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Employee Story

Ali

Embedded Software Development Team Lead

A person wearing glasses and a light blue shirt is in focus, standing in what appears to be an indoor setting with blurred green plants in the background. The individual has a neutral expression and a neatly trimmed beard.
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From consultant to leader: Ali’s journey of growth, trust, and team spirit at Expleo

“If they succeed, I succeed” – A leader’s perspective

When Ali joined Expleo Morocco in January 2022, he was just a consultant looking for a challenge. Fast forward to today, and he’s leading three growing teams with over 50 people—and already building a fourth.

His rise wasn’t just about promotions; it was about trust, responsibility, and the people who believed in him.

“From the beginning, I wanted to contribute more, to take on something bigger. So, I had an open conversation with my Managing Director about my ambitions and desire to grow.”

Recognising his potential and drive, Expleo responded with an opportunity that would define his career. They entrusted him with building the company’s first-ever validation team in Morocco—a challenge that Ali was more than ready for.

“That was the beginning of the electronic embedded systems department here. There was no proper structure, no teams—it was all starting from scratch. But I was given the chance to build it.”

Building teams, one challenge at a time

Ali didn’t just lead one team—he built several from the ground up.

  • First team: Started as a validation responsible, then became a technical team leader as the team expanded.
  • Second team: A new client came in, and Expleo asked, “Ali, do you want to build this one too?” His answer? Yes.
  • Third team: Having encountered a similar mechatronics project in the past, he decided to take on the challenge again.
  • Fourth team: A new exciting project—his next mission, already in motion.

At every stage, Ali was not just leading—he was developing future leaders.

“Expleo trusted me to choose my own technical team leaders, to mentor them. That level of trust is rare. And as they did it for me, I do it for others. I always promote from within when I see potential.”

More than a team

Ali’s leadership isn’t about hierarchy or titles. He sees his teams as a family—and that’s not just something he says, it’s something he lives.

  • When a team member from another city had a problem, Ali drove to help him personally.
  • When his son was born, his team didn’t just congratulate him over Teams—they came one by one, in person, to his office, the hospital, and even his flat to celebrate.
  • Outside work, they play billiards and football together, support each other, and stay connected—not just as colleagues, but as people.

“Yes, when we work, we’re serious, we get things done. But leadership isn’t just about projects—it’s about people. If my team isn’t doing well, I’m not doing well. It’s that simple.”

What’s next for Ali?

Despite his impressive growth, Ali isn’t slowing down.

“For now, my goal is to keep building strong, efficient teams. And in the future? Maybe unit development leadership. But whatever happens, I’ll always focus on the same thing—helping my team succeed. Because if they succeed, I succeed.”

At Expleo, recognition isn’t just words—it’s action. Ali was trusted, empowered, and given the space to grow. And now, he’s making sure others get the same opportunity.

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Robert Matthews

What is your name and your role and how long have you been working at Expleo?

This year I’m celebrating my 12th year at Expleo. I started my career at Expleo as a Quality Auditor contractor, and then was offered a Staff position in the Life Cycle Management team, where I became a Deputy Team Lead, after which there was another promotion opportunity to an Engineering Manager, and later I was able to join our Marine division where I currently work.

Where and how long did you serve in the armed forces?

I served in the Air Force just shy of 25 years. I started my career as an Aero Engines Mechanic. My first posting was at Brize Norton working on VC 10s, Tri Stars & Hercules Aircraft. Then I went on to a technician’s course and became a Junior Technician, and then progressed into a leadership position as a Sergeant. I left the Air Force as a Senior Non-commissioned Officer.  

Robert Mathews
Rob in 2022 post remembrance parade in his local village. Remembrance day is very important to serving and veterans of the forces as it gives a chance to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country

What challenges did you have after leaving the Armed Forces?

My main challenge was worrying about Job Security. My manager was very supportive when I was still a contractor at Expleo and he transferred me over from contractor to permanent staff. I remember the conversation I had with him about the opportunities for secure job security and promotion.

And he said: “At Expleo, opportunities are out there for you, so go and get them”. And he was right, there are plenty of opportunities at Expleo. You just have to seize them. And every time I saw an opportunity at Expleo, I just went for it. 

I transferred a lot of my skills over to Expleo. For instance, the aircraft and engine experience, experience in fault diagnosis, and more in-depth engineering project management and of course my leadership & Management Skills 

How did Expleo help you to transition into your civilian job?

I found it quite an easy transition, as there were a lot of ex-forces colleagues within Expleo when I joined, some of which I knew already. For those that didn’t have a military background they were equally as welcoming.

How do you feel Expleo allows you to use your expertise you gained during your service?

Expleo gave me the freedom to use my transferable skills that I gained in the Air Force. My manager and colleagues had an open mindset for my ideas. I could bring those ideas into the office and illustrate how they could be implemented within a business setting They very much welcomed my ideas about improvements, and there is always an open environment for sharing ideas and previous knowledge. I also completed an Expleo Leadership Management course, which differed to the one I had in the Air Force. Combining the two gave me a much more rounded leadership and management mindset.

How do you connect with other members of the Armed Forces Community at Expleo?

I participate in careers transition workshops supporting recruiters. When Ex-Forces are looking for a new career, I attend the workshops chatting to the Armed Forces community sharing my experience and what I have learned.

What advice would you give to other members of the Armed Forces Community who are planning to join Expleo?

Expleo has many different opportunities, whether it be leadership management, various jobs in engineering, project management etc. Don’t think that you don’t have the skill set to join Expleo. It is within you; you do have those skills and Expleo can bring out these skills in people.