Leaders Making a Difference 2025 Report
In an era where the global landscape is rapidly evolving, the role of leadership has never been more critical.
The "Leaders Making a Difference, 2025" interview series offers a compelling glimpse into the minds of visionary leaders who are driving transformative change across various industries.
These leaders are not only navigating their organisations through complex challenges but are also setting new benchmarks for sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. Through their stories, we gain valuable insights into the principles and practices that define effective leadership in today’s dynamic world.
The interviews featured in this series span a diverse range of sectors, from sustainability and technology to health and safety, and beyond. Each leader brings a unique perspective shaped by their personal experiences, professional journeys, and the specific challenges of their industries.
A seasoned professional and an experienced leader, Cédric Parentelli, Managing Director at dss+ is this year’s Ambassador for the dss+ Leaders Making a Difference initiative. Cédric’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in the principles of teamwork, happiness, and the ability to win hearts and minds. His insights provide a valuable blueprint for navigating large-scale transformation projects and fostering a culture of genuine engagement and resilience.
I am delighted to invite you to explore the “Leaders Making a Difference, 2025” interview series. This collection of interviews showcases the experiences, insights, and wisdom of visionary leaders who are driving transformative change across various industries. Their stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of today’s dynamic world.
Through these interviews, you will gain valuable perspectives on sustainability, the power of technology, and the importance of inclusive leadership. The openness and authenticity of these leaders offer a realistic and comprehensive view of what it takes to lead effectively in our modern era.
I am deeply appreciative of the time and effort each interviewee has invested in sharing their journeys. Their dedication to making a positive difference is evident and commendable. It is leaders like them who inspire meaningful change and encourage others to strive for excellence.
I invite you to read these interviews and be inspired by the remarkable stories and insights they contain. Together, we can learn from their experiences and apply their lessons to our own leadership journeys.
Meet our 2025 interviewees
Born and raised on a Kuwaiti oil field, Sara Akbar’s early experiences strongly shaped her career. As a chemical petroleum engineer and one of the first women CEOs in the Arabian oil industry, Sara is passionate about female empowerment, mentoring tomorrow’s talent and championing her industry and country. Sara talks to dss+ about how determination, transparency and going the extra mile have helped support her journey.
Elim’s three-decade career has taken her from finance to forestry to sustainability. In that time, she has learned that true leadership comes from active listening, understanding different perspectives and having the confidence to drive change even in the face of challenges.
Wendi Bains, Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer at Fletcher Building, discusses the company's journey to a world-class safety culture. Following a reassessment after a series of fatalities, Fletcher Building shifted from compliance to commitment, empowered line-led safety, and achieved a remarkable 90% reduction in serious injuries.
Tina Van Hoecke, Global Senior Channel Manager Organised Chains for Arla Foods, possesses extensive experience, an open mindset, and a passion for the foodservice industry. Tina explains why she thrives in a dynamic, challenging, and exciting international environment and how resilience and cultural collaboration are key to shaping the future, driving value, and bringing solutions to organised chains.
Fuelled by curiosity and a passion for learning, Retno has launched herself into the male-dominated mining industry in Indonesia over three decades ago. Today, she is a fearless advocate of safety; and hopes to inspire the next generation through thoughtful guidance and mentorship.
Born and raised on a Kuwaiti oil field, Sara Akbar’s early experiences strongly shaped her career. As a chemical petroleum engineer and one of the first women CEOs in the Arabian oil industry, Sara is passionate about female empowerment, mentoring tomorrow’s talent and championing her industry and country. Sara talks to dss+ about how determination, transparency and going the extra mile have helped support her journey.
Elim’s three-decade career has taken her from finance to forestry to sustainability. In that time, she has learned that true leadership comes from active listening, understanding different perspectives and having the confidence to drive change even in the face of challenges.
Wendi Bains, Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer at Fletcher Building, discusses the company's journey to a world-class safety culture. Following a reassessment after a series of fatalities, Fletcher Building shifted from compliance to commitment, empowered line-led safety, and achieved a remarkable 90% reduction in serious injuries.
Tina Van Hoecke, Global Senior Channel Manager Organised Chains for Arla Foods, possesses extensive experience, an open mindset, and a passion for the foodservice industry. Tina explains why she thrives in a dynamic, challenging, and exciting international environment and how resilience and cultural collaboration are key to shaping the future, driving value, and bringing solutions to organised chains.
Fuelled by curiosity and a passion for learning, Retno has launched herself into the male-dominated mining industry in Indonesia over three decades ago. Today, she is a fearless advocate of safety; and hopes to inspire the next generation through thoughtful guidance and mentorship.
Driven by a quest for greater efficiency and a sharp focus on transforming organizational culture, Daniela serves as the Vice-president of Grupo SADA, overseeing various strategic areas and supporting over 30 companies within the Group.
Virginie Le Barbu is on a mission to convert as many people as possible into sustainability champions to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable business models and practices. Here Virginie shares her expertise and insights, discussing the role of the technology industry to drive global sustainability initiatives that will help ensure a more sustainable future.
For Sara Peña Astorquia, sustainability represents a way of understanding life and how the world should work. Now as Sustainability Director at Zelestra, an energy company on a mission to make decarbonisation a reality, Sara explains how empathy, communication, and international outlook have combined to ensure sustainability programmes make a lasting impact.
From managing complex industrial assets to leading cultural transformation projects, Mar Perrote is an enthusiastic advocate of multiculturalism, a mindset that has seen her work in five countries across three continents. Now, as a Global Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) at Moeve, the new brand of the former company Cepsa, she talks to dss+ about drawing on her international experience to drive meaningful change.
A focus on ethical values, a clear ability to strategise and a passion for putting people and planet before profits have helped guide Anna Swaithes to her current position as Chief Sustainability Officer at The Crown Estate. Now working for an organisation responsible for a prime city and substantial rural portfolio, as well as the seabed and half the foreshore around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Anna explains why being prepared to step into the boots of others and doughnut economics can help improve sustainability goals.
Driven by a quest for greater efficiency and a sharp focus on transforming organizational culture, Daniela serves as the Vice-president of Grupo SADA, overseeing various strategic areas and supporting over 30 companies within the Group.
Virginie Le Barbu is on a mission to convert as many people as possible into sustainability champions to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable business models and practices. Here Virginie shares her expertise and insights, discussing the role of the technology industry to drive global sustainability initiatives that will help ensure a more sustainable future.
For Sara Peña Astorquia, sustainability represents a way of understanding life and how the world should work. Now as Sustainability Director at Zelestra, an energy company on a mission to make decarbonisation a reality, Sara explains how empathy, communication, and international outlook have combined to ensure sustainability programmes make a lasting impact.
From managing complex industrial assets to leading cultural transformation projects, Mar Perrote is an enthusiastic advocate of multiculturalism, a mindset that has seen her work in five countries across three continents. Now, as a Global Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) at Moeve, the new brand of the former company Cepsa, she talks to dss+ about drawing on her international experience to drive meaningful change.
A focus on ethical values, a clear ability to strategise and a passion for putting people and planet before profits have helped guide Anna Swaithes to her current position as Chief Sustainability Officer at The Crown Estate. Now working for an organisation responsible for a prime city and substantial rural portfolio, as well as the seabed and half the foreshore around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Anna explains why being prepared to step into the boots of others and doughnut economics can help improve sustainability goals.
With a background in chemical engineering, Pınar Çağdaş Duran’s career has been shaped by a mission to raise the bar on safety. As Technical Safety Director at Tüpraş, she tells dss+ how a team approach and a focus on leadership qualities is the best platform for achieving higher safety standards.
Dr. Linda Wu believes that true breakthroughs come not from chasing perfection, but from the exploration of the unknown and the courage to improve continuously—“Perfection is the enemy of good.” She is dedicated to nurturing future leaders and empowering women to lead boldly in innovation-driven industries.
With a background in chemical engineering, Pınar Çağdaş Duran’s career has been shaped by a mission to raise the bar on safety. As Technical Safety Director at Tüpraş, she tells dss+ how a team approach and a focus on leadership qualities is the best platform for achieving higher safety standards.
Dr. Linda Wu believes that true breakthroughs come not from chasing perfection, but from the exploration of the unknown and the courage to improve continuously—“Perfection is the enemy of good.” She is dedicated to nurturing future leaders and empowering women to lead boldly in innovation-driven industries.
Born and raised on a Kuwaiti oil field, Sara Akbar’s early experiences strongly shaped her career. As a chemical petroleum engineer and one of the first women CEOs in the Arabian oil industry, Sara is passionate about female empowerment, mentoring tomorrow’s talent and championing her industry and country. Sara talks to dss+ about how determination, transparency and going the extra mile have helped support her journey.
Elim’s three-decade career has taken her from finance to forestry to sustainability. In that time, she has learned that true leadership comes from active listening, understanding different perspectives and having the confidence to drive change even in the face of challenges.
Wendi Bains, Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer at Fletcher Building, discusses the company's journey to a world-class safety culture. Following a reassessment after a series of fatalities, Fletcher Building shifted from compliance to commitment, empowered line-led safety, and achieved a remarkable 90% reduction in serious injuries.
Tina Van Hoecke, Global Senior Channel Manager Organised Chains for Arla Foods, possesses extensive experience, an open mindset, and a passion for the foodservice industry. Tina explains why she thrives in a dynamic, challenging, and exciting international environment and how resilience and cultural collaboration are key to shaping the future, driving value, and bringing solutions to organised chains.
Fuelled by curiosity and a passion for learning, Retno has launched herself into the male-dominated mining industry in Indonesia over three decades ago. Today, she is a fearless advocate of safety; and hopes to inspire the next generation through thoughtful guidance and mentorship.
Driven by a quest for greater efficiency and a sharp focus on transforming organizational culture, Daniela serves as the Vice-president of Grupo SADA, overseeing various strategic areas and supporting over 30 companies within the Group.
Virginie Le Barbu is on a mission to convert as many people as possible into sustainability champions to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable business models and practices. Here Virginie shares her expertise and insights, discussing the role of the technology industry to drive global sustainability initiatives that will help ensure a more sustainable future.
For Sara Peña Astorquia, sustainability represents a way of understanding life and how the world should work. Now as Sustainability Director at Zelestra, an energy company on a mission to make decarbonisation a reality, Sara explains how empathy, communication, and international outlook have combined to ensure sustainability programmes make a lasting impact.
From managing complex industrial assets to leading cultural transformation projects, Mar Perrote is an enthusiastic advocate of multiculturalism, a mindset that has seen her work in five countries across three continents. Now, as a Global Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) at Moeve, the new brand of the former company Cepsa, she talks to dss+ about drawing on her international experience to drive meaningful change.
A focus on ethical values, a clear ability to strategise and a passion for putting people and planet before profits have helped guide Anna Swaithes to her current position as Chief Sustainability Officer at The Crown Estate. Now working for an organisation responsible for a prime city and substantial rural portfolio, as well as the seabed and half the foreshore around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Anna explains why being prepared to step into the boots of others and doughnut economics can help improve sustainability goals.
With a background in chemical engineering, Pınar Çağdaş Duran’s career has been shaped by a mission to raise the bar on safety. As Technical Safety Director at Tüpraş, she tells dss+ how a team approach and a focus on leadership qualities is the best platform for achieving higher safety standards.
Dr. Linda Wu believes that true breakthroughs come not from chasing perfection, but from the exploration of the unknown and the courage to improve continuously—“Perfection is the enemy of good.” She is dedicated to nurturing future leaders and empowering women to lead boldly in innovation-driven industries.
Toward a more conscious model of leadership
The next era of leadership will not be defined by titles, pedigree, or even technical expertise. It will be defined by coherence – by how well leaders align purpose with action, values with strategy, and profit with impact. The emerging model of leadership is deeply conscious, systems-oriented, and grounded in human dignity.
This evolution is being driven not just by regulation or reputation, but by necessity. Climate change, geopolitical volatility, shifting labour markets, and rising stakeholder expectations demand a new playbook—one that views resilience and responsibility not as trade-offs, but as dual engines of progress.
In this future, the most admired organisations will be those that take a stand—not just on sustainability or diversity, but on how business can serve as a force for good. Leadership will be measured not only by what is built, but by who is lifted. Decision-making will shift from extractive logic to regenerative thinking. Companies will be valued not just for what they do, but for how they do it, and why.
This shift also requires courage. Purpose-driven leadership is not about perfect answers—it’s about transparent experimentation, collaborative problem-solving, and the humility to listen, learn, and adapt. It’s about fostering cultures where people feel safe to challenge norms, where failure is reframed as learning, and where progress is collective.
The leaders shaping this future will be those who can hold both complexity and clarity. They will navigate ambiguity with empathy, drive innovation with ethics, and respond to global risks with local understanding. They will know that sustainable performance isn’t just about hitting KPIs – it’s about building institutions that people trust, ecosystems that endure, and legacies that matter.