Nurturing Solutions: An Interview with Invita’s Rahul Bhalla

Sumi Thomas October 20, 2023

4 minutes read

Rahul Bhalla, Chief Executive of Invita gives us his take on leadership, driving a successful business, and being at the helm of technological solutions for societal change.

What was the best lesson in leadership you’ve learned?

One of the most important lessons in leadership for me is the importance of leading by example. Effective leaders don’t just tell their team members what to do; they show them through their own actions and behaviours. I believe if I set a positive example, it creates a strong foundation for trust and respect within the team. It also inspires and motivates team members to follow suit and perform at their best.

Leading by example involves demonstrating the values, work ethic, and commitment that I expect from my team. To me, it means being accountable for my actions, admitting mistakes when they happen, and constantly striving for self-improvement.

What was the greatest challenge you have faced in your business?

The COVID-19 Pandemic was the harshest test we had faced – operationally, financially, technologically and personally. Working from home was considered a luxury and then it turned into a necessity.

Thankfully, our systems proved to be more prepared than us for this transition. We had to quickly learn to adapt as we were flooded with inquiries and requests, being the most accessible and active channel during the pandemic. Now that the worst is behind us, I am thankful, I am wiser. Am I prepared for another one? I don’t want to answer that question.

To date, what has been your proudest moment in the business?

Heading Invita, there have been many moments when our achievements, recognition, and progress have made me feel proud. However, Nasmaakum would be the proudest achievement for now.

Nasmaakum, is our first mobile app product and social initiative. There are many apps, however, it is the first one in Bahrain and the region which is designed for persons of determination. It’s a service that allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with organizations – banks, and ministries, using sign language.

I am also proud that the application has been designed keeping in mind Bahrain and its people and I hope that it will be able to make a difference.

Speaking honestly, what do you consider are the major difficulties about the particular industry you’re in?

Our success has relied on two factors: the best of technology and quality Bahraini talent.

Those who know me would be familiar with what I am about to say – The telecommunication infrastructure for business. In terms of overall progress, we are ahead – the latest technology, superb internet speeds, cost reductions and unrestricted access to VoIP and Video calls. I am happy as a retail consumer. However, as a business, aside from Cloud computing, the progress has been at a much slower pace. I would implore Telecom majors to lend an ear to the local businesses in Bahrain, who aspire to go global with due support.

When it comes to Bahraini talent, our concern is about employability. We need support from the government to attract more Bahraini youth to the private sector. More flexible opportunities for students to work while they study as part-timers or full-timers. Students need to be encouraged to seek out part-time opportunities as part of enhancing their employability, with support from the universities. High School Graduates could benefit from enhanced foundational English and communication skills at the school level as well.

What do you most love about working in your industry and what do you most dislike about it?

I have the most wonderful opportunity to work with the future professionals and business leaders of Bahrain. I love the opportunity to nurture them at the beginning of their careers; help them learn the ABCs of a working life and find their strengths.

I always believe that Invita is like a gardener’s nursery bed, where young seedlings find their roots and start growing up before they move on to the bigger garden.

It’s always a moment of pride for me, when I run into an alumnus of Invita at a ministry, bank, or business, to learn how they have been progressing; especially when others have good things to say about them.

What I would like to see changed in my industry, is the attitude towards the industry. We cannot compare ourselves with a financial institution, a government organization or an industrial complex. However, we do take on a lot of raw talent and transform them, we deliver results for our clients and offer valuable service to the customers. We would certainly appreciate the support to help develop our industry.

What according to you are the key qualities or skills that every leader should possess in order to thrive?

Effective leadership requires a combination of qualities and skills. As leadership is a complex and multifaceted role, leaders often combine different attributes with their unique personalities, experiences, and industry-specific knowledge to excel in their roles.

I believe some key qualities and skills that most successful leaders should possess to thrive are vision, communication, empathy, resilience, delegation, motivation, time management, and team building.

Can you describe a difficult business decision you had to make and how did you handle it?

The most difficult business decision for any business leader is one that would cause a setback to others. For me, it was the decision to wind up a project, an idea with the potential to change the industry. However, it could not survive the pandemic. I found it hard to bring myself to make this announcement to the project team and most of all to explain what it meant for them. We tried our best to help as many as possible to find other opportunities, but in the end, it was not enough.

Is there a particular saying or motto that guides you?

I believe in “Carpe Diem”. It’s a Latin phrase that translates to “Seize the Day.” This motto encourages me to make the most of the present moment and not to postpone important actions or decisions. It reminds me that time is limited, and opportunities may be fleeting, so it’s essential to live life to the fullest and pursue our goals and dreams. It’s a reminder to stay motivated, take risks, and embrace the opportunities that come their way. It encourages me to keep a proactive and positive approach to life.