ROYAL HUSTLERS

Reem El Sherif on breaking boundaries, embracing diversity and leading with conviction

A seasoned strategist and socio-economic developer, Reem El Sherif boasts an impressive resumé that features nearly a decade of experience in corporate strategy, national strategy and research. She currently leads Strategy at RMB Namibia, where her foresight, intellectual curiosity, and analytical skills have successfully led strategic transformation. Reem has also applied her strategy skills on a national level, having contributed to the president’s development plan, the Harambee Prosperity Plan 2 and NDP5.

Growing up in a multicultural environment, she has been exposed to diversity her whole life.

There was always this tug of war between the cultures and values that you’re born in, versus the cultures and values that you’re raised in. But I am very grateful to have been born in a household that allowed me to explore and gave me all the liberation I needed,” she says. This is one of the things that kept her grounded in her values, she adds, noting that she developed self-discipline and personal conviction because of the liberty that was afforded to her when growing up.

The youngest among her siblings, Reem was a very self-assured and argumentative child. From an early age she envisioned herself as a very influential woman who would walk in important corridors one day. She manifested a life where she would solve the problems that plague the world and make an impact by influencing especially young minds.

Poised for success

Reem credits much of her current success to her parents who sacrificed a lot to provide their children with the best education possible. She was privileged enough to attend one of the best schools in Windhoek which, beyond the academics, exposed her to people from different backgrounds and cultures. This, Reem says, was the foundation to her ability to lead diverse teams. She highlights the institutions she has worked at throughout her career, as well as the people who have mentored her along the way, as some of the other factors that shaped her to become who she is today.

Reem spent her early career years as an Assistant Lecturer at the British University in Egypt. She also worked as a Research Assistant at the American University in Cairo, where she contributed to several novel research publications on corporate governance and social media and financial performance.

This was followed by a short stint at UNDP Namibia, which she felt at the time was the place where “real change happens.” Reem worked with the international organisation’s Economic Advisory Unit and Poverty Programme where she was responsible for providing research and insights to aid the Namibian office’s efforts to eradicate poverty and drive economic development. During her time there, she further assisted in drafting Namibia’s Fifth National Development Plan, amongst other things.

“It was amazing exposure, that’s where I really started to dig and explore what sustainability is all about and how world economies work.” But as someone who’s always looking for a challenge, Reem found a new direction, one where she wanted to make an even bigger impact in the world. “I decided to go into the real economy because that’s where real problem solving happens, and so far it’s working for me,” she says. Reem decided to study business and finance in order to manifest her vision of being an influential woman. She obtained a master’s degree in Finance from the University of Leicester, and a bachelor’s with Honours from the British University in Egypt.

“I felt that beyond traditional organisations making a profit, they had a bigger purpose in the economies that they operate in and even though I’m not passionate about how the stock markets work, I’m passionate about how finance drives economic development. I’m passionate about producing new knowledge,” Reem says.

“I love seeing the sparkle in people’s eyes when I engage them - that’s what keeps me going,” she adds.

Striking a balance

So, what is the one thing that people often assume about this powerhouse of a woman? She tells us that her demeanour often surprises people. “People get the impression that I’m quiet and when I challenge them, they are surprised,” she says.

On what sets her heart on fire, Reem says that her purpose keeps her going. “I want to affect positive change and make a positive impact, it’s still that vision that I had when I was a little girl.” When she isn’t being a changemaker in her career, Reem spends her free time travelling and experiencing other cultures. She is a huge foodie, and she can also be found pursuing the mindfulness of yoga and alternatively, the adrenaline rush of a good High Intensity Training (HIT) workout.

Reem encourages young leaders to always be open to learn. “Stay convicted in your vision… Doors will open if you pursue them, be realistic about your expectations and, really, your work ethic and values are what will differentiate you.” Currently a PHD candidate, Reem continues to push the boundaries of what she is capable of.

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