“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
The statement reflects a resilient charisma of Ahmed Zaki, Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs, who has carved a remarkable path in the legal field, marked by adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to justice. His journey began as a Public Prosecutor in Egypt, where he honed his skills in handling complex cases with meticulous attention to detail and ethical decision-making.
This foundational experience laid the groundwork for his transition to the judiciary, a significant milestone that broadened his perspective on the impact of legal decisions on individuals and communities. As a judge, Ahmed balanced empathy with impartiality, reinforcing his belief in fairness and the importance of considering the human element in leadership.
Transitioning to the UAE as a Public Prosecutor in Ras Al Khaimah, Ahmed embraced a new legal and commercial environment, further enriching his expertise. In his current role at Al Hamra Group, he navigates complex legal challenges, develops innovative solutions, and contributes to the organization’s growth and stability.
His leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, continuous learning, and fostering a culture of shared growth. By equipping his team with the necessary tools and resources, Ahmed ensures that they excel while maintaining a commitment to integrity and excellence. His journey is a testimony to the power of resilience and strategic thinking in shaping a successful and impactful career in legal affairs.
The Spark of Resilience
Ahmed’s time as a Public Prosecutor in Egypt, handling complex cases, instilled resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to justice. This experience, emphasizing precision and ethical decision-making, shaped his career.
Later, as a Judge in Egypt, he saw the broader impact of legal decisions, adjudicating diverse cases and reinforcing his belief in fairness and empathetic leadership.
Core Tenets of Leadership
Ahmed believes that leadership is about serving others and creating an environment where people can thrive. One of his core principles is “empowerment over control.” He strives to equip his team with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to excel, rather than micromanaging their every move.
This approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, essential for long-term success. Another guiding principle is “continuous learning.” He views leadership as a journey of growth, both for himself and for those he works with. While committed to learning and adapting to new challenges, he also recognizes the responsibility to share his knowledge and experience with others. By fostering a culture of shared learning, he aims to adapt to changing circumstances and inspire others to do the same.
Defining Moments
Throughout his career, several pivotal moments have profoundly shaped Ahmed’s leadership approach. Early on, as a Public Prosecutor, he learned the importance of perseverance and attention to detail.
Successfully prosecuting complex, high-stakes cases required deep legal expertise and the ability to remain composed under pressure. This experience instilled in him a commitment to thoroughness and resilience. Another defining moment came with his transition to the judiciary, where he balanced empathy with impartiality.
Adjudicating cases across diverse legal domains taught him the importance of considering the human impact of legal decisions while upholding justice principles. In his current role, drafting and reviewing hundreds of contracts underscored the value of precision, foresight, and adaptability, highlighting the critical role of collaboration.
Fostering Growth
Fostering a culture of growth and resilience starts with creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. Ahmed encourages open communication and collaboration, ensuring that team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and challenges. This approach leads to better solutions and builds trust and camaraderie.
He also prioritizes professional development, providing opportunities for his team to enhance their skills and knowledge. Whether through training programs or hands-on experience, he believes that investing in people is key to building a resilient and adaptable organization.
Driving Innovation
Staying ahead in a rapidly changing world requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. Ahmed stays informed about emerging trends and developments in the legal and business landscape by engaging with industry experts, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks.
To drive innovation, he embraces legal technology and AI tools, which have transformed how legal processes are approached. By integrating AI-powered platforms for contract analysis and legal research, workflows are streamlined, errors reduced, and efficiency enhanced. This allows the team to focus on higher-value tasks, such as strategic decision-making and client advisory.
Navigating Challenges
One of the most significant challenges Ahmed faced was the shift from the courtroom to the corporate boardroom. Transitioning from a judicial role to a corporate environment required a fundamental shift in mindset. He learned to balance legal rigor with the need to support business growth, emphasizing strategic thinking and adaptability. Another challenge was navigating complex multi-million-dollar contracts and disputes.
By combining legal expertise with strategic negotiation, favourable outcomes were achieved while maintaining integrity. Additionally, reducing reliance on external legal services was addressed by building a strong in-house team and streamlining processes, ensuring high-quality support without compromising efficiency.
Balancing Legacy
Balancing legacy and adaptation involves staying true to core values while remaining open to change. Ahmed upholds traditional legal principles while embracing modern governance practices to address contemporary challenges. This approach allows the organization to honor its legacy while proactively responding to evolving global demands.
By blending time-tested values with innovative solutions, the organization remains grounded and forward-looking. He believes that a strong legacy is built on integrity, fairness, and a commitment to excellence, while also embracing new ideas and approaches to navigate an evolving world.
A Marvellous Chronicle
Achievements and recognitions, such as the “Real Estate & Construction In-House Legal Team of the Year 2024” Award and the “In-House Counsel of the Year 2023” recognition, have been humbling and motivating for Ahmed. These accolades serve as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and the impact of collective efforts. They testify the hard work and dedication of his team, inspiring them to continue striving for excellence.
Empowering Voices, Amplifying Impact
Ahmed advises aspiring leaders to focus on serving others and leading with integrity. Success is not just about individual achievements but about empowering others to succeed. He encourages staying curious, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and never losing sight of core values. Leadership is a journey, and the most meaningful impact comes from the positive influence one has on those around them.
A Story still Unfolding
Looking ahead, Ahmed aspires to continue contributing to the growth and success of his organization while mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. He believes that leadership is about creating opportunities for others to thrive and hopes to shape a future where legal and business leaders work together to drive innovation and sustainability.
As the world evolves, he aims to remain adaptable and forward-thinking, ensuring that his leadership not only responds to change but also helps shape it positively. A guiding principle for him is to “keep learning while you keep achieving,” striving to stay curious, embrace new challenges, and share lessons learned along the way.
