In an era where digital transformation shapes the business landscape, leaders who harness the power of digital marketing stand out. One such luminary is Elie Sarkis, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Intoact International.
Recognized as one of the “Middle East’s 10 Most Influential Business Leaders, 2024,” Sarkis shares insights into his professional journey, vision, and the innovative strides his company is making in digital marketing education and consultancy. His leadership exemplifies how strategic foresight and dedication to continuous learning can drive significant industry advancements.
A Journey of Continuous Learning and Innovation
Elie Sarkis’s journey in digital marketing has been characterized by continuous learning and adaptation. Reflecting on his professional background, he remarks, “From the beginning, I quickly realized the vast potential of digital strategies in transforming businesses. However, there was a significant gap in practical learning when it came to digital marketing.” Through years of trial and error, Sarkis honed his skills in various aspects of digital marketing, including online strategy, social media marketing (SMM), search engine optimization (SEO), e-commerce, and more.
A pivotal milestone in his career was the co-founding of Intoact International, a digital marketing training and consultancy company. Sarkis emphasizes, “Our mission is to equip the marketers of tomorrow with the necessary skills to make a significant impact in the digital marketing landscape.” As the Managing Partner, he has focused on delivering practical and applied training programs that generate awareness, engagement, leads, and sales.
“The world lives online now. To connect, engage, and grow, your business must be digitally active.” – Elie Sarkis
Vision for Growth and Impact
Sarkis’s vision for Intoact International is ambitious yet grounded in a deep understanding of the market needs. “My vision for Intoact International is to become the foremost authority on digital marketing education and consulting in the Middle East and beyond,” he explains. To achieve this, the company is expanding its course offerings to cover emerging trends and technologies, increasing its online presence, and forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders.
“Our goal is not just to educate but to inspire and empower a new generation of digital marketers,” Sarkis asserts. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, Intoact International aims to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on the region’s digital landscape. The company is also committed to expanding its strategic partnerships with companies looking to upskill their teams in digital marketing through practical and tailored training courses.
Factors Contributing to Success
When asked about the primary factors contributing to his success as a business leader in the Middle East, Sarkis highlights several key elements. “Having a deep understanding of the regional market dynamics has been crucial,” he notes. Tailoring training programs and consultancy services to meet the unique needs of businesses in the region has been a significant factor.
Building a strong, dedicated team has also been fundamental. Sarkis emphasizes, “Our success is a collective effort, and having passionate, skilled professionals who share our vision has been invaluable.” Additionally, adaptability and a willingness to embrace change have enabled the company to stay ahead of the curve in the constantly evolving digital marketing landscape.
Exposure to diverse industries and markets has provided Sarkis with a broad understanding of various business challenges and opportunities, allowing him to tailor his approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Establishing trust and credibility with clients by delivering consistent, high-quality results has also been a cornerstone of Intoact International’s success.
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Leading a company is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities, each presenting unique lessons and growth potential. Elie Sarkis recalls a particularly trying time during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The sudden shift to remote work and the uncertainty of the business landscape required rapid adaptation,” he reflects. This unexpected situation demanded immediate strategic adjustments to ensure the continuity of operations and support for clients and employees alike.
In response, Sarkis and his team swiftly pivoted to online training programs, recognizing the necessity to continue providing value despite physical restrictions. Leveraging a range of digital tools, they maintained seamless communication and collaboration across the organization. This quick adaptation not only helped them weather the immediate crisis but also unearthed new avenues for growth and innovation. The move to virtual platforms opened doors to a broader audience, extending their reach beyond geographical limitations and enabling them to offer services to a global market. This experience underscored the importance of agility and resilience, proving that with the right mindset and tools, even the most daunting challenges can lead to significant advancements and opportunities for an organization.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Innovation is key to staying competitive in today’s business landscape, and Intoact International places a strong emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation. “We encourage continuous learning and experimentation, providing our team with the resources and support to explore new ideas,” Sarkis explains. One innovative initiative undertaken by the company is the development of customized training programs that use artificial intelligence to tailor content to the specific needs of clients.
“The incorporation of AI in content marketing represents a transformative shift in the way marketers engage with their target audiences,” Sarkis asserts. By integrating AI into its courses, Intoact International highlights its dedication to providing cutting-edge education that prepares professionals for the realities of modern marketing.
“Stay informed, competitive, and relevant. Ongoing learning in digital marketing is essential for mastering the latest strategies and techniques and keeping you or your team ahead of the curve.” – Elie Sarkis
Opportunities for Growth in the Middle East
The Middle East’s dynamic and rapidly evolving business environment is ripe with opportunities for growth and development, especially within the digital sector. Elie Sarkis notes, “With increasing internet penetration and a young, tech-savvy population, there is significant potential for digital marketing to thrive.” The region’s demographic landscape, characterized by a predominantly youthful and digitally literate population, creates a fertile ground for digital innovations and marketing strategies.
E-commerce, in particular, has experienced substantial growth, a trend that has only accelerated in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping has opened new avenues for businesses to reach and engage their target audiences. Companies that can effectively harness the power of digital marketing to tap into this burgeoning e-commerce market are well-positioned to reap considerable benefits.
Beyond e-commerce, other areas of growth include influencer marketing and data-driven strategies. Influencer marketing, leveraging the vast reach and persuasive power of social media influencers, allows brands to connect with audiences in more authentic and engaging ways. This approach not only boosts brand visibility but also drives consumer trust and loyalty.
Data-driven strategies, on the other hand, enable businesses to make informed decisions by analyzing consumer behavior and market trends. By utilizing advanced analytics and big data, companies can refine their marketing efforts, optimize customer engagement, and ultimately drive higher growth and development. These strategies ensure that marketing campaigns are not only targeted and effective but also adaptable to changing market conditions.
Overall, the Middle East presents a myriad of growth opportunities for businesses willing to embrace digital transformation. By leveraging emerging trends in e-commerce, influencer marketing, and data-driven decision-making, companies can enhance their reach, engagement, and overall market presence, paving the way for sustained growth and success in this vibrant region.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Balancing personal and professional life is a significant challenge for many leaders, and Elie Sarkis is no exception. He acknowledges, “Balancing personal and professional life is essential for long-term success and well-being.” To manage this delicate equilibrium, Sarkis employs a variety of strategies that help him navigate the demands of both his professional responsibilities and personal commitments.
One of the key strategies he uses is prioritizing time management. By organizing his day meticulously and setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, Sarkis ensures that he can dedicate quality time to both areas. This structured approach not only enhances productivity but also allows for uninterrupted periods of personal relaxation and family interaction.
Delegation is another critical component of his approach. By trusting his team and empowering them to take on significant responsibilities, Sarkis can focus on strategic decision-making without being overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks. Effective delegation not only fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among team members but also allows Sarkis to maintain a balanced workload.
Emphasizing self-care is equally important in his routine. “Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices help me stay energized and focused,” he explains. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Sarkis ensures that he remains physically and mentally fit to meet the demands of his role. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises contribute to his overall well-being, enabling him to manage stress and maintain high performance levels.
In addition to these practices, Sarkis places great importance on spending quality time with his family and engaging in hobbies. These activities provide a much-needed break from the professional grind, allowing him to recharge and gain a fresh perspective. Whether it’s enjoying a meal with loved ones, participating in outdoor activities, or indulging in a favorite pastime, these moments of leisure and joy play a crucial role in his life.
Advice for Aspiring Business Leaders
Reflecting on his own leadership journey, Sarkis offers valuable advice for aspiring business leaders in the Middle East. “Stay adaptable and open to learning,” he advises. The business landscape is constantly changing, and being able to pivot and adjust strategies is crucial.
Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment both within and outside the organization are also important. “Investing in continuous learning and development is essential,” Sarkis adds. Keeping up with the latest trends and technologies gives leaders a competitive edge and enables informed decision-making.
Delivering value and building trust with clients is another key aspect. “Consistency and reliability in your services will help you build a strong reputation and long-term relationships,” Sarkis emphasizes. Leading with integrity and empathy, understanding the needs and concerns of the team and clients, is also crucial for long-term success.
“The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” – Mark Zuckerberg
A Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation
As the Managing Partner of Intoact International, Sarkis hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and transformative impact. “My vision is to be remembered as a leader who not only fostered a culture of continuous learning but also significantly advanced the digital marketing landscape,” he says. Empowering marketers and businesses to reach their full potential through practical and applied digital marketing training programs is a core aspect of his legacy.
Looking to the future, Sarkis plans to expand Intoact International’s reach globally, offer new and innovative training programs, and continue building partnerships with industry leaders. “We aim to stay at the forefront of digital marketing education and consulting, adapting to new trends and technologies to provide our clients with the best possible solutions,” he asserts.
By staying true to its mission and values, Intoact International aims to achieve these goals and leave a lasting positive impact on the industry and beyond. “The legacy I hope to leave is one of transformative change, where Intoact International is seen as a beacon of excellence and innovation,” Sarkis concludes.
Empowering the Marketers of Tomorrow
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, leaders like Elie Sarkis play a crucial role in shaping the future of business. His vision, dedication, and innovative approach are not only empowering the marketers of tomorrow but also making a significant impact on the Middle East’s digital marketing landscape.
Sarkis’s commitment to digital marketing education and consultancy is evident through his efforts at Intoact International. By focusing on practical and applied training programs, he ensures that marketers are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate and succeed in a complex digital world. “Our mission is to equip the marketers of tomorrow with the necessary skills to make a significant impact in the digital marketing landscape,” Sarkis emphasizes.
His innovative initiatives, such as integrating artificial intelligence in training programs, highlight his dedication to staying ahead of the curve. “The incorporation of AI in content marketing represents a transformative shift in the way marketers engage with their target audiences,” Sarkis explains. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, he ensures that Intoact International’s offerings remain relevant and effective, preparing professionals for the realities of modern marketing.
Sarkis’s impact extends beyond his company. By actively participating in lectures, seminars, and workshops across various countries, he shares his knowledge with a broader audience. This commitment to education and knowledge sharing not only solidifies his reputation as a thought leader but also contributes to the overall growth and development of the digital marketing field in the Middle East.
In conclusion, Elie Sarkis’s contributions to digital marketing are profound and far-reaching. His vision, dedication, and innovative approach are shaping the future of digital marketing in the Middle East, inspiring a new generation of marketers to achieve excellence and drive transformation in the industry.
