Dr. Azzam M. Qari, the CEO of The Arabian Petroleum Supply Company (APSCO), is a dedicated and passionate leader deeply committed to achieving excellence. Known for his creative problem-solving abilities and his knack for grasping the broader perspective, Dr. Qari’s curiosity extends beyond the workplace. He actively engages in expanding his knowledge across various fields, including Sustainability, Green Energy, AI, and more. He accomplishes this by staying informed about the latest developments through news and insights from industry pioneers.
Dr. Qari’s intellectual curiosity extends to diverse domains, including aviation, global economics, and technological innovations. To stay at the forefront of the aviation industry, he remains updated on the latest trends, frequently attending conferences, workshops, and delving into leadership literature. His dedication to growth goes beyond personal development; he also places great emphasis on mentoring and coaching other leaders while learning from his own past experiences.
In Dr. Qari’s view, contemporary leaders often lack several critical qualities:
- Vision: Many leaders struggle to envision the broader landscape and develop long-term strategies for their organizations.
- Innovation: There’s a hesitancy to take calculated risks and explore new avenues, hindering innovation within their organizations.
- Communication: Effective communication of vision and goals to employees is often a challenge, resulting in a disconnect between leadership and the workforce.
Dr. Qari’s commitment to addressing these challenges and promoting qualities like vision, innovation, and effective communication reflects his unwavering dedication to excellence and leadership in the aviation industry.I have an educational background in engineering and business both of which I have honed in practice through years of experience in the oil and gas industry, which I entered in 2001. I have held a variety of positions at APSCO, including Chief Operating Officer. These experiences laid the foundation for my unwavering dedication to safety, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
Leading the Way in Aviation Fuel and Lubricants
APSCO holds a prominent position as a leading aviation fuel supplier and lubricants manufacturer in the Middle East. The company’s extensive offerings also encompass additional services, including fuel storage and distribution. APSCO is steadfast in its mission to become the preferred and trusted partner for its valued customers, delivering top-tier products and services at competitive prices.
Dr. Qari, as a leader within APSCO, places a strong emphasis on remaining well-informed about the most recent industry developments. Furthermore, he is committed to nurturing a culture of innovation throughout the organization. This involves inspiring the team to transcend conventional boundaries and harness emerging technologies to redefine solutions within the aviation sector.
Leading by Example
The most significant challenge Dr. Qari has faced in his career as an aviation leader is the constant need to set an example. Whether at the individual level, as a leader at APSCO, or in the aviation industry, he must consistently uphold high standards, especially when new challenges arise. An example of this was during the Covid-19 pandemic, which had a profound impact on travel and the aviation industry. Leaders, including Dr. Qari, had to tackle this unprecedented issue, highlighting the weight of leadership responsibilities in navigating unforeseen circumstances. As a leader within APSCO, he understands that there will always be choices that demand a strong sense of responsibility, whether it’s in mentoring newcomers or making pivotal decisions that shape the company’s course. This awareness of leadership’s inherent responsibility is a guiding principle in his career.
Fostering Collaboration and Diversity
Dr. Qari believes that companies could benefit from having more leaders at the top. This approach would foster a more collaborative and inclusive environment, facilitating the expression of diverse perspectives. Additionally, it would help establish a robust talent pipeline for future leadership roles.
As the CEO of APSCO, Dr. Qari shoulders the critical responsibilities of charting the company’s strategic course, supervising its operations, and ensuring its financial performance. He also represents the company to its customers, partners, and the broader public. However, the most gratifying aspect of his daily routine is the interactions with APSCO’s dedicated employees and witnessing their unwavering commitment to the company’s mission, contributing to its ongoing success.
Embracing Challenges as Opportunities
Dr. Qari firmly believes that challenges are opportunities for growth and strength. In the Chinese language, the word for challenge carries the same meaning as opportunity, highlighting the transformative potential of adversity. As an aviation leader, he has encountered numerous challenges, each of which has served as a valuable learning experience, contributing to personal and professional growth. Dr. Qari holds the view that the finest leaders are those who can not only overcome challenges but also transform them into opportunities. These challenges are not mere obstacles; they serve as platforms for learning, innovation, and emerging even stronger.
The challenge of being an aviation leader entails delicately balancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability within a landscape characterized by rapid change. Success, in Dr. Qari’s perspective, transcends mere financial metrics. Instead, it encompasses making a positive impact on the world and leaving a lasting legacy. Success, he emphasizes, is multifaceted, defined by the constructive influence one leaves on the industry and society at large. It embodies the harmonious integration of innovation, responsibility, and unwavering integrity. This includes efforts to minimize the CO2 footprint and make an effective ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) impact. Ultimately, success, according to Dr. Qari, also hinges on personal happiness and fulfillment in one’s work, rounding out the multifaceted nature of achievement.
Vision for APSCO
Dr. Qari’s vision for the future of APSCO involves sustained growth and the exploration of new markets. He is committed to ongoing investments in innovation and renewable energy technologies to ensure APSCO remains at the forefront of the aviation industry. His goal is for APSCO to become a prominent global player while fulfilling its corporate responsibility by implementing green technologies for a more sustainable future.
Dr. Qari’s advice to the next generation of aviation leaders is to embrace boldness and innovation, emphasizing the importance of making a positive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) impact. He encourages aspiring leaders to think creatively, take calculated risks, and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion where everyone feels valued. Above all, he underscores that true leadership is not defined by titles but by the positive impact one creates. It’s about embracing change as an opportunity rather than a threat and making a meaningful difference in the industry and beyond.
