Alessandro Marinella General Manager at E.marinella Alessandro Marinella: Preserving Italian Heritage While Shaping the Future of Luxury In the heart of Naples, where history, craftsmanship, and culture blend into everyday life, Alessandro Marinella is carrying forward a legacy that has represented Italian elegance for generations. As General Manager of E. Marinella, he stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation, leading one of Italy’s most respected luxury brands into a new era while protecting the values that built its reputation. For Alessandro Marinella, the journey was never simply about inheriting a family business. It was about understanding the meaning behind every detail, every relationship, and every decision that shaped the company over the decades. Growing up closely connected to the world of E. Marinella gave him early exposure to the discipline and dedication behind true craftsmanship. Yet his vision was never limited to preserving the past. From the beginning, he understood that heritage brands survive only when they evolve with purpose. After completing his studies in Business Administration at the University of Naples Federico II, followed by advanced studies in innovation and business management, he officially joined the company in 2017. Rather than stepping directly into leadership from a distance, he chose to begin at the London store, immersing himself in the operational realities of the business and learning firsthand how international customers experienced the brand. That early experience shaped the leadership approach he carries today: grounded, analytical, and deeply connected to both people and performance. Over the years, Alessandro Marinella has become part of a new generation of Italian business leaders redefining what luxury means in a rapidly changing world. His work has focused not only on expanding the global reach of E. Marinella but also on modernizing operations, embracing sustainability, strengthening digital presence, and broadening the company’s identity beyond its iconic ties into a complete lifestyle vision. At the center of everything remains a commitment to authenticity. “We want to bring true handmade Italian craftsmanship beyond the borders of our country,” he explains. “The connection with Naples and the preservation of our traditions remain fundamental.” Leadership Built on Rationality and Adaptability Unlike many traditional luxury executives who rely heavily on instinct alone, Alessandro Marinella approaches leadership with a balance of emotional intelligence and strategic discipline. He describes rationality, resilience, and adaptability as the three personal qualities that have most shaped his journey, and those values are clearly reflected in the way he manages the business. His leadership style combines respect for the company’s heritage with a strong focus on measurable progress. While previous generations built success in a different business environment, he believes modern leadership requires greater attention to data, operational clarity, and evolving market behavior. That perspective became especially important as he began introducing new ideas inside a long-established family company. One of the greatest challenges he faced was navigating generational differences while working alongside his father, Maurizio Marinella. Bringing change into a historic organization required patience, persistence, and conviction. Many of the transformations he proposed, particularly around digital development, organizational evolution, and international strategy, initially faced resistance. Yet Alessandro Marinella remained committed to his vision. “There was a period of intense confrontation,” he reflects. “But overcoming that phase allowed us to achieve important results.” Beyond leadership discussions at the executive level, he also recognized the importance of cultural transformation throughout the company. Convincing teams to embrace new ways of thinking proved equally demanding, particularly as a young leader entering an organization shaped by decades of established routines. That experience strengthened his belief that leadership is not simply about authority. It is about earning trust through consistency, competence, and results. Reinventing a Heritage Brand for a New Era The luxury industry has changed dramatically over the last decade, and few sectors have experienced shifts as quickly as formal menswear. For E. Marinella, whose identity was historically connected to ties and classic elegance, adapting to changing consumer habits became an urgent necessity. The rise of remote work, digital communication, and more casual professional dress codes created new challenges across the fashion industry. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated those changes even further, forcing companies to rethink customer engagement, retail strategy, and product positioning. Alessandro Marinella understood that survival depended on evolution. Under his leadership, the company began repositioning itself beyond a single product category toward a broader lifestyle identity centered around Italian craftsmanship, luxury living, and timeless style. This strategy extended into new retail experiences and destination-driven projects, including locations in Capri and Rapallo, as well as lifestyle ventures connected to hospitality and leisure. These developments reflected a larger vision: transforming E. Marinella into a symbol of contemporary Italian lifestyle while remaining faithful to its artisanal roots. At the same time, digital transformation became a major priority. Alessandro Marinella recognized early that technology would reshape every aspect of the luxury business, from communication and customer experience to global expansion and brand storytelling. Rather than resisting change, he embraced it with balance and caution. He believes innovation should strengthen tradition, not replace it. That philosophy has allowed the company to modernize while preserving the authenticity that customers continue to value. A Global Vision Rooted in Naples Although E. Marinella has earned international recognition, Alessandro Marinella remains deeply connected to Naples and its cultural identity. He sees the city not only as the birthplace of the company but also as a source of inspiration and authenticity that differentiates the brand globally. His long-term vision includes expanding the company’s presence across major European capitals, strengthening growth in the United States, and accelerating expansion into Asian markets such as China and South Korea. At the same time, he remains determined to maintain control over the company’s values, communication, and product quality. For him, growth without identity has little meaning. This balance between global ambition and local authenticity continues to define his strategy. Every expansion initiative is designed not simply to increase visibility, but to communicate a distinct philosophy of Italian excellence built on craftsmanship, detail, and trust. That philosophy extends beyond fashion. In

Mike Bartley Senior Digital Solutions Principal at Alorica Mike Bartley: Leading with Vision in the Digital and CX World Digital transformation is no longer about simply deploying new technology. Most enterprises already have the platforms, the data, and the AI initiatives in motion. The real challenge now is operational alignment — proving that technology is actually improving customer experience, workforce effectiveness, and business outcomes in a measurable way. That is where Mike Bartley has built his reputation. As Senior Digital Solutions Principal at Alorica, Bartley works at the intersection of AI transformation, customer experience strategy, and operational execution. He partners with enterprise organizations to bridge the gap between technology investment and real-world outcomes, guiding conversations around conversational AI, Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS), automation, and enterprise transformation strategy. But what differentiates Bartley is not technical expertise alone. It is his ability to identify what is actually broken underneath the technology conversation. “Most organizations don’t have a CX problem,” he says. “They have a decision-making problem disguised as CX.” In a market still focused on features and adoption metrics, that distinction is becoming increasingly important. Built on Discipline, Not Theory Bartley’s path to digital transformation leadership did not start in a boardroom. It started in the United States Marine Corps. Six years of service taught him how to operate under pressure, make fast decisions with incomplete information, and stay focused on the mission when everything around him was shifting. His leadership and performance earned him three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a distinction rare even across full military careers. “My time in the Marines gave me grit, adaptability, and the ability to stay focused on the mission,” he says. After transitioning from military service, Bartley moved through government contracting, infrastructure management, and enterprise technology roles before landing in the customer experience industry. Each transition added another layer of operational perspective — secure technology environments, data center operations, virtualization architecture, systems security, and enterprise transformation. That breadth now allows him to identify transformation patterns that repeat across industries. “The majority of organizations don’t have a technology problem,” he explains. “They have a decision-making and operational alignment problem that eventually shows up in the customer experience.” The Real Problem With AI in CX The AI conversation in customer experience is moving fast. Much of it is still too focused on deployment instead of operational outcomes. Bartley has watched organizations invest heavily in AI platforms only to see results that disappoint. The reason, in his view, is almost never the technology itself. “AI doesn’t create transformation on its own,” he says. “It exposes the operational maturity of the organization deploying it.” His approach starts before the technology conversation begins. He focuses first on where decisions are breaking down — misaligned metrics, siloed teams, unclear ownership of customer outcomes. Only after that foundation is clear does the technology discussion follow. Bartley shares, “AI layered on top of broken workflows still fails. You haven’t solved anything. You’ve just automated the problem.” Bartley also sees the AI conversation itself evolving rapidly. While much of the market remains focused on prompt engineering, context design and isolated deployments, he believes the next frontier is orchestration. “Prompt engineering will remain important,” he says. “But the industry is starting to realize that prompts alone become difficult to manage at scale. The next evolution is creating environments where AI can operate more reliably inside operational systems.” He expects this shift to extend well beyond customer support, fundamentally reshaping internal business operations by reducing administrative burden, improving decision velocity, and enabling employees to focus on higher-value work. “Dashboards and adoption metrics don’t prove value,” he adds. “The real question is whether AI is improving customer outcomes, operational efficiency, and business performance in a way that holds up over time.” Leading Through Complexity One of the consistent themes across Bartley’s career is the ability to translate between executive vision and operational reality. He is equally comfortable in a C-suite strategy conversation and in the operational details of a contact center implementation. That dual fluency matters because enterprise transformation efforts often fail not because the strategy was wrong, but because the gap between strategy and execution was never properly bridged. Bartley recognizes that the companies seeing the most success with AI are usually the ones that already understand operational alignment. AI amplifies what is already there — both the strengths and the weaknesses. His leadership philosophy centers on listening before building and following before leading. “I would not be where I am today if I did not listen to my mentors,” he says. He applies that same logic to the organizations he works with — understanding the environment fully before attempting to change it. In an industry where transformation is often treated as a product to be sold, Bartley treats it as a problem to be solved. Bartley shares that “journeys don’t need to be difficult” “You can’t make every interaction frictionless, but you can stop making it harder than it needs to be.” What’s Next Bartley is direct about where he is heading. His professional goal is an executive leadership role — CXO or CDO — where he can drive transformation at the organizational level rather than the initiative level. He is also building a thought leadership platform around AI, CX, and enterprise decision-making, including a forthcoming podcast called The CX Operator, focused on how organizations actually fix customer experience in the real world — beyond the dashboards and the buzzwords. Outside of his professional work, he coaches wrestling, where the same principles apply — discipline, accountability, and the understanding that fundamentals matter more than tactics. His advice to emerging leaders is consistent with how he has built his own career: find mentors at every stage, stay focused on the mission, and do not confuse technology adoption with actual transformation. That focus on decisions over dashboards is what defines his work and what he believes will define the next generation of transformation leadership. “The companies winning with AI right now aren’t

Mary Ahrens Founder and CEO at Hair4Good Mary Ahrens: Building Purpose Through Compassion, Leadership, and Global Impact In a world where business success is often measured by profits, Mary Ahrens has chosen to define it through social impact. Her journey reflects a rare blend of entrepreneurial drive and deep human empathy, shaped by personal experiences and a clear sense of purpose. As the Founder and CEO of Hair4Good, she has created more than a business. She has built a movement that connects beauty, dignity, and social responsibility. Her story is not one of overnight success. It is a journey marked by resilience, compassion, and a consistent effort to turn challenges into meaningful opportunities. With a vision rooted in giving back, Mary Ahrens has transformed a simple idea into a platform that supports children in need. Her work stands as a reminder that leadership can be both strong and kind, strategic yet deeply human. Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Empathy and Purpose Mary Ahrens’ leadership style places philanthropy at the center of every decision. Her approach is guided by empathy and shaped by her understanding of humanitarian, emotional, and personal challenges. She believes that leadership is about service. In her words, “True leadership begins when one listens with intention and acts with compassion.” This perspective allows her to build strong relationships with her team, partners, and the communities she serves. Rather than focusing on growth for growth’s sake, she ensures that every step forward aligns with her mission. Her management style is collaborative and inclusive. She encourages open dialogue and values diverse perspectives, creating an environment where ideas can grow and evolve. This culture of trust and respect has been a key factor in the steady evolution of Hair4Good. Innovation Driven by Meaningful Change Innovation for Mary Ahrens is not just about following trends. It is about addressing real, meaningful needs in thoughtful and effective ways. Hair4Good was born from a simple yet powerful idea: making the world more beautiful, one hair accessory at a time, by donating 50% of its profits to a network of children’s charities. She has approached this vision with creativity and care, building partnerships that extend the reach and impact of her work. She has developed a system that is both sustainable and compassionate, with a continuous giving model that grows each year. Each initiative is designed with purpose, ensuring it serves a greater good. Mary notes that “innovation should improve lives.” This belief drives her to explore new ways to expand access and support. Her ability to combine business insight with social awareness has allowed Hair4Good to stand out among its peers. Challenges and Milestones Along the Journey Like any meaningful journey, Mary Ahrens’ path has had its share of challenges. Building a purpose-driven organization requires persistence, especially when balancing financial sustainability with philanthropy. There have been moments that tested her resolve. These challenges have shaped her growth. Each obstacle has strengthened her commitment and helped refine her approach. She views difficulties as opportunities to learn and improve, often noting that if one is not making mistakes, one is not growing. Among her notable milestones is the successful establishment of Hair4Good as a trusted and innovative hair accessory company that connects beauty with kindness and generosity. The organization continues to expand its reach. These achievements reflect not only strategic planning but also a deep sense of purpose. Mary acknowledges that the journey is continually evolving. “Every milestone is a reminder that there is more work to be done,” she notes, highlighting her commitment to continuous progress. Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Mary Ahrens envisions a future where access to support and care is more attainable. She aims to expand the reach of Hair4Good by building strong partnerships and creating more opportunities for collaboration. Her vision includes increasing awareness of the need for large corporations to embrace more charitable practices. By fostering understanding and compassion, she hopes to create an environment where families of children in need do not have to worry about financial burdens and can instead focus on the health and well-being of their children. At the same time, she is focused on strengthening the foundation of her organization. This includes enhancing operational efficiency, exploring new partnerships, and ensuring a consistent and growing giving model. Her forward-thinking approach balances ambition with responsibility, ensuring that business expansion remains aligned with her core values. Mary believes that the future of business lies in purpose-driven models. “Success should be measured by the difference we make,” she says. Human and Industry Impact The impact of Mary Ahrens extends beyond the boundaries of her organization. Through Hair4Good, she has created a ripple effect that touches individuals, families, and communities. Her efforts have set an example for the broader industry, encouraging a shift toward more compassionate and socially responsible practices. By demonstrating that business can be both successful and impactful, she continues to inspire others to follow a similar path. On a human level, her work resonates deeply. Each story of transformation and support reflects the purpose of her mission. These moments serve as powerful reminders of the value of empathy and the importance of giving back. Mary’s journey continues to inspire those who believe in the power of purpose. Her ability to combine leadership, innovation, and compassion has created a legacy that goes beyond business success. It is a legacy built on care, connection, and a vision for a better world. In a landscape often defined by competition, Hair4Good stands out for its commitment to collaboration and kindness. Mary’s story is not just about building an organization. It is about creating lasting impact, driven by a belief that true success lies in helping others.  

Juan Kanggrawan Regional Digital & AI Expert (Asia Pacific) at UNDP Asia Pacific Driving Meaningful Change Through Digital and AI Innovation Across Asia Pacific Juan Intan Kanggrawan’s journey reflects a rare blend of technical depth, policy insight, and a strong commitment to societal impact. As Regional Digital and AI Expert at the United Nations Development Programme Asia Pacific, he stands at the intersection of innovation and public good, working to ensure that emerging technologies translate into real, measurable benefits for communities across the region. With over fifteen years of experience spanning government, private sector, and global institutions, his work has consistently focused on one central idea: technology must serve people in practical and inclusive ways. From leading data and digital transformation initiatives in Indonesia to shaping regional strategies at UNDP, his career has been defined by scale and substance. He has contributed to projects impacting G20 countries and Fortune 500 organizations, while also remaining deeply engaged in talent development, research, and public policy discussions. His contributions have earned him global recognition as an innovator and thought leader, yet his focus remains firmly grounded in delivering outcomes that matter to citizens. Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Problem Solving and Collaboration At the core of Juan’s leadership style is a clear and pragmatic mindset. He views leadership not as a position of authority, but as a responsibility to solve problems and enable others to do the same. His approach is anchored in three defining qualities: problem solving, collaboration, and continuous innovation. He believes that the ability to navigate across domains, whether technology, business, or governance, is essential in today’s complex environment. “In any situation, the focus should be on how we can provide value and solve real challenges,” he explains. This perspective allows him to operate effectively across diverse sectors and align stakeholders around shared goals. Collaboration plays an equally important role in his leadership. He emphasizes the need to engage openly with teams, partners, and institutions at all levels. In his view, meaningful progress cannot happen in isolation. Instead, it requires building connections, understanding different perspectives, and working towards solutions that benefit all parties involved. His leadership is also shaped by an agile mindset. He encourages experimentation, rapid implementation, and continuous improvement. By testing ideas at a small scale and iterating based on results, he ensures that innovation remains both practical and responsive to changing needs. Innovation Strategy Focused on Real-World Impact Juan’s approach to innovation goes beyond introducing new technologies. He focuses on creating systems and solutions that deliver tangible value in real-world contexts. Throughout his career, he has worked on building and commercializing digital and data products, while also driving large-scale transformation initiatives in both public and private sectors. His work reflects a deep understanding of the multiple dimensions of technology. He recognizes that digital innovation must be viewed not only through a technical lens, but also in terms of economics, policy, ethics, and societal impact. This holistic perspective enables him to design solutions that are sustainable and aligned with broader development goals. In the public sector, his contributions have included the implementation of AI-based systems such as video analytics, image processing, and recommendation platforms. These solutions have been used to improve services ranging from healthcare and education to urban planning and citizen engagement. By integrating advanced technologies with practical applications, he has helped governments deliver more efficient and responsive services. He also places strong emphasis on building foundational capabilities. For him, successful digital transformation depends on robust data management, clear policies, ethical frameworks, and a skilled talent pool. Without these elements, even the most advanced technologies cannot achieve their full potential. Navigating Challenges with Precision and Purpose One of the most defining moments in Juan’s career came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he served as Head of Data Analytics at Jakarta Smart City. The crisis presented an unprecedented level of urgency and complexity, requiring swift decision-making under conditions of uncertainty. During this period, he led the development of several digital platforms that supported critical aspects of pandemic response, including treatment coordination, vaccination tracking, social aid distribution, and digital education. These solutions played a key role in helping authorities manage the crisis and deliver essential services to citizens. Reflecting on this experience, he describes it as both challenging and deeply fulfilling. The situation demanded not only technical expertise but also resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. It reinforced his belief that technology can be a powerful tool in addressing large-scale societal challenges when applied thoughtfully and effectively. Beyond the pandemic, his career has involved navigating complex organizational environments, aligning diverse stakeholders, and driving change across multiple sectors. Each of these experiences has contributed to his ability to lead with clarity and confidence in dynamic settings. Vision for the Future of Digital and AI in Public Systems Looking ahead, Juan’s vision is centered on scaling the impact of digital and AI initiatives across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. At UNDP, he aims to drive practical solutions that improve the lives of citizens in multiple countries, while also strengthening regional collaboration. He sees immense potential in the continued evolution of artificial intelligence, but also recognizes the need for careful and responsible implementation. “We need to prepare the fundamental building blocks for AI, including data management, privacy, ethics, and infrastructure,” he notes. This preparation is essential to ensure that technological advancements are both effective and trustworthy. He also highlights the importance of mindset among public sector leaders. For digital transformation to succeed, there must be a willingness to explore, learn, and adopt new approaches. He believes that governments should build on existing innovations while integrating new technologies to create lasting and scalable solutions. Another key aspect of his vision is ecosystem development. He advocates for stronger collaboration between governments, industries, academic institutions, and social organizations. By bringing these stakeholders together, it becomes possible to create a more cohesive and resilient digital landscape. Creating Lasting Impact Across Communities and Industries Throughout his career, Juan has remained committed to making a

Joan Gillman Science Teacher at The Browning School Inspiring Curiosity, Shaping Futures: The Enduring Impact of Joan Gillman in Science Education For more than four decades, Joan Gillman has dedicated her life to shaping young minds and nurturing curiosity through science. As a Lower and Middle School Science Teacher at The Browning School, her journey reflects not only experience but a deep commitment to inclusive learning, creativity, and purpose-driven education. From her early days as a student volunteer to her current role as a respected educator, she has remained guided by a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential. Her passion for teaching began in high school, when a community service program introduced her to working with younger students. Whether she was teaching music, supporting children in math, or organizing playground activities, she quickly discovered the joy of helping others learn. These early experiences shaped her approach to education, especially her belief in inclusiveness. She emphasizes that every student should feel valued and supported, regardless of ability. As she often shares, “It is important to give each child an opportunity to shine.” This idea has remained central to her work. Leadership Style Built on Care and Commitment Joan Gillman’s teaching approach reflects a leadership style rooted in care, discipline, and openness. She believes teaching is not limited to delivering lessons. It is about building trust, encouraging confidence, and creating an environment where students feel comfortable exploring ideas. Her success is shaped by three key qualities: dedication, organization, and creativity. She gives her full effort to every task and maintains a structured approach that allows her to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. At the same time, her creativity enables her to design lessons that are engaging and meaningful. She also values honesty and approachability. Students and colleagues feel comfortable seeking her guidance because she listens and respects different perspectives. As she explains, “A good teacher needs to be a good listener and open to other people’s ideas.” This mindset has helped her grow continuously, even after many years in the classroom. Bringing Science to Life Through Innovation Innovation plays a central role in Gillman’s teaching. Early in her career, she worked with students who were hearing impaired and saw how hands-on learning could make complex ideas easier to understand. This experience shaped her teaching style and continues to influence her work today. Her classroom is an active learning space where students participate in experiments, build models, and present their ideas in creative ways. Younger students may work on building structures, while older students create projects that connect science to real-world issues. These activities help students understand concepts more deeply. She also believes in connecting science with other subjects. By including reading, writing, and problem-solving in her lessons, she helps students see how different areas of knowledge are linked. This approach prepares them for real-world thinking and decision-making. Over the years, she has also adapted to changes in technology. From traditional teaching tools to modern digital platforms, she has embraced new methods that improve learning. Tools like interactive boards and online platforms have become part of her teaching, helping students stay engaged and organized. Overcoming Challenges with Strength and Adaptability Throughout her career, Joan Gillman has faced challenges that required both strength and flexibility. One of the most significant was the shift to online teaching during the pandemic. Determined to maintain the quality of her lessons, she created interactive science sessions from home. She carefully planned each class, shared instructions with families, and used simple materials so students could participate in experiments. This approach allowed her to keep the learning experience active and engaging, even from a distance. Parents appreciated the effort she put into making online classes effective. Another difficult moment in her career came when she had to explain a tragic space mission accident to her students. It was an emotional situation that required sensitivity and care. She took time to explain the event clearly and support her students as they processed the news. This experience showed how important a teacher’s role can be in guiding students through complex situations. She has also worked through challenges such as managing different learning levels in one classroom and adapting to new teaching tools over time. In each case, she has responded with patience and determination. A Forward-Looking Vision for Education Looking ahead, Joan Gillman remains focused on creating meaningful learning experiences for her students. She believes in an approach that connects subjects and reflects how knowledge is used in the real world. One of her main goals is to inspire lifelong learning. She wants her students to leave the classroom with curiosity and a desire to continue exploring new ideas. As she shares, “I hope that when they leave, they can’t wait to learn more.” She is also committed to environmental education. As a leader of the school’s Green Team, she encourages students to understand their role in protecting the planet. Through projects and activities, students learn about sustainability and take action to support their communities. Her work helps students see that science is not only about learning facts but also about making thoughtful decisions that can improve the world. Influence Beyond the Classroom Joan Gillman’s impact extends beyond her own students. She has shared her knowledge through workshops, conferences, and published work, helping other educators improve their teaching methods. Her willingness to share ideas has made her a respected voice in the education community. Her achievements have been recognized through various awards and honors, reflecting her dedication and contribution to education. However, she values the success of her students above all else. Watching them grow in confidence and ability remains her greatest reward. In her classroom, she promotes values such as curiosity, honesty, dignity, and purpose. By demonstrating these qualities in her daily work, she helps students develop not only academic skills but also strong character. A Career Defined by Purpose Joan Gillman’s journey shows the lasting impact of passion and dedication in education. Her ability to