The Market Outfit

Charismatic corporate leaders have a way of fascinating us. They present a compelling vision and motivate others to follow suit. Names like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, and Donald Trump are a few examples. However, industry bigwigs are not the only charismatic leaders in the business. CEOs like Intelius’ Naveen Jain, for instance, is an acknowledged “cult leader” who has earned the trust and respect of many in the IT industry. Since his work at InfoSpace, his first company, he has shown his uncanny ability to turn simple ideas into multimillion dollar ventures. This is why people tend to crowd around him and follow where his vision leads him. Even after his resignation from InfoSpace, six of his colleagues joined him in building another information commerce firm in 2003. Intelius, a broker of intelligence services, now stands as the strongest in the online information security business.

Born in 1959, in Uttar Pradesh, India, Naveen Jain spends most of his time leading his company to greater profitability. This means he does a hands-on job in ensuring the constant flow of innovative products, efficiency of service delivery, and meeting social responsibility commitments. The American Business Awards named the firm “Best New Company” in 2006 and one of the most innovative companies in 2007. The firm’s philanthropy is one of the most impressive in the region. It was awarded among the Top 15 Corporate Philanthropists by the Puget Sound Business Journal and an Outstanding Eastside Corporate Citizen during the Eastside Business Awards.

Naveen Jain’s charisma and impressive record make acquisitions much easier. Just recently, his firm took over Spock, one of the world’s leading people search engine. The acquisition, according to Spock’s CEO was made easily because Jain’s record proved he gained the trust of the businesses he has acquired. To top that, the firm remains the biggest fish and the strongest in the business.

Serving as chairman for Hong Kong’s largest communications services provider, PCCW Limited, Richard Li is also known as the youngest son of the richest man in Asia, Li Ka-Shing. As one of the leading innovators in the Information and Communications Technologies field in Asia, PCCW started the first major IPTV service in the world. The IPTV service began in 2003 and developed into one of the best globally, taking hold of a fifth of the world’s IPTV subscribing population. Li’s IPTV brainchild is popularly known as NOW TV.

In 2006, the company introduced its 3G service in Hong Kong and gave its users the chance to experience high quality real-time broadcast mobile TV service. PCCW Solutions, the company’s ICT division, has become a trusted leader in robust and innovative ICT solutions with a staff made up of more than 2,000 highly experienced people. The group successfully contributed to critical and significant government and business projects. An example of the group’s products is the Smart ID Card System, a product that has won various acclaims all over the world. The ID Card System was adopted by many in Hong Kong.

During the latter part of the 1990s, PCCW chairman Richard Li helped in raising awareness for the role that technology played in various organizations, institutions, the government, and several companies in the aim of highlighting IT application and development.

Everyday, more and more people are turning green. Green homes, that is. Going green is the new “in” thing in building and construction. A survey shows that 46% of homeowners in the country favor the idea of remodeling their homes into green ones. The sudden interest in eco-friendly homes is quite surprising especially since environment friendly construction materials have been in the market since the 1970’s. Perhaps the reason for this is the continuously rising energy cost and awareness about environmental concerns. Green homes are expected to save from 20 to 30% of a household’s total energy consumption.

Green homes avoid the use of materials that contain VOC (volatile organic compound) and formaldehyde. Exposure to these harmful chemicals can lead to asthma and other respiratory ailments, skin rashes and infections, headaches, and even cancer. Green homes prioritize energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality which prevents human and environmental danger.

Though more homeowners now prefer building green homes, there is still much to accomplish in terms of educating people about its benefits. A homeowner’s initial reaction would normally be negative because she would be spending extra hard earned money. Homeowners need to be informed that spending more money for a home built on non-VOC materials will prove to be beneficial in the long run.

To guide homeowners in choosing the right materials and things for their green homes, several agencies have attached their seals on certified green products. Look for the Green Seal when you purchase new products for your home. For your furniture, look for the Green Guard certification; and take note of the Green Label from Carpet & Rug Institute when you buy your carpets. Your appliances and household products should have the Environmental Protection Agency’s EnergyStar label.

Learn more how Ken Mehlman and KKR have formed a Partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund to help companies reduce emissions and waste.

Bloomberg also reports on Ken Mehlman and KKR’s partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund.

Ken Mehlman is the Head of Global Affairs for Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts.