Business Leaders interview: Ramy Sayah

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

I am a performance-driven executive with extensive experience in leading hotel and catering management across diverse sectors such as airline, industrial, institutional, healthcare, defense, and sports. As General Manager at Yemek Doha Catering Services, I have successfully led the company to become one of the biggest players in the region, providing exceptional catering services to 75 clients and delivering 300,000 meals daily. My role involves overseeing multi-million-dollar operations, ensuring productivity, efficiency, and compliance with health and safety standards.

What motivates you in your work and what do you find most fulfilling about being a business leader?

I am motivated by the challenge of transforming businesses and achieving growth in highly competitive markets. The most fulfilling aspect of being a business leader is seeing the tangible impact of my strategic initiatives on the company's success and the satisfaction of our clients. Building and empowering high-performing teams and fostering long-term relationships with clients are also deeply rewarding.

How did you develop your leadership skills and how would you define your leadership style?

My leadership skills were developed through a combination of formal education, including an MBA in Hospitality Management, and hands-on experience in various roles within the hospitality and catering industry. I define my leadership style as transformational and collaborative. I believe in inspiring and motivating my team, setting clear goals, and providing the support and resources they need to excel. I also value open communication and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Innovating is crucial in our very diverse industry. How do you stay ahead of trends and incorporate them into your global strategy?

Staying ahead of trends involves continuous market research, attending industry conferences, and networking with other professionals. I also encourage a culture of innovation within my team, where new ideas and approaches are welcomed and explored. Incorporating these trends into our global strategy involves aligning them with our core business objectives and ensuring they enhance our service offerings and operational efficiency.

What do you consider to be the key component(s) of effective business operational development?

The key components of effective business operational development include strategic planning, robust financial management, and a focus on continuous improvement. It’s essential to have clear goals, accurate forecasting, and budgeting, as well as a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Building strong teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration are also critical.

How do you approach identifying areas for improvement within a company's operations?

Identifying areas for improvement starts with conducting thorough audits and performance evaluations. I also rely on feedback from clients and employees to gain insights into potential issues. Data analysis plays a crucial role in identifying trends and pinpointing areas where efficiency can be improved. Once areas for improvement are identified, I work with my team to develop and implement action plans.

Where do you think the most promising investments should be focusing on and/or made on?

Promising investments should focus on technology integration, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving customer experience. In the hospitality and catering industry, investing in sustainable practices and innovations in food safety and quality assurance can also yield significant benefits. Additionally, expanding into emerging markets with high growth potential can provide new opportunities for revenue generation.

What is or are your biggest career achievement(s)?

One of my significant career achievements was elevating Elegancia Catering to a prominent position in the region within just four years. I successfully negotiated and secured major tenders, including for events like FAC 2021 and FIFA 2022, where we provided catering services for over 300,000. Additionally, I spearheaded the acquisition of new business across Qatar and the UAE.

Do you have examples where your leadership made a difference? If so, what were they?

One example is my leadership role at Elegancia Catering, where I transformed the company into a major player in the catering industry. By developing and executing strategic business development initiatives, I significantly increased our client base and service capacity. Additionally, my leadership during major events like FAC 2021 and FIFA 2022 ensured the successful delivery of large-scale catering operations, enhancing our reputation and client trust.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

The most important leadership lesson I’ve learned is the value of adaptability and resilience. The business environment is constantly changing, and being able to pivot and adapt to new challenges is crucial. Effective communication and maintaining a positive attitude, even in difficult times, are key to keeping the team motivated and focused on our goals.

How did you identify and seize opportunities for advancement in your career?

I identified opportunities for advancement by staying proactive and continuously seeking ways to improve and expand my skill set. Networking and building relationships with industry professionals also played a crucial role. I seized opportunities by being open to new challenges and taking calculated risks, such as moving to different countries and taking on diverse roles that broadened my experience and expertise.

Have you achieved everything you wanted in your career so far?

While I am proud of my achievements, I believe there is always room for growth and new challenges. I am continuously looking for opportunities to further develop my skills and contribute to the success of the organizations I work with. Achieving everything I wanted in my career is an ongoing journey, and I am excited about what the future holds.

How important is personal development to your success, and how do you approach it?

Personal development is crucial to my success as it allows me to stay relevant and effective in my role. I approach personal development through continuous learning, whether through formal education, attending industry seminars, or self-study. I also seek feedback from peers and mentors to identify areas for improvement and actively work on enhancing my skills and knowledge.

How do you prioritize tasks when everything feels like a priority?

When everything feels like a priority, I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact on the business. I use a systematic approach, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to categorize tasks into urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. This helps me focus on what truly matters and delegate or defer less critical tasks.

What was the hardest decision you have taken as a leader?

One of the hardest decisions I’ve taken as a leader was during a significant restructuring of operations to improve efficiency. This involved making tough choices, including downsizing certain departments and reallocating resources. While it was a difficult process, it was necessary for the long-term sustainability and growth of the company.

What steps do you take to measure your own performance?

To measure my performance, I set clear and measurable goals and regularly review my progress against these objectives. I also seek feedback from my team, peers, and superiors to gain different perspectives on my performance. Additionally, I track key performance indicators related to the business’s success, such as financial metrics, client satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

What does success mean for you as a business leader?

Success as a business leader means achieving the company’s strategic goals, driving growth, and maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. However, true success lies in developing and nurturing new leaders within the organization. By investing in the growth and potential of our team members, we create a motivated, high-performing workforce capable of sustaining and advancing our achievements. Ultimately, success is about making a lasting positive impact on the organization by continuously fostering leadership development and innovation.