December 2025 Speedy Comics Group: Taking Fans on the Ultimate Pop-Culture Journey Featuring: Anyone who has ever collected anything knows that the items in their collection are more than just ‘things’, they tell stories, hold memories, and deserve to be displayed proudly. Helping collectors take their fandom – a term for the subculture of especially enthusiastic and dedicated fans – to the next level, Speedy Comics Group in Dubai specialises in everything from selling autographed collectibles to grading pieces and delivering events. Its CEO, Rashed Al Farooq, has been recognised here as the Most Influential CEO 2025 – Fandom & Collectibles Experience (UAE), and we caught up with him to find out more about this niche operation.
Welcome to the December 2025 issue of CEO Monthly. From supply chain innovation to financial wellness support, AI solutions to skincare of the future, today, and so much more, this month’s instalment of CEO Monthly Magazine is full to the brim with inspirational success stories and best-in-class services, products, and solutions. We’re also proud to celebrate Speedy Comic Group’s CEO Rashed Al Farooq as he is awarded with Most Influential CEO 2025 – Fandom & Collectibles Experience (UAE). As our cover feature, this highly successful company, with Rashed at the helm, is a blossoming enterprise which helps collectors to live out their dreams of taking their fandom to the next level. As the year comes to a close, we look back over the CEOs in this issue and applaud their past 1224 months of dedication and accomplishment, and we truly look forward to seeing you again in early 2026! Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.ceo-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. News 5. Will AI Replace CEOs? Why Compassionate Leadership Matters By Ali Brown, Lead Occupational Psychologist & Executive Coach at &Evolve 6. Navigating Succession Planning: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders 8. Speedy Comics Group: Taking Fans on the Ultimate Pop-Culture Journey 12. IVRS Wellness Center: Pioneering Integrative Health and Wellness Services 13. The Electronics Subscription Service Making Tech Accessible 14. Grassfeld Inc.: Most Innovative Financial Wellness CEO 2025: Mo Radjab 16. Changing Lives Through Charity and Community 18. CEO of the Year profile: Dr Matthias Raab, CO2CRC 20. Future-Proof Employment Skills with a Focus on Construction 22. Enterprise AI Automation Done Differently 23. Most Innovative Skincare CEO 2025 (Sydney): Carla Oates 24. Prospero PR: The Man Behind Germany’s Leading PR Agency 26. AI Excellence Fuelling Supply Chain Innovation 28. Kenny Lam: Asset Management in the Big Apple and Beyond Contents
NEWS Maison Riviera, renowned for its innovative dairy and plant-based products, is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Norman as General Manager (CEO). An experienced leader in the Canadian agrifood sector, Mr. Norman takes the helm of the company -- whose history dates to 1920 -- at a time when Riviera announces its major industrial and marketing investment plan to accelerate its growth as an iconic brand of Quebec expertise. With nearly 30 years of experience in the agrifood industry, Michael Norman has held several management positions at two of the country’s largest cooperatives, Agropur and Exceldor. He is recognized for his leadership, vision, and business development skills, among other things. Until recently, he was General Manager of Nutrinor, a major cooperative in Quebec. Mr. Norman will officially begin his role on January 5th, 2026. “It is a privilege to join a company as iconic as Maison Riviera. I have always been driven by values of authenticity, innovation, and cooperation. I look forward to working with the teams to accelerate Riviera’s growth and strengthen our commitment to quality and sustainability for Canadian consumers.” - Michael Norman, General Manager of Maison Riviera “Mr. Norman’s appointment reaffirms our commitment to Riviera’s future and our desire to refocus our Quebec-based company’s strategy on its key success factors: differentiation through the quality and originality of its products and services. The goal is to bring our authentic and sustainable expertise to life by leveraging our strong regional roots. Mr. Norman’s knowledge of the Canadian dairy market and his experience will be key assets in effectively steering our company, guiding our teams, and implementing our development strategy while respecting our heritage as innovative dairy artisans.” - Hervé Massot, General Manager / CEO of Groupe Alsace Lait Maison Riviera appoints Michael Norman as General Manager NEWS
Feature Reclaiming the human in the age of machines Artificial Intelligence (AI) is outperforming humans in speed, accuracy, and adaptability – and businesses are capitalising on this. From retail to logistics to pharmaceuticals, AI makes decisions that were once only reserved for the professionals. What began with digital assistants and specific tools, has evolved into algorithmic management systems and even experimental AI CEOs. The concept of an AI CEO (an artificial intelligence system serving as Chief Executive Officer) signals a huge transformative shift in leadership. As technologies like deep learning and natural language processing advance, they challenge the notion that strategic vision, ethical judgement, and emotional intelligence are exclusively human traits. Automation is reshaping not only how we work but also who holds the power to decide, connect, and to create. As we rush to automate, it’s imperative to ask – what is the role of the human CEO? AI CEO systems are increasingly capable of performing functions traditionally associated with human executives. Unlike earlier automation, these systems embody strategic, adaptive, and integrative leadership traits. They focus on long-term vision, competitive strategy, and resource allocation rather than routine tasks. Some engage directly with stakeholders (boards, employees, and customers) through natural language, acting as organisational representatives. In 2022, Chinese gaming company NetDragon Websoft appointed “Tang Yu,” an AI system, as executive director – one of the most prominent examples of AI with formal executive authority. For years, we found reassurance in the idea that while AI might surpass humans in speed and precision, it could not replicate empathy or ethical reasoning. But that assurance is fast fading. Emerging research shows AI models mimicking aspects of human emotional and moral processes – from brain-inspired “mirror neuron” architectures linking empathy to altruistic motivation, to neural networks making context-sensitive moral judgements. While these systems don’t truly feel empathy or understand ethics, their ability to approximate such behaviours marks a major step toward AI that can reflect emotional intelligence and moral awareness essential to leadership requirements. Despite these advances, AI remains a simulation of human qualities rather than an actual source of them and it’s not without its hinderances. Its ethical reasoning can be inconsistent and biased, and its empathy, however convincing, is computational rather than emotional. It’s role however, remains assistive rather than autonomous, enhancing decision-making but still dependent on human oversight for intuition, moral discernment, and contextual understanding. And aligning AI with organisational values and ethics is a complex, deeply human task. While it is able to inform executive decisions, it’s only people who can provide the conscience behind them. Far from signalling the end of the human CEO, this evolution presents an incredible opportunity. As AI takes on data-heavy, time-consuming responsibilities, human leaders can focus on what matters most: their people. This invites a renaissance of compassionate leadership – the ability to understand and respond to others’ emotional needs. Drawing on Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence framework, effective leadership depends on five key domains: • Self-awareness: recognising one’s emotions and their impact • Self-regulation: managing emotional responses constructively • Motivation: pursuing goals with resilience and purpose • Empathy: understanding others’ feelings and perspectives • Social skills: building relationships, resolving conflict, inspiring teams Will AI Replace CEOs? Why Compassionate Leadership Matters By Ali Brown, Lead Occupational Psychologist & Executive Coach at &Evolve These competencies create trust, psychological safety, and inclusion – qualities no algorithm can replicate. What Do We Truly Value? We’re told the greatest risk with AI is falling behind. But perhaps the real danger is racing ahead without asking what kind of future we are creating. Is it one where people are valued, connected, and empowered? Or one where efficiency outweighs dignity and productivity replaces meaning? Many companies claim to put their people first, and my challenge to the world is that now is the time to prove it, by taking advantage of this opportunity to redesign the very nature of executive leadership. Leading with intelligence and compassion We must stop framing the conversation as human versus machine, given that the future of work depends on humans with machines – in a partnership combining analytical precision and emotional wisdom. The most successful organisations will embrace hybrid leadership models where AI augments human capabilities rather than replaces them. It’s time to lead with both intelligence and compassion, and to reclaim the human, in the age of machines.
Feature By Shannon Alter You’ve built an incredibly successful business with a strong team around you.But, you didn’t build a business that relies solely on you and you may already be thinking about who will take the helm after you retire. Here’s the most important question: Who is next in the C-Suite, after you? Is there a stand-out star in your leadership team who can step up and fill the role that you’ve so efficiently and effectively made your own, or is there a gap in your leadership team? It may not be easy to choose who will be your successor and continue to grow and expand your brand, your reputation and your high standards. The leader who will take the reins from you is a vital part of your exit strategy, so it’s crucial that this is woven into your succession planning, even if your exit isn’t imminent. Real World Situations My client Jason* came to me recently for advice on how to successfully develop his rising stars. He knew that several of his senior leaders were talented and he wanted to promote them, but he just couldn’t get them there. As an example, one of his senior leaders was right on target when it came to analyzing numbers, but her ability to lead and influence missed the mark. Jason said to me; “She’s very transactional in her communication and delivery style, but people didn’t buy into her ideas or want to do the work the way she wanted it done.” Jason knew he needed help with how to get his upcoming leaders in the best position to succeed, but didn’t know where to start or how to tell them what they needed to know. He also realized he couldn’t achieve the change and leadership performance he wanted by himself. Jason needed someone who wasn’t his Mom or Dad to help him. He needed to bring in an executive coach to help him assess and develop his future C-Suite leaders, to extract the talent he knew his team had and then guide them to lead the way. If this sounds familiar, ask yourself these two questions first: • Who is next, after you? • How are you building your 2026 Leadership Bench? The critical issue Time is ticking away. You know your company has a leadership talent gap and you also know you need to fill it with the right leaders, fast. You’ve been relying on promoting managers who’ve been with your company for a while because they know their stuff and they know the company. This is a trap that many CEOs fall into - they promote managers because of their excellent skills, but an excellent manager doesn’t necessarily make an excellent leader. Those key skills need to be taught, yet many CEOs assume that they’ll figure it out for themselves. Expecting them to figure it out on their own is the first step towards failure - it’s unfair to them and often results in them performing poorly, or jumping ship to another organization that invests in continual learning and development training. Here’s how an executive coach can help them (and you): Assess whether you have the right people in the right places. Don’t put this off any longer as it will inevitably cause more problems in the long run if left for too long. If you know that the wrong people are in the wrong positions then you need to do something about it before it negatively impacts performance and eventually impacts revenue and staff turnover. You need to decide which leadership competencies are critical to your company. A coach can work with you to determine what your best leaders look like and assess who and what you have in place and what else you need. Consulting firm KornFerry estimates that only 10% of leaders surveyed actually evaluate new recruits for their future leadership potential. Hiring teams don’t always think about this early enough in the recruitment process, or they believe they have time to train new recruits and mold them into the perfect candidate. But waiting carries a risk. If you wait on offering those future leaders the professional development they crave, there is a greater chance they will leave and find the leadership and C-Suite roles they want at another company. One that can either hire them into that specific role straight away, or at the very least create a leadership development plan that shows what they need to implement before they’re ready for promotion. You will miss out. Implement a roadmap to nurture your future leaders. Navigating Succession Planning: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders When it comes to leadership development, KornFerry tells us that nearly half of organizations don’t have a program in place at all. Worse yet, the programs that are in place are often old and outdated. They don’t fit the future of work in today’s hybrid environment and they aren’t suited to the next leaders you want to put in place. When I work with clients on executive coaching, I like to start the process by reviewing a company’s organization chart and looking at the roles, not the people in those roles. Next, I break out the whiteboard and identify exactly what’s needed in each role and then help you find the right people for that role. Pay close attention to the “soft” skills. Skills such as communication, executive presence, emotional intelligence and relationship building aren’t simply a “nice-to-have” option in the workplace today. If you want to hire and keep top talent, then soft skills are a necessity. As an executive coach and consultant, I’m obsessed with helping C-Suite leaders succeed. The ability to communicate clearly and build key relationships is critical. Consulting firm Gallup tells us that several behaviors directly affect leadership performance, including the ability to build relationships, connect and further develop employees. Why C-Suite leadership development planning matters Business often moves so quickly that you don’t stop to consider when and how to implement your leadership succession
plan. You assume that your best employees will want to stay with you and that they can learn everything they need to know on the fly. Sometimes that works…. until it doesn’t. Leaving it up to chance isn’t enough anymore. You need to get your leadership bench in gear if you want to grow or scale your business in 2026 and beyond. Give some deep thought to these three questions: Does your company culture truly support leadership development? If not, the risk is huge. When top management invests in its potential C-Suite leaders up front, it makes a huge difference to the performance of your business. Plus, your employees can see it and feel it. If you want your best performers and rising stars to stay, your opportunity to help them grow and develop through executive coaching is key. Which potential leaders need development? I’d say that everybody does! Consider what leaders you need now and who can help with strategic changes. Remember to always think two positions down the line. What leadership competencies are critical? What do your best leaders look like? What do you need from them in order to fulfil their role effectively? Once you know the answers to these questions, then you can assess who you already have in place, who needs additional training and development, or who else you need to hire into the business. With business moving at such a fast-pace you can’t risk investing in a lacklustre leadership team, or hiring managers based on their management performance and expecting them to be great leaders naturally.
Speedy Comics Group: Taking Fans on the Ultimate Pop-Culture Journey
CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 9 Anyone who has ever collected anything knows that the items in their collection are more than just ‘things’, they tell stories, hold memories, and deserve to be displayed proudly. Helping collectors take their fandom – a term for the subculture of especially enthusiastic and dedicated fans – to the next level, Speedy Comics Group in Dubai specialises in everything from selling autographed collectibles to grading pieces and delivering events. Its CEO, Rashed Al Farooq, has been recognised here as the Most Influential CEO 2025 – Fandom & Collectibles Experience (UAE), and we caught up with him to find out more about this niche operation. Today, collecting is more popular and varied than ever. Gone are the days of collections being just coins and stamps – there is so much for people to connect relating to pop culture, from Funko POP! collectibles of their favourite characters to comic books, action figures, statues, replica items from movies and video games, and much more. However, the adjoining concept of fandom extends much deeper, encompassing everything from cosplay (dressing up as a character) to trading card games, making it super accessible. Some of the biggest fandoms in the world currently are for BTS (a K-pop boy band), Harry Potter, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars, anime, Minecraft, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. Many of these groups even have names, from famous ones such as ‘Trekkies’ (Star Trek) to the BTS ARMY (Adorable Reperesetnative M.C. for Youth). On a mission to redefine events, collectibles, and authentication in the MENA region, Speedy Comics Group nurtures a trusted ecosystem that allows collectors, fans, and brands to converge – all in the name of fandom. Made up of two distinct yet complementary elements – Speedy Comics and HIT Grading & Authentication (HIT GCC) – Speedy Comics Group was created by fans, for fans. Through its range of unique offerings, those passionate about pop culture in the UAE can immerse themselves in fandom’s finest. Speedy Comics leads the way in events, retail, and celebrity partnerships, whereas HIT GCC is setting the standard when it comes to AI-driven grading and authentication, not just in the UAE but on a global scale. Exploring this further, Speedy Comics Group’s CEO told us: “What makes us stand out is our regional-first approach: delivering services like on-site grading, large-scale conventions, and cultural partnerships that were previously only seen in the US, Japan, or Europe to collectors in the UAE and Middle East.” “My vision is to position UAE as the global hub for collectibles and pop culture – on par with the likes of Tokyo and Los Angeles.” Perhaps the best example of this is PopConME, the flagship comic convention in the UAE, that Speedy Comics Group runs. Following its inaugural event in 2022, PopCon ME returned last year, hosted in the iconic Skydive Dubai venue. A fantastic line-up of celebrities, artists, and brand collaborations defined the event, which saw thousands pack into one of the city’s premier event spaces over two days in February, enjoying everything from panoramic views to the unique opportunities to meet their heroes and get a treasured autograph. The impact that the first edition of this event had on the way the region is seen when it comes to fandom and collectibles cannot be understated, with more than 27,000 people attending and affirming the UAE as a pivotal spot for comic and pop-culture enthusiasts. With PopCon ME solidifying its status as being at the pinnacle of these types of gatherings, it should come as no surprise that the three-year period since has seen the community grow considerably, with more people than ever in the City of Gold embracing their inner ‘geek’. As you might expect, this has been fantastic for Speedy Comics Group’s CEO, with Rashed evolving the business and its numerous offerings one step ahead of the demand, ensuring he both blazes a trail and delivers something truly valuable for the collectors’ market in the UAE and beyond. Commenting on the specifics of his role, Rashed told us: “As CEO, I lead strategy, partnerships, investor relations, and brand vision across Speedy Comics Group’s multiple verticals.” These include PopConME, HIT GCC, and Speedy Comics. “My mantra is: ‘Legacy is built by making history first’. Every decision I make is guided by how it elevates our ecosystem, strengthens trust, and sets milestones in the vibrant comics and collectibles industry.” Like many great CEOs, Rashed’s journey began doing what he loved: collecting. As a passionate collector in his own right, this future CEO knew what it meant to be a part of this community, what was good about it, and – most importantly – what was missing. By focusing on these areas, especially the latter, Rashed was able to build Speedy Comics Group into the leading entity for all things related to pop culture in the Middle East. Especially rewarding was bridging global celebrities with local fans through the likes of PopConME. It was at this point that Rashed told us more about HIT GCC, the latest stage in his company’s development journey and a milestone when it comes to grading and authentication for collectibles. As the first operation of its kind in the UAE, HIT GCC prides itself on being something different – whilst also hitting the markers of speed, reliability, and affordability that collectors treasure, regardless of whereabouts in the world they are based. No longer do fans have to worry about the shipping headaches of sending their prized possessions away to be graded or authenticated, as HIT GCC has made this previously global process local. From comics and cards to all other sorts of memorabilia, everything will be graded safely and quickly, with its combination of expert graders and smart AI completing the process in just 15 days. Not only is this approach precise and reliable, but it is also reasonably priced, with a flat-rate grading system of just 55 AED per card. “Launching on-site grading for the first time in the Middle East was historic”, Rashed said, reflecting on the launch of these cutting-edge services just a short time ago. “It positioned us not just as participants, but as leaders in global grading innovation.” Pick-up and drop-off are also incredibly simple, with these being at Speedy Comics’ location in Dubai’s Times Square Center, a community-focused shopping mall with approximately 50 stores. Speedy
CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 11 Comics can be found on the ground floor, with the store housing thousands of comic books – including rare back issues – as well grail collectibles and everything else geek. The store has welcomed a number of high-profile celebrities and artists since opening its doors six years ago, with various brand collaborations also taking place here. Just last year, Speedy Comics hosted a Pokémon-themed event within Times Square Center, allowing people to come along and meet some of the voice artists behind the iconic franchise. Temporarily moving out of its store on the ground floor and playing host to these esteemed guests within the mall’s communal areas, Speedy Comics had tables set up with all kinds of collectibles, clothing, and merchandise, and welcomed shoppers from far and wide. This is just one of many smaller events delivered by Speedy Comics under the ‘Pop-Up Con’ banner, with another example coming in late 2022, when the mall hosted Samantha Alleyne, the first-ever female stormtrooper. Samantha appeared as an uncredited extra across all five of Disney’s Star Wars movies, from The Force Awakens in 2015 through to The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Her visit served as a teaser for the inaugural PopConME event. “Hosting international celebrities and influencers at PopConME and through our Pop-Up Con events has strengthened our role as the gateway for pop culture in the Arab world”, beamed Rashed, who spearheaded these initiatives as part of his wider vision for the brand. As this connotes, Rashed not only sets these bold targets for the business, he is also more than keen on achieving them. Yes, this is reflected across Speedy Comics Group’s numerous ventures, but also in the way that this acclaimed CEO manages both his team and his approach to working in this space more broadly. “I personally ensure that every team member feels part of something historic, whether it’s organising the largest Pokémon tournaments in the region or launching our new sub-brands like Speedy Gaming and PopCon ME.” “My style has evolved from being execution-driven to being ecosystem-driven – creating opportunities for others, empowering young entrepreneurs, and elevating an entire industry in the process.” Armed with his unwavering resolve, Rashed has had to guide Speedy Comics Group through a number of challenges to get to this point and realise its goal of being Dubai’s ultimate collectibles hub. These difficulties have spanned everything from distribution restrictions (such as securing store approvals for Konami for its OTS programme, which allows for exclusive benefits and access to run events related to its Yu-Gi-Oh! IP), as well as nurturing trust when it comes to authenticating items in an emerging region like the GCC. Diving deeper into this, Rashed continued: “One major disadvantage for us has been scepticism – convincing international players that the Middle East market is ready for global-level collectibles and events. We overcame this simply by delivering results.” Be it hosting more than 50,000 people across its PopCon ME events or featuring in publications such as Rolling Stone MENA, Speedy Comics Groups has more than proven its worth. However, as Rashed went on to tell us, all of this is just the beginning for the brand, and an exciting 12 months await with a number of plans in the pipeline. These include expanding HIT GCC’s submission centres across the region, so that people in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can access these services. Another initiative will see the launch of the Emirati Grail Box, a regional-first series of mystery boxes to appease collectors. Touching on the plans for his own career, Rashed said: “Personally, I aim to expand Speedy Comics Group and HIT GCC into global household names, all whilst mentoring the next generation of Arab entrepreneurs. I will also continue to address industry challenges by building strong global partnerships, investing in AI-driven solutions (like our HIT GCC grading), and expanding into new and strategic countries – like India and Pakistan.” Given he has recently ranked as the top-rated CEO in the UAE and the fifthhighest globally by CEO Rankings, featured amongst Rolling Stone MENA’s list of the Ten Most Influential Entrepreneurs of 2025, and nurtured new partnerships with influencers and global artists (including Rick Fox, Leilani Shiu, Abdul Rozik, and Steve Aoki) the credibility and ambition embodied by Rashed at every turn make him the perfect person to continue to lead Speedy Comics Group as it embarks on this exciting new chapter of growth and innovation. Fundamentally, the transformative impact in the UAE’s status as a hub for pop culture and fandom in recent years would not have happened without Rashed Al Farooq and Speedy Comics Group. With this CEO at the helm, Speedy Comics has served more than a million fans across its various avenues, sharing 100,000 collectibles and engaging with over 2,000 collectors. 52 exclusive releases underpin its standing, and the infinite possibilities the brand offers for people to explore, collect, and celebrate make it something truly special. More information on all of the areas discussed above can be found using the relevant links listed below, and those in and around Dubai are cordially invited to visit Speedy Comics’ store in the Times Square Center, where they can immerse themselves in the one-of-akind ecosystem of geek that Speedy Comics Group has nurtured in this part of the world. Contact: Rashed Al Farooq Company: Speedy Comics Group Web Address: https://www. speedycomicsme.com/ / https://www. hitgcc.com/ / https://popconme.com/
CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 12 fter 25 years spent working in the sales and operations side of the medical industry, James Marlin was in the midst of a health crisis of his own. Having recently been diagnosed with PSC, or primary sclerosing cholangitis, James was battling the symptoms that define this chronic liver disease, not to mention depression as a result of the lack of treatment options that were available to him. Desperate to find something that would alleviate years of pain, James stumbled across something transformative when he tried vitamin IV therapy. Helping him to shatter the cycle of unhealthy habits he was trapped in, the sense of hope this treatment brought about lit a fire within James, who quickly teamed up with a registered nurse and embarked on a year-long journey of intensive research into this form of therapy. This included travelling the length of the US to meet physicians and experiment with different IVs, so that he could understand which worked and which did not. On the back of this in-depth research, James launched IVRS Wellness Center in Lubbock, Texas, in 2016. Today, almost a decade into its journey, the company provides the best integrative health and wellness services in the US, covering everything from IV therapy and nutritional coaching to primary medical care, vitamin injections, and hormone therapy. Alongside its location in Lubbock, which marked the first concierge IV vitamin therapy service to enter the market in West Texas, IVRS also has a second location some 120 miles away in the city of Amarillo. This second location not only offers the IV/ injection therapy services mentioned above but also reflects IVRS’ shift to integrative medicine through offerings such as peptides, hormone therapy, nutritional therapy, and ketamine infusions. The provision of these complementary services is just one of the ways IVRS stands out in a field that has undergone rapid change over the last nine years, with treatments such as IV therapy having gone from being considered a luxury or a novelty to something sought after by patients from all over the world on the back of the string of benefits they offer for nurturing improved overall health, rather than simply managing acute illnesses. Pioneering Integrative Health and Wellness Services Comprising a variety of health and wellness solutions designed to help clients achieve better health and a better quality of life, IVRS Wellness Center specialises in transformative journeys for those it treats. At the helm here is James Marlin, whose own story has fuelled the growth and success of the brand. Named the Most Influential CEO 2025 – Health & Wellness (USA) in this feature, we explore the tale of hope and integrative wellness behind James’ pivot from a sales specialist to a leading CEO. James himself has proven to be critical in raising awareness of this, with him and his small team taking the time educate clients about how vitamin infusions work and the transformative impact they can have. This innovative streak can be seen further through IVRS’ proactive approach, where monthly treatments are delivered in order to prevent issues – rather than just addressing them once they are known – through its membership programme. Serving as a great way for clients to get the nutrients that their bodies need, all whilst saving themselves money in the process, these memberships are a unique selling point for IVRS. What sets them apart is that they demonstrate the company’s commitment to tailoring its care based on a patient’s budget, beliefs, or diagnosis. As just one client who accessed these services explained: “My daughter had the flu and was able to get IV hydration while in her pyjamas at home. This place is fantastic and offers great customer service.” As this shows, by employing a comprehensive model and leveraging the services of industry experts and cuttingedge research, IVRS Wellness Center is pushing the boundaries of integrative health for clients across Texas and beyond. With James Marlin at the helm, this focus on education, consistency, and compassion remains greater than ever, and it is for this reason that we are proud to recognise him as the Most Influential CEO 2025 – Health & Wellness (USA) within these pages. More on his work can be found at the link below. A Contact: James Marlin Company: IVRS Wellness Center Web Address: https://ivrstx.com/ AIM-Sep25314
CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 13 The Electronics Subscription Service Making Tech Accessible In a world where the cost of living seems to be rising more each year, people are having to be careful about what they buy. Often, this means they do not have money left over after bills and other essentials to sink a month’s wages (or often even more) into the latest gadgets they or their loved ones would like. To combat this, Allu CEO Cadu Guerra has created a novel method, resulting in his recognition as the Electronic Device Subscription CEO of the Year 2025 – Brazil. We spoke to him more about this below. Guided by the belief that technology should be democratic and accessible, Allu has been changing the way people connect with the world since 2016. Creating a flexible model where devices such as iPhones, laptops, and games consoles are offered on subscription – complete with the ability to renew, swap, or cancel without fuss – Allu is putting the latest technology into the hands of those who otherwise might not be able to afford it. In this way, it is challenging the ordinary and ushering in an age of convenience. Exploring this approach in more detail, Cadu told us: “We created the electronics subscription service in Latin America to improve how people consume high-value goods. The service – which is similar to leasing, but with an added layer of service for the consumer – is more accessible, more flexible, and offers a much better experience.” This is because the monthly fee charged is much less than what would have to be spent on purchasing a device, with this method also removing some of the burdens of ownership. Allu achieves this through the added service layer Cadu touched on above, which includes insurance, maintenance, replacements, upgrade options, software updates, and all of the other things required for the use of the device. The freedom this offers is unprecedented in the world of consumer electronics, and the far-reaching impact of taking renting or financing options – which have historically only been available for cars or properties – and applying them to other highvalue items is something needed in this economy. As the CEO of this operation, Cadu sees his responsibility as being to define the direction of the company and ensure this is being pursued by a world-leading team of experts. Passionate about structure, progression towards goals, and maintaining close relationships with clients and his team alike, Cadu’s philosophy prioritises action over intention. Underpinning all of this is a leadership approach modelled after ‘Radical Candor’, which entails challenging teams a lot whilst still caring for them, a balance crucial for success. Like many CEOs, Cadu’s leadership style was very different in the early days to what it is now, as he was afraid to be tough and have those hard conversations. However, given Allu has experienced rapid growth in the last year – becoming the fastest growing electronics subscription company in the world – he has had to adapt his style, restructure the culture, return to full in-person work, and make some bold product decisions. Unsurprisingly, this has worked wonders, with the business being improved inside and out. “Our team is full of people I deeply admire. I always say it is a privilege and an honour to lead the people I lead. One of the reasons why I’m so paranoid about excellence is because I must be worthy of the quality of the team we have. They are analytical, objective, responsible, virtuous, hardworking, and they live our culture.” On the back of this, Allu is looking ahead to 2026 and beyond with great excitement, ready for another year of sophistication, aggressive results, and strong growth. There will of course be challenges for Cadu – whose job and presence in the spotlight never stop – including the ongoing duty of bringing in funding whilst growing the customer base, not to mention the constant logistic headaches of managing the areas that go into a business of this nature (like payments, technology, and refurbishments). And yet, by hiring and incentivising great people, building credibility through exceptional performance, and focusing on effective prioritisation, Allu is in a better position than ever to pursue the aggressive expansion it seeks. Cadu added: “I would endure the difficulties a million times over for the privilege of leading the people I lead, having the freedom to implement my vision, and building what I believe is best. I chose this. And I’m extremely happy with the role and its trade-offs.” A man who is exactly where he needs to be, Cadu Guerra is a fitting recipient of the title of Electronic Device Subscription CEO of the Year 2025 – Brazil, an award he recognises reflects the work done by everyone at Allu. Having made real progress democratising the world of cell phone and IT equipment rental, Cadu signed off saying: “We must remember we still have a lot to build. This game just started. We played a great first three minutes – but we have 87 more minutes plus stoppage time ahead of us.” Contact: Cadu Guerra Company: Allu Web Address: https://www.allugator.com/
CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 14 Most Innovative Financial Wellness CEO 2025: Mo Radjab n innovator in fintech, Mo Radjab has been making significant waves across the industry. He is often described by his peers as a natural strategist and a force to be reckoned with, having played an instrumental role in driving the success of a number of emerging companies. From his expansive network to his unrivalled market expertise to his infectious energy, Mo has certainly established himself as a key player in the fintech sphere and a trusted partner for those seeking financial freedom. Mo’s journey to becoming CEO of Grassfeld was driven by a sole core belief: financial clarity creates freedom. Before founding Grassfeld, he held multiple senior management roles across large international corporate banks – gaining firsthand experience in macroeconomics, leading product teams, managing risks, and lending capital. These positions shaped his perspective on economics, technology, human behaviour, and the structural gaps within the financial system. “I began my career at Robeco,” he recalled, “a well-known private bank in the Netherlands, working with private investors and dealing with large sums of investment capital. Over the years, I noticed a recurring theme: people were not struggling because they lacked ambition; they were struggling because they lacked an accessible financial structure. The tools available were either too technical, too generic, or Taking control of your personal finances can be a daunting task, but one grounded in complete necessity. By creating and tracking your income, spendings, and goals, your path to financial freedom will become clearer than ever before. This is a philosophy championed by Grassfeld, a leading Dutch scale-up providing innovative personal finance management technology across Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom. Today, we celebrate Mo Radjab – the visionary CEO of Grassfeld steering the company to excellence. We heard more from Mo below, following his well-deserved recognition in the Global CEO Excellence Awards 2025. A disconnected from people’s daily reality.” With each bank, Mo built an invaluable foundation in operational discipline, resilience, and product-market fit, all of which he draws upon daily in his current role as the CEO of Grassfeld. This makes the role truly fulfilling for Mo, allowing him to combine every element of his professional background, including product innovation, financial empowerment, scalable technology, and a relentless focus on user outcomes. “Being at the helm of a fast growing fintech company means I must constantly shift between visionary strategy and operational execution,” he shared. “My past experiences taught me how to balance the big picture with the small details, the macro and the micro, which I believe is one of the most underrated skills in modern leadership. I didn’t simply step into the CEO role; I built the foundation for it through years of trial, insight, and belief in a better way to help people manage and worship their money.” That is precisely what Grassfeld stands for: redefining how people interact with their money. This fast-scaling American and European fintech firm is dedicated to helping individuals achieve long-term financial wellbeing through innovative, automated, and hyper-personalised money management tools. To this end, the firm’s flagship product is a personal finance platform expertly designed to simplify, optimise, and empower users to manage their income, expenses, savings, debt, and investment – all in one intuitive interface. At its core, Grassfeld’s mission is clear: to give every individual the clarity and control they need to make confident financial decisions. It is with this mission that the firm aims to achieve its ambitious vision of becoming the world’s most trusted and human-centred financial platform, empowering millions of people to build a financially free future, on their own terms. As Mo aptly stated, “Our combination of automation, design simplicity, and deep personalisation provides us our unique edge.” “Financial wellbeing should not be reserved for the few with access to advisors; it should be available to everyone, every day, right from their phone.” Every element of Grassfeld’s functions is centred around the belief that financial wellbeing should be simple, accessible, and intelligently adaptable to the user’s real life. To this end, it operates as more than just a personal finance app, but as an ecosystem for financial clarity and long-term empowerment. It operates with a subscription-based revenue model, offering scalable pricing that fits both the everyday user and the more advanced financial planner. Currently active across Europe with a fast-growing user base, the firm’s strategic focus is now on expansion into North America and building key integrations with savings, credit, and investment partners. The firm’s ongoing strategy is centred around four pillars: hyper personalisation at scale, driven by advanced AI and behavioural analytics to deliver tailored financial recommendations; a crossplatform ecosystem, realised through the launch of Grassfeld Navigator to ensure seamless integration across mobile and desktop experiences; sustainable growth through data intelligence, leveraging anonymised financial data to improve predictive modelling and user experience while maintaining strict GDPR compliance; and communitydriven innovation, with regular feedback loops – from surveys to beta programmes – ensuring that users don’t just use Grassfeld, but shape it. While now well-defined, each of these pillars was forged through trial, error, and unrelenting learning. “Building Grassfeld has been one of the most rewarding and demanding journeys of my life,” Mo reflected. “As with any company that aims to disrupt a legacy industry like personal finance, we’ve faced both systemic challenges and breakthrough opportunities, each shaping me as a leader and sharpening our company’s mission.” The personal finance app market is remarkably competitive, with numerous
CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 15 players vying for limited user attention. The biggest challenge for Grassfeld was not launching, however, but standing out. The firm overcame this hurdle by focusing on user transformation, rather than its features. This enabled the team to build Grassfeld to stand as more than a tool – as a trusted financial companion. This shift from utility to empowerment soon became Grassfeld’s shining strategic edge. Looking ahead, the future of Grassfeld is not just about growth; it’s about global impact. As we enter the second half of 2025 the firm’s vision remains bold: to become the world’s most trusted and human-centred financial platform, helping 100 million people build a future of financial freedom. Following Grassfeld’s successful launch across Europe, the remainder of 2025 will be focused on scaling Grassfeld into North America, into markets that present both opportunity and complexity. Through 2026 and beyond, Grassfeld aims to expand into Asia-Pacific markets, build localised AI models to serve the culturally distinct financial needs of its customers, and launch Grassfeld for SMEs – bringing the same clarity to freelancers and microentrepreneurs. The next era of Grassfeld is rooted in scale, intelligence, and impact. On a mission to do more than just building features, Grassfeld is shaping the future of financial self-determination, one user at a time. As for Mo, the future is bright – with a number of plans geared towards scaling both Grassfeld and his leadership capabilities, becoming a voice for ethical fintech, and promoting personal growth through mentorship and collaboration. In the longterm, he envisions the launch of a fund or foundation focused on financial wellbeing, youth entrepreneurship, and tech-for-good, aligned with the same values that fuel Grassfeld. One thing is for sure: whether Mo remains at the helm of Grassfeld or launch new ventures in the future, his core mission will remain the same – to empower people with clarity, confidence, and the tools to shape their own future. “For me, success is not a destination; it’s a responsibility,” he shared with us. “Winning Most Innovative Financial Wellness CEO 2025 is an incredible honour, but I see it as a milestone, not a finish line. My personal mission is to keep evolving as a leader, expanding not only the impact of Grassfeld but also my ability to empower others, inside and outside the organisation. “None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary people who’ve walked this path with me. I want to express my deepest gratitude to those who have not only believed in the vision but also in me, especially during the moments that tested our resolve. “To Remko Brenters, our brilliant CTO, Lackó Darázsdi, our vigilant CISO, and Ronald van IJsselmuide, our steadfast Finance Director, thank you for your unwavering commitment, sharp insight, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Your partnership has been foundational to everything we’ve built. To the entire Grassfeld team: Your loyalty, patience, and resilience inspire me every day. You are the heartbeat of this company, and I’m endlessly proud to stand alongside you as we shape the future of personal finance. “But above all, I want to thank the one person who grounds me and lifts me all at once, my wife, Demi Radjab-Blok. Through every high and low, she has stood by my side with grace, strength, and unwavering belief. She is not only my greatest supporter, but also my truest motivation. Her presence reminds me, every day, of why I strive for more, not just in business, but in life. This award is a reflection of all of you. Thank you for being part of this journey and being in my life.” Contact: Mo Radjab Company: Grassfeld Inc. Web Address: www.grassfeld.com
CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 16 Band of Builders was born in 2016, when Founder Addam Smith made an appeal on social media for help renovating the home of a close friend and colleague Based in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, Band of Builders is a national construction charity leveraging the power of unity to ensure that no industry member is left behind. Through a unique blend of life-changing practical support, mental health and wellbeing services, and immediate financial aid, the charity has gained renown for responding quickly and efficiently to the challenges construction workers face. This exceptional work is steered by CEO Gavin Crane, a leader driven by his purpose and passion for making a positive impact on those in the industry. We spoke with Gavin to learn more, following his recent recognition in the CEO of the Year Awards 2025. who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The response was beyond anybody’s wildest dreams, as tradespeople across the UK joined forces to complete the project. That moment sparked the formation of Band of Builders, banding together members of the construction industry with a simple mission: to stand shoulder to shoulder with construction workers and their families when life takes an unexpected turn. This mission is headed by Gavin Crane, the UK’s Charity CEO of the Year 2025. Gavin joined Band of Builders as a volunteer in 2017 with the aim of making life easier for fellow construction workers, never anticipating that such a seemingly small decision would set him on the path to leadership. Over the years, Gavin took on more responsibilities – supporting project delivery, building relationships, and helping shape the organisation as it continued to grow. This path allowed Gavin to see the challenges facing construction workers up close, and the difference support truly makes. “I learned first-hand what makes this charity so special: the skills and dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our partners, and the lifechanging impact that good people can make when they work together with purpose,” he told us. “Becoming CEO has felt like a natural progression, but it is also a privilege. I have the opportunity each day to take the lessons from my early volunteering days and use them to guide a national organisation that now supports people across the UK. That journey – from volunteer to CEO – keeps me grounded and constantly reminds me why our work matters.” “I learned first-hand what makes this charity so special: the skills and dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our partners, and the life-changing impact that good people can make when they work together with purpose.” Today, Gavin’s role as CEO is to steer the team forward, ensuring the charity stays true to its mission whilst continually expanding the support offered to construction workers and their families. While responsible for the charity’s strategic direction, long-term sustainability, and the organisation’s overall performance, Gavin is equally responsible for fostering a culture where staff, volunteers, and partners can thrive. Day to day, this takes the form of overseeing project delivery and support services, working closely with partners and leadership teams, and championing the voices of the unheard. As a leader, Gavin operates with a people-first mindset, focusing on clarity, collaboration, and accountability to ensure everyone understands the direction Band of Builders is heading in, and why it matters. His leadership style has evolved as the charity has grown; in the early days, Gavin was involved in every detail due to the hands-on nature of the smaller charity. Now, with a larger team and bigger ambitions, he focuses more on strategic thinking, empowering others, and building a system that allows Band of Builders to scale without losing its identity. The next 12 months promise to be an exciting period of growth and positive change for Band of Builders, as it aims to further strengthen its role as the national construction charity. Under Gavin’s guidance, the charity will expand its project capacity in order to deliver more life-changing home adaptations for construction workers and their families. As demand for aid continues to rise, Band of Builders aims to increase the number of projects it completes, and is preparing with new systems, clearer processes, and greater investment in its delivery team. “My aim is to lead the charity into its next chapter with confidence, clarity, and compassion, and to ensure the foundations we are building today will support the industry for years to come,” Gavin concluded. “Whatever the future holds, our focus remains the same: to stand with construction workers and their families when they need it most, and to build a charity that the whole industry can be proud of.” Contact: Gavin Crane Company: Band of Builders Web Address: www. bandofbuilders.org Changing Lives Through Charity and Community
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