The Art of Problem-Solving: A Catalyst for My Career Growth

The World Economic Forum consistently highlights problem-solving as a crucial skill for the future. But what exactly does it entail? Problem-solving, like the color blue, comes in various shades. Just as "blue ??" can describe the sky ??, the ocean ??, or your car ??, problem-solving takes different forms depending on the context and complexity.

Reflecting on my own career journey, I recognize the profound impact problem-solving has had on my success.

A Pivotal Moment: My Aha Moment !

In 2016, while working at GE Capital in the United States ????, I found myself facing a significant challenge. Struggling with my assignment and at risk of failing the Corporate Audit Staff program , I was in a tough spot. However, amidst this turmoil, a pivotal moment occurred.?During a seemingly ordinary meeting, a colleague presented on Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Turns out, this wasn't just another boring meeting; it was a revelation!

I realized then, that many of the jobs I did could now be automated!

This epiphany wasn't about machines taking over. It was more about my own potential. And that is when I made a conscious decision to pivot from traditional problem-solving towards a world where humans collaborate with, rather than compete against, machine

My Transition to the Tech World:

Upon returning to Saudi ????, I was unsure of my next steps but was determined to move towards technology. One key moment came during a seemingly ordinary conversation at GE. I was facing a cash management issue in my operations, and a colleague who previously worked at Siemens mentioned their use of a system called SAP. This was my first encounter with SAP, and so while I applied to jobs across all technology companies when an offer came to join SAP in a marketing role, I accepted it.

Bridging the Gap: From Traditional Marketing to Digital Innovation at SAP

My journey at SAP began in the realm of event management and offline marketing. While it provided a solid foundation. I soon recognized a crucial aspect missing from our marketing strategy: High-level engagement with key clients and prospects. The challenge was crafting compelling narratives that resonated with their unique goals and aspirations.

Driven by this need, I started developing targeted narratives specific to each client. For instance, I explored how our Smart City offerings could seamlessly align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. By understanding their priorities and translating complex technology into relatable stories, we were able to explain to non-technical executives how our products could address their specific challenges.

This problem-solving mentality fueled my passion for innovation. As I tackled each challenge, the need for fresh, innovative solutions became increasingly clear. This realization ultimately led me to join the Digital Transformation & Innovation (DGTAL) team at SAP.

The Springboard to a Fulfilling Career:

Looking back, problem-solving has continuously opened new doors, or rather, unlocked new opportunities for me. From shifting industries to leading innovation, problem-solving has been a cornerstone of my career development. I plan to write more about how problem-solving actually led me to teaching business storytelling, but for now, I wanted to share how this skill can propel you from one step to the next in your career.