Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, said that the role of leadership was even more important in the current economic climate during a panel discussion at the 5th edition of Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit 2022 titled “Re-Imagineering Leadership, Productivity, and the Workplace.”
Saqib Ahmed, Country Manager for SAP, moderated the panel discussion and discussed the rapidly shifting economic landscape.
Other panellists were Khoo Boo Hock, Chairman Infra Zamin; Director & Co-founder, Green Guarantee Company; Hatem Bamatraf, President & CEO PTCL Group; Malak Akieley, C.E.O., Golden Wheat for Grain Trading Limited; and Markus Strohmeier, Managing Director & CEO, Siemens Pakistan (GGC).
Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, said,
“First myth is that the leadership and title are two different things but the reality is that you can be a leader regardless of your title and the title alone not necessarily make you a leader,”
in response to a question about the role of leadership in the current volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment.
We have crises in our daily lives, but businesses and nations also experience ups and downs. But in these circumstances, leadership is more important than ever.
“You really need to adopt the strategy of ruthless prioritization on what is that you are going to do while you are in a crisis mode because you only have so much bandwidth and energy to work with.”
Although many difficulties and other forces are beyond your control, leaders must also have a feeling of ownership. He suggested getting advice and information from a variety of sources, being honest about your ignorance, and calling in outside help as necessary.
No task is more crucial than looking after your employees, especially in times of stress, he continued. Additionally, I think it is the duty of a leader to maintain regular, honest, and transparent communication in the modern era where bogus news spreads quickly.
Additionally, Aamir informed the audience that the telecom industry’s earnings in Pakistani rupees experience negative growth when converted to US dollars, with steadily rising spectrum instalment payments serving as a major contributing cause.
“The enormous increase in operating costs, particularly those of fuel, electricity, and loan rates, has a significant negative influence on the financial health of the telecom industry. We are asking the government for urgent legislative changes in the midst of the current digital emergency to provide the sector the vitally important financial breathing room it needs to survive. This involves setting the price of the spectrum in Pakistani rupees and increasing the payment terms from five to ten years,” Aamir said.
The summit brings together the top local and international business and corporate leaders, as well as notable governmental and political figures, entrepreneurs, strategists, tech gurus, and members of the intelligentsia to discuss and share best practises and routes, reflect on challenges, envision the future, and share innovative and creative strategies.
The Summit’s subject this year was “Imagining the Future,” which attracted eminent dignitaries from business and academics who offered their thoughts on how to develop effective business strategies utilising cutting-edge platforms.”
The summit highlights the most effective path forward for success, which is sustainable, inclusive, and profitable. It is jointly hosted by Nutshell Conferences Group and Martin Dow Group in strategic partnership with OICCI (Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry).
