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Synopsis

Roadmap to Success: Inspiring Journeys of Ten Iconic Coptic Leaders

Dr. Shahira Abdel Shahid

31 July 2016

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Topics

Author Background/Experience
Reasons for writing a book
Why a book that focuses only on Coptic leaders?
Choice of ten Coptic leaders
Interview process
Overview of ten leaders
Roadmap to a successful & fulfilling life through implementing 10 steps
Concluding remarks

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Author Background/Experience

Business administration & finance.
Wrote research papers in finance & capital markets areas.
Started focusing on the subject of leadership & success in 2013.
No experience as a professional author.
Wrote the book at a very difficult period in my life after my father’s loss.

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Why write a book?

Robin Sharma “Success System” online course- June 2013
Robin Sharma “Lead Without a Title” course- Toronto- September 2013
Gender Diversity course in Germany, March 2014
Read 50 leadership, motivational, success books from June 2013- June 2015
Personal tribute & thank you to my father

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Why a book that focuses only

On Coptic Leaders?--1

Success & leadership topics rarely researched in depth in Egypt.
Egypt suffered from lack of exemplary leaders across all levels for more than 60 years.
Most of news about Copts negative, concentrating on their ordeals & sufferings.
To highlight lives of Copts from a positive angle & draw attention to their successes, achievements & contributions to Egypt/world.

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Why a book that focuses only

On Coptic Leaders?--2

Despite Copts sometimes subjected to discrimination, majority remained in Egypt & loved their country.
Numerous books written about Copts, focus on Coptic saints/servants/19^th/20^th leaders.
Articles/interviews of contemporary Copts are too generic or lack thorough analysis.
Unique: in-depth interviews to record success stories & to become beacons for others.

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Choice of ten Coptic leaders

Five men & five women to ensure equal gender diversity & encourage young girls & women to become leaders.
Diverse age groups.
Diverse professions/expert areas.
Varied degrees of publicity.
Ensure rapport/trust between leader & author.

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Interview Process-1

50 books helped me formulate questions.
25 Same Questions to all ten leaders.
21 Questions: mission, values, role models, impact of their Coptic faith on their success, definition of leadership, starting point to lead a successful life, best leaders, challenges they met, lessons they learned, daily schedules, future projects & impact they want to leave on the world.

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Interview Process- 2

4 Egypt-related Questions.
10 specifically tailored Questions according to each leader area of expertise.
Interviews via direct meetings, phone calls, emails (10 hours).
On average 2 months to finish first 6 leaders, but last 4 leaders finished faster in 2 weeks.
End of each chapter= 5 key lessons learned from each leader.
Wrote book= one year and half.

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Overview of ten leaders

The title of each chapter reflected each leader’s most pertinent characteristic

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The Innovator Leader: Professor Rashad Barsoum Chairman of Cairo Kidney Center & emeritus professor of internal medicine.
Pioneering school of thought: being ethical & using evidence-based medicine; followed by his student doctors worldwide.
Always thinking outside of the box in medical career. Studied electronics & designed four generations of central dialysis delivery systems implemented in 3 dialysis centers.
Earned prestigious awards locally & internationally in nephrology.

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The Bold Leader: Dr. Georgette Kalliny Vice Chairman in Administrative Prosecutor Authority & former MP for 10 years.
Addressed several difficult political issues at Egyptian parliament, spoke truth, never feared threats.
Defended people’s rights especially vulnerable/poor groups (El Salam ship & Nag Hamadi incidents).
Previous member of National Council of Women, National Council for Human Rights. Only woman in Nominating Committee formed to elect Coptic Pope in 2012 .

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The Persistent Leader: Dr. Gawdat Gabra Visiting professor of Coptic studies, Claremont Univ, co-editor in chief of Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia, & former director of Coptic Museum in Cairo.
First Egyptian to earn PhD in Coptology from Germany in 1984.
Despite studying at public schools, learned three languages: English, French & German.
Despite lack of funding, very active in research & published 14 landmark books about Coptic Egypt.

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The Communicator Leader: Dr. Mona Zaki CEO of Global Strategic Consultants, Egypt Art & Business International Company, Hungary.
One of few Egyptians outside diplomatic career who succeeded in earning the trust of ambassadors in Egypt for more than 25 years.
Earned a PhD in six years despite a hectic PR career, assisting husband in painting exhibitions & taking care of 2 daughters.
Received Grand Cross of Honor from Austria 2004, Knight Cross of Merit from Hungary 2012.

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The Visionary Leader: Fr. Daoud Lamei Coptic Orthodox priest, St Mark Heliopolis.
Well known for his bible sermon studies & followed by millions of Copts worldwide.
Community development projects covering poor villages in most of Egypt’s governorates.
Renewed emphasis on evangelism, outside Egypt, encouraging Coptic Orthodox Church to re-engage in a very important role, neglected for many centuries, covering twenty nine countries in Africa & Asia.

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The Passionate Leader: Marie Bishara Vice chairman of BTM & first fashion designer in Egypt & Middle East, to be invited to attend formal Official Fashion Week in Paris, 2007.
Built a strong brand name, Marie Bishara, in Egypt & international markets.
Passionate about reviving Egypt’s leading role internationally & promoting young Egyptian designers.
Supporting philanthropic activities, secretary general of “I the Egyptian” foundation, that helps children at risk to have better futures.

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The Risk-Taking Leader: Maged Shawky Managing Director of Beltone Financial & former Chairman of Egyptian Exchange.
Changing jobs from government (Assistant to Ministers of International Cooperation & Economy), to become youngest chairman of Stock Exchange, 37 years old & then CEO of an investment bank, turned bank from loss to profit in one year.
Succeeded in 3 different posts, same as he enjoys risk of jumping fences in horseback riding, his favorite sports activity.

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The Challenger Leader: Reem Assaad CEO of Raya Data Center, executive management team of Raya Holding.
Accepted her father’s challenge to continue receiving an annual scholarship for her university studies in United States.
Worked in IT sector for 17 years in US & then decided to return to Egypt.
Overcame several obstacles after returning to Egypt. Only Christian CEO woman in Raya’s 11 affiliate companies.
Focuses on education: part of chairing social responsibility activities at Raya.

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The Disciplined Leader: Karim Saad Chairman of Samcrete, & Managing Director of Sami Saad Holding.
Disciplined in daily schedule & what exactly he says in meetings.
Has 40 CEOs reporting to him.
Mentors & empowers senior executives to lead their divisions, including women.
Working on converting family business to a multinational & sustainable company.
Involved in church service= collaborate with St Demiana church in Bulaq to establish a quality school for mentally disabled.

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The Fighter Leader: Mira Nassif former African judo champion, owner of Miracle Design. Currently doing her MBA in US.
Youngest leader: 28 years old to show that any person can become a leader at any age.
The first Christian jewelry designer in Egypt to mix traditional Arabic calligraphy with Christian verses
A fighter leader who never gives up, whether engaged in judo, jewelry business, or studying.
Will return to Egypt in 2017 to start a new business, Miracle Center.

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10 Steps to Success-1

Have faith & a strong belief in God: all ten leaders believed in a loving, all mighty & wise God. They believed they are unique & endowed with special gifts. This helped them survive challenging times & always aim for success.
Define your mission, purpose, & goals in life Everyone must have a mission, purpose & goals to be motivated. It does not matter whether your mission is grand or small.

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10 Steps to Success-2

Know the one key characteristic that drives your success & focus on it: Each leader had a unique trait that was most prominent in his/her character. This trait helped the leader stand out, excel, achieve success & fulfill his/her mission.
Always stick to your core values: All leaders had core values that were personally binding, just as laws are legally binding. Core values include integrity, justice, honesty, love, forgiveness.

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10 Steps to Success-3

Always look for role models whose lives you would like to imitate: For leaders, their mothers or fathers, played important roles in their lives, were a source of inspiration for them. If parents are not a good example, perfect example is Our Lord Jesus Christ. Saints are also excellent role models, or international figures: Mother Teresa, Mandela.
Always keep learning & growing: All leaders are active in learning, reading, busy planning future projects, thinking how best to implement them.

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