We recently had the privilege of interviewing Saad Samadi, Head of Marketing Operations at Gargash Group. With an unbeatable passion for storytelling and dedication towards his work, Saad has been associated with playing several prominent roles, eventually leading him to receive recognition as one of the best marketers in the GCC region and becoming an inspiration for many.
Gargash Group, one of the leading business enterprises of the UAE, is globally acclaimed for operating in automotive, real estate, financial services, and F&B. Intending to elevate and diversify the group’s brand image in different verticals, Saad joined Gargash Group and proved his expertise. In this interview, Saad shares the milestones in his career journey and factors that inspired him to start with this industry, his passion for storytelling, and the company’s long-term goals while offering invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Notable Milestones In This Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Can you share key milestones and turning points in your journey as an industry leader or entrepreneur?”
Saad shared, “Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal moments resonate deeply. Firstly, the experience of building Mai Dubai Water from the ground up into a mega-brand was enriching. Moreover, it was a privilege to present our achievements to the visionary leaders of Dubai and the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, that stands out as a profound honor.
Secondly, launching a global campaign with football legend Pep Guardiola was another milestone that underscored the brand’s international appeal and resonance. Lastly, receiving recognition as one of the best marketers in the GCC was not just an accolade but a testament to the passion, dedication, and innovative approach I’ve always strived to bring to my work.”
Inspiration Behind Starting In This Space
We were curious about what inspired Saad Samadi to start with marketing. So, we asked, “What inspired you to get into Marketing?”
“My passion for storytelling and understanding human behavior started quite unconventionally. As a child, I was enthralled by cartoons and movies, often memorizing theme songs and reciting advertisements as if they were lessons. This early fascination with narratives led me to explore the arts, even though my academic pursuits initially leaned toward the sciences.
However, the allure of understanding consumer behavior and crafting compelling stories was irresistible. I decided to pursue business studies, focusing on marketing. Over the years, my journey has been about blending this inherent love for storytelling with analytical rigor, leading brands, crafting strategies, and making genuine connections with consumers.” He added.
We further asked, “What inspired you to join Gargash Group?”
He continued, “The appeal of joining a group with such a rich heritage was the opportunity to leverage my diverse experience, from FMCG to financial services. It’s about bringing new perspectives to traditional industries. While every sector has nuances, the fundamentals of brand building, consumer engagement, and crafting compelling narratives remain consistent. I aimed to elevate and diversify the group’s brand image, ensuring each vertical is recognized for excellence.”
Promoting Innovation
Having an innovative and creative approach to the career journey is essential to achieving success. So, we asked, “How do you foster Innovation within your company? Can you provide an example of a successful innovation initiative?”
Saad replied, “Innovation is about curiosity and execution. In one of my roles, I was part of a startup environment where we built marketing capabilities from scratch. That experience taught me the importance of agility, the ability to adapt quickly, and the value of creating shared experiences. It’s not just about creativity; it’s about turning these ideas into actionable strategies that resonate with the audience.”
Diversifying The Experiences
To succeed as a company, it is paramount to have top talents that meet the business requirements. We asked, “How do you attract and retain top talent in your organization?”
He replied, “Building strong personal and professional relationships has always been key. In one of my roles, I took on the challenge of establishing a new marketing department. The success there wasn’t just about creating strategies but fostering an environment where every team member felt valued, heard, and was given opportunities to grow and diversify their experiences.”
The Important Duo
We were intrigued to learn about the roles of networking and mentorship in Saad Samadi’s career journey. So, we asked, “How important has mentorship and networking been in your professional journey?”
Saad replied, “While I never had a formal mentor, I learned from every great boss and colleague. Every role provided learning opportunities, from executing sponsorships to analyzing market reports. Networking has been about building and nurturing relationships and understanding that knowledge and insights can come from any direction.”
Assessing Market Risks
Risks are an inevitable part of any business. So, we asked, “How do you assess and mitigate risks in your business?”
Saad shared, “Effective risk management is foundational to the sustainability and success of any business. It begins with a thorough identification process, recognizing potential threats from both internal and external vectors. Once identified, each risk is assessed based on its potential impact on the business and the likelihood of its occurrence.
Using tools like the Risk Impact/Probability Chart, we can prioritize them, focusing our efforts on the most significant threats that could have the most substantial business impact. But identification and assessment are just the starting points.”
He added, “Periodic reviews, continuous monitoring, and proactive mitigation strategies are crucial. Whether it’s staying updated with tax regulations, adapting to changing consumer habits or anticipating new market entrants, this holistic approach ensures that we’re always several steps ahead, ready to pivot and adapt as needed.”
Adapting To The Emerging Trends
To ensure sustainable growth and success, it is essential to stay relevant by adapting to emerging trends and opportunities in the market. We asked, “How do you adapt your business strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities and industry shifts?”
“The business landscape is in constant flux, and staying relevant requires a discerning eye on emerging trends. From my experience, it’s about knowing where to look – industry forums, consumer feedback, competitive landscapes, and global market shifts. However, recognizing a trend is just the first step.
The challenge lies in discerning when to embrace it, when to observe from the sidelines, and when to take the lead. Not every trend aligns with a brand’s ethos or business strategy. Sometimes, leading in directions means creating them, setting the pace rather than matching it. It’s a delicate balance of Innovation, reflection, and action, always keeping the brand’s core values at the forefront.” Saad replied.
Advice To Beginners
Starting in a similar industry, beginners will find hearing from an expert like Saad Samadi inspiring. So, we asked, “What advice would you give aspiring marketers? What key lessons have you learned along the way?”
He shared, “The landscape today is dynamic, offering myriad opportunities. I advise staying rooted in your brand’s core values while being open to change. In an era of rapid technological advancements, it’s easy to be swayed by every new tool or platform. But remember, every business’s heart is its purpose and people. Embrace tools, but never lose sight of your brand’s essence and the genuine connections you make.”
Long-Term Plans We Asked Saad Samadi
Our last question was, “What are your long-term goals for your company? How do you plan to remain competitive in the evolving business landscape?”
Saad replied, “For Gargash, the vision is multi-faceted. While historically known for automobiles, we aim to elevate all our verticals, F&B, Real Estate, or Financial Services, to the same premium stature. We want Gargash to be synonymous with excellence across all sectors. A significant goal is to change perceptions, ensuring that we are recognized not just for our automotive prowess but as a diversified conglomerate offering top-notch services in every domain.
To remain competitive, we focus on two primary pillars: being a preferred employer and a significant contributor to the local economy. By attracting and nurturing the best talent, we can drive Innovation from within, alongside giving back to the community that has been a cornerstone of our success.
“Another pivotal strategy is forging partnerships with established, respected entities. By aligning with the best, we can drive faster recall and recognition. Our goal is not just to be a market leader but to be in the same breath as other iconic entities, setting benchmarks in excellence and Innovation.
Lastly, in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, we’re placing a strong emphasis on digital transformation and staying abreast of global trends. By ensuring that each of our brands stands for something timeless yet contemporary, we aim to resonate with audiences today and for future generations.” He concluded.
Connect with Saad Samadi on LinkedIn.
Find Gargash on LinkedIn or visit their website to learn more.
Also Read:
