The Arabian Business Leadership Summit 2023 began on Wednesday, with some of the most influential business leaders in the region in attendance at the Armani Hotel in Dubai.
Speaking at the summit, Donna Sultan, President and CEO of KEO International Consultants said that she very rarely accepts speaking engagements because she is often asked about women’s leadership but rejects the concept of male versus female categories.
“What always gets to me is the woman CEO of the Year. I have never seen a male CEO of the Year category,” Sultan said and the audience clapped in unison.
Sultan delved into her remarkable journey to the top, shedding light on the challenges faced in a male-dominated industry and the Middle East. As she took the stage, she playfully acknowledged the vacuum that emerged when the talent of men seemingly declined, leading to her rise in the ranks.
“By speaking today it’s my hope that by telling my story I can influence the conversation, a story of a daughter of immigrants to the United States with nothing more than their dreams that ended up being president and CEO of one of the largest consulting firms in the region,” Sultan said.
“If you don’t bring gender bias in the room, it won’t be there,” she added.
Donna Sultan‘s inspirational insights
She hinted towards the use of AI by saying “This is not an AI authorised speech. It sure was tempting to just throw a prompt out there and call it a day but I promised myself and to you that once I accepted this, it had to be my authentic voice and it had to come from the heart.”
“My mantra remains grit, determination and that working hard is not enough, work to be outstanding,” she said in conclusion.
With humility, she acknowledged that she did not possess all the answers or a clear roadmap for aspiring women leaders. Instead, she aimed to share the choices and driving factors behind her success.
As she concluded, she left the audience with a disclaimer, reminding them that her story was but one perspective among many, urging individuals to create their own narratives and pave their unique paths. “My mantra remains grit, determination and that working hard is not enough, work to be outstanding,” Sultan said.
The Arabian Business Leadership Summit is currently underway in Dubai with some of the most influential business leaders in the region in attendance including UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs Huda AlHashmi, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Diriyah Company chief executive officer Jerry Inzerillo, former Etihad boss and Knighthood Global chief executive officer James Hogan and more.
The summit serves as a platform for leaders to exchange ideas, discuss obstacles, and explore possibilities for shaping the future of business in the Arab region.
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