes already exist and asks how they might waste less energy, lose fewer signals, and respond with better timing. The idea is simple. Efficiency is a form of stewardship. If you can make a system, see itself more clearly, you can help it serve more people with fewer blind spots. That is the founding logic behind Agents Stack and the reason she prefers to build with customers inside their hardest problems. The score is written in outcomes. The craft is in hearing what each system needs in order to change without losing the beat. Cloudflare. After her most recent role, one pattern stood out. There was a clear unmet demand in Asia to drive operational and resource efficiency in industrial sectors with AI. The pull was not hypothetical. It was coming from customers who needed solutions that produced measurable gains. That signal became the genesis of Agents Stack. The Spark Behind the Build Early roles in consulting and large-scale transformation put Aanchal close to founders and CEOs who were trying to bend complex systems toward better outcomes. Work across Fortune 500 contexts in retail, utilities, energy, and financial services sharpened her instincts for where technology actually moves the needle. She frames the decision plainly. The market did not need more generic platforms. It needed a partner that could sit inside a customer's toughest problems and co-create solutions that worked with what already existed. The founder's motivation was not to ship features into the void. It was to help systems run better, faster, and safer in the places where the economy actually lives. That experience matured into a career focused on topline growth, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity across companies such as GE, Dow, and

17. Inside The Crucible Aanchal's first challenges were personal and cultural. She grew up in a middle-class family where the norm was a steady job. Bootstrapping a company meant resetting expectations at home and at work. It also meant transitioning teammates from fixed salaries based on effort to compensation that rewarded outcomes. Building an AI transformation company layered on its own complexity. The team had to be large enough to solve multi-disciplinary problems and collaborative enough to function as a fully remote company. Those early months were a test of patience, conviction, and the capacity to change habits while shipping real work.

18. Aanchal's leadership stance evolved inside those constraints. She keeps the vision simple. The aim is to drive meaningful impact for customers and for government stakeholders when they are part of the solution. Day to day, she avoids micromanagement. She gives specialists room to execute and steps in only when there are blockers that slow the mission. She is candid about the learning curve. She learns best from her own failures and believes most people do the same. The twist is that bootstrapping changes the cost of failure. As she puts it, there were dollars attached to every mistake. That reality forces sharper decisions about when to intervene and how to limit downside while preserving initiative. toughest problems,” she says. “If a customer has a partial solution that can be fixed, we focus on fixing it.” The principle reads simple. The execution demands an engineering culture that can enter messy realities and improve them without breaking what already works. Proof In Motion The recent slate of work at Agents Stack shows how those principles travel. The team has focused on cyber resilience for the AI stack, acknowledging that AI systems inherit old attack surfaces while creating new ones. They have built tiered approaches to supply chain risk that account for trade tariffs and the uneven speed of regulatory change. The team has also worked on real-time AI governance audits, an attempt to move compliance from a quarterly artifact into a living process that tracks how systems behave. The unifying thread is a bias toward interventions that improve reliability, transparency, and speed in the same move. Built With, Not For Agents Stack distinguishes itself less by slogans and more by working methods. The company prefers to build with customers on their hardest problems instead of productizing in a vacuum. If a customer already has a partial solution that can be repaired, the team fixes it rather than forcing a replacement. Leading Without Noise Aanchal's leadership style remains consistent. The goal is impact for communities served through paying customers or through government. She prefers to let people work to their expertise and steps in when problems stall progress. The philosophy values learning through failure, but it is bounded by the economics of a bootstrapped operation. Aanchal also cultivates collaboration with other tech founders to raise operational efficiency where it matters. At the core is a belief that security and sustainability are not afterthoughts. They should exist by design at the data layer, where risks and externalities first accumulate. She notes that the senior team brings decades of relevant experience to this way of working. Aanchal is clear that every misstep has a cost, which means coaching is timed to protect the mission and the runway. “I normally leave the team to work as per their expertise and only step in when some help is needed,” she says. “I learn the best from my own failures, and I believe people mostly do the same.” Designing Tomorrow's Spine Her language here is precise. “We try our best to build with customers for their Aanchal's technology outlook is not about

21. spectacles. It centers on the backbone systems that keep daily life functioning. She expects hardware devices with AI-native interfaces to become affordable for more people. That shift would expand digital literacy, create jobs, and elevate the quality and speed of information available to citizens. Aanchal argues that AI can automate almost anything, which makes choices more important. Teams should prioritize foundational systems such as health, finance, water, electricity, and gender parity. Those domains produce real productivity gains for people and for the broader economy. “It is important to address the basic challenges,” she says, and to favor projects that deliver genuine return on investment. In infrastructure, she sees near-term opportunities for AI to accelerate transformation in electricity transmission, water treatment, aviation, and energy efficiency. She also points to shipping and container operations, where energy consumption is heavy and gains compound. What unites these domains is the potential for real-time visibility into machines, materials, and processes. When visibility improves, the supply chain benefits from better signals on quality and price across geographies. What Endures When she looks at the years ahead, Aanchal is most energized by problems that connect sustainability and governance to growth. In 2025, she wants to push on land and labor sustainability, and on social risk alongside cyber and AI governance. Aanchal anticipates a manufacturing tilt toward local production that creates jobs in more places. She expects land and labor rights to improve as trade and supply data makes poor practices harder to hide. She also connects energy storage and distributed solar to both logistics efficiency and the restoration of wildlife parks. Beyond that horizon, she expects AI-native interfaces to evolve into drag-and-drop and conversational modes that lower barriers to collaboration across language and culture. If that happens, more people can contribute to building infrastructure and products that are sustainable in both design and outcome. The aim is not novelty for its own sake. It is the steady creation of economic value that does not mortgage the future. Beyond infrastructure, Aanchal sees workforce structure changing. Skills trading becomes more global. Design rises as a true differentiator because human-centric choices will decide adoption. Fractional roles gain ground over full-time jobs as people align work to passion and expertise. The office center fades while community spaces grow. The future of work looks more flexible, more distributed, and more accountable to outcomes. Guardrails For Power The biggest near-term challenge is not a particular technology. It is education about AI risk and governance. Aanchal groups the risks into three layers. There is cybersecurity, where adversaries adapt rapidly. There are social impacts, where bias, exclusion, and misinformation can scale quickly. There is climate and energy use, where the compute behind AI has material costs.

24. ALEXANDRE HORV ATH Leading the Charge on Zero Trust as CISO and DPO I Information Security Officer (CISO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) has never been more critical. Alexandre Horvath stands out as a leading figure who bridges these two pivotal roles, championing a pragmatic and robust approach to security and privacy. His advocacy for the Zero Trust model has placed him at the forefront of modern cybersecurity leadership. A Dual Mandate: Security and Privacy n an era marked by relentless cyber threats and evolving regulatory demands, the role of the Chief As both CISO and DPO, Alexandre Horvath is uniquely positioned to implement Zero Trust in a way that aligns with both cybersecurity best practices and data protection laws such as the GDPR. His leadership ensures that security controls not only protect the enterprise but also respect and enforce privacy by design and by default. “Cybersecurity without data protection is incomplete,” Alexandre often remarks. “Zero Trust allows us to enforce precise access controls, monitor behavior, and limit exposure—essential for both security resilience and privacy compliance.” The Modern Security Landscape Traditional security paradigms, which often relied on strong perimeter defenses, have been fundamentally challenged by the rise of cloud computing, remote work, and increasingly sophisticated attack vectors. “Trust but verify” is no longer sufficient. Enter Zero Trust—a model based on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Core Principles in Practice Alexandre’s Zero Trust strategy is built on several foundational pillars: 1. Identity-Centric Access Control Zero Trust is not a product or a single technology but a comprehensive strategy that assumes no implicit trust—whether inside or outside the network. For Alexandre, Zero Trust is not just a framework but a philosophy woven into every layer of governance, risk, compliance, and technology operations. Strong, context-aware identity verification lies at the heart of Alexandre’s Zero Trust implementation. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), behavioral biometrics, and adaptive access control are standard under his leadership. 24 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

25. 2. Micro-Segmentation Aligning Strategy with Compliance Rather than broad, flat networks, Alexandre’s approach segments infrastructure to limit lateral movement. If a breach occurs, its blast radius is tightly contained. With dual accountability to regulators and the board, Alexandre ensures that Zero Trust initiatives align with data protection regulations such as GDPR, NIS2, and ISO 27001. Regular audits, impact assessments, and transparent reporting mechanisms help 3. Least Privilege Enforcement Alexandre Horvath CISO & DPO Cryptix AG Every user, device, and application receives only the minimum access required—no more, no less. This reduces insider threat vectors and accidental data exposure. 4. Continuous Monitoring and Response Zero Trust is not a “set and forget” model. Alexandre has implemented continuous monitoring using advanced threat detection, real-time analytics, and automated response capabilities. 5. Encryption and Data Minimization A strong advocate for privacy, Alexandre ensures that sensitive data is encrypted at rest and in transit. He also enforces data minimization policies, collecting only what is strictly necessary for business operations. 25 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

26. programs help employees understand why security measures are in place—transforming perceived friction into shared responsibility. “Security isn’t just IT’s job,” he asserts. “It’s a business enabler when everyone understands the stakes and their role.” Looking Ahead As organizations grapple with supply chain threats, AI-driven attacks, and increased regulatory scrutiny, Alexandre Horvath’s dual-role leadership offers a model for the future. His implementation of Zero Trust is neither abstract nor academic—it’s grounded in daily operational reality, striking a careful balance between protection, performance, and privacy. Zero Trust, under his stewardship, isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a foundational strategy for building digital trust in a world where trust must always be earned. balance business agility with compliance rigor. Under his leadership, privacy impact assessments are integrated with access control planning, ensuring that personal data is accessed lawfully and transparently. Championing Culture and Change One of Alexandre’s key insights is that Zero Trust is as much about people and culture as it is about technology. He emphasizes training, user awareness, and executive alignment. His 26 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

28. BOITUMELO MAKGBOA AI for Good– Reimagining Inclusion Through AI ntroduction – The Future Belongs to the Inclusive IIn today's digital world, the true measure of technological progress is not only in innovation or efficiency, but also in who benefits from it. Across Africa, millions of people living with disabilities remain excluded from digital tools, resources, and services, limiting their access to education, employment, and full societal participation. Fetsi Data Technologies recognizes that inclusion is not merely a social responsibility; it is a strategic advantage. Organization reports that 1.3 billion people — or 16% of the world's population — experience significant disability. Recognizing this disparity, our team at FETSI Data Technologies embarked on creating a unified platform where access is seamless, intuitive, and empowering. FETSI Access was designed to bridge systemic gaps, providing a centralized hub for users to connect with services that promote independence and participation. Our philosophy is clear: technology should empower, not exclude. Every feature, interface, and workflow are developed with empathy, guided by user feedback, and informed by principles of universal design and accessibility standards. Our flagship platform, FETSI Access, is our response: an AI-powered platform that ensures people living with disabilities have equitable access to resources, services, and opportunities across the continent. we reimagine accessibility through intelligent design and purpose-driven technology, we aim to create an Africa where digital innovation serves everyone, without exception. Designing with Purpose: Accessibility Meets Innovation The Birth of FETSI Access Under Boitumelo Makgoba's visionary leadership, we at FETSI Data Technologies approach technology development through a lens of impact, equity, and inclusivity. Her strategic foresight ensures that our solutions do more than function — they empower, connect, and transform lives. The journey toward FETSI Access began with a stark realization: despite technological advancements across Africa, individuals with disabilities often remain marginalized. Mainstream digital tools frequently overlook diverse accessibility needs, rendering essential services — from education to employment — challenging to access or entirely out of reach. FETSI Access is being designed as a living ecosystem that intelligently links people with opportunities, resources, and support tailored to their needs. Every aspect of the platform is grounded in human-centered design principles, ensuring that technology amplifies potential rather than creating barriers. This gap is not merely theoretical. In South Africa, approximately 3.3 million people live with disabilities, comprising about 5% of the population a figure that excludes children under five, individuals in institutions, and those with mental illnesses, suggesting the actual prevalence is higher. Regionally, the prevalence is even higher; in Sub-Saharan Africa, estimates suggest that between 10% and 20% of the population is affected by disabilities. Globally, the World Health Through this approach, the platform achieves three core objectives: • Intuitive Access to Opportunities • Personalized Guidance: Smart systems recommend 28 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

29. resources and connections that match individual needs, ensuring every user finds the most relevant support. • Connection and Collaboration: Beyond resources, Fetsi Access fosters meaningful connections with organizations, partners, and support networks to promote collaboration, and community growth. mission to build technology that doesn't just connect systems it connects people. Under her leadership, FETSI Access was engineered as a benchmark for accessibility and ethical AI. The platform's foundation is built on intelligent automation, cloud resilience, and secure data frameworks that reflect Boitumelo's belief in purposeful innovation. Her approach blends AI-powered personalization, ensuring users receive Boitumelo's leadership demonstrates that the future of technology is inclusive, intelligent, and purpose driven. We are designing solutions that place people at the center and exemplifies how innovation and accessibility together can shape a more equitable digital future. Boitumelo Makgoba CEO Fetsi Data Technologies Inclusion as a Strategic Advantage While social impact is at the heart of our vision, our platform also demonstrates that inclusive technology is a driver of strategic advantage for organizations and governments. Companies and institutions that integrate accessibility into their operations gain: • Expanded Reach: Inclusion opens new markets and connects organizations to communities that were once underserved. • Enhanced Reputation: Corporate responsibility and ethical build trust among employees, customers, and partners. • Innovation Boost: Designing for accessibility inspires teams to develop smarter, more flexible, and future-proof solutions. we exemplify this philosophy that collaborating with public and private sector partners, we show that inclusive AI solutions are not optional add-ons — they are core to sustainable, competitive, and responsible growth. Visionary Leadership in Technology Boitumelo Makgoba is redefining what inclusive innovation looks like in South Africa's digital landscape. Her vision drives FETSI Data Technologies' 29 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

30. relevant support; scalable infrastructure, enabling access across Africa; and strong data ethics, protecting privacy while empowering progress. Through these pillars, Boitumelo has positioned FETSI Access as a trusted, human-centered innovation, proving that technology can be both powerful and compassionate. Her global recognitions underscore the growing importance of inclusive innovation worldwide highlights Fetsi data technologies role as a thought leader in accessible AI solutions. The Road Ahead: Partnerships and the FETSI Digital Futures Summit 2025 We're building a future where accessibility is the foundation of innovation. True progress begins when technology works for everyone.”— Boitumelo Makgoba, CEO, FETSI Data Technologies Looking ahead, FETSI Data Technologies is strengthening partnerships with leading technology providers, governments, and NGOs to expand the reach and impact of FETSI Access across Africa. Impact on People Living with Disabilities A major milestone in this journey is the FETSI Digital Futures Summit 2025, a landmark gathering of over 2,000 delegates united by a shared vision for an inclusive digital future. The summit will showcase how AI and cloud technologies can power accessibility and opportunity at scale. The measurable impact of Fetsi Access is transforming lives by providing Increased independence as it allows our users to access mobility aids, assistive technology, and services online reduces reliance on intermediaries. The Fetsi Accessis being built as a catalyst for real inclusion a movement reimagining how people living with disabilities experience technology and opportunity. At its heart, it's about restoring independence, dignity, and access through innovation that understands human needs first. The platform serves as a digital doorway to resources, education, and empowerment, helping individuals navigate life with greater confidence and connection. It's more than a tool; it's a symbol of what's possible when technology becomes empathetic — designed to listen, include, and uplift. Every feature, every interaction, and every outcome are shaped to break barriers and create a future where ability — not disability — defines potential. Key highlights include: • Inclusion as a National Imperative – Exploring how governments and industry leaders can embed inclusion into national digital transformation strategies while retaining top ICT talent to ensure sustainability and resilience. • AI Inclusion for People Living with Disabilities – Are digital advances serving people living with disabilities? Explore how inaccessible platforms, unrepresented voices, and exclusionary AI limit opportunity — and why inclusive design is key to Africa's digital future. Leadership Spotlight: Boitumelo Makgoba Leading this vision is our CEO, Boitumelo Makgoba, whose unwavering commitment to inclusive innovation has positioned her among Africa's most forward-thinking leaders. She was named one of the 92 Leaders Shaping Africa in 2025 by Crest Africa and recognized as one of The Most Influential Voices in Communication for 2025. Boitumelo is also an awardee of the Global Excellence Summit & Awards 2025 (GESA) under the category of Excellence in Tech & Innovation, and the vision behind FETSI Access has earned a nomination for the Women in Tech Global Awards 2025. • Policy Dialogues – bringing together leaders to shape national strategies for digital inclusion, responsible AI adoption and ensuring that accessibility remains at the centre of national agendas. • Cybersecurity for Africa's Digital Decade: Trust, Talent & Ethical Leadership – Addressing the human side of cybersecurity by promoting trust, digital ethics, and capacity building across the continent. • Cross-Industry Disruption & Smart Infrastructure – Examining how AI, data, and cloud innovations are transforming critical sectors including water, energy, mobility, and public services. Boitumelo's leadership philosophy is rooted in a simple principle: technology should work for everyone. Under her guidance, FETSI Data Technologies has transformed the abstract concept of “AI for Good” into a tangible, impactful platform that directly addresses systemic inequalities. • Collaborating for Skills & Digital Equity – Building partnerships that strengthen Africa's digital workforce, 30 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

31. ensuring every learner, innovator, and entrepreneur has access to future-ready skills Economic Equity Through Innovation – Demonstrating how inclusive technology and AI-driven entrepreneurship can power equitable economic participation and sustainable development. Through the Summit, we reaffirms its mission: inclusive technology is not an afterthought — it is the foundation of Africa's digital and economic transformation while ensuring young people get access to digital skills to thrive in the digital economy Conclusion – Inclusion is Innovation At the heart of our mission is that AI for Good must create measurable impact. By placing people living with disabilities at the center of digital innovation, we are redefining what it means to lead in technology not just in Africa, but globally. For businesses, governments, and communities, the message is clear: true innovation begins with inclusion. FETSI Access demonstrates that when technology is designed for everyone, it benefits society as a whole, unlocking potential and opportunities that were previously out of reach. We are proud to continue this journey, shaping a digital future that is accessible, equitable, and powered by purpose-driven AI, where inclusion is not an add-on, but a core driver of progress. 31 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

32. The Rise of Human-Centric Technology Why Businesses Are Putting People Before Profits 32 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

33. W Financial Performance: Forrester Research found that companies with advanced human-centric design practices achieved 228% higher return on investment compared to competitors. Apple's accessibility features, initially developed for users with disabilities, now benefit millions of mainstream users and contribute significantly to customer loyalty. The company's commitment to privacy has become a key differentiator in premium market segments. hen Microsoft redesigned its Xbox Adaptive Controller in 2018, the company wasn't just creating another gaming accessory it was pioneering a movement that would reshape the technology industry. By prioritizing accessibility and user empowerment over pure functionality, Microsoft discovered something remarkable: products designed for human needs first don't just serve users better, they generate stronger business outcomes. This revelation is now driving a fundamental transformation across the technology sector, as companies from startups to tech giants embrace human-centric technology as both a moral imperative and competitive advantage. Risk Mitigation: As regulatory frameworks tighten globally from GDPR in Europe to emerging AI governance standards human-centric approaches reduce compliance risks. Companies that embedded privacy and ethical considerations early avoided the costly retrofitting and legal penalties that plagued competitors. Understanding Human-Centric Technology Human-centric technology represents a paradigm shift from technology-first to people-first design philosophy. Rather than asking "what can this technology do," companies now ask "what do people actually need, and how can technology serve them better?" This approach integrates user experience, ethical considerations, accessibility, and digital wellbeing into every stage of product development. Talent Acquisition: Today's workforce, particularly younger generations, increasingly evaluates employers based on ethical technology practices. Organizations with strong human-centric reputations report 37% lower turnover in technical roles and significantly reduced recruitment costs. Competitive Advantages The concept extends beyond simple usability. It encompasses digital ethics, data privacy, mental health considerations, inclusive design, and environmental sustainability. According to Gartner's 2024 research, 73% of organizations now consider human-centric design a critical component of their digital strategy up from just 41% in 2020. Business Benefit Impact Example Customer Loyalty 45% higher Apple's privacy- first ecosystem retention rates Market Differentiation Premium pricing power Patagonia's sustainable tech supply chain Key Principles of Human-Centric Design • Empathy-driven development: Understanding user contexts, challenges, and aspirations through direct research and engagement • Inclusive by default: Designing for diverse abilities, backgrounds, and circumstances from the outset • Privacy as foundation: Building data protection and user control into core architecture • Transparent operations: Clear communication about how technology works and uses personal information • Sustainable impact: Considering environmental and societal consequences of technological deployment Innovation Speed 32% faster product cycles IDEO's human- centered design process Regulatory Compliance 60% reduction in legal issues Microsoft's responsible AI framework Real-World Success Stories Airbnb's Trust Revolution: When Airbnb faced declining trust in 2017, the company didn't just tweak its interface it fundamentally reimagined its platform around human connection and safety. By introducing enhanced verification, transparent reviews, and community-building features, Airbnb transformed user perception. Bookings increased 27% year- over-year, and the company's valuation tripled within three years. The Business Case: Why Companies Are Making the Shift The transition to human-centric technology isn't purely altruistic it's driven by compelling business realities. Companies implementing people-first approaches are seeing measurable returns across multiple dimensions. 33 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

34. Duolingo's Accessible Education: Duolingo built its entire business model on making language learning accessible to everyone, regardless of economic background. This human- centric mission attracted 500 million users and created a sustainable business through optional premium features rather than paywalls on essential content. The company's 2021 IPO valued it at $5 billion. Emerging Trends and Future Outlook The human-centric technology movement continues evolving rapidly. Artificial intelligence introduces new complexities around transparency, bias, and human agency. Companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are pioneering constitutional AI approaches that embed human values into foundation models from inception. Salesforce's Ethical AI Pledge: When Salesforce implemented its Office of Ethical and Humane Use of Technology in 2019, skeptics questioned the business value. Three years later, the initiative has become a sales differentiator, with 68% of enterprise clients citing ethical AI practices as a factor in vendor selection. Digital wellbeing has emerged as a critical focus area. Screen time management, attention-aware design, and mental health considerations are moving from optional features to competitive necessities. Apple's Screen Time and Google's Digital Wellbeing initiatives reflect industry recognition that sustainable technology use requires intentional design choices. Implementation Framework for Organizations Climate considerations are increasingly integral to human- centric approaches. The technology sector's carbon footprint has driven companies to optimize for energy efficiency and hardware longevity decisions that benefit both planet and users through reduced costs and extended device lifecycles. Transitioning to human-centric technology requires systematic change across organizational culture, processes, and metrics. Phase 1: Assessment and Alignment Conclusion Begin by evaluating current practices against human-centric principles. Conduct user research to understand actual needs versus assumed requirements. Align leadership around shared values and business objectives. Companies should establish cross-functional teams that include ethicists, accessibility experts, and diverse user representatives alongside traditional technical roles. The rise of human-centric technology marks a maturation of the technology industry from adolescent disruption to responsible innovation. This shift isn't about slowing progress it's about directing technological advancement toward outcomes that genuinely improve human life while building sustainable businesses. Phase 2: Process Integration For business leaders, the message is clear: human-centric technology is no longer optional differentiation but essential strategy. Companies that successfully integrate empathy, accessibility, privacy, and ethics into their core operations will capture both market opportunities and top talent. Those that treat human-centricity as cosmetic marketing risk obsolescence as consumers, regulators, and employees demand authentic commitment. Embed human-centric checkpoints throughout development lifecycles. This includes mandatory accessibility testing, privacy impact assessments, and diverse user feedback before major releases. Google's HEART framework (Happiness, Engagement, Adoption, Retention, Task Success) provides one effective model for measuring human-centric outcomes. Phase 3: Culture Transformation The question facing organizations today isn't whether to adopt human-centric approaches, but how quickly they can transform their cultures, processes, and products to serve people first. In an era where technology touches every aspect of human experience, designing with humanity at the center isn't just good ethics it's the smartest business decision companies can make. The most successful implementations recognize that human-centric technology requires cultural change, not just process updates. This means rewarding teams for ethical decision-making, creating psychological safety for raising concerns, and celebrating user impact alongside technical achievements. Atlassian's "Values in Action" program demonstrates how companies can institutionalize people-first thinking. 34 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

36. MARCEL VELICA MARCEL VELICA MARCEL VELICA Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity Through Strategic Innovation reat transformations rarely announce G more secure and resilient future. technical puzzles, Marcel`s interests matured alongside his responsibilities. Transitioning from tactical roles to strategic leadership, he developed an appreciation for the broader challenges organizations face: balancing operational risks with long-term innovation goals. themselves boldly. They often begin quietly, evolving within individuals who envision a Today, in a digital age that is defined as much by its vulnerabilities as by its innovations, the cybersecurity field requires leaders who not only respond to threats but proactively anticipate them. Marcel advocates for a fundamental shift in mindset from merely surviving threats to strategically thriving despite them. This shift signifies his growth from solving code-based problems to addressing organizational and even global cybersecurity challenges. At the forefront of this new paradigm stands Marcel Velica, the Senior Security Program Manager at Eventbrite, whose career embodies a relentless quest to intertwine innovation with security seamlessly. Mastering the Balance Marcel's path into cybersecurity didn't start with a single defining moment, but rather a gradual realization of security's foundational role in innovation. Early in his career, his fascination with the intricate balance between technology, risk, and human behavior grew into a dedicated mission as he observed firsthand how deeply security influences lives, businesses, and global stability. One of Marcel's guiding principles underscores the importance of balancing immediate demands with future planning: “Vision without execution is hallucination, but execution without vision is survival mode.” He achieves this balance by employing strategic quarterly roadmaps, integrated risk management frameworks, and persistent stakeholder collaboration. As Senior Security Program Manager, Marcel has successfully established scalable security programs, transforming cybersecurity from a technical function into a strategic enabler. His contributions have earned him recognition as one of 2025's leading cybersecurity visionaries, highlighting his blend of passion and unwavering dedication. His role demands agility and adaptability, seamlessly transitioning between addressing immediate operational issues and conceptualizing advanced strategies such as zero-trust architectures. For Marcel, maintaining this balance between urgency and strategic intent defines effective leadership. From Problem Solver to Visionary Leader Strength in Empathy Initially captivated by the thrill of solving complex Marcel's approach to leadership emphasizes empathy, 36 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

37. psychological safety, and empowerment, creating a culture where team members feel valued and inspired to explore and grow. He believes true innovation arises at the intersection of curiosity and courage. emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing. His teams are actively exploring how machine learning can enhance anomaly detection and optimize security operations center workflows. He encourages responsible experimentation and nurtures an environment where growth and learning are celebrated alongside tangible achievements, ensuring his teams remain motivated, inspired, and resilient. Yet Marcel`s approaches these technologies pragmatically, emphasizing their role in amplifying human intelligence rather than Marcel Velica Senior Security Program Manager Eventbrite Integrating Security into Innovation Effortlessly Marcel promotes a forward-thinking security philosophy that treats security as a catalyst rather than a barrier. “Security by design” is integral to his methodology, implemented through secure software development lifecycle practices, cloud-native architecture reviews, and proactive cross-departmental collaboration. Marcel has guided teams to transition their perspective from asking, “Can we do this securely?” to confidently declaring, “How do we design this securely from the start?” This significant shift encourages bold, confident innovation rather than restrained compliance. Security isn't just a checklist; it's a catalyst for better outcomes. Embracing the Future Thoughtfully Foreseeing the evolution of the Cybersecurity space, Marcel recognizes the critical role of 37 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

38. replacing it. Moreover, his forward-looking stance prepares his organization to tackle the emerging quantum computing threats, showcasing visionary anticipation. collaborations. Personally committed to professional excellence, Marcel remains actively involved in technical communities and maintains key industry certifications, ensuring his skills remain sharp and relevant. Under Marcel's leadership, his teams maintain continuous readiness through regular threat intelligence briefings, scenario-based exercises, red-blue team simulations, and strategic industry Harmonizing Security with Innovation Addressing organizations grappling with balancing innovation and security, Marcel offers a simple yet powerful solution: don't separate them. Security, he insists, should be a collaborative partner throughout the innovation lifecycle, not merely a final compliance checkpoint. Using threat modeling, secure coding practices, and empowering developers with the right context, Marcel believes organizations can cultivate intuitive security, thereby enhancing speed, trust, and scalability. Preparing for the Challenges Ahead Acknowledging the acceleration of the current digital transformation, Marcel identifies scalability and complexity as future challenges. His response includes substantial investments in automation, decentralized architectures, continuous assurance, and, importantly, 38 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

39. doubling down on talent development, because even the best tools can't replace great people. He emphasizes that cybersecurity is no longer confined to IT departments but is essential within boardrooms, highlighting the necessity of strategic leadership in navigating digital threats. The Human Behind the Mission Amidst the demanding nature of cybersecurity leadership, Marcel emphasizes intentional self-care, clarity of purpose, and structured boundaries to avoid burnout. He advises future leaders “ Burnout doesn't prove your dedication — your impact does. Make space to grow, mentor others, and stay curious”. He views cybersecurity not just as a career, but as a deeply personal mission, best pursued with a balanced and healthy mindset. A Call to Future Leaders role of cybersecurity leaders. He believes that cybersecurity professionals are builders, protectors, and storytellers, navigating complexity with courage and clarity—a mission he hopes more professionals will passionately embrace. In a moment of reflection, Marcel encapsulates his leadership philosophy: “True leadership in cybersecurity is not about control. It's about creating clarity in chaos, trust in uncertainty, and momentum where others see resistance.” In a world increasingly dependent on digital infrastructures, Marcel Velica exemplifies the critical 39 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

40. Tech Trends 2030 What Lies Beyond the Digital Horizon 40 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

41. I fundamentally alter human communication within a decade. As we stand in 2025 looking toward 2030, similar transformations are brewing but the technologies emerging now are far more profound than social media platforms. Quantum computers are solving problems classical machines never could, artificial intelligence is achieving reasoning capabilities once thought decades away, and the boundary between digital and physical reality is dissolving entirely. The question isn't whether these changes will occur, but whether your organization is positioned to capitalize on them or be disrupted by them. antiquated. Ambient intelligence where computational power embeds seamlessly into environments will make technology functionally invisible while ubiquitously present. n 2010, Instagram launched with 25,000 users on its first day. Few predicted it would reshape global commerce, influence political movements, and Gartner predicts that 60% of urban populations will interact with ambient intelligence systems daily by 2030, often without conscious awareness. Smart cities will automatically optimize traffic flow, energy consumption, and emergency response. Workspaces will adapt lighting, temperature, and acoustic properties to individual preferences and task requirements. Homes will anticipate needs based on contextual awareness rather than explicit commands. Business Implications: Companies must shift from app- based strategies to ambient service models. Customer touchpoints will expand beyond screens to voice, gesture, and environmental sensors. Privacy-preserving architectures become non-negotiable as data collection becomes continuous rather than episodic. The Convergence Economy: Where Technologies Intersect The defining characteristic of 2030's technology landscape won't be individual innovations but their convergence. Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and extended reality aren't developing in isolation they're creating exponential possibilities at their intersection points. Quantum Computing: From Lab to Ledger Quantum computing is transitioning from experimental curiosity to commercial reality. IBM, Google, and emerging specialists like IonQ are racing toward "quantum advantage" the point where quantum machines solve practical business problems faster than classical supercomputers. McKinsey's 2024 Technology Trends Report identifies "technological convergence" as the primary driver of value creation over the next decade. Companies that master integration across multiple technology domains will capture disproportionate market share, while those optimizing single technologies face commoditization pressure. By 2030, quantum computing will revolutionize specific domains rather than replacing traditional computing wholesale. Financial institutions will use quantum algorithms for portfolio optimization and fraud detection. Pharmaceutical companies will simulate molecular interactions with unprecedented accuracy. Logistics companies will solve routing problems involving millions of variables in real-time. This convergence manifests in practical applications already emerging. Pharmaceutical companies are combining AI drug discovery with quantum simulations to reduce development timelines from ten years to eighteen months. Manufacturers are merging digital twins, IoT sensors, and predictive AI to achieve 99.9% uptime in critical infrastructure. The pattern is clear: isolated technological excellence matters less than orchestrated integration. Market Reality: Boston Consulting Group estimates the quantum computing market will reach $90 billion by 2030, with early adopters gaining 5-7 year competitive advantages in optimization-dependent industries. Seven Transformative Technologies Reshaping 2030 Generative AI: From Content Creation to Scientific Discovery Ambient Intelligence: Computing That Disappears By 2030, the concept of "using" technology will feel Today's generative AI impresses by creating images and 41 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

42. Brain-Computer Interfaces: Thought as User Interface text. Tomorrow's versions will generate scientific hypotheses, design novel materials, and architect entire business strategies. The technology is evolving from pattern recognition to reasoning and causal understanding. Neuralink and Synchron are pioneering direct neural interfaces that bypass traditional input methods. While widespread consumer adoption remains years away, medical applications will achieve mainstream acceptance by 2030. By 2030, AI systems will serve as co-scientists, co- strategists, and co-creators rather than mere tools. DeepMind's AlphaFold already demonstrates this trajectory solving protein folding problems that eluded humans for decades. Similar breakthroughs will accelerate across materials science, climate modeling, and economic forecasting. Paralyzed patients will control wheelchairs and prosthetics through thought alone. Stroke victims will accelerate rehabilitation through neural feedback systems. These medical applications establish regulatory pathways and public acceptance that enable broader adoption in subsequent decades. Workforce Impact: PwC research suggests 30% of current knowledge work will be augmented rather than replaced by AI. The premium shifts to uniquely human capabilities: ethical judgment, creative synthesis, and emotional intelligence combined with AI fluency. Investment Focus: The BCI market will grow from $2.4 billion in 2024 to $27 billion by 2030, driven primarily by healthcare applications. Companies should monitor regulatory developments and begin scenario planning for post-2030 consumer applications. Emerging Technology Landscape: 2030 Snapshot Technology Domain Maturity by 2030 Primary Impact Market Size Sustainable Technology: Climate Tech as Core Infrastructure Ambient Intelligence Mainstream adoption Consumer experience, smart cities $280B Environmental considerations are shifting from corporate social responsibility initiatives to core business infrastructure. By 2030, carbon accounting will be as fundamental as financial accounting, and climate-optimized operations will determine competitive advantage. Quantum Computing Early commercial phase Optimization, cryptography, simulation $90B Advanced AI Reasoning- capable systems Knowledge work augmentation $1.8T Technologies enabling this transformation include advanced battery systems achieving 1000+ cycle longevity, green hydrogen production at grid parity pricing, and AI-driven supply chain optimization reducing waste by 40-60%. The International Energy Agency projects that clean technology investments will exceed $4 trillion annually by 2030 surpassing fossil fuel investments by 3:1 ratios. Brain- Computer Interfaces Medical + niche consumer Healthcare, accessibility $27B Sustainable Tech Industry standard Climate, resource optimization $2.4T Synthetic Biology Scaled manufacturi ng Materials, food, medicine $189B Competitive Dynamics: Early climate tech adopters are already seeing advantages. Ørsted transformed from fossil fuel company to renewable energy leader, increasing market valuation 400% in seven years. Similar opportunities exist across manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. Extended Reality Merged with ambient computing Remote collaboration, training $470B 42 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM

43. Strategic Preparation: Building 2030-Ready Organizations culture, leadership, and organizational adaptability matter more than technical specifications. Forward-looking companies aren't waiting until 2030 to respond they're positioning now through deliberate capability building. The future arriving by 2030 won't be uniformly distributed. Some organizations will harness quantum computing, ambient intelligence, and advanced AI to achieve unprecedented capabilities. Others will struggle with legacy systems and outdated mindsets. The difference between these outcomes is determined by decisions made today investments in talent, infrastructure, and strategic positioning that compound over the next five years. Technology Literacy at Scale: Organizations should mandate baseline technology fluency across all roles, not just technical positions. Salesforce's "Trailhead" program demonstrates how companies can rapidly upskill workforces through accessible, gamified learning platforms. Flexible Architecture: Technical debt a ccumulated today constrains 2030 possibilities. Companies should prioritize modular, API-first architectures that enable rapid integration of emerging technologies. Adobe's transition from perpetual software licenses to cloud subscriptions exemplifies architectural flexibility enabling continuous innovation. What lies beyond the digital horizon isn't predetermined. It's being shaped by leaders willing to think boldly, invest wisely, and build organizations capable of continuous transformation. The question isn't what 2030 will bring, but what role your organization will play in creating it. Ethical Frameworks: As technologies grow more powerful, ethical guardrails become competitive differentiators. Microsoft's responsible AI principles and Salesforce's Office of Ethical Use demonstrate how proactive frameworks build stakeholder trust and reduce regulatory risks. Conclusion The technologies shaping 2030 are already visible in 2025 research labs, pilot programs, and early commercial deployments. The digital horizon isn't distant it's approaching rapidly, and the organizations thriving beyond it are those investing strategically today. Three imperatives stand out for business leaders. First, abandon single-technology thinking in favor of convergence strategies that orchestrate multiple innovations simultaneously. Second, balance bold experimentation with rigorous risk management the cost of inaction often exceeds the cost of measured failure. Third, recognize that technology transformation succeeds or fails based on human factors: 43 | NOVEMBER 2025 | WWW.GLOBALPUBLICIST24.COM