We caught up with Wessam Elkouly, an upstanding member of FIENA Dubai, who bought the idea of leadership training, with an interesting angle 

1- What is the event about? 

The event is a team-building activity based on a simulated aircraft crash scenario.

Participants are placed in a crisis situation where they must work together to manage the emergency, make critical decisions, and ensure the safety and survival of the group.

This activity focuses on improving communication, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills under pressure. Participants will experience firsthand the dynamics of crisis management, resourcefulness, and team coordination, all while building trust and leadership capabilities.

2- What inspired you to run this workshop / event?

The aviation industry is one of the few sectors where daily changes and human factors play a critical role in safety and performance.

Research has shown that over 90% of incidents and accidents are not caused by technical issues but rather by a failure in teamwork and communication. This challenge is not unique to aviation—it is equally prevalent in corporate environments.

However, the impact of human factor shortfalls in the corporate world, though significant, is often less dramatic. It may manifest as workplace frustration, poor work-life balance, or decreased productivity, which are often overlooked by organizations.

In contrast, the aviation industry recognized the importance of human factors long ago and invested heavily in addressing them. By introducing this team-building activity, we aim to raise awareness of the human factors that influence business success.

It provides participants with an opportunity to reflect on how effective collaboration, communication, and leadership directly impact organizational performance, including financial outcomes and the well-being of employees. This activity will help companies recognize the importance of investing in the human factor to foster a productive, high-performing environment.

3- What is the most valuable thing you have ever seen, come from someone attending?

One of the most valuable insights I received from a participant, a member of a marketing team in a real estate company, was a powerful reflection on his personal growth. He shared that he always believed he was in control during difficult situations. However, when placed in an unfamiliar environment during the team-building activity, he was surprised to realize that, despite having all the necessary resources around him, he felt unable to act effectively.

This experience led to a deep reflection on past situations, where he recognized that he could have responded differently if he had learned some of the techniques covered in the activity. He emphasized how understanding the brain's responses in stressful situations could help manage anxiety and navigate challenging moments, even in difficult conversations.

By applying these insights, he realized that it’s possible to transform the outcome of such situations in one's favor. This reflection highlights the real value of the team-building activity: not just learning how to collaborate, but also gaining a deeper understanding of how we can better manage ourselves and our reactions in high-pressure scenarios.

4- Why is it important for women to break boundaries and attend an event like this ?

I firmly believe in women’s ability to achieve great things, and one of the most powerful qualities we possess is emotional intelligence. Women often have a unique ability to dig deep and identify the root causes of problems, coupled with a strong sense of empathy. These core competencies are fundamental to the human factor and are essential in navigating challenges effectively. It’s important for women to challenge themselves in a supportive and safe environment, both physically and emotionally. This team-building activity provides a space for women to push boundaries and develop their strength in a way that feels safe and empowering.

The activity will be led by women who understand the challenges other women face and can offer guidance and support. Following the experience, we will hold a powerful reflection session, where women can openly discuss their fears and vulnerabilities. This is a space for shedding tears, sharing experiences, and recognizing the strength within each of us. This activity is not just about empowerment—it’s a reminder of how resilient and capable women truly are. One of our key goals is to support the well-being of expat women in Dubai, who often face intense daily stress, by providing a space for healing and growth.

Thanks Wassem, certainly we have never run an event like this before - and we can't wait to work with you more to get more Fiena members pushing their comfort zone and trying this experience