Khalid A. Al Oraij, President & Chief Executive Officer, KABi Technology
In the ever-evolving landscape of Human Capital Technology, there are trailblazers who not only adapt to change but thrive by creating it. Khalid A. Al Oraij, the President and Chief Executive Officer of KABi Technology, exemplifies this spirit of innovation in transforming the Human Capital Tech industry. From an HR Manager at KPMG to the CEO of KABi Technology, Khalid’s journey unravels the power of strategic brilliance, resilience, and unflagging determination in driving excellence. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Khalid has achieved remarkable milestones and garnered recognition as a visionary leader. In this cover story, we take the privilege of unfolding the leader’s journey, his insights, and the compelling vision that fuels KABi Technology’s global aspirations.
A Legacy of Leadership
Khalid’s professional voyage is a tapestry woven with invaluable experiences, remarkable achievements, and a profound commitment to human growth. With over a decade of experience in leadership, he embarked on his career as an HR Manager at KPMG. There, he undertook the challenging task of enhancing the Saudization rate, making KPMG the top choice for Saudi business graduates in 2017. He also pioneered the firm’s first graduate program for Saudis, which left an indelible mark on KPMG’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
His journey then led him to the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, where he co-led the establishment of the Healthcare-Health Academy, a significant venture worth around one billion Saudi Riyals. This endeavour not only played a pivotal role in creating more than 20,000 jobs in the healthcare industry but also underscored Khalid’s ability to turn vision into reality.
Currently, as the CEO of KABi Technology, an AI-powered HR technology company, Khalid is leading the charge towards redefining the industry’s landscape. Under his stewardship, KABi Technology has initiated its Initial Public Offering (IPO) journey, signifying an ambitious vision for the future. With more than 100 key clients successfully secured, his reputation as a visionary leader is firmly established, acknowledged by his recognition as the ‘Best Emerging Leader – Saudi Arabia 2021’ by the Global Business Outlook.
Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges with Grace
Entrepreneurship is a journey fraught with challenges, and Khalid is no stranger to the hurdles intrinsic to this domain. From financial instability during the initial stages to navigating a fiercely competitive landscape, he has weathered the storm with grace and unwavering determination.
Sharing his lesson, Khalid says, “One of the most significant obstacles I’ve faced is maintaining financial stability, particularly managing cash flow effectively, during the initial stages. This taught me the importance of robust financial planning, including cash flow management, and exploring diverse funding sources.”
Dealing with competition required continuous innovation and in-depth market research, reinforcing the importance of differentiation and a unique value proposition. The essence of uncertainty and risk tested his resilience and decision-making abilities, guiding him towards embracing calculated risks, informed decision-making, and swift adaptation to change.
Building a robust and aligned team was another challenge that Khalid embraced wholeheartedly. This journey emphasized the significance of hiring individuals who share the company’s vision of creating a conducive work environment.
Moreover, balancing work and personal life emerged as a significant challenge, reminding Khalid to establish clear boundaries and prioritize self-care. These challenges have shaped him into a more adaptable and resilient entrepreneur. The values of continuous learning, perseverance, and the necessity of maintaining a clear focus on long-term goals, have molded him into the seasoned entrepreneur as he is today.
Leading with a Strategic Vision
As the Vice Chairman and CEO of KABi, Khalid shoulders a myriad of responsibilities. From strategic execution to financial oversight, team leadership to business development, and stakeholder management, Khalid’s role is multifaceted and critical to the company’s success.
In strategic execution, he leads KABi’s “EXCEED” strategy, aiming for a 240% increase in market share over the next two years, with an IPO on the horizon. Financially, he manages a budget exceeding $10 million and targets a year-on-year growth rate of 27%, vital for the upcoming IPO.
Under Khalid’s leadership, the team has witnessed a 20% increase in employee productivity, fostering an environment of excellence. His role in business development has resulted in five strategic partnerships within the past year, contributing to a 20% expansion in the client base. His success in stakeholder management is reflected in a remarkable 95% satisfaction rate.
The primary objective that drives Khalid in all these roles is ensuring the sustainable growth and success of KABi with unwavering precision. He strives to deliver a 20% increase in shareholder value year-on-year, positioning the company favorably for its forthcoming IPO.
Pioneering Innovation in Human Capital Tech
In the fiercely competitive Human Capital Tech industry, KABi Technology sets itself apart through a fusion of innovative technology solutions, profound industry expertise, and robust client relationships. The company offers cutting-edge software platforms that harness the power of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to streamline HR processes and drive efficiency.
Khalid explains the key to their differentiation, “What sets us apart is our ability to customize our solutions to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring scalability as their businesses grow.” Their suite of products, including HYRDD, INVIEWS, BKATHON, ALGORTHMUS, BLOOVO, WARDIA, and KABi ACADEMY, offers comprehensive services with a team of trained professionals boasting extensive knowledge of the human capital field, KABi provides strategic guidance and industry-specific insights. Their comprehensive service offerings go beyond traditional HR tech solutions, encompassing consulting services, talent acquisition and management, workforce analytics, and employee development programs.
Their commitment to exceptional customer service and long-term client partnerships stand to be the USPs of the company. This approach creates a distinct advantage in the market, delivering tailored solutions that generate measurable results and drive organizational success.
Guiding Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs venturing into the tech-based Human Capital sector, Khalid offers invaluable advice, delivered in his signature practical manner.
“Define Your Unique Value Proposition,” he urges. The leader emphasizes identifying the specific niche and unmet needs within the Human Capital sector and developing a value proposition that sets one’s business apart from competitors.
Khalid’s leadership advice is zeroed in on building a strong and diverse team encouraging entrepreneurs to assemble professionals with expertise in technology, HR, and business strategy.
Understanding the target market is crucial for the entrepreneur. So, Khalid urges thorough market research to gain a deep understanding of customers’ pain points, needs, and preferences.
Khalid’s business idea manifests in cultivating strategic partnerships, starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and collaborating with HR consulting firms, industry associations, or technology providers can provide access to a wider customer base, additional resources, and industry expertise, enhancing market reach and credibility.
Khalid underscores the importance of securing sufficient funding. He encourages entrepreneurs to articulate growth potential, scalability, and return on investment clearly to secure the necessary funding.
Khalid concludes by emphasizing the importance of data privacy and security, particularly in the context of the Human Capital sector and the rapid advancements in Data, AI, and emerging technologies. Safeguarding sensitive employee data is crucial, and entrepreneurs should prioritize the development of robust data privacy and security measures. This is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also to instill trust among customers. With the increasing reliance on Data, AI, and emerging technologies in HR processes, it becomes even more critical to implement proper safeguards and ethical practices. By doing so, businesses can protect data integrity, maintain transparency, and leverage the benefits of these technologies while ensuring the privacy and security of employee information.
Lastly, he imparts a message on the values of steadfastness and perseverance, reflecting his journey as a resilient entrepreneur. As the leader affirms, challenges are part and parcel of entrepreneurship, and cultivating resilience, maintaining a positive mindset, learning from failures, and enduring with perseverance are the keys to overcoming such obstacles and achieving sustainable success.
Cultivating a Culture of Excellence
The significance of company culture in Khalid’s entrepreneurial journey cannot be understated. At KABi, a collaborative culture stands to be the bedrock on which innovation, growth, and success are built. Khalid affirms, “We foster a collaborative environment where every team member’s voice is valued and respected.” Diverse perspectives and ideas drive innovation and problem-solving, encouraging cross-functional teamwork, knowledge sharing, and a sense of collective ownership.
The culture of KABi, characterized by collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, agility, and customer-centricity, is integral to Khalid’s entrepreneurial journey. It enables him to foster an environment where creativity thrives, the potential of team members is realized, and deliver transformative solutions that drive the success of their customers and their business.
Future Roadmap
Way ahead, Khalid envisions his team to emerge as a global leader offering solutions that optimize human capital management for organizations across industries. He aims to revolutionize the way businesses attract, develop, and retain talent by leveraging cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and AI-driven insights.
Expansion into global markets is on the horizon. KABi plans to establish strategic partnerships and enter new markets, collaborating with local experts to tailor solutions to regional needs while maintaining a global perspective.
As KABi Technology sets its eyes on a future filled with transformative solutions and global recognition, Khalid’s wisdom, unwavering commitment, and collaborative spirit will continue to steer the company toward new horizons. With a profound belief in innovation, a commitment to customer success, and a culture of excellence, Khalid A. Al Oraij’s entrepreneurial journey is one that inspires and illuminates the path to success in reshaping the future of Human Capital Management.