Leadership, especially in the cultural sector, is not only about vision. It is about adaptability, authenticity, and the ability to respond meaningfully to complexity. My participation in the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme and Oxford Cultural Leaders marked a defining step in what I see as a lifelong learning journey. These two distinct yet complementary experiences helped me refine my leadership approach, broaden my perspective across disciplines, and clarify how cultural institutions can serve as dynamic platforms for dialogue, resilience, and transformation.
What I valued most was Oxford’s unique ability to merge strategic frameworks with deep ethical inquiry. The programmes brought together participants from across the globe and diverse sectors, and through interactive sessions, scenario-based learning, and peer engagement, encouraged us not to chase simplistic answers, but to cultivate thoughtful, responsible leadership. I found myself returning to questions that continue to guide my work today: What kind of impact am I truly generating? How do we lead institutions not just effectively, but meaningfully? And how can we ensure that culture remains relevant, inclusive, and forward-looking in an increasingly fragmented world?
As Head of Dubai Opera, I am fortunate to put these reflections into practice every day. Over the past years, we’ve significantly expanded our programming to reflect the voices of different generations and geographies. Today, over 40% of our audience is under the age of 45, and our stage continues to welcome artists from every continent. At the same time, we’ve deepened our collaborations with embassies, cultural institutions, and global partners, further positioning Dubai as a bridge between East and West. I see cultural leadership not as a solo performance, but as a long-term process of building trust, relevance, and shared value, both locally and globally.
This work has been recognised in ways I am truly grateful for. I was honoured to be named a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for my contribution to the arts and international cooperation, a recognition that reflects the values I hold most deeply. I was also included among The Dubai 100: Most Influential Personalities in the Emirate by Arabian Business, and selected as a LinkedIn Top Voice, joining a global community of thought leaders shaping conversations on leadership, innovation, and culture. These recognitions are not endpoints; they are invitations to continue serving with purpose, listening with intent, and learning without pause.
At this stage of my journey, I’m more convinced than ever that cultural institutions have a critical role to play in shaping the future. Whether through artistic creation, education, or public engagement, they can generate not only beauty and inspiration, but also meaning, belonging, and hope. I aspire to lead with that responsibility in mind , not only stewarding great institutions, but helping them evolve in ways that meet the needs of our time while staying rooted in timeless values. The path ahead is complex, but filled with possibility.
The Oxford programmes didn’t offer a fixed route, they offered a compass. A compass grounded in values, reflection, and global responsibility. That compass continues to shape the way I lead teams, build international partnerships, and navigate the complexities of cultural leadership in the 21st century. I carry forward the Oxford mindset not as a memory, but as a living practice, one that reinforces my commitment to building institutions that connect, inspire, and endure.
Find out more about the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme.
