In an era where technology shapes how people connect, learn, and do business, few leaders have been as instrumental in redefining the digital marketing landscape in the Middle East as Elie Sarkis. Over the last thirteen years, Elie has turned his passion for technology and communication into a thriving consultancy and training company, Intoact International, empowering thousands of students and helping hundreds of businesses unlock their online potential.
From Early Beginnings to Digital Visionary
Elie began his professional journey more than thirteen years ago, at a time when digital marketing was just emerging in the Middle East. Social platforms like Instagram hadn’t even launched, and the concept of a business’s online presence was still novel to many.“I saw a huge opportunity to bridge the gap between brands and consumers through meaningful and practical digital experiences,” he reflects.
His natural passion for both technology and communication found the perfect outlet in digital marketing, blending creativity with technical expertise. Over time, that passion evolved into a mission,educating and empowering others through Intoact International. Hence, launching Intoact International was one of the most transformative moments of Elie’s career.
Building a consultancy and training company from scratch, and ultimately training over 3,000 students while supporting 300+ businesses, proved the power of knowledge-sharing and hands-on education. Another milestone came when Elie was named among the “Top 10 Most Influential Business Leaders in the Middle East”. This recognition not only validated his years of dedication but also solidified Intoact’s reputation as a leader in both consultancy and education.
A Mission Rooted in Education and Impact
The heart of Intoact’s mission is to bridge the digital marketing skills gap through practical education, results-driven consultancy, and advanced SEO solutions. The goal is clear: equip both professionals and businesses with the tools and insights needed to succeed in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. For Elie, this mission mirrors his personal values: Education, Impact, and Innovation. Every course, strategy session, and SEO campaign the company delivers is designed to bring real-world results while staying aligned with that vision.
Data-Driven Strategy for Long-Term Growth
When it comes to strategic decision-making, Elie is guided by data and aligned with a clear, long-term vision. His approach favors sustainable growth over short-term wins. Before expanding services or entering new markets, the company thoroughly assesses market demand, available resources, and long-term impact. Elie also includes key team members in these decisions, ensuring diverse perspectives and a stronger sense of ownership.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting a business in a competitive, fast-paced industry came with its share of hurdles. For Elie, one of the biggest early challenges was building credibility, particularly in a market where many traditional businesses misunderstood digital marketing. To overcome these challenges, the visionary leader focused relentlessly on results, educating clients about digital strategies, and forming long-term partnerships grounded in trust and transparency. This approach built a reputation that stood the test of time.
Furthermore, Elie’s resilience comes from a clear purpose and strong team support. In times of crisis, such as COVID-19 or economic downturns, Intoact stayed agile by digitizing training, keeping close client communication, and remaining calm, emerging stronger through adaptability and mission focus.
Building Culture Through Growth and Change
For Elie, company culture begins with clarity, clearly defined values, open communication, and mutual respect. Even during rapid growth phases, Intoact prioritizes hiring for cultural fit and invests heavily in the development of its people. Regular team check-ins, collaborative planning sessions, and celebrations of wins help maintain a strong sense of connection and motivation, no matter how fast the company scales.
To keep his team aligned, Elie sets shared goals and fosters an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued. The company uses OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) to track progress and ensure that every member understands how their work contributes to the broader mission. Ongoing learning opportunities are also a cornerstone of team motivation, ensuring that employees are always prepared for future challenges.
Innovation as a Competitive Edge
At Intoact, innovation is not just a buzzword,it’s a constant practice. The company leverages advanced technology and tools for SEO, precision ad targeting, and data-driven strategy development. Training programs are built around live simulations, hands-on projects, and real-world case studies to ensure that learners are ready for the challenges of the marketplace. This commitment to innovation ensures that both Intoact’s clients and students remain one step ahead of the competition, locally and globally.
Empowering Leadership in Action
Over time, Elie’s leadership style has evolved from being hands-on and deeply involved in every task to a more empowering and strategic approach. In the early days, the visionary leader managed every detail himself, but today, his focus is on enabling his team to take ownership, innovate, and excel. He believes in transparency, continuous learning, and leading by example. Trust and communication remain the cornerstones of his leadership philosophy, fostering an environment where the team feels supported yet empowered to take initiative.
Proud Milestones and Lasting Impact
Among Elie’s proudest achievements is seeing Intoact recognized among the leading digital marketing training and SEO companies in the region. Equally rewarding is witnessing the success of former trainees, many of whom have gone on to lead marketing teams in top companies. The visionary leader also takes pride in seeing the direct impact of Intoact’s strategies, helping businesses generate millions in annual profits through targeted, results-oriented campaigns.
Looking Ahead
Over the next few years, Elie’s focus will be on expanding Intoact’s reach, both regionally and globally, while maintaining the company’s high standards for quality. Plans include launching specialized courses in AI marketing and data analytics and forging partnerships with universities and tech platforms to deliver world-class education. By staying true to its mission, Intoact aims to remain a bridge between digital skills and real-world success.
The Future of Digital Marketing
Looking ahead, Elie predicts that the next three to five years will see digital marketing even more deeply integrated with AI, automation, and hyper-personalization. With the shift toward a cookie-less future, brands will rely more heavily on first-party data and authentic content to build consumer trust. He also foresees SEO and performance marketing becoming increasingly technical, with consumer trust emerging as one of the most valuable forms of capital in the digital space.
Social Responsibility in the Digital Space
Elie sees the digital world as a powerful force for good. Intoact supports startups and small businesses by offering affordable digital strategies and provides scholarships to learners from underprivileged backgrounds. The company also champions ethical marketing, ensuring strategies are inclusive, respectful, and transparent. For the visionary leader, creating impact beyond profit is a non-negotiable part of doing business.
A Lesson in Leadership
One lesson Elie wishes he had embraced earlier in his career is the power of delegation. Early on, the visionary leader felt compelled to manage every detail, which led to burnout. Over time, he discovered that empowering others not only strengthened the team but also created space for his own growth. He also emphasizes the importance of investing in yourself, particularly in developing practical, applicable skills that can make a real impact.
Adaptability: The Essential CEO Trait
In Elie’s view, adaptability is the single most critical quality for a modern CEO. The global market moves fast, shaped by shifts in AI, consumer behavior, and digital platforms, and a leader’s role is not just to respond to change but to anticipate it. Equally important, the visionary leader believes, is empathy. “A modern CEO must balance innovation with human-centric leadership,” He says, underlining the importance of being people-focused in decision-making.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For future entrepreneurs and CEOs, Elie’s advice is simple yet profound: start with purpose, not just profit. A strong sense of mission will sustain you through challenges. He urges leaders to listen, really listen, to their teams, customers, and markets. Staying open to change and embracing lifelong learning are critical to staying relevant. And above all, action is more important than perfection, progress always beats perfection.