With a career spanning almost two decades, Amer Zureikat has held different positions in the GCC and the Middle East region within the healthcare industry. Today, Amer is the Chief Operating Officer at Altibbi.com, a start-up that aims to offer Arabic speakers a trusted resource to help them improve their health and wellness. In this interview with Bayt.com, Amer shares advice for companies wishing to attract and retain the best talents out there.
More about Amer Zureikat.. Amer Zureikat holds a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from the University of Jordan. In addition to his scientific background, Amer is also a certified trainer in Marketing and Human Resources. At Altibbi.com, Amer is responsible for managing operations, focusing on shareholders' objectives, as well as overseeing the hiring, training, and retention of top talent. Altibbi.com is the Arab world’s foremost resource on health and has over 1.5 million pages of original Arabic content that cover more than 90 medical areas, thus offering a comprehensive platform for Arabic medical and health-related information.
1. How do you like living and working in the UAE?
UAE is an influx of global talent and top firms which all thrive in a highly fertile environment for life and work. Its unique position as the bridge between the East and the West makes it the perfect environment for Altibbi.com to realize its full potential and go even beyond it. The competitive landscape present in the UAE provides the proper incentive for us to consistently challenge ourselves, and the UAE's infrastructure makes the tools required to achieve this readily available. However, not only does UAE provide a business ecosystem unmatched in the region, but it also provides a lifestyle that is one-of-a-kind; providing everything from world-class entertainment to everything needed to start a family.
2. What is the most important thing Altibbi.com looks for in new hires?
As any business owner will tell you, it is virtually impossible to find a "perfect fit" for any given position. However, here at Altibbi.com we believe in compatibility on a personality level as well as in terms of skills. While technical skills are vital, they must come accompanied with an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take charge and be one’s own driver. We look for entrepreneurs because, while positions are defined, their occupants must be able to evolve along with the ever-changing business conditions we live in.
3. What is the biggest challenge recruiters face in hiring talent in your industry?
As the first Arab medical portal, we at Altibbi face difficulty in finding candidates who have a healthcare background as well as experience in the digital sphere, or vice-versa. In the Middle East region, the healthcare industry is highly under-served in terms of manpower and infrastructure, and we all face the same difficulties this field faces plus the difficulties of finding a cross-over with the digital world.
4. What is your top tip for fresh graduates?
Unlock the entrepreneur potential inside you! Success is a function of knowledge, skills, and commitment. Most successful people start with their dominant talent – and then they add knowledge, skills, and practice to the mix. When they do this, the raw talent actually serves as a multiplier! With all the technology and connectivity available today there is not excuse to not stay up-to-date. I use online tools to absorb the wide spectrum of facts, opinions, and experiences. And I think it is crucial to share this information as it is to retain it. If had to choose a topic I would say that I have made it a habit to read about business in general, but also best practices in leadership.
5. What do you read to keep abreast of industry developments?
Books remain the main source for me to get the knowledge I need! And I believe that your knowledge is your professional currency that will determine your earning ability as a professional. I also find social media as a good platform and communication channel to exchange knowledge and catch up with the latest developments in our industry. I strongly recommend Time Sanders' "Love Is the Killer App". It's a great read! It offers an easy-to-follow road map with a new twist on how to use and share information, add power to your networks, and help people succeed.
6. What advice do you have for companies who wish to retain top talent?
I always say that middle management is the glue of any organization! They hold it in place and ensure that the "vision" makes a clear trip into "reality". Talent as one would expect is looking out for itself, meaning that to retain talent an organization must invest in making it grow. A manager might be able to find good talent, but a good manager will know how to retain it. A great manager will see potential and cultivate talent. Much like the "Snakes & Ladders" board game, a good manager can elevate you while a bad one will set you back a few (or many!) steps. Building a culture based on knowledge sharing, clarity, opportunity and empowerment will retain top talents while ensuring that, as they grow, they will be the ones who are the best equipped to achieve the company's vision.
7. Can you tell us about your experience with Bayt.com?
As someone who has been a part of the Bayt.com family for over five years, I have always said that the "Bayt.com Academy" is one of those rare places that unlock your potential and make you feel at home. At Bayt.com concerns are heard, initiatives and encouraged, and efforts are acknowledged at all career levels without exceptions. It all lies in the core of Bayt.com’s vision of being respected and admired, and Bayt.com does its best by showing respect and appreciation first and foremost to the greatest asset of every organization: its people! This, without doubt, is every employee’s number one engaging booster. Finally, Bayt.com has empowered me with a great deal of transferable knowledge and experience that I will unquestionably use wherever I go.
As an employer using Bayt.com, I love the new innovations introduced. Especially the Bayt.com Specialties platform. This allows employers to identify professionals who are truly well-versed in their field or specialty.
Are you an employer with a story to share with the Bayt.com community? Drop us an email at apk@bayt.net!
