Samah Assad: Inspiring Success in the Construction Sector
The construction industry, with its multifaceted nature, demands a blend of technical proficiency and strategic oversight. As a sector known for its complexity and the need for precision, it involves managing numerous variables, from intricate engineering designs to tight project timelines. The challenges inherent in this industry require a robust approach to project management and a deep understanding of both technical and human factors. The ongoing evolution within the field is a constant reminder of the need for continuous learning and adaptation, steering projects toward successful completion while adapting to industry trends and client needs.
Among the key figures adding value to the construction Industry is Samah Assad, General Manager and Partner at Al Ghanim Combined Group. Her journey reflects a commitment to mastering all facets of the business, from Engineering and client interactions to Business administration and Team leading. With a background in civil engineering and project management, she has navigated the demanding environments of construction projects and office management. Her leadership style underscores the importance of dedication, knowledge, and effective communication within the team in her business.
The business at the core of this industry, Al Ghanim Combined Group Co., exemplifies integrating family values with professional excellence. The fulfillment of obligations is AGCO’s number one priority. Diversity, Quality, Safety, and reliability are the Hallmarks of AGCO. Separately, they effectively characterize the business, the first defines our capabilities, the second, our workmanship with High Quality and Safety, and the third, our commitment to those for whom we work. Together, they enable us to provide you with quality-conscious, cost-effective Construction Project Planning, Management, and execution, making us General Contractors without Equal. The firm continues to uphold a legacy of quality and reliability. As the business progresses, it remains focused on empowering its workforce and expanding its market presence, driven by a success-oriented mentality, growth, and strategic advancement vision.
From Education to Leadership
Samah's journey from education to leadership is a testament to her dedication and commitment.
Her high education choice to pursue civil engineering was met with resistance knowing the nature of long working hours and commitment to it, often perceived as challenging for women. Still, she pursued civil engineering in Jordan.
Samah admired her father greatly, but he never interfered in the education choices of Samah or her siblings. He allowed them to pursue their paths. When Samah graduated with a degree in civil engineering, her father supported her decision and advised her to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree in project management. This advice proved to be very beneficial for her career.
Her return to Kuwait, where her family resides, led her to join her father's business. acknowledging the significant influence of her father’s partner. Mr. Bader Maqwar, who played a crucial role in encouraging her to join the business, Mr. Bader Maqwar providing guidance and support to her to this day, having been instrumental in starting the business alongside her father Eng. Ribhi Asad from the ground up.
Samah's career at the family-owned business was a hands-on learning experience. She embraced a hands-on approach, exploring various departments, from administration and human resources to procurement, quality control, quantity surveying, and project estimation. Her father-Ribhi Asad, ensured she gained firsthand experience across all facets of the business, fostering a solid work ethic and comprehensive understanding of the business operations.
In her early years, Samah diligently reported project progress while often stepping into multiple roles, determined to prove her merit beyond familial ties. This dedication took years to solidify her position within the business.
Embracing Leadership and Empowering Women
As she progressed to Deputy General Manager, Samah became deeply immersed in the business’s projects and procurements. Her responsibilities, spanning project submissions, coordination between site and office, and client meetings, showcased her dedication to all operations. With a supportive team, Samah maintained active involvement in the business’s workings, further solidifying her leadership presence
During this period, she benefited from the mentorship of a respected figure in Kuwait, who championed young professionals’ growth. Her father’s wisdom significantly influenced her career even after his passing in October 2020.
With her promotion to General Manager Position, Samah and her siblings along with their establishing partners, now collaboratively lead the family business, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes teamwork and empowerment.
Embracing a Non-Traditional Career Path with Family Support
Throughout her career, being dedicated and balanced, Samah hopes to set an example for young people, especially women, encouraging them to pursue careers in any field with confidence. She believes with proper support, they can find both the balance and be successful at any demanding field, even within a male-dominated industry in this region.
Balancing Technical Expertise and People Management Through Education
Samah believes that her educational background has significantly contributed to her professional skills. Her civil engineering studies gave her a solid understanding of technical aspects while her master’s degree in project management offered valuable insights into people behaviour, organizational strategies and leadership. The project management program helped her understand different approaches to problem-solving, client interactions, methods, and organizational structures. This combination of technical knowledge and people management skills has been instrumental in her ability to navigate and lead within her field.
Empowering Teams
Samah’s leadership style is rooted in empowering those around her. She believes in giving team leaders the autonomy to make decisions within their areas of expertise while providing general guidance during the initial stages of project management. Once a project is on track, her team manages daily operations independently, her role is stepping in only to address significant challenges or to evaluate periodically the progress and provide guidance.
Balancing Client Expectations with Operational Stability and Satisfaction
One of Samah's primary challenges is balancing client expectations with budget constraints, timelines, and available resources.
She emphasizes the importance of delivering high-quality work and maintaining strong client relationships: “We strive for perfection from the start and stand by our commitments beyond warranties. Our clients can always count on us to be there”
In overseeing not just project execution but also Public relations, human resources, finances, and logistics, Samah aims to maintain a stable and well-managed environment throughout the organization, satisfying all stakeholders.
Celebrating Success and Delivering Projects
Samah reflects on the achievements despite the challenges faced, noting that the success of completing numerous projects on time and safely, with satisfied clients and a committed team, is what brings her fulfillment. She takes pride in finishing these projects with her team while ensuring the clients are satisfied.
Essential Keys to Success
For Samah, the keys to successful management are knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment. Staying organized, proactive, and maintaining open communication are essential strategies for effective leadership. She asserts that timely follow-ups can prevent major issues from escalating.
Same goes for understanding the team members, their needs and their capabilities, giving them the attention and resources needed to get the best results.
The Importance of Patience and Commitment in Leadership
Samah emphasizes the importance of patience and commitment in her role. According to her, commitment is crucial and cannot be overstated. She believes in nurturing dedication toward the organization, its people, and its projects. Understanding the diverse backgrounds and cultures of her team allows her to foster a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels valued.
The Critical Role of Effective Project Management
Samah outlines that a project manager role is critical to the project success. The PM shall understand the importance of Leading by example, being proactive, finding solutions rather than arguing challenges, empowering the people, and most importantly is being on top of the business, in other words, “follow-up”.
While follow-up is not a standalone skill, it is a vital outcome of commitment and is essential for successful project execution.
The Key to Ownership and Success
Samah underlines the significance of empowering her team, encouraging individuals to take responsibility and view themselves as integral stakeholders within the organization.
She explains this involves understanding people, giving them space to make decisions, and holding them accountable. Empowering individuals and allowing them to take responsibility Samah believes drives people to give, excel, and shine. Ultimately, having skilled and motivated people and retaining them leads to excellent results benefiting both employees and the business.
Strategic Growth and Empowerment for Market Expansion
Samah outlines the business's strategic plan to enhance its market position. The goal is to sustain the business’s legacy and elevate its status in the market, aiming for greater recognition and growth.
The business plans to expand further in the next three to five years, increasing its market presence locally and in neighbouring countries possibly. This potential expansion includes broadening the business’s reach into new industries and growing resources such as workforce and equipment.
A key focus is adding both fresh graduates and experienced people where needed. Also, empowering women, demonstrates that significant achievements are possible with commitment, determination.
Business Growth shall be supported by continuous development such as digitalizing the operations, using specific computer software, and finding ways to utilize new technologies such as AI in the business’s operations.
