Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Mounia Attiga
How could you describe your career path in few words?
Looking back at the past 20 years, I would describe my career path as challenging, enjoyable and rewarding. It started from a passion for how technology will contribute to making the world a better place? and how we can continuously transform and invest in our personal development.
The curiosity to explore the world led to starting my career with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP- Libya) and then several technical, business development and managerial international assignments in the UK and MENA region with Schlumberger and other companies in the energy, mining, and technology sectors.
At a turning point of my career I paused, reflected, and set up my own UK based T&D consultancy company Gemstones Services Ltd that provides capacity building strategies and also a coaching platform for the youth and entrepreneurs.
What was your most challenging experience, and it has changed your mindset?
Certainly, in each phase there are challenging experiences, milestones and occasions that had an impact on me personally and professionally.
Relocation, becoming an international citizen: as I kicked start my professional career away from home and moved to the UAE where I started my career with Schlumberger Oil and Gas services company, I held different positions from technical, Sales, Business Development, and several managerial positions in different locations. Being on the move pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more creative about finding the best ways to achieve a work- life balance, respect diversity and inclusion.
Leaving corporate to Private business: Deciding to start up my own UK based training
& consultancy company with a MENA region focus and outreach, this required developing specific entrepreneurship mindset and I am still exploring, learning, and enjoying the journey. I had transformed and switched my mindset to growth mode to create a value and make a positive, measurable impact.
Based on your experience, what’s the key success factor for a female entrepreneurs
& leaders / manager?
I wish that there is a secret formula to success, the reality is that we all have to navigate and explore opportunities and overcome obstacles to achieve our personal and professional goals.
However, It is devastating that to date we are still discussing women empowerment, fair opportunities and pay gap. In the other side we are also hearing and seeing females breaking the glass ceiling and leading the change.
Leadership styles commonly associated with women are Focus on motivation, perseverance, teamwork and shared vision. They provide support and inspiration, and they value integrity and ethical behaviour. Women should empower each other and demonstrate these traits and create a platform to inspire younger generation to thrive and lead to a better future. It is fantastic to see that the number of Women-led Startups are flourishing despite still lacking in investment and support. The fact is that female leadership can positively impact business performance and overall growth.
From my experience I would like to emphasis on the importance of developing a can- do mindset and always stay focused and confident about your expertise and prove the value that you bring to the table.
I would like to add that I have always been an incredibly passionate believer that diversity is vital to the success of business. I have full respect and preference towards organizations that have strong record where diversity and inclusion is actively promoted.
I would like to thank you for the interview and for the opportunity to share my humble personal and professional journey.
