Leadership is a quality that is in high demand when it comes to hiring top talent. Job candidates are seen as more valuable assets to the company when they are capable of taking initiative and making well-thought out decisions that push the company forward. A skill that needs nurturing and honing, leadership is not an overnight development. Exhibiting leadership can take place at a small scale, such as among family members or friends. But at work, leadership carries a significant weight and is part of every job. For a company to succeed, it should be run by a successful leader but it should also have motivated individuals who embody the traits of leaders and take on the responsibility of furthering the success of the business at every level.
To help you learn from some of the most distinguished leaders of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Bayt.com has partnered with MAD Talks to launch a platform of one-on-one interviews with some of the most successful and inspirational leaders in the MENA region. Through this free platform, leaders go through everything from their upbringing and education to how they started their businesses and their current work philosophies. By sharing their personal experiences, each of the leaders gives insight on what made them who they are today.
The following videos offer a snippet of the various topics touched upon in the MAD Talks series.
1. Sophie Le Ray – CEO of Naseba
Naseba is a business facilitation company that specializes in emerging markets. In 2003, Sophie co-founded the company and was appointed CEO in 2009; right after the financial crisis. During her interview, Sophie talks about her rebellious upbringing, her knack for hiking, the meaning of Naseba, and most importantly emphasizes the importance of taking a break. Hear her thoughts on the matter below.
2. Ziad Makhzoumi – CEO of Prime Strategy Consulting Group
Born in Beirut, Ziad Makhzoumi holds a BSc in Electronic Engineering and an MBA in banking and Finance. With many awards and lists under the belt, Ziad’s experience as a leader is not to be taken lightly. The 90-minute interview goes over his career change from his field of studies to consultancy, how he got his first job, and what he expects from a CV when hiring. Hear his advice on how to present yourself through your CV.
3. Rabea Ataya – CEO of Bayt.com
As the founder of Bayt.com, the #1 Job Site in the Middle East, Rabea started this company at a difficult time, right in the middle of a recession in a region where internet has not yet infiltrated. In his interview, Rabea talks about the two most important qualities for success as well as the importance of mentoring. According to Rabea, advice should not be shared, experience is what should be shared. Find out more about Rabea’s experience in the interview below.
4. Melody Hossaini – CEO of InspirEngage International
The first Social Enterpreneur to star on the UK version of reality show The Apperentice, Melody is an Iranian-born businesswoman who started her career at the age of 13. She has gone through difficult times as a child, and volunteering was her outlet. In this interview, Melody talks about taking initiative at a young age and the importance of youth engagement in decision making, validating why age should not be a reason for dismissal. Watch her talk with passion about youth below.
Check out more interviews with an array of successful leaders in the MENA region on Bayt.com and MAD Talks – Thought Leadership Series, and tune in every month for new interviews, exciting stories, and valuable advice.
