Mishal Kanoo - The ever pragmatic Mishal Kanoo, deputy chairman, Kanoo Group of Companies, shared his priceless philosophies at the Emirates NBD Global Business series. Mr Kanoo shared that the most influential person in my life has been my mother. because all of us grow up in a cocooned environment in and around our mothers. They help us grow, understand and create a world around us. I am not trying to discount a father’s role because I am one, but in reality, it will always be the mother that helps influence a child how things will be and my mother did that to me.

One of the best things I learnt to do is play chess because within that limited space you have to learn what moves to make, how to anticipate what others are going to do etc. Be ready to be surprised by others' intelligence, because that’s how you learn and correct your mistakes – hopefully never repeat them again.