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Sean E. Reavie, CEO, President, and Founder of Put on the Cape A Foundation for Hope, graced the cover of Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of the Worlds Most Inspiring Personalities to Follow in 2024
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Vol. 02 | Issue 09 | February 2024 Founder/President Put on the Cape A Foundation for Hope World's Most Inspiring Personalities to Follow in 2024 Sean E. Reavie
World's Most Inspiring Personalities to Follow in 2024 Achieving New Goals Effective leadership is not a given. To operate at a high level, companies need a leadership profile that encompasses their unique context, strategy, business model, and culture—the company's distinctive behavioral signature. Any company that wishes to be successful in the marketplace must emphasize the distinctive features that make it stand out from the competition. making a positive impact. With a background as a veteran law enforcement professional, Sean spent six years investigating Crimes Against Children, handling over 1,000 cases involving victims ranging from a few days old to 17 years. Inducted into the Marquis "Who's Who in America" in 2022, Sean received the esteemed title of "Humanitarian of the Year" in 2021 from the same organization, recognizing his unwavering passion and philanthropic efforts for his mission. We observe that inspiration alone is insufficient to determine what attributes motivate people. Just as leaders who emphasize performance over inspiration may do so at a cost the organization is unwilling to bear, they may also find that despite motivating the soldiers, their efforts are undermined by mediocre outcomes. Instead, inspirational leaders are those who, through their unique combination of skills, motivate individuals and teams to embark on risky projects and hold them accountable for the results. And they enable others to do better rather than imposing their will on them. Sean's journey to success involved various roles, including a journalist, diverse sales positions, and real estate. Despite facing adversity in 2006, losing his business, home, and cars, he transformed his life by pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer. At the age of 40, in November 2007, Sean became a rookie police officer for the fifth- largest city in America. World's Leaders newest release of "World's Most Inspiring Personalities to Follow in 2024" showcases inspiring business leaders who have made remarkable strides towards creating higher performing cultures inside the current frameworks and always coming up with fresh ideas. The cover features Sean E. Reavie who renowned as a best- selling author, award-winning philanthropist, and highly decorated police officer. As the CEO, President, and Founder of the unique charity "Put on the Cape A Foundation for Hope," he has dedicated his career to Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. Have a lovely read!
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Anna Carter Business Development Executive Natalie, Omkar Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker February 2024 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2024 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
08 y Sean E. Reavie A Multifaceted Journey of Resilience, Philanthropy, and Empowerment
16 Bradford Sims 20 Christina Flach 26 Corinne Lepage Dr. Shellie Hipsky 30 Dr. Tigran Haas 34 40 Kristen Poe 44 Martin Schwartz 50 Michael Brown 54 Mr. Luca M. Meinardi
Cover Story Sean E. Reavie Sean E. A Multifaceted Journey of Resilience, Philanthropy, and Empowerment worldsleaders.com | 09
A A multifaceted individual, Sean E. Reavie is renowned as a best-selling author, award-winning philanthropist, and highly decorated police officer. As the CEO, President, and Founder of the unique charity "Put on the Cape A Foundation for Hope," he has dedicated his career to making a positive impact. With a background as a veteran law enforcement professional, Sean spent six years investigating Crimes Against Children, handling over 1,000 cases involving victims ranging from a few days old to 17 years. challenging workload of 700 cases per month. A pivotal moment occurred in 2015 during an interview with a 9- year-old abuse victim who was too scared to speak until Sean asked about his favorite superhero. The two bonded over their shared love of Superheroes and the child identified their abuser. This experience inspired Sean to initiate a donation drive for superhero- themed items, leading to the creation of "Superhero September." Over four years, in the month of September, Sean raised more than $100,000 for the advocacy center. In 2019, upon discovering misuse of the funds raised, he founded "Put on the Cape: A Foundation for Hope" to ensure direct support for the children in need. children, by serving as an example. Despite being a survivor of childhood abuse and enduring ongoing psychological abuse from a mentally ill parent as an adult, Sean acknowledges his internal struggles. Despite being extremely introverted, he courageously attends his own events, expending significant energy to engage with others. Sean believes in providing a roadmap for those grappling with internal self-loathing, aiming to make every encounter a positive experience for those who interact with him. His goal is to instill a sense of improvement and empowerment in everyone he encounters. Inducted into the Marquis "Who's Who in America" in 2022, Sean received the esteemed title of "Humanitarian of the Year" in 2021 from the same organization, recognizing his unwavering passion and philanthropic efforts for his mission. Sean's journey to success involved various roles, including a journalist, diverse sales positions, and real estate. Despite facing adversity in 2006, losing his business, home, and cars, he transformed his life by pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer. At the age of 40, in November 2007, Sean became a rookie police officer for the fifth-largest city in America. Defying Limits From Surviving to Thriving Sean consistently sets a compelling example of success, defying the narrative of being told "you can't do that" throughout his life. He is In 2013, Sean tested #1 overall to work as a detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit, which dealt with a Sean is dedicated to inspiring others to recognize their potential, particularly 10 | February 2024
committed to being a transparent and visible charity, ensuring that every donation is publicized. Sean firmly believes in showcasing the grassroots nature of charity work and fostering relatability with the mission and its leader. His success is evident through earning the State of Arizona Police Officer of the Year twice, receiving numerous awards for his police work, and gaining recognition from state, national, and international organizations for his foundation. largest law firm, involves Sean presenting each supported center with a $2,000 check to adopt a family heavily impacted by abuse, spreading joy with Santa on a 150-mile journey. Sean emphasizes a grassroots approach to charity, eschewing boardrooms or virtual meetings for direct engagement, handshakes, and the tangible impact of changing lives. public interactions, especially when collaborating with Special Victims Units from 10 police departments. Sean highlights the dedication of his two most loyal team members, Jamie Mullins (currently Executive VP) and Scott Snover (Director of POTC CAUSE PLAY), who joined in 2016 and deeply understand the mission. When in their superhero personas, such as Captain America and Supergirl, Scott and Jamie immerse themselves in their characters, effectively creating a suspension of disbelief that resonates with both children and adults. Sean emphasizes the organization's transparency, underscoring the absence of offices or buildings and the fact that no one takes a salary. The community's contributions, from donating a van to covering its wrap expenses, further reinforce trust and transparency in the organization's operations. Leading to Win In Sean's perspective, he strongly believes that while there may not be an "I" in team, there is in Win. Acknowledging the absence of a team without a dedicated, passionate leader, he emphasizes the crucial role of leadership in empowering individuals to follow and contribute. Sean underscores the importance of being receptive to diverse ideas and perspectives, as fostering an environment where every team member feels valued is essential. Given that Put on the Cape operates entirely with volunteers, Sean emphasizes the significance of making those who generously dedicate their time feel essential to the mission, highlighting the idea that without this sense of importance, the collective effort wouldn't succeed. As a #1 bestselling author with multiple books and the recipient of various honors, Sean attributes his success to a deep desire for his life to matter and leave a positive impact. Despite facing criticism and negativity, he remains steadfast in his values of ethics, honesty, and doing the right thing. Sean emphasizes the importance of not allowing others' jealousy or spite to hinder one's pursuit of greatness, citing his own journey of starting a new career at 40, establishing his foundation at 52, and becoming a first- time author at 55 as evidence of his resilience and refusal to quit. Transforming Child Advocacy In Arizona, police departments employ a multi-disciplinary approach to address children disclosing abuse by incorporating various disciplines within its advocacy centers. Sean highlights the comprehensive setup that includes the Detective Bureau, a county attorney, forensic pediatricians, nurse practitioners, forensic interviewers, victim advocates, mental health specialists, and the Department of Child Safety, all housed in a single building. This innovative approach ensures that a child undergoes a single interview, observed by all relevant professionals in a designated viewing room. Sean emphasizes that this approach represents a significant departure from past methods of handling such cases. Empowering Change As the President and Founder of Put on the Cape, Sean holds responsibilities that include establishing partnerships with local and national businesses. One of the notable achievements is gaining support from numerous Fortune 500 companies, which often surprises people in the charity sector. Sean is actively engaged in public speaking, event organization, and planning. The events he orchestrates range from car shows, 5ks, and golf tournaments to unique initiatives like Superhero Shopping Sprees and Giving Caravans during Christmas. The Christmas Caravan, sponsored by Arizona's Empowering Communities with Purpose Sean points out that at Put on the Cape, the organization doesn't engage in hiring; instead, it relies on volunteers who adhere to a stringent code of ethics and conduct. The work undertaken by the superhero team is considered serious, demanding individuals with a strong sense of purpose. Team members comprehend the sensitivity of their mission, maintaining professionalism in all worldsleaders.com | 13
Building Trust Amidst Challenges According to Sean, the greatest risk was establishing Put on the Cape in the first place. He faced ostracism from leadership within his department, with objections raised about him raising money and purportedly "blurring the lines of trust with the community." Despite having engaged in similar activities for his department previously, creating his own charity led to a shift in perception, and he was accused of creating distrust within the community he served. Sean noted that the same people who accused him of such distrust, continually run events using his ideas to raise money for their causes. Sean emphasizes the grassroots aspect that he refuses to relinquish. Being recognized by his community as the leader of a small charity that contributes significantly is a source of immense pride. When people seek recommendations for a worthwhile charity to support, his name and POTC immediately come to mind, a result of intentional branding. Sean acknowledges his humanity and flaws but remains steadfast in his belief in the mission, inspiring others to do the same and promoting it relentlessly. Looking ahead five years, his goal is to secure grants that cover all events and expenses, allowing the focus to shift entirely to healing and empowering children who need a hero, relieving the constant pressure of fundraising. Leadership Wisdom Sean's advice for someone entering a leadership position for the first time is to let their will be stronger than the barriers placed in front of them. He emphasizes the importance of preparation for the challenges ahead, highlighting that being successful is more challenging than being average. Sean encourages individuals to dare great things and underscores that the focus should never be on oneself; rather, it must be on making someone else better through one's actions. He shares that life improved for him when he realized this principle. According to Sean, nothing bad happens when you take the shot. Even if you fall, getting up puts you ahead of where you were. He acknowledges experiencing relentless failure for years but learned to persist with what worked and discard what didn't. Through laughter, tears, and losses, he also impacted thousands of children he never met. Sean advises being willing to lose so that one understands what it looks like and can learn from those experiences. worldsleaders.com | 15
Bradford L. Sims Providing Flexible, Accessible, and Career-Focused Education to its Students 16 | February 2024
President Capitol Technology University worldsleaders.com | 17
“ Lead by example and be willing to jump in and do anyone's job or support them if they are overloaded so that both the organization is successful and those that you are leading are willing to do what is necessary and can appreciate your level of dedication and support as a leader. 18 | February 2024
O name and location changes as it grew and developed. Because of its outstanding leadership, Capitol Tech has developed into a vibrant, Middle States Commission on Higher Education-Accredited academic community that grants degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university provides courses in in- demand subjects including engineering, computer science, astronautical sciences, cybersecurity, and many more. and 35 doctoral degree programs in a variety of STEM-focused subject areas. The school's most popular program of study is the acclaimed Cyber & Information Security major, which has received numerous honors including the 2020 SC Media Award for Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program. Additionally, Capitol offers professionally crafted programs in Construction Management and Critical Infrastructure that will equip students for profitable career opportunities in the sector. The university makes two special commitments to eligible students: the Capitol Commitment, which offers to pay for up to 36 additional academic credits for students who do not secure employment within 90 days of graduation, and the Chargers Assistance Program (CAP), which guarantees to help students with loan repayment if their post-graduation income is under $50,000. Over 6% of all jobs in the United States are in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It is a rapidly growing and well-paying field that offers a wide range of professional pathways, from cybersecurity, data analytics, computer science, and engineering, to construction management and aviation. This industry is an excellent choice for new graduates as it is highly lucrative and provides great job security. The market is swamped with STEM job openings and not enough professionals to fill them, which creates a great opportunity for those looking to enter the field. Capitol Technology University develops curricula based on the current STEM career industry, and each subject area is designed to meet the specific needs of the world's job market. Bradford Sims, President of Capitol Technology University Technology-obsessed Bradford Sims was introduced to the world of computer programming at a young age when he received the Commodore 64 as a birthday gift. After going on to study and receive a bachelor's degree in Building Construction Management from Purdue University, Dr. Sims spent a period of time working in project management for industrial construction companies. His technological knowledge afforded him the opportunity to not only oversee projects, but to provide information technology support at each company he worked for. Later on, Dr. Sims returned to school to obtain a Master of Science in Building Construction from the University of Florida, followed by a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue. These studies led to his first job in higher education as an assistant professor at the University of Florida. Dr. Sims held a number of other positions in higher education before coming to Capitol to become the institution's eighth president in 2017. Since becoming president, Dr. Sims has worked to blend his expertise in the areas of both construction and technology by launching Capitol's prestigious Critical Infrastructure program of study. In Comparison One of the ways Capitol distinguishes itself from other colleges is through its dedication to helping graduates find excellent jobs in the industries of their choice. Each idea taught in the curricula has real-world applications so that students will be ready for the demands of the workplace. Capitol's instructors are all subject matter experts and base their lessons on information obtained directly from the workforce. In order to enable students to learn from any location, the university also provides an extensive selection of online courses. For working individuals to more easily integrate their professions with their education, all graduate-level courses are offered entirely online. Capitol Technology University Navy veteran Eugene H. Rietzke established Capitol Technology University in Washington, D.C., as the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute (CREI) in 1927. Capitol was founded with the purpose of training radio and electronics workers, but as it gained prominence, it grew to offer additional fields of study in engineering and technology. Before relocating to its current campus in Laurel, Maryland in 1980, and changing its name to Capitol Technology University in 2014, the school went through numerous other Major Offerings Capitol Technology University provides 28 bachelor's, 21 master's, worldsleaders.com | 19
Corinne Corinne Corinne Lepage Lepage Lepage Assisting with Climate and Environmental Change Related to Economic Issues “The happiest part of my daily life is human contact, whether with my clients or my colleagues.” 26 | February 2024
Corinne Lepage Lawyer Huglo Lepage Avocats worldsleaders.com | 27
E In addition, Corinneoversees significant environmental, natural, and industrial disaster cases. She is one of the experts on these subjects in Europe. She co-founded the Huglo Lepage Avocats law firm in 1978 with Christian Huglo and held a number of official positions, including Secretary of the bar council (1987–1990), Minister of the environment (1995–1997), Deputy mayor, then First deputy mayor of Cabourg (1989–2001), and European deputy (2009–2014). She holds talks a large corporations on how environmental and climatic issues have evolved in relation to commercial concerns. nvironmental issues are becoming worse and worse. More than ever, the world is witnessing the brutality of environmental irresponsibility and the catastrophic repercussions of climate change, from coastal erosion to smoggy skies and disappearing forests. Huglo Lepage Avocats The first French public law firm founded by litigation lawyers was Huglo Lepage Avocats. The firm still provides advice to public authorities and organizations today, and the majority of its litigation work is done in the area of public law, particularly public business law. One of the firm's most popular lawsuits was the Amoco Cadiz case, which was brought before American courts in 1978. Numerous Environmental law disputes have been handled by the attorneys at Huglo Lepage Avocats, notably the defense of Dutch public authorities in relation to Rhine pollution and German authorities in relation to French nuclear power stations. The firm now splits its time between counseling businesses and municipal governments and litigation, continuing to develop new fields of law, particularly those pertaining to climate justice and environmental health. Corinne Lepage, a doctor of law, has developed a consultancy business that encompasses strategy and litigation due to her experience and kept up with the major energy, environmental health, and environmental files. She collaborates with large and small, French and international, public and non-profit organizations. Making the difference in Competition Corinne and her team are adapting to changes by having a transversal perspective which spans not only the various legal disciplines but also many other sectors that are remote from the legal one, particularly scientific and medical expertise. Huglo Lepage Avocats has valued greatly reflection and theory from the beginning and has always seen the need for legal innovation. 28 | February 2024
Furthermore, a unique image is created by the ethics and decision to protect the environment as broadly as possible, by incorporating the efforts made by businesses to transform themselves, and by refusing to offer advice to persistent polluters. This explains why the company is now focusing on CSR, ESG, and taxonomy in order to support businesses and a limited group of financial players. Huglo Lepage is responsible for the development of several significant environmental law precedents, and its innovative spirit is still at work today. Additionally, it is able to provide services that are both operational and creative in the consulting industry thanks to its unique experience and its work with non-legal talents. She believes that running a business is not easy, and it is even more difficult now as there are significant changes in how work is organized and what customers and staff want. The most crucial factors are having a project, knowing how to stick to it, being practical, and leading a team because it can only get better as a whole. Responsibility, competency, intellectual capacities, ethics, and a concern for the greater good are the traits she searches for. She first conducts collective recruitment when adding a new team member. Holding a Firm Stance As a partner and the company's founder, Corinne is primarily responsible for the continuity of the business, case generation, and customer satisfaction. She also coordinates publications, webinars, seminars, and other events that the company attends and participates in. worldsleaders.com | 29
Dr. Shellie Shellie Hipsky A Visionary Leader in Women's Empowerment and Heart- Centered Entrepreneurship worldsleaders.com | 31
Dr. Shellie Hipsky, a seasoned CEO, accomplished author, and expert in women's empowerment with over a decade of leadership experience. As the driving force behind Inspiring Lives International, she guides a groundbreaking motivational company dedicated to inspiring and empowering women worldwide through diverse media platforms and impactful projects. Whether witnessing Dr. Hipsky speak on a stage, blending stories and music into a performance, facilitating a workshop at the Global Sisterhood World Headquarters, engaging in one-on- one coaching, fulfilling the role of a mother to her teenage children, or volunteering for international women's causes, observers consistently note her leadership guided by a genuine sense of care. Described as a "heart-centered entrepreneur" in a Forbes Magazine cover feature, Dr. Hipsky's journey is characterized by resilience, vision, and steadfast commitment. Her story, as highlighted in the article, extends beyond personal achievements, resonating with the lives she has influenced and the communities she has positively impacted. Dual Ventures Dr. Hipsky manages two companies with a shared focus on inspiring and empowering women globally. Inspiring Lives International serves as the platform for her signature course, the EmpowerU Master Class, World Class VIP 1:1 Coaching Experiences, over 14 books, keynoting, and various motivational media ventures. On the other hand, The Global 32 | February 2024
Sisterhood operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, providing education, resources, and networking opportunities for women and girls worldwide. One of Dr. Hipsky's key strengths lies in her ability to navigate through challenging times with resilience and adaptability. She places a high value on relationships, recognizing that building strong connections with colleagues, employees, and stakeholders is essential for achieving sustainable success. Her leadership style is characterized by servant leadership principles, where she prioritizes the well-being and development of those around her. Through fostering connections and mutual support for each other's missions, The Global Sisterhood offers sustainable avenues for women across the globe to achieve their goals and aspirations. The organization has established a model of sustainable support through numerous Charity Partnerships, ranging from a school for entrepreneurship in Tanzania, Africa, to #PopUpGiving initiatives addressing the immediate needs of women requiring specific connections and resources. Recognizing the impact of pooling networks, funds, and skill sets, The Global Sisterhood aims to make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of women and their communities, both locally and globally. In Dr. Hipsky's view, active engagement in business strategy is paramount for a CEO. This involves not only envisioning the big picture but also translating that vision into concrete goals and corresponding actions. She understands the importance of effective delegation, entrusting responsibilities to capable and trusted staff members who can contribute to the overall success of the organization. Empowerment Coaching Dr. Hipsky emphasizes the significance of fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. She believes that by encouraging open communication and valuing diverse perspectives, a company can unlock its full potential. Her commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued contributes to the overall success and satisfaction of the team. In her role as an empowerment coach, Dr. Hipsky collaborates with women business leaders to instill inspiration, empowerment, balance, and abundance in both their personal lives and their companies. Moving beyond the confines of Profit and Loss sheets and the limitations of narrow thinking, the focus extends to exploring the broader aspirations these leaders have for their lifetime. Through collaborative brainstorming, strategies are devised to navigate towards these overarching goals, ultimately steering them toward their unique definitions of personal success. Global Sisterhood Milestone Dr. Hipsky actively collaborates with numerous exceptional women leaders across the globe, witnessing firsthand the positive impact they bring to the workforce. While acknowledging the conventional notion of office spaces, she believes in the potential of technology to create virtual offices that cater to collaboration and company culture. Creativity, Teaching, and Passion in Leadership Dr. Hipsky's effectiveness as a leader stems from her unique blend of creative approaches, extensive teaching expertise, and a sincere passion for supporting women. Drawing on her experience as a tenured university professor for a decade, she has honed her skills in imparting knowledge and fostering a positive learning environment. However, Dr. Hipsky also highlights a recent milestone for her non-profit, the Global Sisterhood, with the grand opening of its headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. The event brought together women leaders representing Charity Partnerships, Sponsors, Donors, the Executive Board of Directors, and other supporters. worldsleaders.com | 33
DR. TIGRAN HAAS A Renowned Name in Urban Planning and Urban Design, Environmental Science, and Regional Planning 34 | February 2024
A leader is someone who has the ability to understand and connect with people and places. They have the skills to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and can empathize with their perspectives and experiences. A leader who understands people can build relationships and trust with their team members, inspire them to achieve common goals, and create a positive work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and growth. Dr. Tigran Haas is a leader who believes in the power of people and their potential to achieve great things. His leadership style is characterized by empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. Education Methods for Future Perspectives Dr. Haas believes that effective teaching involves using a variety of methods, such as active learning, a student-cantered approach, blended learning, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, problem- based learning, flipping the classroom, and collaborative learning as well as new and combined approaches. However, the best teaching method will depend on the subject, students, and learning objectives, and effective teaching often involves adjusting methods based on student feedback and assessment data. Lastly, high quality and inspiring instructional paradigm in form of deep and wide lectures and instructions is paramount. Dr. Haas possesses advanced degrees in architecture, urban planning and design, environmental science, and regional planning, providing a unique perspective on comprehending the complexities and issues at the macro, meso, and micro levels of cities. In addition to being a tenured Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Urban Design, they have also held various leadership positions, including Lab Director of Halcyon Athenaeum Laboratory (HAL), Director of Civitas Athenaeum Laboratory (CAL), Director of the Centre for the Future of Places (CFP), Director of the Graduate Program in Urbanism (MUSE), and Co-Director and Founder of the first Scandinavian Graduate Program in Urban Planning and Design (UPD) at the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at KTH. Dr. Haas has further expanded their expertise through Post-Doc Fellowships at MIT, Boston, UC Berkeley, and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and currently holds the position of guest research scholar at the esteemed LCAU - The MIT Norman B. Leventhal Centre for Advanced Urbanism in Boston. Their experience also includes eight years of teaching project and strategic management, as well as project leadership at KTH (Stockholm) and ZSEM (Zagreb). Dr. Haas emphasizes the importance of setting high standards for oneself as a teacher and empowering students to develop critical thinking and intellectual curiosity to navigate the complexity of the real world. He believes that education and teaching must respond to the converging crises in the world and that teachers have a duty to their profession, students, and themselves to cultivate critical thinking and creativity to think beyond what "everyone knows." Insights on Leadership Leadership is a challenging journey of self-transformation, undertaken by an individual who has been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding a team towards achieving a specific business objective. As someone who has taught project and strategic management and project leadership for over 8 years and has also spent 5 years running a research lab and serving as the director of three educational programs, Dr. Haas has gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of leadership. 36 | February 2024
Sharing Views on Academic Freedom While getting things done by the team is undoubtedly important, it is just one aspect of a leader's role. It is equally crucial to assemble a team with the right mix of competence, equality, and professionalism, and to have the finesse to understand where each team member can contribute the most. Dr. Haas understands that expanding and building new networks, both physical and virtual, is essential for building strong relationships with team members and employees. Developing mutual trust, gaining honest feedback, achieving friendships, and fostering mutual respect are all critical components of building long-lasting relationships. past mistakes, possess strong communication skills, and build sustainable relationships on all levels. Leaders must listen, understand, and take action, and have the optimism and risk-taking ability required to drive their teams forward. They must also possess the ability to read people and adapt them to necessary tasks within the organization, anticipate problems, think outside the box, and eliminate threats and negative personalities. Overall, Dr. Haas's leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of building strong inter-personal relationships, fostering a positive organizational culture, creating a trustworthy and mutually understanding community, and driving the team towards achieving its goals. Academic freedom is the principle that provides scholars and researchers the right to conduct their work without interference or restriction. It encompasses the freedom to teach, to learn, to publish and share their research findings and opinions, and to participate in academic debate and discourse. Academic freedom is a fundamental aspect of a democratic and open academic society, as it allows scholars and researchers to pursue the truth, advance knowledge, and freely express their ideas and opinions without fear of retaliation or censorship. To be an effective leader, Dr. Haas believes it is important to learn from worldsleaders.com | 37
Owner & CEO POE Holistic Health 40 | February 2024
Kristen Poe Making an Impact on the World by Providing Healthcare to Others worldsleaders.com | 41
Accept the Flow Initially, Kristen Poe had no intention of working in the functional medicine industry. After graduating from college, she had planned to attend medical school like her father. During her junior year of college, she was given the chance to work with a significant pharmaceutical company, which completely altered her life. She pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry after graduating from college and earned an MBA in marketing. She also had a joint ownership interest in a beauty industry business. She acquired a wealth of knowledge that she has applied to her fascinating career. She feels that being a business owner and building a practice from scratch, with a western medical and business viewpoint has been tremendously beneficial. She feels it's the best decision she could have ever made. Her only regret was that she didn't act sooner. She believes the most important lesson she learned was that it was never too late to follow your passions and dreams. A leap of faith towards growth Kristen worked in the pharmaceutical industry, which was an interesting and fast-paced field that kept her on her toes. She traveled extensively, made lots of new friends, and won an award for being the best representative of the nation. Despite knowing she needed to change, she found it extremely challenging to take the risk because of her successful and fulfilling career. She made the decision to change her ways and adopt a healthy diet because she was dealing with poor health, nutrition, and lifestyle choices. She began a whole food diet and personal training regimen as part of her journey toward health and wellness. After a year, she soon began training for fitness competitions after a year. "I was fascinated to learn that just by eating well and choosing the right foods, I felt like a new person, not to mention achieving a physique I never thought would be possible." Kristen says. At this point, Kristen understood she had to stand back, consider what was truly important to her, and pursue her dreams. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in health and help patients improve their health and wellness. She began a protracted journey of learning functional medicine, nutrition, and naprapathy with the support of her husband and family. She opened her practice, Poe Holistic Health, in 2019 after nearly ten years of education and training. 42 | February 2024