The global business environment continues to evolve as industries adapt to new demands, shifting consumer behavior, and growing economic complexities. At the center of this transformation are individuals who understand how to balance strategy with responsibility. The 10 business leaders highlighted in this feature represent professionals who are not only managing change but actively guiding it with confidence and clarity.
Strong leadership has become one of the most valuable assets in today’s competitive landscape. The 10 business leaders featured here demonstrate how thoughtful decision making and long-term planning can influence entire industries. Their journeys reflect resilience, adaptability, and the ability to recognize opportunities where others see uncertainty.
10 Business Leaders Shaping the Future
Below are the 10 business leaders who continue to influence industries, inspire innovation, and redefine success through their leadership and forward-thinking approaches.
1. Anwar Husen | A Visionary in the Field of Energy
A seasoned engineer and thought leader, Anwar Husen currently leads as the Vice President of Subsurface and Petroleum Engineering at National Energy Services Reunited (NESR), based in Dubai. With more than 37 years of international experience across the oil and gas value chain, he has reflected an exceptional leadership style in all his roles. Before joining the team of NESR, Anwar held senior leadership roles across reputed organizations.
With interdisciplinary experience, spanning from geomechanics to geothermal operations, Anwar is known for being the co-inventor of US Patent publication No. US 20060015310 A1, which is related to well fracturing simulation modeling.
As a multidimensional expert, Anwar has even authored numerous technical papers, alongside delivering training in production, reservoir, and stimulation engineering. Additionally, as a sought-after speaker and panelist, he takes part in some of the major industry conferences around the world, sharing his insights with industry experts. Passionate to share his knowledge with the aspiring professionals, Anwar offers training services for young engineers.
Recognized as an expert for trouble shooting in matters related to production and to enhance oil and gas well production, he drives transformation and impactful results across the industry. Anwar Husen’s deep understanding of multiculturalism and ability to adapt have positioned him as one of the prominent leaders of current times.
2. Marc Fakhouri | Predicting Supply Chain Disruptions
An entrepreneur and researcher specializing in complex systems, resilience science, and predictive analytics, Marc Fakhouri spent over two decades working with large organizations. From supporting them through complex transformation programs, he also leveraged his expertise in building and running B2B and B2C e-commerce ventures — where supply chain failures translate directly into lost customers and empty carts. These experiences sparked a deeper question: why do some systems survive disruption while others collapse?
With years of research, bridging physics, data science, and real-world applications, Marc’s untiring efforts have resulted in two international patents and a framework that is now gaining attention from industries seeking to anticipate disruption before it strikes.
When COVID-19 swept the globe, it revealed that nations with similar resources experienced vastly different outcomes. The UAE demonstrated remarkable adaptive capacity. Singapore exhibited what Marc discovered to be an “immunity signature” — a rare pattern where societal stress decreases negative outcomes rather than amplifying them. Other nations buckled despite strong indicators on paper, and Marc was curious to understand what made this difference. Spending years investigating this question, he discovered that resilience begins at the national level, then cascades down into industries such as FMCG, into ports and logistics networks, and ultimately, onto store shelves.
In a region where geopolitical shifts, trade route dependencies, and rapid economic transformation create constant uncertainty, Marc has developed a pioneering approach to supply chain resilience that is changing how businesses anticipate and navigate disruption. His proprietary framework, ResiFlows™, moves beyond traditional risk metrics to measure something most models ignore: the invisible dynamics that determine whether a supply chain adapts or collapses under pressure. By combining principles from physics with rigorous quantitative validation, his methodology captures what spreadsheets cannot: trust between partners, cultural alignment, adaptive capacity, and coordination strength.
Marc’s findings mirrored Ibn Khaldoun’s 14th-century theory of Asabiyyah — social cohesion as the foundation of resilience. Ancient wisdom, now measured.
Applied across MENA supply chains, his research answers critical questions: Why do some ports clear backlogs in days while others choke for months? How does congestion at a single terminal cascade into empty shelves thousands of kilometers away? What makes certain supplier relationships resilient when contracts alone cannot guarantee continuity? How can organizations identify hidden vulnerabilities before competitors exploit them?
The results speak for themselves; Marc’s framework has demonstrated exceptional predictive accuracy across multiple countries and industries, validated against real-world crises including pandemic disruptions and regional instability. Two European patents now protect the methodology, positioning it as a strategic asset for organizations seeking competitive advantage in uncertain markets.
Currently exploring partnerships with forward-thinking enterprises, logistics providers, port authorities, and regional development organizations, Marc Fakhouri seeks to transform supply chain risk from reactive firefighting into proactive strategic intelligence.
3. Kassem Lahham | Empowering Young Minds with Financial Education
Dr. Kassem Lahham is a seasoned finance professional with over 30 years of experience in wealth management, legacy planning, private banking, and FinTech. Beginning his career as a Private Banker in Germany, he has since become a respected banking consultant, author, and entrepreneur in Switzerland and in the UAE.
As a certified German Banking Teacher and accredited FinTech and Blockchain professional, Kassem advises international banks and financial institutions across Asia and the GCC, helping them develop and strengthen their financial and private banking services.
In addition to his banking- and compliance consulting works, Kassem is a guest lecturer at leading universities, where he regularly teaches topics such as banking, wealth management, due diligence, compliance and blockchain technology. He also delivers tailored training programs and seminars for diverse audiences worldwide.
Kassem’s passion for financial education is reflected in his first book, “Your First Steps in Banking: A Kid’s Journey through the World of Money,” which introduces children to financial concepts through engaging stories and fun activities.
With experience spanning Europe and the Middle East, Kassem continues to bridge cultures and inspire the next generation to understand money and manage wealth with confidence.
4. Dr. Hans Frickel | Designing Organisations That Stay Mentally Healthy Under Pressure
A seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Hans Frickel works with organisations that are under heavy pressure. His expertise is unmatched for companies where growth, rules, speed, and responsibility all come together, and problems don’t break suddenly, but build up quietly because people and structures are carrying too much for too long. He believes that organisations can only perform well over time if they are built in a way that keeps both people and structures healthy from the start.
His career in pharmaceuticals and life sciences follows a clear path. Dr. Hans was brought in when things became complicated, when structures stopped working, and when leadership needed clarity and direction. Organisations turned to him when they needed stability, orientation, and trust in difficult phases.
Dr. Hans Frickel has a unique approach to problems; he knows that issues rarely sit in one place, and they appear in between: between departments, between rules and daily reality, between decisions and what people actually experience. That is where friction grows and performance starts to suffer.
With a background as a pharmacist and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology, Dr. Hans understands complex systems. His strength is making them easier to work with. Building trust by creating clear structures, and listening carefully, he helps people understand what really matters. This is why companies like Merck, Procter & Gamble, Evonik, and BioNTech trusted him in senior roles, often during times of change, growth, or high pressure. His task was always the same: bring clarity, improve cooperation, and make sure responsibilities and decisions truly fit together, and help turn complex phases into defining chapters within their books of success.
As the Founder and Managing Director of Grüne9, Dr. Hans created a way to offer this experience to more than one organisation. Grüne9 focuses on mental and organisational health in a very practical way. It looks at where stress, overload, and friction really come from – in structures, cooperation, and leadership – and works hands-on to remove those causes together with the people involved. Because of this integrated approach, organisations can rely on one clear partner for challenges that would otherwise require many different specialists.
Dr. Hans Frickel built Grüne9 for leaders who want solid foundations and performance that lasts, turning pressure and complexity into sustainable and resilient company success.
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5. Laurent Scherer | Modernizing the Private Markets
A seasoned finance professional with over a decade of experience in the investment fund landscape, Laurent Scherer currently leads as the Managing Director at Juniper Square. With a commitment to authenticity over exploitation, Laurent is recognized as a trusted leader in the field. Emphasizing consistency and untiring efforts, he believes in achieving small, incremental goals in building long-term success.
Laurent is a strong advocate for a shift from ‘Liquidity-Based’ rules to ‘Qualification-Based’ access. He believes that, instead of forcing private funds to create complex, semi-liquid structures that can jeopardize investment strategies, the industry should allow retail investors into traditional closed-ended funds based on two criteria: proven knowledge of long-term capital lock-ups and capital allocation specifically intended for a 10+ year horizon. By emphasizing investor suitability at the front end rather than forcing liquidity on the product side, Laurent believes it will democratize wealth creation while reducing the administrative burden on firms.
Juniper Square is a renowned name globally in driving transformation in the private markets. Not only a thought leader but a major player, it sets an example in the industry on how the private markets are transforming and how to stay ahead. Leveraging his expertise at Juniper Square, Laurent plays a crucial role in carrying the company forward.
With senior management roles across his professional path, Laurent Scherer is driving transformation and operational excellence in the private market.
6. Kane Price | Building a Better Future for the Educational Landscape
A passionate educator with over a decade of experience in teaching English as a foreign language, Kane Price is the founder and driving force behind Language for Life, an online language school. With a background in Civil Engineering, Kane never had the opportunity to pursue a career in the field due to the recession in 2008, and instead, volunteered in Ghana for 10 weeks, which changed the course of his entire future.
With an online TEFL course, Kane went to Vietnam with a dream, marking the beginning of his teaching career, and eventually fell in love with the profession. Traveling from country to country, city to city, he kept on improving his craft and learning as much as he could. He soon became head teacher of a rapidly growing Cambridge exam preparation school in Naples, where he worked closely with the owner improving communication, structure, and exam results in a short period of time. The school is now one of the best Cambridge exam preparation schools in Italy based on results.
With a passion to learn more, he continued his journey, continuously getting out of his comfort zone in pursuit of a better version of himself and a better teacher. As he settled in Portugal, Kane quickly built a network of satisfied students. Despite challenges, his network expanded along with his excellent reputation not only as a teacher, but also as a business owner.
Language for Life might only be in its infancy, but it is already operating as an established school and business. Kane ran an English-Portuguese language exchange, bringing together learners of both languages from all corners of the globe. Currently preparing to release a podcast about his personal journey, which Kane believes will help new teachers, and anyone considering getting into the world of ESL.
With a vision to make Language for Life operate on a global scale, he looks forward to offering a helping hand to as many teachers as possible, which in turn will benefit the most important part of this industry – the students. Kane has also personally built a network of learners, teachers, and business owners from whom he can learn, and help.
“Too many schools put learners at the bottom of their hierarchical structure , and I intend to flip the pyramid on its head and put learners where they belong – the top. With Language for Life, learners will always be at the top of the pyramid,” Kane Price reflects.
7. Dr. Saba Habibollah | Redefining the Future of Longevity, Precision Health, and Regenerative Medicine
A globally recognized physician, clinical scientist, and healthcare leader, Dr. Saba Habibollah operates at the intersection of medical genetics, regenerative medicine, and longevity science. Well-known for translating cutting-edge biomedical innovation into scalable, real-world healthcare systems, her career seamlessly bridges clinical excellence, strategic leadership, and academic influence, shaping a new paradigm in medicine that moves decisively from reactive disease care to proactive, data-driven health optimization.
As Director of Clinical Operations at AEON Clinic, Dubai—one of the Middle East’s most advanced longevity and regenerative medicine centers, Dr. Habibollah plays a pivotal role in architecting the clinical strategy, governance frameworks, and the organization’s innovation roadmap. Under her leadership, AEON has emerged as a benchmark institution for precision longevity, integrating multi-omics diagnostics, advanced regenerative therapies, AI-enabled health analytics, and concierge-level clinical experiences into a unified, evidence-based model of care.
A physician–clinical scientist by training, Dr. Habibollah holds specialist expertise in Medical Genetics alongside a PhD in Regenerative Medicine, and a Master’s degree in International Healthcare Management and Leadership, representing a rare and powerful integration of medicine, translational science, and executive capability. With deep expertise in genomic medicine, hereditary disease risk, and the biology of aging, she applies these insights to personalized longevity strategies across the healthcare services. Central to her work is a root-cause, systems-based approach, prioritizing an understanding of why individuals age or develop disease through longitudinal evaluation of genetic and epigenetic architecture, metabolomics, microbiome dynamics, and advanced biomarker profiling.
Across her previous healthcare executive and corporate leadership roles, Dr. Habibollah has led the establishment of Centers of Excellence, built accreditation foundations, and delivered operational and clinical excellence milestones across diverse healthcare settings. Her experience includes the strategic setup of genetic laboratories and advanced clinical services, translating precision diagnostics and genomic medicine from concept to fully operational, compliant, and high-performing clinical environments. As a renowned leader in regenerative and stem cell translational science, Dr. Habibollah bridges laboratory discovery with safe, ethical, and clinically governed application.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Habibollah is a driving force in healthcare system design and medical governance. From leading the development of comprehensive clinical SOPs, to regulatory-aligned operational models, she works closely with international accreditation bodies and regional health authorities. Her leadership philosophy balances scientific rigor with commercial sustainability, ensuring innovation is not only visionary, but executable at scale.
A prominent global thought leader, Dr. Habibollah is a sought-after speaker, panelist, and academic contributor within the international longevity and regenerative medicine community. She is a key architect behind major educational initiatives, including the AEON International Next-Generation Masterclass and the evolution of the Next-Generation Medicine Congress—platforms that convene world-leading clinicians, scientists, investors, and policymakers to shape the future of healthcare.
Her influence extends across strategic partnerships and innovation ecosystems, where she collaborates with biotechnology companies, diagnostics laboratories, AI health platforms, and regenerative medicine manufacturers to accelerate the responsible adoption of next-generation therapies. Passionate about evidence-based innovation, she is a strong advocate for the thoughtful integration of technologies including cellular therapies, digital twins, and AI-guided preventive medicine.
What sets Dr. Habibollah apart is her rare ability to operate fluently across science, strategy, and leadership. Equally effective in the clinic, the boardroom, and the academic arena, she is known for translating complexity into clarity—driving outcomes while maintaining a deeply human, patient-centric philosophy of care. Her long-term vision is firmly centered on extending healthspan, not merely lifespan.
As healthcare enters an era defined by healthy longevity economics, precision medicine, and intelligent systems, Dr. Saba Habibollah stands at the forefront of this transformation—shaping not only how we treat disease, but how we design the future of human health.
8. Minugiano Abrahams Salome Onduku | Driving Growth and Social Change
Minugiano Abrahams Salome Onduku is widely recognized for her commitment to building businesses while uplifting communities. As the CEO of Mertesacker Nig Ltd and SackerTech, she leads operations in the FMCG sector with a clear focus on growth, structure, and long-term value. Her leadership reflects discipline and consistency, and she continues to guide her companies toward strong performance while supporting industry development.
Her influence extends beyond business through her work as the Founder and CEO of the Minugiano Onduku Foundation. Through this initiative, she focuses on youth development, education, and women’s empowerment. The foundation supports young professionals and entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, training, and opportunities that help them grow into confident leaders. Her work reflects her belief that leadership is built by creating systems that help others succeed.
Minugiano’s academic background supports her professional journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Port Harcourt and has completed advanced studies in business and technology. Her qualifications include a DBA in Information Technology, an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain, and an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce. She is also affiliated with respected professional bodies, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.
In addition to her corporate and social initiatives, Minugiano founded The Growth Factor, a program designed to support MSMEs and SMEs. The initiative provides practical guidance and business education to help small businesses expand and stay competitive. She also leads The Worship Altar, a spiritual platform that encourages reflection, healing, and personal growth. Through this work, she supports individuals seeking emotional and spiritual strength alongside professional development.
Minugiano Abrahams Salome Onduku continues to inspire through her dedication to service and leadership. Her work across business, education, and community development reflects her belief that true leadership is measured by the lives it improves. Through her initiatives, she remains focused on nurturing a generation of confident, purpose-driven leaders across Africa and beyond.
Also read: Most Empowering Business Leaders To Follow in 2025
9. Lario Lovric | Strengthening Security Standards Across the Region
Lario Lovric has built a strong reputation as a leader who understands the importance of safety in industries that carry high responsibility. As the CEO of Aldra Alameen Security Services LLC, he has focused on protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring organizations operate with confidence. Based in Dubai, Lario has guided the company to become a trusted name in security services, particularly within the energy sector where precision and reliability are essential.
Under his leadership, Aldra Alameen has supported major projects connected to oil and gas facilities, including offshore rigs and refineries. Lario believes security should always stay one step ahead of risk. He has encouraged the use of advanced monitoring systems, drone surveillance, and structured risk planning to strengthen protection across sensitive locations. His approach reflects his belief that strong preparation prevents major disruptions and keeps operations running smoothly.
Lario also places strong focus on the people behind the service. He has introduced training programs that prepare teams to respond to real-world challenges with discipline and clarity. He believes that skilled professionals are the backbone of any successful security operation. By creating a culture of readiness and accountability, he ensures that teams perform with confidence in high-pressure situations.
As the region continues to invest in both traditional and renewable energy, Lario is expanding Aldra Alameen’s role to support these growing sectors. He sees security as an essential part of long-term development and stability. Through steady leadership and clear direction, Lario Lovric continues to strengthen safety standards while supporting the region’s evolving infrastructure landscape.
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10. Katharine Budd | Expanding Financial Access Through Digital Payments
Katharine Budd has built her career around making financial services easier to access for underserved communities. As the co-founder of NOW Money, she introduced one of the Gulf’s first mobile payment platforms created specifically for essential workers and their employers. Through her leadership, the platform helps workers receive salaries, manage payments, and access basic financial services without traditional banking barriers. Her work has supported thousands of employees across the region while helping employers simplify payroll systems.
With more than fifteen years of experience in fast-growing technology startups, Katharine brings strong knowledge of both business and regulation. She successfully navigated complex payment sector requirements, helping NOW Money secure key approvals that allowed the platform to operate across the region. The company has also attracted significant investor confidence, raising $12 million from venture capital firms across the GCC, the United States, and Europe. This support has allowed NOW Money to grow its services and expand its reach.
Before launching NOW Money, Katharine built her career in data science and product development. She worked with companies such as Nectar and Cardlytics, where she helped businesses understand consumer behavior through data analysis. Her work supported financial institutions and technology companies in improving customer engagement and strengthening their commercial strategies. She developed a strong ability to turn complex data into clear, practical business decisions.
Beyond her professional achievements, Katharine strongly supports accessibility in technology and encourages simple, user-friendly digital design. She also promotes greater participation of women in leadership and sports. Outside her business life, she is an accomplished athlete and certified ski instructor, diver, and lifeguard, and she has even competed at the World Championship level in triathlon. With her background in psychology and statistics from Exeter University, she continues to combine analytical thinking with social impact, helping shape a more inclusive financial future.
Also read: Dr. Sofica Bistriceanu’s Journey as a Multifaceted Expert
Conclusion
Looking toward 2026, the influence of the 10 business leaders featured in this article highlights the importance of steady and purposeful leadership. Their work shows that meaningful business growth is built through vision, consistency, and strong values. As industries continue to change, these 10 business leaders serve as examples of how thoughtful leadership can shape a stronger and more sustainable future.
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