From Attics to Operations:

Osama Ahmad’s story is a testament to grit, opportunity and the power of believing in oneself. From a temporary job seeker struggling to find his footing in a new country to a seasoned Operations Manager at DISH, his journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Freshly relocated from Dubai after seven years, and before that, Syria, Osama faced the daunting challenge of building a new life in the United States. “It was so hard to find a job,” he recalls, describing a period of relentless applications and disheartening rejections. Then, he walked into the DISH office in Plano, Texas.

DISH was the company that gave him a chance, but the initial hurdles were significant, including language barriers, cultural adjustments and new technology that seemed daunting. However, Osama was driven by a personal mission to provide a better life for his children. “I needed to make something out of this opportunity that DISH gave me.” He immersed himself in learning, translating technical terms into Arabic and practicing the language late into the night. Osama’s determination paid off. With the support of his coaches and trainers, he mastered the technical aspects of the technician role, honed his communication skills and acclimated to his new surroundings.

His dedication led him to become a DISH Technician Coach, then a Field Service Manager and eventually, an Operations Manager. Throughout his ascent, Osama took full advantage of DISH’s tuition reimbursement program, earning his master’s degree in business management and leadership. “It was not like I had to have the degree, but I felt like my experience at DISH along with my degrees would help grow my responsibilities,” Osama explained.

His leadership philosophy centers on empowering others. Osama emphasizes humility, listening and creating a supportive environment. “In order for you to help others, you have to be able to understand people,” he states. He believes in fostering a “safety net” for his team, ensuring they feel valued and supported. “You never know what they are going through,” Osama says, advocating for empathy and understanding.

Collaboration is another cornerstone of his approach. Osama values the contributions of every team member and department, recognizing that everyone plays a vital role in achieving the company’s mission. “Everyone shows up to work wanting to do something good,” he notes. “So treat them with respect.”

When asked about his favorite aspect of being an Operations Manager, Osama highlighted the importance of aligning individual efforts with the company’s overarching vision. “Mission first, people always,” he declares. Osama believes that fostering a positive work environment and empowering team members are key to achieving organizational goals.

For those considering a career at DISH, Osama’s advice is simple: “Bet on yourself.” He believes DISH offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, allowing individuals to progress as far as their ambition takes them. “This is the only company that will let you go as far as you want to go,” he states. “It’s up to you.”

Osama’s journey to becoming a successful Operations Manager exemplifies the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of opportunity. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone striving to build a better future.