Q. Hi Mr Haggag, and thank you for agreeing this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I have spent nearly three decades in the corporate business world and I am currently working as a senior executive in the hospitality industry managing a group of hotels. With direct experience in many different aspects of business, including sales, marketing, revenue management, and administration. Having worked in Germany, the United States, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, my global experiences have encouraged me to formulate my thoughts into written documents in business, management, history that I see may be beneficial to the younger generation. Eager to bring enhanced cross-cultural awareness to today’s business leaders.
Q. What led you to your book, “Legends over Generations”?
The deep admiration of the historical legends and masterminds of the various life aspects and how they have helped us grow better understanding of the world we live in was the core drive for drafting the idea of this book. In these Legends, we’ve seen inexplicable abilities that helped us define our existence and human life. Their names are engraved in the sands of time for their work in the welfare of mankind with different inventions that have made our lives easy, enjoyable and successful. The following chapters commemorate the greatest personalities we’ve ever seen who changed the world.
Q. What is the easiest thing about writing?
Identifying the core idea of the book and setting its overall structure is the easiest part for me. Once this is clear in mind, I can then go forward and draft down the main points that show and clarify the idea to my readers. Whilst I do this, I keep my target readers at the front of my mind.
Q. What motivates you to write?
Conveying the accumulative experience that I have gained throughout my academic career and the cross culture environment that I have been exposed to. Passing this knowledge to young generations who I believe are in need of such direction to help them accomplish their goals and enable them to face the everyday challenges that life brings.
Q. When did you decide that you want to be a writer?
Very recently, I reached a stage in my life whereby I realised that happiness for me, is giving back whatever knowledge I have accumulated over the years.
Q. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
Having the fact in mind that there is no limit for us of learning something new, I take the bad reviews as a new guideline either to adjust my direction or to add something new that can help me produce and perform in a better way.
Q. What do you prefer: Pen or Computer? And how do you stay organised (any methods, systems, tools you use)?
Actually neither. My all-time go to is always a PENCIL HB2. This is the tool I feel most comfortable and relaxed with and it helps stimulate my thoughts.
Q. How do you relax?
When I see positive progress in accomplishing the preparation of my books, I feel relieved and satisfied.
Q. What would you have done differently if you could do it again?
For my first two non-fiction books, I would have created a more intense and structured marketing plan.
Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
Working out for me is a must. Out of all of the workouts that I do, jogging is the greatest help in focusing my mind on the coming chapters and keeping me focused throughout my writing journey.
Q. Do you re-read books? One book that you would read again & again?
Yes definitely. I rarely re-read novels but I go back to my all-time business favourites again and again. Such titles include: Blue ocean strategy, Good to Great and Built to Last.
Q. Your influence(s)/ favourite author(s)?
Jim Collins
Q. Are you working on anything at the moment? When can we see your next work?
Yes I am. I am in the process of writing my fourth book which I foresee to have the title “The Bright and Dark side of the Greatest Empires”. The core idea for writing this book is to give a strong highlight on the evolution and the development of human behaviour starting from the early ages and the tendency of countries to acquire resources, land and economic influence outside their boarders in order to expand their size, power and wealth using military force.
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