An accomplished executive at Almarai, the largest food and beverage producer in the Middle East, Atheer AlKhalifa is set to speak at the HEC Paris commencement ceremony in June, representing the Executive MBA program's Middle East track. Her journey reflects a commitment not only to her own career growth but also to serving as an inspiring female role model in Saudi Arabia.
When Atheer AlKhalifa was expecting her first child, many thought that her career would take a backseat. However, motherhood only fueled her determination: “How could I tell my children to go after their dreams and reach for the stars if I didn't do the same?” This conviction led her to pursue an Executive MBA at HEC Paris, challenging herself to excel for her two daughters, now aged four and two-going-on-three.
With graduation approaching in June, Atheer reflects on the balancing act of the program's intense workload with her family and professional responsibilities: “It taught me prioritization and time management.” Her coursework directly enhances her current role of managing and overseeing the Investment Unit at Almarai. “The corporate finance course significantly enhanced my understanding of complex mergers and acquisitions, and the leadership training strengthened my ability to manage diverse teams.”
Her decision to pursue an Executive MBA at HEC Paris was driven by the school's strong focus on leadership and entrepreneurship. “HEC Paris aligned perfectly with my ambition to drive significant impact at Almarai and to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, such as starting my own venture capital fund in the future. Learning from some of the brightest minds in business has been invaluable,” she says.
Atheer credits much of her success to the mentorship of her father, the CEO of a major bank in Saudi Arabia. “My father has been a tremendous influence on my career. Watching him lead with integrity and vision has inspired me to strive for excellence in all I do.” she shares.
In her commencement speech, Atheer plans to share her journey, emphasizing resilience and the continuous pursuit of learning. “I will recount personal stories of overcoming challenges and highlight how the lessons from HEC have empowered me to navigate the complexities of the business world with confidence and agility,” she explains.
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