The real estate sector, a dynamic industry, presents a
myriad of opportunities and challenges for professionals worldwide. With its
profound impact on economies and societies, navigating this terrain demands not
only expertise but also a visionary approach towards innovation and growth.
Karim Hashem,
a seasoned leader in the real estate realm, embodies the essence of strategic
leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. With a rich background shaped by influential
mentors and diverse experiences across global advisory firms, Karim has honed
his skills and expertise to thrive in the competitive landscape of the real
estate sector.
Establishing himself as the Managing Director
of BEconsult, Karim brings forth a wealth of knowledge and a steadfast
commitment to excellence. His leadership philosophy transcends traditional
roles, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of continuous
improvement and client-centric strategies to drive success in the ever-changing
market dynamics.
As BEconsult continues its journey of strategic
expansion and market leadership, Karim remains at the forefront, steering the
company towards new heights of growth and innovation. With a keen focus on
professional development and a passion for making a meaningful impact, Karim
exemplifies the transformative power of leadership in shaping the future of the
real estate industry.
Let’s under Karim’s transformative
journey:
Navigating the Real Estate Terrain
Karim has a deep-rooted passion for the real estate
sector, nurtured by influential figures such as his university professor, a
prominent real estate entrepreneur in the MENA region, and a global investor.
His journey in the industry commenced with Colliers International, a global
leader in commercial real estate advisory, where he spent five years honing his
skills under the mentorship of one of the field’s finest experts.
During his tenure at Colliers, Karim gained
comprehensive exposure to various methodologies and best practices, enriching
his understanding of the real estate landscape. Seeking to broaden his
horizons, he transitioned to JLL, another renowned global commercial real
estate advisory firm, where he further deepened his expertise while operating
in the dynamic real estate markets of the UAE and KSA.
However, Karim’s ambition extended beyond corporate
roles, as he harbored a long-held entrepreneurial spirit from his childhood. In
2018, he seized the opportunity to co-found BEconsult, a management consulting
company based in KSA specializing in the real estate industry. Collaborating
with partners possessing extensive experience in the KSA real estate market,
BEconsult rapidly emerged as a prominent local advisory firm poised for continued
growth and success.
Navigating Personal and Professional
Alignment
Karim had always found an affinity for medical
sciences in theory, but upon closer examination of his soft skills and
practical inclinations, he realized a significant misalignment between his
theoretical interests and his practical abilities. Seeking clarity, he ventured
into the realm of business during his freshman year, exploring the intricacies
of finance and its various dimensions. It became evident to him that finance
resonated more closely with his personality traits and aspirations.
The notion of assuming a leadership role had been ingrained in Karim since childhood. However, he recognized that the title of Managing Director was merely symbolic; the true challenge lay in harmonizing his acquired technical knowledge with his inherent, lead-by-example character.
Embracing Keys to Success
Throughout his career, Karim has learned that silence, perseverance, and patience are key elements for success. One of the greatest quotes that resonated with him was, “Work hard in silence, let success make the noise” by Frank Ocean.
Client-Centric Strategy Essentials
Understanding client objectives and aspirational targets is crucial for efficiency and effectiveness in business processes, especially within the advisory field.
Strategic Expansion
As managing director of BEconsult, Karim leads a prominent local advisory firm based in KSA that specializes in the KSA real estate market. With a strategic vision to expand into other geographies within the MENA region over the medium term, BEconsult distinguishes itself by embodying the principle of “Think Globally & Act Locally.” Looking ahead, the company aims to broaden its presence across diverse geographies, diversify into additional real estate service lines, and potentially establish a network of partners specializing in specific service areas.
Strategies for Success
Karim has navigated numerous challenges inherent in the advisory services sector of the KSA market. These challenges include, but are not limited to:
1. Acquiring the right talent pool, given the niche nature of advisory services in the KSA market.
2. Ensuring quality assurance and consistency across advisory mandates to meet client expectations effectively.
3. Sustaining market share for BEconsult amidst competition from global peers operating in the same industry and geography.
4. Achieving growth despite challenging market conditions.
To address these challenges, Karim has adopted a proactive approach, emphasizing the principle of “lead by example.” This approach involves:
- Acquiring and retaining talent through exemplary leadership and mentorship.
- Maintaining a hands-on approach in advisory engagements to ensure technical excellence.
- Devising continuous business and pricing strategies to adapt to market cyclicality and fluctuations.
By understanding these challenges and devising multiple solution scenarios, Karim has successfully mitigated risks and positioned BEconsult for continued growth and success in KSA’s dynamic advisory services market.
Prioritizing Continuous Professional
Development
Karim diligently pursues continuous professional
development. He focuses on enhancing market and sector knowledge, fostering
robust and enduring client relationships, and implementing various continuous
improvement programs tailored to the sector in which BEconsult operates. Karim
ensures that both the company as a whole and his team members benefit from
diverse opportunities for ongoing growth and development.
Navigating Real Estate Transformation
Karim acknowledges the significant transformation
underway in the Middle East’s real estate sector. Despite geopolitical
challenges, he remains optimistic about the ongoing transformation, recognizing
opportunities across all real estate asset classes to varying degrees.
Elevating Leadership Beyond Titles
Karim draws inspiration from his profound passion for
real estate and a fervent aversion to mediocrity. He views his role first and
foremost as that of a leader, with the formal title of managing director
serving as a technicality. For Karim, the essence of his career lies in leaving
a significant legacy marked by impactful contributions to both his personal
life and society as a whole.
Turning Criticism into Triumph
At the outset of
Karim’s career at Colliers International, his mentor, who also served as his
reporting director, provided feedback indicating his perceived inadequacy in
handling financial analysis due to technical weaknesses. The mentor expressed a
desire for widespread improvement in Karim’s technical proficiency, recognizing
it as a challenging endeavor. Rather than being discouraged, Karim transformed
this constructive criticism into a personal challenge, determined to prove the
mentor’s assessment wrong and refute any preconceived notions about his
capabilities. Interestingly, the same mentor is now a client of BEconsult,
reflecting Karim’s growth and success in the industry.
