Breaking Stereotypes and Paving the Way for Women in Retail with Majid Al Futtaim's Vivyan Atalla

In this interview, Vivyan Atalla, Vice President of Sourcing and Merchandising at Majid Al Futtaim Retail in Egypt, shares her career journey and how she got to where she is today. Atalla emphasizes on her goal-oriented approach to work and her passion for the field of retail.

She also discusses how women can take charge of their narrative and overcome stereotypes in leadership positions. She highlights the importance of recognizing gender biases that exist and breaking them down by staying true to one's values and ethics. 

Furthermore, Atalla talks about the impact that women can create in an inclusive culture and how organizations should strive to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the work environment, culture, and communities to realize potential and drive innovation and growth.

Lastly, Atalla discusses some of the major challenges women face on the corporate side of the retail industry. She shares how she has personally overcome these challenges by staying true to herself and by always encouraging a safe environment for her team to contribute to, challenge the status quo, and grow individually and together as a team.

Could you tell us a little bit about your career journey and how you got to where you are today?

I started my career in Egypt in 2004, when I joined the team at Majid Al Futtaim Retail. Throughout my career, I have worked in different departments at Carrefour, starting as a department head at our flagship store in City Centre Maadi. With hard work and dedication, I moved up the ranks and gained experience in various areas of the business, including supply chain, marketing, and sourcing.

My time as the head of the supply chain department was a defining moment in my career. Alongside an incredible team, I was able to lay the foundations of a department that has been instrumental in the success of the business. From there, I shifted to marketing, where we built the first marketing department for Majid Al Futtaim Retail in Egypt.

As I progressed through the ranks, I served as the General Manager of Food before eventually being appointed as the Vice President (VP) of Sourcing. Each role has allowed me to accumulate technical knowledge and sharpen my expertise, but ultimately, my focus has always remained on the customer. In retail, customer satisfaction and experience are essential, and it has been my privilege to work for a company that puts customers at the heart of everything it does.

Overall, my journey at Majid Al Futtaim Retail has been both challenging and rewarding.  

What do you think helped you the most in your successful career as a woman?

I believe that many factors have shaped my critical experiences and enabled my success. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have had great mentors who inspired me and unlocked my potential within a challenging industry.

I strongly believe that focus, curiosity, determination, and hard work are key drivers for success in a complex sector. By setting clear goals and working tirelessly to achieve them, I have consistently delivered results and gained the trust of my colleagues and peers. Above all, my passion for business has been the driving force behind my biggest wins, keeping me motivated and inspired.

While I trust my instincts and believe in being confident, I also recognize the value in listening to the advice of brilliant and genuine individuals around me. I have cultivated a resilient, determined mindset with clear thinking and strong will, which has proven invaluable in coaching my teams and overcoming obstacles in the retail industry.

As a woman in business, I credit my success to a combination of mentorship, hard work, focus, passion, confidence, and resilience. Additionally, I understand that the retail business is vulnerable to external factors, which is why I constantly push my team and myself to think outside the box and be resilient during tough times. Eventually, our ultimate goal is to serve and support our community in all circumstances, making resilience and creative thinking essential to achieving this mission.

Women in leadership are usually stereotyped as either too aggressive or too soft. How can women better take charge of their narrative and how they are perceived in leadership positions?

I firmly believe that women have the power to take charge of their narrative and overcome stereotypes in leadership positions.

First and foremost, it's important to recognize that stereotypes exist and can impact how we are perceived in our roles. However, we have the power to shape our own narrative by staying true to our values and ethics, and demonstrating our leadership abilities through our actions.

For example, when I was assigned to establish the marketing department at Carrefour Egypt, my vision was to reflect the hard work and dedication that goes into serving our customers. I supported my team and provided them with the guidance they needed to succeed, resulting in the development of one of the most important departments in the company today.

Similarly, when the onset of COVID required me to step up as General Manager of Food, I was able to lead my team through the challenges we faced by leveraging our hard work and innovation. The result was an incredibly successful year despite the difficulties encountered.

Ultimately, it is up to us as women in leadership positions to take ownership of our own narrative and demonstrate our value through hard work, dedication, and innovation. By doing so, we can break down stereotypes and pave the way for future generations of women in business.

How do you think being a woman has impacted your career trajectory, and what unique strengths do you bring to your role as VP?

As VP of Sourcing and Merchandising at Majid Al Futtaim, I am proud to be part of an organization that empowers women to excel and reach their full potential. Our culture of empowerment has been a key factor in my career trajectory, and I am committed to ensuring that all women have the same opportunities to succeed.

At Majid Al Futtaim, we recognize and value the contributions of women in leadership. Our commitment to gender diversity is not just words; it is evident in the way we provide equal opportunities for women to take on any position in the company, and in the way we support and uplift each other every step of the way.

Through collaboration and the sharing of ideas, we have been able to achieve remarkable success in our organization. I believe that diversity in the workplace is key to driving innovation and growth, and I am proud to be part of a company that recognizes this.

I am committed to building on this success by continuing to drive positive change and championing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I believe that every employee should have equal opportunities to grow and develop, regardless of their gender, race, or background. Together, we will continue to break down barriers and pave the way for more women to succeed in leadership positions at Majid Al Futtaim.

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges women face in the corporate side of the retail industry, and how have you personally overcome these challenges?

I believe one of the biggest challenges women face in the corporate side of the retail industry is the persistent gender biases and stereotypes that continue to exist. These outdated beliefs can lead to women being perceived as either too soft or too aggressive, which can hinder their opportunities for advancement.

Personally, I have overcome these challenges by staying true to myself and my values, while also being open to feedback and guidance from trusted colleagues and mentors. I've learned that being confident and assertive doesn't mean sacrificing empathy or kindness, and that these traits can actually be a strength in leadership.

I believe that by creating a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, we can help break down these barriers and pave the way for more women to succeed in leadership positions. It's important to actively seek out and promote diverse perspectives and experiences, and to provide opportunities for women to showcase their talents and abilities. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and successful future for all.

How do you balance work and personal life, and what strategies have helped you succeed in both areas?

Finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for success and overall well-being. I prioritize both aspects of my life by setting realistic expectations and boundaries. It's not about striving for perfection in either area, but rather giving my best effort while also recognizing the importance of rest and self-care.

One strategy that has helped me succeed in both areas is effective time management. I prioritize my workload and delegate tasks when necessary to ensure that I am using my time efficiently. Additionally, I make sure to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and clear my mind.

I also believe in the value of being fully present in the moment. Whether it's at work or at home, I try to give my undivided attention to the task at hand and the people around me. This helps me be more productive at work and helps to create meaningful connections with my loved ones.

Ultimately, finding balance is a continuous process and requires adaptability and flexibility. By prioritizing my time, being present in the moment, and giving my best effort, I have been able to find success both in my personal and professional life.

As a mother, what teachable moments have you had with your children to teach them about gender bias and inequality?

As a mother, raising strong and empowered daughters is my top priority. My husband and I instill in them the belief that there are no limits to what they can achieve simply because of their gender. We encourage them to embrace their femininity as a strength and to never doubt themselves.

One of the most important teachable moments we've had with our girls is teaching them to speak up against any form of injustice, including gender bias and inequality. We remind them that their voices matter and that they have the power to create positive change in the world. As a mother, it brings me great pride and joy to see my daughters grow into confident young women who believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference.

What’s one piece of advice that greatly impacted you and your career trajectory? Would you give the same advice to other women around you?

One piece of advice that greatly impacted my career trajectory is to always keep learning and growing. In the fast-paced retail industry, staying on top of trends, innovations, and consumer preferences is crucial to remaining competitive. However, the learning and growth mindset applies not only to the technical aspects of the job but also to personal and professional development.

I believe that this advice is relevant to anyone, not just women, who seeks to succeed in their career. Continuous learning and growth help us adapt to change, acquire new skills, and stay engaged and motivated at work. As a leader in the retail industry, I encourage my team members to take advantage of learning opportunities, whether it is attending industry events, taking courses, or simply seeking out new perspectives and ideas.

To other women around me, I would add that being proactive about seeking opportunities for growth and advancement is essential to breaking down barriers and achieving success in male-dominated industries. It takes determination, hard work, and a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones to reach our full potential. By embracing a learning and growth mindset and seeking out mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and support, women can thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their organizations.