Firdouz Hameed
As a CFO of a startup, he was able to build an empire that was worth more than $500 million in just four years. But Mohamed Isa was not one to be content with this. He wanted to be the change that could help thousands achieve their dreams. So he left the comfort and security of a stable job that many would kill for to start his own company, 3D Speaking. Over the past nine years, they have helped hundreds of MNCs and entrepreneurs in achieving great success. As a writer, three out of his several books have been bestsellers. Being a recipient of the Quilly Awards of Best Selling Authors, he has been a regular on TV shows in the US and Bahrain.
Please tell us a bit about where you were born, raised, educated, and also about your family.
I was born in Muharraq at the Royal Air Force Hospital or the “RF” as people in Bahrain call it. I attended public schools in the Town of the Greats – Isa Town – and then finished my Accounting Degree at the University of Bahrain. I signed my employment contract with Unilever three months before my graduation. I moved to Dubai after three days of finishing my final semester exams.
My parents played a significant role in shaping my personality and character. My dad brought me up with an exceptional level of work ethic. And I learned to be patient from my mum.
What is the secret formula of your health, smile, wealth, and success?
There is no secret formula. It is simple. Do what others are not willing to do. If you do that, you will be successful. For example, when I was a CFO, my schedule was overloaded. I had to deal with the CEO, the Chairman, the Board, Regulatory Authorities in Bahrain & Kuwait, Investors, Banks, and not to mention dealing with the other departments. With that kind of pressure, most people would not even think of pursuing higher education. Not me. For a few years, I would arrive in the office so early to finish my MBA assignments between 6 and 8 before my colleagues arrived at work.
I’m curious to know about how you created your own enigmatic persona that helps you win any kind of crowd you interact with. Is your style of oration modeled after someone?
Many speakers inspired me, but I’m a copy of none. For example, I admire Martin Luther King, Jr. I could deliver his “I have a dream” speech word for word. And I could remember vividly how the audience responded to his speech almost line by line.
I even stood at the spot where he delivered the speech in Washington, DC. But I will never try to speak like him. As a speaker, you should develop your own speaking style. My speeches are full of personal stories to help me connect with the audience at a deeper level, entertain them, and anchor my points in the process.
Back in December 2015, you were on a roll. But then you did the unthinkable by deciding to leave a C-level post. In hindsight, it all came out wonderfully well for you. Weren’t you scared to take such a bold decision? What prompted you to make such a leap? Moreover, what you tell those aspiring entrepreneurs who look up to you and take a similar path?
Again back to Martin Luther King, he once said: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” That’s what I did. I used my faith as a springboard to leap. I knew I have the skills, the connections, and the will to go on an entrepreneurial adventure. And to put it on the records, I don’t regret this decision at all. The growth I’m experiencing is phenomenal.
As for the advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, don’t be fooled by job security. If you believe in a feasible business idea, do it. If you succeed, it is fantastic. If not, so what? Start again!
You have written nine books. Some of them are best sellers on Amazon. I’m sure there is more to come. Most writers like yourself say when you write, the reading goes away. But reading is as important as it helps to keep you on the latest trends. Keeping this on the mind, how much of a reader are you these days? And how’s your new book coming up?
I read a lot. If you want to be a good writer, you should be an avid reader. By doing this, you will expand your vocabulary, and your writings will flow effortlessly. For example, I’m an advocate for superb Customer Experience (CX) practices. I speak extensively about it. I recently read 167 pages of research, reports, and surveys about it. This will not only keep me updated on recent trends in the industry but also inspire me to write more articles on the subject.
As of 2020, I’m planning to release three books. I just finished a session with my graphic designer to plan the interior layout for my tenth book: “Rev It Up! 101 Insights on Startups.”
A writer, speaker, and a tour director. What role do you enjoy the most now?
I like them all. They feed into each other. For example, I often share my travel experiences in my CX talks to draw lessons on how companies could improve their customer service to attract and retain more customers. Similarly, let’s say I gave a speech where I shared a story that resonated so well with the audience; that story will surely become an article. Sometimes, it’s the other way around; I would write an article that will become a story in a speech. Get the point?
You are someone who has closely interacted with people like Larry King. Who is the most inspiring person you have interacted with so far? What can we learn from such personalities?
We have many local legends in Bahrain; people who started from scratch. And then they went on to achieve great things. I didn’t have to search for regionally or internationally to find inspiration. However, if I were to shortlist only one name, I could mention without hesitation, Mr. Jawad Habib. I admire this fine gentleman a lot. He built an auditing & consulting empire from scratch. I make it a point to meet with him at least once a year. I kept pestering him about writing his biography for years. I’m glad he did. I recommend it for anyone who’s looking for inspiration. It teaches a great lesson: Hard work pays dividends.
According to you, which country in the GCC is the most promising one in terms of future growth? And how do you rate Bahrain amongst them?
Bahrain is undoubtedly the best place in the GCC to conduct business. First and foremost, Bahrain has one of the best talent pools in the region. And they’re one of the friendliest people in the world. They will make you feel at home and welcome you with our delicious Bahraini Halwa!
Besides, Bahrain has advanced regulations, well-developed infrastructure, and the low cost of doing business. Also, Bahrain is at the heart of the World. It has a strategic location for conducting international business. Operating in Bahrain will give you access to the entire GCC Markets as well as the export market in the USA, where we have a Free Trade Agreement.
What’s the main difference in entrepreneurs from countries like the US and the UK to those coming from the GCC?
The main difference between GCC-based entrepreneurs from around the world is the entrepreneurial cultural environment. Other countries are much advanced. But we will soon catch up and evolve. In the past, you made it if you joined the national oil company or the public sector. Now, it’s no longer the case. Things are changing rapidly. The youth are longing to have a different lifestyle. They want things fast. They want to explore. They want to make a positive impact in their community.
However, the older generations still prefer brick and mortar businesses. It takes double the effort to convince them to invest in start-ups. It will take time before this notion is accepted in our region. We will change from “why should I invest with an 18-year-old” to “why not?”
Also, Bahrain Economic Development Board & the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) launched key strategic initiatives to build a conductive startup ecosystem to encourage locals and expatriates to start businesses. There are events supporting startups all year round.
What do you tell investors who are looking to venture into the GCC? Is it the right time?
Come. Don’t think so much.
When I released “On Startups,” a friend of mine commented: “You published the wrong book. We’re in a recession. You should have published: “How to Close Your Business.” He’s no longer a friend. No, no.
No, I’m kidding. I told him if you go down the history, you’ll find many businesses that were started during recessions. Microsoft is one of them.
Yes, the time is always right for a service or a product that will cure the pain of your target customers.
There are some who say that the discovery of oil in the 1930s is both a blessing and a curse at the same time. Is that true? If so, why?
It depends on how you look at it. Neither my dad nor my mum finished their education.
None of my uncles owned a business. None of my relatives is a millionaire. Does that mean I’m doomed? Absolutely not. It’s all about using your brainpower to change your situation, to envision, to take action, to realize your ambitions, whether you’re an individual or a nation.
Whatever situation you’re in, you’re blessed. Use what you’ve got in the best possible way.
Look everywhere for opportunities.
