Middle East Communication Network (MCN), one of the region’s leading advertising and marketing communications agency networks, today announced the launch of its ‘Transformers Leadership Development program’ (#MCNTransformers). The unique program – a first-ever in the region for the media and advertising industry – is a testament to MCN’s commitment to developing best-in-breed talent for its future leadership across its multi-agency, multi-location footprint across the Middle East and North Africa. MCN is part of the Interpublic Group (IPG).
The roll out follows a rigorous selection phase undertaken earlier this year to identify within MCN talent who have shown consistently high performance and at the same time high potential for leadership in the future. The 50 key performers selected and nominated to undertake the study program are drawn from 11 MCN agencies and will undergo a 10 months’ academically focused curriculum that provides a formal training structure built around the key strategic pillars of creativity and strategic leadership.
MCN Chairman Akram Miknas, and Group CEO, Ghassan Harfouche inaugurated the program in Dubai.
Following the successful conclusion of the inaugural sessions yesterday, Ghassan Harfouche, Group CEO of MCN, said: “I am delighted to announce the launch of the Transformers program at MCN. It is a unique academic collaboration in the region and it is testament to our belief in the future of our young talent. We are constantly striving to improve our human capital base and this investment in our most promising young leaders now will ensure that our clients are in the best of hands today and tomorrow.”
“Education and continued learning are essential for us all in our industry. This program facilitates and enhances creativity and innovative thinking in our key people and helps transform them into real leaders for tomorrow. In partnership with the Berlin School of Creative Leadership, we are laying the foundations for our next generation of success and growth and I wish everyone on the program the best of luck” Harfouche added. MCN Chairman, Akram Miknas inaugurated the program at the Royal Meridien Hotel in Dubai.
The program has been organized and worked out by Ricarda Ruecker, Consultant for Leadership and Organizational Development at MCN and developed closely in conjunction with Berlin School of Creative Leadership. It employs the very latest in blended learning techniques and tools, allied with an experiential and practical approach. During the next 10 months, the candidates in the Transformers program will study five key modules: Influencing skills and lateral management; Tools for leading change; Strategic leadership; Value creation and selling and Creativity and innovation.
The program has been developed together with a panel of academics from the Berlin School of Creative Leadership focusing on both academic and practical leadership learning methodologies, using the latest techniques and tools, practicing with case studies, role plays and simulations and transforming with homework and coaching. The program will result in a formal academic certification from the Berlin School of Creative Leadership and Steinbeis University Berlin. The program has been developed along the lines of an Executive MBA program which will allow graduates to transfer credits to other onward learning academic programs at leading universities globally. The program will culminate in a formal presentation ceremony for the candidates in summer 2015.
The Berlin School ‘Transformers Program’ is designed to equip participants with the required skills to influence colleagues and customers in the Marcomm industry in their region. In addition it highlights potential challenges and inspires participants to act as leaders and multipliers – both for ‘new ways’ of working, and for expanded learning and development in the future.
The program was inaugurated on September 2, 2014, in Dubai, and is being followed by a two day session covering Module One. Follow the program on twitter, facebook and instagram using #mcntransformers.
MCN is headquartered in the MCN Hive building in Dubai’s Tecom Zone and employs more than 1,600 communications professionals in 67 offices across 14 countries in the MENA region.
About Middle East Communication Network (MCN)
MCN – Middle East Communication Network. MCN is one of the leading advertising and marketing communications agency networks in the MENA region. It is the parent company for several advertising, marketing and media companies in the Middle East. MCN is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE : IPG) – a global leader in modern marketing solutions with 43,500 diverse and talented individuals. For more information, please visitwww.mcnholding.com
About the Berlin School of Creative Leadership
The Berlin School of Creative Leadership is to become the world’s leading institute for quality executive education within the creative industries, leadership programs and research into creative leadership. By bringing together top creative and international leadership experts, the Berlin School will pave the way for new standards in communication and leadership, fostering global discourse on creative leadership in media, entertainment, advertising, design, journalism, and marketing. For more information, please visit: www.berlin-school.com
For all press enquiries, please contact:
Tom Roy, Chief Innovations Officer, MCN
Tel: +971 4 445 4199 Mobile: +971 425 3685
email: tom@promoseven.com
