To commemorate the International Women’s Day, we are featuring women who have made notable contributions in their respective industries. We aim to explore the tenacity of each and discover how they pushed boundaries to rise to the top.
Hala Farouk Almoayyed, Executive Director, Almoayyed Contracting Group
What does the 2022 International Women’s Day slogan, #breakthebias mean for you in your work life?
Breaking the bias is a very relevant theme, as the world needs to be more inclusive of women in all aspects of society. A “bias” is nothing more than a mental barrier created by the mind to say that women cannot perform certain tasks or jobs well or as well as men. Being a woman in the contracting industry, I have been able to achieve success because of the support of my work mentors like my father, brother, and husband. They put their faith in me, looking beyond my gender and believing I was able to achieve what I put my mind to. This helped #BreaktheBias, and today the Almoayyed Group has a high percentage of women in its workforce.
What is the main challenge that you’ve faced as a woman in your industry?
#BreaktheBias hits home with me as most of the challenges I have faced have to do with people being skeptical about my capabilities even before they interact with me. The typical attitude I encountered has been dismissive, with a lot of “well-intentioned” advice given about finding myself a more “women-related” business to be involved in. These biases meant that I had to go above and beyond to prove myself in the construction industry.
What has been the most empowering moment in your career?
My career is made up of a series of defining moments, and they all build upon each other as successes and failures to reach where I am today. The most empowering moment in my career is being entrusted with the responsibility and delivering on their trust. I got to learn the ropes of the industry at a time when Bahrain was going through a real estate boom. Underneath my businesswoman persona, I am an artist. So with every completed project and every new landscape executed, I see them all as works of art that make Bahrain more beautiful. Dealing with clients is something I love, and the positive feedback I receive from them is what drives me to achieve more.
Which powerful woman do you admire the most and why?
The greatest power one holds is the power to uplift others. And that is why I admire my mother, Fadia Algosaibi. She has been the most influential role model in my life with her creativity and her ability to make anyone feel special and appreciated. The values she has embedded in me are what molded me to be a strong leader who stands up for what is right. Her exquisite taste is something I look up to and learn from every day, and it reflects in all the decisions I make in any project. She taught us to be compassionate, humble and that all humans are equal. My grandmother Aysha Almoayyed also plays a large role in my life. She was passionate about giving back to the community, and that is why as an individual and a businesswoman, I make sure that I contribute to charitable initiatives.
Do you have any advice for women wanting to start their own business or work their way up the ladder?
Before you plan to start a business, make sure you have done your due diligence. When you start your business, don’t risk more than you can afford.
If you are trying to move up the ladder, try and learn new skills. I believe learning never stops and we need to continuously learn every day. As you learn you will be able to take on more responsibility and perform better in your job.