As the CEO of a major bank in Syria, I had some challenging and transformative experiences.

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has brought about unprecedented challenges for my bank and the entire financial sector in the country.

Bank Runs

One of the first major challenges we faced was the threat of bank runs. As the conflict escalated, many of our customers became concerned about the safety of their deposits and began withdrawing large sums of money from our bank. This put a strain on our resources and made it difficult for us to maintain our operations.

To address this issue, we implemented a number of measures to reassure our customers and maintain their trust in the bank. We increased transparency in our operations and provided regular updates on the state of the bank’s financial health. We also worked closely with the Central Bank of Syria to provide additional liquidity to the market and prevent a wider financial crisis.

Communication and transparency matter, especially internally within the team, so that they are involved in decision-making

As the CEO, I knew that effective leadership was crucial in navigating these challenges. I had to be adaptable and open to new ideas, even if they differed from my own, in order to effectively lead the bank through these difficult times. I also knew the importance of communication and transparency, and made sure to keep my team informed and involved in decision-making processes.

Risk of Attacks

Another major challenge we faced was the risk of bombings and other forms of violence. Our branches and offices were located in areas that were prone to attacks, which made it difficult for us to operate safely and effectively. We had to put in place contingency plans and evacuate our staff whenever necessary.

In addition to these challenges, we also had to deal with the impact of sanctions and the loss of correspondent banks. Many international banks that we had previously worked with withdrew from the Syrian market due to the sanctions, which made it difficult for us to conduct international transactions. We had to find alternative ways of conducting these transactions, such as using banks in third countries or using alternative payment methods.

Innovating on the fly and finding alternatives are key characteristics of adapting to exceptionally difficult circumstances

Currency Collapse

One of the most devastating challenges we faced was the collapse of the Syrian pound. As the conflict raged on, the value of the local currency plummeted, which had a significant impact on our operations. We had to adapt to the new economic reality and find ways to manage the risks associated with the devaluation of the currency.

Despite these challenges, our bank was able to navigate through these difficult times and emerge stronger. We were able to maintain our operations, protect the deposits of our customers, and continue to serve the needs of the Syrian people.

Despite these challenges, our bank was able to navigate through these difficult times and emerge stronger.

Turning experience into a coaching practice

As the CEO, I have learned many valuable lessons through this experience. The importance of adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence has sparked my interest in the field of coaching, and I am now considering training as a coach in order to help others develop the skills and resilience needed to navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

I believe that coaching can be a powerful tool for leaders and organizations looking to overcome obstacles and achieve success.