The SBA Executive Leadership Academy recently organized its inaugural SBA Leadership Forum event, which took place on May 4th in the beautiful city of Bouznika (close to Casablanca). The event featured a panel discussion on "Leadership Challenges in the 21st Century," which addressed some of the most important issues facing managers and leaders today. The event provided an exciting opportunity for attendees to discuss, connect and network with SBA alumni and industry leaders.
One of the highlights of the evening was the discussion on the skills required for 21st-century leadership. The panelists emphasized the importance of agility and adaptability in the face of rapid technological change in what they described as the VUCA world (which stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity). They spoke about the need for leaders to be able to balance short-term goals with long-term vision, and to be able to lead their organizations through these periods of deep transformation.
The discussion also touched on the impact of AI on leadership, and how leaders can best utilize this technology to drive growth and innovation and avoid seeing it as a threat but rather embrace it as an opportunity. The panelists shared their thoughts on how AI can help organizations to make better decisions, streamline processes, and also to improve security practices.
Perhaps one of the most captivating moments of the event was the intervention of the President of Al Akhawayn University, Dr. Amine Bensaid, who spoke about the ongoing transformation of the education system and its impact on the future of business. His insights were valuable and highlighted the urgent need for business leaders to embrace change and to stay ahead of the curve.
The event served as a platform for honoring the achievements of SBA alumni, with special recognition given to individuals like the Chief Financial Officer of Autoroutes du Maroc. His outstanding career, including notable roles at CIMA-Mondelez and Unilever, earned him acknowledgment from the SBA.
Dean Lakshmi unveiled new training courses designed for executives and professionals seeking career advancement or updated knowledge on cutting-edge managerial practices and trends. This inaugural Leadership Forum marked another milestone in SBA's dedication to making a positive impact on the community and equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.