Aashir Iftikhar Khan’s Post

One of the big challenges product teams have when entering into KSA companies for the first time and trying to convince them that product will really help their organisation is that in takes time to get meaningful results through user discovery, building strategy, getting deep into data etc then waiting for engineers to execute Also add on top of this product management is not really a role that you can outsource like engineering and UX. it’s critical to have local presence due to the stakeholder management and alignment heavy nature of the role. Also a Product Manager needs a wider product team with designers, copywriters, product analysts etc So you have long waiting time for results + high salaries to pay + lack of understanding of the role = frustrated leadership … To manage expectations: 1. Over communicate with senior leadership 2. Focus on some short term tactical wins to gain their support 3. Show them user pain points and bring them on interviews 4. Highlight opportunities that we could exploit which we haven’t The idea is be proactive, get them excited about product and show them why product teams are amazing! Don’t leave them to suffer in silence!

Many people believe that since they are Senior or Lead PM's from UK, USA, Europe, Dubai etc they can easily come to Saudi Arabia & become the leading product managers in the region... The Reality.... KSA market is a completely different market & culture to what you've experienced before! Yes, product management maybe an immature practice in the region, however, I've worked with many highly skilled PM's from abroad who really struggled with understanding localisation, the depth of the Arabic language, the Saudi culture, different design/marketing patterns, new operating models at work etc. Trust me when I say ... doesn't matter how good you are at your job you need to adapt to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is not going to adapt to you! #SaudiArabia #ProductManagement

To quote ‘Forrest Gump’, life as a hybrid Management Consultant / Creative Lead is ‘like a box of chocolates’, where you need to pivot across clients, priorities, scopes of work, industry and timelines. Today was no different for the traveling team members from Andarakis in Riyadh, starting with Experience & Interior Design & CX for a major Masterplanned Real Estate Project (PIF) to the Marketing Insight & Innovation Management System Design & Platform for a Government Entity in the Agriculture FMCG Sector and finishing with a Brand Architecture Workshop for another major PIF Real Estate Development Company. The diversity is what we love in this business, applying learning across our decades of experience and actually play a role and make an impact on great projects across KSA. Tomorrow brings another day, with collection taking center stage and then planning the in-market launch for a project we have put a lot of love and effort across for the past 18 months! #consultancy #creativity #teamwork #ksa #fmcg #leadership #experiencedesign #branding #communication #activation #strategy #realestate #conceptcreation #marketing #customerexperience

I've got some tough but real talk for those looking to break into the Saudi product market. First off, let’s set the stage: Breaking into the product scene here is tough. 1. Language Barrier: If you don't speak Arabic, your chances drop by 70% immediately. Why? Because you’ll be building products for a market where Arabic is the first language. Not speaking it means you won't fully understand your customers or grasp the big picture. It's akin to being a PM in the US without speaking English, or in Germany without speaking German. 2. Cultural Nuances: The users and stakeholders you'll interact with are deeply culturally driven. If you can’t fully understand and embrace the local culture, your chances of success dwindle significantly. 3. Market Differences: Don’t confuse the Saudi market with the UAE market they are not the same. Saudi is burgeoning with LOCAL talent—smart, hard-working, and ambitious individuals who are often supported by various government initiatives. This makes the competition fierce. In contrast, the UAE market is built significantly on foreign talent. During my time working with UAE companies, it was rare to encounter an Emirati PM. Personally, I haven't seen any haha! Strategies for Entry: 1. If you're set on moving to the MENA region, consider starting in the UAE to gain regional experience, then transition to Saudi as you pick up the language and cultural understanding. 2. Alternatively, enter the Saudi market in a less critical role than Product Management and navigate your way to a PM position from there. Reality Check again🚨: The Saudi market values candidates with degrees from top universities, experiences from leading companies, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Without at least two of these, you’ll likely be at a disadvantage compared to local PMs with in-market experience. the Saudi product market is not a walk in the park. If you think years of experience in other markets will suffice, think again. This market requires more than just tenure it demands a deep understanding and integration into its unique cultural and business landscape. #technology #startups #ProductManagement #ProductManager #product 

Are you aware that companies in Dubai prefer hiring Indian PMs? Here’s a game plan to get a role! 🤗 Dubai’s tech ecosystem is booming, with companies like Careem, Noon, Talabat, and Dubizzle leading the charge. And guess what? Indians are a preferred choice for many of these roles. Why? 🇮🇳 Strong technical expertise 💡 Proven experience in dynamic markets 🎯 A results-driven approach But breaking into Dubai's product management scene isn’t just about sending out resumes. You need a plan. That’s why I’ve put together a structured 6-month roadmap to help you land your dream PM role in Dubai. In this guide, you’ll learn: ✅ How to position yourself for Dubai’s unique tech landscape ✅ Key skills to highlight that companies are looking for ✅ How to build a network that opens doors ✅ Crafting your CV and portfolio to stand out in a competitive market ✅ The exact timeline and steps to follow over six months Dubai offers incredible opportunities for PMs—but preparation is key. 🚀 What excites you most about working in Dubai? Share your thoughts below! Or tag someone who’s aiming for a career in Dubai! 👇 PS: I run a program that helps folks get better at product management and crack product roles, both in India and abroad. If you want to apply for the program, check out the links in comments. 🚀

From my years of experience as a business management consultant & coach, I see many business owners daily struggle with staff performance which directly impacts the business operations and revenue generation process. As a business owner, here is how you can use KSA MODEL to grow your business The KSA Model stands for ✅ Knowledge, ✅ Skills, ✅ Attitude Picture us sitting together, having a conversation about how to simplify and strengthen your approach to staff management and hiring. This isn’t just theory; this is a hands-on strategy you can apply starting today. Let me work you through how you can break down the KSA model into three critical factors to enable you to determine your employee’s ability to perform effectively: (1) KNOWLEDGE – What your staff knows: This includes their understanding of the industry, your products or services, customer preferences, and internal processes. (2) SKILLS – What your staff can do: These are the practical abilities they bring to the table, like communication, technical expertise, or sales techniques. (3) ATTITUDE– How your staff behaves: This is the mindset they bring enthusiasm, commitment, teamwork, and a customer-focused outlook. When these three components align, you’ll see improved staff performance, smoother operations, higher sales, and delighted customers. I would like you to take a moment to reflect: how are your team’s current Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude shaping your business? Start today by: 🛑 Review your team’s KSA strengths and areas for improvement. 🛑 Setting up a simple action plan for training, coaching, and motivating your team. 🛑 Using KSA as a lens to hire your next star employee. Remember, a team aligned in Knowledge, strengthened by Skills, and driven by the right Attitude isn’t just a team it’s a growth engine for your business. Now, let’s put the KSA model to work and watch your sales soar and your customers leave happier than ever! From yours in success ©️Abraham Ofure Orukpe 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭/𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 #abrahamorukpe

Want to land a PM role? Here's a strategy that worked for me: Learn from PMs in your company. Here's how: 1) Identify an PM you like: • Look for someone outgoing and inspiring 2) Start Small • Compliment their work specifically • E.g., "I loved how you explained the 'why' behind our new feature. It really united the team." 3) Build Rapport • Repeat step 2 genuinely over time 4) Request a Coffee Chat • Use this template: "Hey [Name], I've really enjoyed following your work on [specific project], especially your approach to [aspect you've complimented before]. I'm keen on transitioning to a PM role and would love to learn from your journey. Could we grab a quick coffee next week? I value any time you can spare, but no pressure if you're swamped." 4) Prepare Thoughtful Questions • Show you've done your homework 5) Follow Through • Act on their advice • Keep them updated on your progress Remember: Be authentic in your interactions. This approach isn't just about getting a job - it's about building meaningful professional relationships. Has anyone used a similar approach? What worked for you in connecting with PMs? P.S: A PM i used this strategy with invited me to shadow him for a day!

What does it take to be a great PM? The great PMs I’ve worked with are very different from each other. That’s why it is an awesome job. You see people who are full of energy and able to motivate people through their ideas, people rooted in technical capabilities, or people people who get things done through relationships. That said, all great PMs are goal oriented. They’re able to get things done, focus, prioritize. One mistake junior PMs at big companies make is to go to too many meetings and think their work is done. A good PM defines what it takes to achieve thier goals. Less effective PMs let their schedules sway how they get things done and it gets in their way.  Great PMs care about their users. They use their product. They do not finish when the spec is done but make sure to to use a working version inside and out. They have great follow through to get things done. #productmanagement #goaloriented #goodpm #greatpm

Job Title: Product Owner (Mobile Wallet) Job Location: Muscat, Oman Experience: 7+ years Key Responsibilities: Product Strategy and Launches: -Assist in crafting and refining product strategies for Walletii that align with --company objectives and market demands. -Lead efforts in gathering market intelligence to gain insights into customer needs and regulatory requirements. -Manage in-country information gathering, including market desires, regulatory considerations, P&L business cases, and operational readiness. -Market Insights and Intelligence: -Conduct comprehensive market research to support product development and strategic decisions. -Provide valuable insights into market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences. -Use market intelligence to identify opportunities for product enhancements and new development. Liaison Role: -Act as the primary point of contact between the central product and tech team and the local team for product launches. -Ensure effective communication and collaboration between central and local teams. -Facilitate the exchange of information and feedback to align products with local market needs. Product Design and Development: -Collaborate with the product team in designing new products and services. -Ensure new offerings meet market demands and regulatory requirements. -Provide input on product features, usability, and functionality. Product Lifecycle Management: -Oversee Walletii throughout its lifecycle, from launch to ongoing management. -Monitor product performance and identify areas for improvement and enhancement. -Implement necessary updates and fixes to enhance product performance and user experience. -Drive revenue growth and expand services for Walletii. Qualifications and Skills: -Proven experience in product management, ideally within the financial technology or telecommunications sectors. -Strong grasp of market dynamics, customer needs, and regulatory environments. -Excellent leadership and team management abilities. -Effective collaboration skills with cross-functional teams. -Strong analytical skills with the capability to interpret market data and influence product strategy. -Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Key Competencies: -Strategic Thinking -Market Analysis -Product Development -Lifecycle Management -Collaboration and Teamwork -Adaptability and Innovation Main Expectations: -Lead market intelligence initiatives to guide product strategy and development. -Serve as the key liaison between central and local teams for successful product launches. -Manage the product lifecycle, ensuring continuous improvement and growth. -Collaborate with the product team to design and develop new products and services. -Drive revenue growth and service expansion for Walletii. Send your CV at: [email protected] / [email protected] #ENUM #Productowner #mobilewallet #Productlifecycle #productdesign #productdevelopment #letsconnect #omanjobs #jobopportunity

"Why Personal Growth Fuels Professional Success" In today’s fast-paced world, the link between personal growth and professional success has never been more evident. Throughout my career, I’ve discovered that developing key personal skills not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to the success of the teams and organizations I’ve been privileged to be part of. Time Management One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the art of prioritizing tasks. Effective time management allows me to focus on high-impact activities, meet deadlines, and stay organized, even in the most demanding environments. This skill transforms daily challenges into structured opportunities for achievement. Emotional Intelligence Understanding and managing emotions—both my own and those of others—has been a game-changer in the hospitality industry. Emotional intelligence fosters stronger relationships with guests and colleagues, helping us navigate complex situations with empathy and professionalism. It’s the foundation of excellent service and effective teamwork. Networking Building meaningful connections with professionals across industries has opened doors to continuous learning, collaboration, and growth. The Key Takeaway At its core, personal growth is an ongoing journey. Every skill we refine, every lesson we embrace, and every connection we make ultimately builds the foundation for long-term success. As I embark on this exciting chapter with VOCO Jeddah Gate by IHG, I am reminded that the best investment we can make is in ourselves. Let’s continue to grow, inspire, and create excellence together. #ProudToBeIHG #IHG #VOCOLuxury #HospitalityJourney #NewBeginnings #GrowthMindset #VOCOJeddahGate