Fatima

Behavioral Science Lead | Dubai
Nationality: Lebanese
Education: phD, The London School of Economics
Fatima Koaikr
Q: Let’s start from the beginning: what brought you to Strategy&?

A: I joined Strategy& after more than a decade in international development. What really attracted me to Strategy& was the Ideation Center. I loved the idea of blending research and scientific tools with real-world impact. It felt like a space where I could apply everything I’d learned from my previous role in a way that was both practical and meaningful.

Q: What have you been focused on since joining the Ideation Center?

A: My focus has been on integrating behavioral science into consulting. I work with both government and private sector clients to design policies and programs that are not just effective but also deeply human-centered. It’s about using evidence and behavioral insight to drive change that sticks, and that feels personal, relevant, and accessible to the people it’s meant to serve.

It’s an opportunity to bridge research with real-world impact. I love translating evidence into action, whether that’s redesigning a service, improving public policy, or shaping behavioral change. Something about the entrepreneurial spirit at the Ideation Center is incredibly energizing. We’re always exploring, iterating, and trying new things, and that sense of innovation keeps the work fresh and fulfilling.

Q: How has your academic background shaped your approach to your work?

A: It’s shaped everything. I didn’t follow the traditional consulting path. I came in with a research-focused background, and my academic background gave me a very specific lens on problem-solving. It taught me to look beyond symptoms and dig into what’s really driving behavior.

It has also helped me bring rigor and a strong sense of empathy to our work. At the Ideation Center, we often say we wear two hats: one for thought leadership and research, and one for practical consulting. My academic training helps me connect those two worlds, turning big ideas into something concrete and actionable.

Fatima Koaikr
Fatima Koaikr
Q: What’s it been like to balance work with life outside of it?

A: It’s a constant act of balancing and rebalancing. For me, work-life balance isn’t about having everything in perfect proportion; it’s about finding a rhythm that works. I’ve learned to set boundaries, lean into the flexibility the firm offers, and make thoughtful choices about how I spend my time. That kind of autonomy helps me stay present in both spaces.

Q: You completed a Ph.D. while working and parenting two kids . How did you manage it all?

A: By letting go of perfection and embracing chaos. I joined Strategy& halfway through my Ph.D., so I was wrapping up my thesis while navigating a full-time job and raising kids. To make it work, I involved my kids in the process. We studied side by side and played during breaks, and they saw me powering through late nights.

It wasn’t easy. There were stressful moments and a lot of fatigue. But it was also incredibly rewarding. I had strong support from my partner, my family, my friends, and my amazing team at the Ideation Center. And I really loved the topic I was researching, so even though it was tough, it felt like time I was giving to myself.

Q: What’s the culture like at Strategy&, especially from your perspective?

A: It feels like a close-knit community. Even though I’ve only been here for a few years, it already feels like home. The culture is supportive, collaborative, and genuinely human. People care about each other, and there’s a strong sense of belonging. It’s intellectually vibrant and ambitious, but not at the expense of empathy or connection.

Q: What’s it like being a woman in consulting, especially in the Middle East?

A: It’s intense, dynamic, and incredibly fulfilling. Consulting challenges you; it constantly pushes you out of your comfort zone, but that’s where real growth happens. I’ve found the experience to be both intellectually exciting and personally empowering.

The region itself is evolving fast, especially around social norms and behaviors. Being part of that transformation is energizing. The pace is fast, the problems are complex, and the expectations are high, but that’s also what makes it all so rewarding.

Fatima Koaikr
Fatima Koaikr
Q: What advice would you give to women who are thinking about joining Strategy&?

A: You don’t have to fit into a predefined mold; you can help reshape it. Strategy& is a place where women can lead, challenge norms, and make a real difference. You also don’t need a traditional consulting background to succeed here. I didn’t have one, and yet I found my place quickly because the team values diversity, not just in gender, but in experience, capabilities, and thinking styles.

So come with curiosity. Bring your strengths, your perspective, and your full self. Build relationships, ask for support, and trust that there is space here for you to grow, thrive, and lead authentically.

To any other moms juggling similar paths, find people at work and at home who understand without judgment. Let your kids be part of the journey. That support system makes all the difference. In my case, everyone at home played a part in getting me across the finish line.

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