Leading with Empathy and Innovation to Shape the Future of Building Materials
Jubilant Clement
MD
Leviat
Fresh out of college with a degree in production engineering, Jubilant Clement embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by launching his own business. Although the venture eventually closed, it imparted a crucial lesson: a deal isn’t finalised until the payment is received. Rather than discouraging him, this early setback strengthened his resolve and shaped his future business strategies. Jubilant leveraged his entrepreneurial experience to advance his career at industry giants like Tata Group, Saint-Gobain, Interface, and Armstrong. His innate drive and strategic thinking allowed him to transform obstacles into growth opportunities. This expertise ultimately led him to his current role as Managing Director for the MENA region at Leviat, a CRH Company. At Leviat, Jubilant has played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a challenging position to one of significant growth and success. As part of the Europe Central leadership team, his innovative approach, focused on delivering value for all stakeholders and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment, has driven impressive financial gains and operational enhancements. Jubilant’s journey from entrepreneurial beginnings to leading a major player in the building materials industry exemplifies his adaptability, strategic thinking, and resilience. In this TradeFlock interview, he shares insights into his remarkable career.
How do you balance long-term relationships with operational efficiency?
I believe strong relationships are vital for operational success. Early in my career, I focused on financial targets but learnt that sustainable success comes from nurturing genuine partnerships. Going the extra mile for demanding clients, like offering complimentary engineering services, builds trust and strengthens bonds. This commitment, along with adapting to client needs, fosters a collaborative culture that benefits both clients and our team, ensuring long-term relationships while maintaining operational efficiency.
What challenges do you see in integrating AI and VR in your industry?
The building materials sector has historically been slow to embrace new technologies, making the integration of AI and VR particularly challenging. Significant changes to workflows and company culture are required to adapt these innovations effectively. At Leviat, we’re confronting these obstacles with long-term strategic roadmaps focused on sustainability initiatives like recycling and energy efficiency. By leveraging AI and VR, we aim to enhance product design, improve operational efficiency, and revolutionise training programmes. This proactive approach ensures we remain competitive and deliver lasting value in a rapidly evolving industry.
How did teaching at Manipal University, Dubai, influence your leadership?
I believe in the strength of diverse perspectives and foster open dialogue within my team. My teaching experience at Manipal emphasised the value of fresh ideas and communication. To cultivate this, I organise informal brainstorming sessions, like “pizza meetings,” to encourage idea sharing. This approach boosts team morale and enhances problem-solving and decision-making by ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
What’s one key strength, one weakness, and your success mantra as a leader?
True leadership is about connecting with people on a human level—empathy is my key strength. I focus on truly listening to my team, building trust, and fostering collaboration. Balancing individual needs with overall goals can be a challenge, but I believe empathy makes leadership more effective in the long run. My success mantra? Don’t dwell on yesterday’s challenges; instead, focus on making two or three impactful decisions each day. This keeps progress steady while building meaningful relationships, ensuring both personal growth and organisational success.
What’s a challenging decision you made, and how did it affect you?
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, reaffirming my belief in empathetic leadership. Faced with the choice to reduce our workforce or downsize our Dubai office, I chose to relocate to a smaller space, saving valuable jobs. While this decision was difficult and impacted morale, it ultimately strengthened our team’s loyalty and showcased our commitment to them. This experience highlighted how transparent and considerate leadership can foster unity and resilience, even in the toughest circumstances.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your business practices?
Sustainability is central to Leviat’s operations, guiding us to reduce environmental impact while enhancing business value. We focus on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible practices. As a LEED-accredited professional, I advocate for using only what’s necessary for optimal results. Our commitment to transparency is reflected in CRH’s annual sustainability reports, detailing our environmental performance. This dedication fosters a healthier planet and creates value for both our business and the environment.
How do you promote inclusivity in a diverse, multigenerational team?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than just buzzwords; for me, they are the cornerstones of a thriving and innovative team. As a leader, I champion DEI by fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered. Open communication is vital, and I actively solicit ideas from all team members, regardless of their background or experience. I’m also a strong advocate for diverse hiring practices, recognising that a variety of perspectives strengthens our company culture and drives success.
What’s one key strength, one weakness, and your success mantra as a leader?
The UAE’s dynamic market offers immense opportunities, driven by innovation, rapid growth, and visionary leadership. My company plans to capitalise on this by focussing on technological advancements, optimising operations, and fostering a creative, collaborative culture. However, the fastpaced nature of the market poses challenges, requiring us to remain agile and responsive to shifting trends. By staying adaptable, we aim to maintain a competitive edge, contribute to the UAE’s growth, and align with its commitment to excellence, ultimately driving both regional and company success.
