Tales from Inside the Hayel Saeed Anam Group

Yemenat

Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi

At today’s afternoon qat gathering, I met a friend. As usual, our conversations often move from current events to literature, sports, and a variety of other topics. During our conversation today, however, I found myself particularly struck by what he shared about his aunt, who works for one of the companies within the Hayel Saeed Anam Group.

What he shared about his aunt carries lessons worth reflecting on. It reveals a leadership style that believes in its employees, is committed to supporting and encouraging them, provides opportunities for learning and professional growth, and stands beside them throughout their careers. That is what inspired me to write this article.

She began working in 2006 with only a high school certificate, joining the archives department with a respectable salary. She was punctual, carried out her responsibilities with dedication, and continued in that role until 2012.

However, following the Arab Spring events and the difficulties that came afterward, business declined and was no longer what it had once been.

The company’s general manager, one of the sons of the late Al Haj Hayel Saeed Anam, maintained a close relationship with employees. He cared about them, encouraged them, and was always willing to offer advice and support.

On one occasion, he invited the employee into his office and spoke to her with the warmth of a father.

“Why don’t you continue your education? You’re a successful employee, and your future is full of opportunity.”

She thanked him for his encouragement but explained that she could not afford to do so because she was supporting her family, including her mother and her husband, who was unemployed at the time.

“Don’t worry about that,” he replied. “The company will cover your education, and you’ll keep your job exactly as it is.”

She accepted