Empowering Creativity, Diversity, and Lifelong Learning with Nevine Elfar

With extensive experience in the tech industry, Nevine Elfar understands the importance of creativity, diversity, and lifelong learning in fostering an empowering work environment, bringing a passion for challenging the status quo and exploring untapped opportunities to drive change within the organization.

As talabat’s Head of Non-Food Vertical, Elfar believes that being on-ground and having a diverse team with different backgrounds, genders, and experiences is key to promoting creativity and staying ahead of changing market dynamics.

How do you ensure creativity can flourish in a sector like FoodTech, and tech in general?

I believe that an on-ground presence is key. We focus on being our own customers and engage with partners and suppliers to understand changing market dynamics. So, being on-ground is the core factor to creativity, as I believe that desk-based approaches limit one’s creativity. 

It is also important to constantly check in with global trends, the competitive landscape, and industry norms. And finally, having a diverse team with a mix of backgrounds, genders, and experiences enables creativity to flourish. For example, my team includes people from telecom, banking, and e-commerce backgrounds, to name a few. 

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

There are several strategies that help me achieve a work-life balance. For example, going for a workout after work helps me destress, and as an extrovert, I recharge in sociable settings. 

Also, letting go of negative energy accumulated during the day is a big factor; it helps me reset my energy level and prepares me for the next day. And finally, I believe in the saying “Work smart and play hard”. 

What is one thing you wish more people knew about women in the workplace?

I believe women have a lot to bring to the table in the workplace, but one thing I wish more people knew and appreciated about women in the workplace is our passion and our attention to detail, which I believe are very valuable qualities. 

Having worked in several tech companies, how do you believe these companies can foster a culture of lifelong learning to empower their employees, particularly women, to succeed in the digital economy?

From my perspective, having different and flexible work models to accommodate the different needs of women in the workplace is a catalyst for fostering an empowering work environment. Additionally, implementing back-to-work programs to encourage women who take career breaks to return and fulfill other duties is also an important aspect.

In my experience, having female representation on the leadership team and being involved in the decision-making process also creates a culture of empowerment for women on the leadership team as well as across the organization. And finally, grassroots methods including STEM programs allow for early career development and knowledge acquisition. 

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

In my opinion, the passion and motivation to continuously prove myself allow me to challenge the status quo and explore untapped opportunities to drive change within the organization. 

What initiatives has your company launched to promote diversity and inclusion in its campaigns, and how do you see this impacting customer engagement and loyalty?

At talabat, we pride ourselves on supporting gender parity. Some of the policies and initiatives the company implements include support when it comes to career advancement. 

We also have a 2-week paternity leave policy, in addition to the possibility of extending maternity leave when needed. And finally, I believe that the hybrid work model also offers women the support they might need if needed. 

With tech being a fast-paced industry, how have you handled your mental health throughout your career?

I think in an industry as fast-paced as tech it is always beneficial to take time to recharge. For example, I like being outdoors, going for a workout or even traveling to explore different places and find a change of scenery.