In the Middle East, the rise of women leaders reflects a progressive shift in corporate leadership. These trailblazers navigate traditionally male-dominated sectors with grace and tenacity, reshaping the business landscape. Among them stands Dr. Grace El Tayar, a distinguished Attorney at Law, Certified Board Director, Chartered Governance Professional, Accredited Mediator, Master Trainer of Emotional Intelligence, Author, Founder and CEO of GTRANCE and much more. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Dr. Grace brings over two and a half decades of legal and corporate expertise to the table.

Additionally, with a Ph.D. in Natural Medicine, Master of Laws (LL.M.), and certifications from Harvard Business School in Executive Education, Governance, Risk, ESG, she embodies versatility and innovation. As Founder and CEO of GTRANCE, she champions holistic wellness, inspiring sustainable change beyond borders. Dr. Grace's journey epitomizes the evolving narrative of women in leadership across GCC. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring countless others in the field. Let’s read.

Can you elaborate on the key areas of expertise you've cultivated throughout your tenure in esteemed organizations and diverse roles within the legal profession?

Throughout my extensive career spanning more than 25 years in diverse industries such as banking, hospitality, and construction, I've cultivated expertise in corporate governance, M&A’s, ESG principles, and strategic transformations. Serving in pivotal roles such as General Counsel and Head of Corporate Governance, I've spearheaded initiatives, navigating entities through transitions from private entities to conglomerates and facilitating cultural shifts towards sustainability and accountability.

With a foundation rooted in University of London and Harvard education, and DIFC accreditation, I advocate for comprehensive governance reform from the boardroom, recognizing its critical role in driving organizational success and sustainability. Additionally, I prioritize the cultivation of emotional intelligence, recognizing its indispensable value in navigating complex interpersonal dynamics inherent in leadership roles across organizational hierarchies.

What inspired the inception of GTRANCE, and could you outline the fundamental concept behind the venture along with its specialized domains?

GTRANCE was born from my passion for personal and professional growth, as well as corporate growth, fueled by my expertise as one of the very few Arabic speaking Chartered Corporate Secretaries in the region and the sole Master Trainer of NLP in the GCC, North Africa, and the Middle East, alongside my Doctorate and PhD in Natural Medicine, my over 25 years of corporate experience, my Masters in Law degrees, and a myriad of other professional diplomas. Dissatisfied with conventional approaches, I envisioned a platform to redefine transformation, offering wholesome techniques devoid of excuses and focused on sustainable and functional results.

For executives, specializing in alternative methods including Neurolinguistic Programming, I offer a journey unparalleled by others which empowers them to overcome obstacles and limitations, and embrace healthy well-balanced living encompassing all areas of life including career, finances, health, education, spirituality, and relationships.

Could you shed light on the methodologies and strategies integral to your professional approach, designed to assist clients effectively?

In my approach, I adopt a holistic and cross-contextual methodology, akin to examining a forest rather than just a single tree. I believe in exploring all facets of an individual or an organization to uncover underlying factors and potential solutions. Just as understanding a forest involves analyzing the soil, weather, and ecosystem, I delve into various aspects of my clients' lives or businesses. Rather than resorting to dichotomous thinking, I encourage clients, individuals, and corporations, respectively, to consider multiple perspectives and options.

For instance, addressing a client's health concern is not just about prescribing medication, it's about examining lifestyle, relationships, mental state, and environmental factors. Similarly, in organizational training, I go beyond surface-level fixes by considering company culture, communication dynamics, strategy, and employee well-being. By adopting this cross-contextual strategy, I empower clients to navigate complexities and achieve sustainable and measurable growth.

From your perspective as a business leader, what are the most formidable challenges you face, and how do you navigate through these obstacles?

As a business leader, one of my most formidable challenges is managing unrealistic expectations. I tackle this primarily by proper communication and by consciously understanding, planning and thoroughly strategizing outcome. This mindset shift enables me to approach challenges with resilience, agility, and adaptability, ultimately fostering a more positive and productive outlook in navigating through obstacles.

Reflecting on your professional journey, could you share a significant milestone that you consider your biggest win?

A significant milestone in my professional journey has been the realization and prioritization of ecological values. Ecology, to me, is not just a scientific concept, it is a guiding principle that extends from personal decisions to organizational strategies. By embracing win-win scenarios across all levels of interaction, from individual relationships to global impact, I have fostered sustainability and success in my endeavors.

On a personal level, being a mother of five children, and given the preposterous environment, I consider their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing my biggest win.

A business leader you admire: Elon Musk because he embodies boldness, foresight, intuition, functionality, and an admirable fearlessness towards making mistakes.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders: Focus on learning and loving throughout life, as these are the ultimate measures of fulfillment and purpose. Prioritize self-care and personal growth to unlock your fullest potential, knowing that investments in oneself yield invaluable returns. Don’t wait for things to happen to you, make them happen!

Dr. Grace El Tayar, Founder & CEO, Gtrance

Dr. Grace El Tayar, an accomplished lawyer and governance professional, is a polymath with expertise in law, governance, strategy, sustainability, and holistic living. With multiple master's degrees, Harvard education, and diverse certifications, she guides personal and corporate transformation, emphasizing a purpose-driven life and sustainable results, especially for future female leaders.