Top Business Leaders | Inspirational Leadership for Success

Facebook X-twitter Linkedin-in Instagram

Stay Ahead with Exclusive Insights and Inspiring Leaders. Join Us Today!

Subscribe Now

ulia De Luca | Vice President of Technology for Investment Banking - Itau BBA

Julia De Luca: Bridging Capital, Culture, and Innovation in Latin America’s Tech Frontier

Digital Version In an increasingly interconnected and fast-paced world, leaders who can straddle multiple domains—finance and technology, global and local, innovation and tradition—are not just rare, they’re essential. Julia De Luca, Vice President of Technology for Investment Banking at Itaú BBA, exemplifies a rare combination of strategic insight, cross-cultural understanding, and genuine leadership. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and purpose—a Latina leader helping shape the future of Latin America’s tech ecosystem while paving the way for the next generation. With a unique background that spans traditional finance, cutting-edge tech, and institutional investment, Julia brings deep insights and a human-centered perspective to one of the most dynamic markets in the world. As a leading voice in Latin American tech, she’s more than an advisor—she’s a connector, a translator of innovation into investment, and a committed mentor to women in finance and technology. Leadership isn’t just about capital or code—it’s about connection. In every deal, every story, and every bridge built between worlds, I try to leave the door wider open for the next woman walking in. A Journey Fueled by Curiosity and Purpose Julia’s professional journey is defined by bold pivots and a relentless curiosity. Her career began in traditional finance at Gávea Investimentos, where she spent five years in business development and investor relations. There, she was responsible for engaging global institutional clients—endowments, pension funds, and family offices—with the firm’s hedge fund and private equity strategies. “I’ve always been naturally curious and a bit restless — that drive has shaped my journey from the very beginning,” Julia reflects. Her ambition initially pointed toward an MBA abroad, but life had other plans. The unexpected death of her mother marked a turning point in her life. “The MBA didn’t happen, but in hindsight, it led me exactly where I needed to be: Stone.” Joining Stone in 2017, just before its IPO, marked Julia’s first real exposure to the tech ecosystem. “The energy was completely different — younger, faster, more experimental. I was surrounded by developers, product teams, and builders,” she recalls. The experience ignited a passion for technology and taught her to move at the speed of innovation. She immersed herself in learning, recognizing that tech knowledge would be invaluable if she ever returned to finance. That moment came in 2018 when she joined Itaú BBA, one of the largest financial institutions in Latin America. The transition brought her back to the financial world, but now equipped with a deep understanding of the tech sector. “Today, I get to combine the structure and discipline of finance with the dynamism of tech — advising high-growth companies and connecting them with the right investors,” she explains. A Latina Perspective in Global Tech As a Latina navigating and shaping Latin America’s tech ecosystem, Julia offers a rare and powerful lens. “Being a Latina in this space, I bring a deep understanding of our region’s culture and opportunities – and I use that to bridge worlds,” she says. Her role often involves translating between global investors and local startups, creating pathways for capital to flow where it’s most needed and impactful. “I can speak the language of Silicon Valley and Faria Lima alike,” Julia notes. That ability to straddle geographies and cultures makes her a key facilitator in the region’s growth. “Diversity is an asset – it lets me view challenges from different angles. In practice, that means I’m able to spot opportunities others might overlook and build trust on both sides of the table.” Her work underscores the power of representation—not just in being present at the table but in influencing who gets invited, who gets funded, and who gets heard. Driving Tech-Enabled Growth at Itaú BBA At Itaú BBA, Julia plays a critical role in the bank’s strategic focus on technology. “We’ve built a dedicated coverage for tech companies and funds, and because we are a true relationship bank, we’re able to support startups at every stage of their journey,” she explains. From Itaú’s innovation hub, Cubo, to specialized investment banking and commercial teams, the institution has created an ecosystem to nurture technology ventures holistically. “We don’t just provide capital; we offer community and content,” Julia adds. The bank’s tech summit in New York, now in its fifth year, and its presence at events like Web Summit Rio and SXSW demonstrate a commitment to not just investing in, but actively shaping, the regional tech narrative. Julia’s role often sees her working closely with founders navigating pivotal moments — from capital raises and M&A activity to early IPO discussions. “My job is to help them think through financial strategy while connecting them with the broader Itaú platform to back the region’s most promising technology opportunities,” she says. Engaging with Emerging Trends Julia is more than an observer of tech trends—she’s an active participant, guiding investment strategy while sharing insights with the broader ecosystem. “I like to say I’m an optimist with data to back it up – Latin America has so many exciting tech waves unfolding,” she says. From real-time payments and open banking in fintech to emerging opportunities in healthtech, biotech, climate tech, and AI, Julia is constantly engaging with what’s next. “I study these trends for my newsletter, I talk to founders building in these spaces, and I’m involved in deals that align with these sectors.” Her ability to anticipate the future while staying rooted in practical knowledge is what sets her apart. “Staying ahead of emerging trends is both a key responsibility and a personal passion of mine.” I don’t follow trends—I interrogate them. Because the future isn’t built by hype; it’s built by people who ask what problems we still haven’t solved. Navigating Two Worlds: Finance and Technology The intersection of finance and tech is a complex one, often marked by cultural tension: finance values risk management and tradition; tech champions disruption and speed. Julia knows how to navigate this terrain gracefully. Representation, Responsibility, and Community Being featured in a Latina-focused edition of tech leadership is more than a professional

Leading the Digital Health Revolution: Prof. Dr. Shabbir Syed Abdul’s Vision for the Future of Healthcare

Leading the Digital Health Revolution: Prof. Dr. Shabbir Syed Abdul’s Vision for the Future of Healthcare

Digital Version In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, digital transformation stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, promising to improve patient outcomes, increase accessibility, and reduce costs. Among the pioneering figures shaping this transformation is Prof. Dr. Shabbir Syed Abdul is a prominent specialist in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Health based at Taipei Medical University (TMU) in Taiwan. With a career spanning cutting-edge research and hands-on implementation, Prof. Shabbir embodies the forefront of how AI, quantum computing, and digital technologies converge to redefine healthcare for the 21st century. Prof. Dr. Shabbir Syed Abdul’s contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence and digital health are not just commendable—they are globally recognized. Ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world by Stanford University, his work stands at the forefront of medical innovation. With a remarkable citation record on Google Scholar, his research continues to shape the way healthcare systems evolve, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, aging populations, and data-driven medical interventions. His academic influence stretches far beyond institutional boundaries, reflecting a vision grounded in impact, relevance, and forward-thinking discovery. Digital Health in Taiwan: A Model for the World   Taiwan offers a unique and inspiring example of how an advanced digital health ecosystem can be developed and integrated within a comprehensive healthcare system. According to Prof. Shabbir, the island’s health system benefits from a universal healthcare coverage model combined with a rapidly maturing digital infrastructure. This synergy has facilitated the swift adoption of AI-driven smart healthcare solutions, especially noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic, which acted as a catalyst for digital health expansion worldwide. During the 2025 World Health Assembly, Taiwan successfully hosted a “Smart Medicine Forum” on the sidelines of the event. The forum showcased Taiwan’s advancements in smart healthcare technologies, including AI-assisted diagnostics, smart hospital systems, and wearable health monitoring devices—highlighting the nation’s growing integration of AI, telemedicine, and digital health solutions. Data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) indicates that demand for healthcare services is rising, and the adoption of digital health solutions is helping to meet this demand while expanding access to care.   Prof. Shabbir emphasizes that the widespread use of wearable technology such as smartwatches and biosensors, coupled with edge AI — which enables localized data processing at the device level — is reshaping how health data is captured and utilized. These devices currently offer instantaneous tracking of vital signs, long-term health conditions, and wellness indicators with exceptional speed and precision. AI and Quantum Computing: The Next Frontier   While AI has already begun transforming diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient monitoring, Professor Shabbir is especially enthusiastic about incorporating quantum computing into the healthcare field. Working with IBM’s quantum computing initiatives, he explores how this revolutionary technology can simulate molecular interactions at the quantum level, accelerating drug discovery and personalized medicine development. Quantum computing has the potential to enhance and promote the aims of Taiwan’s ‘Healthy Taiwan’ initiative by advancing telehealth through integration with AI and wearable technology. Quantum algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify disease patterns and predict health outcomes faster than classical computers. Prof. Shabbir foresees AI-enabled wearable devices predicting health events such as cardiac episodes with 95% accuracy, potentially saving countless lives. This hybrid care model, blending virtual and in-person healthcare delivery, aims to reduce unnecessary hospital visits by 30% while enhancing access for rural populations through 5G-enabled telemedicine, projected to increase reach by 40%. These advancements hinge not only on technology but also on evolving regulatory frameworks focused on safeguarding patient privacy, responsible implementation, explainable AI and ensuring ethical AI use. “We are no longer waiting for symptoms to speak first. With AI-powered wearables, the body starts the conversation, and we listen in real time.” Advancing Skills and Knowledge for the Digital Health Age through Education and Research At the Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics (GIBI) at TMU, Professor. Shabbir leads efforts to educate and train healthcare professionals, researchers, and students in AI and digital health applications. Founded in 1998, GIBI is Taiwan’s first biomedical informatics program, combining expertise in biomedicine, computer science, and healthcare management. Through programs such as the In-Service Master Program in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, TMU equips professionals with the necessary skills to implement AI solutions in clinical environments. Prof. Shabbir notes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing that effective digital health solutions require not only technical proficiency but also an understanding of healthcare workflows, ethics, and patient needs. GIBI also actively participates in international Horizon Europe research projects like SmartCHANGE, funded by EU for member states and by NSTC for Taiwanese researchers. SmartCHANGE focuses on developing AI-based health risk prediction models targeting youth cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Using machine learning and federated learning approaches, the project prioritizes privacy-preserving, personalized assessments—demonstrating TMU’s global leadership in responsible digital health innovation. AI-Powered Personalized Care for Aging Populations A significant challenge in healthcare today is managing aging populations with complex chronic conditions. Prof. Shabbir highlights AI’s critical role in addressing these needs through predictive analytics and continuous monitoring. Wearable devices integrated with AI can detect early signs of deterioration, such as cancer relapses or cardiac irregularities, complications of chronic diseases enabling timely interventions. This proactive approach aligns with Taiwan’s broader health goals focused on chronic disease prevention and management. Moreover, “Smart Hospitals” equipped with IoT devices and advanced data analytics are emerging as centers for personalized, efficient care. Prof. Shabbir’s research into using wearables in hospice and palliative care settings illustrates how real-time data can enhance patient comfort and quality of life, even in the most vulnerable populations. TMU is also at the forefront of smart hospital development, transforming its affiliated healthcare system—including TMU Hospital, Wan Fang Hospital, and Shuang Ho Hospital—into models of digital innovation and sustainable care. These hospitals leverage AI-powered clinical decision support systems, IoT devices, robotics, and integrated electronic health records to streamline operations and improve patient outcomes. TMU’s focus on predictive and personalized medicine aligns with the “4Ps” of future healthcare: prediction, prevention, personalisation, and participation. “You can’t implement innovation without understanding the

Servant-Hearted Leadership: The Journey of Alwin Swales – Championing Diversity, Resilience, and Growth

Digital Magazine In an era where corporate leadership is often synonymous with cold efficiency and bottom-line priorities, Alwin Swales stands as a compelling counterpoint. As a Partner at PwC UK, his journey—from the rural landscapes of apartheid-era South Africa to the upper echelons of global consulting—is not merely a story of professional ascent. It is a narrative about the transformative power of people-first leadership, the courage to challenge systemic barriers, and the quiet determination to ensure others don’t face the same obstacles alone. Swales’ approach to leadership is anchored in a philosophy he sums up in a single, deeply personal mantra: “People matter more than things.” This principle, forged through decades of navigating spaces not designed for someone like him, has shaped his career, his advocacy, and his vision for inclusive business. His story is one of resilience, yes, but also of profound humanity—a reminder that the most influential leaders are those who lift as they climb. Leadership, to me, has never been about titles or corner offices — it’s about the responsibility you carry when you’ve walked through doors that were once closed to people like you. It’s about looking back, reaching out, and making sure those doors stay open for others. Every obstacle I’ve overcome, every boardroom I’ve stepped into, has been a reminder that true success isn’t measured by how far I’ve come, but by how many people I’ve helped move forward. Early Foundations: Education as Liberation Alwin Swales’ journey began in humble circumstances. Born in rural Swaziland (now Eswatini) and raised in apartheid South Africa, he understood early that education was his only viable escape from systemic oppression. “The message was clear: if you were Black, your options were limited,” he recalls. “But my parents instilled in us that learning was the one thing no one could take away.” This belief propelled him to excel academically, even when the odds were stacked against him. In a pivotal turn of fate, a utility company launched a bursary program for disadvantaged Black students with top marks—a rarity at the time. Swales was among the first cohort to benefit, securing not only a university education but also a guaranteed job upon graduation. ” Getting that bursary changed my life completely,” he shares. “It proved to me that even in places where opportunities seem absent, they can still be made.” He studied Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics, hedging his bets between technology and actuarial science. Yet, it was an unexpected leadership role in his third year of employment—overseeing a team of 20—that altered his trajectory. “I hadn’t considered myself a leader before then,” he admits. “But seeing how guiding a team could unlock collective potential—that was electrifying.”   The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Building and Letting Go Swales’ early career was marked by an entrepreneurial drive. Alongside friends, he launched a small consulting firm that grew rapidly, amassing 20 clients from South Africa’s top 40 listed companies and a team of 22 within two years. The business was acquired by a listed consulting firm, where Swales stayed on as divisional COO, managing over 125 employees. This phase taught him critical lessons about scaling businesses, but more importantly, about the kind of leader he wanted to be. “I saw how traditional hierarchies could stifle innovation and morale,” he says. “I realized that if you want people to invest in a vision, you have to invest in them first.” In 2005, seeking new challenges, he moved to the UK to join Paragon Consulting, a 20-person firm with ambitions to grow. As part of the leadership team, the company expanded to 95+ employees with offices in London, Dubai, and delivery teams in Singapore and Istanbul. When PwC acquired Paragon in 2010, Swales found himself in a global arena—one where he would continue to champion leadership grounded in service, not just strategy. When the world told me I had no place in it, education whispered otherwise—it gave me a name, a path, and the courage to keep going. The Heart of Leadership: “People Matter More Than Things” Swales’ leadership ethos crystallized in his early 30s when he penned his personal purpose statement: “People matter more than things.” This wasn’t just a platitude; it became the lens through which he made decisions, from team management to client engagements. “Leadership isn’t defined by who speaks the most or the loudest,” he notes. “It’s about creating a space where others feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute.” This servant-hearted approach, inspired in part by the book Jesus CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership, contrasts sharply with the stereotypical, top-down corporate model. At PwC, he has embodied this philosophy in multiple roles: leading the graduate program, steering financial services solutions teams, and serving as a Lead Client Partner. Whether mentoring junior staff or advising C-suite executives, his focus remains on unlocking potential. “A leader’s role isn’t about knowing everything,” he explains.. “It’s to ask the right questions and help others find their superpowers.”   Navigating Spaces That Weren’t Built for Him Swales’ career has been shaped by his experiences as a Black leader in industries where diversity remains a work in progress. From apartheid South Africa to the UK’s corporate landscape, he has learned to navigate—and ultimately reshape—systems that weren’t designed for someone like him. One of his earliest lessons came at 22, when he was elected to lead the Black Managers Forum at his first job. “Suddenly, I was representing Black employees to senior leadership,” he recalls. “It was daunting, but it taught me how to advocate for others while bridging divides.” Many years later, in his role as PwC’s Consulting Partner and sponsor of the Colourbrave campaign, he applied those same abilities to lead open and honest discussions about race in the workplace. His TED-style talk to 150+ PwC partners the year after George Floyd’s murder stands out as a defining moment. “I shared three personal stories about racism—not to shame, but to help them feel what many of their colleagues experienced daily,” he says. The impact was profound, with partners still referencing it years later as a catalyst for

Empowering Financial Transformation and SMEs — Patrycja Strzelecka’s Vision as Co-founder and CCO of CashDirector

Digital Version In Poland’s increasingly dynamic business landscape, the intersection of technology, finance, and entrepreneurship is creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. At the forefront of this movement is Patrycja Strzelecka, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of CashDirector, a pioneering fintech company redefining the way small businesses manage their finances. Her professional journey is a powerful testament to visionary leadership, resilience, and the belief that technology can democratize access to financial services for all. What begins with a vision becomes a movement — when it’s fueled by clarity, commitment, and the courage to reinvent what’s possible. Patrycja Strzelecka’s career is not just a story of fintech innovation, but of bold leadership, purposeful risk-taking, and an unwavering drive to empower others at every step. The Inspiration Behind CashDirector The idea for CashDirector was born from a clear and urgent need: to revolutionize the delivery of accounting services to micro and small businesses. Drawing on years of experience in financial outsourcing and a successful exit from their first venture, Patrycja and her team recognized that millions of small enterprises lacked access to affordable, intuitive financial management tools typically reserved for large corporations. Additionally, they observed that many accountants were confined to repetitive tasks, limiting their potential for professional development. The vision was to digitize accounting, integrate it directly with online banking, and create a seamless, empowering financial management experience for SMEs. “Our journey has been about consistently realizing this vision,” Patrycja shares. In 2016, CashDirector achieved a milestone by executing the first full integration of a cloud-based accounting system with online banking in Europe. Since then, the company has expanded its reach significantly, now serving 250,000 users and collaborating with six major banks in Poland. Initially envisioned as a pure SaaS platform, CashDirector quickly evolved into a comprehensive Tech-Enabled Accounting Services provider. Recognizing that clients needed full-service offerings, including handling tax and accounting matters, the company’s technology now enables accountants to manage up to 150 micro-companies per month — an extraordinary leap in efficiency and scale. Balancing Strategy with Innovation and Agility As Managing Director, Patrycja embraces a leadership philosophy centered around trust and transparency. She fosters an environment where innovation thrives, encouraging her team to experiment, propose ideas, and learn from their experiences. “I believe in a participative leadership style — encouraging decision-making, solution testing, and quick learning from mistakes,” she explains. Setting clear strategic goals provides a vital compass, ensuring that creativity is aligned with the company’s mission and market needs. Patrycja’s approach to leadership highlights the importance of balancing ambition with clarity. Strategy, in her view, must be flexible enough to adapt to new realities but structured enough to provide direction. By embedding openness, mutual respect, and continuous improvement into CashDirector’s culture, she has cultivated a resilient and dynamic team capable of thriving in the fast-moving fintech sector. Modernizing SME Banking: Overcoming Challenges Introducing innovation into traditional industries often means challenging established mindsets. For CashDirector, one of the greatest hurdles was winning the trust of both banks and small business owners — stakeholders who are, by nature, cautious and skeptical of new technologies. The solution was simple but powerful: deliver measurable results. By demonstrating how their platform could save time, reduce costs, and minimize financial risks, Patrycja and her team slowly but steadily built confidence among their partners. Banks came to realize that integrating accounting and banking services into a single, user-friendly platform could provide them with a competitive edge. It allowed them to deepen customer relationships, increase transaction volumes, and enhance user loyalty. Strategic partnerships with forward-thinking banks became instrumental in scaling the adoption of CashDirector’s services, ultimately setting a new standard for SME banking in Poland. A Career Shaped by Global and Entrepreneurial Experience Patrycja’s career path reflects a unique blend of corporate rigor and entrepreneurial daring. She began her professional journey in global organizations such as AT&T and Raiffeisen Bank, where she honed her leadership skills, mastered large-scale project management, and learned to navigate complex, international environments. “Working in these well-organized structures was like a practical MBA,” she reflects. After nearly a decade in the corporate world, Patrycja made the conscious decision to transition into entrepreneurship. She wanted the freedom to innovate, to build something impactful, and to invest her energy and resources into projects she believed in. The combination of corporate discipline, startup agility, and international perspective equipped her with the resilience and adaptability necessary to lead a fintech venture in today’s volatile business environment. Above all, it gave her the ability to recognize moments of transformation and the courage to act upon them — a skill that has proved invaluable throughout her journey. Empowering Small Businesses Across Borders At its core, CashDirector is about empowerment — giving even the smallest businesses access to the kind of real-time financial insights and tools traditionally available only to large enterprises. The company’s platform integrates seamlessly with banking services, offering users a full suite of capabilities: financial data organization and visualization, automatic cash flow forecasting, intelligent reminders, receivables and payables monitoring, direct payment functionality, and even automated settlements with national authorities. Beyond technology, CashDirector also uplifts the accounting sector through OSCBR, a network of 3,000 modern accounting partners. Through this initiative, accountants receive training, technology, and support designed to help them unlock new levels of efficiency and client service. “Our mission is to democratize access to high-quality financial management and to transform the role of accountants from number-crunchers to strategic advisors,” Patrycja emphasizes. Women don’t need to wait until they’re ‘ready’ — they already are. Confidence comes from stepping in and speaking up. Guiding Principles Behind CashDirector’s Vision Patrycja’s leadership is deeply rooted in two core principles: “Think big” and “Give first.” Thinking big drives her to set ambitious, global goals — envisioning CashDirector not merely as a Polish success story, but as a European standard-bearer for SME-focused digital ecosystems. Giving first reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting others, and building authentic partnerships grounded in mutual trust. Diversity, transparency, and authenticity are not just buzzwords in Patrycja’s

Scroll to Top