A Man of Unyielding Determination
Bassel Ounah is a shining luminary in freediving whose life is an ode to passion and purpose. Born and raised along the Eastern Mediterranean coast, Bassel’s early encounters with the boundless ocean and the world of freediving ignited a flame that still burns brightly today. His journey weaves together a fascinating blend of entrepreneurship, a fervent love for the deep blue, and a commitment to mental health advocacy with threads of resilience and tenacity.
From his formative years, Bassel’s family exuded an entrepreneurial spirit, notably through his father’s remarkable achievements in the real estate industry. Amidst towering skyscrapers and serene suburban abodes, he imbibed his father’s visionary approach. His father’s ventures instilled in him invaluable lessons in resilience, human understanding, and the significance of building authentic relationships.
Today, Bassel carries these profound teachings like a guiding torch on his odyssey. He is more than just a successful entrepreneur; he is a mentor and an anchor in his pursuit to epitomize his father’s values and enduring spirit as he charts his course in life.
With a diploma in business management and marketing, the knowledge he gained during his academic years became an invaluable asset during the early phases of his career. Yet, his heart and soul belonged to the boundless depths of the ocean. The call of the sea led him to pursue his passion, honing his freediving skills and exploring breathtaking underwater realms. Bassel’s journey has seen him push the limits of human capability, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to safety and the highest standards of training for his students and instructors.
Since 2014, Bassel has been on a relentless quest for excellence. He’s not only dived into the ocean’s wonders but also into the world of immersive technology. Through his ventures, including Meta-Dive, he has demonstrated an unyielding spirit, unafraid to take risks and innovate in the pursuit of excellence, safety, quality, and community.
Bassel’s mission to promote mental health through freediving is both remarkable and deeply significant. He recognizes the ability of freediving to alleviate stress, anxiety, and sadness while boosting self-esteem and confidence. It is not merely business; it’s a mission to make a positive impact on lives through an art that transcends the boundaries of the physical world.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed formidable challenges, profoundly impacting Bassel’s professional sphere. Demonstrating his agility and progressive mindset, he seamlessly shifted from conventional approaches to fully embracing the era of digital transformation. Remote work, cloud collaboration, digital marketing, and the adoption of online services became the new norm. The pandemic, while disruptive, catalyzed technological integration and a reimagining of his business model for a more digital-centric future, ultimately leading to resilience and success.
Bassel Ounah is no stranger to challenges and imperfections. While his determination and innovation have been the cornerstones of his achievements, he readily acknowledges that his quest for perfection has sometimes been a double-edged sword. He shares his experiences to remind others that growth often springs from imperfection and the journey is as vital as the destination.
A string of impressive achievements and recognitions adorn Bassel’s professional journey. His impressive array of certifications spans lifeguarding, power boating, freediving instruction, and even spearfishing instruction. Notably, he served as a Freediving Judge at the World Competition in Limassol, Cyprus, in 2022 and has received an invitation to judge at the upcoming world freediving competition in 2023.
As an author, Bassel regularly contributes to ‘Divers for the Environment,’ where he delves into the intricate connection between freediving, breath techniques, and mental health. His published books, “Breath Beyond” and “The Pearl Connection,” are proof of his commitment to this area.
A certified PADI instructor, Bassel has had the privilege of training students from diverse corners of the world. In Dubai, he ventured into the realm of mermaid shows, shaping incredible performers who have now become instructors themselves.
For Bassel, this recognition as a potential “Men Leaders to Look Up to in 2023” is an immense honor. “It’s an opportunity to further elevate the world of freediving, promote mental health awareness, and redefine the landscape of transformative leadership.”
As Bassel Ounah aptly puts it, “Embrace learning as a lifelong companion. In every challenge, find an opportunity to gain knowledge. In every setback, uncover a lesson that propels you forward. And in every triumph, recognize that there’s always more to discover. Stay curious, be resilient, and never stop seeking improvement.”
Challenges and uncertainties often accompany success. But Bassel’s story of adaptability and persistence reminds us that every stumble is an opportunity for growth and learning. In his own words, “Keep pushing forward.”