RIYADH: Saudis’ people as well as the kingdom’s diversified economy was what made the country so attractive, a top human personality coach has said.
Maria Ouida, CEO of Human Q Method and executive coach, is from Belarus, living in Saudi Arabia since 2016.
But speaking on “The Mayman Show”, she revealed that her initial thoughts about moving to the Kingdom were that it would be too conservative and lacking in entertainment.
She said: “I read some news articles saying that women should wear an abaya. But my real Saudi experience was very interesting.
“What makes Saudi Arabia not only the national transformation that is taking place, the diversification of the economy, is what makes Saudi Arabia Saudi. You know, people are what make places,” she said.
Oida explained that the nation and its people were nothing like the picture portrayed in the stories she had read and instead she was captivated by the kingdom’s allure.
“After a few months, I realized that the people were super sweet, educated and spoke good English, and my journey had just begun. I made a lot of friends, and now it’s my second home.”
Ouida said she fell in love with Saudi Arabia after completing her first project in the country.
“By the way, I also met my husband here. I think that love took center stage in my experience in Saudi Arabia.
His coaching methodology was developed after interviewing 600 movers and shakers in the field.
She said: “My methodology was inspired by the non-linear nature of music and conversations with successful business magnates in Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Dubai.”
She is currently working as an executive coach for leaders in the healthcare, information technology, digital education and finance sectors.
“But I would say that currently the hottest sector in Saudi Arabia is our fintech sector, technology. Of course, it is the sector that drives the economy, it is a part of Vision 2030, we all know, it is the diversification of the economy , focusing on other sectors from oil and gas. And so, one of them is digital, IT,” he added.
Oayda noted the drive for success shown by the many professionals running new companies in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the digital and fintech sectors.
She said: “I am working with them because these Saudi companies need more guidance and attention, because they are operating at supersonic speed.”