Ali Faramawy, Area Vice President Microsoft Middle East & Africa, Vice President – Microsoft International, graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, majoring in computer science and automatic control. He also has a MBA, specializing in strategic marketing, from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom... I had a unique opportunity to sit with the prodigy himself as he unveiled how a single man with an authentic passion for technology as well as people, has the upmost aspiration and proficient ability to transform the company’s regional presence with a newly established regional headquarters and a much wider geographical presence. Read on and discover as Ali Faramawy’s stunning down-to-earth personality transpires;

You are really an inspiration with your achievement for younger generations, how do you feel about this?
I don't think about it that way - it only hits me when people actually say it to me. At the beginning of my journey with Microsoft Egypt, I had the opportunity to give a speech in a couple of universities in Mansoura and Asyut. An initially intended 30 minute speech, followed by an additional 30 minutes of Q&A, developed into 90 minute of Q&A amid the students and a further 2 hours of trying to get out, since the students were all around me; they wanted autographs and advice, but frankly no one was asking for any personal favours, at this time I really related to my position at Microsoft, and felt that Egyptians love to have role models; they cheer and celebrate them. There are numerous examples of thriving Egyptians in various fields both here and abroad.

If we say that the factors of success are hard work, experience, good luck and above all education - in your opinion what are the percentages of each factor?
The quality of education is an incredible thing we learn from everything There is no such thing as a bad experience, perhaps an unpleasant feeling but once it's behind you, then no doubt you have learnt something from it. I would say that there is a foundational element of 50% combination of hard work and ability to learn, 35% experience, and the remainder is left to divine intervention.

Did you have the mental picture planned out?
Originally, I believed what I wanted to be was much more important to me than how I would be perceived. However, after some time both become evident to be of great importance… I am working hard – but I do not plan every step along the way… Meaning, I have no planned approach – I would rather consider it to be an emerging strategy… However, I continue to set a 3-5 year measurement for myself. For instance, I told myself it would be wonderful if I could make it to a GM level in a multinational company by age 35…. I became GM of Microsoft Egypt by age 33 – My emerging picture was to be somewhere I love. I love technology and people – here in Microsoft I managed to merge both. I never flirted with the idea of becoming Vice President of a region either, although I do recall having the desire for this before the age of 40, hence I was assigned the position before my 40th birthday.

You have emphasised in your speech in the Dubai school of Government, 5 areas that good companies will focus on in the current economic climate. Can you elaborate on how innovation and technology play a vital role in driving economic recovery?
The main theme at this discussion was technology at tough times. Do you cut spending on technology or keep spending? At tough times you should reduce the number of variables, your internal cost is a variable you can control - your external revenue is not. Three things you need to think about in tough times, the people, smart usage of technology and innovation whether it is technological innovation or business modelling innovations. Technology can be used to save time and to directly save money, for instance - IP telephony rather than travel, increase individual productivity, and getting closer to your own customers. No matter what kind of savings you will have to think about, you have to think about the advantages of using technology. Although I still believe investing in great people will continue to be the most important asset.

You are a very busy professional leader in the IT sector. Considering your current position in Microsoft international and the Middle East, What specific advices do you offer to your children?
My elder son will graduate University next April from Canada and my younger son finished high school and is moving to New York, as he wants to become a movie director. They have grown to respect action more than words. There are three things I focus upon; first thing would be work hard on the things you truly care about, and you cannot excel in one area without hard work. Secondly, I encourage them to be open with everyone particularly me, I would consider myself a successful father, if they call me at any time and say DAD I have done something wrong and I need your advice. I would support them unconditionally then we will work through the problem and help them recognize their mistake and finally, I constantly warn them against alcohol.

How do you deal with the cultural differences and various backgrounds when making decisions at work?
There are a couple guiding principles - once established things will become substantially easier. One: What should Microsoft represent in a country, for example, an American company in Egypt, or a local company with American roots. Our strengths are how local we become, close to people and people's aspirations, building human capacity. If you have great local people then that is probably 50% of the job; they are ambassadors for Microsoft in the country but they will be also ambassadors of Egypt in Microsoft since they will guide the company's strategy with what is relevant, critical, important and what is acceptable with in the country. The second concept is to continuality provide confidence to your team, relying on the ability of people to learn, deliver and grow, bearing in mind each realms requirements and diversity.

Taking into consideration the current economic crisis, what is the business strategy and new initiatives set for Microsoft in the Middle East and Africa? Do you have a specific strategy set for the Middle East and Africa Region considering its diversity of nature and needs?
First thing is to continue to attract the best of the best. What do people want? They want capable people. Attracting the best, work on the development and give the space for making mistakes. I’m unsatisfied, regardless to the number of awards we’ve won for being the “Best Company to work for”. Thirdly, we have to do a much better job than we are doing now, by making sure we have the right coverage, skills and number of partners around the region. Working on partner skills and development, joint sales and finding the key of growth and profitability to make any kind of difference. The thirdly is using technology as I mentioned earlier to save time and money. Whether on the web, desktop, windows 14 or new search engines – getting technology to really benefit people, then we will be truly outstanding.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I would like to be older, wiser and slimmer (laughs). Honestly, I think I will be doing something that again relates to technology and people, it is a passion of mine. I know that it will not be the same job I am doing now as I have been in this position for 5 and half years and even if I continue for a further 3 years – a fresh prospect and fresh blood will no doubt be needed for Microsoft to continue growing. It would be cool to go back to running very small teams of 5 or 6 people reporting to me working on a worldwide initiative. In a nut shell, "continuing to work hard"

Are you content with your leadership skills?
I think there is almost a personal quest to become a much better business leader. I think I am at peace with my own leadership values, but becoming better by making sure these values transcend – there is almost an itch of incessantly wanting to be better. I am competitive by nature; I enjoy winning substantially more than losing – but most importantly I value the significance of maintaining integrity. A wise man once said, “Success is not a destination – it is a journey”…