Ali Shafi
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INTRODUCTION
An Arab/Canadian living in the UAE
ABOUT
My journey has been all about working hard to achieve excellence, leading teams to success, and creating strategies that turn problems into opportunities. Now, I’m excited to bring my skills in innovation and leadership to a new organization, ready to start the next chapter of success together.
MY STRENGTH
I can use my extensive experience to improve any team.
"I can design and deliver tailored training programs that enhance team performance, drive operational excellence, and align with any company's strategic goals."
"My extensive background in business development enables me to identify growth opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and implement innovative solutions that drive long-term success and competitive advantage for any company."
"My expertise in marketing allows me to craft data-driven strategies, optimize brand positioning, and execute targeted campaigns that increase market share, enhance brand visibility, and generate sustainable revenue growth."
"With a strong foundation in operations management, I streamline processes, improve efficiency, and implement best practices that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and ensure smooth and scalable business operations."
RESUME (CV)
A confident Director with a unique blend of Arab and Canadian backgrounds, offering 20+ years of senior managerial experience.
Schizzo Luxury Interior Studio - Dubai, UAE
Oct 2025 - Present
Director - Strategic Developments
- Lead development efforts and key strategic partnerships for Schizzo.
- Collaborate with the CEO to align concepts with client goals and vision.
- Create marketing and engagement strategies for high-profile clients.
- Identify new market opportunities, trends, and innovation avenues.
- Oversee seamless collaboration between Schizzo and Excellence Art on integrated projects.
Excellence Art Carpentry & Decoration (L.L.C) - DUBAI, UAE
Oct 2025 - Present
Director - Research & Developments
- I'm leading the company’s innovation and growth initiatives by turning research into real business results.
- Developing and executing strategies to expand business and improve overall company performance.
- Researching new trends, materials, and technologies to keep the company competitive and innovative.
- Recommending process improvements and innovative solutions that boost productivity and reduce costs.
- Supporting and guiding teams with data-driven insights to enhance collaboration and achieve strategic goals.
WAVES INVESTMENTS & PROPERTIES (L.L.C) - DUBAI, UAE
Jan 2024 - Oct 2024 (10 months)
Director - Business Developments & Sales Operations
- Developed operational strategies aligned with the growth plans.
- Oversaw daily operations, strategic planning, and innovative solutions.
- Negotiated contracts, securing favorable terms and partnerships.
- Collaborated with executives to identify new investment opportunities.
- Implemented a comprehensive CRM system to optimize operations and enhance lead management.
MOZON FOR TECHNOLOGIES & WEB SERVICES - DUBAI, UAE
May 2023 - Present (2.5 Years)
Key Founder - Startup Business
Main Duties & Achievements
- Working with contractors to develop and execute social media strategies.
- Driving brand awareness, developing strategies and client engagement.
- Directing a team to producing engaging content to enhance visibility.
- Identifying new business opportunities & fostering partnerships to drive growth.
NAJAM ALBAREEZ FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES - DUBAI, UAE
Jun 2022 - Jun 2024 (2 Years)
Director of Marketing
Main Duties & Achievements
- Managed and supervised marketing projects from beginning to end.
- Assisted directors to create effective marketing strategy & budgeting.
- Collaborated with writers and graphic designers to create advertising content.
- Analyzing market trends and competitor activities to shape strategies and drive innovation.
ALBAIT ALCANADI (AL AWADHY GROUP) - BOUTIQUE IMMIGRATION FIRM - DUBAI, UAE
Jun 2015 - Jun 2022 (7 Years)
Director of Investments (CRM)
Main Duties & Achievements
- Developed strategies that maximized value and generate profit.
- Identified prospects and developed solutions to meet investors' needs.
- Ran queries and performed analysis to support the decision-making process.
- Reported to existing investors on the up-to-date status of under-development projects.
CANADIAN DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (CDC) - ONTARIO, CANADA
Jun 2011 - Jun 2015 (4.1 Years)
Senior Talent Development Manager
Main Duties & Achievements:
- Developed comprehensive talent development programs.
- Provided coaching sessions to executives on leadership & communication skills.
- Mentored & coached high-potential employees for advanced roles.
- Partnered with external consultants and vendors to bring new specialized training programs.
CANADIAN DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (CDC) - ONTARIO, CANADA
Jan 2007 - Jun 2011 (4.6 Years)
Training Manager
Main Duties & Achievements:
- Managed all the instructor-led, web-based e-learning, and on-the-job training curriculum.
- Utilized innovative training methodologies to enhance employee skills and performance.
- Collaborated with teams to assess training needs and create targeted learning solutions.
- Evaluated training effectiveness via feedback mechanisms and performance metrics.
ALSHAYA GROUP - DUBAI, UAE
Jan 2006 - Jan 2007 (1 Year) - Contract
Brand S. Manager
(M.A.C - Estee Lauder)
JASHANMAL - DUBAI, UAE
Feb 2003 - Jan 2006 (3 Years)
Brand Consultant
(Christian Dior)
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science – Business Management 2:1
with (Honours) – Manchester, England
SKILLS
EMPLOYERS
TESTIMONIALS
"I am glad that I was one of the clients of Mr. Ali during my previous senior role. During my interaction with him, I have noticed that he takes pride in all aspects of his work from start to finish. He was very organized, friendly and worked closely with our team and taken his role seriously and personally. He also worked tirelessly to ensure that our objectives as clientele are met. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Ali to promote an event or exhibition here in the UAE and I look forward to working with him in our future marketing or sales events that I am going to be involved with."
Mr. Ismail Sarhan
Head of Sales | Business Development Manager at Mezzan UAE | Board Member at Canadian Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates| International Trade and Development
"I’ve met Ali during the (Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show) at Sharjah Expo Centre and it has been a pleasure to collaborate with him over the past two years on event sponsorship, recruiting new clients, B2C and B2B event marketing. I can easily say that Ali is a multi skilled professional, who is able to bring fresh perspective and focus to any project. His knowledge and enthusiasm have been invaluable. Furthermore, Ali is extremely knowledgeable and generous in sharing his knowledge, particularly in the areas of event development, marketing and sales. He is also an exceptionally gifted manager and I would highly recommend Ali not only based on the results that he attains, but the care and diligence with which he produces those results. I would welcome the opportunity to work together again in the future."
Abid Maqsood
Exhibition Manager - MidEast Watch & JEWELLERY Show at Expo Centre Sharjah
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Ali as a student from a previous UK academic institution I have taught. Ali was an outstanding student, best in his class, meticulous, dedicated and hardworking. He always focused on the tasks given and he is a great asset to his fellow students. In class, he has proven to be a very knowledgeable and mature student who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them. His communication skills, both verbal and written are excellent. On an interpersonal level, Ali has always maintained a professional & positive approach towards fellow students and faculty members, which has helped him in turn to function efficiently. I taught him International human Resources Management & Dissertation 1 and 2 and other courses and he was one of my best students in class of all time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further details."
Shanthi Menon, SFHEA
Director- IQAD & SQA, RAK
LEADERSHIP
FAQs
I am open to fractional, contract, and fully remote leadership roles at Director and Executive level, with a focus on business development, market strategy, growth, and operations. I also consider full-time remote roles where the mandate is strategic and outcome-driven.
My work sits at the intersection of strategy, growth, and execution. I help organizations clarify direction, unlock growth opportunities, and translate strategy into scalable operational outcomes—particularly in complex or growth-stage environments.
Fractional leadership means acting as an embedded senior leader on a part-time, outcome-based basis. I take ownership of defined strategic and operational objectives, working closely with leadership teams without the cost or rigidity of a full-time hire.
Yes. While not always formally labeled as “fractional,” much of my career has involved entering organizations with a defined mandate, leading strategy, growth, or operational transformation over focused timeframes—exactly how modern fractional leadership operates.
Most engagements run 3–6 months, typically 10–20 hours per week, and follow a structured 60–90 day framework:
1) Diagnose & align
2) Build & activate
3) Optimize & scale
This ensures early traction and sustainable impact.
I have led and supported organizations across investment, retail, interior design, construction, services, and technology, working in Canada, the GCC, and international markets. My experience includes both established groups and growth-stage companies.
Remote leadership works when there is clarity, structure, and accountability. I establish clear goals, KPIs, communication rhythms, and decision frameworks early, ensuring teams remain aligned, empowered, and execution-focused across locations and time zones.
Success is measured through business outcomes, not activity—such as clearer market positioning, stronger growth pipelines, improved operational efficiency, leadership alignment, and decision clarity. KPIs are defined upfront and reviewed consistently.
Yes. Fractional work is designed for this model. I work with a limited number of organizations concurrently, ensuring each engagement receives focused attention, strategic depth, and measurable contribution.
Organizations engage me when they need senior-level strategy, speed, and execution without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. I bring 20+ years of leadership experience, global perspective, and a results-driven mindset delivering impact quickly while building internal capability.
AWARDS
CONTACT
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