Flair Magazine No one can overlook the importance of the digital and online platforms and the role they play in our lives. Within a relatively short timespan, Twitter became one of the most prolific platforms in the world and the Middle East. We spoke one-on-one with Media Partnerships Director of Twitter for the MENA region Kinda Ibrahim to tell us more about the digital world, her journey in Twitter, and women in technology.
Take us through your journey to reach your current position.
I’ve been working for the past 13+ years in North America and the Middle East. I did my undergrad in Lebanon in computer science and then I moved to Canada where I basically worked for companies that are doing web development and data analysis. I also did my MBA in marketing and finance while working there. And then I went to Dubai at the end of 2008 and I’ve been there ever since. I also worked for several companies. My entire career has been around digital. It has always been digital. For the past five years, I’ve been working specifically in digital media. I worked for Yahoo for more than a couple of years. And then for Microsoft for about a year; where I was the editor-in-chief for MSN English Arabia. I’ve been with Twitter for a year and a half now. I am responsible for the content partnership for the Middle East and North Africa region. We basically work with content partners, broadcasters, and publishers, and content creators to help equip them with duals that help them with their reach, engagement, revenue, and innovation on the platform.
Being a successful woman, have you ever faced obstacles to reach such position in the MENA region?
The UAE has been very supportive overall on women empowerment. Also all the companies that I’ve worked for, I felt that I, and women in general, had all the support to empower them to reach the position. Of course the market is very competitive but it is competitive for both genders. But I see that it does not impose specific challenges because you are a woman.
How would you advocate for women to be included in the technology sector?
I would definitely encourage women to participate in the technology sector for example via Twitter as diversity is very important. Doing so will help us build better products and better services for people around the world. And it is the same for any company that is trying to target women as part of their audience. They need to have people who understand how women think and behave online. As a woman who is interested in joining the digital world, the resources are available to educate yourself via courses or anyway you can educate yourself to be a part of this digital world.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
From my own experience, the most significant barrier is the willingness. If you’re willing, then you’ll find that the opportunities are actually upon us and the companies and governments are supportive. So as an individual you just need to take the lead. And obviously, there are a lot of support groups and associations that support a lot of women to become entrepreneurs and support women empowerment. So I don’t see there are major challenges for females to become leaders. We’ve seen it from many examples around the Middle East where women are CEOs of companies, or government officials. So I think it is basically the willingness to seek the opportunity.
In your opinion, what makes Twitter unique?
The nature of the platform is what makes it unique. Twitter is the place where people come to find out everything that is happening in the world. Everybody has the opportunity to seek information about what’s happening in the world right now, and that is what differentiates it from other platforms. For women specifically, we encourage women to speak out and share their opinion and their voice. And we want to assure them that it is safe for them to do so. We share with women of how they can be safe on the platform while sharing their voice and opinion.
How is it to work for such a huge and successful company?
It’s a real privilege to work in company like Twitter, not just because it is big, but because you actually get to work with colleagues and teams that are the most cultured and most talented people, I could personally say, I’ve worked with in my life.
Take us on a ride through your typical day.
(Laughing) It depends! I’m always on a plane because I cover the Africa regions so there is a lot of regional travel. But when I’m not on a plane or out of the country, I’m often spending a lot of time with partners to think about strategies to fits their specific needs. Or I’m back at the office, working with my colleagues.
How many hours do you work per day?
When you do something you’re passionate about, the number of hours does not matter. Because you could be working longer hours and our company is flexible to accommodate special needs.
Other than Twitter, what are you favorite social media platforms?
In general, I’m interested in technology and apps so I actually use all social media platforms. And part of my job is to be up-to-date with the competition. So I use them in a very regular basis.
What are your favorite mobile-apps that you cannot live without?
Certainly Twitter; it’s the first think I check once I get up in the morning. I also use music streaming apps, banking apps, and other social media apps.
Who has influenced you the most in your personal or professional life?
For my personal life, I could definitely say my parents are a real inspiration because they’ve been supportive all the way. They always push me to do more, and they have their success stories of their own as well. For my professional life, I think I was blessed to work with my mentors and managers who were really supportive and inspirational. They weren’t just managers; they were leaders who enabled you to grow and push you to realize your potential. I think that is really inspirational.
What are your best tips for people who want to succeed in the digital world?
You have to be curious and don’t be afraid to try new things. No question is stupid. We live in a digital world and that does not mean digital media because everything is moving towards digital which only means that the opportunities are limitless. So my advice is for people take advantage of the opportunities and equip themselves with the tools and skills you need.
In your opinion, what does the future hold for twitter?
We are focusing on becoming the first place where people go to find out what is happening in the world which means that we will continue to develop our services to make that happen for people to discover new content in the most engaging way. So the services and products will evolve for what we’re aiming for.
By: Sarah Hassan
