RIYADH: On the first day of the Impact Makers Forum in Riyadh, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo captivated audiences with his unique story.
Embracing his identity as “a Bedouin from Brooklyn,” Inzerillo shared his journey and insights in a session called “From Brooklyn to Diriyah”.
He emphasized the power of hard work, saying: “We are very hard-working people.” Recalling a lesson learned from the Qur’an, he added: “May Allah accept all our good intentions, and may our good intentions turn into good deeds. These are not just words; they are blessed words for your life’s submission.”
Inzerillo recounted a moment from a dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where a former Italian prime minister praised the Kingdom’s transformative vision for 2030.
Quoting the crown prince’s response, he said: “Always surround yourself with passionate people. Passion is the fuel of ambition.” He added: “If you see joy in serving, it will carry you through a long career.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Inzerillo said: “I came to Saudi Arabia in 1998, and I have always been blessed with Saudi friends who have been warm and generous.”
On the Kingdom’s recent opening to tourism, he said: “This is a historic time in Saudi Arabia.”
Urging attendees to dream big, he added: “Everything in this Kingdom is accomplishable. The future is very bright for this blessed Kingdom.”
Inzerillo highlighted the rapid progress and achievements under the Crown Prince’s leadership, including hosting the 2030 World Expo, AFC Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2034.
He concluded with an empowering message: “You are the captains of your ship. You will determine your future.”
He encouraged everyone to serve with their hearts, reminding them that while the path may not always be easy, it will be noble.
The Impact Makers Forum, which ends on Dec. 19, is hosted by the Ministry of Media and aims to redefine influence and enrich social values. It brings together over 300 global influencers, industry experts and digital content creators and has a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange.
