A results-driven leader, Cliff Poulton has over two decades of experience across sectors in the MENA region. As the Founder of Poulton Consultancy, he creates impactful career pathway programs, being a bridge between students and industry-leading attractions, corporates, and hospitality partners.
With a demonstrated history of successfully leading cross-functional teams, and driving revenue growth, Cliff fosters sustainable partnerships with educational institutions and corporate stakeholders. Being highly skilled at designing strategies that align academic objectives with real-world experiences, he seamlessly blends educational insight, commercial acumen, and operational excellence in his approach. By transforming student opportunities through strategic alliances and experiential learning, Cliff Poulton is redefining the educational landscape in the region.
Spark Behind the Journey
We started the session by asking, “What inspired you to start or lead this business, and how has the journey surprised you?”
Cliff shared, “What drove me to start Poulton Consultancy was a genuine belief that education should prepare students for more than exams—it should open doors to real-world opportunities and meaningful experiences. Collaborating with charities and leading UAE venues, I saw firsthand the impact that well-planned school programs and career pathways can have. The biggest surprise has been just how much demand there is from schools and partners who want something different for their students—a shift from theory to actual experience, and how quickly the right ideas can move things forward when the intent is sincere.”
Advice to Younger Self
Interested in learning about Cliff Poulton’s growth as a leader over the years, and how his perspective has evolved during this phase, we asked, “If you could go back to your first year in this role, what advice would you give yourself?”
“Looking back, I’d advise myself to trust the process and be patient with partnerships. Building genuine relationships in the UAE education sector takes time and careful listening. I’d also say: don’t wait for perfection—iterate, test, refine, and never lose sight of the human side of every project, whether it’s a career booklet or a school trip,” he shared.
Navigating through Uncertainties
We further asked, “How do you approach solving problems that don’t have clear solutions?”
Cliff added, “For me, solving complex problems begins by listening: paying attention to the needs of students, educators, and partners, and not rushing to conclusions. I break challenges down into manageable pieces, test ideas, and bring in voices from both education and industry. I’m not afraid to try new approaches or partner with others—sometimes the best solutions are created through collaboration and a willingness to adapt.”
A Career-Defining Moment
To learn more about the unique experience that shaped the way Cliff Poulton runs his business, we asked him to share the same.
“One pivotal moment was working on inclusive programs with Thrift for Good. Seeing students of determination thrive in settings designed for every need reshaped my priorities—not just to include all students, but to lead with empathy and purpose. That experience shaped our partnerships and pushed me to advocate for accessible, career-focused pathways across every program,” he shared.
A Collaborative Leader in the Industry
An efficient leader can take a business to new heights. So, we asked, “If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be, and why?”
“Collaborative. Nothing in this line of work is achieved alone—whether designing a brochure, building a school partnership, or supporting educators. I believe in hands-on involvement, bridging gaps between sectors, and ensuring every voice is heard and valued,” Cliff mentioned.
Major Breakthrough at Poulton Consultancy
Challenges are an inevitable part of every business. To learn more, we asked Cliff Poulton, “Can you share a challenge you faced that led to a surprising breakthrough?”
He responded, “A major challenge was bringing together venue partners who’d never worked with schools before. By carefully aligning their strengths with real curriculum needs—and spotlighting the shared value of community engagement—we quickly moved from hesitation to enthusiasm. The surprising breakthrough was the ripple effect: our partners began suggesting new program ideas themselves.”
A Wave of Transformation
Lastly, we asked, “If you could change one thing about the industry you work in, what would it be?”
“I’d make the pathway from school to work far more transparent and inclusive. The education sector needs to celebrate diverse talents and life skills just as much as academic achievement. If every student had clear, accessible routes to professional growth—and charities were always part of the process—I believe we’d see more fulfilled, capable young people ready to shape the future,” Cliff shared.
Learn more about Cliff Poulton on LinkedIn.
Follow Poulton Consultancy on LinkedIn and visit their website www.poultonconsults.com.
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