2021 Optimism

With the first quarter of 2021 elapsing, some feel optimistic while others continue to see the half empty part of the cup. It is all a state of the mind, when we go into the spiral of thinking things are bad, we do not know how to move out of it……So why am I always optimistic?

Hardships bring the best out of us, because thinking of how to pivot can only mean we either survive or we gain more experience, both are what shapes us in the long term.

So how do we pivot?? 2020 was a year like no other, one had no idea how long we shall be in this status, ranging from full quarantine to opening up and more of herd immunity taking place, whilst travel restrictions and social distance has taught us to be glued on to our screens with no down time or holidays!!!

To analyze the future, we must accept the present and see how best to plan, not just one plan but a Plan B, C and D have to be in place as we strategize for what’s next! Does that sound realistic? When we have no clarity on the future, we must think outside the box and not wait to see the sky becoming clearer., there is always an opportunity for those who seek it.

As we have been taught in school, Egypt is blessed with a location that makes it at the center of the world, but we must find the way to use it. We are also a young country, with more than 65% of its 100Million plus population below the age of 35. Making us not just the right market for any business to expand its footprint but also the advantage to have skilled employees you can train as needed. Egyptians at all levels are with a very high IQ, so if well managed and directed their natural street smartness will play an integral role in the future of Egypt’s growth.

Our 138 Pyramids had 2020 as the year many of our companies were ready for take-off, after preparations on all the corporate governance front, first 2.5 months showed evidence we were right but then like all the world things came to a halt. We saw how our partners showed us their entrepreneurial traits, coming up with innovative ideas and solutions, most of all making us proud of how resilient they are.  Whatever, the future outcome shall be for each one of our companies, the most important thing is to know that it has only added to their capabilities and we are confident they shall be a role model, be it in the Fashion, FMCG or Service industry’s they have a long, brilliant future ahead.

As someone who has had the privilege of growing in this market for the past 40 years- partnering with many international and local institutions -I am witnessing a new solid clarity from our leader, government, banks and institutions focusing on SME’s as the future engine for growth, so be optimistic and let’s work together on making our dreams a reality.

Neveen El Tahri