Shannon Kacherovich CEO Of  Lorem Springs Shannon Kacherovich: A Mind Shaped by Numbers, A Leader Shaped by Resolve A Childhood Spark That Lit a Lifelong Path From her earliest days, Shannon Kacherovich found comfort in the certainty of numbers. While most children saw math as a school subject, she saw it as a world of patterns waiting to be explored. That spark ignited during pre-K and steadily shaped the way she understood life. For her, math was never just about solving problems on paper. It was a way of seeing how things fit together, how logic guided every decision, and how clear thinking could turn even the toughest puzzle into something manageable. This natural connection to numbers later became the foundation of her career, guiding her toward actuarial science and eventually leading her to become the Founder and CEO of Lorem Springs. Her journey, however, was never about the titles she earned. It was about the ideas she built and the quiet confidence she carried through every challenge. A Career Built on Determination and Clarity At the heart of Shannon’s professional path is a set of personal qualities that shaped not only what she achieved but how she achieved it. Determination stands at the top of that list. Once she commits to something, she sees it through with an unwavering focus. This trait often shows up most clearly in her love of running. Whether it is long-distance training or the daily discipline of putting one foot in front of the other, running mirrors the resilience that defines her leadership style. Alongside determination is her ability to care deeply about the people around her. Communication, for Shannon, is never about speaking the loudest. It is about making sure others understand what she shares. Her children have always been the strongest influence on this practice, encouraging her to explain thoughtfully and to listen with intention. This same approach extends naturally into her professional relationships, helping her build trust and clarity in every environment she steps into. Together, these qualities have helped her build a leadership style rooted in consistency, honesty, and the belief that people perform best when they understand the purpose behind their work. A Guiding Belief in Hard Work and Personal Accountability While many leaders describe their approach through missions or philosophies, Shannon keeps her guiding principles simple. She believes in doing a good job, no matter how small or complex the task may be. She holds herself to standards higher than anything others could impose on her, and she never expects more from someone else than she is willing to do herself. This sense of accountability shapes every decision she makes. It drives her to learn when faced with uncertainty, to push through when challenges seem unending, and to remain grounded even when the world around her shifts. Her goals are not tied to external recognition. Instead, they reflect her belief in constant growth and her instinct to improve whatever she touches. Facing Obstacles with Quiet Strength Every leader faces hurdles, and Shannon is no exception. Among the most consistent challenges throughout her career has been the experience of being underestimated. It happened often, and sometimes relentlessly. But rather than let those moments define her, she used them to sharpen her focus. Being underestimated did not discourage her; it fueled her determination. It reminded her of her own capabilities and pushed her to keep building, learning, and leading in her own way. Through each setback, she strengthened her confidence in her ability to create meaningful change, even when others could not yet see the path she was paving. A Leader Driven by Purpose, Not Praise Awards and recognitions often play a significant role in defining success stories, but Shannon sees them differently. They do not motivate her, nor do they influence her sense of direction. For her, the true reward is the work itself—the problems solved, the people supported, the ideas brought to life. This quiet, inward-focused view of achievement sets her apart in an age where visibility often overshadows substance. She remains steady, committed, and motivated by the impact she can create, not the applause that might follow. A Future Shaped by Curiosity and Change When asked where she sees herself in the future, Shannon prefers not to map out specific milestones. Instead, she trusts her instincts. If she recognizes a problem she can solve, she pursues it. If she needs new knowledge to do so, she learns it. Her curiosity consistently leads her toward opportunities that allow her to think creatively and act decisively. This flexible mindset has guided her from early roles in analytics to the founding of Lorem Springs, and it continues to influence the choices she makes as the company evolves. Her journey is not defined by a fixed destination but by the constant pursuit of better solutions. Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation of Leaders Shannon often hesitates to see her own path as inspirational, but she understands why others might look to her for guidance. To aspiring leaders who see strength in her journey, she offers thoughtful advice rooted in practical experience. She encourages them to give themselves room to try new things and prepare for failure even when success feels mandatory. Failure, she believes, is not a final stop but part of the learning curve. She urges them to find the reason that keeps them moving forward—a reason that might differ from her own—and return to it whenever the road becomes difficult. Another guiding point she shares involves the power of saying no. As her success grew, so did the number of external suggestions that attempted to reshape her work. Learning to recognize these pressures made her stronger. For new leaders, understanding when and how to say no can protect the integrity of their ideas and help them stay aligned with what truly matters. A Leader Defined by Mind, Heart, and Resolve In every chapter of her story, Shannon Kacherovich demonstrates a balanced blend of logic, compassion, and resilience.

Barbara Maglione R&D Head at Farmaceutici Damor S.p.a A Journey Shaped by Science and Purpose Barbara Maglione’s career began with a clear love for science and a strong desire to understand the inner workings of the pharmaceutical world. After completing her academic studies, she stepped directly into an operational role at Farmaceutici Damor SpA, a decision that proved to be the foundation of her leadership path. This first position allowed her to observe the company from the inside, learning the systems, challenges, and opportunities that shaped each step of the research and production process.She advanced through several roles, carrying increasing responsibility, gaining a complete view of the business, and developing a leadership style rooted in hands-on experience. This early exposure helped her grow not only as a scientist but as a strategist and mentor. It gave her an understanding of how small decisions within a lab can influence long-term impact on patients and the industry. Over time, she aligned her technical skills with a broader vision, which continues to guide her as the Head of Research and Development for the company. The Strength Behind Her Success Those who have worked with her often describe her as a leader who sees far beyond the present moment. Strategic vision is a defining strength that has shaped her decisions and direction over the years. She studies the market, listens carefully to patient needs, and anticipates shifts in scientific and regulatory landscapes. This clarity allows her to create action plans that are grounded in research and aimed at delivering meaningful innovation. Another quality that has played a vital role in her journey is resilience. The pharmaceutical sector can be demanding, influenced by strict regulations, unpredictable challenges, and rapid technological change. Barbara approaches obstacles as opportunities to learn. This mindset has allowed her to stay committed to long-term goals even when the path becomes difficult. She has faced pressure, setbacks, and industry transitions with steady determination, focusing always on the outcome that benefits the patient. Her third defining quality is empathy. Barbara places people at the center of her work, whether she is guiding her team or collaborating with global partners. She values diverse ideas, encourages open dialogue, and creates space for every individual to grow. This focus on people has shaped a collaborative culture within her department and strengthened the company’s ability to deliver high-quality research. Ideals That Guide Her Work At the heart of her leadership lies a commitment to impact and quality. She believes that the pharmaceutical field is not simply a commercial space but a responsibility toward public health. Every product that leaves the company’s laboratories must reflect strict scientific standards, ethical values, and genuine care for those who rely on it. This belief influences every step of her team’s process, from early research to development to final production. She also embraces responsible innovation. While she values scientific progress, she insists that it must align with ethical and environmental standards. Her approach promotes research that respects both human needs and the planet. She encourages her team to build solutions that last, solutions that create trust and long-term benefit for society. Overcoming Industry Challenges Throughout her career, Barbara has navigated complex challenges that have tested her leadership and strengthened her resolve. One of the most demanding periods came during the shift toward the new MDR regulation for medical devices. The challenge required big structural changes within the company as well as major investments in new technologies. It demanded rapid adaptation while maintaining morale in a time of uncertainty.Her response centered on transparency and continuous training. She guided her team with clear communication, making sure every individual understood the purpose behind each change. Her ability to stay focused while supporting her people through transition was crucial in helping the company remain strong and competitive. Recognition Along the Way While Barbara often prefers to celebrate the collective achievements of Farmaceutici Damor, her individual recognitions reflect the influence of her leadership in the wider field. She received the Fluxx Healthcare award for Scientific Leadership in Healthcare, a notable acknowledgment of her contribution to research and development. She was also selected as a member of the Aspen Junior Fellows, a group dedicated to identifying future global leaders. Both recognitions highlight her commitment to advancing science with integrity and vision. Looking Toward the Future Barbara’s future plans are centered on strengthening the company’s international presence and expanding its reach into key global markets. She aims to enhance the research pipeline with a special focus on dermatology, an area she believes holds significant potential for innovation and patient benefit.In the coming years, she envisions a company culture that is even more aligned with the future of healthcare. Her goal is to integrate artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools into every stage of the drug lifecycle. From early research to production and monitoring, she sees technology as a way to improve precision, reduce risk, and accelerate progress.She also places great emphasis on maintaining a strong ethical and sustainable foundation. She hopes to help position Farmaceutici Damor as a reference point for excellence, reliability, and responsible scientific work. Advice for Future Leaders Barbara’s journey offers valuable lessons for those who aspire to lead. Her first piece of advice is to stay endlessly curious. She believes that learning never stops and that a successful leader develops by asking questions, seeking new knowledge, and remaining open to change. Curiosity fuels growth and helps leaders adapt to a world that moves quickly.Her second message is to put people first. Leadership is not about the title but about the lives influenced along the way. She encourages future leaders to listen, to support their teams, and to build environments where individuals feel safe to try, fail, and rise again. She believes that a leader’s true legacy is found in the people they help shape and the culture they leave behind. Through her work, her values, and her commitment to science with purpose, Barbara Maglione continues to inspire both her colleagues and the next generation

Kelli Heinz Chief Marketing Officer at Bell Flavors & Fragrances The Art of Authentic Leadership: How Kelli Heinz is Reshaping the Flavor and Fragrance Industry In the fast-paced world of global marketing, few leaders bridge the gap between creative storytelling and rigorous data analysis as effectively as Kelli Heinz. As the Chief Marketing Officer of Bell Flavors & Fragrances and the President of the Flavor & Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) for the 2025-2026 term, Heinz has established herself as a formidable force in the industry. Her career is a testament to the power of resilience, continuous learning, and the courage to lead with authenticity. Her ability to seamlessly navigate international travel while maintaining an impeccable professional presence, she embodies a modern leadership style that values connection as much as strategy. Heinz’s journey is not just a climb up the corporate ladder; it is a narrative of intentional growth and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From her early days as an intern to becoming the youngest and only the fifth female President in FEMA’s 100-plus-year history, she has consistently pushed boundaries. Her work at Bell Flavors & Fragrances has transformed the company’s approach to trend forecasting and consumer engagement, while her industry advocacy ensures that the broader flavor and fragrance sector remains innovative and inclusive. Foundations of a Global Perspective Kelli Heinz’s professional worldview was shaped long before she assumed executive roles. Her academic and early career experiences were defined by a deep curiosity about global cultures and communication. While attending Tulane University for her undergraduate studies, she spent summers interning at Bell Flavors & Fragrances, gaining a foundational understanding of the industry. However, it was her time studying abroad in Paris that first ignited her passion for the sensory arts. Focusing on fashion journalism and photography in one of the world’s creative capitals, she learned the nuances of aesthetic storytelling – a skill that would later become central to her marketing philosophy. Her education continued at DePaul University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Communication with a focus on Journalism. It was during this program that a twist of fate altered her trajectory. Heinz had originally planned to participate in a study abroad program in Japan, but the tragic 2011 tsunami forced a cancellation just days before her departure. Instead, she pivoted to a summer program in India. This unexpected detour proved to be one of the most transformative experiences of her life. In India, Heinz immersed herself in a vibrant and distinct culture, participating in international business seminars that broadened her understanding of global markets. It was there that she met a customer based in Bangalore who would become a pivotal mentor. This mentor recognized her potential and encouraged her to apply to Harvard Business School, a goal she would later achieve, completing the Program for Leadership Development in 2019. This experience reinforced her belief that life’s setbacks often redirect leaders toward their true path, and that flexibility is a critical asset in both business and life. Igniting Innovation with Spark Upon joining Bell Flavors & Fragrances full-time in 2010, Heinz quickly distinguished herself by identifying a critical gap in how the company leveraged market intelligence. She understood that in an industry driven by changing consumer tastes, reacting to trends was not enough; the company needed to predict them. This insight led to one of her most significant professional achievements: the creation of the “Spark” trend program in 2015 – “Igniting Creativity, Inspiring Senses” Designed as a dynamic trend forecasting platform, Spark was built to serve as a hub for creativity and innovation within the company. Heinz and her team developed a methodology that analyzed a vast array of data points from culinary literature and market research to consumer behavior patterns to generate predictive insights for flavor and fragrance development. The program was not merely an internal tool but a strategic asset that allowed Bell to guide its customers toward future opportunities. Under her leadership, Spark evolved from a regional initiative into a global powerhouse. By 2020, the program had expanded internationally, with all of Bell’s marketing teams aligning under five key macro trends while simultaneously developing region-specific micro trends. This “glocal” approach ensured that the company remained agile and responsive to local market demands while maintaining a cohesive global strategy. The success of Spark demonstrated Heinz’s ability to blend scientific rigor with creative intuition, establishing a new standard for how flavor and fragrance houses support their partners. Authenticity as a Leadership Superpower In an industry often dominated by traditional corporate structures, Kelli Heinz has carved out a unique space by leading with heart and humility. Heinz believes that intelligence and style are not mutually exclusive and that one can lead effectively without compromising their true self. She advocates for a leadership style where authenticity fosters trust, noting that people connect most deeply with leaders who are “real” rather than those who fit a cookie-cutter mold. This philosophy extends to her views on mentorship and team building. Heinz is quick to credit her success to the collective efforts of her team, emphasizing that a leader is only as strong as the people they support. She actively mentors young professionals, encouraging them to “show up” and take space in rooms where they might not yet feel fully ready. Her advice to emerging leaders is practical and empowering: apply for speaking engagements, attend industry events, and build a personal brand that reflects genuine passion. Her commitment to lifting others is also evident in her extensive board service. In addition to her role at Bell, she serves as the President of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) for their 2025-2026 year after being on the board of Governors since 2019. FEMA is the national association of the U.S. flavor industry. FEMA’s diverse membership includes flavor ingredient suppliers, flavor manufacturers, and flavor users. FEMA is committed to ensuring the safe and responsible use of flavoring substances. Heinz is also the current President of the Women in Flavor & Fragrance Commerce (WFFC)

Jissan Cherian Leadership Coach & Startup Advisor at DVERSFY “The Birth of DVERSFY: A Pathway from Corporate Achievement to Inner Satisfaction” The startup advisory and leadership development industry is important in defining the growth of organizations and businesses. It is an industry that equips leaders with the skills, thinking, and strategies that help them cope with intricate business situations. It is about coaching, mentoring, and training individuals to become better leaders with high-quality leadership skills, building an organizational culture that supports innovation, flexibility, and long-term success. For startups, this sector provides critical advice on transforming great ideas into successful businesses, focusing on market research, product-market fit, resource utilization, and scaling. Practitioners in this space advise entrepreneurs on how to avoid pitfalls and offer strategic advice that fuels sustainable growth, positioning startups to be successful in competitive markets. In this ever-evolving world, authentic and inclusive leadership is as essential as ever. Jissan Cherian, the founder and president of DVERSFY, is leading the charge in this arena with his unique vision for leadership growth. With more than 20 years working at world giants such as Microsoft and Deloitte, Jissan stepped out of corporate life to pursue his real passion, developing people. DVERSFY, his mission-oriented business, develops individuals and startups into self-aware, high-impact leaders through strategic coaching, branding, and transformational leadership models. Jissan’s move from corporate entrepreneur to entrepreneur was not a result of discontent but self-reflection. Gradually, he found that his most endearing legacies were not quarterly business successes or cost-saving efficiencies but the success stories of people he had guided. “After two decades in high-performing global organizations, I realized that what I truly enjoyed was helping others grow,” he reflects. “DVERSFY was created to fulfill that passion to build a pipeline of leaders who are inclusive, self-aware, and impactful.” Since its founding, DVERSFY LEADERSHIP has provided a platform for career growth, professional development, and leadership transformation across various sectors. Jissan’s clients range from entry-level professionals to senior executives, each empowered with tailored strategies to enhance their influence and accelerate their careers. From Self-Awareness to Storytelling Mastery: How DVERSFY LEADERSHIP Empowers Leaders to Build Authentic Personal Brands and Hack the Corporate Learning Curve A defining characteristic of DVERSFY LEADERSHIP’s coaching model is its holistic approach to personal brand building, a vital resource for professionals seeking to stand out amidst the current competitive market. Jissan Cherian’s four-step process not only assists individuals in discovering and streamlining their professional identities but also enables them to articulate their worth with confidence and clarity. It starts with self-discovery. Clients go through a guided process of assessment to determine their top five strengths and key abilities that are the foundation of their leadership style and personal brand. But acknowledging these strengths is only the beginning; the actual transformation starts when they learn how to communicate them in effective storytelling. To enable clients to convey their value in everyday situations, Jissan teaches the art of writing effective stories. One of the main tools he uses is the STAR method, a story structure widely valued among recruiters and leaders. STAR refers to Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Through this framework, clients can transform mundane working moments into powerful leadership narratives that directly highlight their strengths and influence. For instance, if stakeholder management is a strength, clients are taught to recount a situation where alignment was the key: the task that they had to perform, the precise actions they undertook to facilitate ease of communication, and lastly, the outcome, maybe closing a deal or facilitating team cohesion. These narratives become vital resources during performance reviews, interviews, networking, and personal branding. In addition, Jissan prompts clients to match their strengths with future career opportunities by sparking proactive discussions with managers and mentors. This keeps them continually in roles where they can excel. To complete this journey of personal development, clients are encouraged to create a “personal board of directors,” a group of trusted advisors who assist in offering feedback, mentorship, and strategic advice as they develop. Through the marriage of self-reflection and storytelling excellence, DVERSFY’s branding system empowers individuals with both the content and the flair to lead with confidence. It’s not merely about creating visibility, it’s about creating lasting influence. From Financial Discipline to Purpose-Driven Leadership: A Balanced Approach to Entrepreneurial Success Jissan has seen numerous startups fail not due to a lack of good ideas, but due to bad money management. One of the key mistakes is overestimating financial projections to satisfy investors. “Startups feel they need to make big promises of quick returns, but when growth doesn’t materialize on time, investor pressure mounts,” he says. “This makes founders lose sight of the customer and focus on short-term investor expectations instead.” Jissan highlights realistic planning, open communication, and buffers for market downturns. This practicality ensures that founders remain focused on their long-term vision. In the future, DVERSFY wants to leverage its impact by becoming a comprehensive leadership brand. Jissan sees it expand its reach through online learning programs, community activities, and shared platforms, continuing to link financial prudence to the greater goal of purposeful leadership. “Leadership must be inclusive, empathetic, and purpose-driven. DVERSFY will keep growing, but the core vision remains the same to enable individuals to lead with authenticity and impact,” he assures. Leveraging the Strength of Digital Growth and AI: How to Navigate the Future of Leadership with Technology and Human Wisdom In the modern business world, digital platforms and artificial intelligence are key to influencing successful leadership strategies. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have become vital tools for creating communities and trust, and DVERSFY recommends that entrepreneurs embrace organic content over conventional selling. “Content is no longer about selling, it’s about educating, entertaining, and engaging,” believes Jissan, stressing the strength of organic growth in small businesses trying to stay on top in their local markets. Nonetheless, in light of increasing AI use in professional growth, Jissan believes with conviction that human-centric coaching is irreplaceable. “Leadership development has to do with trust, empaathy,