As part of its on-going commitment to empowering leaders’ of tomorrow and instilling further positivity in the nation’s socioeconomic scene, Sohar International’s Chairman Mr Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi delivered a lecture to students at Sohar University under the theme of ‘Leadership and Youth Empowerment’ in which he shared valuable lessons from his experience.

A successful corporate leader and an advocate of positive change, Mr Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi’s lecture started by highlighting the importance of getting inspiration from history, noting that Willayat Sohar played a major role in Oman’s history as witnessed in trade, culture, and relations with friendly nations. His speech then laid out six pillars of success derived from his own experience in life highlighting the importance of always having strong faith, being ambitious, fearless in pursuing dreams, hardworking, seeking out opportunities, and attaining self-value instead of only seeking monetary value.

While stressing on the fact that leadership is not linked to any certain age, Mr Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi touched upon the many aspects of leadership and the importance of leadership values that are changing in context of globalization dynamics. He said, “Experience learnt over time remains a priceless commodity that we believe must be shared and passed down to the next generations with confidence in their capacity to lead with increased vigour and enthusiasm, especially amidst the fast-paced fourth industrial revolution that demands increased participation of the young minds.”

Commenting on how Sohar International’s new vision is strongly linked to youth empowerment, he said, “Under our new vision to become a world class Omani service company that helps communities to prosper and grow, the bank is embracing a brand personality of being Sharp, Human and Unstoppable; and we believe that youth when truly empowered can reflect these traits and become a catalyst for positive change, winning, innovation and entrepreneurship. I thank Sohar University for inviting me and I wish students all the best in forging their own unique paths towards success.”

Following the lecture, students got the opportunity to engage with Mr Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi in a Q&A session for further inspiration and guidance. Thanking Mr Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Prof. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor at Sohar University said: “It was an honour and an inspiration to have a personality such as the Chairman of Sohar International Mr Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi at our university as he is a true example and reflection of success that is born out of determination, commitment, and ambition. Such venues and lectures play a key role in motivating, encouraging, and guiding the youth of our Nation and the future of our country. On behalf of the university administration and students, I would like to express our appreciation to Mr Al Ardhi for taking the time from his busy schedule and sharing valuable learnings from his own experience.”

Sohar International continues its unswerving drive as a facilitator of positive socio-economic growth within the nation, paying significant attention to young Omani talents to help them win. Recently, the bank launched and sponsored various youth-oriented initiatives among them the exclusive sponsorship of Shihab Al Habsi, the 15 year old F4 racing sensation. It has also sponsored events related to human resources development, professional medical practices, graduations of young professionals in the health industry, as well as sponsoring the mission of the first Omani women to scale Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. Other initiatives included launching a one-year internship program for college and university graduates under the name “Tomohi”. The program aims to give those young graduates the experience and tools to enhance their employability.