Adeeb Ahamed is the managing director of LuLu Financial Holdings, a multinational supplier of financial services with operations in 11 nations. With the help of his ambitious and forward-thinking leadership, the firm has expanded across the Asian continent with a network of 250 locations.
Adeeb has just been nominated to the Emirates Board of Directors for Overseas Investors by the UAE International Investors Council (IIC). Speaking about his nomination, Ahamed said, “I am honoured to be chosen to play a key role in the UAE’s economic development. The UAE has shown amazing resilience and innovative governance during the time of the pandemic, and new perspectives will help to reinforce the country’s foreign investment outlook. As a proud resident of the UAE, it is my privilege to contribute to the development of this nation and I look forward to working with fellow members of the IIC.”
Being a family man and philanthropist, he has contributed immensely to the development of geriatric care, girls’ education, and community development.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Adeeb Ahamed:
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
I worked in the luxury retail space in Europe before founding LuLu Financial Holdings in 2008. I am a dual Master’s Holder from prestigious European universities.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
LuLu Financial Holdings was founded in 2008 in Abu Dhabi. The company started with its first branch opening at Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2009. The company initially offered remittances and foreign currency exchange. Today, our services include WPS, banknotes, bill payments, and other value-added services.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I value my team for internal success and the larger vision of financial inclusion for outward growth. I consider humility as one of the biggest necessities for a leader to succeed, and I have been fortunate to have mentors at various stages of my professional growth.
Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
Remittances, forex, banknotes and value-added services such as ticketing, bill payments etc.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
The company has 8 core values: customer first, let’s talk, teamwork, determination, we own, we celebrate, integrity, and learning. These principles have been a guiding light for the company in its pursuit of excellence.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovation is central to the company’s march into the new decade. The year 2022 is being celebrated as the Year of Intrapreneurship since the country believes that great ideas often come from within. We have a platform for employees to share ideas, as well as a dedicated medium for them to send ideas directly to the Managing Director and other senior management.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
No company can grow without harboring the spirit and mind of a collective. Individual champions have a role in inspiring fellow members, and ultimately getting entire teams to work in tandem internally and with other connected teams. In this regard, having set processes is of utmost necessity, while a person-driven approach can do wonders for personal development and learning.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Listen, be patient and be ready to face the downtimes as much as you celebrate the peaks.
