Name: Khalid Nasser Al hashish

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Organisation: Intimaa Real Estate Services Co. (A SEDCO Holding Subsidiary)

Khalid AL hashish is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of industry-leading experience in the Middle East. He has a proven track record of delivering impactful financial and investment strategies, driving business growth, and optimizing financial outcomes across diverse sectors. Khalid is skilled in implementing cost-saving measures and has consistently achieved positive financial results by strategically managing resources. With expertise in financial planning, internal control, and organizational restructuring, he has established robust budgeting and financial reporting tools. Khalid has a strong reputation for effectively managing mega projects and assignments, delivering outstanding results while aligning with stakeholders' goals. Recognized for his innovative financial management solutions, Khalid has consistently driven profitability and fostered long-term success. He brings a wealth of expertise and a focus on maximizing financial performance to any organization.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Khalid's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Managing change is a significant challenge for me as a leader. Within organizations, change is a constant and leaders must adeptly navigate and supervise these transformations. This responsibility includes overcoming resistance and effectively inspiring and motivating employees. Another aspect of this challenge involves nurturing the development of individuals by acknowledging their individual strengths and weaknesses, and providing constructive feedback. It is a demanding but crucial process that fosters employee growth and cultivates a new culture that embraces change.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Initially, I believe that a leader is born with certain qualities, but I recognized the importance of learning and training to fully develop them. From my young age, I showed a strong inclination for planning activities with my peers. As I grew older, I consistently took on leadership roles and refined my skills, especially when I entered the business world. Through dedication, hard work, and continuous learning, I successfully attained leadership positions and gained the trust of my colleagues and superiors. I actively sought out leadership opportunities, prioritized personal development through courses and mentorship. My consistent performance and unwavering commitment led to multiple promotions and ultimately securing leadership positions.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

When I arrive at the office in the morning, I allocate around 10-15 minutes to read the news and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Following that, I spend approximately 15-20 minutes checking my emails, reviewing my tasks, and going through the scheduled meetings for the day and prioritizing the most important tasks.

Afterward, I conduct a brief daily meeting with my team members, dedicating around 10-15 minutes to understand their individual responsibilities for the day.

During lunchtime, I actively utilize this period for meetings with my team, clients, or partners.

As a leader, my daily activities involve providing guidance and support to my team, monitoring project progress, networking with industry professionals, and conducting performance evaluations to achieve organizational goals.

Each day brings unique demands, and planning & adaptability are keys. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, ensuring that the team functions smoothly and efficiently. By maintaining a proactive and flexible approach, I can effectively lead my team and contribute to the achievement of organizational goals.

Before going to bed, I make an effort to quickly recap the events of the day, evaluate my decisions, and reflect on the day's happenings for about 10-15 minutes before sleep.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that has emerged is the importance of adaptability and resilience when faced with uncertainty and change. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented leaders with unprecedented challenges, catching many off guard as their budgets and plans did not anticipate such a situation. As a result, leaders have had to quickly adjust their strategies and approaches to navigate through the crisis.

Personally, I have learned the significance of being agile and flexible in my decision-making processes, understanding that circumstances can evolve rapidly and necessitate immediate adjustments.

Additionally, I have come to recognize the value of transparent and effective communication during times of uncertainty. Keeping my teams well-informed, addressing their concerns, and providing stability and direction have been vital in maintaining trust and motivation.

This recent leadership lesson has emphasized the need for all leaders to cultivate a growth mindset, continuously learn, and adapt to changing circumstances. By embracing change, being open to new ideas, and demonstrating resilience, leaders can successfully navigate challenging times and inspire their teams to do the same.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey has profoundly influenced my leadership abilities. This influential and inspiring book emphasizes the significance of cultivating the right habits to achieve success and make a positive impact in life.

As a leader, the book has had a profound impact on my character and leadership style. Here are some notable effects it has had on me:

Transforming negative habits into positive ones.

Developing a clear vision and goals.

Enhancing communication and fostering positive relationships.

Cultivating self-leadership.

Time and priority management.

Overall, the impact of "The 7 Habits" on my leadership approach has been profound. It has positively influenced my character, resulting in enhanced team morale, increased productivity, and a heightened sense of purpose among my colleagues.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

I highly recommend that young leaders prioritize a people-centric approach in their leadership style. This approach is crucial as it allows you to gain a deep understanding of your team's strengths, weaknesses, and growth potential. By placing value on the individuals within your team, you will not only foster their development but also earn the trust and respect of senior management. Furthermore, it is essential to proactively enhance your communication skills to effectively engage with all members of the organization. Effective communication promotes collaboration, builds relationships, and ensures a cohesive and productive work environment.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

The downfall of Nokia in the early 2000s serves as a reminder of the vital role leaders play in avoiding collapses. Nokia's failure to adapt and innovate despite its market dominance highlights the importance of leaders recognizing emerging trends and consumer preferences. The story also emphasizes the need for a culture of innovation and adaptability within organizations. By fostering experimentation and encouraging employees to embrace change, leaders can navigate challenges and ensure sustained success in a rapidly changing market.