District 08 - Mashael Khojah

05 March 2021

How do you balance work and life responsibilities? What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) at each stage of your career?

I don’t believe you can find the perfect equilibrium every day. There’s a cost to everything you do in either your personal or professional life, and at different points depending on what you’re trying to get done, something has to give.

There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish. We were made determined; it’s in our DNA.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?

Just do it. Dream it and do it.

Margret Thatcher once said, "If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman."

Today women have so many more advantages than they had 10 years ago; female success is paving the way for a more progressive world. I’ve never seen a greater power than the one that a determined woman owns; she can move the moon and it starts with her strong will.

Believe in your talents(s) and take a leap of faith! The first time you take a big leap of faith and it works is an incredible boost to your confidence. That gives you the confidence to do it again.

Choose your battles wisely. You should be willing to go to the mat, but it shouldn’t be for everything. Choose what’s important, and ask yourself, 'Will it help me or hurt me?' Step back, think, and make a choice. Leaders are decision-makers.

Set your eye on a role model and get inspired! They are people who have done the homework for you and given you a free guidebook.

Build a strong team, empower it and work alongside it. That’s your support system.

Keep your word and do what you say you’ll do. Honor the deal you made; that’s your future right there.

This is your moment. Own it.

What is an accomplishment that you are proudest of?

I’m fortunate to have had the chance to work with one of the world’s leading real estate developers, Emaar Properties, as Head of the Interior Design Segment in the Middle East. Having been amongst the design team of projects that made history, has given me the versatility to work on a multitude of project requirements that unquestionably had enriched my career path and influenced the way I tackle my business.