A Bold Career Shift: From Computer Science to Journalism
Abdallah Al Jouaid’s story is one of transformation, determination, and ambition. Born and raised in Beirut, Abdallah’s career took an unexpected turn when he made the courageous decision to switch his major from Computer Science to Journalism. This decision, although challenging at the time, has proven to be a game-changer in his career. The transition was not just about changing subjects; it was about aligning his passions with his professional journey. Abdallah knew that journalism would allow him to explore and shape the future of industries, and he was particularly drawn to the rapidly growing world of digital assets and cryptocurrencies.
The impact of this shift is evident in Abdallah’s career today. His unique blend of technical knowledge and journalistic skills has helped him carve a niche for himself in one of the most dynamic sectors. As a finance reporter at CNN Business Arabic, Abdallah specializes in covering the crypto and stock markets. This career path, aligned with his deep interest in digital assets, has provided him the opportunity to meet influential leaders in the crypto space and deliver high-quality content that resonates with a global audience.
Overcoming Challenges: Leaving Everything Behind for Career Growth
One of the most significant challenges in Abdallah’s career came when he moved from Beirut to accept an offer from CNN Business Arabic. Leaving behind his family, friends, and everything familiar to pursue his dreams was not an easy decision. Abdallah had to step out of his comfort zone and embrace uncertainty for the sake of his career growth. However, this decision would go on to define the trajectory of his professional life.
Relocating to a new country and stepping into a high-pressure job in an international news organization, Abdallah faced the challenge of adapting to a completely different work culture. Yet, his resilience and determination pushed him forward. He began to build a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of finance and digital assets, a field he was passionate about, and which he believes will shape the future.
The Crypto Passion: A Belief in the Future of Digital Assets
For Abdallah, his passion for the crypto industry is more than just a job — it’s a belief in the future. His interest in digital assets is rooted in his conviction that cryptocurrencies will revolutionize finance and the way people interact with money. As the world increasingly turns to blockchain technology and decentralized finance, Abdallah’s work has become a key part of the conversation around these innovations.
His ability to interview top-tier leaders in the crypto space has further cemented his place in the industry. Abdallah has had the opportunity to speak with influential figures such as Justin Sun, Charles Hoskinson, and Richard Teng, gaining valuable insights into the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency. These interactions have not only enhanced his understanding of the industry but also expanded his network, opening doors for even more groundbreaking work.
Inspired by Jack Ma: Learning From the Best
Throughout his career, Abdallah has drawn inspiration from the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of successful individuals. One of his biggest influences is Jack Ma, the Chinese billionaire and founder of Alibaba. Abdallah has written extensively about Ma, admiring his ability to overcome challenges and persist despite setbacks. Ma’s story of overcoming adversity resonated with Abdallah, especially during times when he faced his own professional struggles.
Abdallah’s passion for his work is fueled by the lessons he learned from Ma. The ability to push through tough times, maintain a growth mindset, and never give up, even when success seems distant, is something Abdallah holds dear. In his own career, he is committed to working harder and staying focused on his goals, just as Ma did throughout his journey.
A Defining Moment: The 8-Month Challenge
One of the most defining moments in Abdallah’s career came in 2017 when he made the difficult decision to resign from his job and take a break from work for eight months. During this period, Abdallah faced a significant personal and professional challenge — he had no income for the entire duration.
While many would have seen this as a setback, Abdallah used this time to reflect, regroup, and reignite his motivation. The months of uncertainty served as a catalyst for his future success, helping him to develop a deeper sense of ambition and drive. Abdallah views this period as a pivotal moment in his life, one that ultimately shaped who he is today.
The experience taught him resilience, patience, and the importance of taking risks for personal and professional growth. Abdallah emerged from these eight months with a renewed sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to his career goals.
Respecting Others: A Core Value That Shaped His Career
Abdallah’s approach to work is deeply influenced by his belief in respecting others, no matter their background, race, or nationality. He believes that this value has played a crucial role in his success. By embracing diversity and cultivating a culture of respect, Abdallah has been able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life.
This respect for others has also shaped his journalistic approach. Abdallah is committed to providing fair, unbiased, and accurate coverage of the crypto and finance sectors. He believes that the ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives is key to delivering insightful and comprehensive reporting.
Defining Success: A Personal and Professional Journey
For Abdallah, success is not just about career achievements; it’s about personal growth and responsibility. When he first started his journey, success meant being fully responsible for himself and his decisions. It was about ensuring that he could provide for his family and build a solid foundation for his future.
However, over time, Abdallah’s definition of success has evolved. Now, success is about moving forward with each passing year, learning new things, achieving more, and embracing change. It’s about constantly growing, both personally and professionally, and achieving new milestones that contribute to his ongoing journey. He have awarded in October 2024 as the Best crypto finance journalist in the Mena region for the year, from ABC awards.
The Power of Humility: Avoiding Ego at Work
Abdallah firmly believes that ego can be a “self killer,” especially in the workplace. He understands the importance of staying grounded and maintaining humility, no matter how successful one becomes. This belief has guided his career decisions, and he has always focused on the work rather than the recognition.
By putting his ego aside and focusing on the bigger picture, Abdallah has been able to maintain strong professional relationships and continuously improve his skills. This mindset has been essential in navigating the fast-paced and competitive world of journalism and crypto reporting.
Leaving a Legacy: Abdallah’s Impact on Journalism
Abdallah’s ultimate goal is to be remembered as a journalist who played an important role in spreading knowledge about digital assets and cryptocurrencies. He envisions himself as a free voice in the journalism industry, someone who helped shape the narrative around the future of finance.
Through his work, Abdallah aims to educate and inspire others, showing that hard work, perseverance, and a belief in the future can lead to incredible opportunities. His journey from Beirut to becoming a finance reporter at CNN Business Arabic is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and staying committed to one’s goals.
Conclusion
Abdallah Al Jouaid’s journey is an inspiring story of perseverance, passion, and ambition. From his decision to switch careers to his current role as a finance reporter at CNN Business Arabic, Abdallah has proven that with the right mindset and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible. His dedication to the crypto industry and his commitment to spreading knowledge about digital assets have solidified his place as a respected figure in the world of journalism. Abdallah’s story is a reminder that success comes to those who are willing to work hard, learn from their failures, and never give up on their dreams.
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