State of the Art Leadership: A Visionary’s Impact on the Construction Industry
As Maysoun reflects on her journey in the construction industry, the path hasn’t always been easy, but it has been one of growth, resilience, and, most importantly, transformation. Entering a traditionally male-dominated field, she set out with the goal of excelling and breaking barriers through impactful projects, advocating for gender equality, or championing sustainability and innovation. The road hasn’t always been straightforward, but the challenges have only fueled her drive to make a difference and pave the way for others to follow.
Breaking Barriers: Significant Career Milestones & Impactful Projects
Maysoun’s journey in the construction field has been both dynamic and evolving. She began her career as an eager, newly graduated engineer, initially enhancing her skills in design. However, she quickly realized that her true passion lay in the industry’s business side. This led her to transition into Project Management, where she earned her PMP certification from the Project Management Institute. A few years later, she further expanded her expertise by obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration from Leicester University in the UK.
Beyond Project Management, Business Development has played a key role in her career within the construction industry. She outlines and executes strategies to penetrate new markets across the GCC and MENA regions, securing new clients, projects, and business opportunities. While acquiring projects has its challenges, the true test lies in maintaining clients’ trust, meeting their expectations, and consistently delivering projects on time and within budget. In addition, she leads a team of engineers and architects, guiding them towards success through collaboration and effective execution. Maysoun is proud to have been part of key developments in Jordan and the region, such as the Turtle Bay Hotel in the Red Sea Development KSA, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat Oman, which is LEED certified, Ayla Development in Aqaba Jordan, Abu Dhabi Plaza in Astana Kazakhstan and many other key developments throughout the region.
Leadership and Support for Gender Equality
One of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been the opportunity to lead and mentor others, particularly women aspiring to enter the construction industry. “Throughout my career, I’ve made it a priority to advocate for policies and practices that foster diversity and inclusion. The need for more women in leadership positions is more apparent than ever, and I am committed to being part of the change that ensures the next generation of female leaders can thrive.”
Through initiatives like sponsoring students from universities and training fresh graduates in programs, she always made it a point to ensure that women in those programs had the tools, resources, and networks they needed to succeed in a male-dominated field.
Embracing Sustainability and Technological Innovation
With growing pressure to reduce environmental impact, the construction industry must evolve. Throughout her career, she has prioritized integrating sustainable practices into every project, from utilizing green building materials to implementing energy-efficient designs. Sustainability is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity in modern construction.
However, sustainability is only part of the equation. Innovation, mainly through adopting new technologies, transforms the way one builds. She has the privilege of leading initiatives incorporating automation, artificial intelligence, and modular construction techniques into their work. She believes the industry’s future lies in its ability to harness these technologies to build smarter and more sustainable cities.
Navigating Challenges: Insights and Strategies
As a woman in construction, Maysoun faced challenges from industry biases and the complexities of balancing personal and professional demands. There have been moments where she has to prove herself more than her counterparts, but rather than viewing these moments as setbacks, she has embraced them as opportunities for growth. One of the key strategies she used to overcome challenges is cultivating a strong professional network. Surrounding herself with supportive colleagues and mentors has been invaluable. Equally important has been learning how to advocate for herself and her ideas, ensuring her voice is heard in decision-making processes.
Her advice for women entering the field is straightforward: “Be persistent, find mentors who will support you, and remain focused on your long-term goals. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards.”
A Vision for the Future of the Industry
Looking ahead, she is optimistic about the direction the construction industry is heading. Technology and sustainability will continue to be the cornerstones of innovation, and she believes they will see greater integration of these elements into every stage of the construction process. The future of construction will be one where digital tools, artificial intelligence, and sustainable practices are seamlessly incorporated into every project.
On a personal level, she remains committed to driving diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She wants to continue creating opportunities for women to lead projects, influence decision-making, and reshape the industry to reflect a broader range of experiences and perspectives. Additionally, she is focused on pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction practices to ensure that the industry not only meets today’s demands but builds a legacy that future generations can be proud of.
In conclusion, the construction industry is at an exciting crossroads. With continued innovation, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to diversity, one can shape a better, more inclusive future. Maysoun is proud to be part of this transformation and is excited to see how the industry will evolve in the years to come.