10THE MOST INNOVATIVE
Revamping the Future, 2021 Leadership Redened Enroute to Success
MAZIN AHMED AL GHUNAIM
IntheProcessofEnablingHomeOwnershipforAll
Editor’s Desk
KeepingSpirits alwaysHigh
Knowledge,Perception,andUnderstandingof
everyleaderareunique.Somearetalentedin technology,someincommunication,andothers arejustbornleaders.Whileeachleaderhasaspecificskill set,he/sheisuniqueaccordingtoeachjobroleand company.Dependingontheirfieldandroles,someaimto promotebusiness,sometobuildstrongclientrelationships, somejustforprofits,andotherstoexpandbusiness globally.
WhenitcomestotheroleofCEO,heorshehastowear severalhats.ACEOfaceschallengeseachdayrightfrom salestomanagingclients,marketingoperations,finance, andhandlingthetechnologicalinfrastructure.Thekeytoa successfuljourneyofaCEOisconstantinnovationand passionforimpactinglivesbybringingdiversityand inclusiontotheorganization.Toachieveallthis,aCEO shouldstaygroundedandbeaccessibletoeveryoneby listening,learning,andwatchingasmuchashe/shecan. ThisalsoreflectstheunderstandingoftheCEOwithan openmindtocollaborate,withtheindustryexperts, regulators,andtheunderstandingofthecommunity Asa CEO,embracingnewwaysofdoingthingsisoftheutmost importanceinpersonalandprofessionallife.
Today,CEOsarenotafraidtoputthemselvesoutthereinto theindustry,tofindthemselves,andtogobeyondthereach ofthebusinessdynamics.Findingaplaceintheindustry cannavigatethemtotherightplaceattherighttime.A CEOispreparedtoworkharderasthecompetitionisfierce. Thus,learningfrompeopleandgatherasmuchknowledge aspossibletostaypreparedisanimportantqualityforany leader
Ultimately,alltheresultsspeakforthemselves.Many industriesarefilledwithsuchprototypeCEOsdoing wondersintheorganizationfortheteamandtheclients.
Thisisthereasontheindustryandtheworldneed moreofsuchinnovativeCEOstohandlethebusiness decisionsmoreaccuratelyandsmoothly,andthus, impactinglivesonagloballevel.
Insights Success valuesthecontributionsofsuch innovativeCEOsbyfeaturingtheminitsupcoming edition,The10MostInnovativeCEOsRevamping theFuture2021.
Withmanymoreofsuchexcitingstoriesbeing featuredinthisedition,thecoverstoryrepresents onesuchCEO-Mr.MazinAhmedAlGhunaim Hisleadershipcapabilityisbringingmorethan25 yearsofprofessionalexperienceinfinancialservices tofacilitateoperations,maximizerevenueand productivity,andensurestrongfuturegrowth. Moreover,AlGhunaimcomeswithanexcellent recordofachievementsinbuildingaswellas managinglargebusinessportfolioslocally, regionally,andinternationally
WefeelproudtohavetheseCEOsfeaturedinthis magazineastheirjourneyswillinspiremanymore CEOstofollowintheindustry Thiswillignitethe fireandbuildacultureofvisionaryCEOsinthe comingtimestobringachangeinthelivesofthe people.Let’srevealmoreoftheirstoriesnow
Haveahappyread!
Mazin Ahmed Al Ghunaim
In the Process of Enabling Home Ownership for All
Leader’s Viewpoint Franchise or Startup, Which is Better? Leadership Redefined Enroute to Success
16
JOHN CUSHING
Accelerating Decision Making with Data and Technology
24
LEIGH RUST Passionate About Personal Development and Constant Learning
32
MIRNA SLEIMAN Impacting Lives by Bringing Financial Inclusion
PAUL GUENTHER Leading with Inventiveness
36
SME-SMO
Circulation
Business
FeaturedPerson
ArlinSorensen CEO
DavidKelly CEO
DanielWilson CEO
JonWinsett CEO
JohnCushing CEO
LeighRust CEO
MazinAhmed
AlGhunaim CEO
CompanyName
HTGPeerGroups htgpeergroups.com
Brief
HTGPeerGroups'visionistoconnectleadersbyfostering authenticrelationshipsandopportunitiesforsharing.
KPS kpslife.com
KPSLifegivesSponsorsthecontroltheyneedtoexecutemore efficient,effectiveandsuccessfulclinicaltrials.
PSL yourpsl.com
NPI npifinancial.com
mnAI mnai.tech
SafetylineJalousie safetyline jalousie.com.au
Bidaya bidaya.com.sa
EntegraEuropeisamarginenhancementbusinesssupporting thehospitalityandcateringindustriesacrossEurope.
NPIisanITprocurementadvisoryservicescompanythathelps enterprisesidentifyandeliminateoverspendingonIT purchases.
mnAIaimstoreducethetimeittakesinvestors,companiesand individualstoidentify,andthenunderstandanindustry, businessordirectorsandshareholdersfrommonthstominutes.
SafetylineJalousielouvrewindowsarewellknownfor challengingandovercomingthedesign,safetyandsecurity limitationsofconventionallouvrewindows.
BidayaHomeFinanceprovidesseveralhousingfinanceplans forcitizens.
MirnaSleiman CEO FintechGalaxy fintech-galaxy.com
FintechGalaxyallowsB2Bconnectivitybetweenfinancial institutionsandinnovators.
MikeUtting CEO
PaulGuenther CEO
SpringTide springtide procurement.com
SpringTideProcurementfocusesonchangingattitudestowards procurementandgobeyondcostsavingstodeliverenduring valueacrosswholeorganisations.
KnowledgeHubMedia knowledge hubmedia.com
KnowledgeHubMediahelpsbusinessprofessionalsby providingusefulinsightandanalysisonthemostcurrenttopics acrosstheindustry.
Mr.MazinA. AlGhunaim CEO,Bidaya
Mazin Ahmed Al Ghunaim
In the Process of Enabling Home Ownership for All
Thethought,whatmakesleadersdifferentfrom others,oftenstrikesinourmind.Itismostcertainly theirqualityofmakingpeoplefeelinvaluable,not settlingformediocrity,isolatingthemselvesfromtheherd, challengingthestatusquo,andbuildingteamspirit.Itis theirjourneyfrominceptionoftheideatomakingita realitythatdefinesthem.And,whenwetalkabout innovativeleaders,theyliketodelivermorethanexpected.
Innovativeleadersaretheoneswhoarewellawarethat greatresultscomefromlotofstrategicplanning,sufficient preparation,anddiligentexecution.Theycastashadow overtheirweaknessbyplayingwiththeirstrengths.They diligentlygrabtheopportunities,makethemcount,and maximizethechancesofsuccess.Theyareconsciousof playingtheirroletothebestoftheircapabilitiesand makingthemostoftheopportunitiesintheirhand.Their innovativenesshelpsthemtorevampthefutureinacreative way Theyareconsciousofservingtheircustomersby leveragingthepotentialoftechnology
Youcanfindalltheabove-mentionedtraitsinMr.Mazin AhmedAlGhunaim AlGhunaimistherenownednamein
With the customer at the heart of everything we do, we will enable eachother, our partners, our shareholders and the broader community to support us in promoting home ownership for all. “ “
themortgageindustryinSaudiArabia.Currently,heis servingastheCEOofSaudi-basedBidayaHomeFinance. Hisleadershipcapabilityisbringingmorethan25yearsof professionalexperienceinthefinancialservicestofacilitate operations,maximizerevenueandproductivity,andensure strongfuturegrowth.Hehasworkedinleadingbanksand financialinstitutionssuchasSaudiInvestmentBank,Arab NationalBankandAbuDhabiIslamicBank.HeisaRetail Bankerwithwideexperienceinproductsdevelopment, processimprovements,customerserviceandportfolio managementcoveringPersonalLoans,Autofinanceand Mortgage.Moreover,AlGhunaimcomeswithanexcellent recordofachievementsinbuildingaswellasmanaging largebusinessportfolioslocally,regionally,and internationally
Weat Insights Success,caughtupwithAlGhunaimtoshed lightonhisentrepreneurialjourney,hisviewpointtowards thefinanceindustry,andhiscontributiontothesame throughBidaya.
DeliveringSomethingRevolutionarytoMortgage Market
ThejourneyofBidayabeganin2015.Bidayawassetup withavisiontoenablinghomeownershipforall.Asa startup,AlGhunaimmentionsthechallengesweremultifold.Amongstthefirstthingswasfindingtherightteamand
withthatinplaceitwasaboutbuildingastrategythatcould beexecuted.
AlGhunaimrecallsthefoundersofBidayasayingtohim thattheyneedtohave50branchesacrossthekingdomto getgoing,andhepausedandquestioned “How about having no branches and we build a digital platform to serve our customers leveraging technology.” Thatwasthe startingpoint.AlGhunaimwasconfidentthatwithayoung dynamicteamandgivenhisretailexperienceinleading banksacrosstheregion,theywillbeabletodeliver somethingrevolutionarytothemortgagemarket. WiththecustomerattheheartofeverythingBidayadoes, thecompanybelievesitwillenableitspartners,its shareholdersandthebroadercommunitytosupportBidaya inpromotinghomeownershipforall.
LivingbyValuesandDeliveringtoSociety
Talkingaboutworkculture,AlGhunaimsaysthatagood organizationculturesitsattheheartofanysuccessful business.BidayaleadershipteamlivesthevaluesofBidaya everyday Theykeeptheteamengaged,empoweredand mostimportantlyinapositiveframeofmind.Theylove whattheydoandwhattheydelivertosociety.
RespondingUnprecedentlytoUnprecedentedTimes
AlGhunaimmentionsthatwhathappenedwhenCOVID-19
Our customers are at the heart of what we do. “ “
pandemichit,wasaperfectdisruption.Thestateofthe equilibriumisnotinbalance.Inhisopinion,onlythosewho gotintoriskmanagementwereabletoreducetheimpacton theircompanies.
Financialmarketswitnessedunprecedentedmoves, equities,securitiesonecannameit.Itwasabigmessand ontopofthat,everyonehadtotakecareofthemselvesand theirlovedones.
Insuchcriticaltimes,BidayacreatedaCoronaRisk Committee(CRC)withanoperatingframeworkthat continuedtofocusonfive(5)aspects:Healthandsafety, businesscontinuity,cashandliquidity,communicationand disclosures,andstrategyandrecovery.WithCRCinplace, theboardofdirectorsandAlGhunaimhadanew navigatingtool.
ThistoolhasbeenBidaya’sNorthStarinthesechallenging times,asithashelpedittoalignonbothshort-termand long-termbusinessgoals.
BeingCompetentandDeliveringExpectedReturnon Equity
AccordingtoAlGhunaim,lookingatthefutureand developingtechnologiesareempoweringtotheconsumers acrossmarketstoaccessmoreproductsandserviceson demand.Hesaysthatbusinessesontheotherhandwill needtomanagebothproductvolumesandcustomer experiencesinanefficientmannersotheycancontinueto becompetitiveanddeliverexpectedreturnonequity.
EstablishinganAdvisoryService
AlGhunaimisproudthatBidayaHomeFinancehassofar financedmorethan6,500customersresultinginmorethan 24,000SaudiCitizensbeinghoused.
GiventhehugemarketfortheFirst-Home-Buyersegment, AlGhunaimstatesthathewouldliketoestablishan
advisoryserviceasacontributiontothissegmenttohelp andassistthemtotaketherightcallwhenbuyingtheirfirst homes.
SharpeningtheCompetencies
WhileBidayacontinuestosharpenitscompetenciesaround risk-management,ithasnotlostfocusonitsaspirationsof beingthelargestmortgageproviderinthecountry,bothin sizeandprofitability.Tothatend,BidayaHomeFinance Boardhasapproveda5-yearstrategicplan,the implementationhasalreadystarted.
BeinganIslamichomefinancecompany,Bidayahaswon fournoteworthyandprestigiousawardsinGlobalFinance magazine’sconsumerdigitalbankingcategories–Bestbill paymentandpresentment,Bestdigitalmortgagebank,Best insocialmediaandmarketingservices,andbestIslamic digitalbank.
Influencing
FactorsBehindGrowth
Whenweaskedaboutwhatpeople,orbooks,orlifefactors haveinfluencedandimpactedyouAlGhunaimsaysthathe hasbeenblessedtohavehadthefamilywhotaughthimto serveothersbeforeself.
“I am grateful for all the challenges that life has thrown at me and some inspiring leaders that I worked with. They all consciously, unconsciously shaped the man I am today”, he asserts.
RecognizingthewaytoCapturetheOpportunities
Thefinancialindustrylandscapeisreformingitselfasone speaks.Therewillbemanyopportunitiescomingone’s way.AlGhunaimadvisesaspiringentrepreneursthat ventureprivatefundsarethebestwaytogroupupand devolveideas.Hebelievesthatthisistheidealwayto capturetheopportunities.
CO VER STOR
John Cushing CEO mnAI
John Cushing
Technologyhasthepowertomakecomplicated thingsmoresimplifiedandsavethevaluabletime ofbusinesses.Itispossibletogainvaluable insightsusingthestatisticaldataandtechnologytomake calculatedbusinessdecisions.Technologyenthusiasts utilizethedataandtechnologytoacceleratethespeedof decisionmakingandtherebysavetheirvaluabletime.John Cushingisonesuchtechnologyenthusiastwhobelieves thatitisvitalforbusinessestobealignedwithnewer technologicaldevelopmentstoacceleratedecisionmaking. JohnisCEOatmnAI,agrowthstagedataandtechnology company.mnAIbelievesinaworldwheretechnology acceleratesdecisionmaking. John’sdaysatthecompany areincrediblyvaried-fromhelpingwithsalesthroughto productdevelopment,hisroleistoensurethatthestrategic aimsofthebusinessareachieved.
EnablingUsersTargetedInformationMoreRapidly
Likeanystart-up,thejourneyofmnAIfrominception hasn’tbeenwithoutitschallenges.Agoodexamplewould thesizeoftheopportunity:itwouldhavebeenveryeasyto launchbothaconsumerandanenterpriseproductbut, givenitsresources,itneededtofocus.
Today,mnAIisaplatformforinvestors,advisorsand corporatesthatprovidesinformation,insight,research,and duediligenceonallunlistedcompaniesintheUK.Itholds 7.5bn+datapointson7m+UKcompanies,applyingawide varietyofmachinelearningalgorithmsandfilterswhich enableuserstoaccesstargetedinformationfarmorerapidly thaniscurrentlypossible,oftencompletingwhatusedto takemonthsofworkinminutes.Asthisawardtestifies, buildingtheenterpriseproductwasdefinitelytherightthing todo!
AdaptingtoNewerTechnologyandPlatforms
Theimpactofpandemicisgenerallypositiveasthe pandemicforcedachangeinpeople’sperceptionofhowto work.Companiesandindividualshadtoadopttechnologies andplatformsthatenabledhomeworkingandgaveboth easieraccesstoinformationandbetterwaysofsharingit. JohnopinesthatmanyInformationTechnologyand
Servicesrelyonpeopletodeliver,maintain,andupgrade andhecanimaginethatforsometheirexperiencemayhave beenverydifferenttothatofcompanieslikeTeamsor Zoom,whichsawusernumbersswellasaconsequenceof theneedtobeabletoworkcollaboratively.
Johnbelievesthattechnologycanenhanceandsupport operationsforbusinessesandtheircustomersthrough innovationanddigitization,improvetheirinsight, accelerategrowth,andreducecoststhroughincreased efficiency.
RelentlessFocusonInnovationandExcellentCustomer Service
mnAIprovidesasinglesourceofunifieddatathatmakes dealorigination,duediligence,andcustomersearchreally easy.Ithasmoredatapoints,agreaterlevelofdetailaswell ashighspeed,whileitsGenderIdentificationtechnologyis trulyunique.
mnAIisacomprehensive,easytouse,andanefficient productatacompetitivepricepointwhichisbackedbya relentlessfocusoninnovationandcustomerservice.Every detailmatters,asthecompanyputsitscustomersfirstand aimtomakethemhappyatalltimes.
TheworkcultureatmnAIreflectsthismantra–being collegial,transparent,listeningtoeachotherandalways tryingtodotherightthing.Itscustomersexpect professionalismandintegrityandsodoesthecompany Theworkisdemandingbutsuccessissatisfying.mnAI encouragespersonalandprofessionaldevelopmentandtrust itsemployeestodotherightthing.
ActivelySupportingBusinessesAcrosstheCountry
Onapersonallevel,John,andsomeoftheseniorteam mentoryoungentrepreneursthrough1-2-1programs,or, whenasked,throughvisitinglecturerspotsattheirlocal collegetosupportBusinessStudiesstudents.Asabusiness, theyworkwithlocalGrowthHubswhichareactively supportingbusinessesacrossthecountryataverydifficult time.Inaddition,mnAI’stechnologyhasbeenadoptedand
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With billions of data points, mnAI’s award-winning technology instantly provides and filters uniquely accessible insight and analysis across sectors, companies, geographies and individuals.
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endorsedbyanumberofleadingadvocatesforfemale entrepreneurismandithelpsalltypesofcompanies measureprogressagainstanumberoffemaleinitiatives includingtheRoseReview
Startinganynewcompany,whetherintechorotherwise,is tough.Johnsaysthatthereisalreadyadecentamountof permanentgovernmentsupportthrough,forexample,SEIS, EIS andtechcreditsbutthereisnodoubtthatCovid relatedsupportthroughvariousloanschemeshasbeen enormouslyhelpfulandanyextensionofthoseschemes wouldbehelpful.
AValuableNotetoAspiringEntrepreneurs
JohnencouragesaspiringentrepreneurstoventureintoIT industry.Headvisesthemtobepreparedtoworkharder thantheyeverhavebefore.Hetellsthemtodotheirdue diligenceontheirchosenmarketandcompetitorstoavoid wastingmoneyandtime.Hesuggeststhemtotakeadvice frompeoplemoreexperiencedthanthemandbeprepared forset-backs!
ContinuingDevelopmentofTechnologyandScaling Internationally
mnAIisconstantlylookingforwaystoimproveits technology,sellitsproductandbetterserveitsclients. Thosehavebeenandcontinuetobeitspriorities.Asapure techbusinessmnAI’sentireinfrastructureiscloudbasedso, despiteCovidrestrictions,ithasbeenabletocontinuethe developmentofitstechnology.Recentexamplesinclude Insight,whichallowscustomerstogeneratetheirown industryreports,andGenderAnalysis–itsentiredataset cannowbefilteredbygenderwhichhashelpedmake compliancewiththeRoseReviewquickandeasy.Looking ahead,mnAIisalmostatthepointwheretheplatformis readytoscaleinternationally-ahugechallengebutonethat Johnhasnodoubttheteamisreadytomeet.
Enroute to Success
Thegreatnessofapersonorleaderhastobe
estimatedbyhisorherabilitytothriveeveninthe mostprovokingorchallengingsituations.Itisin thetoughtimesthatone’smettleistested.Anditisatthe sametimeonehastheopportunitytoproveone’smettle.It issaidthatpatienceisbitter,butitsfruitsaresweet.The moreoneisabletoholdone’snerveseveninthe challengingtimesandcontinuetofightforsuccess,the moreonewillbeabletocrossovereventhetoughest challenges.Liferewardsthosewhoputinsincerehardwork andstriveforachievements.“Aswesow,soshallwereap.” Successisnotthecakewalk,butitisaboutrepeatedefforts dayinanddayout.
Thereisnofreelunchinthisbusiness-mindedworld.One hastobepreparedtomakethenecessarysacrificesfor accomplishingsomethingworthwhileinthisworld, especiallyintheworldofbusiness.Onehastoaccomplish somethinginthisworldtoearnthetrustofpeopleand therebytobethewell-wisherofpeople.Onecancontribute alottootherswhenheorshehasgainedworthwhile accomplishmentstocreatehisorhercredibility The reliabilityofleadersincreasesingreatproportionwhenthey deliverresultsmorethanexpectedbyothers.Thereliability orcredibilityofleadersisdirectlyproportionaltothe expansionofthebusinesses.
MoralityistheFoundationforVictory
Greatbusinessleadersareawarethatitisimportanttolead withmorality Theyconsideritisveryimportanttokeepthe moraleofeveryoneintheirorganizationveryhigh.High moralehelpsintakingthemostcourageousdecisions.They understandthatitisessentialtodeliverwhatisexpectedby clientsorevenbeyondthinkingwellaheadoftheclients. Thisiswheretheinnovativenessinleadersplaysabigrole. Thatisthereasontheykeepitonhighprioritytobewell updatedwiththelatesttechnologiesandtheyarekeento implementthosetechnologiesintheirbusinesses.
Determination,Dedication,andDiscipline
Determination,Dedication,andDisciplineformabigpart ofsuccess.Thereisahugesignificanceofresolute determinationtosucceedintheworldofbusiness.The worldisfilledwithcut-throatcompetition.Tosustainone’s competencyinthebusinessworld,onehastokeepon improvingoneselfandeveryoneintheorganizationto createmassivesuccess.Thejourneysometimescanbefilled withalotofchallenges,butifonehasadeterminationto persistthenonecanachieveone’sgoalsinduecourseof time.Dedicationgiveslifetoone’spurposeandgoals.Itis verymuchsynonymouswithleadingwithpurposefulness. Thestrongerthepurposethegreatercanbethededication
toachieveit.AndDisciplineisthebridgebetweensuccess andfailure.Withoutdiscipline,nothingsubstantialcanever beaccomplishedinlife.Onehastopaythepriceofresolute determination,absolutededication,andhighdisciplineto besuccessfulintheworldofbusiness.
WhatNottoDo?
Asmuchasitisimportanttoknowwhattodo,itisalso equallyimportanttoknowwhatnottodo.Doingwhatis favorableforsuccessandavoidingwhatisharmfulfor successshouldbeavoidedatanycost.Forbusinessleaders tosucceedinthebusinessworld,theyshouldbewellaware nottowastetheirpreciousresourcesafterbadmoneyorbad deals.Theyshouldnotthrowtheirgoodmoneybehindbad moneyvianegativedeals.Theyshouldbecalculativeand shouldtakecalculativedecisionsrelatedtowheretoinvest andwherenotto.
HavingaRightMentoristheKey
Havingagoodmentorgoesalongwayinmakinghighvaluedecisions.Oneshouldchoosethatpersonasone’s mentorwhohasdemonstratedone’scharacterand competenceinone’schosenfield.Greatleadersarenotjust interestedinbeinggreatleaderthemselvesonly,butthey wouldliketocreatemoregreatleaders.Bychoosinga capableleaderasone’smentor,onewillbeabletoattain greatheightsinlifeinashortspanoftime.Onegood mentorisworthmorethanallthebooksinthelibrary.
Booksalsoplayahugeroleinthelivesofgreatleaders,but thehelpofamentorispricelessasonewillbeableto developoneselfmorequicklywiththehelpofagood mentorandavoidthemistakesthatpreviousleadershave done.Greatleadersbecomegreatbecausetheydon’tshyat acceptinggoodmentorsinlife.Theyareopentolearning fromall.Theyknowthattheydon’thaveallthetimeinthe worldtocommitallmistakesandthenlearnandthenapply Therefore,theyprefertoavoidmistakesonthejourneyby havingagoodmentorinlife.
Itisamarkofgreatleaderstodojusticetotheirroles, routines,relationships,andresponsibilities.Theyalsobuild suchatypeofcultureintheirfellowteammatesand employeesandstaffintheorganization.Thishelpsthemto achievegreatnessintheirbusinessbybuildingan organizationwithresponsibleandcompetentpeople.They leadbyexampleandwithresolutedeterminationandwitha goaltodelivermorethanneeded.Theythriveontheir purposeandnecessaryactions.Theydowhatneedstobe donewithduediligenceandtheysetthestandardsfor everyoneelsetofollowandthatisthereasontheybecome admirable.
Rust CEO, Co-founder and Director
Leigh
Safetyline Jalousie
Louvre Windows
Leigh Rust
PassionateAboutPersonalDevelopmentandConstantLearning
Innovativeleadersbelieveinconstantlearning.They learnthroughavarietyofways.Theyarefilledwith greatinsightsthatallowthemtomakesmartbusiness decisionsthatcount.
OnesuchinnovativeleaderisLeighRust,whois passionateaboutconstantlearningandsomeonewholikes totakecalculateddecisionsandmakethemcount.Leighis theCo-founderandDirectorofSafetylineJalousie-an Australianlouverwindowmanufacturer.Leighestablished thecompanyalongsidehisbrotherNathanin2010after theyspent10yearsworkingattheirfather’smanufacturing businessVergola.
DrawingInspirationFromGreatPeopleandAuthors
Leighhascertainlydrawnalotofinspirationfromhis fatheranduncleovertheyears.Growingup,havingbothof thesefiguresinhislifebeinbusinesscertainlyhadabig impactonhimandthepathhechose.
Outsidehisimmediatecircle,Leighisalsoinspiredby businessleadersincludingMarkBourisandSirRichard Branson.Assomeonewho’spassionateaboutfitnessand mindset,LeighalsodrawsinspirationfromDavidGoggins and"Jocko''WillinkwhoarebothUSNavySEALveterans andauthors.
Leighispassionateaboutpersonaldevelopmentand constantlearning,sohelovestoread.Acoupleofbookshe hasrecentlyreadwhichhehighlyrecommendsareTheArt ofResiliencebyRossEdgley,TheAlchemistbyPaulo Coelho,InOrdertoLivebyYeonmiParkandMan’sSearch forMeaningbyVictorFrankl.
WorkingTowardsSharedObjectives
InLeigh’spositionatSafetylineJalousieheisinvolvedin overseeingtheday-to-dayoperationsofthecompany, includingfindingandpursuingnewbusinessopportunities andworkingonnewproductlaunches.
Onethingthat’salwaysbeenatthecoreofthecompanyisa commitmenttomanufacturingitsproductslocallytokeep jobsonshoreandhelptostimulatetheeconomy.
SafetylineJalousieisalsocommittedtopursuinggreater sustainabilityintheindustry,anditbelievesthatthelongterm,environmentalimpactofaproductshouldalwaysbe considered.
Thecompanyiscurrentlyintheprocessofestablishinga group-SuppliersDeclare-toconnectthoseinthe manufacturingindustryandworktowardsshared sustainabilityobjectives.
CreatingCultureandHighMorale
Fosteringapositiveworkplacecultureisattheheartof Safetyline’sorganization,asLeighthinksitshouldbefor allbusinesses.SomeofSafetyline’sstaffhavebeenwithit thecompanysinceitwasfirstestablishedover10yearsago, whichLeighthinksisagreattestamenttotheculturethat’s interwoveninthecompany
Safetylineviewsitsstaffasfamilyandfriends,andwhen theyarebringingnewpeopleontotheteam,Leighbelieves thatattitudeandworkethictrumpstechnicalskills,as workingwithpeoplewhoaremotivatedandlovewhatthey doisgreatforthemoraleofacompany
OperatingonScheduleWithoutanyDelays
Leighmentionsthatthepandemiccertainlyreinforcedthe importanceoflocalmanufacturingwithflawsin internationalsupplychainsshowingandtherebeinga growingneedtosupportthelocaleconomy.
It’sgreattonowseemorecompaniesmovingtheir manufacturingon-shoreasaresultofthepandemicand Safetylineisproudtobeacompanythat’ssupportedthis fromthestart.Manufacturingitsproductslocallyduringthe pandemicalsomeantthatSafetylinewasabletooperateon
Safetyline Jalousie Louvre
Windows are well known for challenging and overcoming the design, safety and security limitations of conventional louvre windows.
schedulewithoutanydelays,whichwasgreatforits businessandcustomers.
Covidalsohighlightedtheimportanceofbeingadaptablein business.Asyouneverknowwhat’sgoingtobethrownat youinbusiness,beingabletopivotquicklyissoimportant. Safetylinewasabletocomeoutoflastyearinaperiodof growthandexpansionwhichhasgivenitgreatconfidence movingforward.
MeetingandExceedingStandardsConsistently
Oneofthebiggesttechnologicaladvancementsoflouvre windowshasbeenthedevelopmentofitsSmartAirSystem. Thesesophisticatedsystemsallowbuildingstobreathewith morningandnightpurgecycles,creatingbetterindoor environments-withnotonlybetterairqualitybutalsothe inclusionofmorenaturallight.
ThestandardsSafetylineworkwithininAustraliaaresome ofthehighestintheworld.Itssystemsnotonlymeetthese, buttheyalsotranscendtheminnearlyeveryclass.By carefulscrutinizationoftestdata,carriedoutbythirdparty authorities,thebenchmarkforSafetylineisnotjustmeeting keyperformancemetrics,butexceedingthemby continuallylookingtoimprovewhatitdoes.
Theproduct’sincrediblesealingcapabilities,whichremove humaninteraction,andtheefficiencyinwhichitcanbe installedarefacetsthataddtothealreadygreattriple bottomlinebenefitsgainedthroughusingSafetyline Jalousie.
LeighispersonallyveryproudseeingSafetyline’slouvre windowsbeinginstalledinplacestheyhaven’tpreviously, namelybecauseithassurpassedthecriteriaforthese buildingsandinfrastructureswithsuchgreatconviction.
ProvidingSustainableandQualityAirSolutions
Safetylineispassionateaboutsupportingsustainabilityin themanufacturingindustryandiscontinuallyworking towardsthisinitsbusiness.
IfLeighwastomakeachangeintheindustryitwouldbeto havemorepeopleconsideraproduct’slong-term environmentalimpactwhentheymakeapurchase,rather thanmakingpurchasingdecisionsbasedoncostalone.
Asacompanythat’scommittedtoprovidingsustainable, qualityairsolutionsforthebuiltenvironment,Safetyline Jalousiehasrecentlylaunchedanewproductwhichusesa cleaner,low-carbonaluminiumthatreducesthecarbon footprintperkgofaluminiumto4.0-lessthanaquarterof theglobalaverage.
ChoosingInspiringPeopleandCollaborating
Leigh’sadviceforanyonelookingtopursuealeadership positioninmanufacturingistoestablishastrongnetworkof connectionsintheindustry-somethingthatwillallowyou tobeonthelookoutforanyopportunitiesforcollaboration.
Hesays, “When you’re entering a leadership position, backing yourself and your skills is so important, as is surrounding yourself with people who inspire you.
I’d also recommend that you consider what initiatives or groups you can join, either as an individual, or on behalf of the business, which are in line with your values. For instance, we’ve recently joined the Living Future Institute which connects people working in the built environment industry across the country.”
Asonelastpointofadvice,heassertsthat, “You should make sure you are on the right side of sustainability.”
Franchise or Startup, Which is Better?
Ifyou’rewonderingifinvestingin afranchiseisabetteroptionthan startingabusinessfromscratch, therereallyisnoclear-cutanswer.It reallydependsonwhoyouareand whatyouwant.
Inaway,comparingafranchisetoa startupislikecomparingorangesto apples.Yes,theybothinvolvebusiness ownership,butthat’swherethesimilaritiesend.Therearealotoffactorsthat couldmakeeitheroptionamoreattractivechoicefortherighttypeofperson.
Twoofthemajordifferencesinclude thetimeandeffortittakestoopenfor businessandtheamountofcontrol you’llhaveonceyou’reupandrunning. So,howwillyouknowwhichoneisfor you?Here,weasksomequestionsto helpyoudecide.
HOW MUCH RISKARE YOUWILLINGTOTAKE?
Oneofthemainreasonspeopleseek franchiseownershipisbecauseit’sless riskythanstartingabusinessfrom scratch.Afranchisedbusinesshas
Don Daszkowski is the founder of the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), a membership-based organization with more than 1,000 Franchisors, Franchise Consultants and Vendormembers.
alreadybeenproveninothermarkets.Asaprospectivefranchisee, youcandoyourduediligenceto findoutwhatyou’regettinginto. Youcanreadthefinancials,talkto otherfranchiseownersandweigh theprosandconsbeforeyouever getstarted.Anddependingonthe brand,youcantalktocustomers orevenvisitafewlocationsand experiencethebusinessfirst-hand. Youcantastethefood,workout atthegymorusetheservice.Of course,thereisstillriskwithany franchiseinvestment,butit’smuch less.Astartupisanewbusinessthat noonehaseverheardof,beento,or hasbeenprovensuccessful.Youcan onlytakeaneducatedguessonhow thebusinessmightperform.Excitingforsure,butmorerisky
tegicplanning,andsomuchmore. Thesearen’tnegativesnecessarily, buttheydorequireafocusedeffort andlotsofresources.Somepeople prefertoputinthatextraworkto haveabusinessthat’strulyunique andinlinewiththeirownvision. Butothersdon’tnecessarilyhave avision,andsimplywanttoruna solidbusiness.
Withfranchising,allthatworkhas alreadybeendoneforyoubythe franchisor.Youwalkrightintoa turnkeybusiness.Ofcourseyou havetopayforitwithafranchise fee,whichcanbequiteexpensive— upwardsof$35kormore.Butmany, manypeopleseethevalueinthat one-timepayment.
HOW MUCHWORKAREYOUWILLINGTO PUTIN?
Withastartupbusiness,thereare manymoreunknownsandthings todobeforeyouevenopenyour doors.Youwillhavetostarteverythingfromgroundzeroincluding themarketresearch,branding, creatingthebusinessmodel,stra-
“With franchising, all that work has already been done for you by the franchisor. You walk right into a turnkey business.”
CANYOU FOLLOWA SYSTEM?
Followingthefranchisor’s systemisanessentialpart offranchiseownership.Noncomplianceisthereasonmany franchiseesfail.Ifyoucan’tcomply,thenfranchisingissimply notforyou.Thinkaboutit,the franchisoralreadywentthrough allthehardwork,madethe mistakesandrefinedthesystem. Allyouhavetodoisfollowthat provensystem,sowhywouldn’t you?Notonlyisitfoolishto disregardafranchisor’smodel, butitcouldalsogetyoukicked outofthesystem.Imagine,for example,ifaMcDonald’sfranchiseedecidedtochangethe iconicGoldenArchestogreen orchangedthenameofthe HappyMeal?Itsimplydoesn’t work.Consistencyisthekeyto brandingandafranchisesystem’ssuccess.
Ofcourse,franchiseescanmake suggestionstofranchisors,and often,manyofthosesuggestions cometofruition.Butanychange hastohappenatthefranchisor levelorthebrandiscompromised.
DOYOU WANTTO BE PARTOFA COMMUNITYOR GO SOLO?
Beingpartofacommunityis oneofthebestpartsofjoining afranchise.Franchiseesinthe samesystemcancalloneach othertosharebestpracticesand askforadvice.It’satrulyunique relationship.And,allgood franchisorsofferongoingsupport.Withafranchise,yougeta corporateteambehindyouwho isconstantlylookingforways toimprovethebusinessmodel withinvestmentsintechnology, ongoingtraining,andsupport. DuringCOVID,franchisors helpedtheirfranchiseesinmany ways,includingnavigatingthe government’sfundingprograms andalteringtheirbusiness modeltoaccommodatethenew normal.Whileindependent businessownershadtogoit alonethroughthepandemic, franchiseeshadsupportand guidancefromtheirfranchisor’s corporateteam.
Everyoneisdifferent.Tosome, thethoughtofstartingabusi-
nessfromscratchisterrifying, whileotherswouldn’thaveit anyotherway.Somefolkswelcomethesupportandstructure ofafranchisesystem,andothers finditlimiting.Italldependson whoyouare.Thereisnoright answer.Forsome,investingin afranchiseisabetteroption, forothers,startingabusiness fromscratchisthebestwayto go.Butonethingisforsurefor everyoneconsideringbusiness ownership:it’sabigmoveeither way.Makesureyoudoyourdue diligence.Ifyouwanttoknow moreaboutfranchiseownership,youcanseekthehelpofa CertifiedFranchiseConsultant whocanhelpyoudetermine whichpathisbestforyou.You canalsodointernetreserch,visittradeshowsandkeepupdated withfranchisenewsplatforms likewww.franchisewire.com whereyoucanreadfranchisee successstories,learnaboutfranchisebrandsandgetthelatest franchiseindustrynews.
IFPG Franchise Consultants help people determine if franchise ownership is the right path.
Mirna Sleiman Impacting Lives by Bringing Financial Inclusion
Greatbusinessleadershavetoadapttodifferent stylesandattributesofleadershipbasedonthe differentcircumstancestheyface.However,the oneaspectofleadershipthatneverchangesistheabilityto leadfromthefrontbytakingresponsibility Today,leaders aredrivenbyinnovationandpassiontocreatepositive impactthroughtheirtalents,skills,andabilities.Onesuch innovativeandpassionateleaderisMirnaSleiman.Mirna istheFounderandCEOofFintechGalaxy,theMENA region'sopenfinanceandinnovationplatform.Sheis advisinggovernmentsandfinancialinstitutionsondigital transformationprograms.Shehasmorethan15yearsof experienceininnovationprograms,governmentaffairs, investorrelations,journalism,strategicdigital communications,andglobalpartnerships.
DeliveringInclusiveFinancialServices
FintechGalaxywasfoundedintheUnitedArabEmiratesin 2018asaregionalplatform.FromdayoneMirna’sfocus wastousetheFintechGalaxybrandasanenablerof innovation,soshehadthedualresponsibilityofcreatinga platformandaspacefortheindustrytocometogether,and theeverydayjobofbuildingitsownbrandanddevelopinga scalablebusiness.ItwascleartoMirnabeforeshefounded FintechGalaxythatmovingtheneedleonfinancial inclusionwascriticalforArabworld.Therewasalsoaneed toconnectglobalfintechswitharegionalopenfinance platformthatincludesanAPIsandbox,afintech marketplace,andenablescross-borderopeninnovation. Theseimportantobjectives,whichultimatelyareallabout creatingafuturethatdeliversinclusivefinancialservices, serveasalong-termguideandtheyunderpinmuchofwhat Mirnadoesday-to-day
FacilitatingIntegrationofFinancialInstitutionsand FintechCompanies
FintechGalaxyfuelsinnovationinfinancialservices,drives ecosystemcollaborationandfacilitatesintegrationbetween
financialinstitutionsandfintechcompanies.Fromscouting todeployment,FintechGalaxyaimstobuildfutureof financialservicesacrossthe22Arabcountries.TheFintech GalaxyOpenBankingAPIsandboxenablesdevelopment, testinganddeploymentoffintechsolutions,offersa marketplacethatconnectsinstitutionstothousandsof fintechsfromacrosstheglobe,anddeliversmatchmaking andcrowdsourcingcapabilitiesthatsolvecustomerpain points,ultimatelyspurringdisruptiveandtransformative innovationacrossthefinancialservicesindustry
Fintech Galaxy is a regional platform that fuels innovation in financial services, drives ecosystem collaboration and facilitates integration between financial institutions and fintech companies.
Mirna Sleiman Founder and CEO
Fintech Galaxy
AcceleratingMovetoCloud-basedInnovation
Mirnaopinesthatthepandemichasclearlycontributedto theaccelerationofdigitaltransformationacrossevery conceivableindustry,andthewaythatorganizations interactwithconsumers.ThemovetoCloud,whichwas alreadywellonitsway,isexpedited,thankstothe emergenceofmyriadnewAI-poweredsolutionsand services.AIisnowbetterunderstoodbymorepeople, thankstothebehaviorshiftswehavewitnessedasaresult ofthepandemic.
WhereasbeforeCovid-19,manypeoplewereawareofAI anditsconnectionto4IRpossibilities,butnowmarketisin aplacewherebusinesses–particularlyserviceproviders–havebeenforcedthroughcircumstancetounderstandwhat itdelivers,andinsomewaysforcedtosharplyfocuson whatthesetechnologiesareandhowtheyimprovewhat theydo.
Therealityisthatcloud-basedplatformsareano-brainerin apostpandemicenvironment.Openfinanceplatforms,in particular,offeralevelofconnectivityandimmediacythat wasimpossibleafewyearsago.Businessescanpickup innovations,adaptthem,trialnewapproaches,andlaunch newproductsandservicesfasterandwithmoreprecision thaneverbefore.Businesseshaveadutytoengagewith newcloud-basedinnovationplatformsfullyand competentlytofutureproofwhattheydoandservetheir customerswell.
ProvidingtheEnablingWorkEnvironment
Aboutworkculture,Mirnabelievesthatifbusinessesdon’t haveapositiveworkculturetheydon’thavepositive
colleagues.WhenMirnahiressomebody,shelooksforthe personalityandtheattitude,therightskills,andtheright outlook:acan-do,passionate,andambitiousindividual.She thenwantstoprovidethemwiththemostpositive,can-do, enablingenvironmentwithinwhichtosucceed.She believesinhavinganopen-doorpolicyandafearless culturethatsays,‘neverbeafraidtoask,toquestion,ordo’.
EmbracingNewwaysofDoingThings
AccordingtoMirna,thekeytosustainabilityisinnovation andpassion.Sheneverlosessightofwhyshefounded FintechGalaxy:toimpactlivesandbringfinancial inclusiontotheArabWorld.Toachievethis,shestays groundedandaccessiblebylistening,learning,and watchingasmuchasshetalksanddoes.Thisreflects havinganopenmindtocollaboratewithindustrypartners, workwithregulators,andunderstandtheneedsofthe startupcommunity.Embracingnewwaysofdoingthingsis whatMirnapreaches,andasleadersitisofutmost importancethatwepracticeittoo.
BeingOpentoLearn
InheradvicetoemergingCEOs,shesays, “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Find your voice, build your niche, and get noticed. This is not about ego, but about finding your place within the industry so that you can navigate towards the right people and ideas. In ‘normal’times, I would work hard to attend panel discussions, speak at forums, and share ideas and experiences with my peers. That’s incredibly useful because there is always somebody else out there with a new perspective to learn from. The beauty of the digital economy is we can now do all of this –and more frequently – through webinars and other online forums.”
Paul Guenther
LEADING WITH INVENTIVENESS
Thegreatentrepreneursaredrivenbycore confidenceandcompetence.Theyarenotfearfulof pressure.Theyactuallycravepressureandthrive underit.Theyexhibitcourageandgraceevenunder pressure.Theyunderstandtheimportanceoffairnessand alwaysmaintainalevelplayingfield.Theydemonstrate logicalandefficientdecisionmaking.Theythink deliberatelyandactonconclusionoflogicalthought.They don’tletemotionscloudtheirjudgementordrivetheir decisions.Theyarerationalandpracticalintheirdecisions.
Thegreatleadersdemonstratetotalaccountabilityand possessanunwillingnesstomakeexcusesfortheir shortcomings.Theyknowhowtogetjobdone.Theyseize opportunitiesandmakethemcount.Theydon’trecognize failure.Theyknowthereareotherwaystoachievetheir intendedresult.Theyfindoneofthosewayswiththeir inventiveness.Onesuchpracticalandinventive entrepreneurisPaulGuenther.HeistheCEOof KnowledgeHubMedia,acompanythathelpsbusiness professionalsbyprovidingusefulinsightandanalysison themostcurrenttopicswithintheirindustry,andacross multiplejobfunctions,includingIT,marketing,finance, humanresources,mobility,operations,salesandmore.
MinimizingMistakesandMaximizingEfficiencies
ThemostofwhathasalwaysdrivenPaulcomesfromafew differentthings.First,completefinancialindependencefor himselfandthosewhoworkforhim.Second,total accountability.Third,anunwillingnesstomakeoraccept excuses.
Paulholdshimselfandeveryoneelsetothesamestandard. Herecognizesthatnobodyisperfectandeveryoneisgoing tomakemistakes,buttheideaistominimizemistakesand increaseoverallefficiencies.Alotofthishappensnaturally wheneveryoneunderstandsacultureofaccountability.
Whenaquestionneedstobeansweredoraproblemneeds tobefixed.Itdoesn’treallymatter“why.”Whatmattersis toattendit,andthatPaulbelievesindoingthatefficiently andeffectively
DeliveringEngagementOpportunitiesforClients
TheofferingsofKnowledgeHubMediaarediversebytheir verynature.Itscorecompetenciesfallintheareasor demandgenerationandcontentsyndication.Itoffers multipleengagementopportunitiesforitsclientsto effectivelyreachtheirtargetaudience(s)throughhigh impactonlineadvertising,contentsyndicationanddemand generationprograms.Itpromotesitsclients’whitepapers andwebinarstogenerateanddeliverhighlytargeted,highly qualifiedB2Bsalesleads.Aseachofitsclientshave differentproducts,solutions,andservices,theytarget differentsegmentsofpeople(andcompanies).Itsofferings arecustomized,fullytailoredtotargetfolkswithintheright jobroles–attherightcompanies–whoaretypically alreadyinthebuyingcycleforitsclients’solutions.
Generallyspeaking,theleadsthatKnowledgeHubMedia generatesoriginatefromcompaniesthatare,atthevery least,currentlyresearchingthesolutionsofferedbyits clients.Inmostcases,though,theyareintheprocessof evaluatingvendorsandgettingreadytomakeapurchase decision.Thisiswhereitcomesin,whereitreallyshines. Bypromotingtoverytargetedgroupsofpeople,itlinesits clientsupwiththeperfectbuyers,attheperfecttime.That is,companiesthatnotonlyhaveaneedandbudgetforthe productsandservicesthatitsclientsoffer,butthatarealso readytopullthetriggerandmakeapurchasedecision.
LeadingfromFront
PaulmentionsthatclientsofKnowledgeHubMediaareall veryunique–eveniftheydogenerallyresideintheB2B technologysector.Eachclienthasaspecificsolution,or
PaulGuenther CEO
KnowledgeHubMedia
groupofproducts,thatistargetedtoaveryspecific audience.Forexample,enterprisesoftwaresolutionsused byITpeople,marketers,salesteams,HRprofessionalsor financeprofessionals.Thetargetinggetsalotmoregranular thanthat,andthennotonlyarethejobrolesunique,butthe typesofcompaniestargetedarealsouniquetoeachclient. SomemightbelookingforSMB’s,whileothersmight promotetomid-marketcompanies,orenterprisesized organizationswith5,000+employees.
BeingatthehelmisalwaysinterestingforPaulashefaces withanewchallengealmosteveryday Thosechallenges arenotjustfromastandpointofsales(managingclients), butalsoinvolvesmarketing(toitsuserbase),operations, financeandhandlingitstechnologyinfrastructure.Thereis trulyneveradullmomentforPaulandtheKnowledgeHub Media.
Besides,thereadersofKnowledgeHubMediavaluesand trustthesuggestionsofferedbyitsexpertbloggers,trending newsarticles,andextensiveresearchlibrarytofacilitate strategicdevelopment,projectmanagementandtomake intelligentpurchasingdecisions.
StayingAheadoftheCurve
Mediaindustryisinherentlybasedintechnology,andas
“Make money. That’s the name of the game. If you are making money, and your employees are making money, and your clients and vendors are making money as a result of your business process, you are doing a damn nice job."
such,itisalwayschanging.Forthisreason
KnowledgeHub Mediaischangingandinnovating.Ithasexperienced annualrevenuegrowthyearoveryearin11ofits12years running,butPaul’svisionofthefutureisneverrevenueor salesbased.Helikestothinkthatinfiveyears,company willbeatleast“fiveyearsmoreadvanced”thanitisnowas acompany–justastechnologyadvanceseachandevery year.Optimally,though,Paullikestothinkthatit’llbe closerto10yearsmoreadvancedinfiveyears;staying aheadofthecurve,justasithasbeensinceitsinception.
BeingRealistic
KnowledgeHubMediaisveryproactiveaboutnever “overpromisingandunderdelivering.”Itforecastsforlead outputanddeliveryaswellasanyoneintheindustry,andit isusuallydeadon.Evenso,itistypicallyconservativewith theprojectionsthatitgivesclients.Thisprovidesanother layerofprotectionthathelpstoensurethingsgosmoothly anditkeepitspromisesintermsofgoals.
NotbeingAffectedbyExternals
Paulsustainshisleadershipjustthewaythathehasalways donethings.Hisleadershipapproachrarelychangesbased onwaveringcircumstancesorexternalforces–including thiscurrenteraofeverchanging,everimproving technology Tobeclear,though,externalforcesorchanges canhaveanimpactoncompany’sstrategy,forexample,or theproductsandservicesthatitcurrentlyoffers.But externalforceshaveverylittle–ifany–effectonPaul’s leadershipspirit.
