Today's BRAIN DUMP

.... because I have a rare few moments to myself…. 

I’ve just returned from a fabulous vacation with my family. With a little time to relax I was able to make a little time to read through some LinkedIn PM’s and think about some of the questions posed.

One question I am consistently asked ‘how it is to be a - women in a leadership role, in the Middle East and in a male dominated industry and how did I achieve it?’..... All these comments raise questions in my mind..... and frankly took some time to rationalize. 

I have never seen it as a negative position to be a professional woman in Dubai, in fact I hadn’t actually thought about it, because I have never faced a situation where I felt I missed out on an opportunity due to being a woman. When I think about it now, it’s a fact that there are many extraordinary successful expat women operating in the Dubai environment - which is multi-cultural and facetted at every corner and Real Estate here being male dominated is a myth. I interact daily with hugely successful Real Estate women.

It is a fact, that there are fewer women in sales leadership roles within real estate developers (from my personal experiences from within a few) and to my knowledge. I don’t know why this is but across the market there are many.

Personally speaking, I was super blessed to be recruited by Nakheel back in 2006, into a senior role and fresh from the UK.

It was at a time when expat recruitment was at a frenzy point and I remember feeling that they were hiring ‘attitude’ with a sprinkling of high skill levels – and for me, it was right place at the right time. I was in the hands of a hugely respected head hunter whom put me forward. Lucky? Blessed? Karma at play? Or simply the right person – could all be true.

Frankly, to this day I am unsure why I was recruited back then - other than I remember the interview very well and when I was presented with the job description to discuss,  I was confident I could add value, but at least one quarter of the role I knew I would need help and I was very transparent about this! This transparency was what the hiring leader respected most it seemed, we built a connection very quickly – coupled with some known brands on my resume from the UK – most notably ‘Harrods’. Psychometrics were also apparently outstanding – whatever that means.

Having Nakheel on my resume was for sure a great start to my career here. My only real estate ‘blip’ was during a global market downturn and fortunately my strong Middle East experience and good network at that point, led me to a non real estate, globally listed company and managing a channel through the Middle East and Asia. 

Long story short, I now find myself at EMAAR (almost 2 years in now) and WOW! Just WOW! This is a company of excellence, achievement, passion, vision and the energy that ticks all of my boxes!

I greatly believe in ‘opportunity’ and that we create our own! So whether a male or female, hunt down the opportunity you want and work hard to get it! One small piece of advise - Don't beg!.... which is what I see most on LinkedIn PM's - just make sure you are qualified and expereinced in what you are aiming for and shout about the value you add. Few recruiters hire because you want to work for 'said' company, they recruit based on what YOU bring to the table. It took me 12 years to get the experience and knowlege (in Dubai) I needed to be recruited by EMAAR and be in a position to really add value. Dreams do not happen overnight! 

Continuing my brain dump –

A few PM’s are asking how my Personal Branding is going (something I started recently) …. Well honestly I’m not sure! It is still a personal/professional challenge to grow my personal brand. Something I discussed in a previous article and honestly I am finding it a (immeasurable) struggle (and ‘trolls’ dear Lord, give me strength!)

I’m wondering how you measure my personal brand success. Do I have more followers on LinkedIn – Yes. Steady growth as always. Are connections engaging in my posts – Yes. Is it delivering leads for my business – Yes! But, LinkedIn has always worked for me. Am I receiving more ‘cries for help’ – Yes! More applicants for jobs – when I am not a recruiting manager – Yes! Am I starting to find it frustrating – Yes!

I have always accepted any invitation to connect on LinkedIn as I have come from the mindset that the more that read a message the higher the chances of it having an impact. Sales is often a number game! But, am I overwhelmed now by what I can only call ‘inappropriateness’ – OH YES! Am I considering a mass ‘cull’ – most definitely YES!

Instagram – well I have received the odd marriage proposal, which is new to me! My daughter has been approached for modelling – yet to consider or investigate this. My Followers have grown and I’ve had some interesting interactions but, I have realized I’m not really sure what I want to get out of this. At the moment, I am creating a diary of my daily thoughts and have taken paid attention to photography, which has been nice. But in terms of actual goals….. I have really no idea where this will lead. I am thinking though that I should have two Instagram profiles, one private and one professional as overlapping really exposes my family, particularly my daughter. Part of me thinks that she must learn to filter and control (delete and block) which she does discuss with me and for her generation social media is critical now and for the future – so, I guess we will manage our way through together, learning as go.

In the vain of still trying 'Personal Branding' you may follow me on Instagram handle DonnaDubai2018 but please note - this is me and my family, my work, my life. The authentic Donna. Please handle with care.