50 years of Leadership Dallas: ‘Every cohort has its own sparks’

By Catie George, Director, Communications & Storytelling 

To celebrate 50 years of Leadership Dallas (LD), presented by Grant Thornton, the Dallas Regional Chamber’s (DRC) premier leadership development program, we are highlighting a series of alumni to learn more about the LD experience and the program’s impact on the Dallas Region. 

Hussain Manjee, President and Chief Success Officer of DHD Films and DRC Board Member, had already been involved with the DRC for some time before joining LD. 

“As a long-standing member of the DRC and a two-term Board Member, I was well-acquainted with the LD program. In 2023, I decided to take the leap, and applying to the program turned out to be one of the better decisions of my life,” said Manjee. “As a proud member of the Class of 2024, I cherished my LD journey, and today, I am honored to give back as a class advisor for the Class of 2025.” 

Manjee’s experience with LD evolved from participant to mentor, giving him a unique perspective on the program’s consistent quality.  

“I initially believed the Class of 2024 was uniquely special due to its incredible energy, but my involvement with the Class of 2025 has shown me that every cohort has its own sparks and fireworks,” he said. “The LD program’s carefully curated content, skilled facilitators, and rigorous candidate selection process create a truly exceptional experience. For any executive or aspiring leader looking to immerse themselves in the Dallas-Fort Worth community and elevate their impact, LD is a program I wholeheartedly recommend.” 

Manjee’s LD experience allowed him to learn more about and become involved in Southern Dallas County. 

“I realized there were pressing challenges in North Texas that required my attention and leadership. I was inspired to focus on making a local impact, and LD provided the perfect platform to amplify this vision. I wanted to champion some of our local, ‘under-championed’ communities,” he said. “The program opened my eyes to the immense potential in Southern Dallas. As an investor and entrepreneur, I’m now actively exploring growth opportunities in this area through real estate, development projects, and other ventures that can create meaningful opportunities for the community.” 

Manjee’s LD experience not only broadened his investment perspective but also reinforced his fundamental leadership philosophy.  

“I’ve always been an advocate of Servant Leadership principles—a core value at my company, DHD Films. Seeing how leaders from multi-billion-dollar organizations embraced these principles was incredibly inspiring and reinforced my commitment to leading with purpose,” he said. “The leadership principles I’ve embraced through LD have enhanced my ability to inspire and guide my team at DHD Films, creating a more dynamic and purpose-driven workplace.” 

The leadership principles Manjee absorbed in LD had tangible benefits beyond his own company. 

“Additionally, LD connected me with an incredible network of brilliant professionals from various industries—people I’m proud to now call friends. LD has significantly expanded my professional network, connecting me with diverse leaders across industries,” said Manjee. “Graduating from LD has allowed me to stay connected with a vibrant and supportive network of leaders. Serving as a class advisor for the Class of 2025 has been a deeply rewarding experience, as I’ve had the chance to build relationships with new participants and witness their growth firsthand.”