Riyadh: The KAFD Annual Leadership Conference (KALC) opened its second edition on Wednesday with a high-profile lineup of speakers and transformative discussions at the KAFD Conference Center. Under the theme “Charting Future Leadership Frontiers,” the first day brought together global experts and change-makers to tackle the most pressing challenges shaping leadership in the modern world.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the day began with an opening address by Mazroua Almazroua, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC). Almazroua underscored that KALC “is an extension of our mission and is at the heart of the business ecosystem we have been building in KAFD for our community of tenants and partners. At KAFD, we are not just shaping a district, we are shaping a community of leaders who will drive the future of business in Riyadh and beyond.”
Sara Al Sayed, Deputy Minister of International Relations at the Ministry of Investment,
followed with a keynote on Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented transformation under Vision 2030 and KAFD’s role. She emphasized the importance of the Regional Headquarters Program, noting its success with 500 regional headquarters established, most within KAFD.
In a session that captivated attendees, Chris Voss, former FBI negotiator and bestselling author, delivered “Lessons from a Master: The Future of Negotiation.” Voss shared strategies rooted in psychology and trust-building, providing actionable insights for navigating high-stakes scenarios and achieving win-win outcomes.
Olympic medalist and Emmy-winning producer John Coyle presented “Designing for Tomorrow: The Future of Time,” exploring the psychology of time and offering techniques for managing life and work through neuroscience.
A fireside chat between Saudi business leader Muna AbuSulayman and Ahmed El Alfi, Chairman of Sawari Ventures, along with Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at 500 Global in MENA, highlighted the intersection of culture, entrepreneu
rship, and investment, focusing on the role of leadership in bridging innovation with identity.
Human-centric leadership was a key theme in “Humanizing the Future,” a masterclass facilitated by Hesham El Gamal and Marwan Aljahani, which emphasized grounding leadership in human values amid technological advancements.
The day’s discussions concluded with experts presenting strategies for leaders to remain agile in a fragmented global economy amidst geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties.
As KALC prepares for its second and final day, attendees can anticipate more sessions from global icons such as Egyptian entrepreneur and writer Mo Gawdat and Saudi Olympic rower Hussein Alireza, focusing on innovation and resilience in leadership.
For more information on KALC’s Day 2 agenda, visit www.kalc24.com.
