Blogs

Holly Parnell: The Hospitality Star with a Theatrical Soul If there’s one thing Holly Parnell proves, it’s that hospitality is more than just service. It’s performance, heart, and a little bit of showbiz magic. From the stages of the UK to the buzzing dining rooms of Dubai, Holly has built a career defined by passion, people, and an unmistakable spark. She’s not only an award-winning restaurant manager but also a charismatic TV presenter and former MasterChef UK semi-finalist. And yet, it’s her genuine love for connection that sets her apart. From Theatre to Hospitality: An Unexpected Beginning Holly’s journey into hospitality didn’t begin in a kitchen or at the front of house. It began on stage. Trained at the prestigious Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance, she honed her voice, presence, and ability to read a room. These skills would later become her superpowers in the world of service and operations. As she transitioned from acting into restaurant leadership, Holly discovered that the hospitality industry was a natural extension of her theatrical training. Every shift was a performance, every guest an audience member, and every night a chance to create magic. A Standout in the Industry Today, Holly has more than 17 years of experience working across leading hospitality venues in the UK and UAE. Her sharp operational mind, paired with a warm, guest-first philosophy, has earned her widespread respect across the industry. In 2023, she was named Restaurant Manager of the Year by Caterer Middle East, a career-defining accolade that recognized her excellence in team leadership, guest experience, and venue innovation. It’s a title that Holly carries with both pride and humility. “I’ve always believed hospitality is about making people feel seen,” she says. “It’s more than good food or fast service. It’s about care, timing, energy.” A Taste of Fame: From MasterChef to Media Holly’s reach doesn’t stop at the front of house. In 2022, she stepped into the spotlight as a semi-finalist on MasterChef UK, charming viewers with her creativity and culinary passion. The experience deepened her relationship with food and reminded her that vulnerability and creativity can go hand in hand. Her television journey didn’t end there. Holly is now carving a niche as a TV presenter focused on food and beverage storytelling. With a naturally warm style, she interviews chefs, showcases venues, and brings authentic hospitality stories to life on screen. Creating Connection Through Content One of Holly’s most distinctive qualities is her storytelling ability, rooted in her background in verbatim theatre. She believes in the power of real stories, shared honestly and with heart. Whether she’s interviewing a chef or managing a floor team, her goal is the same: connection. Currently based in Dubai, Holly leads operations at one of the city’s standout venues while also developing food-focused content that celebrates people behind the plates. Her work reflects a balance of strategy and soul, a rare blend in today’s fast-paced hospitality scene. Life Behind the Scenes Despite her many roles, Holly remains grounded. She’s known for her hands-on leadership style, sharp attention to detail, and unshakable belief in the power of people. She champions women in leadership, values mental health in high-pressure environments, and advocates for better storytelling in hospitality media. Her personality is equal parts dynamic and down-to-earth, a refreshing presence in both the boardroom and the dining room. Final Thoughts Holly Parnell is more than a restaurant manager. She’s a performer, a creator, a leader, and a connector. Her story is a reminder that the best hospitality is deeply human. When we lead with empathy, creativity, and authenticity, we create experiences that stay with people long after the meal is over. Whether she’s on set, on the floor, or on screen, Holly continues to inspire by doing what she does best: making people feel at home, wherever they are.

From Mahikeng to the C-Suite: The Trailblazing Journey of Keneilwe Gwabeni In an age where digital transformation is shaping the future of industries, a few individuals stand out not just for their technical brilliance, but for the resilience, purpose, and vision they bring to leadership. One such figure is Keneilwe Gwabeni, Group CIO of Assupol Holdings, whose remarkable journey from rural South Africa to the executive boardroom is as inspiring as it is impactful. Humble Beginnings, Unbreakable Spirit Raised in a small village outside Mahikeng, Keneilwe’s early life was defined by modest means and relentless determination. Her childhood home had no electricity or running water. Firewood and cow dung were their daily fuel. But her parents, particularly her mother, emphasized education, especially maths and science, as the bridge to a better future. “I didn’t grow up with technology,” she reflects. “I only touched a computer for the first time when I got to university.” That first encounter changed everything. It opened a door to a world that would become her lifelong career. A Career Built on Grit and Vision Fast forward to today, and Keneilwe boasts more than 24 years in IT, with nearly two decades in executive leadership. She has served in leadership roles at some of South Africa’s most respected organizations, including Standard Bank, Telkom, and the Financial Services Board. At Telkom, she led digital transformation across the Consumer and Small Business unit, introducing new efficiencies and enhancing customer experience. In September 2023, she joined Assupol as Group Chief Information Officer. It is a role that perfectly aligns with her passion for strategic innovation, customer-centric solutions, and organizational excellence. Her mission at Assupol is clear: transform the business through data-driven decision-making, optimize costs in a volatile economy, and drive digital innovation that enhances customer experience across South Africa. Earning Global Recognition Keneilwe’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She has earned several prestigious accolades over the years: Named in the Global CIO 100 in both 2021 and 2022 Honored among CIO Africa’s Top 45 Women in Digital Transformation Featured in Technology Magazine’s Top 100 Women in Tech (2023) These recognitions affirm what her colleagues already know. Keneilwe is a powerhouse in IT leadership, blending empathy, technical expertise, and strategic foresight. Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Mentorship Despite her impressive credentials, Keneilwe’s leadership style is anything but hierarchical. She leads with empathy, believing in the power of people, mentorship, and emotional intelligence. Throughout her journey, she has benefited from strong mentors, women like Professor Monica Singer, who challenged her to believe in herself, speak up, and push past fear. Today, she pays it forward by mentoring aspiring leaders, especially young women in tech. “Soft skills matter,” she often says. “You can be technically brilliant, but if you can’t connect with people or inspire trust, you won’t lead effectively.” Tech With Purpose: A Broader Vision Keneilwe’s vision for the future of tech is grounded in inclusion, accessibility, and transformation. She’s particularly excited about how low-earth orbit satellite networks like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper can bridge the connectivity gap in rural areas. It’s a challenge she understands on a deeply personal level. She also advocates for gender equity in the ICT sector, urging more companies to invest in female leadership pipelines, mentorship, and inclusive environments where women can thrive without having to compromise who they are. Life Outside the Boardroom Despite her demanding career, Keneilwe hasn’t forgotten her roots. She still owns a livestock farm, her personal sanctuary where she reconnects with nature and the legacy of her father. “Farming grounds me,” she says. “It reminds me of where I come from and the values that shaped me.” She also draws strength from prayer, meditation, and reflective practices that help her manage stress and stay centered. Her favorite productivity hack is taking quiet time to listen, to herself and to others. Words to Her Younger Self When asked what advice she’d give her 18-year-old self, her answer is simple yet profound: “Your story is your power. Own it. Don’t be afraid to speak your truth.” It’s a philosophy that has guided her through every career milestone, every challenge, and every opportunity. Final Thoughts Keneilwe Gwabeni isn’t just leading digital transformation at a corporate level. She’s transforming mindsets, opening doors, and breaking down the systemic barriers that once stood in her way. Her journey is proof that greatness can be born in the most unexpected places, and that leadership grounded in empathy, vision, and authenticity will always leave a lasting mark. As South Africa continues to redefine its digital future, leaders like Keneilwe remind us that real transformation starts with purpose and with people who dare to rise.

Dima Rachid Jamali: Championing Lifelong Learning and Sustainable Leadership Lifelong learning is more than a concept—it is a guiding principle that fuels personal fulfillment, professional advancement, and the pursuit of passion. It stems from our innate curiosity and the human drive to grow, evolve, and stay connected with the world around us. Professor Dima Rachid Jamali, Dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Sharjah, exemplifies this philosophy. A staunch advocate for continuous education, Dima believes in engaging with likeminded peers, sharing best practices, and staying ahead of the curve by actively participating in key regional and global conferences, executive workshops, and academic forums. “Lifelong learning has been my motto since the early start of my career.” – Dima Jamali Her Journey to Leadership Prior to her role at the University of Sharjah, Dima Jamali held the prestigious Kamal Shair Chair in Responsible Leadership and served as Professor and Associate Dean at the Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut (AUB). She earned her PhD in Social Policy and Administration from the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. Her academic work has consistently revolved around sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), especially within developing and emerging economies. Dima has authored or edited seven influential books, including Handbook of Responsible Management (Edward Elgar, 2019), CSR in Developing and Emerging Economies (Cambridge University Press), and Social Entrepreneurship in the Middle East (Palgrave, 2015). With over 100 internationally recognized publications, her research has had a broad and lasting impact, especially in the Middle East. Dima also played a central role in establishing and growing the UN Global Compact Network Lebanon, bringing together stakeholders from the private and public sectors, academia, and the United Nations to collaborate on programs promoting inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable development. Global Recognition Dima Jamali’s work has not gone unnoticed. She was named among the top 2% of the world’s most influential scholars in sustainability by Stanford University. Her accolades include the Aspen Institute’s 2015 Faculty Pioneer Award—dubbed “the Oscars of the Business School World” by the Financial Times. She has also received the Arab Organization for Social Responsibility’s CSR Personality of the Year award, the Shield of Excellence for the Arab Region, and the 2010 Shoman Prize for Best Young Arab Researcher. In addition to her research, she serves as President of the Global Compact Network Lebanon and is a member of the UN Global Council for Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME), which she joined in 2020. Dima also contributes to the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI), which aims to instill ethical leadership values across sectors. University of Sharjah: A Global Academic Vision The University of Sharjah stands as a distinguished academic institution committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation. With a global perspective and multidisciplinary programs spanning engineering, business, science, communication, and the arts, the university is recognized as a leader in academia across the UAE and GCC. In 2022, it was ranked #1 in the UAE alongside UAEU University by the Times Higher Education Rankings. Its educational model integrates internationally accredited programs and a commitment to shaping 21st-century skills, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The faculty is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and professional excellence. Leadership at the College of Business Administration Since taking the helm as Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dima Jamali has led a transformative journey. Within her first two years, she earned widespread respect from faculty, students, and university leadership. Under her guidance, the college reestablished its AACSB accreditation track and revised its mission and curriculum to align with emerging trends in global business education. She has spearheaded interdisciplinary collaborations with the Colleges of Engineering, Computing, and Arts and Design; initiated and activated multiple strategic MOUs with industry partners; and hosted three high-impact international symposia annually on topics such as innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainability. Dima has also expanded student development programs, including competitions, extracurricular engagements, and internship opportunities, significantly improving student employability. Her efforts have elevated the college’s international profile, leading to a jump in rankings to become the second-highest-rated business school in the UAE, and gaining recognition as one of the “10 Must Watch Business Schools for 2022” by Higher Education Digest. “The most interesting and happiest part of my daily routine is interacting with faculty and students and forging collaborations with industry.” – Dima Jamali Responding to the Pandemic with Vision The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global workforce and accelerated the demand for new skills. Dima recognized this shift early on and responded by advocating for curriculum innovation that enhances students’ adaptability and job readiness. Understanding that traditional degrees may no longer suffice in a rapidly evolving job market, Dima emphasized the integration of micro-credentials and the nurturing of essential 21st-century skills within academic programs. These include: Digital literacy: Leveraging technology to provide accessible, high-quality education. Soft skills: Communication, collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking. Innovative pedagogy: Transitioning from teaching to facilitating learning using flipped classrooms and personalized instruction. Industry engagement: Offering real-world exposure through internships and corporate partnerships. Social impact mindset: Developing future leaders who are committed to positive change in business and society. Advocating for Women’s Empowerment Dima Jamali is a passionate advocate for gender equity and women’s empowerment. She believes that when women are empowered, everyone benefits. To her, true leadership is rooted in vision, empathy, and collaboration. She emphasizes that women’s participation in decision-making is no longer optional but a necessity. “Women have shown they deserve a seat at every table where important decisions are made,” she asserts, referencing recent global discussions held during the UN General Assembly Week focused on the Global Goals. Still, the road to leadership for women is often filled with barriers. Like many, Dima encountered gender-based challenges early in her career. But she chose to rise above them, echoing the words of Shirley Chisholm: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding