Having supported women through mentoring, workshops, and transformational learning experiences, Dr. Rana Jisr is a researcher, educator, ICF-credentialed coach, and author of Women on the Rooftop, committed to helping women shape lives grounded in purpose and choice. A Visiting Professor at several universities in Europe and an Affiliated Professor at Grenoble École de Management, she blends academic rigor with deeply human insight across leadership, management, and personal development. She is also the co-founder of Del-Ponte, where she designs programs that bridge self-discovery with real-world career pathways across the Middle East. When she’s not coaching or building learning journeys, she is teaching and mentoring students across Europe.
Women on the Rooftop is her way of honoring the courage it takes to say “no more” after a lifetime of “yes.”
Quiet leadership does not happen on a stage with microphones, titles, and photos. It happens in small rooms where no one is watching.
What has your journey from professor to executive coach and author looked like?
My leadership journey began long before I held formal leadership roles. It was shaped by personal experiences that taught me resilience, courage, and the importance of using one’s voice. Throughout my career as a professor, researcher, executive coach, and leadership practitioner, I have been driven by a commitment to helping others recognize their potential and lead with authenticity. I believe leadership is not defined by position or title but by the choices we make, especially during moments of uncertainty and adversity. My work has focused on empowering individuals, particularly women, to challenge limiting beliefs, navigate complex environments, and create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Through teaching, mentoring, research, and writing, I strive to bridge theory and lived experience.
What impact are you proudest of through your teaching, coaching and writing?
The impact I seek to create goes beyond professional achievements. Through my teaching, coaching, research, and writing, I have helped individuals develop the confidence to lead, make difficult decisions, and pursue paths aligned with their values. I have mentored students, executives, and emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to view leadership as a responsibility rather than a privilege. My research and advocacy in women’s leadership aim to challenge stereotypes, elevate overlooked voices, and create greater awareness of the barriers many women continue to face. Through my book, Women on the Rooftop, I have sought to redefine leadership by highlighting the strength, courage, and influence of women whose stories are rarely told.
What’s the achievement you consider most meaningful?
My book “Women on the Rooftop” represents a significant milestone in my journey, as it gives voice to women whose leadership often goes unrecognized and challenges traditional assumptions about who gets to be called a leader. Creating impact through both scholarship and human connection remains my most meaningful achievement.
What makes your leadership distinct?
What makes my leadership impact meaningful is my ability to bridge lived experience, academic research, and leadership practice. I do not view leadership as a position of authority but as a responsibility to create opportunities for others to grow, find their voice, and realize their potential. My work is rooted in the belief that leadership exists far beyond formal titles and can be found in the everyday choices people make to overcome adversity, challenge limitations, and support others. Through teaching, coaching, research, and writing, I strive to make leadership more inclusive, authentic, and accessible. My focus on women’s leadership, particularly through amplifying stories that are often overlooked, allows me to connect personal transformation with broader social change. This combination of scholarship, real-world experience, and a deep commitment to empowering others is what makes my leadership impact both meaningful and distinctive.
What advice would you give future women leaders?
Do not wait for permission to lead. Too often, women are taught to seek validation before trusting their own voice, ideas, or abilities. Leadership is not about being fearless or having all the answers; it is about having the courage to act despite uncertainty. Embrace your authenticity, trust your values, and do not allow others to define your potential. Build strong relationships, seek mentors and allies, and never underestimate the power of lifting other women as you grow. Most importantly, remember that leadership is not measured by titles or visibility alone. Some of the most impactful leaders are those who create change quietly through their actions, resilience, and commitment to others. Stay curious, keep learning, and do not be discouraged by setbacks—they are often the experiences that shape your strongest leadership qualities.
