www.worldsleaders.com Vol.

09 | Issue 02 | September 2023

Crafting Timeless Elegance and

Immersive Experiences

World’s Most
Inspiring

Women
Leaders
to Watch in

2023

Vice President & Creative Director | Liberty Entertainment Group

Nadia
Di Donato
 World's Most Inspiring Women
Leaders to Watch in 2023

Inspiring, Leading and Creating

a Brighter Future

You'll find a lot of well-known and inspirational

corporate executives on the list, but what makes a leader
inspiring? An individual must commit themselves to
attaining a shared objective that motivates others and
inspires them to flourish in order to be an inspirational
business leader. There is no longer any gender-specific
leadership in the business world. As we can see, both
sexes are working equally hard to excel in their
specialized fields. With more than three decades of experience under her
belt, Ms. Di Donato has been an integral part of Liberty
The voice of women in leadership, however, is stronger Entertainment Group since its very beginning in 1987.
than that of males. They are particularly making progress With her formal training in visual communications from
in the corporate world, where they are modernizing work Ryerson Polytechnic University, she's armed with an
environments, streamlining procedures, and defying impeccable eye for detail and a deep understanding of
accepted conventions. In order for everyone to learn, be how form and function come together harmoniously. For
inspired, and believe in their own vision, we applaud Ms. Di Donato, design is not just about making things
these business leaders and work to share their tales with look pretty; it's about crafting an incredible journey that
the world. These inspirational people serve as breaks boundaries and takes us on an unforgettable ride.
torchbearers for future visionaries. With her unwavering belief in timeless elegance, she
adds a unique touch to each project, ensuring that the
World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Inspiring design perfectly aligns with the purpose and vibe of the
Women Leaders to Watch in 2023” has curated a list of space.
the women business leaders that have been successful in
leading some of the top organizations working in Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to
industries as diverse as healthcare to consumer goods. read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff
and industry experts.
The cover has Nadia Di Donato, the Vice President and
Creative Director at Liberty Entertainment Group. With
her visionary approach, she breathes life into spaces, Have a lovely read!
going beyond the ordinary and creating extraordinary
experiences that ignite our senses and leave us craving
for more.
 CREDIT PAGE

Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez

Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar
Executive Editor Nicole Williams
Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal

Art & Design Director Jack Anderson

Business Development Manager Mia Oliver
Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey
Associate Designer Kevin Rust

Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke

Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh
Marketing Manager Tom Swann
Technical Specialist Barry Jones
Circulation Manager Danny Parker

SEPTEMBER 2023

3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA

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 Cover
Story
08

Nadia Di Donato
Crafting Timeless Elegance and Immersive Experiences
18 Anne Rajasaikaran

22 Arthi Rabikrisson

28 Cassandra Chandler

Danielle Gronich &

32 Kayleigh Christina

36 Danielle Solomon

40 Ellie Shefi

46 Emily Hartstone

50 Rana Florida

54 Yesenia Ferreras
08 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Nadia
Di Donato
Crafting Timeless Elegance
Immersive Experiences

Cover Story
worldsleaders.com | 09
 S
tep into a world where design becomes an
enchanting symphony of elegance, sophistication,
and pure cleverness. At the heart of this
captivating realm stands Nadia Di Donato, the
Vice President and Creative Director at Liberty
Entertainment Group. With her visionary
approach, she breathes life into spaces, going
beyond the ordinary and creating extraordinary
experiences that ignite our senses and leave us
craving for more.

For Ms. Di Donato, design is not just about making

things look pretty; it's about crafting an incredible
journey that breaks boundaries and takes us on an
unforgettable ride. With her unwavering belief in
timeless elegance, she adds a unique touch to each
project, ensuring that the design perfectly aligns
with the purpose and vibe of the space.
But her artistic vision doesn't stop at the physical
interiors alone. Ms. Di Donato understands that
true design magic lies in seamlessly integrating
multiple layers throughout the customer
experience. From the carefully chosen art and
furniture to the meticulously designed tableware,
menu layouts, and even the stylish outfits, every
single detail is thoughtfully curated to create an
atmosphere that stays etched in our memories.
With more than three decades of experience
under her belt, Ms. Di Donato has been an integral
part of Liberty Entertainment Group since its very
beginning in 1987. With her formal training in
visual communications from Ryerson Polytechnic
University, she's armed with an impeccable eye for
detail and a deep understanding of how form and
function come together harmoniously.
Through her close collaboration with the Liberty
Group developers, each venue boasts its own
distinct design approach, making it a true
testament to Ms. Di Donato's meticulous attention
to detail. She has single-handedly turned Liberty
Entertainment Group facilities into the epitome of
creative theming in the city, where every nook and
cranny tells a unique story.

10 | SEPTEMBER 2023
 shift from 2D design to 3D design, coinciding
with the revolutionary changes taking place
within the design industry as a whole. These
changes brought about opportunities for rapid
innovation, which Ms. Di Donato eagerly
embraced.
Today, Ms. Di Donato responsibilities
encompass the entire spectrum from
conceptualization to implementation. She plays
a crucial role in bringing her creative vision to
life, orchestrating every step of the design
process with meticulous attention to detail.

The Company

For over three decades the Liberty

Entertainment Group, led by president & CEO,
Nick Di Donato and vice president, creative
director Nadia Di Donato, has been redefining
Toronto's restaurants, nightlife, and special
event experiences. As developers and operators
of landmark establishments, the Liberty

Ms. Di Donato's Journey as a Creative Visionary

Ms. Di Donato saw the world through a visual scope, leading her to believe
that her career path was not a choice she made, but rather one that chose
her. Initially starting in graphic design and gaining years of experience in
print, her inherent creativity always shone through. Graduating from
Toronto University with a degree in graphic design and visual
communication, she took on the role of creative director for various
publications, including Azure, a renowned interior design magazine in
Canada. It was during this time that Ms. Di Donato developed a deep
passion for the industry, appreciating its multiple facets.

With a background in graphic design and an unwavering love for interiors,

Ms. Di Donato possessed a distinct approach to spaces and venues,
perceiving them as artistic and design palettes. She refused to adhere to the
conventional limitations of construction, constantly pushing the boundaries
and thinking beyond the norm. A pivotal moment in her journey occurred in
1996 when she joined Liberty Entertainment Group, a prominent player in
the hospitality industry, as their creative director. This transition marked a

worldsleaders.com | 11
Entertainment Group has become
recognized as one of the most
successful and innovative companies in
the industry. The company continues to
gain success and acknowledgment for
its impressive roster of unique venues,
including Toronto's premiere special
event facilities, Casa Loma, and the
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex.
The company is also responsible for
the development of Toronto's most
prolific restaurants including
BlueBlood Steakhouse, Michelin-
starred, Tre Forchette awarded Don
Alfonso 1890, three Cibo Wine Bar
locations (King West, Yonge St, and
Yorkville) and two projects currently
under development, DaNico and Blue
Bovine Steak + Sushi House. With
over 500,000 square feet of hospitality
12 | SEPTEMBER 2023
space, Liberty Entertainment Group
caters to a diverse clientele of upwards
of 1.75 million people per year
including A list celebrities, sports
personalities, and industry leaders.
Visit www.libertygroup.com.
Playful Approach to Interior Design
Ms. Di Donato has always approached
her work in interior design with a
belief that work should be a form of
play. This perspective will continue to
shape her future design approach, as
well as her personal growth and
development. Her vision revolves
around designing spaces that reflect
personality and prioritize comfort. She
aims to create designs that are timeless,
avoiding overtly flashy elements that
may become dated or distract from the
intended design experience. Ms. Di
Donato seeks to strike a balance where
people can feel the design's impact
without it overpowering the overall
experience. She maintains a
lighthearted approach, never taking
herself too seriously.
As an emerging leader, Ms. Di Donato
firmly rejects the notion that certain
things cannot be accomplished. She
encourages others to imagine the
impossible, fostering a playful and
creative mindset that breaks free from
conventional boundaries. She believes
in thinking outside the proverbial box,
refusing to let limitations hinder her
progress. Ms. Di Donato disregards
any distinction between male and female leaders,
recognizing that there is no inherent difference in their
capabilities. She has never allowed her gender to be seen as
an obstacle, despite working predominantly in a
construction-oriented field surrounded by men. She
embraces these challenges and rises to meet them head-on.
Visualizing Excellence
In her role, Ms. Di Donato holds the responsibility for
creating all visual materials associated with Liberty
Entertainment Group. She plays a pivotal role in the overall
creative design of the company's venues and properties,
ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing experience for
guests.
Ms. Di Donato finds immense inspiration and happiness in
her family, consisting of her husband and two sons. Their
ambition, perseverance, focus, and accomplishments serve
as a constant source of motivation for her. Witnessing their
drive to achieve more each day fuels her own desire to
surpass her previous achievements. Additionally, Ms. Di
Donato takes a hands-on approach to her projects,
collaborating closely with her construction team, with
whom she has cultivated a working relationship spanning
over 25 years. Their presence brings her joy and contributes
to the success of her endeavors.
Travel holds a special place in Ms. Di Donato's heart as it
serves as a significant source of inspiration. Exploring new
destinations allows her to challenge her perspectives on
design and leadership. It is during these journeys that she
gathers fresh inspiration, immerses herself in different
cultures, and discovers captivating design elements,
architecture, signage, and art unique to each city. Ms. Di
Donato embraces the opportunity to draw motivation and
innovative ideas from her surroundings, making travel an
integral part of her personal and professional growth. She
finds that every city in the world offers a wealth of
interesting design concepts and cultural experiences that
enrich her creative process.
worldsleaders.com | 13
Blurring Boundaries

Ms. Di Donato firmly believes that

interior design trends reflect the current
state of affairs. Looking ahead, she
envisions a merging of commercial
design with residential interiors, driven
by the impact of technology and global
events reshaping lifestyles. Her
extensive experience in hospitality
design positions her to be sought after
for high-end residential living as well
as opportunities across various
industries.

There is a notable emphasis on creating

spaces that prioritize home
entertainment comfort and
convenience, as well as professional
workspaces that are seamlessly
integrated with technology. Clean and
uncluttered spaces featuring neutral
color schemes and raw natural
materials will bridge the gap between
technology and modernity, resulting in
warm and comfortable living
environments. Ms. Di Donato
perceives a growing trend of bringing
the world of hospitality into residential
settings, blurring the boundaries
between commercial and residential
design. This entails using sturdier
materials that exude solidity and
weight in homes, while incorporating a
more relaxed and less uniform emerges, creating a harmonious half full in any situation, firmly
approach in hospitality spaces. The "mixology" of elements that adds depth holding the belief that every problem
inclusion of textiles is paramount to and character to spaces. has a solution. She acknowledges that
achieve a residential feel in these areas. setbacks are a part of life, both
Unyielding Vision personally and professionally, but
Environmental responsibility has views them as opportunities for
gained significant importance, In the realm of hospitality, Ms. Di growth, resilience, and improvement.
emphasizing the use of raw natural Donato understands that it is
materials, live greenery, and neutral impossible to cater to everyone's Over the next five years, Liberty Group
color schemes. In a world dominated preferences. The most valuable and aspires to continue growing and
by technology, there is a strong desire costly lesson she has learned is to gaining international recognition
for unadulterated materials and forms, never waver in her vision. Thorough within the highly competitive
approached in fresh and research, unwavering focus, and hospitality industry. Their goal is to
unconventional ways. Custom pieces diligent execution from start to finish create, design, and implement
play a significant role in design, have been the tried-and-true formula properties that are acknowledged on a
acknowledging the value of for the success of the Liberty Group. global platform, serving as a testament
handcrafted uniqueness and building Despite having a diverse portfolio, to their talent and achievements. Ms.
upon it. A trend of layering vintage and each individual venue remains true to Di Donato is committed to nurturing
recycled objects alongside new ones its specific concept. Ms. Di Donato and developing leaders within the
firmly believes in seeing the cup as hospitality arena, not only within the

14 | SEPTEMBER 2023

country but also on the world stage.
Under Ms. Di Donato's creative
direction, the Liberty Entertainment
Group has amassed an impressive
collection of uniquely designed
venues, spanning from casual eateries
and nightclubs to elegant restaurants
and large banquet facilities. Their
crown jewel, Casa Loma, holds a
special place among their
accomplishments. The group's
unwavering commitment to creativity
and excellence has garnered
recognition as one of North America's
top hospitality companies. Personally,
Ms. Di Donato considers it an
extraordinary honor to be recognized
alongside the world's best in her field.
Expanding Horizons
Ms. Di Donato envisions the expansion
of Liberty Entertainment Group not
only within the hospitality arena but
also through new projects beyond
hospitality. The company's
establishments are strategically
situated in historically designated
properties or iconic neighborhoods
across cities. These "classic" shells
present a unique opportunity to blend
traditional elements with modern
design, a signature approach that
defines Liberty Group. Currently, they
are working on the development of two
new restaurant properties in Toronto
set to launch later in the year. One is
Da Nico, an elegant and upscale fine
dining destination housed in a historic
bank building, while the other is Blue
Bovine Steak & Sushi, located in the
historic Union Station at the heart of
the central business district. Both
restaurants are poised to break new
ground and uphold Liberty Group's
vision.
Unwavering dedication to excellence is
a constant pursuit for the company, as
evidenced by recent international
award wins for their properties. These
accolades include a prestigious
Michelin Star, the Tre Forchette award
from Gambero Rosso, Top 50 Italy
awards, and numerous design et al
awards. Liberty Group aims to
establish their hospitality properties as
global leaders, setting a new standard
of dining that captivates the attention
of critics worldwide.
Ms. Di Donato's expertise extends
beyond the realm of hospitality. She
recently completed the design of a
medical facility, overseeing the entire
process from the initial design stage to
its full completion. Healthcare interior
design has evolved significantly, with a
greater emphasis on enhancing the
overall patient experience. Applying
the same mindset seen in commercial
and residential design, Ms. Di Donato
incorporated various hospitality design
elements into the 5000 sq ft clinic. By
defying conventional rules and
introducing fresh concepts, she
revolutionized reception areas,
foodservice facilities, clean open
spaces, lighting effects, audio/visual
applications, and the use of natural
materials and warm neutral color
palettes.
worldsleaders.com | 15
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 “
They are who
we make
them to be.
18 | SEPTEMBER 2023
 Anne
Rajasaikaran
Making Education Affordable
And Accessible For All

worldsleaders.com | 19
 S
Some leaders rose to prominence as a
result of their ability to maintain
hope in the face of adversity and go
on to accomplish feats so outstanding
that people still hold them in high
regard decades after their passing.
While others remained true to their
principles and demonstrated in
support of others' rights, doing so
even when doing so put their own
freedom—not to mention their
lives—in danger.
However, some leaders have a
natural ability to innovate, inspire,
and convince others to take
significant action that will ultimately
alter the world, making them really
inspirational and well-respected. One
such inspiring leader is Anne
Rajasaikaran. She serves as Chief
Executive Officer of the Edumaax
Group of Companies, which is the
parent company of the Imperium
International College, St. John's
International School, and Pusat
Tuisyen Kasturi.
She is also the Principal Officer of
Budimas Charitable Foundation, an
NGO that supports impoverished
children in Malaysia, and has more
than 15 years of expertise in
communications and fundraising.
She has previously managed a public
trust with a 25-year history.
20 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Imperium International College
With a focus on growing its
education industry, MAA Group
powers Imperium International
College. The driving force behind
Imperium International College is its
dedication to making sure that its
students have access to top-notch
instruction and the greatest job
possibilities in all industries. The
institution offers a wide range of
training programs, including
diploma, certificate, and degree
programs with American and UK
degrees.
Imperium International College has
merged outdoor and indoor
classroom experiences in order to
increase the number of students who
engage in interactive hybrid learning.
It thinks that's the route Imperium
would want to go to make it more
interactive: trips to industries, offices
under courses, and audits of
businesses.
To make education more relevant
post-COVID, the college emphasizes
making learning more exciting and
having a higher percentage of
graduates and students who actually
enjoy practicing what they studied.
That's how Imperium International
College is revolutionizing education.
It is planning to make it as integrated
as possible. The college is making it
about the student rather than profiting
for just business purposes.
Imperium International College has
hybrid and face-to-face teaching
processes. Its framework and
procedures are well maintained, and
the teams keep up with students'
expectations by interacting with
them. Imperium International
College caters to the reasonable
expectations of students.
Leadership Philosophy
Anne is personable and has a flat
leadership style. She prefers to be
direct and truthful, and she thinks
that everyone has a voice, and
regardless of their level, they are free
to suggest or express their ideas. She
holds that no thought is too small and
that everyone can offer something.
When she hears from the experiences
and viewpoint of her employees, she
believes that she derives something
valuable from them. Anne has a
knack for relating to people and can
talk about issues that concern
employees. She says, "You could only
speak about poverty to people who
have experienced it or struggled with
it in their lives rather than people
who have not experienced poverty,
you learn about their hardships or
difficulties (e.g., for someone who
has only commuted using the bus or
taken a loan to study) so that they
can tell me what it really feels like or
what they really want. You ask the
right questions to the right people.”
Words for Young Education
Leaders
Anne met many young people who
had no inspiration and were
incredibly young, she wanted to
change that. When she graduated
from college, she had big plans to
transform the world. To motivate
students: they lead wonderful lives
and are capable of so much more.
"Please don't believe you are
insignificant," she urges, "because
you are the future." Inspiring kids
and igniting their enthusiasm for
achievement is Anne's main
motivation.
Since she has been employed by the
Foundation for over ten years, Anne
has come to truly appreciate
compassion and grief. It is
heartbreaking to watch what children
experience and how society views
them; they are frequently wrongly
accused of wrongdoing and
penalized for it. She has felt a certain
joy watching a child speak English
for the first time in two years. It's a
feeling like no other.
With a strong communications,
public relations, and advertising
background, Anne has made it her
goal to let more Malaysians know
about this plight and fight for this
cause. The more people know, the
more people will react. She recalls,
"It is doing something that I had no
idea about. It was a big risk, I had to
work extra hard, take as many
courses as possible, study the
strategies, and the numbers, seek a
mentor and gain knowledge in the
industry, and speak to people to learn
about their experiences because I
had no experience in it and neither
was I a professional that time.”
One of the most important things
Anne has learn from the children is
that- "they are who we make them to
be." Anne's advice for all the
education leaders and visionaries is:
Ÿ You must learn it and emulate
successful people who are
seasoned with being in such a
position.
Ÿ Never give up even, keep doing
what you are doing, even if you
don't see the fruit of the seed you
sow grow in a short time.
Ÿ Be patient, it will take time as the
façade of education is changing
rapidly. Evolve and grow along
with the ideas that as it evolves.
Understand and learn more about
how it evolves.
Ÿ Don't stop learning, don't feel
things are not relevant as there is
an opportunity everywhere, and
join a lot of forums and unique
groups who are like-minded as
you are to keep your fire growing.
Heading To Achieving Greatest
Potential
Since Anne personally experienced
the hardships of Malaysia's
disadvantaged children, I have
frequently pondered why their lives
are so difficult and dissimilar from
ours. It is Anne's responsibility to
reassure them that there is a way out
of this situation and a course of
action they can take. Imperium is
collaborating with The Budimas
Charitable Organization to offer
scholarships to worthy students as
part of its commitment to deliver the
highest quality education and
training for a diverse group of
students. Since taking over,
Imperium has also awarded
outstanding achievers, athletes, and
many others with scholarships
totalling to RM2 million. Anne
shares, "We did our SDG activities,
we give out many scholarships for
the underprivileged and we are
working on more. For now, we would
like to keep the foundation strong on
what we have started.”
She and her team at the Budimas
Charitable Foundation have
frequently worked hard to teach these
underprivileged children survival
skills rather than providing them with
temporary assistance. Supporting
many charitable homes via public
funding's the team made it its
mission to let them know about their
contribution and where it goes to.
She says, "We also do constant
updates about the children under our
care.”
According to Anne, in the next 5
years, Imperium International
College is going to be successful in
bringing in more courses, bringing in
more relevant courses, and growing
its international and local students to
obtain university college status
alongside having more campuses.
worldsleaders.com | 21
 Arthi
Rabikrisson
Champion in Effecting Growth, Development and Consciousness in
Individuals and Organizations

Arthi Rabikrisson is the founder and managing director of Prerna Advisory,

where she plays multiple roles as a solopreneur. She not only delivers services
as the key individual, she also undertakes administrative and operational
tasks while continuing to think strategically about the business's purpose. As
a small startup, this is all part of the process, but as Prerna Advisory scales up,
Arthi has begun to outsource certain tasks to external providers, especially
those that require specialized expertise or those she doesn't necessarily need
to undertake herself.

Arthi is driven by the freedom to make choices and the agility to adapt to the
market context as needed. As a business development professional, she
enjoys building and advancing relationships, and excels in creating networks
from scratch. Her natural intelligence preferences include interpersonal skills,
which she uses purposefully to fulfill her mission and that of Prerna Advisory.

22 | SEPTEMBER 2023
worldsleaders.com | 23
24 | SEPTEMBER 2023
worldsleaders.com | 25
28 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Cassandra
Chandler
An Innovative Strategist and Investigator, Identifying
and Addressing Intelligence, Financial Crimes,
Cyber and Fraud Risks

E
Effective leadership in law enforcement demands a combination of
technical proficiency, strategic acumen, and interpersonal finesse.
The leader must possess the ability to communicate with clarity and
impact, both internally and externally, while displaying the confidence
and decisiveness necessary to make difficult choices. Moreover, they
must be adept at inspiring and empowering their staff, providing the guidance,
resources, and support required for success.

Cassi Chandler, a seasoned leader with a remarkable track record in both law
enforcement and banking, exemplifies the qualities of a successful leader. With
extensive experience as an intelligence strategist, investigator, and leader of diverse
teams, she has cultivated a culture of motivational leadership and inclusivity at some
of the world's most prominent organizations, including Bank of America and the FBI.

worldsleaders.com | 29
30 | SEPTEMBER 2023
A Career of Excellence
Ms. Chandler spent 23 years with the FBI,
leading investigations into white collar
crimes, financial crimes, and cybercrimes, as
well as directing criminal and domestic
terrorism intelligence and foreign
counterintelligence activities. She also
redesigned the Bureau's health care fraud
and criminal intelligence programs and was
appointed to the U.S. Senior Executive
Service as an Assistant Director. She retired
as Special Agent in Charge of the Norfolk,
Virginia FBI Field Office. After leaving the
FBI, she joined Bank of America, where she
led fraud investigations and intelligence and
built an integrated framework to identify,
evaluate, and assess emerging regulatory
risks and the operational effectiveness of
enterprise coverage areas.
Founding Vigeo Alliances, LLC
“Vigeo” (Latin) - to thrive and flourish
Cassi is currently the President and CEO of
Vigeo Alliances, LLC a culture risk
assessment partner that supports businesses
in growing emerging leaders, retaining
diverse talent, and building a culture of
leadership in an inclusive organization. Her
experiences in different organizations
(private and public) led her to observe the
impact of “inept” leadership and drove her to
seek opportunities where she could share her
perspective with organizations and better the
culture for all employees.
Joining Law Enforcement
While pursuing her law degree at Loyola
University in New Orleans, she secured a
part-time job at a CBS affiliate station to
support herself financially. Prior to this, she
had completed her undergraduate studies in
English and journalism at Louisiana State
University in Baton Rouge, and had worked
a few years as a journalist and television
news anchor for an NBC affiliate there.
When she was recruited and "first indicated I
was interested in the FBI, a lot of my
acquaintances were shocked.”
"When I was a child, the commonly held
belief was that the FBI bugged your phone,
did wrong things against Martin Luther
King, and such. You didn't aspire to be an
agent.”
At the same time, Chandler's mother had
raised her to respect law enforcement, and
when the FBI agents came to recruit her, "it
sounded pretty exciting. I thought it might be
like James Bond. It wasn't. I thought there
would be a lot more international intrigue,
special gadgets and travel. Instead, I was
assigned to address complex white-collar
investigations.”
Chandler started her career in the FBI by
working in New Orleans for a duration of
four years, during which she developed
expertise in dealing with white-collar crimes
and financial crimes. Following this, she
moved to the FBI's legal office in
Washington, D.C., where she supervised
civil litigation. Subsequently, she joined the
white-collar crimes section and took on the
role of managing and coordinating health
care fraud investigations throughout the
country.
Long Spanning Work Career
Cassi Chandler's impressive career spans
over two decades in law enforcement and
private sector leadership. She has since
served in numerous high-profile positions
which include:
worldsleaders.com | 31
32 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Danielle Gronich &
Kayleigh Christina
Revolutionizing Cosmetic Sector by Creating
Products that Deliver Positive Change
Without Sacrificing Health

“A mentor can be someone you know or

someone you want to emulate, who you learn
from. Also to be learning from various outlets so
your mind is always being expanded. It's also
critical to understand your margins if you have
physical products and to reinvest everything into
marketing for the first 3+ years.”

worldsleaders.com | 33
34 | SEPTEMBER 2023
 Two
women
Danielle Gronich (owner of San
Diego Acne Clinic) and Kayleigh
Christina (a holistic nutritionist),
founded the brand CLEARSTEM in
San Diego, CA. CLEARSTEM
Skincare is a ground-breaking
skincare brand that offers both anti-
aging and anti-acne solutions, free
from any hormone disruptors or
toxins. Danielle and Kayleigh's
mutual passion for holistic skin
health and whole-body wellness
brought them together after Kayleigh
visited San Diego Acne Clinic
seeking help for her severe cystic
acne. They noticed that existing
skincare products contained
ingredients that clogged pores or
disrupted hormones, so they
partnered with a renowned cosmetic
chemist to create CELLRENEW, a
serum that reverses acne scars,
regulates oil production, reduces
inflammation and redness, and
increases collagen and elasticity in
the skin.

In 2017, Danielle and Kayleigh
partnered to dedicate their lives and
careers to creating CLEARSTEM
Skincare, ensuring that their products
provide positive change without
compromising health. They
pioneered the anti-aging and anti-
acne skincare category and also
developed the Ditch Your Acne
Protocol, which has trained
thousands of estheticians and helped
people eliminate acne permanently.
CLEARSTEM Skincare has won
multiple beauty awards, including
Women's Health Magazine's Best
Exfoliator For Acne-Prone Skin, and
has been featured in various media
outlets such as Forbes, Poosh,
Entrepreneur, Buzzfeed, The Zoe
Report, and Refinery 29.
Danielle Gronich
Growing up in a family of scientists,
Danielle Gronich always found the
human body fascinating. During
college, she dove into the intricacies
of cellular biology, genetics, and
immunology with the intention of
pursuing a career in medicine.
However, struggling with acne made
her realize that the medical system
primarily focuses on prescribing
medication rather than promoting
healing. As a result, she decided to
forgo medical school and enter the
corporate world. After working in
business consulting for several
years, she gained valuable insights
into running a business.
worldsleaders.com | 35
National Healthcare Leader
At FORVIS

36 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Danielle
Solomon
A Visionary Financial Professional
with a Passion for Client Service

worldsleaders.com | 37
38 | SEPTEMBER 2023

A
After graduating with an accounting degree from the
University of Illinois and passing the CPA exam,
Danielle Solomon accepted a job at an international
accounting firm. She was intrigued by healthcare and
wondered how her efforts in public accounting might
benefit society. After 15 years in public accounting, she
took an opportunity to work for a health system where
she gained essential knowledge and extended her
horizons beyond accounting and finance to the trends,
strategies, and innovations that will drive the industry
forward. Her experience in that job led her to FORVIS
(previously BKD), where she now has the privilege to
lead FORVIS’ healthcare industry team across the
country.
When Danielle first met her colleagues at DHG (now
FORVIS), she was struck by how well the business’s
healthcare practices complemented one another and the
opportunities as a combined firm. She commented
everyone she has met from legacy DHG has been great,
and she sees a genuine passion for healthcare and a drive
to provide exceptional service to the firm’s clients
throughout the merged workforce.
Danielle asserts, “The growth potential is exponential
and that excites me—both for our clients and for our
teams and professionals. The number of opportunities
that have already surfaced as well as increased inquiries
for new engagements and activity both firms are seeing
is exciting. “She sees her work as the leader of the new
firm’s merged industry as a tremendous opportunity for
her, and she is humbled and honored to lead this bright
and committed team of 950 professionals strong.
FORVIS
Beginning June 1, BKD CPAs & Advisors and Dixon
Hughes Goodman (DHG) merged as equals to create a
Top 10 national firm now called FORVIS. The name
FORVIS—a combination of the words FORward and
VISion—reflects the firm’s unique focus on what is next.
Danielle says, “Our combined vision builds on BKD’s
and DHG’s strong foundations and legacies.”
Business today is moving faster and with greater
complexity than ever before. The past two years have
certainly shown the world that it can change instantly,
and you can never be too prepared for tomorrow.
According to Danielle, FORVIS is driven by its forward
vision because they do not see tomorrow as something to
deal with later; we see it as something to prepare for
today.
As one firm, FORVIS is even stronger, with greater
resources, enhanced capabilities, and an expanded
national platform—and its commitment to exceeding
client expectations and providing exceptional value
remains the same.
According to Danielle, FORVIS’ combined practices
complement each other well. It will truly be a healthcare
provider powerhouse. The core services of audit and
regulatory reimbursement consulting are what both
legacy firms do very well and are known in the space.
Both legacy firms also have a strong commitment to the
power of leveraging data analytics and technology tools.
Danielle has been very impressed with the digital
solutions DHG (now FORVIS) developed, and clients
and users of these digital solutions have expressed that
they are extremely valuable for decision making. And
then there are the advisory and consulting services that
each of FORVIS’ firms provided that really round out the
service offerings to its clients. All of this will come
together to be more than the sum of its parts as FORVIS.
FORVIS comprises more than 5,400 team members and
more than 530 partners and principals with offices in 69
markets in 27 states, as well as in the United Kingdom
and Cayman Islands. Danielle shares, “This merger of
equals allows us to better serve our healthcare clients as
well as other healthcare providers across the care
continuum by broadening our expertise, deepening our
resource pool, and offering more specialized solutions.”
worldsleaders.com | 39
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 In the dynamic world of
business and philanthropy, one
name stands out as a true
powerhouse: Rana Florida, the
Chief Executive Officer of the
Creative Class Group. With a
diverse range of
accomplishments and an
impressive list of clients, Rana
has become a prominent figure
in her field.

At the Creative Class Group,

Rana excels in managing new
business development,
marketing, consulting, research,
and global operations. Her
expertise has attracted
renowned clients such as Meta
(WhatsApp, Facebook and
Instagram), BMW, Converse,
IBM, Cirque du Soleil, Audi,
Zappos, and Starwood Hotels,
among many others.

Rana Florida
Leading the Way in Business and Philanthropy
50 | SEPTEMBER 2023
A Trailblazer's Journey

Rana's journey to success began after earning her MBA. She

quickly rose through the ranks, assuming various roles for
Fortune 100 companies in corporate strategy, communications,
and marketing. Notably, she served as the Vice President of
Marketing for HMSHost, the world's largest airport developer,
and as the VP of Corporate Communications for Feld
Entertainment, the proud owner of Disney on Ice, Disney Live!
and the Doodlebops.

Her entrepreneurial spirit alongside her husband, famed

urbanist Richard Florida they co-founded and launched
CityLab, the preeminent digital platform on urbanism, for The
Atlantic. This groundbreaking initiative later caught the
attention of Bloomberg, which acquired it. In this
collaboration, Rana played a pivotal role in organizing events
and programming for The Aspen Ideas Institute and
Bloomberg.

Rana's ability to articulate ideas and share insights has resulted

in her contributing dozens of articles to esteemed publications
like Fast Company, Inc.com, the Huffington Post, and The
Miami Herald. Her writing prowess includes captivating
interviews and profiles of influential figures such as President
Bill Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama, Tennis star Andre
Agassi, Grammy Award winning artist Nelly Furtado, and
Fashion Designer Tory Burch. Furthermore, her expertise has
been sought after for on-air business analysis on major
platforms like The Today Show and MSNBC's The Cycle.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Rana's work has
been featured in prestigious publications such as The New
York Times, Vogue Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Market
Watch, CNN, and The Globe and Mail. Her business book,
"Upgrade—Taking Your Work and Life from Ordinary to
Extraordinary," garnered critical acclaim and was selected as
an Editor's Pick at The Globe and Mail.
Beyond her remarkable professional achievements, Rana
dedicates herself to philanthropy and public service. She
actively participates in renowned organizations, including the
United Nations Global Network on Digital Technologies and
Sustainable Urbanization, Best Buddies Canada, The Olympics
Committee for the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association, and
Silver Art Projects in the World Trade Center, among others.
From Knowledge Seeker to Collaborative
Visionary
Rana has an unquenchable thirst for
knowledge, always seeking to learn as much
as possible. She believes that work is more
enjoyable when approached
collaboratively, with a spirit of discovery
rather than a task-oriented mindset.
Surrounding herself with interesting and
creative people, both inside and outside of
work, brings her immense joy.
Her husband, Richard Florida, is a world
renowned cities expert, speaker, and
professor. He advises cities worldwide on
economic growth strategies, drawing from
his bestselling book, "The Rise of the
Creative Class." When BMW approached
Richard to feature his ideas in a
commercial, Rana saw the perfect
opportunity to expand their venture in
Washington DC, the Creative Class Group,
into a full-service consulting, research, and
strategy firm.

worldsleaders.com | 51
Rana's commitment to making a difference extends
to various cultural and artistic endeavors. She
contributes to organizations such as The National
Ballet of Canada, St. Mike's Hospital Neo-natal
Intensive Care Unit, the Luminato Festival, Le
Miami, The Design–Exchange, the Isabella Blow
Foundation, Girls E Mentorship, the Toronto
Symphony Orchestra, Let Grow, the Council for
International Visitors, and The Founders Junior
Council of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Elevating Value through Collaborative
Partnerships
Rana considers Creative Class Group's clients as
experts in their respective fields and actively
partners with them to enhance their value. The
team has had the privilege of collaborating with
pioneering companies worldwide, including
Microsoft and Zappos. They assisted BMW in the
successful launch of their Ideas Class ad campaign
and provided guidance to Starwood Hotels on
measuring creativity at various locations across the
52 | SEPTEMBER 2023
globe. Additionally, they identified the most creative
neighborhoods for Cirque du Soleil to showcase their
performances. Collaborating with Le Méridien Hotels,
alongside Chef Jean Georges and other creative
professionals, Richard and Rana served as Le Méridien
100 members, an advisory group dedicated to enhancing
the overall guest experience. The Creative Class Group
also provided valuable insights to property developer
Edens for their Union Market project in Washington DC
and supported Air Canada's Growth of Cities campaign.
Rana asserts, “We worked with Converse to help position
their Jack Purcell brand to the entrepreneurial Creative
Class. From Sibiu, Romania to Dubai to Singapore, our
clients span the globe.”
Creative Class Group's clients share a common ethos of
creativity embedded in their DNA. Currently, the company
is working closely with META to quantify the economic
impacts of the new Creator Economy.
Gaining a Competitive Edge in the Knowledge
Economy
According to Rana, innovative ideas and knowledge allow
individuals, organizations, and societies to stay ahead of
the curve and gain a competitive edge. By constantly
exploring new concepts, technologies, and approaches,
they can differentiate themselves from competitors and
adapt to changing market demands.
Innovative individuals and organizations embrace change,
rebound from disruption, and seize new opportunities for
entrepreneurship, and new ways of living and working.
Their ideas and knowledge contribute to the development
of the new ideas and business models that drive economic
growth.
The Creative Class Group has a trove of proprietary data
on the Creative Class and global trends. It can measure
anything from centers of innovation and creativity to
venture capital investments and real estate trends.
Breaking Boundaries
Rana has always held the belief that Creative Class Group
swims upstream, challenging traditional business norms.
The company has never considered office environments
or mandatory attendance as crucial to their culture or
productivity. In fact, it has been a fully-remote company
long before the term became widely known. The
approach is simple: the company seeks out the brightest
minds in their field and extends an invitation for
collaboration, regardless of their location. The team
encompasses individuals residing in various places, such
as Brooklyn, Washington DC, Miami Beach, New York,
Portland, Detroit, or Mexico City. What truly matters to
the Creative Class Group are the insights and
knowledge contributed by their team members, rather
than whether they adhere to strict work hours or occupy
cubicles.

A Forward-Thinking CEO

Rana holds a firm conviction that organizations

prioritizing collaboration ultimately emerge as winners.
Collaboration brings together individuals possessing
diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, resulting in
a collective synergy that surpasses their individual
contributions. Through collaboration, the process of
decision-making becomes a collective endeavor, where
various viewpoints and expertise are taken into account.
This approach minimizes the influence of biases, fosters Rochelle de Goias-Jackman Founder, Board
critical thinking, and ultimately leads to the attainment Co-Chair of Girls E Mentorship (GEM)
of high-quality outcomes.

As a CEO, Rana takes great pleasure in engaging in

collaboration and deriving knowledge from the most
innovative organizations worldwide.

Unlocking Success

Rana's advice to individuals stepping into a leadership

position for the first time is to recognize that being the
smartest person in the room is not a prerequisite.
Instead, it is crucial to surround oneself with intelligent
individuals and provide them with the autonomy
necessary to lead effectively. Rana emphasizes the
importance of being both a learner and a leader,
embracing a mindset of continuous growth and seeking
knowledge from others. By fostering a collaborative and
an empowering environment, new leaders can leverage
the collective intelligence of their team and drive
success. Richard and Rana Florida for the Na onal Ballet

worldsleaders.com | 53
 YESENIA
FERRERAS
Empowering
Excellence while
Leading with Empathy
and Dedication

54 | SEPTEMBER 2023
worldsleaders.com | 55
ASGC Prin ng
ASGC, Inc has proven itself as a pioneering force
in the industry by adop ng a forward-thinking
approach to developing and innova ng new
products for labelling, branding, and product
decora on. The company endeavours to
customize its formulas to meet the specific
needs of each customer's applica on,
recognizing the unique nature of each product.
This strategy allows ASGC, Inc to provide
tailored products that enhance the quality of its
customers' products. The company priori zes
the success of its customers and ensures that
every business decision is made with their
interests in mind. ASGC, Inc's customer-centric
approach has been the key to its success and is
56 | SEPTEMBER 2023
aimed at achieving new milestones in the
future. ASGC, Inc is a commercial, business-to-
business prin ng company that believes in
suppor ng consistent product quality while
keeping costs down for its customers.
ASGC, Inc has built its founda on on the
principles of delivering superior customer
service, high-quality products, and compe ve
prices. The company has also established an
internal culture that emphasizes trea ng others
the way they would like to be treated. It brings
sa sfac on to the employees of ASGC, Inc to
know that their hard work directly contributes
to the success of their customers.
worldsleaders.com | 57