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Digital Version When Dr. Shingirirai Mutanga reflects on his journey from the dusty roads of rural Zimbabwe to the forefront of African climate science, one word echoes through his story — curiosity. “I always wondered why the rains came late, why some years the harvest was good and others disastrous,” he recalls. “I didn’t have the words for it then, but I was already asking climate questions.” That curiosity has since transformed into a career defined by purpose, persistence, and profound impact. Today, as a Research Group Leader and Principal Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa, Dr. Mutanga stands as one of the continent’s most respected scientific voices driving climate innovation, sustainability, and systems thinking. Early Inspiration and the Spark of a Vision Born into modest circumstances, Dr. Mutanga’s journey toward global scientific leadership was anything but straightforward. Yet, he grew up surrounded by stories that shaped his ambition — tales of Zimbabwean scholars who had earned degrees abroad at world-renowned institutions such as the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) in the Netherlands, and who returned home to build the foundations of Africa’s scientific and technological progress. “They showed me that science could change nations,” he says. “Their stories lit a fire in me — to learn, to lead, and to serve. They showed me what was possible, that excellence and service can coexist — that science can be both global and deeply local.” Guided by this conviction, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies in Zimbabwe, grounding himself in the delicate relationship between ecosystems, livelihoods, and sustainable development. His academic excellence earned him the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which opened doors to an international education journey that would profoundly shape his worldview. Over the course of his studies across Southampton (UK), Lund (Sweden), Warsaw (Poland), and ITC (Netherlands), Dr. Mutanga deepened his expertise in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management. It was during this time that he began to understand how technology could illuminate the hidden stories of the planet. “It was the first time I truly saw how technology could tell the stories of our planet,” he recalls. “From satellite images to climate models, every dataset revealed something vital about our changing world.” Becoming a Systems Thinker Dr. Mutanga’s pursuit of excellence did not stop there. A decade ago, he achieved another major milestone by earning a Ph.D. in Industrial Systems Engineering — an achievement that broadened his scientific lens and solidified his role as a systems thinker. “The PhD taught me to see the interconnections,” he explains. “It’s not enough to study one system in isolation — real sustainability lies in understanding how they all interact.” That perspective — connecting climate, energy, water, and food systems — has since defined his leadership approach and his contributions to climate science in Africa and beyond. Driving Science-Based Solutions at CSIR At CSIR, Dr. Mutanga leads a team at the cutting edge of scientific innovation. His work centers on developing science-based solutions that inform both adaptation and mitigation strategies to tackle climate change. “In climate adaptation,” he explains, “I lead efforts to develop geo-information and modelling tools (earth observation and systems modelling) that help governments and communities anticipate and respond to climate risks such as droughts, floods, and shifts in agricultural productivity. These tools strengthen national adaptation plans and resilience strategies.” On the mitigation side, his research group advances the measurement and compilation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories and GHG scenario modelling across multiple sectors — from energy to land use — supporting low-carbon development pathways and contributing to international reporting and transparency mechanisms. Through this dual focus on adaptation and mitigation, Dr. Mutanga and his team help bridge the gap between complex data its policy interface and propel climate action. Their work ensures that science does not stay confined to laboratories but instead reaches decision-makers who can turn insights into sustainable outcomes. Building Interdisciplinary Collaboration Climate change is not a problem that can be solved in silos. Recognizing this, CSIR — under Dr. Mutanga’s guidance — fosters interdisciplinary research and partnerships that cut across sectors and disciplines. “Beyond research outputs, our impact lies in leadership across the climate, energy, water, and food nexus,” he notes. “We help decision-makers understand how policies in one sector ripple across others. Tackling climate change requires systems thinking, inclusive collaboration, and grounded African innovation.” This interdisciplinary spirit is central to CSIR’s mission — ensuring that Africa’s response to climate change is informed, connected, and context-specific. Innovating for Climate Resilience: The ReLISA Project Among the many initiatives led by Dr. Mutanga, one stands out as a beacon of hope — ReLISA, a flagship project that embodies both scientific rigor and visionary collaboration. “ReLISA is more than just a project,” he explains. “It represents a shared vision for a greener, more resilient future.” Under this IKI initiative, CSIR provides scientific evidence to support investment in land restoration, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, LiDAR, drones, flux tower data, soil sampling, machine learning, and AI modelling. These tools are used to quantify how much carbon land can store — a critical step in understanding carbon sequestration and building sustainable climate strategies. Projects like ReLISA highlight how scientific innovation can create tangible environmental and economic benefits, positioning Africa as a key player in the global push toward net-zero emissions. From Data to Decision: Translating Science into Action One of the defining aspects of Dr. Mutanga’s leadership is his ability to translate complex research into actionable strategies for governments, industries, and communities. “We engage early, communicate clearly, collaborate broadly, and follow through on impact,” he says — a principle that captures his pragmatic yet visionary approach to science communication. This emphasis on early engagement and clarity ensures that CSIR’s research doesn’t just inform policy but actively shapes it — helping nations craft more effective climate strategies grounded in data and systems thinking. Harnessing Technology to Protect the Planet Advanced

Digital Magazine In a rapidly transforming world, where technology connects continents and leadership is being redefined by empathy and inclusivity, Jeevantika Lingalwar stands as a guiding force. As a TEDx Speaker and Founder of International Women in Tech (IWIT), she embodies the essence of modern leadership — visionary, purposeful, and profoundly human. Recognized as The Most Influential Visionary Leader in Business 2025, Jeevantika has made it her mission to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just ideals discussed in boardrooms but lived realities shaping the future of business and technology. The Calling to Lead with Purpose For Jeevantika, being an influential leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion is not merely a professional pursuit — it is a personal calling. “It means standing at the intersection of purpose and progress,” she explains, “using my voice to challenge systems that weren’t built with everyone in mind.” Her journey began with a realization that continues to define her mission today: “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not.” As a woman of color navigating the world of technology, Jeevantika often found herself as the only one in the room — sometimes, the only one ever. Rather than letting those moments limit her, she transformed them into a source of strength and motivation. “I founded International Women in Tech to build a global community where women could connect, grow, and rise together,” she says. “It’s more than an organization — it’s a movement.” For her, leadership in DEI requires courage and compassion. It’s about speaking up when silence is easier, advocating for change even when it’s uncomfortable, and listening deeply to those whose experiences differ from our own. “She highlights that real inclusion means more than simply having diverse faces at the table. “It’s about transformation — shifting mindsets, policies, and cultures so that diversity becomes the norm, not the exception.” Through IWIT, Jeevantika has created a space where collective action becomes a catalyst for systemic change. The organization has launched mentorship programs, global summits, and grassroots initiatives that have empowered thousands of women to break barriers in technology. But for her, the most meaningful measure of success lies in the stories — “the woman who got her first job in AI, the founder who finally secured funding after years of rejection, or the student who saw herself reflected in leadership for the first time.” “Being recognized as a DEI leader is an honor,” she reflects, “but it’s also a responsibility. I carry the hopes of those who came before me and the dreams of those still finding their way. My purpose is to keep building, advocating, and opening doors. Because when we lead with equity, we don’t just change business — we change lives.” The Birth of a Global Movement The inspiration behind International Women in Tech (IWIT) was deeply personal yet globally resonant. As a woman navigating the complexities of the tech world, Jeevantika experienced the subtle and overt biases that often hinder progress. “I encountered moments where brilliance was overshadowed by bias, and potential was stifled by lack of access,” she recalls. “It became clear that these were not isolated experiences — they were systemic.” This awareness sparked the vision for IWIT — a global platform designed to amplify women’s voices in technology while equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to lead. “I wanted to go beyond conversation and create a movement rooted in empowerment, representation, and measurable impact,” she explains. While many DEI initiatives focus on raising awareness, IWIT focuses on action. It bridges borders and unites women from Lagos to London, Bangalore to Boston — all connected by the shared belief that empowerment must be both inclusive and intersectional. “What makes IWIT unique,” Jeevantika says, “is our commitment to intersectionality. Women’s experiences in tech are shaped not just by gender, but by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and more. We celebrate that complexity.” The result is a movement that is rewriting the narrative of women in technology — shifting it from scarcity to abundance, from exclusion to belonging. “It’s not just about getting women into tech,” she insists. “It’s about ensuring they thrive, lead, and shape the future of the industry.” Defining True Inclusivity In her global advocacy work, Jeevantika often speaks about true inclusivity — a concept she believes must go far beyond token representation. “It’s not just about who’s in the room, but whether they have a voice and feel safe enough to use it,” she explains. “Inclusivity is the architecture of belonging, and it must be intentional, intersectional, and embedded into the culture.” At IWIT, inclusivity is defined as equity in experience, not just opportunity. The organization’s programs are designed with sensitivity to the diverse realities of women across the world — from LGBTQ+ technologists and neurodiverse professionals to women from underrepresented geographies. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions,” she says. “We build systems that reflect the complexity of human identity.” This philosophy is brought to life through open dialogue, cross-border mentorship, and collaborative design. IWIT also partners with companies to help them move from performative gestures to measurable impact — implementing inclusive hiring practices, equitable pay structures, and leadership pipelines that mirror the diversity of their workforce. “We challenge organizations to ask not just ‘who’s missing?’ but ‘why?’ — and to answer that question through action,” Jeevantika emphasizes. “Because when we build with everyone in mind, we build a future that belongs to everyone.” The Power of Storytelling and Representation For Jeevantika, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for building inclusive environments. She recalls a pivotal moment early in her career when she spoke at a global conference on innovation. “I was the only woman on the panel — and one of the few people of color in the entire auditorium,” she shares. “After my session, a young woman came up to me and said, ‘I’ve never seen someone who looks like me on that stage. Now I know I belong here too.’” That encounter crystallized her understanding of what representation

Digital Version Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It is the driving force behind a new wave of transformation across industries, economies, and societies. For Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this transformation presents both a major opportunity and a significant challenge. At the center of this movement stands Sebastiano Toffaletti, Secretary General of the European DIGITAL SME Alliance, who has become one of Europe’s most influential voices in advocating for a fair, sovereign, and inclusive AI ecosystem. Leading the largest network of tech SMEs in Europe, representing over 45,000 innovative companies through national and sectoral associations, Toffaletti is championing a vision that goes beyond technology adoption. His mission is to ensure that AI becomes a tool for empowerment, sovereignty, and sustainable growth across Europe’s SME landscape. Redefining the Role of SMEs in the Age of AI For Toffaletti, Artificial Intelligence is not simply a technological shift. It is redefining the very nature of competitiveness and innovation. “AI is redefining competitiveness for every business, but for SMEs, it is not just about adopting new tools; it is about reimagining their place in the digital economy,” he explains. More than half of Europe’s creative companies, including those in gaming, audiovisual, and media, already use AI tools. However, other sectors such as industry and healthcare are still behind, with adoption rates averaging only 13 percent. This imbalance highlights both the challenge and opportunity ahead. Toffaletti believes that the most sustainable way forward for small enterprises is not total dependence on large foreign AI systems but rather developing and training their own smaller, specialized language models. Open Source models are a good solution: They can be tailored to the company’s specific needs and data, and hosted securely in local cloud environments. “If Europe ensures access to trustworthy, interoperable, and open AI solutions, SMEs can turn today’s technological dependency into tomorrow’s sovereignty opportunity, transforming Europe from a user to a producer of advanced AI,” he emphasizes. A Vision Rooted in Sovereignty and Responsibility Sebastiano’s commitment to empowering SMEs through AI stems from a simple yet powerful observation. Innovation often begins in small companies, but the ecosystem tends to favor large incumbents. “I have seen too many small innovators struggle and fail to exploit their potential because they depend on non-European infrastructures for computing, cloud, and data,” he reflects. This reality inspired him to become a strong advocate for the responsible and sovereign adoption of AI within the SME ecosystem. Under his leadership, DIGITAL SME has been promoting a European approach that combines technological independence, open ecosystems, and ethical responsibility. Over time, his vision evolved from raising awareness to building the infrastructure necessary to achieve technological sovereignty. “I was among the originators of the EuroStack movement, which brings together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders around one goal: enabling Europe to build its own digital and AI stack, from chips to cloud to models. It is about ensuring that SMEs can innovate confidently, using European technologies built on European values,” he explains. Unique Challenges and Hidden Advantages for SMEs Integrating AI poses unique challenges for smaller companies compared to larger corporations. Toffaletti outlines three major barriers: limited access to data, lack of affordable computing infrastructure, and a shortage of AI talent. Europe’s data protection regulations, though important for privacy, often create uneven conditions for smaller innovators. “Although European privacy laws have done little to stop U.S. and Chinese tech giants from tapping into citizens’ data, they still present major hurdles for smaller, emerging players,” he says. Moreover, valuable industrial and machine-generated data is often locked away by manufacturers that aim to protect market dominance, which prevents fair competition and innovation. Computational power, a critical component for training AI models, is another major obstacle, with most resources still concentrated in the hands of global hyperscalers. Meanwhile, Europe continues to experience a shortage of skilled AI engineers and data scientists. Despite these challenges, Toffaletti points out that SMEs have one undeniable advantage: agility. “They can innovate faster, experiment with open-source models, and deploy edge AI without the bureaucratic inertia of large corporations,” he says. His advice to smaller companies is practical and forward-thinking. “Run lightweight and air-gapped AI tools on local clouds. The greatest opportunity for SMEs lies in decentralized AI, where they can train models close to the data source and lead innovation in their domains, from smart farming to industrial robotics.” DIGITAL SME: Empowering AI Adoption Across Europe Under Toffaletti’s leadership, the European DIGITAL SME Alliance has become a cornerstone of Europe’s AI transformation efforts. The organization leads numerous EU initiatives designed to make AI more accessible to smaller innovators. Through programs such as Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs), AI-on-Demand, and the European Digital Innovation Hubs Network, DIGITAL SME connects SMEs with essential resources such as research, datasets, funding, and technical expertise. These networks, which include more than 150 hubs across Europe, offer services in data management, ethical AI testing, and support for AI deployment. “We also advocate for fair access to public funding and data spaces in programs such as Digital Europe and Horizon Europe,” he adds. “As the recent EU Apply AI Strategy notes, many actions, from AI for the public sector to the AI Continent Action Plan, will only succeed if SMEs are fully involved.” DIGITAL SME’s Focus Group on AI further strengthens this mission by enabling hundreds of small companies to co-create policy proposals, share technical knowledge, and test ethical frameworks. “We are turning dialogue into deployment,” Toffaletti says proudly. Building Inclusive Growth Through Open AI Infrastructures Artificial Intelligence has the power to drive both innovation and disruption. Ensuring inclusive growth remains one of Europe’s biggest challenges. “Inclusiveness starts with architecture, not afterthought,” says Toffaletti. “If AI infrastructures are open, interoperable, and affordable, SMEs will naturally be part of the growth story.” The real risk, he warns, comes when AI becomes concentrated in the hands of a few hyperscalers that control not only the models but also the compute and data pipelines. To prevent this, DIGITAL SME continues

Digital Version In the ever-evolving world of enterprise technology, leaders who bring both vision and empathy to innovation stand apart. Among these trailblazers is Rani Pangam, Vice President of Product Management & Customer Impact at ServiceNow, whose journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to shaping technology that transforms work and customer experience.   With a background spanning business, law, risk, and compliance, Rani brings a unique lens to product leadership—one that is rooted in accountability and trust while being firmly focused on the future of digital transformation. As she continues to guide ServiceNow’s mission of revolutionizing workflows and empowering enterprises globally, her leadership is a testament to how innovation and impact intersect.   A Non-Linear Journey into Technology Leadership   When asked how her journey shaped her vision for technology-driven customer experiences and what inspired her to pursue leadership in tech, Rani reflects on the unconventional path she took:   “My journey into digital innovation wasn’t linear—I studied business, earned a law degree, and began my career in the risk, security, and compliance world. Those early roles gave me a deep respect for accountability and trust. As digital transformation gained momentum, I saw enterprise solutions weren’t just shaping organizations and outcomes, but reshaping entire industries. That inspired me to grow as a leader in this space.   What drew me in was a simple belief: innovation should make life easier. Too often, I saw organizations drowning in complexity instead of focusing on serving their customers. That fueled my conviction that technology should dissolve friction, simplify work, and amplify human potential.   This led me to where I am today—helping customers succeed with digital platforms, creating impact by connecting innovation to real business outcomes. Helping customers bridge that gap—between new capabilities and measurable results—is what drives me every day.   What continues to inspire me? Building solutions that don’t just work but transform how people experience work itself!”   Innovation Aligned with Customer Needs   Rani occupies a distinctive position at the intersection of product management and customer impact. For her, innovation is only as valuable as its ability to deliver real-world outcomes. At ServiceNow, she leads the Customer Zero strategy (Now on Now), which embeds this philosophy at the very core of the company’s operations.   “At ServiceNow, I lead our Customer Zero strategy (what we call Now on Now)—where we battle-test our own products internally, at enterprise scale, before they reach customers. We don’t just design and build features; we live them. We see firsthand where friction exists, how workflows scale, and how quickly ROI can be realized.   That Customer Zero practitioner experience is incredibly powerful. We go to our customers not just with theory, but with real world validation. We share best practices from our own journey, callout pitfalls to avoid, and highlight the value we’ve unlocked. In doing so, we build trust and connect with customers as peers.   This strategy also makes us a living customer reference. When we tell customers about our own experiences that accelerate outcomes—it’s grounded in our own data and experience. That combination of internal mission, customer empathy, and co-creation ensures that internal product adoption translates into meaningful business outcomes.”   The Trends Reshaping Enterprise Technology   Looking at the enterprise technology landscape today, Rani identifies three forces she believes are fundamentally reshaping the way organizations operate:   “I believe there are these forces reshaping the enterprise today:   Agentic AI: We’re moving past the era of AI as a mere predictor and enabler. AI is able to act autonomously with humans mitigating risk, making adjustments, and proving structure. These intelligent AI agents—an Agentic Workforce—can execute entire workflows end-to-end: resolving incidents, processing transactions, orchestrating multi-step service requests—while escalating exceptions or ensuring quality checks are done by humans. This frees people to focus on what we do best—innovation, empathy, and strategy. Data as foundation: Connected, trusted, real-time data is the lifeblood of intelligent workflows. Without data, AI can’t deliver and automation can’t scale. Smart workflows as the glue: End-to-end workflows are how organizations break silos, orchestrate work across the enterprise, and deliver seamless experiences. ServiceNow is at the intersection of these forces. ServiceNow’s AI Platform brings AI, data, and workflows together in one place. With intelligence directly embedded into processes, and access to data across the entire enterprise, work doesn’t just move faster—it moves smarter. Employees gain guided, context-aware experiences, customers get proactive service, and leaders get foresight, instead of hindsight.   The result isn’t just efficiency—it’s real transformation.”   Navigating Challenges as a Female Leader in Tech   Rani’s journey as a leader is also shaped by the unique challenges she has faced as a woman, and an immigrant, “My story begins as a first-generation immigrant to the US. I came here for higher education on a shoe-string budget, navigating both cultural and financial hurdles along the way. When I entered tech, I was often ‘the only’—the only woman, the only immigrant in the room.   It wasn’t easy. It meant working harder to prove yourself, building resilience in the face of doubt, and learning to anchor myself in preparation and performance. But those experiences also gave me perspective: the courage to speak authentically, the empathy to mentor others navigating similar paths, and the determination to build inclusive environments where ‘the only’ can become ‘one of many.’   Empowering women in tech, for me, isn’t abstract. It’s about mentoring early-career professionals, sponsoring talent for stretch roles, and ensuring diverse representation at decision-making tables. Because when leaders open doors, opportunity multiplies—not just for individuals, but for the entire industry.”   Driving Customer Success Through Leadership   Among her many achievements, Rani highlights one initiative that stands out as a defining moment in her career:   “One of my proudest moments came through our Customer Zero strategy. A Fortune 50 multinational was at a crossroads, evaluating vendors for a massive transformation. I was able to influence their decision by reframing how they thought about the journey—not just technology adoption, but organizational transformation,