World's Most Iconic CEOs in Middle East – 2022

Tariq

Overthepastyear,theCovid-19pandemichascontinued tochangethecorporateenvironmentasdifferent industrieshavereacteddifferentlytothevirus'sparticular difficulties.Whilesomeindustrieshaveprospered despitethepandemic,othershaveencountereddifficult obstaclesasaresultofanunprecedentedeconomic upheaval.

Leaderssuggestthat2022mightbeevenbetterasthe virusrecedes,mutationsnotwithstanding.Business sentimentappearstohaveimprovedoverthepastyear.

ThedisruptionthatCovid-19andtheaccompanying lockdownscausedtotheworldeconomyislikelytohave permanentlyalteredhowbusinessisconducted.Leaders arepointingoutthattrendslikeworkingfromhome, digitization,andgreaterdegreesofflexibilityareones thatwillendure.Technologyhasbeenemphasisedas beingessentialforadjustingtothe"newnormal"inthe globeandovercomingnewobstaclesinindustry

Businessescontinuetostrugglewiththeirsupplychains, andCEOsareincreasinglystrivingtostrengthen procurementandincreaseresiliencetostopany additionaldisruptions.Whilesomebusinessesare thrivingintheGulfatpre-pandemiclevelsasaresultof theregion'sstrongreboundincommodityprices,thereis stillasignificantpotentialoffurtherdisruptionfromnew Covid-19variations.

InthisspecialeditionofWorld'sMostIconicCEOsin MiddleEast-2022,World'sLeadershasselectedsome ofthemostinfluentialleaderswhohavesuccessfullymet thechallengesoftherecentpastandhaveaskedthemfor

World's Most Iconic CEOs

Middle East - 2022

in

theirpredictionsfortheyear2022.Webelieveyouwill findourleaders'perspectivesonthefuturetobe informativebecausetheycomefromavarietyof industries,includingtech,healthcare,education,food andbeverage,andtravel.

ThecoverfeaturesTariqChauhanGroupCEOandCofounderofEFSFacilitiesServicesGroup.Inthe profession,Tariqhasfacednumeroushurdles;tosingle outjustonewouldbeunfair.Hebelievesallthe obstaclesandstruggleshaveblendedintoonemassive snowballofhardshipthathastaughtavaluablelesson: resilience.

Whilewecometotheend,pleasedonotforgettoread theCXOstandpointswrittenbyindustryexpertsandthe informativearticlespenneddownbyourin-house editorialteam.

Have a lovely read!

The Business Leadership Transformation in Middle East

TARIQ

Cover Story

CEO and Co-founder EFS Facilities Services Group

TARIQ Chauhan

Investing in Individuals andAssisting in the Growth

In a world full of poseurs, one seeks to have basic psychological demands for personal growth and development throughout their lives as human beings. One can discover meaning and purpose in life by achieving selfactualization and can honestly say that they 'lived.' The drive to become the best version of oneself is known as selfactualization. It entails pushing ourselves to reach our maximum potential and fulfilling our artistic objectives. People with self-actualization have a more efficient perception of reality and are better prepared to withstand uncertainty.They appreciate putting their problem-solving talents to use in real-life circumstances and assisting others in improving their lives.Abraham Maslow, a humanistic psychologist, provided the known definition. Selfactualization, he explained, is the process of becoming "everything you are capable of becoming."

Chiefexecutivesandentrepreneursthat outperformtheirpeersinthelong-term tendtobeself-actualizing.Thatmeans theyareconcernednotjustwiththe progressoftheircompanybutalsowith theirownpersonaldevelopment.People areobservingtheirleaderscontinuously, bothconsciouslyandsubconsciously The moreleadersfocusontheirown developmentandshowtangibleresults overtime,themoretheymotivateothers todothesame.However,havinglearning andgrowthasfundamentalvaluesonly worksiftheleaderssharethesame dedication.

Personal,professionalandfunctional growtharekeypillarsdrivingTariq Chauhan,TheGroupCEOand Co-founderofEFSFacilitiesServices Group

Leaderwithself-actualization

TariqChauhan'sinterestandenthusiasm propelledhimtoasuccessfulbusiness career.Heisaprofessionalentrepreneur andaHarvardBusinessSchoolalumnus. Over35years,hehasdevelopedexpertise ininternationalbanking,technologyand assetmanagement,realestate,and creatingandestablishingbusinessesinthe GCC, USA, UK, and Asia In the past 18 . months, Tariq has travelled to more than 50 countries, irrespective of the pandemic and other hazards. Fortheorganisation, Tariqconsideredhimselfacolleaguefirst andaleadersecond.He dedicatedto is supportingthosearoundhimtobecome thebestversionofthemselvesand contributetoexceptionalresults..People arehismotivator,andmirrorasaleader, andheispassionateaboutthem.Tariq thinksaboutthemeverydayandlearns fromthemabouthowonecandevelop, adjust,adapt,andgrowasaleader.He demonstrateshisleadershipabilities throughtheimplementationandthe establishmentofEFSFacilitiesServices Group.

EFSFacilitiesServicesGroupwas foundedwiththegoalofbeinga regionalleaderinproviding comprehensivefacilitiesmanagement services.TheMiddleEast,Africa,and SouthAsiaandTurkeyareallpartof itsglobalfootprint.

Itisuniqueinthatitcombines progressive,people-focusedleadership withrapidtechnicaladoption,resulting intheidealenvironmentforpersonal growthforemployeesandclient portfolios.Thebusinesscommunity hasrecognisedthecompanyfor providingexceptionalservicestosome ofthebiggestregionalcompanies, includingprominentmultinationals,for overtwodecades.Withacontract backlogofUSD1.7billionand responsibilityforatotalareaof approximately52million ,with28 sq.m operatingfirmsin21countriesaround theregion,ithassetnewnormsin facilitiesmanagementviaquality servicedeliveryandinnovation.

Inspirationanddailylessonsfrom peers

Tariq'sfunctionathomeisdefinedby hisfamily:heisthehusbandofan incrediblewomanandthefatheroftwo beautifulgirls.Heenjoysspending timewiththefamilyathomebecause theyinspirehimandprovidehimwith tranquility,allowinghimtocomeup withnewideas.Everyday,he challengeshimselftobeabetter versionofhimselfthanthedaybefore, andheiscommittedtoexpandinghis work'sinitiativesandimpact.

“I am passionate about people and as a business leader, I get inspiration and daily lessons from my peers, and I get inspired by our clients and our drive to be of service. I am deeply rooted in gratitude and self-actualization.”–says CEO, EFS Group.

TheEFSfamilyisthedrivingforce behindthecompany'sexpansionand makessignificantcontributionstothe industry.InEFS,settingpersonalgoals iswidelyencouraged.Theyensurethat everyemployee, canchart atalllevels theirownpathtoself-actualizationand progressbeyondtheircurrent circumstances.Everyonehas

professionalgoalsfortheimpactthey wanttoseeandbringtoEFS,in additiontopersonalambitions.Tariq hasanopen-doorpolicyandisalways willingtohearnewideas,strategies, andinitiativesthatcontributetoEFS's innovativeandout-of-the-boxthinking. HebelievesthatsuccessforEFSiansis successforEFS.

Overcomingobstacles

Intheprofession,Tariqhasfaced numeroushurdles;tosingleoutjust onewouldbeunfair He believes all the obstacles and struggles have blended into one massive snowball of hardship that has taught a valuable lesson: resilience..Hebelievesthatthe mostimportantbarrier-breakeraleader candevelopisresilience.

Duringthepandemic,theindustry facednumeroushurdlesinmanyways, firstrespondersincluded.Closetoa post-pandemicfuture,theindustry facesnewrealitiesandchallenges, includingpreservingfinancialhealth whilekeepingcostslow,retaining clients,attractingtopstaff,and

integratingtechnology.Obtaining competitivenewclienteleisalsoa significantissue,giventhetough financialrealities.Industryleaders mustbecomemoreinventivein devisingmethodstoaddressallthe issues.

"Regardless of adversity level - and adversity is undoubtedly a certainty - if you work on your resilience, you will overcome, adapt, and grow. There is no easy way to grow. "–saysTariq.

Reducetheriskofoperational RiskmanagementandControls

InEFS,riskmanagementandcontrols arebusiness-criticalleverswithout whichbusinesscontinuityandoverall commercialenterprisevaluecannotbe achieved.Togenerategreater organisationallegitimacy,businesses mustattemptnotjusttoimplementrisk controls,butmeasureitsimpact. Managementaccounting,risk management,andcorporate governancearealllinkedandeffective asaresultoftheseactions.AtEFS,we wereabletoestablishariskmitigation

culturethatspreadthroughoutthe organisationandwasintegratedintoall criticalprocesses.Inthisdomain,each department,position,androlemust haveitsownsetofkeyresultareas.

Riskmanagement'sself-regulationand adaptationthroughcollective ownershipbystakeholdersisa precisesustainabilitybenchmark,and itistheonlymethodforrisk managementtoachieveitsaim.Itis vitaltocreateandmaintainarisk registerwithcompleteriskrulesacross allaspectsoftheorganization;it cannotbelefttoFinanceorHRalone.

Thecharacteristicsofeffective leaders

Intoday'sworld,asuccessfulleader mustberesilient,people-oriented, goal-driven,andintegratetheir businessintoalong-termpeople impactmission.Tariqthinksinvesting inpeopleandassistingthemintheir developmentisanimportantaspectof leadership.AsGroupCEO,Tariqis responsibleforensuringthesafetyof hisemployees,clients,and

stakeholders.Setoutonamissionto aidinindustrychangeandinnovation.

“My happiest part of my daily routine would be the early morning meeting with my team—I love seeing them in action, sharing ideas and enthusiasm, and making incredible progress daily We are known at EFS to make things happen quickly and fast, so we are always one step ahead to find the best ways for our company to contribute to a positive impact ” -says Tariq Chauhan.

Headvisesupcomingleaderstobe humbleandopentonewideas;learnto trainthemselves;lookaftertheir mentalhealth;investinbecoming resilient,andseekoutbrightpeopleon aregularbasis.

Abdulaziz Al Jouf

The Payment Orchestrator of the Middle East

ratherthanafailure.

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andAbdulazizFahadAlJouf:

Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideofthe workplace.

simplifyingthemerchants'and consumers'paymentjourney.

Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?

AbdulazizFahadAlJoufisaSaudi entrepreneurandthefounderand CEOofPayTabs,arevolutionary paymentprocessingfirmthathe foundedinSaudiArabiainJanuary 2014.AbdulazizfoundedPayTabs aftergainingextensiveexperiencein foundingpreviouse-commerce businessessuchasSaleTaband Extabs.

HisteamreferstohimasAA,andhe isadynamic,passionate,focused, andhands-onnaturalleaderwhois fiercelysupportiveofhisteam's personalgrowthanddevelopment. Hebelievesingivingbacktothe community,andhedoesitthrough mentoringemergingbusinessesinthe area.Headmitstobeingarisktaker whoisalwayslookingfornew possibilitiesandmakingthemostof them.Heseesfailureasalessonin whichhemaygainvitalexperience

Anyonethattrulyknowsmewould sayI'maworkaholic.Thesunis alwaysshininginsomepartsofthe world,andItrytokeepupwiththat energy.Idon'tbelieveinboundaries, obstacles,orchallenges.Ibelievein settinggoalsandtrends,beingafirst mover,andgettingthingsdonealong withmyteam.Outsideofthework place,Icontinuetoleadafast-paced lifestyle.However,familyisequally importanttome,andtheyaremy rockandfoundation.

Describeyourbackgroundand whatdidyoudobeforeyou started/joinedthecompany?

Icomefromapredominatelytech background.Ihaveauniversity degreeininformationtechnology fromtheUS.Beforestarting PayTabs,Ifoundedotherinnovative startupcompaniesfocusedonsales optimizationandevents management;lookingback,Iliketo thinktheywereexperimentsin preparationformyultimategoalof

ItstartedwithUSD10,000andabig ideatoenablee-commerce businessestosellonlineandcollect paymentsseamlessly Aftermonths ofsleeplessnights,Isuccessfully pitchedtheideatoinvestors,andthe rest,astheysay,ishistory

Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?

Ivaluepeople.Aboveallelse, Products,solutions,services, platforms,machines,theyarethe intangiblesideofbusinesses.But peoplewhohaveavision,dedication, commitment,passion,enthusiasm, andthedriveanddeterminationto makePayTabssucceedarewhatI valuethemost.It'sthepeople–employees,vendors,merchants, successfulpartners,investors,wellwishers,fans,followers–whoform thebackboneofthiscompanyIhave built.

Whicharethemajorservicesof thecompanyandhowdotheyhelp thecompanytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompany provide?

Founder

JOURNEYFORSME'S

PayTabsisanaward-winning paymentprocessingcompany thatoperatesintheMENA region.Thecorebusinessofthe companyistoprovidepayment gatewayservicesforstartupsand SMEstosellsuccessfullyonline. PayTabsoffersB2Bservicesto seamlessly'plugandplay'features onclientwebsites.Itoffersecommercewebsitesseamless integrationwithAPIplugintools andofferselectronicinvoicing, QRcode,andsecuresocialmedia paymentlinksolutionsfor merchantstoeasetheirpayment collectionefforts.

BUILDSGAMECHANGING PAYMENTSOLUTIONSFOR ENTERPRISES

Backedbyprivateinvestment, PayTabshasevolvedsinceits foundingfromahome-grown paymentscompanyinthe KingdomofSaudiArabiain 2014,toaregionalGCCmarket playertoaniconicglobal payments'solutionsenterprise withglobalpresence.

Overtheyears,PayTabshas forgedstrategicpartnerships worldwide.PayTabsin-builtand exportedafullstackofgame changingmobileapplications, hospitality,governmental, education,airline,travel, transport,andbillingsolutions,to interlinktheenterprisemarket chainintheMENAregion.

OFFERSFREELANCERS ANDMICROMERCHANTS MAINSTREAMPAYMENT METHODS

InApril2021,PayTabslaunched PTTouch,thefirstsoftPOS

solutionintheMENAmarketto transformsmartphonesinto merchantpointofsale(POS) terminals.PayTabsenablesyouto acceptpaymentsdigitallythrough theSocialCommercesolution. Securingtransactionsonsocial mediaplatformslikeFacebook Messenger,Instagram,Whatsapp andotherchannelsbyproviding onlinepaymentlinks,QRcodes andcomplimentaryonlinestore frontsforafastercheckout experience.

Ÿ ORCHESTRATESFULL STACKPAYMENTSUITE FORBANKSAND FINANCIALINSTITUTIONS

MorerecentlyPayTabshas introduceditsproprietarySwitch technology.

Thepaymentcardindustry(PCI) certifiedsolutionincludesa switchingandauthorization system,acardandwallet managementsystem,anda merchantmanagementsystem.

Orchestratedtoofferbanks, financialinstitutions,andother fintechfirmsa360-degree paymentexperience,PayTabs SwitchOnhasbeenvalidated globallyandisnowavailablefor localdeployment,atafractionof thecost.Theflexibleand compellingpricepointsoffered aimtoempowerprocessing,and scaleintheregion,resolvingthe challengesofprocuring astronomicallypricedswitch solutions.Withfreshthinking andaflexibleapproach,PayTabs Switchonprovidesin-depth whitelabelingsolutions, addressesregionaldatasecurity concerns,andgrantsaccessto premiumswitchingand settlementprogramsatafraction

oftheusualcost.

Whatarethemostimportant aspectsofacompany’sculture? Whatprinciplesdoyoubelievein andhowdoyoubuildthisculture?

Ourbrandvaluesembodyour companyculture.Everythingwedo atPayTabsisledbyvalueswhich defineourgoals,andthewayswe wishtoachievethem.Ourteamis diverseinnationality,culture,and gender,yetweareunitedacrossall themarketsweoperatein.Our valuesarethefoundationofour businesscultureandareembeddedin dailyoperations.Webelievethese valuesprovidebothusandour stakeholdersacompetitive advantage.

Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany?

Myteamcomprisessomeofthe smartestmindsinfinancialservices andtechnology,includingexbankers.Wearenevershortof thinkingcapstobrainstormand generateinnovativeideas.Mostideas makeittothedrawingboard,andthe bestonesgetfiltered.Andfromthere, someofthemostground-breaking paymentsolutionsareborn.For example,PT2.0isourenhanced BusinessManagerDashboard,which tracksandmeasuressales performance.Itenablesmerchantsto crafttheirowncustomerretention andloyaltyprogramsandstrategies forzeroadditionalcostoreffort.This productwasbornoutofahomegrownidea.

Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?

Ithastobetherightcombinationof bothforthecompanytobe

successful.Whilepeopleare visionaryanddynamic,processesare vitalforsuccessastheykeepusin checktoensurewemeetindustry standardsinexecutinganypayment productorsolution.

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas thefounderandCEOofthe company?Whatisthehappiest partofyourdailyroutine?

I'maveryhands-onCEO.WhileI haveanA-teamthatIdelegateto,I'm alsoinvolvedindecisionmaking, especiallywhenitcomesto engineering,products,commercials, expansiontonewmarkets,andthe marketingaspectsofbusiness.Ialso enjoynetworking,meetingsuccessful partners.

Thehappiestmomentsofmydaily routinearethegoodnewsstories.For example,abreakthroughwithregard tofacilitatingpaymentsolutionsfor anenterprisemerchant,aground breakingpartnershiporanewsarticle ortweetthatfeaturesPayTabsbrand alwaysbringsasmiletomyface.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Iwouldtellthemtoconquertheir fearsandsetexpectations.Youare onlyasgoodasyoubelieveyouare. Sodobelieveinyourself.Mistakes arepartofthegame.Butifyoudon't play,youwillneverwin.

AdeebAhamedisthe managingdirectorof LuLuFinancial Holdings,a multinationalsupplier offinancialservices withoperationsin11 nations.Withthehelp ofhisambitiousand forward-thinking leadership,thefirm hasexpandedacross theAsiancontinent withanetworkof250 locations.

AdeebhasjustbeennominatedtotheEmiratesBoardof DirectorsforOverseasInvestorsbytheUAE InternationalInvestorsCouncil(IIC).Speakingabouthis nomination,Ahamedsaid, "I am honoured to be chosen to play a key role in the UAE's economic development. The UAE has shown amazing resilience and innovative governance during the time of the pandemic, and new perspectives will help to reinforce the country's foreign investment outlook. As a proud resident of the UAE, it is my privilege to contribute to the development of this nation and I look forward to working with fellow members of the IIC.”

Beingafamilymanandphilanthropist,hehas contributedimmenselytothedevelopmentofgeriatric care,girls'education,andcommunitydevelopment.

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterviewconductedbetween World'sLeadersandAdeebAhamed:

Describeyourbackgroundandwhatdidyoudo beforeyoustarted/joinedthecompany? IworkedintheluxuryretailspaceinEuropebefore

foundingLuLuFinancialHoldingsin2008.Iamadual Master'sHolderfromprestigiousEuropeanuniversities.

Tellusabouttheinceptionofthecompany.Howdid itallstart?

LuLuFinancialHoldingswasfoundedin2008inAbu Dhabi.Thecompanystartedwithitsfirstbranchopening atAlWahdaMall,AbuDhabi,UAE,in2009.The companyinitiallyofferedremittancesandforeign currencyexchange.Today,ourservicesincludeWPS, banknotes,billpayments,andothervalueadded services.

Whathasmadeyousuccessful?Whatdoyouvalue? Ivaluemyteamforinternalsuccessandthelargervision offinancialinclusionforoutwardgrowth.Iconsider humilityasoneofthebiggestnecessitiesforaleaderto succeed,andIhavebeenfortunatetohavementorsat variousstagesofmyprofessionalgrowth.

Whicharethemajorservicesofthecompanyand howdotheythecompanytogetaheadinthe

competition?Whatvalue-addedservicesdoesthe companyprovide?

Remittances,forex,banknotesandvalueaddedservices suchasticketing,billpaymentsetc.

Whatarethemostimportantaspectsofacompany's culture?Whatprinciplesdoyoubelieveinandhow doyoubuildthisculture?

Thecompanyhas8corevalues:customerfirst,let'stalk, teamwork,determination,weown,wecelebrate, integrity,andlearning.Theseprincipleshavebeena guidinglightforthecompanyinitspursuitof excellence.

Whatisthesignificanceofinnovativeideasinthe company?

Innovationiscentraltothecompany'smarchintothe newdecade.Theyear2022isbeingcelebratedasthe YearofIntrapreneurshipsincethecountrybelievesthat greatideasoftencomefromwithin.Wehaveaplatform foremployeestoshareideas,aswellasadedicated mediumforthemtosendideasdirectlytotheManaging Directorandotherseniormanagement.

Giveusyouropinionon;doorganizationsrely heavilyonindividualheroicsorteamprocesses? Nocompanycangrowwithoutharboringthespiritand mindofacollective.Individualchampionshavearolein inspiringfellowmembers,andultimatelygettingentire teamstoworkintandeminternallyandwithother connectedteams.Inthisregard,havingsetprocessesis ofutmostnecessity,whileaperson-drivenapproachcan dowondersforpersonaldevelopmentandlearning.

Whatadvicewouldyougivesomeonegoingintoa leadershippositionforthefirsttime?

Listen,bepatientandbereadytofacethedowntimesas muchasyoucelebratethepeaks.

Success-Oriented LEADERSHIP CEOswith

TThediverse,disciplinedorganizationsoftodayareeagertoreach the pinnacle of their growth, but this is impossible if an organizationcannotproperlymanageitsmanagement,operations, and business development, as well as its finances, human resources, and obligations to explore new areas. If a company's management is successful thanks to the contributions of each employee, that organization considers itself successful. An organization must be able to manage its actions, and the Chief Executive Officer of a firm is the appropriate individual to undertake this.To ensure that management continues to function effectively, the CEO updates the board of directors on company status.

A CEO is employed by a company Okay, since a percentage is often unpleasant, he or she clarified using the phrase "choice making."effectiveproactivemanagementupdatingforupcoming Almost 45% of a company's performance is at the control of the CEO.Differenttheoriesandtacticsareused,includingteamwork, organizationalalignment,pareoteanalysis,corporatestrategy,and boardengagement.Heorshemustpossessagood,strongcharacter andbeawareofthestrengthsandabilitiesofeachteammember

Successful CEOs nowadays consider both the industrial and environmental aspects. According to a study, most CEOs are reframing their biggest problems and putting an emphasis on ecologicalbalancetomaximizethevalueoftheircompanies.

Increasing customer value for the business, competing for new talentacquisition,andrecognizingfortheirbestpracticesSomeare well-known for their work; Alan Joyce, the CEO of America AirlinesandQantas,isapioneerinhisindustryandanadvocatefor

LGBTQ rights In 2017, he organized a campaign in favor of same-sex unions. The Tevor Project, which is for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community to stop themfromtakingtheirownlives,isheadedby JeffreyGennette,thegayCEOofMacy'sInc.

Many people in pandemic have come up with innovativewaystointeractwiththeworkersin ordertoensurethatproductionisnotnegatively impacted. The CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, expressedhisconcerns:"Thereisnoinstruction manualonhowtofeelatatimelikethis."One constantsubjectthatSatyaNadellaemphasizes is the need of having people that have a high levelofempathy CompanieslikeFedEx,Visa, andBankofAmericadidnotrequirelayoffsfor thestaffduetoemployeesecurity.

SmallbusinessesmayhaveCEOs,andinthese businesses, the owner serves as the chairman, managing director, or CEO However, the CEOsofthewell-knownandhighlysuccessful companies are important to their upbringing.

Numerous CEOs of large, well-known corporations, including Google, Amazon, Apple,Microsoft,andCoca-Cola,havegained notoriety through their work, public appearances, and press conferences Today, these are known as Celebrity CEOs. This is a contemporary idea in business. All of the world's CEOs are now well-known thanks to social media platforms, their professional writings, Forbes magazines, and other business-relatedmedia.

Bright&FitFitnessProgram wasdevelopedbyAliceVeglio, thefirstonlineHolisticFitness programwithmedical certificationinItaly Alicefound herselfimmobilizedwithacast onherback,whichmadeher unabletoeventiehershoes,and, thankstothehelpofvalid professionals;shemanagedto avoidundergoingadangerous operation.Aftertheplasterwas removedfromherback,Alice's lifemissionbecametostudyin thebestinstitutionsandfindvalid toolstoregainherfreedom,be abletomove,andforever eliminatethefearofimmobility fromherlife.Itisforthisreason thatAlice,togetherwithan EconomicsandMarketing Universitydegree,hasmany certificationsintheworldof wellnessandhealth:adiplomain holisticsciencesforhealth,a specializationinnutrition sciencesatStanfordUniversity,a diplomaasapersonaltrainer,a yogateacherdiploma,anda specializationinbioenergetic manualtechniques.

Attheendofherstudies,Alice wasabletogaintheright knowledgetoseeherbody healthy,transformed,andfinally

Babletomovewithoutimplications forherspine.Thisincredible resultpromptedAlicetowantto sharethemethodthatallowedher togetbackinperfectshape, regainconfidenceandselfesteem,andgobeyondthelimits shethoughtshehadwithasmany peopleaspossible.

Bright&FitFitnessProgram

Bright&Fitisacompany foundedbyawomanforwomen, withthegoalofallowingeven thosewithlimitedtime,whoare unabletotraininagym,orwho donothaveaccesstofitness equipment,totraineffectivelyfor 15–30minutesperday,without theuseofanyequipmentand simplybyusingtheirsmartphone. Thecontemporaryandelegant nativeappfromBright&Fitis nowavailableintheAppleand Googlestores,givingwomenall overtheworldaccessto everythingtheyneedtostayfit andhappywithjustoneclick. Bright&Fitismorethanafitness program;it'sapersonal transformationtoolthatuses hometraining,thinkingexercises, andfoodcounsellingtohelp womenrethinktheirlimitsand recoverself-esteemandahigher qualityoflife.Today,Bright& Fithasateamofover15people dedicatedsolelytotheproject, andtheincredibleresults achievedbytheprogram'susers havepromptednumerous magazinesandtelevision networkstocoverAlice, includingForbesItalia,Forbes India,RAI3,Laprint,Thrive Global,YahooFinance,California Herald,andLondonDailyPost.

InNovember2021,Alicewas alsorecognizedasasuccessful casestudyfortheworldoffemale empowermentonthestageof WomenXImpact,oneofthemost significanteventsin entrepreneurshipandfemale empowermentonaninternational basis.

FeelingGreataboutWork

Alice'sgreatestambitionin everydaylifeistobeabletomake atangibleimpactonthelivesof women,regardlessoftheir physical,geographical,or socioeconomiccircumstances. Herprimarypurposeistohelp individualslivebetterlives, evaluatetheirpotential,and realizethateverythingispossible inlife.Everyinnovationand endeavourintheorganizationis guidedbythisgoal.Asaresult,in June2021,Alicelauncheda majorcharityeffortcalled"Bright &FitCares,"throughwhichthe firmprovidespracticalassistance towomenwhoarephysicallyor sociallychallenged.Shesays, "Our first initiative was to support ANDOS, one of the most important breast cancer prevention and treatment organizations in Italy."

ANeverEndingHungerfor Betterment:Notable Achievements

Bright&FitFitnessProgramhas itsrootsinthehistoryandlife experienceofitscreatorand founder,AliceVeglio.Alice,an ItalianwomanbornonJuly6th, 1995,hasbeenbattlinga significanthealthproblemsince

veglio

shewas13yearsold:adiagnosisofahazardous spinalrotation,whichwouldhaveforcedherto giveupphysicalactivityfortherestofherlife. Alicehasbeenaballetdancersinceshewasthree yearsold,andherdiagnosishascausedherto abandonallhopeforafreeandjoyfulfuture. Alice'sdualdegreeintwoimportantfields (economicsandhealth)piquedtheinterestofa numberofgovernmentoffices,includingDubai CarbonandtheDubaigovernmentofficededicated togreeneconomy,wheresheworkedasaproject assistant,thenasasustainabilityjournalist,and finallyattheUnitedNations'WGEOoffice.Alice beganhercareerasaJuniorProjectManageratthe UnitedNationsWGEODubaiofficewhenshewas just23yearsold.

Despitethehighlevelsofsatisfactionshereceived fromthesesignificantorganizations,Alicebecame increasinglyawareoftheneedtobeableto contributetotheworldonherownterms,rather thanabandoningtheapproachthathadimproved herhealthandphysiqueinearlieryears.Asaresult, Aliceformallyestablishedherfirststart-upfocused onholisticfitnessandfemaleempowermentinthe UnitedArabEmiratesinJanuary2019,which alreadyhasover35,000womenregisteredandhas generatedover$1millioninrevenueinitsfirsttwo years.

Everyday,avarietyofmetricsareusedtoassess thecompany'sprogress.Weaimtocalculatethe numberofsatisfieduserseveryday,evenbefore theturnoverandthenumberofregisteredusers.We areextremelyproudandpleasedtohavea98 percentcustomersatisfactionrate.Sincethe beginningofouroperations,thenumberof registeredusershasrisensteadily;oursocial networkshavegrowninsize,andbyDecember 2021,wehadsurpassed35,000registeredusers.

GettingBigEveryDay

AccordingtoAlice,theorganizationis experiencingdailytransformationsinorderto constantlyprovidethehighestquality,efficiency, andtechnologicalrequirements.Onlythreeyears ago,thecompanyhadthreeemployees,tenactive

users,andonewebsite;today,it hasmorethan15employees, 35,000activeusers,anativeapp, anda200percentannualincrease inturnover.

Thecompanysawtheneedto boostproduction,bothintermsof thenumberofpeopleengagedin theprojectandintermsof technology,especiallyduringthe COVID-19epidemic.Everyday, thecompanyinvestsinproviding thehighestqualitymaterial,the mostadvancedtechnologyinits app,andthehighestlevelof supporttoensurethateach individualwhousesitsservices hasthemostbeautiful transformationandgrowth experienceoftheirlives.

CombiningtheSkillsofa TrainerandaSkilledLeader

"Knowing how to manage time is a fundamental skill for having a happy and successful life," says Alice.Sinceheruniversityyears, inwhichsheworkedandattended twouniversitiesatthesametime, shefelttheneedtolearnhowto managehertimeinthebest possibleway.Especiallynow, timemanagementforAliceisnot onlysynonymouswithbeinga goodtrainerbutalsobeingableto beanentrepreneur,anathlete,a student,awife,acoach,anda pointofreferenceforthosewho followherallatthesametime.

Alicethinksthemostsignificant exampleofhertimemanagement skillsiswhatsheisdoingnow. Alicesays, "In order to complete the preparation for Ironman 70.3 I need at least 15 hours of

training per week, and together with all this, I have to dedicate at least 9 hours of work a day to my company, and in the remaining hours, I want to give the best of myself to relatives and friends." Shefurtheraddsthatitmayseem difficulttodoallthis,butinher opinion,thesecretistobe organizedandmakesureyouget agoodqualityofsleep.Alicehas beenpracticingmeditationsince shewas16yearsoldinorderto getagoodnight'ssleep.Shealso stronglybelievesinthepowerof themorningroutine.Inthefirst twohoursafterwakingup,she alwaysdedicatesherselftothe mostimportanttasksandcarries outalltheactivitiesthatshe wouldnotbeabletoinclude duringtheday

Beingabetterpersonand exampleforothersEveryday

ThemeaningofsuccessforAlice isbeingabletomakeadifference intheworld,beingabletoleavea smallcontributiontoimprove people'squalityoflife.Shefinds successinherspecificcaseisto fighteverydaytoshow,even thoughherlifestoryand experience,thatthereareno limitsandthateverywomanhas aninfinitepotentialtobe everythinginlife.Shesays, "Success for me is to help as many women as possible believe

in themselves and acquire the tools to live life fully and with satisfaction." Shealsoadds, "I fight for female empowerment. I fight to implement the traditional fitness sector with the best technologies and tools and use it to help women around the world become the best versions of themselves.”

BreakingtheStereotypes

Alicebelievesthattheonlylimits onawoman'sroleasaleaderare thoseimposedbythe environmentaroundus.She asserts, "Since we were children, we have been asked what we want to do when we grow up, thus suggesting that we can only be one thing: a wife or just an entrepreneur or just an athlete." Shecontinues, "However, what many do not consider is that we can be everything." Alicebelieves thatawomancanbeacaring mother,alovingwife,a successfulentrepreneur,anda performingathleteallatthesame time.Stereotypesarethereal obstaclestothesuccessofmany women.Sheclarifies, "It is for this reason that my company and my daily mission is to demonstrate that we must not give up on our dreams and that every woman can be anything she wants to be in this life.”

CARLOS SANTOS

A RENOWNED FINANCE PROFESSIONAL

CEO AND PRESIDENT ETHOS ASSET MANAGEMENT

Managingaglobalfinancial organizationislikelyto beoneofthemosttough andstressfulassignmentsofanyone's life.Theglobaleconomyand politicalclimateposeasignificant challengetoforecastingandpush financialspecialiststomakethe correctjudgmentsandpursuethe appropriatepaths.CarlosSantos, President,Founder,andCEOof EthosAssetManagementInc.,isa financialinstrumentsspecialist.

Duringhisacademicstudies,he receivedtheErnst&YoungAward; BestEconomist(2016),theBancode PortugalAward(2015),various academichonors(2014,2013,and 2012),andseveralmeritscholarships asrecognitionofhisacademicand professionalsuccess.

InhisworkatEthosAsset Management,Carlossupervisesthe group'sfirmsandisastakeholderin them.HehasadegreeinEconomics andMaster'sdegreesinthreemajor areas:finance,bankingaccounting, andinternationaltaxation.

JourneytowardsProficiency

Carlosholdsabachelor'sdegreein economics,amaster'sdegreein finance,andcertificationsinbanking accountingandinternationaltaxation. Heholdsfourpost-graduatedegrees inthesethreeareas,withhismost recentspecializationinfinancial instruments.

CarlosworkedatBancodePortugal (BdP),whereheheldrolesinthe MonetaryandFinancialStatistics DepartmentandtheStatistics Department'sCentralizationofCredit ResponsibilitiesSections.In collaborationwithotherEurozone centralbanks,hedevisedthe restructuringoftheBdPdatabase. Simultaneously,heparticipatedin

studiesontheeconomic sustainabilityofseveralPortuguese servicefirmsattheLisbonSchoolof EconomicsandManagement(ISEG). Carloscreatedeconomicviability modelsforgeriatrictreatmentsand usedmanagementcontroltechniques inveterinaryclinics.

CarloswasanISEGUniversity ProfessorofMicroeconomicsand Macroeconomics,ProjectEvaluation, andAccounting.

EthosAssetManagementInc.

"Ethos is the creation of my life's work to date and, as I like to say, humbly, my masterpiece," says Carlos.Ethos,asafinancing organizationthatgivesfundingto firmsthatneedtodeveloptheir initiatives,meetsthedemandsof changeinthefinancialsystem.The businessisaglobalfinancierwitha strongfocusonenergyandnatural resources,aswellasinfrastructure andcountrydevelopment.

Simultaneously,thebusinesshas developedamodelthatenablesitto offercapitalathighlycompetitive terms,basedonthefactthatit allocatescashfromfinancialtrading onthelogicofdiversificationand portfoliorebalancing.Carlosviews thisasasignificantcompetitive advantagethatgeneratesamagical distinctionbetweentraditionalfunds andbanks.

"The method of collateralization of our operation is very critical in the creation of unique terms of financing," saysCarlos.AtEthos,the teamhasbuiltacompletelynewand uniquetechniquetosafeguarditself, anditiscompletelyscalabletoany nationandanybank,evennonclients.Itisnotsubjectto jurisdictionalregulationsatthetime

ofexecution,implyingashiftin operationalandmacroeconomicrisk.

AccordingtoCarlos,sinceEthos' inception,thevalidityofitsmission hasbeenreaffirmedeveryday,andits goalshaveremainedclear,whichare togrowsteadilyandcontinueto achievethegoalsofthecustomers, byputtingtheteam'stalentandskills intothedevelopmentofthefirm's portfolioofservices,taking organizations,andthusitscustomers, toahigherlevel.

Carlosopines, "We want to do it with quality, technical performance, and a multiple supply of current solutions." Carlosbelievesallthisisachievable andbuiltonthefirmfoundationsof hisdeterminationandpassion.

MinimizingRisk

Ethoshasauniquemodelto collaterizeitsinvestmentsthatallow theteamtomigratethe macroeconomicandoperationalrisk tothefinancialandbankingsystems. Thisisenabledbynotinvestingin shares,realestateassets,orfixed assetsofcompanies.Instead,it investsagainstafinancialguarantee intheformofapledgeorSBLC (StandbyLetterofCredit). "This way, we achieve a magic solution of investing in an asset whilst we don't take the risk of that asset," says Carlos.

Simultaneously,thebusiness rebalancesitsportfolioby diversifyingitstradingallocation, whichincludesshort-termassetswith variablereturnsandlong-term investmentswithstableyields.It undertakesathoroughhedgingofits investmentsinthismanner.

ANewEraof

Theglobalhealthcrisisandtheattendanteconomicdisruptionshave unleashedchangeatsucharapidandmassivescalethateventhemost daringandprogressiveCEOsarequestioningtheirassumptions. Accordingtoourobservations,thereareatleasttwolinkedareasripe forinnovation:goalframingandtheoperationalmodel.

CEOsarerealisingthattheconstraintstoboldnessandspeedareless abouttechnologicallimitationsandmoreaboutmindsetstowardwhat isachievable,whatindividualsarewillingtoaccomplish,thedegree towhichimplicitorexplicitpoliciesthatslowthingsdownmaybe questioned,andbureaucraticlinesofcommand.

Recognizingthis,CEOsarerightfullycelebratingtheimmensityof whattheirfirmshaveaccomplishedwhileponderinghowtoextend evenfurther AccordingtoMichaelFisher,CEOofCCMHC, telehealthwillaccountforupto50%ofvisitsinspecificambulatory settingsandmaybe30%ofvisitsoverallinthefuture.Priorto COVID-19,fewerthan1%ofvisitsweretelehealth."Ikeeppushing myselfandourteamtothinkabouthowwecanutilizethisinflection momenttoreimagineourpotentialtogether,ratherthanallowingour organizationtojustgobacktothecomfortof'Let'scontinuewhat we'redoing,"Fishersays.

OurcolleaguesinMcKinsey'sStrategyandCorporateFinance PracticehavelongdemonstratedthatCEOsmakingboldmovesare criticaltoachievingoutstandingperformance,whichisdifficultto achieve—onlyoneineverytwelvecompaniesmovesfromanaverage performertoatop-quintileperformeroveraten-yearperiod.Making oneortwoboldstepsmorethandoublesthechanceofmakingsucha change;makingthreeormoreincreasesthelikelihoodbysixtimes. OurstudyhasalsorevealedthatCEOshiredoutsidetendtomove withgreaterboldnessandspeedthanthoseemployedwithina company,owingtosocietalrestrictionsthatlimitinternallypromoted CEOs.

Asaresult,wefrequentlyencourageCEOspromotedfrominsideto askthemselvesthefamousquestionthatdroveAndyGroveand GordonMooretofocusIntelonmicroprocessors:"Whatwouldan outsiderdo?"Giventhepandemic'sperformance,wewouldnow recommendCEOstoaskthemselvesandtheirteamsafollow-up question:"WhatwouldyourCOVID-19answerbe?"Theabilityof theseframesofreferencetoreinventthepossibilityandrecalibrate whatisfeasibleisremarkable.

Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram

A Renowned Name in the Fields of Surgery and Medicine

Dr.NadineHachach-Haram,FRCS (Plast),BEM,isaConsultantPlastic SurgeonatGuy'sandSt.Thomas'NHS FoundationTrustandtheHeadof ClinicalInnovation.TheNHSclinical entrepreneurfoundedProximiein2015 withthegoalofsavinglivesby disseminatingtheworld'sfinestclinical practice.Shereliedonhersurgical expertiseaswellasherlovefor innovationandteaching.

Aspartofthe2018Queen'sBirthday Honours,Dr.Nadinewasawardedthe BritishEmpireMedalforher pioneeringachievementsinthe disciplinesofsurgeryandmedicine. Shealsoundertakesanumberofroles tohelpadvancesurgery,including councilmemberoftheRoyalCollege ofSurgeons'FutureofSurgery Commission,councilmemberofthe BritishAssociationofPlastic, ReconstructiveandAestheticSurgeons (BAPRAS),InnovationUK,and councilmemberoftheRoyalSociety ofMedicineplasticsurgerysection.

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andDrNadineHachach-Haram:

Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideoftheworkplace. IthinkIamaverydrivenpersonwho ispassionateaboutinnovationin healthcare.Proximiewasbornoutofa need,andmyambitionasasurgeon wastofindasolutionandscaleitusing technology.Inmyexperience, disruptioninhealthcarehasmany challenges,butIcansaywith

experiencethatifitisreallysolvinga problem,thenadoptioncanbeswift anddecisive.Ithinkhavingthatdrive tocreate asustainablesolutionfor creatingbetteraccesstosafesurgery hasreallycometodefinemeasa person.

Describeyourbackgroundandwhat didyoudobeforeyoustartedthe company?

Igrewupinpost-warLebanoninthe early1990s,whichwasundoubtedlya formativeperiodinmylife.Itshaped mycareer,notjustasasurgeonbut alsoasthefounderofProximie.Seeing thehumanimpactconflictexactedon myhomelandhadaprofoundinfluence ataveryyoungage.Atthatpoint,I startedtogetinterestedintheabilityto helppatientsandtolookfor opportunities.

Ispent10yearsworkingonglobal healthinitiativesaroundtheworldasa traineesurgeon.Duringthatperiod,I definitelyfoundmyselffeelinglikeI simplywasn'tdoingenough.WhenI lookedattheLancetCommissionthat revealedfivebillionpeopleinthe worldlackaccesstosafesurgery,I realizedthatwewereonlyscratching thesurface.Irealizedthatitwasreally aboutbuildingscalable,sustainable modelsofsupportanddelivery,soI startedtolookattechnology,andthe ideaforProximiewasborn.

Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?

Youcan'tdoremotesurgeryin2D.It hastobemoreimmersivethanthat. WhatwewantedtodowithProxmie wastocreateamulti-sensory experiencethatwasacatalystfor collaborationandcoulddigitizea surgeon'sfootprint.Wewantedto extendthegeographicalreachofa surgeonandcreatetheeffectofa borderlessoperatingroomthatcould empowerphysicianstoremotelyshare knowledgethatcouldultimatelyreduce variationincare,andhelpsavelives.

Fiveyearslater,Proximiehasbeen usedineverysurgicalspecialtydueto oursoftware-firstdesign,andhasbeen usedinmorethan100countries,in over500hospitalsworldwide,andby over35medicaldeviceorganizations. Inthelastyearalone,Proximiehas assistedover13,000surgeries,butwe knowweneedtokeeppushingandthe businessisevolvingeveryday

Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?

Ithinkoneofthefundamentaldrivers ofoursuccesshasbeenthewaywe designedProximieinthefirstplace. Beingofusetothebroadestuserbase withinanygivenhealthcaresetting, Proximiewasbuilttobelight,easily deployedonlowbandwidth,and

thereforeasusableinaustere environmentsasitisinahigh-end hospital.Itneededtobeintuitively designedsothatitcouldplugintoany partoftheglobalhealthcarelandscape. DuetoProximie'ssoftware-first design,wehaveanaccessibleplatform thatcanbeeasilyintegratedatevery levelinanyhealthcaresetting.Within threeweeks,wecansecureapproval foruseinanewhospital.That approachhasbeenfundamentaltohow quicklywehavebeenabletoscale Proximietoallcornersoftheglobe.

Whicharethemajorservicesofthe companyandhowdotheyhelpthe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompanyprovide?

Proximieisaneasy-to-useGoogle ChromeandMicrosoftEdgebased platform,whichmeansthereisnoneed todownloadanycumbersome software.Usingtheplatform,youcan broadcastfoursimultaneouslivevideo feedsatonetimeandtomultipleusers, includingfromanymedicaldevice (imaging,cameras,navigation,fluoro, robotics,scopes,ultrasound,ECGand anyotherdevicewithavideooutput), aswellasregularcameras(webcams,

roomcameras,overheadcameras, wearablesetc.),whileProximie's integrationteamcansupportother bespokeneeds(sharescreens,laptops, mobiledevices,increasethevideo feeds).Theagileintegrationisbespoke totheclinicalsetting,butultimatelyit hasbeendesignedtobemalleableto healthcaresettingsallovertheworld.

Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?

Ican'tspeakforotherorganizations, butforProximiethefocusisalwayson theteamandhowwecancollectively worktogethertohelpcreatemore efficientandsustainablehealth systems.Wehaveover120peoplein thecompanyfromallovertheworld, andthisdiversityofexperiencecanbe arealcatalystforinnovativethinking. Weknowthatoverfivebillionpeople intheworldlackaccesstosafe surgery.Theingredientsforbetter connectedhealthcaresystemsareright infrontofus.It'sincumbentonus,as oneoftheplayersinthisfield,totry andacceleratetheseconversationsand toplayaproactiveroleinfinding innovativewaystodemocratizeaccess

tosafesurgery,reducevariationin care,and,ultimately,savelives.

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesasthe Founder/CEOofthecompany?

Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?

WerecentlyclosedourSeriesC investmentround,whichcertainlykept mebusy!Noonedayisthesameat Proximie,butmyroleisverymuchto driveusforward,bothinternallyand externally,onourmissionto democratizeaccesstosafesurgery. Thehappiestpartofmydayiswhen wesitdownasateamtohearthe successstoriesoftheplatform.Moving awayfromthedataandthesteep increaseinProximieprocedural numbers,oneofthemosttangible measuresofourgrowthandsuccess, arethestoriesthatwe'rehelpingto facilitate.Everycaseisastoryinitself andwhilstIcan'tprofesstobecentral toeverysingleone,Ifeelimmense prideandaconnectiontothestories Proximiearehelpingtotellevery singleday.Behindeveryprocedureisa story.Itcouldbeaboutthetechnology, thelocation,ortheinnovativeway Proximiewasharnessedtoassist,but behindeveryonearerealpeople.Real physicians,realpatientsandreal emotions.Behindallofthelayersof technology,behindeveryprocedure, arepeople.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Embracethechallenge,believein yourselfand,crucially,behuman.It soundseasyenough,butwhendealing withavarietyofdifferentpeoplefrom differentwalksoflife,thereis immensepowerinrememberingtodo simplethings;listen,empathize,and treateverysinglepersonyoumeetwith thesamelevelofrespect.Beauthentic andbeyourself.

Noor Al Muhaideb

Noor Al Muhaideb

Striving To Craft the Ingredients of Absolute Luxury, Creating Spaces

That are not Only Beautiful, but Breath-taking

NNoor Al Muhaideb is the CEO & Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors and Detay Living. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the American University of Sharjah in 2002. She gained her remarkable portfolio over her fifteen years of professional expertise by implementing and completing several residential, hotel, and commercial developments for Emaar Properties.

Clients and coworkers alike hold Noor in high regard for her extraordinary inventiveness, design sensibility, organizational prowess, and capacity to lead diverse teams. With an eye for elegance, craftsmanship, and quality, she is renowned for her world-class visionary style and designs that set trends whilst remaining fresh and timeless year after year

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterviewconductedbetween World'sLeadersandNoorAlMuhaideb:

Describeyourprofessionaljourneyasabusinessleader. Ihavealwayshadaneyeforbeautyandadeepappreciation forlovelyspaces.Throughoutmychildhood,this dispositionblossomedintoaskill-setasmycreativemind exploredthepossibilitiesofdesign.Isetmysightsonthe AmericanUniversityofSharjahandpursuedaBachelorof InteriorDesigndegree.Aftergraduatingin2002,Iwas hiredasInteriorDesignDirectorwithEmaarProperties. MyfifteenyearsofextensiveexperienceatEmaarfurnished animpressiveportfolio.Irelishedtheopportunityto implementanddelivercountlessresidential,hospitality,and commercialdevelopments.Asmyconfidenceandfirst-hand knowledgegrew,sodidarealdrivetocompleteeach projectinatimelymanner.Now,atthehelmofOpaal Interiors,Ilovetonurturetheyoungdesignershere.Ihave notforgottenwhatitwasliketobeafreshgraduateandI giveeachyoungdesigneravoiceandopportunitiestouse theirgifts.Ilookforstrong,creative,competentthinkers. Theyeachbringimmensevaluetothetable,andmyhopeis thattheyareempoweredhereatOpaaltostepbravelyinto theworldofdesign.Itakegreatcareinthehiringand trainingprocess,ensuringthateachcandidateunderstands ouruniquebusinessmodel.Whenwefirstbegan,Ifocused mainlyondesignforpropertydeveloperssothatIcould buildastrongbusinesscaseinonespecificarea,butnow wehavereallybranchedoutintoallkindsofprojectsand developments.Iknowthisisonlythebeginningforus!

Whoinspiresyoutowakeupeverydayandkeep makingadifferenceintheinteriorspace?

Iamamotheroffour,andmyfamilyisabsolutelymy greatestinspirationandsupport.Thisprofessionisso

rewarding;seeingthevisiontakenfromroughsketchesall thewaythroughtotheendresultisjustanincredible feeling.Ialsolovetoreadbooksaboutsuccessfulbusiness leaders.Thereisabitofarealitycheckinobservingwhat hasbeensacrificed,butthereissomuchwisdomand inspirationinseeingtheroadtosuccess.I'vebeen particularlyinspiredafterreadingShoeDogandthe challengesPhilKnightfacedandovercamewhilebuilding theempirethatisNike.Ineverassumedthatsuccesswould beinevitable.Therearemanyfactorsoutsideofourhands, asbusiness-owners,butIdoknowthatwhatIcancontrolis mydedicationtoputinfocusedtimeandeffort.Andithas trulypaidoff.

AstheCEOandFoundingPartnerofOpaalInteriors, whatchallengeshaveyoufacedwhileestablishingand runningthebusiness?

Thebiggestchallengeprovedtobetheveryearlystagesof thecompany.Buildingclientlistsandrelationshipswith thoseclientstakestime,andthereisnowayaroundit. We'reupagainstwell-establishedfirms,soproviding excellentcustomerserviceandbeingwillingtogoabove andbeyondhelpedusbuildourreputationfromthe beginning.Iamhappytosaythatthepatienceand determinationtostickwiththeprocesshaspaidoff.We'll stillloseapitchoccasionally,butI'mfarbetterathandling thosemomentsnow.Myreactionstoachallengingmoment likethatarenowfarmorerootedinmyknowledgeofthe complexityofthedesignworldandthemanyfactorsthat contributetothosedecisions.

BriefusabouttheoperationsofOpaalInteriors,its mission,vision,andcorevalues.

AtOpaalInteriors,wearecommittedtofindingthebalance betweentheambitionsoftheuser,theneedsoftheindustry,

andtheshapeofthephysicalspace.Withingenuity, enthusiasm,and50yearsofcombinedexperience,we desireeachclienttofeelasenseofpartnershipinthe processofdesignandcreation.Webelievethatanexpertly designedinteriorisfundamentaltoalastingfirst impression,andtakeonthisresponsibilitywithgreat gladnessandgreatseriousness.Eagertorealizeeachclient's vision,wecombineourunderstandingofmaterials, textures,finishes,andcolorstoelevatethespaceinaway thatauthenticallyrepresentseachclient'svision.

WhatexactlyOpaalInteriorsisdoingdifferentlyin acquiringandsustainingcustomersforitself?

Ibelievewhatsetsusapartis,mostimportantly,thevitality ofourclient/designerconnection.Bothstrongcreative leadershipandrealclientpartnershipsexistside-by-side. Thisisourgreatestmotivationtohirewell-rounded professionalswithstrongcommunicationskills.Workingat Emaaralsogavemeinsightintowhatwasmissinginthe market.Quickexecutionandtimelinessareofhigh importance,butweneverrushtheplanningprocess.Weare especiallymeticulousintheconceptphase,listening carefullytotheclient'sneedsandrequests.Wecantakea veryroughideaandpatientlycollaboratewiththeclientas thevisionbecomesmorespecific.Duetothesubjective natureofdesign,weneverassumeweknowexactlywhat theclientwants,butwecommunicateseveraloptionswe knowcouldsatisfytheirneedsandplaceahighvalueon theirinput.

Whatcreativewayshaveyouemployedtomakethe workenvironmentofOpaalInteriorsvibrant?

Virtualworkhasreallyhelpedwithbrainstorming;itmay soundcounter-intuitive,butawayfromdistractionsinthe office,ourteamhasreallybeenabletobeproductiveinthe idea-generatingstageofeachproject.Evensincewe returnedtotheofficesinAugust,theideashavecontinued

toflowmorefreely.Perhapsthere'sacollectivesenseof confidencenowthatwehavesurmountedtheobstaclesof 2020.Thequestionweareaskingourselvesnowis,"How canweenhanceevenfurtherthewaywe'reoperating?"We believethatgoodideascancomefromanywhere,andwe areopentocreativeproblemsolvingandinnovationofall kinds.

Intermsoffuturegrowth,wheredoyouseeyourself andOpaalInteriors?

AsIlookintothefutureofmyowncareer,Iseesomany thrillingopportunitiesforgrowth.Threeyearsago,we openedasistercompanytomanagefurnitureprocurement. ItistheperfectcomplementtoOpaalInteriors,andI'dlove togrowthatbusinesssothatwecanofferanevenmore robust,holisticexperiencetoourclients.Anotherhuge developmentinthenearfuturewillbetheopeningofan officespaceinSaudiArabia.Weseemanyexciting opportunitiestocontinueexpandingglobally,andhaveour sightssetonaneventuallocationinNorthAmerica.Iknow thisisonlythebeginningforus.

Whatdoyouthinkaretheessentialsofbeinga trendsettingbusinesswoman?

Astrengthmanywomenembodyisthegiftofpreciseand insightfulcommunicationwithothers.I'velearnedthatas businesswomen,wecanharnessthatforthesuccessofour endeavors.Clientpartnershipsareacriticalaspectofmost businesses,sotheabilitytoplaceourselvesintheshoesof theclientwillgiveusarealedgeonthecompetition. Stayingontopoftrends(orbetteryet,settingtrends)can seemdaunting.Keepyoureyesandearsonconsumers' desiresandremaintruetoyouruniquevision,andyou'llbe suretostaycompetitiveandrelevant.

Rizwan Sajan

capacitytobeopentochangewhile alsodiscoveringandenergizingthe grouphasledtothecompany’s definingsuccess.

Mr.RizwanSajan’simaginative approachearnedhimaspoton ForbesMiddleEast’s“Top100 IndianLeadersintheUAE”list.

Anentrepreneurrecognizesaneedin societyandcreatesabusinesstofill it.Mr.RizwanSajan,backedbythe principleofperpetualevolution,has beenthedrivingforcebehindthe DanubeGroup’ssuccess.His

Belowarethehighlightsofthe interviewconductedbetweenWorld's LeadersandRizwanSajan:

Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideofthe workplace.

Iamasimpleandhumbleperson.I startedlifeabitearlierthanothers–attheageof16,rightafterthesad demiseofmyfather,andstartedto takecareofthefamilythroughthe meagreearningsthatIcouldgenerate byworkingsidebysidewithmy classesincollege.

Inbusinessandmanagement,Iama verystraightforwardperson.Iwant toempowerpeople,takerisks,give responsibilitiestopeoplewho deservethem,andholdthem accountableifanythinggoeswrong. Transparencyandaccountabilityare veryimportant.Iamatransparent person,andIamaccountableforthe

A Visionary Entrepreneur and Global Business Thinker

Founder & Chairman Danube Group

successorfailureoftheentiregroup. ButIcanonlybesuccessfulifmy teamworksintandem.

Describeyourbackgroundand whatdidyoudobeforeyou started/joinedthecompany?

Icomefromahumblefamily background–inMumbai.Myfather usedtoworkinaprivatecompany. Mymotherusedtobeahomemaker Wearetwobrothersandasister.We werebroughtuponstrictprinciples andethics–imbibedinourcharacter byourparentsinourearlychildhood.

Lifeusedtobenormalinthe Mumbaineighbourhoodwherewe grewupandhadourschooling. However,thingsalmostcametoa standstillafterthesuddendeathof

myfather.Iwas16andnoteligible towork.However,Iwasoffereda part-timepositioninthesame companywheremyfatherworkedby hiscolleagues—tosupportour family.So,Iusedtoworkatthe companyintheeveningwhile continuingmycollegestudies.

Afewyearslater,oneofmyuncles offeredmeajobinhisbuilding materialsshopinKuwaitwhenI reachedtheageof18andwas eligibletowork.So,Iwentto Kuwaitandjoinedhisbusiness.I learnedtheinsandoutsofthe buildingmaterialstradeinmyuncle's shopandsoonhelpedtoexpandit throughmyknowledgeandhard work.

Atonepointintime,Iwasentrusted

bymyuncletomakebusiness decisionsforhim–andrunthe business–tilltheoutbreakofthe Iraq-Kuwaitwarin1991.Wehadto closethecompanyandreturnto India. Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?

AfterthesetbackinKuwait,Istarted thinkingofcomingbacktotheGulf tostartmycareer That’swhatIdid.I cametoDubai–thelandof opportunity

SinceIknewthebusinessofbuilding materials,Ijoinedacompanyastheir salesperson.Iusedtoprocureorders forthecompanyandensuresupplies. However,thecompanydidnothave alltheproducts,soIhadtosource themfromothersuppliersforthe

client,asIdidn’twanttosay“No”to theclients.

Thisway,Ihadbuiltastrongrapport withclientsandsuppliers,who startedtotrustme.In1993,Istarted DanubeBuildingMaterialsasasmall supplierofbuildingmaterials.Dueto myefficiencyandcontacts,we startedtogetordersinbulkand continuedtosupplyinlarge quantities.

Asbusinessgrew,Ihiredpeopleto supportme.Wetookthewarehouse, increasedtheshowroomspace,and thenstartedtoimportmaterialsin bulk.Thisishowitallstartedfroma two-personcompanytowhatitis currentlyalargebusinesswitha diversifiedportfolio.

So,mydecisiontostartabusinessin buildingmaterialswasduetomy experienceinKuwaitinthisfield.

Whicharethemajorservicesof thecompanyandhowdotheythe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompany provide?

Asmentioned,westartedasa buildingmaterialstradingbusiness andlaterintroducedjoineryservices. Thenwelaunchedourretail operationsunderDanubeHome— whichisthehomeimprovementarm ofourbusiness.

In2014,westartedourrealestate developmentarm–Danube Properties–whichhasbeenamajor success.Wehavesofarlaunched16 projectsanddelivered11ofthemto morethan3,000happyfamilies. In2021,welaunchedourHospitality

SolutionsDivision—forthehotels andcateringsector,whichispicking up.

So,wearepredominantlyinto trading,export,import,wholesale, retail,andservicessectors.

Whatarethemostimportant aspectsofacompany'sculture? Whatprinciplesdoyoubelievein andhowdoyoubuildthisculture?

Thestrengthofthebusinessliesin ourcorevalues:integrity,quality services,transparency,accountability, strongethicsandsoundbusiness practice.Youneedtobehonestand sincereinyourdealings.Ifthereisa problemwithaproductorservice, thenitisimportanttocommunicate withthecustomersothattheyare awareoftheproblem.

Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany?

Thesurvivalofabusinesswill dependontechnologyadoption, innovation,andcreativity.Abusiness couldcollapseifitfailstochange withthetimesandifitlacks innovation.

Businessiscarriedoutbyhumans.It isskill-based.So,youneedto develophumancapitalacrossthe organisationandinculcateastrong cultureofproductivity,accountability andtransparency.Continuous training,mentoring,anddevelopment ofhumanresourcesarecritical. Youneedtointroducetechnology andensurethattheteammembers keepabreastofthelatesttechnology.

Giveusyouropinionon;do organisationsrelyheavilyon

individualheroicsorteam processes?

Businessisaboutteamwork. However,withinteamwork,you needheroes—rolemodelsforothers toinspireandimprove.

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas theFounder/CEOofthecompany? Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?

Asabusinessman,Itakestrategic developmentdecisions,andtheteam runsthebusiness.Iassisttheteamin runningthebusinessinaccordance withmystrategicthinking,whichis alignedwiththegovernment'svision.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Doyourhomeworkbeforeventuring intoanything.Youneedtofindagap insocietyandthendevelopa businessaroundit.Whateveryoudo, putyourheartandsoulintoit.

Businessisnotaboutmoneyalone. WorkingforacauseThemoneywill come.Developabusinesstofixa problemandmoneywillpourin. Learnhowtomonetiseyourskills.

Don’tbeafraidtofail.Don'tlose hearteverytimeyoufail.Buttryto analysewhyyoufailed,sothatyou canrectifythemistakes.Failureis thepillarofsuccess.

Behonest,humbleandremain grounded.Resultwillcome.Think global,actlocal.