We recently had the privilege of interviewing Mohamed Al Rashed, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at WATTZ with the motto “Connecting you with the Sun”. An Entrepreneur, Innovator, and Strategic Planner, Mohamed has a demonstrated history of working in the Renewable Energy and CleanTech Industries.
With a passion for working towards sustainable growth and development, Mohamed Al Rashed is a part of the changes that can improve lives today and tomorrow. As a pioneer in the field of Decentralized Rooftop Solar, Mohamed has been playing a pivotal role in uplifting WATTZ. In this insightful interview, Mohamed Al Rashed shares his career journey, challenges, priorities of the business, and fostering collaboration while sharing invaluable advice for beginners in the industry.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Could you start by telling us about your career path?”
Mohamed shared, “My professional trajectory has been a dynamic evolution fueled by an unwavering passion for sustainability. Commencing in the construction industry, my involvement spanned equipment, mobility, and diverse sustainable projects – ranging from fleet CNG conversions and biofuels to pioneering work in Electric Vehicles (EVs). This experience laid the foundation for the establishment of an ESCO (Energy Services Company) specializing in energy management, automation, LED lighting, and solar energy systems.
Central to my journey is the distinction of being recognized amongst the first Senior Solar Engineers certified by local authorities, coupled with obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. This acknowledgment underscores my commitment to staying at the forefront of solar energy innovations, contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable practices. Additionally, my involvement in research and development has further solidified my expertise in cutting-edge technologies that align with the ethos of sustainability.”
Spark Behind WATTZ
To learn more about the factors that influenced Mohamed Al Rashed to start his company, we inquired, “What inspired you to develop the idea of your company?”
He responds, “Observing the environmental challenges posed by traditional energy sources catalyzed the establishment of WATTZ Energy. The inspiration behind our inception was rooted in the desire to contribute to a sustainable future and introduce innovation within the CleanTech sector.
Motivated by the vision of witnessing everyone gain access to renewable energy and rooftop solar solutions, we aimed to democratize these sustainable alternatives. Furthermore, the escalating global demand for renewable sources, combined with the UAE’s dedicated commitment to achieving renewable energy targets, played a pivotal role in shaping our mission and vision.”
Expanding The Priorities
We were curious to learn if the priorities of Mohamed Al Rashed’s business have changed over the years of operating. So, we asked, “How have your priorities in business evolved since you first started?”
“Initially focused on establishing a foothold in the residential rooftop solar market, our priorities evolved towards providing a unique solution—democratizing access to all homeowners with no upfront capital for adopting rooftop solar solutions. The shift expanded our focus from mere profitability to comprehensive sustainability, fostering innovation and contributing to societal progress.” Mohamed shared.
Adaptability Amidst Adversity
Any business journey will inevitably include challenging phases. To learn how Mohamed Al Rashed overcomes the hurdles in his business, we asked, “What are the most challenging situations that your company overcomes? What’s the key strength to overcome it?”
He replied, “Persistent challenges, including regulatory complexities, market resistance to change, and technological uncertainties, underscore the dynamic nature of the CleanTech sector. In recognizing that technology doesn’t wait for anyone, our key strength lies in fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within the team.
It’s imperative to stay ahead in technology, embrace change, and proactively address technological uncertainties. This approach, coupled with maintaining open communication channels, becomes pivotal in navigating these hurdles effectively. In an industry where progress is rapid, adaptation is not just a choice but a necessity for sustainable growth and success.”
Setting WATTZ Apart
To stand as a tough competition and maintain a strong brand presence, it is essential to offer unique services. To learn more about the same, we asked Mohamed Al Rashed, “What makes your company stand out from other businesses in your industry?”
He shared, “WATTZ Energy stands out due to its holistic approach, addressing the entire clean energy ecosystem. Our emphasis on the residential rooftop solar segment and democratizing access to clean energy sets us apart, contributing to a more inclusive and impactful business model.”
Measuring Success
We further asked, “What KPIs do you use to measure your business growth?”
Mohamed continued, “Our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) encompass critical facets of our business, serving as essential benchmarks for evaluation. These indicators include Solar Installation Capacity, Customer Acquisition Cost, Return on Investment, Environmental Impact Metrics, Customer Satisfaction Scores, Renewable Energy Certificates, Project Timelines and Efficiency, Employee Engagement and Retention, and Market Share Growth.
These KPIs collectively provide comprehensive insights into critical aspects such as revenue growth, environmental impact, and customer satisfaction. Aligned seamlessly with our organizational mission, these metrics play a pivotal role in guiding strategic decision-making. By systematically monitoring and analyzing these performance indicators, we ensure a thorough understanding of our business dynamics and continuously refine our strategies to achieve sustainable success.”
A Quick Look At WATTZ’s Offerings
We were curious to learn more about the current services and projects that Mohamed Al Rashed’s business is working on. So, we inquired, “Tell us something about your services. What are you working on currently?”
He shared, “Currently, we are actively engaged in the implementation of fueling service stations for a prominent local entity, facilitating their transition towards sustainable solar energy consumption. This strategic initiative aligns with our commitment to contribute to the UAE’s overarching goals in renewable energy adoption. Simultaneously, our ongoing residential projects empower homeowners to not only realize cost savings but also actively contribute to the environmental and social impacts of renewable energy.
In offering comprehensive solutions within the Renewable Energy and CleanTech sectors, our rooftop solar system services, including installation, maintenance, and monitoring, are designed to be instrumental in achieving the sustainability targets set forth by the UAE. By participating in these initiatives, we are not only helping organizations and homeowners make environmentally responsible choices but also actively contributing to the larger national agenda of achieving a sustainable and greener future.”
Fostering A Culture Of Collaboration
Long-term business success depends critically on the team members’ good collaboration. So, we asked, “How do you build trust with your employees and boost productivity without causing burnout?”
Mohamed passionately responds, “Inspiring my team to fully embrace WATTZ’s sustainable vision fully cultivating a profound understanding of the environmental impact inherent in our work. Through the provision of educational opportunities and the installation of a sense of environmental stewardship, I ensure that each team member comprehends the broader implications of their contributions.
Open channels of communication play a pivotal role in maintaining alignment with our sustainable vision. Regular updates detailing the positive impacts of our projects, paired with transparent discussions on challenges, foster a shared sense of purpose. This collaborative approach empowers team members to view their roles as integral components of a larger, environmentally conscious mission.
A fundamental aspect of my leadership philosophy involves recognizing and celebrating achievements that align with our sustainability goals. By acknowledging the team’s efforts, we reinforce the connection between their work and the overarching vision of creating a greener tomorrow. This approach serves as a cornerstone in fostering a positive and environmentally committed workplace culture.”
Getting Around The Latest Trends
Businesses must keep up with the latest trends to maintain a competitive edge. To learn how Mohamed Al Rashed ensures the same for his business, we asked, “How do you stay on top of the latest technologies and trends in your industry?”
He replied, “Remaining well-informed necessitates a commitment to continuous learning, active participation in industry events, and the cultivation of a culture of innovation within the company. To keep ahead of technical changes, it is imperative to create strong networks with industry specialists and start research collaborations. This proactive strategy reinforces our dedication to quality and innovation by keeping our company at the forefront of evolving technology and industry trends.”
Tips For Beginners
We concluded the interview by asking, “What advice would you give to starting entrepreneurs?”
Mohamed asserts, “Embrace innovation, prioritize sustainability, and be adaptable to change. Cultivate a resilient mindset, build a passionate and skilled team, and always keep the broader societal impact of your ventures in mind. Continuous learning and collaboration are the keys to success in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. ”
Follow Mohamed Al Rashed on LinkedIn.
Find WATTZ on LinkedIn and their website http://www.wattz.ae.
