In the dynamic landscape of the Gulf region, women have emerged as powerful catalysts of change, demonstrating remarkable resilience, determination, and leadership. The female leaders of today are not just figures of inspiration in fiction; they are real-life trailblazers who are redefining the boundaries of success across various industries. This article highlights some of these exceptional female leaders revolutionizing the Gulf, who have not only achieved remarkable success but also continue to inspire future generations with their unwavering commitment to excellence.
10. Olivia Murphy
Olivia Murphy, Founder of Olivia Murphy Marketing FZ LLC, is a Marketing Consultant and Mindset Mentor with a strong interest in media, communications, and marketing. She has worked with startups, FTSE 100, and Fortune 500 companies, and is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to achieve success through effective marketing and mindset strategies. Olivia offers 1-1 marketing consultancy, online digital courses, and mentorship sessions to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
Olivia’s journey in marketing began with her passion for communications and media, leading her to roles such as Editor and Brand Manager for prestigious magazine titles. She later founded her consulting company, aspiring to help clients skyrocket to success. Olivia emphasizes the importance of mindset in an entrepreneur’s journey and the role of customer feedback in shaping business strategies.
Her advice for beginners in the industry is to believe in their potential, be committed, stay nimble, and welcome challenges as opportunities for growth. Olivia’s quote for International Women’s Day, “Empowerment is about embracing your unique journey and confidently pursuing your dreams. Let’s celebrate the strength and resilience of women everywhere,” reflects her belief in the power of women in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Olivia Murphy’s LinkedIn and Website.
9. Reni John
Reni John, Founder and Chief Design Officer at Ready Room, is a dynamic force in the interior design industry, with over 17 years of experience. Since 2019, she has been creatively designing and styling homes and commercial spaces, leading an all-women’s team that brings a unique perspective to every project. Reni has seamlessly blended digital designs with social ideas to elevate client experiences with top-notch interior solutions. Her passion for art and spatial design led her to transition from a legal education to a full-time pursuit in interior design, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to her passion.
Reni’s journey from real estate to interior design highlights her dedication to her craft and her ability to navigate the challenges of the industry. She emphasizes the importance of reflecting the client’s style in her projects, challenging the common misconception that interior designers adhere to a specific style. Her portfolio boasts a diverse range of projects, from holiday homes to residential villas and ground-up projects, encompassing design concepts and styling. With over 580 units completed, including villas and commercial spaces, Reni’s work continues to inspire and transform spaces.
Her quote for International Women’s Day, “Empowerment is about making choices and embracing our unique paths. Let’s celebrate the diverse journeys of women everywhere,” reflects her belief in the power of individuality and diversity.
Reni John’s LinkedIn and Website.
8. Shireen Kapoor
Shireen Kapoor, the Founder of Ace Shireen Kapoor Immigration Services in Dubai, is a trailblazer in the legal profession, specializing in immigration law, corporate law, and civil litigation. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, her journey to becoming a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and businesses is a testament to her expertise, dedication, and resilience. Shireen’s passion for the legal field and her commitment to helping people navigate complex immigration systems have been the driving forces behind her success.
At Ace Shireen Kapoor Immigration Services, Shireen leads a team that prioritizes client satisfaction and offers tailored legal solutions. Her approach to leadership is centered on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, where diversity is valued and every team member is empowered to contribute their best. Shireen’s firm stands out for its commitment to ethical practices and its focus on delivering personalized services to clients from all walks of life.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Shireen’s story serves as an inspiration to women aspiring to break barriers and succeed in challenging fields. Her advice to women entrepreneurs is to embrace challenges, believe in their abilities, and persevere through adversity. Shireen’s journey highlights the importance of female empowerment and the positive impact women can make in their industries and communities.
Shireen Kapoor shares her views on women empowerment saying, “Let us rewrite the narrative, women empowerment isn’t just about trying to keep pace with men. It’s about each of us pushing ourselves to be better every day. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, let’s focus on being the best we can be. Together, let’s support each other on this journey because when one woman succeeds, we all succeed.”
Shireen Kapoor’s LinkedIn
7. Dr. Jane Thomason
Dr. Jane Thomason, a futurist and thought leader, is the Interim Chair of the World Metaverse Council and the Founder of Supernova Data. With a passion for changing the world, Dr. Thomason’s career journey took her from international public health to founding her own international development company, and eventually to a fascination with blockchain technology. This led her to resign as CEO to explore blockchain’s potential for social transformation.
The World Metaverse Council, established in October 2022, aims to address the impacts of the Metaverse on various industries and promote an open, decentralized Metaverse accessible to all. The council focuses on developing standards for global adoption, ensuring data security, and promoting education to respect Metaverse rights and freedoms.
Dr. Thomason’s advice to starting entrepreneurs is to find your passion and follow it, be true to yourself, and not be afraid to take risks. She emphasizes the importance of being persistent and adaptable in the face of challenges. Additionally, Dr. Thomason mentioned the launch of a women in deep tech network and investment platform, highlighting her commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs. Her quote, “Empowering women in technology is not just about gender equality; it’s about unleashing a wave of innovation and progress that benefits everyone,” reflects her belief in the transformative power of women in entrepreneurship and technology.
Dr. Jane Thomason’s LinkedIn and Website
6. Basma El Zein
Basma El Zein, Director General of Techno-Valley at the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah, is a leading figure in technology for energy conversion and storage. Her passion for scientific research and dedication to innovation have made her an inspiration in her field.
Under Basma’s leadership, Techno-Valley focuses on advancing technology to address global challenges and improve quality of life. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, open science practices, and the globalization of research and innovation. Basma is committed to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through science, innovation, and technology.
Basma advocates for gender equality in nanotechnology and believes in the transformative power of women engineers. She says, “In the dynamic field of nanotechnology for renewable energy, women engineers emerge as vital catalysts for transformation, paving the way towards a greener, more inclusive future.” Her vision is a sustainable and equitable future driven by innovation and collaboration.
Basma’s LinkedIn and University Website.
5. Marsha Lipton
Marsha Lipton, with a distinguished career on Wall Street and in the City of London, culminated her active trading career as a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase. She then founded and successfully ran a risk management advisory firm before relocating to Abu Dhabi with her husband. There, she established Numeraire Future Trends (NFTrends), a blockchain technology company. The name NFTrends intentionally echoes the acronym NFT, with ‘Numeraire’ suggesting a standard or measure, reflecting the technical and mathematical foundation of the underlying technology.
NFTrends distinguishes itself by focusing on making content, both physical and digital, immutable, rather than just the key to the content. This approach sets NFTrends apart from the conventional NFT market, which is often clouded by misleading narratives. Marsha’s vision for NFTrends is to revolutionize authentication and provenance across various sectors, including arts, collectibles, document verification, and supply chain segments, offering unique solutions for both physical and digital spaces.
Marsha emphasizes a collaborative business approach, aiming to develop partnerships and integrate innovative technology without disrupting existing clients and business partners. She states, “Our approach is poised to revolutionize authentication and provenance across diverse sectors… However, while our technology is innovative, our business approach is very collaborative.” This strategy highlights her commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining strong industry relationships.
Marsha Lipton’s LinkedIn | NFTrends
4. Kelly Marie Hodgkin
Kelly Marie Hodgkin, Business Mentor and Company Owner of KMH Events, has over 17 years of experience in the field. She has transitioned from hosting motivational networking events to individual mentoring, helping entrepreneurs succeed across various sectors. Kelly emphasizes the role of business mentors in supporting entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and develop strategies for growth.
In her mentoring role, Kelly combines her passion for entrepreneurship with her extensive experience in running businesses and investing. She believes in the power of mentorship to provide valuable insights, leverage networks, and build confidence. Kelly’s vision for the future includes a growing trend of entrepreneurs working with business mentors.
Her advice to new founders is to seek help and support from the beginning and continue learning. Kelly’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, particularly women, is evident in her belief that collaboration and support are crucial for success in the business journey.
Kelly Marie Hodgkin’s LinkedIn.
3. Jina Awkar
Jina Awkar is a visionary HR leader. She is the founder of Marble HR Consulting and a global HR qualified professional who is also a Chartered FCIPD. Jina’s transition from a banking and finance background to a concentration on human capital demonstrates her adaptability and commitment to professional growth.
Jina emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, integrity, and emotional intelligence in her career. She believes in the power of inclusive leadership and innovation, especially in the MENA region, where entrepreneurship is a catalyst for the economy. Jina’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for women to thrive is evident in her celebration of International Women’s Day, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging accomplishments and continuing to cultivate an inclusive society.
Her quote, “Entrepreneurship in the MENA region is increasing and becoming a key driver of economic growth and social progress. We are seeing an increase in women entrepreneurship, which demonstrates the power of inclusive leadership and innovation, as well as a call for collaborative success,” reflects her belief in the potential of women entrepreneurs and the importance of collaborative success in the region.
Jina Awkar’s LinkedIn.
2. Rosheen Ngorima
Rosheen Ngorima, a seasoned professional accountant and award-winning entrepreneur, is the Founder and President of the Female Founders Initiative Middle East and Africa (FFIMEA), the fastest-growing organization for female entrepreneurs in the region. She is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Neeps Bookkeeping & Accounting Services.
Her latest initiative, the SheEO Leadership Bootcamp, themed “Empowering Females to Lead and Excel,” aims to celebrate and empower women entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East through various events and sessions.
Under Rosheen’s leadership, the SheEO Leadership Bootcamp has evolved to meet the specific needs of women in leadership roles, adapting its content and structure to address challenges and opportunities in Africa and the Middle East. The Bootcamp’s return to the African continent in 2024 signifies the growing ambitions and potential of African women entrepreneurs.
Rosheen’s vision for the SheEO Leadership Bootcamp is to create a collaborative and supportive community for female entrepreneurs. Her message to aspiring female leaders and entrepreneurs is clear: “The real empowerment is in working together as women, that’s why I say ‘We don’t compete, we collaborate.'” This philosophy underpins her commitment to fostering collaboration and empowering the next generation of female leaders.
Rosheen Ngorima’s LinkedIn.
1. Francesca Petriccione di Vadi
Francesca Petriccione di Vadi, CEO of Petriccione International Law Firm, is a distinguished leader in international law M&A, renowned for her influential and powerful network in the GCC and MENA region. Her focus on institutional and public affairs has enabled her to foster valuable collaborations and create opportunities that benefit all parties involved. A Yale University graduate, Francesca’s extensive travel to 129 countries has significantly enriched her professional expertise.
Francesca is deeply committed to promoting gender equality within the legal framework, advocating for gender-sensitive practices to eliminate discrimination. Her resilience is encapsulated in her belief, “A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.”
Her work in international, institutional, and public affairs aims to promote mutual growth and understanding. Guided by the principle that “Success is not determined by gender, but by determination and hard work,” Francesca continues to break barriers and set new standards in her field, leveraging her influential network for positive change.
Invest in Women Accelerate Progress
International Women’s Day emphasizes women’s empowerment, with this year’s theme being “Invest in women, accelerate progress.” Despite progress in entrepreneurship, education, and careers, there’s more room for effort in these areas.
We need to address limited funding and resources, essential for unlocking women’s potential. Investment in women is not only ethical but also strategic for innovation and growth.
Efforts to achieve progress include promoting gender equality, increasing girls’ education access, supporting women entrepreneurs, and raising awareness about financial rights. With the right support, women can continue to excel and contribute significantly to their industries and societies.
Conclusion
Women have always been at the forefront of progress, breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence. Their contributions are not just limited to their respective fields but extend to broader societal and economic development.
The stories of the top 10 female leaders revolutionizing the Gulf region are a testament to their incredible achievements and dedication. As we celebrate Women’s Day, let us commit to fostering an environment that enables women to reach their highest potential, paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future.
