Member Interview with Maan Majali

We are delighted to bring you a Member Interview with Maan Majali, Creative Consultant, Prelude & Senior Creative, Bloomberg Media 

What’s your golden rule?

The story leads. Everything else follows.' In any and every project, the story is the foundation, not the visuals, not the tech, not the trend. A strong story creates clarity, builds trust, and drives emotional connections. The story anchors the message and gives the creative execution meaning and purpose.

Who has been your biggest influence?

My father - a veteran in the Arab news and media landscape since the 1970s. He taught me that every powerful story begins with a single truth. Find that truth, shape it into a story, and the rest will follow. That principle has guided me through every chapter of my career.

What is your most hated business expression?

Let's think outside the box! (I'd say crush the box)

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

Apart from currently building Prelude, a boutique creative consultancy and advisory service here in the MENA region, I'm also working on a couple of projects that are in stealth mode. One is a SaaS platform serving the medical industry in the UK, the other is a tech-driven social impact solution aimed serving at the global philanthropy and development sector.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

Sir Alex Ferguson. And not just because I’m a Manchester United fan (the current pain is very real), but because I can’t think of another leader in any field who delivered such sustained excellence over a quarter of a century. His ability to evolve, rebuild, and win, again and again, is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and vision.

What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?

The pace of creative AI development/deployment vs responsible adoption. Too much is being overlooked; IP-related issues, the potential erosion of human-led/emotional creativity in order to meet demands, and the impact on how we as humans think and create. We’re approaching a crossroad: do we prioritise speed and efficiency at the cost of authenticity, "originality", and cognitive depth? AI may be faster but it isn’t cheaper, we just don’t see the hidden costs, from energy consumption to its potentially irresponsible use. Whatever direction we take, I hope the creative marketing world doesn’t forget: it’s the human touch that makes the work that much better - and that requires time and due process.

Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?

I'm relatively new in the UAE having relocated from London, but I have around 20 years experience across news, media, creative and marketing industries. Being a part of TMS, I think, will keep me connected to a thriving, like-minded community of leaders. I believe it will help me stay sharp and informed, exposed to new ways of thinking, and grounded in what actually matters in this industry. I also think it’s less about networking only, and more about surrounding myself with industry peers who can motivate me to do better, to think clearer, and stay ahead. Ultimately, for me, it's all about being inspired and also, inspiring others (wherever and however I can).

Why does marketing matter to you?

As someone who’s commercially minded, I see marketing as the foundation of business success, and in the world/industry we operate in, it’s the ultimate form of storytelling. When done right, it's a vehicle to tell informative and inspiring stories that moves people, builds trust, and drives action.

Tell us something that’s not on your CV

I have a bit of a reputation for getting obsessive about clarity, and an appetite for detailed information. Friends and colleagues know the signs: if I’ve gone quiet, I’ve likely disappeared down a rabbit hole and won’t come up for air until I’ve figured it out. Gaps in knowledge don’t sit well with me - they burn until I close them.