Nadhim
Q: What brought you to Strategy&, and what have you been up to so far?
Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t plan for a career in consulting. My passion was for product design. People close to me warned me that it could be a difficult path after university, given Oman's relatively small creative industry, but that only fueled my ambition to support the nation's economic diversification to create more professional pathways. I realized that I needed to develop my business acumen and understanding of our regional industries/economies to be impactful. I wanted to learn fast, which led me to consulting.
During the interview process with Strategy&, I met many of the firm's leaders and I could quickly tell that the culture is inclusive and the opportunities I would be exposed to are truly diverse. This sealed the deal for me. Since joining, I've worked on projects in tourism, telecom, aerospace and defense, real estate, and entertainment and culture. The path I'm on now is catalyzing my personal growth and preparing me to tackle immense challenges.
Q: You’ve now been with the firm for almost five years and had both your children during that time. How has Strategy& supported you through this life phase?
It’s been a busy but beautiful phase of life, especially adjusting from one child to two. I am grateful for the eight-week paternity leave that Strategy& has offered, it gave me the space to fully focus on family when it mattered most. Upon my return, the opportunity to rotate internally helped me transition gradually, and the teams I worked with were genuinely understanding of my priorities. Such empathy and support has made it easier to return with clarity and energy.
Q: Tell us more about those internal rotations.
I wanted some time to ease back in and find my rhythm again. The rotations to different work streams gave me a chance to work with new teams and get involved in exciting initiatives happening across the firm, which helped me re-engage and grow in new directions.
Q: Can you tell us more about your return and what that looked like for you?
It was a mix of emotions. I wanted to be a fully present father, and the firm supported my relocation to Saudi Arabia, allowing me to reduce my travel and spend more time at home with the family. The people around me made the difference. They were flexible and respected the fact that my priorities had shifted, whether that meant wrapping up early to spend time with my kids or stepping out for a doctor’s appointment.
Q: What does flexibility mean to you in a fast-paced consulting environment?
For me, flexibility means being trusted to manage my work in a way that fits my life. It’s not about doing less but about being present with my family when they need me and still delivering great results at work. That kind of balance helps me show up fully, both at home and at work.
Q: Any advice for other consultants in the region navigating new parenthood?
Make conscious choices about how you want to balance your life and be disciplined with your time. There’s always a way to make it work. I don’t believe that striving for excellence at work should ever come at the expense of being present for your children. The key is to be clear on your priorities and build a routine that protects them.
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