World’s Predominant Women Leaders in Business, 2023

1. Vol. 11 | Issue 03 | November 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World’s Predominant W MEN LEADERS i n B u s i n e s s , 2 0 2 3 Educating Future Leaders as Change Makers of a Better Tomorrow PG. 30 A Leading by example Real Estate Industry Leader and Role Model PG. 40 Ana Tereza Basilio Leading with an Unwavering Commitment to Redefining Legal Excellence

4. World’s Predominant Women Leaders in Business, 2023 Leading the Change If we look around us there are many well-known and inspirational business executives in the world, but what characteristics make a leader inspirational? In order to be an inspirational business leader, one must commit to reaching a shared objective that motivates people to achieve. Gender-specific leadership does not exist in the current economic climate. It is evident that both genders are working just as hard to be successful in their specialized fields. At the core of Basilio Advogados' success lies its multidisciplinary team, meticulously curated to excel in diverse business sectors. Anchored by unwavering ethical standards, this team tirelessly strives for excellence, ensuring that every interaction is marked by integrity. Boasting over 100 handpicked lawyers, Basilio Advogados stands unrivaled in the competitive legal landscape, each professional bringing a proven track record, an unwavering dedication to their craft, and an innate ability to thrive in a collaborative environment. When it comes to leadership, women's voices have greater sway than men's. They are changing offices, expediting processes, and challenging conventional wisdom in the business sector, where they are making significant strides. We salute these business entrepreneurs and want to share their stories with as many people as possible so that they may all become inspired, educated, and self-assured. Future generations will continue to carry on the vision of these role models. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Predominant Women Leaders in Business, 2023” has created a list of the women business leaders that have been successful in leading some of the top organizations working in industries as diverse as healthcare to consumer goods. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. Have a lovely read! The cover has Ana Basilio, founder of Basilio Advogados Law Firm. In just a short span of 12 years, this dynamic firm has transcended expectations, experienced unprecedented growth and emerging as a prominent national powerhouse in civil litigation, arbitration, and consulting services.

5. CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker November 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :

6. Cover Story 08 Ana Tereza Basilio Leading with an Unwavering Commitment to Rede?ning Legal Excellence

7. Alice Veglio 16 20 C J Bowry 26 Charis Michelsen Dima Rachid Jamali 30 Dr. Arti Santhanam 36 Karen Leslie Simon 40 Margot Grant Witz 46 50 Parmi Natesan Sue Phillips 54

8. Ana Tereza Ana Tereza Ana Tereza Basilio Leading with an Unwavering Commitment to Redefining Legal Excellence 08 | November 2023

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10. the world of Basilio Advogados Law Firm, a pioneering establishment led by the visionary Ana Basilio. In just a short span of 12 years, this dynamic firm has transcended expectations, experienced unprecedented growth and emerging as a prominent national powerhouse in civil litigation, arbitration, and consulting services. COVER STORY At the core of Basilio Advogados' success lies its multidisciplinary team, meticulously curated to excel in diverse business sectors. Anchored by unwavering ethical standards, this team tirelessly strives for excellence, ensuring that every interaction is marked by integrity. Boasting over 100 handpicked lawyers, Basilio Advogados stands unrivaled in the competitive legal landscape, each professional bringing a proven track record, an unwavering dedication to their craft, and an innate ability to thrive in a collaborative environment. But the true differentiating factor lies in Basilio Advogados' stellar lineup of legal luminaries. The esteemed Professor Carlos Roberto Barbosa Moreira and Mr. Frederico José Leite Gueiros, former presidents of the Federal Regional Court of the Second Region, lend their unmatched expertise and guidance to the firm's illustrious team. Complementing this seasoned leadership, numerous team members have pursued advanced degrees and specialized coursework at the world's most esteemed institutions. What truly sets Basilio Advogados apart is their unique training culture, where academic prowess is constantly nurtured. Stimulated by a commitment to academic practice, this remarkable team pushes boundaries, consistently seeking innovative approaches and delivering unparalleled results before the diverse courts of the federation. 10 | November 2023

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12. Vision for a More Efficient Legal System society. Therefore, our objective should revolve around seeking alternative and efficient methods of conflict resolution, with mediation and arbitration procedures taking center stage. Ana believes that we must seek beacons along this path, which, in her perspective, are not only the future but also the very present in the field of dispute resolution. Brazilian Bar Association, Section of the State of Rio de Janeiro. As the President, her main focus was on promoting the culture of appropriate methods for resolving disputes and advocating for law firms to embrace these methods, even incorporating them into their articles of incorporation. Ana finds inspiration in the present and the future. Encouraging more lawyers to explore the realm of ADRs has always been of utmost importance to her. When Ana observes the Legal System, she sees an overwhelming number of cases. Despite the commendable efforts of the members of the Judiciary Power, the exponential growth in filed demands surpasses the system's capacity for absorption, both physically and financially. This, among other factors, results in a sluggish resolution of cases. As legal professionals, it becomes our duty to overcome this delay and strive for the best outcomes for our clients and In November 2018, Ana achieved another milestone in her legal career as she was elected as the Vice- President of the Brazilian Bar Association, Section of the State of Rio de Janeiro, for the period spanning from 2019 to 2021, than reelected by the period from 2022 to 2024. This prestigious position Impacting as President and Vice- President of the Brazilian Bar Association During her tenure from December 2004 to December 2006, Ana served as the President of the Chamber of Mediation and Arbitration of the 12 | November 2023

13. allowed her to continue contributing to the legal community and furthering her dedication to advancing the field of law in Rio de Janeiro. Recognizing Excellence Ana expresses her deep appreciation for the recognition she receives, acknowledging the kind and generous words. She believes that such acknowledgments are a result of years of dedication not only from herself but also from her team of lawyers. Ana considers the standout quality of Basilio Advogados to be its composition of highly competent, determined, and resilient lawyers. The legal arena is a constant battle, and while they may face setbacks along the way, Ana firmly believes that their ability to overcome challenges, adapt, and discover innovative solutions for their clients' issues is their greatest competitive advantage, ultimately leading them to triumph. Preparing for Success The core message that Ana imparts to students is the significance of preparation and persistence. worldsleaders.com | 13

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15. According to her, there is no problem, litigation matter, or conflict that cannot be resolved when knowledge, technical expertise, and unwavering perseverance come together. It is crucial to not only possess technical knowledge but also empathize with the challenges faced by each unique client. Ana emphasizes the importance of students comprehending this fundamental principle: beyond mastering technical terminology, which undoubtedly holds importance, they must learn to understand and empathize with the struggles of others and persist in addressing them. Leading by Example Ana recognizes that being an exemplary role model is one of her greatest challenges as a leader. She strives to maintain her own integrity and serve as an inspiration for her team, fellow lawyers, and women in general. Throughout her extensive years of legal practice, Ana has learned a valuable lesson about leadership: "example leads." By setting a positive example, she can foster a team that is dedicated to the same purposes, shares the same objectives, and works with the same level of motivation. Additionally, Ana believes that leaders must remain attentive to changes and innovations in the market, legislation, and the evolving needs of both clients and their own team members. Just as the law is dynamic, the corporate environment must also adapt and embrace change. This mindset allows leaders to stay relevant and effective in their roles. Balancing Responsibilities Maintaining a balance between all her responsibilities poses one of Ana's greatest daily challenges. She diligently organizes her days to fulfill multiple roles: being a mother, an attorney, the owner of a prominent law firm, and the Vice President of the Brazilian Bar Association in Rio de Janeiro. Despite her busy schedule, Ana also finds time to spend with her horses, which brings her joy and relaxation. To help navigate this demanding task, Ana relies on a team of highly skilled professionals who support her in both personal and professional aspects. They assist with client matters at the firm, address the BAR's demands, collaborate with colleagues, and primarily handle interactions with the Judiciary. The Unfolding Path of Mediation and Arbitration Ana firmly believes that the future of mediation and arbitration is already unfolding in the present. While it may sound like a clichéd notion, she genuinely holds this belief. The legal field is already witnessing the integration of new Artificial Intelligence tools into judicial, arbitration, and mediation procedures. The ability to conduct meetings and hearings online, which was once inconceivable, has become a reality. Ana perceives the pandemic as an accelerator for this modernization process. Globally, the online environment has become an established reality. One notable trend that Ana observes is the increasing use of mediation and arbitration in consumer disputes. In countries like the United States, these alternative methods have become commonplace due to the Judiciary's limitations in effectively handling such conflicts. Regarding the current electoral issues faced by Brazil, Ana recognizes the delicate nature of the topic. The country is experiencing a significant polarization of ideas and ideals, and there are numerous concerns about the democratic system itself. In the midst of this environment, Ana and her colleagues face the challenge of addressing these issues while adhering to the constitutional process, which serves as the foundation of a great nation. Upholding democratic principles and navigating complex political landscapes are paramount in their responsibilities. worldsleaders.com | 15

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20. C J Bowry Founder Salsshoes 20 | November 2023

21. C J Bowry I would find their new feet if she donated them, CJ Bowry founded Sal's Shoes. She says,“In our first year we collected just under 5,000 pairs of shoes. 9 years on, we have now found feet for over 3,000,000 pairs of Sal’s Shoes in 57 countries around the world, including increasingly in the U.K.” The team has worked hard to maintain the premise upon which they were built, knowing where all your Sal's Shoes will find their new owners. they would end up. So, I began collecting outgrown shoes from friends and family to pass on and Sal’s Shoes was born as a charity (www.salsshoes.com). There are 300 million children worldwide, for whom walking with shoes is a rarity. We live sector and, since 2013, in helping children get access to safe footwear and school shoes that can allow them access to an education. I have lived all over the world and have seen first-hand how communities living in poverty struggle to break the cycle. in a society with a disposable mentality. Children's shoes are often outgrown before they are outworn and are difficult to recycle. By finding new feet for shoes that still have much more life in them, Sal's Shoes aims to combat shoe poverty, while also reducing the amount of footwear sent into landfill. n 2013, unable to find a charity that could tell her where exactly her son Sal's outgrown shoes Tell us about the inception of the charity. How did it all start? When my son started walking, I soon amassed a bag of outgrown shoes that had been barely worn. I tried to find a charity that would pass them on to find new feet, but none could tell me where From the early days of the charity, in 2013, I have played a pivotal, hands-on role. I fundraise, raise awareness on social media and via traditional channels and remain involved at every level of operations, from leading a weekly volunteer team to sort and pack shoes, to accompanying deliveries worldwide. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders andCJ Bowry: Within five years, we had collected and distributed one million pairs of shoes Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. My work with the charity keeps me very busy and is very diverse in terms of the work I do. But outside of that, I love to exercise, which is really good for my mental and physical well-being. I'm lucky enough to live in the countryside and walk my dogs twice a day. I also enjoy regular Pilates classes. I’m a voracious reader and love spending time with my family. Cooking, eating and sharing laughter with friends and family is one of my biggest joys in life Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the charity? I have devoted my career to helping others, first within the elderly care worldsleaders.com | 21

22. is working with a variety of partners to get as many shoes as possible on the feet of those who need them most. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? There is no 'I' in team. Everything we do relies on partnerships and teamwork, from sorting shoes in the UK warehouse, to arranging distributions through other charities, NGOs, schools and community organisations. I'm a firm believer that there should be no ego when it comes to charity, and our success relies on a well-oiled machine getting those shoes onto young feet. 3 million pairs in 57 countries, within 9 years, couldn't be done by one person alone. directly to the feet of children in needy communities.As of July 2022, less than nine years since the journey began, Sal's Shoes is now getting shoes onto young feet in 57 countries worldwide, and we have collected and distributed more than 3 million pairs. experience for shoes in their size without any cost attached. To date, five of these have been launched across the UK. What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the charity? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? I am involved with every aspect of the venture, from collecting and sorting shoe donations; to liaising directly with schools, NGOs, domestic violence shelters, and community hubs to ensure that the shoes find the feet that need them the most. What are the most important aspects of a charity's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? I am very aware of the power of social media and we have harnessed it for good: to raise awareness; call out for donations; let people know where their shoes are going; and retell the wonderful stories of the children that we have been able to help. We are able to track every pair of shoes that comes through the charity and let the previous owner know where their shoes have been able to walk again. This personal touch has brought incredible donations, including hugely emotional ones (a mother, whose son had sadly passed away, wanted to donate his first ever pair of shoes that she had kept for over 20 years, to allow another child to take their first steps in them) and large donations from retailers getting rid of end-of-lines, or seconds that couldn't be sold and would otherwise be sent to landfill. Which are the major services of the charity and how do they help the charity to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the charity provide? I am as involved now as I was at the start, leading by example and driving the charity forward to greater and greater achievements worldwide. Sal's Shoes is a small charity with a big heart. Crossing continents to make sure that your used, loved (and barely worn) outgrown children's shoes are delivered straight to those in need. As well as protecting young feet, Sal's Shoes has also saved over 3 million pairs of shoes from landfill, distributing them in 57 countries around the world. During the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, we identified a huge increase in demand for the charity's services within the UK. Having always been very keen to maintain dignity in poverty, in the last 18 months we have also created a new service across the country in the form of "Shoe Shops" within Community Hubs, accessible via referral (much like a Food Bank). These shops give families the opportunity to have a shopping What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time The best way to understand every aspect of your charity or business is to immerse yourself in it and be personally involved in every step. Be aware of your limitations and know when to ask for help. For More Details: (www.salsshoes.com) @sals_shoes - Twitter @salsshoes - Instagram @salsshoes1 - Facebook What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Innovation is a huge part of what we do. We're not pretending to reinvent the wheel, but flexibility and adaptation to circumstance are vital in our sector, as 22 | November 2023

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26. Fashion Style Beauty Network Charis Charis Michelsen A Unique Online Shopping Platform Offering a Revolutionary AI Stylist to Maximize Clients' Apparel Results for More Self Confidence V data that could provide rms with a competitive edge. Despite the established nature of the fashion industry, AI signicantly changes the industry, from how fashion enterprises manufacture their products to how they are promoted and sold. All aspects of the fashion industry, including design, production, shipping, marketing, and sales, are being revolutionized by AI technologies. As a result, it is anticipated that by 2022, the global investment in AI technology by the fashion and retail sectors will amount to $7.3 billion annually. One of the AI-based fashion industries, Fashion Style Beauty Network, benets individuals and grows the businesses of fashion and cosmetic vendors by lowering product returns and increasing vendors' earnings. arious industries have been affected by articial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to disrupt them through innovative technology, more efcient operational processes, and access to consumer and industry 26 | November 2023

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29. Fashion Style Beauty Network The Fashion Style Beauty Network is a multifaceted online marketplace for people of all genders that, like Amazon, enables sellers to market and sell clothing and beauty products to customers. However, with the help of cutting-edge self-service Articial Intelligence (AI) personal shopper technology, built on a science-based Universal Beauty Standard System™, vendors' products will be directed to the consumers they're most appropriate for, and users will be able to shop for and purchase fashion and cosmetic items, similar to how one shops on eBay, that are ideal for them and/or their clients if they're a professional stylist. Fashion Style Beauty's core values are customer- and vendor-focused and employ the golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Global services are provided by Fashion Style Beauty Network. Users of Fashion Style Network can purchase from international vendors who use the platform, and sellers from all over the world can use Fashion Style Network to sell their fashion and cosmetic products as long as they're willing to ship internationally. Meet Charis Michelsen and work as an international spokesperson for one of the top five luxury cosmetic companies in the world because she missed creating more visual art and wanted to make other people feel more attractive. Charis Michelsen has worked as a beauty consultant and a $20 billion company. Later, the CEO positions of a skincare brand and a line of color cosmetics were proposed for Charis Michelsen. She researched business models while serving as a CEO, which sparked a desire for developing high-performing business models. As a result, the Fashion and Style Beauty Network was born. necessary guidance to achieve it. She was inspired to create a surefire, science-based answer to the problem of not knowing what to buy and how to use things to look one's best after witnessing so many individuals struggle with understanding how to use cosmetic and fashion products to enhance their physical appeal. She made it her goal to find a solution for everyone, and she was successful. Buyers waste a lot of money on things that don't work effectively for them and on which they receive minimal instruction in how to use, while suppliers lose profits due to returns. Charis Michelsen considered pursuing a career in fashion design and enrolled at Parsons School of Design/The New School, the best design school in the world, but she was promptly discovered as a model by a Harper's BAZAAR magazine photographer. Modeling for renowned companies like Tommy Hilfiger, Pepsi, Conair, Levis, Dell, Hasbro, and magazines like Glamour, Surface, Hamptons, and Psychology Today was a wonderful experience for her. She was fortunate to work with A-list talent like director Martin Scorsese and stars like Nicolas Cage, Michael Douglas, Katie Holmes, Tobey Maguire, and Robert Downey Jr. in award-winning films like High Art, Wonder Boys, and Bringing Out the Dead after transitioning from modeling to acting professionally. She opted to obtain her makeup artist certification spokesperson for To make purchasing and selling more enjoyable for everyone, Charis set out to fix these problems In order to help everyone look their best, she developed a Universal Beauty Standard System™, a science-based approach. Foundation Storyline . Charis Michelsen discovered during this phase of the journey that people of all genders had a strong desire to appear their best but lacked the worldsleaders.com | 29

30. Dima Rachid Dima Rachid Dima Rachid Jamali Jamali Jamali Educating Future Leaders as Change Makers of a Better Tomorrow “Lifelong learning has been my motto since the early start of my career”. Dima Jamali Dean & Professor University of Sharjah 30 | November 2023

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32. The Backstory of Her Success the public sector, academia, and the entire UN system. Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI), an organization that promotes ethical leadership in both the public and private sectors. Dima Jamali previously held the Kamal Shair Chair in Responsible Leadership and was a professor and associate dean at the Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut (AUB). She graduated with a PhD in Social Policy and Administration from Canterbury, UK's University of Kent. Her studies and instruction have mostly focused on social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility (CSR) over the years (SE). She is the author or editor of seven books, including Handbook of Responsible Management (Edward Elgar 2019), CSR in Developing and Emerging Economies: Institutions and Sustainable Development (Cambridge University Press), Social Entrepreneurship in the Middle East (Palgrave, 2015), CSR in the Middle East (Palgrave, 2012), and Corporate Governance in Arab Countries: Specifics and Outlooks (NTER Press 2019), and over 100 significant international publications, which are widely circulated and cited internationally and concentrate on various facets of sustainability, sustainable development, and CSR in developing nations generally and the Middle East specifically. She gained invaluable experience founding, growing and working with the UN Global Compact Network of Lebanon to organize high-level forums, roundtable discussions, national programs, and activities focused on empowerment, inclusion, development, and well-being with the goal of leaving no one behind. She also engaged a broad range of individuals from the private sector, Bestowed for excellence The University of Sharjah Dima Jamali was recognized by Stanford University as one of the top 2% most influential global scholars in the field of sustainability as a result of her extensive research, and she also received the 2015 Aspen Institute Faculty Pioneer Award, which the Financial Times referred to as "the Oscars of the Business School World" for faculty who are at the forefront of their discipline's teaching and research. She also received the 2015 Arab Organization for Social Responsibility Personality of the Year for CSR award and the Shield of Excellence for the Arab Region, as well as the 2010 Shoman Prize for Best Young Arab Researcher, which honors outstanding scientific contributions that help address pressing issues at the local, regional, and global levels. At Global Compact Network Lebanon, Dima founded this important network and continues to serve as steward and president. The UN Global Compact is the largest sustainability program in the world and calls on businesses to connect plans and operations with fundamental values of anti- corruption, labor, environmental, and human rights. She is also a member of the Global Council for the UN Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME), which strives to instill sustainability at the core of higher education institutions, which has invited her =to join in 2020. She is also a contributor to the Globally The University of Sharjah was established with the intention of adding to the qualities of distinguished universities all over the world share. University of Sharjah provides extensive and multi- disciplinary education and research programs. The University of Sharjah is a full-service academic organization with a unique teaching methodology, great research reputation and a worldwide perspective. In the UAE and the GCC, it is a leader in academia, science, and the arts and was ranked number 1 in the UAE along with UAEU University by Times Higher Education Rankings in 2022. The UAE Ministry of Higher Education has accredited all programs. Engineering, Communication, Science, and Business are just a few of the disciplines that have received international accreditation. At the University of Sharjah, faculty members are dedicated to delivering a top-notch educational experience that equips future leaders with a comprehensive set of knowledge and abilities. They are committed to creating a cooperative, long-lasting atmosphere that supports cutting- edge research and scholarship as well as the development of skills for the twenty-first century. They provide state of the art academic and professional programs geared towards empowering our students, teachers, and the community at large 32 | November 2023

33. making processes in order to create a clearer picture of both the current situation and the future outlook for jobs and skills. Dima and her faculty want to improve students' job readiness and transform the student experience. “e most interesting and happiest part of my daily routine is interacting with faculty and students and forging collaborations with industry.” They, as educators, are aware that without "micro-credentials," a bachelor's degree could become outdated before it is finished. In order to improve students' readiness for the workforce, help them succeed in school, and advance along their professional paths, it is necessary to build and nurture 21st century talents inside educational institutions and programs. These abilities are centered mostly on: in an effort to meet the present and future requirements of our local community and beyond. competitions and extracurricular activities for students, works to improve the students' skills, and increases their employability. She finds it most fulfilling to maintain close ties with the UN ecosystem, cooperate with them, and work together on high-level international forums and events focused on the UN 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In just two years, the college has made tremendous strides in the international rankings, advancing to No. 2 in the UAE in the Times Higher Education Rankings, and has been chosen by Higher Education Digest as one of the 10 Must Watch Business Schools for 2022. Responsibilities in her Role Fostering Digital Literacy with an emphasis on learning-support tools to help students receive a high-quality education through technology and the internet. Embedding soft skills includes communication, organization, teamwork, critical thinking, social skills, creativity, along with adaptability and agility. Facilitating learning versus teaching through differentiated instructions and flipped classrooms Bringing students to key industry players through fostering multi- disciplinary partnerships and agreements to sustain internship opportunities and elevate their job readiness through exposing them to best practices and lessons learnt Changing mindset, building self- confidence, resilience, and a instilling a life-long learning attitude Ÿ In her first two years as dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Sharjah, Dima Jamali was able to win the respect and admiration of the administration, faculty, and students. She also managed to get the college's AACSB accreditation back on track and update its mission and curriculum to take into account current trends. She establishes multidisciplinary partnerships with other colleges, particularly the Colleges of Engineering, Computing, and Arts and Design; cultivates strong ties with the local community; and signs/activates a number of pertinent MOUs with businesses. She is in charge of organizing yearly at least three significant international symposiums on innovation and entrepreneurship; leadership; and sustainability in collaboration with industry, each of which was a great success. She also develops Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Adaptations Amid a Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic's unparalleled effects have expedited the development of the future of work and generated a highly unclear outlook for the upcoming skills revolution. More than ever, Dima thinks it's important to gather the opinions of business executives who are directly involved in decision- Ÿ worldsleaders.com | 33

36. Dr. Arti Santhanam A Collaborative Scientist’s Passion Helps Build a Top-Five Tech-Based Entrepreneurial Community “As someone who had been both a patient and a scientist, I knew both sides. I have always been passionate about bringing affordable healthcare to all and accelerating innovative solutions from bench to bedside; my work at MII does just that.” 36 | November 2023

37. Ar? Santhanam, PhD Execu?ve Director, Maryland Innova?on Ini?a?ve TEDCO worldsleaders.com | 37

38. collaboration: “We focus on building trust and credibility across the organization and with our customers. We are transparent in the exchange of ideas and our encouragement of one another. We value teamwork in our pursuit of supporting innovation and entrepreneurial excellence.” Driven by this value, we embody ubuntu both internally and in our service to Maryland's diverse entrepreneurial community. TEDCO has worked hard to knit together an entrepreneurial ecosystem that connects like-minded entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, academics, legislators, and business leaders from all corners of the state. They weave together a diversity of thought, variety of skills, and myriad needs of Marylanders to build a vibrant tech-based entrepreneurial community that's consistently ranked in the top five in the United States. University, and the University of Maryland's College Park, Baltimore and Baltimore County campuses. Established in 2012, MII has invested $47.5M that has resulted in 144 startups, $692M in follow-on funding and 7 exits to date. W Dr. Santhanam knows that success would not occur without collaboration, one of the core values at TEDCO. For her, collaboration brings to mind the word "ubuntu." Archbishop Desmond Tutu defined the Zulu word "ubuntu" as "My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in what is yours.” In the simplest terms, Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” What does the Zulu word “ubuntu" have to do with a successful science and tech fund at Maryland's TEDCO? To start, it's been a guiding force for that fund's leader. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) has an important mission in Maryland: “enhance economic empowerment by fostering an inclusive and entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. Identify, invest in, and help grow technology companies in Maryland.” Ubuntu is much more than just a word—it's a philosophy, a world view, and a framework for how we relate to and work with others. While the concept of ubuntu has spiritual connotations, it has practical applications as well. As a socio- economic ideology, ubuntu encourages equity and equality as a means of generating shared wealth, promotes collective responsibility for the greater good, and fosters appreciation for each individual's unique talents. At TEDCO and within the MII program, ubuntu manifests itself primarily in the core value of A Childhood Illness Shapes a Career Path Dr. Santhanam's journey to becoming both a scientist and a visionary tech leader began as a girl in her native India, when she was diagnosed with a childhood cancer. As the Executive Director of TEDCO's Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), Dr. Arti Santhanam plays a key role in delivering on that mission. She leads the MII fund investing in commercialization and start-up science and tech companies spun out of five participating universities: Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State An insightful doctor near her village in India understood she needed special 38 | November 2023

39. care; based on his advice, young Arti spent a portion of her childhood traveling 2 hours by bus from her village home to a city hospital that had the resources to treat her. She had many interactions which helped her understand both the disease and how important it was for her to be in a space with the best treatments available in her region. Corporation and later for her own consulting firm, collaborating with partners at DOD to address global health concerns. She then joined TEDCO where, prior to taking the helm as executive director of MII, she served in a number of capacities, including that of investment analyst for the Maryland Venture Fund and director for the Life Science Investment Fund. MII proved to be the perfect fit for Dr. Santhanam's many skills. She could see ground-breaking science and tech happening at institutions where they weren't thinking about getting it to market. At the same time, there were patients desperately hoping to access those discoveries for themselves or their families. She saw the solution. A wonderful, influential science teacher also made her want to be a scientist. The teacher's passion for the topic and Santhanam's own experience surviving childhood cancer inspired her to work in this space of scientific discovery very early on. A PhD in microbiology and molecular genetics from Rutgers University in New Jersey followed a Master of Science in clinical biochemistry from the University of Madras in India. After completing a postdoctoral study at the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Santhanam worked as a senior scientist and subject matter expert for MITRE worldsleaders.com | 39

40. Karen Leslie Simon President & Managing Partner Emersons Commercial Real Estate 40 | November 2023

41. A Leading by example Real Estate Industry Leader and Role Model worldsleaders.com | 41

42. L Lead by Karen Simon Emersons Commercial Real Estate is a sizable, full- service commercial real estate company in and around Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas that specializes in property management, leasing, and sales. She is president and managing partner in the firm for Tarrant County, which manages more than seven million square feet of property in the Dallas region alone and 100 million throughout the nation through its relationship with 1045. It has offices in Oklahoma City, and the Houston and Austin areas. Karen oversees Tarrant County and neighbouring counties in the DFW region. She has more than 30 years of expertise and a career that has seen her execute more than 2,000 deals spanning hundreds of acres and 6 million square feet of property. Karen, a lady with many skills, also owns Rings from Things and designs personalized jewelery. She began specializing in serving third-party clients in 2011 and has participated in Neiman Marcus trunk shows. Early Life and Work Experiences After earning her master's degree, Karen started working at Tarrant County Community College. She taught there for five years before realizing she wasn't mobile enough to move because she had a spouse and two young children. Karen also no longer wanted to teach at a community college and was unable to find employment at a four-year university in her area since they were looking for diversity and she had bachelor's and master's degrees from schools there. She thus made the decision to work in business rather than education. And whether or not voluntarily, the federal government compensated people for their managerial skills and education. Karen is a lease and sales expert in the office, retail, industrial, and land sectors, and she oversees marketing initiatives for three counties. She became the first female industrial realtor in Tarrant and Dallas Counties in 1983 when she headed industrial for the Henry S. Miller Company. Karen left the community college to work as the executive assistant to the regional administrator for Area 10, a five-state region, for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In this role, she was in charge of the department's inter- government and public relations. She learned that there was a chance for those who met the requirements to take the real estate broker's test although they did not already possess a salesperson's license, and that if they did, they would have one year to pass it. Karen only required nine of the 900 required classroom hours when her transcripts were examined. After taking a two-week leave of absence, Karen finished the nine hours of training that were necessary and passed the broker test. When Karen joined Henry S. Miller in 1983, the biggest real estate business in Texas at the time, her career didn't start with a bang but rather an explosion. She would become the first female broker to be recognized as the top industrial producer in the Dallas-Fort Worth region until she left six years later. Karen's zeal and tenacity, unhindered by the fact that she is a rare female in a generally male- dominated field, have led to her success in every position she has had. She established the Tarrant County entity board as managing partner of Bradford Company from 2003 to 2014, opened that facility, and then held the same role at Tig, another industrial and office company. Now, Karen will lead Emersons Commercial Real Estate as it expands with the same zeal, aptitude, and knowledge. Six months later, Karen received a job offer from the Henry S. Miller Company. It was the fifth-biggest real estate company in the country and the largest in Texas. Karen was hired by the Miller 42 | November 2023

43. ““ Company to create an industrial and land division in their Tarrant County office, which heavily relied on Fort Worth. She left the Department of Housing and Urban Development and accepted their offer to start a career in real estate. She was the first woman to head up a commercial sector inside their company. She was also the first woman to lead an industrial real estate firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. She discovered that clients were more concerned with what you knew and how hard you were willing to work than with your gender. As you get older and your children get older, that is not nearly as much of an issue. But I think that in priorities, anyone who is successful would have to tell you that it's a delicate balance, but your family must come first. And in the real estate business, I think, because of the way we're structured, that opportunity exists." Karen oversaw the department for Henry S. Miller for six years while attending real estate and industrial schools. Miller sold the business, but Grubb and Ellis, a global real estate firm, overpaid for it at a time when the housing market was in decline and there were many foreclosures across the nation. Karen decided to launch the R.E Group Advisor Inc., a women's, and minority- owned real estate company, after serving as the director of Tarrant County's industrial division for Henry S. Miller for six years. The company was an expert in sales, leasing, and property management. As a result of the massive foreclosures, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) were then the biggest owners of commercial real estate in the country. president and managing partner at Bradford Commercial Real Estate Services. She founded the company's Tarrant County headquarters and the entity board. In March 2014, Karen started working for TIG, a different industrial and office company, as the president and principle of TIG DFW Metroplex West. Worth office. Being a native of Fort Worth, Richard was aware that locals there strongly favour doing business with their fellow citizens. It's kind of a family situation. It is not as globally diverse as Dallas. But one thing is certain: Fort Worth has a certain sense of familial closeness. People were aware of Karen since her husband was the third generation of his family to practice law in Fort Worth, and one of their sons is the fourth. She was selected as a possible partner by Emersons since she had worked in Fort worth for a long time and the connection was beneficial. Emerson Commercial Real Estate Richard Webb, a banker and real estate broker, and Matt Price, an accountant and broker, started Emersons Commercial Real Estate in 2004. These two men were distinctive in their own right. They got the chance to establish the LLC for Emerson's commercial management. because they had the chance to handle the sale of Safeway stores throughout the nation and represented a family trust. In addition to an office in Oklahoma City, they had some representation in Austin and Houston. They desired a Fort In addition, Karen belongs to several other associations, including the Commercial Real Estate Women, the Urban Land Institute, the International Council of Shopping Centers Convention, the Fort Worth Board of Realtors, and the Texas Association of Realtors. In 2016, Karen met the owners of Emersons Commercial Real Estate, who requested her to assist them in opening an office in Tarrant County. From early 2003 through 2014, Karen held the position of executive vice worldsleaders.com | 43

46. Margot Grant Witz Making Elizabeth Grant Skin Care a Recognized Brand around the World Margot Grant Witz started working for Elizabeth Grant International Inc. in the Public Relations and Marketing division, where she swiftly rose to prominence by utilizing her artistic skills and sound business judgment to attract new clients to the company's brand. Elizabeth Grant Skin Care products are frequently hailed as "beauty favorites" by top editors throughout the world because of her public relations know- how. Margot has a profound awareness of the global economy and a natural grasp of the value of a good brand. Margot significantly advanced the brand during her initial years with the firm, making it a well-known one on a global scale by redesigning the corporate logo, creating new product packaging, and developing new and inventive items. 46 | November 2023

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48. B damaged and war torn. All she wanted to do was feel beautiful enough, and confident enough, to go back to work so she could make other people feel beautiful. Her skin was a constant source of personal shame and embarrassment—to the point where she avoided going out in public and living her life fully. All of that changed in 1948, when Elizabeth discovered a natural substance that was used to treat war wounds. She had it specially formulated with other ingredients and began applying it to her damaged skin. Gradually, but very noticeably, the transformation occurred. Within eight months, Elizabeth's skin had improved remarkably. In her work as a makeup artist, one of her clients complimented her on her skin's fresh, healthy, and youthful appearance. Flattered and shocked that someone would actually comment on her skin... Elizabeth told her client about the miracle serum that she had created. Elizabeth gave the woman a sample, and she returned not too long after asking for more. In the 1950's in London, England, it was most unusual for women to run companies. Elizabeth launched her own skin care treatment line to share the secret formulation she had created. On the strength of her miracle blend, TorricelumnTM, and her own determination and perseverance, Elizabeth evolved the company from a home-based business to a multi-million dollar global corporation which sells directly to our customers via e- commerce, select retailers and teleshopping networks in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand and other countries. Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Margot Grant Witz: Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? My grandmother, Elizabeth Grant (currently 99 years young), was a makeup artist at Elstree Studios in London, England, when she suffered from bomb blast damage from a V2 Rocket. The side of her face was left What has made you successful? What do you value? What made us successful was the products we make—they really work. We are one of the only privately owned skin care companies in the world, owned and operated by three generations of women who make, manufacture, and formulate every product in-house in our privately owned manufacturing facility in Toronto, Canada. We do not outsource formulations and put our name on them; we carefully craft them from scratch, because we are customers too. I value the lessons my grandmother has taught me along the way: never take no for an answer. You are going to hear a heck of a lot of "no's" in this world, but all it takes is one yes. And sometimes "no" just really means "not right now." It's important to know who you are and to know your voice. No one will stand up in this world for you better than you. Also, to always realize you have to grow and evolve in terms of who you are and what you are doing. We have been around for 72+ years (and counting) not only because we make a 48 | November 2023

49. phenomenal product, but because we value adapting, listing, and growing with the community and world around us. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? You always have to adapt in terms of production, whether it's creating the latest and greatest, or investing in machinery to up your productivity. Innovation is the key to success and longevity. That doesn't mean constantly starting over, but it does mean being willing to if necessary, or knowing when to evolve. What I love is that every employee has the floor to help us become better in whatever opportunity there is. Sometimes if you are not close enough to a situation, you can't see the need to improve that area. That's why we rely on our supervisors, managers, and employees that can see things that help them versus senior management just changing policies. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? I think great companies should rely on both. Processes need to be the norm for the day-to-day for the health and safety of your team, helping to increase efficiencies and make the work flow easier (in the long run). But processes can only be implemented when we can work hand in hand with our employees. Processes are the foundation for the safety of things to occur. Heroics are the opportunities to evolve, adapt, and grow. Founder and CEO. My responsibilities day to-day are sales and growth, alongside customer positioning and marketing with my incredible marketing department. But realistically, my responsibilities are to whatever is needed to get done and whatever support is needed. The happiest part of my daily routine is connecting with our Torricelumn™ community and hearing people really love who they are becoming while aging and how they feel. This is why we do what we do. From teenagers to grandmothers, helping someone look in the mirror and love who they are, giving them space to enjoy life and not worry so much, there is no better feeling. Helping to encourage self-love and self-confidence as part of someone's journey is beautiful. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Ask questions, leave your ego at the door, get to know every department and what they do, listen to your team and remember, communication and respect is key. It's so important to take the time and really understand your strengths, weaknesses and your goals, then to take the time to plan how to achieve your goals knowing what you are good at and what you need support in. Anyone can lead, but that doesn't mean you have created an environment where people will want to listen or follow. Also ask yourself, what kind of leader you really want to be, not just in the good times, but in the tough ones too. What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? I am the Vice President of Elizabeth Grant Skin Care. My mother, Marion Witz, is the President, and my grandmother, Elizabeth Grant, is the worldsleaders.com | 49

50. Parmi Natesan Parmi Natesan A Leading Corporate Governance Specialist and Renowned Business Leader Parmi Natesan | CEO | IoDSA Parmi Natesan 50 | November 2023