November 19 – International Men’s Day – celebrated to recognize and honor the contributions of men to society. There is often debate about how men choose to remain silent despite fighting battles every day. Today, we explore another side of the story — how men juggle multiple tasks and “wear many hats,” all while beaming with a smile and showcasing a shield of strength and resilience. We’ve heard from fathers, CEOs, and founders — big titles, indeed, but they too have their own stories to share. So, is it quite easy to be the all-rounder?
Navigate a complex Tapestry of Roles
Jibran Munaf, Founder & Managing Director, The Finance 360, said: “Today’s men navigate a complex tapestry of roles—leaders driving change, fathers shaping futures, partners offering support, and at a very baseline, individuals striving for purpose. As the Managing Director of The Finance 360, I have felt the immense responsibility but more so, the privilege of wearing these hats, each demanding strength, resilience and heart.”
Crucial to remember that self-care isn’t Optional
Naim Maadad, CEO and Founder of Gates Hospitality said, “Trying to wear many hats is a challenge that many men face, often feeling the weight of outdated stigmas that equate vulnerability with weakness. While these perceptions are shifting, it’s crucial to remember that self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential and that without it, we can’t show up fully for those who rely on us.”
Maadad believes that true balance is found in embracing flexibility, prioritizing mental well-being, and understanding that real strength lies in seeking support when needed. “As a CEO, father, friend and mentor, above all I believe that leading with authenticity is what truly connects and inspires, whether that’s in the boardroom or around the dining table,” he remarks.
Weight of expectation can feel Overwhelming
Uday Rathod, Co-Founder and CEO of TOTL, said: “As men, we often find ourselves wearing multiple hats, each with its own challenges and rewards. As the founder of a business, a husband, and a father, I’ve experienced this first-hand, and every single role calls for a piece of who we are.”
He emphasized how balancing these responsibilities isn’t always easy, adding, “Some days, the weight of expectation can feel overwhelming. Yet, in navigating this dynamic journey, we uncover our capacity for resilience, adaptability, and compassion. We learn to prioritize what truly matters, to be present in the moments that count, and to embrace the growth that comes with wearing so many hats.”
It’s a Challenging yet Rewarding journey
JS Anand, Founder of Leva Hotels said, “Building a brand from the ground up is not easy. Unlike larger hotel chains with extensive resources, we strategically operate as a lean management team, particularly on the corporate side. Leading a growing company with a lean corporate structure requires adaptability, resilience, and a hands-on approach.”
“I spend significant time scouting new markets and opportunities while representing LEVA Hotels at international forums—dedicating around 25 days a month to business travel,” says Anand, reflecting on his role as a key driver of business development and market expansion for the growing hotel brand.
In fact, he is a firm believer that this isn’t just about taking on various responsibilities—it’s about embodying the spirit of leadership that many men embrace in their lives, balancing professional challenges with personal growth and purpose. “It’s a challenging yet rewarding journey, and it embodies the very essence of ‘men wearing multiple hats.’ It’s about adaptability, resilience, and a deep commitment to making our vision a reality,” JS Anand concludes.
Making a Meaningful Impact
Joe Tohme, Founder of Stamp, shared his perspective on the balancing act many men face. He explained, “Wearing multiple hats is more than just a balancing act—it’s a commitment to continuous growth.” He continued, “For me, it means leading a team, fostering a comfortable and inspiring environment for them, and building a business that not only supports my family but also leaves a meaningful impact on the community.”
Joe’s approach to juggling his roles is clear: “It’s about showing up authentically, whether at a meeting, in the office, or around the dinner table.” His words remind us that behind the titles and duties, there is a core principle — authenticity.
A Way of Life
For Tarek Aboudib, Founder of Snoopy Everything, versatility is not just a skill but a way of life. “Being at the center of it all often feels like stepping into new territory, but it’s precisely that challenge that drives me to thrive,” he shared.
Working with a collective of brands within the entertainment industry, Tarek’s routine is a mix of many roles, each presenting its own unique challenges. “I’ve come to see versatility as more than just a skill—it’s a way of life. Each brand has shaped me with unique lessons, teaching me to adapt and apply insights across a wide range of challenges,” he said.
Aboudib believes that true success comes from being adaptable and saying “yes” to any challenge: “I’ve built my business on the belief that success comes from wearing the right hat at the right time—whether it’s managing events, crafting immersive experiences, or building meaningful connections.” He added, “It’s never been about titles; it’s about understanding people, finding creative solutions, and delivering on every project from start to finish.” His philosophy is simple: “Whatever the hat, we wear it.” This mindset is what has allowed him to navigate the complexities of his career with resilience, adaptability, and creativity.
A Challenge and a Privilege
Khalil Alami, Founder and CEO of Telr, echoed similar sentiments. He believes that in today’s fast-paced world, being a man often means effortlessly wearing multiple hats, whether as a business leader, mentor, or father. “Balancing these roles is both a challenge and a privilege,” he said, emphasizing that strength lies in adaptability and empathy.
Khalil explained that balancing the dual responsibilities of being a leader at work and a pillar at home requires not just time management but intention and purpose: “In business, you’re accountable for decisions that shape the future of your team and your organization. At home, you carry the emotional responsibility of being present and supportive for your loved ones. Balancing these roles isn’t just about time management—it’s about showing up with intention, empathy, and a sense of purpose in every aspect of life.”
Every Day Is a Mix of Doing Many Things
For Sameep Parekh, Founder of Blackstone Media, wearing multiple hats is part and parcel of being an entrepreneur in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. “As a founder of a successfully growing startup, I’ve learned that wearing multiple hats isn’t just part of the job—it’s the job,” Sameep said. Whether he’s acting as CEO, strategist, mentor, or even helping his parents keep up with new social media apps, he juggles many tasks throughout the day.
Parekh believes that the ability to adapt and take on whatever is required is crucial for success: “In an ever-evolving landscape, the ability to adapt and do whatever it takes is what makes all the difference in staying grounded and succeeding.” His story highlights the importance of flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to take on whatever challenges come his way.
Remain Steadfast – no matter the Challenge
Ramzy Abdul Majeed, Chairman and CEO of Big On Group and founder of OKKU, the multi-award-winning Japanese restaurant now at Marriott Resort The Palm, and the fabulous, fun CLAW BBQ, flagship in JBR, shared valuable lessons from his early years at a boarding school in England and his professional training as a Chartered Accountant in London, both of which have shaped his leadership approach. For him, discipline and independence were foundational qualities that guided him through his career, which spans multiple sectors including hospitality, finance, telecom, and real estate.
He introduced the concept of the “STACED” method—an acronym for Stop to Breathe, Think, Analyse, Consider options, Evaluate possible outcomes, and Decide—as a way to approach high-pressure situations.
“I believe that experience is key to managing various ventures and responsibilities while maintaining focus amidst the challenges,” he explained, adding, “Whether in hospitality, finance, telecom, or real estate, taking a moment to slow down and assess all options before making a decision can be the difference between success and failure.”
“You don’t always get it right, but that’s the responsibility and beauty of leadership. You must be prepared to lead, even in the face of uncertainty. Experience is the single most important element to be able to balance work across various ventures and responsibilities and to remain steadfast no matter the challenge,” said Majeed. His message to business leaders is clear: Leadership is not just about making decisions but also about being resilient, reflective, and open to learning from others.
