Women in Leadership Across Continents

Ms. Elena Mayer-Besting , as the Programme Manager at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) in Thailand, likely holds a crucial role in advancing the organization's objectives in the region. UN ESCAP is responsible for promoting regional cooperation and integration to achieve sustainable development goals in the Asia-Pacific region. As a Programme Manager, Ms. Mayer-Besting is likely involved in designing, implementing, and evaluating various programs and initiatives aimed at addressing key socio-economic challenges in the region. Her role may involve working closely with governments, international organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to develop policy recommendations, provide technical assistance, and facilitate knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities. Ms. Mayer-Besting's position underscores her expertise in areas such as sustainable development, economic policy, and regional cooperation, as well as her commitment to advancing the UN's agenda for inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

Innovative Leadership Models: Lessons from Around the Globe

Dr. Bella Gazdiyeva With over 15 years of managerial expertise across Higher Education, Communications, Public Speaking, and Leadership, combined with a robust background in Public Policy, I bring a wealth of experience to any endeavor. My proficiency in team and project management, honed through diverse environments, is complemented by a track record of successful independent work. As an active researcher with both national and international collaborations, particularly in project management, leadership, and communications, I am deeply engaged in advancing knowledge and practice in these domains. Additionally, my role as a Senior Advisor at the Strategic Centre in the UK underscores my strategic acumen and ability to provide high-level guidance. Equipped with strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills, I excel in networking, negotiation, and navigating inter-cultural contexts. Moreover, my dedication to public engagement is evident through my role as a Reviewer/Evaluator of natural and beauty products, showcasing my commitment to quality and consumer advocacy.

International Collaboration for Women's Empowerment:

Dr. Neyara Radwan With a rich academic background spanning Mechanical Engineering, accreditation expertise, and extensive teaching and research experience, I bring over 24 years of dedicated commitment to higher education. As an Associate Professor at both Suez Canal University and King Abdulaziz University, I bridge the gap between industry and academia, fostering collaborations and nurturing the next generation of engineers. My deep involvement in accreditation processes, combined with my passion for teaching and mentoring, ensures that I deliver courses aligned with the highest standards. My research interests in sustainability, circular economy, and artificial intelligence drive my contributions to international projects and collaborations, where I've been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. As a reviewer for esteemed journals and a seasoned keynote speaker and session chair at international conferences, I continue to engage with global academic communities, sharing insights and advancing knowledge in my fields of expertise.

Technology and Global Connectivity: Transforming Women's Leadership

Dr. Karandeep Singh serves as the Director of Academics and Director of Business Development at Indus Trust in India. In this dual role, Dr. Singh likely plays a crucial part in shaping the academic direction of the institution while also spearheading efforts to foster growth and expansion through strategic business development initiatives. With a focus on education, Dr. Singh's leadership in academic matters ensures that the institution maintains high standards of teaching and learning, fostering an environment conducive to student success and holistic development. Simultaneously, his responsibilities in business development involve identifying opportunities for growth, forging partnerships, and implementing strategies to enhance the institution's reach and impact. Dr. Singh's multifaceted role underscores his dedication to advancing education and contributing to the overall development of Indus Trust, aligning with the institution's mission to provide quality education and make a positive difference in the community.

Intersectionality in a Global Context

Mr. Virender Sharma is a multifaceted professional with a diverse range of expertise and experiences. As a TEDx and public speaker, he likely shares his insights and perspectives on various topics, inspiring and motivating audiences to drive positive change. In his role as a Startup MOC (Member of Committee) at NITI Aayog, Government of India, Mr. Sharma is likely involved in supporting and advising startups, contributing to India's entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering innovation. Additionally, his work as a corporate trainer and motivator suggests that he imparts valuable skills and knowledge to professionals, empowering them to excel in their respective fields. Furthermore, his position as a technical adviser at NTT Data indicates his proficiency in providing strategic guidance and technical expertise to the organization. Overall, Mr. Virender Sharma's diverse roles highlight his commitment to driving innovation, empowering individuals, and contributing to the growth and development of both organizations and individuals in India.

Sustainable Development and Women's Leadership

Ms. Lisa Bodell is a highly respected keynote speaker known for her expertise in innovation, leadership, and simplification. As the founder and CEO of FutureThink, a firm that provides consulting and training services to help organizations become more innovative and adaptable, she is recognized for her thought leadership in helping companies navigate complexity and drive change. With a background in strategic planning and design, Lisa is renowned for her ability to distill complex concepts into practical strategies that can be implemented effectively. Her keynote presentations are dynamic, engaging, and focused on empowering audiences to embrace simplicity, foster innovation, and drive meaningful change within their organizations. Lisa's insights have been sought after by leading corporations and organizations worldwide, making her a highly sought-after speaker in the business and leadership community.

Global Trends in Women's Leadership Research

Ms. Lisa Maria Braun Strong academic background in sustainable development, regional studies of Southeast Asia, business administration and intercultural communication coupled with hands-on experience coordinating cross-functional projects in the Asia-Pacific region. High level of cultural sensitivity and adaptive communication skills. I am enthusiastic about making a meaningful contribution to sustainable development and engaging in innovative projects, products, research and policy initiatives.

Dr. Bella Gazdiyeva Management experience 15+ years’ in Higher Education, Communications, Public Speaking, Leadership, Public Policy;Extensive experience of team and project management and independent work in diverse environment;Active researcher with national and international research collaborations in project management, leadership, communications;Senior Advisor at the Strategic Centre, UK; Strong analytical, leadership, communication, networking, negotiation, and inter-cultural skills;Active in public engagement as Reviewer/evaluator of natural and beauty products.

Anupama Ahluwalia, based in Bangkok, TH, is currently a Founder at Marketers across Borders, bringing experience from previous roles at TCO Reliance India Private Limited, Reliance GAS lifestyle India Private Limited, Ryohin-Keikaku Reliance India Private Limited (Muji) and Reliance Bally India Private Limited. Anupama Ahluwalia holds a Masters in Management Studies in Marketing @ University of Mumbai, India. With a robust skill set that includes Brand Management, Marketing Management, Management, Competitive Analysis, Telecommunications and more, Anupama Ahluwalia contributes valuable insights to the industry. Anupama Ahluwalia has 3 emails on RocketReach.

In "Yuri Education Center", I fulfill the positions of Chief Sustainability Officer, Social Impact Director, and educator. It is an independent educational institution dedicated to promoting active learning methods. Students are immersed in a dynamic learning environment where they gain proficiency in science, sustainability, and English. They are encouraged to identify pressing issues, set achievable goals, and proactively implement solutions. If there is anything that can make this world peaceful and sustainable, that is EDUCATION.
I received the Education 2.0 Conference Outstanding Leadership Award in February 2025. Our educational philosophy: WE courageously DISCUSS, actively LEAD, and collectively ACT. In "Yuria’s Happy English program", many parents and children, aged 4 months to 3 years, enjoy learning English songs and sustainability topics. I read a lot of books about animals, sea creatures, and nature. I also empower women especially mothers who have small children. In our center, students aged 4 to 18 learn math, science, and social studies both in Japanese and English. Students aged 8 and above participate in sustainability classes, discussions, presentations, and workshops. I regularly conduct workshops of SDG 12 responsible consumption and production. Each student selects and presents their own SDG 12 topic. In our Zoom sessions, I encourage students to speak and courageously communicate with people from all over the world including students aged 8 to 18, sustainability practitioners, professors, and adult attendees.
Also, I am committed to a sustainable future by making products (YURINDI) from recycled materials, helping lower-income communities with the sales, and promoting their independence through intermediate care and educational support. My sandal project is a signature project. Durable and fashionable sandals are made from used motorcycle tires and clothes. I am uniting the world with great traditional craftsmanship to help realize a sustainable world. I hold experiential studies and in-depth academic discussions around the 17 SDGs. Our current emphasis is on helping communities in promptly securing safe water collection through the use of our sustainable protective footwear. We provide education on sanitary practices to ensure ongoing water safety.

Cross-Cultural Leadership Dynamics

My diverse International background, coupled with experiences across various sectors including private, government, and civil community, has provided me with invaluable learning opportunities and enabled me to assimilate best practices. I have consistently applied strong work ethics and innovative solutions, resulting in a positive impact on every organization I've been a part of. I am a dynamic decision-maker and leader with over 19 years of expertise in strategic management, project management, relationship strategy, process re-engineering, operations, and employee engagement.
I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and training, viewing them as pathways to continuous progress and success. I am particularly invested in knowledge transfer and training initiatives, aiming to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of achieving excellence in their roles.

Dr. Silvi Asna is a faculty member of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia. She is also an active research fellow at Shinawatra University, Thailand. Over the past five years, she has actively participated in international conferences in various countries such as Poland, New Zealand, and Japan. She has received numerous national and international award, including the best paper award at an international conference in India, winning a national competition held by the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia, and the best paper award at the ISEI conference in 2022. As an assistant professor in the Economics Department, she contributes to her field by publishing her work in reputable journals and serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Indonesian Applied Economics (JIAE). Several of her books have been published by Gramedia, Rajagrafindo, and Kindle Publisher. Furthermore, since 2022 - recent, she has been involved in evaluating development processes at the national level in cooperation with the Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan (BPKP) Republik Indonesia.