Jun 25, 2025

Lead Forward Launches with Workshop on Authentic Leadership

KFUPM has successfully completed the first module of its new Lead Forward Executive Program, an initiative co-designed with Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning as part of the university’s broader talent development strategy.

The four-day workshop, held from May 19 to May 22, was tailored for KFUPM’s senior leaders and centered on Authentic Leadership and Personal Branding. It was led by Professor Steyn Heckroodt, a recognized expert in strategic leadership and an international thought leader with Harvard Business Publishing.

Participants engaged in immersive activities including case-based exercises, simulations, and collaborative reflection. The design of the workshop encouraged honest self-assessment and peer learning, allowing leaders to examine the alignment between their personal values and leadership styles in real-world contexts.

This hands-on approach helped participants develop a stronger sense of self-awareness, clarity of purpose, and a renewed commitment to leading with integrity. The workshop also opened space for leaders to reflect on their own brand and influence within the university, further anchoring the importance of credibility and trust in effective leadership.

As the first step in a multi-module program, this session sets the tone for a long-term investment in KFUPM’s internal leadership capacity. It also reflects the university’s commitment to equipping its executives with the tools and mindset needed to navigate complexity while remaining grounded in institutional values. The Lead Forward Program is one of several future-oriented initiatives launched under the university’s transformation agenda, aimed at strengthening leadership practices and organizational resilience in a rapidly evolving academic landscape.