way and partnered a local young woman Muna Saad Al-Sulaiti. We opened a remote office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia simultaneously with launching LinkFacility in Doha. The idea was to aim a global reach.
Starting up LinkFacility in Malaysia was in so many ways less complicated than in Qatar. In Qatar it took more than 6 months of hard work launching LinkFacility LLC, compared to Malaysia where we launched LinkFacility Sdn Bhd in only one month.
Your views on the challenges and opportunities for women in entrepreneurship?
I think women representation is one of the most passionate topics of discussion all over the world, and with good reason. Women’s business and career challenges vary and depend on culture, politics and religion and most of all depends in which part of the world she wants to succeed.
Initially I joined a professional community of 450 professional women to help establish a network even as I was starting up my own business. I got deeply involved in a very short time and ended up transforming the network into a business entity in partnership with the chairperson then.
Those years working with Women in Business was a great experience, and even today I tend to take decisions based on my learnings from then. To me it is very clear, not only about HOW women professionally differ from men but also WHY.
Obstacles that you have faced in your initiatives?
The greatest challenge we have faced to this date was while launching LinkFacility in Qatar. Oil prices dropped and the industry was cutting costs and laying off thousands of expats. We realized that our target market was shrinking rapidly and we could do nothing about it.
It was a situation over which we had no influence, but we decided to take advantage of it instead. Though many expats left the country, many also stayed back. And the ones who stayed back realized the importance of having dual income. So that’s where we stepped in and helped spouses get going with businesses & careers.
Specific challenges because of being a woman?
No. It would be convenient for me to use that as an excuse for my challenges. But to be honest, I can’t recall a single situation where my gender was the reason for any limitations. I do agree that some women do struggle, particularly those who work in male dominated industries like oil, construction and even financial markets.
Your source of inspiration?
Books! I know it sounds old fashioned, but I am addicted to big and heavy historical novels. And I believe we can still find answers from the past to many of our present day questions.
My biggest inspiration comes from networking. Every time I join a conference, gathering, lecture or even LinkedIn, I gain strength by meeting inspiring, motivating and ambitious people willing to share their experiences and know-how.
It is important to understand that networking is not about selling. It’s about meeting, connecting and building relations with people you can inspire and be inspired by. As you gain people’s trust you will feel how your network slowly starts working for you. It has a growth potential that everyone can benefit from. But it only works well if you contribute also.
Through networking I’ve met game changers, students, multi-millionaires, entrepreneurs, politicians and many more. To me it’s most important to meet professionals from all industries, nationalities and levels of society. It helps me gain insights and reflecting on my goals and work around to reach them.
Your definition of success ?
I am aware that many people measure their success through other people’s eyes. I don’t. To me success is the feeling of capturing the moment that I was always meant to have! It may sound a bit “sticky” but we all feel we were “meant to be or do something bigger”. The biggest challenge is defining our mission, or we will never realize when we reach the goal, as it is human nature to push goals to next level even before we reach it. Celebrating our achievements, no matter what they are in size or purpose, is crucial to keep up motivation for pursuing the next goal.
Your advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women?
Firstly, I believe women entrepreneurs should tune their skills for negotiation, to sell their service or product at the best price, and also negotiating the best prices for outsourcing!
Secondly, they should keep focus on the business concept, development and growth and only consider charity aspects when there is a profit for the purpose. When sitting in the air plane next time, notice the little information folder in the pocket in front of you, instructing you to wear the oxygen mask or life jacket before helping others. You can only be useful if you survive. Simple logic.
My last advice is stop focusing on the limits. Limits can be turned into an opportunity by being the first mover. If people say “you can’t do it” its often because they imagine they wouldn’t be able to. You can do exactly what you want, and you are the only one who can either prevent it from happening or make it happen.