We recently had the privilege of interviewing Omar Gawad, Senior Business Architect at Devoteam. With over a decade of regional and international experience, Omar Gawad specializes in bridging the gap between strategy and Implementation through Business Architecture, Business Analysis and Proposition Management. As a Senior Business Architect at Devoteam ME’s Strategy and Transformation Business Unit, he helps clients build their digital strategy and capabilities for future transformation.
In this interview, Omar Gawad shares his career journey and highlights his company, Devoteam.
Beginning of The Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Can you please provide us with some information about yourself, including your early life and education?”
Omar Gawad shared, “From an early age, I had an intense fascination with technology. I enjoyed solving problems, which led me to pursue a degree in Business Administration focusing on Information Systems. My academic journey provided a solid foundation for my career, allowing me to deeply understand business operations and the technological solutions that drive efficiency and innovation.
Throughout the years, I have furthered my expertise with certifications such as CBAP, CBA, TOGAF, and Certified Digital Transformation Officer from PECB, along with several certifications from IBM. With over a decade of hands-on experience working with various companies, including roles at Link Development, IBM, e-finance, e-health, and BVS-MEA, I have specialized in business analysis, business architecture, management consulting, and proposition management.”
As a seasoned Senior Business Architect, I use my expertise to lead complex projects across industries, particularly in the public sector, healthcare, banking, and fintech. I excel in bridging business and technology gaps and aligning strategy with implementation through business analysis, proposition management, and architecture. At Devoteam ME, I help clients build digital strategies and capabilities for future transformation. I run a series of articles called “The Analyst’s Architect,” on LinkedIn, focusing on business analysis, architecture, and competitiveness. My passion lies in creating trusted solutions that enhance lives, achieve objectives, and drive business success through continuous learning, community engagement, and emerging technologies.”
He added, “My core competencies include
- Business Analysis: Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) with extensive experience in requirements gathering, process improvement, and stakeholder management.
- Business Architecture: Certified Business Architect (CBA), skilled in aligning business strategies with IT capabilities, developing comprehensive business models, and designing scalable enterprise architectures.
- Digital Transformation: Certified Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO) from PECB, adept at leveraging AI, cloud computing, and big data to drive transformation initiatives.
- Enterprise Architecture: TOGAF Certified, explicitly involved in the business architecture domain, following the TOGAF framework to design and implement comprehensive business architectures that align IT assets with business goals.
As a seasoned business analysis professional, I have achieved significant success in improving products and services for clients in Egypt and the Gulf region. My key accomplishments include aligning strategic goals with decisions regarding products, services, and critical business and IT initiatives, developing holistic, multidimensional business cases to achieve business objectives, and transforming complex requirements into architectural designs.
Additionally, I have demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively across different organizational levels. I hold multiple certifications, including Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), Certified Business Architect (CBA), TOGAF Certified, Certified Digital Transformation Officer (PECB), and several IBM badges in mentoring, presenting, and Enterprise Design Thinking, showcasing my expertise in business analysis and architecture. My Additional certifications can be viewed on my Credly account.”
The Presence of Devoteam
We were curious to learn more about the company Omar works for and its presence in this region. So, we asked, “Could you tell us about your company and its regional presence?”
Omar Gawad shared, “I am a Senior Business Architect at Devoteam, the number 1 IT consulting firm in Saudi Arabia, specializing in digital strategy, IT, and business transformation. Devoteam has a significant regional presence, particularly in the Middle East, where we work with numerous government entities and private sector clients. In my role, I focus on preparing digital strategies, benchmarking, and creating comprehensive frameworks and roadmaps to drive digital transformation.
I also participate in enterprise architecture practices in governmental entities by following top-notch frameworks and methodologies. One of my key assignments involves acting as a business architect and innovation consultant for a government entity in Riyadh. I am responsible for developing a complete framework, strategy, operating model, and roadmap for leveraging technology in their daily operations.”
On Being A Successful Leader,We asked: Omar Gawad
We further asked, “In your opinion, what qualities make a successful leader in your industry?”
Omar Gawad responded, “A successful business architecture and digital transformation leader must possess a strategic vision and the ability to think holistically about how technology can drive business value. They should be adept at bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring that solutions align with organizational goals. Effective communication, empathy, and the ability to inspire and mentor others are also crucial. Additionally, staying updated with the latest technological advancements and industry trends is essential for making informed decisions and maintaining a competitive edge.
A successful business architecture and digital transformation leader must possess a unique blend of skills, including strategic vision, holistic thinking, technical knowledge, and business acumen. They must bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, communicating complex solutions clearly and compellingly. Effective leadership, empathy, and collaboration are also essential, as are continuous learning and professional development to stay ahead of industry trends and technological advancements.
By articulating their vision, fostering buy-in, and positioning their organization for success, these leaders can drive business value, achieve strategic objectives, and build a strong, cohesive team capable of navigating complex transformations. In essence, a successful leader in business architecture and digital transformation is a visionary, a communicator, a strategist, and a mentor, all while being a lifelong learner who embraces change and innovation.”
Embracing Digital Transformation
To understand how Omar Gawad’s company embraced tech-driven changes, we inquired, “How has your organization responded to the digital revolution and tech-driven changes?”
“At Devoteam, we have embraced the digital revolution by continuously innovating and adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We have invested heavily in developing our AI, cloud computing, and data analytics capabilities” He replied.
Words of Wisdom for Beginners
Lastly, addressing the beginners, we asked, “What advice would you give someone just starting in your field?”
Omar Gawad concluded, “I suggest building a solid foundation in business and technology for those starting in business analysis and architecture. Obtain relevant certifications and seek opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world projects. Networking and finding mentors can be incredibly valuable, as learning from experienced professionals can accelerate your growth.
Additionally, always be open to learning and adapting, as the field constantly evolves with new technologies and methodologies. Lastly, develop strong communication and stakeholder management skills, which are critical for successfully navigating and leading projects in this industry.”
“Don’t be harsh on yourself. You will have ups and downs … Don’t stop learning and trust the process”.
Follow Omar Gawad on LinkedIn.
Find Devoteam on LinkedIn and visit their website https://www.devoteam.com/
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