Global campuses
Powered by purpose: championing authentic leadership
Authenticity is a transformative attribute that can power leadership. Helping to steer Heriot-Watt University Dubai into the future are two inspiring women who champion this approach.
What do we mean when we talk about authentic leaders? It is an important question and one that Pro-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, has commented on extensively. Her recently published book ‘The Power of Authenticity’ details her personal philosophy on leadership honed through years of leading her family business.
Renowned for championing female empowerment in the workplace, Dr Al Gurg’s work in female advocacy has been hugely important, supporting increased roles for women in business and society across the UAE. She is one of the Arab world’s most distinguished business leaders, responsible for steering the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, which encompasses 27 companies spanning retail, construction, industrial and real estate sectors.
“I believe that by harnessing the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual energy that resides within each of us, we can each develop a leadership style based on personal authenticity. And being authentic can lead to business success.
I’ve aimed to be candid about the obstacles and triumphs that I’ve faced and the lessons learned, first as a secondary school principal, before climbing the ladder of a diversified conglomerate. We all experience both beautiful and bad experiences. The bitter ones are more important that the sweet ones. The hard ones are the ones that improve us as human beings.
Pro-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg
Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice-Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWUD)
In many ways I know that I have defied conventional, and stereotyped perceptions of women of the Middle East. It is the recurring barriers I have faced that have shaped my leadership style and motivated my drive to succeed.
To be an authentic person is very important. You must be clear with yourself – 100% sure about leading in the right way, helping your community, looking to the future, thinking about what’s needed. As you move through life you absorb learning and experiences. Growing older you become more stable, more assured, more certain of who you are: more authentic because being true to yourself is easier.
But being authentic is also about looking beyond yourself, paying attention to others, and acknowledging, supporting and promoting their contribution. Teamwork is essential. Enthusiasm is empowering. Passion is a driver. You need to be invested in what you do, and being authentic means that you will be. Authentic leadership also makes people more comfortable with you. It is a powerful connecting force.”
Being authentic is a powerful connecting force.”
Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice-Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWUD) has helped to develop the careers of some of the world’s leading political, business and financial figures. She was a founding member of the 30% Club, working to raise the representation of women at senior levels within the UK’s publicly quoted companies.
In 2015, she was awarded a CBE for services to business, especially employment skills and diversity, followed in 2022 by a Damehood for services to education, business and heritage.
“Dr Al Gurg sets the pace for those like me who look up to her achievements. Her three leadership themes are mind, heart and soul. The mind provides intellectual capital, i.e. the knowledge which creates trust. If there is ‘a foundation of solid knowledge across all decisions you make, fast or slow, the outcome will always be better,’ she says.
The heart provides emotional capital. Being human is central to being a leader. You will make mistakes – own them, deal with them. The soul is the dimension of leadership that considers legacy.
For Dr Al Gurg, her leadership of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group is less as the owner but rather as the custodian for the next generation. I very much relate to this: before I joined Heriot-Watt, I was an entrepreneur, buying a company which I expanded across the world. When I left it, I transferred it to the next generation of employees.
I have also followed her thinking in building my own deep knowledge base. I have an MBA and PhD in finance but more recently took the time to qualify as a chartered management accountant. This formal qualification cements my knowledge and makes it easier for people to trust my financial leadership.
Leaders play a pivotal role in any organisation. Their impact is felt in everything from strategic decision-making to organisational and financial performance. Where we can bring authentic leadership to our roles, we help to foster dynamic and diverse communities, inspiring trust and connection. For me this is all about creating an environment where students can thrive.”
Dr Al Gurg and Professor McGregor are role models for our students and for those who aspire to academic and business careers. Both have a passion for equity and education, and as lifelong learners they focus on the future ahead.
“I look forward to being part of an all-female leadership team in Dubai,” commented Dr Al Gurg on her appointment as Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s Pro-Chancellor. “I hope my engagement will further enrich the contribution of Heriot-Watt University within the education sector in the UAE and enhance skill development in various industry avenues. The essence of education to me is challenging and extending oneself into unknown areas and accepting there is always more on the horizon. Regardless of age, experience or status, a lifelong learning attitude is essential to stay relevant in our ever-changing world.”
Professor Heather McGregor added: “We are delighted that Dr Al Gurg is part of the Heriot-Watt University community. Her business acumen, approach and outlook are inspirational for our team in Dubai and set an example for our students. We look forward to accomplishing further growth and impact with her leadership and support.”
Where we can bring authentic leadership to our roles, we foster dynamic and diverse communities.”
Read the latest exciting news from Heriot-Watt University Dubai at: hw.ac.uk/dubai
