Who is Zahra?

Zahra is a distinguished change management and digital transformation expert from Oman, with a rich background encompassing computer science, technology, knowledge management, and organizational transformation. Her unique approach synergizes technological advancements with the essential human elements of change.

The Global Women in Pipeline Event

Recently, Zahra served as the Master of Ceremony at the Global Women in Pipeline event held in Berlin. Her ability to connect individuals and bridge cultural gaps allowed her to lead the program with warmth, confidence, and professionalism. Zahra actively fostered meaningful conversations, asked pertinent questions, and energized the participants throughout the event.

A Passionate Advocate for Women in STEM

Beyond her role as an emcee, Zahra champions women in STEM, leadership, and the energy sector. Her diverse experiences across cultures and disciplines offer her a distinctive viewpoint on transformation, emphasizing that while technology is a facilitator of change, it is the people who ultimately drive it forward.

Engaging Dialogue on Change Management

In a recent interview, Zahra reflected on several critical topics related to leadership and change:

1. Defining Moments in Career Transition

Zahra highlighted that every job contributes uniquely to one’s professional development. She noted her transition to a change management role marked a pivotal moment. “Networking plays a big part of my job… Earning my stakeholders’ trust is not easy and I have to work hard to earn it and maintain it as well,” she explained.

2. The Power of Storytelling

Discussing the significance of storytelling, Zahra stated, “Storytelling is the Dynamo of any transformation.” She recalled an instance where ineffective communication led to a lack of engagement, contrasting it with a later successful narrative that significantly increased acceptance of a new system.

3. Addressing Resistance to Change

Regarding resistance to change, Zahra pointed out, “Resistance is not bad.” She emphasized that it often reveals important insights for the project team and highlighted the need to align new technologies with the genuine needs of the people involved.

4. Barriers for Women in Leadership

Zahra identified persistent barriers for women aspiring to leadership in energy transformation, noting, “Leadership is colorful… Teams need diversity in skills and leadership styles to thrive.” She encouraged women to embrace their authentic leadership styles without conforming to traditional expectations.

5. Skills for Future Change Leaders

On the evolving landscape shaped by AI and digitalization, she advised future change leaders to be adaptable and prioritize genuine communication over rigid methodologies: “Change leaders should be fast and prioritize talking to people as soon as possible.”

6. Encouraging Young Women in STEM

For young women entering STEM and energy sectors, Zahra offered the following empowering message: “You will never feel ready for any new bigger roles… It is just a matter of time for opportunities to come.” She urged women to leverage platforms like LinkedIn to showcase their talents and attract opportunities.