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ABOUT NORA
Nora Albakr, SVP of Strategy and Excellence at Saudi Payments, has over 15 years of executive experience in the financial services and payments industry. With a robust educational background including an IT degree, an MBA, and a Harvard Programme for Leadership development, Nora has led business development and strategy in major Saudi banks and national payment schemes. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to innovation, strategic planning, and promoting a positive organizational culture. She is recognized for empowering her team, promoting empathy, and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.
EMPATHY IS THE MOST UNDERESTIMATED SKILL NEEDED TO SUCCEED AS A LEADER IN THE FUTURE.
Nora Albakr
NORA IN A NUTSHELL
SVP of Strategy and Excellence
Saudi Payments
area of expertise
Finance / Banking / Investment / Accounting Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
companies Nora has worked for
NORA AS A LEADER
Nora’s leadership philosophy revolves around authenticity, empathy, and continuous improvement. She believes that success is relative and is defined by achieving one's objectives while maintaining personal integrity and well-being. Nora emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and balanced work environment where employees are empowered to prioritize their families and personal lives.
Leadership is not management.
Great leaders are always human.
The future of leadership is bright.
When I think of a leader, I think of my dad.
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF, DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE, AND TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.
Nora Albakr
JOANA SANTOS
At the beginning of her career, Nora faced significant gender bias, which motivated her to work twice as hard to gain respect and prove her capabilities. She overcame these challenges through knowledge, dedication, and always having the right answers. By consistently demonstrating her competence and commitment, Nora earned the respect of her colleagues and paved the way for other women in the industry. Her journey highlights the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming gender bias and achieving success.
NORA ON MENTORING AND DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS
Nora is passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. She holds regular one-on-one meetings with new joiners and ensures ongoing engagement throughout the year. By sharing her story and encouraging open discussions, she helps young professionals overcome their fears and develop their potential. Nora also promotes inclusive discussions and encourages juniors to present their ideas, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Her commitment to mentoring extends beyond her team to individuals across the organization and students at different colleges.
THE MISTAKES I HAVE MADE AND THE WRONG ENVIRONMENTS I WAS EXPOSED TO HAVE SHAPED ME INTO A BETTER LEADER. I PROMISED MYSELF TO ALWAYS TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY I WANTED TO BE TREATED AND ACCEPT MISTAKES AS LONG AS WE LEARN FROM THEM.
Nora on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
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