The 10 Most Influential HR Leaders To Follow, 2023

TTheadvancementsinemerging technologiesaretransformingthe traditionalworkingmethodsofthe businessworld.Itisresultinginthecreationofa newtransitionforthewayinwhichbusinesses executetheirvirtualandmodern-dayoperations. Theseaugmentationshaveledtosignificant enrichmentsinmanagementstylesand requirements,especiallyforanHRleader.

Overthepastfewyears,HRleadershavebeen endeavoringwithlesscomplextasksand responsibilitieslikekeepingatrackrecordofthe management,adheringtocompliance,and fosteringhealthyemployeerelationships. However,today,HRprosoftenfindthemselvesin constantcontactwithprominentbusinessleaders allovertheglobe.Withtheadventoftechnology, manytasksthatwereformerlydonewitha manualapproacharenowbeingmanagedthrough automatedsystems.

H ire character. Train skill.

Agreatleaderisonewhothriveswithavision—aresultorientedapproach,andagoal-orientedmindset. Additionally,theyalsoenvisionasecurefutureforthe organizationwithastrategythatmaintainstheidentification oftheworkingprinciples—mitigationofpotentialgrowth opportunitieswhilesurmountingthechallengesand remainingaheadofthecurve.

Theseleadersarealsoformulatinganddeployingtheirbest approachtoattract,retain,andenhanceoperationswitha sharedvisiontoboostandscaletheprogressofthe organizationthroughstrategictalentmanagement.Allthese aspectsneedpassiontoplanouttheessentialfunctionsby continuouslearninganddevelopingthetraitsthat benchmarkexcellenceforanyorganization.

SheddingsomelightonthestaunchHRleadersinthe niche,InsightsSuccessfeaturessomeoftheenthralling storiesof "The10MostInfluentialHRLeadersTo Follow,2023."

Today'sHRleadersfindthemselvestobe responsibleformanagingandstrengtheningthe company'sculture,managingfast-pacedchanges, andempoweringemployeestoensurethesmooth functioningofalltheprimarybusiness operations.

Aboveallthesefunctions,HRleadersareprompt inensuringgoodcommunicationandensurethat theemployeesandtheorganizationaresynced witheachother.Anessentialtraitofanycoherent HRleaderisexhibitingintegrityandinstinctively caringfortheemployeesintheworkplace.

Flipthroughthepagesandindulgeyourselfintheodyssey ofexhibitingsheerbrillianceandachievingthelifelong learningthatpavesapathtoachievingthemostvaluable assetofyourlife.

Have a Delightful Read!

Cover Story

Abhishek

Sihanee

Business

SME-SMO

Circulation

FeaturedPerson

AnishSingh HeadofHR

EdreesAlMansour GroupGeneralManager HumanResource

HodaElawadi HeadOfHuman Resources

KatiaHallak HeadOfHuman Resources

MohamadKheir GroupHRDirector

PrasanthEdassari

GlobalChiefHuman ResourceOfficer

SaharTaleb ChiefOmnipreneurship

Officer

StaceyGeland HRPractitioner

SunilKumar

ChiefHumanResources

Officer

YomnaKhalil

ChiefHumanResources

Officer

The Most To Follow HR Influential

CompanyName

unilever.com

AlBabtainGroupof Companies albabtaingroup.com.kw

WEHBEInsurance ServicesLLC

EmiratesNationalSchools wehbeinsured.com

PowerInternational Holding powerholding-intl.com

HouseofShipping houseofshipping.com

Al-DabbaghGroup aldabbagh.com

QuantumFoodsHoldings Limited quantumfoods.co.za

FrontlineLogisticsGroup flcorporate.com

AstraZeneca astrazeneca.com

Brief

AnishbringsuniquesetofcompetenciesasanHRLeaderwho createsaninstitutionalizedmechanismfordrivingbusiness performance,wearsBusiness&HRhattogether,galvanize workongrowthagenda,Transformationprojects,energizes employeeengagementandmentors/developsleadersacross functions.

EdreesisanHRLeaderwithaprovenrecordofeffectively leadingHRfunctionstosupportcompanies’strategic objectives.

HodaisaSeniorHRProfessionalwithUAE&MNCexposure. ExperiencedacrossvariousindustrieswithinGCC.

KatiaHallakisaHeadofHumanResourcesatEmirates NationalSchoolsbasedinAbuDhabi.

Drawinguponalong-termcareerMohamadisanaccomplished andtop-performingprofessionalwithrichexperiencein strategicHRM,organisationaldevelopment,talentand performancemanagement,HRtransformation&digitalization andcompensationandbenefits.

Prasanthisakeenobserverofhumannaturewith20yearsof experienceinpeoplemanagementatseniorlevelsequipped withanMBAinHumanResourceManagement.

Sahardiscoversanddevelopsinnovativesolutionstofosterthe transitiontowardscleanenergy

Staceyholdsapproximately16yearsofexperienceworkingin highlypressurizedenvironments,inwhichshemanagedto produceahighstandardofwork.

Sunilhasbeenleadingmultiplebusinessunitsandhasbeen involvedinthekeydecision-makingprocesses,strategy formulationandimplementation.

Yomnahastheabilitytounderstand,isolate,andresolve complextechnicalproblemsthatliewithinthediverserealms ofsecuritysolutions,operatingsystemsandtheoftenbroad natureofacustomer’senvironment.

Group HR Director

Power Internaonal

Holding

At the heart of every successful organization is a strong culture that fosters engagement, growth and a sense of purpose for its employees.

TheroleofHumanResources(HR)hasevolved

significantlyovertheyears.Whatwasonceviewed asasupportfunctionhasnowbecomeacritical driverofanorganization'ssuccess.Today,HRprofessionals areattheforefrontofleadingandshapinganorganization's peoplestrategy,residingonthedelicatecuspbetween peopleandbusiness.

AsuccessfulHRleaderunderstandstheintricaciesofthe business'soperationsandknowshowtoleveragehuman capitaltowardsachievinggrowth.

MohamadKheir,GroupHRDirectorofPower InternationalHoldingisaproficientleaderwitha verifiablehistoryofsuccessincreatingrobustpeople traininganddevelopmentculture/programs,developing, driving,andexecutingstrategicHRinitiativestopromote operationalexcellenceandaccomplishingbusiness objectives.

InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,MohamadKheir sharesvaluablefactshighlightinghisprofessionaltenure andhisjourneyasanHRleaderinthedynamicbusiness arena.

Below are the excerpts from the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatPower InternationalHolding.Whatchallengeshaveyouhadto overcometoreachwhereyouaretoday?

Throughoutmycareer,Ihavegainedabroadknowledge andsuccessinHRfunctionsincludingtalent acquisition/retention,benefits,compensation,training,risk management,andemployeerelations.

SkilledinleadingHRIS,HRAI,MetaverseinHRlearning, RoboticsinHR,applyingRPAsinGovernmentaffairs, ChatbotAI,successionplanningandcareerdevelopment, automationanddigitisation,gogreeninitiatives,paperless employeerelationstransactions.Knackforworkforce planningandimplementation,staffmonitoring,andtalent development.

InmyexistingroleastheRegionalGroupHRDirectorof PowerInternationalHolding,Iplayagenuineroleasan Intuitiveleaderwithexpertiseincoachinganddeveloping

teamsfortheorganisationstosupportcontinuous improvementanddrivestrategiesthatimprovethebusiness. Reachingherewouldn'tbeeasywithoutpencilingdowna properindividualdevelopmentplanandassertionon reachingyourobjectivesevenagainstthewind.

TheHumanResourcesfunctionhasexperiencedadramatic transformationoverthepastcentury.Alongtheway,roles andresponsibilitieshaveshiftedasinternalbusiness models,andexternalmarketconditionshavechanged.

TheevolutionoftheperceptionofHR,however,hasnot keptpace.HRisbeginningtobreakfromitstraditional, process-orientedroleintoanew,strategicfunctionthat solvesrealbusinessproblems.

Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.

PowerInternationalHolding(PIH)isadiversifiedbusiness conglomerate,groupedinto5mainsectors:General Contracting,Industries&Services,Agriculture&Food Industries,RealEstateandLifestyle(Hospitality, Entertainment&Catering).

AtPIH,wearecommittedtothesustainabilityandsuccess ofeachentity,providingthemwiththenecessarytools, resources,andcentralizedfunctionalsupporttoensure developmentandgrowth.Ourfocusonspecialization allowseachbusinesstostrivetowardsachievingthe organization'sobjectivesandgoals.

Witharichhistoryofsuccessfullycompletingcomplex projectsacrossdiversesectorsworldwide,PIHhas accumulatedawealthofexperience,makingus knowledgeableexpertsineachofourfields.

Atourcore,wearedrivenbyapowerfulvision:tocreatea brighterfutureforQatarandtheworld.Ourmissionisto achievethisvisionbymaximizingstakeholdervalue throughtheefficientmanagementandsupportofa diversifiedportfolioofbusinesses.

Toachievethismission,wearecommittedtocontinuously refiningourbusinessstrategiesandoperations,leveraging ourexpertiseandresourcestodrivegrowthandprofitability acrossourportfolio.Westrivetofosteracultureof innovation,collaboration,andexcellencewithinour

Our mission is to maximize stakeholder value by efficiently managing and supporting a diversified portfolio of businesses.

organization,empoweringourteamstodevelopand implementcreativesolutionsthataddresstheneedsofour stakeholdersandthewidercommunity.

EnlightenusonhowyouhavebeenimpactingtheHR managementsectorthroughyourexpertiseinthe market.

AsaregionalGroupHRDirector,Idirectalltheaspectsof regionalemployeerelations,governmentaffairs,payroll, talentmanagement,C&B,talentdevelopment,HRIS.

Overseeallthefacetsofhumanresourcesfunction, includingprovidingleadership,encouragingteamwork, collaborationandfacilitatingrelatedworkprocessesto achievehigh-performancestandardsandstaffpridein performanceandcontribution.RenderexceptionalHR servicesandinformationtoleaders,managers,staff,and clientsaccuratelyandinacost-effectivemanneracrossAsia andEuroperegion.

Ensuretwo-waycommunicationbetweendivisionand groupHRonstrategy,changes,developments,and feedback.Actasacoreadvisortotheexecutive managementteamoncriticalorganisationaland managementstrategy.Establishacultureoftransparency, diversityequity,inclusion,andpersonalgrowthbasedon HRinitiatives.Developcompetenciesframeworkand ensurethesuccessfulimplementationofSAP SuccessFactors.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

AtPIH,webelievethatourcommitmenttoCorporate SocialResponsibility(CSR)isintegraltooursuccessasa responsiblecorporation.Werecognizethatoureconomic, socio-cultural,andenvironmentalpracticesare

interdependentandthatourlong-terminterestsarebest servedbyprioritizingsustainabledevelopmentandsocial well-being.

Asaresponsiblecorporation,wearededicatedtorespecting theinterestsofallourstakeholders,includingour employees,customers,suppliers,industrypartners,andthe widercommunity Westrivetocreatevalueforour stakeholdersthroughouroperationsandinvestments, drivingeconomicgrowth,socialprogress,and environmentalsustainability.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Technologyisplayingasignificantroleindrivingbusiness performanceandboostingproductivity.Itisbecoming essentialforday-to-daybusinessrunningandachieving growthandsuccesswhenutilizedeffectively.Undeniably, technologyplaysamajorroleinminimizingoperational costsandmaximizingrevenues.InHR,weleverage technologytoimprovebusinessperformanceusingcloudbasedsolutionsSAPSuccessFactors,e-learning,AIand integratedcareerpath.Ihavesuccessfullyintegratedthe competenciesframeworkwitheveryjobprofilewhile takingintoconsiderationthelevelsofproficiencyforevery role.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeintheHRmanagementsector?Howisyour companypreparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Changingtheoperatingmodelisessentialfromatraditional federated,hierarchicalHRmodelwithcustomersonthe outsideandsiloedHRgroupstoapeople-centricHR operatingmodelwhiletakingintoconsiderationthehybrid workmodelforcollaboration.

Inaddition,withtechnologicaladvances,themetaverse workplaceoffersvirtualrealityenvironmentsthatletyou workfromanywhereintheworld.Whilethesechanges happenintechnologicalaspects,changemanagement implementsefficientstrategiestoexecutechanges,control themandhelppeopletoadapttothem.

At our core, we are driven by a powerful vision: to create a brighter future for Qatar and the world.

Changemanagementshouldconsiderdigitaladoption, identifythechangeagents,considerthechangeaspartof theculture,andsurelytobehumanizedwithadata-driven approach.

PIHispartofthatchangewhileconsideringpeople analyticswhereithighlightsthefollowingkeyareas, diversityandinclusion,employeeexperience,retention, workforceplanningandtalentacquisition.Furthermore, movingfromemployeewell-beingtoaholistic,healthy organizationthatgoesbeyondthephysicalhealthandsafety oftheemployeestomoreflexibilityandopportunitiesfor theirtrainingandempowerment.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforPowerInternational Holding?

Thedigitaltransformationwillneverend,startingfrom automatingtheday-to-dayoperations,automating onboardingandoffboardingprocesses,andemployeeand managerself-services,tillweembedAIinourdailywork. AIandchatbotsarethenextbigthingtoreplacetier0and tier1intheHRservicedeliverymodelandwhile implementingthesame,weshouldalwayskeepinmind thatemployeecentricityshallalwaysdomainandhumanize theprocessmaps.

Itisadditionallydigitizingthesuccessionplanningand integratingitwithpredefinedframeworksfromidentifying thecriticalrolesacrosstheorganization,assessingand selectingthepotentialsuccessors,evaluatingthegap, developingandgroomingtheidentifiedsuccessorsand monitoringtoreviewandtracktheprogress.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheHRManagement industry?

Ifyou'reanaspiringentrepreneurlookingtostartabusiness intheHRmanagementindustry,hereareafewpiecesof advicethatcouldhelpyouonyourjourney:

GetfamiliarwiththeHRindustry:It'sessentialtohavea goodunderstandingoftheHRindustry,includingthelatest trends,challenges,andopportunities.Thisknowledgewill helpyoudevelopabetterproductorservicethataddresses theneedsofyourtargetaudience.

Identifyyourniche:TherearevariousareasinHR management,suchasrecruitment,payroll,benefits administration,employeetraininganddevelopment,and more.It'scrucialtoidentifythespecificareayouwantto focusonandbuildyourbusinessaroundthatniche.

Developauniquevalueproposition:WithsomanyHR managementbusinessesoutthere,it'sessentialtohavea uniquevaluepropositionthatsetsyouapartfromthe competition.Identifythekeybenefitsofyourproductor serviceandemphasizetheminyourmarketingefforts.

Buildastrongteam:Yourteamisthebackboneofyour business,andit'sessentialtohiretherightpeopleforthe job.LookforindividualswithexperienceandskillsinHR management,customerservice,sales,andmarketing.

Leveragetechnology:TheHRindustryisbecoming increasinglytechnology-driven,andit'scrucialtokeepup withthelatestsoftwareandtoolstostreamlineyour operationsandprovideabettercustomerexperience.

Establishpartnerships:Buildingrelationshipswithother businessesintheHRmanagementindustrycanhelpyou expandyourreachandprovideadditionalservicestoyour customers.

Focusoncustomerservice:Providingexcellentcustomer serviceisessentialforbuildingaloyalcustomerbase. Ensurethatyourteamistrainedtoprovideexceptional customerserviceandthatyouhaveprocessesinplaceto addressanycustomerconcernsorissuesthatarise.

StartingabusinessintheHRmanagementindustrycanbe challenging,butwiththerightstrategyandapproach,itcan alsobeincrediblyrewarding.Goodluck!

Anish Singh Creating a Better Future for Human Workers Anish Singh

Theworldofworkisexperiencingoneofitsmost

challengingtimesinhistoryasdisruptivesituations andtechnologiesareredefiningwhatthefutureof workwouldlooklike.Termslikea4-dayworkingweek, hybridmode,andothersarebecomingcommon.Artificial Intelligencepoweredtechnologiesarebringingautomation inthemostunexpectedsectors.Insuchtimesofturbulent change,businessleadersandworkersalikewonderabout whatsuccessandstabilitywilllooklikeinthefutureand whethertheywillbeabletocope.

GettingaheadofthetrendsinthefutureofworkisAnish Singh,HeadofHR-Australia&NewZealandat Unilever.AnishisanHRleaderwhoworkswithbusiness leadersinestablishingtheHumanResourcefunctionasan intangibleassetwhilealsoleadingthefutureofwork programsatUnileverforthefutureworker

AnishwearsaBusiness&HRhattogether.Hebringsa uniquesetofcompetenciesasanHRLeader,creatingan institutionalizedmechanismfordrivingbusiness performance,galvanizingworkongrowthagenda,leading severaltransformationprojects,energizingemployee engagement,andmentoring/developingleadersacross functions.Helovestoworkwithbusinessleaderstocreate thefuture.

Inanexclusiveinterviewwith Insights Success,Anish Singhpaintsapictureofwhatthefutureofworkwillbe like.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Brieflydescribeyourprofessionaljourneyupuntilnow. Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?

Mypurposeis"Play&PaintTogetheraMasterpiece."I takeprideinestablishingtheHumanResourcefunctionasa competitiveadvantageandlovetoengagewithbusiness

leaderstocreatethefuture.Inmycareerovertheyears,I havehadtheprivilegeofworkingwithCPG,theFinancial Sector&industrialsectorsinvariousroles.Theseroles rangefromGlobaltoRegional,CountryLeadrole,setting upnewbusinesses,leadinglarge-scaleGrowth Transformationprograms/Strategy,ChangeManagement Programs,OrganisationDesign,ExpertiserolesinPeople Development/EmployerBranding,Recruitment, PerformanceManagement,SalesHRBP,Industrial Relations,andadvisoryboardresponsibilities.

WhatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttotheHR industry?

Inrecentyears,Ihaveplayedakeyroleintransforming businessforprofitablegrowth,demonstratedthelargest& longestsuccessfulimplementationof4dayworkingweek, beenrecognizedastheemployerofchoicebyAustralian FinancialReview,anddidleadingworkinDiversity,Equity &InclusionresultinginUnilevertoberecognizedasan employerofchoiceforthelastfiveyearsinarow

TellusaboutUnileveranditsfoundationpillar.

UnileverplcisaBritishmultinationalconsumergoods companywithheadquartersinLondon,England.Its productsareavailableinaround190countries.Unilever's largestbrandsincludeDove,Sunsilk,Knorr,Lux,Lifebuoy, Sunlight,Rexona/Degree,Axe/Lynx,Ben&Jerry's, Omo/Persil,Wall'sicecreams,Hellmann's,andMagnum. Unileverisorganizedintothreemaindivisions:Foodsand Refreshments,HomeCare,andBeauty&PersonalCare.

HowdoesUnileverpromoteworkforceflexibility,and whatisyourroleinit?

Unileverhasalwaysbeenworkingtosuittheneedof employees,andflexibilityisourcurrency.UnderFutureof Workcornerstones,wepromotedoingexperimentsforthe

futureofworking(e.g.,4-dayworkingweek),futureof worker(Uwork),futureofworkplace(hybrid),andfuture skills(futurefitplan).Thesereflectthedifferent developmentroutesthateachofouremployeesmaybeon atanypointintime.Theyrecognizethatmanypeoplewill beworkingdifferently.Butwhereversomebodyis,wewill helpthemtobereadyfortodayandtheirfutureworking life.

Whatisyourtakeontechnology'simportance,andhow areyouleveragingit?

Technologyisvitaltoaccuracyintoday'sfast-pacedworld, andtoourbusinessineverypart,it'sabsolutelyimportant. Ourtakeistobeadvancingandkeepaheadinthegameof HRthroughtechnology.

Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeinthehuman resourceindustry,andhowareyoupreparingforit?

Theworldofworkoftomorrowisgoingtobevery different.HRwillmovefrom"process-thinking"to

"experiencethinking."The"blendedworkforce"willgrow exponentially.Manyexperimentswillstartwiththefuture ofworkandinsidetheHRfunction:virtualize,externalize, unbundlejobs,startnetworking,livethegigeconomyby example,partnerupwithmultipleproviders,crowdsource.

Whatareyourgoalsintheupcomingfuture?

Ourgoalisourvisionistohelpmakeanawesome organizationimpactingpeople,profit,andtheplanet.

Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?

Listendeeply,co-create,builddesignthinking,andbeagile. Beready;technologywilldisruptandhelpyou,sobeing aheadofthecurvewillhelp.

Edrees Al Mansour

Nurturing Human Capital towards Enhancing Business Performance

Withaprovenrecordofsupportingcompanies’ strategicobjectiveswithHRfunctions,Edrees AlMansour,GroupGeneralManager HumanResourcesofAbdulAzizSaudAlBabtainGroup ofCompaniesisleadingwithgreateffectiveness.

EdreeshasbeencontinuallyimplementingHRinitiatives, policiesandproceduresthatattractandretaintalentwhile maintainingproductivityandbottom-lineresults.Hehas successfullymanagedmultimillion-dollarbudgetsand workercountsofmorethan8000incorporationswith officesinKuwait,theGCC,andabroad.Hehasreceived trainingincutting-edgeCanadianandBritishinstitutionsas wellasininternationalHRbestpractices.Heisaspecialist inassistingexecutivemanagementwithsuccessfulHR strategies.

AbdulAzizSaudAlBabtain&SonsGroupbeganasa consumergoodsdistributor.Iteventuallydiversifiedover theyearswithactivitiescoveringabroadspectrumof sectors,suchasFMCG,F&B,Tobacco,Consumer Electronics&HomeAppliances,CentralAirConditioning, Agricultural,RealEstate,Hospitality,Investments, Manufacturing,andothers.

TodaytheGroupisadoptingastrategicplanthatisaimed notonlyatmaintainingbusinesssustainabilitybutisalso growth-oriented.Asaresult,recently,theGroupinvestedin upgradingitssystemsandsolutionsinfrastructure,and currentexecutivemanagementisintroducingoperational efficienciesinallsectors,allgearedtoensureastronger positionfortheGroupandprovideitwithacompetitive edgetogainhighergroundsamongotherlargegroupsof companiesinKuwait.

Inanexclusiveinterviewwith Insights Success,Edrees shareshiswisdomondevelopingorganizationsandtalent forsuccess.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Brieflydescribeyourprofessionaljourneyupuntilnow.

IamakeenandastuteHRprofessionalwithatrackrecord ofleadingMulticulturalHRandAdministrationteamsat listedcompaniesacrossKuwait,GCC,andinternationally withoversightofmulti-million-dollarbudgetsand headcountsexceeding8000+staff.Trainedininternational HRbestpracticesfromtopestablishmentsinUKand Canada,Iamskilledatsupportingexecutivemanagement witheffectiveHRstrategyalignedwiththecompanyvision andmission.

Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?

IstartedworkingduringmygraduationstudiesatKuwait University.Myprofessionaljourneybeganasatellerat Al-TijariBank(nowCBK,Kuwait).Progressingthrough therolesofHumanResourceOfficer,SeniorOfficer, ManagerandGroupGeneralManageHumanResources mycareerhaswitnessedtheparadigmshifthowHuman Resourcesprofessionhasevolvedovertheyears.

HRprofessionalsarealwaysfacedwiththesechallengesinstillingtherightattitude,culture,andethicalbehavior acrosstheorganization.Ifyoucanensurethatthese winningelementsarealignedeffectivelyacrossyour workforce,itwillhelptheorganizationtosteerforwardway aheadofcompetition.Thisinvolvesconstantcollaboration andleadershipwithstakeholdersandtopmanagement.

Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttoyour industry?

IamaproponentoftheLEANmethodologywithout compromisingonquality Throughtheseyears,Ihave boughtsignificantcostsavingswhilemaintainingemployee satisfaction.Streamliningandrestructuringtheworkforce

I am a proponent of the LEAN methodology without compromising on quality. Through these years, I have bought significant cost savings while maintaining employee satisfaction.

Streamlining and Restructuring the workforce has helped organizations to prosper and expand far and beyond.

hashelpedorganizationstoprosperandexpandfarand beyond.

Tellusaboutyourcompanyanditsfoundationpillar.

Withitshumblebeginningswaybackin1958,thefirmhas developedintoaleadingplayerintheKuwaitimarket, expandingitspresenceacrossGCCcountries.

Thecompanystrives“Tobuildsuccessfulbusinessesand lastingpartnerships,drivenbyvalues.”Andthevaluesat thecorearePassion,CustomerFocus,Excellence,Unity, Integrity,andAccountability

Howdoesyourcompanypromoteworkforceflexibility, andwhatisyourroleinit?

SinceIjoinedourfirminJuly2021,wehavebeen encouragingemployeestolearnnewskillsastheygrow

“ March 2023 | 21 | www.insightssuccess.com

Edrees Al Mansour, Group General Manager Human Resources

Abdul Aziz Saud Al Babtain Group of Companies, Kuwait

alongwiththeorganization.Jobenrichmentefforts, upskilling,andreskillingareapartofourculturenow, enablingemployeestobemoreflexibleintheirjobsand takingupnewchallenges.

Whatisyourtakeontechnology’simportance,andhow areyouleveragingit?

Digitizationeffortshavebeenanintegralpartofmy experienceovertheyears.Ihavebeeninstrumentalin introducingITsystemsandspecialiststonavigate companiesensuringsustainabilityandprofitability.Reports andanalyticsplayamajorpartinourdecisions.Firewalls

andNetworksecurityareimportantfactorsinprotecting companyinformation.Whiletechnologyisvital,one thingtobearinmindisthatitshouldbeafacilitatorand notaconstraint.FromanHRperspective,relianceon technologyshouldnotbeahindrancetoemployee engagement.

Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeinyour industry,andhowareyoupreparingforit?

Asafirmbelieverintechnologyasafacilitatorpreandpost covid,technologywillcontinuetoevolveforthebetterment oforganizationsresultingintimelyfeedbackpavingwayto improvedemployeeandcustomersatisfaction. Organization-wideanalyticsacrossdepartmentstoplaya greaterrolegoingforward.Thisismyunderstanding regardingthetrendsassomeonewhospendstimemeeting withSeniorHRleadersacrosstheglobethroughfunctions atLondonBusinessSchoolandHarvard.

Whatareyourgoalsintheupcomingfuture?

Assomeonewhohasspentmycareerwithmajorbanksin theregion,Iamalwayskeenonunderstandingnewtrends inthebankingindustryandlookingforwardtoactively continuemyassociation.

Further,executiveleadershiptrainingprogramsareplanned toleveragemyexpertiseinthisfield.

Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?

Focusonyouremployeesasyourmostvaluableassets. Introduceaperformance-orientedculturewheretheyare nurturedandtakencareofwithcompetitivesalaries, benefits,andbonuses.

Mr Prasanth EDASSARI A Coherent Leader

Mr Prasanth Edassari Global Chief Human Resources Officer House of Shipping

AsanMBAgraduateinHRfromOxford BrookesUniversityintheUK,Mr PrasanthEdassari,beganhiscareerin theUnitedArabEmirates(UAE)withinthe InsuranceandMarineoilfieldsector,wherehe workedinadministrationandcustomerservice forapproximatelyfiveyears.

Whileworkingintheseroles,hedevelopeda stronginterestinpeoplemanagementandits impactonorganizationalsuccess.Topursuehis passionforHR,hemadethedecisiontoresign fromhispositionandrelocatetotheUKto pursuehisHRqualification.

AftercompletinghisHRdegree,MrEdassari workedforseveralUK-basedcompanies, includingEHS,E&Y,andAdecco.In2003,he returnedtotheUAE,wherehecommenceda careerinHRandprogressedthroughtheranksin variousindustries,includingHVAC, manufacturing,electronics,andconsultancy.

Currently,heservesastheGlobalChief HumanResourcesOfficeratHouseof Shipping,abusinessconsultancyandadvisory servicescompanythatcaterstoorganisationsin theshippingandlogisticsindustry,wherehe managesastaffofover1,000shippingand logisticsprofessionalsfrom49different nationalities,withoperationsspanning15 countriesandofficesoneverycontinent.

In an interview with Insights Success, Mr Prasanth Edassari shares his professional tenure and journey in the niche.

Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?

Myprimarychallengehasbeentopersuadeother stakeholdersofpeople'scrucialroleindrivingbusiness success.

Toconveythismessage,Ioftenusethephrase"PROFITS THROUGHPEOPLEPOWER,"whichemphasizesthe fundamentalimportanceofeffectivepeoplemanagement.

Despiteholdinghigh-levelpositions,somesenior stakeholdersmayoverlookthiscriticalaspectofbusiness strategy.Assuch,itisessentialtocontinuallyeducateand communicatethevalueofinvestinginhumancapitalto achievesustainablegrowthandlong-termsuccess.

Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttoyour industry?

Theshipping&logisticsindustryhasalwaysbeenknown tobea24/7industryaswhilewesleep,thereareships sailingacrossoceans,andthechallengeisthatour employeesalwaysneedtobeoncallwhetherit'saweekend orapublicholidayandevenwhentheyareonholiday

AsHRprofessionals,webringinasmuchofafriendly cultureintheorganizationandmoreflexibilitywhenit comestoworking,includingwork-from-homeandhybrid workingpolicies,extendedholidays,employeewellness initiatives/allowances,top-classmedicalinsurance,etc.We makesureweworkhardandplayhardtoo.

Tellusaboutyourcompanyanditsfoundationpillar.

HouseofShippingisaleadingproviderofbusiness consultancyandadvisoryservicestoclientsintheshipping andlogisticsindustry.Ourconsultancyservicescovera widerangeofareas,includingLegalServices,Human Resources,FinanceandTax,IT,Strategy,andMarketing. Whetheraclientwantstoestablishapresenceinthe shipping,maritime,andlogisticssectororexpandtheir existingoperations,ourteamofconsultantsisavailableto providecustomizedsolutionstailoredtotheirspecific needs.

Inadditiontoourcoreconsultancyservices,wealsooffera rangeofvalue-addedservicesthataredesignedtohelpour clientsmaximizetheirsuccess.Fromongoingsupportand trainingtoinnovativetechnologiesandtools,weare committedtoprovidingourclientswitheverythingthey needtoachievetheirgoals.

Howdoesyourcompanypromoteworkforceflexibility, andwhatisyourroleinit?

AsaseniorHRleader,werecognizedtheneedforour industrytoremainproductiveevenamidstthechallenges posedbytheCovid-19pandemic,whichincludedworking remotely-aparticularlydifficultfeatinourindustry.To addressthis,weimplementedhybridandremoteworking policiestoenableouremployeestoadapttothisnew scenariowhilestillmaintainingtheirproductivitylevels.

Weunderstandtheimportanceofprovidingouremployees withtheflexibilityandsupporttheyneedtonavigatethese unprecedentedtimes.

To support our HR initiatives, we have implemented SAP as one of the main platforms, which has proven to be a valuable tool in streamlining our HR processes and improving efficiency.

Ourapproachhasbeentostrikeabalancebetweenensuring businesscontinuityandsafeguardingthehealthandwellbeingofouremployees.Webelievethatbyinvestinginour employees'welfareandembracingnewwaysofworking, wecanemergestrongerfromthiscrisis.

Whatisyourtakeontechnology'simportance,andhow areyouleveragingit?

AsaseniorHRleader,Ifirmlybelievethattechnology playsacriticalroleinmanagingpeopleeffectivelyacross

allHRfunctions,fromrecruitmentandemployeerelations toperformancemanagementandtalentdevelopment.

Byleveragingtechnology,wegainvaluableanalytical insightsthathelpusmakeinformeddecisionsanddrive positiveoutcomesforouremployeesandtheorganization asawhole.

TosupportourHRinitiatives,wehaveimplementedSAPas oneofthemainplatforms,whichhasproventobea valuabletoolinstreamliningourHRprocessesand improvingefficiency Additionally,wehaveadoptedUdemy asourlearningplatformtocultivateacultureofcontinuous learninganddevelopmentwithinourorganization.

Toattracttoptalent,weutilizeLinkedInextensively, leveragingitsvastnetworktoconnectwithpotential candidatesandshowcaseourbrandasanemployerof choice.Furthermore,weinvesttimeinmarketingour employerbrandacrossvarioussocialmediaplatforms, recognizingtheimportanceofbuildingastrongonline presencetoattractandretaintalentintoday'sdigitalage.

Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeinyour industry,andhowareyoupreparingforit?

AsaseniorHRleader,Ibelievethatourindustryispoised forsignificantchangeinthenearfuture,particularlyin areassuchasenvironmentalsustainabilityanddigitization. Fromashippingperspective,theadoptionof environmentallyfriendlyfuelsanddigitalfreight forwardingwilllikelybekeydriversofinnovationand growth.

Toprepareforthesechanges,wehavealreadybegun implementingtechnologyandlearningprogramstosupport ourHRinitiatives.

Werecognizetheimportanceofproactivelyaddressing theseemergingtrendsandadaptingtonewwaysof working.Byembracingdigitaltransformation,weaimto driveefficienciesandimproveourabilitytodelivervalueto ouremployeesandcustomersalike.

Whatareyourgoalsintheupcomingfuture?

Myvisionistobeknownasthemostwork-friendly shipping&logisticsorganization,andourmostrecent employeeengagementsurveybyCultureAmpindicated thisapproachwithascoreof81%engagement,whichwas 5%higherthanthetop25globalshipping&logistics companiesandwewillstrivetobebetteronthisjourney.

Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?

AsaseniorHRleader,Icannotoveremphasizethe significanceofpeoplemanagement,empathy,and emotionalintelligenceindrivingbusinessgrowthand achievinglong-termsuccess.Istronglyadviseleadersto prioritizethesecriticalelements,evenastheystriveto increaserevenuesandprofits.

Leaderswhoprioritizetheiremployees'well-beingand professionaldevelopmentaremorelikelytocreatea passionate,engaged,andcommittedworkforcedelivering exceptionalcustomerexperiences.

Bycaringforyourpeople,youcreateaculturethatfosters loyalty,collaboration,andinnovation,whichdrives businesssuccess.Inshort,investinginyouremployeesis investinginyourorganization'sfuture.

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Officer Al-Dabbagh Group

Sahar Taleb

Nurturing Significant Business Objectives

Undeniably,abusinessimpactsthelifeofaperson

whoindulgesinitsproducts,services,or organization.Andveryrarelyisthecasethatit impactsthelivesoftheoneswhoareremotelyeffectedby itsofferings.ButbusinesseslikeAlDabbaghGroup,that inculcatethehome-grownphilosophyofOmnipreneurship, notonlyimpactthelivesofthepeopletheyare collaboratingwith,ratheralsothelivesofthepeoplewho aresurroundbythebusiness.

ForbusinessesasconsiderableasAlDabbaghGroup,the personwhooverlookstheimplementationof Omnipreneurship,makingsurethatthisaspectoftheir businessisnotneglected,istheremarkableleader,Sahar Taleb,ChiefOmnipreneurshipOfficer.Saharbrings outstandingabilitiesandisapowerfulforceinthe organizationwithnearly20yearsofexperienceinHR,PR, andMarketing.

Sheinspiresotherstoworkhardandsucceedwithher upbeatattitudeandboundlessenergy.Saharisdrivenbythe Omnipreneurshipeco-systemthatgovernsAl-Dabbagh Groupandusesitsprinciplesofgiving,earning,and sustaining,aswellasitstengoldenrules,tohelpguideher decisionsandachievehergoals.

InsightsSuccesshadtheprivilegetointerviewSahar, throughwhichsheconveyedthetrueimplicationofthe term‘Omnipreneurship’aswellasthemethodologyshe utilizestoensuretheimpactfuldeliveryofher organization’sobjectives.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Pleasebriefusaboutyourjourneyinyourindustryand howyouhavemadeOmnipreneurship implementation andcommunicationexcelinAl-DabbaghGroup

IcomefromastrongbackgroundinHRand communication;Ialsoworkedasaconsultantforboth:the publicandprivatesectors.Thisrichanddiverseexperience

gavemetheskillsetneededtobecometheChief OmnipreneurshipOfficerinAl-Dabbagh.

First,letmeintroduceyoutotheconceptof Omnipreneurship.

Omnipreneurshipisanapproachtolivingalifeofmeaning. Itistheecosystembywhichwegovernallourcompanies. Soratherthanlookingatthingswithanentrepreneuriallens andonlyfocusingonearning,weensurethatweareequally focusedongiving,earning,andsustainingaspects.

MymaintaskinAl-DabbaghGroupistocascadethe understandingandcultureofOmniprenerushipwithinour organization.Indoingso,Iworkonbuildingaculture wheregivingliesatthecenterofourorganizationandthe purposeofourwork.Also,witheveryinitiativethatwe launch,weensurethatweareworkingtowardsachieving1 or2oftheSustainableDevelopmentGoals.So,welinkour earninginitiativestoourgivingandsustaininginitiativesin suchawaythateachoneofthemfeedsintotheotherand completesit.

Here,mybackgroundincommunicationhelpedtospread themessageandunderstandingandtogrowaculturethatis passionateaboutgivingbacktooursocietyandour environment.MybackgroundinHRhelpedmecreate meaningfultraininganddevelopmentprogramsandto launchengaginginitiativesthatencourageandfoster innovation.

Whatprofessionalqualitiesandvaluesdoyouthink yourclients,colleagues,andemployeesadmireinyou themost?

Honesty,transparency,andintegrityarevaluesIpride myselfin,andIbelievethesevaluesarewhatbuiltand strengthenedmyprofessionalreputation.Havingsaid that,Iamoftencomplimentedonmypassionand strongdedicationtowork.

Indeed,thisiswhatenablesmetomotivateothersandgrow myteam’sdedicationsothatweareallengagedandhighly motivatedtoachieveourgoals.

Additionally,myinherentloveformeeting,learningfrom, andcommunicatingwith colleagueshasallowedmeto engageourcommunityintheOmnipreneuralcultureweare tryingtofoster.Therebyhelpingmecreatealoyalandhighperformingteam.

What,accordingtoyou,arethequalitiesofan exemplaryHRleader,andwhatarethetraitsthatmake youstandoutasaninfluentialHRleaderinthemodern industry?

Inmyopinion,successfulHRleadersneedtohaveintegrity andinstinctivelycareabouttheircolleagues.Theyneedto bepassionateaboutwhattheydo,wheretheywork,and, mostimportantly,abouttheirteams.Tothatend,theyneed totrain,developandempowertheirteams.Most importantly,theyneedtopreparethemforsuccess.

SuccessfulHRleadersalsoneedtobeexcellent communicatorsandproblemsolves;Theyneedtobeableto provideguidanceandinfluencetheirteams.Tofacilitate changeandavoidacrisis.Mostimportantly,theyneedto listentotheircolleaguesandprovideasafeenvironmentfor themtoexpresstheirneedsandwishes,buildingalonglastingrelationshipwiththem.

HRleadersneedtobeforward-thinking.Theyneedtostudy thesectorstheyoperateinandplanforthefutureoftheir workplacesbyidentifyingpotentialthreatsand opportunities,aswellasimplementingpositivechangesto theirorganizationtobuildacultureofinnovation.Itisupto ustodesigncreativeapproachestoattract,manage,and developourcolleaguesandtoprovidethemwiththetools theyneedtopassionatelygivebacktoourcompanies.

Throughoutmycareer,whatmademestandoutwasmy strongabilitytoconnectandcommunicatewithpeople.As wellasmydedicationtobuildingahealthyandnurturing workenvironment,devotedtobuildingmycolleagues’ skillsetandnurturingtheirpassionfortheworktheydo.I pridemyselfonbeingalife-longlearner.Inorderto improvemyeffectivenessandensureIachievethetargetsI setoutformyself,Ineverstoplearningandnetworking.I strivetodevelopmyleadershipskillsaswellastogain newideas.

Recently,Ihavebeenacceptedintotheprestigious MISK2030Leadershipprogram,whichisan

I strive to campaign for new sustainable, innova e, emerging technologies that will have a transformaonal impact on the way we currently do business.

exclusiveworld-classleadershipdevelopmentprogram devotedtotransformingexceptionalseniorSaudileadersto changehistoryandachieveourcommongoalsforvision 2030.

EnlightenusonhowyouaredrivingimpactatAlDabbagh’sOmnipreneuralinitiatives throughyour expertise.

Withamandatetospreadtheknowledgeandunderstanding ofalltheelementsofOmniprenerushipandtofostera cultureofinnovation,Ilaunchedaninternalplatformcalled theOmnipreneurshipAwards.Thisplatformconnectsall 15,000ofourglobalcolleaguesandencouragesthemto submitinnovativesolutionstochallengesweshareona monthlybasis.Winnersofthesechallengesareawarded meticulouslyplannedcoursesfromHarvardXandMITto developamorerobustcultureofideationandinnovation.

In2020welaunchedthefirstofourannualopeninnovation initiatives:aglobalcrowdsourcinginitiativethatlooksfor sustainable naturepositivesolutionstochallengeswithin thesectorsweoperate.In2020weaskedhowwastefrom poultryfarmscanconverttovalueandawardedonemillion dollarstothesolutionproviderwhosharedaproposalfora technologythatwillconvertwastefrompoultryfarmsinto biodegradableplasticpallets.

In2021,welaunchedoursecondsustainabilitychallenge asking,howusedcookingoilcanbeconvertedintoa biodegradablebaseoilusedforlubricants.Wearecurrently reviewing2finalists’prototypestochooseandannounce ourwinnerinthenextquarter

Separatefromthesustainableopeninnovationchallenges thatwelaunched,Iamalsoverypassionateaboutlaunching traininganddevelopmentprogramsandhelpingcreate engagingemploymentopportunitiesforaspiringjobseekers whoarekeentobuildtheirexperienceandskillset.

Thisiswhyweareintheprocessoflaunchinganonline trainingplatformcalledtheOmniAcademywithacarefully curatedtrainingprogramthatwilltrainanddevelopyoung Saudisandbetterequipthemwiththeskillsetandknowhow tobecomeresponsiblecorporatecitizenswhogivebackto theircommunitiesinasustainablemanner

Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow theadoptionofmoderntechnologiesimpactsyour industryandhowisyourcompanyleveragingthese advancementstoenhanceitsoperations.

Ourannualmillion-dollarOmnipreneurshipAwardis alwayslookingforthenextbigthing:newsustainable technologiesthatwillhelpusachieveourgoalsina sustainable,cost-effectiveway.Thesechallengesreachout toacademics,startups,andinnovatorsandaskthemto comeupwithinnovativeout-of-the-boxtechnologiesthat willdramaticallychangethewayweoperatewhilealso givingbacktoourcommunities.

Ourcommitmenttofindingandimplementingnaturepositivesolutionsisnoteasy:weneedbuyinfrom companyleadershipandcolleaguestoworktogetherto implementthesesolutionstoensurewetacklethemany climatechallengeswearefacingandensureasustainable future.

Consideringthecurrentindustryscenario,what challengesdoyouface,andhowdoyoudriveyour companytoovercomethem?

Istrivetocampaignfornewsustainable,innovative, emergingtechnologiesthatwillhaveatransformational impactonthewaywecurrentlydobusiness.

TheOmnipreneurshipAwardshasaligneditsgoalswith SaudiArabia’sVision2030byidentifyinginnovative challenges,supportingtheco-creationofinnovative solutions,andcontributingtotheimplementationof sustainable/eco-friendlyinitiatives.

OurOmnipreneurshipinitiativesandoursustainability challengesencouragecreatingacirculareconomythrough sustainableinnovations.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheHRniche?

Iwouldadvisethemtoalwayscommittocreatingahealthy, engagingworkenvironmentwheretheircolleaguescan learnandthrive.

Also,ensuringthatyouinvestinwell-planned-outtraining anddevelopmentprogramsiskeytoensuringyoubuilda skilledworkforce.

Andlastly,alwaysensureyourorganizationhasstrong valuesandpassionatelydeliversmeaningfulimpactata measurablescale.

HowdoyouenvisionscalingOmnipreneurship initiativesinAl-DabbaghGroup’soperationsand offeringsinthefuture?

Allofourinitiativesarepilotedlocallyonasmallscalebut arethenscaledupglobally.SincetheAl-Dabbaghgroup employs15,000colleaguesin60countries,andsincewe arecommittedtospreadingthecultureandunderstandingof Omniprenerushipacrossallourcompanies,theneveryone oftheinitiativeswelaunchneedstobescalableandwitha positiveglobalimpact.

Involvingyourteaminthesettingofyourgoalsandgrowth plangivesthemownershipandempowersthemtowork towardsacommongoal.Linkingthesegoalstogivingand sustaininginitiativesgrowstheirpassionandloyalty,soyou areorganicallygrowingandgloballyscalingupyour projects.

Sunil Kumar

AResoluteLeadershipExposingBrilliance

Commencinghiscareerin1994inPharmaceutical Sales&MarketinginIndia,SunilKumarhas workedfornationalandmultinationalcompanies for12years.

Sunilhasalsoworkedwithvariousindustrieslike Construction&Engineering,FacilitiesManagement, Consultancy,Oil&Gas,HospitalityasHeadofHRand nowworkingwithLogistics&SupplyChainasChief HumanResourcesOfficer.HelefthispositionasDivisional SalesManager(PANIndia)andmovedtoDubai,wherehe startedhiscareerasHRManagerin2006.

Withsignificantexpertiseintheindustryandastaunch leadershipacumen,MrKumarisexhibitingexcellenceas theChiefHumanResourcesOfficer(CHRO)ofFrontline LogisticsGroup.

InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,MrKumarshareshis professionaltenureandhighlightshisjourneyalongwith thechallengeshesurmountedtoreachthehorizonsof success.

Belowaretheexcerptsfromtheinterview:

MrKumar,tellusaboutyourodysseyintheindustryso far.Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?

Itwasnotaneasyjourneyinthelasttwodecades,facing theworld’seconomicslowdownsandpandemicsituations. However,thebestindustrypractices,trainingand developmentoftalents,successionplanning,organizational development,strategicandoperationalideas,and implementationshashelpedmetopassthroughthesetough situations.

Oneofmykeyleadershipskillsisthepaceoftheright decision-makingattherighttime,withaclearfocusonthe objectives.

Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttoyour industry?Howdoesyourcompanypromoteworkforce flexibility,andwhatisyourroleinit?

Inthelast5years,theindustryhasseenalotofupsand downsduetovariousfactorsofworldeconomicslowdown aswellasthepandemic;however,thegroupstoodstrongas ateamwiththesupportofitsHumanCapital,whichthe companyvaluesthemost.ThedecisiontostartBack-office operationsstartedwith5membersandstillcontinuesto growfromitspresentstrengthof120staff.

ThisBPOprocesshelpedthecompanytoreducethe manpowercostbyone-thirdandthuswasabletowithstand thebusinessoperationsofanother550staffinvariousfront officesinGCC,evenwithoutalayoffduringthetough periods.Thecompanytookvariousdecisionssuchas temporarysalarydeductions,workfromhome,part-time work,outsourcing,etc.,toavoidlayingofftheexistingstaff andsupportedover600families.

WestartedtheLogistics&SupplychainAcademy (FrontlineAcademyofLogistics)totraintheyoung generationsprofessionallyfortheindustry.Mostofthe studentswerehiredwithinthegroup,andmanyoftherest wereplacedinIndiaandGCCforothercompanies,catering totheincreasingneedforprofessionallytrainedtalents.

Tellusaboutyourcompanyanditsfoundationpillar.

Ajourneyofunlimiteddreams—Thejourneybeganin 2009,atKuwait,withasmalldreamof3entrepreneurs fromahumblebackground.

B.P. Nassar, President & CEO - Frontline Group

Mustafa Kari- Vice President -Frontline Group

Afsal Ali- Vice President -Frontline Group

Finding trained logiscs professionals was indeed a tough task, and to employ the right candidate, Frontline set up its first academy in the same locaon to train and employ the candidate for the organisaon’s growth.

With the great support of Ms. Febina Nassar, Director - of Frontline Group

In2009,fromasmallofficestartedinKuwaitwithfewer shipments,handlingoperationsthroughtoughlogistics challengeswereeffectivelymanagedwithdedicationand focus.

Thestrategyofago-getterattitudeledtothegrowthof FrontlineLogistics,agrouppresentlyspreadacross12 countieswith26officesand600plusprofessionalsover14 years.FrontlineLogisticshasbeenestablishedasastrong servicepartnerforvariousGCCcorporations.

Withasimplemantraof‘ServicesUnlimited,’Frontline Grouphasnowventuredintoeverypossiblelogistical activitythatincludes,FreightForwarding,Aviation, Relocation,E-commerce,NVOCC,LCLConsolidation, Procurement,3PL,AutoSpareparts,OilandEnergy, MilitaryLogistics,RealEstates,HospitalityProjects,and Training&ProfessionalCertifications.

AsapartoftheFrontline’sCSRactivityandupliftmentof neighbourhoodsinthehometownofthedirectors,theyset upthefirstBackEndsupportoperationsinasmallvillage inIndianamedEramangalam,Keralastate,nowproviding employmentforthelocalpopulaceandventurethem

globally.Currently,120staffmembersfromthisBackoffice supporttheother26offices’functions.

Findingtrainedlogisticsprofessionalswasindeedatough task,andtoemploytherightcandidate,Frontlinesetupits firstacademyinthesamelocationtotrainandemploythe candidatefortheorganisation’sgrowth.Itgrewitintoa successfulventurewithstudentscomingfarandwidetoget trained,thattoowithinaspanof3years,evenduringthe toughCovidSituation.

FrontlineAcademyistheonlyinstituteinIndiathatoffers6 monthsofclassroomandsixmonthsof360degreeOnJob TrainingtotheirstudentswithinternationalCertificationso astobeemployableanywhereacrosstheglobe.Recently, theacademyopeneditssecondbranchintheneighbouring district.

Aftersuccessfullyestablishingtheback-endoperationsfor ownbranches,thegroupnowoffersBPOservicestoother multinationalfirmsfromoverseas.Thishelpsthe companieshavetheirremotestaffsworkingfromIndia, therebysavingtheiroperationalcostsbyone-third.This BPOdivisionaimstoemploy300additionalstaff membersforBPObytheendof2024and1000bytheend of2027.

FrontlineGroupsHospitalitydivisionmanagesvarious properties,includingHotels,ServicedApartments, ResidentialSuites,andcommercialsacrossmultiplecities inSouthIndia.

TheupcomingmegaprojectofWellnessTourismunderthe brand Sathmya Ayurveda Resort isexpectedtocompleteby theendof2024.Thisaimistoprovidejobopportunitiesto around150stafffromthebeginning.AnotherAyurvedic treatmentcentreinthenameofApthaAyurvedahasalso beenfunctioningsincethelastyear

HospitalityDivisionrecentlyintroducedFrontlinesCaravan topromotecaravantourisminthestateofKerala.Frontline LogisticsplanstoestablishitspresenceinEuropeandUS bytheendof2024.

Whatisyourtakeontechnology’simportance,andhow areyouleveragingit?

Asagroup,weareverymuchinterestedintheadvanced technologicalimpactandimplementedvariousERP systemsandaimtohaveAIfeaturestofacilitatethe operationsandtherebydeliverthebestcustomerservice practices.

Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeinyour industry,andhowareyoupreparingforit?

Industry4.0isoneoftheongoingchallengesandwe prepareourHumanCapitalwithsharpenedskillsand developastrongteamtomeettheongoingrequirements. Strongsuccessionplanninghadhelpedtheorganization,as wellastheteammembers,togrowtogether (74 promotionsintheyear2022,57promotionsin2021,and 32promotionsin2020)

Whatareyourgoalsintheupcomingfuture?

WearecurrentlyworkingonaplanforVision2027,with 300%overallgrowthintermsofrevenueandhumancapital andaimtohaveourpresenceinUS&Europe.Ventureinto variousindustrysegments,andplantoconverteachofour servicesasindependentbusinessunits.

Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?

Havingasharpvisionandstayingfocusedonthegoals, takingtherightdecisionsattherighttimeandempowering theteamtogrowtogethermustbetheminimummantras peopleshouldhave,coupleswith100%implementationof yourstrategiesandregularreviewstoensurethatthethings workasperyourplan.Astheproverbsays,ifyoufailto plan,youareplanningtofail.