As a Vice President of Culture and People at Madinet Masr, Mariam Ayad is an exemplary role model who demonstrates what it is like to lead from the heart, empower, and inspire
As Vice President of Culture and People at Madinet Masr, Mariam Ayad is an exemplary role model who demonstrates what it is like to lead from the heart, empower, and inspire. With more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Mariam has dedicatedly focused on building strong relationships with employees and creating environments that support personal and professional growth.
As an advocate of love and acceptance, she adopts an approach that empowers, inspires confidence and creates an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and unleash their full potential.
Mariam Ayad - Vice President of Culture and People at Madinet Masr
If given the world's attention for five minutes, I would advocate for love, acceptance, and empathy. I would urge individuals to create an environment where everyone is accepted, valued, and empowered so that they can reach their full potential.
What do you wish you'd asked yourself before starting your career?
Looking back, I wish I had asked myself whether I am really willing to get out of my comfort zone and explore new opportunities and organizations and whether I can urge myself to accept the fact that growth lies outside the delusional comfort zone.
Honestly, I found inspiration in many individuals, regardless of gender. I admired qualities such as resilience, determination, and empathy, which all are qualities that transcend gender boundaries.
As the VP of Culture and People, my approach to empowering women, including myself, revolves around fostering an inclusive work environment, offering mentorship and professional development opportunities, and leading by example to inspire confidence and resilience. I firmly believe that investing in people is fundamental to fostering growth, innovation, and success within any organization.
Overcoming self-doubt involves reflecting on past achievements, seeking feedback, setting achievable goals, and celebrating progress.
A significant experience in my life involved women supporting each other during a challenging work project. We collaborated, shared resources, and provided emotional support, highlighting the strength and power of female solidarity. This experience reinforced the importance of empathy and collaboration in overcoming obstacles and achieving shared goals, inspiring me to foster a culture of support and empowerment in my life.
Women can be empowered by self-love and self-acceptance. Power comes by providing equal opportunities, and creating supportive environments. This involves promoting education, advocating for gender equality, and celebrating diverse perspectives and achievements. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusivity, women can feel empowered to embrace their strengths and contribute meaningfully to society.
Encountering challenges is imperative in everyone’s professional path. However, I always maintain a positive mindset by acknowledging my emotions, seeking support, and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. This resilience helps me overcome challenges with determination.
In the past year, I’ve learnt that every situation is temporary; just go and do your part and everything will fall in its right place eventually.
In my career, that unique lesson is the profound impact of empathy and understanding in our interactions. By embracing compassion, we build stronger connections and create meaningful impact in the lives of others.
