A consultant, Steven Catudal, spent six months working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he experienced intense heat and a unique work environment that altered his perspective on his career.
Catudal, who has worked on projects in various countries, was drawn to the Middle East. He seized the opportunity to work in Riyadh through his firm, Oliver Wyman, with the process of moving being relatively smooth due to company support.
In Riyadh, he noticed significant diversity within teams, with colleagues from around the globe, which contrasted with his experience in New York. The projects in Saudi Arabia were large-scale and impactful, focusing on future-building rather than just profit-making.
Traveling around the region was easy and affordable, allowing Catudal to explore several nearby countries on weekends. Despite the challenges of the heat and being away from family, the friendly and welcoming nature of the Saudis made his stay enjoyable. He appreciated the vibrant evening culture in Riyadh and found the city to be a safe and lively place to live.
Professionally, the experience was enriching. Catudal learned about different approaches to decision-making, noting the emphasis on consensus in Saudi Arabia compared to New York. This exposure to diverse perspectives broadened his understanding of problem-solving in a multicultural environment.