Women of MENA — Spotlights

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Women of MENA — Spotlights is a narrated series highlighting women shaping industries, institutions, and communities across the Middle East and North Africa. Each episode is an audio adaptation of an editorial spotlight, offering a concise and professional overview of leadership journeys, roles, and contributions. The series documents presence and impact with clarity, respect, and accuracy.

Episodes

  1. FEB 11

    Architect of Culture: A Profile of Abeer Khoja’s Impact on Saudi National Capacity

    In this episode of the Women of MENA podcast, we profile Abeer Khoja, a strategic leader in Riyadh who is redefining the intersection of human resources and corporate identity. With a career spanning over ten years, Khoja has transitioned from foundational roles in recruitment at Banque Saudi Fransi to becoming a visionary in internal communications and employee experience. We examine her current role as the Director of National Capacity Building at the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC), where she oversees efforts to connect people with a sense of purpose. The episode explores Khoja’s professional philosophy—the belief that workplaces should not just "operate" but thrive—and how she utilizes visual storytelling and strategic engagement campaigns to empower individuals. From her MBA at Alfaisal University to her leadership at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, we trace the trajectory of a leader dedicated to building national-scale capacity and transformative workplace cultures in Saudi Arabia.

    20 min

  2. FEB 4

    Rana Alnasir-Boulos: Building Cultural Bridges and Empowering Women in STEM

    In this spotlight, we profile Rana Alnasir-Boulos, a distinguished entrepreneur and the Chairperson of the Global Women Forum (GWF). A recipient of the World Woman Leader AWARD, Rana has established herself as a pivotal figure in empowering women and youth through her work as a public speaker and intercultural trainer. Her journey began as a student entrepreneur, later leading to a prominent role as Director of International Business Development at the Euro Institute for Information and Technology Transfer (EITEP), where she served for over 12 years. Today, she focuses on uniting leaders across the GCC, MENA, and North Africa to advance innovation in energy and infrastructure. This profile explores Rana's dedication to driving diversity in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as AI, STEM, and energy. Through the Global Women Forum, she actively builds cultural and economic bridges between businesswomen in Europe and the Arab region, fostering a networking platform centered on sustainability and mentorship. Fluent in German, French, English, and Arabic, Rana uses her expertise in intercultural communication to create global opportunities and impactful leadership projects for women in all industries.

    30 min

  3. JAN 31

    Spotlight on Mirna Al Ali: Driving National Transformation and Human Potential in Saudi Arabia

    In this episode of the Women of MENA podcast, we profile Mirna Al Ali, a strategic leader based in Saudi Arabia with over a decade of experience across business development, strategic consulting, and human capability building. Her career is defined by a commitment to creating impact through national transformation projects and government initiatives that empower people and strengthen organizational frameworks. We explore Mirna's diverse professional trajectory, which includes significant roles such as Human Resources Development Manager for the U.S. Department of State and Operational Support Specialist for the U.S. Army. Her leadership extends into the sports sector, where she served as the Board Secretary for the Saudi Winter Sports Federation, and into executive management as the former Head of Executive Support Services at Maximus KSA. Currently, she serves as the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Rasi Consulting. Mirna is a vocal advocate for empowering women leaders and entrepreneurs, believing that growth occurs when purpose meets clarity. Her influence in the region is further established through her roles as the Founder of the HerStory Talk Show and a member of influential networks like WomenSpark and PLAYBOOK. Recognized as a Top Arab Creator on LinkedIn, she utilizes storytelling to inspire change and align innovation with measurable value. Key areas covered in this profile include: • Her expertise in identifying opportunities within complexity to drive organizational performance. • A look at her background in international diplomacy and defense and how it transitioned into strategic growth. • Her dedication to empowerment and impact initiatives, earning her a Community Impact Award. • The role of storytelling and organizational culture in achieving sustainable, value-driven growth. Join us as we examine the career of a leader who is at the forefront of aligning strategy with human potential across the MENA region.

    22 min

  4. JAN 27

    Data-Driven Growth: A Profile of Nada Kabbani’s Strategic Leadership in Digital Banking

    In this profile episode, we examine the professional journey and strategic impact of Nada Kabbani, the Director of Data Intelligence at D360 Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering digital banks. With more than 15 years of experience across the banking and financial services sector, Nada has become a recognized leader in bridging technical data capabilities with high-level strategic decision-making. We track her career from her foundational roles as a statistical analyst at NCB and an MIS officer at Bank Aljazira to her current leadership at the forefront of digital finance. This profile highlights her expertise in data governance, analytics, and digital transformation, as well as her commitment to treating data as a strategic asset to drive business growth and customer experience. Recognized by Women of MENA & KSA Global Leaders for her regional impact, Nada’s story is one of disciplined execution and governance-driven innovation. Join us as we explore how she continues to shape the future of data intelligence in the Kingdom.

    12 min

  5. JAN 26

    Engineering a Resilient Future: A Deep Dive into the Visionary Leadership of Hebah Abbas

    In this episode, we explore the career and impact of Hebah Abbas, a trailblazing leader at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and national development in Kuwait. With over two decades of experience, Abbas has become a central figure in reshaping how infrastructure and environmental stewardship coexist in the Arab region. We discuss her pivotal role as Chief Specialist Electrical Engineer at Kuwait’s Ministry of Education, where she drives the strategic integration of innovation and resilience into national education systems. Beyond her technical engineering work, the episode delves into her "nexus-based approach" as Chairwoman of the Sustainability Committee at the Kuwait Water Association. This strategy aligns water, infrastructure, and environmental systems through cross-sector collaboration to drive circular economy models and national water security. Key topics covered in this episode include: • National Infrastructure Strategy: How Abbas integrates "future-readiness" into the education system. • The Sustainability Nexus: Her work bridging policy, industry, and academia to promote environmental stewardship. • Global Advocacy: Her international footprint, including her contributions to the Arab Digital Roadmap 2025–2030 and her 2025 plenary address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit. • Leadership and Education: Her role on the Engineering Industrial Advisory Board at the Australian University and as the National Coordinator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Join us as we analyze how this Syracuse University alumna leverages systems thinking and strategic partnerships with organizations like AmCham Kuwait and the World Association of PPP Professionals (WAPPP) to build a more sustainable future. Listen now to learn how Hebah Abbas is setting a new standard for technical expertise and societal purpose in the Middle East.

    9 min

  6. JAN 25

    The Architect of MENA’s Marketing Landscape: The Strategic Legacy of Katie Purcer Golding

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into the career and leadership of Katie Purcer Golding, a figure recognized as one of the Forbes Middle East Top 10 Women in Marketing. With over 27 years of experience in senior marketing and commercial roles, including more than 17 years within the MENA region, Katie has established herself as an award-winning media leader who thrives in complex, highly competitive environments. We explore her extensive professional journey, which includes her current role as Director of Development Marketing at ALDAR and her tenure as the Chief Marketing Officer for Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG). Our discussion traces her impact across a wide range of global and regional powerhouses, from her time as the Marketing and Communications Director at Sky News Arabia to her work with major accounts like British Airways, BT, and the Saadiyat Island developments. Beyond the titles, we analyze Katie’s unique ability to translate insight into impact, aligning storytelling with commercial outcomes. We also look at her influence outside the boardroom as a Board Member of Rise ME and a mentor in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, where she focuses on supporting entrepreneurship and leadership development for the next generation. Join us as we discuss a leader who has shaped not just brands, but the very standards of leadership within the marketing and communications profession.

    22 min

  7. JAN 23

    The Strategic Architect of Energy: Profiling Dr. Carole Nakhle

    In this episode, we explore the extraordinary career of Dr. Carole Nakhle, a globally recognized energy economist who has spent nearly three decades shaping energy policy, governance, and market development worldwide. We examine how she has become a bridge between the corporate boardroom, government policy, and academia through her work as the Founder and CEO of Crystol Energy, a multi-award-winning advisory firm. We delve into her extensive influence as a strategic advisor to major energy companies, international organizations like the IMF and the World Bank, and various governments. Our discussion highlights her deep expertise in fiscal design and energy governance, particularly as showcased in her widely referenced books, Petroleum Taxation: Sharing the Wealth and Out of the Energy Labyrinth. The episode also focuses on Dr. Nakhle’s commitment to leadership and advocacy. We discuss her roles as the President of the Arab Energy Club and her long-standing position on the board of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI). A significant portion of our profile is dedicated to her pioneering work in gender equity; in 2007, she founded Access for Women in Energy, the first group of its kind to support the development of women professionals in the global energy sector. Finally, we reflect on the numerous accolades she has received, including being named the Arab Women Entrepreneur in Energy for 2025 and receiving the Freedom of the City of London. Join us as we break down the insights and legacy of a leader who is truly a "voice for inclusion and innovation" in the global energy landscape. In this episode, we discuss: • Dr. Nakhle’s academic contributions as a lecturer at the University of Oxford and the University of Surrey. • Her impact on geopolitical intelligence and international relations through her work with the Geopolitical Intelligence Services. • The evolution of her career from a Special Parliamentary Advisor in the UK House of Lords to a world-renowned CEO. • Her role in driving global energy transitions through informed decision-making.

    27 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Women of MENA — Spotlights is a narrated series highlighting women shaping industries, institutions, and communities across the Middle East and North Africa. Each episode is an audio adaptation of an editorial spotlight, offering a concise and professional overview of leadership journeys, roles, and contributions. The series documents presence and impact with clarity, respect, and accuracy.

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