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sukh sandhu Most Influential Leader of the Year 2026 Shaping Education and Compliance: The Lasting Impact of Sukh Sandhu Visionaries transform industries through determination and foresight. Sukh Sandhu is a leading figure in vocational education and compliance. As Founder and Director of Compliance and Quality Assurance (CAQA) and Career Calling International, he has built a legacy of integrity and innovation spanning more than two decades. His work ensures that training organizations meet regulatory standards while delivering meaningful results for learners and professionals. This article explores Sandhu’s journey, leadership principles, and vision for a fair and effective global education landscape. From Humble Beginnings to Pioneering Roles Sandhu’s professional journey began remarkably early. At age 14, a US-based organization selected him for roles in web development, design, training, and assessment. This experience launched a career marked by adaptability and a strong grasp of technology and education methods. Early projects sharpened his skills in digital solutions and instructional content, providing a solid foundation for his future work. After moving to Australia, Sandhu focused on the intersection of education, governance, and compliance. He observed how strong systems could directly influence learner outcomes and organizational performance. Within the vocational education and training (VET) sector, registered training organizations (RTOs) play critical roles in developing workforce skills. Sandhu noticed that many providers struggled to maintain standards amid evolving regulations, often affecting students and employers. Early RTO projects reinforced a key principle: compliance is more than checklists—it requires a culture of accountability, data-driven decisions, and processes aligned with growth. These insights inspired Sandhu’s entrepreneurial efforts. He founded Career Calling International to address gaps in career guidance and professional development, providing resources to navigate job markets. Later, he established CAQA, a consultancy dedicated to advancing compliance and quality assurance. Through these initiatives, Sandhu translated observations into solutions that help RTOs operate effectively in regulated environments. CAQA provides services such as audit preparation, policy development, and tailored training, while Career Calling International supports career alignment and skill-building. Over three decades, Sandhu has partnered with thousands of organizations across Australia and internationally, delivering strategies in risk mitigation, ISO certification, governance, legal reform, and executive development. Building Frameworks for Sustainable Success A key shift in Sandhu’s career was moving from fixing isolated issues to creating holistic frameworks. While early consultations focused on immediate compliance solutions, he recognized their limits. He developed integrated systems covering quality management, risk assessment, and scalable digital tools. These structures support organizations in Australia and abroad, demonstrating adaptability across changing regulations. At CAQA, compliance is treated as an enabler rather than a restriction. Sandhu’s team designs toolkits with real-time data analytics, allowing organizations to monitor performance and prevent non-conformance. Over the years, CAQA has produced tens of thousands of resources and auditing tools, reducing audit preparation time while enhancing transparency and consistency. Career Calling International applies similar principles, aligning career guidance with standards using evidence-based strategies. The growth of both companies reflects Sandhu’s foresight: CAQA now serves hundreds of clients, while Career Calling International has reached thousands through workshops and online platforms. Sandhu’s influence extends internationally. He has spoken at forums, including United Nations sessions, on student protection, digital learning ethics, and credential transparency. Membership in the Forbes Business Council and media features highlight his contributions, showcasing Australian governance and compliance innovation globally. Recent recognition includes the Advocate of the Year for Auditing Reforms at the 2025 Fluxx Awards, acknowledging his ability to transform compliance into a strategic advantage. Leadership Rooted in Values and Empowerment Sandhu’s leadership is grounded in values, data, and people. It emphasizes ethics, evidence-based decisions, and human potential. Over time, his approach evolved from directive oversight to encouraging team ownership and initiative. He mentors leaders to integrate standards, fostering shared accountability and environments where innovation thrives. This approach draws inspiration from Australian and international leaders committed to integrity and education access. Their dedication reinforces Sandhu’s belief that leadership amplifies underrepresented voices. As a certified ISO Lead Auditor and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Training and Development, he guides organizations through audits and governance improvements. Sandhu’s leadership manifests in trust-building and open dialogue. He encourages diverse perspectives, enhancing problem-solving and team purpose. By modeling learning from mistakes, he motivates teams to view setbacks as growth opportunities. At CAQA and Career Calling International, this approach results in high performance under pressure, with a clear understanding of impact on learners and organizations. Navigating Crises with Precision and Clarity Sandhu excels in high-stakes decision-making. His approach begins with problem clarification to prevent misdirection, followed by risk assessment to stabilize situations. Decisions are made transparently and promptly, with stakeholders engaged. Post-resolution, decisions and rationales are communicated, and outcomes measured to capture lessons. Organizations under his guidance use tools such as risk registers, decision logs, and scenario mapping. Daily reviews assign ownership and provide short feedback loops, maintaining alignment and responsiveness. Sandhu views audits as opportunities to improve rather than punish. Recognition of individual contributions and development opportunities further drives motivation. His expertise has helped institutions meet standards set by ASQA, TEQSA, and ISO bodies. Innovation as a Core Leadership Imperative Sandhu sees innovation as essential in rapidly evolving environments. Technology adoption is evaluated for fairness, transparency, and safety before implementation. He encourages small-scale pilots, gathers evidence, and scales successful solutions. Alignment with regulators ensures ethical and legal compliance. In the VET sector, this approach has produced AI compliance tools predicting audit risks and providing preventive suggestions. Career Calling International uses analytics to match skills to opportunities, personalizing guidance efficiently. Initiatives like CAQA Digital offer global professional development, marketing, and learning portals. Certifications in cybersecurity, Lean Six Sigma, and generative AI demonstrate Sandhu’s technical expertise. Tackling Global Leadership Challenges Sandhu identifies several contemporary leadership challenges: declining institutional trust, unequal opportunities, ethical AI use, responsible data practices, and balancing social and environmental responsibilities. He advocates practical, collaborative solutions, including adaptable cross-border frameworks, plain-language policies, and audit cultures focused on learning. This approach shifts the emphasis from punishment to improvement, creating resilient and flexible systems. Educational applications focus on inclusive

Akanksha S Gulia The Most Remarkable Woman Leader of the Year 2025 Akanksha S. Gulia: Pioneering People-Centered Leadership Akanksha S. Gulia stands as a visionary leader whose career spans architecture, design, user experience, and innovation strategy. Her path is distinguished not only by a remarkable breadth of expertise but also by an unwavering dedication to championing empathy and strategic vision on the global stage. Akanksha’s leadership is defined by her ability to transform organizations, placing human potential and inclusive culture at the heart of every initiative across global projects. Through her dynamic approach, Akanksha has orchestrated transformations that prioritize human potential. She cultivates environments where diverse voices and talents converge, unlocking creativity and driving meaningful impact. She demonstrates a unique blend of curiosity and decisive action, empowering teams to excel in highly dynamic, multicultural contexts. Her leadership philosophy centers around empowerment and purpose. Akanksha views meaningful progress as a collective endeavor that uplifts individuals and leaves a ripple of positive change. Early Journey and Pivotal Shifts Akanksha’s professional trajectory emerged without a rigid blueprint. It unfolded as a series of explorations driven by innate curiosity and a conviction that human elements power innovation. She began her career in the disciplined realm of architecture, where precision, planning, and spatial harmony became the cornerstones of her approach. The transition into design broadened her perspective, prompting Akanksha to blend aesthetics with functionality while keeping user needs at the forefront. A transformative chapter unfolded as she ventured into user experience, immersing herself in the art and science of crafting digital interactions that resonate emotionally and intuitively with users. This focus on empathy, understanding how technology shapes human experiences, became a hallmark of her work. Propelled by a passion for forward-thinking solutions, Akanksha pivoted to innovation strategy, leading ambitious initiatives across continents. Each career pivot was united by a singular thread: the drive to motivate, inspire, and elevate people. Leading initiatives on multiple continents, her exposure to diverse cultures and contexts refined her insight that true transformation arises from the intersection of empathy and strategic vision. Today, she continues to orchestrate opportunities for collective growth, uniting diverse perspectives and amplifying the role of every participant in the success story. Akanksha’s blueprint for leadership is clear: prioritize people, foster belonging, and create spaces where authentic transformation takes root. Defining and Evolving Leadership Style Akanksha S. Gulia’s leadership journey is marked by constant growth, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on people. What began as a knowledge-centric approach has transformed over time into a leadership style defined by stewardship, facilitation, and empowerment. Early on, Akanksha equated influence with expertise. However, through global collaborations and cross-cultural experiences, she discovered the profound impact of active listening, humility, and genuine partnership. Embracing the role of an enabler, she sparks creativity by cultivating authentic relationships within her teams, fostering an environment where ideas flourish. Her immersion in multidisciplinary contexts across borders further refined her leadership, reinforcing the value of collective intelligence. Inspired by Ratan Tata’s enduring legacy of vision and kindness, Akanksha draws from his example—merging strategic foresight with compassion to create lasting impact. Tata’s principled calm and quiet resolve echo her own values, underscoring a deep commitment to empathetic, inclusive guidance. A guiding principle stands at the center of Akanksha’s leadership philosophy: “True leadership is the art of enabling possibility in others, even before they see it in themselves.” By building cultures rooted in trust and belonging, she empowers teams to reach extraordinary new heights. Strategies for Crisis and Motivation In high-pressure situations, Akanksha’s approach is grounded in steady flexibility and presence of mind. She begins by pausing to assess each challenge thoughtfully, balancing data-driven analysis with attention to the human dimension. Actively seeking diverse perspectives, she charts the most effective way forward, striking a balance between speed and sound judgment. Central to her leadership in difficult times is her steadfast philosophy: “In times of challenge, leadership means igniting belief in possibility and guiding teams to turn obstacles into launchpads for growth.” Guided by this principle, Akanksha emboldens her teams to look beyond immediate setbacks, transforming adversity into opportunities for innovation and progress. Her method combines logical rigor with intuitive insight, always underscored by open, transparent communication. By sharing full context and inviting broad input, she builds trust and ensures that teams are equipped to navigate ambiguity. Akanksha further inspires superior performance by linking every effort to a larger, compelling purpose and fostering shared responsibility toward common goals. Motivation, for Akanksha, is anchored in shared purpose and accountability. She translates ambitious goals into compelling collective missions, inspiring her teams to take ownership of outcomes. By celebrating incremental successes, she sustains momentum and cultivates a culture where creativity and resilience thrive. Akanksha’s optimism serves as a guiding light, helping others reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. She believes every obstacle is a catalyst for innovation, a philosophy that has repeatedly transformed setbacks into platforms for team excellence. The results speak for themselves: under Akanksha’s direction, groups routinely achieve and exceed expectations through unity, trust, and inspired action. Her enduring impact lies in aligning personal aspirations with wider organizational objectives, ensuring drive and determination persist long after the challenge has passed. Innovation as Leadership Core For Akanksha S. Gulia, innovation is not an occasional spark but the ongoing heartbeat of effective leadership. She treats it as a daily navigational principle, structuring her decisions and team dynamics around the relentless pursuit of creative, forward-thinking solutions. Akanksha’s professional journey, spanning multiple fields and continents, underscores her conviction that genuine progress stems from questioning norms and daring to challenge established conventions. She thrives on embracing the unknown, fostering a culture where inquiry and experimentation are celebrated. In her world, setbacks become stepping stones, and diversity is a shared resource for collective ingenuity. To stay ahead of the curve, Akanksha remains attuned to global trends and immerses herself in cross-industry dialogues, seeking new perspectives from experts in a wide array of domains. She empowers her teams to co-create solutions that defy convention and encourages agile adaptation—not

Dr. Abhishek Gilara Most Transformational and Dynamic Business Leader of the Year – 2025 Dr. Abhishek Gilara is a fourth-generation luxury jeweller and the Managing Director of Rambhajo’s, where he blends Jaipur’s century-old Kundan, Meena, Polki, and Jadau heritage with modern strategy, technology, and global brand building to serve a discerning clientele across continents. His leadership extends beyond craft into authorship, public speaking, and thoughtful stewardship of a legacy house established in 1921, positioning Rambhajo’s for its second century of excellence without losing the soul of its artisanal roots. A Century-Old House Rambhajo’s traces its origins to 1921, when Late Shri Kishan Gilara, revered as Rambhajo, set up the atelier in Jaipur, rooted in devotion and meticulous workmanship that would define the house’s name and ethos for generations. The brand evolved through successive generations who scaled designer Kundan Jadau and Polki manufacturing, building trust in transparency, artisanal rigor, and value for money while Jaipur emerged as a global hub for gems and jewellery. Today, Rambhajo’s embodies “where heirlooms begin,” combining kundan polki techniques with contemporary aesthetics to craft pieces designed to endure and be passed down the lineage. Fourth-Generation Stewardship As Managing Director, Dr. Abhishek Gilara leads a 100-plus-year enterprise with a clear mandate to protect heritage while modernizing reach, systems, and market relevance across India and overseas. He is part of the fourth-generation leadership alongside siblings who have digitized and systematized the business to scale responsibly while preserving atelier-grade quality. His remit covers high-value bridal and bespoke segments in Kundan, Meena, Polki, and Jadau, with creations that span from lakh-level commissions to crores for discerning patrons. Craft Anchored In Jaipur The Jaipur atelier remains the creative and cultural heart, where gemstone selection, design translation, and finishing are executed with fidelity to the city’s syncretic design vocabulary and craft lineage. The house’s vocabulary integrates Rajputana, Mughal, and Deccan influences in forms that balance heirloom gravitas with modern wearability for bridal and ceremonial contexts. Each piece is approached as a study in proportion, surface, and stone setting that reads elegant at arm’s length and intricate under a loupe, which is why Rambhajo’s has remained a reference name in Kundan and Jadau for a century. Strategy: Heritage With Innovation Dr. Gilara’s strategy pairs traditional making with process discipline and technology integration so the workshop scales without diluting signature quality. Younger generation systems have introduced IT-enabled workflows and contemporary operations that shorten cycles from design to delivery while maintaining artisan-first standards. The result is a house that operates globally yet keeps Jaipur craftsmanship central, serving hundreds of thousands of patrons across five continents with consistent finish and authentic techniques. Global Brand Building Under his leadership, the brand has expanded its footprint, earning industry recognition and editorial features that affirm a positioning at the intersection of heritage and modern luxury. Recognition across platforms such as TradeFlock and AsiaOne chronicles a narrative of revitalizing a legacy label for contemporary markets while staying true to the atelier’s founding values. Media spotlights frame him as a visionary who manages legacy and reinvents it simultaneously, elevating Indian bridal artistry on global stages and within the country’s luxury retail arena. Clientele And Commissions Rambhajo’s caters to bespoke bridal patrons who seek one-of-a-kind sets where design coherence across necklace, earrings, maang tikka, bangles, and rings matters as much as gemstone pedigree and handwork excellence. The house’s work spans 5 lakh to multi crore commissions, a range that reflects both accessibility within luxury and the ability to deliver museum-grade pieces for lineage collections. This barbell approach allows the atelier to nurture lifelong relationships with families who return for weddings and milestones, deepening the house’s role as custodian of memory and ritual. Leadership Philosophy Dr. Gilara articulates leadership as a balance of reverence for tradition and a bias for forward motion, a theme he reinforces in public commentary and personal writing about resilience and growth. He credits pressure, practice, and perspective with turning raw potential into refined output, echoing the carbon to diamond metaphor that mirrors gemology and leadership alike. This philosophy informs how he mentors teams, engages artisans, and frames the brand’s commitment to trust, transparency, and year-on-year excellence. Author And Public Voice Beyond the atelier, he contributes as an author and public speaker, using writing to distill lessons on leadership, simplicity, and craftsmanship learned from the bench and the boardroom. His official site profiles a body of work that includes reflective prose and poetry, which positions craft not only as a product but as a way of seeing and building character over time. This public voice has helped extend the brand narrative beyond jewellery into ideas of heritage stewardship, discipline, and creative purpose. Recognition And Honors Industry and cross-industry platforms have recognized his achievements, including leadership features and awards that spotlight both business growth and cultural contribution. AsiaOne cited him within its India’s Greatest Brands & Leaders program, acknowledging his stewardship of a legacy house and its modern articulation at a national forum in New Delhi. Editorials in business and leadership publications have profiled his approach to marrying legacy and innovation, further cementing his reputation in luxury retail. Advancing Craft Through Systems The modern Rambhajo’s workflow demonstrates how digital tools can support handmade excellence by improving planning, documentation, and customer experience without compromising hand skill. Systematization enables the atelier to uphold uniform standards across collections and bespoke orders, a requirement when serving an international client base with nuanced specifications. The backbone of consistent quality is still the master artisan’s hand, yet the infrastructure around that hand keeps promises on timelines, finish, and after-sales care. Market Positioning Rambhajo’s maintains a clear center in Kundan and Jadau while engaging contemporary tastes through proportion updates, lighter wear, and design modularity suited for multi-occasion use. The brand narrative stresses authenticity, gemstone integrity, and finishing that reads refined in high definition media and in intimate settings alike, which is essential in today’s social and bridal ecosystems. This calibrated positioning keeps the label anchored in heritage while relevant to new age luxury consumers who value