Nadia Boumeziout is an accomplished Sustainability leader with extensive experience in corporate governance, marketing, and strategic communications. With a wealth of experience, she seamlessly bridges strategy and implementation, managing impactful initiatives while upholding a steadfast commitment to transparency and integrity. Her dynamic leadership and strategic thinking drive sustainable practices, leaving a lasting impact on organizations, the environment and society. In addition to her role at Zurich, Nadia is a member of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group (DSFWG) at DIFC and a mentor at WiSER by Masdar, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. She was awarded “BCG V60” – Top 60 Women in Climate Action & Sustainability, Middle East (2024) and recognized as a Top 100 Middle Eastern Voices for Sustainability by Gulf Intelligence (2024).
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Nadia shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion, the best piece of advice she has ever received, her biggest stress relievers, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Nadia. Please tell us about your background and areas of interest.
My career began in marketing and communications, and led me to fintech, governance, and sustainability. My journey into sustainability began with a project focused on financial inclusion and literacy, where we aimed to create a bank for the unbanked population in the UAE. This experience brought me to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into corporate strategy. Businesses have a vital role to play in society and the economy, especially as climate change pushes us to rethink traditional business models.
Lately, I’ve developed a strong interest in systems thinking—understanding how everything is connected and how a decision in one area can have significant impacts elsewhere. Topics such as water security, food security, and health are on my mind as well. Ultimately, I believe that people are at the center of everything we do, and it’s essential to consider their well-being in every decision we make.
What do you love the most about your current role?
I value being part of a multinational company that genuinely prioritizes sustainability. It’s encouraging to see sustainability not just as a checkbox but as an integral part of our corporate strategy, with clear targets and ambitions. I believe it is vital that the insurance industry engages in climate and sustainability discussions, whether through cross-industry dialogues or engagement with governments and regulators. Being a thought leader gives me great satisfaction because it allows me to bring my experience to the table while also knowing that my contributions have a meaningful impact.
What opportunities do you see for leveraging technology, such as AI or blockchain, to drive sustainability outcomes?
I’m a strong advocate for using technology as a key enabler of sustainability. Technologies like AI and blockchain have the potential to transform how we approach sustainability by providing greater transparency, traceability, and efficiency. For example, AI may be used to analyse large amounts of data to detect patterns and forecast environmental outcomes, allowing businesses to make more educated decisions that reduce their carbon footprint. AI-powered tools can also help optimise energy consumption in real time, resulting in significant reductions in both energy use and emissions.
Blockchain, on the other hand, offers a secure and transparent way to track the entire lifecycle of products, from raw materials to the end consumer. This level of traceability can ensure that items are obtained and produced in a sustainable manner, and that supply chains are free of unethical acts. For example, in the coffee sector, blockchain can be used to follow the flow of coffee beans from smallholder farmers to the consumer. This guarantees that farmers are fairly compensated, and the coffee is produced in a sustainable manner throughout the value chain. By providing transparency, consumers can be confident that their purchase supports ethical practices, and farmers can directly benefit from their labor.
These technologies not only increase efficiency and sustainability, but they also empower people by ensuring that their efforts are recognised and fairly rewarded. AI and blockchain can contribute to the development of more equitable and sustainable systems that benefit both the environment and the communities involved.
What role do you see information governance playing in supporting the UN’s sustainability goals, and how do you leverage data and analytics to drive sustainability outcomes?
Information governance is essential particularly when it comes to protecting data privacy and security. As we move forward in the digital era, with AI and other technologies becoming more common, it is critical that we protect the data of our customers, employees, and suppliers—it is one of our most valuable assets. The rise in cyber threats makes this even more critical. Strong data governance promotes sustainability by enabling us to use data and analytics to track progress and make informed decisions.
How do you stay up to date with emerging trends and regulations in sustainability and information governance?
I’m always eager to learn, so I make it a point to continuously educate myself on what’s new and relevant in the field. I also like to speak to industry professionals who can share best practices and real-life experiences. It’s important to go beyond the theory and understand how things work in practice, which helps me stay on top of emerging trends and regulations.
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
Diversity and inclusion are incredibly important, especially in today’s globalised world, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Beyond gender diversity, we have to consider cultural differences and the unique perspectives they bring. Furthermore, I am a strong advocate for intergenerational dialogue and reverse mentoring by the younger generation because there is so much, we can learn from one another.
To overcome stereotypes and create a truly inclusive environment, we must remain curious, actively listen, and learn from one another. By approaching conversations with an open mind and a willingness to understand different points of view, we can break down barriers and create a more accepting and harmonious world.
In your academic or work career, were there any mentors who have helped you grow along the way? What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed to have a number of mentors who have contributed to my growth and development. Mentors are incredibly valuable because they provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer perspectives that you might not have considered on your own. They can help you overcome challenges, build confidence and develop the skills you need to succeed.
One piece of advice that has stuck with me is the importance of taking time to think. We don’t always have to respond or react immediately, and sometimes, pausing to reflect can lead to more thoughtful and effective outcomes. This advice has been helpful in both my professional and personal life, reminding me to approach situations with a calm and considered mindset.
What’s a leadership lesson that you’ve learnt that’s unique to being a female leader?
In my career, I’ve had some challenging experiences with female leaders, which have taught me an important lesson. As women, we need to do a better job of supporting and lifting each other up, rather than viewing others as threats. I’ve learnt that great leadership involves creating an environment in which everyone, especially women, feels empowered to succeed. As a leader, my goal is to be a positive influence on other women, contributing to a collaborative and supportive culture. By doing so, we can overcome obstacles and achieve greater success together.
What is your biggest stress reliever?
Growing up in the Belgian countryside near the forest instilled in me a deep appreciation for green spaces. Spending time in nature, whether it’s a park, forest, or mountain, brings me a sense of calm and tranquility. Even in Dubai, I enjoy exploring the city’s green spaces and finding moments of peace amidst the urban environment.
When I need a more intensive relaxation, I quite enjoy a spa day. It’s the perfect way to unwind, escape from technology, and rejuvenate my mind and body.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
I envision myself in a leadership position where I can have a meaningful impact. I am also pursuing board positions where I can apply my knowledge of sustainability, ESG and governance. I believe that my experience as a woman in this field can provide valuable perspectives to a board.
On a personal level, I dream of having a small farm. Although I have yet to decide where, I like the idea of having a space that connects me to nature and leads to sustainable living. It’s a vision that combines my passion for the environment with a desire to live a more hands-on, grounded life.
In addition, I’d like to continue working on the ground with communities across Africa on girls’ education and sustainable projects.
One piece of advice to aspiring professionals from your industry?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is an inevitable part of the journey, and it can often be the greatest teacher. When you experience setbacks, see them as opportunities to learn, grow, and refocus your efforts. Do not let your fear of failure hold you back. Embrace challenges, be persistent, and don’t give up on your goals. Remember, it’s through overcoming obstacles that we truly discover our potential and achieve lasting success.
And … take care of yourself along the way. As they say on the plane, put your oxygen mask on first. You won’t be able to make good decisions or add value if you’re exhausted or depleted. By prioritizing your well-being, you’ll be better equipped to navigate challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.