World’s Visionary Leaders Making A Difference in Middle East, 2024

Vol. 02 | Issue 08 | February 2024

World’s Visionary Leaders Making A
Difference in Middle East, 2024
Business management has definitely evolved throughout
time. These changes usually reflect the dominant cultural
and economic patterns. In today's society, customers
want to support companies that are dedicated to making
a difference in the world. Businesses can only do this
with forward-thinking leadership.
Visionary leaders have the ability to drastically change
their organizations' course. These managers provide their
employees a feeling of purpose and guidance toward
more significant goals. Visionary leaders motivate their
employees and clientele as a result. There are several
ways to be a visionary leader. Not everyone is shaped in
the same manner as a leader.
World's leaders in its latest edition “World's Visionary
Leaders Making A Difference in Middle East, 2024”
sheds some light on the importance and role of
leadership and business leaders in economic
development and society. The cover features President &
CEO of Megamind IT Solutions, Hamza Batterjee, who
epitomizes the essence of modern leadership – youthful,
insightful, and forward-thinking. Under his stewardship,
Megamind IT Solutions has transcended boundaries,
embracing a trajectory of growth and expansion driven
by an unwavering commitment to excellence. At the
heart of Hamza's leadership philosophy lies a singular
mantra: "Excellence – by design and not by chance."
This guiding principle has propelled Megamind IT
Solutions to new heights, fostering a culture of
entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic foresight on a
global scale.
Recognizing that success in the business landscape
demands more than mere titles, Hamza understands the
pivotal role of innovation and customer-centricity in
driving growth. His strategic focus on the healthcare
services and technology vertical underscores Megamind
IT Solutions' commitment to leveraging technology-
enabled solutions for enhancing patient care and
operationalefficiencyacross thehealthcareecosystem.
While we come to the end, please do not forget to read
the CXO standpoints written by industry experts and the
informative articles penned down by our in-house
editorial team.
Business
Revolutionaries
Have a lovely read!

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Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez
Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar
Executive Editor Nicole Williams
Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal
Art & Design Director Jack Anderson
Business Development Manager Mia Oliver
Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey
Associate Designer Kevin Rust
Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke
Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh
Marketing Manager Tom Swann
Technical Specialist Barry Jones
Circulation Manager Danny Parker
CREDIT PAGE
February 2024

08
Cover
Story
Leading by Passion,
Persistence, Patience
and Technology
Hamza
Batterjee

Asil Attar
Ben Knoeﬂer
Khalid Fagih
Renata Liuzzi
Nisreen Shocair
Noor Al Muhaideb
Denis Sorin
Maqbool Al Wahaibi
Dina and Nermine
Abdel Fattah
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50
44
40
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26
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16

Elevating Brand Messages
in the MENA Region
Dina & Nermine
Abdel Fa ah
16 | February 2024

A Comprehensive Suite of Services
Exlnt Communications stands as the communication partner of choice
for numerous brands covering a wide array of industries. With a rich
portfolio that includes banking, real estate, FMCGs, information
technology, telecommunications, retail, e-commerce, consumer
electronics, industrial processes and manufacturing, energy, medical
technology, automotive, tourism, and travel, Exlnt has become a
pivotal force in orchestrating PR strategies for over 20 years.
Dina and Nermine emphasise that Exlnt Communication's 360-degree
product offerings cater to diverse business models and sectors. The
agency provides a comprehensive suite of services, including Public
and Government Relations, Advertising and BTL (Below the Line),
Branding, Reporting, Digital Marketing, and Media Buying. This
holistic approach forms a 360-degree marketing strategy for each
campaign, ensuring that clients' brands stand out and leave a lasting
impact on their target audience.
Exlnt Communications, formerly
Excellent Communications D&N, was
founded in 2003 by the dynamic duo
Dina Abdel Fattah and Nermine Abdel
Fattah. The two sisters, leveraging their
combined resources, networks, and
expertise acquired over two decades,
embarked on a mission to provide
comprehensive communication services.
Their vision was clear: To merge
exceptional expertise with 360-degree
communication services, fostering
enduring partnerships that deliver
significant value to their clients.
The inspiration behind Exlnt
Communications emerged from Nermine
and Dina's admiration for the incredible
talents she observed in her homeland.
After witnessing remarkable
achievements despite modest PR
strategies to build a public image, they
felt compelled to contribute. They aimed
to establish a PR agency that offered
strategic communication counsel,
elevated brand awareness and managed
public photos to spotlight the journeys
and accomplishments of these inspiring
brands. This vision propelled Exlnt
Communications to become a leading PR
company dedicated to crafting brand
messages that effectively reach their
intended audience.
Over the past decade, Exlnt has been a
catalyst for transforming corporate
communications and successfully
handling over 100 projects spanning
diverse business sectors. In 2020, Exlnt
Communications achieved a significant
milestone by becoming part of United
Media Services (UMS), the largest media
conglomerate in the MENA region. This
strategic move further solidified its
position in the industry, opening new
avenues for growth and collaboration.
18 | February 2024

Ben
Ben
Knoeﬂer
Crafting a Multifaceted Business Model and
Leadership for KCi Group's Success
worldsleaders.com | 27

The
foundation of KCi Group was built upon the
belief that they could achieve what others
couldn't. This ambition didn't stem solely from
their exceptional business acumen, but rather
from a shared vision for the future of their
companies and clients that has been 10 years
in the making since its inauguration. Their
journey commenced as a modest family
holding and has since blossomed into a
multinational conglomerate with diverse
expertise in international trade and trade
consulting. As a global entity, they
acknowledge the unique challenges stemming
from their diversification and approach every
interaction with this awareness.
With over two decades of expertise in the
industry, Ben Knoefler, Chairman at KCi, has
main goals for the company which are to
continually improve its concurrent operations,
make it simpler for the group of companies to
enter new markets.
His work is highlighted by accuracy in
analysis, the creation of specific plans, and the
carrying out of a customized strategy to tailor
to each situation. Ben has continually
demonstrated via his broad experience a
profound awareness of other cultures,
remarkable social skills, powerful leadership
talents, and an amazing can-do attitude. These
characteristics have helped him carry out
multiple projects successfully on a worldwide
scale. His passion and efficiency in thriving
and growing the KCi brand is testified to by his
international reputation as a business leader
and expert in his field.
28 | February 2024

The foundation of KCi Group was built upon the belief
that they could achieve what others couldn't. This
ambition didn't stem solely from their exceptional
business acumen, but rather from a shared vision for the
future of their companies and clients that has been 10
years in the making since its inauguration. Their journey
commenced as a modest family holding and has since
blossomed into a multinational conglomerate with
diverse expertise in international trade and trade
consulting. As a global entity, they acknowledge the
unique challenges stemming from their diversification
and approach every interaction with this awareness.
With over two decades of expertise in the industry, Ben
Knoefler, Chairman at KCi, has main goals for the
company which are to continually improve its concurrent
operations, make it simpler for the group of companies
to enter new markets.
His work is highlighted by accuracy in analysis, the
creation of specific plans, and the carrying out of a
customized strategy to tailor to each situation. Ben has
continually demonstrated via his broad experience a
profound awareness of other cultures, remarkable social
skills, powerful leadership talents, and an amazing can-
do attitude. These characteristics have helped him carry
out multiple projects successfully on a worldwide scale.
His passion and efficiency in thriving and growing the
KCi brand is testified to by his international reputation as
a business leader and expert in his field.

Denis
Denis
Denis
Sorin
Sorin
Sorin
Redeﬁning Hospitality in
Emerging Markets by
Mastering Hospitality
Excellence

The Center
Amsa Hospitality, a novel Saudi
Arabian venture, melds expertise
with daring visions. Positioned as the
'hallmark of Arabian hospitality,'
Amsa Hospitality aims to bring
centuries-old Arabian traditions of
welcoming and generosity into
alignment with the expectations of
today's guests.
The company ﬁrmly believes in
being the hallmark of Arabian
hospitality by introducing novel
solutions and proposals to an
industry that is currently in the
process of reshaping itself. As a
Citizen Company championing
Corporate Social Responsibility,
Amsa Hospitality reimagines hotels,
embracing challenges to innovate
and grow while honoring their roots.
Amsa Hospitality's cutting-edge
facilities revolutionize hospitality,
adapting timeless Arabian traditions
for discerning business travelers and
exceeding expectations by proposing
quality lifestyle midscale properties
in carefully selected locations.
Forging a Powerful Partnership
Amsa Hospitality has established
itself as one of the fastest-growing
companies in the hospitality industry.
The company is presently in the
process of expanding its portfolio in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
boasting a remarkable collection of
over 18 properties, and has ambitious
plans to add more in Saudi Arabia
and the GCC before venturing into
the global market.
In a signiﬁcant collaboration that
took place in May 2023, Amsa
Hospitality and the world-renowned
hospitality giant, Accor, joined
forces. The objective of this
partnership is to develop economy
and midscale branded properties
strategically located in carefully
selected second-tier cities throughout
Saudi Arabia. The alliance is set to
last for 10 years, aiming to capitalize
on the combined expertise and
strengths of both companies to
deliver exceptional hospitality
experiences in these emerging
markets.
Quest to Establish Amsa
Hospitality as a Global Hospitality
Powerhouse
Amsa Hospitality is currently in its
early stages of development, with
grand aspirations for the future. The
company has set its sights on
32 | February 2024

With an extensive and
diverse background of over
30 years in the hospitality
industry, Denis Sorin brings a
wealth of expertise to the
table. Having held executive
positions in renowned hotel
groups worldwide, he has
mastered the art of building
exceptional hotel brands
from scratch. His approach
combines a harmonious
blend of creativity, strategic
marketing, and operational
excellence, igniting his drive
for success.
Denis serves as the
esteemed leader at Amsa
Hospitality, where he is
responsible for shaping the
company's strategic and
operational direction. He
uses his extensive experience
to guide the organization
toward sustainable growth,
profitability, and overall
success. He focuses on
accomplishing ambitious
goals and objectives,
propelling the company to
new heights within the
industry.
W
unveiling its distinctive Arabian
lifestyle hotel brand in the fourth
quarter of 2024 and has even more
ambitious plans to extend its global
presence by establishing properties in
key cities across the world.
Drawing inspiration from esteemed
hospitality pioneers like Conrad
Hilton and Gérard Pélisson, the co-
founder of Accor, Denis leads the
charge as an entrepreneur dedicated
to carefully implementing the
exceptional vision established by
Mohammad Alathel – Amsa
Hospitality creator.
Motivated by their unwavering
dedication and remarkable
achievements in the industry, Denis
is determined to make Amsa
Hospitality a prominent player in the
market. He views this venture as a
lifelong project, fueled by an
unwavering passion and relentless
determination.
Denis firmly believes that in the fast-
paced world of today, new leaders
must have the ability to quickly grasp
and address the expectations of their
teams and customers. The old
management styles are no longer
effective, and long-term success
depends on a leader's capacity to
constantly think outside the box,
actively listen to both verbal and
non-verbal communication, learn
from mistakes and competitors'
triumphs, and above all, persistently
challenge themselves to forge ahead.
Vision for Fulfilling and Inclusive
Jobs
According to Denis, far too many
individuals find themselves trapped
in jobs they dislike, making work
feel like a burdensome chore.
Considering that we spend at least a
third of our lives working, he
believes that both society and
people's lives would significantly
benefit from ensuring everyone has a
fulfilling job, no matter the nature of
the work.
The key to making work enjoyable is
straightforward in principle but
challenging to put into practice. It
involves replacing authoritative
micro-managing bosses with true
leaders who genuinely care for their
employees and the overall success of
the company, rather than solely
pursuing their personal interests.

Accepting New Challenges
Transitioning from a lifelong career in
banking to a new industry at RSI has
been the most significant decision in
Khalid's professional life. This switch
entailed navigating a completely
different landscape in terms of nature,
processes, applications, operations,
business development, and market risk.
Undoubtedly, it posed a significant
challenge, one that continues to be an
ongoing journey. However, it is
precisely this challenge that adds to the
intrigue and fuels Khalid's
determination and commitment.
In today's fast-paced business world,
the notion of planning for the "next
five years" has become outdated.
Technologies, market dynamics,
delivery speed, collaborations,
partnerships, and ever-evolving
technological advancements constantly
present new opportunities and shorten
the path to success. Each day brings
forth opportunities for growth,
performance, and achievement. The
choice of how to navigate and seize
these opportunities lies in one's hands.
About RED SEA
INTERNATIONAL
In a rapidly evolving world
characterized by development, change,
challenges, and opportunities,
businesses and organizations must
embrace continuous learning, evolve
with maturity, and adopt a clear vision
for the future, accompanied by a
practical roadmap. Success in the
future will be achieved by offering
solutions that are comprehensive,
effective, and simple. It is crucial for
businesses to envision and build
processes that are streamlined,
efficient, and environmentally
conscious, utilizing renewable ideas
and elements.
As a Saudi Arabian business entity, this
is an opportune time for growth and
development, with numerous
opportunities presented to existing and
innovative ideas. Khalid recognizes
Saudi Arabia as a nation under
visionary leadership, transforming its
landscape and global position through
the historic blueprint of "Vision 2030."
This ambitious transformation plan
provides an expansive platform for
growth, particularly for those who are
intuitive and adaptive. Therefore, any
strategy adopted must be focused on
readiness to capitalize on the vast
landscape of opportunities offered by
Vision 2030. RSI, as a company, is
positioning itself with determination to
seek out ideas for growth within this
vast canvas. However, this requires a
strong sense of readiness, capability,
and commitment.
Just as individuals evolve and
strengthen over time through learning
and assimilation, companies and
corporations also undergo a similar
process. RSI is no exception to this
reality. Over the past two years, the
company has reimagined its business
nature and repositioned itself to
address the opportunities that are
ahead. RSI has embraced a broader
vision, offering a wider range of
solutions to its international customer
base. It is still a long road ahead but
with the right focus on re-organization
and re-prioritization based on the fast
eveolving market scenario, it will be
imperative to make the right decisions
assessing risks and planning principles.
RSI, a Saudi Arabian company with a
global presence spanning several
decades, has built a reputable brand by
designing, planning, producing,
managing, and operating housing
solutions and facilities management
services across 65 countries. In today's
global business landscape, the ability
to provide multi-faceted solutions is
critical. This outlook expands the
market universe and provides a larger
platform for customer growth. In
addition to the traditional oil and gas
markets, RSI is diversifying its product
portfolio into new sectors such as
health, hospitality, education, and
residential, where there is a growing
demand for its solutions.
RSI is now investing in the real estate
spectrum to support and collaborate
with successful ventures in real estate
investment, a rapidly developing field
of hospitality projects, and various
entities across the commercial sector.
This expanded positioning offers
strong growth potential and
consolidates RSI's capabilities to
provide multiple solutions under its
established brand. Additionally,
diversifying revenue streams through
increased rental and leasing options
will be an area of opportunity and
growth as RSI moves away from a
manufacturing-focused business
model. Facilities management is also a
critically important segment, and RSI
aims to grow its presence and become
a regional and international leader in
this field. The company's innovative
solutions are reflected in its diverse
product portfolio and successful track
record across industry sectors, firmly
establishing its reputation as a
successful player in the field of
imaginative engineering. Most recently
under Khalid's leadership RSI also
announced the acquisition of 51% of
the share capital of The Fundamental
Installation for Electric Work Company
Ltd - better known as 'First Fix' and
valued at Saudi Riyals 1.06 billion.
This acquisition strengthens the
framework of RSI which synergizes
with First Fix as an internal group
entity that will further augment the
speed of project delivery and quality
excellence
36 | February 2024

Vision for RSI's Global Success
From Khalid's personal standpoint, he envisions RSI as a globally esteemed
corporation, highly regarded for its qualities of Quality, Integrity, Innovation,
Reliability, Imagination, and Service. By embodying these attributes, RSI can attain
an unbeatable position in the market, which is exactly where Khalid aspires the
company to be. To achieve this, Khalid emphasizes the importance of fostering
innovation and imagination within the team to complement RSI's core capabilities.
This approach is essential for expanding RSI's footprint and maintaining its
leadership position within the industry.

Eng. Maqbool Al Wahaibi
CEO
Oman Data Park
40 | February 2024

Maqbool
Al Wahaibi
Leading by diversiﬁed Experience in ICT Engineering, So ware
Development, Business Startups and Leadership
Eng.

Maqbool Al Wahaibi is the Chief
Executive Officer of Oman Data Park
(ODP), the first managed and cloud
service provider in Oman. He was a
key contributor to the creation of
solutions specifically suited to the
needs of banks, financial institutions,
the oil and gas industry, the
healthcare industry, the government,
the educational system, and the
professional services sector. He is a
member of the executive
management team and a founding
team member of ODP. His diverse
experience spans more than 20 years
in ICT engineering, software
development, business startup, and
leadership.
Maqbool has an MBA from
Strathclyde University in the UK and a
Master of Science in Computer
Software Engineering from the
University of York. At the 2018 Annual
AIWA Awards, he was named
Technology Person of the Year. In 2019,
Oman Data Park received the
Excellence for Global Cloud-Based
Services award. ODP currently
provides services to 600 corporate
clients, including big, medium-sized,
and small businesses.
Life prior to Starting
Professional Work
Maqbool attended the
Royal Guard School of
Technology, an Oman-
based military
technology boarding
school, for his
secondary and primary
education. Later, he
received a government
scholarship to pursue his further education, including a
bachelor's degree in engineering in information
technology from Staffordshire University in the UK, a
master's degree in software engineering from York
University in the UK, and an MBA from Strathclyde
University in Scotland.
He began working for the government as a software
developer and advanced through the ranks to general
manager of an IT division.
Oman Data Park
Maqbool was a member of the founding team
(shareholders) of Oman Data Park SAOC (ODP), which
was established in 2012. Maqbool helped ODP develop
and become a success story. The stockholders
approached him about starting the first cloud service
provider in Oman. He jumped out of the government
sector to bring up ODP because he thought the idea was
good.
It was difficult to start a business from scratch in a tiny,
conservative market like Oman with a brand-new set of
services like cloud services and data center services. It
calls for intense concentration driven by enthusiasm, a
thorough awareness of the risk variables, and a great
deal of attention. Maqbool was fortunate to possess all of
those qualities, which were undoubtedly helpful. He
shares, "Our first client was a bank. In Oman, the first
Islamic bank (Nizwa Bank) was established. We sold the
idea to the bank to collocate all of their infrastructure in
ODP, rather than building a data center of their own, it
was an opportunity we didn't want to miss." However,
having to deal with all the legislative and security
components was not an easy thing to do. Before
L
42 | February 2024

discussing the financial benefits and
the total cost of ownership that the
bank would have by getting their IT
core banking infrastructure into
ODP—something that hadn't been
done in the region before—the
company had to make the case to the
legislative bodies and challenge the
risk and security departments of the
bank.
Oman Data Park has managed to
accumulate a tremendous amount of
experience in offering cloud
managed services over the past ten
years while serving more than 600
organizations.
A Leader with Values and Ideals
Maqbool takes care of his team and
gives them the most respect and self-
confidence possible in his role as a
leader. When it comes to his
consumers, he makes sure they
receive the greatest possible service.
The next group of people are his
partners; ODP could not succeed
without them. His board of directors,
who must be supportive and in
agreement, comes last.
Maqbool is a guy of action, and he
frequently exemplifies this for his
colleagues. He makes the most of
every chance to ensure that the
business has a culture of discipline
toward execution with excellence
and the highest level of customer
service. With quality service,
Maqbool and his team win new
clients and maintain them forever. He
makes certain that the team sees that
on him personally so that they can
follow. He asserts, "To me, discipline
comes first, and that really helps the
execution part of the vision. A leader
should also be passionate about
what he or she does. It is also

Nisreen
Shocair
Meet Nisreen Shocair, Group Chief Transformation
Officer for Middle East, Africa and LATAM at Beyond
ONE, whose passion for fashion and keen interest in
the ever-evolving landscape of cultural trends have
propelled her towards remarkable achievements.
With a remarkable career spanning esteemed
organizations such as Viacom, Sony Music,
Bertelsmann AG, and Hearst Entertainment, Nisreen
has consistently gravitated towards industries where
fashion and entertainment intersect.
Nisreen's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration
to aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals
alike. Her unwavering dedication to the worlds of
fashion and entertainment, coupled with her
visionary leadership and commitment to responsible
consumption, make her a true visionary in the
business realm. As she continues to make waves and
leave an indelible mark on the industry, Nisreen
exemplifies the spirit of innovation and creative
evolution that defines the modern business
landscape.
Driving Change and Inspiring the Industry by Unleashing
Fashion's Crea ve Force

Trailblazing at the Intersection of Tech and
Entertainment
In the early 2000s, Nisreen embarked on a journey that
merged technology and entertainment, marking the
beginning of her successful career. Having lived and
worked across different continents, she gained a global
perspective that she now utilizes to establish businesses
focused on immersive experiences, drawing from her love
for culture, history, and art. Recently, her focus has shifted
towards fostering community and enabling collaborative
creation, amplification, and monetization across borders.
She firmly believes that retailers have a crucial role to
play in supporting the well-being of our planet.
Nisreen's accomplishments in the retail and entertainment
industries are highly notable. She has held prestigious
leadership positions, including CEO of a pioneering live
streaming network in the MENA region and President of
Virgin Megastore for the Middle East & North Africa.
Throughout her career, Nisreen has worked with
renowned organizations such as Viacom, Sony Music,
Bertelsmann AG, and Hearst Entertainment.
Actively involved in the retail industry, Nisreen co-chairs
the Retail Leaders Circle, a think tank dedicated to
advancing the Middle East retail sector. Her expertise and
insights make her a sought-after speaker at esteemed
events like the World Retail Congress, Retail Leader's
Circle, Retail Week, and the Financial Times.
Nisreen's achievements have earned her significant
recognition. She has been named Female CEO of the Year
by CEO Middle East and Businesswoman of the Year by
Women in Leadership. Additionally, she consistently
appears on influential lists, including the Arabian
Business 100 Most Powerful Arab Women and Forbes
Middle East's top 100 Most Powerful Arab Women.
Nisreen's unwavering focus on thoughtful consumption
and her dedication to supporting the environment have
made her a driving force in shaping and inspiring the
retail and entertainment industries in the Middle East and
beyond.
Empowering Young Women Leaders
Nisreen advises young emerging
women leaders to prioritize
mentorship for constant
development, emphasizing that
mentors can be peers as well as
higher-ups. She encourages a
mindset of continuous learning
and growth, highlighting the
importance of staying the course
despite the challenges faced in
middle-management. Nisreen also
emphasizes the significance of
sponsoring and supporting other
women, as it fosters trust and a
supportive community.
Networking is essential, as it allows
individuals to showcase their skills
and leverage social connections.
Additionally, she advises knowing
when to stay and when to leave,
ensuring that career decisions are
made on one's own terms. Lastly,
Nisreen emphasizes the
importance of paying it forward
and back, recognizing the
universal language of kindness.
46 | February 2024

Noor Al
Muhaideb
Striving To Craft the Ingredients of Absolute Luxury, Creating Spaces
That are not Only Beautiful, but Breath-taking
Noor Al
Muhaideb
Noor Al Muhaideb is the CEO & Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors and
Detay Living. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the
American University of Sharjah in 2002. She gained her remarkable
portfolio over her ﬁfteen years of professional expertise by implementing
and completing several residential, hotel, and commercial developments
for Emaar Properties.
Clients and coworkers alike hold Noor in high regard for her extraordinary
inventiveness, design sensibility, organizational prowess, and capacity to
lead diverse teams. With an eye for elegance, craftsmanship, and quality,
she is renowned for her world-class visionary style and designs that set
trends whilst remaining fresh and timeless year after year.
N
50 | February 2024

Below are highlights of the interview conducted between
World's Leaders and Noor Al Muhaideb:
Describe your professional journey as a business leader.
I have always had an eye for beauty and a deep appreciation
for lovely spaces. Throughout my childhood, this
disposition blossomed into a skill-set as my creative mind
explored the possibilities of design. I set my sights on the
American University of Sharjah and pursued a Bachelor of
Interior Design degree. After graduating in 2002, I was
hired as Interior Design Director with Emaar Properties.
My fifteen years of extensive experience at Emaar furnished
an impressive portfolio. I relished the opportunity to
implement and deliver countless residential, hospitality, and
commercial developments. As my confidence and first-hand
knowledge grew, so did a real drive to complete each
project in a timely manner. Now, at the helm of Opaal
Interiors, I love to nurture the young designers here. I have
not forgotten what it was like to be a fresh graduate and I
give each young designer a voice and opportunities to use
their gifts. I look for strong, creative, competent thinkers.
They each bring immense value to the table, and my hope is
that they are empowered here at Opaal to step bravely into
the world of design. I take great care in the hiring and
training process, ensuring that each candidate understands
our unique business model.When we first began, I focused
mainly on design for property developers so that I could
build a strong business case in one specific area, but now
we have really branched out into all kinds of projects and
developments. I know this is only the beginning for us!
Who inspires you to wake up every day and keep
making a difference in the interior space?
I am a mother of four, and my family is absolutely my
greatest inspiration and support. This profession is so
rewarding; seeing the vision taken from rough sketches all
the way through to the end result is just an incredible
feeling. I also love to read books about successful business
leaders. There is a bit of a reality check in observing what
has been sacrificed, but there is so much wisdom and
inspiration in seeing the road to success. I've been
particularly inspired after reading Shoe Dog and the
challenges Phil Knight faced and overcame while building
the empire that is Nike. I never assumed that success would
be inevitable. There are many factors outside of our hands,
as business-owners, but I do know that what I can control is
my dedication to put in focused time and effort. And it has
truly paid off.
As the CEO and Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors,
what challenges have you faced while establishing and
running the business?
The biggest challenge proved to be the very early stages of
the company. Building client lists and relationships with
those clients takes time, and there is no way around it.
We're up against well-established firms, so providing
excellent customer service and being willing to go above
and beyond helped us build our reputation from the
beginning. I am happy to say that the patience and
determination to stick with the process has paid off. We'll
still lose a pitch occasionally, but I'm far better at handling
those moments now. My reactions to a challenging moment
like that are now far more rooted in my knowledge of the
complexity of the design world and the many factors that
contribute to those decisions.
Brief us about the operations of Opaal Interiors, its
mission, vision, and core values.
At Opaal Interiors, we are committed to finding the balance
between the ambitions of the user, the needs of the industry,
52 | February 2024

and the shape of the physical space. With ingenuity,
enthusiasm, and 50 years of combined experience, we
desire each client to feel a sense of partnership in the
process of design and creation. We believe that an expertly
designed interior is fundamental to a lasting first
impression, and take on this responsibility with great
gladness and great seriousness. Eager to realize each client's
vision, we combine our understanding of materials,
textures, finishes, and colors to elevate the space in a way
that authentically represents each client's vision.
What exactly Opaal Interiors is doing differently in
acquiring and sustaining customers for itself?
I believe what sets us apart is, most importantly, the vitality
of our client/designer connection. Both strong creative
leadership and real client partnerships exist side-by-side.
This is our greatest motivation to hire well-rounded
professionals with strong communication skills. Working at
Emaar also gave me insight into what was missing in the
market. Quick execution and timeliness are of high
importance, but we never rush the planning process. We are
especially meticulous in the concept phase, listening
carefully to the client's needs and requests. We can take a
very rough idea and patiently collaborate with the client as
the vision becomes more specific. Due to the subjective
nature of design, we never assume we know exactly what
the client wants, but we communicate several options we
know could satisfy their needs and place a high value on
their input.
What creative ways have you employed to make the
work environment of Opaal Interiors vibrant?
Virtual work has really helped with brainstorming; it may
sound counter-intuitive, but away from distractions in the
office, our team has really been able to be productive in the
idea-generating stage of each project. Even since we
returned to the offices in August, the ideas have continued
to flow more freely. Perhaps there's a collective sense of
confidence now that we have surmounted the obstacles of
2020. The question we are asking ourselves now is, "How
can we enhance even further the way we're operating?" We
believe that good ideas can come from anywhere, and we
are open to creative problem solving and innovation of all
kinds.
In terms of future growth, where do you see yourself
and Opaal Interiors?
As I look into the future of my own career, I see so many
thrilling opportunities for growth. Three years ago, we
opened a sister company to manage furniture procurement.
It is the perfect complement to Opaal Interiors, and I'd love
to grow that business so that we can offer an even more
robust, holistic experience to our clients. Another huge
development in the near future will be the opening of an
office space in Saudi Arabia. We see many exciting
opportunities to continue expanding globally, and have our
sights set on an eventual location in North America. I know
this is only the beginning for us.
What do you think are the essentials of being a
trendsetting businesswoman?
A strength many women embody is the gift of precise and
insightful communication with others. I've learned that as
businesswomen, we can harness that for the success of our
endeavors. Client partnerships are a critical aspect of most
businesses, so the ability to place ourselves in the shoes of
the client will give us a real edge on the competition.
Staying on top of trends (or better yet, setting trends) can
seem daunting. Keep your eyes and ears on consumers'
desires and remain true to your unique vision, and you'll be
sure to stay competitive and relevant.

Renata
Liuzzi
Liuzzi
The actions you have taken up to this point
have led you to where you are in your career.
“Every action you take, including taking risks,
forging new relationships, and mastering new
skills, has the potential to lead to a path of
success.” Renata Liuzzi, CEO & Founder of Axis
Partners, encourages everyone to invest in
learning for career advancement and personal
growth as the key to success, as well as
creating a trusted network around you that will
support you on the desired speed of growth.
Renata Liuzzi | CEO & Founder | Axis Partners
54 | February 2024

Ladder to Success
Renata Liuzzi holds an MBA from
IE Business School and is a
Mechanical Engineer with a
specialty in motorsports. She has
received a post-graduate diploma
in strategy, innovation and design
thinking from MIT and Columbia
University, and certifications in
Lean Six Sigma, Artificial
Intelligence from MIT, and
Operational Efficiency. During her
academic years, Renata was a
member of the Formula SAE team,
where she developed a passion for
the design and build of race cars,
and gained invaluable knowledge
in applied innovation, design
thinking, and creative problem-
solving through her work on
creating such miniature Formula
1-style cars.
Renata has 18+ years of
experience working with
prestigious consultancies and
various Fortune 500 corporations
in business strategy, customer
experience, innovation, and digital
transformation. She has
successfully led the delivery of
complex transformation programs,
working with teams spread across
more than 15 countries and doing
business with more than 20
countries.
Renata has been appointed as a
visiting professor at the IE
Business School, where she
teaches strategy, customer
experience, and design thinking to
international MBA students. She
has also a mentor for top start-ups
that come from Europe's top
innovation lab.
Their unique offering blends corporate
experience with entrepreneurial agility,
enabling them to effectively collaborate with
their clients and drive tangible results.
Their ways of working, allows them to become
an integral part of their clients, helping bring
their vision to life, and delivering strategy,
innovation, design-thinking, customer, and
employee experience solutions.
They have also established a successful
training academy, inspirational talk sessions,
and custom-made training for key clients,
which has had a positive impact in their
clients
Its focus is always on delivering high-quality,
high-impact outcomes while having fun and
inspiring transformation.
Why Axis Partners is so unique

“Brand
what you
stand for.”
-Mary E. Maloney, Founding CEO
Clearly message your expertise and "why.“
Then lead with conviction and achieve your most
coveted professional goals. We would be honored
to work with you.
www.revealinggenius.com
Brand Leadership Strategy
for healthcare C-Suite Executives,
Founders, Physicians and their teams

World’s Visionary Leaders Making A Difference in Middle East, 2024

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