In this exclusive interview, we have the privilege of speaking with Siba Salloum, Founder and CEO of Nash. With a vision for innovation and AI, Siba is bringing disruption into motion and making a difference in record time, bringing remarkable changes in the industry.
Discover the concept behind Nash, the company’s approaches, and how Siba Salloum embarked on her career journey. Explore the valuable insights on building professional relationships, the role of leadership, and the resilience that keeps Nash moving forward amidst changing market dynamics and challenges.
Join us as we delve into the world of Nash and gain a profound understanding of how Siba’s commitment and dedication are shaping the future of this industry.
Could you share the narrative of your career path, focusing on significant experiences or turning points that influenced your direction? What factors influenced your choice to delve into this industry?
I am from Syria and have lived in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and now the UAE. Living in different countries has enriched my experiences; I am now settled in the UAE – the land of opportunities.
Futurist thinking is in my DNA. Throughout my academic journey, I have delved into programming, econometrics, probability, and statistics. I have worked in research, data, and business intelligence in many industries. This strong logical and reasoning background, coupled with technology and automation knowledge, perfectly placed me in the Data & AI sphere. Eventually, data is at the heart of innovation – and this is a statement we strongly believe in at Nash.
What is the role of leadership, in your opinion?
Leadership is about inspiration, inspiring people to believe in themselves and become better every day. This can only be possible when the leader is leading by example and when values are reflected in the leader’s behavior first. There are a handful of remarkable leaders who have inspired me throughout my career and who have shaped my personality and profession. I ensure to stay connected with them and take this opportunity to thank them.
What are your thoughts on the importance of networking and building professional relationships?
This is a vital part of success and only re-emphasizes my previous point. Connecting with the right people at each career stage has broadened my perspectives and shown me new possibilities. I regularly connect with data & AI peers to discuss ideas – we act like a sounding board to each other, and this is of great value. I participate in industry events where thoughts are revealed and discussed and where I can get acquainted with industry thought leaders.
Congratulations on launching your innovative company, Nash. What sparked this idea?
Nash innovates through data. The concept is built around the role of data in automation, optimization, strategic planning, and adoption of Artificial Intelligence. Regardless of the industry or the technology stack an organization uses, data is pivotal in increasing efficiency and enabling the successful adoption of emerging tools. With the fast developments, having the right data foundations that mirror the business context is critical for organizations to be future-proof and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
What does the name Nash refer to? we asked Siba Salloum.
The name honors John Nash, the famous mathematician. Needless to say, he is the winner of the 1994 Nobel Prize for Economics for his work on the mathematics of game theory, which resulted in the Nash Equilibrium or the Nash Solution. He also won the Abel Prize in 2015. He is a great inspiration to me and, of course, to many people.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?Â
My passion for data and AI creates a strong sense of curiosity. There are so many sources nowadays that it only requires the motivation to read, search, and discuss. Events, as previously mentioned, and books (audiobooks in my case) are essential for me to stay informed. My meetings with Nash clients are undoubtedly a valuable time to share insights about challenges, successes, and what’s on the horizon.
How do you assess the emphasis on green initiatives and corporate ethics in the prevailing business milieu of the Gulf?
This can only be good. Corporate ethics are driven by individual ethics, especially at the leadership level. The more authority we have, the more our responsibility is to have a positive impact on our societies and the environment. Ethics are inseparable, and I am always conscious of aligning with them in every choice and decision.
At Nash, ethics are a building block of our approach. Our values emphasize intellectual property rights, data protection, and environmental responsibility. In many of those, there is a legal aspect, too, which we must all respect. From a human values perspective, it is about doing the right thing.
Connect with Siba Salloum on LinkedIn.
Find Nash on LinkedIn.
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