Dr. Nahla Khaddage Bou-Diab’s inspiring journey from a typist in Canada—where she faced bullying, rejection, and discrimination—to a prominent leader in banking and consulting showcases her resilience and commitment to excellence. Her career, characterized by significant achievements and contributions to organizational change, serves as a powerful model for aspiring leaders globally.
Early Career and Academic Achievements
Nahla began her career at just 17 years old as a typist in Canada, not by choice but out of necessity to support her parents and siblings financially. By 21, she had risen to the role of National Manager at a leading IT company. During this time, she worked during the day and studied at night; she could not afford her education, so the companies she worked for paid for it due to her outstanding performance. Her academic credentials include an MBA from Athabasca University and a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on Culture and Change Management from the University of Liverpool. These degrees took most of her life to complete, as she pursued them in the evenings while managing an intense career. Nahla believes that nothing is impossible if driven by passion and a sense of purpose.
Academic and Professional Contributions
While pursuing her doctorate, Nahla taught Change Management at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut, further establishing her expertise. Currently, she heads the Gender Diversity Group initiative for the Banking Sector in the Arab World at The World Union of Arab Bankers, advocating for gender diversity and empowering women in the industry.
Leadership and Cultural Change
As the chairman and general manager of Oneness Mgmt and CEO of AM Bank—the only female CEO who is neither a bank owner nor a politician—Nahla has successfully implemented research-based methodologies to transform organizational cultures across various sectors. Her leadership approach emphasizes the necessity of embracing cultural change, a philosophy she actively promotes among C-suite leaders. Since 2015, her excellence in leadership has been recognized with 13 awards.
Advocacy and Publications
Beyond her corporate and academic roles, Nahla is an accomplished author with books like Untamable and A Leadership Shift, which offer insights into leadership and cultural transformation. She also spearheaded the Gender Diversity Group for the World Union of Arab Bankers, creating the first charter for gender diversity in the Arab World, setting new standards in the banking sector.
Dr. Nahla Khaddage Bou-Diab’s career is a remarkable story of perseverance, innovation, and leadership. From her early days as a typist to her current roles as a CEO and advocate for cultural change, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Her contributions to the fields of leadership, organizational change, and gender diversity have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of leaders to embrace change and drive progress.
Nahla’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, education, and a commitment to excellence, one can overcome any barrier and achieve greatness. Her legacy will continue to inspire and empower leaders for years to come.
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