In Arabic, the phrase “if the wind blows, you’d better ride it” means that we should take advantage of opportunities when they arise. This was the philosophy behind the success of ALJ, a family-owned business that has diversified across multiple international markets. In line with such an operating principle, ALJ aims to become a global leader in its industry by investing aggressively in new technologies and building strong relationships in each market it enters.
Hassan Jameel, who has been called the “Warren Buffett of the Middle East,” is one of the world’s most successful investors. As Vice Chairman and Deputy President of ALJ Holding Co. Ltd., Hassan steers the board of directors alongside his family, ensuring that ALJ continues to thrive globally.
Hassan Jameel explains how to decide which industry to enter: consider the future of that industry and then measure the risks associated with it. He suggests working with companies in tranches until each business has gained enough trust in the other.
Jameel explains how he first tries to assess a company by looking at its history, the team behind it, and who else is involved.
Hassan Jameel stresses the importance of establishing a purpose for the company — particularly one that is flexible, scalable, and sustainable. To sustain success and grow or transition, business owners should be able to change their purpose if needed.
Jameel emphasizes that the company’s vision provides a lens through which business strategies are executed. An organization will be more successful if everyone buys into the same vision for the company, regardless of its function.
Jameel is a Dean’s Advisory Council member at the MIT School of Engineering and the University of Tokyo’s UTokyo Global Advisory Board. He holds an MBA from the London Business School and a BS in International Economics from Sophia University in Tokyo.
Follow Hassan Jameel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hassanmjameel?lang=en
Be the first to reply