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Michael Harden

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Todd Walters

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Mark Russo

Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy: Championing Sustainability and Safety as “Captain Terra” In an era where climate change, industrial growth, and human safety are increasingly intertwined, few leaders embody the principles of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and operational excellence like Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy. Widely recognized as “Captain Terra,” Dr. Elidrisy serves as the HSE, ESG, and Sustainability Manager at the Qatar Free Zones Authority, where he has become a pivotal figure in the region’s drive toward sustainable and safe business practices. His influence spans industries, from oil and gas to construction, and extends into mentoring, authorship, and thought leadership in global sustainability frameworks. Dr. Elidrisy’s professional journey reflects a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic foresight, and a deeply human-centered approach to leadership. “Captain Terra” is more than a moniker—it symbolizes his unwavering belief that every individual has the power to protect the planet through everyday actions, innovation, and leadership. At the heart of his career is a guiding question: How can societies build prosperity without compromising the future of generations to come? From Early Exposure to a Mission of Sustainability Dr. Elidrisy’s journey into environmental and safety leadership began early in his career, when he witnessed the environmental and human costs of unsafe industrial practices. His experiences in oil, gas, and construction sectors exposed him to the tangible consequences of neglecting sustainability and workplace safety. “Those experiences sparked a personal mission: to protect people and the planet while enabling progress,” he recalls. This mission has defined every aspect of his career. As he explains, sustainability is not merely a professional obligation; it is a daily practice, a mindset, and a guiding principle for leadership. For Dr. Elidrisy, “Captain Terra” embodies the conviction that individual actions, when aligned with strategy and innovation, can collectively safeguard the planet while enabling economic and social progress. Priorities in Driving Sustainable and Safe Practices A certified MIT Chief Sustainability Officer, Dr. Elidrisy structures his sustainability approach around three strategic pillars: decarbonization, circular economy, and a culture of innovation. Decarbonization and Net Zero Pathways: Dr. Elidrisy implements initiatives like carbon simulation models, energy management systems, and electrification schemes to reduce emissions. These projects are designed not merely to meet regulatory standards but to accelerate the transition to Net Zero operations across industries. Circular Economy and ESG Transparency: He advocates for a holistic adoption of the circular economy, coupled with ESG reporting that aligns with global frameworks such as ISSB and GRI. Transparency in environmental, social, and governance metrics is crucial for earning investor trust and fostering accountability in organizations. Culture of Sustainability and Innovation: Beyond technical interventions, Dr. Elidrisy emphasizes that sustainability must be ingrained in organizational DNA. “Every business must operate with world-class sustainability standards while fostering innovation in green technologies,” he says. This people-centric approach ensures that sustainability initiatives are not top-down mandates but integrated, operationally effective practices embraced by every stakeholder. Integrating Growth with Environmental Responsibility Dr. Elidrisy’s work in high-growth sectors illustrates a profound understanding of how industrial expansion can coexist with environmental stewardship. He views industrial growth and sustainability not as competing priorities but as mutually reinforcing goals. In construction, for example, he champions the use of circularity principles and green building materials to reduce environmental footprint while creating value. In oil and gas, he leverages carbon capture technologies, AI-driven energy efficiency systems, and responsible operational practices to achieve climate commitments without compromising productivity. “Growth and sustainability can coexist when we view them as partners, not competitors,” he asserts. The Value of Diverse Credentials Holding a suite of professional certifications—including CEnv, CMIOSH, FIEMA, PMP, and GHG Assessor—Dr. Elidrisy has cultivated a holistic perspective on global sustainability challenges. Each credential offers a unique lens: environmental qualifications foster stewardship, safety credentials reinforce human protection, project management certifications ensure effective execution, and greenhouse gas assessments connect his work to global climate initiatives. Together, these qualifications allow him to integrate technical rigor, human well-being, and climate strategy into cohesive sustainability solutions. “My diverse credentials enable me to approach challenges holistically, ensuring technical excellence while safeguarding people and the planet,” he notes. ESG in the Middle East: Evolution and Opportunity Dr. Elidrisy sees the Middle East as being at a pivotal juncture in ESG adoption. Once considered primarily a compliance requirement, ESG is now emerging as a strategic differentiator, capable of attracting global investment and driving innovation. Organizations in the region have the potential to act as pioneers in transparency, community engagement, and sustainable innovation. With abundant renewable energy resources, ambitious national visions, and a young, tech-savvy workforce, the Middle East is uniquely positioned to lead global ESG transformation. Dr. Elidrisy encourages companies to harness these advantages, aligning profit motives with societal impact to create long-term value. Transforming Organizational Culture Dr. Elidrisy emphasizes that culture change in sustainability is about ownership rather than enforcement. He has successfully implemented strategies around engagement, empowerment, and recognition: Engagement: Actively listening to employees and stakeholders to involve them in the sustainability journey. Empowerment: Equipping teams with tools, training, and authority to make environmentally and socially responsible decisions. Recognition: Celebrating milestones and champions to create role models and drive broader cultural adoption. Through these strategies, he has fostered environments where sustainability is woven into daily operations rather than being a peripheral concern. Mentorship, Storytelling, and Inspiring the Next Generation Beyond his organizational impact, Dr. Elidrisy is dedicated to shaping the next generation of sustainability leaders. As an author, accredited trainer, and mentor, he leverages storytelling to translate complex ESG concepts into actionable lessons. His approach emphasizes experiential learning, allowing mentees to lead projects that deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes. “Every engineer, manager, or analyst has the capacity to shape a sustainable and safe future,” he asserts. By inspiring young professionals to see themselves as change agents, Dr. Elidrisy extends his impact beyond the organizations he directly manages. Leadership Through Advanced Education and Training Dr. Elidrisy’s leadership style has been shaped by programs at MIT, Harvard, and other prestigious institutions in strategy, innovation, and leadership. These programs reinforced the principle that strategy without people is incomplete, and innovation without values is unsustainable. In large-scale sustainability projects, he applies systems thinking to integrate business strategy, environmental impact, and social responsibility. This approach ensures that initiatives are not only operationally effective but also strategically aligned with long-term climate and safety goals. Technology and Innovation as Catalysts Technology plays a central role in Dr. Elidrisy’s sustainability vision. AI, data analytics, and green technologies allow organizations to predict emissions, optimize energy consumption, and prevent safety incidents before they occur. In his work, cloud-based ESG reporting, AI-driven energy management, and digital waste marketplaces exemplify how innovation can drive measurable sustainability impact. He believes that industries like oil, gas, and construction can use these tools to align growth with climate objectives, creating a future where economic progress and environmental responsibility are mutually reinforcing. Vision for the Next Decade Looking ahead, Dr. Elidrisy envisions a world where Net Zero is not aspirational but standard, and safety is treated as a strategic value rather than a regulatory burden. He foresees industries and cities in the Middle East operating with resilience, transparency, and responsibility. Globally, he emphasizes collaboration through mechanisms such as the Paris Agreement, impact investing, and digital innovation to drive systemic change. For Dr. Elidrisy, the ultimate vision is simple yet profound: a world where sustainability and safety are not isolated departments but integral ways of life. Personal Philosophy and Lifestyle Dr. Elidrisy draws inspiration from Paul Hawken’s The Ecology of Commerce, which reshaped his view of sustainability as an opportunity rather than a constraint. He also finds balance and reflection through walking, connecting with nature, and keeping grounded amidst a demanding professional life. Outside of work, he dedicates time to writing and mentoring youth, believing that the impact of his work is amplified when knowledge and inspiration are shared with future leaders. He enjoys classic films, drawing lessons from storytelling that transcends generations. When asked which historical figure he would most like to meet, Dr. Elidrisy chooses Gro Harlem Brundtland, whose 1987 Brundtland Report laid the foundation for the modern understanding of sustainable development. Her vision of integrating environmental responsibility with economic growth continues to inspire his work. His guiding mantra—“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”—serves as a constant reminder of his responsibility to future generations. As Captain Terra, he exemplifies the ethos that sustainability and safety are moral imperatives as much as professional ones. A Lasting Legacy in ESG Leadership Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy’s work transcends conventional environmental management. Through innovation, mentorship, strategic oversight, and hands-on leadership, he has established a model of sustainability that integrates human safety, industrial growth, and climate stewardship. From pioneering decarbonization initiatives to embedding ESG principles across organizational culture, from mentoring young leaders to influencing policy frameworks, Dr. Elidrisy demonstrates that sustainability is not a peripheral goal but a core driver of long-term prosperity. In a world facing unprecedented environmental and social challenges, Captain Terra offers both inspiration and a roadmap: leadership rooted in integrity, innovation aligned with responsibility, and a relentless commitment to leaving the planet and its people better than we found them.

Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy

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