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His career was marked by achievements, despite an illness that left him unable to move or speak. Yet he remained determined to succeed, and
he adopted an exceptional approach to working with his employees, making success his companion throughout his life. What was the success story of the businessman
Sultan Al-Othaimeen of Saudi Arabia, known as the “Stephen Hawking of the Arabs”?
The beginning
Sultan Al‑Aithl attended the Capital Institute in Riyadh, then completed his university studies in Portland, Oregon, USA.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Portland State University, graduating with honors for his thesis on nuclear reactors, then
He earned a certificate in time management from the Covey Leadership Center, then went on to earn
a certificate in the core leadership principles and paradigms of the 21st century from the Franklin Covey Center.
(Franklin Covey).
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Sound Investment Decisions
The Kingdom’s economic growth spurred him to develop his own business approach. His studies were unrelated to his investment goals, and he
He did not have enough experience to build a solid investment foundation early in his career, so he had to do his utmost to overcome
كل الصعوبات.
He received guidance and advice from experienced professionals and never tired of learning more about the nature of the business, until
He was able to make sound investment decisions, aided by the opportunities created by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
لرجال الأعمال.
His father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Athl, had a profound influence on his life. From him, he acquired many qualities, such as seriousness and forward thinking,
as well as sound judgment—qualities that helped him develop strong leadership and professional skills.
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Read also:6 Inspiring Success Stories About Employee Entrepreneurship
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شركة “شهية”
While Sultan Al-Otaibi was studying in the United States, he regularly visited Dunkin’ Donuts locations and began considering a partnership
with the company at its headquarters to secure the exclusive franchise and agency for its brand, establishing Shahia Limited.
In 1996, the first Dunkin’ Donuts locations opened in Riyadh, followed by the company’s other branches across the Kingdom.
مدن المملكة.
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Read also:6 Amazing and Inspiring Success Stories
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“سمسا إكسبريس”
During the 1990s, he founded SMSA Express Transportation Company Limited (SMSA Express) to expand its range of
express shipping and logistics services. He then sought to connect SMSA Express with a global company offering extensive capabilities and expertise
and chose the global company Federal Express (FedEx) in 1994.
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Global Expansion
Since then, the company has expanded and begun serving every sector, becoming one of the fastest-growing and most widely distributed companies;
with the Kingdom’s broadest delivery network, serving more than 200 cities and villages, and the largest number of branches across the Kingdom,
as well as a large fleet of vehicles operating around the country around the clock; its services have reached more than 200
countries around the world.
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10 آلاف موظف
Years later, Sultan Al Othman was overseeing a number of companies, including SMSA Express Transportation Company Ltd.
(FedEx), Shahia Limited (Dunkin’ Donuts), and the Arab Company for Security and Safety Services Ltd. (Amnco), and he was also
He served as a board member of the Saudi Export Company and as a board member of Al Ramla Medical Services Company Limited.
(Al Olaya Medical Center), and Mansour General Dynamics Company.
The companies he owned employed more than 10,000 men and women.
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Read also:The Success Story of Jawed Karim, One of YouTube’s Co-Founders
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Spiritual resilience in the face of illness
He developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which left him completely unable to move or speak, except for his eyes
and lips. He also lost all his senses except hearing, sight, and sensation.
Starting in 2002, he breathed through a tube connected to a ventilator, and his only means of receiving nutrition was through
He had a tube inserted into his stomach through an opening, but that did not stop him from pursuing his career.
He overcame his health challenges and faced his illness with determination, perseverance, and acceptance of God’s will, supported by his family.
In 2009, he founded Ma'akil International Ltd., a company specializing in nutrition.
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فلسفة عملية
In his professional life, Sultan Al-Othman believed in choosing the right person for the right role and giving them the authority they needed
to do their work and achieve the desired goals. He also made the most of his employees’ abilities, giving them his full trust and the freedom to
choose the best way to achieve their goals, and involving them in some strategic decisions.
Al-Athl passed away on April 12, 2020, after a nearly 23-year battle with multiple sclerosis—a period marked by many achievements;
He was nicknamed the “Stephen Hawking of the Arab world” because of his illness.
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Read also:Success Stories of the 5 Richest Arab Entrepreneurs
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Lessons Learned:
التحدي: The challenges people face can motivate them to make progress at work.
Determination and perseverance: Persevering in the pursuit of excellence is one of the most important qualities an entrepreneur can have to achieve their goals.
Management philosophy: Entrepreneurs understand the importance of establishing a management philosophy and following a sound strategy for working with employees.
