Women leaders share secrets to success What does it take for a female to reach the pinnacle of her profession? And how does she handle the pressure once she's there, plus balance family and career? With International Women's Day coming on Thursday, we talk to seven success stories from around the globe to learn how they scaled the heights and what tips they have for other driven women.
ENVIRONMENT
Nawal Al Hosany
Nawal Al Hosany is the associate director of sustainability at Masdar. In 2007, she became the first female deputy director in the Abu Dhabi Police.
In a nutshell, describe your career history.
First a small consultancy office in 1992. Then the academic world as a research and teaching assistant (1993-1995) in the UAE University. In 1995 the projects engineering department in Abu Dhabi Police. In 1999 I started a PhD program in Newcastle upon Tyne University. I continued with Abu Dhabi Police. I joined Masdar in 2008, first as the sustainability associate director for Masdar City, then handling sustainability for all Masdar units.
Do you think women are particularly good at running businesses? Why?
I think most women are naturally born with leadership and management skills.
Were you always ambitious to reach the top, to be head of a company?
My ambition was always to excel in what I do. I think the recognition was a by-product.
If you hadn't pursued a sustainability career, what would you have done?
I would have been in an international organisation or the diplomatic sector.
How would you describe an average working day?
I dedicate 20 per cent of the day to my team, 20 per cent on our processes, 20 per cent on communication, a portion on administration and the rest on new initiatives.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
I was once told by [Lady] Barbara Judge that "to succeed in your career, know everything to be known about your industry".
What is your greatest achievement?
The first mountain I climbed was one of the seven summits (Kilimanjaro). On a professional level, an invitation from Bill Clinton to sit with him in the closing session of the 2010 Clinton Global Initiative.
How do you define power and influence?
I read once that power is making people do what you want them to. Influence is making people want to do what you want them to.
How did you develop your ability to influence?
I listen to people and observe how they react.
What defines your leadership style?
Junior staff need mentoring, while senior experienced staff should be empowered.
What's your source of inspiration?
All of nature is a source of inspiration.
What is the secret of your success?
Determination, hard work, positive attitude and passion to continually improve myself.
Who are your mentors?
My parents were my first mentors, and my PhD supervisor was a great mentor.
What ambitions do you still have?
Professionally to start my own company. Personally to build a beach house where the sound of the waves wakes me up.
What advice would you give to young career-orientated women?
I will say one thing: never stop learning.
How do you combine career and family life?
Sometimes I have long hours. But I always make sure that I have quality family time.
• As told to Helena Frith Powell
POLITICS
Atifete Jahjaga
The president of the Republic of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga was deputy general director of the Police of Kosovo from February 2009 until her election as president on April 7, 2011.
What is the best life lesson you have learnt so far?
That came from my parents, who placed a high value on raising a daughter who is respectful to the views and opinions of others.