Reaping the rewards
Supported by
The MENA region’s achieving women
Dalya Al Muthanna
The Corporate Titan Dalya Al Muthanna
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President and CEO, GE Gulf
alya Al Muthanna may have made headlines in 2014 when she became the first Emirati to be appointed the President and CEO of GE Gulf, but this enterprising woman has been making waves in the business world long before that as well- prior to her career at GE, she had founded and managed a multimillion dollar international franchise for five years. Given her career achievements –including the note24
Entrepreneur february 2015
worthy achievement of being the first female President and CEO of GE Gulfit’s no surprise that Al Muthanna has become an inspiration for women in the region; a responsibility that she’s carrying off with no shortage of enthusiasm and élan. For a woman entrepreneur or as senior management at a multinational corporation, in largely male dominated industries, it’s important to remember that you are opening doors for more women
“My suggestion for further energizing women empowerment initiatives is to promote not just work-related skills but also enable your team to develop their personal strengths. Preparing a fantastic presentation or preparing a wellresearched document is all fine and a part of work. But have you considered evaluating and helping your team to identify what their true passion is? It is important to encourage a culture of dialogue where you can identify latent skills of your team and help them hone it.” to achieve, and that you’re setting an example for others as a female leader of commerce. “With governments and businesses in the region increasingly focusing on women empowerment and nurturing them for leadership roles, you can make a tangible difference in promoting women at the workplace. This could start with a focus on mentoring young women professionals and your peers.” Al Muthanna suggests using your experience to educate other women and to foster more female involvement in fields that are usually led by men. Women in the GCC have the potential to be commercial leaders, and the environment here is very much equal opportunity. For a woman entrepreneur or a senior management figure, lend whatever time you can to mentor and help other women reach their maximum business potential. Even focusing on one protégé to mentor is a great help. “From my personal and professional experience, I have observed that young women join the