What helped you shape the woman you are today? First & foremost, both of my parents, from a young age, supported my creative expression & independence, at times where Saudi families were more conservative. They always pushed me to try new things, explore and never be ashamed of what I believe in. The second thing that influenced shaping my personality, was being surrounded by elder people in the family, which is my grandparents (from both sides). I listened to stories from the past and it always made me appreciate authentic Saudi history and culture. A lot of the values I carry with me today came from those enriching moments with my family. Finally, exposure, whether from traveling or living abroad. Meeting new people, making new friends, seeing and learning from different cultures. That made me a keen person and always wanting to know more How did you choose to step into the field of advertising and communication? Actually, it was by chance, I was on my way to pursue my career in film & production after I left MBC back in 2008. I thought this is what I wanted, it made sense in my head. But at that time, women working in the production sector wasn’t the norm and my parents were also hesitant. Even if not for women, it was almost non-existent in Saudi Arabia as an industry. So, if I were to continue, I had to live abroad to start my career. Surprisingly, I received a call from a previous contact in STC for a possible job opportunity while I was working in Dubai as a wardrobe stylist. During that period, Most Saudi brands used to shoot their commercials in Dubai. I was at a crossroad between continuing my studies & career in film in Dubai or taking a job in one of the leading multinational agencies handling the biggest brand in Saudi Arabia. I decided to take a leap of faith and take the job! Immediately, I got hooked on the industry and the rest is just history… Do you think that women should follow their parents’ business path? I don’t think there’s a rule that needs to be followed. If you look at success stories around the world or even within your community, you’ll find that each story is different from the others. We can learn from our elders, test ourselves, and explore new things until we identify what we are passionate about. In summary, everyone should follow what they’re passionate about. Follow your heart and be passionate about it. What were the main challenges and how did you overcome them? Looking back to when I started, things were completely different, the path was not as clear as it is now. There was a lot of challenges but possibly these were the most prominent: Venturing into an industry that lacked localization, female marketeers or entrepreneurs weren’t the norm in the industry & identifying the right path for Bold to flourish and a successful future. The Saudi market has witnessed an everlasting expansion in the last 50 years and the focus areas varied throughout history. Marketing or communication at that time wasn’t high on the list of priorities, so when I entered the market major global players were leading in KSA and I believe we needed that to capture that knowledge and expertise to apply it properly within our community. So, my first challenge was to establish Bold and showcase the true value of a local agency and what we could bring to the table. In my head the solution was easy, utilize my roots and my know-how of the Saudi culture in our bold offerings to our partners. Convincing new clients on the new creative approaches was fairly easy, what took time to prove to our clients, is that Bold has the capability to provide full communication solutions that would achieve their KPIs. Selling creative concepts was a challenge but a female leading a creative boutique was not the norm and that was a challenge for me to succeed in. My family’s support and my colleagues who believed in me were part of the Bold family, in addition to the hard work we’ve put together, I’ve been able to be a small part of changing the norm that females can lead in this field. Thankfully, throughout the years, we were able to experiment a lot, and try new approaches which allowed me to form an understanding and a belief for what I’d like Bold to be in the future. Today, we have shifted from a 360 creative agency into a specialized group focusing on three main pillars that include brand building, brand communication and brand experience. I believe that local agency specialization is the right way for the foreseeable future. What was your contribution in the evolution from Bold Boutique to The Bold Group? Bold was never the result of one person’s effort but the summation of multitalented & dedicated individuals. Since the start, I believed in no hierarchy, open space policy, and small & focused units even if the boutique expanded exponentially. As Bold started expanding, I realized a major sense of responsibility to the people joining Bold as they are entrusting their careers with my organization. I aim to always maintain a family-focused culture that is built on individuality, responsibility & creativity. I believe this sets a healthy approach to our internal culture. In order to keep growing The Bold Group, I always encourage every team member to think bigger & work smarter no matter how far-fetched their dream is. I don’t believe anything is impossible and as long as we put the right effort in. What were the main stages of your success story? The start of every success story starts from the parents, my upbringing with a loving and caring family played a major role in building who I am today and I am thankful for every effort they’ve put. With my family’s support
Foluso Gbadamosi
Choosing to make the most of your talent will drive your behaviour. You will become more self-aware & intentional about developing your talents into strengths while also noticing the talents of others. This is the greatest path to YOU living a successful life – daily learning to maximize your talents and leveraging that of those around you.
It’s your decision, not the society’s
People who dance in sensual styles such as pole dancing, chair dancing, burlesque, heels, etc.… constantly experience prejudice, negative comments or sexual harassment for how they choose to express themselves especially at their workplaces. So, they get asked lots of questions like: “How do you expect people to take you seriously at work while you are posting videos of yourself dancing like that? “ “How do you navigate being a sensual dancer and a doctor/engineer/lawyer/therapist / social worker/nurse/journalist…?” Society says you can’t do both. And what’s sadder is seeing these comments sometimes coming from women too. So, to come “out” as a sensual dancer in your workplace, or to keep it a secret? The more we make sensuality taboo, the more our society will be about “shame” rather than “acceptance and embracement”. Every woman has the right to be herself, speak her mind, and feel sexy & confident. Every woman has the right to celebrate and embrace her female body. Every woman has the right to express her feelings and emotions through movement. This is why I encourage my students to admire their feminine side, break out of their comfort zone and celebrate their unique beauty not caring about their body shape size age level, or culture. The studio where we train and dance is a safe, empowering, and allow me to say therapeutic space where people come and dance out their emotions whether they are feeling joyful, angry, or sad. A place that will enable them to grow, heal, gain confidence and support each other in a non-judgmental environment. Staying silent in the workplace about dancing as a hobby or as a second profession won’t help to de-stigmatize it. So, unless your job contract or code of conduct has specific rules about your out-of-work activities, you have all the right to share your dancing experience with others and show them more of what makes you feel better physically emotionally, and mentally. At the same time, you have all the right to keep it private for yourself and your personal growth. It’s your decision, not the society’s. Whether you are a dancer or not, spread awareness, break the stigma, and do more of what drives you to move in the world and make your soul dance and shine. Together we can make the world dance ~ Laura M Dance instructor- Psychomotor therapist- Life coach
سينيلا جاياسوريا
Senela Jayasuriya is a multi-award-winning Global CEO, keynote speaker, and leadership expert, specialized in diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) and Innovation. She is the Founder & CEO of Women Empowered Global and the Founder of 1 Million Women in Power, as well as the Managing Director of Diverse, an innovation consulting company specialized in innovation strengths assessments and innovation coaching. For this global entrepreneur, success is about making an impact and empowering others to do the same. She is an Ambassador to the United States Presidential Service Center focusing on DEI training & advocacy programs. Senela is also the Media & Communications Advisor to The Royal Family Office, UAE. The successful lady is a Certified Transformation coach, a SIX ‘I’s® Certified Innovation consultant, and Certified expert in Personal Agility. She is the former Country Director for a Tech Company and Communications Lead for a Fortune 100 company. In 2018, she transitioned from corporate to full-time entrepreneurship. Within twelve months, she scaled the company from a 2-member local team to a diverse & inclusive global team in Africa, Europe, South Asia & North America. Senela has been awarded with the “Global Women in Leadership Award 2022” and THE TOP 150 GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERS by GCPIT, 2022. Senela’s value proposition is her tenacity and heart-consciousness in what she delivers. Working with business individuals, global networks and corporate teams from different cultures and industries, to help them on their development journey, business solutions and social impact makes her a sought-after C-level professional. Senela sits on various Boards in the for-profit and non-profit sectors with strong global collaborations and reach. This is a testament to the versatile experience and expertise she has in Brands & Marketing, Training & Development, Business Performance, Change Management, Innovation and Leadership. On the top of it all, this entrepreneur is also a Fortune 500 speaker on ‘Women’s Career Development’, to inspire Emerging Leaders to step into a bigger leadership role. Finally, Senela was awarded the role of Country Chair for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion under the G100: GROUP OF 100 GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERS.
Dr. Zeina Ghossoub El-Aswad
The right way to feel in control is to focus on what you can change within yourself or your environment, and start taking small steps in the right direction. That way, your thoughts will empower you and then trigger positive emotions.
حياة تستحقها روحك
What if the most constant fact about yourself is just a soap bubble, just an illusion you’ve believed for a long time? What if your personality, which you may think you inherited from your parents, is something that can be changed? What if I told you that change is possible, and you can achieve it this year? I was once in a dark place. In a tight box that I did not know I was stuck in. I assumed that this was the constant reality. The absolute truth. I did not choose my life. I did not choose many things. I was like a little wave in the sea driven by a powerful current to mysterious and vague place. I can only adjust and cope without a power over it! My turning point was when I attended a Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) session. I didn’t know how it will end up, but I was ready to take a chance. I tried other solutions and tools in the past and the results were superficial and temporary. The focus was only on strengthening some external skills, and then I was back to where I was, back to scratch! During the transformational session and through a deep meditation, I returned to my early childhood, to places that were forgotten! Through those scenes, I understood the root of the issue I had. I understood why I had those deep beliefs about myself and the world. I understood the deep pain and the reason for its presence in my life. When I understood all of that, I was able to breathe. I understood that I’m a grownup now. I’m an adult. I was no longer stuck in that place. I was no longer that little girl. And indeed, at the end of the session I felt lighter, like I got rid of something heavy. I became free, and I felt strong and full of life. It was like I got out of that tight box! And I got my power back. I realized that I have the power to make the choices and decisions in my life. I was no longer the same person I was before the session. I became more confident, more comfortable, and enlightened. I then decided that this is my path. This is my passion, which is to help others reach their own realizations and peace! I am now a successful RTT practitioner and transformational coach -RTC-. I help my clients to rediscover themselves, get past their pains, realize their dreams, and their ambitions. It inspires me to see others coming to bright new beginning, reaching a pleasant, and more comfortable life. It inspires me to help women get out of social anxiety’s shell into the freedom of high confidence and social happiness. It inspires me when I see them living a life that they deserve. Below is an experience of one of my clients. I convey it to you as I received it from her. “ One week has passed since our transformational session together. Thank God, I feel as if I have switched off the engine of my constant thinking, which did nothing but hurt me and make me exhausted. I feel peaceful and satisfied with who I am. As for the hair issue, constant thinking, regrets, anger, and psychological pain: It’s all gone! It feels like I have put out the fire that burnt in my heart for 41 years! As if the fire has been put out by cold water! Thank God, I’m satisfied, and I accept my hair the way it is. Thank you, Coach Maryam, you were brilliant and creative. The session with you was joyful and different than other sessions I have tried before. Thank you, I’m very grateful” What about you? Are you still stuck in that box, or have you already got out of it? Maryam Abdulla Transformational Coach & RTT practitioner
ليندا بينالال
Being successful isn’t something that is handed to you. It’s not served up on a silver platter and it’s not something you can buy. Success comes with action, movement, and making progress. Do you want to be successful? Then you must work hard and you must show up every single day.
Dr. Helene Chammas
Who are you, Dr. Helene Chammas? I am a pharmacist, founder of Glow H2o, social activist, and mother of 3 children. I like to serve my community, work for a continuous development goal and achieve balance in social, economic, and environmental sustainability. What’s your purpose as a pharmacist? As pharmacists, our grassroots movements were the only ones to raise our voices to international organizations about our collapsing health system that doesn’t have solutions to act on our concerns. Why did you choose to embark on the journey of beauty healthcare? Because the best day of my life was when I entered the pharmacy to buy my skincare routine products. I have a lot to say about beauty and health that go hand in hand. How did you start? I started creating homemade products, I gave them to friends and my daughter’s friends to enjoy their benefits then I noticed that the circle is growing bigger and bigger, so I decided that we should bring out a product that takes care of women and men as well, especially through these tough days. The market is already overstocked with skincare products. What differentiates your product? There are lots of products in the market and usually, consumers develop loyalty to their favorite cosmetics brands but there is still a niche for products that are made with extreme care like clean products with simple and natural ingredients destined for people with a busy lifestyle who need to glow their skin without putting layer over layer. All that, in one step. They will look radiant while preserving their skin barrier and most importantly without breaking their pockets. Why is your first product micellar water? My first product is micellar water since it is the first thing to use in the morning and the last thing to use in the evening before applying your cosmetics and skincare routine products. It removes dirt, makeup, and cleans out your pores. Furthermore, with glow H2O, you will tone your skin and lift it while reducing irritation and inflammation. So, you don’t recommend using tap water on your face? The greatest difference between glow h2o and tap water, is that glow h2o is specially designed for healthy, balanced, and radiant skin while our tap water is not the cleanest and most regulated water system in the world, after using it, you can feel its dryness on your face and it always reminds me of what remains in the kettle in the kitchen after drying and using it several times, the same chemicals will remain on your face. Finally, you are not the only person suffering from this. In Korea, they use Sam Pell Grino to wash their faces. We heard that it is not a business but a community social entrepreneurship, how can you explain that? My purpose was to serve the new pharmacist cosmeto or freshly graduated cosmeto pharmacist and dermatologist and develop their ideas and compositions. Anyone that has a specific formulation like Tatiana, cosmeto pharmacist who gave me a hand to grow H2O. We are ready to produce, develop and market their products. Glow H2o will not grow alone, but it will grow alongside other cosmeto Lebanese products. How do you balance your duties as a mom and your career? Everyone knows that moms are heroes, and it’s harder than a full-time job. I think we should definitely add “Mother” on our resume since it’s a training ground for leadership in all its forms, we gain numerous skills in time management, communication, people management, and problem-solving. I admit that it affected my career when my kids were still young, I couldn’t climb up the career ladder and create a secure future financially. We should use that break wisely, like working on ourselves. When I did that, I improved myself during this time despite the challenges, and I was still able to find ways to get back into the market and have a clear vision to get there. What do you think about women in health care? Diversity and inclusivity amongst the healthcare professionals, Pharma and biotech industries can help ease patients’ anxiety, increase compliance and improve outcomes as well. Women inclusivity is important in composing the development and marketing teams for therapies, enabling companies to reach an authentic and responsible market for female patients which reached more than 50% of the market over the years. Revenue growth in 2020 tended to be higher in the healthcare technology companies that have at least 30% of seats on board held by women, compared to (-1.3%) for companies with less than 30% seats on board held by women. Female board members in healthcare organizations can accelerate innovations, improve greater revenue, and enhance corporate governance and crisis management. For example, organizations held by women during covid-19 crisis outperformed their peers. The healthcare industry has an opportunity to lead in the next phase of establishing gender equity. Which advice would you give to all the freshly graduated female pharmacists? I really admire the young ladies, fresh grad pharmacists, and the new generation, and I really want to help them achieve their goals. First, it’s very important to make it clear that we are not competing, we are one and we need to lift each other. Second, I would share my own experience and failures to inspire them, show them that anything is possible and let them know they are inspiring me as well. Currently, I am encouraging and helping new cosmetic pharmacists to develop their outlines, and I believe that every woman should always pursue her dreams even if she doesn’t know where they might lead her, and never fear to push herself more and break through barriers. Which piece of legislation would you introduce for a better health system in Lebanon? Personally, I think we should make changes in policies to improve the health system in Lebanon and be able to reach a point where all citizens have equal