Building Lasting Legacies: The Power of Leadership and Mentorship in Shaping Future Generations

Lessons from Haitham Al Kharusi’s Impact

In April 2020, my family and I lost a wonderful human—my brother Haitham. As we approach the fifth year of his passing, I wanted to reflect on the personal loss and the profound professional legacy he left behind. Haitham’s influence resonates with many, and his leadership and mentorship have led to the growth of several successful businesses and the development of numerous young professionals. His legacy offers essential lessons for anyone looking to make a lasting impact, personally and professionally.

Based on my observation, I have identified a few key principles of his leadership style, which have helped him succeed besides positively impacting those around him. Here, I will elaborate on some of these lessons learned, benefiting those who aspire to have successful and joyful careers while leading with dignity and pride.

Leadership with Compassion and Integrity

Haitham’s leadership was not defined by titles or authority. Instead, it was built on compassion, integrity, and a commitment to others. Haitham always led with a deep sense of responsibility toward the people he worked with, whether in his role at Etisalat - a Fortune 500 company, or with other Omani or Qatari telecommunication companies.

Lesson 1: Leadership is about people, not positions.

Haitham believed that leadership wasn’t just about being in charge—it was about empowering others to reach their full potential. He fostered a culture of collaboration where people felt heard, valued, and respected. He believed in building others up, offering guidance and support rather than focusing on their success. His belief in the value of mentorship was a cornerstone of his leadership style, and it was through this that he could provide and guide numerous successful professionals.

For anyone in a leadership position or aspiring to be in that role, it’s essential to understand that the greatest measure of success is not how far you climb but how many people you help. This is not an easy task; the successful completion of it necessitates one to have patience and endurance. Being empathetic and understanding to those whom you lead can be a source of inspiration for all, and at the same time, it will contribute to the individual and the collective growth.

"The greatest joy in life is to be in the "service of people," to empower them to achieve their maximum goal." (Source: "The Culture of Leadership - A CEO Talk by Haitham Al Kharusi, GuTech 26/02/2020)

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Growth

Haitham was an inspiring mentor who was guided by advice and invested much of himself in other people's lives as a mentor. He didn't just advise on everyday matters in the workplace but made time for deep conversations about career goals, the challenges experienced, and mostly about life's existential questions.

Lesson 2: Mentorship is a transformative tool for growth.

Haitham’s mentorship was transformative for many young professionals who worked under him. His ability to listen, offer constructive feedback, and encourage individuals to pursue their dreams was a hallmark of his approach. But he also taught us that mentorship is not a one-way street. A great mentor is a teacher and a student—learning from those they mentor and evolving together. He was always humble about being a lifelong learner and said he, too, can learn from others.

For those looking to make an impact in their careers, whether as a mentor or mentee, it’s important to approach mentorship as a long-term investment in people and yourself. A true mentor don’t just aim to improve skills—they seek to build character and instill confidence, ultimately helping others realize their full potential.

The Power of Personal Connections

Haitham had an exceptional ability to build personal connections, even in the most professional environments. His approach to leadership was grounded in genuine human interaction. Regardless of whether he was speaking to an employee, colleague, or client, he always made them feel important and listened to. Whether he was talking to a colleague, employee, or client, he made each person feel seen and heard. This wasn’t about networking but creating meaningful, lasting relationships built on trust and respect. His ability to develop strong connections with his team and customers was a testament to the power of authentic relationships in leadership.

Lesson 3: Build authentic relationships to foster a sense of value and respect.

The need to create personal connections can often be unseen in the fast-paced, goal-oriented business environment. To illustrate, Haitham built these very important relationships that ultimately drive success. People will not follow leaders who are just experts; they will follow leaders they know they can trust. Building trust needs time, experience, active listening skills, and empathy.

For leaders today, especially in the private sector, remember that business success is often about the people you know and the relationships you build, not just the transactions you make. Authentic connections lead to deeper collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect, all essential for long-term success.

Balancing Professional and Personal Commitments

One of the key lessons I’ve learned from Haitham is the importance of maintaining a balance between professional ambition and personal commitments. Despite his demanding career, Haitham always made time for his family and loved ones. He understood that success in life isn’t solely defined by career achievements but by the relationships you build and your impact on those closest to you. Haitham's belief in the Islamic way of living was a guiding principle for him. He saw work as a form of worship, especially when done to please Allah. His dedication to his faith and values was evident in everything he did, and it will always inspire those who knew him.

Lesson 4: Success is a holistic balance of professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Haitham showed us that success isn’t just about climbing the career ladder. It’s about balancing professional growth with personal fulfillment. His ability to prioritize family, even while managing high-level responsibilities, taught us that true leadership involves being present in every aspect of life.

For professionals seeking to make a lasting impact, it’s essential to remember that work-life balance is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Nurturing relationships with family, friends, and colleagues ensures that you bring your best self to both personal and professional spheres.

Gratitude as a Cornerstone of Leadership

Perhaps one of the most potent lessons Haitham imparted to those around him was the importance of gratitude. Haitham lived his life with a constant appreciation—not just for his accomplishments but for the people and experiences that shaped him. He often reminded those around him that success lies not in what you have but in what you give and how you treat others.

Lesson 5: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t just about expressing thanks—it’s a mindset that shapes how we interact with the world and those around us. Haitham’s ability to live with gratitude despite challenges was one of the key reasons he inspired so many. He taught us that when we approach life with gratitude, we foster positivity, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment.

For anyone looking to build a strong, positive legacy, remember that gratitude is the foundation. It enhances relationships and empowers us to lead with humility and perspective, even when we face setbacks. His voice still echoes in my mind, reminding me of his legacy of gratitude.

Conclusion: Leading with Purpose and Integrity

As I reflect on Haitham’s impact, it’s clear that his legacy is not just about his achievements but the lessons he left behind. His life serves as a reminder that leadership is about people—not positions—and that mentorship is a powerful tool for shaping future generations. His ability to balance professional success with personal connections and to lead with gratitude, integrity, and compassion makes his legacy one that continues to inspire and guide.

Haitham's principles offer valuable insights for those looking to make a lasting impact in their careers and communities. Leading with empathy, prioritizing mentorship, building authentic relationships, maintaining balance, and embracing gratitude are not just lessons for leadership—they are lessons for life. These values will ensure that we, too, leave behind a legacy that inspires others and creates meaningful change in the world.