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

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 jobs are not rocket science or brain surgery... give people a chance by choosing attitude over knowledge!

Too many companies overrate skills
and underrate attitude.

They hire for the perfect CV,
then complain about the missing mindset.
They ignore potential,
then wonder why teams don’t grow.

Truth is: most jobs are not rocket science.
Most roles can be learned fast.
But the will to learn?
That can’t be taught.

Here are ten principles that change
how you hire, grow, and trust people:

1️⃣ Hire for hunger, train for skill.
Choose the person who wants it more
than the person who knows it all.

2️⃣ Look for learners, not know-it-alls.
Curiosity beats experience
when the world keeps changing.

3️⃣ Spot character in small moments.
How people treat others
tells you more than any CV.

4️⃣ Give people real responsibility early.
Confidence grows when trust is felt,
not when trust is promised.

5️⃣ Normalize not knowing.
Make learning safe
so mistakes turn into mastery.

6️⃣ Reward effort, not ego.
People rise faster
when appreciation is louder than fear.

7️⃣ Build teams with diverse strengths.
Knowledge overlaps,
but attitude multiplies.

8️⃣ Remove the perfection test.
Potential hides behind pressure.
Lower the fear, raise the growth.

9️⃣ Coach with clarity and patience.
People grow faster
when guidance feels like support.

🔟 Choose kindness as your baseline.
Humans learn best
where they feel respected.


When you bet on attitude,
you’re betting on possibility.
You’re betting on someone becoming
more than their résumé ever captured.

Companies don’t scale through experts.
They scale through humans
who show up with grit, humility,
and the fire to get better each day.

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People Leader. Business Partner. Change Enthusiast.

A great boss wants you to outgrow them…
and that’s why so many never become great.

They fear being replaced.
They fear being outshined.

I had one leader
who changed everything.
She never raised her voice.
Never flexed her title.
She simply said,
“I want you to be better
than me one day.”

And she proved it.
She gave me space.
She gave me chances.
She gave me room
to make a mess
and still learn from it.

It felt strange -
almost uncomfortable -
to be supported
without hidden strings.

That’s when I learned,
what great bosses do:
 
➡️ They lift, not limit
- They want your wings to work.
- Do this: ask your people what they want to master.

➡️ They give real chances
- Growth needs risk, not safety.
- Do this: hand over one task you guard too closely.

➡️ They don’t compete downwards
- Your success doesn’t shrink them.
- Do this: celebrate a colleague’s achievement louder.

➡️ They share their playbook
- Knowledge hoarding is insecurity.
- Do this: teach something you once had to learn alone.

➡️ They confront with care
- Honesty helps you rise.
- Do this: give feedback without softening the truth.

➡️ They push your edges
- Potential grows in stretch zones.
- Do this: set one goal that feels “slightly scary.”

➡️ They protect your back
- Safety builds bravery.
- Do this: stand up for someone not in the room.

➡️ They want your win
- That’s the whole point.
- Do this: tell someone you believe in their next step.

If you’ve ever had
a boss like this,
you know it changes you.
If you’ve ever BEEN
a boss like this,
you know it changes
everyone around you.

Who was the leader
that gave you the gift?

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A bad manager breaks your confidence.
A good one rebuilds it - brick by brick.
But here’s the twist…

The real damage isn’t what bad managers
do to your work.
It’s what they make you believe
about yourself.

We grow up thinking confidence is
self-made.
Built from grit.
Discipline.
Hard work.
But that’s only half the truth.
Confidence is shaped by the people
who lead you.
Bad managers shrink your world.
Good managers expand it.

Here is what good managers do differently:

❌️Bad managers critique identity.
✅️Good ones critique behavior:
➡️Shift to what happened, not
who you are.


❌️Bad managers hoard power.
✅️Good ones share context:
➡️Explain the “why” today.


❌️Bad managers create fear.
✅️Good ones create clarity:
➡️State expectations simply.


❌️Bad managers judge quickly.
✅️Good ones listen first:
➡️Hold your reaction 10 seconds.


❌️Bad managers take credit.
✅️Good ones give it away.
➡️Name someone’s contribution.


❌️Bad managers push harder.
✅️Good ones remove blockers.
➡️Ask: “What’s in your way?”


❌️Bad managers hide feedback.
✅️Good ones make it normal.
➡️Offer one small insight weekly.


❌️Bad managers fix people.
✅️Good ones grow them.
➡️Spot one strength and amplify it.


❌️Bad managers demand loyalty.
✅️Good ones earn it.
➡️Show consistency, not slogans.


Remember:
If a bad manager makes you doubt
yourself,
a great one hands you back the truth -
that you were capable all along.

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Thanks to Justin Wright 

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