If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years in business, it’s this: nothing stays the same for long. Trends shift, customer preferences evolve, technologies advance, and unexpected challenges—like a pandemic—can turn entire industries upside down. The ability to adapt isn’t just a nice skill to have; it’s the difference between surviving and thriving. Looking back on my journey from engineering student to restaurant owner to airport food service operator, adaptability has been the thread that kept everything moving forward.

My First Pivot: From Engineering to Food

When I first came to the U.S., my focus was on engineering. I had come from Kuwait, where I had plans to finish my degree and return home. But plans changed. I fell in love with this country, and something inside me shifted. I started to think about what truly made me excited to wake up every day, and I realized it was food.

The restaurant business wasn’t something I had studied, but it was something I felt passionate about. I took the leap and opened The Sheik Restaurant in West Bloomfield, Michigan. That decision taught me my first big lesson in adaptability: sometimes you have to listen to your gut, even if it takes you down a completely different path than the one you planned.

Listening to Customers

Once the restaurant was up and running, I quickly learned that adaptability doesn’t stop at the decision to start. Running a restaurant means being constantly tuned into your customers. What dishes are they loving? What needs improvement? Are your hours meeting their needs? Are your staff delivering the experience you promised?

I made it a point to be in the dining room often, talking with guests, getting feedback, and watching how people responded to the food and the service. Some menu items got tweaked, others disappeared, and new ones were added. We made adjustments to the ambiance, the pricing, and even the way we trained our team. That ongoing willingness to change helped us stay relevant and grow.

Transitioning to the Airport Industry

In 2001, I made another major pivot—from street-side dining to airport food and beverage operations. It was a whole different world. The customers were in a hurry. The regulations were tighter. The logistics were more complex. But what remained the same was the need to adapt.

Instead of resisting the differences, I embraced them. I studied airport operations, understood traveler behavior, and built systems that could operate smoothly in such a fast-paced environment. I also learned that in high-traffic industries like this, flexibility is critical. Flights get delayed. Security procedures change. Staffing issues pop up. You have to be able to respond quickly without letting it disrupt the customer experience.

Learning Through Challenges

Adaptability really shows its value when things go wrong. There have been plenty of moments when I had to course-correct fast—whether it was an economic downturn, supply chain disruption, or shifting business regulations. In each case, the question wasn’t, “Why is this happening to me?” but rather, “How can I adjust to this new reality?”

During COVID-19, for example, the airport food industry faced major setbacks. Travel came to a near halt, and so did business. But we had to find ways to stay afloat. That meant reworking menus to reduce waste, introducing contactless service options, and finding ways to keep staff motivated and safe. It wasn’t easy, but we made it through because we stayed flexible and creative.

Adapting Personally

It’s not just your business that needs to adapt—you need to adapt as a leader. Over the years, I’ve had to develop new skills, change my communication style, and even rethink what success means to me. Early in my career, I thought success was about hitting certain financial goals. Now, I see it as creating something lasting, something that supports my family and adds value to others.

I’ve also learned to listen more. To my team, to industry trends, and to my own instincts. That kind of growth doesn’t happen if you’re stuck in your ways. It only comes when you stay open to change.

The Benefits of Being Adaptable

Adaptability isn’t about giving up your values or chasing every new trend. It’s about staying rooted in your purpose while being flexible in your approach. Here’s what it’s helped me do:

• Stay competitive. I’ve been able to shift with the market instead of getting left behind.
• Build trust. Customers and employees know they can count on me to respond when things change.
• Grow continuously. Every pivot taught me something new and opened up new opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting your business or you’ve been at it for decades, I believe that your ability to adapt will determine your long-term success. The world will keep changing. The question is: will you change with it?

In my own life, I’ve pivoted more times than I ever expected—from country to country, from one career to another, from traditional dining to airport operations. Every change was uncomfortable at first, but every one made me stronger. If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to fellow entrepreneurs, it’s this: embrace adaptability. It might just be the most powerful tool you have.