Saudi to Seattle Then Back: Building Product Teams in the GCC - Abu Obeida Bakhach

Discover Abu Obeida’s journey from engineering at Microsoft and Amazon to leading product culture at Hunger Station in the GCC. Learn how he navigated rejection, overcame imposter syndrome, and championed customer-centricity in a fast-evolving market. Explore insights on transitioning from engineering to product management, building tech hubs, and fostering team culture.Keywords: product management, Hunger Station, GCC tech, Microsoft, Amazon, customer-centricity, product culture, building teamsConnect with Abu Obeida on Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/abuobeidaTimeline0:00 – 0:24: Introduction – Abu Obeida's background and career highlights0:25 – 12:17: Starting in Product Management – Journey from Saudi Arabia to Canada, breaking into Microsoft after 20 rejections12:18 – 19:05: Breaking into Microsoft – Overcoming rejection and seizing opportunities19:06 – 30:58: Engineering vs. Product – Why technical expertise can be a double-edged sword30:59 – 40:52: Cultural Transition – Adapting to product management in the GCC40:53 – 52:15: Building Hunger Station – Setting up a tech hub and fostering product culture52:16 – 1:04:08: Customer Obsession – Writing strategies and aligning teams1:04:09 – 1:19:05: Challenges in the GCC Market – Insights on innovation, mentorship, and mindset1:19:06 – 1:23:05: Closing Reflections – Final thoughts and connecting with Abu Obeida