What I Learned, What’s Important to Share

by David Casullo author of Leading the High-Energy Culture: What the Best CEOs Do to Create an Atmosphere Where Employees Flourish

First things first,  it’s MU-badala (MOO-ba-dala) NOT Muba-DA-la.  My bad.

As I approach Boston from 38,000 feet, I’ve had 13 hours of flight time to reflect on my experience.

I’m delighted to report the two-day program was a big success. The participants were eager to learn and engage. They all hold executive positions in a sovereign investment company responsible for investing the government’s significant holdings.  I was inspired by the incredible diversity of nationalities and perspectives in the room. Participants from all over the world including the likes of Iraq, Egypt, UK, and even Russia as well as a full contingent of indigenous Emirati.  There weren’t any Americans in the group, although most have spent time here and all have their opinion of what role America plays in their Theo-drama– it was interesting  to hear their perspective, especially since it was refreshingly unfiltered. It’s safe to conclude, they rely on us to keep the world in check. Although politics were  off limits, it was clear they closely followed, and formed their own opinions of the candidates. Don’t look to me for a solution to this one, I said.

Let’s get into some of the leadership development programming. Once again, the principles we teach have proven to be universal and transferrable with relevance to an executive leadership team charged with communications for the CEO of a kingdom and his broad team–in the bustling capital of the UAE. 

The team faces challenges similar to those encountered by nearly all the businesses we work with (now approaching 50)–such as communication up, down, and across within the various leadership levels, a multi-generational workforce, work-from-home vs. in the office challenges, workload, constant change, and attracting and retaining talent. Their goal? Leading effectively in a changing macro world with its wars, shifting ecology and environmental focus, and fast-moving tech.

The group was quickly engaged, motivated, and began focusing on the priority changes that would move their organization to high-performing.  There was a lot of work completed during my two-day visit and lots more to do to keep the momentum; but these folks are smart, committed, and hungry to win the day. They know it starts inside of each of them to look to their strengths and collective talent to move the needle fast.

Here is what I learned:

• Unlike how they’re often represented in Western media, the Middle East is not all war-torn and dangerous.
• Abu Dhabi and Dubai are safe, vibrant, new and quickly becoming dominant metropoles in the global order.
• The people are friendly and welcoming.
• They have their own immigration challenge–Ukrainians and Russians have been pouring into Dubai since the war started. The infrastructure is taxed in Dubai. Housing is in short supply and prices are rising in an already high-cost economy.
• There are 8 billion people in the world. I saw a cross section that most of my circle doesn’t normally get to see. As much as people are people I noticed Indians are a formidable force, by sheer number.  
• America is not the center of the universe.
• Mental note: Even the most traveled and worldly people find the story of Little Falls, NY compelling with more than a few saying “We want to visit there! Sounds so lovely.” And it is. It’s why Daneli is located here. Little Falls sparks curiosity, and when asked about it, I found myself sharing a very positive perspective. In life, there will be times when we find ourselves fighting against negativity. To stay aligned with your values and guided by your beliefs (I refer to them in my book as beacons and buoys), it’s important to take a step back from the weight of that negativity and remind ourselves of our purpose.
• Love is still present, even if the world is facing unprecedented challenges like population growth, demand on resources, technology and its rapid changing presence, health, food/water demand, wars, hate and its purveyors, and more.

Together as a world with so many people with similar goals, “We can do this.” We have to do this; not only for us, now, but even more for the generations that follow.  And it starts with each of us looking in the mirror, as the song goes.  

Finally, I’m delighted to humbly state that Daneli is real and relevant.  And we will play a role in the future of the CNY region and, where we can, in the world. 

Just like we did this week in the UAE.