www.worldsleaders.com Vol.

08 | Issue 16 | August 2023

World’s Rising High

BUSINESS
LEADERS
Making a Mark in
Middle East, 2023

Hala A Female Entrepreneur

Redefining Boundaries in
the Advertising Industry

Tfayli
Founder & CEO
The Channel MENA
 World's Rising High Business Leaders
Making a Mark in Middle East, 2023

Transforming the Global

Business Landscape

The world's corporate borders have notably widened in

recent years. Middle East has emerged as the centre of
corporate activities since there are no restrictions on
commercial operations. The company visionaries in this
area are reaching new heights with their mission. The
region's evolving differed business culture is its most
important feature. Globally Business executives view the
With an illustrious background as the head of marketing
Middle East as an emerging market.
for a renowned architecture and engineering consultancy
in Kuwait, Hala honed her skills in selling professional
Despite their knowledge and experience, all company
services and gained invaluable insights into the
leaders subscribe to the idea of high revenue and
construction sector at large. Additionally, her tenure at Al
maximum profit. Operating in a location with a wealth of
Shaya, a prominent conglomerate, provided her with an
resources is one of the most crucial elements of doing
in-depth understanding of the rules and fundamentals of
this. The Middle East has always played an important
the dynamic retail world.
role in commerce worldwide. And with acquiring
constant advancements and following all the trends it has
In 2017, feeling the call of entrepreneurship, Hala boldly
became a hub of business success stories.
stepped away from the corporate realm to embark on her
own business venture. Since then, she has relished every
World's Leaders latest edition “World's Rising High
moment of her journey, eagerly anticipating the future
Business Leaders Making a Mark in Middle East,
that lies ahead.
2023” has featured success stories of renowned business
Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read
leaders from middle east whose expertise in leadership is
the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and
echoing globally.
industry experts.
The cover has Hala Tfayli, the remarkable Founder and
CEO of The Channel MENA, whose career trajectory
defies convention. Breaking away from the traditional Have a lovely read!
path of advertising agency founders, Hala brings a
unique perspective as a former client-side professional.
 CREDIT PAGE

Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez

Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar
Executive Editor Nicole Williams
Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal

Art & Design Director Jack Anderson

Business Development Manager Mia Oliver
Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey
Associate Designer Kevin Rust

Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke

Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh
Marketing Manager Tom Swann
Technical Specialist Barry Jones
Circulation Manager Danny Parker

AUGUST 2023

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 08

Hala
A Female Entrepreneur Redefining
Boundaries in the Advertising Industry
Tfayli
16 Ayman Baky

20 Christiana Maxion

26 Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi

30 Haifa Addas

36 Khalid Fagih

40 Meher Mirchandani

46 Nousheen Mukhtar

50 Prabhjeet Singh

54 Rasha Al Danhani
Hala Founder & CEO
The Channel MENA

Tfayli A Female Entrepreneur

Redefining Boundaries in
the Advertising Industry

08 | AUGUST 2023
COVER STORY

worldsleaders.com | 09
 S
tep into the world of Hala Tfayli, the
remarkable Founder and CEO of The
Channel MENA, whose career trajectory
defies convention. Breaking away from the
traditional path of advertising agency
founders, Hala brings a unique perspective
as a former client-side professional.

With an illustrious background as the head

of marketing for a renowned architecture
and engineering consultancy in Kuwait,
Hala honed her skills in selling professional
services and gained invaluable insights into
the construction sector at large.
Additionally, her tenure at Al Shaya, a
prominent conglomerate, provided her with
an in-depth understanding of the rules and
fundamentals of the dynamic retail world.

In 2017, feeling the call of entrepreneurship,

Hala boldly stepped away from the
corporate realm to embark on her own
business venture. Since then, she has
relished every moment of her journey,
eagerly anticipating the future that lies
ahead.

10 | AUGUST 2023
From Research to Retail

Hala embarked on her professional

journey as a research analyst at
Zawya Reuters, a role that provided
her with invaluable exposure to the
research sector. Recognizing the
significance of research in shaping
effective strategies and business
plans, she developed a strong
foundation in this field.

Seeking to broaden her horizons,

Hala transitioned to Alshaya, the
leading retailer in the Middle East.
This opportunity allowed her to
acquire fundamental knowledge and
insights into the retail industry.
Immersed in this dynamic
environment, she gained a
comprehensive understanding of the
essentials of retail operations.

Driven by her passion for exploring

new avenues, Hala then ventured into
the professional services realm,
joining SSH, a prominent
architecture and engineering
consultancy. In this role, she took on
the challenge of establishing and
nurturing the marketing department
to support the regional expansion
initiatives of a newly appointed
international team. These experiences
proved to be transformative for her,
shaping her into the capable Driving Growth and Innovation proven immensely beneficial for the
individual she is today. agency.
The Channel MENA, a boutique
Throughout her career, Hala advertising and marketing agency, With a strong creative foundation,
consistently demonstrated a keen first originated in Beirut back in 2018 The Channel MENA consistently
interest in sales and business and has since expanded its operations provides strategic insights and input
development. She relished the art of to Kuwait and more recently, KSA. for every creative brief,
negotiation and took pleasure in Despite being a relatively young demonstrating a deep understanding
fostering connections and bridging agency, it adopted a flexible and of our clients' commercial needs. As
gaps between different stakeholders. remote business model ahead of its a result, the agency has garnered a
These skills and interests have been time, recognizing the effectiveness of reputation for being one of the
an integral part of her professional such an approach. This foresight has fastest-growing agencies in Kuwait
growth. today.
worldsleaders.com | 11
Empowering Excellence
Hala emphasizes to her team that her primary
responsibility is to ensure they have the necessary tools
and support to excel in their roles. She believes that
enabling individuals to perform at their best involves two
key elements: building effective teams and establishing
efficient processes.
Building teams involves assembling a group of talented
individuals with the right skills and expertise. It is
crucial to create a cohesive and collaborative
environment where team members can contribute their
unique strengths and work together towards common
goals. By nurturing a strong team dynamic, Hala ensures
that each member can perform optimally and
complement each other's abilities.
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Establishing efficient processes is equally important. By
implementing streamlined workflows and standardized
procedures, Hala ensures that tasks are executed
smoothly and consistently. This allows for greater
productivity and effectiveness in achieving desired
outcomes. However, Hala recognizes that these
processes are not static. With each new wave of growth
or opportunity, there is a need to attract more talent and
revise existing processes to accommodate the evolving
needs of the agency.
Hala remains vigilant in keeping up with new
technologies and solutions that can enhance the agency's
capabilities. This requires regularly reassessing the team
and the processes in place to ensure they are aligned with
the latest advancements. Adapting to change and
embracing innovation is essential for sustained growth
and success.
Journey of Entrepreneurial
Success
Hala acknowledges that the greatest
risk she has taken in her professional
journey was leaving a stable job to
start her own agency. However, she
firmly believes that it has been the
best decision she has ever made.
Since its inception in 2018, The
Channel MENA has experienced
consistent growth, positioning itself
as the agency of choice for their
clients.
The agency prioritizes working with
realistic clients who understand the
importance of key performance
indicators (KPIs) and return on
investment (ROI). Hala and her team
provide valuable guidance to clients,
advising them on the most effective
tools and strategies to connect with
their target customers. By
emphasizing the importance of
efficiency and measurable results,
The Channel MENA strives to
deliver tangible value to their clients.
follow up on tasks, address any
issues, and refine processes to
enhance efficiency. She understands
the importance of actively engaging
in the necessary actions, such as
making follow-up phone calls, to
ensure that everything is in place and
progress is made.
The Power of a Cohesive Team
Hala recognizes that every leader
starts with a foundation, but it's
crucial for them to acknowledge that
mistakes will inevitably occur, and it
is acceptable to make adjustments
along the way. She firmly believes
that having the right team
surrounding her has played a
significant role in her personal and
professional growth. The support and
collaboration of this team have
influenced her perspective and
provided her with stronger
foundations on which to rely.
By being surrounded by the right
individuals, Hala has gained valuable
insights and diverse perspectives that
have shaped her approach to various
situations. The collective strength
and capabilities of her team have
helped her navigate challenges, make
informed decisions, and adapt when
necessary. Ultimately, she
understands the importance of
building a cohesive and capable team
as a critical factor in her own growth
as a leader.

Passion for Progress and

Operational Excellence

Every morning when Hala arrives at

her office, she experiences a
profound sense of gratitude and
appreciation for the journey she has
embarked upon. The opportunity to
create something from the ground up
and witness its continuous growth is
not only a blessing but also a
powerful motivation for her.

Hala's passion lies in pushing the

boundaries, continuously striving for
improvement, and ensuring that the
agency's operations run smoothly.
This drive fuels her determination to

worldsleaders.com | 13
Vision for Responsible Marketing

Hala has a desire for The Channel MENA to incorporate a

corporate social responsibility (CSR) angle into every
campaign it undertakes. She believes that by integrating CSR
initiatives, the agency can contribute to making a positive
impact on society while delivering effective marketing
campaigns. This reflects her vision of aligning business goals
with social and environmental responsibility.

Furthermore, Hala recognizes that the industry often

witnesses significant wastage in terms of spending. She feels
that resources could be better allocated to channels and
initiatives that have a greater impact. By prioritizing efficient
and targeted spending, The Channel MENA can optimize
resources and ensure that client investments are directed
towards strategies and platforms that deliver meaningful
results.

Hala's perspective highlights her aspiration for The Channel

MENA to not only excel in marketing and advertising but also
to promote social responsibility and drive positive change
within the industry.

On Path of Growth and Expansion

Hala acknowledges that amidst the uncertainties brought

about by the ongoing digital revolution, The Channel MENA is
experiencing rapid growth and continuous evolution. She
candidly admits that she doesn't have a crystal-clear vision
for the future due to these uncertainties. However, what she is
certain about is her unwavering enjoyment of every step of the
journey and her eagerness to further expand the agency
alongside an exceptional team that has become like family.

She emphasizes that the team at The Channel MENA will

persistently offer their expertise and understanding of brand
building and content creation, enabling their clients to
effectively connect with their target audiences. This is their
fundamental purpose. They create impactful campaigns that,
when combined with the appropriate media mix, can
successfully reach the desired target audience. It's a
straightforward approach that drives their work at the agency.

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 Dr. Aishah
Al Yammahi
Using AI and Technology in the
Educational Sector to Inspire the
Next Generation for Learning

worldsleaders.com | 27
Describe who you are as a person,
inside and outside the workplace.
I strive to guide, mentor and support the
Alef team and enhance the working
environment at work. I further assist in
the development of efficient plans and
strategies for our organisation and our
digital platforms. My work does not end
at the end of my working day; at home, I
am committed to supporting and caring
for my husband and children. I am a
strong believer in the value of education,
which fueled my support for my husband
to obtain his PhD. As for interests, I
greatly enjoy reading, as it stimulates the
mind. I also encourage my children to
read to help them broaden their outlook
and shape their perspectives. Reading, in
my opinion, also enhances analytical and
critical thinking, both of which are
crucial for the development and growth
of students.
Describe your background and what
you did before you joined Alef
Education.
I have 27 years of experience in the
educational sector, during which I have
harnessed a wealth of knowledge and
experience that I have utilised to the
best of my abilities to contribute to the
advancement of this field. Over these
years, I have assumed various roles and
responsibilities and embarked on
numerous endeavours that have
positively influenced my career and
enabled me to grow both professionally
and personally. I have helped formulate a
curriculum for various academic levels
and classes, emphasizing technical
education and promoting the
professional development of teachers as
the two main pillars of the educational
process.
28 | AUGUST 2023
I hold a PhD in Education from The
British University of Dubai, in addition to
a master's degree in Human Resources
Management from Massey University in
New Zealand, where I researched the
effects of a positive work environment
on employee performance and
productivity. Prior to joining Alef
Education, I served as the principal of the
first public school in the UAE to
implement Alef's ground-breaking
educational system, as well as the
Director for UNESCO in the UAE's
National Commission for Education,
Culture, and Science. Most recently, I
was appointed at the Ministry of
Education UAE, where I coordinated the
implementation of the Alef Platform in
57 public schools in Abu Dhabi.
As part of my efforts to redefine the
learning ecosystem, I have travelled and
gained extensive knowledge of
numerous educational systems
worldwide, including those in Finland,
Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and the
USA. In addition, I have also participated
in numerous conferences related to
education all over the world, where I
gained insights into the newest
advancements in the industry and
networked with various professionals
from the education sector. In order to
improve and inspire the next generation
of learners, I firmly believe that
technology and artificial intelligence
must be utilized in the educational
sector.
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 Khalid
Fagih Fostering
Transformation
and Sustainability

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 T he role of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) holds immense
importance in any organization, as it entails significant
leadership responsibilities. CEOs bear the crucial task of
making strategic decisions, overseeing the overall operations of the
company, and propelling its growth and triumph. While the position
of a CEO offers fulfilling experiences, it also presents a multitude of
challenges and obligations. Khalid Fagih, the CEO of Red Sea
International Company, is one exemplary individual who embodies
these responsibilities.

Khalid Fagih from Saudi Arabia, is a highly skilled professional with

extensive expertise in the field of Financial Services. With a rich
background spanning decades, Khalid has amassed valuable
experience in Banking, Risk Management, Investment Banking,
Project Finance, and International Business Development.
Throughout his career, he has successfully executed numerous
projects, leading transformation programs, engaging in
multinational negotiations, and driving skill development initiatives.
Khalid actively participates in the business community, holding
memberships in the Chamber of Commerce, as well as multiple
innovation forums and sustainability initiatives.

With a strong passion for innovation, disruption, and, above all,

environmental concerns, Khalid considers himself a staunch
advocate for constructing a better, safer future through intelligent
practices that prioritize the needs of tomorrow. In terms of
education, Khalid holds a degree in Statistics & Computer Science
and has received training from prestigious institutions such as
Harvard Business School, INSEAD, Stanford Business School, and
London Business School. Additionally, during his financial services
career, he has also taken on the role of training young aspiring
bankers many times at the esteemed SAMA Institute of Banking in
Saudi Arabia.

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Rasha Al

Danhani
Transforming Hospitality in the Middle East

omen have been making significant strides

in the food and beverage industry, with
more and more women taking leadership
roles in the sector. Rasha Al Danhani is a
woman who needs no introduction in the business
world. Her impressive portfolio is proof of her
determination and her ability to succeed in
everything she puts her mind to. Rasha is the
Chairperson of PappaRoti, the Owner and Founder
of Brandnoise Creative Agency, Al Rasha
Investments and The 1978 Suite.

worldsleaders.com | 55
PappaRoti is a café brand known
for the signature coffee-caramel
buns. The café was introduced in
the UAE in 2009 at the Dubai
Mall. Originated in Malaysia the
brand has gained immense
popularity in the region.
PappaRoti has carved a niche for
itself in the market giving other
cafes a tough competition. The
brand has a loyal fan base that visit
malls specially to sample the bun.
The brand also contributes to
strengthening the economy. The
core values of the company are
quality, customer service, attention
to detail, maintaining a high level
of hospitality, implementing
sustainable practices, making a
positive impact and being
authentic.
From Corporate Career to
Entrepreneurship
After completing various
entrepreneurship programs such as
"Performance Management" and
"Team Leading," Rasha earned her
business management degree from
Dubai Women's College. She kick-
started her career in prominent
companies like Emaar Properties
and the Dubai Development and
Investment Authority. Moreover,
she gained valuable experience in
both banking and real estate
industries before embarking on her
own entrepreneurial journey.
Rasha was in search of a unique
idea to introduce in the UAE.
During her holiday trip to Malaysia
in 2008, she stumbled upon
PappaRoti, a small kiosk by the
metro station that caught her
56 | AUGUST 2023
attention with its irresistible aroma.
This encounter inspired her to start
her own venture.
Building a Beloved Brand in the
UAE
Rasha had always known that she
had a natural aptitude for business
and was eager to strike out on her
own entrepreneurial path.
However, finding the right product
or concept to launch proved to be a
challenge for her. Undeterred, she
remained on the lookout for any
intriguing ideas or opportunities,
with a particular focus on the food
and beverage industry. After all,
she firmly believed that few things
have the power to bring people as
much happiness as good food.
It was during a family vacation
back in 2008 that Rasha's instincts
led her to stumble upon a small
kiosk located near a train station.
Intrigued by the tantalizing aroma
wafting from the kiosk, she
decided to give the product a try.
As soon as she tasted it, she knew
that she had discovered something
truly special, something that the
UAE had been missing. Driven by
her instincts and her belief in the
product, Rasha wasted no time in
reaching out to the owner and
negotiating to bring the brand to
the Middle East.
Despite the challenges and
uncertainties involved in launching
a new venture, Rasha remained
steadfast in her conviction that the
PappaRoti brand would be a
success in the UAE.
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