May Kanounji
CEO, Blooming Wear, KSA
Forbes Winner 2020
Business Transformation Expert
“Leadership is molded based on personal traits and experiences. The strongest leaders are those who empathize with themselves and others.”
“In the new era of leadership, leaders are expected to be empathetic and empower others to take ownership of challenges.”
Leading a company is not just about decisions but guiding the team through them with empathy. It’s about ensuring each step strengthens the team’s cohesion and advances strategic objectives. As leaders, we must adapt and evolve, learning from challenges to improve ourselves.
“Leadership involves creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued while making tough decisions that align with the company’s vision.”
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses
Admitting mistakes is crucial for growth. When managing a team, it’s liberating to say, ‘I make mistakes too and I’ve made an error here’. This approach helps in learning from mistakes and fosters a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.
“A leader who claims a customer-centric strategy must first prioritize their people—employees are the first customers.”
Initiatives like weekly coffee sessions with the CEO open to all grades and positions, and celebrating group birthdays, foster internal communities and continuous feedback. These sessions allow the CEO to communicate not only what they know but also what they don’t know. In the new era of leadership, leaders are expected to be empathetic and empower others to take ownership of challenges. When a leader admits, “I don’t know”, it breaks down anxiety among team members, encouraging them to reveal their own uncertainties. This act of empathy fosters a workplace culture prioritizing open communication and mutual support, leading to stronger relationships and effective teamwork.