The Most Influential Leaders in the Middle East 2025 April2025

Dr. Khalid Alkhoori CEO

Editorial

Purpose. Progress. Power

LeadershipintheMiddleEastisundergoingaremarkabletransformation.Oncedefinedby

traditionandlegacy,itisnowequallyshapedbyinnovation,resilience,andabold commitmenttoprogress.Inthisspecialedition, “The Most Influential Leaders in the Middle East 2025,” weareproudtospotlightindividualswhoarenotonlydrivingbusiness successbutalsoshapingthefutureoftheregionthroughvisionaryleadershipandpurpose-driven action.

Acrossdiversesectors—technology,finance,energy,healthcare,education,andmore—these leadersrepresentthevanguardofanewera.Theyarebreakingdownbarriers,investingintalent, andembracingdigitaltransformationtocreateinclusive,sustainablegrowth.Whethertheyare leadingmultinationalcorporationsorpioneeringhomegrownenterprises,theirworkreflectsadeep understandingofregionalneedspairedwithglobalambition.

Whatunitestheseexceptionalindividualsismorethantheirprofessionalachievements—itistheir abilitytoinspire.Intimesofuncertaintyandrapidchange,theydemonstrateclarity,courage,and anunwaveringcommitmenttoimpact.Theirstoriesoffernotonlyinsightintoeffectiveleadership, butalsoapowerfulblueprintforbuildingorganizationsthatthriveincomplexity.

AstheMiddleEastcontinuestoriseasaglobalhubofinnovationandinfluence,theseleadersare settingthetone—reshapingindustries,reimaginingpossibilities,andreaffirmingtheregion’s positionontheworldstage.

Wearehonoredtopresent The Most Influential Leaders in the Middle East 2025—acollectionof pioneers,change-makers,andstrategicthinkerswhoaredefiningwhatleadershipmeansintoday’s interconnectedworld.

-Alaya Brown

Dr. Khalid Alkhoori Building a Cleaner

Majed Al-Muhanna Balancing Workforce Management with Organizational Dynamics

Mohamed Al Hashemi

Building Community Through Commerce: The Cooperative Advantage

The Silent Power of Listening: A Leader’s Underrated Skill A RT I C L E S 32. 38.

Samah Alafeef Transforming Organizations through Innovative Training and Consulting A Powerhouse of Leadership – Venkatesh Rao Leading Unique Group’s Emergence as the Most Reliable Integrated Engineering Solutions Provider

28. 42. Leadership in the Age of Disruption: What It Takes to Stay Ahead

Art

Business

Business

Digital

Co-designer

Marketing

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL LEADERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST 2025

Dr. Khalid Alkhoori CEO Featuring

Majed Al-Muhanna CHRO

Mohamed Al Hashemi CEO

Company

Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC cwtme.ae

Savvy Games Group savvygames.com

Brief

Dr. Alkhoori brings a strategic vision that integrates innovaon, operaonal excellence, and environmental responsibility.

Majed's leadership fosters a high-performance culture rooted in creavity, inclusivity, and connuous learning—essenal pillars for a rapidly evolving digital and gaming ecosystem.

Samah Alafeef CEO

Union Coop unioncoop.ae

Metanoia Training and Consulng metanoiatech.com

Venkatesh Rao

Managing Director (Middle East)

Unique Group uniquegroup.com

Under Mohamed's stewardship, Union Coop connues to expand its footprint across the region, leveraging innovaon, operaonal excellence, and customer-centric strategies to remain a market leader in the retail sector

Samah is widely respected for her commitment to excellence, inclusion, and connuous learning.

With over two decades of experience in operaonal leadership and strategic business development, Venkatesh plays a crucial role in steering the company’s regional growth and service excellence.

Dr. Khalid Alkhoori CEO Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC

Dr. Khalid

Alkhoori

BuildingaCleanerTomorrow

Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC (CWT), established in 2009, is a prominent Emira service provider specializing in integrated sustainable soluons for waste management across the Middle East.

Shaping a Greener Future through Transforming Sustainable Waste Management!

Growingawarenessoftheenvironmentalchallenges

wefacehasmadeitmandatorythatwefind advancedtechniquestoensureasustainable future.Ecosystemsafety,resourceconservationanda decreaseincarbonfootprintsarejustafewofthemany benefitsofeffectivewastemanagement.Ascommunities striveforgreenerpractices,theimportanceofproperwaste managementgrows,affectingpublichealthand environmentalstability.

UnderthevisionaryleadershipofDr.KhalidAlkhoori, CleancoWasteTreatmentLLCisattheforefrontofthis essentialindustry,committedtoofferingintegrated, sustainablewastemanagementsolutionsthroughoutthe MiddleEast.Cleanco,foundedin2009,specializesin managingmanyformsoftrash,includingmunicipal, industrial,andhazardousmaterials.

AsaCEO,heintendstofosteracirculareconomy,the organizationusesmoderntechnologyandnovelmethodsto transformwasteintousefulresources.Cleancoaddresses bothurgentenvironmentalproblemsandlong-term communitysustainabilitybyfocusingonwastereduction andoperatingefficiency.Theirdedicationtosocial responsibilityisdemonstratedbycollaborationswithlocal groupsandeducationalactivitiesaimedatincreasing awarenessofsustainablewastemanagementtechniques.

Let’s know more about his journey:

CleancoWasteTreatmentLLC'sMissionandCore Values

CleancoWasteTreatmentLLC(CWT),establishedin2009, isaprominentEmiratiserviceproviderspecializingin integratedsustainablesolutionsforwastemanagement acrosstheMiddleEast.Thecompany’smission encompassesawidearrayofservices,includingthe managementofmunicipalsolidwaste,commercialand industrialwaste,hazardousandnon-hazardouswaste,and medicalwaste.

CWTisdedicatedtosupportingclientsthroughinnovative solutionsaimedatreducingcarbonfootprints,protecting theenvironment,andenhancingoperationalefficiency throughoutthevaluechain,whichincludescollection, treatment,composting,recycling,resourcerecovery,and decontamination.

Cleanco intends to expedite strategies for measuring and reducing its carbon footprint, ulizing renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and engaging in carbon offset projects.

CWTiscommittedtopromotingacirculareconomyby collaboratingwithleadingtechnologyprovidersinwaste treatmentandresourcerecovery Theorganizationstrivesto convertwasteintovaluableresources,therebyminimizing wastegenerationandmaximizingresourceefficiency. SustainablepracticesareintegraltoCWT'soperations;the companycontinuouslyevolvesitsmethodstoenhance long-termenvironmentalsustainability Throughinnovation andafocusonsustainability,CleancoWasteTreatment aimstomaintainitsleadershippositioninthewaste managementindustrywhiledrivingpositivechange towardsagreenerfuture.

VisionaryLeadershipinWasteTreatment

Dr.Khalidwasinspiredtoleadinthewastetreatment industryduetothelackoflocalcompaniesaddressing environmentalandwaste-relatedchallengesintheregion,

alongsidehispassionforsustainabilityandpublichealth. Underhisguidance,CleancoWasteTreatmentLLChas madesignificantstridesinadvancingwastemanagement practicesacrosstheMiddleEast.

Thecompanyhasintroducedinnovativeandsustainable solutionsthatnotonlyenhanceoperationalefficiencybut alsoestablishnewstandardsforenvironmental responsibilitywithinthesector.Cleanco'scommitmentto theseprinciplespositionsitasaleaderinpromoting sustainablewastemanagementpractices.

CultureofInnovationatCleancoWasteTreatmentLLC

AtCleancoWasteTreatmentLLC,Khalid’sleadership emphasizesfosteringacultureofinnovationtotackle evolvingenvironmentalchallenges.Thecompanypromotes opencommunicationandcollaborationamongemployees, creatingasafeenvironmentforidea-sharingacross departments.Investmentintrainingprogramsfocuseson essentialskillssuchasproblem-solvinganddataanalysis, encouragingcalculatedrisk-takingandviewingfailuresas opportunitiesforlearning.

Recognitionandrewardsforinnovativecontributionsare integraltothecompany’sapproach,alongsidethe encouragementofemergingtechnologiestodevelop sustainablestrategies.Cleancoensuresthatitsvaluesand policiessupportinnovationbyprovidingasafespacefor experimentation.Thisproactiveapproachnotonlyenhances employeeengagementbutalsopositionsCleancoasa leaderinthewastetreatmentsector,committedto continuousimprovementandadaptabilityinaddressing environmentalissueseffectively

TechnologicalInnovations

UnderDr.KhalidAlkhoori'sleadership,CleancoWaste TreatmentLLChasmadesignificantadvancementsinwaste managementtechnology.Notably,thecompanyhas implementedadvancedRotaryKilnIncinerators(RKI)in theAlDhafraandAlAinregionsofAbuDhabi.

ThesefacilitiesaredesignedtooperatebytheBest AvailableTechniques(BAT)andcomplywithboth EuropeanUnionDirectivesandUAEEmissionStandards. Thiscommitmentensuresthattheincinerationprocessis efficientandenvironmentallyresponsible,meetingthe highestinternationalandlocalregulatoryrequirements.

Cleanco'sfocusontechnologicalinnovationunderscoresits dedicationtoenhancingwastetreatmentpracticeswhile prioritizingenvironmentalsustainability

RoleinSustainableDevelopmentintheMiddleEast

CleancoWasteTreatmentLLCactivelycontributestothe broadergoalsofsustainabledevelopmentand environmentalprotectionintheMiddleEast.Thecompany focusesonreducingcarbonfootprintsbyimplementing sustainablewastemanagementpracticesthatsupport circulareconomyinitiatives.

Throughstrategicpartnershipsandtheadoptionof innovativetechnologies,Cleancoaimstodrivesignificant progresstowardagreenerandmoresustainablefuturefor theregion.Byprioritizingenvironmentalresponsibility, Cleancoiscommittedtoenhancingwastemanagement solutionsthatalignwithglobalsustainabilityobjectives, ultimatelyfosteringahealthierecosystemforfuture generations.

RespondingtoChallengesinWasteManagementinthe MiddleEast

CleancoWasteTreatmentLLChasfacedsignificant challengesinmanagingmedicalandhazardouswasteinthe MiddleEast.Thecompanyhasbeenapioneerinaddressing publichealthconcernsandensuringenvironmental compliancebycollaboratingwithgovernmentandhealth authorities.

Totacklethesechallenges,Cleancoinvestedearlyin autoclavetechnologyformedicalwastetreatmentandhas recentlyadoptedadvancedrotarykilnincineration technologyformedical&hazardouswaste.Additionally, theestablishmentofClass-1landfillcellshasprovidedsafe disposalsolutionsforflyash.

Bycontinuallyupgradingitstechnologyandpractices, Cleanconotonlymeetsregulatoryrequirementsbutalso setsastandardforsafetyandefficiencyinwaste managementacrosstheregion,demonstratingits commitmenttoenvironmentalprotectionandpublichealth.

CommunityEngagementandSocialResponsibility Initiatives

CleancoWasteTreatmentLLCactivelyengageswithlocal communities,schools,andorganizations,demonstratingits

commitmenttosocialresponsibility Thecompany collaborateswithgroupssuchastheEmiratesThalassemia SocietyandtheMake-A-WishFoundation,organizing variouscampaignsaspartofitsCorporateSocial Responsibility(CSR)initiatives.Additionally,Cleanco partnerswiththeUNHCRtoprovideeducationalsupport forstudentsinneed.

Thecompanyisdedicatedtodevelopingtrainingprograms andinformationsessionsforhealthcareprofessionalsand wastemanagementworkers.Furthermore,Cleancocreates publicawarenesscampaignsaimedateducating communitiesabouttheimportanceofpropermanagement, treatment,anddisposalofhazardousandmedicalwaste. TheseeffortsreflectCleanco'scommitmenttoenhancing publichealthandenvironmentalprotectionwhilefostering asenseofcommunityresponsibilityamongitsstakeholders.

FutureVisionforCleancoWasteTreatmentLLC

Inthenextfiveyears,CleancoWasteTreatmentLLCaims toestablishitselfasaleaderinsustainablewaste managementwithintheMiddleEast.Thecompanyplansto enhanceitsoperationsbyintegratingcleanenergysolutions andpromotingcirculareconomyinitiativesthatfocuson reducing,reusing,andrecyclingbothhazardousandnonhazardouswaste.

Toachievethesegoals,Cleancowilladoptinnovative recyclingtechnologiesthatimproveoperationalefficiency andminimizetheenvironmentalimpactofhazardouswaste throughadvancedtreatmentmethodsandsafedisposal practices.Thisstrategicapproachincludeseffortstoreduce greenhousegasemissionsandpreventsoilandwater contamination.

Byprioritizingsustainabilityandtechnological advancements,Cleancoiscommittedtodrivingmeaningful progresstowardagreenerfuturewhilealigningwith regionalenvironmentalgoalsandregulations.

VisionfortheFutureofWasteTreatmentand EnvironmentalConservationintheMiddleEast

Cleancoispoisedtoplayatransformativeroleinthefuture landscapeofwastemanagementandenvironmental conservationintheMiddleEast.Thecompanyaimstolead byexamplethroughtheimplementationofsustainable wastemanagementpracticesthatfocusonreducingwaste generation,promotingrecycling,andensuringthesafe disposalofhazardouswaste.

In the next five years, Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC aims to establish itself as a leader in sustainable waste management within the Middle East.

Tofacilitatethisvision,Cleancohasalreadyinitiateda transitiontowardacirculareconomybydeveloping innovativerecyclingandwastemanagementsolutions. Investmentsintechnologiesaimedatreducinggreenhouse gasemissionswillbepivotalinmitigatingclimatechange impacts.Thisincludesoptimizingwastecollectionroutesto lowerfuelconsumptionandemissions,aswellas incorporatingelectricvehiclesintoitsfleetoperations.

Cleancointendstoexpeditestrategiesformeasuringand reducingitscarbonfootprint,utilizingrenewableenergy sources,enhancingenergyefficiency,andengagingin carbonoffsetprojects.Thecompanyisalsoexploring advancedtechnologiessuchasbioremediation,chemical recycling,andsmartwastemanagementsystemsthat leverageIoTandAI.

Flexibility is key, as leaders should be ready to adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances.

Inadditiontoitsoperationalstrategies,Cleancois committedtoraisingawarenessaboutwastemanagement andenvironmentalconservationthroughcommunity outreachprograms,educationalcampaigns,and partnershipswithschoolsanduniversities.Thecompany willadvocateforstrongerenvironmentalregulations alongsidegovernmentbodies,creatingaregulatory environmentthatencouragessustainablepracticesamong businessesandindividuals.

Furthermore,Cleancoplanstocollaboratewithother companies,NGOs,andinternationalorganizationstoshare bestpracticesanddevelopjointinitiativesfor environmentalconservation.Thesepartnershipswill amplifyCleanco’sefforts,drivingbroaderchangeacrossthe regionandreinforcingitscommitmenttoasustainable future.

AdviceforAspiringLeadersintheWasteManagement Industry

Forindividualsaspiringtoleadershiprolesinthewaste managementindustry,gainingacomprehensive understandingofindustrytrends,challenges,and

opportunitiesiscrucial.Stayinginformedaboutthelatest developmentsandbestpracticeswillenhancetheir effectivenessasleaders.

Strategicthinkingisessential;aspiringleadersshouldbe abletosetlong-termgoalsanddevelopactionableplansto achievethemwhileunderstandingmarketdynamicsto driveorganizationalgrowth.Theymustalsopossessthe abilitytomakeinformeddecisionsunderpressure, evaluatingrisksandbenefitstodeterminethebestcourseof action.

Flexibilityiskey,asleadersshouldbereadytoadjust strategiesinresponsetochangingcircumstances. Demonstratingcommitmentthroughactionsandinspiring teammembersbysettinghighstandardsisvitalformaking apositiveimpact.Additionally,opennesstonewideas, continuouslearning,andstronglisteningskillswillenable leaderstoaddressconcernsandincorporatevaluable feedbackeffectively.

MajedAl-Muhanna ChiefHumanResourcesOfficer

Withasparkofpassionforpeopleandadesireto

fosterenvironmentswhereindividualscan thrivemanyprofessionalsinthisfieldfind themselvesdrawntoHRthroughdiversepaths,often startingingeneraladministrationorrelatedroles. Navigatingthecomplexitiesofhumanresourcesrequires expertiseandaprofoundunderstandingofthehuman experienceintheworkplace.

Theabilitytoadapttochangingcircumstancesandsupport employeesduringturbulenttimeshasshapedMajedAlMuhanna’scareer,whichdrivesmeaningfulchangewithin hisorganization.Herecognizestheimportanceofaligning humancapitalwithbusinessstrategy

Majedisaprominentfigureintherealmofhuman resources,currentlyservingastheChiefHuman ResourcesOfficeratSavvyGamesGroup.Hiscareer beganin2006,transitioningfromgeneraladministrationto HR,wherehequicklyrecognizedthepivotalrolethat effectivehumanresourcemanagementplaysin organizationalsuccess.

Overtheyears,hehashonedhisskillsthroughvarious leadershippositions.Notably,heplayedacrucialrole duringthehugemergerbetweenSambaCapitalandNCB Capital,navigatingcomplexculturalintegrationswhile ensuringemployeesupportthroughouttheprocess.His commitmenttonurturinglocaltalentandfostering creativityisevidentinhiscurrentposition,whereheaims tocontributetoSaudiArabia'sevolvinggamingindustry

andalignwiththeKingdom'svisionforeconomic diversification.

Here are the interview highlights:

CanyoudescribeyourjourneyintheHRfieldandwhat ledyoutobecomealeaderinthisindustry?

Myjourneyinhumanresourceshasbeenshapedby adaptability,resilience,andafocusondrivingmeaningful change.Istartedmycareerin2006inHRafterholdinga generaladministrationrole.In2008,IjoinedSNBCapital, formerlyNCBCapital,justbeforetheglobalfinancial crisis.Thisperiodwasbothchallengingandtransformative, givingmefirsthandexperienceinnavigatingeconomic downturnswhilesupportingemployeesandmaintaining organizationalstability.

Overtheyears,IclimbedtheranksuntilIbecametheHead ofHRin2017.Duringthistime,Idevelopedakeenability toadaptHRstrategiestoalignwithdiverseleadership stylesandshiftingmarketconditionsasIworkedwith differentCEOs.Amajormilestoneinmycareerwasthe mergerofSambaCapitalintoNCBCapitalandleadingHR streaminthemergerprocessandthefunctionafterward whichhappenedin2021.Thisrolerequiredharmonizing organizationalculturesandensuringemployeesfelt supportedthroughoutthetransition.

In2023,IjoinedSavvyGamesGrouptocontributetoan emerginganddynamicindustryinSaudiArabia.Thisrole

presentedanopportunitytohelpshapeanewecosystem. MyfocusextendsbeyondHRmanagementtonurturing localtalent,fosteringindustryinnovation,andsupporting theKingdom’svisionforeconomicdiversification.

Whatdoyoubelievearethemostpressingchallenges facingHRleadersintheMiddleEasttoday?

TheMiddleEastisundergoingrapidtransformation,and HRleadersfaceseveralpressingchallenges:

1. Thewarfortalent:

Thedemandforhighlyskilledprofessionalsoften exceedssupply,leadingtofiercecompetitionamong employers.Organizationsmustfocusonimplementing innovativerecruitmentstrategiesanddevelopinglocal talentpipelinestoensurelong-termsustainability.

2. Culturaldiversityandinclusivity:

Withincreasinglydiverseworkforces,HRleadersmust createinclusiveenvironmentswhereemployeesfeel valuedandempoweredregardlessoftheirbackground. Thisinvolvesfosteringcollaborationandensuringthat workplacepoliciespromoteequalityandrespect.

In such a dynamic and fast-paced industry, the ability to navigate change, embrace innovation, and find creative solutions is invaluable. “ “

3. Technologicaladvancements:

Therapidpaceofinnovation,particularlyinartificial intelligenceandautomation,requiresHRleadersto prioritizecontinuousupskillingofemployees. Equippingtheworkforcewiththerightskillstoadapt totheseadvancementsiscriticalformaintaining competitivenessandagility

ThesechallengespresentopportunitiesforHRleadersto innovateandredefinestrategiestocreatethriving,futurereadyorganizations.

Howdoyouapproachtalentacquisitioninacompetitive market,andwhatstrategieshaveprovenmosteffective foryou?

Talentacquisitionintoday’scompetitivemarketrequiresa proactiveandmultifacetedapproach.AtSavvyGames Group,wefocuson:

• Buildingstrongeducationalpartnerships: Collaboratingwithuniversitiesandtraininginstitutions helpsusidentifyandnurtureyoungtalentearly

Throughourgraduateandinternshipprograms,we providehands-onexperienceandhelpaddresstheskills gapintheindustry

• Investinginemployerbranding:Astrongemployer brandcommunicatesourmission,vision,andcultureto potentialcandidates.BypositioningSavvyasan organizationthatvaluescreativity,innovation,and growth,weattractindividualsalignedwithourgoals.

• Focusingoninternaldevelopment:Developingtalent internallyisjustasimportantasrecruitment.By offeringrobustlearningandgrowthopportunities,we notonlyretaintoptalentbutalsocultivatefuture leaders.

Thisholisticapproachensuresthatweattract,develop,and retainthebesttalentwhilebuildingasustainabletalent pipelineforthefuture.Anintegralpartofthiseffortisthe introductionofSavvyAcademy,whichfocusesonbuilding awareness,readiness,andexperience.Theacademyis designedtosupportthegrowthofSaudiArabia’sgames ecosystembyequippingindividualswiththeskillsand knowledgeneededtoexcelintheindustry.

Inyourexperience,howimportantisemployee engagement,andwhatmethodsdoyouusetofosterit withinyourteam?

Employeeengagementiscriticalfororganizationalsuccess. Engagedemployeesaremoreproductive,innovative,and loyal,contributingsignificantlytoacompany’sgrowth.

AtSavvy,weviewengagementasacontinuousjourney, andwefocuson:

• Regularfeedbackanddata-driveninsights: Engagementsurveys,pulsechecks,andcheck-in interviewsallowustounderstandemployeeneedsand proactivelyaddresschallenges.

• Transparentcommunication:Initiativesliketown hallsandmanagers’forumsensurealignmentbetween employeesandleadership,providingaccessible platformsforopendialogueaboutcompanygoalsand performance.

• TheExecutiveLeadershipTeam’sOpenDoor Initiative:Thisprogramenablesemployeesatall levelstoconnectdirectlywithseniorleadership,share theirideas,anddiscussanychallengestheyface.It

fostersacultureoftransparencyandcollaboration, reinforcingemployees’trustintheleadershipteam.

• Recognitionanddevelopmentprograms:Celebrating individualandteamachievementsfostersasenseof belongingandmotivation,whileopportunitiesfor professionalgrowthkeepemployeesengaged, empowered,andforward-focused.

Theseinitiativesaredesignedtocreateanenvironment whereemployeesfeelvalued,heard,andinspiredtoexcel.

Whatareyourthoughtsonthefutureofremoteworkin theMiddleEast,andhowdoyouseeHRadaptingto thesechanges?

Remoteworkisnolongeratrend—it’sacornerstoneof modernemployment,especiallyinindustrieslikegames andtechnology Whileitoffersflexibilityandattractstalent, italsocomeswithchallengesthatHRleadersmustaddress strategically

1. Buildingacultureoftrustandaccountability: Leadersmustempoweremployeesbysettingclear expectations,promotingautonomy,andfosteringopen communication.Trustformsthefoundationofa successfulremoteworkculture,andaccountability ensuresthatemployeesremainalignedwith organizationalgoals.

2. Supportingremoteemployees: Providingtherighttools,suchascollaborative platformsandcommunicationtechnology,isessential. Additionally,regularcheck-insandstructured interactionshelpemployeesfeelconnectedand supported,evenfromadistance.

3. Ensuringpropercommunication:

DuringtheCOVID-19pandemic,welearnedthe importanceofmaintainingconsistentandtransparent communication.Remoteteamsthrivewhenthereare regularupdates,teammeetings,andvirtualsocial eventsthatfostercollaborationandengagement.

4. Balancingworkandlife: Remoteworkcanblurthelinesbetweenpersonaland professionallife,increasingtheriskofburnout.At Savvy,wepromotepoliciesthatencouragework-life balance,suchassettingclearboundariesandrespecting employees'personaltime.

1. Drivingengagement:

Remoteemployeesmustfeelpartoftheteam. Initiativeslikevirtualteam-buildingactivities, recognitionprograms,andfrequentone-on-one interactionsensurethatremoteworkersremain connectedtotheorganization.

HowdoyoumeasurethesuccessofHRinitiativeswithin yourorganization,andwhatkeyperformanceindicators doyouprioritize?

ThesuccessofHRinitiativesismeasuredbytheir alignmentwithbusinessgoalsandtheirabilitytopositively impactemployees.AtSavvy,wefocuson:

• Engagementscores:Highengagementscoresindicate employeesatisfaction,alignmentwithcompanyvalues, andastrongsenseofbelongingwithinthe organization.

• Turnoverrates:Monitoringturnoverrateshelpsus identifytrends,understandretentionchallenges,and measuretheeffectivenessofourtalentmanagement strategies.

• BusinessrelianceonHR:HRsuccessisevidentwhen businessleadersactivelyseekHR’sinputonstrategic decisions,demonstratingtrustinHRasacritical partnerindrivingorganizationalsuccess.

• Qualityofhires:Theperformance,culturalalignment, andlong-termcontributionofnewhiresserveasstrong indicatorsoftheeffectivenessofourtalentacquisition strategies.

Byprioritizingthesemetrics,weensurethatHRinitiatives notonlycontributetotheorganization’ssuccessbutalso enhanceemployeewell-beingandengagement.

WhatadvicewouldyougivetoemergingHRleaders lookingtomaketheirmarkinthegamesindustry?

EmergingHRleadersshouldfocuson:

• Continuouslearning:Stayadaptableandcurious.The gamesindustryevolvesrapidly,andkeepingupwith trends,technologies,andworkforcedynamicsis essentialforlong-termsuccess.

• Understandingthebusiness:Divedeepintothe industry’soperations,revenuestreams,andkeydrivers.

AsolidunderstandingofthebusinessenablesHR leaderstoaligntheirstrategieswithorganizational goalsandcontributeasstrategicpartners.

• Developingsoftskills:Communication,emotional intelligence,andrelationship-buildingarecriticalfor effectiveleadership.Theseskillshelpfoster collaboration,resolveconflicts,andbuildtrustacross teams.

• Stayingadaptable:Insuchadynamicandfast-paced industry,theabilitytonavigatechange,embrace innovation,andfindcreativesolutionsisinvaluable. AdaptabilityensuresHRleadersremainrelevantand resilientinthefaceofchallenges.

Bycombiningthesetraits,HRleaderscandrivemeaningful impact,enhanceorganizationalculture,andposition themselvesasstrategicenablersinthegamesindustry

Stay adaptable and curious. The games industry evolves rapidly, and keeping up with trends, technologies, and workforce dynamics is essential for long-term success. “ “

Howdoyoupromotecontinuouslearningand professionaldevelopmentamongyourteammembers?

Ibelievethatthebestlearninghappensonthejob.Research supportsthis,with70%oflearningcomingfromhands-on experience,20%fromcoachingormentoring,and10% fromformaltraining.

Creatinganenvironmentwhereemployeescanlearn throughchallengingassignmentsandcross-functional projects.Providestructuredlearningopportunities, includingworkshops,in-housetraining,externalcourses, andonlinelearningplatforms.Continuousfeedbackand coachingfurtherenhancedevelopment.

Asaleader,Ichallengemyteamtotakeonnew responsibilities,ensuringtheygrowprofessionallywhile contributingmeaningfullytotheorganization.

Whatistheonelessonyouhavelearnedfromafailure inyourcareerthathasshapedyourapproachto leadershiptoday?

OnekeylessonI’velearnedistheimportanceofclear communicationandstakeholderalignment.Earlyinmy career,Iunderestimatedhowcriticalitwastoengagekey stakeholderstransparentlyandproactively.Misalignment canderailinitiatives,nomatterhowwell-plannedtheyare.

Today,Iprioritizeclear,consistentcommunicationand activelyseekfeedbackfromstakeholdersthroughoutthe process.Thisapproachensuresalignment,buildstrust,and significantlyimprovesthechancesofsuccess.

Canyoushareanexampleofasuccessfuldiversityand inclusioninitiativeyouimplemented?Whatimpactdid ithaveonyourorganization?

Oneofourkeyfocuseshasbeensupportingwork-life balance,particularlyforworkingmothers.Byintroducing flexibleworkinghours,remoteworkoptions,andenhanced parentalleavepolicies,we’veempoweredemployeesto bettermanagetheirfamilyresponsibilities.Theseinitiatives havealsoincreasedtherepresentationofwomeninour company,exceedingtheglobalindustryaverage.

AsSavvyleadsthegrowinggamessectorinSaudiArabia, diversityremainsacornerstoneofourstrategy.Looking ahead,weareplanningtolauncha‘GamingCulture’ programnextyear Thisinitiativewillcelebratetheunique perspectivesofemployeesfromvariousbackgroundsand regions.Byfosteringacultureofrespectandinclusivity,we aimtocreateanenvironmentwhereeveryteammember feelsvaluedandempoweredtocontribute.Thisinclusive culturenotonlyenhancesjobsatisfactionandretentionbut alsopositionsusasaforward-thinkingleaderintheglobal gamesindustry

Canyoudiscussatimewhenyouhadtonavigatea significantconflictwithinyourteamororganization? Whatwasyourapproach,andwhatwastheoutcome?

OnenotablechallengeIencounteredwasaddressing dissatisfactionfromanexecutiveafterwelaunchedanew programtoimproveanHRpractice.Despitethorough planningandcommunication,theexecutivefeltthe programdidn’tmeethisexpectations,whichledtodelays.

Toresolvetheissue,Iarrangedaone-on-onemeetingwith theexecutive,approachingtheconversationwithanopen mindandawillingnesstolisten.Itwasessentialto understandhisconcernsandperspectivefully.Duringour discussion,Iacknowledgedhisfeedbackandrevisitedthe purposeandbenefitsoftheprogram,demonstratingits alignmentwithbothcompanyobjectivesandhis department’sgoals.

Thedialoguewasconstructive,focusingonfinding commonground.Weidentifiedspecificwaystoaddresshis needswhilemaintainingtheprogram’sintegrity.This collaborativeapproachresultedinapositiveoutcome—a truewin-win.Theexecutivefeltheardandgainedaclearer understandingoftheprogram’svalue.Weagreedon actionablestepstoalignexpectations,whichallowedthe teamtomoveforwardcohesivelyandsuccessfully implementtheprogram.

Mo amed Al Has emih

Building Community Through Commerce: The Cooperative Advantage

Exploring the Social Capital of Consumer Cooperatives!

Asrisingcostsandcorporate

monopoliessqueeze consumers,adifferentmodel ofbusinessisgainingtraction. Consumercooperativesareemerging asapowerfulalternative,offeringa pathtofairprices,qualitygoods,and communityempowerment.Atthe forefrontofthismovementstands

MohamedAlHashemi,CEOof UnionCoop,whoisredefiningthe retaillandscapewithavisionthatputs peoplebeforeprofits.

With19yearsofindustryexperience, AlHashemiunderstandsthechallenges facingmodernconsumers.His philosophythatmembersareowners andtheirneedsdrivedecisions,not shareholderdividends,haspropelled UnionCooptothevanguardofthe cooperativemovement.Thisapproach demonstratesthatethicalbusiness practicescancoexistwitheconomic success.

Underhisleadership,UnionCoophas becomeamodelofdemocratic governanceinbusiness.Membershave avoiceinmajordecisions,ensuring theorganizationremainsresponsiveto communityneeds.Thisapproachnot

My vision for Union Coop revolves around solidifying our position as a leading provider of quality products and services while enhancing our commitment to community service and sustainability.

onlyfostersloyaltybutalsocreatesa rippleeffectinthelocaleconomy, supportingjobsandencouraging competition.

Thecooperativemodelchampionedby AlHashemioffersmorethanjustcost savings.Itbuildssocialcapital, creatingasenseofsharedpurpose amongmembers.UnionCoopisn'tjust sellingproducts;it'sbuildinga community.

Asconsumersseekalternativesto traditionalretail,UnionCoop'ssuccess storyoffersacompellingblueprint. WithAlHashemiatthehelm,the companyisprovingthatwhen customersbecomestakeholders, everyonebenefits.Inaworldof increasingeconomicuncertainty,this cooperativemodelmaywellrepresent thefutureofsustainable,communitycenteredcommerce.

Below are the interview highlights!!

Canyoupleaseintroduceyourself andyourmotivationtoembarkon thissector?

MohamedAlHashemi,CEOofUnion Coop.Myjourneyintheretailsector beganwithadeep-seatedpassionfor contributingtothegrowthand developmentofthecommunity With over20yearsofexperience,Ihave beenprivilegedtowitnesshowthe retailsectornotonlydriveseconomic progressbutalsoplaysacrucialrolein enhancingpeople'sdailylives. Mymotivationstemsfromadesireto innovateandelevatetheretail experience,ensuringUnionCoop remainsacornerstoneofquality, affordability,andcommunityservicein theUAE.Forthat,Ihavealsobeen nominatedasayounggloballeaderby theWorldEconomicForumin2021.

MohamedAlHashemi CEO UnionCoop

By promoting creative thinking and providing professional development opportunities,

I empower employees to grow.

Couldyoupleasegiveabrief introductiontoyourcompanyand itsinceptionstory?

UnionCoopwasestablishedin1982 underMinisterialResolutionNo.31/2 bytheMinistryofLabourandSocial Affairs,withaprimaryobjectiveto enhancethesocialandeconomic conditionsofitsmembersandserve thelocalcommunity

Asoneofthepioneeringretailentities intheUAE,UnionCoophasgrownto becomeoneofthelargestconsumer cooperativesintheregion,operating 27branchesandowning8shopping centers.

Ourcommitmenttointernationalretail standardsisevidentthroughthe introductionofinnovativeconcepts aimedattransformingtheshopping experience.UnionCoopisalsoa leaderinintegratingsmartshopping technologiesacrossseveralbranches, alongsidededicatedConsumer Happinessservices.

Weareproudtocontribute significantlytopricestabilitythrough annualinvestmentsoftensofmillions ofdirhamsinpromotionalcampaigns thatofferdiscounts,valuable promotions,andprizes.Theseefforts notonlysupportmarketbalancebut alsoensuregoodreturnsforour shareholderswhilefosteringsocialand economicdevelopmentintheUAE.

AtUnionCoop,wecontinuetoexpand andadoptadvancedtechnologiesto upholdthedirectivesoftheUAE's leadership,enhanceEmiratization rates,andprioritizecustomerservice andhappiness.Ourgoalremainsto broadenourconsumerbase,protect consumerrights,andachieve sustainableprofitabilityyearafteryear

Whathasbeenthebiggestchallenge you'vefacedinyourroleasCEO, andhowdidyouovercomeit?

Idonotliketousetheword ‘challenges’andinsteadprefer ‘opportunitiesforgrowth’.Oneofthe biggest‘opportunitiesofgrowth’I've encounteredasCEOofUnionCoop hasbeentransformingthe organizationalculturetoembracenew businessstylesandoptimizeourgoals inresponsetoevolvingmarket dynamics.

WhenIjoined,ourfocuswason integratinginnovativeapproachesthat alignwithinternationalretailstandards whilemaintainingourcommitmentto communityserviceandshareholder value.

Toaddressthischallenge,weinitiated comprehensivetrainingprogramsand workshopstoupskillourworkforce andalignthemwiththenewstrategic direction.Communicationplayeda crucialroleinfosteringunderstanding andbuy-inacrossalllevelsofthe

organization.Weemphasized transparencyandcollaboration, encouragingteamstoembracechange andcontributeideasthatenhanceour operationalefficiencyandcustomer experience.

Additionally,leveragingadvanced technologiesanddataanalyticshas beenpivotalinoptimizingourbusiness processesanddecision-making capabilities.Byharnessingthesetools, we'vebeenabletoadaptswiftlyto marketshifts,anticipateconsumer trends,andenhanceourcompetitive edge.

Ultimately,overcomingthischallenge requiredabalancedapproachof leadership,innovation,andstrategic alignment.Today,UnionCoopstands asatestamenttoourabilitytoevolve whilestayingtruetoourcorevaluesof serviceexcellenceandcommunity impact.

Howdoyoumaintainahealthy work-lifebalanceastheleaderofa company?

Asaleader,maintainingahealthy work-lifebalanceisessentialnotonly formywell-beingbutalsofor sustainingproductivityandinnovation withintheorganization.Iprioritize dividingmytimesmartly,focusingon 'smartwork'ratherthansolelyon'hard work.'Thisapproachallowsmeto delegateeffectively,empoweringmy teamwhileensuringthatstrategic objectivesaremetefficiently

Settingclearboundariesbetweenwork andpersonaltimeiscrucial.Imakeita pointtoallocatespecifichoursfor work-relatedtasksanddedicate uninterruptedtimetoindividual interestsandfamilycommitments. Embracingtechnologyhasalsobeen instrumental;itenablesmetostay

connectedandinformedwithout compromisingonqualitytimeaway fromwork.

Moreover,promotingacultureof work-lifebalancewithinUnionCoop isparamount,andImustleadby example.Encouragingflexiblework arrangementsandsupporting employeesinachievingtheirown balancefostersapositivework environmentandenhancesoverall productivity.Regularlyassessing workloadsandadjustingpriorities helpsmanagestressandmaintainfocus onbothprofessionalandpersonal growth.

Ultimately,Ibelievethatabalanced lifeleadstogreatercreativity, resilience,andlong-termsuccessfor bothindividualsandorganizations.

Whatarethemostimportant qualitiesorskillsyoubelievea successfulCEOmustpossess?

Ibelieveseveralqualitiesandskillsare crucialforachievingsuccessand effectivelyleadinganorganization. Firstandforemostistheabilitythe abilitytoleadbyexample.Visionary leadershipisparamount,asitinvolves settingacleardirectionandinspiring otherstopursueambitiousgoals.

Strategicthinkingisessentialfor formulatingandexecutingplansthat drivegrowthandinnovationwhile maintainingacompetitiveedge.Strong communicationskillsfoster transparency,buildtrust,andalign stakeholderstowardssharedobjectives.

Decisivenessunderpressure,coupled withadaptabilityandresilience,allows CEOstonavigatechallengesand capitalizeonopportunitiesindynamic environments.Empathyandemotional intelligencearevitalforunderstanding diverseperspectives,nurturinga

supportiveculture,andforgingstrong relationships.Strategicnetworking enablesCEOstoleveragepartnerships andindustryinsightstoadvance organizationalinterests.

Acknowledginginnovationand continuouslearningfostersacultureof creativityandadaptationtonew technologiesandmarkettrends. Upholdingintegrityandethical leadershipbuildtrustandensure ethicaldecision-making.Effective teambuildingandempowerment cultivatehigh-performingteamswhere collaborationandinclusivitydrive collectivesuccess.

Byembodyingthesequalitiesand continuallyhoningtheseskills,CEOs canleadtheirorganizationstowards sustainablegrowth,profitability,and positivesocietalimpact.Ofcourse,all ofthisisinmyhumbleopinion.

Whatisyourleadershipstyle,and howdoyoumotivateandinspire yourteamtoachievethecompany's goals?

Mystyleofworkingwithmyteamhas alottodowith'motivation’ratherthan ‘inspiration.’Iwillalwayspreferto motivateateammembertobetheir bestratherthaninspirethemtofollow acertainpatterntoachieveadesired goal.Thisalsobringsusbackto leadingbyexample.

Ibelieveinfosteringasupportive environmentwhereeveryteam memberfeelsvaluedandempowered tocontributetheirbest.Transparency andopencommunicationarecore principles,ensuringthatourgoals, challenges,andsuccessesareshared openlyacrosstheorganization.

Iprioritizealigningindividualgoals withthecompany'sstrategic objectives.Byclearlyarticulatingour visionandtheroleeachpersonplaysin

achievingit,Iinstillasenseofpurpose andownership.Recognizingand celebratingachievements,bothbigand small,reinforcesourcollective progressandboostsmorale.

Ichallengeourteamtothink creatively,embracenewideas,and adapttochangingmarketdynamics. Providingopportunitiesfor professionalgrowthanddevelopment, whetherthroughtrainingprogramsor leadershipinitiatives,empowers employeestoexpandtheirskillsand contributemeaningfullytooursuccess.

Leadingbyexampleisalsocrucial.I strivetoembodyourorganizational valuesofintegrity,customer-centricity, andoperationalexcellenceinevery decisionandinteraction.By demonstratingthesevalues consistently,Iinspiretrustand confidenceamongourteammembers andstakeholdersalike.

Ultimately,mygoalistocreatea collaborativeandinclusiveworkplace whereinnovationthrives,teamwork flourishes,andeachindividualfeels motivatedtoachievetheirfull potential.

Whatadvicewouldyougiveto aspiringentrepreneursorbusiness leaderslookingtofollowinyour footsteps?

Myadvicetoaspiringentrepreneurs andbusinessleadersisrootedin severalguidingprinciplesthathave shapedmyownjourney:

Firstly,embracearelentlesspassionfor yourvisionandgoals.Beclearabout whatdrivesyouandcommit wholeheartedlytoachievingit,evenin thefaceofchallengesandsetbacks. Secondly,prioritizecontinuous learningandpersonaldevelopment. Thebusinesslandscapeevolves

Strategic thinking is essential for formulating and executing plans that drive growth and innovation while maintaining a competitive edge.

rapidly,andstayingaheadrequiresa willingnesstoadapt,acquirenew skills,andremainopentoinnovative ideasandtechnologies.

Thirdly,buildastrongfoundationof integrityandethicalleadership.Trust andcredibilityareinvaluableassetsin businessrelationshipsandcommunity engagement.

Fourthly,surroundyourselfwitha diverseandtalentedteam.Value differentperspectives,empoweryour employees,andfosteracollaborative culturewhereeveryonefeelsvalued andmotivatedtocontributetheirbest.

Lastly,beresilientandadaptable.

Ultimately,successisnotjustabout achievingfinancialmilestonesbutalso aboutmakingapositiveimpacton yourindustryandcommunity.Thereis alwaysanopportunitytolearnand grow

Whatisyourvisionforthefutureof yourcompany,andwhatstepsare youtakingtoensureitslong-term sustainabilityandgrowth?

MyvisionforUnionCooprevolves aroundsolidifyingourpositionasa

leadingproviderofqualityproducts andserviceswhileenhancingour commitmenttocommunityserviceand sustainability

Toensurelong-termsustainabilityand growth,wearefocusingonseveralkey initiatives.Firstly,wecontinueto innovateinproductofferingsandretail formats,adaptingtoevolving consumerpreferencesandmarket trends.Thisincludesexpandingour digitalcapabilitiesande-commerce platformstoreachabroaderaudience andenhanceconvenienceforour customers.

Secondly,sustainabilityremainsa cornerstoneofourstrategy Weare committedtoreducingour environmentalfootprintthroughecofriendlypractices,promoting sustainableproducts,andengagingin communityinitiativesthatsupport environmentalstewardship.Moreover, wewillsupportourwiseleadership andcompetentauthoritiesin implementingtheirdecisionsonthe groundefficiently.

Thirdly,investinginourpeopleis critical.Weareenhancingtraining programs,talentdevelopment

initiatives,andempowermenteffortsto buildaskilledandmotivated workforcecapableofdrivingour growthagendaforward.

Additionally,fosteringstrategic partnershipsandalliancesiskeyto expandingourmarketpresenceand exploringnewopportunitiesregionally andinternationally These collaborationsenableustoaccessnew markets,innovatefaster,anddeliver value-addedservicestoourcustomers.

Lastly,maintainingfinancialdiscipline andoperationalexcellenceunderpins ourapproach.Wearevigilantin managingcosts,optimizingsupply chainefficiencies,andinvesting prudentlyininfrastructureand technology.

LEADERSH I P in the Age of Disruption: What It Ta

kes to Stay Ahead

Today'sbusinessworldisadisruptiveworld.

Exponentialtechchangestoshiftingconsumer culture,globalpandemicstogeopolitical disruption,theonlythingthat'ssureischange.Intoday's changingworld,traditionalleadershipmodels—grounded instability,predictability,andhierarchy—arebeing redefined.Successfulleaderstodayaren'tmerelyreactingto disruption;they'regearingupforit,embracingit,and harnessingitasaforcefortransformation.

Thedisruptionagedoesnotmerelydemandquicker decision-making—itdemandssmarter,moresensitive leadership.Toleadistolookforward,tosearchforthenext horizonpasttoday'sstruggle,andittakesamindthat recognizeschangeasopportunity,notasrisk.

Attimesoftempests,themostpreciousassetaleaderhasis avisionaryandunequivocalvision.Insettingswhereouter conditionsareindeterminate,innersenseofpurposekeeps anorganizationintact.Visionaryleadersdonotsimply understandwhatbusinessgetsconducted,butalsowhyitis gettingconducted—andhowthatcangetconvertedintoa changingworld.

Mostimportantly,stakeholdersfromemployeestoinvestors areseekingleaderswhocanpaintabiggerpicture.Vision setsdirectionandinspires,andthereforedisruptionisa teameffortandnotarollercoasterride.Itallowsteamsto align,adapt,andmoveforwardwithconfidenceevenwhen thepathaheadisuncertain.

AgilityandAdaptability:CoreLeadership Competencies

Thosewerethedayswhenlong-termplanscouldbe mappedoutandexecutedwithoutalteration.Thefinest leadersofthedayarethosewhoembedadaptabilityin

operations,culture,andmindset.Theyunderstandthat agilityisnotaquestionofabandoningstrategy;it's concerninglearningrapidly,correctingontime,and embracingexperimentation.

Adaptiveleaderswelcomecriticism,transformtomarket adjustments,andallowteamstocreateinternally Adaptive leadersalsobecomeresilient—resilientorganizationsare abletorideoutshockandreturnstrengthened.Itisn'tthe mostpowerfulwhosurvivetheeraofdisruption,butthe mostresilient.

Disruptionisfirstexperiencedbyhumanbeings.Jobcuts, jobredesign,digitalization,andremoteworkinduceanxiety anddoubt.Thoseleaderswithemotionalintelligencewho communicateempathetically,leadgenuinely,andoperate onahumanlevelarelikelytowinpeople'strust.

Empathygivesrisetoloyalty,engagement,andproductivity inthefaceofuncertainty.Empathyallowsleaderstohear silentproblems,feelothers'perceptions,andmakedifficult decisionswithtact.Emotionalintelligencealsopromotes cooperativeleadershiptoenablevariousfactionsto collaborate,innovate,anddelivertheirbest.

Data-InformedDecision-Making

Whileinstinctremainsrelevantinleadership,informationis nowthebestfriend.Disruptiveleadersarecountingon analytics,artificialintelligence,andpredictivesoftwareto findtrends,gaugerisk,andmakefaster,moreinformed decisions.They'rewageringonreal-timevisibilityinto informationandconverginginsightsacrossdepartmentsto befirst.

Informationdoesnotreplaceleadership—itcomplementsit. Thesecretistodecodecomplexinformationwithoutlosing thehumanandstrategicelements.Emotionallyintelligent andanalyticalleadersarebetterplacedtomanage opportunitiesaswellascrises.

CultureofInnovation

Disruptionbegetsinnovation—ifleaderscreateaculture whereitcanthrive.Thatmeansrewardingrisk-taking, embracingfailureasaformoflearning,andgivingteams thefreedomtoexercisepoweragainstthestatusquo.It meansriddingthemselvesofbureaucraticspeedbumpsand givingworkerstheauthoritytoactontheirowninitiative.

Psychologicalsafetyisprizedbyvisionaryleaders.When peoplefeelfreetospeakup,trythingsout,andfail,they innovate.Progressivefirmsaremorelikelytobea reflectionoftheirleaders'mindset:questioning,forwardlooking,andnotfightingreinvention.

BuildingFuture-ReadyTeams

Thespeedofdisruptiongivesthefactthattheleaderscan nolongerdoitbythemselves.Theymustputtogether teamsthatarenotonlydiverseandskilled,butthatcan learninperpetuity.Leadershipdevelopment,crossfunctionalteamwork,andupskillingarenow imperatives—theyarerequirements.

Future-proofleadersareinvestinginsuccessionplanning, flexibleteamstructures,andmentoring.Theycreateroom forfreshviewsfromyoungerworkers,digitalnatives,or externalindustryexperts.Byempoweringothers,theybring organizationaldepthandresilience.

LeadingwithPurpose

Purpose-drivenleadershipismoststronglyheardduring timesofupheaval.Customers,employees,andcommunities increasinglyexpectcompaniestostandforsomething beyondprofit.Decision-makingleaderswithadefined purposegeneratemoreloyalty,buildstrongerengagement, andbuildstrongerbrandtrust.

Purposeprovidesmoralguidancewhenconfrontedwith hardchoices.Itallowsleaderstoweighlong-termlegacy againstshort-termreward.Anditkeeps everybody—especiallyintimesofdisruption—anchoredin whytheworkmatters.

TheLegacyoftheDisruptiveLeader

Disruptiveleadershipinatimeofdisruptionisn'tabout survival—aboutmakingthefuture.Disruptiveleadersare visionaries,collaborators,andchangeagents.Theyprovoke assumptions,releasepotential,andinspireothersto reimaginewhatispossible.

Inanagewheredisruptioncannotbeavoided,thepeople whostayaheadofthecurvearethosewholeadwith courage,curiosity,andconviction.Theydon'twaitforthe futuretoarrive—theycreateit.

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.

Venkatesh Rao Managing Director of Middle East Unique Group

A Powerhouse of Leadership –Venkatesh o

Tostandoutasaremarkablepersonality,aleader mustpossessauniqueblendofqualitiesthatcater tothespecificneedsofthepeopleandtheregion. Thisincludesvisionaryandstrategicthinkingalongwith fundamentalcomprehension.

Itmeansunderstandingtheregionallandscape,economic trends,andculturalnuancestodevelopaclear,long-term visionforthecompany'ssuccessintheMiddleEast.Italso involveseffectivelyleadingdiverseteams,fosteringa cultureofinclusion,andunderstandingdifferent communicationstyles.Further,buildingstrongrelationships withgovernmententities,localbusinesses,andkey stakeholderstonavigatethebusinessenvironmentand secureopportunitiesisamust.

Thenextsetoftraitsincludesmarketknowledge, innovationandgrowth,andfinancialandbusinessacumen. Theseensurethecompany'sfinancialhealthand profitabilitywhileconsideringlocaleconomicfactorsand regulations.

Theattributesthatcompletethisintegrationarethosethat includepersonalqualitieslikeresilienceandadaptability, strongworkethics,culturalsensibilities,social responsibility,anddigitaltransformationinthatcontext.

MeetVenkateshRao,thepowerhousewithallthese qualities,leadingUniqueGroup'soperationsintheMiddle East.RecognizedasoneofthemostremarkableManaging Directorsintheregion,andforgoodreason,MrRaois currentlycontributingtoUniqueGroup'semergenceasa leadingproviderofintegratedsubseaengineeringsolutions.

Leading Unique

Group’s

Emergence as the Most Reliable Integrated Engineering Solutions Provider

Mr Rao spoke in an exclusive interview, the highlights of which are given herein.

Pleasetellusaboutyourselfandwhatmotivatedyouto embarkonthissector.

Iamanengineeringgraduatefromareputeduniversityin Indiawhograduatedin1988.MyinitialcareerwasinIndia asaTechnicalSalesprofessionalsellingInstrumentation productstovariouspublicandprivatesectorindustries.I gotanopportunitytopursuemycareerintheMiddleEast in1997,whichledmetoexploretheMarineIndustryfor thefirsttime.

IspentsevenyearsworkingforMaritronics,aUAE-based marineservicescompany,asaKeyAccountManager responsibleforSales&Businessdevelopmentofcertain shipborneInstrumentation,Navigation,andCommunication productstoShippingindustriesintheMiddleEast.

IjoinedUniqueGroupin2004tostartandleadthenew MarineBusinessDivision.Uniquewasthenanalready well-establishednameinthesubseamarketthatprovided speciallyengineeredsolutionsandservices.Unique’s businessstartedgrowinggloballybetween2007and2010, whichprovidedampleopportunitiesformetolearnmore aboutsubseaapplications,whichwasastartingpointfor mycareergrowth.Icompletedmyfull-timeMBAin InternationalSalesandMarketingsimultaneously.

AfterUnique’sbusinessrestructurein2017,Iwasentrusted withtheresponsibilityofmanagingUnique’sMiddleEast Division,coveringalllinesofbusinesssuchasDiving+

I have been fortunate enough and can’t thank enough many of our elite clients in the Middle East who have been with us since the company's inception three decades ago.

LifeSupport,Buoyancy+WaterWeights,Survey Equipment,UnmannedSurfaceVesselsandLifting+ MooringandI'veneverlookedbacksincethen.

Pleasebriefusaboutyourcompanyanditsinception story.

UniqueGroup,establishedin1993asaconventionalrental providerfortheOilandgasindustryintheMiddleEast,has evolvedtobecomeagloballeaderinsubseatechnology. Fromitshumblebeginningswithjustthreeemployees, today,itisaglobalsubseainnovatorboastingaworkforce of600+professionals,includingover200engineers.We specializeinprovidingintegratedsubseaandoffshore solutions.

Ourexpertiseencompassesacomprehensiverangeof solutions,includingunmannedsurfacevessels(USVs), surveyequipment,divingandlifesupport,liftingand mooring,buoyancy,andwaterweights.Theseservicescater totheOilandGassectorandextendsupporttothe Renewables,Defense,Offshore,andMedicalindustries.

WithmanufacturinghubsstrategicallylocatedintheUK, SouthAfrica,andtheMiddleEast,weensureaglobal presencetomeetthediverseneedsofourclients.Our commitmenttoinnovationisevidentthroughourdedicated R&Ddepartment,whichisconstantlyworkingon pioneeringsolutions.Underthe"Uni"brand,weproudly offeroursurveyandUSVsolutionsline.

UniqueGrouphastransformedintoaleadingglobalplayer, offeringcutting-edgesolutionsacrossmultipleindustries andcontinuallypushingtheboundariesofsubsea innovation.

Howdoyoueffectivelymanageandleadateamof executivesandemployees,andwhatstrategiesdoyou

implementtodrivegrowthandprofitabilityinyour organization?

Clearcommunicationensurestheteamunderstandsthe organization’sgoals,mission,andcorevalues.Ibelievein teamworkandencourageacollaborativeworkenvironment. Peopleareourassets,andIbelieveindelegating responsibilities,empoweringthemtomakedecisions,and trustingthemtofosterasenseofaccountability.

Itisimportanttobeawareofthechangingmarketdynamics andstayinformedaboutindustrytrendstoarriveattheright strategyalignedwithouroverallmissionandvision. Introducinginnovativetechnologiesorideasandadapting ourapproachtochangingmarketconditionsiskeyto drivinggrowthandprofitability.

Howdoyouapproachdecision-makingandproblemsolvingasaManagingDirector?Canyousharean exampleofachallengingsituationyoufacedandhow youtackledit?

Tomaketherightdecisionsandfindasolutiontoany problem,Itrytogatherasmuchinformationrelevanttothe problemordecisionathandaspossibleandsetaspecific objective.Idiscussthedecisionwithrelevantstakeholders toseektheirinputandevaluatevariousalternativesbefore arrivingatadecision.Imakesuretoimplementthe decision,maintainingopenandtransparentcommunication withallstakeholders.

Howdoyouensureeffectivecommunicationand collaborationbetweendifferentdepartmentswithinthe organization?

Weeklyandmonthlybusinesscoordinationmeetingswillbe heldwithalldepartmentheads.Clearlydefineroles, responsibilities,andworkflowstominimizeconfusionand duplicationofeffort.Usingthetechnology,i.e.,weuse MicrosoftTeamsextensivelytocommunicatewithawider audienceacrossallregions—brainstormingandteam buildingsessionsinamorerelaxedenvironmentto overcomebarriersandbuildmutualsupport.

Whatmeasuresdoyoutaketostayupdatedwith industrytrendsandchangesinthebusiness environment,andhowdoyouhandleandresolve conflictswithinyourorganization?

Nowadays,mostoftheinformationrelatedtoindustry trendsandtechnologiesisavailableonlineviasocialmedia andspecializedwebsites.Ialsobelieveincontinuous

learningbyengaginginonlineeducationthroughcourses, webinars,andattendingconferencesandexhibitionsrelated toourindustry Wehaveaccesstosomeindustry publicationsthroughsubscriptionsthatprovideuswiththe latestmarkettrendsandotherusefulinformation.Astrong professionalnetworkconnectingwithindustryleadersand peershelpsstayinformed.

Iencouragetransparentandhonestconversationamong teammemberstoaddressanyconflictsastheyariseand preventescalation.Iprovideacollaborativeenvironment forteammemberstofindmutuallyacceptablesolutions.

Canyoudiscussasuccessfulprojectorinitiativeyouled andthekeyfactorsthatcontributedtoitssuccess?

Well,Icannottakecreditaloneforvarioussuccessful projectsexecutedacrossalllinesofbusinessintheMiddle East.Oneofthekeystrategicinitiativestakenrecentlywas tostrengthenandexpandouroperationslocallyinKSAto meetgrowingdemandsinthecountryandfulfillregulatory requirements,includingtheAramco-initiatedIKTVA(inkingdomtotalvalueadd)program.Ourlocalpresenceand operationsbenefitedusinsecuringsomeimportantprojects fromtheKSAgovernmentsector.Also,theyfacilitatedthe additionofnewlinesofbusinessofferings,resultinginour overallbusinessgrowth.

Howdoyouprioritizeandmanageyourtimeeffectively asaManagingDirector?

IderivemyoverallKPIsbasedonthegoalsandobjectives setforthbyC-levelmanagementandprioritizethetasks basedonimportanceandurgency.Ihaveastrongteamto supportme,andempoweringthemtotakeownershipgives meampletimetotakeonahigherlevelofresponsibility Wehavegoodmanagementtools,suchasERPsystems, CRM,andPowerBidashboards,thathelpprovideuseful MISdatatotrackandmonitorrelevantbusinessresults.

Howdoyoudevelopandnurturerelationshipswithkey stakeholders,suchasclients,investors,andboard members?

AsImentionedearlier,clearandregularcommunication withfulltransparencyandtrustisthekeytobuildingand nurturinganyrelationship.Fortunatelyforme,mostofthe stakeholders,includingtheGroupC-suitemembers,are locatedonthesamepremisesasIoperate,whichgivesme anaddedadvantageandopportunitiestoengagewiththem regularly

Howdoyoufosterapositiveandinclusiveworkculture withinyourorganization?

AtUnique,wehaveestablishedclearpoliciesand guidelinestopromotediversity,equity,andinclusionthat applytoallourregionalofficesacrosstheglobe.

Wepracticeaprofessionalhiringandpromotionprocess purelyonameritbasis.IntheMiddleEast,wheremostof theworkforcecomprisesexpatworkers,weencourage recruitingpeopleofdifferentethnicitiesandtrytomaintain ahealthygenderratio.Also,aspartoftheinclusion,we recruitlocalEmirati/Saudiyoungprofessionalstotrainand nurturethem.Wehaveprovidedallemployeeswithan onlineplatformtogivefeedbackandsuggestionsfor improvement.Wehaveimplementeda monthly/quarterly/yearlyrecognitionandrewardprogram invariousresultscategories.

Finally,whatdoyoubelievesetsyouapartasa ManagingDirectorandmakesyouastrongleader?

Well,throughoutmyentirecareer,Ihavelearnedacouple ofimportantlessonsthatIhavefirmlybelievedallalong, suchasthatthereisnosubstitutionforhardworkandthat teamworkisessentialforsuccess.Ialwaystreatpeoplewith respectandequalityandprovidethemopportunitiesto expressthemselvesandgrow,aswellasbegoodteam players.

Pleasegiveustestimonialsfromyourclientsandawards orrecognitionthataccuratelyhighlightyour achievementsinthecorporateniche.

Thebiggestawardiswinningthetrustofourclientsand maintainingthattrust.Ihavebeenfortunateenough,andI wouldliketothankmanyofoureliteclientsintheMiddle Eastwhohavebeenwithussincetheinceptionofthe companythreedecadesago.

The Silent Power of Listening: A Leader’s Underrated Skill

Leadershiptendstobeequatedwithbolddecisions,

straight-talking,andthepowertogetteams moving.Thesearenecessaryqualities,itistrue,but onevitalabilityiscommonlyignoredwhendescribinga greatleader:listening.Intheeraofsnapdecisionsand perpetualhubbub,listeningcanfeelpassive.Ithas, however,tremendouspowertoestablishteamdynamics, terminateconflict,generateinnovation,andbuildtrust.The unwrittenactoftrulylisteningtoothersis,insomany ways,theloudestproclamationoftheauthorityofaleader.

BeyondHearing:TheArtofActiveListening

Reallisteningisnotmerelyhearingwords.Ittakes presence,patience,andadesiretoseethingsfromsomeone else'sperspective,notyourown.Activelisteningisnot merelyafunctionofprocessingwhatonehears,but engagingwiththemessage—througheyecontact,reflective pauses,clarifyingquestions,andempatheticfeedback. Leaderswhoareskilledatthisartsendamessagetotheir teamsthattheyareheard.

Whenworkersfeelheard,theyfeelvalued.Thatfeelingof beingunderstoodimprovesmorale,increasesengagement, anddecreasesturnover.Activelisteningevenreveals insightsthatwouldotherwisebeburiedintalkthatdoesn't gobelowthesurface.Itcreatesaculturewhereideasmove freely,problemsaresolvedearly,andinnovationis possible.

Building

TrustOneConversationataTime

Trustisthefoundationofanysuccessfulteam,andlistening isitscornerstone.Humilityandrespectareexpressedby leaderswhentheylisten.

Theyindicatethattheydon'talwayshaveallthe answers—andthatthey'reopentolearningfromothers. Thisbuildsacultureofpsychologicalsafety,inwhich employeesfeelsafertobringupconcerns,providehonest feedback,andclaimresponsibilityfortheirwork.

Ontheotherhand,leaderswhodominateconversationsor silencefeedbackriskdisengagingtheirteams.Eventually, thiscanleadtodisengagement,resentment,andpoor performance.Bylisteningthoughtfullyandconsistently, leadersestablishtrustnotingrandactsbutineveryday interactions.

ListeningasaCatalystforBetterDecision-Making

Gooddecisionsarenotpersonalized—theyaretheresultof intelligentthinking,variedinput,anddeliberate considerationofmultipleperspectives.Listeningimproves aleader'scapacityformakinggooddecisionsbygiving themabettersenseoftheissuesathand.

Onateam,anattentiveleaderwillbeabletoidentifytrend lines,sensethemoodofateam,andsenseemergingpitfalls beforeissuesareonthescene.They'llalsolikelynote opportunityforsynergyorcreativitynotseenbythoseselfabsorbed.Knowledgegainedthroughlisteningultimately benefitsleadersindecisionmakingthatisbothsmarterbut participativeanddurable.

TheEmotionalIntelligenceLink

Listeningisattheheartofemotionalintelligence—a competencethathasgrownincreasinglyimportantto leadershipinourday.Emotionallyintelligentleaders employlisteningasawaytopickuponclues,sense emotionalundertows,andrespondempathetically Withthis sensitization,theycanmanageconflictmoreeffectively, dealwithsensitivesituationsnonchalantly,andbuild healthierinterpersonalrelationships.

Also,emotionalintelligencethroughlisteningenables leaderstobeinapositiontofine-tunetheircommunication styletosuitvariouspeopleandsituations.Theremaybe onememberwhoisfightinganddoesnotexpressit,butan empatheticleaderwillusuallybeabletopickitupfrom tonechangeorbodypositionchanges.Thistypeofdeep listeningcanstopthingsfromexplodingandleadtoabetter workplaceculture.

SilenceasaLeadershipTool

Silenceduringdiscussionsisoftenuncomfortable.Butused intentionally,silencecanbeaverypowerfulleadershiptool. Pausingbeforespeakingallowsroomforconsiderationand communicatesthataleaderisconsideringwhatisbeing saidbeforeanswering.Itpromptsotherstokeeptalking, whichmoreoftenthannotbringsupdeeperinformationor moresubtleinsights.

Silencealsotakesattentionofftheleaderandontothe speaker—somethingabsolutelyessentialincoachtalks, performancecriticism,orresolvingdisputes.Inresistingthe impulsetofilleachsilenceorrespondpromptly,leaders establishspaceforrealtalkandrespect.

Withremoteandhybridworkontherise,listeninghasbeen transformed.Managersnowhavetodealwithvideocalls, asynchronouscommunication,anddigitalfeedback mechanisms.Activelisteninginthesecontextshastobe moreintentional.Itisreadingbetweenthelinesinwritten communications,beingfullypresentonvideocalls,and checkinginwithemployeestobuildunderstandingand rapport.

Virtualcommunicationlackssomeoftheemotional richnessofin-personconversation,soactivelisteningand empathyaremorecriticalthaneverbeforetoleaders.A well-timedquestionoraconsideratenoteofrecognitionfor someone'sinputcanbepuremagicatfillingvirtualdistance foremotionalconnection.

ATimelessSkillfortheFuture

Asleadershipitselftransformstomeetthedemandsof globalissues,technologydisruption,andshiftingworkforce expectations,theartoflisteningisforever.Itisaskillthat cutsacrossindustriesandhierarchies,workingbehindthe scenestoinfluencesomeofhistory'sgreatestleaders.

Listeningisnotweaknessorhesitation.Itisasignof wisdom,strength,andemotionalmaturity.Itisthepowerful gentleforcethatennoblesothers,buildsbridges,andtaps potential.Atatimewhentheworldrewardstoooften bombastandrapidaction,theleaderwhohearswelland movesslowlyisthebest.

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