Top 10 Leadership Tweets from Gulf Icons

As part of the #GetTheCornerOffice campaign, Gulf Business is posting the most influential tweets every day from both local and world-famous leaders on how to become successful in business.

Here’s a sneak preview of some of the tips you can expect to see.

HE Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, Mashreq

Who better to offer advice than the wealthiest man in the UAE. Al Ghurair has led Mashreq bank to become the richest privately-funded bank in the region. There’s few wiser figures to turn to when in need of advice.

– “If you don’t have ambition you won’t succeed. To my surprise, people don’t aim for the sky.”

Gerald Lawless, chairman, Jumeirah Group

As chairman of one of the biggest luxury hotel and lifestyle brands in the world, Lawless is an encyclopedia of leadership advice.

– “Recognise that you are only as good as the people who work for you.”

Tommy Weir, leadership expert

The words ‘leadership’ and ‘Gulf’ rarely go together in the same sentence without ‘Tommy Weir’ appearing alongside them. He is the guru of leadership advice and the perfect person to follow.

– “Great leaders have an internal buffer zone that limits the shocks that are transferred to the employees. People work harder for a leader who they feel knows and cares for them.”

Naif Al-Mutawa, creator of THE 99

As the founder of the Islamic superhero series, THE 99, Al-Mutawa knows a thing or two about taking risks and sourcing inspiration.

– “Don’t mistake luck for skill. Don’t mistake a battle for a war. Don’t overwork; your best ideas come when you relax.”

Rabea Ataya, founder, Bayt.com

Founder of the Middle East’s number one job site, there’s very little Ataya doesn’t know about business and inspiring leadership.

– “Three steps to leadership: learn continually, produce with pride, innovate. Fourth step (optional): Pray it works!”

Fadi Ghandour, founder, Aramex

Founder of the freight and logistics company, Ghandour is stepping down at the end of the year and handing the reigns to his second-in-command; the epitome of delegation in leadership.

– “Give them the skills, teach work ethic, pay them well, they will do the job.”

Dr Nasser Saidi, chief economist, DIFC

As the chief economist of the financial hub of the UAE, Dr Saidi knows better than most what it takes to lead a melting pot of business minds.

– “An innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under new.”

Mishaal Al Gergawi

Columnist for Gulf News and general spokesperson on GCC topics, Al Gergawi is an expert on business issues in the region.

– “Lesson of the day: if you want to get something done do it yourself.”

John Chappelear, motivational speaker

Having written a bestselling self-help book and renowned for his motivational keynote speeches, Chappelear is the perfect man to seek inspiration from when forging leadership.

– “Even small steps are important because small changes practiced consistently transform great ideas into big results.”

Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, regional head, Google

As the regional head for one of the biggest growing and most successful companies in the last century, Tarabzouni knows what it takes to lead a business.

– “Write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use — do the work you want to see done.“