Resources

In times of uncertainty, leadership is often framed as an individual effort. But what actually determines whether an organization holds, adapts, or breaks is something deeper: the system behind it, and the leadership team that carries it forward. In this session, Trust & Tension: Building Leadership Teams That Operate as One, Roland Daher, CEO of AstroLabs, joins Marilyn Zakhour for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a leadership team that moves beyond ali

In moments of high ambition, leaders are often pushed to move faster, decide quicker, and tighten control. But what if that instinct is part of the problem? In this session from Cosmic Conference 7, Wissam Adib introduces containment as a critical leadership practice, the ability to absorb pressure, hold uncertainty, and create the conditions for teams to think, adapt, and deliver in complex environments. Drawing on over two decades at the center of large-scale transformation

In Lebanon, crisis is not a moment. It is a continuous reality. Economic collapse, social instability, and prolonged uncertainty have shaped everyday life for decades. In this context, the question is not just how to respond, but how to build systems that preserve dignity, sustain communities, and endure over time. In this conversation, Marilyn Zakhour (CEO & Founder, Cosmic Centaurs) speaks with Maya Ibrahimchah, Founder of Beit el Baraka and Beit Kanz, about what it takes

In this session from the Cosmic Conference 7, Marilyn Zakhour is joined by Emad Odeh to explore how leaders can continue to grow their business in a market that feels harder to read. Across the GCC, leaders are navigating slower pipelines, longer sales cycles, and more cautious decision-making. While the instinct may be to pause, this conversation challenges that response. Growth has not disappeared. It has shifted. Drawing on decades of experience across private equity, inve

In this session, Marilyn Zakhour and Tala Odeh unpacked real questions submitted by middle managers across the GCC. These were not theoretical challenges. They reflected the reality many managers are navigating today. Being expected to provide clarity when there isn’t always clarity. Driving performance while energy and focus are shifting. Supporting teams, while also managing upwards and holding the system together. Across the conversation, a clear pattern emerged. Many of t

About the Session In this session, Ghida Barakat reflects on leading through layered complexity in the GCC, where conflicting pressures shape both leaders and teams. She explores the shift from reactive to creative leadership and how leaders can create stability, connection, and clarity across self and system in uncertain times. Key Takeaways 1. Leading in Layered Complexity Leaders in this region are navigating a uniquely layered moment. What makes this moment particularly d

About the Session In this session, Aline reflects on what it means to lead through continuous crisis, drawing from her experience building and sustaining both businesses and community-driven initiatives in Lebanon. She shares how staying anchored in core values, listening deeply, and acting with intention allows leaders to respond in real time while preserving dignity, quality, and hope. Key Takeaways 1. Leading in Crisis Requires Continuity In environments where instability

About the Session In this session, Rabih explores how leaders can navigate downsizing with clarity and care, bringing structure to decisions that are often driven by urgency and uncertainty. He highlights the importance of grounding actions in fundamentals, while recognizing the very real human impact these decisions carry. Key Takeaways 1. This Crisis Requires Leaders to Respond Differently The “wait and see” phase is over; we are in a state of prolonged uncertainty.    Unli

About the Session In this session, Rama Chakaki explores how indigenous wisdom from the Arab world can inform leadership, resilience, and innovation in times of uncertainty. She highlights that many practices considered modern are deeply rooted in our cultural systems, and calls for evolving this wisdom to shape more grounded and contextually relevant leadership models. Key Takeaways 1. Global Models vs. Local Realities Much of what we call “modern management” or “innovation”

About the Session In this session, Connie examines how leaders can sustain human connection in times of uncertainty by strengthening psychological safety, cultivating social confidence, and shaping the use of AI with intention. She underscores that connection is not a nice-to-have, but a foundational driver of performance, engagement, and resilience. Key Takeaways 1. Staying Present & Connected in Times of Dual Disruption Organizations today are navigating a dual disruption,

About the Session In this session, Claire examines how leaders navigate crisis through the balance of empathy and direction, using communication as a critical lever to build trust and stability. She underscores the role of transparency, alignment, and timeliness in helping leaders reassure, align, and guide their organizations through uncertainties. Key Takeaways 1. What builds trust: The UAE as a best-in-class example Amidst  the recent geopolitical tensions, the UAE offers

About the Session In this webinar, Sandra explores the emotional realities leaders face in times of crisis and how these influence their teams and organizations, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, regulation, and clarity, and reinforcing that how leaders show up creates the stability others need to move forward. Key Takeaways 1. What Leaders Are Experiencing Right Now Siira has been hosting dialogue circles for leaders in response to the current war, creating space

About the Session In this opening keynote, Marilyn unpacks the realities of the uncertainty leaders are navigating today and introduces practical frameworks to help organizations build resilience and move forward with clarity and intention. We asked leaders, “What are the most pressing challenges facing you or your organization today?” We asked leaders, “What are the most pressing challenges facing you or your organization today?” Top themes that emerged from their responses: