Balancing Personal Passion, Professional Opportunity, and Societal Impact!
A new paradigm that prioritizes purpose over financial development is emerging in the dynamic world of business and finance. Today’s visionary leaders are proving that achieving financial growth can go hand in hand with a bigger goal that helps society, the planet, and the bottom line. Gone are the days when profit was the only metric of success.
Meet Zaid Abdullah Al-Yaeesh, the visionary CEO at the helm of Tayseer Arabian Financing Company. With a journey inspired by multifaceted motivations, he has become a driving force in the finance sector, propelling not only his success but also contributing to the prosperity of his community.
Zaid’s foray into the finance world wasn’t just coincidental; it was fueled by his intrinsic interest in the intricacies of finance. Armed with a robust background in the field, he embarked on a career that allowed him to merge his passion with his expertise. The result? A formidable leader who understands the nuances of finance inside out.
But Zaid’s motivations go beyond personal interest. With a keen eye for opportunity, he recognized the finance sector as a burgeoning domain ripe for professional growth and financial achievement. His journey isn’t just about carving a path for himself; it’s about unlocking doors of success for others who seek to excel in this dynamic field.
Yet Zaid’s aspirations extend even further. He views the finance sector not only as a platform for individual success but also as a vehicle for positive societal impact. For him, finance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fostering economic growth, fortifying financial stability, and generating employment prospects. He understands that by driving financial progress, he’s contributing to a thriving society that benefits everyone.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Pioneering Shariah-compliant Financial Solutions
Tayseer Finance, a prominent finance company headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has carved a significant niche in the financial sector. Established in 2015 and duly licensed by the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia, the company is dedicated to offering a diverse array of financial products and services that align with Shariah principles.
Tayseer Finance stands out by providing an extensive range of financial solutions, encompassing consumer financing, personal financing, auto financing, and SME’s financing. What sets these offerings apart is their unwavering adherence to Shariah-compliant principles, ensuring that all transactions are structured by Islamic values and do not involve interest-based dealings.
The company’s core mission is to deliver innovative and ethical financial solutions that cater to the unique needs of its valued customers. Tayseer Finance’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of Shariah compliance is unwavering, demonstrating its dedication to ethical financial practices. They prioritize exceptional customer service and the cultivation of enduring relationships with their clients, setting the stage for long-term success.
Under Zaid’s leadership, who assumed the role of CEO in August 2018, Tayseer Finance has undergone a remarkable transformation. His relentless efforts have propelled the company from a challenging financial state, nearing bankruptcy, to becoming a highly profitable finance powerhouse that stands at the forefront of the sector. His strategic approach, implemented from day one, has been instrumental in this transformation, leading the way in various aspects of the finance industry.
Tayseer Finance is not only a symbol of stability and reliability but also a beacon of innovation, leading the digital transformation within the finance sector of KSA. Their commitment to both Shariah compliance and financial excellence makes them a trusted partner for individuals and businesses seeking ethical financial solutions.
- Shariah-compliant focus: Zaid implemented the role of a Sharia committee to carefully review all finance programs and make necessary adjustments to offer Shariah-compliant financial products and services. This strategic move has gained popularity in the KSA, attracting a large customer base and fostering trust with clients.
- Customer-centric approach: He instructed team leaders to prioritize exceptional customer service and cultivate long-term relationships with clients. This approach has resulted in a loyal customer base and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
- Embracing innovation: Tayseer Finance has demonstrated a commitment to innovation by developing new financial products and services that cater to the changing needs of its customers. Zaid has led workshops and mind-mapping sessions with talented staff to spark innovative ideas that have proven successful.
- Building strong partnerships: He has placed great emphasis on establishing strong partnerships with vendors, enabling the company to expand its reach and access additional resources and support.
- Seasoned leadership: He has recognized the value of retaining experienced leaders who possess a deep understanding of the finance industry and the local market. This decision has played a pivotal role in guiding the company’s growth and ongoing success.
Expertise and Leadership Propel Success
Zaid’s previous experience as a CEO of aljabr finance company and Samnan has been highly beneficial in his current role in several ways:
- Industry knowledge: Zaid has provided him with a deep understanding of the industry, including its trends, challenges, and opportunities. This knowledge enables him to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies in his current role.
- Leadership skills: Zaid possesses strong leadership skills. He has the ability to motivate and inspire teams, manage change, and communicate effectively. These skills are instrumental in leading teams and driving results in his current role.
- Risk management: He has honed his skills in risk management. He is adept at identifying and mitigating risks to the business, ensuring that it operates in a safe and sustainable manner.
- Financial acumen: Zaid has acquired a strong understanding of financial management. This includes skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. He effectively applies this knowledge to manage budgets and make informed financial decisions in his current role.
- Network: Zaid has allowed him to develop a robust network of industry contacts. He leverages this network in his current role to build relationships, create partnerships, and drive growth.
Task Prioritization and Management
Zaid follows these tips to prioritize and manage different tasks and responsibilities:
- Identifying and prioritizing critical tasks: Zaid identifies the most critical tasks and responsibilities that require immediate attention and focuses on those first. This includes tasks that are time-sensitive, strategic, or have a significant impact on the business.
- Delegating tasks: He delegates tasks and responsibilities to team members to ensure efficient and effective completion of all tasks. This frees up time for Zaid to focus on critical tasks that require personal attention.
- Using technology and tools: He utilizes technology and tools to manage and prioritize tasks and responsibilities. This includes project management software, scheduling tools, and communication tools to streamline workflow and maintain organization.
- Implementing time management strategies: He prioritizes time management to ensure effective use of time. This involves setting dedicated time slots for specific tasks, minimizing distractions, and taking breaks to avoid burnout.
- Regularly reviewing and adjusting priorities: Zaid regularly reviews and adjusts priorities based on changing business needs and circumstances. This ensures that focus is maintained on the most critical tasks and responsibilities at all times.
Proven Strategies for Effective Collaboration
As a CEO, Zaid implements the following strategies to ensure effective collaboration and communication:
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities to prevent confusion and duplication of efforts among team members.
- Foster a culture of open communication, encouraging team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback.
- Utilize technology such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management software to facilitate communication and keep everyone on the same page.
- Set clear goals and expectations so that everyone understands the team’s objectives and what success looks like.
- Celebrate successes to boost morale and motivation while using failures as opportunities to learn and improve processes.
In terms of problem-solving and decision-making, Zaid employs the following techniques:
- Gather all relevant information and perspectives before making a decision.
- Weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering the potential impact on the company and its stakeholders.
- Makes decisions based on what is best for the company and its stakeholders.
- Communicates decisions clearly and effectively to the CEO team and other stakeholders.
Tayseer Finance Achievments During Zaid’s Leadership
- Transform Tayseer Finance from suffering 76 M SAR losses in 2017 to become a profitable company in 2021, achieving a profit of 54 M SAR through a complete restructuring of company operations.
- Growth of Tayseer finance portfolio from 800 M SAR in 2018 to 2.4 B SAR in 2022.
Strategies to Drive Explosive Growth
Zaid shares some general insights on the strategies he used to achieve effective results:
- Market analysis: Conducted market analysis by analyzing market trends, customer needs and preferences, and competitor activity. This helped identify areas of opportunity for growth and informed the development of a strategy.
- Product development: Worked on developing new or improved products that meet the needs and preferences of customers. This contribution drove sales growth.
- Sales and marketing: Developed a strong sales and marketing strategy that increased brand awareness and drove sales growth. This included launching targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and other digital channels, developing partnerships with other businesses, and applying marketing 4P’s new approach.
- Customer experience: Ensured the provision of an exceptional customer experience to build loyalty and drive sales growth. This was achieved by maintaining excellent customer service, developing a user-friendly website and mobile app, and offering flexible payment options.
- Talent management: Recognized the importance of recruiting and retaining top talent to drive business growth. This ensures that the business has the necessary skills and expertise needed to succeed.
Expert Advice
Zaid advises individuals aspiring to be successful CEOs in the finance industry to follow these steps:
- Gain experience: Prioritize gaining experience in the finance industry before aiming for a CEO position. This can involve working in various roles in finance companies, such as accounting, risk management, or investment banking.
- Develop leadership skills: CEOs need strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate teams, manage change, and communicate effectively. Develop these skills through leadership training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
- Build a strong network: Establishing a strong network of contacts in the finance industry is highly beneficial. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other finance professionals on social media platforms.
- Stay updated on industry trends: The finance industry is ever-evolving, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. Read industry publications, attend conferences and seminars, and network with other finance professionals.
- Have a strong work ethic: Successful CEOs have a strong work ethic, including a willingness to work hard, take risks, and make challenging decisions. Be dedicated, persistent, and focused on achieving long-term goals.
- Be ethical and transparent: CEOs in the finance industry must prioritize ethical behavior and transparency. This builds trust with customers, employees, and shareholders and ensures long-term business success.
Overall, aspiring CEOs in the finance industry should focus on gaining experience, developing leadership skills, networking, staying updated on industry trends, maintaining a strong work ethic, and displaying ethical behavior. By focusing on these areas, individuals can position themselves for success in this challenging and rewarding field.
Raving Rewards
- Establishment of high-profit financing companies
- Laying the foundations and systems for financing companies capable of obtaining high growth in the financing portfolio with low arrears
- Restructuring a group of companies and converting them from losses into profitability.