Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Hussein Zeid , Founder and CEO @QUAD Digital Media
How could you describe your career path in few words?
From a young age, I have been fascinated by the world of media. I was introduced to the world of computers when I was in the fifth grade, and that's when my fascination with technology and media began. During my computer training, I learned about the operating system known as DOS, as well as Windows 95, which sparked my interest in technology. I was always interested in communication and storytelling, which is why I eagerly participated in public speaking events and reported on activities for the school magazine. These activities allowed me to express myself creatively and develop my writing and communication skills. When I was in the ninth grade, I had the opportunity to develop and sell my first website, which was a novel concept at the time. This experience showed me that I had an entrepreneurial spirit and that there were opportunities in the emerging digital landscape. In university, I pursued computer engineering as my major because it aligned with my interests and allowed me to learn more about the technology behind media. In 2005, my colleagues and I created our own live TV shows, which later evolved to be published online as WebTV and eventually through SNG. While pursuing my master's degree in Radio and TV, I continued to develop my skills by freelancing and partnering with others in the industry. Today, I am the manager of Quad Digital Media, and my role is to build a team of digital media experts and leaders to drive the business forward. I am proud of my success in the industry and my ability to lead others towards achieving common goals.
What was your most challenging experience and it has changed your mindset?
Over time, my perspective on perfectionism has shifted, and I now place a greater emphasis on perseverance and the idea that anything is possible. As evidence, I founded my own company immediately after graduating from university, demonstrating that success knows no bounds. Although I used to struggle with perfectionism internally, I managed to overcome this obstacle and embrace a more flexible mindset. Living in Lebanon presents daily challenges to accessing basic rights, such as reliable electricity, good internet connection, plus the failing economic system along with the inadequate infrastructure. However, I've faced external challenges too, stemming from my Palestinian nationality, accent, and refugee status. For instance, I've encountered clients who initially expressed interest in my work but ultimately declined to work with me upon hearing me speak. Moreover, the society I live in hasn't always been supportive of technology and social media, which are essential components of my business. Despite these difficulties, I refuse to let them hold me back or define me. Instead, I've used them as motivation to continue pushing myself and achieving my goals. I remain committed to making a positive impact on the world through my work and proving that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.
Based on your experiences, what skills should an entrepreneur develop in 2023?
Resilience is an essential skill for any entrepreneur, and this is particularly true for those working in Lebanon. With a challenging economic and political environment, entrepreneurs in Lebanon face many obstacles that can threaten the success of their ventures. However, by cultivating resilience, entrepreneurs can learn to overcome these obstacles and thrive despite the difficulties. One key aspect of resilience is a solution-driven mindset. Rather than getting bogged down by problems, resilient entrepreneurs are focused on finding solutions. They understand that not every solution will be perfect or satisfactory, but they are willing to experiment and try different approaches until they find something that works. By embracing a solution-focused approach, entrepreneurs can stay motivated and engaged even in the face of adversity. Another important aspect of resilience for entrepreneurs is a commitment to growth and learning. Successful entrepreneurs never stop learning and always look for opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge. This means seeking out feedback from customers, industry experts, and mentors, as well as investing in training and education. By continually expanding their knowledge and skills, entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions. Finally, resilient entrepreneurs are always ready to seize opportunities. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come their way, they actively seek them out and are prepared to act when they arise. This means staying up-to-date with industry trends, networking with potential partners and investors, and being open to new ideas and approaches. By being proactive and opportunistic, entrepreneurs can create new opportunities for growth and success, even in challenging environments like Lebanon. In conclusion, resilience is a crucial skill for any entrepreneur, and it is particularly important for those operating in Lebanon. By cultivating a solution-focused mindset, committing to growth and learning, and staying opportunistic, entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles and achieve success, no matter what challenges they may face.
Based on your recent experiences, if you had one piece of advice for an entrepreneur's success in the context of 2023, what would it be?
I would offer two pieces of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. First, is to make full use of one's assets, connections, and contacts. As an entrepreneur, it's essential to be constantly on the lookout for new opportunities that can help you grow your business. These opportunities can come from anywhere, whether it's a new connection you make at a networking event, a valuable asset you already possess, or a contact who introduces you to a potential customer or investor. Therefore, it's important to be open-minded and explore all possibilities that come your way. The second advice is to be ready for changes. The business world is constantly evolving, and entrepreneurs must be prepared to adapt to new economic and technological trends. Over the next five years, we can expect to see significant changes in these areas. For example, the rise of automation, the increased use of AI and data analytics, and the growth of renewable energy sources are just a few of the trends that are likely to shape the future of business. To succeed in this changing landscape, entrepreneurs must be proactive, flexible, and willing to learn new skills and strategies. They must also be prepared to pivot their business model if necessary and have backup plans to deal with unexpected challenges. Ultimately, the key to success as an entrepreneur is to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared to embrace change.
