Ziad C. El Rayes’ journey is a testament to his dedication, strategic thinking, and innovative approach. His career has been marked by continuous learning and adaptation, allowing him to excel in various roles that intersect business strategy, marketing, and technology. These experiences have shaped his leadership style and driven him to push boundaries in workplace transformation and business strategy. His ability to navigate complex business environments and lead with a vision has been instrumental in his success.
Under his leadership, companies have thrived by blending creativity with strategic growth, maintaining a strong company culture, and staying ahead of industry trends. Ziad’s commitment to integrity, innovation, and impact has guided his decision-making process, ensuring that he not only adapts to the fast-evolving industry but also leads it. His focus on creating value for both the business and its people has been a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy, making him a respected figure in the industry.
Key Milestones in Leadership Journey:
Ziad’s career has been a journey of continuous learning, adaptation, and strategic thinking. Early on, he was drawn to the intersection of business strategy, marketing, and technology, which led him to take on roles that challenged him to innovate. One key milestone was growing into the role of Account Director at JWT, handling the biggest account in KSA at the time, after only six years of joining as a fresh graduate.
This achievement made him the youngest Account Director, handling the biggest account in the region. Another milestone was joining the delivery app ToYou in KSA as CMO, where he grew the business from a start-up to a top three player in the industry, and expanded the marketing team from two to over forty resources. These experiences have equipped him with a unique perspective on business growth and team management.
Driving Business Growth and Cultural Transformation:
What drives Ziad is stepping into leadership roles where he has to drive both business growth and cultural transformation. Building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of agility and innovation became central themes in his leadership approach. Today, he continues to leverage these experiences to push boundaries in workplace transformation and business strategy. His ability to inspire and motivate his team has been crucial in achieving the company’s goals. “Any business is a group of people working together. If the people are healthy and well, then the business is healthy and well. If the people are unhealthy or unwell, then the business is unhealthy and unwell.”
Defining Success in a Fast-Evolving Industry:
Ziad defines success in today’s business landscape as creating environments where people and businesses thrive together. It’s about shaping experiences that enhance productivity, creativity, and collaboration in the workplace. “My decision-making is guided by three core values: integrity, innovation, and impact. Integrity ensures that every decision is aligned with long-term vision and ethical business practices. Innovation drives me constantly to seek new ways to elevate business and people’s experiences. Impact ensures that I am not just solving problems but also creating lasting value for businesses and their people.” This holistic approach to success has enabled him to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, fostering trust and loyalty.
Balancing Strategic Growth with Company Culture:
Balancing growth with culture requires a mindset where innovation and people-centric leadership go hand in hand. “I believe that a company’s culture is its biggest differentiator. A well-defined culture attracts the right talent, fosters collaboration, and ensures that growth is sustainable.” Says Ziad.
He maintains this balance by embedding purpose-driven innovation into his strategy and prioritizing people-first leadership, ensuring that employees are empowered, engaged, and aligned with the company’s mission. By investing in employee development and promoting a positive work environment, he has been able to retain top talent and drive long-term success.
Evolution of Workspaces and Future Industry Trends:
The traditional workspace is being redefined at an unprecedented pace. The shift towards hybrid work, digital collaboration, and employee well-being has transformed office spaces from static environments into dynamic ecosystems. Ziad sees the industry evolving in three key directions over the next 5-10 years:
Experience-Driven Workspaces:
Offices will become more about engagement and less about attendance, designed for collaboration, ideation, and community-building. This shift will require businesses to rethink their office layouts and invest in creating spaces that foster creativity and innovation.
Technology-Integrated Environments:
AI, IoT, and smart automation will redefine how employees interact with workspaces, making them more intuitive, personalized, and efficient. These technologies will enable businesses to optimize their operations and enhance employee productivity.
Sustainability and Wellness:
Future offices will focus on well-being, incorporating biophilic design, energy-efficient systems, and mental wellness initiatives to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. By prioritizing sustainability and wellness, businesses can create healthier and more productive work environments.
Innovation in Leadership Role:
Innovation is about anticipating change rather than reacting to it. Ziad sees innovation as a blend of strategic foresight, technology adoption, and cultural agility, he stays ahead of the curve by investing in future trends, encouraging a culture of experimentation, and leveraging AI and data to tailor solutions dynamically. His commitment to innovation ensures that he is not just following industry trends but shaping them. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging employees to think creatively, he remains at the forefront of the industry.
Essential Leadership Qualities Leadership in today’s world requires a mix of vision, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. “Some key qualities that have shaped my success include strategic thinking, empathy and people-centric leadership, decisiveness and agility, and continuous learning. These qualities have allowed me to lead organizations through growth, transformation, and industry disruptions successfully.” By staying curious and open to new ideas, Ziad ensures that he remains adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions. His ability to build strong relationships and foster a collaborative work environment has been instrumental in his success.
Approach to Work-Life Balance:
Work-life balance isn’t about rigid boundaries; it’s about intentional prioritization. Ziad approaches it through a mix of time management, delegation, and personal well-being practices. Setting clear priorities and empowering teams allows him to focus on high-impact decisions while also making time for personal interests.
“For young professionals, my advice is to define their own version of success, learn to delegate and set boundaries, and invest in self-growth. By maintaining a healthy work life balance, one can ensure that he remains productive and motivated, both personally and professionally.”
Personal Goals and Aspirations:
Professionally, Ziad aims to continue driving towards being a leader in industry and innovation, while expanding his impact beyond traditional settings. He envisions creating solutions that redefine how businesses approach both client and employee experience, productivity, and well-being.
Personally, he is passionate about art & music, while exploring the intersection of AI, leadership, and human behavior, seeing a future where technology and human intelligence collaborate seamlessly to enhance creativity, decision-making, and overall quality of life. “Beyond business, I aim to mentor and guide emerging leaders, sharing insights on leadership, strategy, and innovation in a way that helps shape the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives.”
By staying committed to his personal and professional goals, Ziad continues to inspire and lead by example.
