When I first met Emre, I was immediately struck by his energy and his ability to connect the technical with the deeply human. Here was someone who had walked an extraordinary path—from programming in C++ to singing opera, from consulting with global giants to leading cultural transformation in Iraq. As I listened to his story, I saw not just a leader, but a living example of how duality—the interplay of heart and mind—can drive meaningful change. His journey is a testament to the idea that true leadership requires both discipline and imagination.
A Foundation in Duality
Emre’s story begins in a home filled with contrasts. His father, a disciplined engineer, approached life with logic and structure. His mother, a stage designer, brought creativity and color to their world. Between them, Emre learned to navigate both realms—balancing the technical with the artistic, the logical with the emotional. This duality became the foundation of his leadership style, one that blends pragmatic problem-solving with an artist’s ability to see the bigger picture.
Listening to Emre, I couldn’t help but reflect on the importance of embracing our full selves. Too often, we compartmentalize our lives, separating the professional from the personal, the logical from the emotional. But as Emre’s journey shows, it’s the integration of these elements that leads to authentic and impactful leadership.
The Power of Authenticity
One of the things I admire most about Emre is his authenticity. He’s not interested in pretense or corporate jargon. Instead, he speaks from the heart, creating an environment where others feel safe to do the same. “What you see is what you get,” he often says, and it’s true. His openness invites collaboration and fosters trust—qualities that are essential in any transformational journey.
When Emre joined Zain Iraq, he found a team with immense potential but one that needed unification. His first step was to listen. And not just superficially—he listened deeply, sincerely, to the stories, frustrations, and dreams of his team. This act of listening became the cornerstone of their transformation. As he puts it, “When people feel heard, they bring their whole selves to the table.” And when that happens, extraordinary things become possible.
Heart and Mind: A Strategic Symbiosis
For Emre, leadership is a delicate dance between hard metrics and soft values. Financial performance and strategic initiatives are, of course, critical. But they mean little without the human element.
“Run and fly” is a mantra Emre introduced to Zain Iraq. Running represents the steady, deliberate work required to build momentum. Flying symbolizes the leaps of creativity and innovation that propel an organization forward. Together, they create a rhythm that drives meaningful change.
Under Emre’s leadership, Zain Iraq has embraced both hard and soft metrics. On the hard side, the company has diversified its revenue streams, tapping into Iraq’s youthful population with ventures in gaming, e-business, and more. On the soft side, cultural transformation has taken center stage. Programs like Unity have fostered a sense of belonging and purpose among employees, recognizing that happy teams create happy customers—and happy customers drive sustainable growth.
Creativity in Leadership
Emre’s approach to leadership is inherently creative. He doesn’t just solve problems; he reimagines possibilities. Whether it’s launching a beautifully designed product like Kafu or exploring untapped opportunities in eSports, Emre brings an artist’s sensibility to everything he does.
“Creativity isn’t limited to the arts,” he says. “It’s about thinking differently, taking risks, and imagining what could be.” This mindset has allowed Zain Iraq to innovate in ways that resonate deeply with its customers and employees alike.
The Future: A Journey, Not a Destination
When I asked Emre about his goals, his answer was refreshingly grounded. “I’m more focused on the journey than the destination,” he told me. Whether it’s guiding Zain Iraq to new heights or reconnecting with his artistic roots, Emre’s mission is to keep growing, learning, and creating.
He often speaks about the importance of bringing one’s full self to work—an idea that resonates deeply with me. For Emre, this means leading with both heart and mind, balancing the technical with the creative, and staying true to his values. It’s an approach that not only drives results but also inspires those around him to aim higher.
Unity: The Key to Transformation
One of the initiatives Emre is most passionate about is Unity, a program designed to foster collaboration and cultural transformation within Zain Iraq. For Emre, Unity isn’t just a corporate initiative—it’s a philosophy. “Unity means bringing people together,” he says. “It’s about creating a shared purpose and a sense of belonging.”
Through Unity, Emre has helped Zain Iraq evolve into a listening organization, one that prioritizes empathy and open communication. By combining hard metrics with heartfelt connection, Unity has become a driving force behind the company’s success.
Run and Fly
As Emre often says, “Every day is an upgrade.” It’s a reminder that transformation isn’t about perfection but progress. By running with discipline and flying with imagination, Zain Iraq is charting a path to a brighter future—one where heart and mind work in perfect harmony.
And as I reflect on Emre’s journey, I’m inspired to carry these lessons forward in my own work. Because, as he so beautifully demonstrates, the best leaders are those who embrace their full selves and invite others to do the same.
