The Road So Far
Every journey is shaped by experiences, choices, and the people we encounter along the way. Mine began with a curiosity about how businesses grow, how people work together, and what makes some ideas succeed where others struggle.
That curiosity led me into the world of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and pharmaceuticals, where I spent more than three decades working across diverse markets, managing international brands, and leading teams from different cultures and backgrounds.
Those years taught me that strategy matters, but so does execution. That businesses depend on people as much as performance. And that meaningful progress often begins with a willingness to question what we think we already know.
Jay Smith Consulting
My experience eventually led me to establish Jay Smith Consulting, bringing together years of practical knowledge with an independent approach to business strategy and transformation.
Through the consultancy, I work with organizations to navigate challenges, identify opportunities, and translate strategic thinking into practical action. My work spans growth strategies, market development, distribution, operational performance, and the development of people and teams.
I have come to believe that effective consulting is not simply about providing answers. It is about asking better questions, understanding the realities businesses face, and developing solutions that can make a lasting difference.
Authorship and Knowledge Sharing
Writing emerged as another way to share what I had learned while continuing to explore what I had yet to understand.
Over the years, I have published 12 books, covering subjects ranging from marketing, sales, and leadership to entrepreneurship, personal development, and the experiences that shape our lives.
Some draw directly from my professional journey, offering practical perspectives on business and management. Others are more personal, exploring relationships, values, and the quieter dimensions of the human experience.
Across these different subjects, my intention remains the same: to make ideas accessible, encourage independent thinking, and offer readers something worth reflecting upon.
Entrepreneurship and New Beginnings
My entrepreneurial journey has also brought me back to Amioun, Lebanon, where I established Haddad Etc, a collection of ventures inspired by personal interests, local heritage, and an appreciation for thoughtful experiences.
Under this umbrella, Cheffe House brings together coffee and hospitality, while Tipsy Phoenician celebrates wines, spirits, and the traditions surrounding them. Ice On Fire, a curated gifting destination, and Anticanto, another venture in development, represent the continuing evolution of this vision.
Each has its own character and purpose, yet all share a common philosophy: an appreciation for quality, individuality, and the human connections that give places and experiences their meaning.
For me, these ventures bring together different parts of my life: the discipline of business, the freedom of entrepreneurship, and the personal satisfaction of creating something rooted in a place that has always been part of who I am.
Looking Ahead
Looking back, I see a journey that has taken different directions, each bringing its own lessons, challenges, and unexpected opportunities.
Business has taught me to think strategically. Entrepreneurship has reminded me to stay curious and have the courage to start again. Writing has given me the freedom to question, reflect, and explore ideas beyond the professional world.
Yet perhaps the most enduring lessons have come from people, relationships, and the realization that success cannot be measured by achievement alone.
This is The Road So Far. Not a completed story, but one that continues to evolve, shaped by experience, curiosity, and the belief that there is always more to learn, discover, and contribute.