Alwaleed Alkeaid: A Transformative Journey from Gaming to Leadership and Wellness

A Life of Continuous Transformation

In today’s episode of Leaders' Mic, we are joined by Alwaleed Alkeaid, the founder of the Saudi Sports Professional Network and co-founder of Shana Technology. Alwaleed is also a renowned wellness coach. His story is one of transformation, starting from his early years in Riyadh, to his time in Canada, and now as a leader shaping the wellness industry in Saudi Arabia.

Alwaleed shares with us his journey, insights, and how challenges in life have shaped his leadership approach and entrepreneurial spirit.

From Gaming to Real-Life Challenges

Alwaleed kicks off by sharing his humble beginnings, reflecting on his time as a young boy in Riyadh. "When I was around 13-15 years old, I worked in a small computer shop at Al-Shu'lah Market, repairing devices and selling CDs and games. That was my first job," says Alwaleed. Despite his passion for gaming and computers, Alwaleed soon realized he needed to step out of his comfort zone.

"After finishing high school, my father, seeing how much time I spent playing games, decided to send me to Canada for further studies. That’s where my life completely changed," he reflects.

A New Life in Canada

Life in Canada was a wake-up call for Alwaleed. He moved there, far from the familiar comfort of home, to study and become independent. "I was exposed to an entirely new culture, responsibilities, and challenges. I wasn’t used to living alone or managing my own life," Alwaleed admits.

In Canada, Alwaleed began questioning the direction of his life. "I kept asking myself, Why was I created? What’s my purpose? It was during this time that I started reading, attending workshops, and exploring self-improvement and motivation," Alwaleed shares. This marked the beginning of his journey into discovering his true passions and identity.

Pushing Limits and Overcoming Fears

One of the key changes in Alwaleed’s life came when he actively sought to challenge his comfort zone. "Before, I was a shy introvert with only a few close friends. In Canada, I started talking to random people on the street, even something as simple as saying hi to someone I didn’t know," he recalls.

Alwaleed went on to try things he never thought he would: "I tried skydiving, something I was terrified of, and even took scuba diving courses, despite my fear of the ocean." For him, these experiences represented a personal breakthrough, as he learned to confront his fears head-on.

The Ironman Video That Changed Everything

One of the most significant moments in Alwaleed’s life came when he watched a powerful video of an elderly man pulling his disabled son in a Ironman triathlon. "The father, despite his age and the immense challenge, was determined to complete the race, dragging his son through the water, cycling, and running. It was a life-changing moment for me," says Alwaleed.

"I saw this video and thought to myself, If this man can do this for his son, why can’t I chase my own dreams? That moment became my turning point, and I made a promise to myself that I would challenge myself physically and mentally to become the best version of myself."

The Road to the Ironman: A Year of Transformation

Determined to push his limits, Alwaleed set an ambitious goal: to participate in the Ironman race, a grueling triathlon. "I had never run, swum, or cycled at a competitive level, but I set my mind to it," Alwaleed recalls.

Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, including physical injuries and mental hurdles, Alwaleed trained relentlessly. "I went from someone who had never worked out to someone waking up at 5 AM every day to train. It was difficult, but I kept going," he explains.

Overcoming Obstacles: Why Persistence is Key

Throughout the year of intense training, Alwaleed faced moments of doubt and physical exhaustion. "There were times I wanted to give up, especially when I had to train in freezing cold weather or after sustaining injuries, but I pushed through," says Alwaleed.

"Whenever I felt exhausted, I remembered the purpose behind my goal. I kept telling myself, I can do this, I will finish this race. The Ironman wasn’t just about physical endurance; it was a test of mental strength and resilience," he adds.

Alwaleed's persistence paid off. He completed the Ironman race, crossing the finish line with his family and friends cheering him on. "That moment was the culmination of everything I had worked for. It wasn’t just about the race, it was about proving to myself and others that with determination, anything is possible," says Alwaleed.

From Ironman to Wellness: A New Path

Completing the Ironman was a turning point that led Alwaleed to wellness coaching. "After the race, I realized that I wanted to help others find the same transformation I experienced. I wanted to share the power of wellness and fitness, and how it can impact every aspect of your life," Alwaleed says.

Saudi Sports Professional Network: Connecting Leaders in Sports

Building on his passion for fitness, Alwaleed co-founded the Saudi Sports Professional Network. The initiative aims to connect sports professionals across various sectors, offering networking opportunities, workshops, and learning from leaders in the field.

"Throughout my career, I noticed a gap in the sports sector where professionals didn’t know each other, and collaboration was lacking. That’s when I thought, Why not create a platform that brings us all together? The goal was to support sports professionals, exchange experiences, and elevate the sector in Saudi Arabia," Alwaleed shares.

The Importance of Leading by Example: Alwaleed’s Leadership Philosophy

Alwaleed believes that leadership is about empowering others and making them feel part of the journey. "I always tell my team, I’m not here to do everything myself; I’m here to empower you to be leaders too," Alwaleed says.

He adds, "As an entrepreneur, I’m constantly looking for solutions to problems, whether they’re in my business or the community. It’s about creating value and helping others achieve success."

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Start with Purpose

For anyone looking to enter the world of entrepreneurship, Alwaleed offers this advice: "Find your purpose and align your goals with something bigger than yourself. It’s not just about the money.

You need to be passionate about what you do, and you need to have a vision that drives you."

He continues, "If you’re not passionate about solving a problem, your business will lack direction. Entrepreneurship is about creating change and adding value to the world."

The Future: What’s Next for Alwaleed Alkeaid?

When asked about his future plans, Alwaleed responds, "I’m always looking for the next problem to solve. Right now, I’m focused on the sports management software we’re developing. It’s a solution to help children’s sports programs and make it easier for parents to find quality coaches and activities for their kids."

Alwaleed remains dedicated to creating lasting change and providing opportunities for others to thrive. "I believe that the future of sports and wellness in Saudi Arabia is bright, and we’re just getting started."

The Path to Success is a Journey

Alwaleed Alkeaid’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and transformation. From his early years in Riyadh to his time in Canada and his entrepreneurial endeavors, Alwaleed has always been driven by the desire to make a difference in the world. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion, and his story inspires us all to pursue our dreams and make an impact in our communities.

Catch the full episode on our YouTube channel and on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Anghami.