By LILLIAN KIARIE
KENYA: Going by how well he wears a suit, you would think Telkom Kenya CEO Mickael Ghossein is a man familiar with luxury. However, the Lebanese — who has more than 30 years of experience in the telecommunications field — still holds on to the first bank note he received, back in the day when he earned $2 a day, to remind himself just how hard he has worked to get to where he is.
Who is Mickael Ghossein?
I am the CEO of Telkom Kenya, an affiliate of the Orange Group, a multinational telecommunications company.
I also like to read and play golf.
Mickael Ghossein The implementation of strategy for the company to meet its bottom line targets.
What is your hardest task as CEO?
I would not refer to it as my hardest but the most pertinent — making this company better. It is akin to running a marathon. I see us at the 30-kilometre mark, we now need to get to the finish line — the 42.2-kilometre mark. I keep thinking of how best to motivate my team to be more productive. I love challenges, and this is the one challenge that is currently keeping my mind racing at night.
What is your typical work day like?
I meet with the various teams for matters planning and updates on strategy issues.
If not working, what are you likely to be doing?
Reading magazines like Time, The Economist and Le Point (a French magazine). I also read magazines on golf and motoring and basically any other literature that has good information to offer. I digress to books while on holiday.
I have also made a decision to avoid checking emails past 9pm, unless it is an emergency. I play golf on Fridays or Sundays — I am currently playing a handicap of 25. Golf is a very therapeutic sport; losing a hole does not mean losing the game. It is similar to being on a battlefield; losing a battle does not mean that one has lost the war.
When was the last time you fixed a meal for yourself?
This morning — a healthy serving of eggs for breakfast.
What is your management style?
I employ an open-door policy. I also believe in delegation, which nurtures more involvement and ownership of tasks as they become a collective responsibility, and subsequently, a team achievement.
Your biggest weakness?
Being disappointed with individuals that do not make use of all their strengths and abilities. Low performance is not a trait that I fancy or want to be associated with.
If you were not in your current position, what would you be doing?
Using the 30-plus years of my experience in the telecommunications field for consultancy purposes as well as being a guest lecturer in universities. It would be, for me, the most appropriate way to give back to society.
What is the worst part of your job?
I would not say it is the “worst”, rather that which presents the most challenge — the maintenance of quality standards for the business. This translates to a better value proposition to our customers and clients, which will have a positive ripple effect on our bottom line.
Something people don’t know about you?
My very first job was on a ship as a dock worker. I earned $2 a day. I needed money and it was the only job readily available back in my hometown of Beirut in Lebanon.
Any hidden gifts?
I love playing golf. I used to have a penchant for fast cars; I still do. I might have just as well taken to rally driving.
What or who is your biggest influence?
Catherine, my wife. She is the biggest influence and inspiration there is in my life.
Your worst mistake?
I do not believe in mistakes, I believe in stepping stones for growth and improvement, with the right mindset of course.
What talent do you wish you had?
Being able to participate in the rally circuit.
Parting shot?
Devotion to what one needs to do and achieve is key. Humility and consistency also play an important role in the success of any aspiring individual.
bizbeat@standardmedia.co.ke
