Leaders Story
The Cover Story World Best Leaders 2025, Yalda Hakim: The Voice That Can’t Be Ignored

From Kabul to the global frontlines—how Yalda Hakim is redefining journalism, leadership, and the power of relentless truth in the age of spin.
By The Cover Story
In an era polluted by half-truths, institutional silence, and performative outrage, Yalda Hakim has emerged not just as a journalist—but as a disruptor of global narratives.
She’s the voice world leaders can’t ignore, the presence media conglomerates can’t replicate, and the woman who—just months ago—shattered Pakistan’s decades-old diplomatic mask on terrorism in a single, live interview.
That moment has since been immortalized in clips, UN talking points, and intelligence briefings worldwide. But for Hakim, it was just another chapter in a career defined by truth-telling under pressure.
The Interview That Rewrote Headlines in Every Capital
It was a conversation that began like any other high-level political interview. But as Yalda Hakim pressed former Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Islamabad’s support—or tolerance—of terror groups, something rare happened on live TV: the mask slipped.
Asif, caught off guard by Hakim’s relentless questioning and forensic grasp of timelines, admitted that Pakistan had hosted certain terrorist factions, then attempted to walk it back with ambiguous deflection. But it was too late. The global media cycle exploded. Policy circles were stunned. And Hakim had done what few journalists have dared: she exposed a government narrative in real time, without flinching.
In the days that followed, her interview was cited in foreign parliaments, amplified by security think tanks, and hailed by counterterrorism experts as a “watershed moment in international accountability journalism.”
For Hakim, this wasn’t a takedown. It was a truth bomb dropped with surgical precision.
Video Credit: Sky News
From Field to Frontline: A Journalist Who Doesn’t Play Safe
Born in Kabul and raised in Sydney, Hakim’s rise wasn’t orchestrated by media handlers or PR strategists. She climbed her way to the global stage through battlefields, refugee camps, and authoritarian shadows, reporting what others feared to touch.
When she moved from BBC to Sky News International in 2023, it wasn’t just a career shift—it was a strategic takeover. She transformed global coverage by marrying hard investigation with broadcast intelligence, focusing on storytelling that changed things, not just streamed them.
Today, she’s Sky’s crown jewel—and journalism’s steel spine.

Photo Credit: Yalda Hakim
Redefining the Power of the Press
The Ishaq Dar interview wasn’t a fluke. It was the result of years of earned credibility, meticulous research, and Hakim’s refusal to be stonewalled by titles or talking points. She has mastered the rare art of asking questions that demand answers—immediately.
Her interview with Taliban officials, her coverage of women’s protests in Iran, and her post-conflict documentaries from Ukraine and Libya have made her a de facto authority on state accountability in the modern age.
Where many journalists are content with access, Hakim forces consequence.

Photo Credit: Yalda Hakim
The Yalda Hakim Foundation: Empowering the Truth-Tellers of Tomorrow
Even as her star rises, Hakim’s focus remains deeply rooted in impact. The Yalda Hakim Foundation, launched in 2020, has now expanded its footprint to over seven countries, offering scholarships, mentorships, and media fellowships to refugee and female journalists from conflict zones.
Her foundation now partners with major universities and newsrooms, not just to provide opportunity—but to build an entire generation of fearless, ethical reporters.
What’s Next: Journalism? Diplomacy? Both?
With 2025 shaping up to be a breakout year for Hakim, rumors swirl of a global media initiative spearheaded under her leadership. Others suggest she is in quiet talks for an ambassadorial or UN role focused on global media integrity.
Whether it’s anchoring from conflict zones or influencing peace dialogues behind closed doors, one thing is certain: Hakim is no longer just covering the power structure—she’s becoming part of it.
She Doesn’t Break Stories. She Breaks Patterns.
The interview with Ishaq Dar wasn’t just a viral moment—it was a turning point in global media accountability. It reminded the world that real journalism still matters—and that Yalda Hakim is leading its most important revival.
She doesn’t echo the truth. She confronts it. Amplifies it. And forces the world to deal with it.
In a century that desperately needs clarity, courage, and consequence, Yalda Hakim isn’t just the fastest growing leader of 2025—she’s its most necessary one.
#YaldaHakim
#Leadership2025
#MediaDisruptor
#TruthMatters
#PakistanExposed
#AccountabilityJournalism
#NextGenNews
#TheCoverStory
Business Story
Ankush Dadu: Sweetening India’s Legacy with a Billion-Dollar Vision

At the intersection of tradition and modern luxury, Ankush Dadu, Partner, Anand Sweets & Savouries, Anand Sweets & Savouries is turning mithai into a premium global experience—and Anand Sweets into a billion-rupee culinary empire.
By The Cover Story | Fastest Growing Leaders in the World, 2025 Edition
In a world obsessed with disruptive tech and digital scale, Ankush Dadu chose a different path: he built a revolution using ghee, saffron, and silver leaf.
As Partner at Anand Sweets & Savouries, the Bengaluru-born brand with decades of heritage, Dadu isn’t just leading a food company—he’s crafting a global narrative of Indian luxury through sweets. In 2025, The Cover Story names him among the Fastest Growing Leaders in the World, not just for scaling a legacy, but for reimagining what “premium” means in the most crowded consumer market on Earth.
From Halwai to Haute
Walk into any Anand Sweets flagship store in 2025, and you’ll see what Dadu has created: not a mithai shop—but a multi-sensory luxury experience.
Marble counters, curated gift hampers, branded packaging, and the aroma of saffron-laced khoya meet you like you’ve entered an Indian Hermès of mithai. Under Dadu’s leadership, Anand Sweets has transitioned from a traditional sweets manufacturer into a modern, experiential Indian F&B brand—with an expanding footprint across India, Dubai, Singapore, and soon, London.
Disrupting Taste, One Innovation at a Time
Dadu didn’t just inherit a family business—he rewired it. His approach fuses culinary R&D, brand storytelling, and modern retail design to elevate every aspect of the Anand experience.
Sweets as souvenirs: Dadu was among the first to champion Indian mithai as a gifting category, creating hampers that compete with Swiss chocolate boxes and French macarons.
Tech meets tradition: He’s introduced AI-driven inventory forecasting to ensure zero-waste perishable logistics across 40+ stores.
Design-first packaging: Anand’s festive boxes are now designed in collaboration with Indian artists and fashion houses—making mithai Instagrammable and collectible.
Chef-powered labs: Dadu has brought in award-winning chefs to co-create seasonal products like kesar-pistachio energy bars, masala truffle laddoos, and sugar-free gulab jamun popsicles.
Branding India’s Sweet Power to the World
For Dadu, this isn’t about just sweets—it’s about soft power. He believes India’s culinary identity, especially in the festive and luxury food segment, has global potential.
Under his watch, Anand Sweets has entered airport retail, partnered with luxury hotels, and now serves curated mithai at international weddings, corporate gifting programs, and even Michelin-style tasting menus.
And the numbers back him: annual revenue has grown 4X in five years, with direct-to-consumer online sales now making up 30% of the business, thanks to a stunning Shopify-powered global storefront.
The Culture-First Leadership Mindset
What makes Ankush Dadu different isn’t just innovation—it’s respect for legacy. He has preserved Anand’s iconic recipes while modernizing everything around them. He invests in training artisans, digitizing recipe archives, and documenting culinary heritage that’s often lost in generational transitions.
He’s not just building a brand—he’s preserving a craft, and doing it at scale.
Interesting Facts About Ankush Dadu & Anand Sweets:
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Started working in the kitchen at age 16, shadowing his grandfather’s master halwai.
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Anand Sweets products are now available in 11 countries through curated export boxes.
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Launched India’s first luxury mithai bar—a 10-course plated experience blending molecular gastronomy with Indian classics.
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Grew Anand’s festive season sales by 300% in 2023 through experiential marketing and influencer campaigns.
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Building a culinary school for Indian sweets artisans, opening in 2026.
The Mithai Mogul of Modern India
Ankush Dadu is part of a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs who don’t just build businesses—they build narratives, break molds, and export culture.
In his hands, mithai has become movement. And Anand Sweets isn’t just a heritage brand—it’s a symbol of how old-world legacy can lead the new-world order.
He isn’t chasing disruption. He’s sweetly engineering it.
Ankush Dadu is taking the soul of India’s sweet legacy global—combining culinary innovation, luxury branding, and digitized heritage to transform Anand Sweets into a billion-rupee powerhouse.
#AnkushDadu
#AnandSweets
#FastestGrowingLeaders2025
#LuxuryFoodIndia
#SweetDisruption
#GlobalIndianBrands
#CulinaryInnovation
#TheCoverStory
Business Story
Amrit Acharya: Building the Infrastructure of a New World

As legacy supply chains crumble under 20th-century weight, Zetwerk’s co-founder Amrit Acharya is designing a future where global manufacturing is faster, smarter, and infinitely scalable.
By The Cover Story | Fastest Growing Leaders in the World, 2025
Manufacturing was never supposed to be cool. But Amrit Acharya didn’t get the memo.
At 34, the co-founder and CEO of Zetwerk is not just leading India’s fastest-scaling industrial unicorn—he’s re-architecting global supply chains with the kind of precision and ambition typically reserved for aerospace engineers or fintech disruptors. And yet, here he is—building the backbone of modern civilization, one factory at a time.
In 2025, The Cover Story names Amrit Acharya among the Fastest Growing Leaders in the World, not just for scaling a tech-enabled manufacturing marketplace, but for proving that the next generation of global infrastructure will come not from Silicon Valley—but from a new wave of leaders in industrial India.
From Invisible to Inevitable
Zetwerk didn’t start with glamour. It started with grit. In 2018, Amrit Acharya and his co-founders took on a problem that most tech entrepreneurs ignored: fragmented, inefficient, and outdated manufacturing supply chains that left millions in the dark ages.
Today, Zetwerk is a global manufacturing OS, quietly powering critical infrastructure across industries—renewable energy, aerospace, automotive, electronics, defense. From turbines to railcars to EV components, if it’s being built at scale, there’s a good chance Zetwerk is behind it.
Under Amrit’s leadership, Zetwerk has grown into a $2.8 billion behemoth operating across India, Southeast Asia, the U.S., and the Middle East—while remaining profitable, asset-light, and dangerously underestimated.
The Quiet Revolution of Infrastructure-as-a-Service
What Amazon did for retail and Stripe did for payments, Zetwerk is doing for manufacturing: removing the friction, standardizing the process, and digitizing the future.
With a network of 10,000+ suppliers and AI-powered project tracking tools, Amrit has created a category-defining model: manufacturing as a managed service. Governments are buying into it. Fortune 500s are betting on it. And startups are building on it.
This isn’t outsourcing—it’s smart-sourcing, powered by data, operational transparency, and a deep understanding of industrial complexity.
The Leader as Builder, Not Celebrity
In a time when founders compete more on Twitter than in boardrooms, Amrit Acharya’s silence is deafening—and strategic. He doesn’t do hype cycles or vision-board keynotes. He builds.
A former McKinsey consultant and IIT Kharagpur graduate, Acharya believes in operational excellence over media appearances. But that hasn’t stopped global investors, analysts, and even sovereign infrastructure bodies from taking notice.
Because while others pitch the future, he’s already manufacturing it.
India’s Soft Power Now Has a Hard Tech Backbone
Amrit represents a new kind of Indian entrepreneur: one who’s not just building for India, but from India, for the world.
Zetwerk is not a localization story. It’s a deglobalization antidote. In a post-COVID, geopolitically fractured world, Acharya’s platform offers something rare: a trusted, scalable, neutral manufacturing partner that can plug into any economy’s industrial blueprint.
And in doing so, he’s quietly turning India into the world’s decentralized factory of the future—without the headlines, but with undeniable impact.
The New Order Is Being Built—Literally
Amrit Acharya and Zetwerk aren’t disrupting an industry—they’re laying the foundation for a new industrial order. As global leaders scramble to retrofit outdated systems, Acharya is already two moves ahead—designing the infrastructure of resilience, speed, and autonomy.
In a world that needs to be rebuilt—economically, digitally, physically—the builders will inherit the future. And Amrit Acharya is already standing on its factory floor.
#AmritAcharya
#Zetwerk
#FastestGrowingLeaders2025
#ManufacturingRevolution
#BuildTheFuture
#IndiaGlobalPower
#IndustrialTech
#TheCoverStory
Leaders Story
Alloysius Attah: The Visionary Leader Driving Innovation at Farmerline Group, Ghana

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture and technology, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation and progress: Alloysius Attah. As the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Farmerline Group, a pioneering company based in Ghana, Attah has dedicated his career to empowering smallholder farmers and transforming the agricultural sector through cutting-edge solutions.
Farmerline Group is a trailblazer in the field of agricultural technology, leveraging advanced tools and platforms to connect farmers with essential resources, information, and markets. Under Attah’s visionary leadership, the company has become a driving force in promoting sustainable farming practices, enhancing productivity, and improving the livelihoods of countless farmers across Ghana and beyond.
Early life and background of Alloysius Attah
Alloysius Attah’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in the agricultural technology realm began in the small town of Gushegu, located in the Northern Region of Ghana. Born into a family of farmers, he witnessed firsthand the challenges and hardships faced by smallholder farmers, igniting a passion within him to find innovative solutions to address these issues.
Attah’s early years were marked by a deep appreciation for the importance of agriculture and a desire to make a lasting impact. His academic pursuits led him to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Ghana, where he honed his technological skills and developed a keen interest in leveraging technology to drive positive change.

The founding of Farmerline Group
Inspired by his experiences and driven by a vision to empower smallholder farmers, Alloysius Attah co-founded Farmerline Group in 2013. The company’s mission was clear: to bridge the gap between farmers and the resources they needed to succeed, using cutting-edge technology as a catalyst for transformation.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, Attah recognized the need for accessible and affordable solutions that could provide them with timely information, market access, and the tools necessary to optimize their farming practices.
Alloysius Attah’s role as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
As the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Farmerline Group, Alloysius Attah has been the driving force behind the company’s remarkable growth and impact. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic direction, fostering innovation, and ensuring the successful implementation of cutting-edge technologies.
Attah’s unwavering commitment to empowering smallholder farmers has been the guiding principle behind Farmerline Group’s operations. He has spearheaded the development of innovative platforms and solutions that address the unique challenges faced by farmers, from access to market information and financial services to sustainable agricultural practices.

Alloysius Attah’s vision for Farmerline Group
Alloysius Attah’s vision for Farmerline Group is rooted in the belief that technology can be a powerful catalyst for positive change in the agricultural sector. He envisions a future where smallholder farmers have access to the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive, enabling them to increase their productivity, enhance their incomes, and contribute to food security on a global scale.
Attah’s vision extends beyond the boundaries of Ghana, as he aims to replicate Farmerline Group’s success and impact across Africa and other regions where smallholder farmers face similar challenges. By fostering collaborations and partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities, he seeks to create a ecosystem that supports and empowers smallholder farmers.
Innovation and technology in Farmerline Group’s operations
Farmerline Group has been at the forefront of leveraging innovative technologies to revolutionize the agricultural sector. Under Alloysius Attah’s leadership, the company has developed a suite of cutting-edge solutions that address various aspects of the farming value chain.
One of the company’s flagship products is the Farmerline App, a mobile application that provides farmers with real-time access to critical information, such as weather forecasts, market prices, and best farming practices. This app has become an invaluable tool for smallholder farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their operations.
In addition to the Farmerline App, the company has introduced other innovative solutions, including:
- Farmerline Voice Services: A voice-based platform that delivers agricultural information and advisory services to farmers through interactive voice response (IVR) technology, bridging the digital divide and reaching even remote areas with limited internet connectivity.
- Farmerline Geodata Services: A geospatial data platform that provides farmers with valuable insights into soil conditions, crop health, and yield potential, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and optimize their farming practices.
- Farmerline Marketplace: An online platform that connects smallholder farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for their produce.
These innovative solutions are just a glimpse into Farmerline Group’s commitment to leveraging technology to address the unique challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
Farmerline Group’s impact on agriculture in Ghana
Farmerline Group’s impact on the agricultural sector in Ghana has been nothing short of remarkable. Through its innovative solutions and Alloysius Attah’s visionary leadership, the company has empowered countless smallholder farmers, enabling them to increase their productivity, enhance their incomes, and contribute to food security in the country.
One of the most significant impacts of Farmerline Group has been the improvement in access to information and knowledge for smallholder farmers. By providing real-time data, weather forecasts, and best farming practices, the company has equipped farmers with the tools they need to make informed decisions and optimize their operations.
Additionally, Farmerline Group’s solutions have facilitated access to markets, enabling smallholder farmers to connect directly with buyers and receive fair prices for their produce. This has not only increased their income but has also contributed to the overall growth and development of the agricultural sector in Ghana.
Awards and recognition for Alloysius Attah and Farmerline Group
Alloysius Attah and Farmerline Group have garnered numerous accolades and recognition for their groundbreaking work in the field of agricultural technology and their commitment to empowering smallholder farmers.
Some of the notable awards and recognitions include:
- Forbes 30 Under 30 (2019): Alloysius Attah was recognized as one of the most influential young leaders in the Technology category for his innovative work at Farmerline Group.
- Quartz Africa Innovators (2018): Farmerline Group was named one of the most innovative companies in Africa for its innovative solutions and impact on the agricultural sector.
- Ashden Award for Sustainable Agriculture (2017): Farmerline Group received this prestigious award for its innovative use of technology to support smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Seedstars World Competition (2016): Farmerline Group emerged as the winner of this global startup competition, recognizing its potential to drive positive change and impact in the agricultural sector.
These awards and recognitions are a testament to the visionary leadership of Alloysius Attah and the groundbreaking work of Farmerline Group in transforming the agricultural landscape in Ghana and beyond.
Alloysius Attah’s leadership style and values
Alloysius Attah’s leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to empowering others, fostering innovation, and driving positive change. His approach is rooted in the belief that by providing the right tools, resources, and support, individuals and communities can unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable outcomes.
One of the core values that underpins Attah’s leadership is a strong sense of purpose. He is driven by a genuine desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of smallholder farmers and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector. This purpose serves as a guiding force, inspiring his team and shaping the strategic direction of Farmerline Group.
Attah also embraces a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, recognizing that true innovation and progress can only be achieved through collective efforts and diverse perspectives. He actively seeks input and feedback from his team, partners, and stakeholders, fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue, creativity, and continuous learning.
Furthermore, Alloysius Attah’s leadership is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement. He encourages his team to constantly challenge the status quo, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of what is possible. This mindset has been instrumental in driving Farmerline Group’s continued growth and innovation.
Alloysius Attah’s journey and future goals for Farmerline Group
Alloysius Attah’s journey from a small town in northern Ghana to becoming a visionary leader in the field of agricultural technology is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact.
Through Farmerline Group, Attah has not only transformed the lives of countless smallholder farmers but has also paved the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the agricultural sector in Ghana and beyond.
As Farmerline Group continues to expand its reach and impact, Alloysius Attah’s future goals are ambitious yet grounded in a steadfast commitment to empowering smallholder farmers. He envisions a future where Farmerline Group’s innovative solutions are adopted on a global scale, enabling farmers around the world to access the resources and tools they need to thrive.Join the agricultural revolution and experience the power of Farmerline Group’s innovative solutions. Visit [www.farmerline.co](https://www.farmerline.co) to learn more about how our cutting-edge technologies can empower your farming operations and unlock new opportunities for growth and success. Together, we can shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture.
Alloysius Attah’s remarkable journey is a testament to the transformative power of vision, innovation, and unwavering determination. As he continues to lead Farmerline Group towards new horizons, his impact on the agricultural sector and the lives of smallholder farmers will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark, inspiring future generations to embrace technology as a catalyst for positive change.
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