Tell us about your background and rise to CEO of Babilou Family in Middle East
Born of Lebanese heritage and raised in the UAE, I’ve called this vibrant region my home for the majority of my life. With two children who have thrived in Babilou nurseries in Dubai, my personal connection to the organization runs deep.
My academic and ongoing learning journeys, which have laid the foundation for my success, include earning an MBA from the Australian University of Wollongong in Dubai, as well as completing business courses at INSEAD Business School in Fontainebleau, France, and ESA Business School in Beirut, Lebanon.
Prior to joining Babilou Family, I honed a diverse skill set through various brand management and marketing roles at L’Oréal and YSL Beauty, alongside an entrepreneurial venture launching an e-commerce platform.
My journey with Babilou Family began in 2014 as a founding member of Babilou in the UAE. I played an integral role in its establishment and subsequent growth in the region. Upon assuming the CEO role in 2018, my primary focus has been on expanding our presence and ensuring the delivery of exceptional educational services within the early years segment.
What has been your biggest success as CEO?
As CEO, I believe one of our most significant achievements has been successfully integrating Blossom and Babilou companies, not only in terms of aligning our operational processes but also in fostering a unified people culture. This integration has been a complex endeavor, requiring careful attention to ensure a smooth transition and harmonious working environment. By emphasizing collaboration, communication, and shared values, we’ve been able to create a cohesive team that is greater than the sum of its parts.
My team today is empowered to excel in their roles and hence contribute to our collective success. We are united in our efforts and focus on delivering innovative teaching methods and curriculum enhancements to provide the best possible learning experience for our children. Our success is proven through our rapid growth, as we now operate 31 Early Childhood Centres in 4 emirates in the UAE.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in growing the company?
One of the most significant challenges we’ve encountered in our journey of company growth revolves around the ever-evolving landscape of government regulations, particularly within the childcare industry. As we strive to expand our operations and reach more families, we are continually faced with the complexities of navigating and adhering to shifting regulatory frameworks.
The childcare sector is still in its developmental stages, lacking the well-defined regulatory structures that mature industries benefit from. Consequently, we often find ourselves operating in a regulatory environment that is fluid and subject to frequent revisions.
Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach. We prioritize staying informed about regulatory changes through active engagement with government agencies and industry associations. Additionally, we invest in building internal expertise and capacity to navigate regulatory complexities effectively. This proactive stance enables us to anticipate potential challenges, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities for sustainable growth.
Take us through your typical day as CEO of Babilou Family
As CEO of Babilou Family, my typical day is dynamic and varied, filled with a mix of strategic planning, meetings, decision-making, and engagement with various stakeholders.
Overall, my typical day is fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding. It requires a balance of strategic thinking, effective communication, decisive action, and a relentless commitment to driving the company forward.
What do you believe are the essential character traits and qualities to be a successful CEO?
In my opinion, becoming a successful CEO requires a unique blend of character traits and qualities that contribute to effective leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
A successful CEO should possess a combination of leadership, adaptability, resilience, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking skills that enables them to navigate challenges, inspire others, and drive the companies toward success.
Tell us about your leadership philosophy.
My leadership philosophy revolves around the belief that effective leadership is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and empowerment. I strive to lead by example, fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and inclusivity within the organization.
Central to my leadership approach is the importance of empathy and understanding. I believe in taking the time to listen to the perspectives and concerns of others, whether they are employees, customers, or stakeholders. By empathizing with their experiences and viewpoints, I can better understand their needs and motivations, leading to more effective decision-making and problem-solving.
What are your goals for Babilou Family over the next 5 years and beyond?
Overall, my goal for Babilou Family in the Middle East over the next five years and beyond is to continue to innovate, grow, and make a positive impact on the lives of children and families around the world. Through our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, I am confident that we can achieve our vision of providing the highest quality early childhood education and care for generations.
Additionally, I aim to solidify our position as the leading provider of early childhood education and care services in the region.
What is your favourite quote?
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
This quote encapsulates the idea that personal action and responsibility are key drivers of positive change. By leading by example and being proactive in pursuing positive change, one can inspire others and contribute to making the world a better place.
