Reflections on Seven Years of Self-Employment

[4 December 2022]

Time flies.  

Today marks the 7th Anniversary of leaving my post as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a dual-listed Investment Bank and becoming self-employed. I left a six-digit figure salary and other lucrative perks. Many of my friends thought I was out of my mind. I did not blame them. They saw the present. I saw what was possible. 

Seven years ago, I flew from Manama to meetings in Munich, a startup conference, and bankers meeting in London. It has been a period of ups and downs. However, thankfully, the overall trajectory is upward. The learning and growth I experienced: Outstanding.

There are no secrets to attaining significant achievements. It would be best if you considered applying this powerful acronym, GTC:

-Have ambitious (G) Goals,

-Surround yourself with amazing (T) Team Members,

-And have an unshakable (C) Conviction that you can accomplish all your goals.

I will reflect on seven areas in my life. And I hope this will inspire you to have bigger dreams for 2023 and beyond.

1) Speaking:

I delivered +200 speeches & courses. The speech I cherish the most is the one I gave at Googleplex in California, USA. The talk was about the concepts I discuss in my book: “Chai Karak: A Customer Service Story.”

Inspiration on how to become a better public speaker:

2) Writing:

I published 14 books either as the sole or contributing author. If you are wondering which is my favorite book, it is a book I have not yet written. I called it: “Jungle Incorporated.” It will be a must-read for anyone who wants to conquer the corporate world.

Inspiration on how to write your first book:

3) Volunteering:

I served as a Board Member at both UK Alumni Association in Bahrain and the Bahrain Society for Training & Development for two years. At BSTD, I orchestrated the publishing of the first book in its history: “The DNA of Development.” Now, I am serving as a Board Member at the Bahrain Management Society. If you want to know more about BMS, drop me a comment.

4) Building Exclusive Networks:

On 17 November 2018, I created the Unofficial University of Hull Alumni in the Gulf. We had terrific reunions in Bahrain, Muscat, Dubai, and Riyadh. We are planning more exciting events in 2023. I have another network of Authors who worked with me in my past collaborative books. It is incredible when you work with like-minded people. We are building each other up via several projects.

Here is one of our collaborations:

5) Serving on Boards:

I enjoy adding value using my corporate experience. I served as an Independent Audit Member in two companies in Bahrain and Saudi. We built those committees from scratch. I cannot wait to contribute more to Family Businesses and Listed Companies across the Gulf.

Here is some wisdom from Saleh Hussain:

6) Startups:

I have mentored startups in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. I particularly like dissecting pitch decks to make them more appealing to prospective investors. Also, I take a particular interest in challenging startups to think about their Customer Experience (CX) Journeys. I am working with a fascinating startup: Mirathi.  Mirathi It is tackling the worst nightmare in digital asset investment, solving the precarious issue of being unable to pass your digital asset investments to your heirs.

Inspiration to start your business:

7) Traveling:

I have been privileged to travel to 27 countries on business and for pleasure. The trip that affected me the most was my expedition to Everest Base Camp. It inspired me to challenge myself more and more. My latest keynote speech is titled: Leadership: The Everest Way!” Depending on clients’ preferences, I could expand to a full-day workshop. Interested to know more? Please drop me a comment.

If you want to experience Everest, I invite you to visit this link:

On Quitting Your Job:

Many books and social media influencers preach that you should start a business. 

Starting a business or being self-employed is not for everyone. 

It takes guts. 

It takes sweat. 

It takes blood.

Proceed with caution. 

Not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur.

You should have very thick skin. For example, how would you react to this situation:

You have a family to feed. 

You only have $3.65 in your bank account.

That was my situation on 15 November 2019.

Think long and hard before you quit your job. 

Instead, focus on developing side hustles. 

Build them up!

And remember this, countless professionals are prospering in their careers in the corporate world.

I wish you success in whatever you decide to do. As for me, I am excited about the possibilities that I will pursue in the coming seven years. Please keep me in your prayers.

If you have any opportunities in the above domains, please reach out. 

Let’s collaborate!

Final Note:

I will leave you with the opening remarks from my book:

101 Insights to Axelerate Your Success

Success.

Everyone wants it.

Few work for it.

Be part of the few.

Work.

Success

Will be yours.