CEO Insights Magazine

Atrue leader is one who transforms challenges into stepping stones and propels towards success. Meet Khaled Lutfe, a trailblazer who defied all odds to become the CEO of a renowned firm in the Gulf through sheer determination and unwavering dedication. The story of Khaled Lutfe, CEO of Via Medica International Healthcare is one of grit and resilience, as he carved his path amidst the bustling corporate landscape of the Gulf. From humble beginnings, he embarked on a remarkable journey, turning every obstacle into opportunity.

In this interview with CEO Insights ASIA, Khaled shares some wisdom and insights into his career journey.

Could you walk us through your professional journey?

I'm a citizen of both Iraq and the UK, having studied in the UK and kickstarted my career in London. More than 20 years ago, I began my journey as a humble graduate. My educational background encompasses aviation management and operations, along with a bachelor's degree in law. It all started back in 2007 when I joined an investment company in London that specialized in food, beverages, and catering. I jumped aboard while still in university, starting at a young age. As time went on, I steadily climbed the corporate ladder, transitioning from an operations manager to an operations director. Eventually, I landed the role of head of operations and acquisitions.

In this position, I spearheaded the restructuring of restaurants and franchisees, amplifying their revenue and profitability. Fast forward to 2017, after honing my management skills in the UK for over 15 years, Via Medica International Healthcare in Abu Dhabi approached me. They presented an enticing opportunity in operations management and business development. Intrigued, especially in the context of medical services today, I met with the company's founders and was thoroughly impressed. Without hesitation, I made the decision to join their dynamic team.

Can you give a brief overview of Via Medical International Healthcare?

Via Medica specializes in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services, Remote Medicine, International Assistance, Patient Movement and Evacuations, and Medical Supply, alongside Nursing services, Homecare and Academic Health. Our highly specialized medical personnel, including nurses, doctors, paramedics, specialists, and consultants, are deployed to various facilities like remote locations, globally.

Upon joining Via Medica International Healthcare, a medium-sized organization based in Abu Dhabi, I witnessed an extraordinary transformation. Over the past six years, we have experienced remarkable growth, expanding our operations across all Emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Our reach has extended to Iraq, Ghana, Mozambique, and Angola in Africa, and we are currently on the verge of venturing into Saudi Arabia (KSA). This expansion has elevated our work environment into a dynamic and high-performance setting. Our core focus revolves around delivering emergency medical services for oil and gas projects. Furthermore, we provide comprehensive medical support and evacuation assistance for infrastructure ventures like extensive road networks, offshore islands, and gold mining operations. These projects are often situated in remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. Nevertheless, we ensure that our highly skilled professionals and advanced healthcare systems surpass the market's norms. Our mission is to extend vital medical services to project workers, even in the most isolated and distant locations, far from conventional healthcare provisions.

What’s your leadership mantra?

My success is built on hard work, dedication, and continuous education. Staying informed and educated as a CEO is crucial in competitive markets, especially post-pandemic. Understanding the commercial aspect is vital, including market dynamics, competition, and client needs. Building a capable team is equally important. A skilled and qualified team is indispensable for success. I've assembled a talented team who shares a thirst for knowledge and success, aligning with our company culture and goals. Embracing diversity is crucial, avoiding reliance on a specific background or nationality. Our management team includes diverse expertise in operations, engineering, IT, legal, business management, finance, and medical professionals. The integration of these skills drives our success.

What advice do you have for leaders considering the market disruptions and future challenges?

Market disruptions, like the recent pandemic, raise awareness of healthcare and the ongoing population growth. Healthcare demand continues to rise, emphasizing the need for financially sound business models. Our focus must be on commercial aspects to ensure easier access to quality services for a larger population. Whether working with oil and gas, healthcare insurance, schools, or patients directly, maintaining financial efficiency is vital. Equitable medical services require improvement. Companies may provide accessibility but fail to contribute to communities. Prioritizing ethics is essential for making a positive impact. Services should be reasonably priced, accessible, and inclusive, reaching more people and providing necessary care.

What is your future roadmap?

My fulfillment lies in developing leaders within our global organization. I envision competent managers taking on crucial roles, giving me a broader perspective and allowing me to support them. As the company grows, I aim to share the workload, solidifying their permanent positions. Our unique company values partnership and employee ownership. Our stock option program empowers leaders to become future partners. Success means developing individuals who become partners, not just employees. In 15 to 20 years, I aim to establish a reputable global company with a recognizable brand, benefiting the communities we serve and providing security for our employees and management. During the pandemic, we faced project cancellations and potential layoffs. Instead, we found alternative business opportunities to retain our medical staff. We didn't lose employees and even hired more for new projects. Loyalty to our team is crucial, regardless of their positions. Personally, I'm motivated by positively impacting lives within our organization.

Khaled Lutfe, CEO, Via Medica International Healthcare

Khaled Lutfe, the leader behind Via Medica International Healthcare, is a name synonymous with innovation and transformative leadership in the healthcare industry. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Khaled has led Via Medica to the forefront of the medical field, revolutionizing the way healthcare services are delivered.