On the second day of the 4th Egyptian Women’s Summit, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, two interactive sessions—“Pathway to Top – Leaders Speak” and “Inspirational Lessons and Unlimited Financial Opportunities ”—brought together top CEOs and business leaders to share practical insights, personal experiences, and visions for future career opportunities for youth and graduates.
The discussions focused on empowering young professionals to think strategically about their career paths, harness curiosity and skills to navigate a rapidly evolving job market, and embrace technological and digital transformations across industries. Speakers highlighted the importance of professional flexibility, continuous learning, emotional intelligence, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and technology into everyday work while maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Passion as a Starting Point: Tarek El-Gamal
Tarek El-Gamal, Chairman of Redcon Construction, emphasized that passion is the true starting point for any successful career, warning that continuing work without genuine interest is a waste of time and effort.
Recalling a formative experience during a training program in Abu Dhabi ten years ago, El-Gamal shared a guiding principle that still shapes his approach: “If you don’t wake up loving your work, you need to change your job immediately.” He stressed that the biggest challenge lies not only in starting a career but in persisting under pressure, highlighting the crucial role of family support in maintaining psychological and professional balance.
El-Gamal offered practical advice for managing stress and achieving balance: travel, broaden one’s horizons, observe surroundings mindfully, and integrate AI tools in professional life. He underscored continuous learning, particularly in data centers and IT, as essential for understanding and competing in the future.
Patience, Self-Discovery, and Lifelong Learning: Nevin Sabour
Nevine Sabour, Chairperson of Commercial International Bank (CIB), shared insights from her professional journey, emphasizing that discovering one’s passion and aligning with a fulfilling career requires patience and continuous learning.
Sabour reflected on starting her career in the “banking era,” focusing on corporate credit—a popular path for graduates at the time. She highlighted the importance of self-directed education, proactive learning, and gaining exposure to international organizations, which were pivotal in shaping her career. She stressed the need for a balanced approach between professional success and personal life, ensuring long-term sustainability and well-being.
Self-Education and Human Advantage: Magdy Ezz El-Din
Magdy Ezz El-Din, Regional Partner and Deal Leader at PwC, emphasized that continuous education is the cornerstone of career success. Sharing his own unconventional path, he noted how he pivoted from aspiring pharmacist to commerce student, leveraging self-education to fill skill gaps and remain competitive.
El-Din highlighted his experience working abroad in 2004, which reinforced independence, responsibility, and resilience. Regarding AI, he asserted that machines cannot replace humans due to the lack of emotional intelligence, citing PwC’s growth from 100 to over 2,500 employees despite technological changes—demonstrating that technology is a growth enabler, not a substitute for humans.
His advice to youth: focus on your own path, pursue work with passion, and avoid wasting energy on comparisons with others.
Career Reinvention and Strategic Choices: Mourad Ahmed Mourad
Mourad Ahmed Mourad, CEO of Egypt Property, shared his unconventional career trajectory, from maritime studies to entrepreneurship. Despite family pressure to continue in navigation, he pursued business training during breaks, eventually transitioning to the real estate sector—a decision guided by strategic vision, sector stability, and government support.
Mourad highlighted the importance of AI and technology as tools, not replacements, stressing that human insight and strategy remain indispensable. He encouraged students to gain practical experience concurrently with their studies, preparing them to enter the workforce fully equipped.
Self-Reliance, Discipline, and Time Management: Sara El-Batouty
Sara El-Batouty, Founder and CEO of Econsult, recounted her journey from Saudi Arabia to establishing her own firm in Egypt. Early challenges shaped her philosophy of self-reliance, responsibility, and disciplined execution.
El-Batouty emphasized that success depends on awareness, time management, and making the most of available technological tools. She encouraged youth to approach technology strategically, leveraging it for learning and skill development, rather than wasting time, noting that today’s generation has unprecedented tools to build a better future.
Youth Empowerment and Strategic Partnerships
These sessions were part of the 4th Egyptian Women’s Summit, which brings together government agencies, universities, international organizations, and private sector leaders. The event also marked a strategic partnership with MSMEDA, establishing long-term programs to support youth entrepreneurship.
Over 100 speakers from Egypt and the Gulf addressed critical topics including future work trends, essential skills for graduates, and integrating STEM education and AI into career pathways, creating a bridge between academia, industry, and global opportunities.
