Moterys Viduriniųjų Rytų finansų pasaulyje: interviu su Layal Haykal

In order for a woman to succeed in a world, where the rules are dictated by men and age-old traditions, she must be a real professional. Today we are interviewing just such a specialist and, using her example, we want to show how professionalism and striving for success help to achieve heights despite unequal conditions.

Layal, please describe the problems women face in the Middle East? How do these problems prevent women from developing and achieving success in their careers?

"Unfortunately, in the majority of the Middle East countries, women cannot have equal rights with men. What is more, development in the professional sphere is complicated for them. All the leading positions in the majority of spheres of life are occupied by men - and it is the main problem and inhibitory factor for women's career progress. As a rule, each woman entirely depends on her husband. Her life is locked in the household. Of course, such a dishonorable role affects the options in general development in social, professional, and cultural dimensions exceptionally negatively. 
You are one of the few who have truly reached impressive heights in your professional career. What qualities do you think have helped you to succeed in the specific world of business and finance, where men traditionally rule?

Of course, every rule has exceptions. I think I was fortunate to manage the escape from this vicious circle of dependencies and become an example for many women willing to live, work, and develop a fascinating career. Luck is far from a determinant perk here. I work a lot and constantly improve myself as a professional. A woman in the Middle East can be successful if she is head and shoulders above men in a professional dimension. 

Your story is a success story. What are its reasons?

"As I've mentioned before, the fundamental cause of success is persistence. I put back into work and continually learn. In the financial sphere, one must not only know much but swiftly react to the market changes, as the apparent prosperity can give place to a crisis in a moment. 
Tell us about your experience. What challenges did you face in Euromena and how important is your role in the company's operations and its success?

During the days of employment in Euromena Funds, an international investment company based in Lebanon, I could prove out myself maximally. There I got significant experience in investments and affected mutual success and company development equally with men. 
My duties included the workflow organization within a company and consulting in the field of taxation optimization.

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How do Lebanese and international partners and clients rate your work?

"Their feedback was very positive. Their support and appreciation, in particular, have become proof of my professionalism and motivated me to move further in my career and professional knowledge and never stop at what has already been achieved. At the rapidly changing world of finance you always need to move forward.
At the end of 2019, a banking crisis began in Lebanon, from which the country has not yet been able to recover. Tell us how you managed not only to work, but also to maintain high efficiency during this difficult time?

During the October 2019 banking crisis, a pretty severe period for Lebanon, I had to run the financial flows of the whole Euromena Group.
Besides that, in the meantime, I was lucky to cooperate with financial development institutes in the spheres of ecology betterment and social relationships. The institutes still promote the development of the Lebanon private sector forming after a crisis and the region's economic stability.

Answering your question, I can add that the system approach and a habit of learning and work much helped me solve those tasks. Years of practice gave birth to a strong habit not to sit idly even if I had spare time. 

In addition to finance, what other areas have you managed to become a professional and succeed in?

"Yes, finances are not half of it. I conducted the transfer of the data belonging to all 18 companies forming the Euromena Group from old software to new. Despite the significant amount of work, I managed to complete it successfully. That assignment captivated me, as it demanded great attention to detail. I think the more difficulty means the more excitement. 
How do you manage not only to work fruitfully, but also to study in parallel, to combine this with the role of mother and wife?

Here everything is relatively easy. I wouldn't say I like sitting idly so much that any professional or common obstacle cannot frighten me. They are just tasks, and one should fall in love with them. Then, everything is possible! When you feel the responsibility for others, you feel up to do it!
What advice would you give to women in the Middle East and around the world to achieve their goals?

The main peculiarity of women is their ability to create the world around them, change it, and care about it. It concerns the professional sphere completely. Yes, often, a woman has to work twice more than a man to prove her competence. But it will make you a true professional. It will highlight you among other co-workers and let you accomplish all the career goals. 

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