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Maali Khader, Chief Executive Officer at the Middle East Institute of Directors, featured by Fortunes Time Magazine on cover of Middle Easts Most Admired Women Leaders to Follow in 2024
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Middle East's Most Admired Women Leaders to Follow in 2024 FORTUNES TIME “ March 2024 A Visionary Leader in Creating Sustainable Social Impact “ CEO Middle East Institute of Directors Em pow e ring Gove rnance by Cul t ivat ing Purpose -Drive n L e ade rsh ip www.fortunestime.com
EDITOR’S NOTE The significance of Middle Eastern women's executive and entrepreneurial skills is also acknowledged by the world community. Yet additional attempts to break down obstacles, alter cultural norms, and offer support will be necessary to advance women's leadership and responsibilities in business. Business leadership has changed significantly in the Middle East in the last several years. The number of women-owned companies has progressively grown, proving that they can lead despite a variety of obstacles. Social conventions, restricted financial access, and striking a work-life balance are just a few of the financial worries and obstacles faced by women-owned companies. Many attempts have been undertaken to challenge and alter societal prejudices and attitudes toward women's potential in the job in order to solve these problems. Mentoring programs, awareness-raising campaigns, and the success stories of female leaders play a major role in the battle against stereotypes and the advancement of gender equality. The Constant Change in Business World Fortunes Time's latest edition “Middle East's Most Admired Women Leaders to Follow in 2024” highlighted Middle Eastern women leaders who are addressing and fostering a more welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for women's leadership and business in the area. The cover has Maali Khader, the Chief Executive Officer at the Middle East Institute of Directors (MEIoD), who is not only a highly experienced and effective lawyer but also a leading regional expert in ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) activities. Driven by a deep- seated passion for justice and fairness, Maali has identified and addressed a crucial gap in the realm of governance. In her extensive legal career, Maali noticed a lack of awareness and accessibility concerning the potential power of governance. Motivated by this realization, she took the bold step of establishing MEIoD, not just as an institute but as a platform dedicated to making corporate governance education accessible to everyone. Her goal was to underscore the significance of culture in governance, prioritizing principles such as accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts.
FORTUNES T IME CREDIT PAGE Elizabeth Graves Vijay Khulpe Dafny Meyer Tony Anderson Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editor Art & Design Director Head of Design Department Charles Lee Sanket Zirpe Associate Designer Sarah Jones Business Development Manager Business Development Executive Tracy Miller Robert Taylor Digital Marketing Manager Sales Manager Marketing Manager Technical Specialist Circulation Manager Laura Wright Albert Hill Stacey Flores Jennifer Thomas Carol Green MARCH 2024 For More Details : Email: info@fortunestime.com Address. 8 The Green Suite R, Dover, DE 19901, USA Copyright 2024 Fortunes Time, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Fortunes Time Reprint rights remain solely with Fortunes Time.
Cover Story 08 Empowering Governance by Cultivating Purpose-Driven Leadership Maali Khader
Cont e nt Page 20 16 26 Alice Asil Attar Christiana Maxion Weigthman 30 40 36 Rola Abu Manneh Dr. Nadine Hachach -Haram Panchali Mahendra
Empowering Governance by Cultivating Purpose- Driven Leadership Cover Story Fortunestime.com | 09
Maali Khader, the Chief Executive Officer at the Middle East Institute of Directors (MEIoD), is not only a highly experienced and effective lawyer but also a leading regional expert in ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) activities. Driven by a deep-seated passion for justice and fairness, Maali has identified and addressed a crucial gap in the realm of governance. shaping a more sustainable corporate environment in the Middle East. increased productivity and profitability. Purpose-Driven Leadership Recognizing Stakeholder Diversity Maali's role at the Middle East Institute of Directors (MEIoD) focuses on supporting board members and C-suite executives in their roles, with a primary goal of facilitating learning and growth to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to be effective leaders within their organizations. Maali emphasizes the importance of tailoring corporate governance practices to the specific needs and motivations of stakeholders. At the Middle East Institute of Directors (MEIoD), the approach recognizes that a one-size-fits-all mindset is inadequate for effective governance. While universal principles such as accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility remain crucial, the nuances in stakeholders' interests are acknowledged. In her extensive legal career, Maali noticed a lack of awareness and accessibility concerning the potential power of governance. Motivated by this realization, she took the bold step of establishing MEIoD, not just as an institute but as a platform dedicated to making corporate governance education accessible to everyone. Her goal was to underscore the significance of culture in governance, prioritizing principles such as accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility. A crucial aspect of her work involves personally coaching executives to find that purpose driven practice. She strongly believes that personal and corporate values should work together to create a purpose-driven business environment. Maali assists executives in connecting their beliefs and values with the goals of the organization, fostering not only fulfillment but also commitment, loyalty, and overall success. Investors, for instance, prioritize transparency and accountability, seeking assurance that their investments are secure and that companies operate ethically. MEIoD aims to assist in cultivating these attributes within firms, facilitating informed decision-making for investors. Under Maali's leadership, MEIoD has translated this vision into reality through comprehensive Capacity Building Programs designed to enhance governance skills within the region. The institute also provides Advisory Services, assisting organizations in their transformative journeys, and offers coaching to empower leaders to navigate their roles with confidence. This alignment has tangible benefits, supported by data indicating a connection between personal values and job satisfaction. When individuals find alignment, they experience a sense of purpose, leading to increased engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction. This alignment becomes a driving force, motivating individuals to remain committed and loyal to their organization. Ideally, the coaching takes them through that journey and the connection between personal and corporate values also influences decision-making processes and shapes the identity of the company, encouraging employee engagement. Companies that successfully promote this alignment tend to experience Family businesses, on the other hand, often focus on preserving family values and ensuring long-term sustainability. MEIoD's role involves helping them understand how corporate governance can safeguard these values and contribute to success across generations. MEIoD's culture revolves around embracing governance diversity, acknowledging stakeholders' requirements, and delivering customized solutions. The institute goes beyond sharing knowledge by building partnerships and providing tailored advisory services to meet specific governance needs. The goal is to guide clients toward achieving desired outcomes, whether enhancing The journey with MEIoD has been both inspiring and rewarding for Maali. She is fully committed to continuing the mission and pushing the boundaries of governance further. Her vision extends beyond traditional governance, emphasizing the integration of environmental, social, and governance principles as the core pillars necessary for every leader 10 | March 2023
transparency, improving decision-making processes, or upholding core values. MEIoD recognizes that the journey to governance is gradual and demands patience, commitment, and proper guidance. The institute is committed to supporting clients every step of the way, equipping them with tools, insights, and support to navigate governance complexities. Structured governance, according to MEIoD, extends beyond business success and can significantly contribute to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. Strong governance practices empower organizations to manage social risks and contribute to ethical business landscapes. MEIoD is dedicated to shaping a future that supports companies in achieving sustainable growth. Shaping Global Practices Maali envisions the future of the company rooted in the Middle East. The aim is not to expand services globally in the traditional sense but to bring a unique perspective to the world stage. The focus is on contributing to international best practices by infusing them with the richness of the region's culture and deeply-held social principles. Staying centered on the Middle East allows the company to leverage its deep understanding of the region's unique dynamics and complexities. This enables the offering of unparalleled expertise and insights to clients, influencing and shaping global practices. The ultimate goal is to become a bridge between the Middle East and the rest of the world, showcasing the best of the region while learning from global perspectives. Leadership in Harmony Maali emphasizes that as a woman in a leadership role, her top priority is growth and development. Leading with compassion, she sets an example for her team, understanding that her strength and success as a leader are directly linked to the growth, dedication, and hard work of her team members. In her perspective, leadership should encompass both strength and empathy, where assertiveness Fortunestime.com | 13
does not overshadow the value of listening and learning. the time constraints faced by directors in today's fast- paced world, creating concise learning tools can empower them to continuously enhance their skills and knowledge without dedicating extensive time from their demanding schedules. Maali believes that today's leadership landscape often lacks an empathetic approach and emphasizes the importance of leaders being open to learning and adaptation. She sees leadership as a process of continuous learning and adjustment. Excelling in this role requires leaders to balance the needs of their teams with the overall objectives of the organization. Maali strongly believes that this holistic and compassionate style of leadership will shape the leaders of tomorrow. Secondly, Maali is excited about completing her book on boardroom dynamics. Drawing from her experiences and insights, the book aims to provide a perspective on how interactions and power dynamics unfold in boardrooms. The goal is to offer leaders a resource that helps them navigate and thrive in these high-pressure environments. Aligning Passion with Practicality Additionally, Maali is thrilled to share that she will be teaching Corporate Governance to postgraduate students at Middlesex University as part of their Master of Laws (LLM) program. She sees education as a powerful vehicle for change and believes in sharing knowledge to inspire the next generation of leaders. Teaching corporate governance is not just about imparting textbook knowledge; it's about shaping the minds that will guide corporations in the future. Maali advises individuals starting their careers to go beyond the common advice of "follow your passion." While acknowledging the truth in that advice, she adds a nuanced perspective. In the early stages of a career, individuals may not have a clear understanding of their true passions or how to apply them effectively in a corporate setting, especially when there are financial obligations. Her suggestion is to explore a range of opportunities, immerse oneself in various experiences, try out different sectors, and take on diverse roles. This approach allows for gaining a broad perspective, acquiring transferable skills, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and discovering genuine areas of excitement. Exploring different opportunities also provides an understanding of the impact one can have. Lastly, Maali is passionate about promoting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) coaching. As awareness around sustainability issues continues to grow, she aims to provide executives and board members with the knowledge and skills to seamlessly integrate ESG considerations into their overall strategies. These goals align with her vision for 2024, and she is enthusiastic about the advancements that can be achieved in these domains. Maali strongly believes that by prioritizing these objectives, positive changes can be brought about in how businesses function and how leaders navigate their roles. After this exploration phase, individuals can connect these experiences to shape their career paths. The goal is to align with their interests and abilities, ensuring that the chosen path offers satisfaction and fulfillment by integrating various facets of their lives. Vision for 2024 For communication contact us : Maali is eagerly anticipating the challenges and opportunities that the new year brings. In 2024, she has set several goals that align with her professional journey and personal values. email: maali@meiod.org Firstly, she is committed to advancing the development of learning tools tailored for busy directors. Recognizing 14 | March 2023
Alice Weigthman 16 | March 2023
As a full-time mother, Alice Weigthman is the CEO and founder of The Work Crowd. She started her own executive search company because she noticed problems everywhere. Alice was aware of numerous intelligent, gifted women who desired to continue their careers but were unwilling to put their families at risk. Her clients, who were all in the marketing and communications industries, were having trouble getting the talent they required at the same time. Additionally, they were concerned about losing the powerful women in their industries. Alice made the decision that it was time for work to improve at that point. Thus, Alice established The Work Crowd, a global marketplace that would assist individuals in finding employment that suits them and match companies with talent. Currently, the idea is a reality. Alice says, "And although we may have begun in the UK, our goals are now focused on improving work everywhere." “As a matter of fact, about 25% of our members are currently located in Europe and the Middle East, and the number is growing daily. It is our belief that excellent work comes from doing it, not from where you do it. We don't appear to be alone in that.” Fortunestime.com | 17
About The Work Crowd The Work Crowd is an interactive marketplace that connects companies with a worldwide network of knowledgeable advisors, mentors, and independent contractors. It brings together one of the largest communities of pre-screened, on-demand talent in the industry, powered by human intelligence and cutting-edge technology. This platform, which has won multiple awards, encourages growth via teamwork and provides services that can jumpstart projects and improve teamwork, leadership, and critical skills. The Work Crowd offers businesses access to competent workers across several sectors for important roles that generate revenue, reputation, and risk management. The company prides itself on its unique blend of international talent from the UK, USA, Europe, and the Middle East. The Work Crowd's skill has been used to generate thought leadership content, build agile marketing functions, obtain coverage in local and international press, and drive sustainability programs. Leading organizations, brands, and government departments trust The Work Crowd. 18 | March 2023
Asil Attar Fortunestime.com | 21
Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram, FRCS (Plast), BEM, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and the Head of Clinical Innovation.The NHS clinical entrepreneur founded Proximie in 2015 with the goal of saving lives by disseminating the world's finest clinical practice. She relied on her surgical expertise as well as her love for innovation and teaching. As part of the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours, Dr. Nadine was awarded the British Empire Medal for her pioneering achievements in the disciplines of surgery and medicine. She also undertakes a number of roles to help advance surgery, including council member of the Royal College of Surgeons' Future of Surgery Commission, council member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), Innovation UK, and council member of the Royal Society of Medicine plastic surgery section. Fortunestime.com | 31
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between Fortunes Time and Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram: has really come to define me as a person. I spent 10 years working on global health initiatives around the world as a trainee surgeon. During that period, I definitely found myself feeling like I simply wasn't doing enough. When I looked at the Lancet Commission that revealed five billion people in the world lack access to safe surgery, I realized that we were only scratching the surface. I realized that it was really about building scalable, sustainable models of support and delivery, so I started to look at technology, and the idea for Proximie was born. Describe your background and what did you do before you started the company? I grew up in post-war Lebanon in the early 1990s, which was undoubtedly a formative period in my life. It shaped my career, not just as a surgeon but also as the founder of Proximie. Seeing the human impact conflict exacted on my homeland had a profound influence at a very young age. At that point, I started to get interested in the ability to help patients and to look for opportunities. Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I think I am a very driven person who is passionate about innovation in healthcare. Proximie was born out of a need, and my ambition as a surgeon was to find a solution and scale it using technology. In my experience, disruption in healthcare has many challenges, but I can say with experience that if it is really solving a problem, then adoption can be swift and decisive. I think having that drive to create a sustainable solution for creating better access to safe surgery Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? You can't do remote surgery in 2D. 32 | March 2023
