How would you describe your journey? Brief us on the inception story of your career.
After completing my degree in Vatel Madrid , a Hotel & Tourism Business School is one of the top universities in this sector , I started my career in hotels management , One highlight of my first position was achieving the flexibility to fit in all kinds of roles , from reception, to Food and beverage , Housekeeping, Marketing , Sales and events that helped me build this skill of adaptation and going out from my comfort zone.
Since moving from city to city and country to country I’ve held positions in Sales , PR , Events , Real Estate, Education, Consulting I’ve been really driven to improve the abilities to not stay in a “box” , a “sector” a “path and inspired to touch several fields and positions.
In terms of next steps , I’ve came back to Spain from three years in Cairo , Egypt after receiving a nice offer. I’m very motivated by sharing cultures , representing values and spreading joy.
Enlighten us about your role in the organisation you are leading / associated with?
I’m head of business expansion for middle East,North Africa and Israel for a Spanish company, I’m responsible of research and identify new business opportunities in the region including new markets, growth areas, trends, customers, partnerships, products and services.
What motivates you to work harder?
There is nothing more fulfilling for me as a young Arab girl ,that will have 30 next week , that’s been living alone since 18years old and being abroad since then and far from my family than knowing that what we contribute in this world makes a significant difference. There are many careers that provide us with the money we desire but that also may come along with a ton of unrewarding stress. Ultimately, we spend the majority of our time In our lives at work so we may as well find a way to make our career meaningful for ourselves and others. The greatest gift of working in careers which give back to our communities is the way it changes and impact our own lives. When we see that what we contribute makes a difference, it makes our careers and our purpose feel that much more rewarding. When we are inspired we are more motivated to get back to the grind each new day.
My biggest achievement?
Generally, the common notion among aspiring entrepreneurs is that the best time to kickstart your business is when you are in your early 20s. However, this myth seems to have created a lot of pressure on young and hardworking would-be entrepreneurs , I couldn’t have the luxury of dedicating myself 100% to it , to being a project Manager in Cairo , and having a good salary, I wanted to invest in on of the 10000 ideas that were on my journal.
After going through the whole process of creating a little food truck , selling waffles , crepes , Greek donuts , cookies ….and more
It was key for me to start while I was Still employed and investing my money wisely.
What is the one thing you wish you had known about women in your line of work before you started working?
I wish I knew that you don’t HAVE to follow a certain path , sector , working in what you studied , live take you on a journey of unless opportunities, All women who are starting to work should learn to see work as a service opportunity. It is of great satisfaction and motivation to know that people appreciate and value our work. Always stay positive and make every day a new opportunity to shine. Make an effort to inspire others and to be remembered by your integrity and ethical behaviors .
Do you believe it is compulsory for a woman to manage a household alongside her work?
As a woman, that has been married at 22 , and always followed up my career it’s not Compulsory , the household is the obligation of All the members that lives under that roof , Women are changing the game in every industry. If we feel empowered and supported at home , with our partner and family the sky’s the limit.
As a woman, what has been the highlight of you career? What are the changes you wish to make for the better in your professional life post-pandemic?
The highlight of my career was learning 5 languages perfectly something that opened for me doors that I never thought about, and creating step by step my food truck while working, and developing it , until receiving a good offer from an investor to sell it . What I’ve learned in that journey is the highlight of my career and personal growth, We always reward boys for following their passions without fear; we train girls to play it safe and follow the rules specially in my culture, so I’m happy that I didn’t let anyone define who I am despite The religion and the culture and what I can do or don’t
Embrace the opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone and learn from them. That is key.
Post-pandemic career wise I want to remember The power of networking. I wish I had appreciated this much earlier in my career. Networking gives you permission to reach outside your comfort zone safely. It speaks to a growth mindset, which is important to cultivate on your leadership journey. And it’s something that we forgot since the pandemic. There is a saying: “It’s not what you know, it’s who knows what you know.”
Brief us on the changes the pandemic brought to your sector and your market. Has the work-culture altered?
One of the best decisions I took is not to stay in one sector , Tourism and Hotels industry is one of the sectors that was very touched by the pandemic, so I’m grateful that I could juggle positions and jobs .
What words of wisdom/ inspiration/ advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders?
Well I’m still considering myself as “next generation “ but few advices :
- Practice resilience
- Discipline
- Have humility
- Play to your strengths (not your weaknesses)
- Be of service to others
- Take risks
- Find mentors
- Don’t compare yourself to others (Instagram in killing this )
- Demonstrate strength with grace and kindness always
Even though women are vaulting to leadership spaces, our communities remain obstinately resistant to women in leadership roles, specially in our culture and countries . They too often perceive women as too delicate to lead. This trend, among many other deeply-seated and unconscious gender biases, force potential women leaders to withdraw into their shells,
Go for it , try , learn , fail , repeat , work , experience , No one has had the same experiences, relationships, upbringing, or career journey as you. And that means you have something effortlessly unique to bring to the table even if it doesn’t feel like it all the time.
There’s opportunity everywhere if you know where to look. It helps if you know what your long-term career goals are, as you’ll be more likely to spot opportunities along the way that will help you get there.
Know that it will be a journey full of ups and downs, but the final destination is amazing
Like Kerry Washington said and that hit hard
“ You have to pray to catch the bus, run as fast as you can & then if you don’t get the bus, that was not your bus. You have to trust that another bus is coming, that was meant for you.”
