Iyad Aldalooj: A Journey of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Legacy

In today’s session of "Leaders’ Mic," we are honored to have Iyad Aldalooj (Abu Yusuf) as our guest. A prominent member of the Saudi Leadership Council, Iyad shares his journey of overcoming challenges, building a successful career, and the key lessons he's learned along the way.

A Unique Childhood: Growing Up in a Historical Castle

Iyad begins by sharing a fascinating and personal fact: he grew up in a house that’s over 500 years old, a castle built during the Ottoman era. This castle, located in Al-Qatif, was a source of pride for his family but initially brought Iyad feelings of embarrassment. As a child, his classmates and friends lived in modern homes, while his family lived in a traditional stone house.

"I used to be embarrassed about living in a house made of mud, but over time, it became a point of pride," says Iyad, reflecting on the transformation of his perspective. Today, his family is working with the Ministry of Culture to preserve the castle, a beautiful and historic symbol of their heritage.

A Humble Upbringing: Lessons in Hard Work and Perseverance

Despite growing up in modest circumstances, Iyad describes how his parents played an essential role in shaping his values and priorities. His father, though not wealthy, emphasized the importance of education and instilled a love for learning and national pride in him and his siblings.

"I didn’t grow up in a family of traders or entrepreneurs," Iyad shares. "But I was fortunate enough to have parents who encouraged us to study hard and value knowledge."

Iyd’s passion for entrepreneurship grew from his early love for reading. As a young boy, he devoured books on successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, which sparked his interest in the world of business and innovation.

The Spark for Entrepreneurship: From Officer Dreams to Silicon Valley Inspiration

Iyad’s early ambitions were shaped by the role models in his life. His father admired both a military officer and a businessman, and for young Iyad, the idea of becoming an officer was an early aspiration. However, that dream evolved as he grew older, particularly after encountering the world of entrepreneurship.

"It wasn’t until I started reading about Silicon Valley and the pioneers of tech entrepreneurship that I found my true calling," says Iyad. "I realized that I wanted to make a difference in the world, just like those who changed the course of history with their innovative companies."

His fascination with Silicon Valley deepened when he moved to the United States for his higher education, where he eventually founded his first tech startup.

Leadership Lessons: The Evolution of a Leader

Iyad’s leadership journey is one of personal growth and adaptation. He acknowledges that when he first started in the business world, he struggled with leadership. His first experiences running a startup in the US were daunting, hiring, firing, and making critical decisions with no prior mentorship or experience in management.

"The challenges of starting a company from scratch in a foreign country were immense, but they shaped my leadership style and helped me grow," explains Iyad. "The key lesson I learned was that leadership is built through experience and the willingness to learn from mistakes."

He further reflects on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, something he feels has been a part of him since childhood. "From a young age, I could sense when people around me were struggling or upset, and I always felt a responsibility to help or find a solution."

Imposter Syndrome: Turning Doubts into Strength

A theme that emerges frequently in Iyad’s conversation is the feeling of imposter syndrome, the sense of questioning whether one truly deserves their achievements. Iyad acknowledges that this self-doubt has been a constant companion, but he views it as a source of motivation rather than a weakness.

"I often ask myself: Do I really deserve to be where I am? It’s not about lacking confidence; it’s about wanting to earn the respect and success that I have," Iyad admits. "I strive to earn respect rather than impose it. This mindset pushes me to constantly improve and not rest on my laurels."

He cites Charlie Munger, who famously said, "The best way to get what you want is to deserve it," as a guiding principle in his life.

The Journey to Silicon Valley: From Failure to Success

Iyad’s first venture in the US was not without its failures. He and his team developed a product—a remote-controlled air conditioner cover—that sold well initially but ultimately failed because of a technical flaw. This setback, however, didn’t deter him.

"We sold our product on Amazon, and it sold out quickly," says Iyad. "But the remote’s battery drained too fast, and we couldn’t sustain the momentum. It was a lesson in product development and the importance of technical quality."

But Iyad didn’t give up. Instead, he shifted his focus to technology and began to explore the world of software and e-commerce. His startup eventually pivoted to a network that connected products with sellers on various platforms.

Careem: A Transformative Chapter in Iyad’s Career

Iyad’s next major leap came when he joined Careem, the ride-hailing company that would later be acquired by Uber. His journey at Careem marked a new chapter in his career, where he moved from entrepreneurship to working within an established company.

At Careem, he was initially brought in as a General Manager, but within months, his role evolved to include marketing, eventually becoming the Marketing Director. Despite having no formal background in marketing, his engineering mindset helped him approach problems with analytical rigor, and he thrived in the role.

"Engineering taught me how to structure my thoughts and solve problems systematically, and that was critical in my role at Careem," Iyad reflects.

Building Benny: The Next Big Venture

After his successful tenure at Careem, Iyad founded Benny, a tech company with the goal of building a world-class software brand from Saudi Arabia to the world. Today, Benny serves clients in over 50 countries and has achieved rapid growth in the procurement lifecycle management space.

"Our vision for Benny is clear: we want to build a company that creates real value and serves clients globally," says Iyad. "The beauty of technology is that it allows us to create scalable solutions that can be deployed worldwide."

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Iyad offers this advice: "Entrepreneurship is about more than just making money. It’s about solving real problems, creating lasting value, and changing industries for the better."

He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on the bigger picture and not just the financial rewards. "If your goal is purely to make money, you might be better off in traditional business. But if you want to create something truly impactful, technology entrepreneurship is the way to go."

A Vision for the Future

As Iyad continues to build Benny and contribute to the growing tech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, he remains focused on his long-term vision. "I want to see Saudi companies become global leaders in technology, just like Microsoft and Apple," he says. "I believe that if one company can succeed, many others will follow."

Iyad Aldalooj’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not about where you start, but where you aim to go. His journey of perseverance, learning from failure, and chasing a vision is an inspiration to all entrepreneurs looking to make a global impact.

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