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Named 2024’s Most Trailblazing Business Leader by CIO TODAY MAGAZINE

At just 28 years old, the distinction of being named the “Most Trailblazing Business Leader of the Year 2024” by CIO TODAY MAGAZINE is both humbling and exhilarating. Featured prominently on the magazine’s cover and with my story shared within its pages, this recognition marks a significant milestone in my journey.

My life and business ventures have taken me across continents, from the cobblestone streets of Europe to the bustling markets of Southeast Asia, the vibrant landscapes of Central America, the diverse cultures of Africa, and the dynamic cities of the Middle East. Each region has offered unique challenges and invaluable lessons that have shaped my approach to leadership and entrepreneurship.

Navigating the complexities of global commerce at such a young age has been a thrilling adventure, fueled by a relentless drive to innovate and create positive change. From founding startups to spearheading multinational initiatives, my journey has been defined by a commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new opportunities.

As I reflect on this honor, I am reminded of the countless individuals who have supported and inspired me along the way. To them, I extend my deepest gratitude. And to aspiring young leaders around the world, I offer this advice: dare to dream boldly, seize every opportunity, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. For the journey ahead is filled with endless possibilities, waiting to be explored and conquered.

 

Read the full magazine article on: https://theciotoday.com/awards/most-trailblazing-business-leader-renowned-for-excellence-of-the-year-2024-victoria-schaal/

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Worth Society: ‘Victoria Schaal: A Leading Light in Contemporary Art’

 
From: https://worthconnecting.org.uk/news/news-from-the-worthian-network/82/82-A-leading-light-in-contemporary-art
 
 

I was born in Paris, but grew up in Venice, before arriving at Worth in 2011 to do the IB. After Worth I went on to the University of Exeter where I studied Management & Marketing with Spanish. I plunged myself into the business world the moment I started my studies, working as a door-to-door salesperson for an organic food company to becoming a Marketing Analyst for a leading company in the customer service training industry.

But it was also whilst at university that my artistic adventure began. I was walking through Exeter one day when I spotted a Nikon digital camera in the window of a pawn shop. It was love at first sight, and after a few months of self-learning I became an official photographer for Getty Images and Shutterstock.

With my degree in my pocket, I thought it was time to leave the then Brexit-oriented UK and I lead a rather nomadic life working in Europe, Southeast Asia and Central America as a marketing professional, photographer and content creator. I ended up in Malaysia where I enrolled in a humanitarian mission that gave me a place to sleep and an opportunity to get to know the country. I had planned to stay in Malaysia for 4 months, but it turned into nearly 3 years. In fact, due to my professional marketing experience and my photography background, 123RF, one of the world’s largest stock creative content companies, hired me as a Marketing Executive in its Kuala Lumpur HQ.

Life in Malaysia was exciting and novel, I had the impression I was learning something new every second, although life could be dangerous at times for a young Western woman and I did have a few scary experiences during my years there.

Yearning for a new adventure, eventually I left Asia. For a change, this time I moved West. I settled in Martinique, an island in the French Caribbean. There I worked freelance offering digital marketing solutions, photography and graphic design. I also further pursued my artistic vocation and 2020 Capsules Australia, a renowned design guide, elected me as one of the Leaders in Contemporary Art.

Doing business in the Caribbean became rather challenging, and as my clientele was starting to list businesses and organisations worldwide and the pandemic was cutting off islands from the rest of the world in every aspect, I returned temporarily to my hometown of Venice.

Now, I am a listed artist at Saatchi Art Gallery, an official photographer and illustrator for several agencies and I participate in stock photography related projects with the valuable insights I have gained through my professional experience.

My only wish is that the pandemic will soon fade so that we can all start grasping opportunities abroad soon.

Victoria Schaal StM’13

 

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