Amazon

Director, Software Development

Senior Software Development Manager

Software Development Manager - SCOT

Sr. Technical Program Manager - GIPA

Amazon Payment Services

As the leader of the global technology function at Amazon Payment Services, I am both passionate about and dedicated to re-imagining digital payments for customers and merchants throughout the Middle East and Africa region. 

My responsibilities encompass tech pre-sales and solutioning, merchant integration, software development (for new and existing products), infrastructure management, technical operations, information security, and data engineering. Additionally, I oversee the technology function responsible for delivering seamless payment products and experiences for Amazon shoppers throughout MEA stores (UAE, KSA, EGY, TR and ZA). 

Together, our aim is to provide simple, affordable, and trusted payment experiences for merchants and customers across the MEA region.

Head of Technology

Direct Energy

Promoted to build and lead 5-member team in designing, developing, and managing decision-support application and tools for front-office trading group, integrating with trading/supply, operations, risk management, pricing/structuring, settlements organizations.

IT Manager - Decision Support Tools, Supply

Extended inward-focused IT capabilities to external customers. Developed capabilities that underpin key business processes within the industry lifecycle including trading, scheduling, asset management and optimization, demand-side response, and settlements. 

* Challenged with building team, processes, and systems to support organic business growth into new market space with demand response management product (multi-million dollar project). 

* Leveraged technology to empower several key, new revenue streams for the business unit.

* Handpicked by senior leadership to course-correct and manage delinquent security appliances workstream of major datacenter migration that had put entire project at significant risk of missing deadlines. 

* Invited to join M&A (and other structured deal) due diligence teams after demonstrating thought leadership in both technology and operations to commercial stakeholders. 

* Updated business continuity program to eliminate operational risk from disruption to business-critical systems.

IT Manager - Digital Marketing, Upstream and Trading

Managed IS development and support function for variety of business-enabling systems across US power markets. Built and directed team of 6 IT professionals.

* Functions Supported include:

   a) ISO Settlements (NEPOOL, NYISO, PJM, CAISO, MISO and ERCOT) / nMarket Allocation  Manager and custom SSRS reports
   b) Scheduling and ISO Trading / nMarket Power
   c) Upstream Power / OSIsoft PI System and various other systems
   d) ERCOT Asset Optimization and 24 Hour Real-Time Trading Desk / nMarket Power
   e) ERCOT Asset Dispatching / OSI Monarch GMS

* Major Initiatives Lead:

- Texas Nodal Market Transition (Go-Live and Post Go-Live Support)
- Generation Management System (GMS) Implementation (Inception to Operations)

* Managed Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery plans for Direct Energy Upstream & Trading

IS Manager - Power Asset Optimization, 24-Hour Real-Time Trading Desk, and Upstream Power

* Developed a 3 year architectural - enterprise message bus centered - vision  for our Upstream and Trading business unit

* Developed a Data Integrity business case for our Upstream and Trading business unit

* Developed an interface for gas pipeline data with Bentek Energy

* Managed a Market Data Service initiative to consolidate Market Data into a single repository

* Managed environments to support our Proprietary Trading applications

* Managed testing environments for the Texas Nodal Initiative and various other initiatives

* Supported Proprietary Trading applications

Senior Analyst - Architecture and Proprietary Trading IS

* Lead the design, implementation and testing of the Trade Capture migration from a Java based API to a FIX based system with the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)

* Developed various solution components in Java and TIBCO

* Supported DealCapture and E-Confirm applications

* Developed Retail Credit Risk BI solution to support B2B business better evaluate/assess credit exposure

Senior Analyst - Wholesale/Retail Interface IS

* Provided technical leadership over design, implementation and testing of the SAP HR implementation project, to replace existing PeopleSoft implementation

* Actively participated in the business blueprinting of to-be HR processes, and translating the processes into system functional requirements

* Provided technical leadership over design, implementation and testing of the Canadian Benefits outsourcing project as well as coordinating the Payroll Outsourcing Project 

* Initiated SAP ECC 6.0 upgrade recommendation and laying project foundation

* Lead the testing and training for the Scanning Solution of the Procure-to-Pay project

Senior Analyst - Corporate IS

British Gas

* Led a project to develop an absence management system and managed its deliverables

* Collected the requirements, designed and implemented system using an agile customer centric development methodology

* Successfully sold the system to different areas of the business which is now being rolled out across British Gas Residential IS as well as British Gas Business IS

* Supported and administered the system in production for 100 users, with about 1,000 users being targeted for the short term

*Delivered project benefits estimated to save 0.5 FTE in each of the areas that it is rolled out to

Senior Analyst

* Collected the requirements, designed and implemented a deal capture system to automate energy trade entry from ICE and NGX into the company’s risk management system

* Supported the system in production, providing second level support

* Developed a front end application to the system to make it self-administrative

* Delivered project benefits estimated at: saving 2 FTE, reducing the error entry rate to 0.5% and the Value at risk by $2.5 Million

* Researched Natural Gas storage fundamentals in North America and investigated potential of its use within the Wholesale’s group portfolio

Senior Analyst - IS EMG

Integrated Voice Communications

* Managed the installation of new equipment and periodic updates (both software and hardware)

* Marketed and sold new VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) routes to various international destinations around the globe

* Programmed Cisco Routers and CPM (Computer Protocol Malaysia) voice gateways

* Maintained a set of Windows NT servers and Cisco gateways

* Managed 24/7 customer support (both technical and sales) by email/phone/fax

* Maintained excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as rigorous documentation

* Coordinated with team members in different countries to ensure quality voice service

Founder and Managing Partner

Tech Director at Amazon Payment Services | Follow for posts about Leadership Development and Career Growth | Leadership & Career Mentor | Author Of Leadership in 60 Seconds

I ​am a global technology executive with over 20 years of experience. I am currently Director of Software Engineering at Amazon, leading the Technology function for Payments across the Middle East and Africa. In this role, my aim is to make the payment experience of our merchants (Amazon Payment Services) and customers (Stores) the most simple, affordable, and trusted.

Over my career, I'm honored to have delivered award-winning transformational initiatives that have created competitive advantage, enabled business growth, and exceeded customer expectations.

Known as a forward-thinking problem-solver ― skilled in both business and technology strategy ― I adapt and plan for evolving market needs, delivering initiatives with speed and agility. I am also deeply passionate about building, developing, managing, and leading high-performance teams. A strong communicator and relationship builder, I partner effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and am a trusted advisor within the company.

Ever since I stepped into my first managerial role, more than a decade ago, I quickly realized the profound impact strong leadership has on individuals, teams, and organizations. From that moment, I made it my mission to empower others in their leadership journeys, guiding them to reach new heights in their careers.

In support of this mission, I have developed a community on LinkedIn of over 70K+ like-minded professionals with whom I actively support, engage, and share daily content on leadership, management, and career. I have been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice (Blue Badge) and ranked #1 LinkedIn Arab World Creator in Management and Leadership. 

Outside of work, I am passionate about everything automotive, especially F1 racing (Forza Ferrari!). I enjoy sports in general, both playing and watching. I also have a keen interest in collecting fragrances, working out with a focus on strength training, and all things food—from learning about it and exploring new cuisines to preparing dishes and hosting gatherings. However, my favorite pastime is spending quality time with my family. 

Languages: English 🇺🇸 Arabic 🇱🇧 French 🇫🇷

Hard truth: Most leaders fail their teams during uncertain times.

Not because they make bad decisions -  
But because they disappear when their teams need them most.

I've been that leader. 
Thinking I needed all the answers...
Only to create a vacuum filled with anxiety, speculation, and fear.

Leadership is easy when things are going well. 
It matters most when the going gets rough.

And here's what your team actually needs from you:
Not perfection. 
Not all the answers. 
Just your presence and support.

This means:
• Saying "I don't know yet, and here's what we're doing to find out"
• Listening without immediately jumping to solutions
• Sharing what you can, when you can—even if it's incomplete
• Maintaining optimism while acknowledging real challenges
• Showing up consistently, especially when it's uncomfortable

6 ways to put this into practice:

𝟭. 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 (𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻) 
Ask "Do you want me to just listen, or would you like help solving this?" 
Try: Set up an anonymous feedback channel

𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 (𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻) 
Even “no update” is an update. 
You’re only halfway communicated when you feel done.

𝟯. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 (𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀) 
Start your next meeting with wins. 
Create a shared space (Slack channel, doc) where the team posts progress. 
The flywheel: Optimism → Action → Progress → Confidence → More Optimism

𝟰. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 (𝗢𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹) 
Draw the Control Circle: What do we control, influence, or just observe? Invest 80% of your energy in what you 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

𝟱. 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 
Ask these 4 questions in 1:1s: • What excites you? • What worries you? • What support do you need? • What’s in your way?

𝟲. 𝗕𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 
Host office hours and “ask me anything” sessions. 
Presence builds trust.

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿: You can't pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your own well-being—it's not selfish, it's essential for your team's success.

Your team can handle uncertainty. 
They can't handle feeling abandoned in it.

Start with one action. 
Build from there. 
What would you add to this list?

💾 Save this post for when you’ll need it.

Omar Halabieh

Tech Director @ Amazon | I help professionals lead with impact and fast-track their careers through the power of mentorship

Most career advice is about standing out.
This is about showing up.

Consistently. 
Predictably. 
Without drama.

Reliability is the most underrated career skill.

It's not glamorous. 
It won't trend on social media. 
And there's no 'Reliability 101' course.

But your career grows at the speed of people's confidence in you.

Not your talent. 
Not your ambition. 
Not your potential.

Your reliability.

It’s the quiet skill that opens doors long before titles, certifications, or even experience do.

5 practical ways to build reliability — starting today:

1/ Always Close the Loop

When someone asks for something, acknowledge it and follow through. 
Most careers get derailed not by mistakes, but by silence.

2/ Do What You Say — When You Say It

Consistency beats capability. 
If you commit to less but deliver every time, people will trust you with more.

3/ Communicate Early (Especially When Behind)

Falling behind isn’t the problem. 
Surprising people is.
Let others know early — it builds trust.

4/ Create a Personal Operating Rhythm

Reliability isn’t innate — it’s engineered. 
Weekly planning, structured 1:1s, documented decisions. 
You rise to the level of your systems.

5/ Make Your Work Visible

Share progress before you're asked. 
Visibility doesn’t just build trust — it reinforces your momentum.

Reliability won’t get you applause. 
But it will get you opportunities.
It’s not a soft skill — it’s a career advantage.

What’s helped 𝘺𝘰𝘶 stay reliable?

---
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Your stomach drops. Slack is on fire.
This isn’t just a crisis—it’s the moment that makes you.

Handling high-stakes moments isn’t a bonus skill. 
It’s 𝘵𝘩𝘦 leadership skill.

Here’s what separates those who bounce back stronger from those who don’t:

1. Own the outcome
→ Use active language: “We deployed a change that caused the outage,” not “The system failed.”
→ Show up. Be visible.
→ Skip the explanations initially — lead with acknowledgment
→ Own the full impact, not just your part
→ Roll up your sleeves alongside the team
→ Ask “How can I help?” — not just “When will it be fixed?”


2. You’re communicating even when you’re not
→ Send regular updates, even if there’s little new info
→ Set clear expectations for the next update (and meet them)
→ Differentiate clearly between what you know and don’t
→ Be transparent about severity and impact

3. Don't let a good crisis go to waste
→ Document lessons while the experience is fresh
→ Share learnings beyond your immediate team
→ Turn insights into system improvements
→ Use the crisis to upgrade your playbooks

These actions build something more valuable than a crisis-free record: Unshakable trust.

Teams trust the leaders who show up.
Stakeholders remember the ones who stay steady under pressure.

Your toughest moments are your biggest opportunities for leadership growth.

What’s one crisis that changed how you lead?

Assumptions feel fast.    
But they’re also where trust breaks — and where judgment slips
  
Most professionals don’t stagnate because they lack skill.  
They stagnate because they believed they already knew.
 
You’ve seen the pattern.  
You’ve done this before.  
You trust your gut...  
So you stop asking questions.
 
That’s when mistakes happen.  
And that’s when trust quietly erodes.
 
If you want to be right a lot — and earn trust — lead with a question.

A single question can prevent:  
• Delivering the wrong thing  
• Misunderstanding what someone actually meant  
• Missing a risk that was obvious to others  
• Overlooking a dependency that derails everything
 
Early in your career, you’re rewarded for answers.
Later in your career, you’re rewarded for clarity —  
and clarity comes from questions.
 
→ “𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨?”  
→ “𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.”  
→ “𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳.”
 
Better questions → better inputs → better decisions → more trust.
 
A statement closes the conversation. 
 A question opens it.
 
If you want to be trusted, ask better questions.
If you want to be right a lot, ask more questions — 
especially when you think you already know.
 
𝗣𝗦: Curiosity isn’t slowness.  It’s strategy.

What's your go-to question to avoid making assumptions?

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