Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Executive Education
  • Apply / Log-in
  • Program Finder
  • Blog
  • Subscribe
  • Health & Safety
  • FAQs
Executive Education
Programs for IndividualsPrograms for OrganizationsHBS ExperienceFacultyAdmissionsParticipant Stories
  • Programs for Individuals
    Dropdown
    • Comprehensive Leadership Programs
    • Topic-Focused Programs
    • Regional Programs
    • Virtual Programs
    • Certificate of Management Excellence
    • Corporate Director Certificate
    • Digital Transformation Certificate
  • Programs for Organizations
  • HBS Experience
    Dropdown
    • The Value
    • The Learning Experience
    • The Virtual Experience
    • Alumni Network
    • Admitted? Plan Your Stay
    • Insights
  • Faculty
  • Admissions
    Dropdown
    • Admissions Requirements
    • Admissions Process
    • International Applicants
    • Payment, Cancellation, and Deferral
    • Already Admitted
  • Participant Stories
Executive Education
Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Participant Stories Right arrow Navigating Disruptions
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Participant Stories Right arrow Navigating Disruptions

Navigating Disruptions

Develop strategies to take on challenging global markets.
Navigating Disruptions
Develop strategies to take on challenging global markets.
Download Brochure
Featured Program
Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East
Status

Accepting Applications

Date

05 FEB–08 DEC 2023

Format

In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.

Location

HBS Campus, United Arab Emirates - Taj Dubai

Navigate complex conditions to maximize growth opportunities for your company in the Middle East and beyond.
Download Download Brochure
Need Help? Contact Us:
Mr. Stephane Sinimale
Director, Client Development
Email: ssinimale@hbs.edu
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Program Finder
Featured Program
Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East
Status

Accepting Applications

Date

05 FEB–08 DEC 2023

Format

In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.

Location

HBS Campus, United Arab Emirates - Taj Dubai

Navigate complex conditions to maximize growth opportunities for your company in the Middle East and beyond.
Download Download Brochure
Download Brochure
Program Finder

Faced with a slew of challenges inherent to conducting business in a challenging part of the world, Muna Batayneh, director of operations at Engineering Enterprise Company, sought innovative approaches and strategies for addressing complex situations in Iraq. Muna's quest prompted her to apply to our Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East (SELPME). While on Harvard Business School campus for the program’s first module, she sat down with us to share her thoughts about her experience thus far.

What sparked your interest in real estate development?

I started my career as an architect, building hotels in Jordan. When the time came for me to make a career move, I joined a real estate development company where I became involved in opportunities in the Middle East. With my design background, passion for buildings and landmarks, and financial knowledge, it was the perfect fit.

What spurred you to apply to SELPME?

After three decades in the real estate sector, I felt like I had peaked and needed to "reset" in order to grow. This became evident when I began working in Iraq. To succeed in that environment, I had to find new ways to approach challenges.

How have you seen your leadership approach change over the course of the program?

Moving forward, I feel equipped to develop more creative strategies with out-of-the-box thinking. I have become more focused on identifying the company's competitive edge and emphasizing its value proposition. This program has enhanced my ability to manage the human resource side of things, and my ability to attract and retain talent, in particular, has grown.

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced in Iraq?

I think the general perception of working in Iraq is that security is a major concern, and while that is somewhat true, it is actually not my primary issue. The biggest concern was applying our core competencies in a new unpredictable market in a country that has suffered for decades from wars and sanctions, as well as adapting to its very unfamiliar working environment, addressing the cultural and business uncertainties in an underdeveloped economy and dealing with a difficult market due to the existence of institutional voids and underdeveloped systems such as its banking systems—systems that we take for granted in established countries.

What advice would you give to others who want to attend the program in the future?

First, I would encourage attending the program as soon as practical. I waited too long and wish I had done it earlier. Through its case study method the program addresses various business concepts and enhances exposure to the ever-changing worldwide business environment. As a result, I'm learning a lot about other companies and how they deal with different challenges. Second, I recommend that participants be diligent in the case readings, keeping up with the material and interacting as it will elevate the experience. Most importantly, I recommend coming with an open mind and trying to shun biases about business practices.

ApplyDownload Brochure
ApplyDownload Brochure
ApplyDownload Brochure
More Admissions Information
Download Brochure
Featured Program
Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East
Status

Accepting Applications

Date

05 FEB–08 DEC 2023

Format

In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.

Location

HBS Campus, United Arab Emirates - Taj Dubai

Navigate complex conditions to maximize growth opportunities for your company in the Middle East and beyond.
Download Download Brochure
Need Help? Contact Us:
Mr. Stephane Sinimale
Director, Client Development
Email: ssinimale@hbs.edu
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Program Finder
Featured Program
Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East
Status

Accepting Applications

Date

05 FEB–08 DEC 2023

Format

In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.

Location

HBS Campus, United Arab Emirates - Taj Dubai

Navigate complex conditions to maximize growth opportunities for your company in the Middle East and beyond.
Download Download Brochure
Download Brochure
Program Finder

View Frequently Asked Questions

Subscribe to Our Emails

Back to Top Arrow up

ǁ
Campus Map
Executive Education
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
Contact Us
→Virtual Tour
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College