Meet Dubai member Steve Haysom

Steve is one of the founding directors of Omnia and oversees the development of the company's strategic growth in the region. He is instrumental in developing the business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. We managed to track him down for a quick interview:

What’s your golden rule?

Always arrive five minutes early, being late shows disrespect and a lack of organisational skills.

Who has been your biggest influence?

It’s not a who but more my first career in the Royal Navy when I was 18 years old. The services can be daunting at first but it teaches the importance of teamwork, collaboration and the power of the collective, all great traits that I have been using my whole life.

What is your most hated business expression?

“Let’s do some blue sky thinking”. 

I much prefer to have an agenda with some specified objectives and goals, come prepared, cut the BS.

How can marketers be braver?

Modern marketers need to brave and understand new trends in digital technology. The digital landscape is constantly innovating, data and personalisation are providing excellent growth statistics and ROI, we need to show the added value this can bring to the Board to drive growth.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

I re-mortgaged my house in 2001 when my family were young to start Omnia, there were 3 of us in a room, we are now one of the largest independent brand and digital agencies in the UAE, it’s been a crazy, rewarding journey.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

Bill Gates, understated, smart, global, his company products touch everyone, every day, phenomenal.

What’s your favourite word?

Tottenham.

Tell us a secret?

Oliver Reed was a regular at our house for lunch when he lived in Guernsey.

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn