Nawaf K. Al Zayani, Vice Chairman of Zayani Investments, gets candid about building a successful family business, the impact of AI on the automotive industry, learning from mistakes, and his leadership journey in this interview.

Can you discuss a recent innovation that has made an impact on your operations, the larger industry, or your customers?

AI and digitalization are the most recent innovations impacting the entire automotive industry. Cars today are equipped with technologies that enable semi-autonomous driving and safety braking features. Telematics is making remote updates to cars possible via chips, similar to a phone update. This significantly saves customers’ time and does away with an unnecessary trip to the service centre. While this innovation isn’t industry standard yet, Chinese brands we work with are on the path to becoming pioneers in leveraging this process.

Digitalization, on the other hand, has changed how we work with our customers. Getting a car registered would take a day or two, as we would have to wait in a queue at the General Directorate of Traffic. Today, everything is a click away, whether it’s registering new cars or making payments. Our processes have become faster and the customer experience has improved.  

What were the biggest lessons learned while working with technology and AI?

People often believe that digital processes and software can be flawless. As any machine deteriorates over time, software catches bugs. A phone hanging or a smart TV becoming unresponsive are all results of bugs. A car can encounter the same issues. It’s important to understand that over time, these issues will get resolved. Overall, there is a lot more gained than lost.

How do you foster a successful work environment?

This is a hard one. There is no silver bullet approach. The main objective of running a business is the pursuit of success. The biggest asset in any company isn’t the facility or the product – it’s the people. I believe that a successful work environment is one where the team works as a single unit. Being a family business, our employees become our extended family. Their growth is our responsibility and maintaining an inclusive mindset is crucial. Creating opportunities for them to develop their professional skills, offering support when they’re stuck, and encouraging them to take on new challenges in a nurturing environment are key to the company’s success.

What inspired you to enter the automotive industry?

It was an easy decision. Our family has been in the automotive industry for four generations. It’s almost like tradition to be in this line of work. Although, it goes beyond tradition for me. I’ve loved cars since childhood, particularly the BMW M1 and my dream car, the Ferrari 288 GTO. The love for cars is what led me here and if you love your job and have a chance to do it, what else would you do?

Is there a particular moment or person that inspired you significantly in your leadership journey?

I learn something from someone every day – colleagues, the office assistant, the young man serving tea. Every General Manager I’ve worked with has taught me a valuable lesson. A lot of people have inspired me.

The one event that had a profound impact on me was the day I became a father. It course-corrected my focus on the business, helping me stay grounded while building a future for myself and the business.

In hindsight, is there anything you wish to have done differently in your career or as a leader?

I can at times be my own worst critic, often avoiding videos or photos of past events because I’m looking for things that went wrong, rather than the successes. After meetings, I’m usually replaying moments, wondering what I could have said or done better. It may seem like nothing influences me, but I’m always adjusting my approach; sometimes based on what would have happened 20 minutes ago. So there’s always something to improve upon. My rule is simple: make mistakes, but don’t make the same one twice. It’s advice I share with my team as well. Mistakes are part of learning but repeating them is where we go wrong.

What is your strategy to manage stress and avoid burnout?

At the end of a bad day, or any day for that matter, I strive to find something that gives me pleasure – whether it’s driving home a car that I like, spending some quality time with my family, or practising one of my favourite sports. I believe it’s very important to take a moment and find something that leaves a smile on your face at the end of a long day. Else, you may not be ready to face the next.

Quick Fire with Nawaf K. Al Zayani

One piece of advice you would give your 12-year-old self.

Go easy on yourself.

One book you would recommend.

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War – I read it in college and apply it to every aspect in my life.

The best piece of advice you’ve ever received.

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes.

The worst piece of advice you’ve ever received.

Stop caring. It’s not your problem.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Running helps clear my mind. While it’s a bit harder now that I’m in my fifties, running gives me the time to think, uninterrupted. I love water sports of all kinds. I’m in the water the first chance I get on any vacation.

Any person, dead or alive, that you want to have dinner with.

My Grandfather, Rashid Abdulrahman AlZayani. I wish I had more time with him; to take in his wisdom. I’ve known him all my life and would spend time with him in the office. When someone close to you passes away, they continue to stay on your mind. You don’t realize what you’ve got until it’s gone.