Meet some of our people

Senior Associate, Dubai

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: MBA, Columbia Business School

1. What did you do before joining Strategy& Middle East?

I had recently completed my master’s degree in management from London Business School. Before that, I had been working in Pakistan as a digital lead and brand management trainee at a leading FMCG company. 

2. What drew you to the firm?

The people came across as approachable and humble, and the firm’s reputation convinced me that working here would help me achieve my career aspirations.

3. After three years at the firm, what led you to pursue an MBA?

I wanted to broaden my international exposure and participate in mature class discussions with diverse professionals, while still staying focused on my career. With that in mind, I chose to complete my MBA at INSEAD because of its 10-month intensive program, which has a strong global reputation, an international student body, and a robust alumni network in the Middle East.

4. How was your MBA experience? Can you share some highlights?

It was transformative, providing a whirlwind of cultural experiences and intense learning. I also met incredible people and forged lifelong friendships. Each destination offered unique perspectives, contributing to a deeply enriching and global educational adventure. Also, attending INSEAD with my wife made the journey even more special. We embraced the opportunity to travel and immerse ourselves in more than 15 countries, even studying on three different vibrant campuses—in France, Singapore, and as part of an exchange program at Kellogg School of Management in the United States.

5. What activities did you take part in while completing your MBA?

I was involved in the consulting club at INSEAD, where I helped many students prepare for consulting roles. I enjoyed the opportunity to offer some degree of mentorship early in my own career journey and, in doing so, I deepened my own understanding of the consulting industry.

6. How would you describe your transition back to Strategy&?

It has been exhilarating to dive back into the field. The excitement of solving complex cases, alongside incredibly smart and motivated colleagues, is just unmatched. Each project feels like a new adventure, sparking a rush of adrenaline and intellectual challenge. The dynamic and collaborative environment fuels my passion for consulting and it drives me to push the boundaries of what I know I can achieve together with a team. I'm genuinely thrilled to continue contributing to our firm’s successes, while experiencing the camaraderie and brilliance that Strategy& is known for.

Q: What stands out from your time at Strategy& so far?

A: I joined the firm and moved to the Middle East right after completing my MBA from INSEAD, stepping into a region that was entirely new to me. From the moment I arrived, it has been an incredible learning journey. I have had the privilege of working across a diverse array of industries, including energy, the public sector, and now technology, media, and telecommunications, each offering unique challenges and opportunities.

Q: How would you describe the firm’s culture?

A: Supportive. My experience has been exactly what I hoped it would be when I joined the firm, if not better. Every step of the way, I have felt incredibly supported by everyone around me, including principals, partners, and my entire team. I’ve always felt a strong sense of camaraderie.

Q: Why did you recently transfer from Dubai to the New York office?

A: I wanted to move to New York primarily for family reasons. But in addition to the personal aspect, I’m excited to be working in New York now because the city is a vibrant hub for innovation and technological advancement. I am eager to immerse myself in its dynamic tech ecosystem.

Q: How did your team support your move?

A: When I decided to move to New York, the level of support I received was truly heartening. The first reaction from everyone was overwhelmingly positive. My colleagues understood my need to relocate and they were more than willing to assist in any way possible. They went above and beyond by recommending me to numerous partners in New York, facilitating introductions, and sending out recommendations on my behalf. The support I received has been instrumental in easing my transition, and it has also reinforced my belief in the strength of the community within Strategy&.

Q: What are you taking away from your experience at Strategy& Middle East?

A: During the three years I spent in the Middle East, I grew professionally and built strong, lasting relationships. I know there's always the option to return to the region, and I’m grateful for that global mobility as well as for the valuable, enriching opportunity I have now to explore a new place.

Senior Associate | Dubai

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: MBA, INSEAD

Q: What did you do before Strategy& Middle East? And why did you join?

A: I studied business at the Lebanese American University before joining Strategy&. My first interaction with the firm was through a case competition in 2019 where I had the opportunity to meet and learn from Strategy& consultants. The friendly, supportive environment I got exposed to during the case competition, together with a clear commitment to people and their merit made Strategy& the right choice for me. I was very glad to learn that the culture I saw in that brief event is in reality the same one I continue to work in today.

Q: Why did you choose to complete your MBA at INSEAD?

A: I always had great experiences working with INSEADers at Strategy&. Working with alumni gave me a taste of the school’s culture, and I felt it would be a fit for me. I was also very interested in the opportunity to live in and discover both Europe and South-East Asia.

Q: What were some highlights from your MBA experience?

A: In just one year, I made friends from around the world, visited more than 45 cities, explored new hobbies, stretched my comfort zone, and learned from professors and peers. I’ve developed in ways I didn’t even imagine I would, and I’ll always acknowledge this privilege.

Q: What contributions did you make to INSEAD?

A: As a member of INSEAD’s consulting club, I supported my peers who wanted to join the industry. In fact, I helped the club organize a case competition with Strategy& Middle East, and the winning team members received interviews and cash prizes.

Q: What has your return to Strategy& been like?

A: Returning to the fast-paced consulting world after almost a year in Fontainebleau is a big change to say the least. My first project is in a field entirely new to me, so it’s been a very interesting learning opportunity. I’m also very glad to be back with old friends and colleagues I appreciate. That said, I will always remember my MBA days.

Senior Associate, Dubai

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: MBA from INSEAD

Q: What did you do before Strategy& Middle East? And why did you decide to join?
A: I was a student at the Lebanese American University, where I completed my undergraduate degree in civil engineering. During my time there, I became fascinated with the transportation industry and I realized that working at a tier-1 management consulting firm would enable me to engage strategically in this dynamic sector. Strategy&’s notable impact, both regionally and globally, motivated me to apply.

Q: Why did you choose to complete your MBA at INSEAD?
A: My decision to pursue my MBA at INSEAD was driven by its global prestige, diverse student body, and dual campuses in France and Singapore. The international exposure offered a unique learning environment that resonated with my career aspirations and my personal interests, making INSEAD the right choice for a comprehensive and enriching business education.

Q: What were some highlights of your MBA experience?
A: My MBA journey was eye-opening and transformative, on both personal and professional fronts. It pushed me to reevaluate my priorities, beliefs, and biases. The program exposed me to industries and opportunities that are not as mature in the Middle East, hence broadening my perspective significantly. In addition, the ability to directly interact, during select INSEAD events, with some of the alumni who are executives at top corporations provided me with insights that I did not have access to previously. These experiences have been instrumental in enriching my understanding of the global business landscape.

Q: What’s one of the most memorable experiences you had at INSEAD?
A: Early in the program, I found myself attending a colleague's wedding, an experience I hadn't anticipated so soon. To my astonishment, I was asked to translate the civil officer's ceremony speech, as it was happening, marking my first attendance at a civil marriage and an unforgettable moment. It’s amazing how fast strong bonds are created at INSEAD and those are something I’ll always treasure.

Q: How has your return to Strategy& been like?
A: Returning to Strategy& has been a whirlwind of emotions. The past year brought profound professional and personal growth, equipping me with valuable insights. Now, I'm eager to apply these learnings to amplify my contributions to the firm. In addition, the warm welcome from colleagues at all levels has been genuinely heartening, reigniting my passion and commitment to deliver even greater value in this next chapter with Strategy&.

Manager, Dubai

Q: After working at Strategy& Middle East for about eight years, you moved onto a role in tech before recently returning to the firm as a manager in Dubai. How would you describe your experience?

A: My return to the firm has been very smooth! Everyone has been extremely warm and welcoming to me, particularly the people I already knew from working here previously. I’ve also attended many social events this year, which gave me the chance to meet many new faces that have joined in the past few years. I’ve seen firsthand that our unique communal and family culture has remained intact! The people I've been working with have been very supportive. They’ve brought me up to speed with the latest business developments and content—and they’ve really just been there for me whenever I needed help, which enabled me to quickly jump in and start supporting our clients.

Associate | Activation Hub, Lebanon

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: Bachelor of Economics from Saint Joseph University of Beirut

Q: How has your experience been so far with the Activation Hub?
A: In the Activation Hub, I discovered a harmonious blend of consulting and a work-life balance that aligns perfectly with my lifestyle. This experience allowed me to explore various subjects, enhance my consulting abilities, collaborate with an exceptional team, and engage closely with senior colleagues at the firm.

Q: What excites you most about the work that you do?
A: Many things excite me about our work, from engaging with the latest trends, expressing creativity, acquiring new knowledge daily, and thriving in a dynamic work environment, to contributing to the success of the company by securing projects!

Q: We’ve heard you have an exciting hobby: competitive running! What got you into it?
A: Sports have been a constant in my life. From swimming to cycling, skiing, and CrossFit, I've embraced them all. But it was a twist of fate that led me to competitive running. When my twin sister got injured just before a crucial 10K women's race, I stepped in. I ran on her behalf, and to my own surprise, won third place. This unexpected win lit a fire within me, and I joined a running club afterwards.

Q: What advice would you give to people looking to start their fitness journey?
A: To all beginners out there, whether you're new to running or just starting your fitness journey, here's my advice: Discover your pace, alone or in a group. Embrace the journey, don't stress the details, and above all, give yourself time.

Associate

Q: What brought you to Strategy&, and what have you been up to so far?

A: Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t plan for a career in consulting. My passion was for product design. People close to me warned me that it could be a difficult path after university, but that only fueled my ambition to support the diversification of Oman’s economy to create more professional pathways. I realized that I needed to develop my business acumen and understanding of our regional industries/economies to be impactful. I wanted to learn fast, which led me to consulting.

During the interview process with Strategy&, I met many of the firm's leaders and I could quickly tell that the culture is inclusive and the opportunities I would be exposed to are truly diverse. This sealed the deal for me. Since joining, I've worked on projects in tourism, telecom, aerospace and defense, real estate, and entertainment and culture. The path I'm on now is catalyzing my personal growth and preparing me to tackle immense challenges.

Senior Associate, Dubai

Nationality: Lebanese
Education: Master’s degree in Engineering from the Saint Joseph University of Beirut.

Q: Welcome back! After working as an associate at Strategy&, you left for a few years before rejoining the firm. What did you do during your time away?
A: In the past few years, I co-founded two startups and I became a patented inventor. First, I led operations for a boutique consulting firm. Second, I worked on a startup in advertising technology, where I had to wear different hats and juggle several administrative functions. I handled budgeting, recruitment, raising capital, international expansions, and more, all of which really pushed me professionally. I felt deeply accountable for the wellbeing of our whole team and the performance of the companies. And finally, I published a patent related to deconstructing the human personality/psyche into its elementary building blocks, and rebuilding it digitally to create an interactive identical clone of the human persona.

I’m so grateful to Strategy& for encouraging me to keep learning, to take risks, and to have a variety of experiences, especially at this relatively early stage of my career. When I saw such an opportunity to try something new, I decided to take a leap of faith and go for it.

Q: What brought you back to Strategy&, and how has your experience been so far with the Activation Hub?
A: After working at startups for two years, securing stellar top-line performance, and operationally reaching autopilot status, I felt like I had completed what I set out to do: to witness a glimpse of the entrepreneurial world and to have an active role in it. I felt ready to return to the corporate world.

Having previously worked at Strategy& and having witnessed firsthand the intellectual caliber of the staff, I set my mind on rejoining the firm. But I wasn’t sure I wanted to travel as much as I had previously. So, when I found out that the Activation Hub was recruiting, I thought that might be the right match for me. It offers an ideal mix of brain-stimulating tasks, new strategic topics every week, game-changing impact, a non-rotating team, no traveling (my lower back is quite thankful), and an optimal work-life balance. In other words, this new role allows me to exercise my hobbies while generating value to the firm.

My experience with the team has been nothing short of outstanding. Everyone is eager to support each other, regardless of seniority. And overall, it has been, hands down, the best team dynamics I’ve experienced in my career.

Q: What excites you most about the work that you do?
A: I like the variety of different workstreams—from strategic proposals to the Knowledge Hub to business development—but if I had to choose a favorite area, I’d say I like the proposals. Already, I’ve worked on topics ranging from the future of gaming, to edutainment centers, to royal art complexes.

Proposals have a fast turnaround so things always remain fresh and they have a high impact: from securing new clients to completely changing a country's vertical, these proposals can turn into long-term projects that generate plenty of value and impact for our region.

Truly, the diversity of topics I work on is a large selling point for me. It satisfies my curiosity. And the fact that I get to do that while also experiencing brilliant team dynamics really makes this job one like no other.

Q: How would you describe the culture and people at the firm?
A: Fast and warm. The culture is focused on productivity and fast turnarounds. At the same time, a strong sense of camaraderie glues teams together, especially on tough projects, and that bond is maintained beyond the office. In fact, some of my closest friends are people that I’ve met at Strategy&.

Q: Outside of the office, you have a number of hobbies. Tell us about your passion for writing and drawing.
A: I've always been a fan of novels—especially ones that combine elements of fantasy to deliver a social or moral message. So, for the past couple of years, I've been working on writing and producing my own manga-style graphic novel for adults. It explores a complex political universe from the perspective of several characters, each with their own agenda of personal needs and growth.

More specifically, the story tackles topics of social corruption, free will, substance addiction and abuse, mental health, and the like. To make things a bit spicier, the characters also possess certain paranormal abilities that can hinder them or catalyze them forward in their personal quests.

I've been working with a team of experienced mangakas and illustrators on this project and we expect to release it later this year, in 2023. Below are some character reference sheets, with development codenames. (The actual names will be different once the story is released.)

Character 1: Codename Wanderer
Character 2: Codename Watcher
Character 3: Codename Deviant
Character 4: Codename Lost

Q: What are some of your other interests away from work?
A: I like to experience as many new activities as possible, but the ones I spend the majority of time on are martial arts, adrenaline adventures (things like skydiving, ziplining, and hopefully soon kitesurfing), kayaking, hiking, gaming, reading books, and playing music (namely, the guitar and the ukulele).

Manager, Dubai

Q: What brought you to the Middle East?

A: I had previous consulting experience and always enjoyed working in different environments, absorbing new cultures and collecting new ideas. I thought that the Middle East would be a great place for me to meet people from different backgrounds and enhance my consulting skills and expertise. With hindsight, it turned out exactly as I planned — working in the Middle East has been an excellent opportunity for me to immerse myself in financial services and to meet a diverse network of people.

Q: What do you have to say about the culture and people at Strategy&?

A: I’ve enjoyed the culture and people since day 1. As an experienced professional, I’ve worked at many different organizations and I’ve never had such an enjoyable experience as this one. The culture is very open, trustworthy, and collaborative. I feel like I’m working  in a family environment here, knowing that I can always count on support, both from the leadership team and from my peers.

Q: What’s been your most rewarding project to date?

A: I’ve had many rewarding projects and I feel inspired by our tangible socioeconomic impact on the region. For example in one GCC city, I’ve had the opportunity to shape the community of the future starting from scratch. At the same time, I appreciate the opportunities to work on policy for public entities and regulators, as we’re bringing the best of our global practice to benefit the regional economy.

Q: Which exciting trends do you see developing for financial services in the Middle East?

A: The region is committed to advancing in the digital space overall and particularly in fintech. Another hot topic in financial services is ESG strategy and the development of sustainable finance — an area where there's still a sizable gap versus mature markets. Last, but not least, I expect to see a lot of new opportunities in capital markets and asset management development as the region remains a highly attractive hub for capital flows.

Q: What are some pivotal moments in your career?

A: Incidentally, I started my professional career in PwC as an auditor 18 years ago and it is interesting to see how my career track spiraled and brought me back to the network. Looking back, I realize that every step in my career has prepared me for my current position. I learned financial statements analysis as an auditor, then I worked at Fitch Ratings and developed a very good understanding of capital markets and risk management approach, and finally I have solidified my business acumen by moving into consulting. Now I feel that I can use my accumulated knowledge to the full potential. 

Q: What do you do when you’re not working?

A: I like to spend time with my family. I also go running for mental relaxation, and I'm training to do a half marathon next year.

Head of knowledge and research, Dubai

Nationality: Indian

Education: MBA in Finance from the Indian Institute of Management, CFA

Q: You’ve been working at Strategy& for almost a year. How’s it going?

A: It’s very exciting and interesting. When I joined Strategy& in March 2022, I was given the mandate of transforming our research and knowledge function. Since then, I’ve been working on a number of initiatives to change our operating model and cost structure, building scale and reimagining how we deliver research and knowledge insights to our clients. Together with a core group of leaders, I’ve helped set the strategy and pushed the envelope to bring that strategy to life. Most recently, I’ve been working on setting up a cutting-edge knowledge management platform—learning about new technologies and how to create more personalized content, which will really add value for our clients.

Q: What were you doing before this, and how does it compare to what you’re doing now?

A: I’ve been building and managing research capabilities for more than 15 years, with previous roles at a number of other consulting firms including BCG, McKinsey & Company, and Deloitte. Now I’m looking forward to building on that experience, while enhancing my leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

My team and colleagues here at Strategy& are exceptional! Already, I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many talented people from diverse backgrounds and industry experience. And they’ve all really supported me in every step of this very difficult yet important transformation journey. Although my role now is very challenging and demanding, my team’s support and commitment throughout this change makes it totally worthwhile.

Q: How would you describe the people and culture at the firm?

A: This firm is a family away from family. The warm energy of the people around me is what keeps me motivated all the time. It also plays an important role in allowing me to achieve a work-life balance. Strategy& has been a positive experience so far, and the more time I spend here, the more I appreciate our ways of working together and of caring for our clients. Every day is memorable. And every day, the team’s willingness to take on new challenges inspires me to give my best.

Q: In your opinion, how does the research and knowledge function shape the way we deliver value to our clients?

A: Research and knowledge is at the heart of everything we do for clients. The analysis and insights generated by our team are crucial for the baselining and for the solutions we provide. Further, they are core to our firm’s own R&D, as we develop new knowledge that helps us build, refine, and manage our capabilities (e.g., assets, new tools, and proprietary databases). Our portfolio includes state-of-the-art research, asset-backed and rapid diagnostics, benchmarking, and workflow support. Our professionals have deep expertise and are able to apply a broad range of methodologies for specialized on-demand analyses, all of which adds value for our clients and helps them make a greater impact.

Q: What makes you happiest outside of the office?

A: I love to explore and discover the unique culture of different countries. So far, I have traveled to 46 countries. Apart from that, I enjoy painting, fashion blogging, and spending time with family and friends.

Manager, Dubai

Nationality: Indian

Education: MBA from INSEAD

Q: What attracted you to working in the Middle East?
A: Dubai always seemed like the city that could be home away from home. It has a great expat community and yet it’s also close to Delhi. Additionally, the overall growth in the Middle East drives the massive scale of the projects here, which is very different from other parts of the world.

Q: What keeps you driven at Strategy&?
A: I’m extremely motivated by the people I work with. I’ve met some of the most wonderful people at Strategy& so far. People here go out of their way to help you and make you feel comfortable. Friends, mentors, sounding boards, workout buddies, I’ve found them all. Additionally, I’m involved in the diversity and inclusion initiatives at the firm, which has given even more meaning to my career in the corporate world.

Principal, Dubai

Nationality: Indian

Education: MBA from IIM-Ahmedabad

Q: How did you join Strategy& and what have you been up to so far?

A: Strategy& represents the completion of my full circle back to consulting. After obtaining my MBA, I started my career with consulting at Monitor Group, then founded a tech startup, moved over to industry, and then returned to consulting with Strategy&.

Since joining the company, I have worked on a range of projects across the aviation, tourism, and defense industries, including leading a business turnaround for an EU airline, localizing high-tech products for a gigacity, establishing an MRO partnership for a military fleet, and many others.

Q: What attracted you to working in the Middle East? 

A: The Middle East was the missing piece of the geographic puzzle for me. I had worked across most of Asia, starting with my first job in India. From there I moved to South-East Asia and then on to East Asia. Now I’m in the Middle East. This region feels like a home away from home, given the way Indian culture has been assimilated here, particularly food. 

Q: What keeps you driven at Strategy&? 

A: The fact that I always learn something new each day. The dynamic nature of our work coupled with the colleagues I work with—extremely supportive people who invest in helping you grow—makes Strategy& a great workplace for me. Additionally, project team members have typically ended up becoming friends, which helps in overcoming challenges, cracking problems on projects, and maintaining a fun work environment.

Q: How do you enjoy spending your time away from work? 

A: I typically struggle between living weekends to the fullest and resting enough to recharge for the week ahead. Most weekends I try to go for a run or a swim and spend time with my family. Recently, I have started learning to kite surf and I’m optimistic I’ll be surfing well in just a few more weeks. 

Associate, Dubai

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering

Q: What do you love most about working at Strategy& in the Middle East?
A: As a professional swimmer, I’ve been prepared to thrive when faced with challenges, so I love the stimulating environment at Strategy&. Working in such a fast-paced environment and across diverse practices has taken me out of my comfort zone, introduced me to new concepts and ways of thinking, and has led to my growth on both personal and professional levels.

Q: Tell us more about your passion for swimming and how you’ve been able to balance it with your role at the firm.
A: Swimming comprised a big part of my life for more than 12 years and, during that time, I’d train an average of 3-4 hours per day. My greatest swimming achievements were setting the under-18yr Arab record in 2015 (which is still unbroken to this day), representing Lebanon in the Swimming World Championships, Swimming World Cups, Arab Championships, World University Games, and many other regional and international competitions; and being named team captain of my university’s swimming team.

Now, of course, working full-time and building your career can get quite demanding but I can still do the things that I love and the sports that I love, just in a less professional manner and more in a recreational manner. I always make sure to dedicate a portion of my day to keeping active.

Principal, Beirut

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: Master’s degree in Public Administration at the Ecole Nationale D’administration in France

Q: How and why did you join Strategy&?

A: After pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at Ecole Nationale D’Administration in France, I was interested in moving back to the Middle East region. I spent time at the firm as an intern and knew it would be a great fit. I formally joined Strategy& in 2013 in the Beirut office. Business consulting for the public sector represented the perfect mix for me to evolve in a fast-paced and challenging environment while working on high-impact projects.  

Q: What are some of your personal interests outside Strategy&?

A: Away from work, I like all types of outdoor activities, in particular water sports, snowboarding, and hiking. Like many of my colleagues, I love to travel and I am particularly drawn to Latin America. My objective is to visit all of the continent’s countries one by one.

Partner, Dubai

Nationality: Canadian

Education: MBA from Harvard Business School

Q: What is your role and the scope of your work at Strategy&?

A: I’ve been based in Dubai for the past five years, where I have largely been leading healthcare projects across a spectrum of clients, including regulators, providers, and life sciences. Our work has focused on supporting a number of the national healthcare transformation initiatives in the GCC region, enhancing patient access, affordability, and overall population health outcomes. In addition to project work, I take a keen interest in recruiting — particularly candidates from top-tier MBA schools in the U.S. and India.

Q: What are your personal interests and how do you enjoy spending your time?

A: Outside of work, I volunteer with the Aga Khan Development Network. I contribute my time and effort to addressing global strategic policy issues, as well as to enhancing programs relating to youth engagement, health, rural development, education, and economic development. Although this takes up much of my free time, I still have time to spare, and I use my weekends to travel around the region or host visiting friends and family during the cooler months. I also have recently taken up golf lessons!

Principal, Dubai

Nationality: Indian

Education: MBA from INSEAD

Q: How did you join Strategy& and what have you been up to lately?

A: I joined Strategy& straight after earning my undergrad degree back in 2014. I was in the New Delhi office and I spent four years working on several projects across India, the Middle East, and South-east Asia. Advising on a merger of two major telcos in India is still one of my fondest projects from that time.

I had worked on a couple of projects in the Middle East as an associate and found it exciting. After earning my MBA I decided to transfer to the Dubai office. I was always inclined towards tech and have found my natural calling in TMT. Currently I am working on an exciting engagement to help a tech and digital company in Saudi Arabia with its activation and transformation agenda..

Q: What attracted you to working in the Middle East?

A: The Middle East region is going through a major growth and transformation cycle and the consulting landscape here is unique and fascinating. There are several opportunities to work on highly strategic and impactful projects that aren’t available in other regions.

Moreover, after having worked in India primarily, I wanted to explore a new place and culture, and be part of a more diverse professional ecosystem — something that I find is prevalent in the Middle East, particularly Dubai.

Q: What keeps you driven at Strategy&?

A: Since I joined Strategy& seven years ago, the people and culture have been my biggest driver. With a people-centric approach as the cornerstone of the Strategy& culture, the leadership and mentors are invested in your success. The energy and drive to deliver quality work to the client, across teams I work with, is contagious and motivates me constantly to perform and learn. Moreover, the firm’s continuous focus on diversity, learning, mentorship, and work–life balance through various initiatives boosts my confidence and keeps me going.

Q: How do you enjoy spending your time away from work?

A: When I am not working, I love to travel, read, and invest in crypto currencies. I am also a big Formula 1 enthusiast. I have recently started to learn the hang drum and I find it a great way to make music and de-stress.

Head of talent development, learning and organizational design, Dubai

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut

Q: What do you love most about working at Strategy& in the Middle East?

A: I rejoined Strategy& after five years of working elsewhere for one main reason – the family culture. I love waking up every morning knowing that I will be working with incredibly smart colleagues, pushing each other to grow and develop beyond our comfort zone.

Q: What are some of your personal interests away from work?

A: Away from work, I enjoy cycling, going to the beach, and traveling. I am also an amateur photographer and a strong believer in analog photography.

Partner, Dubai

Nationality: Indian

Education: Master’s degree in Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology

Q: Why did you join Strategy&? What have you been up to lately?

A: Fueled by the aspiration to continue working on strategic projects in the oil and gas sector and to further explore the international multicultural lifestyle, I decided to move to the Strategy& Dubai office in 2015. Since then, I have worked in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi on several remarkable projects, including setting up an R&D arm, as well as an integrated refining and petrochemical subsidiary for a major national oil company. 

Q: What are some of your personal interests? How do you enjoy spending your time?

A: I have become an avid traveler since my first trip outside of India in 2006. My work has afforded me the opportunity to visit more than 30 countries in Europe, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. While working in Norway, I took my most memorable trip: Traveling with National Geographic to the Archipelago of Svalbard to see the Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, and experience the midnight sun.

Outside of work, I love to spend time with family and play with my son. I indulge in games of table tennis, a sport I excel at, which I learned to play at the age of 10. I love playing tennis, as well, and play regularly with friends and Strategy& colleagues.

Senior business operations and R&Q manager, Beirut

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the American University of Beirut

Q: How long have you been with Strategy& and what is your role?

A: I joined the firm in 2011 in the accounting department, where I stayed for a year before moving to the finance department as a financial analyst. From this experience, I learned how the firm generally operates.

My natural curiosity to encounter different perspectives, as well as a desire to inject some human interaction into my daily numbers and analysis, led me to move to the business operations department. My latest role has given me plenty of diversity: I have rotated through several practices so far — FI&RE, FS, and DBT, and I currently manage the operations of EPS and TMTD — and I am enjoying the aspect that every day brings something different in this part of the business.

Q: What are some of your personal interests outside Strategy&?

A: I am a founder and member of Kunhadi, an NGO that helps raise awareness of road safety. My duties are various and include helping to spread the message, supporting the business operations, and organizing events and related activities.

I also love traveling and discovering different countries and cultures, especially their food and wine. Music and dance are a big part of my life; I attend concerts and shows, and have taken different dance classes — for the last few years I have concentrated on Latin dance. But mostly, I love to spend time with my family.

Manager, Dubai

Nationality: Italian

Education: MSc in Corporate Finance from CASS Business School, London

Q: What attracted you to Strategy&?

A: I had always intended to make my career in consulting. I saw it as an opportunity to constantly grow and feed my curiosity, while working shoulder to shoulder with bright minds to solve the most challenging problems. Early on, I met professionals working in the Middle East and through them I came to know Strategy&. It was an industry pioneer, and I knew that is where I wanted to be.

I was fascinated by the idea of working on breakthrough projects in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions and felt privileged to receive the opportunity to join the team.

Q: What are some of your personal interests away from work?

A: Having played volleyball professionally, my passion for this sport remains undiminished. I still follow my former club’s performances and I am regularly in contact with key players and friends in the world's main leagues.

The sportsman in me impels me to keep an active lifestyle by playing different sports with my friends whenever possible. Moreover, I am passionate about psychology and I enjoy travel and cuisine. Even while discovering the world, my Italian roots are always present when looking for good food!

Principal, Dubai

Nationality: Italian

Education: Master of Supply Chain Management and Logistics Engineering from MIT

Q: Why Strategy& /what benefits personal or professional do you get from being part of the firm?

A: When I was in school, I met a number of people from Strategy&. I was impressed and intrigued by their ability to think logically and synthesize complex problems. I chose Strategy& for that rigorous training. Ideas do not make it out of the conference room here unless they are very well thought through, regardless of the person’s grade, legacy, or tenure. As a bonus, I’ve found that getting intellectually challenged on a daily basis can become addictive really quickly!

Q: What do you do outside Strategy&/when you’re not working?

A:  Living in Dubai provides us with a modern sports infrastructure and unrestricted access to most major cities and tourist destinations around the world. I spend most of my weekends either working out at Al-Qudra cycling track, decompressing at Kite beach, or visiting friends and family around the world. When it gets too hot to be outside, I can always go skiing at the mall.

Principal, Beirut

Nationality: American/Lebanese

Education: M.S. Transportation Engineering & Planning from the University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Q: What did you do before Strategy&?

A: I grew up in Lebanon and moved to the U.S. after completing my undergraduate studies in civil engineering at the American University of Beirut, where I was awarded the Penrose Award and the Distinguished Graduate Award upon graduation. In 2017 I was invited back to receive the Distinguished Young Alumnus award, and to speak at several seminars about disruption and transportation.

In the U.S., I attended graduate school at the University of California – Berkeley, then landed a job as a consultant in Washington, D.C. Both my education and work were focused on emerging technologies and the resulting transportation/mobility transformation. While in the U.S. capital, my clients included federal agencies as well as state and local departments of transportation.

Q: What keeps you driven at Strategy&?

A: Since joining Strategy&, I have shepherded many transformation projects for high-profile clients, across different practices. I’ve also made key contributions to Strategy& thought leadership on mobility and technology topics. I particularly enjoy the people aspect of my work. I get a great deal of satisfaction from collaborating with amazing colleagues and mentoring and bringing a positive energy to my surroundings. I make it a priority to understand both the career goals and personal preferences of my team members to maintain a balanced and pleasant environment that constantly ignites passion and renewed purpose and energy for everyone.

Partner, Beirut

Nationality: Lebanese

Education: MBA from Columbia Business School

Q: What benefits do you get, personal or professional, from being part of this firm?

A: The best part about working at Strategy& is that you never get too comfortable — you’re always being challenged, pushed to grow beyond your current strengths. And that’s only possible because you’re surrounded by excellent people up and down the pyramid and around its support.

Q: What do you do when you’re not working?

A: I try to stay active — swimming, hiking, or circuit training. I also like to read and am I currently hooked on a political graphic novel that investigates a forgotten war crime. For me, a well-spent weekend in Beirut involves fun activities with friends and sufficient sleep to refuel for the week 

Riyadh operations manager, Riyadh

Nationality: Syrian

Education: B.S., University of Maryland

Q: Why Strategy&?

A: I chose to work at Strategy& because I knew that the company invests in its staff before it invests in its clients. Here, I have the opportunity to learn from all senior consultants and am rapidly given more responsibilities. My favorite projects involve finding solutions for our clients quickly, especially when I know that my performance will strongly affect the final outcome of the projects.

Manager, Dubai

Nationality: Indian

Latest degree: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from St. Stephen’s College, India

Q: What attracted you to consulting?

A: I was still in secondary high school when my elder brother introduced me to the world of management consulting. I recall being fascinated by the idea of working on different problem statements and interacting with the senior leadership of different companies.

While pursuing my college education, I explored this fascination by working on several consulting projects. I was eager to become a part of the vibrant ecosystem in my own country but, as fate would have it, roads led to Dubai and this move gave wings to my dream of becoming a consultant.

Q: Why did you join Strategy& and what have you been up to so far?

A: Serendipity played a role in my arrival at Strategy&. A chance meeting with a friend of friend who worked for the firm convinced me that it was the place to be. A referral and a few interviews later, I began my journey as an associate at Strategy& in 2019.

Since joining the company, I have worked on a range of projects, including privatizing a leading university in the Middle East, developing the local content strategy for a large chemicals player, conducting the commercial transformation of an incumbent telecom operator, and supporting a government authority as it fulfills its child protection mandate.

Looking back to the time when consulting was just a fascination, I must admit that the reality of consulting is even better. Every day is a new challenge, and every project is an opportunity to gain expertise. When one is surrounded by people who are passionate about their work and motivate one other to excel, the sky is truly the limit!

Q: What are some of your personal interests away from work?

A: Being highly energetic, I like to spend time in creative pursuits such as dancing, or thrill-seeking adventures such as skydiving.

Curiosity to explore the unknown spurs me to read in my leisure time. Currently I am fascinated with behavioral economics, particularly the “cognitive effects” and “biases” that affect people’s decision making.