Naguib Sawiris Discusses Approachability And Quick Decision-Making For Personal Branding Success
Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris shared insights on building a personal brand. With over 10 million digital followers, he stressed that excelling at work is crucial for establishing a unique identity in today's digital age. His session, "Being the Brand," was moderated by Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash during the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai.
The summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, took place from 11 to 13 January. It gathered more than 15,000 content creators and influencers, alongside 420 speakers and 125 CEOs. The event's theme, "Content for Good," highlighted its focus on positive digital communication.

Sawiris emphasised approachability as key to his success. He said: "I’m very approachable to people, and they consider me a people’s man. This is because when I walk in the street and I am stopped by anyone, I answer. If people ask me for something that I am able to do, I do it. Being approachable helped me create a personal, humanistic brand. This, of course, helped me in my business."
He also highlighted effective time use as essential. Sawiris remarked: "The one quality in life that is always diminishing is time. We are all on a limited timeline. Why waste it on something negative?" He believes swift decision-making is vital for business success.
When asked about linking one's name to their business, Sawiris affirmed: "Yes, for sure. People like to feel the human element in a brand." He advised entrepreneurs to connect their names with their brands after achieving initial success.
Sawiris shared his motivation for continuing work: keeping the mind active and feeling he still has contributions to make. He stated: "First, it is important for one’s mind to stay busy. The more you work, the more you stimulate your mind. The second reason that keeps me motivated is feeling that I still have something to give."
Spreading Happiness Through Business
Sawiris expressed his commitment to spreading happiness through his ventures: "I am happy when people are happy. Happiness spreads when you share what you have." This philosophy underpins his approach to business and personal branding.
In conclusion, Sawiris's insights highlight the significance of approachability, efficient time management, and associating personal identity with business success in today's digital landscape.
With inputs from WAM