Saudi industrialist Sheikh Hussein A Al-Banawi, chairman and CEO of The Industrial Group, has authored a professional book on leadership development.

 

Titled “The Unknown Leader” and published by UK-based Kogan Page, the book draws on Al-Banawi’s extensive experience as a chief executive and an entrepreneur.

 

The Industrial Group, established over five decades ago in Jeddah, is a pioneer in the region’s industrial sector. The group has recently established its regional headquarters in Dubai.

 

In his book, Al-Banawi recounts his life-long journey toward leadership and the invaluable lessons he gained from unusual friendships, daunting challenges, tough decisions, victories and defeats. 

 

“Our world has many obvious leaders: captains of industry, high-achieving academics, CEOs, statesmen, champion athletes. But we also depend upon leaders whose work is usually not so visible. They are all around us, filling crucial roles at every level of society, in all kinds of organisations and in our communities, enriching the lives of those around them and making the world a better place,” said Al-Banawi of unsung heroes, who through their important, yet unrecognised contributions are helping the Arab world develop and evolve.

 

“The Unknown Leader” celebrates these leaders amongst us by sharing their inspirational stories of hard work, reflection, discipline, dedication and continuous learning. Al-Banawi likewise explains the six crucial qualities every aspiring leader must develop with specific advice about how to enhance these qualities in oneself.

 

More importantly, the book places this journey of self-development in a unique context – that of the Mena region in the early years of the twenty-first century, a time of enormous change and challenge. 

 

‘At a time when the Middle East has become a focus for change, and traditional values and beliefs are being questioned and challenged, leadership is a key issue. Particularly for the world’s youth, the aspirational leaders of the future and often the true arbiters of change. We wanted to capture Sheikh Hussein’s unique experience and empathy for a global audience eager to learn not just about his thought leadership, but how prominent leaders adapt and excel in times of development and evolution,” said Matthew Smith, publishing director, Kogan Page.   

 

The role models, whose stories and thoughts are interwoven throughout the book, come from several countries within the Mena region and from many walks of life, including business, academia, medicine and the non-profit world. 

 

“The Unknown Leader” is now available in major bookstores throughout the region. An Arabic translation is also in the works with dates to be advised. – TradeArabia News Service