Waleed Ali: Persistence, Leadership, and Building Excellence

Waleed Ali, a distinguished graduate of the 20/30 Leaders Program (MISK Leaders), exemplifies perseverance, strategic thinking, and hands-on leadership. Currently serving as CEO of Business Excellence at Sirar, Waleed shares insights from his journey from early academic setbacks to leading transformative projects in Saudi Arabia’s corporate and startup landscape.

Early Life and Educational Journey

Born and raised in Al Madinah, Waleed grew up in a family that valued discipline and hard work. His father instilled in him the importance of consistent effort, encouraging daily study sessions and fostering a goal-oriented mindset.

After achieving a high score in high school, Waleed initially faced rejection from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Rather than giving up, he persisted, followed up diligently, and eventually secured his place, highlighting a core lesson he would carry into his career: never let initial setbacks define your path.

At university, he started in Computer Engineering, then transitioned to Industrial Engineering, discovering his passion and excelling academically. Alongside his studies, Waleed actively sought practical experience, working part-time in customer-facing roles to develop communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills early steps in cultivating the soft skills crucial for leadership.

Career Development and Leadership

Upon graduation, Waleed gained practical experience through internships and early roles at Al Ahli Bank and Savola, before pursuing a Master’s in Engineering Management in the U.S. Upon returning, he navigated roles in multinational organizations including Ericsson and Cisco, gaining exposure to HR, organizational transformation, and regional management.

Through these experiences, he emphasized three key principles for emerging leaders:

1. Persistence and Follow-up: Opportunities often require proactive engagement and determination.
   

2. Continuous Development of Soft Skills: Communication, emotional intelligence, and public speaking are as vital as technical expertise.
   

3. Choosing the Right Network: Surrounding yourself with motivated and capable colleagues elevates your own growth.

The 2030 Leaders Program Experience

Waleed describes the 20/30 Leaders Program as “the dream that became reality.” The program connects top Saudi talent with global leadership experiences, equipping participants with both practical skills and strategic insights.

He notes that the program helped him expand his network, gain exposure to multiple ministries and projects, and prepare for higher leadership roles, reinforcing the principle that leadership is a combination of skills, relationships, and real-world experience.

Entrepreneurial Leadership and Sirar

Waleed’s current role at Sirar, a cybersecurity startup under STC Group, showcases his expertise in building a business from scratch, establishing corporate governance, HR services, and support functions.

He emphasizes that transitioning from a comfortable executive position to a startup requires courage, vision, and a willingness to face uncertainty. His approach is centered on:

• Empowering local talent and graduates
  

• Building organizational culture from the ground up
  

• Leveraging soft and technical skills to drive business excellence

Lessons for Young Professional

Drawing from his journey, Waleed offers practical advice to emerging leaders:

• Exercise patience in career progression: Allocate time for exploration, skill-building, and eventual mastery.
  

• Develop soft skills continuously: Seek opportunities to interact, present, and lead.
  

• Value perseverance: Consistently follow up and pursue your goals despite setbacks.
  

• Choose your network wisely: Surround yourself with motivated, competent individuals.
  

• Plan for long-term growth: Set clear milestones and actively work toward leadership positions.
  

He also underscores the importance of honoring family values, emphasizing that respect and gratitude towards parents contribute to personal success.

Waleed Ali’s journey from overcoming early academic rejection to leading corporate transformation and startup excellence illustrates that perseverance, skill development, and strategic vision are the pillars of successful leadership. His story inspires the next generation of Saudi leaders to embrace challenges, invest in themselves, and give back to society, while maintaining integrity, patience, and dedication to lifelong learning.

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