Inspiring Excellence: The Remarkable Career of UAE’s Ahmed Al Mahmood

Early Life and Upbringing: A Quest for Success

Ahmed Al Mahmood’s journey to becoming a renowned government strategist in the UAE began with a pivotal moment in his early life. As a young boy, Ahmed was always driven by a desire to surpass others in success, but he often felt lost about where to start. This changed when his father handed him a newspaper article about success. Though the article was unsatisfying, it sparked a determination in Ahmed to seek guidance. His father then gave him a book titled “Success is a Journey & This is How You Do It,” which provided Ahmed with a clearer path to follow. It was this book that made Ahmed realize the answers to his questions lay in the pages of many books.

A turning point came when Ahmed listened to a famous trainer who spoke about Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Intrigued, Ahmed rushed to buy the book, and it opened up a new perspective for him. Covey’s first rule emphasized self-reliance, a lesson that Ahmed took to heart. After high school, he decided to pursue a career in training, despite his family’s resistance. This decision marked the beginning of his journey towards becoming a trainer and a teacher, inspired by his mentors and the wisdom found in their books.

Shaping Aspirations and Values

Growing up in an environment where traditional views dominated, Ahmed faced many challenges. His family and friends often provided advice based on limited information, prioritizing safety over creativity. Ahmed, however, found their answers unsatisfactory compared to the insights he gained from extensive reading. This environment of conflicting advice pushed him to challenge and confront outdated ideas, making him a strong debater and a critical thinker.

Overcoming Early Life Challenges

Expressing his ideas freely in a conservative environment was one of the earliest challenges Ahmed faced. He adhered to the principle that if an idea did not hurt ethics or religion, it was worth adopting. This mindset led to numerous conflicts, but it also honed his skills in articulating and defending his ideas. Ahmed’s persistence in challenging the status quo prepared him for the many hurdles he would face in his career.

Educational Journey: Finding the Right Path

Ahmed’s educational journey was marked by trial and error. Initially, he enrolled in an IT program at a university but soon realized it was not his passion. A second attempt in accounting proved even more misaligned with his interests. It was a conversation with his mentor that guided him towards his true calling: management. His mentor advised him to enroll in the UK Open University, which had recently opened a branch in his country. There, Ahmed found his passion for management, supported by a curriculum that emphasized self-reading, research, and practical assignments.

A crucial influence during his education was Ms. Pamela Clair from the City & Guilds institution. Under her mentorship, Ahmed obtained a professional advanced diploma in teaching and training, which he completed in 2008, followed by his graduation from the Open University in 2010.

Career Choice: Leading with Excellence

Ahmed’s career is driven by his belief in leading organizations with excellence, wisdom, and a successful vision. He started in human resources training, then moved to project management, strategy planning, and eventually became a government assessor. His journey in these fields reflects his commitment to creating a “virtuous city,” akin to the vision of the UAE.

A significant moment that confirmed Ahmed was on the right path occurred when he joined the National Bank of Abu Dhabi in the training department. Despite initial skepticism from his supervisor, Ahmed’s dedication and hard work eventually led to a permanent position, affirming his career choice.

Embarking on the Professional Journey

Ahmed’s professional journey took a significant turn in 2009 when he joined Zayed House for Islamic Culture. Supported by a management team that believed in his skills, he developed the first training strategy plan for the organization. His certification from City & Guilds also played a vital role, enabling him to deliver training to various government sectors across the UAE.

Achievements and Measuring Success

Ahmed’s greatest achievements include setting strategic plans for multiple government sectors, such as the Suburban Affairs Department and the Sharjah Economy. He measures success by the number of projects assigned to him and the satisfaction of government leaders. His ultimate goal is to contribute to the UAE’s major strategies and ensure the happiness of its citizens and residents.

Present Plans and Future Vision

Currently, Ahmed is focused on advising and setting strategies for more government sectors. He aligns his plans with the UAE’s evolving strategies, always adapting to new excellence models and required skills. Ahmed’s vision for the future includes continuously contributing to the UAE’s success and being remembered for his dedication to training and assessing for the benefit of the nation.

Inspiration and Motivation

Ahmed’s greatest inspiration comes from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Each directive from Sheikh Mohammed ignites Ahmed’s determination to achieve his goals. Challenges only serve to motivate him further, as he believes success lies in tackling the hardest projects and tasks.

Advice and Reflections

Ahmed advises aspiring professionals to train hard, read extensively, and understand the UAE’s strategic plans. Reflecting on his journey, he believes in improving with every project, learning from each experience to enhance future endeavors.

Overcoming Adversities and Personal Growth

Understanding HR laws and labor laws was a lesson learned from past failures. Ahmed emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for failures and continuously seeking new training and information to overcome setbacks.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

Ahmed structures his days with careful planning, separating tasks across the week to maintain productivity and creativity. He balances work with personal interests like reading, photography, and hiking, which provide new perspectives and relaxation.

Conclusion

Ahmed Al Mahmood’s journey from a curious young boy to a government strategist is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and continuous pursuit of excellence. His story inspires others to follow their path, face challenges head-on, and contribute to the greater good of the UAE

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