Be open to challenging your assumptions and consider the long-term impact on your leadership and career trajectory. It could be a highly rewarding investment for you.
Farida Mohammad Rafi, the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) of Emirates Islamic, is a seasoned Human Resources (HR) leader with 24 years of experience across diverse industries, including banking and aviation. Based in Dubai, Farida leads HR initiatives for one of the fastest-growing Islamic banks in the UAE, which operates more than 40 branches nationwide.
With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Abu Dhabi University and executive training from leading business schools, Farida's commitment to HR excellence is evident. Her role as CHRO is marked by navigating challenges in a rapidly evolving workplace, including integrating technology while maintaining a human touch and adapting to remote and hybrid work models.
“One of the biggest challenges today is how to effectively integrate technology while maintaining human touch in our practices.” she shares, emphasizing that “it is essential to ensure these technologies enhance rather than replace the human elements in HR practices.” Farida’s approach involves addressing issues such as remote employee engagement, equitable access to opportunities and maintaining a cohesive company culture.
Farida’s leadership is also shaped by her role models. She looks up to Farid Al Mulla, CEO at Emirates Islamic, for his integrity, vision and resilience. His ability to nurture a culture of resilience and empathy while setting a clear and inspiring way of doing things influences Farida’s own leadership style. Similarly, Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Operating Officer at Emirates NBD, inspires Farida with her empathy, strategic thinking and commitment to inclusivity. “Eman prioritises employee well-being and aligns HR practices with organisational goals.” Farida notes. These role models have guided Farida in ensuring that her strategies foster a positive and effective work environment.
Insights and Impact from INSEAD Executive Education
Farida’s decision to pursue the Leading Teams programme at INSEAD was driven by her desire to deepen her understanding of team dynamics and enhance her leadership capabilities. “The programme provided a deep dive into the dynamics of team leadership and performance.” she explained. “Staying abreast of these changes is crucial for effective leadership.”
Farida was particularly drawn to the programme's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. “The emphasis on real-world application through interactive simulations and case studies allowed me to address complex team challenges directly.” she added, aiming to acquire advanced conflict resolution techniques and enhanced emotional intelligence. “Given the diverse workforce in Dubai, I wanted to learn how to handle interpersonal conflicts constructively and facilitate team decision-making processes.” Farida explains.
Of course, no education opportunity is a walk in the park; the dense curriculum, delivered through simulations, case studies and discussions, required significant commitment of time and energy. “Adapting to the intensity and pace of the programme was a challenge!” Farida laughed.
One of the most impactful elements of the programme for her was the use of simulations. “These realistic scenarios provided hands-on experience in managing team dynamics, making strategic decisions and resolving conflicts.” Farida noted. The simulations allowed her to experiment with different approaches in a risk-free environment, offering valuable insights into her leadership style and its effects on team performance.
A surprising aspect was the depth of self-awareness fostered by the programme. “The peer feedback and self-assessment exercises revealed insights into my leadership style and its impact on team dynamics that I had not fully recognised before.” she noted. The emphasis was more demanding than anticipated, requiring her to address aspects of her leadership that she had previously overlooked. Additionally, the diversity of perspectives within the cohort presented new ways of thinking about leadership challenges.
Applying Learnings and Advancing Her Leadership
Returning to Emirates Islamic, Farida noticed significant improvements in her leadership approach. Her colleagues observed a more strategic mindset as she applied new strategies and techniques from the programme. “I began implementing some of the strategies, which led to business process improvements.” Farida explained. This included more effective delegation, enhancing team morale and productivity. She also became more attuned to stakeholder expectations and team dynamics, leveraging collaborative decision-making techniques to generate innovative solutions and develop comprehensive strategies for complex projects.
Farida advises those considering the programme to assess how it aligns with their personal and professional goals. “Be open to challenging your assumptions and consider the long-term impact on your leadership and career trajectory.” she added, emphasizing that if you are ready for an intensive, transformative experience, the INSEAD Leading Teams programme offers a rewarding investment in your professional development. The programme’s intensity requires commitment, but the diverse perspectives and feedback received are invaluable for growth.
Engage deeply with the material, participate actively in discussions and embrace the opportunity to interact with a diverse cohort.
Personal Passions: Blending Art, Reading and Design
Farida shares a fun fact about her off-time activities: she loves integrating her passion for art with her love of books. “I often draw as I read, capturing what I understand from the readings.” she explained. This creative process not only enriches her reading experience but also allows her to experiment with different artistic techniques and themes inspired by literature.
In addition to art and reading, Farida enjoys shopping for unique fashion items. “I have a penchant for finding durable, stylish pieces that spark my creativity.”she laughed. This integration of art, reading and shopping keeps her creativity flowing and adds a meaningful dimension to her personal fulfilment.
Featured Programme
