In this edition of "The Most Successful Digital Leaders to watch in 2022," we present digital leaders who efficiently facilitate companies digital adoption .

1. VOL 04 I ISSUE 04 I 2022
Wendy
Redshaw
The Powerful VOICE of Leadership
Beginning of
Greatness
Going Beyound
Normal
DIGITAL
Leaders
to-Watch
0
The
Most
Successful
2022

4. Transforming
Businesses
by Encouraging
Digital Literacy
igital transformation makes it easier for businesses to
Dharmonize their operations in tune with changing the
behavior of consumers. Adopting a digital presence is a
must for all businesses, and this need has been increasingly
highlighted intensely by the pandemic. Many companies are
witnessing the advantages of going digital and serving consumers
using online platforms.
The need for digital transformation is also bringing a significant
change in the roles and responsibilities of the business leaders.
Digitalization is transforming the business world, becoming
essential for business leaders to be experts at adopting this change
and making it a necessary norm. The transformation in industries
and business models towards digitalization pushes leaders to be
proficient in digital leadership for changing organizational
approaches from conventional to digital platforms.
Steering the businesses from analog mode towards digital
transformation to maintain their competency and relevancy in the
market should be prioritized by business leaders. It is seen that
successful digital leaders are prioritizing this most diligently. Those
leaders utilizing the best digital tools and techniques are availing
significant advantage to run their businesses. Quickly adapting to
digitalization and having the benefit of a social media ecosystem
can be advantageous to companies in reaching out to a more
extensive consumer base and increasing their range of business.
Digital platforms allow firms to serve maximum consumers and, in
turn, derive sufficient profits.
Digital culture also involves remote working or addressing
consumers' issues using several techniques. Leaders should convey
the essential message most eloquently and concisely so that
everyone can understand and implement it.
EDITOR’S NOTE

5. Keeping up to date with technology is essential for leaders to integrate technological advancements in
their companies for better service to all associated stakeholders. Experimental approaches and innovative
ideas should be encouraged by leaders among their employees to come up with brilliant solutions.
Providing technical support to the consumers or clients is essential wherever necessary. They diligently
ensure collaboration and communication with everyone to resolve issues quicker.
Facilitating digital change, prioritizing tasks, managing ambiguity, encouraging digital literacy, keeping
solutions up to date with the latest technologies, providing technical support, and being innovative will help
digital leaders drive successful digital transformation in their companies.
In this edition of "The Most Successful Digital Leaders to watch in 2022," we present digital leaders who
efficiently facilitate digital adoption in their companies.
Kindly have a look at it!
Sharad Chitalkar
DIGITAL
Leaders
to-Watch
0
The
Most
Successful
2022

6. Cover Story
08
WENDY
REDSHAW
The Powerful VOICE of Leadership

7. C
O
N
T
E
N
T
S
John Baldoni
32
Assisting YOU to Find Your Purpose
Lynda Aphing - Kouassi
36
Sculpting YOUR Life with Excellence
Yanna Winter
40
Transforming the IT Infrastructure of
the Insurance Industry
Dr. Maja Zelihic
18
A Profound Leader Dedicated to
Create a Better World
Farrah E. Smith
26
Living a Life of Purpose
and Passion
Beginning of Greatness
24
Going Beyound Normal
Article

8. CONTENT
Senior Editor
DESIGN
Visualizer
Associate Designer Sonia Raizada
SALES
Senior Sales Manager Kshitij S.
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Amar S.
April, 2022
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9. Brief
Company Name
Dave Ulrich
Co founder
The RBL Group
rbl.net
The RBL Group is a consulting and development firm.
Featuring Person
Dr. Maja Zelihic
Interim Dean
Arizona Global Campus
www.uagc.edu
Arizona Global Campus vision is to transform the higher
education landscape and make it accessible for everyone, no
matter their background or circumstance.
Farrah Smith
Director
Sea shepherd
Conservation Society
seashepherd.org
Sea Shepherd’s sole mission is to protect and conserve the
world’s oceans and marine wildlife.
Helen Johnson
Chief Technology
Officer
Data Dynamics
datadynamicsinc.com
Data Dynamics is the pioneer of unified unstructured data
management software.
Ian Ziskin
President
EXec EXcel Group LLC
exexgroup.com
EXec EXcel Group LLC is a coaching and consulting firm.
John Baldoni
Keynote Presenter
Executive Coach
Baldoni Consulting LLC
www.johnbaldoni.com
John Baldoni is a globally-recognized leadership educator, and
a certified Master Corporate Executive Coach.
Keren Eldad
Professional Speaker
and Coach
Enthusiasm Coaching
coachcampus.com
International Coach Academy (ICA) was created in the year
2000 with a vision to create a vibrant global community of
coaches.
Lynda
Aphing-Kouassi
Founder and Director
Cabinet International
Kaizene
www.annuaireci.com
Kaizene is a business consulting, training, coaching, translation
and networking firm approved by the FDFP.
Wendy Redshaw
Chief Digital
Information Officer
NatWest Group
natwestgroup.com
NatWest Group are a relationship bank for a digital world.
Yanna Winter
CIO
Head of IT
Generali
www.generali.com
Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset
management providers.

10. WENDY
REDSHAW
The Powerful VOICE of Leadership
When our customers
succeed, our communities
succeed, and our
economy thrives. And we
succeed as a result.
COVER
STORY

11. Wendy Redshaw
Chief Digital Information Officer,
Retail Banking
NatWest Group

12. degree in Mathematics from Imperial College, she
began her career as a software engineer specializing in
Knowledge Engineering and Human-Computer
Interaction, recognizing the powerful combinations
that humans, computers, and businesses could bring.
Wendy's entrepreneurial spirit led her to create a
FinTech start-up, developing a derivatives system
adopted by 14 of top-tier banks. With momentum in
her early career building, she further went on to
become a part of the team that created Egg Bank, which
was one of the UK's first telephone and internet-only
banks. Wendy continued to lead numerous strategic
business/technology digital programmes for top banks
in the UK and Europe via her consultancies before
joining Deutsche Bank in 2014.
As CIO of Collaborative Technology Solutions in
Deutsche Bank, Wendy combined her
transformational, entrepreneurial, pathologically
collaborative, start-up approach, with Deutsche’s
corporate culture to positively bring about digital
change. She introduced industry-leading elements such
as Design Thinking, Agile (with a little and big A),
Robotics, AI, machine learning, plus embedding the art
of the possible “How Might We…?” mindset, and
effected digital culture shifts across the bank.
In 2018, Wendy joined RBS (now NatWest Group) as
the Head of Digital Distribution, then moved to become
CIO of Technology for the Retail Bank, and in 2020
broadened her position into the newly created Chief
Digital Information Officer role, which spans Retail
Banking Technology and Digital Business. Working
closely with her leadership team, colleagues, fintechs
and partners, she continues to pioneer digital
innovation within NatWest's award-winning mobile
app, online banking channels, branch technology, ATMs,
telephony technology, mortgage systems, lending
systems, and its digital AI assistant named Cora.
Wendy is also a passionate champion of diversity. It
was when Wendy attended University, specifically an
engineering university where the gender demographic
was 85% male, it became clear to her that there were
few female role models in the computer, science,
engineering, STEM type subjects. With this in mind,
Wendy became the first Woman Officer at the college,
T
he “Digital Future” leader simultaneously
drives forward significant shifts in
delivery of digital outcomes for business
and technology, and enables people to
develop and flourish. This style of
leadership is innovative, energised and
energising, and challenges the status-quo through
positive disruption. Exhibiting servant leadership
qualities, and being actively mindful of the impact they
are role modelling, they exist between, within and
around both business and technology - deliberately and
purposefully. Wendy Redshaw embodies such a
leadership style, and exhibits this consistently at
NatWest Group where she is the Chief Digital
Information Officer for the Retail Bank.
Wendy's remit covers Retail Banking digital and
technology across NatWest, Royal Bank and Ulster
Bank, ensuring focus on customer journeys and
unlocking value across Home Buying and Ownership,
Everyday Banking, Short Term Borrowing, Digital
Channels, New Customer Propositions, Shared
Experience, and Physical Channels. Wendy and her
teams are committed to pioneering digitalisation,
reuse, and innovation while focusing on efficiency,
safety, and simplification of the digital and technology
estate.
A dynamic leader in the Financial sector, Wendy is a
recognised role model, having been most recently
awarded CIO/CDIO of the Year at the EveryWoman
Tech Awards in March 2021 and was named in
HotTopics/Hewlett Packard's Chief Digital Officer Top
100 in February 2022. Wendy also holds a non-
executive Director position for NatWest Trustee &
Depository Services, is a Member of the Board of
Directors for RoosterMoney, a newly acquired youth
proposition, and is on the Board of Trustees of
TechSheCan, a charity with the aim to enable women to
play an equal role in how our world works, looks, thinks
and feels.
Sprouting Roots
A blend of engineering creativity shaped Wendy's
career, enhancing her skillsets in the ever-changing
innovative digital landscape. After graduating with a

13. and has been passionate about encouraging diversity,
equity and inclusion ever since. Wendy firmly believes
that girls and women can bring something unique to a
sector that desperately needs diversity. Wendy notes,
"Too many girls nowadays are put off careers in technology
from very early on. We all have a part we can play to foster
curiosity and learning across the career lifecycle."
Denting the Universe
Wendy is a uniquely positioned leader, embodying the
blended triumvirate of business, technology expertise,
and people leadership while unlocking actual customer
value and potential through digitalisation and
innovation at scale. Wendy has continued to be a vocal
advocate for customers and climate, seeking ways in
which digital technological innovation can provide
products, services, and information that genuinely help
NatWest’s customers, communities, and businesses.
The impacts of her expert leadership are especially
demonstrated through delivery to customers and how
NatWest Group is positioned as a leader in
conversational AI, digital mobile, and climate solutions.
We champion
potential, helping
people, families, and
businesses to thrive.

14. Ÿ Implemented a dedicated emergency line for NHS
workers.
Ÿ Offered free Financial Health Checks – a face-to-
face, phone, or video, confidential service open to
customers and non-customers that offers a chance
to talk through your money plans with a Senior
Personal Banker.
In 2021, Wendy continued to champion potential and
through innovations and partnerships, she and her
teams launched and iterated upon several exciting
technologies, including a new Spending feature within
the mobile app, helping customers to build financial
capability, understand how and where they are
spending their money, and providing helpful
suggestions on changing spending habits to become
financially better off.
In November 2021, Wendy and her teams also
launched carbon tracking within the NatWest Mobile
app, enabling customers to see the CO2 emissions
associated with their daily spending and providing hints
and tips on how to go greener while supporting
customers to set plans and commitments to reduce
carbon emissions further. Indeed, NatWest is the first
UK and European bank to launch a free carbon
footprint tracker, which was launched in partnership
with carbon tracking expert, CoGo, and customers can
now see the carbon impact of their daily spending.
Tackling climate change is one of our world’s biggest
challenges collectively, and insights from the initial pilot
showed the average user saved approximately 11 kg of
CO2 emissions per month, through awareness and
committing to behavioural changes that use less carbon
– such as composting, reducing meat consumption, or
switching utility providers. If this behaviour were
replicated across NatWest's 8 million+ mobile app
customers, it would save more than 1 billion kg of CO2
emissions per year, equivalent to planting 17 million
trees.
Wendy's impact is not just about the technology,
however, but also about the people, and building
capability for the future workforce of tomorrow. Her
leadership ethos is about championing potential, and
helping people to flourish and thrive. She role models
this daily, and whether it be speaking at graduate
An example of this was evident during lockdown.
Under Wendy's leadership in 2020 during the
pandemic, the teams were able to respond quickly and
scale efficiently, to support customers' needs, especially
for the most vulnerable.
Ÿ Through leveraging automation and robotics, teams
processed 240,000+ initial mortgage holidays.
Ÿ Quick, innovative thinking enabled more than £2
million delivered securely to vulnerable customers
at the height of pandemic lockdown.
Ÿ Development of a companion card and "get cash"
codes to enable cash delivery for customers who
were shielding.
Ÿ Supported 320,000+ proactive calls to support
elderly & vulnerable customers.
Ÿ Consistently kept more than 95% of branches open
and supported real-time updating of branch hours
was available.
Ÿ Introduced Banking my Way, a free service that
allows customers to record information about the
support or adjustments needed to make banking
easier, especially for its customers in vulnerable
situations.

15. “When we look at our evolving Technologies, our customer
is pinnacle, centred at the heart of everything we do. This
enablement nurtures relationships that start earlier in our
customers' lives and adapt to meet their evolving needs. All
of which will be enabled by the strategic partnerships and
acquisitions we have made, and by our efforts to simplify
how customers interact with our bank so they can enjoy an
easier, frictionless banking experience," explains Wendy.
NatWest is also building a culture to champion
potential positively contributing to the communities it
serves by creating an open, inclusive, and progressive
workplace, breaking down barriers for its customers
and colleagues. It does this through listening, learning,
being incredibly passionate about being a learning
organisation, and understanding that its culture today
is critical to its future success.
Technological Significance
The pandemic accelerated digitalisation, evolving
established consumer behaviours and societal
expectations around e-commerce and services and thus
becoming a blend of the digital and physical space –
coined as 'phygital.'
events, mentoring the next generation of tech talent,
hosting hack-a-thons and encouraging "innovation
anywhere," Wendy is considered inspirational and
industry-leading by her peers and colleagues.
Perhaps what sets Wendy apart is her passion for
bringing people on the journey, setting vision and
intent, and empowering those around her, ensuring no
one is left behind. As previously mentioned, as an
advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, Wendy
champions accessibility, openness, skill-building,
understanding, and transparency, which is critical to
supporting NatWest Group colleagues, particularly
those in under-represented groups. She is proactive,
instigating connections, facilitating positive
partnerships, and sharing insight and best practices to
help others thrive in their careers and gives back to the
wider community, such as mentoring for the 30% Club,
a global campaign to increase gender diversity at board
and senior management levels, and being part of the
McKinsey Black Executive Sponsor scheme.
We Champion Potential!
NatWest Group is deeply committed to being a
Purpose-led Bank. It champions potential, helping
people, families, and businesses to thrive and its
purpose guides and underpins everything it does,
building long-term value, investing for growth, making a
positive contribution to society, and driving sustainable
returns for shareholders.
NatWest is the UK's leading business bank serving 19
million customers across every region of the UK. As a
relationship bank for a digital world, it helps break
down barriers that might hold back its customers and is
helping to build their financial confidence.
NatWest Group is centered around its purpose, driving
sustainable growth through its strategic priorities.
Wendy asserts, "We are a relationship bank for a digital
world, building and deepening connections with our
customers, meeting their needs throughout their financial
lives. It is these relationships, based on insight and surfaced
through a seamless, delightful experience that removes
complexity and frustration”.
We're concentrating
on bringing our
purpose to life
across three initial
areas of focus.

17. Wendy states that phygital is about the seamless
transition between digital and physical without friction.
Whether it is virtual and physical processes integrated
into 'space,' innovating with concepts around
augmented reality, or bringing digital services to our
customers, anytime, anywhere.
She shares, "Our teams are looking to provide new and
exciting ways for businesses and customers to interact with
one another and the bank."
"A great example of this is our Video Banking capability,
which launched in 2020 and quickly scaled to meet
customer demand throughout the pandemic. Video Banking
allows our customers to meet with an advisor on-demand
seamlessly through our mobile app. While traditional in-
person banking appointments are still available in
branches, through technology, customers can also pre-
schedule their appointments or instantly and securely
connect via the mobile app to speak with an advisor in
seconds. With appointments available 24/7, customers can
connect digitally face to face, regardless of this physical
space or time. This capability has been incredibly well-
received, with our teams handling more than 10,200 video
interactions a week," explains Wendy.
Wendy and her teams are also pioneering
advancements in conversational AI with the Digital
Assistant named Cora. Now, 4-years evolved and built
with IBM Watson assistant, Cora is continuously
learning, improving, and transforming its customer
experiences.
During the pandemic, Cora was quickly re-trained to
help customers with COVID-19 related questions and
helped thousands of customers apply for payment
holidays and deferrals on their mortgages, loans, and
credit cards. In 2021, Cora was further integrated into
its omnichannel 'always on' service offerings and can
now facilitate requests by phone, leverage natural
conversation to enable self-service, and seamlessly
transfer customers directly to a live agent for those
queries requiring a more human touch.
"Cora is now a key part of the bank's digital and telephony
offering, with a constantly evolving role in frontline
customer support. As well as improving our service
efficiency, it also enables our colleagues to focus on
more complex customer enquiries. We will continue to
invest in the use of appropriate and innovative
technologies to make it easier for our customers to get
the support they require when and where it is needed." –
ESG Supplement
Preparing for the Change
Wendy, like many global leaders, agrees that the
biggest challenge and change ahead collectively and
globally is climate change. The changes required
(not just in the financial industry but across several
sectors) will need to be bold, innovative, and
disruptive to meet the global collective targets for
NetZero. The snippet from NatWest’s annual results
ESG mentions that tackling climate change will
require collaboration and cooperation globally.
NatWest Group was proud to sponsor the COP26
global climate conference in Glasgow in
October/November 2021.
The snippet mentioned, "Our industry has a
responsibility to drive and influence positive change. As
such, NatWest Group is committed to getting its own
house in order, ending the most harmful activity, and
providing the support, advice, and products our
customers need to accelerate the transition to a net-
zero economy. We are one of the few banks to offer a
Green Mortgage product, with £728 million of lending
to retail customers since its launch in Q4 2020. We
established the Sustainable Homes and Buildings
Coalition with British Gas, Worcester Bosch and Shelter
to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the UK.
Working with the fintech company CoGo, we were also
the first bank to introduce a carbon-tracking feature in
our mobile banking app. And we are helping colleagues
and customers to move to electric vehicles through a
collaboration with Octopus Energy.”
"Our Springboard to Sustainable Recovery report found
that the transition to net-zero can create a huge
opportunity for SMEs. Close to 40% of our accelerator
hubs are dedicated to supporting sustainable businesses
to help our most innovative start-ups to take advantage
of this opportunity. There is a clear societal
responsibility here, but also an obvious commercial

18. imperative in helping our customers to thrive as we
transition to net zero."
Bequeathing Brilliance
Wendy advises budding entrepreneurs, future
innovators, and engineers with two reflections.
"Pathological Collaboration is one of the secret ingredients
to success. In a world where we have been led to believe
that knowledge is power, there can sometimes be an
unsettledness or fear that is collaborating, sharing ideas,
and being open and transparent is dangerous. I would
challenge this notion, turn it on its head, and suggest, what
if one doesn't share ideas and collaborate? What
opportunities are being missed? There is a world full of
unlimited possibilities. The collective power of cross-
functional, multi-disciplinary solutions is incredibly potent,
sometimes sparking new ideas that could be the next thing,
you just have to ask, how might we!"
“Purpose is life-blood. Your career, job, and the activity you
dedicate 30% of your life should resonate with your
purpose in an ideal world. When it does – it doesn't feel like
work. As we reflect on resiliency and well-being, having just
lived through an unprecedented global pandemic, it is
important to recognize that passion keeps us motivated,
even in difficult times and especially as an entrepreneur.
Though it might seem difficult, as the start-up path can be
quite challenging, purpose and the values that underpin
your work will differentiate your service offering and come
across in your passion," Wendy concludes.

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20. Dr. Maja Zelihic
Interim Dean, Forbes School of
Business and Technology®
University of Arizona Global Campus

21. rriving in the land of opportunity in 1996 as a
Arefugee, Maja Zelihic went through several
challenges across her personal and professional
aspects of life. Being an immigrant, she had to get used
to the American culture and a new way of living. Maja
began her career in the finance industry while
simultaneously attending school as a non-traditional
student, balancing her life as a mother and career-
oriented woman, working 2-3 jobs, trying to climb the
corporate ladder to achieve her goals and dreams.
While working in the finance industry, Maja developed
her interest in corporate training. As time passed, she
discovered her passion for teaching through the
lectures in the corporate training setting. From 2010 to
2013, Maja taught part-time and made her shift in the
world of academia full-time later, embarking on a new
chapter of her life.
Today, as the Interim Dean, Forbes School of Business
and Technology® at the University of Arizona Global
Campus, Dr. Maja leverages her passion for teaching,
conducting various research to contribute to the
unique large-scale study of cultural practices,
leadership ideals, and interpersonal trust.
Impactful Prowess
Dr. Maja defines herself as a global researcher and
lecturer first and foremost and then a professor. When
Dr. Maja found her passion for implementing e-learning
and development, she started working on research
ventures across the globe, including Haiti, Cuba, and
the Balkan region, from former Yugoslavia, Bosnia &
Herzegovina, Jordan, and Zambia funded by different
university grants.
Maja is also a Fulbright researcher. She also
participated in a comprehensive study across 160
countries studying cultural practices, in which she
contributed from the Southern African region,
particularly Zambia. Her primary focus in research
ventures is studying the small enterprises and every
obstacle surrounding them and how they prevail to be
successful against all the odds.
Ahead of the Norm
In Maja's opinion, digitalization has accelerated the
pace in the education sector during the pandemic.
Dr. MajaZelihic
I hope to inspire
my students the
way I was
inspired by my
teachers - with
my enthusiasm,
professionalism,
and academic
excellence.
April 2022 | 19 | www.ciolook.com

22. However, the University of Arizona Global Campus was
ahead of the game, providing online classes to its
student from the get-go. She shares, "A lot of traditional
universities were resisting digitalization quite a bit. When I
was working on the e-learning implementation worldwide
before COVID, you were encountering resistance because
the traditionalists in the world of education were deeming
online education to be less-than, not as worthy, not as
quality-driven, not as content-driven, which as we all know
that to be false."
"Therefore, now the universities are more open to
embracing the pillars of online education. They are actually
in a hurry to learn how to utilize online technology and
deliver all their courses and content online. I think that
pandemic accelerated digitalization. We see it in every
single industry sector," explains Maja.
Shifting Tides, Embracing Changes
Maja states that brick-and-mortar schools will always
have a place, but they won't be as significant in the
world of education as they once were. She expects an
acceleration of the degree programs in many different
fields. She notes, "The concept of Nanodegrees is the way
to go because sometimes you start with a particular study
program and by the finish, your skills are obsolete because
the industry has already moved on at a rapid pace. I think
there will be many opportunities for the certificate market
and professional development."
Beyond the Horizons
Maja eagerly anticipates for the world to completely
open its arms to continue her research and complete
her Fulbright project. She is at the final stages of
negotiating with a university in the Middle East.
As far as her full-time job, Maja aims to continue to
serve the student, ensuring that they are provided with
the best curriculum and content. She mentions, "We are
also having a very robust center for women's leadership
that is delivering amazing content monthly. We work on a
community chat and the main event's panels; we also work
on the workshops. "
"There's an immediate focus on what I can do within my
full-time job, also what I can do in the world of research.
And of course, I'm always writing something. Recently, I was
doing a chapter contribution in the International Handbook
on Research that Francis and Taylor published. My chapter
contribution has been published, so I always like to
collaborate with other colleagues on articles or books, but I
would like to emphasize one thing. We published Dr. Diane
Hamilton, behavioral expert, and also, she's a host of the
nationally syndicated radio show. And we wrote a book on
perception."
Maja's biggest focus is raising awareness of the
research and working with the companies on the
Perception Index –research that focuses on all the
variables impacting human perception as it correlates
to the concept of global leadership, effectiveness,
motivation, and productivity at the workplace. "I want
to consistently promote awareness of our research on
perception and the Perception Index and to collaborate
even further with the companies that are interested in using
this index and applying it," clarifies Maja.
April 2022 | 20 | www.ciolook.com

23. A Guiding Light
Dr. Maja Zelihic advises emerging educators to find
their passion. She says, "Have your goals, have your
dreams; it's not a cliché because I've discovered my passion
working in the developing world. I thought I'd discovered
my passion once I first became a professor. That was a
wonderful experience. But my passion was discovered
during global research. To define what your goals are at
first. You may have three, four, five goals as a young person.
And ultimately, you will find your passion and make a
difference within your little area of influence."
"Also, be very adaptable. You may have several goals right
now in a particular field. That field may not exist five years
from now, or that field may completely change. So your
goals are not aligned with the movements within that field.
So make sure that you are consistently able to adapt and
change. Make sure that you're a lifelong learner. Always
educate yourself in the field of your passion. And also, be
brave to try a few things. And it is okay if you're not
successful. At least you know that you've tried something
and you were pursuing your path. And also, as I said, make a
difference. And don't always think big picture. All of us want
to change the world. Don't think big at first. What
difference can you make within your little area of influence?
Can you make lives better around you, those loved ones
around you or people in your neighbourhood, in your
community with the work that you do?" Maja concludes.
April 2022 | 21 | www.ciolook.com

26. G
reatness of a leader is established by his or her
ability to thrive even in the most provocative or
most challenging situations. The substance of
the leaders is revealed in the toughest situations. If
they are able to calm their nerves even in difficult times
and are able to deliver the good results even amidst
challenges, they become the most valuable asset in the
success of the organization. Their ability to thrive, no
matter what the situation is, make them exceptional.
Such leaders play a huge role in successful and
sustained growth of the company.
As it is believed courage is grace under pressure,
substantial leaders never crumble even amidst the
greatest pressure. They are not fazed by the external
praise or criticism. They hold the ability to exhibit grace
even in the situations of high pressure. This grace and
calmness inside them helps them to deal with the
challenges from inside-out approach and resolve the
issues without creating a big havoc. Those who don’t
have the guts to handle the pressure remain like a coal.
But those who handle the pressure with grace are the
people who one-day become like a diamond, just like
coal under pressure transforms into diamond by
undergoing through a tremendous pressure for many
days. Therefore, ability to exhibit grace even in the
times of pressure makes you a great leader.
Secondly, talent and temperament both play a huge role
in becoming the successful leader. Talents are the
innate abilities that you are born with and that talents
can be enhanced with good upbringing, training and
associating with talented people. Temperament is the
ability to channel the emotions most appropriately. You
should have control over your emotions but should not
be controlled by your emotions. You should not take
decisions whimsically, but by thinking deliberately and
acting on the conclusion of most logical, thoughtful and
rational thought. Temperament is very much
synonymous with emotional intelligence and morality is
the foundation of appropriate temperament. You hold
the potential to become the successful leader if you
have appropriate talents as well right temperament. By
associating with right people, you can develop your
talent as well as temperament. By reading appropriate
books, by having successful business leaders as your
mentor or guide, you can certainly develop your talent
as well as temperament. Right talents and right
temperament help leaders to achieve something
remarkable and that help them to make significant
difference in their organization as well as to the clients
and in the industry for a sustainable period of time.
April 2022 | 24 | www.ciolook.com

27. Having exceptional attributes like determination,
persistence, patience, hard work coupled with smart
work, ability to lead the team in the right direction,
planning, right strategy, being innovative, and being
technically smart, makes the leader of the
organization very valuable. Exceptional attributes of
the leader of the organization create a ripple effect on
the people in the organization and that is huge for the
organization. This inspires everyone in the
organization to perform to their best of abilities and
make a significant difference. The contribution of
everyone leads to glorious achievements for the
organization.
The high level of trust in the competence and
capabilities of each other create a good culture in the
organization. The cooperation between everyone in
the organization leads organization to a heightened
success, resulting in a win-win for everyone in the
organization. Setting the right example in front of
others is the one of the best ways of leadership. Great
leaders lead exemplarily by doing justice to their roles,
routine, relationships and responsibilities and in turn
inspire everyone.
Moreover, great business leaders build another set
of great business leaders with their ripple effect. This
helps in the growth and expansion of the business of
the organization tremendously. They promote the
individual talents and cooperative behavior in their
team members and lead with responsibility. They
don’t hesitate in taking bold decisions. Business
leaders who are thoughtfully decisive are able to do
what needs to be done diligently. They address the
needs that are needs to be addressed before it is too
late. They act in the right interest of the organization
based on the conclusion of logical and deliberated
thought process. They act on the integrated
thoughts. They are organized and precise in their
approach. They utilize their intelligence, resources,
talents, words and abilities in most constructive
ways. They don’t act whimsically. But they act on
their rational conclusions. The technical, ingenious
and innovative smartness in them makes them most
valuable. They destroy the prejudices by going
beyond normal. They deliver more than needed.
That makes them truly remarkable.
Beginning of Greatness
April 2022 | 25 | www.ciolook.com

28. Farrah E. Smith
Director of Major Gifts
Sea Shepherd Conservation
Society (SSCS)

29. T
he purpose of life is to live a life with a purpose.
When Farrah E. Smith read a quote by Winston
Churchill, "To each, there comes in their lifetime
a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on
the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special
thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a
tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or
unqualified for what could have been their finest hour,"
she felt disappointed, feeling that she wasn't preparing
for her moment to make a difference in the world.
While climbing the corporate ladder, Farrah steered
away from her passion for kids and animals and found
herself feeling unfilled professionally. She determined
the best way to impact the causes she cared about and
have a more meaningful career was to transition to the
non-profit sector. Then, she came across the show
"Whale Wars" on Animal Planet and loved how the
brave Sea Shepherd crew put their lives on the line to
save whales, thinking to herself that these were people
living a life of purpose and passion.
Igniting the spark within herself, Farrah landed a job at
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS), and now a
decade later, she is the Director of Major Gifts at SSCS.
Farrah is responsible for strategic relationships with
major donors, foundations, celebrities, and advisory
board members. In addition, she oversees Sea Shepherd
Productions, a Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
subsidiary that develops docu-series content for film,
TV, and new media.
Finding a Cause that Matter Most
Farrah years spent working with wealthy and high-
profile clientele and hosting events for the entertain-
Living a Life of Purpose and Passion
Sea Shepherd
works to
defend all
marine wildlife,
from whales
and dolphins
to sharks and
rays, to sh
and krill,
without
exception.
April 2022 | 27 | www.ciolook.com

30. ment industry were all preparing her to be the right
person, with the proper skill set and the perfect
connections to make a difference at her favorite
charity. All the relationships Farrah had made over the
previous ten years in Los Angeles and Las Vegas came
to be invaluable in her new role at Sea Shepherd
Conservation Society.
Over the past decade, Farrah has had the incredible
opportunity to raise millions of dollars to help protect
the ocean and save marine wildlife. She feels honored
to be a Sea Shepherd and surrounded by such devoted
and passionate individuals, all of whom she considers
heroes. Farrah is grateful to finally be living a life of
purpose, impacting two of the causes that matter to her
the most, ocean conservation and animal welfare.
Protecting Ecosystems and Species
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is an international
non-profit marine wildlife conservation organization.
Sea Shepherd's mission is to end the destruction of
habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans
to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Its
engagement model provides unique, at sea resources to
assist, serve, and support developing coastal and island
governments in protecting their sovereign waters
against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU)
fishing. Sea Shepherd's primary goal is to significantly
enhance a government's capacity to patrol, monitor,
and enforce its laws.
Saving a Lot More Lives with New Approach
Farrah notes, "Sea Shepherd has grown and evolved
quite a bit over the last few years. Of course, we have
always been an anti-poaching organization. However,
we save many more lives with its new approach of
partnering with governments to stop illegal, unre-
ported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing."
It can be seen that the model of cooperating with
government bodies worldwide is showing increasingly
good results. For example, just in Africa alone, Sea
Shepherd works with eight coastal states has resulted
in the arrest of over 70 vessels for illegal fishing and
other fisheries crimes. Over the past five years, Sea
Shepherd assisted law enforcers from its partner
governments as they arrested dozens of vessels
resulting in numerous successful prosecutions. These
efforts increased monetary recoveries for its partners,
April 2022 | 28 | www.ciolook.com

31. reduced subsequent maritime crimes, and helped
restore fish populations.
Tackling Most Critical Issues with Awareness, Cooper-
ation, and Education
Farrah states that Sea Shepherd is the only organiza-
tion with ships on the frontline stopping wealthy
industrial fishing companies from the World's wealthi-
est countries from stealing from some of the World's
poorest people. Not to mention, labor abuse is rampant
in the illegal fishing arena, with some fishers kept at sea
for months to years without pay or adequate shelter. By
working with governments to intercept IUU vessels,
Sea Shepherd is also impacting human rights issues.
Farrah believes that cooperation, awareness, and
education are the way forward to tackle the most
critical issues we face today, climate change, overfish-
ing, plastic pollution, or social justice.
Leading a Fight for Protecting Marine Wildlife
Sea Shepherd is leading the worldwide fight to protect
marine wildlife against the deadly threat of illegal,
unreported, and unregulated fishing by using its ships,
cameras, and crew to investigate and document what is
happening at sea.
Farah expresses that Sea Shepherd uses technology to
track down illegal poachers and report their activity to
the appropriate authorities and expose the fishing
industry's impact on the World's oceans to the public at
large. Sea Shepherd's campaigns in African waters were
recently featured in National Geographic's Trafficked,
hosted by Mariana van Zeller. In addition, SSCS's work
combatting IUU fishing was also featured in the
groundbreaking Netflix Original documentary
Seaspiracy.
People can see Sea Shepherd's challenging mission to
protect the most endangered marine mammal in the
World in Leonardo DiCaprio's film Sea of Shadows as
well. Sea Shepherd has always said the camera is one of
the greatest tools for change, and that is even more
true now that their work is being highlighted on global
media platforms like Netflix.
Expanding Conservation Role Globally
Sea Shepherd's Conservation program joins with the
nations of the world in the goal of protecting at least 30
percent of oceans by the year 2030, a target endorsed
by more than 100 countries at the 76th session of the
United Nations General Assembly. Sea Shepherd has
been instrumental in establishing shark sanctuaries in
Gabon and Palau. Currently, it is partners guiding the
development of the proposed UN High Seas Treaty,
which seeks to create legally binding MPAs within
nearly 50% of the planet currently without protection.
Through local partnerships, coalition building with
NGOs, and sustained emphasis on building country
partnerships, Sea Shepherd will expand its critical
conservation role in Central and South America, along
the coast of Africa, across the Mediterranean, and in
the Western Pacific.
April 2022 | 29 | www.ciolook.com

34. John Baldoni
Assisting YOU to Find Your Purpose
T
he quote goes, "If you can't figure out your purpose,
figure out your passion. For your passion will lead
you right into your purpose."
From writing executive speeches to delivering keynotes
on stage, John Baldoni leverages his ability to
communicate with a passion for helping others see the
best in themselves. John fulfills his mission in three
ways: executive coaching, writing books and articles,
speaking on what it means to lead with clarity,
conviction, and compassion.
John Baldoni is a globally recognized leadership
educator, certified Master Corporate Executive Coach,
and author of 15 books that have been translated into
ten languages. He is also a member of the renowned
Develop yourself by
seeking new challenges
and professionally by
educating yourself
formally and informally.
John Baldoni
Executive Coach
Baldoni Consulting LLC
April 2022 | 32 | www.ciolook.com

35. Marshall Goldsmith 100 coaches, a group of executive
coaches, and thought leaders from the worlds of
business, academia, and social service.
John's thought leadership is reflected in his writing and
his choice of media: columns, videos, and books. He also
integrates piano improvisations into his keynotes,
illustrated in his still life photos. John is the host of
LinkedIn Live's GRACE under pressure interview series,
enabling him to interview 150 global business,
academic, and thought leaders and doers.
John's positive impact is evident in the people he has
coached and taught. His passionate, laser-focused
approach delivers energy and enthusiasm,
demonstrating a good sense of humor during his
sessions. Through his articles, books, and videos, John
has become a source of practical wisdom on topics such
as influencing without authority, applying power
appropriately, leading with grace and conviction, and
developing genuine followership.
John speaks widely to corporate, professional, military,
and university audiences. Those who attend John's
keynotes and workshops find his advice practical and
inspiring. Mixed with stories of great men and women
and leavened with light-hearted humor, John seeks
down-to-earth, practical advice that individuals can
apply immediately. John's presentations blend his
passion for leadership with genuine enthusiasm for
helping people achieve their leadership ambitions.
CIO LOOK caught up with John to know more about his
journey and his coaching approach that makes a
significant difference.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
What challenges you have to overcome to reach
where you are today?
The challenge for any solo entrepreneur is building a
strong enough client base to sustain you in hard times.
The way to do this is through doing good work and
being recognized by clients and peers.
What do you want to achieve as a coach?
I am passionate about helping women and men become
individuals who lead with greater purpose and grace.
Coaching is one way I can fulfill that aspiration. My
coaching helps managers lead with authority, presence,
engagement, and purpose. I also teach how to influence
April 2022 | 33 | www.ciolook.com

36. April 2022 | 34 | www.ciolook.com

37. (sometimes without authority) -- up, down, and across
borders. My approach is centered on leadership
principles, e.g., helping managers achieve personal and
organizational goals that are right for individuals and
the organization.
Why do you integrate advisory services into your
coaching?
Coaching is behavioral change, and change does not
occur within a vacuum. Executives with whom I work
are looking for insights into the leadership and
management issues beyond traditional coaching.
Executives need perspective on strategy, talent
management, and succession planning. They also need
a sounding board that can help them navigate the
ceaseless churn of change related to their business.
That is a role I can play.
What coaching model do you employ?
I use the coaching model adapted from existing sources
and my own experience. My model includes
assessment, action planning, and evaluation.
Assessment involves discovering where you are now
and where you want to go. Action planning describes
the steps you will take to achieve your
goals—evaluation reviews what you have achieved.
What techniques do you use in your coaching?
My goal in coaching is "assisted self-discovery"; that is, I
want the executive to discover for himself (but with
help from a coach) what, how, and why he should
change. Toward that end, I focus on listening to
determine needs, issues, and behaviors. Questions I ask
help the coachee discover issues and problems and
work through solutions. I also provide insights and tips
to stimulate thought and new direction. At times role-
playing is useful to help the coachee see alternate
points of view and experiment with new ideas. Personal
growth is essential to self-discovery, and my coaching
techniques support that aim.
What does a coaching engagement involve?
Once a coachee commits to a change process, I work
with people to improve one or two behaviors. My
coaching is designed to reinforce the executive's
business objectives, e.g., changing behavior to help
them succeed with immediate and longer-term goals. In
the beginning, my technique is directive and specific,
e.g., things to do. Over time my involvement focuses
more on listening and observing because I want the
coachee to discover what is important and why. After a
designated period, we assess progress via observation
and stakeholder interviews. I conclude with a coaching
summary document and recommend the next steps
that may or may not include more coaching.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run
and what are your future goals for your company?
My focus is balancing my work with my family and my
outside interests. I make time for my grandchildren as
well as my hobbies. I play piano and golf, both of which
teach me the virtues of patience and humility.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the business sector?
Know what you can do. And do it. Surround yourself
with a team of advisors, people you can trust. Find a
mentor or two. Invest in your career. Develop yourself
by seeking new challenges and professionally by
educating yourself formally and informally.
April 2022 | 35 | www.ciolook.com

38. Lynda Aphing-Kouassi
Founder & Director
Kaizene

39. LYNDA
APHING – KOUASSI
Sculpting YOUR Life with Excellence
ailures are part of life; however, facing a failure
Fand picking up oneself to thrive with a bigger and
better comeback takes determination and valor.
The business world is a pit of challenges, where failures
and success aren't stagnant; it is a process. One has to
keep griding, learning new things, and adapting to
innovations that can be a hectic task. Thus, to guide
individuals and organizations with various strategies
that align with the values, creating synergy is Lynda
Aphing – Kouassi.
Lynda is the Founder & Director of Kaizene, a business
consulting, training, coaching, translation, and
networking firm. Lynda's passion for ensuring
organizational success is unmatched. Her journey is
filled with challenges that were the stepping stones
that led her to become one of the most successful
business leaders worldwide.
Today, Lynda acts as a difference-maker to numerous
people bringing the much-needed change and setting
them on a path of success.
CIO LOOK caught up with Lynda to understand how
she ensures sustainable development, becoming a role
model for the younger generation.
The Start Towards Guidance
Lynda started her professional journey as a team
manager at Société Générale, Vaultex (a subsidiary of
the HSBC group) in Santander. Her dedication and grit
ensured her rise to become investment director and
then investment banker in London for 15 years, giving
her solid expertise in the financial and banking sector.
She also spent a brief time in the field of social
responsibility and human capital management. Lynda
shares, "l strongly believe in developing the talent to
achieve milestones.”
Lynda achieves her goals by working with people who
share similar values of excellence, expertise, and work,
building a professional network and quality partners.
Though getting to this point wasn't as easy as it seemed,
Lynda faced a significant challenge when she started to
build her network, which was the critical aspect of
developing a successful business.
Building Perfection
Lynda states that Kaizene shares the vision and mission
that accompanied her throughout her career, notably:
“Don't aspire on
becoming rich, aspire
on becoming a serious
contributor, and the
rest will fall into
places.”
April 2022 | 37 | www.ciolook.com

40. • Ensuring the complete success of individuals
through capacity building, coaching, and building an
African elite in the pursuit of excellence.
• Unlocking the potential of people and simplifying
the company's activities through agility and quality
is the mission of Kaizene.
Lynda notes, "We live in an era where SMEs in Africa is key
to the economic development; therefore, through our
activities, we strive to position them to the top and
accompany them efficiently in their quest for growth. The
most important value that does not appear on the balance
sheet: people and we focus on them.”
Adapting Technology
The world is changing to adapt to technological
evolutions. Lynda understands that digitalization is a
powerful means of transmitting information, which is
she has invested in digital communication to reach the
maximum number of prospects. She ensures that most
of the services that Kaizene provides are online and
aligned toward pushing the clients' growth.
Expected Turns, Aiming Ahead
Lynda would like to change the mindset of the people
towards coaching, pushing on its usefulness for every
individual's growth. She asserts, "We can't all be a coach,
but when we are, we must position this role at the top with
seriousness and integrity.”
Lynda believes that the following significant change will
be the number of actors in the consulting industry that
will strive to create a stronger community that could
push reforms for the greater good of the business
ecosystem. She will continue to grow Kaizene forming
new partnerships training more people to become the
leaders of tomorrow.Bestowing Experience
Having garnered various personal and professional
experiences throughout her life, Lynda advises aspiring
entrepreneurs to believe in themselves. She says,
"Ensure your beliefs with dexterity and seriousness no
matter the hurdles that may occur, stay determined and on
your course, and you will make it. Don't aspire on becoming
rich aspiring on becoming a serious contributor, and the rest
will fall into places.”
April 2022 | 38 | www.ciolook.com

42. YannaWinter
Winter
Transforming the IT Infrastructure of
the Insurance Industry
Yanna Winter
CIO for Generali UK
and Generali
Corporate and
Commercial
Generali
April 2022 | 40 | www.ciolook.com

43. or the past few years, the insurance industry has
Fmade great strides towards transforming
digitally. And, women have played a significant
role in riding these waves of growth, taking the industry
to new heights. By bringing new ways of thinking and
innovation to the table, they have become powerful
players within the industry. One such woman we at CIO
Look, came across is Yanna Winter.
Yanna serves as the CIO for Generali UK and Generali
Corporate and Commercial. Her role includes the
depth of breadth of IT – spanning transformation,
projects, and running services. The ownership of the
responsibilities and the complex job is what keeps her
interested and motivated.
Yanna is a strategy and technology expert with
extensive IT experience. She has a strong track record
and an established reputation in leading and delivering
large-scale transformations.
Inspired by her passion for IT, we got into conversation
with Yanna to learn more about her journey.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Tell us something more about Generali GC&C, which
are your mission and vision.
Generali Global Corporate & Commercial (GC&C)
offers P&C insurance and service solutions to medium-
large companies and brokers in over 160 countries
around the world. Thanks to its solid global experience,
knowledge of the local markets and the corporate
sector, the unit offers integrated and personalized
solutions in property, casualty, engineering, marine,
aviation, cyber e specialty risks. Through its experts in
Multinational Programs, Claims and Loss Prevention,
GC&C guarantees companies the same level of
assistance and protection over the world.
Vision
We actively enhance, protect and help people's
businesses to succeed, adding value beyond the policy
Mission
Our mission is to be the best provider of services and
insurance solutions for medium- and large-sized
companies. We challenge established industry
practices, generating value and delivering relevant,
accessible insurance solutions.
What challenges did you overcome to reach where
you are today?
The main challenges have been:
Always link IT delivery to business success.
Keep up to date with technology advancements.
Build the necessary IT infrastructure, data model to
enable this Build reputation through these steps --
promise, deliver, repeat.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you leveraging
technological advancements to make your solutions
resourceful?
I often describe our IT strategy as divide, conquer and
integrate. It is our duty to enable the current business
and keep the foundations for future innovation and
scalability.
Currently we are in the second half of a major 6-year IT
Transformation Programme. The phases of
modernisation are: (1) integration and security, (2)
infrastructure, (3) financial integration and data &
analytics, (4) applications.
It is of paramount importance to be clear about the
business needs (both current and future) as well as
what is available as solutions – in the IT industry as well
as IT solutions available elsewhere in Generali Group.
What role does IT and innovation play in your
corporate strategy?
IT and innovation are key elements for our success and
evolution.
Data are key to support decison making and enable
operating and financial efficiency (data driven decision
framework).
We enable people to shape a
safer and more sustainable
future by caring for their lives
and dreams.
April 2022 | 41 | www.ciolook.com

44. Ÿ Consolidate Global Platforms, upgrading user
experience and simplifying current landscape.
Ÿ Launch global smart AI automation program and AA
(Advanced Analytics) Predictive Modelling at scale
and consolidate Data Stewardship Model.
Ÿ Improve local operational efficiency: e.g. process
simplification and waste reduction, systems
integration, organizational fragmentation and not
value adding activities reduction, central synergies.
If given a chance, what change would you like to bring
in the Finance industry?
Simplification of IT change delivery is a key topic in the
finance industry. The usual frameworks for change
need a change – simplify the steps; focus on what is
important; interlock IT change and with business
change. Most of all, ensure program delivery is achieved
on an incremental basis, moving the business through
islands of stability.
What, according to you, could be the next big change
in the Insurance industry? How is Generali GC&C
preparing to be a part of that change?
We need to take care of the entire ecosystem in
insurance – to enable it and to protect it (e.g. from
security threats). This informs key IT decisions on data,
applications, integration and security.
We value our people. We treat the employees as
customers. One of the key goals of our IT
Transformation is to improve and simplify the user
experience of our own employees – they are the people
using the IT solutions on a daily basis.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run
and what are your future goals in your role?
In the long run, I'd like to continue my role as a Chief
Information Officer – it is exciting and challenging, it is a
fundamental role in the insurance industry.
It is key to contribute to community, education, women
in technology. This is personally important to me.
In insurance, I'd like to further contribute to
transformation for simplicity and flexibility.
What would be your advice to budding new joiners
who aspire to venture into the insurance business
sector?
Try to understand clients' needs and "speak their
language". Be aware of key business strategies metrics.
Know how technology can enable the business. Know
the IT metrics. Measure expectations and delivery
against them. Benchmark yourself and learn from the
feedback.
Be honest and open. Keep an open mind. Respect other
people's opinions.
April 2022 | 42 | www.ciolook.com