Growing up in Oman and pursuing education in London, how did your childhood and academic background shape your entrepreneurial mindset? 

Wasan Badar Al Malki’s upbringing in Oman, combined with her academic background in International Supply Chain and Purchasing from Greenwich University in London, laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial mindset by experiencing abroad and meeting many successful people. Growing up in a family where motivation and the belief in having a greater purpose were deeply ingrained had a profound influence on me. 

My parents taught me from a young age that we all have a responsibility to make a positive impact on the world. They instilled in me the idea that success is not only about personal achievement, but also about contributing to the community and helping others. Studying abroad in London further broadened my perspective, exposing me to new ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking that encouraged me to think globally. The combination of this upbringing and my international experience fueled my entrepreneurial mindset. 

It gave me the confidence to believe that I could create change, not just for myself, but for the people around me. My purpose became clear — to establish businesses that not only succeeded but also contributed meaningfully to my community. This drive has led me to create projects like Thy Yard Park, which supports SMEs in Oman, providing them with the tools they need to grow and thrive. My journey is driven by a desire to make a lasting, positive impact, and I believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful vehicle for creating real change in the world.

What inspired you to explore multiple industries like marketing, HR, supply chain, and customer service before starting your own business? 

My journey through various industries allowed me to gather invaluable expertise in multiple fields, equipping me with a versatile skill set to understand different aspects of business. This diverse background was essential in my decision to venture into entrepreneurship, as it provided the foundation needed to understand and innovate in multiple sectors.

Can you share a defining moment from your early life that influenced your drive for success and leadership? 

A defining moment for me was realizing that leadership isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you develop over time. I always knew that I wanted to create something meaningful, something that would have an impact. Even as a child, I had this innate drive to influence others, even in the smallest ways. I understood early on that true leadership comes from the ability to inspire and lead by example, not by authority or position.

It wasn’t just about leading in the traditional sense but about fostering change in others, whether that was through small acts of kindness, encouraging my peers, or simply leading projects in school. These experiences taught me that leadership is about gaining trust, sharing a vision, and motivating others to be their best selves. This realization shaped my entrepreneurial journey, as I wanted to create businesses that had purpose and meaning. Today, my drive for success is not just about personal growth but about positively influencing my community and the world. I still hold on to that belief — that leadership and influence can come from the simplest actions, and I hope to continue inspiring others in the same way.

What motivated you to leave a stable corporate job and take the leap into entrepreneurship? 

Wasan’s decision to leave her stable corporate job was driven by her desire to grow her business and create lasting memories with her family. She sought more flexibility and control over her career path, wanting to focus on developing her entrepreneurial journey while maintaining a strong balance with family life. Although recently I went back to the corporate world as Sr, Manager of Operation and Project department, It’s a field I very much enjoy and know I can grow more in.

How did you come up with the concept for Al Brashdi & Al Malki Trading LLC, and what was the biggest challenge in launching the business? 

The concept for Al Brashdi & Al Malki Trading LLC was inspired by similar container park concepts we had seen abroad, and we wanted to bring something similar to the Sultanate of Oman. Our goal was to create a space that could support local businesses while providing cost-effective solutions. In particular, we focused on preparing container units to be used as kitchens, similar to cloud kitchens. This approach allows us to significantly reduce financial costs for SMEs, giving them the opportunity to operate without the heavy overhead of traditional kitchen spaces.

One of the biggest challenges we faced was obtaining approvals for our innovative Thy Yard Park concept, which was the first of its kind in Oman. The approval process took several years, and launching the business during the COVID-19 pandemic added additional complexity. However, despite these setbacks, we persevered and worked tirelessly to make the project a reality. Thy Yard Park is more than just a physical space. It’s a community hub where we bring people together through events, markets, and fairs. We are committed to supporting SMEs by providing consulting services, marketing, and other tools to help them thrive. By creating an environment that fosters collaboration and growth, we aim to help local businesses succeed and make a positive impact on the community.

Your company has introduced innovative projects like Thy Yard Park. What makes this concept unique, and how does it support SMEs in Oman?

Thy Yard Park is unique in Oman as it is a one-of-a-kind container park concept. It supports SMEs by providing a community hub where they can showcase their businesses, market their products, and receive the tools and resources needed to grow. This innovation is a crucial element in empowering small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit in Oman.

What is your ultimate vision for your company, and how do you see it growing in the next five years? 

Wasan’s vision for the company is to provide sustainable, high-quality services that positively impact the community. She sees the company expanding globally, particularly through the franchising of Thy Yard Park, and continuing to innovate in various sectors like telecommunication, AI and more.

How do you balance your mission of business expansion with your personal goal of creating memories with your family? 

For me, balancing my business expansion with my personal life is all about prioritizing and being intentional with my time. Family has always been at the core of everything I do, and I strive to ensure that my entrepreneurial journey doesn’t come at the expense of the memories I want to create with my loved ones. I have a strong support network, including my husband, which allows me to manage both aspects effectively.

Additionally, I think about the legacy I want to leave for my children. I want them to grow up understanding the value of hard work, entrepreneurship, and the importance of building something meaningful. Teaching them entrepreneurial skills and abilities is crucial because these are life skills that will serve them throughout their lives, whether they choose to pursue their own ventures or succeed in any other field. Balancing my professional goals with the desire to raise them with a sense of purpose and drive keeps me grounded and motivated to keep moving forward, not just for my success, but for theirs as well.

You launched Thy Yard Park during COVID-19. What were the biggest obstacles you faced, and how did you push through? 

The biggest obstacles during the launch of Thy Yard Park were numerous and multi-faceted. Initially, the concept was rejected multiple times, and we faced significant challenges in changing mindsets and getting people to accept such an innovative idea. One of the biggest hurdles was not taking “no” for an answer and working to redefine existing laws to accommodate a new business model. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of difficulty, leading to business losses and unforeseen setbacks. 

Despite these challenges, our belief in the concept never wavered. In the beginning, it was just me and my husband, and we always reminded ourselves of the reason behind creating this concept — the mission to support SMEs, empower communities, and offer a space for growth and collaboration. The deeper meaning and purpose behind Thy Yard Park kept us motivated through the darkest times. This unwavering focus on our vision, combined with persistence and the refusal to accept defeat, helped us push through these setbacks. Even when faced with constant rejections and the overwhelming pressure of the pandemic, we kept moving forward because we knew that the idea had value, and it was worth pursuing.

As a female CEO in a male-dominated business landscape, what challenges have you encountered, and how have you navigated them? 

As a female CEO, Wasan has faced challenges such as overcoming gender biases and limited access to essential networks and resources. She navigated these challenges by advocating for diversity, building strong partnerships, and leveraging her expertise to drive innovation in her company.

Innovation is a key part of your business. Can you share insights on how you stay ahead of market trends and introduce new ideas? 

Wasan’s company places significant focus on research and innovation. They actively stay updated with market trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements, aiming to incorporate these into their products and services. An example of this is the introduction of AI-driven container experiences, such as virtual reality tours that highlight Oman’s tourism and investment opportunities.

In addition to being an entrepreneur, you hold a senior managerial position. How do you juggle both responsibilities effectively? 

For Wasan, balancing her roles as an entrepreneur and holding a senior managerial position comes down to strong time management, delegation, and effective prioritization. She believes in continuous growth and learning, recognizing that in 2025, no one should stop evolving or exploring new fields. This mindset allows her to stay adaptable and ahead in both her entrepreneurial and managerial responsibilities.

Wasan places great importance on delegation, ensuring that her team members are empowered to take on important tasks while she provides the strategic direction and broader vision. This approach helps her manage her time efficiently, giving ample attention to both her business ventures and senior role. Her commitment to learning is key to her success. Wasan actively seeks new knowledge through workshops, industry events, and connecting with experts. This dedication to growth enables her to tackle challenges with new perspectives, helping her balance her multiple responsibilities effectively.

What strategies do you use to build strong teamwork and unity within your organization? 

Wasan fosters teamwork and unity by encouraging open communication, establishing clear goals, promoting trust and respect, and recognizing employees’ efforts. Additionally, she focuses on creating opportunities for collaboration and providing training and development to her team.

Many women struggle with work-life balance. What advice would you give to female professionals and entrepreneurs trying to manage both career and family? 

Wasan advises women to embrace a supportive family network, as this is crucial for balancing career and personal life. She emphasizes the importance of time management and creating a strong support system that can help manage both business and family responsibilities. Wasan believes that women are incredibly capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. If women are determined and organized, they can excel in both their professional and personal lives. She points to the many inspiring female leaders around the world who are not only leading countries and organizations but are also balancing family life. This proves that with the right mindset and support, women can truly have it all. It’s about finding the right balance, staying focused, and having the confidence to know that you’re capable of succeeding in every aspect of life.

Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals for your business, your leadership journey, and your impact on the community? 

Wasan’s long-term goal is to expand her business globally, particularly by franchising the Thy Yard Park brand. She is also focused on continuous growth in her leadership journey, always striving for innovation and making a lasting impact on the community by supporting SMEs and fostering entrepreneurial development. Wasan aims to inspire others by demonstrating the importance of resilience, positivity, and determination in the face of challenges. Looking further ahead, Wasan is excited about entering new, diverse fields, such as AI solutions and the development of innovative container parks. These new ventures will continue to push the boundaries of her business, introducing cutting-edge technologies and solutions to meet the evolving needs of the market. Through these efforts, Wasan hopes to further empower her community, encourage new business models, and make a meaningful difference in the world.