More than 20 young professionals participated in a two-day intensive course on leadership organized under the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program by Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.

Titled ‘Being a Future Leader’, the program held from 5-6 December comprised intensive courses offered by Masdar Institute faculty, as well as academic and business leaders. Part of the YFEL program, the course was specially meant for young practitioners and graduate students who aim to expand their knowledge of core issues in advanced energy leadership, technology and policy.

Youcef Azrgui, Advisor, Strategy and Policy Development Unit from Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, offered a presentation that covered some of the salient features of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. Focusing on the key points of the Abu Dhabi Government’s program, Azrgui appraised the young leaders about the requirements for rapid decision-making and effectively managing the planning process to achieve Abu Dhabi’s economic objectives.

A twin-pronged leadership panel witnessed the academia and a business leader sharing their expertise with the YFEL members. Panelists included Dr. Joe Cecchi, Provost of Masdar Institute, Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Director of Sustainability, Masdar, and Bader Al Lamki, Director of Masdar Carbon. The leaders offered their suggestions from their individual and professional perspectives, while describing the path they had to tread to reach where they are today.

Masdar Institute faculty who were part of the program included Dr. Amy Wohlert, Executive Director, General Education and Student Affairs, Dr. Ken Volk, Outreach Manager, and Kevin Garvey, Lecturer in Academic English, Critical Thinking and Research Methodology, as well as Zainab Al Ali, Outreach Senior Officer and Coordinator of the YFEL Program.

With over 10 years as the Dean of the School of Engineering, University of New Mexico (UNM), Dr. Joe Cecchi has remarkable track record in leading various management teams. Under his stewardship, the University of New Mexico experienced significant growth and recognition as an innovative technology transfer platform, while contributing to the economic development of the state of New Mexico. Addressing the YFEL members, Dr. Cecchi emphasized on the need for laying the foundation at the early stage to develop into a leader who can carry the team and generate positive results.

Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany leads a team responsible for developing Masdar’s Sustainability Standards & Policies and Sustainability Auditing, as well as Monitoring and Reporting. Dr Al-Hosany has held senior positions with the General Headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Police, including Head of Design and Studies in the Engineering Department, in addition to being the first-ever female Deputy Director with the Abu Dhabi Police. She explained to the young leaders her implementation techniques in applying academic and professional pedagogies as well as devising and running innovative tools and policies.

As director of a Masdar business unit, Bader Al Lamki holds the responsibility for steering and guiding the teams within Masdar Carbon/Masdar Power to achieve their performance excellence in all areas of operations, while focusing on clean hydrocarbon power and industrial energy efficiency. He offered his insights based on the 15-year professional experience at various organizations including global corporations.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: “The workshop on ‘Leadership’ marks the concluding round of courses for the 2011 YFEL program. These courses aim to empower the youth and help them enhance their knowledge while developing individual professional skills. The YFEL members have once again demonstrated their commitment and willingness to remain on track for being true energy leaders of tomorrow through actively participating in all events including the workshop on leadership.

“Throughout the year, we have organized various seminars and workshops for the YFEL members, in addition to hosting them at local and international forums to facilitate mentoring opportunities. We are grateful to the country’s leadership for entrusting with us the task of nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and contribute to achieving the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 program.”

During her session, Dr. Amy Wohlert asked participants to put in writing what they would like to gain from the workshop on leadership. Members were also asked to make a sketch of what represents their concepts of leadership that was followed by a discussion on ‘What is leadership?’

 

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