MEA Women in Business Awards 2017 by AI Global Media

mea Women in Business

Most Innovative Woman in Interior Designs 2017 & Best Woman-Run Architecture Firm - Dubai: Inspirations Decor

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note

Welcome to the 2017 Women in Business Awards Women within the Middle East and Africa region are making large strides in the corporate world. They face a challenging environment and yet still manage to establish themselves highly in political, commercial and social roles. The MEA Women in Business Awards have been designed to celebrate the success of women within the region and their respective fields and industries over the previous 12 months.

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Contents

04. Most Innovative Woman in Interior Designs 2017 & Best Woman-Run Architecture Firm- Dubai Company: Inspirations Décor 08. Most Influential Woman in Hospitality Human Capital 2017 Company: Jumeirah Group 09. Most Influential Woman Hospitality Equipment & Supplies 2017 & Hospitality Bed & Linen Manufacturer of the Year 2017 Company: Dimara Group 10. Most Influential Women in a Communications Agency 2017 Company: Adpro Communications 12. Cosmetics Business Innovator of the Year & Best Emerging Cosmetics Company 2017 Company: Ibtisama Beauty 13. Best International Interior Design Director 2017 & Luxury Hospitality Interior Design Firm of the Year 2017 Company: WA International 14. Education HR Manager of the Year – Kuwait Company: Al Rayan Holding Company 15. Most Innovative Woman in PPE Procurement – South Africa Company: Select PPE 16. Female Founder & Managing Director of the Year 2017 – UAE & Egypt Company: IRC UAE & Egypt 17. Most Influential Women’s Magazine Publisher – Qatar & Best Beauty Professional Magazine 2017 Company: Alex Fox 18. Most Inspirational Woman in Women’s Development 2017 & Best International Training Company 2017 Company: The Springboard Consultancy MEA MARKETS / Women in Business Awards 2017 3

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Most Innovative Woman in Interior Designs 2017 & Best Woman-Run Architecture Firm- Dubai Inspirations Décor has been providing a comprehensive architectural and interior design service for residential, commercial and hospitality properties. We profiled the firm and spoke to its founder, Hind Abu Ibrahim to find out more about the company and explore the secrets behind its success. Founded in 2004, Inspirations Décor has provided stunning and inspirational décor to a variety of clients in many different aspects. Headed by Architect Hind Abu Ibrahim, a designer known for delivering trend setting design solutions for residential and commercial projects, the firm boasts a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge at the top. Hind is well known for overseeing and completing projects with similar design language from the exterior to the interior, particularly where the architecture plays a significant role in defining the interior spaces with the same identity. Hind gives us an insight into her passion for architecture, before reliving her early days, education and describing the satisfaction she feels when things fall into place. “With regard to my passion for architecture and interior design, I have always been interested by in the geometry of structures, such as shapes, volumes and spaces. A captivation with fascinating features, including the pyramids and other old buildings, led me

to become the architect and interior designer I am today. At work and in my own time I like to complete puzzles, something I find satisfying as I like the idea to put things together and watch the build-up of structures. “Before university, it had always been my dream to study architecture. However, my family played a big role in influencing me to study Maths as a major, as this is what was expected of women at the time. Women were expected to have jobs in certain fields e.g. like education, banking, private sector, etc... However, I was so keen to study architecture and build a career, I was lucky enough to get a scholarship and my wish came true when I was granted a place at University. This was special for me as few people were accepted back then, and to have the opportunity to attend the main architecture school really helped me shape my career. Had it not have been for this, I would not be the architect I am today.” Following on from her discussion on the inspiration behind Hind’s decision to study architecture, she explains how she ended up starting Inspirations Décor,

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finding it easier to start up as an Interior Designer, rather than an architecture company. “Fundamentally, I seized my chance when it came. I started up as freelance and ended up establishing a leading company in Interior design and Architecture. It was easier to start up as an Interior Designer, as Architecture was mainly dominated by men in the workspace. The market did not allow me, as a woman to take a job in architectural design. In the recent history, the general culture has changed with the vision of the leaders, clients opened to listen to more ideas and more open to listen to women as architects.” Interestingly, with regard to women working in the UAE, Women benefit immensely from the vision of the leaders. His Highness Sheik Mohamad bin Rashid al Maktoum, and his Highness Sheik Mohamad bin Zayed al Nahyan, as leaders they influence the culture not only to empower women, but empower the whole community through women. Through a series of public and private sector initiatives, women are playing an increasingly stronger

role in business, military and government. Women are encouraged to take jobs that have historically been dominated by men before, something Hind was able to sense when she moved to Dubai 17 years ago. Hind was very encouraged by the fact that clients were offering her projects despite the fact that she was seven months pregnant at the time. However, despite the victories women have achieved over recent years, the construction and architecture market remains very challenging for women, particularly those who wish to work on the ground. It is mainly a male dominated field, and there have been many situations where Hind has found herself being the only woman sitting around the table and leading a meeting. Hind finds this difficult, but manageable at the same time, as she has been regarded being the principle architect of these big projects. It would be very difficult and challenging to hire women and send them on site, because the culture is not yet ready to deal with women on site, that is common across most countries in this region. Hind provides us with

Most Innovative Woman in Interior Designs 2017 & Best Woman-Run Architecture Firm- Dubai

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an example of just some of the issues she and other women face in the workplace. “Men always argue loudly in site meetings and sometimes it gets out of control. However, if women do this and speak their mind, they are labelled as aggressive. Woman are expected to be timid. The work force on a construction site are not used to dealing with women in their work environment. This is also reflected in the performance of the work, as while the work force are dealing with Women, they try to hide information and may not be able to give clarity on the job.” Discussing her early years working in interior design, Hind alludes to the fact that she was able to learn more about local cultures. The lifestyle is important to understand when undertaking projects, as family environment would require certain considerations, with more family spaces, enabling people to entertain guests and maintain privacy between males and females. These are key factors to consider whilst in designing a living space. “Throughout my years working in Interior design, I could see huge lots with big houses built as a cluster. I believe that big entrances, vast gardens, and other outdoor spaces could be utilized more effectively considering the harsh weather of the area and the privacy element of the lifestyle. This is why I revived the Courtyard house theory of design in all of the houses, which I design. The Courtyard-house, is a form of architecture long forgotten, and has been used in the region for centuries as well as served the needs of climate and culture. With that I create an intimate outdoor and indoor spaces of pure modern luxury.” “I believe that architecture and interior are one entity, and should be in on the mind of the architect simultaneously during the design process. The architect will create the design language to be spoken coherently between the inside and outside to realize functional and aesthetic human spaces. For me, spaces are not defined by the theme of the finishes and furniture, but by the quality of the human experience in that space, it’s connection to the outside, its proportion to the human scale and the patterns of shadow and light

created by the pure basic shapes of the space.” “Differentiating the company from other similar firms, I create living space with a flow of energy. There are axis of energy channels to be incorporated in the main plan and general layout creating this a feeling of positivity and openness. The plans are developed in a way where solid elements like walls, ceilings and doors are replaced with Mushrabiehs and sliding partitions, then the use of space becomes more dynamic. Also, the architecture and the interior elements need to be used in synchrony to create a virtual design element through the shadow of lights.” Following on from Hind’s unmatchable passion, Inspirations Décor and its staff value client’s personal conceptions and can transform them into reality. The team has all the passion, creativity and knowledge to make things possible, and that it is the inspiration for staff to produce the best projects. Combining knowledge with an aesthetic vision, Inspirations Décor provides creative dynamic Architectural designs which are tailored to meet the client´s requirements. All of the staff employed by the company work hard to bridge the gap between practicality and sophistication with their designs for residential, commercial and hospitality properties. The team of professionals work hard and are disciplined when managing projects from conception through to construction, and finally completion. Ultimately, Hind and the rest of her staff are constantly searching for their next inspirational project. Inspirations Décor will continue to focus on the residential architecture and interior design sectors. Having supplied many projects, which have satisfied clients and provided a beautiful setting both inside and out, there is much to be admired about the work of Inspirations Décor. The inspiration behind all of the work is Hind, and she could not be prouder of her staff, who all work exceptionally hard to follow the same mission and reach the same goals, becoming the leading interior design firm in Dubai.

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Most Innovative Woman in Interior Designs 2017 & Best Woman-Run Architecture Firm- Dubai

Contact: Hind Abu Ibrahim Contact Email: info@inspirationsdecor.com Contact Email: hind@inspirationsdecor.com Address: Office 305, Building 13, Bay Square Business Bay, Dubai, UAE Phone: +971-4-4504475 Website: www.inspirationsdecor.com

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Most Influential Woman in Hospitality Human Capital 2017 Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts and residences across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. We invited Mona AlHebsi to tell us more about herself, the company and provide advice for those seeking a career in hospitality. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts are regarded among the most luxurious and innovative hospitality chains in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The company was founded in 1997 with the aim to become a hospitality industry leader through establishing a world class portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. Mona speaks to us about her career journey in the hospitality industry. “Throughout a career span of over 12 years, I have worked over 8 years within the hospitality industry. I started a job as Administrative Assistant in the Training Department of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah where I worked for almost three years. After completing my postgraduate studies, I’ve got an opportunity as HR Manager with Grand Hyatt Dubai. There, I was in charge of establishing the Emiratization strategy of the hotel and managing the day to day HR operation. “In December 2014, I have returned to Jumeirah, this time as a Director of Human Resources in Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, the contemporary lifestyle brand of Jumeirah. During my time there, I was a member of the Executive Committee in the hotel, heading the HR and Learning and Development division and responsible for designing and implementing effective people strategies in the hotel to support the overall business strategy. I have won several industry

awards for my achievements and contributions throughout my tenure with Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.” Mona has recently been promoted to Director of Human Resources in the majestic Ottoman inspired resort Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Mona urges individuals who would like to be hoteliers to assess their strengths and have a clear picture in mind of what they would like to achieve. The selected job role must be in alignment with their life purpose. She also detailed what attributes are integral to succeed in the industry.

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“Like everything else in life, hospitality is not for everyone. To succeed in the hospitality industry, a person should have the flair and the passion to work with different people and make things happen through the combined efforts of a team. Moreover, you must have a strong and yet, a balanced personality. Building your personal brand is a big one, you need to make people aware of your unique selling points; you never know when the next opportunity will be around the corner.”

Contact: Mona AlHebsi Email: mona.alhebsi@jumeirah.com Address: PO Box 27722, Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 453 0000 Website: www.jumeirah.com

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Most Influential Woman Hospitality Equipment & Supplies 2017 & Hospitality Bed & Linen Manufacturer of the Year 2017 Dimara Group is multi-faceted organization that has created a brand concept in the hospitality industry consisting of procurement/consulting, design and supply concepts with international fashion brands, and manufacturing of textiles. We profiled the firm to find out more about them and their global reach. Dimara currently has three distinct divisions: Dimara International Procurement/ Turnkey Project Solutions for OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment); Dimara Galerie works with many notable designer fashion brands and translates those into hospitality concepts. This segment also represents many world class brands for guestroom equipment, food and beverage trucks and trolleys as well as other areas of hotel use. Dimara Industries manufactures designer bed and bath linen and textiles for hospitality, all of which fall in line with Brand Standard standards and is under license for notable fashion brands. To ensure continued success, the company’s aim is to grow and maintain its status as the leading provider and consultants of body care amenities, bed and bath linen, alongside soft furnishings accessories in the Middle East region. Staff aim to readily expand Diamara’s product offerings and services through global strategic alliances to better serve clients. The standards of the group’s services and products are inspired by genuine hospitality and achieved by its loyal, committed business partners, as well as the dedicated team members at the firm. Fundamentally, the company’s mission is to promote healthy

living through an intense and unique focus on well-being through refined luxury, pure ingredients and natural methods. The mission is delivered through the core values of exceptional customer service alongside honesty and transparency. Other values of the firm are innovative passion, professionalism and proficiency. Regarding its ongoing strategy, Dimara believes in the philosophy of direct sales and has a goal oriented approach. The company values it clients greatly and rather than waiting for them to approach the firm, staff focus on specific market segments in which the needs of the potential client match the offerings of the firm. This is the desired clientele of the group. Dimara’s unique approach is valued and appreciated within the region as well as the industry, as it is a pleasant experience as well as the cultural expectation of the firm’s clientele. Ms. Aslam is a leading expert in the hospitality industry, with 15 years experience in creating bespoke hospitality concepts with a designer flair. Additionally Ms. Aslam is an OS&E consultant for hotels at a pre-opening stage, and works closely with owners and hotel operators. She has written over 20 editorials in major publications regarding hospitality trends ranging from in room amenities, textile, and food & beverage presentations. Her

contributions have led Dimara International in becoming “The Number One Dubai Small & Medium Enterprise”, “The Best Commercial Business In Dubai”, all while receiving a Label from the Dubai Chamber for Corporate Social Responsibility. Recently, she has redefined the traditional buy/sell relationships within hospitality in offering many out of the box and cross selling opportunities that are

revolutionizing the industry. Ms. Aslam holds a degree from George Washington University, Washington D.C. with a specialty in International Business. Contact: Farah Aslam Contact Email: farah@dimara.ae Address: Street # 4, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, P.O. Box 47974, UAE Phone: 971 4 334 2881 Website: www.dimara.ae

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Most Influential Women in a Communications Agency 2017 Adpro Communications has become known for its clear-cut creative edge, client and staff stability and a select brand base. Rana Hamarneh, its Managing Partner, has held several positions, sat on several boards, and enjoyed several memberships across many different boards and companies. We invited Rana to tell us more about herself and the firm, finding out what makes them successful. Since its inception in 1991, Adpro Communications set foot on a sure winning strategy of growth, making a reputation for itself over the years as one of the leading market players in Jordan and the region. With a solid media function that is continuously ranked amongst the top in the Kingdom, the firm services brand and media clients under the same roof. Adpro takes pride in having launched some of the kingdoms most successful brands and success stories to date. Today, some of Adpro’s successful campaign case studies are being taught at Universities in Amman and Dubai. Lead by Mrs. Rana Hamarneh, Managing Partner, the road ahead for Adpro will see more firsts, more wins, and more success stories. With close to three decades of varied experience in the creative, strategy, media and advertising sector, Rana is one of the most influential figures in the advertising industry. She has been very instrumental in taking her agency through major consecutive wins, and is known today for producing some of the most awarded and memorable campaigns in Jordan. Before joining Adpro, Hamarneh worked with several renowned agencies after which she moved on to co-found Jordan DDB. Rana played a major role in taking the local campaign levels to different heights, winning her country the first International award, the

silver Keith Reinhard Award. In the year 2000, Hamarneh moved on to accept an even bigger challenge. Her position as the Managing Partner of Adpro Communications, an associate of BBDO, opened new doors for her; an opportunity that allowed her to put her marketing, strategic, media and creative experiences at work. Leading the sector with many firsts, Hamarneh’s achievements were clearly noticed with identifiable and remarkable total communication solutions and strategies that transformed the businesses of Al-Ghad Newspaper, Umniah Telecommunications, Capital Bank, Housing Bank, Nuqul Group, Fine Tissues, and Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Award for Excellence in teaching, to name a few. In 1996, Rana participated as a jury member in the first regional Keith Rheinhard Award in Dubai, and in the Pikasso D’or award in Paris in 2005, and Beirut in 2014. She was the first Creative Director in the Middle East to participate in the “Art of Advertising and the 1994 Clio Awards” satellite world net dialogue that took place at the American cultural center in 1994. Hamarneh has held several positions, sat on several boards, and enjoyed several memberships such as; A member of the Jordan Advertising Association, a member in the leadership network, a member on the brand committee of Injaz, a member of Young Arab Leaders, a member in Business and Professional WomenAmman. Rana sat on the board

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of the International advertising association, Nuqul Automotive and is currently a board member at INJAZ. Discussing her experiences, Rana tells us what changes she has seen, both in the firm and within the industry it operates with regards to women, as well as the challenges she has encountered as a woman working in the corporate environment. “The industry in general has experienced impactful shifts that have drastically changed the way the industry operates, however the more it changes, the more it delves deeper into its foundations, and while technological advancements have played a major role in creating this change, for us, the core is in the idea, it’s in the story we want to tell, activated and evolved across several media, traditional, non-traditional and/ or digital. Leading an advertising agency is very challenging irrespective of your gender really, competition is high on all fronts as we not only compete with other agencies but more so with our clients’ competitors. Many women in Jordan work in the communications field and they are excelling… I believe that there are more than ten communication agencies that are led by women here in Amman. It is no wonder that women tend to excel in this field as we are natural communicators and great analysts, ask any husband and they will tell you that. But for

anyone to succeed irrespective of gender or the field; vision, agility, resilience, passion, commitment and a strong value system are what make for successful business people.” Looking ahead, Rana discusses what the future holds for the business and whether there any specific projects or upcoming developments, whilst also outlining her goals regarding her own career and how she plans to reach these goals. “As the market in the region and the world become more and more unpredictable, I believe that agencies in general need to look at things from a different point of view, de-construct to reconstruct, visit the business model and evolve. We should keep an eye on the world without losing focus of the local perspective. “The digital world has with no doubt changed the way brands look and interact with consumers, many brands will be more compelled to start acting like entertainment companies and think about a plot and a story to tell. So here at Adpro, the future for us holds more ground breaking communication solutions and our never ending endeavor to look for new and better ways to service our clients, bring their promise to life and narrate their story in a compelling way.… it’s always going to be the big idea and the story we tell, however, we need to keep finding new ways to bring them to life.”

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Contact: Rizek Jildeh Contact Email: Rizek@adpro.jo Address: 190 Zahran Street, 11821 Amman, P.O. Box: 674, Jordan Phone: 962 6 551 9050 Website: www.adpro.jo

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Cosmetics Business Innovator of the Year & Best Emerging Cosmetics Company 2017 Ibtisama Beauty is the only cosmetic teeth whitening brand in MENA Region of its madein-USA products. We spoke to Maissa Fattal to try and find out more about what makes the company so successful. Today Ibtisama Beauty is highly regarded as “Your Smile Partner”, being the first one to tail the cosmetic trends and care about a beautiful white smile in the Middle East. Maissa discusses what drove her to launch the company. “Fundamentally, I founded Ibtisama Beauty from the passion of a confident white smile discovered during my career as a barrister in Geneva. I created a unique concept in the region that gets far from the dentist chair, the white uniform and the painful experience into a daily beauty routine smile-care concept using only chemical free and natural ingredients. The definition of beauty at Ibtisama is flirting with the positive energy that a person gives out through self-confidence.” Since starting her career, Maissa comments on the changes she has seen, both within the company and the industry, particularly with regard to women. Maissa talks about the future of the firm, how she plans to expand the company and spread happiness through her work. “Mainly, I have always said that being an entrepreneur is not easy but it definitely has its ups and

downs if you are a woman. As a young Swiss women entrepreneur in the middle east, I faced many challenges, mostly when it comes to deal with the authorities. Also, accepting a woman in leadership`s roles can generate a longer process in bonding new partnerships and credibility, but it is not impossible for sure. I learned how to adapt where the obstacles are to overcome, and I always followed the goal.” “The main goal and plans for Ibtisama Beauty are to bring the express teeth whitening service known to the next level over middle east by establishing new Smile Lounges in all Middle East countries and spreading the happiness through a beautiful smile that gives energy.” With regards to her own career, Maissa details her goals for the future and how she is planning on reaching these goals. “Looking great on the outside is something we all want and work hard towards but having a positive mindset is far away the much healthier option. Plus, how else if not through a beautiful smile that gives energy and spread positive vibes.”

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Contact: Maissa Fattal Contact Email: info@ibtisamabeauty.com Address: Sky Tower, 35th Floor, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE PO Box 46391 Phone: 971 2 555 9272 Website: www.ibtisamabeauty.com

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Best International Interior Design Director 2017 & Luxury Hospitality Interior Design Firm of the Year 2017 WA International is renowned in the hospitality market for creating original & distinctive destinations. We spoke to Claire Craig, Design Director, to find out more about the firm. Established in 1996, WA International combine extensive experience with dynamic creativity and an appreciation of local aesthetics, materials and conditions, to create some truly exceptional interiors. Claire, who founded the firm’s main offices in Dubai and has helped drive the firm towards the excellence it enjoys today, discusses how the company works to ensure excellence for its clients at all times. “Here at WA International, we believe that our success is down to a simple philosophy, to stay loyal to the Clients brief and meet the operator’s requirements of functionality, yet at the same time, to create an interior that exceeds the highest international standards whilst providing a unique and memorable experience for the guest. “Thanks to the high quality services we provide, we are proud to be associated with a variety of prestigious developments and premium brands such as Starwood Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, Four Seasons, One & Only, The Address Hotel & Resort, Soffitel and InterContinental to name but a few.”

Ultimately, having worked previously in Canada, USA, Saudi Arabia, London and Egypt, Claire embodies the true spirit of an international and culturally diverse designer. Recently, she has witnessed the evolution and growth of this region, her contributions to design has led the UAE to a world class hospitality and travel destination. With a background in architecture, it is her love and passion for all things design that has led her to interior design. In her concluding comments, she outlines how she and her company work to ensure that clients receive the solutions they need, and how this focus on quality will continue to drive the business over the months and years to come. “Overall, WA International prides itself on the precise interpretation of our clients’ requirements within integrated parameters of budget, feasibility and programme, which is enabled by our team of experienced designers and an extensive and updated reference library allowing focus on aesthetic detail and the generation of solutions which are exclusive, avant-garde and viable, incorporating the latest technology and global trends. “Our paramount philosophy of quality and creativity is maintained by professional support staff

ensuring the design integrity is upheld throughout, thus meeting the expectations of our exacting clientele, and this will remain our ongoing focus as we look towards an exciting future.”

Contact: Claire Craig Contact Email: claire.c@wai.ae Address: First Floor NGI House, Port Saeed, Dubai, PO Box 42, UAE Phone: +971-4-266 3050

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Education HR Manager of the Year – Kuwait Al Rayan manages many international and local schools in Kuwait and offers holistic education through wide range of curriculums. We spoke to Ayesha Shaikh, HR and Operations Manager, in order to discuss more about the company and her own recent success. Al Rayan’s clients are the student population and their parents, who are very involved in what their child is doing at the school. Ayesha tells us about her role within the firm, working under CEO Mohammad Al Shuaibi and how long she has been there as well as discussing her previous roles. “At Al Rayan, I work as a Human Resource and Operations manager, overseeing all the recruitment needs of the company and its schools along with legal matters pertaining to human resources, grievance management, purchasing and maintenance. My role encompasses liaising with school principals and other department heads to manage the operational and human resource needs of the schools. Due to my line of work I am required to manage international recruitment. I also get advice from the higher management on their vision for the organisation and adjust accordingly. Regarding her own career, Ayesha outlines her goals and how she ambitious plans to reach them. “To feel happier and more positive during my workday by organizing my daily work and to create a more positive work culture is on my list. My goal is to get the right work/ family balance as I believe this is very important to women and most of the women are not able to maintain this and are eventually pressurised to quit their careers. I love doing my work and with all the support at home and at work I plan to continue making improvements

in the organisation while having a positive impact on the people. Being a woman, it can sometimes be challenging working in the corporate environment. Ayesha discusses the challenges she has encountered in the industry and how she has managed to overcome them. Part of the newer generation are realising that women do not solely have to prioritise their families but can hold a career as well as performing all family responsible to a quality standard. “My work requires undivided attention and my presence at times, in various departments and schools is unavoidable. This means contributing extra hours, working from home and being available at all possible hours. Although, technology has helped a great deal, it is still challenging to maintain a healthy balance between work and family responsibilities, specially having 2 young children. Having said that, I am fortunate to have right support at work and as well as at home which helps me manage my work and family responsibilities efficiently. “Generally, woman in the Middle East face the societal pressure to prioritise their family over their career, which effects their participation in the corporate world. However, the new generation realises the important of career and are supportive of the women in their families.” In order to try and help others succeed, Ayesha lists some of the factors that helped her thrive

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as a woman in the corporate environment. Having confidence in their own ability, being thorough and not being afraid to ask the hard questions are all key aspects of what makes anyone, not just women successful in business. “There are many important factors but I would like to point out things that has helped me achieve my goals and manage my teams. Factors which I believe are key to success not only in education but any industry are such as being diligent, delegating responsibility with trust, staying ever curious and always learning and adapting to the new people and environment around you, not being reluctant to hire people smarter than yourself and giving them the tools and responsibilities to succeed. This way you will make a fantastic team, and its success will only boost your confidence and stature in any organisation.” Looking to the future of the firm, Ayesha is confident that it will continue to flourish, as she proudly explains. “Ultimately, education is one of the growing industry in Kuwait, and being a defensive sector the impact of the downturn in the economy after drop in oil prices has been minimal. In the last few years, we have witnessed growth and improvements in the enrolments of the students across our schools. We have invested in expansion and new infrastructures and state of the art facilities in our school along with investment in human capital to enhance the quality of offerings and learnings to the students.”

In her concluding comments, Ayesha discusses what changes she would like to see within the MEA corporate landscape which would make it easier for women to succeed. “Overall, women should realise that, they may have to perform much better than the men to be noticed, hence they must work harder, and be more efficient and smarter in their approach. Doing the daily work without enthusiasm will not help, adding value to the company in new ways and taking initiative will certainly help them. Women, have enormous family responsibilities and making it easier for her to manage will go a long way in giving them confidence that they belong to the corporate world.”

Contact: Ayesha Shaikh Contact Email: ayesha@alrayanholding.com Address: Al Bairaq Complex 12th Floor, Al Egaila, Kuwait Phone: 96523824247 Website: www.alrayanholding.com

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Most Innovative Woman in PPE Procurement – South Africa Select PPE has evolved into an organisation which serves many industries such as mining; manufacturing; agriculture; construction, petroleum; hospitality; medical; corporate and security on the African continent. We profiled the firm to find out a bit more about them and the services that they offer.

Select PPE is the people’s partner of choice for personal protection in the workplace, protecting workers by ensuring compliance with PPE regulations, product quality and supporting issuing documentation by individual user, thereby mitigating client liability. The company is a leader in the procurement and distribution of quality and application specific products that protect people. Apart from being a PPE distribution company, the firm also provides customers with partnership-based management solutions for the procurement, issuing and record keeping of Personal Protective Equipment. Select PPE employs more than 400 employees in its African operations with 160 onsite stores and warehouses.

Covering a variety of areas, the company’s core competencies include a unique on-site store business model which offers services to a hygienist and key account managers. The firm possesses an excellent customer database as well as an experienced management team with a deep knowledge about customer requirements and safety products. Vital to providing the best possible service for clients, the firm also enjoys unique in-house developed IT systems which contribute to the insightful reports which help customers take informed safety decisions. Staff have an ability to customise solutions to interact with customer infrastructure and systems whilst also providing cost-effective processes. Alongside these benefits and offerings, Select PPE also

provides risk assessments, embroidery services, laundry control and waste management of personal protective equipment. There are also some local community projects where the company is visible. The firm has undergone a revamp, holding a bold new look which has been strategically developed to move the company into the future and reflect the vision of becoming the primary safety partner of choice in Africa. The company’s new logo reflects the multicultural, multi-industry landscape in which the firm operates. The organisation serves clients in many regions and the new corporate identity was designed to communicate that the firm are focused on looking after employees and clients.

Regarding the future of the company, there is a positive outlook. Offering a variety of services, Select PPE will never be short of customers, and should it look to expand its business both locally and globally, then there will surely be no shortage of clients willing to use the firm’s services.

Contact: Sarah Fethani Contact Email: sarahf@selectppe.co.za Address: Dispatch, 5 Protea Street, Gate 1, Aureus, Randfontein, 1760, South Africa Phone: 0861 735 773 Website: www.selectppe.co.za

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Female Founder & Managing Director of the Year 2017 – UAE & Egypt IRC UAE & Egypt provides comprehensive Executive Search and HR Solutions that attract, develop and retain capable leaders who encourage innovation and lead businesses through peaks and troughs alike. Rania Abdalla, the company’s Managing Director tells us more about the firm’s services and her contributing role in the its success. Since its humble beginnings, IRC UAE & Egypt’s client base has exponentially grown to include hundreds of reputable multinational and local organizations. It has successfully placed and led a myriad of management positions and HR consultancy projects through the firm’s partnership with IRC Global Executive Search. With more than 80 offices across six continents, IRC is the second globally-ranked Executive Search service provider in terms of geographic coverage. Rania who is a member of the IRC Executive Board and the Global Leader for IRC’s Consumer & Retail Practice Group, is also the founder and Managing Director of IRC UAE & Egypt, specializing in Executive Search & HR Consultancy for the MENA region with offices in UAE and Egypt. Rania holds a Masters Degree in Human Resources from Kingston Business School in the UK and a Bachelors degree in Economics from the American University in Cairo. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources, it is not only her line of work – it is her greatest passion. “My ultimate goal was to have a senior HR position in a fortune

500 organization. I joined PepsiCo and worked in Egypt, UK and UAE for 11 years. The majority of my career was in the UAE where I assumed a regional role responsible for 35 countries. UAE helped embellish my career with many awards most important of which, was the Emirates Woman Award granted by HH. Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. However, this entailed long working hours and constant travelling which was challenging especially that I had my first baby back then. My last career move after 11 years of fruitful hard work was as an HR Director in PepsiCo Egypt after which I finally decided to resign and start my own business.” Rising to the challenge, Raina describes what issues she had to overcome in order to start her own business and how friends and family could not understand her choice. She talks about pursuing her dream and how her own values and that of her family are reflected in the business models and aspirations. “Fundamentally, I decided to start my own business in Executive Search & HR Consultancy to offer the very highest standards of service to my clients. Family members and friends could not

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understand my decision especially that I would be giving up a high income steady job to start from scratch. The company I founded is based on a model of empowering employees’ entrepreneurial skills and is based on deliverables, sense of ownership and drive for results. As part of my commitment to support women in business, we provide our employees with many work life balance options and flexible working hours.”

and as for personal goals, my aim is to pay back the community by helping and mentoring SMEs to become successful entrepreneurs. Through my network and interviewing leaders, I will also provide consultancy to entrepreneurs to be, which will provide many exciting opportunities for even greater success.”

In her concluding comments Rania highlights that many companies are now working hard to provide better work-life balance for women. Looking to expand her own business, Raina will use her expertise to help other companies in the future, as she proudly concludes. “Since the start of my career, I have always noticed corporates trying to provide better work-life balance for women and while it’s improving, it’s still not where it should be. However, now with the advancement of technology, women should be able to strike a better work-life balance be it as an entrepreneur or an employee. “With regards to my own career, my plan is to continue focusing on expansions in IRC UAE & Egypt

Contact: Rania Abdalla Contact Email: rania.abdalla@ircsearchpartners.com Address: Office 430 Building B Al Saaha Offices, Souk Al Bahar, Old Town Island, Burj, Khalifa District, Dubai, PO BOX 487177, UAE Phone: +971563561219 Website: uae.ircsearchpartners.com

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Most Influential Women’s Magazine Publisher – Qatar & Best Beauty Professional Magazine 2017 Alex Fox has been a journalist since 1993 working for six years on photographic titles both consumer and trade before moving into beauty. We explore how she came to achieve the success she enjoys today through her determination and dedication to excellence Established in 2003, Scratch the UK’s only trade title dedicated to hand, nail and footcare, was founded by Alex, who’s since introduced the first awards exclusive to nail professionals, has been organising Nailympia London for the last 13 years and more recently launched Scratch Middle East magazine. Alex is passionate about the nail and beauty industry and focuses on inspiring techs to explore their business opportunities and creative flair while helping shape this exciting and emerging market sector. Alex has moved back to the UK after 10 years in Qatar and will now be found travelling regularly between the Gulf region and Hertfordshire in the UK while the Scratch editorial and advertising team is based at HQ in Kent. “Launching a trade-style beauty magazine into the Gulf region has brought many challenges to my desk that I was not fully expecting, since they’re not necessarily aspects of business I’ve faced before. In some cases, it’s not been possible for me to meet the owner of a company due to my gender, as well as not being able to enter some salons for review purposes.

“Another aspect I’ve noted was the concept of an industry title is so new that it’s been hard to present its message to some. However, I wear a firm belief in what I do and why I do it. I’ve seen the power of a trade title in the nail industry over the last near 20 years and I know that if I believe, work hard and strive for success, it’s possible and will come in time.”

“Personally, I’ve found the Middle East a wonderful melting pot of ideas, cultures and personalities; an environment in which I thrive. It’s transient aspect can be quite disconcerting as relationships are formed and then people move on. However, for me, the Middle East is my second home, and I hope to be working in this region for a very long time to come.”

Contact: Alexandra Fox Contact Email: scratchmiddleeast@gmail.com Address: HQ Seed Publishing, 1c The Courtyard, Market Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1AZ, UK Phone: +44 791 466 8916 & +44 1959 547 000 Web Address: www.scratchmagazine.me

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Most Inspirational Woman in Women’s Development 2017 & Best International Training Company 2017 The Springboard Consultancy is a world-leading international training and development company. We invited Callie Dickens to tell us more about her role in the firm’s success. The Springboard Consultancy and its staff are passionate about delivering authentic, proven and diverse course to inspire and empowered everyone to fulfil their potential. Everyone can benefit from staff’s specially designed and targeted programmes, as Callie highlights. “Inspired by ambitious women in the UAE and having benefited personally from The Springboard women’s development course, I felt compelled to bring it to the women in UAE to further drive their increasingly powerful presence in the workforce. I also founded ORENDA+Bloom, a company that exists to create a community and learning space to bring likeminded women together to be supported, empowered and inspired.” As a woman in the male dominated UAE corporate landscape, Callie has faced many challenge in her road to success, as she explains. “The biggest challenge to women in the workplace in UAE is reaching more senior positions, often due to expectations of them should they decide on motherhood; minimal maternity leave and flexible working hours,

pervasive views about a woman’s role in the home and the long hours work culture in many industries are key causes. As a result, there are fewer female role models and mentors to help women on their journey to the boardroom – if that is s where they want to go of course- so the cycle continues as without women in senior roles, women just starting out lack the powerful support that role models and mentors play along a career trajectory. I would like to see a better work/ life balance for parents so that we lose less female talent when other places in the world have found a way not to.” Looking to the future, Callie is excited as she outlines how she will build upon her current success and grow both her businesses even further. “Moving forward, my plan for ORENDA+Bloom over the next 12 months is to continue to unite and inspire women with our book club, drop-in seminars, workshops, documentary screenings and podcast – The Springboard Women’s Development Programme will continue to play a central role because it has the power to change lives according to each individual’s unique needs.”

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Contact: Callie Dickens Contact Email: callie@orendaandbloom Address: Dubai, UAE Phone: 971505548384 Website: www.orendaandbloom.com

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