In an industry that demands both technical expertise and exceptional leadership skills, women are increasingly taking center stage in global mobility. A recent conversation with two distinguished leaders in the field - Moya Kimber from Oracle and Naima Alvi from SLB (formerly Schlumberger) - offers valuable insights into how they've navigated their careers while balancing personal responsibilities and what makes truly exceptional leadership in global mobility.
Leadership Through Support and Flexibility
Both leaders emphasized how crucial organizational support has been in their career journeys. Moya, who has been with Oracle for 26 years, credits the company's flexibility in allowing her to balance her role as a mother of two while advancing her career. "They've supported me in my choices to work part-time or longer or shorter hours," she explains, highlighting how Oracle's approach to internal promotion and work-life balance has enabled her success.
Naima's story is particularly compelling. As a single mother who moved from Dubai to Houston with her four-year-old son, she exemplifies how strong organizational support can enable bold career moves. Despite the challenges of relocating across continents without an existing support network, SLB's commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with support from leadership and employee resource groups (ERGs), helped her establish herself in a new country.
The Evolution of Workplace Flexibility
The discussion touched on how workplace flexibility has evolved, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Both Oracle and SLB have adopted hybrid working models, with an emphasis on output rather than physical presence. As Moya puts it, "I know they're working. It doesn't matter where they are. I don't need to micromanage them."
Naima's experience with global roles highlights how flexibility isn't just about location - it's about adapting to global time zones and various work patterns. Her day might start at 6 AM and end at 10 PM, depending on which part of the world she's working with, demonstrating how modern global mobility leadership requires adaptability and strategic time management.
Qualities of Exceptional Leadership
When asked about the single most important characteristic that distinguishes exceptional global mobility leaders, both women offered complementary perspectives. Moya emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that success comes from being "the sum part of my whole team." She stressed the value of sharing information openly to enable better planning and success.
Naima highlighted the critical role of vision and passion, particularly in an evolving field like global mobility. She explained how strategic insight and the ability to align mobility with organizational goals are crucial for driving change and innovation in the function.
Advice for the Next Generation
Both leaders shared valuable advice for aspiring professionals. Moya emphasized the importance of empathy and listening: "You have to have the ability to take yourself... put yourself in the shoes of the person." She stressed the importance of combining kindness with the strength to stand up for one's convictions.
Naima's advice centered on curiosity and innovation. "Don't be scared to find out and to ask questions or to find solutions," she advises, highlighting how the future of work will demand new ways of thinking and approaching challenges.
The Future of Diversity and Inclusion
Both leaders expressed strong support for continued focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives in their organizations. As Naima noted, "Going back on it now would be like stepping back." Their companies have demonstrated commitment to these values through dedicated leadership roles and ongoing initiatives to promote inclusive workplace cultures.
Conclusion
The experiences and insights shared by these leaders demonstrate how the landscape of global mobility is evolving, with women playing increasingly pivotal roles in shaping its future. Their success stories highlight the importance of organizational support, flexible work arrangements, and strong leadership qualities in advancing both individual careers and the profession as a whole. As the field continues to evolve, their emphasis on empathy, curiosity, and inclusive leadership provides a valuable roadmap for the next generation of global mobility professionals. You can access the complete discussion from The View From The Top Show here.
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