Zena Hamdan
Zena Hamdan is the Founder & CEO of AAO Marketing Consultancy.
How do you balance your work responsibilities with your personal life while managing your own business?
Finding balance is key; I prioritize and schedule to ensure both work and personal life get the attention they deserve. Trusting my team with responsibilities also allows me downtime to refresh and be more effective as a leader.
When faced with unexpected hurdles in your business, how do you stay strong?
I focus on adaptability and a solutions-oriented mindset. By taking a step back and assessing the situation, I gather the team to brainstorm and pivot our strategy as needed. This collaborative approach helps us to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.
How do you determine the success of your business beyond financial metrics, focusing on factors like customer satisfaction and community impact?
Success for us extends beyond the balance sheet. It’s in the satisfaction our customers express, the repeat business they give us, and the positive word-of-mouth they spread. We also measure success by the jobs we create and the local initiatives we support.
Can you recount a pivotal moment in your business journey where you saw remarkable growth or witnessed a transformative change, showcasing the impact of your products or services?
We constantly evolve, adjusting our services daily to match what our clients and the market need. These shifts make a difference, showing us the real value of staying flexible and responsive. It’s been key to our growth and how we help our clients succeed.
In your view, how crucial is mentorship for the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial path?
Mentorship is incredibly crucial; It provides not just guidance and advice but also opens doors to new networks and opportunities. For me personally, mentors have been instrumental. They’ve offered insights based on their own experiences, helping me navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
What is your business focused on, and how does it contribute to making a positive difference in the world?
Our business is rooted in the F&B sector, with a mission to bring restaurant owners’ visions to life. We focus on growing their presence in the market by amplifying their unique stories.
What special ability do you wish you had to make your job easier?
If I could wish for a special ability to make my job easier, it would be the ability to extend the hours in a day. Having more time would allow me to dive deeper into each project, spend more meaningful moments with my team and clients, and still have the space to recharge and find inspiration outside of work.
If you could invite three fictional characters to help you plan your next project, who would you choose, and why?
If I could have three fictional characters help with my next project, I’d choose:
Sherlock Holmes for his problem-solving skills.
Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda for his wisdom, serenity, knowledge, and philosophy.
Genie from Aladdin for his magical powers, charisma, and the ability to grant three wishes.