BEIRUT — The Haigazian University Business Society (HUBS) hosted distinguished Lebanese business executive, global strategist, entrepreneur, and author Mr. Alain Bejjani for a talk exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, and the evolving realities shaping today’s business world. The discussion, moderated by HUBS students, offered an opportunity to connect academic learning with the practical challenges and opportunities facing current and future business leaders.
In his introductory remarks, Dr. Fadi Asrawi, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, emphasized the University’s commitment to preparing students for leadership beyond professional competence. He noted that the Faculty seeks to develop future leaders capable of innovating, making ethical decisions, creating sustainable value, and contributing positively to their organizations and society.
Introducing the guest speaker, Dr. Asrawi highlighted Bejjani’s distinguished career, particularly his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, one of the Middle East’s leading business groups. During his leadership, Bejjani contributed to the organization’s transformation across retail, real estate, and entertainment, advancing international expansion, digital innovation, and sustainable corporate governance. His engagement with Shark Tank Lebanon has also helped spotlight entrepreneurship and the determination required to turn ideas into viable businesses.
Drawing on his professional experience and his book, NEXT: Leading Through the New Realities, Bejjani addressed the demands of leadership in an increasingly volatile and complex business environment. He explored how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing consumer expectations are reshaping industries and challenging traditional approaches to business.
The discussion underscored the importance of adaptability, resilience, continuous learning, and self-improvement in navigating change. Beyond technical expertise, effective leadership requires strategic thinking, sound judgment, a willingness to challenge established practices, and a clear sense of purpose. Bejjani’s reflections also highlighted the importance of recognizing one’s potential and pursuing growth as an ongoing process.
The interactive format enabled HUBS students to engage directly with the speaker on the realities of leadership and entrepreneurship. The exchange emphasized that leadership is not confined to executive positions, nor does entrepreneurship begin only with the establishment of a business. Both take shape through curiosity, initiative, accountability, and the ability to recognize challenges as opportunities for innovation and positive change.
The event reflected Haigazian University’s commitment to bridging academic knowledge and professional practice, equipping students with the skills, mindset, and values needed to navigate uncertainty, create lasting value, and contribute meaningfully to the business world and society.
