While thousands, if not millions, of ‘Mo’s’ around the world are gearing up for Movember, we decided to focus on one bearded Mo and pick his brain for this month’s issue. Meet Mohammed Al-Tamimi, aka Mohi.
Our dearest male readers, if you find yourself constantly rushing between projects and trying to balance between work demands and life’s endless trials and tribulations, then you’re probably like 99% of other men out there, Mohi included. Between trying to stay fit, married, and starting a brand new business, not to mention attempting to make it to the 20 or so destination weddings that seem to be all the rage these days, this man is juggling a handful.
After completing his studies in Marketing, and even acquiring a Masters in e-commerce from Boston University, he returned to Kuwait searching for and trying to recreate that Tech Industry excitement he saw in the States. His work experience is varied, with broad marketing, sales, and e-commerce experience, strategic planning, corporate branding, and lately, social media management. From the tech industry to marketing, Mohi’s journey changed his perspective on how content can truly better the conversation between client and consumer.
Mohi looks to social media to connect to his people, his interests, and his brands. He says, “While my focus has always been on the latest and greatest in technology and the marketing behind it, my interest in social media began on a personal level before I worked in the field.” It’s not news that the social sphere has revolutionized basic marketing practices, “Kuwait is a great case study, the Instagram e-commerce culture we have built here is astounding, the way in which we used to traditionally purchase has been completely turned upside down, and brands are clamouring to keep up.”
While Mohi is currently planning his next business project, he looks to technology as a main facilitator in reducing daily annoyances that stress him out. “Technology is there to make our lives easier, more efficient and enriching, so much of the way we currently live our lives, run our homes and businesses is inefficient and thats something I’m interested in fixing.”
For instance, Mohi has a centralized storage drive that is shared with his entire family; a system set up whereby his favorite shows are automatically downloaded and updated. “What started as a pet project to keep my siblings off my back about their favorite shows, ended up opening a whole new world of automation to me. I personally believe that all of our personal devices and appliances will slowly learn our habits and react to our presence, giving us the time to do what we want.”
Whether he reads articles to further his passion for the latest trends in technology, catches up with his favorite football team’s latest developments, or travels to far-fetched parts of the world to immerse himself in new cultures, Mohi makes a conscious decision to find a way to mentally take a break.
Managing a career, family, and wife is hectic, and looking at ways to de-stress and recharge one’s batteries is one of Movember’s main goals. Men’s mental health needs as much awareness as any other aspect of our lives, and we looked to our Mo of the month for advice. “Men in Kuwait have started paying attention to their fitness, however they seem to confuse that with being healthy. Just because we work hard to get the physique we want doesn’t mean we are immune to cancer, and specifically prostate cancer.”
“I personally love the Movember campaign because it reminds us men that we need to take care of ourselves. Prostate cancer is one of the leading killers of men and we need to be aware of that. Plus who doesn’t like a good moustache!”
What do you most value in your friends?
That we can repeat the same lame situation-specific jokes to each other and still laugh out loud.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I still don’t know what that is, but I’m working on it.
What is your greatest fear?
Zero vacation days.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My procrastination, although I read somewhere it’s genetic so I guess I can blame an ancestor for it!
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Loud chewing sounds drive me insane. We are not goats. Close your mouth.
Which living person do you most admire?
Bruce Wayne.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Probably nothing we can print here.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I wouldn’t say I’m extravagant, but I pretty much spend all my money on travel.
What is it that you most dislike?
Juventus! And dill, I despise the taste.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Beat matching.
If you could have any job, what would it be?
Being the President of FC Internazionale de Milano.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Finishing this questionnaire.
What is your most treasured possession?
My home theater system and all of its bells and whistles. Oh, and my wife.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My dashing good looks.
Where would you most like to live?
Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
What are your favorite words to live by?
The night is dark and full of terrors.
For more on Mohammed Al-Tamimi follow him on Instagram and Twitter @Supermohi.
Photos courtesy of Aziz Al Mudhaf.