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Digital Version DeeJay Smith, Head of Global Brand Protection and eCommerce Sales at LifeScan, has charted a dynamic and purpose-driven journey that blends legacy, passion, & innovation. His professional narrative is not just one of corporate ascent, but also a testament to the power of strong brand stewardship and consumer trust. Smith’s early experiences and pivotal roles at iconic consumer goods companies laid a solid foundation for his expertise in combating counterfeiting, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading global brand protection efforts at LifeScan, a global leader in glucose monitoring and diabetes management. “I believe in the principles of Servant Leadership. Throughout my career, the leaders who had the biggest impact on me, were fully invested in their people and built strong working relationships. I trusted that those leaders had my best interest and the best interest of the company when difficult decisions were made.” A Legacy Rooted in Brand Respect Smith’s affinity for consumer brands took root in his childhood. Growing up in Colorado, his father owned a food brokerage business. It was from him that Smith learned the value of brand equity and the importance of protecting it. “My dad used to say, ‘After you graduate college, try to get on with P&G, J&J, or John Deere – they are the best in the world at capturing a brand’s value,’” he recalls. Fulfilling that vision, Smith began his career in 1985 as an entry-level sales manager at Procter & Gamble (P&G). Over the next two decades, he worked on multiple billion-dollar brands and partnered with top U.S. retailers and wholesalers. In 2005, P&G tapped him to lead the development of a “Best in Class” Brand Protection program across the Americas and Asia Pacific. His work included collaborating with law enforcement and customs agencies worldwide, including China’s Public Security Bureau, to stop counterfeit products at the border. The scope of this work was vast, and fittingly, his business card read “Senior Brand Protection Manager, Western Hemisphere.” Upon retiring from P&G in 2018, Smith launched a consulting firm called e-Light, dedicated to illuminating the “Shadow Supply Chain.” Within months, Johnson & Johnson’s divestiture of LifeScan led to an invitation for Smith to head its Global Brand Protection operations. LifeScan: A Mission-Focused Brand LifeScan is a global diabetes care company that provides products under the OneTouch brand, used daily by millions worldwide. Smith’s role is pivotal in ensuring the authenticity, safety, and regulatory compliance of these life-impacting products. He leads anti-counterfeit and fraud prevention efforts globally. In a strategic expansion of responsibilities four years ago, Smith was also tasked with unifying best sales practices across LifeScan’s global eCommerce teams. Interestingly, his father’s advice proved prophetic: Smith’s second job was with LifeScan—then a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary—and his eldest son now works for RDO, the largest John Deere dealerships in the U.S. “I’m sure my Dad is looking down from heaven enjoying the fact that his son and grandson followed his career advice to the letter,” he says warmly. Navigating the Modern Brand Protection Landscape According to Smith, brand protection leaders today face ever-evolving threats, especially within digital commerce. “Manufacturers are facing dynamic challenges taking place at rocket speed,” He heard is once said, “If a consumer brand doesn’t have a counterfeit problem, they have a marketing problem.” One of the most pressing issues is the exponential growth of global online marketplaces and social media commerce, which create new avenues for counterfeiters. While many platforms have committed significant resources to curbing illicit activity, Smith notes that bad actors continually exploit technological loopholes. The rise of artificial intelligence adds complexity—while it aids in a Brand Protection Manager’s ability to detect counterfeit goods, it also arms fraudsters with sophisticated mimicry tools. A Proactive Strategy at LifeScan LifeScan’s brand protection strategy aligns with its overarching mission: safeguarding patient safety. Smith explains, “We focus on protecting the safety of OneTouch patients globally, protecting our brand equity, and defending the company financially.” This is achieved by disrupting the counterfeit supply chain, empowering law enforcement and customs officers, reducing illegal online listings, and proactively preventing fraud. The company’s agile approach enables it to adapt to threats in real time. Tools, Technologies, and Strategic Alliances Smith has long recognized the value of innovation and collaboration. While at P&G, he helped launch a program in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to improve shipment screening accuracy. The initiative became a benchmark for public-private cooperation in border enforcement. CBP and P&G Case At LifeScan, the internal use of cutting-edge tools and strategic partnerships allows the company to identify and disrupt fraud before it impacts consumers. The company also works with third-party experts to monitor thousands of online listings globally. “Our goal is to make sure every OneTouch patient feels safe buying our products from reputable online marketplaces,” Smith emphasizes. Fostering Cross-Functional and External Collaboration Smith views cross-functional support as a cornerstone of successful brand protection. “It may be the most important fundamental,” he asserts. At LifeScan, he collaborates closely with Legal, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Finance, and Commercial teams. He even maintains a direct line to the CCO and CEO, underscoring the importance of brand integrity to LifeScan’s executive vision of “Creating a world without limits for people with diabetes.” Externally, Smith engages with outside counsel, investigators, law enforcement, and global industry groups such as the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC). This collaborative ecosystem strengthens LifeScan’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively. Restoring Trust Through Action One particularly impactful initiative involved a rare breach where a small batch of counterfeit test strip packs made it onto online platforms. Once identified, LifeScan acted quickly, coordinating with the platforms to remove the perpetrators and tighten access protocols. All potentially affected consumers were notified, asked to discard the suspect packs, and sent replacements—at the expense of the platforms. “This decisive action played a key role in building consumer trust,” Smith recalls. The Power of Data and Frontline Awareness Data analytics plays a critical role in LifeScan’s brand protection efforts, especially given the stringent regulatory statutes governing

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

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

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