Zeina Zeidan Maalouly: A Woman of Substance!

Zeina Zeidan is the first woman to preside over an Administrative Board in the small Lebanese financial market. Dr. Zeidan was invited to share her experience and vision women in the workforce in the United Nations in New York, and we were fortunate to be granted an interview with her.

Dr. Zeidan knew early on that her career would involve numbers, opting to study finance and auditing. She is an adamant proponent of her career, highlighting that accounting is not the stereotype of a backroom bean counter hunched over the computer in a musty office. She describes her field as a vibrant one where one can get a first-hand look into the inner workings of a variety of different companies, consolidating their financial statements and records as a window into their day-to-day operations. The work is fast-paced in an ever-changing environment, dealing with new and interesting financial challenges on a daily basis, and most importantly, the strategic planning and how to help influence the future direction of the company.

Dr. Zeidan is among the select few who not recoil at being called a “mathematical nerd”, because the universal language of numbers has been a constant in the life of this remarkable 39-year-old. Her eyes light up with passion as she talks about how numbers can explain the universe at its most fundamental level. It is this intense focus that result in her being appointed as the elected chairperson of the board of directors of Royal Financials, a leading foreign exchange and electronic trading platform, in July 2016. Her appointment is a reflection of the forward-thinking strategy of the company that was founded in 2006 by Rayan Al Annan. Royal Financials is regulated by the Central Bank of Lebanon, and by many other juridictions including Cyprus and Australia.

There is an immense sense of responsibility when it comes to the pioneer position Dr. Zeidan is holding. Women have been notoriously discriminated against gender-wise and held back to the point of oppression in some cases. So whenever a veneer of hope such as Dr. Zeidan’s appointment comes through, it is imperative that it be utilized as a platform to showcase the capabilities and talents of all women. She is acutely aware of the scrutiny she is under, but such matters never fail to motivate Dr. Zeidan to work even harder.

She has sculpted her leadership persona by being inspired by the most unlikely of sources: an old hawker at a train station inspired her by his hard work at an advanced age; and a highly-educated person inspired her by his efficiency. However, most of the credit goes to the major shareholder of Royal Financials, whose work culture consists of an environment in which employees are trusted, treated like the adults they are, and not micromanaged. They are entrusted with applying the values, vision, mission and strategic framework within which they are expected to accomplish their jobs. It is an open and forgiving workplace that focuses on nurturing individuals rather than requiring strict adherence to antiquated rules and regulations.

Whenever questioned about the challenges she faces, Dr. Zeidan scoffs at any attempt to victimize herself as a female CEO. Most people in such high positions of power would welcome having a crutch to lean on to justify their failings, but you would never find her susceptible to such weakness. Dr. Zeidan is content to take responsibility for every one of her actions. She considers herself fortunate because she works for a non-traditional multinational that has come to appreciate what women bring to the boardroom. She believes that the proper use of power is when one imposes their presence, whether male or female. And what is truly remarkable about Dr. Zeidan is that she recognizes that no decision is made individually; friends, leaders, peers, and experience are integral to the opportunities set before her. Her mentors taught her how to look for those opportunities, and encouraged her to explore them. She is quite content at the moment to be upholding her position and galvanizing the company into even greater successes.

When asked about her future plans, Dr. Zeidan said she aspires to be a leader in upcoming projects just as she was at school, university, and in her community. She wants to make a difference in the lives of anyone who touches her sphere. She is a role model and an exemplary success story. She is a sorely needed representation of what unrelenting passion and drive can accomplish even in a bigoted society.