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Breaking Free: A New Dawn for Layla, a Corporate Leader in the MENA Region

Updated: Jan 23



Layla, a young and ambitious corporate leader, stood by the large window of her high-rise office in Dubai, staring at the sprawling skyline. Her heart felt heavy, though, as the demands of her role weighed on her. Over the past few months, her once-exciting leadership position had become a source of relentless pressure. Toxic team dynamics, micromanagement, and a company culture steeped in fear and favoritism had turned her dream job into a personal battleground.

Each day was a struggle. Unrealistic deadlines piled up, leaving her working late into the night, missing precious time with her family. Constant micromanagement made her doubt her abilities, while persistent conflicts among team members drained her energy. Layla wondered if she was failing—not just at work, but in life.

But then came a turning point.

The Catalyst: Finding Empowerment Through Inner Work

Layla attended a leadership wellness session led by JodiAnn, a transformational coach specializing in guiding women leaders to reclaim their power and balance. From the very start, Layla felt seen. JodiAnn shared, “Balance and stress reduction aren’t about fixing everything at once. They come from small, consistent actions—moments of intention that build a foundation of calm and grace.”

The workshop wasn’t about perfection. It was about empowerment. Layla listened intently as JodiAnn shared strategies for navigating toxic work environments while maintaining personal integrity and well-being.

Rewriting the Story

Unreasonable Work Demands

JodiAnn’s advice resonated deeply:

  • Communicate early: “Given my current workload, I may not meet this deadline. Can we reprioritise tasks?”

  • Delegate or negotiate: Layla realised she had a capable team, and it was time to trust them more.

  • Take breaks: Powering through exhaustion wasn’t serving her or the company.

Layla practiced these strategies, starting with a candid conversation with her manager. To her surprise, he agreed to adjust deadlines and reassign tasks. She felt a spark of empowerment—her voice mattered.

Micromanagement

Micromanagement had eroded Layla’s confidence, but JodiAnn’s suggestions gave her clarity:

  • Build trust: Layla began proactively sharing weekly updates to preempt unnecessary oversight.

  • Request feedback: “Where can I take more ownership in this project?” opened new doors for autonomy.

  • Set boundaries: “I’ll let you know if I need further guidance on this task” became her go-to phrase.

Over time, these small actions shifted her manager’s approach, and Layla regained her confidence as a leader.

Toxic Leadership and Culture

JodiAnn encouraged Layla to focus on her values:

  • Identify non-negotiables: Layla clarified that transparency, collaboration, and respect were essential to her work environment.

  • Find allies: She sought out supportive colleagues who shared her concerns.

  • Create an exit plan: While working to improve her environment, she also updated her CV and began exploring other opportunities.

This dual approach empowered her to act decisively without fear, knowing she had options.

The Outcome: A New Path Forward

Through these strategies and inner self-work, Layla transformed her approach to leadership. She established clear boundaries, communicated her needs effectively, and embraced practices to reduce stress.

Layla no longer allowed the toxic environment to define her. Instead, she focused on creating a culture of empowerment within her team. She modeled balance by implementing intentional pauses during the day, promoting open dialogue, and celebrating small wins. Her confidence grew, and her team thrived under her empathetic leadership.

A Heartfelt Call to Action

As Layla shared her journey during the retreat’s final session, tears welled up in her eyes. “I came here feeling broken, like I had failed. But I’m leaving with a toolkit for empowerment and the clarity to rewrite my story. These small, intentional steps have not only changed how I lead—they’ve changed how I live.”

Her story resonated deeply with the other participants, many of whom were facing similar challenges.

Layla’s Toolkit for Empowerment

Intention Cards

  1. Surrender

    • Prompt: Who or what can you let go of today to protect your peace?

    • Action: Reflect on one situation where you can apply “Let them” thinking.

    • Affirmation: “I release control and embrace my peace.”

  2. Set Boundaries

    • Prompt: What boundary can you set today to protect your time and energy?

    • Action: Identify one work-related boundary to enforce (e.g., no after-hours emails).

    • Affirmation: “I respect my time and deserve balance.”

  3. Take a Pause

    • Prompt: When did you last take a mindful moment?

    • Action: Pause, take five deep breaths, and focus on the present.

    • Affirmation: “In this moment, I am calm and grounded.”

  4. Walk it Out

    • Prompt: What can stepping outside teach you today?

    • Action: Go for a 5-10 minute walk and observe your surroundings.

    • Affirmation: “Movement renews my mind and body.”

  5. Reframe Challenges

    • Prompt: How can you see this situation from a different perspective?

    • Action: Write down one positive thing about a challenging situation.

    • Affirmation: “I find growth and learning in every challenge.”

Empowered Leadership in 2025

Layla’s journey is a testament to the strength of women leaders in the MENA region. By setting boundaries, aligning with her values, and taking intentional steps toward balance, she reclaimed her power. Her story serves as a reminder: When women rise with clarity and confidence, they elevate not just themselves but their entire community.



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