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Statisticsrevealthatorganizationswithstrongleadershipseea30%increasein employeeengagement.Engagedemployeesaremoreproductiveandcommitted totheirwork,whichultimatelyleadstobetteroutcomesfortheorganization. Thisconnectionbetweenhopeandproductivityiscrucial.Whenleadersinstill hope,theycreateanenvironmentwhereindividualsfeelempoweredto contributeandinnovate.
Intimesofuncertainty,suchaseconomicdownturnsorsocialupheaval,therole ofaleaderbecomesevenmorevital.Theymustcommunicateaclearand optimisticvisionforthefuture,helpingotherstonavigatethroughfearand doubt.Researchshowsthat70%ofemployeescitelackofmotivationasa reasonforleavingtheirjobs.Byfosteringhope,leaderscanretaintalentand inspireloyalty.
Ultimately,beingadealerinhopemeansrecognizingthepotentialwithineach teammemberandencouragingthemtostriveforgreatness.Itisaboutbuilding aculturewherechallengesareseenasopportunitiesforgrowth.Inthisway, leadersnotonlyguidetheirteamsbutalsoignitethesparkofhopethatcanlead toextraordinaryachievements.
Highlightingonesuchleader,InsightsSuccess,initslatesteditiontitled “World's Top Outstanding Leader Making Waves in 2024,” featuresDr. MariamShaikhasthecoverstory,recognizingherexceptionalcontributionsto leadershipandherabilitytoinspirehopeamongherteamandcommunity
Have a great read ahead!
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Dr. Mariam Shaikh: Direc ng the Global Educa on Maze
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From Direc ve to Delega ve: Transi oning to Outcome-Focused Leadership
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From Micromanager to Outcome-Driven Leader: A Guide to Le ng Go and Empowering Your Team Adap ng Higher Educa on for the Digital Age - Embracing Innova on in Teaching and Learning
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Exploring Careers in Educa onal Administra on: Beyond the Classroom
Build something that you are passionate about As an entrepreneur, you have to have the passion and drive to stay the course
Managingtheworldof
internationalhigher educationcanfeellikean overwhelmingtaskforstudents.With countlessuniversities,programs,and countriestochoosefrom,thedecisionmakingprocesscanfeeldaunting. Studentsmustconsiderfactorslike academicreputation,culturalfit, languagerequirements,andfinancial implications.Theneedforexpert guidancehasneverbeenmorecritical.
MeetDr.MariamShaikh,aseasoned navigatoroftheeducationalworldand founderofMSEducationConsultants. Withover35yearsofexperience spanningfrompreschoolownershipto seniorleadershiprolesatprestigious internationaluniversities,shehas emergedasarayofhopeforstudents seekingclarityintheireducational journey
BorninMumbaiandalong-time residentoftheUAE,Mariambringsa uniqueEast-meets-Westperspectiveto thetable.Herbrainchild,MSEducationConsultants,foundedin2020,is rapidlybecomingthego-toresource forstudentsandinstitutionsalike, bridginggapsandopeningdoorsinthe competitiveworldofglobaleducation.
Herexpertiseinstudentrecruitment, marketing,strategicdevelopment,and internationalrelationshasnotgone unnoticed.Inasignificantmilestone, MSEducationConsultantswas recentlyappointedastheofficial 'MiddleEastStrategist'forthe UniversityofGuelphinOntario, Canada—anexampleofthecompany's growinginfluenceandhervisionary leadership.
Asuniversitiesaroundtheglobe navigateshiftingdemographicsandthe challengesofdigitaltransformation, herexpertiseisincrediblyvaluable. Hercompanygoesbeyondsimply
offeringadmissionsguidance;ittakesa comprehensiveapproachtoeducation consultingthathighlightstheimportanceofexperientiallearningand careerdevelopment.
Inanerawheretherighteducationcan beapassporttoglobalopportunities, Dr.MariamandMSEducation Consultantsstandreadytoguidethe nextgenerationoflearners.By demystifyingtheinternational educationdomain,they'renotjust solvingaproblem—they'reshaping futures,onestudentatatime.
Let us learn more about her journey:
Mariamisastrongadvocateforactive participationinpublicforumsandthe expansionofprofessionalnetworks. Throughouthercareerinhigher education,shehasengagedin numerousconferencesandservedasa spokespersonforthesectoronvarious newschannels,bothdomesticand international.
Throughtheseplatforms,shehas sharedinsightsabouttheworld-class educationalfacilitiesandprograms availableatinternationaluniversity campuses.HerroleasaBrand Ambassadorhastakenheronextensive travels,bothindependentlyandwith universitydelegations.
Inadditiontoherprofessional endeavors,Mariamhasheldsignificant leadershippositions.Shehasproudly servedasthePresidentoftheIndian LadiesAssociationformultiple consecutiveyearsandisanactive memberoftheCanadianBusiness Council.Furthermore,shehasbeen appointedastheInternationalAdvisor fortheYouthUnionCouncilofIndia andisinvolvedwiththeUAE-Africa
Initiative.AsPresidentofEducation LeadershipattheCommonwealth EntrepreneursClubandtheCountry AmbassadorfortheWorldWomen LeadershipCongress2022,Mariam continuestomakehermark.Sheis alsoamemberoftheIndianWomenin DubainetworkandservesasaYouth EmpowermentMentorforthe EntrepreneurshipCellatthe prestigiousIITMumbai.Asignificant aspectofMariam'sjourneyhasbeen herdedicationtomentorshipand supportforstudents,whomsheviews astheleadersoftomorrow.Passionate aboutempoweringothers,shestrives toenhancehereffortsinsupporting womenentrepreneurs.This commitmentisrealizedthroughher involvementinvariousinternational entrepreneurshipgroups,whereshe servesasaboardoradvisorymember Intheseroles,shehastheopportunity tomentor,advise,andshareher experienceswithwomenembarkingon theirentrepreneurialjourneys.
ThedrivingforcebehindMariam's entrepreneurialventure,MSEducation Consultants,wasaprofound commitmenttostudentsuccess.Witha steadfastmissiontosupportstudentsin transformingtheirdreamsintoreality, sheaimedtomentorthemwhile maintainingfocusontheircareergoals andaspirations.
MariamreceivedanHonorary DoctorateinTransformational EducationalLeadershipfromHarvardaffiliatedMotherTeresaUniversityin recognitionofherinsightfulstudy paperoninternationaleducation opportunitiesforstudentsworldwide, whichaimedtoguidethemin developingtheircareergoalsthrough thebestresourcesavailableglobally
Utilizing customer stories in various formats—such as videos, blogs, podcasts, and infographics—can significantly enhance sales By refining messaging, improving offers, and nurturing brand growth, maintaining a strong share of voice becomes vital in developing a robust customer pipeline
Mariam'slandmarkpapersoughtto establisheducationalaffiliations worldwide,providingstudentswitha comprehensiveroadmaptoachieve theirdreamsthroughhernewventure inDubai,MSEducation Consultants—anamethataspirestobe synonymouswithexcellencein education.Hervisionisclear:tohelp studentstargettheiraspirationsand strivetobethebestintheworld.
Havingservedasaseniorleaderat variousuniversitiesacrossCanadaand Dubai,Mariamembarkedonher entrepreneurialjourneywithMS EducationConsultants,continuingher missionofassistingstudentsglobally Herpassionliesinadvisingand mentoringstudentstomakeinformed choicesabouttheiruniversity education.Sheexperiencesthesame excitementasherstudentswhenthey reachtheirstudydestinationsand achievetheircareeraspirations.
InJanuary2020,Mariamdecidedto retirefromherroleasVicePresidentof AmityUniversity,Dubai,andreturnto Mumbaitomanageherhomeandart gallery.However,theonsetofthe
lockdownleftherstrandedinMumbai forsevenmonths.Thischallenging period,markedbyrestrictionsand socialdisconnection,promptedherto reconsiderretirement.Witharenewed senseofpurposeandambition,she realizedshewasnotreadytostepaway fromhercareer;instead,shewas inspiredtopursueanewdreamandset newgoals.
Establishingherowncompanyhad alwaysbeenalifelongambitionfor Mariam.Motivatedbythebeliefthat "itisnevertoolatetosetanewgoalor dreamanewdream,"sheinitiatedthe processofsettingupMSEducation ConsultantsfromherdeskinMumbai, ultimatelyreturningtoDubai,her homefor37years,toreigniteher passion.
AtthecoreofMSEducation Consultantsisacommitmentto providingacomprehensivesolutionfor studentsapplyingtouniversitiesinthe UK,US,Canada,Australia,Dubai, Europe,Malaysia,andIndia.The consultancyoffersguidancethrough theapplicationprocess,program selection,careerperspectives,
internshipopportunities,housing assistance,visasupport,andanyother resourcesneededtoensureasmooth andenrichingstudentjourney With over35yearsofexperienceleading internationaluniversities,Mariamand herteamstandapartfromother providers.
Beyondstandardinformationon programs,rankings,andscholarships, theconsultancyadoptsaholistic approach,advisingstudentsonnew programs,developingskillsfor universityreadiness,andpreparingfor theculturaladjustmentsofstudying abroad.Theyemphasizethe importanceofsoftskills,suchas teamworkandresilience,alongside technicalskills,whilealsofocusingon mentalhealthandwell-being,serving asmentorsandguidesthroughoutthe process.Today’sstudentsfacea multitudeofchallenges,from academicpressuresandfamily expectationstosocialmedia distractionsandthetransitionto independence.Supportingthem throughthisjourneyiscrucialfortheir well-being.
Purpose-drivenguidanceinstills confidenceandequipsstudentsto navigateuniversitylifesuccessfully
Mariamfirmlybelievesinthe transformativepowerofeducationand itsroleinshapingabettersocietyfor futuregenerations.Sheadvocatesfor internationalexposureandcultural integrationasessentialcomponentsof fosteringatolerantandprogressive globalcommunity.
MSEducationConsultantsisdedicated tocontinuousinnovation,offeringnew solutions,trainingprograms, workshopsonfuturecareer perspectives,andmentorshipinitiatives foraspiringyoungentrepreneurs.
OneofMariam'slatestinitiativesisthe launchoftheStudentCulturaland HigherEducationExperienceProgram. InherpreviousroleasVicePresident ofInternationalPartnerships,she successfullyestablishedmultiple MOUswithinstitutionsintheUS, Austria,India,andChinatopromote internationalizationandcross-cultural studentmobility.Notably,shewas amongthefirsttobring120Chinese studentstostudyinDubai.
Thefutureofinternationalmobility liesinblendingphysicalanddigital experiencestoreachabroaderrangeof students.Whilethenumberof internationallymobilestudentsin highereducationhasincreased,itstill representsonly2.6%ofthetotalglobal studentpopulation.TheCOVID-19 pandemichighlightedthepotentialof onlinelearninginnovations, demonstratingthatstudentexchanges canadapttoglobalhealthandpolitical challenges.
Nowisthetimetoreimaginestudent mobility,ensuringthatmorestudents canbenefitfrominternational experiencesinwaysthatconsiderboth theirwell-beingandtheplanet'shealth. Thecreativityandinnovation displayedduringthepandemicmustbe harnessedtofacilitatebothphysical andvirtualstudentmobility,promoting greatercross-culturalawarenessand skills.
MSEducationConsultants encompassesseveralkeyareasof focus:
Throughextensiveexperiencewith undergraduateandgraduate applications,theconsultancyoffers student-centeredguidancefor admissionintodegreeprogramsthat alignwithstudents'academicand vocationalaspirations.Theyassist studentsinpursuinghighereducation acrossover400universitiesinthe UAE,USA,UK,Canada,Australia, andEurope.
PromotingtheUnitedArabEmiratesas aneducationalhub,MSEducation Consultantsencouragesthegrowthof educationalinstitutionsinnew markets.Theyprovideadviceonnew campusstartups,studentrecruitment strategies,effectivemarketingbudget utilization,andgovernment accreditation,allaimedatenhancing studentexperiences.
Throughvaluablepartnerships,the consultancyfacilitatestrainingcourses
ledbyindustryprofessionalsto enhanceskillsandknowledge.They supportthelaunchofinnovative learningprogramsofferedbyleading providers,cateringtobothyoungand adultlearners.
Mariamhasundoubtedlyencountered numerouschallengesthroughouther professionalcareer,fromtheuphill battlesofachievinghergoalsto navigatingfiercecompetition.She firmlybelievesthatanyonewho cultivatessmarthabitsandmaintainsa positive"CanDo"attitudecanachieve success.Mariamemphasizesthe importanceofbeingmindful,saying thatevenafewdeliberatechangesin behaviorandmindsetcanyield significantrewards.
Throughoutherjourney,Mariamhas facedmanyobstacles,eachoneserving tostrengthenherresolveandshapeher intotheprofessionalsheistoday.She isadeterminedindividualwhoknows preciselywhatshewants,settingher sightsonhergoalsandrefusingtolose focusuntiltheyareachieved.
Womeninbusinessoftengrapplewith amyriadofchallenges,andfor Mariam,oneofthemostsignificant washertransitionfromasenior professionalroleatauniversityto becominganentrepreneur.Themost strikingadjustmentshehadtomake wastheabsenceofaregularsalaryat theendofeachmonth.The entrepreneuriallandscapedemands constantvigilanceandeffort,often referredtoas"hustling,"togenerate necessaryfunds.
Manywomenfeelpressuredtoadopta stereotypically"male"demeanorin business—competitive,aggressive, and,attimes,harsh.However,Mariam
believesthattruesuccessasafemale CEOliesinauthenticity.She encourageswomentoremaintrueto themselvesandtofindtheirown voices,whichisessentialfor overcomingpreconceived expectations.
"Be yourself, and have confidence in who you are," sheadvises.This transitioncanbedaunting,asitmarks adeparturefromthecompanyidentity onehasbeenassociatedwithforyears. FortunatelyforMariam,thetrustand expertisesheaccumulatedover35 yearsintheeducationsectorservedas invaluableassets,asshewasalready well-regardedrecognizedforher achievements.
Whilenotallstartupfoundersseek investorstolaunchtheirbusinesses, thosewhodounderstandthe challengesofthepitchingprocessdo. Raisingcapitalcanbeparticularly dauntingforwomen-ownedbusinesses. AlthoughMariamhasnotyetneeded topursuethisavenue,sherecognizes thatasherbusinessgrows,shewill needtobepreparedtopitcheffectively
Mariamhighlightstheexistenceof women'sgroupsthatprovide coworkingspacesforfemale entrepreneurs,fosteringinspirationand supportthroughfundingand
educationalworkshops.These initiativesarevitaltoempowering womeninthebusinessrealm.
Atsomepoint,mostwomenCEOsfind themselvesinmale-dominated industriesorworkplacesthatmaynot readilyacknowledgetheirleadership roles. "As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, earning respect can be a struggle for many women," shenotes.Yet,Mariam considersherexperienceasawoman entrepreneurinDubaitobeablessing.
Thelandscapeofempowerment, entrepreneurship,andgrowthinDubai isremarkable.Withwomenholding two-thirdsofpublicsectorpositionsin theUAEandnearlyathirdofsenior decision-makingrolesinthe governmentsector,theevolvingroleof womeninDubaireflectstheemirate's rapidgrowthinrecentdecades. Contrarytopopularmisconceptions, Dubaistandsattheforefrontoffemale empowermentandentrepreneurshipin theglobalbusinessarena.
Eachnewyearheraldsawaveof evolvingcustomertrendsand expectations.Savvybusinessleaders recognizetheimportanceofblending establishedinsightswithinnovative
Mariam advocates for timely outreach to capture customer interest at the beginning of the year, particularly through new and improved methods that align with the realities of the 2024 marketplace
strategiestoconnectwithcurrentand prospectivecustomers,bothinthe presentandinthefuture.
Mariambelievesthateffective marketinghingesonseveralkey strategies.Sheemphasizesthe importanceofengagingwithaudiences onsocialmedia,distinguishingone’s brandthroughacommitmentto excellence,andoperatingwithaclear purposeandvision.Utilizingtheright toolsforsearchengineoptimization (SEO)anddigitalmarketingis essentialforreachingtargetaudiences.
Furthermore,Mariamvaluesword-ofmouthreferralsandclienttestimonials, notingthatmanyofherclientscome throughrecommendations.Networking withinrelevantgroupsprovides valuableexposure,whileactive participationinindustryconferences andworkshopsoffersopportunitiesto showcaseherbusiness.
Mariamadvocatesfortimelyoutreach tocapturecustomerinterestatthe beginningoftheyear,particularly throughnewandimprovedmethods
thatalignwiththerealitiesofthe2023 marketplace.Shehasfoundthat operatingasapurpose-drivencompany inacompetitivemarketservesasakey differentiatorandenhancesbrand consideration.Clientsandcandidates assesshercompany’sattributesagainst others,findingmeaningina commitmenttoaddressingpersistent issues.Leadingwithaninspiring purposefostermeaningfulconnection.
Relevantcontenttailoredtoaddress businessneedsconsistentlyyields positiveresults.Thisyear,search engineshavesignificantlyupdated theiralgorithms,prioritizingrelevance andqualityinsearchresults.Mariam focusesonthesynergybetween content,SEO,andsearchengine marketingasacentraltenetofher strategy.
Mariammakesitaprioritytoexplore newmediumsthatmayhavebeen previouslyoverlooked.Sheconducts analysesofpastperformance, reallocatingbudgetsfrom underperformingeventstotest innovativeapproaches.Forinstance,
withtheriseofremotework,direct mailmarketinghasgainedtraction, provingmoreeffectivethanever Additionally,sheencourages researchingtopinfluencersinthe industrytoforgepartnershipsthatcan elevatebrandvisibility
Timingiscrucialinmarketing. Generatingbuzzinanticipationofthe newyear,alongwithofferingdiscount codesorlimited-timepromotions,can acceleratecustomerpurchases.
Mariamemphasizesthenecessityof consideringboththefunctionaland emotionalneedsofcustomers. Increasingly,consumersseeksocial andenvironmentalcommitmentsfrom brands.Craftingvaluepropositions thatincorporateacauseorpurposenot onlymeetscustomerdemandsbutalso enhancessocietalwell-being.
Whencommunicatedeffectively,this approachcantransformintoa competitiveadvantage.Understanding customersonadeeperlevelis essential.Demonstratinghowsolutions positivelyimpactprospectiveclients fosterspersonalconnectionsbuilton trustandpurpose.Utilizingcustomer storiesinvariousformats—suchas videos,blogs,podcasts,and infographics—cansignificantly enhancesales.Byrefiningmessaging, improvingoffers,andnurturingbrand growth,maintainingastrongshareof voicebecomesvitalindevelopinga robustcustomerpipeline.
AtthecoreofMariam’smarketing strategylieseducationalcontent. Producingvaluable,search-optimized content—whetherwritten,audio, video,orvisual—isacriticalinitiative
thatcompaniesshouldprioritizenow toensurereadinessforthenewyear. Generatingvisitsandleadsthrough insightfulcontentnotonlybolsters saleseffortsbutalsodrivesnew pipelinesandfosterssalesgrowth.
Inaremarkabledisplayofdedication andexcellence,therecipientof numerousprestigiousawardshas establishedherselfasaleadingfigure ineducationandentrepreneurship.Her accoladesincludetheGCCWoman LeadershipAwardin2019,theGlobal SuperAchieverAwardin2020,andthe LifetimeAchievementAwardinthe sameyear.Shewasalsohonoredwith theWomanofWondersAwardandthe AchieversAwardinEntrepreneurial Venturein2021,alongsidethe ExcellenceinMentalHealth—World HealthAwardandtheSHEBusiness WomanAward.
In2021,shestoodoutastheonly nomineefromtheUAEforthe OutstandingContributiontothe EducationIndustryatthePIEoneer Awards.Hercommitmentto educationalexcellencewasfurther recognizedwhenshereceivedthe GlobalExcellenceinEducationAward fromH.E.SheikhEng.SalemBin SultanAlQasimi,Chairmanofthe DepartmentofCivilAviationinRasAl Khaimah,andthePrestigiousFame TimesInternationalExcellenceAward, supportedbytheWorldBookof Records,theUK,andtheSouthAsian ChamberofCommerce.
UnderthepatronageofthePrivate OfficeofH.E.SheikhAhmedBin FaisalAl-Qassimi,shewas acknowledgedforherOutstanding ContributiontotheEducationIndustry in2021.Herachievementscontinued
toflourishwiththeBusiness ExcellenceAwardin2022,followedby recognitionintheUAEWIMTop50 GlobalAwardsforExcellencein EducationandtheIndianWomen Awardsinthesamecategory Culminatingherextraordinary accomplishments,shewasawardedthe
EntrepreneurAwardattheEmirates WomenAward2022byH.H.Sheikh AhmedBinSaeedAlMaktoum,further solidifyingherstatusasatrailblazerin herfield.Herjourneyexemplifiesa commitmenttoexcellenceanda profoundimpactoneducationand women'sleadership.
Theindividualisaffiliatedwithseveral esteemedorganizationsthatreflecta commitmenttocommunity,education, andentrepreneurship.Theseaffiliations include:
• StudentSafetyUK:An organizationdedicatedto enhancingthesafetyandwellbeingofstudentsacrosstheUK.
• CommonwealthEntrepreneurs Club:Anetworkthatfosters collaborationandgrowthamong entrepreneursfrom Commonwealthnations.
• LadiesinBusinessGlobal CommunityGroup:Asupportive platformforwomeninbusiness, promotingnetworkingand empowermentonaglobalscale.
• UAEAfricaEducationInitiative: Aninitiativeaimedatimproving educationalopportunitiesand resourcesinAfrica.
• InternationalWomen EntrepreneursGroup:A communitythatconnectsand supportswomenentrepreneurs worldwide.
• WorldEducationCommunity:An organizationfocusedon advancingeducationandlearning opportunitiesglobally
• IndianWomeninDubaiNetwork: AnetworkthatempowersIndian womenlivinginDubaithrough professionalandpersonal development.
• SocialMediaNetworkingGroups inUAE&GCC:Groupswitha collectiveaudienceofover 50,000,dedicatedtofostering connectionsandcollaborationsin thedigitalspace.
• YouthEmpowermentMentor withIITE-cellMumbai,India:A mentorshiproleaimedat empoweringyoungentrepreneurs throughguidanceandsupport.
• InternationalAdvisorforthe YouthUnitedCouncilofIndia: Anadvisorypositionthat contributestothedevelopment andempowermentofyouthin India.
Theseaffiliationsillustrateastrong dedicationtofosteringgrowth,safety, andempowermentwithinvarious communities.
Mariamcollaboratescloselywiththe UnitedNationsHighCommissionerfor Refugees(UNHCR)tooffer scholarshipstostudentrefugees.She firmlybelievesthateducationisa fundamentalrightforallchildren, regardlessoftheircircumstances. Mariamunderstandsthataccessto educationcanempowerrefugee childrenandyouthtoovercomethe significantchallengestheyencounter.
Forboysandgirlswhohavebeen compelledtoescapeviolenceand persecution,thechancetopursuetheir studiesrepresentsabeaconofhope.It allowsthemtoenvisionabrighter futureandunlocktheirtruepotential. Throughherinitiatives,Mariamis dedicatedtotransformingthelivesof theseyoungindividualsandfostering resilienceinthefaceofadversity
Dr.Mariamhasreceivednumerous awardsforhereffortsandonbehalfof thecompany,including:Awardedfor GlobalExcellenceinEducation2021 byH.E.SheikhEng.SalemBinSultan alQassimi;AwardedforOutstanding ContributionstotheEducation IndustrybyH.E.SheikhAhmedBin FaisalAl-Qassimi2021;GCCWoman LeadershipAward2019;GlobalSuper AchieverAward2020;Lifetime AchievementAward2020;Achievers AwardinNewEntrepreneurialVenture
2021;ExcellenceinMentalHealthWorldHealthAward2021;SHE BusinessWomanAward2021;The onlyUAEnomineefor'Outstanding ContributiontotheEducationIndustry' atthe2021PioneerAwards,Awarded GlobalExcellenceinEducation2021 fromH.ESheikhEng.SalemBin SultanAlQassimi,Chairmanofthe DepartmentofCivilAviation,RasAl Khaimah(RAKDCA)&Chairmanof RAKInternational,Awardedthe PrestigiousFameTimesInternational ExcellenceAward2021froma renownedInternationalAward organizationsupportedbyTheWorld BookofRecords,UK,SouthAsian ChamberofCommerce&manyother renownedorganizations,Awardedfor OutstandingContributiontothe EducationIndustry2021Underthe PatronageofThePrivateOfficeofH.E SheikhAhmedBinFaisalAl-Qassimi, BusinessExcellenceAward2022 ExcellenceinEducation,UAEWIM Top50GlobalAwards2022 ExcellenceinEducation–UAE, WomenEntrepreneurAwardWinnerEmiratesWomenAward2022from H.H.SheikhAhmedBinSaeedAl Maktoum,ChairmanofDubaiCivil AviationAuthorityandChairman& CEOofEmiratesAirlineandGroup, EducatoroftheYear2023fromEmmi Empire,Asia’sTopWomenPower Leaders2023,WomenEconomic DevelopmentGlobalIconandLifetime AchievementAward2024,Top20 Entrepreneurs;Global200Women PowerLeaders2024,PAWESAward forOutstandingCollaborative PartnershipAfrica2024.
Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.
- Roy T. Bennett
Intheinstantlychangingbusiness backgroundoftoday,leadership stylesarechangingdramatically Itisnotjustafadtoseeleaders movingfromdirectivetodelegative; thisisafundamentalshiftinhow leadersinteractwiththeirpeopleand promotecorporatesuccess.Thisshift placesmoreprominenceonresults thanonprocedures,creatingan atmospherethatisconduciveto accountability,innovationand teamwork.
Top-down,directiveleadership frequentlystiflescreativityandlimits thepotentialofteammembers.This typeofleaderusuallygivesclear directionsandkeepsacloseeyeonthe workoftheirworkers.
Thiscanworkwellinsome circumstances,suchemergency situationsorworkingwithless experiencedteams,butitcanalso causeemployeedisengagementanda lackofownership.Conversely, delegativeleadershipnurturesa climateoftrustandcooperationby givingteammembersthefreedomto taketheinitiativeandmakedecisions.
Motivatingandupliftingtheteamis oneofthemainadvantagesof switchingtoadelegativeleadership style.Asenseofownershipand accountabilityispromotedwhen leadersassigntasksandgivetheirstaff decision-makingauthority.
Membersofateamgetasenseof recognitionandvaluefortheir
contributions,whichcanboosttheir loyaltyandjobhappiness.Thischange improvesteamchangesinvolume overallaswellasindividual performancesincemembersaremore likelytoworktogetherandassistone anotherinaccomplishingshared objectives.
Delegativeleadershipalsoraises creativityandinnovation.Leaders adoptiveaculturethatwelcomes experimentationbygivingteam membersthelatitudetotryoutnovel conceptsandstrategies.
Thismaysparkthecreationofcreative tacticsandsolutionsthatmightnot havesurfacedfromamoreprescriptive approach.Organizationsarebetterable toadjusttoshiftingmarketconditions andcustomerdemandswhenpeople areoptimistictothinkcreativelyand takemeasuredrisks.
Butmakingtheswitchfromadirective toadelegativeleadershipstylecallsfor carefulplanning.Beforeanythingelse, leadersneedtoevaluatetheirown habitsandpinpointareasthatneed work.Understandinghowone's leadershipstyleaffectsteam underlyingforcesandoverall performancerequiresahighdegreeof self-awareness.
Leadersshouldalsoconsiderthe specialrequirementsandskillsofeach memberoftheirteam.Notevery personisreadyformoreautonomy, thereforeleadersneedtobereadyto givetheirteamsthesupportand
directiontheyneedtothriveinamore delegativesetting.
Animportantelementofthisshiftis alsoeffectivecommunication.Leaders needtobeveryclearabouttheirgoals andvisionandtheyshouldalsohelp honestexchangeandinputfromtheir staff.Becauseoftheopennessandtrust thatthistwo-waycommunication promotes,teammemberscanfreely expresstheirproblemsand suggestions.Maintainingalignment andmakingsurethateveryoneis workingtowardthesamegoalscanbe accomplishedwithfrequentcheck-ins andupdates.
Toprovideteammemberswiththe abilitiesandself-assurancerequiredto succeedinadelegativesetting,training anddevelopmentareneed.Itis recommendedthatleadersallocate resourcestowardsprofessional developmentinitiativesthataugment thecompetenciesoftheirteamand equipthemforelevatedaccountability
Workshopsonproblem-solving, decision-makingandeffective interactionmayfallunderthis category.Leadersmayhelpteam membersmaketheshifttoamore outcome-focusedstrategymore smoothlybyprovidingthemwiththe necessaryresourcesandtraining.
Settingupprecisesuccessmeasuresis crucialforleaderswhoadopta delegativeapproach.Tomakesurethat everyoneisawareofwhatisexpected ofthem,outcomesshouldbeclearly statedandconveyed.
Throughpointoutoutcomesover procedures,teamsarebetterableto organizetheirworkandreachwellinformedjudgmentsthatsupport companyobjectives.Itisimperative forleaderstoacknowledgeand commemorateaccomplishmentsto strengthenaclimateofresponsibility andinspiration.
Developingagrowthmentalityamong theteammembersisanothervital componentofthischange.Leaders’ oughttopromotelifelonglearningand development,stressingthaterrorsare chancesfordevelopmentratherthan failuresthatneedtobepenalized.
Thischangeinperspectivemightaid teammemberstobemoreateasewith takingchancesandtryingoutnovel concepts,whichwillultimatelyspur morecreativityandsuccess.
Tosumup,theshiftfromdirectiveto delegativeleadershipisapotentone thathasthepotentialtogreatly improvebothemployeeengagement andorganizationalperformance.
Leadersmayestablishalivelyand cooperativeworkatmosphereby empoweringteams,urgingcreativity andconcentratingonresults.But makingthisshiftcallsforthoughtful planning,clearcommunicationanda dedicationtocontinuousimprovement.
Torealizetheirfullpotentialand achievelong-termsuccess,businesses mayneedtoembraceadelegative leadershipstyleastheytraversethe intricaciesofthecontemporary corporatemodel.Acceptingthisshift improvesteammembers'professional lifeandhelpsthecompany,makingthe workplacemoreproductiveand satisfyingforeveryone.
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge.
- Simon Sinek
A Guide to Letting Go and Empowering Your Team
Asuccessfulfirmneedsgood leadershipinthefast-paced workclimateoftoday
Nonetheless,alotofleadersbattlethe inclinationtomicromanagetheir groups.Althoughthisstrategyis frequentlymotivatedbyaneedfor certaintyandcontrol,itcanhave unfavorableeffectssuchaslowmorale, stuntedinnovationanderodedtrust.
Leadersmustadoptanoutcomedriven,empoweringstyleinplaceof micromanagementiftheyareto cultivateamoreproductiveand engagedteam.Thisshiftimprovesthe successoftheorganizationaswellas theefficacyoftheleaderandtheteam.
Tobeginthisshift,itisnecessarytobe clearaboutgoalsandexpectations.Itis imperativeforleaderstoeffectively communicatetheirexpectationstotheir teams,outliningpreciseobjectives, deadlinesandperformancemeasures.
Teammembersarebetterableto appreciatethesignificanceoftheirjob whentheyaregivencontextregarding howtheirspecificactivitiesfitintothe largergoalsofthebusiness.This claritygivesworkersafeelingof directionandpurposebypermitting themtomatchtheireffortswiththe organization'smission.
Delegatingeffectivelybecomescrucial afterexpectationsareestablished. Leadersneedtodeveloptheabilityto assignauthorityinadditiontoduties. Thisentailsgivingteammembersthe authoritytodecideandresolveissues
withintheparametersoftheir positions.
It'scriticalthatmanagersgivestaff memberstheopportunitytoexperiment ratherthanimposingtheirwillonthem whenitcomestocompleting responsibilities.Inadditiontogiving teammembersagreatersenseof authorityovertheirjob,thisalso fosterscreativityandinvention.
Creatinganenvironmentthatvalues accountabilityisanothervital componentofbeinganoutcome-driven leader.Leaders’oughttosupporttheir groupsinacceptingresponsibilityfor theiractionsandholdingeachother accountablefortheoutcomes.
Frequentcheck-inscanfacilitate feedbackandhelpsustainalignment, buttheyshouldn'tturninto micromanagement.Rather,team membersshouldbeabletolearnfrom theirexperiencesandhonetheir problem-solvingabilitieswiththehelp anddirectionoftheirleaderswhen needed.
Toempowerteams,itisnecessityto promoteindependenceandinitiative. Supervisorsneedtoadvanceaculture whereworkersfeelfreetotakechances andmakedecisions.Thisentails appreciatingbothaccomplishments andthelessonsthatmaybedrawn fromsetbacks.Membersofateamare morelikelytobemotivatedand interestedintheirworkwhentheyfeel thattheirideasarevaluedandthatthey arefreetoexperiment.
Leaders'roleschangefrombeingtaskorientedtobecomingcoachesand mentorsastheygofrom micromanagingtoempoweringtheir people.Thisnecessitatesadedication toprovideteammemberscontinual assistanceandgrowthopportunities. Leaderscandiscusscareerprogress, aidandexchangefeedbackinone-ononemeetings.Leadersthatprioritize employeedevelopmentcanhelptheir staffmembersexpandtheirskillsets andimprovetheirabilities,whichwill ultimatelybenefittheentirecompany.
Buildingahappyandinspiringwork environmentrequiresrecognizingand applaudingbothindividualandteam accomplishments.Regardlessofthe sizeofthecontribution,leadersshould alwaysrecognizeitandoffer encouragement.
Receivingpraisefromthepubliccan improvespiritsandreaffirmtheworth ofteammembers'work,motivating themtokeepaimingforsuccess. Honouringsuccessesimprovesteam cohesionandcollaborationinaddition toboostingindividualdrive.
Makingtheshiftfrombeinga micromanagertoanoutcome-driven leadertakestime,patienceanda willingnesstoadapt.Leadersneedto beawareoftheirinclinationtoward controlandconcentrateinsteadon developingacultureoftrustwithin theirteams.
Althoughtheremaybesome discomfortatfirst,thereareseveral
- Warren Bennis
Embracing Innovation in Teaching and Learning
Highereducationis experiencingsignificant changesasitadaptstothe demandsofthedigitalera.Traditional teachingmethodsarebeingreassessed, andnewapproachesareemerging. Theseapproachesutilizetechnologyto enhancetheeducationalexperience. Suchashiftiscrucialastechnology continuestoadvancerapidly,and studentsexpectmorefromtheir educationalinstitutions.Schoolsand universitiesthatadoptthese innovationsarebetterpreparedtooffer relevantandeffectiveeducation.
Thisshifttowardsdigitaleducation presentsbothopportunitiesand challenges.Whileitoffersincreased accessibilityandflexibility,italso requireseducatorsandinstitutionsto rethinkhowtheydelivercontentand engagewithstudents.Theuseof digitaltoolsandplatformshelpsbridge thegapbetweentraditionaland moderneducation,whichmakes learningmoreinteractiveand personalized.Asweexaminehow highereducationisadaptingtothe digitalage,itbecomesclearthat innovationiskeytoremaining effectiveinthisrapidlyevolving landscape.
Oneofthemostnotabledevelopments inhighereducationistheexpansionof onlinelearning,whichhasopenedup newpossibilitiesforstudentsand educatorsalike.Thefieldofpublic health,inparticular,hasgreatly
benefitedfromthistrend.Online programsofferflexibilityand accessibility,whichallowsworking professionals,internationalstudents, andotherswithvariouscommitments topursueadvanceddegrees.For instance,anonlinedoctoralprogramin publichealthprovidesstudentswith theopportunitytoaccesstop-tier educationwithouttheneedtorelocate orleavetheircurrentjobs.These programsarestructuredtofitthebusy schedulesofhealthcareprofessionals whileequippingthemwiththe advancedknowledgeneededtomakea meaningfulimpact.
Thebenefitsoftheseonlineprograms arenotlimitedtoconvenience.They offerenrichedlearningexperiencesby incorporatingdigitaltoolsand resourcesthatallowstudentstoengage withinteractivecontent,participatein virtualdiscussions,andcollaborate withpeersandinstructorsfromdiverse backgrounds.Thisglobalperspectiveis invaluableinpublichealth,where understandingdifferentpopulations andhealthchallengesiscrucial.The accessibilitytospecializedcoursesand expertfacultyfromaroundtheworld highlightshowdigitaleducationis reshapinghighereducationandmaking itmoreinclusiveandadaptabletothe needsoftoday’slearners.
Ashighereducationincreasingly incorporatesdigitaltechnologies, innovativeteachingmethodshave
becomemoreprevalent.These methodsaredesignedtoengage studentseffectivelyandprovideamore personalizedlearningexperience.The flippedclassroommodel,forexample, isgainingtraction,allowingstudentsto reviewlecturematerialsattheirown paceathomeandengageininteractive activitiesduringclasstime.Other innovationsincludevirtuallabs,where studentscanconductexperimentsina simulatedenvironment.
Thesemethodsareshiftingfocustoa morestudent-centeredapproach. Technologyplaysasignificantrolein thisshiftbyprovidingtoolsthat increaseinteractivity,encourage collaboration,andofferpersonalized learningexperiences.Forinstance, learningmanagementsystems(LMS) enablestudentstoaccesscourse materials,submitassignments,and receivefeedbackallinoneplatform. Additionally,onlinediscussionforums andvideoconferencingtoolsfacilitate real-timecommunicationbetween studentsandinstructors,regardlessof distance.Adoptingtheseinnovative teachingmethodshelpsinstitutions improvethequalityofeducationwhile preparingstudentsforafuturewhere digitalskillsandadaptabilityare crucial.
Facultymembersarecentraltothe successfuladoptionofdigitaltoolsand innovativeteachingmethods.Their willingnessandabilitytoadapttonew
technologiesplayasignificantrolein howeffectivelythesemethodsare implemented.Inmanycases,faculty needsupportintheformoftraining andresourcestofullyembracethese changes.Thistrainingcanhelpthem becomecomfortablewithusingdigital platforms,designinginteractive content,andmanagingonline classrooms.
Continuousprofessionaldevelopment isessentialforeducatorstostaycurrent withthelatestdigitalteaching strategies.Institutionsthatoffer ongoingtrainingandsupportcanhelp theirfacultyadapttochangesmore smoothly.Wheneducatorsarewellequippedtousedigitaltools,theycan createengaginglearningexperiences thatresonatewithstudents.
Astechnologycontinuestoevolve,the landscapeofhighereducationwill likelyundergofurthertransformation. Oneoftheemergingtrendsistheuse ofartificialintelligence(AI)in education.AIcanprovidepersonalized learningexperiencesbyanalyzing studentdataandadjustingcontentto meetindividualneeds.Thisapproach canmakelearningmoreefficientand tailoredtoeachstudent’spaceand style.
Anothertrendistheintegrationof virtualreality(VR)andaugmented reality(AR)intotheclassroom.These technologiescancreateimmersive learningexperiencesthatgobeyond traditionalmethods.Forexample, medicalstudentsmightuseVRto practicesurgeriesinasimulated environment,gaininghands-on experiencewithouttherisksassociated withreal-lifeprocedures.
Transitioningtodigitaleducation presentschallengesthatinstitutions mustaddresstosucceed.One challengeisofferingstudentsaccessto thenecessarytechnologyand resources.Noteverystudenthasa reliableinternetconnectionorthe devicesneededtoparticipatefullyin onlinelearning.Institutionsmustfind waystobridgethisdigitaldivide, perhapsbyofferingloanerdevicesor partneringwithlocalorganizationsto provideinternetaccess.
Anotherchallengeismaintainingthe qualityofeducationinadigitalformat. Onlinecoursesrequiredifferent approachescomparedtotraditionalinpersonclasses.Educatorsmustdevelop strategiesthatkeepstudentsengaged, suchasinteractiveactivities,group projects,andfrequentfeedback.
Mostimportantly,academicintegrity mustbeupheld,whichcanbedifficult withremoteassessments.Solutions likeremoteproctoringandredesigned assessmentmethodscanhelpaddress thisissue.Despitethesechallenges,the shifttodigitaleducationalsooffers opportunitiestoreachabroader audience.
Adaptinghighereducationtothe digitalageiscrucialforstaying relevantandeffective.Onlinelearning, facultyadaptation,emerging technologieslikeAIandVR,and addressingchallengessuchasaccess andqualityarekeytothistransition. Institutionsthatleveragethese innovationswillbetterpreparestudents forthefuture,ensuringtheyreceivea modern,engaging,andeffective education.
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Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.
Educationaladministration
offersawealthofcareer opportunitiesforindividuals passionateaboutimpactingthe educationalsystemwithoutbecoming classroomteachers.Theseroles involveleadership,strategicplanning, anddecision-makingthatshapethe learningenvironmentandpolicies withinschoolsanddistricts.From principalsandsuperintendentsto specializedadministrativepositions, educationaladministrationplaysa crucialroleinensuringthe effectivenessandefficiencyof educationalinstitutions.Thisarticle delvesintovariouscareersin educationaladministration, highlightingtheirresponsibilities, necessaryqualifications,andthe significantimpacttheyhaveon education.
Principalsserveasthebackboneof schools,overseeingthedaily operationsandensuringapositive learningenvironmentforstudentsand staff.Theirresponsibilitiesrangefrom managingbudgetsandresourcesto implementingschoolpoliciesand ensuringcompliancewitheducational standards.Principalsalsoplayacritical roleinshapingschoolculture, fosteringcollaborationamongteachers, andaddressingtheneedsofstudents. WiththeavailabilityofEDDonline programs,aspiringprincipalscan furthertheireducationandgainthe skillsneededtoexcelinthese leadershiproles.Theseprogramsoffer
flexibilityforworkingprofessionals, makingiteasiertobalancecareer advancementwithpersonal commitments.
Superintendentsholdavitalpositionin educationaladministration,providing leadershipanddirectionforentire schooldistricts.Theycollaboratewith schoolboardstodevelopand implementpoliciesthatimpact multipleschoolswithinthedistrict. Superintendentsoverseebudgeting, staffing,andcurriculumstandards whileensuringthatschoolsmeetstate andfederalregulations.Theirrole involvesstrategicplanning,community engagement,andaddressingchallenges thataffectthedistrict'soverall performance.Tobecomea superintendent,onetypicallyneeds extensiveexperienceineducational leadershipandadvanceddegreesin education,suchasthoseoffered throughvariousEdDonlineprograms.
Schoolbusinessmanagersplaya crucialroleinthefinancialand operationalaspectsofeducational institutions.Theyhandlebudgeting, financialplanning,procurement,and resourceallocationtoensurethat schoolsoperateefficientlyand effectively.Theseprofessionalswork closelywithprincipalsanddistrict administratorstomanageschool
finances,optimizespending,and supporteducationalgoals.School businessmanagersalsooversee maintenance,transportation,andfood services,contributingtoawellroundededucationalexperiencefor students.Withthegrowingcomplexity ofschoolfinances,thedemandfor skilledbusinessmanagerscontinuesto rise.
Curriculumcoordinatorsdevelopand implementinstructionalmaterialsand educationalprogramswithinschools anddistricts.Theyworkwithteachers andadministratorstoensurethat curriculameeteducationalstandards andaddressthediverseneedsof students.Curriculumcoordinators reviewandselecttextbooks,design professionaldevelopmentprogramsfor teachers,andevaluatetheeffectiveness ofinstructionalstrategies.Theirwork directlyimpactsthequalityof educationstudentsreceive,makingthis rolecrucialforacademicsuccess. Professionalsinthisfieldoftenhold advanceddegreesineducationand haveexperienceinteachingand curriculumdevelopment.
Academicdeansoverseetheacademic programsandfacultywithincolleges anduniversities.Theyensurethat academicstandardsaremaintained, curriculaareup-to-date,andstudents receivehigh-qualityeducation.
Academicdeanscollaboratewith departmentheadstodevelopand implementacademicpolicies,manage facultyappointmentsandevaluations, andsupportfacultydevelopment.They alsoplayakeyroleinstrategic planningandbudgetingforacademic programs.Academicdeanstypically holdadvanceddegreesintheirfieldof expertiseandhaveextensive experienceinhighereducation administration.
Schoolsafetycoordinatorsfocuson creatingandmaintainingasafe learningenvironmentforstudentsand staff.Theydevelopandimplement safetypolicies,conductregularsafety drills,andcoordinatewithlocallaw enforcementtoaddresspotential threats.Safetycoordinatorsalso educatestudentsandstaffonsafety proceduresandpromoteacultureof awarenessandpreparedness.Their workensuresthatschoolsremain secureandthatstudentscanlearn withoutconcernsabouttheirsafety Thisrolerequiresabackgroundin safetymanagement,education,orlaw enforcement,aswellasstrong organizationalandcommunication skills.
Schoolhumanresourcesmanagers handlerecruitment,hiring,and employeerelationswithineducational institutions.Theyworktoattractand retainqualifiedteachersandstaff, manageemployeebenefits,andensure compliancewithlaborlawsand regulations.Humanresources managersalsoaddressemployee concerns,mediateconflicts,and supportprofessionaldevelopmentfor schoolstaff.Theirroleisessentialin
maintainingapositivework environmentandensuringthatschools havetheskilledpersonnelneededto achievetheireducationalgoals. Professionalsinthisfieldtypically haveexperienceinhumanresources andeducation,alongwithrelevant certifications.
Studentaffairsadministratorsfocuson thewell-beinganddevelopmentof studentsoutsidetheclassroom.They overseestudentservicessuchas counseling,extracurricularactivities, housing,andcareerservices.These administratorsworktocreatea supportiveandinclusiveenvironment thatpromotesstudentsuccessand engagement.Theyalsocollaborate withacademicstafftoaddressstudent needsandprovideresourcesfor personalandacademicgrowth.Student affairsadministratorsoftenhold advanceddegreesineducationor counselingandhaveexperiencein studentservices.
Admissionsdirectorsmanagethe recruitmentandenrollmentprocessfor educationalinstitutions.Theydevelop marketingstrategiestoattract prospectivestudents,review applications,andcoordinatethe admissionsprocess.Admissions directorsalsoworktoensurethatthe studentbodyreflectstheinstitution's goalsandvalues.Theirroleinvolves extensivecommunicationwith prospectivestudentsandfamilies,as wellascollaborationwithfacultyand stafftosupportstudentrecruitment. Professionalsinthisfieldtypically haveexperienceinadmissions, marketing,oreducation,alongwith stronginterpersonalandorganizational skills.
Educationalpolicyanalystsresearch andanalyzepoliciesthatimpactthe educationsystem.Theyworkwith governmentagencies,thinktanks,and educationalorganizationstodevelop andevaluatepoliciesaimedat improvingeducationaloutcomes. Policyanalystscollectandinterpret data,conductpolicyanalysis,and providerecommendationsto policymakers.Theirworkhelpsshape educationpolicyatlocal,state,and nationallevels,influencingthe directionoftheeducationsystem. Professionalsinthisfieldoftenhold advanceddegreesineducationpolicy, publicpolicy,orrelatedfieldsandhave stronganalyticalandresearchskills.
Educationaladministrationoffersa diversearrayofcareeropportunities beyondtheclassroom.Theseroles involveleadership,strategicplanning, anddecision-makingthatareessential forthesuccessofeducational institutions.Fromprincipalsand superintendentstospecialized administrativepositions,professionals ineducationaladministrationplaya crucialroleinshapingthelearning environmentandpolicieswithin schoolsanddistricts.Pursuingacareer ineducationaladministrationallows individualstomakeasignificant impactoneducationwhileutilizing theirleadership,organizational,and strategicskills.Astheeducation systemcontinuestoevolve,the demandforskilledadministratorswill remainstrong,providingample opportunitiesforthosepassionate aboutimprovingeducation.
Coaching is unlocking a person's potential to maximize their growth. ,,
- John Whitmore
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost