Abdullah Interviews Hamad Al-Ali

52 Degrees took kuwait by storm. Lots of exposure versus lots of mystery. Thats how I saw it.

Im fortunate enough to have friends from every field imaginable in the country. Thats how I am able to bring you lots of dishes that are interesting, fresh and somewhat amusing.

Today’s guest is Mr.Hamad Sami Al-Ali, a single local sweetheart, has energy for days, in a jolly good mood almost always with the biggest smile imaginable. That does not strip away his serious, career focsued persona. As you’ll explore below, he’s been working since he was 18 years young till date, professional resumé has most major big players in the business including NBK and ZAIN.

52 Desrees is his latest project. He’s been kind enough to let me into his personal and professional state of mind and so you know what I’d do next right ? leak it to you, HAH!

Seriously though, for those who still did not get 52 Degrees, the concept, idea and overall vision behind it clean and clear, this is your chance to know what its all about, ask questions and share your thoughts.

Hamad is one of the men working behind the scenes in this brand new establishment. Get to know him a bit more.

Hamad, please introduce yourself.
My Name is Hamad Sami Al-Ali . I’m 24 years old. Graduated from Kuwait University in 2004 majoring in Mass Communication. During my college days I founded (The media club ) in Kuwait university. I used to work for (National Bank of Kuwait) since I was 18 years old and I stayed there for 3 years. Once I graduated I joined Cinemagic as a PR manager for one year. Later on joined ZAIN for one more year. Before joining my current job in Al-Watan TV as a team leader in the web department and PR/Marketing Manager for 52 Degrees Company.

I have so many interests but I adore Traveling and Media!

Childhood flashes, what do you remember the most ?
The thing I remember the most from my childhood is participating in the strikes at hyde park – London during the Iraqi invasion, BBC camera guy asked the reporter to interview us and I didn’t want to let go of the MIC while screaming ” SADDAM BOM BOM!”

What inspired you to tap into who you are now ?
While growing up my family always supported me to with my interests. They noticed that my potentials are inline with mass communication, I directed plays and video clips with my brothers and cousins. During high school I was the president of students council for two years, I used to create the slogan for the whole campaign and till now my high school friends still reminds me of it
((‬حــمــد العــلـي يا بــعــد أهــلــي))

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?
Personally, I’ll start off with my position as a PR/Marketing manager in such a young age, I have gained so much experience and learned a lot within short a period of time.

I believe I have the ability to find unique solutions, enhance, create new ideas within my field and our results has spoken for itself, professionally speaking.

Can you please tell us about your latest project, 52 Degrees? What can we expect?

Here is a little quote that has loads of details on what to expect:

“52 Degrees is a first of its kind concept store for the limitless imagination and creativity of the Kuwaiti entrepreneur. We are the grounds where people will witness the debut of original Kuwaiti creations that include but are not limited to Fashion, Arts, and Cuisine.  52 Degrees is an independent entity, an establishment that provides Kuwaiti businesses with a platform to launch their ventures on a higher scale.

52 Degrees is multi-brand organization that adds value to the Kuwaiti entrepreneur and to the society.  We offer the beginner a platform to enter the retail market.  We wish for these original local businesses to be under 52 Degrees’ umbrella.
We believe that we have a social responsibility towards our clients, customers and the society we live in. We want to help build local brands because we believe in them. We want to empower these small businesses by oft ofering them a long term plan allowing them to bloom.
52 Degrees is a store, and not a temporary display area. We offer our participants extensive services such as branding, sales staff, packaging, marketing, media coverage, sales analysis, financial reports and business education courses.
We look for quality beyond everything.  We have a Service Quality department that specializes in product quality.  As for the businesses that did not meet our standards, they will also be offered business education courses to help develop their business in order to join us afterwards.
One of our main goals in 52 Degrees is to promote healthy business growth and cultivate them so they can reach international standards required once we open more branches locally and globally”

The latest project I am working on is 52 degrees. Which is a new concept not only in Kuwait but worldwide. Our aim is to reach a global appeal, we believe it already started after organizing a trip to Madrid fashion week, back in september 2010.

The feedback from local society and the media in Kuwait – Middle east – Spain and Brazil, gave us a boost to continue chasing our vision.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle for us was misunderstanding 52 degrees concept. It comes naturally, because this is a first of its kind multibrand-store mothering top notch Kuwaiti talents under one roof. Misconception was there but it got solved by having the message sent across different media outlets and social spots.

If you don’t mind, share with us some of your shocking or controversial moments of your career ?
I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but certainly there have been situations where there was a disagreement that needed to be resolved. I’ve found that when conflict occurs, it’s because of a failure to see both sides of the situation.
Therefore, I ask the other person to give me their perspective and at the same time ask that they allow me to fully explain my perspective.
At that point, I would work with the person to find out if a compromise could be reached. In the end, you have to be willing to submit yourself to the directives of your friends, whether you’re in full agreement or not.

Your Support System?
I am very flexible with sharing ideas with friends and family, I take criticism positively which basically makes me grow in my personal and professional life ,,its somehow team work on a different level. Family and friends come first.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?
Some people are moving from opportunity to the other without much thought about the future. Some want to keep advancing and making more money, thats probably because it’s almost impossible to predict what’s going to happen during five years. but for me In five years, my plan is to start my own, successful, media company.

Throw something for p0ach readers!
popularity is not always successful.

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