Waleed Al Saeedi is the Director of Capital Projects at DCT Abu Dhabi and a transformative leader in government procurement. With a career spanning DGE, ENEC, CIPS, ADNOC, and DCT, he has driven digital innovation, sustainable practices, and efficiency improvements. Under his leadership, DCT achieved CIPS Platinum Certification in record time, making it one of only 12 organizations globally. Waleed has received over a dozen award nominations, including CPO of the Year 2024 and being named one of the Top 10 Supply Chain Executives. He advocates for procurement as a key driver of organizational strategy.
In an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Waleed shared his professional trajectory, insights on how digital transformation and emerging technologies will change the procurement landscape over the next decade, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Waleed, what fuels your relentless drive for innovation and excellence in supply chain management, and how has this passion shaped your career journey?
My passion for innovation in supply chain management is driven by the continuous pursuit of optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and achieving strategic alignment with broader organizational goals. This drive stems from an intrinsic desire to transform traditional procurement functions into strategic, value-adding components within organizations. Early in my career at FERTIL and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), I realized the impact of strategic procurement on operational success, which fueled my commitment to innovation. Over the years, this passion has led me to pioneer digital procurement transformations and implement best-in-class practices across various government entities in Abu Dhabi. These efforts have not only streamlined procurement processes but have also set new benchmarks for operational excellence.
In your view, how is the landscape of procurement set to transform in the next decade, and what pivotal role will digital transformation and emerging technologies play in this evolution?
The procurement landscape is set to undergo a paradigm shift in the coming decade, heavily influenced by the rapid advancement of digital technologies. The traditional, transactional nature of procurement is being replaced by a more strategic and data-driven approach. One of the most significant changes we anticipate is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into procurement processes. These technologies will enable predictive analytics, allowing procurement professionals to forecast demand with greater accuracy, optimize inventory levels, and anticipate potential disruptions in the supply chain.
Blockchain technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing transparency and security within procurement systems. By providing immutable records of transactions, blockchain will help in mitigating risks associated with fraud and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This will be particularly important in sectors where traceability and authenticity are critical, such as pharmaceuticals and food supply chains.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is another technology poised to revolutionize procurement by automating routine tasks such as order processing and invoice management. This automation will free up procurement professionals to focus on strategic activities like supplier relationship management and value creation.
Digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it also involves a cultural shift towards agility and continuous improvement. Organizations that embrace digital transformation will see procurement evolve into a strategic partner that drives innovation and contributes to overall business growth.
How do you ensure you remain at the forefront of industry trends and cutting-edge technologies, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in supply chain management?
Remaining at the forefront of industry trends requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, continuous learning is crucial. I make it a priority to attend industry conferences, webinars, and training sessions that focus on the latest developments in supply chain management. Engaging with thought leaders and participating in discussions on emerging trends helps me gain fresh insights and perspectives.
Networking plays a vital role in staying updated. I actively participate in industry forums and professional associations, such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). These platforms provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas with peers and experts, keeping me informed about best practices and innovations.
Another key strategy is collaborating with technology providers and startups that are at the forefront of supply chain innovation. By engaging with these companies, I gain early access to new tools and solutions that can be integrated into our procurement processes.
Internally, I foster a culture of innovation within my teams, encouraging them to experiment with new approaches and technologies. By creating an environment where creativity is valued, we continuously explore ways to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in our supply chain operations.
Being recognized as one of the Top 10 Supply Chain Executives globally is a remarkable achievement. Could you share the key principles or strategies that have consistently driven your success in this competitive field?
Achieving recognition as one of the Top 10 Supply Chain Executives globally is a testament to a set of core principles and strategies that have guided my career. One of the fundamental principles is strategic alignment. I ensure that procurement strategies are closely aligned with the broader organizational goals. This alignment ensures that procurement not only supports but also drives key business objectives, such as cost reduction, risk management, and sustainability.
Another critical strategy is stakeholder engagement. I believe in building strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners. Effective communication and collaboration with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional teams are essential to creating value and achieving mutual goals.
Continuous improvement is another pillar of my success. I have always embraced the concept of kaizen, striving for incremental improvements in all aspects of supply chain management. This approach has led to significant efficiency gains and cost savings over time.
Furthermore, resilience and adaptability have been crucial in navigating the rapidly changing business environment. The ability to quickly respond to disruptions, such as those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, has underscored the importance of agile and robust supply chains.
Lastly, investing in people has been a cornerstone of my leadership. By nurturing talent, providing training, and creating opportunities for professional growth, I have built high-performing teams that are capable of executing complex procurement strategies effectively.
Is there a mentor or influential figure in your life who has significantly impacted your professional growth, and how did their guidance shape your career path?
Several mentors have influenced my journey, but one stands out—a senior leader at Ruwais Fertilizer Industries who emphasized the importance of strategic thinking and innovation in procurement. This mentor’s guidance in navigating complex procurement challenges and their emphasis on continuous learning laid the foundation for my professional growth. They taught me the value of resilience, ethical practices, and the importance of aligning procurement objectives with organizational goals. This mentorship instilled in me a sense of purpose and the confidence to lead transformative initiatives, shaping my career path profoundly.
To you, what does “authentic leadership” truly embody, and how do you integrate this philosophy into your daily leadership practices?
Authentic leadership, to me, is about leading with integrity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of others. It involves being transparent about one’s values and decisions, fostering an environment of trust and respect.
In my daily practices, I integrate authentic leadership by leading by example. I demonstrate the behaviors and values I expect from my team members, such as accountability, collaboration, and ethical conduct. This approach helps in building credibility and trust within the team.
I also place a strong emphasis on open communication. By maintaining an open-door policy, I encourage team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. This not only fosters a culture of inclusivity but also helps in identifying and addressing issues promptly.
Empathy is another critical aspect of authentic leadership. Understanding and considering the perspectives of others allows me to make decisions that are fair and considerate of the team’s needs. This has been particularly important during times of change or uncertainty, where support and reassurance are crucial.
Lastly, authentic leadership involves continuous self-reflection. I regularly assess my leadership style and seek feedback to identify areas for improvement. This commitment to personal growth ensures that I remain an effective and inspiring leader.
Beyond your professional achievements, what are some personal passions or hobbies that bring balance to your life and inspire your work?
Outside of my professional life, I am deeply passionate about community service and environmental conservation. These activities not only bring balance to my life but also inspire my work by reminding me of the broader impact of sustainable practices. I also enjoy mentoring young professionals, which keeps me connected to emerging talent and fresh perspectives in the industry. These hobbies and passions enhance my leadership approach, reinforcing the importance of social responsibility and continuous learning.
Looking ahead, where do you envision your career and contributions to the supply chain industry in the next five years, and what goals are you most eager to accomplish?
In the next five years, I envision my career evolving towards further influencing global procurement strategies, particularly in the areas of digital transformation and sustainable supply chains. I aim to contribute to the development of more resilient, transparent, and ethical procurement practices. One of my primary goals is to lead initiatives that integrate advanced technologies, such as AI and blockchain, to revolutionize procurement processes. Additionally, I am eager to mentor the next generation of supply chain leaders, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability in the industry.
What actionable advice would you offer to organizations aiming to craft and execute impactful supply chain strategies in an era defined by rapid change and innovation?
In today’s dynamic environment, organizations need to embrace a range of strategies to craft effective and resilient supply chains. One essential approach is leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. These tools enable predictive analytics, enhance transparency, and provide real-time monitoring, which collectively streamline operations and improve decision-making.
Another critical factor is enhancing supply chain visibility. By ensuring that all stakeholders have access to real-time information, organizations can improve their responsiveness to market fluctuations and potential disruptions. This visibility is key to maintaining control and agility in the supply chain.
Agility itself is a cornerstone of modern supply chain management. Organizations must design their supply chains to adapt swiftly to changing market conditions, which could involve diversifying their supplier base or adopting flexible contracting models that allow for rapid scaling.
Risk management is also paramount. Organizations should develop comprehensive strategies to identify vulnerabilities within their supply chains and implement measures to mitigate these risks, such as creating redundancy for critical suppliers and enhancing cybersecurity.
Finally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement ensures that the supply chain remains competitive. Regularly reviewing and refining processes, encouraging innovation, and staying abreast of industry trends are all vital practices.
By adopting these strategies, organizations can build supply chains that are efficient, resilient, and adaptable to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within your teams to ensure sustained growth and adaptability in the ever-evolving supply chain landscape?
Fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation requires creating an environment that values curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration. I encourage my teams to participate in professional development programs, industry conferences, and cross-functional projects that broaden their expertise. Regular knowledge-sharing sessions and brainstorming workshops help to spark new ideas and solutions. By recognizing and rewarding innovative efforts, I motivate my teams to push boundaries and take calculated risks. This approach not only keeps the team engaged but also ensures that we remain adaptable and prepared to navigate the dynamic supply chain landscape.