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Rasha Al Danhani Listed by World's Leaders Magazine under World's Most Admired Women Leaders in the Middle East, 2023
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Vol. 06 | Issue 09 | JUNE 2023 www.worldsleaders.com Women Leaders in the Middle East, 2023 World’s Most Admired Educating Future Leaders as Change Makers of a Better Tomorrow PG. 20 Utilizing Business to Improve People’s Lives through Pioneer Technology PG. 40 Danhani Rasha Al Rasha Al Transforming Hospitality in the Middle East
World's Most Admired Women Leaders in the Middle East, 2023 Advancing Women's Leadership in the Middle Eastern Business Sector In the Middle East, business leadership has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The number of women-owned businesses has gradually increased, demonstrating their ability to lead despite facing various challenges. Women-owned businesses still encounter financial concerns and challenges, such as social norms, limited financial access, and achieving a work-life balance. To address these issues, many efforts have been made to confront and change cultural biases and attitudes towards women's potential in the workforce. The fight against stereotypes and the promotion of gender equality heavily rely on initiatives to raise awareness, mentoring programs, and the success stories of female leaders. succeed in everything she puts her mind to. Rasha is the Chairperson of PappaRoti, the Owner and Founder of Brandnoise Creative Agency, Al Rasha Investments and The 1978 Suite. PappaRoti is a café brand known for the signature coffee-caramel buns. The café was introduced in the UAE in 2009 at the Dubai Mall. Originated in Malaysia the brand has gained immense popularity in the region. The international community also recognizes the importance of executive and entrepreneurial capabilities among Middle Eastern women. However, further progress in women's roles and leadership in business will be possible through ongoing efforts to remove barriers, change cultural norms, and provide support. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Admired Women Leaders in the Middle East, 2023” has featured women leaders from Middle East who are making notable efforts to address and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women's entrepreneurship and leadership in the region. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. Have a lovely read! The cover has Rasha Al Danhani, a woman who needs no introduction in the business world. Her impressive portfolio is proof of her determination and her ability to
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Megan Morgan, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker JUNE 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS, 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 WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
08 Rasha Al Danhani Transforming Hospitality in the Middle East
16 Alice Veglio 20 Dima Rachid Jamali 26 Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi 30 Jana M. Bader 36 Noor Al Muhaideb 40 Noor Al-Sulaiti 46 Renata Liuzzi Rosheen Ngorima 50 Rula El Kaliouby 54
Cover Story 08 | JUNE 2023
Rasha Al Danhani Transforming Hospitality in the Middle East omen have been making significant strides in the food and beverage industry, with more and more women taking leadership roles in the sector. Rasha Al Danhani is a woman who needs no introduction in the business world. Her impressive portfolio is proof of her determination and her ability to succeed in everything she puts her mind to. Rasha is the Chairperson of PappaRoti, the Owner and Founder of Brandnoise Creative Agency, Al Rasha Investments and The 1978 Suite. worldsleaders.com | 09
PappaRoti is a café brand known for the signature coffee-caramel buns. The café was introduced in the UAE in 2009 at the Dubai Mall. Originated in Malaysia the brand has gained immense popularity in the region. attention with its irresistible aroma. This encounter inspired her to start her own venture. Building a Beloved Brand in the UAE Rasha had always known that she had a natural aptitude for business and was eager to strike out on her own entrepreneurial path. However, finding the right product or concept to launch proved to be a challenge for her. Undeterred, she remained on the lookout for any intriguing ideas or opportunities, with a particular focus on the food and beverage industry. After all, she firmly believed that few things have the power to bring people as much happiness as good food. PappaRoti has carved a niche for itself in the market giving other cafes a tough competition. The brand has a loyal fan base that visit malls specially to sample the bun. The brand also contributes to strengthening the economy. The core values of the company are quality, customer service, attention to detail, maintaining a high level of hospitality, implementing sustainable practices, making a positive impact and being authentic. It was during a family vacation back in 2008 that Rasha's instincts led her to stumble upon a small kiosk located near a train station. Intrigued by the tantalizing aroma wafting from the kiosk, she decided to give the product a try. As soon as she tasted it, she knew that she had discovered something truly special, something that the UAE had been missing. Driven by her instincts and her belief in the product, Rasha wasted no time in reaching out to the owner and negotiating to bring the brand to the Middle East. From Corporate Career to Entrepreneurship After completing various entrepreneurship programs such as "Performance Management" and "Team Leading," Rasha earned her business management degree from Dubai Women's College. She kick- started her career in prominent companies like Emaar Properties and the Dubai Development and Investment Authority. Moreover, she gained valuable experience in both banking and real estate industries before embarking on her own entrepreneurial journey. Despite the challenges and uncertainties involved in launching a new venture, Rasha remained steadfast in her conviction that the PappaRoti brand would be a success in the UAE. She was confident in the product and the brand's unique selling proposition, Rasha was in search of a unique idea to introduce in the UAE. During her holiday trip to Malaysia in 2008, she stumbled upon PappaRoti, a small kiosk by the metro station that caught her 10 | JUNE 2023
and her faith and determination ultimately paid off as PappaRoti went on to become a beloved and popular brand throughout the region. similar approaches have been successful in the past, and if not, figure out why. Gain a deep understanding of your particular industry, and make sure you are aware of your competition and their actions. gastronomy, innovative cooking techniques, and unique dining experiences attracting people the most. Social media also plays a vital role in promoting certain cuisines, restaurants, and cafes, helping to spread the word and make brands popular. Approach to Business Growth through Innovation and Dedication Shouldering Responsibilities as a Business Owner Vision to Expand PappaRoti's Reach Rasha is constantly searching for innovative and novel concepts to grow the business. She dedicates herself to learning new things every day, and actively participates in the business operations. She is also heavily involved in the daily workings of the business and embrace new challenges regularly. Each team member is a valuable asset to the company, and no member can replace another. Rasha places a high value on honesty and hard work when recruiting team members and believes that other necessary skills can be taught. When Rasha is absent from the office for work purposes, she trusts her team members to manage the day-to-day operations. Rasha possesses a strong and well- defined vision for the future of the PappaRoti brand. Her ultimate goal is to transform PappaRoti into a household name that is instantly recognizable and synonymous with quality, delicious baked goods and exceptional customer service. Her dream is to establish PappaRoti as the go-to café for people all over the world, and she is determined to make this a reality by expanding the brand's reach into new markets and territories. Additionally, it's advisable to conduct thorough research and study extensively about your chosen field. Investigate past successes and failures to gain a deeper understanding of the business world. Enrolling in an entrepreneurship or business management course may also be beneficial. In her role as a business owner, Rasha bears the responsibility for making crucial decisions for the company, as well as ensuring that all departments operate smoothly. She oversees the operations of all her companies. Currently, PappaRoti has already gained a foothold in many countries and is rapidly gaining popularity in new markets as well. With its growing fan base and loyal customer following, the brand is poised for continued success and expansion. Rasha and her team are currently focusing on expanding PappaRoti's reach into the European market, with plans to introduce the brand to even more countries and regions in the near future. Their goal is to make PappaRoti a global phenomenon that is loved and appreciated by people from all walks of life, regardless of where they are in the world. Shifting Dynamics in Food and Beverage Industry Lastly, starting on a small scale can be advantageous as it involves lower risks and investments, resulting in minimal losses if any. According to Rasha, the hospitality industry in the Middle East has transformed over time, with shifting dynamics and cultural diversity. The region's multiculturalism, along with an increasing number of expats making it their home, has led to a diverse food and beverage industry, where every country's cuisine is welcomed. Technology has played a significant role in shaping the food and beverage industry, with Advice for New Leaders If you are new to a leadership position, Rasha suggests that you trust your instincts and avoid rushing into decisions. It's important to conduct thorough research about the market and educate yourself as much as possible about your goals. You should also investigate whether worldsleaders.com | 13
Vision to Expand PappaRoti's Reach Rasha possesses a strong and well-defined vision for the future of the PappaRoti brand. Her ultimate goal is to transform PappaRoti into a household name that is instantly recognizable and synonymous with quality, delicious baked goods and exceptional customer service. Her dream is to establish PappaRoti as the go-to café for people all over the world, and she is determined to make this a reality by expanding the brand's reach into new markets and territories. Currently, PappaRoti has already gained a foothold in many countries and is rapidly gaining popularity in new markets as well. With its growing fan base and loyal customer following, the brand is poised for continued success and expansion. Rasha and her team are currently focusing on expanding PappaRoti's reach into the European market, with plans to introduce the brand to even more countries and regions in the near future. Their goal is to make PappaRoti a global phenomenon that is loved and appreciated by people from all walks of life, regardless of where they are in the world. worldsleaders.com | 15
Dima Rachid Dima Rachid Dima Rachid Jamali Jamali Jamali Educating Future Leaders as Change Makers of a Better Tomorrow “Lifelong learning has been my motto since the early start of my career”. Dima Jamali Dean & Professor University of Sharjah 20 | JUNE 2023
The Backstory of Her Success the public sector, academia, and the entire UN system. Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI), an organization that promotes ethical leadership in both the public and private sectors. Dima Jamali previously held the Kamal Shair Chair in Responsible Leadership and was a professor and associate dean at the Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut (AUB). She graduated with a PhD in Social Policy and Administration from Canterbury, UK's University of Kent. Her studies and instruction have mostly focused on social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility (CSR) over the years (SE). She is the author or editor of seven books, including Handbook of Responsible Management (Edward Elgar 2019), CSR in Developing and Emerging Economies: Institutions and Sustainable Development (Cambridge University Press), Social Entrepreneurship in the Middle East (Palgrave, 2015), CSR in the Middle East (Palgrave, 2012), and Corporate Governance in Arab Countries: Specifics and Outlooks (NTER Press 2019), and over 100 significant international publications, which are widely circulated and cited internationally and concentrate on various facets of sustainability, sustainable development, and CSR in developing nations generally and the Middle East specifically. She gained invaluable experience founding, growing and working with the UN Global Compact Network of Lebanon to organize high-level forums, roundtable discussions, national programs, and activities focused on empowerment, inclusion, development, and well-being with the goal of leaving no one behind. She also engaged a broad range of individuals from the private sector, Bestowed for excellence The University of Sharjah Dima Jamali was recognized by Stanford University as one of the top 2% most influential global scholars in the field of sustainability as a result of her extensive research, and she also received the 2015 Aspen Institute Faculty Pioneer Award, which the Financial Times referred to as "the Oscars of the Business School World" for faculty who are at the forefront of their discipline's teaching and research. She also received the 2015 Arab Organization for Social Responsibility Personality of the Year for CSR award and the Shield of Excellence for the Arab Region, as well as the 2010 Shoman Prize for Best Young Arab Researcher, which honors outstanding scientific contributions that help address pressing issues at the local, regional, and global levels. At Global Compact Network Lebanon, Dima founded this important network and continues to serve as steward and president. The UN Global Compact is the largest sustainability program in the world and calls on businesses to connect plans and operations with fundamental values of anti- corruption, labor, environmental, and human rights. She is also a member of the Global Council for the UN Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME), which strives to instill sustainability at the core of higher education institutions, which has invited her =to join in 2020. She is also a contributor to the Globally The University of Sharjah was established with the intention of adding to the qualities of distinguished universities all over the world share. University of Sharjah provides extensive and multi- disciplinary education and research programs. The University of Sharjah is a full-service academic organization with a unique teaching methodology, great research reputation and a worldwide perspective. In the UAE and the GCC, it is a leader in academia, science, and the arts and was ranked number 1 in the UAE along with UAEU University by Times Higher Education Rankings in 2022. The UAE Ministry of Higher Education has accredited all programs. Engineering, Communication, Science, and Business are just a few of the disciplines that have received international accreditation. At the University of Sharjah, faculty members are dedicated to delivering a top-notch educational experience that equips future leaders with a comprehensive set of knowledge and abilities. They are committed to creating a cooperative, long-lasting atmosphere that supports cutting- edge research and scholarship as well as the development of skills for the twenty-first century. They provide state of the art academic and professional programs geared towards empowering our students, teachers, and the community at large worldsleaders.com | 23
Dr. Aishah Dr. Aishah Dr. Aishah Yammahi Yammahi Al Al Yammahi Al Using AI and Technology in the Educational Sector to Inspire the Next Generation for Learning worldsleaders.com | 27
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside the workplace. I hold a PhD in Education from The British University of Dubai, in addition to a master's degree in Human Resources Management from Massey University in New Zealand, where I researched the effects of a positive work environment on employee performance and productivity. Prior to joining Alef Education, I served as the principal of the first public school in the UAE to implement Alef's ground-breaking educational system, as well as the Director for UNESCO in the UAE's National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. Most recently, I was appointed at the Ministry of Education UAE, where I coordinated the implementation of the Alef Platform in 57 public schools in Abu Dhabi. I strive to guide, mentor and support the Alef team and enhance the working environment at work. I further assist in the development of efficient plans and strategies for our organisation and our digital platforms. My work does not end at the end of my working day; at home, I am committed to supporting and caring for my husband and children. I am a strong believer in the value of education, which fueled my support for my husband to obtain his PhD. As for interests, I greatly enjoy reading, as it stimulates the mind. I also encourage my children to read to help them broaden their outlook and shape their perspectives. Reading, in my opinion, also enhances analytical and critical thinking, both of which are crucial for the development and growth of students. As part of my efforts to redefine the learning ecosystem, I have travelled and gained extensive knowledge of numerous educational systems worldwide, including those in Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and the USA. In addition, I have also participated in numerous conferences related to education all over the world, where I gained insights into the newest advancements in the industry and networked with various professionals from the education sector. In order to improve and inspire the next generation of learners, I firmly believe that technology and artificial intelligence must be utilized in the educational sector. Describe your background and what you did before you joined Alef Education. I have 27 years of experience in the educational sector, during which I have harnessed a wealth of knowledge and experience that I have utilised to the best of my abilities to contribute to the advancement of this field. Over these years, I have assumed various roles and responsibilities and embarked on numerous endeavours that have positively influenced my career and enabled me to grow both professionally and personally. I have helped formulate a curriculum for various academic levels and classes, emphasizing technical education and promoting the professional development of teachers as the two main pillars of the educational process. 28 | JUNE 2023
Noor Al Muhaideb Striving To Craft the Ingredients of Absolute Luxury, Creating Spaces That are not Only Beautiful, but Breath-taking N Noor Al Muhaideb Noor Al Muhaideb is the CEO & Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors and Detay Living. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the American University of Sharjah in 2002. She gained her remarkable portfolio over her fifteen years of professional expertise by implementing and completing several residential, hotel, and commercial developments for Emaar Properties. Clients and coworkers alike hold Noor in high regard for her extraordinary inventiveness, design sensibility, organizational prowess, and capacity to lead diverse teams. With an eye for elegance, craftsmanship, and quality, she is renowned for her world-class visionary style and designs that set trends whilst remaining fresh and timeless year after year. 36 | JUNE 2023
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Noor Al Muhaideb: rewarding; seeing the vision taken from rough sketches all the way through to the end result is just an incredible feeling. I also love to read books about successful business leaders. There is a bit of a reality check in observing what has been sacrificed, but there is so much wisdom and inspiration in seeing the road to success. I've been particularly inspired after reading Shoe Dog and the challenges Phil Knight faced and overcame while building the empire that is Nike. I never assumed that success would be inevitable. There are many factors outside of our hands, as business-owners, but I do know that what I can control is my dedication to put in focused time and effort. And it has truly paid off. Describe your professional journey as a business leader. I have always had an eye for beauty and a deep appreciation for lovely spaces. Throughout my childhood, this disposition blossomed into a skill-set as my creative mind explored the possibilities of design. I set my sights on the American University of Sharjah and pursued a Bachelor of Interior Design degree. After graduating in 2002, I was hired as Interior Design Director with Emaar Properties. My fifteen years of extensive experience at Emaar furnished an impressive portfolio. I relished the opportunity to implement and deliver countless residential, hospitality, and commercial developments. As my confidence and first-hand knowledge grew, so did a real drive to complete each project in a timely manner. Now, at the helm of Opaal Interiors, I love to nurture the young designers here. I have not forgotten what it was like to be a fresh graduate and I give each young designer a voice and opportunities to use their gifts. I look for strong, creative, competent thinkers. They each bring immense value to the table, and my hope is that they are empowered here at Opaal to step bravely into the world of design. I take great care in the hiring and training process, ensuring that each candidate understands our unique business model.When we first began, I focused mainly on design for property developers so that I could build a strong business case in one specific area, but now we have really branched out into all kinds of projects and developments. I know this is only the beginning for us! Who inspires you to wake up every day and keep making a difference in the interior space? I am a mother of four, and my family is absolutely my greatest inspiration and support. This profession is so As the CEO and Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors, what challenges have you faced while establishing and running the business? The biggest challenge proved to be the very early stages of the company. Building client lists and relationships with those clients takes time, and there is no way around it. We're up against well-established firms, so providing excellent customer service and being willing to go above and beyond helped us build our reputation from the beginning. I am happy to say that the patience and determination to stick with the process has paid off. We'll still lose a pitch occasionally, but I'm far better at handling those moments now. My reactions to a challenging moment like that are now far more rooted in my knowledge of the complexity of the design world and the many factors that contribute to those decisions. Brief us about the operations of Opaal Interiors, its mission, vision, and core values. At Opaal Interiors, we are committed to finding the balance between the ambitions of the user, the needs of the industry, 38 | JUNE 2023
and the shape of the physical space. With ingenuity, enthusiasm, and 50 years of combined experience, we desire each client to feel a sense of partnership in the process of design and creation. We believe that an expertly designed interior is fundamental to a lasting first impression, and take on this responsibility with great gladness and great seriousness. Eager to realize each client's vision, we combine our understanding of materials, textures, finishes, and colors to elevate the space in a way that authentically represents each client's vision. What exactly Opaal Interiors is doing differently in acquiring and sustaining customers for itself? I believe what sets us apart is, most importantly, the vitality of our client/designer connection. Both strong creative leadership and real client partnerships exist side-by-side. This is our greatest motivation to hire well-rounded professionals with strong communication skills. Working at Emaar also gave me insight into what was missing in the market. Quick execution and timeliness are of high importance, but we never rush the planning process. We are especially meticulous in the concept phase, listening carefully to the client's needs and requests. We can take a very rough idea and patiently collaborate with the client as the vision becomes more specific. Due to the subjective nature of design, we never assume we know exactly what the client wants, but we communicate several options we know could satisfy their needs and place a high value on their input. to flow more freely. Perhaps there's a collective sense of confidence now that we have surmounted the obstacles of 2020. The question we are asking ourselves now is, "How can we enhance even further the way we're operating?" We believe that good ideas can come from anywhere, and we are open to creative problem solving and innovation of all kinds. In terms of future growth, where do you see yourself and Opaal Interiors? As I look into the future of my own career, I see so many thrilling opportunities for growth. Three years ago, we opened a sister company to manage furniture procurement. It is the perfect complement to Opaal Interiors, and I'd love to grow that business so that we can offer an even more robust, holistic experience to our clients. Another huge development in the near future will be the opening of an office space in Saudi Arabia. We see many exciting opportunities to continue expanding globally, and have our sights set on an eventual location in North America. I know this is only the beginning for us. What do you think are the essentials of being a trendsetting businesswoman? A strength many women embody is the gift of precise and insightful communication with others. I've learned that as businesswomen, we can harness that for the success of our endeavors. Client partnerships are a critical aspect of most businesses, so the ability to place ourselves in the shoes of the client will give us a real edge on the competition. Staying on top of trends (or better yet, setting trends) can seem daunting. Keep your eyes and ears on consumers' desires and remain true to your unique vision, and you'll be sure to stay competitive and relevant. What creative ways have you employed to make the work environment of Opaal Interiors vibrant? Virtual work has really helped with brainstorming; it may sound counter-intuitive, but away from distractions in the office, our team has really been able to be productive in the idea-generating stage of each project. Even since we returned to the offices in August, the ideas have continued worldsleaders.com | 39
Noor Al-Sulaiti Former CEO Ooredoo Oman 40 | JUNE 2023
Al-Sulaiti Utilizing Business to Improve People’s Lives through Pioneer Technology The organization's success depends on having a strong corporate culture, which must include terms like performance-driven, collaborative, inclusive, and challenging. When their performance-driven culture is lost, some organizations become disoriented. Delivering on company goals requires setting clear expectations for divisions, giving them the freedom to carry them out, and holding them accountable. A collaborative culture is essential to building a successful workforce, so one cannot stop there. It's crucial to end isolation, promote cross- functional collaboration, and foster a supportive culture among team members. Meet, Noor Al-Sulaiti, Former Chief Executive Ofcer of Ooredoo Oman, supports a collaborative and healthy corporate culture within the organization. She explains, "I personally do not have an ofce, I only have a collaboration room where we work together, and people are free to use it while I am not there." worldsleaders.com | 41
term technology strategy to build the foundation required to position the business at the forefront of technological advancement and aid in the nation's digital transformation. Noor and her team provide a complete communications solution for individuals, businesses, and government, and have grown to become a leading all-round communications company in Oman with a focus on customer experience and providing the customers with a unique and rewarding end-to-end journey. The solutions provide the ability to tailor-make and customize to meet every need and budget, and they can be flexed to grow and develop in the case of corporate solutions. Destined Journey and FastTelco's head (in Kuwait). She had a big influence on the market when she was CEO of Starlink because she rebranded the business and improved its capacity to compete in e-commerce, retail, and ICT. From the beginning, the company has attracted the best talent and is dubbed the Google od Oman from a culture and work environment point of view. Employees at Ooredoo are encouraged to contribute to the strategy and develop ideas. The company provides a huge range of training courses and mentoring to employees in the hope of developing future telecom leaders. Noor Al-Sulaiti holds bachelor's degrees in computer science from the University of Qatar and a master's degree in business administration in strategic management from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. She briefly worked in IT after graduating before switching to product development. Ooredoo recruited her and offered her a technical-commercial position. She has worked in the telecoms sector for more than 19 years. A track record of achievement in change management, business expansion, and transformation served to support this. Her priority has always been on creating cohesive teams, establishing a common goal, and working with all stakeholders to improve goods and services for customers, boost shareholder returns, enable and empower individuals and teams, and integrate this work with overarching goals. Noor has held a variety of management positions, including those of Phono's general manager Inception of Ooredoo Oman Omani Qatari Telecommunications Company SAOG (also known as "Ooredoo") was established and incorporated in the Sultanate of Oman in December 2004. Under the name Nawras, it began operations in Oman in March 2005 as a rival mobile operator. It changed its name to "Ooredoo" as of March 2014. The second fixed license was granted to the company in 2009, and in April 2010, it opened an international gateway. In May 2010, it began offering corporate fixed and broadband services, and in June 2010, it offered residential fixed and broadband services. Cut-edged Offerings People in Ooredoo are ambitious and always challenging themselves to stay at the cutting edge of technology in the smartest ways to cater to the country's ever-evolving online and telecom needs by focusing on the growth of AI, IoT, virtual reality, augmented reality, and fintech, all aimed at fulfilling the promise to upgrade the customers' world. They pioneered disruptive technologies by expanding internet access and championing innovation and value in products and services. Since its inception, Ooredoo has been working on an ambitious long- 42 | JUNE 2023
“In the last year, we've also had an increasing focus on device sales; something we have ramped up in recent months, and this has been hugely successful to date." worldsleaders.com | 43
Renata Liuzzi Liuzzi “Every action you take, including taking risks, forging new relationships, and mastering new skills, has the potential to lead to a path of success.” Renata Liuzzi, CEO & Founder of Axis Partners, encourages everyone to invest in learning for career advancement and personal growth as the key to success, as well as creating a trusted network around you that will support you on the desired speed of growth. The actions you have taken up to this point have led you to where you are in your career. Renata Liuzzi | CEO & Founder | Axis Partners 46 | JUNE 2023
Ladder to Success Renata Liuzzi holds an MBA from IE Business School and is a Mechanical Engineer with a specialty in motorsports. She has received a post-graduate diploma in strategy, innovation and design thinking from MIT and Columbia University, and certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Artificial Intelligence from MIT, and Operational Efficiency. During her academic years, Renata was a member of the Formula SAE team, where she developed a passion for the design and build of race cars, and gained invaluable knowledge in applied innovation, design thinking, and creative problem- solving through her work on creating such miniature Formula 1-style cars. Why Axis Partners is so unique Their unique offering blends corporate experience with entrepreneurial agility, enabling them to effectively collaborate with their clients and drive tangible results. Renata has 18+ years of experience working with prestigious consultancies and various Fortune 500 corporations in business strategy, customer experience, innovation, and digital transformation. She has successfully led the delivery of complex transformation programs, working with teams spread across more than 15 countries and doing business with more than 20 countries. Their ways of working, allows them to become an integral part of their clients, helping bring their vision to life, and delivering strategy, innovation, design-thinking, customer, and employee experience solutions. They have also established a successful training academy, inspirational talk sessions, and custom-made training for key clients, which has had a positive impact in their clients Renata has been appointed as a visiting professor at the IE Business School, where she teaches strategy, customer experience, and design thinking to international MBA students. She has also a mentor for top start-ups that come from Europe's top innovation lab. She is dedicated to Its focus is always on delivering high-quality, high-impact outcomes while having fun and inspiring transformation. worldsleaders.com | 49
Ngorima Ngorima Ngorima F Creating Network Support with Vetted Businesses that Fills the Requirements of Clients For a company to operate and grow, encouragement, support, and building are crucial. Set an example for others to follow, and wherever you can, aid in their personal development. Everybody had to begin somewhere. Be the leader that the team needs you to be. If others are nice people, they will be good to you. Following in the footsteps of this strategy, Rosheen Ngorima, Founder and Resident Accountant of Neeps Consulting Services, and Henzie Healley, Partner and Managing Director of Counsel Services Limited, have emerged as a dynamic duo in the UAE. 50 | JUNE 2023
