5 Lessons For A Successful Career, Systems Engineer to Aruba’s Sr. Global Product Manager

By: Raymond Tran, Marketing Coordinator @ Aruba

RAYMOND: This week, I had the honour of interviewing a very talented individual from Aruba Networks, Ziad Hadi. When Aruba Networks decided to expand their operations to Canada, there was no such thing as a Canadian Channel Development Team. So for their first hire in this field, they needed someone special. Not just anyone who knew a lot about networking- but someone who could represent the values of Aruba and forward it’s vision. And after all was said & done- Ziad Hadi, was selected as the very first Systems Engineer to help develop the Canadian Channel. Ziad was a very promising candidate from Dubai, where he was previously working for one of Aruba’s distribution partners.

And after nearly 5 years with HPE Aruba as a Systems Engineer, Ziad is now starting a brand new role as Aruba’s Sr. Global Product Manager. While this is a transition that is not often seen, Ziad’s well-rounded experience of Aruba’s eco-system allows him to be a great fit for the role. From an introverted student who seemed unsure of his impact to becoming the next visionary for HPE’s cloud services, I’m sharing 5 of Ziad’s lessons for a successful career.

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Lesson #1: Understand that the only thing holding you back, is yourself.

IAD: In my life there were multiple times where I worried about taking the leap towards my next big opportunity. Each time felt like the biggest moment in my life, with worries peaking & doubts encircling me. However, I’m very happy that I made those leaps, or I would not be in the position that I am today. Richard Branson also has a great saying that I firmly believed in: ‘If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes — then learn how to do it later”. The only thing that finalizes rejection & failure is yourself. Realize that you are never going to understand everything in your career, because it’s all about discovery & adjustment!

Lesson #2: Challenge yourself to no?regrets.

One of my biggest fears, is being in a future where I regret not challenging myself. In your life & career, growth & change is never comfortable. At time, you’re may feel several negative emotions such as nervousness, fear and oftentimes even stress. But this is a part of healthy growth! Take the idea of exercise for example. I’m sure you remember when at the end of that first workout, your muscles would ache and become extremely sore. The next day, I’m sure you would regret that you even went. However, after sticking to it till the 10th workout session, your muscles have become accustomed to this stress- and have on the contrary, become even stronger.

So always strive push yourself beyond your comfort zone. If you are not uncomfortable, then your chances of growth are slim. If you know exactly how each meeting and each month will go, if there is no nervousness or excitement when facing your next roadblock, then your challenge is not great enough.

Lesson #3: Know how to?present.

Regardless of where you are in your career, presentations will always be a part of your job. Whether you know it or not, you are always presenting. When you are giving an update to your supervisor, that is presenting. If you are trying to convince anybody to buy your product, you are presenting. If you are trying communicate any piece of your work and it’s potential value to a person, then you will have to know how to present.

If someone told me 10 years ago that in my first year in a new role, in a new country would require me to present to over 2000 people, I would have been a nervous mess. However, the antidote to the presenting butterflies is simply preparation. You won’t always be able to control every variable of a performance, but you will always able to control your preparedness. Doing your research, practicing your content over and over, and being over-prepared will always make you a better presenter versus being underprepared & letting your nerves take over.

Lesson #4: Be a great storyteller.

One of the most powerful skills to add to your arsenal is storytelling. In 2021, attention is expensive and always earned. No one remembers generic words or anything that doesn’t capture their attention. If you truly want to make an impact, practice communicating your point with a story or analogy. When I had this interview with Raymond, he asked what a systems engineer was. Instead of using a handful of jargon to explain my complex role, I used the analogy of a water bottle versus a jet engine. I told him that a systems engineer sells complicated stuff: “Where a salesperson can single-handedly sell a water bottle without additional assistance, a jet engine would not be as simple. There are various questions customers may ask specifically about the engine & it’s parts, which would require complex technical knowledge, which is where I come in.” Raymond understood this immediately- and I guarantee you that he won’t forget, because stories are always more memorable than explanations. Tell your stories with simplicity & passion, and you will attract the attention of your audience.

Lesson #5: Deeply study your company’s customers and their?needs.

When it comes to being a valuable asset to your company, I find that at the end of the day, it all comes down to money & revenue. If you are not giving your company or team a return on investment in some way shape or form of revenue, then your chances of a long, successful tenure will be strained. Demonstrate a deep level of concern for your company & it’s customers, and always strive to genuinely create value that matches their needs. Your supervisor & customers will greatly appreciate this, and it makes a big difference in closed sales & your long-term success.

ZIAD: This month, I start my next chapter as Aruba’s new Senior Global Product Manager for Cloud Products.

9 years ago and 11,000 kilometers away in Dubai, I could have never dreamed of having all these job experiences at HPE & Aruba. And as I begin this new chapter of my career, I’m so thankful for all of the people who have mentored and influenced me over the years. I hope that in sharing my knowledge, the next generation of professionals would be inspired to challenge themselves, and aspire for greatness and excellence, whether that’s inside or outside of HPE / Aruba Networks!