Shadi Kaddoum, Creative Director at M&C Saatchi in Beirut is an easy-going fun-loving man whose humour and light-heartedness play brilliantly into the position he holds and what follows is a snapshot of what exactly keeps him ticking.
What gets you up in the morning?
Every morning brings its own motivation. But mostly, it’s the cat that wakes me up.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The ability to change something.
Who do you ultimately want to become?
A cool old man whose opinion still matters.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Traveling.
What’s your motto in life?
It’s not the circumstances. It’s the mindset.
What keeps you in the game?
Knowing that it’s a game.
What keeps you up at night?
Babysitting my inner child.
What would be your worst nightmare?
Forgetting great memories.
What inspires you most?
People’s emotions, stories and insights.
What music have you been listening to lately?
Cuban.
What is the gadget you cannot live without?
A torch.
What can we find on your phone?
Screenshots of food, house designs and white interiors.
What quality do you most look up to in a woman?
Genuine smile.
What quality do you most look up to in a friend?
Honesty.
Who would you like to sit next to on a seven-hour flight?
The person who missed the flight.
If you could live for one day the life of another person, who would it be?
If it’s for fun I would choose Kim Jong-un.
If you could have dinner with someone, living or dead, who would it be; and what question would you ask him/her?
Moses. And I would ask him to recommend a carpenter who doesn’t lie.
If you were reincarnated, what would you like to come back as?
My cat.
If you were to change profession, what would you choose to be?
A chef.
What do you consider to be the greatest headline of all time?
War is over.
What business tip would you give the newbies?
It’s not what we preach; it’s what we prove.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The perfect mindset.
Where can we find you on a Friday night?
On the terrace of my home in Byblos.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Flying, so I don’t have to wait two hours at the airport.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
It really depends on the number. But the perfect beach house is definitely on the list.
What is the one word you catch yourself saying too often?
Strategically.
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
Not asking myself this question.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Cape Town.
What’s the last book you read or movie you saw?
I just finished reading 'How to Coach with NLP'. And if there’s one quote I choose from the book it is, “To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.”
What is the one thing you wish you have designed?
The spoon.
Who Are You?
I am…… like you.
I like…… simplicity.
I want…… to find a good carpenter.
I have…… a dream.
I wish…… I were there.
I hate…… negativity.
I fear…… stupidity.
I Google…… recipes.
I wonder…… where my shirt is.
I regret…… the words I didn’t say.
I love…… progress.
I need…… day light.
If I ruled the world…… we’ll have loads of fun.
I dream…… and I will keep on dreaming.
My Favourite…
Dream Destination: Cape Town.
Restaurant: Mother
Hotel: Mont Nilson
Meal: Ribeye
Quote: Life is full of exceptions
Book: Mastery
Movie: Usual Suspects
Flower: Thyme
Animal: Cat
Poet: Elia Abou Madi
Music/band: Cuban
Painter: Modigliani
Heroes: Anyone who fought for his dreams.
