Meet Syed Shahnawaz, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in Facilities and Hospitality Management. Currently serving as Assistant Facilities Manager at Macro in Dubai, Syed plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of Uptown Tower - an 81-storey LEED Gold-certified building. In this Q&A, he shares insights into his daily responsibilities, career journey, leadership philosophy, and the values that drive his commitment to excellence at Macro.

Tell me about yourself and your current role

I'm Syed Shahnawaz, with 24+ years in Facilities and Hospitality. Currently, I'm Assistant Facilities Manager at Macro, managing operations in the 81-storey LEED Gold building, Uptown Tower in Dubai. I oversee soft services, safety, vendor coordination, sustainability, and ensure a smooth, safe environment for tenants and visitors.

Describe a typical day in your work life

My day starts with reviewing reports, assigning tasks, and attending client meetings. I coordinate with vendors, supervise soft services, resolve issues, conduct inspections, and manage documentation. I ensure safety compliance and end of the day by reviewing progress and planning.

How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

I stay calm, prioritise tasks, communicate clearly, delegate when needed, and focus on solutions. I stay organised, flexible, seek feedback, and reflect on experiences to improve.

Who have been your strongest influences in life?

My father, family, mentors like Mr. Kashif Nesar, Ms. Sonia Benhamma, and Mr. Nabeel Azmi, along with colleagues and industry leaders, have shaped my leadership and passion for facilities management.

What led you to your current career path?

A passion for well-maintained environments and customer service drove me to facilities management. Through varied roles, I developed leadership skills and embraced opportunities to improve operations and team performance.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Implementing proactive maintenance strategies, improving efficiency, and building a collaborative team culture that boosted service quality and client satisfaction.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

Balancing diverse stakeholder needs while maintaining service standards, coordinating multiple services, and ensuring compliance - requiring adaptability, communication, and leadership.

What do you like about Macro?

Its diverse culture, client-centric approach, focus on safety, innovation, sustainability, quality, training, and experienced staff committed to excellence.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Macro?

I enjoy contributing to client satisfaction, meeting goals, achieving KPIs, and being part of a successful team. I also value connecting with my peers and actively supporting company events and initiatives - it’s rewarding to foster collaboration and a strong team culture.

How do you drive for a better way?

By taking ownership, staying aligned with goals, valuing recognition, maintaining open communication, and leveraging learning opportunities to stay motivated.

What has been your proudest achievement at Macro so far?

Leading mental health workshops as a ‘’Wellbeing Ambassador’’ and receiving positive feedback for improving team morale and inclusivity.

What motivates you every day?

Macro’s purpose “Everyday Excellence” and the value of “Develop People” keep me driven. I ensure partners align with client goals and strive for the highest standards.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

Strong communication, problem-solving, leadership, client focus, adaptability, and the ability to build lasting relationships to sustain excellence.