We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ahmad J. Naous Ph.D,CPSSE a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ahmad J., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The Stratexology Institute, founded by Professor Ahmad J. Naous, is a relatively new organization dedicated to the study and practice of Stratexology, a new economic science that focuses on bridging the gap between strategy and execution.
Professor Naous, a Lebanese economist and business strategist, developed Stratexology after 15 years of research, recognizing the critical need for businesses to move beyond just formulating strategies and actually put them into action. Stratexology posits that true success lies in creating shared value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This means businesses must consider the needs of their employees, customers, and the community in which they operate.
The Stratexology Institute’s mission is to:
Advance the field of Stratexology through research, education, and training.
Help organizations of all sizes implement Stratexology principles to achieve their goals and create shared value.
Promote ethical and sustainable business practices.
The institute offers a variety of programs and services to achieve its mission, including:
Executive education programs: These programs are designed to teach business leaders the principles of Stratexology and how to apply them to their organizations.
Consulting services: The institute provides consulting services to help organizations implement Stratexology principles.
Research: The institute conducts research on Stratexology and related topics.
Publications: The institute publishes books, articles, and other materials on Stratexology.
The Stratexology Institute is a valuable resource for organizations that are serious about achieving their goals and making a positive impact on the world.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Humanitarian (Refugee Advocacy), International speaker, Balanced Scorecard consultant and management educator, who helps managers and organizations learn from their past, understand the present and create their future.As (Execution premium Community) practitioner, I have a unique experience in measuring performance spent 20 years working in corporations in Middle East extracted from my experience some highly innovative ideas about “The Science of Strategy Execution”, Balanced Scorecard and The Execution Premium have spent a decade honing my thinking as a consultant and Chief Human Resources officer communicate ideas to audiences around the world in the form of creative presentations, in-depth seminars and management development programs. My book the “The Science of Strategy Execution” is an extraordinary integration of management and practice from a strategy management perspective. Its objective to help readers make meaning from the Balanced Scorecard and Execution premium result is an inspirational practice of the Balanced Scorecard and the Execution Premium that will resonate with every reader’s experience. I was born in Beirut hold PhD in stratexology from UIPM ,MBA from Beirut Arab University and MA from American University of Beirut .I am a contributing Editor to Strategy+Business, International member in American Society for Training and Development , Professional member in KPI Institute and Member of Advisory Committee in International Association for Strategy Professionals.
Membership:
-Harvard Medical School Talent Community.
-Member of Harvard Business Review since 2014-
6 Awards:
-Safest Prediction Prize-The Economist.
-Global Game Changer-2023
-International Books for Peace Award.
-Leadership Gold Award
-Elected 100 Admired People in Education in 2021.
-Books for Peace Ambassador-Gold
Ambassadorship:
*Global Goodwill Ambassador
*Global Peace Ambassador
*Middle East Ambassador for Peace and Human Rights
*Global Education Influencer
*Positive Impact Ambassador
*Global Sustainability Ambassador
*Delegate for Lebanon GCBL
*Greenden Ambassador
The founder of Stratexology is Ahmad J. Naous. He is a thought leader, author, and speaker in the field of strategy and execution.
Naous has over 20 years of experience in the field of strategy and execution. He has worked with a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events, and his work has been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and The Economist.
Naous is passionate about helping businesses and organizations achieve their goals and create a positive impact on the world.
He believes that Stratexology is the key to unlocking the full potential of organizations. Here are some of Naous’s accomplishments: Author of the book “Stratexology: The Era of Shared Value and Positive Impact” Frequent speaker at industry conferences and events Work featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and The Economist.
Naous is a highly respected thought leader in the field of strategy and execution. He is committed to helping businesses and organizations achieve their goals and create a positive impact on the world.
Stratexology is a new science that combines strategy and execution to create shared value for all stakeholders. It is a holistic approach to business that takes into account the needs of the organization, its employees, customers, and the community.
Stratexology was founded by Professor Ahmad J. Naous, a Lebanese economist and business strategist. Naous developed stratexology in response to the growing challenges facing businesses in the 21st century, such as globalization, climate change, and technological disruption.
Stratexology is based on the belief that businesses can only be successful if they create shared value for all stakeholders. This means that businesses must focus on not only making money, but also on improving the lives of their employees, customers, and the community.
Stratexology is a relatively new science, but it is already being used by businesses of all sizes around the world. For example, stratexology is being used by companies to develop new products and services that are more sustainable and socially responsible. Stratexology is also being used to improve the efficiency and profitability of businesses.
Here are some of the key benefits of using stratexology:
Increased profitability
Improved efficiency
Enhanced innovation
Improved employee engagement
Stronger customer relationships
Enhanced reputation
Positive impact on the community
Stratexology in practice
Stratexology can be applied to a wide range of business challenges. For example, a company might use stratexology to:
Develop a new strategy for entering a new market
Launch a new product line
Improve its customer satisfaction scores
Reduce costs and improve efficiency
Improve its sustainability performance
Develop a more inclusive and diverse workplace
Here is an example of how stratexology might be used in practice:
A company that manufactures clothing is looking to reduce its environmental impact. The company uses stratexology to develop a strategy for reducing its carbon emissions and water usage. The strategy also focuses on improving the working conditions of its employees and suppliers.
The company implements its stratexology strategy and is successful in reducing its environmental impact. The company is able to reduce its carbon emissions by 20% and its water usage by 10%. The company also improves the working conditions of its employees and suppliers.
Conclusion
Stratexology is a new science that has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate. By focusing on creating shared value for all stakeholders, stratexology can help businesses to achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Professor Ahmad J. Naous is a figure of immense resilience, his life and work a testament to overcoming challenges and making a positive impact on the world. His journey, spanning fields like economics, business strategy, education, and humanitarianism, is marked by constant adaptation, innovation, and a unwavering commitment to his values.
Early Life and Career:
Born in Lebanon, Naous faced the realities of war and displacement from a young age. This instilled in him a deep empathy for those facing hardship and a determination to build a better future. He pursued his education in economics and business, eventually earning a Ph.D. and embarking on a successful corporate career.
Stratexology and the Execution Premium:
Naous’s corporate experience led him to identify a critical gap in traditional business strategies. He recognized that focusing solely on financial goals often neglected the human element and the need for shared value creation. This led to the development of Stratexology, a unique framework that blends strategy and execution with a focus on social impact and sustainability.
Stratexology emphasizes the importance of aligning an organization’s mission, values, and goals with the needs of its stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the community. This holistic approach has gained widespread recognition, making Naous a sought-after speaker, consultant, and author. His book, “The Science of Strategy Execution”, has become a guide for businesses seeking to achieve the “Execution Premium” – the competitive advantage gained by effectively translating strategy into action.
Humanitarian Advocacy and Education:
Beyond the business world, Naous is a passionate advocate for social justice, refugee rights, and global peace. He actively participates in humanitarian initiatives and educational programs, using his platform to champion positive change. His dedication to education is evident in his work as a professor and mentor, inspiring countless individuals to reach their full potential.
Challenges and Resilience:
Naous’s path has not been without obstacles. He has faced personal and professional setbacks, including the loss of his home during the Beirut port explosion in 2020. Yet, he has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back from adversity with renewed determination. This resilience stems from his core values, his unwavering belief in the power of education and entrepreneurship to create a better world, and his deep connection to his community.
Legacy:
Professor Ahmad J. Naous is an inspiring example of resilience and dedication to making a positive impact. His work in Stratexology, his humanitarian advocacy, and his commitment to education continue to empower individuals and organizations around the world. His legacy is one of bridging the gap between business and social responsibility, and of building a more just and sustainable future for all.
In conclusion, Professor Naous’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, resilience and a commitment to one’s values can lead to extraordinary achievements and positive change. His life and work serve as an inspiration to us all to persevere in the pursuit of our goals and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The Pivot: From the Balanced Scorecard to Shared Value Creation
Prof. Naous’s journey with stratexology began with his deep engagement with the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), a popular performance management tool developed by Harvard Business School professors Robert Kaplan and David Norton. Naous spent over 15 years refining and applying the BSC in various organizations.
However, in the early 2000s, Prof. Naous recognized a limitation in the BSC’s focus on purely internal organizational goals. He felt it didn’t adequately address the growing social and environmental challenges facing businesses in the 21st century. He believed that focusing only on financial performance and internal metrics wasn’t enough for long-term success.
This realization formed the pivotal moment for Prof. Naous. He set out to “pivot” the BSC into something more relevant and impactful. He wanted to create a framework that not only helped businesses achieve their goals but also contributed positively to society as a whole.
The result was stratexology, a holistic approach to business strategy that emphasizes creating shared value. This means businesses don’t just focus on maximizing profits but also strive to improve the lives of their employees, customers, and the communities they operate in.
So, while I can’t share a personal story from Prof. Naous’s life, this pivotal moment in the development of stratexology demonstrates his willingness to adapt and evolve his thinking in response to new challenges and opportunities. It also exemplifies the core principles of stratexology – purpose, integration, and impact – which Prof. Naous has championed throughout his career.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.uipm.org
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ahmad-j-naous