True leadership success comes from creating real impact

Successful leadership is defined by its impact – how it influences employees, society, and beyond. This was the key takeaway from the panel discussion, Lessons in Leadership: Winning Strategies, at the Future Women Leaders Forum, organised by Gulf News and BeingShe in honour of the International Women’s Day.

Panelists emphasised that leaders who are passionate, align actions with their values, and empower their teams create lasting change. The discussion highlighted the importance of purpose-driven leadership in driving progress.

The discussion brought together influential women leaders like Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group; Shada El Borno, Managing Director, Global Subsidiaries team for Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP), Standard Chartered Bank; Rania Tadros, Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East; Aparna Bajpai, CEO and Founder of BeingShe; and Sara Boueri, Group Vice President of People and Culture, CAFU, who shared insights on overcoming gender challenges, and driving sustainability and innovation.

Talking about the key strategies that have helped her achieve success in her field, Al Mar’ashi from Emirates Environmental Group emphasised the importance of collaboration.

She said, “Leadership is about collaboration – bringing everyone into the fold, earning trust, and motivating action.”

She shared that her approach has shifted from focusing on the number of programmes she initiated or people involved to prioritising “the impact we make and the change we see on the ground, regionally and globally.”

In the realm of sustainability, she highlighted that competition doesn’t exist – only collaboration and cooperation. “The more you understand this mindset, the more you realise that you don’t have all the answers, and that it’s about bringing expertise together to create real change.”

True leadership, she added, “requires humility – recognising that you’re just a drop in the ocean, humbled by the incredible individuals you meet along the way and the shared passion for a better world.”

Technology has helped leadership by improving accessibility, inclusivity, and adaptability, allowing teams to manage work-life priorities with flexible hours and remote locations. However, it cannot replace the personal impact of in-person interactions. El Borno from Standard Chartered Bank, said, “Technology helps bring teams together, but it cannot replace emotional quotient (EQ). Meeting clients and teams in person breaks down barriers, creating understanding and building trust. Leaders must be mindful, listen intently, and be accommodating to create strong partnerships.”

Bajpai from BeingShe also highlighted the importance of EQ in leadership, emphasising that emotional intelligence is key to personal and team growth.

“Keep your EQ higher than your IQ, and you’ll grow alongside your team,” Bajpai said. True leadership, according to her, isn’t just about intelligence but about understanding and uplifting others. “By prioritising EQ, leaders can drive meaningful change and foster collective success.”

She launched the UAE-based women’s empowerment organisation BeingShe to drive holistic growth.

“We empower women by strengthening their self-identity, boosting confidence, achieving financial independence, and promoting overall health and well-being. Through this platform, we look at inspiring women to realise their potential, achieve their goals, and thrive in every aspect of life,” said Bajpai.

Tadros from Stephenson Harwood Middle East highlighted the importance of focusing on the positives in leadership. “Sometimes we shouldn’t focus too much on the issue; we should just perform to the best of our ability – that’s the best example we can set.”

She advised women to shine in male-dominated sectors by focusing on excellence.

“Unconscious bias is a huge problem in shipping – and in every industry. The best way to break barriers is simple: do your job well. It’s crucial for women to excel, and when we do, success follows,” Tadros stated.

What does success really mean for a leader? Is it hitting revenue targets, driving innovation, or building a strong team? 

For Al Mar’ashi, success in leadership has a deep connection to impact. “Success is when people understand that waste should not end up in landfills. It’s when someone consciously places an item in the right bin, knowing it will be recycled. Success is when individuals take responsibility, when people plant trees, when environmental education becomes part of the curriculum. True success is measured by the collective change we inspire and the lasting impact we leave behind.”

Bajpai also linked success in leadership with impact, saying, “Success in leadership is about the impact you have. Whenever I hear a woman say, ‘I didn’t give up because of BeingShe,’ that’s what makes me feel truly successful.”

Panelists also shared valuable tips for women to succeed in their careers or any field they choose to pursue.

Boueri from CAFU highlighted the importance of a leadership mindset for women, regardless of their position. “Leadership is everywhere – it’s a mindset. If you think you’re a leader, you’re a leader.”

She encouraged women to shift their focus from gender to growth. “We all face challenges, but success comes from a mindset of learning and improving. Ask yourself, ‘What do I bring to the table? What can I learn?’ Forget gender – just go for it.”

She also spoke about the importance of having a content state of mind to drive further growth. “Instead of overthinking, women should focus on being genuinely happy and content – wherever they are, with whatever they have. It’s about finding fulfillment in the present.”

Boueri emphasised the value of taking action without fixating on the destination. “It’s important to start – just begin. Don’t worry too much about the end goal; growth happens along the way.”

Offering tips to managers and senior leaders on dealing with fixed mindsets, Tadros advised, “You need to be confident in who you are and recognise that you’re good enough. Treat people in a way that’s effective for them, not how you want to be treated. Focus on the objective, understand different perspectives, and utilise your skills. If we all listened more, we’d achieve much more.”

Presenting partner of the event is Tristar, Support Partner is Veloche, Venue Partner is InterContinental Festival City, Fragrance Partner is Miss Armaf, Gifting Partners are Lush, Ahmad Tea and Chocodate, Flower Partner is Arpan Flowers, AV Partner of the event is AV Lords, and Trophy Partner is Crystal Gallery.