WFH, Wisdom, and Winning Strategies: A Day in the Life of Benjamin Ampen

Benjamin Ampen, the Managing Director of Twitter MENA, is not only shaping the digital conversation in the Middle East and North Africa but is redefining leadership in the modern era. Based in Dubai, Ampen’s vision has been pivotal in expanding Twitter’s footprint, driving innovation, and creating impactful strategies in a rapidly changing world. With a career spanning years of expertise and people-first management, Ampen’s routine and leadership philosophy offer insight into the art of balancing productivity, innovation, and personal well-being.

For Ampen, mornings are a sacred time to center himself before the hustle begins. Unlike many, he avoids the urge to check his phone first thing in the morning. Instead, he embraces mindfulness and fresh air on his balcony as he spends time reflecting on the day ahead. He believes this habit enables him to approach work with clarity and focus. A staunch advocate of the importance of rest, Ampen makes sure he gets at least eight hours of sleep every night. Drawing inspiration from Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep, Ampen again indicates that quality rest has been the bedrock for his mental agility and decision-making prowess.

Meditation also plays an important role in his life. Even though his busy schedule sometimes disrupts his morning meditation routine, he makes time for it in the evenings when necessary. This practice, which he has nurtured over the last eight years, helps him stay grounded amidst the fast-paced world of digital media.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Ampen has been working from home, but the shift has had minimal impact on his team’s productivity. Twitter MENA had already begun exploring flexible work arrangements before the pandemic, ensuring that the transition to remote work was seamless. According to Ampen, the key to maintaining team morale and performance lies in strong communication. He prioritized human connection during the uncertain early days of the pandemic, regularly checking in with team members on issues beyond work.

According to him, this helped to reinforce the culture and resilience of the team. The cross-functional teams of Twitter MENA include revenue, marketing, research, and public policy. For such teams to deliver impactful results, they must be cohesive. Ampen has created an environment where culture is nurtured daily, making sure that every department works hand-in-hand to achieve common goals.

Under Ampen’s stewardship, Twitter MENA has become an important catalyst in promoting awareness and innovation in the region. Be it educational campaigns in Egypt or charitable drives such as Ramadan donation for the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, Twitter has become the vehicle for change and progress. These are testaments to Ampen’s belief in harnessing technology for social good.

Ampen envisions a more globalized workforce for Twitter, where employees can work from anywhere, ensuring access to the best talent worldwide. This forward-thinking approach aligns with his belief in flexibility and adaptability as cornerstones of modern leadership.

Exercise is another essential aspect of Ampen’s life. Before the pandemic, he trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a sport he deeply misses. Instead, he runs and swims: these not only keep him physically fit but also offer mental refuge from the exactions of his office. Working out to podcasts: The Daily by The New York Times or France Culture Radio’s philosophy series feeds him with knowledge and keeps him self-reflective. This is evident in how Ampen reads for knowledge and learning. Books such as 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership and Albert Camus’ The Plague have shaped his view on resilience, empathy, and leadership in challenging times.

Ampen is deeply concerned about relationships. His approach has significantly made the impact of Twitter MENA stronger in the region and developed a culture of the workplace based on collaboration, respect, and shared vision. From team building to innovation to talent nurturing, Ampen’s leadership indeed exemplifies guiding with purpose.

Benjamin Ampen is leading a more vibrant Twitter MENA but through morning rituals, unyielding commitment to well-being, and vision, inspiring people in being adaptable and balanced at all times. By writing this story of Benjamin Ampen as he shapes the digital media landscape in the Middle East, one would say how mindful connection and innovation matter so much.