Digital Version At a time when global food systems face unprecedented pressure—from rapid urbanization and resource depletion to climate volatility—Henry Gordon-Smith has made it his mission to reimagine how and where we grow food. As the Founder and CEO of Agritecture, a pioneering consultancy that blends data, design, and environmental intelligence, Gordon-Smith stands at the crossroads of agriculture, architecture, and innovation. But this isn’t just a story about vertical farms and sensor-driven greenhouses. It’s the story of a man who saw a gap in the system, chose to fill it, and is now leading a quiet revolution—one data-driven urban farm at a time. Cities weren’t designed to feed people — and that’s where our work begins. Agritecture was born from the belief that smarter food systems belong at the heart of urban life. We combine environmental insight, data-driven planning, and design thinking to help communities build food resilience that’s not just sustainable — but scalable, inclusive, and built to last. Where Curiosity Meets Purpose Gordon-Smith’s journey began with a question that was as personal as it was pressing: What would a truly sustainable city look like, and why didn’t agriculture play a bigger role in it? The deeper he explored this question, the clearer it became that urban agriculture was being treated as an afterthought—if it was considered at all. In 2011, during his graduate studies, he wrote a thesis on vertical farming, which quickly evolved into one of the first blogs dedicated to the topic. The response was overwhelming. Architects, planners, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers from around the world began reaching out. And what started as academic curiosity quickly morphed into a professional calling. “Urbanization was accelerating. Traditional food systems were breaking down. City planning wasn’t built with food in mind,” Gordon-Smith recalls. “Agritecture was born out of a mission to bridge that gap—to bring agriculture to the urban conversation in a data-driven, meaningful way.” Today, Agritecture operates in over 45 countries, helping shape the future of food in environments as diverse as New York City rooftops and the deserts of the UAE. Designing Farms with Intelligence and Empathy Agritecture is not your conventional AgTech firm. At its core, it is a strategic consultancy—offering feasibility studies, master planning, technology selection, and tailored software tools that support the entire lifecycle of urban and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) projects. “We aren’t here to sell hype,” Gordon-Smith emphasizes. “We help people make smarter, more sustainable decisions about how to grow food, where to grow it, and with what tools.” Among the firm’s landmark achievements is the UAE Agricultural Revitalization project (2024–2025), a massive undertaking 1000’s of farms across the country. Agritecture’s team is developing smart irrigation recommendations, low-energy CEA frameworks, and crop diversification strategies fit for desert climates—transforming barren landscapes into thriving, resilient food systems. Another example is Agritecture’s collaboration with IKEA. The global retailer sought to align its sustainability goals with urban food production near store sites. Agritecture’s team advised on integrating modular food production systems that not only cut transport emissions but also increased community engagement and circularity—turning store footprints into food hubs. Beyond client engagements, the company also created the Agritecture Designer Platform, a SaaS tool used by startups, government agencies, and investors alike to simulate and de-risk CEA ventures. The tool models farm economics based on location, technology choices, and operating constraints—democratizing access to informed decision-making in AgTech. We don’t push tech for hype. We design farm systems that understand the people, the climate, and the context — because sustainability without empathy isn’t sustainable at all. Innovation That Matters When asked about the future of agriculture, Gordon-Smith doesn’t flinch. He rattles off five critical innovations that, in his view, will reshape the industry in the next decade: Integrated Climate and Irrigation Automation AI-Augmented Agronomy Localized Food Hubs Using Modular CEA Digital Twin Models for Farm Planning Water-Smart Technologies “These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re solutions to real, existential problems—food insecurity, climate risk, water scarcity,” he says. “Our job is to make these tools accessible, adaptable, and impactful.” Gordon-Smith’s vision goes beyond technology for technology’s sake. It’s about designing systems that can adapt to a changing planet and serve both people and the environment. Innovation should answer a real need — not just check a box. If it’s not adaptable, accessible, and rooted in reality, it doesn’t belong in our food systems. Growing in the Heart of the City Urban farming is no longer fringe. It’s rapidly becoming central to how cities think about resilience, sustainability, and supply chain independence. Gordon-Smith predicts a layered evolution in the years to come: Boutique vertical farms in dense urban cores High-efficiency greenhouses on urban peripheries Supportive policy frameworks for city agriculture Circular systems that reuse water, energy, and nutrients This, he explains, isn’t about scattering farms across rooftops for aesthetics. It’s about embedding food systems into urban infrastructure—turning cities into living, breathing ecosystems. Grounding Innovation in Sustainability At Agritecture, sustainability isn’t just a checkbox. It is the DNA of the firm’s methodology. Every project is assessed along four key pillars: environmental impact, economic viability, community engagement, and scalability. This means looking at the entire supply chain. It means calculating lifecycle footprints. It means asking hard questions about who benefits—and who doesn’t—from the implementation of a new technology. “In the Caribbean, we focus on hurricane resilience. In the UAE, it’s about conserving water,” Gordon-Smith explains. “Sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all. It has to be contextual. It has to be real.” Bridging the AgTech Divide Despite the promise of AgTech, Gordon-Smith is acutely aware of the barriers faced by traditional farmers: high upfront costs, lack of digital literacy, and tools that often feel designed for someone else. “A lot of AgTech is built in silos,” he says. “We work to bridge that divide by designing hybrid models and working closely with everyone from banks to farmers to policy-makers.” This people-first approach includes training, educational initiatives, and product development that prioritizes accessibility and inclusion. “It’s not just about deploying tech,” he adds. “It’s about co-creating solutions that actually work on

Digital Version As the world pivots towards clean energy solutions to confront the intensifying climate crisis, leaders in renewable technologies are emerging as pivotal change agents. Among them is Oscar Espinosa Mijares, the Founder of Pellet México Bioenergía, whose journey in reshaping Mexico’s energy landscape began with a visionary mission: to transform industrial fuel consumption through sustainable bioenergy alternatives. Founded in 2016, Pellet México has grown from a bold idea into a catalyst for systemic change, redefining how residual biomass is viewed, valued, and utilized in the pursuit of decarbonization. We’re not just replacing fossil fuels — we’re challenging the way the world sees waste, energy, and responsibility. Every pellet we produce carries the story of a smarter, more sustainable future. What started as a vision to decarbonize industry has become a movement rooted in action, precision, and purpose. A Vision Rooted in Change The origin of Pellet México Bioenergía was driven by a deep awareness of Mexico’s need for a more diversified and environmentally conscious energy matrix. From its inception, the company aimed to promote alternatives to fossil fuels, especially in industrial heat generation—a sector long reliant on diesel and LPG. For Espinosa, the goal wasn’t merely to develop a new fuel source but to lead a broader movement toward a circular economy. “We have always advocated for the necessity of a complementary energy matrix that supports the planet’s sustainability goals,” he explains. The company’s focus is on substituting fossil fuels with solid biofuels derived from residual biomass, ensuring that waste products from various industries are reintegrated into the energy system in a sustainable, circular loop. Pioneering Innovation in Biofuels Pellet México has not only introduced an alternative fuel source but has also carved out new paths in technological adoption and application. As the first company to install a wood pellet mill in Mexico, it has set the standard for others in the region, showing both feasibility and replicability in its model. One of the company’s most significant innovations lies in its ability to turn residual biomass—byproducts of agriculture, forestry, and industrial processes—into high-quality solid biofuels. This transformation is not just a technical feat; it’s a socio-environmental achievement. “We promote a circular economy model,” Espinosa states, “where productive process residues are reintegrated for energy use, reducing waste and mitigating CO₂ emissions.” By leveraging local feedstocks, Pellet México has also crafted a regionally adaptive model, ensuring that the biofuel solutions are both sustainable and accessible, reinforcing the broader socio-economic fabric. Measuring Impact with Precision and Purpose Unlike many companies that speak vaguely of impact, Pellet México has developed a methodical approach to measuring its contribution to sustainability. The company evaluates its performance on three primary variables: the amount of residual biomass transformed, the quantity of fossil fuels substituted, and the corresponding carbon emission reductions. From its pilot plant in Valle de Bravo, the company has already produced 600 tons of wooden pellets and repurposed around 1,500 tons of sawmill residues. With expansion plans underway, Pellet México is poised to scale production to 13,000 tons annually by 2026, a move expected to significantly amplify its environmental impact. Over a ten-year horizon, the anticipated carbon mitigation is striking: 123,967 tons of CO₂ equivalent from diesel substitution and 243,733 tons of CO₂ equivalent from replacing LPG. These are not just numbers—they represent tangible contributions to global climate goals and a shift in how Mexico thinks about industrial energy consumption. Innovation, for us, isn’t about new technology alone — it’s about giving discarded resources a second life with lasting value. Overcoming Systemic Barriers Espinosa’s journey, however, has not been without formidable challenges. “Creating the market for biofuels in Mexico was our biggest obstacle,” he reflects. Before 2016, biofuels were scarcely discussed, let alone adopted, within the country. Convincing industrial clients to embrace biomass solutions demanded extensive advocacy, education, and patience. “It took years of effort and continuous communication in every possible forum to demonstrate the technology’s viability,” Espinosa says. But persistence paid off. What was once a fringe concept is now part of a visible trend gaining momentum across the region. Forging Global Partnerships One of the strategic decisions that helped drive Pellet México forward was the development of a strong international network. Since 2017, Espinosa and his team have collaborated with European partners to introduce best-in-class technologies for both pellet production and biomass combustion. Key collaborations include partnerships with Industrial Limones and Natural Fire from Spain, Hargassner and Kohlbach from Austria, and Uniconfort and AMG from Italy. These alliances have allowed Pellet México to adopt advanced technologies and adapt them to the unique regional context of Latin America—ensuring that innovation remains grounded in local relevance. A Glimpse Into the Future Looking ahead, Espinosa sees a promising but complex path for biofuels. “The sector is experiencing remarkable expansion and forward-thinking developments,” he states. With the ongoing global push to decarbonize sectors like transportation and manufacturing, biofuels—including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—are expected to play a central role. Pellet México’s ambition is twofold: to continue growing Mexico’s internal market for biofuels and to support regional adoption throughout Latin America. “There is an underutilized potential in the region for incorporating local feedstocks into a sustainable energy value chain,” Espinosa emphasizes. Commitment to Research and Local Development To maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic energy sector, Pellet México has built its research and development strategy around collaboration. The company actively engages with global tech innovators while also partnering with local universities and research institutions. This dual approach ensures that the company not only remains current with international trends but also contributes to localized innovation ecosystems. “We’ve always believed that real progress comes from shared knowledge and the ability to adapt it to meet local needs,” Espinosa notes. Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals Pellet México’s work directly supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action

Digital Version In a business world increasingly defined by authenticity, inclusion, and purpose, Patrice Boone has emerged as a powerful force in shaping the narrative of modern leadership. As Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer –  Home & Auto at Synchrony, Boone brings a wealth of experience, insight, and emotional intelligence to her role. Her leadership is rooted in service, driven by empathy, and grounded in a deep understanding of both the marketplace and the people within it. In the 2025 edition of Visionary Black Leaders Transforming the Business Landscape, Boone’s journey stands out as a blueprint for how transformative leadership can uplift teams, build brands, and create enduring impact. True leadership isn’t about commanding attention—it’s about creating space for others to rise, feel seen, and lead with confidence. That’s how transformation begins.   Leading with Service: A Defining Career Moment Boone views leadership not as a position of power, but as a commitment to responsibility. One of the most formative moments in her career came when she stepped into the role of Chief of Staff for a newly formed organization. Charged with integrating three disparate teams under one leader, Boone was thrust into a situation filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and transition. She quickly realized that the most important thing she could do was to listen. “People were understandably anxious,” she reflects. “I had to support them emotionally and advocate for their needs.” This role sharpened her instinct for servant leadership—removing roadblocks, creating psychological safety, and ensuring everyone felt seen and heard. This experience taught me a fundamental principle — true leadership is rooted in service, not authority. That philosophy continues to guide her approach at Synchrony. Championing Representation and Accountability As a Black executive in a leading financial services company, Boone carries a dual responsibility—to lead, and to model. She is highly conscious of the influence visibility holds and why representation matters. “Inclusion isn’t just about making space,” she explains. “It’s about actively driving growth and advancement, for people who look like me.” Boone makes it a priority to mentor and sponsor diverse talent, both within her immediate team and throughout the organization. She believes in creating a culture where open dialogue and accountability are not optional, but essential. By encouraging her team to reflect, engage, and question the status quo, she ensures that diversity and inclusion are woven into the very fabric of the company’s culture. Marketing Innovation with Purpose and Precision In a financial landscape where digital transformation is constant, Boone’s marketing philosophy is both agile and deeply strategic. “Consumers want dynamic and personalized content,” she notes. “That expectation has become the norm.” At Synchrony, Boone is steering marketing efforts that are authentic, data-driven, and human-centered. She emphasizes the importance of deep consumer understanding—knowing where customers are, what they need, and how to engage them across every channel. Rather than chasing trends, Boone focuses on building long-term relationships through consistent, values-based messaging. Her vision guarantees that each interaction consistently reflects the brand’s values and strengthens trust with the audience over time. Turning Challenges into Catalysts for Change Boone is candid about the challenges she has faced as a Black woman in executive spaces. Early in her career, she often found herself in rooms where she was the only person who looked like her. “There was a pressure to prove myself, or to speak on behalf of all Black people,” she says. Over time, however, she reframed that experience—not as a burden, but as a strength. Her distinct perspective has become a competitive advantage, especially in marketing. It allows her to see overlooked narratives, untapped needs, and the gaps in traditional approaches. Boone describes this as a “superpower,” one that brings empathy, resilience, and awareness to the table. It allows her to build connections with diverse audiences in a way that is both strategic and authentic. Creating Inclusive and Resonant Strategies Boone understands that effective marketing must reflect the diverse world it serves. She draws on her personal experiences in every campaign and prioritizes building a diverse team. “If the people shaping the narrative don’t reflect the audience, the message won’t land,” she explains. She also ensures that insights go beyond surface-level demographics. For Boone, understanding consumer behavior means understanding cultural context, personal values, and lived experience. Today’s consumers expect brands to stand for something, and Boone is committed to ensuring Synchrony delivers on that expectation with integrity and depth. A Legacy of Purpose-Driven Leadership Among the initiatives Boone is most proud of is Synchrony’s Education as an Equalizer, launched in 2021 with a $50 million commitment. This initiative addresses economic inequality by supporting marginalized and first generation college students in their pursuit of higher education and financial literacy. It includes three core pillars: enabling college attainment, providing workforce training, and equipping individuals with financial management skills. Boone sees this as more than a corporate initiative—it’s a statement of values. “Our children are our future,” she says. “Supporting education today ensures broader representation at the decision-making table tomorrow. Tables where people who look like me can sit and lead.” Visionary Leadership in 2025 and Beyond To Boone, visionary leadership in today’s world is about more than foresight—it’s about purpose. “She describes it as creating an environment where people and their ideas are able to thrive. That means leading with clarity, empathy, and adaptability. It means challenging outdated thinking and fostering a culture that embraces innovation and inclusivity. At Synchrony, she embodies this by staying close to her team, encouraging bold thinking, and connecting strategy to action. Boone is intentional in shaping change rather than merely reacting to it. By aligning values to vision, and vision to execution, she creates momentum that not only moves teams forward but inspires them to lead. Inclusion isn’t just about making space — it’s about actively driving growth and advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups. Unlocking Growth Through Perspective Boone believes that Black leaders bring a unique ability to identify blind spots—whether in products, hiring, or broader business culture. “We’ve had to navigate systems that