Julien Hakim

So, a comedian, a radio anchor and a poet all walk into a bar…
Well, those people were me 13 years ago and the bar? Advertising obviously.

It all escalated so fast. First I experimented in creative writing after being known for my trilingual copywriting skills, and before I even knew it, I was the creative director handling massive regional accounts such as Samsung (Levant), Bank Sohar, Khimji Ramdas, Huwaei, Alargan (Oman),... Most clients became dear friends instantly because I was blunt, very blunt, sarcastic, opinionated but highly positive as well. I guess being a brand-adherent spirit does pay off eventually. Visiting the exotic markets of the gulf and learning from their enriching behaviors made me realize how specific and effervescent the Lebanese communication scene is. But it wasn’t until tackling the African beast that these insightful experiences were taken to a whole new level of learning about life itself and the gorgeous complexity this part of the world bears. From branding malls to launching real estate complexes, introducing electronics, building strategies for banks and F&B clusters, if there’s one thing I learned, it’s probably that selling something only works if you believe it will. Cheesiness overload.