Dr. Yousif Asfour is a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience as a CIO and CTO in both the USA and the Middle East. He has led successful technology transformations across sectors, including technology, government, and higher education.
Currently serving as Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Yousif was also the founding CIO at NYU Abu Dhabi and recently led as President of the CIO Lebanon Association. Dr. Asfour holds a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University and a Ph.D. in Cognitive and Neural Systems from Boston University. He also holds a patent in fast data transfer for multi-processor systems.
How did your education in Electrical Engineering at AUB shape your career trajectory?
AUB taught me "how to learn" and solve problems. In a constantly evolving world, relying solely on classroom knowledge can quickly lead to falling behind. Engineering, for me, is about continuous learning, problem-solving, and creating implementable solutions. These skills have been crucial to my career and core to my progression.
What motivated you to specialize in Cognitive and Neural Systems for your PhD, and how has that influenced your approach to innovation and technology management?
I’ve always been fascinated by AI and the idea of making computers ‘think’ like humans. While at DEC in the 1980s, a lecture on neural networks introduced me to training computers rather than programming them. This led me to explore various neural network approaches, eventually focusing on Stephen Grossberg and Gail Carpenter's work at BU. Their emphasis on modeling human brain physiology felt more fundamental than engineering approaches and shaped my ability to distill complex problems into simple terms.
In your 40+ year career journey, how has working in the USA, the MENA region, and Lebanon shaped your leadership style?
My U.S. experience provided the foundation for my leadership skills, exposing me to diverse business cultures and industries. In the MENA region, I focused on leadership in multicultural environments, emphasizing the people's side of leadership. These experiences helped me develop a leadership style centered around building high-performance teams based on accountability, trust, integrity, and excellence.
What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
The most challenging situations in my career have involved people's issues. The hardest was leading a layoff during the dot-com crash of 2000. Our executive team meticulously planned the layoff process to manage it humanely while ensuring the company’s mission continued. After the layoff, nearly every affected person thanked us, indicating that we had handled a difficult situation well.
During your last 10 years at AUB as CIO and CTO, how has your approach to digital transformation evolved, and how is the latest AI technology influencing this endeavor?
My approach to digital transformation began at NYU Abu Dhabi, where cloud computing had commoditized IT services. This shift prompted me to question the role of IT departments, leading me to view IT as a business transformation partner rather than just a service provider. At AUB, I transformed IT to be a true partner in innovation, enabling a swift shift to online education and remote work during crises. AI technology presents new capabilities and challenges, offering opportunities to rethink operations and enhance AUB’s effectiveness.
How did you navigate the last five years given Lebanon’s challenges, and how is AUB stronger today?
The past five years have been a “perfect storm” of economic collapse, COVID-19, and the Beirut explosion. Despite losing 60% of our IT staff and facing funding shortages, we adapted quickly, implementing online and hybrid environments. AUB used the crisis to roll out the VITAL 2030 strategic plan, including new campus openings and acquisitions. Thanks to strong leadership, AUB is now stronger and more resilient.
How do you envision the future of technology and innovation at AUB?
Technology is key to innovation at AUB, impacting operational efficiency and the quality of education. We’re reimagining students as customers, streamlining operations, and using data-driven insights to improve teaching and research. We’re also advancing digital accessibility, supporting virtual research collaborations, and leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance our impact.
- Your Book: A Techie’s Guide to Leadership
What inspired you to write "From Geek to Lead," and how did your personal experiences contribute?
One day, while discussing an issue with my team, someone mentioned “Yousif’s leadership rule no. 26,” which made everyone laugh. I realized I had accumulated a series of leadership experiences that resonated with people. I mentioned this to Sandy, a colleague, and we decided to write a book capturing our experiences, with real-world stories and practical advice. That’s how From Geek to Lead: A Techie’s Guide to Leadership was born.
How does your book address the challenges that tech professionals face when transitioning into leadership?
Tech professionals often struggle with shifting from technical problem-solving to people management. Our book addresses these challenges by sharing frameworks and practical tips for team building and communication, supported by real-life stories to help future leaders adapt.
How can universities, such as AUB, integrate the principles from your book into their curriculum for leadership learning?
The book serves as both a practical field guide and a resource for leadership workshops or courses. Universities can use it for professional development programs, book clubs, or as part of leadership courses. We’ve conducted workshops based on the book and are eager to do more.
How can interested individuals get a copy of the book?
The book is available globally through our website, www.geektolead.com, as well as major bookstores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available in bookstores in Lebanon.
What exciting new projects or initiatives do you have in store for the future?
AUB is undergoing a major transformation, focusing on technology and innovation. We're developing AUB Online, launching a new campus, and exploring AI possibilities. The Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park has supported over 40 startups, and we’re setting up the AUB Mediterraneo Innovation Center in Pafos to expand AUB’s impact. Personally, Sandy and I are excited about running more workshops on our book and possibly writing another.
What are your thoughts on LebNet, and what other areas for growth and collaborations do you see?
LebNet is an excellent network that connects tech students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in North America and Lebanon. There are opportunities to collaborate with AUB to develop angel investment networks and create soft-landing opportunities for Lebanese start-ups.
