From the Turbulence of War to the Tranquility of Real Estate Investments
Early Life and Upbringing
Ola Hassan’s journey began amidst the turmoil of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, a significant event that shaped her childhood and future aspirations. She and her family decided to relocate to Australia. Reflecting on this experience, Ola describes it as a pivotal moment that significantly disrupted her stable childhood, yet also opened up new opportunities in a different part of the world.
Growing up in a household where education was highly valued, Ola’s parents, both teachers, instilled in her the belief that a prosperous life is built on a solid educational foundation. This conviction was a cornerstone of her upbringing, guiding her to pursue excellence in her studies. Her move to Australia, however, came with its own set of challenges, including adjusting to a new educational system and mastering English with an Australian accent, which she found distinctly different from the American and British accents she was familiar with from television.
Education and Career Path
Ola’s educational journey continued in Australia, where she completed her high school and pursued higher education which is Masters in leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Medical Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Melbourne. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there; she further acquired an Advanced Diploma of Business Management, a Certification in Competency-Based Training and Assessment, and several other qualifications, including becoming a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Emotional Intelligence practitioner.
These diverse educational qualifications equipped Ola with a broad skill set, enabling her to transition smoothly into self-employment and entrepreneurship. Her initial foray into real estate began as an investor in Australia, where she built a property investment portfolio. This experience provided her with critical industry knowledge and a deep understanding of the economic variables impacting the real estate market.
Inspiration and Career Milestones
Ola’s passion for real estate was driven by her innate desire to help others and her belief in property as a reliable vehicle for wealth creation. Her success in real estate investing in both Australia and the UAE has established her as a trusted advisor for friends and potential investors. A significant moment that confirmed her path in the industry was receiving the keys to her first property in Dubai, which appreciated significantly in value, reaffirming her belief in the robust economic management of the UAE.
Her professional journey started in 2006, dealing with land transactions in Australia, and by 2008, she had become a landlord. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant hurdle, but Ola’s strategic move to the UAE, a country she admires for its pragmatic management of the crisis, allowed her to mitigate risks and continue her business ventures successfully.
Achievements and Current Projects
Ola considers her ability to build and run successful businesses across different countries as her greatest achievement. She measures success by both tangible outcomes, such as sales and financial figures, and intangible factors like reputation and customer satisfaction. Currently, she is focused on improving access to UAE property investments for investors from various countries who are “asset rich but cash poor.” Her aim is to help these investors unlock the equity trapped in their home countries and invest in the thriving UAE property market.
One of her exciting current projects involves developing a coaching model that introduces Emotional Intelligence and NLP training to the real estate industry. Ola believes that enhancing the skill sets of real estate agents through such training will bridge compliance gaps and protect buyers, especially those unfamiliar with the UAE market.
Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Ola envisions using her expertise in training and assessment to provide crucial compliance training to real estate agents, ensuring maximum protection for international buyers. She is also keen on starting a coaching venture to upskill aspiring professionals in Emotional Intelligence and NLP. Her long-term goal is to be remembered as a leader in the industry who has significantly contributed to the regulatory landscape in the UAE.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ola is passionate about empowering women and helping the disadvantaged. She maintains an active lifestyle, prioritizing sports and meditation to manage stress and maintain high energy levels. This commitment to personal well-being reflects her holistic approach to success, balancing professional achievements with personal fulfillment.
Conclusion
Ola Hassan’s journey from the chaos of war-torn Kuwait to the prosperous shores of Australia and the dynamic real estate market of the UAE is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and visionary outlook. Her story inspires others to pursue their dreams relentlessly, adapt to changing circumstances, and leverage their unique experiences to create lasting success. Follow her journey on Instagram @olahassan_ and LinkedIn to stay updated on her latest ventures and insights.
