Ayman Kaouri

About Beyond Cubicles

📢 #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.

Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers. 

✨ Note: All features in this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories of transformation.

“I’d always had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, with little side hustles here and there,” says Ayman Kaouri, whose path from corporate life to founder began when his role was made redundant.

“I was then presented with an opportunity to become a business owner in Dubai, and I couldn’t turn it down. It felt like fate.”

But guilt and doubt set in.

“Guilt for leaving stability behind with a young family. Doubt about whether I’d live up to the expectations I had for myself,” he says, adding, “I worked through it the way I do most things: trust God, pivot where necessary, and remind myself that risk and regret aren’t the same thing.”

Backed by over 16 years in B2B SaaS and leadership roles across EMEA, in 2023 he co founded Scope Dubai, a boutique consultancy that helps accounting firms and SMEs across the Middle East improve operations through technology.

“The name ‘Scope’ reflects how we see ourselves: not just solving today’s issues but helping clients widen their lens, expanding their scope to what’s possible,” he says.

Breakthroughs came through consistency. “It was when businesses we deeply respected started reaching out to us for help,” he says.

Alongside professional momentum came personal growth. “I’ve grown more comfortable with ambiguity. The old me wanted answers and clear KPIs. The founder me embraces messy middle phases and bets on intuition more often.”

Support from those closest to him made that growth possible. “My wife who created the conditions for me to be successful. She gives me peace of mind that my children are in good hands while I burn the midnight oil,” he says. “And my co-founders who believe in the long-term vision has made all the difference.”

Freedom, for him, is praying on time and not being forced to work a 9-5. “Saying no to clients who aren’t aligned with our values. It’s not about working less; I work more than ever, but I get to decide why I work.”

His personal brand, once tied to his past employer, now stands independently. “Now, people recognize me as someone who champions accounting tech, particularly in the Middle East.”

Born and raised in the UK with Lebanese roots, he calls Dubai home. “It blends the best of my Islamic, Eastern and Western values.”