Digital Version In the complex, high-stakes world of financial services, operational excellence is rarely the result of chance. It is forged through years of dedication, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both systems and people. Few embody this truth as vividly as Mark Williams, Operations Manager at Charteris Treasury Portfolio Management Ltd (CTPM). Over a career spanning nearly two decades at the same firm, Williams has witnessed—and helped shape—a period of transformation not only for Charteris but for the wider asset management landscape. His journey from an entry-level role to the heart of the company’s operations is one of resilience, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to client outcomes. From the Ground Up: Developing a Firm Foundation in Financial Skills Williams joined Charteris Treasury Portfolio Management Ltd seventeen years ago, starting in a role that he candidly admits was “by no means glamorous.” His early days were spent performing tasks that many might have overlooked—fetching coffee, handling menial duties, and providing support wherever needed. But for Williams, this was never about the title. It was about proving value. “He recalls making it a habit to arrive before everyone else and leave after the rest of the team. “Over time, I built my skillset, adapted to new challenges, and earned the trust of my colleagues.” That trust would prove pivotal. With the firm’s encouragement and belief in his capabilities, Williams transitioned into the role of Operations Manager—effectively becoming the backbone of the company’s day-to-day functionality. Today, his responsibilities are far-reaching, touching every aspect of the business to ensure it operates seamlessly. Aligning Processes with Client-Centric Outcomes In an industry defined by shifting markets and stringent regulations, operational strategy cannot be static. For Williams, the key lies in designing systems from the ground up—systems that are adaptable, robust, and firmly rooted in the needs of clients. “Our internal processes are built to evolve alongside both the client and the regulatory environment,” he explains. Regular meetings, comprehensive file reviews, and meticulous note-taking ensure the firm remains aligned with client aims and objectives. This attention to detail extends beyond internal records—Charteris provides clients with online access to their portfolios, enabling them to see real-time market movements and track whether the firm is delivering on its commitments. “It’s about making the client feel involved,” Williams explains, “When individuals have direct access to the data, they feel more engaged in the process.” Navigating Challenges—With Transparency and Resilience The financial services industry is no stranger to complexity, but for Williams, one of his most personal challenges has been navigating his career while managing a neurological disorder. “Many might see it as a barrier to progress,” he notes. “For me, the key has been transparency.” By openly communicating his needs, he has helped foster a workplace culture of understanding and adjustment—something that aligns with the UK’s Parliamentary Equality Act of 2010. Coupling this personal challenge with the sector’s ever-evolving regulatory demands could have been daunting. Yet, Williams and the wider Charteris team have embraced continuous personal development (CPD) as a way to stay ahead. Through continuous training, the firm ensures regulatory compliance and fosters trust in its operations—a commitment that earned Charteris recognition for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion at the 2025 City of London Wealth Management Awards. Operational Excellence in Support of Market-Leading Strategies Charteris has built a strong reputation for its specialist portfolio services, particularly its Gold & Precious Metals product, which has garnered industry-wide praise. Behind the investment success lies a sophisticated operational engine—one that Williams has played a pivotal role in developing. “We’ve built proprietary in-house systems to manage everything from price movements to FX rates, dividend collections, and liquidity testing,” he explains. These tools are not just about efficiency—they are essential for delivering the precision clients expect. “Our clients trust us with their financial goals, and that trust demands operational discipline,” Williams says. This operational strength has supported the firm’s investment team in winning accolades such as the 2024 Citywire Wealth Management Award for Best Portfolio Manager in the Bonds – Sterling Strategic Bond category. Balancing Technology with Human Insight In an age where digital innovation is reshaping every industry, Williams is clear-eyed about technology’s role in portfolio management. “You can’t ignore tech innovations—but you also can’t become overly reliant on them,” he warns. “If you do, you risk forgetting the operational ‘how,’ ‘what,’ and ‘why.’” At Charteris, data is always reviewed manually before regulatory sign-off. This dual approach—leveraging technology while maintaining human oversight—ensures accuracy and deepens understanding. In financial markets, where milliseconds can make a difference, automation has its place. Algorithms can execute trades instantly, sometimes giving clients a vital edge. But Williams insists that technology should always serve human decision-making, not replace it. Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement Operational excellence goes beyond systems—it starts with people. Williams takes pride in the firm’s rigorous CPD program, which extends beyond technical skills to include ethics, personal conduct, and anti-money laundering training. “This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about maintaining the highest possible standards,” he says. The firm’s independent compliance adjudicator evaluates both skillsets and ethical conduct, reinforcing a culture where excellence is holistic, not one-dimensional. Staying Ahead of Trends Through Two-Way Communication For Williams, anticipating market trends and client needs is not about guesswork—it’s about dialogue. “Expectations are a two-way street,” he explains. “Clients rightly demand high standards from us, but we also expect them to be clear about their goals, concerns, and any ethical considerations in their investment preferences.” By fostering transparent communication, Williams ensures Charteris can adapt quickly when client circumstances change. This synergy between business and client reduces friction and strengthens long-term relationships—an increasingly valuable commodity in a world of heightened transparency. Milestones in Modernising Operations Over his tenure, Williams has led several initiatives that have left a lasting impact on Charteris’ efficiency and client service. One of the most significant has been the firm’s digital transformation—from creating a responsive website to building a social media presence that reflects the firm’s expertise and accessibility. He also spearheaded the development of a systems

Digital Version In today’s rapidly transforming healthcare ecosystem, the intersection of digital innovation and human care defines the path forward. For Nienke Feenstra, General Manager at Takeda France, this is not just a professional frontier — it’s a personal mission. With a deep-rooted belief in patient-centered value, her leadership is helping Takeda France rethink what meaningful impact looks like in the age of digital therapeutics. Her story is one of resilience, empathy, curiosity, and continuous transformation — a journey that illuminates the challenges and immense possibilities of digitizing healthcare with integrity and purpose. Healthcare is not simply about treating illness—it’s about understanding lives, listening without assumption, and building solutions that truly matter to people. Technology can enhance that mission, but it is empathy, purpose, and collaboration that give it meaning. My vision is to lead in a way that connects innovation with humanity, ensuring that every decision we make moves us closer to care that is personal, predictive, and accessible for all. Leadership Built on Human Experience and Global Perspective Few leaders can claim a portfolio of leadership experiences as rich and multifaceted as Nienke’s. Across countries, business units, and crisis situations, her professional journey has been shaped by an uncommon willingness to step into the unknown. She vividly recalls one of her earliest leadership roles — building a new department with limited structure or precedent. “There was no roadmap. I had to motivate, mobilize, and create a vision from scratch,” she explains. “I learned to lead by listening, by influencing without authority, and by showing up consistently.” From that moment on, her leadership development became an ongoing, evolving experience. Working abroad was a key turning point. She embraced the challenges of cultural differences, language barriers, and varied leadership expectations. “You quickly come to understand that leadership must be adapted to context,” she explains. “What works well in one country might fall flat in another. The key is listening — deeply and often, adapting to complexity and fully accepting that uncertainty is part of the job.” Perhaps the most profound lessons came during her time in Poland, where she guided her team through a trifecta of challenges: a corporate integration, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the humanitarian fallout from the war in Ukraine. “There is no training manual for that kind of leadership,” she reflects. “You’re called upon to be calm, clear, courageous — and above all, human.” These experiences did more than refine her leadership skills; they grounded her in a purpose that now informs every decision: putting patients first and helping others rise, even in the face of adversity. Living a Purpose that Goes Beyond Strategy Nienke’s career has always been guided by a deep personal mission — one born from early exposure to real-world healthcare systems and unmet needs. During her university years, she conducted field interviews with patients and healthcare professionals. It was a defining experience. “I realized then that the value of healthcare isn’t defined by systems or technology—it’s defined by the person receiving care,” she explains. “Since then, that lesson has shaped my approach.” She has carried that mission through every stage of her career. Whether leading teams, designing strategy, or engaging with external stakeholders, she remains anchored in a simple yet powerful belief: value in healthcare must be defined by patients and delivered sustainably. This is one of the key reasons she found alignment with Takeda France, a company rooted in the values of integrity, fairness, transparency, and perseverance. “We’re not just a pharmaceutical company. We’re a purpose-driven organization committed to improving lives through science and innovation that matter to patients.” For Nienke, this alignment is not just ideological—it’s practical. It shapes how she hires, builds teams, allocates resources, and evaluates success. “You can’t deliver long-term results in healthcare without a purpose that transcends profit. You need values that guide every decision, especially when the path is complex.” Digital Transformation as a Human Imperative Over the past ten years, the healthcare industry has undergone a significant surge in digital innovation. While many view this evolution through the lens of tools and technologies, Nienke approaches it differently. She views digital transformation as a facilitator, not the final objective. And the goal is better care. “What excites me about digital therapeutics isn’t the technology itself,” she says. “It’s the potential to finally deliver care that’s truly personalized, measurable, and aligned with what patients value.” Her mindset toward digital innovation is rooted in curiosity. She dedicates time each week to learning about emerging technologies, startups, behavioral science, and digital health trends. She’s an active mentor and reverse mentee—believing that younger generations often have the clearest vision for what’s possible in the digital space. “It’s not about having the answers—it’s about asking better questions,” she says. “Digital transformation begins when we stop assuming and start listening, experimenting, and learning with humility.” Takeda France’s Digital Vision: Building Partnerships for True Value A cornerstone of Nienke’s work at Takeda France has been the creation and scaling of the Value-Based Partnership (VBP) department—a team focused on co-creating solutions with stakeholders to recognize and reward the value that matters most to patients. “This is not just about pricing or access. It’s about designing care pathways that work—for patients, payers, and healthcare providers alike,” she explains. Takeda France’s Value-Based Partnerships (VBP) team collaborates across departments and with external partners to identify clear outcomes, collect real-world evidence, and develop digital solutions aimed at enhancing patient care. Their work doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s deeply connected to patient associations, hospital systems, and policy experts. “Our ambition is to shape a system where outcomes-based models are not the exception, but the norm,” Nienke says. “And we can only do that if we build trust, transparency, and mutual accountability.” Flagship Initiatives Turning Vision Into Impact Among the many initiatives championed under Nienke’s leadership, two stand out for their innovation and patient relevance: myPKFiT: This digital tool supports individualized treatment for people living with hemophilia. By incorporating pharmacokinetic data, it enables clinicians and patients to co-create treatment plans

Digital Version In the dynamic realm of European innovation, Anna Dymowska stands out as a transformative leader. As the Partner and Chief Operating Officer of FundingBox, she has been instrumental in shaping Poland’s position within the European startup ecosystem. Her leadership, characterized by empathy, strategic foresight, and a commitment to inclusivity, has propelled FundingBox to the forefront of deep tech innovation support across Europe. A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Empathy and Empowerment Anna Dymowska’s leadership style is fundamentally participative, rooted in deep trust and a genuine commitment to serving her team. She fosters a flat organizational structure that empowers individuals and teams to take ownership, rather than relying on rigid hierarchies. This philosophy, often described as “servant leadership,” involves removing obstacles, providing resources, and ensuring that team members have everything they need to excel. In a remote work setting, Anna embraces an intuitive leadership style, allowing her to sense emotions and unspoken needs within the team. This approach enables her to provide support through challenges and maintain strong connections, regardless of geographical distance. Her profound understanding of multicultural working environments allows her to trust her judgment in situations where pure logic might not offer a complete solution. Her focus remains steadfast on problem-solving and achieving tangible results, all underpinned by clear, company-wide processes that ensure consistency and collaboration across diverse European operations. Introducing FundingBox: Catalyzing European Innovation FundingBox is the leading European facilitator of cascade funding (EU grants) for startups, scaleups, SMEs, midcaps, (e)Digital Innovation Hubs, universities, and technology centers. It helps early-stage business ideas grow into champion tech solutions by offering funding opportunities, technology access, and collaborative networks with both customers and investors. 230 M€ of cascade funding under management and produced 2000 governmental funded beneficiaries. The Group has managed numerous Polish & pan-European initiatives such as IMPACT Poland, IMPACT Connected Car, Robot Union, and BEYOND (cross-border investments). It is currently coordinating the largest Financial Support for Third Parties (FSTP) project—Seeds of Bravery, a €20 million EIC-funded initiative supporting Ukraine’s tech ecosystem—and is now launching OnePass, an all-in-one European pass for funding, tech, training, and talent. Through OnePass, over €780 million in public and private funding, cutting-edge technology, top-tier training, and talent opportunities will be accessible via a unified platform. Navigating Poland’s Evolving Innovation Ecosystem Poland’s innovation and startup ecosystem is dynamic and rapidly growing. Among its key challenges is a persistent shortage of private investment for early-stage startups—often due to a lack of mature systems and a general preference for faster returns rather than the longer-term investment horizon required for deep tech. Moreover, navigating certain legislative complexities related to being an employer can be difficult for young companies. However, Poland’s exceptional talent pool remains a strong asset. The country also benefits from significant availability of European and national innovation grants within the framework of Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) programs. These non-dilutive funding sources are critical for startups during their foundational stages. Driving Inclusive Innovation Across Europe — The FundingBox Way While FundingBox operates without prioritizing any specific country, its strategic involvement in numerous European projects naturally positions it as a key connector across regions, including Poland. This approach resonates particularly strongly in the context of “widening countries” — a term used under Horizon Europe to describe nations with historically lower participation and underperformance in research and innovation compared to the EU average. These include EU member states such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, along with associated countries like Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine. FundingBox’s work actively supports these countries by fostering cross-border collaboration, channeling European funding, and helping build inclusive innovation ecosystems. In Poland, this means empowering entrepreneurs to transform groundbreaking ideas into globally competitive ventures, while also serving as a vital bridge for pre-accession countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, or Georgia. By strengthening these connections and championing equal access to resources and knowledge, FundingBox is confident that Poland will continue to evolve as a robust hub of excellence, driving technological advancements and democratizing innovation across Eastern Europe. Empowering Startups and SMEs Through Strategic Initiatives One initiative that Anna is particularly proud of is FundingBox’s pioneering approach to managing FSTP programs. By using efficient, transparent processes that prioritize impact and highlight the best proposals (as recognized by the Innovation Radar), they help accelerate promising ventures. Beyond technical systems, what truly inspires Anna is the strong mission-driven culture within FundingBox. It’s not just about distributing grants—it’s about providing comprehensive support, mentorship, and networks to help startups and SMEs grow, innovate, and contribute to a more resilient and advanced European economy. Ensuring Operational Excellence in a Cross-Border Environment Maintaining operational excellence across a geographically dispersed organization depends on several pillars. FundingBox relies on well-defined policies and a strong knowledge repository to guide distributed teams. Regular meetings and open communication about company priorities help ensure alignment and shared purpose. Though remote work and a flat structure empower team members, clear reporting lines and escalation paths are critical for quick problem-solving. FundingBox’s strong culture of trust and mutual respect allows it to attract talent from across Europe. Shared values unify the organization, ensuring everyone works toward common goals. Championing Gender Inclusivity and Empowering Future Women Leaders For Anna, leadership means showing up where her people need her most. She focuses on building robust systems that empower every individual to realize their full potential. By embodying the values she expects from others, she fosters a culture of trust and empowerment. A key aspect of FundingBox’s approach, particularly supportive of women, is its commitment to remote work. This enables employees to access rewarding opportunities while balancing their personal and professional lives. Inclusion, for Anna, means embracing each person’s unique strengths and perspectives, creating a space where everyone feels genuinely valued and has an equal chance to contribute and lead. True leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating space for others to grow and lead in their own right. Fostering Collaboration

Digital Version In a legal industry often criticized for lagging behind in innovation, Fabio Cendão emerges as a refreshing force of change. As a Partner and the Head of Tech, IP, and Crypto/Web3 at Faria, Cendão & Maia Advogados (FCM Law), Fabio stands at the confluence of law, innovation, and purpose. His journey from the corporate sector to co-founding one of Brazil’s most forward-thinking law firms reflects not only his passion for technology but also a radical reimagining of what legal practice can and should be in the digital era. True legal innovation is not about simply adopting new tools, but about reimagining the entire role of law in empowering people and protecting ideas. At the intersection of technology, business, and ethics, law becomes a proactive catalyst for progress — a bridge that transforms complexity into opportunity and safeguards the future while inspiring bold new paths. This vision drives a commitment to transform legal practice into a force that enables innovation rather than limits it. From Corporate Roots to Founding FCM Law Fabio Cendão’s professional journey did not begin in a traditional law firm. In fact, it was this very detour that led him to a career defined by innovation. “I started in the corporate world but quickly realized I wanted to work closer to innovation and technology—not just in terms of clients, but in how legal services are actually delivered,” he recalls. In 2014, driven by this vision, Fabio co-founded FCM Law alongside two partners. The goal was ambitious yet clear: build a law firm tailored for the technology ecosystem. With a client base comprising startups and innovation-driven ventures, FCM Law took a distinct path from Brazil’s conventional legal institutions. Over time, Fabio’s work evolved to focus on technology law, intellectual property, and frontier issues like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Web3. Shaping the Legal Landscape at the Intersection of Technology At FCM Law, innovation is not a buzzword; it’s an operational imperative. The firm delivers legal solutions that are not only business-aligned but also tech-embedded. “We specialize in structuring legal frameworks for startups, especially around fundraising and investment,” Fabio explains. Their offerings also extend to innovation consulting for legal teams, introducing methodologies like Legal Design, Legal Ops, and agile processes to transform how law is practiced. Internally, the firm operates like a tech startup in many ways. Software tools and AI applications are integrated into daily workflows, empowering the team to boost efficiency while maintaining high-quality output. Fabio emphasizes that this internal evolution is key: “We invest in training our people to use technology smartly and ethically. It’s not just about adopting tools; it’s about reshaping mindsets.” Navigating Legal Challenges in Crypto and Web3 The realm of crypto and Web3 is one Fabio knows intimately. As an advisor to numerous blockchain startups and decentralized projects, he and his team are consistently at the edge of regulatory development. “The legal uncertainties in this space are massive—from regulatory gray zones to market skepticism,” he says. Yet, these challenges offer opportunities to exercise legal creativity. By blending rigorous legal analysis with out-of-the-box thinking, FCM Law helps clients navigate this complex ecosystem. Regular training sessions, internal workshops, and deep legal research keep the firm at the forefront. Their approach is both practical and visionary: build legal structures that are robust enough to protect clients yet flexible enough to accommodate future innovation. The Evolution of Intellectual Property Law in a Tech-Driven Era Technology is transforming intellectual property law faster than traditional legal systems can adapt. Fabio is quick to point out the emerging questions: “Who owns AI-generated content? How do you manage copyrights via blockchain? What does software licensing look like in a world of NFTs and smart contracts?” In Fabio’s view, IP law must evolve in tandem with these technological shifts. Smart contracts and decentralized platforms present new models for IP licensing and distribution. Meanwhile, blockchain offers more secure, transparent ways to register and track rights. FCM Law is exploring all of these, working closely with technologists to test solutions that could define the future legal landscape. Embracing LegalTech for Smarter Practice Innovation at FCM Law is spearheaded by Studio FCM, the firm’s in-house innovation unit. This team experiments with emerging LegalTech tools to enhance both client services and internal processes. “We use AI for document review, analysis, and drafting. Everything goes through rigorous human oversight, of course,” Fabio notes. This hybrid approach—leveraging AI without relinquishing human judgment—has paid dividends. Clients benefit from faster, more precise legal advice, while the firm enjoys streamlined operations. Fabio believes this is the future of law: “AI won’t replace lawyers, but lawyers who use AI will replace those who don’t.” Meeting the Expectations of Tech-Savvy Clients As the tech sector matures, client expectations are evolving rapidly. “They want speed, clarity, and deliverables that match their lean, agile workflows,” Fabio explains. He shares how some clients even use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to vet legal memos. Instead of resisting, FCM Law embraces this shift. “We’re adapting by being faster and more business-oriented. We understand how these companies think and operate, and we tailor our communication and delivery to match,” he says. This responsiveness has made FCM Law a trusted advisor to some of Brazil’s most innovative startups. True legal leadership in the age of technology is not about resisting change, but about guiding it with vision and integrity. Fabio Cendão shows us that the future of law belongs to those who see beyond today’s challenges to imagine tomorrow’s possibilities — and who have the courage to build that future, one innovative solution at a time. Ethics in the Age of Legal AI The rapid adoption of AI raises complex ethical questions—ones Fabio and his team take seriously. “We have strict policies, internal training, and compliance protocols to govern AI use,” he explains. Importantly, every AI-generated document is reviewed by a qualified attorney. The firm also advises clients on responsible AI governance, whether AI is core to their business or simply a tool within their operations. “We believe human oversight is non-negotiable.