I often hear trainees in my courses tell me, “You’re incredibly patient, you really listen, you’re humble, and you genuinely care about making sure we leave with a clear understanding and are able to put what we’ve learned into practice.”

And I’m always genuinely surprised. Do people really expect a trainer to be arrogant or condescending? Not to listen? Or not to care whether you truly understand and absorb what has been taught?

The truth is, this is simply what I learned from my own professors and mentors—all of whom were distinguished figures in both knowledge and character.

Among them, to name just one, was Prof. Dr. Samir Abou El Magd. I still remember his characteristic hospitality, his constant support, and his boundless generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience.

He would never address us except with respect: “Dr. So-and-so” or “Ms. So-and-so.” He would always make us feel that we were not merely his students, but his younger colleagues…