We recently had the exclusive opportunity to interview Khadija El Amrani, CEO and Executive Coach at Kela Consulting. With over 15 years of expertise in the consulting and executive coaching field, Khadija El Amrani is a renowned figure based in Casablanca, Morocco, who also extends her executive coaching services to clients in France and the Emirates.
As the founder of Kela Consulting, Khadija El Amrani is dedicated to helping businesses and executives unlock their full potential, regardless of their location. In fact, we were fortunate to catch up with her during her visit to Dubai from February 4th to February 13th, where she was leading workshops and sharing her insights.
In this exclusive interview, Khadija El Amrani discusses her most significant successes, the challenges she has faced, her adeptness at embracing the latest industry trends, retaining top talent, and her strategies for thriving amidst uncertainty in today’s fiercely competitive landscape. Join us as we delve into the wisdom and experiences of this accomplished executive coach with a global reach.
Major Milestones
We were curious about the significant events in Khadija El Amrani’s career path. So, we started the interview by asking, “Can you describe a pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey that fundamentally changed the trajectory of your business?”
Khadija responds, “There are three major highlights in my professional career. Firstly, with 14 years of experience in the textile industry, I integrated into various marketing and sales management roles immediately after graduating from HEC Montréal. This diverse journey allowed me a comprehensive understanding of the entire commercial process, from creation to sale.
Also, during a pivotal 9-year period, I served as the Quality and Supply Chain Director for the leading operator in wholesale distribution of IT and telecom equipment in Morocco, a company listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. My role included being a Certified External Audit Manager by Bureau Veritas Quality International (BVQI). Engaging in ISO 9001 certification and conducting internal and external audits equipped me with valuable skills in compliance, management processes, continuous improvement, and risk management.”
She added, “Thirdly, in 2009, I founded Kela Consulting. Concurrently, I pursued and obtained my executive coaching certificate from the French business school HEC PARIS. My mission was clear – to offer holistic support to companies. Leveraging my organizational consulting experience, I identify process optimization opportunities and formulate effective action plans. Executive coaching has further enhanced my capabilities in crucial areas like shaping corporate culture, leadership, managerial practices, and fostering the development of soft skills.
My strength as an executive coach and organizational consultant lies in a broad perspective gained from involvement in various activities and industries. This perspective, coupled with a deep understanding of businesses’ human and organizational needs, empowers me to identify and implement practical solutions for sustained performance improvement.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
After years of operating in the field, businesses change their goals and priorities to adapt to emerging challenges. So, we asked, “How have your initial visions for the company evolved in response to unforeseen challenges or opportunities?”
She shared, “A pivotal moment in our journey was collaborating on a project with a multinational corporation. Our strategic approach, incorporating organizational coaching, individual and collective coaching, collaborative workshops, and managerial training, facilitated effective problem-solving and reinforced the corporate culture.
This success reaffirmed our conviction that executive coaching and organizational consulting synergy is paramount for achieving maximum impact.”
Acing The Top Trends
To learn more about the approaches adopted by Khadija El Amrani to ensure remaining in the top trends and maintaining a strong presence, we asked, “What specific strategies are you implementing to keep abreast of the latest trends and emerging technologies in the coaching and organizational consulting sectors?”
Khadija shared, “Maintaining a pulse on the ever-evolving landscape of coaching and organizational consulting is essential for our continuous growth. We employ specific strategies to stay updated on our field’s latest trends and technologies.
We focus on continuing training and certification. This commitment is integral to both strengthening and updating our skill set. Also, regular attendance at professional conferences and events is a cornerstone of our strategy, providing valuable networking opportunities and exchanging ideas with fellow professionals.”
“Furthermore, we dedicate time to comprehensive reading, exploring books, articles, and specialist publications. I also have active membership in professional organizations, such as AICC HEC PARIS (Association of HEC Paris Certified Coaches). Leveraging professional social media platforms like LinkedIn and coaching-specific channels enables us to follow current trends, participate in discussions, and connect with thought leaders in the field.
We also consistently experiment with new techniques and tools within our practice. Embracing adaptation and innovation is foundational to staying relevant in an ever-changing field. Listening to and incorporating customer feedback is integral to understanding their evolving needs. This approach allows us to adapt our methods effectively, ensuring a tailored and responsive service.” She added.
Adopting A Holistic Approach
We further asked, “What unmet need or gap in the market did you identify that led you to start your venture?”
Khadija continued, “Recognizing a void in the market, particularly in adopting holistic approaches, we observed that existing programs often concentrated solely on technical skills or immediate performance objectives, overlooking vital aspects such as cultivating company values and culture. Additionally, there was a discernible absence of support for organizational transformation and change management among individuals.
This realization was the catalyst for establishing our company, driven by the ambition to bridge these gaps. We sought to provide a more comprehensive approach that seamlessly integrates efforts in shaping values, nurturing company culture, and offering robust support for personal and organizational change.”
Nurturing Top Talents
Having the right talent is paramount when succeeding as a business. To learn how Khadija El Amrani ensures the same, we inquired, “What strategies have you employed to ensure that your company attracts, nurtures, and grows top talent?”
She replied, “At Kela Consulting, we cultivate a culture of continuous learning and mentorship. Our internal professional development programs, complemented by progressive leadership opportunities, serve as a magnet for attracting and retaining top talent. Moreover, we foster an environment that encourages innovation and calculated risk-taking, empowering the team to grow while actively contributing to the dynamic evolution of the company.”
Expanding The Influence
We were curious to learn how Khadija El Amrani maintains a balance in her business operations. So, we asked, “In the face of rapid shifts, how do you decide when to pivot your business strategy versus staying the course?”
“Our vision has evolved, adapting to unforeseen challenges. In response to the emergence of remote working, we have seamlessly integrated virtual training and remote team building strategies, thereby broadening our sphere of influence and enhancing our impact.” She replied.
Current Offerings
To maintain a strong position in the market, it is crucial to offer unique services. We asked, “What type of services do you provide considering the competitive landscape?”
She replied, “Kela Consulting distinguishes itself through its integrated approach, seamlessly blending executive coaching and organizational coaching. We specialize in crafting personalized, tailor-made programs designed to align not only with the individual goals of leaders but also with the specific needs of their organizations. Our unique strength lies in connecting personal development with organizational success, setting us apart in the market.”
Ensuring Agility
We ended the interview by asking, “As you look to the future, how are you preparing your business to navigate and thrive amidst uncertainties in the business landscape?”
“Our extensive experience in Executive coaching and quality management uniquely positions us to anticipate changes, ensuring that Kela Consulting remains agile and innovative in an ever-evolving business environment.
As we face the future, our company is proactively gearing up to navigate and excel amidst uncertainty and constant change in the business and coaching realms. Our strategic approach is rooted in adaptability and innovation. We invest significant efforts in developing new methodologies and tools to anticipate and proactively address our customers’ evolving needs.
Dedicated to the continuous training of our team and expanding our partner network, we are reinforcing our capabilities and resources. Moreover, we take pride in fostering a corporate culture that is resilient and proactive, capable of swiftly adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Our journey is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.” Khadija concluded.
Follow Khadija El Amrani on LinkedIn.
Find Kela Consulting on their website http://www.kela-consulting.com.
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