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KAUST hosts 100 young Saudi emerging leaders as part of its Saudi Leadership Program

Dec 26, 2019 News

Young Saudi men and women from industry, government and academic institutions recently spent time at the University to take part in the KAUST Saudi Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders. File photo.

​The University welcomed approximately 100 young men and women from industry, government and academic institutions to the KAUST Saudi Leadership Program (KSLP) in its inaugural issue for Emerging Leaders, which took place on campus from November 24 to 26.

The event was the University's first intensive leadership development program targeting emerging leaders identified by their employers as having high potential and a successful track record.

Participants were identified through a nomination process followed by a competitive selection process, where the applications and talent profiles were closely studied to identify the final participants.

The program was delivered in collaboration with The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, and the theme for this year's program was "Leading through Innovation." The program followed on other issues of KSLP, which have taken place since 2010, and targeted executive leaders, academic leaders and leaders from NGOs.

Driving change

KSLP focuses on strategic impact and aims to develop the capacity of Saudi leaders to drive change in their institutions, build professional networks and enhance their personal growth. It also represents KAUST's significant contribution to supporting and advancing the Kingdom's development priorities.

In addition to its deep investment in Saudi talent, KSLP develops the leaders of institutions who will be key in creating a national ecosystem of innovation and knowledge and preparing the way for the next generation of young Saudi talent.

Future Saudi leaders take part in the recent KAUST Saudi Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders on the University's campus. File photo.

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The University's Strategic National Advancement division launched KSLP for Emerging Leaders with the aim of continuing to invest in talent. The new program targets a younger group with high potential to become future leaders in the Kingdom.

The intensive residential program's training strengthens participants' leadership capacities and develops an influential network of decision makers, preparing participants for the next level of their careers and enabling them to move their organizations onward and forward. Alumni are expected to be at the forefront of shaping innovation in Saudi Arabia.

The program also shares and promotes KAUST's research areas and scientific output through meaningful engagement and demonstrates the University's contribution to national development as part of its core strategy. This further enhances the University's relationship with top in-Kingdom organizations and strengthens its network of strategic partners.

Dr. Najah Ashry, KAUST senior associate to the president and vice president of Strategic National Advancement, presents a certificate to Adel Alzakari (center) for completing the recent KAUST Saudi Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders. File photo.

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Transforming young leaders

"Developing leaders has always been at the heart of what KAUST does, and we are honored to direct our efforts at a new demographic of talented young professionals," stated KAUST President Dr. Tony Chan. "The new Saudi Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders is also close to me personally, because in my decades in education, I have seen firsthand the transformation that can happen when you give gifted people the edge they need to take their skills further in the marketplace of the future—whether industry, academic or the public sector."

"Young Saudis are more educated and technically advanced than at any point in the country's history, and with this program we want to bridge all of this learning in a way that is relevant to the individual and the Kingdom," President Chan added.

A participant asks questions during a discussion as part of the recent KAUST Saudi Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders. File photo.

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"We are thrilled to launch this new program for the Kingdom," said Dr. Najah Ashry, KAUST senior associate to the president and vice president of Strategic National Advancement. "KSLP for Emerging Leaders represents a next step in KAUST's national talent strategy, but it also speaks to the evolution of the Kingdom and what it needs from its Saudi talent for a new era.

"We are working with the most high-potential young professionals in their fields and giving them the holistic development they need to push their careers to the next level and contribute to Saudi Arabia's goals for innovative and economic transformation."

Participant Abdulmohsan Alotaibi (center) receives a certificate from Dr. Najah Ashry, KAUST senior associate to the president and vice president of Strategic National Advancement, for completing the KAUST Saudi Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders. File photo.

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A holistic program

Throughout the event, participants learned about the differences in being a leader versus a manager—from both academic and experiential perspectives. They also had the opportunity to discover more about Competing Values Framework (CVF), which involves creation, teamwork, governance and achievement, and Positive Culture Leadership.

The program also focused on innovation, and in particular the product innovation design process, which creates value for the customer and attributes value to customer satisfaction. This yields market and organizational leadership. Faculty and participants discussed multiple models and case studies and looked into a scientific model for achieving customer satisfaction.

In addition to the practical and academic sessions, participants enjoyed a number of on campus activities, including golf, bowling and ceramics and a yoga session. This gave participants a chance to experience the recreational and well-being activities that KAUST offers.

Participants of the recent KAUST Saudi Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders take part in a discussion activity on campus. File photo.

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Becoming future leaders

The program was a great balance of academic and experiential execution and interaction between faculty and participants. Multiple models and cases were discussed in a combination of faculty-student interaction and student-student interaction sessions.

A distinguishing feature of the Emerging Leaders program was the KAUST Leadership Speakers Series, in which senior members of the University's administrative and academic leadership provided insight into not only the professional and technical aspects of their leadership roles and experience but also shared their personal journeys and advice.

The KAUST Core Labs tours were also a highlight for many first-time visitors. These were complimented by the Healthy Living Series component of the program, which focused on themes centered on music, relaxation, exercise, art and culture. This allowed the participants to explore the importance of healthy living while engaging in developmental activities.

Dr. Najah Ashry, KAUST senior associate to the president and vice president of Strategic National Advancement, presents KAUST Saudi Leadership Program participant Abdulaziz Sawan (center) with a certificate for completing the Emerging Leaders program. File photo.

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Supporting and advancing the Kingdom

KSLP for Emerging Leaders reflects the University's significant contribution to supporting and advancing the Kingdom's development priorities and vision through KAUST's ongoing deep investment in Saudi talent. The participating young Saudi leaders will play a key part in creating a national ecosystem of innovation and knowledge that is vital in delivering the Kingdom's vision for the future.

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