Lessons from a Warzone

A unique approach to crisis management and resilience, based on hands-on experience managing the largest bank in Syria in the midst of its devastating war.

'A compelling guide for leaders grappling with the pandemic' Financial Times

'A remarkable book telling business leaders what to do when disaster strikes' The Times

AN INSPIRING STORY OF RESILIENT LEADERSHIP IN THE TOUGHEST OF TIMES


Louai Al Roumani was head of finance and planning at one of the largest banks in Syria, when the war broke out in 2011.

In Lessons from a Warzone, Al Roumani shares his very personal account of coping with the day-to-day realities of leading an organization in dangerous and hostile conditions. His story shows how inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places - from the timeless wisdom of merchants in ancient souks to the changing patterns of military checkpoints. During that time, not only did the bank remain robust when others faltered - it thrived and became the undisputed leading bank as people's trust in its capability to safeguard their life-long savings strengthened.

In this book, Al Roumani distils the knowledge and skills he and his colleagues developed while steering the bank through four impossible years into ten lessons applicable to any leader facing a crisis today. His valuable, and often counterintuitive, advice - ranging from resisting over-planning to hacking your own IT department to cutting costs (but not morale) - will help anyone understand how to be resilient even in the most challenging of times.