Member Interview with Saoud Al-Saleh

We are delighted to bring you a Member Interview with Saoud Al-Saleh, Enterprise Marketing Manager, Autodesk

What’s your golden rule?

Always start with the customer and work backwards. Whether in ABM or broader field marketing, I believe the most impactful strategies are built on understanding customer needs, challenges, and ambitions first, and then aligning our solutions to create real value.

Who has been your biggest influence?

I’ve been most influenced by leaders and mentors who balance vision with execution, those who can articulate the “why” clearly while empowering teams to own the “how.” In my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with sales and marketing leaders who showed me how trust, collaboration, and consistency can turn complex go-to-market strategies into real growth.

What is your most hated business expression?

“Let’s boil the ocean.” It’s vague, overused, and often a sign that objectives haven’t been properly scoped. I believe in focus, defining clear goals, measurable outcomes, and practical steps instead of leaning on jargon.

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

Implementing an ABM pilot that shifted from broad campaigns to a 1:1 model for high-potential accounts. It wasn’t just a tactical adjustment, it reframed how sales and marketing partnered, leading to deeper executive engagement, stronger pipeline acceleration, and measurable impact on revenue.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

I admire leaders who combine clarity with humility, those who can inspire teams through vision, but also roll up their sleeves when needed. Leaders like Satya Nadella stand out for transforming culture through empathy and customer obsession, while still driving innovation and business performance.

What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?

How to deliver more with less, finding ways to maximize impact, drive efficiency, and still create meaningful customer experiences in a world where budgets, teams, and attention spans are under pressure. Balancing creativity with accountability is top of mind for me.

Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?

Because marketing leadership is about constant learning and perspective. The Marketing Society offers a community of peers who challenge assumptions, share best practices, and inspire bolder thinking. For me, it’s about staying connected, sharpening my leadership skills, and contributing to the wider profession.

Why does marketing matter to you?

Marketing matters because it sits at the intersection of business and people. It’s about connecting solutions to human challenges, translating complexity into clarity, and shaping how industries move forward. For me, it’s not just about campaigns, it’s about impact, relationships, and enabling growth.

Tell us something that’s not on your CV

I’m passionate about blending creativity and problem-solving outside of work, whether it’s creating learning tools for my child, experimenting with design projects, or testing new routines for health and performance. These side pursuits keep me curious, fuel my creativity, and often spark fresh perspectives I bring back into my marketing leadership role