Hoda Mansour is the first woman ever to lead a global software company in Egypt. Overcoming numerous challenges, she has worked across 3 continents during her 25 year career. Hoda joined SAP, the German software giant, in 2013 and was recognized on the Forbes 2021 list of the Top 50 Middle East Power Business Women. Under her leadership, SAP Egypt has achieved record-breaking growth for three consecutive years, while also lauded as one of Egypt’s best places to work.
On This Episode of When Women Win:
We discussed the challenges Hoda faced throughout her corporate career, and in particular her original doubts about taking on her latest role as the Managing Director of SAP Egypt. As she was leaving a highly profitable business unit to lead a much less successful one, she was understandably nervous. We talked about how Hoda rose to the occasion, listened to her team and turned this challenge into a massive opportunity.
Notable Quote:
“I believe that we owe it to ourselves and our employees to give the right feedback – honest feedback.”
Book Recommendations:
A book that would give some insightful context to this conversation is Egypt as a Woman: Nationalism, Gender, and Politics by Beth Baron.
Talking Points in This Episode:
- Hoda’s approach to a virtual work environment
- “The Zoom Upper Body”
- The importance of mental health support for employees
- What Hoda learned from moving back to Egypt
- Breaking glass ceilings
- Happiness as a choice
If you’d like to connect with Hoda, check her out on LinkedIn.
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