Name: Christina DiArcangelo

Title: CEO

Organisation: Affinity Bio Partners, Affinity Patient Advocacy, Spectral Analytics Precision Tele-Monitoring, Christina DiArcangelo, Sparkle Sisters

A Global, Award-Winning Entrepreneur and CEO with more than two decades of experience in the medical cannabis, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and medical device industries, Christina’s dedication to revolutionizing patient care is unprecedented. Through her roles as CEO, Spectral Analytics Precision Tele-Monitoring, Founder and CEO of Affinity Bio Partners, Board President and CEO of Affinity Patient Advocacy, Christina has been involved with revolutionary projects and global clinical studies that positively impact patients including formulating new products. Christina has spoken at many events including delivering Keynote addresses as well as organizing her own education events for her multiple companies.

Christina has a personal brand, I am Christina DiArcangelo with a podcast channel (I am Christina DiArcangelo) where she speaks to many exciting, thought-provoking guests. Christina has also developed merchandise under Affinity Patient Advocacy and Christina DiArcangelo and launched a merchandise company called Sparkle Sisters.

Christina has launched an e-magazine called The DiArc. The DiArc is a lifestyle magazine that shines a spotlight on all topics that apply to Christina DiArcangelo.

As an award winning global clinical research pioneer, and Christina is also an Opinion Columnist for CEO WorldBiz, she has utilized the tools at her disposal to champion patient care and provide best-in-class patient advocacy services. For Christina, patient care and safety come first.

As an active Bahai’ and mother to her one son, Christian, she believes that listening, learning, and growing are everyday values that can change the world by impacting our own hearts, homes, and communities.

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Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

I spend a great deal of time with all of my teams and thoroughly explain business objectives. I share information freely with my teams so they are always aware as to what is going on.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

VISION and MISSION are foundational elements of an organization's identity and serve as guiding principles for its leaders and employees. In the context to me, they carry significant meaning and are integral to my approach in real-world, global business.

VISION:

A vision is a forward-looking statement that defines what an organization aspires to achieve in the future. It is a concise yet inspiring description of the long-term goals and outcomes the organization seeks. For me, my vision encompasses my deep commitment to fostering positive change, making a significant impact on the world, and improving the well-being of individuals and communities through my work.

In real-world business, a vision sets the ultimate destination, acting as a North Star that guides all decisions and actions within the organization. It unites the team around a common purpose and inspires them to work collectively toward a shared goal.

A vision helps in aligning strategies, objectives, and initiatives to ensure that they are all contributing to the larger purpose.

MISSION:

A mission statement outlines the fundamental purpose of an organization, including its core values, who it serves, and how it serves them. My mission centers on using my expertise in healthcare, biotechnology, patient advocacy, and business to drive meaningful change, promote sustainability, and positively impact the world through humanitarian endeavors.

In practice, a mission statement guides the day-to-day activities of an organization. It serves as a compass for decision-making, helping leaders and employees understand their roles and responsibilities in fulfilling the organization's purpose. It informs the company culture, shapes the organization's reputation, and helps build trust among stakeholders.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

1. Clear Communication: Effective leaders like me should prioritize clear and transparent communication. They ensure that their team understands the organization's goals, strategies, and individual roles. Open communication fosters trust and collaboration, making team members feel valued and informed.

2. Encourage Autonomy: Empowerment involves trusting your team to make decisions. Leaders should provide guidance and support but also allow team members the autonomy to take ownership of their work. This autonomy boosts confidence and encourages innovation.

3. Set Realistic Expectations: Leaders should set clear, achievable goals and expectations. I understands the importance of balancing challenges with realistic objectives. Setting unattainable targets can lead to frustration, while achievable goals promote a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

4. Provide Opportunities for Growth: Leaders encourage growth and development by offering opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement. I invest in the professional growth of my teams, whether through training, mentorship, or exposure to new challenges.

5. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Celebrating achievements, both big and small, is a crucial aspect of empowerment. Leaders like I acknowledge and appreciate their teams’ hard work, reinforcing a sense of value and motivation.

6. Foster a Supportive Environment: Leaders create an environment where team members feel safe to voice their ideas, concerns, and questions. I encourage an inclusive culture that welcomes diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

7. Lead by Example: Effective leaders lead by example, embodying the values and behaviors they wish to see in their teams. I demonstrate the qualities of dedication, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, inspiring my teams to do the same.

8. Adapt to Individual Needs: Empowering leadership recognizes that each team member may have different needs and motivations. I tailor my approach to individuals, understanding what drives and empowers each team member.

9. Encourage Risk-Taking: Leaders who encourage calculated risk-taking enable innovation and growth. I recognize that setbacks can be valuable learning experiences, and I support my teams in taking calculated risks.

10. Provide Feedback: Constructive feedback is essential for growth and empowerment. I offer regular feedback, highlighting strengths and suggesting areas for improvement.

By embodying these principles, I empower their teams to thrive, excel, and reach their full potential. Empowered teams are not only more productive but also more committed, engaged, and passionate about their work, which ultimately benefits the organization as a whole.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

I have had several mentors throughout my career and each one of them have provided me with tools to add to my tool box. Often, I use the tools in my tool box to help achieve goals that I have set or to push projects forward as needed.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Prioritization is key for me to maintain my focus. With several companies operating at the same time, it is easy to lose focus but I prioritize my day based on what is most important to focus on.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

I consistently review my calendar and look at the goals for a given period of time to assist in planning my month, day, and year ahead. I have a keen ability to pivot when things are not going as planned.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

You can never give up on your dreams. Often times as a leader you are going against the grid, and this is uncomfortable for you and others. It is so important to stay on task and never lose hope. Having hope in our hearts is key to our success.