Laila Rahhal El Atfani is a Goodwill Ambassador, entrepreneur and diplomat whose work spans business, philanthropy and cultural advocacy across Africa, the Middle East and beyond. She is the Founder and CEO of Woman Business Circle and Business Gate, and of the I Am Africa Platform, and serves as an advisory board executive at the Global Chamber of Business Leaders (GCBL) and Head of Diplomacy and Protocol at WPC.
She is Vice President of The Voice Magazine, and founder and vice president of Refai NGO (Switzerland) and Youth Gate (Cambodia). She serves as President of the Women’s and Youth Empowerment Anouar Association, Ambassador of Art & Culture for the Qatar International Art Festival (QiAF), and Ambassador of Peace & Tolerance for the Global Peace Institute, which has recognised her with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
True leadership is not measured by power or position, but by the lives we uplift, the opportunities we create, and the positive impact we leave behind for future generations.
Your leadership journey has taken you across entrepreneurship, diplomacy, philanthropy and cultural advocacy. How did it all begin?
My leadership journey has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to creating impact beyond borders. From an early age, I believed that true leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about service, responsibility, and the ability to inspire positive change in the lives of others.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working across multiple sectors, including entrepreneurship, diplomacy, philanthropy, women’s empowerment, international business development, and cultural advocacy. These diverse experiences have taught me that leadership requires adaptability, resilience, and a deep understanding of people and communities.
As a global advocate for women, youth, and humanitarian initiatives, I have dedicated my efforts to building bridges between cultures, economies, and nations. Through international forums, conferences, and strategic partnerships, I have worked to create opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been mentoring future leaders and encouraging women to take their place at decision-making tables. I strongly believe that when women are empowered, societies thrive, economies grow, and future generations benefit.
Today, my mission remains clear: to unite people through collaboration, create meaningful opportunities, and leave a lasting impact that serves humanity. Leadership is not a destination; it is a continuous journey of learning, serving, and inspiring others to become agents of positive change.
What has been your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is not a single award, title, or recognition. It is the ability to create meaningful impact in the lives of people and communities around the world.
Throughout my journey, I have worked to empower women, support youth development, promote cultural understanding, and build international partnerships that create opportunities for growth and progress. Seeing individuals gain confidence, launch businesses, develop leadership skills, or achieve their dreams because of initiatives I have supported brings me immense fulfilment.
I am particularly proud of the platforms and networks I have helped establish that connect leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from different countries and backgrounds. These collaborations have fostered dialogue, innovation, and shared success.
Success, for me, is measured by the positive legacy we leave behind and the lives we touch. Knowing that my work contributes to a better future for others is the achievement I value most, and the motivation that continues to guide my efforts every day.
What challenges have shaped you most as a leader?
Like many leaders, I have faced challenges that tested my resilience, determination, and vision. One of the greatest has been navigating diverse industries and cultures while maintaining authenticity and staying true to my values.
Building international networks and leading initiatives across different regions requires patience, understanding, and the ability to overcome barriers. There have been moments when opportunities seemed difficult to achieve, but I learned that perseverance and faith are powerful tools for success.
Another significant challenge has been balancing ambitious goals with the realities of change and uncertainty. Leadership often requires making difficult decisions, adapting to evolving circumstances, and remaining focused despite obstacles.
These experiences have taught me that challenges are not roadblocks; they are opportunities for growth. They have strengthened my character, expanded my perspective, and reinforced my belief that every challenge carries within it the seeds of future success.
What leadership values guide your decisions?
The values that guide my leadership are integrity, compassion, respect, collaboration, and service to humanity.
I believe leadership begins with trust. Integrity is the foundation of every meaningful relationship, whether in business, diplomacy, or community engagement — people follow leaders they trust.
Compassion is equally important. Understanding the needs of others and leading with empathy allows us to create solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
Collaboration is another core value. No leader succeeds alone. The greatest achievements come from bringing people together, respecting diverse perspectives, and working toward a common purpose.
I am also guided by a strong sense of responsibility to contribute positively to society. Every decision I make is influenced by a simple question: how can this create value and benefit others? Ultimately, I believe leadership is about empowering people, building opportunities, and creating lasting impact for future generations.
How do you balance leadership with your personal life?
Balancing leadership and personal responsibilities requires discipline, prioritisation, and a strong support system. While leadership demands significant time and energy, I believe it is essential to remain connected to family, personal values, and wellbeing.
I focus on managing my time effectively and ensuring that every commitment aligns with my mission and priorities. I have learned that balance does not mean dividing time equally; it means giving attention to what matters most at the right moment.
I also believe in the importance of self-reflection and continuous learning. Taking time to recharge allows me to lead with greater clarity and effectiveness. Most importantly, I remind myself that leadership is a human journey — success becomes more meaningful when it is shared with loved ones and guided by strong personal values.
What advice would you give future women leaders?
My advice to future women leaders is simple: believe in your potential, and never allow limitations imposed by others to define your future.
Lead with confidence, but also with humility. Continue learning, embrace challenges, and understand that setbacks are often preparation for greater achievements.
Build strong networks, seek mentors, and support other women. Success is not about competing against one another; it is about lifting each other and creating opportunities together. Stay true to your values and never compromise your integrity for short-term gains — authentic leadership creates trust and long-term influence.
Most importantly, remember that your voice matters. The world needs diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and compassionate leadership. Do not wait for permission to lead. Step forward, take action, and create the future you wish to see.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, unity, and positive impact.
I want to be remembered as someone who built bridges between cultures, connected people through meaningful opportunities, and contributed to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world. My vision is to inspire future generations to lead with purpose, courage, and humanity. I hope that the initiatives, partnerships, and platforms I have helped create will continue to empower women, youth, entrepreneurs, and communities for years to come.
Ultimately, my greatest aspiration is that my work encourages others to believe in the power of collaboration and service. If I can inspire even one person to create positive change in the lives of others, then I will consider my legacy successful.
Closing thoughts
We are living through one of the most transformative periods in history — a time when peace must help bridge the challenges ahead, because innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration have the power to reshape economies, societies and humanity itself.
The leaders of tomorrow will not be defined by ambition, but by their ability to create meaningful impact, empower others, and build sustainable solutions for global challenges. When vision is matched by purpose, and purpose is matched by action, success becomes more than an achievement — it becomes a legacy.
Let’s build that legacy, together.
