My advice to the next generation of women in the industry is that you don’t have to become someone you are not to succeed. You need not embrace qualities that don’t represent you or your belief system and go against your nature to appear emotionless, more professional or to fit into any norm dictated by the industry. There are skills you will need to acquire to fine tune your natural skills and abilities. You may learn how to control your emotions and channel them in a way that is productive and will garner positive outcomes for you.  I learned that leading from my feminine energy is powerful, take the time to explore that power and understand it. There’s a line from one of my favourite movies “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” where the mother is showing support to her daughter who believes her father wont allow her to pursue her higher education saying “ Toula, the man may be the head of the household, but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head in any way she wants”.

My professional journey began more than 17 years ago in Abu Dhabi. I had just graduated with a degree in International Studies with a concentration in International Relations, and like many fresh graduates, I was eager to make my mark. While my career path eventually led me into an industry that did not directly mirror my academic background, my studies gave me a valuable analytical perspective on how political landscapes, economies and social dynamics shape industries and organisations.

I graduated during the first global recession, which made entering the workforce particularly challenging. Like many young professionals at the time, I was driven by a strong desire to prove myself and to contribute meaningfully to the world around me. Early on, I realised that purpose evolves over time. As we grow, gain experience and develop a deeper awareness of ourselves and others, our perspectives naturally shift. Remaining open to learning while staying grounded in one’s principles became an important guiding principle for me.

Throughout my career, I have learned that confidence does not come solely from achievements or titles, but from knowing who you are and staying true to your values. Success can bring moments of pride, but what sustains you in the long term is integrity, self-awareness and gratitude. These qualities help you remain steady and objective, regardless of external pressures or expectations.

Another important lesson has been that mistakes are part of every professional journey. What truly matters is not avoiding them entirely, but learning how to recover, reflect and move forward. The values that guide my leadership today are integrity, empathy, accountability and honesty. These principles shape how I work with others and how I support the people around me.

I try to lead by example, particularly when working with younger colleagues. I encourage them not to operate from fear, but to recognise that their voice and perspective have value. Curiosity, continuous learning and the confidence to contribute meaningfully are powerful tools. When you prioritise knowledge and remain open to growth, opportunities tend to reveal themselves more clearly.

For me, the theme “Give to Gain” resonates strongly with the importance of mentorship, knowledge-sharing and self-reflection. Supporting others, creating space for new voices and encouraging collaboration ultimately strengthens the entire professional community. Growth is rarely an individual effort; it is built through shared learning and mutual support.

My advice to the next generation of women in the industry is simple: you do not have to become someone you are not to succeed. Authenticity matters. Each person brings a unique perspective, and those differences are what enrich teams and organisations. Take the time to understand your strengths, stay curious, and trust that your voice has a place in shaping the future.