Egypt’s Top 10 CEOs Shaping the Business Landscape March2024

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Top 10 Shaping the

Manypeoplelookatbeingthechief executiveofficerofacompanyasjust anothercareerpath-ahigh-poweredjob thatcomeswithanimpressivetitle,afancycorner office,andahugepaycheck.Butthetruthis,toreally succeedasaCEO,itrequiresmuchmorethanjust treatingitasemployment.Ithastobeacalling.

Acallingissomethingyoufeeldrawnto,almost inexplicably,asifguidedbyaforceoutsideyourself. Itconsumesyourmindandfiresupyourpassion. Whenyouhaveacalling,theworkdoesn'tfeellike labor Yes,itrequirestremendouseffortanddevotion, butyouhaveanintrinsicdrivetopouryourselfintoit completely

To Be a CEO i s T r u yl a

That'swhatittakestobeaneffectiveCEO. Thejobisall-encompassing.Theweight ofbeingthevisionaryleadermakingthe bigstrategicdecisionsthatshapea company'sfuturerestssquarelyon yourshoulders.Youareultimately responsibleforyouremployees' livelihoodsandyourinvestors' profits.

ACEOcan'tjustpunchinand punchout.Theroledemands thatyouliveandbreathethe company'smissionand challenges24/7.Yourheartand mindhavetobeinvested.Youhave tolovewakingupeverydayto tacklenewobstacles.Ambitionand adherencehavetoconsumeyou.

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ManyarecapableofdoingthejobofCEO competently.ButthegreatCEOsarethose whohaveansweredacallingandwhoapproachit withfullemotionalandintellectualforce.It'sthat energyanddrivethatallowthemtopersevereandlead theircompanytonewheights.

AtInsightsSuccess,wehonorCEOsfromallover theworldwhohavehelpedtheirfirmsstandoutina competitivebusinessenvironment.Inthisedition, entitled "Egypt's Top 10 CEOs Shaping the Business Landscape," wehighlightexecutiveswhohave embracedthecallingofCEOwithpassionand excellence.TheseCEOsexhibittheattributesrequired foreffectivecorporateleadership:inventiveness, versatility,andacommitmenttogreatness.Theyserve assourcesofinspirationforbothaspiringand experiencedleaders.

Haveagoodreadahead!

Abdallah Mahgoub

Execuve Chariman, CEO

Dr. Walid Hosni

Founder and CEO

Evia Rudolf

CEO

Hassan Mohamed

CEO

Hesham Watany

CEO

Hussien Mansour

CEO

Ihab Elsaka

Founder and CEO

Karim Shehata

CEO

Mohamed Kamal

CEO Mohsen Sarhan

CEO

Solar Installer EPC www.solar-installer.co Company

GXEGY www.gxegy.com

Compact Soluons www.compact-soluons.com

NextEra BD www.nexterabd.com

Etegah www.etegah.com Aller Aqua www.aller-aqua.com Hoppec www.hoppec.net Basata Holdings www.binvestmentsegypt.com

AMG Hospitality Hotel Asset Management Group www.amg-hospitality.com

Egypan Food Bank www.e.eg

Abdallah leads Solar Installer EPC, seng new standards in solar energy soluons. With a focus on excellence and sustainability, his visionary leadership drives progress for a brighter future.

Dr. Walid, a visionary leader and serial entrepreneur, brings over 28 years of operaonal opmizaon experience to GXEGY His strategic prowess and innovave mindset drive business success in diverse industries.

Evia, at the helm of Compact Soluons, drives innovaon in an ever-evolving landscape. She leads the charge towards efficiency and excellence in their domain.

Hassan has honed his skills through years of navigang intricate supply chain networks.

Hesham leads Etegah, a pioneer in digital video content producon. His strategic vision and commitment to innovaon propel the company forward, seng new standards in storytelling and client sasfacon.

Hussien transforms local success into internaonal prominence. With a focus on high-quality feed and harmony with nature, Aller Aqua achieves customer sasfacon while expanding its reach.

Elsaka's journey epitomizes resilience and innovaon in Egypt's market. As CEO of HOPPEC, he fosters a culture of excellence and collaboraon, seng industry standards with transformave leadership.

Karim, a seasoned execuve, spearheads Basata Holdings' convergence of telecom and fintech. His integrity-driven leadership fosters growth, shaping Egypt's e-payments sector with innovaon and vision.

With a passion for hospitality since 1989, Kamal brings extensive experience to AMG Hospitality. His leadership drives excellence, drawing from a rich background in top-er hotel management.

Mohsen embodies simplicity, authencity, and accountability in leadership. His experse in social mobility drives impacul iniaves, influencing global food banking.

C O V E R

S T O R Y

Hussien Ma nsour

Pioneering Sustainability in Aquaculture

R

Is Artificial Intelligence an Opportunity or a Threat to Humans in Life and the Labor Market? 5 Questions Every Employee Should Ask Their CEO The CEO Paradox: Prioritization and Execution in a Demanding Role

Abdallah Mahgoub Trailblazing Solar Innovations

Dr. Walid Hosni Navigating the Fintech Leadership Landscape

Hassan Mohamed Forging Expertise in Digital Supply Chain

Hesham Watany Navigating Emerging Markets and Growth Paths

Ihab Elsaka Cultivating Collaboration and Innovation with Transformative Leadership

Karim Shehata Navigating Expertise in Financial Technology

Mohsen Sarhan Navigating Challenges with Resilience

Aller Aqua’s global presence, with factories in multiple countries, reflects our dedication to delivering top-quality fish feed worldwide.

- Roy T. Bennett

Thesolarenergyindustrystandsasabeaconof innovation,dedicatedtofosteringenvironmental healingandreducingtheglobalcarbonfootprint.It servesasavitalfrontierforpioneeringadvancementsin renewableenergytechnologies,shapingasustainablefuture forgenerationstocome.

LeadingthischargeisAbdallahMahgoub,an accomplishedexecutiverecognizedforhisprofound contributionstothesolarsector.Withthedesignationof ExecutiveChairmanandCEO,Mahgoubbringsawealth ofexperienceandavisionaryapproachtodrivingprogress withintheindustry,settingnewstandardsforexcellence andsustainability

UnderMahgoub'sleadership,SolarInstallerEPChas emergedasatrailblazerinEngineering,Procurement,and Construction(EPC)servicesforsolarprojects.Witha commitmenttoethicalbusinesspracticesandafocuson societalwell-being,SolarInstallerEPCstandsatthe forefrontofdeliveringinnovativesolutionsthatharnessthe powerofsolarenergytocreateabrighterandmore sustainabletomorrow

Let’s delve deeper to learn more:

PioneeringSolarEnergyInnovation

AbdallahMahgoubembarkedonhiscareerjourneywitha tenureoffiveyearsinvariousroles,swiftlyascending throughdifferentlayersofseniority.Withaprofessional trajectorythatcommencedin2012,hisfocuswasseton contributingtosectorsdedicatedtoenvironmentalhealing andreducingthehumancarbonfootprint.Recognizingthe limitedopportunitiestoengageinthisrealmasan employeeinEgyptduringthatperiod,Abdallahtookthe initiativetoestablishhisowncompany,specializinginsolar energy,particularlyPVtechnology

ElevatingEPCStandards

Duringthelenders'audit,particularlybytheIFCinBenban SolarParkinEgyptfrom2018to2019,SolarInstallerEPC successfullyexecuted200MWwithinanacceleratedtime schedule.Followingacomprehensiveevaluation,theIFC concludedthatSolarInstallerEPCstoodoutasthebest subcontractoracross32plots.Theevaluationencompassed variouscriteria,includingthedurationofexecution (completedin7months),localcommunitydevelopment andqualification(providingtrainingfor290engineersfrom thelocalcommunity),HRemployment(with90%localand

44%femalerepresentation),environmentalhealthand safety,andqualityassurance/qualitycontrol.This recognitionpropelledSolarInstallerEPCtowarditsgoalof becomingaworld-classEPC.

Subsequently,SolarInstallerEPCexpandeditsaspirations toattainworld-classstatus,resultinginthedevelopmentof auniqueoperationalmodel.Thismodelprovedtobe particularlyeffectiveinaddressingtheneedsofclients, particularlyforcomplexprojectsinvolvingtop-tier companiesfromaroundtheglobe.SolarInstallerEPC's innovativeapproachaddedsignificantvaluetorenowned companiesfromGermany,Japan,China,andotherregions, solidifyingitsreputationasapreferredpartnerinthe industry

PrioritizingEthicsandSustainability

AbdallahMahgoub,asExecutiveChairmanandCEOof SolarInstallerEPC,upholdsacommitmenttoprioritize humanresourceswithintheorganization.Transparencyand anunwaveringdedicationtoanti-corruptionformthe foundationofthecompany'scodeofconduct. Demonstratingaspiritofcooperationandgoodwill,the organizationextendsassistancetoanyentityinneed, irrespectiveofcompetition.

Profitmaximizationisnottheprimaryobjectivefor AbdallahMahgoubandSolarInstallerEPC;instead,they prioritizesustainableandethicalbusinesspractices. Activelyparticipatinginpublicnon-profitactivities underscorestheircommitmenttosocietalwell-being beyondfinancialgain.Recognizingtheinterconnectedness ofhumanityandtheenvironment,theorganization advocatesforenvironmentalsustainabilityandpromotes genderequalitywithinitsranks.Moreover,SolarInstaller EPCremainssteadfastinitsmissiontospreadandpromote renewableenergyinitiativestothefullestextentpossible.

NavigatingaChallengingTenderLandscape

Inanongoingtenderevaluationprocessfacilitatedby NREAandfundedbyJICA,SolarInstallerEPC,underthe leadershipofAbdallahMahgoub,decidedtoparticipate afteracquiringthetenderdocuments.Despitefacing competitionfrom12bidders,includingmajorindustry players,thetender'sexceptionalrequirements,blending JapaneseandEgyptianstandardswithinnovativeelements, posedasignificantchallenge.

Againstadvicefrombothinternalandexternalstakeholders toabstainfrombidding,AbdallahMahgoubmadethe strategicdecisiontopersonallyoverseethetender submissionprocess.Overcomingobstaclesandleveraging thecollectiveeffortsoftheteamandpartners,Solar InstallerEPCnavigatedthestringentevaluationcriteria.

Asaresultoftheirperseveranceandstrategicapproach, SolarInstallerEPCemergedasthesolebidderamongthe 13contenders,successfullypassingthetechnical qualificationstage.Currently,thecompanyisengagedin financialnegotiations,poisedtocommencetheprojectin thenearfuturependingsuccessfulnegotiations.

FosteringaUnifiedCulture

Abdallahinstillsaculturewhereteammembersare regardedasacohesivefamily,recognizingtheircollective impactonorganizationalgrowth.Emphasizingthevalueof individualpersonalities,thecompanyplacesimportanceon nurturinganddevelopingskillsamongitsworkforce. Withasteadfastcommitmenttoexcellence,SolarInstaller EPCremainsresoluteinitspursuitofachievingtop-tier statuswithinitsindustry.Thecompanyupholdsprinciples ofprofit-sharingandcompanyownership,ensuringthat employeesarevestedintheorganization'ssuccessand rewardedaccordingly

StayingAheadinMarketAnalysis

Themarketingdepartmentandbusinessdevelopmentteam atSolarInstallerEPCmeticulouslytrackbothregionaland internationalmarkets.Theydelveintointricatedetails throughscientificpublications,newslettersfromrelevant entities,reportsfromtop-rankedmanufacturers, announcementsfromlenders,andupdatesfromvarious countries.

AbdallahMahgoubsetsastringentcriterionforfailure: EncounteringnewinformationinthePVsectorforthefirst timefromanexternalsource.Thisapproachunderscores thecompany'scommitmenttostayingaheadofindustry trendsandremaininginformedaboutdevelopmentswithin thesolarenergysector

DrivingSolarIndustryAdvancements

AbdallahMahgoubreflectsonSolarInstallerEPC's achievements,includingbeingthesolebidderamong13 competitorsinarecenttender Additionally,thecompany aspirestoemergeasavictorinthesmartgreeneconomy

competitionandcontributetothelocalizationofPV componentmanufacturinginEgypt.

Furthermore,AbdallahMahgoubaimstoplayarolein amendinglawsandregulationsrelatedtoinvestmentand manufacturing,withafocusonfosteringsustainabilityand renewableenergy.SolarInstallerEPCtakesprideinits legacyofdevelopingover400expertprofessionals dedicatedtoservingthePVsectorintheregion.

PioneeringCollaborationandInnovation

Abdallahtheimportanceofstayinginformedandinvolved innewtechnologieswithinthesolarindustry.Headvocates forexploringinnovativeapproachestoaccessingfundsand stressesthesignificanceofmaintainingethicalstandards, eveninsolitarypursuits.

Furthermore,AbdallahMahgoubencouragescollaboration andpartnership,recognizingtheimpossibilityofsustaining endeavorsalone.Heunderscoresthevalueofjoiningforces withothersandparticipatinginconsortiaorgroupsof companiestoachievecollectivesuccessandlongevityin theindustry.

NavigatingSolarIndustryGuidelines

Theimportanceofmaintainingawarenessofthelegal aspectsandregulationsgoverningthesolarindustryisvital. Headvocatesforstayingupdatedonregulatorychangesand amendmentstoensurecomplianceandadherenceto industrystandards.

Moreover,AbdallahMahgoubencouragesinitiativesto enhancelocalcontent,particularlyinmanufacturing, therebycontributingtothegrowthanddevelopmentofthe domesticsolarindustry.Heemphasizesthesignificanceof maintainingapositivemindsetandadoptingaproactive approachtoaddressingchallengesandseizing opportunities.

Additionally,AbdallahMahgoubunderscoresthe importanceofconsideringenvironmentalfactorsinall businessdecisionsandoperations.Hehighlightsthe necessitytoconsidertheenvironmentinallyoursteps.

Dr.Walid Hosni

Navigating the Fintech Leadership Landscape

Inmodernbusiness,effectiveleadershipispivotalfor

navigatingthecomplexitiesandchallengesinherentin variousindustries.Onesuchsectorthatdemandsastute leadershipisthefintechindustry,characterizedbyrapid technologicaladvancementsandevolvingconsumer preferences.Leadersinthisfieldmustpossessaunique blendofstrategicforesight,innovation,andintegrityto drivesustainablegrowthandmaintaincompetitiveness amidstconstantchange.

AtthehelmofleadershipinthefintechsectorstandsDr. WalidHosni,whosejourneytoleadershipexcellencehas beenmarkedbyarelentlesspursuitofpersonaland professionalgrowth.Dr.Hosni’sleadershipstyleisshaped byhisexperiences,insights,andunwaveringcommitment tofosteringacultureofexcellenceandempowerment withinorganizations.Asavisionaryleader,heembodies qualitiessuchasresilience,adaptability,andempathy, whichareessentialforsteeringcompaniestowardsuccess intoday’sfast-pacedenvironment.

Foundedonprinciplesofopenness,innovation,andethical conduct,GXEGYemergesasaleadingplayerinthefintech landscapeunderDr.Hosni’sstewardship.AstheFounder andCEOofGXEGY,Dr.Hosnileverageshisexpertiseand visionarymindsettopropelthecompanytonewheightsof innovationandmarketleadership.Hisstrategicinitiatives andcommitmenttofosteringgrowththroughstrategic alliancesunderscoreGXEGY’spositionasapioneering forceinthefintechindustry,drivingpositivechangeand shapingthefutureoffinancialservices.

Through fostering open communication and teamwork, the team overcame obstacles and achieved remarkable success.

Let’s delve in to learn more:

NavigatingthePathtoLeadership

Dr WalidHosni’sjourneytocompanyleadershiphasbeen drivenbyacombinationofambition,aptitude,andadeepseatedaspirationforexcellence.Fromayoungage,Dr Hosniwascaptivatedbytheintricateinterplayofstrategy andinnovationwithinthebusinessrealm,drawing inspirationfromvisionaryleaderswhodemonstratedthe transformativepotentialofeffectiveleadership.

Hispathtoleadershipresembledalabyrinth,markedby diverseexperiencesandanunyieldingcommitmentto personalgrowthandimprovement.Armedwithathirstfor knowledge,Dr.Hosnipursuedacademicexcellenceand gainedpracticalexperienceacrossvariousbusiness domains.Eachendeavor,whethernavigatingmarket complexitiesorforgingstrategicalliances,servedasa steppingstoneinhoninghisleadershipskills.

Guidedbyacompassofresilienceandadaptability,Dr. Hosniapproachedchallengesasopportunitiesforgrowth, leveragingobstaclesascatalystsforinnovation.Through eachascent,hedeepenedhisunderstandingof organizationaldynamicsandcultivatedaprofoundinsight intothenuancesofeffectiveleadership.Remaining steadfastinhiscommitmenttofosteringacultureof excellenceandempowerment,Dr.Hosni’sleadershipethos, characterizedbyempathyandstrategicforesight,resonated withstakeholdersandcatalyzedorganizational transformation.

Today,astheFounderandCEOofGXEGY,Dr Walid Hosnidrawsupontherichtapestryofexperiencesand lessonsaccumulatedthroughouthisjourney.Empoweredby avisionarymindsetandanunwaveringdrivetoeffect positivechange,hehumblyembracestheresponsibilityof leadershipandispoisedtoleadGXEGYtonewheightsof successandinnovation.

NavigatingLeadershipChallenges

ReflectingononedefiningexperienceinDr WalidHosni’s careerthathadasignificantimpactonhisleadershipstyle andapproach,herecallsatimewhenhewasworkingona challengingprojectwithadiverseteam.Thiseventnotonly testedhisabilitiesbutalsoshapedhisperspectiveon leadership.

Theprojectrequiredcollaborationwithindividualsfrom variousbackgrounds,experiences,andworkstyles. Initially,Dr.Hosniapproachedleadershipfromatraditional top-downperspective,believingthathisroleasaleaderwas tocommandandcontrolallaspectsoftheproject.However, astheprojectprogressed,itbecameevidentthatthis approachwascounterproductive.

ThedefiningmomentcamewhenDr.Hosnirecognizedthe importanceofembracingdiversitywithintheteamand leveragingeachmember’suniqueabilitiesandperspectives. Insteadofimposinghisownviews,hesoughttocreatean inclusiveenvironmentwhereeveryonefeltvaluedand encouragedtocontributefreely Thisshiftinmindsetnot onlyboostedteammoralebutalsoledtomoreinnovative ideasandincreasedcreativity Throughfosteringopen communicationandteamwork,theteamovercame obstaclesandachievedremarkablesuccess.

FosteringIntegrityandInnovation

AstheCEOofafintechstartup,Dr WalidHosni

emphasizestheimportanceofopenness,innovation,and ethicalconduct.Transparencyservesasafoundationfor fosteringtrustandaccountabilitythroughopen communicationwithstakeholders.Innovationremainsa drivingforce,compellingthecontinualdevelopmentof goodsandservicestomaintaincompetitivenessinarapidly evolvingsector.Ethicalprinciplesguideallactions, prioritizingcustomerwell-beingandregulatorycompliance aboveallelse.Theseprinciplesserveasguidingpillarsfor decision-making,ensuringalignmentwiththe organization’svalues.Inchallengingsituations,decisions areevaluatedbasedontheirconsistencywiththeseideals.

Transparencynecessitateshonestcommunication,even whenacknowledgingmistakes,fosteringanenvironmentof trustandaccountability.Innovationfosterscreative problem-solving,adaptation,andprogress,whichare essentialinnavigatingadynamiclandscape.

Dr. Walid Hosni

Founder and CEO

GXEGY

Guided by a compass of resilience and adaptability, Dr. Hosni approached challenges as opportunities for growth, leveraging obstacles as catalysts for innovation. ,, ,,

Ethicalbehaviordemandsacomprehensiveexaminationof theimpactofactionsonallstakeholders,prioritizinglongtermbenefitsovershort-termgains.Upholdingthese principlescultivatesacultureofhonestyandaccountability withintheorganization,drivingsustainedsuccessand positivelyinfluencingthefinancialecosystem.

BalancingLeadershipandLife

Maintainingwork-lifebalancewhileleadingaprominent BritishfirmnecessitatesDr WalidHosni,founderandCEO ofGXEGY,toemploystrategiesforsmartdelegation, effectivetimemanagement,andprioritization.Hebeginsby delegatingtaskstocapableteammemberstoalleviate workloadandfosteracultureoftrustandempowerment withinGXEGY.Leveragingtechnology,Dr.Hosni enhancescommunicationchannelsandfacilitatesremote workoptions,therebyaffordinggreaterflexibilityin managingpersonalcommitments.

Toupholdequilibrium,Dr.Hosniimplementsstringenttime managementpractices,includingsettingclearboundaries, schedulingdedicatedfamilytime,andincorporatingregular breaksduringworkhours.Additionally,heprioritizes projectsbasedontheirsignificanceanddeadlines,focusing onhigh-impactactivitiesalignedwithGXEGY’s objectives.Cultivatingasupportiveworkenvironmentthat prioritizesopencommunicationandrespectsemployees’ personaltimeisparamount.

Dr.Hosniactivelyadvocatesforawork-lifebalance culture,leadingbyexampleandemphasizingthe importanceofself-careandrelaxation.Finally,he continuouslyevaluatesandadjustsstrategiesto accommodateevolvingpersonalandprofessional

responsibilities,ensuringsustainedequilibriumamidstthe dynamiccommerciallandscapesoftheUKandEgypt.

NavigatingFintechCrisis

AsCEOofafintechfirm,Dr WalidHosniencountereda dilemmawhentheprimarypaymentprocessorfaceda significantoutage,posingathreattotransactionprocessing capabilities.Recognizingthepotentialimpactonrevenue streamsandclientsatisfaction,Dr.Hosniswiftlydeviseda comprehensivestrategy.Firstly,heactivatedthebackup paymentprocessingsystemtomitigateimmediate disruptions.Secondly,hemaintainedtransparent communicationwithbothemployeesandclients,providing real-timeupdatesandassurances.Thirdly,leveragingthe firm’snetwork,heestablishedtemporarypartnershipswith alternativeprocessors,ensuringminimalservice interruption.

Concurrently,Dr.Hosniassembledacross-functionalteam toinvestigatetherootcauseoftheoutageandformulatea long-termstrategytodiversifythepaymentprocessing infrastructure,therebyreducingfuturerisks.Ultimately,this proactiveresponsenotonlysafeguardedongoingoperations butalsobolsteredthefirm’sresilienceandreliabilityinthe eyesofstakeholders.Thisexperienceunderscoredthe importanceofrobustcontingencyplanningandagile decision-makinginnavigatingunforeseenchallengeswithin thefintechsector

FosteringGrowth

Understandingindividualmotivationsandfosteringa conduciveenvironmentforgrowtharepivotalaspectsof effectiveleadership.Dr WalidHosniemploysa multidimensionalstrategytailoredtotheabilitiesand aspirationsofeachteammember.Firstandforemost,he cultivatesacultureoftrustandopencommunication,where ideasarevaluedandfeedbackisconstructive.Secondly, clearandachievablegoalsareestablished,providinga roadmapforsuccesswhileallowingroomforcreative expression.Thirdly,Dr.Hosnileadsbyexample, demonstratingdedication,resilience,andawillingnessto embracenewexperiences.

Moreover,heactivelyfacilitatesongoinggrowth opportunitiessuchastrainingcoursesandmentorship programstoenhancetheskillsandexpertiseofteam members.Additionally,heacknowledgesandcelebrates successes,fosteringasenseofprideandinspirationamong theteam.Finally,Dr.Hosniempowersindividualsby

promotingautonomyandgrantingdecision-making authority,therebyinstillingasenseofaccountabilityand ownershipoverprojects.Throughtheimplementationof thesestrategies,hemotivateshisstafftostrivefor excellenceandrealizetheirfullpotential,ultimatelyleading tobothindividualandcollectiveachievements.

InnovativeStrategiesforMarketLeadership

Tomaintainitscompetitiveedgeandfosterinnovation,Dr. WalidHosniandhisteamatGXEGYemployadiverse approachtostayingabreastofmarkettrends.Thisincludes activeparticipationinprofessionalnetworks,attendanceat conferences,andsubscriptiontoreputableperiodicals. Additionally,theyutilizerobustanalyticstechnologiesto monitormarketdevelopmentsinrealtime.Their commitmenttocontinuouslearningensuresswift adaptationtonewtechnologiesandevolvingconsumer preferences.

Internally,theycultivateaninnovativeculturebyforging strategicalliancesandpromotingcross-disciplinary collaboration.Byintegratingdiverseperspectivesand leveragingcutting-edgeinsights,theyconsistentlyposition themselvesattheforefrontofindustrychange,driving sustainedgrowthandrelevanceinanever-evolving environment.

DrivingGrowthThroughStrategicAlliances

DuringDr.WalidHosni’stenureasCEOofthefintechfirm, anotablesuccessstoryunfoldedwhenthecompanyforged astrategicagreementwithaprominentfinancialinstitution. Thispartnershipenabledthemtoexpandtheirmarketreach andoffertheirinnovativefinancialsolutionstoabroader customerbase.Thecollaborationnotonlyvalidatedthe strengthoftheirtechnologyandbusinessstrategybutalso presentednewavenuesfororganizationaldevelopment.It showcasedthededication,vision,andadeptnessofDr. Hosni’steaminestablishingmeaningfulallianceswithin thecompetitivefintechindustry.

EssentialTraitsofModernLeadership

Intoday’sevolvingcorporatelandscape,flexibility, strategicforesight,andempathystandasindispensable qualitiesforeffectiveleadership.Leadersmustdemonstrate adaptabilitytonavigaterapidchangesanduncertaintywhile maintainingaclearstrategicvisiontosteertheirteams towardenduringsuccess.Empathyiscrucialforfostering understandingandcollaborationamongcolleagues,

cultivatingapositiveworkenvironment,andpromoting teamwork.

Effectivecommunicationskills,theabilitytoinspireand motivateothers,andacommitmenttocontinuouslearning andinnovationareallessentialattributesforleaders strivingtoexcelintoday’scompetitivemarket.Leaders whoembodythesequalitieshavethepotentialtoinspire trust,driveinnovation,andpropeltheirorganizations towardsustainedgrowthandsuccess.

GuidanceforEmergingLeadersinEgypt’sBusiness Landscape

Dr WalidHosni’sadvicetoyoungexecutivesaspiringto makeasignificantimpactonEgypt’scommerciallandscape istoprioritizethedevelopmentofrobustrelationshipsboth withinandoutsidethebusinesssphere.Networkingwith industrypeers,mentors,andpotentialcollaboratorscan yieldvaluableinsights,opportunities,andsupport.

Toremaincompetitiveinarapidlyevolvingmarket,he suggestsembracingamindsetofcontinuouslearningand adaptability.Investinginleadershipqualitiessuchas effectivecommunication,strategicacumen,andemotional intelligenceisalsoparamount.Moreover,leveraging technologyandinnovationcanfacilitategrowthand differentiateoneselfinthecompetitivearena.

Dr.Hosniemphasizestheimportanceofmaintaininga strongethicalfoundation,prioritizingsustainability,and activelycontributingtothecommunity.Byembodying theseprinciples,aspiringexecutivescanestablish themselvesasresponsibleandimpactfulleaderswithin Egypt’sthrivingbusinesssector

Egypt's Top 10 CEOs Shaping the Business Landscape

Hassan Mohamed

Forging Expertise in Digital Supply Chain

Inthemodernbusinesslandscapeofsupplychain management,professionalsnavigateacomplex networkoflogisticaloperationstoensuretheseamless flowofgoodsandservices.Thisindustryrequiresadept individualswhocaneffectivelymanageprocurement, production,anddistributionprocesses,oftenamidst fluctuatingmarketdemandsandevolvingtechnologies.

AttheforefrontofthisdomainstandsHassanMohamed,a seasonedleaderandCEOwithawealthofexperiencein supplychainmanagement.Withabackgroundrootedin logisticsandoperations,Hassanhashonedhisskills throughyearsofnavigatingintricatesupplychainnetworks. Hisdedicationtooptimizingprocessesandfostering innovationhasearnedhimrecognitionasarespectedfigure intheindustry

UnderHassanMohamed'sleadership,NextEraBDhas emergedasaprominentplayerinthefieldofsupplychain management.Throughacommitmenttoexcellenceanda client-centricapproach,NextEraBDhascarvedanichefor itselfinthecompetitivemarketlandscape.Leveraging advancedtechnologiesandstrategicpartnerships,the companycontinuestodelivervalue-addedsolutionsto clientsworldwide.

Let’s delve in to learn more:

NavigatingEntrepreneurialTerrain

Inconsideringhisjourney,HassanMohamedacknowledges thesignificantinfluenceofhisfamily'sentrepreneurial legacy.Havingbeenimmersedinthebusinessenvironment fromayoungage,hisupbringingalongsidehisgrandfather

instilledinhimaprofoundappreciationforthedynamicsof commerce.Embracingtheethosthat"businessisagame–enjoyit,"HassanMohamedchampionsacollaborative spiritwithinhisteam,fosteringanenvironmentconducive toinnovationandgrowth.

ForgingSupplyChainExpertise

Aftercompletingcollege,HassanMohamedventuredinto thefieldofSupplyChain,findingitsdynamismandappeal irresistible.HeembarkedonhisjourneyintheLogistics DepartmentofSinaiMarbleCompany,aprominentplayer intheMarbleindustry.Managinganaverageof1000 containersmonthly,alongsidebulkshipments,and overseeingmorethan60externalproductionlines,Hassan encounteredinvaluableexperiences.Undertheguidanceof theesteemedmanager,Eng.SamehAfifi,laidthe foundationofhisexpertise,shapinghisprofessional trajectory

FosteringTrustedPartnerships

ThemaincorevalueembracedbyHassanMohamedand histeamatNextEraBDrevolvesaroundservingastrusted partnersfortheirclients,particularlysmallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs).Recognizingthemyriad challengesfacedbySMEs,especiallyintherealmof digitalization,theyendeavortoestablishenduring relationshipsthatfostermutualgrowthandsuccessbetween thecompanyanditsclients.

EmbracingTechnologywithSpousalSupport

HassanMohamedreliesheavilyontechnology,particularly

Hassan Mohamed CEO

NextEra BD

Individuals with an ownership attitude, honesty, and a genuine desire for change can thrive in the right environment. ,, ,,

indecision-makingprocessesandday-to-dayoperations. Thisstrategicdependenceontechnologyhasproven beneficialinmaintainingadelicatebalance,withinvaluable supportfromhisspouse,whopossessesakeen understandingofthechallengesinherentinrunningtheir company

NavigatingChallengeswithAgileLeadership

SecuringthefirstclientwasakintoadreamforHassan Mohamed,especiallyamidsteconomicchallengesand demandfluctuations.Throughthisexperience,hegleaned theimportanceofagilemanagementandthenecessityof recruitingindividualswhoexhibitanowner'smindsetrather thanthatofmereemployees.Understandingthatdedication oftentranscendstraditionalworkinghours,Hassan emphasizesthesignificanceofhavingteammembers willingtoinvestextensivetimeandeffortuntilissuesare resolvedsatisfactorily.

EmpoweringInnovationThroughOwnership

HassanMohamedadmiresSteveJobs'strategies, particularlyhisapproachtoorganizingworkintoprojects withdedicatedteams.Hebelievesthatwhenaproject succeeds,everyoneinvolvedsharesinthesuccess,andthus, hedelegatesownershipaccordingly Additionally,Hassan emphasizesapolicyofbeingopentohiringindividuals, irrespectiveoftheirtechnicalbackground.Heinvestsin thesecandidates,recognizingthatindividualswithan ownershipattitude,honesty,andagenuinedesirefor changecanthriveintherightenvironment.Giventhe necessaryspaceandsupport,Hassanbelievessuch individualshavethepotentialtoinnovatesignificantly

CommitmenttoContinuousLearning

HassanMohamedemphasizestheimportanceofcontinuous research.Whetherwalkingdownthestreetorengagingin dailyactivities,hediligentlyrecordsanywordorphrase relatedtothebusiness.Devotingtwohourseachdayto exploringkeywords,links,software,andtechnologies, Hassanremainscommittedtostayinginformed. Additionally,heensuresregularattendanceatevents, exhibitions,andonlinewebinars,nevermissingan opportunitytobroadenhisknowledgeandnetworkwithin theindustry

NavigatingChallenges,SecuringSuccess

ThecompanywasfoundedinFebruary2020,justoneweek beforetheonsetoftheCOVID-19pandemic.Introducinga novelbusinessmodelofremoteworkduringachallenging time,andacquiringclientsprovedtobeaformidabletask.

However,HassanMohamedsuccessfullypersuadedhis previouscompany,ATI,tobecometheinauguralclient. Additionally,thecompanysecuredcontractswith42 prominententitiesinthefieldsofSupplyChain,Logistics, andFreightForwarding.Notably,thecompany's achievementswererecognizedwhenitwasselectedfor participationinMITEFKSAinFebruary2022.

EmbracingStrategicLeadership

Takingahelicopterviewprovidesleaderswithabroad perspective,steeringclearofmicro-management tendencies.HassanMohamedadvocatesforavoiding micromanagementandencouragesleaderstofoster innovationwithintheirteams.Delegationstandsoutasa primarystrengthforeffectivemanagement,coupledwitha keenawarenessofemergingtechnologies.

FoundationsofEffectiveLeadership

Beforesteppingintoaleadershiprole,HassanMohamed emphasizestheimportanceoflearningtofollow.He advisesthoroughstudyofone'sproductandclose monitoringofcompetitors.Buildingtrustwithclientsand nurturinglong-termrelationshipsareparamount. Additionally,headvocatesforacontinuouslearning mindset,cautioningagainstbecomingoverlyattachedto one'sproduct.

NurturingTalentandLeadership

KhaledMohamed,wasinitiallyencounteredduringhis pursuitofaninternshipopportunitywhilestudyingatthe collegelevel.Knownforhisproactivenatureand remarkableenthusiasmforlearning,heleftalasting impression.

Uponjoiningtheteam,Khaledexhibitedunwavering dedication,choosingtofocussolelyonhisresponsibilities withintheorganization.Followingthecompletionofhis collegeeducation,hetransitionedseamlesslyintoafulltimerolewithintheLogisticsDepartment.

Continuingtoadvanceprofessionally,Khaledtookonthe positionofabusinessanalystspecializinginERPsystems. Additionally,heprovidedinvaluableassistanceinvarious freelanceprojectsundertakenbythespeaker

Whenthespeakerestablishedtheirowncompany,Khaled wasinvitedtojoin,withthespeakerinvestinginhis professionaldevelopment,particularlyintherealmof digitalSupplyChainmanagement.Asaresultofhis exceptionalcontributions,Khaledascendedtotheroleof Co-FounderandTech-Leadwithinthecompany.

Inthehierarchyofacompany,the

CEOcanoftenfeellikeadistant figure.They'retheonesmaking thebigdecisions,andchartingthe courseoftheorganization,while employeesonthegroundlevelfocus ontheirday-to-daytasks.Butahealthy companyculturethrivesonopen communication,andthatincludesa two-waystreetbetweenleadershipand staff.

EngagingwithyourCEO,evenifit's justforabriefconversation,canbe incrediblyvaluable.Itdemonstrates yourinterestinthecompany'sfuture andallowsyoutogaininsightsyou wouldn'totherwiseget.Herearefive keyquestionseveryemployeeshould consideraskingtheirCEO,alongwith thereasoningbehindthem:

1.Whatisthecompany'slong-term vision?Whatdoessuccesslooklikein 5or10years?

Understandingthecompany'slongtermgoalshelpsyouseehowyourrole

fitsintothebiggerpicture.Doesthe CEOenvisionthecompanyexpanding intonewmarkets?Developing innovativeproducts?Aligningyour workwiththesegoalsboostsyour senseofpurposeandcaninspireyouto gotheextramile.

ThisquestionalsorevealstheCEO's priorities.Aretheyfocusedsolelyon short-termprofits,ordotheyhavea moresustainable,long-termvision? Knowingthisallowsyoutoassessif yourvaluesalignwiththecompany's direction.

2.Whatarethebiggestchallenges facingthecompany,andhowcan employeescontributetoovercoming them?

Everycompanyfaceshurdles.By understandingthesechallenges,you canbecomeamoreproactiveand valuableemployee.Perhapsthe companyisstrugglingtokeepupwith technologicaladvancementsorfacing increasedcompetition.

Whenyou'reawareoftheseobstacles, youcanstartbrainstormingsolutions andwaystoadaptyourworkto addressthem.

Thisquestionalsodemonstratesyour initiativeandwillingnesstogobeyond yourassignedtasks.ItshowstheCEO you'reinvestedinthecompany's successandnotjustfocusedon punchingtheclock.

3.Howdoesthecompanyplanto developandsupportitsemployeesin thecomingyears?

Intoday'sjobmarket,employee developmentiscrucial.Employees whofeelstagnantandunseenaremore likelytoseekopportunitieselsewhere. Askingaboutprofessional developmentopportunitiesshowsthe CEOyou'reinterestedingrowing withinthecompany.

TheCEO'sanswercanrevealthe company'scommitmenttoits workforce.Dotheyoffertraining programs,mentorshipopportunities,or tuitionreimbursement?Knowingthese detailsallowsyoutoassessyourcareer pathwithintheorganizationanddecide ifitalignswithyouraspirations.

4.Howdoesthecompanymeasure success,andhowdoindividual employeecontributionsfactorintothat success?

Understandinghowsuccessis measuredgivesyouvaluablecontext foryourwork.Areindividualmetrics heavilyemphasized,oristhereafocus onteamworkandcollaboration? Knowingthesefactorsallowsyouto tailoryourapproachandensureyour effortscontributedemonstrablytothe company'soverallgoals.

Thisquestionalsoopensadialogue aboutemployeerecognition.Doesthe companyhaveasystemfor

acknowledgingandrewarding outstandingwork?ACEOwho emphasizestheimportanceof individualcontributionsislikelyto fosteracultureofownershipand accountability,whichcanbevery motivatingforemployees.

5.Whatareyourthoughtsonthe currentcompanyculture,andhowcan weimproveittofosteramoreengaged andproductiveworkenvironment?

Companyculturedirectlyimpacts employeemorale,productivity,and overallwell-being.Byaskingaboutthe CEO'sperspectiveontheculture,you openaconversationaboutitsstrengths andweaknesses.

PerhapstheCEOidentifiesareaswhere communicationcanbeimprovedor acknowledgesadesiretocreateamore collaborativeenvironment.Thisisyour chancetoshareyourobservations aboutthecultureandsuggestwaysto makeitbetterforeveryone.

ProTipsforAskingYourCEO Questions

Whilethesearegreatquestionsto consider,thereareafewthingstokeep inmindwhenapproachingyourCEO:

• Contextiskey.Lookfor opportunitiestoaskyourquestions duringtownhalls,all-hands meetings,orothercompanyevents whereCEOinteractionis encouraged.

• Berespectfuloftheirtime.Keep yourquestionsconciseandtothe point.

• Doyourresearchbeforehand. Showthatyou'reengagedwiththe companybydemonstratingabasic understandingofitscurrent challengesandgoals.

• Focusonsolutions,notjust problems.Ifyouidentifya challenge,comepreparedwitha suggestionforhowtoaddressit.

Byfollowingthesetipsandasking thoughtfulquestions,youcanturna briefinteractionwithyourCEOintoa valuablelearningexperiencethat benefitsbothyouandthecompany.

Remember,opencommunicationisa two-waystreet.Takingtheinitiativeto engagewithyourCEOdemonstrates yourcommitmentandhelpsbuilda stronger,moretransparentcompany culture.

- Alaya Brown

Inthemodernlandscapeofbusiness,theindustryof digitalvideocontentproductioncontinuestowitness rapidgrowthandevolution.Asbusinessesincreasingly prioritizedigitalengagementandstorytelling,thedemand forhigh-qualityvideocontentremainsparamount.Within thiscompetitivearena,leadersplayapivotalroleinshaping thetrajectoryofcompaniesanddrivinginnovationforward.

LeadingthechargeinthisindustryisHeshamWatany, whoassumestheroleofCEOataprominentdigitalvideo contentproductioncompany Withawealthofexperience andacommitmenttoexcellence,Watanyembodiesthe essenceofeffectiveleadershipintoday'sdigitalage.His visionandstrategicacumenhavepropelledthecompanyto newheights,navigatingchallengesandcapitalizingon emergingopportunities.

AttheforefrontofthisthrivingenterprisestandsEtegah,a trailblazerindigitalvideocontentproduction.Withafocus oncreativity,innovation,andclientsatisfaction,Etegahhas establisheditselfasatrustedpartnerforbusinessesseeking toharnessthepowerofvideostorytelling.Underthe leadershipofHeshamWatany,Etegahcontinuestopush boundaries,settingnewstandardsofexcellenceinthe industrywhileremainingattheforefrontoftechnological advancementsandmarkettrends.

Let’s delve in to learn more:

FosteringCollaborativeLeadershipforOrganizational Growth

Heshamwasinspiredtopursuebusinessleadershipbya desiretomakeapositiveimpactontheworldandimprove people'slivesthroughentrepreneurship.Priortoassuming theroleofCEO,hegarneredexperiencethroughvarious entrepreneurialventures,whichprovidedhimwith invaluablelessons.

Watanybelievesthateffectiveleadershiptranscendsmere hierarchyandplacesemphasisoncollaborationand teamwork.Heiswaryoftherisksassociatedwithrelying solelyonindividualleadershipandprioritizesthe cultivationofarobust,resilientteamculture.

AssumingthepositionofCEOwasadecisionfueledby Watany'sdedicationtodrivingimprovementswithinthe company.Nevertheless,heremainsopentosteppingaside ifitservesthebestinterestsoftheorganization.ToWatany, leadershipentailsknowingwhentoleadandwhento delegate.

Continuouslearningandpersonalgrowthformthe cornerstoneofWatany'sleadershipapproach.Herecognizes thatleadershipisanongoingjourneyofimprovementandis committedtoseizingopportunitiesforbothpersonaland organizationaldevelopment.

Inessence,Watany'sleadershipisdrivenbyapassionfor creatingvalue,acollaborativemindset,andacommitment tocontinuousgrowth,allaimedatempoweringeveryone withintheorganizationtothrive.

NavigatingLeadershipDynamicswithFlexibility

Hesham'sleadershipstylehasbeenmoldedbyaspectrum ofexperiencesworkingundervariousmanagementstyles. Hehasgleanedvaluableinsightsfromleaderswhoarekind, challenging,innovative,andthosewhoprefertowork independently.

Recognizingthatthereisnoone-size-fits-allapproachto leadership,Watanyacknowledgesthedistinctadvantages anddisadvantagesofeachstyle,whichcanaffectthe company,employees,andclientsdifferently

Inlightoftheintricatenatureofleadership,Watanyhas embracedaflexibleandadaptableapproach.Thisapproach takesintoaccountfactorssuchasindividualpersonalities, teamdynamics,organizationaldynamics,andmarket conditions.

Byadoptingthistailoredapproach,Watanycannavigate challengeswithagilityandpurpose,ensuringthathis leadershipstyleevolvesharmoniouslywiththeconstantly shiftingbusinesslandscape.

GuidingPrinciplesforEffectiveLeadership

InhiscapacityasCEO,HeshamWatany'sdecision-making processisgovernedbyasetofcorevaluesandprinciples.

AsCEO,Watany'sdecisionsaredrivenbythefollowing keyprinciples:

TeamSupport

Heprioritizeshisteam,fosteringanenvironmentoftrust andempowerment.Watanybelievesinofferingsupportand interventionwhennecessary,cultivatingaworkforcethatis dedicatedandeffective.

EfficientOperations

Watanyadvocatesforstreamlinedprocessesand governancetomaximizeefficiencywithintheorganization. Heemphasizestheimportanceofautomationtominimize errors,allowingmanagerstofocusoncontinuous improvement.

Data-InformedChoices

Recognizingthesignificanceofdataindecision-making, Watanyreliesondata-driveninsightswheneverpossible.In instanceswheredataislacking,heseeksadvicefrom experiencedindividualstoensureacomprehensive understandingofthesituationandtomitigaterisks effectively.

HumilityandCollaboration

WatanyapproachesCEOdecisionswithhumility, acknowledgingtheweightofhisrole,andvalues collaborationwithothers.Hebelievesthatembracing diverseperspectivesleadstobetteroutcomesforthe organization.

Thesevaluesserveastheguidingprinciplesforevery decisionWatanymakes,ensuringthatEtegahremains focused,efficient,andcollaborativeinitspursuitofgoals.

BalancingBusinessandPassion

NavigatingEgypt'scompetitivebusinesslandscapeasa CEOpresentschallengesinmaintainingwork-lifebalance. Despitethesedemands,HeshamWatanyhasbeenengaging inmusicproductionsince2005,findingsolaceincrafting melodiesandbeatsduringhisfreetime.Whilecommitted toprofessionalgrowth,Watanyacknowledgesthe significanceofprioritizingself-careandenhancingtime managementskillsinthefuture.Balancingthedemandsof entrepreneurshipwithhispassionformusicenableshimto findharmonyamidstthechallengesofleadership.

ForgingPathsinEmergingMarkets

AstheCEOofadigitalvideocontentproductioncompany inArabcountries,HeshamWatanyencounteredchallenges inamarketwithfewcompetitors.Pioneeringinthis industrymeantnotonlyshapingitstrajectorybutalso overcomingconsiderablehurdlesduringthegrowthphase.

Onesignificantchallengewastheabsenceofestablished benchmarksorcompetitorstogleaninsightsfrom.Watany andhisteamhadtometiculouslyanalyzesimilar-sized competitorsinanascentmarkettoavoidpitfallsandmake informeddecisions.

Tonavigatethesechallenges,thecompanyprioritized understandingemergingtrendsandforgingrobust partnerships.Theirstrategicinitiativesnotonlypropelled thecompany'sgrowthbutalsoplayedapivotalrolein shapingthefutureoftheindustryitself.

Despitetheobstaclesencountered,thecompany'searly initiativeshaveleftalastingimpactontheindustry, underscoringtheimportanceofstrategicforesightand decision-makinginunchartedterritories.

EmpoweringTeamsThroughTrustandGrowth

Heshamempowershisteambygrantingthemtrustand authoritytoexplorenewinitiatives.Hefostersasafe environmentwheremakingmistakesisviewedasan opportunityforlearningandgrowth.Watanyensuresthat histeammembershaveampleopportunitiesforboth professionaldevelopmentandpersonalgrowth. Additionally,heactivelylistenstotheirideasandfeedback, valuingtheirinputandperspectives.

StayingAhead

Heshammaintainsvigilanceoverbothestablished companiesandemergingplayerswithintheindustry,both onaglobalandlocalscale.Hediligentlymonitors influentialfigureswithinthefieldtoremainabreastofthe latesttrendsandadvancementsintechnology

ExpandingHorizons

OneofthemostnotablesuccessesduringhistenureasCEO wasthecompany'sexpansionintotheSaudiArabian market,identifiedasapivotalgrowthopportunityattheend of2023followingextensiveresearchbytheco-founders. Throughtheconcertedeffortsoftheteam,theysecured clients,fosteredrelationships,anddemonstratedtheir capabilities,ultimatelyestablishingaformidablepresence inSaudiArabia.Thisaccomplishmentwasmadepossiblein largepartduetoMahmoudMoustafa,aco-founderwholed growthinitiativesinboththeEgyptianandSaudiArabian markets.Hisleadership,combinedwiththeeffortsofa skilledteam,drovetheestablishmentofthecompany's influencermarketingservice,craftingcampaignsthat

garnerednationalattention.MahmoudMoustafapresently servesastheGeneralManageroverseeingthecompany's presenceandgrowthinSaudiArabia,guidingitsongoing successinthiscriticalmarket.

Anothermemorablesuccessstoryfromhistimeinvolves theempowermentofcontentproductionledbyAhmedEl Nagdy,theHeadofContentandCo-founder.

Ahmed El Nagdy, Head of Content

Aftersurpassinghalfabillionviews,Etegahprioritized enhancingthemonetizationofitscontentthroughthe implementationofstrategicinitiatives.HeshamWatany,the CEO,delegatedfullauthoritytoAhmedElNagdyandhis team,affordingthemasecureenvironmentforconducting experiments.[Accompanyingthestatementisaphoto depictingtheplatformAWEparticipatinginlive performancesatInsomnia,Egypt'slargestgamingevent hostedbyBME.]

Asaresult,Etegahsecuredsponsorshipsfromleading entitiesandcompaniesinEgypt,drawinginlargerclients andcampaignswithinjusttwoquarters.Thissuccess underscoresthepotencyoftrust,empowerment,and strategicdecision-makingwithintheorganization.

Theseachievementsunderscorethededicationandtalentof theteamatEtegah.HeshamWatanyexpressesgratitudefor theireffortsandremainsoptimisticaboutthecompany's exponentialgrowthin2024.

KeystoSuccessinBusiness

Intoday'sbusinessenvironment,HeshamWatany emphasizesthatresilienceandconsistencyarecrucialfor success.WithinEgypt'schallengingbusinesslandscape,he advisesacknowledgingthatwherethereareproblems,there arealsoopportunities.Persistence,dedicationto improvement,anddiligenteffortareessentialforachieving goals.

EmbracingDigitalVideoMarketingTrends

HeshamWatanyadvocatesforthepotencyofdigitalvideo contentproductionanduser-generatedcontent.Henotesthe risinginfluenceofcreativeshortverticalvideosin marketingservices.Moreover,heunderscoresthe significanceofempoweringinboundmarketingandproduct placementwithindigitalshowsasvitalstrategiesforbrand success.Anticipatingtheincreasingaffordabilityofcuttingedgetechnologyproductswithinthenext6-7years,Watany predictsthatdigitalvideocontentwillprominentlyshape marketingtrends.

Mahmoud Moustafa, Saudi Arabia GM

InthemodernEgyptianmarket,innovationstandsasa

beaconguidingbusinessestowardsgrowthand sustainability.It'sajourneymarkedbyvisionarieswho seebeyondtheconventional,drivenbyapassionfor makingatangibleimpact.Suchistheethosthatfuelsthe industry,whereleaderslikethefeaturingexecutivehave carvedpathsoftransformativechange.

Asthenarrativeofinnovationunfolds,onenameemerges prominently:IhabElsaka.Hisjourneyepitomizes resilience,fuelednotbythedesirefortitlesbutbya genuinecommitmenttoinnovationandimpact.From humblebeginningstothehelmofleadership,Elsaka'sstory resonateswiththeessenceofpioneeringvisioninthe Egyptianmarket.

Inthisintricatetapestryofindustrydynamics,onecompany standsattheforefrontofinnovation:Hoppec.Founded andledbyIhabElsakaasCEO,itembodiesacultureof excellence,resilience,andcollaboration.Witha commitmenttosurpassingindustrystandardsandfostering aworkenvironmentwhereeveryindividual'scontribution isvalued,Hoppecsetsaprecedentfortransformative leadershipinEgypt'sbusinesslandscape.

Let’s delve deeper to learn more:

PioneeringVision

Fromtheearlystagesofhiscareer,IhabElsakahasbeen deeplymotivatedbytheprospectofcreatingsomething uniqueandfillingavoidinthemarket.Hisinspirationto pursuebusinessleadershipwasnotbornoutofadesirefor titlesoraccolades,butfromagenuinepassionfor

innovationandmakingatangibleimpact.Hesawan opportunitytobringsomethingdifferenttothetable, somethingtrulygroundbreakingintheEgyptianmarketthat neededmorelocalproductswithhighqualityand competitiveprices,andtobelessdependentonimports. Thisvisionbecamethecornerstoneofhisjourney HispathtobecomingaCEOwaspavedwithrelentless determinationandasteadfastrefusaltoacceptfailure.This characteristicencouragedhimtolearnfrommistakesand vieweachsetbackasalessonandanopportunitytorefine hisstrategyanddeepenhisunderstandingofthebusiness landscape.Hisresolvetoreachthepinnacleofbusiness leadershipwasfueledbyabeliefinhisvisionandthe impactitcouldhaveonpeople'slives.

Intheearlystages,heencounterednumerouschallenges, fromsecuringfundingtonavigatingmarketuncertainties. However,thesehurdlesonlyservedtostrengthenhis resolve.Hewascommittedtobuildingacompanyculture rootedininnovation,resilience,andacollectivepursuitof excellence.Thisethosattractedlike-minded individuals—talentedprofessionalswhosharedhisvision andwereeagertocontributetosomethinglargerthan themselves.

AshereflectsonhisjourneytohiscurrentpositionasCEO, Ihabisfilledwithgratitudefortheexperiencesthatshaped himandthepeoplewhosupportedhimalongtheway Leadership,tohim,isnotaboutwieldingpowerbutabout empoweringothersandfosteringanenvironmentwhere creativityandinnovationcanflourish.It'saboutsettinga visionthatinspiresandmobilizestheteamtoachieve collectivegoals.

Whattrulyinspiredhimtopursueacareerinbusiness leadershipwastheopportunitytomakeadifference,to createsomethingthatcouldpositivelyimpacttheworldand Egypt’seconomy Ashelookstothefuture,hisfocus remainsondrivinginnovation,embracingchange,and leadingbyexample.Hisjourneytothispointhasbeen incrediblyrewarding,andheisexcitedaboutthe possibilitiesthatlieahead.

TransformativeLeadership

Apivotalmomentintheirleadershipjourneyoccurredten yearsagoduringaworkers'protestforhighersalariesand benefits,whichledtoaprofoundtransformationintheir approachtoleadership.Thiseventshiftedtheirperspective fromseeingemployeesmerelyaslabortorecognizingthem

aspartnersandintegralcontributorstothecompany's success.Itspurredthemtoadoptamoreinclusiveand participatoryleadershipstyle,prioritizingopen communicationandencouragingallteammembersto contributeideasandfeedback.Thisapproachfostereda cultureofinnovationandcollaboration,aligningindividual goalswiththecompany'sobjectivesandcreatingasenseof sharedownership.Ittaughtthemtheimportanceofvaluing eachteammember'scontribution,leadingtoenhanced productivity,innovation,andamorefulfillingwork environment.Thisexperiencefundamentallychangedhow theyviewandengagewiththeirteam,emphasizing empathy,respect,andthepowerofworkingtogether towardscommongoals.

GuidingPrinciplesofLeadership

AstheCEO,IhabElsaka'sleadershipisdeeplyrootedin valuesthatdirectlyinfluenceHoppec'scompanycultureand decision-makingprocess.

Excellenceservesasthecornerstone,drivingthecompany tosurpassindustrystandardsandelevateeveryfacetofits work.Thisvaluemotivatesdecisionsthatpushfor innovationandexceptionalperformanceacrossall operations.

Continuouseducationandlearningareparamount,witha commitmenttoinvestingintheteam'sgrowthandensuring accesstodevelopmentopportunities.Thisdedicationto advancementshapesdecisions,fosteringaforward-looking andequitableenvironmentwhereeveryteammembercan thrive.Thisapproachisreflectedinthecompany'sabilityto stayup-to-dateandadapttochange,growth,andcontinuous development.

Ethicalstandardsandteamworkarefundamental,witha priorityonintegrity,respect,andcollaborativedecisionmaking.Actionsareguidedbyamoralcompass,leveraging collectiveinsightsforoptimaloutcomes.

Theseprinciples—excellence,continuouslearning,ethical conduct,andteamwork—notonlyguidedecisionsbutalso definethecompany'sidentityandmission.Theyare essentialtoleadingwithpurpose,fosteringpositivechange, andbuildingalastinglegacybeyondfinancialsuccess.

AchievingBalance:ACEO'sApproachtoWell-being

Maintainingwork-lifebalanceastheCEOofHoppecin Egypt'sdynamicbusinesslandscapeiscontingentupon

strategictimemanagementandempoweringaproficient leadershipcadre.Ihabprioritizestasksmeticulouslyto ensureoptimalefficiencywhileallocatingsufficienttimefor personalwell-being.Recognizingthatsuccessshouldnot overshadowhealthorpersonal/familytime,heunderscores thesignificanceofstrikingaharmoniousbalance.

Delegatingauthoritytocapabledirectorsenablesthe companytoflourishautonomously,freeingElsakato disconnectandrejuvenateasneeded.Cultivatinga corporateethosthatesteemsbalanceholdsequal importance.Bysettingaprecedentthroughhisactionsand endorsingflexibleworkarrangements,Elsakafosters productivity,

innovation,andjobcontentmentwithintheteam.This approachtobalanceremainsdynamic,necessitating periodicintrospectionandadjustmenttoadeptlymeet professionalandpersonalexigencies.

Elsaka'sstrategyforharmonizingthedemandsofleadership withpersonalliferevolvesaroundmeticulousplanning, effectivedelegation,andadvocatingforawell-rounded lifestylewithintheorganization.Thisnotonlyenhanceshis ownqualityoflifebutalsoservesasabeaconfortheentire team,highlightingthesignificanceofholisticsuccess.

NavigatingChallenges

Confrontedwiththechallengeofeconomicfluctuationsin Egypt,hinderingtheimportationofrawmaterials,proved tobeadefiningmomentinIhabElsaka'stenureasCEOof Hoppec.Ratherthansuccumbingtothisobstacle,itbecame atransformativeopportunity,reshapingthecompany's strategyandfortifyingitsresilience.

Inresponsetotheimportationbarriers,thecompanyshifted itsfocustowardself-sufficiencybyestablishingproduction facilitiesforessentialrawmaterialswithinEgypt.This strategicpivotnotonlymarkedtheinceptionofanew productionlinebutalsosignaledacommitmentto innovationandlocalresourceutilization.

Despiteencounteringsignificantobstaclessuchasalackof specializedexpertiseandessentialequipment,theteam embracedadaptability,makinguseoflocalresourcesand equipment.Thisapproachnotonlyaddressedimmediate challengesbutalsofosteredacultureofingenuityand problem-solvingwithintheorganization.

Thisexperienceunderscoredtheimportanceofflexibility andthevalueofinternalsolutions.Byturningacritical

challengeintoanopportunity,thecompanyensuredits sustainability,contributedtolocalindustrydevelopment, andreducedrelianceonexternalsources.Thissuccessstory, bornoutofresilienceandinnovation,continuestoshape Hoppec'sactionsanddecisions,guidingitspursuitof excellence.

FosteringExcellence

Inhisrole,Ihabprioritizestheempowermentandinspiration ofhisteambyimplementingarobustsystemofKey PerformanceIndicators(KPIs).TheseKPIsserveasa comprehensivetoolformonitoringandevaluating performance,goingbeyondmeremetrictrackingtoestablish clearexpectations,celebrateachievements,andidentify areasforenhancement.

Complementingthisframeworkisadynamicmotivation systemdesignedtoacknowledgeandrewardexceptional performances,therebycultivatingacultureofexcellence andambitionwithintheorganization.Additionally,forteam membersfacingchallenges,constructivefeedbackand supportarereadilyprovided,witheachobstacleviewedas anopportunityforpersonalandprofessionalgrowth.

Thisinclusiveapproachensuresthateveryindividualwithin theteamfeelsvaluedandunderstandstheirroleinthe collectivesuccessofthecompany,fosteringanenvironment whereeveryoneismotivatedtoexcel.

NavigatingIndustryDynamics

Remainingattheforefrontofindustrytrendsand developmentsisimperativeformaintainingacompetitive edgeanddrivinginnovationatHoppec.

Thisobjectiveispursuedthroughamultifacetedstrategy thatincludesongoinginvestmentintheResearchand Developmentdepartment,dedicatedtoinnovatingand enhancingproducts.

Monitoringcompetitorscloselyenablesthecompanyto assessperformanceagainstindustrybenchmarksand identifyavenuesfordifferentiation.Moreover,soliciting feedbackfromclientsandconsumersishighlyvalued,asit offersdirectinsightsintomarketdemandsandpreferences. Thiscomprehensiveapproachensuresproactiveadaptation toindustrychanges,empoweringHoppectothriveinan ever-evolvingmarketplacewhilecontinuouslyengaging withclientsandconsumersforfeedback.

AJourneyofTransformation

Oneofthemostnotableachievementsduringhistenureas CEOisthetransformationofthecompanyfroma strugglinglocalbrandintoamarketleader,capturinga70% share.Initiallyfacedwithsignificantchallenges,including toughcompetitionfromimportedproductsdominatingthe marketinqualityandprice,itwasperceivednotasan insurmountablebarrier,butratherasacatalystforaction.

Embarkingonacomprehensivejourneyofselfimprovement,thecompanyscrutinizedeveryfacetofits operations—fromproductdevelopmentandqualitycontrol tocostmanagementandmarketingstrategies.Theobjective wasclear:toexceedthequalityofimportedproductswhile maintainingcompetitivepricing.Thisendeavordemandeda deepcommitmenttoinnovation,areadinesstotake calculatedrisks,andanunshakablebeliefintheteam's potentialandthebrand.

Thejourneywasarduous,testingtheirdeterminationat everyjuncture.Yet,throughunwaveringdedicationanda collectivespiritofperseverance,theyprevailed.The metamorphosisintoamarketleaderstandsasatestamentto

thepowerofvision,teamwork,andresilience.Itrepresents asignificantmilestoneinthecompany'shistory,inspiring theteamandservingasproofofwhatcanbeachievedwith audaciousdreamsanddiligenteffort.Beyondmeremarket sharestatistics,thisachievementsymbolizesthejourney fromunderdogtoleader,reaffirmingtheircommitmentto excellence,innovation,andunwaveringpursuitofsuccess.

SteeringLeadership

Intoday'sbusinesslandscape,effectiveleadershipis characterizedbyadiversesetofqualitiesandskillsthat empowerleaderstonavigatecomplexitywithfinesse.A clearandinspiringvisionservesasaguidinglightforthe organization,propellingittowarditsobjectives.Embracing diverseperspectivesfostersaninclusivecultureof innovation,whereuniqueviewpointscontributeto breakthroughsolutions.

Resilienceandpreparednessforchallengesformthe foundationofleadership,allowingleadersnotonlyto weatheradversitiesbutalsototransformtheminto opportunitiesforgrowth.Additionally,effectiveleaders strikeabalancebetweenlisteningtovariousviewpointsand makingdecisive,firmdecisions.Thisapproachensuresa democraticyetefficientdecision-makingprocess,essential forpromptandconfidentactionintoday'sdynamicbusiness environment.

EssentialValues

ForemergingleadersaimingtocarvetheirnicheinEgypt's vibrantbusinesssphere,IhabElsakaemphasizesthree fundamentalprinciples.Firstly,meticulouspreparationis paramount.Thoroughlyunderstandingthemarket, competitors,andone'sownvaluepropositionestablishesa solidfoundationforachievement.Secondly,embracing risk-takingisessential.Innovationandleadershipdemand venturingintounchartedterritory,albeitwiththe acknowledgmentofuncertainties.Lastly,prudentrisk assessmentiscrucial.Whileit'simportanttotakerisks,it's equallyvitaltogaugepotentialchallengesandpitfallsalong theway.Understandingtheterrainbeforedivinginis imperative;aspiringleadersshouldnotplungeinto situationswherefailureisinevitable.Rather,theyshould approachriskswithacalculatedmindset,ensuringthey're steppingintomanageablescenarios.Byadheringtothese guidingprinciples,emergingleaderscanconfidently navigateEgypt'sbusinesslandscape,fosteringcreativity andpositioningthemselvesforsustainablesuccess.

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. , ,

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Thetelecommunicationsandfinancialtechnology

sectorsstandaspillarsofinnovationandgrowthin today’sdynamicbusinesslandscape.With advancementsintechnologyandevolvingconsumer demands,professionalswithintheseindustriesnavigate complexchallengestodriveprogressandtransformation.

LeadingthechargeinthisrealmisKarimShehata,a seasonedexecutivewithover25yearsofexperience spanningmarketing,sales,operations,andbusiness development.Hisjourneyreflectsacommitmentto excellenceandinnovation,notablywithin telecommunicationsandfintech,wherehehasheld prominentleadershippositions.

UnderthestewardshipofKarimShehata,BasataHolding emergesasacornerstoneintheconvergenceof telecommunicationsandfinancialtechnology AsCEO, Shehata’sstrategicvisionandcommitmenttointegrityand innovationpropelthecompanyforward,fosteringgrowth andmakingatangibleimpactonthee-paymentssectorin Egypt.

Let’s delve in to learn more:

JourneyinDrivingInnovationandGrowth

Karim’spathtoassumingtheroleofCEOatBasata Holdingoriginatesfromarobustbackgroundspanningover 25yearsinmarketingstrategies,sales,operations,and businessdevelopment,notablywithinthe telecommunicationsandpayment/fintechsectors.Holding prominentexecutivepositionsatVodafoneEgyptand

VisaInternational,Karimhasleveragedhisextensive experiencetonavigateandexcelinthedynamiclandscape oftelecommunicationsandfinancialtechnology.His leadershiproleshaveaffordedhimtheopportunityto integratehisexpertisewithhisfervorforinnovation, particularlywithinthefintechdomain,wherehehas overseenmajore-paymententerprisesacrosstheMENA region.Karim’sdedicationexemplifiesasteadfast commitmenttofosteringgrowth,drivinginnovation,and instigatingpositivetransformationsthroughstrategic businessleadership.

CareerEvolutionintheFintechSector

AteveryjunctureofKarim’scareer,theevolvinglandscape ofthefintechindustryhasleftasignificantimprint.During histenureastheexecutiveleadforCorporationsat VodafoneEgypt,Karim’srolecenteredondeveloping dynamicstrategiesencompassingmarketing,sales, operations,andtechnicalresourcestailoredtothecorporate sector

Hiseffortswereparticularlydirectedtowardenhancing salesstrategiesthroughappropriatechannels.

TransitioningtotheroleofleadingtheBusiness DevelopmentsectoratVisaInternational,Karim’sfocus shiftedtofosteringthegrowthofretailbankingservicesin Egypt,therebycontributingtotherealizationoffinancial inclusionobjectives.

Previously,astheMarketingManagerattheNationalBank ofEgypt,Karimwastaskedwithintegratingsystemsand establishingeffectivecommunicationchannelstofacilitate productdeliverytoindividuals.Eachphaseofhiscareer demandedauniquesetofskills,collectivelyshapingKarim intotheseasonedprofessionalheistoday

CEO’sVisionforBusinessGrowthandImpact

AstheCEOofBasataHolding,Karimplacesastrong emphasisonintegrity,respectforhisteam,empathy, innovation,sustainability,andcontinuouslearningtoguide hisdecision-makingprocess.Heisdedicatedto implementingcorporategovernanceprincipleswithin Basatatofostercontinuedbusinessgrowth,andheis committedtomakingatangibleimpactonthee-payments sectorinEgypt.

ApproachtoWork-LifeBalance

Maintainingahealthywork-lifebalancewhileoverseeing oneofEgypt’sprominentcompaniesisessentialtoKarim Shehata.Heapproacheshisworkwithdedicationand efficiency,ensuringeffectivetimemanagementwhilealso prioritizingpersonalwell-being.Karimachievesthis balancethroughflexibility,adaptability,taskprioritization, andefficientdelegation.Hefostersasupportivework environmentatBasata,wherebothpersonaland professionalfulfillmentflourishwithinthecompany

NavigatingChallengesAmidstCOVID-19

DuringtheCOVID-19lockdown,KarimShehatafacedthe challengeofmanagingalargeworkforceamidstnumerous uncertainties.Hisprimaryconcernwasstrikingabalance betweenensuringthewell-beingandmoraleofhis employeeswhilesimultaneouslystrivingtoachievethe company’sbusinessobjectives.

FosteringTeamEmpowermentandGrowth

KarimShehatamotivatesandempowershisteammembers

throughvariousstrategies.Hefostersclearcommunication, setsexpectations,andprovidessupportandresourcesto ensuretheirsuccess.Karimbelievesinofferingrecognition andfeedbacktoacknowledgetheircontributionsandhelp themgrowprofessionally.Heencouragescollaborationand empowersteammemberstomakedecisions,promotinga cultureofautonomyandaccountability.Karimalso prioritizeshisowngrowthanddevelopment,strivingtobe thebestversionofhimselfandcontinuouslyimprovinghis skills.Heactivelytransfershisexperiencetothosearound him,fosteringacultureoflearningandmutualsupport withintheteam.

StayingAheadinFintechLeadership

Foranyleader,stayingconsistentlyinformedaboutrapidly evolvingdevelopmentsacrossalllevelsandsectorsis paramount.Inthecompetitivelandscapeofthefintech industry,itisessentialtocontinuouslystrivetostayabreast ofthelatesttechnologiesandmanagementmethodologies. KarimShehataemphasizestheimportanceofintegrating theseadvancementsintothefinancialsectortodrive practicalapplicationsaimedatbuildingarobustentitywith effectivegovernancewithinBasataHolding.

MemorableMilestonesinMarketEntry

ThelaunchofBasataHoldingintheEgyptianmarketwasa significantmilestone,characterizedbytheconsolidationof twohighlysuccessfulE-paymentcompaniesanddrivenby thevisionofgrowthalongsideitsemployeesandthe expertiseofaseasonedteam.Thesemomentsweretruly unforgettable.

EssentialTraitsofModernLeadership

Intoday’sbusinessenvironment,effective leadershipnecessitatesablendofqualities. Karimrecognizestheimportanceofvision, strongcommunication,adaptability, empathy,andarobustdecision-making process.Heemphasizesthesignificanceof resilience,strategicdelegation,ethical conduct,fosteringinnovation,and promotingteamworkandcollaborationas essentialcomponentsofeffective leadership.

EmbracingFlexibilityinBusiness Strategies

KarimShehataemphasizestheimportance ofembracingflexibilityasakeypieceof advice.Hesuggeststhatadaptabilityin adjustingworkstrategiesandbusiness modelsinresponsetoevolvingmarket dynamicsiscrucialforovercoming challengeseffectively.Additionally,Karim underscoresthesignificanceofcollaborating withindividualswhopossesstheskillsand expertisetoformulatepoliciesand constructionplansaimedatadvancing businessoperations.

The CEO Paradox: Prioritization and Execution in a Demanding Role

TheCEO'sjobdescriptionmight seemstraightforward:leadthe companytosuccess.But beneaththatsimplestatementliesa complexwebofresponsibilities.CEOs areexpectedtobestrategicvisionaries, inspiringleaders,anddecisive problem-solvers,allwhilemanaginga demandingscheduleandaconstant barrageofinformation.

Themillion-dollarquestionis:howdo thebestCEOsnavigatethisparadox andgetthetrulyimportantworkdone? Here,weexplorethekeystrategies theyemploy

FocusontheFew,CriticalActivities

GreatCEOsunderstandthey can't—andshouldn't—doeverything themselves.Theirtimeisaprecious resource,bestspentonactivitieswitha highimpactonthecompany'sdirection andlong-termgoals.Thisoftenmeans applyingthe80/20rule(Pareto Principle),where80%oftheresults comefrom20%oftheeffort.

Masteringprioritizationiscrucial. ManyCEOsusea60/40rule, dedicating60%oftheirtimeto essentialbutlessstrategictaskslike boardmeetingsandinvestorrelations. Theremaining40%isthenfocusedon

theircoreresponsibility:driving strategicexecution.Thismightinvolve spearheadingkeyinitiatives,fostering innovation,orbuildingstrong relationshipswithcriticalpartners.

EffectiveCEOsalsodelegate ruthlessly.Theysurroundthemselves withtalentedindividualsandempower themtomakedecisionswithintheir areasofexpertise.Thisfreesupthe CEO'stimeforthebig-pictureissues.

Communication:TheCornerstoneof Success

ThebestCEOsrecognizethatclearand consistentcommunicationisthe cornerstoneofsuccessfulexecution. Theirvisionandprioritiesneedto cascadedownthroughtheentire organization,ensuringeveryone understandstheirroleinachievingthe company'sgoals.

Thiscommunicationtakesmany forms.Regulartownhalls,clearand concisemessagingininternal communications,andreadilyavailable leadershipallplayapart.Highly effectiveCEOsdon'tjust communicate;theyactivelylisten, gatheringfeedbackandensuringatwowayflowofinformation.

Here'sacrucialpoint:communication isnotaone-timeevent.ThebestCEOs understandtheneedforconstant reinforcement.Theyrepeatkey messagestirelessly,ensuringeveryone staysfocusedonthemostimportant work.

ResourceAllocation:PuttingMoney WhereYourMouthis

Strategyiscrucial,butwithoutproper resourceallocation,itremainsjustan idea.ThebestCEOsensuretheirvision isbackedbyconcreteactions.This meanstheyhaveafirmgrasponthe company'sfinancialresourcesand ensuretheyaredirectedtowardshighimpactinitiatives.

Thismightinvolveinvestinginnew technologiesthatsupportthestrategic direction,hiringtalentedindividualsto fillcriticalroles,orallocating marketingbudgetstosupportnew productlaunches.Byaligning resourceswithpriorities,CEOsensure theirvisiontranslatesfromtheoryto reality

BuildingaCultureofExecution

GreatCEOsunderstandthata successfulcompanyculturefuels strategicexecution.Theyfosteran environmentthatvaluesaccountability, initiative,andresults.

Thismightinvolveimplementing performancemanagementsystemsthat trackprogresstowardclearlydefined goals.Itcouldalsomeancreatinga cultureofopencommunicationwhere employeesfeelcomfortablesharing ideasandconcerns.Additionally, celebratingsuccesses,bigandsmall, reinforcespositivebehaviorsandkeeps teamsmotivated.

Ultimately,theCEOsetsthetonefor theentireorganization.By demonstratingarelentlessfocuson execution,apassionforresults,anda

willingnesstotakecalculatedrisks, theyinspireotherstofollowsuit.

Time

Management:Masteringthe Artof"No"

CEOsarebombardedwithrequestsfor theirtime.Meetings,phonecalls, emails—thedemandsareendless.The abilitytosay"no"effectivelyisa criticalskillforsuccessfulCEOs.

Thisdoesn'tmeantheywillbecome inaccessible.Itsimplymeansthey carefullyguardtheirtime,ensuringit's spentonactivitiesalignedwiththeir priorities.Theydelegateeffectively, scheduletimeforfocusedwork,and leveragetechnologytomanagetheir inboxes.

EmbraceContinuousLearning

Thebusinesslandscapeisconstantly evolving.ThebestCEOsarelifelong learners,alwaysseekingnew informationandperspectives.They readvoraciously,attendindustry conferences,andactivelyseekout mentorsoradvisors.Bystayingahead ofthecurve,theyarebetterequipped tomakeinformeddecisionsandlead theircompaniesintothefuture.

TheHumanTouch

GreatCEOsarenotjuststrategic masterminds;theyarealsoemotionally intelligentleaders.Theyunderstandthe importanceofempathyandbuilding strongrelationships.Theytakethetime toconnectwithemployeesatalllevels, fosteringasenseoftrustand belonging.

Thishumantouchiscrucialfor buildingamotivatedandengaged workforce.Whenemployeesfeel valuedandrespected,theyaremore likelytogotheextramile,contributing tothecompany'soverallsuccess.

BeyondtheNumbers

Whilefinancialperformanceisakey metricforCEOs,theybestunderstand theimportanceofleadingwith purpose.Theyarticulateaclearvision forthecompany'simpactbeyondthe bottomline.Thispurposecouldbe aboutenvironmentalsustainability, socialresponsibility,orcreatinga positiveimpactonaspecific community

Byaligningthecompany'sgoalswitha largerpurpose,CEOscreateasenseof meaningandmotivationfortheir employees.Peoplearemorelikelyto beengagedandproductivewhenthey feeltheirworkcontributesto somethingbiggerthanthemselves.

TheFinalWord:

BeingaCEOisamarathon,nota sprint.Thechallengesareconstant,and theroadtosuccessisrarelysmooth. However,thebestCEOsapproachtheir rolefromalong-termperspective. Theyunderstandthatsuccessisa journey,notjustadestination.

Theyareadaptable,willingtolearn fromtheirmistakes,andconstantly strivingtoimprove.Theyfocuson buildingasustainableandresilient organizationthatcanthriveintheface ofchange.

Inconclusion,navigatingthecomplex worldofaCEOrequiresaunique blendofskillsandstrategies.By masteringprioritization, communication,andresource allocation,CEOscanensuretheir visiontranslatesintoreality.Buildinga cultureofexecution,managingtime effectively,andprioritizingwell-being arealsocrucialelementsofsuccess.

Ultimately,thebestCEOsarenotjust leaders;theyarearchitects,shapingthe futureoftheirorganizationsand leavingalastingimpactontheworld aroundthem.

- Alaya Brown

- Simon Sinek

Thehospitalityindustrystandsasacornerstoneof globaltourism,offeringtravelersaspectrumof experiencesrangingfromluxuryaccommodations tomemorablediningexperiences.Overtheyears,this sectorhasevolved,adaptingtochangingconsumer preferences,technologicaladvancements,andgeopolitical shifts.

MohamedKamal,aCEOspecializinginHotels&Resorts AssetManagement&BusinessDevelopment,hasemerged asapivotalfigureinnavigatingtheintricateterrainof hospitalitywithfinesseandexpertise.Withacareer spanningoverthreedecades,Mohamedhashonedhisskills acrossvariousfacetsofhospitalitymanagement,from marketingandsalestobusinessdevelopment.

AMGHospitality–HotelAssetManagementGroup,a leadingplayerinthehospitalityconsultancysector,is committedtodeliveringunparalleledservicestocorporate clients.Throughameticulousselectionprocess,AMG Hospitalityassemblesateamofexpertswithextensive industryexperienceandaproventrackrecordinmanaging, operating,anddevelopinghotelsandresorts.

Let’s delve in to learn more:

NavigatingaDistinguishedCareerinHospitality

MohamedKamalembarkedonhisprofessionaljourneyin 1988atSheratonHotels&Resorts,wherehecompleteda rigorousthree-yearmanagementtrainingprogram.His tenureatSheratonencompassedrolesinMarketing,Sales, andbusinessdevelopment,culminatinginhisappointment asahotelGeneralManager Throughouthiscareer, Mohamedhasaugmentedhispracticalexperiencewith specializedstudiesinHospitalityManagement,Sales,and MarketingfromesteemedinstitutionssuchastheAmerican HotelAssociation,Cornell,andtheAmericanUniversityin Cairo(AUC).

DrivingTourismResilience

Overthepastthreedecades,tourisminEgypthasfaced numerousobstacleshinderingitsprogress.Duringtimesof difficulty,Mohamedhasconsistentlyledtheteamto navigatethroughchallenges,ensuringasafefallbackand facilitatingaquickrestart.

ValuesinBusinessRelationships

Inallbusinessrelationships,whetherwithclients,partners, orassociates,MohamedKamalprioritizesperfection, conductsseriousconsultations,andupholdshonestyasa fundamentalvalue.

NavigatingtheIntersectionsofProfessionaland PersonalLife

Intheprofessionalsphere,Mohamedacknowledgesthe intertwiningofworkandpersonallife,whereconnections oftentransitionfromacquaintancestofriendsand colleagues.Nonetheless,herecognizestheimportanceof respectingindividualtimeallocations.

OptimizingOperationalExcellence

Overthepastthreeyears,thecompanyhasprioritized organizationalefficiencyandprecisioninallofferingsand commitments,aimingtoavoidunforeseenchallenges. Consequently,nosuchsituationshavearisen,andthe companyaimstomaintainthistrackrecordtodedicatefull attentiontoservingclientsimpeccably.

FosteringAccountabilityandDecision-Making

InculcatingAccountability:Upholdingresponsibilityfor individualbusinessdecisions,fosteringpersonalownership ofsuccess,andconductingregulardecisionauditsthrough collaborativesessions.

MonitoringIndustryTrends

Withakeenfocusonglobaldevelopmentnews,particularly withinthebusinesssphere,MohamedKamalstaysupdated onemerginghotelandresortbrands,styles,andclient preferences.

RescuingaResort

Theconsultingfirmwasapproachedbyaresortowner facingfinancialchallengeshinderingthecompletionof theirproject.Withexpertiseineconomicandfinancial analysis,theyrecommendedtransformingtheresortintoa condo-styleproperty,allowingsmallinvestorstopurchase unitsforvacationandinvestmentpurposes.Through strategicmodificationsandmanagement,theprojectwas successfullyredeveloped,withthehotelnowoperational andtheownerrepurchasingsoldunitsfrominvestors.

UnlockingExcellence

MohamedDemonstratesqualitiessuchaspatience, vigilance,effectivetimemanagement,andtheabilityto providequickandeffectiveanswers.

MasteringEssentialQualities

Inhisrole,heshowstheimportanceofhavingqualitiesof patience,attentiveness,productivity,precision,andhonesty Theseattributesunderscorehisdedicationtoexcellencein hisprofession.

Mohamed Kamal CEO Hotels & Resorts Asset Management & Business Development AMG HOSPITALITY Hotel Asset Management Group

Mohsen Sarhan

Navigating Challenges with Resilience

Thefoodbankingindustrystandsasabeaconof hope,providingessentialsustenancetothosein need.Inthissector,leadersplayapivotalrolein steeringorganizationsthroughtumultuoustimesand ensuringtheeffectivedeliveryofaidtovulnerable communities.Theirdedicationandstrategicvisionare instrumentalinaddressingthepressingchallengesfacing society,particularlyintimesofcrisis.

MohsenSarhan,anesteemedfigureinthefoodbanking sector,assumedleadershipastheCEOofanesteemed organizationjustastheworldgrappledwiththeonsetofthe COVID-19pandemic.Histenuremarkedacriticalperiod oftransitionandadaptation,asheledtheorganization throughtheunprecedentedchallengesbroughtaboutbythe globalcrisis.Sarhan'sleadershipduringthistransformative journeyshowcasedhisresilience,agility,andunwavering commitmenttoservingthoseinneed.

UnderSarhan'sguidance,theEgyptianFoodBank mobilizedswiftlytoprovideimmediaterelieftoaffected individuals,demonstratingaremarkablelevelofalignment andcohesionwithintheteam.Thiscollectiveeffortnotonly bolsteredSarhan'scredibilityamonghiscolleaguesbutalso strengthenedtheirtrustandconfidenceinhisleadership.As theorganizationnavigatedthecomplexitiesofthe pandemic,Sarhan'sprinciplesofeffective leadership—speed,adaptability,andteamcare—servedas guidingbeacons,ensuringasteadfastcommitmenttothe organization'smissionofalleviatinghungerandfood insecurity

Let’s delve in to learn more:

NavigatingPassionandPurpose

Mohsenattributeshisleadershipjourneytoaseriesof opportunitiespresentedthroughdivineprovidence.Despite initiallynotaimingforaleadershiprole,Sarhan acknowledgesthealignmentofhispersonaland professionalinterests,ensuringthathispursuitsalways contributedtohisgenuinepassions.Heemphasizesthe importanceofmaintainingafocusedapproach,only engaginginendeavorsthattrulyresonatewithhim,thus integratinghispersonalandprofessionalendeavors seamlessly.Sarhanunderscoresthathisguidingprinciple hasalwaysbeenhispassion,prioritizingintrinsic motivationovermerepragmaticconsiderationsinhis decision-makingprocess.

EmbracingMentorshipandContinuousGrowth

Throughouthiscareerjourney,Mohsenreflectsonthe profoundimpactofhismentorsinshapinghisprofessional development.Withgratitude,Sarhanacknowledgesthe invaluableguidancereceivedfromexceptionalleaderssince theoutsetofhiscareer.Henotesthatapproximately90%of hismentorsservedassourcesofinspiration,setting examplesforhimtoemulateinhisownleadershipjourney. Conversely,theremaining10%providedvaluablelessons onbehaviorsandpracticestoavoidinhisfutureendeavors. Sarhanemphasizeshissteadfastcommitmenttocontinuous learning,recognizingeachdayasanopportunitytoglean insightsfromthosearoundhim.Heremainsopento absorbingbothpositiveandnegativeexperiences,viewing themasvaluablelessonsthatcontributetohisongoing growthanddevelopment.

Mohsen Sarhan CEO

Egypan Food Bank

HonoringTrustandIntegrity

InMohsenSarhan'sethicalframework,honestyreignsasa paramountvalue,unwaveringandsteadfast.Headheres strictlytotruthfulness,eschewinganytemptationtodistort factsormanipulateinformationtosuitspecific circumstances.Moreover,Sarhanextendsgenuinefamilial regardtoallindividualswithinhissphereofinfluence, recognizingtheprofoundinterconnectednessthatbinds themtogether.Heacknowledgesthateachmemberofhis teamrepresentssomeone'sfather,daughter,or sister—individualswhosefamilieshaveentrustedhimwith theircareandentrustedhimtoprovidethemwith opportunitiesforpersonalgrowthandprofessional advancement.

Inadditiontohiscommitmenttohonestyandfamilialcare, Sarhanremainsacutelyawareofthesolemnresponsibility entrustedtohimwithregardtozakatfunds.Herecognizes thatthesecontributionscomewithimplicittrust—atrustin hisabilityandintegritytoallocatetheseresourceswhere theyaremostneededandtodosowiththeutmost efficiencyandtransparency.Sarhanupholdsthistrustwith utmostdiligence,ensuringthatzakatfundsaredirectedto areasofgreatestimpact,fulfillingthedonors'intentionsand benefitingthosemostinneed.

BalancingPurposeandPartnership

Mohsenemphasizestheseamlessintegrationofhispersonal andprofessionalrealms,emphasizingtheirinherent interconnectedness.Heregardshisworkasafundamental aspectofhispurposeinlife,deeplyintertwinedwithhis identityandexistence.Sarhanconsidershimselffortunate tohavehiswifeasacolleaguewithinthefoodbank,which furtherreinforcestheirsharedunderstandingofthenature ofhisworkanditsprofoundimpactonboththeirpersonal andprofessionallives.Thismutualcomprehension facilitatesasupportiveandcohesivedynamicbetween

them,enablingthemtonavigatethechallengesandfulfill theresponsibilitiesassociatedwiththeirroleswithinthe organization.

NavigatingChallengeswithSerenity

Inhisroleinreliefefforts,MohsenSarhanconsistently confrontsamyriadofchallenges.Heapproachesthese obstacleswithacomposeddemeanor,recognizingthe importanceofmaintainingasenseofcalmamidstpotential turmoil.Sarhanunderstandsthedetrimentalimpactof projectingworryoranxietyontohisteam,whichcould resultinchaosandimpedeeffectivedecision-making. Instead,hedrawssolacefromtheknowledgethattheir workisalignedwithacausehelddearbytheircreatorand immenselyvaluabletotheindividualstheyserve.This understandinginstillsinSarhanasenseofreassurancethat, ultimately,circumstanceswillfindequilibrium.Regardless oftheoutcome,Sarhanremainssteadfastinhis commitmenttogivinghisbesteffort,trustinginahigher powertoguidethefinaloutcomes.

FosteringCollaborationandTrust

Mohsenadoptsacollaborativeapproachwithhisteam, viewingthemasacohesiveunitunitedbyacommongoal. Withinthisfamilialdynamic,heprioritizesopen communication,freelyexpressinghisthoughtsand rationalebehinddecisions.Sarhanensurestransparencyby articulatingthereasoningbehinddirectives,fosteringa cultureofunderstandingandsharedpurpose.Moreover,he remainsreceptivetoinputfromteammembers,readily acknowledgingsuperiorideasandbeingunhesitanttoalter hisdecisionsaccordingly.Overtime,thiscollaborative ethoscultivatesasenseofmutualtrustandcohesion, makingconcertedactiontowardssharedobjectivesa naturalandingrainedpractice.

EmbracingKnowledgeintheDigitalAge

MohsenSarhanisanavidreader,findingsolaceand enrichmentinthepursuitofknowledge.Amidsthis responsibilities,readingremainsoneofhisfewcherished pastimes.

Additionally,hededicatessignificantattentiontoscientific journalswithinhisfield,recognizingtheinvaluableinsights theyoffer.Sarhanacknowledgesthefortuitousnessofliving andworkinginaneracharacterizedbyunparalleled connectivityandaccessibilitytoinformation.Hemarvelsat thetransformativeimpactofartificialintelligenceon informationsynthesis,highlightingitsprofound implicationsforhumanity.Reflectingonhisownpast, Sarhanrecallsthedaysspentimmersinghimselfinlibraries forhourstogatherinformation—astarkcontrasttotheease ofaccessaffordedbymoderntechnology.

NavigatingCrisis

Mohsenassumedtherolejustamonthbeforetheonsetof theCOVID-19pandemic,succeedingtheorganization's foundingCEOwhohadrecruitedandtrainedallcurrent staffmembers.Leadingtheorganizationthroughthe unprecedentedchallengesbroughtaboutbythepandemic becameatransformativeexperienceforSarhan.Mobilizing theteamtoprovideimmediaterelieftothoseaffectedbythe crisisprovedtobeadefiningmomentinhistenure.This collaborativeeffortnotonlystrengthenedSarhan's credibilityamongtheEFBteambutalsofosteredtrustand confidenceintheirabilitiestoworktogethereffectively.In thespanofjustafewweeksofintensivecollaboration,the teamachievedalevelofalignmentandcohesionthatwould typicallytakemonthstodevelop.

PandemicLeadershipTransition

MohsenSarhanassumedthepositionofCEOatthe EgyptianFoodBankamonthpriortotheonsetofthe COVID-19pandemic,becomingthesecondCEOinthe organization's15-yearhistory.Hesucceededthefounding CEO,whohadrecruitedandtrainedallexistingstaff members.

Thecollectivemobilizationoftheteamtoconfrontthe challengesposedbythepandemicandprovideimmediate assistancetoaffectedindividualshasbeenatransformative experienceforSarhan.Thisconcertedeffortnotonly enhancedSarhan'scredibilityamongtheEFBstaffbutalso bolsteredtheirconfidenceinhisleadership.Inamatterof weeksofintensivecollaboration,theteamachievedalevel ofalignmentandcohesionthatwouldtypicallytakemonths tocultivate.

PrinciplesofEffectiveLeadership

MohsenSarhanemphasizesthreekeyprinciplesinhis approachtoleadership:

Speed:Sarhanprioritizesagilityandswiftdecision-making innavigatingchallengesandseizingopportunities.He understandstheimportanceofadaptingquicklytochanging circumstancestostayaheadinadynamicenvironment.

Adaptability:Sarhanadvocatesforthewillingnesstolet goofpreconceivednotionsandembracenewperspectives andrealities.Herecognizesthefluidityofsituationsandthe necessityofbeingopen-mindedtoeffectivelyaddress evolvingcircumstances.

TeamCare:Sarhanbelievesinthesignificanceof nurturingandsupportingthepeopleheworkswith.He understandsthatthecollectivesuccessofanorganization hingesonthededicationandwell-beingofitsteam members.Therefore,heemphasizestheimportanceof takinggoodcareofthemandfosteringasupportiveand collaborativeworkenvironment.

Is Artificial Intelligence an Opportunity or a Threat to Humans in Life and the Labor Market?

Therevolutionresultingfromthewidespreaduseof artificialintelligencetoolsinallfieldsisthetalkof thehour,asmanyfeelthreatenedbyitwhileothers looktotheopportunitiesthatliebehindit.Infact,the spreadofartificial intelligence isamultifaceted phenomenon,offeringbothpromisingprospectsand potentialrisks.

Beingpartofthedynamiclandscapeoftoday’sjobmarket, maintainingcompetitivenessnecessitatesacontinuous commitmenttoskilldevelopmentandadaptation.Artfical ntellgence,whchhastakentheplaceofhumansnsome functons,sthesamethatprovded(AI)toolsas indispensableassets,playingapivotalroleinbolstering employabilityandtransformingemploymentterrain.

Intherealmofemployment,asanexecutivecoachandHR person,IfindseveralAItoolsthatcontributetoenhancing employabilityandempoweringindividualsintheworkforce arenowanessentialplayerintheprocess;thehiring landscapehasundergonearevolutionwiththeadventofAIpoweredrecruitmenttools.Thesetoolsefficientlyanalyze resumes,identifyrelevantskills,andaligncandidateswith jobrequirements.Byautomatingtheinitialscreening processutlzngAItoolsnpredctveanalytcstoevaluate markettrendsandrequrements,AInowempowers recruiterstofocusonevaluatingcandidates’valuesand culturalfit,therebystreamliningtheoverallhiringprocess, betterhiringdecisions,betterhumanresources,andbetter organizationbottomline.

Myinteresthasalwaysbeenfocusedonfindingpractical waysforlearninganddevelopmenttohelpindividuals improvetheircapabilitiesandbuildtheircompetencieswith

lesscost,time,andeffort!Today,AI-drivenlearning platformsprovidetailoredandadaptivetraining experiences,yetthesetoolsassessindividuallearning styles,strengths,andweaknessestocustomizeeducational content.Thispersonalizedapproachaugmentsskill development,ensuringthatindividualsacquirethespecific competenciesneededintheirchosenfields.Moreover, whiletechnicalskillsremaincrucial,thesignificanceofsoft skillsinthemodernworkplaceisequallypronounced.AI toolsincorporateadvancedalgorithmstoassessand enhanceinterpersonalskillssuchasproblem-solving, integrity,communication,teamwork,andadaptability.

Onemorepoint:peopletodayareforced,likeneverbefore, tomanagetheirbusinessremotelyduetofrequenttravel, closureduetopandemic,familyorientation,work-life balancepolicies,etc.,whichareallfactorsthatledtothe activationofremoteworkmethods.AIvirtualtoolslike communicationplatformspoweredbyAIstreamlineremote workprocessesplayacrucialroleinfacilitating collaborationandproductivity.Anewtypeofliteracyhas becomeessentialforenteringandcontinuingthelabor market;proficiencyinusingthesetoolsenhancesan individual’sadaptabilitytotheevolvingnatureofwork environments.

Intheeraofinnovation,itisclearthattheintegrationofAI fosterstechnologicalprogress,potentiallygivingriseto newindustries,employmentopportunities,andsolutionsto previouslyinsurmountableproblems.AIsystemsexcelat processingvastdatasetsatremarkablespeeds,which providedecision-makerswithvaluableenlightenmentbased notonlyondata,figures,andnumbersbutalsoon qualitativeanalysisandconclusions.

Does this mean that artificial intelligence is absolutely good?

Ofcoursenot.Inadditiontotheparamountconcern revolvesaroundthepotentialjobdisplacementdueto automation,whereAIsystemstakingovertasks traditionallyhandledbyhumanscouldleadto unemploymentandnecessitatereskillingefforts,the uncontrollablespreadofartificialintelligenceacrossall aspectsoflifeposesmoreseriouspotentialriskstothe worldandhumanitythathumansmustbeawareofand preparetoconfront;hereunderaresomeofthosemajor threats:

WhocontrolsthequalityofthedatausedtocreateAIdrives andformulas?TheeffectivenessofAIalgorithmsdepends onthequalityofthedatatheyaretrainedon,andbiased datacanleadtobiasedresults.Inmyopinion,thisposesa seriousdangertoglobalpublicopinion,perpetuating existingsocialinequalitiesanddiscriminatorypracticesif theyarenotvigilantlyaddressed.

Weallnoticedhowthewidespreaduseofartificial intelligenceinallaspectsofourlivesrequiresthecollection andanalysisoflargeamountsofpersonaldata,whichraises concernsaboutinvasionofprivacyandthepotentialmisuse ofsensitiveinformation.Asartificialintelligencedevelops, ethicalquestionsariseonresponsibilityforAI-driven decisions,accountabilityiferrorsoccur,andthepotential impactonhumanvaluesandsocietalnorms.Althoughan ethicalcharter,“ResponsibleAI,”hasbeendevelopedto regulatetheuseofartificialintelligence,todate,noclear authoritycontrolsanypossiblemisleadingdata.Imaginethe powertheAIhasovertheworldwithoutbeingruledby clear,firmregulations.

How can we deal with this new reality?

WithAI,awarenessisthenameofthegame.Knowinghow toreskillforthefuture,howtoprotectyourselfand personaldata,andhowtodealwithfakeormisleading informationarealleveryindividual’snewresponsibilityto achievingequilibriumbetweenharnessingAI’s opportunitiesandmitigatingitspotentialthreatsis imperative.

Tothoseseekingtoenhanceemployabilityandnotjust survivebutthriveintheworkforceofthefuture,asthe employmentlandscapecontinuestoevolve,embracingAI toolsbecomesastrategicimperative;thejourneyforward demandsathoughtfulintegrationofAIintoourprofessional

About theLeader

Sana Hammad

Co-founder and CPO at MARLEQ

MARLEQ OÜ (Estonia)

Website: marleq.com

Social: Linkedin

AdA Executive Board Member at the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce

MBA in HR, German Jordanian University.

lives,emphasizingnotjusttechnicalproficiencybutalso thecultivationofessentialsoftskillstomeetthedemands ofanever-evolvingjobmarket.

Inconclusion,humansaredistinguishedfrommachinesby theiremotionaldimensionandpeople’sexperiences,and whilethemachine’senormousabilitytoanalyzeenablesit tobenefitfromtheinputsgivenbyhumans,humansremain uniqueinthegenuinecomplexmindsetthatenablesthemto innovateandcreate.Ifyoufeelthateverythingyoudoin yourworktodaycanbeautomated,thenyouareunawareof yourenormouscreativityabilitiesasahumanbeing.Start immediatelyunlockingyourpotential,upskilling,reskilling, andlearningnewtoolsthatkeeppacewiththeneedsofthe future.

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Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.

- Warren Bennis