Arab'sMostIconic CEOs
to Know
Rami Badran avxav Group
The CIO is no longer just a . They are a TECHNOLOGIST strategic , BUSINESS LEADER driving digital transformation and .INNOVATION
Acknowledging Adaptability for Success
Adaptabilityhasbecomeacornerstoneofsuccess.CEOsmustcultivateamindsetthat
acknowledgeschangeandinnovation.Beingnimblemeansbeingabletorespond quicklytonewchallengesandopportunities,whichisessentialinanever-evolving marketplace.
Open-mindednessplaysacrucialroleinthisprocess.Itinvolvesbeingreceptivetonew ideas,perspectives,andapproaches.Whenteamsfosteranenvironmentwherecreativity thrives,theyunlockpotentialsolutionsthatmaynothavebeenconsideredbefore.This flexibilityallowsbusinessestopivotstrategiesswiftly,ensuringtheyremaincompetitiveand relevant.
Moreover,theabilitytoadaptiscloselytiedtounderstandingcustomerneeds.Insalesand marketing,stayingattunedtomarkettrendsandconsumerbehaviorisvital.Byleveraging dataanalyticsandfeedback,businessescanrefinetheirofferingsandtailortheirmessaging toresonatewiththeiraudience.Thisresponsivenessnotonlyenhancescustomersatisfaction butalsobuildsloyalty
Inherently,successinanyfieldhingesonthewillingnesstoevolve.Thosewhowelcome changewithanopenmindisbetterequippedtonavigateuncertaintiesandseizeemerging opportunities.Asthedomainscontinuestoshift,cultivatingadaptabilitywillbethekey differentiatorforachievinglastingsuccess.Byprioritizingflexibilityandinnovation, individualsandorganizationscanthriveinadynamicenvironment,turningchallengesinto steppingstonesforgrowth.
Inthelatesteditionof The CIO World,titled"Arab'sMostIconicCEOstoKnow,"we highlightCEOswhohasdemonstratedexceptionaladaptabilityandvisionaryleadershipin theirrespectiveindustries.Theseleadersnotonlyembracechangebutalsoactivelydriveit, settingabenchmarkforotherstofollow.
Haveagoodreadahead!
CO NT EN TS
08. C O V E R S T O R Y Rami Badran Commanding the Storm in Technological Advancement
22. P R O F I L E Soa Skiredj Navigating Investment Management
30. C X O Rhino Joannes Adapting to Change: The Digital Transformation of Travel and Journalism
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor
Managing Editor
Assistant Editor
Visualizer
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assitant
Business Development Manager
Business Development Executives
Technical Head
Assitant Technical Head
Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Circulation Manager
David
Mia
Richard
Cathy Han
CEO
Company Name
42 Technologies Inc.
Milan Tresch
CEO
Rami Badran
CEO
Sofia Skiredj
CEO
Tariq Nizami
CEO
AVXAV www.avxav.com
CFG Bank Asset Management www.cfgbank.com
CEO Clubs Holdings
Descrip on
Cathy Han drives technological advancements at 42 Technologies Inc., focusing on developing solu ons that empower organiza ons to harness data effec vely
Milan Tresch leads innova ve projects at THEXOVISION, focusing on cu ng-edge technology solu ons to enhance visual experiences across various pla orms.
Rami Badran leads a dynamic team focused on innova ve ICT solu ons, transforming the landscape of smart technology and telecommunica ons for enhanced user experiences.
Sofia Skiredj drives growth at a modern banking ins tu on, emphasizing customer-centric services and innova ve financial solu ons tailored to meet diverse client needs.
Tariq Nizami champions entrepreneurial growth at CEO Clubs Holdings, connec ng business leaders to foster collabora on and drive success.
Rami's entrepreneurial spirit has driven him to establish a reputable name in the sector, focusing on delivering top- er solu ons and services.
Rami Badran avxav Group
The vision behind avxav was to create an innova ve company that would introduce modern technologies in telecommunica ons and smart audio visual (AV) solu ons.
Inaworldwheretechnologicaladvancementsoften outpacecreativity,theICTmainlyin Telecommunicationsandsmartaudio-visual(AV) industriesfaceadauntingchallenge:howtocaptivateand engageaudienceseffectively.
Oneindividualwhoexemplifiesthedrivetomeetthis challengehead-onisRamiBadran,thevisionary PresidentandCEOofavxavGroup.Withauniqueblend ofentrepreneurialspiritandadeepunderstandingofmarket dynamics,heisnotjustrespondingtotheindustry's challenges;heisreformingitsdomain.
Rami'sjourneyismarkedbyapassionforqualityand innovation.Underhisleadership,avxavGrouphasbecome synonymouswithprogressivecommunicationsolutionsthat resonatewithaudiences.Heemphasizestheimportanceof foresightinbusiness,consistentlyanticipatingtrendsthat othersmightoverlook.Thisproactiveapproachhas positionedavxavasaleaderinthecompetitiveICTmainly inTelecommunicationsandsmartAVsectors.
Beyonddrivingtechnologicaladvancements,Ramiis passionateaboutfosteringthenextgenerationofleaders. Heactivelymentors’youngentrepreneurs,instillinginthem
thevaluesofcreativityandresilience.Hisdedicationto nurturingtalentreflectsabroadervisionfortheindustry, wherecollaborationandinnovationpavethewayforfuture breakthroughs.
Asavxavembarksonitsnextphaseofdevelopment, Ramistandsattheforefront,demonstratinghowaclear visionandsteadfastdeterminationcanredefine audienceinteraction.Hisleadershipnotonly inspireshisteambutalsosetsahighstandard fortheentireindustry,provingthatthefutureof communicationliesattheintersectionof technologyandcreativity
Let us explore his journey of innovation!
AVisionforTechnologies
Rami,PresidentandCEOofavxavGroup,combineshis expertiseinelectronicsandtelecommunications engineeringwithapassionforbusiness.Fiveyearsintohis career,Ramisetoutonamissiontopowertechnologiesfor large-scalebusinessapplications.
Ramiidentifiedgapsinthemarketforaudio-visual technologiesandtelecommunicationsolutions.Hisdecision tospecializestemmedfromthebeliefthattheseareascould significantlyincreasetheindustry
Rami'sentrepreneurialspirithasdrivenhimtoestablisha reputablenameinthesector,focusingondeliveringtop-tier solutionsandservices.Hehasbuiltavastnetworkand impressiveportfolio,overcominginitialchallengesin gainingclients'trust.
Thesupporthereceivedfromearlyclientshasbeen instrumentalinhissuccess,creatingadominoeffectthat haspropelledavxavGroupforward.Heremainsgratefulfor thetrustplacedinhim,akeystoneofhisremarkable journeyintheICTmainlyintelecommunicationsandsmart audio-visuallandscape.
TheBirthofaVisionaryGroup
Ramibeganhisprofessionalcareerasanemployee, demonstratingdeeployaltyandownershiptowardshis employer,whichraisedasenseofbelonging.However,he oftenponderedhisfutureafterretirementandenvisioned startinghisowncompany.In2006,hetookthesignificant stepofregisteringavxavGroupinOttawa,Canada.
Thevisionbehindavxavwastocreateaninnovative companythatwouldintroduceModerntechnologiesinICT mainlyintelecommunicationsandsmartaudiovisual(AV) solutions.Heaimedtoestablishabusinessthatwouldbe thefirstofitskind,deliveringproductsandservicesatan unprecedentedlevelofprofessionalism.Thisambitionlaid thefoundationforavxavGroup,positioningitasaleaderin theindustry.
DefiningSuccessforavxavGroup
RamidefinesavxavGroup'ssuccessthroughitshasty growthastheswiftest-growingCanadianMBBtelecom brandintheMiddleEast.Withofficesinbothregions,the companyhasasignificantmarketsharein telecommunicationsMBB,digitalsignage(retail,QSR’s andbanking),andhospitality.
Healsomeasuressuccessbyhispersonalgrowthoverthe past18years.Hehasevolvedintoaleaderwhocan effectivelyreadandunderstandpeople,permittingstrong relationshipsandclienttrust.Thiscombinationofmarket achievementsandpersonaldevelopmentunderscores avxav'sdefinitionofsuccessinthecurrentcompetitivesite.
OvercomingChallenges
avxavGroup,ledbyRami,hasencounterednumerous challengesinits18-yearhistoryintheICTmainlyin TelecommunicationsandAVindustries.Whilesome obstacleswereminor,othersprovidedvaluablelessons.
Significantchallengesarosefrominstabilityincertain MiddleEasterncountries.However,duringthe COVID-19pandemicin2020and2021,avxav transformedthisthreatintoanopportunity. Whilemanybusinessesfaceddisruptions, avxavmaintaineditsmomentumandachieved oneofitsmostsuccessfulyears.
Ramicreditsthecompany'sresiliencetoawellcraftedstrategy,effectivecashflowmanagement,anda debt-freefinancialposition.Throughadaptingtothe changingscene,avxavGrouphasemergedfromthese challengesevenstronger,solidifyingitsleadershipinthe industry
BuildingSuccess
Duringtheirtenure,theleadershipteamsuccessfullybuilt avxavGroupfromthegroundup,masteringthetradeand creatingastrongmarketpresence.Keyachievements includebecominganauthorizedMBBdevicepartnerfor ZainGroup,deliveringimpressivehospitalitysolutionsfor prestigioushotelsliketheRitzCarlton,St.Regisand Fairmont,andformingstrategicpartnershipswithindustry leaderssuchasAlGhanimGroupandEnergyAdvertising. TheseaccomplishmentshighlightavxavGroup’scredibility, innovation,anddedicationtoexcellence.
TamingLeadership
AtavxavGroup,leadershipandteammanagementare approachedwithafamily-likeethos,promotinga supportiveandcollaborativeenvironment.Theleadership teamrecognizesthatthecompany'ssuccessisdeeply intertwinedwiththesuccessofeachindividualemployee.
Tothisend,employeesareconsistentlyempoweredwith ownershipandresponsibilityforallprojects,regardlessof theirscale.Thisapproachensuresthatteammembersfeela strongsenseofprideandloyalty,astheyperceive themselvesasintegralpartsofthecompanyratherthanjust workingforit.Bycultivatingthiscultureofownership, avxavGrouphasnotonlyenhancedemployeeengagement
Rami Badran Avxav Group
, ,
Through adap ng to the changing scene, avxav Group has emerged from these challenges even stronger, solidifying its leadership in the industry.
, butalsodevelopednewleaderswithintheorganization. Thisstrategyhasbeeninstrumentalindrivingthe company'sremarkablegrowthandsuccess.
NourishingInnovation
InnovationisthebasisofavxavGroup'ssuccess, consistentlydrivingthecompanytobringthelatest technologiesandsolutionstothemarket.Theleadership teamfocusesongivingemployeesthespaceandconfidence tocontributefreshideas,nurturingacultureofcreativity
Akeyelementoftheirapproachistheestablishmentofa uniqueR&Dcenter,whichplaysanimportantrolein keepingthecompanyaheadofcompetitors.Bystaying attunedtomarkettrendsandunderstandingthemdeeply, avxavGroupcanfulfillitsclearvisionandmission, ensuringcontinuedgrowthandevolutioninacompetitive panorama.
ChiefoftheWay
AtavxavGroup,stayinginformedaboutindustrytrends andtechnologicaladvancementsisdrivenbyaproactive
andinnovativeapproach.Thecompanyhasstrategically hiredtop-tierengineersspecializinginsoftware,hardware, andIDdesign,guaranteeingtheyremainattheforefrontof technologicaldevelopments.
Ratherthanmerelyfollowingindustrytrends,avxav Groupisdedicatedtocreatingthem,consistently deliveringsolutionsthatsetthemapartfrom competitors.Thisforward-thinkingmindset positionsthecompanyasaleader,withothersin theindustrylookingtofollowtheirinnovations.
BuildingLastingPartnerships
avxavGrouphasalwaystreatedclientsaspartners ratherthanmerecustomers.Fromtheverybeginning, theirstrategyhasfocusedongrowinglong-term relationshipsbyinvestinginthesepartnershipsand providingtop-qualityservice.Thispartnership-oriented approachensuresthatclientsfeelvaluedandreceivethe samelevelofattentionandcareastrustedcollaborators.
AnotherkeystrategyemployedbyavxavGroupisa dedicationtotransparency.Thecompanypridesitselfon nevermakingfalsepromisesandalwaysdeliveringexactly whatispromised.Theirhonestyandreliabilityhave becomethebasisoftheirclientrelationships,earningthem areputationforintegrityandtrustworthinessinevery partnershiptheyform.
VisionforGlobalExpansion
Inaswiftlybuddingindustry,avxavGroupremainsvigilant andcontinuouslyengagedinmarketanalysis.Thecompany hasaclearandambitiousvisionforthenextfiveyears:to createitsbrandnameandproductsonaglobalscale.
Thisgoalhasbeenatthecoreoftheirstrategysince inception,andtheleadershipteamisconfidentthattheyare well-preparedtoachieveit,nomatterthechallengesahead.
GuidanceforTelecomSectors
ForthoseseekingwishfulleadershiprolesintheICT, TelecommunicationsandAVsectors,theleadershipteamat avxavGroupoffersstraightforwardadvice:focusefforton long-termgoalsratherthanshort-termgains.Leaders shouldadoptabroad,strategicperspective,treatingtheir businesswiththesamecareandanticipationastheywould apersonalproject.
Itiscrucialtomaintainhighethicalstandards,avoiding shortcutsorloopholesthatcouldcauseharminthefuture. Ultimately,nurturingandmeticulouslyplanningforthe growthandsuccessofthebusinesswillpavethewayfor sustainableachievement.
BalancingWorkandLife
President&CEORamiBadranunderscorestheimportance ofbalancingworkandpersonallife.Itisapriorityto
managetimeefficiently,confirmingthatworktasksare completedduringofficehoursandleavingnopending matters.
Outsideofprofessionalresponsibilities,Ramiengagesin familyactivitiesandfulfilshisroleasVicePresidentofthe PorscheClubinJordan,reflectingadeeppassionforsports cars.Additionally,heprioritizesregulargymsessionsasa decisivepartofhisroutine,usingexercisetorelievestress andmaintainoverallwell-being.
Why CEOs Need to Be Strategic Thinkers
TheChiefExecutiveOfficer's
rolehaschangedso dramatically Today,aChief ExecutiveOfficerneedstobevisionary andstrategicthinkerratherthansimply overseeingday-to-dayactivitiesand managingstaff.Itdoesnotsignifyjust atrend;itiswhatbusinessesneedto remaincompetitive.Theabilityto thinkstrategicallycanmakean organizationsucceedorfail.
UnderstandingStrategicThinking
Strategicthinkingisthereviewof situations,challenges,and opportunitiesandenvisioningthe future.It'scriticalthinking,creativity, andmarketdynamics.ForCEOs,this isnotmerelykeepingwithtoday's performancebuttryingtopredictthe influenceoftheindustryinthenear term-changesincustomerbehavior, newtechnology,andeconomic fluctuation.
Astrategicthinkerlooksatalarger perspectiveandrecognizesthe interconnectivenessofthemany elementsthatbuildupabusiness.Such anattitudewillguideCEOsinhaving long-termplanstowardrealizationof
thecompany'svisionandmission. Strategicthinkingisnotnecessarily aboutdecidingwithintheavailable information;itentailspredictingthe directionofthetrendsandpreparingan organizationtoharnessthosetrends.
NavigationofUncertaintyand Complexity
Themodernbusinessenvironmentis becomingquitecomplexandnotso certain.Thisisaverydifficultsituation asrapidtechnologicalchangeand socio-economicchangesmakeit happen.CEOswhohavestrategic thinkingsomehowfindawayof dealingbetterwithsuch.Theycanfind outawayofknowingriskassessment andsuchmakingsensedecisionsthat balanceimmediategainagainstlongtermsustainability
Forexample,insuchascenarioifthe marketisshiftedinsomesurpriseways thestrategicCEOdoesnotreact impulsively Theyanalyzetheposition, spotalltheprobabilities,andgivea totalsolutionstrategy.Hence,inthis way,theysecureasafersidewhile encouraginginnovationandthe possibilityofgrowth.
IncitingInnovationandFlexibility
Strategicthinkingalsoenables innovationculturetogrowwithinan organization.Therefore,onceaCEO hasbeentrainedtobeastrategic thinker,thenonewouldplaceone's teaminaframeofmindthatismore curiousandcreativewithnewideasas oneconsiderschange.Competitionis whatinnovationsbringforth;thus,to becompetitivedemandsknowingthat theenvironmentmustbegivenspace tonurturenewideasfortheinterestof theirpursuit.
Thisenhancesagilityfurther Thisisa worldofconstantchange,hencethe needforrapidadaptabilityhasnever
beenmoreimperative.Thestrategic CEOmusthaveseenthechangesand preparedtheorganizationtoturn aroundwhenthatisnecessary Agility canbethedifference-makerand companiescanexploitopportunities thatothercompaniescannot,mainly becausetheyaretoostructuredorare miredinarchaicpractices.
BuildingPowerfulTeamsandTeamBasedCultures
Theothercrucialcharacteristicof strategicthinkingisthebuildingofa powerfulteam.AstrategicCEOknows thatheorshecannotwalkaloneamidst complexity.Heorshehastotapthe talentsandinsightsofhisorher employees.Heorshecanengendera cultureinwhicheverybodyfeels valuedandempoweredtocontributeto thestrategicgoalsthrough encouragementofcollaborationand opencommunication.
Better.Entryteamscreateandoffer betterdecision-making.Diverse perspectivesthenenhanceproblemsolvingtoenableanorganizationto addressproblemsfromdiverseangles. ACEOwhoencouragesthinking throughtheorganizationfostersan interestedworkforceinthecompany vision,andmotivatedenough,to contributetoitssuccess.
AligningResourceswithStrategic Goals
Theotherareawherestrategicthinking trulydeliversistheeffectiveresource management.TheCEOhastoensure thatallkindsofresourcesbeit financial,humanortechnologicalare alignedproperlywiththestrategic objectives.Prioritizingrightprojects towardthelong-termgoalsand scrappingthoseprojectswhichdonot contributemuchtowardsachievingthe objectivearenecessarysteps.
Therefore,performancemetricsand marketanalysiswillguidethestrategic CEOsinresourceallocation.They appreciatethatsignificantinvestments normallybringoutenormousreturns whileothermisalignedresourcesretard growthandinnovation.Alignmentof resourcestowardsstrategicgoals besidesefficiencyenhances organizationalstrengthinthe marketplace.
Conclusion:
Withdisruptionasthenewnormal, everyCEOwillhavetothinkabout future-proofing.Strategicthinkingis notsomethingthatpreparesfortheday butratherservesasaplantofight threatsintothefuture.Itisessentially ananticipatoryapproachbystaying preparedfornewentrantsthatcould posepossiblethreats,changeinrules andregulations,orperhapsevennew entrantsintothefray.
TheCEO,throughalearningculture, willfindouthowtobuildan organisationthatcanwithstandand betterequipitselfforanyfuture challenges.Betterpreparationforthe futurewillsecurelong-term organisationalviabilitybybuildinga future-readyworkforce. CIO
Leadership is not about titles, positions, or owcharts. It is about one life inuencing another.
Navigating Investment Management
Investmentisthecornerstoneforeconomicgrowthand
financialstabilitybecauseitprovidesacriticalmethod ofresourceallocationinwaysthatencourage innovation.Giventhecurrentdynamicsofthemarketplace, properinvestmentmanagementmeansfarmorethanjust analysisoffinancialdata;ithastodowithstrategic foresightinthefaceofrisksandopportunities.Onegood exampleofthisimpactthatthoughtfulinvestmentstrategies canhave,bothonindividualportfoliosandatthelevelof theeconomyitself,is Sofia Skiredj
Sofiahasover15yearsofexperienceinthefinancialsector inMorocco,withherbeingaseasonedleaderininvestment andassetmanagement.AstheCEOofCFGBankAsset Managementfrom2020,sheoverseesroughly2.4billion USDinassetsandtakespartinkeyfunctionsinthe ExecutiveCommitteeofCFGBank.Hercommitmentto corporategovernanceisalsoillustratedthroughher positionsontheboardsofASFIMandNetwork-Economy, anorganizationfromSwitzerlandcommittedtosustainable initiatives.
Sofia'spassionforassetmanagementisrootedinitsblend ofanalyticalrigorandstrategicforesight,andwhatshecan dotocreateimpactonthelong-termvaluebasis.She believeseffectiveleadershipisabouttrust-buildingand empoweringteams.
We were in a discussion with Sofia on how her role as CEO will impact the bank in long-term. Let's delve into it.
Couldyoupleasebriefusaboutthecompanyandits inceptionstory?
CFGBank,foundedover30yearsago,originatedfrom CasablancaFinanceGroup,atrailblazerinMorocco’s financialmarkets.Guidedbythecorevaluesofinnovation (AlAmam),hopeandpatriotism(AlAmal),andtrust(Al Aman),CFGBankisknownforitscommitmentto excellence,ethicalpractices,andfosteringMorocco's economicdevelopment.Thebank’smissionistoprovidea premium,personalizedbankingexperienceaccessibleto clientsfromdiversebackgrounds.
Sincetheinceptionoftheassetmanagementindustry,its subsidiaryCFGBankAssetManagementhasplayeda pivotalrole,offeredinnovativeandtailoredinvestment solutionswhilemaintainingastrongmarketposition. Together,CFGBankandCFGBankAssetManagement embodyaforward-lookingapproach,leveragingcuttingedgetoolsandtechniquestodeliverhigh-valuefinancial servicesacrosstheMoroccanfinanciallandscape.
Whatdrivesyourpassionforleadingthiscompany,and howdoesthatinfluenceyourdecision-makingprocess?
Beyondthenumbers,it'stheabilitytonavigatechallenges anddrivemeaningfulresultsthatcontinuestomotivateme. LeadingCFGBank’sAssetManagementdivisionisnotjust aboutachievingfinancialsuccess—it’saboutinspiringtrust, empoweringteams,andfosteringasenseofpurposein
Beyond the numbers, it's the ability t challenges and drive meaningful results that c mo vat
everythingwedo.Forme,leadershipisdeeplypersonal;it meanscreatinganenvironmentwherepeoplefeelvalued, supported,andmotivatedtopushtheirlimits.
Thisapproachshapesmydecision-making,ensuringevery choiceisgroundedintrust,accountability,andalong-term vision.AtCFGBankAssetManagement,weprioritize authenticrelationships,deliveringonpromises,andsetting thestandardforintegrityinthefinancialsector Together, wearenotonlyshapingthefutureofbankinginMorocco
butalsobuildingaculturewhereindividualsthrive, challengesareembraced,andexcellencebecomessecond nature.
Canyoudescribeapivotalmomentinyourcareerthat significantlyshapedyourleadershipstyle?
Apivotalmomentinmycareerwasduringmytenureas SeniorPensionFundManageratCIMR.Beingrelatively earlyinmycareer,Iwastaskedwithpresentinginvestment
Sofia Skiredj
By con nuing to invest in an open, inclusive culture where team members feel empowered and valued, we will not only drive innova on but also a ract top talent.
strategiestoaboardcomprisingprominentfigures, includingCEOsofmajorlistedcompaniesonthe CasablancaStockExchange.
Thisexperiencerequiredacarefulbalanceofexpertiseand humilityandpushedmetorapidlydevelopconfidence, adaptabilityandmeticulousattentiontodetail,masterclear andimpactfulcommunication,andadapttotheexpectations ofhigh-levelstakeholders.
Itwasanincrediblyformativeperiodthatshapedmy leadershipstyle,teachingmetheimportanceofpreparation, strategicforesight,andbuildingtrustthroughtransparency andprofessionalism.
Howdoyoubalanceshort-termpressureswithlongtermstrategicgoals,andwhatframeworksdoyouuseto guidethisbalance?
Webalanceshort-termpressureswithlong-termgoalsby stayingfocusedonourstrategicvisionwhileremaining flexibletorespondtoimmediatechallenges.
Werelyonaframeworkthatincludesscenarioplanningto anticipaterisks,KPImonitoringtotrackperformance,and regularalignmentwithstakeholderstoensuredecisions servebothimmediateneedsandthebroadervision.This approachallowsforagilitywhiledrivingsustainable growth.
Whatarethemostsignificantchallengesyou'vefacedas aCEO,andhowhavetheychangedyourperspectiveon leadership?
OneofthemostsignificantchallengesIfacedasCEOwas takingontherolein2020,justbeforetheCOVID-19 pandemichit.Navigatingtheuncertaintiesofaglobalcrisis forcedmetoadaptquickly,balanceshort-termsurvival withlong-termstrategicgoals,andguidetheorganization throughanunprecedentedsituation.
Thisexperiencetaughtmethevalueofagility,clear communication,andhavingastrong,supportiveteam.It reinforcedtheimportanceoftransparencywithstakeholders andstayingfocusedonourcorevalues,evenintimesof crisis.Italsochangedmyperspectiveonleadership, emphasizingtheneedforempathy,resilience,andthe abilitytopivotquicklyinresponsetochanging circumstances.
Whatroledoesfeedbackplayinyourleadership approach,bothingivingittoothersandreceivingitfor yourself?
Iencourageopendialogueandconstructivecriticism,asit fostersgrowthandcontinuousimprovement.Personally,I valuefeedbackasanopportunitytorefinemyleadership styleandmakeinformeddecisionsthatbenefitthe organizationasawhole.
Howdoyouenvisionthecompany'simpactonits industryoverthenextdecade,andwhatstepsareyou takingtorealizethatvision?
Overthenextdecade,weaimforCFGBankAsset Managementtosetthestandardforahealthy,collaborative workcultureinourindustry.Ourstrengthtodayliesinour uniqueapproachtomanagement—horizontal,motivating, andcenteredonfosteringapositiveenvironment.By continuingtoinvestinanopen,inclusiveculturewhere teammembersfeelempoweredandvalued,wewillnot onlydriveinnovationbutalsoattracttoptalent.This commitmenttopeople-firstmanagementwillbekeytoour long-termsuccessandwillhelpusremainaleadingplayer intheindustry
Why CEOs Should Prioritize
Employee Development
Investinginemployeedevelopmentisone
ofthesignificantaspectsofgreat leadership.Thisdoesnotbenefitonlythe employee'sperformancebutalsoplaysan importantroleinthesuccessofthe organizationasawhole.
This article discusses several benefits that lie with employee development and why this must be an uppermost agenda for CEOs.
DevelopingCompetenciesandExpertise
Themodernworkplaceisalwaysinastateof fluxduetotechnologicalchangesandmarket demandshifts.Newtoolsandmethods continuallyemerge,makingitessentialfor employeestostayrelevant.Inthisregard, prioritizingemployeedevelopmentallows CEOstohaveaworkforceequippedwiththe rightskillstotacklecurrentandfuture challenges.Organizationsthatinvestin ongoingtrainingandprofessional developmentpreparetheiremployeeswiththe knowledgeandcompetenciestosucceedin theirjobs.
Thus,thetrainingsandworkshopsalongwith theinternetresourcesboosttheskillbaseof theemployees.Besides,thepersonal developmentplansallowindividualstowork ontheareasoftheirinterestandgrowth, whichwillenhancejobsatisfactionand motivatetheindividual.Whenemployeesget confidentintheirabilities,productivityrises automatically,andthisisbeneficialforthe wholeorganization.
EmployeeEngagementandRetention
Employeeengagementistheneedofany organizationthatwantstobesuccessfulfora longtime.Ifemployeesareconvincedthat theirgrowthisvalued,theyaremorelikelyto beengagedandcommittedtowork.This commitmentmeanslowerturnoverrates, whichcanbeacostlyconcernforbusinesses. Highemployeeturnovernotonlydisrupts workflowbutalsonecessitatesthecontinuous recruitmentandtrainingofnewhires,which canstrainresources.
TheCEOprioritizesemployee developmentforthesakeofbuilding anorganizationthatfosterslearning andgrowth.Mentoringprograms, leadershiptraining,andskill-enhancing workshopscangiveanindicationthat theorganizationhasvalueforthe employee.Thiscreatesaconducive workenvironmentthatcanretainthe employeeforaslongaspossiblein termsofservingthecompany's interests.
InnovativeIdeasandCreativity
Innovationisthelifebloodofany industry'scompetitiveadvantage.The organizationmustremainaliveand thrivetostaycompetitive;therefore, theorganizationwillchangeand innovatecontinuouslywiththemarket. Staffdevelopmentfostersinnovation andcreativity.Asstaffaregranted learningandpersonaldevelopment opportunities,soaretheiropportunities togenerateandsharenovelideasand possibleinnovativesolutionstopreexistingproblems.
TheCEOswhotaketimetodevelop themselvesintheirprofession encouragetheemployeestothinkout ofthebox.Whentheemployeesare abletocriticallyandcreativelyanalyze situations,theorganizationwillreap thebenefitsofawidevarietyof perspectives.Thiscanresultin revolutionaryideas,betterprocesses, and,intheend,betterproducts.
EstablishingaStrongCompany Culture
Strongcompanycultureisvery importantintheattractionand retentionoftoptalent.Employeesare lookingfororganizationsthatalign withtheirvaluesandprovideavenues forpersonalandprofessionalgrowth. Thus,byfocusingonemployee development,CEOscanactivelyshape apositivecompanyculturethatvalues learningandcontinuousimprovement.
Thisisadevelopmentcommitment, andittalksmuchabouttheprioritiesof theorganization.Thereactionofthe aboveindicatesthattheycareforand haveinterestfortheemployeesasfar ashealthandfutureinconcern.Such attitudesbreedbelongingnesstothe companyforemployeesaspartand parcelofthatcompanymovingforth withitsissueswhileensuringsuch issuesdonotnegativelyimpactone's well-being.Itcontributesgreat companyculturebyenhancing teamwork/collaborationatworkplace, hencebringinghighproductivity
ReactiontotheChangesinMarkets
Thebusinessenvironmentinherently changes;nosingleaspecteverstaysthe same.Economicchanges, technologicaldevelopments,andshifts incustomerpreferencescanaffect organizationperformance.Companies whichinvestinemployeedevelopment canreacttothesemarketchanges quickly.Adevelopedworkforceadapts intonewtrendsandmakesturnswhen needed.
Inaddition,theorganizationsthat continuouslystrivetolearnwillbe moreresilienttochange.Workersare likelytoundergowelldrasticchanges andareeffectiveincrisesastheyare accustomedtoadaptingtheirskillsand knowledge.Thisadaptabilityis paramountformaintaining competitivenessandsustainabilityin thelongrun.
GrowingCustomerSatisfaction
Satisfiedemployeesequalsatisfied customers.Whenemployeesare empoweredandcompetent,theytend todeliverbetterqualitycustomer service.Adevelopedworkforcecan guaranteeapositiveexperiencefor customers,whichtranslatesintohigher ratingsandloyalty.
Customersatisfactionisdirectly proportionaltotheemphasisofCEOs onemployeedevelopment.Training programsincustomerserviceskills, productknowledge,and communicationtechniquesenable employeestomeettheneedsof customers.Subsequently,apositive customerexperienceenhancesthe reputationoftheorganization, increasescustomerloyalty,andhelps inrevenuegrowth.
Conclusion
Inanerawhereemployeeengagement, innovation,andadaptabilityarethe keystosuccess,CEOsmustfocuson employeedevelopment.Byinvesting intheirworkforce,leaderscreatean environmentthatfostersgrowth, creativity,andloyalty Thebenefitsof suchanapproacharemanifold,ranging fromenhancedskillsetsandincreased employeesatisfactiontoimproved customerexperiencesandoverall organizationalresilience.
Inanutshell,CEOswhopayattention toemployees'developmenthelptheir organizationsnavigatethecompetitive landscapeforsuccess.Employees' developmentbenefitstheworkforce throughincreasedstrengthaswellas enhancingapositivecultureinthe organization,innovation,andcustomer satisfaction.Asorganizationsnavigate thenuancesoftheeconomy,strategic effortsinemployeedevelopmentwill definitelyyielddividendslongintothe future. CIO
Adapting to Change
AstheCEOofBaliNewsandTravelTreasures Asia,I’vegotafront-rowseattoallthecrazy changeshappeningintheseindustries,thanksto emergingtechnologiesandthewildrideofaudience behaviourshifts.It’sanexcitingtime,tosaytheleast.
We’vegotallsortsoftechshakingthingsup.Artificial IntelligenceandMachineLearning:Thesetechnologies aretotallychanginghowwecuratenewsandconnectwith ourreaders.WithAI,wecandigdeepintodataandreally understandwhatouraudiencewants.Thismeanswecan tailorourcontentinwaysthatboostengagementand loyalty.ForTravelTreasuresAsia,AIhelpsuspersonalise travelrecommendationsandimprovecustomerservice.For instance,AI-drivenalgorithmscanpredicttrendingtopics, helpingusstayaheadofthecurveanddelivertimely, relevantnews.
ImmersiveMedia:Virtualandaugmentedrealityare openingnewwaystotellstories.AtBaliNews,wecanuse VRandARtoprovideimmersiveexperiences,like360degreevideocoverageofmajorevents.Thisapproachlets ouraudiencefeellikethey’repartoftheaction,turning passiveviewersintoactiveparticipants.ForTravel TreasuresAsia,VRandARcanoffervirtualtours,giving potentialtravellersatasteoftheirdestinationsbeforethey evenarrive,enhancingtheirtravelplanningexperience.It’s allaboutmakingtheexperiencemoreengagingand memorable.
NavigatingIndustryChallenges
Whiletheseadvancementsofferexcitingpossibilities,they alsocomewiththeirownsetofchallenges.Theshiftto digitalhasdisruptedtraditionalrevenuestreams,necessitatingarethinkofourbusinessmodels.Printadrevenueshave declined,andthecompetitionfordigitaladspendisfierce. Innovationiskeytostayingafloat.AtBaliNews,weare
exploringnewsubscriptionmodelsandbrandedcontent partnershipstodiversifyourrevenuestreams.
Similarly,atTravelTreasuresAsia,weareleveraging digitalmarketingstrategiestoreachabroaderaudience. Findingnewwaystomonetiseourcontentiscrucial.We’ve introducedsubscriptionmodels,wherereaderscanpayfor premiumcontent,andwe’realsoexploringpartnershipsfor brandedcontent.It’saboutbeingcreativeandfindingwhat worksbestforouraudiencewhilestillensuringwekeepthe lightson.
EthicalConsiderations:Theuseofemergingtechnologies, particularlyAI,bringsethicalconsiderationstothe forefront.Itisimperativethatweusedataresponsiblyand respectuserprivacytomaintaintrust.AtBaliNews,ethical journalismandtransparencyremainourguidingprinciples. Wearecommittedtoensuringthatouruseoftechnology alignswiththesevalues,fosteringtrustandintegrityinour reporting.Similarly,atTravelTreasuresAsia,weprioritise customerprivacyanddatasecurity,ensuringourtechnologicaladvancementsenhance,ratherthancompromise,our service.
WeareverycautiousabouthowweuseAIanddata.Forus, it’snotjustaboutmakingthingsmoreefficient–it’salso aboutbeingethical.Wewanttousetechnologytobenefit ourreadersandcustomerswithoutcompromisingtheir privacy.It’safinebalance,butit’snon-negotiableforus.
AdaptingtoGlobalCrises
Theglobalcrises,suchastheCOVID-19pandemic,have accelerateddigitaltransformationandhighlightedthe importanceofadaptabilityandresilience.Thesechallenging timeshaveunderscoredourroleasareliablesourceof information.AtBaliNews,wehadtoembraceremotework andinnovateincontentdeliverytocontinueservingour
audienceeffectively.Despitethehurdles,weremained committedtoprovidingaccurateandtimelynews,reinforcingourpositionasatrustedinformationsource.
Thepandemictaughtusmanythings.Forone,ithighlightedtheimportanceofbeingadaptable.Wehadtoshift toremoteworkalmostovernight,andthatmeantrethinking howweproduceanddelivercontent.Butitalsoshowedus howcrucialitistobeareliablesourceofinformationin timesofcrisis.Wehadtostepupandmakesureour audiencewasinformedandsupported.
Inthetravelindustry,thepandemicbroughtunprecedented disruptions,promptingustorethinkourapproach.AtTravel TreasuresAsia,wefocusedonprovidingflexiblebooking optionsandensuringthesafetyandwell-beingofour customers.Wealsoembracedvirtualtravelexperiencesto keepouraudienceengagedandinspired,evenwhen physicaltravelwasrestricted.
Thetravelindustrywashithard,nodoubtaboutit.Wehad togetcreative–offeringvirtualtoursandflexiblebooking optionshelpedusstayconnectedwithourcustomers. Safetybecameourtoppriority,andwemadesureto communicatethisclearly.Itwasaboutadaptingtonew realitieswhilestilldeliveringvalue.
SuccessStrategiesforEntrepreneursandProfessionals
LeadershipandAdaptability:AsaCEO,leadingby exampleiscrucial.Embracingchangeandencouraging innovationwithintheteamcandriveanorganisation forward.AtBaliNewsandTravelTreasuresAsia,wefoster acultureofcontinuousimprovementandlearning.This approachnotonlyhelpsusadapttoindustrychangesbut alsoempowersouremployeestotakeinitiativeand contributetoourgrowth.
Leadershipisn’tjustaboutmakingdecisions–it’sabout settinganexample.AtbothBaliNewsandTravelTreasures Asia,Iencouragemyteamtobeinnovativeandadaptable. Continuouslearningisabigpartofourculture.Ibelieve thatwhenyoufosteralearningenvironment,youempower yourteamtothinkcreativelyandtaketheinitiative.
Customer-CentricApproach:Understandingand prioritisingcustomerneedsisessentialforsuccess.AtBali News,weuseaudiencefeedbacktoshapeourcontent strategy,ensuringwedeliverwhatourreaderswant. Similarly,atTravelTreasuresAsia,weleveragecustomer insightstoprovidepersonalisedtravelexperiences.
Implementingcustomerrelationshipmanagement(CRM) systemshelpsustrackandanalyseinteractions,allowing formoreeffectiveandpersonalisedcommunication.
Listeningtoourcustomersiskey AtBaliNews,audience feedbackhelpsusshapeourcontent.Wewanttodeliver whatthey’reinterestedinandwhat’srelevanttothem.At TravelTreasuresAsia,understandingourcustomers’ preferencesallowsustoofferpersonalisedtravelexperiences.CRMsystemsareinvaluableforthis–theyhelpus trackandanalyseinteractions,makingourcommunication moreeffective.
StrategicPartnershipsandCollaboration:Building strongnetworksandpartnershipscansignificantlyenhance businessgrowth.AtBaliNews,collaboratingwithlocal businessesandinfluencershelpsusexpandourreachand enhancebrandvisibility.ForTravelTreasuresAsia, strategicpartnershipswitheco-friendlybusinessesallowus tooffersustainabletraveloptions,appealingtothegrowing segmentofeco-conscioustravellers.
Partnershipsareincrediblyimportant.Theyallowusto expandourreachandoffermorevaluetoourcustomers.At BaliNews,collaboratingwithlocalbusinessesand influencershelpsusincreaseourvisibility.AtTravel TreasuresAsia,partneringwitheco-friendlybusinesses allowsustooffersustainabletraveloptions,whichis becomingincreasinglyimportantforourcustomers.
LookingAhead
Aswenavigatethroughthesetransformativetimes,our commitmenttoqualityjournalism,customerservice,and ethicalpracticesremainssteadfast.Theintegrationof emergingtechnologiesoffersexcitingopportunitiesto enhanceourstorytellingandservicedelivery.However,itis crucialtobalanceinnovationwithresponsibility,ensuring thatourtechnologicaladvancementsalignwithourcore values.
So,that’smytake.We’renotjustsurviving;we’rethriving, constantlyevolvingtomeettheneedsofouraudienceand theindustry.Embracingchangeandinnovation,while stayingtruetoourcorevalues,willensurewecontinueto leadandsucceed.
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