Luck Is a Strategy: Redefining Entrepreneurship from Baghdad to the World

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) In the heart of Baghdad, where challenges abound and the stakes are high, a revolutionary approach to entrepreneurship is changing the future of Iraq. The Project Development Office (PDO), guided by the visionary leadership of Business Development Consultant Hassan Al-Salman, has emerged as one of the nation’s most influential organizations in reimagining how businesses are born, grown, and sustained. Their work is not only transforming local economies but is also setting an example for emerging markets around the world.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The Project Development Office was born from the need to address one of Iraq’s most pressing issues: how to create sustainable economic growth amidst the country’s social and economic challenges. Al-Salman, an experienced business consultant with a deep understanding of Iraq’s developmental landscape, envisioned an institution that could bridge the gap between societal issues and entrepreneurial solutions. This vision would go beyond the typical approach of addressing problems through charity or aid. Instead, PDO focuses on finding investment-driven solutions that empower local communities.

What sets PDO apart from other development organizations is its unique strategy of diagnosing societal problems and transforming them into investable business models. Rather than simply offering temporary fixes or short-term solutions, PDO works to create scalable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are not only profitable but also create lasting impact. This approach has been instrumental in transforming Iraq’s business culture and contributing to the broader national economic recovery.

A Vision Beyond Boundaries

Under Al-Salman’s leadership, the Project Development Office introduced Iraq Vision 2035, a groundbreaking national framework that aligns social and economic reform with entrepreneurship. Launched two years before the Iraqi government’s 2050 vision, PDO’s framework was the first private-sector initiative to connect long-term development goals with strategic investment and entrepreneurship. This forward-thinking approach has placed PDO at the forefront of Iraq’s economic recovery, allowing it to forge partnerships with both local and international stakeholders who share the vision of a prosperous, self-sustaining Iraq.

“Iraq’s future is not just about rebuilding what was lost,” says Al-Salman. “It’s about building something new, something sustainable. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship as the primary vehicle for change. The entrepreneurial spirit can solve some of Iraq’s most entrenched social and economic problems, but only if we approach it with a strategic, long-term mindset.”

The PDO Philosophy: "Luck Is a Strategy"

At the core of PDO’s methodology is a powerful philosophy: “Luck is a Strategy.” While luck is often seen as a random force, PDO believes that true success is a result of strategic foresight, careful planning, and a deep understanding of societal needs. This philosophy underscores every project the office takes on, transforming uncertainty and risk into structured opportunities. Through disciplined planning, strategic foresight, and a commitment to societal good, PDO has been able to guide businesses that not only thrive but contribute to Iraq’s larger developmental goals.

One of the most prominent examples of PDO’s innovative approach is its publication, Marry Your Company, the first interactive business model in the Middle East. This groundbreaking work blends traditional management science with a personal philosophy of entrepreneurship, which treats business as a long-term partnership. The model emphasizes commitment, responsibility, and purpose, values that are often overlooked in the rush for short-term profits but are central to PDO’s mission.

“The relationship you build with your company is like a marriage,” Al-Salman explains. “It’s about trust, patience, and mutual growth. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about financial success; it’s about creating value that lasts. Our model encourages businesses to think long-term and invest in building partnerships that will make a difference in the world.”

What Makes PDO Unique

In a landscape crowded with business consultants and development programs, PDO stands out for its holistic approach to business transformation. While many organizations focus solely on economic outcomes, PDO integrates social impact into every facet of its work. This commitment to blending business success with social responsibility is what has made PDO a game-changer in Iraq’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The office’s approach also emphasizes innovation, ensuring that all projects are designed with scalability in mind. By focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises, PDO has been able to foster a culture of entrepreneurship that can adapt to Iraq’s ever-changing political and economic climate. The businesses PDO nurtures are not just creating jobs, they are building the foundation for a more resilient, diversified economy.

“True entrepreneurship is not about inventing the next big thing,” Al-Salman reflects. “It’s about identifying the right opportunities at the right time and creating solutions that make sense for the community. We’re not just creating businesses; we’re creating systems that uplift people and strengthen communities.”

A New Generation of Entrepreneurs

As PDO continues to grow, its influence is only set to expand. Through its innovative model, PDO has already demonstrated how private-sector-led solutions can address some of the most complex social and economic issues facing a nation. But Al-Salman’s vision extends beyond Iraq. By refining business models that merge profit with purpose, PDO is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable entrepreneurship.

The next phase of PDO’s journey involves empowering the next generation of Iraqi entrepreneurs. Al-Salman is passionate about ensuring that Iraq’s youth are equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to lead the country into a new era of prosperity. Through training programs, mentorship, and investment, PDO is nurturing the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, who will continue to drive the country forward.

As Iraq continues its recovery and growth, the Project Development Office stands as a beacon of hope, showing that with the right strategy, perseverance, and vision, challenges can be turned into opportunities. And, perhaps most importantly, it proves that luck is not a random force, it is a strategy waiting to be harnessed.

Engage with the Project Development Office

To learn more about the Project Development Office and how it’s transforming Iraq’s economy, visit dngo.org or follow PDO on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Let PDO guide you to a future where strategic innovation drives lasting social change.