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Entrepreneurs harness the potential for transformation through innovation, resolute dedication, and a profound commitment to unlocking human capabilities, establishing themselves as leaders in the field of learning and development. Their tireless quest for pioneering solutions reshapes industry norms, instigating favourable shifts within both organizations and individuals. This fusion of visionary thinking and unwavering perseverance places figures like Hanan Nagi, at the vanguard of progress, where they cultivate a climate of advancement and excellence within the ever-evolving domain of learning and development.
Hanan Nagi, a prominent figure in the realm of learning and development, stands as an exceptional visionary, professional, and advocate for human growth. With a remarkable journey spanning 23 years across diverse corporate industries, Hanan has emerged as the Founder and CEO of HNI, an esteemed learning and development firm known for its pioneering solutions. Her career is a testament to relentless dedication and a thirst for innovation in the field of human development. Below is an excerpt of Hanan Nagi’s exclusive interaction with The Global Women Leader.
Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?
My formative years were defined by humble beginnings in Cairo, Egypt. As the eldest of four siblings, my parents' working-class background instilled in me a strong work ethic. I attended government schools and, though not an A-student, always believed in my untapped potential. At 14, my life took a turn when my parents separated, and I started working part-time to support my family. A burning desire to travel and study abroad compelled me to master the English language. Juggling full-time work, I took private English classes and enrolled in the English department at the Faculty of Education. This led me to a career in Learning and Development (L&D), where my passion for transferring knowledge and personal development thrived.
Over time, I broke down barriers, pursued higher education, and eventually ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a successful L&D company. My formative years instilled resilience, a passion for continuous learning, and an unwavering belief in personal and professional growth.
What led you to establish HNI? What market gap or industry challenges were you looking to address through the L&D firm?
The inception of HNI (Human Network International) was catalyzed by a glaring market gap in the Learning and Development (L&D) sector, primarily within the Middle East. My corporate experience highlighted the persistent challenge of sourcing high-quality training materials, programs, and learning solutions in Arabic and English. The typical recourse was to look to Western countries like the UK, Australia, and the US for L&D providers. While effective, they often failed to grasp the regional culture and language nuances. This void emphasized the need for culturally resonant, interactive learning experiences that extended beyond the professional sphere. HNI was founded to bridge this gap, offering world-class, culturally aligned L&D solutions in Arabic and English, and fostering holistic growth in individuals and organizations.
Throw some light on the major business challenges you encounter in terms of leading HNI as the Founder. How do you overcome the said roadblocks?
Leading HNI as the Founder presents various formidable challenges. Staying abreast of technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence, is paramount. Actively seeking innovations and understanding their impact on education and corporate learning keeps us at the forefront. Recent explorations in Silicon Valley emphasize our tech commitment.
"The Inception Of Hni Was Catalyzed By A Glaring Market Gap In The Learning & Development (L&D) Sector, Primarily Within The Middle East"
Political instability, often linked to fluctuating oil prices, affects the Middle East, making manpower forecasts challenging. Talent acquisition is a perpetual hurdle, requiring an emphasis on attitude during recruitment and subsequent skill development. These challenges drive our pursuit of adaptability, foresight, and talent nurturing, ensuring HNI remains an L&D leader in this ever-evolving landscape.
In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?
A standout win in my professional journey has been our recent recognition by EPSA, where we excelled in the utilization of technology. We established an internal innovation hub dedicated to gamifying learning, creating simulations, digital games, and board games – a pioneering effort in the Middle East. This achievement not only distinguished us but also solidified our position as leaders in gamification. Notably, the award was based on the tangible impact of our initiatives, empowering a substantial number of young individuals in a major Saudi company to embrace sustainability and enhance their cybersecurity knowledge. It's a source of great pride for us.
In your opinion what defines you as a leader?
As a leader, my defining trait is the commitment to co-creation and fostering a culture of humility and innovation. I cherish the feedback that working with me makes it challenging to work with others, and I take it as a great compliment. We have a fun, hard-working culture, keeping attrition low. I believe in enabling my team, equipping them with skills, granting autonomy, and allowing space for ideas and occasional mistakes. They are co-creators in shaping HNI's future, treating it as their own.
Hanan Nagi, Founder, HNI
Hanan Nagi, a renowned leader in learning and development, boasts 23 years of experience. She's the Founder and CEO of HNI, committed to fostering personal and organizational growth through innovative solutions. A visionary with a dedication to human potential, she is also an inspirational speaker, executive coach, and writer.
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