‘A woman who thinks big does not let small things distract her. She focuses on her mission because she is a woman of vision’.
Women Entrepreneur’s exclusive team rendezvous with one such visionary woman, Mabelle Sawaqed (Vice President, International & Business Development, Centre for Entertainment Arts) who is known for being a proactive & exemplary business leader and a connector of people. Her professional journey is a story that talks about her quest for passion, her curiosity to learn new things and her strive to be a successful individual. She enables great things to happen, by pursuing the right things at the right time.
Mabelle comes from a family of architects; her father has been a great architect who wanted Mabelle to be an architect too. Though she agreed to take a major in architecture for her bachelor’s education, she could not feel passionate about what she was pursuing. Eventually, she decided to be true to herself and soon discovered her interest in the business sector; the thought of engaging with people, developing, and entering new markets fascinated her. Today, it’s been 15 years since she is in the international business development field, and has witnessed first-hand how success is obtained through preparation and dedication. “Having a positive mind frame will make the biggest difference because the words that you feed yourself will dictate your actions indirectly”, says Mabelle. Such positive perspectives have made her carve a progressive path for herself in the business industry.
Mabelle believes education is not just about obtaining credentials, it is about becoming industry and career ready, competitive, and confident. With this ideology, currently, she is part of the leadership team at the Centre for Entertainment Arts where she is mandated to develop strategic partnerships globally, enabling students to benefit from the industry training at the CEA, helping them grow as independent creators, and empowering them to reach their full potential. Previously, she has been the Education Trade Commissioner and Regional Education Officer at the Embassy of Canada in the United Arab Emirates for nine years where she was responsible for supporting Canadian education institutions to enter the UAE market. She has successfully promoted Canada as not only a destination of education but as a strategic partner in the entertainment, arts, and creative industries. Prior to that, Mabelle worked for a private equity firm as Business Development Manager and led a team of 15 in analyzing new projects and executing acquisitions. Moreover, a few years ago, Mabelle has been the winner of the Dubai Fashion Awards Fresh Designer of the Year for launching a fashion line that was an initiative to bring together cultural outfits that are inspired by cities from around the world. She has also received the United States Achievement Award for Citizenship and Stewardship for bringing positive lights to people’s lives. Mabelle is an incredible business leader and an inspiration for many aspirants. Let’s hear it from her.
What are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey?
Among many milestones that I have achieved so far, three of them hold a special place in my professional as well as personal life. First becoming the Education Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada. That was a very fulfilling role meeting, helping, and connecting with many people in the community. I celebrated my role there and worked extremely hard to not only uphold my commitment and represent Canada in the UAE but also go above and beyond in order to help facilitate international business between both regions.
The second milestone was becoming Vice President of International for the Centre of Entertainment Arts. This has been a great development in my career, not only in terms of reaching a leadership role where I can help build and shape the strategy of the company globally but also in entering a new industry. Here I am living my passion for turning vision and strategy into solid action plans. I am learning about a new industry, meeting new people, and being empowered to fly and reach my full potential.
"Aspiring leaders must remove fear from the equation and fill that space with positivity, upbuilding and strengthening words and actions, and courage"
Professionally, things were going very well in my career. In my personal life, I was looking at opportunities to do better and to be the best version of myself and that is where I am on my way to right now. I wanted to become a better and more wellrounded individual which also included being true to myself and that has been an important personal milestone.
What are the most critical challenges you have had to face as a business leader over the years? What steps do you take to overcome them?
Being a woman business leader is in itself a hugely challenging role. You will not always have the support and respect of people, especially if you are young and a newcomer to the industry. Sometimes you will feel the need to prove your worth and believe in your capabilities. There will be times when people will try to bring you down and make you doubt yourself but this is exactly when you should believe in yourself, and not let anything hinder you along the way. Be kind to yourself, dig deep for your inner strength, and remove negative thoughts and energy from your life. Stay positive, stay strong, and believe in yourself, even when others don’t believe in you.
What has been your success mantra?
You are what you manifest. You manifest what you envision; it is all about your vision. Do whatever it takes to remain positive and keep focusing on your goals. Once you are focused on your vision, you are naturally going to gravitate toward things that will lead you to success. This is the mantra that is deeply rooted in me and has helped me to reach higher goals in life.
What is your take on the current state of women’s representation in leadership roles across the UAE business landscape?
I have been in the UAE for a very long time and have witnessed a huge transformation in women in business across all sectors; on the Ministry Cabinet level, we have many women as Cabinet Ministers, two of them are Education Ministers, and a Minister of Happiness. Therefore, the UAE is very forwardthinking in implementing changes that are important to the country, like how to grow and be sustainable. Also, people here understand the importance of uplifting women in society because we as women have a lot to contribute. Women in Abu Dhabi are taking over all kinds of leadership roles whether it is in medical domains, various business fields, or government sectors, women are contributing to the overall strategy of the UAE.
Women leaders are innovative and always evolving, and above all we are multitaskers.
"You are what you manifest. You manifest what you envision; it is all about your vision"
What would your advice be to young women aspiring to become business leaders in the future?
The most important thing to remember is that the only barrier to anything in life is fear. Fear is the only thing that stops us from reaching our goals and aspirations and from growing. This fear can come in different ways, especially in the form of selfdoubt, and will stunt your growth as an individual.
Hence, aspiring leaders must remove fear from the equation and fill it with positivity, upbuilding and strengthening words and actions, and courage. Also, get out of your comfort zone to achieve big things; we are constantly evolving as humans and this evolution requires positive change. You cannot grow without getting out of your comfort zone to be able to achieve the big things in life.
I would also advise young leaders to take calculated risks. Here I would like to quote Mahatma Gandhi’s sayings, “Before you make any decision, think a thousand times. But once you decide, never look back”. And this is what I mean by ‘taking calculated risks.’ Do your research, be prepared to learn, ask yourself tough questions, and surround yourself with positive people who are willing to uplift you and celebrate you. Lastly, always remember to be kind to people without expecting anything in return. Take care of mother nature, our earth, and the animals that share this world with us. Remember, it has to start with you. If it doesn't start with you and you are waiting on others to make the first move, it doesn't start. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Mabelle Sawaqed, Vice President, International & Business Development, Centre For Entertainment Arts
Mabelle has a BBA from the American University in Dubai and an MBA from Suffolk University in Boston. Over the years, she has travelled to many cities in the world, met with CEOs of globally reputed brands, and received multiple enriching experiences that she leverages to be part of the centre for entertainment arts leadership team.
