My 1st year at ADIO – 7 Lessons Learned To Achieve Impact

Today marks one-year since I started my position at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). Without a doubt, working here has been my favorite, most challenging, and most impactful role I’ve ever had. In this year I’ve learned a lot about myself and my home – Abu Dhabi. I’ve done some of my best work alongside my teammates and leadership, and learned about constantly improving Abu Dhabi’s investment ecosystem.

Reflecting on the past year, there are 7 lessons I’ve learned that have made this opportunity so important to me. I wanted to share as perhaps these can help others to find worth and impact in themselves, their roles, and their organizations:

1.      Impact is a marathon, not a sprint: believing in your organization’s willingness and ability to make an impact that is meaningful to you is the key to work not feeling like a chore. However, impact is rarely immediate and it is important to also find meaning in the months and months of laying groundwork before any reward is in sight. I’m honored every day to serve Abu Dhabi and play my small part in building our investment ecosystem.

2.      Being values driven gives value to your work: One of my icons said, “It’s much more fun to be living in a world that you’re trying to make better.” Having strong values means not just ‘doing good’ but doing ‘better’. Knowing that your work equates to positive outcomes brings energy to all you do. I feel lucky to work on important issues and innovations that will make the UAE and our world a better place.

3.      Being customer focused brings long-term success: whoever your customer is, whether a client, investor, shopper, student, or interviewee – to them you are the face of your organization, and everyone who comes in contact with you should leave having had a positive experience. I always promise my clients transparency and responsiveness, this builds trust and has ultimately led to many new friendships, great relationships, and long-term sustainable impact.

4.      It takes a village to build an ecosystem: If you’re trying to make an impact, you have to involve many stakeholders with different views, goals, and ways of working. Navigating those channels and coming out as one strong team leads to a more efficient process. Ultimately, if you’re well aligned with all stakeholders then the whole is truly greater than the sum of the parts.

5.      Nothing beats a supportive team that makes you smile: I enjoy walking into the office every day and (lately) every video call, because I have made so many close relationships at ADIO. Without this sense of togetherness, the hard times would be harder and the good times much less fun. I’m thankful to all my colleagues who have believed in me and pushed me to be my best.

6.      Inspirational leaders, make more inspirational leaders: As I progress in my career it’s been important to have role models who encourage and empower me to lead. I’m lucky within our structure to have so many strong motivational leaders who have guided, supported, and listened to me. This autonomy and appreciation has allowed me to grow more confident and to find my voice, taking ownership of my impact and knowing it is aligned with the vision for Abu Dhabi.

7.      The harder the ride, the sweeter the destination: This year has aged me more than 12 months - it has been a rollercoaster - fast paced, constantly swerving in new directions, ups and downs – but finding that right balance of holding tight and going with the flow has let me see the joys in each part of the process. No matter how rocky it can get, it’s made me really appreciate the successes when they come.

So thank you to ADIO and everyone who has been a part of this great year. Here’s to many more!