From Boardrooms to Lecture Halls: The Inspiring Career Switch of Dr. Adham Fayad
In an age where career changes are often met with hesitation, Dr. Adham Fayad stands out as a shining example of how embracing new challenges can lead to incredible personal and professional growth. With a rich career that spans over 17 years across various industries in the MENA region, Dr. Fayad made a bold and inspiring move in 2023 — transitioning from a high-profile leadership role in the corporate world to an academic position as a Full-Time Assistant Professor in Business Management at De Montfort University Dubai.
For anyone contemplating a mid-career switch, his story offers both inspiration and practical lessons.
The Early Days: Discovering a Talent for Sales
Dr. Fayad’s professional journey officially began in 2009 when he took up a role as a Sales Executive at BMW (Al Fardan Automobiles) in Qatar. However, his first brush with professional life occurred a few years earlier in 2006, when he took on contract jobs in the United States as part of his post-university training.
It was during his time at BMW that Dr. Fayad uncovered a natural ability for sales — a skill that would become a cornerstone of his career. He quickly realized that sales went far beyond business transactions. As he puts it, “Sales skills are applied in everyday life — from convincing a child to eat healthy food to marketing yourself for a new job opportunity.”
This understanding not only boosted his confidence but also laid the foundation for his rise within the corporate world.
Young Leader, Big Challenges
At just 28 years old, Dr. Fayad faced one of his toughest professional challenges when he was offered a leadership position at a Semi-Governmental Printing and Publishing house in Saudi Arabia. Leading a team of 20 seasoned employees, all older and more experienced than him, was no easy task.
“I had to prove not only to them but also to myself that I was more than just a young professional handed a big opportunity,” he recalls.
Instead of backing down, Dr. Fayad committed himself to refining his leadership skills, focusing on clear communication, empathy, and consistent performance. Over time, he earned the respect of his team and grew into a capable leader who could balance strategy with people management.
A Career Built on Mentorship and Coaching
Throughout his 17-year career in the corporate sector, which saw him working in marketing, sales, and leadership roles across major companies in the MENA region, one aspect consistently brought him the most joy: mentoring and coaching.
“Witnessing my team learn, grow, and excel always brought me immense satisfaction,” says Dr. Fayad.
It wasn’t just about hitting sales targets or growing business revenue — it was about making a lasting impact on people’s lives. This deep-rooted passion for helping others realize their potential played a critical role in shaping his next big career move.
The Leap into Academia
In 2023, after earning his Doctorate Degree, Dr. Fayad made a courageous decision to leave his corporate career behind and step into the world of academia. It was a move driven not by titles or financial gain, but by a genuine desire to give back.
“I wanted to share my real-world experience in marketing, sales, and leadership with the next generation,” he explains.
Today, as an Assistant Professor at De Montfort University Dubai, Dr. Fayad teaches business management to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. More importantly, he bridges the gap between textbook theories and the practical realities of the job market — something he believes is crucial for preparing students for success.
The Struggles of Starting Over
Despite his impressive credentials and years of experience, the career switch wasn’t without its challenges. Moving from a senior leadership role in the corporate world to what he describes as “essentially the bottom of the ladder in academia” came with its own set of difficulties.
“There was this immediate need to prove myself in a completely new field,” admits Dr. Fayad.
But he wasn’t discouraged. Instead, he leveraged the transferable skills he had developed over the years — communication, leadership, strategic thinking, and people management — to establish himself in academia. These qualities not only helped him connect with students but also positioned him as a valuable asset within the university community.
A New Purpose: Teaching, Research, and Impact
Currently, Dr. Fayad is deeply involved in teaching, research, and consulting projects. His academic research focuses on high-impact areas such as sustainability and green business practices, leadership strategies, and employee performance — subjects he’s passionate about and that are increasingly vital in today’s fast-changing business world.
He’s also working on initiatives aimed at preparing students for the modern job market by equipping them with practical skills that can be applied immediately after graduation.
“Nothing is more rewarding than hearing students say I made a difference in their lives, or that my class was one of the best parts of their university journey,” he shares.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Fayad highlights one key lesson: the importance of finding joy in what you do. While titles, salaries, and work-life balance shaped his priorities at different points, it was the genuine love for his work — both in corporate leadership and now in teaching — that brought lasting satisfaction.
He also stresses the importance of working in environments where you feel valued and appreciated.
“A positive work environment is crucial. Find a place that truly values your contributions, and you’ll naturally thrive,” he advises.
Advice for Aspiring Career Changers
For those considering a career change later in life, Dr. Fayad has some practical advice.
“Many people hesitate because they fear starting over or losing their status. But if you’re passionate about something, take the risk. It might be tough initially, but the long-term rewards are worth it.”
He believes that career growth isn’t always about climbing higher in one field but about evolving into roles that align better with your values, interests, and sense of purpose.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
One of the core philosophies Dr. Fayad brings to his teaching is making learning personal, culturally smart, and highly practical. Drawing from his own industry experience, he uses relatable, real-world examples to explain theoretical concepts — ensuring students not only understand them but can also apply them in real-life scenarios.
This tailored, engaging approach has made his classes popular among students, many of whom credit him with boosting their confidence and readiness for the professional world.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Dr. Fayad isn’t stopping here. He has ambitious goals for his academic career, aiming to reach the pinnacle of academia much like he did in the corporate world. His focus is on making meaningful contributions through teaching, research, and community engagement.
He’s particularly passionate about fostering a generation of ethical, forward-thinking business leaders capable of navigating today’s dynamic, interconnected world.
Final Words
Dr. Adham Fayad’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, lifelong learning, and following one’s passion. From car showrooms in Qatar to lecture halls in Dubai, his journey offers a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, embrace new challenges, and leave a positive mark on the world.
For anyone standing at a career crossroads, unsure whether to take the leap, Dr. Fayad’s advice is simple yet profound: “Find your passion, find the right place, and everything else will follow.” Do follow him on Instagram.
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