Forbes CEO Conference!!!

President of Calvin Klein















Congressman John Brademas















MD of Vonage (www.vonage.co.uk)















Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou the founder of Easy Group

CEO and Founder of Aramex

So its been a really exciting last couple of days while attending the Forbes Middle East CEO Forum. It was invitation only and probably the most A list event I have heard of and for sure been to while here in the Middle East. The first day of course was extremely exciting because it brought everyone together for the first time. I got a chance to meet all kinds of interesting executives from around the world. Specifically I got to sit down and do an interview with Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou who is the founder Easy Group ( the parent company of Easy Jet, Easy Cruise, Easy Hotel etc, mainly based in Europe but expanding rapidly worldwide over the past couple of years. As well as a Jordanian Fadi Ghandour who is the CEO and Founder of Aramex based in the Middle East but expanding rapidly internationally. As well as New York University President Emeritus and former Congressman John Brademas. Now this guy was pretty interesting, former congressman for 22 years, the last three of which he was the majority whip, also was Chairman of the board of the New York Federal Reserve bank, also on the board of the NYSE, NBC, Colombia pictures, Texaco and Loews to name a few. Man could he tell you stories. But it turns out that we were talking and his going to work on getting someone high up in the US administration either from the State department of Commerce to get us a letter of support for my new project in Saudi. This day was also interesting because in the last closing session the moderator I believe it was the publisher of Forbes USA, quoted the queen of Qatar. I thought this was a little strange until I saw her with people all going up to her after it was finished. She is an absolutely beautiful women and very graceful, and very approachable.

The next day was interesting as well, I was able to meet the Chairman of the board for BMW and current Microsoft board member. As well as do an interview with the President of Calvin Klein. It was interesting hear him talk about the success CK has when it goes international like it is currently in the Middle East. Speaking about the brand name recognition that it has. This is easily seen when I think of Amber but especially Heather in High School with her CK stuff. I know what your thinking no I didn’t get any free clothes but he told me to call him next time I am in New York for us to meet up.

Did I mention yet that this event was being held at the Four Seasons Doha!!!!!! It’s a great hotel with the best services imaginable. People to open up the door for you wherever you go, a woman that plays this harp looking thing every time another session of the conference is about to start, and I became a big fan of the tea breaks – I know I know very snooty. Not to mention the wonderful lunches everyday. I almost got to where I felt like I was in the UN with the ear buds attached to the box where you could hear the speeches that were in Arabic (there were a few in Arabic) translated in English.

Today, was also a really fun day, starting out with the process of getting my Visa from Saudi. I thought when I went I had all of the paper work but of course I was missing one form so they said. But I think that I was able to get it all worked out and they have started processing the application. I of course ran into Steve Forbes the CEO and Editor in Chief of Forbes Magazine US several times. He is actually going to be a distinguished editorial speaker for my Saudi project that I think he will bring a lot of value and depth to the project. So I am really excited about him being there. I also got to hear an interesting overview of the telecom sector here in the Region and internationally. Afterwards I was planning on doing the interview with the CEO of Vonage. But we were all told to take our seats because we were having a special guest arriving any second. Soon after we had the doors being opened everyone standing up in amazement and it was Steve Forbes escorting His Royal Highness the Emir of Qatar along with two of his wives. The first beautiful one I had meet two days before. It is a pretty amazing feeling one that is pretty hard to describe, the same as I felt when meeting the HRH the King of Jordan. Anyways it was pretty interesting the topic that HRH the Emir joined in on was on the Media and its effect on the economy. During which Steve Forbes was called on to discuss the reality that the free-er the media is the more robust and growing the economy is. Kind of interesting having this discussion considering who was sitting in the room. Throughout the discussion a team of butlers from the hotel were making ice drinks and cokes for the table with the Emir. Half way through which one of the wives stood up and walked out while the audience stood as well. After the talk was done the Emir stood and began going around the room, well really the room started going around him introducing himself and talking. It was amazing, especially seeing his fleet of white Rolse Royce’s outside the front door.

Overall the past couple of days, were amazing, I really felt like it was worth wild not only in the cool people that I meet but also the knowledge that I gained. I mean in a way it was like college classes but more fun then that. Only one more day left and then it’s the weekend!!!!!!!!!

More from Qatar

I finally got to explore more of Qatar over this past weekend after ariving last Tuesday and am now very thankful for getting to come to Qatar instead of Dubai. I know just writing that sounds strange. Qatar is an interesting up and coming place on the business and world map. The main new part of Doha is built along three bays which are seemingly man made but I am not sure. One of these is lined by a cornice which they have made into a public park area with lots of palm trees and walking path and benches. This is a great place to go around sunset and in the evenings. I try to go jogging every day and it is always fun seeing all of the locals and for that matter expats out enjoying their city. Just the other day I was out jogging and looked over on the grass and there was a family atleast the male members of the family knealing on the grass praying. They line up with one man knealing in front leading the evening prayer, looking out towards sunset. (well actually directed towards Mecca but it happened to also be in the direction of sunset) but it was interesting seeing all the way from toddlers to the grandfather sharing their faith so publically, but at the same time so privately. I think it really was something that Westerners should have all seen, bringing a sense of peace to the Islam faith not the hatred and violence that is usually represented in western media.

Anyways back to Doha. Qatar is actually the State of Qatar which is only of a very few countries that has an Emir instead of a King, where is working offices are in the palace that is right there in middle of the cornice which is also his working offices like the White House. Qatar is currently booming right now, with hundreds of high rise buildings being built with cranes taking over the skies of the cities especially along the three bays. Qatar has gone to great links to create a welcoming environment in middle of a dessert, easily seen in the tons of work that goes into planting and maintaining the palm trees, lush green grass and tons of flowers that line all of the streets, medians and round abouts. Almost making it feel as if you are in a beach community instead of middle of the dessert.

The weekend was great, I was able to get out and experience more of what Qatar has to offer, spending the day on the beach and by the pool. It was interesting seeing all of the locals in their usual dish dashes and the women being covered up. Even some of the women going out into the ocean water in jeans, but not seeming out of place here.

The house is really great as well where I am staying. Its massive six bedrooms and tons of public rooms to enjoy. There are two other teams here, and a trainee so it is fun to just hang out at the house. Both nights we all got together and cooked and just hung out on the patio at the house. We went out to one of the local clubs if you can call it that. Since alchol is only sold at nice hotels, but there really aren’t any clubs just restaurants that clear out some tables and have live bands singing western music that were quit good. Qatar still hasn’t fully opened up completely but I am sure they will in the coming years. Signs of this is seen in them not allowing you to bring in alchohol like in from the airport. But if you are a local expat working in the country and if your local company allows you, they will give you a pass to buy alchohol at the one liquor store in the country. This is also seen in the lack of openness in privatization. Many of the markets are still monopolies seen in sectors such as telecommunications where there is only one government owned telecom provider. Thus the phone calls here are extremely expensive especially internationally. And all companies have to be 51% owned by a Qatari.

Last night we went to an event at the Four Seasons one of the many beautiful five star hotels along the ocean. It was a signing to open up a new oil field where the Minister of Oil and Chairman of Qatar Gas corporation and the CEO of Exxon Mobile Qatar. Afterwards we meet the Minister and did the usual photo, and of course the food was wonderful. Lots of fresh juices and crème brule.

There is still no word on when my Visa for Saudi will be ready but am thinking that it will be any day now. Colleen arrived in Jeddah yesterday and began doing meetings today so the project has already officially begun. Early next week there are two big events going on the Jeddah Economic Forun which in years past have brought in big international speakers like Al Gore and many Saudi and regional VIPs which would be great to meet. Also if I am still here in Qatar I have been invited to Forbes CEO conference. Which is really an honor since it is invitation only, its held at the Four Seasons and opening with a grand entrance of the CEO and Presedent of Forbes Magazine Steve Forbes landing in front of the hotel in a hot air ballon. Other VIPS I can’t wait to meet who are attending are: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qatar, HRH The Duke of York, Chairman, Emaar Properties, CEO, Qatar Airways, COO of , PepsiCo International, CEO of National Bank of Kuwait, President and CEO, Aramex International, Founder, easyGroup, Minister of Trade, Ministère de l’Economie, des Finances et de l’Industrie, CEO, Qtel, President and COO, Calvin Klein, Chairman of BMW, President, Vonage, MTV Managing director………. Wow that’s a lot (FYI I jst cut and pasted that out of the letter) So this one really looks to be like a lot of fun.

New photos at http://community.webshots.com/user/chadgriggs

Doha, Qatar!!!!!!

Hey everyone, I arrived last night in Qatar after an extremely short flight. Before we were all the way in the level position they already announced that we had begun our decent into Doha, Qatar. This can show you how close it is. The House that I am living in with my colleagues here is huge 6 bedrooms, with tons of living areas as well. I can’t imagine what it would cost in the states to air-condition this thing especially in Texas. Anyways, I haven’t gotten a chance to go explore the city yet. I have been on the computer doing work and on the phone setting up meetings for when we start in Saudi. But along the way I did come across this really cool website

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/google_map_qatar.htm

its google earth for those that are familiar with it. It is a satellite view of Qatar. You can see Bahrain to the West. Doha the capital city where I am in is in the north eastern tip of Qatar when you look on the map. There is also the option on the left of the screen to go in closer by clicking on the + symbol. Its fun to look around and explore what all is there and to get a real view of where I am at. Well once I get to see more of the country and Doha I will report back as to what I find. Mainly I saw a lot of super tall buildings that were just being built in addition to one of the main royal palaces that sits along the road from the airport on the beach. All for now.

Chad

Home for the holidays then back across the pond!

So it has definitely been way too long since my last post, therefore I will try and catch you up to speed on the events of….lets say the last month or so. After finishing up here in Bahrain, I flew to Cairo then onto Paris finally making my way to Brussels. I stayed at this great hotel right across from the Royal Palace called Hotel Astoria. Super old and reminded me of the Plaza in NYC. It was great because I was there for a couple of days and it was my first time to actually be able to get out and explore Brussels. Which is a great city with lots of history and coble stone streets dating back I don’t know how long. The last night I was in Belgium we had our company Christmas party. They put on a real show with dinner and a night club. Interesting is all I can really say about the party itself. Imagine getting together 70 or so people my age who had just spent the last 6 or so months traveling around the world getting together right before they take a couple of weeks off for the holidays. Before dinner the CEO of the company got up and did a presentation on the state of the company the future and gave out some awards. I am happy to say that I got one of the awards with a certificate and even better a large Christmas bonus in recognition of the great sales that I had, had the month up there to.

I actually went straight from the party to the hotel to take a shower grab my bags and then head to the airport. As you can imagine my luggage was extremely over weight but again I was able to have good karma on my side and didn’t get charged a thing. I flew from Brussels to London where the fog was absolutely terrible, and my flight was only one of like five on all of the boards that they were actually letting leave it was quit a miracle. After an extremely long flight on AA ( one of the wonderful blessings of the US JK) during the day I arrived at DFW that evening. What a joy it was to be able to see my family who I had missed so much since I had been gone close to 7 months. First thing on the agenda was….you guessed it Mexican food, and as things tend to do while your away things changed. One of my favorite Mexican food places was no longer called Chuiys rather some new name but thankfully still same great food.

The next night Heather Donnie and the girls were able to join us all for Christmas Eve. Forget all of the presents the best part about all of it was having everyone together. The next morning we woke up to go see the girls see what Santa brought them and then on to see Aunt Ann, Uncle Berger and Jana in Wichita Falls. The next day we drove to Angel Fire, New Mexico to go skiing. It was great getting to spend quality time with the family. The girls fined tuned their skills on the skies, during which Ashton and I on many occasions built huge snow men!!! During the time while we were there Angel Fire had a record breaking snow storm. I will never forget the amount of snow falling down and will probably never see it snow as much again. We were delayed getting home for New Years Eve because of the roads being closed along the way, but I was able to catch the end of a party at AJs that was lots of fun getting to see more friends. I also got to make my way to see Papa and the rest of the family in west Texas before the cruise. Papa looked great and even beat me in a couple of games of domino’s.

We spent two nights in South Beach before the cruise at a great hotel that was once owned by Frank Sinatra. South Beach is definitely an overly trendy one of a kind area of the world. A mix between Florida trendy and Cuban flair. We then boarded the Millennium which is one of the highest rated ships of Celebrity Cruise line for a 7 night cruise to San Juan, St Thomas and another port that ended up getting canceled and replaced for Nassau Bahamas. I had a great time getting to spend time with the guys and making new friends. We also had Dick and Betty Lou from the last cruise that definitely kept things fun and interesting. The cruise overall was up there with our favorites and definitely Celebrity kept our expectations as high as ever with the food and service. Since the ship decided to go to Nassau we were even able to again explore the Atlantis which is still on my top five favorite hotels and definitely one of the new world wonders with its endless lagoons of astonishing fish and aquatic life.

As soon as the ship docked and we were able to get off the ship I headed straight to catch my flight back to Belgium to start back to work. I sat reflecting on the fun that was had not only on the cruise but with friends and family throughout my time off. To be honest it was very hard to leave family and friends and head back across the pond, one that I am sure many people feel. But at the same time I knew that I had unfinished business, unfinished commitments, and experiences and opportunities to come. When I speak about commitments I think about the promise that I made to myself saying that after graduating from college I was not just going to sit around or take a mediocre job to get some experience before starting grad school among other commitments. It has now been over seven months since I began with the company and I left saying that I would go for a year then analyze the opportunities that wait ahead. At the time of writing this it has now been eight months and I am excited to think of what is to come in the next four months. And even more excited about the opportunities that will then be available to me once I hit that one year mark. At home, with the same company moving into management, and for that matter I have always been talking about moving to Rio de Janeiro or even getting business experience in Asia.

This being said it was reaffirmed to me that my family and friends are a large part of my backbone and support team to help me continue to think big, achieve and explore. And for those of you reading this I am thankful.

Currently I am in Bahrain getting all of the last things in order for the magazine to go to print. It is currently under production and I have a deadline of the end of this coming week for all final materials to be turned into my editor. I hope to then head to Dubai for a time to be determined probably a week or so before I start up my next project. My next project will take me to Saudi Arabia. A country which offers many things, first of which is it is the largest oil producers in the entire world, secondly they do not give out tourists visas, and third women are not aloud to drive and finally it is home to Mecca the most holy place to the Muslim faith. I think it is possible that Saudi Arabia is an exciting opportunity to get to live and explore, both in business and socially.

That being said I will try to do better and keep this more up to date. I hope you enjoy the photos and God bless.

Chad