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Successful CEOs are those who have the ability to inspire and motivate others, to build strong teams, and to lead by example.
- Cyril Ramaphosa
Editor’s Note
AsaCEO,yourhardestdecisionsarerarelyabout strategyorfinance.Moreoften,theytestyour fortitude—yourwillingnesstowalkthemore difficultpathwhentheeasyonescall.Inthesedefining moments,couragebecomesaCEO'sgreatestasset.
Everyleaderfacesforkswhereonerouteistemptingbut wrong,andtheotherisarduousyetright.Doyoumakethe popularchoicetoappeaseinvestorsthisquarter?Ordoyou standfirmontheethical,long-termplay?Doyougreenlight theopportunisticacquisitiondespiteculturalmisalignment? Orupholdyourprinciplesatthecostof"missed"growth?
The Courage to Lead:
Why CEOs Must Embrace Hard Decisions?
Witheachcourageouscall,youbuildorganizational resilience.Eachcompromiseslowlycorrodesit.Thetough choicescompoundintoacourageouscompanyculturethat livestofightanotherday—oracowardlyonefatedto shrinkfromeveryfuturechallenge.
Prudenceistheclosecousinofcowardice,whisperingthat youcannotaffordtotakethechance.It'stoorisky,tooearly, toobold,andtoocontroversial.Prudenceprotectsthestatus quoandushersincontinualdecay.Couragecatapultsyou forwardevenamiduncertainty
Theeasywrongswillalwaysoutnumberthehardright. Massescheeredforthepopulistwrongateveryturnof history,fromTsaristcrowd-pleasersabandoningreformto score-obsessedCEOsdistortingnumberstopoliticians skewingfactstowinvotestodayinsteadofarguingfor harderrealities.
Whilethecrowdclingstodelusion,trulycourageous leadersmustroutinelystandapartanddefendunvarnished truths.Thismeansmakingseeminglyunpopularor
incomprehensibledecisionsthatforesightprovestobe correctandprescientovertime.AsCEO,youmusthavethe audacitytoactonimperfectdatatochartawiserpath. You'llconstantlygrapplewithunfairrealitygaps: unattainableexpectations,unsubstantiatedrumors,and intangiblereservesofmoraleandtrust.Courageallowsyou tobridgethesechasms.
RunawaysuccesseslikeNetflixdisruptingBlockbusteror AppleoutmaneuveringMicrosoftwereonlymadepossible byrelentlesscourage.EachpivotrequiredCEOstoturn theirbacksonsirencallsofeasygrowthanddoggedly transformtheircoremodelsduringperiodsofintense resistance.Everythrivingcompanytodayarosefrom countlesscourageousdecisionsitsleadersshoulderedover decades.Everybusinessindecaydeclinedafterenough cowardlycompromisescompounded.Leadcourageously andleavealegacy,ortakethecowardlypathandbe forgotten.
AtTheCIOWorld,wehonorCEOsfromalloverthe worldwhohavehelpedtheirfirmsstandoutina competitivebusinessenvironment.Inthisedition,entitled "MENA's Most Remarkable CEOs to Know," we highlighttheirjourneys.TheseCEOsexhibittheattributes requiredforeffectivecorporateleadership:inventiveness, versatility,andacommitmenttogreatness.Theyserveas sourcesofinspirationforbothaspiringandexperienced leaders.
Haveanenlighteningreadahead!
-AlayaBrown Managing Editor
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor
Managing Editor
Assistant Editor
Visualizer
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assitant
Business Development Manager
Business Development Executives
Technical Head
Assitant Technical Head
Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Circulation Manager
David
Richard
Abhinav Singh CEO Akef Aqrabawi President & CEO
Ceyhun Burak Akgül Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Dr. Amani Abulaban CEO
David Mar nez de Lecea CEO
Dina Abdul Majeed CEO
Eng.Faisal Ala g CEO
Khalil Alami Founder and CEO
Mohammed Abdulla f
Ibrahim Galadari
Co-Chairman and Group CEO
Wasfi Kaso Group CEO
Techugo www techugo.com Company
INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA www.injazalarab.org
Vispera Informa on Technologies www.vispera.co
Webteb www webteb.com
Exirio www.exirio.com
360Moms www.360moms.net channels by stc www.channels.com.sa Telr h ps://telr.com/
Abhinav has pioneered user-centric solu ons, leading mul ple startups and transforming technology landscapes with innova ve ventures, driven by a commitment to posi ve change.
Akef, has led a 25-year journey expanding business educa on across 13 countries, inspiring change and nurturing youth empowerment.
Ceyhun Burak Akgül, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Vispera Informa on Technologies, pioneers AI-driven retail solu ons, op mizing opera ons and transforming the retail landscape.
Amani, a healthcare leader with an MBA in marke ng and digital health transforma on, founded Webteb in 2011, aiming to improve health awareness in MENA through credible Arabic content.
David Mar nez de Lecea, CEO of Exirio, drives technological advancement, delivering cu ng-edge solu ons to meet evolving business needs.
Dina, with over 20 years of graphic design experience, founded 360Moms, a digital pla orm suppor ng mothers in nurturing their children's health and well-being, earning global recogni on for her impac ul work.
Faisal Ala g, CEO of channels by stc, spearheads digital transforma on, leveraging technology to enhance connec vity and customer experiences.
Khalil has revolu onized online payments in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, cra ing an ecosystem priori zing security and customiza on, recognized as a top fintech company by Forbes.
GALADARI GROUP www galadarigroup.com
Mohammed Abdulla f Ibrahim Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of GALADARI GROUP, embodies leadership and innova on in diverse industries, driving growth and excellence.
Emirates Food Industries (EFI) www.emiratesfoodindustries.ae
Wasfi Kaso, Group CEO of Emirates Food Industries (EFI), leads a commitment to quality and innova on, shaping the future of food produc on in the region.
ON
Akef Aqrabawi
Igniting Minds, Transforming Futures Coverstory
Key Competencies
NTENTS
Dr. Amani Abulaban
Leveraging the Power of Technology to Enhance Lives
Dina Abdul Majeed
The Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship
Khalil Alami
Luminary in the Middle East
Fostering Financial Education and Entrepreneurship
Transforming Business Education Across 13 Countries by Creating Opportunities and Empowering Arab Youth!
Theyouth,withtheirboundlessenthusiasm,breathe lifeintoeveryenvironmenttheyenter Whetherit's ineducationalinstitutions,workplaces,or communityspaces,theirinfectiousenergybecomesa catalystforpositivechange.Themerepresenceofenergetic youngindividualscanupliftspirits,fosteringan environmentwherecreativityflourishesandpossibilities seemlimitless.
ThisistheexperiencethatAkefAqrabawihad.Asthe President&CEOofINJAZAl-Arab/JAMENA,he standsasashiningsourceofinspiration.Hisjourney, spanning25years,isintertwinedwiththegrowthofan organizationthathasbecomeasymbolofbusiness educationin13countriesacrosstheregion.
AkefstartedhisJAadventureaquarterofacenturyago, whentherewasonlyonechapterintheMENAregion. Beginningasanofficer,heprogressedthroughvarious roles,reachingtheregionalofficeinJanuary2005.This momentmarkedaturningpoint,aligninghisvisionwiththe lateSorayaSalti,theFounderofINJAZAl-Arab. Together,theyhadacleargoal:toexpandINJAZ'sreach, creatinganetworkthatwouldchangethelandscapeof businesseducation.
Theexpeditioncommenced,andby2012,theyhad established13nationalchapters,atestamenttotheir unrelentingcommitmentandanassertiontotheleadership oftheorganizationspearheadedbySheikhaHanadiAl Thani,ChairpersonofINJAZAl-Arabtokeepthe organization'sgrowthsteadfast.Akeflooksbackonthat timewithexcitement,witnessingthegrowthofthenetwork, theimpactithad,andtheimmenseopportunitiesthatlay ahead.Drivenbyhisnaturalpassion,herecognizesthe infectiousenthusiasmheseesintheyoungpeopleofthe region,aforcethatpropelsINJAZ'sprogress.
Inthemidstofthisevolution,Akef'sdeterminationwas fueledbythepotentialhesawinArabyouth.Theirpassion andbeliefintheorganization'smissioninspiredhimto striveforchange.ThestoryofINJAZgoesbeyondbusiness education;it'saboutthedeepimpactofnurturinga generationempoweredtoshapeitsowndestiny.
AsAkefreflectsonhiscareer,it'sclearthathisleadership playedapivotalroleinsteeringtheorganization'ssuccess.
Throughdedication,passion,andabeliefinthepotentialof Arabyouth,henotonlywitnessedtheorganization'sgrowth butalsocontributedtoatransformativemovementthat continuestounfold,creatinglastingchangeacrossthe region.
Let us explore his exploration:
PioneeringaLegacyofYouth
Empowerment
INJAZbeganin1999withahumblenumberofstudents andvolunteers.Likemanyotherorganizations,theyfaced numerouschallengesalongtheway,butwhatsetsthem apartistheirabilitytotransformthosechallengesinto valuablelearningexperiences.Lookingbackonallthese years,onefeelsproudtoseehowfartheyhavecome.As INJAZapproachesits20thanniversaryin2024,itis importanttoacknowledgethatINJAZAl-Arab/JAMENA wasoneofthepioneersinfosteringpartnershipsbetween theprivateandpublicsectorsinthisregion.Theywereone oftheveryfirstorganizationsthatignitedagoodcultureof entrepreneurshipamongyoungpeople,andthatculturewas notnewlysurfacedbutdeeplyrootedintheirorganization, JAWorldwide,whichhasbeenempoweringyouthforover acentury.JAWorldwidereachesmorethan15million learningexperiencesacrosssixregionsandisledbyGlobal CEOAsheeshAdvani.
Overall,INJAZAl-Arab/JAMENAhasmadearemarkable impactontheregion.Theyhavereachedmillionsof students,trainedthousandsofvolunteers,andcollaborated withnumerousorganizationstocultivateacultureof entrepreneurship.Theirpathwayhasbeenanythingbut easy,yetwithunrelentingdedication,strongpartnerships, andasteadfastbeliefinthepotentialofyouth,theyhave beenabletomakealastingdifferenceandcontinuetodoso everysingleday
ATransformativeExperience
Akefrecalledasignificantepisodeduringtheorganization's expansionacrosstheregion.Intheinitialphase,apilot programwasinitiatedinapublicschoolwithinoneoftheir chapters.Theprogram,titled"Entrepreneurship Masterclass,"servedasacrucialelementindemonstrating theimpactonyoungindividuals.Duringthisone-dayevent, studentsorganizedthemselvesintovariousgroups,each assumingroleslikeCEO,VPforMarketing,production, finance,andmore.Attheendoftheday,eachgroup presentedtheirideasandproducts. MENA's Most Remarkable CEOs to Know
Amemorableincidentunfoldedduringthepresentationby theMarketingVPstudentfromoneofthegroups.His deliverywasoutstanding,leavingeveryoneinawe.A surprisingrevelationcamewhenaschoolofficialsitting besideAkefleanedoverandwhispered,"Whatdidyoudo tothisstudent?He'sanacademicfailure."Theofficialwas emphasizingthatthetraditionalclassroomsettinghadfailed touncoverthestudent'shiddentalents.Inatwistofevents, theofficialwentontorequesttheimplementationofthe programineveryclassroomwithintheschool.
ThisparticularinstanceresonateddeeplywiththeINJAZ team,affirmingthatstudents,liketheMarketingVP, harboreduntappedtalentswaitingforanopportunityto shine.Itunderscoredtheorganization'scommitmentto providingsuchopportunitiesforyoungpeopleacrossthe regiontounlocktheirpotential.
JourneyTowardOneMillion
Inresponsetoanambitiousgoalofreachingoverone millionlearningexperiencesannuallyby2023,Akef explainedthattheemergenceofthisobjectivestemmed fromvariousfactors.Itcoincidedwithacriticalperiod
markedbyescalatingunemploymentratesinaregion predominantlyinhabitedbyyoungpeople.Boththepublic andprivatesectorssoughtsolutionsforthispressingissue, andINJAZrecognizeditsroleinaddressingtheneed.A thoroughassessmentofmarketpenetrationratesrevealed theimperativetoexpandnumbersandacquirethenecessary resourcesforsustainablegrowth.
Akefelaboratedonthechallengesfacedduringthejourney, includingstructuralobstaclessuchasalackoffundingand volunteers,particularlyinnon-servicedcities.Additionally, theregiongrappledwithgeopoliticalchallenges,economic hurdles,anddisasters.Despitetheseadversities,INJAZhas continuouslyadaptedtomaintainastablegrowthtrajectory Theorganization'sintegrationintotheschoolcurriculum andteacherempowerment'sdeterminationandfocus, coupledwithcollaborationwithstakeholders,emergedas keysuccessfactors.INJAZhasconsistentlymodifiedand improveditsprogramsandtools,developinginnovative strategiestoefficientlymeetmarketdemands.
Asastaffmemberinvolvedinthegrowthjourneyfromits earlystages,healwaysviewedtheonemilliongoalasthe ultimateachievement.However,uponreachingthis milestone,heandhiscolleaguesatINJAZhavecometo realizethatitservesasacornerstoneintheirlargerpursuit ofsomethinggreaterinthefuture.
MENARegionthroughExtracurricularEducation
Sincetheonsetoftheyear2000,whenINJAZinitiatedits operationsintheregion,Akefhasactivelyparticipatedin numerousconferencesaddressingeducationalreforminthe MENAregion.Theimplementationofthesereformshas proventobeatime-consumingprocessinsomecountries andunsuccessfulinothers.Inrecentyears,asubstantial influxofyouthhasenteredthejobmarketannually,seeking employmentopportunitiesthatareunfortunatelyscarce. Studentsmayhavededicatedthemselvestotheirstudies andperformedduediligence,yettheyfindthemselves withoutcorrespondingworkopportunities.
INJAZhasplayedacrucialroleinthisscenariobyexerting considerableeffortincollaborationwithotherorganizations tosupporttheeducationsystemthroughextracurricular activities.Theseactivitiesfocusonlifeskills,business skills,andentrepreneurshipskills,aligningwiththe market'sdemands.INJAZisperceivedasanintegralpartof theeducationsystem'soverarchinggoals,working collaborativelyinvariouschapterstoserveandnurture youth.
InadditiontoofferingINJAZprogramsasextracurricular activities,itisactivelyengagedinintegratingitscurriculum withvariousministriesofeducationthroughouttheMENA region.Thisstrategicshiftaimstoinvolvestudentsina morestandardizedformat,providingdistinctiveand essentiallearningexperiencesacrossthefourmainpillars: entrepreneurship,financialliteracy,workreadiness,and STEM.Thisapproachensuresthatyoungindividualsare equippedwithuniqueskillsandcompetenciesfromanearly ageandregularly.
Highlightingtheimportanceofsomeofitsextracurricular engagementswithyouth,forthepast14years,theINJAZ Al-Arabflagshipprogram,theCompanyProgram,has enabledmorethan147khighschoolanduniversitystudents toexperiencethecompletecycleofsettingupandrunning theirownenterprisethroughadynamic12-18week businesssimulationprogram.Withtheassistanceofprivate sectorvolunteers,youthformmanagementteams,choosea businessidea,raisecapital,prepareabusinessplan,and marketandselltheirproductorservice.Uponcompleting theprogram,studentsfromeachmembernationcompeteat thenationalandregionallevels.
Tosustainthemomentumandexpanddirectaccessand channelstoyouthintheMENAregion,INJAZhasventured intonewtechnologicalfrontiers.Ithasembracedanew directionbyestablishingthefirst-everregionalplatformfor JA/INJAZdigitizedprograms,knownas"INJAZCampus." ThisinnovativedigitalplatformempowersArabyouthin theMENAregionwithdigitalcoursesanddevelopmental resources.TheprogramsareavailableinEnglish,Arabic, andFrenchtocatertolinguisticdiversityfromages5to24. Themotivationforthisinitiativeisnotmerelytofollowa trendbuttostrategicallyreachmoreyouthinlocations whereithasnophysicalpresence.
CollaborationsandYouthEmpowerment
Indescribingtheorganization'sendeavors,Akefexpressed thatINJAZAl-Arabhasbeenrefiningitscollaborative effortsthroughthoughtleadershipwithinitsecosystemand amongstakeholders.Drawingonfruitfulpartnershipsand collaborationsestablishedwithvariousentitiesoverthe years,theorganizationhasardentlyworkedtoguide strategicandopportuneinitiativesamongallparties involved.Thisapproachhasenabledthemtoconnect everyonewithasharedvisionandpurpose,unequivocally leadingtotheempowermentandeducationofyouth.
Itsdistinctiveoperationalmodelincorporatesthe engagementofallstakeholders,includinggovernments, educators,andtheprivatesector.Withayouth-centric approach,theorganizationconsistentlystrivestobridgethe gapbetweenallcollaboratingparties.
ItisnoteworthythatINJAZAl-Arab,aligningwithJA Worldwide'sglobalstrategicgoals,aimstobuildupon cultivatingpartnershipsforthepurposeofgrowthinreach andimpactingmoreyouthacrosstheregion.Growthin impactisatthecoreofthesharedmission,sustaining collaborationswithinthenetwork.
ChallengesEncountered
AkefhighlightedthisbystatingthattheinceptionofINJAZ Al-Arabwasnotassmoothasanticipated.Despitea significantneedforJA/INJAZinaregionteemingwitha youthpopulation,theideaofreachingonemillionarose fromthenecessitytopenetratemarketsandattract stakeholderstosupportINJAZ.Crucially,theregionwas eagertoembarkonsomethingsubstantial,seekingquick winsandsolutionsforyouthenteringthemarketplacein searchofscarceopportunitiesinboththeprivateandpublic sectors.
StructuralchallengesemergedasAkefandtheteam communicatedthisambitiousgoal.Twotothreeyearslater, theyrealizedthatatop-downapproachwasineffective. Instead,theyneededtoaddressthestructuralchallenges theirmembernationsfaced,optingforabottom-up approachthatwouldbetterunderstandthecapabilitiesand weaknessesoftheirMNs,allowingthemtofocuson addressingthoseweaknesses.
TheArabSpringprovedtobeanotherpivotalmomentfor INJAZAl-Arab.Theiroperationswereaffectedasschools anduniversitiessuspendedtheiractivities.Consequently,all outreachefforts,impact,andnumberssuffered,
compoundedbythefundingchallenge.Interestingly,inthe aftermath,itbecameapparentthatfundingwouldcontinue tobeachallenge.Onthecontrary,theprivatesector recognizedalong-ignoredmistake:thatyouthwere enduringeconomicandpoliticalhardships,necessitating significantsupport.OrganizationslikeINJAZthusbecame crucialinbridgingthegapandexpandingtheideaofhope, demonstratingthattheyouthcandesigntheirownfutures.
Additionally,theonsetoftheCOVID-19pandemictookits tollonINJAZAl-Arabglobally.Despitethecollective tragedy,theirnetworkmadeasignificantshifttodigital, swiftlyfulfillingpromisesandcommitmentstodonorsand youngpeopleintheregion.Thenewdigitalmodelallowed themtofast-tracktheirgoal,reachingmorestudents, establishinglong-termlearningjourneys,creating communitiesacrosstheregion,andenablingittosustain long-termgrowth.
VisionforYouthEmpowermentandInnovation
Akefillustrateshisperspectivebystatingthatheandhis teamacknowledgethattheirroleextendsbeyondmerely equippingyouthwithlifeskills.Theyrecognizethe importanceofupskillingandreskillingtomeetevolving marketneeds.Heenvisionsthatcreatingmorelearning experiencesandestablishingadditionaltouchpointswith youthinthefuturewillnecessitateanetworkdynamicthat ismoreresilienttochange,adaptation,andinnovation.
Overthepastthreeyears,Akefandhisteamhaveachieved significantgrowth,attributingittovariousenablerssuchas strategicpartnershipsforgrowthandanexpandedreachin elementaryeducation,activatingtheseenablers,allowedthe organizationduringtheacademicyear2018-2019,toreach halfamillionstudents.Additionally,andtosustaingrowth andimpact,INJAZcollaborateswithleadingtechnology companies,ensuringthecontinuousintegrationof technologyintotheirprogramsanddeliverymethods.
Ashighlighted,INJAZtakesprideinbeingthepioneerof thefirstdigitalplatformthatofferseducationalprogramsfor individualsaged5–24,encompassingvariousdelivery models,includingself-pacedlearning.
CorporateContributionstoYouthEmpowerment
Whenaskedaboutthepotentialfortheprivatesectorto playamoresubstantialroleinsupportingyouth empowermentandentrepreneurshipinitiativesinthe MENAregion,Akefrespondedwithastrategicperspective.
Heunderscoredthesignificanceoffosteringpartnershipsfor growth,astrategicgoalonbothregionalandgloballevels. Thisapproach,henoted,isnotonlycrucialforthesuccess ofINJAZbutfortheentireJAnetworkandisingrainedin theorganization'sDNA.Accordingtohim,thekeyto reachingmoreyoungpeopleinthefutureliesinfortifying existingpartnershipsandpursuinguntappedopportunities thatpromisetoamplifytheirimpact.
Beyondmerefinancialcontributions,Akefhighlightedthe broaderrolethattheprivatesectorcanplayinrealizingthe visionofempoweredyouth.Theprivatesector,heasserted, providethenecessarysupporttodiversifyprograms,suchas theincorporationofSTEM,technology,sustainability,and AI.Heemphasizedtheimportanceofmaintaining consistencyinthevisionofyouthempowerment,notjustas agovernmentalornationalprioritybutasacentralthemefor theprivatesectoraswell.Inconclusion,hestressedthe imperativeofenduringfocustoensurethatyouth empowermentremainsasteadfastcommitment.
IntegrationintotheSchoolCurriculum&Teacher Empowerment
Akefexpressed,"OneofthegoalsistoincorporateINJAZ intotheschooldayandprovideourteacherswithessential skills.It'samutuallybeneficialsituationwhereweinvest moreinourteachers."Drawinguponextensiveexperience, hehighlightedthesignificantroleteacherscanplay alongsidethebusinesscommunity.Theorganization, committedtofosteringacultureofcreativity,inclusion,and collaboration,believesintheresponsibilityofskillingyoung people.Hethenstated,"Weaimtoeducatethemtotake ownershipoftheireconomicsuccessinafuturewheretalent mustbecoupledwithvision,passion,andresilience.
Technologyhasenabledhealthcareprovidersto delivermorepersonalizedandefficientcareto patients.Alongwithmodernizingtheway healthcareisdelivered,technologyhasplayedanintegral roleinmakingpeoplemoreawareofhealthcarehabits.
Withthewideavailabilityofwellnessplatforms,common peoplehaveeasieraccesstomedical,health,andlifestyle information.Dr.AmaniAbulaban,CEOofWebTebaims toprovidereliableandcomprehensivemedicalandhealth informationtoArabreaders.Amani,ahealthcareleaderby profession,envisionedthetransformativepowerof technologythatcanrevolutionizethehealthcaresectorand decidedtocontributetothebettermentofsocietywiththis integration.Underherleadership,WebTebservesasa comprehensiveArabcommunicationplatform,connecting Arabcitizenswithorganizationsthatofferarangeof medicalandhealthservices.
WhilediscoveringthemostinfluentialCEOsinthisregion, wehadtheprivilegeofgaininginsightsintoherleadership approach,visionforthefuture,anduniquethoughtsonthe intersectionofhealthcareandtechnology.
Below are the highlights from our interview with the CEO, Amani Abulaban.
Couldyoupleasetellusaboutyourselfandwhat motivatedyoutoembarkonthissector?
IamAmaniAbulaban,apassionatehealthcareleaderwitha backgroundinpharmacyandanMBAwithamarketing concentrationandcertificationindigitalhealthtransformation.Mymotivationtodelveintothehealthcareand technologysectorsstemsfromadeep-seateddesireto leveragethepoweroftechnologytoenhancelives. Witnessingthetransformativepotentialattheintersection ofhealthcareandtechnologyignitedmyjourneyasa visionaryleader.
CanyoupleasebriefusaboutWebTebanditsinception story?
WebTebistheleadingandmosttrustedArabichealthand wellnessplatforminMENA.Westartedin2011witha visiontoimprovepeople’slivesthroughprovidingcredible healthandwellnesscontentinArabic.Theinceptionof WebTebmarksadedicationtobecomingtheleadinghealth andwellnessplatformforeffectiveinteractionsbetween healthcareprovidersandtheirtargetedsegments,fostering healthawarenessintheMENAregion.
Canyoushareadefiningmomentorexperiencethat shapedyourleadershipphilosophy?
Adefiningmomentinmycareerwasrecognizingthe transformativepoweroftechnologyinhealthcare.This realizationshapedmyleadershipphilosophy,emphasizing theimportanceofinnovation,collaboration,andarelentless pursuitofpositivechange.Witnessingtheimpactof technologyonhealthoutcomesfueledmycommitmentto drivingWebTeb'smissionandinstilledadeepsenseof purposeinmyleadershipjourney.
Howdoyouprioritizemaintainingahealthywork-life balanceinyourdemandingroleasaCEO?
Prioritizingwork-lifebalanceiscrucialforsustained success.Ibelieveindelegatingeffectivelyandembracing thesupportofadedicatedteam.Regularself-reflectionand mindfulnesspracticesalsoplayakeyrole,ensuringthatI remainenergizedandfocusedbothinmyprofessionaland personallife.
Whatkeyvaluesdoyoubelievecontributemosttoa positiveandproductiveorganizationalculture?
Transparency,respect,collaboration,andacommitmentto continuousimprovementarekeyvaluesthatfostera
positiveandproductiveorganizationalcultureatWebTeb. Opencommunication,astrongsenseofpurpose,anda focusonindividualandcollectivegrowthcontributetoa thrivingworkenvironment.
AsaCEO,howdoyoufosterinnovationwithinyour companyandencourageemployeestocontributetheir creativeideas?
InnovationisatthecoreofWebTeb'sculture.Iencouragea cultureofcuriositywhereeveryteammemberfeels empoweredtosharecreativeideas.Regularbrainstorming sessions,cross-functionalcollaboration,andrecognitionof innovativecontributionscreateadynamicenvironment whereinnovationflourishes.
Whatleadershipqualitiesdoyouconsidermostcrucial fornavigatingchallengesanduncertaintiesintoday's businesslandscape?
Adaptability,resilience,andastrategicvisionarecrucial leadershipqualitiesfornavigatingchallengesanduncertainties.Beingagileinresponsetochange,fosteringaresilient team,andmaintainingaforward-thinkingperspectivehelp navigatethedynamiclandscapeoftoday'sbusiness environment.
Inyouropinion,howhastheroleofCEOsevolvedin thefaceoftechnologicaladvancementsandarapidly changingglobaleconomy?
TheroleofCEOshasevolvedsignificantlywithtechnologicaladvancementsandarapidlychangingglobaleconomy. CEOsnowplayapivotalroleindrivingdigitaltransformation,embracinginnovation,andnavigatingthecomplexities ofaglobalizedmarketplace.Theabilitytoleadwithagility andleveragetechnologyforstrategicadvantagehasbecome essential.
CanyoushareamemorablesuccessstoryorachievementduringyourtenureasCEOthatyouareparticularlyproudof?
OneofthemomentsIamparticularlyproudofisthe successfulpositioningofWebTebastheleadingHealthand WellnessPlatformintheMENAregion.Thisachievement reflectsthecollectivededicationofourteam,innovative strategies,andacommitmenttoourmissionofenhancing livesthroughthepoweroftechnology.
Howdoyouapproachmentorshipandtalentdevelopmentwithinyourorganizationtoensureapipelineof effectiveleaders?
Mentorshipandtalentdevelopmentareintegraltoour organizationalculture.Wevalueandprioritizecontinuous learningopportunitiesandpersonalizeddevelopmentplans forteammembers.Fosteringacultureofgrowthand empowermentensuresarobustpipelineofeffectiveleaders withinWebTeb.
Inthefast-pacedbusinessworld,howdoyoustay personallymotivatedandcontinuallypushyourselfto striveforexcellenceasaCEO?
Stayingpersonallymotivatedinvolvesacombinationof continuouslearning,seekinginspirationfromdiverse sources,andmaintainingasenseofpurpose.Embracing challengesasopportunitiesforgrowthandstayingconnectedwithindustrytrendshelpmepushmyselftostrive forexcellenceinthefast-pacedbusinessworld.
Couldyoupleaseletusknowaboutanyhonorsor awardsyouhavereceivedthusfarinyourprofessional career?
IamproudtohavebeenrecognizedasoneoftheTop25 EmergingWomeninDigital,anawardIreceivedlastyear Thishonorisareflectionofthecollaborativeeffortsofthe exceptionalteamatWebTebandourcollectivededication toadvancingthelandscapeofhealthcareandtechnology
Whilecompaniesspendimmenseresourceson strategicplanning,marketing,operations,and finance,oneofthemostcriticalfactorsaffecting theirsuccessisoftenoverlooked:theroleandimpactofthe chiefexecutiveofficer(CEO).Acompany'sCEOplaysa pivotalroleinshapingtheorganizationalculture, establishingpriorities,andinfluencingemployeemorale andmotivation.Theirleadershipstyle,decision-making abilities,andinterpersonalskillscanhaveaprofoundeffect onemployeesatisfactionandproductivitylevelsacrossthe organization.
TheToneattheTop
TheCEOsetsthe"toneatthetop,"whichcascadesdown throughtheranks,influencingthebehaviorandattitudesof employeesatalllevels.ACEOwhoexhibits professionalism,integrity,andethicalconductsetsthe standardfortheentireorganization.Conversely,aCEO whodisplaysarrogance,disrespect,orunethicalbehavior cancreateatoxicworkenvironmentthatbreedsmistrust, lowmorale,anddisengagementamongemployees.
EffectiveCommunication
Skilledcommunicationisahallmarkofeffectiveleadership, andCEOswhoexcelinthisareacanfosteracultureof transparency,collaboration,andsharedpurpose.Byclearly
articulatingthecompany'svision,goals,andpriorities,a CEOcaninspireemployeestounderstandtheirrolesand contributionstothelargerorganizationalobjectives. Regulartownhallmeetings,company-wideupdates,and open-doorpoliciescanfacilitatetwo-waycommunication, allowingemployeestosharetheirideas,concerns,and feedbackdirectlywithleadership.
EmployeeRecognitionandEmpowerment
CEOswhoprioritizeemployeerecognitionand empowermentcansignificantlyboostjobsatisfactionand productivity.Byacknowledgingandrewardingoutstanding performance,CEOsvalidateemployees'effortsand contributions,fosteringasenseofprideandmotivation. Moreover,empoweringemployeesbydelegating meaningfulresponsibilitiesandinvolvingthemindecisionmakingprocessescancultivateasenseofownershipand engagement,leadingtoincreasedproductivityand innovation.
Work-lifeBalanceandWell-being
Employeewell-beinghasbecomeacrucialcomponentin luringandkeepingtoptalentintoday'shecticand demandingworkenvironment.CEOsthatpromoteworklifebalanceinitiatives—likewellnessprograms,flexible workschedules,andmentalhealthsupport—showthatthey genuinelycareaboutthegeneralwell-beingoftheirstaff members.Thiscanthereforeresultinincreased
productivity,decreasedburnout,andhigherlevelsofjob satisfaction.
Diversity,Equity,andInclusion
Companiesthatprioritizediversity,equity,andinclusion (DEI)initiativesoftenbenefitfromincreasedemployee satisfactionandproductivity.CEOswhoactivelypromote DEIbyfosteringaninclusiveandrespectfulwork environmentcantapintothediverseperspectives, experiences,andtalentsoftheirworkforce.Thisnotonly enhancesemployeeengagementandcreativitybutalso positionsthecompanytobetterunderstandandserveits diversecustomerbase.
CommitmenttoProfessionalDevelopment
Investinginemployeeprofessionaldevelopmentisa powerfulwayforCEOstodemonstratetheircommitment totheirworkforce'sgrowthandsuccess.Byproviding accesstotrainingprograms,mentorshipopportunities,and clearcareeradvancementpaths,CEOscancultivatea cultureofcontinuouslearningandskilldevelopment.This notonlyboostsemployeesatisfactionandretentionbutalso equipstheworkforcewiththeknowledgeandcapabilities neededtodriveinnovationandproductivity
LeadingbyExample
Ultimately,CEOswholeadbyexampleandembodythe valuesandbehaviorstheywishtoseeintheiremployees canhaveaprofoundimpactonemployeesatisfactionand productivity.Bydemonstratingintegrity,resilience,anda commitmenttoexcellence,CEOsinspiretrustandrespect fromtheirworkforce.Whenemployeeswitnesstheir leaders"walkingthetalk,"theyaremorelikelytoembrace thecompany'smissionandvalues,fosteringasenseof sharedpurposeandmotivation.
TheCEO'sresponsibilitiesintoday'sfiercelycompetitive companyenvironmentgowellbeyondfinancialreporting andstrategicplanning.Employeesatisfaction,engagement, andproductivitycanbedirectlyimpactedbytheircapacity tofosteranempoweringandpositivecompanyculture, supportemployeewell-being,andigniteacommonvision. Businessesthatplaceahighpriorityonleadership developmentandacknowledgethattheCEOplaysacrucial roleindeterminingthenatureoftheemployeeexperience willbeinabetterpositiontodrawin,keep,andgrowtheir skilledstaff.
- Alaya Brown
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge.
- Simon Sinek
The Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship
Discovering How Motherhood Ignited a Passion for Helping Others!
Forwomen,theconceptof"havingitall"haslong beenaprolongedgoal.Manyhavebeenmotivated bythedesiretoachieveaharmoniousbalance betweenworkandlife,whetheritisbypursuinggreat careersorraisinghappypersonallives.However,the questionremains:Canwomentrulyhaveitall?
Yes,saysDinaAbdulMajeedprovingit'spossible!
Withover20yearsofknowledgeingraphicdesign,shehas workedforrenownedinternationalfirmsintheMiddleEast andAfrica,aswellasavarietyofmediaandadvertising organizations.Alongtheway,shetookonleadership positions,perfectingherabilitiesanddevelopingherideas.
Butwhatreallyfueledherpurposewastheintersectionof hercareerandpersonalpassions.Havingraised2boys,she wasawareoftheunderlyingobstaclesandrewardsofbeing amother.Inspiredbyherownexperiences,shefounded 360Moms,adigitalplatformdedicatedtosupporting mothersindirectingtheirchildren'shealthandwell-being.
Through360Moms,Dinaaimstohelpmothersviadigital means,providingthemwiththeneededresourcesand supporttoexcelintheirmotherhoodjourney.Herpassion forthiscausehasbeenwidelyrecognized,with360Moms receivingamultitudeofprestigiousglobal,regional,and localawards,underscoringitssignificantinfluenceand importanceinthemoderndigitalsphere.
AsaCEO,sheshowswhatagreatleadertodaylookslike: caring,driven,anddeeplyconnectedtohercommunity.Her storyprovesthepossibilityofbeingamom,runninga business,andhelpingsociety,inspiringwomeneverywhere topursuetheirpassionsandmakeadifferenceintheworld.
Let us explore the challenges she's overcome, the successes she's achieved, and the lessons she's learned along the way!
Canyoupleasebriefusaboutyourcompanyandits inceptionstory?
360Momslaunchedin2016;itsmissionistochangethe waymothersaresupporteddigitallyonagloballevel!In 2021,wepivotedfromacontent-basedplatformtoatoolbasedapp(keepingthesamevision)sowecancreateareal impactonmothers,connectingmothersaroundtheworld withcertifiedexpertsandgettingtheirquestionsanswered onhealthchallengesandchildbehavioralissues.Wehave over15,000+paidsubscribersandhaveorganizedover100 workshopsandonlinewebinarssupportingfamilies.
WearenowbuildingthefirstArabicchatbottosupport mothersandgivetheminstantanswerstothemosturgent healthandparentingchallenges.
Canyoushareadefiningmomentorexperiencethat shapedyourleadershipphilosophy?
Forme,therewasn'tonedefiningmoment;Ithinkmy leadershipstyleevolvedthroughtheyears.Irealizedthata successfulleaderisonewhobringsoutthebestineveryone
Dina Abdul Majeed CEO 360Moms
andcreatessynergybetweenteammembers,makingthem feelappreciatedandcontinuallydeveloping.AndIalso thinkthatatrueleaderbuildssuccessfulleadersbybeingan inspirationalrolemodel,especiallyduringdifficultand challengingtimes.
Howdoyouprioritizemaintainingahealthywork-life balanceinyourdemandingroleasaCEO?
Rulenumberoneinbeingahappyandbalancedworking mother:"Ineedtotakecareofmyself,totakecareof others."Itrytosplit(andalsomerge)mytimeeveryday withmykids,myhusband,mywork,andmyself.Iwakeup earlytoexercise3–5timesaweek;ImakesureIeat healthy;andsometimesIgivemyselfsometimetoreada goodbookorwatchagoodmovie.Ican'talwaysbalance equally;sometimesit'smoreworkduringmyday,and sometimesit'smorekids.
Rulenumbertwo:Ialwayswritegoalsandprioritizethem soIcanbeasefficientaspossible.Iwriteyearlygoals, monthlygoals,weeklygoals,anddailygoals!Iwriteboth businessandpersonalgoals;ithelpsmebefocusedand achievemore.
Whatkeyvaluesdoyoubelievecontributemosttoa positiveandproductiveorganizationalculture?
Eachemployeeneedstofeel"Respected,recognized,and connected."Inmyopinion,thosethreevaluescreatehappy employees.Agoodattitudeisamustinourteam,it'smore importantthanskills.TheFUNaspectisimportanttoo!
Forexample;everyonceinawhile,wehavebreakfast together,goout,orworkatanewcafé.Inaddition,there's theusualteammeetingwherewealldiscusseverything happeningwiththecompany.
AsaCEO,howdoyoufosterinnovationwithinyour companyandencourageemployeestocontributetheir creativeideas?
Yes,forsure!Weusuallyinvolvemostteammemberswhen thinkingofnewideasandinnovativewaysforthecompany togrowandexpand.
Whatleadershipqualitiesdoyouconsidermostcrucial fornavigatingchallengesanduncertaintiesintoday's businesslandscape?
It'sinevitableforbusinessestogothroughhardroadsand challenges,it'simportantfortheleadertobepositiveand thinkofhisbusinessasa"Leanbusiness."Theleaderneeds tothinkofdifferentwaystoimprovetheprocesstogeton therightpath;hecan'tgetattachedtoonesolution.Life changesandnothingstaysthesame,andthisappliesto businesses.
Inyouropinion,howhastheroleofCEOsevolvedin thefaceoftechnologicaladvancementsandarapidly changingglobaleconomy?
Previously,theCEO'sjobwastomakesurethebusiness wasworkingeffectively.Advancedtechnologychanged that;heorshehastobeavisionarythatincorporates technology,makingthecompanyuniqueinitsoffering. Theyalsoneedtobeprogressiveandalwayslistentotheir audienceandtheshiftinthinking.
Canyoushareamemorablesuccessstoryor achievementduringyourtenureasCEOthatyouare particularlyproudof?
Well,therewasatimewhenwewentthroughreallyhard times.I'mproudthatwedidn'tgiveup,andthatmeandmy teamwereabletothinkofalternativesolutionsthathelped usgetoutofthosehardtimes.I'malsoproudofthepassion ofmyteam,andhowhardtheyworkedtoovercomethe challenges.
Howdoyouapproachmentorshipandtalent developmentwithinyourorganizationtoensurea pipelineofeffectiveleaders?
Wereallycareaboutcontinuedlearning,sowemakesure everyoneisinvolvedinnewcourses,learningnewtrends,
orattendingevents/conferences.Thisexpandstheir knowledge,givesthemnewperspectivesonthinking, andmakesthemgreatleaders.
Inthefast-pacedbusinessworld,howdoyoustay personallymotivatedandcontinuallypushyourself tostriveforexcellenceasaCEO?
Iliketoreadbusinessbooks,especiallyabout businessessharingtheirexperiences,whichsparka lotofnewideasandgivememoreinsightinto lessonslearned.Ialsoliketogetoutofmy comfortzoneeverynowandthen;itbringsout newexperiencesandnewperspectives.
Couldyoupleaseletusknowaboutany honorsorawardsyouhavereceivedthus farinyourprofessionalcareer?
• AglobalawardbyVitalVoices—We EmpowerAwardin2022
• WonStepSaudi'sFlagship Competition2020
• Oneofthebest3JordanianStartups attheAIMEntrepreneurship Competitionin2019.
• GotfirstplaceattheMamlakaTV RealityBusinessShow(Rooh Riyadieh)in2018.
• GotawardedtheBestSocial Enterprisein2017byOrange.
What are the Most Important Skills for a CEO to Have?
Companycultureisacriticalfactorinthesuccessof anyorganization.Itcanmakeorbreakacompany, anditisheavilyinfluencedbythebehaviorofthe CEO.Apositivecompanyculturecanleadtoincreased employeesatisfaction,productivity,andloyalty,whilea negativeculturecanleadtodecreasedmorale,turnover,and poorperformance.
Inmanyways,CEObehaviorisculture.Thevalues, attitudes,andworkhabitsaCEOdisplaysbecomethe understood"wayofoperating"withinthatorganization.A CEOwhoarrivesearlyisengagedandenergetic,andtreats everyonewithrespect,settingagreatexamplethathard workandgraciousnessarevalued.Incontrast,aCEOwho showsuplatehasashortfusewithpeopleanddismisses others'ideassignalingthataccountabilityandcollaboration arenotpriorities.
In this article, we will explore how CEO behavior impacts company culture and what CEOs can do to create a positive and productive culture.
CourageandContrarianThinking
SuccessfulCEOscan'tjustfollowconventionalwisdom; theyneedtobewillingtobucktrendsandgoagainstthe grainwhenit'swarranted.Havingthecouragetobea contrarianandmakebold,unpopulardecisionsthatdeviate fromthestatusquoisvitalfordrivingrealinnovationand breakthroughchange.CEOsmusthavea"defythe impossible"mentality.
AppetiteforIntelligentRisk-taking
Playingitsafeandbeingoverlyrisk-averseoftenleads
companiesdownapathofmediocrityandirrelevance.The bestCEOshaveanappetiteforcalculatedrisk-takingin pursuitofnewgrowthopportunities.Theytemperrisks throughdataandduediligencebutaren'tparalyzedbyfear offailure.Risktoleranceandawillingnesstomakebigbets arerequiredforoutsizedrewards.
BrutalObjectivityandSelf-awareness
It'seasyforCEOstobecomeisolatedintheirivorytower anddismissnegativefeedbackordissentingviews. However,havingarealistic,unvarnishedperspectiveof theirstrengths,weaknesses,knowledgegaps,andblind spotsiscrucial.CEOsmustseekouthonestcritiques, embraceuncomfortabletruths,andremaingroundedin objectivitytocourse-correctasneeded.
PrioritizationandDesignMindset
Withthetorrentofprioritiesanddemandsontheirtime, CEOsabsolutelymusthaveprioritizationskillstoavoid becomingunfocusedandoverwhelmed.Asharpabilityto discernwhatreallymattersanda"designmindset"to streamlineeffortsareessential.CEOsshouldbearchitects, notimprovisers,buildingcapabilitiesinapurposefulway
StaminaandResilience
Theunrelentingpressures,longhours,high-stakes decisions,publicscrutiny,andneedforconstanttravelcan takeaseriousmentalandphysicaltollonCEOs.Theyneed extraordinarystaminatomaintainenergylevelsand resiliencetobouncebackfrominevitablesetbacksand crises.Self-carepracticesandgritareimperative.
DetachmentandSuccessionMindset
Ironically,thebestCEOsmustbepreparedtodetachfrom theirrolesanddeveloptheirsuccessors.Havingtheselfawarenessandemotionaldetachmenttoobjectively determinewhenit'stimetostepasidefornewleadershipis exceptionallydifficultyetcriticallyimportant.Afocuson sustainable,long-termsuccessratherthanpersonal ambitionisparamount.
Whilesomeoftheseskillsmayseemunconventionalor unpopular,themostsuccessfulCEOscan'tjustbewellroundedgenericleaders.Truetransformationalvaluecreatorsbringamindset,skillset,andconvictionthat shatterscommonlyheldassumptionsandconstraints.Going againstthegrainisoftenrequiredtoachieveiconic, enduringcompanylegacies.
RebelStreakandWillingnesstoBreakRules
Thebusinessworldisfullofunwrittenrules,ingrained industryconventions,andtraditionalwaysofoperatingthat oftengounquestioned.TransformationalCEOshaveabit ofarebelspirit;they'rewillingtobedisruptiveiconoclasts whochallengeestablishednormsandbreakawayfrom outdatedruleswhenit'sbeneficial.Playingbytheaccepted rulebookcaninhibitinnovation.
ParanoiaandSenseofPerpetualCrisis
Whileacalm,even-keeleddemeanorisusuallylaudedfor leaders,themosteliteCEOshaveaparadoxicaldegreeof sub-surfaceparanoiathatkeepstheminaperpetualstateof crisismode.Theyhaveanintensehungertotacklenew threatsandproblemsbeforetheyfullymaterialize.This paranoiabreedsaproductiveformofneurosisthatprevents complacency
ComfortablewithChaosandAmbiguity
Mostleadershipadvicetoutstheimportanceoforder, process,andeliminatinguncertainty.However,CEOstoday mustbecomeMastersofChaoswhothriveamidstvolatility, complexity,andalackofperfectinformation.Theycan'tbe paralyzedbyambiguity;theyneedtowillinglywadeinto unchartedterritory,relyonimperfectdata,andmake decisionswithoutaroadmap.
Pit
Fromhostiletakeoverattemptstomassiveproductfailures toactivistinvestorbattles,CEOsinevitablyfacecountless challengesthatwouldbreaktheresolveofmostpeople.
Thebestchiefexecutiveshaveaferocious,animalistic tenacityandgritthatallowthemtoperseverethroughany obstacleorsetbackwithunwaveringdetermination.
ImmunitytoCriticismandNegativity
Intoday'shyper-connectedworldawashwithsocialmedia outrage,CEOsareinevitabletargetsofrelentlesspublic criticism,whetherit'sfairornot.Theymustdevelopa consciousness-levelimmunitytonegativity,doubt,and naysayerstostayfocusedanddrivenwithoutbeing psychologicallyrattledordeterredfromtheirgoals.
ComfortwithLoneliness
Despitebeinghighlyvisibleandconstantlysurroundedby people,theCEOseatisincrediblylonely Theyultimately mustmakeweightydecisionsbythemselvesthatimpact thousandsofemployees.Theabilitytoemotionallyhandle thisisolationandcomfortablyprocesstheirownthoughts andprinciplesiscrucialwhentheweightisfullyontheir shoulders.
AsthisexaminationofunpopularyetvitalCEOskills makesclear,leadingacompanyfromthechiefexecutive officerequiresmuchmorethanjustoperationalexcellence andtraditionalleadershipcompetencies.Thetrulyelite chiefsaremulti-facetedmogulswhocombinefinely-tuned businessfundamentalswithanedgy,iconoclasticmindset thatallowsthemtoembracechaos,thinklikerebels,and completelyredefinepossibilities.
BullTenacity
- Roy T. Bennett
Pioneering Excellence in Online Payments, Bridging Market Gaps, and Redefining Industry Standards!
Successinbusinessrequirestraining,discipline,and hardwork.Butifyou'renotfrightenedbythese things,theopportunitiesarejustasgreattodayas theyeverwere.Withinthedynamicsphereoffintech, wherepossibilitiesflourishforthosewhodaretodream, KhalilAlamiemergesaslivingproofofthetransformative influenceofvisionanddetermination.Servingasthe FounderandCEOofTelr,hehasadeptlymaneuvered throughthecomplexterrainofonlinepayments,embodying apioneeringspiritandanunrelentingdedicationto excellence.
In2014,Khalilembarkedonamissiontoaddressacritical gapinthemarket—theneedforarobust,homegrown paymentgatewayintheregion.Withacareerspanningover twodecadesinfinancialservices,fintech,andthepayments industryacrosstheUS,UAE,Jordan,andSaudiArabia,he broughtawealthofexperiencetohisentrepreneurial venture.Itwasin2019thathisjourneywithTelrtruly began,ajourneymarkedbyremarkablemilestonesand extraordinaryaccomplishments.
UnderKhalil'svisionaryleadership,Telrhasnotonlyfilled thevoidinthemarketbuthasrisentobecomeapremier onlinepaymentgatewayintheUAEandSaudiArabia.The company'ssuccessisunderscoredbyitsrecognitionasone ofForbes'Top30FintechCompaniesandtheproud recipientofthe'PaymentGatewayoftheYear'awardby EntrepreneurMiddleEastin2023.
AtthehelmofTelr,hehascraftedmorethanjustapayment gateway;hehasbuiltanecosystemthatprioritizessecurity, customization,andfinancialsafety Telr'sapproachcatersto diversemerchants,ensuringaseamlessandtransparent experienceforcustomers.Hisleadershipphilosophy revolvesaroundnotjustmeetingindustrystandardsbut
surpassingthem,offeringaforward-thinkingplatformthat setsTelrapartinthecompetitivefintechlandscape.
Let’s explore how Khalil actively champions financial education, mentors startups, and leads initiatives within the industry!
CouldyoupleaseelaborateonTelranditsinception story?
Telremergedin2014,bridgingthegapintheregional marketwherebusinessesfacedlimitedoptionsandoften turnedtoexpensiveforeignalternativeswithinadequate customerservicewhenitstartedacceptingpayments.
Recognizingthisgap,Telrsetouttocreateanexclusive paymentgatewayfeaturingtop-notchsecurityandcuttingedgetechnology Wedevelopedthisstate-of-the-art paymentgatewayin-housetoenhancetheoperational efficiencyofstartupsandSMEs.Telr'sstandoutfeaturewas becomingthefirstPCIDSS-certifiedpaymentgateway companyintheMENAregion,establishingthehighest securitystandardinthepaymentindustry.Consequently, TelrsignificantlytransformedhowbusinessesintheUAE, SaudiArabia,andtheGCCregionhandleonlinepayments.
Telr'scommitmentgoesbeyonditsinception,continuously strivingtoaddressmerchants'challenges.Weadopta holisticapproach,aspiringtoserveasacomprehensive
solutionforalle-commercecustomers.Thisinvolves offeringthelatestpaymenttrendsandtools,facilitating accesstofinancialcapital,andintroducingsplitpayments formarketplacestoautomatevendorreconciliation processes,minimizingerrors.
Operatingroundtheclock,ourTelrteamprovideshyperpersonalizedservicestomerchants.Thisspecializedsupport streamlinestransactionprocesses,allowingmerchantsto focusontheirbusinessaspectswhileentrustingtheefficient managementoftheirtransactions.Thiscustomer-centric approachshowcasesourdedicationtoenhancingthe merchantexperienceandsupportingtheirgrowthinthe ever-evolvingdigitalcommercelandscape.
Howwouldyoudescribeyourleadershipstyle,andwhat valuesdoyouprioritizeinleadingateam?
Forme,ethicsandleadingbyexamplearethefoundationof myleadershipphilosophy.Leadingbydoingwhat'srightis pivotal.Whenfacedwithtoughsituations,showcasing ethicalbehaviorisn'tjustaboutmotivatingothers;it'sabout shapingaculturewhereeveryoneaimstoembodysuch principles.
Additionally,empoweringemployeesandfosteringtrustare integralcomponentsofmyleadershipapproach.Ifirmly believeingivingautonomyandresponsibilitytomyteam, allowingthemtomakedecisionsandcontribute meaningfully.Buildingtrustthroughdelegationand collaborationiskeytocreatinganenvironmentwhere everyonefeelsvaluedandcapableofachievingtheirbest.
Leadingbyexample,trustinginmyteam'scapabilities,and fosteringanempoweringworkculturegohandinhandin drivingourcollectivesuccessandharnessingtheculture thatstandsbehindourbrand.
Howdoyoufosterapositiveandinclusiveworkplace culturewithinyourorganization?
AtTelr,fosteringapositiveandinclusiveworkplaceculture isintegraltoourethos.Weprioritizeopencommunication, ensuringeveryvoiceisheardandvalued.Promoting diverseperspectivesandencouragingvariedviewpointsis essential;wevaluearangeofoutlookstostimulate innovativeideas.
Ourcommitmenttoemployeewell-beingencompasses supportmechanismsandwork-lifebalance.Continuous learningopportunitiesempowerourteam,whilerecognition programsandfeedbackmechanismsboostmorale.Our policiesensurefairnessandequality,creatingan
Khalil Alami Founder and CEO Telr
environmentwhereeveryonefeelsrespectedandhasequal opportunities.Additionally,weconductregularsurveysto gaugeouremployees'satisfactionlevels,allowingusto continuouslyrefineourpracticesandensuretheir contentment.Throughtheseefforts,weaimtocultivatea workplacethatthrivesonpositivity,embracement,growth, andinnovation.
Whatarethekeychallengesyoufaceinyourindustry, andhowdoyouapproachovercomingthem?
Inthedynamicrealmofevolvingmarkettrendsanddiverse merchantneeds,weembraceacustomer-centricapproach. Engagingconsistentlywithmerchantsallowsustograsp theirevolvingrequirements.Leveragingourproprietary technology,wecrafttailoredsolutionsalignedwiththeir changingneeds.Navigatingregulatoryshiftsremainsa challenge,yetourproactiveapproachkeepsuscompliant acrossouroperationalregions.Beingthefirsttoattainthe NESAcertificationintheUAEshowcasesourcommitment toregulatoryexcellence.
Wekeepimproving,innovating,andservingcustomers exceptionallyinacompetitiveindustry.Partnershipsare keytostandingoutandgrowing.Withourunwavering commitmenttoinnovation,smartcompliance,market research,andstrongpartnerships,Telrissuperagileto adaptandcontinueitsriseasaleaderinonlinepayments.
Howdoyoubalanceinnovationwiththeneedfor stabilityandconsistencyinyourbusinessstrategies?
Webalanceinnovationandstabilitybyfosteringa structuredyetadaptableapproach.Dedicatedresourcesfuel innovationwithinsetboundaries,guidedbycustomer feedbackandmarketinsights.Ourcoreoperationsrelyon provenstrategies,ensuringreliability,whilestrategic innovationsenhanceourofferingswithoutcompromising dependability.Thisbalancedrivesourgrowthwhile maintainingunwaveringreliabilityforourstakeholders.
Inyouropinion,whatarethemostcriticalskillsor qualitiesforaleaderintoday'srapidlychanging businesslandscape?
Intherealmofleadership,oneskilltowersaboveallothers: listening.We'regrantedtwoearsandonemouthfora reason—toemphasizetheimportanceoflisteningtwiceas muchasspeaking.Thisskillisn'tmerelyabouthearing;it's theartofabsorbing,understanding,andactingupon differentperspectives.
Leaderswhomasterthisskillactivelylistentotheir employees,merchants,competitors,andthemarket.It's strategicintelligence—acornerstonethatsharpensdecisionmaking,fostersempathy,anddrivescollaboration.Inthe ever-evolvingbusinesslandscape,listeningisn'tjust brilliant;it'sthebedrockofinsightfulleadership.
Howdoyoupersonallyinvestinyourcontinuous learningandprofessionaldevelopment?
Itypicallydedicatetimetonetworkingwithpeersand leaders,findingitinstrumentalinexpandingmyhorizons. Additionally,Iprioritizereadingindustrypublications, recognizingtheirimportanceinshapingmyperspectiveand fosteringgrowth.Mycommitmenttolifelonglearning remainsunwavering,asIdeeplyvalueeveryopportunity forprofessionalandpersonalevolution.
Beyondprofessionalachievements,whatpersonalvalues orexperiencesdoyoubelievehavecontributedtoyour successasaCEO?
Mypersonalvaluesofintegrity,resilience,andempathy havedeeplyinfluencedmyjourneyasafounderandCEO. Integrityformsthefoundationofmydecisions,guidingme toupholdhonestyandethicsineveryaspectofbusiness. Resiliencehasbeencrucial;overcomingsetbacksand stayingsteadfastamidstchallengeshasshapedmyapproach toleadership,gettingupafterfalling,learningfromfailure, andstartingthenexttry.
Additionally,empathyplaysasignificantrole—Iprioritize understandingothers'perspectivesandfosteringa collaborativeandsupportiveenvironmentwithinmyteam. Thesevalues,coupledwithdiverseexperiencesand learningsfromsuccessesandfailures,haveshapedmypath asaCEO.
Leadership is not about titles, positions, or owcharts. It is about one life inuencing another.
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