2025

Bala Sathyanarayanan Most Transformational HR Leader of the year 2025 The industrial packaging business is a vital component of the global supply chain, serving a broad spectrum of markets such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing. The business is engaged in the design, manufacturing, and sale of rugged packaging solutions like steel and plastic drums, fiber containers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and flexible packaging. These items are critical to the safe handling, storage, and transportation of raw materials and finished products over long distances. With international trade growing and sustainability at the top of the agenda, the industrial packaging sector is increasingly turning to environmentally friendly materials, innovative designs, and intelligent packaging technologies. Firms in this arena, such as Greif, Inc., are taking the lead by aligning packaging solutions with customer requirements and focusing on environmental stewardship, operational effectiveness, and supply chain resilience. With a career spanning continents and industries, Bala V. Sathyanarayanan has established a distinctive niche as a visionary human resources executive. Currently Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Greif, Inc., Bala has spent his career revolutionizing organizational culture, integrating HR initiatives with worldwide business objectives, and advocating for employee wellness. Respected for his collaborative leadership and strategic thinking, Bala is the embodiment of how people-driven innovation can propel global success in the modern business landscape. From Humble Beginnings to Human-Centered Leadership: A Journey Fueled by Passion for People Bala started his professional career in the energetic city of Chennai, India, a city that cultivated his values, drive, and early professional insight. His early days at world giants Coca-Cola, Hewlett-Packard (HP), and Xerox set the stage for his destiny as a worldwide HR leader. Every position honed his mind on one critical factor: people. At Coca-Cola, Bala immersed himself in the core of people development and training systems. This experience was instrumental, giving him a lifelong passion for talent development and the conviction that well-trained people are the foundation of any successful organization. He subsequently moved to Hewlett-Packard, where he helped establish the linkage between HR planning and the company’s global goals. In this part of his career, he learned the significance of balancing human resources with overall business plans, making HR not a support function but a driving force for development. At Xerox, Bala’s purview expanded greatly. He was given charge of leading Human Resources and Business Transformation for 145 countries. This enormous assignment allowed him to refine his skills at managing cross-cultural organizations and dealing with complex worldwide issues. It was also one of the first instances he implemented change management on a massive level a talent that would form the backbone of his leadership philosophy. The Turning Points: Expanding Global Horizons and Redefining Leadership Across Borders Two pivotal leadership positions at Avaya Inc. and United Technologies (Otis Elevator Company) represented turning points in Bala’s career. These roles broadened his technical skill set and his global perspective. At Avaya Inc., Bala transitioned into leadership positions that helped him comprehend the changing dynamics of the tech and telecom industries. He became a change-making leader, spearheading global HR initiatives that transformed Avaya’s talent strategy and operations. He was recognized as someone who could inject clarity and focus in high-stakes settings. At Otis Elevator Company, part of United Technologies, Bala’s experience expanded further. Working in one of the world’s most renowned engineering and industrial companies, he contributed to bridging old-world manufacturing strategies with imaginative, people-centric HR practices. This was another landmark—a chance to infuse human capital strategies into a corporate setup that was famous for engineering prowess. These critical assignments solidified Bala’s global management expertise and strategic vision. They positioned him for his most impactful role yet—at Greif, Inc. Greif, Inc.: Pioneering Global HR Transformation Through Unified Vision and People-First Innovation At Greif, Inc., the industrial packaging industry’s leading global company, as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Bala faced the colossal task of integrating HR systems with Greif’s worldwide vision. His first revolutionary contribution was to bring in HR strategies that not only facilitated business objectives but propelled them. With the awareness of the interdependence between employee experience and customer satisfaction, Bala made it his mission to place people at the heart of all strategy. He spearheaded the development of Greif University,” a centralized learning environment to upskill employees and develop leadership. By investing in ongoing learning and leadership growth, Bala developed a robust internal talent pipeline that was capable of addressing the needs of a fast-changing industry. He also launched the “Lead to Last” program yet another flagship initiative aimed at long-term leadership sustainability. Through initiatives such as these, Bala fostered an environment in which learning, development, and accountability were organizational standards. Most significantly, perhaps, Bala realized global gender pay parity at Greif—an accomplishment that few global companies have yet been able to equal. This historic achievement demonstrated his commitment to equity, transparency, and inclusivity. Adaptive and Inclusive Leadership Rooted in Humanity and Vision Bala’s own leadership style is as diverse as his background. He characterizes it as customer-focused, strategic, and inclusive—but above all, it’s human. Throughout the years, his leadership philosophy has evolved. Shaped by his experience at Coca-Cola, HP, and Xerox, Bala has crafted a style that melds strategic vision with emotional acuity. He values transparency and candor, making sure employees at every level feel heard, seen, and empowered. At the core of his philosophy is the practice of servant leadership—a notion that leaders need to empower their people by making their needs their top priority. Through creating this culture, Bala has developed cultures in which innovation is a driving force and people are encouraged to give their best. His highest inspiration as a leader is Peter Drucker, whose works on management and human capital had the most profound influence on Bala’s mind. Similar to Drucker, Bala also shares the view that the best measurement of leadership is the capacity to grow people so that the organization thrives even when the leader is not there. From

Protais Muhirwa Most Visionary Advocate Driving Social Change and Empowering Communities 2025 The social services and community development sector focuses on enhancing the welfare of individuals and communities, particularly those facing social, economic, or cultural challenges. This sector empowers vulnerable groups, such as refugees and disadvantaged populations, by assisting in education, employment, mental health, and housing. The industry aims to promote inclusion, connect individuals with resources, and facilitate social integration. Organizations within this sector are dedicated to advancing social justice, equality, and active participation in society, with nonprofits and community-based organizations playing a crucial role in fostering long-term positive change for marginalized communities. Protais Muhirwa is a visionary leader and committed refugee and migrant advocate. As the Founding Director of ARMIA (Active Refugee & Migrant Integration in Australia), he has dedicated his life to helping refugees and migrants achieve harmonious integration into Australian society. Through his leadership and passion, Protais has transformed the lives of countless individuals by assisting them in overcoming challenges such as social isolation, cultural barriers, and employment difficulties. His own experiences exemplify resilience, empathy, and a strong belief in the potential of all individuals. A Unique Model of Service That Empowers the Least Advantaged Protais Muhirwa’s most significant contribution beyond Rwanda is the establishment of ARMIA (Active Refugee and Migrant Integration in Australia), an organization based in Brisbane that is revolutionizing community care. ARMIA has created a genuinely distinctive model of service delivery that aims to empower the least advantaged, particularly refugees, migrants, and individuals with disabilities. Their 24/7 NDIS support provides integrated care, enabling people with disabilities to live ordinary, meaningful lives with their families. The organization also delivers multicultural in-home and aged care services, paying tribute to the seniors who constructed today’s world by allowing them to live in dignity in their own homes. What distinguishes ARMIA is its outcomes-based employment support model. Initiatives such as SQW (Skilling Queenslanders for Work) and Work Ready are empowering job seekers to move away from welfare reliance and construct strong, independent futures. Every individual who comes into ARMIA seeking training or employment leaves with a chance. By merging personal care with realistic results, ARMIA is teaching the world a thing or two about empowerment—the empowerment of one, of one family, of one community at a time. ARMIA’s Journey of Compassion: Healing the Incurables, Uplifting Communities, and Restoring Hope for the Marginalized At the very centre of Australia’s richly textured and dynamic multicultural society, ARMIA (Australian Refugee and Migrant Inclusive Alliance) has become a mighty force for hope, strength, and change for refugees, migrants, and Indigenous Australians. With a deep and unshakeable dedication to its founding motto, “Healing the Incurables,” the organization provides an integrated, empathetic response that meets the mental, physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals confronting some of life’s most difficult situations. Through its open-access drop-in centre, specially adapted life skills training, educational and language assistance, and widespread coordination with local services and government agencies, ARMIA provides those who are isolated, excluded, or unsupported with the tools, the guidance, and the opportunities to restore their dignity, gain social integration, and establish a future based on self-reliance and belonging. ARMIA (Australian Refugee and Migrant Inclusive Alliance) is a group that is changing the paradigm of support for marginalized communities in Australia. Formed to empower and raise, ARMIA’s services embody a keen insight into the complexities of the problems of refugees, migrants, and indigenous people. The organization is not limited to a single mode of care—rather, it operates along a continuum of needs, such as health, education, employment, and social integration. ARMIA’s guiding principle, “Healing the Incurables,” says everything about the heart and soul of their mission. This slogan summarizes the organization’s emphasis on those who have been ignored, written off, or failed by current systems. For ARMIA, no one is incurable. They aspire to restore dignity, offer hope, and bring long-term, sustainable change to the lives of those they serve. Nurturing Body, Mind, and Dignity: ARMIA’s Holistic Approach to Health and Compassionate Elderly Care ARMIA believes well-being is a broad concept covering the physical, mental, and emotional aspects. The agency incorporates health education within its services to educate clients on healthy behaviours, disease prevention, and contact with medical services. Clients are empowered with information and support to make wise choices regarding their well-being. For those with mental health issues, ARMIA provides key referrals to general practitioners so that there is a guarantee of access to relevant care with cultural sensitivity and confidentiality. Besides these medical services, ARMIA meets the specific demands of elder citizens with Aged and In-Home Care initiatives. Elderly migrants and refugees often experience a feeling of displacement that is exacerbated by language isolation and lack of support. ARMIA assists these elderly individuals in retaining their sense of dignity and independence by allowing them to live comfortably in their own homes. Care is not just physical—it involves emotional companionship and culturally sensitive interaction that honors their traditions and values. Combined, these efforts create an integrated approach to health that touches every stage of life, reinforcing ARMIA’s dedication to fostering whole people and communities. Weaving Belonging Through Connection: ARMIA’s Mission to Build Community and End Social Isolation At the centre of ARMIA’s outreach efforts is its drop-in centre—a facility intended to be as welcoming as it is accessible. Clients can walk in without appointments, eliminating barriers and providing instant support in a warm atmosphere. The centre is a multicultural space, with staff and volunteers frequently sharing the same cultural and linguistic backgrounds as the clients. This mutual experience is a confidence builder that facilitates greater connection and communication. But ARMIA does even more to combat one of the most long-standing challenges of refugees and migrants: isolation. Through organized community activities, ARMIA provides opportunities for individuals to establish relationships and connect with others again. Life skills training—everything from sewing and cooking to gardening—not only offers practical advantages but also a natural environment for social interaction. English classes and vocational skills training are part of ARMIA’s

Shahzeb Feroz Most Pioneering Leader of the Year In an era where creativity and data drive the success of brands, Shahzeb Feroz has emerged as a trailblazer in digital marketing. With a career marked by his ability to blend storytelling with data analytics, Shahzeb’s innovative approaches have earned him the prestigious title of “Most Pioneering Leader of the Year” by World Top Leaders 2025. This accolade celebrates his ability to inspire teams, build connections, and deliver measurable results in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Selected for Aligning Marketing Strategies with Business Objectives  Shahzeb emphasizes that one of the biggest challenges in digital marketing is aligning creative strategies with broader business goals. “Bridging the gap between departments and ensuring effective collaboration is crucial, yet often difficult to achieve,” Shahzeb notes. He also highlights the complexity of demonstrating the ROI of marketing initiatives and adapting strategies to the rapidly changing market conditions. Despite these challenges, Shahzeb’s success lies in maintaining open communication, fostering creativity, and applying a flexible approach to achieve strategic alignment. Building High-Performing Teams through Collaboration Shahzeb’s leadership style is rooted in fostering collaboration within his teams. He promotes open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals, ensuring that every team member feels valued. “Diverse perspectives are essential for driving innovation,” he asserts, encouraging idea-sharing and creating an inclusive environment where everyone is empowered to contribute. His commitment to team-building and collective success is a testament to his leadership philosophy. Data-Driven Marketing Initiatives  In today’s competitive market, data-driven decision-making plays a central role in Shahzeb’s marketing strategies. By analyzing trends, understanding customer behavior, and measuring the effectiveness of campaigns, he continuously refines his approach to deliver optimal results. “Data allows us to craft more impactful and relevant marketing experiences,” says Shahzeb, highlighting how it enables his team to adapt to audience needs and optimize their efforts for greater ROI. A Year of Achievements  Shahzeb’s journey in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. Along with the “Most Pioneering Leader of the Year” award, he has earned several prestigious accolades from Google, including the “Most Inspirational Individual In KS+ Team” and “Global Onboarding Award.” His participation in Google’s esteemed Future Leaders GCS Academy, where he was selected from a pool of 1000 nominees, is another testament to his leadership and drive for excellence. Advice for Aspiring Marketers  Shahzeb encourages the next generation of marketers to stay curious, embrace change, and never stop learning. He advises young professionals to build a balanced skill set that includes both creativity and analytical thinking. Networking and mentorship, he believes, are crucial for success, and he encourages aspiring marketers to take risks and learn from their experiences. “Stay passionate and resilient,” Shahzeb advises, “and you’ll find your way to success.”

Alysha Perisho Most Esteemed IT Women Leader of the Year In a field where technological innovation is the driving force behind business success, Alysha Perisho has made a name for herself as a dynamic and dedicated Account Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Known for her ability to understand the unique challenges faced by her customers, Alysha has been honored with the prestigious title of “Most Esteemed IT Women Leader of the Year” by the World Top Leaders 2025, a recognition that highlights her impact in the cloud computing industry. Selected for Deeply Personalized Approach to Customer Engagement  Alysha believes that building strong, meaningful relationships with her customers is central to her success at AWS. “I take great pride in getting to know our customers on a personal level,” she explains. This approach allows her to not only understand their technical requirements but also their business objectives, culture, and individual challenges. She is recognized for her ability to listen intently, ask the right questions, and provide tailored cloud solutions that align with their specific needs. Her role involves working with some of the most innovative Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in the industry. “It’s an exciting space to be in,” she says, reflecting on the thrill of helping ISVs stay ahead of the competition by leveraging AWS’s cutting-edge technology. By developing long-term strategies, Alysha plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth and innovation of her customers. Overcoming Challenges with Strategy and Collaboration  Working with a diverse portfolio of customers presents unique challenges. “It’s not uncommon to juggle multiple priorities at once, especially when customers have urgent needs,” she acknowledges. However, through structured planning and open communication, Alysha has developed an effective strategy to overcome these obstacles. She prioritizes understanding her customers’ goals and manages their expectations with clear, realistic timelines. By coordinating the vast resources at AWS, she ensures that her customers always receive the highest level of service and expertise. Building a Collaborative and High-Performing Team  In her role, Alysha also leads a large team of extended resources, leveraging AWS’s collective knowledge to ensure her customers’ success. She fosters a culture of collaboration and open communication, ensuring that all team members are aligned with the customers’ objectives. “It’s about creating a seamless and cohesive experience for our customers, and that requires a team effort,” she emphasizes. Recognition as “Most Esteemed IT Women Leader of the Year”  Being honored as the “Most Esteemed IT Women Leader of the Year” is not only a significant personal achievement for Alysha but also a testament to her contributions to the broader technology community. “This recognition is a reminder of the impact we strive to make daily,” she says, reflecting on the efforts of women who have paved the way in the tech industry. The accolade motivates her to continue mentoring young professionals, advocating for diversity, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Advice for Aspiring Professionals  For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Alysha offers valuable advice: “Embrace your passion and choose a career path that genuinely excites you.” She believes that enthusiasm for one’s work is key to success. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, encouraging others to remain curious and seek out new knowledge. Balancing hard work with enjoyment is another principle she stands by. “Celebrate your achievements and build meaningful relationships along the way,” she advises.

Tejas A. Chopra Most Innovative Developer of the Year Tejas A. Chopra, an exceptional software engineer and an inspiring co-founder, has been making waves in the tech industry with his dual roles at Netflix and GoEB1. His expertise in building scalable distributed syststrongs, combined with a passion for addressing real-world challenges, has earned him recognition as the “Most Innovative Developer of the Year.” Tejas’s rstrongarkable journey highlights not just his technical prowess but also his commitment to social impact through technology. Selected for Excellence: A Leader in Innovation and Social Impact Tejas A. Chopra’s selection for the prestigious title of Co-Founder of GoEB1 & Senior Software Engineer at Netflix showcases his innovative mindset, engineering leadership, and ability to make meaningful contributions to society. His pioneering work at GoEB1, a platform co-founded alongside Mahima Sharma, is a prime example of how advanced technologies can solve complex social challenges. GoEB1 aims to help immigrants find relevant opportunities by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAGs) and Vector Databases (VectorDBs). The platform, which has been bootstrapped and profitable, is a bridge for immigrants navigating a new country’s professional landscape, showcasing Tejas’s commitment to using technology for good. At Netflix, Tejas plays a pivotal role in building and scaling distributed syststrongs, managing exabyte-scale data for Netflix Studios. His experience at industry giants like Netflix and Box has not only shaped his technical skills but also positioned him as a thought leader in the tech space. Tejas deserves the recognition as “Most Innovative Developer of the Year” for several key reasons: Technological Leadership: As a Senior Software Engineer at Netflix, Tejas has consistently delivered high-impact solutions, notably in managing complex data syststrongs. His work exstrongplifies innovation, particularly in distributed syststrongs architecture, microservices, and scalable infrastructures. Mentorship and Community Contribution: As an International Keynote Speaker, Tejas shares his knowledge with the broader tech community, particularly on topics like cloud computing, microservices, and technology’s potential to drive social impact. His commitment to teaching and mentoring serves as an inspiration to the next generation of tech professionals. Continuous Innovation: Tejas’s approach to engineering is rooted in creativity and problstrong-solving. His recognition as “Most Innovative Developer of the Year” is a reflection of his ability to push boundaries, particularly in areas like AI/ML and environmental sustainability, which he has integrated into his role at Netflix. Inspirations and Vision Behind GoEB1 Tejas co-founded GoEB1 with the vision of helping immigrants navigate their professional journey in a new country. His personal experiences as an immigrant likely fueled his desire to address the challenges faced by others. GoEB1’s mission is to provide tailored opportunities to immigrants through cutting-edge technologies, enabling thstrong to build thought leadership profiles and find meaningful work in their new home. This initiative, which has already achieved profitability, is a reflection of Tejas’s deep strongpathy for the immigrant community and his technical acumen in leveraging advanced technologies to create impactful solutions. Advice to Aspiring Tech Professionals Tejas’s advice to the next generation of aspiring technologists is rooted in his personal journey: “Stay curious, strongbrace continuous learning, and seek out diverse experiences.” He strongphasizes the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech landscape and encourages young professionals to take on challenging projects or start their own ventures. His belief in the power of mentorship and teaching is another key takeaway for those looking to make an impact in the industry.

Chitra Shinde Most Prestigious Female Leader of the Year Recognized as the “Most Prestigious Female Leader of the Year” in 2025 by , Chitra Shinde’s journey in the logistics industry is marked by her exceptional leadership and dedication to operational excellence. After completing her education, she embarked on her career with DHL Express as a Management Trainee, where she quickly became captivated by the global scale of the company’s operations. With a profound understanding that operations lie at the core of business success, Chitra has continuously sought opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate throughout her career. Selected for Commitment to Operational Excellence As the Head of Operations at DHL Express Singapore, Chitra is focused on executing the company’s global strategy, which aims to accelerate sustainable growth across four key bottom lines: becoming the employer of choice, provider of choice, investment of choice, and most recently, the green logistics of choice. Singapore’s reputation as a best-in-class operation is a testament to her leadership, particularly as the company has already converted 30% of its ground fleet to electric vehicles, with plans to expand this fleet through 2030. Under her stewardship, DHL Express has launched the “GoGreen Plus” service, utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel to help customers reduce carbon emissions associated with their shipments. Chitra’s commitment to enhancing customer value through innovative solutions positions DHL Express as a leader in high-growth industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, and Life Sciences. Why Chitra Shinde Deserves the Title of “Most Prestigious Female Leader of the Year” Visionary Leadership in Sustainability Chitra’s strategic vision extends beyond operational excellence; it embodies a commitment to sustainability. Her focus on green logistics not only reflects a forward-thinking approach but also addresses the pressing challenges of climate change. By pioneering initiatives that promote electric vehicle use and sustainable aviation, she is setting a standard for the logistics industry and inspiring others to follow suit. Recognition and Accolades in 2025 In 2025, DHL Express Singapore has received numerous accolades, including the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Innovation Silver Award from the Singapore Logistics Association and certification as a Great Place to Work for the eighth consecutive time. Furthermore, the company has been recognized as the number one Great Place to Work in Singapore for the fourth year running and ranked first by The Straits Times in the Best Customer Service 2024/25 list under the “Transportation and Travel – Shipping and Delivery Services” category. The Friend of Singapore Red Cross award, received from the President of Singapore for its partnership with the Red Cross, highlights the company’s commitment to social responsibility. A Purpose-Driven Approach to Operations Chitra firmly believes in DHL Express’s mission of “Connecting People, Improving Lives,” which serves as a compass for her daily operations and decision-making. This purpose provides clarity and stability, guiding actions that enhance the company’s mission, especially during challenging times. The active participation in community initiatives through various Go programs—GoHelp, GoTeach, GoTrade, and GoGreen—further underscores her commitment to making a positive impact. Advice for Aspiring Professionals in Operations Management Chitra advises aspiring professionals in operations management to embrace the challenges of the field. She emphasizes the importance of adding value to the team, customers, and stakeholders while maintaining a positive workplace atmosphere. Chitra encourages collaboration, creativity, and curiosity, stressing the need for resilience and the ability to navigate ambiguity. Most importantly, she underscores the significance of being human—showing courage, empathy, and vulnerability while celebrating collective success.