OLA MAHMOUD Ebrahim champions a transformative vision that empowers others through digital innovation
Ola Mahmoud Ebrahim champions a transformative vision that empowers others through digital innovation. Recently honoured with the prestigious “Best Business Leader of the Year 2024” award at the Middle East Summit of Excellence, Ola’s contributions have been recognized as instrumental in setting new standards for leadership and innovation.
Ola Mahmoud Ebrahim stands at the intersection of innovation and empowerment as the Digital & Recurring Services SME at Schneider Electric. With a wealth of experience in the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry, she has cultivated profound expertise in sales, partner relationship management, channel strategy, and IT services and energy management. Her mission is not just to excel in her role but to empower others to achieve their goals through digital solutions.
“My professional journey has been driven by a relentless curiosity to explore how technology can reshape industries, unlock new opportunities, and empower people,” Ola said, describing the beginnings of her captivating interest in the digital services sector. Her role at Schneider Electric has allowed her to lead transformative projects that harness the power of digital innovation. “It’s about harmonizing my corporate leadership role with my entrepreneurial spirit to create a more impactful and holistic approach to leadership and business,” she explains.
When defining success, Ola offers a profound perspective: “Success, to me, is about creating a meaningful impact—whether it’s empowering individuals through business insights or transforming organizations through innovative solutions.” She values a balanced life where personal growth intertwines with the support of others. “I find success in achieving a balanced life where I continuously grow and support others,” she emphasizes, noting that her professional journey is about helping others see beyond limitations and embrace opportunities.
Ola’s leadership skills were tested when implementing a global recurring services strategy across different regions, each with its unique market dynamics. “Aligning diverse teams and gaining buy-in required a combination of strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and resilient leadership,” she recalls. “I learned that effective leadership is about listening, adapting, and finding common ground while maintaining a clear vision and direction.”
Creating an inclusive and supportive environment begins with genuine empathy and active listening, according to Ola. “I ensure that every voice is heard and valued, which not only strengthens team cohesion but also leads to richer, more diverse perspectives in our initiatives,” she said. This inclusivity is reflected in the events and initiatives she leads, aiming to celebrate diversity and create spaces where everyone feels welcomed and inspired.
Balancing a corporate career with entrepreneurial ambitions presented one of Ola’s biggest challenges. “It required prioritization, time management, and resilience. I overcame this by focusing on my core values and setting clear goals for each endeavor,” she shares, highlighting the clarity that allowed her to navigate competing demands and stay committed to excellence in both fields.
Ola believes digital services are revolutionizing traditional business models by enabling organizations to be more agile and customer-centric. “Women have a critical role in this transformation as they bring unique perspectives, foster collaboration, and drive inclusive innovation,” she asserts. Encouraging more women to participate in tech and digital services is crucial not only for gender equality but also for creating balanced and effective solutions.
The key strategies for building strong relationships, according to Ola, are transparency, trust, and value creation. “I believe in being open and consistent in communication, understanding client needs deeply, and delivering solutions that exceed expectations,” she emphasizes. Continuous engagement and celebrating successes together are fundamental to her approach.
Events, when designed thoughtfully, can become platforms for inspiration, connection, and transformation. “By focusing on the needs and aspirations of attendees, we create experiences that resonate emotionally and intellectually. These experiences empower attendees to think differently, act boldly, and connect with others who share their journey,” Ola said.
Her commitment to sharing knowledge extends to social media, where she offers business tips to aspiring professionals. “I began sharing business tips as a way to give back to the community and support those who are just starting out in their careers. The positive feedback I receive, along with the real-world applications of my advice, has been incredibly rewarding. I measure the impact not only through metrics but also by the inspiring stories of growth and transformation that my audience shares with me.”
Looking ahead, Ola aims to continue driving innovation and digital transformation at Schneider Electric while expanding her impact through entrepreneurial initiatives focused on mentorship and experiential learning. “My goal is to create more initiatives that support and inspire professionals and leaders across industries, fostering a future where aspiring leaders feel empowered to pursue their dreams,” she expresses with conviction.
For women looking to start their own businesses, Ola offers invaluable advice: “Don’t be afraid to start. Leverage digital tools to amplify your voice and reach your audience. Be agile, continuously learn, and adapt to the changing landscape. Seek out mentors and allies, and remember that resilience and authenticity are your greatest assets.”
As Ola Mahmoud Ebrahim continues her journey, she exemplifies how leadership, innovation, and empowerment can converge to shape a brighter future for all. “I want to be remembered as a visionary leader who not only achieved professional excellence but also inspired others to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams,” she concludes.
When reflecting on mentorship, she shares, “I didn’t have formal mentors, but I had a network of inspiring individuals who shared their knowledge and insights with me. My approach to mentorship is grounded in empathy and shared experiences. I aim to provide practical advice and open doors for others just as others have done for me.”
Ola also emphasizes the emerging trends in the digital services and event management industries. “The integration of AI and data analytics in digital services is reshaping how decisions are made and how services are delivered. In event management, the shift towards hybrid and experiential events is creating new opportunities for engagement. Entrepreneurs should focus on leveraging technology to create more personalized, impactful experiences and invest in continuous learning to stay ahead of the curve.”
