Mohammed Alkahtani of PIF on Governance, Strategy, and Transformational Leadership
- What motivated you to enroll in The Corporate Governance program?
- What key takeaways from the Corporate Governance Program have had the most significant impact on your professional journey?
- How has your participation in the program enhanced your approach to leadership and decision-making?
- What advice would you give to others considering this program?
- Upcoming Program: Corporate Governance
Q&A with Mohammed Alkahtani
Mohammed Alkahtani works at the Public Investment Fund’s Transformation Management Office, focusing on enhancing organizational processes and supporting operational transformation efforts. Bringing over 22 years of experience leading transformational initiatives. His work emphasizes operational efficiency and value creation across PIF’s portfolio. With expertise spanning the Defense and Maritime sectors, Mohammed excels in strategic account management and high-level negotiations.
We spoke with Mohammed to explore his experiences and the key lessons he gained from the Corporate Governance Program.
What motivated you to enroll in The Corporate Governance program?
I enrolled in the Corporate Governance program because I believe that effective governance is essential for building resilient and forward-thinking organizations. Given my current role within the Public Investment Fund, I am keen to deepen my understanding of governance practices to contribute strategically to our portfolio companies and enhance the overall value-creation process. The program’s focus on best practices, board dynamics, and leadership at the executive level aligns with my aspirations to potentially serve on boards in the future and drive impactful change.
What key takeaways from the Corporate Governance Program have had the most significant impact on your professional journey?
The Corporate Governance program offered invaluable insights, particularly through the guidance of Professor Shiva Rajgopal and the Dean, who brought their vast expertise to the sessions. What stood out to me most was how practical the program was, going beyond theory to explore real-world cases and applications. The breakout sessions were especially impactful, allowing us to engage in smaller groups where we discussed specific challenges we face as board members. These sessions, along with high-quality panelists and discussions, illuminated best practices for handling complex boardroom dynamics. The program also emphasized the importance of aligning corporate strategy with governance principles—an approach that has significantly refined my leadership at the operational level.
How has your participation in the program enhanced your approach to leadership and decision-making?
Through the program, I was exposed to a wide array of perspectives, from both panelists and fellow participants, who were all top-level executives. This diversity of thought has broadened my strategic outlook, making me more adept at evaluating decisions not only for their immediate outcomes but also for their long-term implications. The program equipped me with new tools and frameworks to assess risks and opportunities from a board’s perspective, strengthening my contributions in executive meetings and enabling me to lead with more foresight and precision
What advice would you give to others considering this program?
I would highly recommend the Corporate Governance Program to anyone in a leadership position. It’s not just the curriculum that makes the program valuable but the entire experience of being immersed in a group of high-caliber executives. The discussions during the breakout sessions, the panelist presentations, and the direct interactions with professors like Shiva Rajgopal made the learning process dynamic and engaging. For me, these elements were key to making the program beneficial, offering practical insights that I can directly apply to my role.
.
Upcoming Program: Corporate Governance
Sign Up for Email Alerts
Sign up for program updates and content relevant to today's business leaders from Columbia Business School Executive Education.