Mr. Adnan Al Noorani is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and trusted advisor to royal families in the UAE. His name is synonymous with innovation, leadership, and community betterment. As the founder of the prestigious Future Innovation Summit and Chairman of the Board for Leo Investments, D1Technologies, Apollo Management, and H2H General Trading, he has not only navigated the intricate landscape of business but also redefined it. In this brief interview we ask Mr. Adnan to share his thinking and experience.
Stankevicius: Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: My journey embodies the essence of entrepreneurial success and community impact. My dedication to innovation has transformed the Future Innovation Summit into a beacon of visionary ideas and collaboration. Simultaneously, my role as Chairman has steered multiple enterprises towards unprecedented growth and excellence.
But beyond business, I am a philanthropist at heart, consistently giving back to the community, and my role as an advisor to UAE’s royal families underscores the trust I have earned, both professionally and socially.
Stankevicius: In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you have achieved?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: The past year has been marked by exceptional milestones, and one standout achievement for me has been the successful organization of the Future Innovation Summit 2023. It has evolved into a world-class platform for global thought leaders, pioneers, and visionaries to come together, sharing ideas and catalyzing innovation on a global scale.
Notably, the summit witnessed the gracious presence of eminent personalities from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Community Development, Amazon, Google, the Public Investment Fund from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Al Sarkal Group, the UAE Genetics Diseases Association, GE Healthcare, Mastercard, Citi Bank, Invest Bank, Binance, GEMS Education, the American University, AlFardan Exchange, and many more esteemed organizations. Their active participation further solidified the summit’s position as a hub for innovation and collaboration, making it a resounding success.
Stankevicius: What advice do you wish you had received when you started your business journey, and what do you intend on improving next year in 2024?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: In hindsight, I wish I had received advice on the importance of adaptability, emphasizing that the ability to pivot and embrace change is essential in a dynamic business landscape. Looking ahead to 2024, I would like to intend to focus on sustainability and philanthropy, embedding these values into every facet of my businesses, and leading the way in responsible corporate practices. With this in mind, I am thrilled to announce a groundbreaking initiative for the Future Innovation Summit in 2024. It will mark the 5th edition of this prestigious event, aptly named the “Future Innovation Summit Women Edition.”
My decision to launch the Women Edition of the Future Innovation Summit is inspired by the belief that inclusivity and diversity are not only moral imperatives but also powerful drivers of innovation and progress. This unique edition will serve as a beacon of empowerment, a platform for female leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to share their ideas and drive change.
I envision this edition as an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in various fields, foster mentorship, and create a space where female voices are amplified and recognized for their significant contributions to innovation.
By focusing on women’s empowerment, the Future Innovation Summit Women Edition will champion the idea that a diverse and inclusive business landscape is a stronger and more innovative one. The edition will feature influential speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, and opportunities for networking, collaboration, and mentorship.
In 2024, My primary goal is to set a new standard for diversity and inclusion in the world of innovation, providing a powerful platform for women to shape the future of business and technology. This is a step forward in a journey of positive change, where equality, innovation, and progress go hand in hand.
Stankevicius: Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities of growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: The true challenge is navigating the rapidly evolving global business environment while remaining committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Striking a balance between growth and responsible business is my top priority.
Stankevicius: What does “success” in the year to come mean to you? It could be personal or business level; please share your vision.
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: Success in the coming year, for me, means creating a lasting impact through innovation and philanthropy. I envision a future where businesses prioritize sustainability, and innovation drives positive change for society.
Stankevicius: In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: The most underestimated aspect of running a company, according to me, is the importance of nurturing a strong company culture. A harmonious and values-driven culture can greatly enhance employee morale and productivity.
Stankevicius: Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: One of the most significant challenges I faced was during the early days of the Future Innovation Summit. Balancing the diverse interests and expectations of participants and sponsors required tact and diplomacy. I have navigated through this by fostering open communication and a shared vision among stakeholders.
Stankevicius: How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: Failures have been instrumental in shaping my path to success. They have served as valuable learning experiences, highlighting areas that required improvement and allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.
Stankevicius: How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: Building a resilient team begins with selecting individuals who are not just competent but also adaptable, innovative, and aligned with the company’s values. A resilient team thrives on open communication, trust, and shared goals.
Stankevicius: How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: Personal resilience, I believe, is nurtured through self-care, a strong support network, and the ability to keep a long-term perspective. Maintaining physical and mental well-being is crucial.
Stankevicius: What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: During times of crisis, I focus on staying solution-oriented, keeping a clear vision, and surrounding myself with a strong team. Open communication and crisis management plans are key strategies.
Stankevicius: How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: Clear, frequent, and honest communication is paramount when addressing a crisis with the team. I always ensure that my team is well-informed and feels supported throughout challenging times.
Stankevicius: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Mr. Adnan Al Noorani: In times of crisis, the most important lesson I have learned is that true leadership is about staying calm, providing guidance, and making tough decisions while remaining empathetic and transparent with the team. Trust and unity are essential during challenging moments.
For more information on Mr. Adnan Al Noorani and his business ventures, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/adnan-al-noorani-428833133.
