Ahmed Fahour, Ex-CEO, Australia Post, NAB, Citigroup

Our guest this week is Ahmed Fahour in this episode 155 (and this is part 1 of a 2 part special conversation)!

Ahmed Fahour is a prominent Australian business executive who has held leadership positions in various organizations. He moved to Australia from Lebanon at a young age, and is currently CEO of The Gurner Group. Previously, he has held well known roles including as CEO of Australia Post, NAB, Citigroup and Latitude Financial Services alongside board roles with Invest Victoria and the $15B National Reconstruction Fund. Ahmed is an active member of Muslim community and was Australia’s Special Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and one of the founders of the Islamic Museum of Australia.

Ahmed is married to Hannah and between them they have six children.

In this part 1, learn about Ahmed’s sunrise in Lebanon and moving to Australia at a young age, the influences of his family, particularly his parents who had to take on various jobs to make ends meet. Ahmed, being one of 8 kids shares candidly how his father’s accident very early on forced him to grow up, and be the adult in the household.

Our host Vidit, loved asking Ahmed about the source of his self belief and confidence from an early point in his career, how he planned his career including his move to New York with Citigroup in a senior role relatively quick.

We cover how to understand people, how to build relationships, how to set the right foundations in a new role and questions he asks perspective hires. Ahmed candidly shares how work impacted his family, his divorce and re-marriage, the 5 people in his metaphorical hall of fame room, his framework for saying yes to jobs, and why and how he said yes to his new role as CEO of the Gurner group.

In Part 2, we deep dive into Ahmed’s career, his various roles, how he got them, his highlights, lowlights and lots more.

It’s now time to explore your curiosity. Please enjoy!