He is a fine example of talent, enterprise and humility. Setting sail on faith in his own capacities in establishing his own business, he is today a well known name in Bahrain in ISO related consultancy (Quality Standards), Marketing and Training Workshops. BTW speaks to Adnan Al Ameer, Managing Director of Acumen Consultants to learn more about his illustrious journey…
Tell us briefly about yourself: Where you were born and raised, any special childhood memories?
I was born and raised in Bahrain and I take pride in being a Bahraini, with a diverse background, with particular emphasis in the field of Finance.
In terms of my childhood, I remember the different travelling trips we used to take, as a family. During one of those trips, we were in Paris and we went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I was 7 years old at the time and recall being extremely excited about the view from the Eiffel Tower.
Give us a brief summary of your educational and professional background.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance, with Honors, from the University of Wales, Bangor (UK), and a Master’s degree in Finance from Depaul University, Chicago, in association with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF).
In terms of my professional background, I was lucky enough to work with a few top International Organizations. I started my career as an Auditor with Ernst & Young Bahrain, for a period of approximately 3 years, after which, I worked with HSBC Private Bank, Paris, for a few months, and then upon my return to Bahrain, I began working with BBK, which is one of the leading Commercial Banks in Bahrain. where I have spent more than seven years and continue to work there ever since.
How did the idea of starting your own enterprise come about?
The idea came in late 2014 during a family gathering, where various business ventures and initiatives were being discussed. At the time, we were admiring different companies in Bahrain and how they started from a low point and reached the large conglomerates they are today. As such and in the spur of the moment, I decided that there will never be a perfect time to start your own venture, so it’s better to just begin and hopefully look to streamline the business, as you go along.
In retrospect, I’m glad to have made such a decision and look forward to improving in the future.
Tell us about Acumen Consultants and the main services provided by it.
Acumen provides comprehensive, dynamic and strategic support to various sectors. It brings domain and industry specific knowledge by ensuring that it delivers its clients with effective tailor- made solutions. The ultimate aim is to provide propositions that cater towards overall business enhancement.
Acumen’s business model is three-fold; ISO related consultancy (Quality Standards), Marketing and Training Workshops.
What have been the initial challenges when you founded this organization?
The initial challenges largely encompassed building a client base for the business, as there is a definite need to differentiate your services from the competition. Also, another challenge was to keep costs low, in order to ensure sustainability.
Is there any memorable experience as an entrepreneur that you would like to share with us?
Yes, as an entrepreneur you tend to evolve over time. It was interesting to represent the company in various client meetings and understanding the flow of business in Bahrain. Signing some of the initial agreements was quite memorable, as it represented a significant milestone, early on in the life of the company.
Where do you see Acumen Consultants
in the next 5 years?
I believe that Acumen will continue to grow in the next 5 years, in terms of its client base, personnel and overall activities. That’s the ultimate aim and we will strive to achieve that.
What according to you are the essential qualities of a successful entrepreneur?
In today’s ever changing world, I believe that a successful entrepreneur has to be dynamic and have the ability to adapt to changes. Also, perseverance is an essential quality, as there will certainly be a number of roadblocks in the path towards entrepreneurship. Finally and most importantly, a successful entrepreneur has to be resourceful. Resources will not always be available, however, having the ability to identify solutions will go a long way towards being successful in any initiative or business venture.
Please tell us about any social service that you have been involved with.
Being a part of Rotaract Bahrain, which is an organization dedicated towards social and community service, I am able to make a positive impact, in terms of helping and supporting various underprivileged communities in Bahrain. We have and continue to work with Autistic Children, Bahrain Deaf Society, Cancer Patients and a number of other groups, in order to alleviate some of the struggles that they go through, in their daily lives. Most recently, we are engaged in the redecoration and refurbishment of the Oncology and Hematology Departments in Salmaniya Medical Complex, by painting various pieces of artwork and murals in the departments, in an effort to improve the overall feel, environment and make it more patient friendly.
What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs of Bahrain?
My message is: If you believe that you have a certain skill set, which could be put to better use, then start your own venture. There will most likely not be a perfect time and place to start your own initiative, however, it is important to take that first step. The challenges will always be there, however, there are a number of different support schemes within the Kingdom, that could help in this regard. Most importantly, having the self-belief, determination and conviction will ultimately decide the success of any venture.