Looking back on my career, I can hardly believe it's been over 27 years since I started this journey in technology and digital transformation. Based here in Dubai now, I've had the incredible opportunity to work on some truly groundbreaking projects across the globe - from Smart City initiatives that are literally reshaping how people live and work, to complex IoT deployments that connect entire urban ecosystems.
What I'm most proud of is my track record of taking on the challenging projects - the ones that others might shy away from. Whether it was reviving a failing $20M Identity and Access Management program at Cisco, or rescuing a critical $120M IT integration at Tyco, I've learned that the most rewarding work often comes from turning around underperforming initiatives. There's something deeply satisfying about taking a project that's struggling and methodically working through the problems until it not only succeeds, but exceeds expectations.
My time leading the $250M Smart City portfolio across EMEA at Cisco was particularly fulfilling. Managing a team of 35 professionals spanning DevOps, IT Security, and Architecture, we didn't just deliver projects - we helped municipalities reimagine their futures. Recently, my work with NEOM in Saudi Arabia has been pushing the boundaries of what's possible with digital twin technology and cognitive cities infrastructure.
I suppose what drives me is the intersection of technology and human impact. Whether I'm presenting to C-level executives, working with government officials, or leading cross-functional teams of 70+ people, it's always about understanding that behind every system, every integration, every digital transformation, there are real people whose lives will be improved by what we build.
The certifications and technical skills are important - my Six Sigma Black Belt, PRINCE2, and various other credentials keep me sharp - but what I've learned over nearly three decades is that successful program delivery is as much about people and communication as it is abMore...