Navigating the storms: Empowering leaders at Harare business conference

AHMED Hassan, a partner at CEO Coaching International and a distinguished executive with over three decades of global expertise, is set to take the stage at the upcoming International Business Conference in Harare on May 9, 2024 at Celebration Centre.

The conference, hosted by BPL Africa Connect, will run under the theme “Strategic Agility in a Dynamic Environment” Hassan – who leverages his extensive background from senior roles at Colgate-Palmolive across nine countries and four continents, spanning operations, strategy, leadership, and business development – has made it his mission to equip the next generation of CEOs and C-suite leaders with the skills and a mindset to not only survive, but thrive in dynamic conditions.

“The business landscape today is unforgiving. Companies must be agile, resilient, and laser-focused on profitable growth, even in the face of constant change and uncertainty. As a coach, my role is to help leaders develop the tools and mindset to not only weather the storms, but to emerge stronger than ever,” he said.

Ahmed Hassan, CEO Coaching International

In today’s world, where disruption and uncertainty are rampant, the ability of business leaders to guide their organizations through turbulent waters has become more crucial than ever. Leading in turbulent times: Hassan’s proven playbook Hassan’s leadership approach is based on the idea that effective leadership is not about forceful or dominant behaviour, but about creating a culture of adaptability, empowerment, and shared purpose.

He says true leadership involves creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, think creatively, and pivot as needed. This requires building trust, fostering open communication, and aligning the entire organisation around a common vision.

This leadership philosophy has been especially important during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disrupted business models and required leaders to reconsider everything from supply chains to employee engagement. Hassan noted that companies that thrived during Covid include those that quickly adapted their strategies, empowered their teams, and remained focused on their customers.

“To achieve this, leaders need to have the courage to make tough decisions, the humility to learn from mistakes, and the resilience to keep moving forward,” he said.

Role of leaders in driving customer intimacy For Hassan, one of the hallmarks of effective leadership in turbulent times is a deep understanding of the customer – their needs, pain points, and their evolving expectations. “In a world where disruption is the new normal, companies can no longer afford to be disconnected from their customers,” he asserts.

“Successful leaders must be able to anticipate shifts in the market, stay agile in their responses, and cultivate a culture of customer-centricity throughout the organisation.”

This means investing in customer research, embracing digital tools and analytics to gain richer insights, and empowering front-line teams to be the voice of the customer. It also requires a willingness to challenge assumptions, experiment with new approaches, and quickly pivot when necessary.

“The leaders who can truly understand and respond to their customers are the ones who will thrive in this new era. It’s about building deep, meaningful connections and consistently delivering value – even in the face of unprecedented change.”

Executing strategy and fostering a growth mindset Of course, driving customer intimacy is just one piece of the puzzle. Effective leadership also requires the ability to translate strategic vision into flawless execution – a skill that Hassan has honed over the course of his illustrious career. “Strategy is only as good as its implementation,” he said.

“Leaders must be able to break down complex goals into actionable steps, align their teams around a shared plan, and relentlessly monitor progress and course-correct as needed.” This requires a deep understanding of business fundamentals, a keen eye for data and analytics, and the courage to make tough decisions. But it also demands a growth mindset – a willingness to experiment, learn from failures, and continuously adapt.

“In today’s business landscape, the companies that thrive are the ones that are constantly evolving, innovating, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. That’s why it’s so crucial for leaders to cultivate a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement,” Hassan said.

Managing millennials and Gen Z: A new breed of talent As Hassan’s coaching practice has expanded, he has also become deeply attuned to the unique needs and aspirations of the Millennial and Gen Z workforce – a demographic that is rapidly transforming the business landscape. “These young professionals have a fundamentally different set of priorities and expectations when it comes to work,” he observed. “They’re driven by purpose, they value work-life balance, and they’re intensely focused on making a positive impact on the world around them.”

For leaders looking to attract, engage, and retain this new generation of talent, Hassan emphasises the importance of creating a culture of purpose, empowerment, and continuous learning. “Millennials and Gen Z want to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves,” he explained.

“They want to work for companies that are making a real difference, and they want to be given the autonomy and support to pursue their passions and make their mark.” This requires a shift in mindset and approach, from traditional command-and-control management to a more collaborative, coaching-oriented leadership style.

“It’s about creating an environment where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas,” “It’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning, where everyone is encouraged to experiment, take risks, and grow.”

The power of culture in building resilience and agility Underpinning all of Hassan’s work as a coach and leadership advisor is a deep belief in the transformative power of organisational culture. He firmly believes that the companies that will thrive in the years ahead are the ones that have built a culture of resilience, agility, and shared purpose.

“Culture is the invisible glue that holds an organisation together. It’s what gives people a sense of belonging, a shared understanding of the mission, and the courage to take risks and push boundaries,” he said.

In Hassan’s experience, the most resilient and agile organisations are those that have invested in cultivating a culture of trust, open communication, and continuous learning. This means empowering employees at all levels to speak up, challenge the status quo, and contribute to the company’s success. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to experiment, to make mistakes, and to learn from them,” he explained.

“It’s about fostering a sense of collective ownership and responsibility, where everyone is invested in the company’s success.” This cultural transformation is not just about weathering the storms of today, but about positioning organisations for long-term success in an increasingly unpredictable and rapidly evolving business landscape.

“The companies that will thrive in the years ahead are the ones that have built a culture of resilience, agility, and purpose. And that’s what I’m passionate about – helping leaders achieve success – not just for the benefit of their organisations, but for the benefit of the communities and the world they serve,” he said.

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BPL Africa Connect is a business offering practical, proven, and future-proof solutions to everyday challenges faced by businesses, CEOs, and business leaders. The strength of the business lies in the ability to tap into insights informed by global, multi-market, and industry experience; as well as experience from owning and running multiple businesses.