Boldwin International School's Annual Magazine 2014-2015 | Page 32

The environment, culture and location had
a negative influence on the school. Mr. Naja
recognized that many people were afraid of new
techniques, especially those whose mentalities
were largely influenced by the “Shouf” culture,
for instance, parents linking education only to
the old school paper and pen. But fortunately,
although many were against his modern methods
of learning, the number of students bounced from
only 80 in total to a ravishing 300 students after
the parents saw the positive results. From then
on, his school grew fast unlike any other, and he
appeals to young parents. Moreover, due to the
environment, he spent more money for amenities
such as heating and electricity. Luckily, he nonetheless found elements that reduce costs
such as the utilization of free software.
As an entrepreneur he was a risk taker, wagering all his savings and putting them at
risk by spending more than 50 thousand dollars for establishing the Boldwin School. He
considered that entrepreneurs always live with risks and held on to the motto “win or die”
in terms of business. Moreover, he added that reputation, playing a major role in providing
the school a positive semblance and desirable publicity, can do as much damage as
wreck its image completely.
Mr. Faysal listed the characteristics that every entrepreneur should have; they include
patience, which he earned throughout his life, open-mindedness, bravery, and most
importantly, humbleness. He also added the difficulties that he faced by the government
such as policies, taxes… but the entrepreneur should find a way to achieve his purpose
and never stop. Many people didn’t encourage him to come back to Lebanon and start
up a new business where they told him it is impossible to build a career in Al Shouf Area
within political and economic problems in the country. But his strong ambition derived
him to leave the job with the high salary in Dubai and come back to achieve his dream in
Lebanon. Moreover, Mr. Naja sees his school growing after ten years and expanding into
different areas in different countries where he is looking for diversifying his business.
Mr. Naja ended up the interview by giving some advice. He advised MBA students to find
a purpose in their lives, which is an internal power and write it down in addition to reading
books about successful people and entrepreneurs which can be a motive and push for
them to take the step. Finally, he provided us with the proverb that he works on through
his life to Nelsson Mandela “It always seems impossible until it’s done”.

‫مدرسة بولدوين العالمية‬

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