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Extraordinary experiences are more than just moments of fun and excitement. They are the kind of experiences that hold a special place in our hearts and leave a lasting impact on our lives. As a CorporateConnections® UAE member, our members gain access to a world of novel and out-of-the-box adventures that are specially curated to enhance the collective experience.
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Successful entrepreneurs distinguish themselves by more than just outperforming their rivals. While innovation, technology integration and capital funding are ubiquitous among entrepreneurs today, it’s Emotional Intelligence (EQ) that often gets overlooked – a pivotal element of leadership.
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In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get lost in the noise and distractions that surround us. Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to pause and reflect on who we truly are, what drives us and what lies beneath the surface of our consciousness. As the National Director of CorporateConnections, one thing constant in my journey is to pause once in a while into my consciousness. This journey of self-discovery helps us go below the tip of an iceberg to delve deeper into our inner selves, reveal hidden depths and tap into untapped potential.
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Change is the only constant and managing the ever-changing environment in today's business space requires tactful strategies. However, leading organizational change is no easy feat. It requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of both the organization's culture and its people. As a business leader steering multiple businesses in the UAE, I’d like to discuss some of the most successful approaches to lead organizational change and drive positive outcomes.
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In a digitally interconnected world, the ability to connect and build impactful relationships across borders has become an essential skill in business. The key to forming cross-cultural connections is to approach it with an open mind and build genuine curiosity about other cultures. Understanding the uniqueness and beauty of cultures world over and embracing diversity lays the foundation for stronger connections.
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In an interconnected world, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) plays a pivotal role in the way we interact with others. The ability to understand our emotions as well as relate to that of others is a crucial skill that can improve the way we interact both personally and professionally. EQ is the ability to understand, use and manage our own emotions while also recognising and empathising with the emotions of others.
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Do you know a super connector who links networks like a spider connecting each strand of its web to others? Such people have the natural ability to connect and interconnect people within networks. A prolific networker who maintains a list or rolodex of contacts, the super connector just knows the people in his circle — their lives, backgrounds, passions, projects, talents and goals.
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There are just six degrees of separation between any two randomly selected individuals. However, some studies reveal that social media has shrunk the degree of separation and in reality, networks are more tightly connected than we think... Turning back the pages of history, we evolved from one human family in a way that’s not necessarily obvious in our present lives.
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Networks are pervasive and have been around for centuries. They are not new, but technology has made them more visible. Throughout history the clusters or nodes of human connections enabled them to trade, share resources and support one another. A Scottish historian Niall Ferguson studied the science of networking and how networks work. His interdisciplinary approach allowed him to develop new insights and analysis in the field.
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The world outside is a mirror image of what’s inside of us. Our past experiences influence the way we react and our beliefs make us perceive situations in a specific way. As products of our environment our personalities have been programmed to think and function in a certain way. However true it is, you’ve got the power to train your brain, alter your behavior and the direction of your life. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is one such tool that can help us lead a more productive and contented life.
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Self-awareness plays a key role in your social interactions and helps you establish a congenial relationship with others. Also, feedback from others is imperative to help you discover your blind spots and improve. To help you gain a better understanding of yourself and how others see you try the Johari window as a simple exercise in your professional and personal life.
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Do you hesitate to network or connect with more people ofently? Do you boldly ask questions during a networking meet irrespective of what others think? Here are useful tips to help you network more and build meaningful relationships. If you think networking is a way to collect business cards, generate leads and sell services, then you have the wrong notion. And this is the reason behind your fear or reluctance to network.
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When you push people to change, they’ll push back. So, have you ever wondered what’s the secret behind affecting gradual yet long-lasting change? Persuading people to change for the better is integral in business, relationships and other areas of life. But the problem is change in unsettling and that’s why people refute it. As the National Director of CorporateConnections UAE, I’ve seen how veterans act as a catalyst for change for fellow members through meaningful interaction and exchange of valuable ideas and experiences. I believe initiating change all starts with identifying the barriers to change...
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A global hub of trade, the UAE has welcomed entrepreneurs from around the world. Over the years its leaders have created a more supportive environment for even women to set up ventures and by doing so, they’ve broken the barriers for them to realize their full potential. From real estate, aviation to retail, women in leadership roles are shaping the future of business in UAE and affecting positive change.
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Everyone has something they wish to change. Employees want to change the boss’s mind; leaders want to transform organizations and marketers want to change their customers’ preferences. In the book ‘The Catalyst: How to Change Anyone's Mind’, Professor Jonah Berger outlines a compelling approach to change. He asserts the more we force people to change, the more they push back. It’s not about pushing harder; it's about overcoming resistance by reducing friction and lowering the hurdles to change. By taking on a catalyst’s role, it’s possible to accelerate change in even the most resistant individuals.
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It’s not the size of our networks that matters but the quality of connections that impacts the way we experience the world. Beyond the walls of our homes/offices, the relationship we share with others plays a role in exposing us to the new and sailing through life’s ups and downs. As the National Director of Corporate Connections UAE, I came across a fascinating read ‘Social Chemistry’ that got me to deeply reflect on our networking techniques and the meaning we derive from our connections.
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Traveling for business may have taken a backseat during the pandemic but it is back with a vengeance. Though businessmen and professionals have retrieved their travel gear to hit the air again the budgets of the heyday need some catching up. Priority seats, chauffeured pickups, high-end hotels and elaborate room service are habits that need some adjustments. Adding to the budget woes are new fees for baggage, change of tickets, late check-out, car drop/pick-up and more.
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Are you qualifying your time with a worthy list of activities that add value and meaning to life? Is year-round work more important than going with family on a vacation? Most people, given their hectic schedules and busy lifestyles, find it difficult to qualitatively utilize time. If you don’t plan your available time, you’re likely to spend it carelessly. However, this ultimately boils down to the choices individuals make.
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In the business realm there are many instances where we need support, guidance and referrals from others. Since we’re approaching the end of the year, it’s time to ponder on our New Year Resolutions. Apart from personal resolutions like eating healthily or exercising more we can include work-related resolutions. Learning a new skill, forging new connections and enhancing our networking skills will surely bolster your business dealings.
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Many individuals who’ve prevailed in their careers attribute it to strong networking channels built over time. Investing in people is equally important as investing in your business and yourself. By surrounding yourself with industry experts and influential people, you’ll eventually set yourself up for holistic development, business opportunities, and financial gain.
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CorporateConnections is about building valuable connections. Connections that alleviate your business, facilitate personal growth, enhance your leadership skills and support you. It’s a platform where leaders continually learn and share opportunities for business expansions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and the co-creation of new businesses. The advantages of joining CorporateConnections (CC) are many, but the most valuable benefit members gain is peer support.
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You may be highly intellectual and technically excel at work, but if you can’t understand what motivates your team members or collaborate with others, these skills get overlooked. This is often the reason why highly intelligent individuals miserably fail when promoted to leadership positions. Over the years Emotional Intelligence—also known as EQ—has turned into a must-have skill for leadership development
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In a fast-paced world things turn obsolete quickly and so will you if you don't keep upgrading your knowledge and skills. You must keep learning to keep earning and the process has no finishing line. Constant learning has the power to broaden your intellect and is one of the most gratifying experiences you can gain. Learning and upskilling is the very essence of being a leader. In order to elevate your business to a new level or diversify into global markets you need to garner knowledge of various industries, market preferences and laws of the land.
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As a leader there are various ways to learn and grow in the corporate world. From theoretical to practical knowledge, the avenues to grow are many. However, learning from your peers is one of the most effective ways. Being at the top is rewarding because you empower your team and imbibe the fundamental skillsets to pursue their goals. By imparting new knowledge and training, you facilitate members’ holistic growth, but this is nowhere equivalent to learning from someone on the same level as you. This begs the question — How will you grow and improve as a leader?
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It was a privilege to present my take on Mastering Time to a room full of entrepreneurs at the CorporateConnections Global Conference in Lisbon. The collective worth of the audience's time would have crossed millions if I account for the individual value of each one's 20 minutes spent listening to me. The standing ovation at the end of my presentation was very gratifying and assured me that my message well received.
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Growing your business worldwide is complicated; however, it’s the most effective way to cater to new markets, utilize foreign resources, acquire global talent and set yourself up for long-term success. The enthusiasm to tread international waters is enticing but a company void of a sound global strategy will be at the receiving end of wasted time, money, resources, and efforts.
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Business leaders and entrepreneurs ought to know what’s going on in different sectors around the world. Any executive attend global conferences with the intent of staying on top of their game and giving wings to business expansion plans. Apart from this, conferences are wonderful places for entrepreneurs to learn, exchange ideas and connect with members from different countries. Networking, sharing of contacts, meaningful connections and opportunities for growth emanate from such events.
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Loneliness at the top one of the top leadership blues. Despite being surrounded by their people, leaders often struggle with loneliness in their ivory tower. This is because very few people can relate to and appreciate the unique set of challenges leading an organization brings. Having both dealt with loneliness myself many times and having come across leaders who’ve struggled with similar issues, I understand how awful you feel at the apex of your business.
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The journey of running a business is seemingly a rollercoaster ride with exciting highs and crashing lows. At the helm of affairs, most leaders have felt cold and lonely in their ivory tower despite being surrounded by their people. This is because they have no one to share their aspirations, triumphs and tribulations with confidence. Also, very few can relate to the big picture, see beyond the horizon or feel that excitement during early project stages.
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Over the years mankind thrived by living in groups, forming connections and discovering new things. It’s this very aspect of human connection that helped advance our world from hunting and farming to doing business and networking with one another. Though we formally exchange business cards at networking events, the real test is how we can make people remember us and remain in contact once the meeting lapses.