Noora Fikree – The Leader with a Vision
In CEO spotlight today, we are delighted to share the story of Dubai based CEO Ms. Noora Fikree. She is the Founder and CEO of Al Misk Group. Al Misk Group has been established in 2017. It is the holding company with diverse portfolio; it organizes events and exhibitions, offer a wide range of brands in E-commerce and beauty cosmetics trading. As a leader of this group of companies Noora Fikree has been working on establishing a centralized hub of business based on digital innovation and habit transformation. Noora is a finance professional. She shares more about her journey here.
Tell us a little bit about you as an entrepreneur?
I am Noora Fikree, the CEO of Al Misk Group. Al Misk was previously an events and exhibitions company but we have expanded into a group that takes care of event and exhibitions, E-commerce business and manages a business community where many global brands network and connect. We have Al Misk mobile application for E-commerce activity where consumers may purchase a wide range of fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle products and services to their benefit.
What was your favorite subject at school?
My favorite subjects in school were biology and economics. I found my strength in commerce.
What do you believe are great habits an entrepreneur must develop? What are the habits that have helped you become the successful CEO you are?
An entrepreneur plays many roles especially in the first three years of business life; therefore, good habits are essential for her to see her through all sorts of times successfully. I believe every business owner must exercise regularly and eat healthy to stay fit. A fit and healthy body has a healthy mind. Secondly, important habit is to rise early. Starting your day early will keep you energetic and happy. You will remain fresh and productive. Thirdly, a habit of thinking straight and clear matters the most. A CEO or a business owner with clear thoughts will make better decisions. It takes little bit of a training to regulate thoughts and declutter the mind. However, once, you are determined to exercise it habitually, you develop the strength of mind needed to be resilient, strategic and impactful. Then learning new things is very important.
I am open to learning. The habit of learning new things and keeping my heart and mind open to welcome knowledge and experiences has been a major contributor. Moreover, I love reading. I strongly believe reading is a habit that takes you to the next level as you may learn more. Rising early, organizing myself better has been at the root of my everyday life.
What is your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration in first His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum. Secondly, I am greatly inspired by my father, he has always been by my side every step of the way, guiding me and encouraging me.
What motivates you daily?
The desire to do more, explore new options and opportunities are my major motivators.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
A business owner faces many challenges. A main challenge for me has been finding the ways to grow business. Launching a business is very easy. There are fixed steps every business owner has to take to launch her venture but when it comes to running it to grow, the challenges are several. Growing my businesses was one of the big challenges I overcame.
What advice you have for women looking to follow your lead in the same industry?
I encourage all women to step forward and follow their passion whichever industry they are in. Taking the first step is difficult but not impossible. It is when we step forward that we achieve and succeed.
What are your plans for next two years in Al Misk Group?
The coming years will bring global recognition for Al Misk Group. We plan to expand and grow with future collaborations with numerous global brands.
