Leading with an Approach to Business that Values Relationships Over Transactions!
In a world increasingly defined by division, the challenge of fostering understanding and collaboration across cultures has never been more pressing. Meet Saeed Almulla, a master of persuasion who transformed his childhood talent for negotiation into a powerful tool for global business. As the Chief Legal Officer at IMZ Holding, Saeed is not just navigating the complexities of international expansion; he is redefining what it means to build relationships in the corporate sphere.
Saeed’s journey began as the youngest sibling in a bustling household, where he honed his skills in diplomacy and empathy. These traits have become the bedrock of his professional ethos, enabling him to lead IMZ’s rapid growth into ten countries and counting. With an eye on sustainable expansion, Saeed emphasizes that business success is intrinsically linked to the strength of interpersonal connections. His approach is characterized by optimism and compassion, qualities that resonate deeply in diverse regulatory landscapes.
IMZ is not merely pursuing profit; it is committed to creating value through partnerships that transcend borders. His strategic vision focuses on understanding local cultures and regulations, ensuring that each market entry is not just a transaction but a meaningful engagement with communities. This methodology has proven effective, as evidenced by the company’s impressive trajectory in new markets.
Let us learn more about his journey:
Driven by Challenge
Saeed Almulla is often asked what inspired him to pursue a legal career, with many expecting the answer to be something like “Suits.” In reality, growing up as the youngest sibling, he was always in debates with his brothers, frequently needing to convince others he was in the right—earning a reputation for knowing how to get his way.
Coming from a business-oriented family, he developed a curiosity about what went on behind the scenes. During his first semester at university, his mother asked him to draft a contract for her company after learning he was studying contract law. Although he hadn’t yet learned drafting, he embraced the challenge, driven by his determination never to give up.
Saeed has always been drawn to challenges and had a desire to see the bigger picture. His journey to becoming Chief Legal Officer at IMZ Holdings Limited (IMZ) began when he reviewed a contract for a potential business partner. Impressed by his work, the CEO recognized his potential and, despite his youth and limited experience, entrusted him with the role of Chief Legal Officer. This trust has remained a powerful motivator for Saeed as he continues to guide IMZ toward success.
Revolutionizing Global Construction with Cutting-Edge XPanels Technology
IMZ, led by Armando and assisted by Saeed, manages several companies, including XPanel Technologies, X8 Technologies, and NokHome. Recognized for their revolutionary “XPanels” technology, IMZ has quickly become a game-changer in the construction industry.
The XPanels allow for the construction of blast-resistant, fire-resistant, anti-seismic, and hurricane-resistant buildings at a fraction of the cost and in significantly less time compared to traditional methods, all while using only half the concrete.
Founded by Armando Gomez, IMZ acquired the original XPanels technology and retained its developer, who has continued to improve the system. Together, they have evolved the technology into a next-generation solution that is unique in the global market. IMZ provides a modern alternative to traditional construction methods and offers seamless integration with both precast systems and aluminum tunnel formwork.
Every component of the machinery that produces this patented technology, including in-house software coding, is manufactured by IMZ. The company has also developed and patented several accessories to further enhance the efficiency of the machines.
Under Saeed’s guidance, IMZ expanded into ten countries in the past year, signed major deals, and established six factories worldwide, ensuring their innovative approach continues to reshape the global construction industry.
Unified Governance and Proactive Risk Management
At IMZ Holdings, the corporate governance and compliance framework reflects the efficiency and unity of their technology. Every department works collaboratively to uphold compliance across the organization, with open communication as a key priority. This structure allows teams to jointly meet regulatory standards and manage risks effectively.
All employees have direct access to the CEO and the legal team, which is actively involved in daily operations and monitors communications to maintain oversight and promptly address any issues that may arise outside of legal or ethical guidelines.
IMZ has also established a comprehensive whistleblower policy, providing each employee with the CEO’s personal contact information for private reporting. This open-door policy integrates compliance seamlessly into the organizational culture, enabling proactive issue resolution.
The company’s risk management strategy is similarly proactive, with the legal department playing a central role by reviewing contracts, communications, and compliance matters to reduce exposure and uphold confidentiality. Each department addresses risks within their area of expertise, ensuring thorough, specialized attention.
For example, in a recent supplier contract review, the legal team identified ambiguous clauses that could pose potential liabilities. By renegotiating the terms with clear performance guarantees and penalties for non-compliance, IMZ protected the company while maintaining operational efficiency, demonstrating their commitment to effective risk management.
Safeguarding Growth and Navigating Industry Challenges
At IMZ Holdings, legal matters are prioritized based on their potential impact on financial and reputational risk, though the team generally operates on a “first come, first served” basis. High-stakes issues—such as those that pose significant liabilities, operational disruptions, or regulatory risks—are escalated promptly.
This prioritization reflects a proactive mindset within the team, who often work beyond regular hours to resolve issues swiftly and independently.
Urgency is evaluated by assessing potential consequences, time sensitivity, and the involvement of external stakeholders. Legal issues affecting intellectual property, active projects, or contractual obligations are given immediate attention to ensure that critical matters are managed effectively, safeguarding the company’s interests.
In the construction and technology sectors, IMZ Holdings faces typical legal challenges, such as intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance, and complex contract management. Protecting proprietary technology is essential, and NDAs are always secured before discussions to safeguard intellectual property.
Rather than relying on overly complex agreements, IMZ takes a streamlined approach, focusing contracts on essential deal aspects and avoiding unnecessary loopholes. This simplicity reduces ambiguity and accelerates negotiations.
To foster collaboration and ensure clarity, IMZ has established open communication channels that encourage all departments to seek legal guidance whenever needed. This approach promotes teamwork and allows departments to access timely legal support, helping to streamline processes and prevent potential complexities.
IMZ also recognizes the value of outsourcing specialized expertise. In a recent case, instead of handling it internally, the legal team brought in a specialized law firm, resulting in a favorable court decision that awarded higher-than-expected damages.
Through these strategies, supported by a strong work ethic and proactive communication, IMZ Holdings effectively navigates industry challenges, protecting the company’s interests while fostering growth.
Driving Efficiency and Compliance
Saeed’s strategic goals for the legal department at IMZ Holdings emphasize supporting the company’s growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring proactive risk management.
One of his primary objectives is to expand the legal team by adding specialists across various fields and positioning them strategically in different regions. As IMZ aims to enter at least forty new countries within the next three years, having specialized legal experts worldwide will be crucial for navigating diverse regulatory landscapes and ensuring global compliance.
In handling complex matters, particularly in regions with intricate legal systems, Saeed plans to engage top law firms and secure expert guidance to tackle challenges effectively. Additionally, he intends to embed legal oversight deeply into all business processes, starting at the project or transaction level, which will enable quicker, more informed decision-making, streamlined contract management, and risk mitigation. These objectives align with IMZ’s broader goals of fostering sustainable growth and supporting global expansion while maintaining high compliance standards across all markets.
