E6: Soul, Heart and Mind of Finance

Unleashing the Power of Finance Business Partner :

In a world where numbers and calculations dominate the corporate landscape, Reham AbdelBasset emerged as a beacon of inspiration, igniting the leadership potential in others. Her unique approach to mentorship not only yielded exceptional results but also set her apart from the crowd.

Passion has always been the driving force behind Reham's endeavors. She firmly believes that when you infuse your tasks with the spices of passion, time becomes your ally, fueling your journey towards success.

" When you add the passion spices on the top to any task, you find the time for that eventually; it comes sort of your fuel. "Said Reham

Of course, pursuing one's passion comes at a price—a dedication of time and effort. However, Reham discovered that by investing in unleashing the capabilities of those around her, The payback substantial rewards not only as a finance leader but for the entire organization.

Reham's love of finance began early on, as her mother, a financial planner, immersed her in the world of numbers. Witnessing the complexities of the field, she fell head over heels for the intricacies of a finance career, making a choice to pursue her dreams.

The realm of finance is not merely about calculations and trends—it encompasses the art of storytelling through numbers and unraveling complex puzzles. Reham AbdelBasset found the detective aspect of finance exhilarating as she unearthed solutions, connected data points, and transformed them into valuable insights for decision-makers. She mastered the art of identifying both quantitative and qualitative value within a business.

Initially, Reham's focus was solely on the intellectual aspect of her career. She dedicated her first ten years to accomplishing tasks, achieving milestones, and observing performance metrics. However, a turning point arrived when she delved into the realm of leadership intelligence. She realized that leadership encompassed not only the rational mind but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions—a trinity of heart, soul, and mind.

Reham AbdelBasset had the privilege of working in various fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, which exposed her to the varying balances between heart, soul, and mind within different organizations. As a finance business partner, she understood that while the mind played a significant role, incorporating the how and why into partnerships resulted in more enriching collaborations and conversations.

The question of "why" is pivotal in shaping a business's purpose beyond mere sales numbers. Some organizations delve deeper, exploring their positive impact on the world and their core mission. Reham AbdelBasset firmly believed that embracing the soul, heart, and mind in decision-making was essential for becoming a successful leader and finance business partner.

Reham's blueprint for empathy began with sharing with business partner's shoes, gaining a deeper understanding of their familiarity with finance and their comfort levels with various aspects of the profit and loss statement. Moreover, she ventured into her partner's playground, whether it be the factory, marketing, or sales departments, forging a bond built on mutual understanding.

"Empathy comes from a strong mind, a feeling heart and soul that understand the question of why. "Said Reham

In some instances, the finance partner would entrust financial decisions to the business partner, just as the business partner would rely on the finance partner for sales or marketing decisions. This mutual trust and understanding formed a sturdy bridge that allowed them to weather the storms of complex and volatile business environments together.

While functional clashes are inevitable, Reham AbdelBasset emphasized that the overall business agenda and key performance indicators (KPIs) should remain aligned. The bridge they built through empathy and comprehension enabled them to navigate these challenges harmoniously, working as a cohesive team.

Reham's measure of success extended beyond the conventional metrics of KPIs and deliverables. She valued the trust she cultivated with her business partners and their joint journey towards achieving transparency in the profit and loss statement. Flexibility during difficult times was also an important gauge of success.

"How much in the time of celebration you remembered not as a finance support function but as a member of the team," said Reham?

At the end, Reham shared some light on the evolving technology. The advent of AI and machine learning in finance brought forth a paradigm shift. While these technologies would automate a significant portion of the planning process, the human touchand innovative mindset would remain indispensable. Finance would be able to focus on more strategic decision-making, collaborating at the decision-making table rather than being confined to a supporting role.

To new joiners in the field, Reham offered sage advice: continue developing financial leadership skills, stay relevant, and remain aware of the evolving landscape. She emphasized the importance of embracing change and being proactive in adapting to the ever-evolving world of finance.

Reham's journey exemplifies the power of unleashing leadership capabilities, integrating heart, soul, and mind into the finance realm. By building bridges of understanding and empathy, she has not only transformed herself but also inspired others to embark on their own path towards success.