In a country where economic resilience often defines national survival, few figures embody determination and forward-thinking leadership like Neemat Frem, CEO of INDEVCO Group and Member of Lebanese Parliament. Bridging the worlds of industry and public service, Frem has built a reputation not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a steadfast advocate for Lebanon’s productive sectors. We learn more about his mission in life, the love he has for his country and how he envisions Lebanon’s future.

What defines your leadership philosophy?

I discovered early on that the best way to lead is through knowledge. I have always sought to cultivate it, believing that a leader should be more than a caretaker allocating resources or deploying assets. True leadership lies in inspiring others.

I aspired to become a resourceful service provider — someone capable of empowering teams with the tools, vision and understanding they need to succeed. This mindset led me toward what I consider the highest form of leadership: servant leadership. A leader who serves remains relevant, adaptable and connected.

To uphold this standard, I have worked diligently to stay current — technologically, intellectually and experientially — ensuring that I continue to grow alongside the world around me.

What have challenges taught you throughout your journey?

Challenges continue to shape me every day. Living and leading in Lebanon, the Middle East and an ever-evolving global landscape means that adversity is not an exception — it is a constant.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned is to trust that I am never truly alone. There is an invisible hand that provides strength and guidance, instilling confidence and resilience. Over time, I developed what I like to call an internal operating system: when a problem arises, my duty is to solve it swiftly so I am prepared for the next one.

Leadership, in many ways, is an exhilarating race between ourselves and the problems we face. If you solve them faster than they arrive, you win. If not, you fall behind. It is as simple as that.

How has leading in Lebanon influenced your approach to uncertainty?

Every challenge carries responsibility. Much like the immune system grows stronger through exposure, the trials Lebanon has presented have forced us to operate within a VUCA — volatile, unpredictable, complex and ambiguous — environment. This reality has compelled me to become proactive, to anticipate rather than react and to see beyond the visible horizon so that we are prepared rather than surprised. It has taught me to adapt quickly and to think beyond conventional frameworks. Often, the solution lies in realigning and redeploying resources in unconventional ways. The Lebanese experience has ultimately trained us to transform uncertainty into agility and creativity.

What does “home” mean to you?

Home represents strategic depth; the place I return to in both difficult and joyful times. It is where I replenish my energy, feel warmth and reconnect with my true self. Over time, however, my understanding of home has expanded. It is no longer just a house or even a family. It has become a broader community of people who deserve to be served and empowered to live better lives. What begins as a small, protective shelter gradually grows into a wide space where responsibility and purpose converge. For me, home is wherever I can contribute to building a better future for others.

How has Jounieh shaped who you are?

Jounieh is everything to me — it is the lens through which I see Lebanon. As a child during the war, when bombings and shelling were part of daily life, my family would sometimes leave by boat to Cyprus. I remember counting the minutes until my return, sitting at the front of the boat, eager to glimpse the mountains as early as possible.

Jounieh is where I grew up, but more importantly, it is where I felt safe. It reflects a unique Lebanese civilization — a meeting point between East and West, carrying elements of both worlds. This delicate balance is what makes Lebanon singular, and it is a combination that defines what it means to be Lebanese.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could offer myself one piece of advice, it would be to rely more on experienced mentors instead of insisting on discovering everything alone. Doing so might have optimized my path. Yet, the depth of what I learned came precisely from those personal explorations. Leadership is ultimately about balance — about understanding the right ratios and nuances. In hindsight, I believe I was on the right track.

What message would you share with young Lebanese — at home or in the diaspora — who want to build, lead and stay connected to Lebanon?

Lebanon is a vibrant, unpredictable country, and you need to embrace a bit of its craziness. It is unconventional and exotic in every way, giving life a constant sense of adventure. For anyone seeking a mission, a purpose or deep roots, I would tell them to come to Lebanon — it offers it all.

How do you relax and enjoy life outside work?

I like to be busy, but when I have free time, I enjoy myself as much as when I am working. As a biker, riding around Lebanon once a week with friends gives me great pleasure. I also like sports, previously playing basketball and fencing, which I am trying to return to.

What truly relaxes me is designing something technical. I have four patents and love working on engineering designs. While others paint or play music, I develop solutions and creations. Spending time in nature and praying also help me reconnect. I follow Jesus. For me, work, faith and pleasure are all united.

Frem pioneered the first Lebanese manufactured ventilator to respond to the coronavirus pandemic

What are you working on currently?

I focus on projects that improve life and infrastructure in Lebanon. In Keserwan, I have been working on roads, especially in the mountains, to make travel easier. Ski resorts are beautiful, but reaching them has often been a nightmare. We are fixing roads, widening highways and restoring the old parts of Jounieh, improving sewage, beaches and the port.

The port has always connected Lebanon to the world. Soon we will have a charter vessel to Cyprus operating daily, reconnecting Lebanon to Europe in a fast and efficient way.

If you enjoyed reading this, check out our interview with restaurateur and Lebanese businessman Tony Ramy.