Interview with Moneera Alzubairi

Grow Learn Connect: Can you tell us about your educational background and how it has influenced your career path?

Moneera Alzubairi: I was lucky to have a very diverse educational background that allowed me to communicate with various cultures early on. During my MBA studies, I enjoyed leadership and change management courses, which were underpinned by my corporate governance background and business management education. All this naturally led me toward certification in executive leadership coaching.

GLC: What key milestones in your career are you particularly proud of?

MA: When I led the efforts to the establishment of the Yemen Institute of Directors (YIoD)- which belongs to the Yemeni Business Club (YBC) - in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2013. When I sat on the YIoD board for 7 years. Also, when I earned my Master Certification as an Intelligent Leadership Coach from the World’s Top Executive Coach@, John Mattone Global, Inc., and last but not least, launching my own business, Baseera Coaching & Training.

GLC: What motivated you to pursue a career in executive coaching?

MA: Executive Coaching paved the way for me to integrate and combine my values, passion for growth, care for others, etc., in a meaningful way. This helped me see the impact and effect of this combination on business success and sustainability. Especially that there is a gap in heart leadership in today’s business world.

GLC: How has your background and experience shaped your approach to leadership?

MA: Actually, my father (peace upon him) had the most influence on shaping my personality and character. My parents taught me the importance of empathy, authenticity, perseverance, and showing respect for myself and others. I communicate with myself and others, capitalizing on a blend of emotional intelligence, growth mindset, and presence to bring out the best in others in a coaching partnership and my communication in general.

GLC: You hold various coaching titles…how do these roles differ, and how do you use them?

MA: These coaching titles complement and serve each other, which helped me gain a holistic overview and have a deeper understanding of diverse issues more clearly, so that I can form powerful coaching questions that ignite the client in our coaching partnership.

GLC: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become an executive coach?

MA: First, to have the passion and purpose to be an executive coach. Second, invest in self-awareness without rushing, and enjoy this journey to be able to learn from it efficiently. Third, gain knowledge and certification, and start experiencing gradually.

GLC: Can you share a personal habit or routine that contributes to your success?

MA: Having strong faith in myself, practicing gratitude daily, dreaming big, and taking tiny steps with self-compassion.

GLC: What languages do you speak? How did you master those languages?

MA: Arabic is my mother tongue, fluent English, Intermediate German, conversational Russian, having lived for seven years in each of these beautiful countries.