With over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Dena Habib, Vice President of Corporate Relations at Madinet Masr, leads the company’s investor and public relations, in addition to CSR and sustainability initiatives.

Leveraging her skills in communication, she has established the company’s communication strategy. She believes that the right communication strategies and efforts will in fact change narratives, fostering a more inclusive society and bringing forth the change we want to see happening in favor of women’s empowerment.

This interview is part of Business Today Egypt's Women in Business series. Catch all of the interviews here.

What are the key leadership lessons that you’ve learned?

Dena Habib - Vice President of Corporate Relations at Madinet Masr

I firmly believe in empowering others and fostering a supportive environment for growth, which is essential for strong leadership.

An invaluable lesson I've learned is the significance of listening and observing before making decisions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of situations.

In the fast-paced world of business, building resilience to overcome challenges is crucial, guided by Maya Angelou's saying: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

What is the best decision you’ve made in your career?

Embracing my passion-driven approach to work has undoubtedly led me to some of the most rewarding decisions in my career. By actively seeking out areas that captivate and inspire me, I've cultivated a harmonious balance between my professional endeavors and personal fulfillment.

When you have a genuine passion for your job, you perceive it as a deliberate choice and an activity you genuinely enjoy. This inherent motivation fosters a profound sense of satisfaction upon accomplishing your objectives.

And in your personal life?

Balancing work and personal life can be particularly challenging for married women with families. As someone who values family, I believe investing in my children is a priority. For the first five years after having my sons, I was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom. This period of dedicated focus on their upbringing was immensely rewarding for both of us.

Five years later, I was back on my career path. Harnessing the experiences and insights accumulated during my tenure as a full-time caregiver, I returned to my career path with renewed passion and a profound sense of determination, aiming to enrich both my family life and professional pursuits.

Would you have done anything differently in your life, if you knew what you know now?

I wouldn't alter my past decisions, as they have shaped me into the individual I am today, drawing from both professional and personal experiences. However, in hindsight, I recognize the value of appreciating the journey—celebrating progress, successes, and growth. It's easy to become consumed by daily responsibilities and overlook our achievements. In my future endeavors, I aspire to seize more opportunities to reflect on my achievements, fostering a sense of pride and empowerment that propels me toward further endeavors.

What are the traits of leaders you admire? How do you embody any of those traits?

The traits of leaders I admire encompass a blend of humbleness, positivity, respect, communication, decisiveness, active listening and ongoing quest for learning. I am consistently driven to expand my knowledge, having adopted a daily morning meditation routine to cultivate inner peace and begin each day with a positive mindset. Moreover, I firmly uphold the values of respect and honesty as indispensable pillars within the workplace.

What role do people within the communications field play regarding women’s empowerment, and how can they accelerate or support inclusion?

Communication professionals play a pivotal role in accelerating inclusion by promoting diverse representations of women, challenging stereotypes, and amplifying female voices.

Key actions include prioritizing women's leadership representation, celebrating their successes, advocating for gender-inclusive messaging, collaborating with empowerment initiatives, raising awareness about gender-based issues, and providing unwavering support to ensure merit-based selection.

Through strategic communication efforts, these professionals contribute to fostering a more inclusive society and driving meaningful change for women's empowerment.

What are some assumptions or biases you have noticed as a female leader changing over the years?

Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the vital role of women leaders in the workplace, reflected in the increasing presence of women in leadership roles in major corporations. Women contribute significantly to fostering workforce balance, employing a distinctive decision-making approach marked by a thorough analysis of decisions' validity and consideration of their advantages and disadvantages. This strategic approach to decision-making is an inherent aspect of women's nature.

How can women stand in solidarity with each other?

United in strength, women demonstrate solidarity through various actions including bolstering one another's self-confidence through genuine compliments, empowering each other to take bold and courageous steps toward our dreams, actively listening to one another and offering constructive feedback to foster growth and development, and celebrating each other's successes and accomplishments.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for the next generation of women leaders?

Obstacles may arise at every turn, yet it is your choice to perceive challenges as avenues for learning and advancement. I am optimistic about the prospects of future generations, as the efforts of preceding ones have laid the groundwork for gender equality, leaving a lasting impact.

Any advice you’d like to share with women wanting to get to the top in business?

Recognize your inherent worth and unveil confidence in your endeavors. Remain steadfast in your pursuits, embracing each step with persistence and pride. Additionally, dare to dream ambitiously and pursue your aspirations with unwavering determination. Even in times of adversity or challenges, your purpose will guide you back on your feet, while your unwavering drive will propel you towards remarkable achievements.