Account Director - Public Relations at Memac Ogilvy
Bana’s experience spans the MENA region in more than ten industries ranging from government to banking & finance, real estate, FMCG, automotive, and more. Over her years at Memac Ogilvy, Bana successfully launched a long list of campaigns for brands such as Arab Bank, Eagle Hills, Turkish Airlines, Jaguar Land Rover, Grohe, and the Ministry of Education in Jordan. She has also led work that garnered awards from globally recognized entities, most notably the PR Grand Prix at the Dubai Lynx and the Best in Government Comms & Public Affairs and Best Campaign in Jordan by MEPRA – all while overseeing key client accounts.
Why did you choose this career path?
I’m curious by nature and consider myself fortunate to pursue a career in an ever-so-changing industry, where exposure is borderless and impact can be as close as instant. Feeding and challenging my curiosity was always at the forefront of my career aspirations.
How did you land this job?
I will never forget that day. I was just about to leave the parking lot right after my interview, with so many thoughts rushing through my head, when I got the call saying, “When can you start?”. It was surreal, and I’ve been proud to belong ever since.
How do you compare your work life vs what you imagined it would be?
It surpassed my expectations. Growing up, my ultimate goal was to leave a mark on this earth, but I never quite figured out the means. Landing in this industry, I can confidently say my question has been put to rest.
What do you wish you had been told before you started working?
Embrace the journey. I think it’s very easy to fall into the hustle culture trap to the point that you forget to pause and appreciate your progress, your achievements, and even your failures.
What is the best thing someone could tell you about your work?
To me, it’s not a matter of receiving praise per se, but rather the rush after delivering a well-recognized piece of work and witnessing its impact as a result. The feeling is unparalleled and I’m certain that many in our industry would agree.
What is the worst thing someone could tell you about your work?
That would probably fall under the unpopular opinion category, but it has to be “You make it look easy.” It takes a ton of hard work, dedication, and discipline behind the scenes.
What’s the most valuable lesson you have learned at work so far?
Pride of knowledge destroys knowledge. Remain humble and open to all perspectives and ways of working; you will gain far more than you can by just sticking to what you already know.
Who’s your role model?
Being constantly around industry giants, I am inspired by many. Personally, and as cliché as it sounds, my parents and sisters all have the qualities of the person I strive to be – one that is kind, empathetic, and fierce with a constant thirst for knowledge and growth.
If not this, what would you be doing?
Depends on the Netflix series I’m binging. In all seriousness though, I am in the perfect field for me, and I consider myself lucky for that; not many have such privilege.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
Disrupting the industry.
The 30 Under 30 ranking was first published in Communicate's Q1 2023 print issue.
