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Yves Racette: Preparing the Workforce Behind the Future of Mobility

Digital Version The transition to electric mobility is often measured through visible milestones. New electric vehicles enter the market every year, charging infrastructure continues to expand, battery technology advances at remarkable speed, and governments around the world establish ambitious targets for reducing emissions. These developments dominate conversations about the future of transportation, yet there is another factor that will ultimately determine how successful this transition becomes. Behind every electric vehicle, every charging network, and every emerging mobility technology stands a workforce responsible for designing, building, maintaining, repairing, and advancing these systems. Without skilled professionals equipped to navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape, even the most promising innovations cannot reach their full potential. This reality has shaped the career and purpose of Yves Racette, Director UAP Training, NAPA / NexDrive Program Development, Emerging Technologies at UAP Inc. While many industry leaders focus on the technologies driving the mobility revolution, Yves has dedicated himself to preparing the people who will bring that future to life. His work sits at the intersection of education, workforce development, and emerging transportation technologies, helping ensure that the industry’s rapid evolution is matched by equally strong growth in knowledge, skills, and professional readiness. For Yves, sustainable mobility has never been solely about vehicles or infrastructure. It has always been about people. As transportation enters one of the most transformative periods in its history, he believes the industry’s greatest opportunity lies in empowering individuals with the expertise needed to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by electrification, connectivity, and digital innovation. Understanding That Technology Alone Is Not Enough The global shift toward zero-emission transportation is often described as an environmental necessity. As nations work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the challenges associated with climate change, electrification has emerged as one of the most important components of long-term sustainability strategies. While Yves fully recognizes the significance of these environmental goals, his passion for the industry stems from a different realization. Throughout his career, he came to understand that technological transformation succeeds only when people are prepared to support it. The introduction of electric vehicles creates opportunities not only for cleaner transportation but also for entirely new career pathways, specialized skill sets, and workforce development initiatives that can benefit current and future generations. This understanding fundamentally shaped his professional direction. Rather than viewing electrification solely as a technological advancement, Yves recognized it as an opportunity to help build a more inclusive and future-ready workforce. The transition toward sustainable mobility requires technicians, educators, engineers, trainers, policy makers, software specialists, and industry leaders who possess a deep understanding of emerging technologies and their practical applications. For him, advancing sustainable mobility means creating opportunities for individuals to grow alongside the industry itself. It means ensuring that workers are not left behind as technology evolves, but instead are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence required to succeed in an increasingly dynamic environment. Why EV Education Must Evolve Beyond Traditional Training One of the most significant challenges facing the mobility industry today is ensuring that education evolves at the same pace as technology. According to Yves, traditional automotive training alone can no longer meet the demands of a transportation ecosystem that is becoming increasingly electrified, connected, and software-driven. The next generation of EV education must extend well beyond basic high-voltage safety and conventional repair procedures. Modern mobility technologies require a broader and more interdisciplinary approach that incorporates battery chemistry, software-defined vehicles, advanced diagnostics, sensor calibration, connectivity systems, and grid integration concepts. As vehicles become more intelligent, the skills required to maintain and support them become more sophisticated. Technicians must understand how software influences vehicle performance. They must become comfortable working with advanced electronic systems, machine learning applications, and data-driven diagnostics. Future mobility professionals will need to think beyond mechanical repairs and develop expertise across multiple technological disciplines. Yves believes educational institutions and training organizations must respond proactively to these changing requirements. The future workforce cannot be prepared using yesterday’s curriculum. Instead, training programs must continuously adapt to emerging technologies while maintaining strong connections to real-world industry needs. This evolution is already taking shape through innovative learning models that combine traditional instruction with hands-on experience, virtual simulations, augmented reality, mixed reality environments, and hybrid learning solutions. These approaches provide learners with practical exposure to technologies they will encounter throughout their careers while allowing education to remain flexible and accessible. For Yves, the goal is not simply to teach current technologies but to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning that enables professionals to adapt as the industry continues evolving. Leadership Built on Empowerment and Adaptability The foundation of Yves’ leadership philosophy can be traced to experiences that demonstrated the value of collaboration, empathy, and shared growth. Throughout his professional journey, he has witnessed how diverse perspectives often lead to stronger solutions and more meaningful innovation. These experiences reinforced a belief that leadership is not about directing every decision or maintaining strict control. Instead, effective leadership involves creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute, learn, and grow. It requires removing barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their potential and providing opportunities for continuous development. This philosophy directly influences how Yves approaches program development and workforce education. Every training initiative represents more than the transfer of technical knowledge. It is an opportunity to inspire confidence, encourage curiosity, and help individuals discover new possibilities within their careers. Adaptability also plays a central role in his approach. The mobility sector continues changing at an extraordinary pace, making flexibility an essential leadership quality. Rather than resisting change, Yves encourages teams and learners to embrace it as an opportunity for growth. By fostering cultures that value learning, collaboration, and innovation, organizations can create workforces capable of navigating uncertainty while remaining focused on long-term objectives. Preparing Talent for an Industry That Never Stands Still One of the defining characteristics of the EV sector is the speed at which technology evolves. New battery architectures, software capabilities, connectivity solutions, and mobility platforms emerge continuously, creating both opportunities and challenges for industry

Amyne Ismail | Chairman & CEO - UNIMA

Amyne Ismail: Redefining Aquaculture Through Regeneration, Responsibility, and Respect for Nature

Digital Version In a world where aquaculture is often judged by yield, scale, and speed, Amyne Ismail stands apart. His leadership is not driven by the pursuit of volume at any cost, but by a deeper, more demanding ambition—to ensure that food production restores life rather than depletes it. As Chairman and CEO of UNIMA, one of the world’s most respected shrimp producers, Ismail has spent decades quietly proving that aquaculture can be ethical, regenerative, and economically resilient all at once. From the mangrove-lined coasts of Madagascar to the plates of discerning consumers across Europe and beyond, UNIMA’s story is inseparable from Ismail’s own. It is a story shaped by heritage, responsibility, and a profound respect for ecosystems and communities. At a time when global aquaculture faces mounting pressure from climate change, disease, and public scrutiny, Amyne Ismail’s approach offers not just an alternative model—but a compelling blueprint for the future. A Legacy Rooted in Place, People, and Purpose Amyne Ismail’s journey with UNIMA is not simply professional; it is deeply personal. Founded in 1965 by his father, UNIMA began at a time when Madagascar shrimp was largely unknown on the global stage. Long before sustainability became a corporate catchphrase, the Ismail family was building a business in close contact with nature and rural communities, learning firsthand what it means to operate in fragile ecosystems. Growing up between Antananarivo and Madagascar’s coastal mangroves, Ismail was exposed early to contrasts that would shape his worldview. On one side stood the realities of rural life—limited infrastructure, deep reliance on natural resources, and communities whose livelihoods were inseparable from their environment. On the other stood the demands of international markets and global trade. Rather than seeing these as opposing forces, Ismail learned to view them as responsibilities that must be balanced. From the outset of his leadership journey, he was clear on one thing: UNIMA would not grow “at any price.” When the group launched Aqualma in the late 1980s and 1990s, the ambition was radical for its time—to create a distinctly Malagasy ecological model for shrimp farming, one that respected ecosystems, honored people, and safeguarded long-term value. UNIMA became one of the early pioneers in domesticated black tiger shrimp, choosing not to extract broodstock from the wild and thereby reducing pressure on marine biodiversity. Ismail’s progression through the company was deliberate. Starting in legal and strategic roles, he moved into full operational leadership as CEO in 1998 and later assumed the dual role of Chairman and CEO in 2014. Yet, as he often reflects, managing a shrimp company taught him that leadership extends far beyond operational efficiency. His real task, as he sees it, is to protect a coastline, uphold the dignity of a country, and remain accountable to consumers who trust what they put on their plates. A Vision Beyond Sustainability: Toward Regenerative Aquaculture For Amyne Ismail, sustainability is not the destination—it is merely the starting point. His long-term vision for UNIMA is clear and uncompromising: farms and fisheries must restore more life than they extract. This philosophy lies at the heart of what UNIMA defines as regenerative aquaculture. Over nearly four decades, UNIMA has refined a low-density farming model that stands in stark contrast to many intensive systems. While some operations stock close to two hundred shrimp per square meter, UNIMA maintains densities of approximately fifteen to twenty-five. This approach reduces stress on animals, lowers disease risk, and preserves surrounding ecosystems. The environmental impact of this model is measurable and significant. UNIMA helps preserve more than fifty-one thousand hectares of natural areas across Madagascar and has supported extensive reforestation efforts, with approximately 3.5 million trees planted—one million of them mangroves. These mangroves serve not only as biodiversity hotspots but also as powerful natural carbon sinks and coastal protectors. Ismail’s ambition goes far beyond producing premium shrimp. His goal is to demonstrate that a company rooted in the global South can define global standards—whether in taste, animal welfare, climate responsibility, or biodiversity protection. UNIMA’s achievements speak for themselves: Label Rouge certification in France, organic certification for part of its range, ASC certification, and compliance with the highest food safety standards. For Ismail, the future of aquaculture belongs to those who successfully unite science, culture, and ethics. When aquaculture lifts rural families, restores mangroves, and delivers exceptional quality, it moves beyond sustainability into something far more powerful—a regenerative force for both people and planet. Innovation as a Tool for Integrity, Not Excess At UNIMA, innovation is not pursued for novelty or scale alone. Instead, it is treated as a necessity—a survival instinct deployed in service of regenerative principles. Ismail is clear that technology has value only when it strengthens ecosystems, empowers communities, and enhances product quality simultaneously. UNIMA’s operations are fully integrated, spanning domesticated broodstock management, hatcheries, feed mills, farms, processing facilities, and global distribution. This integration ensures high levels of traceability and biosecurity while reducing reliance on external inputs that can compromise sustainability. Antibiotics are avoided, land animal proteins are excluded from feed, and low stocking densities remain non-negotiable. Automation plays a growing role in feeding, aeration, and energy efficiency, ensuring that every kilowatt and every kilogram of feed is used responsibly. Data-driven decision-making guides pond performance, water quality management, animal health, and weather adaptation, all within strict biosecurity frameworks developed in collaboration with the Malagasy state. UNIMA has also been an early adopter of impact measurement. Carbon assessments conducted in 2008 and again in 2020 revealed a roughly thirty-five percent reduction in overall emissions over twelve years. These findings challenged common assumptions—demonstrating that maritime transport represents only a small fraction of total emissions and that meaningful reductions are possible through operational discipline. For Ismail, technology in aquaculture must never compromise identity. Precision, efficiency, and automation are welcomed, but only when they reinforce the company’s ecological values rather than erode them. Moving from Responsible Practices to Regenerative Outcomes Globally, aquaculture sustainability is often framed as risk mitigation. At UNIMA, it is framed as opportunity—an opportunity to leave ecosystems stronger than they were found.

2025’s Most Influential Customer Leaders Powering Business Transformation

Digital Version In a business world increasingly shaped by rapid digital innovation, the role of customer leaders has transformed dramatically. Danny Major, serving as the Chief Customer Officer at OpenDialog AI, is leading this transformation. His approach goes far beyond traditional service delivery—he views customer leadership as a strategic enabler of both client and business success. For Danny, technology is simply a tool to achieve his goals. At OpenDialog AI, his core mission is to align cutting-edge conversational AI tools with tangible, measurable business outcomes. He places strong emphasis on helping clients navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving tech landscape while keeping their end goals front and center. This vision is not confined to his role alone—Danny fosters a company-wide culture of consultative, impact-driven thinking. His team is encouraged to see every interaction through the customer’s lens and to continuously explore how innovation can translate into real, sustainable transformation. customer leadership isn’t about overseeing interactions – it’s about unlocking potential at every touchpoint. In this AI-powered era, our mission is to humanize technology, build trust through intelligent dialogue, and turn every challenge into a growth story worth telling. Guiding Principles Behind Exceptional Customer Experiences At OpenDialog AI, the customer experience strategy is distilled into a powerful framework: “Understand, Educate, Execute, Evolve.” These four pillars serve as the foundation of every customer relationship. The journey begins with a deep understanding of each client’s strategic objectives, followed by a commitment to education. Especially in regulated sectors, helping clients gain clarity and confidence about AI adoption is crucial. Execution is the next step—tailored, outcome-driven deployments that fit the unique challenges of each organization. Finally, OpenDialog AI supports an evolutionary process, helping customers grow with the technology and continuously improve as their needs shift. This principle-based approach is deeply intertwined with the company’s mission: enabling businesses in complex, regulated industries to safely and confidently harness the potential of Generative AI. By aligning each project with the broader mission, OpenDialog creates not just solutions, but trusted partnerships. When Customer Insight Shapes Innovation Danny Major believes that the best innovations emerge directly from customer insight. A clear example of this was the development of the company’s Co-Pilot solution. Many clients were eager to implement AI, but hesitant to hand over full control to automated systems. In response, OpenDialog created a hybrid model, where AI works in tandem with human agents. By using this approach, clients could safely experiment with AI applications. It delivered faster call resolutions and higher accuracy, all while easing the path to digital transformation. Most importantly, it demonstrated how customer feedback could become the engine behind meaningful product development. In an era shaped by algorithms and automation, true leadership is measured by how deeply we understand people not just processes and how boldly we turn technology into trust. Driving Impact Through Conversational AI OpenDialog AI’s conversational agents are not simply tools—they are designed to become integral members of customer-facing teams. Capable of managing entire customer journeys, these agents bring personalization and contextual relevance to each interaction. This is especially critical in sectors where accuracy, clarity, and compliance are non-negotiable. Through these agents, businesses can not only reduce operational costs and compliance risks, but also boost satisfaction and engagement. From quoting to claims, OpenDialog’s AI ensures each interaction feels human, responsive, and aligned with the customer’s intent. This capability extends across industries, positioning OpenDialog’s platform as a versatile, future-ready solution for customer engagement. Measuring What Truly Matters Rather than relying solely on traditional KPIs, Danny takes a tailored approach to measuring customer success. While metrics like product utilization provide some insight, he places higher value on understanding what success looks like for each individual client. Reduced call handling time, improved customer experience scores, enhanced compliance—each of these could be a core outcome depending on the client’s priorities. This customized methodology ensures that every success strategy is rooted in what matters most to the customer. Danny and his team actively listen, ask the right questions, and design engagement strategies that reflect real-world impact. This personalized view of success makes the partnership stronger and the outcomes more meaningful. Keeping Humanity at the Center of Innovation With the rise of generative AI and automation, maintaining a human touch is more important than ever. Danny emphasizes that OpenDialog AI sees its agents not as replacements, but as collaborators. He often describes them as “silicon-based colleagues” who support the human workforce. In every implementation, Danny’s team works closely with clients to ensure their employees are prepared to manage and guide the AI systems. This human-in-the-loop model builds trust and empowers clients to take ownership of their AI journey. Co-creation, ethical oversight, and skill development are central to this strategy. By keeping humanity at the heart of innovation, OpenDialog helps clients move forward with confidence and care. Creating Unity Across Departments Cross-functional collaboration is key to customer success. At OpenDialog AI, Danny encourages what he calls the “empty chair” mindset. Every team is urged to consider the customer’s perspective in decision-making, as if the customer were present in the room. Customer insights are shared widely across departments, and clients are frequently invited to company meetings to share their stories firsthand. Such interactions enhance empathy and insight, helping sales, engineering, and product teams stay connected to real-world conditions. Additionally, structured feedback mechanisms ensure customer teams have a voice in product development and strategic planning. This open dialogue is instrumental in building a company culture where everyone is invested in customer success. Overcoming the Challenge of Scaling Personalization Scaling personalized experiences globally is no easy task. Danny identifies two main pitfalls: over-engineering from the start and relying too heavily on external advice. OpenDialog promotes an iterative, test-and-learn strategy that focuses on gradually building success through incremental achievements. By collaborating closely with clients and drawing from their internal expertise, the company develops solutions that are not only personalized but also scalable. This co-created path allows for adaptability, ensuring solutions evolve with changing market and organizational needs. Through this approach, OpenDialog helps clients

Sofia Vandaele

Sofia Vandaele: Redefining Luxury Hospitality at the Heart of New York

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.”

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