Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. - Warren Bennis Business
Business
Mujeb Amanzay
Founder and CEO
Omar Naser CEO
Samah Alafeef CEO
Tarek Halabi General Manager
Marhaba Cars Auc on www.marhabaauc ons.com Company
Descrip on Mujeb Amanzay is a globally experienced business leader with entrepreneurial skills, having founded and led more than five companies in the UAE and Canada.
Ziad Hanania CEO
So ware House www.so warehouse.com.jo
Metanoia Training and Consul ng www.metanoiatech.com CarSwitch www.carswitch.com
Omar Naser is the CEO of So ware House, a leading technology company based in Jordan, known for his innova ve approach and strategic vision.
Samah Alafeef is the CEO of Metanoia Training and Consul ng, a company dedicated to providing professional development and consul ng services, known for her exper se and commitment to empowering individuals and organiza ons.
Tarek Halabi is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the automo ve industry, currently serving as the General Manager of CarSwitch.
Hanania Investments Group www.hanania.me
Ziad Hanania is the Chief Execu ve Officer of Hanania Investments Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in various sectors, recognized for his business acumen and leadership skills.
Editor’s V I E W What Makes Today's Most Influential Leaders So Powerful? Trueleadersaremorethanjusttitle-holdersorfigureheads.Themostinfluential leaderstodayarevisionarieswhoareactivelyshapingoursociety,economies,and thefuturecourseofhumanityitself.Throughboldideas,determinationandanability toinspireothers,theyaredrivingpositivechangeandprogress.
Weseetheirimpactintheinnovativeentrepreneurswhodisruptedentireindustries andcreatednewwaysoflivinganddoingbusiness.LeaderslikeElonMuskat SpaceXandTeslahaverevolutionizedtransportationandspacetechnology.Weseeit intheactivistslikeMalalaYousafzaiwhochampionedhumanrightsandeducation reformthroughunwaveringcourage.Andweseeitinthepoliticiansanddiplomats brokeringcriticalagreementstoaddressglobalissueslikeclimatechange.
However,trueleadershipextendsfarbeyondjustthehouseholdnames.Inevery communityandorganization,thereareunsungleaderscastingvision,developing solutionsandempoweringotherstoact.Whatsetstheseinfluentialleadersapartis theirintegrity,passionfortheircause,excellentcommunicationskillsandaspiritof servanthood.Theyleadbypositiveexampleandinspirationratherthanpowerplays ornegativity
Fromtheclassroomtotheboardroom,civicorganizationstoworldwidemovements, influentialleadersarethecatalystsforchange.Theytakeonseemingly insurmountablechallengesyetperseverethroughobstacles.Theybuildteamsaligned behindacommonmission.Andtheyleavealegacyofprogressandimpactthat makesourworldbetter.Studyingthehabitsandqualitiesoftoday'sinfluentialleaders caninspireandequipustobecomethepositivechangemakersoftomorrow
Highlightingsuchgreatandinfluentialleaders,InsightsSuccessbringsforthan edition,‘The 10 Most Inspiring Leaders in Middle East to Follow 2024,' featuring visionarieswhoarepioneeringinnovativesolutionsanddrivingtransformative changeacrosstheregion.
Thisspecialeditionwilltakeanin-depthlookattheboldestandmostimpactful businessleaders,socialentrepreneurs,policymakers,technologistsandotherswho areattheforefrontoftacklingtheMiddleEast'sbiggestchallenges.Fromeconomic growthanddiversification,tosustainability,education,healthcareandmore,these influentialfiguresarecreatingnewopportunitiesandredefiningwhat'spossible.
Haveagreatreadahead!
C O N T E N T S Mujeb Amanzay Pioneering Automotive Auction Innovations Revolutionizing Alternative of Arabic OCR
Samah Alafeef
Transforming Organizations through Innovative Training and Consulting
Tarek Halabi
Transitioning Automotive Horizons with Tech Disruption
Driving Renewable Energy Solutions and Sustainable Development in the Middle East
Technological Advancements and Their Influence on Leadership
The Role of Emotional Intelligence on Leadership and Organisational Culture
C O V E R S T R Y Mujeb Amanzay Pioneering Automotive Auction Innovations With a passion for innovation and a recognition of the need for a transparent platform in the automotive market in the UAE, he made the decision to move back and establish Marhaba Auctions.
Mujeb Amanzay Founder and CEO
Marhaba Auc ons
Driving Growth and Customer Impact through Innovation!
Theautomotiveauctionindustry isadynamicsectorcharacterizedbyconstantinnovation andadaptationtomarkettrendsand technologicaladvancements.Asbuyers andsellersseekefficientand transparentplatformstoengagein transactions,companieswithinthis industryplayacrucialroleinfacilitatingtheexchangeofvehiclesthrough auctions.
MujebAmanzay,aseasonedentrepreneurandvisionaryleader,hasmade significantstridesinrevolutionizing theautomotiveauctionlandscape.With akeeneyeforinnovationanda commitmenttotransparency,Mujeb hasspearheadedinitiativesaimedat enhancingtheauctionexperiencefor bothbuyersandsellers.Hisleadership anddedicationhavepropelledthe growthandsuccessofhisventuresin thiscompetitiveindustry
UnderMujeb’sguidanceasFounder andCEO,MarhabaAuctionshas emergedasaprominentplayerinthe automotiveauctionsector.Recognized foritscommitmenttoexcellenceand customersatisfaction,Marhaba Auctionshasestablisheditselfasa trustedplatformforindividualslooking tobuyorsellvehiclesthrough auctions.
Let’s delve in to learn more:
RevolutionizingUAE’sAutomotive AuctionLandscape AfterfleeingthewarinAfghanistan duringthe1990s,MujebAmanzayand hisfamilyspenttheearlystagesofhis lifeinDubaibeforesettlinginToronto, Canada.Inspiredbyhisfather,an experiencedentrepreneurwho introducedhimtotheworldofcars, Mujebdelvedintolearningaboutthe automotiveindustry,particularly focusingonhowtheauctionmodel
worked.Withapassionforinnovation andarecognitionoftheneedfora transparentplatformintheautomotive marketintheUAE,hemadethe decisiontomovebackandestablish MarhabaAuctions.
Mujebtakesprideinhavingcreateda uniqueauctionplatformthatcatersto theneedsofbothbuyersandsellers alike.Overthelast5years,Marhaba Auctionshasexperiencedexponential growth,evolvingfromayardwith 30–40carstothelargestlivecar auctionintheUAE.Withover5,000 carsauctionedpermonthacrosstwo branchesand8yards,Mujeb’s dedicationandhardworkhavetruly paidoff.Despitethechallenges, witnessingtheevolutionofMarhaba Auctionshasbeenimmenselygratifyingforhimandhisteam.
Lookingahead,Mujebisexcitedabout thefutureofMarhabaAuctionsandis committedtocontinuingtoinnovate andimprovetheplatform.Witha visionfueledbydedicationanda desireforexcellence,heremains focusedonfurtherenhancingthe auctionexperienceforbothbuyersand sellersintheUAEautomotivemarket.
NavigatingtheAuctionIndustry Reflectingontheestablishmentof MarhabaAuctions,itprovedtobea challengingyetultimatelyfulfilling endeavor.Initially,asignificanthurdle wasfamiliarizingthelocalmarketwith theconceptofAmericancarsin
auctionsandelucidatingthebenefitsto potentialbuyersintermsofpricing, transparency,andconvenience. Simultaneously,considerableeffort wasinvestedincreatingboththelive (on-site)andonlineauctionplatforms. Ensuringtheseplatformswereuserfriendly,reliable,andefficient necessitatedextensiveresearchand collaborationwithvarioustechnology partnerstoensureoptimalperformance.
Anotherpivotalchallengerevolved aroundearningtrustinthemarket.As newcomerstotheindustry,itwas imperativetodemonstratereliability andtrustworthinessasanauction house.Thisentailedfosteringrelationshipswithbothbuyersandsellers whileupholdingastandardoftransparencyandintegrityinalltransactions. Despitetheseobstacles,thecompany experiencedsignificantgrowth, attributedtostrategicpartnerships, ongoinginnovation,andasteadfast commitmenttocustomersatisfaction.
Overall,thejourneyofestablishing MarhabaAuctionsproved transformative.Thefounderremains dedicatedtopropellingthecompanyto newheightsthroughcontinued dedicationtoinnovationandcustomercentricprinciples.
RevolutionizingAutomotiveAuctionswithInnovativeTechnology Mujebtakesprideinthecontinuous pursuitofinnovationwithinMarhaba
Mujeb takes pride in having created a unique auction platform that caters to the needs of both buyers and sellers alike.
The continuous growth and positive impact of Marhaba Auctions on its customers serve as a source of motivation for Mujeb to push the boundaries of possibility further. Auctions,ensuringthecompany remainsapioneerintheautomotive auctionindustry Amongthenotable advancementsisthedevelopmentofa user-friendlyappavailableonbothiOS andAndroidplatforms.Thisapp revolutionizestheauctionexperience byenablingreal-timeparticipation fromanywhereintheworld,allowing bidderstoengageseamlesslywithlive auctions.Moreover,theappoffers comprehensivefeaturessuchas accountmanagement,bidtracking,and accesstobillinginformation,enhancingconvenienceforbuyers.
Internally,MarhabaAuctionsleverages cutting-edgetechnologytostreamline operations,particularlyinventory management.Implementingarobust inventorysystemhasbeeninstrumental inoptimizingvehicletrackingand scheduling,ensuringefficient movementthroughouttheauction process.Additionally,theintegrationof aworld-classERPsystemprovidesa competitiveedge,facilitatingseamless customerrelationshipmanagement (CRM)throughcentralizeddata management.
Withadedicatedteamofseasoned professionals,MarhabaAuctions prioritizescustomersatisfactionby offeringpromptassistanceacross variouschannels,includinglivechat, emails,andthecallcenter.Embracing moderncommunicationplatforms, suchasMetaplatforms,themarketing andcommunicationsteamhas establishedachatcentersolution, enablingcustomerstoengagewiththe
company24/7.Thiscommitmentto accessibilityandresponsiveness underscoresMarhabaAuctions’ dedicationtoprovidingexceptional servicetoitsclientele.
FosteringLeadershipExcellence Inhisjourney,Mujebemphasizesthe importanceofself-leadershipasa foundationforguidingothers. Understandinghisvaluesandprincipleshasbeeninstrumentalinempoweringteammembers,fostering collaboration,andnurturingaculture ofinnovationwithintheorganization. Mujebbelievesthatleadershipisnot justaboutdirectingothersbutalso aboutsettinganexamplethrough personalactions.Hestrivestobearole modelforhisteam,demonstratingthe behaviorandworkethicheexpects fromthem.
CentraltoMujeb’sleadershipphilosophyisthevalueofopencommunicationandtransparency.Heencourages teammemberstoexpresstheir opinionsandprovidefeedbackonall aspectsoftheirwork.Bycreatingan environmentwhereeveryonefeels heardandvalued,Mujebbelievesthat histeamcancollectivelyidentifyareas forimprovementanddevelopcreative solutionstoovercomechallenges.This approachfostersahigh-performing teamdynamicwherecollaboration thrives,andindividualsareempowered tocontributetheirbest.
Mujeb’sleadershipstylereflectshis commitmenttocontinuousimprove-
mentandexcellence.Byleadingwith integrityandtransparency,hesetsthe toneforapositiveandproductivework environmentwhereteammembersfeel motivatedandempoweredtoachieve theirgoals.Throughhisleadership, Mujebnotonlyguidesthedirectionof MarhabaAuctionsbutalsoinspireshis teamtoreachnewheightsofsuccess andinnovation.
StreamliningAuctionExperiences withAutomation MarhabaAuctionsisdedicatedto providingexceptionalservicetoits clientsbyutilizingautomation technologies.Customers,whether buyersorsellers,caneasilyaccess auctionlocationstoinspectparticipatingcars.Eachcarisequippedwith uniqueinformation,includingmake& model,history,specifications, documenttype,andmileage.Accessing thisinformationisassimpleas referringtotheprintedlabelonany participatingcarandscanningtheQR code.Thecompanyprioritizes technologytoensureasmooth customerexperience.Withjustone clickontheQRcodeofanycar, customersgaininstantaccessto comprehensivedetails.
MarhabaAuctionshasimplementeda robustCRMsystem.Uponregistration withMarhabaAuctions,customersare automaticallyaddedtodailyrunlists. Additionally,thecompanydirectly communicateswithcustomersvia WhatsApp,sendingattachmentsthat includeimagesofallthecarsinthe upcomingauction.
Customershavethefreedomtobidvia theapporwebsitebytoppinguptheir accounts,enablingconfidentreal-time biddingfromthecomfortoftheir homesorofficesiftheyareunableto attendtheauctionphysically
NavigatingtheFutureofMiddle EasternAutomotiveIndustry Mujebisdeeplyinvestedinthefuture oftheautomotiveindustryinthe MiddleEast.In2023,thecompany expandeditsoperationswiththe launchofasecondbranchsituatedin thethrivingSouqAlHaraj(Sharjah AutoVillage),thankstoastrategic alliancewithSharjahAssetManagement(SAM),theinvestmentarmofthe Sharjahgovernment.
Recognizingthedynamiclandscapeof theindustry,Mujebnotesarising demandforUSandCanadianspecificationvehicles.IntheMiddleEast, carsfromvariousregions,including American,European,andKorean,each possessdistinctmarketinganddemand characteristics.Theregion’sgrowing populationfurtherfuelsthedemandfor thediverserangeofvehiclesofferedby MarhabaAuctions.
ForMujeb,thisventuretranscends merebusiness;itisapassion.Asa discerningobserverofautomotive trends,heremainsattunedtoshifts suchastheincreasingprevalenceof Americanspecificationcarsinthe region.Moreover,heactivelyengages withfellowbusinessmenandindividualsinterestedininvestinginthe automotivesector,recognizingthe opportunitiesitpresentsforall stakeholders.
Tomaintainacompetitiveedge, MarhabaAuctionsremainscommitted tostayingaheadofindustrytrends.His proactiveapproachincludescontinual
technologicalupgradesandthe cultivationofstrategicpartnerships.
NavigatingShippingDisruptions withStrategicResilience Currently,MarhabaAuctionsfaces shippingdisruptionsprimarily attributabletothepoliticalsituationin theRedSea.Despitethischallenge,the companyhasmaintainedoperational continuitythroughapre-established contingencyplan,ensuringthe seamlessconductofauctionsseven daysaweekwithoutinterruption. Recognizingthepotentialimpactof marketfluctuations,regulatoryshifts, andgeopoliticaleventsonbusiness operations,MarhabaAuctionsadoptsa proactivestancetosurmountthese obstacles.
Akeycompetitiveadvantageliesinthe integratednatureoftheMarhaba GroupofCompanies,whichencompassestheshipping,autoparts,andcar showroomsectors,allunderMujeb’s leadership.Thisverticallyintegrated structureminimizesrelianceon externalparties,bolsteringresiliencein thefaceofdisruptions.Emphasizing adaptabilityandtransparentcommunicationwithstakeholders,Marhaba Auctionsremainscommittedtostaying abreastofmarketdynamics.
Thecompany’sdedicatedteamremains vigilant,swiftlyimplementing measurestomaintainacompetitive edge.Throughstrategicforesightand proactivemeasures,MarhabaAuctions ispoisedtoeffectivelynavigate
Each milestone attained, regardless of its scale, instills a sense of pride and gratitude within Mujeb, serving as a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of the team. challengesandsecurelong-term success.
FosteringTrustThroughTranspar- ency
Inthebusinessrealm,trustreigns supreme,andMujebisacknowledged, prioritizingtransparency,userfriendliness,andreliability.An exemplarofthisethosliesinthe practicesatMarhabaAuctions,where ensuringcustomershaveaccesstoa vehicle’shistoryisparamount.During auctions,theauctioneersdiligently discloseeachcar’scondition,whether it’sinarunnablestateornot,fostering transparencyandbolsteringcredibility withinthemarket.Manyvehiclesalso boastapassingreportaffixedtothe windshield,instillingconfidencein biddersregardingtheirpotential purchases.
Recognizingthepivotalroleofsocial mediaandtechnology,Marhaba Auctionsrefrainsfrommisleading promotions,steadfastlydeliveringon promisesacrossallchannels.Arecent year-endcampaignexemplifiedthis commitment,featuringagrand giveawayofa1KGGoldBarwortha quarter-milliondirhamstoone fortunatepatron.Rigorouslyadhering toregulations,thecampaignwas officiallyregisteredwiththeEconomic Department,withtheraffledraw conductedinthepresenceofauthoritiesonDecember30th.Anencorewas madeinRamadan2024,whereanother KGofgoldwasgiventotwolucky winners.
Guidedbyprinciplesofintegrityand fairness,heespousesabusinessethos groundedintransparentdealingsand equitabletreatmentofcustomers.His overarchingaimistofostertrust amongusersthroughconsistent communicationandanunwavering dedicationtofulfillingtheirneeds.
AdvancingSustainabilityand CommunityWelfare AtMarhabaAuctions,theethos revolvesaroundacommitmentto operatingthebusinessinamannerthat fosterspositiveimpactsonboththe environmentandthecommunitiesit serves.Thecompanyprioritizes environmentalsustainabilityby advocatingresponsiblevehicle disposalandrecyclingpractices. Additionally,MarhabaAuctions activelyengagesinphilanthropic endeavors,extendingsupporttolocal charitiesandcommunityinitiatives, particularlyduringRamadanandother significantoccasions.Through sponsorshipofvariousprojectswith numerousassociations,thecompany underscorestheimportanceofgiving backtothecommunitiesthatprovide support,strivingtomakeatangible differenceinpeople’slives.
DuringthepreviousRamadanperiod, MarhabaAuctionsdirecteditsefforts towardssupportinglocalcharities dedicatedtopivotalareassuchas education,healthcare,andsocial welfare.Bychampioningenvironmentalsustainabilityandcontributingto localcharitablecauses,thecompany endeavorstoplayaroleinshapinga prosperousfutureforall.Withadeep senseofprideinitscommunity involvement,MarhabaAuctions remainssteadfastinitscommitmentto makingenduringpositiveimpactsin theyearsahead.
PioneeringExpansionandTechnologicalAdvancement Withafocusoncontinuousgrowthand expansionintonewmarkets,Mujeb Amanzayunderscorestheimportance ofenhancingtechnologicalcapabilities tostayattheforefrontoftheevolving auctionlandscape.Recognizingthe dynamicnatureoftheauctionexperience,heisdedicatedtoensuring MarhabaAuctionsdeliversthebest
possibleservicetoitscustomers.To thisend,thecompanyispoisedto unveilexcitinginitiativesaimedat elevatingtheauctionexperienceto newheights.
Asignificantdevelopmentonthe horizonistheexpansionwithinthe UAE,withfournewbranchesslatedto openinSharjahandDubailaterthis year,complementedbyastrategically locatedheadquarters.Mujeb’steamis diligentlyworkingtoensurethesenew locationscatertodiversesegmentsand areseamlesslyintegratedintothe existingplatformtoofferauserfriendlyandintuitiveexperience.As anticipationbuilds,heencourages stakeholderstostaytunedforupdates ontheseexcitinginitiatives,extending gratitudetothecommunityfortheir ongoingsupport.
InspiringGrowthandCustomer Impact Asanindividualdeeplycommittedto thesuccessandexpansionofMarhaba Auctions,Mujebreflectsonthe enrichingjourneyofwitnessingthe company’sstridesandachievements.A standoutmomentremainstheexhilarating360campaign,whereMarhaba Auctionsgarneredrecognitionas“The largestliveauctionconductedinthe UAE,”drawingwidespreadattention fromvariousmediaoutlets.Hefinds gratificationinobservinghowthe company’sdiligenteffortspositively impactcustomers,allowingthemto reapthebenefitsofitsservices.
Eachmilestoneattained,regardlessof itsscale,instillsasenseofprideand gratitudewithinMujeb,servingasa testamenttotheunwaveringdedication andhardworkoftheteam.Customer satisfactionservesasadrivingforce forhiscommitmenttoinnovationand leadershipatMarhabaAuctions. Recently,acustomerexpressed appreciationforthecompetitiveprices offeredbythecompany,typically30-
40%belowmarketrates.This affordabilityenabledthecustomerto purchaseavehicle,investinrepairs, andsubsequentlysellitforaprofit, reflectingthemutuallybeneficial platformestablishedbyMujeb.
Inconclusion,thecontinuousgrowth andpositiveimpactofMarhaba Auctionsonitscustomersserveasa sourceofmotivationforMujebtopush theboundariesofpossibilityfurther Withanticipationforthefuture,he eagerlyawaitstheunfoldingchapters forboththecompanyandtheindustry atlarge.
NurturingInnovationandTeam Collaboration Embracing adaptability and receptiveness to novel ideas are pivotal to staying abreast of ever-evolving trends and technologies, assertsMujeb Amanzay.
Heemphasizesthesignificanceof avoidingsiloedworkpracticesand stayingattunedtothelatestmarket dynamicsandeconomicconditions. Mujebrecallstheboldmovemade duringtheCOVID-19pandemicto secureanewlocation,nowthelargest liveauctionvenueintheSharjah IndustrialArea,asatestamenttothe rewardsoftakingcalculatedrisks, maintainingpositivity,honesty,and unwaveringeffort.
Furthermore,fosteringacollaborative teamculturestandsasalinchpinin achievingorganizationalobjectivesand ensuringalignmenttowardcommon goals.Offeringguidancetoaspiring leaders,Mujebunderscoresthe importanceofrecruitingcompetent teammembersandentrustingthemto executetheirresponsibilitiesproficientlywithoutexcessive micromanagement.
Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world. - Roy T. Bennett Focusing on Document Conversion to eForm, Same Design 100%, Arabic Searchable 100%!
Businessescannotthrivewhenvitalinformation
remainstrappedwithinphysicaldocumentsand papers."ThisrealizationpromptedOmarNaser, CEOofSoftwareHouse,topioneerinnovativesolutions thatrevealdataandacceleratedigitaltransformationacross theArabworld.
Naser'spassionforsoftwareanditslimitlesspossibilities tookrootatanearlyagethroughpart-timecodingprojects. However,itwas15yearsagothathefullycommitted himselftoSoftwareHouse,withthegoalofdelivering cutting-edgeautomationtoolstailoredfortheregional market.
"OneofthebiggestchallengesIsawwastheinabilityto seamlesslyextracttextfrompaperdocumentsandconvertit intousabledigitaldata,"heexplains."ExistingArabic opticalcharacterrecognition(OCR)softwarejustdidn't providetheaccuracyrequired.”
Thispainpointrepresentedafundamentalroadblockfor bothgovernmentandprivatesectororganizationsstrivingto modernizeoperationsandoptimizeworkflows.Afterall, accessinginformationtrappedwithinphysicalfilesisa tedious,error-prone,andinherentlyinefficientprocess. Naserrecognizedthatsolvingthisvoidrequiredalternative solutionto anArabicOCRsolutionpurposefully engineeredtohandlethenuancesofthelanguageand regionaldocumentarchitectures.Histeam'ssolution? Automationsoftwaresuite.
UnderpinnedbySoftwareHouse'sproprietaryapplications, automationseamlesslyconvertsusingBeehiveSuite,will enableuserstohaveelectronicdocumentwithfully searchable,alldataavailablefordecisionmakercanbuild
reportbasedonit.Intelligentdatacapturecapabilities facilitateautomatedinformationextraction,classification, andsafestoragewithindatabasesorcontentmanagement systems.
Theimpacthasbeentransformativeacrosshighly document-intensivesectorslikebanking,legalservices, governmentadministration,andmore.Organizationscan finallybreakfreefromtheshacklesofunwieldypaperfile roomsbyunlockingtheinvaluabledatawithin."Ourfocus isdeliveringtoolsthatempowertheworkforceand streamlineoperationsthroughautomation,"saysNaser. "Whendocumentscanbequicklydigitizedandintelligently processed,employeesgainexponentialproductivity,and businessescandriveinnovation.”
AstheArabregioncontinuestoaccelerateitsdigital transformationinitiatives,pioneerslikeOmarandSoftware Housearepavingthewaybytacklingfundamental technologicalchallenges.Withautomationplatforms bridgingthegapbetweenlegacyprocessesandcutting-edge capabilities,thefuturebelongstothosewhocanharness data'sfullpotential.
Below are the interview highlights:
Canyouprovideabriefoverviewofyourprofessional journeyandyourcompany’scontributiontothe businessworld?
Weworkedondevelopingsoftwarethatallowsredesigning (inaveryeasyandfastway)alldocumentsandpapersused indailyworkintoelectronicdocumentsandkeepingthe samedesignataminimum,inadditiontoaworkflowto automatedailyworkandmovetoelectronicwork.
Whatdifferentiatesusfrommajorinternationalcompanies operatingintheMiddleEast?Ourapplicationsensurea
hassle-freedigitaltransformationinashorttime(without anyoppositionfromtheenduser)andsupport100% Arabic.
Wealsoprovidecustomizedsolutionsaccordingtothe customers'requestssothatweguaranteethemadigital transformationwithoutanyissuesorchallenges,regardless oftheirtype.Inacommercialsense,thistopichasprovided uswithauniquebusinessopportunityandawidemarket thatincludesabout22countriesandapopulationof approximately473millionpeople.
Whohasbeenyourgreatestsourceofinspirationin yourcareer,andwhy?
OurscientistsduringtheperiodofthedistinctiveIslamic civilization,andthereasonfornamingourcompanyname isaftertheHouseofWisdominBaghdad(oneofthemost importantscientifichousesthatwereestablishedin Baghdad),andIamadefenderoftheuseofourArabic language,andIwantedtooffersomethingforthisgreat languagethatexceedsintechnicalcapabilitiesinall languagesoftheworld,thisdistinctionandgreatpotential foritrequiresadditionalworkforprogrammingcompanies tobenefitfromit,butWesterncompanieswillnotinvestin alanguageexceptbythereturnoninvestment,andthisleft gapsandissuesthatneedsolutionsWeworkedtoclose themandprovidesolutionsaboutthem.
Canyoushareapersonalleadershipphilosophyor guidingprinciplesthathavecontributedtoyourand yourcompany’ssuccess?
●Believinginthegoalyouseektoachieveandcommitting toworkonitregardlessofthedifficultiesandchallenges (andtherearemanyofthem).
●VisionandStrategy:Iamcommittedtoarticulatinga clearvisionforthecompanyanddevelopingstrategicplans toachieveourgoals.Thisinvolvessettingambitiousyet realisticobjectivesandempoweringmyteamtoinnovate andexecuteeffectively
●ContinuousLearningandImprovement:Iembracea growthmindset,constantlyseekingopportunitiesfor learninganddevelopment,bothpersonallyand organizationally.Iencourageexperimentationanditeration, recognizingthatfailureisoftenanecessarysteponthepath tosuccess.
Everyleaderfaceschallenges.Whataresomesignificant challengesyou’veencounteredinyourcareer,andhow didyouovercomethem?
●Financialchallenges:Ourbusinessrequiresyearsof workingthroughateambeforereachingproductsthat achievecommercialprofitability,andtheissueoffunding hassuffered.Whenwewerelookingforfunding,many investorsrefusedbecauseourbusinesswasnotclearfroma commercialpointofviewandtheextentofitsreturn (especiallyinthedevelopmentstages).Wefaceditwith patienceandsacrificesfromourteamandourfamilies.
●Challengesofinnovationandchange:Wefacedthe difficultyofconvincingcustomersoftheconceptofremote work;thisculturewasnotwidespread,buttheCoronaissue providedareal-lifeexperiencefortheconceptofswitching toremotework.
●Timemanagementchallengesandtimepressures:We facedmanysituationswherethecustomerrequiredcertain featuresinoursystem.Inmanycases,byworkingmoreand workinglater,itwassolved,butinothercases,wewerenot successful.
●Decision-makingchallenges:Weencounteredthemby gettingadvicefromothersandspecialists;themorethe opinionissharedwithothers,thecloseritistotheright one.
Couldyouhighlightafewkeymilestonesor achievementsthatyouareparticularlyproudof?
●Developinginnovativeproducts:Wehavedeveloped innovativeproductsintheArabmarketthatare unconventional;theseproductshavecreatedaddedvalue forusersintheArabregion.
●Workingonlargeprojects:Inthelastphase,we participatedinworkingonsomebigprojects,andthis createdakindofself-satisfactionthatourlongworkpath hadaresult.
●SatisfactionfromcustomersHearingwordsofpraise fromourclientsaboutourworkandourcommitmentto achievingthebestworkmanship.
●ProvidingsolutionsfortheArabiclanguageWeprovided somethingthatservestheArabiclanguageandhelpsthe Arabicuser
Innovationiscrucialintoday’sbusinesslandscape.How doyoufosteracultureofinnovationwithinyour organization?
●Encouragecreativethinking:Anyideasandsuggestions thataddtotheworkaretakenandused.
●Stimulatecontinuouslearninganddevelopment:Sending employeestotrainingcoursestostayup-to-datewiththe latesttechnologiesisofferedtokeepthebusinessup-to-date withthelatesttechnologies.
●Encouragecollaborationandinteraction:Respectand friendshiparetreatedwithinthecompany,whereemployees feelsafeandcomfortable.
●Providerewardsandpromotions:Employeeswho contributetothegenerationandsuccessfulimplementation ofnewideasarerecognizedandhonored,whetherthrough financialrewardsorprofessionalpromotions.
Whatkindofimpactdoyouhopetomakeinyour industry,andwhatlegacywouldyouliketoleave behind?
Weseektoachievesustainablesuccessforthecompany, leaveaspecializedandlargecompanyinthefieldof softwarewithhundredsofemployees,andprovide additionsinthefieldofArabic.
Wewouldliketoleaveadistinctivefootprintinthe businessworldintheArabcountries,andforthiscompany toprosperandbecomeoneofthecompaniesthatprovide technologiesandsolutionstoourArabworld.
Whatadvicewouldyouoffertoemergingbusiness leadersstrivingtomakeapositiveimpactintheMiddle East?
●Understandthelocalmarketandculture:Makesureyou haveadeepunderstandingofthelocalmarketandculture intheregionwhereyouoperate.Thisrequireslisteningto people'sneedsandaspirationsanddeliveringsolutionsthat effectivelymeetthoseneeds.
●Dedicationtoqualityandcustomerservice:Deliver qualityproducts,andprovidecustomerservice.
●Constantevolution:Bewillingtousenewtechnologyto developyourproductsandprocesses.
WheredoyouseethebusinesslandscapeintheMiddle Eastheadinginthenext5–10years,andhowdoyou plantostayattheforefrontofthesedevelopments?
Thelandscapeisshiftingto:
●Continueddigitaltransformation
●Growingrelianceonmobileanditsapplications
●Increasingrelianceonartificialintelligenceanditsuses
●Analyzingbigdataandtryingtoexplorethefuture
●Cybersecurityistakingupmoreandmorespace.
Stayingaheadofthecurvethroughincreasedinvestmentin newtechnologiesandcontinuousdevelopmentofour software.
Canyouprovideaglimpseintoyourfutureendeavors andprojectsthatourreaderscanlookforwardto?
ExpandingintheMiddleEastandAfricabyopening severalbranches.
https://softwarehouse.com.jo/en
Technological Advancements and Their Influence on Leadership Intheadvancingeraof
developmentsinthe21stcentury, technologicaladvancementshave becomeadrivingforceinreshaping variousfacetsoforganizational leadership.Astechnologycontinuesto evolveatanunprecedentedpace,ithas significantlyinfluencedleadership styles,decision-makingprocesses, communicationmethods,andstrategic planning.Thisarticleexploreshow technologicaladvancementshave transformedleadership,emphasizing thepositiveimpactswithoutdelving intoassociatedchallenges.
EnhancedDecision-Makingwith DataAnalytics Oneofthemostprofoundimpactsof technologyonleadershipisthe enhancementofdecision-making processesthroughdataanalytics. Leaderstodayhaveaccesstovast amountsofdatageneratedbydigital platforms,socialmedia,andInternetof Things(IoT)devices.Advanceddata analyticstoolsenableleadersto analyzethisdata,extractvaluable insights,andmakeinformeddecisions.
Byleveragingpredictiveanalytics, leaderscananticipatemarkettrends, understandcustomerbehavior,and optimizeoperationalefficiencies.This data-drivenapproachnotonly enhancestheaccuracyofdecisionsbut alsoenablesproactiveandstrategic planning.
ImprovedCommunicationand Collaboration Technologicaladvancementshave revolutionizedcommunicationwithin
organizations.Toolssuchasvideo conferencing,instantmessaging,and collaborativeplatformslikeSlackand MicrosoftTeamshavebridged geographicalgaps,enablingseamless communicationamongteammembers regardlessoftheirlocation.Leaders cannowcommunicatewiththeirteams inrealtime,fosteringamore connectedandengagedworkforce. Furthermore,thesetoolsfacilitate collaborativeworkenvironments whereideascanbesharedfreely, enhancingcreativityandinnovation. Leaderscaneffectivelymanageremote teams,ensuringthatallmembersare alignedwithorganizationalgoalsand objectives.
StreamlinedOperationsthrough Automation Automationtechnologieshave streamlinedvariousoperational processes,allowingleaderstofocuson strategicinitiativesratherthanroutine tasks.RoboticProcessAutomation (RPA),ArtificialIntelligence(AI),and MachineLearning(ML)arebeing utilizedtoautomaterepetitivetasks, suchasdataentry,customerservice, andinventorymanagement.Thisnot onlyincreasesoperationalefficiency butalsoreducesthelikelihoodof humanerror.Leaderscanallocate resourcesmoreeffectively,dedicating timeandefforttoareasthatrequire humanexpertiseandstrategic oversight.
EnhancedCustomerEngagement Thedigitalagehastransformedhow leadersengagewithcustomers. TechnologicaltoolssuchasCustomer RelationshipManagement(CRM) systems,socialmediaplatforms,and AI-drivenchatbotshaveenabled leaderstointeractwithcustomersin morepersonalizedandmeaningful ways.CRMsystemsallowleadersto trackcustomerinteractions, preferences,andfeedback,facilitating
adeeperunderstandingofcustomer needs.Socialmediaplatformsprovide adirectchannelforcommunication, enablingleaderstorespondto customerinquiries,addressconcerns, andbuildbrandloyalty.AI-driven chatbotsofferinstantcustomersupport, ensuringaseamlessandsatisfying customerexperience.These technologiesempowerleadersto cultivatestrongcustomerrelationships, drivingbusinessgrowthandloyalty
FacilitatingInnovationandAgility Innovationandagilityhavebecome crucialcomponentsofsuccessful leadershipinthetechnology-driven world.Technologicaladvancements provideleaderswiththetoolstofoster acultureofinnovationwithintheir organizations.Byleveragingideation platformsanddigitalworkspaces, leaderscanencourageemployeesto shareinnovativeideasandcollaborate onprojects.Additionally,technology enablesleaderstoimplementagile methodologies,allowingforrapid prototyping,testing,anditerationof newproductsandservices.Thisagility ensuresthatorganizationscanquickly adapttomarketchangesandemerging opportunities,maintaininga competitiveedge.
EmpoweringEmployeeDevelopment andEngagement Technologyhasalsoplayedapivotal roleinemployeedevelopmentand engagement.E-learningplatforms, virtualtrainingsessions,anddigital mentorshipprogramshave revolutionizedthewayleaders approachemployeedevelopment. Thesetechnologiesprovideemployees withaccesstocontinuouslearning opportunities,enhancingtheirskills andknowledge.Leaderscantrack employeeprogressthroughLearning ManagementSystems(LMS),ensuring thattrainingprogramsalignwith organizationalgoals.Furthermore,
technology-drivenemployee engagementplatformsallowleadersto gatherfeedback,recognize achievements,andpromoteapositive workculture.Engagedandwelldevelopedemployeesaremorelikely tocontributetoorganizationalsuccess andinnovation.
StrategicUseofArtificial Intelligence ArtificialIntelligence(AI)is transformingvariousaspectsof leadershipbyprovidingadvancedtools forstrategicplanninganddecisionmaking.AI-poweredanalyticscan processlargedatasetstouncover patternsandtrendsthathumananalysis mightoverlook.Leaderscanusethese insightstoformulatestrategiesthatare data-drivenandevidence-based.AI alsoenablespredictivemodeling, helpingleadersanticipatefuture scenariosandmakeproactive decisions.Inareassuchasmarketing, supplychainmanagement,andhuman resources,AIprovides recommendationsthatenhance efficiencyandeffectiveness.By integratingAIintotheirstrategic toolkit,leaderscandriveinnovation andstayaheadofthecompetition.
Conclusion Technologicaladvancementshave profoundlyinfluencedleadership, usheringinaneweraofdata-driven decision-making,enhanced communication,operationalefficiency, customerengagement,innovation, employeedevelopment,andstrategic planning.Leaderswhoembracethese technologiescancultivateamoreagile, innovative,andcompetitive organization.Astechnologycontinues toevolve,itsimpactonleadershipwill onlygrow,offeringnewopportunities forleaderstodrivesuccessandachieve organizationalexcellence.
Samah Alafeef TransformingOrganizationsthrough InnovativeTrainingandConsulting
“ “ If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.
SamahAlafeef CEO MetanoiaTraining andConsulting
A journey of technical expertise, social impact, and empowered mindsets!
Intoday'scorporateenvironment,aprofessionaladvisor intrainingandconsultingbusinessesplaysapivotal roleinofferingspecializedexpertiseandstrategic directiontoorganizationsfromavarietyofindustries.
Thesepassionateofficialsareinvolvedinconducting individualizedtrainingprogramsaimedatimproving employees'skillsandtalents,therebyraisingorganizational performanceandproductivity.Theyfocusonleadership development,projectmanagement,technicalcompetencies, andsoftskillstoguaranteethattheworkforceisreadyfor today'schallenges.
SamahAlafeef,theCEOofMetanoiaTrainingand Consulting,isawell-knownbusinesswomanwithan impeccabletrackrecordforinnovativeleadershipandwide knowledge.Shehadcreatedaplatformcommittedto transformingorganizationalparadigmsviacreative techniquesandtransformativemindsets.
MetanoiaTrainingandConsultingisanestablished provideroftransformativetrainingandconsultingservices. Theyalsoprovidebespokesolutionsadaptedtoeachclient's specificneeds.Theyworkwithclientstohelpthemupgrade andunlocktheirnewpotential.
Samah’scareertrajectoryisdistinguishedbyacombination oftechnicalskillandsocialdedication,andissupportedby asolideducationalfoundationinComputerEngineering andProjectManagement.
ThroughMetanoia,Samahhasaffectedavarietyof businesses,frombankingtonon-governmental organizations,bydirectingthemtowarddigitalevolution andefficiency.HerleadershipstyleisinfluencedbyAntoine deSaint-Exupéry'sphilosophyofinspiringenthusiasm ratherthanjustassigningwork,anddevelopingacultureof trust,cooperation,andsharedvision.
Samah'sinfluencegoesbeyondherorganization;sheisa designatedthoughtleaderandevangelistforinnovation. Herworkinspiresandempowersothers,creatingalegacy ofperseverance,innovation,andtransformation.
Here are some interview highlights:
Canyouprovideabriefoverviewofyourprofessional journeyandyourcompany’scontributiontothe businessworld?
SamahAlafeef'sjourneyintheprofessionalrealmisa symphonyofinnovation,expertise,andleadership.
Bolsteredbyherprofessionalcertificates,includingPMP, RMP,ACP,ISO9001LeadAuditor,GreenICT Professional,andMicrosoftInnovativeEducator,along withaMaster'sDegreeinProjectManagementEngineering andadiplomainhumanitarianlogistics,herpathhasbeen markedbyboundlessambitionandunwaveringdedication.
WithaBachelor'sDegreeinComputerEngineering,her academicandprofessionalfoundationfurtherstrengthened hercareer.Earlyexperiencesinwebdevelopmenthoned hertechnicalskills,whilehertransitiontothehumanitarian sectorignitedapassionforusingtechnologytoenact positivechange.
ApivotalmomentcamewiththeestablishmentofMetanoia TrainingandConsulting,aplatformaimedatreshaping mindsetsandtransformingorganizationalparadigms. ThroughMetanoia,Samahsoughttochangethewayof thinking,challengingconventionalapproachesand fosteringacultureofinnovationandadaptability
Asaconsultant,Samah'sexpertisespansdiverseindustries, guidingorganizationsrangingfrombankingtoNGOs.At Metanoia,sheorchestratestransformativestrategies, empoweringbusinessestonavigatecomplexitiesand embracedigitalevolution.
Beyondtitlesandaccolades,Samah'simpactisfeltthrough herthoughtleadershipandadvocacyefforts.Whether speakingatprestigiousconferencesorengagingwith professionalassociations,shechampionsinnovation, inspiringotherstopushboundariesandredefinenorms.
Inessence,SamahKamalAlafeef'sjourneyepitomizesa fusionofvisionandaction—amasterpieceofresilience, ingenuity,andasteadfastcommitmenttoshapingabrighter futureintheever-evolvingtapestryofthebusinessworld.
Whohasbeenyourgreatestsourceofinspirationin yourcareer,andwhy?
Inthetapestryofmycareer,myfather'sinfluenceisthe liberatingbrushstrokeoffreedomandtrust.Likeanartist withaboundlesscanvas,hebestoweduponmethefreedom toexploreandthetrusttocreate,nurturingaspirit unrestrainedbylimits.
Inhistrust,Ifoundthecouragetochartmyowncourseand todancetotherhythmofmyownheartbeat.Hispresence, wisdom,andbeliefinmypotentialhavebeenthe cornerstonesofmyprofessionalsuccess,ignitingaflame withinmethatcontinuestoilluminatemypathtothisday. Asachild,Iwouldwatchinaweasmyfather,Kamal Alafeef,navigatedthecomplexitiesoflifewithgrace, resilience,anddeterminationtocarveoutabetterfuturefor
ourfamily.Hisjourneywasevidenceofthedetermined humanspirit.
Bornintohumblebeginnings,heencounteredchallenges alongtheway Yet,inthefaceofhardship,heremained steadfastinhiscommitmenttoprovidingforhislovedones withdetermination.Whattrulysetshimapartishis profoundcapacityforkindness,empathy,andselflessness. Despitethemisfortunes,heneverwaveredinhis commitmenttoofferingahelpinghandtothoseinneedand spreadingkindnesswhereverhewent.
Myfatherdemonstratedthetransformativepowerof resilience,perseverance,andunwaveringfaith.Hisbeliefin mypotentialhasbeenaconstantsourceofstrength, empoweringmetoovercomeobstaclesandstrivefor excellenceinallendeavors.
Inmomentsofdoubtanduncertainty,hiswordsof encouragementandwisdomhaveservedasaguidinglight, illuminatingmypathandinstillinginmethecourageto forgeahead,nomattertheodds.AsIreflectonmyjourney, IamremindedofthecountlesslessonsIhavelearnedfrom myfather—lessonsofresilience,integrity,andcompassion thathaveshapedmeintothepersonIamtoday
Canyoushareapersonalleadershipphilosophyor guidingprinciplesthathavecontributedtoyouand yourcompany’ssuccess?
Intheartofleadership,IembraceAntoinedeSaintExupéry'swisdom:“Ifyouwanttobuildaship,don't drumuppeopletocollectwoodanddon'tassignthem tasksandwork,butratherteachthemtolongforthe endlessimmensityofthesea.”
Myphilosophyissimple:inspirepassion,nottasks.Ilead byfosteringacultureoftrust,collaboration,andshared vision,empoweringeveryonetorealizetheirpotentialand contributeauthentically
Byembodyingtransparency,integrity,andaccountability,I setastandardofexcellencethatinspiresotherstogreatness. Success,tome,isnotjustaboutoutcomesbutthe journey—acollectivequestforgrowth,innovation,and meaningfulimpact.
Everyleaderfaceschallenges.Whataresomesignificant challengesyou’veencounteredinyourcareer,andhow didyouovercomethem?
ThefirstchallengeIwouldmentionisthelackofguidance andlearningresources.Theabsenceofmentorshipand supportposedasignificantobstacleintheearlystagesof establishingmybusiness.
Inaddition,governmentregulationswerelimitingand disruptive.Regulatoryconstraintspresenthurdlesto businessinnovationandgrowth.
Also,lackoffundscompelledmetofinancemybusiness frompersonalsavings,posingastrainonfinancial resources.Imaintainedasteadfastcommitment,leveraging everyopportunitytoinvestintherealizationofmy entrepreneurialvision.Iwasworkingmultiplejobsbesides mybusiness.
Thegeographicdistanceandcentralizationofopportunities inAmmanwereanotherchallenge.Thegeographical distancebetweenmyhometownofJarash,whereIwas livingforthepastfewyears,andthecapitalcityofAmman posedlogisticalchallenges,particularlyinaccessing opportunitiesandemployment.Commutingbetweenthe twocitiesdemandedeffectivetimemanagement,physical effort,andlimitationstoovercomelogisticalhurdles.
Thepost-coronaviruseraintroducedadditional complexities,includingstringentpermitsandregulations forcommutingbetweencities.
Despitethechallenges,Iadaptedtotheevolvinglandscape withresilienceanddetermination,devisinginnovative solutionstoovercomelogisticalbarriers.
Couldyouhighlightafewkeymilestonesor achievementsthatyouareparticularlyproudof?
Iamparticularlyproudofseveralkeymilestonesand achievementsthathaveshapedmycareerjourney.Firstly, deliveringmyinauguralspeechatMENAICT,amajor conference,markedapivotalmomentinmypublic speakingtrajectory,settingthestageforengagementsat prestigiousinternationaleventsliketheDNNSUMMITin Florida,IIISE,PMIJO,BeckerHospitalConferenceUSA, DEVAIConferenceUSA,andGESSDUBAI.
Theseopportunitiesnotonlyallowedmetoshareinsights onaglobalplatformbutalsosolidifiedmypresenceasa thoughtleaderinmyfield.Moreover,beingrecognizedby variousmediaoutlets,includingTVandradiointerviews acrosstheUSA,Lebanon,Jordan,andtheUAE,hasbeen immenselygratifying.Thisrecognitionunderscoredthe credibilityofmyworkandfueledmymotivationto continuedeliveringqualitywithouttheneedforselfpromotion,emphasizingtheimportanceofreputationand integrity.
Securingmyfirstconsultationcontractafteronly1.5years ofexperiencewasanothersignificantachievement.Despite myyouth,Iearnedthetrustandrespectofbusinessleaders, establishingmyselfasareliableandskilledconsultant. Additionally,mycontributionstoeducationandinnovation, suchasfoundingtheroboticsclubattheUniversityof JordanandwinningtheTriptoInnovationcompetition, highlightmycommitmenttofosteringcreativityand learning.Furthermore,beingheadhuntedbyinternational organizationslikeIFGICT,MyrideBoston,Boston HealthcareCloudCommunity,andCognitroAnalyticsUSA toworkasaconsultantspeaksvolumesabouttheglobal recognitionofmyexpertise.
ImplementingAgileScrummethodologyduringmytenure withtheUNHCRMENAbureauwasasourceofpride.This initiativedemonstratedmydedicationtodrivingefficiency andinnovationinprojectmanagement,ultimatelyleading toenhancedoutcomes.Overall,theseachievements representsignificantmilestonesinmycareerjourney,each contributingtomyprofessionalgrowth,expertise,and impactinthefield.
Innovationiscrucialintoday’sbusinesslandscape.How doyoufosteracultureofinnovationwithinyour organization?
FosteringacultureofinnovationatMetanoiaisabout ignitingasenseofagency,self-belief,andempowerment withineachteammember.It'saboutcreatingan environmentwhereindividualsfeelencouragedand empoweredtosharetheirideasboldlyandtakeownership oftheirwork—anewwayofthinkingthatdrivesus forward.Witnessingthistransformationfillsmewithpride asIseeindividualsembracetheirpotentialandtake courageousstepsforward.
Empoweringmyteamtotakerisksandpursuetheirdreams isfundamentaltoourethos.I'veseenhowself-beliefand autonomyfuelinnovationasindividualsembracethe metanoiaconceptoftransformationandbringtheirideasto life.Celebratinginnovationisn'tjustaboutrecognizing achievements;it'sabouthonoringthecourageittakesto challengethestatusquoandpushboundaries—aprinciple attheheartofourslogan,“ANewWayofThinking.”
Embracingdiversityandinclusionisessentialfor innovationatMetanoia.Byvaluingdiverseperspectives, wecreatearichtapestryofideasthatdrivecreativity forward.Intheend,fosteringacultureofinnovationisn't justaboutbusinesssuccess;it'saboutempowering individualstobelieveinthemselves,embracetheiragency, andrealizetheirfullpotential—ajourneythatdefinesusat Metanoia.
Whatkindofimpactdoyouhopetomakeinyour industry,andwhatlegacywouldyouliketoleave behind?
TheimpactIstrivetomakeinmyindustrytranscendsmere businesssuccess—it'saboutignitingaprofound transformationintheheartsandmindsofindividuals.My ultimategoalistoempowerpeopletorecognizetheir intrinsicvalue,embracetheirself-worth,andunleashtheir untappedpotential.Throughtrainingandconsulting,I foundedMetanoiawithasingularpurpose:toliberate individualsfromtheshacklesoflimitingself-images imposedbytheirupbringingandsurroundings.
Forme,thisjourneyisdeeplyrootedinaprofoundbeliefin ourcollectivepurposeashumanbeings—thedivine mandateofbeing"Khalifa," orstewardsoftheEarth.It's aboutguidingindividualsonapathofself-discovery, helpingthemuncovertheirlife'scalling,andaligningtheir actionswiththeirdeepestpassionsandconvictions.
Myownlifecallingisclear:tobeacatalystfor transformation,toinspireandempowerotherstorecognize theirpurposefulnessandtoembarkontheiruniquemission onEarth.Ienvisionalegacydefinednotbyhonorsor achievementsbutbythecountlesslivestouchedand transformedbythelightofself-awarenessand empowerment.
Iaspiretoberememberednotasamerefigurebutasa beaconofhopeandinspiration—acandlethatignitesthe fireofpossibilityandresiliencewithineverysoulI encounter.Mygreatestdesireisforindividualstocarrythe flameofself-beliefandpurposeforward,illuminatingtheir pathsandthoseofotherslongafterourpathshavecrossed. Throughmetanoia,Iaimtoleavebehindalegacyof empowerment,self-discovery,andunwaveringbeliefinthe boundlesspotentialofthehumanspirit.
Whatadvicewouldyouoffertoemergingbusiness leadersstrivingtomakeapositiveimpactintheMiddle East?
"Believeyoucan,andyou'rehalfwaythere."–Theodore RooseveltEmbracePurpose:Groundyourleadership journeywithaclearsenseofpurposeandmission.Letyour passiondriveyou,ignitingafirewithinthatinspiresothers tojoinyourcause.
"Alonewecandosolittle;togetherwecandosomuch."HelenKellerFosterCollaboration:Recognizethepowerof collaborationinachievingsharedgoals.Seekout opportunitiestoconnectwithothers,leveragingcollective strengthstocreateagreaterimpact.
"Inthemiddleofdifficultyliesopportunity."-Albert EinsteinEmbodyResilience:Understandthatchallenges areinevitable.Embraceresilience,viewobstaclesas opportunitiesforgrowth,andletyourdeterminationshine through.
"Ourabilitytoreachunityindiversitywillbethebeauty andtestofourcivilization."–MahatmaGandhi.
CultivateCulturalIntelligence:Respectandappreciate diversity,fosteringaninclusiveenvironmentwhereevery voiceisheardandvalued.
"Integrityisdoingtherightthing,evenwhennooneis watching."–C.S.LewisLeadwithIntegrity:Upholdhigh ethicalstandards,demonstratingtransparencyand accountabilityinallyourinteractions.
"Educationisthepassporttothefuture,fortomorrow belongstothosewhoprepareforittoday."–MalcolmX InvestinLearning:Committocontinuouslearningand development,stayinginformedaboutindustrytrendsand bestpractices.
"Thebestwaytofindyourselfistoloseyourselfinthe serviceofothers."–MahatmaGandhiPrioritizeSocial Responsibility:Recognizeyourroleinsociety,givingback toyourcommunityandsupportingcausesthatmakea positiveimpact.Together,let'screateabrighterfuturefor all.
WheredoyouseethebusinesslandscapeintheMiddle Eastheadinginthenext5-10years,andhowdoyou plantostayattheforefrontofthesedevelopments?
Inthenext5-10years,theMiddleEast'sbusinesslandscape willundergosignificantglobalizationandtechnological advancements,offeringimmensegrowthopportunities.As theregioncontinuestopositionitselfasahubfor
innovationandinvestment,Ienvisiondynamicgrowth acrossvarioussectors.Metanoiaispoisedtobealeaderin thistransformationwithastrategicplanthatemphasizes globalexpansionwhilemaintainingagilityandresilience. Ourexpansionstrategyinvolvesestablishingastrong presencebothwithinandbeyondtheMiddleEast, leveragingcollaborationswithinternationalorganizations. OurcurrentpartnershipswiththeArabLeagueandIFGICT demonstrateourcommitmenttoglobalengagement,andwe willcontinuetofostersuchalliancestoenhanceour competitivenessandamplifyourimpact.
Throughrelentlessinnovation,sustainablepractices,anda steadfastcommitmenttosocialresponsibility,Metanoiais poisedtoshapethefutureofbusinessgloballywhile remainingtruetoourcorevaluesandvision.
Canyouprovideaglimpseintoyourfutureendeavors andprojectsthatourreaderscanlookforwardto?
OnlineLearningPlatform:Weareexcitedtoannouncethe launchofouronlineplatform,offeringcomprehensive trainingprograms,learningpaths,andexamsimulators. Designedtoempowerindividualswiththeskillsand knowledgeneededtosucceedintoday'scompetitive landscape,ourplatformwillprovideaccessibleandflexible learningopportunitiesforprofessionalsworldwide.
CommunityGatheringsandCoffeeTalks:Joinusforour communitygatheringsandcoffeetalks,whereindividuals cancometogethertobrainstorm,shareideas,andtransform throughopendialogueandcollaboration.Byaccepting diverseperspectivesandlisteningtodifferentviews,we createanenvironmentthatfosterscreativity,innovation, andpersonalgrowth.
UniversitySocialResponsibility:Wearecommittedto supportingstudentsinshapingtheirprofessionalidentities andacquiringessentialskillsnotcoveredintraditional educationsystems.Throughouruniversitysocial responsibilityinitiatives,weprovidementorship,training, andresourcestoempowerthenextgenerationofleaders andinnovators.
Insummary,thefutureholdsawealthofopportunitiesfor Metanoiaandourcommunitytoexplore.Fromonline learningplatformsandcommunityengagementinitiatives touniversitysocialresponsibility,weareexcitedtoembark onthisjourneyofgrowthandtransformationtogether.Stay tunedforupdatesandinsightsaswecontinuetoshapethe futureofbusinessandempowerindividualstoreachtheir fullpotential.
Leadership is not about titles, positions, or owcharts. It is about one life inuencing another.
T ar ek Halab i Tarek Halabi General Manager KSA – CarSwitch CarSwitch
Theautomotiveindustry,onceasymboloftradition andstability,isnowundergoingaprofound paradigmshift.Technologicaladvancements, changingconsumerpreferences,andenvironmental consciousnessarereshapingitslandscape,steeringinanew eraofinnovationandtransformation.
CarSwitch,arevolutionarye-commerceplatform, addresseschallengesandtrustissuesinthisindustry Establishedtostreamlinethecartransactionexperience, CarSwitchoffersaone-stop-shopappthatdigitizescarads, automatesbuyerexperiences,andfacilitatesinteractions betweenbuyersandsellerswhileensuringtransparencyand trust.Thecompanyhassuccessfullyexpandedits operationsto8citiesacrosstheUAEandKSA.
TarekHalabi,theGeneralManagerforCarSwitchin KSA,hasplayedafundamentalroleinthecompany’s success.Withabackgroundinbankingandapassionfor challengingenvironments,Tarekmadeastrategicmove intothetechworldbyfoundinghisowne-commerce company.Inourexclusiveinterviewwithhim,Tarekshares insightsintohisprofessionaljourney,theuniqueofferings ofCarSwitch,andhisperspectiveonsteeringthecompany throughthewindsofchangeintheever-evolving automotiveindustry
Below are the highlights from the interview!
Couldyoupleasebriefusaboutyourselfandwhat motivatedyoutoembarkonthissector?
Iamapersonwhohasadeeppassionforuncertainty,andI lovetochallengemyselfbyjumpingintoareaswhere othershesitate.Ispent12yearsinbankingandreacheda pointwhereIneededtothrowmyselfintounchartered territorytochallengemyselfbeforeitwastoolate.Imoved
countriesandstartedmyowne-commercecompanyasa steppingstone0intothetechworld.Aftersellingmy company,IdecidedtopivotintogrowthhackingsoIcould bepartofthegrowthstoryintheregion,especiallyinUAE &KSA,asIsawthepotentialinthemarket.Ijoinedan autotechstartupandlaunchedtheirbusinessindifferent GCCcountriesbeforefinallysettlinginCarSwitchasIsaw adeepneedforatechplaythatsolvedmanyproblemsin thisdisorganizedspaceofpeer-to-peertransactionsinthe autoindustry.Everymilestoneinmyjourneystartedwith lotsofquestionsandmorethornsthanroses,butlooking backatit,itshapedmeintothepersonIamtoday.
Couldyouelaborateonyourcompanyanditsinception story?
CarSwitchstartedasananswertopainfulexperiencesand trustissuesinthecarindustry.It’sanoverwhelming experienceforpeoplewhoarealreadybusywiththeirdayto-daylivesandmustmakeinformeddecisionsonthe secondbiggestpurchaseoftheirlives,aftertheirhomes. OurnextmilestonewaslaunchinginSaudiArabia,keeping inmindthelocalculturecombinedwithastrongproduct proposition.Now,wehaveloyalbrandadvocatesallacross KSAandaGooglereviewratingof4.9withmorethan 2400reviews.
TellusabouttheUSPsthatmakeyourcompanystand outasaleadingbrand.
Smoothestexperience-Wearecommittedtoprovidinga seamlessprocessforourcustomers;thisvalueisatthecore ofwhatwedo.
Expertadvisors–Ourteamofexpertssupportsfromtest drivestoownershiptransfers,whichaddsvalueand reassurancetothecustomerexperience.
We created a one-stop shop app to digi ze car ads and automate buyer experience by managing queries, nego a ons, and payments within the app to guide you through your purchase with peace of mind. Atrustedpartner–Whenitcomestocars,trustis paramount;fromcertifiedinspectionstoonlinepayments, safetyandsecurityareattheheartofourcustomer retention.
Whatarethequalitiesandvaluesyouthinkyourclients admireinyouasabusinessleaderandyourcompany themost?
Twoqualitiesmatterthemostwhenthinkingaboutyour clients.Firstistransparencyandtrust.Peoplevalue honesty,andtheyarewillingtopayapremiumwhenthey believethattheirneedsaremetwhileadoptingethical practicesthroughoutthetransaction.Secondly,havinga humanelementintheprocess.Ourappisapuretechplay, andwe’verecentlyadoptedAIintoourplatform,butata certainpointintheprocess,there’ssomeoneholdingyour handtoensurethatyouunderstandeverydetailaboutthe car,andtheyshakeyourhandoncethecarownershipis transferredtoyourname.
Everyleaderfaceschallenges.Canyoudescribeamajor obstacleyouencounteredandthestrategiesyou employedtoovercomeit?
Fundingisoneofthecommonchallengesintheregion, especiallywhenyou’reinthegrowthphase;thecycleto closefundingroundscouldbeextended,anddeadlines
couldbemissed.Inthesestressfulpocketsoftime,thereare afewstrategieswefollowtoensurethatwekeepupwith themarketpaceandkeepemployeesmotivated.Inmy experience,havinganopenconversationwiththe employeesaboutwherewestandandwherewewanttogo reapsthegreatestrewards.Giveyourteamanopen platformtoexpresstheirideas,andyou’llbesurprisedat theamountofusefulinformationandideasthateventually offsetthosechallengesbyimprovingrevenues,optimizing costs,andunlockingnewproducts.
Lookingatthetechnologicaladvancementsthatare transformingalmostallthesectorsofthemodern industry,howisyourcompanyleveragingthese advancementstomakeitssolutionsresourcefulforits esteemedclients?
Fromanearlystage,ourvisionwastodigitizethecar transactionexperience.Wesucceededatconsolidatingall manualtransactionsandclientqueriesintooneplatform wherebuyersandsellerscaninteractandnegotiatewithout compromisinganyoftheparties’identities.Ourrecent launchwasAIintegration,andnowwe’rethefirstauto playerintheregiontohaveafullyvirtualassistanttohelp younavigateyournextcarpurchase.
Howdoyoudefineinnovationinyourindustry,andhow isyourcompanyexhibitingexcellenceinimplementing variousaugmentationsinitsservicesandoperations?
Innovationisallaboutcreatingvalue.Theautoindustry lacksinnovationwhenitcomestocartransactions; specifically,thereareconflictingincentivesforbothsidesof thetransactionthatresultinlesstransparency.GCCisa placeofendlessopportunitiesandahighlyproductive workforce.Wedecidedtofocusourinnovationonreducing thetransactiontimeofbuyingorsellingacar,targeting busyindividuals.Wecreatedaone-stopshopapptodigitize caradsandautomatebuyerexperiencebymanaging queries,negotiations,andpaymentswithintheapptoguide youthroughyourpurchasewithpeaceofmind.
Howdoyoufosteracultureofempowermentwithin yourteamororganization,andwhatstepsdoyoutake toidentifyandnurtureleadershippotentialinothers?
OurcoreDNAisastartupmentality.Despitegrowingand operatingin8citiesacrossUAEandKSA,westillhave dailyconversationswithourteamsonthegroundwherethe feedbackandinnovationcomefrom.Weempowerthemby givingthemspacetoexploretheirideasandmakemistakes.
Mostofthetime,youcanidentifyleadersfromtheearly stages,butactionsspeakforthemselves,soIbetonpeople whoshowupwithamentalityoftryingtochangethestatus quoandareprogressiveintryingtopushideasforward. Personally,Iputmyfulltrustinmyteam.Iliketobe involvedwiththemdailybydiscussingfeedbackandideas onhowwecanbe1%bettereveryday.Ifyougenuinelytell peopletheyaregood,andyouvaluetheirwork,theywill wakeupeverydaytryingtoproveyouright.
Howdoyouviewtheroleofbusinessleadersin addressingsocialandenvironmentalissuesinthe MiddleEast,andwhatinitiativesorpracticesdoyou implementtomakeapositiveimpactonsocietyandthe environment?
GCCisanemergingmarket,andwiththeinfluxofexpats andtheboomintheeconomy,it’sachallengetofindlocal talentsatthesamepaceasthegrowingbusiness.We addressedthatissue,andinKSA,forexample,wefocused onhiringlocaltalentsandinvestedinourowninternal trainingprogramswhereweprovidetalentswiththe professionaldevelopmentandtechnicalskillsrequiredfor ourindustry.Eventually,thosetalentswillbedestinedtodo biggerthingswithusorwillgraduatetootherchannelsand makeanimpactthere.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetoaspiringentrepreneurs venturingintothesamesector?
From an early stage, our vision was to digi ze the car transac on experience. Haveaco-founderwhocomplementsyoursetofskills.To runacompany,youneedavarietyofskillsetsrangingfrom broadconceptualcreativitytolaser-focusedanalytical skills,andhavingapartnerwhohastheskillsetsyoulackis likefindingtherightpieceofthepuzzle.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsfromyourclientsand awardsorrecognitionthataccuratelyhighlightyour achievementsinthecorporateniche.
• Themosttrustedpre-ownedcarcompanyinDubaiby MEABusinessAwards.
• Wearethehighest-ratedapp,witharatingof4.8.
• GooglereviewsforKSA:4.9-starrating.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence on Leadership and Organisational Culture Inthefast-pacedandcommercially
drivendynamicsofthecurrent market,manyleadersoften neglecttheroleemotionalintelligence playsinleadershipsuccess.Most individualsinleadershiprolesare exclusivelyresult-orientedandfocus onnumbersalone;thoughadatadriventhoughtprocessisanabsolute mustforanyorganisationtosucceed andreducebias,itisimportantto factoremotionalintelligenceintothe organisationalculturetostayrelevant intoday’sself-motivatedlandscape. Manytendtoviewempathyand emotionalintelligenceasasubjective factorindecision-makingasopposed tothemoreobjectiveelementslike dataandreports.However,itis importanttomeasureemotional intelligenceandfactoritintodatato ensurea360viewpoint.
WhatisEmotionalIntelligence? EmotionalIntelligence(EI)or EmotionalQuotient(EQ)depictsone’s aptitudetomanageandcomprehend theemotionsofoneselfandthoseof theindividualsaroundthem.Froman organisationalperspective,it encompassestheabilitytoview, understandandreadtheemotionsof teammemberswhileensuringthat theirownemotionsareregulatedinan appropriatemanner.Therearefive categoriesofemotionalintelligenceto focuson,whichincludeSelfAwareness,Self-Regulation,Empathy, MotivationandSocialSkills.These categoriesareofteninterconnected whiledealingwithemployeesona regularbasis.
Whyisitimportanttopromote
EmotionalIntelligence?
Post-COVID-19era:hasmarkeda significantshiftinthemind-setof employeesacrosstheglobe. Individualsarenolongerhappyto aimlesslycontributetheireffortsin exchangeofpaychecksalone.Thereis ademandtobeassociatedwithan organisationthathasgoodculture promotingfairnessandethics,safe environmentsubsidizingtowardsbetter health(bothphysicalandmental),and tobeheardandvaluedfortheirwork, experiencesandpointofviews.
GenZenteringthejobmarket: noteworthychangesobservedinterms ofhowthenewgenerationviewswork andtheirpersonalpriorities. Organisationscannolongerenforce outdatedmethodsandculture,while continuingtoremainrelevanttothe dynamicsofthegenerationalshifts broughtuponthejobmarket.
Increaseintheoutflowoftalentand diversityinthejobmarket:withthe socio-economicandpoliticalchanges acrosstheglobe,asurplusoftalentin themarketdetected.Itisimportantas anemployertostandoutandattractthe talentpool.Inordertobecomethe employmentdestinationofchoice, everyorganisationrequirebuilding theirbrandvalueinordertoentice highpotentialcandidatesfromthe market.Improvingtheorganisational culturetoensuretheorganisationis knownfortheirempatheticviewpoint andembodytheimportanceof emotionalintelligenceinitsculturecan heavilycontributetowardsbuildinga reputationinthemarket,thatattract diversesetoftalent.
Henceforth,tomotivateandretain potentialtalentsandappearrelevantin themarketitisimportantforleadersto investtimeandeffortstoensurethe environmentfocusesonpromoting emotionalintelligence.
HowtobuildanEmotionally Intelligentorganizationalculture?
Thereareplentyofwaystoensurethe organisationalcultureencompass emotionalintelligencewithinits environment.Someoftheimminent waystoachievethiscanbeasfollows:
FeedbackDrivenCulture:
Understandingtheemotionalspaceof theemployeesofvaryinghierarchyis vitalforanyorganisationthataimsto buildasafecultureforitsemployees. Regularfeedbackcollectionisa healthywayofmonitoringthecurrent stateoftheorganisationandwork towardsenhancingtheculture.This canbeachievedbyvariousways,such aspulse/employeefeedbacksurveysin regularinterval,focusgroupdesign thinkingworkshops,moreorganised AskMeAnything-AMA sessions/platforms.
Reducingthegapbetweenemployee andleadership:Inmostorganisations, thereoftenisapalpabledistance betweentheseniorleadershipandthe employees.Employeeshavinglackof accesstotheirleadersandviewing themlikein-housecelebrities contributestowardsaculturethatis numbersdriven.Insuchenvironments, employeestendtofeeldisposableand lackasenseofbelongingand motivation.Reducingthisgapbetween theleadershipandemployeesopens
thedoortohaveemotionallyintelligent perspectiveandenrichestheculture wherediversesetofemployeesfeel heardandvalued.Theorganisations cantakeseveralstepstobridgethe gap;byincorporatingOpenDoor Policy,organisedTownhall/business sessionsfollowedbyopenQ&Aforum toallowquestions,regularscheduled casuallunches/teasessionwith differentgroupofemployees,ensuring moreparticipationofleadershipinthe companyorganisedengagementevents andteambuildingactivities.
OrganisingCoachingandTraining initiativestoimproveempathetic overviewofnewleaders:By designingaprogramthatenablesthe rightbehaviouralandthought leadershipfornewandexisting individualseitheralreadyinorthose gettinggroomedforleadershiproles, helpsensurethecultureissetatthe midmanagementandseniorleadership levels.Moreoften,companiesdonot realisetheimportanceofpeopleskills andemotionalintelligenceprevailing atthemidmanagementlevels,asthis isthemakeorbreakphaseofany organisationaloperations.Itisvitalto designconsistentdevelopmental programsthatcoversoftandpeople skillsinclusiveofemotional intelligenceandempathy.
Promotingacultureofsafe communication:Effortsneedtobeput togethertoensuretheorganisational environmentissafeforopen communication.Thiscanweachieved throughregularfeedbackcollections, opendoorpolicywithleadersandHR, anonymousplatformstocollect feedback,suggestionsandconcerns includingwhistle-blowerinitiatives. Theorganisationalsorequiretoensure thesafetyandconfidentialityofthe individualswhocomeforwardto discusstopicsthatareunconventional, engageinwelldocumented investigations(ifrequired),and incorporatetraininginitiativeswith
theirleadersandemergingleadersto ensuretheycreateasafespacewithin theirenvironmentthatallowsopen communication.
HowcanLeadersmeasureemotional intelligencetoreducebias?
Measuringemotionalintelligence(EI) inanorganizationalsettingcanbe challengingduetothesubjectivityand thepotentialforbias.Somestrategies thatcanhelpreducebiasinmeasuring emotionalintelligenceincludes:
MultisourceFeedbackincluding360DegreeFeedback:Itisvitaltogather feedbackfromavarietyofsources, includingpeers,directreports, supervisors,andevenclientsor customers.Thisapproachcanhelpto provideamorecomprehensiveviewof anindividual'semotionalintelligence bygatheringinsightsfromdifferent perspectives.
BehaviouralInterviewing: Incorporatingacompetency frameworkwhiledesigningquestions forinterviews,beitfornewhiresor internaldesignthinkingsessions, focusingonpastbehavioursand situationsthatdemonstrateemotional intelligence.Anexamplecanbetoask candidatestodescribeatimewhen theysuccessfullymanageda conflictingsituationorwhenthey providedsupporttoateammember canrevealtheirabilitytounderstand andnavigateemotions.
PerformanceReviews:Incorporating emotionalintelligencecompetencies intoperformanceevaluationcriteriato assesshowwellindividuals demonstrateemotionalintelligence skillsintheirday-to-daytasks, interactions,anddecision-making processes.
PsychometricAssessments:Using validatedassessmenttoolsspecifically designedtomeasureemotional
intelligence.Theseassessmentsshould focusonobservablebehavioursand competenciesratherthansubjective impressions.Ensurethatthe assessmentsareculturallyand contextuallyappropriateforthe organizationtominimizebias.These assessmentswouldhelpwhile designingindividualdevelopment/ leadershipdevelopmentprogramsby providingabaselinetobuildthe coachingprogramon.
GeneralObservation:General observationsandkeepinganeyeout forpatternsofbehaviouraloutcomes areoftenhelpfultofurtherbase investigations.Evaluationof behavioursexhibitedbyleadersand employeesinvarioussituations, lookingforindicatorssuchasempathy, self-awareness,adaptability,andsocial skills.Thisobservationalmethodcan providevaluablequalitativedataon emotionalintelligence.Providedthe riskofsubjectiveobservationswith potentialforunconsciousbias,one shouldneveronlymakedecisions basedonthirdpartyobservationsand ensurefactualevidenceisthereto supportanyaction.
AnonymousReporting: Implementingmechanismsfor anonymousreportingofbehaviours relatedtoemotionalintelligence throughwhistle-blowingpolicyand platformscanencourageemployeesto providehonestfeedbackwithoutfear ofretaliationorbias.
ContinuousEvaluation:Emotional intelligenceisnotstaticandcanevolve overtime.Thus,itisimportantto implementregularevaluationsand check-instoassessprogressand providefeedbackfordevelopment.
DataAnalysisandBenchmarking: regularcollectionandanalysisofdata onemotionalintelligencemetricsover timetocompareindividualandgroup performanceagainstbenchmarkshelps
inidentifyingareasforimprovement andtrackprogress.
Byincorporatingacombinationof thesestrategiesintothemeasurement ofemotionalintelligenceinan organisation,organizationscangain valuableinsightsintotheemotional intelligenceoftheirworkforceandits impactonleadershipeffectivenessand organizationalculture.Onecanhelp reducebiasandobtainamoreaccurate assessmentofindividuals'abilities towardsthecriticalareaofleadership andorganizationalculture.Itis essentialtoapproachmeasurement withsensitivityandensure confidentialitytoencouragehonest feedbackandparticipationfrom employees.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. , , - Franklin D. Roosevelt Ziad Hanania Hanania Investment Group, CEO and Owner
The 10 Most Inspiring Leaders in Middle East To Establishing the Framework for a Sustainable Future: Ziad Hanania’s Epic Journey!
Asconcernsaboutclimatechangeandfossilfuel
depletiongrow,solarenergyisemergingasaviable alternativetoexistingenergysources.Solarenergy isplentiful,ecologicallybeneficial,andbecomingmore cost-competitivewithothersourcesofelectricity.
Photovoltaic(PV)cellsturnsunlightdirectlyinto electricity,whereassolarthermalsystemsusethesun'sheat forwaterandspaceheatingorcreatesteamtopower turbines.Withongoingtechnologyimprovementsand increasingusage,solarpowerhasenormouspotentialto fulfilltheworld'sexpandingenergydemandswhile reducinggreenhousegasemissions.
Andcontributingtothesolarenergysystem,ZiadHanania propelshisprofessionaljourneywithapassionfor renewableenergy,inspiredbyhisfather,apioneerinthe solarenergysector.Followinginhisfootsteps,hededicated hiscareertotransformingtheenergylandscapeinthe MiddleEast.
AsCEOofHananiaInvestmentGroup,hehasledthe familyfirmtotremendousexpansionanddiversification, positioningitasapioneerinsustainableenergysolutions. Hehasincreasedtheproductoptionstoincludesolarwater heaters,smarthybridsolarinverters,andlithiumsolar batterystoragesystems,aswellasexpandingthereach beyondJordantoworldwidemarkets.
Ziadisdedicatednotjusttobusinesssuccessbutalsoto socialandenvironmentalresponsibility.Hanania InvestmentGrouphasmadesignificantcontributionstothe
businesssectorbydevelopingsustainableenergysolutions throughouttheMiddleEast.
Ziadhasplayedapivotalroleinmakingsolarpower accessibleandeconomicallyviableforbothcommercial andresidentialuse.Additionally,heactivelyshapes industrystandardsandadvocatesforpoliciesthatsupport renewableenergyadoption,collaboratingcloselywith governmentsandglobalorganizations.
Hisaccomplishmentsalsoincludecreatingjobsand developingacompetentworkforce,ensuringthatlocal talentispreparedtoflourishintherenewableenergy industry.Hebelievesthathiseffortswillpromotethe region'ssustainablegrowthandinnovation.
Here are some interview highlights:
Canyouprovideabriefoverviewofyourprofessional journeyandyourcompany’scontributiontothe businessworld?
Myprofessionaljourneybeganwithadeep-rootedpassion forrenewableenergyandavisiontotransformtheenergy landscapeintheMiddleEast.Iembarkedonthispath inspiredbymyfather,whowasapioneerinthesolar energysector.Followinginhisfootsteps,Ihavefocusedon expandinganddiversifyingourfamilybusiness,Hanania InvestmentGroup,intoaleaderinsustainableenergy solutions.
Sincetakingthehelm,Ihavesteeredthecompanythrough significantgrowthphases,fromenhancingourproduct offerings—suchassolarwaterheaters,smarthybridsolar inverters,andlithiumsolarbatterystoragesystems—to
“Our efforts are not limited to commercial success; we are deeply committed to social and environmental responsibilities.” markets.Oureffortsarenotlimitedtocommercialsuccess; wearedeeplycommittedtosocialandenvironmental responsibilities.
HananiaInvestmentGrouphasmadesubstantial contributionstothebusinessworld,particularlyin advancingrenewableenergysolutionsacrosstheMiddle East.Ourcorecontributionliesinourcommitmentto sustainabilityandinnovation,specificallythroughthe developmentanddisseminationofsolarenergy technologies.Wehaveplayedapivotalroleintransforming theregionalenergylandscapebymakingsolarpower accessibleandeconomicallyviableforbothcommercial andresidentialuse.
Oureffortsextendbeyondmerelysupplyingproducts;we areactivelyinvolvedinshapingindustrystandardsand advocatingforpoliciesthatsupportrenewableenergy adoption.Byworkingcloselywithgovernmentsand internationalbodies,wehelptocreatearegulatory environmentthatfacilitatesthetransitiontoagreener economy.
Additionally,HananiaInvestmentGroupcontributesto economicgrowthbycreatingjobsandfosteringaskilled workforce.Weinvestheavilyintraininganddevelopment, ensuringthatlocaltalentsareequippedwiththeknowledge andskillsneededtoexcelinthehigh-techworldof renewableenergy.Thisnotonlysupportsindividualcareer growthbutalsobooststheoverallcompetencyofthe workforceinourregion.
Whohasbeenyourgreatestsourceofinspirationin yourcareer,andwhy?
Myfatherhasundoubtedlybeenmygreatestsourceof
plant inBethlehem.
Thisventuremarkedthebeginningofasignificantshift,not onlyinourfamily'sdestinybutalsointheregional approachtoenergysolutions.By1973,hehadexpandedhis entrepreneurialeffortstoJordan,establishingabusiness dedicatedtosolarwaterheatingsystems.Hisendeavorsled totheHANANIAfamilynamebecomingsynonymouswith innovationandqualityinthesolarbusiness,eventually makingitoneofthelargestmanufacturersintheregion.
Growingupunderhisinfluence,Iwasimbuedwithadeep respectforthesustainabilityandimpactofthesolarenergy industry Thislegacyofinnovationanddedicationwasa constantpresenceinmylife,shapingmyownvaluesand aspirations.
Inspiredbyhisjourney,Ihavestrivedtoinstillthesame dedicationinmyson,nurturinghisinvolvementinour familybusiness.Myaimisnotonlytopreservethelegacy myfatherbuiltbutalsotoexpandit,pushingforwardwith newinnovationsandsustainablepractices.
Canyoushareapersonalleadershipphilosophyor guidingprinciplesthathavecontributedtoyourand yourcompany’ssuccess?
Myleadershipphilosophyisrootedinthebeliefthattrue leadershipisaboutfosteringanenvironmentof collaboration,innovation,andsustainability.AtHanania InvestmentGroup(H.I.G.),weoperateundertheguiding principleofempoweringeachindividual;weharnessa collectivepowerthatdrivesusforward.
inspirationthroughoutmycareer.Hispioneeringspiritin thesolarenergyindustrybeganin1967,whenhe establishedhisfirstsolarwaterheatingmanufacturing
Iamafirmadvocateforproactive,ratherthanreactive, leadership.Thismeansanticipatingfuturechallengesand opportunitiesintherenewableenergysectorandpreparing ourteamtotacklethemhead-on.Bystayingaheadof industrytrends,wenotonlyadapttochangesbutoftenlead thechargeinsettingnewstandards.
Moreover,integrityandtransparencyformthecornerstones ofouroperations.Webelieveinbeinghonestandopenin ourdealings,bothwithinthecompanyandwithourclients. Thisbuildstrustandreliability,whichareessentialfor long-termsuccessinafieldasdynamicandsignificantas therenewablesolarenergysector
Finally,commitmenttosustainabilityisnotjustpartofour businessmodel;itistheessenceofit.Asaleaderinthe renewableenergyindustry,Ifeelitisourresponsibilityto promotepracticesthatprotectandpreservetheenvironment forfuturegenerations.Thiscommitmentisreflectedin everyprojectweundertakeandeveryinnovationwepursue atH.I.G.
Everyleaderfaceschallenges.Whataresomesignificant challengesyou’veencounteredinyourcareer,andhow didyouovercomethem?
Throughoutmycareer,I’vefacedseveralsignificant challenges,eachservingasacruciallearningpointand opportunityforgrowth.Oneofthemostpersistent challengeshasbeenthetechnologicaladaptationrequiredto stayattheforefrontofthesolarenergyindustry
Therapidpaceoftechnologicalchangemeansthatstaying updatediscrucialbutchallenging.Toaddressthis,we committedtocontinuouslearningandinnovation.This proactiveapproachhasallowedustointegratecutting-edge technologiesintooursolutionsandofferadvanced, efficient,andcost-effectiveproductstoourclients.
Marketfluctuationshavealsoposedchallenges,especially withthevaryingdemandforsolarenergysolutions influencedbyeconomicconditionsandfuelprices.We respondedbydiversifyingourbusinessmodeltoincludea rangeofrenewableenergysolutionsandbyexpandingour marketpresenceacrossdifferentregionstostabilize revenuestreamsandreducerisk.
Infacingthesechallenges,myguidingprinciplehasalways beentoremainflexibleandadaptivewhilestayingtrueto ourcoremissionofpromotingsustainableenergysolutions. Byembracingchallengesasopportunitiestoinnovateand improve,Ihavesteeredourcompanythroughvarious obstacles,positioningHananiaInvestmentGroupasoneof thepioneersintherenewableenergysector.
Couldyouhighlightafewkeymilestonesor achievementsthatyouareparticularlyproudof?
AtHananiaInvestmentGroup,weapproacheachproject withadeepsenseofcommitmentandimportance, regardlessofitssizeorlocation.Webelieveeveryinitiative hasthepotentialtomakeasignificantdifference.
Whilewevalueallourprojects,certainmilestonesstand outfortheirprofoundimpactonthecommunity.Wetake particularprideinourmajorprojectsinvolving governmentalsolarenergyinitiatives,healthcarefacilities, andhumanitarianinstallationsinrefugeecamps,aswellas religioussitesincludingmosquesandchurches.
Theseprojectsarenotjustbusinessventures;theyare opportunitiestopositivelyaffectthelivesoflargegroupsof people,enhancingtheirday-to-dayexperiencesand ensuringtheiraccesstoessentialservices.Forinstance,our workinhospitalshashelpedhealthcarefacilitiesmaintain criticaloperationswithreliable,cleanenergy,thereby improvinghealthoutcomes.
Similarly,ourprojectsinrefugeecampshaveprovided much-neededpowersolutionsinchallengingenvironments, offeringasemblanceofnormalcyandsecuritytothosein direcircumstances.
Theimpactoftheseprojectsextendsbeyondtheimmediate benefitsofsolarenergy,fosteringcommunity,solidarity, andresilience.Theyareatestamenttothepowerof renewableenergytotransformlives,andtheyfillourteam withasenseofprideandaccomplishment,knowingthatwe arecontributingtosomethingmuchlargerthanourselves. Thesemilestonesunderscoreourcommitmenttoenhancing qualityoflifethroughsustainableenergysolutions,and theycontinuetoinspireoureffortsacrossallareasofour business.
Whatadvicewouldyouoffertoemergingbusiness leadersstrivingtomakeapositiveimpactintheMiddle East?
Foremergingleadersaimingtomakeasignificantimpactin theMiddleEast,myadvicecentersonthreekeypillars: vision,resilience,andcommunityengagement.
• Vision:Beginwithaclear,ambitiousvision.This visionshouldnotonlyaimforcommercialsuccessbut alsoseektoaddressasocietalorenvironmentalneed withintheregion.IntheMiddleEast,whereweface uniquechallengesandopportunities,theabilityto envisionabetterfutureiscrucial.Thinklong-termand beyondconventionalboundaries,innovationisborn fromdaringtoseewhatothersdon’t.
• Resilience:Thepathtomakingasubstantialimpactis fraughtwithchallenges,particularlyinadynamicand complexregionlikeours.Economicfluctuations, regulatorychanges,andsocietalexpectationscanpose obstacles.Resilienceisnotjustaboutenduringbut alsoaboutadaptingcreativelytothesechallenges. Learnfromeachsetbackanduseitasasteppingstone towardyourgoals.
• CommunityEngagement:Nobusinessoperatesina vacuum.Engagingwithlocalcommunitiesis essential.Understandtheirneeds,values,and aspirations.Thisengagementshouldbeacorepartof yourstrategy,notanafterthought.Whenthe communitythrives,sodoesyourbusiness. Additionally,fosteraculturewithinyourorganization thatvaluesethicalpracticesandsocialresponsibility. Thisbuildstrustandlong-lastingrelationships.
Lastly,neverunderestimatethepowerofmentorship.Seek guidancefromthosewhohavewalkedthispathbeforeyou and,inturn,offeryourexperiencestoothers.Leadershipis asmuchaboutlearningasitisaboutguiding.
WheredoyouseethebusinesslandscapeintheMiddle Eastheadinginthenext5–10years,andhowdoyou plantostayattheforefrontofthesedevelopments?
ThebusinesslandscapeintheMiddleEastispoisedfor transformativegrowthandinnovationoverthenext5–10 years,particularlyinsectorsliketechnology,renewable energy,andsustainabledevelopment.Thisregionhasbegun todiversifyitseconomiessignificantly,reducing dependencyonoilrevenuesandinvestinginsustainable infrastructureanddigitaltechnologies.
Intherealmofrenewableenergy,weanticipateasurgein theadoptionofcleanenergysolutions,drivenbyboth environmentalconcernsandeconomicincentives. Governmentsacrosstheregionaresettingambitious sustainabilitytargets,whichopensupexpansive opportunitiesforinnovationandinvestmentingreen technologies.
AtHananiaInvestmentGroup,weplantostayatthe forefrontofthesedevelopmentsthroughseveralstrategic initiatives:
• InnovationandResearch:Wearecontinuously investinginresearchanddevelopmenttoimprovethe efficiencyandaccessibilityofoursolarenergy solutions.Bypioneeringnewtechnologiesand enhancingexistingones,weaimtomeettheevolving needsofourmarketsandmaintainacompetitiveedge.
• SustainabilityInitiatives:Asleadersinrenewable energy,wewillcontinuetochampionsustainability initiatives,notjustinternallybutacrosstheindustry andbeyond.Ourgoalistosetbenchmarksfor sustainablepracticesandtoinspireothercompanies andindustriestofollowsuit.
Bystayingcommittedtothesestrategicareas,weare confidentinourabilitytonotonlyadapttotheupcoming changesintheMiddleEast’sbusinesslandscapebutalsoto drivesomeofthosechanges,leadingthewaytowardsa moresustainableandprosperousfuture.
Canyouprovideaglimpseintoyourfutureendeavors andprojectsthatourreaderscanlookforwardto?
AtHananiaInvestmentGroup,wearethrilledtoembarkon severalambitiousprojectsthatwillfurthercementour positionasaleaderinrenewableenergysolutionsinthe MiddleEast.Akeydevelopmentreaderscaneagerly anticipateisthelaunchofourbrand-new,state-of-the-art manufacturingandassemblyfacilityinJordan.Thisfacility representsasignificantleapforwardinourcapabilities, enablingustoproducetop-qualitysolarwaterheaters, whichhavebeenacornerstoneofourproductline.
Furthermore,inalignmentwithourcommitmentto innovationandsustainability,thenewfacilitywillalso focusontheproductionofcutting-edgeSmartHybridSolar InvertersandLithium-IonSolarBatteryPacks.These productsaredesignedtoprovidemoreefficient,reliable, andsustainableenergysolutions,empoweringour customerstoharnessthefullpotentialofsolarenergywith greaterindependencefromtraditionalpowergrids.
Additionally,weareexcitedtointroduceourSolarAir Conditioningunits,whichrepresentagroundbreakingstep inusingsolarenergytoprovideeco-friendly,cost-effective coolingandheatingsolutions.Thisdevelopmentis particularlysignificantforourregion,giventheclimateand theincreasingdemandforenergy-efficientcoolingand heatingoptions.
Theseprojectsarejustaglimpseintothefutureendeavors atHananiaInvestmentGroup.Eachstepwetakeisaimedat enhancingourproductofferings,optimizingour environmentalimpact,andprovidingsustainable, innovativesolutionsthatmeettheneedsofourcustomers andcontributetoglobalenvironmentalgoals.
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