Hussein M. Dajani, with over 21 years of experience, is a trailblazer in digital marketing, tech, and customer experience. He’s been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious ‘WPP Young High Potential Leaders‘ Award and recognition from Gulf Marketing Review, Huffington Post, and more.
Hussein’s expertise spans a wide spectrum, encompassing strategy, digital marketing, content, and customer experience transformation. His contributions have left an indelible mark on industries like government, travel, telecom, automotive, and finance.
Join us for an illuminating interview where we delve deep into Hussein’s remarkable career and gain insights from his incredible journey.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started in your field?
Reflecting on my journey, I feel a profound sense of fulfillment and pride in the path I’ve traversed. It’s been a remarkable journey, filled with its share of unexpected twists, formidable challenges, and exhilarating victories, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My journey commenced at the tender age of 13 when my family consistently remarked on my innate knack for Marketing and Sales. Evidently, I possessed a unique ability to kindle the desire in others to purchase products, whether they genuinely needed them or not.
In hindsight, it appears I was destined for this industry, as I took my initial steps into the realm of traditional advertising back in 2001. Over the years, I diligently honed my skills and collaborated with some renowned brands. However, as time passed, I yearned to explore uncharted territories and make a tangible impact on the world. Thus, I took a leap of faith and ventured into the domains of digital marketing and CX transformation.
Working alongside iconic brands such as Virgin Mobile, Red Bull, and Nissan Motor Co. to name a few, my passion reignited. I yearned to break boundaries, venture into new horizons, and ascertain the limits of possibility. Consequently, I embarked on the ambitious journey of establishing my digital agency, driven by unwavering entrepreneurial zeal.
This undertaking posed a formidable challenge, yet I embraced it with unwavering enthusiasm. I poured my heart and soul into crafting something truly extraordinary, something that could effect substantial change in the world. When the agency was eventually acquired by one of the world’s largest communication agencies, I knew that my decision had been validated.
However, life is replete with surprises, and in 2009, I received an intriguing offer from a multinational consulting firm. At the time, I declined it, but the question of “what if” continued to linger in my mind. It was a question that persisted until I finally decided to confront it head-on.
And so, I joined Deloitte Digital as a Partner and Head of ACNE agency (a Deloitte Digital company), poised to undertake the next monumental challenge and make a meaningful impact in the realm of business transformation. In retrospect, I recognize that every decision I’ve made has culminated in the person I am today. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable companies and exceptional individuals, establishing a personal brand through thought leadership and participation in industry conferences, and earning recognition as an expert and high-potential leader by some of the industry’s most prominent names.
Reflecting on my journey thus far, I am profoundly grateful for every experience, obstacle, and triumph. It has been an extraordinary odyssey, and I eagerly anticipate what the future holds.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered in my career was navigating the turbulent waters of the Covid era. During that time, obstacles seemed to spring up at every turn, and the future appeared uncertain, if not outright hazy. The pressure was on to tighten budgets and trim down resources, and it felt as though the weight of the world rested squarely on our shoulders. However, I was determined not to be defeated by the challenges of the moment.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, I assembled a team of brilliant professionals, and together, we embarked on a mission to develop a strategy that would safeguard our business and its most valuable assets: our employees. It was a time to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. By daring to be different and embracing innovation, we were able to create a business transformation solution that not only protected our people and budgets but also fueled our growth. It was undeniably the most demanding challenge of my professional career, but it was also the most rewarding.
In the end, our collective grit, determination, and innovative approach allowed us to rise above the adversity and achieve the seemingly impossible. For a more detailed account of this journey, I encourage you to explore “Shop@Home with Nissan,” a groundbreaking approach to doing business with consumers that was born out of the COVID era.
As a leader, I’ve learned that I’m not infallible, and there will be times when I don’t have all the answers. In such situations, I set aside my ego and readily seek counsel from trusted colleagues and mentors. I firmly believe that two heads are better than one, and I value diverse perspectives and opinions.
When confronted with a challenging decision, I approach it with objectivity and diligence. I make it a point to gather all relevant information, examine the situation from multiple angles, and compile a list of pros and cons for each potential course of action. This thorough analysis is crucial because I understand that rash decisions can lead to negative consequences.
However, even after careful deliberation, there may be occasions when I’m still uncertain about the best course of action. In those moments, I take the time to reflect further and gather additional information before arriving at a final decision. I acknowledge that there’s no shame in admitting when more time is needed to make an informed choice.
Furthermore, I remain acutely aware of the ethical and moral implications of the decisions I make. I understand that my actions reverberate not only for me but also for my team and the entire organization. Thus, I embrace my responsibility as a leader and strive to make decisions that align with our core values and principles.
In essence, being a leader means recognizing that one doesn’t always have all the answers. Instead, it involves having the humility to seek guidance and the diligence to make well-informed decisions based on thorough analysis and consideration. By doing so, I aim to be a decisive and effective leader who earns the trust and respect of my team.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have they influenced your approach to leadership?
Incorporating the below lessons into my leadership style has helped me become a more effective and empathetic leader, capable of guiding teams through challenges and fostering an environment of growth and innovation.
Adaptability is Key: One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and leaders must be flexible and open to change. Adapting to new technologies, market trends, and unexpected challenges is essential for success. This lesson has influenced my leadership by making me more open to change and more willing to embrace innovation.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the perspectives and emotions of others is crucial for effective leadership. I’ve learned that empathy and emotional intelligence are not only important for building strong relationships but also for resolving conflicts and motivating teams. This lesson has influenced my leadership by making me more attuned to the needs and feelings of my team members.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Every career has its share of challenges and setbacks. I’ve learned that resilience and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity are essential qualities for leaders. This lesson has influenced my leadership by encouraging me to remain resilient, stay focused on long-term goals, and inspire my team to overcome obstacles. An old friend once wrote down a phrase and asked me to meditate on it: “Maturity is the ability to manage uncertainty.” I find myself coming back to those words of wisdom again and again, and using them as a rudder to navigate life, which I hope can be characterized by this complex definition of maturity.
Continuous Learning: The world is constantly changing, and learning should never stop. I’ve learned that a commitment to continuous learning and personal development is critical for staying relevant and effective as a leader. This lesson has influenced my leadership by motivating me to seek out new knowledge, stay curious, and encourage a culture of learning within my team.
Empowerment and Delegation: Effective leaders empower their team members and delegate responsibilities. I’ve learned that micromanagement can stifle creativity and hinder growth. This lesson has influenced my leadership by encouraging me to trust my team, delegate tasks, and provide them with the autonomy to excel in their roles.
Ethical Leadership: Integrity and ethical behavior are non-negotiable for successful leadership. I’ve learned that ethical lapses can have far-reaching consequences, both personally and for the organization. This lesson has influenced my leadership by reinforcing the importance of leading with integrity, making ethical decisions, and setting a positive example for others.
Team Collaboration: Success is rarely achieved in isolation. I’ve learned that effective leadership involves collaboration and teamwork. This lesson has influenced my leadership by promoting a collaborative mindset, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and valuing diverse perspectives within the team.
Humility: No one has all the answers, and leaders should be humble enough to admit when they don’t know something. I’ve learned that humility fosters a culture of learning and growth. This lesson has influenced my leadership by making me more willing to seek advice, learn from others, and acknowledge my own limitations.
One thing that people don’t know about you?
In a world that has been cut up and defined by its differences, separated by its religions and traditions, which value money and technology at an unprecedented level, where incentives are highly self-centered, humans’ acknowledgment of interdependence seems to be largely missing. Yes, we share content on social media, and write blogs, which keep us in constant connection, but what we do with these connections is what makes the difference.
I am a “connector,” as Malcolm Gladwell defines in The Tipping Point. Coming from a family of many siblings, I am used to several personalities surrounding me at all times, dealing with them, and compromising. In the same way, I treat the people whom I meet as an extension of my family. It is only natural for me. Thus, the connections I make regularly benefit me personally and in business, often simultaneously.
I am never satisfied with easy answers, with simple explanations: there always has to be something else, something more interesting and complex beneath the surface of things. This is perhaps a defense mechanism: growing up in a country like Lebanon, in a city like Beirut, where the sectarian civil war colored so much of my childhood and taught me early on that much of the circumstances of life are beyond one’s control, and that loyalties are both multi-layered and multi-faceted, I also learned that knowledge is power. Exercising one’s mind allows one to travel beyond the personal limitations of borders, place, culture, and circumstance. And perhaps this gives a measure of feeling some control over a world that is so uncontrollable. This curiosity then informs my entire life philosophy.
What advice would you give to young professionals or entrepreneurs who are just starting in your field?
Believe in Yourself: To be successful, you need to have confidence in your abilities and believe in your vision. Believe that you can make a difference and that your ideas have the potential to change the world.
Start with a Solid Plan – The WHY!
Take Calculated Risks: Do your research, analyze the potential outcomes, and weigh the risks and rewards before making any decisions.
Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with a network of advisors, mentors, and supporters who can offer guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of life. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and seek out networking opportunities.
Focus on Customer Experience: One of the most important aspects of any business is the customer experience. Always remember to put yourself in the customer’s shoes and remember that the customer is a person, not a currency. Focus on building strong relationships with your customers and delivering exceptional service.
Embrace Failure: Failure is a natural part of any journey. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your strategy, and keep moving forward.
Patience, patience, patience: Nothing happens overnight.
Stay Focused and Persistent: Stay focused on your goals, be persistent in your efforts, and never give up.
Remember that a career is a journey, and it’s important to enjoy the process and celebrate the small victories along the way. Keep an open mind, stay flexible, and be willing to pivot when necessary. With hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, you can turn your dreams into a reality.
Hussein, your journey in the realms of marketing and business transformation is nothing short of inspirational. Your reflections on life’s unpredictability, adaptability, and the value of connections resonate deeply. Your insights on leadership, continuous learning, and ethical conduct are invaluable.
Your openness about being a “connector” in a world where true connections often get lost is refreshing. Your curiosity and desire to delve deeper into the complex tapestry of life’s experiences is a testament to your wisdom.
To young professionals and entrepreneurs starting in this field, your advice is a treasure trove of wisdom. Belief in oneself, calculated risk-taking, building a strong network, and staying persistent are the cornerstones of success.
Thank you, Hussein, for sharing your incredible journey and invaluable insights. Your story is a guiding light for all seeking to navigate the world of marketing, leadership, and life itself.
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