We recently had the privilege of interviewing Mahmood Hussein, Founder and Group CEO of Global Drone Solutions, Global Energy Learning Solutions, and Industrial Metaverse. With a passion for transforming industries with innovative training solutions, Mahmood addressed this gap with his specialization in commercial drone pilot training and services.
At Global Drone Solutions, Mahmood and his team train drone pilots and help them achieve their license from CASA and join this field. In this insightful session, the CEO shares his career journey, visions for his business, and his perspective on the potential of the drone industry.
The Beginning Of Journey To Leadership
We started the interview by asking, “Can you tell us about your professional journey and what led you to your current role?”
Mahmood Hussein asked, “I started my career in the drone industry after recognizing the growing demand for skilled drone pilots across various sectors such as mining, agriculture, and construction. The ability of drones to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and improve safety in these industries, combined with technological advancements in drone capabilities, convinced me of the significant potential in this field. This led me to establish Global Drone Solutions, where I serve as the CEO.
Global Drone Solutions is dedicated to providing high-quality training for aspiring drone pilots. We train 600 to 700 pilots annually from various industries, including defense and utilities. Our mission is to expand our training programs nationally and internationally to meet the evolving needs of the drone industry. Our commitment to excellence has been acknowledged with the Outstanding Leadership in Training award at the Aviation/Aerospace Australia A24 Airspace Awards. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and offering the best education to our students and the drone industry as a whole.”
Setting Global Drone Solutions
To have a strong brand presence in the market, it is paramount to offer unique services and experiences to clients. To learn how Mahmood Hussein ensures the same in his organization, we asked, “What sets your business apart from competitors in the industry?”
Mahmood Hussein shared, “What distinguishes Global Drone Solutions from others in the industry is our comprehensive, tailored training programs and our deep commitment to the success of our trainees. We focus on the technical skills needed to operate drones in different fields but also highlight the strategic use of drones in business operations. This ensures our trainees become proficient operators and strategic thinkers in their respective fields.
Our training academy stands out with its extensive reach and diversity. We annually train many pilots from various sectors, fostering a rich learning environment. Industry veterans with up-to-date expertise serve as instructors, enhancing the training program with real-world insights.
Moreover, our commitment to quality and innovation is recognized with industry accolades, including the award for Outstanding Leadership in Training at the Aviation/Aerospace Australia A24 Airspace Awards. We strive to lead in integrating drone technology into modern business practices and set the industry standard.”
Worth-Sharing Triumphs
We wanted to learn more about the triumphs of Global Drone Solutions. So, we asked Mahmood, “What has been your business’s biggest achievement to date?”
Mahmood Hussein replied, “Global Drone Solutions has received industry recognition and awards for our innovative use of technology in training programs and services, including Tech Company of the Year and Outstanding Leadership in Training. These acknowledgments highlight our commitment to excellence and innovation. Beyond awards, we have trained over 5000 drone pilots, enhancing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in various sectors.
Furthermore, our strategic partnerships with tier-one companies and organizations, including BHP, Rio Tinto, the Australian Defence Force, Shell, and Chevron, among others, have bolstered our credibility and reach. These collaborations enrich our training programs with real-world insights and ensure that our courses meet the high standards expected by industry leaders.
Also, we maintain strong partnerships with state and federal government agencies to meet the changing needs of drone technology and training in the public sector. This showcases our dedication to excellence and our ability to adapt and innovate.”
Building A Successful Team: The Art Of Leading
We further asked, “How would you describe your leadership style?”
“My leadership style is fundamentally rooted in empowerment and strategic vision. I believe in fostering a culture where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their best. This involves providing clear direction, resources, and support to help individuals grow, while also encouraging innovation and creativity.
I am committed to leading by example, maintaining transparency in all our business dealings, and ensuring open lines of communication across all levels of the organization. This approach helps in building trust and loyalty among team members, which I view as essential for long-term success.
Moreover, I prioritize strategic thinking and long-term planning in my leadership. This includes setting ambitious goals and preparing our team for technological changes in the drone industry. By staying proactive and evaluating our strategies, Global Drone Solutions remains a leader in education and training. My leadership style combines empowerment, foresight, and fostering growth, innovation, and sustained excellence.” Mahmood added.
Fostering Talent In The Team
To learn more about the approaches adopted by Mahmood Hussein on encouraging talent in his team, we inquired, “What strategies do you use to motivate and develop talent in your organization?”
Mahmood Hussein responded, “At Global Drone Solutions, we employ a multifaceted approach to motivate and develop talent, which is critical in a technology-driven industry like ours. Our strategies focus on continuous learning, recognition, and creating a culture of innovation.
- Continuous Learning: We value continuous education and training for staff, which includes staying updated with drone technology and regulations.
- Recognition and Reward: We value hard work and achievements, rewarding them through promotions, bonuses, and public acknowledgment.
- Creating a Culture of Innovation: We promote a culture that values creativity and problem-solving, inviting input from all employees regardless of their position. Regular brainstorming sessions and innovation challenges foster growth and adaptability.
- Empowerment: We empower employees with responsibilities and autonomy, support and guide them to take risks and make decisions.
By integrating these strategies, we not only motivate our team but also cultivate a workforce that is capable, innovative, and aligned with our long-term goals. This approach not only enhances our operational excellence but also ensures we remain at the forefront of the drone training industry.”
Impact Of Technological Advancements
AI is reshaping the way businesses perform. So, we asked, “What role do you see Artificial Intelligence or technology playing in this industry?”
Mahmood Hussein replied, “Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies are fundamental to the evolution of the drone industry. AI, in particular, plays a critical role in enhancing the capabilities of drones, making them smarter, more autonomous, and capable of performing complex tasks with minimal human intervention.
AI allows drones to autonomously navigate complex environments, performing tasks such as search and rescue, agricultural monitoring, and infrastructure inspections. Furthermore, AI efficiently processes data collected by drones, enabling quick analysis of imagery for identifying structural damage, tracking crop health, and monitoring environmental conditions. This translates raw data into actionable insights, improving decision-making.”
“AI technology in drones plays a crucial role in both predictive maintenance and safety features. By analyzing sensor data and usage patterns, AI can anticipate maintenance needs, ensuring safety and prolonging drone lifespan. Additionally, AI enables real-time obstacle detection, important for safe operation in populated areas. Looking forward, AI will be instrumental in integrating drones into airspace management systems, particularly in urban environments where traffic control is essential.
In summary, AI and technology are not just enhancing the functional capabilities of drones but are also driving the industry towards more autonomous, safe, and efficient operations. At Global Drone Solutions, we continuously integrate these advancements into our training programs, ensuring our trainees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to leverage these technologies in their future roles.” He added.
Envisioning The Future
To have a view of Mahmood Hussein’s perspective on the future of the drone sector, we asked, “How do you envision the future of your industry?”
Mahmood Hussein replied, “The future of the drone industry is incredibly promising and poised for substantial growth and transformation. As technology continues to advance, the capabilities of drones expand, opening new possibilities and applications across various sectors.
- Widespread Adoption Across Industries: Drones will play a vital role in agriculture, construction, and energy, gathering data efficiently to optimize operations and enhance safety.
- Increased Regulatory Support: Drone technology’s growing benefits will lead to the development of better regulations, ensuring safer drone use and wider integration in various sectors.
- Advancements in Technology: Technological advances will improve drone capabilities like autonomy, battery life, and payload capacity, enabling them to perform complex tasks over longer distances.
- Integration with AI and Robotics: AI integration with drone tech will advance, enhancing autonomous operations. Also, drones will collaborate with other robots, boosting efficiency in delivery and agriculture.
- Enhanced Connectivity and Real-Time Data Processing: 5G and beyond connectivity will enable drones to communicate better, aiding real-time data processing for emergency services and traffic management.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Drones will have a vital role in sustainability, reducing carbon footprint in logistics, and transportation, and monitoring environmental conditions for climate change management.
In summary, the drone industry is on the cusp of a revolution that will see it become more integrated into daily life and business operations. At Global Drone Solutions, we are committed to staying at the forefront of this evolution, preparing our trainees to lead and innovate within this exciting future landscape.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
We were intrigued to understand how Mahmood addressed the industry challenges. So, we asked, “What have been some of the most significant hurdles you’ve encountered in your business, and how did you address them?”
Mahmood Hussein shared, “Running a leading drone training academy like Global Drone Solutions has presented several significant challenges, each of which has provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. One of our main challenges in the drone industry has been navigating the complex and ever-changing regulations.
To stay compliant and keep our training programs up-to-date, we have a dedicated regulatory team that monitors changes and ensures our courses follow the latest standards. This proactive approach helps us maintain industry leadership in regulatory education. Additionally, we address the challenge of technological advancements by regularly updating our training equipment and partnering with leading drone manufacturers to provide hands-on experience with the latest technologies.”
Mahmood further added, “Expanding nationally and internationally posed challenges in understanding diverse market needs. Our strategy evolved through market research and partnerships with local entities. This approach helped us tailor offerings to meet regional demands while maintaining high standards.
Moreover, as drones advance, there’s a gap between trainee skills and the competencies required to operate them effectively. To address this, we’ve improved our training modules and included more hands-on, scenario-based learning experiences. This ensures all trainees are well-prepared to handle modern drones safely and efficiently.
Finally, managing customer expectations in the ever-changing drone technology field is a challenge. We communicate clearly about our training program’s capabilities and anticipated outcomes, while also valuing customer feedback for constant improvement. These challenges have allowed us to optimize our business model and keep Global Drone Solutions ahead in drone training.”
A Notable Piece Of Business Advice
We asked, “What is an excellent piece of business advice you have ever received?”
“One of the best pieces of business advice I’ve ever received is – ‘Focus on the solution, not the problem.’ This advice has guided my approach to leadership and management throughout my career, especially in the fast-evolving drone industry.
In practice, this means when challenges arise, instead of spending excessive time dwelling on the difficulties or the setbacks themselves, our team at Global Drone Solutions focuses on identifying potential solutions and strategies to overcome these obstacles. This proactive approach encourages a positive, forward-thinking mindset across the organization, which is essential for innovation and growth.
Learning the importance of resilience and adaptability in business, obstacles become opportunities to improve, learn, and innovate. By instilling this mindset in our team, we strengthen our business to meet customer needs and industry demands. This advice is essential in navigating the complexities of drone operations.” He replied.
Striking The Perfect Balance
Lastly, we asked, “How do you balance investing in up-to-date ideas with ensuring ongoing operations remain successful?”
Mahmood Hussein shared, “Balancing the investment in innovative, up-to-date ideas with the need to maintain successful ongoing operations is crucial for sustainability in any tech-driven industry, particularly in the dynamic field of drone technology. At Global Drone Solutions, we manage this balance through a combination of strategic planning, continuous improvement, and risk management.
We prioritize research and development while ensuring the needs of our core training programs are met. Clear priorities and budgets are set at the beginning of each fiscal year and adjusted as needed to align with strategic goals and market demands. We are committed to continuously improving our training programs by updating our curricula to incorporate industry standards and technological advancements.
Feedback from instructors, trainees, and industry partners helps guide necessary improvements. When investing in new technologies, we conduct thorough risk assessments and pilot projects to minimize disruption and evaluate effectiveness before full implementation.”
“Collaboration across departments is encouraged to enhance operational capabilities. Cross-functional teams bridge the gap between innovative ideas and practical applications, aligning new initiatives with operational goals. Ongoing training ensures team members are skilled in current and new technologies, maintaining operational success while integrating new ideas.
By maintaining this balance, we ensure that Global Drone Solutions not only stays ahead in technological advancements but also continues to provide high-quality, relevant training that meets the current needs of the industry.” Mahmood concluded.
Follow Mahmood Hussein on LinkedIn.
Find Global Drone Solutions on LinkedIn and visit their website https://gdronesolutions.com/
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