www.womanthismonth.com showcase For inquiries please contact the brand managers via email: [email protected] or on whatsapp 34 422-227 / 33 282-228 Give us a brief about yourself and what you do for a living. I lead on the various support services provided to entrepreneurs and SMEs to help them start and grow their business. We run a unique entrepreneur programme called BDB Rowad which includes coaching, mentoring, funding, events, and special perks. I have an undergraduate degree in finance and a Master’s in public policy and management. I started my career in mainstream banking and, after living the financial crisis in 2008 as an employee of the infamous Lehman Brothers, I then had a turn in my career toward development and entrepreneurship where I started with the Bahrain Development Bank. How do you find working with females in comparison to male colleagues? I think that working with either gender can prove to be very similar. The start of my career was predominantly with male colleagues and only recently do I lead a fully female team. The key to working with colleagues is to identify and respect the individual and work with them based on merit and build a professional relationship. I think that the comparison does not lie with gender, but rather is based on capability, and sometimes that can differ due to circumstances for either gender. It never occurred to me [to judge] by gender, but I prefer working with supervisors that are empathetic and measure capability based on merit and accomplishments. How can we overcome the difficulties, perceived or otherwise, for women working together? I don’t see any difficulties with working with women. I think it is important to build rapport with colleagues and create a professional work environment where segregation by gender does not become apparent, but rather we are highlighting strengths and capabilities in a merit-based environment. Do you have a positive message for girls and women in the workplace? I think it is important to be able to silence the noise of stereotypes around women, and women working together, and to focus on your individual capability and growth. By focusing on the core of being able to achieve, it will be easier for you to determine whether you are in the right environment for your individual growth and success. Give us a brief about yourself and what you do for a living. My journey started in 1994 after college – I was a trainer in leadership management for 12 years and was then involved with the establishment team of Tamkeen Labour Fund. I was there for another 12 years – eventually becoming chief operating officer. I left to go into private practice and am the managing director of Human Capital Development Advisory. I’ve spent the last year exploring what I really want to do, which is a beautiful feeling. My passion is human capital development, especially youth. I thought I would like to help both Bahrain and other countries, possibly through designing start-up ecosystems. I want to focus on youth and get my hands dirty. I’ve also joined the Rotary Club of Adliya where I want to have an impact through introducing youth initiatives and introducing debate between millennials and managers. How do you find working with females in comparison to male colleagues? I don’t disagree with what Jordana says but I do feel that fear exists in men; their expression of it is just different, though there are very expressive men as well. If men are working with strong women, they may be afraid of them and will discount them through fear. Regarding how I feel about working with female versus male colleagues – I feel that they are equal. I look at people, I don’t look at gender. Yes, it may be difficult to talk to some people, but that’s not gender specific; you have to try to understand the human factor rather than gender. How can we overcome the difficulties, perceived or otherwise, for women working together? It’s not always a pink and pretty world but you have to believe that there is a slice for everyone. If we start to think this way, we will succeed. And we can support both men and women. Though I admit that saying this and believing it are different things. Do you have a positive message for girls and women in the workplace? I celebrate my femininity; I’ve cried in board rooms and been promoted. Don’t shy away from being emotional. I don’t want girls to work just to ease the family’s financial burden. Work should not be just a job. Try to enjoy what you do, to find your calling, because if you find it you will give it your all. And never stop learning. AMAL AL KOOHEJI Managing Director Amal is managing director of Human Capital Development Advisory particulary focusing on youth. ARIEJE AL-SHAKAR Senior Vice President Arieje is senior vice president and head of development services at the Bahrain Development Bank. 29 November 2018
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