Revolutionary Inspiration

Mohammed El Bassiouni, Egyptian, 41, talks us through finding the right partner in life and getting inspired by the youth

Tell us about your business – what inspired the idea and when did you start it?
I’m a construction engineer from Alexandria, and I worked in my family business until I  realised it was not my passion.  I decided to move to Cairo to pursue a career in media where  I freelanced as an assistant producer for two years, until the Egyptian revolution in 2011.

I was inspired by the sound of youth and the evolution of social media. I saw an opportunity here and came up with the idea of creating original online video content starring fresh young talent. This is how Disalata, the first Egyptian online video magazine, was born. Two years later, due to market demand, Ramez Youssef and I created Tayarah, Egypt’s leading hub for creating and producing all types of video content, to serve local and multinational brands.

What do you consider to be your greatest personal and professional achievements?
I always believe that choosing your life partner is the most important decision in your life, and I’m a lucky man. I was lucky enough to meet her when I was 18. Making a family with her, is definitely my greatest

personal achievement. My most important professional achievement is that I do what I love and turned my passion into a profession, it’s the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. I was recently able to bring a long-time dream to life.

I’m hosting a new online show called Khatwetein Li Wara, where I get to interview three of the most successful figures of the same industry at a round table and talk about their different journeys and everything that lead them to where they are today. I’m so passionate about this experience, and the impact it’s creating on my guests, the show, the audience, and myself. 

What are the keys to creating a profitable business?
In my humble opinion and from my own personal experience, it’s having the right vision and working hard to turn this vision into reality. Finding your edge and mastering it. Planning well, but being agile enough to adapt to the market changes and definitely having the right team. 

What were your biggest business challenges? How did you overcome them?
Running a business and living in Egypt means dealing with big challenges every single day. From 10 years ago, when I had to convince my clients of the importance of digital content, all the way to dealing with a devaluation now and facing budget cuts from my clients every day, it’s a never-ending loop of bigger challenges. 

It’s all about your mentality. Having the right mindset is key, and this includes always looking at the bright side and believing that it’s all going to be okay in the end, as well as listening to other people’s opinions and looking for solutions and doing your best. The most important of them all is knowing that God will never leave you alone.

How do you manage the daily stress that comes with running a business?
I work out; it plays a big part in releasing stress. My partner and I go on date nights and I spend time with good friends. I’m also a big believer in short breaks, and long weekend getaways work like magic. 

Has this year which has been labelled as the year of sustainability changed certain rules and practices for you and your business?
It definitely did, we became so much more aware of different things, that automatically reflected on our behaviour as a company in dealing with waste management, the use of different resources, recycling et cetera. We even worked on a sustainability campaign with one of our big clients this year. 

What is important to you?
Kindness and being a good person in general. With the content we create, we try to make a difference and have a positive impact on people who watch this content. 

Have your priorities changed as you have matured? If so, how?
My 20-year-old self would’ve had a different answer to the above question. People’s opinions were a priority, and other things used to make me happy. I wanted other things in life. I like my 40-year-old self more. I’m happier and more confident now, and definitely more mature. 

What inspires you?
Travelling inspires me the most, as well as good movies, creative work, and success stories. Of course, kindness inspires me.

Do you prioritise your mental health, and how?
I’m a firm believer in working with so much passion and loving what you do – that’s my top priority, and this includes a lot of discipline and the willingness to make big sacrifices. Don’t get me wrong, I’m also a very firm believer in the importance of protecting your mental health and avoiding burnout.

But life is tough, you have to work your butt off if you want big results in life. It’s all a matter of choice, you can’t have everything.

Get in touch: @tayarahworld

This article appeared in Issue 002 – the Men’s Edition