Culturally diverse leadership shapes organizational success and innovation in the global business world. Recent studies confirm such leadership’s competitive edge, with companies boasting ethnically diverse leadership in the top quartile being 35% more likely to outperform their counterparts.
At the forefront of this transformative wave is Dr. Rania Shamas, a trailblazer whose cultural insights and leadership finesse are reshaping business harmony. Dr. Rania is breaking cultural barriers as the first female Arabic fashion CEO in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Identifying as “biologically Lebanese with a Saudi soul and UAE mind,” she embodies a whirlwind of experiences that shape her approach.
Growing up in Saudi Arabia instilled in her a deep-rooted appreciation for family values in achieving business harmony. However, Dr. Rania moved to Jordan and Lebanon due to her mother’s illness , then settled in UAE .
This early exposure to diverse cultures honed her adaptability and resilience. It laid the groundwork for a leader capable of navigating through varied environments, a skill set crucial in today’s global business scenario.
Effective culturally enriched leadership demands a deep understanding and foresight, which can be achieved through continual learning. Dr. Rania’s educational journey reflects that. It is a fusion of creativity and strategy. From a fashion designer to an MBA in international business, her diverse academic background equipped her with a unique skill set. Not to forget her master’s degrees in Executive and life coaching and NLP.
Such diverse learning and cultural exposure can give individuals a competitive edge in the business arena. And Dr. Rania’s professional career proves it.
Upon moving to Dubai in 1998, the dynamic environment of the UAE, drastically different from KSA, Lebanon, or Jordan, played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. Rania’s progressive vision.
Culturally aware leaders are open-minded and adaptable to create innovative strategies. Adapting to her diverse cultural experiences, she tapped into the vibrant cultural roots woven into the Middle Eastern fashion industry. Thus igniting unparalleled creativity and problem-solving.
With a keen cultural insight resonating with local and global market dynamics, she exemplifies a culturally informed business strategy. Her initiative to promote and support local designers to thrive in a Euro-centric global fashion market showcased the richness of Arab fashion and culture internationally.
Dr. Rania’s impactful contributions include opening doors for local designers at Harvey Nichols Dubai and pioneering the Abaya concept during Ramadan. These initiatives showcased her commitment to cultural diversity and propelled her to blend Arabic influences seamlessly into the fashion scene.
Not just that, she also helped other global brands establish and expand in the GCC region, including YSL, Armani, and Gucci.
Besides retail and fashion expertise, her culturally diverse experiences, coupled with emotional intelligence, made her a leading figure in customer experiences. She was named “Pioneer in Customer Experience” by Fred Reichheld. Dr. Rania also presented her customer experience strategies to top firms like Amazon and Google, earning an 88% NPS score.
As an executive coach, her efforts span government entities, royal families, and entrepreneurs. Dr. Rania’s coaching methodology incorporates a holistic approach, considering the cultural context of her clients. This diverse clientele showcases her ability to connect with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds. Her approach has also earned her an honorary doctorate in coaching methodologies.
Cultural inclusion often extends beyond business. Her engagement in initiatives for people with determination, including building schools in Malawi and Nepal, reflects a dedication to creating a more inclusive world that transcends cultural boundaries.
In a nutshell, the amalgamation of diverse backgrounds is a testament to the power of blending cultures to ignite fresh ideas and propel the business forward. Dr. Rania is a living example of steering a cultural revolution within the business realm. Her truly successful leadership embraces diversity at its core, creating a global ripple effect.
Published By: Aize Perez
