With over 25 years of extensive global project experience, Sameer Daoud serves as the Managing Director of the Infrastructure Division at KEO International Consultants. Possessing remarkable executive leadership and operational expertise, Sameer has held esteemed senior executive roles within renowned international consulting firms and contracting companies across the United States, North Africa, and the Middle East. His diverse skill set encompasses Project Management, Technical Expertise in Infrastructure Projects, Operations Management, Business Development, and Client Relationship Management. Moreover, Sameer exhibits a keen comprehension of strategic planning and the successful execution of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Sameer Daoud:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
I would describe myself as a future-thinking infrastructure leader, broadening my views away from purely physical assets to include Smart, digital, and Sustainable assets. I am working on reshaping how we think about infrastructure, focusing on how infrastructure can contribute to ecological and societal health and prosperity in future cities. I am an active member of the engineering community in the region, and I have authored numerous articles for well-reputed media providers. I am also a sought-after speaker and have delivered presentations on various topics at conferences across the region, engaging audiences with my expertise and insights.
Outside of work, I am very much into sports, where I enjoy going to the gym on an almost daily basis and have been practicing kickboxing for the last 10 years. I also enjoy having family and friends around for BBQs and camping in the desert on the weekend.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
Originally established in 1964 as an engineering firm, KEO has subsequently expanded its footprint and services over the nearly 6 decades since its inception. Today, we deliver a comprehensive set of multi-disciplinary services throughout the full lifecycle of a project, from inspiration through conceptualization to the realization of planning, design, or project delivery in the built and natural environment.
What has made you successful? What do you value? What is success?
I have a strong work ethic, resilience, and a positive attitude, along with drive and ambition. I am very persistent but easy to adapt to. Values vary from person to person. I value personal fulfillment, creative expression, and making a positive impact in my community or the world around us. Ultimately, what makes someone successful depends on the individual and their unique goals, values, and priorities.
What are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
KEO delivers a comprehensive set of multi-disciplinary services throughout the full lifecycle of a project, from inspiration through conceptualization to the realization of planning, design, or project delivery in the built and natural environment.
How do we get ahead? One word. Leadership. KEO’s leadership team creates a strong vision, strategic direction, and an empowering and empathetic culture. This strong leadership allows us to be agile, and it is this agility that is crucial to staying ahead of the competition. This flexibility enables us to quickly adapt to changing customer demands, expand our service offerings, and diversify in response to emerging trends, giving us an edge over slower competitors. As a result, we have established allied practices like C-Quest, InSite, and Black Mule, and commercialized our internal Digital Advisory Services (DAS) to meet market needs.
Embrace technology.
KEO is a leader in digital construction technologies, resulting in shorter project timelines, lower costs, fewer errors, and, overall, greater value for our clients. Our award-winning digital team embraces new opportunities, invests strongly, and develops new ways to improve the business.
Investing in talent is also key. Hiring and retaining skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise and continuously investing in training and professional development programs ensure our team is well-equipped to handle complex projects and deliver high-quality results.
Focus on client relationships – Develop strong relationships with clients by understanding their needs, providing personalized solutions, and maintaining clear and responsive communication throughout the project.
Longevity in the region – With years of experience and a proven track record, we are a trusted and reliable partner for clients seeking construction services. Our longstanding presence demonstrates our commitment to delivering successful projects and building strong relationships within the local construction industry. Over time, we have gained in-depth knowledge of the regional regulations, market dynamics, and cultural nuances, allowing us to navigate challenges effectively and provide tailored solutions that align with the unique requirements of the region.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
Building a strong company culture is an ongoing process that requires nurturing, commitment, and reinforcement from all levels of the organization.
Ethical behavior, and focusing on excellence in everything we do while taking care of our people, are the main principles that I live up to. This can always be built by leading by example and spreading this vibe into the smallest details of everything we do.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
We are not just participants in this industry but leaders, and as such, innovation is essential for KEO and is the catalyst for our success. By fostering a culture of innovation and embracing the power of proactive thinking, we unlock our full potential. Innovation fuels growth, drives competitive advantage, enhances customer satisfaction, empowers employees, and ensures long-term success in the industry. As an example, KEO’s Infrastructure team had been focusing on creative scripts to be adopted in our designs to reduce the allocated time for each task and avoid abortive work. The team has been focusing on reducing the high energy requirements and implementing new techniques towards a zero carbon emission approach. Furthermore, we have been heavily investing in micromobility and digital deliveries for our current and future projects.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
The difference between leaders and managers is that managers are typically responsible for day-to-day operations and ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget. While leaders are responsible for guiding their team toward a shared vision and goal, they inspire and motivate their teams to achieve their potential. Leaders should focus on the bigger picture and be innovative thinkers.
Remember that leadership is a continuous learning journey, and it’s okay to seek guidance and support along the way. Adapt your leadership style as needed, stay humble, and always be willing to learn and grow.
