E2: Why is company culture critical for success? With OMG’s Nadim Samara

My guest Nadim Samara is the CEO of Omnicom Media Group (OMG) MENA, the premier media and marketing services group. He is a media agency veteran having built a career at OMD since 2001 and built expertise in both MENA and US markets. I’ve known Nadim since childhood and I can say with absolute certainty that he is a genuine person that is big on life. In addition to his highly successful career in media, he is a shrewd businessman, a master conversationalist, a loving father of 3 beautiful kids, an adventurer and nature lover. Lest not forget his biggest passions in life, chocolate and building - oversized - cars that scale the Lebanese mountains or Dubai deserts! In this episode we discuss his focus on building a great company culture following the footsteps of his mentor Elie Khoury – now Chairman of Omnicom Media Group MENA – and why it is important for the health of the business. We will also talk about the importance of talent particularly in an industry that is under constant transformation and how OMG is diversifying their business to create more revenue streams for themselves and their clients. Lastly, we will talk about the person behind the business and what has ultimately prepared Nadim and primed him for success as well as his tips for staying the course. Overall, if you are in the advertising, media or an executive in a large business, you may find some great insights into leading, scaling and diversifying a US$500M+ business.