KUWAIT CITY, Dec 16: Underscoring its belief in the importance of investing in the human capital and increasing employees’ efficiency, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) hosted a masterclass titled “Leading in an Age of Uncertainty” by Prof. Jill W. Paine, faculty member of IE Business School, IE University, which was attended by employees from different departments.

In the Masterclass, Paine shared with participants practical strategies that leaders can utilize to enhance engagement and productivity within work teams during periods of change and uncertainty, and the importance of organizational change as a pivotal factor in any global organization.

The masterclass addressed how leaders can enable organizational change and motivate the team, especially in an increasingly dynamic environment, through practical experiences using various techniques such as analysis, group discussions, simulations, and exercises.

It also highlighted the radical shifts in business models due to the changing environment as a result of fast-paced technological development and changes in consumer behavior, in addition to the geopolitical tensions and the climate crisis, and organizations’ plans to adapt to all these changes at all levels.

Paine shared insights on effective change leadership to motivate employees. The class also included interactive discussions to encourage employees to exchange ideas and experiences on how to apply the concepts presented in the work environment.

These masterclasses reflect NBK’s dedication to developing the capabilities of its employees, which helps improve organizational performance and create a positive work environment that fosters innovation and development.

Speaking on this, Najla Al-Sager, Head of Talent Management and Learning, Group Human Resources at National Bank of Kuwait, said, “We firmly believe that investing in our employees is a key strategic pillar to achieve sustainable growth and maintain our excellence and leadership. Therefore, we are always striving to provide the best training opportunities in innovative ways to meet the changing market dynamics, thus building an agile and dynamic workforce that can meet the challenges in the future.”

“All programs and courses delivered to employees are designed within an integrated training plan developed according to methodological and scientific standards to meet the needs of all relevant departments, in cooperation with prominent banking experts and reputable international training agencies,” she noted.

“NBK enjoys a unique work environment offering distinguished training and development programs to employees to help them build a thriving and sustainable career. We harness all our capabilities to develop employees and always seek to unlock their creativity and innovation, which positively reflects on their performance, and help maintain our leadership position, both locally and regionally,” she added.

Jill earned a Ph.D. and master’s degree in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, a bachelor's degree (magna cum laude) in English literature from the University of Colorado, Boulder in the US and has also obtained a GPCL from Harvard Business School.

She has extensive experience including working as a Visiting Scholar, University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business, and a Teaching Assistant for courses including Organizational Change, Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management, Columbia University.

Professor Paine has more than 23 years of experience working with firms in multiple industries including legal and financial services, technology, manufacturing and public relations. Her partners, clients and former employers include Pfizer, General Electric, Schroders, Omnicom Media Group, Bryan Cave, LLP, and venture-backed technology start-ups.

Founded in 1973, IE Business School is considered one of the leading and top ranked business schools in the world according to international magazines and newspapers including Forbes, The Economist, Financial Times and Bloomberg.