Weeds Kill Weeds

From allelopathy to bio-herbicides: A lot of work with good results… commercially still to come

It is not easy to imagine how your “enemy” can help to win the battle. May an enemy give us the tools to win? Every year the farmers receive a lot of weeds consuming the crops resources. How can it be possible that a weed help to control weeds? But weeds can help crops killing weeds. Let me tell you how.

It is very well known that plants release chemicals to the environment and that chemical controls the growing (and behavior) of other plants around. What if we can isolate the chemical released and put it in a bottle and use it as a Bio-Herbicide.

We at INBIOAR screen large areas collecting samples of plants. We observe in the natural environment how the plants cover the soil. The success in the colonization of the soil is a demonstration of the ability of the plant to grow and reproduce under difficult conditions. Many times, the weed species are the Kings in the conquest of the soil surface.

We assume the hypothesis that the skill to cover the soil competitively is because the plant produces effective chemicals. The chemical control the plant growing conditions in its environment allowing the growing of plants from the same species, not from the other species. In what is a natural defense mechanism of the plant that was perfectionated during thousand of years, we see a bio-herbicides. A plant releases a chemical to kill other plants. In the farm it is the farmer who uses the chemical (the same chemical) to kill the weeds.

We did experiments and we determined that many plant species growing in some regions produce more “bio-herbicides” than the same plant in a more comfortable weather.

We have published a paper about ammi visnaga as a source of Khellin and Visnagine. Ammi is a weed originally from Egypt and spread globally. A weed like ammi, can be transformed in the “raw material” to produce a bio-herbicide in arid regions. The plant can grow freely and abundantly in that weather condition.

Thinking more, we propose that a weed species can be transformed into a new crop. Semi deserts are poor regions because there are not many natural resources to produce goods.

But if we think that weeds and the few plant species growing in the semi deserts have an economic role in the industry, then the region has a new economic income. A study like the one that INBIOAR is doing in semi-desert regions will help to find new resources to trade worldwide from the arid regions. The new crop may change the people reality, and it is a plus in our project that makes us very happy.

How much cost to cultivate ammi? Ammi can be grown every year freely in the field. We can collect the flowers to produce the bio-herbicide plant extract. The cultivation of ammi in the field do not require care: not fertilizers, not fungicide nor insecticides. It is a weed!

Ammi can produce 15 tons of flowers per year in one hectare. It will allow to produce enough bio-herbicide to do one application in 1.200 hectares. The ratio seems very good. But it can be improved for sure. We started using visnagine at 15kg/ha. Now we are using less than 3kg/ha. We still do not know how far we can go with this bio-herbicide in development.

If we think to produce the extract, then the trash we produce after the extract is done is just wet plant tissue. The extract is dried by a spray-drier, and the wet plant tissue is mix with the soil after it is used. Then there is not trash left behind the production.

In the farm the powder extract is offered in water-soluble bags. The bags are drop in the water tank just before to be used. The adjuvant may be offered in small bags to prepare the formulated just before use in the water tank.

This is Agri-Food Clean Technology where no synthetic chemicals are used and there is no trash anywhere: not when we produce it, not when it is applied to. The natural chemicals are quickly degraded by nature. What the nature does, the nature degraded. The food in our freezer will be clean of chemicals!

Plants (weeds) can control weeds. A plant species that do not participate in the economy can be transformed in a competitive raw material.

A Government can see our project to improve the income of a region using what is a non-crop into an important crop to produce bio-agrochemicals. When a weed is transformed in a crop, we are sure we are doing science for the people.

Author Bio-

Gustavo Sosa Ph. D.

President and Founder of INBIOAR SA

Gustavo Sosa is a forest engineer and has a Ph. D. in plant biochemistry and molecular biology. He did two post docs. The last one in The Ohio State University. Gustavo funded INBIOR thirteen years ago thanks to the Rosental Family office.

Gustavo led the Ph. D. Thesis work of María Lucía Travaini with whom he established INBIOAR. Lucía is the CEO of INBIOAR Argentina while Gustavo is establishing INBIOAR in the US. He expects to be in the US collecting samples in The Southwest during the 2025 summer.

Gustavo used to be a mentor and speaker in many congresses and universities where he is invited to talk about leadership and research.

Balasore Alloys: Produce Different Grades Of Ferro Chrome As Per Market Dynamics

The ferrochrome manufacturing industry is evolving with advancements in technology and sustainability, while also navigating challenges related to raw material supply and environmental regulations. Balasore Alloys focuses on increasing the agility of its current systems, rapidly adapting to change, increasing transparency, and preparing for future disruption to better prepare for the challenges to come. The focus of the supply chain is to rely on ERPs to manage data and core processes and effective collaboration with suppliers can bring about real-time visibility into inventory, material quality, and costs to easily understand and report on supplier performance. It further focuses on the importance of sourcing balance, saving small suppliers, managing inflationary times, and digitizing procurement given the growing complexity and raw material variability.

Mission and Vision

“To be an organization that continuously achieves value creation by optimizing resources through operational excellence, enabled by technology, and driven by innovation, to meet customer satisfaction and to maximize the value for all stakeholders. To be amongst the world’s top five new generation Ferrochrome manufacturing companies in our products, in the way we service our clients, in our work ethics, and in our culture of societal integration.”

Client-Oriented Services

“The company has a special grade of chrome ore mine and Ferro Chrome product, which is quite rarely available worldwide, and this is presently being used by stainless steel producers. The company is expanding the Chrome mining by going with underground mining operations of Chrome ore (the first time in India). As this product is not available in China & other North-Asian Countries, it is leading to a spike in demand for such raw material. After discussions with various stainless companies, it has been found that there is a lot of scope to work together for both short and long terms and this prompted the company to start exporting into the market and signing long-term agreements with large stainless-steel companies.”

The Initial Challenges

The company was always growing, it had to move around different locations to explore and help as needed. “During my new assignment in China in year 2003, I came across many hurdles including language barrier, different corporate culture with different mindset in business dealing. During those years it was quite difficult to work on long term basis with both buyers and sellers as they keep changing their commitment and executing project on time. To understand their business ethics & past performance for selecting the right vendor and buyers a thorough assessment with vendor rating, by visiting their processing plant, manufacturing unit and by meeting their team leaders to develop a mutual trust and confidence for ensuring they will not back out on execution of orders in case of any kind of market up & down which was quite regular practice at that time,” says Vijay K Singh, CEO, Balasore Alloys.

The Differentiating Factor

•Business expansion in area of Ferro Chrome export worldwide by 21%. This was achieved with leadership competencies & strategy by well-defined roadmaps & commercial performance.

•First time in India started project of underground mining of Chrome ore at Balasore Chrome mine after due diligence study and underground design work has already started in early 2020. This will increase the production output as well as export by next year.

•One of the lowest cost producers globally due to their fully integrated business model.

•Globally preferred supplier to Stainless Steel producers and allied industries

The Art of Balancing Work and Life

Time management plays a significant role in everyone’s lives. One can only spend more time with friends and family if they are well-balanced and efficient. However, it is essential to know where to draw the line, one part of your life should not take over other aspects of life and living. This way Vijay enjoys life without any stress or inconvenience. Smart delegation is essential for yourself and your team as it benefits all involved parties. This can only be done through smart interactions and effective communication with team members and understanding the prerequisites of work.

 For better management of time, he uses two fundamental strategies: flexible scheduling as allowed by the company and prioritizing responsibilities. Setting priorities and creating a schedule is the most helpful to integrate all aspects of life: work, family, classes, fitness, and social activities with other one-time events. He maps out his responsibilities and timelines daily in a to-do list of tasks that needs to be completed.

Regardless of how hard one tries, there will be sometimes when one or the other becomes more demanding in life. Learn to be creative and think of possible ways to meet the urgent priority while still attending to others. Without a clear separation between home and office, it may be hard to transition from work life to personal life. To counteract this issue, one needs a distinctive work zone.

Awards and Recognitions

Balasore alloys of ISPAT Group was awarded the Top Exporter Silver Award for the year 2017-18 in the Three Star Export House (Non-MSME) category by FIEO Eastern Region. The Award was handed by Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Former President of India in presence of Mr. Bruce Bucknell, British Deputy High Commission Kolkata.

•Balasore alloy limited has been awarded by CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) with the “Excellence Award in Energy Conservation in the 9th ENCON” award ceremony organized by CII eastern region for initiating and implementing different energy-saving measures/ techniques in the plant.

•The award which was instituted by the Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC), Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry was handed at the 49th EEPC National Award Presentation Function 2016-17 by Mr. C.R. Chaudhary, Honorable Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Government of India in the presence of Ms. Rita Teaotia, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Mr. B.S. Bhalla, Jt Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

•Balasore alloys of ISPAT Group recognized as a good neighbour through its Corporate Social Responsibility activities has been appreciated again. The Institute of Quality & Environment Management Services (IQEMS) backed by support from South Africa High Commission, CREDAI Odisha, Rotary International organized a competition-cum-seminar on ”CSR Initiatives-Value Driven Social Change” on 21st May 2016.

The Future Roadmap “Seamless integration of all business processes for greater efficiency is essential for future practice, alongside the implementation of SAP and cloud-based CRM module will certainly help growth. This, however, does not prevent cybercrime. With that in mind, more organizations create and appoint Chief Security Officer and CCO who would be responsible for ensuring that an organization is cyber-ready, would bear the responsibility for preventing breaches, take the lead if a breach does occur, and provide a robust connection between the board and the rest of the company,” concludes Vijay.

Chatur Ideas: ONE STOP For Every Entrepreneur

Chatur Ideas is the inception of the first ever dynamic, multifarious online platform, which will engage, counsel, and interconnect the entrepreneurial breed of India to investors, financers, and mentors in a controlled investment-friendly ecosystem. It acts as a ‘virtual intellect box’ where all the brilliant and ingenious entrepreneurial ideas will be scrutinized, enhanced, and mentored and will be given assistance and or possible funding. It also simultaneously runs various entrepreneurial contests, which help entrepreneurs get seed capital that helps them in financing their businesses, start-ups, and inventions.

The inception story

“My story began in 2009, with my idea to start a cab service based on GPS. I created a working model and reached out to various industry experts. However, when I approached the aggregators of the taxi/cab service companies; I was discouraged from pursuing the idea. I took their words seriously and decided not to further work on the idea as it needed political connections and managing unions. Having dropped the idea, I started working in a firm as a wealth manager and was responsible for managing ultra-HNWIs money, who invested in India and abroad across asset classes. Through this experience, I acquired a huge amount of networking and domain expertise.

However, simultaneously, I also saw Ola’s birth and their journey to the 1000-crore club on the footholds of the same idea that I wanted to initiate back in 2009. This turned out to be an eye-opener for me and caused me to reflect on the decisions I made.

Over the years, I have also spent a lot of time mentoring startups and investing in them, connecting with investors, and gaining a lot of experience and exposure.

As a result, I decided to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors/mentors by providing a platform for their interactions and valuable feedback from these dignitaries to these entrepreneurs to help them with their journey. Thus, took place the establishment of Chatur Ideas – which has now become one of India’s leading startups enabling platforms that acts as a ‘ONE-STOP SOLUTION’ for start-ups and entrepreneurs,” says Devesh Chawla, CEO and Founder, Chatur Ideas.

The advice to the aspiring leader

“Never stop meeting the right people: Your connections keep your business afloat. Make relevant connections and networks that will keep you elucidated with their experience and learnings. Keep in touch along the way and build quality relationships to uplift your knowledge and business. As they say, your network is your net worth.

Your Business Will Demand Money: If you are starting a startup, it will demand some money and you might take some financial hits. But without spending money, you can’t make it a long way. However, don’t forget to be frugal and smart with your spending patterns. A tip here would be: to spend money where you see the value. This value can be social, physiological, or other ways.”

Support the development of future leaders

“While micromanaging exerts a greater control on its operations, apart from when the operations are complex and instructions need to be communicated, it is not very useful. The micromanagement style, or more specifically, keeping close tabs on what work is being done, how it is being done, and the quality of the output, can certainly be used effectively, however, employee wellbeing & psychological safety must be taken into account.

Micromanaging your employees, to put it bluntly, annoys them, creates trust issues, and can cause employees to become dependent on micromanagement leading it to be unscalable.

So, I believe in efficient management; Creating important tasks, and allowing employees to do the work in their way goes a long way toward creating trust between the employees and me. Simply touching base with them at predefined points along the way eases the employee to complete the task at a defined pace in his methods improving his growth and creativity. As stated earlier, at Chatur Ideas, we nurture creativity, be it of our employees or our clients,” adds Devesh.

Awards

  • Awarded as CEO of the year 2019 in Dubai by GISR Foundation and American College of Dubai
  • Awarded as Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 by Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Ashwini Kumar Choubey
  • Awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Samman Award, which is given to 25 Indians only across the world
  • Selected amongst Top 30 Entrepreneurs of the Year 2018 by The Silicon Review
  • Selected amongst Forbes’ Top 100 Great People Managers 2021
  • Facilitated the Youth Leadership Award by the Trade Commissioner of Canada
  • Nominated for Business World 40 under 40
  • Chatur Ideas has been selected as Top 5 Rising Startups of India by Tech in Asia
  • Chatur Ideas has been awarded as India’s leading startup enabling platform at BRICS Conclave
  • Chatur Ideas has been awarded as Top 50 Small Businesses of India 2021

Future Roadmap

“I have been deeply committed to assisting today’s youth to gain financial independence, be it through entrepreneurship, jobs, or the stock market. People need to learn to be self-reliant. To achieve that, I have conducted various workshops and courses on stock market technical analysis, entrepreneurship, and financial independence so that my students can make money on their own,” concluded Chawla.

Go-Be Sleeves: Changing The World For The Better

The tray cover market for travelers is heavily influenced by evolving consumer preferences for hygiene and convenience, technological advancements, and sustainability considerations. Companies in this sector can capitalize on these trends by offering innovative, high-quality products that meet regulatory standards and cater to the needs of travelers seeking a safe and comfortable experience. As travel patterns continue to recover and evolve, monitoring consumer behaviour and adapting product offerings accordingly will be key to success in this market.

Go-Be is an eco-friendly, reusable antimicrobial tray sleeve that is as stylish as it is functional and planet-friendly. The idea came to its co-founders Barbara Booth and Cornelia Quinn after they discovered that millions of single-use disinfectant wipes, which are non-biodegradable and contain harsh chemicals, head to landfills every day from travelers wiping down their tray tables. So they set out to create a product that was not only fun and functional but eco-friendly, sustainable and embedded with an antimicrobial technology that is non-toxic and non-irritating. What’s more, Go-Be’s fabric is knitted out of a fiber created from recycled post-consumer plastic, and a portion of each purchase goes to support Ocean Conservancy, an organization committed to resolving the ocean plastic crisis.

As a former CNBC reporter, Barbara’s entrepreneurial spirit had been fueled for years as she told the stories of how some of today’s most dynamic entrepreneurs built their empires and used their success as a force for good. Go-Be has quickly become a catalyst for changing people’s behaviour and educating them on the importance of traveling more ethically and sustainably. Go-Be is now partnering with major airlines, hotels, and other major players in the hospitality industry to promote sustainability in the tourism sector. Barbara and Cornelia’s dream of creating a product that is not only functional but a force for good has come true.

The initial challenges

“The travel gear industry is hugely competitive, and despite the uniqueness of our tray covers—their hygiene benefits, sustainability and eco-friendly design—we were a completely new concept competing for attention and market share against a wide array of travel accessories. There are neck pillows, packing cubes, travel-size toiletries, portable chargers, and eye masks, each vying for the consumer’s interest and wallet. So, one of the greatest challenges lay in convincing travelers that our reusable tray covers are a must-have addition to their travel essentials, especially when our society often prioritizes convenience over what is right for the planet, in this case, single-use disposable wipes, which cause great harm to the environment. Our mission was (and still is) to change that behaviour by inspiring travelers to travel more ethically and choose an eco-friendly option to avoid germs. That was tough and required significant effort. We needed impactful messaging and a lot of it. We started with paid ads to gain some traction. That was costly, so we switched to doing our organic content and flooded the social media platforms to make people aware of our brand and our mission. We didn’t always get it right. We had to do a lot of market research, polls, and social engagement, and learn how to effectively target audiences. We enrolled in mentorship programs to learn, because technology is ever-changing. It didn’t happen overnight, but we finally discovered the messaging that resonates with travelers who share our values and love our brand,” says Barbara.

The journey towards leadership

“What inspired me to lead Go-Be and become a leader in my field was the desire to create meaningful change in the way people travel. I noticed a gap in the market for a sustainable, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing way to fight the germs on your tray table. After my investigations uncovered the truth about the cleanliness of airplane tray tables and how this could impact health especially those with life-threatening food allergies and autoimmune issues my co-founder Cornelia and I resolved to come up with an environmentally responsible solution. We also wanted to put a little joy back into air travel. Flying, what was once considered glamorous and exciting, is now a hassle, with tight spaces and flight delays the norm. Go-Be tray covers come in stunning designs and make people feel happier in their personal space. The idea of encouraging people to “go be” adventurous, and bold and to lose the fear and enjoy the journey, especially during Covid resonated with me. So, this vision inspired me to take the lead and build a brand that not only meets practical needs but also promotes positivity,” adds Barbara.

Beating the odds

“One significant challenge we faced early on was figuring out how to regain our footing after draining most of our resources on expensive marketing campaigns out of the gate instead of starting off scrappy to test the waters. In hindsight we should have focused more on driving sales and proving our concept before committing such a large budget to marketing efforts. This situation forced us to pivot quickly. We shifted our focus from extensive paid media campaigns to more DIY strategies, such as consistently producing engaging content via posts, videos, and blogs that resonate with our audience and interacting with our followers to authentically generate buzz about our brand without incurring high costs.
It was a scramble, but our efforts paid off: We were able to attract and retain enough customers through authentic social media marketing to generate the necessary revenue to stabilize our finances and regain our footing. This taught us that effective marketing does not always require a large budget. Organic social media marketing, when done right, can be just as powerful in driving customer engagement and sales,” says Barbara.

The evergreen qualities of a leader

“I believe the ability to adapt and pivot to changing circumstances is crucial. Things are not always going to go according to plan. Many times, they are not. So, you need to have the capacity to bounce back from setbacks and stay determined to move forward.

I also believe you need to have a clear and compelling vision so you can guide your team. But at the same time be open to your team’s ideas. Otherwise, innovation will stall. Encourage creativity and embrace new ideas. Promoting teamwork and valuing diverse perspectives enhances innovation.

You also need to be able to make informed decisions. There is so much noise out there about the “right way” to send messaging on social media, or the “right way” to send email campaigns and so forth. You need to stay ahead of the curve and know what is going on in your marketplace. Know what the trends are. What your audience wants. You must commit to continually learning so your business stays relevant.

Most of all, though, you need to base your business on transparency and integrity so you can build trust and credibility within the organization, with external partners, and with your customers.”

The future roadmap

“At Go-Be, our vision extends far beyond creating tray covers for travel. We aim to be the company that creates high-quality covers in stunning designs for anything you need. While some of our future inventions are under wraps, I can assure you that they will always align with our mission to promote sustainability and minimize ecological impact. We will continue to keep our customers informed about our processes, materials, and the impact of our products, fostering trust and loyalty, and our branding will always reflect positivity and inspiration. We believe in encouraging our customers to ‘Go Be’ adventurous, bold, and environmentally conscious. This ethos will be woven into every aspect of our marketing and communication efforts in the future. We will also continue to strengthen our collaborations with like-minded organizations, influencers, and communities to amplify our impact and reach so we can continue to drive positive change and support sustainable practices globally,” concluded Barbara.

C5i: Driving Business Impact With The Ideal Combination Of Human Expertise And AI

AI is revolutionizing the world across various domains and industries, bringing about significant advancements and transformative changes. AI technologies, particularly machine learning and robotic process automation (RPA), are automating repetitive tasks and processes across industries. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces costs and improves accuracy. AI enables highly personalized experiences for consumers in sectors such as retail, entertainment, and digital marketing. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can tailor recommendations, content, and services to individual preferences and behaviors.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, volatility has become the norm, characterized by shifting customer preferences, competitive dynamics, and environmental factors. “At C5i, we empower our clients to navigate this complexity and thrive by transforming their decision-making processes. Utilizing cutting-edge AI, data science, and analytical methodologies, we harness the power of advanced data technologies to deliver bespoke solutions for our clients. Our approach combines state-of-the-art technology with best-in-class talent to address complex business challenges effectively. At the core of our approach is to have “human in the loop,” ensuring that we combine the human perspective and knowledge of our teams and client teams with the power of AI and machine learning to drive insights that are trustworthy and drive adoption,” says Jasmeet Sraw, Sr. Growth Partner, C5i.

Enhanced Customer Service

“Analytics and AI solutions provider focuses on Enterprise AI, Industry 5.0 & Supply Chain, Marketing Analytics, Consumer & Market Insights, Customer Analytics & Digital Analytics. Our paramount objective is to drive business impact swiftly and expansively, fostering enduring partnerships along the way. This objective is made possible through our comprehensive solution set, which integrates multi-functional teams and a robust suite of products, solutions, and accelerators tailored for various horizontal and industry-specific use cases. At C5i, our teams synergize the insights of our consultants and industry experts with the technical expertise of data scientists, data engineers, business analysts, and visualization specialists. Furthermore, we continually enhance our capabilities through dedicated research and development efforts conducted in our AI labs. Central to our ethos is a client-first approach, underpinned by a culture of relentless innovation and commitment to driving adoption. By prioritizing the needs of our clients and embracing innovation, we ensure that we remain at the forefront of delivering transformative solutions in a rapidly evolving business landscape,” adds Jasmeet.

The differentiating factor

“At the core of our approach is to have “human in the loop,” ensuring that we combine the human perspective and knowledge of our teams and client teams with the power of AI and machine learning to drive insights that are trustworthy and drive adoption. C5i AI Labs serves as a dedicated Research and Development center housing a team of 50+ researchers. Our team comprises generative AI (GenAI) experts, AI scientists, machine learning engineers, and analysts, collectively focused on a wide array of cutting-edge technologies. These include natural language generation and processing, GenAI technologies, econometric and statistical modeling, visual storytelling methods, cloud data engineering, and others. Collaborating closely with our business teams, C5i AI Labs harnesses open-source innovations, partnerships with leading technology companies, and collaborations with academic institutions to develop applied technologies that address specific business use cases and pain points for our clients.”

The clientele

“Our powerful suite of 400 accelerators and four products equips our clients with rapidly deployable solutions that can seamlessly be integrated into their operational environment, enabling them to achieve immediate impact and industrialize AI & analytics into their processes. Our clientele includes Banking and Financial Services, Consumer Goods & Services, Life Sciences, Research & Consulting Firms, Retail, Technology, Telecom, and Media to name a few.

The work culture

“We place great emphasis on cultivating a positive impact on the lives of our employees. We enhance their capabilities through comprehensive training, access to cutting-edge technology, and ample growth opportunities, ensuring they are equipped to compete on a global scale and deliver exceptional results. Our workplace culture is one of collaboration, built on a foundation of trust and respect for diversity. Beyond our business endeavors, we are driven by a desire to contribute positively to the world around us. Through our corporate social responsibility initiatives and community engagements, we strive to make a meaningful difference. We empower deserving and underprivileged children and youth through sponsorship, mentorship, and support, enabling them to realize their full potential and serve as catalysts for positive change within their communities.”

Future roadmap

“Beyond our business endeavors, we are driven by a desire to contribute positively to the world around us. Through our corporate social responsibility initiatives and community engagements, we strive to make a meaningful difference. We empower deserving and underprivileged children and youth through sponsorship, mentorship, and support, enabling them to realize their full potential and serve as catalysts for positive change within their communities. We also plan to work on IP-based solutions driving speed to value, High-quality data and technology partnerships, Business value-driven consulting and solution approach, and Continuous applied AI innovation at C5i’s AI Labs – focus on reliable, responsible AI,” concluded Jasmeet.

Ogden Ventures: Elevates Brands To The Next Level Of Growth And Success

The landscape of inspirational keynote speaking continues to evolve with changing audience preferences, technological advancements, and societal shifts toward inclusivity and sustainability. Successful speakers navigate these trends by staying relevant, authentic, and responsive to the needs of their audiences.

Ogden Ventures, LLC is an elite brand founded by Marques Ogden specializing in inspirational keynote speaking for major corporations and organizations and coaching + consulting for business professionals and high-level executives. “Work with us on what we do best; sharing our powerful life lessons on the world stage helping amplify your message and elevating your brand to the next level of growth and success,” says Marques Ogden, Founder, Ogden Ventures.

The Man behind the curtain

Marques Ogden is a former NFL player who is now an inspirational keynote speaker. He is also the founder and CEO of Ogden Ventures LLC, three-time best-selling author (Sleepless Nights; The Success Cycle), business coach and consultant, and the podcast host of Authenticity with Marques Ogden; although his journey did not come easy or without unrelenting adversity. After retiring from football, Marques pursued a career in construction and contracting. At 27, he founded a construction company with fast growth but eventually went bankrupt, losing almost two million dollars on one project in 90 days.

He pulled himself together during his darkest hours and got a part-time job as a custodian. Marques rose to the top again with hard work and determination, using his struggles as inspiration to blaze his trail forward. Now, he shares his powerful story to help others learn how to fail forward and achieve success in their lives. Marques’ story and insights as a thought leader have been featured in top publications such as USA Today, Forbes, Cheddar News, and Authority Magazine. As a speaker, he is landed jobs with over 40 Fortune 500 companies and over 15 Fortune 100 companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Intel, JPMorgan Chase, and Home Depot. As a podcast host, he is interviewed iconic guests such as Michael Strahan, Joe Namath, and Willie Parker Jr. Marques hopes to continue reaching new levels in his professional career and positively impacting as many people’s lives as possible through doing what he loves; speaking on stage and sharing his experiences and knowledge with others.

Client-oriented services

“The top-performing companies in the world invest in high-level consultants. And that is exactly who we are. We help identify and address your unique business challenges, work with executive leadership on efficiencies and decision-making, and create a tailored action plan to ultimately elevate your company to reach new levels of growth and success you did not even know was possible.

We bring our real-life experiences paired with a fresh perspective to give you the advice we would give ourselves if we were in your shoes. Our brand is proud to partner with some of the most successful companies in varying industries to help them reach the same goal: achieve unimaginable success through action and accountability. Our clientele includes Oracle NetSuite, JP Morgan, The University of Tennessee, and Nestle, to name a few,” added Ogden.

Achievements

IAOTP 2024 Award: Top Inspirational Athlete and Keynote Speaker of The Year For 2024!

The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) is an international boutique networking organization that handpicks the world’s finest, most prestigious top professionals from different industries.  These top professionals are allowed to collaborate, share their ideas, be keynote speakers, and help influence others in their fields. This organization is not a membership that anyone can join.  You must be asked by the President or be nominated by a distinguished honorary member after a brief interview. With almost 2 decades of experience, IAOTP’s group of publishers, IT experts, PR, Marketing, and Branding professionals, have helped thousands of top prestigious professionals get the recognition and credibility that they deserve and have helped in building their branding empires.  Our company prides itself to be a one of a one-of-a-kind boutique networking organization who hand picks only the best of the best and creates a networking platform that connects and brings these top professionals to one place.

Future roadmap

“We are focusing our efforts more on consulting and getting into the Evergreens and online communities to help as many people as possible who cannot afford our high-ticket coaching and speaking services but still want access to information and knowledge to move them forward. We are focusing on online communities with different partners and we are trying to focus on more consulting to build deeper connections with our clients and work with them around the clock to help them meet their goals and aspirations,” concluded Marques.

The Leaders Perspective: Playing A crucial Role In The Success And Growth Of Organizations Across Various Industries

Business consulting and services play a crucial role in the success and growth of organizations across various industries. The importance of business consulting and services is evident in their ability to enhance organizational performance, drive strategic initiatives, and provide critical expertise and support. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of consultants, businesses can achieve sustainable growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

The Leader’s Perspective was established to bring the best of two gifts together. In my 20 years of organizational leadership, I was creating the most value when I was either contributing strategic thinking and facilitation or coaching others for leadership. I was not the best at the other business mechanics of running a nonprofit (like fundraising or finance). But I was effective at casting vision, framing priorities, and coaching others. Ultimately, I wanted to place myself where I could have the greatest impact, and I have found since the 8 years since we launched TLP that this is the sweet spot,” says Dr. Patrick Jinks, President, The Leader`s Perspective.

The man behind the scene

As an award-winning professional photographer, Dr. Patrick Jinks knows the value of viewing challenges through the right lenses to achieve success. After a successful 22-year career in organizational leadership, Patrick changed lenses to serve leaders from another perspective. Today, he coaches and trains leaders in both the social and corporate sectors. Patrick is a multi-best-selling author and member of the National Association of Experts, Writers, and Speakers.

With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Patrick regularly contributes to Forbes.com as a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. He is a Board-Certified Coach, certified adjunct coach and trainer with Leadership Systems, Inc., and certified Influencer trainer with VitalSmarts. He is also certified as an Academy of Choice coach. He is a teaching supporter of the Right Question Institute and holds a Harvard Business School Certificate in using the Question Formulation Technique (QFT).

Patrick has been featured as a GameChanger and a Master of Success in USA Today and The Wall Street Journal respectively, for his fresh take on nonprofit strategy and leadership through The Strategic Coaching Continuum. He was recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Influential People in Leadership Coaching by CIO Views Magazine, and as the “Most Successful Leadership Coach to Watch in 2024” by Enterprise Wired Magazine. His speaking stages range from The Citadel to Universal Studios, and from TEDx to The United Nations. Patrick’s globally-acclaimed podcast, The Leadership Window is a Feedspot Top-10 podcast for social sector leadership.

Mission and Vision

“At TLP, we start with purpose before mission. We first answer the ‘why’ question. We are here because of four realities in the social sector:

  1. Leading change is complex.
  2. Progress in the sector takes longer than it should.
  3. Scarcity is a prevailing mindset.
  4. Leadership can be a lonely place.

Our vision (also part of our why) is the opposite of the above. We want faster, more resourced, more agile, and more effective leaders and organizations that have clarity, simplicity, and alignment in all their work.

With that purpose in mind, our mission (our charge) is to help organizational leaders and their teams achieve meaningful action on their committed, aligned mission objectives, and we do it by providing leaders with access to world-class leadership, strategy, and culture coaching.”

Client-Centric Service

“We take a coaching approach to everything we do, but in the traditional sense that we know organizations are familiar with, we provide strategic planning, employee engagement measurement and training, organizational culture mapping, and leadership coaching for both teams and individuals.”

The differentiating factor

“We are a coaching company BEFORE we are a consulting company. I often tell my clients that the value we create with them comes not from answering their questions but from questioning their answers. We bring a powerful inquiry stance that draws out and elevates our clients’ best thinking toward their own goals, solutions, and dreams.

I bring a blend of natural talent, deep training, and organizational experience to the coaching table. My gifts include deep listening, synthesizing, challenging, and framing. My training includes an MBA and a PhD in organizational leadership, as well as numerous coaching certifications, including board certification from the Centre for Credentialing and Education (CCE). My experience spans over two decades of organizational executive leadership experience and success.”

Our clientele

“Most of TLP’s clients are in the social sector since that is where my experience and knowledge lie. I can relate to the nuanced challenges nonprofit leaders face. However, I have coached leaders from Fortune 500 Companies, government agencies, and philanthropic foundations. The leaders I gain the most fulfillment from coaching are those who are constantly striving for what’s next in their leadership effectiveness. They are passionate about their missions and dedicated to continually learning and growing.”

Future roadmap

“In the spirit we encourage our clients to embrace, we are always looking ahead to what will constitute the ‘next level’ for TLP. The next couple of years are shaping up to be very significant for growth. We will be adding certified, adjunct coaches to the team as we move more into the coaching training space. We currently deliver a 30-hour, online, on-demand training for leadership coaches, that the CCE has approved as eligible training hours toward board certification. We are also in the middle of a major project involving international corporate coaching training design,” concluded, Dr. Patrick Jinks.

The Space Safe: Real Security Driven By Technological Innovations And Changing Consumer Demands

It’s no secret that the security camera and advanced security app market have been evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovations, and changing consumer demands. The integration of AI, IoT, and mobile technologies is enhancing the capabilities and usability of security systems. Companies that can balance advanced features with user-friendly interfaces and robust privacy protections are likely to succeed in this competitive landscape. The current market landscape for security cameras and advanced security apps is characterized by rapid technological advancements, increased demand for smart home security solutions, and evolving consumer preferences. AI and machine learning are transforming security cameras by enabling advanced features like facial recognition, object detection, and behavioral analytics. There’s no surprise that the safe industry would be the next to come around.

“My inspiration for creating SPACE and The Space Safe struck during a late-night conversation with a friend who had recently experienced a bad home burglary. As we discussed the details of what had happened, I was moved by my friend’s experience. After our conversation, I began to research more about safes and found that many of the safes currently being sold were just outdated, had significant security limitations, such as poor-quality metal and easily breakable designs, and just a lack of innovation. It became clear that the industry was overdue for a complete upgrade.”

Combining his passion for technology with a desire to enhance security, he envisioned a safe that offered true protection for valuables. He wanted to take it a step further by providing real-time monitoring. Recognizing that burglaries often occur when people are not home, he aimed to develop a new way to monitor safes remotely. His safes feature advanced tamper detection and cameras, making them the most advanced safes ever created. Motivated by the need for smarter security solutions, Oscar set out to design The Space Safe, integrating high-quality materials, biometric access, remote control features, and a sleek design to offer peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. “SPACE offers real peace of mind with several models, each designed with its own unique set of features to meet different security needs,” says Oscar Hedaya, Founder.

The initial challenge

“During the inception of The Space Safe, I faced many challenges because, unlike most products, this product was created from the ground up and contained technology that was never used before in this industry and in this manner. Therefore, we were required to use several different disciplinary teams, including electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and software developers. We had to create customized PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) boards and code them to interact with every unique piece of technology we were connecting to the safe. Due to the use of a touchscreen interface, we had to create a custom safe operating system for the software and design its own UI. Because of the custom software and hardware for the electronics, there was extensive software development, coding, and designing for both the safe software and the mobile app.”

Our Services

“At SPACE, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance security and provide peace of mind for our customers. Our primary focus is on the design and development of advanced security products, particularly our state-of-the-art smart safes. These safes integrate the latest technology to provide unparalleled protection, ensuring that our customers’ valuables are always secure. By continuously enhancing features and security measures, including custom software development and tailored security solutions, we ensure that our safes remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in security technology, providing ongoing peace of mind with state of the art product for our customers.

One of our key offerings is custom software development. We understand that each customer has unique security needs, which is why our team works closely with major clients to create tailored security solutions. This involves developing unique features and writing software to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of our safes. Our focus on customization ensures that our products meet the specific requirements of each client, whether large or small, providing them with a robust and reliable security solution.

In addition to our product design and customization services, we offer a subscription service that significantly enhances the functionality of our smart safes. While live streaming from the safe’s cameras is available for free at any time, our subscription service provides additional benefits. Subscribers can access historical video footage, allowing them to go back in time and review past events. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring and investigating incidents that may have occurred when the live stream was not being actively monitored.

By offering these comprehensive services, SPACE is committed to providing the highest level of security and support to our customers. Our dedication to innovation and customization ensures that we meet the evolving needs of a digital world, delivering products and services that provide unparalleled protection and peace of mind.”

Our clientele

“Our customers love us! We are the answer they’ve always been looking for. We provide an extremely secure product that solves many issues they’ve had with other products. Best of all, we give them a constant connection to their valuables with our mobile app. At SPACE, we serve a diverse range of clients, including individuals and families who use our safes to protect valuables and documents. Businesses in the retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors rely on our safes to secure cash and sensitive information. Additionally, we cater to short-term rentals and hotels by providing secure storage for guests with remote management, as well as educational institutions such as schools and universities, securing sensitive information and equipment. By catering to various sectors, SPACE demonstrates the versatility and reliability of our products.”

Future Roadmap

“At SPACE, our future roadmap focuses on continuous innovation and expanding our reach. We plan to continue to create never seen unique products by incorporating the latest technologies in all of our products, aiming to make our customers’ lives easier. We want everyone to feel safe, and we plan to give everyone in the world the ability to own our products. Expanding globally, we aim to establish a presence in new international markets through strategic partnerships and distribution networks. We will continue investing in research and development to explore new technologies and innovations. Additionally, we plan to engage more with our community through educational programs, partnerships, and participation in industry events. By focusing on these areas, SPACE aims to solidify its position as a leader in the security industry and continue providing innovative, reliable, and user-friendly security solutions to our customers,” concluded Oscar Hedaya.

Qfour.ai: A Service That Provides Tailored Solutions To Companies, Ensuring Their Employees And Leaders Receive The Right Support At the Right Time.

The digital coaching market is poised for continued growth, driven by ongoing innovations in technology, increasing organizational focus on employee development, and the need for adaptable, scalable coaching solutions. As more organizations recognize the value of coaching in enhancing productivity and employee engagement, the demand for digital coaching services is expected to rise, leading to further advancements and possibly more consolidation in the industry.

Qfour.ai was founded six years ago, motivated by a powerful vision and a set of core inspirations. The first inspiration was the recognition of the need for accessible learning, coaching, and training opportunities for every employee and leader, regardless of their location. The objective was to provide solutions and services that could deliver the right solutions to the right person at the right time, ensuring that everyone received personalized support tailored to their specific needs and career goals. This vision aimed to make professional development a seamless and integral part of everyday work life.

The second driving force behind the establishment of Qfour.ai was the potential to combine cutting-edge artificial intelligence with the insights and expertise of global human professionals. This unique approach promised to offer solutions that were not only innovative but also deeply informed by human experience and wisdom. By leveraging AI to process vast amounts of data and deliver precise recommendations, and by integrating the nuanced understanding of experienced coaches and trainers, Qfour.ai set out to create a holistic and effective approach to talent development and management.

The third inspiration was the desire to build Qfour.ai as a fluid and agile organization. In a rapidly changing business landscape, the ability to adapt and evolve is crucial. Qfour.ai was designed to be responsive to the ever-changing needs of its customers, capable of growing and shifting its strategies and services in alignment with emerging trends and challenges. This agility ensures that Qfour.ai remains relevant and effective, continually providing value to its clients.

Together, these three inspirations personalized learning and development, the synergy of AI and human expertise, and organizational agility formed the bedrock of Qfour.ai’s mission. The company continues to thrive on this foundation, striving to empower organizations and individuals through innovative, AI-driven solutions and expert guidance.

The initial challenge

During its inception, Qfour.ai faced several significant challenges. One of the primary hurdles was creating awareness and acceptance of the innovative approach of combining AI with human expertise. Many potential clients were initially skeptical about the effectiveness of AI-driven solutions, fearing that they might replace human jobs or lack the personalized touch that traditional methods offer. Overcoming this challenge required extensive demonstrations and pilot projects to showcase the tangible benefits and complementary nature of AI and human expertise. By presenting real-world success stories and empirical data, Qfour.ai gradually built trust and acceptance among its target audience.

Another major challenge was fostering an understanding of the necessity for agile working methods and the importance of ongoing transformation within organizations. Many companies were accustomed to static processes and were hesitant to embrace the dynamic, flexible approaches advocated by Qfour.ai. To address this, Qfour.ai invested in educational initiatives, workshops, and seminars aimed at illustrating the advantages of agility in a fast-paced business environment. They demonstrated how agile practices could lead to faster decision-making, improved innovation, and greater adaptability to market

Services

Qfour.ai offers a comprehensive range of services designed to prepare companies for the future, focusing on consulting, training, coaching, and talent management. Our services include:

Consulting: We provide strategic guidance to help companies become future-ready. This involves analysing current processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and adaptability. Our consulting services ensure that organizations are equipped to meet future challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Training and Coaching: Our training programs and coaching sessions are designed for reskilling and upskilling employees and leaders. We use a combination of AI technology and insights from over 100 global trainers and coaches to deliver personalized learning experiences. These programs are tailored to the unique needs of each individual, ensuring they gain the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Talent Management: We offer innovative talent management solutions that leverage AI to identify, develop, and retain top talent within organizations. Our approach ensures that companies can effectively manage their human resources, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. By integrating advanced technology with expert human insights, we help organizations build and maintain a dynamic, skilled workforce.

Clientele

Qfour.ai serves a diverse and extensive clientele across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. “Our clients range from large multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are looking to enhance their talent management and operational efficiency through advanced AI solutions and expert human guidance.”

Future roadmap

At Qfour.ai, we see ourselves as forward thinkers, committed to paving the way for our clients and customers by continually finding innovative solutions. Our future roadmap is centred around the seamless integration of new AI advancements with the expertise of our global human trainers and coaches. We believe that this unique combination will continue to drive our success and the success of our clients.

About  Ralf Schreiber.  Founder / CEO. Qfour.ai 

As a dynamic CEO, I am at the vanguard of digital transformation, steering ventures into the future with a focus on digital coaching and training. My two decades of experience in consulting and project management have honed my expertise in navigating the digital landscape, particularly in leveraging AI to enhance learning and operational efficiencies.

My passion lies in empowering organizations to thrive in the digital age by embracing AI-enhanced learning platforms and strategies tailored to their unique challenges and ambitions. This ensures not only immediate improvements but also sets the foundation for long-term growth and success.

Leadership for me is about being a ‘Visionär’—a pioneer who not only keeps pace with technological advancements but also shapes them. I emphasize the integration of AI with the invaluable insights that only human coaching can provide, creating a comprehensive learning experience that evolves with the needs of both individuals and businesses.

I am a lifelong learner, always expanding my knowledge and adapting to the latest digital trends. I believe that continuous learning is essential for fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Looking forward, I am excited to continue developing initiatives that blend the latest in technology with the transformative potential of human interaction, redefining the landscape of digital coaching and training for the betterment of individuals and organizations alike. My vision is to lead Qfour.ai in setting new standards in the industry, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of digital transformation and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.

As a dynamic CEO, I am at the vanguard of digital transformation, steering ventures into the future with a focus on digital coaching and training. My two decades of experience in consulting and project management have honed my expertise in navigating the digital landscape, particularly in leveraging AI to enhance learning and operational efficiencies.

My passion lies in empowering organizations to thrive in the digital age by embracing AI-enhanced learning platforms and strategies tailored to their unique challenges and ambitions. This ensures not only immediate improvements but also sets the foundation for long-term growth and success.

Leadership for me is about being a ‘Visionär’—a pioneer who not only keeps pace with technological advancements but also shapes them. I emphasize the integration of AI with the invaluable insights that only human coaching can provide, creating a comprehensive learning experience that evolves with the needs of both individuals and businesses.

I am a lifelong learner, always expanding my knowledge and adapting to the latest digital trends. I believe that continuous learning is essential for fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Looking forward, I am excited to continue developing initiatives that blend the latest in technology with the transformative potential of human interaction, redefining the landscape of digital coaching and training for the betterment of individuals and organizations alike. My vision is to lead Qfour.ai in setting new standards in the industry, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of digital transformation and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.

Leveraging Healthcare Solutions For Preventative Health

In recent years, the landscape of healthcare has undergone a profound transformation, with a notable shift towards preventive health measures. This paradigmatic change is not merely a trend but a strategic approach aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and improving overall population health.

The Rise of Preventative Healthcare

Preventative healthcare focuses on measures to prevent illness and promote wellness rather than treating diseases after they have already occurred. This approach encompasses a range of interventions, from vaccinations and screenings to lifestyle modifications and patient education. The adoption of preventative health strategies has gained momentum due to their potential to mitigate the burden of chronic diseases, which are a significant driver of healthcare expenditures globally.

Preventative healthcare is increasingly on the rise due to its proactive approach in mitigating health risks before they escalate into serious conditions. This shift is driven by several factors: rising healthcare costs, an aging population, and a growing emphasis on improving overall population health outcomes. By focusing on early detection, lifestyle interventions, and personalized medicine powered by digital health technologies, preventative healthcare aims to enhance quality of life, reduce hospitalizations, and ultimately lower healthcare expenditures. This approach not only empowers individuals to take charge of their health but also enables healthcare systems to allocate resources more efficiently, creating a sustainable model for future healthcare delivery.

Key Trends in Healthcare Solutions

One of the pivotal trends shaping the landscape of preventative healthcare solutions is the integration of digital health technologies. These technologies encompass a wide array of innovations, including telehealth, wearables, AI algorithms for predictive analytics, and personalized medicine approaches. Telehealth, for instance, facilitates remote consultations and monitoring, enhancing access to healthcare services.

AI and machine learning algorithms play a crucial role in analyzing vast datasets to identify patterns and predict health risks before they manifest clinically. This capability not only aids in early disease detection but also enables personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient profiles. Moreover, wearable devices equipped with sensors can track vital signs, physical activity levels, and sleep patterns, providing real-time data that empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards better health outcomes.

Challenges in Implementing Preventative Health Solutions

Despite the promising benefits of preventative healthcare solutions, several challenges hinder their widespread adoption. One significant hurdle is the integration of disparate healthcare systems and data silos, which often impede seamless information exchange and collaboration among healthcare providers. Additionally, regulatory and privacy concerns surrounding the collection, storage, and utilization of patient data pose ethical dilemmas and require stringent adherence to data protection laws.

Moreover, the digital divide remains a pertinent issue, with disparities in access to technology and digital literacy among different demographic groups. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equitable access to preventative healthcare services and achieving positive health outcomes across diverse populations.

Opportunities for Future Advancements

Looking ahead, there are several opportunities for advancing preventative healthcare solutions. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, technology innovators, and policymakers can foster the development of interoperable systems that facilitate seamless data sharing and enhance care coordination. Moreover, investing in public health initiatives and educational campaigns can promote health literacy and empower individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Furthermore, the evolution of value-based care models incentivizes healthcare providers to prioritize preventive measures that promote long-term health and reduce hospital admissions and treatment costs. By aligning financial incentives with health outcomes, these models encourage a shift towards a proactive approach to healthcare delivery.

The shift towards preventative healthcare solutions signifies a profound paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, placing a strong emphasis on early intervention and comprehensive patient care strategies. The integration of digital health technologies, along with innovative approaches to data analytics and personalized medicine, plays a crucial role in driving this transformative agenda forward. While challenges like technological integration and regulatory complexities persist, the opportunities for enhancing population health outcomes and concurrently reducing healthcare expenditures through proactive, preventative measures are substantial and promising. By embracing these emerging trends and collaboratively addressing current challenges, stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum can effectively pave the way for a healthier, more resilient healthcare system that prioritizes proactive care and patient well-being.

Author Bio:

Joe Hawayek is the CEO of Diginova Health, a leading provider of digital health solutions. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, Joe is passionate about leveraging technology to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. He is committed to advancing preventative health initiatives and fostering innovation in the digital health space.