Women's Power Summit 2026: Four CEOs share how loss and empathy shaped their leadership

Personal loss, frontline healthcare experience, motherhood and the importance of human connection were among the experiences that shaped the leadership journeys of four women executives who spoke at the inaugural Women's Power Summit in Dubai.

During a panel discussion titled How Today's Women Leaders Are Building Tomorrow's Legacy, the leaders reflected on the defining moments that influenced their careers, their approaches to managing people and the changing expectations of leadership in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).

The discussion was moderated by Ted Kemp, featured Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation; Kimberley Pierce, CEO of King's College Hospital London – Dubai; Alice Weightman, founder and CEO of Hanson Search Group; and Katy Keenan, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai.

Ahlam Bolooki: Personal loss reshaped her outlook

For Ahlam Bolooki, the loss of her mother became a turning point that changed how she viewed time, success and leadership.

Bolooki said the experience encouraged her to reconsider what mattered most and how she wanted to use her time.

"Every single day is a gift," she said, explaining that the experience had shifted her focus from personal ambition towards making a meaningful contribution to the world.

She added that leadership was not about job titles or the next career milestone, but about understanding what the world needs and finding ways to contribute.

Bolooki also reflected on the potential impact of AI on the next generation, saying technological change could create opportunities for people to work more efficiently and develop new skills while redefining traditional expectations around working hours and career success.

Kimberley Pierce: Lessons from nursing inform her leadership

Kimberley Pierce's path to executive leadership began in nursing, where working in cardiac care helped her develop decision-making skills that continue to inform her role as a hospital CEO.

She explained that nurses in critical care environments must make rapid decisions, continuously assess patients' conditions and adjust priorities according to changing circumstances.

Pierce said this experience had helped her understand the practical challenges faced by healthcare professionals and strengthened her ability to empathise with doctors and nurses.

Her clinical background, she added, gives her insight into the demands of frontline healthcare and helps her make decisions with a clearer understanding of their impact on staff.

Alice Weightman: Human connection will matter in the AI era

Alice Weightman reflected on how leadership styles have changed over the past 25 years, with greater emphasis now being placed on empathy, values and interpersonal skills.

When she established her business, she said, leadership was more commonly associated with a command-and-control approach. Today, she believes softer skills have become increasingly important.

Weightman also highlighted the role of human interaction as AI transforms workplaces, arguing that empathy and the ability to build relationships could become even more valuable as technology advances.

She said leaders must continue evolving while remaining grounded in their core values.

Katy Keenan: Balancing leadership, motherhood and wellbeing

Katy Keenan spoke about the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, drawing on her experience in the financial sector, where she felt more human-centred leadership was not always recognised.

She said the experience influenced her decision to leave that environment and pursue a different professional path.

As a mother of two teenage daughters, Keenan also discussed the challenge of balancing a demanding executive role with family responsibilities.

Her approach centres on being fully present, whether she is working or spending time with her children. She said she avoids taking work calls when she is with her daughters.

Keenan also highlighted the importance of protecting time for personal wellbeing. She described setting aside Sundays for activities such as sound healing, saying the time helps her reset and maintain her energy for the week ahead.

Redefining leadership for the next generation

Across the discussion, the four executives highlighted how personal experiences can shape professional values, decision-making and relationships with colleagues.

Their reflections also pointed to the changing role of leadership as businesses adapt to technological advances and evolving workplace expectations.

For Bolooki, the next generation has an opportunity to use AI to work more efficiently, develop new capabilities and reconsider established ideas about productivity and career progression.

The summit brought together women leaders from different sectors to discuss their achievements, challenges and perspectives on the future of leadership in the UAE.