The beauty of being in core Business Management positions is that you can work in a variety of industries and also go up the corporate ladder. Astute business leader SilvanaBahsoun, has worked in a variety of industries including fashion, mercantile exchange, marketing consultancy, has now ventured into the field of construction as a managing partner at TNG Trading and Commercial Services. The Qatar based company is a provider of advance products and services for the construction industries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Her background across a variety of sectors has aided her in developing several necessary skills that help her build longterm relationships with clients and drive growth within the organization.

As the managing partner, Silvana takes on the responsibility and liabilities of TNG Trading and Commercial Services’ growth and performance. She shoulders responsibilities pertaining to business development, marketing and sales, human resources, administration, and operations.

The Women Entrepreneur Team got an opportunity to have a conversation with SilvanaBahsoun and learn about her expertise across various industries and the experience she brings to the table. Here are choice excerpts from the conversation.

Give us an overview of TNG.

TNG The Network Group is a leading business establishment with over 15 years of experience in providing advance products and services for the construction industries in the Middle East and Asia.

Established in Doha, Qatar in the year of 2017, TNG specializes in the field of Trade, representing reputable manufacturers in the construction industry, and Consultancy in Sales & Marketing Strategies.

With an experienced management team equipped to handle solutions for a dynamically evolving industry, TNG is a leader in sourcing unprecedented products and services to be your partner for Success. Apart from being traders and the representatives of reputable manufacturers and contractors from around the globe, we assist our customers to locate distinctive solutions specially engineered to meet their rapidly changing needs. To name some Brands: ValvelT and Simes, EPP Expansion Joints, Eksotika Woodwork, and Lighting.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What were some key business lessons that you learnt through your prior industry experience that is still a part of your approach to leadership?

All of my earlier education, as well as my business degree, was obtained in Canada. Working in a range of fields ranging from fashion, mercantile exchange, sales and marketing consultant, to construction trading, I have acquired and developed necessary skills and lessons, many of which other leaders have obtained. My areas of expertise include marketing strategy, public relations, sales management, marketing management, construction management, and team building.

Working in the construction field in various countries, where the strategies and methods differ, taking into consideration and respecting the cultural differences, I used various approaches to establish long term relationship with my clients.

But one thing I have learned that I truly believe is the key to success is the word "WE". When one involves and values the people they work with, everyone will learn something new every day, which will help the entire team develop and grow together.

Throw some light on the various roles and responsibilities that you currently shoulder at TNG. What are some of the most critical challenges that you facein your current role and how do you overcome it successfully?

As a Managing Partner, I bear the responsibilities and liabilities of the company's growth and performance. Carrying the company and its team during the geopolitical situation and the health crises (COVID-19), in addition to the current and ongoing shortage of raw materials and the drastic increase in shipping charges, was and continues to be a very challenging period. Finding the right balance between on-time delivery to our loyal and esteemed clients and the constant price increase of goods and shipping necessitates a delicate approach to ensure the company operates in a healthy and profitable environment while keeping the client satisfied.

“I would advise Women to “believe in Your selves, take the Risk and live up to The challenges that You will face, and Never stop dreaming And setting goals”

What have been the most significant milestones achieved by you as a business leader over the years? How do you keep yourself well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring in the industry and the technology domain?

The most significant milestone achieved was in TNG's Light Division, where we are proud to mention the successfully and timely completion of the Light Fitting supply used for lighting the most prestigious projects, such as Al Bustan (Sabah AL AHMAD CORRIDOR) bridge beautification. Other milestones comes with establishing TNG in a well-developed market with high competition.

Research, technical workshops with our main suppliers, regular collaboration with their research & development department, attending exhibitions and constant look at the marketing trends are some of the tools we use to keep ourselves associated with the latest advancements in the industry.

What is your take on the current state of women and their representation in top leadership roles across industries and geographies? In your opinion how can we get more women to take up leadership roles in the future? As a successful business leader what would your advice be to young women aspiring to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Whether in politics, technology, medicine, sports, engineering, we are seeing more and more women setting great examples of exceptional successes and leadership skills around the globe. It is unfortunate that the percentage of female leaders in the Middle East and Part of Africa are not comparable to those in Europe, Canada, and the Americas,however, there has been a noticeable increase.

Creating an expansion in awareness from early stages Ex. High School or providing internship for femaleUniversity students to work firsthand in companies led by women will encourage females to take up such roles in the future.

I would advise women to “believe in yourselves, take the risk and live up to the challenges that you will face, and never stop dreaming and setting goals.”

Silvana Bahsoun, Managing Partner, TNG Trading And Commercial Services

SilvanaBahsounhas worked in a variety of industries including fashion, mercantile exchange, marketing consultancy, and now she has landed in the construction field as a managing partner at TNG Trading and Commercial Services.