DALI ATA: TEDx Speaker, Leader and Visionary

You were born in Iraq, raised in Australia, and now thriving in Oman. How have these diverse cultural influences shaped your perspective on life and success?
Each place has left an imprint on me. Being born in Iraq gave me roots—strength, resilience, and a deep sense of identity. Growing up in Australia taught me freedom, ambition, and the power of thinking beyond limitations. And now, living in Oman, I’ve embraced a culture that values patience, vision, and building something meaningful over time. These experiences have taught me that success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about adapting, understanding people, and using your journey to lift others up.
What was your childhood like, and how did it shape your aspirations for leadership and empowerment?
My childhood was a mix of love, struggle, and relentless ambition. As immigrants, my family had to rebuild everything from scratch, and I watched my parents navigate a world that wasn’t always welcoming. That taught me resilience early on. I remember seeing the limitations placed on women around me—whether cultural, societal, or even self-imposed—and I made a silent promise to myself that I would break every single one of them. I didn’t just want to succeed for myself; I wanted to open doors for others, especially women who had been told they couldn’t.

You’ve broken barriers as an Iraqi-Australian woman in multiple industries. What drives your mission to create change in leadership, diversity, and real estate?
Honestly, it’s personal. I know what it feels like to walk into a room where no one looks like you, sounds like you, or believes you belong there. And I know how easy it is to shrink yourself to fit into spaces that weren’t designed for you. That’s why I’m so passionate about leadership, diversity, and real estate. Leadership because we need to redefine who gets to lead. Diversity because the best ideas come from different perspectives. And real estate because financial freedom is one of the most powerful ways to change someone’s life.
What is your ultimate vision for leadership and empowerment, especially for women in male-dominated spaces?
I want women to stop asking for permission. To walk into boardrooms, industries, and spaces they were once excluded from—not with a sense of proving themselves, but with the confidence that they belong there. My vision is a world where women don’t have to fight twice as hard to be heard, where leadership is about impact, not gender. I want to see more women making bold moves, building wealth, and leading with both strength and empathy.

If you could give one powerful message to young women aspiring to lead, what would it be?
Your voice is powerful—don’t silence it to make others comfortable. The world will try to put you in a box, tell you to be smaller, quieter, more agreeable. Don’t listen. Stand your ground, take up space, and never dim your light for anyone.
Professional Life & Leadership Journey
You are a real estate expert, TEDx speaker, and leadership coach. How do these different roles complement each other in your journey?
They all come from the same passion—transformation. Real estate transforms lives by giving people stability and financial freedom. Leadership coaching transforms people by helping them unlock their potential. And public speaking allows me to share ideas that shift mindsets. Everything I do is about helping others see what’s possible for them and giving them the tools to go after it.
What challenges have you faced as a woman breaking into real estate and leadership, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was being underestimated. Walking into meetings where people assumed I wasn’t the decision-maker. Being questioned on things my male counterparts were never asked. Having to prove my worth over and over again. But I learned early on that the best way to silence doubt is through results. I made sure that my work spoke louder than any bias. I stayed prepared, worked harder than anyone in the room, and never let rejection shake my belief in myself.

As a TEDx speaker, what was the most impactful message you’ve shared, and what kind of response did it receive?
One of my most powerful messages was about rewriting the rules of leadership—challenging the idea that leaders have to fit a certain mold. I spoke about how real leadership is about vision, integrity, and the courage to stand alone if necessary. The response was overwhelming. Women came up to me saying they had never felt “enough” to lead until that moment. That’s when I knew my message was bigger than me.
Managing multiple roles can be demanding. How do you maintain a balance between your professional ambitions and personal life?
I won’t pretend it’s easy. There are days when I feel like I’m stretched too thin, but I’ve learned that balance isn’t about dividing time equally—it’s about being fully present wherever you are. When I’m working, I give it my all. When I’m with loved ones, I’m intentional about disconnecting and being there. And most importantly, I remind myself that success means nothing if you’re too burned out to enjoy it.

What personal habits or mindset shifts have been crucial to your success in different industries?
One of the biggest mindset shifts was realizing that fear is a sign I’m growing. Every time I felt imposter syndrome or doubt, I learned to see it as proof that I was stepping into something bigger. Another game-changer was shifting from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.” Gratitude keeps me grounded, and discipline keeps me moving forward.
How do you see the real estate market evolving in Oman, and what advice would you give to aspiring investors?
Oman is at an exciting turning point investment is growing, and there are huge opportunities for those who do their research. My biggest advice? Think long-term. Don’t chase quick returns. Look at areas with high growth potential, understand market trends, and invest strategically. Most importantly, never invest in something you don’t fully understand.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest aspirations—both professionally and personally—for the next five years?
Professionally, I want to expand my impact—whether through leadership programs, real estate education, or helping more women step into financial independence. Personally, I want to keep growing, learning, and making sure that success doesn’t come at the cost of the things that truly matter—family, purpose, and living a life I’m proud of.
Final Thoughts: At the end of the day, my journey isn’t just about me. It’s about showing others especially women, immigrants, and those who’ve been told they’re “too different”—that they are capable of more than they’ve been led to believe. If my story can inspire even one person to take that first step toward their dreams, then every challenge has been worth it.