You realize the particular person is particular after they proceed to encourage you, regardless that you haven’t seen them in 2 years!
Nadine and I labored in the identical workplace for 10 years.
A powerful and dynamic chief, she has been instrumental in advancing ladies’s enterprise improvement in Dubai, a ardour and dedication she has held dearly for practically 15 years.
She can be the mum of two youngsters. Mix the 2 and that’s no simple feat!
What’s unimaginable about her is that regardless of the numerous challenges she faces each day, each at work and at residence, I’ve at all times seen her as resilient and unwavering about who she is and what she stands for.
I at all times noticed her as somebody you may go to, providing both knowledge, assist, or laughter, relying on what you wanted in that second 🙂
The interview was performed as a video name, and you probably have half-hour, I extremely suggest you take heed to it.
Key parts of the interview have additionally been transcribed and summarised right here beneath.
I really feel deeply grateful to have met and identified ladies like Nadine, and to have the ability to share their tales with you.
With out additional ado…
Nadine: I used to be born and raised in Dubai and I’ve been working on the Dubai Enterprise Ladies Council for nearly 14 years now.
Since I joined, I’ve been managing this wonderful platform, which stands because the official council that represents the businesswomen neighborhood in Dubai. We give attention to networking occasions, workshops, and coaching.
I’m very massive on studying and improvement as a result of I really feel it’s so necessary for girls in enterprise, particularly entrepreneurs, to remain up-to-date with traits, expertise, and tips on how to navigate disruptions. Schooling is essential, regardless that it’s difficult for girls juggling work and household.
On a private observe, I’ve two youngsters. My eldest is a 19-year-old lady in her third 12 months of college in Spain, and my youngest is a 15-year-old boy, Kareem, who’s occurring 25!
Nadine: The most important battle, which stays fixed, is looking for and create the appropriate stability.
And actually, I disagree with individuals who say it is advisable to create the proper stability—there isn’t any good stability.
You navigate as you go alongside, and the challenges range relying on the age of your youngsters.
After they’re infants, it’s bodily exhaustion—you’re drained and never sleeping sufficient.
After they’re toddlers, it’s a special stage of problem.
After they’re youngsters, it’s extra psychological and emotional, which is the place I’m now.
My youngsters are at an age the place they want me in numerous methods—extra as a good friend, for recommendation, steering, and emotional assist. It’s particularly difficult with my daughter being away in another country. All I need to do most the time is be capable to give her a hug and inform her every little thing will probably be okay!
On the similar time, I’ve a busy profession working for a semi-government entity the place my time isn’t as versatile as I’d prefer it to be.
However I remind myself: You can’t be in all places directly. My focus is on being absolutely current the place I’m wanted essentially the most at any given time.
Nadine: It’s all about prioritisation and construction. I’m a strolling calendar!
Every thing is preplanned; in any other case, there’s no sense of order in my life. My day is fragmented—work, residence, occasions, my son’s well being (he’s a kind 1 diabetic), my aged mom who lives alone, and discovering time for myself to de-stress.
One piece of recommendation my mom gave me was to give attention to high quality over amount. Once I had restricted time with my children, I maximised these three hours within the night—tub time, bedtime—being absolutely current with them after I was residence.
Nadine: Educate your self. We reside in a time of speedy change, so it’s necessary to replace your expertise and keep conscious of traits. It doesn’t must be costly—you possibly can take free on-line programs or join with working associates to make amends for what’s taking place.
And don’t watch for the proper time. There’ll at all times be an excuse to delay, however you simply want to leap in and construct momentum as you go.
On the similar time, construct a village of assist round you—you’ll want it.
Nadine: I’m a robust supporter of AI and consider it is going to rework lives, relying on how we use it.
AI isn’t simply ChatGPT; it’s a complete world with totally different subcategories. Step one to eradicate worry round AI is to attempt to perceive it. There aren’t any true AI consultants but as a result of even these creating it are nonetheless navigating its potential.
AI can particularly profit entrepreneurs by reducing overheads and bettering productiveness. And I really feel that if extra ladies get entangled in AI improvement, it might create higher range and inclusion within the business.
Nadine: My mom, initially. She raised me to be robust, unbiased, and empathetic. At 73, she nonetheless works a 7am-to-4pm job, takes care of her well being, and conjures up me every single day.
My youngsters additionally encourage me— I need to ensure I increase them to be unbiased, considerate and profitable, but additionally resilient and empathetic. With the continual creation of know-how and machine studying, I consider empathy will grow to be a uncommon commodity sooner or later.
And my husband, Brian—he’s not simply my inspiration and my associate in life, but additionally my mentor, and I’ve discovered a lot from him. He continues to drive me and encourage me to grow to be extra, and I find it irresistible.
Nadine: I need to go away a legacy for my children—not as a ‘superwoman’ however as a sort, loving guardian who was there for them whereas serving to others and always studying and rising.
I share every little thing I be taught with my children, and it’s rewarding to see them embrace that mindset as they develop.
Nadine: My calendar and my espresso!
My day begins with my husband bringing me espresso (bless him!), after which I test my calendar for the day forward.
My calendar is my finest good friend—it retains me grounded. I can not do something with out my calendar! 🙂
Nadine: Communication. I’ve at all times spoken to my children with respect, even after they have been very younger.
I don’t child speak—I clarify issues. After they turned youngsters, I made further efforts to remain related, asking about their day, their highs and lows, and their plans. It creates a ritual of open communication that’s been carried into their older years.
Nadine: I really like going to the gymnasium and enjoyable with my sauna, steam, and plunge pool routine—it’s therapeutic and helps me de-stress.
My husband and I get pleasure from music, jazz golf equipment, comedy reveals and films. I really like superhero motion pictures by the best way, Iron Man is my favorite hero!
I’m additionally an enormous fan of audiobooks throughout walks when the climate is good.
Nadine: Two standouts:
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Elon Musk’s biography by Walter Isaacson – It reveals his genius and complexities as an individual.
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Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson – A terrific learn on understanding persona varieties, particularly useful for work and household dynamics.
I hope you loved studying that as a lot as I did placing it collectively.
You’ll be able to know extra about Nadine, right here. And about Dubai Enterprise Ladies Council, right here.
Should you like what you learn and need to join with Nadine, you possibly can go away a remark and I’ll ensure she get’s it.
In case you are a working mum and wish to be featured on this part, attain out at abha@workingmumsclub.com and let’s chat.
Have an incredible week,
Abha x
