Muscat: Development Bank Sustainability and ESG Analyst Amna Al Balushi joined SEZAD’s Duqm Summer Series for a podcast on decision-making in a fast-changing business environment.

Leading Without a Playbook examines how women leaders respond as tariffs shift, supply chains come under pressure, geopolitical tensions rise and artificial intelligence reshapes business. Decisions cannot always wait for a complete picture. Joining Al Balushi are Dr. Fathiya Al Rashdi, Vice President for Program Affairs, Royal Academy of Management; Dr. Misida Al Jahwari, Assistant Professor, Organizational Change & Human Resource Management, Sultan Qaboos University; and Dr. Aisha Al Sarihi, Economic Expert, Ministry of Economy.

Al Balushi brings an environmental governance and financing perspective to the podcast. Her contribution comes as Oman moves from setting emissions targets to working out how the required changes will be funded. Oman’s updated Net Zero Strategy targets a 33% reduction in emissions from 2024 levels by 2035. It identifies a seven per cent mandatory reduction and a further 26% voluntary reduction linked to securing the resources needed for delivery, including finance. For many businesses, reaching those targets requires investment in emissions reduction or energy efficiency before any savings are realized. Banks and other financial institutions will influence how quickly those investments move forward.

Omani exporters face an added consideration. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entered its definitive phase in January this year and applies to selected carbon-intensive products. European importers are also seeking more emissions information from overseas suppliers. Many Omani manufacturers will not face a carbon charge directly but customers or lenders can ask them to provide information they have never produced before. The quality of that information can affect financing and access to export markets.

Al Balushi said environmental performance was becoming part of how Omani companies compete internationally. Businesses are paying closer attention to energy use and export-market requirements while many need financing before they can make the necessary changes. Reflecting on the podcast’s theme, she said: “Leading Without a Playbook is an honest title. None of us has all the answers and comparing experiences can only help us make better decisions.”

SEZAD recorded three podcasts for the Duqm Summer Series. The other conversations are Intelligent Machines, featuring contributors from Sultan Qaboos University, Star Labs and Onsor and The Business of Culture with speakers from Studio Sein, SalamAir and Sohar International Bank. Jawaher Al Mutawa, Training and Development Specialist at OPAZ moderates the series.