Riyadh, November 21, 2024 – The second edition of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Annual Leadership Conference (KALC) opened on Wednesday at the KAFD Conference Center, marking the beginning of two days of impactful discussions and powerful insights from global thought leaders. Under the theme "Charting Future Leadership Frontiers," the first day of the conference brought together prominent experts, innovators, and change-makers to explore the evolving landscape of leadership in today’s dynamic world. The event served as a platform for exchanging knowledge on key topics such as negotiation strategies, human-centered leadership, innovation, and the future of work.
The conference kicked off with an inspiring opening address by Mazroua Almazroua, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC). Almazroua highlighted the importance of KALC as part of KAFD’s broader mission, emphasizing that the conference represents more than just an event—it is a manifestation of the business ecosystem KAFD is fostering. “At KAFD, we are not just shaping a district; we are shaping a community of leaders who will drive the future of business in Riyadh and beyond,” he stated, underscoring the district’s role as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and global business.
Following Almazroua’s remarks, Sara Al Sayed, Deputy Minister for International Relations at the Ministry of Investment, took the stage with a keynote address focused on Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented transformation under the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. Al Sayed spoke passionately about the Kingdom’s rapid growth and modernization, particularly highlighting the role of KAFD in this transformation. “It is both a profound privilege to be a Saudi citizen, to bear witness to this remarkable transformation, and to contribute to this incredible journey,” she said. Al Sayed also touched on the success of the Regional Headquarters Program, which was launched just three years ago as part of Vision 2030. Today, she noted, over 500 regional headquarters have been established, with a significant number based in KAFD—cementing the district’s role as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic future.
A highlight of the first day was the session delivered by Chris Voss, former FBI negotiator and bestselling author, who shared his insights on the future of negotiation in a talk titled “Lessons from a Master: The Future of Negotiation.” Voss captivated the audience with his expertise on building trust and managing high-stakes scenarios. Drawing on his vast experience in crisis negotiation, he shared actionable strategies for leaders to embrace uncertainty, foster resilience, and lead with confidence in complex situations. “People often talk about the unpredictability of the future,” Voss remarked, “However, the real advantage lies not in our ability to predict the future, but in our capacity to adapt, embrace uncertainty, and lead with resilience.” He also reflected on the role of ambition and innovation in leadership, emphasizing that ambition drives a desire to learn and grow, whereas competition can sometimes limit our potential by making us measure success against others.
John Coyle, an Olympic medalist and Emmy-winning producer, brought a unique perspective to the conference with his session titled “Designing for Tomorrow: The Future of Time.” Coyle delved into the psychology of time, offering groundbreaking techniques for managing work and life through an understanding of neuroscience. His session engaged attendees in rethinking their approach to time management, providing practical tools for achieving greater efficiency and balance in an increasingly fast-paced world.
The conference also fostered important conversations on the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and investment. In a fireside chat, Saudi business leader Muna AbuSulayman joined Ahmed El Alfi, Chairman of Sawari Ventures, and Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at 500 Global in MENA, to discuss the role of leadership in driving innovation while respecting cultural identity. Their candid dialogue explored how entrepreneurship and investment can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, enabling the region to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
One of the day’s most thought-provoking sessions was “Humanizing the Future,” a masterclass led by Hesham El Gamal and Marwan Aljahani. The session focused on the delicate balance between technological advancements and maintaining empathy in leadership. The speakers emphasized the importance of human values, arguing that even as technology reshapes industries and society, leadership must remain grounded in a deep understanding of people and their needs. The discussion explored the future of leadership in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation.
To round off the day's discussions, a panel of experts shared their perspectives on navigating a fragmented global economy. They discussed the strategies that leaders can adopt to stay agile in the face of geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, and rapidly changing market conditions. The session provided attendees with actionable insights into how they can adapt their leadership styles to thrive in a volatile, unpredictable global environment.
As the first day of KALC 2024 came to a close, attendees eagerly anticipated the second day’s lineup, which promises more transformative sessions with globally renowned speakers. Among the highlights will be Egyptian entrepreneur and author Mo Gawdat, who will share his thoughts on leadership, innovation, and resilience, and Saudi Olympic rower Husein Alireza, who will discuss the intersection of sports and leadership. Both speakers will offer valuable insights into how individuals can cultivate resilience, foster innovation, and navigate the challenges of leadership in the 21st century.
The KAFD Annual Leadership Conference (KALC) continues to be a premier event for leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for deep, forward-thinking discussions on the future of leadership. For more information on the Day 2 agenda and speaker lineup, visit www.kalc24.com.
