INSEAD Leadership Series - GCC

In this episode, I speak with Amr Habis, a transformational leader with expertise in engineering, project management, and business strategy, who has played a key role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With experience spanning organizations like Aramco, OEM Group, and the Saudi National Guard, Amr provides deep insights into Saudi’s economic shift, infrastructure boom, and cultural transformation.

We discuss:

• Amr’s career journey – from engineering and construction to oil & gas and eventually entrepreneurship, and how he finds fulfillment in constant learning and transformation.
• Saudi’s Vision 2030 at two levels – the "hardware" changes (megaprojects like NEOM and Riyadh Metro) and "software" changes (cultural and societal shifts).
• The cultural evolution – how Saudis are embracing uncertainty, breaking from traditional career paths, and seeking more personal fulfillment.
• The “New Unknowns” – how the younger generation is redefining ambition, financial stability, and career choices in response to the rapid changes in Saudi Arabia.
• Challenges for business owners – how SMEs and long-established companies are adapting to regulatory overhauls and a fast-changing market.
• Why Saudi shouldn’t be judged by global benchmarks – how cultural uniqueness shapes policy, business, and urban development differently than in the West.
• The rise of the Saudi entrepreneurial ecosystem – why businesses in Saudi are creating their own "Blue Ocean" strategies to differentiate and innovate.
• Leadership and mindset transformation – the most critical factor in successfully navigating change, both for individuals and companies.
• His passion for Arabic calligraphy – preserving and modernizing Saudi culture through an upcoming podcast dedicated to this historic art form.

A fascinating conversation for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented transformation under Vision 2030.

In this episode, we are joined by Waleed AlBanawi, an INSEAD 05D, Executive Chairman & CEO of Banvest Group, and former chairman of Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) MENA. Waleed has deep experience in traditional industries, venture capital, and regional economic transformation.

We discuss:

• His father’s entrepreneurial journey – pioneering industrial business in Saudi Arabia before the oil boom, securing funding when banks wouldn’t lend to industry, and overcoming regulatory and workforce challenges.
• Lessons in resilience – how early exposure to adversity through boarding school, competitive sports, and business challenges shaped Walid’s leadership style.
• Transitioning from family business to venture capital – after 26 years in manufacturing, Walid moved into VC to support tech entrepreneurs and invest in disruptive businesses across MENA.
• Challenges for startups in the GCC – why many founders fail due to a lack of market fit, the importance of adaptability, and how capital mismanagement affects long-term success.
• Investment philosophy – key criteria he looks for in startups: sector growth potential, path to profitability, strong governance, and building scalable teams.
• Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 – how government reforms, digital transformation, and policies are accelerating private-sector growth and attracting investment.
• Future opportunities in MENA – why fintech, health tech, tourism, and entertainment are among the region’s most promising sectors for entrepreneurs.
• Advice for young entrepreneurs – the importance of lifelong learning, stepping out of comfort zones, and innovating rather than just renovating.

A must-listen for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in business transformation in the Gulf region.