Leading the Horizons with
Sheer Excellence
T
he lion, the most ferocious beast, is undoubtedly the King of the Jungle. He may
not be the tallest, may not be fastest, or strongest of all the animals, yet due to his
attitude he commands respect, and with his sheer dynamism of instilling fear,
stealth, and gripping power, develops the reign.
The modern business arena enacts the nature of this beast, and similarly, success in
business is not based on any background, past, gender, fame, etc. It is observed in those
different business professionals who have displayed several capabilities and have
surged to become successful. Dynamism is an amazing aspect of the business world,
that has been the accelerator in business and socio-economic growth as well.
The success stories of several young entrepreneurs revealed the innate qualities of
passion, commitment, discipline, value additions, innovations in products and services,
and dedication to providing the best of services that not just meet the commitments but
exceed expectations.
The dynamism of the business leaders has propelled the organizations through their
proactive initiatives in operational developments, bringing about change through
customer insights, inspiring the workforce, commensuration of business collaborations,
and leading holistic growth. Business leaders have been the catalysts of changes that
are brought about from within through basic business ethics and principles.
To identify and recognize the outstanding contribution to the modern business sector,
CIOLook has come up with its latest edition, Showcasing the Best Partner in Business,
that showcases the phenomenal dimensions of a dynamic individual who is playing a
pivotal role in the effective advancement of businesses and the people as well. As you
are engrossed in the multiple engaging facets of the lion of the industry, a couple of
enticing and thought-provoking articles will enrich your perspective.
Hope you have an inspiring and impactful read. Cheers to the Dynamism!
AnishMiller

Understanding the Diverse Leadership Approaches
in the Dynamic Business Arena
Articles
Know your Leader
Traits that Deﬁne the Concepts of Leadership
20
Leadership Talks
16
08
Gaav
Manglik’s

February, 2024
Pooja M Bansal
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Brief
Company Name
Nabil Alyacoub
Chief Strategy Officer
With a wealth of experience in security management, Nabil
plays a crucial role in safeguarding Zawaya's assets,
employees and ensuring the integrity of its operations.
Kamil Hilali
With a rich background in the field, Kamil contributes
significantly to Zain's strategic direction, operations, and
technological advancements.
Zain
zain.com
Zawaya
zawaya.me
Gaurav Manglik
General Partner
Gaurav possesses a unique narrative rooted in
entrepreneurship. His venture capital odyssey
commenced with a stint as an entrepreneur, drawing from
early roles at tech giants Oracle and Vmware.
WestWave Capital
westwavecapital.com
Nawaf Arhamah
With a robust background in security management,
Nawaf plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and
integrity of Boubyan Bank's operations and sensitive
information.
Boubyan
boubyan.com
Wael Khalifa
Wael plays a crucial part in ensuring the security and
resilience of Agility's operations on a global scale.
Agility
agility.com
Featured Person

“As former startup
operators, we understand
that early-stage startups can
go through several ups and
downs and it takes pa ence,
me and persistence to ﬁnd
product-market ﬁt.”
C o v e r S t o r y
Gaav
Manglik’s
Gaav
Manglik’s

Gaurav Manglik
General Partner
WestWave Capital

E
mbarked on the journey into the realm of venture
capital, Gaurav Manglik, the General Partner at
WestWave Capital, possesses a unique narrative
rooted in entrepreneurship. His venture capital
odyssey commenced with a stint as an entrepreneur,
drawing from early roles at tech giants Oracle and
VMware.
Gaurav’s entrepreneurial zeal manifested in CliQr
Technologies, an early player in multi-cloud
management platforms. Raising multiple funding
rounds from prominent venture firms, including
Foundation Capital and Google Ventures, provided
Gaurav with a profound understanding of the venture
capital ecosystem. Post-acquisition by Cisco in 2016, he
gained insights into corporate perspectives on investing
in and acquiring startups.
Transitioning from entrepreneur to mentor, Gaurav
leveraged his extensive experience to guide startup
founders in crafting compelling business plans and
securing funding from top VCs. Recognizing his impact
in these early stages of startup formation, Gaurav
contemplated a shift to a full-time venture career.
Serendipity struck when Warren Weiss, an early
investor and board member from Gaurav’s CliQr
journey, initiated WestWave Capital. Their established
trust and collaboration made joining WestWave Capital
a natural and thrilling progression.
Proven Success, Future Collaborations
“WestWave Capital’s vision is both simple and impactful,”
declares Gaurav. In today’s ever-evolving landscape,
trillion-dollar industries are undergoing radical
transformations spurred by technological revolutions.
“We’re on the lookout for early-stage tech startups,” Gaurav
asserts, “that are crafting the digital building blocks for the
modern enterprise.” WestWave Capital is dedicated to
supporting authentic founders, those who are domain
experts, possess a strong future vision and are
committed to creating technologically advanced
products, platforms, or solutions. The firm recognizes
the challenges of this endeavor, focusing on startups
that tackle the fundamental complexities of these
innovations. Navigating the currents of industry
disruption, WestWave Capital is emerging as a strategic
ally, championing the authentic architects of
technological progress.
“Our track record and founders’ endorsements speak for
themselves,” asserts Gaurav. Positioned as an active
investor, he extends an invitation, stating, “We
encourage your readers too to talk to us if they have an
innovative and transformational idea. We would love the
opportunity to have a discussion!”
WestWave Capital, with its proven track record and the
backing of satisfied founders, welcomes conversations
with those harboring groundbreaking ideas. Seeking a
strategic and supportive partner for their innovative
ventures, WestWave Capital emerges as an inviting
platform for fruitful discussions and potential
collaboration.
Celebrating Milestones
“Despite being a young firm at just around five years old,
our venture at WestWave Capital has been vibrant and
impactful,” shares Gaurav. In this short span, the firm has
made significant strides, funding over 60 startups,
successfully raising two venture funds, and expanding
its dedicated team. Gaurav reflects on the true measure
of success, noting, “What gives us most satisfaction is
when we see our founders grow their startups and realize
milestones and exits that they find meaningful, and that we
have been able to help them along that journey.”
WestWave Capital takes pride in witnessing the
tangible outcomes of its support, evident when
founders return for subsequent ventures or become
investors in the firm’s funds. Gaurav highlights these
moments as significant ‘wins’ in the firm’s brief yet
impactful history, emphasizing the deep satisfaction
derived from fostering the growth and success of the
startups they back.
“We stay ahead of such
uncertain es fundamentally
by first inves ng in
companies that are driving
long term changes and
hence more immune to such
short-term changes.”

Trust, Transparency and Value
“As a business, our primary aim is to ‘maximize returns for
our Limited Partners, i.e., our investors’ by strategically
funding and managing investments in startups,” declares
Gaurav. The firm recognizes that the key to achieving
this goal lies in effective collaboration with other
venture firms and corporate venture arms. Gaurav
emphasizes that building successful partnerships
requires a foundation of “trust” and a commitment to
driving value in the co-investments.
At WestWave Capital, transparency is the cornerstone,
as Gaurav notes, “Sharing the good and bad transparently
and finding solutions collaboratively with our partners has
resulted in earning respect from our peers and finding new
opportunities to work on together.” This approach not
only fosters respect within the industry but also opens
doors to new collaborative ventures aligning with the
firm’s overarching mission of maximizing returns and
creating lasting value for its investors.
Ahead of the Game
“At WestWave Capital, our focus is on investing in
companies that are going to shape the future of
enterprise computing,” affirms Gaurav as the forward-
thinking leader behind the investment firm. As startup
investors, their unique perspective involves
consistently anticipating the future by examining the
cutting edge of the technology curve well before
widespread adoption. This strategic approach
positions WestWave Capital at the forefront of
innovation, paving the way for early investments in

technologies poised to redefine the landscape of
enterprise computing.
Funding the Future
“Innovation is at the core of what we do, as we ‘fund
innovation - often so disruptive that incumbents are
unable to espouse it due to the Innovator’s Dilemma,”‘
explains Gaurav. The firm adopts a strategic and
proactive stance on innovation, employing a ‘thesis-
driven approach’ to identify groundbreaking
opportunities.
Gaurav highlights the methodology, saying, “We look at
large technology trends and within those strategic concepts
that we predict will change the landscape for the longer
term.” These thesis areas, carefully curated through the
firm’s own experience, industry knowledge and
collaboration with domain experts, guide WestWave
Capital in actively seeking startups that align with these
visionary concepts. The pulse of innovation in the
startup landscape—WestWave Capital emerges as a
forward-thinking catalyst, shaping the future of
technology through strategic and disruptive investment
choices.
Investing in Future Success
“As a VC firm, WestWave Capital recognizes that we serve
two customers, our startups and our LPs,” emphasizes
Gaurav. The firm operates with a clear understanding
that success for startups translates into driving a higher
portfolio return for Limited Partners (LPs). Gaurav
highlights the firm’s distinctive approach toward
startups, noting, “Particularly for our startups, we take a
patient approach to helping them.”
Drawing from their experience as former startup
operators, WestWave Capital acknowledges the
inevitable ups and downs of early-stage ventures,
requiring patience, time and persistence to find
product-market fit. The firm’s commitment to
supporting founders through the challenging initial
phases of their startup journey reflects not only the
challenges but the immense rewards both for
WestWave Capital and the startups they nurture. In the
dynamics of VC support, WestWave Capital stands as a
patient and dedicated ally in the unpredictable world of
startups.
Ecosystem Enrichment
“At WestWave Capital, sustainable growth is not just a goal,
but a disciplined approach,” asserts Gaurav. The strategy
hinges on two crucial elements, as Gaurav explains,
“Firstly, by taking a careful and disciplined approach to
investing, we ensure that our investments are right-sized
when we initially invest in a company while keeping
reserves for potential future investments.” This meticulous
investment approach sets the foundation for long-term
success.
Gaurav underscores the significance of actively
nurturing the firm’s ecosystem and network, stating,
“Maintaining a very active ecosystem and network where
we are able to access hundreds of new startup companies is
our second approach.” This robust network becomes the
lifeline for investment opportunities, enabling
WestWave Capital to stay at the forefront of
innovation and selectively choose the best
opportunities aligned with their strategic these areas.

Strategic Investments, Strategic Impact
“At WestWave Capital, our most compelling stories unfold
when we see our startups succeed in achieving their
milestones,” shares Gaurav. Two shining examples of
their impactful investments are Accurics and Spectro
Cloud. Gaurav reflects on Accurics, a cloud-security
company aligned with their thesis around shift-left
security. Within a short period, Accurics validated
WestWave Capital’s thesis by being acquired by
Tenable, marking a significant shift-left security
adoption.
Another success is Spectro Cloud, a pioneer in multi-
cloud-and-edge Kubernetes (K8S) management.
WestWave Capital’s early pre-seed investment
positioned them as key players in driving innovation,
introducing concepts like running K8S on bare-metal
edge environments and hybrid management of VMs
and Containers.
Gaurav proudly notes the enterprise interest in Spectro
Cloud, with notable clients like T-Mobile and GE
Healthcare, and the recent participation of Qualcomm
Ventures in the company’s Series B round. These
success stories exemplify WestWave Capital’s
commitment to shaping the industry landscape and
backing startups that redefine the future of enterprise
computing. For readers seeking impactful investment
narratives, WestWave Capital stands as a beacon of
foresight and achievement in the dynamic world of
startup ventures.
Tech, Diversity, Responsibility
“At WestWave Capital, we recognize that with new
technologies, there are potential new threats to our society,”
acknowledges Gaurav. He underscores the critical
investment focus on startups that can harness
technology to counter emerging threats. Gaurav
highlights a current area of interest, stating, “Currently,
we are very interested in startups that may enable socially
responsible use of new Gen AI technologies.” The firm
places a strong emphasis on social responsibility,
extending to the composition of founding teams.
Gaurav notes that it is important to social responsibility
is also fund founding teams with diverse backgrounds
and heritages.
WestWave Capital believes that embracing diversity
not only aligns with social responsibility but also
enhances portfolio diversification, a cornerstone of
sound investment strategy. About the societal
implications of emerging technologies, WestWave
Capital stands as a proactive investor, dedicated to
fostering responsible innovation and diversity within
the startup ecosystem.
Resilience in Uncertainty
“The past year, marked by Covid and economic slowdown,
posed challenges for many businesses,” acknowledges
Gaurav. Even within their portfolio, some companies
faced uncertain growth. Gaurav reflects on the firm’s
commitment, stating, “We were able to and continue to
mentor and guide these startups on the best strategies so
that they could continue building innovative businesses
while still maintaining a healthy runway, to see them
through such times.”
The approach is nuanced and individualized, with
Gaurav noting, “On a case-by-case basis, we are able to
guide each startup on strategic choices such as raising more
capital vs. slowing down cash burn.” WestWave Capital’s
dedication to supporting startups through challenging
times exemplifies its role as not just an investor but a
strategic partner, ensuring the sustained growth and
resilience of the businesses it backs.
Market Mastery
“At WestWave Capital, we recognize that market dynamics
change all the time esp. over shorter terms,” states Gaurav.
“A strong network allows
us to keep up to date with
the latest innova on and
be able to select the best
investment opportuni es
that meet our theses
areas.”

Gaa
He navigates the challenges of the
ever-changing market by adopting a long-
term perspective in early-stage venture
investing.
Gaurav emphasizes the firm’s strategy, it
often takes years for a startup to go from 0
to IPO, acknowledging the journey
involves navigating through market
fluctuations and emerging trends.
WestWave Capital positions itself
strategically by investing in companies
driving long-term changes, providing
immunity to short-term fluctuations.
Gaurav notes, “We also look for technologies
that are adaptable and extensible so that
when new trends appear, such startups can
easily adapt too.” The firm maintains a
balanced approach, ensuring a steady hand
at the wheel. Gaurav advises to maintain a
steady pace and the curve smoothens out
over the long term, illustrating WestWave
Capital’s commitment to consistent,
measured investment strategies that
weather market cycles for sustained
success.
Innovation Beyond Investment
“At WestWave Capital, we’re poised for
greatness with the companies we’ve invested
in,” declares Gaurav. He underscores the
firm’s commitment, stating, “Our goal is that
as a disciplined and thoughtful investor that is
a strategic partner to our startups, we will help build and grow
the next generation of foundational enterprise technology
companies – the Microsofts, Googles, Ciscos, and Oracles of the
future.” WestWave Capital positions itself not just as an
investor but as a strategic partner, aiming to play a pivotal
role in shaping the landscape of future enterprise technology
giants.
“Helping our founders
through this difficult first
phase of their startup
journey can be a
challenging yet very
rewarding experience for
us and them.”

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Know your Leader
eadership is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a range of
Lqualities, skills, and behaviors. Effective leaders possess certain traits
that set them apart and enable them to guide and inspire others
towards a common goal. While leadership styles may vary, there are several
core traits that define the concept of leadership. In this article, we will
explore some of these key traits that are often associated with successful
leadership.
Vision:
A strong leader is someone who possesses a clear vision and can articulate it
to others. They have a forward-thinking mindset and the ability to set goals
and objectives that align with their vision. By effectively communicating this
vision, leaders can motivate and inspire their team, creating a sense of
purpose and direction.
Integrity:
Integrity is a fundamental trait of successful leaders. Leaders with integrity
are honest, ethical, and demonstrate a strong sense of moral values. They act
in a manner consistent with their words and are transparent in their actions.
Leaders who exhibit integrity gain the trust and respect of their team
members, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Confidence:
Confidence is essential for leaders to make tough decisions and navigate
challenging situations. Leaders who exude confidence inspire trust and instill
a sense of assurance in their team members. This trait enables leaders to take
calculated risks, motivate their team, and handle adversity with composure.
Effective Communication:
Leadership relies heavily on effective communication. Leaders must possess
strong communication skills to convey their ideas, expectations, and
feedback clearly. They actively listen to their team members,
www.ciolook.com | February 2024 |
16
Traits that Define the
Concepts
of Leadership

www.ciolook.com | 2024 |
February
17

encourage open dialogue, and provide constructive
feedback. Clear and concise communication helps
prevent misunderstandings, ensures alignment, and
fosters a collaborative work environment.
Empathy:
Empathy is a trait that enables leaders to understand
and connect with their team members on a deeper
level. Effective leaders genuinely care about the well-
being and development of their team. They
demonstrate empathy by actively listening, considering
others' perspectives, and providing support when
needed. By showing empathy, leaders can build strong
relationships, boost morale, and create a culture of
trust and collaboration.
Adaptability:
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world,
adaptability is a crucial trait for leaders. Successful
leaders are flexible and open-minded, willing to
embrace new ideas and approaches. They can adapt
their strategies and plans to meet evolving challenges
and seize opportunities. By demonstrating adaptability,
leaders inspire their team members to be flexible and
resilient in the face of change.
Accountability:
Leaders who take accountability for their actions and
decisions set a positive example for their team. They
accept responsibility for both successes and failures,
acknowledging their role in the outcome. By holding
themselves accountable, leaders create a culture of
accountability within their team, fostering a sense of
ownership and encouraging continuous improvement.
Decisiveness:
Leaders must be able to make decisions in a timely and
effective manner. They gather relevant information,
weigh the pros and cons, and take decisive action. This
trait instills confidence in team members and ensures
progress towards organizational goals.
Resilience:
Leadership often involves facing challenges and
setbacks. Resilient leaders have the ability to bounce
back from failures, learn from them, and keep moving
forward. They remain focused and determined in the
face of adversity, inspiring their team to do the same.
Inspiring and Motivating:
Effective leaders have the power to inspire and
motivate their team members. They have a positive
attitude, lead by example, and encourage their team to
perform at their best. By fostering a supportive and
motivating environment, leaders bring out the best in
their team and help them achieve their full potential.
Delegation:
Leaders understand the importance of delegating tasks
and responsibilities. They trust their team members
and empower them to take ownership of their work.
Delegation not only lightens the leader's workload but
also fosters skill development and growth within the
team.
Lifelong Learning:
Great leaders have a thirst for knowledge and a
commitment to continuous learning. They stay updated
on industry trends, seek out new perspectives, and
invest in their personal and professional growth. This
trait enables leaders to adapt to change, innovate, and
stay ahead of the curve.
Empowerment:
Successful leaders empower their team members by
giving them autonomy and the authority to make
decisions. They provide guidance and support while
allowing individuals to take ownership of their work.
Empowered team members feel valued, motivated and
are more likely to contribute their best efforts.
Leadership is a complex concept, but certain traits are
often associated with effective leadership. Vision,
integrity, confidence, effective communication,
empathy, adaptability, and accountability are some key
traits that define successful leaders. By developing and
embodying these traits, individuals can enhance their
leadership skills and positively influence those around
them.
18

Leadership Talks
Understanding the
Diverse Leadership
Approaches in the
Arena
Dynamic Business
n the dynamic business arena, leadership approaches can vary signiﬁcantly based on the
Isituation, the team, and the goals of the organization. Leaders must be able to adapt to
different styles of leadership to meet the ever-changing demands of today's business
world. This article will explore the different leadership approaches and their applicability in
the diverse business environment.
Autocratic Leadership
An autocratic leadership style is a top-down approach where the leader makes all decisions
without input from the team. This approach can be effective in situations where a quick
decision needs to be made, and time is of the essence. However, it can lead to low morale and
a lack of motivation in the team, as they feel their ideas are not being heard.
Clear direction and accountability: Autocratic leaders are often very clear about what they
expect from their subordinates. They provide clear directions and guidelines, which can help
ensure that everyone is on the same page.
20

In addition, since the leader is the one
making the decisions, they are accountable
for the outcomes. This can help ensure
that there is a clear chain of command and
that everyone knows who is responsible
for what.
Democratic Leadership
Democratic leadership involves the leader
working collaboratively with the team to
make decisions. This approach can be
effective in situations where the team has
a high level of expertise, and the leader
trusts their input. It can lead to a more
engaged and motivated team, as they feel
they are part of the decision-making
process. However, it can also be time-
consuming, as the team may need to reach
a consensus before a decision is made.
Increased creativity and innovation: When
team members are involved in the
decision-making process, they are more
likely to feel valued and engaged.
21

This can lead to increased creativity and innovation, as
team members are more likely to share their ideas and
perspectives. In a democratic leadership environment,
team members are encouraged to brainstorm and
suggest alternative solutions, which can lead to a more
diverse range of ideas and, ultimately, better outcomes.
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their
team to achieve their goals. They focus on the bigger
picture and encourage their team to think creatively
and take risks. This approach can be effective in
situations where the team needs to innovate and adapt
quickly to changing circumstances. It can lead to a more
engaged and motivated team, but it requires a high
level of trust and collaboration between the leader and
the team.
Increased motivation and engagement: Transformational
leaders inspire their followers to achieve their full
potential by setting high standards, providing guidance
and support, and modeling behavior. This can help
increase motivation and engagement among followers,
as they feel empowered to take ownership of their
work and strive for excellence. Transformational
leaders also foster a sense of purpose and meaning,
which can help followers feel more connected to their
work and the organization's mission.
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership is a more traditional approach
where the leader sets clear goals and rewards the team
for meeting them. This approach can be effective in
situations where the team needs to meet speciﬁc
targets and deadlines. It can lead to a more results-
oriented team, but it can also create a culture of
competition and individualism rather than
collaboration.
Clear expectations and accountability: Transactional
leaders provide clear expectations for their followers
and hold them accountable for meeting those
expectations. This can help ensure that everyone is on
the same page and working towards the same goals. In
addition, followers know what is expected of them and
what they need to do to be rewarded or avoid
punishment.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is a philosophy that places the needs
of the team ﬁrst. The leader serves the team and
supports them in achieving their goals. This approach
can be effective in situations where the team needs
support and guidance to reach their full potential. It can
lead to a more engaged and motivated team, but it
requires a high level of empathy and emotional
intelligence from the leader.
Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-faire leadership is a hands-off approach where
the leader delegates tasks to the team and allows them
to work independently. This approach can be effective
in situations where the team has a high level of
expertise and self-motivation. It can lead to a more
creative and innovative team, but it requires a high
level of trust and collaboration between the leader and
the team.
Promoting creativity and innovation: When subordinates
are given the freedom to make decisions and manage
their own work, they are more likely to take ownership
and think creatively about how to solve problems. This
can lead to increased innovation and new ideas that
may not have been generated under a more restrictive
leadership style.
In conclusion, understanding the diverse leadership
approaches in the dynamic business arena is essential
for leaders who want to achieve success. Effective
leaders must be able to adapt their leadership style to
meet the needs of their team and the situation they are
facing.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of
each approach, leaders can create a culture of
collaboration, innovation, and engagement that drives
their organization towards success.
22

Showcasing the Best Partners in Business

Showcasing the Best Partners in Business

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