December 2, 2025: College of Business invited Mr. Fernando Vallina, Chairman, CEO & President for ExxonMobil Saudi Arabia Inc, to be part of CoB’s Executive Lecture Series.
The lecture titled “Empowering Future Leaders” was presented to the audience and College of Business students. It took place on Tuesday, 02/12/2025, in the Lecture Theatre (M) from 12:00 to 12:50 PM.
Fernando Valina started the lecture emphasizing the central role of ethics, resilience, and a strong work ethic in achieving long-term professional success. Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted that perseverance and dedication often outweigh pure intelligence in career advancement.
Further career insights were shared by Mr. Fernando, who underscored the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and preparation. He reflected on a defining moment when his manager advised him to focus on being the most prepared person in any meeting. This principle, he noted, shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork. He also stressed the value of loyalty, honesty, and respectful constructive communication.
He emphasized that innovation extends beyond technology to include anticipating market needs and embracing continuous improvement. The discussion further explored the role of strategic partnerships in business sustainability, citing long-standing collaborations.
The session concluded with insights into emerging opportunities in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, particularly in artificial intelligence, materials science, and sustainability. Students were encouraged to seek practical experience through the co-op program and to assess their strengths and career goals thoughtfully.
