How Ahmed’s Leadership is Redefining Real Estate Resilience!
The real estate industry is fraught with challenges, from market volatility to shifting consumer demands. In this high-stakes environment, visionary leadership is not just an asset—it’s a necessity. Meet Ahmed Fouda, the Chief Commercial Officer of Aqar, whose strategic acumen is reshaping the landscape of property development and investment.
Ahmed’s approach to Aqar’s expansion is a masterclass in blending experience with innovation. His deep industry knowledge, coupled with a forward-thinking mindset, has propelled the company to new heights in market reach and commercial strategy. Under his guidance, Aqar has not only weathered economic storms but has emerged stronger, setting new benchmarks for success in the sector.
At the heart of his philosophy lies a commitment to fostering creativity and building robust partnerships. These alliances have proven crucial in enhancing customer experiences and elevating Aqar’s market position. His leadership style, characterized by adaptability and foresight, has transformed potential obstacles into stepping stones for growth.
As the real estate industry continues to evolve, Ahmed Fouda stands at the helm of Aqar, ready to navigate the company towards a future of sustainable success and industry leadership.
Below are the interview highlights!
Can you please introduce yourself and your motivation to embark on this sector?
I am the Chief Commercial Officer at Aqar, the leading real estate listings platform in Saudi Arabia. My journey in property technology started with a deep interest in how technology can transform traditional industries.
I was motivated to enter this sector because I saw a significant opportunity to improve the real estate market through innovative digital solutions. The potential to streamline property transactions and enhance accessibility for users continues to drive my passion and dedication to this field.
Could you please give a brief introduction to your company and its inception story?
Aqar, established in 2014, is the leading real estate platform in Saudi Arabia, bridging property seekers and real estate professionals with a user-friendly solution.
Hosting over 5 million property listings and attracting more than 40 million monthly visits, Aqar has also seen over 12 million downloads of its app. Recognized with numerous awards for its innovation and customer focus, Aqar has become the top choice for real estate needs in the country.
What are the key skills and attributes you believe are essential for success in your role?
Success as a Chief Commercial Officer in property technology requires a blend of strategic vision, market insight, and leadership acumen. A deep understanding of technology and its applications in real estate is essential.
Key attributes include strong communication skills, the ability to build and maintain relationships, and a keen awareness of market trends and customer needs. Adaptability and innovation are also crucial, given the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the property technology sector.
How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with clients and stakeholders?
Building and maintaining relationships with clients and stakeholders is at the core of my role. I prioritize understanding their needs and objectives, ensuring that our services align with their goals. My approach is based on transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering value.
Regular engagement through meetings, updates, and feedback sessions helps strengthen these relationships and fosters long-term partnerships. This approach has been instrumental in establishing Aqar as a trusted partner in the Saudi real estate market.
Can you share a specific example of a challenge you faced in your role and how you overcame it?
One significant challenge was integrating new services and products into our existing platform without disrupting the user experience. As we expanded, particularly with the establishment of the B2B department and the development of services for real estate developers, it was crucial to ensure these additions complemented our core platform.
To overcome this, we adopted a phased implementation strategy involving extensive user testing and feedback. This collaborative approach ensured seamless integration, enhancing our platform’s value and ultimately increasing customer satisfaction.
What strategies do you use to stay informed about industry trends and changes?
Staying informed about industry trends is vital to my role. I rely on a combination of continuous learning, networking, and data-driven analysis. Attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging with industry reports are essential strategies.
Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and industry leaders provides valuable insights into emerging trends. Aqar also employs advanced data analytics to monitor market trends and consumer behavior, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve.
How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively in a fast-paced environment?
Prioritizing tasks requires a clear understanding of both short-term and long-term goals. I utilize strategic planning and time management tools, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to differentiate between urgent and important tasks.
Delegation is another key aspect of my time management strategy; I empower my team to take ownership of tasks, allowing me to focus on strategic initiatives. Regular reviews and flexibility in adjusting plans ensure that we stay on track even in a dynamic environment.
In your opinion, what role does collaboration play in achieving organizational goals?
Collaboration is integral to achieving organizational goals, especially in a sector as complex as real estate. At Aqar, cross-functional collaboration is encouraged to ensure that our strategies are comprehensive and effectively executed.
By leveraging the diverse expertise within our team, we drive innovation, solve problems more effectively, and align our efforts toward common objectives. This collaborative culture not only enhances communication but also fosters a sense of shared purpose and accountability.
How do you measure success in your position, both personally and for your team?
Success is measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. For my team, key performance indicators such as revenue growth, market share, customer satisfaction, and platform engagement are critical.
Personally, I measure success by the impact we make on the market, the value we provide to our clients, and the growth and development of my team members. Long-term sustainability and our ability to innovate in response to market changes are also important markers of success.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to reach a leadership position in your field?
For those aspiring to leadership in the real estate technology sector, continuous learning and adaptability are key. The market is constantly evolving, so staying informed and open to change is essential.
Developing strong communication and leadership skills, building a robust network, and having a deep understanding of market trends will set you apart. Additionally, leading with integrity and focusing on the growth and success of your team will ultimately define your success as a leader.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and creativity within your team?
Fostering a culture of innovation starts with creating an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas and take risks. At Aqar, we encourage open communication and hold regular brainstorming sessions where all ideas are welcome.
We also invest in continuous development by providing training and exposure to new technologies and industry trends. Recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas further sustains a culture where creativity is valued and nurtured.
Can you discuss a project or initiative that you are particularly proud of and its impact on the organization?
I am particularly proud of establishing the B2B department at Aqar, which has been instrumental in developing tailored services for real estate developers. Additionally, activating strategic partnerships with financing entities and other sectors has significantly enhanced our service offerings and opened up new revenue streams.
These initiatives have strengthened Aqar’s market presence, contributed to substantial income growth, and solidified our position as the market leader in Saudi Arabia.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing leaders in your industry today?
The biggest challenges facing leaders in the property technology sector include navigating rapid technological changes, managing data privacy concerns, and meeting the evolving expectations of a digitally savvy consumer base.
Additionally, balancing innovation with regulatory compliance in a highly regulated industry is challenging. Leaders must be agile, forward-thinking, and prepared to address these challenges while continuing to drive growth and provide value to customers.
