Sharon Kern Director – People & Culture –Mad Mobile LK An Exclusive Conversation with Jasmine Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Sharon Kern Mad Mobile is dedicated to making hospitality more efficient and seamless through innovative and reliable technology solutions. They envision a future where every retail, restaurant, and hospitality transaction is mobile. Their mission is to equip businesses with cutting-edge connected technologies, enabling them to deliver exceptional service and keep pace with the ever-evolving demands of the industry. Sharon Kern, Mad Mobile LK Director – People & Culture, is an HR trailblazer who is passionate about designing workplaces that are conducive to growth, diversity, and real human connections. From humble beginnings in customer support, she soon discovered her love for relationship-building and empowering others. Her path to HR was driven by commitment, determination, and unshakable confidence in influencing the lives of individuals and organizations. She is now a prominent HR influencer, molding organizational culture and ensuring business success. The Outset Story: From Customer Support to People-Centric Leadership She began her professional journey in customer service, where she quickly realized that success was about more than just solving problems, it was about building meaningful connections. Through daily interactions, she developed a deep understanding of workplace relationships, which ignited her passion for fostering growth, not only for customers but also for employees. Recognizing that her true calling lay beyond customer service, she transitioned into HR, where she could shape workplace culture and support employee development. With dedication, reliability, and an unwavering passion for people, Sharon has committed herself to creating environments where individuals thrive. Guided by a people-first philosophy, ensuring that every professional feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential. Sharon attributes her success as a leader to key guiding principles and essential qualities that have shaped her HR journey. Emotional intelligence has been instrumental in navigating workplace challenges, allowing her to understand, connect with, and support others on a deeper level while fostering strong relationships. Resilience and adaptability have been vital in helping to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of HR and business, ensuring both stability and progress. Most importantly, self-confidence has been the cornerstone of her success, enabling to make bold decisions, champion employees, and lead with authenticity. She firmly believes that true success lies in cultivating confidence while maintaining a harmonious balance between personal and professional aspirations. Beyond personal attributes, Sharon’s leadership is guided by core principles that shape her approach to HR and people management. She strongly believes in continuous growth and lifelong learning, embracing curiosity and self-improvement to drive both personal and organizational development. Empowering others is another key principle she upholds, viewing leadership not as a pursuit of personal recognition but as an opportunity to uplift and enable others to succeed. She is committed to fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Moreover, her leadership is deeply rooted in purpose and impact, ensuring that her efforts not only contribute to the company’s success but also positively influence people’s lives. By blending intrinsic strengths with these guiding principles, Sharon has become a transformational leader, creating workplaces where both employees and organizations thrive. Overcoming Challenges and Earning Recognition: A Journey of Impact and Excellence Sharon’s career has been shaped by numerous challenges, each contributing to the leader she is today. One of the most significant obstacles she has faced is navigating change and uncertainty, as economic downturns, organizational restructurings, and market shifts demand resilience and clear communication to keep teams motivated. Additionally, handling difficult conversations has been a key challenge, as delivering tough feedback, resolving conflicts, and making hard decisions require a delicate balance of empathy and assertiveness. Another ongoing challenge has been building and sustaining high-performing teams in the highly competitive IT sector, attracting top talent, developing future leaders, and reducing turnover, which necessitate strategic HR interventions. Through these experiences, Sharon has strengthened confidence, adaptability, and a people-focused leadership approach. Despite these challenges, dedication to HR excellence and leadership development has earned her widespread recognition. She was honored as a Top Global HR Influencer 2025 by the World HRD Congress in Mumbai, India. She was named one of the Best HR Leaders in Asia 2024 by Tradeflock Magazine for her contributions to HR innovation and people leadership. Additionally, she was recognized at the SLASSCOM Annual General Meeting 2024 for her outstanding service and contributions to the knowledge and innovation sector. These prestigious accolades highlight her ability to shape HR strategies, cultivate workplace culture, and drive transformative change. Through resilience and vision, Sharon has solidified her reputation as a transformational leader in the HR industry. The Mantra for Success and Future Endeavors: A Vision for Tomorrow “Adaptability is power. Empathy and emotional intelligence fuel success. Be a champion of change.” This mantra shapes her approach to HR, where sharon remains agile, builds meaningful connections, and drives transformative initiatives that propel both people and business growth. Looking ahead, Sharon envisions making a lasting impact in HR and leadership. Whilst remaining committed to continuous learning and leadership development, expanding expertise in HR, leadership strategy, and business transformation to drive meaningful organizational change. A key priority for her is mentoring and coaching future leaders, ensuring a strong leadership pipeline and empowering the next generation of HR professionals. Sharon is also passionate about driving organizational change by spearheading initiatives that enhance workplace culture, employee experience, and overall business performance. Beyond corporate contributions, Sharon actively engages in industry thought leadership, sharing insights through HR forums, mentoring professionals, and speaking at conferences. Her mantra is more than just a belief—it is the driving force behind the journey as she continues to lead, inspire, and transform workplaces for the better. Words of Wisdom: Advice for Aspiring Leaders For those aspiring to be great leaders, Sharon emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy—building genuine connections and understanding people on a deeper level. She strongly advocates for continuous learning, encouraging individuals to stay curious, seek mentors, and stay informed on industry trends.

Michael Vlad ACNP & CEO –MV LLC Consulting Group An Exclusive Conversation with Jasmine Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Michael Vlad “A Leap of Faith: Journey from Uncertainty to Leadership” Where It All Began To understand resilience, you must first understand what it means to fight for your very existence. Growing up behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe, life was defined by limitations. Choices were dictated by a communistic government that suppressed individuality and crushed ambition. The air was heavy with the weight of conformity, and dreams were whispered cautiously, as if they could be snatched away at any moment. This is how Michael Vlad describes his journey. He is the ACNP, former General Manager and CEO of the Argyle and currently the President and CEO of MV LLC Consulting Group. Living in such an environment wasn’t just about survival; it was about preserving your identity in a system designed to erase it. “Growing up in the Eastern European Communist Bloc was like living in a cage,” I recall. “The world was gray, suffocating, and relentlessly harsh. But it was within this cage that I discovered an inner fire—a resilience born of defiance.” At home, my parents were my greatest silent heroes. My father, a hotel manager, was a man who spoke sparingly but worked tirelessly. His quiet determination became a model for me, a reminder that actions often speak louder than words. My mother, a full-time tutor, was my guide and my anchor. She instilled in me the value of education, even when the world seemed intent on stripping us of opportunities. The Call to Adventure At 20 years old, I made the hardest decision of my life. I left everything I had ever known—my family, my home, and the life I had built—to chase a dream in a land I had only seen in movies: the United States. The decision was a mix of exhilaration and heartbreak. I knew I was leaving behind the comfort of familiarity for a future that was entirely uncertain. “Leaving my family behind felt like tearing apart a part of my soul,” I admit. “But I knew I couldn’t stay. I had to leap, to follow the faint hope of a life that was bigger than the one I had been assigned.” Several years later, I moved to New York City, where I took my first job at Windows on the World, perched at the top of the World Trade Center. The city’s energy was electric, and its challenges were relentless. Every day felt like a test of my willpower, a battle against self-doubt and fear. But it was also in New York that I began to realize something profound: adversity is not a barrier—it’s a steppingstone. Lessons in Resilience Working at Windows on the World was more than just a job; it was a masterclass in human connection, adaptability, and perseverance. The restaurant sat high above the chaos of the city, offering a perspective that mirrored my journey—rising above the challenges below to see the bigger picture. But the lessons weren’t easy. There were days when exhaustion threatened to break me, when rejection and failure seemed to pile up endlessly. I felt the sting of self-doubt more times than I can count. But each time I faltered, I reminded myself of why I had left everything behind: to prove to myself and to the world that I was capable of more. Resilience became my greatest weapon. It wasn’t just about enduring hardship; it was about growing through it. Every setback was an opportunity to learn, to refine my skills, and to strengthen my resolve. I began to see failure not as an endpoint, but as a necessary part of growth. September 11, 2001: A Defining Moment Then came September 11, 2001—the day that changed everything. The events of that day didn’t just shake the world; they shattered me in ways I never thought possible. It wasn’t just the horror of what I witnessed; it was the loss of people who had become such an integral part of my life. Friends. Colleagues. People I considered family. Their lives, so full of promise, were extinguished in an instant. And I was left to pick up the pieces, carrying their memories and the weight of a grief so profound it defied words. I’ve tried to channel my pain into purpose, to honor the memories of those who didn’t make it by living a life that’s worthy of their sacrifice. But even that feels inadequate at times. How do you measure up to such loss? How do you make sense of a world where a simple twist of fate can mean the difference between life and death? These are questions I continue to wrestle with, questions that have no easy answers. A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation Today, as I stand at the top of my career, I realize that success is not measured by titles or accolades. It’s measured by the impact we have on others, the lives we have touched, and the lessons we have learned along the way. “This recognition isn’t just about me,” I say. “It’s a reflection of the people who have supported me, the teams who have stood by me, and the mentors who have shaped me. Leadership is never about the individual—it’s about the collective.” As I moved up the ranks, the challenges only grew. With greater responsibility came tougher decisions, higher stakes, and more pressure. There were moments when the weight of leadership felt overwhelming, when I questioned whether I was truly ready for the roles I had taken on. But each challenge was an opportunity to prove to myself that I could handle more. I learned to embrace the discomfort, knowing that growth often comes from the most difficult experiences. One of the most important lessons I learned along the way was the value of resilience. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or never making mistakes. It’s about showing up,

Mr. Dileep Kumar Rai Oracle Fusion | SCM | Solution Architect | Project Management | Pre-Sales | Product Management | MBA An Exclusive Conversation with Jasmine Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Mr. Dileep Kumar Rai Mr. Dileep Kumar Rai for being awarded “Global Excellence in Supply Chain Innovation – AI – Enhanced Cloud-Driven Solutions”(USA) Published on :- 12 Feb 2025 Awarded by Bizox Media Network as a Global Technology Leaders Awards 2025  Business Overview and Achievements My name is Dileep Kumar Rai, and I am a seasoned technology leader with over 12 years of experience delivering transformative digital solutions in supply chain management (SCM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and information technology (IT). I have had the privilege of working with industry leaders, including an Aircraft Manufacturer, Mayo Clinic, Oracle, and a Publishing company, where I successfully drove multimillion-dollar cost savings, enhanced operational efficiency, and achieved process optimizations through the implementation of advanced Oracle Cloud ERP and AI-driven technologies. Throughout my career, I have spearheaded numerous high-impact projects recognized across industries for their innovative and measurable outcomes. My key achievements include optimizing a $5 billion inventory for an Aircraft Manufacturer, achieving $5 million in cost reductions for a Publishing company, and ensuring uninterrupted, scalable healthcare operations at Mayo Clinic through seamless system integration. ________________________________________ Brief About the Outset of My Career I began my career at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as an SCM Functional Analyst after completing my bachelor’s in computer science and engineering. Through extensive technical training in Oracle ERP systems, I gained expertise in business process optimization and enterprise applications. Over time, I transitioned into strategic leadership roles at global organizations like an Aircraft Manufacturer, Oracle, and a Big 4 consultancy, where I led critical projects that optimized operations and enabled digital transformation. ________________________________________ Three Personal Qualities That Contributed to My Success Adaptability: In an ever-changing technological landscape, my ability to quickly adapt to new tools, methodologies, and challenges has driven sustained success. Strategic Problem-Solving: I adopt a solutions-driven approach by analyzing problems at their core and devising innovative strategies tailored to each project’s unique requirements. Leadership and Team Collaboration: Building high-performing, cross-functional teams and promoting a culture of collaboration have been essential to achieving shared success and delivering results. ________________________________________ Aims and Ideals That Guide Me I am guided by a commitment to continuous improvement, ethical innovation, and delivering lasting value. I believe in using technology responsibly to drive efficiency, foster sustainability, and improve society. Transparency, empathy, and respect for diverse ideas form the core of my leadership philosophy. ________________________________________ Primary Offerings of My Company In my role at the Publishing company, I lead key digital transformation initiatives, focusing on modernizing their IT infrastructure through Oracle Cloud ERP solutions. Our primary offerings include: Comprehensive ERP and SCM implementations tailored to business needs Predictive analytics for demand forecasting and supply chain optimization End-to-end process automation and system integration using Oracle SaaS solutions Training and development programs for internal teams to build in-house expertise These initiatives drive efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalable business operations. ________________________________________ Toughest Obstacles I Have Faced One of the most significant challenges I encountered was leading the Oracle ERP implementation at Book publishing company, where the system experienced severe bottlenecks during its initial go-live phase. With thousands of transactions getting stuck, I collaborated closely with key stakeholders to identify root causes, redesign workflows, and optimize configurations for scalability. Another challenge was transitioning legacy systems at the Publishing company to Oracle Cloud, requiring detailed change management and comprehensive team training to ensure operational stability and user adoption. ________________________________________ Notable Recognitions and Accreditations Oracle Pacesetter Award: For delivering innovative ERP solutions and resolving complex system challenges. Aircraft Manufacturer’s Pride Award: Recognized for reducing operational costs by $1 million through predictive inventory management. Publishing Company’s Leadership Recognition: Honored for leading the ERP transformation project, achieving $5 million in cost savings. IEEE Speaker Invitation: Invited to share insights on AI-driven digital transformation and supply chain optimization. ________________________________________ My Personal Mantra “Learn, innovate, and lead with integrity.” I believe that continuous improvement, fueled by innovation and guided by ethical leadership, is essential for long-term success. ________________________________________ Who Inspires Me the Most I draw inspiration from visionary leaders like Satya Nadella and Elon Musk, who exemplify innovation, resilience, and transformative leadership. Their ability to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change resonates with my own professional aspirations. ________________________________________ Future Endeavors and Where I See Myself In the future, I aim to lead global digital transformation initiatives with a focus on AI, predictive analytics, and cloud-based solutions that solve complex business challenges. I envision myself in a senior executive role, collaborating with key industry stakeholders to develop innovative strategies that deliver sustainable growth. Additionally, I plan to expand my involvement in mentoring young professionals and contributing to professional communities such as IEEE and ASCM. ________________________________________ Advice for Aspiring Leaders Embrace Lifelong Learning: Stay curious and continuously seek knowledge, as innovation comes from understanding emerging trends. Develop Resilience: Success involves overcoming obstacles. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Foster Collaboration: Strong leadership requires teamwork. Value diverse perspectives and foster an environment of mutual respect. Stay Solution-Oriented: Focus on problem-solving and delivering outcomes that create long-term value. By adopting these principles, aspiring leaders can navigate complexities, seize opportunities, and achieve sustained success in their careers. Mr. Dileep Kumar Rai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dileep-rai-scm-cloud/