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Digital Version In the vibrant world of New York’s hospitality scene, where every corner tells a story, few narratives stand out as much as that of Sofia Vandaele. As the General Manager of InterContinental New York Barclay, Sofia goes beyond traditional hotel leadership; she creates memorable experiences for guests. Her journey—from a young girl inspired by her family’s restaurant in Belgium to leading one of Manhattan’s prestigious hotels—reflects her deep passion for hospitality. “Hospitality is about connection; it’s about making people feel welcome and valued.” Sofia’s love for this industry began in her childhood, surrounded by the warmth of her parents’ restaurant. “For me, hospitality was always about connection,” she recalls. “I loved interacting with different people and creating memorable experiences.” This early spark ignited her pursuit of a degree in Hotel Management, laying the groundwork for a career that would lead her to remarkable heights. Her professional journey began at Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Brussels, where Sofia’s determination quickly opened doors. Following pivotal roles, including Hotel Manager at the Sheraton Belgravia in London, her path took her across the globe, from New York to Paris. Each experience honed her skills in hotel operations and guest relations, shaping her into the leader she is today. “Every step in my career taught me something invaluable; each city had its unique flavor that shaped my perspective.” In 2018, Sofia embraced the opportunity to lead InterContinental New York Barclay, a historic property steeped in charm. “The Barclay is not just a hotel; it’s a New York institution,” she reflects. “It’s an honor to be part of a place that has welcomed so many remarkable guests throughout its history.” With its rich legacy dating back to 1926, The Barclay is a symbol of elegance and hospitality in Manhattan. The Art of Leadership As General Manager, Sofia’s role encompasses a diverse array of responsibilities, guiding a team of over 400 dedicated professionals. “My job involves engaging with our guests, refining our services, and shaping the hotel’s vision,” she explains. Her leadership style emphasizes authenticity and inclusivity, fostering a culture where every voice is valued. “Celebrating our small wins is crucial; it creates a sense of unity and reminds everyone that their contributions matter,” she adds. In an industry where change is constant, Sofia understands the evolving expectations of guests. “Today’s travelers seek more than just a comfortable bed; they want personalized, anticipatory service,” she shares. To meet this demand, The Barclay continuously evaluates and adapts its offerings, ensuring that each guest’s experience is uniquely tailored to their desires. Innovative strategies play a pivotal role in enhancing guest satisfaction. By incorporating advanced technology—like digital concierges and modern room features—The Barclay aims to blend high-tech with high-touch service. “We want to not only meet but anticipate our guests’ needs,” Sofia emphasizes. “It’s the thoughtful details that create lasting memories.” Embracing Sustainability In an era where sustainability is paramount, Sofia is dedicated to embedding eco-friendly practices into The Barclay’s operations. “Sustainability is essential to our guest experience,” she insists. From eco-conscious in-room amenities to the Barclay Conserve Program, every initiative reflects a commitment to responsible tourism. One of her proudest achievements is the “Barclay Bees” program, featuring beehives on the hotel’s rooftop. “We incorporate the honey harvested from our bees into our culinary offerings, forging a unique connection between our guests and the environment,” Sofia explains, her enthusiasm palpable. This initiative not only supports local biodiversity but also enhances the hotel’s culinary artistry. Balancing Legacy and Innovation Sofia understands the delicate balance between honoring The Barclay’s rich history and meeting the modern expectations of today’s guests. Following a substantial $180 million renovation, the hotel beautifully marries its storied past with contemporary luxury. “We pay homage to our heritage while embracing innovations that enhance comfort and experience,” she reflects. This commitment to maintaining The Barclay’s legacy while adapting to current trends has solidified its status as a leader in New York’s luxury hospitality landscape. “It’s a careful dance, one that we approach with respect and vision,” she notes. Overcoming Challenges Sofia’s journey has not been without its hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges that tested the resilience of the entire hospitality industry. “It was the most significant challenge I faced as General Manager,” she admits. Yet, Sofia witnessed the unwavering spirit of her team and the hotel itself. “We rebounded swiftly, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and adaptability.” The pandemic highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding in leadership. “Prioritizing mental health and well-being has always been vital for me,” she shares. “It became even more crucial during this time for both my team and myself.” Inspiring the Next Generation As a role model in the hospitality sector, Sofia is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders. Her advice is both straightforward and impactful: “Follow your passion, stay focused, and seize opportunities as they come.” She believes that every chance to learn and grow leads to invaluable connections and unexpected paths in one’s career. “Your passion is your compass in this industry, Let it guide you through challenges and inspire you to create meaningful impacts.” Conclusion: A Legacy of Hospitality Sofia Vandaele’s story exemplifies the transformative power of hospitality. Her dedication to excellence, paired with her innovative spirit and compassionate leadership style, sets a remarkable standard within the industry. As General Manager of InterContinental New York Barclay, she continues to shape experiences that resonate deeply with guests, reminding us that at the heart of hospitality lies a genuine desire to serve and connect. “In the fast-paced world of luxury hospitality, my journey encourages us to embrace our passions, celebrate our unique journeys, and strive for excellence in everything we do.”

Digital Version Over the last few years, AI has become a key word in many sectors, and one of its prominent faces is Dan Banas. As the Head of AI, Strategy, and Analytics at Continuum Global, Dan is more than a mere observer of the fast-changing scene of AI and Generative AI, he is leading how novel technologies should be implemented. In this day and age where change is the only constant, what does this process look like, and how does he ‘keep one step ahead’? Buckle up — Dan’s journey is about to take you into the future of AI! Merging Different Worlds Dan Banas’s career showcases continuous development and a transformative pursuit of improvement. With 15+ years of experience developing and integrating ideas of finance, operations, strategy, and technology, Dan has always welcomed opportunities to combine his broad knowledge of business processes with modern technologies. Since the beginning of his career, Dan was invited to join executive boardroom meetings with C-Suite executives and the top decision makers, often being the youngest in the room by a wide margin. According to Dan: “I got my start by assessing the financial impact of strategic decisions that executives were discussing, then leading teams to make the overall vision happen. I’m very thankful to have such central roles and to have that much visibility across businesses throughout my career”. His curiosity and flexibility brought him to the intersection of AI, data analytics, and its application to solve business problems. Nowadays Dan is looking at how organizations engage and interact with their target audiences. “There’s always been a tendency for me to start with the big picture, recognize opportunities, then work with individual business units on optimizing those operations. When it became apparent how powerful AI could be, it was only a matter of bringing together business thinking and technology,” says Banas. AI: The Business Industry’s Revolutionary Catalyst Today, AI can be regarded as an engine of change in almost every field— from repetitive business mechanics to the development of unique user-oriented approaches. Dan is at the cutting edge of AI + GenAI model implementations, helping companies better engage and communicate with their end users. From Business Development → Product Development → Operational Efficiency → leading industry relationships, Dan brings it all together as Head of AI, Strategy, and Analytics at Continuum Global “There are a range of AI + GenAI applications companies can be using, yet the complexity can get confusing. That’s why the market is looking to experts like Continuum Global. Things are changing quickly and some companies are getting left behind,” says Dan. “A great deal of advancement has been made with Generative AI in particular. Companies are no longer relegated to sending out blanket messages and are now able to customize their messaging during the interaction as well as expedite personalized content across users.” In Dan’s view, this technology is no longer a high-end pursuit reserved exclusively for large companies, but rather an economical necessity for organizations of all sizes to remain competitive in today’s volatile market. As he states, “It’s now table stakes, the bare minimum, for companies to at least be testing AI. It is a business requirement if an organization is to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing environment.” It’s now table stakes, the bare minimum, for companies to at least be testing AI. It is a business requirement if an organization is to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing environment. Scaling AI for Every Business Dan sees one of his primary challenges as bringing new AI technologies to the market for a broader audience— businesses of different sizes and with varying depths of technical knowledge. Along with Audience Strategy, Business Intelligence Dashboarding, and High Velocity Analytics, Dan’s group at Continuum Global helps companies leverage the latest AI + GenAI technologies He emphasizes, “It’s about designing and developing holistic AI integrations that work and that are easy to use.  It’s more about your approach and the systems you put in place.” These goals underpin the mission of Continuum Global, helping companies leverage powerful end-to-end Engagement Marketing and AI capabilities. What matters is partnering with the right people, who have the right expertise. Ethical AI: A Sense of Duty When Inventing Banas understands that with the growth of technology comes a growing responsibility. While issues such as data security and privacy are crucial, Banas outlines a common goal for the AI solutions being developed at Continuum Global and the ethical frameworks they adhere to. He states, “Balancing technological innovation with responsible AI development is more important than ever. Working for a global company with global solutions, we are definitely looking at regulation across the world and watching that landscape change. Similarly, I’m hearing companies with a global presence echo sentiments of wanting to partner with the industry’s best and brightest in this space.” AI-Driven Engagement Marketing: The Next Frontier Continuum Global specializes in Engagement Marketing, which is when companies have already acquired their audiences and are looking to best engage their customers across channels like email, in-app, push, SMS, social media, etc. Customer engagement is crucial for brands that want to nurture meaningful relationships with consumers, shifting away from ordinary transactional exchanges. “Being the industry specialists in this space means we can offer more nimble, tailored, and scalable solutions. Luckily, one of AI + Generative AI’s most applicable use-cases is scaling marketing activities. AI has the potential to assist brands in communicating with their customers in ways that never existed before,” explains Banas. “It’s not just about getting their attention. It’s about creating a tailor-made approach for every customer, backed by real-time data and feedback.” For Banas, the future of marketing is not just automation, but smart automation focused on adding value to the customer’s experience. Strong Interests in Wearables and Sports Analytics Outside of work, Dan also has a great enthusiasm for Analytics + AI in the future of smart wearables data and performance analytics. “I’m enjoying partnering with various universities’ Sports Analytics and AI programs. Seeing a lot

Digital Version A Visionary Leader Shaping Africa’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Jumanne Mtambalike’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a strong desire to address Africa’s most pressing challenges. His vision was clear from the start – create a platform that would foster innovation, support startups, and drive economic growth. As the founder and CEO of Sahara Ventures, Mtambalike has built a company that not only incubates ideas but accelerates the growth of startups and connects them to global markets. Building a Foundation for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Mtambalike’s early career experiences laid the foundation for Sahara Ventures. Beginning as anInnovation Trainee at Buni Hub, he learned firsthand the impact of innovation spaces on nurturing talent and supporting startups. The lessons learned from managing Buni Hub, combined with his personal entrepreneurial ventures, informed his vision for Sahara Ventures: a platform dedicated to building Africa’s innovation ecosystem through entrepreneurship.“What motivated me was the need to create sustainable solutions for Africa,” he recalls. “Iwanted to develop a company that would bridge the gap between innovators and markets, providing them with the tools and resources to succeed.” “Our mission is to ensure that African entrepreneurs have access to the same resources as their peers in other parts of the world.” A Catalyst for Change Across the Continent Sahara Ventures is driven by the vision of creating a sustainable innovation and technology entrepreneurship ecosystem across Africa. Mtambalike sees the company’s role as a catalyst for change, empowering young entrepreneurs and providing them with the resources to thrive. Thecompany is focused on expanding its reach, building partnerships with governments, privatesectors, and global investors, all with the goal of positioning Africa as a global hub for innovation.“Our mission is multifaceted,” he explains. “We identify promising startups, accelerate theirgrowth, and promote them on both regional and international stages. The goal is to ensure thatAfrican entrepreneurs have access to the same resources as their peers in other parts of the world.” Ecosystem Building Through Collaboration  Sahara Ventures’ approach to entrepreneur-ship is rooted in collaboration. Rather than focusing solely on startups, the company builds the entire ecosystem around them by engaging with stakeholders from government, academia, private sectors, and development partners. One of their unique strategies is an emphasis on grassroots innovation – working closely with local entrepreneurs to understand the specific context of their solutions. A standout initiative in this ecosystem-building effort is Silicon Dar, an organically formed tech hub in Dar es Salaam that supports entrepreneurs with digital skills training, market access, and innovation opportunities. This initiative, along with Sahara Ventures’ dedication to digitization, ecosystem mapping, and financial inclusion, highlights the company’s commitment to fostering innovation in underserved markets and turning Tanzania into a smart technology hub. Navigating Challenges and Building Solutions Like many African entrepreneurs, Sahara Ventures has faced significant challenges, particularlyin securing early-stage funding for startups. In response, the company has forged partnershipswith local financial institutions and established initiatives like the Sahara Accelerator to connectstartups with investors. They are also preparing to launch Raphta Angels, an angel investmentnetwork that will focus on supporting grassroots entrepreneurs in East and Central Africa. Capacity building is another challenge. Many entrepreneurs need mentorship and training to turn their ideas into viable businesses. Mtambalike’s solution? Extensive mentorship programs and workshops that equip entrepreneurs with the practical skills they need for success. Leading with Integrity, Collaboration, and Impact For Mtambalike, leadership is about more than just business success – it’s about creating a lasting impact. Integrity, collaboration, and impact are at the core of his decision-making process, and these values drive Sahara Ventures’ operations. “At Sahara Ventures, we believe in being BOLD – Brilliance, Optimism, Love, and Determination,” he shares. “These values are the foundation of everything we do, and they guide us in building meaningful relationships and making a difference in the communities we serve.” Empowering a New Generation of Entrepreneurs Looking ahead, Mtambalike envisions a future where entrepreneurship in Africa is shaped by technology, sustainability, and inclusivity. The rise of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and green solutions will be key drivers of growth, and Sahara Ventures is positioning itself to lead in these areas by investing in digital skills, supporting green startups, and promoting inclusive opportunities for youth and women.Sustainability is also at the forefront of Mtambalike’s vision. Sahara Ventures integrates sustainable practices into its operations by supporting clean technology startups and focusing on environmental impact. Through programs like ClimateKIC, the company is helping to build a future where entrepreneurship contributes to a more sustainable and equitable world. “The future of entrepreneurship in Africa will be shaped by the rapid adoption of digitaltechnologies and the increasing role of youth and women in innovation.” Innovating for the Future Sahara Ventures is preparing to launch several transformative initiatives, including Raphta Angels and Camel.AI, an AI-enabled consulting service that integrates artificial intelligence into business consulting. Additionally, the company is digitizing its accelerator process with InvestoRedo.AI, a platform that will streamline the startup acceleration process and provide personalized guidance.Through these initiatives, Mtambalike aims to shape a future where African entrepreneurs are at the forefront of global innovation, and Sahara Ventures is leading the charge. “We believe in being BOLD – Brilliance, Optimism, Love, and Determination.”

Digital Version In the ever-complex world of community development, few stories are as inspiring as that of Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, the CEO of the Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA). His journey is not just a narrative of professional growth but a deeply personal mission to create lasting change in Cameroon and beyond. With RADA, he has combined his life experiences, family values, and a profound sense of purpose to build an organization that touches countless lives. His story is a testament to what is possible when passion, vision, and determination align. Every journey of change begins with a single step, but it’s the passion behind it that paves the way for lasting impact. Roots in Nso and a Legacy of Service Ferdinant’s story begins in Nso, a major tribe in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Growing up, he watched his parents embody the spirit of service. His mother, a nurse, dedicated herself to caring for the sick at the Banso Baptist Hospital, while his father, despite the challenge of ending formal schooling in his youth, became an English teacher and a Finance Clerk. His father’s true passion, however, was helping vulnerable children. He eventually founded an NGO and school that provided support for over 350 children facing challenges like HIV, disabilities, and poverty. “My father was one of my greatest inspirations,” Ferdinant shares, his voice filled with both pride and nostalgia. Though his father’s efforts were disrupted by the current armed conflict, the impact of those early lessons in resilience and compassion shaped Ferdinant’s perspective on life. His father’s passing from cancer in 2021 was a turning point—an emotional yet motivating reminder of the importance of carrying forward the legacy of making a difference. It was from this foundation that Ferdinant drew strength and envisioned a path forward through RADA, focusing on helping others and creating a lasting impact. A Leap of Faith: The Birth of RADA The seeds of RADA were planted in 2009, but it wasn’t until 2020 that Ferdinant took the leap, resigning from his position as a Program Manager for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) with CBC Health Services to devote himself fully to RADA’s vision. The decision to leave a stable job wasn’t easy—especially given the uncertainties ahead—but Ferdinant’s resolve was unwavering. “It took courage to resign,” he admits. “For over nine months, I had no salary and survived from hand to mouth, but I knew that my vision was worth the sacrifice.” Ferdinant’s leadership at RADA focuses on a bold vision: creating opportunities for young people, fostering community development, and leading reconciliation efforts in a region deeply affected by conflict. “I knew I needed to do it myself,” he says of his decision to start RADA, “to lead by example and create the change I wanted to see.” His journey is a testament to the power of vision, even when resources are scarce. Taking a leap into the unknown is where the magic of change truly begins. Navigating Challenges in Reconciliation and Peacebuilding When it comes to peacebuilding in Africa, Ferdinant is realistic but hopeful. He believes that the root of many conflicts lies in misinformation, manipulation, and the lack of dialogue. “Reconciliation means settling differences, but you don’t do that without discussing or making informed decisions,” he explains. For him, a key challenge is educating communities about the dangers of misinformation and the importance of unity. “Africa has so many unnecessary conflicts that need peacebuilding and reconciliation,” he says, emphasizing the role of education in changing mindsets. Ferdinant is critical of the tendency to blame external forces for Africa’s challenges, advocating instead for self-reflection and internal growth. “The West has given us opportunities; it’s up to us to harness them,” he insists. RADA is working to address these challenges by advocating for youth engagement and encouraging African youths to address local issues rather than seeking solutions abroad. “We are of the generation that is critical of our leaders, but we need to be the change we aspire for Africa,” he adds. Leveraging Technology for Greater Impact RADA has embraced digital tools to enhance its outreach and efficiency, especially in conflict-affected regions. Ferdinant and his team use social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram to share updates and engage communities. Virtual tools like Zoom and Teams are also integral to their operations, facilitating remote meetings and collaborations. “Our website serves as a hub of information about our work, and we run an internal newsletter with plans to expand it externally,” he notes. While they are yet to fully integrate advanced technology into their programs, Ferdinant is optimistic about the potential of digital tools to amplify their reach. He sees technology as a valuable asset in increasing the visibility of RADA’s initiatives and fostering a more connected, informed community. Balancing Immediate Crises and Long-Term Vision For RADA, addressing immediate crises while keeping a focus on long-term goals is about leveraging expertise and collaboration. “We’ve built a strong network of leaders with credible records, which helps us design effective programs,” Ferdinant explains. During crises, this network becomes a crucial asset, offering insights and support that enable RADA to remain resilient. Ferdinant believes that the strength of RADA’s vision lies in making it everyone’s vision. “When the vision belongs to all, every small effort contributes to the bigger picture,” he says. This collective ownership has been instrumental in ensuring that RADA’s programs are sustainable and impactful, aligning with the broader goals of community well-being, national development and in response to the SDGs. Building Strategic Partnerships for Greater Impact RADA’s success is also tied to its ability to forge meaningful partnerships that align with its mission and vision. The organization’s health department, for example, has partnered with the Cameroon NCD Alliance and the Africa NCDs Network to combat chronic diseases both in Cameroon and in the continent. Additionally, with support from partners like Resolve to Save Lives, and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, RADA has led campaigns to improve nutrition and reduce the risk of