A Resilient Innovator in Digital Transformation and Urban Development
Meet Samer Yamak, a remarkable individual whose life journey reads like an inspiring tale of passion, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his colorful childhood in Lebanon to his illustrious career as a leader in the world of smart cities and digital transformation, Samer’s story is one that captivates and motivates.
Samer Yamak’s early years were filled with vibrant experiences, including playing volleyball with friends, playing the guitar, and family adventures by the sea and in the mountains. These years taught him the value of teamwork, the magic of music, and the importance of family bonds. His sense of responsibility started at a young age when he worked every summer to support his family.
During his formative years, Samer experienced first love and heartbreak in middle school. Fourteen years later, the same girl reentered his life and became his wife and the mother of their three children. It was destiny, not just luck, that brought them back together.
Upon finishing high school, Samer embarked on a journey of education and self-discovery. In 2000, he earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering in Lebanon and received his first award for the second-best nationwide computer engineering project, a promising start to his career.
Samer’s professional journey started as presales engineer in Saudi Arabia, and he later worked as a software test engineer at Microsoft in Redmond. After returning to Saudi Arabia, he progressed through the ranks, becoming a senior product manager for Alcatel-Lucent telecom solutions.
Driven by his passion for technology and digital transformation, Samer earned an MBA from the University of Leicester in 2008, marking a pivotal moment from presales to sales. His career truly ignited during his time as the Smart Cities business development manager at Cisco, where his dedication to the world of smart cities spearheaded his professional journey.
His subsequent roles at INET, Orange, and Honeywell garnered numerous accolades, including three performance awards at Orange, such as the President Club Award for outstanding achievement and another three performance awards at Honeywell including again the President Club Award for outstanding achievement. Samer’s second MBA from the University of Liverpool in 2018 highlighted his commitment to continuous learning.
In 2021, he embraced a significant career change to advisory, joining PwC as a Director for Advisory for Smart Cities, focusing on smart cities and the impact of AI and ML in strategic insights. This journey culminated in an “Outstanding Leadership Award by Internet 2.0” in 2023.
Looking back at his journey, Samer shares, “I made two major career pivots from solution design to sales to consulting. At every crossroad I faced tremendous odds, challenges, and difficult moments. I faced them all and rose not only to succeed but humbly to earn awards of achievements in every domain I join.”
Samer’s pursuit of balance and better habits started in 2012. He committed to daily one-hour morning workouts, joined sports groups, and adopted a rigorous 100-day keto diet, shedding 28 kilograms. His family life is marked by weekend getaways, date nights, cherished family breakfasts, and movie nights. His friendships span from childhood to weekly gatherings with friends in Riyadh, where they share laughter and camaraderie.
A concise summary of Samer’s business philosophy can be summed up in a few key principles. First, he believes in commitment, focus, and leaving a lasting mark. For instance, as a presales engineer, Samer noticed automation and quality improvement opportunities, taking the initiative to create tools.
Second, he emphasizes the importance of taking baby steps to solve complex problems, drawing inspiration from “The Martian” movie.
Third, “When life knocks you down, stand up, dust, and move on,” Samer shares. “Don’t be defeated by challenges and setbacks.” He recalls moments where persistence paid off, such as closing a deal with a seemingly unresponsive client.
Lastly, he views mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, a belief that has shaped his positive outlook even in challenging moments in his advisory role.
Samer’s passion for smart cities is the driving force behind his professional journey. He believes that smart cities represent an opportunity to co-create urban development strategies and democratize services for the benefit of citizens. His expertise has led him to speak at numerous regional events, further cementing his influence in the field.
A host of strengths define Samer, encompassing passion, adept presentation skills, analytical prowess, and remarkable resilience. His emotional intelligence and professionalism have been pivotal throughout his career, influencing those around him positively.
Samer hopes to serve as a role model to his family, validate his mother’s upbringing, and honor his late father’s character. Professionally, he aspires to share his success and inspire others to achieve their dreams.
“Embrace your uniqueness, challenge yourself, think big, learn continuously, and never cease to aim high,” Samer Yanek encourages.
