Frontline Sales and Marketing / Business Development / Public Relations
Independent
Total years of experience :21 years, 5 Months
Freelance sales and marketing consultancy to small and medium size companies in Kuwait.
Starting in Iraq during the second Gulf War I embarked on a journalism, research and location production career that took me to almost all conflict zones throughout the Middle East and West Africa.
The work varied from on the ground researching issues for documentaries to advance reconnaissance of locations and compiling synopsis for production companies.
Clients included international media organizations such as Reuters and the Associated Press for news and current affairs work and Discovery Channel and National Geographic for documentary work.
This work required excellent communication skills in English, Arabic and sometimes French, self motivation, prioritizing and problem solving, multi-tasking, resourcefulness, negotiating skills, management of complex logistics, creativity, commitment to tight deadlines, long and hard hours, a high level of accountability, consistency, cultural sensitivity and a thorough understanding of regional issues.
Consultant to Canadian companies interested in penetrating Kuwait and Qatar markets.
Researched and reported on regional economic conditions to the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (with emphasis on the politics and economics of the oil and gas industries).
Organized trade delegations to and from Canada, including high level ministerial visits.
Organized Canada's participation in regional conferences such as the Doha round of the World Trade Organization summit.
Received a special citation from the Canadian Minister of International Trade for outstanding service.
This work required excellent communication skills, tact and diplomacy, personal and professional presentability, personal credibility, organization skills, building relations with high ranking individuals, the ability to work independently and understanding of market and economic conditions, especially in the oil and gas sector.
Market Research, Focus Marketing Consultancy, 1995-1998
Sales of market research services to major companies in Kuwait, design and implementation of market research surveys, analysis and presentation of findings and providing solid recommendations to clients based on findings.
This work required practical business to business sales and marketing skills, investigating and breaking into new markets, cold calling, negotiating skills, computer literacy, analysis of qualitative and quantitative findings, presentation skills, articulating complicated ideas, making sound judgments, understanding a diversity of markets and a high level of personal credibility.
Sales Executive, Safir International Hotel, 1993-1995
Corporate sales of hotel rooms and facilities to leading companies in Kuwait. Consistently achieved and surpassed sales targets.
This work required practical sales and marketing skills, indentifying and developing new prospects, cold calling, enhancing customer relations, negotiating skills, personal initiative, resourcefulness and dealing with a diversity of client expectations.
Bachelor of Arts, International Affairs, American University of Paris, France, 1989
