Alumnus, Leader and Entrepreneur: Meet Nagy Abdou
If the name Nagy Abdou sounds familiar to you, don鈥檛 be surprised. Since arriving at CBU in 2017 from Cairo International College (CIC) in Egypt, Nagy has become a pillar of the CBU 福利免费在线看. While completing his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree at CBU, Nagy served as the Executive Vice President of the Students鈥� Union and volunteered at countless campus and 福利免费在线看 events. Now, Nagy is a three-time business owner and entrepreneur here in Sydney, with his businesses , and taking Cape Breton by storm.聽
Nagy crossed the stage this November, earning his degree from CBU and looks back with pride on the great strides he has taken both in the university and the surrounding business 福利免费在线看. During his time at CBU, Nagy connected with his professors to learn more about business and bring concepts to life under their guidance. Outside of classes, Nagy would keep himself busy, getting involved with various projects aimed at making a difference in his 福利免费在线看. His desire to be a strong leader and inspire others led him to run for the position of Executive Vice-President during the 2018-2019 academic year.聽
鈥淚 like how CBU has many ties with the 福利免费在线看 which allowed me to get involved with projects and events that make a difference in the 福利免费在线看,鈥� says Nagy. 鈥淪chool isn鈥檛 just about the classes. It鈥檚 about learning about the culture, the environment and the day-to-day life choices that will lead you to other opportunities.鈥澛�
His inspiration to open 7 by 7 in Downtown Sydney grew from his desire to create a new culture and atmosphere for Sydney residents. Nagy wanted to create a restaurant with good, quality food, affordable prices, reasonable serving times and most importantly a comfortable environment where people could relax and enjoy themselves. His business philosophy is 鈥渟mall details make a big difference,鈥� which Nagy says is at the foundation of the restaurant. Nagy didn鈥檛 want to open a restaurant where customers just eat and rush away, he wanted his patrons to feel welcome to stay as long as they鈥檇 like.聽
7 by 7 offers primarily Canadian cuisine but brings in different options from a variety of cultures. Step into the kitchen of 7 by 7 and you鈥檒l find a truly global team. Each chef is from a different country, including China, India, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt.聽
Nagy says one of the biggest assets he has had in starting these businesses is the support he has received from the 福利免费在线看. 鈥淧eople try to give positive feedback and encourage you to keep doing what you鈥檙e doing,鈥� he says. He also gives credit to CBU for helping him open his businesses. 鈥淭hough CBU I gained the knowledge, experience and network to open my eyes to all of the opportunities and connections available to me in the 福利免费在线看,鈥� says Nagy. 鈥淚 know what鈥檚 happening in my 福利免费在线看 and what the people are looking for.鈥澛�
Starting a business is a big responsibility and can be a scary thought, but Nagy says he would encourage fellow entrepreneurs to follow their dreams. 鈥淲hen you have a business idea you always fear it may not be successful,鈥� he admits. 鈥淏ut you just need to find your unique selling point and it will turn into the most enjoyable experience you will have.鈥�
His advice to fellow student-entrepreneurs is to take advantage of the resources available to them at CBU, including the friendly staff and faculty. 鈥淭hey are such a huge resource that you won鈥檛 find anywhere else,鈥� says Nagy. 鈥淵ou can get a lot of positive direction, knowledge and experience at CBU.鈥澛�
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