Amazon

Director, Software Development

Senior Software Development Manager

Software Development Manager - SCOT

Sr. Technical Program Manager - GIPA

Amazon Payment Services

As the leader of the global technology function at Amazon Payment Services, I am both passionate about and dedicated to re-imagining digital payments for customers and merchants throughout the Middle East and Africa region. 

My responsibilities encompass tech pre-sales and solutioning, merchant integration, software development (for new and existing products), infrastructure management, technical operations, information security, and data engineering. Additionally, I oversee the technology function responsible for delivering seamless payment products and experiences for Amazon shoppers throughout MEA stores (UAE, KSA, EGY, TR and ZA). 

Together, our aim is to provide simple, affordable, and trusted payment experiences for merchants and customers across the MEA region.

Head of Technology

Direct Energy

Promoted to build and lead 5-member team in designing, developing, and managing decision-support application and tools for front-office trading group, integrating with trading/supply, operations, risk management, pricing/structuring, settlements organizations.

IT Manager - Decision Support Tools, Supply

Extended inward-focused IT capabilities to external customers. Developed capabilities that underpin key business processes within the industry lifecycle including trading, scheduling, asset management and optimization, demand-side response, and settlements. 

* Challenged with building team, processes, and systems to support organic business growth into new market space with demand response management product (multi-million dollar project). 

* Leveraged technology to empower several key, new revenue streams for the business unit.

* Handpicked by senior leadership to course-correct and manage delinquent security appliances workstream of major datacenter migration that had put entire project at significant risk of missing deadlines. 

* Invited to join M&A (and other structured deal) due diligence teams after demonstrating thought leadership in both technology and operations to commercial stakeholders. 

* Updated business continuity program to eliminate operational risk from disruption to business-critical systems.

IT Manager - Digital Marketing, Upstream and Trading

Managed IS development and support function for variety of business-enabling systems across US power markets. Built and directed team of 6 IT professionals.

* Functions Supported include:

   a) ISO Settlements (NEPOOL, NYISO, PJM, CAISO, MISO and ERCOT) / nMarket Allocation  Manager and custom SSRS reports
   b) Scheduling and ISO Trading / nMarket Power
   c) Upstream Power / OSIsoft PI System and various other systems
   d) ERCOT Asset Optimization and 24 Hour Real-Time Trading Desk / nMarket Power
   e) ERCOT Asset Dispatching / OSI Monarch GMS

* Major Initiatives Lead:

- Texas Nodal Market Transition (Go-Live and Post Go-Live Support)
- Generation Management System (GMS) Implementation (Inception to Operations)

* Managed Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery plans for Direct Energy Upstream & Trading

IS Manager - Power Asset Optimization, 24-Hour Real-Time Trading Desk, and Upstream Power

* Developed a 3 year architectural - enterprise message bus centered - vision  for our Upstream and Trading business unit

* Developed a Data Integrity business case for our Upstream and Trading business unit

* Developed an interface for gas pipeline data with Bentek Energy

* Managed a Market Data Service initiative to consolidate Market Data into a single repository

* Managed environments to support our Proprietary Trading applications

* Managed testing environments for the Texas Nodal Initiative and various other initiatives

* Supported Proprietary Trading applications

Senior Analyst - Architecture and Proprietary Trading IS

* Lead the design, implementation and testing of the Trade Capture migration from a Java based API to a FIX based system with the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)

* Developed various solution components in Java and TIBCO

* Supported DealCapture and E-Confirm applications

* Developed Retail Credit Risk BI solution to support B2B business better evaluate/assess credit exposure

Senior Analyst - Wholesale/Retail Interface IS

* Provided technical leadership over design, implementation and testing of the SAP HR implementation project, to replace existing PeopleSoft implementation

* Actively participated in the business blueprinting of to-be HR processes, and translating the processes into system functional requirements

* Provided technical leadership over design, implementation and testing of the Canadian Benefits outsourcing project as well as coordinating the Payroll Outsourcing Project 

* Initiated SAP ECC 6.0 upgrade recommendation and laying project foundation

* Lead the testing and training for the Scanning Solution of the Procure-to-Pay project

Senior Analyst - Corporate IS

British Gas

* Led a project to develop an absence management system and managed its deliverables

* Collected the requirements, designed and implemented system using an agile customer centric development methodology

* Successfully sold the system to different areas of the business which is now being rolled out across British Gas Residential IS as well as British Gas Business IS

* Supported and administered the system in production for 100 users, with about 1,000 users being targeted for the short term

*Delivered project benefits estimated to save 0.5 FTE in each of the areas that it is rolled out to

Senior Analyst

* Collected the requirements, designed and implemented a deal capture system to automate energy trade entry from ICE and NGX into the company’s risk management system

* Supported the system in production, providing second level support

* Developed a front end application to the system to make it self-administrative

* Delivered project benefits estimated at: saving 2 FTE, reducing the error entry rate to 0.5% and the Value at risk by $2.5 Million

* Researched Natural Gas storage fundamentals in North America and investigated potential of its use within the Wholesale’s group portfolio

Senior Analyst - IS EMG

Integrated Voice Communications

* Managed the installation of new equipment and periodic updates (both software and hardware)

* Marketed and sold new VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) routes to various international destinations around the globe

* Programmed Cisco Routers and CPM (Computer Protocol Malaysia) voice gateways

* Maintained a set of Windows NT servers and Cisco gateways

* Managed 24/7 customer support (both technical and sales) by email/phone/fax

* Maintained excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as rigorous documentation

* Coordinated with team members in different countries to ensure quality voice service

Founder and Managing Partner

Tech Director at Amazon Payment Services | Follow for posts about Leadership Development and Career Growth | Leadership & Career Mentor | Author Of Leadership in 60 Seconds

I ​am a global technology executive with over 20 years of experience. I am currently Director of Software Engineering at Amazon, leading the Technology function for Payments across the Middle East and Africa. In this role, my aim is to make the payment experience of our merchants (Amazon Payment Services) and customers (Stores) the most simple, affordable, and trusted.

Over my career, I'm honored to have delivered award-winning transformational initiatives that have created competitive advantage, enabled business growth, and exceeded customer expectations.

Known as a forward-thinking problem-solver ― skilled in both business and technology strategy ― I adapt and plan for evolving market needs, delivering initiatives with speed and agility. I am also deeply passionate about building, developing, managing, and leading high-performance teams. A strong communicator and relationship builder, I partner effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and am a trusted advisor within the company.

Ever since I stepped into my first managerial role, more than a decade ago, I quickly realized the profound impact strong leadership has on individuals, teams, and organizations. From that moment, I made it my mission to empower others in their leadership journeys, guiding them to reach new heights in their careers.

In support of this mission, I have developed a community on LinkedIn of over 70K+ like-minded professionals with whom I actively support, engage, and share daily content on leadership, management, and career. I have been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice (Blue Badge) and ranked #1 LinkedIn Arab World Creator in Management and Leadership. 

Outside of work, I am passionate about everything automotive, especially F1 racing (Forza Ferrari!). I enjoy sports in general, both playing and watching. I also have a keen interest in collecting fragrances, working out with a focus on strength training, and all things food—from learning about it and exploring new cuisines to preparing dishes and hosting gatherings. However, my favorite pastime is spending quality time with my family. 

Languages: English 🇺🇸 Arabic 🇱🇧 French 🇫🇷

Omar Halabieh

Oliver Aust

Speak Like a CEO Academy

The Speak Like a CEO Academy is the fastest, most cost-efficient way to become a top 1% communicator. Work with me personally over the next 12 weeks to transform your leadership communications.

Founder

Eo Ipso Communications

We help leaders become thought leaders 
and companies build message machines.

Founder & CEO

easyJet

Head of Communications and Public Affairs

General Motors

EU Affairs Manager, Brussels

Hill & Knowlton

Communications Consultant, Brussels

I’ve helped 300 CEOs and founders become top 1% communicators using my ‘Speak Like a CEO’ methodology so they could scale themselves and their businesses.

I know what it is like in the boardroom, on camera, on stage, or having to engage 10,000 employees. 

My Speak Like a CEO Method gives you:
• Clarity: messages that land, communicated with confidence.
• Attention: thought leadership that cuts through the noise.
• Impact: communication changes the outcome of everything you do. 

Without:
• Wasting time on ineffective strategies.
• Losing opportunities due to poor messaging.
• Struggling to attract top talent, customers or investors. 

I’ve helped hundreds of CEOs and founders do just that:
• Gerrit McGowan: EUR 5M pre-seed funding secured.
• Leonhard Zwikker: Achieved 1M+ annual website visitors.
• Frederik Rubens Steensgaard: Successful US fundraising round completed.
• Carmen Morin: Elevated industry leadership through a strategic launch.
• Dr. Christian Poensgen: Secured a major book deal, thought leadership.
• Julius Bachmann: Successfully secured new high-ticket clients.
• Sergio G. Chavez: Established a globally recognized platform and podcast.
• Dimitri Gärtner: Achieved clear articulation of new company strategy.
• Howie Chan: Successfully launched a high-impact podcast.
• Nikolas Konstantin: Transformed keynotes for deep audience connections.
• Florian Hoppen: Transformed positioning and established thought leadership.
• Daniel Hanemann: Shaped tone-of-voice and unlocked growth potential.
• Rebecca Schween: Put her on a path to thought leadership and business growth.
• Sabine Bronowsky: Optimized presentation style, resulting in enthusiastic feedback.
• Chelsea Blacker: Increased confidence and significantly improved positioning.
• Konstanty Sliwowski: Boosted online visibility and personal branding.
• Johanna Duchek: Simplified presentation approach and improved delivery.

(To name a few)

As a Top Voice, TEDx speaker, podcast host & bestselling author, I reach millions with my insights on leadership communications.

How I can help you:

1) Newsletter & Podcast: Get insights and actionable strategies. 
→ https://www.eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/ 
→ https://open.spotify.com/show/5qC1wouXgqlEq1yeQf8Q60?si=e7a47c8580b44070

2) Speak Like a CEO Academy

The fastest, most cost-efficient way to become a top 1% communicator. 
→ https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/

3) 1-on-1 Coaching: Work directly with me to transform your leadership communications. 

If you’re serious about becoming a top 1% communicator, DM me and we’ll see if it's a fit.

We help leaders become thought leaders 
and companies build message machines. To schedule a free consultation, visit www.eoipsocommunications.com.

Listening is hard. 

Because of the “speed mismatch”.

We speak at 125 words per minute, but smart people process 900 words per minute! 

So, you can think 7 times faster than the other person can speak. That’s why your mind wanders.

Here’s how you become a 10 out of 10 listener:

Hearing vs. Listening
↳ Listening demands action. It's about demonstrating understanding.
↳ After someone speaks, summarize their key points back to them. Use phrases like, "So, what I'm hearing is..."

The Power Differential
↳ Listening shifts based on who you're talking to. We listen differently to those above and below us.
↳ Consciously adjust your listening style. With those more junior, focus on empowering questions. With seniors, focus on clarifying questions.

The Mind-Changing Game
↳ True listening means being open to having your mind changed. Not just waiting for your turn to speak.
↳ Enter conversations with the explicit intention of learning something new, even if you disagree.

The Right Questions
↳ Master "Tell me more," "What else?"
↳ Perfect the art of pausing for 3-5 seconds after someone finishes speaking.

The Speed Mismatch (h/t Oscar Trimboli)
↳ We speak at 125 words per minute, but our brains process at 900! This is why our minds wander.
↳ Use the "900-125" gap to actively summarize in your head, predict the speaker's next point, and formulate clarifying questions.

Manage Your State of Mind
↳ Before important conversations, manage your state (calm, focused).
↳ Ditch ALL distractions. Set a clear intention for the conversation.

Listening to what's not being said
↳ That's where the real insights are often hidden (body language, tone, what's avoided).

- - - -

♻️ Repost to help others, too. And follow Oliver Aust for more.

♟️ Want to become a top 1% communicator?
Reach out here: https://lnkd.in/e6ypKGEP

Follow to become a top 1% communicator I Founder of Speak Like a CEO Academy I Bestselling 4 x Author I Host of Speak Like a CEO podcast I I help the world’s most ambitious leaders scale through unignorable communication

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Oliver Aust

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