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 Access Management Systems space within Amazon Security.

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 89K+ 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. 

Languages: English 🇺🇸 Arabic 🇱🇧 French 🇫🇷

Omar Halabieh

I’ve been partnering with CEOs, Board Members, and Senior Leaders to achieve transformational business results by aligning people strategies and operations with bold organizational goals.

I am an internationally experienced HR executive with a proven track record in leading HR strategy and implementation across complex, multinational organizations.
✔️ Strategic thinker who bridges big-picture vision with hands-on execution.
✔️ Trusted partner to C-suite leaders, known for influence, collaboration, and building lasting credibility.
✔️ Champion of innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional employee experiences that drive business success.

If you’re a CEO, Founder, or Senior Leader looking to:

- build a thriving culture that fuels performance,
- lead with confidence through uncertainty and change, or
- unlock the full potential of your people to drive business growth,

Let’s connect!.

Let's turn challenges into opportunities and ambition into achievement.

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A business thrives when its people thrive. Exceptional execution stems from cultures where employees are empowered to exceed expectations - and where leaders create environments that inspire.

I specialize in guiding leaders and organizations through times of uncertainty and rapid change. Whether as an advisor, coach, or mentor, my greatest impact happens where challenges are complex, stakes are high, and the path forward is unclear.

Transformations are never just technical processes. They’re deeply human. True success requires a delicate balance of employee engagement, leadership excellence, cultural alignment, systems thinking, and purposeful people development.

Throughout my career, I’ve built and led HR functions and teams of up to 50 people at global, regional, and country levels. I’ve spearheaded KPI-driven initiatives that accelerated business growth by focusing on what matters most: PEOPLE.

My international experience spans Germany, Switzerland, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Africa. These diverse contexts have shaped my ability to navigate cultural nuances, drive impactful change, and deliver results across industries and geographies.

Simon Koerner

Most damage in communication
is delivered between the sentences.

Many believe communication
is about clarity and logic.
Say the right words.
Get the message across.

That belief misses the point.
People don’t respond to language first.
Communication isn’t just what you say.
It’s how you make people feel
when you say it.

Here are 8 truths about tone that can change everything:

1️⃣ People hear emotion, not precision
- Name the feeling in the room
- Adjust before explaining

2️⃣ Respect is felt, not announced
- Match your tone to dignity
- Treat every moment as remembered

3️⃣ Calm tone creates safety, not weakness
- Lower volume, not standards
- Breathe out before you respond

4️⃣ Urgency in your voice creates fear
- Replace speed with presence
- Say less, but mean it more

5️⃣ Authority isn’t loud, it’s grounded
- Sit back instead of leaning forward
- Let silence finish the sentence

6️⃣ Stress leaks through tone first
- Notice tight jaws and fast words
- Pause when your body tenses

7️⃣ Feedback fails when tone feels superior
- Speak from beside, not above
- Share impact before judgment

8️⃣ Curiosity softens hard messages
- Lead with “help me understand”
- Listen longer than feels polite


Remember:

You can say the right thing
and still lose people.

Because tone isn’t decoration.
It’s the message they remember.


What is your biggest learning on communicating?

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People Leader. Business Partner. Change Enthusiast.

Manage your energy, not just your time. It's the key to productivity and well-being. Here is how:

We all have limited time and energy, yet we often waste it on things that drain us instead of those that energize us. 

So, protect and boost your energy for

✅️Increased productivity
✅️Enhanced well-being
✅️Greater resilience
✅️Improved mood
✅️Reduced stress

Here are 9 steps to manage your energy by keeping the things that give you energy and eliminating the ones that don’t:

1️⃣ Identify Energy Sources:
Make a list of activities, people, and environments that invigorate you. Know what boosts your energy.

2️⃣ Recognize Energy Drainers:
Pinpoint what exhausts you - this could be certain tasks, negative people, or unproductive habits.

3️⃣ Prioritize Your Time:
Dedicate more time to energy-boosting activities. Schedule them into your daily routine.

4️⃣ Set Boundaries:
Learn to say NO to energy-draining tasks and people. Protect your time and energy fiercely.

5️⃣ Surround Yourself with Positivity:
Engage with people who uplift and inspire you. Positive interactions are energizing.

6️⃣ Engage in Self-care:
Prioritize activities that nurture your well-being, like exercise, hobbies, and relaxation techniques.

7️⃣ Celebrate Wins:
Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement keeps you motivated.

8️⃣ Take Breaks:
Regular breaks can re-energize you. Step away from work to recharge your mind and body.

9️⃣ Reflect and Adjust:
Regularly evaluate your energy levels and make adjustments. Flexibility is essential for sustained energy.


Remember: 

Protecting your energy isn't just about self-preservation - it's about maximizing your potential and achieving your goals. 


What is your biggest source of energy?

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Image credit: soulmatevisuals

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Most careers are built on possession.
The ones that matter
are built on contribution.

No role belongs to you.
But how you help others grow
travels long after you move on.

We’re trained to defend our seat.
Protect scope. Guard relevance.
But roles are borrowed, not owned.

The uncomfortable truth:
you won’t be remembered for
what you held -
only for what you unlocked in others.

Here is how you do that:

1️⃣ Titles create distance. Trust closes it.
- Listen longer than you speak.
- Keep promises when it’s costly.

2️⃣ Power fades. Growth compounds
- Teach what you know
- Ask who needs this next

3️⃣ Control feels safe. It limits everyone.
- Let others run the room.
- Stay present, not dominant.

4️⃣ Your value isn’t scarcity. It’s impact.
- Share context freely.
- Teach how you decide.

5️⃣ Legacy isn’t loud. It’s steady.
- Show up consistently.
- Care when no one watches.

6️⃣ Credit builds courage.
- Name contributors often.
- Celebrate effort, not ego.

7️⃣ People remember confidence.
- Leave them stronger.
- Make belief transferable.

8️⃣ Let go without drama.
- Release the role.
- Stand proud on the sidelines.


Remember:

Your role will move on.
That’s guaranteed.
But the way you help people grow
travels with them.
That’s how legacy lasts
when the title doesn’t.

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Great leaders don’t ignore emotions,
they know that’s where leadership and engagement actually begins…

Logic moves plans forward.
Emotion decides if people move at all.

Many leaders believe emotions belong at home.
That work should stay rational.
Clean.
Efficient.

That belief feels professional.
And quietly breaks teams.

Because people don’t leave feelings
at the door.

They bring fear.
Hope.
Pride.
Doubt.

You’re never leading just thinking minds.
You’re leading whole humans.

Here is how great leaders channel emotions:

1️⃣ Emotions are data
- Notice tone, not just words
- Ask before you assume

2️⃣ Dismissing feelings kills safety
- Pause when tension appears
- Name what’s in the room

3️⃣ People perform when seen
- Acknowledge effort out loud
- Validate experience, not behavior

4️⃣ Calm leaders regulate teams
- Slow your response
- Breathe before deciding

5️⃣ Listening beats fixing
- Let silence do its work
- Resist jumping to solutions

6️⃣ Trust grows in small moments
- Check in, not just follow up
- Remember what matters to them

7️⃣ Pressure reveals leadership gaps
- Watch reactions under stress
- Choose curiosity over control

8️⃣ Whole humans bring whole energy
- Allow emotion without drama
- Set boundaries with empathy

9️⃣ Respect fuels commitment
- Thank honesty, even when hard
- Reward courage, not compliance


Remember:
Leadership isn’t about managing behavior.
It’s about meeting people where they are.

Ignore emotions,
and you lead titles.

Honor them,
and people choose to follow.

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Gossip is the cheapest currency of weak leaders.
If they gossip with you, they will gossip about you.

I once worked in a company where 
the most powerful room
wasn’t the boardroom.
It was the breakroom.

Titles didn’t matter there.
What mattered was who wasn’t present - 
because that was exactly who people were tearing apart.

At first, I stayed silent.
I told myself: “Just listen. Don’t get involved.”
But here’s the truth: silence makes you complicit.
The day you tolerate gossip, you tell the world you value fitting in over standing tall.

The turning point for me?
I walked away.
I realized: if they talk this way about others, I’m next the moment I leave.

And that decision changed everything.

Here are 8 shifts I made:

1. Instead of tolerating gossip, walk away.
❌️ Staying signals approval.
✅️ Leaving signals standards.

2. Instead of joining in, redirect.
❌️ Gossip drains energy.
✅️ Asking, “How can we solve it?” creates progress.

3. Instead of listening silently, set boundaries.
❌️ Saying nothing fuels toxicity.
✅️ Saying, “Let’s keep it professional,” sets the tone.

4. Instead of bonding over negativity, connect with integrity.
❌️ Cheap trust comes from shared secrets.
✅️ Real trust comes from shared respect.

5. Instead of protecting your image, protect your values.
❌️ Playing along makes you liked temporarily.
✅️ Standing firm makes you respected permanently.

6. Instead of waiting for culture to improve, be the change.
❌️ Gossip is contagious.
✅️ So is courage.

7. Instead of making people smaller, make them greater.
❌️ Tearing down is easy.
✅️ Lifting up is rare - and remembered.

8. Instead of fearing exclusion, embrace authenticity.
❌️ Fitting in requires masks.
✅️ Standing out requires character.

And the result?
The rooms I enter now are lighter.
The conversations sharper.
And the relationships deeper.
Because people know exactly where I stand.


Remember:
Silence is not neutral - it’s permission.
Walk away from gossip; 
your reputation will thank you.
True leaders aren’t in every room. 
They create better ones.


👉 Do you stay silent in gossip rooms - or do you get up?

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Life isn’t defined by what happens to you. 
It’s defined by the story you choose to tell. 

Two people can face the same storm 
and come out with two different lives.
One says, “This broke me.” 
The other says, “This built me.”
Same event. Different focus. Different story.

The focus we set when 
things are happening to us 
is our choice, and so is 
the story we tell about ourselves 
around these moments.

We can choose to be the victim. 
Or we can choose to be the hero.
And it’s not about denying pain. 
It’s about giving meaning to it.

The story you tell yourself will either 
keep you stuck or move you forward.

If you want to rewrite your story, start here:

1️⃣ Catch your inner dialogue.
Listen to what you tell yourself daily.

2️⃣ Stop using words like “always” or “never.”
They lock you into fixed beliefs.

3️⃣ Ask: What’s the lesson here?
Shift from pain to purpose.

4️⃣ Name the strength, not just the struggle.
What quality is this moment building in you?

5️⃣ Rewrite the event in future tense.
“How will I talk about this 5 years from now?”

6️⃣ Replace blame with ownership.
You can’t change the past, but you can change your part in the future.

7️⃣ Collect proof of progress.
Write down small wins, so your brain sees growth.

8️⃣ Share your story out loud.
The more you tell the empowering version, the more you believe it.

9️⃣ Surround yourself with growth-minded people.
They reflect back the stronger version of you.

🔟 End each day with one proud moment.
That’s how new stories start—one chapter at a time.


Remember:

Your story isn’t written by your past. 
It’s written by the focus you choose right now.
Bad moments don’t define you.
The meaning you give them does.
Choose wisely.
Rewrite your story.

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Image cedit: Stephanie Harrison and The New Happy

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Most leaders aren’t destroyed by others. 
They’re destroyed by themselves. Here is why?

They think success is about being strategically brilliant... or experts in their field...

And then they fail due to missing self-awareness.

Years ago, I worked with a strong executive.
Sharp mind. Strong resume. Great results on paper.

But his team didn’t trust him.
They gave minimal input. They avoided him in meetings.

He thought it was all about them - laziness, lack of ambition, wrong culture fit.

He couldn’t see that the problem was him, with his dismissive, reactive, and self-centered behaviour.

That's when I saw how easily success blinds us.
How quickly ego blocks awareness.
And how fast people stop telling you the truth when you rise.

My learning until today:
Self-awareness is the foundation of leadership.
Without it, every other skill is wasted.

Here are 10 principles to build self-awareness:

1️⃣ Ask for brutal feedback
Don’t fish for praise, invite truth. Growth begins where comfort ends.

2️⃣ Watch your impact, not just intent
Good intentions can still hurt. Measure how others experience you.

3️⃣ Listen beyond words
What’s unsaid is often more important. Pay attention to body language and silence.

4️⃣ Spot your triggers
Stress exposes blind spots. Know what sets you off before it controls you.

5️⃣ Separate ego from role
You are not your title. People follow authenticity, not hierarchy.

6️⃣ Reflect daily
5 minutes of honest reflection beats 5 hours of excuses. Ask: “How did I show up today?”

7️⃣ Own mistakes fast
Excuses destroy trust. Admission builds it.

8️⃣ Notice recurring feedback
If three people tell you the same thing - it’s not coincidence. It’s your blind spot showing.

9️⃣ Test your assumptions
“I think they’re fine” is not a fact. Validate before acting.

🔟 Grow with humility
Leaders who think they’ve arrived stop learning. Stay curious, stay open.

When leaders master self-awareness, people stop working for you and start working with you.
Because self-awareness builds trust - and trust builds everything else.

Remember:

You can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself.
The mirror is the hardest tool in leadership.
Self-awareness isn’t soft. It’s the sharpest edge you can have.

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