What inspired you to pursue a career spanning diverse sectors, from healthcare to technology and academia?

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Dr. Basma AlBuhairan: Looking back, I had little interest in science or healthcare as a child. My initial ambition was to pursue a journalism degree, but that path didn’t materialize for various reasons. However, my father’s wise counsel led me to study Clinical Laboratory Science (Medical Technology) instead.

Through my studies and internship, I discovered the health sector’s fast-paced nature, where quick, informed decisions are crucial due to the impact on patients’ lives. I learned the importance of avoiding procrastination and impracticality for successful outcomes. While I found fulfillment in indirectly helping others, I also realized working in a clinical laboratory wasn’t challenging enough for me in the long-term.

After completing my internship, I worked as a Medical Technologist at the National Guard Hospital’s Blood Transfusion Services. While intellectually stimulating, the role didn’t hold my interest for long.

Over time, my career progressed to greater heights within the health sector, and I took on various challenging roles. One such role was leading the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh. This first leadership experience tested me in unexpected ways, but the lessons I learned made me stronger and more resilient.

Traditionally, one’s career would normally be related to or in the area one has studied or focused on during one’s studies. In my case, my studies and experience in the health sector laid the building blocks and foundations for my life-long learning. As a result, my career journey included other sectors like entertainment, innovation, and technology, each different but connected by technology. From these diverse experiences, I learned five key lessons:

1. Embracing the Unknown: Venturing into unfamiliar sectors while trusting and believing in my abilities has been essential.
2. Leveraging Personal Strengths: Utilizing my ambition, determination, perseverance, commitment, adaptability, and accountability as catalysts for personal and professional growth.
3. Staying True to Myself: My authenticity and upholding my values and beliefs have been a guiding principle. 
4. Managing Emotions: Separating emotions from challenging situations has allowed for rational and better decision-making. 
5. The Power of Selfless Help: Being resourceful and helping others without expecting anything in return has been immensely gratifying and rewarding. 

These lessons have been invaluable in shaping my career and personal development.

As the Managing Director of the World Economic Forum Affiliate Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Saudi Arabia, how do you see technology shaping the future of the Kingdom in alignment with Vision 2030?

Dr. Basma AlBuhairan: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a vision unlike any other. It is an ambitious plan to diversify the country and transform economically, socially, and culturally. It is very much aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showing a commitment to a positive global impact. Empowering people is a core principle of Vision 2030, focusing on unlocking its talent’s potential. Technology serves as the backbone underpinning this ambitious journey.

Over the past few years, the Kingdom has emerged rapidly as a robust innovation and technology ecosystem. Significant strides have been made towards Vision 2030, with a focus on technological advancements. Investments in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors are noteworthy. In addition, Saudi Arabia has a number of success factors that are contributing to shaping the future of technological innovation, such as: 

• A Young and Tech-Savvy Population: Over 70% of the population is under 30, with a strong appetite for technology and digital transformation. This young talent pool is attractive to global investors. Recent examples include a $5.3 billion investment by Amazon Web Services in a high-capacity cloud zone and a $250 million investment by IBM in a software development center (announced in March 2024).
• The Kingdom’s ranking in global innovation and technology indices is continuously improving. Saudi Arabia jumped 10 ranks to achieve 2^nd place among the G20 countries according to ITU’s ICT Development Index (IDI) 2023
• A significant rise in venture capital investments is fueling innovation. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the most funded country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in terms of the amount of venture capital (VC) funding in 2023, which witnessed a record total VC deployment of $1.4 billion (SAR 5.2 billion), up by 33% compared to 2022 and crossing the $1 billion mark for the second consecutive year, despite the decline witnessed in regional and global VC markets. VC funding in Saudi Arabia accounted for 52% of the total capital deployed in the region in 2023, increasing from 30% in 2022. Last year also achieved a new record for the Kingdom’s mega deal (more than $100 million) funding, which stood at $879M (SAR 3.3Bn) across four deals, where the Saudi deals captured 77% of all MENA mega deals.

Technology has demonstrably led to positive social impact. One prominent example is the Seha Virtual Hospital, launched in 2022. This innovative platform boasts extensive reach, supporting over 130 hospitals across the Kingdom and offering over 30 specialized services. It provides remote consultations with top specialists, remote patient monitoring, and improved access to high-quality healthcare, leading to better patient diagnosis and outcomes.  

The Kingdom is well-positioned to become a global leader in technology and a key player shaping frontier technologies like quantum computing, communications, and other related fields. However, as we move forward, focusing on the responsible development and deployment of these technologies remains crucial. Here, the role of C4IR Saudi Arabia becomes even more critical.

Can you share some insights into your role as a mentor for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds? How do you foster their professional growth and development?

Dr. Basma AlBuhairan: Oprah Winfrey’s assertion, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself,” resonates deeply with my passion for guiding young talents from diverse backgrounds. It is a privilege to witness their potential ignite, often through a simple shift in perspective.

Mentoring is a personalized journey where active listening and understanding each individual’s goals and cultural background are paramount. This enables me to tailor my guidance, drawing from relevant experiences and offering constructive feedback. The joy of witnessing an “aha moment” – that spark of realization – is immeasurable.

I find profound fulfillment in mentoring as I see mentees discover new possibilities and thrive professionally. The relationship is mutually enriching, as their eagerness inspires me to be a better role model, constantly learning and growing alongside them.

This journey resembles nurturing a plant, where the mentee’s initiative and dedication are vital for development. My role is to cultivate a safe space for exploration, offering sincere support and encouragement. Embracing mistakes is an essential part of the journey, and often, stepping beyond one’s comfort zone leads to significant growth. Sharing personal experiences adds a relatable and impactful layer to the mentoring process.

Moreover, mentoring transcends individual growth; it serves as a powerful catalyst for community development, fostering connections and promoting social equity. I encourage individuals to consider how they can give back to the community through mentorship early on.

Ultimately, mentoring is a gratifying experience that enriches both the mentor and the mentee.

Collaboration seems to be a central theme in your career, from cross-collaborative initiatives in to multi-stakeholder collaborations in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. What strategies do you employ to facilitate effective collaboration across diverse stakeholders?

Dr. Basma AlBuhairan: Throughout my varied career in the health, education, investment, entertainment, and innovation sectors, collaboration has been the cornerstone of my success. In every role I have undertaken, teamwork and cooperation have been essential to my accomplishments, transcending departmental and industry boundaries. Reflecting on my professional journey, it is clear that collaboration has been a fundamental element, intricately woven into every phase of my career.

Whether I was spearheading new initiatives within my organization or collaborating with external stakeholders across diverse fields, my ability to collaborate effectively has been a significant driver of my progress. The synergy that arises from blending different perspectives, skill sets, and expertise has consistently propelled me forward, enabling me to tackle complex challenges with confidence. Collaboration has empowered me to harness the strengths of those around me while encouraging my own growth and adaptability. By learning from my colleagues, embracing diverse viewpoints, and fostering a spirit of unity, I have achieved far more than I could have on my own.

The true power of collaboration lies in its capacity to amplify individual talents and create outcomes greater than the sum of their parts. As I reflect on the many collaborations, I have engaged in over the years, I am struck by their profound impact on my personal and professional development. Each experience has imparted valuable lessons about communication, compromise, and the significance of building trust and respect among team members. These skills have enriched not only my career but also my relationships and interactions in all aspects of life.

In today’s increasingly interconnected and fast-paced world, effective collaboration is more crucial than ever. By embracing the power of teamwork and fostering a culture of collaboration, we can address complex challenges and unlock new possibilities for growth and innovation. As I navigate the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technologies, I remain committed to the principles of collaboration that have served me so well throughout my career.

As Henry Ford wisely noted, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” This quote underscores that while uniting is an essential first step, sustained commitment to teamwork and collaboration is what ultimately leads to success. It highlights that individual efforts alone are insufficient; harnessing the power of collective action is vital for achieving remarkable results. In our interconnected world, collaboration is not merely advantageous; it is essential. Working in isolation has become a relic of the past, in my view. 

I firmly believe that people can either propel us forward or hold us back, and that collaboration knows no boundaries. At C4IR Saudi Arabia, our work hinges on collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders – from government entities to various industries, academia, research institutions, and civil society. This diversity encompasses a wide range of expertise, educational backgrounds, cultural perspectives, and even competing agendas. 

While multi-stakeholder collaborations are inherently complex, several strategies have proven effective in my experience:

1. Building Trust and Understanding: Open communication is paramount to creating a shared purpose and vision. Every voice should be heard and respected, fostering a sense of ownership among stakeholders.
2. Respecting Diversity and Ensuring Inclusivity: Establishing a safe space where everyone can participate is crucial. This involves using inclusive language and valuing the unique expertise and perspectives each person brings.
3. Establishing an Effective Collaboration Process: Setting clear ground rules, expectations, governance, and roles from the outset is key to avoiding confusion. A well-defined implementation plan with milestones, along with agreed-upon collaboration tools and a willingness to embrace virtual meetings, can optimize efficiency.
4. Maintaining Momentum: The initial urgency and shared purpose need to be sustained. This can be achieved by providing summaries after meetings, regular project updates, celebrating milestones, and actively seeking feedback to enhance the collaborative process.

I have found that even the most challenging collaborations can yield remarkable results through these strategies. The power of collective effort truly knows no bounds.

As a recipient of prestigious awards such as the Ward Wheelock Fellow Award and a fellow of Eisenhower Fellowships, how have these experiences shaped your perspective and influenced your approach to leadership?

Dr. Basma AlBuhairan: In pondering this question, I realized I have not formerly formally shared my Eisenhower Fellowship experience.

I was part of the 2013 MultiNations Program, a gathering of exceptional leaders from diverse backgrounds worldwide. Beforehand, I could not have imagined the incredible opportunity to spend time with 22 fellows from 23 countries. The opening seminar at the Eisenhower Fellowships headquarters in Philadelphia was an intense, thought-provoking, stimulating, and fun-filled week.

We all had stories to share, and the collective energy was truly invigorating and inspiring. Two key realizations struck me during those early days:

1. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we shared fundamental similarities that often go unnoticed.
2. Though initially strangers, we quickly forged deep bonds, as if we had known each other for a lifetime

The fellowship opened doors to invaluable meetings with respected leaders in my field of focus. Their openness, generosity, and respect left a lasting impact, emphasizing the importance of humility, knowledge-sharing, receptiveness, and venturing beyond one’s comfort zone. This experience significantly expanded my horizons and bolstered my confidence.

Additionally, the fellowship reinforced the power of reflection, something I had not regularly practiced before. It fostered self-awareness and heightened my perception of my surroundings, enabling personal and professional growth and the identification of blind spots. Reflection remains a daily practice for me.  

I was deeply honored to receive the Ward Wheelock Distinguished Middle East Fellow Award during my fellowship, further solidifying my confidence.

Eleven years on, I recognize the Eisenhower Fellowship as a pivotal moment in my leadership journey. It was a transformative experience that I am immensely grateful for.

2. Advise to young graduates

Even though the world has evolved significantly since I graduated, my advice remains unchanged. There is no single recipe for success, but here are a few key points that might resonate with aspiring young graduates embarking on their careers:

1. Take pride in your achievements: Celebrate them, no matter how small they seem. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, so don’t hesitate to seek help when needed—there’s no shame in asking for support.
2. Embrace your mistakes: Learn from your failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth. They provide invaluable lessons that can guide you on your path to success. Keep a record of these insights and reflect on them regularly.
3. Practice self-reflection: Regularly reflecting on your professional and personal experiences can lead to significant growth and development.
4. Stay true to yourself: Your authenticity, values, and beliefs are your compass. Never compromise them, and always remain true to who you are.
5. Be curious and inquisitive: Embrace curiosity as a driving force for exploration, learning, and personal growth. Embracing a mindset of inquiry can open up new avenues for discovery.
6. Believe in the impossible: Never stop dreaming and imagining what you can achieve. Your aspirations and positive mindset can fuel and serve as powerful motivators, propelling to toward great accomplishments. 

Remember, while the journey ahead may present challenges, keeping these principles in mind, will empower you to achieve remarkable success in both your career and life.