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Alec Hudnut’s journey through the realms of finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship has been nothing short of true success. Starting as an analyst at Goldman Sachs, Alec Hudnut honed his skills in attention to detail and perseverance. A Harvard Business School alumnus, he later spent five impactful years at McKinsey, contributing to sectors like banking and energy while co-founding the firm’s Board Governance practice.

Here’s A Tale That You’ll Love To Read

Trailblazing Career in Finance, Entrepreneurship and Tech 

Embarking on his professional journey as an analyst at Goldman Sachs post-college, Alec Hudnut delved into a world that demanded attention to detail and long hours. His stint at Goldman proved to be a valuable learning experience, surrounded by exceptionally intelligent individuals. Subsequently, Alec Hudnut pursued higher education at Harvard Business School, followed by five impactful years at McKinsey. There, he contributed his expertise to the banking and energy sectors and played a pivotal role in initiating the firm’s Board Governance practice.

During his tenure at McKinsey, Alec Hudnut, in collaboration with a friend from the TV industry, ventured into entrepreneurship, founding the world’s first e-learning company. Despite its pioneering nature, the venture, equipped with code now enshrined in the Smithsonian’s American invention collection, faced challenges in an era where the internet was still in its nascent stages.

After successfully navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, Alec Hudnut transitioned to Idealab, a prominent tech incubator near CalTech, where he assumed leadership of an autonomous navigation company for robots. The company’s eventual acquisition by iRobot solidified Alec’s mark in the tech industry, with the technology finding applications in vacuum cleaners and military systems.

Harnessing the visual pattern recognition algorithm developed for autonomous navigation, Alec Hudnut steered the creation of a groundbreaking retail scanner. This innovation, capable of recognizing package goods without reading barcodes, gained significant traction in US grocers. The subsequent sale of the company to the world’s largest scanning company resulted in a doubling of their stock price.

Alec’s diverse journey led him to a leadership role in a FinTech company, where he managed a division with revenues exceeding $500 million. This experience provided valuable insights into scaling operations and maintaining close ties with significant clients.

For the past decade, Alec has been the Managing Partner at Vici Partners, guiding the firm with a singular mission—to help clients enhance their operating income. His visionary leadership has propelled Vici Partners to deliver stellar results, with clients experiencing a 25% improvement in operating income within two years. Alec’s commitment to excellence and client success continues to shape the trajectory of Vici Partners, positioning it as a formidable contender in the consulting landscape.

Navigating Success through Financial Excellence

Vici Partners is driven by a singular mission—to assist its clients in enhancing their operating income. Whether working with prosperous companies aspiring for rapid earnings growth or distressed businesses striving for profitability, Vici Partners is committed to facilitating financial improvements that contribute to the overall success of the business, benefitting customers, employees, and shareholders.

Guided by the principle of “ship, shipmates, self,” Vici Partners initiates its process by ensuring that the metaphorical ship, symbolizing the business, is on the correct course, devoid of leaks, and all engines are functioning optimally. Once the business is placed on a robust foundation, attention shifts to the shipmates—the individuals within the organization. Organizational structures are scrutinized to ensure that each person is appropriately placed.

Following the assessment of the ship and shipmates, the focus turns to the “self”—the individual executives steering the organization. Vici Partners evaluates whether these executives are well-positioned for success and that , their incentives are aligned with shareholder interests., and assesses their overall motivation.

In the realm of Vici Partners, satisfaction is derived from the intricate work undertaken. The team’s passion lies in guiding businesses towards profitability, ensuring they thrive, and fulfilling commitments to customers, employees, and shareholders. Through dedicated efforts, Vici Partners actively contributes to the success and growth of its clients, fostering a culture of excellence and achievement.

Elevating Operating Income Excellence

Vici Partners, a boutique consulting firm, distinguishes itself by consistently delivering superior value to clients through a focused approach on improving operating income. Achieving remarkable results, profitable clients witness a substantial 25% increase in operating income within two years, while distressed clients often become profitable in an impressive 3-9 month timeframe. As the firm looks to the future, its vision involves an expansion of successful strategies, positioning itself as a strong contender against more established consulting firms. Vici Partners is committed to sustaining excellence and solidifying its industry standing by consistently exceeding client expectations and fostering continued organisational growth.

Accelerating Client Success

In the recent years, Vici Partners has witnessed an increasing client demand for long-term consultants and, in some instances, direct managerial involvement. Initially resistant, the firm gradually embraced this transition, acknowledging that assuming leadership roles accelerates clients’ improvement in operating income. The decision to actively engage in operational management reflects Vici Partners’ commitment to adaptability, delivering swift and efficient outcomes in the dynamic business landscape. This strategic shift underscores the firm’s dedication to providing clients with expedited and impactful results.

Crafting a Global Expansion Journey

Vici Partners envisions sustained global expansion, with a current footprint covering the US, Europe, and Japan. The firm aspires to extend its reach to Latin America and other regions in Asia while upholding a steadfast commitment to maintaining high-quality standards. Renowned for its ability to enhance operating income by 25% within two years or transform a financially struggling company into profitability within 3-9 months, Vici Partners has cultivated a distinctive brand. This distinctiveness positions the firm favourably against larger counterparts, enabling it to secure business opportunities. The growth strategy emphasises a balanced approach, ensuring that expansion aligns with the core value of consistently delivering outstanding results for every client.

Pioneering Authentic Value in Consulting Excellence

Vici Partners’ commitment to delivering genuine value distinguishes it in the consulting landscape. By eschewing superficial recommendations, the firm focuses on implementing practical initiatives for lasting impact. As it expands globally, Vici Partners remains dedicated to maintaining a high-quality standard, ensuring clients experience substantial improvements in operating income.

Guiding Principles of Success

A commitment to perpetual improvement underscores Vici Partners’ ethos, emphasising continuous refinement of processes and team dynamics. The firm’s success recipe involves unwavering dedication to client satisfaction, fairness, hard work, and streamlining the sales and delivery process. At Vici the partners strive to In the CEO’s perspective, excellence is intrinsically tied to serving both the clients and the consulting dedicated teams, fostering a cycle of mutual success.

Alec Hudnut – Managing Partner @Vici Partners

You’ve got to be serious at some things, at a particular age, and time. Career is one such aspect that one needs to be focused on. Launching his career in Europe and later expanding his influence in the USA, Milan Dordevic, a seasoned tech leader, is driven by a deep passion for organizational agility, project management, and data analytics. Over nearly two decades, he is boosting innovation and productivity in diverse sectors, from game development studios to Smart Cities and IoT platforms, and from Autonomous vehicles to the EdTech realm. Each step of his journey is marked by unique challenges, transformative solutions, and resounding triumphs.

Navigating Global Industries

Embarking on a captivating journey that unfolded across the global business landscape, Milan Dordevic’s odyssey commenced in the academia of Serbia, where his fascination with organizational sciences and project management was ignited. Over the span of nearly two decades, he traversed diverse industries, from the dynamic realm of game development studios and the intricacies of Smart Cities and IoT to the traditional yet ever-evolving automotive sector. Each industry presented its unique challenges, akin to learning a new language infused with project management principles.

The turning point materialized with an exciting opportunity at Proctorio, a chapter that unfolded amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining amidst the outbreak, Milan witnessed the company’s staggering growth of over 600% within a year, underscoring the pivotal role the company played in supporting education during unprecedented times. Transitioning into the education sector, Milan assumed the role of leading innovation and development, navigating the uncharted territory with a mission to ensure academic integrity in online assessments.

The blend of technological innovation and an unwavering commitment to the cause kept Milan on his toes. The challenges faced in this new landscape were distinct, with higher stakes as the education of millions hung in the balance. Milan’s leadership became instrumental in steering Proctorio through the dynamic terrain, making a profound impact and crafting an invaluable learning experience.

Amidst the hurdles and triumphs, Milan embraced the philosophy that every challenge conquered is akin to scaling a new peak. The vantage point from the summit, alongside the dedicated team at Proctorio, is nothing short of gratifying. Milan Dordevic’s narrative embodies resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding pursuit of success, a testament to the transformative journey he continues to navigate in the ever-evolving tech and education landscape.

Pioneering Integrity in Online Education

Proctorio transcends the realm of a conventional company; it stands as a mission-driven venture, envisioning a world where every student, regardless of their location, has an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge. The core mission revolves around ensuring integrity in online assessments, with a profound commitment to making education both accessible and credible. Its vision is elegantly simple yet deeply impactful: to furnish a fair and secure online assessment platform that transcends geographical boundaries, catering to everyone, everywhere, and at any time.

The company’s innovative ethos embraces the integration of cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies. It extends beyond mere exam proctoring; it strives to level the educational playing field for students globally. Proctorio’s far-reaching impact is evident in its support for thousands of educational institutions and providers, proctoring over 20 million exams annually. In the digital age, where traditional classroom confines dissolve, it emerges as a guiding force, extending a helping hand to educational institutions in upholding academic integrity.

At the heart of Proctorio’s essence lies a commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, cultivating the seeds of knowledge and fairness in the education sector. Each day is a purposeful stride towards creating a positive ripple effect in the vast ocean of online education, embodying a transformative force in the educational landscape.

Orchestrating Leadership Harmony and Collective Growth

In the realm of leadership, Milan Dordevic exhibits a mastery akin to orchestrating a harmonious melody, where each team member contributes a unique tune to the ensemble. Honored with the prestigious “Outstanding Leadership Award,” Milan’s leadership journey revolves around fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, guided by mantras like “learning by doing” and “we rise by lifting others.” With over 15 years of dedicated expertise in complex and remote project and product management across diverse continents, Milan embodies the essence of dynamic leadership.

His narrative extends to volunteering stints at SeedSpot, PMI Phoenix Chapter, and the SAM Network, emphasizing the creation of an environment conducive to growth. Whether leading transformative projects in previous roles or spearheading innovative initiatives at Proctorio, Milan’s approach is rooted in aligning teams with organizational goals. Simultaneously, he champions a culture of ownership and accountability, transcending the mere pursuit of milestones. For Milan Dordevic, leadership is about co-creating a journey marked by collective growth, where each encountered challenge becomes a stepping stone for organizational and personal evolution.

Pioneering a Technological Revolution in Online Education

In Milan’s vision for the long run, he sees an expansive tableau marked by continuous learning, innovation, and steering transformative change. The narrative unfolds as a harmonious blend of finesse in data-driven decision-making, organizational strategy, and the infusion of AI and automation into every segment. The aim is to craft a vibrant tapestry of innovation resonating through the organizational corridors.

When focusing on Proctorio, Milan perceives a vast canvas with a vibrant palette, driven by the grand ambition of leading a technological revolution in online education. The goal is to foster a culture where innovation is not just a buzzword but a driving force. Each strategic stride is directed not only at upholding academic integrity but also at propelling online learning into realms where accessibility, credibility, and fairness become the standard. The clear vision is to establish the organization as synonymous with groundbreaking solutions that redefine the paradigms of online education on every continent. Milan envisions cultivating a culture that thrives on innovation, integrity, and inclusivity, making each day a step closer to a future where education is recognized as a right, not a privilege.

Charting a Visionary Course in Tech Leadership

In the foreseeable future, Milan envisions a deepening commitment to continuous learning, expressing his insights through articles featured on the Forbes Technology Council. These articles transcend mere textual content, sparking dialogues within the tech community. His enduring association with SeedSpot will thrive as he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, providing invaluable support in their journey to success. Concurrently, Milan’s involvement in the Project Management community in Arizona extends beyond knowledge sharing; it is a dedication to nurturing a space conducive to collective growth.

These diverse facets of Milan’s professional landscape intertwine like threads, weaving into the fabric of the transformative change he aspires to orchestrate. The pursuit of knowledge beckons, with a third master’s degree in Business Analytics on the horizon, potentially accompanied by a playful venture into a Ph.D. realm.

Within the realm of Proctorio, each project undertaken represents a strategic move toward refining educational experiences, with every challenge viewed as an opportunity to innovate. Milan perceives the real change brewing at the intersection of technology and human touch. Positioned at the helm, he plans to navigate the unfolding change, ensuring that every step contributes to creating profound impacts in the landscape of online education.

Navigating Professional Success and Family Joys

In the intricate dance of managing the demands of a challenging profession and a vibrant family life, Milan, a father of three, skillfully navigates the delicate balance. Drawing parallels between project management methodologies applied in his professional domain and orchestrating personal responsibilities, he employs a disciplined yet flexible approach.

His meticulously organized calendar stands as a testament to this structured methodology, meticulously filled with work deadlines, family events, and community engagements. Milan ardently allocates his time with precision, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of his professional endeavors and personal commitments. Although the schedule is tight, the gratification of achieving professional milestones juxtaposed with the joy reflected in his family’s smiles makes the concerted effort worthwhile.

Staying organized is a key component in Milan’s strategy, facilitating the carving out of valuable time for volunteer work, a facet that enriches his life. Despite the constant juggling act, the essence of Milan’s approach lies in the art of prioritization, extracting the maximum value from every moment. Through a skillful blend of meticulous planning, adaptability, and an earnest desire to make a positive impact, Milan maneuvers through the complex labyrinth of professional and personal responsibilities, embodying a holistic approach towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Proctorio’s Cultural Symphony

At Proctorio, Milan fosters a corporate culture that seamlessly blends the dynamism of a startup with the stability of an established enterprise. Despite the geographical spread across four countries and three continents, the company’s global team is united through daily sync-ups, maintaining a shared vision and purpose. With offices in the US, Serbia, Germany, and Argentina, its international presence is underpinned by a commitment to common values, harmonizing diverse perspectives rooted in local cultures. Monthly townhall meetings serve as a platform to celebrate achievements from every corner of the organization, reinforcing a sense of unity.

Milan’s proactive initiatives, such as orchestrating engineering internships that evolved into an in-house R&D team in Scottsdale, exemplify a dedication to cultivating a culture of learning and growth. Proctorio transcends being solely a tech company, placing equal emphasis on shaping an environment that is both evolving and lively, akin to a startup, yet grounded and reliable like an established enterprise. The company’s office serves as a hub of innovation with IoT implementations driven by the talented R&D team, offering smart solutions that cater to the diverse needs of all employees. It’s a culture where agility meets thoughtful contemplation, and innovation flourishes while remaining anchored to core values.

Navigating the Technological Odyssey for Meaningful Impact

In the expansive realm of technology, Milan Dordevic‘s journey has been a captivating odyssey marked by a profound passion for innovation and a commitment to meaningful impact. Having traversed this dynamic landscape for a significant part of his career, Milan’s vision for transformative change is deeply rooted in his wealth of experience. His foray into leading autonomous vehicle projects at BMW reflected a dedication not only to smart machines but also to shaping a safer and more efficient future of transportation. Prior to this, he steered a game development studio to become not just the most productive but a thriving space for creativity.

Milan’s commitment to innovation is underscored by the recognition of his endeavors, including securing three Innovation Awards from the Innovation Fund Serbia. Over the last decade, his narrative unfolds with the implementation and development of diverse technologies such as IoT, AI, AR/VR, SaaS, and Cloud solutions. These ventures transcend mere technological advancements, embodying a mission to bridge the gap between the digital realm and tangible benefits.

Now at Proctorio, Milan’s mission goes beyond code and algorithms. Leading a global force in online proctoring, he supports over 20 million students and exams annually, ensuring fair play in the domain of digital education. His impactful journey has been acknowledged with prestigious recognitions in 2022 and 2023, including an upgrade to IEEE Senior level and the Outstanding Leadership Award for his significant contribution to the technology field.

Given the opportunity to wave a wand and instigate changes in the tech industry, Milan envisions cultivating a culture of innovation grounded in ethical practices. He aspires to foster a collaborative ecosystem where ideas resonate across the industry rather than flourishing in isolation. For Milan, technological advancements are not just an end but the means to forge a more equitable, efficient, and insightful world. Each project under his leadership represents a deliberate step toward this envisioned change, signaling a continuous exploration and transformation in the vast expanse of the tech landscape.

Shaping the Future of Online Education with AI

Proctorio stands as a trailblazer in the AI realm, its commitment to artificial intelligence tracing back a decade—a testament to its foresight in navigating the tech landscape. In an era dominated by the buzz around Generative AI, the team has already immersed itself in the intricacies of artificial intelligence, attuned to the early whispers of a technological revolution. This steadfast dedication positions the company not as a mere participant in the AI wave but as a shaper of its course, exemplifying a profound and enduring impact in the education technology sector.

The core philosophy of Proctorio extends beyond the adoption of AI; it revolves around harnessing its potential to establish a landscape of fairness and credibility in online education. Every algorithm meticulously crafted and each model refined serves as a deliberate stride towards creating an environment where assessments are characterized by genuine and authentic evaluation. As it gazes into the future, the anticipation of new projects and continuous enhancements reflects not just an aspiration to keep pace with the AI wave but a commitment to lead it.

Proctorio’s reliance on face detection algorithms stands as a cornerstone, ensuring the authenticity of online assessments by verifying the identity of the test-taker. The incorporation of Blockchain technology further underlines the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and training of face detection models through distributed collection of images. Transitioning to the next page unveils its Plagiarism platform, a vigilant guardian defending authorship and document integrity with unwavering dedication.

The magic unfolds in the realms of digitalisation and automation, where Proctorio streamlines processes to not only be efficient but also a breeze to navigate through. This commitment to technological advancements is more than a pursuit of innovation; it is a pledge to revolutionise the landscape of online education, ensuring it remains fair, credible, and technologically robust.

Insights for Budding Entrepreneurs

Venturing into the tech world is an exhilarating journey filled with potential. In his own words, “My advice to budding entrepreneurs is to stay agile. The tech landscape is ever-evolving, and being adaptable to change is crucial. Don’t shy away from taking risks; they are the stepping stones to innovation and growth. Being at the forefront of information is vital. Stay updated, be inquisitive, and immerse yourself in continuous learning to stay ahead in the game. Lastly, determination is your fuel. There will be hurdles, there will be setbacks, but with a determined spirit, keep marching forward towards your vision. Each challenge is a lesson in disguise, learn from it and keep evolving. The blend of agility, risk-taking, perpetual learning, and unwavering determination will not only help you navigate the tech waters but thrive and make a meaningful impact”.

Patients deserve safe prescription drug delivery. Spurred by personal tragedy, Paul Edalat, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Vivera, is determined to make it a reality by addressing the critical gaps in current prescribing practices.

Several leading publications have already recognized Mr. Edalat for his notable achievements. 

Forbes Council’s review committee selected him as a member based on the depth and diversity of his professional background in leadership, management, and growth.

Orange County Business Journal named him an honorable nominee in its Excellence in Entrepreneur Awards and Innovator of The Year Awards for his forward-thinking leadership approach. ‘

LA Times B2B Publishing listed him as a CEO Visionary for his notable contributions in the healthcare space. 

It’s no secret why CIO Business World named him one of the Top 10 Most Inspirational Business Leaders to Watch in 2023.

Here’s his story.

Transforming Personal Tragedy into Opportunity

Mr. Edalat discovered his passion for health and wellness at a young age. His enthusiasm led him to the fitness and wellness sectors, where he had several successful businesses.

While his love for athletics and fitness never waned, a personal tragedy shifted his priorities.  

In 2004, his younger brother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. For those unfamiliar, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects a part of the immune system called the lymphatic system. As it progresses, it affects the body’s ability to fight an infection. 

While supporting his brother throughout his cancer battle, he noticed numerous flaws within the healthcare system. One of the most glaring issues was the lack of safety protocols in prescribing practices.  

Mr. Edalat’s brother was in much pain, mostly from chemotherapy. To help manage his pain, his doctor prescribed him high doses of opioids.

He built up a tolerance to the medication quickly. Without adequate safeguards, he could increase his dose at his discretion. It wasn’t long before he developed an addiction to his opioid medication. 

For two years, Mr. Edalat watched his brother struggle with cancer and, later, addiction until he passed away.

This painful experience, combined with his background in health and wellness, ignited his determination to create Vivera, a company that prioritizes patients over profit.

Vivera’s core philosophy revolves around placing patients at the heart of all decisions. This patient-centric approach ensures their needs, experiences, and well-being are always the primary considerations, guiding the development of therapies that genuinely enhance their quality of life.  

What it Means to Be a Healthcare Leader 

According to Mr. Edalat, having a clear vision is non-negotiable to be an effective healthcare leader. Vision gives you clarity and guides your decisions, ensuring you move in the right direction. 

Healthcare leaders should also be able to anticipate upcoming trends. This foresight allows leaders to position the organizations at the cutting edge of innovation, ensuring everyone is always a step ahead.  

Adaptability is another crucial trait required for successful healthcare leaders. The healthcare sector is in constant flux, be it due to new regulations, the emergence of new diseases, or technological advancements. Mr. Edalat says, “As leaders, we must be agile, ready to modify our strategies and approaches at a moment’s notice to best serve our patients and organizations.”  

Mr. Edalat claims that one of the most challenging aspects of leading in the healthcare domain is the myriad of obstacles that come along the way. From crisis management to deciphering intricate regulations, the hurdles can seem insurmountable. However, Mr. Edalat learned that resilience is paramount. Remaining composed and providing unwavering guidance, especially in adversity, separates good leaders from great ones.

How to Remain Competitive 

Life is dynamic. Priorities change. Mr. Edalat regularly assesses the trajectory of Vivera. He recommends being decisive in your actions but remaining flexible and open to feedback.

Mr. Edalat understands the importance of building solid relationships to remain competitive. “Surround yourself with a competent team, seek mentorship, and always lead by example,” he advises. “Always act with integrity. Your vision and decisions should be rooted in ethical considerations and a genuine desire to serve and add value to your customers.”
3 Non-Negotiables for Building a World-Class Team

Building and managing a motivated and effective team is a multi-faceted process that requires leadership skills, clear communication, and a supportive work environment.

To build a successful team, Mr. Edalat advises the following:

• Have a clear vision and mission. Ensure every team member understands the company’s vision and mission. This provides a sense of purpose and direction. 
• Hire the right people. Look for candidates who have the required skills and align with the company’s values and culture. Don’t forget to consider their ability to work in teams and adapt to change. 
• Prioritize effective communication. Foster open communication channels where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regularly update the team on company news, changes, and milestones. 

Honoring His Brother’s Legacy with Safer Drug Delivery

After his brother’s death, Mr. Edalat acknowledged the need for safer and more efficient methods of prescribing and dispensing medications. 

He met with one of his brilliant long-time friends and colleagues, Mehdi Hatamian, Ph.D. Together, they invented ZICOH, a patented, high-tech, AI-powered smart prescription drug delivery device.

ZICOH dispenses precise medication doses only to the registered patient, leaving little room for misuse or diversion. The timing feature supports adherence by restricting access to off-schedule doses.   

ZICOH integrates seamlessly with ZICOH Connect™, a synchronized, cloud-based software system with strong data organization and AI capabilities. They collect and aggregate real-time prescribing data and generate actionable insights to facilitate prescription medication adherence, oversight, and compliance.    

Ultimately, the ZICOH medication delivery system aims to provide the targeted release of medications and may offer a solution to better control medications with a high propensity for misuse. 

Mr. Edalat has seen first-hand how difficult taking medications can be for patients who are sick and how easy it is to become dependent on addictive prescriptions.    

ZICOH may help prevent addictive drugs from getting into the wrong hands and ensure patients do not suffer the harms of addiction while at their most vulnerable.     

What’s Next in the Pipeline?

ZICOH isn’t the only product in Vivera’s arsenal. The Company also plans to bring TABMELT to the market. This patented and patent-pending sublingual drug delivery system allows patients to take medication by dissolving a tablet under the tongue. 

This delivery route may lead to more instantaneous and accurate absorption than oral drug delivery.

Patients deserve top-quality care, and Mr. Edalat wants to ensure it is accessible to everyone. His goal is to improve how patients take medications and make them safer.

Mr. Edalat’s long-term mission is to work with providers to get ZICOH in every patient’s hands.     

Leaders are the bedrock of any organization, keeping the team motivated and effective. They excellence in digitalization and bringing modern technologies to improve people lives. Leaders implement new ideas that bring more comfort, happiness, and wellbeing to the people. There are quite great tech leaders and Waheed Y. Khayyat emerges as one such leader in the dynamic realm of digital and IT, with an extensive journey spanning over 24 years. His path to success has been paved with challenges, coupled with collaborations with diverse teams that have seasoned his understanding of the intricate tech landscape. 

Currently steering the ship at United Cooperative Assurance (UCA), Waheed is not only a tech leader but also an entrepreneur at heart. His vision extends beyond the corporate realm, aiming to bring innovative solutions to business and societal challenges while enhancing the comfort, happiness, and well-being of people. This sense the interaction with Waheed and CIOBusinessWorld that introduces his idea to us. 

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at United Cooperative Assurance What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today?

It was a very exciting journey despite all challenges that I faced alongside different wonderful teams whom I truly enjoyed working with throughout my career, trust me when I say; the real taste of success comes only at the end of long and bitter roads! I started my journey approximately 24 years ago, I started my career straight ahead into the IT line in Healthcare, I worked in “King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center” known to be one of the very leading and large enterprise healthcare organizations in Saudi Arabia, I started my career at the field of IT Infrastructure and Operations stand, and escalated the ladder into different job levels across my career throughout different IT management positions and levels crossing from team leader, to mid-management, to senior management, and finally I am standing in the executive management level. Working in highly complex industries such as Healthcare and Insurance has truly crafted and sharpened my business experience throughout different business aspects including technical, management, operations, and strategical aspects. 

Tell us something more about United Cooperative Assurance and its mission and vision.

United Cooperative Assurance (UCA) is a leading insurance company that is publicly listed in the Saudi Arabian Market with a capital of 400 million Saudi Riyal (SAR). The head office of the company is in Riyadh, and the company started to operate on 2009, The company is contributing to the overall economy of Saudi Arabia and helping the country to achieve the 2030 Vision of Saudi Arabia through provisioning of Insurance solutions including motor, medical, and other general insurance products. The vision of UCA is to create the kingdom’s most innovative, professional, and sustainable domestic insurer! Hence, to achieve this vision, our day-to-day mission is to create an environment which promotes the development of young Saudi insurance professionals at the core while developing leading edge agile platforms designed around our clients and their needs. UCA aims to strengthen its partnerships with our regulators, intermediaries, and world class reinsurers by embedding sustainable and transparent business practices.

How do you build and manage a motivated and effective team?

Human Resources is the bedrock of any sustainable work for any organization, keeping the team always motivated and effective comes only through a clear strategy for engaging people – IT and digital transformation leaders usually don’t deal with IT staff as the only team to make the transformation, it’s the entire company with all involved functional teams that we should bring together, converge, and create a collaborative and inspiring environment for them , this should be applied also to all enterprise-level initiatives that are transformational by nature. Depending on the strategy comes the actions, but it worth mentioning some of the most common tactics to consider; first try to invite and engage all individuals of the teams from the initiation phase of any undertake (avoid bringing them in the middle for the sake of achieving certain tasks only), let them feel they’re part of the initiative, and influencers on decisions, second, turn the team environment into a learning academy environment and cultivate the culture of continuous education, this is very important side to naturally grow and advance in-house skills and talent level which will lead to have a more effective and capable team. Third, promote for innovation, and creativity, and shift them from being “problem finders” to “solutions finders” and coach them how to be always part of the solution rather than being part of the problem. Fourth, break the ice, and bring joy through different side activities, you may use gamification techniques. There are plenty of other ways and methods that leaders can take to manage their team to make them more motivated and effective teams.

Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for United Cooperative Assurance?

In continuation of my journey; I am looking for more thriving and to keep going forward through the technology path but with significant contribution and influential works to achieve the vision of my country and my company together through advancement and achieving of excellence in digitalization and bringing modern technologies to improve community and people lives. Furthermore, I am looking forward to being an entrepreneur to bring innovative solutions to business and community problems in addition to implementing new ideas that bring more comfort, happiness, and wellbeing to our people and country.

In the near future, where do you envision yourself, and how do you plan to accelerate and drive forward the process of change?

We live in a very fast changing era driven by the unprecedented rapid technology evolvement and advancement, it’s indeed a challenging situation that require a strong and solid leadership skills to continue the game, therefore,  I plan to continue in that leadership position for the near future, and I look forward to modernize the IT operating model in my company to be extra agile and to meet the new business dynamics and requirements through embracement of new operating models such as DevOps, and as AI has entered even a new generation which is changing the world again, therefore, I must accelerate the adoption of more AI technologies enriched by Big Data for different business use cases.

As a successful leader, how do you manage to strike a balance between your professional commitments and personal life?

Achieving a work-life balance is amongst hardest matters to achieve and maintain, it’s not as easy thing as it may sounds to be; especially for leaders of critical business functions that have near to zero-tolerance to failure, such leaders used to have many sleepless nights in their life and found it very difficult to achieve the balance, therefore, one should draw a strategy to achieve the balance, more importantly to be committed to it, there are some few strategically points that I follow to maintain the balance as example, one of which is to maximize the output of the “productivity over time” formula by learning the skill of hyper focus to achieve more in less time, in other words, drive your time, otherwise the time will drive you, so dedicate yourself only for work during working hours, and vice versa (how to get rid of distractions is the skill that one need to acquire here), on the other hand, one need also to be flexible in defining his\her working hours vs. life hours of his week based on different planned or unplanned activities.

Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives United Cooperative Assurance?

UCA has many values across different internal functions that may vary only by relativity to work, however there are four (4) core values that UCA stands on, first, is the “Quality” whereby UCA’s success is measured upon a considerable number of clients selecting us for their belief in our ability to meet their expectations in terms of Price, Quality Service and Specialized Expertise. Second is “Empowerment” of our employees by offering a work environment with equal opportunities to employees for further professional and personal growth, we believe in our work force, and we are inspired to work as a team towards the accomplishment of our goals. Third is “Commitment” to conducting our business according to the highest norms of ethical standards, competence, and integrity where we remain stable and reliable to perform to the best of our knowledge, skills and abilities amidst the challenges that constantly face us. Finally, the fourth core value is about “Communication”, to establish relationships with clients that we care for, we pride ourselves in keeping our workforce and clients well informed about relevant information through efficient communication and information systems that exceed the standard services.

What change would you like to bring to the Tech industry if given a chance?

Undoubtedly, tech industry is the innovation industry that keep brining charming state-of-the-art solutions and products to our lives which truly change our lives, most of these changes are for the good of the human kind but with some drawbacks and undesired outcomes that may get produced in the process, therefore, if there is something to bring to this industry is apply more data privacy and mind protection measures beside more ethical measures that should be applied on the global level to prevent certain contents from being shared and even go viral, trivia is invading the new generation and we need our world to be a safer place for our children knowing that the “Internet” is considered the World itself to a majority of our children and teenagers. We need to protect everyone for harmful contents that ethical bases would agree on, not only this, but also reduction in trivial contents and limitation from going viral.   

Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you           leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?

Understanding new technologies in term of their critical capabilities, maturity, sourcing, and their use cases in business is a key knowledge resource that I keep myself always updated with, think of these modern advanced technologies like the tools in a toolkit box in a hand of a craftsman, he can do magic if he knows how and when to use each tool. For example, the robotic process automation (RPA) is one of the AI technologies that can be very useful and mature enough to automate a routine and highly repeated manual activities which may require lots of manpower hours to do, using RPA as the right tool to automate this sort of activities within certain scenario should meet your objective to save cost and time in addition to maintaining a consistent performance and efficiency, and so on and so forth.

Can you discuss your approach to talent management and development within the IT department, and how you build and lead high-performing teams to execute the organization’s IT strategy?

The answer to this question is embedded within my answer to question #3 above, here I am quoting the same statement “invite and engage all individuals of the teams from the initiation phase of any undertake (avoid bringing them in the middle for the sake of achieving certain tasks only), let them feel they’re part of the initiative, and influencers on decisions, second, turn the team environment into a learning academy environment and cultivate the culture of continuous education, this is very important side to naturally grow and advance in-house skills and talent level which will lead to have a more effective and capable team”, in addition, some other ideas to talent management and development can be used such as setting different Professional Certifications or other Educational Quests as annual targets and objectives for employees, this is to help spreading the culture and make sure that everyone sails within the same boat. Another habit that leaders may use is by requesting attendants of different training courses, conferences, and symposiums to write and submit a reflection paper after attending such sessions, in which they should suggest how to use what they learn to improve any of the business aspects exist in the company, that reflection paper should be reviewed, discussed further and approved if found feasible, once approved it should turn into a new initiative and become part of our objectives and the owner of the reflection paper should lead or co-lead that initiative.

What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs aspiring to venture into Tech?

Investing in Tech is one of the most attractive entrepreneurship fields that is full of inspiring opportunities, with high chances of success if it follows the right course of thoughts and actions, entrepreneurs in this field should find the right idea, turn it into the right product, at the right time, and by following the proper rational path that should guarantee sustainability to the startup company. It’s a big topic to talk about, however, let me just shed some light on the starting point “finding the idea”, there are quite good number of success stories of great tech ideas that turned into breakthrough products that changed people lives, or caused very positive impact on communities at scale, however, there ae also other examples of other good to great ideas that couldn’t fly or “at the best” could not survive for long, first you need to make sure that the idea is either coming with an innovative solution to a chronic problem that sometimes people get used to deal with it in somehow and tends to forgot that it’s a problem or that it can be done better, alternatively you may come with an idea that should touch human senses in somehow and improve people lives but not necessary to be meant for fixing a problem, in either ways you need to make sure that the idea is viable, and can be turned into a real competing product with reasonable cost, remember that some ideas were great but unfortunately they appear in the wrong time were consumers are not ready for it yet. If you’re there then build your prototype and create a minimum viable product (MVP) to sense the people interaction with it, it’s the best time to introduce the idea to public and exactly to your targeted customers to assess and measure how much you attracted of their attention, and how easy and fast they adapt the product.

They say the way a man plays chess demonstrates his nature, maturity, and standard. The human centered world we live in today is also based on responsibility and merit. Thus, it is also based on nature and not the classical hierarchical model. Given the support of digital tools companies today allow employees to develop novel skills, and grow on the basis of merit. Thanks to Augusto Mitidieri who is preparing people for continuous improvement in the digital age. Augusto always love to overcome such challenges by being a CEO at Amis Consulting SA. 

Visionary Stewardship

In the grand tapestry of pharmaceutical leadership, Augusto Mitidieri emerges not merely as an executive but as a visionary architect of industry transformation. His academic journey, fortified by degrees from prestigious institutions such as Politecnico di Milano and University of Lausanne, laid the groundwork for a career marked by distinction. From the meticulous domain of project management to the intricate orchestration of pharmaceutical logistics, Augusto’s ascent within Bigmar Group exemplified a trajectory of continual growth.

The zenith of his career unfolded at Sintetica SA, where he orchestrated a narrative of unparalleled success. As the Corporate CEO, Augusto’s strategic vision propelled Sintetica into international prominence, fostering an environment where individual empowerment became the cornerstone of corporate decisions. His innovative “Human-Centred Organization” model represented not just a shift in structure but a cultural metamorphosis, championing responsibility, meritocracy, and a departure from hierarchical rigidity.

The narrative extends beyond corporate realms, with Augusto assuming pivotal roles at Amis Consulting SA and Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino. These endeavors not only reflect his unyielding commitment to innovation but also his role as a catalyst in shaping the future of global business landscapes.

Augusto’s story is one of accolades, earned not through mere corporate achievements but through a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and a profound respect for individuals within and outside organizational boundaries. His leadership transcends the boardroom, making him a beacon for those who see in innovation not just a corporate strategy but a cultural imperative. As he embarks on a new chapter, Augusto Mitidieri’s narrative remains a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership in the ever-evolving pharmaceutical landscape.

Human-Centric Leadership

Augusto Mitidieri’s transformative leadership at Sintetica, a Swiss pharmaceutical powerhouse, narrates a saga of innovation, culture shift, and a profound commitment to the human element. As the Corporate CEO, Augusto wielded not just executive authority but a visionary zeal that reshaped the very DNA of the organization.

In recognizing that innovation transcends product development, Augusto pioneered the “Human-Centred Organization,” a paradigm shift from hierarchical structures to a model based on responsibility and meritocracy. This profound cultural change redefined the managerial philosophy, with managers evolving from controllers to coaches, fostering a culture of responsibility, autonomy, and accountability for results.

The pillars of this groundbreaking model are built on passion, engagement, trust, and autonomy. Passion, the driving force defining the real mission, was coupled with transparent communication to engage individuals in the organizational values. Trust and autonomy became the linchpins, fostering delegation and agility in decision-making, culminating in a virtuous dynamic for team success. Respect, a core element, permeated internal and external interactions, valuing differences and creating a harmonious environment.

Smiling, seemingly simple but profoundly relevant, became the hallmark of the corporate culture, epitomizing the company’s identity as a “great place to work.” The organizational purpose transcended mere profit maximization; it aimed for the maximization of success, defined by equal priority to profit and happiness. The Corporate Sustainability function, encompassing Human Resources, became integral to this purpose, emphasizing that sustainability pertains to people first.

This visionary strategy aimed at diffusing Human-Centric leadership and peripheral decisional autonomy throughout the organization. Managers and talents underwent continuous high-level training, fostering a culture of perpetual improvement in the digital age. The Human-Centred Organization, rooted in responsibility and merit, defied classical hierarchical norms, offering a dynamic and supportive platform for employees to grow based on their skills and potential.

Augusto Mitidieri’s narrative of leadership at Sintetica isn’t just a corporate tale; it’s a testament to the transformative power of placing the human element at the core of innovation and success.

Transforming Organizations from Within

Augusto Mitidieri’s passion for driving change and making it happen has been the cornerstone of his illustrious career as a CEO. Recognizing the need for organizations to be proactive and embrace continuous improvement, Augusto dedicated a significant part of his career to innovation—a task that posed a formidable challenge.

As the CEO of a company with a mission of leadership through innovation, Augusto faced the complex task of creating an organizational culture that could consistently generate innovation as a routine. The strategy he crafted rested on two pillars: uncompromising quality achieved through continuous improvement and the global diffusion of innovations.

The linchpin for successful execution was the human-centred organization—a model that champions diffused leadership and peripheral decisional autonomy. This approach, grounded in values like respect, trust, skills, knowledge, passion, and a genuine smile, aimed to engage people across all levels of the company. With a clear focus on strategic objectives and meticulous execution, engaged individuals became the driving force behind the continuous generation of innovations throughout the organization.

Now, Augusto is distilling this successful management experience into a forthcoming book. His narrative revolves around the belief that innovation is an inside-out process. He emphasizes two levels of innovation—the first being the creation of direction and strategy, the crucial stage dependent on the organization’s vision, values, and purpose. Once this internal foundation is solid, the second level involves making innovation happen through an organization that values individuals as human-centred leaders, fostering meaningful and coherent innovation both within and beyond company borders. Augusto’s core message is clear: for a company to be truly innovative, it should look not for ideas, but for people who embody a human-centred approach to innovation.

Pioneer Innovators Augusto and Pasquale Mitidieri

Today marks the commencement of a new and exciting chapter in Augusto Mitidieri’s distinguished international career. Collaborating with Pasquale Mitidieri, a seasoned executive with over two decades of success in IT and Pharma global business and a recognized “game changer,” they have founded Amis Consulting SA, a startup consulting company based in Lugano, Switzerland.

Pasquale, a graduate in Business Administration from Cattolica University of Milan, brings a wealth of experience to their venture. Amis Consulting SA specializes in implanting innovative managerial vision into existing business activities and provides support to companies across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas in pursuit of consistent business opportunities.

Their collaboration is built upon a strong executive business relationship, rooted in mutual respect and trust, established over time in more than 100 countries worldwide. The company focuses on pivotal areas such as innovation, organization, global commercial strategies, and the philosophy and execution of go-to-market strategies.

The value proposition of Amis Consulting SA is firmly anchored in total respect as a foundational value, and execution is driven by trust, ensuring the solidity and longevity of relationships built for success. Augusto and Pasquale firmly believe that their own managerial vision, business acumen, positive human influence, and unwavering passion for elevation are the intangible factors that elevate their collaborations to success on a global scale. This dynamic duo is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the realms of innovation and global business strategy, leaving an indelible mark on the consulting landscape.

A Career Recognized with Prestigious Awards

Distinguished leader Augusto Mitidieri, a luminary in the pharmaceutical industry, has been celebrated with an array of prestigious awards that underscore his outstanding contributions to corporate leadership and innovation.

In 2020, Corporate America Today bestowed upon him the esteemed title of “Global Pharmaceutical CEO of the Year,” a testament to his remarkable stewardship of Sintetica SA. This recognition adds to his impressive list of accolades, showcasing his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Business Worldwide Annual Awards recognized Mitidieri as the “Best European Pharmaceutical CEO” in 2017 and honored him as the “Most Innovative Pharmaceutical CEO in Europe” in 2019. Corporate Vision Annual Awards consecutively named him “European CEO of the Year” from 2016 to 2017 and honored him as the “Most Influential CEO of the Year in Europe” in 2019, acknowledging his pioneering role in human-centric driven innovation. He also clinched the title of “Pharmaceutical CEO of the Year” in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Le Fonti Awards consistently recognized his commitment to sustainability, naming him “CEO of the Year for Sustainability” from 2017 to 2020. The Socrates Committee Oxford acknowledged his stellar management prowess in 2018, declaring him the “Best Manager of the Year.” European CEO Awards singled him out as the “Best CEO in Pain Management Industry Europe” in 2018.

These awards stand as a testament to Augusto Mitidieri’s exceptional leadership, visionary strategies, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, making him an indomitable force in the global business arena.