men in suit smiling

Leading Inspiring Brands to Success

Munich-based company nonplusultra’s team of experts enable success for commercial enterprises across all channels, turning clients’ visions into measurable results. The company has been awarded the title of Most Influential CEO 2023 – Germany (Retail Acceleration), in the light of which we decided to take a closer look.

The German company nonplusultra exists primarily to enable tech-brands to scale up to European retail levels. It operates within a proven framework of growth and cutting-edge technology, building the right strategy to address the vital retail touchpoints of tomorrow. Its high-flying team secure executional excellence to turn clients’ company visions into measurable, results-driven successes. Its services include market entry; strategic growth management; retail activation; business intelligence; marketplaces and eTail.

The company’s 2 founders and co-CEOs, Benjamin Gehring and Florian Hutterer, act as key team members and drivers of nonplusultra’s core values. These are services it bears in mind when recruiting new team members, and hiring/firing staff. It lives by the following values, kicking off with taking the lead – as it is a proactive company that owns its business. It also believes that data builds opinion – by which it means its arguments are based on observations, not assumptions. The third value is go where the pain is – by which it means it actively faces challenges in order to keep growing. Next up is the assertion that trust forms loyalty – as it believes acting with care helps to build long-lasting partnerships. The final value is to spread good vibes – because the company thinks it is important that each individual does not take him / herself too seriously.

Benjamin explained to us that aside from an internship, he has never worked for a company other than nonplusultra. This means that he has very much relied on creating his own leadership style, often by observing and acting on the best practices of customers, suppliers, business partners and well-known authors. In Benjamin’s opinion, there are infinite ways to adapt and learn leadership skills. For instance, the company was requiring of very different leadership when there were only 3 people, as opposed to 15. Currently nonplusultra has over 50 persons working, but Benjamin is under no illusions that his leadership style might have to change on the way to growing to 100 people.

Benjamin and Florian recently wrote down their personal leadership principles so that they might share this useful information with senior management. The points they wanted to impart were as follows: leaders eat last; a juncture inspired by British-born American author Simon Sinek. It means that it is essential to listen to everyone in the room and let them fully share their opinions without jumping in. It is better not to jump ahead, but to speak last. The second point Benjamin and Florian emphasize is to deliver immediate feedback. This was inspired by another best-selling author, Kim Scott, and follows her counsel not to wait until the next quarterly review, or yearly feedback meeting to give either positive or negative feedback. Do it straight away.

The next guidance Benjamin and Florian felt it was important to impart was to walk the talk. By this they mean be the change you want to see. This time, they were influenced by entrepreneur and CEO Frank Slootman, and clarify by explaining that if you want your team to perform, you need to show how performance is done. This does not mean that you need to be the best salesperson in the sales team, but you need to show how it is done, create the right strategies and ensure that everyone is in the right position and enabled to be their best. It is the same with football coaches, the best football coaches have not always been the best football players themselves, but they can walk the talk.

“We want our leaders to be coaches, not problem solvers.”

A further important goal for nonplusultra is to become THE one-stop-shop for tech-brands to unlock European omnichannel retail. It offers services such as market entry, business development, outsourced key account management, e Tail management, channel marketing, field sales and marketing, merchandising, promotion, retail analytics and retail as a service. And the unique part of this service portfolio is that there is currently no one in Europe who offers everything under one roof. This is the aim for nonplusultra. Clients mostly arrive at nonplusultra through word of mouth, or perhaps via trade shows like CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in Las Vegas, or IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) in Berlin. As the most data driven company in the consumer electronics fields, it tracks every single sale from retailers, as well as stock, sales out allowances, trainings as well as marketing and POS spendings. This enables it to analyse the ROI (return on investment) for its customers on macro level, on country level, or even down to micro level at the stores.

As a retail growth agency specialising in omni-channel solutions, and focused on consumer electronic retail, nonplusultra has identified and continues to anticipate several industry-based challenges. By investing strategically in the sector, it aims to address these challenges and ensure efficient and sustainable scaling for consumer electronic brands in Europe. Some of the specific challenges it is currently facing, and expects to encounter in the near future, include the following: increasing competition; as the retail and eTail landscape is a highly competitive world, with numerous players vying for market share, nonplusultra continuously monitors and analyses the competitive landscape to identify emerging trends, and stay ahead of the competition. Shifting consumer behaviour; as consumer preferences and behaviours evolve rapidly, driven by advancements in technology and changes in shopping habits. The company needs to adapt and anticipate such shifts to be able to provide personalised and seamless experiences across various channels. Digital transformation; as the retail industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation, with online sales and e-commerce platforms playing an increasingly important role, nonplusultra needs to stay up to date with the latest digital technologies, optimise online presence, and leverage data-driven insights to drive growth for consumer electronic brands.

In addition, the supply chain and logistics requires efficiency, and especially broadline distribution management. This is critical in the retail industry when dealing with consumer electronics, and nonplusultra strives to optimise the logistics and distribution processes to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products across Europe. Finally, there is the challenge of regulatory compliance; with retail operations being subject to various regulations and compliance requirements, it needs to stay up to date with evolving rules such as data protection and consumer rights. It is essential to mitigate legal risks for nonplusultra to maintain trust with its clients and their customers. By addressing all these challenges, the company aims to position itself as a leading retail growth agency in Europe, helping consumer electronic brands navigate the complexities of the industry and achieve long-term, efficient scaling through its omni-channel approach.

The future is bright for award winning nonplusultra, who have recently been acquired by international brand experience agency Avantgarde Group. This brings immense benefits to the company, enabling it to expand into new markets outside Europe. It is also a strategic collaboration, showing just how far Benjamin Gehring and Florian Hutterer have gone in building a company that not only creates value for international consumer electronic brands, but also generates a healthy revenue, and attracts the attention of a well-known marketing group. It’s onwards and upwards now for this terrific company.

For business enquiries, contact Benjamin Gehring from nonplusultra Sales GmbH via their website – www.nonplusultra.eu

How to Know It’s Time to Make Changes in Your Business

You’ll rarely encounter a business that hasn’t modified its practices at least once. Customer needs don’t stay the same forever, and neither does technology. While enterprises evolve and grow all the time, leaders don’t always know when they need to make those all-important changes. If you can relate to some of the following scenarios, that time might be now.

You’re Looking for Business Experts

You can’t always put your finger on what’s going wrong in your business. You just know that something’s not right. Now might be the right time to make significant changes when you’re searching for the phone numbers for the consulting firms Canberra residents use or the website addresses for consulting firms further afield.

Reaching out for advice and help from other business experts can be an obvious sign that you cannot tackle your company’s issues on your own. Instead, you’re actively seeking solutions from consultants with years of experience helping businesses like yours.

Your Target Audience’s Needs Are Changing

Business owners put much time and effort into identifying their target market and ensuring their products and services suit their needs. However, the same target audience you based your entire business around might no longer exist in the same form. As a result, sales can start to plummet, and your products aren’t as in demand as they once were.

In that case, making significant business changes can be necessary for your company’s survival. You might need to revisit who your target market now is or change your business branding and offerings to meet their new needs.

Something Important Is Declining

You might have prided yourself on having excellent staff retention rates, healthy profit margins, and smooth processes. Take action and consider change as soon as anything important like that starts declining.

Declines don’t just happen at random. Instead, they occur through one event or a series of events. Sometimes, it can take an outsider consultant to identify where a breakdown has occurred. They can then advise the best steps to put your business on an upward trajectory once more.

People Are Leaving

Employees don’t always remain loyal to the same business forever. They can relocate or choose a different career path. However, it can be worth paying attention when both customers and employees start leaving in droves.

Maintaining excellent relationships with everyone essential to your business’s success is paramount. Treat your customers well, and they’ll continue to shop with you. Look after your employees, and they’ll look after your customers. Building and maintaining excellent relationships is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your business on the right track. When you start noticing that people aren’t remaining loyal to your business, question why. Change might be necessary to secure your company’s future.

Changing how your business operates is never easy. You’ve likely run your business in the same way for many years and fear the unknown. However, change can be necessary for growth. It can also be the difference between a business that succeeds and one that fails. If you can relate to these scenarios above, now might be the right time to prioritize change – no matter how scary it may seem.

Man Relaxing

Why a CEO Needs a Luxury Urban Sanctuary

The life of a CEO is a whirlwind of constant demands and responsibilities — their days are filled with high-pressure meetings, important decisions and evening events. It’s a hectic schedule that requires endless energy and focus. So, when the workday ends, a CEO deserves a relaxing escape from the bustle; a place to unwind and recharge for the next day’s challenges. 

That’s why more and more top executives are choosing to invest in luxury urban sanctuaries in vibrant global cities like London. These discreet pieds-à-terre provide a quiet refuge from the stimulation and stress of their busy lifestyles. Tucked away on a leafy street or exclusive neighbourhood, they can relax, sleep well, and wake up feeling refreshed. These are some of the key advantages of a luxurious urban hideaway as a business executive or CEO. 

 

The perks of an urban escape

After relentless days filled with stressful meetings and evening business engagements, a London urban hideaway provides a much-needed respite. It’s a place to properly relax and unwind without the demands of the office, without the need to commute out of the city. The ideal city centre location means executives can easily attend appointments and gatherings across London during the day. But when the time comes to switch off, their luxurious home away from home offers a quiet retreat — no commute required.

With cosy interiors, sumptuous furnishings and hotel-standard amenities, it’s easy to leave the cares of the day behind with a well-equipped city flat. A private urban sanctuary offers a place to rest and recharge in comfort, while still being steps away from the vibrant city when one is ready to partake again, giving you the best of both worlds. And with efficient transportation links on the doorstep, London is there to be explored. Having a prestigious address to return to makes navigating the city a pleasure rather than a burden, which means less stress overall

 

The allure of London

London is arguably the finest city in the world for a luxury sanctuary. With its iconic mix of historic sites and modern marvels, cutting-edge culture and world-class entertainment, London has it all. For the busy CEO, it’s the perfect place to both conduct business and enjoy well-deserved leisure time. London provides superb access to the rest of Europe and beyond with six international airports in close proximity. Meanwhile, an extensive underground and bus network makes navigating the city efficient and user-friendly.

The prime central neighbourhoods offer sophisticated tranquillity right in the thick of the action. From majestic Mayfair to stately Knightsbridge or leafy Kensington, London has it all. These posh enclaves provide an oasis of calm along with fabulous shopping, Michelin-starred dining and easy access to theatres, galleries and nightlife. They exemplify the finest London living has to offer, providing the ideal surroundings for a luxury urban retreat. Nowhere else so sublimely combines culture, comfort and convenience. For the global business leader or executive, London’s potent mix of heritage and innovation, culture and commerce represents the pinnacle of cosmopolitan living. An address here is a mark of prestige and discerning taste.

 

A sound investment

In addition to providing a primeluxury retreat, owning a prestigious London property represents a savvy financial investment for CEOs and high-net-worth individuals. Prime central London real estate has proven to appreciate well over time, making it a stable asset. Property values in areas like Mayfair, Kensington and Belgravia have increased steadily for decades, even during difficult financial periods, and owning a piece of prime London is investing in an elite location that consistently retains its exclusivity.

Many exclusive London developments come with in-house management and rental services. When not being used by the owner, these luxury residences can generate handsome rental income, especially during peak tourism seasons and events like Wimbledon. An executive bolthole in London offers all the comforts of home mixed with asset appreciation, making it an astute choice for CEOs who frequently work there.

 

The city’s most luxurious locales

Several esteemed London neighbourhoods stand out as ideal settings for a high-end urban sanctuary. Mayfair, for example, is a prestigious West End district which oozes sophistication with its grand Georgian townhouses and proximity to exclusive shops and restaurants on Bond Street. Private members clubs and high-end hotels like The Ritz add to the exclusive ambiance. With eminent addresses like Park Lane and Grosvenor Square, Mayfair is the epitome of luxury living.

Alternatively, there’s beautiful Belgravia. Just south of Mayfair, Belgravia charms with its grand white-stucco facades and leafy garden squares. The area radiates charm and tranquillity, while still being walking distance to Knightsbridge. This area’s handsome crescents and terraces have long attracted the wealthy and influential, making it the ideal investment spot for a discerning CEO. 

With a strong reputation as one of the most famous shopping spots in the world, Knightsbridge is home to Gotham-esque red brick mansions and The London Hilton. The area balances prestige with a vibrant, metropolitan atmosphere, and enjoys a central location that’s perfect for commuters. 

For business executives that want a cultural location, Kensington is a great choice. Both stately and cultural, this area boasts illustrious embassies and consulates, along with the acclaimed museums of South Kensington. Graceful architecture abounds in pristine white townhouses. With landmarks like Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, Kensington is peaceful, refined, and sun-kissed.

These core prime London neighbourhoods consistently draw luxury home buyers seeking the city’s most exclusive and discreet enclaves with elegant homes, fine amenities and easy access to all the capital has to offer.

 

The nonstop responsibilities of a CEO demand vast energy and focus, often necessitating a tranquil retreat from the storm. London, with its fusion of prestige, culture and convenience offers the ideal setting for an urban sanctuary. London achieves the perfect balance between access and seclusion, and a prestigious pied-à-terre in an exclusive central neighbourhood provides a refined retreat. Elegant, private and brimming with hotel-standard amenities, it’s a revitalising home base after intensive work obligations. Or an ideal spot from which to explore the incredible city on one’s own terms.

7 Reasons Why Your Workplace Needs VoIP

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, effective communication is paramount to success. 

The ability to connect with clients, partners, and team members seamlessly and efficiently can make a significant difference in productivity and overall business performance. This is where Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) comes into play. 

VoIP technology has revolutionised the way businesses communicate, providing numerous advantages over traditional phone systems. In this article, we will explore why your business needs VoIP and how it can transform your communication infrastructure.

Businesses are having to adapt to changes in the world more so than ever and with so many options when it comes to efficiency and reliability, ranging from options like commercial solar panels, to different communication solutions, businesses are having to make more dynamic decisions than ever before.

1. Cost Savings

One of the key reasons why your business should consider adopting VoIP is cost savings. Traditional phone systems often come with hefty upfront costs, ongoing maintenance fees, and charges for long-distance calls. 

In contrast, VoIP operates over the internet, eliminating the need for dedicated phone lines and associated infrastructure expenses. With VoIP, you can significantly reduce your telecommunication costs by leveraging your existing internet connection. Moreover, long-distance and international calls are generally much cheaper with VoIP, making it an ideal choice for businesses with global operations or clients.

2. Flexibility and Scalability

Flexibility and scalability are other compelling reasons to embrace VoIP technology. Traditional phone systems require physical phone lines and hardware, limiting your flexibility when it comes to adding or removing lines. VoIP, on the other hand, is highly scalable and can easily accommodate your changing business needs. 

With VoIP, you can add or remove lines with a few clicks, making it a breeze to scale up or down as your business grows. Additionally, VoIP allows you to integrate various communication channels such as voice, video, and instant messaging into a single platform, enhancing collaboration and streamlining workflows.

3. Offers a Wide Range of Features

As a digital phone line, VoIP also offers a wide range of features and functionalities that can boost your business productivity. Advanced call routing, call forwarding, and auto-attendant features enable efficient call management, ensuring that calls are directed to the right individuals or departments. 

Voicemail-to-email transcription allows you to receive voicemail messages as text in your email inbox, eliminating the need to listen to lengthy messages. Moreover, many VoIP systems offer call analytics and reporting capabilities, providing valuable insights into call volumes, response times, and customer satisfaction metrics. These features empower businesses to make data-driven decisions, optimise customer interactions, and improve overall customer service.

4. Mobility

Another significant advantage of VoIP is its mobility. In today’s increasingly mobile workforce, the ability to stay connected regardless of location is crucial. VoIP allows you to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling remote work, flexible hours, and seamless collaboration among distributed teams. With VoIP, you can use your smartphone, laptop, or tablet as a virtual office phone, ensuring that you never miss an important call or opportunity.

5. Privacy and Security

Security is a top concern for businesses, and VoIP systems have made significant advancements in this area. Modern VoIP solutions offer robust encryption protocols, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your calls and data. Additionally, many VoIP providers implement various security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular software updates, to protect against potential threats. By choosing a reputable VoIP provider and implementing recommended security practices, you can maintain the privacy and security of your communications.

6. Integration Capabilities

Integration capabilities are another compelling reason to consider VoIP for your business. VoIP systems can seamlessly integrate with other business applications and tools, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, help desk software, and collaboration platforms. This integration allows for streamlined workflows, enhanced customer interactions, and improved overall efficiency. For example, incoming calls can automatically display customer information from your CRM system, enabling personalised and efficient customer service.

7. Reliability

Reliability is a critical factor when it comes to communication systems, and VoIP has proven to be highly reliable. VoIP providers typically have redundant servers and failover mechanisms in place to ensure minimal downtime and uninterrupted service. In the event of a power outage or network disruption, calls can be automatically redirected to mobile devices or alternative phone lines, minimising the impact on your business operations. Additionally, VoIP systems often offer features like call forwarding and simultaneous ringing, allowing you to stay accessible even during temporary service interruptions.

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

Global Fintech Market Size & Share Analysis

The fintech industry has revolutionized financial geography, offering innovative results that combine technology and finance. With its rapid-fire growth and global impact, it’s essential to claw into the size and share analysis of the global fintech request. 

In this article, we will explore the current state Global fintech market size, growth trends, market share, challenges and opportunities in the fintech industry. 

Understanding Market Size Analysis 

Market size analysis plays a pivotal part in assessing the scale and potential of any assiduity. In the case of fintech, it involves measuring the total value of deals, investments, and profit generated by fintech companies. 

This analysis helps give perceptivity into the industry growth and its impact on the global financial ecosystem. 

Fintech Market Size and Growth Trends:

The global fintech request has witnessed remarkable growth in recent times. With the added relinquishment of digital technologies and changing consumer preferences, the request size continues to expand. 

As of 2023 the global fintech industry is estimated to be valued at $305.7 billion which is growing at a CAGR of 6%.

Market Share Analysis in Fintech:

Market share analysis allows us to understand the competitive geography within the fintech industry. It involves relating crucial players and determining their separate shares in the request. 

Established fintech companies, as well as arising startups, contribute to the market share. Presently, the top players in the fintech industry include big companies with significant market shares in sectors similar to payments, lending, digital banking, and wealth operation. 

Factors Influencing Market Size and Share: 

Several factors contribute to the growth and size of the fintech market. Technological advancements and digital transformation have accelerated the relinquishment of fintech results worldwide. 

Also, changing consumer behavior and the demand for accessible financial services has fueled the growth of the assiduity. 

Regulatory developments and government enterprise also play a vital part in shaping the market. Also, substantial investments and backing in fintech startups have contributed to its expansion. 

Market Challenges and Opportunities: 

While the fintech assiduity presents immense potential, it also faces certain challenges. Regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, trust and credibility are some of the hurdles that fintech companies encounter. 

Still, these challenges open doors for fintech companies to improve their growth and invention. 

Collaborations between traditional financial institutions and fintech startups have the potential to drive this sector forward, furnishing better services and bridging gaps in the market. 

Regional Analysis of Fintech Market: 

The fintech sector exhibits indigenous variations, with different regions passing varying situations of growth and relinquishment. North America, Europe, and Asia- Pacific are among the leading regions in the fintech assiduity. 

North America, particularly the United States, boasts a mature and vibrant fintech ecosystem. Europe showcases notable fintech capitals, similar to London and Berlin. 

Meanwhile, Asia- Pacific, with countries like China and India, presents enormous growth openings due to its large population and adding digital relinquishment. 

Future Outlook and Predictions: 

Looking ahead, the fintech market is anticipated to continue its upward line. Forecasted market size and growth trends suggest a promising future. 

Arising technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, will further disrupt and transfigure this sector.. 

These technologies have the potential to revise financial services, offering more effective, secure, and accessible results. 

Conclusion:

The global fintech request continues to evolve and shape the future of finance. The size and share analysis give precious perceptivity to the assiduity’s growth and eventuality. 

As technology advances and consumer demands evolve, the fintech assiduity will play a decreasingly significant part in the global financial geography. 

By covering request dynamics, staying streamlined with assiduity trends, and embracing invention, businesses, and investors can harness the openings presented by the thriving fintech request. 

Author

Stacy Dubovik

Financial Technology and Blockchain Researcher

Stacy joined ScienceSoft in 2020, bringing in her expertise in large-scale digital transformation projects and practical knowledge of the finance domain. Stacy frames ScienceSoft’s service offerings and technology guides in corporate finance, BFSI, DeFi, and blockchain. She works side by side with business analysts, software architects, and developers to help create innovative solutions that bring unique client value. Stacy continuously monitors customer expectations and technology trends in the BFSI market and explores the newly-emerging fintech and blockchain products.

building on corner of road

Building a Better World Through Sustainable Architecture

Designing innovative spaces that deliver unique user experiences, Aesthetic Designs Uganda Ltd. is an architectural design firm that strives to deliver cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The firm is a part of the Aesthetic Group, which designs sustainable housing developments across India, the UK, and now Uganda. The group is led by experienced architect Ar. Huzaifa Chahwala, Chief Executive Officer, who has been awarded Most Influential Sustainable Housing CEO of the Year 2023.

As humans, we spend a significant amount of our time inside built spaces, particularly at home and in our places of work. It has been shown that building design and architecture can have huge effects on our psychological wellbeing, health, and productivity, ultimately impacting our quality of life.

Since 1990, Aesthetic Designs has consistently delivered successful and innovative designs, showcasing its immense expertise in project planning, designing, construction documentation, bidding, and administration. It focuses on creating experiential spaces for humans that provide a balance of creativity, functionality, cost effectiveness, materiality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Using form-mass optimisation, Aesthetic Designs truly delivers great user experiences.

Initially, the firm was established in Mumbai by Principal Architect Ar. Juzer Chahwala, who obtained his master’s degree in urban design at the University of Oklahoma before embarking on his architectural career, practicing across the globe. Over the years, he has worked on a range of distinctive and successful projects, building an extensive and loyal client base through his hard work, reliability, and high-quality designs.

In 2008, Aesthetic Designs inaugurated its London office. Later, in 2020, it established its Ugandan branch. Since 2016, the Aesthetic Group has been headed by CEO Ar. Huzaifa Chahwala, who completed his master’s degree in Sustainable Tall Buildings at the University of Nottingham, before he went on to practice architecture across the world in Mumbai, London, Dubai, and Uganda.

Today, Aesthetic Designs has over 110 years of collective experience designing and developing quality, sustainable architectural solutions across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The firm believes that development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims to build a truly sustainable future for everyone, creating spaces that do not only benefit today but also tomorrow.

According to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, there are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of integrated and interrelated goals that call for action from all countries. Their purpose is to drive humanity to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, and boost economic growth, all while tackling climate change and preserving the Earth’s oceans and forests. The idea is that if all countries aim to accomplish these goals, humanity can achieve peace and prosperity by 2030.

In its projects, Aesthetic Designs caters to 10 out of the 17 SDGs. To do this, it uses a number of strategies throughout the design process. Firstly, it ensures form-mass optimisation, which is the process of optimising the building’s shape and mass to reduce energy consumption, increase natural ventilation, and improve indoor environment quality.

Secondly, Aesthetic Designs uses daylighting strategies for energy saving, which involves maximising the amount of natural light that gets into a building to minimise energy use. Natural light is also beneficial for the wellbeing and productivity of occupants. Furthermore, Aesthetic Designs incorporates renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and geothermal systems to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and increase energy independence.

Thirdly, the firm implements systems to efficiently manage and recycle water, reduce potable water consumption, and mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff. It also uses sustainable construction methods such as prefabrication, molar construction, and green roofs to reduce water waste and increase efficiency during the construction process.

Additionally, by sustainably sourcing materials that are environmentally responsible, socially conscious, and economically viable, Aesthetic Designs reduces the impact of its buildings on the environment. The firm also ensures convenient access to public transportation at its properties, reducing occupants’ carbon footprint and promoting sustainable transportation.

Lastly, Aesthetic Designs strives to use new sustainable technology to support social and environmental sustainability, including clean energy, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption and production.

Aesthetic Designs believes that regularly reporting and communicating with stakeholders on its progress towards these goals is crucial, demonstrating its commitment to the environment. Through this, the firm claims full responsibility and accountability for taking the necessary actions to contribute towards the SDGs.

In the last 30 years, Aesthetic Group has collectively designed and constructed over 10 million square feet of projects. Most recently, it has invested in its Ugandan branch, Aesthetic Designs Uganda, which has been involved in the design of numerous projects over the last three years.

For example, it has recently worked on the design of Habitat 854, a mixed-use building that will consist of residential units, a supermarket, and a co-working space. As with its other projects, Habitat 854 was designed to be a truly sustainable building, not just a greenwashed property, focusing on climate, culture, and costs. Although currently under construction, the building will undoubtedly redefine the housing market in Kampala, Uganda, offering a unique, sustainable residential community designed to enhance the quality of life of its residents. The firm continues to design similar projects in Uganda, contributing towards a better future by providing more sustainable housing.

Since he stepped into the role of CEO in 2016, Huzaifa Chahwala has successfully led Aesthetic Group in its pursuit to design a number of outstanding sustainable housing projects that will have a positive impact on the environment for generations to come. In addition to this, he has guided the group through its recent expansion into Uganda and its successful completion of many more projects there. As a result, he has been awarded Most Influential Sustainable Housing CEO of the Year, Uganda, in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. We congratulate him on this achievement and look forward to seeing what he goes on to accomplish with the support of his team.

For business enquiries, contact Huzaifa Chahwala from Aesthetic Designs Uganda LTD on their website –  https://aestheticdesigns.in/

Woman explaining the plan to office team

Transforming Work Culture: The Power of Letting Go in Business Leadership

By Jeff Dewing, CEO of Cloudfm 

As a business leader, you may have experienced the constant struggle to balance responsibilities, inundated with an overflowing inbox and back-to-back meetings. However, the number of emails in your inbox is not a measure of your self-importance but rather a reflection and symptom of your ineffectiveness. The truth is, without time to focus on meaningful work, the growth of your business and the ability to make sound decisions are hindered.

This realisation led to a fundamental shift in perspective in my own business. I discovered that the key to unleashing true potential lies in relinquishing control and cultivating a culture of freedom, clarity and trust. By doing so, CEOs can pave the way for their teams to become giants, achieving remarkable success in the process.

 

If you want to grow, let go

Five years ago, like many CEOs, I faced a constant barrage of around 300 emails per day, a significant portion of which were carbon copies (CCs). These CCs were often used by individuals to involve me in conversations to ensure that I was aware of what was happening, likely to cover their backs or shift responsibility if anything went wrong. Along with managing this overwhelming email load, I also had to attend numerous meetings. This constant barrage left me with no time to actually focus on meaningful work. 

I attempted a temporary solution by instructing the team to only email me for urgent matters, which provided some relief for a brief period. However, this band-aid fix lacked the necessary groundwork for sustained success. It became evident that the entire business culture needed a fundamental shift. It took years for it to really work – and to get to the stage it’s at now, where I get three emails a day. 

It wasn’t the responsibility that employees were shying away from, but the consequences of getting it wrong. The absence of a culture that encouraged them to solve problems without me left them unable to reach peak performance. I learnt that I had to let go of my own ego and trust in others to explore their passions and unique strengths within their roles.

 

The fundamentals of autonomy, mastery, and purpose

I had to get back to basics on what drives a positive employee experience. I learnt that humans desire autonomy (the right to have a say in their own destiny); mastery (the opportunity to get better at new skills), and purpose (the chance to work on something truly transformational to make the world a better place).

When these conditions are met, not only will you have a much more engaged team that wouldn’t dream of quitting – never mind quiet quitting – but you’ll also get the best out of the enthusiastic and creative people that you hired in the first place. And your business will reap the benefits.

Take Google’s famous ‘20% rule’, where employees are encouraged to spend what amounts to one full day per week working on side projects – that is, working on the areas of their business that truly interest them. This policy has led directly to the creation of truly game-changing products like Gmail, AdSense and Google News.

 

Cultivating a culture of freedom, clarity, and trust

In the wake of the ‘great resignation,’ a transformative shift has taken hold within the business world. It has become increasingly evident that personal fulfilment plays a pivotal role in retaining top talent. While remote work and enticing perks have their place, many organisations overlook a critical aspect – fostering a culture that enables employees to pursue their passions and interests within their job roles.

A key part of empowering employees is through learning and development but equally, I have found a freedom-clarity matrix to be an effective tool. This matrix illustrates the relationship between employee autonomy and their understanding of business objectives.

When employees have high freedom and high clarity, meaning they are clear on business objectives, it cultivates high engagement and productivity. Granting high freedom without providing clarity can lead to chaos, while low freedom with high clarity may result in robotic behaviour under micromanagement. The most detrimental scenario occurs when both freedom and clarity are low, leading to apathy and “quiet quitters.”

Establishing a culture of high freedom and high clarity requires supporting managers in transitioning from task assigners to coaches. Managers focus on day-to-day operations and performance, while coaches focus on helping team members to unlock their talents by fostering skills and perspectives. Coaching relationships are built on collaboration, trust, and rapport, rather than hierarchical structures seen in managerial contexts. Providing opportunities for continuous learning and skill-building demonstrates a commitment to employees’ professional growth and reinforces the organisation’s value of their contributions. This approach keeps employees motivated and engaged, as they can envision a clear path for advancement and personal development within the company.

Cultural transformation is a journey that demands time, experimentation, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. By wholeheartedly embracing autonomy, mastery, and purpose as guiding principles, CEOs can empower their teams to take ownership, drive innovation, and achieve outstanding success. Creating a thriving work culture that values freedom, clarity, and trust will not only retain top talent but also foster a workforce that is deeply motivated and dedicated to the organisation’s prosperity. I encourage CEOs to understand that success is building a business that can improve the world without you. 

Portrait of happy business people

CEOs are Leading with Culture to Boost Employee Engagement and Bottom Line

  • Almost three quarters (71%) of CEOs highlighted culture as a top factor positively influencing financial performance—up from 26% in 2021
  • More than half (59%) say it’s either very important or crucial to link culture directly to strategy to see financial benefits
  • More than half (53%) reported their focus on culture significantly improved employee retention regardless of working model—be it remote, in-office or hybrid

Against the backdrop of a hybrid work model and an uncertain economy, organizational culture is more important than ever to boost employee engagement and retention, company performance, and financial results. That’s according to data from a new survey of 500 global CEOs published today by Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII), a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions.

“Aligning culture with the bottom line: Putting people first” found that CEOs are increasingly focusing on culture, proactively engaging employees’ mindsets, and ways of working as a path to specific business outcomes to drive financial performance—and that they are overwhelmingly seeing positive results.

“An intentional focus on Company culture cannot be separate from business strategy, the two need to be inextricably linked, and when aligned can lead to significant financial returns,” said Rose Gailey, Co-leader, Culture & Organization Practice at Heidrick & Struggles. “CEOs looking to accelerate performance in today’s volatile market can do so by ensuring culture remains at the top of their strategic agenda. The data is clear: investing in your people is an investment worthwhile, creating a more dynamic organization better positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment.” 

Surveying 500 CEOs globally, the findings from Heidrick & Struggles revealed that leaders are integrating culture into evolving working models to boost employee experience and innovation, and that their actions are driving financial performance.

 

A focus on company culture is paying dividends

Of the results, most notably, CEOs are seeing their strategic focus on culture driving financial performance. So, how are leaders building a culture that positively impacts the bottom line?  CEOs say the most important cultural element is direction and purpose, which saw the largest growth from 37% in 2021 to 69% in 2023. Other cultural elements crucial to boosting performance include agility, innovation, and growth mindset (57%) and a positive spirit and vitality (46%).

CEOs today are coming to terms with the fact that culture has a tangible impact on company performance, specifically financials—culture is clearly more than a buzzword. The survey found that 71% of CEOs highlighted culture as a top factor positively influencing financial performance—up 44 percentage points from 2021. What’s more, 1 in 3 CEOs ranked culture as the primary factor overall.

A large majority of respondents doubling down in this area are seeing the results: 49% of CEOs said focusing on company culture significantly improved financial performance, with an additional 35% saying it somewhat improved financial performance.

 

Employee retention: the people-centric approach is working

Culture is not only driving financial outcomes but improving the employee experience overall. In fact, CEOs view the financial benefits as an added bonus, instead driving their culture efforts with an eye toward employee satisfaction and performance.

The leading motivator for CEOs focusing on company culture was increasing employee engagement, more than doubling the number of responses since 2021 from 26% to 54%. The top three reasons for focusing on culture were rounded out by increasing innovation and improving diversity and inclusion. These drivers highlight a growing emphasis on employees and the way they work together—demonstrating that CEOs are taking a people-centered approach.

The survey found that this approach is already proving beneficial. Culture was the top influencing factor on employee retention rates—surpassing even compensation and benefits and workplace flexibility. Almost every respondent said that a focus on culture was improving employee retention, with 53% saying it significantly improved retention and 41% saying it somewhat improved retention across working models. While workplace norms ebb and flow over time, company culture is a mainstay for CEOs regardless of what’s happening externally.

Top 5 Types of Insurance Every CEO Should Consider for Their Small Business

As a CEO or business owner, protecting your small business from various risks is crucial to its long-term success and sustainability. One way to mitigate these risks is by having the right insurance coverage in place. In this article, we will discuss the top five types of insurance that every CEO should consider for their small business.

General Liability Insurance

Forbes explains that general liability insurance is essential for every business, regardless of its size or industry. It provides coverage for third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims that may arise from your business operations. For example, if a customer slips and falls on your premises and sues you for medical expenses, general liability insurance can help cover the costs. It also protects against false advertising, libel, slander, and copyright infringement claims. General liability insurance is basic coverage that protects your business from various liabilities and legal expenses.

Property Insurance

Property insurance protects your business property, including buildings, equipment, inventory, and furniture, against risks such as fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. It covers the cost of repairs or replacements in the event of covered perils, helping you recover and continue your business operations. Property insurance is vital if you own or lease a physical location for your business, as it safeguards your assets and investments.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance (errors and omissions (E&O) insurance) is essential for businesses that provide professional services or advice. It protects against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions resulting in a client’s financial loss. For instance, if a customer alleges that your advice or service caused them financial harm, professional liability insurance can cover legal fees, settlements, or judgments. This coverage is significant for consultants, contractors, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals who provide expertise to clients.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

According to Business.com, workers’ compensation insurance is typically required by law if you have employees. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs if an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation insurance protects your employees and your business from potential lawsuits related to workplace injuries. This coverage ensures that your employees receive the necessary support in case of an accident or injury, promoting a safe and healthy work environment.

Cyber Liability Insurance

In today’s digital age, businesses face increasing data breaches, cyberattacks, and information security risks. Cyber liability insurance helps protect your business from the financial consequences of these risks. It covers expenses associated with data breaches, including legal fees, notification costs, credit monitoring, and potential liability claims. With the growing prevalence of cyber threats, having cyber liability insurance is becoming increasingly important to safeguard your business and customer data.

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance, also known as business income insurance, helps protect your company’s financial stability in the event of a covered loss that interrupts your operations. This coverage compensates for lost income and ongoing expenses when your business cannot operate due to a covered event, such as fire, natural disaster, or equipment failure. Small business insurance can help you cover payroll, rent, utilities, and other fixed expenses, ensuring your business can recover and continue its operations smoothly.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)

Employment practices liability insurance covers claims related to unlawful employment practices, such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or violation of employee rights. These claims can arise from current or former employees, resulting in significant legal expenses and financial damages. EPLI protects your business by covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments associated with such claims. As the legal landscape surrounding employment practices becomes more complex, having EPLI can help safeguard your business from potential lawsuits and reputational damage.

Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance

According to Business News Daily, Directors and Officers insurance protects the personal assets of company directors and officers if they are sued for alleged wrongful acts or decisions related to their roles. This coverage is crucial for small businesses with a board of directors or officers, as it helps attract and retain qualified individuals by offering them financial protection. D&O insurance covers legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments, providing a safety net for critical decision-makers and protecting the business’s reputation.

Product Liability Insurance

Product liability insurance is essential if your business manufactures, distributes, or sells products. This coverage protects you from liability claims arising from injuries or property damage caused by defective products. Product defects can occur even with rigorous quality control measures, leading to potential lawsuits. Product liability insurance covers legal costs, settlements, and judgments, ensuring that your business is protected from the financial consequences of such claims. Knowing that you can handle potential product-related risks and protect your business’s reputation gives you peace of mind.

In conclusion, having the right insurance coverage is essential for protecting your small business from potential risks and liabilities. By adequately insuring your business, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for unexpected events and can focus on growing and managing your business effectively.

Finding the right work-life balance as a CEO

As you advance up the ladder, it becomes more and more challenging to balance both your work and personal lives. Living and breathing the company is almost expected of a CEO, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice or neglect elements of your personal life.

Finding the right balance can be tricky if you’re leading a company, but there are certainly ways to give yourself some sense of work-life balance to benefit you, your family and the venture.

Make every minute count

Time management is key if you’re trying to strike a balance in and out of work. Scheduling and task-tracking during your working day is much needed to avoid time wastage. Don’t think this means allocating every second of the day (unless you want to), but use your available time to make the most impact.

Little segments of time can be incredibly important for dealing with all those little tasks that accumulate over time if not resolved. Time hacks like these are crucial to ensure that you can clock off when you need to.

Find the right structure

A structured routine is best to ensure that you see to everything that you need to. Many CEOs set aside time for emails, calls and meetings during the day so everything is covered. Once you settle into a rhythm, you’ll be able to work through your daily responsibilities more seamlessly.

Good habits, both in and out of work, are important for routine. Optimise your sleep and wake schedule, eat and drink at the right times and consider your work environment. Could you split your working days between the office and home to give you some more useable time during the week?

Improve your delegation skills

Great leaders delegate wherever possible. Not only does it help to build the competence of the team around you, but it gives you time to put your experience and skill set to good use elsewhere. As CEO, you’ll likely be responsible for the big picture, steering the company towards its grand objectives; that’s where your brain power is best spent.

Don’t neglect personal tasks

Work matters are important, but so too are personal ones. To be the best leader in the workplace, you should have all your ducks in a row at home. Family troubles and lengthy to-do lists can drain your energy and concentration.

Get on top of your personal tasks whenever you can, whether that be organising your family finances and savings accounts or calling in a tradesperson for a home repair. You’ll have more time to focus on your loved ones and unwind.

Learn to unplug

The wonders of modern technology mean you’re always connected – which can be an issue if you’re trying to find some work-life balance. Learn to switch off and unplug company devices while you’re not working. It can be tempting to check in, particularly in such a position of power, but most issues can wait until you’re back at work.

Good luck!

Key Challenges Facing Today’s CEOs

Being a CEO of a company comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This is even more the case when the economy is uncertain, and the way employees work is changing. Today, CEOs need to learn how to navigate a world that is changing rapidly. Understanding these challenges can help you mitigate them.

Ensuring Efficiency

If the demand for a service or product has changed over time, your organization will need to adapt to the change. The scope and size of your organization might need to change so it can function better in this new environment. As large changes occur, it is important to be able to change quickly so you do not lose any time. Another challenge facing CEOs is ensuring business processes are as efficient as possible. Being efficient means you will be able to take on more projects and clients. One area you can improve in is in your fleet operations. Implementing technology like AI dash cams lets your fleet managers recognize incidents as soon as they occur. Many times, you can find a dash cam with features like in-cab coaching as well.

Hiring and Keeping Talent

Hiring the right talent and creating a connected workplace is a top concern for many organizations today. Because of this challenge, many have settled for hiring anyone they can get to work for them. But not having the right people can reduce growth and lead to stagnation. Implementing talent retention strategies, such as rewarding good employees, can help you retain the ones you have. Developing your company culture can turn your business into a place employees want to work at.

Mitigating Supply Chain Problems

Both large corporations and small businesses have been impacted by issues in the supply chain. The pandemic caused factories to be shut down, and bottlenecks impacted every part of the supply chain process. Because of the shortage of raw materials, it has been harder for products to be produced. And labor shortages have impacted everything from transportation of these goods to production to unloading. If you do not find a way to get your products, your growth and your relationships with your customers could be impacted. One way you can manage supply chain issues is by having more than one supplier. That way, if something happens to one, you will still be able to rely on the other ones.

Adjusting to Your New Position

If you have been promoted internally, you may face a different set of challenges than if you had started working at a new organization. Being promoted internally means the employees already know you and your track record, and you might already have relationships with them. Your direct reports, employees, and board members might have expectations of you, thinking you care about some areas but not others. You can reduce these assumptions early on by having a different attitude toward business drivers and risk mitigation than before. You might downplay your previous role and focus more on business growth planning, which can help you be more balanced.

Factory CEO or manager in business suit and hardhat standing in production hall and checking results of his company.

Most Influential Shed Manufacturing & Sales CEO 2023

Best Sheds and Stone Homes (Best Sheds) is a market-leading Australian company that manufactures and sells high-quality steel sheds and garages, delivering customers the best possible value for money. The company has grown considerably since its formation in 2012 and is now headed by CEO, Thomas Chacko, an innovative, experienced, and hardworking leader. As a result of his impressive accomplishments within Best Sheds, Thomas has won Most Influential Shed Manufacturing and Sales CEO in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. Here, we speak to Thomas to discover more about the success of the business.

With combined experience equal to over 150 years, Best Sheds and Stone Homes is an Australian family business owned by Dennis McFadden and it is one of the world’s largest independent manufacturers and sellers of steel sheds and garages. Most of the shed components are locally manufactured in Port Kembla, Australia, and are sold in a kit form, directly to the customer with a 20-year warranty. With no middleman, Best Sheds is able to sell its products at competitive prices, so customers can trust that they will be paying the lowest possible price for the best quality shed.

Since its establishment in 2012, Best Sheds has achieved organic growth, with its revenue and earnings increasing steadily year-on-year. As the leading manufacturer of sheds in Australia operating a direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales model, Best Sheds has captured the market share from competitors who largely generate sales through intermediary arrangements. This has been supported by the company’s promotional pricing strategy, which involves consistently pricing products at over 20% lower than competing brands.

Delivering both quality and value to customers across Australia, Best Sheds aims to become the number one shed company in the world. To achieve this goal, the company must be headed by a driven leader who is not afraid to tackle the challenge of maintaining profitability while continuing to offer enticing, competitively priced products.

In 2018, Thomas Chacko joined the company as CFO and, after just six months in the role, was appointed CEO of the business. With over 25 years of experience including  prominent  Australian brands such as BlueScope Steel, Downer EDI, Fletcher Buildings, and Viadux – Reece, Thomas is well versed in the challenges of leadership, having worked in various managerial positions throughout his career. He is known for his ability to align teams with a business strategy and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to increase market share and profitability.

Born in a remote village in South India, Thomas lost his father at the age of 8. He believes working through this extremely challenging experience so early in his life made him the resilient and determined person he is today. After migrating to Australia from India in 1999, Thomas worked in various accounting roles while achieving tertiary and professional qualifications such as his MBM and CPA. Throughout his career, Thomas has always been dedicated to working with integrity and excellence. Thomas says on the topic, “I enjoy my work and contribute to the best of my ability. I have always aimed to be a happy, productive, and valuable member of any team I work for.”

When he was appointed the CEO of Best Sheds, Thomas was thrilled to take on the exciting new responsibilities that came with the role. “As Chief Executive, I lead all operations and strategic direction, with full responsibility for bottom line factors, including setting up safety systems and processes, developing and implementing long-term and short-term strategic plans, driving market share growth, increasing productivity, reducing waste, and developing IT infrastructure,” Thomas explains. “I also provide cross functional management support of the manufacturing, sales, commercial, finance, and IT departments. As well as this, I oversee the company’s 100 employees and am responsible for the revenue of the entire Best Sheds and Stone Homes group.” The three key portfolios in the business (Sales, Logistics, and Manufacturing) are run by visionary and driven family members (Graham, Michael, and Steve), making the decision-making process within the business smooth and efficient.

Thomas is proud to be responsible for the continuous development of the business and has contributed towards its increasing success in many ways. For example, he has been successful in working with the COO, Steve in improving manufacturing efficiency at Best Sheds through the development of skills matrices and the introduction of new technologies. The company now utilises a lean manufacturing method of production, which is designed to reduce the time taken to produce items and increase supply chain efficiency. Additionally, the manufacturing plant is now largely automated, reducing waste and further heightening efficiency.

In order to reduce expenditure, Thomas has led procurement strategies with the director of logistics, Michael, aiming to reduce the procurement costs of materials and efficiency in transport fleet. The company purchases steel through multiple local distributors that source a percentage of materials through cost-effective Asian imports. This strategy benefits customers because it enables Best Sheds to offer significant discounts, leading to increased market share and boosting profitability.

Thomas strongly believes that mid-level managers are the key drivers to achieving business goals. Effective leadership at all levels is important for the success of the whole company, which is why recruitment of middle management is crucial. New hires for these positions must be reliable, possess the correct skillset, and display commitment to the position. Thomas comments, “All middle managers are expected to develop desired leadership behaviours that align with the company’s vision and values. The 360-degree feedback process then helps them understand the extent to which their own behaviour matches the desired behaviour.”

Aiming to develop a team that tightly aligns with the organisational objective, Thomas utilises his skills to foster an environment for both business and individual success in the workplace. To create a productive workforce, employees at Best Sheds are paid based on their performance. This increases employee retention, motivates staff to work hard, and makes them feel that their efforts are rewarded. With quality leadership and high performance at all levels of the business, Best Sheds’ efficiency and productivity as a team is reflected in its revenue. Thomas adds, “As a CEO of the business, I work for every section in the business by providing resources, business intelligence, and regular feedback to ensure all sections of the business succeed.”

In terms of boosting sales and revenue, Thomas is experienced in brand equity and personality building. He works with the passionate and visionary sales director, Graham; engineering partner, Venn Engineering; and marketing partner, Barking Dog Marketing to identify and develop marketing strategies which effectively promote the brand to the intended customer base. Throughout his career, he has mastered various strategies to ensure cost-effective digital and traditional marketing techniques, which he has utilised to expand the reach of Best Sheds’ brand.

Furthermore, Thomas is passionate about customer service and works to ensure a smooth experience for anyone who purchases from Best Sheds. To do this, he has collaboratively worked with the sales leadership team to introduce various new technologies to enhance the customer experience, for example a user-friendly online shed designing tool. He also understands the importance of maintaining an easy-to-use website, which is the company’s main source of sales.

In his personal life, Thomas is a church-going Catholic who is frequently involved in community initiatives. He is the director of his local Lions Club, an organisation dedicated to serving the community. Thomas strongly believes his discipline, honesty, faith, and belief have made him resilient and capable of facing challenges in all aspects of his life. Supported by his beloved family, he always strives to be a better person, which positively impacts his leadership in the workplace.

As a result of Thomas’ dedication to Best Sheds and Stone Homes, the company is currently thriving, experiencing rapid growth as revenues continue to increase. For this reason, Thomas Chacko has won Most Influential Shed Manufacturing & Sales CEO in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2023. With a genuine passion for leadership, Thomas will no doubt lead Best Sheds to achieve its goal of becoming the number one shed company in the world. Moving forwards, he strives to facilitate the further geographical expansion of the company, continuously working to boost its productivity, efficiency, and sales.

For business enquiries, contact Thomas Chacko from Best Sheds & Stone Homes via their website – www.bestsheds.com.au

Thomas Chacko