Gamal Aziz
A Pleasure to Serve
September 13, 2007 | by Noah on the writeup...Zach on the Video | Permalink
Gamal Aziz, CEO of MGM Mirage and COO of the MGM Grand, has spent his entire life in the tourism industry. Born in Egypt, Gamal was fortunate enough to naturally acquire various languages as a child, possibly foreshadowing a life of demanding communication. At 16, Gamal spent his entire savings on a roundtrip ticket to France; his first job was bussing tables in Paris. After business school at the University of Cairo, Gamal realized that his “true passion is quality service.”
Today, Gamal uses that passion to lead more than 9,000 employees, a responsibility he gladly undertakes. “It is essential to know,” says Gamal, “That leadership is leadership, wherever you employ it,” whether as the CEO, or a pool attendant.
“There is nothing better,” Gamal says, “Than loving what you do. What a waste it is to dread doing your job.”
When asked how people can better identify their talents, Gamal suggests they make a list of everything they like to do, regardless of how applicable to the business world it seems. “What do you flock to?” says Gamal. “With what are you most comfortable?” The more honest people can be with themselves, the more chance they have of finding their passions as coinciding with real world opportunities.
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THERE ARE 2 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
Steve Says:
September 13th, 2007
Great interview. I’m not sure how you landed this interview - that’s impressive. How nice of Gamal to spend time with you. I too was a bus boy for my first job. I think that job is one of the best places to start because it puts you into a servant role. To serve your clients well is the key to success no matter what position you have - receptionist to CEO.
kelly G Says:
September 13th, 2007
I like the idea of making a list of things you are good at (or that you have been told you are good at). Kind of how you go started on the PTP track . . . right Brett??!!! Nice interview. Gamal took a risk at age 16 and was fortuante to find his passion at a young age. Very cool that he is doing what he loves and doing it well! By the way, great job on the video Zach. Loved the whole thing, but the ending was especially great!!!
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