Two days ago, as I tuned into one of my favourite podcasts, little did I know how profoundly it would impact me. This episode interview from the National Business Podcast was a talk with a remarkable entrepreneur, a Lebanese graduate from INSEAD, based here in Dubai.

She was once the Chief Marketing Officer of Emaar, and then the CEO of Dubai Opera. However, when the pandemic hit, she lost her job. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she dusted herself off and ventured into the unknown, launching her own business in the midst of uncertainty.

The entrepreneurial venture in question is ‘Cosmic Centaurus’, a boutique consultancy firm that caters to companies, aiding in building work culture, strategizing, and much more. One of her core motivations was her dissatisfaction with the often inefficient, expensive consultations offered by large firms such as international corporations in the business of consulting in the Middle East with little knowledge on the intricate nature of business in the region. She’s also a new mom, which is an immense job in itself.

Her resilience and ingenuity left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to connect with her. So, I reached out to her on LinkedIn, expressing my admiration for her unique mindset, risk-taking attitude and achievements. I hoped to work with her in the future, considering how she was transforming lives through her women-led business.

To my delight, she was not just open to meeting, but genuinely enthusiastic. During our meeting the next morning, she admitted that she had to pinch herself to confirm the reality of my message.

During our discussion, we discovered a potential collaboration where our missions could complement each other, thus benefiting both our partners and our companies. She revealed her latest innovation, a deck of cards designed to break the ice in business meetings, which left me in awe of her creativity and dynamism. She was not just an entrepreneur running her company, but also a mom, podcast host, card game designer – a true polymath.

She then revealed her approach to any new title or project, saying, “Saeed, to be honest with you. I am lucky that I am incompetent at every title I take; and when I have a project or task I always find a team that is super competent but needs to be inspired to do it.” This humble admission resonated deeply with me, reminding me that no one can truly do it all and the real skill is in building and motivating a competent team.

Then, she made an unexpected proposal. Would I like to be a guest on her podcast, “Who run the world”? I was thrilled and readily agreed, proposing to do it after my upcoming birthday.

Upon hearing that my birthday was on May 29th, she was visibly taken aback. After a pause, she exclaimed with excitement, “ME TOO!”

In the end, what started as an ordinary podcast listen turned into a memorable meeting with a remarkable entrepreneur and a serendipitous birthday coincidence. Our encounter served as a reminder of the power of reaching out, of the beauty in celebrating the successes of others, and of the unexpected connections that can emerge when we open ourselves to the world.

As a millennial, living in a world that’s hyper-connected yet paradoxically detached, I am often compelled to pause and reflect on the nature of our relationships. In our race for success, growth, and personal fulfilment, we sometimes risk losing sight of the essential elements that truly enrich human life and enable personal and career growth.

We live in an age where digital interactions often eclipse face-to-face communication, where emojis replace expressions and clicks supersede conversations. But amidst this digitally-dominated existence, it’s important to remember and cherish the potency of real human encounters. Each interaction we have, each person we meet, has the potential to change our trajectory, to inspire us, to challenge us, and to foster personal and professional growth.

An unexpected conversation can spark a great idea, a serendipitous meeting can lead to a fruitful collaboration, and a single shared experience can forge a bond that lasts a lifetime. And yet, as millennials, we sometimes overlook this intrinsic power of human connection, focusing instead on the digital numbers game. We tend to forget that it is these encounters and relationships that truly serve us, helping us develop as individuals and professionals.

Moreover, we often underestimate the impact of reaching out to others, of extending a hand when someone else is in need, or of simply expressing admiration and respect. Asking for support, acknowledging our own shortcomings, and leading with humility and kindness can open doors we never even knew existed. These seemingly small gestures can forge deep, lasting connections and significantly propel our personal and professional growth.

The same can be said for celebrating the successes of others. In a world that often promotes competition over camaraderie, it can be tempting to view the achievements of others through the lens of envy rather than admiration. But by genuinely celebrating their triumphs, we not only deepen our connections with them but also learn from their experiences and grow in the process.

Ultimately, it is about opening ourselves to the world, embracing the unpredictability and variety it offers. It’s about seeking and fostering unexpected connections that can emerge when we put ourselves out there, when we take risks, and when we embrace vulnerability. These connections can serve as the catalyst for personal and professional transformation.

It’s about recognising and cherishing the power of human connection, reaching out, leading with humility and kindness, celebrating the successes of others, and embracing the world’s unpredictability. It’s about valuing each encounter, each conversation, and each shared experience.

By cultivating these values, I am constantly learning, growing, and evolving, both personally and professionally. And in doing so, I strive to not only be a participant in the world but also a catalyst for positive change, for myself and for those I connect with along the way.

For me, this understanding is the essence of what’s keeping me Saeed.