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Christine Colburn Founder/Owner, Therapist at Beacon of Hope Counseling Services, LLC Christine Colburn: Healing Through Purpose and Humanity In a world where resilience is often measured by success, Christine Colburn redefines it through compassion, authenticity, and the courage to turn pain into purpose. As the Founder and Owner of Beacon of Hope Counseling Services, LLC, Christine is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and motivational speaker. Her journey from personal tragedy to professional triumph embodies the true spirit of transformation. Through her work with children, families, and communities, she has become a voice of healing—helping others rediscover their strength, rewrite their stories, and reclaim their light. Christine’s story is not just one of survival, but of service. From her early work with the Gila River Indian Community to building Beacon of Hope, she has cultivated a legacy rooted in empathy, advocacy, and deep human connection. In this candid conversation, she opens up about her journey, her leadership values, and her vision for a more compassionate world. Q: Let’s start with your journey—how did you find your way to becoming a trauma therapist and motivational speaker? My journey was anything but straightforward. It was shaped by heartbreak, loss, and a deep desire to find meaning in pain. My mother died by suicide just a week before my sister and I shared our 13th and 16th birthdays. Nearly twenty years later, my sister followed that same path. Those experiences changed everything for me. For a long time, I didn’t know what to call the heaviness I carried. But over time, I stopped running from my pain and began to listen to it. I realized that I could either let my story define me or use it to help others heal. I chose purpose. At 29, as a divorced mother of two young boys, I began college, completed a fast-track degree, and went on to graduate school in Mental Health Counseling. My goal was to become the kind of safe presence I needed as a child—someone who could listen without judgment and believe in the possibility of healing. Today, as a therapist and speaker, I use my voice to remind others that trauma does not define them. Healing is possible. Light can be found, even in the darkest places. Q: What inspired you to specialize in trauma therapy, particularly with children? My passion for this work comes from a deeply personal experience. I know what it feels like to carry emotions that are too big to hold and to feel invisible in your pain. That’s why I was drawn to helping children who often don’t have the words to express what they’re going through. In therapy, I meet children where they are—through play, art, and movement. These creative spaces allow them to tell their stories without words and to reclaim the sense of safety that trauma often takes away. I believe that when we help children heal early, we don’t just change their present—we change their future. Q: You’ve mentioned working with the Gila River Indian Community as a formative experience. What did that time teach you about trauma and healing? That experience changed my entire understanding of what healing truly means. I saw how trauma could be both personal and collective, passed through generations. Many children carried pain rooted in history—systemic oppression, cultural loss, and intergenerational grief. But within that pain, I also saw incredible strength, community, and spiritual resilience. It taught me that therapy must always honor culture, tradition, and identity. Healing isn’t something we do for someone—it’s something we do with them. The Gila River community reminded me that storytelling itself is medicine. Stories hold wisdom, identity, and hope. That lesson has shaped every part of how I practice today. Q: Working with children who have experienced trauma must be both rewarding and challenging. How do you approach that balance? It’s one of the most sacred parts of my work. Children often don’t have the language to describe their pain, so I use creative approaches that feel safe and natural to them—play, art, or sand tray therapy. Sometimes healing begins with a simple drawing or the way a child positions a figure in sand. The biggest challenge is building trust, especially for children who’ve been hurt by the very people meant to protect them. My approach is always rooted in patience, presence, and unconditional positive regard. I show up consistently, so they know this space is truly theirs. Healing happens when they realize they have control, safety, and choice. Q: You emphasize treating every client as unique. How does that shape your approach to therapy? Every person carries their own story, so therapy should never look the same for everyone. From the first session, I focus on understanding who my client is, not just what they’re struggling with. Healing may start through art, conversation, or even quiet moments of shared stillness. I adapt my approach to fit each individual—whether that means using evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or more expressive, relational techniques. My role is to co-create a space that honors their pace and their truth. Healing doesn’t happen when someone fits into a box. It happens when they feel free to be who they are. Q: Along the way, what has kept you moving forward through difficult times? The belief that purpose can be found even in pain. Every challenge has reminded me that resilience isn’t built in ease; it’s built in endurance. My values—compassion, authenticity, and integrity—have guided me every step of the way. I lead with heart, showing up not as a title, but as a person who believes deeply in the strength of others. Q: You lead Beacon of Hope with a focus on collaboration and innovation. How do you foster that culture? Innovation begins with safety. When people feel seen and heard, creativity flourishes. At Beacon of Hope, every voice matters—regardless of title or position. We encourage open dialogue, shared ideas, and a spirit of trust. Growth happens

James Hutson Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education (iJEDIE) at Lindenwood University Dr. James Hutson: Pioneering Human-Centered AI and Workforce Innovation Dr. James Hutson stands at the intersection of technology, education, and human creativity. With a foundation in art history and a career spanning academia and applied technology, he has emerged as a thought leader in generative AI and extended reality (XR). At Lindenwood University, he leads initiatives that not only advance research but also make AI accessible to communities, small businesses, and public organizations. Hutson’s work reflects a rare blend of intellectual rigor and social impact, demonstrating how disruptive technologies can be harnessed for inclusive growth. Can you walk us through your career journey and how you arrived at your current role? My professional journey started in art history, exploring the connections between visual culture and human cognition. As generative technologies evolved, I realized that artificial intelligence could do more than analyze—it could reshape creativity, decision-making, and human potential. Gradually, I transitioned from traditional research to designing programs that bridge humanistic inquiry with technological fluency. Today, I lead AI and XR initiatives at Lindenwood University and oversee workforce development efforts, bringing AI upskilling directly to communities and organizations that need accessible pathways to thrive in the digital economy. What motivates you, and what values guide your work? I am deeply committed to democratizing technology and fostering human-centered innovation. Equity, transparency, and intellectual rigor guide everything I do. I see AI not as an endpoint but as a tool for social mobility, creativity, and lifelong learning. My motivation comes from ensuring that no community is left behind as intelligent systems transform how we live and work. Can you share a defining moment or pivotal challenge that shaped your leadership? One defining moment came when generative AI advanced so rapidly that traditional educational models became outdated almost overnight. Instead of retreating, I led a complete redesign of our research and teaching pipelines, embedding AI literacy, ethics, and applied learning across disciplines. That experience taught me that leadership means anticipating disruption and helping others meet it with confidence. It also led to partnerships with regional organizations and industry groups to scale AI training and certification beyond academia. How do you foster innovation and collaboration within your organization? I encourage innovation through collaborative studios and interdisciplinary labs where students, faculty, and industry partners tackle real-world challenges together. These environments combine academic inquiry with practical application, often producing prototypes that become community resources. Programs like AI Ambassadors and workforce accelerators create a culture of experimentation that balances creativity with accountability. What qualities distinguish top-performing leaders in your view? Top leaders balance vision with discipline. They are lifelong learners who challenge their own assumptions and turn insights into systems that others can use. Resilience, empathy, and data-informed decision-making are essential to navigate technological change while maintaining a focus on the human dimension. How do you approach mentorship and learning within your teams? Mentorship is a two-way dialogue. I guide others in research design, ethics, and public engagement, but I also learn from their experimentation and digital skills. My teams include students, professionals, and community partners who co-create training modules and micro credentials for AI upskilling. This approach transforms mentorship into collective growth, making every project a learning opportunity. What strategies do you use to align your organization amid rapid change? Alignment starts with clarity—about mission, language, and measurable goals. I use horizon scanning to anticipate technological and policy shifts, translating these insights into actionable objectives tied to community and workforce outcomes. Progress is measured through adoption rates, certifications, and project impact, ensuring adaptability without fragmentation. What key lesson informs your leadership philosophy? I have learned that transformation requires both urgency and care. Innovation must coexist with empathy and accessibility. In leading AI and workforce initiatives, I make sure every new development serves a human purpose, balancing technological advancement with inclusion and ethical responsibility. What advice would you offer to emerging leaders and disruptors? Start by solving local problems with models that can scale. Document outcomes, iterate quickly, and embrace interdisciplinary collaboration. Ethical imagination is essential—consider how your innovations will affect people’s lives. Most importantly, build partnerships that allow communities to grow alongside technology. What excites you most about the future of your work? I am most excited about expanding our AI–XR research and learning commons into a regional hub for digital equity and creative innovation. Our focus on community-based AI upskilling—helping small businesses, veterans, educators, and healthcare professionals adopt intelligent tools—is transforming the way institutions engage with society. This shift from classroom-focused learning to community-embedded collaboration embodies the future of education and workforce development. Closing: Dr. James Hutson exemplifies the power of forward-thinking leadership grounded in humanity. By integrating cutting-edge AI with inclusive education, he is creating pathways for individuals and organizations to thrive in an increasingly intelligent world. His work demonstrates that innovation need not be exclusive or abstract; when guided by equity, empathy, and purpose, technology can be a transformative force for communities and society as a whole. Hutson’s career continues to inspire, proving that the most impactful disruptors are those who combine vision with action, and innovation with care.

  Ignacio Bonasa Founder & Executive President, Liderarte Factoría de Talento Dr. Ignacio Bonasa: The Alchemist of Soulful Leadership and Human Transformation Introduction In an era dominated by speed, technology, and metrics, few voices remind us that leadership is, above all, a human art. Dr. Ignacio Bonasa is one of those voices. Once a high-ranking banking executive, he stepped away from the predictable corridors of corporate power to follow a calling rooted in emotion, purpose, and beauty. Today, as Founder of Liderarte in Spain and President of the Latin American Leaders Parliament, he is recognized as one of the most authentic and disruptive thinkers in leadership and organizational transformation. His work blends art, neuroscience, and ethics into a methodology that helps leaders reconnect with their essence—and transform their organizations from the inside out. 1. Let’s start with your journey—can you tell us how you began and what led you to your current leadership role? Dr. Bonasa: My professional life started in the banking world. For years, I navigated the challenging terrain of finance, strategy, and executive decision-making. I learned discipline, responsibility, and the beauty of order—but I also saw the cost of disconnection. At the peak of my corporate career, I realized I was succeeding on paper but not in spirit. That moment of inner silence changed everything. I decided to turn the tables—to leave a world of numbers and embrace a world of meaning. That leap of faith led to the creation of Liderarte, a platform where leadership meets art, emotion, and purpose. Today, through the Latin American Leaders Parliament, I continue to amplify this vision—building networks of leaders who act with consciousness, not ego, and who understand that the real revolution begins within. 2. What kept you motivated along the way, and which values guide your leadership today? Dr. Bonasa: What drives me is the belief that we can build organizations with soul—spaces where people don’t just survive but truly flourish. I follow five values I call The Inner Compass of Leadership: coherence, compassion, creativity, commitment, and contribution. These aren’t just abstract ideas—they guide my daily actions. Coherence gives meaning to my choices. Compassion reminds me to lead with empathy. Creativity allows me to solve problems with beauty. Commitment anchors me in action. And contribution—maybe the most important—reminds me that leadership is about service, not power. 3. Every path has its challenges. Can you share one defining moment in your career and how you overcame it? Dr. Bonasa: The toughest moment was leaving the corporate world. I remember packing my office with trembling hands, knowing I was leaving behind stability, status, and certainty. But I was also reclaiming my essence. That time of uncertainty became a crucible of transformation. I turned fear into energy, doubt into vision, and loss into freedom. Courage, I learned, isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward despite it. From that experience came my life’s purpose: helping others find their “why,” and helping them turn their own tables to transform pain into wisdom. 4. Innovation and collaboration are key to success. How do you cultivate these within your team or organization? Dr. Bonasa: At Liderarte, we see art as the most powerful language of innovation. We use a methodology called Learning Through Art®, which turns creative experiences into tools for corporate growth and emotional intelligence. Collaboration isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about harmony. We bring together people from diverse fields—psychologists, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs—and invite them to co-create. Innovation happens when emotion and intellect move together. That’s where real transformation begins. 5. What traits or habits distinguish top-performing leaders from the rest? Dr. Bonasa: Leaders who truly make a difference master the art of presence. They listen more than they speak. They dare to be vulnerable. They inspire trust through coherence and humanity. In today’s noisy world, authenticity has become revolutionary. Extraordinary leaders aren’t the ones who command followers—they awaken other leaders. They balance strategy with sensitivity, metrics with meaning, and results with relationships. 6. Mentorship can shape a leader profoundly. How has it influenced your growth, and how do you encourage it in your team? Dr. Bonasa: Mentorship is one of the most sacred forms of leadership. I’ve been fortunate to have teachers who didn’t just teach skills—they expanded my consciousness. In Liderarte and the Parliament, mentorship is a two-way flow. Everyone is both a teacher and a learner. Our programs focus on reflective dialogue, experiential learning, and emotional awareness. Knowledge that doesn’t touch the heart never truly transforms. 7. How do you keep your organization aligned and agile in a changing environment? Dr. Bonasa: We stay agile by staying human. The world doesn’t need faster organizations—it needs more conscious ones. At Liderarte, we integrate wellbeing, art, and sustainability into business transformation. Agility isn’t just speed—it’s adaptability with meaning. It’s knowing when to pause, reflect, and reconnect before taking the next step. This approach has allowed us to grow internationally while maintaining our essence: bringing soul back into strategy. 8. Is there a particular experience or lesson that shaped your leadership style? Dr. Bonasa: Absolutely. I learned that success without well-being is failure in disguise. True leadership begins when you realize that results are temporary but impact is eternal. This insight changed everything—from leading teams to designing learning experiences. My style today is humanistic: I don’t aim to manage people, I aim to awaken them. 9. What advice would you give emerging leaders who want to make a meaningful impact? Dr. Bonasa: Lead from the inside out. Don’t chase success—create significance. The world doesn’t need more managers; it needs more meaning-makers. Find your purpose signature—the unique combination of passion, values, and service only you can offer. Once you do, everything else—strategy, innovation, visibility—will follow naturally. And remember, leadership isn’t about climbing to the top—it’s about bringing others up with you. 10. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future? Dr. Bonasa: I’m excited about a new paradigm of leadership—one that blends wellbeing, sustainability, and consciousness. Through Liderarte and the Latin American Leaders Parliament, we’re building

Home Lionel Lodge Founder, CEO at SyncLodge 1. Kindly brief us about the outset story of your career. I have been connected to or worked in the entertainment industry for all my life. My father (Tom Lodge) was program director and main DJ on the first pirate radio station Radio Caroline that is cited for starting the British music explosion in the 1960’s. For most  of my career my main focus has been as a music writer, performer, producer, and recording artist. I have written hundreds of songs and co-written many more. I have played thousands of shows in many countries. But,  along the way I have also founded and managed a number of successful companies, all inspired by seeing distinct needs in the industry and setting out to answer those needs. 2.As a successful leader, which three personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success? It is always a different set of points depending on the challenge, timing is one, hard work is another but I think the main elements that have contributed to me being able to build companies that realized their goals is: Recognizing talent needed to build cohesive and productive teams. Listening to others, especially critical perspectives that have reason. And, not shying away from climbing tall mountains. I think if you are going to climb a mountain, why climb a small one? 3. What are the aims and ideals that guide you as an individual and a professional? Having a positive impact is always key. For a company to grow and survive in the long term it needs to offer tangable, positive benefits for all whom it engages. The only good deal is where both sides win. This is not an easy thing to do, a win/win deal. There is always the fear of the other side’s motives. Are they being honest with their intent and their motives? I find taking the chance, being the lead with honesty in negotiations is a great way to move things forward in a positive way. It is also a great way to relieve tension and let the other side know you are at the table to build a long term, positive business relationship. This is also the same way to build long-term personal relationships, showing who you are. 4. While starting your journey, what challenges did you encounter and how they were overcome? When working towards a vision of a better future, it isn’t an easy task to have others recognize and believe in that vision. Enthusiasm for a goal is easy when things run smoothly, which really is very rare. It takes digging in and doing the heavy lifting when the climb is steep and the top is not in sight. Keeping clarity on the “why we are doing this” is very important, for the whole team. When problems happen, which they always do, not making them a personal failure is very important. If someone dropped the ball it is the job of the rest of the team to pick it up and carry it to the goal line. Inspiring this ethic is the one of the jobs of the team leader. In addition to that, it is a very big business world that has tens of millions of companies all pushing to climb to the top of their sector, all racing to be the head of innovation. I think the trick is staying focused on your road map, while being open to adjusting, pivoting to the changing needs of the market and the changes that other’s innovations bring. Again, the why, the long term why, is very important. 5. Who is your biggest inspiration in life? I have many and it has changed along the way. My father and my mother have been, major and, obviously, initial inspirations who have  taught me things that I carried through the years. My wife Karin is a big inspiration to me. She is a larger than life exponent for the truth and reality, not ever feeling sorry for yourself but proving what you are made of when things seem impossible. I also have had many heroes through my life, people I have admired for their ability to conquer obstacles and adversity, to go against the odds and keep pushing on a vision. One of my favourite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin,  goes something like this, 98% of human failure is from giving up just before success is obtained. This is a little frustrating as you never know if the current wall you face is the last one before success. But it does give the perspective of pushing through, continuing on and not stopping the climb till the top is reached. 6. What would be your future endeavours and where do you see yourself in the near future? I am deeply focused on what SyncLodge is doing and the goals we have for the long term future, the positive effect we have and will have on the creative industries. Our roadmap is long, with some very steep climbs. I mark my future on SyncLodge obtaining these goals. I believe heavily in cooperation, not competition. Though competition can be healthy, cooperation breathes oxygen into an industry. I see SyncLodge being a part of a very energized ecosystem of companies all delivering positive change in a cohesive, involved, tide raising drive towards a healthy, creative world. We have the vision to end paperwork and move the sync industry into the digital world. Although incredible, the sync licensing is still reliant on manual, human, time intensive administrative tasks while the world is getting ready for an AI revolution. We will not only keep pace but we will lead the change. 7. Mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your organization and person. We have won some very flattering recognitions over the year since we launched including winning the 2022/23 Specialist Media Platform Of The Year. I am very proud of these and am consistently very surprised that we have

Home Kristin Marquet Creative Director & Owner of Marquet Media LLC 1. Kindly brief us about the outset story of your career. My career journey commenced in the bustling streets of New York City, where I dove into public relations and branding, specifically focusing on the fashion industry. This foray into the business world ignited my entrepreneurial spark, leading to the inception of Marquet Media. What sets Marquet Media apart is its dedication to innovation within the lifestyle and fashion sectors, a commitment that has been instrumental in distinguishing our firm in the competitive New York business environment. The establishment of Marquet Media was just the beginning. My entrepreneurial ventures expanded as I identified market gaps and growth opportunities. I created Marquet Magazine, a digital platform catering to lifestyle and business enthusiasts. This venture allowed me to leverage digital media to reach a broader audience, providing insights and inspiration to a global readership. This publication largely focuses on publishing content on fashion, home and living, and design thinking. After that, I launched FemFounder, an innovative online platform to empower female entrepreneurs by providing them with essential resources, expert advice, and a supportive community. The platform serves as a beacon for women at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey, offering insights into business development, marketing, and strategic growth. FemFounder is dedicated to breaking down the barriers women often face in business, encouraging them to harness their potential and succeed in their ventures. Through inspiring content, practical tips, and real-life success stories, FemFounder educates and motivates women to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. The platform also sells bespoke marketing, branding, and social media marketing templates for those in the interior design, coaching, fashion, beauty, and sustainable brand industries. Each of these ventures is interconnected by a common thread: my commitment to innovation, quality, and empowering others. They reflect my journey from a passionate PR professional to a diversified business owner with a deep understanding of the complexities of managing multiple successful enterprises. This multi-faceted approach to business has solidified my reputation as an industry leader and continually fuels my drive to push creative boundaries and inspire others to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. 2. As a successful leader, which three personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success? The three personal qualities that have been pivotal in my success are resilience, curiosity, and integrity. Resilience has allowed me to withstand the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, constantly pushing forward regardless of setbacks. This tenacity stems from a deep-seated belief in my mission and the determination to bring goals to fruition, no matter the challenges. On the other hand, curiosity has been a constant driver, propelling me to seek new knowledge continuously, understand emerging trends, and explore uncharted territories. This relentless pursuit of learning has kept my businesses dynamic and competitive. Finally, integrity has been the cornerstone of all my professional relationships. It has instilled a level of trust and respect among colleagues, clients, and collaborators that is invaluable. These relationships, built on honesty and ethical behavior, have enhanced my reputation, and led to lasting partnerships and opportunities. Together, these three qualities form the foundation of my professional ethos and continue to drive my success in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. 3. What are the aims and ideals that guide you as an individual and a professional? My professional and personal life is deeply influenced by a steadfast commitment to excellence and a belief in the power of collaboration. I am continually driven to achieve the highest standards in all my endeavors, whether leading teams, executing projects, or mentoring others. Pursuing excellence is not just about meeting goals but about exceeding them and setting new benchmarks for success. Additionally, I am passionate about empowering young professionals, particularly women, and encouraging them to take bold and decisive steps in their careers. Creating an environment that promotes growth and assertiveness, I strive to inspire younger leaders to dream big and possess the courage to turn those dreams into reality. My dedication to these principles has shaped my approach to leadership, which is centered around nurturing talent, championing innovative ideas, and creating opportunities that allow others to shine. 4. What have been the toughest obstacles you faced in your career? One of the toughest obstacles I faced was during the initial expansion of my business. Scaling up required financial investment and a leap of faith in my vision. Overcoming the fear of failure, particularly during uncertain economic times, tested my resolve and taught me invaluable lessons in risk management. 5. Do you have a mantra that you live by? My personal mantra is “Persevere with grace.” This reminds me to maintain my composure and stay determined despite my challenges and during times of heated conversations. It underscores the importance of handling success and setbacks with equal humility, grace, and strength. 6. What would be your future endeavors and where do you see yourself in the near future? Looking ahead, I plan to expand my influence within the digital marketing sphere, mainly through developing innovative strategies that leverage AI technology to enhance brand engagement. By introducing the Marquet Creative membership program and other offerings, I aim to provide exclusive access to comprehensive marketing, branding, and social media templates available via Canva, Word, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. My proprietary PR and branding frameworks and AI-powered technology will offer members unparalleled tools and resources to drive their business success. I continue to mentor the next generation of leaders, aiming to cultivate a legacy that champions progressive leadership and inclusive business practices. 7. Your journey has been inspiring, and it sets a great example for aspiring leaders. What advice do you have for them? I advise aspiring leaders to embrace every experience as a learning opportunity. Whether you succeed or face setbacks, there is always a lesson to be learned. Cultivate resilience, seek out mentors, and never underestimate the power of networking. Your path might only sometimes be clear, but with perseverance and a clear vision,

Home Laszlo Dellei CEO and Founder of Kerubiel “Creativity, perseverance, and patience are of utmost importance for a successful company. Success is not immediate.” Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality and a true leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. A living example of leadership and a true leader is Laszlo Dellei who is CEO and Founder of Kerubiel. His exemplary leadership style is inspiring. Let’s learn about his journey. The outset story of his career. The world of IT has always been fascinating for him. Information technology is a double-edged sword capable of good and bad things. An IT professional shall stand in the middle and try to exploit technology for the good of society and, at the same time, prevent and defend against misuses. This way, the IT professional is a benefactor, a protector as well as an investigator whose everyday work is always interesting and challenging. That is why, from the beginning of his career, he has focused on IT and information security issues. In this respect, he approached his carrier very consciously, continuously widening his expertise and knowledge in these fields. Work and learning went hand in hand in his life: He always sought out new challenges, focused on areas that interested him the most and took courses, professional trainings, and qualifications (e.g., CISA, CGEIT, CRISC, CDPSE, CEH, C|CISO, Security, expert witness certifications) in that respect, after which he applied the knowledge thus gained in his professional life, and so on. Aims and ideals that guide Dellei as an individual and a professional Innovation, adaptability, and creativity are guiding principles for him. Cybersecurity for instance is rapidly changing and developing field where new technologies and their application as well as the social and other developments (e.g., the pandemic) necessitate constant change. Adapting to the new situations, exploiting knowledge from other areas are foundational regarding success. For instance, since the beginning of the current pandemic, online presence in almost all aspects of our lives has been strengthened, from social interactions to the provision of different goods and services. There are many ways to adapting to the new needs and expectations, such as applying anywhere operations, distributed infrastructures, and autonomous decision-making processes. However, the network and the connected architectures are still vulnerable against various threats, such as theft and fraudulent or attacks. Thus, protective measures need to be applied in order to detect data leakages and other deficiencies. All About Kerubiel and his roles and Responsibilities In 2017, Kerubiel was established to operate as an enterprise specialized in complex counselling in the fields of IT, information security, and related fields, such as data protection. The company began its operation to aid a wide range of SMEs, big and multinational corporations, such as financial and insurance companies, as well as governmental organisations, e.g., healthcare providers and hospitals, etc. In 2019, Kerubiel decided to widen its operation and began its R&D division. In this regard, the company participates in several scientific as well as professional research projects in the field of modern, developing technologies, such as AI or VR. Domestic and international projects provided a unique opportunity for Kerubiel to establish itself as a scientific think tank that continues to venture to emerging areas that may be effectively utilized in everyday operations. The company also became a member of the Hungarian AI Coalition and contributed to the Hungarian AI strategy adopted in 2020. In 2020, the pandemic has brought new challenges to the surface that needed to be tackled with. Cybersecurity and threats in the online environment became the focus of professional discussions and efforts. Thus, Kerubiel decided to strengthen its operations and tools in this respect. For instance, the company developed several state-of-the-art product, based on AI such as dynamic defence capabilities. In 2021, Kerubiel continued to apply new, innovative and complex IT security measures to provide assistance to its clients, as well as carrying out research in the previously mentioned scientific fields. One of their newest tools specifically targets the automotive industry assisting the relevant actors to provide objective evidence of compliance with information security requirements. This is the Verband der Automobilindustrie the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (VDA TISAX) that provides common standards for information security and data protection measures fully conform to the GDPR regulation and  also prototype protection requirements. This way the tool becomes a highly effective method in reducing the company’s evaluation process effort when there is a demand to process sensitive information from customers or when facing the demand to assess and evaluate the information security practices of suppliers. Today, the other pillar of Kerubiel’s operations is data protection. In this field, the company provides complex counselling on data protection and data security measures based on GAP assessments, outsourced activities (DPO or CISO services) and other services, such as trainings and education. Furthermore, Kerubiel acts as a designated EU representative for controllers and processors outside the EEA, especially in the APAC region. Finally, the company utilizes its specialized knowledge from other areas, such as IT and information security, to complement the already existing data protection and data security measures (e.g., by developing encryption mechanisms, BCPs etc.). As the CEO, his primary responsibilities are developing the business strategies as well as defining the course of growth and expansion of Kerubiel. However, being a CEO is a rather manager-type occupation, but he is still very much interested in the development of his profession, thus, to avoid lagging behind the newest trends, he still enjoys participating in the daily work routine of the company. His greatest strength In the digital age, interdisciplinary connections are essential as knowledge necessary to succeed becomes more complex. Therefore, he prefers to foster such connection from both a professional and an individual point of view, and he managed to implement this approach at Kerubiel as well. Kerubiel has a culture where the company acts as a professional and scientific forum where employees are not only professional experts but scientific experts

Home Leon Abdullah El-Alamin Founder & Executive Director of MADE Leon Abdullah El-Alamin, the CEO of The MADE Institute, is an entrepreneur who is guided by these ideals and is transforming the lives of those who become victims of violence and who have been impacted by mass incarceration by providing them with an invaluable second chance! Turning His Passion Into His Profession We all face many challenging choices along the way, there is no denying that. You can either come to the conclusion that where you originate from doesn’t really matter in the end; what matters is the destination that you land upon, or you can blame your situation and the circumstances that you were born and raised in as the cause of your poor judgments and downfall. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Abdullah had humble beginnings early on in his life. It was not easy for him as his grandmother was responsible for most of his upbringing. His mother influenced his life later on in his teenage years. Leon was born and raised in a hostile environment, so it’s not unexpected that he chose the same path. During his adolescence, his surroundings influenced his choices, and for a while, he adopted that culture. Soon enough, he realized that his environment was a mess. He saw first-hand the damage that drugs, mass incarcerations, and structural racism in the institutions caused not only to the people actively involved in them but also to their families. It destroyed people and drove families apart. It was after observing all of this that Abdullah made up his mind, he was not going to be just another bystander, he was going to sit there and wait for change to come but he would lead the change himself. From that day onwards, he has made it his life’s mission to end mass incarceration and help rebuild marginalized communities and those who get caught in the cycle of violence! Education: The Most Powerful Weapon Leon Abdullah shifted his focus from the violence-ridden streets and all other negative aspects of his environment to positive things that would benefit him in the long run. The passion that drives him today is spirituality. It has had a profound impact on his life and helped him think deeper and develop a solid mindset. His love for the community, his family, and those riddled with violence guides him on a daily basis. He now addresses structural issues such as racial profiling, police brutality, mass incarceration, miseducation, and the economic exploitation of marginalized communities. He aims to hit these issues at their core and come up with solutions that will help eradicate them. Today, his organization The MADE Institute which stands for Money, Attitude, Direction, and Education is dedicated to serving the community. He is attempting to give a second chance to those who became negative products of their environment. A Community Development ReEntry Corporation, M.A.D.E offers comprehensive trauma-informed programming for juveniles and adults who have a history of crime but have the potential to recover and contribute to society. In addition to this, M.A.D.E also helps at-risk youth who are born and brought up in environments similar to that Abdullah was raised in. The institution attempts to do everything in its power to change the lives of these individuals around. M.A.D.E is committed to making people’s lives better than ever! What the MADE Institute Has in Store? The Government established community development centers do not offer as many facilities and programming that particularly focus on those who have been impacted by the war on drugs and the school-to-prison pipeline as M.A.D.E does. From offering workforce development and helping individuals learn new skills to providing transitional housing, the organization is fighting to better the lives of individuals. In addition to these skills, urban farming, financial literacy, required mentoring, job readiness with opportunities, health and wellness, research, technology, and advocacy are all undertaken by them. They aim at the holistic development of an individual to ensure that they are ready to stay away from a life of crime. The most popular course offered by M.A.D.E is their Life Skills program, a 10-phase program that lasts for 12-14 weeks. It aims to aid an individual to grow in all aspects of life. The course can be undertaken by people from all walks of life as there is no age restriction in place. It teaches students how to dress for work, how to construct a cover letter and resume, and how to analyze their soft skills. It also boosts their morale and confidence by teaching them to carry out presentations. The institute trains people to set goals for their careers, long-term goals as well as short-term goals. Then, it provides them with a roadmap for achieving these objectives. In terms of personality development, M.A.D.E believes that if an individual’s mindset remains the same even after getting a second chance, then it really has not changed him. To ensure the attendees are in check, the institute coaches them on attitude and teaches them to maintain their cool even in the most stressful of situations. Because if you can control your mind when things seem to be going down, then you can keep your cool in any situation. In addition to this, financial literacy is another aspect that marginalized families are oblivious toward. M.A.D.E is encouraging them to become aware of their spending behaviors and is inculcating habits such as financial planning and investing so that these individuals can come out of their undesirable life situations. It seems to be a rather life-changing experience as Leon has designed the program in such a way that any person attending this is sure to feel reborn after undergoing 12 weeks of this course. The most basic things such as self-reflection, encouraging neatness and organizing oneself, learning how to clearly communicate, managing time efficiently, and achieving a successful work-life balance are all covered under this. It also prepares the attendees for the worst of situations. They learn how to