Al Mutassim Mohamed Al Riyami, Executive Manager – Talent Discovery Centre, Performance Academy, Bank Dhofar, accords top priority to continuous learning and exploring new experiences

Al Mutassim, one of the finalists at NTI BizPro awards 2019, is a strong advocate of continuous learning, and has always been quick to adapt to changes. These traits helped him constantly develop his skills and climb up in the career ladder.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and currently pursues his MBA from the University of Strathclyde, UK. In addition, he has completed the British Psychological Society Level 1 and 2 certification, a registered test user for Hogan, Korn Ferry TalentQ, & Thomas assessments, and completed life coach training.

Al Mutassim started off his career in 2007 with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), as part of the oil giant’s graduate development scheme. After completing his tenure in PDO as a recruitment advisor, Al Mutassim had worked as senior recruiter with BP Oman and MB Petroleum Services (MBPS) as a senior recruiter for both organisations. Later, in 2013, he joined Takatuf Oman (Oman Oil Company), initially as a talent sourcing specialist handling recruitment before moving to the assessment centre team as senior consultant-assessments. Since 2016 until present, he has been working for Bank Dhofar as executive manager-assessments heading the assessment and talent development areas as part of the learning & development department. This includes employee and candidate assessments, leadership and talent development training, and succession planning.

Joining Bank Dhofar was a big change for Al Mutassim, as he had previously worked his whole career in the oil & gas industry. “The banking industry was a different experience for me,” he says. “In Bank Dhofar, and banking in general, it is more fast-paced and dynamic as business deals are made frequently and extensively. Moreover, as Bank Dhofar is a publicly-traded organisation, there is a bigger commitment to the shareholders. In addition, competition in the saturated banking market is fierce.”

Father as a role model

Asked about the people who influenced him the most, Al Mutassim walks down memory lane. He reminisces, “There are so many people who influenced me. If I had to pick one, then it would be my late father (May Allah bless his soul) who was a colonel in the Royal Oman Police. I still remember, when I was a child, when I wake up in the early morning to go to school and see him in his ironed-out uniform, wearing the police hat, and black leather shoes that shine so much that you can see your own reflection. This was his daily routine, he always had a smile and was always eager to go to work. This, for me, was a sign of commitment, determination, and integrity-values that I still hold with me today.”

NTI BizPro Awards 2019 was a stimulating experience for Al Mutassim. “The assessments that I went through were extensive and demanding. It really challenges you to bring out the best in yourself,” he says.

He advises young Omanis to work in their areas of passion and not to fear change. He tells them to keep on asking questions and learning and experiencing new things. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes as that is how we learn and grow. There is no such thing as losing. You either win or you learn, which in both cases, are positive outcomes.”

He loves playing football, basketball and scuba diving. He is a certified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. In addition, he enjoys traveling frequently, especially to new places. He always plans to keep learning, growing, and having new experiences. Asked about his future plans, he said, “Eventually, down the line, I want to start a consultancy in the areas of people development as I find it rewarding when you help and support people.”