List of 20 Inspiring Leaders to Watch 2024
Here’s the list of companies recognized under the ‘20 Inspiring Leaders to Watch 2024’ issue.
| Name | Management | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Luc Eric KRIEF | Owner, Chairman & CEO, New World Wind | Luc Eric KRIEF leads New World Wind with a balanced approach, combining technical expertise with strategic thinking. Over his extensive career of more than four decades, he has spent a decade in construction, 15 years in logistics, and another 15 years in industrial supply. In addition to his professional achievements, he has served as president of professional unions and served as a mayor in a French city, highlighting his leadership capabilities. |
| Chase Hughes | Founder & Managing Director, Pro Business Plans |
Chase Hughes is a dynamic entrepreneur and the visionary founder and managing director of Pro Business Plans. With over a decade of experience in founding and scaling companies, Chase has become a trusted advisor for businesses ranging from innovative startups to Fortune 500 giants. His journey began in the financial services industry, where he honed his expertise at China Bridge Capital and later expanded his impact through Pro Business Plans. Under his leadership, the firm has facilitated over $4 billion in transactions across more than 60 sectors, providing invaluable market research, financial analysis, and strategic planning. Chase's dedication to helping businesses thrive is driven by his belief in the power of ownership and entrepreneurship to create generational wealth and sustainable growth. His remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to his clients' success make him a respected figure in the world of business strategy and venture capital. |
| Christian Geissendoerfer | Founder & CEO, YOOSE |
Christian Geissendoerfer is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind YOOSE, a trailblazer in location-based advertising across Asia and Europe. With over 15 years of expertise in digital marketing and CRM automation, Christian has spearheaded initiatives that redefine how businesses connect with consumers in the mobile era. His leadership extends beyond YOOSE, as he founded the German Accelerator Southeast Asia to empower startups seeking expansion in Asian markets. Christian's passion for innovation and social impact is palpable in his roles as President of the Singapore Chapter of the Location-Based Marketing Association and strategic advisor at 1Long, a digital wealth management platform in Vietnam. Fluent in four languages and a sought-after speaker at global tech events, Christian Geissendoerfer continues to shape the future of marketing through cutting-edge technology and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. |
| Arlan Hamilton | Founder & Managing Partner, Backstage Capital | Arlan Hamilton's remarkable journey began from sleeping on the floor of the San Francisco Airport to founding Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in underrepresented founders. Without a college degree and coming from a background in the music industry, Hamilton recognized the disparity in venture funding and committed herself to breaking barriers. Since its inception, Backstage Capital has invested millions in nearly 200 companies led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Hamilton's advocacy for diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship has garnered international recognition, challenging norms and paving the way for a more equitable future in finance. Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire countless individuals to pursue their dreams and redefine success on their own terms. |
| Annie Lawless | Founder, Lawless Beauty | Annie Lawless is not just the founder of Lawless Beauty but a champion of clean, high-performance makeup that marries luxury with health-conscious ingredients. Her journey began from a personal quest for toxin-free beauty solutions that matched the efficacy of conventional products she loved. Annie's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to wellness led her to create Lawless Beauty in 2017, filling a gap in the industry with products that cater to those seeking vibrant, glamorous makeup without compromising on ingredients. Beyond business, Annie advocates for self-care and authenticity, believing in a balanced life where she nurtures her roles as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. Her commitment to empowering women in beauty and beyond reflects her belief that true success lies in aligning passion with purpose, inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams fearlessly. |
| Lisa Frank | Co-Founder & CEO, Derris Company | Lisa Frank's journey to becoming a prominent figure in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) industry is a story of determination and vision. Over the span of more than ten years, she's faced challenges head-on, never losing sight of her goals. Through every obstacle and triumph, Lisa's passion for her work has remained unwavering, driving her forward even in the toughest times. |
| John Tabis | Founder & CEO, The Bouqs Company | John Tabis never forgets why he started this journey in the first place: to make a real difference. He's not just in it for the money or the fame—he's in it to make people smile, one bouquet at a time. And that's what makes him not just a CEO, but a true leader. |
| Debbie Sterling | Founder & CEO, GoldieBlox | Debbie Sterling is a trailblazing engineer and the founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, an award-winning children's multimedia company dedicated to disrupting gender stereotypes in STEM. A Stanford University engineering graduate, Debbie recognized the need for hands-on play and relatable role models to inspire girls in science and technology. Her innovative creation of the world’s first girl engineer and coder characters has empowered millions of young girls worldwide. Honored by TIME, Fortune Magazine, and the National Retail Foundation, and serving as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, Debbie’s relentless dedication to fostering inclusivity and innovation has cemented her as a leading figure in the movement to empower the next generation of female engineers and entrepreneurs. |
| Nina Vaca | Chairman & CEO, Pinnacle Group | Nina Vaca, the driving force behind Pinnacle Group, a trailblazing entrepreneur who has redefined the landscape of workforce solutions. With a humble beginning as a one-woman IT staffing firm, Nina's journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of success. |
| Sandi Verrecchia | CEO of Satori Consulting Inc | Sandi Verrecchia, the CEO of Satori Consulting Inc., has been working for more than 20 years in different areas like finance, teaching, and helping non-profit organizations. She's done many jobs, from advising to teaching and managing. But what makes her stand out is her passion for coaching and helping others grow. |
| Rameez Kaleem | Founder & Director, 3R Startegy | Rameez Kaleem's journey is a tale of chasing dreams guided by a burning passion and a profound sense of purpose. Over the course of twenty years, he's delved deep into the intricate world of employee rewards, becoming a master of crafting fair and transparent pay structures. Drawing from this wealth of experience, Rameez embarked on a bold venture in 2015: the creation of 3R Strategy. This endeavor was not just a business venture but a heartfelt mission to foster workplaces where trust and openness prevail. |
| Chris Maclin | CEO, Empyrean Solutions | With over two decades immersed in the financial software industry, Chris Maclin's journey to becoming CEO of Empyrean Solutions is a testament to his dedication and expertise. His extensive experience spans various roles, from his early days as a Senior Sales Executive at SunGard Financial Systems to his pivotal positions as Managing Director of Sales for the Americas at both SunGard and Wolters Kluwer Financial Services. |
| Ben Adeline | CEO, INSPHERE | Ben Adeline, an experienced Entrepreneur and Engineer, is deeply passionate about innovation and technology development. His expertise lies in measurement and metrology, where he sees immense potential for improving manufacturing processes. Alongside his business partner, Ben co-founded INSPHERE with a vision to revolutionize manufacturing through the advanced application of measurement systems. |
| Jordan Rackie | CEO, Keyfactor | Jordan Rackie's journey from his roots in Atlanta to the helm of Keyfactor paints a picture of a leader who defies convention. Grounded in a Bachelor's degree in business management from Georgia Tech, Jordan's path to tech leadership began at QASymphony, where he honed his skills as Chief Revenue Officer. The merger with Tricentis propelled him into the spotlight, catching the attention of Insight Partners. |
| Luis Navarro | Co-Founder & Director, totality services | Luis Navarro's journey in IT services reflects his dedication and innovative spirit. With over a decade of experience working with well-known brands like TalkTalk, Centrica, and Sodexho, Luis noticed a gap in the market for personalized IT solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This led him to co-found totality services in 2008 with Pedro, aiming to provide tailored IT services across the UK. |
| Yichen Shen | Founder & CEO, Lightelligence | Driven by a burning desire to make a difference in the world, Yichen Shen embarked on a new chapter in his journey by founding Lightelligence in 2017. With a team of like-minded individuals, including fellow MIT graduates and industry veterans, he set out to harness the power of optical computing to revolutionize the technological landscape. Together, they worked tirelessly to turn their vision into reality, creating fully integrated optical computing systems that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. |
| Parker Conrad | Co-Founder & CEO, Rippling | Driven by a desire to create a lasting impact, Parker founded Rippling, a cloud-based platform designed to revolutionize HR processes. With Rippling, he aimed to empower organizations to manage payroll, benefits, and more effectively. Parker envisioned a world where businesses could streamline complex HR tasks with intuitive solutions. Through Rippling, he sought to simplify the way companies approached HR management, making it more accessible and efficient for all. |
| Chayan Mukhopadhyay | CEO, Qandle | In the early days, Chayan Mukhopadhyay and his team encountered numerous obstacles on their journey with Qandle. One of their primary challenges was ensuring that their HR tools met the needs of HR professionals. They worked tirelessly to make sure that Qandle's software was not only efficient but also easy to use. This meant addressing the specific pain points faced by HR departments, such as cumbersome processes and disjointed systems. |
| Tushar Chhabra | Co-Founder & CEO, Cron AI | Tushar Chhabra, a visionary entrepreneur, stands at the forefront of revolutionizing border security. He embarked on his journey with a fervent desire to make a difference in the border security landscape. From his early days at Chanakya Strategic Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Tushar cultivated a unique blend of politics, analytics, and technology—a blend that would later shape his groundbreaking work at Cron AI. Today, as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cron AI, he leads with a relentless passion to create safer environments using cutting-edge technology. |
| Dean Sysman | Co-Founder & CEO, Axonius | In 2017, Dean co-founded Axonius, a cybersecurity asset management platform designed to address a fundamental issue in the tech industry, managing the ever-expanding sprawl of devices, users, software, SaaS applications, and cloud services. Axonius offers a comprehensive system of record for all assets, providing IT and security teams with the confidence to control complexity and maintain a clear view of their environment. Under Dean’s leadership, Axonius grew rapidly, achieving a $2.6 billion valuation in less than five years. The platform has become a global leader in enabling organizations to see and secure their infrastructure, addressing one of the most critical challenges in IT and security today. |
