Tersane Istanbul’s Chief Commercial Officer Saad Abed believes that working hard and loving what you do are the keys to success.
Could you tell us about your career journey?
I actually started working at the age of 19 to pay for university and support myself. After I graduated, I started a small business, but luckily it didn’t succeed. I later joined Colliers International Middle East in Dubai as a junior analyst. I spent 8 years in Colliers and I’m proud of my journey there. By the age of 26, I was the youngest ever Senior Manager in the company and its 255 offices around the world. In 2015, I joined Emaar Malls in Dubai, and I was also the youngest director in such a large company. Such a proud moment. In 2018, Emaar offered me the opportunity to move to Istanbul, and I jumped on this chance because Istanbul is such a charming city. In 2020, I joined the Tersane Istanbul team as the chief commercial officer. Right now, I manage the retail and marketing of this fantastic project.
Tersane Istanbul aims to transform the historic Ottoman naval shipyards into the heart of urban life in Istanbul. Could you tell us a little bit about this transformation story? We are revitalising 600 years of history in this location and creating a space that will transform the city. Our aim is to give birth to the new downtown of Istanbul that will be home to culture, art, and entertainment. The historic Ottoman shipyards will once again become a vibrant part of urban life with exceptional living and working spaces and retail experiences.
You have managed and are still managing many projects in your career. What do you think is the secret to success?
I think success comes down to two factors: work really hard, I mean really hard as there are no shortcuts in real life, and love what you do.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
The fact that I can make a significant change in the city... Also, I love the fact that my job allows me to create spaces where people come together with their loved ones to socialise and feel happy.
What advice would you give to someone choosing or changing their career? Changing a career can be something difficult but I would say listen to your heart and trust your gut. Also, if the opportunity arises, do not be afraid to try a new road; otherwise, you will always ask yourself “what if?”