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Hala Tfayli, Haifa Addas, Meher Mirchandani, Nousheen Mukhtar, Ayman Baky, Christiana Maxion, listed by Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine under World's Rising High Business Leaders Making a Mark in Middle East, 2023<br>
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Vol. 08 | Issue 16 | August 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World’s Rising High BUSINESS LEADERS Making a Mark in Middle East, 2023 Hala A Female Entrepreneur Redefining Boundaries in the Advertising Industry Tfayli Founder & CEO The Channel MENA
World's Rising High Business Leaders Making a Mark in Middle East, 2023 Transforming the Global Business Landscape The world's corporate borders have notably widened in recent years. Middle East has emerged as the centre of corporate activities since there are no restrictions on commercial operations. The company visionaries in this area are reaching new heights with their mission. The region's evolving differed business culture is its most important feature. Globally Business executives view the Middle East as an emerging market. With an illustrious background as the head of marketing for a renowned architecture and engineering consultancy in Kuwait, Hala honed her skills in selling professional services and gained invaluable insights into the construction sector at large. Additionally, her tenure at Al Shaya, a prominent conglomerate, provided her with an in-depth understanding of the rules and fundamentals of the dynamic retail world. Despite their knowledge and experience, all company leaders subscribe to the idea of high revenue and maximum profit. Operating in a location with a wealth of resources is one of the most crucial elements of doing this. The Middle East has always played an important role in commerce worldwide. And with acquiring constant advancements and following all the trends it has became a hub of business success stories. In 2017, feeling the call of entrepreneurship, Hala boldly stepped away from the corporate realm to embark on her own business venture. Since then, she has relished every moment of her journey, eagerly anticipating the future that lies ahead. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Rising High Business Leaders Making a Mark in Middle East, 2023” has featured success stories of renowned business leaders from middle east whose expertise in leadership is echoing globally. The cover has Hala Tfayli, the remarkable Founder and CEO of The Channel MENA, whose career trajectory defies convention. Breaking away from the traditional path of advertising agency founders, Hala brings a unique perspective as a former client-side professional. Have a lovely read!
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker AUGUST 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
08 Hala Tfayli A Female Entrepreneur Redefining Boundaries in the Advertising Industry
Ayman Baky 16 20 Christiana Maxion 26 Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi Haifa Addas 30 Khalid Fagih 36 Meher Mirchandani 40 Nousheen Mukhtar 46 Prabhjeet Singh 50 54 Rasha Al Danhani
Hala Tfayli A Female Entrepreneur Redefining Boundaries in the Advertising Industry Founder & CEO The Channel MENA 08 | AUGUST 2023
COVER STORY worldsleaders.com | 09
S tep into the world of Hala Tfayli, the remarkable Founder and CEO of The Channel MENA, whose career trajectory defies convention. Breaking away from the traditional path of advertising agency founders, Hala brings a unique perspective as a former client-side professional. With an illustrious background as the head of marketing for a renowned architecture and engineering consultancy in Kuwait, Hala honed her skills in selling professional services and gained invaluable insights into the construction sector at large. Additionally, her tenure at Al Shaya, a prominent conglomerate, provided her with an in-depth understanding of the rules and fundamentals of the dynamic retail world. In 2017, feeling the call of entrepreneurship, Hala boldly stepped away from the corporate realm to embark on her own business venture. Since then, she has relished every moment of her journey, eagerly anticipating the future that lies ahead. 10 | AUGUST 2023
From Research to Retail Hala embarked on her professional journey as a research analyst at Zawya Reuters, a role that provided her with invaluable exposure to the research sector. Recognizing the significance of research in shaping effective strategies and business plans, she developed a strong foundation in this field. Seeking to broaden her horizons, Hala transitioned to Alshaya, the leading retailer in the Middle East. This opportunity allowed her to acquire fundamental knowledge and insights into the retail industry. Immersed in this dynamic environment, she gained a comprehensive understanding of the essentials of retail operations. Driven by her passion for exploring new avenues, Hala then ventured into the professional services realm, joining SSH, a prominent architecture and engineering consultancy. In this role, she took on the challenge of establishing and nurturing the marketing department to support the regional expansion initiatives of a newly appointed international team. These experiences proved to be transformative for her, shaping her into the capable individual she is today. Driving Growth and Innovation proven immensely beneficial for the agency. The Channel MENA, a boutique advertising and marketing agency, first originated in Beirut back in 2018 and has since expanded its operations to Kuwait and more recently, KSA. Despite being a relatively young agency, it adopted a flexible and remote business model ahead of its time, recognizing the effectiveness of such an approach. This foresight has With a strong creative foundation, The Channel MENA consistently provides strategic insights and input for every creative brief, demonstrating a deep understanding of our clients' commercial needs. As a result, the agency has garnered a reputation for being one of the fastest-growing agencies in Kuwait today. worldsleaders.com | 11 Throughout her career, Hala consistently demonstrated a keen interest in sales and business development. She relished the art of negotiation and took pleasure in fostering connections and bridging gaps between different stakeholders. These skills and interests have been an integral part of her professional growth.
Empowering Excellence Establishing efficient processes is equally important. By implementing streamlined workflows and standardized procedures, Hala ensures that tasks are executed smoothly and consistently. This allows for greater productivity and effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. However, Hala recognizes that these processes are not static. With each new wave of growth or opportunity, there is a need to attract more talent and revise existing processes to accommodate the evolving needs of the agency. Hala emphasizes to her team that her primary responsibility is to ensure they have the necessary tools and support to excel in their roles. She believes that enabling individuals to perform at their best involves two key elements: building effective teams and establishing efficient processes. Building teams involves assembling a group of talented individuals with the right skills and expertise. It is crucial to create a cohesive and collaborative environment where team members can contribute their unique strengths and work together towards common goals. By nurturing a strong team dynamic, Hala ensures that each member can perform optimally and complement each other's abilities. Hala remains vigilant in keeping up with new technologies and solutions that can enhance the agency's capabilities. This requires regularly reassessing the team and the processes in place to ensure they are aligned with the latest advancements. Adapting to change and embracing innovation is essential for sustained growth and success. 12 | AUGUST 2023
Journey of Entrepreneurial Success follow up on tasks, address any issues, and refine processes to enhance efficiency. She understands the importance of actively engaging in the necessary actions, such as making follow-up phone calls, to ensure that everything is in place and progress is made. significant role in her personal and professional growth. The support and collaboration of this team have influenced her perspective and provided her with stronger foundations on which to rely. By being surrounded by the right individuals, Hala has gained valuable insights and diverse perspectives that have shaped her approach to various situations. The collective strength and capabilities of her team have helped her navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and adapt when necessary. Ultimately, she understands the importance of building a cohesive and capable team as a critical factor in her own growth as a leader. Hala acknowledges that the greatest risk she has taken in her professional journey was leaving a stable job to start her own agency. However, she firmly believes that it has been the best decision she has ever made. Since its inception in 2018, The Channel MENA has experienced consistent growth, positioning itself as the agency of choice for their clients. The Power of a Cohesive Team Hala recognizes that every leader starts with a foundation, but it's crucial for them to acknowledge that mistakes will inevitably occur, and it is acceptable to make adjustments along the way. She firmly believes that having the right team surrounding her has played a The agency prioritizes working with realistic clients who understand the importance of key performance indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI). Hala and her team provide valuable guidance to clients, advising them on the most effective tools and strategies to connect with their target customers. By emphasizing the importance of efficiency and measurable results, The Channel MENA strives to deliver tangible value to their clients. Passion for Progress and Operational Excellence Every morning when Hala arrives at her office, she experiences a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the journey she has embarked upon. The opportunity to create something from the ground up and witness its continuous growth is not only a blessing but also a powerful motivation for her. Hala's passion lies in pushing the boundaries, continuously striving for improvement, and ensuring that the agency's operations run smoothly. This drive fuels her determination to worldsleaders.com | 13
Vision for Responsible Marketing Hala has a desire for The Channel MENA to incorporate a corporate social responsibility (CSR) angle into every campaign it undertakes. She believes that by integrating CSR initiatives, the agency can contribute to making a positive impact on society while delivering effective marketing campaigns. This reflects her vision of aligning business goals with social and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, Hala recognizes that the industry often witnesses significant wastage in terms of spending. She feels that resources could be better allocated to channels and initiatives that have a greater impact. By prioritizing efficient and targeted spending, The Channel MENA can optimize resources and ensure that client investments are directed towards strategies and platforms that deliver meaningful results. Hala's perspective highlights her aspiration for The Channel MENA to not only excel in marketing and advertising but also to promote social responsibility and drive positive change within the industry. On Path of Growth and Expansion Hala acknowledges that amidst the uncertainties brought about by the ongoing digital revolution, The Channel MENA is experiencing rapid growth and continuous evolution. She candidly admits that she doesn't have a crystal-clear vision for the future due to these uncertainties. However, what she is certain about is her unwavering enjoyment of every step of the journey and her eagerness to further expand the agency alongside an exceptional team that has become like family. She emphasizes that the team at The Channel MENA will persistently offer their expertise and understanding of brand building and content creation, enabling their clients to effectively connect with their target audiences. This is their fundamental purpose. They create impactful campaigns that, when combined with the appropriate media mix, can successfully reach the desired target audience. It's a straightforward approach that drives their work at the agency. 14 | AUGUST 2023
Dr. Aishah Dr. Aishah Dr. Aishah Yammahi Yammahi Al Al Yammahi Al Using AI and Technology in the Educational Sector to Inspire the Next Generation for Learning worldsleaders.com | 27
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside the workplace. I hold a PhD in Education from The British University of Dubai, in addition to a master's degree in Human Resources Management from Massey University in New Zealand, where I researched the effects of a positive work environment on employee performance and productivity. Prior to joining Alef Education, I served as the principal of the first public school in the UAE to implement Alef's ground-breaking educational system, as well as the Director for UNESCO in the UAE's National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. Most recently, I was appointed at the Ministry of Education UAE, where I coordinated the implementation of the Alef Platform in 57 public schools in Abu Dhabi. I strive to guide, mentor and support the Alef team and enhance the working environment at work. I further assist in the development of efficient plans and strategies for our organisation and our digital platforms. My work does not end at the end of my working day; at home, I am committed to supporting and caring for my husband and children. I am a strong believer in the value of education, which fueled my support for my husband to obtain his PhD. As for interests, I greatly enjoy reading, as it stimulates the mind. I also encourage my children to read to help them broaden their outlook and shape their perspectives. Reading, in my opinion, also enhances analytical and critical thinking, both of which are crucial for the development and growth of students. As part of my efforts to redefine the learning ecosystem, I have travelled and gained extensive knowledge of numerous educational systems worldwide, including those in Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and the USA. In addition, I have also participated in numerous conferences related to education all over the world, where I gained insights into the newest advancements in the industry and networked with various professionals from the education sector. In order to improve and inspire the next generation of learners, I firmly believe that technology and artificial intelligence must be utilized in the educational sector. Describe your background and what you did before you joined Alef Education. I have 27 years of experience in the educational sector, during which I have harnessed a wealth of knowledge and experience that I have utilised to the best of my abilities to contribute to the advancement of this field. Over these years, I have assumed various roles and responsibilities and embarked on numerous endeavours that have positively influenced my career and enabled me to grow both professionally and personally. I have helped formulate a curriculum for various academic levels and classes, emphasizing technical education and promoting the professional development of teachers as the two main pillars of the educational process. 28 | AUGUST 2023
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Khalid Fagih Fostering Fostering Transformation Transformation and Sustainability and Sustainability 36 | AUGUST 2023
T he role of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) holds immense importance in any organization, as it entails significant leadership responsibilities. CEOs bear the crucial task of making strategic decisions, overseeing the overall operations of the company, and propelling its growth and triumph. While the position of a CEO offers fulfilling experiences, it also presents a multitude of challenges and obligations. Khalid Fagih, the CEO of Red Sea International Company, is one exemplary individual who embodies these responsibilities. Khalid Fagih from Saudi Arabia, is a highly skilled professional with extensive expertise in the field of Financial Services. With a rich background spanning decades, Khalid has amassed valuable experience in Banking, Risk Management, Investment Banking, Project Finance, and International Business Development. Throughout his career, he has successfully executed numerous projects, leading transformation programs, engaging in multinational negotiations, and driving skill development initiatives. Khalid actively participates in the business community, holding memberships in the Chamber of Commerce, as well as multiple innovation forums and sustainability initiatives. With a strong passion for innovation, disruption, and, above all, environmental concerns, Khalid considers himself a staunch advocate for constructing a better, safer future through intelligent practices that prioritize the needs of tomorrow. In terms of education, Khalid holds a degree in Statistics & Computer Science and has received training from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, INSEAD, Stanford Business School, and London Business School. Additionally, during his financial services career, he has also taken on the role of training young aspiring bankers many times at the esteemed SAMA Institute of Banking in Saudi Arabia. 38 | AUGUST 2023
