
Deep Dive with Misk 2030 Leaders | JEDDAH – From CEO to City Builder
In this episode of Deep Dive with Misk 2030 Leaders, we meet a creative powerhouse whose career was shaped by failure, driven by resilience, and fueled by purpose: Omar Alabdali.
Owning Every Chapter
From being a young marketer obsessed with jingles to becoming the CEO of one of Saudi Arabia’s leading creative agencies, Omar’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and bold decisions. He led campaigns that shaped national brands, built a team culture rooted in trust and emotional intelligence, and turned moments of crisis—like the infamous Guinness soup record incident—into defining leadership lessons. After years in advertising, Omar made a dramatic shift, joining the Jeddah Development Authority to help shape the future of his beloved hometown.
Inside the episode
Omar opens up about pivotal career turns, near-misses, and what it really means to lead from the front. He reflects on letting go of comfort zones, leading 60+ team members, rebuilding after setbacks, and rediscovering purpose through failure. He also shares how emotional intelligence transformed both his leadership style and personal growth, and why he believes that decision-making is a skill rooted in clarity and courage.
Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:17 Early Life and Family Background
02:18 Educational Journey and Challenges
04:07 Career Beginnings and Marketing Passion
12:04 Joining Full Stop and Major Career Milestones
14:22 The Biggest Mistake and Learning from Failure
22:06 Advertising Industry Insights and Personal Growth
29:25 Transition to Development Authority
30:55 Returning to Jeddah: A Personal Decision
32:17 Transitioning to Government Work
34:22 Leadership and Personal Challenges
35:19 Decision Making and Career Reflections
38:34 Emotional Intelligence and Professional Growth
47:20 Navigating Career Changes and Regrets
51:16 Leadership Evolution and Team Dynamics
56:44 Career Advice and Personal Insights
Whether you’re building a career in branding, facing a tough choice, or questioning what’s next—Omar’s story reminds us that leadership starts with showing up, again and again.
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