Farzuhan Marlin
Preempting disruptions
The role of technology will increasingly be central to crafting and adapting strategies
Q: Can you share your journey in strategic management and what inspired you to pursue this career path?
A: With over 30 years of corporate experience including 25 years in senior managerial roles, my journey into strategic management was fuelled by a passion for driving organisational success and transformation.
Inspired by the challenge of orchestrating startups and turning around struggling businesses, I pursued an MBA and numerous professional certifications. My international exposure across diverse industries further honed my skills, enabling me to excel as a strategy architect and business leader.
Q: Having worked across diverse sectors, what common strategic challenges are businesses facing today?
A: Common strategic challenges include navigating digital transformation, managing market disruptions and ensuring sustainable growth. Companies struggle with integrating advanced technologies, adapting to rapid changes and maintaining competitive advantages.
Additionally, fostering a resilient workforce and aligning organisational structures with evolving business models are critical. Addressing these challenges requires innovative strategies, agility and a forward-thinking approach to sustain long-term success.
Q: How do you foresee the role of technology evolving in strategic management over the next decade or so?
A: Over the next decade, technology will profoundly reshape strategic management by enabling advanced data analytics, AI driven decision making and real-time insights. Automation and digital tools will streamline strategic planning and execution, enhancing agility and precision.
Embracing technologies like blockchain for transparency and leveraging AI for predictive analytics will become crucial to gaining competitive advantages. The role of technology will increasingly be central to crafting and adapting strategies in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Q: As a futurist, how do you foresee emerging trends and incorporate them into your strategic planning?
A: As a futurist, I anticipate emerging trends by analysing technological advancements, market shifts and socioeconomic changes. I integrate these insights into strategic planning by forecasting potential impacts and opportunities, allowing for proactive adjustments.
By leveraging scenario planning and trend analysis, I align strategies with future possibilities, ensuring resilience and adaptability.
This forward-thinking approach helps organisations stay ahead of disruptions and capitalise on innovations, driving sustainable growth and competitive advantages.
Q: How has your international experience influenced your approach to strategic management and leadership?
A: It has significantly shaped my approach to strategic management and leadership, by broadening my perspective on diverse market dynamics and cultural nuances.
Exposure to varied business environments has enhanced my ability to devise adaptable globally informed strategies. This experience fosters a holistic view of strategic challenges and opportunities, enabling me to lead with greater agility, incorporate best practices from different regions and drive innovative solutions that resonate across diverse markets.
Q: Looking back over your career, what are the most important lessons you’ve learnt about leadership and strategic thinking?
A: I’ve learnt that effective leadership requires adaptability, empathy, and the ability to inspire and align teams with a shared vision. Strategic thinking demands a balance of foresight and agility, staying ahead of market trends while remaining flexible to unforeseen changes.
The importance of clear communication, decisive action and continuous learning stand out as key elements in driving successful long-term organisational growth and transformation.
Q: How does the business environment in Saudi Arabia differ from that in Sri Lanka – particularly in your industry?
A: In Saudi Arabia, the business environment for cybersecurity and technology is driven by substantial investments in digital infrastructure and a strong focus on Vision 2030 goals, emphasising innovation and technological advancement.
In contrast, Sri Lanka’s market is more nascent with a slower pace of technological adoption and fewer resources.
Q: What strategic opportunities do you see in the Saudi market that might not be as prevalent in Sri Lanka?
A: In Saudi Arabia, the strategic opportunities are significant due to Vision 2030’s push for a non-oil dependent economy, focussing on technology, tourism and renewable energy. The Expo 2030 and potential 2034 FIFA World Cup provide further avenues for infrastructure development, global branding and investment in smart city projects.
Q: Do you stay connected with the Sri Lankan community in Saudi Arabia – and if so, how?
A: I stay connected with the Sri Lankan community by actively participating in professional and community groups organised under the Sri Lankan mission’s auspices.
Through these forums, I engage with fellow expatriates, collaborate on initiatives and contribute to community activities, fostering strong networks and support systems.
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Farzuhan Marlin is a seasoned strategy architect, futurist and business leader, with a robust track record in orchestrating startups, enhancing organisational performance, and driving turnaround management and corporate renewal.
With over 30 years of corporate experience – including more than 25 years in senior managerial and board level roles – he counts a wealth of expertise across diverse sectors.
His international exposure spans South Asia, the Far East, the Middle East and Africa, equipping him with a global perspective and strategic insights.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Wife (a supportive homemaker)
Daughter (graduated with a degree in business management in the UK)
SCHOOLING
St. Peter’s College
HIGHER EDUCATION
Edith Cowan University
Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM)
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Association of Professional Futurists (APF)
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Chief Strategy Officer – Innovative Solutions
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
Saudi Arabia
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Riyadh