Hesham Ismail: From Engineer to HR Leader – A Journey of Growth and Leadership

A Unique Journey of Leadership

In today’s episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Hesham Ismail, a remarkable leader whose career has spanned from engineering to human resources (HR). Hesham’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing opportunities and the importance of adapting to change. Today, he shares his experiences, challenges, and insights into how he became a respected leader in his field.

Early Life and Influences

Hesham Al Ismail was born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he spent most of his childhood. "I’m the eldest of five children two boys and three girls," Hesham shares. "Though I spent a short time in Makkah, I grew up in Jeddah, where I completed my primary, middle, and high school education."

"My father, Abdulrahman Ismail, was a pivotal figure in my life," Hesham says. "He started his career in private ventures and later worked at the National Commercial Bank as the Regional Manager for the Western Region. My mother, a fine arts teacher, also played a significant role in shaping my values."

"Growing up, my father’s leadership was a major influence. He taught me that a leader’s impact lasts long after they’ve moved on from a position. I always remember how employees at the bank would recognize my father’s name and speak about the positive impact he left. This really resonated with me."

Leadership Inspiration: Learning from Family

Hesham reflects on the lessons he learned from his father and how it shaped his leadership style. "The most important thing I learned from my father is that leadership doesn’t end with your position. It’s about leaving a lasting impact."

He also recalls his first major leadership lesson from his career: "When I was 27 years old, I was offered an opportunity that changed my path. I was a mechanical engineer with an MBA, but the CEO of a company offered me the chance to lead their HR department. His words stuck with me: 'If I hadn’t been given a chance, I would never have become a CEO. I’m giving you the same opportunity.'"

"That moment was a game-changer. It taught me the importance of giving others opportunities, especially those just starting their careers. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to nurture the next generation."

Career Path: From Engineer to HR

Hesham’s career has been a journey of growth and transition. "My first job was at Saudi Cables Company, where I worked for 12 years. I started as a trainee engineer in the factory, and after a strong orientation program, I wanted to contribute in my own way. At the time, there was a new production line worth $20 million being installed. I saw this as an opportunity and told my manager that I wanted to be the engineer responsible for this project."

He adds, "Despite being inexperienced, I showed initiative by working closely with a senior engineer and taking charge of the task. I learned hands-on and built a reputation for being dependable."

Hesham’s dedication paid off, and he quickly established himself as someone capable of handling challenging projects. "Even though I had planned to work for a different company, I ended up staying at Saudi Cables because I took the chance to be part of something bigger."

A Turning Point: Embracing Change and Opportunity

In his early career, Hesham faced a pivotal decision that steered him toward HR. "During a company restructuring, I was approached by a Dutch CEO who wanted someone with engineering expertise to lead HR. It was a big leap, but I saw it as an opportunity to grow."

"At the time, I didn’t know much about HR, but I trusted that this opportunity would help me build a unique skill set. The decision to move from engineering to HR wasn’t easy, but it ultimately opened doors to leadership roles in HR."

Building a Leadership Foundation: Learning Through Experience

Hesham reflects on the significant turning points in his leadership journey. "One of the key lessons I learned early on was the importance of building systems and creating a structured environment."

He recalls his time at Saudi Cables when he introduced a system for performance evaluations based on objectives. "I pushed for a structured performance management system, which was pivotal in improving efficiency and accountability. It was the first step in moving towards more strategic HR management."

His experience in HR strategy grew stronger as he transitioned into managing large teams and complex organizational changes.

Shaping the Healthcare Sector: A New Frontier

One of the most significant challenges in Hesham’s career came when he was appointed to lead HR in the healthcare sector, a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. "In 2019, I was tasked with transforming the healthcare system, which involved creating a new holding health company responsible for providing healthcare services to citizens and residents."

"This transformation wasn’t just about rebranding. It was about changing the way healthcare was delivered. We had to create a culture of prevention and improve service quality across the country. The challenge was immense, but it was also incredibly rewarding."

A New Challenge: Leading HR at Sela

Hesham's career took another turn when he joined Sela, a company specializing in the entertainment and events sector. "Joining Sela was a huge leap for me. It was a company at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment scene, and I had the chance to apply my HR expertise in a rapidly growing industry."

"At Sela, the main challenge was adapting to a fast-paced environment with a young workforce. Managing such a dynamic company required a different approach to HR. It wasn’t just about traditional HR functions; it was about fostering a culture of engagement and creating an environment where employees felt connected to the company’s mission."

Key Leadership Lessons: The Importance of Engagement and Growth

Hesham emphasizes that employee engagement is at the core of successful leadership. "In HR, it’s not just about hiring people; it’s about building a culture where people feel valued and motivated. Engagement goes beyond happiness it's about making employees feel that they belong and are part of something bigger."

He also advocates for continuous growth and development: "As leaders, we must support the next generation, give them opportunities, and help them grow. I’ve always believed that if the people around you succeed, so do you."

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Hesham’s advice to young professionals is clear: "You must be ready to take risks and embrace challenges. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, create it. Success comes when you make the most of every opportunity that comes your way."

He also stresses the importance of self-awareness and continuous improvement. "Understand your strengths, build on them, and surround yourself with people who will challenge you to grow."

A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

Hesham Ismail’s journey from engineering to HR leadership reflects his commitment to growth, adaptability, and creating a lasting impact. His career is a testament to the importance of embracing opportunities, leading with empathy, and continually striving for excellence.

As Hesham continues to inspire others, his leadership serves as a reminder that the most significant growth happens when we challenge ourselves to step into the unknown and create a positive impact wherever we go.

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