This highest ICSB honor recognized for LEADERSHIP, VISION, and CONTRIBUTION to the International Council for Small Business.
In 2018, Mr. Ahmed Osman was elected President-Elect. This was a unique time in ICSB’s history that saw unusual turbulence due to many factors. ICSB as an organization was at a crossroads in its desire to be a leading organization focused on the support of small buinesses globally. Entering such a tumultuous environment, Osman was not shaken by these challenges. Rather than be consumed by his environment, he remained true to himself by acting purposefully to present ICSB as the prestigious, welcoming, and forward-focused organization to which he felt fully dedicated to.
During his time as President-Elect, Ahmed Osman managed to organize the 2019 ICSB World Congress in Cairo. The planning of this event consumed most of ICSB’s resources throughout the year, and Osman was able to work diligently to organize a fantastic and outstanding event. Osman was able to work diligently to organize a fantastic and outstanding event. Despite the additional pressures of this planning, including a location change, Ahmed Osman was able to not only establish an incredible Congress, he also was responsible for the hosting of the 2019 ICSB strategic retreat. This meeting was the setting to reflect on ICSB’s current status and push the organization forward and to be an effective force. It was the fluidity and foundational nature of this event that provided the organization with the framework to push forward despite the year’s coming challenges. This was in addition to Osman’s time spent in organizing the Youth Academy, also hosted in Cairo, Egypt.
As Ahmed Osman, then, began his presidency, the leader had already established himself as steadfast, professional, available, and most importantly, kind. These personal attributes managed to flow their way into his leadership style, which helped galvanize the ICSB organization. Osman also led ICSB in organizing the recommendations for the ICSB Strategy Committee. In turning these recommendations into actionable items, Osman shepherded the ICSB community towards their future selves.
The plan for a forward facing ICSB was put in motion. Although the future looked bright, in terms of new programs, including Osman’s creation of the ICSB Knowledge Hubs, there were still many internal and external organizations’ pressures, which caused Osman to confront his own truths in challenging leadership. However, it is in light of these unbelievable challenges, including a lawsuit against ICSB, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the postponement of the 2020 World Congress in Paris, Osman was able to exemplify his truly resilient and leadership spirit and excellence.