Dr. Olayan AlHarbi is a seasoned innovation advisor and transformational leader with over 23 years of experience driving change across various industries. Born into a modest farming family, he attributes his early appreciation for natural resources and sustainable practices to his roots—a perspective that has quietly influenced his innovative mindset.... Read more
Dr. Olayan AlHarbi is a seasoned innovation advisor and transformational leader with over 23 years of experience driving change across various industries. Born into a modest farming family, he attributes his early appreciation for natural resources and sustainable practices to his roots—a perspective that has quietly influenced his innovative mindset.
His expertise lies in leading large-scale transformation initiatives, turning visionary ideas into scalable products and services, and fostering a culture of innovation and impact across entrepreneurial, corporate, and institutional landscapes. With a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Technology and a strong foundation in both behavioural and design science, he integrates rigorous research methodologies with creative design thinking to develop pioneering, evidence-based interventions. His ability to merge diverse disciplines and perspectives enables him to create interdisciplinary solutions that address complex challenges and drive digital transformation and cultural change within organizations.
Whilst studying on a scholarship in California, USA, Dr. AlHarbi, ventured into energy innovation, working for Microsoft. By integrating Microsoft’s systems with Utility App’s platforms, he solely invented a next-generation light bulb featuring a real-time tracking system and innovative notifications designed to monitor energy consumption. This invention aimed to decrease energy use by eliminating the diffusion of responsibility in power management, ensuring optimized distribution and sustainable consumption.
Dr. AlHarbi, serving as the innovation leader, founded Madar—a startup incubated within the major corporation Obeikan Digital Solutions. Madar was created by harnessing Dr. AlHarbi’s deep technological knowledge alongside Obeikan Digital Solutions’ logistic expertise, resulting in cutting-edge digital logistics solutions tailored to industry needs. He also participated in the development of Karaz, a groundbreaking wellbeing platform that integrates psychology, behavioral science, artificial intelligence, and IoT tools to help diabetic patients track their condition and prevent complications.
Dr. AlHarbi’s influence extends into the public sector as well. While working with the Government of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRAH), he applied his behavioral science expertise to establish an innovation advisory unit. This initiative not only modernized public service practices but also delivered impressive results in terms of efficiency and citizen engagement.
Dr. Olayan AlHarbi’s extensive career showcases his wide-ranging expertise in technology, behavioral science, design science, and strategic innovation. Whether establishing pioneering startups, advising government bodies, or inventing breakthrough energy solutions, his unique ability to bridge academic research with practical application continues to drive transformative, high-impact change across diverse sectors.
How can big, traditional companies innovate like startups and disrupt their own industries before someone else does? This session explores how corporations can create “innovation garages” and adopt startup mindsets, agile methodologies, and risk-taking cultures to stay ahead in an ever-changing market
How can we use behavioral science and technology to influence behavior, improve user experience, and drive better outcomes for both public policy and private businesses? This talk explores the power of behavioral economics, nudging techniques, and digital interventions to optimize engagement, compliance, and sales.
Rather than focusing solely on solving challenges, what if we leveraged existing strengths and opportunities to drive innovation? This session dives into different types of innovation, the role of interdisciplinary teams, and how individuals, organizations, and governments can maximize their advantages to create valuable, future-ready solutions.
Success is built on skill mastery and deliberate practice, not just passion. This motivational talk helps professionals and students understand how to develop career capital, embrace deep work, and live in a state of flow to achieve long-term career success and personal fulfillment.