The most influential female leaders in legal services, for example Riham Naim, making a positive impact on some keyways. She champions diversity and inclusion by working to break down barriers and create a more equitable legal profession. Riham recognizes the potential of innovative technology to improve legal services and make them more accessible. Women like Riham are inspiring the next generation of female lawyers to succeed in traditionally male-dominated roles.
Now in Head of State GULF Legal at Novartis, Riham is a successful lawyer with a distinguished career. they co-founded in Egypt In-House Counsel Group, a community of legal professionals in Egypt. A group that brings together more than 500 in-house counsel in EG to share learning, vacancies, better use of time, job opportunities, and improve the efficiency and resources of in-house lawyers in EG.
Journey to the Peak
Riham has extensive experience working in legal leadership positions. He currently leads the legal team for the GULF region. Previously, he served as Head of Legal Affairs for Novartis Egypt, overseeing all legal matters for the company’s various divisions.
Before joining Novartis, Riham held legal positions at Arab International Bank (AIB) and Credit Lyonnais Bank (CLB) & GULF Bank in Kuwait. Her background also includes experience as a French interpreter and legal trainer.
Riham is a qualified lawyer. He is also a country representative for the American Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and a member of the Egyptian Bar Association.
In his own words, Riham is an Egyptian born in France. He holds a “Maitrise” de Droit Des Affaires from the University of Paris-I Pantheon Sorbonne and a Bachelor of Arts in Egyptian Law from Cairo University.
Early Success
When asked what challenges she had to overcome to get where she is today, Riham said the challenges were her mindset, understanding and understanding her biases, and turning those challenges into opportunities. “When I started my first role in the Pharmaceutical industry, I was the first woman to take over a legal role, the youngest among the leadership team. Instead of positioning myself as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity.”
Riham is determined to leave a strong legacy from day one, build confidence in the team, and pave the way for whoever will take over the role when he leaves. Smiling, he said, “Now, I enjoy my new role with the GULF market, having the opportunity to work with a more diverse team and learn from everyone around me: I believe that teachers are everywhere.!”
Sharing the vision and mission at Novartis, Riham said, “Our vision and mission is to be the most valued and trusted pharmaceutical company in the world. And I’m really proud and privileged to be a part of the team at Novartis, and we actually practice it every day.!”
Riham is a fan of diversity and inclusion. They say it is a key strategic goal to understand different perspectives and personalities and encourage all work styles to be heard and engaged!
Integrating D&I to Foster Innovation
Innovation is key in a rapidly changing market. According to Riham, diversity and inclusion are key contributors to innovation, along with creating a culture where everyone can speak their mind! Riham says different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences bring unique insights and ideas to the table. Diversity fosters creativity, problem solving, and innovation by challenging conventional thinking and the status quo.
Diversity is also the result of creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. Encourage active listening, empathy and respect for different opinions. It comes with building a culture of trust and psychological safety as well. “As I mentioned before, the Pharma industry is very dynamic, and innovation is needed to maintain business and growth, not only from the Research and Development font, but for everyone working in this industry to unlock opportunities and expand patient access to medicines correct” he stated.
Maximum Impact
Further enlightening about the impact his work has made on the market, Riham said, “For those who know me, I do things from my heart, and I want to make an impact. I think the fact shading light the role of in-house counsel in Egypt to understand the contribution to the success of the key business, either by contributing to Returns on Investment (ROI) through assessing the right offer to be implemented correctly or assessing the risk can work together with other key functions to avoid risks material or reputation. It should be noted that only when we started to build a community at home in Egypt, the advisors at home began to be smoothly registered with the Egyptian Bar Association! I’m proud.”
Emergent caliber
As a female leader, Riham regularly faces challenges. Like many, she played different roles throughout her career: as daughter, sister, wife, or mother; each stage requires a certain flexibility that can change from time to time. The challenge of traveling often or attending meetings on the weekend or in the evening can be a challenge for a woman who has to leave her family for long periods of time. “I always have the right support from my family and friends to help me overcome different challenges.” Choosing the right employer that gives influence and presence of the right caliber in the organization. The culture is about understanding the challenges, and designing solutions/flexibility to help get the right talent to deliver is also very important.
Happy Wisdom
On her advice to women joining the industry, Riham says, “Always be prepared:
- Overcome complexity. The Pharma industry is studied in most MENA markets.
- Learn important medical terms.
- Understand the company’s portfolio and key indications for key strategic products.
- Challenging the status quo: Pharma is a very dynamic industry. One solution cannot fit all😉.”
“Enjoy your feminine side, design each area of your career according to your needs, and never give up!”
Finally, when asked where he sees himself in the long term and what his future goals are for his company, Riham said, “Continuing to leave a strong legacy, educating and improving my skills and team, quitting low value added jobs is my current goal. The future goal is to improve the role of women in the field of law in the Middle East.”
Success Insights Team wishes Riham Naim to achieve all her dreams and goals.
