The Levant Family Business Podcast – Leadership In Transition – A Perspective From The Next Generation
Episode 14 – The Next Generation Perspective, A Conversation With Georges Abou Adal.
Making the decision to join the family business can be an exciting albeit daunting moment for any next-generation family member. It is a personal journey that is unique and different for everyone. So what are the considerations that a next-generation family member should be making prior to joining their family firm? What can make the transition easier, and how can the family provide the support and encouragement needed to further the new members’ success in the company?
In this episode, Georges Abou Adal joins us to share insights into his personal journey on the complexities that accompany the transition into a leadership role as a young family business member. Georges Abou Adal is a third-generation family business member and Chief Commercial Officer at Holdal Group in Lebanon.
“The sooner you’re involved the better. Being involved early on is so important because you get to understand the different stakeholders, the different dynamics, you get to feel the sense of responsibility and the legacy you need to maintain – and whether you maintain that by working in the family business or by just being on the board or by playing your ownership role, remains to be seen and is up to the individual. But gaining insight early on, asking questions and attending shareholder meetings is very important.” – Georges Abou Adal
KEY QUESTIONS DISCUSSED IN THE PODCAST
- What can we do to motivate the next generation to become a part of the family business?
- How can a next-generation family business member become involved in the family business?
- How important is it for next-generation family members to have the freedom to make an entrepreneurial mark in the business?
- What can the older generation do to make the younger generations transition into the family business easier?
Georges is the Chief Commercial Officer of Holdal Group, a leading distribution. retail and logistics company based in Beirut, Lebanon and covering the Levant region. Before joining his family business, Georges worked at General Electric as a Wind Turbine Engineer in the US and Canada. He then joined EcoConsulting, a sustainability consultancy, as a senior consultant.
Georges holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Concordia University, an MPhil in Engineering from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from INSEAD Business School. His passions include Astronomy, Photography, Cycling and playing hide & seek with his daughter.
This episode is hosted by Farida El Agamy, General Manager of Tharawat Family Business Forum.