Women professionals talk about figures who inspired them on International Women's Day

 In today’s fast-evolving world, leadership is being redefined by women who combine courage, humility, and purpose. From navigating male-dominated boardrooms to uplifting those around them, these leaders offer timeless lessons on influence, resilience, and integrity. On the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8), trailblazing professionals share the historical figures who inspired them, why these qualities are essential in today’s era, and how they are applying these lessons to lead with impact.

Esther Supriya, Group Director – Human Resources, Alephya Education

 One quality of a great female leader in history that you look up to

One female leader who deeply inspires me is Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, widely honoured as the Mother of the Nation. What I admire most is her unwavering belief that education is the foundation of empowerment and national progress. Through her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and families, she has helped create pathways for generations to learn, grow, and lead.

How important is it for today’s era?

In today’s rapidly changing world, the idea of empowerment through education feels more important than ever. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Al Ketbi has consistently stood for this principle — that when people, especially women and young people, are given access to education and opportunity, they gain the confidence and capability to contribute meaningfully to society.

What is your way forward with this inspiration?

For me, this inspiration translates into a deeply personal commitment. I have always believed that people thrive when they feel valued and when they begin to recognise the impact they can create. Education plays a vital role in awakening that awareness.

In my own journey, I have the privilege of working within the UAE’s education sector, where the work we do goes far beyond institutions or roles. It is about nurturing people, building capability, and contributing in a small but meaningful way to the growth of a nation. Inspired by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, my aspiration is to continue fostering environments where people grow in confidence, develop strong character, and recognise that their contribution matters — not only to their organisations, but to society at large.

 Amreen Iqbal, Founder and CEO, Piece of You

One quality of a great female leader in history that you look up to

One quality I deeply admire is courage, particularly the quiet but unwavering courage of Rosa Parks. Her strength was not loud or performative, yet it shifted history. She stood firm in her belief with dignity and conviction, proving that true leadership is rooted in standing up for what is right, even when it is uncomfortable.

How important is it for today’s era?

In today’s fast-paced and often opinion-driven world, courage remains essential. Women in leadership continue to navigate bias, scrutiny, and high expectations. Courage allows leaders to challenge outdated norms, make principled decisions, and create space for others to thrive.

What’s your way forward with this inspiration?

Inspired by that courage, my way forward is to lead with conviction and authenticity. Whether it is making bold business decisions, advocating for ethical practices, or empowering women within my organization, I aim to stand firm in my values.

Shivani Saxena, Chief Business Officer, RemotePass 

One quality of a great female leader in history that you look up to

Indra Nooyi. What draws me to Indra Nooyi isn't just what she achieved but it's the odds she was navigating while achieving it. She started out in a small textiles company in India, not a prestigious launchpad by any measure, but sheer passion and drive took her from there to an MBA in India, then Yale, then consulting, then all the way to the top of PepsiCo. The quality I admire most is her relentless forward momentum - the refusal to let her starting point define her ceiling.

How important is it for today's era?

Critically important and for a reason that often goes unspoken. Indra Nooyi also carried the weight of Indian cultural expectations, where a woman's role is traditionally seen through a nurturing, domestic lens. She held that identity while leading one of the world's largest companies.

What's your way forward with this inspiration?

Her story runs parallel to mine in ways that feel personal. I came through a non-traditional background then MBA in London then consulting, I've navigated spaces where I was often the only person who looked like me, and I've had to build my own support system to make it work. What I take from Indra Nooyi is that determination isn't about having no self-doubt it's about moving forward anyway.

Sonali Walke, HR Manager, Iman Developers

One quality of a great female leader in history that you look up to

A leader who has profoundly influenced how I see leadership is Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. What resonates with me most is the clarity in her simple yet deep philosophy of ‘leaving the crown in the garage.’

Having worked at PepsiCo, I experienced the culture she shaped and that DNA was embedded into and shaped my work culture. It was ambitious and performance driven, yet deeply respectful of people’s lives and identities. She demonstrated that it is possible to lead at the highest level while staying connected to family, values, and purpose. That balance and clarity of purpose gave her authority a human face.

How important is it for today’s era?

In today’s era, humble leadership must connect three layers of purpose with clarity. The leader’s why must align with the organisation’s why, and that in turn must connect with each employee’s why. In the UAE real estate sector, where growth is rapid and expectations are high, clarity of purpose creates focus. When people understand why they are building, selling, or designing, their work carries meaning and energy.

A leader with humility who shows up, listens, and remains present builds trust across teams, partners, and clients.

 What’s your way forward with this inspiration?

My first step is to always focus on showing up consistently for my team and aligning our daily decisions with our larger purpose at Iman Developers. I also prioritise being present in moments that matter, whether in strategy meetings, site discussions, or conversations about career growth.

When launching a project or managing a development cycle, I make sure the team understands how their individual roles contribute to the bigger vision. 

As we continue to build in a region that thrives on ambition, I believe leadership must be humble, purposeful, and consistent. 

Reena Simon Roy, Head of HR, Cognizant Technology Solution, Middle East

One quality of a great female leader in history that you look up to

I admire the selfless courage of Harriet Tubman (1822 -10th March 1913) – After escaping slavery, she decided that her being safe was not enough – she risked her life and made it her life mission to guide others to freedom. Her leadership was not about self- preservation or recognition but rather of conviction, responsibility, and courage in action. In reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme of ‘Give to Gain’, she is a classic example of someone who gained and continued to give by lifting others.

How important is it for today’s era?

In today's era, which continues to face rapid change and disruption, inequalities, and differing agendas, it is important to be a leader who can lead with purpose and beyond individual success.

What’s your way forward with this inspiration?

My way forward with this inspiration is to be courageous even in the face of resistance or opposition, speaking the truth in leadership forums, challenging bias, spotlighting and providing growth opportunities to high potential women in the workplace.