For me, marketing has never been just about campaigns, reach, or visibility. At its core, marketing is about meaning, understanding people, connecting with culture, and creating experiences that resonate in everyday life.

My career began in the gaming industry, where I spent nine years at Tamatem Games, the leading mobile game publisher in the MENA region. I joined the company early in its journey and eventually became Marketing Director, leading a team of more than 35 people across growth, data, influencer and digital marketing, PR, social media, and creative.

The gaming industry is fast, analytical, and constantly evolving. It taught me how to experiment quickly, think strategically, and build teams that thrive in environments of continuous change.

But the most meaningful part of that journey was never just the campaigns or the numbers. It was the people. Leading teams, mentoring young talent, and creating environments where individuals feel confident to grow has always been the most rewarding part of my career. Watching team members develop into leaders themselves is, to me, the greatest success any leader can achieve.

After nearly a decade in tech and gaming, I made a decision that surprised many people: I stepped into a completely new industry.

Today, I serve as the Marketing & Design Director at Al Ameed Coffee, one of the most established coffee brands in the region. Moving from digital entertainment into coffee may seem like a dramatic shift, but at its core, both industries revolve around the same principle, understanding people.

Coffee in the Middle East is far more than a product. It represents hospitality, memory, family, and culture. Being part of a brand that has lived in people’s homes for generations carries a deep sense of responsibility. My role today goes beyond traditional marketing; it involves shaping brand experiences, strengthening cultural connections, and ensuring the brand continues to evolve while staying true to its heritage.

Throughout my career, one belief has become increasingly clear: the strongest brands are built through authenticity and purpose. People connect with brands that feel human, honest, and meaningful. Marketing today is no longer just about broadcasting messages, it is about building genuine relationships that people can trust.

This belief strongly resonates with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.”

Some of the most defining moments in my career came from leaders who trusted me early on, who created space for me to grow, and who believed in my potential before I fully saw it myself. That generosity shaped how I lead today.

Leadership, to me, is not about authority. It is about humility, empathy, and emotional intelligence. The most effective leaders are the ones who truly listen, who understand the people around them, and who create environments where others feel supported enough to grow, contribute, and thrive.

To the next generation of women entering our industry, my advice is simple: focus on growth and experience, not just titles.

Early in your career, it is easy to become focused on promotions and moving quickly up the ladder. But what truly shapes you are the environments you choose to be part of. Look for companies where you can learn, leaders who will guide you, and colleagues who will challenge and support you. Those experiences will build your foundation far more than any title.

Be brave enough to take risks. The people who truly grow in their careers are rarely the ones who stay comfortable. Some of the most important steps forward come from moments that feel uncertain or unfamiliar.

Focus on learning how to think, how to solve problems, and how to understand people. Self-awareness, and the ability to read situations and people around you are some of the most powerful skills you can develop.

I often remind my team that each person should think of themselves as the leader of their own projects. Be proactive, take ownership, follow through, and do not wait for others to constantly check in on you. Speak up when you have ideas, and take responsibility for the work you want to see succeed.

And finally, remember to be kind to yourself along the way. Challenges and pressure are part of every career, but often life and work are much simpler than we make them in our minds. Take a breath, focus on solutions, and keep moving forward.

Because in the end, the most meaningful careers are not built overnight, they are built through curiosity, courage, and a commitment to continuous growth.