In today’s business world, the demand for effective and consious guidance has never been greater. As industries evolve and the dynamics of executive roles shift, professionals at the helm of organizations seek more than just management skills—they need someone to help them navigate complex interpersonal challenges, sharpen their executive presence, and harness conscious leadership.
Meet Fatima Ibrahim, Founder of Withfatimaibra and an ICF- and ACTP-accredited executive coach. With an impressive 22-year career in HR and people development, including 13 years in leadership roles, Fatima has become a respected figure in the world of executive coaching. Her experience spans leadership positions at esteemed organizations such as STC, NOKIA, and the Ministry of Economy and Planning, allowing her to bring a unique depth of expertise to her coaching sessions.
Fatima’s coaching philosophy is rooted in a blend of self-awareness and actionable strategies. She also works on leadership consciousness, which is both her goal and her strength. She specializes in areas critical to executive success, including public speaking, executive presence, conflict management, and conscious leadership. Her holistic approach to leadership development addresses key areas such as ego management and labeling, providing clients with tools to foster genuine connections and lead with integrity.
Through Withfatimaibra, she is redefining leadership for the modern executive, empowering individuals to excel in their roles with confidence and authenticity.
A Foundation in Medicine
Fatima comes from a humble family background, born and raised in Saudi Arabia, in a family full of physicians. She began her career early, starting at the age of 21 as a sales girl at Marks and Spencer. Her strong command of the English language gave her an edge over her peers, allowing her to quickly climb the career ladder. Balancing work and studies, she got married and raised two boys who have grown into dependable men. Over the years, Fatima worked in several companies across various industries, progressively sharpening her skills in Human Resources (HR). From her initial role as a data entry clerk to becoming the country HR head, her journey was driven by a mindset of continuous growth and learning.
What set her apart was her determination to invest in herself, never waiting for a company to do it for her. She made her education, certifications, seminars, conferences, and surrounding herself with the right people a priority. Fatima acknowledges that being conscious and true to herself was often challenging in the business world, where she faced injustice, poor leadership, wrong decisions, and corporate politics. However, she remains thankful for those experiences, as they shaped the person she is today. Freedom, integrity, and honesty are the core values that guide her leadership style, and she strives to embody these principles with her team members and colleagues throughout her career.
Transforming Adversity into Opportunity
After a long career filled with both challenges and growth, Fatima experienced significant lessons from the ups and downs she faced. Over the course of her journey, she was released from her role three times, each instance attributed to poor leadership, inflated egos, and workplace politics. These experiences deepened her understanding of the detrimental impact that weak leadership can have on individuals and organizations. In 2020, Fatima took a significant step by becoming a certified coach, with a vision to mentor C-level executives and decision-makers, aiming to cultivate more conscious and thoughtful leaders across the Middle East.
As the founder of her brand, Withfatimaibra, she delivers an exceptional and unique experience, where the value lies in her personal approach. Without a team, Fatima herself is the product, service, and value she offers. Her mission is to guide and inspire leaders in the region to become more mindful and impactful, minimizing the negative effects of poor leadership in organizations. Through her coaching, Fatima strives to shape a new generation of conscious leaders in the Middle East, fostering healthier work environments and promoting sustainable leadership practices.
The Balance of Life
Fatima continues to grow every day, not just by accumulating certificates or professional accolades, but by focusing on spiritual growth as well. Staying grounded and conscious is what truly drives her, believing that investing in health, wealth, and the soul is vital for lasting success. For Fatima, the most important investment is in how to think better and be better, as this leads to better results in life and work. She values a holistic approach to personal development, recognizing that growth comes from a balance between professional achievements and personal well-being.
One of the qualities she finds lacking in many is patience and a true growth mindset. She observes that there’s often a rush to climb the ladder without proper preparation or readiness. However, Fatima believes that learning is a continuous journey, and you can always grow along the way. For her, the path to success isn’t about speed but about thoughtful, ongoing development—both in skill and spirit.
Taking Charge
Fatima highlights the importance of personal responsibility in her coaching approach, urging her clients to take ownership of their life situations and actions. She believes that playing the victim and continuously complaining only hinders growth and progress. For Fatima, the key to creating positive change lies within each individual; they are the only ones truly responsible for making and shaping better circumstances in their lives. By adopting this mindset, her clients can empower themselves to take proactive steps toward improvement and fulfillment.
Commitment to Change
For Fatima, the happiest part of her daily routine is the time she spends playing with her cats, which brings her joy and relaxation amidst the challenges she faces. Despite the happiness her pets provide, she acknowledges the significant risk she is taking by remaining in a corporate environment that she describes as somewhat toxic. Fatima is aware that this situation can negatively impact her mental health. However, she chooses to stay in this environment, trusting in her abilities to create a positive impact. Her commitment to fostering change reflects her resilience and determination to navigate through adversity while maintaining her focus on growth and improvement.
Encouraging Future Leaders Through Healthy Workspaces
Fatima advises individuals starting their careers to focus on doing what they love and are passionate about, rather than chasing after money. She believes that when you genuinely enjoy practicing your passion, financial rewards will naturally follow. She emphasizes that burnout is not solely a result of heavy workloads; rather, it stems from toxic environments and workplace politics, which can drain energy and motivation.
Moreover, Fatima critiques the education system for failing to equip students with practical skills applicable in the workplace. She proposes the idea of introducing subjects that teach students how to navigate workplace politics and foster positive environments. By creating supportive and empowering workspaces for the next generation, she believes they can drive the economy and the country forward, rather than struggling against inherited challenges. Fatima’s insights reflect her commitment to nurturing future leaders who can thrive in healthy and constructive workplaces.
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