Legacy Quotient™ — The New Measure of Leadership in a Transforming World

By Muayad Simbawa

In an age defined by national transformation, digital acceleration, and unprecedented ambition, leadership can no longer be measured only by performance metrics, quarterly results, or job titles. The Middle East especially Saudi Arabia is entering a historic era where impact is measured not by what leaders achieve for themselves, but by what they build for generations.

This is where Legacy Quotient™ begins.

Legacy Quotient™ is a leadership intelligence framework I developed to answer a simple but powerful question:

“What does it take to build something that outlives your role?”

Because leadership ends.

Legacy doesn’t.

Why Legacy Matters Now More Than Ever

Across government, industries, giga-projects, and innovation ecosystems, we are seeing a shift:

Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC are no longer building for today they are building for 2050 and beyond.

The leaders who thrive in this era aren’t just operationally strong.

They are architecting systems, cultures, and ideas that will shape the region’s future.

Legacy Quotient™ is the blueprint for these leaders.

It is a new measurement of leadership intelligence one that integrates purpose, foresight, emotional maturity, innovation, and societal impact. It goes beyond technical skill and focuses on what truly defines influence:

the ability to create value that remains after we are gone.

The 7 Pillars of Legacy Quotient™

At the heart of this framework are seven interconnected pillars that define the modern legacy builder:

1. Purpose Anchoring

Great leadership begins with clarity. Not “what do I want to achieve?” but “why do I lead?”

Purpose anchors influence. Without it, everything collapses.

2. Strategic Foresight

Legacy leaders see beyond the horizon.

They design for the next decade, not the next quarter.

They anticipate trends, build ecosystems, and shape future markets.

3. Influence Intelligence

This is more than communication.

It is the ability to inspire trust, mobilize stakeholders, and elevate others.

Legacy is never a solo act.

4. Emotional Integrity

At scale, leadership is emotional work.

The higher the responsibility, the more maturity required.

Stability, empathy, resilience — these define lasting leaders.

5. Innovation Fluency

Legacy leaders embrace technology, rethink systems, and bring new value to life.

They are not disrupted, they create the disruption.

6. Impact Architecture

True legacy requires structure:

Teams, processes, partnerships, standards, platforms.

This is where vision turns into institutions.

7. Legacy Transmission

Mentorship, knowledge transfer, cultural imprint, storytelling.

Leaders rise but legacy continues through people.

Why Legacy Quotient™ Is Different

Legacy Quotient™ is not motivational theory.

It is not abstract.

It is not detached from reality.

It is built on:

Leadership psychology Organizational transformation National development principles GCC cultural values Real executive experience The emerging demands of Vision 2030 and regional mega-growth

This framework recognizes that our region is producing a new breed of leaders:

Builders Architects Visionaries System creators

Leaders who are shaping industries, not just companies.

Legacy Quotient™ gives them a language, structure, and roadmap for doing it with intentionality.

Leadership in the Middle East Is Being Redefined

For decades, leadership models were imported from the West.

But the Middle East is now charting its own path , a path of speed, scale, innovation, and cultural depth.

Legacy Quotient™ is born from this reality.

It reflects:

Our ambition Our energy Our values Our identity Our commitment to building the future

It is the model for leaders who want to be remembered not for their position, but for the impact they leave behind.

What’s Next?

This article is the beginning of a broader journey.

In the coming weeks, I will publish deeper insights into each pillar of Legacy Quotient™, practical tools, and real-world applications across industries, digital transformation, and leadership development.

Legacy is not created by accident.

It is built step by step, decision by decision, intention by intention.

And now, leaders in our region have a framework designed for them:

Legacy Quotient™ the intelligence of leaders who shape tomorrow.

Embracing Change and Growth: Reflections on 2024

As 2024 ends and we step into 2025, I am reminded of the power of change and the opportunities it brings for growth. This past year has been a journey filled with challenges, accomplishments, and countless moments of gratitude. It hasn’t been an easy road, but each experience has shaped me, preparing me for the year ahead.

This year marked the second without my father, and his absence continues to be deeply felt. Stepping into new family responsibilities has been both humbling and transformative, reminding me of the importance of resilience and the strength of familial bonds. I am especially grateful for my wife, whose unwavering love and support have been my anchor through every challenge, and my mother, whose presence is a source of comfort and wisdom. Together with my four children, they bring immeasurable joy and purpose to my life, inspiring me every day to be my best self.

2024 was a significant year for my country as well. With milestones such as winning the World Cup 2034 and preparations for Expo 2030, we’ve witnessed inspiring progress in building a vibrant society and empowering the next generation. These accomplishments remind us of our collective responsibility to sustain this momentum for a brighter, more prosperous future.

On the professional front, this year marked nearly seven years in the cybersecurity field, where I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the role of technology in simplifying our lives and the critical need for robust security in an increasingly digital world. The advancements in AI have been transformative, offering immense potential while also posing challenges that demand ethical and thoughtful solutions. My work has centered around ensuring these innovations are harnessed responsibly to create meaningful impact.

This year, I also embraced new professional opportunities that align with my passion for innovation and growth. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to transformative projects across the Middle East and Africa, supporting Vision 2030, and engaging with exceptional teams to drive long-term strategies. In 2025, I’ll embark on a new chapter, leveraging my experience in the software sector to support a rising leader in expanding their footprint across the region. This next step represents an exciting opportunity to further digital transformation in industries like architecture, engineering, and construction—fields that hold incredible potential for optimization and innovation.

Personally, 2024 was a year of milestones and lessons. I worked on prioritizing my health and well-being, embracing new habits, and rediscovering the value of consistency. It was also a year of celebrating family achievements—seeing my nieces get married, my youngest sister finding her path, and my children pursuing their dreams. My two-year-old son Elyas brought daily joy with his curiosity and energy, while my eldest son delved into software engineering and robotics, my daughter Jowana excelled in her pursuits, and my son Eyad’s athleticism showed great promise. At the heart of it all is my wife, whose love and support are the foundation of our family and my source of strength in every moment.

As I look ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism and purpose. The year ahead offers new challenges, exciting opportunities, and a chance to continue growing both personally and professionally.

To everyone reading this, may 2025 bring you health, happiness, and success in all your endeavors. Here’s to embracing change, pursuing growth, and making the most of every moment. Happy New Year!