Inspiring UAE Women Podcast

Nora Achmaoui, is the ultimate girl boss and founder of SHEEO Consulting, a consulting company dedicated to helping women become their own boss babes! Nora is an entrepreneur at heart and a content creator extraordinaire, with a passion for empowering women to take charge of their own lives and businesses.  Listen to Nora’s interview on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami amongst other channels. Please show your support by leaving your ratings to spread the word! Follow the podcast on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube. Connect with the host Ameera on LinkedIn at Ameera Khalid FCCA or by email on inspiringuaewomen@gmail.com.

Sandy Hayek is the Co-CEO of Time Out Market (Operations). She joined Time Out Market Dubai as General Manager in early 2021, playing a critical role in its successful launch and continued business growth. In February 2022, Sandy was promoted to Co-CEO of Time Out Market (Operations), with a focus on optimising operations, growing auxiliary revenue and overseeing vendor relations. Since May 2022, as Time Out Market Co-CEO (Operations), she oversees seven Time Out Markets around the world – a concept that is set to expand globally in the future. Sandy’s career spans over 18 years in hospitality across Scandinavia and the UAE, including nine years in Dubai. Listen to Sandy’s interview on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami amongst other channels. Please show your support by leaving your ratings to spread the word! Follow the podcast on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube. Connect with the host Ameera on LinkedIn at Ameera Khalid FCCA or by email on inspiringuaewomen@gmail.com.

Mehvish Ayub is a Senior Portfolio Strategist at State Street Global Advisors covering the EMEA region and located in Abu Dhabi; she actively participates in thought leadership, product development and investment strategies across multiple asset classes for institutional and intermediary clients. With over 15 years of investment experience, Mehvish was previously a Senior Investment Manager in State Street Global Advisors Investment Solutions Group (ISG) in London. Her other experiences include being an Investment Manager at Barings Asset Management in the Global Multi-Asset Group and foreign exchange options trader at Morgan Stanley. Listen to the Mehvish’s interview on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami amongst other channels. Please show your support by leaving your ratings to spread the word! Follow the podcast on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube. Connect with the host Ameera on LinkedIn at Ameera Khalid ACCA or by email on inspiringuaewomen@gmail.com.

Catia Tomasetti, Leader of BonelliErede’s Energy and Ecological Transition Focus Team, is a known expert in energy and project finance. She is both an Italian lawyer and a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. Catia joined BonelliErede as a Partner in 2011, where she is also a member of their Diversity and Inclusion Board. Today, she also sits as the President of the Central Bank of San Marino; making her one of only 14 women in the world with this role. Listen to the Catia’s interview on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami amongst other channels. Please show your support by leaving your ratings to spread the word! Follow the podcast on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube. Connect with the host Ameera on LinkedIn at Ameera Khalid ACCA or by email on inspiringuaewomen@gmail.com.

Helen Chen is the CEO and Co-founder of Nomad Homes. Nomad is a managed marketplace for users to search, transact, and finance residential real estate under one roof across Europe and the Middle East. Prior to founding Nomad, Helen was an investor and worked at Goldman Sachs, China Investment Corporation (CIC), and Blackstone Private Equity. While pursuing her MBA at Stanford, the heart of Silicon Valley, Helen developed a passion for proptech. And against all odds, Helen left her MBA to start Nomad. A strong believer in supporting women both in tech and in the boardroom, Helen is a champion for hiring female talent at Nomad and encouraging a balanced workforce. Helen was also selected to Forbes 30 Under 30, Finance. Listen to the Helen’s interview on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami amongst other channels. Choose your channel.  Follow the podcast on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube. Connect with the host Ameera on LinkedIn at Ameera Khalid ACCA or by email on inspiringuaewomen@gmail.com.

Jouhayna AlMheiri is an Air Traffic Control Officer and On-The-Job Training Instructor based in Abu Dhabi. She is passionate about training the next generation of Air Traffic Controllers. Jouhayna is also a public speaker and an artist.  Follow the podcast on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami amongst other channels. Choose your channel.  Connect with the host Ameera on LinkedIn at Ameera Khalid ACCA or by email on inspiringuaewomen@gmail.com

Mary-Justine Todd is the Founder and Executive Director of Shamsaha. Based in Bahrain, Shamsaha is the only kind of non-profit organisation in the region which provides 24/7 crisis support for victims of abuse and domestic violence. The Shamsaha app will be launched and available starting next month, to scale the humanitarian services in Bahrain, making 24/7 multi-lingual and culturally sensitive crisis support services available to millions of women for the first time ever throughout the Middle East. Inspiring champions of empowerment; Shamsaha possess technical, cultural and emotional intelligence and applies it with skill to uplift women everywhere. Shamsaha provides 24/7 telephone and in-person support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, free and confidential. They also offer medium and long term case work care for women who need ongoing services.   Mary-Justine is the winner of EY’s 2018 Middle East Winning Women Award for women entrepreneurs. She is also Afkarech’s 2018 Woman of the Year and the 2019 International Gold Prize Stevie Award winner for women in non-profit business. Additionally, she is the winner of Ingrid Vanderveldt’s Empowering A Billion Women 2020 – Most Innovative App Award, as the creator of the Shamsaha mobile app.  As part of L’Oréal’s ongoing efforts and commitment to support women’s rights, L’Oréal Fund For Women has pledged AED1.24 million to Shamsaha, to support its mission in protecting, advocating and empowering women in the GCC. Shamsaha will utilize the funds to expand the crisis program’s services and on-ground operations to the UAE as well as KSA, Oman, and Kuwait. Follow the podcast on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami amongst other channels. Choose your channel (https://linktr.ee/inspiringuaewomen) Connect with the host Ameera on LinkedIn at Ameera Khalid ACCA (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameera-khalid-acca-/) or by email on inspiringuaewomen@gmail.com

Zahra Lari is the UAE and MENA region’s first international competitive figure skater and five time UAE National Champion; as well as being the first to do so while wearing the hijab. While she began skating at the late age of 12 years old, Zahra has beaten the odds and has achieved the highest level in spins, technique and triple jumps. Zahra is registered and certified in the UAE National Records for her achievements in serving the Society and the State. She is the main representative that has changed the judging guidelines within the International Skating Union with regards to the acceptance of female skaters competing with the hijab and not receiving score deductions, as well as being recognized by the ISU for her achievements in bringing the UAE and this region onto the international stage for this sport. Zahra is also Etihad’s official training partner and ambassador. Highlights Appointed to serve on the Athlete’s Engagement Committee for the Special Olympics 2019 Youth Expo 2019 keynote speaker Awarded by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi Torch bearer for the 2018 MENA Special Olympics Key role in the Nike Pro-Hijab and the Nike “what will they say about you” campaigns Honored participant in the Olympics 2018 P&G “Thank you Mom” campaign 2017 Arab Women’s Award UNICEF “Voices of Youth” feature Mubadala Youth Forum representative Follow the podcast on social media: LinkedIn at Inspiring UAE Women Podcast, Instagram @iuaewpodcast, Facebook at Inspiring UAE Women podcast, and Tiktok at inspiringuaewomenpodcast You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel at Inspiring UAE Women Podcast. (https://linktr.ee/inspiringuaewomen)  Connect with the host Ameera on LinkedIn at Ameera Khalid ACCA or by email on inspiringuaewomen@gmail.com

Dr Hoda Alkhzaimi is currently the Director for Center of Cyber Security and Research Assistant Professor. She is also the President of Emirates Digital Association for Women and CEO of Women in AI. Dr Hoda has 17 years of experience in industrialization and economic development projects having led and motivated several tech-based industrial investments in the UAE and internationally. With a specific interest in SDG based investments, Dr Hoda has served in various research and development positions in the Technology development sector in previous years and has also played a vital role in developing Cyber Security and Cryptology research and development ecosystems in the region and globally. Dr Hoda will be speaking at INTERSEC, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre between 16-18 January. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, INTERSEC is the only event in the region bringing the entire ecosystem of emergency services, security and safety under one roof enabling regional and global leaders to explore solutions for the rapidly evolving challenges facing the industry. Visit the INTERSEC website at https://bit.ly/3zDULg0 for details.

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, The Board Summit will take place between 20-22 September 2021. The Board Summit organised by Aurora50 is an event bringing ecosystems together to provide access for both boards and female talent. Aurora50 continues to be instrumental in building a pipeline of board-experienced women and facilitating their chances of being appointed by connecting them to experienced board directors. To get your free ticket to attend the summit virtually, please visit the link in the show’s Instagram bio @iuaewpodcast and enter the code IUW100. Diana is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Aurora 50. She is a business leader with more than 20 years of experience across strategy and business development. She is also adept at business networking and relationship building and thrives on continuous learning. Diana has always been passionate about making a difference and building communities, particularly in the area of diversity and inclusion. Mustafa Kheriba is the CEO & MD of Arithma Capital and the former Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Group Head of Asset Management of Shuaa Capital. He also serves as Chairman, Executive Board Director and Board Member for a range of public listed and private companies across the GCC, UK, US, Egypt and Serbia. Mustafa has also been named among the top 50 MENA Fund Managers two years running in the annual survey conducted by MENA FM Magazine.

The final episode of Season 1 repeats some of the key lessons learned, provides information on Season 2 and how you can stay in touch and updated on what's next with the show.

Dani Hakim is one of the UAE’s most sought after healthcare strategic consultants as well as a fully qualified integrative health coach. She is also the proud CoFounder of Safe Space, a social impact agency committed to helping companies and individuals to pursue better mental health. Safe Space worked with Google to develop responses that would allow Google Assistant to address mental health queries in the region more effectively.

Rukhsher is a prominent beauty entrepreneur & Co-Founder of Pastels Salon. She has forged a reputation as a leader within the hair and beauty industry winning the Professional Beauty Business Director of the year award in 2019. Her formidable business acumen has resulted in Pastels winning multiple awards including the 2017 Whats On Award for Favourite Hair Salon, Best Hair and Nail Salon Dubai at the Lux Awards and the Best Hair and Beauty Salon at the Professional Beauty GCC Awards 2021.

Huda Al Lawati’s career has spanned 18 years in private equity and investments across emerging markets. She has held the positions of Partner at Gateway Partners Group, Chief Investment Officer for Savola Group and Chief Investment Officer for MENA at the Abraaj Group. In all these roles, she has led deal origination, execution and portfolio management in the Middle East and Africa regions. Huda also currently serves on several boards across the GCC.

Cynthia Corby is the Middle East Construction Industry Leader for Deloitte & Touche Middle East. She is an author and founder of the GCC Powers of Construction Publication issued by Deloitte & Touche (M.E.), which includes expert views on construction opportunities and trends in the region. Cynthia is also the Audit Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East, leading the practice comprising circa 1700 people. She was the first Female Audit Partner appointed in 2006.

Kristel Bechara is an award-winning contemporary artist. She is the first artist from the UAE and the Middle East to enter the crypto world and launch and sell NFTs to global collectors. Kristel’s work has been displayed around the world to great appreciation and demand, especially from galleries in Tokyo, Milano, Brussels, and France. She has notably won the UAE Resident Artist Award at the 2018 World Art Dubai for her collection, Beauty in Diversity.

Fatima AlQubaisi is the first Emirati woman to graduate from Harvard Law School. She is a feminist, activist and lawyer. Fatima comes from a family of female trailblazers: her aunt Amal AlQubaisi was the first female speaker of Parliament in the Gulf and the Middle East. Her cousins are Hamda and Amna AlQubaisi, the famous car racers. Fatima is passionate about helping women in her community and mentoring young people.

Fiona McBride is the Managing Director of Kaplan Professional Middle East. An accomplished leader and seasoned CFO, she is a change agent with more than 30 years of international and cross industry experience. Following her belief in leading by example, Fiona is a builder and motivator of teams, believes that attitude is a key success factor and is dedicated to helping young professionals build their vocational skills for a successful career.

Amal Al-Agroobi is an Emirati film director, producer and writer. Her film career began in 2012 with her short documentary 'Half Emirati', followed by 'The Brain That Sings' (2013) which won multiple awards worldwide. Amal set up ALAGROOBI films in 2013, developing films with Arab themes or stories from the Arab world. Her passion lies predominantly in themes of social injustice with character-driven stories that discuss identity, personality and the understanding of human character.

Lucy Chow is focused on the innovation space, both in terms of supporting founders and as an investor. She is the Secretary General, WBAF Global Women Leaders Committee and an Executive, Investment Committee, WBAF Angel Investment Fund. She is also a Director of WAIN (Women’s Angel Investor Network and an investor with NextWave Impact Fund, The Founder Institute and Mindshift Capital, the former two based out of the US. Lucy was one of #LinkedInTopVoices 2020 for MENA.

Louise Karim is the Managing Director of Women@Work. She is an experienced Communication Specialist with more than 17 years’ experience in both the international and regional markets. In 2016, Louise joined the Mackenzie Jones group to develop and lead the Women@Work business. Her passion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and insight into the target market through her own experience as a successful professional and a mother, is what drives Louise to continually build the business.

In this bonus episode, I answer some questions I have been receiving and repeat some of the lessons learned from our female leaders so far. Reach out to me on LinkedIn or email me if you have any questions or would like to tell me about your female role models. Don't forget to tag #inspiringuaewomen on social media channels.

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi is the Deputy Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). She has 20 years of executive and leadership experience in higher education institutions, developing services and strategies through innovation, research, and capacity development. A social scientist by training, Dr. Tarifa promotes sustainable agricultural development and transformation of food systems through capacity development, women and youth engagement, and agripreneurship.

Noor Sweid is the founder of Global Ventures, a UAE-based, growth-stage venture capital firm with presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, and Jeddah. Previously, Noor was the Chief Investment Officer at The Dubai Future Foundation and a Managing Partner at Leap Ventures. She led the region’s first listing on NASDAQ Dubai and the London Stock Exchange and also founded ZenYoga which became the largest chain of wellness studios in the Middle East before a successful exit.

As Head of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the Middle East, Fazeela is responsible for leading the operations in 11 countries and representing more than 20,000 students, affiliates and members across the region, who work in all sectors and all levels of business across the Middle East.

Her Excellency Dr Hawaa Almansoori is a Member of the UAE Federal National Council, Deputy Medical Director of Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Executive Director at Department of Intramural Research Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Consultant Endocrinologist, Healthcare Executive, Inventor and Entrepreneur.

Find out what the Inspiring UAE Women podcast is all about!