As a social entrepreneur, Dr. Amin has been working to transform human capacity solutions into successful business ventures. His main aim is to contribute to the creation of a new generation of proactive knowledge workers who are empowered with positive attitudes, 21st century skills and relevant knowledge, and who are capable of positively contributing to their communities and work environments. His work has focused on the basic education sector reform as well as the provision of innovative learning models in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) schools.
Holding a PhD in Urban Planning and a Masters degree in Architecture, both from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, have contributed to Dr. Amin’s commitment to offer youth in the Arab world similar quality education opportunities.
Amin is leading ASK Arabia, a holding company with three subsidiaries in the MENA: 1- ASK for Human Capacity Building (Amman – Jordan) founded in 2011. 2- ASK Training & Consulting L.L.C (Abu Dhabi – UAE) founded in 2014. 3- ASK for Human Capacity Building (Doha – Qatar) founded in 2013.
In 2015, Amin was awarded the Global Social Impact Award by Endeavor Global Network. In 2013, he was recognized as the 2013 Endeavor Global Advocate and as the Mentor of the Year 2013 by the Mowgli Foundation. In 2012, he was ranked the 119th Most Influential Arab in the World in the coveted Arabian Business Power List: Power 500. And in 2009, he was selected as a High Impact Social Entrepreneur by Endeavor Global Network. He is currently an active mentor for INJAZ’s Social Leaders Program and Mowgli’s entrepreneurs.
Dr. Amin’s Agenda
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Coffee is a very important part of my day! I always wake up to a hot cup of coffee then I begin checking my emails to catch up on the latest updates and news from my team. I feel that my best ideas come to me in the morning time so it is the ideal time for me to think and strategize.
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This is the time for scheduled meetings with either business partners, customers, or my team to discuss all needed items on the agenda and ensure the smooth progress of our current projects. I am usually jumping from a meeting to the next and I always come out eager to pursue new opportunities and ideas and satisfied with all the tasks that have been completed.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Other than having my needed lunch, which I cannot go through the day without, I like to use the afternoons to get my work done, check in with my employees, approve any pending items, and arrange for any upcoming meetings.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
After another cup of coffee, I like to dedicate this time to rethink about any pending items, resolve any issues and refocus to ensure that my daily objectives have been met as well as plan for next steps.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
I usually like to go for a walk during this time if I am not preoccupied. I do believe that an afternoon walk reenergizes, relaxes, and refreshes me. I also like to think and reflect about the day’s activities during this time.
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
This is my time to recharge whether through socializing, reading the latest news, or simply relaxing.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Witnessing the beneficial impact on the majority of the participants in our programs whether through them having a more positive mindset or excelling in a specific area following our training. Additionally, the fact that we are contributing to the enhancement of the Arab human capital and in shaping the future of this region provides the most rewarding experience.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Delivering quality capacity building programs requires passionate qualified individuals who realize the value, the requirements, and the long-term impact of this specific job. Such individuals have to be able to creatively design tailored solutions given that effective capacity building programs are always built on tailored solutions to meet the needs of the participants. Finding such talented individuals with the right mind-set and drive is a big challenge in the region.
What advice do you give to young professionals who want to succeed in your field?
In my opinion, they must believe in the value of such a profession and the impact it creates. Without being passionate, dedicated, hard-working and a self-learner at a young age, it will not be possible to achieve great things in this profession.
How do you balance work and life?
I try my best to balance my work and social life but I truly believe in my work and I enjoy what I do which is why my professional life carries a substantial weight.
