Nitish Shrivastava – Senior Vice President, Head of Products and SASVA ™ at Persistent Systems   Shaping Tomorrow with Purpose: Nitish Shrivastava’s Blueprint for Meaningful Innovation“The future isn’t what we know, it’s what we imagine. And in that imagination lies the power to shape the world.”   In an engaging conversation with Nitish Shrivastava, Senior Vice President and Head of Products and SASVATM at Persistent Systems, we explored the path that has shaped his impressive contributions to the world of enterprise technology and AI. His journey exemplifies how technological advancement can evolve into transformative leadership that serves a greater purpose, combining deep expertise with visionary thinking to create solutions that bridge innovation with meaningful business outcomes—where each breakthrough is driven by both possibility and purpose. His formative years collaborating with the Government of India on critical national projects established his foundation for pursuing transformative, technologically advanced solutions that were remarkably ahead of their time. One of his early innovations, Es-Vault, was a secure data storage solution built with a strong emphasis on data protection and controlled access. At a time when security protocols were often an afterthought, Es-Vault took a proactive approach, setting the tone for the security-first architecture that has become standard in enterprise products today. He then went on to develop Anveshak, a search and discovery system designed for large-scale information retrieval. Created with the needs of national authorities at its core, Anveshak could handle complex queries while adhering to strict security requirements. The balance it struck between intelligence and control became a valuable reference point for future AI systems that would be expected to perform under similarly demanding conditions. One of Nitish’s standout projects was Mantra, a translation system that tackled multilingual communication challenges long before such capabilities became essential to global operations. The system’s strength lay beyond language translation, and in maintaining contextual integrity, a feature that anticipated the rise of modern natural language processing technologies. Another significant chapter in his career was the creation of a medical expert system. Designed to support decision-making in healthcare, this system highlighted how AI could work alongside professionals rather than in place of them. It offered diagnostic insights without overriding clinical judgment, embodying Nitish’s consistent belief that technology should empower human expertise, not replace it. Throughout our conversation, one thing stood out about Nitish Shrivastava’s leadership: his exceptional ability to bring together complex organizations where technology, people, and strategy work in perfect harmony. His approach goes beyond traditional product management—he builds connected systems where innovation happens through smart collaboration. What sets Nitish apart is his skill at understanding how different parts of an organization work: he can translate product vision into engineering reality, align service delivery with customer expectations, while ensuring that strategic objectives resonate across every level of execution. This deep understanding of how business works, combined with his instinct for seeing hidden connections between seemingly disparate elements, helps him transform fragmented initiatives into cohesive, high-performing systems. It’s this focused approach to building alignment—where every part achieves both individual success and collective purpose—that has become the hallmark of his transformative leadership. One of the key insights he shared was the difference in how service and product customers make decisions. Service buyers often look for dependable delivery, flexibility, and the ability to respond quickly. Product buyers focus more on long-term growth, integration with existing systems, and a steady path for improvement. Recognizing this gap early, Nitish began working on a model that draws from both perspectives, bringing speed and flexibility together with planning and scale. At Persistent, this approach has led to solutions that are designed to last. They’re reliable in the present and structured for what comes next. But more importantly, they’re built within a wider system, where teams collaborate, feedback is constant, and every part of the process supports the larger outcome. What makes Nitish’s leadership stand out is the way he keeps everything rooted. He doesn’t overpromise or overdesign. Instead, he focuses on getting the foundation right. That means creating platforms that can handle change, designing with client needs in mind, and making sure every part of the ecosystem works well with the rest. His track record reflects a consistent vision, technology that serves people, understands context, and grows responsibly. As Persistent Systems continues to expand its footprint in enterprise AI, Nitish remains focused on building platforms that blend innovation with trust. Building Trust, Not Hype With SASVA At a time when much of the tech world was captivated by the promise of generative AI, Nitish and his team took a markedly different route, focusing on reliability, predictability, and enterprise-grade deployment. Nitish reflects, While the world chased flashy AI breakthroughs, we quietly built the technology that enterprises need to scale AI in the real world.’ SASVA was built on a foundation of reliability and predictability, specifically designed for enterprise customers with sensitive data and regulatory compliance requirements. Its deterministic architecture prioritized on-premises deployment capabilities, eliminating data leakage risks and ensuring consistent, predictable outcomes that met the stringent standards of regulated organizations. While these weren’t the most talked-about features in 2021, they became essential by 2024 as enterprises grew increasingly cautious about black-box AI systems and unpredictable system behaviors. As the market caught up to these priorities, SASVA’s foundation became its strongest differentiator. “We built SASVA three years before the market understood why it was necessary,” Nitish shares. Rather than chasing momentary trends, the team concentrated on what large-scale organizations would truly need to operationalize AI. The result was a platform ready for production from day one, capable of withstanding the practical pressures of enterprise operations while still delivering measurable returns on investment. His conviction stemmed from lessons learned early in his career. Tasked with creating a LinkedIn-style platform for government use before LinkedIn even existed, Nitish experienced firsthand how traditional approaches often failed to meet real-world needs. That project taught him that solving complex problems requires building for actual conditions, not ideal scenarios. It’s a mindset he’s carried into every major product decision since. One

Amar Sane – Life coach and Executive coach The executive coaching profession has evolved into a highly developed field that integrates learnings from positive psychology, neuroscience, and organisational behaviour to lead clients to enduring change. Trained coaches use systematic models from goal-setting models to habit-forming strategies and draw on profound listening and potent questioning to uncover blind spots and unseen capacity. With leadership challenges rising in globalised, digital workspaces, coaching has become essential for transitioning through careers, developing emotional intelligence, and aligning professional paths with personal meaning. Ethical codes and accrediting bodies guarantee practitioners uphold high standards, while online platforms break down cultural barriers to access. Through data-informed assessments and partnership accountability, contemporary coaching combines empathy and objectivity to enable individuals to achieve well-defined milestones and maintain momentum. In this ever-changing space, coaches drive deep transformation by collaborating with clients to co-create honest, practical routes to achieving their goals. Amar Sane is a renowned life coach and executive with a 25-year background in the life insurance sector, capped by an honorary doctorate in Sales & Operations Management from Paris’s EIU. A certified member of the International Coach Federation, he follows a strict “no-advice” policy and creates judgment-free zones where clients discover their solutions. His signature eight-step goal-setting model and deep listening mastery have enabled hundreds of professionals to deliver breakthroughs. Spurred by his life’s calling to spark self-discovery, he provides all coaching services gratis, focusing on impact rather than income. Core Philosophical and Ethical Principles That Underpin Amar Sane’s Client-Centered, Holistic, Empowerment-Focused Transformational Coaching Approach Amar’s coaching approach is founded upon five interconnected pillars that drive independent growth and sustainable change. First, he has a strict no-advice policy, having faith that clients already possess the insight to overcome their problems. This equips them with the ability to find their solutions. Secondly, he creates a judgment-free environment, de-linking behaviours from negative beliefs, enabling the clients to test new behaviours fearlessly without judgment. Third, his knowledge of deep, active listening skills allows him to gain insight into both verbalized objectives and the unwritten emotional undercurrents behind them, guaranteeing a sophisticated coaching process. Fourth, he underscores co-designing in clear terms of engagement, creating mutual goals, confidentiality, and accountability to synchronize expectations and establish trust. Fueled by his life purpose, Amar provides all services on a pro bono basis, believing true transformation lies beyond financial exchange. These tenets generate a safe, empowering space where clients can experiment, iterate, and achieve their highest potential. By bringing these pillars together, Amar enables sustainable transformation, coaching clients to realize their potential and become the embodiment of their aims with clarity and confidence. His strategy makes clients feel empowered and accompanied, eliciting a change process based on self-discovery and individual development, without external judgment or restriction. Comprehensive Strategies in Questioning and Reflective Dialogue for Facilitating Lasting Change and Breakthrough Moments in Client Sessions Clients approach Amar with diverse challenges: career plateauing, undefined life direction, relationship conflict, or money challenges. He begins with open-ended, energetic questions that examine fundamental values, peak performance experiences, and untested assumptions. For example, a client struggling with a professional plateau may be invited to describe personal values, reflect on peak performance experiences, and describe ideal future jobs. The reflective conversation reveals underlying assumptions, recasting problems as the potential for expansion. Later sessions involve collaboration in developing specific action steps, grounded in measurable targets and realistic deadlines to build momentum. Systematic check-ins and responsive changes sustain energy, keeping clients on course. Amar’s method combines strategic questioning with compassionate presence, allowing introspective insights that convert uncertainty into clarity, hesitation into intentional action, and challenges into opportunities. By supporting clients in accessing their inner wisdom, he empowers them to move through their paths with confidence. His process sets up a secure environment for investigation, allowing for long-term change and fulfilling results. Clients walk away with a better sense of purpose, able to overcome obstacles and pursue goals with renewed determination and strength, translating potential into action through a guided but adaptable coaching model. Strategic Eight-Step Goal-Setting Framework to Bridge the Gap Between Ambition and Achievement Through Focused Action and Measurable Milestones At the centre of Amar’s coaching approach is an eight-step process that brings vision into reality. Step one formulates outcome-driven goals, aligning goals with essential values and intended impact. Step two sets precise metrics for monitoring progress effectively. Step three establishes realistic yet challenging timescales to keep momentum. Step four involves clients crafting action plans in detail, listing tasks, resources, and milestones. Step five enhances commitment through visualization and affirmations, building belief in the process. Step six finds potential challenges, creating forward-thinking contingency measures. Step seven evaluates current strengths and gaps in resources, leading to targeted skill development. Lastly, step eight implements the plan with ongoing reflection and adaptive refinement to ensure success. This systematic yet flexible methodology infuses accountability and transparency, enabling clients to tackle complexity with certainty. Through the integration of strategic planning with reflective practices, Amar’s model powers transformative outcomes in both personal and professional lives. Clients emerge equipped to turn aspirations into tangible outcomes, supported by a disciplined process that fosters resilience, clarity, and sustainable growth, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve their highest potential. Powerful Techniques for Revealing and Reconstructing Deep-Seated Belief Systems to Unlock New Perspectives and Personal Breakthroughs Amar uses a powerful blend of evidence-based techniques to help clients break free from limiting beliefs and unlock lasting transformation. Drawing from neuro-linguistic programming, cognitive reframing, and values elicitation, he creates a structured yet deeply personal process for change. Clients engage in guided mapping exercises that uncover the roots of problematic thought patterns, often tracing them back to early experiences. Through reframing prompts, Amar helps reinterpret these memories in empowering ways, shifting the client’s internal narrative. By identifying and clarifying core values, he aligns clients’ decisions with what genuinely matters to them, ensuring authenticity in their actions. He also introduces resource discovery protocols to spotlight both internal strengths and external support systems, boosting confidence and self-efficacy. Amar’s empathetic presence

  Ignacio Bonasa – Founder and Executive President of Liderarte “True leadership begins when we choose inner truth over outer praise — daring to rewrite the narrative and lead from the essence of who we are.” The personal development and organizational development industries are evolving rapidly. New concepts in leadership and learning are informing how individuals and businesses develop. Strategies that enhance emotional intelligence and innovative approaches, such as the use of art, are helping individuals work more effectively and be happier while doing so. Large shifts in mindset are enabling people to lead with intention and foster positive workplace cultures. These sectors now focus on scalable solutions that merge emotional insight and imagination to enhance team collaboration and productivity. Leadership training today is all about helping leaders remain authentic. It prepares them to face challenges with clarity and compassion. As more people seek human-centered methods, these industries are redefining how we understand success, purpose, and relationships globally.  Ignacio Bonasa’s path from an international banking executive to a transformational entrepreneur and soulful leader is the embodiment of the power of inner alignment to create external impact. Founder and Executive President of Liderarte and President of two major European associations, he coordinates more than thirty initiatives that reshape how people learn, lead, and connect. With innovative approaches such as Aprendizaje por el Arte (Learning Through Art®) and initiatives like Dale la vuelta a la tortilla (Turn the Table), Bonasa has demonstrated the power of art and emotion to drive deep change in performance, purpose, and wellness. This feature explores his philosophy, projects, and vision of the future of work, offering insights for leaders across industries. Ignacio Bonasa’s Strategic Evolution: From Global Banking Executive to Transformational Leader Focused on Soulful Entrepreneurship and Impact Bonasa’s early career unfolded in the competitive world of international banking, where he quickly rose to executive positions. As CEO of BBVA Portugal and President of BBVA Dinero Express, he was responsible for overseeing complex global operations, managing financial risks, and responding to rapidly changing economic environments. These roles refined his strategic thinking, sharpened his crisis leadership skills, and placed him at the top tier of corporate management.  Yet beneath the surface of professional success, Bonasa felt increasing dissonance — a disconnect between outer achievements and inner purpose. Seeking to align his values with his work, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, launching real estate ventures that gave him more freedom and long-term insight into structural growth and stakeholder relations. At the same time, he faced a personal crisis that sparked a profound transformation. Burned out and emotionally distant, he began to reimagine leadership as a path rooted in soulfulness — one that honors human depth and integrates business competence. Today, he applies his executive experience to inspire movements grounded in purpose, compassion, and inner truth. He empowers people to lead with authenticity, resilience, and conscious presence. The Birth of Liderarte: How Personal Crisis Sparked a Movement Rooted in Soulful Leadership During this turning point, Bonasa experienced a profound inner awakening — a moment that dismantled the illusion of success defined by titles, achievements, and external validation. Although he held prestigious positions, he was struggling with a growing sense of emptiness, where accomplishments felt meaningless and daily roles masked his authentic self. In the silence that followed, he discovered a deeper calling: to help individuals build not external monuments of success, but rich inner landscapes of meaning, authenticity, and connection. From this realization emerged Liderarte (Lead with Art), a movement based on the conviction that the soul must be at the heart of leadership. Rather than offering rigid formulas or models, Liderarte creates secure, expressive environments where individuals are encouraged to confront their truth, embrace vulnerability, and reconnect with what truly motivates them. Under Bonasa’s leadership, the organization has launched over thirty pioneering projects that merge personal transformation with leadership development. These projects have revolutionized how leadership is taught, practiced, and lived, combining strategic direction with emotional depth. Through Liderarte, Bonasa disrupts conventional business paradigms and proposes a powerful alternative: leadership as a journey of self-discovery, collective elevation, and long-lasting impact, built not only on performance indicators but on the power of the human spirit and soulful purpose. Aprendizaje por el Arte® Methodology: Merging Neuroscience, Emotional Intelligence, and Aesthetics to Humanize Leadership One of Ignacio Bonasa’s most impactful contributions is Aprendizaje por el Arte (Learning Through Art®), a groundbreaking methodology that integrates neuroscience, emotional intelligence, experiential learning, and the expressive power of the arts. Developed as an antidote to the limitations of traditional analytical models, this method recognizes that profound learning and transformation come not only through logic but through embodied, emotional experience. Bonasa’s approach seeks to engage the whole person — mind, heart, and body — through painting, theater, music, and movement. Participants are invited to express unconscious emotions, break through internal blocks, and reinterpret limiting beliefs. These artistic processes act as powerful mirrors, revealing patterns, inner truths, and hidden strengths that often remain beneath the surface of rational dialogue. At the heart of the method is the brain’s neuroplasticity — its capacity to rewire through new experiences — which Bonasa uses to promote lasting emotional and behavioral change.  Aprendizaje por el Arte has proven effective across corporate training programs, educational institutions, and therapeutic settings. It redefines learning as a deeply human, multisensory experience that awakens empathy, ignites creativity, and fosters authentic self-expression. For Bonasa, art is not a luxury — it is a vital tool to reach the soul, build connection, and cultivate holistic, heart-led leadership. Transforming Crisis into Creativity: Turning Pain into Purpose Through Soulful Programs Bonasa’s core philosophy, expressed through the movement Dale la vuelta a la tortilla (Turn the Table), reflects his belief that personal crises can become turning points for transformation. Just like flipping a burnt omelette reveals unexpected textures, breakdowns — when faced with courage and introspection — can lead to richer growth and deeper meaning. This holistic vision underpins two of his most emblematic initiatives: ARTEcoaching and Womentoring.  ARTEcoaching fuses classical coaching

  SABRY ALI HASSAN MOHAMED – GROUP CFO AT EMDADAT ALATTA GROUP “Real leadership has nothing to do with being at the top: it’s all about getting the people below you to perform above their abilities.” The finance sector is a lifeline of the world economy and affects businesses, governments, as well as consumers. It represents a broad network of services from banking to investments, insurance to financial planning. Over the last few years, innovations such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, as well as e-banking have revolutionized financial institutions’ performance, enhancing convenience and accessibility. The sector is also strongly influenced by worldwide economic trends, with foreign exchange, trade policy, and financial markets influencing its development. Changes in regulations are still evolving, providing market stability and protecting consumers while putting firms to the test to adjust. The expanding need for finance professionals mirrors the heightened complexity of the industry, rendering expertise in financial strategy, risk management, and innovation vital for success. Sabry Mohamed’s professional life is an inspiration of resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership. From account management in Egyptian resorts to accounting leadership in driving digital transformation as a Group CFO in Saudi Arabia, his professional life teaches not just the art of financial management but also innovative, people-centred leadership. Honoured as one of the Global 200 Power Leaders in Finance, Mohamed’s professional life is a living affirmation of the long-reaching impact of ethical leadership, continuous learning, and technological absorption on business achievement. The Foundations of Leadership: From Humble Hospitality Roots to Unparalleled Academic Excellence and Transformative Leadership Development Sabry Mohamed’s path into finance was not traditional at all. Starting his working life in hotel management and tourism resorts in Egypt, he spent ten years honing operational finance within a customer-focused setting. Steadily advancing to the position of Head of Accounts, he not only developed technical skills but also an in-depth appreciation of organizational dynamics and service excellence. His transition to Saudi Arabia represented a turning point, working at the Al-Rajhi Group, where he broadened his experience from accounting into strategic planning and business development. Climbing to Deputy General Manager and Director of Strategic Planning, Mohamed confronted his biggest leadership challenge amidst an operational restructuring period. His skill to keep the books stable during intricate changes rewrote his strategic resilience and readied him for increased leadership roles. While professional training established the foundation, Mohamed’s determination for academic excellence continued to refine his leadership philosophy. From his postgraduate diploma in finance and auditing and an MBA, he went further to acquire a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), after which he made a decision that strongly influenced his strategic thought. The scholarly intensity perfected his analytical skills, strengthened data-driven decisions, and expanded his knowledge of leadership theories, organizational behaviour, and strategic management. This effortless combination of technical knowledge and scholarly expertise enabled him to balance short-term objectives with long-term visions, predict market changes, and control risks effectively, as well as encourage cross-functional teamwork. Mohamed’s early professional life, supported by ongoing learning, built a robust, flexible leadership platform that now propels his success as Group CFO at Emdadat Alatta. A Digital Renaissance and Visionary Leadership for Sustainable Impact: Steering Transformation and Innovation at Emdadat Aletta Under Mohamed’s direction, Emdadat Alatta’s financial operations were dramatically transformed. Leveraging technology as a basis for operational excellence, he spearheaded the implementation of a sophisticated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, automating every facet of financial management from budgeting to compliance. This transition to real-time data analytics significantly improved decision-making, maximized cash flow management, and raised the financial agility of the company. Automation of mundane tasks eliminated human mistakes and allowed the finance team to concentrate on strategic plans, promoting efficiency within departments. Mohamed’s proactive adoption of data analytics tools offered better insights into market trends, operational efficiency, and customer patterns, allowing for better investment plans and improved financial forecasting. His efforts modernized financial procedures and cultivated an ethos of innovation and continuous improvement that put Emdat Alatta ahead in a growing, more competitive market. This organizational change was a manifestation of Mohamed’s larger vision as a leader, one of not just operational excellence but social contribution. He initiated a financial literacy outreach initiative in underserved communities, coupling corporate achievement with significant social contribution. This initiative, one of Emdadat Alatta’s corporate social responsibility objectives, enabled people to have the critical financial knowledge to help drive inclusivity and sustainable development. For Mohamed, success is not only quantified by better financial metrics but also by the real difference the company makes to lives and communities. His leadership style, a fusion of technology-fueled innovation, social responsibility, and sustainable growth, embodies the new, change-driven model required to propel financial leadership into the future today. Navigating Complex Global Markets: Overcoming Challenges, Seizing Opportunities, and Adapting Strategies Across Diverse Borders and Dynamic Economies Operating in Egypt and Saudi Arabia gave Mohamed a specific challenge and opportunity to navigate, necessitating strategic and flexible thinking. In Egypt, he had to contend with economic uncertainty, currency volatility, and a changing regulatory environment, which called for exceptional flexibility and robust in-house compliance mechanisms. Unusually high inflation and changing tax norms created financial planning complexity, while finding cheap financing for capital projects was a persistent problem. Against these challenges, Egypt’s growing consumer market and government drive to support SMEs presented substantial prospects for innovative financial direction and strategic expansion. Conversely, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 brought with it an age of swift diversification, with the sector focusing firmly on tourism, technology, and healthcare. The Kingdom’s drive towards diminishing its dependence on oil presented many opportunities for financial experts to drive sustainable economic growth. Mohamed’s skill in taking advantage of Saudi Arabia’s growing capital markets and synchronizing Emdadat Alatta’s financial plans with the country’s development objectives reflected his flexibility and strategic vision in managing two disparate economic settings. This experience in two markets not only honed Mohamed’s financial skills but also solidified his ability to achieve organizational success through perseverance and innovation. His profound knowledge of the local dynamics in Egypt and Saudi

  Simone Puorto: Founder Of Travel Singularity, Rebyū, Elegia AI “Hospitality was my laboratory, but philosophy was always my lens. I didn’t choose this path—it chose me when I tried to outsmart it.” The hospitality sector, a vibrant mix of human touch and operational efficiency, is deeply transformed by AI and Web3 technologies. AI takes over subtle activities such as reviewing replies and deciphering cultural and emotional nuances to improve guest experiences while reducing reputational damage. Web3 brings decentralised paradigms, with tokenized loyalty schemes and DAO-governed destinations, liberating hotels from centralized platforms. The metaverse leads the way in immersive events, revolutionizing engagement. As agentic AI and generative search upend conventional models, the industry faces a philosophical dilemma: maintaining a genuine human presence in a simulation world, where people’s time is a luxury differentiator. Simone Puorto, a techno-philosopher with more than 25 years of experience in hospitality, is the visionary entrepreneur behind Travel Singularity, Rebyū, and Elegia AI. A prolific author and MBA lecturer, he bridges technology and ethics and travels through ventures like Polybius, the first hospitality metaverse event. Championing transhumanism and ethical AI, Puorto’s work redefines human-machine convergence. From automating hotel reviews to exploring existential questions, he navigates the liminal space where hospitality meets philosophy, advocating for a future where technology amplifies compassion. The Unlikely Journey of the Accidental Hotelier Turned Techno-Philosopher: Night Receptionist to AI and Hospitality Innovator Simone Puorto’s path into hospitality was never in the plan. In the late 1990s, while a philosophy-crazed Italian student, he became a night receptionist to pay his way through school. The plan was straightforward: an unobtrusive job leaving headspace open for reading Nietzsche and Heidegger. But the disorganized, analogue universe of Italian hotels operating on ad hoc spreadsheets asked more. At 20, Puorto created a crude property management system (PMS) to organize operations, unwittingly igniting a career that would last more than two decades. “I did not choose hospitality,” he explains. “It chose me when I attempted to outwit it.” By age 25, he was managing 30 people in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). At 30, he co-founded Dharma Hotels in Rome, a boutique chain named after the TV series Lost, because he loved metaphysical storytelling. However, Puorto’s greatest strength was not operations, but pattern spotting, recognizing relationships others did not. This led him to venture into technology’s role not only in business but society and human identity. “Hospitality was my laboratory,” he thinks back. “But philosophy was always my lens.” His transition from hotelier to techno-philosopher was not a turn but a progression. Attracted to the nexus of humans and machines, Puorto started posing existential questions: What does it mean to be human when machines can outperform us? How do we maintain authenticity in an imitative world? These queries now inform his enterprises, Travel Singularity, Rebyū, and Elegia AI, and his campaigning for transhumanism and ethical AI. Rebyū: Bridging Language, Operational Risk, and the Philosophy of Empathy in the Age of AI-Driven Hospitality  Puorto’s AI platform, Rebyū, is the realization of his philosophy that technology need not be solely a tool to automate tasks, but can enhance human interaction instead. Originally developed to make responses to hotel reviews more efficient, Rebyū does more than create generic gracious responses; it unpacks emotional undertones, cultural undertones, and linguistic intentions. “Language is delicate,” Puorto says. “One word can sink a hotel’s reputation or lift it.” Taking a cue from Korean Air’s 1990s safety debacle, where deadly miscommunication resulted from linguistic hierarchies, Puorto wanted to build a platform that eliminates confusion and promotes empathy between cultures. Rebyū employs AI to give a response that is not just correct but emotionally intelligent, recognizing the nuance of human communication. The platform directly addresses a significant structural challenge in the hospitality industry: the operational risk tied to reputation. With online reviews being a crucial currency, AI’s ability to understand, interpret, and respond with emotional intelligence transforms the way businesses engage with customers. Puorto is quick to clarify that Rebyū isn’t meant to replace humans; rather, it empowers them. “It’s about emancipating human beings to spend time on the things machines cannot do on being present,” he maintains. In hospitality, where the human touch is everything, Rebyū enables companies to grow without compromising the human presence that characterizes the business. Inspired by Ludwig Wittgenstein’s theory of language creating reality, Rebyū reflects philosophical accuracy, not only for the sake of productivity but also to preserve the humanity of hospitality, even while it changes with automation. This blend of philosophy and technology helps ensure that, while the industry embraces new technologies, the essential values of empathy and connection remain at the centre of the guest experience. Polybius, Web3, and the Emergence of a Post-Search Future: Redefining Hospitality and Digital Ecosystems in the Decentralized Age  In 2023, Puorto made history with Polybius, the world’s first hospitality event held entirely in the metaverse. Frustrated by endless panels theorizing virtual futures, he partnered with Hospitality Net to create a 24-hour immersive experiment in spatial computing. Described as “Burning Man meets ITB in VR,” the event was a radical shift from speculation to execution. “I wanted to stop talking about the metaverse and start building in it,” he says. For Puorto, Web3 isn’t a gimmick, it’s a transformative blueprint. He envisions a decentralized hospitality ecosystem where tokenized loyalty programs, dynamic NFTs, and DAO-governed destinations redefine how travel is experienced and owned. “Web3 flips the Web2 model,” he explains. “Hotels won’t lease visibility from Booking.com or pay Google to reach their guests. They’ll own their data, their relationships.” As a consultant to global tech firms like BWG Strategy and RobosizeME, Puorto sees how quickly AI is reshaping this digital terrain. He predicts that generative search will dismantle SEO and usher in a “post-search” era where AI delivers answers through conversation, not links. Click-based advertising will collapse, replaced by CPM models and AdBots that render traditional agencies obsolete. He imagines websites transforming into “do engines,” optimized for both bots and humans, powered by

  Rubina: Top Mindful Leadership Icon of the Year 2025  Leading a Movement of Calm, Clarity, and Creative Renewal In an age marked by constant connectivity, rising anxiety, and a relentless pace of productivity, the leaders who are making the most enduring impact are not just the loudest or the fastest—they are the most present. Among them, Rubina stands out as a rare force of calm and clarity, inspiring a new wave of human-centered leadership rooted in mindfulness, breathwork, and creative expression. Recognized by CIO Today as the Top Mindful Leadership Icon of the Year 2025, Rubina is reshaping how professionals, educators, and families relate to stress, creativity, and inner regulation. As a trauma-informed educator, certified mindfulness guide, and CEO/founder of Inner Design, Rubina’s work bridges ancient practices with modern science to support nervous system health, emotional balance, and aligned leadership. Her programs empower people to release performance-based pressure, access their creative flow, and return to the clarity of who they are beneath stress, perfectionism, and over-identification with roles. A Personal Journey That Sparked a Global Vision Rubina’s mission didn’t begin in a strategy meeting or trend report—it began at home. Raised in a spiritually rich household where meditation and breath were treated as tools for resilience, Rubina was introduced early on to the power of self-awareness. But it wasn’t until navigating the challenges of single motherhood, professional burnout, and emotional overwhelm that she began weaving together the threads of mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and creative healing into a comprehensive offering for others. “What I was learning through necessity—how to slow down, how to breathe, how to create space inside myself—I realized was missing from almost every professional and personal setting,” she shares. “People were surviving on urgency and stress. I wanted to create a path for something deeper, more sustainable, and more human.” That desire laid the foundation for The Inner Design, a platform and methodology Rubina developed to help people restore their inner equilibrium and lead from their most authentic, regulated self. The Inner Design: Breath. Reset. Create. At the heart of Rubina’s impact is the Creative Reset, a trauma-informed framework that blends somatic awareness, mindfulness, and creativity. The approach is both gentle and transformative, offering a step-by-step system for anyone seeking to reset from stress and rediscover their natural rhythm. Rubina’s work takes shape across several core offerings: ●     Creative Reset program: These experiential sessions help individuals process emotional tension, connect with inner stillness, and reignite creative flow using a combination of breath, movement, and freeform expression. ●     Nervous System Education: Through accessible language and science-backed practices, Rubina teaches students and professionals how to understand their stress responses and cultivate internal safety. ●     Mindfulness for Educators & Teens: With a background in Arts, Media & Entertainment, Rubina works closely with students and teachers in public and private school systems to provide trauma-informed mindfulness experiences, helping the next generation lead with empathy and presence. ●     One-on-One Mentorship and Leadership Consulting: Rubina supports high-performing creatives, founders, and educators in building sustainable practices that reduce burnout, enhance emotional intelligence, and promote long-term well-being. Every session and program is designed to help people pause, reconnect, and remember their wholeness—not as a performance goal, but as a lived truth. Creating Safe Spaces for Transformation Rubina’s greatest strength lies in her ability to create environments where others feel deeply seen, safe, and inspired. Whether in a classroom, a boardroom, or an intimate breathwork circle, her presence invites a kind of exhale that many participants didn’t even know they were holding. “People often tell me, ‘I haven’t felt this safe in years,’” she reflects. “That’s where transformation begins—not with pushing, but with presence.” This ability to hold space has made her a sought-after collaborator for institutions looking to embed mindfulness and emotional literacy into their culture. From junior colleges and high-performing charter schools to art colleges and wellness programs, Rubina has guided teams and individuals toward a more integrated, balanced way of living and leading. An Embodied Presence That Redefines Leadership What sets Rubina apart in today’s leadership landscape is her unwavering Embodied Presence—a calm, grounded awareness that resonates more deeply than force or performance ever could. Rather than leading through urgency or control, she invites transformation through clarity, listening, and authentic connection. Her presence alone creates space for others to breathe, reflect, and realign with what truly matters. “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room,” Rubina shares. “It’s about being anchored enough to listen—first to yourself, then to those you serve.” In a world craving depth over noise, her approach is a refreshing and powerful model for what modern leadership can—and should—feel like. Bringing Mindfulness Into Branding and Design Beyond wellness and education, Rubina’s influence also extends into the world of conscious branding. Drawing from her commercial & fine art training and years of experience as a creative, she supports mission-driven entrepreneurs and design agencies in building aligned brands that reflect their true essence. Whether consulting on visual identity, messaging, or experiential design, she helps clients create from a place of clarity—not performance—so their presence speaks even before they say a word. “Your brand should feel like a breath, not a mask,” Rubina shares. “It’s about resonance, not just recognition.” In her collaborations with designers and creative teams, Rubina brings a rare fusion of strategy and soul, reminding leaders that how something feels is just as important as how it looks. A Growing Impact Across Industries As the world grows more complex, the demand for mindful leadership is only rising. Rubina’s teachings are being adopted not just by wellness communities, but by creative professionals, educators, and even tech leaders seeking to stay grounded amidst chaos. Her upcoming initiatives include expanding her certification programs for educators, launching community-based breathwork gatherings, and continuing to partner with institutions looking to humanize their leadership approach. Though her audience continues to grow, Rubina remains committed to the simplicity at the core of her work: helping people come home to themselves. Through breath, through awareness, and

Rick Mayo, Founder CEO – Allow Personal Training   A Model Built on Results In a saturated fitness industry often driven by trends, social media influencers, and fleeting methods, Alloy Personal Training Franchise stands out for one reason: results. With a model tailored specifically to adults over 40, Alloy has emerged as a leader in personalized training, built not on gimmicks but on structured systems, data-backed programming, and a network of dedicated professionals. From One Studio to a Scalable System Founded over three decades ago by Rick Mayo, Alloy began as a single personal training studio when the concept was still viewed as a luxury. Instead of chasing the newest workout fad, the team focused on building a system to deliver consistent, scalable outcomes. That system became the foundation of a franchise network that spans over 250 awarded territories. A Team-Centered Approach to Growth What sets Alloy apart is the collective influence of the entire team. Alloy’s success is a team effort from corporate leadership to franchisees and coaches. Many franchisees were former clients who experienced the impact of the Alloy system firsthand. This alignment between values and experience has fueled authentic, mission-driven growth. Efficient Facilities and Measurable Outcomes Alloy’s training model is efficient and precise. The brand focuses on small-group personal training with a high-touch approach. This model boasts one of the highest revenue-per-square-foot ratios in the industry, along with a client retention rate between 91 and 97 percent. Specialized Support Across the Network At headquarters, Alloy’s team includes experts in operations, coaching, programming, marketing, and education. This focus on specialization extends to franchisees, who receive business coaching, operational tools, and ongoing development. Alloy does not sell access to a brand; it provides a platform for sustainable growth. Tech-Enhanced Coaching, Not Coach-Replacing Tech At Alloy, technology doesn’t replace the coach—it empowers them. Our science-based programs are tailored to each individual, with progress tracked through data-driven systems that enhance accountability and personalization. This allows coaches to focus on what matters most: building real human connections and delivering results. The tech supports the experience—it never overshadows it. Key Milestones and Internal Momentum A major milestone for Alloy came just months ago when it awarded 300 units. Even more telling, 30 percent of the new locations awarded last quarter came from existing owners opening additional studios. That kind of reinvestment speaks volumes. It shows that franchisees don’t just believe in the brand—they’re doubling down on it, which says a lot about their trust in the system and the results it delivers. Why Alloy Works: The Core Behind the Success Results matter to Alloy.  Their assessments, programming, and outcomes are grounded in data and proven performance. Second, their systems scale. Great training is only great if it’s delivered consistently, across every location and over time—and that takes smart, repeatable systems. Finally, people build businesses. They don’t just seek franchisees with capital; they look for mission-aligned leaders. The right people in the right roles, with the right support. Navigating Market Challenges From market shifts to the pandemic, Alloy has faced the same disruptions as the rest of the industry. The team’s response was rooted in fundamentals—smart hiring, structured systems, and a clear understanding of its core market. This approach enabled the brand to maintain focus and stability. A Vision for Long-Term Growth The company’s future remains centered on sustainable growth. Alloy is expanding its educational programs, refining digital tools, and developing targeted training options for diverse client needs within the 40-plus demographic. Innovation is tied directly to the mission of improving client outcomes and supporting franchise success. Defining Influence by Results Alloy defines influence by measurable results, operational excellence, and meaningful relationships. Alloy continues to offer clarity and consistency in an industry crowded with noise. This recognition as one of the Most Influential Personal Training Experts of 2025 reflects the impact of a team aligned around systems, standards, and outcomes. Alloy’s strength lies in individual personalities and a collective commitment to doing the work that matters. Learn more at Alloyfranchise.com  

Georgios Matis , MD, MSc, PhD, FINR(CH) – Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery  From the very beginning of his journey in neurosurgery, Dr. Georgios Matis was captivated by the intricate ways the nervous system shapes human experience, particularly in the realms of pain and movement disorders. His interest in neuromodulation was not solely driven by scientific curiosity but also by a deep commitment to improving the lives of those who suffer from chronic pain and spasticity. A turning point in his career came under the mentorship of Dr. A. Koulousakis, whose expertise in neuromodulation left a lasting impact. Under his guidance, Dr. Matis found himself drawn to a field where advanced technology meets compassionate patient care. This mentorship reinforced his belief in a patient-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of neuromodulation as a means to restore function and dignity for individuals who have exhausted conventional treatment options. Chronic pain and spasticity are not just clinical conditions; they impose profound limitations on every aspect of a person’s life. In his practice, Dr. Matis has witnessed firsthand how neuromodulation, through spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and intrathecal therapies, can offer life-changing relief. He has seen patients regain mobility, return to activities they once loved, and reclaim their independence. These transformations serve as a constant source of motivation, reinforcing his dedication to the field. For Dr. Matis, neurosurgery is about more than just surgical precision; it is about understanding the patient’s journey, offering hope where there was once despair, and continually expanding the boundaries of what is possible. As Aristotle once said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” This philosophy holds in neuromodulation, where success is measured not just by medical advancements but by the real impact on a patient’s quality of life. There is no single “most effective” therapy in neuromodulation—each treatment has its role depending on the patient’s condition, pain type, and individual response. Spinal cord stimulation has proven particularly effective for conditions like persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), especially with the advent of closed-loop stimulation and novel waveforms. Peripheral nerve field stimulation provides an invaluable option for localized pain syndromes and cases where spinal cord stimulation may not be feasible. Meanwhile, intrathecal drug delivery, particularly with agents like ziconotide, is essential for patients who require targeted drug administration when systemic medications have failed or caused severe side effects. The key to effective pain management lies not in a one-size-fits-all approach but in carefully selecting the most suitable therapy for each patient. As Hippocrates wisely stated, “It is far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has.” By combining the latest technological advancements with a profound understanding of patient needs, physicians can create personalized treatment strategies that ensure the best possible quality of life. For Dr. Matis, this balance between innovation and compassionate care remains the driving force behind his work in neuromodulation. The Future of Neuromodulation: Advancing Patient-Centered Care Neuromodulation is undergoing significant advancements, and Dr. Matis is proud to contribute to its evolution through research and clinical practice. Several developments are shaping the field, particularly those that enhance personalization, improve patient outcomes, and expand accessibility. One of the most promising innovations is closed-loop spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Unlike traditional systems that provide constant stimulation, closed-loop SCS continuously adjusts therapy in real-time based on evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs). This allows the device to respond to the patient’s physiological changes, ensuring more effective pain relief and functional improvements. Dr. Matis had the opportunity to implant the first closed-loop system in 2020, and the long-term success observed in patients has reinforced his confidence in this technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also bringing a new level of precision to SCS programming. Traditionally, adjusting stimulation parameters has been a trial-and-error process, but AI is changing that by analyzing vast datasets to tailor therapy for each patient. This ensures more accurate, dynamic, and effective pain management while reducing the burden on both patients and clinicians. As AI continues to advance, neuromodulation is moving toward truly personalized treatment approaches. As Hippocrates once said, “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” These advancements reflect that philosophy by making neuromodulation more adaptive, intelligent, and patient-focused. While technology continues to evolve, the ultimate goal remains the same: to restore function, alleviate suffering, and improve the quality of life for those living with chronic pain. Advancing Pain Management: A Future of Precision and Collaboration The treatment of chronic pain and spasticity faces significant challenges, particularly in access to advanced therapies, patient-specific treatment optimization, and interdisciplinary collaboration. While neuromodulation and interventional pain management have made remarkable progress, many patients still encounter delays in receiving these treatments. Limited awareness, restrictive healthcare policies, and inconsistencies in insurance coverage often create barriers to timely care. Despite the availability of advanced technologies, integrating them effectively into clinical practice remains a hurdle, leaving many patients without the relief they could potentially achieve. A major challenge in pain management is ensuring that therapies are tailored to individual patients. Chronic pain and spasticity are complex conditions that require a multimodal approach, yet treatment selection and programming often lack the necessary precision. Understanding neurophysiological mechanisms and patient-reported outcomes is essential to refining these treatments. Without a personalized approach, even the most advanced therapies may fail to provide optimal relief. Looking ahead, the next decade promises transformative change in pain medicine. Technological advancements will continue to shape the field, with closed-loop neuromodulation, AI-driven programming, and combination therapies offering more precise and adaptive treatments. The integration of neurostimulation with pharmacological and rehabilitative strategies will improve patient outcomes while minimizing side effects. As these innovations emerge, collaboration among neurosurgeons, pain specialists, physiatrists, and engineers will become even more essential. A stronger emphasis on education and teamwork will help bridge the gap between research and clinical application, ensuring that cutting-edge treatments reach the patients who need them most. The Power of Collaboration in Advancing Neuromodulation According to