Building a better business world
Anything is Possible: The Importance of Aiming High Munera AL Dosari, the pioneering CEO at Starlink, joined Mark Bateman to discuss resilience, determination and what it feels like to shatter gender norms by becoming one of the very small percentage (just over 10%) of women CEOs in Fortune 500 companies. Munera set her sights on becoming CEO just two months into her first job as a telecoms engineer. “If you’re going to aim for something, why not make it the highest chair in the building?” she advises. So, with one eye firmly on the role of CEO, the 2020 WeQual Award winner set about strategically transitioning from engineering to finance and planning. She claimed her place at the top of satellite internet giant, Starlink, in 2021, just 15 years after first voicing her ambition. Here, she shares her insights on challenging the statistics to make it to the top.
“If you’re going to aim for something, why not make it the highest chair in the building?” EMBRACE NEW OPPORTUNITIES Munera can’t stress enough the value of saying yes to opportunities, even when they fall outside your comfort zone. This approach helped her transition from an engineering background to a role in finance and eventually to CEO.
BUILDING RESILIENCE Munera’s approach involves remaining calm, taking regular breaks to recharge, and taking a 5-day break every quarter, which she claims is an essential aspect of sustainable leadership.
NETWORKING AND REPUTATION Building a wide network, maintaining a good reputation, and being honest and straightforward are all elements Munera views as critical for opening doors. “I believe that when you have the right reputation, if you have the right attunements and you know the right people, you’ll achieve what you want,” she says.
HANDLING FEEDBACK “I think it’s important to find a balance,” Munera says. “Be mindful of how your actions are being received, whilst still maintaining assertiveness.”
Munera’s story is proof that with strategic career planning, resilience, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone, the path to leadership is achievable.
COMBAT SELF-DOUBT Munera has openly discussed her experiences with self-doubt, for which, in her view, the only antidote is self-belief and perseverance. “Carry on through periods of self-uncertainty” she says. “Remember, the more familiar you are with your role, the more incontrol you are, and the more confident you will feel in your abilities.”
INTENTIONAL CAREER PLANNING Munera researched what it takes to become a CEO and strategically moved out of technology, and into roles that would prepare her for executive leadership. Munera’s story really is a testament to the value of a strategic career plan. Driving gender equality at the top of the world’s largest companies
ABOUT MUNERA Alongside her role as CEO at Starlink, Munera sits on the Ooredoo Board of Directors in the Middle East. She’s also an active member of startup accelerator Angel.qa, which supports early-stage tech companies. Munera was recognized with the Talent of the Year Award at the Arab Women Awards in 2014 and was named a winner in the Strategy Development category of the WeQual Awards, EMEA 2020.
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