In his humble words, Dr. Faiz R. Abbasi, Global Distribution Lead at Barco, describes his entry into the audio-visual as quite accidental. However, as you delve deeper into his fascinating journey, you realize the amount of industry success he has achieved is not a product of mere luck.
Faiz’s breakthrough into the field began when a leading audio-visual company visited his college for campus placements. Pursuing an MBA at the time, Faiz successfully secured a placement through a rigorous selection process and began his professional career as a Territory Manager for Sales in Mumbai, India.
It was “the” moment that sparked in Faiz a passion for the audio-visual industry that has only grown stronger as the years have passed—marking the beginning of his illustrious career as one of the most influential business leaders to watch in 2024.
A Turning Point
Faiz’s journey to leadership began in his school and university days, operating in roles such as class monitor, cultural secretary, and general secretary of the Student Union—instilling in him a sense of responsibility and leadership early on.
A turning point was when Faiz was asked to lead a team in the Middle East. It was a professional milestone, as it involved managing diverse teams and navigating complex market dynamics. Since then, Faiz has led numerous teams, consistently striving for collective success.
His journey with Barco started five years ago, as the National Business Head for India and the SAARC region. He has progressed into various roles and capacities within the same organization since then. Currently, he leads the global distribution strategy for Barco’s Immersive Experience business unit, which includes projection and image processing products—working with diverse partners worldwide.
Adapting to Change
Managing change has been one of the biggest challenges Faiz faced. Especially in the audio-visual industry, balancing shifting priorities while maintaining team morale can be daunting. To overcome this challenge, he focuses on transparent communication—ensuring his team is informed and involved in key decision-making processes.
Conflict resolution and decision-making during uncertain times is yet another blockade. To navigate these complex challenges, developing leadership skills and seeking mentorship have been pivotal.
Whether triumph or challenges, the profound impact Faiz can make on his team, organization, and the industry is what motivates him to continue leading through. Witnessing his team grow and succeed, and knowing that their collective efforts drive innovation and positive change, fuels his passion for leadership. According to Faiz, challenges are opportunities for growth and learning, and overcoming them together strengthens the team spirit.
“The vision of a better, more connected world through advanced audio-visual technology keeps me motivated and inspired every day.”
Embracing Diversity
Integrity, empathy, collaboration, accountability, respect, transparency, and continuous learning are the seven core values that guide Faiz as a leader. Faiz believes in leading with authenticity and maintaining high ethical standards in all his interactions.
Professionally, he prioritizes the well-being of his team, cultivating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. To stay ahead of the curve in the audio-visual industry, Faiz is also dedicated to continuous learning, both for himself and his team.
Faiz’s people-first approach sets his leadership style apart. He prioritizes building strong, trusting relationships with his team and stakeholders—not overlooking the key role of a motivated and structured team in achieving organizational goals. By being adaptable, Faiz effectively navigates a diverse cultural landscape, promoting collaboration across borders.
“My commitment to data-driven decision-making ensures that our strategies are grounded in accurate insights and trends, enabling informed and effective actions.”
The Expansion Vision
As the Global Distribution Lead, Faiz is passionate about driving innovation and expanding Barco’s reach into new markets. Equally important to him is mentoring and developing future leaders, ensuring that the audio-visual industry continues to thrive with fresh talent and innovative ideas.
Faiz has a unique approach to enhancing Barco’s market presence. For mature markets, he aims to grow further by keeping relationships alive and partners motivated. Under his leadership, the company maintains transparency and a healthy relationship with its long-term partners.
For emerging markets, Barco plans to expand its distribution footprints and work with distribution partners to fill gaps and distribute its products. For this, the strategies include promotions, campaigns, and a continuous learning approach to remain innovative.
“The opportunity to work with diverse teams and partners across the globe to deliver cutting-edge audio-visual solutions is incredibly fulfilling.”
Memorable Learning Experiences
Throughout his career, the power of listening is one of the most invaluable lessons Faiz has learned. By truly understanding the perspectives and concerns of his team, he makes informed decisions to foster a collaborative environment. Adaptability is another cornerstone of his leadership philosophy—embracing flexibility and openness to change.
Faiz highlights two significant sales pitches as learning experiences:
- On his first day at the job, Faiz accompanied a senior sales associate to a presentation for a Bank. Unfortunately, he was unaware of the customer details and was just asked to shadow his senior. The proposal was not well-received. This taught Faiz the importance of thoroughly researching the organization and customizing the sales pitch to fit their specific needs.
- Faiz was asked to present his sales pitch to the former CEO of a reputed bank. He also met many other C-level executives from major companies, where he had to be polished, well-trained, and thoroughly prepared to present in front of such esteemed leaders. It was a remarkable opportunity and a substantial learning experience.
Words of Wisdom for the Aspiring
To aspiring future leaders, Faiz’s foremost advice is to identify your passion and purpose early on. He emphasizes that continuous learning and always seeking knowledge are crucial qualities to stay updated with industry trends. Embrace innovation and remain open to new ideas and technologies. Building a robust network of mentors and peers can provide invaluable support and opportunities for growth.
Moreover, he suggests prioritizing customer needs and leading with integrity to ensure your actions consistently align with your values. Effective communication is essential for building trust and fostering collaboration.
“Stay persistent and patient—success often requires time and perseverance.”
Advice to Younger Self
Reflecting on his career, one piece of advice Faiz would like to give to his younger self is to prioritize self-care and set boundaries early on—underlining the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Learning to say no when necessary is crucial for managing workload and avoiding burnout.
He would also advise embracing failures as learning opportunities and remaining persistent during challenging times. Trusting the journey and staying true to his values have been key to his growth and success. He believes these principles would have guided him in navigating his career with greater resilience and fulfillment.
Striking the Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a work-life balance as a leader requires intentionality and discipline. I set clear boundaries between work and personal life, prioritizing tasks to ensure efficiency. Regular breaks and short walks help me stay focused and energized. Planning family time and vacations is essential for recharging and maintaining a healthy balance.
Reflecting on his daily activities and adjusting the schedule as needed helps Faiz stay organized and productive. By committing to these practices, he sustains both his professional effectiveness and personal well-being.
Earned Accolades
Nine years ago, Faiz set up the government business practice for an audio-visual company. This initiative opened new avenues and significantly contributed to the company’s growth. Beyond that, expanding the distribution footprint in the SAARC region as the National Business Head for SAARC was another notable milestone for Faiz.
Under Faiz’s leadership, Barco has demonstrated adaptability and strategic vision—expanding its distribution network into numerous emerging global markets. Moreover, getting nominated for the “APAC 40 under 40” and “Channel Chief” awards were proud moments that recognized Faiz’s leadership efforts.
Sources of Inspiration for Faiz:
- Prophet Mohammad
- Lee Iacocca
- Nelson Mandela
- Abraham Lincoln
- Warren Buffett
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Tariq bin Ziyad
Industry Mentors:
The following leaders have imparted invaluable knowledge and insights into the audio-visual business.
- Ankur Goel
- Roshan Gupta
- Sanjay Bansal
- Rajiv Bhalla
- Marc Remond
- Wouter Bonte
- Ta Loong Gan
- Nathalie Andersen
Influential Leadership Insights
Book:
- “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek: Emphasizes creating a culture of trust and collaboration, prioritizing team well-being.
Philosophy:
- Servant Leadership: Focuses on serving others and putting team needs first, empowering them to reach their full leadership potential.
Quote:
- John C. Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Encapsulates leading by example, knowledge, and effective guidance.
