Success isn’t something that just happens; you have to actively pursue it. Lynne Akkawi, the Founder & CEO of Prime Owners Association Management Services, believes that success is a personal journey, varying from one individual to another and often challenging to quantify. For her, success is about finding happiness and fulfillment in life, pursuing one’s passions, and making a positive impact on the industry she has dedicated herself to. She also views success as a dynamic concept that evolves with one’s ambitions and personal growth.

Leading a company to success is a challenging path. Lynne describes starting PAM not as a leap of faith but as a natural progression in her career. She credits her father, who ran his own business, for instilling in her an entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone. When the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) in Dubai released guidelines governing jointly owned properties, Lynne saw an opportunity and seized it, despite the challenges of building PAM into the successful company it is today.

PAM faced numerous challenges as one of the early entrants after the release of Law No. 27 of 2007. They had to overcome hurdles such as reluctance from developers to work with them and the need to familiarize property owners with their new rights and obligations under the regulation. Lynne also faced the additional challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, feeling the need to work twice as hard to prove herself. However, with perseverance and support from authorities like RERA, these challenges diminished over time.

Lynne attributes PAM’s growth to its data-driven problem-solving approach. They realized early on that incorporating IT technologies into their workflow improved communication, efficiency, and performance measurement. This approach unintentionally helped them navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the pandemic’s impact on businesses, Lynne believes their tech-forward approach mitigated its effects, although it didn’t alleviate the personal impact on staff morale.

Lynne’s career journey from banking to real estate brokerage, property development, and finally community management has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of growth and learning. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, a lesson she learned later in her career, and encourages open communication and personal development within her team.

Looking ahead, Lynne sees more opportunities for growth and expansion for PAM. While she feels they have already made their mark in the Dubai market, she is focused on further internal and strategic growth and expanding their expertise into new markets. She advises aspiring business leaders to persevere in the face of challenges and not fear failure, as it can often be a valuable learning experience.

In conclusion, Lynne’s journey with PAM reflects her persistence, determination, and commitment to success. She continues to lead by example, inspiring her team to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in the industry.