Waleed ALHARBI

Status
Alumni

Doctorate in Business Administration

How has the DBA experience changed your professional identity or self-perception?

The DBA experience, rooted in Audencia's century-long heritage of shaping global business leaders, elevated my professional identity from a senior executive to an enterprise-level strategist. The school’s unique philosophy, derived from the Latin for "listening" (audientia) and "daring" (audacia), was embedded in the curriculum. This duality reshaped my leadership style, enhancing my ability to listen to market signals while confidently architecting bold, transformative change. My self-perception has evolved; I now see myself as a leader who embodies this ethos to shape our organization agenda with a clear, forward-looking, and responsible vision.

What were the most significant personal growth outcomes from your DBA journey?

The personal growth was substantial, directly reflecting the high standards of a Triple-Accredited institution.
Firstly, the program cultivated a higher level of strategic foresight. In line with Audencia's history of innovation, it equipped me to anticipate market shifts and approach competitive challenges with a more holistic, enterprise-wide perspective.
The intellectual rigor required fostered unparalleled resilience and agility. It strengthened my ability to lead effectively through ambiguity, mirroring the daring spirit of the school champions.
The semi-structured interview for executives was a wonderful experience, uniquely positioned to enhance leadership storytelling by integrating an autoethnographic approach for upskilling.
Finally, reflecting Audencia’s pioneering role in corporate social responsibility, my journey instilled in me a deeper commitment to leading large-scale initiatives that are not only profitable but also sustainable and ethically sound.

Has your DBA qualification led to career advancement or new opportunities? 

The DBA qualification from Audencia, an institution recognized globally for its excellence and rich history, has been a significant amplifier of my influence and career opportunities. As an executive, the prestige of the qualification lends additional weight and authority to my voice in C-suite meetings and gives me a 360 view of visionary transformation at the senior leadership level. This has empowered me to move beyond functional leadership and spearhead the complex, enterprise-wide transformation projects central to our future. Furthermore, being an alumnus of a school celebrated for its forward-thinking and responsible management philosophy has solidified my standing as a thought leader, creating advisory and speaking opportunities that shape conversations within our industry.

Summary: Doctor of Business Administration from Audencia, an institution with over a century of history in developing impactful leaders, was the catalyst that elevated my leadership to the high level. The school’s core ethos of "daring" and "listening," combined with its commitment to innovation and responsibility, provided the framework for my transformation. As a result, my qualification has amplified my influence with executive leadership, positioned me to lead our most critical strategic initiatives, and unlocked new opportunities for industry leadership, allowing me to drive our organization’s success in the digital economy with greater vision and impact. 

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