Hanna Olivas and Adriana Luna Carlos: Empowering Women Through Authentic Values
Hanna Olivas and Adriana Luna Carlos, the duo behind She Rises Studios, have turned their vision into a vibrant, empowering community for women worldwide. In the heart of the global pandemic in 2020, they saw a pressing need to support women globally, which led to the creation of the She Rises Studios Podcast and the She Rises Studios Community Facebook Group. Their work embodies the essence of empowerment, creating spaces where women can celebrate growth, navigate challenges, and inspire each other to rise above their circumstances.
For Olivas and Carlos, the key to balancing personal values with running a business lies in three core principles: authenticity, community engagement, and the celebration of diversity. “Connecting authentically with your team forms the bedrock of a harmonious work environment,” they emphasize, highlighting the importance of valuing individual contributions within their team. This approach has fostered an authentic culture where every team member feels valued, driving the success of She Rises Studios by creating an inclusive space that extends beyond the workplace into the wider community.
Their commitment to inclusivity and diversity has not only enriched their professional relationships but also reinforced a sense of belonging among the women they support. By actively engaging with their community and celebrating differences as strengths, Olivas and Carlos demonstrate the transformative power of embracing diverse perspectives. “This personal approach not only strengthens professional relationships but also reinforces a sense of belonging and inclusiveness beyond the immediate workplace,” they note, underlining the impact of their work on creating a richer, more vibrant community.
Martynas Žvirblis: Bridging Values in Global Business Leadership
Martynas Žvirblis, as the chief manager of VPSForexTrader, brings over two decades of leadership experience across Europe and the US, navigating the complexities of managing a diverse team in a dynamic industry. VPSForexTrader, known for its high-quality Forex VPS hosting solutions, emphasizes exceptional customer support and values the diversity of its clients and employees. Žvirblis’s approach to leadership is informed by his conservative views, balanced against the liberal perspectives prevalent among his marketing and IT teams.
Žvirblis realizes the importance of maintaining a neutral stance on polarizing topics such as religion, gender identity, and political views within the workplace. “As a company operating in the US and Europe, we always believe in the democratic process of deciding on different issues and try to stay out of polarizing topics,” he states. This policy, upheld by the HR department, ensures a respectful and inclusive environment for all employees, clients, and subscribers, adhering to EU and US discrimination laws. The emphasis on professionalism and human respect is paramount to the company’s ethos, ensuring a cohesive work environment despite differing personal beliefs.
The lessons Žvirblis shares are the culmination of years in managerial roles, where respect and empathy for others’ political, religious, and personal choices have been central. “I have learned the basic rules of having respect and empathy for the political, religious, and personal choices of my co-workers and clients,” he reflects. This respect extends beyond adherence to laws; it is about valuing personal choices and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist harmoniously. His leadership philosophy is a testament to the belief that understanding and respecting individual differences is crucial for global business success.
Marc Massad: Integrating Values in Sports and Business Leadership
Marc Massad brings over 25 years of expertise to his role at Velocity Paddle and his numerous executive positions across sports organizations. His career is marked by a steadfast commitment to making sports accessible and enjoyable for all, a principle that guides his entrepreneurial ventures and leadership style. Through his work, Massad has made significant strides in areas ranging from pickleball training to sports management, always with a focus on the ethical and moral dimensions of business.
Massad emphasizes the importance of aligning business objectives with personal values, ensuring that each decision made is not only profitable but also ethically sound. “Core Values as a Guiding Compass,” as he describes, is central to his approach, integrating his belief in the comprehensive benefits of sports into every facet of his business operations. This alignment has been crucial in settings as diverse as NYSS New York Sports Services and the Dubai Pro Pickleball Association, where Massad’s respect for different cultures and values underpins his adaptive leadership style. He stresses the importance of leading in a way that respects diversity while advancing a collective mission.
For Massad, transparent communication and maintaining high ethical standards are non-negotiable aspects of running a business. By openly sharing his values and goals, he establishes a culture of trust and integrity within his teams and among clients. This transparency is especially vital in the health and fitness industry, where trust and ethical practice directly impact client well-being and business reputation. Massad’s commitment to these principles has solidified the standing of his ventures, such as M.M.C (Marc Massad Consultancy), and fostered confidence among those they serve.
Aziz Bekishov: Aligning Ethics with Business Strategy
Aziz Bekishov, behind DC Mobile Notary and DuoNotary, has merged his expertise in SEO, marketing, and business with a steadfast commitment to ethical practices. Since founding DC Mobile Notary in 2016, Bekishov has set a high standard for integrity and efficiency in notary services, catering to a broad spectrum of needs from estate planning to immigration documents. His dedication to upholding ethical standards is a testament to his belief in the power of values-driven entrepreneurship.
Bekishov advocates for making personal values a foundational element of the business model, taking cues from industry leaders like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s. This strategy involves making choices that reflect ethical considerations such as environmental sustainability and equitable labor practices. By doing so, Bekishov ensures that every aspect of his business, from operations to customer interactions, resonates with his core beliefs. “Embedding personal values directly into your business operations is crucial,” Bekishov points out, highlighting the importance of ethical decision-making in building trust with customers and motivating employees.
Transparency with stakeholders is a key principle for Bekishov in aligning personal values with business goals. Making sure that everyone from employees to customers and investors understands the company’s values and their implementation in business practices is essential for fostering a trustworthy and respectful environment. In the era of digital communication, the value of authenticity and openness has significantly increased, making it imperative for businesses to engage in honest dialogue about their ethical commitments.
Kenan Acikelli: Cultivating Ethical Leadership in the Digital Age
Kenan Acikelli, the CEO of Workhy, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Doğan Holding to his current role, where he focuses on empowering entrepreneurs to transcend physical boundaries through online business operations. Under his leadership, Workhy has become a platform that offers innovative solutions for company setup and business engagement online, reflecting his commitment to leveraging technology for greater accessibility and efficiency.
Acikelli emphasizes the importance of assembling a team that mirrors the core values of the business. This approach not only facilitates a unified direction but also ensures that the company’s practices reflect a collective ethical stance. “Surrounding yourself with a team that shares your core values is crucial,” Acikelli notes, underscoring the role of a cohesive culture in fostering ethical decision-making across all levels of the organization. The focus on a value-aligned team echoes leadership and organizational behavior principles, highlighting its significance in promoting ethical behavior and driving business success.
Acikelli advocates for the continuous reassessment and adaptation of strategies to maintain alignment with personal values and evolving market conditions. This principle of ethical adaptability—regularly evaluating and adjusting business practices—ensures that the company remains responsive to new challenges while staying true to its foundational beliefs. “Regularly reassessing your strategies is vital,” he advises, pointing to the necessity of flexibility and the willingness to implement changes that better reflect the company’s values and meet market demands. Kenan Acikelli’s leadership at Workhy exemplifies how personal values can be integrated into business strategies, creating not only economic success but also a positive societal impact.
Ravi Sharma: Steering Webomaze with a Value-Centric Compass
Ravi Sharma, as CEO of Webomaze, has carved a niche in the digital industry by integrating his values into the fabric of his SEO agency in Australia. With over a decade of experience and a portfolio that spans over 100+ countries, Sharma has not only honed his skills in marketing and leadership but has also cultivated a business environment that thrives on ethical practices and value alignment.
Sharma underscores the importance of identifying and adhering to core values in business operations. He believes that having a clear understanding of what principles matter most offers a direction for decision-making that transcends profit-making. This foundational step ensures that the business navigates through the competitive landscape without losing sight of its ethical compass.
Open communication within the team about the company’s values is pivotal, according to Sharma. This transparency ensures that everyone is aligned with the company’s expectations and attracts talent that resonates with the company’s ethos. Sharma’s approach to leadership emphasizes the necessity of creating an environment where values are not just stated but are actively lived by each team member.
