Four prominent women leaders shared personal insights on leadership and legacy during the inaugural Khaleej Times Women’s Power Summit held in Dubai on Wednesday. The panel discussion, titled "How Today’s Women Leaders Are Building Tomorrow’s Legacy," was moderated by Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer at Khaleej Times, and highlighted the diverse experiences that have shaped their leadership styles.
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, described how the loss of her mother profoundly influenced her outlook on life and leadership. She said the experience underscored the importance of valuing each day as a gift, prompting her to focus on making meaningful contributions rather than pursuing individual ambition. “When I think of myself as a leader, it’s about what the world needs and how I can try to make it happen,” she explained.
Kimberley Pierce, CEO of King’s College Hospital London - Dubai, traced her leadership development back to her early career as a cardiac nurse in critical care. She emphasized that the rapid decision-making skills required at the bedside continue to inform her approach as a chief executive. “If you take the role of a nurse, particularly in a critical care environment, what happens is we make rapid decisions really quickly based on what the patient’s status is,” Pierce noted.
Alice Weightman, founder and CEO of Hanson Search Group, reflected on the evolving nature of leadership over the past 25 years. She highlighted a shift from traditional command-and-control styles towards valuing softer skills such as empathy and collaboration. “When I set up my business 25 years ago, the style of leadership was much more command and control. Whereas, now the world has evolved and those softer skills are so important,” she said.
Katy Keenan, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, spoke about the importance of authenticity in leadership, even when it conflicted with conventional corporate norms. Drawing from her experience in financial institutions, she observed that "soft leadership" or more human-centered approaches were often overlooked for promotions. This perception influenced her decision to leave such environments in search of leadership roles that value authenticity.
The panelists collectively underscored that leadership today extends beyond formal authority or traditional metrics of success. Their stories highlighted how personal challenges, frontline experiences, and evolving societal expectations are reshaping leadership models—emphasizing empathy, adaptability, and purpose-driven action as key elements for building a lasting legacy.