Category: Industry Leaders

The internationally acclaimed Beverly Joubert is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, wildlife conservationist and National Geographic Explorer-at-Large with over 40 films co-produced with husband Dereck Joubert and with 12 published books as co-author with Dereck. She is one of the passionate co-founders of Great Plains, a unique conservation tourism company built around bespoke, caring, meaningful and considerate values.

Entirely self-taught, Beverly Joubert has been recognised with her husband internationally for the raw authenticity of their work with accolades including: The World Ecology Award, a Peabody Award, 22 Emmy nominations and 8 Emmy Awards as well as the Presidential Order of Merit in Botswana. With more than 40 produced films, 12 published books and many scientific papers, Beverly and her husband Dereck are also the founders of the Big Cats Initiative, Project Ranger and their charity Great Plains Foundation.

Whilst the Jouberts have won international recognition for their films and conservation work their greatest rewards have come not in the form of trophies but rather in their conservation successes, helping local communities, saving the wildlife they are so passionate about and the wilderness which has become their home.

Beverly has also been heavily involved with Great Plains Foundation’s Solar Mamas initiative. Great Plains Foundation recently took nine ladies from selected Botswanan rural communities to India for six months to undertake solar engineering training. Upon returning to Botswana, these Solar Mamas shared their knowledge and set up solar plants and businesses in their communities as a source of power, income generation and empowerment. These Solar Mamas have also had small business enterprise training to boost their knowledge and skills to share with their communities and develop their small businesses. https://greatplainsfoundation.com/solar-mama/ 

March 2021…// The internationally acclaimed Beverly Joubert is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, wildlife conservationist and National Geographic Explorer-at-Large with over 40 films co-produced with husband Dereck Joubert and with 12 published books as co-author with Dereck. She is one of the passionate co-founders of Great Plains, a unique conservation tourism company built around bespoke, caring, meaningful and considerate values.

Entirely self-taught, Beverly Joubert has been recognised with her husband internationally for the raw authenticity of their work with accolades including: The World Ecology Award, a Peabody Award, 22 Emmy nominations and 8 Emmy Awards as well as the Presidential Order of Merit in Botswana.

“Even as a young girl I was always inspired to create and photography was one of the early expressions of that creativity. But there is a huge difference between taking family snaps and achieving a National Geographic cover. So I try to look at everything through that lens of a magazine cover, the ultimate measure of success for my work – this is an ongoing process,” comments Beverly Joubert.

In November 2020, Beverly and Dereck Joubert released their latest book ‘Blood Moon: Rescuing the Rhino’, about the remarkable efforts to move rhinos from high-poaching zones in South Africa, to less ‘hot zones’ in Botswana. It is an ongoing project which the Jouberts’ charity, The Great Plains Foundation, supports and facilitates. Beverly creates and contributes her photography to the Jouberts’ books and films whilst Dereck writes the text and script, and does the filming; the two complement one another perfectly. Of Beverly, Dereck says: “A lot of what we do looks easy but it is not. The long hot days, in dust with flies, getting stuck in the swamp, or crashing planes and being attacked by wildlife is incredibly risky, and uncomfortable and would be for even the toughest men I know. But Beverly takes it all in her stride.”

Always working on the next project, Beverly is now finalising their ‘The Ultimate Book of African Animals,’ due to be released by National Geographic in Q2 2021. The Jouberts are currently working on a film for National Geographic Nat Geo Wild about the cheetah out of the Mara, which will be released in Q4 2021. The dynamic duo are also in preparations and post production on a film that follows rhino relocation after 5 years.

“Working together on all the projects is a huge positive for our work, we can add the ying and yang in everything we do,” said Beverly Joubert.

The Jouberts create, design, and operate sixteen stunning safari camps under the Great Plains brand in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. With conservation at the forefront of their business, the camps are solar-powered and are created with the utmost respect to nature, so guests can feel comfortable about their environmental footprint in their sustainable camps. After falling in love with a particular site for a new camp, Dereck and Beverly familiarise themselves with the area, often sleeping out on the ground to get that feel of energy before building a camp. Dereck is in charge of ‘the narrative’ behind every camp having its own story, the architectural design of the camps and the Jouberts work together to extend that narrative into the iconic interiors and classic décor, opting for pieces which look better and better with time and wear.

When it comes to selecting her favourite camp from the Great Plains portfolio, Beverly is unable to choose just one. “I see the camps representing the areas of Africa we love and the camps are built to convey that tented transient nature of camping with a luxury feel, so as a result this is our signature style at Great Plains,” commented Joubert. Utilising the challenging COVID period as a time to refresh their portfolio, the Jouberts are currently working on opening five new camps in 2021.

The Great Plains Foundation, which strives to preserve and protect landscapes, wildlife, and the communities which rely on them in Africa include a project close to Beverly’s heart, The Solar Mamas, a programme that looks for options to help local communities establish solar plants and businesses as a source of power, income generation and empowerment. The Great Plains Foundation took nine women from selected Botswana rural communities to India for six months to undertake solar engineering training and has since electrified 450 households and changed countless lives. Beverly is currently working on expanding The Solar Mamas further.

In between making films and doing photography, getting involved in the camps, and the Great Plains Foundation, Beverly and Dereck started a clothing range, from their designs and creations, D&B Explorer Collection. Focusing on practical, comfortable and presentable clothes that can be worn on safari or to a formal occasion, Beverly describes the signature looks of D&B Explorer Collection as “soft but rugged, linen tropic designed by two people who know what it is like to live and work in clothing that also needs to look presentable and fresh. We want our fine linens and timeless pieces to make you feel special.” The D&B Explorer Collection continues to expand with new pieces designed by Dereck and Beverly for their future guests to enjoy.

Whilst the Jouberts have won international recognition for their films and conservation work their greatest rewards have come not in the form of trophies but rather in their conservation successes, saving the wildlife they are so passionate about and the wilderness which has become their home.

A short video on Dereck and Beverly Joubert can be accessed here

Imagery included in this press release can be downloaded here

For further media enquiries, please contact:

Charlotte Rous Communications at charlotte@charlotterous.co.uk or call (+44) 07969682112.

NOTES TO EDITOR

About Great Plains

Great Plains is an authentic, unique and iconic leading tourism conservation organisation founded by and positioned around Dereck and Beverly Joubert since 2006. The company consists of sixteen prestigious owned and partner safari properties in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Great Plains offers exceptional safari experiences built around bespoke, caring, meaningful and considerate values.

www.greatplainsconservation.com

About Great Plains Foundation

Great Plains Foundation is conserving and expanding natural habitats in Africa through innovative conservation initiatives with a long-term commitment to the environment, wildlife and local communities. The charity builds on the success of its conservation-tourism parent company Great Plains to identify and implement programs that address the nexus between people, land, and wildlife. Through these three critical elements, Great Plains Foundation’s initiatives and partnerships have a lasting impact on Africa’s iconic wildlife and wildernesses.

www.greatplainsfoundation.com

Sign up to Watch Wednesday, the new weekly Great Plains Newsletter, here

“We believe the world becomes a better place as we improve access to education. This will allow the next generation to make informed decisions towards a better future.”

Shanna is the co-founder and Senior Managing Partner of Global Services in Education (GSE).

Shanna is an American educator who has been setting up, leading and operating schools in 6 countries over the past 12 years.

Shanna’s reputation is well renowned. She was named a Top 10 Global Guru in Education (2018) and Top 30 Global Guru in Education (2019). In 2021, Shanna was named as one of the Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch.

Shanna’s specialist expertise is her ability to coach and mentor teachers and to supervise the effective operation of high-quality schools. She is also an expert in adapting curriculum to unique cultural contexts including the alignment of local curriculum and culture with international models. She is passionate about making premium education accessible to every one.

Shanna has served as:

• Academic Director/Curriculum Writer (America, China, Malaysia, Dubai, Korea)
• Curriculum Writer/Academic Director (TESOL China)
• Teacher Trainer (America, Mexico, Bahrain, Malaysia, China, Dubai, Thailand, Korea)
• High School/Middle School Principal (America, Dubai, China)
• University Director (America)

Shanna is an expert in A Level, IB, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, IFY and US curriculums. She has authored two books on international education and served as a consultant for more than 50 schools across 6 countries. Co-Founder, Senior Managing Partner

About GSE

Founded in 2011, GSE was created by two leading international educators with the aim of designing and leading the very best schools in partnership with investors and developers. GSE is a private education management and advisory company that provides a comprehensive range of services to set up, operate and improve school quality in all major regions of the world. They are led by a team of seasoned education and business professionals who understand both the financial and the education sectors.

Their services include market research and feasibility studies, business planning and financial models, conceptual and architectural design, branding and marketing, curriculum, teacher recruitment and many more education services.

GSE independently operates education institutions on behalf of investors and developers under their own or other brands. They cover all sectors and curriculum including K-12, early years, vocational and higher education. GSE specialises in IB, UK, US, Australian, Canadian, IPC and all local curriculum models including bi/trilingual programs.

“We are the bridge between business and education. We align vision, mission and corporate plans.”

Sarah Colbon, Co-Founder of Njord by Bergman Design House, has over a decade of experience within the luxury superyacht industry.

Sarah Colbon has worked with some of the yachting industries most well known names, including Owners and their representatives, shipyards, designers, brokerage companies in sale and charter, yacht management companies and iconic superyachts themselves. Sarah’s experience in delivering strategies, protecting and managing reputations, project managing new concepts, showcasing major global campaigns and implementing specialist activities have had outstanding results in the Superyacht Industry.

With all her knowledge and expertise rolled into one, she Co-founded Njord by BergmanDesign House, a superyacht interior design studio, alongside Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund. Sarah’s role within the company is running the company with managing the business, client relations, project management and driving the brand forward.

Trusted by the yachting world’s most well-known names, she has worked with owners and their representatives, designers, shipyards, superyacht management and superyacht brokerage companies alike. Her work in strategy, delivery, reputation management, project management, client relations, building the business and the brand have seen unrivalled results.

It was this 360-degree industry experience that made Sarah the perfect partner for Bergman Design House founders Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund, as the group founded their joint venture, Njord by Bergman Design House.

The trio launched the superyacht interior architecture and design studio in 2020, where Sarah’s role spans operations, project management, client relations and building the brand.

As the yachting arm of London’s award-winning interior design studio Bergman Design House, Njord by Bergman Design House has refit the 56m Benetti Galaxy, converted 61m Cassius from a former commercial ship, and created new build 83m Eden using the highest levels of sustainable methods and technique. Along with her co-founders, Sarah is considered a true mover and shaker in the superyacht industry – inspiring and innovating the world of luxury as the studio pushes boundaries in floating hotel design.  When Sarah isn’t moving and shaking the world designing superyachts, she mentors over 60 yachting business start-ups and regularly speaks at specialist yachting panels and events.

Njord by Bergman Design House

Through this questionnaire, our aim is to accentuate your journey, your aims and achievements, your thoughts and perspectives, the organisation you run, your contributions to the society, and your strengths in the national and international markets. We are looking for crisp and perspicacious answers between 800-1000 words for the same.

Kindly share a portfolio of around 4 – 6 High-Res images. (Attach Manna’s Profile)

1. How would you describe your journey? Brief us on the inception story of your career.

I am coming from a small country and a humble beginning however, my family has educated well and nurtured me with values, respect, dignity and accountability for the words and action through my development. Hence, from the beginning I have done my best to excel in studying and later at work. At a very young age, I have always been passionate in keeping good relationship , diplomacy, building bridges between individuals and business, and later between diplomatic businesses. The critical thinking and problem solving approach was supported in my family. This is why I stay productive in all critical projects. I have always made sure that I never under do and provide the best service excellence for that reason my name has bought credibility and can be the substance as what Bizzmosis as a brand can be seen in the region and the world.

2. Enlighten us about your role in the organisation you are leading / associated with?

Bizzmosis Group, that I proudly own and chair for over a decade has dedicated its existence to government affairs, building the bridge between the private and public sector, mediating the Business to Government communication and helping both parties achieve consensus, mutual growth and progress.

We are the leading UAE Government Affairs specialist, serving over 7,000 entities as a one-stop-shop for all tailored business solutions such as business operation permits and approvals, business licensing, registration, and restructuring in the UAE and middle east region, as well as residency visas and PRO services, product manufacturing, registration, import and export permits. Tax, VAT, and accountancy services. “Bizzmosis Group has a strong history of making things possible by nurturing government relationships that have earned us a reputation as Miracle Workers – not only for expanding the realm of what can be done but contracting the amount of time required to do it” “We are the knowledge partner of Dubai Chamber, Department of Economic Developments (DED), Ministry of Economy, Economic Startup hubs, FDI, DTCM, and many more government and semi-government partnerships not just in the UAE but in the region and in the African market.”

3. Kindly mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your person.

• “FIN WOMEN PROGRESSIVE EMPOWERMENT LEADERSHIP”award presented by FIN Women, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.
• FIN Winter Edition 2022 featured as the Most Influential B2G Networkers in the UAE.
• FORBESAfrica Special Edition featured and  being recognized as one of the “Movers and Shakers: People To Watch in 2022”
• Sharjah FDI awarded knowledge partner
• MOE international business roadshow 2019 awarded knowledge partner
• UNDPR award for risk reduction awareness for business.
• Dubai chamber and commerce awarded “Dubai’s business service provider of choice”
• TIP Innovation Summit AD 2020
• Female entrepreneurship support campaign partner 2018: Dubai Women summit
• CAWEE partnership for opening its first satellite office in Ethiopia.

4. What is the one thing you wish you had known about women in your line of work before you started working?

My line of working is obviously interchange between business and diplomatic work. A lot of negotiations and critical works, stressful moments, pressure points from customer and governments, I wish I knew before how much misconception and pre judgement there is, for a women to access in pivot power positions and how difficult it is. However, swimming against the circumstances is what made me stronger. Despite all women finding problems to such situations, if you keep consistent, standing on your rights, consideration and admittance to high level negotiations, sooner you’ll find people will admire and appreciate no matter which gender you are and find people who have already opened the door. Never give up!

5. Do you believe it is compulsory for a woman to manage a household alongside her work?

I am a Business Owner, B2G Networker, Investor, Speaker and above all a proud mother and a wife. I believe gender equity starts at home. With equal partners we would be able to have a work life balance. Men should feel equally obliged in managing household duties as much as a women would. I am proud and lucky to have an exceptional husband, which is very actively involved in maintaining our house, the relationship with our daughter and so on. I wouldn’t have succeeded as much or where I am now, if I didn’t had the support, the love, the understanding and the sincere routine at my home.

6. Where do you find inspiration? What motivates you to work harder?

We all have a unique perspective on the things we find most fascinating and enjoyable in life. Over 15 years specialising in diplomatic and corporate world relationship development. My relationships with government officials have driven dozens of the most well-known special approvals and exceptional cases in the country. When we concentrate on doing things that we have the most passion for, sooner or later success will follow. I am a people person and I love investing my time, attention, and developing talents around me. Also, the biggest inspiration is when I see my talented Bizzmosis team has impacted and supported and even sometimes changed the life for the start-ups owners and people from all beginnings when we solve a problem that was assumed to be impossible. This is what motivates us to keep us going and creating an impact around wherever we touch in people or business around us.

7. As a woman, what has been the highlight of you career? What are the changes you wish to make for the better in your professional life post-pandemic?

A decade ago, as female founded and female led entity, Bizzmosis Group, there have been many highlights and I’ve been very lucky to have seen thousands of business leaders, companies, MNCS who put trust in our expertise and over a decade that we exponentially growing with zero marketing including throughout covid is proven to the good work and service excellence we deliver. Now Bizzmosis is a leading UAE Government Affairs company, for all tailored business solutions.

During the pandemic, Bizzmosis registered hundreds of products, introduced new categories, and obtained trade and registration permissions in just 7 days.

We are proud to have facilitated high-level and impactful projects successfully for governments, multinationals, startups and more. I and my team always go beyond our offerings and anticipate achieving more success stories in the region.

I am also proud to be a mom and grow my daughter to show an example while scaling and managing my business. The fact that my name and the brand is admired and appreciated and have a team which I am beyond proud of how talented, consistent, dedicated they are, and a happy family, successful life and that I have started from a 500 dollar debt from my family, to being a financially independent with a 7 digit turnover and achievements that I have never dreamed of. But I am humbly enjoying it.

7. Brief us on the changes the pandemic brought to your sector and your market. Has the work-culture altered?

Bizzmosis invests in its talents and promotes internal human growth, we are committed to promote and prepare our team members for leadership roles. An online Bizzmosis school platform is set to sustain our knowledge growth and secure consistency in our commitment to service excellence to our clients. We have tended to keep cultural, team building, stress buster events every month however yes, the pandemic has bought to my attention to provide a hybrid working environment for my talented team. This increases flexibility and this leads to a balanced workload, participation in team activities, and higher work-life satisfaction.

During pandemic we have maintained salaries without cuts and rewarded salary raise during inflation for all members of the team irrespective of their roles, which has built more trust in our journey together. The pandemic has only strengthen our internal policies and supported our growth and build more trust between client and us of proving how stable and reliable we are, no matter the situation we are put in

8. What words of wisdom/ inspiration/ advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders?

As commonly used this is, “Nothing is impossible, just don’t give up”. I had many days of tears, frustration, hiding in behind blankets and not talk to anybody, however, with the correct people that surround us with the right friends and family, consistency and thrive for opportunity to achieve what you deserve that is what can guarantee your success. Success is not about making millions or power. It is independent from person to person. Just know what you want and keep moving one step at a time in that direction. And if you have set back don’t let that move you away from that goal.

How would you describe your journey? Brief us on the inception story of your career.

Payal’s Response:

That’s an interesting question, Here’s a little bit of my backstory. It all started with a question in my mind- ‘why do we have only a few exceptional leaders in any organization?’

See, I had a very successful start in the United States. And I remember how friends and family told me that I am in a land of opportunities where people are very successful. But the reality I saw around me here was different. I observed that despite all the information and resources, most people struggled at their work. The number of successful people was few in number. And most people were stuck at the mid-level- both in the corporate and business world.  I wanted to get to the root of this gap between the average and exceptionally successful peopl. Later, I left the comfort of Corporate America and immersed myself in research that helped me understand the reason for this gap. It formed the springboard of Success Within Leadership, dedicated to developing transformed leaders who influence, innovate and implement with speed and serenity in any economy.

Enlighten us about the work you do?

Payal’s Response: 

I am famous as an executive coach where I help leaders bring about a massive transformation in themselves so they can be highly successful leaders. When they change their thinking and behaviors, they can maximize their leadership potential, succeed in the corporate world, and experience a fulfilled career life. I have a proven philosophy that leverages each client’s inner resources to become high-performers and develop success.

Where do you find inspiration? What motivates you to work harder?

Payal’s Response: 

It’s people like you and millions of others who inspire me to move forward. When I hear stories of people who have become successful using my “insider” techniques and how it has transformed them into world-class leaders, I feel inspired to give more and serve more. Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing people rise up. My drive to help people learn how to be world-class leaders is what even got me started into book writing. I’ve made it my mission to help people become successful in life by teaching them the importance of behavioral changes. I feel my work is most rewarding.

Kindly mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your person.

Payal’s Response: 

• Honored by the US media for re-defining leadership
• Recipient of the Global Humanitarian Award by Bloom for her work in leadership
• Recognized by the Times Group as the Most Influential Personality in Leadership and Executive Coaching
• Received the GCPIT award for having trained and coached more than a million professionals to be world-class leader
• Recognized as the Top 10 Coach by Silicon India
• Recipient of the State Ribbon award, USA, for her work in leadership.
• Award-winning host of the globally recognized leadership mastery podcast — THE PAYAL NANJIANI LEADERSHIP PODCAST.

What is the one thing you wish you had known about women in your line of work before you started working?

Payal’s Response: 

The power of networking. I wish I had appreciated this much earlier in my career.

Do you believe it is compulsory for a woman to manage a household alongside her work?

Payal’s Response:

I think nature has given a man and a woman some intrinsic quality and behavior patterns. Taking care of the house and doing household chores is a great quality in women. Similarly, taking care of the household finances comes naturally to men. Whether a woman must do the household work or not is a decision each of us needs to make for ourselves. What is important though is that women must keep moving ahead in their career regardless of the challenges.

As a woman, what has been the highlight of you career? What are the changes you wish to make for the better in your professional life post-pandemic?

Payal’s Response:

So, when I first got started in this field of leadership speaking, coaching, and book writing, there weren’t women of Indian descent in America that I was aware of that were doing exactly what I wanted to be doing. It’s typically a white dominated field. So there wasn’t any role model or guidance I could have then. And eventually, I became known as the only woman of Indian descent to be a leadership speaker and author in the USA. And America is one place where you get known not by your gender or color but for the value you bring. Now I also work to help more women of color to be visible in their field of work.

Brief us on the changes the pandemic brought to your sector and your market. Has the work-culture altered?

Payal’s Response: 

I think every market has been impacted by the pandemic. For one, we all stepped into digitization and that changed the game. So, I am glad that now along with in-person sessions, I can also opt for online.

What words of wisdom/ inspiration/ advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders?

Payal’s Response: 

I would say this- any challenge that comes your way doesn’t come based on your gender or color. Challenges are for anyone who dreams big, and your job is to stick to your higher purpose. When you make a decision keeping your higher goal in mind-then there is no confusion. The Universe will show you your next step. Your job is to overcome the challenge and not get sucked into any biases.

About Payal Nanjiani:

Globally Acclaimed Leadership Expert and Speaker , Top Executive Coach , and New York Award-Winning Author

​Recognized by the TIMES Group as the most influential leadership speaker and executive coach, Payal Nanjiani is a globally acclaimed Indian-American leadership expert, executive coach, and author.She has spent over 2 decades helping leaders and organizations grow, transform, and succeed.

​A prominent figure in the corporate and business world, her books, and podcast have made her one of the best-known names in leadership training and executive coaching.

She is known to get people to achieve a leadership breakthrough, get to their next level, and achieve extraordinary levels of success.

​She is a New York award-winning author of leadership books.

Payal has been honored by the TIMES group for her leadership speaking and coaching and has been featured on  America’s Fox 50 news channel for redefining leadership.

Payal believes in her philosophy that leadership starts and ends with you

For more information visit : www.payalnanjiani.com

Brief us about the inception of your career? What were your ambitions as a teenager?

I was born on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia and like most youth at the coast had a love of sport and the outdoors. Australian Rules Football and Golf were my passions and as a teenager I soon reached the elite level in both. I represented my state as a schoolboy footballer and I was also a single figure handicap golfer. Torn between both sports I see-sawed between the two before finally focussing on my professional career and a decision to become a teacher. My ambitions were easily summarised however as having a very determined work ethic and an ambition to be the very best I could be in something that I had a passion for. As an educator I saw the potential to have significant impact on others and to develop young people through my craft as a communicator, coach and mentor.

From an early age I became a student of leadership and personal development and have spent my life focussed on self improvement as well as developing the potential in others.

From a humble and working class background to now operating a global company. To visiting 63 countries of the world and leading projects in most regions.

 

What are the aims and ideals that guide you as you run your company?

Our company was founded with very strong beliefs and values that we should bring the highest quality of education to all corners of the globe. We wanted to bring equitable access and to find ways that we could maximise impact. Education does not teach young people what to think however it helps young people to become informed decision makers who can, with the greatest skills, knowledge and abilities, create impact.

Our company sets up and operates schools on behalf of investors and developers. We also work with schools that plan to expand overseas as well as existing school groups. We have the team and the expertise internationally that most investors and schools don’t have.

We have led education projects in 16 countries including setting up schools, managing schools as well as teacher training and development. We do market research and feasibility studies, business planning and financial modelling. We are a full service, one stop shop for new and existing schools. We launch but also improve educational institutions.

As an innovative leader, how do you manage to inspire your team to innovate and think outside the box?

I believe that innovation is an essential quality for this and future generations. Innovation happens when we refuse to accept that an obstacle is too big and also with a belief that there is a better or different way. Innovators find new solutions by automatically assuming there is an alternative way. It is only when the status quo is ruled out that we can see unique solutions.

I tend to say “yes we can” by default and then find the way. I refuse to accept that there is not a way or a new way, a better way and a path towards best practice.

I am very down to earth. I don’t have a personal assistant. I make my own coffee and I don’t expect anyone to do anything that I am not prepared to do myself. I share knowledge and skills with others and hope that by developing others skills that we all benefit as a team. I learn from others as much as they might potentially learn from me.

I have a very strong focus on being authentic and living a life of integrity. My word is my honour and I will always set out to under promise but over deliver. You just can’t fake quality and you can’t fake authenticity. I play the long game. I want to build long term relationships and organisations that are sustainable. There is no ego. Results and outcomes prove themselves.

 

What were challenges and obstacles you faced along the way?

We launched our company outside our own respective home countries. We were launching an enterprise in unique and challenging cultural contexts. Our determination refused to allow us to see the obvious challenges but now in hindsight we realise how unique our plan was. To create a global company that sets up and operates schools in many countries, other than our own is incredibly difficult. Navigating the relationships and learning to change education paradigms is an enormous challenge. We created unique skills in our ability to understand different cultures both to manage a successful business as well as deliver curriculum, teaching and learning in unique contexts.

We first launched our company with projects in India and China. As humble educators from Australia and America we now look back on how extraordinary this was. We worked very hard and never heard the negatives. I cannot tell you those stories that others share where friends and colleagues said “you are crazy and that can’t be done.” I guess they either believed in us too or I just didn’t hear them.

What sets your company apart from the rest of the market? Do you believe in diversifying?

Our company has a reputation in being niche in the market. We have developed the abilities to be both international education experts as well as international business specialists. Rarely can leaders or companies do both very well. Education and business are considered quite different fields however we are described by many as the invaluable bridge between them. Educators are often wary of for-profit schools believing that they are too commercially focussed. While educators rarely understand business. We often say that “Without money there is no mission. Without Mission there is n money.” Both are incredibly important.

We have always focussed on maintaining that balance. We understand all curriculums and best practise in teaching methodology. We understand business, marketing and operations.

We are innovators and out of the box thinkers but we filter all new ideas and directions on the guiding question of “Will this new idea, technology, strategy or service accelerate outcomes for children.” If it does not pass this simple test then we push it aside. We focus on data and evidence to guide decision making. Proof of concept and proof of success is very important.

Kindly mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your person and organisation?

We have been fortunate to be recognised individually and collectively as a company with many awards.

Individual Awards:

• In 2007 I was awarded the Ministers Award for Excellence in School Leadership as one of the the highest performing Principals in Queensland, Australia.
• 2006 Regional Showcase Award for Industry and Community Partnerships
• 2005 – Regional Showcase Award for Leadership
• 2005 – ICT Innovation Award and grant for innovative and flexible curriculum delivery

GSE as a company:

• Award Winner – Top Ten Best Education Solutions (2018)
• Award Winner – Best Global Brand in International Education (2016)
• Award Winner – Best Global Brand in Secondary and Vocational Training (2015)
• Award Winner – Asia Pacific Corporate and Social Responsibility Award in Education (2015)

Partner and Co-founder,  Shanna Parry:

• Business Woman in Education to Watch, Leadership (2022)
• Most Successful Businesswoman to Watch (2021)
• Top 30 Global Guru in Education (2019, 2018)

Where do you see your organisation in the years to come? How do plan to respond to the lows that followed the pandemic?

We plan to have schools operating under our management brand in all major continents and regions of the world. By 2030 we expect to have 20 schools operated by GSE across several regions but concentrating on Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

We decided several years ago that our mission was to become the voice of international education. We wanted to be the company that people come to when they need specialist expertise and best practice in the field of setting up and operating international schools. “The loudest and most respected voice in the room.”

We have published more than 200+ articles on all areas of international education. It was always a strategy to intentionally give back to others but also to “walk the walk.” There is no sense just telling people that you are the market leader. You must genuinely show people. Our articles have become an essential resource for others and they demonstrate our elite and exceptional knowledge in the key areas that are important for setting up and managing schools well.

The pandemic was a challenge however we actually launched several new projects and schools during that time. Clients needed our expertise and although travel was a barrier we successfully started several new schools under the challenging circumstances and without the ability to travel and meet in person. Out global reach expanded with very high numbers of enquiries and an extraordinary number of investors, developers and clients engaging us in their early planning. As the pandemic implications began to ease our new projects are now launching out of a gate that was very ready to be open.

We also know that to maximise our impact through education we must improve the quality of teaching delivery. That must include teacher training. We are set to launch expanded teacher training and development programs but ons that are truly impactful. They are programs that are sustainable and deliver genuine reform and change. Sadly most training, conferences and workshops have little impact beyond the coffee and cakes at break time. We have developed training systems that deliver on the investment.

What is your advice to budding entrepreneurs who wish to kick start their careers?

Firstly you need to find something that excites you and that you are passionate about.Then you need to become the very best you can be at that.

You need to find good mentors. Not just one but several. Learn all that you can from others. Test and apply these things in your own way. Discard ideas and skills that don’t match but concentrate and focus on the areas that you find have the greatest impact for you.

Be patient but consistent. Success happens in waves but not in response to small inconsistent efforts. When you least expect it the large waves will carry you to places you may never have predicted.

Through this questionnaire, our aim is to accentuate your journey, your aims and achievements, your thoughts and perspectives, the organisation you run, your contributions to the society, and your strengths in the national and international markets. We are looking for crisp and perspicacious answers between 800-1000 words for the same.

How would you describe your journey? Brief us on the inception story of your career. My husband and I launched Bergman Design House five years ago – the name being a blend of our surnames (Berglund and Soliman). It somehow happened organically. We were doing small freelance jobs such as small townhouses on the side, and then we met Olia, the owner of BXR (London’s Luxury Boxing Gym), and she asked us to design the gym. From there, Soliman and Berglund began picking up wellness, hospitality, and high-end residential projects, and we left Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) to focus on Bergman Design House full-time. Totally by coincidence, a very beautiful one, after the huge success of BXR, we found our names everywhere as Albin and Marie. We were asked to set up a company, design a logo and launch a website, which we did in November 2016 in my living room. The universe had given us a massive push forward, we took the leap of faith and Bergman Design House was born.

• Enlighten us about your role in the organisation you are leading / associated with? I am the founder and creative director of Bergman Design House.
  I was dubbed a “chameleon of design” by British GQ magazine, my vision stems from belief in the vital spark of adventurous souls willing to take risks and try and test new ideas in the service of creating fabulous and engaging experiences. My goal is always to bring fresh ideas to the fore, while revelling in — not fearing — the chaos of creation. A keen eye for the timeless and the well-crafted has guided me on journeys around the world to spearhead such globally recognised projects as The Other house Hotel South Kensington, The Other house Covent Garden, BXR London, We11, NOR hotel Norway, and Eagle Lodge in Botswana, among others.
• Where do you find inspiration? What motivates you to work harder?
• What is the one thing you wish you had known about women in your line of work before you started working?
• Do you believe it is compulsory for a woman to manage a household alongside her work?

As a woman, what has been the highlight of you career?
Arh! this is like asking me if I have a favourite kid. I love all my projects and each stands out differently, but I can’t be more proud of the Other House Hotel and Club residence we designed and also Where is Laowai in Vancouver.

• What are the changes you wish to make for the better in your professional life post-pandemic?
• Brief us on the changes the pandemic brought to your sector and your market. Has the work-culture altered?
  Design is the reflection of the era we live in, and with more conscious choices and well-travelled individuals we are seeing—and getting asked to design—more sustainable and meaningful luxurious spaces. In the past year, the hospitality industry has undergone a significant transformation to adapt to the changing demands of guests and travellers, blending necessities with aesthetics. A sustainable approach, mixing the new with the old and vintage to give old treasures a second breath of life, to create an intimate connection and a stage of meaningful luxury. There is so much history, fun and beauty behind hunting the good antique pieces that create a very original design story!
  The pandemic has seen a record-breaking rise in the number of superyacht sales, as the ultra-wealthy flock to spend their time at sea. From Vitamin C-enriched water and air-purifying bathroom tiles, to submarine moon pools and snowmobiles, these floating palaces are obscenely luxurious. Superyachts have become a floating home and residence and not just a weekend toy which is why we launched Njord by Bergman Design House
• What words of wisdom/ inspiration/ advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders?
  Be original because everyone else is taken. Don’t be scared to push the boundaries but also listen to your client brief.
  Work for someone who asks you to design and not just draft, make mistakes and learn from them, be confident and never shy about your ideas, no idea is stupid, no question is stupid, listen, look up when you walk in the streets and see the beauty of the buildings, go to an art exhibition every weekend, go to textiles workshops, have a digital print, don’t be a ghost.

Website: www.bergmaninteriors.com

Brief us about the inception of your career? What were your ambitions as a teenager?
My adolescence was characterized by study and dedication to knowledge. My parents instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards others and fundamental values such as empathy, generosity and compassion. Law and finance have always fascinated me. Classical literature and the study of ancient civilizations strengthened my awareness and made me lucid in examining geopolitical issues afterwards. History defines who we are and where we come from but it is above all an essential means of analysis. Over the years my desire to participate in public life has gradually strengthened at the same time I embarked on my first entrepreneurial experiences. I have always been a pragmatic man despite my well-known artistic ambitions. I was aware that in order to act and produce a social impact I would not only count on my cultural background but I would also need financial resources. The establishment of the financial conglomerate NDB Group (Nereides de Bourbon Group) was born as a vehicle for broad-spectrum projects of international scope. The practice of foreign languages has helped me a lot throughout my career. I speak Chinese fluently, as well as English of course, and my two mother languages which are French and Italian. Working at international levels, language proficiency is not only a necessity but also a support for one’s credibility. On a political level, I work as a cultural diplomat by pursuing various missions that represent the beating heart of the multinational organization I founded. Alongside the financial group, I also founded a diplomatic club based in Paris but with a global presence under the auspices of the French government, the Nereides Club – International Cultural Diplomacy Corporation, organized as a collective of visionaries, highly committed actors, prestigious advisors and creative strategists, gathering a plurality of social impact projects, and whose desire is to rethink the model of international dialogue and cooperation by imagining the mission and interactions of a new, more respectful, and more sustainable world. The Nereides Club was founded with the aim to create an international intellectual organization, to awake a collective awareness, and to enhance the global diplomatic, cultural, and socio-economic exchanges. The Club is a round table of analysis, research, creation of global strategies and weaving of interrelations in the public and private sector. Within the Nereides Club, many topics such as international diplomatic affairs, political globalization, geopolitical framework, law, finance, macroeconomy, international cooperation, poverty, digitalization, infrastructure, industry trends and scalability, social entrepreneurship, cultural cooperation, environmental preservation, sustainability, and social impact entertainment are discussed. To date, I have devoted my life to cultural mediation, international dialogue, and cooperation between countries moved by the sincere desire to contribute to global prosperity and peace.

What are the aims and ideals that guide you as you run your company?
Being a cultural diplomat but also an investor, my motto has always been “DARE”: Disrupt, Act, Risk, Establish. I firmly believe it impossible to achieve any appreciable result without a good deal of reasonable risk taking. I firmly believe that it is impossible to achieve any appreciable result without a good deal of reasonable risk-taking, whether it relatesto the management of economic or political activities. At the corporate level, the pillars of the NDB Group are innovation and transformation, excellence, empowering people, and entrepreneurial spirit. Meanwhile, at the Nereides Club we strive for cooperation and ethics and our “Modus Operandi’ is made of a collective awareness and intelligence that enable to mobilize global actors and appears in consensus decision maker. Both at the NDB Group and the Nereides Club our models are people-centered and we aim to create a network of socially engaged people working within a sane environment inspired by freedom, fraternity, and equality which are also the values of my country, France. As Mr. Henry Ford once said: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Since our creation, we have focused our efforts on responsible diplomacy and we surround ourselves with individuals, companies, and organizations who share our vision, raise awareness, and offer concrete alternatives. Our emblem, the mermaid, the symbol par excellence of independence and individuality, awareness and insight, renewal, and good luck, reflects this necessary awakening face to the current global changes.

As an innovative leader, how do you manage to inspire your team to innovate and think outside the box?
I can define myself as a trailblazer in exploring business sectors that go beyond national interests. Where others see a challenge, I see an opportunity. The teams of experts who collaborate within our organization are made of confirmed directors and managers with a solid background and an evident entrepreneurial spirit. I regularly encourage my teams to adopte and mantain a disruptive spirit. Working on an international level and dealing with problems that are so different each time, my teams have developed a deep flexibility and an analytical behavior that enable us to overcome obstacles that often seem insurmountable. Our organization works as a horizontal structure in which the different departments, from the legal to the financial and commercial ones, mutually interact with fluidity and reciprocity. Furthermore, the connection of the NDB Group with the Nereides Club allows but also imposes a strong dialogue and regular interactions between all the stakeholders including the institutional and political parties. The institutional nature of most of our projects requires a remarkable spirit of dedication and resilience. Resilience is probably the value that probably animates us the most.

 

What were the challenges and obstacles you faced along the way?
I could name several. First of all, working on a global level, we have to face social, cultural, political and economic differences that are typical of each single country with a consequent waste of time, energy, and considerable resources. Bureaucratic procedures typical of some states often impose us long waits so the financial resources devolved to each project must take these contingencies into account. Timing can be a real challenge. Sometimes we start a new project under the leadership of a government in charge and in compliance with a given legislation but then it happens that a new government is elected, that some policies change or that new rules require us to back down, review our plans, and to adapt our plans to new norms. In this perspective, we must always show a strong sense of flexibility and to arm ourselves with a lot of patience. Indeed, my status as a diplomat comes to my rescue as being able to adapt myself to changes is an essential part of my profession. Another significant obstacle is represented by the current geopolitical phenomena as well as by the strategies pursued by contrasting political blocs worldwide. Some projects, even those with the highest economic or social potential, can risk arousing political opposition. This is the case, for example, of the ongoing market localization following the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine. In a context of strong political fragmentation, of consolidation of pre-war treaties to the detriment of neighboring countries and economic crisis, many projects risk not happening at all. It is necessary to work on both economic and political levels to secure diplomatic dialogue within the governments affected by a common project, and to make sure to positively pledge political forces to welcome it despite global strategies. When politics actions seem not to be favorable to promote peace, it is up to entrepreneurs to renew their mutual commitments with international economic actors and to make sure to cooperate even against political restrictions. I know it may seem risky and naive, but I find it much more insane and anachronistic to leave the absolute leadership of a country to politics when it produces negative results and offends the public opinion. Sovereignty is certainly expressed through our personal vote for the nomination of our leaders, but democracy also refers to common sense and requires a revolutionary spirit if necessary. Sometimes in the past history we have witnessed a wrong exercise of power. It is a fact. We have also experienced the disintegration of established relations between some countries, the genocide of others, and the indifference of those who should have raised their voices and overthrow the regime instead of letting it go ahead in exchange of political protection or for economic interests. We are accountable for the actions made by our political leaders to the extent that we legitimize them.

What sets your company apart from the rest of the market? Do you believe in diversifying?
Our organization is characterized by a decentralized but intrinsically compact and self-efficient structure. Within the eighteen divisions of our group, investments diversification matches the selfprovisioning capacity of our entities. Furthermore, the financial strength of our group rests on our ability to invest in long-terms projects only. The NDB Group is specialized in financial services and investment, luxury goods, entertainment, marketing and communication. We manage a wide portfolio of projects and companies, creating value across the different markets. Sustainability, diversity and ethics constitute the cornerstone of the NDB Group’s model and a compliance policy for its executive, associates and stakeholders. Solidity and durability are the core beliefs of our activities. Our strength lies in the entrepreneurial spirit that animates all group members at all levels. We are a brave team of leaders and we constantly project ourselves into the future by treasuring our heritage and transforming it into new experiences. We actively promote research, diversity and innovation. Excellence, endurance and transformation are the distinguishing features of our Group’s success and the unconditional values that we expect to run into the future. Our Group pursues a long-term vision that builds on the experience of our leaders and the international dimension of our network, and it stimulates creativity, synergies and excellence. This model drives the success of our Group and ensures its promising future. Innovation and Transformation are part of our DNA, we like to do things differently. At the NDB Group, our mindset thrives on creativity. It’s our lifeblood and the foundation of our business model. Our success is driven by an insatiable appetite for innovation with a disruptive spirit. Clients expect the unexpected, so we continually renew our mindset with creativity while projecting into the future and honoring our legacy. From services to products, at the NDB Group we are committed to deliver excellence. Our people create an unconventional reality. We are led by lucidity, integrity and ambition. We respect our clients and never compromise on delivering quality. Creativity and talent are the core assets of our Group and so we recognize the individual and team contribution. We continuously encourage a sense of togetherness, culture, and we provide the right tools to achieve personal and professional development. People are our greatest asset. At the NDB Group we empower our team and we constantly support reasonable risk-taking. Entrepreneurship is the foundation of our spirit and we encourage research and progress. We embrace change pioneering ambitious opportunities, we challenge ourselves and we push the boundaries while sticking to our identity and essence.

Kindly mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your person and organization?
During my career, I have received a few prestigious awards and recognitions. I would mention two awards that have been awarded me this year. The first, the Nikolai Gogol Award 2022, is a special award I received by the Ukrainian government for my diplomatic and financial commitment since the outbreak of the war and for the creation of the NDB OPERA project, a humanitarian initiative and platform for the regularization of international immigration. Due to the war, the official ceremony did not take place but the news made the rounds of national and international media. I felt very honored to receive this recognition. Later, on September 21th, I received the Who is Who International Award 2022 to the category ‘World Eminent Man in Global Diplomacy and Finance’. Every year, the Who is Who International Awards organization founded by Dimitrios Goris and Vicky Papageorgopoulou celebrates personalities from all over the world because of their social impact activities. The Who is Who International Awards is a very prestigious prize and event endorsed by the Greek Government under the auspices of the Ministry of Development and Investments, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Region of Attica. The Who is Who International Awards organization promotes values such as integrity, pathos, generosity, excellence, knowledge and role models aimed to build international unity. This year, the official ceremony took place on September 22 in an exceptional place, the lake Vouliagmeni. Highly selected guests and personalities from the field of politics, diplomacy, education, art, entrepreneurship, leadership, science and philanthropy starred on the red carpet of this exclusive event. The prize, entirely hand sculpted, is a unique work named ‘Triumph’, a symbol of victory issued by the ancient Greece and made by famous artist Odysseas Tosounidis. I felt honored to be awarded with the Who is Who International Award 2022 in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, diplomacy, finance, philosophy, science and art.

Where do you see your organization in the years to come? How do you plan to respond to the lows that followed the pandemic?
We have built a very solid dialogue with some European countries, China and Africa. Our goal is to strengthen the alliance between the countries along the ‘silk road’. As I have often stated, political interests must not interfere with economic ones. They must promote free trades. Cultural diplomacy is the only way to success, to implement economic exchanges, and to solve global conflicts. The Covid-19 pandemic has defined a new geopolitical map and attempted international balance. If on one hand it has strengthened the national sovereignty of individual states, on the other hand it has disintegrated any strategy aimed to realize an international alliance. In such a sensitive context, we project ourselves towards the future with prudence but also with determination and a brave spirit. Being leaders, we are committed to invest our lifetime, energy and financial resources in effective cohesion plans, into waving significant relationships with global decision makers, thus contributing to the flourishment of unity, prosperity, equality and peace even against unexpected geopolitical strategies, economic changes, or wars.

What is your advice to budding entrepreneurs who wish to kick start their careers?
My humble advice is to build something for the collective well-being and not to give up in the face of difficulties. Resilience is the only way to success. We will always encounter many obstacles along the way, but a true leader knows where to direct his spears. Since my youngest age I have always been inspired by the Greek Odyssey. This ancient story teaches how to be leaders through the theme of remembrance. Ulysses needs to remember in order to go home, just as each of us needs to remember to grow so to don’t repeat the same mistakes. The Odyssey also reminds us that a good leader cannot succeed at everyone else’s expense. Personal interests must be sacrificed for the benefit of collective well-being. Good leadership promotes mutual respect and reciprocity which are also the basis of modern diplomacy.

Professor Olga Mroz

The role of women in life and in business continues to grow and change, experiencing a new round of evolution in our time. The presence of women in leadership positions and their influence on corporate governance, as well as the balance of economic opportunities between men and women, the availability of adequate access for men and women to resources, technology, information and capital, are of exceptional importance throughout the progressive world.

I was excited, inspired and delighted to be leading a discussion in CEOTIME Magazine, which covers business, technology, marketing and today’s industry.

A career in my concept is not a high position, a respected company or a position in society. A career is what a person will become and dedicate their entire life to being honest, active and responsible both at work and at home. For me, it’s more of a way of life. “You are special, you are successful!”- my mother used to tell me when I was a child. She believed in my path to success. This feature required a lot of discipline from me. The main factor that influenced my life path and career was education. It allowed me to turn childhood dreams into reality, to understand what kind of person I want to become during my life. I liked to study, read a lot and expand my knowledge.

At the beginning, I studied architecture, then theatre history, music and art psychology. I was flexible and open for new ideas and challenges.

Today, I am the Professor, honorary Doctor of Art (DA h.c.) and Director Open World and Art Business Program in Al-Khalifa Business School (AKBS) UK, the Editor and Chief of AKBS Journal. I am also a Board Member delegate of Art and Culture of the Private Council of H.H. Prince Mahmoud Salah Al Din Assaf.

Al-Khalifa Business School, where I work, is focused on digital learning with a new approach. Online learning is the future of the education system. A modern educational approach combined with the basis of traditional education, i.e., the possibility of personalized learning, gives the possibilities to obtain a high professional qualification to a wider range of students.

As a director of Open World Program in Al-Khalifa Business School, I work under the supervision of AKBS Chairman and Founder H.E. Professor Sir Manuel Freire-Garabal y Nunez. H.E. Professor Sir Manuel is a lawyer and journalist with an MBA.

During the acute situation of the Pandemic, we have developed together with Professor Sir Manuel a new project “Art and positive emotions – key success” aimed at improving the work of the team and the working atmosphere in companies. This helped to raise the productivity level and efficiency of firms. The modern world requires radical changes in the management of firms and, above all, in the leaders themselves.

I would like to note that if we want to make changes, we must change ourselves. We must adapt to the progressive evolution of global information technology. I am proud and enjoy my work. I clearly know that I want to contribute to improve people’s lives, make the world more open. It is very important for me to instil and pass on to the younger generation a love for art, discover and support new talents. It is great importance not only for education but also for teaching young people to form a cultural image, a new leader.

I am inspired by my work. I have written many articles on the expression and impact of art on our lives. I took part in the international projects – BOOKs “TOUGH ROADS CREATE TOUGH PEOPLE” and „CRACKING THE RICH CODE” and I am officially a #1 international Best-Selling Co-Author.

My feelings I express on canvas. I am grateful to fate, and I can proudly say that my paintings are in different parts of the globe. Through my paintings, I have the opportunity to evoke feelings, evoke positive emotions, bring joy to people and influence the improvement of life on our planet. My own belief in the effectiveness of my actions enables me to achieve more professional success. It motivates me to put in even more effort. Therefore, I need success as a motivation for my growth as a person and as an outlet for global success.

My contributions to education and social welfare, and participation in major conferences such as World No. 1 Ritossa Global Family Office Investment Conference, where World Leaders and Elite Family Office Investors unite together to invest and create a Brighter Future, inspire me allow me to positively impact the global improvement of life.

I am very humbled and honoured that I have been awarded for outstanding vision, dedication, and success und also for the extraordinary leadership and advisory skills, excellent cooperation and support to Global Family and the Royal office. It is a great pride that I am recognized among 50 outstanding women from around the world in “Powerhouse Global Stars 2021”, received the Award “GLOBAL IMPACT LEADER of the Year 2022” and recognised by Powerhouse Global as “THE DIFFERENCE MAKER IN THE WORLD”.

The TYCOON SUCCESS Magazine recognized me as one of “The 10 Most Remarkable Business Leaders, Ruling the Modern Industry in 2022”. These awards and recognition as a global leader require me to take even greater responsibility and activity.

As a professor at the Al-Khalifa Business School, I am pleased to be able to contribute to the topic of women’s education. The education of women is the key to a better balance between men and women in the workplace, one of the most important issues in gender politics.

I pay a lot of attention to topics that excite me, including “Women Empowerment” and I often speak at conferences on this topic. I gave a speech at the world Life Webinar, in which 148 speakers from 47 countries of the world took part. I have a certificate from the World Book of Records. In the Europa conference IME I participate annually as a speaker in the panel discussion “Gender empowerment” and have awards in these categories.

I started my great career as a musical theatre director. At the time, I was the only female director. It was not easy for me to work with the great conductors and to make my decisions. But through my activities, right actions, innovations that led to success, I was able to prove that women are important in leadership positions too.

I take this opportunity to urge all Women to stay eager for knowledge. I would like to emphasize once again that it is very important not to stand still, but to constantly move forward and to keep developing and learning. And under no circumstances should you sacrifice your own family. If the word “victim” stands between family and career, if a woman is successful but unhappy at the same time, then it is not a real success.

I think is a successful woman who not only feels happy, but also makes other people happy.

I am blessed, I will be speaking at the Powerhouse Global Women Retreat/Summit/Awards in September 2022 in UK alongside some of the best women leaders from around the world. They have become incredible role models for women and girls and serve as an inspiration around the world. I am honoured to meet the First Female President of the Republic of Mauritius H.E. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. We will spend three active and productive days together.

I painted my painting “Women of Universe” last year. Women are small rays in the universe. They give love, light and peace to all. Women are energy from Space, they are achievements, visionaries, Women are Family and Life.!!! Women are an epitome of beauty, strength, wisdom, and care. They are the light that shines bright, have the power to lead, beauty to nurture, and love to care. Women are the real architects and sustaining force of any society.

The great Japanese writer and feminist, Raicho Hiratsuka, once famously wrote: “In the beginning, woman was truly the sun. An authentic person”. Today more than ever, the global economy needs precisely this kind of radiant sun to provide light. To bring a ray of equality, removing all existing inequalities.

Dear women, you are all the sun, and you shine your lights into the world. Thank you all for your commitment and passion.

The study, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, attempts to measure “human capital”: a metric that describes “the attributes of a population that, along with physical capital such as buildings, equipment, and other tangible assets, contribute to economic productivity.” It is defined, in context of this study, as “expected years lived between the ages of 20 and 64,” adjusted for functional health status and education, or “learning.”

Essentially, it pinpoints the number of years an adult can be working at their peak — before learning gaps or health issues slow them down. The results don’t just tell us who is working at their peak, they can also give us some reflections about how governments can help their citizens reach their individual potential, which in turn helps a country’s economic output.

“It is a concept that recognized that not all labor is equal, and the quality of workers can be improved by investing in them,” a presentation from the institute reads.

What is human capital?

In order to measure the idea of “human capital,” researchers started with a base number: 45. That’s the highest possible value, meaning a person was working at peak productivity from the second they turned 20 to their hypothetical retirement at the end of 64. In other words, basically impossible.

They then adjusted for education and health by creating values from test scores and the prevalence of common diseases.

“We estimated educational attainment using 2,522 censuses and household surveys; we based learning estimates on 1,894 tests among school-aged children,” the study’s abstract reads. “And we based functional health status on the prevalence of seven health conditions, which were taken from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2016.”

The result is a number, lower than 45 but higher than zero, that estimates in years a person’s peak productivity.

What the results reveal

According to 2016 data, the top rankers in terms of human capital were Finland, with 28 years; Iceland, Denmark and the Netherlands with 27; and Taiwan and South Korea with 26. The bottom rankers were Niger, Chad and South Sudan, all with three expected years of human capital.

Of the 195 countries tested, the United States clocked in at 27th, with 23 expected years of human capital. However, in 1990, the United States ranked sixth in the world. Curiously, the number of years of human capital expected of a US citizen in 1990 was 22 — one year less than the current expectation.

So why the precipitous fall? The institute characterizes it as a stagnation “due in part to a lack of improvement in years of education attained.”