We have recognized the top ten innovators of 2023, and it’s a diverse group of individuals and organizations who are changing the game in their respective fields. From cutting-edge tech startups to social enterprises that are making a difference in their communities, these innovators are pushing boundaries and finding new solutions to old problems. Each of them has a unique story to tell, but they all share a common passion for making a positive impact on the world. It’s an inspiring list that showcases the best of Forbes innovation and entrepreneurship, and it will be exciting to see what these innovators achieve in the years to come.
Demand Generation
Bython, a provider of demand generation solutions, has made waves in the marketing and sales industry due to its innovative approach. Founded in 2012, Bython offers customized omnichannel marketing campaigns to help teams achieve their demand generation goals. What sets Bython apart from its competitors is that it owns all of its first-party data, marketing channel tactics, operations, and its proprietary platform called Byonic.
As Bython expands into the Asian region, CEO Chris Leger plans to continue innovating with its products and services to address the ever-changing marketing and sales industry. Bython’s customer-centric focus and investment in developing the Byonic platform, which uses proprietary first and third-party data, have earned it recognition as a top innovator in the demand generation space. With its commitment to innovation and customer success, Bython is poised to continue making waves in the industry.
Contemporary Artist
David Drebin, a Canadian-born artist based in New York, is among the most renowned contemporary artists today. Drebin started his career in commercial Limited Edition Artworks and advertising after graduating from Parsons School of Design in 1996, creating images of movie stars, sports personalities, and entertainers for high-profile campaigns worldwide. However, Drebin eventually shifted his focus to the art world and gained representation from some of the finest galleries worldwide, becoming a prolific contemporary artist with a signature style that makes his photographs instantly recognizable as “Drebins.”
With a unique perspective on life and a keen eye for detail, Drebin continues to inspire art lovers and collectors globally with his unmistakable creations. Whether it’s his ability to capture the essence of his subjects or his innovative approach to storytelling, David Drebin’s work resonates with people in a way that few other artists can. His latest monograph, “Flirting With Danger,” is currently in production with a fall release and book launches and exhibitions scheduled worldwide, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in the contemporary art scene.
Executive Coaching
Austin Shaw is the founder of Apex Executive Coaching, a program that helps finance and investment C-suite executives achieve personal and professional fulfillment. With over 20 years of experience in the finance industry, Austin left his successful career to embark on a journey of inner growth. Through his experiences, he developed a unique program and set of tools to guide others towards their own fulfillment without having to leave their jobs.
Austin’s coaching approach focuses on helping clients achieve personal fulfillment, better relationships, and a legacy they can be proud of. With his expertise and unique perspective, Austin offers valuable services to those seeking to break through limitations, climb to new heights in both career and life and achieve their true potential.
ADU Real Estate
Perpetual Homes, founded by Katherine Anderson, is addressing California’s housing crisis by offering affordable and sustainable Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). With nearly four decades of experience in residential development, Anderson designed ADUs that cater to families’ needs and provide luxurious living at a low cost. Perpetual Homes’ ADUs aim to help families maintain their current configurations, whether it’s through the assistance of “boomerang” youth or “move-down” parents.
Per California law, multifamily investors can have up to two detached ADUs per property, which Perpetual Homes works with. Since Senate Bill 9 became law in 2022, the company’s customers can benefit from fee simple lot splits, which allow homeowners to construct single-family houses and accessory dwelling units on their properties. Perpetual Homes takes pride in being fully transparent about the overall cost and expectations of the project. With an overall total cost of an ADU starting in the mid-$200,000s, Perpetual Homes’ ADUs provide an affordable solution to California’s housing crisis.
Financial Planning
Nick Bour, a seasoned entrepreneur and financial expert, is the founder and CEO of Inspire Wealth, a leading financial planning firm based in Brighton, Michigan. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Bour has gained a reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking leader in the finance world. His extensive knowledge and expertise in financial planning, investment management, and retirement planning have helped thousands of clients achieve their financial goals and secure their future.
At Inspire Wealth, Bour and his team provide personalized financial solutions that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. By leveraging their deep industry knowledge and cutting-edge technology, they help clients navigate complex financial issues and make informed decisions about their wealth management strategies. Whether it’s planning for retirement, managing investments, or minimizing tax liabilities, Inspire Wealth is committed to providing comprehensive financial services that empower clients to achieve financial freedom and live their best lives.
Through Bour’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Inspire Wealth has become a trusted partner for individuals and businesses looking to build and preserve wealth. With a focus on integrity, transparency, and personalized attention, Bour and his team are setting new standards for the financial industry and helping clients achieve their long-term financial objectives.
Public Relations
Under the leadership of Tiffany Coffman and Tish Hyman, the Coffman Agency has become a renowned public relations and marketing firm, recognized for its innovative strategies and unparalleled success in helping clients achieve their goals. The agency specializes in the sports and entertainment industries, with an impressive roster of clients that includes T-Boz and Allen Lazard. By leveraging Tiffany’s unique approach, the Coffman Agency has carved out a niche for itself as a trailblazer in the PR and marketing world, providing valuable insights and lessons for businesses looking to build their brand and engage with customers in new and exciting ways.
The Coffman Agency’s meteoric rise to success is largely due to Tiffany Coffman’s unwavering determination, resilience, and innovative thinking. As a single parent, she faced financial and time management challenges, but she managed to build a successful business while providing for her family. Tiffany’s ability to balance the demands of a thriving career and family life has made her a respected business owner and role model in the industry. Her journey, including the recognition by DesignRush as a top PR firm, demonstrates the power of perseverance and the importance of building a strong support system, both personally and professionally.
Art/Technology/Healthcare
Bentrice Jusu, a Liberian American artist and founder of The Potential Project, is driven by a passion to address socio-political issues surrounding gun violence. By incorporating storytelling, visual art, virtual reality, photography, and digital media, Jusu’s work emphasizes the importance of community healing through art, acknowledging the lives lost to violence, and envisioning a brighter future. As a survivor of the Pulse NightClub shooting, Jusu aims to offer a platform for healing trauma and providing opportunities for self-expression, particularly for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
The yellow square symbolizes potential, representing both the potential of those we’ve lost and our collective capacity to create a better world. Jusu’s inspiring journey includes overcoming depression after losing her home to a fire, becoming a firefighter, and receiving prestigious awards and grants, such as the Kresge Foundation award and the National Endowment of the Arts grant. Her work is also featured in the permanent collection of the Phillip and Caroline Hanes Gallery. As she continues to raise awareness about gun violence and its impact, Jusu’s innovative approach to community healing paves the way for a nationwide movement. Through The Potential Project, Bentrice Jusu envisions a future where those from challenging backgrounds find the courage to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more compassionate, resilient society.
EdTech Wellness Nutrition
Rainbow Chefs Academy, founded by Svetlana Elgart, is a groundbreaking organization that empowers children and fosters wellness by providing a common core curriculum based education in health wellness nutrition etc . As Founder & CEO, Elgart has been dedicated to the company’s mission of enhancing society’s well-being since 2014. By offering engaging parties, classes, events, and team-building activities, Rainbow Chefs Academy has delivered life-changing lessons to its clients.
Under Svetlana’s leadership, Rainbow Chefs Academy’s vision is centered on promoting nutrition, sustainability, and culinary arts, with the goal of teaching students and consumers how to adopt a healthy lifestyle that benefits both individuals and the broader community. Join them and thousands of other teachers and schools on a mission to offset worldwide diabetes and obesity through health and nutrition education.
Ideal for K-12 public, private, and homeschools, after-school networks, educational consortiums, and summer programs, Rainbow Chefs Academy serves a diverse range of clients. By establishing itself as a purpose-driven business, it has positively impacted the lives of countless children. From safety-conscious, kid-friendly birthday parties to unforgettable team-building events, Rainbow Chefs Academy, under the guidance of Svetlana Elgart, is transforming the wellness industry and inspiring a passion for healthy eating and culinary creativity in both children and adults.
Window & Door Industry
Power100, a media company founded and led by CEO Greg Cummings, is revolutionizing the window and door industry by spotlighting its top CEOs. In 2023, Power100 plans to launch a new segment that will bring these power-ranked CEOs into the limelight through engaging interviews, either onsite or in-studio. This innovative approach offers a unique opportunity to delve into the stories and experiences of some of the most successful and influential leaders in the window and door industry.
By showcasing these CEOs in a candid, interview-style format, Power100 aims to provide valuable insights into the personalities, strategies, and visions that drive the industry’s success. Under the guidance of Greg Cummings, the company is committed to presenting these CEOs in a relatable and accessible manner, allowing the community to see them in a new light and gain a deeper understanding of their impact on the window and door sector. Stay tuned for Power100’s upcoming CEO interviews, which promise to offer an exclusive glimpse into the minds of the industry’s top leaders.
Media & Entertainment
Vero G, a passionate entrepreneur and indie artist, has taken the music industry by storm, building a platform from scratch to support local talent in radio, magazines, TV, showcases, and social media promotions. For over five years, she has been dedicated to helping her peers pursue their dreams and get their names out there. As an independent artist herself, Vero G understands the challenges and aspirations of musicians, which sets her apart and makes her story truly inspiring.
Vero G’s notable career highlights include receiving the I Am Her International Awards Entrepreneur Of the Year 2023, Best Female Artist for We Are Not A Label 2023, 5th LDM Awards for Latin Artist, and SITA Awards Gospel Artist of the year. Despite facing the challenges of being an entrepreneur, such as low turnouts at events, Vero G persevered and focused on improving her promotional efforts and expanding her brand. Her wisdom and determination to stay true to oneself and never give up on dreams serve as valuable lessons for others. As Vero G continues to expand her brand and help artists reach new heights, she aims to inspire and educate others through her incredible journey in the music industry.
In conclusion, the top ten innovators of 2023 have showcased their exceptional talent, passion, and dedication to making a difference across various industries. They have demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks in pursuit of their goals. These innovators are truly shaping the future, from making advances in technology, healthcare, and education to revolutionizing the window and door industry, financial planning, and the media and entertainment landscape.
Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of creativity, hard work, and perseverance. They not only inspire those within their respective fields but also encourage the next generation of visionaries to reach for the stars and make their own mark on the world. As we look forward to the coming years, it’s clear that the contributions of these top ten innovators will have a lasting impact, propelling industries forward and creating new opportunities for growth and success.