About Lama Halimeh, Brand Director, ‿ and us 

After graduating from the American University of Beirut, Lama’s journey started as a young account executive in 2016, with a renowned network agency in Beirut.

Seeking to broaden her horizons, she later transitioned to Dubai, where she joined ‿ and us, an independent creative agency, as a Brand Manager, when the agency was only 2 years old. In a mere three years, Lama ascended to a leadership position as Brand Director, leading numerous prestigious accounts across diverse industries. 

Her role contributed significantly to ‿ and us’s inspiring growth, culminating in it being named One Show & D&AD MENA Agency of the Year in 2023. 

Thoughts for the industry: 

In the vibrant world of the creative industry, every day brings fresh adventures and unexpected obstacles, and it’s this ever-changing landscape that keeps our hearts racing and our minds buzzing with excitement. But amidst the storm of challenges and opportunities, one thing remains constant: our commitment to pushing boundaries.

I’m lucky enough to be working at an agency that shares the same values, and that challenges the status quo. At ‿ and us, we don’t just see change as something to adapt to; we see it as a chance to thrive, to explore new avenues, and to redefine what’s possible, and so I try to approach each project in this spirit of adventure, knowing that with every twist and turn, there’s an opportunity to create something truly remarkable.

Creativity is the driving force behind all our action, it’s our product and it’s the service we provide after all. Whether we’re crafting captivating advertisements, compelling narratives, or coming up with a new tech innovation, we’re driven by the belief that creativity has the power to move hearts, spark conversations, and change the world.

But it’s not just about the work; it’s also about the people behind it. Each member brings their own unique talents, perspectives, and passion to the table, creating a melting pot of creativity and innovation. And when we join forces with our clients, magic happens. Their expertise and insights guide us, inspire us, and ultimately elevate our work to new heights. 

Building strong relationships in my humble opinion isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a way of life. I truly believe in fostering connections that go beyond the boardroom, where trust, respect, and shared values form the foundation of everything I do. Because when you’re working with people you trust, anything is possible, and my role as a brand director is to make sure that these relationships are always nurtured, whether internally or with clients, and I make sure my team applies this as well. 

Of course, it isn’t always easy. There are bound to be bumps along the way, and it’s very easy to get distracted when you’re deeply immersed in the day to day, or feel demoralized when a cherished idea falls through, but it’s during these moments that we need to remind ourselves why we’re here in the first place and let it inspire you to keep pushing forward, no matter what.

To all the girl bosses in this industry thriving to grow and become better, my advice would be to embrace the chaos, cherish the journey, and never lose sight of the magic that brought you here in the first place. Because in the end, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the joy of the ride and what you make of it along the way. And remember, your unique perspective and talents are invaluable assets in an industry where diversity and inclusion are key to driving innovation and success.