ShareKUWAIT: Renowned entrepreneur Steven Bartlett delivered an inspiring keynote address at the “Breaking Barriers 2” conference held in Kuwait on Tuesday. Under the theme “Strong Mind, Strong Body, Strong Leader,” Bartlett shared insights from his remarkable journey of resilience, wellness, and effective leadership, captivating an audience eager to learn from his experiences.
Bartlett, who is also host of “The Diary of a CEO” podcast, began by discussing the importance of cultivating a strong mindset. “We need to create a culture that makes people do the best work of their life.” He shared his belief in the concept of small incremental improvements, or “one percent gains.” “The truth in business is that it’s really, really hard to find big steps forward ... If you can make a one percent gain in any area of your business that compounds, that is a tremendous, tremendous gain when you zoom out on that graph over 10 years.”
Bartlett also delved into the personal struggles he faced throughout his career, revealing how they shaped his leadership style. He reflected on his early insecurities, sharing: “I was full of various types of shame ... the things that invalidate you ... will be the things that you seek validation from when you’re older.” This candid acknowledgment of vulnerability illustrated that true leadership involves understanding one’s weaknesses and leveraging them for growth.
Wrapping up his speech, Bartlett urged the audience to embrace their authentic selves and to understand the multifaceted nature of motivation. “When we ask what drives me, I think of about 13 things,” he said. By acknowledging that our motivations can be complex and varied, he encouraged individuals to explore their own paths to fulfillment.
Dr Mariam Al-Awadhi, a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and assistant professor at Kuwait University, highlighted pressing mental health challenges in Kuwait during her talk at the conference. She shared concerning statistics indicating that in 2022, the prevalence of depression and anxiety among the population ranged from 12 to 15 percent, closely mirroring global data. Dr Al-Awadhi noted the limited resources available for mental health support, emphasizing that there are almost only 12 psychiatrists in the private sector — an alarmingly low number given the needs of a population of 4.8 million people.
She pointed out that mental health issues extend beyond individual struggles, creating widespread effects that ripple through families, workplaces, and society. Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in Kuwait, she explained how this often leads to discrimination and prevents individuals from seeking necessary support. On a positive note, she highlighted that mental health awareness has improved over time. Yet, advocating for an integrated approach to enhance the mental health system, Dr Al-Awadhi called for better resources, understanding, and acceptance within the community.
Dr Al-Awadhi’s insights resonate deeply with the theme of resilience, a concept echoed by Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, who spoke at the same conference about the transformative journey Qatar undertook to successfully host the FIFA World Cup 2022. Thawadi emphasized how embracing national identity, and culture played a crucial role in overcoming significant challenges, fostering a sense of community and purpose.
He urged leaders to “have a deep sense of purpose, know exactly what your goals are,” and to remain open to “constructive criticism” while avoiding “toxic criticism.” Thawadi also encouraged the Gulf to embrace its unique cultural identity on the global stage, expressing confidence in Qatar’s values. “We know our identity, who we are as a culture and society, very confident about what our religion imposes on us,” he said.
For Thawadi, respecting one’s cultural foundation is essential in facing global challenges confidently, without unnecessary conflict. “Save your energy for people that matter, things that matter, conversations that matter,” he advised. With Qatar’s success story as a foundation, Thawadi’s vision for Kuwait and the region points to a future where collaboration, shared knowledge, and cultural pride lead to a stronger and more united Gulf. His message is clear: Qatar’s World Cup legacy is just the beginning of an enduring impact across the Arab world.
