An Inspiration in Building Bridges Across Cultures

My journey began with a deep passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in the MENA region, inspired by my own experiences of having lived and worked both within and outside of the MENA region. Originally from Yemen, I grew up in the UK and later moved to several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, France, the USA, Australia, and now Saudi Arabia. With a background in human rights law, I naturally developed skills in communicating effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Recognizing the value of these experiences, I decided to study and understand the theories and tools behind what I had organically learned. This led to the founding of Al Multaqa Consultancy, with the aim of bridging cultural understanding and facilitating effective communication among leaders and communities.

The initial challenges included raising awareness about the importance of intercultural communication and gaining the trust of potential clients who were unfamiliar with why it is extremely relevant for today's effective leaders and employees. Overcoming these challenges required persistence and demonstrating the tangible benefits of our approach.

Memorable Milestones

One memorable milestone was attending the first Executive Women lunch in Riyadh. The event brought together influential women leaders and sparked meaningful conversations about leadership and empowerment for women. The positive feedback and connections made inspired me to develop a specific program tailored for women in leadership positions, 'The Leadership Lantern.' I am extremely proud of this program as it addresses the unique challenges and skills that women face and bring to leadership roles. Many traditional leadership programs are male-oriented and do not adequately cover these aspects. 'The Leadership Lantern' has successfully empowered numerous women by enhancing their communication skills and leadership capabilities, paving the way for their professional growth and success.

Another standout moment was the successful implementation of our intercultural training programs in various multinational corporations. Witnessing the positive transformations in these organizations, from improved teamwork to enhanced leadership communication, reinforced our mission's impact. Each success story serves as a testament to the importance of our work and fuels our drive to expand our reach even further.

Evolution and Lessons Learned

Our community has grown significantly, expanding from local events to comprehensive training programs and international collaborations. One key lesson I've learned is the importance of listening and adapting to the needs of the community. Building strong relationships and staying true to our core values has been crucial in our growth. To others aspiring to build their own communities, I advise staying patient, being open to feedback, and always prioritizing genuine connections over quick gains.

As we expanded, we integrated feedback loops to continually refine our programs. This iterative process not only improved our offerings but also built a strong sense of trust and loyalty within our community. Another critical lesson was recognizing the value of partnerships. Collaborating with other organizations, thought leaders, and institutions broadened our impact and introduced new perspectives that enriched our approach.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, Al Multaqa Consultancy aims to further enhance its programs by incorporating cutting-edge research in intercultural communication and leadership development. We plan to leverage technology to reach a wider audience, offering online courses and virtual workshops to make our programs more accessible globally. Additionally, we aim to foster a network of alumni who can mentor new participants, creating a sustainable cycle of learning and growth.

In conclusion, the journey of building Al Multaqa Consultancy has been filled with challenges, milestones, and invaluable lessons. Our commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and effective communication remains at the heart of our mission. As we continue to grow, we look forward to empowering more individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of our diverse world with confidence and competence.

Glorianne Montefrio

With over 20 years of experience in media, PR, and event direction, Glorianne Montefrio is a trailblazer known for infusing humanity into technology and fostering trust through effective communication. Her expertise in curated experiences for UHNWI events has earned her numerous accolades, while her commitment to community impact sets her apart. Glorianne is a beacon of innovation, blending technology with empathy to create meaningful change.