Hibah Albakree Of Designlab Experience On How We Can Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and Management
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Invest in your team’s development and allow them to step into their power. The focus is on inspiring leadership, not just giving titles.
Despite strides towards equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership and management roles across various sectors. In this series, we would like to discuss the barriers to female advancement in these areas and explore actionable strategies for change. We are talking with accomplished women leaders, executives, and pioneers who have navigated these challenges successfully, to hear their experiences, tactics, and advice to inspire and guide the next generation of women toward achieving their full potential in leadership and management roles. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Hibah Albakree.
Hibah Albakree is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Designlab Experience, a creative studio based in Dubai and Riyadh, specializing in transformative experiences through bespoke architectural design and art. In her role, she drives the partner relations, as well as the overarching vision of the business.
Hibah collaborates closely with leaders in business and government, high-profile individuals, and institutions alike. As a trusted advisor, she is sought out for her counsel in strategic project inception, her intuitive gift to envision initial thoughts and reframing these into concise opportunities, as well as her impeccable aesthetic.
Working with artists, architects, and strategists from all walks of life, she is continuously guiding the creative process, curating experience journeys, and aligning the company’s vision to drive boundary-pushing, impactful concepts, and space transformations. Hibah serves as an inspiring thought-leader and highly skilled guardian of Arabist design, culture, and heritage in the industry.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
It all started unexpectedly when my sister asked me to help organize her wedding. The event was a success, and many guests were so impressed that they asked me to plan their private events. These experiences ignited my passion and talent for event production, leading me to realize this could be my career path.
From a young age, I was naturally inclined toward creativity and leadership in the arts. I spent countless hours on arts and crafts, which helped me develop patience, an eye for aesthetics, and a love for building things. My passion for art also inspired me to pursue a degree in Studio Art at Smith College, MA, followed by a transformative year in Paris, which deeply enriched my artistic perspective.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Meeting architect Mootassem El Baba marked a significant turning point in my career. His name frequently surfaced in industry discussions, with many urging that we should connect. Interpreting this as a sign, I arranged a meeting in Lebanon, where he resided. From the moment we met, it was clear that we shared a common vision, work ethic, and values. I proposed that we collaborate on a project for an Emirati Sheikh with whom Mootassem had previously worked. He agreed and suggested I stay in Lebanon for a few days to develop a proposal before I traveled to Abu Dhabi for the presentation. During my time there, I collaborated not only with Mootassem but also with Marwan Maalouf, who is now our business partner and the lead architect at Designlab Experience. Together, we developed a very innovative design that ultimately led to the Sheikh awarding us the project. This moment marked the beginning of our partnership, which led to the founding of our studio a few months later.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your path to leadership?
The Diriyah Oasis project, an open-air entertainment district in Riyadh that welcomed 30,000 visitors daily, was a first for us and a pivotal moment for the company. Applying our experience on such a large scale — in an over 1.6 million square feet — was groundbreaking.
At that point, we made the decision to restructure the studio and expand the team. Yvonne Hoffzimmer joined us as COO, bringing her expertise to help shape a more organized and strategic company with a clear path forward.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I’m incredibly grateful to my husband for his unwavering support, especially when our kids were young and life was so busy. Having children close in age made for a very hectic family life, but his patience and availability made all the difference. While I was building the company, he stepped in and was there for the kids. His support allowed me to give the company the attention it needed during those critical years. Without his help and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to balance family and career as successfully as I have.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Erin Meyer’s “The Culture Map” is a book that has resonated with me very much. The book explores the cultural differences that can impact business interactions, particularly in cross-cultural contexts such as the Middle East. Navigating the nuances in a region with a rich tapestry of cultures, each with its own unique customs, values, and communication styles, whilst building a business that resonates globally, is and will remain the cornerstone of our business.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
“Moments Matter”.
While milestones like winning a prestigious project are important, it’s often the small, everyday moments that truly shape a business and its culture. This is directly applicable to the way we create our projects, too. These moments, whether internal, such as celebrating a team achievement, or external, such as integrating a special memory known to the bride alone into her arrival experience, have had a profound impact on our business’s success and reputation.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
I’ve always believed in the importance of leading by example, both in my personal and professional life. I strive to embody values like honesty, accountability, and ethical behavior in every aspect of my life, whether with my family, friends, or colleagues. These values have guided me throughout my career, and I believe they’ve helped me create meaningful and positive experiences for those around me.
For example, my nieces often tell me that the way I encourage and support them in their personal lives reflects the kind of leader I am, even though they don’t work with me directly. I try to empower them and ensure they are on the right path, and this spills over into how I manage my team. I aim to be a source of motivation and a fixer — someone who can identify problems, provide solutions, and bring people together to move forward.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this report, only about 31.7% of top executive positions across industries are held by women. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from leadership and management?
In my experience, one of the major barriers holding women back from leadership and management positions is the lingering perception gap between how men and women are viewed in professional settings. It’s still very much a man’s world, and the dynamics reflect that.
For example, I recently saw a board of top executives in the entertainment industry composed entirely of men. When I looked at their backgrounds, many of them hadn’t accomplished even a fraction of what I’ve achieved, yet they held those positions. This isn’t unique to one industry or country — it’s a widespread issue.
Women juggle far more responsibilities than men, often balancing multiple roles as mothers, daughters, partners, and professionals. Yet their hard work isn’t always recognized in the same way. When women are under pressure or stressed, it’s often attributed to their mood rather than being seen as a legitimate challenge.
Despite all the progress made, women’s contributions are still often undervalued. While we’ve come a long way, much more work must be done to break these ingrained biases and level the playing field.
This might be intuitive to you but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become leaders and managers?
There are several important reasons why more women should step into leadership and management roles. One key benefit is their ability to better understand and empathize with other women’s unique challenges and needs, whether they’re employees, colleagues, or clients. They often react to workplace situations differently than men. Having female leaders who recognize these nuances can create a more supportive and balanced work environment.
For example, a client recently told me that when a male colleague was in the room, she felt pressured to make quick decisions and act decisively. In contrast, with me or another female leader, she felt more at ease and had the space to process and take in information. This difference in approach is significant, as it shows how women can foster a more thoughtful and inclusive atmosphere.
Additionally, women leaders tend to be more conscious of the work-life balance that many women face, such as juggling career progression with family responsibilities. In my company, I’ve prioritized ensuring that no female team member feels like she has to choose between having a family and advancing her career. I want them to feel empowered to do both. By leading through example and showing that it’s possible to juggle multiple roles, I hope to make it easier for other women to do the same.
Can you please share “5 Things We Need To Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and Management?
I believe in being a catalyst for change and the impact our female-led organization embodies. My team is a tangible demonstration of the capabilities and potential of women in positions of power and showcasing female leadership in action. Together, we challenge deeply ingrained stereotypes and biases that have historically hindered women’s advancement in our industry and beyond. But of course, there’s still much work to be done and today we focus on these aspects:
1. Reimagine Work:
- Flexible arrangements aren’t just a perk; they’re a necessity for women juggling multiple roles.
2. Cultivate Inclusive Cultures:
- Embrace diversity and create a space where everyone feels valued and respected. A true community.
3. Forge Mentorship Networks:
- Mentorship isn’t just about advice; it’s about unlocking doors.
4. Demand Equity:
- Actively advocate equal pay and promotion opportunities; they’re essential for creating a level playing field.
5. Ignite Leadership Potential:
- Invest in your team’s development and allow them to step into their power. The focus is on inspiring leadership, not just giving titles.
In your opinion, what systemic changes are needed to facilitate more equitable access for women to leadership roles?
To facilitate more equitable access for women to leadership roles, we need to embrace women’s unique leadership styles rather than expecting them to conform to male-dominated norms. Women should feel empowered to express emotions and balance their personal and professional lives without being criticized for it. Workplaces must evolve to support these differences, creating environments where women feel accepted and valued for who they are.
As more women take on leadership roles, society will grow accustomed to diverse leadership styles, making it easier for future generations of women to succeed.
What strategies have you found most effective in mentoring and supporting other women to pursue leadership positions?
One of the most effective strategies I’ve found for mentoring and supporting women in pursuing leadership positions is repetition and consistency. I regularly check in with those I’m mentoring, reinforcing key principles about assertiveness, setting boundaries, and navigating challenges.
I also encourage them to step beyond their comfort zones and actively seek face-time with key decision-makers, like sitting down with senior leaders to ensure they’re heard. This is a crucial form of consistent support, and over time, I’ve seen it pay off as they take on bigger roles and responsibilities.
How would you advise a woman leader about how to navigate the challenges of being a woman in a leadership role within a male-dominated industry?
My advice to women navigating leadership roles in male-dominated industries is to trust your instincts and stay true to yourself. When I find myself in a room full of men, I remind myself why I’m there and what has brought me success so far. I don’t try to change who I am to fit the environment — I stay grounded in the fact that the decisions and contributions I’ve made in the past have paid off because they were authentic to me.
It’s important not to feel pressured to modify your approach or behavior just because the room looks different. Your leadership is more genuine and impactful when you stay true to yourself. People can sense when you’re trying to be someone you’re not, which can undermine your authority. So, trust your instincts and be confident in the qualities that got you to where you are today.
How do you balance the demand for authoritative leadership with the stereotypical expectations of female behavior in professional settings?
To balance the demand for authoritative leadership with the stereotypical expectations of female behavior, I focus on two key things: removing ego and managing emotions. When faced with a challenging situation, I make a conscious effort to recognize when my ego is taking over, and I metaphorically ‘put it away’. Similarly, I assess whether my emotions are influencing my response. By stepping back and asking myself if I’m overly emotional or letting my ego get in the way, I gain clarity and can address the issue more effectively.
This approach helps break the stereotypes often associated with women in leadership, like being too emotional or needing to prove a point.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement, it would create a better support system and community for the elderly in our region. In many parts of the world, elderly people have access to social communities where they can engage, socialize, and maintain a sense of purpose. However, in our region, this is often seen as taboo. Families care for their elderly, but these individuals lack a wider community where they can connect with others their age.
This issue has always been on my mind because I believe keeping older people active, engaged, and socially connected is vital. A place where they can gather, share experiences, and enjoy activities — like playing games or participating in events — would significantly improve their quality of life. It would reduce loneliness and help them feel more alive, rather than simply being cared for at home with limited social interaction.
This type of movement could transform how we view aging in our region, making it more acceptable and even encouraging for the elderly to have their own supportive communities.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
The best way to follow our work online is through Instagram, where we post our latest projects with in-depth storytelling.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Hibah Albakree Of Designlab Experience On How We Can Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.