Maya
Q: You’ve been with Strategy& for nearly a decade. How has the journey been for you?
A: Overall, it’s been a rewarding journey: intellectually, emotionally, and personally. As someone driven by learning, I’ve found Strategy& to be an incredibly enriching environment. My role in the social development team within the government and public sector practice puts me at the intersection of complex societal challenges and impactful public policy. Every day brings something new: a different client, a fresh challenge, or another opportunity to grow.
Beyond the work, what’s kept me at Strategy& for so long is the people. I’ve built deep, lasting friendships with colleagues who’ve become my support system and community.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Strategy&?
A: I don’t believe there’s a single, static culture at Strategy&. I think that’s one of the firm’s strengths. Instead, we have a mosaic of cultures, shaped by the unique personalities and working styles of different teams. Each team has its own rhythm and approach to solving problems. That’s why I always say, finding your people is essential.
My team is detail oriented and has high standards. We celebrate wins, support each other, and make space for laughter, even during crunch times. That balance keeps us energized.
Q: What’s it like being a woman in consulting in the Middle East?
A: Over time, I’ve seen meaningful shifts for women, both within the firm and among our clients. Strategy& has been placing stronger emphasis on inclusion, and I have found mentors and leaders at the firm who genuinely empower me and champion my growth.
My experiences have shaped how I lead today. I’m deeply committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. I see it as both a responsibility and a privilege to help pave a smoother path for others.
Q: As someone many women at the firm look up to, how do you see your role as a mentor evolving?
A: I see myself as someone who pushes for greater inclusion and equity, especially in the spaces I can influence directly.
As we grow in our careers, staying true to our values becomes even more important. That’s something I always try to pass on to the people I mentor. When everything feels uncertain, focus on what matters most; it’s not just about the results we deliver, it’s about how we get there: the choices we make, the integrity we show, and the community we build along the way. If I can inspire others to lead with authenticity and integrity in how they achieve success, then I feel I’ve done my part.
Q: You recently completed a rotation with the Ideation Center. What inspired that move?
A: I needed to re-center and recharge before embracing a new challenge. I’m incredibly grateful to my team for understanding my needs.
Before the rotation, I’d had the privilege of working with Dima Sayess, the leader of the Ideation Center, on several occasions. Each collaboration left me inspired by the depth of thinking and innovation her team brings to the table. When the opportunity came up, I saw it as the perfect chance to explore all the Ideation Center has to offer.
The rotation gave me the chance to work on foresight radars, behaviorally informed financial literacy programs, and more. It was intellectually and creatively fulfilling, and it reminded me how much more there is to learn. Now I regularly bring Ideation Center colleagues into my projects. The experience changed how I approach problem-solving and cross-functional work.
Q: What advice would you give to other women considering a career at Strategy& in the Middle East?
Find your passion: It fuels resilience.
Find your people: They’ll lift you up.
Find your sponsors: They’ll open doors and have your back when it counts.
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