Hashmi Shafaat
ShafaatHashmi Chairman,CEO StalliongatesCapital, BrandbeatGlobal
The CIO is no longer just a . They are a TECHNOLOGIST strategic , BUSINESS LEADER driving digital transformation and .INNOVATION
Why Emo onally Intelligent Leaders Excel
Emotionalintelligenceisthelatesttrendthathas
beenidentifiedasafundamentalcomponentfor effectiveleadershippractices,withmostCEOs competingtohaveit.Itinvolvesunderstandingone's emotionswhiledeterminingandeveninfluencingothers' emotions.Theleaderswithhighemotionalintelligencecan easilyhandleissuesofcomplexity,teamwork,andwill maketherightdecision.
AccordingtoTalentSmart,90%oftopperformershavehigh emotionalintelligence,showingthatthecharacteristicis importantforapersonwhoisinaleadershipposition. Organizationsledbyemotionallyintelligentpeople experiencehalfasmuchturnoverandare27%more profitablethansuchorganizationsthatdonotpossesssucha leader ThisstatisticpointsouthowEIfostersabalanced andproductiveworkingenvironment.
Well,self-awarenessisoneofthestrongfoundationsof emotionalintelligenceandhasenabledtheleadertoknow hisorherstrengthsandweaknesses.This,inturn,hasledto smarterdecisionsandmoreeffectivecommunicationwith othermembersontheteam.Anotherstrongpartisempathy; throughit,leaderscangaininsightintotheiremployees' concernsthatdrivethem,thusenablingthemtoestablish trustandloyalty Whereemployeesarelistenedtoand valued,theirmoralewillstandtogrowevenfurther, translatingtomoreengagementandproductivityatwork.
Tobeginwith,anemotionallyintelligentCEOstandsa greaterchanceofhandlingthepressureandcrisisofthe moment.Theywouldbeabletokeepcalmifpressuredand fosterstheteam'sconfidence.Beingconcernedabout emotionalintelligencemeanscompaniesarebuildinga collaborativeandinnovativeculture-acultureforlong-term success.Inlightofthechangingfaceofbusinesstoday,itis goingtobetheemotionalintelligenceinleadershipthat comestothecenterstageevenfurther
Thelatesteditionof The CIO World,titled"UAE'sMost InfluentialCEOsYouNeedtoKnow,"featuresaselection ofleaderswhoexemplifyhighemotionalintelligence. TheseCEOsnotonlydrivetheircompaniestosuccessbut alsoprioritizethewell-beingandengagementoftheir employees.Forinstance,theyimplementstrategiesthat promoteopencommunication,encouragefeedback,and createaninclusiveenvironmentwhereeveryteammember feelsvalued.
Haveagoodreadahead!
Shafaat Hashmi 20.
Revolutionizing the Investment and Marketing World
Mohamed Mostafa
Revolutionizing Clinical Research in the Middle East and Africa
28. Mohammed Wassim Khayata
Building a Future-Ready Banking Experience
ARTICLES
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How Can CEOs E ectively Integrate AI into Their Business Strategies
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Featuring
Abdulla Ajmal CEO Manoj Tulsani CEO
Mohamed Mostafa CEO Mohammed Wassim Khayata CEO Nadim Nakfoor CEO
Ajmal Perfumes in.ajmal.com Company
Rayna Group raynatours.com
Pharmaceu cal Development Company pharmdevgroup.com
Al Maryah Community Bank mbank.ae MenaBev menabev.com
Shafaat Hashmi CEO
Brandbeat Global LLC brandbeatglobal.com
Valeriy Kutsyy CEO
Miratech miratechgroup.com
Descrip on
Abdulla Ajmal champions tradi onal perfumery and modern retail strategies, eleva ng a renowned fragrance brand while preserving cultural heritage and enhancing customer experiences.
Manoj Tulsani oversees diverse travel services, emphasizing customer-centric experiences and innova ve travel solu ons that cater to evolving consumer preferences in tourism.
Mohamed Mostafa leads a prominent contract research organiza on, focusing on improving clinical research infrastructure in the Middle East and Africa, ensuring pa ent access to advanced treatments.
Mohammed Wassim Khayata fosters financial inclusivity and community development at a leading bank, emphasizing customer service excellence and innova ve banking solu ons for diverse clientele.
Nadim Nakfoor enhances beverage distribu on and brand presence in the region, focusing on sustainability and customer sa sfac on to drive growth in the compe ve market landscape.
Shafaat Hashmi drives innova on and strategic growth at a global marke ng firm, enhancing brand visibility and client engagement through data-driven insights and crea ve solu ons.
Valeriy Kutsyy spearheads technology-driven solu ons in IT services, promo ng opera onal efficiency and digital transforma on for clients across various industries with innova ve strategies.
HashmiShafaat
Revolutionizing the Investment and
Marketing
World
Seek professional guidance from those who have been there, done that, and are still doing it repeatedly.
Hashmi Chairman,CEO
Shafaat
StalliongatesCapital,BrandbeatGlobal
As the advertising industry has
shifted towards data-driven strategies, personalized content, and digital platforms, influential figures are crucial in emphasizing measurable results and consumer engagement The same is true with investments, particularly venture capital,inthestartupecosystem.
Recognizingthesegapsininvestmentsandscalingbusinesses globally,Shafaathasrevolutionized theindustrybycreatingdata-driven, comprehensivebusinessstrategies thatemphasizecommercialcompetence,efficientmarketingcampaigns, andhands-onclientsupportwitha focusonmakingbusinessesprofitable andinvestible.
ShafaatHashmi,Chairmanof StalliongatesCapitalandCEOof BrandbeatGlobal,isaglobalserial entrepreneur,angelinvestor,business strategist,andkeynotespeakerwith 14internationalofficesand25years ofbusinessexperience.
In2007,hemovedtoDubai,where heidentifiedgapsintheadvertising industry Thisrealizationledto BrandbeatGlobal,amarketing agencyfocusedoncomprehensive business,marketing,andcommercial strategies.Onenotablesuccesswas buildinganinvestmentfirmthat focusedonmultipleassetclassesand postedphenomenalgrowthyearover year
HealsoleadsStalliongatesInvestments,focusingontherealestate, healthcare,andeducationsectors.The firmcarefullyevaluatesmarket demandsanditscompetitiveedge.
Shafaatbelievesthatlisteningtoand learningfromhisclientsiscrucial, whichhasgivenhimthecapacityto managetheever-changingbusiness
My inspiration was to fund my own lifestyle and change my car to buy a brand new Civic, which was back then a dream car showcased in the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds," and furthermore, spend my money on my university abroad.
domain.Moreover,hecreditshis familyandmentorsforhisachievements,aswellastheimportanceof teamwork,learning,andfaithin mouldinghisjourney
Let us explore his journey:
Let’slearnaboutyourjourneyto entrepreneurship.Weunderstand thatyoustartedworkingveryearly inyourfamilybusinessandpivoted ittoStalliongatesInvestmentsand BrandbeatGlobal.
Iamthefourthgenerationin business.Duringthistenure,wehave failedinmanyventures,exitedquitea few,and,atthesametime,scaled somebusinesses.Duringmy childhood,attheageofsix,Iusedto accompanymyfather(Mayhissoul restinpeace)toallkindsofbusiness meetings,includingthosewith bankers,lawyers,businesspartners, suppliers,customers,andourinternal teams.
Irememberbeingquiet,observing, andthensharingmyfeedbackand suggestionswithmyfathereveryday attheendofthosemeetings.Iusedto study,buthemadesureIwas investingatleastacoupleofhours everydayintheofficeataveryyoung age.IrememberclearlythatIwas
abletofilloutbankdepositslipsand cheque-bookswhenIwasingrade4. Ilearnedthebasicsofmarketing, sales,andaccountingwhenIwasin eighthgrade,applyingthem practicallyinourfamilybusinesses.
Whatwasyourfirstbusiness venturethatyouinitiated outsideofthefamilybusiness, andwhatinspiredyoutostart one?
IwasinmyA-Levelsandusedtogo dailyforeveningtuitionbyprivate teachersrunninganacademyin Lahore.ThedayIgotmyresultsfor A-Levels,Iapproachedthoseteachers andrequestedthattheyopenabranch ofthesameacademyatadifferent locationnexttomyhome,whichis oneofthemostposhareasofLahore. Iofferedthem40%ofeverystudent's fee,towhichtheyhappilyagreed.I negotiatedamonthlyrentalinthe basementofacommercialarea,paid thelandlordonlyonemonthin advance,gotthesecuritydepositand otherupfrontcostswaived,gavethe landlord10%ofourincomeasa partner,broughtchairsanddesks fromhome,andcreatedaflyertobe distributedinschools,colleges,and nearbyareaswithteachers'profiles, includingmyself,toteachbusiness studiestostudents.
We were profitable during our second month, and I ran that academy for two years, ultimately selling it at approximately 2.5X valuation multiples to the same teachers who were teaching. My inspirationwastofundmyownlifestyle and change my car to buy a brand new Civic,whichwasbackthenadreamcar showcased in the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds," and furthermore, spend my moneyonmyuniversityabroad.
Duringyouruniversityyears,you alsoworkedinyourfamily business.Howwereyouableto managebothatthesametime becausestudentsusuallydon’t havetimetodobothwhile studying?
Duringmyuniversityyears,we wererunningthesecond-largest aluminiummanufacturingcompany inLahorebythenameofPakistan ALCO.Ibroughtinnovationtothat sectorbybeingthefirstcompanyto
importaluminiumcompositepanels, structuralglaze,andlaminated woodenfloorsfromKorea.Iusedto onlyattendmyclassesatthe university,andduringtheclass breaks,Iwouldrushtotheofficeor takeupmeetingstosellourproducts toarchitects,realestatedevelopers, contractors,interiordesigners,and privateclients.Imarketeditreally wellandbuiltawholebrandaround it.Isoldmyproductstomyown universityandtomanyclassmates too.
WescaledreallyfastasIwasableto buildasalesteamoncommissions, whichsavedmealotoftimetofocus onmystudiesaswell.Myaverage daywas16hours,andIwouldonly takeafewdaysoffduringmyfinal examsofeachsemester.Intheend,it reallycamedowntotime management,andImadesurethatI wasnotwastingtimeontypical entertainment,parties,orget-
togethers,whichatypicalteenageror universitystudentusuallydoesduring thoseyears.
WhatmadeyoustartBrandbeat GlobalinDubai,andwhatwas yourstrategywhenyoulaunched themarketingagency?
Ihavebeencominginandoutof Dubaisince1995,somyexposureto themarketwasthereataveryearly stagewhenmyfatherwasan investmentpartnerinatrading companydealinginbranded perfumesandwatches.During2007, whenImovedtoDubaitoworkata seniordirector-levelpositiontolead thebrandmarketingforseveral companies,Ilearnedthatmost advertisingagenciesweremore focusedonbeingcreativebutlacked theoverallcommercialacumenofthe business.
Furthermore,theywouldpropose
mediabuyingwheretheywere gettingmaximumcommissions comparedtowhatwasbetterforthe brandscommercially.Inmanycases, theadvertisingagenciesmayhavea greataccountdirectorservingyoufor clientservicing,butthebackendteam wasnotgreat.Therewasalotof spoon-feedingrequiredwhenitcame tosalesstrategy,commercialstrategy, andcreativebrandcommunication.I alsohiredconsultantsduringthose years,buttheproblemwith consultantswasthattheycouldonly sharetheiropinionsbutwouldnot execute.Mostofthetime,the strategiestheyproposedwerewayoff themarkintermsofpracticality.
BrandbeatGlobaladdressedthis missinglink,soIcreatedacompany thatwouldprovideawell-rounded businessstrategy,marketingstrategy, andcommercialstrategyandwould alsoexecutethemarketingcampaigns andsalestoassistourclientsin practicallygrowingtheirbusinesses locally,regionally,andglobally
Whatkindofbusinessesdoes BrandbeatGlobalserve,andwhat isoneofthemostchallengingcases youwouldliketoshare?
BrandbeatGlobalcurrentlyserves across23businesssectors.Overthe lastsevenyears,westartedassisting startupsandventuredintoUI/UX designforappdevelopment, includingpitchdeckdesign.Overthe lastfouryears,wehavebeenfocused onbuildingpersonalbrandsaswell. FMCG,banking,realestate,fashion, cosmetics,retailbrands,e-commerce brands,airlines,hospitality, healthcare,investmentfirms, educationalinstitutes,insurance companies,ultra-high-endlifestyle brands,andavarietyofB2B companieshavebeenourclients. Overthelast14years,wehave
servedover700clientsfrom32 countriesandturnedaroundtheir businessestoscaleandachieve greaterprofitability
Oneofthemostinterestingcase studieswasaboutabrandthatcame touswithaveryrawconceptto createastartupincubator,butthe servicestheywantedtoofferwereall overtheplace.Itwasverydifficultto findastartingpointandtieallof thoseservicestogetherintoone.All wereceivedwasa7-slidebasic PowerPointpresentationthatlisted theservicemixalongwithaverbal briefofwhatourclientwantedto achieveonherextremelylimited budget.
Withinthreemonths,wewereable tobuildthewholeconceptinto somethingremarkableaswe workedonthecompletebusiness ideation,go-to-marketstrategy, branddesign,brandcommunication strategy,andsimplifyingtheservice mixtocreateattractivefunnelsfor customeracquisition.Today,they areoneoftheleadinggroupsinthe startupecosystemoftheUAE,and withinoneyearofourretainer contract,wewereabletohelpthem growby5X.
Sinceyou’rethechairmanofan investmentfirm,Stalliongates Capital,andyoualsoactivelyinvest asanangelinvestor,whatareyour criteriaforinvesting?
Thecriteriaaredifferentwhenit comestoStalliongatesInvestments andmypersonalinvestments.Our investmentfirmismorefocusedon therealestatesector,healthcare,and educationsectors.Asmallportionof ourfundsisallocatedfortech-based startups.Weinvestinearly-stage startupsandalsoearly-stagereal estatedevelopmentprojectswhere
wecomeinasapartnerandboard member Thefewfactorsweconsider priortomakinganyinvestmentare theintegrityandprofessional businessacumenofthefounderor CEO.
Anotherthingwefocusonisthe competitiveedge,valueproposition, anddemandfortheirproductsor services,includingthetotal addressablemarket.Thethirdthing weconsideristheirprocess efficienciesandgo-to-marketstrategy. Ultimately,welookintothefinancials andworst-casescenariowitha stringentriskassessmentandrouteto profitability Thesearesomeofthe surface-levelfactorsweconsider priortoscreeninganyinvestment opportunitiesthatcomeourway.
Youcurrentlyholdaboardseat in31startupsandaregrowing. Whatisyourendgoalwith suchinvestments?
Startupinvestingisextremelyhigh risk.Morethan70%ofstartupsfail duringthefirstyear.Lessthan10% areabletomakeitthroughthree years,andlessthan1%achieve profitability.0.0000001%ofstartups becomeunicorns.Therefore,we considerstartupinvestingmoreofa probabilitygame.Ourendgoalisto operateasastartupaggregator.
Thismeansthatourstrategyisthat, let’ssay,wehaveacquiredequity stakesin12health-techstartups.We wouldworkonthosestartupsfrom thebusinessideationstagealltheway toGTM,andthenwewillseewhich oneofthosestartupscanbemerged intoonelarge,powerfulbusiness entitythatcanacquirethemaximum shareofthemarketasanew integratedunicorn.Therefore,we aggregatethosestartupsbasedontwo
common denominators: either a shared customer avatar or a shared business sector.
Todayyouhave14officesof BrandbeatGlobal,another5 officesofStalliongates Investments,andobviously31 startupsinyourpersonal portfolio.Nottomentionthatat anygiventime,youhave hundredsofclientswhorequire yourattentionforbusiness consulting,investmentadvice, brandmarketing,andmore.How doyoumanagesuchadiverse portfolio,andhowdoyouplanto growthesebusinessesfurther?
Thekeytogrowthisdelegation,but delegationalonewithout empowermentisarecipeforfailure. Empowermentwithouttrainingisa disaster Therefore,growthneedsto beplannedcarefully,andIcannot stressenoughtheimportanceof havingtherightpeople,partners,and teambyyourside.Peoplemake businessessuccessful,andpeopleare themostimportantassetofyour company.Ihavebeenabletomanage arelativelydiverseportfolio,thanks tomypartners,leadershipteams,and everysinglepersonworkinglikea familyinourofficeswhotake responsibilitytodeliverwithintegrity andexcellenceandalwayskeeptheir commitment.
Ourgrowthstrategyistofurther scaleourbusinessesinto entrepreneurialeducation,whichI believeisthecorereasonwhymany startupsandbusinessesfail.Weaim toputupthefirstbusinessschool whereourunique“Consult-Teach” methodologyisappliedbypractical businessleaders,serial entrepreneurs,andC-Suite executivesteachingonastrict
The best philanthropy is to create jobs.
curriculumfollowedbyprofessional consultingandexecutiontohelpour studentssucceedintheirbusiness ventures.Oursecondfocusison healthcare,andweaimtobringfive newconceptstothehealthcare industry,fromskincareclinicstoa freetele-healthconsultingappand AI-baseddiagnostickiosks,bythe endof2024.
Whatdoyoustandforasaperson, andwhat’syourmissioninlife?
Ibelievethebestphilanthropyisto createjobs.ThisiswhyIworkhard becauselotsoffamiliesaredependent onourbusinesses,andIamthe sourceofcreatingjobsforthemso theycanlivewithintegrity.Ibelieve itisimportantthatweliveourlivesas contributorstooursocietyandnot becomealiabilityintheworldwe livein.Istandforpeace,andthereis nocostthatisgreaterifithastobe paidforachievingpeace.Ibelieve thatpeacestartsintheheartofan individual,whereourheartsareat peacewithgratitude,humility,truth, andlight.Together,ifevery individualtriestoachievepersonal peace,ourfamilywillbeatpeace,our communitywillbeatpeace,and ultimatelywewillwitnesspeace aroundtheworld.
Whowouldyouliketorecognise andacknowledgeaspartofyour
successjourney,andwhatdoyou thinkistheimportanceofhavinga mentor?
Weliveinaninterdependent universe.Thereisnowayonecan achieveanythingalone.Ihave dedicatedmyentiresuccesstomy grandparents,myparents,especially mymother,whomIlovethemostin thisentireworld,mychildrenArham andNoor,andespeciallymybusiness partner,AmnaRazzaq,whomItruly loveasoneofthemostinspiring women.
Duringmyjourney,Ihavemetalotof peoplewhogavemegreatadvice, includingpeopleIworkedforor workedalongside,eveninmyown company.Butmytruementorshave alwaysbeenmycustomers.Ilearn fromthem,andIlearnaboutthem. Lastly,theonepersonalitythathas inspiredmeandismyguidinglightto takethetoughestdecisionsinmylifeis ProphetMuhammad(pbuh).Hislife hasinspiredme,andhiswisdomhas beenmyguidinglightsincemy childhood.
Whatisyouradvicetofoundersand entrepreneurs?
Alwaysgivefirstandbeoriginal. Learnandrespectthosewhoteachyou, adviseyou,orarewillingtosupport
you.It’snotaboutyourvision;createa visionthatisasharedvisioninwhich peoplebelieve.Thisisthefoundation forbuildingglobalbrands.
Raisingfundsisnotametricof success;focusonprofitability, growth,andimpact.Investsmartlyin peopleandideas,andneverforget thatbothsuccessandfailureare alwaystemporary.Createabrand fromyourheartandsellitthrough thepowerofyourmind,whichis intelligence.Chooseyourbattles wiselyandsecureyourresources aheadofyouridea.Workwithgood intentionsandworkhard.Thereare noshortcutsinlife,butconsistency willofferyoubonuslevel-upsthat willchangeyourlife.Thereisno one-size-fits-alladvice,soIhavejust sharedsomefundamentalsbecause goodadviceisusuallynotfree advice,soinvestinreceiving professionaladvicefromthosewho havebeenthere,donethat,andare stilldoingitrepeatedly.
HowCan CEOs Effectively
Integrate
AI
into Their Business
Strategies
Artificialintelligence,notso
crypticallyknownasAI,is oneofthebuzzwords currentlydoingtheroundsinthe businessworld.Manycompaniesare nowfindingwaystoincorporatethis "transformativetechnology"intotheir operations.
Assuch,anyCEOneedstounderstand howtoreapthebenefitsfromhis organizationanddevelopastrategic planforitsintegration.Itshallbecome evidentthatsomesuccessful suggestionsinimplementingAIwithin yourbusinessstrategieshereafter
UnderstandingthePotentialofAI
Itisratheressentialtounderstandthe potentialofAIastohowitwillchange thecurrentbusinessworld.According toMcKinseyGlobalInstitute,AIhas theprospecttoaddupto$13trillionin moreglobaleconomicactivityby 2030.Accordingtothesamereport, earlyadoptersofAIarealmostgoing todoublecashflowby2030.
BusinessAssessment
ThefirststageinintegratingAIwould beassessingwhereinthebusiness thereareneedswhereAIwould providethemostvalue.
Youwouldthustaketimetoanalyze youroperationsandcustomerdata pointssoastoobservewhereAIwill maketheprocessmorestreamlined, decision-makingbetter,orimprove customerexperience.Examplesinthis regardwouldbeusingAIforpredictive maintenanceinmanufacturing, customizedrecommendationsinretail, ordetectionoffraudinfinancial services.
BuildingaCross-FunctionalTeam
Across-functionalteamofdiverse skillsandexpertiseassistseffective integrationofAI.Itwillinvolvedata scientists,softwareengineers,business analysts,anddomainexpertswhowork togethertoidentifyusecases,develop solutions,andcarryoutAI technologies.Encouragecollaboration andcommunicationamongthem,so theintegrationprocessmaygoas smoothlyaspossible.
InvestmentinDataInfrastructure
AIheavilyreliesondata,anditisa requirementforastrongdata infrastructureinordertoberightly integrated.Therefore,ensurethatyour companyhastherightprovisionfor datastorage,processing,and managementcapabilitiestosupportthe integrationofthesystem.Itwouldalso beeffectivethroughtheinvestmentin datalakes,datawarehouses,andcloudbasedsolutionsinmanagingand analyzinglargevolumesofstructured andunstructureddata.
DevelopaProofofConcept
BeforeyouscaleAI,it'sveryimportant tobuildaproofofconceptfirstsothat youcanprovetoyourselfandothers thefeasibilityandeffectivenessofyour AIsolutions.Chooseonespecificuse case,collectrelevantdata,andengage withyourcross-functionalteamin developingandtestingaPOC.The
abovestepwillhelpyoureviewyour potentialbenefitopportunitiessothat youcanidentifychallengesthatmight ariseandfine-tuneyourAIstrategy priortoputtingmuchresources together.
EstablishinganInnovativeCulture
ToinfuseAIinyourbusiness,there needstobeaninnovativeandopen-tochangeculture.Asktheemployeesto brainstormnewideas,testAI technologies,andsharefindingswith others.Provideresourcestoensurethe employeesunderstandthepowerofAI andintendtochangeworkprocesses. Believeinsuccessesandlearnfrom failuressoastobuildacontinuous improvementculture.
ClearEthicalandRegulatory Concerns
BasedontheincorporationofAIinto yourbusiness,youwillneedto confrontethicalandregulatoryissues. Thereshouldbeappropriatedirectives andpoliciesthatestablishhowAI couldbeusedresponsibly,alignedwith yourcorporatevaluesand,indeed,in compliancewiththerelevantlaw Considertheseandotherissuesthat mayseemsmallenoughtoignore,such asdataprivacy,issuesofalgorithmic bias,andtransparencyindecisionmaking.
MeasuringandOptimizingAI Performance
Monitorandoptimizethe performancesofyourAIprojects regularly,sotheexpectedyieldsoccur. Createkeyperformanceindicatorsthat youaligntobusinessobjectivesand monitortimeagainstthem.Makedatadrivendecisionsusingsuchdataand focusonanimprovementinAI strategies.
Conclusion
IntegrateAIinyourbusinessto enhancethefindingofefficiencyand betterdecision-making,given increasedcustomersatisfactionand competitiveadvantageforyour business.Inthismanner, understandingthepotentialofAI, assessingyourbusinessneeds, buildingacross-functionalteam, investingindatainfrastructure, developingaproofofconcept, fosteringacultureofinnovation, addressingethicalandregulatory concerns,andmeasuringand optimizingAIperformancewillhelp youtointegrateAIinaproperwayto driveyourbusinessforward.
Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.
- Roy T. Bennett
ohamed ostafaM
Revolutionizing Clinical Research in the Middle East and Africa
Transforming Patient Access to New Treatments and Advancing Medical Research!
Thesignificantgapsinclinical
researchinfrastructure, particularlyinunderprivileged regions,havehinderedthe developmentandaccessibilityof advancedtreatments.Tobridgethese substantialgapsinclinicaland researchinfrastructure,clinical researchershaveledseveralinitiatives, resultinginanimpactonpatientaccess tonewtreatments.MeetMohamed Mostafa,theCEOofPharmaceutical DevelopmentCompanyPDC-CRO,a visionaryleader,whointendstoreform clinicalresearchintheMiddleEastand Africa.
Withadeeppassionforimproving patienthealthandadvancingmedical research,hehasovertwodecadesof expertiseinthemedicalsciences.His pathbeganwithanunderstandingthat clinicalresearchplaysacriticalrolein developingadvancedtreatmentsand cures.
Thisinsightmotivatedhimtoaddress largegapsinclinicalresearch infrastructure,especiallyin underprivilegedareas,andto contributetomedicaladvancesthat improvepatientoutcomesworldwide.
Mohamed'sleadershiphashelpedto shapePDCCROintoapremier
contractresearchorganizationthat providesanextensiverangeof services,fromearly-stageclinical developmenttoclinicaltrial operationalmanagementand regulatorycompliance.Heenvisions thatthefutureofclinicalresearchin theMiddleEastandAfricais incrediblypromising.
Asacatalyst,Mohamedinterpretsa futureinwhichtheMiddleEastand Africaarenotsimplyparticipantsbut leadersinclinicalresearch,developing breakthroughmedicines,andtackling specificregionalhealthconcerns.
Let’s explore his journey
RevolutionizingClinicalResearchin theMiddleEastandAfrica
PDCCROwasfoundedwithaclear mission:torevolutionizeclinical researchintheMiddleEastandAfrica. Thecompanywasestablishedin Dubai,recognizingthesubstantialgap inglobalclinicaltrialrepresentationin theseregions,resultinginlimited accesstoinnovativetreatments.
Motivatedbyadesiretoaddressthis disparity,hestartedPDCasasmall, dedicatedteamwithabigvision:to bringhigh-qualityclinicalresearchto theseregions.Thecompany'sinception wasrootedinacommitmentto improvinghealthoutcomesand
providingequitableaccesstocuttingedgemedicaltreatments.
Today,PDCCROhasgrownintoa leadingcontractresearchorganization, offeringacomprehensiverangeof services,fromearly-stageclinical developmenttooperational managementofclinicaltrialsand regulatorycompliance.
LessonsLearnedinLeadingDiverse Teams
Leadingdiverseteamsacrossthe pharmaceutical,biotech,andresearch sectorshasprovidedMohamedwith invaluableinsightsandexperiences.At NovartisandRoche,hehadthe privilegeofmanagingcross-functional teamsthatincludedscientists, clinicians,andregulatoryexperts.
Thismultifacetedleadershiprole taughthimtheimportanceoffostering acollaborativeandinclusiveculture whereeveryteammemberfeelsvalued andempowered.
Keylessonslearnedincludethecritical needforclearandtransparent communication,theabilitytoadaptto theever-evolvingindustrylandscape, andthesignificanceofnurturinga cultureofcontinuouslearningand innovation.Theseprincipleshavebeen instrumentalinshapingPDCCRO’s successandapproachtoclinical research.
MohamedMostafa
ChiefExecutiveOfficer
PharmaceuticalDevelopmentCompanyPDC-CRO
Mohamed also encourages cultivating a patient-centric mindset and a passion for improving healthcare outcomes.
TheFutureofClinicalResearchin theMiddleEastandAfrica
Withincreasinginvestmentsin healthcareinfrastructureandagrowing emphasisonmedicalresearch,these regionsareonthecuspofbecoming majorcontributorstoglobalclinical studies.
Mohamedenvisionsafuturewherethe MiddleEastandAfricaarenotjust participantsbutleadersinclinical research,pioneeringinnovative treatments,andaddressingunique regionalhealthchallenges.PDCCRO isdedicatedtobeingacatalystinthis transformation.
Thecompanyaimstosetthestandard forclinicalresearchexcellence, fosteringpartnershipswithglobal pharmaceuticalcompaniesandlocal researchinstitutionstodrive innovationandimprovepatient outcomes.
MohamedseesPDCCRO'sroleas ensuringthattheseregionsarefully integratedintotheglobalclinical researchlandscape,contributingtoand benefitingfromadvancementsin medicalscience.
FocusonEarly-StageClinical DevelopmentandRegulatory Services
Thedecisiontofocusonearly-stage clinicaldevelopment,operational managementofclinicaltrials,and regulatoryservicesatPDCCROwas drivenbyaclearmarketneedandthe organization'scommitmentto advancingmedicalresearch.
Early-stageclinicaldevelopmentis criticalforidentifyingandvalidating newtreatments,andbyexcellingin thisarea,PDCCROcanhelpbring promisingtherapiestomarketmore swiftly
Effectiveoperationalmanagement ensuresthatclinicaltrialsare conductedefficiently,ethically,andin compliancewithregulatorystandards, whichisessentialforgainingapproval andbringingtreatmentstopatients.
Thecompany'sregulatoryservices navigatethecomplexlandscapeof compliance,ensuringthatitstrials meetbothlocalandinternational standards.Hisholisticapproachallows theorganizationtosupportitsclientsat everystageofclinicaldevelopment, fromconcepttomarket,ensuringthat innovativetreatmentsreachpatientsas quicklyandsafelyaspossible.
InfluencingClinicalOperationsand RegulatoryCompliance
Mohamed'sexperiencesatNovartis andRochewereinstrumentalin
shapinghisapproachtoclinical operationsandregulatorycompliance. Attheseleadingpharmaceutical companies,hewasexposedtothe higheststandardsofclinicaltrial managementandastrongemphasison regulatoryadherence.
Theseexperiencesunderscoredthe importanceofmeticulousplanning, robustoperationalframeworks,anda patient-centricapproach.AtPDC CRO,Mohamedhasadoptedthese principles,ensuringthattheirtrialsare conductedwiththehighestlevelsof integrityandefficiency.
Additionally,histimeatNovartisand Rochehighlightedthevalueof buildingstrongrelationshipswith regulatorybodies,whichiscrucialfor navigatingthecomplexregulatory landscapeandensuringcompliance withbothlocalandinternational standards.
Thisbackgroundhasequipped Mohamedwiththeknowledgeand expertisetoleadPDCCROin deliveringtop-tierclinicalresearch services.
InitiativestoImprovePatientAccess toNewTreatments
Oneofthemostimpactfulinvolved streamliningclinicaltrialprocessesto acceleratethedevelopmentand approvalofnewtreatments.By implementinginnovativetrial managementsystemsandfostering strategicpartnerships,hesignificantly reducedthetimefromtrialinitiationto patientaccess.
Additionally,Mohamedhasbeen involvedininitiativesaimedat increasingclinicaltrialawarenessand participationinunderserved populations.
Theseeffortsincludededucational campaignsandcommunity engagementprogramsdesignedto informpatientsaboutthebenefitsand opportunitiesofparticipatingin clinicalresearch.
Hisinitiativeshavenotonlyimproved patientaccesstonewtreatmentsbut alsoenhancedthediversityand inclusivityofclinicaltrials,ensuring thatabroaderrangeofpatientscan benefitfrommedicaladvancements.
BalancingStakeholderDemands
Balancingtheneedsofvarious stakeholdersrequiresastrategicand empatheticapproach.Patientsareat theheartofPDC’smission,and ensuringtheirsafetyandaccessto innovativetreatmentsisthe organization'stoppriority
Forresearchers,Mohamedprovides thenecessaryresources,support,and collaborativeenvironmenttoconduct high-qualityclinicaltrials.Regulatory agenciesrequirerigorouscompliance andtransparentcommunication,which theyachievethroughstringent adherencetoregulatorystandardsand proactiveengagement.
Bymaintainingopenlinesof communicationandfosteringaculture ofcollaboration,heeffectively addressestheneedsofallstakeholders.
Thisbalanceisessentialforthe successfulexecutionofclinicaltrials andtheadvancementofmedical research.Hiscommitmentto transparency,ethicalpractices,and patient-centricityensuresthatthefirm meetsthediverseneedsofallparties involvedintheclinicalresearch process.
OvercomingChallengesinClinical Research
Mohamedhasfacedseveralsignificant challengesinhiscareer,including navigatingcomplexregulatory environmentsacrossdifferentregions. Toovercomethis,heinvestedin buildingadeepunderstandingofboth localandinternationalregulationsand fosteredstrongrelationshipswith regulatoryauthorities.
Anotherchallengewasensuringhighqualityclinicaltrialswereconductedin regionswithlimitedinfrastructure. Thisrequiredsubstantialinvestmentin trainingandcapacity-building initiativestodeveloplocalexpertise andinfrastructure.
Additionally,managingcrossfunctionalteamsandaligningtheir effortstowardscommongoalsposeda challenge,whichheaddressedby promotingacultureoftransparency, collaboration,andcontinuous improvement.
Theseexperienceshavetaughthimthe importanceofresilience,adaptability, andtheneedforstrategicproblemsolvingtoovercomeobstaclesand drivesuccessinclinicalresearch.
StayingCurrentwithClinical ResearchDevelopments
Stayingcurrentwiththelatest developmentsinclinicalresearch involvescontinuouslearningthrough variouschannels.Mohamedregularly attendsindustryconferences, participatesinprofessionalnetworks, andsubscribestoleadingmedicaland scientificjournals.
AtPDC,heprioritizesongoing educationandtrainingforitsteam, ensuringthattheyareattheforefront ofindustryadvancements.Mohamed
andhisteamincorporatethis knowledgeintotheirworkby integratingnewtechnologies, methodologies,andbestpracticesinto theirclinicaltrialprocesses.
Hiscommitmenttostayinginformed andadaptingtonewdevelopments allowsthemtodeliverhigh-quality researchservicesandmaintaintheir competitiveedgeintheindustry.By fosteringacultureofcontinuous learningandinnovation,heensures thathisclientsbenefitfromthelatest advancementsinclinicalresearch.
AdviceforYoungProfessionalsin ClinicalResearch
Mohamedadvisesyoungprofessionals tostaycurious,adaptable,and committedtocontinuouslearning.He emphasizestheimportanceofbuilding astrongfoundationinthescientificand regulatoryaspectsofclinicalresearch.
Hesuggestsseekingoutopportunities forpracticalexperiencethrough internshipsorentry-levelpositionsto gainhands-onknowledge.Networking withindustryprofessionalsandjoining relevantassociationscanprovide valuableinsightsandopportunitiesfor growth.
Mohamedalsoencouragescultivating apatient-centricmindsetandapassion forimprovinghealthcareoutcomes.He advisesstayingupdatedwithindustry trendsandadvancementsandbeing opentoembracingnewtechnologies andmethodologies.
Bymaintainingastrongethical compassandadedicationto excellence,youngprofessionalscan buildrewardingcareersinclinical researchandcontributetothe advancementofmedicalscience.
Winningthe Talent War: Innovative Approaches to Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
Today,thespeedofthebusiness
worldhasmadetalent acquisitionandretentionthe mostcriticalconcernforthe organizationsofanysize.Inthis increasinglycompetitivejobmarket, theneedtodifferentiateandattractin frontofthebesttalentincreasesfor companies.Thetraditionalrecruitment methodsarenolongerenough,and organizationsneedtoadaptthemselves accordingtothechangingfaceofthe newworkforce.
Accordingtoasurveydonerecentlyby Deloitte,84%ofexecutivesfindtalent tobeatopissuefortheirorganization, and28%considerittobeabig problem.Still,only16%ofthe executivesareoftheopinionthatthey havetheappropriatetalentinplaceto deliverbusinessresults.Suchahuge differenceclearlyindicatesthereisan utmostneedforreallycreative
approachestotalentacquisitionand management.
InnovativeEmployerBranding
Buildingastrongemployerbrandis perhapsthemosteffectivewayan organizationcanattracttoptalent.A well-craftedemployerbrandnotonly tellsabouttheuniquecultureofthe organizationbutalsoauthenticatesthe benefitsandgrowthopportunitiesit couldoffertoemployees.Accordingto LinkedIn,companieswithastrong employerbrandhave2.5timesmore likelihoodofconsiderationbyjob seekers,with1.8timesmoresuccessin attractingtoptalent.
Astrongemployerbrandisabout havingauniqueandcohesivemessage acrossanytouchpoint-fromthewebsite andsocialmediachannelstoemployee testimonialsandevents.Abovethat, theemployeesneedtobeengagedand satisfied,forsatisfiedandfulfilled employeesarethebestcompanybrand ambassadors.
AdoptFlexibleWorking Arrangements
AstheCOVID-19pandemicadvances tothephaseofacceptance,ashift towardremoteworkandflexibleways ofworkwilllikelybehastened.A Gartnersurveyshowsthat82%of companyleaderswillallowemployees toworkremotelysomeofthetime, while47%willallowemployeesto workfromhomefulltime.Flexible workarrangementscantapabigger talentpool,reduceoverheadcosts,and improveemployeesatisfactionand productivityfortheorganizations.
Fortruesuccessinflexiblework arrangements,anorganizationwould rathercreateaculturebasedontrust andaccountability,investinthe necessarytechnologyand infrastructure,aswellasguidelinesand supportforaremoteworking
population.Thepriorityinthese organizationsshouldbeemployee well-beingandwork-lifebalance,with resourcesandsupporttocopewiththe difficultiesofremotework.
InvestmentinEmployee DevelopmentandGrowth
Continuouslearninganddevelopment isthenewsurvivalmantrainthe constantlychangingbusiness environmenttostayinnovativeand competitive.Investmentinemployee developmentandgrowthmighthelpa companyattractandretainemployees withsimilarskills,enablingitto constructamorecapableandflexible workforce.
AstudybyMcKinseyshowsthat companiesinthetopquartileforracial andethnicdiversityare35percent morelikelytohavefinancialreturns abovetheirrespectivenationalindustry medians.Organizationsshouldcreatea cultureofbelongingandpsychological safety,makingemployeesvalued, respected,andempoweredcontributors ofuniqueperspectivesand experiences,toenablethemtoachieve that.Theyshouldalsoensurethat hiringpracticesincludethe diversificationoftheworkforce throughdiversityandinclusiontraining ofallemployees,andmeasureand trackrace-by-raceprogresstoward diversityobjectives.
Conclusion
AccordingtoaLinkedInstudy,94 percentofemployeeswouldstayata companylongeriftheiremployer wouldinvestintheircareer development.Theyshouldoffer variousopeningsforprofessional developmenttotheiremployeeslike formaltrainingprogramsand mentorshipprojects,onlinecourses, andjobshadowingopportunities.They alsoshouldinculcateanorganizational cultureofcontinuouslearningand developmentthatempowersthe employees,makingthemtakecharge oftheirownprofessionaldevelopment processwhilebeingrecognizedand rewardedforsuchefforts.
Inculcatingdiversityandinclusion
Diversityandinclusionarenotonly goodthings,butbaddiesonthe steeringwheelofinnovationand businesssuccess.Thisisbecause embracingdiversityandcreatingan inclusiveworkplaceculturewillget organizationsclosertoaccessinga widepooloftalent,boostcreativity andmoregenerally,solvetheproblems thatfacethediversecustomerbase theyserve.
Themostimportantisamulti-faceted approachinvolvinganumberof innovativestrategies-astrongemployer brandwithemployeedevelopment, flexibility,andinclusion-tosucceedin thetalentwar.Embracingthesebest practiceswillhelporganizationsattract andretainthebesttalents,drive innovationandgrowth,andstayahead ofcompetitioninthefast-changing businesslandscapeoftoday
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Are Business Consultants Worth the Money?
Creatingasuccessfulbusiness
consultantisnosmallfeat,as itrequiresalotoftime, money,andeffort.Similarly,keeping thecompanyafloatafterthefirstfew monthsofoperationsoftenbecomesa muchmorechallengingtaskthan beginnerentrepreneurscouldhave imagined.Unfortunately,itleadsto manybusinessfailuresandunfulfilled promises.
Hiringabusinessconsultantisoneof thebestsolutionstopreventthatfrom happening.Thisway,youcanensure thatyourcompanykeepsaconsistent strategyandeffectivelydealswith problems.However,hiringabusiness consultantcangetcostly.Withthatin mind,youmightbewonderingif spendingyourmoneyonoutside consultingisawiseinvestment.We wanttohelpyouwithansweringthis question.Ifyouwanttofindoutmore aboutbusinesscontinuityorwhatyou needtoknowbeforeyouhirea consultant,keepreading.
TheValueofaBusinessConsultant
Beforeyoumakethedecisionof whethertohireabusinessconsultant, youneedtoknowwhattheycanand cannotdo.Firstofall,theycanhelp youtoassessyourcurrentbusiness situationandgiveyouaclearpicture ofwhatstepsyouneedtotaketo improveit.Dependingonthe complexityofyourbusiness’s
problems,theycanhelpyoufind solutionstoexistingissues.
Inaddition,businessconsultantscan helpyoutoplanforthefutureand avoidunpleasantsurprises.Theycan dothatbydraftingastrategicplanfor yourcompany,whichwouldinclude goalsandstrategiesthatwillhelpyou reachthem.Inthisway,theycanhelp youstayfocusedandkeepaclear pictureofwhatkindofcompanyyou wanttobuildinthefuture.
Businessconsultantsarealsovery goodatidentifyingnewopportunities foryourbusiness.Forexample,they canhelpyoufindnewclientsor optimizeyourmarketingstrategy,even ifitisadigitalenergycompany.Ifyou arelookingforanewenergyprovider, thenseekinghelpfromanexpertin helpingbusinessesinthisareawould bebeneficial.Turningtoadigital energycompanythatcanfindyouthe bestdealforyourneedsisagoodidea. Theycanshopthemarketforyou, leavingyoutodealwithotheraspects ofrunningyourbusiness.
Lastbutnotleast,businessconsultants canbeveryhelpfulwhenitcomesto leadingtheteameffectively.Someof themareformerCEOsandmanagers whohavealotofexperiencein managingpeopleandteams.Dueto this,theycanidentifyproblemsinthe teamandproposesolutionsthatwill helpyoutoworkmoreeffectivelyasa group.
Ontheotherhand,businessconsultants arenotnecessarilyabletotakeover yourresponsibilities.Thismeansthat theycannotdoyourjobforyou,but theywillsupportyouinbecoming moreeffectiveinwhatyoudo.They wouldsharetheirknowledgeand expertisewithyou,soyouknowhow todealwithcertainthingsbetterinthe future.
WhattoLookforinaBusiness Consultant?
Hiringabusinessconsultantsisnot likechoosinganyothertypeof employeeandthisiswhyitis importanttochoosethebestpersonfor thejob.Herearesomeusefultipson howtopicktherightbusiness consultants:
KnowYourBusinessBetterThan YourConsultantDoes
Businessconsultantsarehiredto provideanoutsider’spointofview, therefore,ifyourbusinessconsultants knowsmoreaboutthebusinessthan youdo,itwillbemuchharderforyou togetunbiasedadvicefromthem.This canleadtodisastrousresults.By choosingaconsultantwiththesame levelofknowledgeasyours,youcan besurethattheiradviceisobjective andvaluable.
ThinkAboutWhatYouNeedHelp With
Beforeyoustartlookingfora consultant,thinkaboutwhatkindof problemyourbusinessisfacingand whatkindsofresourcesorknowledge doesitrequiretosolveit.Bydoing this,youwillbeabletocreatea thoroughlistofrequirements,which shouldbeconsideredwhilesearching foryouridealconsultant.Onlythen willyoubeabletopicksomeonewho istrulyqualifiedforthejob.
DoYourResearch
Thisisprobablyoneofthemost importantthingsyoushouldconsider beforehiringabusinessconsultants.It isyourmoneyafterall,soitis reasonabletowanttocheckouttheir previousjobsandseeiftheydelivered satisfactoryresults.Ifpossible,talk withtheirpreviouscustomersandlearn moreabouttheirexperiences.Thiswill giveyougreatinsightintowhatkindof servicesandresultsyoucanexpect fromtheconsultantbeforesigningany contractwiththem.
Don’tChooseBasedonPriceAlone
Itistemptingtochooseacheap businessconsultantssinceitisyour budgetafterall,however,itisworth notingthatcheapservicesdon’toften comewithanyguaranteesor warranties.Ifsomethinggoeswrong withyourbusinessafterconsulting withsuchaconsultant,thereisnothing anyonecandoaboutitsincethereisno proofthattheywereresponsibleforit. Ontheotherhand,expensiveservices mightseemtoocostlyformany entrepreneurs,buttheyareusually backedupbyguaranteesand warranties.Soevenifsomethinggoes wrongwithyourbusinessafter consultingwithanexpensive
consultant,youcanalwaysgetyour moneybackoraskforadditional consultationsinordertofixtheissues theycausedatnocharge.
AskQuestionsandGetClear Answers
Beforehiringabusinessconsultantask themasmanyquestionsaspossible regardingtheirservicesandprices,and thenlistencarefullytoallofthe answerstheygive.Youshouldask specificquestionsabouttheir experienceintheindustryandtheir experienceworkingwithcompanies similartoyours.Inaddition,askthem abouttheirpreviousprojectsandhow successfulweretheyatreachinggoals setbytheirclients.Thereisnoneedfor youtofeelembarrassedaboutasking questions,onthecontrary,asking questionsmeansthatyouareserious abouthiringthemforyourcompany!
CheckTheirCredentialsand ReferencesBeforeHiringThem
Itisimportanttocheckoutthe credentialsofyourbusiness consultants.Makesurethattheyare certifiedbyrelevantbodiesandthat theyhaveatleastsomeexperiencein theindustry.Thisway,youcanbesure thattheywillbeabletoprovideyou withgoodqualityservices.Their referencesshouldcomefromdifferent sources,forexample,peoplethey workedwith,formerclients,etc.,so makesurethatyoucheckthemallout.
MakeSureThatTheyAreWillingto WorkwithYourBudget
Youshouldalwaysbeawareofhow muchmoneyyouarewillingtospend onconsultingservices.Iftheirprices aretoohigh,lookforotheroptions. Alternatively,youcantrytonegotiate andseeiftheycanworkwithinyour budget.
Don’tBeAfraidtoRejectaBusiness Consultant
Ifyouarenothappywithacertain consultant’sservicesorifyoudon’t feelliketheyarerightforyouoryour business,keeplookingforsomeone else!Thereisnothingwrongwith choosingonebusinessconsultantover another.Youcanalwayschooseto rejectanofferifitdoesn’tsuityour needsordoesn’tmeetyour expectations.
Summary
Ifyouaresomeonewhoownsa businessorsomeonewhoplanstoown abusinessbutfeelthatmaybethereare manyaspectsyoudon’tquite understand,thenitmightbeworth lookingintohiringabusiness consultant.Ifyoudodecidetohirea businessconsultant,asyoucansee fromthearticleabove,therearemany thingsyouneedtotakeinto consideration.Knowyourbusinessand howitrunswell,soyoucansolveyour problemswithyourbusinessconsultant efficiently.Doresearchintowhomight beabletohelpyoubest,andremember thatpricedoesn’tnecessarilymean quality.Itisimportantthatyoucheck theircredentialsbeforeyouhirethem. Youshouldalsomakesurethatyou feelcomfortableenoughtoaskthem anyquestionsyoumayhavesoyou canbesurethattheywillhelpyouto thebestoftheirability.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. , ,
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
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