Dr. Nairouz Bader, CEO of Envision Partnership, specializes in providing exceptional client service in the realm of executive recruitment. Her expertise extends to sourcing individuals for key positions such as Board of Directors, Chairmen, Chief Executive Officers, Division and Subsidiary Presidents, and Vice Presidents. With a wealth of commercial and business experience, her reach spans across diverse markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
In addition to her role as CEO, Dr. Nairouz serves as a board member and the representative for the Middle East and North Africa region at the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC). Her dedication to expanding opportunities in emerging markets is further evidenced by her position on the AESC Board Committee for Emerging Markets.
Dr. Nairouz’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional endeavors. She has contributed her expertise as a board director for the Rotary organization and as a Non-Executive Director (NED) for the Universal American School. Her stature as an international expert in Human Resources is recognized by her certification as an (Official OSEC Expert) by OSEC, Switzerland.
Below are highlights of an interview conducted by the World’s Leaders:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
I am truly passionate about achieving excellence and making a meaningful impact in the business world. Within the workplace, my utmost dedication lies in creating a positive and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. Collaboration and teamwork are at the core of my beliefs, fostering open communication and innovative thinking among my colleagues. I hold myself and others to high standards, always striving for growth and success.
Recognizing the significance of diversity and equal opportunities, I actively promote these values within my organization. Beyond the confines of work, I aspire to be a role model and a source of inspiration for others. I am committed to making a positive difference in my community and society as a whole. I participate in various initiatives and advocate for social causes that align with my personal values.
In my personal life, I am blessed to be the mother of two wonderful young ladies who constantly inspire, teach, motivate, and provide me with a fresh perspective on the world. Recognizing the significance of maintaining a harmonious work-life balance, I prioritize self-care. I strongly believe in personal growth, actively pursuing my hobbies, and nurturing meaningful relationships with my loved ones.
My ultimate dedication lies in breaking down barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and paving the way for future generations of female leaders. I am firmly committed to building a world where gender equality is the norm and where women are granted equal opportunities to flourish in leadership roles.
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
I am a pharmacist by trade, I started my career in the pharma industry, and while I was doing my postgraduate studies, I fell in love with leadership. I started my executive search and leadership practice in New York a couple of decades ago, then in Canada and Europe, and moved to Dubai to head Envision Partnership.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
Envision Partnership is a renowned female executive search and leadership advisory organization. Established in Canada in 1997, we have expanded our operations to Dubai, catering to the EMEA region. We take pride in being the first organization certified in the MENA region by WeConnect International and also the first to receive certification from the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) in the MENA region. Additionally, we are certified by OSEC/Switzerland Global Enterprise. Our commitment to excellence is further recognized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce CSR Label, as we have been awarded in the Marketplace and Workplace category. We have also been honored as finalists for the Sustainability Awards by AMCHAM.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I have been known as a radical advocate for female leadership and putting more females on boards and c-suite. Our team is the foundation of our success. We have a diverse and talented group of professionals who are passionate about what they do. We foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages creativity, learning, and growth. Our team’s expertise, dedication, and shared values enable us to consistently deliver exceptional service and exceed client expectations.
Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
Our primary service is executive search, where we identify and recruit top-tier executive talent for key leadership positions, including a unique female gender executive search. We have a rigorous selection process, leveraging our industry expertise and extensive network to find the best candidates who align with our clients’ requirements. We prioritize building long-term relationships based on trust, integrity, and confidentiality. We take the time to understand our clients’ unique needs and culture, ensuring that we provide customized solutions that align with their strategic objectives.
In addition to executive search, we provide comprehensive human resources consulting services. This includes talent assessment and development, organizational design and restructuring, compensation and benefits analysis, succession planning, and HR strategy consulting. We partner with our clients to address their HR challenges and help them optimize their talent management strategies.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
The most important aspects of a company’s culture include collaboration, integrity, continuous learning, a client-centric approach, and innovation. At our executive search company, we prioritize these principles to build a strong culture. We encourage teamwork, uphold high ethical standards, foster personal growth, focus on client needs, and embrace innovation. Through leading by example, open communication, and creating an inclusive environment, we cultivate a culture that drives success.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovative ideas hold great significance for our executive search company. They are catalysts for growth, differentiation, and staying ahead in a competitive industry. Embracing innovation allows us to provide cutting-edge solutions, adapt to changing market dynamics, and deliver exceptional value to our clients. We encourage and foster a culture that values and embraces innovative thinking to drive continuous improvement and achieve sustainable success. We greatly believe that diversity brings a great deal of innovation.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
In my opinion, organizations heavily rely on team processes for sustained success. While individual heroics can be impressive, effective teamwork brings together diverse perspectives and skills, promotes collaboration, and maximizes collective intelligence for better outcomes and shared accountability.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
For someone stepping into a leadership position for the first time, my advice would be to embrace a growth mindset and continually develop your skills. Build strong relationships based on trust and effective communication. Lead by example, demonstrating integrity and fairness. Invest in the growth of your team and empower them to take ownership. Embrace collaboration, adapt to change, and foster a culture of innovation. Lastly, prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember, leadership is a journey of continuous learning and growth, so be patient, authentic, and inspire others towards shared success.
