Digital Version In an era where the conversation around sustainability often revolves around policy debates, corporate pledges, and technological breakthroughs, there remain stories of individuals who take a deeply personal journey to transform communities. One such story belongs to Dana Mosora, Founder and Director of the ASASE Foundation. Her work in Ghana is a testament to how vision, resilience, and community empowerment can redefine the future of plastic waste management while uplifting women and families in underserved regions. A Journey from Corporate Boardrooms to Community Streets Dana Mosora’s story begins far from Accra’s bustling markets or Kumasi’s neighborhoods. As a chemical engineer, she built her career with multinational companies like Colgate Palmolive, Sara Lee, and Dow Chemical. These roles afforded her global exposure, continuous personal growth, and the opportunity to learn from remarkable colleagues. Over the years, she gathered not just technical expertise, but a deep appreciation for how collective knowledge and mentorship shape a professional journey. Yet, as retirement approached, she found herself reflecting on the wealth of experiences she had accumulated. “I always felt that people with whom I worked and, from whom I learned so much through the years, left each their own mark and somehow made me a better and more accomplished professional,” Mosora recalls. With this realization came the desire to give back—to redirect her skills and energy towards a mission beyond corporate success. Her answer came during work travels in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the pervasive absence of plastic waste management systems. The sight of discarded packaging flooding streets and waterways revealed a challenge she could no longer ignore. What began as a retirement hobby soon evolved into a life mission. Drawing inspiration from the resilience of women in African communities—women she observed leading families and villages with unmatched determination—Mosora envisioned an initiative that would tackle plastic waste while empowering women. With some of her early retirement funds and a $100,000 grant from the Dow Impact Fund, she established the ASASE Foundation in Accra, Ghana. The first imperfect but symbolic step was building a recycling plant for discarded water sachets—ubiquitous in Ghana’s communities yet devastating to the environment. This first step, though small, laid the foundation for what would grow into a model of hope for communities across the country. The Core Mission: Turning Waste into Value At its heart, the ASASE Foundation exists to demonstrate that community-driven solutions can tackle plastic waste while creating livelihoods. Its mission is clear: build and manage community-based recycling operations, empower women to lead them, and ultimately transfer ownership to local employees. The focus is on water sachets—small plastic packets of drinking water that dominate the Ghanaian market. While affordable, they contribute massively to street litter and clogged drains. The Foundation diverts these sachets from becoming pollution and instead recycles them into usable plastic, creating both cleaner streets and economic value. “We enable women to become key players in the solution,” Mosora explains. “We finance the infrastructure and manage operations until employees, majority women, are ready to take over.” The approach is holistic: job creation, skill development, community empowerment, and environmental restoration all converge. Today, ASASE’s operations support about 200 employees across three plants—two in Accra and one in Kumasi. The majority are women, who not only earn secure incomes but also gain leadership experience. In every sense, the Foundation embodies a model where waste becomes worth, and marginalized communities transform into pioneers of circular economy practices. One concrete materialization of the value created for the community is the conversion plant in Weija Gwabe, Accra , still in pilot phase, where plastic waste is transformed in plastic lumber used by local artisans to build outdoor furniture and school benches. Confronting the Obstacles in Sustainable Packaging To understand the urgency behind ASASE’s mission, one must consider the larger picture of sustainable packaging. For decades, the packaging industry innovated with a focus on performance, convenience, and cost efficiency. This resulted in increasingly complex packaging: multilayer composites of plastics, metals, and paper designed to maximize function—but virtually impossible to recycle. “It became really sophisticated without any consideration of the end of life,” Mosora observes. The consequence? Plastic packaging waste that accumulates globally, especially in regions with little to no waste infrastructure. The path forward, according to Mosora, requires bold redesign. Packaging must be simplified and built for recyclability. Innovations are underway, but economic barriers remain—chiefly the high cost of recycled plastic compared to virgin materials. Legislative interventions, like Europe’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which mandates recycled content and recyclability at scale, are vital levers for change. However, in the Global South, where 80% of plastic packaging ends up as litter due to absent systems, the issue is even more urgent. Here, the challenge is twofold: building basic waste management infrastructure and financing it. While organizations like the Alliance to End Plastic Waste support many projects with the aim to create a systemic change, Mosora emphasizes that systemic solutions require much larger investments and new innovative financial support solutions. Without bold leadership, the cycle of waste and pollution persists. Advancing Circular Economy Practices in the Global South The ASASE Foundation serves as a living model of circular economy in action. By embedding recycling within communities, the Foundation ensures that value created from waste remains local. “It’s about cashing-in the plastic waste of the community for the benefit of the community,” says Mosora. In practice, this means plastic sachets collected from streets are processed into recycled materials, which can then be sold or repurposed. Local people gain jobs, new skills, and stable incomes. More importantly, women are positioned as leaders of these enterprises, ensuring that benefits ripple through families and villages. The operations in Tema West and Weija Gwabe, Accra, and more recently opened in Juaben, Kumasi illustrate this principle. Streets are cleaner, households benefit from additional income, and communities take pride in owning solutions to their waste problems. For the Global South, where large-scale centralized systems may be unrealistic, ASASE’s decentralized, women-led model offers a scalable and replicable approach. Beyond

Digital Magazine David Klingberg stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of urban planning and design, with over three decades of experience shaping the built environment. As the Director and Principal of Smart Planning and Design, he has led numerous projects that exemplify his commitment to sustainable, community-centric urban development. His journey from land surveying to urban design is a testament to his dedication to creating spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also enrich the communities they inhabit. From Surveying to Urban Design David’s professional journey began in land surveying, where he gained firsthand experience on building sites. It was during this time that he realized his passion lay not in the technicalities of construction but in the broader vision of designing cities that foster community and connectivity. Recognizing that urban design was not a mainstream career path at the time, he considered architecture but opted for town planning due to its more direct route. After completing his degree and working for a couple of years in local government, David sought to deepen his expertise by enrolling in the Urban Design Masters course at Oxford Brookes University in the UK, renowned for its excellence in the field. To fund his studies, he worked evenings cleaning carpets while working during the day at Port Adelaide Council. This period of dedication paid off, as he found his true calling in urban design. His career path led him to Manchester, then Sydney, and eventually Melbourne, Australia. There, he first owned and ran the Australian arm of David Lock Associates, a town planning and urban design firm, before founding Smart Planning and Design. Under his leadership, the firm has become known for its innovative approach to urban planning and design, focusing on obtaining development approvals and delivering smart city solutions. Navigating Complex Challenges In his role, David has encountered and helped clients navigate some of the most complex challenges in urban planning. He notes that some of the most intricate issues are often the most mundane. Council processes can be complex and bureaucratic, and what may seem like a clear pathway can be derailed by red tape and referrals to other government authorities, such as the water or road authorities, causing delays. David emphasizes that persistence and daily action are key to overcoming these roadblocks and ensuring great outcomes for clients. His approach involves maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders, staying informed about regulatory changes, and proactively addressing potential issues before they become obstacles. This methodology has enabled Smart Planning and Design to consistently deliver successful projects that meet both client expectations and community needs. Guiding Principles: Responsive Environments David’s approach to sustainable and community-centric urban development is guided by the principles outlined in the book Responsive Environments by Bentley et al., which he was trained in at Oxford Brookes University. The elements of Responsive Environments that facilitate great urban outcomes include: Permeability: Ensuring that spaces are accessible and interconnected, allowing for easy movement and interaction. Legibility: Designing environments that are easy to understand and navigate, enhancing user experience. Variety: Incorporating diverse elements to cater to different needs and preferences, fostering a vibrant community. Robustness: Creating spaces that are durable and adaptable, capable of withstanding changes over time. Visual Appropriateness: Ensuring that designs are aesthetically pleasing and contextually appropriate. Richness: Providing a variety of sensory experiences to enrich the environment. Personalization: Allowing individuals to make spaces their own, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging. When these elements are well implemented and integrated into towns, cities, and regions, they create a “Responsive” environment—a great place to be that fosters community, supports the city’s economy, provides spaces for education and recreation, and respects architectural and cultural heritage. Adapting to Evolving Urban Challenges Urban planning is rapidly evolving to respond to increasing pressures such as climate change, housing demand, and infrastructure limitations. In response to climate change, urban planning is focusing on reducing and minimizing the urban footprint. This involves strategies such as promoting energy-efficient buildings, enhancing public transportation systems, and increasing green spaces to mitigate environmental impact. To address housing demand, cities are being planned to accommodate more people in existing urban environments through appropriate changes to planning policies and guidance. This includes changes to planning schemes in Victoria, Australia, to facilitate urban densification and sustainable development. By focusing on infill development and mixed-use zoning, urban planners can create more compact, walkable communities that reduce reliance on automobiles and promote sustainable living. Infrastructure limitations are being addressed through innovative solutions such as smart city technologies, which optimize resource use and improve service delivery. By integrating data-driven approaches into urban planning, cities can become more efficient and responsive to the needs of their inhabitants. Building Collaborative Relationships Collaboration with local councils can be challenging, but David has developed strategies to foster productive relationships with stakeholders and regulatory bodies. Smart Planning and Design has created opportunities to engage with stakeholders and regulatory bodies by maintaining regular contact, running workshops with clients and collaborators in both the private and public sectors, and engaging with councils through teaching and learning engagements. This approach breaks down barriers and facilitates positive exchanges, leading to more effective collaboration and successful project outcomes. By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, David has been able to navigate the complexities of urban planning processes and deliver projects that benefit both developers and the communities they serve. Showcasing Expertise Through Diverse Projects Smart Planning and Design works on a diverse range of projects, showcasing the team’s expertise and impact in various sectors. The firm has been involved in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as Bus Rapid Transit projects in Vietnam that connect diverse and disparate parts of the city, as well as small-scale childcare and townhouse projects throughout Melbourne to provide places for education and community development. These projects highlight the firm’s ability to deliver impactful urban design solutions across different contexts and scales. Each project undertaken by Smart Planning and Design reflects David’s commitment to creating environments that are not only

Digital Version In a field long defined by concrete, steel, and tradition, Debbie Rodriguez has carved out something far more enduring: a legacy rooted in people. As the CEO of Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting, LLC, she is not only reshaping how projects are built but also redefining how people in the construction industry are valued, respected, and empowered. Her journey from staffing to construction leadership reflects determination, resilience, and a philosophy that puts people at the center of progress. A Path Built on Purpose Debbie’s introduction to construction came in an unconventional way—through staffing. In 2008, she co-founded Quality Labor Management (QLM), a skilled staffing company that supported industries like construction, logistics, and manufacturing. While working closely with construction workers, she noticed a troubling trend: too many of them were not treated with the respect they deserved. That realization struck a chord. For Debbie, staying silent was never an option. Instead, she decided to build something different—a company that valued relationships as much as results. This decision gave rise to Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting, LLC, a firm designed to be people-first in every sense. But Debbie’s story is about more than business—it’s about resilience, faith, and defying the odds. In February 2008, she was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident. Doctors told her family that her chances of survival were slim, and even if she made it through, paralysis was almost certain. Yet Debbie refused to let that prognosis define her. In the months that followed, she chose not to dwell on fear or self-pity. Instead, she saw the accident as a turning point—a chance to re-evaluate her life and her purpose. With determination, grit, and an unshakable spirit, Debbie made a full recovery—defying every expectation. From that moment forward, she committed herself to making a difference in the lives of others. Helping others isn’t just part of her work—it’s her passion, her calling, and something she lives out every single day. “Construction wasn’t just about building projects,” she reflects. “It was about building people, giving them opportunities to grow, and creating a culture where they could thrive.” Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry The construction industry has long been considered a male-dominated space, rooted in tradition and slow to change. But leaders like Debbie Rodriguez are proving that the future of the industry looks very different. As CEO of CEP and co-founder of QLM and iBuild Central Florida, she has created an ecosystem that not only adapts to change—but drives it. Her values—safety, accountability, commitment, integrity, and passion—became her compass. She chose to lead with respect and humanity, reminding people that “we all put on our pants the same way.” That people-first mindset has fueled her leadership across all three companies, positioning them as catalysts for lasting change. QLM connects people with opportunities, iBuild develops their skills, and CEP provides a platform for them to grow and influence others. Together, they create a full-circle system: finding talent, training it, and empowering it to make an impact. Embracing Change in a Rapidly Evolving Industry The construction industry is undergoing a profound transformation. With new technologies, digital tools, and sustainability practices becoming the norm, adaptation is no longer optional—it is essential. At CEP, adaptation begins with people. Debbie believes the best way to prepare for change is to invest in training and development. Whether mastering new technologies, adopting safer methods, or embracing sustainability, her focus is on equipping the workforce with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. She envisioned iBuild in 2015 as a way to connect education with industry, and by 2016, the nonprofit became a reality. Since then, it has grown into a cornerstone of workforce development in Central Florida, preparing students with hands-on experiences, exposure to technology, and pathways to meaningful careers. “Innovation and sustainability matter,” Debbie notes, “but it’s people who bring those changes to life. When you build a culture that values learning and accountability, you are not just responding to change—you are leading it.” Supporting Women and Underrepresented Groups For Debbie Rodriguez, inclusivity is more than a principle—it is a practice. She has long championed women and underrepresented groups in construction, recognizing that diversity strengthens both companies and communities. At CEP, respect and support are foundational. Women are given opportunities to grow and lead, breaking barriers in what has traditionally been a male-dominated space. For underemployed, economically disadvantaged, justice-involved individuals, or those learning English, the company offers mentorship, training, and encouragement to help them build futures with dignity and hope. She also partners with organizations such as the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida to ensure diverse voices and talents are represented across the industry. Through iBuild, students from all backgrounds gain skills and confidence, discovering opportunities they may never have imagined. Preparing for the Future of Construction Looking ahead, Debbie sees three major trends shaping the construction industry over the next five years: Workforce Development – As older generations retire, the need for skilled new workers will intensify. Technology and Automation – From digital project management to advanced tools, technology will continue to change how projects are executed. Sustainability – Clients and communities will increasingly expect greener, more energy-conscious building practices. CEP is preparing by doubling down on people-first strategies: training and development, safety and sustainability, and building a pipeline of future talent through iBuild. Impactful Initiatives and Workforce Development Among the many initiatives Debbie has championed, iBuild Central Florida stands out as one of her proudest achievements. Envisioned in 2015 and launched in 2016, the program was created to address the skilled labor shortage. It has since grown into a coalition of more than 400 partners. Together, they introduce thousands of students to construction careers, provide pre-apprenticeship opportunities, and train adults—including those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds—for direct entry into jobs. At CEP, Debbie also looks within her current staff to train and promote talent, ensuring long-term growth and opportunity. By focusing on respect, opportunity,

Digital Version Over the last few years, Saudi Arabia has undergone substantial development and reform. Under the banner of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has been rapidly reshaping its economy, society, and industries—becoming a global magnet for talent, investment, and innovation. At the heart of this remarkable journey is a new generation of leaders driving change with vision and resilience. Among them is Emon Shakoor, Founder and CEO of Blossom Accelerator, a pioneering investment and innovation platform that has become synonymous with empowering startups, fueling inclusion, and shaping the future economy of Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.   Established in 2016, Blossom Accelerator has quickly become one of the most rapidly growing platforms in the Middle East. For Shakoor, its creation was not just about starting a company—it was about answering a national call to action. “What inspired me to launch Blossom was the announcement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 that very same year,” she recalls. “I saw a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build an innovation economy—one that would not only support privatization but also generate new jobs, with locally founded and globally attracted startups serving as the essential building blocks of our future economy.”   The gap was clear. While talent and ambition were abundant, the region lacked a catalyst that could empower entrepreneurs from the ground up while also connecting them to global ecosystems of capital, corporates, and government institutions. Blossom emerged to fill that gap—designed as a grassroots, inclusive, and innovation-driven platform where startups could scale and institutions could learn to adapt alongside them.   Laying the Foundations of Blossom   From the outset, Blossom distinguished itself with a clear philosophy: inclusion, accessibility, and impact. Shakoor and her team designed sub-programs with a gender-focused lens, ensuring that women founders were not only included but actively spotlighted. International initiatives such as the Blossom Soft-Landing Program brought startups from diverse industries and geographies into Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning innovation market. Their work with partners like NEOM Masterclass extended this inclusivity further, supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities and ensuring that no innovator was left behind.   “This philosophy of building an inclusive, grassroots-driven innovation ecosystem is what shaped Blossom in 2016,” says Shakoor. “And it continues to guide everything we do today.”   What Sets Blossom Apart   In a region with growing interest in entrepreneurship, accelerators and innovation hubs are no longer scarce. Yet Blossom stands out as something different—more than just an accelerator, it is a catalyst and a full ecosystem builder. “What differentiates Blossom is that we empower startups from A to Z,” explains Shakoor. “We’re not just here to help them start, but to set up, scale, and ultimately succeed.”   Among Blossom’s most distinctive contributions is the Blossom Open Library, a free bilingual (Arabic and English) platform providing entrepreneurs with every startup and business document imaginable. For founders navigating the complexities of launching and growing a business, such resources have been game-changing.   Partnerships are another cornerstone of Blossom’s model. By working closely with leading corporates, semi-government entities, international organizations, and government agencies, Blossom provides its startups with direct access to markets and opportunities—whether through pilot projects, strategic partnerships, investments, or acquisitions.   The accelerator also supports the full company setup process, including legal, HR, and compliance requirements—removing barriers that often distract founders from focusing on growth.   But perhaps Blossom’s greatest differentiator lies in its culture. “Blossom has always been entrepreneurial-first,” says Shakoor. “whether that unicorn is a startup or a legacy institution ready to reinvent itself.”   Redefining the Role of Women in Innovation   Shakoor’s journey as a female tech founder in Saudi Arabia is deeply intertwined with the broader evolution of the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial landscape. When she started Blossom, the idea of a young Saudi woman leading an accelerator was unusual, even radical. But the transformation over the last decade has been profound.   “Today we see women not only participating but also leading startups, managing investment funds, and driving corporate innovation initiatives,” she notes. The numbers underscore this shift. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024/2025, 23.2% of Saudi women are engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activity, positioning Saudi Arabia second globally for female entrepreneurship. This rate surpasses the U.S. at 18.8% and Germany at 7.6%. Even more, studies show that 34% of Saudi women now identify as entrepreneurs, and a remarkable 78% are considering launching their own businesses in the near future.   These statistics highlight a narrowing gender gap once thought impossible to overcome. “What excites me most is not just the participation, but the ambition,” says Shakoor. “I see young women in their 20s and 30s building companies with global outlooks from day one. Saudi women are not just entering the entrepreneurial stage—they are helping define the future of innovation.”   Challenges and Triumphs   Scaling Blossom was not without hurdles. Shakoor founded the company at the age of 23, and while her youth gave her energy and boldness, it also meant she had to work harder to build credibility. “Blossom was never just about being an accelerator—it was about creating an entire innovation economy catalyst and ecosystem builder. In the early days, not everyone understood the scale of the vision.”   The journey required persistence, consistency, and tangible proof of impact. Over the years, Blossom has delivered just that—helping startups raise significant funding rounds, driving job creation, and building bridges between public and private sectors. “That track record became our flywheel, and today the results speak for themselves,” she reflects.   She is quick to credit the wider transformation of Saudi Arabia as a crucial factor in Blossom’s growth. “None of this would have been possible without the bold reforms and leadership of our Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has empowered young people—and women especially—to step forward and lead change. Blossom’s success is not mine alone; it is a testament to the ecosystem created under Vision 2030.”   Aligning with Vision 2030   Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has become a guiding framework for innovation in the Kingdom,

Digital Version The climate crisis is not only a story about carbon emissions, policies, or global agreements; it is fundamentally a story about people—their health, their livelihoods, their dreams, and their future. As the world grapples with the escalating threats of climate change, leaders who understand this human dimension and dedicate their lives to bridging science, policy, and action become indispensable. Among these leaders are Dr. Saroj Pachauri and Dr. Ash Pachauri, who guide the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement with vision, compassion, and a relentless commitment to empowering young people. POP, founded by the late Dr. R.K. Pachauri, the Nobel Laureate who chaired the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for over a decade, embodies the conviction that the future of climate action must be shaped by the youth of today. In this exclusive feature for Remarkable Leaders Shaping the Future of Climate Action 2025, we explore the personal journeys of Dr. Saroj and Dr. Ash, their leadership within POP, and their collective mission to build a truly intergenerational and inclusive climate movement that blends science, health, innovation, and hope. How Experiences Shaped Their Roles at POP Every leader carries with them the weight of their past experiences—moments that shape their convictions and carve their paths forward. For Dr. Saroj Pachauri, her lifelong work in global health provided profound lessons about the intimate link between human well-being and the health of the planet. “My work in global health has shown me how deeply connected human well-being is to the health of our planet,” she reflects. “From reproductive health to infectious diseases, I have seen how climate change amplifies vulnerabilities, especially for women, children, and marginalized communities. These experiences have strengthened my conviction that addressing climate change is central to protecting lives and livelihoods. At POP, I bring this perspective to ensure our climate action work also speaks to human health and dignity.” For Dr. Ash Pachauri, the journey was marked by an enduring passion for young people and their role in shaping the future. “My journey has always been centered on young people—their potential, creativity, and urgency,” he explains. “In global policy spaces, I often witnessed decisions being made about the future without the active participation of those who would inherit it. This pushed me to create avenues for young people to lead, not just follow, in climate action. My role at POP is to amplify the voices of young people and build bridges between generations, sectors, and regions.” Together, their perspectives—rooted in health and youth leadership—create a unique synergy that drives the ethos of the POP Movement. The Birth of POP: A Legacy of Leadership The vision for POP was born from the leadership and legacy of Dr. R.K. Pachauri, whose contributions to climate science and policy left an indelible mark on the world. Having served as Chairman of the IPCC for 13 years and Vice Chairman for 5 years before that, Dr. Pachauri was at the forefront of shaping global understanding of climate change. In 2007, he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the IPCC, alongside Al Gore. Despite these achievements, Dr. Pachauri recognized that scientific evidence and policy decisions alone would not suffice. He became convinced that real change could only come from a groundswell of knowledge-inspired action led by youth. His principle, “youth inspired by knowledge,” remains the cornerstone of POP’s philosophy. Young people, he believed, although the least responsible for climate change, bore its greatest burdens. Yet, through education and empowerment, their values and behaviors could transform families, schools, and communities. To realize this vision, he co-founded the POP Movement with his son, Dr. Ash Pachauri, and later established the World Sustainable Development Forum (WSDF) as POP’s sister organization. While POP empowers young people to take action, WSDF connects them with leaders in policy, business, and science, bridging generational divides. Today, POP is led by both Dr. Ash and Dr. Saroj Pachauri, continuing Dr. Pachauri’s mission of intergenerational solidarity. By 2026, POP will mark its 10th anniversary on Earth Day, celebrating a decade of youth-led climate leadership. Intergenerational Collaboration: A Non-Negotiable The POP Movement thrives on the principle that intergenerational collaboration is not optional—it is essential. Experience brings wisdom and context, while youth bring urgency and creativity. Together, these elements create transformative action. This balance was central to Dr. R.K. Pachauri’s vision. By establishing both POP and WSDF, he designed platforms where knowledge could flow across generations, empowering youth to take ownership while benefiting from the wisdom of seasoned leaders. At POP, initiatives are deliberately structured to model this exchange, ensuring that collaboration, not competition, defines the relationship between generations. As Dr. Ash emphasizes, “When these strengths converge, transformative action becomes possible.” Health and Climate: The Inseparable Nexus The climate crisis is also a public health crisis, and Dr. Saroj Pachauri has been a global voice in highlighting these connections. The impacts are already visible—rising respiratory illnesses from air pollution, vector-borne diseases moving into new regions, malnutrition driven by food insecurity, and the escalating mental health toll of climate anxiety. “Mental health, in particular, is emerging as a crisis of pandemic proportions,” Dr. Saroj warns. “Communities—especially young people—are struggling with the uncertainty and trauma of climate-related challenges.” POP addresses these urgent issues through education, research, advocacy, and innovation. The organization is currently editing its fifth publication on climate and health, while its POP Academy delivers world-class courses to equip young leaders at the nexus of health and climate. One of POP’s pioneering innovations is POPPix (mypoppix.com), an award-winning app dedicated to climate and mental health. Available in 129 languages and even accessible via WhatsApp, POPPix helps young people build resilience and access community support. POP also works with partners worldwide on projects ranging from clean cooking technologies to sustainable food systems, ensuring that climate solutions are also health solutions. Empowering Youth as Leaders At the heart of POP’s mission is youth empowerment. According to Dr. Ash, three strategies have proven most effective: Trust—Young people must be given real decision-making power, not just symbolic roles. Mentorship—Pairing youth

Digital Version In today’s rapidly evolving digital era, the story of artificial intelligence is not only about algorithms, data pipelines, or computational breakthroughs. It is also about the visionaries who bridge technology with humanity, translating innovation into meaningful outcomes for people, organizations, and society. Robin Sutara, Field Chief Data Strategy Officer at Databricks, is a true representation of innovation, with a career that began in maintaining Apache helicopters in the U.S. Army to advising global enterprises on data and AI strategy highlights how technology, when guided by purpose-driven leadership, can be truly transformative. Her story is both unconventional and deeply inspiring—a reminder that innovation is not confined to linear career paths but often shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the desire to solve real-world challenges. With more than two decades of experience across Microsoft and Databricks, Sutara has emerged as one of the most influential voices in advancing responsible AI, democratizing data, and helping enterprises translate cutting-edge technology into measurable impact. A Non-Traditional Journey with a Purpose Robin Sutara never followed the typical path into data and technology. Her foundation was laid in the U.S. Army, where she worked on repairing the weapons and electrical systems of Apache helicopters. In that high-pressure environment, she discovered a love for problem-solving and the precision of technology. Yet what truly set the course for her career was a deeper realization: data had the power not only to transform organizations, but also to improve the lives of the people within them. Over more than two decades at Microsoft, Sutara’s journey reflected this belief. From her early days in consumer support to overseeing Azure Data Engineering Operations, she advanced to become Microsoft UK’s Chief Data Officer. Through each role, she witnessed the same truth—technology alone is not the endgame. The real impact comes when people are empowered to harness data, turning information into insight and insight into better decisions. Her move to Databricks in 2022 represented both a natural progression and a bold new chapter. Having experienced firsthand the frustrations of fragmented data ecosystems, Sutara was drawn to Databricks’ mission of unifying structured and unstructured data with AI into a single governed platform. Today, she collaborates with hundreds of global customers, helping them not only implement technology but also transform their cultures into data-driven organizations. As she explains, “Technology alone is never enough. True transformation happens when organizations embrace cultural change—when people are empowered to solve problems, innovate, and make decisions informed by trusted data.” How AI Is Reshaping Data Strategy in 2025 In her role as Field Chief Data Strategy Officer, Sutara sees firsthand how AI is fundamentally altering enterprise data strategies. The shift, she notes, is not incremental but transformative. She outlines three major changes defining 2025: Democratization through natural language.Tools like AI/BI and Genie allow business users to query data in plain English, opening insights to employees far beyond data science teams. This democratization ensures decision-making is no longer the privilege of a select few but an organizational capability. The rise of the Data Intelligence Platform.Unlike traditional platforms, Databricks’ intelligent Data Intelligence Platform understands the semantics of an organization’s data, enabling automatic optimization, intelligent infrastructure management, and natural language interfaces. The critical importance of unified data foundations.As AI adoption accelerates, the cost of data silos becomes clearer. Fragmentation undermines security, governance, and AI effectiveness. Databricks addresses this by combining lakehouse architecture with generative AI, creating a platform capable of optimizing performance and managing infrastructure within the context of specific business goals. For Sutara, this evolution reflects more than a technical milestone. It is a shift toward future-oriented innovation, where AI does not merely report on the past but predicts, prevents, and empowers organizations to act proactively. Translating AI into Tangible Business Value Her leadership is marked by an exceptional ability to bridge innovative thinking with tangible business outcomes. She emphasizes that deploying sophisticated models is not enough—organizations must align people, processes, and technology with clear objectives. She points to a powerful example from the manufacturing sector, an industry generating more than 1,800 petabytes of data annually. A leading client suffered significant financial setbacks, running into millions, because of unforeseen downtime. By unifying IoT sensor data, ERP maintenance records, environmental information, and technician notes within Databricks’ platform, they could implement predictive maintenance models. The results were transformative: 67% reduction in unplanned downtime within one year Over $12 million in cost savings 23% improvement in product quality A cultural shift as teams moved from reactive firefighting to strategic planning Perhaps most importantly, the initiative built trust in AI recommendations. Maintenance teams, production managers, and data scientists collaborated in new ways, empowered by a shared, data-centric mindset. As Sutara reflects, “The success came not just from the technology, but from changing how people worked together, trusted insights, and embraced a culture of data-driven decision-making.” Principles for Responsible and Ethical AI As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, concerns about fairness, transparency, and inclusivity grow louder. To Sutara, responsible AI isn’t a choice but a necessity for fostering trust and driving lasting innovation. Her approach rests on six guiding principles: Fairness and Inclusiveness: AI must reduce bias, not amplify it. This requires diverse teams that challenge assumptions and question data sources. Reliability and Safety: Systems must be consistent with human values and monitored continuously to prevent harm. Transparency and Clarity: Individuals impacted by AI should have a clear understanding of how decisions are reached. Accountability: Responsibility for outcomes must be well-defined, ensuring both organizational and societal accountability. Privacy and Security: Robust governance, encryption, and risk management are non-negotiable. Human Oversight: AI must augment rather than replace human judgment, with diverse voices guiding design and deployment. At Databricks, these principles are operationalized through frameworks like the AI Security Framework, which identifies 62 technical risks and provides pathways for balancing innovation with safety. Sutara insists that building trustworthy AI requires continuous vigilance: “Responsible AI is not a compliance checkbox—it is a commitment that must guide decisions across the entire lifecycle.” Leadership Lessons from AI Transformation Over decades of guiding

Digital Version In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining business practices across industries, leaders like Suman Bhattacharya stand at the intersection of innovation and impact. As the Senior Director of Data Science at DocuSign, Suman is pioneering advancements that not only enhance the user experience but are also reshaping the foundational processes of digital transactions. His journey into the world of data science and AI is rooted in a solid academic background and has evolved into a career marked by foresight, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose. This exclusive interview for our upcoming edition, Tech Trailblazers Advancing the Next Wave of Innovation – 2025, delves deep into Suman’s trajectory, his work at DocuSign, and the broader role of AI in transforming enterprise SaaS. From driving intelligent agreement management to building ethical and scalable AI systems, Suman offers critical insights into where the future is heading and how we can prepare for it. A Physicist’s Journey into Data Science Suman’s story begins in the world of physics. While pursuing his Ph.D., and later during his tenure at esteemed research institutions such as Los Alamos and Argonne National Laboratories, he found himself applying advanced statistical methods and early machine learning techniques to decipher complex data sets. “I started applying different ML/AI and statistical techniques to process and distinguish signals from noise in the data,” he recalls. Long before “data science” became a buzzword in the tech industry, Suman was already engaging in its core practices. The natural progression from academia to industry came when data science began gaining traction in the corporate world. “When data science exploded in the industry, I decided to take my skills I learned in academia and apply them in industry problems,” Suman notes. His deep understanding of theory, coupled with real-world application, allowed for a seamless transition and positioned him at the forefront of an evolving field. Intelligent Agreement Management: The Next Frontier As Senior Director of Data Science at DocuSign, Suman plays a pivotal role in driving innovation through AI and machine learning. With the advent of Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM), AI is no longer just an enhancement, it is integral to the product’s architecture. “AI plays an important role in extracting information from agreements, creating workflows, and searching stored agreements,” he explains. One standout example is Navigator, a DocuSign product that allows users to store and search through past agreements, even if those agreements were signed with other platforms. This capability marks a shift from static digital signatures to dynamic, AI-powered contract intelligence. “We also apply ML/AI to optimize customer experience as they navigate through the product,” adds Suman, reinforcing the role of data science in creating intuitive, frictionless digital experiences. Elevating Customer Experience and Automation with AI At the heart of Suman’s team’s work lies a commitment to personalization, automation, and security. By leveraging AI to deliver timely, tailored information, they are redefining the digital agreement experience. A prime example of this is the use of AI agents to craft personalized campaign messages. “The campaign the customers receive actually speaks to their business needs, as opposed to a generic email,” he explains. Another high-impact initiative involves AI-led lead scoring. With millions of users exploring DocuSign’s services, manually qualifying each lead would be impossible. Instead, Suman’s team has developed models that prioritize leads based on use cases and behavioral signals. “We apply AI to create a prioritized list of leads to follow up with,” he says. These efforts not only streamline internal workflows but also create meaningful business value. Scaling Innovation Through Applied Data Science Among the most exciting projects Suman has spearheaded is the recommendation engine that helps DocuSign’s sellers match products to customer needs. “We use AI to identify which product to recommend to our customers based on various signals,” he shares. The approach blends traditional machine learning with cutting-edge generative AI, producing tailored value propositions at scale. “For instance, if we know a prospective customer is in the legal industry, we can showcase how different IAM products like Navigator, Maestro, and Unlimited Sends help manage the end-to-end lifecycle of an agreement in a law firm,” he explains. These capabilities provide sales teams with not just data, but context-rich insights delivered with the power of AI. Responsible AI: Balancing Speed with Ethics In an age where AI adoption often outpaces regulation, Suman remains grounded in responsible innovation. “We have a strong governance in place around any AI use cases we productionize,” he emphasizes. The team ensures that ethical standards remain central to their work. One cornerstone of their ethical framework is the “human-in-the-loop” approach. Before any AI-generated content is deployed at scale, it is reviewed for quality, accuracy, and hallucination. “This pilot phase helps us maintain integrity while testing new AI capabilities,” Suman adds. Generative AI Meets SaaS: A Paradigm Shift Looking ahead, Suman sees enormous potential in the convergence of generative AI and enterprise SaaS platforms like DocuSign. In his view, while GenAI is making waves in B2C ecommerce through innovations in search and checkout, its true power in B2B lies in augmenting relationship-driven workflows. “AI has the potential to streamline the entire deal lifecycle in B2B through automation and personalization,” he observes. From shortening sales cycles to empowering customers with faster access to relevant information, GenAI is poised to reshape how enterprise platforms operate. Developing the Next Generation of Data Scientists Suman is deeply passionate about mentorship and fostering future leaders in data science. He highlights that aspiring professionals must be versatile. “A data scientist would require statistics and analytics skills as well as engineering skills to build ML/AI systems in production,” he says. However, technical skills alone are not enough. Suman believes business acumen is what sets great data scientists apart. “It is critical because a data scientist is in a unique position to drive data-driven decisions,” he adds. Being able to communicate complex insights in a language business stakeholders understand is invaluable. Nurturing a Culture of Learning and Experimentation Fostering a culture of continuous learning is central to Suman’s leadership

Digital Version In today’s fast-evolving digital economy, leaders who can align technology, commerce, and purpose are the ones shaping the future. Among the influential figures driving innovation at Mastercard is David Budzevski, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Commercialisation in the Global Acceptance & Merchant Solutions division. With a career journey marked by unexpected beginnings, transformative pivots, and a steadfast focus on innovation, David exemplifies what it means to lead with vision and impact in the global financial services space. In the fast-moving world of digital finance, few leaders blend innovation and inclusion as seamlessly as David Budzevski. With a career that spans startups, national banks, and global platforms, David’s trajectory reflects more than professional growth — it’s a story of vision, reinvention, and grounded leadership. What sets him apart isn’t just his strategic clarity or global expertise, but his unwavering belief that impact must be both scalable and human. Whether guiding merchant solutions across continents or co-creating technology from the ground up, he leads with empathy, listens with intention, and acts with purpose. In every chapter of his journey, David has stayed anchored to the idea that progress isn’t measured only by reach — but by relevance, resilience, and responsibility. From Startups to Global Platforms: A Journey Fueled by Purpose David’s entry into the financial services world was neither planned nor conventional. It began with a startup focused on helping local governments manage and optimize their underground infrastructure. “This was before VC funding was widespread,” David recalls. “Our journey lasted just two years before we had to shut down the business.” While the outcome was not what he had hoped for, the experience proved to be a springboard into the world of technology-driven customer solutions. He transitioned into financial services with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he led their Merchant Solutions division. That role introduced him to the intricacies of the payments industry—a domain that would ultimately define his professional passion. “From that moment on, his interest became unwavering,” he reflects. David went on to take on several product roles across the Australian banking landscape, culminating in a leadership position overseeing Merchant Acquiring for the country’s largest financial institution. With an unquenchable thirst for learning and growth, he joined Mastercard in 2020. There, he co-founded and led the commercial product strategy for the Gateway solution. This role not only gave him global exposure but also an opportunity to partner closely with engineering, manage profit and loss accountability, and drive innovation from concept to market. His successful leadership within Mastercard led to a relocation to the United Kingdom, where he expanded his focus on go-to-market strategies and emerging markets. Today, David oversees global business development and commercialization efforts for Mastercard’s Merchant Solutions portfolio. Learning from the Greats: Mentorship and Leadership Style Reflecting on his development as a leader, David credits several influential mentors for shaping his path. “There were several individuals in both Australia and the UK who have significantly impacted my career,” he says. Notable among them are Sam Itzcovitz, Keith Douglas, Martijn van Os, and Kaushik Gopal. One mentor, in particular, helped shape David’s leadership style—a servant-leadership approach grounded in empathy, clarity, and collaboration. “I see myself as a leader who supports the team like family, gets in the trenches when needed, and sets a clear vision for success,” he shares. He often reflects on the idea that even the smallest presence can have a powerful impact—just like a tiny mosquito can disrupt an entire night.” It serves as a reminder that every contribution matters and small efforts can have big impacts. Creating the Future of Global Commerce David’s current role places him at the nexus of business development and innovation. What excites him most is the opportunity to help shape the future of commerce on a global scale. Working closely with partners around the world, he identifies strategic opportunities and brings forward solutions that create tangible value for both merchants and consumers. “Mastercard’s global footprint and our technology leadership give us a unique platform to influence the evolution of payments,” he says. From tokenization to embedded finance, the potential is immense. David is particularly passionate about empowering merchants to harness these technologies to build more seamless, secure, and inclusive payment ecosystems. He sees the role as not just commercial, but deeply impactful. “Connecting market needs with Mastercard’s capabilities allows us to unlock growth, improve customer engagement, and help businesses thrive in an increasingly digital world.” Balancing Innovation with Fundamentals Innovation is central to Mastercard’s DNA, but for David, it must be purposeful and scalable. His approach begins with a comprehensive understanding of customer needs and market dynamics. “We stay closely connected with partners, merchants, and the fintech ecosystem to identify early signals and challenges.” Innovation, for David, is not just about exploring new ideas but ensuring they are viable, scalable, and aligned with Mastercard’s principles of trust, inclusion, and security. “We rigorously test new concepts and validate them with data to ensure long-term value creation, not just short-term wins.” This disciplined approach allows his team to maintain a balance between bold vision and practical execution—a balance that is critical in a fast-paced, high-stakes industry. Global Exposure, Local Relevance Having worked across continents, David understands that while certain needs like trust and security are universal, how those needs are expressed varies dramatically by region. “One size fits all simply doesn’t work,” he explains. Instead, Mastercard scales globally by listening locally. He emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, empathy, and agility when entering new markets. Whether it’s enabling QR payments in Southeast Asia or supporting open banking in Europe, the solutions must be contextually relevant. This global-local strategy helps ensure that Mastercard’s innovations are both impactful and inclusive. Aligning with Mastercard’s Mission of Inclusion Mastercard’s vision to power inclusive digital economies resonates deeply with David’s own professional mission. “Our goal is not just to drive commercial growth but to do so in a way that expands access and empowers underserved communities.” His current strategic priorities reflect this commitment. First,