Beyond the Obvious (BTO), a premier global consultancy for digital leadership, today announced the launch of Maverick Arabic, a pioneering Generative AI simulation, and the HAIbrid Leadership framework during its high-profile return to Web Summit Qatar. The dual launch marks a critical expansion for BTO, making high-stakes AI leadership development accessible to the Arabic-speaking business world and providing a structured roadmap for integrating human judgment with artificial intelligence.
As organizations worldwide move beyond the “experimentation phase” of AI, a significant leadership vacuum has emerged. While technical teams are deploying tools, executive leadership often struggles to align AI capabilities with corporate strategy, risk management, and organizational culture. BTO’s participation in Doha—its second consecutive year at the summit—directly addresses this “Execution Gap.”
The “Flight Simulator” for the Modern Executive
The centerpiece of the announcement, Maverick Arabic, is a hands-on, immersive Generative AI simulation designed specifically for managers and C-suite executives. Unlike traditional training programs that focus on technical tool-learning, Maverick places leaders in high-pressure, simulated decision-making environments.
By adding Arabic to its existing English and German portfolio, BTO is enabling regional leaders to navigate complex scenarios involving alignment, speed, and ethical responsibility in their native language.
“AI is no longer a technical hurdle; it is a fundamental leadership challenge,” said Michael Alf, Founder of Beyond the Obvious. “Technology is moving at an exponential pace, but leadership remains the primary bottleneck for real impact. With Maverick, we aren’t teaching people how to use AI; we are teaching them how to lead an organization that is powered by it. Leadership needs to move at the speed of technology.”
Introducing HAIbrid Leadership: The Human-Centric AI Model
In tandem with the Maverick launch, BTO introduced the HAIbrid Leadership approach. This proprietary model provides a clear, practical architecture for blending human cognitive judgment with AI-driven efficiencies.
In a business landscape often polarized between “AI-maximalists” and those hesitant to adopt, the HAIbrid model offers a middle path. It emphasizes that while AI can handle data processing and pattern recognition, the “human in the loop” remains essential for nuance, empathy, and final accountability.
“AI must become part of regular leadership conversations and, more importantly, a core component of how decisions are made,” Alf added during a roundtable at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. “Our HAIbrid model ensures that technology insight and trusted guidance work in tandem to build organizations that lead with clarity and confidence.”
Strategic Momentum in the MENA Region
The choice of Web Summit Qatar as the launchpad for Maverick Arabic reflects BTO’s commitment to the Middle East’s rapidly evolving digital economy. As Qatar and its neighbors position themselves as global hubs for AI innovation, the need for localized, culturally aware leadership training has reached a critical point.
Beyond the Obvious works with a diverse range of global organizations to turn digital ambition into tangible results. By combining deep technology insights with strong strategic partnerships, BTO helps leaders navigate the complexities of digital transformation without losing sight of their human capital.
The engagement in Doha signals a new chapter for BTO as it deepens its footprint across the region, helping leaders move from being “AI-aware” to being “AI-operational.”
About Beyond the Obvious (BTO)
Beyond the Obvious is a specialized consultancy focused on the intersection of leadership and digital innovation. Through its flagship Maverick simulations and the HAIbrid Leadership framework, BTO empowers executives to master the complexities of the AI-driven era. Headquartered in Lisbon, BTO serves a global clientele, providing the clarity and confidence required to turn digital potential into market leadership.