This Spotlight segment delves into the journey of Laila Al Hadhrami, a global futurist and visionary leader her pivotal role extends beyond Oman's national projects, where she spearheads Smart Sustainable cities; digital transformation initiatives and steers change management activities.
She is a luminary in global committees, collaborating with global organizations including different UN Offices. She stands at the helm as the Managing Director of Communities Connect Cities (C3), a distinguished advisory company renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to smart and sustainable city development.
Laila Al Hadhrami's expertise is a confluence of multifaceted realms, from digital transformation and innovation to tourism, each embellished with multiple accolades and a wealth of publications. With an unwavering commitment to technological advancement, she has been instrumental in shaping the smart cities' landscape across the Middle East, steering strategic agendas for governments, UN organizations, and consulting firms.
In an exclusive interview, Laila Al Hadhrami shares insights into her journey, touching upon pivotal moments that have shaped her vision for urban development, the genesis and impact of the Smart Cities Ambassadors program, navigating challenges in driving government innovation, and profound advice for aspiring leaders in the smart cities and digital transformation landscape.
Join us as we explore Laila Al Hadhrami's inspiring journey, delving into her remarkable contributions, unparalleled vision, and the transformative impact she continues to craft in the realm of smart and sustainable cities. In this exclusive interview she shares her exceptional insights and wisdom, igniting the path for aspiring leaders to forge a smarter and sustainable future.
Q. Your experience in smart and sustainable cities is extensive. Could you share a pivotal moment or project that has significantly shaped your vision for the future of urban development?
A: My journey in the realm of Smart Sustainable Cities has been marked by an unwavering passion for self-improvement, a relentless pursuit of impactful innovations, and a deep fascination with the transformative potential of technology to make an impact in people’s lives. This confluence of driving forces has propelled me forward, shaping my vision for the future of smart sustainable cities for people around the world.
My journey began long ago, fueled by an innate desire to push boundaries and explore the frontiers of knowledge. This insatiable curiosity led me to continuously invest in my own growth, embracing new experiences and challenges with open arms. My passion for making a positive impact on the world further ignited my zeal for discovery, driving me to seek out novel solutions that could enhance the lives of others.
A pivotal moment in my journey arrived when I became intimately acquainted with technology through continuous learning. I recognized the immense power of technology to revolutionize various aspects of life, including equal life for every individual in sustainable cities. Driven by this conviction, I embraced the Metaverse as a pioneer adapter in 2006, immersing myself in this virtual realm to gain firsthand experience before advocating for its transformative potential.
From the outset of my career, I have been fortunate to stand out among my peers by consistently applying smart city principles to various critical roles. My journey began with the National Digital Transformation project in Oman in 2012, where I gained invaluable experience in implementing digital transformation and smart city solutions. Subsequently, I had the privilege of collaborating with various UN offices, further broadening my expertise in this domain. Notably, my tenure as a research fellow at UNU eGov, focused on Smart City Indicators, proved to be a transformative experience. Building upon this accumulated knowledge, I played a pivotal role in establishing a smart city development department within a prominent private company. Currently, I leverage my extensive expertise as a global advisor, guiding diverse organizations worldwide towards achieving their smart city aspirations. I am also currently leading Oman IT Society a non-profit organization besides my role in managing my own advisory company “Communities Connect Cities”.
Q. The Smart Cities Ambassadors program is an inspiring initiative. Can you tell us about its inception and how it's nurturing leaders in the smart cities domain?
A: My passion for solving real-world challenges and creating a better future led me to lead national projects in Oman and globally, including the Smart City Smart City Ambassadors (SCA). Launched in November 2019, the SCA initiative aimed to establish a smart community of practice. It enlisted the support of volunteers—skilled champions committed to conducting monthly free lectures and workshops across Oman, all centered around the smart city concept. To boost visibility, a public relations campaign through social media and media relations activities accompanied the initiative's launch.
The initiative's focus honed in on smart city-oriented topics, predominantly delving into 4th Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) themes like Blockchain, Big Data, IoT, Autonomous Vehicles/Drones, AI & Machine Learning, and 3D printing. Ensuring the sessions maintained a high quality, only resource speakers with proven expertise—ranging from academic experts and researchers to industry professionals and consultants—were accepted to lead the workshops.
Operating as a non-profit effort, SCA collaborated with various institutions and organizations to host workshops free of charge, with SCA ambassadors generously volunteering their time and expertise. In a significant achievement, The Smart City Ambassadors garnered global recognition in October 2020 by clinching victory in the 'Ecosystem Best Practice' category at the 2020 ITU Innovation Challenges competition, marking a proud moment for the Sultanate.
I believe the Smart City Ambassadors initiative can be implemented and customized for each country or city, playing a crucial role in empowering communities to construct sustainable and smarter urban environments. This adaptable approach allows for tailored applications that cater to the specific needs and characteristics of diverse regions, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement among local communities. The success of such initiatives lies in their ability to resonate with the unique challenges and aspirations of each locality, ultimately contributing to the global movement for smarter and more sustainable cities.
I take pride in sharing that, inspired by the success of the Smart City Ambassadors initiative, I have implemented similar impactful initiatives to empower additional communities in steering their organizations or cities at Communities Connect Cities Company. These endeavors have been instrumental in fostering connectivity and collaboration, extending the benefits of smart and sustainable practices to a broader spectrum of communities. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a ripple effect, where the lessons learned and successes achieved contribute to a collective endeavor of building more connected, sustainable, and resilient cities worldwide.
Q. Leading national projects in Oman entails significant responsibilities. What key challenges have you encountered in driving government innovation in emerging technologies, and how do you navigate these challenges?
A: In leading national projects in Oman, a significant challenge I've encountered revolves around the human and cultural aspects rather than technological barriers. Surprisingly, the availability of technology has not been a hurdle; instead, the crux lies in bridging the gap and influencing mindsets to embrace and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies. Through my extensive experience as a global keynote speaker and engagements with diverse clients worldwide, I've observed a common thread – the challenge of sustainable investment in people.
In various countries and cities, regardless of their technological readiness, the key obstacle is fostering a culture that accepts and actively participates in the technological transformation process. This challenge extends beyond mere technological literacy; it involves instilling a mindset shift towards embracing innovation and staying abreast of the evolving landscape. It's not just about executives or decision-makers but includes individuals at all levels, from top management to the essential roles like tea boys and cleaners.
Drawing on my encounters with well-developed organizations globally, I've observed a direct correlation between high productivity and the comprehensive education and empowerment of every employee. This includes individuals in seemingly peripheral roles, emphasizing the importance of aligning every member with the vision and mission of the organization. Therefore, the key to driving government innovation in emerging technologies lies not only in the technological infrastructure but in fostering a culture of continuous learning, empowerment, and shared vision among the diverse members of the community.
Q. Finally, reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders looking to make a significant impact in the realm of smart cities and digital transformation?
A: I would start by emphasizing the paramount importance of people. My advice will always be to prioritize people and their needs. In the dynamic realm of smart cities and digital transformation, the success of initiatives hinges on understanding, engaging, and empowering individuals. Keep people at the forefront of your efforts, fostering a culture that values their perspectives and promotes inclusivity.
Stay Ahead of the Curve. The digital landscape evolves rapidly, and staying informed about emerging technologies is non-negotiable. Be a lifelong learner, keep abreast of industry trends, and actively seek opportunities for professional development. Being at the forefront of technological advancements positions you to lead with foresight and innovation.
Build Strong Collaborations. The success of smart city projects relies on partnerships and collaborations. Establish strong connections with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, private organizations, and local communities. Collaborate globally to share insights and best practices, learning from the experiences of others to enrich your approach.
Prioritize People-Centric Solutions. Remember that the ultimate goal is to enhance the lives of citizens. Prioritize solutions that address real-world challenges and improve the well-being of communities. Engage with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring inclusivity and a shared vision for a smarter, more sustainable future.
Cultivate Resilience. Leading initiatives in smart cities and digital transformation may come with challenges. Cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset. Learn from setbacks, iterate, and continue pushing forward. Your ability to navigate obstacles will define the impact you can make.
Actively seek knowledge, be open to diverse perspectives, and listen attentively to the voices of your team, stakeholders, and the communities you serve. In short, empower your community to be able to drive your city to be smarter and sustainable.
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