The Wonder Women of MENA: Sanaa Nassar

My professional journey has been shaped by growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to people and performance. Over the past 18+ years, I have progressed from media planning and buying roles into regional leadership positions, where I have had the opportunity to manage large teams, multi-market portfolios, and high-value client relationships across MENA. A defining milestone in my career was leading regional operations and eventually heading a hub of excellence, where I was responsible not only for business results but also for building structure, developing talent, and creating an environment where people could thrive.
Another meaningful milestone was managing complex regional accounts and high-pressure pitches across multiple markets, which strengthened my ability to think strategically, communicate clearly, and deliver with consistency. Each step in my journey has taught me that success is not only about achieving targets, but also about creating lasting value for clients, teams, and the business as a whole.
The values that drive my leadership are purpose, empathy, resilience, integrity, and excellence. I believe leadership is not about authority, but about influence, trust, and service. I am naturally people-centric, and I place great importance on creating a positive, supportive, and high-performance culture where people feel valued and empowered.
My faith also plays an important role in how I lead, reminding me to act with humility, kindness, and intention. I believe in bringing both heart and discipline to everything I do: heart to connect with people, and discipline to ensure results, accountability, and professionalism. In demanding environments, I have learned that calmness, positivity, and emotional intelligence are powerful leadership tools. These values have helped me navigate challenges, lead diverse teams, and maintain strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
For me, “Give to Gain” means leading with generosity, authenticity, and a long-term mindset. In my career, I have found that when you invest in others, you create meaningful and lasting success. Giving can take many forms: sharing knowledge, mentoring a colleague, supporting a team member through a difficult moment, or going the extra mile for a client or partner. I have always believed that when you give your time, energy, expertise, and care sincerely, the return is not only professional growth, but also trust, loyalty, collaboration, and impact.
In my personal philosophy, “Give to Gain” is also about contribution beyond the workplace. It means using your experience, your voice, and your presence to uplift others and leave every place better than you found it. I see giving not as a loss, but as an investment in stronger relationships, stronger teams, and a stronger sense of purpose.
To the next generation of women in our industry, my advice is to believe in your worth, stay grounded in your values, and never underestimate the power of your voice. The industry can be demanding, fast-paced, and at times highly competitive, but your uniqueness is your strength. Be curious, be prepared, and be brave enough to take ownership of your space. Do not wait for permission to lead, speak up, or pursue opportunities.
Build your confidence through continuous learning and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Most importantly, lead in a way that is authentic to who you are. Success is not about fitting into someone else’s mold; it is about showing up with integrity, purpose, and courage. When women lead with confidence and compassion, they do not only advance their own careers — they help shape a more inclusive and impactful future for everyone.