In today’s fast-paced world, where business ideas are endless, there are very few trailblazers who leave behind a strong impact. This article features the stories of 10 impactful leaders who are not only reshaping their regional business ecosystem but are also playing instrumental roles in driving global transformation.
With unmatched expertise in their fields and guided by values that keep them grounded, these 10 impactful leaders are setting new standards for professionals. Known for their visionary approach, these leaders are passionate about working for a better future.
The Top 10 Impactful Leaders to Watch in 2026
In the sections that follow, you will read about the top 10 impactful leaders in the region and how they are creating a wave of transformation in the global business landscape. We will share what they do, their achievements, the choices that led them to their current roles, and their significant contributions in their fields. You will also learn how they are reframing the sectors across the world.
1. Dr. Desziree Richardson | Visionary Leader in Empowerment and Healing
Dr. Desziree Richardson stands as a visionary leader in women’s empowerment and global humanitarian efforts. She holds an honorary doctorate in Arts and Literature, studied business management at Northumbria University, and broadcasting at the University of West London.
Dr. Richardson founded Women of Heart Awards (WOHA) and FACE OF WOHA to honor women’s achievements, leadership, and community impact worldwide. She also created Gentlemen of Heart Awards (GOHA) and launched the Happy Mood Swagger luxury fashion brand, blending style with positivity to boost confidence and well-being.
As a vibratory voice healer, she employs her voice’s magnetic field for relaxation, transformation, and emotional upliftment in clients globally. She serves as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Chairwoman for the Rotary Club of Global Impact, UK Representative for the New Emerging Birland State Government, and International Brand Ambassador for child protection in India.
With over 100 international awards, including LOSD Woman Influencer of the Year at King’s College, Cambridge, she has earned titles such as Crowned Princess of Ghana and membership in Forbes Women Community. Her efforts focus on multicultural unity, child safety, and inspiring stories through platforms like Breaking The Ice Talk.
The work of Dr. Richardson, which includes fashion, healing, and advocacy, aims to build resilience and joy among people from all countries. Her platforms share stories that aren’t usually told. She establishes networks that give future leaders influence and promote worldwide harmony.
2. Mohamed Reda | Reframing Construction and Investment Landscape
A visionary investment and Construction leader, Mohamed Reda is the Founder & CEO of Fpico, a fast-growing construction and development company building transformational projects across Saudi Arabia and beyond. From strategic land acquisitions to large-scale mixed-use and commercial developments, Mohamed has positioned Fpico as a trusted partner for investors, developers, and operators looking to participate in the region’s next wave of growth.
With more than a decade of experience in construction, real estate development, and strategic advisory, Mohamed has built a reputation for turning ambitious concepts into bankable, high-impact assets. Under his leadership, Fpico has curated a multi-hundred-million SAR investment portfolio, including landmark partnerships such as the collaboration with El-Manzel, designed to deliver high-quality, lifestyle-focused communities that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
Mohamed’s strength lies in his ability to bridge capital, expertise, and opportunity. He works closely with family offices, institutional investors, and international partners to structure deals that are both financially robust and strategically sustainable. Whether structuring joint ventures, master-planned developments, or income-generating assets, his focus is always on creating long-term value, strong governance, and resilient cash flows.
At Fpico, Mohamed champions a philosophy of partnership over transaction. His approach blends rigorous financial discipline with a deep understanding of market dynamics and end-user behavior. This allows Fpico to move confidently from concept to execution, identifying high-potential locations, designing differentiated projects, and aligning all stakeholders around a shared vision of success.
Beyond construction and development, Mohamed’s entrepreneurial footprint extends into lifestyle and interior value chains through Dar El Asas Furniture. The brand reflects his belief that great real estate is completed by equally thoughtful, high-quality living environments. With a focus on refined design, durable craftsmanship, and market-relevant product lines, Dar El Asas complements Fpico’s development vision by helping shape the end-user experience from structure to space. This cross-sector synergy strengthens Mohamed’s ability to deliver holistic, investor-friendly projects that align with evolving expectations across the Saudi market.
Respected for his integrity, strategic mindset, and execution capability, he represents a new generation of Gulf business leaders: globally minded, locally grounded, and driven by impact. Through Fpico, Mohamed Reda is not only building projects, but building platforms for investors, partners, and communities to share in the value of a rapidly transforming region.
LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
3. Chithra Kannan | Leader in Skin Care and Business
Chithra Kannan is the Founder and CEO of Skin Centrick, a science-led, plant-powered skincare brand built on data, performance, and inclusivity. She is also the Chief Operating Officer of SC Group of Companies, a multifaceted business that includes technology, real estate, early childhood education, and strategic investments. In the Dallas region, she oversees four early-learning academies that deliver excellent instruction and operational excellence.
Chithra has three master’s degrees, a doctorate in business analytics, and advanced executive education from Harvard Business School. She uses data-driven strategy to grow companies. She has a unique combination of technical, analytical, and operational leadership skills, drawn from her background as a software engineer and active real estate investor.
Skin Centrick started in 2023 and grew fast. It’s a clean beauty brand that works well for all skin types and tones. The brand sells in the US, Mexico, Brazil, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, with plans to launch in India soon. It partners with major retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, CVS Health, and Target.
Chithra is an expert at leading groups with specific objectives and data-driven insights, turning complexity into a workable plan. While creating educational facilities that support early childhood development, she creates skincare products that work wonders on a variety of skin types. Her leadership makes difficulties easier to understand and transforms them into scalable achievements.
She is a dedicated mentor and supporter of women leaders. Chithra sets high standards and promotes significant change across education, real estate development, and beauty. The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) awarded her the Top Executive Leader of the Year award in 2025 in recognition of her impact.
LinkedIn | Skin Centrick | SC Group | Instagram
4. Dr. Akintoye Akindele | Transforming Africa Through Investment and Impact
Dr. Akintoye Akindele, CFA, DBA, FICA, leads as Founder and Chairman of Platform Capital, a firm with assets under USD 2 billion across five continents. He holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Doctorate in Business Administration from the International School of Management in Paris, and CFA Charterholder status. He lectures at the University of Lagos Business School and serves as Professor of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets at EM Normandie Business School in France. His executive education includes programs at London Business School and Oxford Saïd Business School.
Platform Capital backs over 160 companies across the technology, fintech, mobility, and climate sectors, including LEO Flights and Solo Funds. Dr. Akindele grew his career at Guaranty Trust Bank, Capital Alliance, and Synergy Capital before starting Platform Capital in 2019. The firm uses patient capital to support scalable businesses with global potential. Investments span nine verticals for regional and worldwide growth.
He teaches finance and business by combining classroom lectures with real investments. Dr. Akindele published works like Quitless: The Power of Persistence in Business and Life and the global bestseller A Love Affair with Failure, which topped USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists. He contributes to Nigeria’s Decarbonization Bill and carbon market framework for sustainable growth. His publications include works on energy solutions for oil, gas, and extractive industries.
Through the Diatom Impact Foundation, he impacts over one million lives in education and health across Africa. Recent work includes tech hubs in correctional facilities and aid for women inmates via reusable pads. He serves as Board Adviser to the Asia-Africa Chamber of Commerce and President of its Nigerian Chapter to boost trade links, and as Ambassador at Large to the State of Georgia, United States. The foundation partners with the Nigerian Medical Association for inmate empowerment programs.
Awards include the African Business Leadership Impact Award in 2025 and the African Business Leader of the Year in 2022 from the London summits. He earned Goodwill Ambassador status in Georgia, USA, and features in CIO Minds and Passion Vista as a top leader. Recognition lists him among 25 Visionary Professionals for 2026 and Top 10 Influential Leaders.
LinkedIn | Platform Capital | Diatom Impact | Personal | Instagram
5. Michel Wichman | Redefining Swiss Hospitality with Heart and Hustle
Michel Wichman owns and hosts Hotel Spitzhorn Saanen-Gstaad, a beacon of luxury in the Alps. He was born in the Netherlands to a trailblazing travel agency and was immediately surrounded by hospitality. After practising at Hotel School Heerlen, he got his hotel management degree from Eindhoven University of Technology.
By 1997, Gstaad became the home base. He climbed to Vice Director and F&B Manager at Grand Hotel Bellevue (2002 to 2004), then shattered records as Switzerland’s youngest 5-star General Manager there from 2004 to 2011. An MBA from European Business School Switzerland sealed his launch into bold entrepreneurship.
In 2010, he launched Wichman Horeca AG, the engine powering Hotel Spitzhorn. It ballooned through sharp management deals, consulting wins, and powerhouse partnerships. He co-founded ‘Best 3 Star Hotels of Switzerland’ in 2015, serving as president for over 5 years to raise the bar nationwide. By 2020, a game-changing joint venture with New Delhi’s InterGlobe Enterprises made him a shareholder in InterGlobe (Switzerland) Gstaad AG.
Michel fuels Gstaad’s ecosystem with job-creating hotels, top-tier guest magic, and smart sustainable tourism. Hotel Spitzhorn and The Mansard redefine excellence, while his association leadership and consulting spark Swiss-wide teamwork. He blends alpine heritage with global edge to future-proof the scene.
His success formula packs three essentials: empathetic leadership that builds unbreakable teams in this people-first world, razor-sharp operations for flawless service, and fearless innovation to ride industry waves. He empowers crews and wows guests, forged in the fire of luxury frontlines.
He rides the tech wave with centralised digital hubs that supercharge reservations, operations, chats, and finances. These gems elevate stays and fuel savvy calls, like birthing The Mansard. For rookies facing hurdles, his playbook screams: dive into education and hands-on hustle early, forge ironclad networks, build resilience young. Stay hungry, demand excellence, innovate nonstop, and let raw passion for people and service light the path.
A storyteller at heart, Michel gears up for his book’s drop on authenticity, grit, and growth.
6. Avijit Dasgupta | A Trailblazing Leader Bridging Technology and Innovation
A highly accomplished and results-oriented Senior Level IT Professional, Avijit Dasgupta brings over two decades of experience as a Technology Thought Leader. Blending creative intellect with sharp skills in Product Management, Program Management, and Project Delivery Management practices using various product management and project management methodologies and frameworks, he drives exceptional results in every role he holds.
With a Master’s in Computer Applications, Avijit is currently pursuing Master’s and Professional Doctorate degrees in AI & Technology Management, and a PhD in Information Technology, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and staying ahead of the curve. Additionally, he is a certified Scrum Professional as Product Owner as well as Scrum Master from Scrum Alliance, alongside being a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist and TOGAF certified Enterprise Architect Practitioner.
As an acclaimed professional in the digital transformation process to build innovative and secure digital products for various sectors, including BFSI, Healthcare, Education, NGOs, Government & Private Enterprise, Avijit is recognized for his thought leadership in digital product transformation strategy and Product Management lifecycle. With a next-generation vision to share his knowledge and leverage his expertise in driving digital transformation across the region, Avijit serves as an honorary member at the Enterprise Strategy & Architecture Advisor Group (ESA-AG) in ICMG Global, USA.
With a proven track record of success in Software Development & Delivery, Avijit brings extensive Program Management and Project Delivery Management experience, overseeing complex initiatives and portfolios of interconnected projects, starting from strategic planning and execution, to ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives and market demands.
Recognizing his exceptional contributions in the IT industry, Avijit has been honored with prestigious awards, including The Top Global CIOs 2023 by ICMG USA, Global Technology Leader of The Year in Information Technology, 2024 by Bizox Media Network, and The Top 25 Software Product Executives of 2022 by The Software Report. He has also been featured in CIOLook Global Magazine in 2024 as “The 10 Most Inspiring Product Leaders in Healthcare & BFS Technology” and “The Most Influential Chief Product Officers Driving Business Growth,” reflecting his multifaceted expertise.
Avijit Dasgupta’s comprehensive experience, strategic leadership, and deep technical expertise make him an invaluable asset for organizations seeking to innovate, develop next-generation products, and achieve significant business growth.
7. Amos and Priya Antin | Crafting Excellence in Design and Renovation
Interior design reflects a person’s lifestyle and personality, and leaders like Amos and Priya Antin are offering more than just design and renovation solutions, designs that bring visions to life. As Co-founders of aCross designs, a boutique residential interior designing, contracting, and consulting firm, Amos and Priya are reframing the way interior designing is approached. Recognizing a gap in the market for quick and top-notch services, Amos launched aCross designs in 2018, alongside his wife, Priya, who serves as the Principal Architect and Head of Design at the company.
With aCross designs, their mission is simple yet strong: to offer impeccable finishes that quality clients expect. Throughout the years of operation, the company has performed beyond expectations, bridging the common industry gaps from a lack of communication to delayed projects. With better communication and working with the right set of clients, Amos and Priya have established aCross designs as a dominant player in the field.
As strong advocates for transparency and craftsmanship, Amos and Priya ensure each project receives full attention and equal expertise, regardless of size. Transforming spaces into a reflection of their clients’ personalities, the founders create more than just designs — they are crafting the dreams of their clients.
A trusted name in the field of design and renovation, aCross designs by Amos and Priya Antin are a reflection of their relentless efforts to offer nothing but just the best in the region, turning dreams into reality.
Amos Antin | Priya Antin | aCross designs
8. Ayman Dalati | Mastering Complex Projects with Precision and Vision
Ayman Dalati is the Associate Projects Director in Riyadh. He has worked in the entertainment, retail, and fit-out industries for more than 21 years. He graduated from Aleppo University and leads projects from initial design to final handover, with a focus on budget control, risk handling, and sustainable practices. He spent nearly 5 years at Seven and 5 years at Majid Al Futtaim. He now serves as Projects Director at Holovis, overseeing all KSA-based initiatives like high-end projects, and entertainment centres.
He began his education at Aleppo University and learnt about all stages of project development in difficult-to-work-in industries. He moved up through essential roles, such as
Projects Manager & Facility Specialist at Majid Al Futtaim, Then senior projects manager at Seven, which strengthened his ability to coordinate teams and improve business efficiency. By early 2026, his appointment at Holovis was a step up that allowed him to run large KSA projects and deliver outstanding results on complicated builds.
He is excellent at leading teams through every step of a project. He focuses on using designs that are modern and sustainable. He also ensures the budget is followed and risks are managed so the work proceeds smoothly. This approach is especially successful in important places like high-end shops and entertainment spaces.
Ayman produces greater results by streamlining processes and getting the team to agree on key goals. He focuses on proper leadership that can overcome difficulties and make them into successes. He does this by combining his knowledge with plans that look to the future. The work he does creates lasting change.
9. Corine Palierse | Blending Art, Sustainability, and Leadership Across Industries
Corine Palierse lives in France. She has strong ties to Madagascar’s culture. She works in art, hotels, energy, law, business, and helps people. She loves creating. Sports like Okinawan Kobudo taught her focus and strength. She values realness and respecting time. In 2006, she started NAINY & CO, a Painting Workshop and Decorating Shop. It makes painted porcelain for tables, furniture, and decor. In 2023, she began HK by CP Hospitality Consultancy Agency for Corporate Social Responsibility. She also started Phoenix & Orchidaceae ASSOCIATION, focused on renewable energy, and to help Madagascar grow strong.
As a kid, she played piano tunes and wrote poems. After injuries, she healed by painting. She joined the Yvelines Chamber of Artistic Crafts and the International Chamber of Commerce. NAINY & CO teams up with glass and clay workers from Madagascar. Her work was shown twice at the Louvre art show. She paints with gold and silver. Designs come from history, nature, and explorers. In jobs, she fixed systems. As an office helper, she used colors for files. As a law helper, she tracked cases in Excel. She always made things work better and look nice.
Corine changes places for the better. She uses plans and kindness. HK by CP helps hotels in creation, in opening. It checks work, trains teams, and sets up smooth starts. She tracks teams with data tools. Phoenix & Orchidaceae fight hunger with farm teaching. It turns trash into power and food for soil. It pushes sun, wind, and water power. It saves nature with green trips and farm schools. These create jobs and strong local ways. They celebrate the work of Madagascar’s workers in sustainable tourism.
Corine leads with clear goals, kindness, and teamwork. She mixes art with green ideas. She lifts people and places. Creativity and care for all make real change.
10. Thomas Stedham | Leading Healthcare Access and Public Service in Alabama
Thomas Stedham lives in the Greater Montgomery Area, Alabama. He spent almost 30 years in public service with the Alabama Medicaid Agency. He retired as Associate Director on September 1, 2025. For vulnerable communities, he advocates for operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and fair access to healthcare.
As Liens Administrator from 2017 to 2020, Stedham recovered $21 million in Medicaid liens, safeguarding critical agency resources. He then served as Associate Director in Medical & Quality Review from 2020 to 2023, where he managed a $10 million RFP renewal to ensure the continuity of essential services. Since October 2023, he has run the Medicaid Resource Center. There, he fixed over 150 rule breaks, cut eligibility wait times by 30%, and led teams of up to 60 people. He knows Medicaid rules, projects, team leading, and working across groups.
After COVID, he kept things steady, picked vendors, and followed HIPAA by clearing old records. He improved daily work, trained staff on care rules, and kept programs honest during tough times. Now retired, he speaks on leading teams, staying motivated, beating hard times, and making good choices.
The three pillars of Stedham’s leadership philosophy are impact, strategy, and service. He is renowned for translating complex rules into initiatives that put people first while building resilience through work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and mentoring. He has continued to share his knowledge as a speaker on decision-making, team building, leadership, motivation, and overcoming adversity since he retired. His legacy is one of tenacity, responsibility, and a long-lasting improvement in the provision of healthcare.
Conclusion:
The 10 impactful leaders featured in the article are not just professionals who turned their ideas into reality; they are exceptional leaders who have been revolutionizing the way industries operate across the globe.
Also Read :-
10 Impactful Leaders Driving Global Transformation
Top 10 Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future
