Visionary Leader in Strategic Foresight, High-End Design & Organizational Transformation Among 2026’s Most Influential Executive Luminaries
In an era defined by constant disruption, global uncertainty, and rapidly evolving technologies, organizations are increasingly seeking leaders who can look beyond immediate challenges and design strategies that endure. Strategic foresight, human-centered design, and systemic thinking are no longer optional capabilities; they are essential for organizations striving to remain relevant and resilient. In this special edition, we are proud to feature Elena Kyrnassiou-Athanassoula, Vice President and Group Executive Director of STIRIXIS Group, whose work stands at the forefront of strategic transformation and future-focused leadership.
On Cover
Elena Kyrnassiou-Athanassoula
Vice President & Group Executive Director, STIRIXIS Group
In a world where organizations chase the next trend while struggling to grasp the one after, Elena Kyrnassiou-Athanassoula stands as a rare breed of executive who doesn’t just predict the future but architects it. Her journey from mathematician to one of the most influential voices in strategic transformation reveals a fundamental truth: the spaces we inhabit, the systems we build, and the behaviors we cultivate are not separate elements but one living, breathing ecosystem.
Kallie Carter,
Founder & CEO, The Next Level Transformational Consulting and Coaching
In a world where personal transformation has become both a pursuit and a necessity, few voices resonate with the authenticity and depth that comes from lived experience. Lori Gradley stands as one such voice, a mindset coach and author whose journey into the realm of personal development began not in a classroom or boardroom, but in a hospital bed during her teenage years.
Sorcha Drakeford
Creative Director & Founder of Design@Studio17
In an industry where aesthetics often overshadow functionality, one designer is challenging the conventional approach to hospitality spaces. Sorcha Drakeford’s journey from restaurant floors to design studios represents a rare fusion of operational expertise and creative vision, proving that the most impactful designs emerge from genuine understanding of how spaces truly work.
