women2watch – Communicate Online https://communicateonline.me Wed, 18 Jun 2025 04:02:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://communicateonline.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png women2watch – Communicate Online https://communicateonline.me 32 32 Rim Darazi #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/rim-darazi-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:39:02 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21343 Official Title:

Business Unit Director- OMD UAE

Away from the usual, my bio is:

As a mother of two young children, I dedicate the majority of my time to balancing work, meetings and devising solutions for briefs and challenges with organizing the schedules of my kids, birthday parties and various life-enriching activities. The remaining time that I try to keep for myself, I enjoy practicing Pilates, exploring new places with friends, and traveling. Maintaining all the facets of one’s life can be tough at times but once achieved, it’s hugely rewarding.

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be, and why:

If I were to nominate anyone on this list, it would be all the mothers who have chosen to balance the demands of a full-time role in a fast-paced, high-pressure industry with the responsibilities of motherhood. These are women who had the option to choose one path but made the intentional decision to pursue both, a fulfilling career and a meaningful life role. They are modern-day heroes because they truly contribute to our collective growth, present and future, with their intellect, drive and energy.

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are:

If there were a reason I shouldn’t be on the list, it is that I didn’t get to where I am on my own. Like it takes a village to raise a child, my leaders, my colleagues, my clients, all played a part in making me who I am today. What’s more, I’m still a work in progress. I am constantly learning, evolving, and challenging myself to do better—for my team, my clients, my agency and the industry. I owe it to them to fulfill my potential and support them in fulfilling theirs. Because the biggest learning from this list is that we are all in this together. Our success will be a collective achievement, not an individual one.

The lowest point of my career was/the highest point of my career was:

One of the lowest points in my career also turned out to be one of the most defining. It occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic —an unpredictable time that tested every professional’s adaptability and resilience. Lessons had to be identified, learned and applied in real time. It was an intense period of uncertainty, and as a leader, I found myself questioning my ability to stay motivated, guide my team, and continue delivering results in the face of constant change.

Yet, it is precisely in moments of adversity that we are called to reflect, realign, and rediscover our purpose. During this challenging phase, my team and I identified a timely business opportunity for one of our brands. We tracked emerging consumer trends and behaviors, successfully turning the learnings into a scalable growth initiative. The recognition I received from both the client and my senior leadership team was deeply meaningful, but the greatest reward was the opportunity to grow through adversity. This episode impressed upon me the critical importance of morale, agility, emotional intelligence and the mindset that even the most difficult setbacks can become steppingstones for reinvention and impact.

What I learned from either

I learned that both the highs and lows of any journey are temporary; the key is to strive for consistent excellence over time. There is no point in dwelling on what could have been or wallowing in self-congratulation. Take the lessons from both and move on. Everything should be taken as an opportunity to grow and improve with humility.

If there’s one thing on my bucket list I want to do, it would be:

Launching my own fashion brand—a venture addressing a distinct market niche shaped by a unique consumer need. This endeavor would allow me to channel my professional experience and build on the insights I’ve gained from guiding clients and accelerating their growth. While I’m deeply passionate about the work I do and the people I collaborate with, I also want to experience the fulfillment that comes from being the architect of your own vision and success. Having the opportunity to pursue both—stimulating other people’s growth while building something of my own—is truly empowering, especially when the two paths complement and inspire one another.

]]>
Tala Fayed #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/tala-fayed-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:34:52 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21339 Official Title:

Tala Fayed

Associate Director Magna Global MENA

Away from the usual, my bio is:

Relentless. I always knew where I wanted to be. I’ve built everything from the ground up, with intentions, confidence and clarity. I’ve learned to embrace my past as part of my strength. It’s been a journey of Kintsukuroi; the art of putting broken pieces back together, not to hide the cracks, but to let them shine!

Authentic. I seek doing things differently, without compromising on the purpose.

Ambitious. I’m always chasing what’s next, new cities, new ideas, new ways of thinking. Nothing fuels me more than learning or diving into a conversation that opens up a fresh perspective.

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be, and why:

If I were to nominate anyone, it would be Huda Kattan. Not only because she built a global brand, but because of how she built it. She listens to her audience and lets that feedback shape what comes next. She cares about getting it right, because she genuinely wants to create things that people love and need.

Huda has humanized the brand, which helped in building trust and emotional connection with her audience.

She did it differently!

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are:

Some of the reasons I shouldn’t be on this list? Honestly, I’m still in the process, not quite where I want to be yet. I’m building, learning, and figuring out what “next” really looks like. Maybe in a couple of years, when the work speaks loud enough that I don’t need to.

That said, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and everything I’ve built from the ground up, but I’m still hungry for more. And knowing me, even when I get there, I’ll probably set the bar higher again.

My lowest point of my career was/the highest point of my career was:

My lowest point of my career was when I was working in a completely different field, and had a constant feeling that I didn’t belong. I was chasing every opportunity that felt more “me”. The challenge was that I’m impatient! It was frustrating to wait. But looking back, that struggle was the push I needed to stop setting and start building the career I actually want.

My highest point of my career is where I am now. It keeps evolving. Every day, every hour, I feel like I reach a new milestone, a new level of knowledge, confidence, and empowerment. But if I had to name a few milestones I embrace the most, I’d start with when I moved to the UAE, as I stepped into a country full of global opportunities and then when I joined Magna, that was a real turning point.

What I learned from either:

I learned to be patient. Things do eventually fall into place, even if the timing or the path doesn’t look the way you imagined. Believe in it, work for it, and trust the timing.

“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”

If there’s one thing on my bucket list I want to do, it would be:

If there’s one thing on my bucket list, it’s to travel the world not just for the adventure, but to evolve through the cultures, people, and stories I encounter, and bring that growth back into my work in media with deeper purpose and perspective.

]]>
Souraya Al Ahmar #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/souraya-al-ahmar-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:25:45 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21335 Official Title:

Souraya Al Ahmar

PR & Communications Director, MarComLux

Away from the usual, my bio is: I’m a proud mother of two wonderful children who constantly keep me on my toes. I do my best to juggle the demands of personal and professional life, striving for a balance that’s rarely easy to maintain. Once spontaneous and unapologetically honest, I’ve evolved into a rational diplomat—but my motto remains: “I won’t waste your time, and I hope you won’t waste mine,” both in business and in life.

I thrive on movement and absolutely love to travel—it fuels me. I value simplicity and believe in having just the right dose of everything. Deeply attuned to people’s energy, I can often sense a vibe even through a screen.

I also love to mentor, support and grow talents so I might just wrap up my career with teaching or intervening in seminars and workshops.

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be, and why: it would be my friend Rana Boukheir. She is truly an inspiration. Rana transformed her personal struggles into a source of strength and chose to dedicate herself to helping others facing similar challenges. She founded a platform called “Ana Akfi”, supported by a strong social media presence, to amplify her mission.

What makes her stand out is not just her impact, but her authenticity. Despite her success and the polished social media ecosystem, she has remained grounded, staying true to herself and committed to her purpose.

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are: Some of the reasons I feel I shouldn’t be on this list are quite personal. I’m not someone who naturally gravitates toward the spotlight or feels comfortable promoting myself. I’ve always believed that true impact doesn’t need to be loudly announced—it shows in the consistency of our actions, the values we uphold, and the quiet ways we support others.

For me, recognition has never been the goal; making a meaningful difference, even in small ways, has always mattered more. I admire those who lead with humility and purpose, and I try to live by that same principle. Being acknowledged is, of course, an honor—but I believe that the most powerful legacies are often built without fanfare.

My lowest point of my career was/the highest point of my career was:

The lowest point of my career was when I accepted a new job to escape a toxic work environment—only to find myself in an even more toxic one. It was an unexpected situation, and no matter how much effort I put in, it was something beyond my control to fix. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to walk away and prioritize my mental health and well-being. While it marked the lowest point in my career, it was also a turning point in my life—a moment of clarity and strength that I’m proud of.

As for the highest point of my career, I don’t believe I’ve reached it yet. For me, it’s not about a title or an award, but rather the meaningful experiences, lasting impact, and the people I’ve had the privilege to work with. I’ve had many career highs: collaborating with exceptional professionals and creative minds (including celebrities), launching impactful initiatives—some of which are still running over a decade later—and making the leap from in-house to agency PR at MarComLux. That move, in particular, was a revelation—it completely transformed how I view my profession.

Who knows what destiny still has in store? I’m excited to find out.

What I learned from either: It is a small thought I wrote recently:

Letting go isn’t failure. Its’s focus.

Control What you can. Chase what matters.

Keep the faith.

If there’s one thing on my bucket list I want to do, it would be:

Take a year—or more—to travel the world with my family. I have a deep desire, almost an obsession, to explore new places with my son. There’s something incredibly special about seeing the world through his eyes, even if, at his current age (6 years old), his attention sometimes drifts or he gets bored easily.

That’s why I imagine starting closer to home, with something meaningful and grounding—like hiking across Lebanon. It would be a beautiful way for him to connect with the stunning landscapes and rich culture of our country, and for us to build shared memories before venturing further. When the time is right, I hope to expand that journey globally—collecting moments, not just miles.

]]>
Sophie Simpson #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/sophie-simpson-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:23:00 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21332 Official Title:

Sophie Simpson, Managing Director of Ruder Finn Atteline – MENA (and part-time team therapist, tea sommelier, and bad pun enthusiast)

Away from the usual, my bio is:

I once wrangled lingerie samples in Milan, edited fashion pages in London, and started a business in Dubai with no office, no staff, and an unreasonable amount of hope.

I believe in real conversations, excellent shoes, and the kind of networking that doesn’t make you want to fake a phone call.

If I had a tagline, it would probably be: “Be kind, be sharp, and for the love of PR – don’t send PDFs as press releases.”

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be, and why:

Whoever invented Google Calendar – because without them, I’d be living in a permanent state of “Oh no, was that today?”

Or Bon Jovi. Because sometimes life really is just living on a prayer.[DS1] 

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are:

Because I don’t own a ring light, I refuse to humblebrag on LinkedIn, and I still think “networking” should involve actual humans and, ideally, cheese.

Also, I tend to build things quietly – behind the scenes, with a lot of grit and even more group chats. So if you’re after glitz over substance, I’m probably not your girl.

The lowest point of my career was / the highest point of my career was:

Lowest: Realising my first “office” was a glorified storage room with decent lighting.

Highest: Realising I didn’t need the perfect office to build the perfect team.

Also high on the list: learning to make my way around the Middle East business scene without losing my mind or my accent.

What I learned from either:

That you don’t need all the answers – just curiosity, people who know more than you, people you trust, and a good WiFi connection.

Also, walking the walk is harder than talking the talk, but infinitely more rewarding; and saying “no” is a wildly underrated superpower.

If there’s one thing on my bucket list I want to do, it would be:

To host a dinner party where all the guests are people I could only dream to cross paths with in this life, a past life, or the future (and none of them check their phones).

Or to write a book called How to Build a Business Without Burning Out or Buying a Ring Light.

]]>
Samia J. Khoury #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/samia-j-khoury-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:20:43 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21329 Samia J. Khoury, MD

Official Title:

Director, Abu Haidar Neuroscience Institute

Director, Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center

Professor of Neurology and Immunology

American University of Beirut

Away from the usual, my bio is:

I am an avid reader and I am always reading/listening to two books during the same period. I also love music and dancing. I am the mother of two wonderful children and the wife of an accomplished brilliant and supportive man.

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be, and why:

Dr. Huda Zoghby, a genetic scientist from Houston who made significant contributions to the scientific world and is a potential Nobel Laureate.

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are:

There are many deserving women out there in various walks of life including scientists, writers, musicians, journalists, etc. I am lucky to be on the list

My lowest point of my career was/the highest point of my career was:

The lowest point of my career was when I started my position as faculty at Harvard trying to develop my niche and independence while at the same time starting a family and caring for young children.

The highest point is when I became professor with an endowed chair at Harvard achieving the highest academic rank. I knew then that my work was being recognized and appreciated by my peers.

What I learned from either:

I learned patience and humility. I learned how to deal with difficult situations, and to overcome hurdles with spirit and drive.

If there’s one thing on my bucket list I want to do, it would be:

I would like to hike Machu Pichu and visit all the countries that I haven’t seen yet.

]]>
Romy Abdelnour #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/romy-abdelnour-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:18:45 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21326 Official title:

Romy Abdelnour

Head of Communications

TBWA\RAAD

Away from the usual, my bio is:

I’m a stubborn Gemini whose sleep equals power naps. At 3 a.m., somewhere between naps, I’m either decoding a dream or scribbling a note I might need later. I overthink the tiniest details because they can always be better. I’m independent, hardworking, and—yes—a bit of a pain. Loud and quiet, shy and outgoing, funny and serious: I swing between extremes but stay rooted in a few non-negotiables—family, loyalty, respect, honesty, and authenticity. Challenge keeps me going; if you figure me out, let me know. I’ll probably be awake.

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be… and why.

My mother—no hesitation. She raised my sister and me alone after my father passed away, turning every obstacle into a lesson in resilience and unconditional love. She built our home on that same resilience and stubborn generosity, kept it warm, and pushed us to chase every dream. That, to me, is leadership worth watching. If this list is about impact, every mother out there deserves the top spot.

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are…

I don’t like being watched.


The lowest point of my career was / the highest point was…

Lowest: I wouldn’t call it a low point, but it came when I was transitioning from a creative role into marketing and communications. There was uncertainty—I wasn’t sure if I was making the right choice, and the fear of the unknown pressed on me as I chose a new path.


Highest: Stepping on stage this June to accept Campaign’s Global Marketing & Communications Person of the Year award. Proof that the leap was worth it.

What I learned from either

Mistakes are blessings in disguise; every stumble propels us toward where we’re meant to be. Take risks—write your own story—and pour your whole heart into whatever you do, or don’t do it at all. A determined heart can move mountains, so believe in what you can achieve and trust that what’s meant for you will never miss you.

Show up for yourself first. Don’t expect others to give you what you cannot give yourself. Aim to be the best version of you. And above all, look after your mind and body; they’re the engines that carry every dream forward. And, from me to me, don’t be too harsh on yourself 🙂

6. One thing on my bucket list is…

I can’t wait to become all that I’m meant to be…

]]>
Rasha Hamzeh #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/rasha-hamzeh-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:12:17 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21318 Rasha Hamzeh

Official Title:

Managing Director, The Inhouse Agency

Away from the usual, my bio is:

I’m a wife, a mum, and a marketing strategist with 15+ years of experience leading global brands like Uber, Daimler, and LVMH across MENA. 2 years ago, I founded The Inhouse, a marketing and media consultancy working with clients like Dubai Airports, Mitsubishi, Koita, and Access Bank UK. I also produce Luca’s Insight Track—a top 10% podcast in the UAE—co-founded Edge Candle Studio, an e-commerce gifting brand, and launched Eh, Fi Amal, an NGO based in Lebanon. With an MSc from King’s College London, multiple Mini MBAs, and having studied under marketing icons like Mark Ritson and Scott Galloway, I’ve built my career on the belief that real impact lies in blending purpose with performance—always learning, always evolving, always building.


If I were to nominate someone for the list:

I’d proudly nominate Marisa Kamall—a woman whose journey redefines leadership.

An ex-HSBC executive, Marisa climbed the ranks with grit and resilience, often without a hand to hold. When she needed support the most, it wasn’t there—so she built it herself. Out of that solitude, she created a community for women- GAIA: one grounded in honesty, support, and real connection.

She was tired of the phrase “women don’t help women”—so she set out to prove it wrong. Leaving behind a powerful corporate role, she chose purpose over position to build something that mattered.

That kind of courage, empathy, and vision deserves every spotlight.


Some reasons I shouldn’t be on this list:

Because I still feel like I’m just getting started. I focus on what is left to do than what I have already done. There’s so much I want to do, learn, and build. I still doubt myself sometimes. I still care a little too much about what people think. But maybe that’s also what drives me — to prove to myself that I can grow beyond limits, do more with less, and keep evolving. I haven’t “made it” yet. I’m not here because I’ve figured it all out. I’m here because I’m working on it — and maybe that’s enough.


Lowest / Highest point in my career:
My lowest point and highest point were two sides of the same story.

There was a moment in my career when I realized I had evolved faster than the role I was in. The structure around me couldn’t keep up with the pace of my thinking or the scale of my ambitions. It wasn’t toxic—it was just too small for what I was ready to build. I felt boxed in, creatively muted, and misaligned with the impact I knew I could create.

That tension became a turning point. It pushed me to ask tougher questions, challenge my own limits, and take the leap. I left the comfort of a steady role and launched The Inhouse—with my first client signed before the company was even registered.

What began as restlessness became purpose. And I learned that sometimes the bravest thing you can do for your growth… is outgrow.


What I learned (if you want me to expand on the above):
Comfort is a slow killer. When you stop learning, you stop loving. The passion fades when the purpose gets blurry. But when you’re surrounded by the right team, pushing boundaries, making things that matter — that’s when you’re alive again. I learned that growth often looks like discomfort first. And that stepping out of the familiar is sometimes the most honest thing you can do for yourself and your work.


One thing on my bucket list:
To create an unforgettable, award-worthy campaign — with no budget. Just an idea. One so good it cuts through the noise, moves people, and proves that creativity isn’t about money or media — it’s about truth, timing, and guts. I’ve always believed that some of the best work comes from constraints. And I’d love to show that bold, beautiful ideas don’t need a big spend — they just need heart, vision, and the right spark to ignite them.

]]>
Dana Sarkis #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/dana-sarkis-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:09:12 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21315 Official Title:

Dana Sarkis

General Manager- OMG Consulting

Away from the usual, my bio is:

For the past 18 years, I’ve honed my expertise in the media agency landscape, crafting data-driven strategies that help brands not just keep up with change but lead it. I’ve guided clients through digital transformations, managing teams that evolve and grow as they push the boundaries of innovation. But behind the spreadsheets, analytics, and campaigns is a leader who’s deeply intuitive—tuning into trends, human connections, and moments that others may overlook.

My journey has been shaped by powerful experiences—like summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, which taught me the strength found in perseverance, and the birth of my child, a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life. These milestones fuel my passion for exploring new horizons, both professionally and personally. I’m always seeking to conquer new mountains—whether that’s traveling to unknown destinations, exploring emerging gastronomy concepts, or diving into the realms of spirituality and human existence.

In my world, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every moment is a lesson in the making. I want those who cross my path to feel inspired to take risks, curious about the unknown, and intrigued by what’s possible when you lead with both heart and mind.

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be, and why:

If I were to nominate anyone, it would be the women who’ve just entered our industry. Women of heart and hunger. The women showing up everyday with fire in their eyes and purpose in their steps. They lift others as they climb up the ladder, bring their souls into every room and support other women. Young women are already reshaping this industry with their presence. They don’t just belong here, they’re already here to transform and lead.

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are:

I shouldn’t be on this list just because I’m a woman. I didn’t earn my place by filling a quota-I did by showing up, speaking up, and delivering every single day. Yes I am a woman in a male dominated industry, but that’s just a fraction of who I am. Im a leader who listens, a strategist who sees the bigger picture, and a nurturer who builds teams that thrive.i bring both heart and sharp thinking to the table- not one at the expense of the other. So if im here, let it be because ive made an impact, because ive challenged ideas, elevated others and helped lift the work and the culture upwards. I am not just representing women by being on this list, I am representing what’s possible.

My lowest point of my career was/the highest point of my career was:

The lowest point of my career was actually the inflection point beyond which transformed my trajectory to becoming at the highest point of my career. It was some 15 years ago where I was a young talent who has just entered the industry and struggled to find my grounds between what I had aspired to be doing versus what I was doing at the time. I didn’t find my purpose and was thinking of shifting industries however thanks to great mentors and leadership at Omnicom media group my inherent talents were harnessed in the right way and I was given the opportunity to shift gears internally and thanks to that shift I am where I am today.

What I learned from either:

My biggest learning is that one should always look inside oneself and sit with themselves and try to align their talents to their passions and purpose. As it is only with this alignment that the true value and impact of an individual is truly harnessed. Nothing in life is fixed and nothing is set in stone, I truly encourage everyone reading this to look beyond the obvious and not ever to settle for anything that doesn’t spark fire in their soul.

If there’s one thing on my bucket list I want to do, it would be:

Ever since I discovered my passion for climbing mountains I set my aim on conquering an 8000 mountain one day. This is definitely on my bucket list

]]>
Rachel Sayegh #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/rachel-sayegh-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:04:17 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21312 Director, Integrated Planning, UM, UAE

Official Title:

Away from the usual, my bio is:
I’m someone who thrives on structure, finds calm in order, and always reads the fine print. I like rules, not because I follow them blindly, but because I understand how to work within them smartly. I believe you don’t need to be the loudest in the room to make things happen; precision, preparation, and being consistently right can take you just as far. I have a deep appreciation for clean thinking, clean spaces, and clean spreadsheets. Minimalism isn’t just my aesthetic; it’s how I approach problems, plans, and even daily life. I’m not one for chaos, but I’ll always find a way forward, even if it’s the path less shouted about.

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be, and why:
I’d nominate every woman on my team who shows up with heart, integrity, and quiet resilience, because I truly believe each of them will be a leader in her own right one day. Leadership isn’t always about titles; it’s about how you treat people, how you think, how you grow, and how you make others feel. I’ve seen these women push through doubt, learn quickly, and lead with kindness even when no one’s watching. They remind me that the future of our industry is in good hands.

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are:
Because I’m still learning. Because I sometimes downplay my wins. And, let’s be honest, because I’m a Gen Z-er who overthinks her overthinking. But maybe those reasons are also why I might deserve to be here, because growth is a process, and I believe women should be celebrated not just when they’ve “made it,” but while they’re making it. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the title or the campaign; it’s about staying curious, lifting others up, and being brave enough to keep showing up with a clear mind, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to do right by my team and my work.

My lowest point of my career was / the highest point of my career was:
I’ve always felt supported in my career, but I’ve also heard the classic, “You need to be louder.” As a Gen Z-er, I shrugged, but then realized Millennial and Gen X women were told the same. Different voices, same message. It made me reflect: the point isn’t to get louder, but to redefine what leadership sounds like.

The high point? Realizing that I don’t need to change who I am to lead. That clarity, empathy, and structure can be just as powerful. That creating a sense of calm, correcting broken processes, and helping a team feel both safe and focused is its own kind of impact. It’s not always loud, but it works, and it lasts.

What I learned from either:
That leadership doesn’t have to look like what we’ve been taught. Leadership isn’t about volume; it’s about alignment. I’ve learned how to create clarity when things are unclear, how to build trust through consistency, and how to listen deeply before responding. I’ve also learned that emotional safety isn’t soft—it’s strategic. People do their best work when they feel seen and supported, and I take pride in building that kind of environment. More than anything, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from shouting louder; it comes from showing up, every day, with intention.

If there’s one thing on my bucket list I want to do, it would be:
To travel and be surrounded by life that doesn’t rush. Trees, oceans, skies, animals, flowers… none of them overthink or strategize. They just exist, fully present, without worrying about what’s next or what email is coming in. I want that kind of stillness. A space where I can breathe, think, and fall back in love with everything around me, with no urgency, no noise, just quiet clarity. A moment to reset before I step into the next chapter of building a life with more intention, balance, and meaning.

]]>
Maya Bou Ajram #women2watch https://communicateonline.me/interviews/maya-bou-ajram-women2watch/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:01:49 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/?p=21309 Official title:

General Manager – UM UAE

Away from the usual, my bio is:

A book lover who escapes into stories of mystery, drama, and fantasy. I find meaning in the small things and energy in big ideas. I’m a partner, a sister, a friend—and a mom to a headstrong 4-year-old who keeps me on my toes and sharpens my sense of purpose. Life outside work keeps me grounded and sane, but it’s the ambition to build, challenge, and grow that keeps me going.

If I were to nominate anyone on this list it would be, and why:

I’d nominate full-time working parents who are fully present in all parts of their lives—whether it’s at work, at home, or in their personal growth. From experience I know the struggles of juggling multiple roles, and to be able to show up with heart and purpose is deeply inspiring to me.

It’s not just about the title of being a parent but the commitment to evolve, set an example, and stay grounded. It’s the quiet strength in showing up (even on days when you’re running on empty) that I admire the most!

Some of the reasons I should not be on this list are:

Even after all this time in the industry, I find myself questioning whether I’ve done enough or if something could’ve been done better. I often downplay my personal wins and experience self-doubt more than I’d like to admit—but I’ve learned that embracing those doubts has helped me grow as a leader. It’s taught me to push through uncertainty and keep evolving, both for myself and for those I work with.

If you ask my husband, though, he might say I shouldn’t be on any list until I start answering my phone.

My lowest point of my career was/the highest point of my career was:

The lowest point in my career was when I lost my sense of purpose. I took a short sabbatical and that time away helped me reconnect with my passion and reignited my drive. It was an important reminder that taking a step back is sometimes exactly what you need to move forward. As for the highest point of my career, I always find joy in the moments after presentations or pitches—when a client is thrilled by a great idea or when the team hits a milestone together. But honestly, nothing beats watching someone on my team grow and flourish into a leader in their own right. That’s the real success for me.

What I learned from either:

I’ve learned that balance is everything. Losing my drive reminded me that when work stops inspiring you, it’s a sign to reevaluate and find ways to contribute meaningfully and reconnect with what truly energizes you. I’ve also confirmed that the best work doesn’t just come from a great idea—it’s collaboration, partnership, and shared vision that drive success. The more I’ve leaned into that, the more I’ve seen people on my team and my clients thrive. We’re not just delivering plans; we’re building connections.

If there’s one thing on my bucket list I want to do, it would be:

Definitely Machu Picchu. I’m not a fanatical hiker, but I do enjoy nature a lot and I love going to places with breathtaking views & historical significance where you can lay back, disconnect, and recharge. I’m sure this will be a trip worth remembering!

]]>