Connecting with the CEO: Building Inclusivity at Forest Interactive     

Traditional workplace dynamics have undergone a significant transformation. The shift from rigid and formal interactions to more open and welcoming relationships among colleagues is a refreshing change. Forest Interactive has embraced this evolution through its “In Conversation with the CEO” initiative. 

This campaign aims to foster closer connections between Founder & CEO Johary Mustapha and talents in the organization, across all levels and regions, breaking down barriers and promoting a fun, relaxed workplace culture. 

Role of Inclusivity: Enhancing Approachability and Connection 

“In Conversation with the CEO” was inaugurated in October 2023 in response to feedback from talents who wanted to strengthen their relationship with the CEO and have more face time with him. To date, we have conducted three sessions, each uniquely curated with the selected batch of talents in mind. With a focus on fostering inclusion, these sessions ensure that every participant feels valued and heard, while also promoting a safe and open environment. 

This conversation series aims to enhance Johary’s visibility and approachability, providing selected talents with the opportunity to get to know him better, reduce hierarchical barriers, and encourage two-way learning. By cultivating this culture, Forest Interactive’s talents can build a stronger bond with the company, leading to increased loyalty and a greater passion for their work. 

Inclusivity in Action: Connecting New Talents 

The “In Conversation with the CEO” initiative selects employees who typically don’t interact directly with our CEO, Johary Mustapha. This selection process includes new hires, junior staff, and diverse departmental representatives to ensure a broad range of perspectives. Participants engage in interactive activities, such as casual conversations and team-building exercises, designed to foster connections and enhance understanding between them and the CEO. 

Sessions have included both in-person gatherings at our Kuala Lumpur headquarters and virtual meetings for talents in regional offices like Indonesia, Pakistan, and Dubai. This framework ensures that all selected employees can participate, regardless of location. Feedback from these sessions has been positive, with many participants seeing this as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen their internal relationships with the founder and the CEO. 

Since its launch in October 2023, the initiative has organized several sessions, each designed to address specific employee feedback and promote inclusivity. The first series focused on acknowledging concerns about the CEO’s approachability and challenging the perception of a top-down delegation style. The second series emphasized the value of diversity, with efforts to support and ease foreign talents at Forest Interactive HQ, with emphasis on diversity. The third series was conducted digitally, aimed at highlighting organizational changes and streamlining projects to enhance transparency and foster a sense of inclusion among regional talents. The initiative 

also featured activities such as role-reversal discussions and live Q&A sessions, which have been positively received and have strengthened participants’ sense of belonging.  

Fostering Deeper Connections: The Impact of Inclusivity on New Joiners and Organizational Goals 

“In Conversation with the CEO” aims to reshape new joiners’ perspectives by providing them with a unique opportunity to interact directly with Johary. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the CEO’s vision and how their individual roles contribute to the company’s objectives. This engagement not only enhances their understanding but also aligns their work with broader organizational goals, fostering a greater sense of purpose and motivation. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Inclusivity 

As a significant step towards fostering a more connected and engaged workforce at Forest Interactive, “In Conversation with the CEO” is breaking down barriers and encouraging open dialogue. By enhancing individual perspectives and reinforcing the collective commitment to the company’s vision and goals, these sessions have received positive feedback from participants, who feel valued and empowered afterward. 

These interactions contribute to the advancement of Forest Interactive’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments, as the company hopes to continue its progress in employee well-being.

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About Forest Interactive

Founded in 2006, Forest Interactive develops scalable mobile platforms to connect mobile operators with their subscribers. With over 18 years of industry experience, Forest Interactive has expanded to include a diverse workforce of 20+ nationalities in 7 regional offices. 

Delivering content subscription services, service delivery platforms, digital vouchers, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps for all ages, Forest Interactive operates in 30+ countries, servicing 90+ mobile operators and 100+ content partners with the capacity to reach over one billion subscribers worldwide. 

Visit forest-interactive.com to learn more.