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Mogens BirkelundWorld's Most Versatile Business Leaders Making A Mark in 2023 by Worlds Leaders
Mogens BirkelundWorld's Most Versatile Business Leaders Making A Mark in 2023 by Worlds Leaders
Business
Leaders
Making a Mark in 2023
Mogens CEO
SC NORDIC
Birkelund
A Renowned Expert in Demand Response Solutions in Denmark
World's Most Versatile Business Leaders
Making a Mark in 2023
Emblem of Versatile
Ledership
November 2023
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10
Cov
Sry
Mogens
Birkelund
A Renowned Expert in Demand Response
Solutions in Denmark
Alex Melgar &
18 Carlos Telles
22 Ben Foster
36 Fritz Zerweck
40 J Daks
46 Matthew Telesca
50 Miquel Colet
54 Oliver Drews
28 | MAY 2022
worldsleaders.com | 29
Mogens
Birkelund
A Renowned Expert in
Demand Response
Solutions in Denmark
10 | November 2023
worldsleaders.com | 11
12 | November 2023
Mogens Birkelund, the CEO of
S.C. Nordic, is a prominent
expert in Denmark when it
comes to Demand Response
solutions. His company has
received awards for its
innovative solutions in this field.
Despite being the CEO and
founder of a rapidly growing
company, Mogens' primary
focus is on making himself
redundant. He strives to
transfer his knowledge and
expertise to his team and
integrate it into their
technology. Mogens is aware
that when he fails to do so, he
becomes a bottleneck for the
rest of the organization.
worldsleaders.com | 13
The Journey S.C. Nordic quickly became a growth project, expanding its
Mogens' journey into the world of SmartGrid technologies team to 15 members over the last 18 months.
and Virtual Power Plants began during his time as a CTO in
the Telecom industry. The turning point came in 2009 when Strengthening Renewable Energy Transition
Denmark hosted the UN COP15 conference, which placed a S.C. Nordic is a prominent player in Scandinavia,
strong focus on environmental sustainability. This event, specializing in the development of solutions for flexible
combined with Denmark's longstanding commitment to consumption, which is commonly referred to as ancillary
green initiatives, inspired Mogens to delve into the services or Demand Response. This field is considered a
development of SmartGrid technologies, ultimately leading critical component for regions transitioning to renewable
to the creation of Virtual Power Plant technology. He took energy production, as renewable sources like wind and solar
the initiative to establish a startup named GridManager and power are variable, requiring consumers to use electricity
successfully secured initial funding. However, the market when it's abundantly available.
was not yet ready for such innovations, and the venture
faced challenges. Recognizing the need to bide their time, As a trailblazer in Denmark, S.C. Nordic was the first
they temporarily halted the project. independent aggregator to offer demand-side flexibility to
the power grid through aggregation. This flexibility
As the market matured, the role of Aggregator emerged as a encompasses both production and consumption resources,
viable route to market. This development prompted a restart providing a comprehensive solution for the grid's needs.
of the project. Leveraging Mogens' experience and network,
12 | November 2023
14
background in various types of green transition and emphasizes the
equipment and a deep understanding of importance of taking smaller, faster
the opportunities within the power steps rather than trying to create a
grid. He places a significant focus on comprehensive plan before
revenue potential and is committed to implementation.
the execution and development of
projects to the point where they can Mogens is not only a member of the
start generating income. town council of Skive but is also
closely associated with a
With an electronics engineering degree groundbreaking initiative called
and extensive experience in software Greenlab. Skive has distinguished
development, Mogens possesses the itself as a pioneering town in Denmark
skills to identify potential issues with by establishing Greenlab, a designated
different types of equipment and area where residents are granted
envision effective solutions for their special permission to share energy
development. His drive and resources among themselves without
determination for execution can the usual tax implications. This means
sometimes make him appear impatient they can install wind turbines and
or even a bit hostile to individuals who develop solar capacity within this area,
require more time to make decisions. and those resources aren't subject to
However, he is conscious of this and taxation.
makes efforts to ensure that everyone is
on board. Additionally, this unique setup allows
for the efficient utilization of excess
Mogens is deeply passionate about heat generated by companies, which
environmental sustainability, to the would typically go to waste. In
extent that he has entered the realm of Greenlab, this excess heat can be
politics to advocate for green shared with other residents who can
initiatives. He uses his knowledge and put it to good use. Greenlab serves as a
drive to inspire other politicians to demonstration of what is possible
recognize the opportunities within the when tax policies and infrastructure are
reimagined.
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16 | November 2023
What's noteworthy is that Greenlab is located within Search for Young and Open-Minded Innovators
the same municipality where Mogens resides. By Mogens emphasizes that SCN represents a new
actively participating in local politics, Mogens can industry that will undergo significant development in
bridge the gap between the regulatory knowledge and the next decade, much like the experiences of the past
the practical industrial applications. This collaboration century. This transformation poses challenges to all
between the municipality and an expert like Mogens facets of the industry, from seasoned technicians to
highlights the potential for innovative solutions at the emerging market developers.
intersection of policy and industry.
SCN, like many others, grapples with the global
Collaborative Approach for Market Dominance demand for more skilled and motivated individuals.
Mogens strongly believes in the power of Mogens states, “We are a forerunner in a completely
partnerships, recognizing that combining efforts with new industry, so we have the find the right people and
other entities can result in more significant outcomes invest in training and increasing the personal skill sets.
than working in isolation. This partnership-driven We are looking for young and open-minded people
approach allows for rapid growth and the that a driven by execution and eager to learn. By
establishment of a strong market presence while young minds, we mean people that are eager to learn
avoiding unnecessary competition. and doesn't confront the world with an 'already full
mind' mindset.”
S.C. Nordic (SCN) has already forged a partnership
with Norlys, the second-largest utility company in Risk That Paid Off
Denmark. Additionally, they have supporting Mogens acknowledges that one of the most significant
agreements with other partners, solidifying their risks he took was developing TrueGreen with the
position for growth and market dominance in available resources, a practice often referred to as
Denmark. "bootstrapping" in the startup world. This approach
carries the constant threat of depleting funds before
This collaborative approach will extend to the entire reaching a break-even point. However, successfully
Scandinavian region by the end of 2023, with active accomplishing this has been a personal triumph, as it
efforts to seek partnerships in other markets as well. saved us the time and resources that would have
S.C. Nordic is also a partner in a network formalized otherwise been spent on seeking potential investors,
by the Foreign Office and the representation in Palo negotiating deals, and restructuring the business. The
Alto. Through this program, they have explored the current setup grants us substantial freedom to make
U.S. market and are eager to assess its potential while decisions about the best path forward.
identifying the right partner setup for future endeavors
in the United States. Vision for Environmental Preservation
Mogens thinks that addressing the critical issue of
Fueling Innovation environmental preservation is undoubtedly the most
Innovative leaders understand the value that agile significant task at hand. This entails a continued
small companies can bring to larger organizations. expansion of renewable energy sources. SCN's
S.C. Nordic (SCN) recognizes this strength and technology, known internationally as "Virtual Power
considers it a driving factor for its future growth. SCN Plant," "Demand Response," "SmartGrid," or
intends to position itself as an entrepreneur and "Ancillary Services," is globally recognized as one of
innovation center, dedicated to ongoing development the fundamental components to ensure a consistent
and growth. power supply and the efficient utilization of energy.
SCN is committed to enhancing the business case for
The company's strategy for achieving this goal renewable energy capacity development by actively
involves offering its technology, expertise, and skills supporting its utilization. This, in turn, strengthens the
as a technology center that others can leverage and overall societal value of transitioning to renewable
benefit from. SCN aims to play a pivotal role in energy sources
fostering innovation and driving technological
advancements in the energy and demand response
sectors.
worldsleaders.com | 17
V isionary leadership is the cornerstone of
success, and Alex Melgar and Carlos
Telles exemplify this quality at
Ambassador Services. Alex, the CEO, is an
accomplished executive with a remarkable
Ambassador Services
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entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
20 | November 2023
actively engaged in various pursuits involved in the work. crucial aspect of leadership and
from a young age. personal development. Leaders should
According to Alex, continuous encourage their team members to
Following their time in Tennessee, education and a commitment to embrace failures as learning
Alex and Carlos decided to relocate to learning are essential for growing as opportunities and to constantly seek
Houston, TX, where they continued leaders. He emphasize the importance improvement.
their careers in the maintenance of self-evolution and personal
industry by joining another company. development in order to effectively Driving Positive Change
In this new environment, they lead others. Alex refers to the concept
sharpened their skills and acquired of "ROSE," which stands for the rate To drive improvement in society,
valuable expertise in providing top- of self-evolution. This concept organizations, and people's lives, Alex
notch maintenance services. It was suggests that the growth of an believes that providing accurate and
during this period that Alex took a leap organization depends on the leader's truthful information is crucial,
of faith and established Cleaning ability to evolve and prepare especially in the realm of education.
Services of America as his own themselves for leadership. He emphasizes the need to counteract
venture. Within a year, the business misleading information by offering
thrived, successfully catering to the Alex describes three stages in the life genuine and reliable knowledge to
needs of their clients. of an entrepreneur or business owner: society. This improvement in social
the "I," the "we," and the "they." The information can contribute to better
As fate would have it, their paths "I" stage represents a time when the decision-making and progress.
eventually converged, leading them to leader operates independently, making
join forces at Ambassador Services. decisions and directing the business on Within their own organization, Alex
For the past sixteen years, they have their own. This stage reflects the sees room for continuous
been devoted team members of this highest level of responsibility and improvement. One aspect he aims to
esteemed organization. Their diverse control for the leader. The "we" stage, enhance is work-life balance. In today's
experiences culminated in a strong on the other hand, signifies a transition fast-paced world, where professional
background in the maintenance sector, towards working with a team of demands often take precedence, he
enabling them to deliver exceptional individuals. It acknowledges the recognizes the importance of creating a
services to their valued clients. importance of collaboration and culture that promotes a healthy balance
delegating responsibilities to others. between work and personal life. By
Fostering Growth and Overcoming The “they” stage is for the ability to prioritizing this balance, he envisions
Leadership Challenges become a push-up Organization, positively impacting the lives of the
delegate responsibilities to each people within the organization.
Alex believes that there are certain department and then monitor results at
qualities lacking among today's a higher level. Regarding opportunities, Alex
emerging leaders. He emphasize the identifies equality as an important
importance of personal growth as a Carlos emphasizes the importance of focus area. Promoting equal
leader and also share your opinion on being a good listener as a leader. opportunities for individuals regardless
what other leaders commonly lack as a Actively listening to the team members of their background or circumstances is
result of their leadership styles. and creating an open and supportive vital to foster a fair and inclusive
Carlos adds that one of the significant atmosphere encourages effective environment. Additionally, he
shortcomings of many leaders is their communication and collaboration. emphasizes the significance of
lack of attention to their team and Additionally, he highlights the need for continued education, highlighting the
people. A leader can only be effective flexibility in leadership. Being value of ongoing learning and
if they have good followers who adaptable and open to different development for personal and
support the team and its ideas. It's perspectives and ideas allows for professional growth.
essential for leaders to listen to their innovation and growth within the team.
team members and consider their Carlos believes in providing
thoughts and opinions. Carlos constructive feedback to the team, even
highlights that sometimes the best in situations where they may have
ideas come from those who are directly failed. Learning from failures is a
worldsleaders.com | 21
Delivering Tangible Results and Great
Customer Service Through a Wide Range of
Digital Marketing Services
worldsleaders.com | 23
Team of Experts
Working with The SEO Works provides access to a diverse
team of SEO specialists, each with expertise in specific
areas of SEO. This approach results in campaigns managed
by multiple team members, with a dedicated point of options include freelancers, small businesses, full-
contact for clients. With more than 80 digital marketing service agencies offering SEO as one aspect of their
experts in the company's broader team, clients can benefit services, and specialized SEO agencies. As a result, the
from a wealth of experience and support. cost of SEO services can vary greatly. It's important to
be cautious of providers offering quick, low-cost SEO
With this wide range of practitioners in the company, the services with limited transparency, as this can often
experience and support is phenomenal. Ben asserts, "If result in more harm than benefit.
there is a current issue that is challenging a client, you can
be sure that one of our team members has experienced it in While cost is an important factor, it's also crucial to
some form or another in the past—this "hive mind" really evaluate an SEO agency's track record and client base.
helps. SEO consultancy and support come as part of the A tailored proposal and positive client references, as
service—we really get to know your business, your USP, well as awards and accolades, can be signs of a quality
and the unique challenges and needs of your customers.” agency. Be wary of providers who are secretive about
their methods, practices, or personnel.
View on Market and Client Approach
The SEO industry is not regulated, leading to a diverse It's important to note that SEO is not a cheap marketing
range of options for those seeking SEO services. These strategy, but it can be a highly valuable investment in
24 | November 2023
terms of increased website traffic and businesses are already openly using others. Ben states, "We'll continue to
potential customers. In terms of AI to help generate content, which is invest in our team so that they are the
return on investment, SEO can be then thoroughly checked for most talented digital practitioners
one of the most cost-effective forms accuracy and revised by editors. across the UK.”
of marketing when done correctly. Google has made a direct statement
This requires time, patience, and about the technology, reiterating their The SEO Works is experiencing
investment, as the results can be stance that content quality and user significant year-over-year growth and
exponential once your site begins experience are the key factors in is making progress towards its goals.
ranking for relevant searches. Keep determining rankings. They have also This success is largely due to the
in mind that the cheapest option is announced that they will be bringing talented team and the supportive
unlikely to be the best. SEO success AI technology to their search engine culture that the company has
requires effort, time, and investment; experience. It will be fascinating to cultivated. A structured strategic
if it were easy, fast, and cheap, observe how AI continues to shape planning process that involves the
everyone would rank number one for and influence work methods in 2023. entire leadership team, with a focus
their desired terms. on adaptability, has enabled the
World Leader for Marketing company to continuously improve
Digital Marketing Forecasts Services and build upon its strengths while
As the possibility of a recession The goal of The SEO Works is to addressing its weaknesses. "We are
looms, 2023 may be a challenging become a leading global provider of always interested in speaking with
year for marketers. In tough times, marketing services in the digital age, other businesses who feel they are
marketing budgets are often the first while maintaining steady growth. not getting enough from digital, and
to be trimmed. However, this short- The company aims to earn its want to invest in a quality outcome,"
term approach could harm long-term customers' trust and loyalty through says Ben.
efforts. Instead, marketers should exceptional service, accreditations,
adjust their messaging and and successful results, leading to Reach out to The SEO Works via
approaches to accommodate satisfied customers who are willing https://www.seoworks.co.uk/contact-
changing behaviors and sentiments. to recommend the company to us/
Hiding your brand to save money
may limit recovery. If cuts are
necessary, prioritize channels that
have no measurable return on
investment.
worldsleaders.com | 25
28 | November 2023
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32 | November 2023
Dr. Gabriel
Serrano
Pioneering Skin Care Innovation
worldsleaders.com | 33
For over four decades, Dr. Gabriel With a commitment to At the heart of Sesderma's success
Serrano has been at the forefront personalized care and attentive lies a relentless pursuit of
of dermatology, leaving an listening, he embarked on a research, development, and
indelible mark on the industry. As journey to develop specialized innovation (R+D+I), driving the
the esteemed owner of the products that address a myriad of creation of groundbreaking
renowned Dermatology Clinics in skin concerns. solutions. The Sesderma Group
Valencia, Madrid, Dubai, Bogotá encompasses several notable
and Bayahibe, bearing his name, Sesderma, a leading Spanish brands, including Sesderma,
Dr. Serrano has built a legacy of dermatological laboratory with a Mediderma, Sophieskin, Dr.
exceptional patient care and remarkable 34-year history, has Serrano, and Dermopartners,
groundbreaking innovation. In emerged as a dominant force in specializing in third-party
fact, the Valencia clinic is over 90 global markets. The manufacturing.
celebrating its 50th anniversary in company is dedicated to intensive
2023. research, development, In 2008, Sesderma made history
formulation, and manufacturing with the introduction of complete
Driven by his deep understanding of advanced dermocosmetic product lines utilizing the power
of patients' skin needs, gained products, nanonutraceuticals, and of nanotechnology. This
through direct contact in his daily medical-aesthetic cosmetics. groundbreaking achievement
practice, Dr. Serrano founded revolutionized the industry,
Sesderma Laboratories in 1989. allowing ingredients to effectively
penetrate the skin's protective
layer, ensuring their utmost
efficacy. Unlike superficial
offerings from other cosmetic
lines, Sesderma's liposomal
products go beyond mere
hydration and comfort, providing
comprehensive repair and
protection throughout all layers of
the skin.
34 | November 2023
Dr Serrano Ramon y Cajal Academy of later, he ventured into the United States and
Health Sciences, Madrid eventually settled in Spain to study medicine, and
later specialized in Dermatology, obtaining a
doctorate Cum Laude from the University of
Valencia. Subsequently, Dr. Serrano worked as a
resident doctor and dermatologist at the University
General Hospital of Valencia, becoming Deputy
Clinical Head of the Dermatology Service, where
he worked for more than 25 years. In 1976 he
opened his own dermatological clinic in Valencia,
where he has had the privilege of treating over
40,000 patients throughout his career as a
dermatologist. He soon discovered that there was a
lack of dermatological products to address the
problems of his patients and was inspired to
formulate and create dermocosmetic products
himself.
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Fritz
Zerweck
Your Digital Travel Partner that Ensures
Your Comfort at Every Step of the Way
36 | November 2023
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accountants, and specific user foundation. Users can apply filters
demands serve as the foundation for that include both basic options like
A
ongoing innovation. Because it is a equipment and amenities and more
data-driven company, ehotel® complex options like various
regularly analyses its operations to sustainability criteria to their search,
improve customer satisfaction and taking into account company
process efficiency. guidelines as well as suitable and,
most importantly, valid offers from
The Visionary among the more than 7 million hotel
rooms. For instance, guests have
Albert Schweizer, a Nobel winner, traditionally chosen hotels with e-
once said, "Setting an example is not charging facilities. Similar to this,
the most important way to influence clients have started to take certified
others. It's the only one." This saying green credentials into account more
is something that exemplifies the and more since ehotel® started
A study shows that the yearly income leadership style of Fritz Zerweck, the promoting hotels with them. Of
for the travel and tourism sector is CEO of ehotel®. He is a team player, course, ehotel® keeps all information
roughly 63% derived from online a motivator, and a source of up-to-date at all times.
reservations. You can handle online innovative ideas and was initially
bookings effectively with a intended to take over his parents' A Promotive Workplace
competent hotel reservation system. retail business. Working on new
By automating reservation inventions continually and His team members value this
procedures, the possibility of human collectively, according to Zerweck, is thoughtful approach, and ehotel® has
error and financial losses in the hotel crucial. Even though he is the one received favourable reviews on
industry is decreased. A simplified who is responsible, he always leaves workplace rating websites as a result.
booking process also enables the door to his office open and would According to their comments,
hoteliers to give customers a more never use his authority to impose his employees are pleased with ehotel's®
user-friendly booking experience. will. "Everyone contributes their commitment to a healthy work-life
thoughts and ideas," he explains, balance, the respect shown in all
It all started with the notion of "and that helps us to avoid mistakes interactions, and the company's
making it possible for business and grow beyond what we thought support of open communication.
visitors to swiftly and precisely was possible." The continuous team Working at ehotel® includes access
choose appropriate hotel rooms from efforts to perfect the digital cycle of to air-conditioned offices,
a broad range of offers and business travel have been the open contemporary equipment, team
contingents at the best price. As an secret of ehotel®'s success for 22 assessments, and further training
independent web portal offering years. possibilities. Employees also receive
cutting-edge technology and open-ended job contracts, financial
comprehensive solutions, ehotel® At ehotel®, Fritz Zerweck is able to help for their retirement planning,
now covers all aspects of business combine his love of travel with his childcare cost subsidies, and
travel, from booking to invoicing. aptitude for money management and coaching.
Every new product since 2000 has interest in cutting-edge technology.
been centred on the consumer. The For instance, he played a key role in ehotel® also provides remote
service offerings of ehotel® are the introduction of the cutting-edge working options and reasonable
influenced and shaped by the daily meta-search technology that compensation. The pleasant working
activities of business travellers, travel currently forms the company's environment at ehotel® is something
managers, purchasers, and
38 | November 2023
that Fritz Zerweck particularly Customers use the ehotel® Rate 6,000 of the 30,000 accommodations
values. He previously worked in Manager sourcing tool to confirm the that ehotel® covers are part of a
finance, which is akin to a shark tank, availability, completeness, and large chain, the rest are individual
where there is continual pressure to accuracy of negotiated contract rates. businesses. The CEO compares the
do better than everyone else. When Through rigorous audits across all hotel industry to the food sector,
people get along and cooperate well, GDS and non-GDS channels, the where booking portals are the
he thinks one may do much more. platform avoids undesirable contract supermarkets in the system: "You
Collaboration entails mutual respect, prices and supports data-based don't see Coca-Cola running its own
consideration of opposing purchasing. The ehotel® central stores and handling sales and
viewpoints, and the development of billing system completes the range of distribution itself," he continues,
ideas from one another. ehotel® services by enabling clients explaining how hotels benefit from
to easily automate their booking and ehotel®'s concept and offering.
When asked what advice he would payment procedures and manage
give to young corporate leaders, Fritz their business travel expenses. Leading the Market
Zerweck says, "You have to have
confidence in your employees and be To enhance internal procedures and With a focus on all aspects of the
prepared to take on responsibility, hence reduce costs further, all company, ehotel® has a distinct
even if you have gone down the ehotel® products can be used alone competitive edge. The secret to
wrong path before. Too often, leaders or in combination. Customers' travel everything is transparency, fairness,
bask in the success of the company habits have altered as a result of the and trust, including happy
while shifting responsibility for epidemic, but Fritz Zerweck is consumers, engaged clients, and
failures down the line. That poisons certain that hotel booking websites cooperative hotels. Long-term
the working atmosphere.” will survive. As a result, ehotel® will success as a service provider is
keep making sure that clients have impossible if all you're after is a fast
Enabling Tech for Service the most flexibility possible. The buck, claims Zerweck. His business's
Improvement business has already responded to the consistent expansion demonstrates
request for new standards by this hypothesis.
A key ehotel® technology is ehotel® introducing fresh ideas and
Analytics, a complete tool that assists modifying its search criteria to For the past 22 years, ehotel® has
travel managers in compiling data include, among other things, hygiene been a leader in the hotel reservation
and producing trip volume ideas, digital check-in possibilities, market. When it comes to user
evaluations. The dashboard has 29 and hybrid event planning. friendliness and consumer trust,
integrated reports that can filter all ehotel® routinely ranks highly in
the data by location, nation, hotel, By emphasising these alternatives, market research surveys conducted
cost centre, order number, contract ehotel® helps both business by reputable media outlets. The
rate, and payment method, among travellers and the lodging facilities Berlin-based business can take pride
other criteria. Processes may be that provide this extra benefit. Since in a number of prizes for both its
made simpler by automatically ehotel® encourages and rewards high inventions and its superior webpage.
analysing all data to find potential for standards and exceptional quality, it "A company is only ever as good as
savings. Each employee may also be goes beyond simple price its employees," emphasises Fritz
located in the field by travel comparison. "The hotel market in Zerweck," and our employees are
managers, a capability that was very Europe is very molecular and fantastic in every respect."
helpful during the epidemic. fragmented," Fritz Zerweck
explained in an interview with
Handelsblatt newspaper: Only about
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MATTHEW
TELESCA
An Entrepreneur and Technology
Enthusiast Using Artificial Intelligence
(AI) to Revolutionize Logistics and
Supply Chain Management
46 | November 2023
PRESIDENT
MGN Logistics, Inc.
& CEO
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Matthew Telesca is a were rudimentary and lacked many features. He
prominent American envisioned an interactive website that would allow users
entrepreneur, investor, and to create accounts, compare shipping rates, manage and
48 | November 2023
Aligning Work
Life Balance
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Dedicated to Fostering an Environment
for Positive Mental Health and
Successful Rehabilitation
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Communication and connection Monte Christo" and known for
are fundamental human needs housing one of the most
that provide comfort and allow prominent inmates who was
‘‘
people to share their wrongfully accused. He recalls,
experiences and concerns with "At that time, I did not know
others. For inmates, who often that the world of corrections
have limited physical would determine my future life.
connections and rely on Today a painted picture of this
telephones to stay in touch with Château hangs on the wall of
family and the outside world, my office.”
communication is particularly
important. At that time, I Prior to joining Telio, Oliver
underwent a banking
Oliver Drews, CEO of Telio did not know apprenticeship. The previous
Group, is a Hamburg-based management team of Telio was
entrepreneur. He is dedicating that the world in search of someone who
his life for the last 20 years to
the world of prisons. Telio
Group develops and delivers
communication solutions for
ministries and prisons in 23
countries around the world. All
Telio products are designed to
make an important contribution
to the resocialization of
inmates. Seeing an urgent need
to advocate and build a lobby
for the many children of
detainees, Oliver Drews
founded Connecting Hearts in
2022.
56 | November 2023
communication, which includes a greater access to the
outside world, social exchange, and contact with family and
friends. Bringing normalcy to their lives as far as possible.
Founding Telio Group As the vast majority of inmates return to society Telio wants
to equip them to thrive when they return.
The Telio Group was established Establishing Culture of Integrity and Innovation
in Hamburg, Germany 25 years
The Telio Group is driven by the mission to modernize the
ago with the goal of
correctional landscape and to maximise the outcomes of the
revolutionizing and modernizing jurisdictional partners. Oliver is proud to lead his team in this
the penal system through mission. Its wide range of products and services goes beyond
just next-level digital innovation; it is also about promoting
innovative breakthroughs. Its rehabilitation and providing inmates with the motivation and
focus on creating smart digital desire they need to have after their release from prison. The
management believes that by offering better access to
prisons that provide inmates
communication, inmates are more likely to successfully
with more opportunities and reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending, leading to
enable officers to focus on high- lower crime rates, safer communities, and a reduced burden
on the criminal justice system.
value work has been central to
its mission. The Telio Group's As a company, Telio Group strives to look beyond the
solutions contribute to creating negative connotations often associated with prisons and
instead focus on providing inmates with a second chance at
a positive work environment. Its life. It believes that this second chance must be deeply
journey began with a simple ingrained in the company's DNA.
service of providing detainees
Leading with the Spirit to Bring Change
with telecommunication
services via secure hallway Oliver's entrepreneurial spirit has been an intrinsic part of his
persona, driven by a desire to effect positive change. He
phone booths in a few German firmly believes in the concept of transforming prisons into
prisons. Over time, the company better spaces through the provision of products and services,
creating "Places for a second chance" since he believes
has grown into a global
everyone deserves one. Despite facing frequent challenges
company with more than 250 and a busy schedule, his unwavering belief in this mission
employees operating in 23 fuels his daily drive to persevere. To continuously evolve and
progress, one must be receptive to novel perspectives and
countries and serving over 700 methods, as failing to do so can stifle growth and adaptation.
facilities worldwide.
Aspire to Creating New
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