Muscat: Havas Muscat, a standalone entity of the Havas Group (one of the world’s largest communication networks) hosted the celebrity speaker, Jon Duschinsky, for an inspiring talk held at Mumtaz Mahal banquet hall, recently.
Since the keynote speaker was the brainchild behind the social phenomenon, Ice Bucket Challenge, Havas Muscat invited their guests creatively by sending them iced invitations. The chilled invitations were delivered to the invitees in iceboxes. The innovative invitation was well-received by all and the event saw an overwhelming response with attendance of over 60 top executives and industry leaders from Oman, along with ministry officials. His Highness Sayyid Adham bin Turki Al Said, who also attended the event with his presence felicitated Duschinsky on behalf of Havas Muscat.
During the talk, Duschinsky shared his insights about how people are the most powerful force for driving change in this world, and how this recognition has given rise to a career dedicated to harnessing that power to activate causes around the world. He feels that this is the right time to bring about change and while industries are abuzz over the next big thing that will disrupt traditional products, services and ways of doing business, he stands by the theory that it is really all about changing mindsets. He believes that this change, however, is not about a grand idea or the execution of an idea - it’s about changing the attitude of people and about gathering people together so that they can change the world together. Acknowledging the dynamic world we live in, he stated that people want to be a part of the change, and it is necessary to give something to do so that they can be part of the solution as well.
He went on to explain that for companies to be successful in today’s changing economy, businesses need to be centred around a purpose. He stated that if an individual stand for something, it gives people a chance to stand with them. Recognising the fact that there is a new economic world, Duschinsky set forth the idea of getting people to build a community of ambassadors who can sell the brand better than what is possible at an individual level. The new world has moved from just consumers’ likes and dislikes to an economy where value and sustainability are key.
“All of us, today, no matter what industry we are in, no matter which company or position, we are all being called to reinvent, redesign and re-imagine what we do. And that’s not just because we have the technology to do it. It’s because we, as human beings, are changing our behaviour,” Duschinsky said in his talk.
Duschinsky acknowledges the fact that leading an organisation that is delivering game-changing impact is a double challenge in today's fast-moving world. “You have to be a new breed of leader, grounded in strong principles, leading the change you want to see in the world,” he added. He also stressed the importance of thinking differently, acting differently and helping others to leave their fear behind and embrace the chaos of opportunity.
“We are delighted that the event managed to bring in so many industry leaders under one roof for the purpose of an insightful and inspiring talk. Hopefully, it will help them make a difference in their communities and their workplaces,” said Nicolas Labban, general manager, Havas Muscat. “Helping brands succeed and assume leadership positions in the industry is a core value of our company,” he added.