Welcome to My Personal Blog!
A Little About Me
Hi there! I’m so happy you’ve found your way to my blog. This is my little corner of the internet where I get to share a bit about myself, and hopefully, you’ll get to know me better. Feel free to drop a comment or let me know what topics you’d like to hear more about—I’m always open to suggestions!
What I Do
These days, I’m fortunate to serve as the CEO of two IT companies, one based in Germany and the other in Switzerland. It’s been an exciting and rewarding journey, but I still consider myself someone who’s always learning and growing. I’ve always had a passion for technology, and I love being able to work with amazing teams to make great things happen in this field.
My Story
Early Life in Lebanon
My story begins in Lebanon. I was born in 1973, the fourth of seven brothers. Growing up during Lebanon’s civil war (1975–1989) definitely came with its challenges, but my family always emphasized the importance of education, which is a big deal in Lebanese culture. Thanks to my parents’ efforts, I had a French education until 1992, when I enrolled at the American University of Beirut. By 1995, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (now known as Medical Lab Sciences) from the Faculty of Health Sciences. Those were tough but formative years.
My Passions and Family
My Daughters: My Biggest Joy
Now, let me tell you about the two biggest joys in my life: my daughters, Marie (born in 2005) and Leena (born in 2011). They mean the world to me, and their happiness is what drives me every day.
My Journey Through Education and Life
Relocating for Education: From Liverpool to Switzerland
In 1995, I made the move to Liverpool, UK, but quickly realized that pursuing a Ph.D. there wasn’t financially feasible. So, in 1996, I decided to relocate to Switzerland, a country known for its generous free education for non-nationals. At the prestigious University of Geneva, which has a rich history of scientific breakthroughs, I conducted research for my master’s degree in Biology. This university is where restriction enzymes were discovered and where electron microscopy techniques were developed. I graduated in 1998, and it was a moment of pride for me.
A Passion for IT and My Time in Switzerland
Technology has always been a passion of mine, especially computers. After completing my master’s, I worked with various IT companies in Switzerland and even spent time at the United Nations in Geneva until 2015. Those 20 years in Switzerland hold a lot of memories for me.
Where is Home?
Now, if you’re wondering where I call home, well, that’s a tricky one…
Life in the UK and Germany
In 2015, I moved to London, UK, where I worked with different private and public organizations, eventually finding my way to the British Department of Health. But my love for adventure and change led me to Germany in 2018. I settled in Gifhorn, near Hanover, in the beautiful Braunschweiger Land, not far from the Netherlands and Denmark. And it was here that I met someone who truly changed my life—an incredible blessing.
Returning to Switzerland
In 2020, I found my way back to Switzerland, a place that will always hold special meaning for me.
Family, Passions, and Hobbies
My Two Joys: My Daughters
Now, let me share with you my joys: my two wonderful daughters, Marie (born in 2005) and Leena (born in 2011). They are the light of my life, and everything I do is for their happiness.
My Passion for Reading
In my downtime, you’ll often find me with a book in hand. Reading is my absolute passion, and I make time for it whenever I can. Whether it’s a physical book or on my phone or tablet, I always have something to read. And when reading isn’t an option, like when I’m driving, I enjoy listening to audiobooks or engaging talk shows like the BBC’s *Hard Talk*. My trusty Skoda Kodiaq SUV is equipped with an SD card full of these files, making long drives much more enjoyable.
Public Speaking and Toastmasters
Aside from reading, I’ve honed my skills as a public speaker. I’ve been trained in public speaking since the 1980s, and over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to refine these skills. In 2008, I discovered Toastmasters, an organization that hooked me with its well-organized meetings, useful feedback, and impromptu speeches. I joined three clubs in Geneva and quickly earned the title of “Competent Communicator.” Even now, I occasionally visit local Toastmasters clubs …
Speaking at Conferences
I’ve had the honor of speaking at incredible conferences and events over the years. If you’d like to learn more about my speaking engagements, feel free to check out the Speaker page on this site.
Writing and Publishing
Writing is another love of mine. I enjoy putting my thoughts into words, and during my time at the UN in Geneva, I contributed to the *UN Special* magazine, which reached thousands of readers across the diplomatic world.
Writing on LinkedIn
I write sometimes on LinkedIn. You can find my latest articles there, and I’ve included direct links to them on the Author page of this site. If you want to stay connected or learn more about what I’m up to, feel free to follow me on LinkedIn.
Thanks for stopping by, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to know more about my journey!