Building resilience and finding positivity in challenging situations are essential lessons that women pursuing careers should learn, said Leila Hoteit, Managing Director & Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group.
Born and raised in Lebanon, Leila lived through the civil war during her early life. She earned a doctorate in electrical engineering from Imperial College London and spent a few years in Europe’s Oil & Gas sector.
In an interview with TRENDS, Leila said, “I realized I was keen on pursuing a career in strategy and innovation. To equip myself with the necessary skills, I worked towards a master’s in business administration.”
Leila thrives on solving complex business problems and adding value to BCG’s clients by directly impacting their business objectives. “During my time at BCG, I’ve had the privilege to work with people from diverse industries and backgrounds. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me to make a positive impact in the world of business.”
Leila acknowledges that women’s journey in business leadership can be challenging. “In the past, women were often excluded from key decision-making positions and faced numerous workplace advancement barriers. However, in recent years, there has been a marked shift towards greater gender diversity and inclusivity in the corporate world.”
She cites BCG as an example: “At BCG, we have always recognized the importance of having women in leadership positions and work actively to promote gender equality and support the advancement of women through a top-down policy approach. As a result, over 46 percent of our staff globally are women and represent 33 percent of our executive committee.”
BCG also offers a global network called “Women@BCG,” which provides best-in-class programs in career development, mentorship, and networking to help women excel personally and professionally. Leila believes that men play a crucial role in achieving gender parity, and any program must have support from the organization’s men to succeed.
Despite progress, there is still a long way to go before women achieve absolute equality in the workplace globally and within individual institutions. Leila emphasizes that to empower women in leadership roles and achieve true workplace gender equality, these issues must be addressed.
As an Arab woman, Leila faced many challenges pursuing a business career, including balancing work demands with family responsibilities. However, she was fortunate to have a robust support system. Her primary motivators included mentors at BCG, career focus, self-motivation, and a strong emphasis on mental health.
Leila’s message for women is simple yet powerful: “Be bold and confident in pursuing your dreams. Do not let fear or doubt hold you back; do not be afraid to take risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Seek mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and support, and be bold in asking for help when needed.”