Author: CIO Times

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, commonly known as Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, is a name often synonymous with luxury hospitality. The history of the American multinational hospitality company dates back to 1957. Headquartered in the Riverside Plaza area of Chicago that manages and franchises luxury and business hotels, resorts, and vacation properties Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is one of the businesses managed by the Pritzker family. In 1969, Hyatt began expanding internationally by developing new properties and through acquisitions across the globe.

The mission of the Park Hyatt brand is to provide personalized luxury experiences to guests in the world’s most sought-after destinations. The vision is to be the world’s leading provider of luxury hospitality while the aim is to exceed guest expectations with exceptional service and attention to detail.

The Star of Jeddah

The award-winning Park Hyatt Jeddah-Marina, Club & Spa lets its visitors experience the art of personalized luxury. This multi-faceted 5-star resort is situated in beautiful and tranquil landscaped gardens on the seashore of Jeddah’s Corniche, where exceptional service meets unrivalled views of the Red Sea and King Fahad fountain. There is no other Hotel in town that can offer you that.

Park Hyatt hotels offer a range of services, including luxury accommodations, fine dining restaurants, spas, fitness centres, and event spaces. The brand upholds its uniqueness in the market through its personalized service, attention to detail, and sophisticated design that reflects the local culture and surroundings.

Park Hyatt Jeddah follows this tradition by offering a range of luxury rooms and suites, complemented by a spa, fitness centre, fine dining restaurants, and event spaces. To enhance the guest experience, the hotel has recently introduced a new room type with terraces on the ground level, taking advantage of the surrounding gardens. This allows guests to enjoy both the convenience of being in the city center and the tranquility of the surroundings, with breathtaking views over the Red Sea. Since its inception, the hotel has achieved great success, captivating guests from the very beginning.

Park Hyatt Jeddah aims to provide a holistic experience for guests by offering a range of amenities and services that cater to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Their spas with all their services and the right selection of fresh and organic food in their Restaurants are testimony of that.

The resort is an ideal base for pilgrimages traveling to Makkah or Medina for Hajj or Umrah. This luxurious resort is close to many exciting things to do in Jeddah and offers guests an authentic experience that reflects the local culture. They offer a personalized sightseeing tour to help guests explore the fascinating historical sites or discover the vibrant local markets and bustling souks. Whether guests choose to visit historical landmarks, experience the traditional flavors of local cuisine, or wander through the lively markets, the resort provides a perfect starting point for guests to immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant atmosphere of Jeddah.

Park Hyatt Jeddah’s seven unique event spaces have been designed exclusively for professional meetings and conferences. Interested parties can lead intimate, mid-sized, or large-scale meetings. Nearly 14,000 square feet of space is available for business functions, and their dedicated event planners and culinary team are on hand to help realize the guest’s vision. The Meeting Rooms offer a sophisticated setting, premium service, and a selection of savory menu items. With this setting, they promise the meetings to be not only productive but stylish too, with advanced technical facilities.

The Resort is open to host weddings backdropped with stunning views of the Red Sea and the iconic King Fahad fountain in a setting that features a unique mix of European architecture with touches of Andalusian design. Whether one chooses to have the wedding indoors or outdoors, they are able to cater to the exclusive guest requests.

Offering the Best of New World

Technology plays a significant role in the hospitality industry, and Park Hyatt hotels leverage it to enhance the guest experience. For example, some properties use mobile check-in and keyless entry systems, through the World of Hyatt app while others offer digital concierge services and personalized recommendations based on guest preferences.

Technology surrounds us in all that they do. It needs to work as per the guest’s expectation, easy and sufficient in its handling. For Park Hyatt Jeddah, staying up to date means staying relevant to the guests’ needs! 

Innovation is an essential component of the Park Hyatt brand and the company strives to continuously improve its services and offerings to meet the evolving needs and expectations of guests.

Experimentation is part of its values and behaviours:  It gives them the unique opportunity to try and test and see the outcome. If ideas are heard, engagement amongst the team is almost certain, and that drives innovation on all fronts.   

Like any organization, Park Hyatt faces challenges in ensuring smooth functioning, such as maintaining high standards of service, managing costs, and keeping up with technological advancements. The company addresses these challenges through continuous training and development programs, process improvements, and innovation initiatives.

Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion

Park Hyatt’s purpose – to care for people so they can be their best every day – only has meaning because they care for everyone with no exceptions. Guests. Colleagues. Suppliers. Owners. And all others. That’s why they take the words diversity, equity and inclusion so seriously; each has its own separate meaning and they are committed to ensuring they are all reflected across their actions and behaviours, policies and procedures, workplace environment and culture.

The company strives to create an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates diversity and respects differences. This includes training, employee resource groups, and hiring practices that encourage diversity.

As a company that stands with all people who suffer from discrimination and prejudice, Park Hyatt continues to uphold its vision of a world of understanding and care through its words and actions. But even more importantly, they call upon themselves to do better and be better through their Change Starts Here commitments.

Contributing Towards World Sustainability

Park Hyatt is committed to sustainability and works towards reducing its environmental footprint through initiatives such as energy-efficient systems, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing of products and services: These initiatives include:

• Park Hyatt Jeddah sources food and beverages locally wherever possible. For example, the hotel’s signature Saudi coffee is made with locally roasted beans.
• The hotel has implemented an energy-efficient lighting system, which reduces the hotel’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Always Ahead

Park Hyatt has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional service and luxury offerings. Here are some of them

• 2022 Best Sea View Hotel
• 2022 Best Spa Hotel
• 2021 Saudi Arabia’s Best Incentive Hotel
• 2021 Best Luxury City Hotels in Saudi Arabia
• 2020 Best Luxury Hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• 2019 Best Romantic Hotel 

As a leading luxury hospitality brand, Park Hyatt Jeddah continues to elevate the guest experience through innovation and exceptional service. The company aims to maintain its position as a leader in the luxury hospitality industry while meeting the evolving needs and expectations of our guests.

Some speak of their expertise, some of their expertise, but only a select few have both, expertise and experience, with which they enrich those who ask for their company. Steve Denning, is one global thought leader, idea practitioner, and pioneer who is admired by followers and critics alike.

A Life Dedicated to Innovation

Steve’s whole working life has been dedicated to creating great workplaces that are highly productive, fun to work in, and above all, wonderful to those for whom the work is done. A natural innovator, he is continually innovating and finding new ways to inspire higher performance, increased job satisfaction, and social responsibility.

Steve grew up in Sydney, studied and worked as a lawyer in Australia, did postgraduate study at Oxford University in the UK, and then joined the World Bank, where he worked for three decades. He spent this period helping the world’s poorest countries achieve economic development while also helping the organization improve its own management. 

Steve is always ready to question the environment in which he finds himself and explore constructive ways of making it better. The World Bank is one of the world’s most change-resistant organizations. In 1985, he successfully led an effort to reform the organization’s cumbersome internal procedures. In 1996-2000, he successfully spearheaded a change in the World Bank’s external strategy, making knowledge sharing a cornerstone. For his efforts, he was named by Teleos as one of “The World’s Ten Most Admired Knowledge Leaders.”

Since leaving the World Bank in 2000, Steve has spent the last two decades focused on helping public and private sector organizations in the developed world, particularly the largest and most influential firms. He has written eight books, including (a) several on leadership storytelling, (b) several on Agile management, and most recently on (c) reinventing capitalism. He has written more than a thousand articles as a Senior Contributor for Forbes, written a novel and a volume of Elizabethan sonnets.

A Collaborative Working Style

Steve has tended to operate by forming and nurturing alliances and coalitions of like-minded thought leaders who are ready to work together to make the world a better place. He is currently involved in several such alliances and coalitions to promote his current top interest: the reinvention of capitalism and management.

For instance, in his current work on reinventing management as a discipline, about two years ago, he knew he needed help to make progress. So, he wrote to the smartest people in the world on this subject and invited them to start meeting with him online every two weeks to discuss how they could make progress. Most of them accepted, at first cautiously, but as they experienced the discussion, they became enthusiastic champions who now support each other with daily interchanges in pursuit of the common humongous goal of reinventing the discipline of management.

 Reinventing Capitalism In The Digital Age

Steve’s latest book, Reinventing Capitalism In The Digital Age (2022) came about in an unusual way. He had written a great deal about management, but little about capitalism per se. In early 2022, he was approached by Cambridge University Press which was preparing a series of books, called “Elements”, on the crisis facing capitalism.

The lead architect of the series, Arie Lewin, had come across his work and saw that Steve’s insights on management were of vital importance to the challenges facing capitalism. His writing had shown that the kind of management being practiced in modern capitalism was an aberration from the kind of management that had gone before; this helped explain why capitalism was getting such a bad rap, and how it could be fixed.

Arie asked Steve to produce an Element in 90 days. Steve agreed to tackle the challenge and duly delivered the Element, with very positive reviews from lifetime scholars of capitalism.

The main takeaway of the Element is that public sector efforts to reform capitalism will be ineffective unless and until the private sector recognizes that the widely accepted shareholder-driven -based practices are less effective, even on its own terms, than management that delivers value to customers and all the stakeholders. The stark paradox is that customer capitalism is more profitable than shareholder capitalism.

Dealing with his biggest Challenge

Steve’s biggest challenge was in the World Bank in 1996. At the time, he was the director for the African Region and responsible for one-third of the lending operations—an important position. Things were going fine until he met three setbacks. First, someone else was appointed to his position. Second, it became clear that he was not being offered any alternative position. And third, he was told to “go and look into information,” which, in 1996 in the World Bank, was like being sent to Siberia. 

The World Bank was undergoing changes and most of Steve’s colleagues just left quietly. However, he wasn’t ready to leave. Steve went and looked into the information and saw that it was a mess and needed cleaning up. But merely cleaning it up wouldn’t take them far as people were asking whether the world needed an organization like the World Bank when the private sector was now so active in banking in the poorest countries.

So instead, he proposed boldly innovative ideas that would add value for their clients–share our knowledge directly with them, not just making loans.

The management’s reaction was stark and discouraging. When Steve persisted, he was told that he was a troublemaker, and it would end his career if he carried on like this. He was invited to consider taking up a position in a distant field office.

But shortly after this, Steve stumbled on the power of leadership storytelling. This enabled him to inspire even critics and doubters to grasp the potential of his idea. To everyone’s surprise, he out-maneuvered the World Bank’s centurion guards through leadership storytelling and won the World Bank president’s enthusiastic support for the idea of directly sharing knowledge as a priority goal for the organization. Hundreds of staff members emerged and started implementing the idea with alacrity and ingenuity. A few years after that, the World Bank was being benchmarked by APQC as “a world leader in knowledge management.”

“I learned from this experience the power of resilience and the importance of leadership storytelling in inspiring change, even with the world’s most difficult audiences. The key is to look beyond daily distractions and setbacks, maintain integrity and empathy, and stay focused on the true goals of the organization and society,” says Steve.

Awards and Accolades

Steve is a member of the Program Advisory Board of the prestigious international Drucker Forum, headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

He also is a member of the International Editorial Advisory Board for the Cambridge University Press Element Series on “Reinventing Capitalism.”

Steve has launched several networks of 21st-century management leaders that support and promote thinking related to his new book. In December 2020, he launched a fortnightly conversation group with ten of the world’s leading management thinkers and executives.

In 2016, he launched—and still leads —a learning consortium, in which a group of firms have shared insights on the ongoing transition towards business agility. It is called “The Steve Denning Learning Consortium,” in tribute to the leadership role Steve has played. (https://sdlearningconsortium.com/)

We asked if there’s anything he would like to change about his career and Steve shared that he does regret that he did not know when he joined the World Bank what he now knows about management—how a radically different management can be so much more effective and fun than top-down bureaucracy. “Like many people, I suspected something was wrong, but it was only in the 21st century that the relevant expertise has come together in the form of management that I described in The Age of Agile. If only I had known all this back in 1969. Now I am taking this to the next level with my forthcoming book on re-imagining the very concept of management,” he says.

 Challenges hindering the transformation of organizations today

Steve believes that there’s a need to reinvent the discipline of management itself. To put it simply, the management that was successful in the industrial era of the 20th century no longer fits the faster-moving, customer-driven, technology-inspired digital age of the 21st century. The most successful firms are those that have grasped these realities and are being run in a fundamentally different way. Piecemeal efforts at change don’t work, this is a genuine paradigm shift in management. Those firms that don’t make the shift won’t survive. 

 The Emergence of a New Concept of Management

Initially, this new thinking was of little interest to established managements, it began to take hold first in software development following the Agile Manifesto of 2001, which offered a set of priorities and principles as a better way of developing software.

In time, as the digital age unfolded and developing software became steadily more important, customer-centric thinking began spreading from the IT department to running the entire firm, eventually transforming almost every facet of management.

Today, it is increasingly becoming apparent that firms embracing the new, more agile ways of creating value for customers, can move more quickly, operate more efficiently, mobilize more resources, attract more talent, win over customers more readily, and enjoy more elevated market capitalizations. Accordingly, the most successful exponents of customer capitalism like Apple and Microsoft have become the most valuable firms on the planet, while former giants, like IBM and GE, which persisted with industrial-era thinking and management, went into steep decline.

Such deep-seated changes require leadership shifts at the very top of the organization. Merely telling people what to do, delegating implementation to lower levels, or throwing money at the problem, have turned out to be ineffective. Leaders must exemplify the new way of thinking and the modus operandi in their own conduct. Instead of controlling and containing, they must become inspiring and energizing.

 Management Has Already Been Transformed

In fact, AI is only one of an array of technological developments that have already transformed the practice of management. There is much hype as a result of AI gadgets embodying such as ChatGPT, which acquired more than 100 million subscribers within a month of becoming available, due to its apparent ability to answer almost any question in plausible prose, as well as to perform other tasks such as write poetry and compose songs. However, AI is only one of several technologies that include cloud storage, machine learning, algorithmic decision-making, blockchain, and quantum computing that have transformed management.

Firms found that to be able to exploit such technologies, they needed more than a change in management style. They had to be managed in a fundamentally different way from the industrial era. In the industrial era, management thinking reflected an internal view of the firm. Management was about making the firm operate more efficiently and effectively within a relatively stable world, with given systems, processes, and practices. The firm did what it could for the customer within the constraints of its existing systems. Top management knew best and issued directives to the rest of the organization, using steep chains of command to ensure order.

“Today the most successful firms already embody different thinking. The perspective is mainly external. Success depends less on the internal workings of the firm and more on its ability to master a turbulent unpredictable world of exponential technological possibilities and to delight unpredictable customers. Innovation is pivotal and involves not merely improving what already exists, but creating what is new. The firm aspires to generate new possibilities of working, operating, interacting, playing, and living, for its customers,” concludes Steve.

Effective leadership has certain universal characteristics. Ideally, it is intentional and focused, optimizing the overall performance of one’s team while creating a positive and engaging work environment. IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City as their Area General Manager, Thomas Schmelter is a principle-led leader with a purpose, governed by trust, transparency, accountability, courage, and respect.

Born to parents who ran restaurants and hotels in Germany, Thomas had early exposure to the hospitality industry which turned into appreciation and then the industry of choice for a profession.

Over the past 30 years, he had the privilege to work across Europe, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, and the Middle East, in fascinating countries and cities like Vietnam, Bangkok, and now Dubai. It allowed him to experience different cultures, get acquainted with their history, as well as learn about people. This is what hospitality is all about, feels Thomas, dealing with people.

His ultimate goal has always been to become a General Manager in an international, luxury hotel. Being aspirational, Thomas was fortunate to be given regional responsibilities to manage multiple hotels and brands on both hotel and corporate levels. In his current role, he oversees the operations of 4 hotels with over 1,600 rooms at the Dubai Festival City cluster, respectively InterContinental Dubai Festival City, InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, and Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Festival City. This dynamic cluster also boasts 16 renowned restaurants and bars, 2 spas, a 10,000-square meter state-of-the-art Event Centre, and the 7,000-square meter Festival Arena.

As a leader, he maintains healthy relationships that are fit for purpose and critical for a high-performance team where everyone has a role to play. Ultimately, his take on leadership is walking the line, stepping forward, making a difference, and taking the lead and the heat every day.

An Expansive Portfolio

The expansive portfolio of IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City offers luxury travel like no other, boasting elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, diverse culinary offerings, bespoke spa treatments, and excellent leisure facilities, including their iconic ‘Infinity Pool’ – a glass-bottom pool suspended over the hotel’s fourth floor with astonishing views, and the Planet Trekkers kids club designed to inspire creativity and curiosity in a safe environment. For ultimate convenience and entertainment, Dubai Festival City Mall is directly accessible featuring hundreds of world-class brands, a cinema, and the record-breaking IMAGINE – water, laser and fire spectacle. With their three distinct hotel brands, they can cater to a variety of budgets, ideally situated within 10 minutes of city attractions as well as the vibrant Downtown Dubai.

Thomas highlights the importance of an extensive gastronomic offering. Being a gastronomy enthusiast himself, Thomas is passionate about keeping on top of trends. From a celebrity-chef-led restaurant to curated regional dining experiences, IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City offer an extensive selection of world-class dining experiences. Three Michelin-starred chef, Pierre Gagnaire is at the helm of Pierre’s TT, serving up French delicacies. Karam Al Bahr features exquisite Lebanese dishes at InterContinental, and Belgian Café is another highlight at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, embracing the essence of Brussels, with further options adding unique flavors to the collection, and making them a truly diverse culinary destination.

“Our state-of-the-art Conference Centre boasting pre-function areas with floor-to-ceiling windows, two splendid ballrooms, a variety of breakout rooms, and picturesque outdoor venues, makes us the ideal choice for business and corporate travelers. Our lush lawns and waterfront promenade with the city’s stunning skyline are the ideal backdrop for fairy-tale weddings. A special highlight is our Festival Bay helipad surrounded by shimmering waters and magical sunsets, a favorite destination wedding spot in the city,” shares Thomas.

And it is not all. Festival Arena by InterContinental is the ultimate venue for premium events. Set amongst the tranquil landscape of Dubai Festival City with seamless accessibility from major roads, it offers the perfect venue space that may be personalized and branded for any event, regardless of size or complexity. IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City is truly unique.

Leveraging Technology for Better Services

Technology is a powerful tool that IHG uses to not only improve efficiency within its practices and operations but also to better the customer experience. At IHG, they continuously gather insights from consumers, which enables them to research, develop, pilot, and launch new ways of engaging with guests across their Guest Journey. One of these tools is IHG Concerto™ which is designed to enhance usability, guest satisfaction, and loyalty for hotels by improving aspects such as arrival preparation, check-in, loyalty tracking, enrolment, RFP, sales lead management, and table reservations. On the guest-facing side, the IHG Hotels and Rewards mobile application optimizes multiple processes and regroups all necessary information to better the customer experience even before they step foot in the hotel.

Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the main pillars of IHG Hotels and Resorts’ vision and strategy. The cluster has over 1200 colleagues from 58 countries. Besides, the cluster has ongoing initiatives to increase the ratio of female colleagues as part of its gender balance efforts. 25% of senior management roles are held by female colleagues in the cluster, showing significant growth in comparison to the previous years. Showcasing the significance of DE&I, a council has been established for the Dubai Festival City cluster, where Thomas is the chair together with the Cluster Director of Human Resources, Chantal Kramer. 

“It is of crucial importance to ensure that every colleague is given room to grow and is supported to flourish and succeed. In 2022, 197 colleagues have been laterally transferred and promoted to their next career level, and we continue this journey,” believes Thomas.

The governmental initiative to set industry standards for employability in support of people of determination in the hospitality industry is another cause close to Thomas’ heart, where he cooperates in projects along with other leading hotel brands to make a difference. Two people of determination are already part of the cluster’s workforce within the F&B department, with two more joining their housekeeping team soon.

In support of growing the talent pool for the UAE; the cluster is actively participating both in the Emirati Talent Development Programme launched by Al Futtaim and in IHG’s initiative to develop young talents, promoting Emiratisation. At present, they are ahead of the curve in attracting national talents for the hospitality industry at IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City in particular.

Within the framework of the brand’s RISE program, they also support female colleagues to rise and succeed in achieving their ambition. Thomas also serves as a mentor to upcoming RISE participants from other IHG Hotels. 

The Pandemic Effect

2020 and 2021 have been a roller coaster of unprecedented changes brought on by the pandemic. Health and safety became crucial aspects, but the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors learned to adapt to these new circumstances and made them prepared for the ‘known unknown’. The new rules, standards, and values have and will continue to influence consumer behavior. The industry was forced to explore new markets, adopted new length-of-stay patterns, enhanced its offerings for the evolving domestic traveler, and made the team at IHG Hotels & Resorts further strengthen their already rigorous cleaning procedures. They adapted their stay experience to give guests peace of mind and help them make the most of their trip. Thomas is glad to see people reconnecting and exploring new destinations again.

Achievements Galore

Thomas is immensely proud of the collection of awards that together with his team they attained for the properties.

IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City has proudly achieved numerous awards from prestigious entities. In recognition of the hotel’s luxurious room and F&B offerings, as well as stellar service, InterContinental Dubai Festival City was awarded World’s Leading City Business Hotel 2022, Middle East’s Leading City Hotel 2022, and Dubai’s Leading City Business Hotel 2022 by World Travel Awards. Additionally, it received Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2022 alongside its sister properties, InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City celebrated an iconic win with Pierre’s TT being awarded the two-toque status and picking up the coveted ‘Restaurant Manager of the Year Award’ at the landmark Gault & Millau UAE 2022 and 2023 Gala, two years in a row. Another privilege for Pierre’s TT is to be featured as one of the 69 restaurants in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2022 which represents their passion for gastronomy and excellent service. It was also awarded Middle East’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant 2022 by World Culinary Awards.

Personally, Thomas is humbled to be listed within Hotelier Middle East’s Top 100 GMs as well as having received the IHG EMEEA General Managers Owner Impact Award, World Luxury Award – Best General Manager, and PATTWA Award Best General Manager in India.

Staying Ahead

As the hospitality industry is a constantly evolving environment, adaptability, employee retention, and innovation are all essential to staying ahead of trends and accelerating growth.

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and despite the challenges, IHG was able to quickly pivot, leading to outstanding financial results. By striving to continuously improve their consumer’s experience, they can adapt to changing guest needs and better meet and exceed their expectations. Ensuring that the right people are on board is also crucial to accelerating growth as well as creating a positive work environment that solicits teamwork, and professional growth, and fosters employee engagement.

“We are privileged to be in a city that evolves at such an accelerated rate and creates the ideal economic environment with great growth opportunities. Dubai’s long-term vision and focus on tourism are the main contributors to the increasing demand we experience. The generated revenue in 2022 was above expectations for all four properties, and the same tendency continued in the first quarter of 2023,” states Thomas.

Finally, through the implementation of sustainable practices and by putting corporate social responsibility at the forefront, they are able to benefit the environment and also increase customer loyalty as consumers are increasingly conscious of the impact businesses have on society. For example, IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City has recently completed the installation of its own automated water bottling plant reducing around 2 million single-use plastic water bottles a year. Having their plastic key cards replaced with eco-friendly, biodegradable wooden cards across the four properties helped them save a worth of 120,000 plastic cards per year. With the removal of bathroom miniatures in favor of larger-size amenities, they eliminated 620,000 miniatures annually. “Every little change you make adds up to a big difference, and we are proud to be taking these steps toward reducing our waste footprint,” explains Thomas.

Thomas concludes our interaction with a piece of advice for budding entrepreneurs. He says, “Every day is another opportunity to challenge the status quo. It is down to you and your team to decide whether to put your contribution out there or keep it to yourself. Show curiosity, and question your daily habits, tools, programs, ways of working, and thinking. To shape things dynamically, keep in mind you can’t do it alone, take your team along. Show courage and dare to take risks, this way you can constantly raise the bar. Never stop…”

Quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

Introduction

Embarking on a professional journey that spans over two decades, I have traversed a path defined by my unwavering passion for technology and a determination to create positive change. From an early age, the allure of computers and their transformative potential captured my imagination. This fascination paved the way for a remarkable voyage, marked by transitions, challenges, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. This article offers an insightful glimpse into my captivating professional odyssey, highlighting pivotal moments, industry shifts, and lessons learned along the way.

A Journey Through Technological Transformation

My voyage began with a deep-rooted enthusiasm for technology. Armed with a degree in computer science, I entered the dynamic realm of the banking sector. This phase marked a crucial intersection of my technical acumen and the rapidly evolving financial landscape. Technology was weaving its intricate threads into the fabric of finance, reshaping how we manage finances, conduct transactions, and engage with financial systems. As the boundaries between technology and finance blurred, I found myself at the crossroads of opportunity and innovation.

Fintech, Blockchain, and AI: Pioneering a New Era

Amidst this transformation, I was introduced to the enthralling worlds of Fintech, Blockchain, and AI. Fintech’s mission to enhance accessibility and efficiency in financial services resonated deeply with my aspirations for positive change. Blockchain, with its promises of transparency and security, captivated my imagination, offering solutions that transcended industries. AI, the orchestrator of data-driven insights, emerged as the bridge between these technological realms, propelling us into an era of unprecedented possibilities.

What truly ignited my drive was the potential to foster inclusivity within the financial ecosystem. I envisioned a world where technology dismantled traditional barriers, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to access banking services and partake in economic activities seamlessly. This vision aligned harmoniously with my core values and instilled a sense of purpose that continues to fuel my journey.

Embracing Entrepreneurship: A Late Bloomer’s Revelation

Despite my deep-rooted passion, my foray into entrepreneurship was a revelation that unfolded later in my career. Nineteen years within the comforting confines of the banking sector had provided stability, but the allure of entrepreneurship remained ever-present. It was the tumultuous year of 2019, compounded by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, that propelled me to embrace this uncharted territory.

In the face of adversity, I resisted complacency and stagnation. The entrepreneurial journey became an avenue for self-discovery, innovation, and redefining personal limits. This experience inspired me to share my insights with fellow aspiring entrepreneurs through a book, encouraging them to shatter their comfort zones and embark on transformative entrepreneurial endeavors.

My work style reflects openness, leadership, and the creation of an empowering environment. This approach stems from the realization that innovation flourishes when nurtured within a culture of collaboration and shared purpose.

Championing Digital Transformation: DxTalks’ Uniqueness

DxTalks emerged as a beacon of innovation in the MENA region’s media landscape. Positioned as the premier Digital Transformation Talk show and media company, DxTalks showcases emerging technologies with the potential to reshape industries. The platform brings together luminaries from the realms of research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment, creating a nexus of expertise at the heart of digital transformation.

DxTalks’ uniqueness lies in its comprehensive approach to brand positioning. The company offers a range of services, from white-labeled podcasts and blogs to media content and press releases, all in both Arabic and English. This commitment to multilingual engagement underscores DxTalks’ dedication to transcending linguistic barriers, extending its reach and impact across diverse audiences.

Overcoming Challenges and Nurturing Credibility

As in any journey, challenges abound. My pivotal challenge revolved around establishing credibility in a competitive landscape. Transitioning from a secure banking career to the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship required a multifaceted strategy. I focused on building a robust online presence through thought leadership content, which encompassed articles, podcasts, and videos. Furthermore, I proactively sought opportunities to share my insights at industry events, leveraging my unique perspective to engage audiences.

The key lesson gleaned from this experience is the power of persistence. Credibility isn’t a swift achievement but rather the result of consistent effort, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to one’s craft. Additionally, I recognized the paramount importance of networking and collaboration, which not only expedited my growth but also enriched my understanding of business dynamics.

Metaverse: A Paradigm Shift in Marketing Strategies

The Metaverse, a burgeoning digital realm where the virtual and physical seamlessly coexist, heralds a revolution in marketing strategies. Marketers must embrace innovative approaches to captivate audiences within this immersive environment. The Metaverse’s multi-dimensional landscape necessitates brand narratives that transcend conventional advertisements, ushering in a new era of engaging content. Personalization takes center stage, with data-driven insights enabling tailor-made experiences that foster deeper brand-consumer connections.

Collaboration and co-creation emerge as linchpins of Metaverse marketing strategies. Brands may involve users in product development, cultivating a sense of ownership and loyalty. Furthermore, the Metaverse’s fusion of entertainment, education, and commerce demands holistic marketing approaches that integrate these facets seamlessly, creating value-driven experiences that redefine consumer engagement.

Navigating Blockchain’s Credibility Landscape: The FTX Scenario

The recent FTX scenario, with its controversies and implications, casts a spotlight on blockchain’s credibility landscape. While incidents like these invite heightened scrutiny, they also present opportunities for growth and innovation. Regulatory bodies may tighten their oversight, potentially leading to revised regulations and compliance standards. Investors may become more cautious, conducting thorough due diligence before engaging with blockchain projects. Trust within the industry could face erosion, underscoring the need for rebuilding and reinforcing trustworthiness.

Transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards emerge as imperatives in this context. The FTX incident underscores the significance of these principles, driving the industry to improve practices and technology. Moreover, this situation might foster greater collaboration among blockchain platforms, leading to the establishment of industry standards and best practices. For newcomers, it underscores the necessity of understanding projects and potential risks before venturing into the blockchain space.

AI’s Transformative Wave: The OpenAI-Microsoft Partnership

AI’s omnipresence, exemplified by technologies like ChatGPT, is reshaping market dynamics. The partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft’s Azure platform amplifies this transformation, democratizing AI adoption across industries. The accessibility of tools like ChatGPT empowers businesses of all sizes to harness AI’s potential, revolutionizing customer interactions, data analysis, and automation.

Microsoft Azure’s robust infrastructure provides a scalable foundation for AI deployment, enabling organizations to seamlessly integrate AI solutions. The market’s evolution now favors enterprises adept at leveraging AI’s capabilities. Chatbots powered by AI enhance customer engagement, while data-driven insights refine decision-making, optimizing strategic planning.

Amidst these advancements, ethical considerations, data privacy, and bias mitigation take center stage. Striking a balance between innovation and responsible deployment is paramount to maintain public trust and regulatory compliance in this AI-driven landscape.

Paving the Way to Growth: Strategic Partnerships and Regional Expansion

The path to accelerated growth at DxTalks hinges on strategic initiatives. In the upcoming quarter, DxTalks plans to expand its footprint through strategic partnerships and regional expansion in the Middle East. These endeavors are poised to magnify the company

A happy family is one in which members love each other unconditionally. Yes, there may be differences due to the different nature of each individual. However, the love and care the members feel for each other goes beyond the differences. The members support and care for each other in happy as well as tough times like financial or medical problems. The support of family is crucial for people dealing with certain medical conditions like Alzheimer’s or other ailments that can lead them to life-threatening behaviors such as wandering or suicidal thoughts. However, mere family support is sometimes not enough and it takes the help of the community and leaders like Gene Saunders through his NGO Project Lifesaver, to keep the families happy and intact.

On a Lifelong Mission

After serving in the US Army and several other jobs, Gene Saunders became a police officer in 1968 at the Chesapeake, VA Police Dept. He served there for 33 years retiring as a Captain in 2001. During his police service, he commanded the Special Operations (SWAT) Team which included Search and Rescue and later the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team. Numerous searches for missing Alzheimer’s patients with poor results led him to find a new method to identify and locate them when they wandered and became lost. This led to the establishment of Project Lifesaver International before he retired.

Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C)(3) community-based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. The necessity of this program was determined through the correlation between cognitive conditions and the act of wandering. With the dramatic increase in cognitive conditions since the inception of the organization, the program has grown from a localized program to a program recognized internationally as a proven and effective method of “bringing loved ones home.” The search times for certified Project Lifesaver agencies have been reduced from hours, potentially days, down to minutes. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver agencies average 30 minutes, which is 95% less time than standard operations without Project Lifesaver.

Leveraging Technology

Project Lifesaver is completely technology driven utilizing radio and satellite technology to enhance the member agency’s ability to quickly locate and return lost non-cognitive persons. The Project Lifesaver Program is run at a municipality level by public safety agencies. When an agency decides to implement the program, Gene’s team equips them with the necessary technologies and provides training to those involved. The training includes the use of the equipment, the implementation of the strategic methods specifically designed for the program, and also community policing courses that provide a basic understanding of cognitive conditions to better comprehend the behaviors of an individual with said condition. Also included during training is the use of the PLS Database, which is a useful resource provided to member agencies at no cost.

The search method relies on proven radio technology and specially trained search and rescue teams. Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized frequency signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. The first responders will then use the client’s individualized frequency to locate the position of the individual. “Our work is the community! We train and equip public safety agencies to locate lost non-cognitive persons, as well as, how to interact with them in social situations recognizing the disability and how to deal with it,” says Gene.

Keeping the Momentum

Gene served 33 years with the Chesapeake Police Department, serving in Patrol, Vice, Narcotics, Detectives, and Training. In 1974, he co-founded the Special Weapons and Tactics team, and during the next 23 years, he served as tactical commander and commander on over 800 operations. He served as the lead investigator on several multi-state, international narcotics, and organized criminal conspiracy investigations. During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, he also worked as a shift commander for the Olympic Security Team at the soccer venue. 

Gene describes himself as a hard driver and goal-oriented leader. However, he prefers to set the standard for the staff and let them perform to achieve those goals. Speaking about the challenges he faced, Gene says, “Learning there are many people in the world who will attempt to take what you have worked for and make it theirs. I am more sensitive to those who inquire about what we do and how we do it and the reasons for the inquiries.”

With over 4000 rescues to date, we asked Gene if any particular case is close to his heart, to which he says, “After member agencies making over 4,000 rescues there are many that ring close to my heart but, one in Alabama locating a Down Syndrome client hanging over a river wall upside down thereby saving his life is one of the most notable.”

Gene and Project Life Saver have won various recognitions including:

• Medal of Honor Foundation Citizen Honors finalist twice
• IAOTP CEO of the Year, Man of the Year 2023
• Lifetime Achievement Award,
• Fearless Leader Award,
• Global Leader Impact Award,
• Global Excellence Man of Influence Award,
• Bank of America Hero Award,
• George Washington Foundation Honor Award,
• CBS Radio Person of Distinction, Pilot International Hero Award.
• 211 Organization Non-Profit Leader of the Year 2019,
• Silver Star for Valor (3), Line of Duty Injury (3), Commendation Medal (3), US Presidential Commendation,
• Humanitarian of the Year 2023.

Going Forward

Project Lifesaver is in a constant state of research and development to ensure the latest and most effective technologies are being utilized by the program both in the prevention of wandering and the recovery of a client in the event of elopement. All the development is focused on the primary mission which is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition.

“We will continue to improve our services and develop technology to greatly improve our member agencies’ capabilities in the area of locating non-cognitive lost persons,” concludes Gene.

Gene’s Message for Budding Entrepreneurs:

“Never Quit”! You will encounter many obstacles in your endeavors. There is always a way to continue in spite of them.

Quote: “You are only as good as your last Op”.