Tell Us More About Your Background
When I moved to the UAE in 2010, I didn’t have an initial major breakthrough in my career. I started working in the automotive industry and slowly but surely worked my way up the ladder. I started out as a Service Advisor but then moved to a corporate job as a Field Specialist. I moved up the ranks every year for 5 years to become an After-Sales Manager and eventually become a Sales And Marketing Country Manager.
All this time, I thought I was heading towards the right direction. I was doing great. I loved what I was doing, and at the same time I was achieving my goals. But life decided to throw me a curveball.
Losing Everything
One day I came in to work, got called into my boss’s office, and was told I needed to take all my things and go home — I was fired. And to say I was shocked was an understatement.
I had no idea what to feel. But one thing for sure is I went through so many negative emotions. That day I went to a nearby park, sat by a lake, and just cried my eyes out. I felt like it was the end of the world for me. Losing my job, losing that secure paycheck — I was hopeless. I doubted my own capabilities and was questioning my self-worth.
So with my work life in shambles, soon after my marriage started going south. It was just curveball after curveball.
Bouncing Back
This was the time I decided to attend a Tony Robbins event called “Unleash The Power Within” in London, and I became a fire-walker. That event was a turning point for me. It changed my life and my perspective. I worked on my fears, which I found out didn’t really reflect anything in reality.
And so the biggest disaster in my life ended up being the biggest opportunity for my own self-growth. I decided that the corporate scene was not for me. I made up my mind — I was gonna start my own thing. I wanted to build a business.
Being so fulfilled and renewed after a Tony Robbins event, I started going to lots of workshops, seminars, and networking events. Another notable event attended was the National Achievers Congress which featured Robert Kiyosaki live in Dubai as a keynote speaker. He talked about financial education which resonated in me. I’m a numbers guy down to the core and this further ignited my passion for it.
What Made You Get Into Entrepreneurship?
Getting fired from a great, high-paying job that I enjoyed was definitely an eye-opener for me. I realized that you’re never truly secure if you have only a single source of income. In a snap, I lost everything. So I ventured to be my own boss. I took charge of my own life. I made it my goal to have multiple sources of income, to not rely on a 9 to 5 job, and to create something of my own. That’s how I got into entrepreneurship.
What Current Business Trends Do You See?
Convenience is a big trend now, especially with so many finding themselves working from home. Also, internal tourism, road trips, camping and hiking are all on the rise.
What Interesting Projects have You Implemented?
My comeback to the automotive corporate and retail world was interesting. Ford Middle East and Africa has asked me to work with their retail team in the Middle East region to improve employees and customer engagements through my coaching program.
It felt great to be back to the industry I have always loved without having to do the things I didn’t like 🙂 What is even greater is seeing the impact of coaching the leadership and frontline staff on sales and engagement levels.
Take Us Through Your Typical Work Day
No two work days are the same for me. My workweek is varied and I like to believe I’ve mastered the art of work-life integration. My work day starts with breakfast in the morning for me and my cat. Then I go ahead and get ready. I usually start my day with physical activity — whether that’s the gym or swimming class. After my morning routine, I get to work either at The Smash Room or I work at cafes. My work location depends on how my schedule looks that day and whether I have meetings or not. In the evening, I try to get some more exercise, such as jogging or going for a walk in my neighborhood. Either that or I go out with my friends. Some evenings, I also have coaching calls with clients. Some people find it hard to mix business and personal life but not me. I actually think it’s key to having a more balanced and less stressful approach to juggling both.
How can readers find out more about you?
You can find me on practically every social media platform — Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can also visit my website at www.ibrahimabudyak.com to go deeper into my businesses and my story.
