Sheikha Nadia Al-Dossary: 'Be inspired. Look to the stars.'

Making the unlikely career move from cosmetics to scrap metal, Sheikha Nadia Al-Dossary has excelled in the latter to become the CEO and partner of Saudi Arabia’s largest company in the industry, Al-Sale Eastern Co, which is worth an estimated $500 million.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Her career started when she began working at the cosmetic company, Avon, where she was promoted to regional manager within a few years.

She went on to work at a US-based stock exchange company, where she was responsible for setting up human resource and sales strategies. The mother of two had to frequently travel abroad for work, but she was determined to excel at her job and would take her children with her.

A few years later, Al-Dossary realised she wanted to work in a position that was more in keeping with her drive for business. She decided to join her husband’s scrap-metal company, Al-Sale Eastern Co.

She told Arab News: “I had quickly learned that the scrap business can be an excellent moneymaker and it can also have a significant impact on the environment. I wanted to put my own thinking and goals into the business.”

Ranked as one of Forbes Middle East’s 2012 most influential Arab women in business, she developed training models for labourers weighing steel and taught them essential skills. The company was operating on a small scale when she began working there as a middle manager.

The business began to expand operations on an international scale and invest in new equipment. It was temporarily halted when Al-Dossary’s husband had a near-fatal accident in Riyadh.  She spent two months by his side at the hospital while he remained in a coma.

Her husband regained consciousness, but had suffered brain damage that did not allow him to return to work. Al-Dossary had to take control of the entire management of the company. She recalls: “Once I took over they just treated me as a person instead of a woman.”

Now her husband’s health has improved and they share equal responsibilities of the company while they both remain as partners.

PERSISTENCE

She found a new challenge when she participated in last year’s board of directors elections at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EPCCI).

She didn’t win a seat but still values the experience. She told Arab News: “I won 400 votes, mostly from men. I think that illustrates one of the biggest issues facing women in business in Saudi Arabia - the lack of support from other women.”

BACKGROUND

Born to a Saudi father and Bahraini mother, Al-Dossary spent her childhood in Bahrain before moving to Al-Khobar, the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

She moved to Switzerland to complete her high school education and returned to Saudi Arabia for college to study English Literature.

Now she lives in Al-Khobar with her husband and two children.

Her advice to aspiring Saudi women seeking opportunities is: “In business, if it doesn’t hit you in the face, just ignore it. To be a success, stop looking for the future under your feet. Be inspired. Look to the stars.”

She says her inspiration was her grandmother, whom she grew up with. Her most valuable advice to her was: “Life is short. Use it well.”