Reflection on 2024: A Year of Growth, Challenges, and Achievements

Reflection on 2024: A Year of Growth, Challenges, and Achievements

Looking back on 2024, it was a year that pushed me beyond my limits and shaped me in ways I could never have anticipated. It was a year of immersion into a new culture, managing complexity, and leading transformation on a scale that tested every facet of my leadership, adaptability, and resilience.

Embracing Iraq’s Culture and Language Moving to Iraq was both exciting and daunting. Immersing myself in the country’s rich and complex culture was a humbling experience. From the spiritual serenity of Karbala and Najaf to the modern dynamism of Erbil, the history of Basrah, and the political heart of Baghdad, every city offered a new perspective and deepened my understanding of Iraq’s heritage and resilience. Learning Arabic was one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the journey. While mastering a new language as an adult was no small feat, every conversation and interaction brought me closer to the people and their stories, creating a profound connection that went beyond words.

Leading a $500 Million Enterprise in a Complex Environment Professionally, 2024 was defined by taking the reins of a $500 million enterprise owned by a visionary entrepreneur. The company was a mega-operation, but it lacked the structured systems needed to achieve its full potential. My mandate was to lead a complete transformation, reorganizing the sales and marketing divisions, implementing new distribution models, and introducing ERP systems that optimized operations and ensured transparency.

The challenge was not just about processes but also about people. Leading a diverse management team composed of different nationalities, experiences, and perspectives required a delicate balance of diplomacy and decisiveness. Recruiting key leadership roles—CFO, CHRO, production director, quality manager, and marketing director—was critical to building a team aligned with the company’s long-term vision.

Navigating Political and Regulatory Complexities Iraq’s political landscape in 2024 was complex, marked by both challenges and opportunities. I was honored to engage with high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister, governors of various provinces, and leaders of governance councils. Building relationships with the Central Bank and major Iraqi banks’ leadership was instrumental in driving financial restructuring efforts, including customer credit systems and money collection. These interactions deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of Iraq’s governance and the resilience of its institutions.

Compliance was a cornerstone of my work, particularly in ensuring the company adhered to local labor and immigration laws. Managing labor disputes with the support of local unions and labor offices required careful negotiation and trust-building. Establishing a legal department to enforce vendor policies, procurement standards, and contract reviews was a major step toward institutionalizing accountability.

Challenges of Change and Transformation Driving change in a traditionally operated, owner-led enterprise came with its own set of challenges. Convincing stakeholders to embrace new business models and processes was a constant battle against resistance to change. Rationalizing SKUs, revising pricing policies, and restructuring cost-of-goods accounting practices required tough decisions and meticulous execution.

Building rapport with the local government and community leaders was critical to navigating the socio-political environment. These relationships not only facilitated smoother operations but also underscored the importance of mutual respect and cultural sensitivity in achieving long-term success.

Personal Growth and Achievements Amidst these challenges, I set a personal goal to read 24 books in 2024. With just a few days left in the year, I am proud to have completed 23. This commitment to continuous learning was a source of inspiration and balance, providing new ideas and perspectives that often informed my professional decisions.

2024 was a year of unparalleled growth. It taught me the value of perseverance, cultural humility, and the power of collaboration. I leave this year not just with a sense of accomplishment but with a deep respect for the people of Iraq, the resilience of its institutions, and the lessons learned from leading in one of the most dynamic and challenging environments of my career.