A curious start, a career of growth. Samer Yamin, Manager at our Dubai office, looks back on how his early experiences at Simon-Kucher helped him build confidence, take on responsibility, and find purpose in consulting.
What’s it like to kick-start your consulting career at Simon-Kucher in Dubai? We caught up with Samer to hear about his journey, from joining as an intern to taking on projects that make real impact. He talks about the fast-paced business culture of the UAE, the energy of working with diverse clients, and how curiosity and collaboration have shaped his growth along the way.
From learning to focus on what truly matters to celebrating milestones with colleagues, Samer shares what makes consulting in Dubai unique, and why the culture of trust, teamwork, and opportunity keeps him inspired every day.
Thinking back to your start as an intern, what was it about Simon-Kucher that made you feel this was the right place for you?
Samer: When I first joined a couple of years ago as an intern, what really clicked for me was how much I was learning so quickly. I got to work with amazing people from diverse backgrounds, and that exposure made my experience really rich from the start. It felt clear that the more I put myself out there, the more opportunities I could grab, so I felt it was a perfect fit.
What do you think makes working in UAE unique from a business culture or client perspective?
Samer: Working in the UAE is unique because it’s such a fast-paced environment where things are always advancing and changing. You’re constantly exposed to new ideas and opportunities, which keeps the work really exciting. At the same time, the culture here is welcoming, which makes it easy to meet new people and build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
What’s one skill or habit you’ve developed here that you wish you’d learned earlier in your career?
Samer: One skill I’ve really developed here is learning how to manage my time better by focusing on what actually matters, instead of trying to do everything at once. Part of that has also been realizing it’s okay to lean on colleagues when needed, and thankfully we have the opportunity to do that at Simon-Kucher. It makes the work not only more manageable, but also a lot more effective.
What’s the biggest myth about working in consulting that you’d like to bust?
Samer: A big myth is that consulting is just about long hours and making slides. What really defines the job is the impact, we work closely with top institutions and governments on their most pressing challenges, helping them grow and turn new ideas into realities. That level of responsibility and influence is what makes consulting so exciting and meaningful.
Can you share a milestone at Simon-Kucher you are proud of?
Samer: One milestone I’m really proud of was facilitating the sale of a multi-million-dollar project when I was a senior consultant. It was a big responsibility at that stage of my career, and it showed me how much trust and ownership you can get here early on. Looking back, it was a real turning point for me in terms of confidence and growth.
If you could invite any famous person (alive or not) to a coffee chat at the Dubai office, who would it be and why?
Samer: I’d invite Cristiano Ronaldo. I really admire his discipline and the way he has stayed at the top of his game for so long. I think there’s a lot to learn from that kind of consistency and mindset, which is just as important in business as it is in sports.
What’s your go-to ‘energy booster’ during a busy day at work?
Samer: Regardless of whether the day is busy or not, I always start with a morning workout. It wakes me up, clears my head, and puts me in the right mindset for the day. I definitely feel more focused when I start like that.
For someone just starting out at Simon-Kucher Dubai, what’s one piece of advice you’d pass on to make the most of their first year?
Samer: My advice would be to always ask yourself what you’re doing and why you’re doing it; that mindset helps you learn faster. Be proactive, grab every opportunity you can, and take the time to meet people and build those connections. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your time.
