I had my first job interview when I was still a freshman in University and ended up working for 3 out of the 4 years of my university career – 2 years in a magazine and 1 year in a color separation and design house. My first job was in sales distribution of the magazine and then I moved on to heading the advertising and sales unit. Dealing with the street vendors taught me much more than dealing with marketing teams at different client companies.
What I learned: When you start at the bottom, you learn the most intricate of details that come at a great value in understanding your brand, and more importantly how to communicate.
As a fresh grad, I joined Citibank as part of the marketing team that launched consumer banking in Egypt. This came with a very tough interview process. I got the job because of my work experience (specifically in printing and promotional materials), not my 2.8 GPA:)
What I learned: Being well rounded with a decent GPA is far more beneficial than a perfect 4.0 with nothing to go with it. In 1999-2000, I co-founded the first online recruitment and career development website in Egypt (and later in the region) – CareerEgypt.com / CareerMidEast.com. I served as co-CEO and CMO. I was 24 years old and, like my two university partners, gave up a steady job in a multinational to start my first business . . . Online!!! We had cynics and admirers, but decided to push ahead with full force. This experience shaped me most; Starting a business from scratch and writing real business plans, to raising capital with the biggest investment banks and venture capitalists in the region at the time, and finally selling the business to the largest ISP in Egypt (LINKdotNET) and becoming a shareholder. I also served as Regional Director for the first Digital Media house Connect Ads, owned by LINKdotNET.
What I learned: Stretching yourself outside your comfort zone is the only way to grow and learn new skills.
After that I joined alkarma edutainment, a leading content development, outreach, and media production company with offices in Egypt and the UAE (producers of Alam Simsim) as Commercial Director. I later became MD and partner. After 5 years in the business, I also became the Executive Producer – Show Runner of the Al Jami3a Drama Series.
What I learned: When you think you have stretched yourself to the max. know there is more stretching and more learning everyday.
Having a passion for startups, I went on and founded Zanad a design studio specialized in 2D/3D animation and illustration, with my partner who serves as the creative director.
Know it is all coming together, and I am once again moving into the digital space as Group Head of Digital at Adline Media Network.
Final Words: Everything I have done so far has taught me that there is always room for growth and new opportunities. Stretch yourself, learn always, do what you love, and if you are very lucky...make a difference.
