Empowered Leader: H.E. Najla Al Midfa Proposes a Compassionate Leadership Style
H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), is a leading figure in the UAE's burgeoning startup scene. Her unique approach to leadership and entrepreneurship has helped shape the success of over 450 startups and generated US$372 million in revenue.
Al Midfa's philosophy is rooted in honesty, empathy, and respect. According to her, these qualities can deepen trust, culture, and shift a leader's perspective from a leader of tasks to a leader of people. In her role at EGF, she guides founders with a strategic focus, helping them decide what to double down on, what to let go of, and where they might be the bottleneck.
EGF, the UAE's flagship growth capital platform, was launched with AED1 billion by the Emirates Development Bank. It aims to deploy its funds across more than 30 SMEs, generating an estimated AED3 billion contribution to the UAE's GDP. EGF invests through ticket sizes ranging from AED10 million to AED50 million, typically taking minority stakes of 20%-40%.
One of EGF's investments was Tarmeem Healthcare Holding LTD, which employs 150+ people and serves 20,000 patients annually in Abu Dhabi. EGF has also attracted interest from over 1,000 SMEs and is on track to close another deal this year.
Al Midfa's leadership style is defined by 'kindness with a spine.' She argues that in the era of disruption, leadership requires a balance of high care and high standards. Her advice for first-time leaders is to lean into conversations they are tempted to avoid, as leadership is about acting with what you have, in the moment you have it.
At Sheraa, Al Midfa orchestrates an entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sharjah. Over its lifecycle, Sheraa has supported over 450 startups and incubated more than 180, uniting 44,000+ attendees at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) and inspiring 93% to launch their own ventures.
Al Midfa's commitment to inclusivity is evident in the statistics. 95% of incubated startups in the past three years remain operational, with 51% led by women, underscoring Sheraa's inclusive ecosystem.
In Al Midfa's view, entrepreneurship is nation-building, and every honest conversation strengthens not just a company, but the foundations of an economy. Connection is a constant for Al Midfa, as she believes that one introduction or conversation can change the trajectory of a company or leader.
Al Midfa's toughest leadership decision was reshaping a leadership team due to a fraying culture and eroding trust. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her mission of fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and honesty in leadership.
In conclusion, H.E. Najla Al Midfa's leadership philosophy, combined with her commitment to fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and honesty, has made her a driving force in the UAE's startup ecosystem. Her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship serves as a model for others in the industry and beyond.
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