CEO Primestay
Anthony Abou-Jaoude
Building Resilience in Real Estate and Tourism
LETTER EDITOR’S
Top 10 Marvelous Leaders in Dubai
Visionaries of Business Excellence and Innovation!
DearReaders,
ThiseditionencapsulatesthespiritofDubai-acitythatneverstopsevolving,whereboundariesareconstantly pushed,andwhereleadershipknowsnobounds.
Inthebustlingheartofthebusinessworld,Dubaistandsasanepicenterofvisionaryleadership,entrepreneurialspirit, andrelentlessinnovation.Aswerevealourspecialedition,“Top10MarvelousLeadersinDubai,”BusinessAPAC takesyouonajourneytomeetthegame-changers,thepioneers,andthemaverickswhoareshapingthefutureofthe Emirates’businesslandscape.
OurcoverstoryshinesaspotlightonAnthony-Abou-Jaoude,thedynamicCEOofPrimestay Withaprofound commitmenttoexcellenceandarelentlesspursuitofinnovation,Abou-JaoudehasnotonlyelevatedPrimestaytonew heightsbuthasalsosetthebarhighforleadershipinthehospitalityindustry Weunravelthestorybehindhis remarkablejourney,hisunwaveringvisionforPrimestay,andthetransformativeimpacthehasmadeonDubai’s luxuryhospitalitysector.
Inthisexclusiveinterview,Abou-Jaoudeshareshisinsightsonfosteringacultureofinnovation,theroleof sustainablepracticesintoday’sbusinesslandscape,andhisvisionforPrimestay’sfutureinapost-pandemicworld. HisinspirationaljourneyfromasmallstartuptoaglobalhospitalitybrandisatestamenttoDubai’simmensegrowth potentialandthepioneeringspiritthatdefinesthisregion.
WhileAnthony-Abou-Jaoudetakescenterstage,ourspecialeditionalsofeaturesprofilesofnineotherremarkable leaderswhohaveleftanindeliblemarkonDubai’sbusinesslandscape.FromthevisionaryMudassirSheikha,cofounderofCareem,totheinnovativeAbdullaBelhoulwholeadsDubaiFutureFoundation,andtherealestatetycoon HussainSajwani,whoredefinesluxuryliving,ourpagesarefilledwithstoriesofvision,determination,andsuccess. MohamedSaieedhasbeeninstrumentalinmanagingthefinancialaspectsofthecity.
AtBusinessAPAC,wearehonoredtobringyouthestoriesoftheseextraordinaryindividualswhoareshaping Dubai’sdestinyandleadingtheirsectorswithunparalleledenthusiasmandvision.
HappyReading!
Parag Ahire PROJECT EDITOR
PAGE CREDIT
Publisher : Archana Ghule
Editor-in-Chief : Vikram Suryawanshi
Managing Editor : Pankaj Gholap
Creative Head : Project Editor :
Sachin Kharat Parag Ahire
Graphic Designer : Omkar Uravane
Head of Distribution & Production: Aakash Mahajan
Web Development & Maintenance : Vishal More
Project Manager : Vaishnavi Dahatonde
Business Analysts : Maria Smith
Advertising : Jacob Eddy
BUSINESS APAC
Building
Resilience
in Real Estate and Tourism
A CoverStory
AnthonyAbou-Jaoudestandsoutinthereal estateindustry,servingastheCo-founder andChiefExecutiveOfficerofPrimestay,a leadingholidayhomescompanyintheUnited ArabEmirates.HespecializesinDubaiOff PlanPropertyInvestmentandexcelsatdirect transactionswithdevelopers,savingclients fromunnecessaryfinancialburdens.
Anthony’sjourneyinrealestatebeganin 2014,primarilyfocusingonhotelapartment rentals.Overtheyears,hehasachieved significantmilestones,maintaininghis positionastheleadingSalesAssociate DirectorinDubaithrough2021.
Hisprofessionalfocusinvolvescollaborating withhigh-net-worthinvestorsanddiscerning end-userclients.Anthonycarefullyassesses theiruniqueneedsandtailorsrealestate solutionstonavigateDubai’sever-changing propertymarket.Hehasachievedhistrack recordofsuccessthroughanunwavering commitmenttodeliveringtop-notchservice andensuringthepreciseandeffective executionofhisclient’srealestateventures.
AMultifacetedEntrepreneurandAuthor
Anthonyhasheldvariousprominentrolesand responsibilitiesinhisdiversecareer.He servesastheCEOofPrimestay,leadingthe UAE’stopholidayhomescompany.Asan AssociateDirectoratProvidentEstate,he playsacrucialroleinshapingDubai’sreal estatescene.
Hisentrepreneurialspiritisevidentinhis successfulventures,includingAJConsultancy andPrimeCleaning,wherehedemonstrates astutemanagementandstrategicvision.
Asanaccomplishedauthorwiththe Amazonbest-sellingbook“Take Charge”andhisrecentrelease,“Take Action,”heextendshisinfluence beyondthecorporateworldtoinspire andeducateothersthroughhisliterary works.
Inalltheseroles,Anthonyfocuseson strategicleadership,business development,andadedicationto deliveringexcellentserviceand innovation.Hisimpactextendsnot onlywithinhiscompaniesbutalsoto thebroaderrealestateand entrepreneurialcommunity
Primestay:BridgingHospitalityand PropertyManagement
PrimestayVacationHomesRentalLLC isalaborofpassionanddedicationin theholidayhomerentalindustry The companyexcelsinunderstandingthe processesofcreatingandmaintaining vacationhomeswhileproviding exceptionalhospitalitytoguests. Primestaycombinesthecomfortofa privateresidencewithhotel-like servicestoofferauniqueand memorableexperienceforitspatrons.
AkeypartofPrimestay’smissionisto maximizereturnsonstakeholders’ investments.Withmeticulousattention todetailandacommitmentto excellence,thecompanytakesonthe significantresponsibilityofkeeping propertiesinexcellentcondition.This dualfocusonguestsatisfactionand propertymanagementhighlights
Primestay’sdedicationtocreatinga thrivingecosystemwhereproperty ownersandguestsbenefitfromthe company’sexpertiseandcommitment tothehighestservicestandards.
ATargetedApproachtoRealEstate andTourismChallenges
Primestayfocusesonindustriesdeeply intertwinedwithrealestateand tourism.Inrealestate,theyaddress issueslikemarketvolatility,regulatory complexity,economicfactors,and financingchallenges.Theyoffer comprehensiverealestatesolutionsto helpclientsnavigatethese complexitieseffectively.
Atthesametime,Primestay’seffortsin thetourismindustryalignwith challengesrelatedtoseasonaldemand fluctuations,intensecompetition, regulatorycompliance,changing consumerpreferences,andcritical aspectslikeinfrastructure,security,and safety Theyalsorecognizethe importanceofmanagingonline reputationandpracticingsustainability intoday’stourismlandscape,whichis atthecoreoftheirstrategy.
Byproactivelyadaptingand innovating,thecompanypositions itselftotacklethesechallengesinboth sectors.Theystriveforexcellencein theseindustries,addressingeach sector'sdistinctchallengestoprovide clientswithtailoredandeffective solutions.
ThePowerofLeadership,EmployeeCentricCulture,andCollective Commitment
TheteamledbyAnthonyisatthecore ofthecompany’slastingsuccess.A coreprinciplewithintheorganization isthefirmbeliefthatemployeesareits
mostvaluableasset.Thecompanyplacesspecial importanceoncreatinganenvironmentwhereteam membersfeelgenuinelyappreciatedandrespected.
Thiscommitmenttonurturingapositiveworkculturehas resultedinateamthatgoesbeyondmerejobsatisfaction. Theemployeesareknownfortheirloyalty,dedication,deep engagement,andexceptionalmotivation.Thesequalities translateintoaworkforceconsistentlystrivingtodeliver theirbestperformance.
Byrecognizingandvaluingthecontributionsofeachteam member,thecompanyhasnotonlyestablisheda harmoniousandproductiveworkenvironmentbuthasalso playedavitalroleinshapingthecompany’soutstanding reputationandongoingsuccess.Theteam’sshared commitmenttothecompany’smissionandvaluesisa testamenttothestrengthoftheworkplaceculture thoughtfullynurturedunderAnthony’sleadership.
OvercomingChallengesandNurturingSuccess
Asaleader,AnthonyAbou-Jaoudehasfacedvarious leadershipandmanagementchallenges.Thesechallenges includecommunicationissues,resolvingconflicts,adapting tochange,buildingcohesiveteams,managingtime efficiently,stayingadaptableinadynamicindustry, balancingworkandpersonallife,andmakingcritical decisions.
Toaddressthesechallengeseffectively,Anthonyhas employedastrategicapproach.Heemphasizesclearand efficientcommunicationwithinhisorganizations, encouragingopendialogueandinformationsharing.Hehas establishedstructuredconflictresolutionmechanismsto navigateandresolvedisputespromptly,maintaining harmoniousworkingrelationships.
Intheever-changingrealestateindustry,Anthonyis committedtoeffectivechangemanagement,enablinghis organizationstoadaptandthriveinresponsetomarket fluctuations.Hefostersteamcohesionthroughwell-planned team-buildinginitiatives,creatingasenseofunityand purposeamonghisstaff.
EfficienttimemanagementtechniquesensurethatAnthony maximizesproductivityandremainsagileinhisrole. Continuouslearningandadaptabilityarevitalaspectsofhis
Achieving success in leadership hinges on a blend of skills and a steadfast dedication to personal and professional development
strategy,enablinghimtostayaheadinadynamicfield. Additionally,herecognizestheimportanceofwork-life balanceandpromotesself-caretomaintainhispersonal andprofessionalwell-being.
ExploringtheExcitingRealEstateandTourismWorlds
Anthonyfindsmanyaspectsoftherealestateandtourism sectorshighlyappealing.Hevaluestheincomepotential andflexibilitythesesectorsoffer.Theyalignwithhis entrepreneurialspirit,allowinghimtoshapehis professionaljourneyaccordingtohisvision.Inthetourism industry,hisjobsatisfactionstemsfromhisskillincrafting memorableclientexperiencesandaccommodations.
Furthermore,thestabilityinherentintheseindustries, alongwithextensivenetworkingopportunitiesandthe continuouslearningandpersonaldevelopmentthey encourage,serveasadditionalsourcesofattractionfor Anthony
However,likeanyindustry,challengesexist.One challengingaspectisthecompetitivenessofthebusiness, whichrequiresdiligenceandmarketacumen.Additionally, theneedforadaptabilityinresponsetotheever-evolving landscapecanpresentitsowndifficulties.WhileAnthony appreciatestheindustry’sbenefits,herecognizesthe importanceofdiligenceandadaptabilitytoovercomeits inherentchallenges.
ResilienceandOpportunities:KeyBusinessTrendsin theMiddleEast
Inthecontextofglobaleconomicuncertainty,Anthony Abou-Jaoudehasidentifiedsomenoteworthybusiness trendsintheMiddleEast.Foremostamongthesetrendsis theregion’sremarkableeconomicstability,whichhas enduredforsevenyears.Thisconsistentperformance providesasignificantadvantageinuncertainglobal economicconditions.
AcrucialfactorcontributingtothisresilienceistheMiddle East’sproactiveapproachtoforeigndirectinvestment (FDI).Governmentsandbusinessesintheregionhave madedeliberateeffortstoattractandwelcomeFDI, emphasizingtheircommitmenttoeconomicdiversification andgrowth.
AnothernotabletrendobservedbyAnthonyisthe availabilityofsubstantialcapitalforinvestment.This
financialresourcepooloffersampleopportunitiesfor expansionandinvestmentacrossvarioussectors,further enhancingtheregion’seconomicprospects.
Crucially,theregion’sstrongeconomicperformancecanact asasafeguardagainstpotentialglobaleconomicchallenges. ThisresiliencebenefitstheMiddleEastitselfandprovides advantagestobusinessesinvolvedintradeandinvestment intheregion.ItunderscorestheMiddleEastasastrategic andstableenvironmentforentrepreneurialventures,evenin thefaceofglobaleconomicuncertainties.
FoundationalPrinciplesofLeadershipGuidance
Anthonyoffersvaluableadvicetoyoungleaderswitha visiontomakeadifferenceinDubai.Hisguidancecenters aroundkeyprinciples.
Heemphasizestheimportanceoflifelonglearning. Leadershipisanongoingjourney,andtothriveinthiseverchangingenvironment,onemustcommittocontinuous educationandself-improvement.Stayingupdatedon industrytrendsandexpandingone’sknowledgebaseis crucial.
Anthonyalsounderscoresthevalueofviewingmistakesnot asfailuresbutasopportunitiesforgrowth.Mistakesarea naturalpartofleadership,andtheabilitytoadjustandgain insightsfromtheseexperiencesisahallmarkofeffective leadership.
Moreover,unwaveringcommitmenttoentrepreneurial aspirationsisessential.Inthefaceofchallenges,setbacks, anduncertainties,maintainingdedicationandpassionfor yourgoalsservesasaguidingforcethatcanpropelyou forward.
Additionally,Anthonyencouragesyoungleaderstosee obstaclesandsetbacksasopportunitiesforpersonaland professionaldevelopment.Eachchallenge,when approachedwithagrowth-orientedmindset,becomesa steppingstonetowardgreatercompetenceandresilience.
Anthony’sadvicehighlightstheimportanceofresilience, adaptability,andasteadfastcommitmenttocontinuous growthasfoundationalelementsforyoungleadersaiming toleavealastingimpactinDubai’sever-evolvingbusiness landscape.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that attaining success in any field demands diligence, market acumen, and adaptability to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Setting the Standard for Growth and Sustainability in Dubai’s Business Landscape
AbdullaBelhoulservesastheChiefExecutive OfficerofTECOMGroup,aDubai-based multinationalconglomeratewithadiverse portfolioencompassing10businessdistricts,20premier retaildestinations,and15residentialcommunities.His appointmenttothisesteemedroleoccurredin2020, followinganoteworthytenureastheChiefCommercial OfficerofDubaiHoldingAssetManagement(DHAM),a positionheheldsince2018.
EarlyLifeandEducationalBackground
AbdullaBelhoul’srootstracebacktoDubai,UnitedArab Emirates,wherehewasbornandraised.Hisacademic journeyledhimtoobtainaBachelorofSciencedegreein CivilEngineeringfromtheUniversityofMaryland,College Park,andaMasterofBusinessAdministrationdegreefrom theUniversityofDubai.
ProfessionalTrajectory
AbdullaBelhoul’sprofessionalodysseycommencedin 2002whenheassumedtheroleofProjectEngineeratthe DubaiWorldTradeCenter.Helaterheldpivotalmanagerial positionswithintheDubaiDepartmentofCivilAviation’s EngineeringDepartmentbeforemakinghisnotableentry intoDubaiHoldingin2007.
AtDubaiHolding,AbdullaBelhouloversawtherealization oficonicprojectsthatnowdefineDubai’sskyline, includingtherenownedBurjKhalifa,thebustlingDubai Mall,andtheexpansiveDubaiMetronetwork. Furthermore,hetookchargeofmanagingtheextensive assetswithinthecompany’sportfolio,includingthevibrant businessdistricts,enticingretaildestinations,andthriving residentialcommunitiesownedbyTECOMGroup.
In2018,AbdullaBelhoulascendedtotheroleofChief CommercialOfficeratDHAM.Inthiscapacity,he shoulderedtheresponsibilityofchartingandexecutingthe organization’sgrowthstrategy,allthewhileensuringthe
seamlessdeliveryofcustomerexperiencesandsmart services.
In2020,AbdullaBelhoul’sjourneyreachedasignificant milestonewhenhewasappointedastheCEOofTECOM Group.Sincethen,hehasplayedapivotalroleinsteering thecompanytowardsaneraofremarkablegrowthand transformation.Underhisvisionaryleadership,TECOM Groupdiversifieditsserviceportfolioandinitiatedvarious groundbreakingprojectstobettercatertoitsesteemed clienteleandpartners.
AboutTECOMGroup
TECOMGroupstandsasaprominentDubai-based multinationalconglomerate,distinguishingitselfby ownershipandmanagementof10vibrantbusinessdistricts, 20leadingretaildestinations,and15thrivingresidential communities.Thecompany’sbusinessdistrictshouseover 10,000enterprisesacrossaspectrumofindustries, includingmedia,technology,andeducation.
TECOMGroup’soverarchingvisionistoleadasthe world’spreeminentsustainablebusinessandlifestyle destination.Itsmissioniscenteredaroundfostering flourishingcommunitiesthatempowerbothbusinessesand individualstoachievesuccess.
TECOMGroupextendsanarrayofservices, encompassing:
Businessparkdevelopmentandleasing
Retaildevelopmentandleasing
Residentialdevelopmentandleasing
Facilitiesmanagement
Businesssupportservices
NotableAchievements
AbdullaBelhoulhasanillustrioushistoryof accomplishmentsintheintricateworldofdevelopingand
managingmultifacetedbusinesses.Underhisdynamicleadership,TECOMGrouphas enjoyedsubstantialgrowthandaremarkabletransformation.
SomeofthenoteworthyachievementsduringAbdullaBelhoul’stenureatTECOM Groupinclude:
TheinceptionoftheTECOMBusinessParkInnovationCentre,acutting-edgefacility dedicatedtonurturinginnovativeenterprises.
ForgingstrategicpartnershipswithglobalgiantslikeGoogleandMicrosoft,facilitating theestablishmentoftheirregionalheadquartersinTECOMGroup’sbustlingbusiness districts.
ThelaunchoftheTECOMGroupSustainabilityStrategyunderscoresthecompany’s commitmenttopioneeringsustainablebusinesspractices.
Acommendable7%revenuegrowthintheyear2022.
AbdullaBelhoulcommandsimmenserespectwithintheUAEbusinesscommunity.His unwaveringdedicationtofosteringinnovation,championingsustainability,and deliveringexemplarycustomerservicehasearnedhimasterlingreputation. Furthermore,heremainsastaunchadvocateforDubai’sevolutionasaprominentglobal businesshub.
Inessence,AbdullaBelhoul’sjourneyisatestamenttohisexceptionalleadership,rooted inaricheducationalbackground,extensiveexperience,andavisionforfosteringgrowth andsustainabilityintheUAE’sbusinesslandscape.AstheCEOofTECOMGroup,he continuestodrivethecompanyforward,makingstridesindevelopinginnovative solutionsandnurturingthrivingcommunitiesforbusinessesandindividualsalike.
CEO TECOMGroup Abdulla Belhoul
10 On-Demand Product Management Tools To Try Today
Theneedforefficientandeffectiveproductmanagementhas becomecrucialascompaniesstrivetomeetconstantly evolvingcustomerdemandsandstaycompetitive.Attheheart ofthistransformationliestheproductmanagementtool—a digitalsolutiondesignedtosimplify,enhance,andelevatethe entireproductlifecycle.Thesetechnologiesofferamultitude ofcapabilities,spanningfromcollaborativeplanningand communicationtodataanalysisanduserfeedback integration.Inthisblog,wewillexplorethetopproduct managementtoolsandtheirkeyfeatures.Let’sbegin!
Aha!
Founder:BriandeHaaffandDr.ChrisWaters FoundationYear:2013
AnnualSubscription:$59,$99,$149 Products:Productoverview,Roadmaps,Ideas,Notebooks, Develop,etc.
Aha!isafavoredproductmanagementsoftwareamongmore than100,000users.Itsrobusttoolsetenablesusersto visualizestrategies,prioritizeideas,andalignteams effectively.
Integrationwithdevelopmenttoolsensuressmooth coordination,aidinginstrategyplanningandfeature prioritizationtodefinegoalsandmakedecisionsefficiently
Efficientexecutionisensuredthroughreleasemanagement, andthesoftwareofferscustomizableworkflows,collaborative features,andinsightfulanalyticstoenhanceproductivity.
Aha!alsoincorporatescustomerfeedbackcollection,CRM integration,andstringentsecuritymeasures,showcasingits comprehensiveapproach.Thisempowersproductmanagers toeffectivelyrealizetheirvisions.
Thesoftwarespecializesinthefollowingsectors: • Technology
Healthcare
Retail
Finance
ProductPlan
Founder:JimSemickandGregGoodman FoundationYear:2013 AnnualSubscription:$39-$79 Products:Roadmaps,Security,Customers,Integrations, Templates,etc.
In2023,ProductPlanwillhave3,000customersfrom differentindustries.
Theplatformoffersvisualroadmaps,adrag-and-drop interface,andalignswithbusinessstrategiestoimprove productplanningefficiencyintheseindustries.
Moreover,itsintegrationwithdevelopmenttoolsand customizationoptionsimprovesexecution.Italsoincludes featureslikedependencymanagementandprioritysettings tailoredtospecificindustryneeds.
ProductPlanofferscomprehensivemanagementsolutions acrossthesesectorswithanalytics,dataimport/export,and userpermissions.
Thespecializedsectorsinclude:
• Technology
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Finance
Trello
Founder:JoelSpolsky,MichaelPryor,andDanielKittner
FoundationYear:2011
AnnualSubscription:$5-$17.50
Products:Boards,Businessclass,Enterprise,Mobileapps, Integrations,Powerups,Templates,Gold,andCommunity etc.
In2023,Trelloboastsmorethan50millionregisteredusers.
Trelloservesasacrucialprojectmanagementtoolacross varioussectors.Itisespeciallypopularinthetechnology industry,whereitassistsinproductdevelopment.
Furthermore,Trelloaidsmarketingprofessionalsin managingcampaigns,trackingleads,andorganizingcontent.
Itsversatilityextendstocreativefields,makingproject management,clientcollaboration,andprogresstracking effortless.
Trello’sdiversefeaturescaterperfectlytotherequirementsof thesesectors,providingenhancedefficiencyand organization.
Thespecializedsectorsinclude:
• Technology
• Marketing
• Creativesectors
Zendesk
Founder:MortenPrimdahl,AlexanderAghassipour,and MikkelSvane FoundationYear:2007
AnnualSubscription:$19-$55-$115
Products:Service,Sales,Sunshineplatform,Marketplace, etc.
AccordingtotheZendeskproductmanagementtools website,theyareprojectingtohave160,000 customersin160countriesby2023.
Zendeskoffersversatilecustomerservicesoftware, cateringtoawiderangeofindustries.Itsfeatures, suchastheticketingsystem,multi-channelsupport, andautomation,providesignificantbenefitstovarious sectors.
Furthermore,itoffersadditionalenhancementslike theself-serviceportal,knowledgebasemanagement, andreal-timechatsupport,whichfacilitateefficient operationsacrossthesediversefields.
Withcapabilitiesthatincludereporting,analytics, multilingualsupport,andmore,Zendeskensuresa customizedapproachtodeliveringseamlesscustomer experiencesinvariousindustrysettings.
ThesectorsinwhichZendeskspecializesareas follows:
• Technology
• FinancialServices
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Education
• Non-profitsectors
Amplitude
Founder: SpenserSkates,CurtisLiu,andJeffrey Wang
FoundationYear:2021
AnnualSubscription:FreeTrialforbeginners, $995,$2,995,Enterpriseplanpricingdependsonthe business
Products:Analytics,Experiments,CustomerData Platform,Integrations,DataManagement,etc.
In2023,Amplitudeisexpectedtohavemorethan 1,500customers.
Thisproductoffersawiderangeoffeatures,suchas eventtracking,funnelanalysis,andretentioninsights.
Otherfeaturesofthisrobustproductincludecohort analysis,usersegmentation,behavioralanalysis,user flowassessment,A/Btesting,notifications,data privacy,security,andreal-timeanalysis.
Mobileandwebanalytics,alongwithadvanceddata visualization,enablebusinessestomakeinformed,datadrivendecisionsthatarecustomizedtotheirindustry needs.
Amplitudespecializesinthefollowingsectors:
• Financialservices
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Mediaandentertainment
• Travelandhospitality.
SurveyMonkey
Founder:ChrisFinely,RyanFinely FoundationYear:1999
AnnualSubscription:$1550,$3800,Fortheenterprise plan,thepricingisbasedonthebusiness Products:SurveyMonkey,Enterprise,Apps,and Integrations,Audience,CX,Engage,etc.
AccordingtoSurveyMonkey’swebsite,itanticipates havingmorethan25millionusersin2023.
Itsadaptivefeaturesincludeintuitivesurveycreation, dynamicbranching,andindustry-specifictemplates.
Itseamlesslyintegrateswithcustomizableoptions,various distributionmethods,androbustresponsecollection.
Theplatformalsosupportsin-depthdataanalysis,secure sharing,andmobilecompatibility.Collaborationtools, surveyquotas,andadvancedfeaturesenhanceits relevanceinvarioussectors,whilerigoroustesting,survey panels,anddatasecurityunderscoreitsbroadsectoral utility.
ThesectorsinwhichSurveyMonkeyspecializesareas follows:
• Business
• Education
• Government
• Healthcare
• Technology
• Retail
• Mediaandentertainment
• Travel
Monday.com
Founder:RoyMan,EranZinman FoundationYear:2012
AnnualSubscription:Free,$8m,$10,$19,andEnterprise planpricingisbasedonthebusiness Products:WorkOS,Marketing,Sales,CustomerSuccess, etc.
AccordingtoMonday.com’swebsite,theyanticipatehaving morethan186,000customersin2023.
Knownforitscustomizableworkspaces,visualtask management,andautomationcapabilities,Monday.com seamlesslyintegrateswithtoolsessentialforvarious industry-specificneeds.
Thesoftware’scollaborationfeatures,progresstracking, andGanttchartviewscontributetoimprovedproject managementacrosstheseindustries.
Monday.comofferstailoredsolutionstostreamline operations,withfeaturesincludingfilesharing,mobile apps,timetracking,andaccesscontrol.
Theplatform’sreliabilityisfurtherhighlightedbyitsrobust customersupportandtrainingoptions,makingita comprehensivetoolforeffectivecoordinationand managementwithinthesesectors.
Thespecializedsectorsincludethefollowing:
• Technology
• Financialservices
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Education
• Non-profitorganizations
Craft.io
Founder:ItaiLevyandAdiKremer FoundationYear:2021
AnnualSubscription:$19,$79,andCustomizedplans
Products:CraftDocs,CraftBoards,CraftInsights,Craft Hub,CraftCollaborate,etc.
In2023,Craft.ioisprojectedtohaveapproximately 500,000users.
Craft.iodistinguishesitselfinseveralcrucialareas, includingproductroadmapping,ideamanagement, featureprioritization,userstorymapping,backlog management,andcollaboration.
Moreover,itseamlesslyintegrateswithdevelopment tools,assistsinreleaseplanning,providesintegration withproductanalytics,offerssupportfor customizableworkflows,overseesdependenciesand relationships,andaidsincomprehendinguser personas.
Craft.ioboastsrobustsecurityandpermission controls,makingitthepreferredchoicefor streamlinedandefficientproductdevelopmentin thesekeysectors.
ThespecializedsectorsinwhichCraft.ioexcelsare asfollows:
• Financeservices
• Technology
• Retailing
• Healthcare
• Education
• Non-profitorganizations
Ignition
Founder:GuyPearson,DaneThomas FoundationYear:2013
AnnualSubscription:Free,$99,andCustompricing Products:Go-To-Market,ProductManagement, Research,Insights,Measurements,Integrations,and FreeTools.
In2023,theIgnitionsoftwareisprojectedtoservea userbaseof20,000customers.
Thissoftwareoffersarangeoffeatures,including customizableonboarding,digitaldocumentation, employeeprofiles,trainingmodules,andtools designedtonurturecompanyculture.
Furthermore,itfacilitatestaskmanagement, communication,andmentorship.Italsoincorporates featureslikefeedbackmechanisms,HRintegration, analytics,mobileaccess,compliancesupport,and multilingualcapabilities.Theseintegrationsensure bothefficiencyandsecuritywhilepromoting inclusivity
Ignitionisinstrumentalinstreamliningprocessesand enhancingcommunicationwithinmodernorganizations acrossvarioussectors.
Thesectorsinwhichitspecializesareasfollows:
• Manufacturing
• Energy
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Financialservices
• Government ProdPad
Founder:JannaBastow FoundationYear:2021
AnnualSubscription:$24-$44
Products:IdeaManagement,Roadmapping,UserStory Mapping,FeaturePrioritization,FeedbackManagement,etc.
AccordingtoPropad’swebsite,theyareprojectedtohave morethan10,000usersin2023.
Thiscomprehensiveplatformempowersbusinessesofall sizesinvarioussectorsbyofferingessentialfeatureslike ideacapture,prioritization,andproductroadmapping.It seamlesslyintegrateswithdevelopmenttools,promoting collaborationthroughfeedback,voting,andcommenting. Additionally,itensuresideavalidation,customizable workflows,userpersonas,analytics,andsecurepermissions management.
Thiscombinationofcapabilitiesfacilitatesefficient innovationandprovidesstrategicinsightsacrossdiverse industries.
Thesectorsinwhichtheyspecializeinclude:
• Technology
• Financialservices
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Education
• Non-profitorganizations
• Propertytechnology(PropTech)
• Realestatebrokerage
• Realestateinvestmenttrusts(REITs)
• Realestatedevelopers
HussainSajwaniismorethanjustaself-made
billionaire;heistheepitomeofavisionary entrepreneurwhohasleftanindeliblemarkon theglobalrealestatelandscape.AstheFounderChairman ofDAMACProperties–DAMACFoundation,Sajwani’s journeyisatestamenttothepowerofhardwork, dedication,andacommitmenttomakingapositiveimpact ontheworld.
EarlyLifeandEducation
HussainSajwani’sstorybeginsintheheartofDubaiin 1953.Fromayoungage,heunderstoodthevalueofhard workandresponsibility,ashecontributedtohisfamily’s well-being.Whilehedidn’thavetheprivilegeofpursuinga formaluniversityeducation,Sajwaniembarkedona lifelongjourneyoflearningthatwouldultimatelyshapehis destiny.Hisearlyexperiencesinstilledinhimaworkethic thatwouldbecomethecornerstoneofhissuccess.
ProfessionalLife
SajwanirecognizedtherisingdemandforhotelsinDubaiin theearly1990s,withaninfluxofbusinessandtrade travelers.Hetookadvantageofthechanceandbeganthe constructionofhotelstoaccommodatethegrowing demand.Hisboldapproachandunfalteringcommitment laidtheframeworkforwhatwouldbecomehismostmajor project.
AboutDAMACanditsServices
In2002,helaidthefoundationforwhatwouldbecomethe behemothofpropertydevelopment–DAMACProperties. Underhisastuteleadership,thecompanyhasburgeoned intooneofthemostprominentpropertydevelopersnot onlyintheMiddleEastbutonaglobalscale.DAMAC Propertiesextendsawidespectrumofservices,makingita comprehensivesolutionproviderintherealestatesector Theseservicesencompasspropertydevelopment,realestate brokerage,propertymanagement,interiordesign,and hospitalitymanagement,atestamenttothecompany’s versatilityandcommitmenttoholisticexcellence.
GlorifiedPortfolio
DAMACPropertieshasetcheditspresenceacrossten countries,leavinganindeliblemarkwithadiverseportfolio encompassingresidential,commercial,andhospitality projects.Amongtheirnotableprojects,theworldhasbeen gracedwitharchitecturalmarvelssuchasDAMACTowers
NineElmsinLondon,DAMACParamountTowersin Dubai,DAMACCavalliTowerinDubai,DAMAC LagoonsinDubai,DAMACBusinessBayinDubai,and DAMACLivingLegendsinDubai.
VisionandMission
AttheheartofDAMACProperties’ethosisaresolute visiontobecomeaworld-classpropertydeveloperknown forinnovationandsustainablecommunitybuilding.This visioniscomplementedbyamissiontoconsistentlydeliver thehighestqualityproductsandservicestoitscustomers whilecreatingsignificantvalueforitsshareholders.Itis thisunyieldingexcellencethathaspropelledDAMAC Propertiestotheforefrontoftherealestateindustry
Achievements
UndertheinspirationalleadershipofHussainSajwani, DAMACPropertieshasachievedremarkablesuccess. Forbeshasrecognizedthecompanyasoneoftheworld’s fastest-growingenterprises,celebratingitsinnovativeand sustainableprojectswithnumerousprestigiousawards. Furthermore,Sajwani’sowncontributionstothebusiness worldhavenotgoneunnoticed,ashehasbeen acknowledgedasoneofthemostpowerfulArabsglobally byForbesMiddleEastandhasreceivedtheesteemedOrder ofMeritfromthePresidentoftheUnitedArabEmirates.
PersonalAchievements
HussainSajwani’saccomplishmentsextendbeyondthe realmofbusiness.Heisaphilanthropistwithadeep commitmenttoeducationandsocialinitiatives.Asthe founderoftheHussainSajwani–DAMACFoundation,he leadsanorganizationthatprovidesscholarshipsto underprivilegedstudentsandchampionseducation initiativesworldwide.Sajwani’svisionaryinitiative,the OneMillionArabCoders,isdedicatedtoempoweringa millionArabswiththelanguageofthefuture—computer coding.
HussainSajwani’spathshinesasabeaconofhopeand inspirationforentrepreneursandbusinessleadersaround theworldinanerawhensuccessstoriesfrequentlyfeel remoteandimpossible.Hislifenarrativeexemplifiesthe unrelentingpassion,rigoroushardwork,andunflinching devotiontotheinventionofaself-madebillionaire.
HussainSajwani’simpactontheworldisnotjustlimitedto business;itisatestamenttotheextraordinaryheightsthat canbereachedwithavisionarymindsetandaheart committedtomakingapositivedifferenceintheworld.
Hussain Sajwani
An Exclusive Insight into the Life and Legacy
Unlocking Step-by-Step Guide on
PESTLE
Analysis for Startups to Gain Competitive Advantage and Market Domination
WhatisPESTLEanalysis?Whyisitimportant forstartups?
PESTLEanalysisisastrategictoolthathelpsyouanalyzethe externalfactorsthatcanaffectyourbusiness.Itstandsfor Political,Economic,Social,Technological,Legal,and Environmentalfactors.Thesearethesixdimensionsofthe macro-environmentthatcaninfluenceyourbusiness performanceandgrowth.ByconductingaPESTLEanalysis, youcanidentifytheopportunitiesandthreatsthatarisefrom thesefactorsandhowtheyimpactyourbusiness.
Itisimportantforstartupsbecauseithelpsyouunderstand theexternalbusinessenvironmentinwhichyouoperate.Asa startupentrepreneur,youneedtobeawareofthechangesand trendsthatoccurinthemarketandhowtheyaffectyour business.PESTLEanalysiscanhelpyouevaluatethe attractivenessandfeasibilityofyourstartupidea,aswellas therisksandchallengesthatyoumayface.Bydoinga PESTLEanalysis,youcangaininsightsintothestrengths andweaknessesofyourcompetitors,theneedsand preferencesofyourcustomers,andtheregulationsand policiesthatgovernyourindustry
HowcanPESTLEanalysishelpstartupsgaina competitiveadvantageandmarketdominance?
PESTLEanalysiscanhelpstartupsgainacompetitive advantageandmarketdominancebyenablingthemto developeffectivestrategiesandplansbasedontheresults oftheanalysis.Byusingit,youcanidentifythekeydrivers ofchangeinyourexternalenvironmentandhowtheyaffect yourbusiness.Youcanalsodiscoverthegapsandnichesin themarketthatyoucanexploittocreatevalueforyour customers.Moreover,youcananticipatethepotential opportunitiesandthreatsthatmayarisefromexternal factorsandprepareaccordingly.Bydoingso,youcan enhanceyourdecision-makingandproblem-solvingskills, aswellasachieveyourbusinessgoalsandobjectives.
Inthisarticle,wewillprovideyouwithastep-by-step guideonhowtoconductaPESTLEanalysisforyour startupidea.Wewillalsodiscussthebenefitsand challengesofusingPESTLEanalysisforstartups,aswell assomeexamplesofsuccessfulstartupsthathaveusedit. Bytheendofthispost,youwillhaveaclearunderstanding ofhowtouseittoevaluatethebusinessenvironmentfor yourstartupanddevelopeffectivestrategiesandplans.
UnderstandingthePESTLEFramework
Asyouknow,therearesixdimensionsoftheexternal environmentthatcanaffectastartup’soperationsand success.Byunderstandingeachofthesefactors,youcan evaluatetheopportunitiesandthreatsthattheyposefor yourstartupandhowtorespondtothem.Let’stakeacloser lookateachofthesefactorsandhowtheycanimpactyour startup.
● PoliticalFactors:Thesearethefactorsthatrelate tothegovernmentpolicies,regulations,and actionsthatinfluenceyourbusiness.Forexample, politicalfactorscanincludetaxpolicies,trade agreements,politicalstability,corruptionlevels, andpublicspending.Politicalfactorscanaffect yourstartup’sprofitability,marketaccess,risk exposure,andlegalcompliance.
● EconomicFactors:Thesearethefactorsthat relatetotheeconomicconditions,trends,and indicatorsthatinfluenceyourbusiness.For example,economicfactorscanincludeGDP growth,inflation,interestrates,exchangerates, consumerconfidence,andunemployment. Economicfactorscanaffectyourstartup’s demand,supply,costs,revenues,and competitiveness.
● SocialFactors:Thesearethefactorsthatrelateto thesocialandculturalaspects,values,and behaviorsthatinfluenceyourbusiness.For example,socialfactorscanincludedemographics, lifestyles,educationlevels,healthawareness,and socialmediausage.Socialfactorscanaffectyour startup’scustomerneeds,preferences, expectations,andloyalty
● TechnologicalFactors:Thesearethefactorsthat relatetothetechnologicalinnovations, developments,andchangesthatinfluenceyour business.Forexample,technologicalfactorscan includeinternetaccess,mobiledevices,cloud computing,artificialintelligence,andblockchain. Technologicalfactorscanaffectyourstartup’s productdevelopment,servicedelivery,operational efficiency,andcompetitiveadvantage.
● LegalFactors:Thesearethefactorsthatrelateto thelegalsystemanditsrulesandregulationsthat influenceyourbusiness.Forexample,legalfactors
canincludeintellectualpropertyrights,consumer protectionlaws,laborlaws,privacylaws,andantitrustlaws.Legalfactorscanaffectyourstartup’s legalobligations,liabilities,risks,and opportunities.
● EnvironmentalFactors:Thesearethefactorsthat relatetothenaturalenvironmentanditsresources thatinfluenceyourbusiness.Forexample, environmentalfactorscanincludeclimatechange, pollutionlevels,naturaldisasters,andbiodiversity Environmentalfactorscanaffectyourstartup’s environmentalimpact,sustainabilitypractices, socialresponsibilityreputation,andregulatory compliance.
Step-by-StepGuidetoConductingPESTLEAnalysis
ConductingaPESTLEanalysisforyourstartupisnota difficulttask,butitrequiressomeplanningandpreparation. Herearethestepsyouneedtofollowtoconducta comprehensivePESTLEanalysisforyourstartup:
Step1DefinethescopeandobjectivesofyourPESTLE analysis:Beforeyoustartyouranalysis,youneedtodefine thescopeandobjectivesofyouranalysis.Whatisthe purposeofyouranalysis?Whatarethequestionsyouwant toanswer?Whatarethegoalsyouwanttoachieve?For example,youmaywanttousePESTLEanalysistoevaluate thefeasibilityofyourstartupidea,identifythe opportunitiesandthreatsinyourmarket,ordevelopa strategicplanforyourbusiness.
Step2Gatherrelevantdataandinformationforeach PESTLEfactor:Thenextstepistogatherrelevantdata andinformationforeachPESTLEfactor.Youneedto researchandcollectdataandinformationfromvarious sources,suchasonlinedatabases,reports,articles,surveys, interviews,andobservations.Youneedtoensurethatthe dataandinformationyougatherarereliable,valid,current, andrelevanttoyourscopeandobjectives.Forexample,you maywanttouseGoogle/Bing/ResearchReportstosearch forpolitical,economic,social,technological, environmental,andlegalfactorsthataffectyourindustryor market.
Step3AnalyzeeachPESTLEfactorandidentifythe opportunitiesandthreats:Thethirdstepistoanalyze eachPESTLEfactorandidentifytheopportunitiesand threatsthattheyposeforyourstartup.Youneedtoexamine howeachfactoraffectsyourbusinessperformanceand
needtouseappropriatetoolsorframeworks,suchas SWOTanalysis,Porter’sfiveforcesanalysis,orvalue chainanalysis,tohelpyouanalyzeeachfactor Youneed tohighlightthekeyopportunitiesandthreatsthatemerge fromeachfactorandhowtheyimpactyourbusiness.For example,youmaywanttouseSWOTanalysistoevaluate thestrengths,weaknesses,opportunities,andthreatsof eachPESTLEfactorforyourstartup.
Step4Prioritizeandevaluatetheresultsofyour PESTLEanalysis:Thefinalstepistoprioritizeand evaluatetheresultsofyourPESTLEanalysis.Youneedto ranktheopportunitiesandthreatsaccordingtotheir importance,urgency,feasibility,andimpactonyour business.Youneedtoassesstheimplicationsand consequencesofeachopportunityandthreatforyour business.Youneedtodeterminewhichopportunitiesand threatsaremostrelevantandsignificantforyourbusiness goalsandobjectives.Forexample,youmaywanttousea matrixorascorecardtoprioritizeandevaluatetheresults ofyourPESTLEanalysis.
UtilizingPESTLEAnalysisforCompetitiveAdvantage
PESTLEanalysiscanbeutilizedforcompetitive advantagebyenablingyoutoidentifyopportunities, mitigaterisks,andgainacompetitiveedgeinthemarket. Byusingit,youcan:
● Identifyopportunities:Itcanhelpyouidentify opportunitiesthatarisefromexternalfactorsthat canbenefityourbusiness.Youcanusethese opportunitiestocreatevalueforyourcustomers, differentiateyourselffromyourcompetitors, enternewmarketsorsegments,orexpandyour productorserviceofferings.Forexample,Airbnb usedPESTLE analysistoidentifythe opportunitytoprovideaffordableandauthentic accommodationoptionsfortravelersindifferent countries.
● Mitigaterisks:PESTLEanalysiscanhelpyou mitigaterisksthatarisefromexternalfactorsthat canharmyourbusiness.Youcanusetheserisks toanticipatepotentialchallengesorthreats, preparecontingencyplansorsolutions,reduceor avoidnegativeimpactsorlosses,orimprove yourresilienceoradaptability.Forexample,Uber usedPESTLEanalysistomitigatetherisksof facinglegalissuesorregulationsindifferent countries.
● Gainacompetitiveedge:PESTLEanalysiscan helpyougainacompetitiveedgeinthemarket byenablingyoutodevelopeffectivestrategies andplansbasedontheresultsoftheanalysis. Youcanusethesestrategiesandplanstoachieve yourbusinessgoalsandobjectives,enhanceyour performanceandgrowth,increaseyourmarket shareorprofitability,orstrengthenyour competitivepositionoradvantage.Forexample, NetflixusedPESTLEanalysistogaina competitiveedgeinthestreamingindustryby developinginnovativetechnologiesandcontent.
TransformingInsightsintoMarketDomination
Transforminginsightsintomarketdominationisnotan easytask,butitispossiblewithPESTLEanalysis.By usingthis,youcantranslateinsightsintostrategicactions formarketdominance.Youcandothisby:
IncorporatingPESTLEfindingsintoyourbusiness plan:Yourbusinessplanisadocumentthatoutlinesyour vision,mission,goals,objectives,strategies,plans, actions,andmeasuresforyourbusiness.Byincorporating PESTLEfindingsintoyourbusinessplan,youcanensure thatyourplanisalignedwiththeexternalenvironmentin whichyouoperate.Youcanalsouseitsfindingsto validateorreviseyourbusinessplanastheexternal environmentchanges.Forexample,Spotifyincorporated PESTLEfindingsintoitsbusinessplantolaunchits musicstreamingserviceindifferentmarkets.
IncorporatingPESTLEfindingsintoyourmarketing strategy:Yourmarketingstrategyisadocumentthat outlinesyourtargetmarket,valueproposition,marketing mix,andmarketingbudgetforyourbusiness.By incorporatingPESTLEfindingsintoyourmarketing strategy,youcanensurethatyourmarketingstrategyis tailoredtotheneedsandpreferencesofyourcustomers andthetrendsandchangesinthemarket.Youcanalso usePESTLEfindingstomonitororevaluateyour marketingstrategyasmarketconditionschange.For example,TeslaincorporatedPESTLEfindingsintoits marketingstrategytopromoteitselectricvehiclesand solarproducts.
IncorporatingPESTLEfindingsintoyourproduct development:Yourproductdevelopmentisaprocessthat involvescreating,testing,launching,andimprovingyour productorserviceforyourcustomers.Byincorporating PESTLEfindingsintoyourproductdevelopment,youcan
ensurethatyourproductorserviceisinnovative, relevant,andcompetitiveinthemarket.Youcanalso usefindingstoidentifynewopportunitiesorchallenges foryourproductorserviceascustomerneedsand expectationschange.Forexample,Appleincorporated PESTLEfindingsintoitsproductdevelopmentto createitsiPhone,iPad,andAppleWatch.
Byfollowingthisstep-by-stepguideonhowto conductaPESTLEanalysisforstartups,youcangain acomprehensiveunderstandingoftheexternal businessenvironmentinwhichyouoperate.By utilizingPESTLEanalysisforcompetitiveadvantage, youcanidentifyopportunities,mitigaterisks,andgain acompetitiveedgeinthemarket.Bytransforming insightsintomarketdominance,youcantranslate insightsintostrategicactionsformarketdomination. Bydoingso,youcanachieveyourbusinessgoalsand objectivesandbecomeamarketleaderinyourindustry orniche.
HowStartupsHaveUsedPESTLEAnalysis?
Example1:HowAirbnbUsedPESTLEAnalysisto DisrupttheHotel
Industry
InthecaseofAirbnb,thecompanyappliedPESTLE analysistorecognizetheshiftingdynamicsofthe travelandhospitalitysectors.Byanalyzingpolitical, economic,andsocialfactors,theydiscovereda growingtrendinpeer-to-peeraccommodation.Thisled tothedevelopmentoftheirinnovativeplatform, connectingtravelerswithlocalhosts.Airbnb’s adaptability,shapedbyPESTLEinsights,alloweditto disruptthehotelindustry,providingunique experiencesandchallengingtraditionalhotelchains.
Example2:HowTeslaUsedPESTLEAnalysisto BecometheWorld’sLeadingElectricVehicle Company
Tesla,asastartup,harnessedPESTLEanalysisto navigatethecompetitiveelectricvehiclemarket. Throughadeepunderstandingoftechnologicaland environmentalfactors,theyidentifiedarisingdemand forsustainabletransportationsolutions.Thisinsight fueledtheirdevelopmentofcutting-edgeelectric vehicles.Tesla’sproactiveapproach,influencedby PESTLEfindings,enabledittobecometheglobal leaderinelectricvehiclemanufacturing,promoting eco-friendlytransport.
Example3:HowAmazonusedPESTLEAnalysisto BecometheWorld’sLargestOnlineRetailer
Amazon’sjourneytobecomingtheworld’slargestonline retailerwasgreatlyinfluencedbyPESTLEanalysis.By meticulouslyexaminingeconomicandtechnologicalfactors, theyrecognizedthepotentialofe-commerce.Amazon adapteditsstrategyaccordingly,emphasizingconvenience, customerexperience,andefficientsupplychains.This strategicalignmentwithPESTLEinsightsallowedAmazon todominatetheonlineretailmarketandbecomeahousehold name.
ThesecasestudieshighlightthesignificanceofPESTLE analysisforstartups.It’satoolthathelpsidentify opportunitiesandthreatsandguidesstrategicdecisionmaking.Throughthesereal-worldexamples,startupscan understandhowtoleveragePESTLEanalysistogaina competitiveadvantageandachievemarketdomination, muchlikeAirbnb,Tesla,andAmazon.
Conclusion
InwrappingupthisinformativeguideonPESTLEanalysis forstartups,itiscrucialtosummarizethekeytakeawaysand reinforcethevalueofthisstrategictool.Throughoutthis article,wehaveexploredthefundamentalsofPESTLE analysis,itscomponents,andwhyitisessentialforstartups. Wehavetakenacloselookathowstartupscanusethis analysistogainacompetitiveedgeanddominatetheir markets.
ThebenefitsofPESTLEanalysisforstartupsareundeniable. Itequipsthemwiththeabilitytoforeseepotentialobstacles andseizeopportunities,guidingthemtowardinformed decision-making.Itempowersstartupstotailortheir strategies,ensuringtheyremainadaptableandresponsiveto theever-changingbusinesslandscape.However,the challengesshouldalsobeconsideredwhileapplying.
Nowthatyouhavegainedinsightsintothepowerof PESTLEanalysis,itistimetoputthisknowledgeinto practice.StartupsareencouragedtointegratePESTLE analysisintotheirstrategydevelopmentanddecisionmakingprocesses.Bydoingso,theycansignificantly enhancetheirchancesofsuccessinacompetitivebusiness world.
Remember, “PESTLE analysis is not a one-time task but an ongoing practice to keep your startup ahead of the game.”
A Self-Committed Entrepreneur Remarkably Tackling The Challenges Of Crisis MOHAMED SAIEED
Theunprecedentedimpactof thepandemichascaused manyhazardsinthe businessscenario.Everybusiness platformwitnessedarapiddigital transformation.Timeslikethis demandcompetentleadershipto helpgetthroughthetoughphase. OnesuchleaderisMohamed Saieed,CEOofPotensiaSystems. Heisnotonlyremarkablytackling thechallengesofthepandemic,but alsodeliveringitsclientswith excellentITsolutions.Mohamedisa self-committedpersonwhohada keeninterestintechnologyfroma veryyoungage.Withyearspassing, hispassiongrewashestarted readingandself-learning,andhe decidedtopursuehispassion.He completedhiseducationin ComputerScienceatSwansea University,andlatertoaddtothe skillsethepursuedanMBA.
Moreover,tokeepupwiththe markettrendsandpredictthem, Mohamedpursuedadiplomain MarketingfromtheAmerican UniversityinCairoandadiplomain
ArtificialIntelligencefromOxford. Hehasadistinctperspectiveforthe entrepreneuriallifeandsays,“When you're your own boss, it's very different from working for someone else—as you'll be working towards your dream and passion. You'll be learning something new every day, and it's not only on the business side but also on the personal side.”Heis theco-founderofseveralcompanies andPotensiaSystemsisoneofthe deareststohisheart.
UniqueBouquetofSolutions
BasedinUAE,PotensiaSystemsis asystemintegratorthatdesignsand deploysindustry-specifictechnology andstreamlinebusinessoperations throughtheportfoliosofsolutions, managedservicesandconsultancy
PotensiaSystemsisableto implementsolutionsgloballyand offersbespokehigh-endtechnology solutionsforcompaniesaroundthe world.Itsintegratedsolutionsfor businessescombinethelatest productswithitsteam'sexpertise
andknow-howtodeliverexcellent outcomesfortheclients.These bouquetsofsolutionsincludeSmart CitiesandDataCentersfor Government,SmartSolutions,and CyberSecurityalongwithELV systems.PotensiaSystemshelps businessestorespondquicklyto theirtechnologyrequirementsand buildthenecessaryITinfrastructure designedtoprotectpeople,property, andinformation.Thishelpsto supportthelong-termgrowthofthe business.
Mohamedunderstandsthatthe companieswillseeasignificant slowdowningrowthduringthis financialyearastheygrapplewith theupheavalwroughtbythe COVID-19pandemic.Inresponseto thechallengesposedbythe pandemic,heshared“We tried to think out-of-the-box to provide unique solutions to our clients.” Mohamedandhisteamare introducinginitiativeslikethe sanitizinggates,thermalcameras, smarthelmets,virtualmeeting rooms,ande-signaturesolutions.
CombatingWiththePandemic
Mohamedstatesthattheteamis PotensiaSystems'greatestasset.He says,“We are all one team one family and that's our key to success—together we will make it happen.”Itisachallengingtimeto serveclients.Despitethechangesin thebusinessscenariotheteamis strivingtoprovidethebestwithina healthyway.Keepinginlinewith thecurrentbusinessscenario
this is the safest course of action during the pandemic, it does inhibit collaborative efforts and opportunities for hands-on training,”saysMohamed.He anticipatesthatsoonenoughthe drawbacksofremoteworkingwill becomeclearerforenterprisesand theywilllookforwaystosmooth disruptionsforemployees.Dueto this,technologieslikeVRwillgain popularity.Companieswillbeseen adoptingtechnologieslikevideo
PotensiaSystemshasupdatedthe workflowsystemsandtheteamhas adaptedtothischanging environmentveryquickly Theteam ismotivatedtobeusableand accessibletotheclientswithoutany interruption.Forthis,theteamhas shapedarobustactionplanandhas implementedspecificprecautionsfor theITOperationsandDevelopment teamstoensurecontinuity
WelfareofEmployeesIsPriority
Mohamedsharesthatworking remotelyisthesafestcourseof actionduringthepandemic.“While
AdoptingtheNewNormalof Industry
Mohamedisoptimisticthatthecrisis willnotbringPotensiaSystems servicestoahalt.Heandhisteam arepreparedtodeliverthebest outcomesandwalksuccessfullyout ofthesetimesofuncertainty Amid crisis,theteamofPotensiaSystems haschangedthelogistics, transportation,supplychain, purchasing,andworkflow.He
MESSAGE FOR THE READERS
“This is a pivotal moment in our history. Like many of you, I am confident we will get through this. When we do, we will look back with pride on how we did so, together. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones.”
MohamedSaieed,CEO,PotensiaSystems
conferencingforsmoothworkflow amongsttheemployees.
Abusinesscannotsurvivewithout peopleandtakingcareoftheir welfareistheresponsibilityofthe leader.Mohamedapprehendsthat COVIDhasfaredtohaveadverse mentalandfinancialaffectsand currentlyitisimportanttopay attentiontotheemployeesandhis clients.
Thus,hehasensuredthehighest safetyandhealthstandards.
furthershares,“Technology has helped us to serve our clients either on maintaining their business running and providing solutions that could help in identifying unnormal human temperature and sanitizing solutions.”
Itisassumedthatthepandemicwill leavetheworldwithmanystartling challengesandlifeafterCOVID-19 willnotbethesameasbefore. Mohamedanticipatesthatthe normalnewworldstrategywillbe implemented,andadvicestochange themindsetsandadapttothenew changes.
Mudassir Sheikha
AVisionary Entrepreneur Transforming the Middle East and NorthAfrica
MudassirSheikha,theCofounderandCEOof Careem,leadsthe prominentcarbookingserviceinthe MENAregion.Thecompanyis headquarteredinDubai,abustlingand dynamiccity.Careemoperatesacrossa vastexpanse,extendingfromMorocco toPakistan,anditplaysapivotalrole intransformingtheregion.
EarlyLifeandEducationalJourney
Mr.Sheikha’sjourneycommencedin Pakistan,buthisupbringingtookplace inthevibrantcityofDubai,United ArabEmirates.Duringhisearlyyears, heattendedtheAmericanSchoolof Dubai.Hisintellectualambitions extendedbeyondborders,leadinghim toobtainadualdegreeinComputer ScienceandEconomicsfromthe esteemedStanfordUniversity.Despite therigorousacademicenvironmentat Stanford,hepersistedinrefininghis skillsandknowledge.Hiseducational journeyculminatedwiththeattainment ofaMasterofBusinessAdministration fromtheUniversityofSouthern California.
AProfessionalOdyssey
Beforebeginninghisimpressivetenure atCareem,Sheikhadevelopedhis skillsasanAssociatePartnerat McKinsey&Company.Duringthis period,heprovidedvaluableadviceto clientsonawiderangeofstrategicand operationalissues.Additionally,his entrepreneurialinclinationbecame apparentthroughhisco-foundingof DeviceAnywhere,amobiletesting companythatKeynoteSystemslater acquiredin2011.
TheBirthofCareem
In2012,MudassirSheikha,alongwith MagnusOlsson,aformercolleague fromMcKinsey,foundedCareem.This
innovativeventureoriginatedinDubaibutswiftly expandedtoincludeseveralcitiesacrosstheMiddle EastandNorthAfrica.Careemisnotlimitedtoridehailingservicesalone;itoffersawiderangeof services,encompassingfooddeliveryandmobile paymentsolutions.
Careem’sVisionandMission
Careem’scoremissionrevolvesaroundtheaspiration totransformtheMiddleEastandNorthAfricainto themostconvenientandcar-lightregionglobally. Thisvisionalsounderpinstheirmissionstatement: “WeaimtoenhancethelivesofpeopleintheMiddle EastandNorthAfricabyprovidingeasier,costeffective,anddependableaccesstotransportation, fooddelivery,andpaymentservices.”
AnInnovativeSuccessStory
Careem’srapidgrowthsinceitsestablishmenthas madeitoneofthemostremarkablestartupsuccess storiesintheMiddleEastandNorthAfrica.The companycurrentlyhasmorethan33million registeredusersandoperatesinover100citiesacross 14countries.Itsmostsignificantmilestoneoccurred in2019whenUberacquiredCareemforan astonishing$3.1billion.
MudassirSheikha:ARecognizedEntrepreneur
MudassirSheikha’sachievementsgobeyond business.Heisrecognizedasatopentrepreneurin theMiddleEastandNorthAfrica.Hehasreceived notableacknowledgments,suchasbeingnamedone ofthe“MostPowerfulArabsintheWorld”by ArabianBusinessandbeingfeaturedinTime magazine’slistofthe“Top100MostInfluential PeopleintheWorld.”
Conclusion
MudassirSheikhastandsasavisionaryentrepreneur, achievingremarkablesuccessinestablishingoneof themostacclaimedstartupsintheMiddleEastand NorthAfrica.Hisunwaveringdedicationto improvingthelivesofpeopleintheregionisevident throughhiscommitmenttoenhancingconvenience andreducingcardependency.Intheever-changing landscapeoftheMENAregion,SheikhaandCareem playpivotalrolesindrivingtransformativechange.
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