We recently connected with Sarry Shaaban and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarry, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
The Power of Difference: My Journey as “The Only One” (and How Dyslexia Helped)
Meetings, conferences, boardrooms – I’ve spent plenty of time as the only man of color, and often the only one with a learning difference like dyslexia. Some days, those labels feel heavy, a constant reminder that I don’t seamlessly fit into the mold. Other days, I wear them like a badge of honor, proof that success doesn’t have a single, predetermined path.
It’s not easy always being “the only one.” From subtle questioning of my competence to outright doubts about my abilities, there have been plenty of moments when I wanted to shrink and disappear. Add in dyslexia, and those feelings get amplified. I’ve spent hours deciphering emails filled with jargon or struggled to find the right words to express myself during important presentations.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned: the same things that make me different are also what fuel my success. Dyslexia forced me to think creatively, to find alternative solutions that didn’t rely solely on traditional reading and writing. That out-of-the-box thinking is now my superpower in the workplace. I see angles others miss, and I’m tenacious about solving problems because obstacles are nothing new to me.
Of course, it’s not just about mindset. Here’s what has made a real difference:
Find Your Tribe: Seek mentors and allies who believe in you, even if they don’t share your background. Their support bolsters your confidence and opens doors.
Own Your Expertise: Become the go-to person in your field. When your knowledge is undeniable, differences fade into the background.
Embrace Tech Tools: I’m a grammar-checker’s best friend, my dictation software gets a workout, and I use text-to-speech for dense reading material. Don’t be afraid to use what empowers you.
Honestly, I wish I wasn’t so often “the only one.” I wish boys who look like me, boys who struggled like I did with reading and writing, saw successful role models everywhere. Yet, it motivates me. Because by sharing my story, by refusing to let those challenges slow me down, I become part of that representation.
So, to anyone out there who feels alone because of how you look, how you learn, or anything else that sets you apart: Own your difference. Use it as fuel. Don’t just survive in the room, help change what that room looks like for the future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello everyone,
My name is Sarry Shaaban – call me Sri like Sri Lanka. I’m a principal consultant for Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, a devoted husband to my wife Dr. Salma, and a proud father and stepdad to three fantastic boys.
My journey hasn’t been easy. After 20 years in retail, a life-altering moment arrived in January 2018. Returning from celebrating my wife’s victory over thyroid cancer, I was laid off. My services were “no longer needed.” I didn’t know whether to weep with despair or rejoice for my wife’s recovery.
Disorienting weeks followed. Old friendships faded, and I began questioning my career’s purpose. Yet, I clung to a passion project – a burger joint I’d co-founded years earlier.
Then, a glimmer of hope: a call on the 12th of Ramadan from my old friend at KPMG, offering a two-month project managing the Jeddah Season site, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. I seized the opportunity, eager to embrace this transformative new era.
From Jeddah Season to Dariya Season, and even a call during a motorcycle tour of Lebanon, my career took unexpected turns. Then, a pinnacle: the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, a red-carpet event for Saudi Arabia viewed by billions.
In 2021, I joined the Ministry of Culture, and now, as principal consultant for the GEA, I lead entertainment initiatives bringing joy to millions. It’s humbling to be a part of this happiness.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
It’s never too late to find your passion!
I spent years hearing about it, reading about it, and seeing it portrayed in movies, but I never truly understood until I landed a job managing venues and sites. After 20 years in retail, I finally found my calling. Suddenly, I was energized – never tired, bored, or reluctant to get out of bed. I was always excited to start my day, to lead, and to shine.
From my experience, here are some key principles that have fueled my success:
Lead with kindness: Regardless of your position, treat everyone with respect and compassion. Kindness leaves a lasting mark, while titles and positions are temporary.
Punctuality is paramount: Aim to arrive early. It demonstrates your dedication and prepares you for the unexpected.
Master the details: The deeper you understand a project, the more confidence and expertise you project to clients and partners.
Seek win-win solutions: Aim for outcomes where everyone feels valued and accomplished. This builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
Efficiency under pressure: In my field, getting things done quickly matters. Maintaining calm and control reassures clients, even during challenging situations
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is completely natural, and everyone experiences it from time to time. Here are some strategies and advice that I find helpful when those feelings start to creep in: 1. Acknowledge and Break It Down
• The Pause: The moment you recognize the overwhelm, stop whatever you’re doing (if possible). Take a few deep breaths and acknowledge how you’re feeling without judging yourself.
• Identify the Source: What’s causing this feeling? Is it one large task, multiple smaller ones, or a combination of work and personal pressures?
• Break It Down: Can the bigger issue be divided into smaller, more manageable tasks? Creating a simple to-do list on paper or digitally can bring a remarkable sense of clarity.
2. Prioritize and Take Action
• Ruthless Prioritization: Focus on the most important or urgent tasks first. Ask yourself, “If I could only get three things done today, what would they be?”
• Take the First Step: Sometimes the hardest part is starting. Choose one small task, something achievable, and give it your full attention. The momentum can be surprisingly powerful.
• Delegate or Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to reach out. Is there something you can delegate, ask a colleague for support, or even brainstorm with a friend or family member?
3. Focus on the Controllable
• Draw the Line: Separate what you can control from what you can’t. Redirect all your energy towards what’s within your power to change.
• “Good Enough” Mentality: Perfectionism breeds overwhelm. Sometimes “good enough” needs to be the goal, especially to get things moving.
• Solutions Not Problems: Shift your mindset from dwelling on the issue to focusing on potential solutions.
4. Self-Care Essentials
• Breathe: Simple deep breathing exercises can reset your nervous system remarkably quickly. Try a few minutes of box breathing (inhale for count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4).
• Move Your Body: Even a short walk, light stretching, or some jumping jacks can shift stuck energy and improve your mood.
• Nourish and Hydrate: When overwhelmed, we often forget basics! A healthy snack and glass of water can do wonders.
• Step Away: If possible, take a true break – walk around the block, listen to uplifting music, or do a quick mindfulness exercise.
5. Long-Term Strategies
• Boundaries: Learn to say “no” to protect your time and energy.
• Proactive Planning: Good time management and minimizing procrastination can reduce the likelihood of overwhelm in the first place.
• Regular Self-Check-Ins: Notice the early signs of overwhelm in your body and mind, so you can address them before they escalate.
And remember, the ship will sail with or without you. Not every day is a bright day. Some days are gloomy, some are normal, and some days the sky’s the limit. Accept that life has ups and downs, and keep moving forward. Focus on what you can control, prioritize what matters, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://albiladdaily.com/author/sree-s/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotwaves?igsh=MWxqeG5vOWFlYWNoZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cnadxvVoZSPLf4yE/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarry-shaaban?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarrys
