Digital Version Imagine a world where learning is as engaging as your favorite movie and as impactful as a life-changing mentor. In this world, Alex Rayon Jerez stands at the forefront, redefining technology education for the modern era. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Brain and Code, Alex’s journey is a blend of early inspirations, bold innovations, and a relentless drive to revolutionize lifelong learning. From a defining childhood moment witnessing Garry Kasparov’s battle with IBM’s Deep Blue to leading a cutting-edge educational enterprise, Alex’s story is one of ambition, creativity, and transformative impact. Career and Inspiration Alex’s fascination with technology was ignited by three pivotal experiences in his youth. The 1996 chess match between Garry Kasparov and IBM’s Deep Blue marked the beginning of his interest in artificial intelligence and the potential of machines to mimic human thought. This spark was fanned by his grandfather, a visionary entrepreneur in Palencia, who instilled in Alex the values of innovation and foresight. Finally, the University of Deusto provided a nurturing ground for his academic and professional growth, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to pursue his dreams. Founding Brain and Code The founding of Brain and Code, part of Tekpolio, was driven by Alex’s recognition of a significant gap in lifelong learning. Traditional educational structures, particularly universities, were not adequately addressing the needs of individuals beyond their early twenties. With rapid socio-economic changes and an ageing population, Alex saw an urgent need for continuous education that adapts to the evolving job market. Brain and Code emerged as a solution, blending education, entertainment, and communication to offer a unique learning experience. This approach positions the company as a pioneer in the field, addressing the diverse needs of learners in a dynamic world. Innovating Technology Education Brain and Code’s approach to technology education is distinguished by its integration of training with entertainment. Alex believes that the dichotomy between education and entertainment is a false one; instead, they should complement each other to create a more engaging and effective learning experience. This philosophy is evident in their academy programs, developed in collaboration with major Spanish companies like Air Europa and Vegalsa-Eroski. These programs provide asynchronous training to thousands of employees, using entertaining videos and practical exercises to ensure high engagement and effective learning. Additionally, Brain and Code’s omnimodal video courses combine podcasting with educational content, offering a flexible and modern approach to learning. Leadership and Growth For Alex, the most rewarding aspects of leading Brain and Code are creating jobs and receiving positive market feedback. Inspired by entrepreneurs like Amancio Ortega and Juan Roig, Alex finds immense satisfaction in generating social value through job creation. He believes that the true measure of success lies not just in economic growth but also in the societal impact of providing meaningful employment and contributing to the community. Fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement within his team is a core priority for Alex. He emphasizes the importance of hiring innovative individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment. Drawing from lessons in Reed Hastings’ book “No Rules Rules” and Donella Meadows’ “Thinking in Systems,” Alex nurtures an organizational culture that values change, innovation, and systemic thinking. This approach ensures that Brain and Code remains at the cutting edge of technology education, continually adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Future Trends in Technology Education Alex identifies three key trends that will shape the future of technology education: generative artificial intelligence, the integration of education and entertainment, and globalization. Generative AI is poised to revolutionize education, enhancing rather than replacing traditional methods. Alex envisions a future where education and entertainment are intertwined, recognizing that modern society often values entertainment as much as education. By blending these elements, Brain and Code ensures that learning is not only informative but also enjoyable and engaging. Globalization presents opportunities for diversity and cross-cultural exchange, with Brain and Code actively incorporating these elements into their programs. With the growing demand for lifelong learning, Alex anticipates significant growth for Brain and Code, driven by the increasing need for continuous education in an evolving job market. Plans to expand into Latin America reflect the company’s commitment to bringing its innovative blend of education and entertainment to a broader audience, fostering a global learning community. Leveraging Data and Analytics Data and analytics play a critical role in Brain and Code’s strategy. The company focuses on three key metrics: repeat purchase, recurring revenue, and lifetime value. These metrics reflect the company’s commitment to building long-term relationships with its clients, ensuring that their offerings continuously meet the evolving needs of their audience. By leveraging data to personalize and optimize their programs, Brain and Code enhances the learning experience and achieves better outcomes for their users. Future Vision Looking ahead, Alex envisions significant growth and expansion for Brain and Code. With the increasing demand for lifelong learning, particularly in the fields of AI and cybersecurity, Brain and Code is poised to continue its rapid growth. The company plans to expand into Latin America, leveraging its unique blend of education and entertainment to reach new audiences and foster a global learning community. By continually adapting to the evolving needs of learners, Brain and Code is set to remain at the forefront of technology education, driving innovation and transformation in the field.

Digital Version In the intersecting worlds of finance and mental health, Viktorija Aksionova, CEO of MindTales, stands out with a unique journey. Her career story is not just about professional milestones but also about the transformative power of prioritizing mental well-being. This profile explores Viktorija’s inspiring path, the founding of MindTales, and her vision for the future of mental health advocacy. Career Beginnings: A Dual Passion for Numbers and Well-Being Viktorija’s fascination with finance started with a love for numbers and the intellectual challenge the industry presents. Her early days in asset management were filled with learning opportunities, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the field. But amidst all the technical and soft skill training, she noticed a glaring omission: mental well-being. Observing the stress and pressure that affected her colleagues ignited her passion for mental health advocacy. She realized that even the most successful professionals needed tools and resources to support their overall well-being, which drove her to bridge this gap in the corporate world. Founding MindTales: From Vision to Reality The inception of MindTales was deeply personal for Viktorija, influenced by the mental health challenges she witnessed during the pandemic. She saw the significant impact these challenges had on individuals in high-stress environments and felt compelled to act. Leveraging her expertise in asset management and her passion for mental health advocacy, Viktorija embarked on extensive research into mental health needs and digital wellness solutions. This research laid the foundation for MindTales, a platform designed to provide personalized mental health support anytime and anywhere. Witnessing the toll that mental health challenges took on individuals, especially during the pandemic, was a defining moment for Viktorija. By leveraging AI technology and assembling a dedicated team, Viktorija brought her vision to life, making mental wellness tools readily accessible to empower individuals and organizations alike. Unique Approach: Tailored and Culturally Sensitive MindTales stands out by focusing relentlessly on its users. The platform constantly evolves, driven by user feedback and the latest research to offer cutting-edge tools and resources. With services available in multiple languages, MindTales caters to the diverse needs of individuals across the MENA region. Viktorija emphasizes that the platform’s commitment to personalization goes beyond language; it involves understanding cultural nuances and providing tailored support that truly resonates with users. By focusing on prevention and empowerment, MindTales aims to build a lasting foundation of mental well-being. Success Stories: Transforming Lives in Real-Time A standout success story for MindTales was its partnership with Takeda, a leading Japanese pharmaceutical company, to support their division in Ukraine during the conflict. Recognizing the immense stress and trauma faced by Takeda’s employees, MindTales swiftly tailored its platform to meet their specific needs. Through personalized coaching, stress management tools, and a supportive online community, MindTales provided a safe space for employees to navigate their challenges. The initiative was a resounding success, with 95% of Takeda’s Ukrainian staff finding the platform beneficial for managing their mental well-being during such a difficult time. Most Rewarding Experience: Witnessing Personal Transformations For Viktorija, the most fulfilling part of leading MindTales has been seeing the profound changes in their users’ lives. Whether it’s helping an individual overcome anxiety, fostering stronger team bonds through workshops, or driving a cultural shift towards mental well-being within organizations, these success stories are incredibly rewarding. Knowing that MindTales makes a tangible difference, empowering individuals to thrive personally and professionally, fuels her passion and motivates the entire team to continue innovating and expanding their reach. Promoting Innovation: A Culture of Creativity and Improvement Innovation is at the heart of MindTales, fostered by an environment of open communication and idea-sharing. Regular brainstorming sessions, workshops, and innovation challenges are integral to their process, encouraging team members at all levels to contribute their ideas. Viktorija highlights the importance of professional development and staying updated with the latest trends in mental health and technology. By nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture, MindTales ensures that innovation and growth remain central to their mission. Future Trends in Mental Health: A New Corporate Paradigm Viktorija envisions a future where mental health in the workplace becomes a strategic priority. Companies are increasingly recognizing that happy employees are productive employees, leading to a shift from reactive to proactive approaches in mental health. This future focuses on building resilience, preventing burnout, and fostering open conversations about mental health. Leaders will play a crucial role in this transformation by prioritizing their own well-being and setting an example for others. The goal is to create a culture of well-being where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Integrating Technology: Enhancing Personalized Support MindTales leverages technology to enhance mental health support through AI-driven personalized wellness programs. These programs analyze individual data, such as stress levels, sleep patterns, and lifestyle habits, to provide tailored recommendations and resources. Viktorija believes that technology, when used thoughtfully and ethically, can be a powerful tool for empowering individuals on their mental health journey. This personalized approach ensures that the support provided is relevant and effective, leading to better outcomes and sustained engagement Data-Driven Strategies: Refining Mental Health Initiatives MindTales uses data and analytics to refine its mental health initiatives. By analyzing user data to understand patterns, preferences, and areas for improvement, the platform can personalize content and track individual progress. Key metrics such as user engagement, program completion rates, and self-reported well-being scores are prioritized. This data-driven approach allows MindTales to continuously refine its offerings, optimize areas needing improvement, and empower users to achieve their mental health goals. Vision for MindTales: Expanding Horizons Looking ahead, Viktorija aims to embed mental health advocacy more deeply into corporate culture and public health initiatives. She anticipates a greater emphasis on preventative care and early intervention, utilizing data analytics and wearable technology to proactively monitor mental well-being. As awareness and education improve, the stigma surrounding mental health will continue to diminish, leading to more open discussions and supportive environments both in the workplace and society at large. Viktorija’s long-term aspirations for MindTales include expanding their reach and

In today’s competitive business landscape, branding is more crucial than ever. This guide explores the power of branding, providing actionable insights on building a robust corporate identity. From brand identity and voice to values and promise, learn how to differentiate your business, build trust, and cultivate customer loyalty with real-world examples from top brands.

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the digital age has ushered in a new era of innovation, transformation, and disruption. From the rise of e-commerce and mobile shopping to the integration of augmented reality and artificial intelligence, the future of retail is being shaped by a myriad of technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. In this blog post, we explore the key trends shaping the retail industry in the digital age and the strategies retailers can adopt to thrive in this dynamic environment. Seamless Omnichannel Experience In today’s digital age, consumers expect a seamless and integrated shopping experience across all channels, whether online, mobile, or in-store. Retailers are increasingly adopting omnichannel strategies to bridge the gap between physical and digital channels, offering customers a cohesive and personalized shopping journey from discovery to purchase and beyond. Personalization and Data-driven Insights Personalization is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental expectation for today’s consumers. Retailers are leveraging big data, machine learning, and predictive analytics to deliver personalized shopping experiences tailored to individual preferences, behaviors, and purchase history. By harnessing the power of data-driven insights, retailers can better understand their customers, anticipate their needs, and deliver relevant offers and recommendations in real-time. Rise of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Brands The direct-to-consumer (DTC) model has disrupted traditional retail paradigms, empowering brands to bypass intermediaries and connect directly with consumers through digital channels. DTC brands are leveraging social media, influencer marketing, and content-driven strategies to build authentic connections with their audience, driving engagement, loyalty, and advocacy. Integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are revolutionizing the retail experience, offering immersive and interactive shopping experiences that blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds. Retailers are leveraging AR and VR to enable virtual try-on experiences, visualize products in real-world environments, and create engaging and memorable brand experiences that drive conversion and customer satisfaction. Sustainability and Ethical Shopping Sustainability and ethical considerations are increasingly influencing consumer purchasing decisions, driving demand for eco-friendly products, transparent supply chains, and socially responsible brands. Retailers are responding to this trend by incorporating sustainability initiatives into their business practices, offering sustainable products, and communicating their commitment to environmental and social responsibility to attract conscious consumers. Contactless Commerce and Frictionless Payments The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of contactless commerce and frictionless payment solutions, as consumers prioritize safety, convenience, and hygiene in their shopping experiences. Retailers are embracing technologies such as mobile wallets, QR codes, and biometric authentication to enable seamless and secure transactions, both online and in-store. Emphasis on Customer Experience and Community Building In an increasingly competitive retail landscape, customer experience is becoming a key differentiator for brands seeking to stand out and drive loyalty. Retailers are investing in immersive retail environments, experiential activations, and community-building initiatives to create memorable and meaningful interactions with their customers, fostering brand affinity and advocacy in the process. Navigating the Future of Retail As the retail industry continues to evolve in the digital age, success will hinge on retailers’ ability to embrace innovation, adapt to changing consumer behaviors, and deliver exceptional shopping experiences that resonate with today’s tech-savvy and socially conscious consumers. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing the trends shaping the future of retail, retailers can position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.