Manifesting My Board Journey: Reflections from the Board Stewardship Huddle in Dubai

Manifestations are the realization of our deepest aspirations, unfolding in ways we often least expect. Recently, I experienced such a manifestation by attending the Board Stewardship Huddle in Dubai on February 17, 2025. As a qualified Independent Director, this event was a significant milestone in my journey toward board leadership.

Held at the Grand Hyatt, the Huddle brought together over 100 directors, key management personnel, and CXOs from diverse industries. The event was organized by Board Stewardship in association with JHS PrimeGlobal, with knowledge partners including ISB, BoardPAC, Lawyer Point, and Legends Accounting Services. This collaboration enriched the discussions, covering governance, compliance, technology, and financial stewardship.

Key Moments & Learnings

The session commenced with a warm welcome from Vinod Joshi, Managing Partner at JHS, setting an engaging tone. A celebratory song by the team added a unique rhythm to the proceedings, creating a sense of camaraderie.

Vikesh Walia, Managing Director and Editor of Board Stewardship, delivered a passionate keynote, sharing the organization's vision and mission. He emphasized the strategic importance of their presence in the GCC, offering us a distinct advantage.

Huzeifa Unwala shared his candid journey in the UAE with JHS Associates LLP, highlighting the critical role of well-informed boards. Mr. Nasser Munji, with his extensive board experience, provided valuable insights, making the session a rich experiential learning opportunity.

The highlight for me was Dr. Shailesh Haribhakti’s session. His delivery, enriched with simple yet effective case studies and practical approaches, left me eager to absorb more. The fireside chats and the release of his book, Reimagining ESG, were met with enthusiastic applause.

A powerful panel featuring Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Santosh Nayar, and Sandeep Chaudhari delved into integrating sustainability, governance, and finance into board strategies. Their discussions sparked intriguing questions and debates on various practices.

As a business owner who ventured to Dubai to establish a presence, I resonated deeply with the session on Governing Ethical Innovation, Risk & Long-Term Value Creation. Anupama Menon shared real case studies, cautioning those enticed by the city’s allure without due diligence. Arvind Agarwal added diverse perspectives, enriching the dialogue.

The event concluded with a celebration of JHS PrimeGlobal's achievements. Contrary to the stereotype of accounting and finance firms being overly serious, this vibrant group showcased a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

One of my key takeaways was the realization that board memberships can be a fulfilling second career for CXOs. With the UAE's dynamic business environment and its strategic global position, there are vast opportunities for senior professionals to lend their expertise to multiple boards.

The journey to becoming an effective board member is long but rewarding. Platforms like Board Stewardship not only provide knowledge and training but also foster a community where aspiring directors can learn from experienced leaders.

With the support of experts like Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Legal Partners, startups and growing businesses can navigate the complexities of governance while accessing trusted advisers for investment and funding options.

Final Reflections

Participating in the Board Stewardship Huddle has been transformative. It reinforced my belief that the journey to board leadership is as crucial as the destination. With the right mentors and guidance, platforms like this boost confidence and provide invaluable lessons. As Rumi said, "What you seek is seeking you."

It was a pleasure making new connections and meeting like-minded CXO professionals in the UAE, all from diverse backgrounds. There is immense potential to leverage the skills of senior professionals here, adding value to opportunities in India and beyond.

I eagerly anticipate future huddles and programs offered by Board Stewardship, designed to groom CXOs and aspiring Independent Directors for board roles. This journey is ongoing, and I am grateful for the experiences and connections that continue to shape my path.