Mudit: With three decades of experience, what advice would you give to middle managers aspiring to become CXOs?
Answer: Patience and resilience are vital, as career progression doesn’t always align with your set timelines. Don’t be overly hasty to chase short-term opportunities that may not align with your long-term goals. Staying focused on your objectives and embracing challenges with patience is essential. It’s okay to invest time in understanding your market, clients, and ecosystems, as specialization takes time but eventually pays off.
Mudit: Can you describe the differences you’ve observed between the Middle Eastern and other cultures when it comes to succeeding in business?
Answer: In the Middle East, longevity and relationships are key. Surviving and thriving through various cycles and challenges is critical in this high-risk environment. Understanding geopolitical situations, strengths, and perceptions are essential. Adversity often creates opportunities. It’s a market with volatility, but it also offers safe havens. Being patient is especially important in this dynamic environment.
Mudit: In your experience, working with a diverse, younger crowd, what are your thoughts on their creativity, and how do you balance it with the need for patience and circumspection in decision-making?
Answer: The younger generation brings a fresh and creative perspective to the table, challenging norms and redefining industries. This creativity is a significant asset. However, they can sometimes lack patience and the ability to view decisions holistically, considering both short-term and long-term impacts. Balancing innovation with calculated risk is crucial in decision-making, especially when dealing with shareholders and stakeholders.
Mudit: How important is executive presence, and how do you define it? What advice do you have for young leaders regarding executive presence?
Answer: Executive presence is the embodiment of your values, vision, and leadership style. It involves leading by example and authentically demonstrating your beliefs. Young leaders should focus on aligning their actions with their values, fostering a creative and empathetic environment. However, they should also balance this with a circumspect view and consider short-term and long-term implications in their decisions.
Mudit: When choosing between two individuals for a promotion, what factors differentiate your decision, especially when both candidates are performing well in their roles?
Answer: A person with an open mind, forward-thinking vision, flexibility, and resilience often stands out. A focus on long-term goals combined with adaptability is crucial. Individuals who embrace failures as opportunities for growth and can articulate their understanding of risk and reward are highly regarded. Balancing focus and flexibility is a key differentiator.
Mudit: How does an organization’s culture influence the balance between short-term and long-term approaches, and have you observed a shift in awareness toward broader goals beyond just financial performance?
Answer: An organization’s culture is influenced by its leadership, and its culture, in turn, affects the balance between short-term and long-term approaches. The landscape is changing, with a growing focus on factors like environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. These ESG goals are shifting the focus from quarterly numbers to broader, more holistic success. This change is not limited to specific organizations or regions but is a global trend.
Mudit: What inspires you, and is there something specific you’d like to contribute to the world?
Answer: My purpose in life is to live it to the fullest and contribute positively to the people, communities, and organizations around me. I don’t aim to leave a legacy but instead to “live the legacy.” My creativity and interests in various fields like F&B, travel, photography, and mentorship keep me engaged and fulfilled. I focus on living each moment to the fullest and making a positive impact within my sphere of influence.