Being present, finding balance and equally supporting one another with Sherifa Mostafa – Women in Business Today 2022

A passionate advocate for supporting one another, whether as a wife to her husband or a female colleague in the workplace, Sherifa Mostafa believes in a holistic approach to living, encouraging each individual to support each other and own one's path.

A long-time humanitarian and businesswoman, Mostafa is Trustee General of the Hussein Sabbour Foundation, leading its philanthropic initiatives and efforts.

This interview is part of our Women in Business Today 2022 issue and video series. You can find the full video series on our Facebook and Instagram under @btegyptmag.

What does women’s month mean to you?

Women’s month is a reminder, and we all need reminders. It reminds us to stop and assess ourselves as a collective. To take note of how far we’ve come, how far we still want to go. We also ask ourselves if we still want to continue in the same direction, or if we want to recalibrate.

Growing up in so many countries as a daughter of a diplomat, do you believe you gained certain traits or skills through those experiences that have supported your success, whether at work or at home?

Growing up in the midst of diversity makes one see all people in an equal light and that, I have found, is not a common trait.

There is a term now for people like me who grew up in many different countries, “Third Culture Individuals” or TCI, they are citizens of everywhere.

I’ve gained many abilities and skills growing up around the world; some of them are being able to communicate and connect with ease to anyone, anywhere, as well as not seeing differences as much as seeing similarities with people from different countries, and therefore having an  understanding and acceptance that is in-built.

Was there a specific lesson or experience that you felt you needed to tell or hand down to your children?

If I were to choose, I would say, the ability to be present with oneself, and take responsibility for how we want to be and live, to own our path, our happiness and our success and to be kind to ourselves.

The famous quote says that behind every great man is a great woman. What do you feel was your most proud achievement?

The journey of life together is full of wonder, creating a family and growing together is an experience I feel blessed to have had. As for the famous quote, the most important thing, in my opinion, is to allow your partner to be who he is and to journey into his potential.

Behind every great man is a woman who didn’t pull him back or stand in his way, and let him be who he is meant to be. That also goes both ways, because a great man equally supports and respects his wife’s abilities and potential, and is happy to see her successful.

Women in top positions in the marketing and advertising industry is still uncommon in Egypt, why do you feel that is?

This industry is a growing industry and relatively new. I believe that the marketing and advertising industry in Egypt is one of the first to be full of women in all levels powering the industry. Many from my generation are already in top positions, and many are on their way to hold more key positions and we are about to see that very soon. 

What can we do to encourage women to stay longer in their careers and support them breaking the ceiling?

Women in Egypt are already breaking ceilings every day, they are extremely resourceful and efficient, and they take on a lot of responsibilities and tasks that might seem humanly impossible.

However, women sometimes judge themselves and other women too harshly, which can lead to burnout. Staying longer and breaking the ceiling requires stamina and persistence, and that in turn needs continuous self-care.

Lastly, what is one thing you wish more people knew about women in the workplace?

Women have the unique ability of using both sides of the brain at the same time; this gives them the ability to make decisions with balance, which I believe is a trait that gives them an edge in leading positions.