Insights from Bassel Hamwi, CEO of HamwiConsult
- Learning through failure and navigating crises, including launching a stock market and managing a bank run
- Emphasizing “inner work” over external achievements
Podcast
Overview
In this special episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Bassel Hamwi, CEO of HamwiConsult, and a seasoned leader in private equity, banking, and development finance.
With over three decades of global experience—including leadership roles at the World Bank and International Finance Corporation—Bassel shares invaluable lessons on leadership, governance, family business continuity, and personal growth.
Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode, guided by key questions discussed during the conversation.
00:53 – What Experiences Shaped Bassel Hamwi’s Leadership Journey?
- Learning through failure and navigating crises, including launching a stock market and managing a bank run
- Emphasizing “inner work” over external achievements
- The pivotal influence of family and personal reflection on leadership style
02:22 – How Did Moving Between Global Institutions and Entrepreneurial Settings Challenge Leadership Assumptions?
- Transitioning from global institutions to entrepreneurship required embracing risk
- Realizing that competence alone does not guarantee fulfillment or success
- Balancing discipline and vision with agility and entrepreneurial drive
04:23 – What Common Blind Spots Hinder CEOs from Reaching Their Full Potential?
- Many CEOs share a deep drive for growth and improvement
- A recurring blind spot: doubting whether meaningful personal or organizational transformation is truly possible
07:32 – What Underestimated Risks Threaten Family Business Continuity?
- Difficulty separating family dynamics from boardroom decisions
- Even long-standing family firms struggle to distinguish emotional matters from governance issues
08:45 – How Should Founders Balance Emotional Legacy with Professional Governance?
- Governance must scale with business complexity
- Early stages rely on personal leadership; later stages require formal structures and committees
10:28 – What Sets Thriving Multi-Generational Family Businesses Apart?
- Clear separation between family dynamics and corporate governance
- Independent board members who support adaptability as the family expands
12:29 – What Must Leaders Unlearn During High Growth?
- Letting go of ego and the belief that personal importance drives success
- Recognizing that sustainable success is always a collective effort
13:48 – Why Is Disciplined Capital Allocation Critical?
- Disciplined capital allocation is essential for sustainable growth
- Many family firms lack structured capital rules, limiting their ability to scale
15:04 – What Do Boards Commonly Get Wrong?
- Boards sometimes issue rigid mandates without listening to the CEO’s context
- Incentive alignment and open communication are essential for sustainability
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Bassel Hamwi: LinkedIn
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Profile
- Learning through failure and navigating crises, including launching a stock market and managing a bank run
- Emphasizing “inner work” over external achievements
- The pivotal influence of family and personal reflection on leadership style
