ISHAM AMMOUD
CoverStory Susie P. Arnesen
Ken Wama
Prof. Abdel Rahman
Ahmed Omer 34
Thomas VanNess III
EditorInChief SachinA ManagingEditor EhsanJami PublishingControlTeam Alexis,Michael
Visualiser MaryChars
ArtandDesignHead ShwetaAmbilwade
ArtandPicturesEditor
AnushkaBhosle
BusinessDevelopmentManager CaitlinMcGregor MarketingManager ChirsPhilip BusinessDevelopmentExecutive Maria,Wilson,Martina,Alex,Kelvin
TechnicalHead JacobSmile AssistantTechnicalHead AlinaSege
DigitalMarketingManager JenniferParker AssistantDigital
EDITOR’S NOTE B uild ing Brand Narrativesand Representation in the Marketing Segm ent Modernmarketingneedstoleaveaninstantaneousandappealingimpression.Today, engaginganaudienceinvolveseffort,innovation,andanevolutioninperspective. Long-lastingchangehasemergedfromthenewreality,andcompanieshavehadtoswiftly adapttonewcustomerbehaviorsandconcerns.Eventhoughthemarketingprofessionis primarilymale-dominated,therearewomeninthehighestpositionswhoarepaving avenuesforothersandcreatingbrandnarrativesandrepresentationintheadvertisingand marketingsectors.Theseinfluentialmarketersandfemaleexecutiveshaveproventheir capacitytoinfluence,lead,andshapeopinioninthisever-changingindustry.
The2023TycoonSuccessMagazine’s“The 10 Most Successful Business Leaders Macking A Difference , 2023”listhonorsthetop10leadersmarketingexecutiveswhoseimpacton theirbrands,companies,cultures,communities,andtheinternationalmarketingcommunity, particularlyintheMiddleEast,standsout.
Thelistisclearlynotanexhaustivelistofallofthemanyvibrantwomenleadersofthe MiddleEast,butitisreflectiveofthemanytalentedwomenleaderswholiveandworkin themarketingsectoroftheMiddleEast.Thesetrailblazingpowerwomenhavemadetheir markinanoftenmale-dominatedfieldandpavedthewayforfuturefemalegenerationsto sitattheexecutivetable.
Wesincerelybelievethatthiscaptivatingeditionwillprofoundlyinspireourreadership aroundtheworldandsignificantlyenrichtheirlives.Wewillbemorethanhappyifthese motivationaltalesboostyourinspirationandempoweryoutobreakdownbarriersand pursueyourdreams.
ISHAM AMMOUD Leading the Way to Economic Success At the end of the day, our success is a direct result of our unwavering commitment to our clients, our innovative approach to the financial industry, and the hard work and dedication of our employees. We will continue to strive for excellence and make A positive impact on the lives of our clients, shareholders, and communities. Thank you for this opportunity to share our story.
Backedbyaneminentandrespectedgroupofshareholders,Aafaq
IslamicFinancewasestablishedin2006toprovideinnovativeIslamic financialservicesandproductsthatcomplywithIslamicShariaacross theUAEandtheRegion.HeadedbyitsCEO,HishamHammoud,Aafaqstands onthelistofmanyprominentfinancialorganizationsdeliveringhigh-quality financialservicesforawiderangeofinstitutions.
Hishamisabusinessleaderandabankingprofessionalwithovertwodecades ofexperienceinbusinessexecutionstrategies,consumerbanking,investment andwealthmanagement,treasuryandcapitalmarkets,operations,technology, riskmanagement,businessprocessre-engineering,profit,andcost optimization.
Overtheyears,HishamhasworkedinSeniorExecutiverolesacross organizationslikeCitiBank,DubaiBank,DubaiTadawulBrokerage,Dubai Resources,AlTagdeerCompany,BankIslamiPakistanLimited,Network InternationalGroup,andAjmanBank.
HishamalsoholdsaRiskManagementandAdvancedLeadershipSkills certificationfromthestate-of-the-artInternationalLeadershipProgramsinthe US,EMEA&APregions.Besidesthat,hehasanin-depthunderstandingof auditingandtheassociatedregulatoryissuesinbothlocal&globalbanks.
AstheGroupChiefExecutiveOfficeratAafaqIslamicFinance,Hishamdrives thegroupstrategytomaximizeshareholdervalueandachievemarket-leading businessgrowthwhilebuildingcustomerrelationshipsandloyalty.Hisham's relentlessambitionandenergyhavedrivenhimtoachieveandexceedtargets, goalsandattainobjectives.
AKeyPlayerintheFinancialServicesIndustry WithaproventrackrecordofdeliveringinnovativeandShariah-compliant financialsolutionstoitscustomers,AafaqIslamicFinancehasestablisheditself asastrongplayerintheUAE.
AafaqIslamicFinancerecognizesthattoday'syoutharetheleadersof tomorrow,anditiscommittedtoempoweringthemthroughitsproductsand services.Byprovidingexceptionalfinancialeducationandsupport,Aafaqaims tohelptheyoungergenerationachievetheirgoalsandcontributetothegrowth anddevelopmentoftheUAE.
Ontheotherhand,SMEsplayacrucialroleinUAE'seconomy,contributing significantlytoemploymentandeconomicgrowth.However,theseSMEsoften struggletoaccessfinancingduetotheirsizeandlackofcollateral.So,by supportingSMEs,AafaqIslamicFinancealignswiththeUAEgovernment's
As we look to the future,
a new vision that places a strong emphasis on the market segments, digital transforma
future, we have vision the youth, SMEs, new tion and innovation, - states Hisham.
The 10 Most Successful Business Leaders Making a Difference, 2023
efforttopromoteeconomicgrowthanddiversificationthroughsupportingsmallbusinesses.
"We are also exploring new market segments traditionally underserved by the financial industry. Through our innovative solutions, we aim to bring financial inclusion to these segments and help them realize their full potential,"-explainsHisham."Digital transformation and innovation are also key elements of our new vision. We recognize that the world is changing rapidly, and we must adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the curve. By
| December 2023
embracing technology and innovation, we aim to transform how financial services are delivered and revolutionize the industry "
Duetoitscommitmenttoinnovation, AafaqIslamicFinancestrongly focusesonAIanditspotentialto transformthefinancialservices industry Throughitsinvestmentin digitalization,AafaqIslamicFinance aimstoofferitscustomers personalizedandintelligentfinancial solutions.Theorganization'sdigitalpoweredsolutionswillbetter understanditscustomers'needsand preferencesandtailoritsproducts andservicesaccordingly.
HishamandhisteamatAafaq IslamicFinancealsobelieveitcan helptheorganizationimproveitsrisk managementandcompliance process,leadingtoamoresecureand transparentfinancialsystem.
CreatingaDiversifiedand SustainableEconomy
BeingaleadingIslamicfinancial institution,Aafaqisextremelyproud tocontributetotheUAE'seffortsto createadiversifiedandsustainable economy.Theorganization's initiativesarealignedwiththeUAE's visionofpromotinginnovation, entrepreneurship,andfinancial inclusion,anditiscommittedto supportingthegovernment'sefforts inachievingtheseobjectives.
Throughitsproducts,partnerships, andservices,Aafaqaimstosupport
UAE'svisionofbecomingahubfor innovation,aleaderinsustainability, andamodelforeconomicgrowth anddevelopment.
WiththecontributionofAafaq's customers,employees,andpartners, Hishamishugelyexcitedaboutthe organization'snewvisionandlooks forwardtoworkingtogethertocreate abetterfutureforall.
ALeadingProviderofIslamic FinancialServices
Foundedwiththegoalofproviding innovativeandcustomer-focused financialsolutionsinaccordance withtheprinciplesofIslamic finance,Dubai-basedAafaqIslamic Financeisnowaleadingproviderof Islamicfinancialservices.
Someoftheproductsandservices offeredbyAafaqIslamicFinance include:
1. Corporatefinance:AafaqIslamic Financeprovidesvarious corporatefinanceservices, includingprojectandtrade financing.
2. Retailfinance:Thecompany offersarangeofretailfinancial productsandservices,including personalloans,creditcards,and depositproducts.
3. Investmentdeposits:Aafaq IslamicFinanceprovidesShari'acompliantWakalainvestments.On maturity,Corporatescanenjoy
"Our focus on digitalization is key to our new vision and initiatives. We are excited about the potential of this technology to revolutionize the financial services industry, and we are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation," - states Hisham. severalrenewaloptions,fromrolling overtheprincipalamount&profitto rollingovertheprincipalamountand collectingtheprofit.
4. Corporateguarantees:The companyoffersseveraltypesof corporateguaranteeswithflexible marginoptionsandsimple&fast processing.Aafaqprovidesthe followingtypesofCorporate Guarantees:
Ÿ BankGuarantees
Ÿ LaborGuarantees
Ÿ EstablishmentGuarantees
Ÿ FinancialGuarantees
Ÿ BidBonds
Ÿ AdvanceGuarantees
Ÿ PerformanceBonds
Ÿ RetentionandMaintenance Guarantees
Intoday'sdynamicandfiercely competitivebusinessworld,thekey MotivatingInnovationand CreativityintheWorkplace
tosuccessliesinbeingcreativeand innovative.Hishamrecognizesthis factandisdeterminedtocultivatea cultureofcreativityandinnovationat AafaqIslamicFinancetokeepthe organizationaheadofthegameinthe financialindustry.
Promotingcreativityandinnovation intheworkplacecanalsohelpAafaq IslamicFinanceattractandretain exceptionaltalentwhilecreatinga conduciveandpositivework environmentthatinspiresemployees togeneratefreshandinventiveideas constantly.Hishamfirmlybelieves thatthisisanindispensableaspectof theorganization'ssuccessand continuestoworktowardsenhancing it.Afterall,creativityandinnovation areessentialforanycompany strivingtoexcelintoday's competitivelandscape.
TacklingthePandemic
Theglobalfinancialindustry, includingAafaqIslamicFinance,has beengreatlyimpactedbythe COVID-19pandemic.Thepandemic hasresultedinsignificanteconomic disruptions,creatingvarious challengesforfinancialinstitutions.
Toovercomethesechallenges,Aafaq IslamicFinance,alongwithother financialinstitutions,hadtoadaptits businessmodeltoensurethesafety ofitsemployeesandcustomers.This involvedadoptingdigitalandremote services,reducingbranchoperations, andimplementinghealthandsafety protocols.Additionally,thecompany hasprioritizedsupportingits
customersduringthese unprecedentedtimesbyproviding flexiblerepaymentoptions,offering financialeducationandadvice,and implementingmeasurestoalleviate thepandemic'simpactonthe communitiesitserves.Despitethese challenges,AafaqIslamicFinance remainscommittedtoprovidingthe highestlevelofservicetoits customerswhileensuringthesafety andwell-beingofitsemployees.
TheGender-PayGapChallenge Thegenderpaygapisapersistent issuethatcontinuestoplague societiesworldwide,representinga soberingreminderofthedisparities thatstillexistbetweengenders. Despiteconcertedeffortstopromote equalityandfairness,women continuetoearnlessthantheirmale counterpartsforthesamework,with thegapsometimeswidening.This insidiousformofdiscrimination erodeswomen'sfinancial independenceandreinforcesnegative genderstereotypes,perpetuatinga cycleofinequalitythatundermines progressandunderminesthe potentialofhalfthepopulation.
Beinganorganizationcommittedto empoweringandencouraging women,AafaqIslamicFinance believesthepaydisparitycanhave long-termeffectsonwomen's financialcondition.
"Unfortunately, despite advances in equality and anti-discrimination laws, the gender pay gap persists in
many countries and industries. Women often earn less than men for doing the same work. This disparity can have long-term effects on women's financial stability and economic independence,"-explains Hisham."But one thing is for sure, that we at Aafaq Islamic Finance do not have a gender pay gap, but on the contrary, we always encourage and empower women while we also have an internal equal pay policy set in place to ensure that women working in Aafaq receive equal rights."
PreparingforaBetterFuture
AsAafaqIslamicFinanceenters 2023,thecompanyhassetitssights onenhancingthecustomer experience,embracingdigital transformation,andfosteringgreater financialinclusion,allwhile promotingsustainableand responsibleinvestmentpractices.The year2022wasdedicatedtobuilding asturdyfoundationenablingAafaq tonavigatenewchallengesandseize emergingopportunities,thereby securingaleadingpositioninthe industry
Meet Susie P. Arnesen The Renowned Practitioner, Specialized in Guiding Businesses on – Establishing, Maintaining, and Enforcing Trademarks Therewasatime,when
femaleattorneysusedto fightforjusticeandpavethe wayforotherwomeninthefield, whethertheywererepresenting corporations,defendingclientsin court,orrenderingimportant decisions.Inthelastfewyears, severalwomenadvocateshave succeededandhaveleftindelible marksonthelegalprofession. Havingthatinmind,wearebringing toyouthetaleofanaccomplished femaleattorneyandhereffortsto pushforwardthelegalindustry
experiencewhofocusesprimarilyon advisingDanishandforeign businessesontheestablishment, maintenance,andenforcementof trademarkanddesignrightsona nationalandinternationallevelwhile alwayskeepingakeeneyeonthe businessimplicationsofIP.
Herdeterminationandtenacityinthe faceofobstacleshaveopenedup newgrowthopportunitiesfor ArnesenIPAdvokatfirma.Her contributionstotheindustryare noteworthyandworthyof recognition.
SusieArnesen,theownerofArnesen IPAdvokatfirma,isanext-generation attorneywithoverthreedecadesof 18 | December 2023
SusieArnesenisanexcellent professionaltowork
with—responsive,realistic,and extremelycompetent.Herguidance iscomprehensive,insightful,and simpletoimplement;itguarantees theacquisitionofvaluable multijurisdictionalregistrationsand theoversightofexpectations.Sheis avaluableassetforanyteam.After servingvariousenterprisesforover 30years,themagnificentlady formedherownIPboutiquefirmon 1Dec2019,mostrecentlyasa partnerandattorney-at-lawwiththe CopenhagenIPboutiquefirmof Løje,Arnesen&Meedom(formerly Sandel,Løje&Partners).
TheGenesisofanIndustry Pioneer:UsheringaNewEraof LegalServices
Susie'sschoolingdidnotinitially includelaw,andcareerpreparation wasneverapriority.Shebeganby earningadegreeinbusiness languages(GermanandEnglish),and aftercompletinghercoursework,she bychancefoundapositionasa trademarkassistant.Shethoughtthe fieldwasfascinatingandgradually advancedtothepositionof trademarkagentorattorneyby "learningbydoing".
Theaspiringbusinesswoman, however,eventuallygrewwearyof havingtoturnovercasestothe lawyerswhenevertheybecame
particularlyinterestingandenjoyable (infringement,ceaseanddesist,etc.), soshemadethedecisiontoreturnto schoolandpursuealawdegree. Susiestudied,whileworkingfulltime,forfiveyearsbeforeearning herMasterofLawin2001.Susie creditsherhusband,whowasa constantsupporterandessentially tookovereverythingrelatingtothe familyduringthoseyears,atonof creditforthis.
SusiemovedtoSandel,Løje& Wallberg,thefirstIPlawboutique firminDenmark,inthesameyear afterspending14yearswith Plougmann&Vingtoft.Thisfirm laterchangeditsnametoLøje, Arnesen&Meedom.Shedelayed startingherownbusinessuntilthe springof2019whenshewas confidentenoughthatshecould succeedonherown.
"Fortunately, I could see good and reliable growth with a growing clientele of loyal clients who essentially all came with me. Four years later, the company is still a small IP boutique that is steadily expanding at the pace I wanted”, Susie remarked.
Susie'sInsightsonLeveraging AdvanceTech Over the past year or so, there has been a lot of buzz about AI, and I do not completely disagree that it will have a significant impact. However, I do sincerely believe that it will take
some time before these new technologies replace more than simply routine tasks, yet the demand for careful review by attorneys will continue to exist for a considerable amount of time to come as errors and misleading information in documents generated by AI are still quite common.
DefeatingtheObstaclesintheWay An AI that can help in the creation of logical and pertinent lists of products and services for a certain client is something I would love to see in my lifetime. Keepingdependableandeffective employeesonboardisundoubtedly crucialtobusinesssuccess.Inthis regard,Susieconsidersitvitalthat she,asaleader,paysattentiontoand comprehendstheyoungergeneration owner
oflawyers.Theynolongerdesireorwilltolerateworking60to80hoursaweekinordertoonedaybecome partners.Eventhoughthephraseisoverused,work-lifebalanceisbecomingmoreandmoresignificant,not onlyfortheyoungerbutalsofortheolder,moreseasonedmembersofyourteam.
NurturingInnovationandCreativity Someofthekeystrategiesfornurturinganinspiringworkplace,Susieassures,aretofosterthefreedomto operate,touseatermfromthepatentworld,andtohavefaithintheteam,bothintermsoftheirpotentialfor successandintheirabilitytocarryitout.
Susie'steamcurrentlyworksfromhomethreeoutoffivedays,andthewomaninchargebelievesthateven whileworkingfromhome,theteamisattentiveandeffective.Again,maintainingahealthywork-lifebalance givesyoumoreenergytothinkoffreshand/orimprovedsolutions.
Further sharing her insights on diversity and inclusion within the industry, Susie stated, “Fortunately, the world of trademarks is, in my perspective, quite inclusive of women—and has been for a very long time. This is something that I believe is really important for the business. Many of the attendees at conferences on trademarks, for instance, are women, with about half of them holding leadership positions. Even though there may still be work to be done, especially in traditional, big legal firms, I think we are moving in the right direction when it comes to partnership roles.”
TheKeyDrivingForceBehindSusie'sVictoriousJourney Theysaywhatyoudogoesalongway,especiallywhenitcomestoovercomingobstaclesandadaptingtoa developingmarket.Additionally,it'scriticaltostayintouchwithotherindustryleaders,bothprofessionally andpersonally.Lastbutnotleast,"it'stheeconomy,stupid"—it'scrucialtokeeptrackofthecompany's financialstatussothatSusieandherteamarealwaysreadyshouldissuesarise.
WordsofWisdombytheInspiringWomantotheAspiringWomen Beforesigningoff,thefoundershareswordsofwisdomforallyoungentrepreneursaspiringandworkinghard toestablishthemselves: “Don't give up! Believe in yourself and in what you do.”
AchievementsandPlanningfortheNewBeginning Sharingherfutureplans,thevisionaryladysaid, “At my age and with my many, many years in this field of work, I have pretty much achieved all that I could dream of. My only remaining goal for the future is to see my company expand and continue to be successful since I became a lawyer when I was over 40 and opened my own practice when I was 60 when many others were entering retirement.
TheConcludingNotebytheLuminary
Staypositive.It'llallworkoutintheend.
The Role of TECHNOLOGY in Modern Society Theterm“technology”referstothebodyofknowledgeconcernedwiththe development,improvement,anduseoftechnologicalmeansandthe connectionsamonghumanculture,socialorganization,andthenaturalworld. Toputitanotherway,technologyistheapplicationofscientificknowledgeto practicalends,suchasthedevelopmentoftoolsforuseinbusinessanddailylife.It followsthatanyapplicationofscientificknowledgetovaluableendsistheuseof technology
Technology’sEffectonSociety
Everyelementofourlivesdependsontechnologicalimprovements,andour anticipationsandrequirementsinthissphereareconstantlygrowingtomeetthem. Technologyisusedbypeopleintheireffortstoincreasetheirlevelsofknowledge, relationships,andproductiveactivities.Howweasacommunitydecidetoput technologicaladvancestousewillinfluencethenatureoftheoutcomeswe experience,whetherfavorableorunfavorable.
Technology’spositiveeffectsonsociety:
Thepositivebenefitsthattechnologyhashadonindividualsandsocietyasawhole farexceedthenegativeones.Ourlivesaremademoreaccessible,andwearegiven luxuriesandcomfortsthatwewouldbeforcedtogowithout.Thefollowingisalist ofthemanywaysinwhichtheadventoftechnologyhascontributedtothe bettermentofourlives:
Ÿ ImprovedCommunication:Conversationsarethefoundationofcommunitiesand themediumthroughwhichweshareideas.Historically,humanshavesent messagestooneanotherusingpigeonsorotherbirds.Afterthen,communication advancesandshiftstodigitalchannelsliketextmessages,emails,and smartphones.Letterstofriendsandfamilyareoftensentviaelectronicchannels suchasemail,socialmedia,etc.It’sthemostrapid,productive,andfruitful
Ÿ channelavailabletoday.Evenifpeoplearefarapart, theymaystillreadilycommunicateandexchange informationwiththeirlovedones.
Ÿ Technologyimproveseducationandlearning: These days,expandingone’shorizonsviaonlinestudyisa breeze.It’spossibletoaccessthevastmajorityofthe informationavailableontheInternetwithoutspendinga dime.
Ÿ MechanizedAgriculture:Technologicaladvancements alterthetraditionalmethodsofagriculturallabor Farminghasbeenrevolutionizedbythewidespreaduse oftechnologicaladvanceslikeequipmentandtechnical instruments.
Ÿ Accesstoinformationissimple:wecanlookup anythingweneedontheInternetwheneverweneedit. Youmayutilizethewealthoffreeresourcesonthe Internettofurtheryoureducation,career,etc.
Adverseeffectsoftechnologyonsociety:
TherearebenefitsanddrawbackstoeverythingonEarth. Justastherearepositiveeffectsoftechnologyonsociety, therearealsoadverseeffectsoftechnology,suchas:
Ÿ Increaseinunemployment:Asaresultofthecheapcost andoutstandingefficiencyofmachineryand technologicalequipmentusedbybigandsmall businessestoday,thejoblessratecontinuestorise.
Ÿ Increasedpollution:Notonlypeoplebutalso technologyisimpactingourecosystem.Vehiclesand othermachinesareasignificantcontributorstothe steadilyrisinglevelsofpollutionthatdriveclimate changeandotherharmfuleffects.
Ÿ Increasedhealthandmentalconcerns:Technologyis nowaffectinghumans’physicalandpsychological health.Individualsbecomelesssociallyengaged,less physicallyactive,lessphysicallyfit,andmorelikelyto engageinsedentarybehaviors.
Ÿ Increaseincybercrime:Asinternetusagecontinuesto rise,sodoesthenumberofcyberattacks.Attackersmay targetyoungstersorthedefenselessforfinancialgainor asenseofthrill.
Ÿ Technologyhascausedsocialproblemsandcultural changes.
SocialIssues:
Thefollowingaresomeofthesocialproblemswe encounteronline:
Ÿ IdentityTheft:Usingtheidentityofanotherindividual byfraudulentlyobtaininghisfinancial/personal informationtocommitacrime.
Ÿ GamingAddiction:Excessiveusageofonlinegames overalengthyperiodsubstantiallyimpairsan individual’sabilitytooperateinnumerouslivingareas.
Ÿ HealthandFitness:Excessiveonlinetimehasbeen linkedtodeterioratingvision,achingbacks,andother
physicalailments.
Ÿ Cyberbullying:Usingtechnologytoharass,abuse, criticize,ortargetanotherindividualisknownas cyberbullying.
Ÿ Terrorismandcrime:Cyberterrorismreferstothetheft ofourcyber-infrastructureanddigitalinformationsuch assoftware,hardware,data,orlead.
Ÿ CommunicationBreakdown:Wheninformationisnot transferred,interactionislost.
Ÿ DefamationofCharacter:Defamationofcharacteristhe actofdisseminatingfalseinformationwiththeintentof causingseveredamagetoanotherperson’sreputation.
Culturechanges:
Theadvancementoftechnologyhashadasignificant impactonoursociety Wehavegonealongwayintermsof ourprinciplesandcommunicationmethods.Face-to-face conversationsmaybechallengingformanyindividualsin today’sworld.Peopleconnectwiththeirfriendsusing electronicdevicessuchassmartphones,tablets,andlaptops. Also,nowadays,peoplejudgeoneanotheraccordingto howtechnologicallyadvancedtheyare,suchaswhetheror nottheyhavethemostrecentmobilephonesorvehicles.It iscommontopracticeintoday’ssocietytoputon headphonesandlistentomusicratherthanengagein conversation.
Mostpeopleintoday’sworldgravitatetowardtheInternet sinceitisalltheyhaveeverknown.Touchscreenson mobiledevicessuchascellphonesarealltheragethese days.Peopleareonlyfurtherdisconnectedfromrealityasa resultoftechnology Thecapacityofpeopleintoday’s societytoengageinreal-lifescenarios,suchasmaking individualrelationships,findingsolutionstoproblems,and actinglikeadults,isseverelylacking.Allofthisishaving animpactonoursociety.Eachtimewepurchasefroman onlinevendorratherthantravelingtoastorefrontinour community,technologyexertssomeculturalimplications. Weareactivelyreshapingcultureviatechnologyeachtime someonesettlesdownforanightofwatchingour entertainmentondemand.
Ÿ Inconclusion,technologicaladvancementssuchasthe Internet,mobilephones,andlaptopcomputersarean absoluterequirementformodernlife.Becauseofthese developments,wesometimesfailtoremembertheplightof peoplewhostruggletomeetfundamentalhumanneeds, suchasaccesstoadequatenutrition,healthcare,andsafe drinkingwater.Usingadvancedtechnologytoaidsociety’s mostvulnerablemembersisanobleactbyindustrialized nations.Medicalservices,Internet-basedeconomies, agriculturaltechniques,industrialprocesses,andotherareas haveallbenefitedfromthesetechnologies’widespread adoptionandusage.
Ken Wama CEO
Big Ass Fans Gaining a Foothold within the Home Appliances Market with its Top-notch Airflow Product Line
AAbrandledbyavisionarythought leaderandhiscoreteam,BigAss Fansrightfullytakesprideinitself asamarketinnovator,atrailblazer,andan industryleaderindeliveringaircomfortin complexenvironments.Theybuildan exceptionalsuiteofheatingandcooling productsanddeliversensationalresults throughtheirabilityfordesignandservice delivery
Sinceitsinceptionin1999,everyproduct thecompanymakeshasbeenbackedbya commitmenttoquality,dependability,and innovationthathasbeentheengineforthe BigAssFans'expansion.Theircorefocusis oncreatingcomfortwherenooneelsecan anddeliveringareturnonairinvestmentfor themostcomplexspacesintheworld.They provideend-to-endservices,suchas engineeredapplications,best-in-class productdesign,turn-keyinstallation,and lifetimesupport,tohaveanamazing customerexperience.
TheMaverickbehindtheSuccess
Theleadingmanbehindthebrand,Ken Wama,comesupwithover22yearsof managerialexperienceandhasdevelopeda solidleadershipethos.Kencurrentlyserves astheChiefExecutiveOfficerofBigAss
Fansandleadstheindustryinthedeliveryofindustrial HVLS(HighVolumeLowSpeed)fansaswellasa varietyofothergoodsandservices.Kenisarecognized expertintransformativeleadership;inaprevious position,heusedhisgrowthmentality,emotional intelligence,anddata-driveninnovationtotakea$3 millioncompanyandexpandittoanincredible$1.8 billioncompany
Inacademics,KengraduatedwithaBachelorofScience inMechanicalEngineeringfromtheUniversityofSouth CarolinaandaMasterofBusinessAdministrationfrom theGoizuetaBusinessSchoolatEmoryUniversity
TheInspiringJourneyStraightfromtheKen's Mouth
I like to break up my professional life into chapters. Unmet consumer needs exist everywhere, in all economic conditions and marketplaces, as I learned during my first chapter at a dynamic, privately held electronics company. To promote differentiation and growth, you must constantly interact with clients and look for their demands. It may seem easy, but doing it consistently is challenging.
My second chapter was where I learned to become a General Manager. I actively sought out this position at a publicly traded Fortune 500 firm. I led each of the functions in growing a business from $3M to $100M using a combination of organic and inorganic development. Throughout this time, I had numerous opportunities to learn about leadership, communication, and accountability
The third chapter was enabled by a period of emotional intelligence training facilitated by two different leadership programs and my MBA at Emory. Ultimately I scaled from overseeing all functions in a $100 million business to a $1 billion business while leading directly and across functional lines and how to manage and engage people irrespective of reporting lines.
The fourth chapter of my story, "Leading Through Adversity," began in 2019 when we announced our intention to "Spin" (or IPO) my business unit. This sale
process ultimately resulted in the sale of my business unit to a competitor. It closed on March 1st, 2020, two weeks before Covid sent our entire workforce home and started a two-year effort to manage employee mental and physical health, supply chain issues, and integration changes.
Lastly, as the various activities calmed, I made a decision to seek out a leadership role in a business balancing many factors, including company culture, market opportunity, size, the complexity of the business, competitiveness, and ultimately, my ability to help and make an impact. This brought me to Big Ass Fans.
TheInspirationbehindJoiningBigAssFans Kenstartedtodevelopanadmirationforthecompanyin 2016andcompetedwiththecompanywhenBAFwasin thelightingbusiness. TheymetBigAssFancustomers whoravedaboutthecompany,itsproducts,itsofferings, anditsculturewhileignoringtheirgoodscompletely.In addition,KenandhisteamboughtfansfromBAFfor theirfacilities,andtheiremployeesweredelightedwith thesupportandperformance.Theaspiringleaderalways thought, "I wish I could get a look beneath the canvas and see how they achieved that tomyself.”
AnEdgeOverthePeers
ThevoiceoftheCustomeristhecentralcoginthe businessandcultureandwhatmakesBigAssFans unique.Theyengagewiththeenduserandhaveover 160,000directcustomerrelationships,whichis increasingdaily Asaresult,theyarealwaysgetting invaluableinputfromthosewhousetheproductona
dailybasisthroughcalls,sitevisits,andzooms.Unmet needsarewhatspurinnovation.Theydon'taimfor features;theyaimforsolutionsandwanttobetheperson thecustomerscallwhentheyhaveuncomfortable employeesandneedsomeonetohelp.
OvercomingtheCOVIDCrisis Globally,theCovidpandemichashadaprofoundimpact onhowpeopleperceiveindoorairandindoorairquality foremployees.Becauseofincreasedawareness,alabor shortage,andthesignificanceofcleanair,BigAssFans haveseenunprecedentedgrowth.Thebusinessaspiresto andwillkeepupitscommitmenttobuildingasafer, healthier,andmoreproductiveplanet.Thebenefitsof naturalventilationandairconditioningincomplex environmentsaregraduallybecomingmorewell-known.
SignificanceofEmployeeWell-being Employeewell-beingisincrediblyimportantatBAF
Alongwithmaintainingpeople'scomfortandsafetyin theworkplace,themanagementteammakesaconcerted efforttodevelopacohesiveworkplacewhereworkers feelvalued,heard,andapartofalargermission.Tohelp everyemployeecomprehendthevaluetheyprovideto
theclients,theyaimtotietogethertheirday-to-day tacticalactions.Thisisevidentintheireffortstobethe bestemployerineachmarketinwhichtheyoperate.In 2022,FortuneMagazinerecognizedthemasonethe "BestPlacestoWorkforMillennials,"the"#1Medium SizeCompany,"andthe"#15inManufacturing CompanyintheUS."
BAF'sExpansionBinge BAF'smissionistocreatecomfortintheworld'smost complexenvironments.Whetheritbea1Msqft manufacturingfacilityinTexasoryourbackyardin Ohio,theyunderstandairflowbetterthananyoneand haveeverythingcovered.Thatbeginswithensuringthe worldknowsthatBigAssFansisthesolutionforheating orcoolingindifficultspaces.
Theyhaveanamazingopportunitytoeducatethegeneral publicabouttheadvantagesofbetterindoorairqualityin additiontocozierspaces.Theirnumberonepriorityis tellingmorepeopleaboutBAF Theywill,astheyhave forthepast22years,continuetocreatethemost exceptionalbigfansontheplanetanddeliverone-of-akindservicetotheexpandingcustomerbase.
IProf. Abdel Rahman Ahmed Omer Spearheading the Center of Medical Excellence in the UAE—Burjeel Holdings nthehealthcaresector,leadershipisprimarilyconcernedwith howanindividualdirectstheactionsofagroupworkingtowarda commonobjective.Withalltheessentialqualities,Prof.Abdel RahmanAhmedOmerhasbeenaninfluentialmodelforBurjeel Holdings.SinceApril2021,Prof.OmerhasservedastheCEOof BurjeelHospital,thenwasappointedasBurjeelHoldingsGroup MedicalDirector.Hehas27yearsofexpertiseinthemedicalfieldand ahighlyskilledpersonality AsGMD,heoverseesgeneralclinical, generaloperations,academicprograms,organizationalreorganization fordevelopment,expansionanddisruptiveinnovations.
Themagnificentmanearnedhismedicaldegree(MBBS)fromthe FacultyofMedicineattheUniversityofKhartouminSudanandUCL inUKbeforebeginninghisjourneytowardobtainingaccredited professionaltraining,whichincludedfellowshipsattheRoyal CollegesofScotland,Glasgow,Edinburgh,andIreland,aswellasthe RoyalCollegeofSurgeryinEngland.Afterthat,heobtainedaMaster ofScienceinSurgicalSciences(MSc)fromUniversityCollege London(UK)duetohisdesiretoadvancehisacademiccareer.Prof. Omerreceivedadoctorate(Ph.D.)fromHartfordUniversityinthe UnitedStates.AllthiswhilehewastraininginSurgeryatUCL& OxfordandCambridgeHighersurgicaltrainingProgram.Healso worked attherenownedlaparoscopiccolorectalsurgerydepartmentat theClevelandClinicintheUnitedStatesintheearly2000s.Upon returningtotheUK,heexpandedhisprofessionalopportunities throughtheNationalHealthService.HebecametheHeadofSurgery andwaselectedastheNHSgovernorfortheEastAngliaregion.In additiontohispublicduties,heestablishedareputableindependent practicewherehetreatedpatientsworldwidewithchallengingissues whileofferingprobonoservices.Healsoreceivedanumberof certificatione.g:MedicalAIfromTaipeiUniversityandESG&Board Excellence(Wharton,PN).
HejoinedBurjeelasthenation'stopgeneralandcolorectalsurgeonin 2015.Healsotookpartinstrategicplanningandclinicalgovernance. HeacceptedtheChiefExecutiveOfficerjobatBurjeelin2021 moving tobetheGMDforBurjeelHoldingsattheendof2023.Hewelcomed theresponsibilityandwashonoredbythetrustandsupportofDr ShamsheerVayalil(ChairmanandFounderofBurjeelHoldings)and theentireBurjeelteam.
TheKeyIngredientsbehindProf.Omer'sTremendousJourney
Prof.Omer'sdesiretoworkinhealthcarewasalwaysdrivenbyhis passionforservingpeople.Itishischosenwayofleavingalegacyand
givingback.Histhreedecadesofexpertiseworkingasa doctorinthemedicalindustryareoneoftheprimary factorsthatencouragehimtokeepmovingforward. Further,duringtheprocess,Prof.Omerhasbeena mentor,leader,andfriendtoamazingexpertsinthefield, whichplayedabigroleingettinghimwhereheis.
Hiscareerpathwassignificantlyimpactedbyhaving beenamentortorenownedphysicians,inventors,and policymakerslikePaulBoulus,IanScott,ClareMarx, andStevenWexner.Hereceivedtrainingfromthe industryleadersinhealthcaremanagementdeliveryand hissurgicalspecialty.Hetaughthiscolleagues worldwideskillsinsurgeryandmanagementthatthey hadyettobeexposedtoorhadinsufficienttrainingin. Asaresultoftheirguidance,Prof.Omer'sinterestin creatingpolicies,envisioningthefutureofhealthcare provision,anddesigningstrategiesforthefutureof healthcareatthenationalandinternationallevelwasa taughttaskaugmentedbythepassingofexperienceand real-lifework.
“I am proud that I played a role in introducing at the time what was considered modern practices in healthcare management and business development, governance, and specific surgical methods (laparoscopic surgery to the future of medicine using AI and robotic tools). Now, it seems very standard practice to perform and follow, but at the time, this was cutting-edge medicine”,theinspiringleaderapprised.
Bythetimehewasaseasonedsurgeonandahealthcare leader,theimportanceofastrongteamwasevident. Largehospitalsoperatedependingonfeedbackfrom smallteamsthatflowsintotheentireorganization.While workingfortheBritishNationalHealthService,Prof. Omerhadanexcellentclinicalandmanagerialteam throughoutthetime.Hefeelsfortunatetohave colleaguesthatgotalonggreatandmadeworkingso muchfun.
AfterarrivingintheUAE,hisdrivetobringabout meaningful,lastingchangemanifestedinhisdecisionto assumetheExecutivepositionjobsatBurjeelHoldings, givingtheexecutiveteamadoseofclinicalleadership.
GMD HenowcollaborateswithseveralUAEandinternational visionarieswhoareallcommittedtobringingabout.
PushingtheBoundariesofExplorationandScientific Advancement
OtherthantheIntroductionofanumberofDisruptive Innovations,heledaprojecthenamedBurjeelinMars: TheUAEisacountrythatvaluesinnovationand excellencehighly,andBurjeelisoneofthecompanies thatsharethiscommitment.Burjeel'sparticipationinthe UAE'smissiontoMarsinitiativedemonstratestheir commitmenttoinnovation.
Theinspiringleaderfurtherapprised, "We've been helping this enormous galactic expedition by offering recommendations on medical care for use throughout
space travel and while in space. Our ability to offer our knowledge and take part in a ground-breaking mission that highlights the UAE's commitment to pushing the boundaries of exploration and scientific advancement has been made possible by this chance.”
BurjeelAcademics,anotherprojectofBurjeelHoldings, aimstoeducate,train,andmentorfuturemedical professionalswhileshowcasingthefuturebenefitstothe entireUAEand,hence,theworld.
ThecoreofBurjeel'shealthmissionisfindingsolutions andsupportingpeople.Innovativeremediesarecrucial forthelargenumberofpeoplewhoaredealingwith complexornewhealthproblems.TheteamatBurjeel Holdingshasbeenabletohelpindifferentwaysto deliverforthesecutting-edgetherapiesthankstotheir excellentconnectionswithcharitiesandphilanthropic organizations.Inordertolowerthecostsassociatedwith providingthesecutting-edgetreatmentsandcures, certainpharmaceuticalcompanieshavealsogiventhem medicineatadiscountedprice.
AnInsightintotheGenderPayGapatBurjeel TheBurjeelHoldingsteamcomprisesapproximately36 nationalities,speaking56languages,withmorethanhalf oftheemployeesbeingwomen.Theorganization recognizesandcelebrateswomenintheworkforce, whichisreflectedintheirpositiveworkenvironment, companyculture,andfaircompensation.Theyembrace diversityandvalueflexibility,socialagility,and emotionalintelligencetoensureaholisticworkplace experienceforallandexcellentpatientcare.
OpportunitiesAlongtheWay TheUAEisexperiencingashiftinexpatriatetimelines. Youngerfamiliesarechoosingtomovehereandraise theirkids,asarepensionersimmigratingtotheUAEto livetheirgoldenyearshere.Inordertomeettheneedsof anagingpopulation,healthcareintheUAEwillneedto becomemorecomplex,organized,andnuanced.
TheUAE'sinnovativemindsetplacesthenationina leadingpositioninmodifyingitshealthcaresystemto meetitscitizens'andexpatriates'variousandchanging demands.Thevisionaryleaderisthrilledtobeapartof theUAE'sjourneyinhealthcareandmedical developmentsasthefuturedevelops.Theyareeach contributingtoahealthiertomorrowforall.
GivingBacktotheCommunity AninitiativeProf.Omerisparticularlyattachedtois Burjeel'sworktowardrarediseases.Oneofthefew hospitalsintheareathattreatscertainrarediseasesis Burjeel.Heandhisteamhavelaunchedaserviceto discoverpatientswithrarediseases,flythemtoAbu Dhabi,andtreatthemforfreetobroadentheirreach. Thiswasseenasanunprecedenteddevelopmentin globalequationinhealthcare.
TheFutureRoadmap Theleadingmanhadmultifacetedaspirationsonboth personalandprofessionalfronts.Professionallyasa healthleaderwithoutstandingclinicalbackground,he aspirestohavecontributedtotheadvancementof protocolsintheregionandfieldatlarge,aswellas promotingquality,patientsafety,andexperience. Further,hewishestousehispositionasanacademicto helpcoachanddirectprospectivehealthcare professionalsfulfillingtheESGrequirementsand achievingallthedeclaredUNSDGswhileintegrating thiswithoutstandingclinicalservices.Heisalsolooking tocontributetotheformationofcompassionateand knowledgeablehealthcareworkerswhowillcarrythe torchofmedicalexcellenceinthesectorbynurturingthe developmentofupcominghealthcareleadersand establishingethicalideals.Heisexcitedtocontributeas amanagertoadoptingmoreenvironmentallyfriendly hospitalrunningmethods.
Thomas M. VanNess III Breaking Down Barriers Thisistheextraordinarynarrativeofathriving estateandassetprotectionlawfirmthathas brokenbarriersinanefforttobetterservice clientsandattractateamconsistingofremarkable professionals.Founder,ThomasM.VanNessIII,does notfeelconstrainedbythetraditionallawfirmbusiness model–dry,stale,anduptight.Instead,VanNessLaw PLLChasadoptedabusinessmodelmoreakintoa moderntechcompany“withclass.”VanNessLawPLLC takescomplexlegaljargonandturnsitintoa“user friendly”streamlinedprocess.Ifbeing"unconventional" makestheclientsandstaffhappier,Thomasencourages it.
Forthisincrediblestory,wehadacandidconversation withthelegalexpertandvisionaryleader,–ThomasM. VanNessIIIwherewelearnedsomeinsightfulbusiness knowledgeaswellas"food for thought," whichreflects volumesabouthisremarkableaccomplishments.
ABriefOverviewoftheCompany Oneofthemostprominentestateandassetprotection lawfirmsinthecountry,VanNessLawPLLC,supports affluentfamilies,businessowners,andadvisorsaround thecountry.Mostoftheclientsareseekinglegaladvice tosafeguardtheirassetsfromlawsuits,andtolessen theirtaxes.
Thomas asserts, "VanNess Law PLLC uses strategies that keep family and business harmony, save taxes, avoid court, and satisfy client's specific goals through every phase of life, including accumulation, preservation, and the transfer of wealth to future generations. This frequently involves the use of wills, trusts—both
revocable and irrevocable—business entities, and other legal arrangements. VanNess Law PLLC blends Big Law knowledge with the communication you would expect from a trusted family advisor.”
AtVanNessLawPLLC,thefirmusestechnologytoits advantagetoserviceclientsmoreeffectively,createan exceptionalclientexperience,andlowerlegalfeesfor clients.Unlikemostlawfirmsthatarehyperfocusedon revenue,VanNessLawPLLCdedicatesalargeportion oftimetocreatinginfrastructure,systems,buildinga positiveculture,andcreatingefficiency.
TheLeadingManandHisInspirationalJourney Whenquestionedabouttheinspirationforcominginto thelegalsectorThomasresponded, "Law firms are known for providing poor service and communication. I wanted to deliver outstanding customer service, an excellent client experience, and a work-product that made me proud. This is what encouraged me to create VanNess Law PLLC.”
Thomasgrewupinafamilyoftrust&estateattorneys andentrepreneurs.Whileotherchildrenwereheavily involvedinsportsorvideogames,Thomaswasalways passionateaboutbusiness.Thomasstartedhisfirst business,acoffeecart,inhighschool.
Hestated, "I began working with my family in their trusts and estate practice and was interested in the complex transactions being handled by larger firms in metropolitan locations. I moved to south Florida, the "mecca" of wealth planning, to be able to participate in these significant transactions representing affluent
families, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors.”
Afterworkingformultiplelargelawfirms,Thomas realizedthatpersonaltouchandhumilitywerelacking. Hisclientsencouragedhimtodevelophisownfirmand ateamtosupporthim.It'sevidenttalkingwithThomas thatheisextremelypassionateaboutwhathedoes.Not onlyishepassionate,buthehasthecredentialstobackit up.Unlikemostattorneys,Thomasalreadyhastwolaw degrees(asecondlawdegreespecializinginestate planning).
Thomasspeaksonwealthtransferandassetprotection acrossthecountry,evengettingtheopportunitytospeak ataNationalFootballLeague(NFL)retreat.Hehasa genuinesenseofcuriosityandsaysthathelearnsjustas muchworkingwithhisclients,astheydofromhim.
BuildingaTeam TheVanNessLawPLLCteamhasauniqueculturethat lendsitselftothosepassionateaboutwhattheydo. Personalitytestsaregiventostafftodeterminecommon characteristicsandtodeterminehowtocommunicate witheachothermoreeffectively.Staffareputintoroles thatmaximizetheuseoftheirpositiveattributes. VanNessLawPLLCwantsstafftoworktherebecause theygettodowhattheylove,notbecause“it'sajob.”
HavingadiverseteamallowsVanNessLawPLLCto handleissuesmorequickly.Eachteammember contributesauniqueviewpointandhasatechnical skillsetthatallowsVanNessLawPLLCtodeliver outstandingclientserviceandworkproduct.
VanNessLawPLLC'sprimarychallengeisstrikinga balancebetweenfosteringanenjoyablework environment,andgivingclientsthebestpossibleservice andexperience.
LookingForwardtoanExcitingFuture Sinceitsfounding,VanNessLawPLLChasestablished itselfasoneofthecountry'spremierestateandasset protectionlawfirms.Theyhaveplanstogrowtheir
footprint,butonlytotheextentthatit'senjoyableand thattheirinfrastructurewillsupportit.Asthelawfirm growsinvolume,thefirmwillbemoreselectiveabout theclientsitchoosestoworkwith.VanNessLawPLLC willkeepputtingeffortintodevelopingadistinctive cultureandassistingtheirclientswiththeirever-growing needs.
Thomas VanNess III Founder
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