#BahrainBios
‘’In having a good time while doing what we love, we end up doing what we love, and we do love what we do’’ – Batool Redha’s accidental arrival in Bahrain five years ago led to her decorated marketing career that spans the retail, events, and hospitality industries in the Kingdom. Bahrain Confidential had an opportunity to interview the British-Bahraini who puts passion into everything she does.
Tell us a little about yourself and your Bahrain story.
I’m a British-Bahraini, raised and educated in the UK all throughout. My career began in London as a teenager when I started as a temp employee at Harrods and managed to work myself up to a permanent position and bigger roles, balancing both my career and education. I had worked at Harrods for around 6 years when I decided to venture into something different.
I quit my job before visiting Bahrain for a family event. During the visit, I got a call from a recruiter who found my CV on LinkedIn (I had forgotten I even had it back then). That’s how I ended up moving to Bahrain by accident! Five years on, I wouldn’t trade that accident for anything! Life on this island has been a whirlwind with the opportunities I’ve had here. It’s the best decision I made for myself.
What led you to a career in marketing?
I was pursuing a BA in Business with Marketing at the University of West London. But, being a visual and hands-on person, I wanted to leap into what I loved instantly. A job in Marketing gives you the freedom of creativity and being creative has always been my passion. You can transform a business in such dynamic, exciting, and crazy ways!
Marketing is never the same, there are so many categories in the field and it can change overnight. That’s where the fun is – you’re not stuck doing the same job constantly. To see your work in real life, to step back and witness how you impacted a company or a brand is the most rewarding feeling.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a marketing professional?
I’ve learned so much through the years of being a marketer. A few lessons that have stuck with me are: do everything with passion; never put your eggs in one basket – the opportunities are endless; always be more articulate; be ethical even if it hurts; have fun while planning; think outside the box; be crazy enough even if you think it’s crazy!
Finally, I’d say it’s okay to be open to change. Changes can be positive if they are looked at from an evolutionary and innovative perspective. It can even provide an opportunity to make a difference.
What do you love most about living in Bahrain?
The small island offers endless opportunities for growth! I love how diverse the Kingdom is yet very cultural and sticks to Bahraini traditions. I may have not grown up here but Bahrain is home! I’ve been used to the fast-paced city life in London. But, Bahrain is the calm serenity everyone needs in their life.
Finally, what is your favourite:
Movie? Devil Wears Prada
Show? Desperate House Wives
Song? So many! Anything Afrobeats & songs from the early 2000s
Band? Backstreet Boys 🙂
Book? Desert Flower by Waris Dirie
Sport? Horse Riding – some might say I’m a little too obsessed but they don’t understand – they’re not horse people
Cuisine? Everything!
Holiday destination? Ko Samui, Thailand