Spotlight on the role of visionary leader in achieving success
Consider the most successful companies of our time – Apple, Google, or Amazon. Behind each of these giants is not just a proficient manager ensuring day-to-day operations, but a visionary leader who dared to dream beyond the conventional boundaries.
Sharing this thought was the Brunei Institute of Leadership and Islamic Finance (BILIF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hajah Sufinah binti Haji Sahat in her BILIF Open Day 2024 keynote presentation titled ‘From Vision to Victory: Charting Your Course to Success’.
“Leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about fostering an environment where the collective intelligence of a team can flourish,” said Hajah Sufinah.
“A true leader understands the strengths of those around them and empowers individuals to contribute their best.”
The CEO went on to say that collaboration and synergy, nurtured by effective leadership, create an atmosphere where creativity thrives, propelling organisations towards unparalleled success, and that in times of adversity, leadership becomes the guiding light.
“It is during the most challenging moments that true mettle of a leader is tested.”
Hajah Sufinah expressed that history is rich with instances of leaders guiding their nations through challenging periods, such as Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. Their unwavering leadership served as a source of inspiration, fostering hope, resilience, and eventual triumph.
However, leadership extends beyond the grand arenas of global politics and corporate boardrooms; it influences every aspect of our lives. From community leaders effecting positive change at a grassroots level to educators moulding the minds of future generations, the undeniable impact of leadership is evident in each role.
“In the contemporary landscape, marked by rapid change and uncertainty, leadership is the anchor that provides stability.”
She further emphasised that in the current context, a leader’s capacity to navigate complexity, embrace innovation, and inspire a shared vision is more crucial than ever.
In the midst of challenges such as global pandemics, economic fluctuations, or technological disruptions, organisations led by robust and adaptive leaders have demonstrated greater resilience and a heightened ability to thrive.
In her keynote presentation, she also underscored the indispensable elements of effort, time and dedication in achieving success, emphasising the crucial role of knowledge acquisition, adaptability and the courage to learn from mistakes.
She also recounted the inspirational journeys of Jeffrey Preston Bezos as a determined innovator in the bustling Silicon City, revolutionising commerce and embarking on a journey that reshaped the landscape of online retail.
She had also spoke of Ernest Hemingway’s iceberg analogy as a poignant reminder that success mirrors the tip of the iceberg – a visible culmination of a much larger journey beneath the surface.
“Consider the commitment of an entrepreneur facing setbacks or an artist honing their craft in solitude. These submerged aspects of success, sacrifices, failures and continuous learning shape the foundation of greatness,” said the CEO.
Just as Hemingway suggested that only one-eighth of an iceberg is visible, Hajah Sufinah highlighted that it is crucial to recognise that the true measure of success extends well beyond the apparent milestones, encompassing the intangible qualities, resilience and unwavering determination that resides beneath the visible achievements.
She also said it is important to be mindful that success does not conform to a one-size-fits-all model as each individual’s path may vary. However, she added, there are common principles and tools that can guide them towards their goals.
“The fact remains that to better equip ourselves for success, it’s crucial to identify and focus on the key areas that can significantly impact our journey,” said the CEO.
In the concluding remarks of her keynote, Hajah Sufinah conveyed that as we reflect on success, we should not overlook the crucial role that leadership plays in shaping the destinies of individuals and organisations. It serves as the driving force propelling us beyond the ordinary, urging us to aspire to greatness.
“As we strive for success in our respective endeavours, let us recognise and nurture the leaders within ourselves and others, for in their hands lies the power to shape a brighter and more prosperous future.” – Rokiah Mahmud
