Early Life & Influences Can you share a glimpse into your childhood and educational background? Were there any early experiences that shaped your passion for finance?

Growing up, my mother’s dedication to her children’s future was a constant source of inspiration. Despite not having the opportunity for full formal education, she instilled in us the belief that we could dream big and achieve anything we set our minds to. Her resilience and unwavering support were the bedrock of my upbringing.

My educational journey began in a local school where I developed a keen interest in mathematics and problem-solving. These subjects fascinated me and laid the foundation for my future passion for finance. Driven by a desire to understand the complexities of the financial world and to make a positive impact through my work, I pursued higher education in finance and economics.

Several early experiences shaped my passion for finance. My mother often spoke about the importance of financial stability and planning, even though she had limited formal education. Her practical wisdom and insights sparked my curiosity about financial management. I was fortunate to have mentors who recognized my potential and encouraged me to explore finance further. Their guidance and support were instrumental in shaping my career path.

These experiences, combined with my mother’s legacy, fuelled my passion for finance and motivated me to pursue a career where I could help deliver business results and drive consistent profitable growth. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in finance, and how did you navigate your way to becoming the Regional Finance Director for Unilever in the Middle East?

My journey into finance was inspired by a combination of personal experiences and a deep-seated passion for understanding the intricacies of the financial world.

I pursued higher education in finance and economics, driven by a desire to understand the complexities of the financial world and to make a positive impact through my work. I earned degrees that equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in finance. I started my career in finance by working in various roles that allowed me to gain practical experience and build a strong foundation. Throughout my career, I remained committed to continuous learning and professional development. I earned certifications such as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and attended numerous workshops and training sessions to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

Building a strong professional network was crucial. I actively sought out mentors and industry leaders who could provide guidance and support. Networking helped me gain insights into the industry and opened up opportunities for career advancement. As I gained experience, I took on leadership roles that allowed me to demonstrate my capabilities and drive positive change within organizations. My ability to lead teams and manage complex financial projects was recognized, leading to promotions and increased responsibilities.

My journey with Unilever began when I joined the company in a finance role. Over the years, I worked diligently to contribute to the company’s success, leveraging my skills and experience to drive financial performance and strategic initiatives. My dedication and leadership eventually led to my appointment as the Regional Finance Director for Unilever in the Middle East.

This journey has been marked by perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how my passion for finance and my mother’s legacy have come together to shape my career and enable me to make a meaningful impact. 

As a finance leader, what is your core mission, and how do you see your role contributing to Unilever’s broader vision in the region?

As the Regional Finance Director for Unilever in the Middle East, my core mission is to drive financial excellence and strategic growth while upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and inclusion. This involves developing and implementing financial strategies that support Unilever’s goals, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring robust financial oversight.

My role contributes to Unilever’s broader vision in several ways. Financial leadership plays a crucial role in funding and supporting innovative projects that enhance product offerings and operational efficiency. Ensuring that financial strategies support inclusive economic growth benefits not just the company but also the communities we serve. By optimizing financial processes and resource allocation, I contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Unilever’s operations in the region.

Through these efforts, I aim to create a positive impact that aligns with Unilever’s broader vision and helps the company thrive in the Middle East. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and what accomplishments are you most proud of?

Throughout my career, I’ve faced several significant challenges, each of which has provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. During periods of economic downturn or market volatility, making strategic financial decisions that ensure stability and growth has been particularly challenging. Balancing short-term needs with long-term goals required careful planning and adaptability. Leading organizational change, especially in large, established companies, can be difficult. Whether it’s adopting new technologies, restructuring teams, or shifting strategic priorities, managing resistance and ensuring smooth transitions has been a key challenge. Working in diverse regions like the Middle East, understanding and respecting cultural differences while implementing global strategies has been essential. This required a deep understanding of local markets and effective communication. At times, working with limited resources—whether financial, human, or technological—has tested my ability to innovate and find creative solutions to achieve our goals.

Driving initiatives that significantly improved Unilever’s financial performance in the Middle East, such as optimizing resource allocation and implementing cost-saving measures, has been incredibly rewarding. Leading and landing a global digital transformation program, implementing digital solutions that enhanced organizational efficiency. Developing and running mentorship programs that have helped numerous individuals achieve their professional goals is something I’m particularly proud of.

These challenges and accomplishments have shaped my career and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact through my work. They remind me of the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to my values. 

The finance sector has traditionally been male-dominated. What challenges have you faced as a woman in leadership, and how do you empower other women in business?

As a woman in a leadership role within the traditionally male-dominated finance sector, I’ve faced several challenges that have tested my resilience and determination. Pervasive gender bias and stereotypes have been significant hurdles. These biases often manifest as assumptions about women’s capabilities and roles in finance, leading to unequal opportunities and limited career advancement. Women remain underrepresented in top leadership roles, which can make it difficult to find role models and mentors. This lack of representation can also limit networking opportunities and career growth. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments is a constant challenge. The high-pressure environment of finance often demands long hours, making it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Subtle forms of discrimination, such as being interrupted or having ideas dismissed, can create a hostile work environment and undermine confidence.

I actively participate in and promote mentorship programs that provide guidance and support to women in finance. Mentorship helps build skills, confidence, and networks, enabling women to navigate their careers more effectively. I advocate for equal representation of women in leadership positions. This includes pushing for more women in senior roles and decision-making bodies, which helps create a more inclusive and diverse workplace. I support policies that offer flexibility and work-life balance, such as remote work options and flexible hours. These policies help women balance their professional and personal lives more effectively. I work to foster an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and respected. This involves addressing implicit biases, providing unconscious bias training, and ensuring fair treatment for everyone.

By addressing these challenges and actively working to empower other women, I aim to create a more inclusive and equitable finance sector where everyone can succeed. 

How do you manage the pressures of a high-profile leadership role while maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Managing the pressures of a high-profile leadership role while maintaining a healthy work-life balance is indeed challenging, but it’s essential for long-term success and well-being. I set clear, achievable goals for both my professional and personal life. This helps me stay focused on what truly matters and avoid getting overwhelmed by less important tasks. Delegating tasks to trusted team members allows me to focus on high-impact activities while empowering others to take on responsibilities and grow. I use planning tools and calendars to organize my time effectively. This includes scheduling work tasks, meetings, and personal activities to ensure a balanced approach.

I prioritize physical health by maintaining a regular exercise routine, eating nutritious meals, and getting adequate sleep. Physical well-being is crucial for managing stress and staying energized. I lean on my family and friends for support and encouragement. Spending quality time with loved ones helps me stay connected and provides a sense of balance. Building strong professional networks allows me to share experiences, seek advice, and gain support from peers who understand the challenges of leadership. I strive for work-life integration rather than strict separation. This means finding ways to blend work and personal life harmoniously, such as working remotely when needed or incorporating personal interests into professional activities.

I take time to reflect on my experiences and assess what is working well and what needs adjustment. This ongoing self-assessment helps me stay aligned with my goals and maintain balance. I invest in continuous learning and personal development, which helps me stay resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges.

It’s an ongoing process that requires attention and effort, but it’s essential for achieving long-term success and fulfillment.

How is Unilever adapting to the evolving financial landscape in the Middle East, and what innovative financial strategies are you leading?

Unilever is actively adapting to the evolving financial landscape in the Middle East through a combination of strategic initiatives and innovative financial strategies. Unilever is embracing digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement. This includes leveraging AI-driven technologies for better data analytics, personalized customer experiences, and improved risk management. 

Finance plays a key role in driving sustainability initiatives. How does Unilever integrate financial decision-making with environmental and social responsibility?

Unilever integrates financial decision-making with environmental and social responsibility through a comprehensive approach that aligns sustainability with business performance. The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) remains the anchor to all that we do, it is a successful business model that delivers consistent, competitive, profitable and sustainable growth.

Unilever uses scenario analyses to assess the potential impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, including climate change, on its business model and financials. The company maintains transparency in its sustainability efforts through detailed reporting and accountability measures. This ensures stakeholders are informed about progress and challenges.

By integrating these practices into its financial decision-making, Unilever ensures that sustainability is not just a goal but a fundamental aspect of its business strategy. This approach helps the company drive positive environmental and social impact while achieving competitive performance. 

What major economic trends are shaping the Middle East market, and how does Unilever stay agile in a competitive landscape?

The Middle East market is being shaped by several major economic trends, and Unilever is actively adapting to stay agile in this competitive landscape. Many Middle Eastern countries are diversifying their economies away from oil dependency. This includes investing in non-energy sectors such as technology, tourism, and manufacturing. The region is experiencing rapid digital transformation, with increased adoption of AI, e-commerce, and fintech solutions. This shift is driving innovation and changing consumer behaviours. Geopolitical factors, including regional conflicts and trade policies, continue to influence economic stability and growth prospects. The Middle East has a young and dynamic workforce, which is driving economic growth and innovation.

Unilever is evolving its portfolio into higher-growth spaces, this diversification helps Unilever stay competitive and meet changing consumer demands. Unilever is embracing digital transformation by leveraging AI-driven technologies for better data analytics, personalized customer experiences, and improved risk management. Unilever adapts its strategies to local market conditions, understanding and respecting cultural differences while implementing global strategies. This includes engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure relevance and impact. Unilever focuses on operational agility by optimizing resource allocation, streamlining processes, and enhancing efficiency. This helps the company respond quickly to market changes and consumer needs.

By staying ahead of trends and embracing new technologies, Unilever can drive growth and create value for its stakeholders in the Middle East.

What advice would you give to young professionals, especially women, who aspire to leadership roles in finance?

To young professionals, especially women, who aspire to leadership roles in finance, here are some pieces of advice that can help you navigate your career path and achieve your goals.

• Believe in yourself. Trust in your abilities and the value you bring to the table. Confidence is key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Stay resilient in the face of setbacks. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

• Pursue continuous learning. Invest in your education and professional development. Pursue relevant degrees, certifications, and training programs to build your expertise. Keep abreast of industry trends and developments. Continuous learning helps you stay competitive and adaptable.

• Seek mentorship and networking. Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insights. Mentorship is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Build a strong professional network. Networking opens doors to opportunities, collaborations, and valuable connections.

• Advocate for yourself. Clearly communicate your career aspirations and goals. Advocate for yourself and seek out opportunities that align with your ambitions. Don’t hesitate to negotiate for what you deserve, whether it’s a promotion, salary, or new responsibilities.

• Embrace diversity and inclusion. Foster an inclusive mindset and support diversity in the workplace. Inclusive leadership creates a positive and collaborative environment. As you advance, empower others, especially women, by providing mentorship and support.

• Balance work and life. Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care and make time for personal interests and relationships. Be adaptable and open to flexible work arrangements that support your well-being.

• Stay true to your values. Uphold your values and principles in all your professional interactions. Integrity builds trust and credibility. Align your career with your personal values and purpose. A sense of purpose drives motivation and fulfilment.

• Take risks and innovate. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Innovation often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Embrace creativity. 

Looking ahead, what are your professional and personal aspirations? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?

Looking ahead, I have several professional and personal aspirations that I am eager to pursue. Professionally, my goal is to continue driving financial excellence and strategic growth, while upholding the values of integrity, innovation and inclusion. I am particularly enthusiastic about leading innovative financial strategies and adapting to the evolving financial landscape in the Middle East. This includes embracing digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement.

On a personal level, I aspire to maintain a healthy work-life balance and invest in continuous learning and personal development. This commitment helps me stay resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges.

When you reflect on your journey, what kind of impact do you hope to leave in the finance and corporate world, as well as in the broader community?

Reflecting on my journey, my goal is to drive financial excellence and strategic growth while upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and inclusion. By developing and implementing financial strategies that support broader business goals, I aim to optimize resource allocation and ensure robust financial oversight. This not only benefits the company but also the communities we serve by supporting inclusive economic growth.

In the broader community, I am committed to fostering an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and respected. This involves addressing implicit biases, providing unconscious bias training, and ensuring fair treatment for everyone. Additionally, I actively participate in and promote mentorship programs that provide guidance and support to women in finance. By empowering others, especially women, I hope to create a more inclusive and equitable finance sector where everyone can succeed.

Through these efforts, I aim to create a positive impact that aligns with company’s broader vision and helps the company thrive in the Middle East. My journey has been marked by perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to their fields.