Member interview with Saad Samadi

This week we meet the Head of Marketing at al alali, Saad.

What’s your golden rule?

A famous quote by Hannibal: “Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam” The Latin to English translation is: I will either find a way or make one.

Who has been your biggest influence?

I’ve had quite a few business heroes in my life, famous CEOs and authors, in addition to few of my line managers that mentored me. My biggest influence in the last 10 years however, must be my Mother who has battled cancer multiple times, and continues to be resilient and fearless, with the most positive attitude I have ever seen. 

What is your most hated business expression?

I think it’s more jargon then expression and I have 2 in mind that are both vague and incorrectly overused:

1) Disruption 2) Digital Transformation.

How can marketers be braver?

They can be brave by refusing to be herded into just about any trend out there, especially when it comes to social media content creation. We should stick to our brand purpose and values and, in creating fresh content, look for a storyline our audience relates to, tell it from the right angle and deliver it with a journalistic approach.

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

Joining the founding team of Mai Dubai Water, a risky business start-up in an extremely competitive almost saturated bottle water industry. But as they say, the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

Hands down Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His vision in transforming Dubai to what it is today is pure marketing genius, a case study in brand building.

What’s your favourite word?

Ottapus – It is my 2-year-old daughter’s way of saying Octopus.

Tell us a secret

I always wanted a career in entertainment.

Connect with Saad on LinkedIn