The CIO is no longer just a . They are a TECHNOLOGIST strategic , BUSINESS LEADER driving digital transformation and .INNOVATION
Why Understanding Team Members as Individuals Ma ers!
Outstandingleadersplayacrucialroleinshaping
theself-esteemoftheirteams.AsSamWalton famouslystated, "Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish."Thisphilosophyisnotjustamotivational quote;itreflectsafundamentaltruthabouthumanpotential intheworkplace.
Researchshowsthatemployeeswithhighself-esteemare moreproductiveandengaged.Infact,organizationsthat nurtureapositiveself-imageamongtheirstaffreporta12% increaseinproductivityanda20%increaseinjob satisfaction.Whenleadersactivelyworktouplifttheir teams,theycreateanenvironmentwhereindividualsfeel valuedandempoweredtotakeinitiative.
Effectiveleadersdon'tmerelyofferemptypraise;they recognizeachievements,provideconstructivefeedback,and encourageopencommunication.Thisapproachnotonly buildstrustbutalsopromotesacultureofaccountability AccordingtoastudybyGallup,teamswithengagedleaders seea21%increaseinprofitability,underscoringthe financialbenefitsofinvestinginemployeemorale.
Moreover,understandingteammembersas individuals—knowingtheirstrengths,interests,and challenges—enhancesthisprocess.Leaderswhotakethe timetoconnectonapersonallevelfosterloyaltyand commitment,leadingtolowerturnoverrates.
Lastly,theimpactofboostingself-esteemintheworkplace isprofound.Whenemployeesbelieveinthemselves,they notonlyachievemorebutalsocontributetoathriving organizationalculture.AswereflectonWalton'swords,it's clearthatthepathtosuccessispavedwithencouragement andsupport.
Herecomeleaderswhoareincreasinglyrecognizingthe importanceofself-esteemintheirteamsandare implementingstrategiesthatfosterasupportiveand engagingworkenvironment.Thisrecognitionisleadingto ashiftinleadershippracticeswherethefocusisnotonlyon achievingresultsbutalsoonenhancingtheindividual capabilitiesofteammembers.
LeaderslikeFadiSoufanandmoreareacknowledgingthe transformativepowerofboostingself-esteeminthe workplace.InthelatesteditionofTheCIOWorld,titled "Middle East's Most Influential Leaders to Follow," he emphasizestheimportanceofcreatingaculturewhere employeesfeelempoweredtovoicetheirideasandtake calculatedrisks.Bynurturinganenvironmentoftrustand respect,leaderslikeSoufanarediscoveringthefull potentialoftheirteams.
Have a great read ahead!
28.
Fadi Soufan
Reviving a Family Legacy
Khalid Al-Qaqa
Leading Sustainable Construction and Environmental Protection
Blending Cultures and Innovating Skincare: Ale yah Johar's Quiet Revolution in the Middle East CXO
34.
Why Great Leaders Embrace Discomfort for Growth
Why Introverted Leaders Excel at Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making
Russell Schuster – A Story of Leadership, Philanthropy, and Community
- Anand Mahindra
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
Eric
Richard
Fadi Soufan
CEO Houda Naji
CEO Khalid Al-Qaqa Founder/CEO
Olaotse Leepile
CEO Raj Bha CEO/ Director
Younoh Media younoh.com EEE Group eeegroup.me Novare Holdings novare.com Hozpitality Hozpitality.com
Descrip on
Fadi Soufan, born in West Africa, grew up immersed in the shoe business. His passion for footwear led him to expand his family's business across Africa and Kuwait, where he has achieved remarkable success.
Houda Naji, the CEO of Younoh Media, is a digital marke ng expert who helps businesses navigate the ever-evolving online landscape. Her exper se in cra ing effec ve strategies has enabled countless organiza ons to thrive in the digital age.
Khalid Al-Qaqa, the visionary behind EEE Group, is dedicated to promo ng sustainable energy prac ces in the region. His innova ve approach has made significant strides in advancing renewable energy ini a ves.
Olaotse Leepile, the leader of Novare Holdings, is a trailblazer in the African financial sector. His visionary approach has transformed the way businesses and individuals access financial services across the con nent.
Raj Bha , the driving force behind Hozpitality and Hozpitality.com, has built a pla orm that bridges the gap between hospitality professionals worldwide. His commitment to fostering global connec ons in the industry is unparalleled.
Al Sirhan Shoes Company
CoverStory
Fadi Soufan CEO Al Sirhan Shoes
Team loyalty is far above the industry average in a highly demanding world. I make sure no one leaves us on our journey, as I highly believe in teamwork. Our resignation rate is almost zero.
I believe that once you set the right work culture and choose the right team around you, the decisions you take as a team have a great impact on the bottom line. ,, ,,
A 360° View of the Industry: From West Africa to Kuwait and Beyond!
Theconstantchaseforsuccessmakesuswonder:Do wedecidetobesuccessful,orisitalreadyapartof whoweare,justwaitingtobediscovered?This questionhasfascinatedscholars,thinkers,anddreamersfor alongtime.Intheworldofbusiness,thisquestionfinds resonanceassomepathsappearcarefullychosen,while othersseemalmostdestined.
FadiSoufan,theCEOatAlSirhanShoes,belongstothe lattercategory,ashisjourneythroughtherealmoffootwear hasbeennothingshortofextraordinary.Hisstorybeginsin WestAfricain1975,wherehewaspracticallyraisedina shoeshop.Thoseformativeyears,spentassistinghis parentsintheirdailybusinessactivities,becamethe wellspringofsomeofhismostcherishedchildhood memoriesandinspirations.Thenotionofworkinginthe worldofshoeswassowndeepintohisheart.
Withdreamsofpursuinghighereducation,Fadi'sjourney ledhimtotheAmericanUniversityofBeirut,wherehe graduatedin1993.Yet,evenamidsthisstudies,hecouldn't escapethegravitationalpulloftheshoebusiness.Hisdorm roomattheuniversitymorphedintoashoeshowroom, exemplifyinghisunwaveringconnectiontotheindustry
However,thepoliticalandeconomicclimateinLebanonat thetimedrovehimtoconvincehisfamilytoexpandtheir shoebusinesstoAfrica.Itwasaboldmove,onethat demonstratedbothhisentrepreneurialspiritandhis commitmenttohisfamily'slegacy.Oversixyears,they workedtirelesslytobuildafirmfootholdinthisnew territory
Yet,fatehadotherplans.Politicalunrestintheregiononce againdisruptedtheiroperations.InJune1999,Fadimadea pivotaldecisiontochartadifferentcourse.Heembarkedon aprofessionalcareerinthefootwearindustry,landingin Kuwait.Thisshiftmarkedthegenesisofaremarkable journey.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
SuccessinFootwear
FadiSoufan'scareerinthefootwearindustryhasbeen nothingshortofremarkable.BeginningasabuyeratAl Qatami,aprominentleaderinthemulti-brandfootwear market,hequicklyascendedtotheroleofbrandmanagerat
Middle East's Most In uential Leaders to Follow
AlYasraFashion,specializinginfranchisebrands.His journeydidn'tstopthere,ashealsoassumedtheroleof BusinessDirectorbeforeultimatelyreachinghiscurrent positionastheCEOofALSIRHANShoes.
With24yearsofexperiencespanningKuwaitandother GCCmarkets,Fadihasgainedacomprehensive understandingofthefootwearindustry.Hehaswitnessed theindustry'sevolution,fromtheebbandflowofvarious brandsandprivateconceptstotheshiftfromstreet shoppingtomallcultureandtheemergenceofe-commerce. Hehasalsonavigatedthedynamicchangesingenerations, cateringtothediverseneedsandpreferencesofGenX,Gen Y,andGenZ.Furthermore,hiscareerhasallowedhimto adapttoshiftsincultureandtraditions.
AchievingUnprecedentedSuccess
Establishedin1935,thisvenerablecompany,nowinits fourthgenerationofleadershipunderAhmedAlSirhan, facedaformidablechallengewhentryingtocompetewith theinnovativebusinessmodelsoffranchises.However, withtheintroductionofFadiin2015,aneweradawned. Hemastermindedatransformativestrategyguidedbya "GLOCAL"approach,complementedbyacomprehensive rebrandinginitiative.
Thisvisionaryapproachencompassedadoptingan internationaldesignconceptsourcedfromSweden,curating aselectionoftheworld'sfinestinternationalbrands,and pioneeringuniqueprivate-labeldevelopments.Theresult? Abusinessarchitecturethatstandsunrivalledinthe contemporarymarket.Today,theyfirmlyreignasKuwait's industryleader,withunparalleledreachandinfluence.
Andthejourneydoesn'tendhere.Thecompanyisnowon thebrinkofinternationalexpansion,extendingitsdominion toQatarandsoontoSaudiArabia.Bepartoftheir extraordinarysuccessstoryandexperiencetheunbeatable qualityandinnovationthatdefinetheirlegacy.Jointhemas theystepintoabrightandpromisingfuture.
ElevatingFootwearExperience
Intheworldofshoes,thereareoftenhiddenchallengesthat makeitaveryinterestingindustry.Fromdealingwith rentingstoragespaceinbusymallstothedifficultjobof balancingthesizesofdifferenttypesofshoes,eachseason bringsitsownsetofthingstohandle.Beingsuccessfulin sellingshoesrequiresspecialskillsandwaysofhelping customers.
Butatitscore,footwearfulfilsanessentialneedforevery individual.Beitforwork,school,meetings,travel,strolls, orruns—yourshoesimpactyourcomfortandwell-being. ThisiswhereFadi'sexpertisetrulyshines,ashe'sdedicated hiscareertoprovidingcustomerswiththeutmostcomfort. Loyaltyisthecornerstoneofhisapproach,andit significantlycontributestothesuccessandprofitabilityof eachlocation.
Fadi'sjourneyisstuddedwithachievements.Hemadea markbyintroducingtheECCOandComfortZoneconcepts inKuwaitandtheGCC,establishingmarketdominance withremarkablesuccessmetricsuntil2014.In2015,he tookthehelmatAlSirhanShoesandbreathednewlifeinto asmallfamily-runbusiness,catapultingitfromtrading3 millionUSDin2014toanimpressive30millionUSDby 2022.
In2018,heacquiredthestrugglinglocalfootwearconcept SBNYandorchestratedaremarkableturnaround, transformingitintooneofthemosttriumphantconceptsin KuwaitandQatartoday.Now,in2023,he'sembarkingona thrillingnewchapter,takingAlSirhanShoesbeyond Kuwait'sborders.Thejourneybeginswithasuccessful forayintoQatar,withfurtherexpansionsslatedforSaudi ArabiaandtheUAEin2024.
WhattrulysetsFadiandhisteamapartistheirunwavering commitmenttoeachother Teamloyaltytranscends industrystandards,ensuringthatnooneleavestheir journey.Theresignationrateisvirtuallynon-existent.Their loyalcustomerbaseinKuwaithasgrownexponentially, boastinganimpressive435,000customersin2023,upfrom amere14,000in2015.
EmpoweringTeam
Fadifirmlybelievesthatestablishingtherightworkculture andassemblingacohesiveteamarethecornerstonesof success.Heknowsthatthecollectivedecisionsmadebya teamhaveaprofoundimpactonthebottomline.
OneofthestandoutstrategiesimplementedduringFadi's tenureatAlSirhanShoeswashisunwaveringcommitment tostayingintimatelyconnectedtoallfacetsofthebusiness. Thisincludedthefrontoperationsintheshops,thevalued customers,theefficientbackoffice,andthebustling warehouse.Hisgame-changingdecisiontorelinquishhis officedeskunderscoredthiscommitment,makinghimmore agileandmobilethaneverbefore.Theabsenceof
Your shoes affect your feelings and comfort, and all my experience is driving the highest level of comfort to our customers, where loyalty becomes a key aspect in the sales and protability of each location. ,, ,,
formalitiesallowedhimtobewherehewasneeded most—rightthereonthefrontlines.
EthicsatAlSirhan
Withastrongfocusonethicsandintegrity,itisimportant forindividualstoestablishmeasuresthatupholdthese valueswithintheirteamandorganization.AlSirhanShoes placesahighpriorityonethicsandvaluesinallaspects, fromrecruitmenttoterminations.Byintegratingthese principlesintodailyoperations,theyensurethatthereare nocompromises.Whiletheypromotecontinuouslearning andskillacquisition,anybehavioursthatcastdoubton ethicalconductarenottolerated.
BusinessSuccessStories
Whenitcomestotakingabusinesstothenextlevel, examiningreal-lifesuccessstoriescanbeincredibly beneficial.AremarkableexampleofthisistheALSIRHAN shoeconcept.Initially,theyhadonly6storesinKuwait. However,theirbusinessexperiencedtremendousgrowth,
andtheycurrentlyoperateanimpressive22shops.Despite facingcompetitionfromsimilarbusinesses,itmanagedto standoutandachievegreatsuccess.Furthermore,itmade anextraordinarymovebytransformingSBNYintoatrendy sportsboutique.TheresponsefromcustomersinKuwait andQatarwasoverwhelminglypositive,leadingmallsto expressinterestinhostingtheirshops.Expandingbeyond Kuwait,ALSIRHANventuredintootherlocationsand excelledthereaswell.Thisexpansionhashadasignificant impactontheirbusiness!
VitalRoleinTeamFocusandMotivation
Inanycompanyheworkswith,Fadiplaysacrucialrolein ensuringthathisteamremainscompletelyfocusedand motivatedintheirdailytasks.Heisdedicatedto understandingandaddressingthechallengesfacedbyhis teammembersateverylevel,providingsupportfortheir personalneedssuchasfamilymatters,medicalinsurance, andeducationfortheirchildren.
Additionally,heactivelyassiststheminclearingany pendingtaskstomaintaintheirfocusonperformanceand growth.Theimportanceofteamworkisemphasized throughtheirdistinctmessage,"TOGETHERWECAN."
Thismessageisparticularlyeffectiveduringtheirmonthly businessmeetings,wherealldepartmentscometogetherin anopenforumtodiscusschallenges,celebratesuccesses, andplanforupcomingevents.Fadiservesastheconnector betweendepartments,ensuringthateveryoneworks togetherasonecohesiveteamtowardsacommongoal.
ApproachtoaFriendlyandProfitableRetail Environment
Fadiexplainsthatwithintheirretailorganization,they strivetocreateaprofitableyetfriendlyenvironmentby utilizingtheirnumericalskills.Theyacknowledgethatthe family-likeatmospherecansometimesbecomechallenging fortheteam,includingthemselves,buttheyhave implementedastrategytobringeveryonetogether.They emphasizetheimportanceofunitywithintheteamand separateitfromthefocusonperformance.Theyhavea culturethatdiscouragesblameandinsteadencourages individualstotakeresponsibilityfortheiractions.Fadi mentionsthatifsomeoneiscapableofdoingsomething, theyshouldtaketheinitiativetodoitandthenundergoa reviewprocessforanynecessarycorrections.
DedicationtoExceptionalCustomerService
Customerserviceismentionedasoneoftheirpassions. Theyensurethehigheststandardsofcustomerserviceare upheldbyregularlyvisitingshopsandspendingquality timewiththefloorteamtounderstandandexperiencetheir standardsandservicelevels.Theyprovideimmediate feedbackandcoachingtoimproveperformance.AlSirhan Shoeshasaclearservicestandardconsistingof6steps, fromcorrectpositioningonthefloortoprovidingan immediatewelcomeandensuringproperclosure.Allteam playersandshopleadersgothroughtraining,coaching,and roleplaystomeetthesestandards.Duringpeakseasons, eventhecompanyownerjoinsthesalesteam,wearinga salesuniformandspendingqualitytimeservingcustomers.
PowerofPerseverance
Perseveranceisoftenlistedasoneoftheirpersonal qualities.Intheirretailcareer,theyfacedadifficult situationwhenAlSirhanShoesacquiredtheSBNYconcept inKuwait.Atthetime,theperformanceoftheshopwasnot coveringthecostofrent.Despitetryingvariousstrategies thatyieldednoresults,theypersistedanddecidedtoexpand andinvestintheconcept.Aftercarefuldeterminationand perseverance,theywereabletofindtherightbrandmix, ultimatelytransformingthebusinessintoaleaderamong their27shopstoday Thisprocesstookthematotalof18 monthstoachievetheircurrentsuccess.
BalancingPersonalandWorkGoals
Fadiunderstandstheimportanceofstrikingabalance betweenpersonalandworkgoals.Hisstrategyissimpleyet effective.Hemakesitapointtoattendallsignificantfamily events,particularlythoserelatedtoschoolactivities. Fridaysaredesignatedasfamilydays,ensuringqualitytime withlovedones.Healsocarvesouttimeforannual vacationsandholidaycelebrations.
ForFadi,thefundamentalprincipleisclear:aslongashis familyisdoingwell,workishistoppriority.Whenthecall fromhisfamilycomes,hedoesn'thesitate.Thisapproach hasproventoworkremarkablywellforhim,allowinghim togiveequalattentiontobothhispersonalandworkgoals. It'sallaboutmakingthemostofthepreciousmomentswith familywhileexcellingintheprofessionalarena.
AdviceforAspiringEntrepreneurs
Advisingaspiringentrepreneurs,Fadisays, "Hard work; open mind to learn always; have a "LinkedIn" account to know what's happening in the footwear world; Serve from your heart; know your product well; know the customers that will buy your products more; and focus on the customer purchase decision and occasions."
RavingTestimonials
Inhiswords, the only testimonials I have received so far have come from the company owners I worked with, my BONUS each year for the past 24 years. I am proud to get the highest possible annual BONUS in my career so far, and this extends to my team as well.
,, ,, Wealth consists not in havinggreat possessions, but in having few wants.
- Epictetus
Middle East's Most In uential Leaders to Follow
Promoting Sustainable Construction Solutions!
Withapassionforprotectingtheenvironmentand sustainableconstruction,startingwithliftand verticaltransportation,wearegrowingintoa multifacetedenterprisespecializinginsustainablebuilding materialsandairfiltrationsystems.Khalidhadestablished himselfasakeyfigureinthebuildingindustry.
KhalidAl-QaqaisthevisionaryFounderandCEOof EEEGroup,recognizedasoneofthetopexecutivesinthe MiddleEast.TheorganizationisUAE-basedanduses innovativebuildingtechnology.Underhisinfluence,the firmisoperatinginaround13countriesandemployingover 600individualsaroundtheglobe.
Asaleader,heunderstandsthecomplexityofleadership andmakesapositiveimpactbybeingapproachable,taking notes,andofferinginsightfulfeedback.Asaself-motivated leader,heunderstandstheresponsibilityoftherole,and earningtrustthroughactionsiscrucial.
Withavisionthatextendsbeyondhiscompany,hetakes initiativesthathavesubstantiallybenefitedtheenvironment andreshapedthecultureofsustainablebuildingpractices globally.Hispassionledtothedevelopmentof ‘UNIDOME’technology,whichutilizes100%recycled materialstosignificantlyreduceconcreteandsteelusagein buildingprojects.
Here are the interview highlights:
Couldyoupleasetellusaboutyourselfandwhat motivatedyoutoembarkonthissector?
I’mthefounderandCEOofEEEGroup,aleadingbuilding technologycompanyheadquarteredintheUAEwith operationsin13countriesaroundtheworldandmorethan 600employees.
IwaschosenbyForbesmagazineasoneofthetop executivesintheMiddleEastforfourconsecutiveyears, from2014to2018.Iholdabachelor’sdegreein engineeringandamaster’sdegreeinbusiness administrationfromtheCityUniversityofLondon.
Couldyoupleasebriefusaboutyourcompanyandits inceptionstory?
Westartedasasmallcompanyfocusingonliftsandvertical transportation,operatingmainlyintheUAE.Overtime,we grewthebusinessandspecializedinadditionallinessuchas sustainablebuildingmaterials,airfiltration,andmore.We havesinceexpandedouroperationstovariouscountriesand regionsaroundtheglobe.
Whatinspiredyoutobecomealeader?Howdoyou defineinfluence,andhowdoyouseektomakeapositive impactonothers?
Ibelievethatleadershipisbothanaturalgiftanda characteristicthatcanbedevelopedandrefined.I'vebeenin leadershiprolessinceayoungage,takingonmany responsibilitiesandinitiativesvoluntarily.
Influence,tome,isaboutleadingbyexampleandearning trustthroughactions.Iseektomakeapositiveimpactby beingapproachable,listeningactively,andproviding constructivefeedback.
Couldyousharesomeexamplesofprojectsorinitiatives youhaveledthathavehadasignificantimpactonthe region?
Beingpassionateaboutprotectingtheenvironmentand sustainabilityinconstruction,Ihavejoinedwithcivil engineeringprofessorsfromGermanytodevelopthe world'smostsustainableconstructiontechnology, 'UNIDOME,'whereweuse100%recycledmaterialto
Take action promptly, learn from mistakes, and persist without giving up.
replaceconcreteinconstructionprojectstoreducethe weightofbuildings,leadingtoamassivereductionof concreteandsteelquantitiesneededforconstructionwhile keepingtheoriginalcharacteristicsofthebuildingasthey arewithoutcompromisingqualityandsafety.
Thisinnovationhasnotonlybenefitedtheenvironmentbut alsohelpedchangetheculturearoundusingsustainable buildingmaterialsforbothsmallandlargeconstruction projects.
Whataresomeofthebiggestchallengesyouhavefaced asaleaderintheMiddleEast,andhowhaveyou overcomethem?
Wehavefacedvariouschallengesduringdifferentstages andphasesofthebusiness.Thesechallengesrangedfroma lackofresourcesinthebeginningtoglobalissueslikethe
COVID-19pandemic.Wehaveapproachedallchallenges rationallyandstrategically,alwaysstrivingtoembracethem asopportunitiestogrowandinnovate.
Inyouropinion,whatarethekeyqualitiesorskillsthat makealeaderinfluential?
Aleadermustallowspaceandfreedomforemployeesto takeinitiativeandsometimeswatchthemmakemistakesto learnfrom.Theabilitytobepatientandobserveothersas theyprogressisnotaneasytaskbecausetheurgetostepin andmakecorrectionscanbedifficulttocontrol.
However,astrongandconfidentleaderunderstandsthe overallprocessofdevelopingothersintoleadersaswell.
The true test of compliance is not just meeting regulatory requirements but exceeding them with ethical excellence.
Why GreatLeaders Embrace Discomfort for Growth
Acknowledgingdiscomfortis
oftenseenasaparadoxin leadership.Yet,itisacrucial elementforpersonalandprofessional growth.Greatleadersunderstandthat steppingoutsideoftheircomfortzones canleadtosignificantadvancementsin theirskills,resilience,andtheoverall performanceoftheirteams.
This article explores why great leaders embrace discomfort and how it can serve as a catalyst for growth.
TheNatureofDiscomfort
Discomfortisaninevitablepartoflife, especiallyinleadershiproles.Itcan manifestinvariousforms,suchas facingchallengingsituations,making toughdecisions,ornavigatingconflicts withinateam.Whilemanypeople instinctivelyavoiddiscomfort,great leaderschoosetoconfrontithead-on. Theyrecognizethatdiscomfortoften signalsanopportunityforgrowth.
AstudybytheAmericanPsychological Associationfoundthatindividualswho embracediscomforttendtodevelop
higherlevelsofresilience.Resilience istheabilitytobouncebackfrom setbacks,anditisavitaltraitfor leaderswhomustnavigatethe complexitiesoftheirroles.When leadersfacediscomfort,theynotonly enhancetheirownresiliencebutalso modelthisbehaviorfortheirteams, fosteringacultureofadaptabilityand strength.
GrowthOutsidetheComfortZone
Thesaying"lifebeginsattheendof yourcomfortzone"ringsparticularly trueinthecontextofleadership.When leaderspushthemselvesbeyond familiarboundaries,theyopen themselvesuptonewexperiencesand perspectives.Thisiswheretrue learningoccurs.
Forinstance,whenaleadertakesona projectthatseemsdauntingor unfamiliar,theyareforcedtoacquire newskillsandinsights.Accordingtoa surveyconductedbyLinkedIn,94%of employeeswouldstayatacompany longerifitinvestedintheirlearning anddevelopment.Thisstatistic
underscorestheimportanceof continuousgrowthandtheroleof discomfortinthatprocess.
FosteringInnovationandCreativity
Comfortcanoftenleadto complacency,stiflinginnovationand creativity.Greatleadersunderstand thatdiscomfortcansparknewideas andsolutions.Whenfacedwith challenges,theyarepromptedtothink outsidetheboxandexplorealternative approaches.
Forexample,aleaderwhoencourages theirteamtotackleadifficultproblem collaborativelymaydiscover innovativesolutionsthatwouldnot haveemergedinamorecomfortable setting.AreportfromMcKinsey highlightsthatcompaniesthatfostera cultureofinnovationsee2.5times higherrevenuegrowthcomparedto theircompetitors.Thisstatistic illustratesthetangiblebenefitsof embracingdiscomfortinthepursuitof innovation.
BuildingStrongerConnections
Discomfortcanalsoenhance interpersonalrelationshipswithina team.Whenleadersopenly acknowledgetheirvulnerabilitiesand challenges,theycreateanenvironment oftrustandempathy Thisopenness encouragesteammemberstoshare theirownstruggles,leadingtostronger connectionsandamorecohesiveteam dynamic.
Intimesofdiscomfort,suchasduring organizationalchangesorcrises, leaderswhocommunicate transparentlycanfosterasenseof unity AstudybytheInstitutefor CorporateProductivityfoundthat organizationswithstrong communicationpracticesare3.5times morelikelytooutperformtheirpeersin termsoffinancialperformance.This highlightshowembracingdiscomfort canleadtomoreeffectiveleadership andbetterorganizationaloutcomes.
StrategiesforEmbracingDiscomfort
To effectively embrace discomfort, leaders can adopt several strategies:
• AcknowledgeDiscomfort:The firststepisrecognizingwhen discomfortarises.Avoidingthese
feelingsonlyprolongsthe challenge.Leadersshould confrontdiscomfortdirectlyand viewitasanopportunityfor growth.
• SeekFeedback:Discomfortoften stemsfromalackofknowledge orexperience.Activelyseeking feedbackfrompeersandteam memberscanprovidevaluable insightsandhelpleadersnavigate uncomfortablesituationsmore effectively
• EmbraceVulnerability:Sharing feelingsofdiscomfortcanfoster authenticityandconnection withinateam.Leaderswhoshow vulnerabilitycancreateasafe spaceforotherstoexpresstheir challenges.
• CelebrateSmallWins: Acknowledgingprogress,no matterhowsmall,canhelp maintainmotivationduring uncomfortabletimes.Celebrating thesewinsreinforcestheideathat discomfortcanleadtogrowth.
Conclusion
Greatleadersrecognizethatdiscomfort isnotsomethingtobefearedbut embraced.Bysteppingoutsidetheir
comfortzones,theyfosterresilience, driveinnovation,andbuildstronger connectionswithintheirteams.The journeyofleadershipisinherently challenging,andthosewhochooseto confrontdiscomfortwillfind themselvesonapathofcontinuous growthandsuccess.AsMark Zuckerbergaptlystated,"Thebiggest riskisnottakinganyrisk."Inarapidly changingworld,embracingdiscomfort isnotjustbeneficial;itisessentialfor effectiveleadership.
Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.
- Roy T. Bennett
Blending Cultures and Innovating Skincare: AlefiyahJohar's Quiet Revolution in the Middle East
InthedynamicandevolvinglandscapeoftheMiddle Easternbeautyindustry,aquietrevolutionhasbeen unfolding,spearheadedbyanunassumingyet formidableforce:AlefiyahJohar.Co-founderofFCBeauty, Johar'sjourneyisnotjustastoryofbusinessacumenbuta testamenttotheharmoniousblendofculturalbeauty narrativesandtherelentlesspursuitofskincareinnovation.
AttheheartofJohar'sventureliesadeep-rooted appreciationfortherichtraditionsoftheMiddleEast, gracefullyintertwinedwiththepioneeringethosofKorean beauty.Thisuniqueamalgamationwasnotanaccidental occurrencebutadeliberatestrategybyJohar.Asapartner attheesteemedFakhreeAlHindigroupofcompanies,she recognizedthepotentialofKoreanbeautybrandsinthe MiddleEasternmarket.Thisinsightledtothesuccessful introductionofacclaimedbrandssuchasMissha,A’pieu, andCLE,whicharenowstaplesinover200storesacross theregion,includingnotableretailerslikeWatsonsand Namshi.
However,Johar'sinfluenceinthebeautyindustryextends beyondtherealmsofbusinessstrategyandmarket penetration.Herjourneyasaprofessionalmakeupartist, withhands-onexperiencebackstageatnumerousfashion shows,endowedherwithanuancedunderstandingof beautyandskincare.Thisexperiencehasbeeninstrumental inshapingFCBeauty,anin-housebrandthatmirrorsher philosophyofaccessibleandeffectiveskincare.
Inanindustryoftencharacterizedbyloudmarketingand aggressiveexpansion,Johar'sapproachstandsoutforits subtletyanddepth.Hersuccessisnotwornasabadgeof honorbutratherreflectedinthequietsatisfactionof
customers,whofindsolaceintheproductsshehelpedbring totheirshelves.Johar’sroletranscendsthatofamanaging director;sheisacuratorofbeautyexperiences,blendingthe bestofdifferentworldstocreatesomethinguniquely enriching.
Awayfromthecorporatespotlight,Joharisanavidskincare enthusiast.Hersparetimeisdedicatedtoresearching skincareingredientsandmethods,drivenbyagenuine desiretomakeskincaremoreeffectiveandaccessible.This passionisnotjustapersonalpursuitbutanextensionofher professionalethos.Joharunderstandsthatatthecoreofthe beautyindustryliesaresponsibility:toempower individualswiththemeanstoexpressthemselves,tofeel confident,andtoembracetheirinnatebeauty
Johar'sstoryisacompellingnarrativeofculturalfusion, businessintelligence,andaheartfeltcommitmenttobeauty andskincare.It'sanarrativethatdoesn'tneedtoloudly proclaimitsachievements;theimpactisevidentinthequiet transformationofthebeautylandscapeintheMiddleEast. Inaregionrichwithhistoryandtradition,Joharhascarved anichethatresonateswithbothheritageandmodernity,a truetestamenttohervisionaryapproachandunderstated leadershipinthebeautyindustry
Why IntrovertedLeaders Excel at Strategic Thinking Decision-Making a n d
Introvertedleadersoftenface
misconceptionsthathindertheir recognitionaseffectivedecisionmakersandstrategicthinkers. However,researchandreal-world examplesrevealthatintrovertspossess uniquequalitiesthatenablethemto excelinleadershiproles,particularlyin strategicthinkinganddecision-making.
UnderstandingIntroverted Leadership
differenceshapeshowtheyapproach leadership.Introvertedleadersare typicallyseenasthoughtful,analytical, andempathetic,makingthemwellsuitedforstrategicroleswithin organizations.
KeyTraitsofIntrovertedLeaders
Introversionisapersonalitytrait characterizedbyapreferencefor solitaryactivitiesanddeepinternal reflection.Unlikeextroverts,whogain energyfromsocialinteractions, introvertsrechargethroughquiettime andintrospection.Thisfundamental
• DeepListeningSkills:Introverted leadersareknownfortheirability tolistenintently.Thisskillallows themtoabsorbdiverse perspectivesandunderstandthe nuancesofcomplexsituations. Accordingtostudies,effective listeningiscrucialformaking informeddecisions,asitenables leaderstoconsidervarious viewpointsbeforearrivingata
conclusion.Thiscontrastssharply withthemorecommonstereotype ofleaderswhodominate conversations.
• ThoughtfulCommunication: Introvertstendtothinkbefore theyspeak,resultinginclearand deliberatecommunication.This traitminimizes misunderstandingsandensures thattheirmessagesarewellconsidered.Researchshowsthat effectivecommunicationis essentialinleadership,asit fosterstransparencyandtrust withinteams.
• StrategicPlanning:Introverted leadersexcelinstrategicthinking duetotheirpropensityfordeep analysis.Theyoftentakethetime toevaluatepotentialrisksand opportunitiesthoroughly,leading tomoreeffectivedecisionmaking.Forinstance,Doug Conant,theformerCEOof CampbellSoupCompany,turned thecompanyaroundbyfocusing onemployeeengagementand satisfaction,leveraginghis introvertednaturetolistenand respondthoughtfullytohisteam.
• EmpathyandApproachability: Introvertsoftenexhibithigh levelsofempathy,allowingthem toconnectwiththeirteam membersonapersonallevel. Thisabilitytounderstandand sharethefeelingsofothersfosters asupportiveworkenvironment, whereemployeesfeelvaluedand understood.Astudyfoundthat empatheticleadersaremore effectiveatbuildingstrong, cohesiveteams,whichisvitalfor organizationalsuccess.
• DelegationandEmpowerment: Introvertedleadersareadeptat delegatingtasksandempowering theirteammembers.They understandtheimportanceof allowingotherstotakeownership oftheirwork,whichnotonly boostsmoralebutalsoenhances
productivity.Bytrustingtheir teams,introvertedleaderscreate anenvironmentwhereeveryone cancontributetheirstrengths.
StatisticsSupportingIntroverted Leadership
Researchsupportsthenotionthat introvertedleaderscanbehighly effective.Astudypublishedinthe Journal of Applied Psychology found thatintrovertedleadersoften outperformtheirextroverted counterpartsinsituationswhereteam membersareproactiveandengaged. Thisisparticularlyrelevantintoday's collaborativeworkenvironments, whereinputfromallteammembersis essentialforsuccess.
continuetoevolve,recognizingand harnessingthestrengthsofintroverted leaderswillbecrucialforfostering innovationandachievinglong-term success.
Moreover,asurveyconductedbythe HarvardBusinessReviewrevealedthat 65%ofemployeesprefertoworkfora leaderwholistensmorethantheytalk. Thispreferencehighlightsthevalueof introvertedleadershipstylesin fosteringapositiveworkplaceculture.
Real-WorldExamples
Severalsuccessfulleadersexemplify thestrengthsofintrovertedleadership. Forinstance,MarkZuckerberg,cofounderofFacebook,isknownforhis introvertednatureandstrategic approachtobusiness.Hisabilityto focusdeeplyonproductdevelopment andinnovationhasbeenasignificant factorinFacebook'ssuccess.
Similarly,EleanorRoosevelt,an influentialfigureinAmericanhistory, demonstratedthatintrovertedleaders coulddrivesignificantchange.Her thoughtfulapproachtosocialissues andherabilitytoconnectwithpeople onapersonallevelenabledherto championnumerouscauses,fromcivil rightstowomen'sempowerment.
Inaworldthatoftencelebrates extrovertedtraits,itisessentialto acknowledgethequietstrengthof introvertedleaders.Byembracingtheir uniquequalities,organizationscan createamoreinclusiveandeffective leadershiplandscape,ultimately leadingtobetterdecision-makingand strategicoutcomes.
Subscription CIO
Schuster
RussellSchuster'scareer
combinesprofessionalsuccess andpersonaldedicationto communityandphilanthropy Asa prominentexecutiveinRidgefield,CT, Schuster'sinfluenceextendsfromthe boardroomtothecommunity,where hisleadershipstyleandstrategicvision havedrivensignificantgrowthand positivechange.
TransformationalLeadershipat UnitedSiteServices
Impressiveachievementsand transformativeleadershipmark Schuster'stenureatUnitedSite Services.Whenheassumedtherole, thecompanyfacednumerous challenges,includingoutdated operationalpractices.Schuster's strategicvisionaimedtomodernize thesepractices,leadingtosignificant improvementsinefficiencyand profitability.
UnderSchuster'sleadership,United SiteServicesunderwenta comprehensiveoverhaul,transitioning frompaper-basedtodigitaloperations. Thisshiftnotonlystreamlined processesbutalsoenhancedoverall efficiency.Schuster'sfocuson technologyintegrationandprocess optimizationledtoa65%increasein EBITDAanda26%growthinrevenue overthreeyears.
Avitalaspectofthistransformation wasSchuster'semphasisonemployee empowerment.Byinvolvingfrontline employeesindecision-making processesandprovidingthemwiththe necessarytoolsandtraining,Schuster fosteredacultureofaccountabilityand innovation.Thisapproachimproved operationalefficiencyandboosted employeemoraleandengagement.
OneofthecriticalchangesHerman RussellSchusterimplementedwas usingdataanalyticstodrivedecisionmaking.Byleveragingdata,United
SiteServiceswasabletoidentify inefficienciesandareasfor improvement.Thisdata-driven approachallowedthecompanyto optimizeroutes,reducefuel consumption,andimproveservice deliverytimes.Implementing automatedsystemsalsoreducedthe needformanualintervention,leading toamorestreamlinedandefficient operation.
PhilanthropyandCommunity Involvement
Beyondhisprofessionalachievements, HermanRussellSchusterisdeeply committedtophilanthropyand communityengagement.Growingup inRidgefieldandlaterreturningto raisehisfamily,HermanRussell Schusterhasbeenanactivecommunity member,supportingvariouslocal initiativesandorganizations.
Schuster'sphilanthropiceffortsinclude coachingunderprivilegedyouthsoccer teams,volunteeringathomeless shelters,andsupportingcharitable organizationssuchasABetterChance ofRidgefieldandtheBoys&Girls Club.Theseactivitiesreflecthisbelief ingivingbacktothecommunityand makingapositiveimpactonthelives ofothers.
Schuster'scommitmenttocommunity serviceextendsbeyondRidgefield.His globaltravelsandexperienceshave shapedhisperspectiveonphilanthropy, inspiringhimtosupportinitiativesthat promoteeducation,healthcare,and environmentalsustainability.From swimmingwithmanateesinFloridato nearlyjoiningahelicopterteamin MachuPicchu,Schuster'sadventures highlighthiszestforlifeandadeepseateddesiretocontributetothe greatergood.
Schuster'sinvolvementwiththese organizationshasprovidedmuchneededcommunitysupportandoffered
valuableexperiencesthathave enrichedhispersonalandprofessional life.Heoftenspeaksabouthislessons fromtheseengagements,emphasizing theimportanceofempathy,resilience, andteamwork.
LeadershipPhilosophyand Principles
Schuster'sleadershipphilosophyis groundedinprinciplesofservant leadership,motivationalengagement, andagenuineconcernforpeople.He believeseffectiveleadershiprequires beingcorrectmostofthetimeand recognizingthatmistakesare inevitableandshouldbeexceptions ratherthantherule.
CentraltoSchuster'sapproachishis emphasisonbuildinghigh-performing teams.Hefostersacultureof collaborationandteamworkwhere eachmemberfeelsvaluedand empowered.Schuster'shands-on leadershipstyleinvolvesengagingwith employeesatalllevels,fromfrontline workerstoseniorexecutives,ensuring everyoneisalignedwiththecompany's goalsandvalues.
Hiscommitmenttocreatinga supportiveandinclusivework environmentbalancesSchuster'sfocus onresults.Heprioritizesemployee developmentandwell-being,providing continuouslearningandgrowth opportunities.Schusterhas successfullyledteamstoachieve outstandingresultsbypromotinga cultureofexcellenceand accountability.
Schusterisknownforhistransparent andcommunicativeapproachto leadership.Heregularlyholds meetingswithemployeestodiscuss companygoals,addressconcerns,and solicitfeedback.Thisopen communicationlinehelpsbuildtrust andensureseveryoneisonthesame page.Schuster'sleadershipstylealso
focusesonstrategicplanningand settingclearobjectives.Hebelieves havingawell-definedplanhelpsguide theteamandkeepeveryonefocusedon theirgoals.
PersonalGrowthandTravel Experiences
Schuster'sglobaltravelshave significantlyinfluencedhisleadership styleandperspective.Eachadventure hasprovidedvaluablelessons,from skiinginLakeTahoetoreconnecting withfamilyrootsinTettnang, Germany.Theseexperienceshave enrichedhisunderstandingofdiverse culturesandunderscoredthe importanceofadaptabilityand environmentalstewardship.
Schuster'stravelanecdotes,suchashis consultingprojectinFlorence,Italy, highlighthisabilitytoadapthis leadershipstyletodifferentcultural contexts.Thisadaptabilityhasbeen instrumentalinhissuccess,allowing himtonavigatecomplexbusiness environmentsandleadteams effectivelyacrossvariousregions.
Forexample,whileworkingona projectinItaly,Schusterhadtoadjust hisusualfast-pacedapproachtomatch hisItaliancolleagues'moredeliberate andmeasuredpace.Bydoingso,he wasabletobuildstrongerrelationships andachievebetterresults.This experiencetaughthimtheimportance ofbeingflexibleandunderstanding culturalnorms.
Histravelshavealsoinfluencedhis philanthropicefforts.Seeingthe challengesfacedbycommunities worldwidehasmotivatedSchusterto supportvariouscauses,fromeducation andhealthcaretoenvironmental conservation.Hebelievesthatby understandingandaddressingthese challenges,hecanpositivelyimpacta globalscale.
FutureDirectionsandVision
Lookingahead,HermanRussell Schusterremainsfocusedondriving growthandinnovationwhile maintainingasolidcommitmenttohis corevalues.Heplanstocontinue leveraginghisglobalexperienceto explorenewtechnologiesand strategiestoenhancebusiness operationsanddeliverbetterresults.
Schusteralsoseessignificant opportunitiesinsustainability.He believesthatbusinessesareresponsible forminimizingtheirenvironmental impactandcontributingtotheir communities'well-being.Aspartofhis forward-lookingstrategy,Schusteris exploringwaystoincorporate sustainablepracticesintocompany operations,fromreducingwasteand energyconsumptiontosupporting communityinitiatives.
Inadditiontosustainability,Schusteris focusedonfurtherimproving employeeengagementand development.Heplanstointroduce newtrainingprogramsand professionaldevelopmentopportunities tohelpemployeesgrowtheirskillsand careers.Schusteraimstobuildamore resilientandadaptableworkforceby investinginhisteam.
Schusterisalsoexploringthepotential ofemergingtechnologies,suchas artificialintelligenceandmachine learning,todrivefurtherefficiencies andinnovation.Hebelievesthese technologiescanprovidevaluable insightsandhelpbusinessesstay competitiveinarapidlychanging market.
FinalThoughts
RussellSchusterexemplifiesa leadershipstylethatharmonizes professionalsuccesswithapersonal commitmenttophilanthropyand communityengagement.Hiscareer
highlightstheimportanceof adaptability,innovation,andadeep respectfordiverseperspectives.As Schustercontinuestonavigatethe future,hisbalancedapproachservesas amodelformodernleadership, blendingtechnologicaladvancements withaprofoundappreciationfor humanvaluesandglobalinsights.
Schuster'sstoryillustratesthepowerof effectiveleadershipindrivingbusiness successandpositivelyimpactingthe world.Hisabilitytobalance innovationwithtradition,empowerhis teams,andprioritizesafetyandwellbeingsetshimapartasaleaderwho trulyunderstandsthecomplexitiesof today'sbusinessenvironment.Ashe continuestoleadandinspire, Schuster'svisionandvalueswill undoubtedlyshapethefutureofthe companiesheleadsandtheindustry
Schusterremindsusthatauthentic leadershipextendsbeyondthe boardroom.Itencompassesa commitmenttocommunity,afocuson sustainability,andadedicationto continuouslearningandgrowth.By stayingtruetotheseprinciples, Schustersetsastandardforothersto followandimpactstheworldaround him.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. , ,
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
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