Ahmed Shawqi: Achieving Greatness in Education

The education industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by the need to cultivate effective leadership and personal growth among students and educators alike. As educational institutions grapple with advancing challenges, the focus on embedding leadership principles into curricula has become paramount. This approach enhances academic performance and fosters a culture of responsibility, empowerment, and collaboration within schools. By prioritizing leadership development, educational organizations are better equipped to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world, ensuring that they emerge as capable, confident individuals ready to take on future challenges.

At the forefront of these efforts is Ahmed Shawqi, the Managing Director for the Middle East and Egypt, who brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision to the realm of educational leadership. With a commitment to fostering growth and transformation, he plays a crucial role in spearheading initiatives that empower both students and educators. His insights and leadership drive the implementation of programs designed to inspire a new generation of leaders, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and community engagement.

The organization leading these transformative educational initiatives is FranklinCovey Education, recognized globally for its innovative approach to leadership development. By partnering with schools, universities and institutions, FranklinCovey aims to embed essential leadership principles across all levels of education, thereby enhancing the overall learning experience. This commitment to educational excellence is exemplified through tailored programs that resonate with the unique cultural contexts of the regions they serve, ensuring sustainable impact and lasting change in the lives of students and educators alike.

Enable Greatness in students, educators and communities everywhere

FranklinCovey is recognized as world’s most trusted leadership company and has been named one of the top 20 leadership companies globally. For over 35 years, it has partnered with organizations, schools, colleges, and universities to achieve results that require collective behavior change. Founded on the principles of Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s work, FranklinCovey has established itself as a global leader in leadership training and consulting, equipping individuals and institutions with the tools needed for transformative change.

At FranklinCovey Education, the organization is dedicated to achieving greatness in education by partnering with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, government and foundations to build leaders at every level—from the classroom to the boardroom. Its approach focuses on embedding leadership principles in all aspects of education, ensuring that both educators and students are equipped to lead with excellence.

FranklinCovey's focus areas include:

1. K-12 Schools: The Leader in Me program offer whole-school transformation by integrating leadership development into the everyday curriculum. This approach includes pre-K and kindergarten programs, as well as life skills and career readiness courses for high school students, preparing them for leadership, career, life, and college readiness. This fosters a culture of student empowerment, personal responsibility, and academic excellence.

2. Higher Education: Through LeaderU, FranklinCovey partners with colleges and universities to provide students with leadership and career readiness skills. Through LeaderU FranklinCovey offers different programs to prepare students to succeed not only academically but also in their professional and personal lives, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a global workforce.

3. Government, Foundations and Entrepreneurs: The organization collaborates with governments, foundations and entrepreneurs who share its vision of empowering communities. Together, they work to instill leadership principles in organizations and create meaningful change that extends beyond the classroom and into society.

FranklinCovey's professional development programs empower educators to rediscover their purpose and reignite their passion for teaching. It reminds teachers of the reasons they entered the profession, helping them reconnect with their "why" and enabling greatness in both their personal and professional lives.

FranklinCovey believes that every student, teacher, and leader has the potential to achieve greatness, and it is committed to helping them unlock that potential through leadership, personal growth, and a focus on building a strong, supportive community.

Shifting Mindsets in Youth Development

Fifteen years ago, Ahmed had a memorable experience while working at Bahrain Financial Harbour for a major investment firm. He was interviewing fresh graduates when a young Bahraini man arrived in jeans and a polo shirt. Taken aback, Ahmed asked why he came to such a prestigious place dressed that way. Nonetheless, he wanted to give the young man a chance, so he offered him a position with a salary of around USD 1,500, along with promises of training and development. To Ahmed's surprise, the young man turned it down, explaining, "It will be too difficult. I can't."

A few months later, Ahmed encountered him again at Bahrain City Centre, where he was working in a retail store for USD 660—less than half of the offer Ahmed had made. When asked why he chose that job, the young man replied, "I’m comfortable here."

This moment struck Ahmed deeply. He realized that it wasn’t about the young man’s skills or abilities; it was about his mindset and his beliefs regarding what he could achieve. This experience along with others led Ahmed to focus on education, leadership, and helping young people in the Middle East unlock their full potential. He understood that they don’t just need job opportunities; they need to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.

Transforming Education Through Leadership Development in Saudi Schools

One powerful example of how FranklinCovey Education’s programs have transformed an institution in the Middle East is Dar Al-Thikr Private Schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The transformation began when the school implemented the "Leader in Me" program, which is designed to foster leadership skills, personal growth, and a sense of responsibility in students.

A group of distinguished lecturers from the Faculty of Medicine at a local university visited the school, drawn by the exceptional behavior and leadership abilities of the medical students they had encountered. These students stood out for their ability to prioritize, work well with others, and express their opinions respectfully. When asked about the secret to their success, the students proudly revealed they were graduates of Dar Al-Thikr, crediting the "Leader in Me" program for shaping their academic and personal achievements.

The visiting professors were so impressed by the impact of the program that they decided to enroll their own children at Dar Al-Thikr. They witnessed firsthand how the program nurtures not only academic excellence but also moral and leadership development, setting students up for success in both their education and life.

This story is just one example of how FranklinCovey’s leadership and personal development frameworks, like "Leader in Me," are equipping young people in the Middle East to excel academically, lead with integrity, and navigate their future with confidence.

By gathering feedback from educators, parents, and communities, FranklinCovey continuously refines its solutions to meet evolving needs. This culturally responsive approach empowers educators, parents, families, and students, ensuring that the programs resonate deeply and are embraced by the broader community, helping individuals and institutions thrive both academically and personally.

Overcoming Challenges in Leadership and Performance in Education

A major challenge in implementing leadership and performance solutions in schools and higher education is overcoming deeply ingrained paradigms. FranklinCovey tackles this with programs like The Leader in Me, based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This program helps students and educators develop a leadership mindset by focusing on both personal and interpersonal effectiveness. The SEE-DO-GET model is also utilized to illustrate how shifting paradigms influence actions and outcomes, fostering a culture of growth and empowerment.

By integrating the foundational principles of The 7 Habits, FranklinCovey assists schools and higher education institutions in developing effective leadership. As Dr. Stephen R. Covey noted, " If you want to make minor changes in your life, work on your behaviour. If you want significant quantum breakthroughs, work on your paradigms." Addressing and transforming mindsets empowers educators and students to take proactive responsibility, prioritize, and collaborate, leading to meaningful personal and academic success.

Trust is another common challenge that affects relationships among teachers and between management and staff. Trust is crucial for fostering collaboration and a positive culture. FranklinCovey addresses this by applying the principles of The Speed of Trust, focusing on transparency, consistency, and accountability. Restoring trust helps improve teamwork, communication, and performance.

To ensure that changes are adopted and sustained, FranklinCovey utilizes The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX). This approach is vital for institutions struggling with focus and execution, as they often become distracted by daily urgencies. 4DX helps institutions concentrate on top priorities, build a culture of accountability, and maintain consistent execution, leading to long-term success.

In addition to these solutions, FranklinCovey offers various programs designed to tackle challenges such as low engagement, ineffective teaching practices, and leadership development at all levels. These programs are highly adaptable and tailored to the unique needs of the Middle Eastern region, ensuring that educators and students are empowered to succeed academically and personally.

Measuring Success

At FranklinCovey Education, a variety of tools are used to measure the success and impact of programs on both students and educators.

1. Self-Assessment and 360-Degree Feedback: Participants complete self-assessments and 360-degree evaluations, receiving feedback from peers, educators, and others. This fosters self-awareness and personal growth by identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

2. MRA (Measures of Results Assessment): As part of The Leader in Me, the MRA tracks leadership, culture, and academic performance. This comprehensive tool gathers data from management, educators, parents, and students, providing a holistic view of the program’s impact. By including these diverse perspectives, schools can monitor their progress and make informed, data-driven improvements.

3. 7x7 Contract in the 7 Habits Program: The 7x7 Contract is a key component of the 7 Habits program, where participants set specific personal and professional goals. These contracts are revisited and evaluated over time, ensuring accountability and helping individuals apply the 7 Habits principles in their everyday lives.

4. Participant and Facilitator Feedback: Feedback is actively collected from students, educators, and facilitators to assess the program’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. This ensures that the programs remain relevant and impactful.

Through these tools—self-assessment, 360-degree feedback, MRA involving all key stakeholders, the 7x7 Contract, and continuous feedback—FranklinCovey ensures that its programs drive meaningful, lasting transformation for both students and educators.

Promoting Sustainable Development Goals Through Education Initiatives

FranklinCovey Education aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting:

1. Quality Education (SDG 4): Programs like The Leader in Me build leadership, entrepreneurial, and career readiness skills, enhancing academic and personal growth.

2. Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): The organization fosters inclusivity by ensuring equal opportunities for all students to develop essential skills, promoting empathy, respect, and equity.

3. Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3): FranklinCovey's focus on personal well-being and emotional resilience supports mental health in students and educators.

4. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): By equipping students with skills for future careers, the organization helps drive sustainable economic growth.

5. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): FranklinCovey collaborates with schools, communities, and stakeholders to create long-term, sustainable educational solutions.

FranklinCovey Education’s approach not only meets the specific SDGs listed but also contributes to broader sustainability by empowering students with a holistic set of life skills.

The programs emphasize leadership, personal growth, and cultural understanding, which indirectly impact other SDGs like Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).

Empowering Educators and Learners Through Key Strategies

To empower educators and learners to achieve their full potential, FranklinCovey Education employs several key strategies:

1.     Leadership Development: Programs like The Leader in Me and The 7 Habits foster leadership, personal responsibility, and growth.

2.     Empowerment Coaching: Through personalized coaching, educators and students are guided to recognize and unlock their potential, enhancing their capacity to lead and achieve.

3.     Building Trust: Using The Speed of Trust framework, the organization cultivates high-trust environments that enhance collaboration and communication.

4.     Goal Execution: With The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX), FranklinCovey helps institutions set and achieve strategic goals.

5.     Ongoing Support: Continuous professional development is provided through platforms like LeaderU, the Leader in Me Portal, and the Impact Platform, offering resources and tracking progress.

These strategies ensure that educators and students are fully equipped to succeed in a dynamic world.

Leveraging Strategic Experience for Meaningful Change in Education

Ahmed's experiences in investment and corporate development have shaped his results-driven approach to leading FranklinCovey Education in the Middle East. From his investment background, he has applied strategic thinking, goal-setting, and accountability—key elements in frameworks like The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX)—to ensure measurable impact. In corporate development, he learned adaptability and stakeholder management, which have been crucial in tailoring FranklinCovey’s programs, like The Leader in Me, to the diverse cultural needs of the region. This combination of strategic focus and adaptability ensures the creation of sustainable, meaningful change in education.

Driving Sustainable Growth and Value in Education Through Strategic Expertise

Ahmed's Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA) credentials have been highly valuable in his role at FranklinCovey Education. The CVGA focuses on driving sustainable growth by enhancing an organization’s value, which aligns closely with the mission of creating long-term, impactful educational outcomes. This certification has equipped him with skills in strategic planning, performance optimization, and value enhancement—all of which he applies when developing and executing educational programs.

In particular, the CVGA's emphasis on measurable growth has reinforced his focus on accountability and results-driven initiatives. Whether through the 7 Habits, Trust and Inspire, 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) or programs like The Leader in Me, he ensures that the work in schools is designed to generate real, lasting value for educators and students alike. This holistic approach not only targets immediate improvements but also fosters sustainable growth in educational outcomes, leadership, and culture development.

Adapting to Emerging Trends in Education and Leadership Development

Emerging trends in education and leadership training include digital transformation, personalized learning, social-emotional learning (SEL), lifelong leadership development, and strategic execution. FranklinCovey Education is adapting to these trends in several ways:

1. Digital Transformation: Platforms like the Leader in Me Portal, LeaderU, and the Impact Platform offer on-demand leadership training and data tracking.

2. Personalized Learning & SEL: Programs like The Leader in Me and The 7 Habits focus on flexible leadership skills and character development, preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

3. Strategic Execution: By using The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX), FranklinCovey helps schools achieve measurable outcomes and long-term success.

4. Leadership for All: The organization promotes leadership for everyone, fostering inclusivity and collaboration across all levels.

By staying aligned with these trends, FranklinCovey equips educators and students for success in a dynamic world.

Integrating Leadership Development into the Educational Curriculum

FranklinCovey Education integrates leadership and effectiveness into a school’s curriculum primarily through the Leader in Me framework, which offers a holistic approach to education by embedding leadership development, culture-building, and academic excellence across all grade levels.

1. Every Student is a leader: At FranklinCovey, they believe every student is a leader because leadership is a choice, not a position. Leadership is taught as a foundational principle, with every student learning that they can lead in their own way, fostering personal responsibility and confidence.

2. The 7 Habits Framework: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a core part of the curriculum, helping students develop critical life skills like being proactive, setting priorities, and working well with others.

3. Creating a Culture of Empowerment: Schools using The Leader in Me focus on building a culture where students are empowered to take charge of their learning and contribute meaningfully to their school communities.

4. Whole-Person Development: The program emphasizes the development of social-emotional learning (SEL), character development, and academic performance, preparing students to thrive both in school and in life.

5. Key Benefits: This integration leads to improved student behavior, stronger academic achievement, increased staff and student engagement, and a positive school culture that promotes leadership at every level.

By incorporating these leadership principles, FranklinCovey Education ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop the skills necessary for success in all aspects of life.

Inspiring Future Leaders in Education

To aspiring leaders in the education sector, it is essential to remember that life is a mission, not a career. One's role goes beyond imparting knowledge; it is about shaping lives and inspiring greatness in others. As Dr. Stephen R. Covey said, “Leadership is communicating people's worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.”

Aspiring leaders should start with the inside-out approach, focusing on their own character and values first, as true leadership comes from within. When they lead by example, their passion and integrity will ripple through the community, inspiring others to rise to their potential.

Believing in the power of collaboration is crucial, and it is important to create a culture where everyone—students, educators, and parents—feels valued. Unlocking the leadership potential in every individual involves helping them see their own worth.

Lastly, it is vital to keep in mind that the work is about long-term impact. Leaders are not just preparing students for exams but for life. Leading with heart is essential, and one should never forget the immense power they hold to change lives, one student at a time.