Lessons from a Warzone How to be a Resilient Leader in Times of Crisis

by Roumani, Louai Al

• ISBN13: 9780241986769
• ISBN10: 0241986761
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2021-06-01
• Publisher: Penguin

Summary

A STORY OF HOPE, PERSEVERANCE AND RESILIENCE IN THE MIDST OF WAR

Louai Al Roumani was head of finance and planning at one of the largest banks in Syria, when the war broke out in 2011.

In Lessons from a Warzone, Al Roumani shares his very personal account of coping with the day-to-day realities of leading an organization in dangerous and hostile conditions. His story shows how inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places - from the timeless wisdom of merchants in ancient souks to the changing patterns of military checkpoints. During that time, not only did the bank remain robust when others faltered - it thrived and became the undisputed leading bank as people's trust in its capability to safeguard their lifelong savings strengthened.

In this book, Al Roumani distills the knowledge and skills he and his colleagues developed while steering the bank through four impossible years into ten lessons applicable to any leader facing a crisis today. His valuable, and often counterintuitive, advice - ranging from resisting over-planning to hacking your own IT department to cutting costs (but not morale) - will help anyone understand how to be resilient even in the most challenging of times.

 

Author Biography

Louai Al Roumani was the head of finance and planning at Banque Bemo Saudi Fransi (BBSF), the largest privately-owned bank in Syria when the conflict broke out in 2011. He has over 14 years' experience in various finance and strategic planning roles across the Middle East and UK. Louai studied in Beirut and Boston and now lives in London with his wife and works for UNICEF UK as Finance Business Partner.