Maali Khader, Chief Executive Officer at the Middle East Institute of Directors, featured by Fortunes Time Magazine on cover of Middle Easts Most Admired Women Leaders to Follow in 2024
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Middle East's Most Admired Women Leaders to Follow in 2024
1. www.fortunestime.com
FORTUNES T IME
Middle East's Most Admired Women Leaders to Follow in 2024
A Visionary Leader
inCreating
Sustainable
SocialImpact
CEO
Middle East
Institute of Directors
Empowering Governance by Cultivating
Purpose-Driven Leadership
“
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March 2024
2.
3.
4. The significance of Middle Eastern women's executive and
entrepreneurial skills is also acknowledged by the world community. Yet
additional attempts to break down obstacles, alter cultural norms, and
offer support will be necessary to advance women's leadership and
responsibilities in business.
Business leadership has changed significantly in the Middle East in the
last several years. The number of women-owned companies has
progressively grown, proving that they can lead despite a variety of
obstacles. Social conventions, restricted financial access, and striking a
work-life balance are just a few of the financial worries and obstacles
faced by women-owned companies. Many attempts have been undertaken
to challenge and alter societal prejudices and attitudes toward women's
potential in the job in order to solve these problems. Mentoring programs,
awareness-raising campaigns, and the success stories of female leaders
play a major role in the battle against stereotypes and the advancement of
gender equality.
Fortunes Time's latest edition “Middle East's Most Admired Women
Leaders to Follow in 2024” highlighted Middle Eastern women leaders
who are addressing and fostering a more welcoming and encouraging
atmosphere for women's leadership and business in the area.
The cover has Maali Khader, the Chief Executive Officer at the Middle
East Institute of Directors (MEIoD), who is not only a highly experienced
and effective lawyer but also a leading regional expert in ESG
(Environment, Social, and Governance) activities. Driven by a deep-
seated passion for justice and fairness, Maali has identified and addressed
a crucial gap in the realm of governance.
In her extensive legal career, Maali noticed a lack of awareness and
accessibility concerning the potential power of governance. Motivated by
this realization, she took the bold step of establishing MEIoD, not just as
an institute but as a platform dedicated to making corporate governance
education accessible to everyone. Her goal was to underscore the
significance of culture in governance, prioritizing principles such as
accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility.
Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles
created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The Constant Change
in Business World
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Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Graves
Managing Editor Vijay Khulpe
Executive Editor Dafny Meyer
Assistant Editor
Art & Design Director Charles Lee
Business Development Manager Tracy Miller
Business Development Executive Robert Taylor
Associate Designer Sarah Jones
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MARCH 2024
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10. increased productivity and
profitability.
Recognizing Stakeholder Diversity
Maali emphasizes the importance of
tailoring corporate governance
practices to the specific needs and
motivations of stakeholders. At the
Middle East Institute of Directors
(MEIoD), the approach recognizes
that a one-size-fits-all mindset is
inadequate for effective governance.
While universal principles such as
accountability, transparency, fairness,
and responsibility remain crucial, the
nuances in stakeholders' interests are
acknowledged.
Investors, for instance, prioritize
transparency and accountability,
seeking assurance that their
investments are secure and that
companies operate ethically. MEIoD
aims to assist in cultivating these
attributes within firms, facilitating
informed decision-making for
investors.
Family businesses, on the other hand,
often focus on preserving family
values and ensuring long-term
sustainability. MEIoD's role involves
helping them understand how
corporate governance can safeguard
these values and contribute to
success across generations.
MEIoD's culture revolves around
embracing governance diversity,
acknowledging stakeholders'
requirements, and delivering
customized solutions. The institute
goes beyond sharing knowledge by
building partnerships and providing
tailored advisory services to meet
specific governance needs. The goal
is to guide clients toward achieving
desired outcomes, whether enhancing
shaping a more sustainable corporate
environment in the Middle East.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
Maali's role at the Middle East
Institute of Directors (MEIoD)
focuses on supporting board
members and C-suite executives in
their roles, with a primary goal of
facilitating learning and growth to
equip individuals with the tools and
knowledge to be effective leaders
within their organizations.
A crucial aspect of her work involves
personally coaching executives to
find that purpose driven practice. She
strongly believes that personal and
corporate values should work
together to create a purpose-driven
business environment. Maali assists
executives in connecting their beliefs
and values with the goals of the
organization, fostering not only
fulfillment but also commitment,
loyalty, and overall success.
This alignment has tangible benefits,
supported by data indicating a
connection between personal values
and job satisfaction. When
individuals find alignment, they
experience a sense of purpose,
leading to increased engagement,
productivity, and job satisfaction.
This alignment becomes a driving
force, motivating individuals to
remain committed and loyal to their
organization.
Ideally, the coaching takes them
through that journey and the
connection between personal and
corporate values also influences
decision-making processes and
shapes the identity of the company,
encouraging employee engagement.
Companies that successfully promote
this alignment tend to experience
Maali Khader, the Chief Executive
Officer at the Middle East Institute of
Directors (MEIoD), is not only a
highly experienced and effective
lawyer but also a leading regional
expert in ESG (Environment, Social,
and Governance) activities. Driven
by a deep-seated passion for justice
and fairness, Maali has identified and
addressed a crucial gap in the realm
of governance.
In her extensive legal career, Maali
noticed a lack of awareness and
accessibility concerning the potential
power of governance. Motivated by
this realization, she took the bold
step of establishing MEIoD, not just
as an institute but as a platform
dedicated to making corporate
governance education accessible to
everyone. Her goal was to
underscore the significance of culture
in governance, prioritizing principles
such as accountability, transparency,
fairness, and responsibility.
Under Maali's leadership, MEIoD
has translated this vision into reality
through comprehensive Capacity
Building Programs designed to
enhance governance skills within the
region. The institute also provides
Advisory Services, assisting
organizations in their transformative
journeys, and offers coaching to
empower leaders to navigate their
roles with confidence.
The journey with MEIoD has been
both inspiring and rewarding for
Maali. She is fully committed to
continuing the mission and pushing
the boundaries of governance further.
Her vision extends beyond traditional
governance, emphasizing the
integration of environmental, social,
and governance principles as the core
pillars necessary for every leader
10 | March 2023
13. transparency, improving decision-making processes, or upholding
core values.
MEIoD recognizes that the journey to governance is gradual and
demands patience, commitment, and proper guidance. The institute
is committed to supporting clients every step of the way, equipping
them with tools, insights, and support to navigate governance
complexities.
Structured governance, according to MEIoD, extends beyond
business success and can significantly contribute to Environmental,
Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. Strong governance
practices empower organizations to manage social risks and
contribute to ethical business landscapes. MEIoD is dedicated to
shaping a future that supports companies in achieving sustainable
growth.
Shaping Global Practices
Maali envisions the future of the company rooted in the Middle
East. The aim is not to expand services globally in the traditional
sense but to bring a unique perspective to the world stage. The
focus is on contributing to international best practices by infusing
them with the richness of the region's culture and deeply-held
social principles.
Staying centered on the Middle East allows the company to
leverage its deep understanding of the region's unique dynamics
and complexities. This enables the offering of unparalleled
expertise and insights to clients, influencing and shaping global
practices. The ultimate goal is to become a bridge between the
Middle East and the rest of the world, showcasing the best of the
region while learning from global perspectives.
Leadership in Harmony
Maali emphasizes that as a woman in a leadership role, her top
priority is growth and development. Leading with compassion, she
sets an example for her team, understanding that her strength and
success as a leader are directly linked to the growth, dedication,
and hard work of her team members. In her perspective, leadership
should encompass both strength and empathy, where assertiveness
Fortunestime.com | 13
14. the time constraints faced by directors in today's fast-
paced world, creating concise learning tools can
empower them to continuously enhance their skills and
knowledge without dedicating extensive time from their
demanding schedules.
Secondly, Maali is excited about completing her book on
boardroom dynamics. Drawing from her experiences and
insights, the book aims to provide a perspective on how
interactions and power dynamics unfold in boardrooms.
The goal is to offer leaders a resource that helps them
navigate and thrive in these high-pressure environments.
Additionally, Maali is thrilled to share that she will be
teaching Corporate Governance to postgraduate students
at Middlesex University as part of their Master of Laws
(LLM) program. She sees education as a powerful
vehicle for change and believes in sharing knowledge to
inspire the next generation of leaders. Teaching corporate
governance is not just about imparting textbook
knowledge; it's about shaping the minds that will guide
corporations in the future.
Lastly, Maali is passionate about promoting ESG
(Environmental, Social, and Governance) coaching. As
awareness around sustainability issues continues to grow,
she aims to provide executives and board members with
the knowledge and skills to seamlessly integrate ESG
considerations into their overall strategies.
These goals align with her vision for 2024, and she is
enthusiastic about the advancements that can be achieved
in these domains. Maali strongly believes that by
prioritizing these objectives, positive changes can be
brought about in how businesses function and how
leaders navigate their roles.
does not overshadow the value of listening and learning.
Maali believes that today's leadership landscape often
lacks an empathetic approach and emphasizes the
importance of leaders being open to learning and
adaptation. She sees leadership as a process of
continuous learning and adjustment. Excelling in this
role requires leaders to balance the needs of their teams
with the overall objectives of the organization. Maali
strongly believes that this holistic and compassionate
style of leadership will shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Aligning Passion with Practicality
Maali advises individuals starting their careers to go
beyond the common advice of "follow your passion."
While acknowledging the truth in that advice, she adds a
nuanced perspective. In the early stages of a career,
individuals may not have a clear understanding of their
true passions or how to apply them effectively in a
corporate setting, especially when there are financial
obligations.
Her suggestion is to explore a range of opportunities,
immerse oneself in various experiences, try out different
sectors, and take on diverse roles. This approach allows
for gaining a broad perspective, acquiring transferable
skills, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and
discovering genuine areas of excitement. Exploring
different opportunities also provides an understanding of
the impact one can have.
After this exploration phase, individuals can connect
these experiences to shape their career paths. The goal is
to align with their interests and abilities, ensuring that
the chosen path offers satisfaction and fulfillment by
integrating various facets of their lives.
Vision for 2024
Maali is eagerly anticipating the challenges and
opportunities that the new year brings. In 2024, she has
set several goals that align with her professional journey
and personal values.
Firstly, she is committed to advancing the development
of learning tools tailored for busy directors. Recognizing
For communication contact us :
email: maali@meiod.org
14 | March 2023
17. As a full-time mother, Alice Weigthman
is the CEO and founder of The Work
Crowd. She started her own executive
search company because she noticed
problems everywhere. Alice was aware
of numerous intelligent, gifted women
who desired to continue their careers
but were unwilling to put their families
at risk. Her clients, who were all in the
marketing and communications
industries, were having trouble getting
the talent they required at the same
time. Additionally, they were concerned
about losing the powerful women in
their industries. Alice made the decision
that it was time for work to improve at
that point. Thus, Alice established The
Work Crowd, a global marketplace that
would assist individuals in finding
employment that suits them and match
companies with talent.
Currently, the idea is a reality. Alice says,
"And although we may have begun in the
UK, our goals are now focused on
improving work everywhere." “As a
matter of fact, about 25% of our
members are currently located in
Europe and the Middle East, and the
number is growing daily. It is our belief
that excellent work comes from doing it,
not from where you do it. We don't
appear to be alone in that.”
Fortunestime.com | 17
18. The Work Crowd is an interactive
marketplace that connects companies
with a worldwide network of
knowledgeable advisors, mentors, and
independent contractors. It brings
together one of the largest communities
of pre-screened, on-demand talent in
the industry, powered by human
intelligence and cutting-edge
technology. This platform, which has
won multiple awards, encourages
growth via teamwork and provides
services that can jumpstart projects and
improve teamwork, leadership, and
critical skills.
The Work Crowd offers businesses
access to competent workers across
several sectors for important roles that
generate revenue, reputation, and risk
management. The company prides
itself on its unique blend of
international talent from the UK, USA,
Europe, and the Middle East.
The Work Crowd's skill has been used
to generate thought leadership content,
build agile marketing functions, obtain
coverage in local and international
press, and drive sustainability
programs. Leading organizations,
brands, and government departments
trust The Work Crowd.
About The
Work Crowd
18 | March 2023
31. Dr. Nadine
Hachach-Haram
Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram, FRCS (Plast), BEM, is a
Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS
Foundation Trust and the Head of Clinical Innovation.The NHS
clinical entrepreneur founded Proximie in 2015 with the goal
of saving lives by disseminating the world's finest clinical
practice. She relied on her surgical expertise as well as her
love for innovation and teaching.
As part of the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours, Dr. Nadine was
awarded the British Empire Medal for her pioneering
achievements in the disciplines of surgery and medicine. She
also undertakes a number of roles to help advance surgery,
including council member of the Royal College of Surgeons'
Future of Surgery Commission, council member of the British
Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
(BAPRAS), Innovation UK, and council member of the Royal
Society of Medicine plastic surgery section.
Fortunestime.com | 31
32. Below are highlights of the interview
conducted between Fortunes Time and
Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram:
Describe who you are as a person,
inside and outside of the workplace.
I think I am a very driven person who
is passionate about innovation in
healthcare. Proximie was born out of a
need, and my ambition as a surgeon
was to find a solution and scale it using
technology. In my experience,
disruption in healthcare has many
challenges, but I can say with
experience that if it is really solving a
problem, then adoption can be swift
and decisive. I think having that drive
to create a sustainable solution for
creating better access to safe surgery
has really come to define me as a
person.
Describe your background and what
did you do before you started the
company?
I grew up in post-war Lebanon in the
early 1990s, which was undoubtedly a
formative period in my life. It shaped
my career, not just as a surgeon but
also as the founder of Proximie. Seeing
the human impact conflict exacted on
my homeland had a profound influence
at a very young age. At that point, I
started to get interested in the ability to
help patients and to look for
opportunities.
I spent 10 years working on global
health initiatives around the world as a
trainee surgeon. During that period, I
definitely found myself feeling like I
simply wasn't doing enough. When I
looked at the Lancet Commission that
revealed five billion people in the
world lack access to safe surgery, I
realized that we were only scratching
the surface. I realized that it was really
about building scalable, sustainable
models of support and delivery, so I
started to look at technology, and the
idea for Proximie was born.
Tell us about the inception of the
company. How did it all start?
You can't do remote surgery in 2D.
32 | March 2023
