Kuwait Times, Sun, Jan 07, 2024 | Jamada Al-Aakhirah 25, 1445
Top NBK official shares experience during ‘TAMAKAN’ panel discussion
Kuwait:
The inaugural session of the “TAMAKAN”
training program was launched featuring executive management members from
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK). The first panel discussion welcomed Faisal
Al-Hamad, Chief Executive Officer - Global Wealth Management at National Bank of
Kuwait. Al-Hamad shared his extensive experience spanning numerous years in the
banking industry with the youth audience and engaged in an interactive session,
responding to inquiries posed by program participants.
This panel discussion is part of the fifth edition of the “TAMAKAN” training
program, designed to train young Kuwaiti graduates. Organized by “Creative
Confidence” and sponsored by NBK, this program offers a unique chance for
trainees to tap into the expertise of the bank’s executive management through
discussion sessions. These open dialogues connect participants with NBK leaders
boasting decades of extensive experience in the banking industry, providing
invaluable insights to help them forge sustainably successful career paths.
Al-Hamad initiated the discussion by reflecting on the beginning of his career
path. He said, “A specialized academic background isn’t a requisite to attain a
particular position or ascend to the pinnacle of a career. What truly matters is
commencing from any point, focusing on growth, creativity, innovation, swift
learning, and leveraging experiences within your work milieu.”
Professional debut
At the outset of his career, Al-Hamad shared, “Following getting my degree from
a university in the United States, I spent four years in asset management there.
Subsequently, I pursued a master’s degree in business administration before
transitioning to employment in Kuwait.”
“Upon joining NBK Capital in 2007, the team comprised of just 25 members.
However, the corporate culture ingrained within an organization of NBK’s stature
instilled in me a fervor for continuous growth and an unwavering commitment to
learning. I’ve imbibed a culture that influences my work decisions, prompting me
to derive value from every nugget of information or news I encounter,” Al-Hamad
continued.
Al-Hamad reassured TAMAKAN youth that channeling resources into honing skills
and nurturing capabilities through learning and training represents the most
lucrative investment, continuously expanding and accumulating gains with each
passing day. He emphasized that regardless of one’s career stage, there’s an
ever-expanding pool of knowledge to tap into. Al-Hamad highlighted training as a
golden opportunity for recent graduates, urging them to seize this chance,
particularly at the outset of their careers.
Work environment
Al-Hamad delved into the significance of the work environment in fostering
employee development, stating, “For anyone aspiring to forge a successful and
sustainable career, finding an optimal work setting that fosters ongoing growth
is paramount. The employee should harbor an innate passion for learning and
maintain an inquisitive nature, constantly seeking to glean insights from those
surrounding them.”
Al-Hamad pointed out that NBK stands among the select few institutions embodying
this attribute. He highlighted the bank’s exceptional and distinctive work
environment, akin to international standards. This distinction stems from NBK’s
commitment to continuous learning, offering top-tier training courses in
collaboration with prestigious educational institutions. These efforts aim to
holistically develop employees’ skills, ensuring they carve out independent,
promising, and sustainable careers.
He offered advice to the attending youth, urging them to avoid wasting time on
matters beyond their control. Instead, he recommended that they channel their
energy into enhancing their job performance. “Foster ambition and prioritize
cultivating positive relationships with your colleagues. This approach ensures a
tranquil and conducive work environment that nurtures creativity and
innovation.”
Al-Hamad also underscored the importance of consistently acquiring new skills
daily as the sole pathway toward personal advancement and reaching envisioned
positions. He emphasized that resting is not a viable option, particularly
amidst intensifying competition—both at individual and institutional levels.
Every entity aims to draw in the necessary competencies and talents, seeking to
distinguish itself from competitors. Hence, continuous skill development becomes
imperative in this landscape.
Analytical thinking
Al-Hamad emphasized the importance of staying abreast of the latest reports and
studies while maintaining an analytical and critical perspective. He said, “I
possess an innate drive to seek new information daily, honing my analytical
thinking through the demands of my profession. I don’t merely receive news
passively; rather, I habitually analyze its potential impact on our business
sector and decision-making processes.”
Job burnout
Addressing a participant’s question on job burnout, Al-Hamad highlighted, “Each
employee should seek motivations that drive ongoing professional growth. Losing
the zest for learning might hinder an employee’s ability to fulfill job demands
and tasks, potentially leading to job burnout. This burnout can stem from the
work environment or the place of work itself. Therefore, I consistently
recommend seeking out the optimal work environment, which is precisely what NBK
offers.”
“Job burnout often arises from sustained work pressures, leading to diminished
motivation, exhaustion, reduced enjoyment in tasks, and a loss of confidence in
one’s abilities. Hence, employees must continuously revitalize their engagement
through various solutions. These may include taking vacations to alleviate work
pressures, engaging in exercise, pursuing hobbies, or activities that bring joy,
aiming to restore mental and physical vitality,” Al-Hamad explained.
Practical challenges
The “TAMAKAN” training program panel discussion proved to be a significant
opportunity for recent graduates. It allowed them to hear directly from the CEO
of Global Wealth Management at NBK Group, gaining insights into the work
environment and strategies for success in their careers. Al-Hamad’s advice
provided attendees with valuable insights to shape their future professional
journeys. Al-Hamad highlighted the potential challenges awaiting new graduates
in their professional journeys and offered guidance on overcoming them. He
emphasized the significance of seeking assistance from colleagues and mentors
when encountering obstacles. Additionally, he emphasized the value of
maintaining an open mind and a readiness to continuously learn as essential
strategies for navigating these challenges successfully.
It is worth mentioning that “TAMAKAN” received “The Social work Pioneer Project
Award” from the GCC Council of Ministers of Social Affairs and Labor,
recognizing it as an innovative training experience for Kuwaiti fresh graduates
to achieve professional self-development in pursuit of emerging as active and
efficient workforce.
Golden advice
Al-Hamad offered a series of advice to new graduates, emphasizing the importance
of cultivating a strong work ethic and maintaining a professional demeanor in
their careers. He also highlighted the significance of fostering positive
relationships with colleagues, cultivating a constructive attitude, embracing
adaptability in the face of change, and continuously seeking opportunities for
learning and personal growth among other valuable tips for success in one’s
career.
l Invest in honing your skills and developing your capabilities; it’s an
investment with continually growing returns.
l Seek out an optimal work environment that fosters continuous development.
l Acquire new skills daily as the key pathway to progress.
l Concentrate on enhancing job performance, nurturing ambition, and fostering
passion.
l Foster positive relationships with colleagues.
l Recognize that family understanding is pivotal for success in business.
l Rejuvenate mental and physical vitality through exercise or vacationing.
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