Leadership in 2025 looks different. It’s no longer just about growth or innovation—it’s about real-world impact. Across the globe, a new class of leaders is stepping up, turning ideas into action and setting new standards for leadership.
These top 10 leaders are not chasing headlines. Instead, they are focused on results that matter—whether it’s in business, sustainability, healthcare, or education. Their work is clear, practical, and rooted in long-term change.
In recognizing these top 10 leaders, we’re spotlighting those who bring both vision and responsibility to the table. They are building the future by addressing today’s most urgent needs with steady focus and real-world solutions.
Meet the Top 10 Leaders Shaping Tomorrow, Today
Below are the top 10 leaders who are guiding their industries forward, solving problems that matter, and helping shape a more balanced and forward-thinking world.
1. Empowering A Future Of Clean Energy | Alicia Eastman
A distinguished visionary with nearly three decades of experience in international investment, private equity, project finance, and corporate strategy, Alicia Eastman plays a pivotal role in advancing global sustainability and energy transition efforts, exemplifying strong leadership in her field.
As the Managing Director of APC Investors and Co-Founder and Board Director of InterContinental Energy, Alicia has demonstrated remarkable influence in shaping the energy landscape. She co-founded InterContinental Energy in 2014, where she served as President until 2024, and remains an integral part of the company’s strategic direction through her board involvement. Her foresight and guidance were instrumental in the development of some of the world’s largest green hydrogen and ammonia projects located in Australia and the Gulf, driving decarbonization in challenging sectors such as shipping, heavy industry, chemicals, and power generation.
Alicia’s entrepreneurial drive led to the creation of APC Investors, aimed at providing Agile, Purposeful, and Catalytic capital and advisory support to the energy efficiency, clean molecules, green energy supply chain, and climate change adaptation and mitigation sectors. Her strategic acumen is further evidenced by her role on the boards of several CleanTech companies, including CHIPX, which specializes in more powerful and inexpensive semiconductors and microchips, utilizing significantly less energy to both manufacture and utilize.
As a trailblazer in the hydrogen economy, Alicia co-hosts the cult favorite podcast “Everything About Hydrogen,” offering valuable insights into the future of the sector. She also lends her expertise to various influential advisory boards, including the McKinsey & Company Sustainability Advisory Council, the Global Hydrogen Advisory Board of the Sustainable Energy Council, and the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance Board of Trustees.
Alicia’s expertise and influence extend to prestigious global platforms such as the UN, COP, WEF, ADSW, ADIPEC, Bloomberg, FII, and more, where she continues to advocate for innovative solutions in sustainability. With her leadership, vision, and strategic direction, Alicia is shaping the future of clean energy.
2. Ilya Mikin | The Visionary Leader Behind Wall ID
Ilya is highly proficient in developing and executing innovative digital strategies, managing all facets of marketing operations, and devising comprehensive market plans. And his ability to balance strategic thinking with operational excellence makes him a valuable asset for a business. Completing his education from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business further solidifies his excellence and he is also an active member of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Ilya’s brand, Wall ID is all set to establish itself as a leader in embedded finance for E-commerce. The platform helps online businesses boost profitability by increasing conversion rates while reducing fraud, chargebacks, and payment fees. Adept at executing integrated marketing campaigns and delivering exceptional outcomes, Ilya’s leadership and exceptional sales acumen have played a crucial role in establishing the company’s position as a leader in the field.
3. Jack Boath | Pioneering Intelligent Infrastructure & Operational Excellence in Energy
A champion of digitization, Jack launched a groundbreaking compliance platform within ESCO’s proprietary HeliOS system — enabling clients to switch seamlessly between regulatory frameworks across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This innovation has not only cut down audit times but has ensured frictionless regional scalability for ESCO’s clientele. He also spearheaded the development of an advanced drone data analytics platform that integrates photogrammetry and LiDAR to conduct remote structural analysis in challenging offshore and onshore environments. Under his leadership, ESCO is now setting the gold standard for drone-based inspections across the GCC.
Jack’s vision extends into training and talent development, having conceptualized and built a full-scale industrial academy replicating real-life aviation and marine environments. The facility trains professionals in safe logistics movement, periodic inspections, and robotics deployment — preparing teams to lead the future of integrated maintenance and safety.
Under his guidance, ESCO has not only deepened its regional footprint but expanded into niche global markets, leveraging smart partnerships and technical excellence. With three transformative engineering solutions currently under trial in regional shipyards and offshore installations, Jack is steering ESCO toward a turnkey EPC model that promises agility, precision, and impact.
“Technology isn’t replacing people,” Jack says. “It’s empowering them to do more — safely, smarter, and faster.” Jack Boath is not just transforming how industrial maintenance and inspections are done — he’s reshaping the very future of infrastructure intelligence.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
4. Empowering Businesses To Achieve Sustainable Success | Lalitha Iyer
Bringing over two decades of industry experience, Lalitha Iyer, Founder and Managing Director at Megafin Capital LLC, plays a crucial role in placing the company in a commendable position. With her expertise in structuring and presenting transactions, Lalitha is building the cornerstone of Megafin’s success.
With a proven track record of concluding landmark transactions in the UAE and internationally, Lalitha empowers businesses across the MENA region by connecting them with the right partners and opportunities through Megafin Capital. For her academic endeavors, Lalitha Iyer has completed a Master’s in Economics from the University of Kerala and has been previously associated with major roles in companies like MFC.
Megafin Capital is dedicated to facilitating successful transactions and providing customized solutions that foster long-term growth, trust, and success in a dynamic business landscape. Holding a vision to be one of the leading firms in the MENA region, the company aims to continuously expand its network, enabling businesses to unlock new potential and achieve sustainable success globally. At Megafin Capital, Lalitha is pioneering innovation and connection, fostering business excellence across the entire MENA region.
5. Sunita Teckchand | Wellness Through Alternative Therapies
With over 27 years of practice in Clinical Aromatherapy, Sunita Teckchand has in-depth knowledge of the power of essential oils and the power of Alternative therapies. After completing her studies in Clinical Aromatherapy, she broadened her knowledge and expertise in different fields, including Kinesiology, Hypnotherapy, Master NLP Practitioner, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, The Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu Healing, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Regression sessions, Rebirthing and multiple levels of Therapeutic Massage training.
Observing the significant impact of natural therapies, Sunita is passionate about these therapies and looks forward to sharing this knowledge and skill. To make these skills accessible, Sunita has found The Holistic Alternatives. As the Director and Principal Tutor of The Holistic Alternatives, Sunita offers short courses in Aromatherapy, Jin Shin Jyutsu self-help classes, multiple modalities of practical therapeutic massage training, Reflexology, Manual lymphatic drainage, and much more. “At present, my emphasis is on training, and I travel to different countries to offer practical training classes in these modalities and upgrade the therapist skills,” she mentions. The platform also offers a diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy and accredited courses from The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) UK, and The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), USA.
She has also published her first chapter in a book called ‘She is Remarkable,’ which has been written by 29 amazing women about their struggles in life and how they overcame these obstacles to be who they are today. Moreover, she is a keynote speaker at Traditional Medicine conferences, which discuss different topics in the alternative field. With a strong belief in a well-rounded approach to holistic health, Sunita emphasizes both Western and Eastern sciences, and the art of natural healing.
6. Moritz Beck | Empowering Companies to Communicate Smarter with Conversational AI
For over a decade, Moritz Beck has dedicated his career to making business communication smarter, faster, and more human. As the CEO and Founder of Memacon, he helps companies seamlessly integrate Conversational AI into their customer interactions – across both B2C and B2B.
While AI can seem complex, Beck makes it simple. Through WhatsApp automation, chatbots, and AI-powered onboarding, Memacon delivers fast, measurable results – often with no additional apps required. His practical, user-focused approach has helped companies of all sizes turn messaging into a powerful business channel. To guide organizations at the beginning of their AI journey, Beck developed the Discovery Workshop – a one-day, hands-on format that helps teams identify the right use cases and build a clear strategy. “It’s where ideas turn into decisions,” he explains.
Beck is also the author of “Chatbots”, published by Springer Verlag in Germany – a comprehensive guidebook that explores how conversational systems are transforming communication and customer experience. His insights combine academic depth with practical relevance, making him a sought-after speaker and advisor.
Their focus on WhatsApp is because that’s where customers already are. Memacon helps brands engage users with interactive product updates, support flows, recruiting bots, and more – all directly in the world’s most-used messaging app. With open rates of up to 90% and CTRs far above email, the results speak for themselves.
With more than a decade of experience and seven years of dedicated advocacy for AI-powered communication, Beck is helping to redefine how businesses connect with people. His mission is to make communication not only more efficient, but truly enjoyable. With Memacon, Moritz Beck isn’t just riding the AI wave – he’s helping businesses lead it.
LinkedIn | Website | Test the WhatsAI-Trainer
7. Mfon Uwa | Empowering African Farmers With AI-Infused Products
As the Founder and CTO of Yiieldy Technologies, Uwa empowers African farmers with AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity and minimize waste, envisioning a future where farming is economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Yiieldy Technologies is an AgTech platform that provides farmers with advanced tools for informed decision-making without requiring technical expertise. The platform helps farmers efficiently feed livestock, balancing input and output for maximum profits. Additionally, Yiieldy is applying AI-driven precision agriculture to crop farming, currently empowering local farmers in the Southern region of Nigeria in unparalleled ways. With plans to expand across Nigeria and into Kenya and Uganda, Yiieldy aims to make AI a key resource in agriculture, optimizing resource use and forecasting yields.
As Yiieldy evolves, Uwa remains committed to addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges through technology, combining his technical skills and entrepreneurial vision to reshape the future of farming.
8. Mahmood Hussein | Pioneering the Drone Revolution
Mahmood Hussein is not just redefining an industry—he’s building a legacy. As the founder and CEO of Global Drone Solutions (GDS), Australia’s most awarded drone pilot training company, Mahmood has cemented his reputation as a visionary who turns emerging trends into world-class enterprises. Over the last nine years, GDS has evolved from a bold idea into a national leader, trusted by tier-one companies like Rio Tinto, BHP, Shell, and Woodside, and recognized by the Australian Defence Force and multiple levels of government.
Under Mahmood’s leadership, GDS has trained over 6,000 pilots, delivered cutting-edge certifications including BVLOS and Night Ops, launched virtual drone simulators, and developed nationally accredited training programs. His drive to elevate industry standards has not only made drone operations safer and more professional but has opened doors for individuals from all walks of life—giving many their first step into a tech-driven future.
Recognized with the Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2022), the Mal Bryce Tech Company of the Year (2023), and the 2024 Outstanding Leadership in Training Award from Aviation/Aerospace Australia, Mahmood is driven by more than just commercial success. His passion lies in empowering others. GDS supports Indigenous ranger programs, sponsors drone education in high schools, and provides training to enable others to start their own drone businesses. Mahmood’s mantra is simple but powerful: “Leave the planet better than you found it.”
Though he began life in rural South Asia and left school early, Mahmood’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. He went on to earn a mechanical engineering degree, lead multinational businesses, and launch successful ventures such as Global Energy Learning Solutions and Industrial Metaverse. But it’s in the skies—through drones—that he has found his greatest impact.
Mahmood Hussein is not just keeping up with the future—he’s flying ahead of it.
9. Esteban Rey Ortega | Transforming Businesses With Cloud Solutions
Esteban Rey Ortega is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ignia Cloud, a company that provides high-performance cloud infrastructure solutions for businesses. With over 25 years of experience in the IT and cloud industries, he has led the launch and expansion of Ignia Cloud, standing out for his personalized approach and quality of service. He is also the CTO of Pilou, driving technological solutions in the financial sector, and CEO of Orange Rhino Investment, with diversified investments. His visionary leadership and previous experience as founder of DeSiCI and co-founder of OnCloud have established him as a leader in digital transformation and cloud computing.
Ignia Cloud will open a new chapter in the technology landscape of Mexico and Latin America, bringing high-performance infrastructure to companies of all sizes. Under the leadership of Esteban Rey, a visionary of the digital future, Ignia Cloud will democratize access to robust, secure, and customized cloud solutions previously exclusive to large corporations. This initiative represents a major advancement that will allow organizations to innovate, scale, and compete in an increasingly demanding global market.
Esteban Rey Ortega’s experience and leadership are essential to this mission. His deep understanding of the needs of the Latin American market, combined with the cutting-edge technology offered by Ignia Cloud, is beginning to pave the way for an unprecedented digital transformation. By prioritizing flexibility, transparency, and specialized support, Ignia Cloud will position itself as a key strategic partner for companies seeking to boost their growth and achieve their technological goals in Mexico and throughout Latin America.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Dr. Karen Wendt | A Partner And Guide To Sustainable Finance Journey
A futurist, ecosystem architect, and impact investor, Dr. Karen Wendt started her career in investment banking, where she developed and implemented an acquisition strategy for two top-tier institutions, was instrumental in building up project finance, and finally introduced sustainability. Her journey has taught her that impact is created by new companies entering the market. Imagining the future of investing, finance, and banking requires understanding web3, tokenization, assetization, and a decentralized financial system. Karen wants to make sure that women are on board for this journey.
With a PhD from ViModul University Vienna for her research in impact investing and institutional clients, Dr. Wendt is the editor of the Sustainable Finance science series, and is the President of the SwissFinTechLadies. She has had senior roles in banking and asset management over the last two decades, and she has also spent years in the financial industry.
Dr. Wendt supports professional investors in impact investing strategies and provides business intelligence to investors and corporations as the CEO of Eccos Impact GmbH. It supports being an impact investor, making the change leadership approach successful. Eccos offers tools for advanced portfolio engineering, creating ecosystems, de-risking assets, prototyping products, and implementing theories of change. Apart from her
Dr. Wendt has even published several investment books in German and English, hosts her own Sustainable Finance Series, and is a sought-after Keynote Speaker with A-Speakers Association.
Conclusion
The top 10 leaders featured here are proof that the future belongs to those who act with intention. They are not only building strong businesses—they are influencing how we think, work, and live. Each of them represents a unique path to leadership, but all share a deep sense of purpose. Their efforts remind us that progress does not always require loud disruption. Often, it’s driven by clear goals, honest work, and a commitment to doing what’s right. As we move deeper into 2025, these top 10 leaders offer a grounded example of what leadership should look like: focused, thoughtful, and genuinely future-ready.
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