March 8 – International Women’s Day – Seeing a truckload of WhatsApp messages floating through social media? Keeping that aside, there’s a deep meaning attached to celebrating, recognizing, and honoring the contributions of women to society.
A study shows women are grappling with several personal and professional obligations, but it’s the power of being consistent, that makes some of them the leaders they are today. A mother, a daughter, a sister, and so much more, but that thin line of pressure, looks invisible as she covers it with a smile.
In this overly ambitious society, where a new advancement walks in every day, especially with AI sitting in the catbird seat, here’s what we know from women who are shaping the younger generation today in the UAE.
Every challenge you overcome strengthens you
Samara Iqbal, Founder of Aramas International Lawyers, shared her message for budding women who are building their careers or businesses, saying, “Starting and growing a career or business comes with inevitable hurdles—self-doubt, financial struggles, market competition, and challenges of balancing personal and professional life. My message to women is this: every successful leader you admire once stood where you are now. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter how slow progress may seem.”
She added, “In my own journey of building Aramas International Lawyers, specializing in family and expat law, I’ve seen firsthand how resilience and adaptability shape success. Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you, invest in continuous learning, and never underestimate the power of persistence. Tough times will come, but they are temporary. Success is built step by step, and every challenge you overcome strengthens you.”
Experts spoke at length about how in today’s fast-paced world, simply being good at what you do isn’t enough, “You need to build credibility, stay relevant, and offer something unique. For those looking to establish themselves, I’d say: focus on three things—expertise, authenticity, and connections,” Iqbal opined.
“In family and expat law, for example, the legal complexities are vast, but what truly sets a professional apart is their ability to provide both knowledge and empathy. Clients need more than legal solutions—they need reassurance, guidance, and someone who understands their personal journey. The same principle applies across industries: people choose to work with those they trust,” she added.
Experts have further confidently mentioned that while AI and sustainability are reshaping industries, they shouldn’t be seen as “pressures” but as “opportunities” to enhance efficiency and responsibility.
“In legal practice, AI is streamlining research and case management, but the human element—understanding people’s unique stories and needs—remains irreplaceable. Businesses should adopt these advancements in a way that supports, rather than overwhelms, their core mission. Adapting smartly to change is what ensures long-term success,” concluded Samara Iqbal.
We cannot be everything to everyone
Grace Wong, Portfolio Manager – Trade Finance, Rasmala Investment Bank Limited, shared similar insights on the increasing emphasis of AI. “How can one balance the expectations while thriving?”, she asked, and continued, “We cannot be everything to everyone. Therefore, focus on what matters to you and what is your passion. You’re more likely to make a difference and achieve something. Be a master.”
For Grace, the belief remains on-point, “There will always be an area of work that will be interesting, and if you enjoy it you will not only be good at it but excel and have fun. There will always be challenges, but look at the positives and surround yourself with good friends and colleagues who will help lift your spirit, pull you up and make you see that it is not all bad and the problems are not insurmountable.”
The act of beginning is already a triumph
Adriana Usvat, Co-founder and Managing Partner of FLC Marketing Group, shared, “Every journey begins with a brave first step—starting—even when the road ahead is uncertain and filled with obstacles. The truth is, challenges are not barriers; they are the very moments that shape our resilience and fuel our growth.”
For Usvat, “Every woman striving to make her mark, the act of beginning is already a triumph.”
She differentiates between being “loud and being “authentic”. Adriana thinks we are living in an era of rapid transformation where AI, sustainability, and innovation are reshaping industries, however, while she affirms that the “pressure is real”, she boasts, “so is the opportunity”.
“Instead of seeing these changes as overwhelming, we can embrace them as catalysts for creativity and progress. The businesses and individuals who embrace adaptability, curiosity, and a forward-thinking mindset will be the ones who lead. AI isn’t here to replace us—it’s here to empower us to make better decisions faster, work more efficiently, and unlock new creative possibilities. We are not just navigating change—we are driving it,” she concluded.
Don’t take rejections personally
Emmanuelle Aftimos, Senior Associate – Direct Investments, Rasmala Investment Bank Limited, was quick to share, “There might be a lot of them, so don’t take rejections personally. Lean into the competition. Half of life is about showing up. Keep at it and don’t give up. When you’re about to give up, that’s often when things start to turn around.”
“No one achieves success alone. Building strong connections and partnerships, and working together is the key to thriving,” explained Aftimos.
The world needs more women at the forefront
Nadine, Communication & PR Manager for the Middle East & Gulf at Ideal Standard, explained that staying motivated during tough times requires a strong sense of purpose, adaptability and staying open-minded: “It’s important to remind yourself why you started in the first place and to surround yourself with a support system whether it’s mentors, peers, or a community that uplifts you. Success is when you fail, get back up and continue; it’s about learning, iterating, and having the courage to continue despite setbacks. Most importantly, trust yourself, your voice, your vision, and your ability to navigate the unknown. The world needs more women at the forefront, and every small step forward contributes to a larger movement of progress.”
Nadine believes that “Success isn’t about competing on the same playing field as everyone else; it’s about creating your own lane.”
“In a competitive landscape, differentiation is key. Whether you are an entrepreneur or a professional looking to grow, understanding your unique strengths and positioning yourself effectively and authentically is essential,” she elaborated.
Recalling one of the best advice she got in her early career life, she shared, “It was to invest in continuous learning, whether it’s through skill development, industry insights, or networking; growth happens when you remain open to evolving and willing to show up. Authenticity plays a critical role; people resonate with genuine leadership, consistency, and a clear vision. Lastly, persistence and adaptability are non-negotiable—markets shift, industries evolve, but those who are agile and solution-driven will always stay ahead.”
For her, AI and sustainability are no longer optional; “they are fundamental drivers of progress across industries.”
There’s quite a debate on the internet about AI being a hindrance to human-mindsets, but Nadine thinks of it like this, “Instead of seeing AI as a disruptor, think of it as a tool to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and innovation. Similarly, sustainability is not just a compliance measure—it’s a strategic advantage that creates long-term impact.”
To conclude, she shared, “Here’s something that really makes a difference: the people you surround yourself with. The right people not only provide guidance but also offer opportunities, constructive feedback, and the confidence to take risks. There’s a reason people say, If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Setbacks are inevitable, but perseverance can turn obstacles into opportunities
Anishkaa Gehani, Founder & CEO, Yardstick Marketing Management and Co-Founder and CMO, iAccel GBI, shared, “The road to success is never a straight line, it is often filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and valuable lessons. Here are a few guiding principles to navigate the path. I have always believed that knowledge is power, and in this fast-evolving world, continuous learning, upskilling, and adaptability are key to staying ahead.”
For Anishkaa, cultivating resilience is “paramount.”: “Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and never shy away from taking risks. Real growth happens outside one’s comfort zone, so embrace change with resolute confidence,” quickly noting that one must not forget to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
While she thinks it is crucial to build a strong personal brand on the marketing front, she highlights how the online social platforms today offer unprecedented opportunities to share ideas, showcase expertise, and contribute to the knowledge economy.
“Whether through technology, customer experience, or business models, those who consistently refine their offerings and anticipate market shifts will be best positioned for growth,” Gehani noted.
Being the CEO, she looks at AI as an integral part of her business and her everyday life. “My point of view is that rather than perceiving it as a threat, we should see it as an opportunity to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and forge new possibilities. Enterprises that proactively integrate AI and stay on top of emerging tech-driven advancements will gain a major competitive edge,” Anishkaa concluded.
Make your values and your identity your primary guide
Rasha Shalhoub, Client Service Manager, Rasmala Investment Bank Limited, shared, “Make your values and your identity your primary guide in your career path. But get comfortable with failure. When you do achieve, do it in silence. And be grateful, as gratitude fuels progress – practice it daily.”
Quick to note, “Be yourself; everyone else is taken.”
And most importantly—play the long game
Tazeen Jafri, Freelance PR Consultant believes that people don’t have to have everything figured out, it’s just important to take that first step. “Authenticity and consistency are everything. In PR, and any industry, relationships matter just as much as skill. Build trust, stay proactive, and add value before you ask for anything in return. And most importantly—play the long game,” shared Jafri.
About AI, she thinks “there’s definitely pressure to keep up, but not everything needs to be a race.”
“Focus on what truly aligns with your business or career instead of chasing every trend. In PR, staying ahead means continuous learning—if you want to do PR for AI, sustainability, or innovation, you need to invest in understanding them first. Innovation should enhance what you do, not force you to lose your core identity. Find the balance by evolving at your own pace while staying aware of what’s next,” Tazeen concluded.
Taking care of my mental health is key to staying motivated
Luvlyn Ang Que, Manager HR and Administration, Rasmala Investment Bank Limited, said, “Being a working mom and a woman has never hindered my success in my career or as a business owner. The path is not always smooth, and life doesn’t always unfold as expected—there are tough times. But it’s precisely in those moments that my strength and passion are tested. I see these challenges as opportunities for growth, learning how to navigate through them and shape my own development.”
For Luvlyn, her mental health is above everything.
“Embrace resilience and stay humble as you continue your journey. Surround yourself with a supportive network and mentors who can help guide you through the tough moments, including changing expectations,” she elaborated.
The mantra has to be ‘this too shall pass’ when everything feels bleak
Vasudha Khandeparkar, AI, Analytics and Data Practice Lead, Business Consulting, Grant Thornton UAE, feels the world of business and work is in a unique environment of flux with technology evolving at a pace that has not been seen before: “The challenges that women face have also become increasingly complex. While our daily lives have potentially become easier with technology, it has also become imperative for each of us to stay up to date. “
Vasudha is very clear about the emphasis on “asking”. “The second is something that leans into both building your business and remaining motivated. Lean on those around you – ask for help, clarification and guidance whenever you feel you need it. Everyone has had their struggle at some point and most people are willing to help. You only have to ask,” she shared.
“Each situation teaches you something – now this may not be apparent at the time, but focusing on the next steps often gets you out of the inertia that sets in when you are in a pickle,” she believes.
In the UAE market, experts vouch that networking is the key. “A key piece of advice that I probably caught on too a bit late would be is building a strong network. If you and your friend group are not talking about everything from the usual tropes displayed by chic flicks such as food, romance, shopping and home to finance, investments, digitisation, AI impact etc., then you need to make it a point to include these topics in your regular catch ups. Your friend circle can often teach you topics in a way that’s the easiest for you to understand,” Khandeparkar elaborated.
About the excessive AI discussions on the internet, Vasudha was quick to agree that there is pressure on individuals or businesses that are thriving: “I completely agree with this. There are so many trends and topics that keep getting thrown around each day that separating the worthwhile from the noise can be difficult. What I would say is all the successes and noise that you are seeing around you don’t have a very important secret ingredient – YOU.”
“Think about it this way – when the large technology companies are fighting for supremacy, they show how Chat GPT, or Gemini does in a standardised test. You probably wrote those exams a quite a few years ago. Those are not quite relevant to you in your workplace today. Where would you apply it in your workplace? In the same way that the model builders took time and money to get the high score on the standardized test, your application in your stream of work will take time and focussed effort. You don’t need to be a jack of all trades. Figure out what works for you, and is understandable and use that as your springboard. Remember, if you are doing everything right, you are probably doing something wrong. Failures teach you more than successes most times,” she concluded.
We often wait for “the right time,” but what if the right time is now?
Shainy Koshy, Head of HR at the Continental Group, shared similar insights noting that the people you surround yourself with is important: “Build a network that uplifts, inspires, and believes in your potential – those who celebrate your successes and instill the confidence to dream bigger and achieve more. The right people not only provide guidance but also offer opportunities, constructive feedback, and the confidence to take risks.”
Koshy agrees that the market is always shifting with new trends popping up, industries evolving and competition getting relentless. “But one thing that always gives you an edge is knowledge. Staying curious and continuously learning will keep you relevant, whether that’s through reading, networking, formal education, or just hands-on experience,” she remarked.
Shainy too mentioned that AI and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords anymore, they’re reshaping industries.
“So resistance is not the answer. History has shown that businesses and individuals who fail to adapt often struggle to survive, while those who embrace change thrive. Women entrepreneurs and professionals have a unique opportunity to leverage these advancements to streamline operations, expand market reach, and enhance efficiency,” she concluded.
In moments of discomfort, you are planting the seeds of growth
Rachel Ondangan, General Accountant, Rasmala Investment Bank Limited, recalled planting the seeds of growth that will blossom into the ultimate realisation of dreams one day.
“Never lose sight of your vision in the face of competition, focus on your journey while staying relevant,” she added.
Always strive to innovate
Donabel Rivera, Executive Assistant, Rasmala Investment Bank Limited, shared, “Believe in yourself and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser. Stay focused, be resilient, and always strive to innovate. Consistency is key to success.”
She too agreed that AI can be pressurizing at times, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, one should view AI, sustainability, and innovation as tools to enhance growth. “We must prioritise continuous learning and upskilling. Stay adaptable,” she concluded.
Wishing all women leaders in the UAE and the Middle East, Happy Women’s Day – keep inspiring.
(All images supplied, cover image: Stock)
