Impactful Leaders Embrace Change

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There has been a growing number of women on boards in the Middle East over the last 20 years. So, what can we learn from these trailblazers? We speak to Edie Rodriguez, a Special Advisor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, on her journey to the top.

What one learning has had the biggest impact on your career?

I have learned that you must be open to change and open to listening. I have a hunger for change, advancement, growth, and learning. It is how we push forward. By listening to the perspectives of others, you can learn to adapt things to suit the needs of your clients or your team members. Speedy Edie is actually my nickname because I am quick to embrace change.

The global pandemic showed us how important the need to be flexible and willing to change truly is. It decimated the cruise industry, forcing us to ask, “how can we pivot out of this?”

What drives you to succeed?

I drive myself to succeed. I think it is just part of my DNA. I have always been ambitious and have an innate desire to learn and push forward. A former colleague used to say of me “she operates on a different chip” because my drive and passion set me apart.

What key drivers have enabled you to get to where you are today?

I benefitted from a great education, and I am a proponent of formal education because I have seen its value. It also gives you the grounding to be open to perpetual learning, which is crucially important. I have a hunger to keep ahead of the curve. I ran the most profitable division of Amadeus, despite not being a technologist, because I learned how to motivate and drive the team.

Confidence is another key element in my success. I believe in myself and am my own head coach, supported by my spirituality and my loving family. That is not to say that you can bluff and play a shell game – you need to know your stuff.

I always try to remember that you should not demand respect, you should command it, and this has held me in good stead.

What one piece of advice would you give to future female leaders or future women on boards today?

I would say networking is one of the keys to getting on to a board. Do your homework, and make sure you get your CV and board bio in order and ready to go. Prepare a two-minute elevator spiel for when an opportunity presents itself. You need to be able to explain what skill set you will bring to the board, how you will contribute, and why. It is also important to make people aware that you are interested in being on a board.

If you are interested and have a passion for a particular company, let them know. It will not always work out, but at least you can say you have tried.

Can you describe a redefining moment that has impacted your career?

When I became a female CEO, one of the first in the industry, I had a redefining moment when I realized that some people whom I believed to be loyal had their own agendas. Whether they were undermining me or taking the path of least resistance, they were not exactly whom I thought they were. The redefining moment taught me to not be so trusting.

The interview was conducted by Mina Paul, Consultant at Russell Reynolds Associates, Dubai. Mina is passionate about building authentic and long-term partnerships with clients, teaming up with leadership teams to identify and attract diverse talents.