When you think of powerhouse women transforming organizations from the inside out, one name stands out in the Middle East and beyond: Sarah Bou Maroun . With over 18 years of hands-on experience, Sarah has become a trusted guide for companies looking to evolve, grow, and create impactful work cultures.
Currently the Senior Partner at Tawzif Training and Consultancy, Sarah leads the region’s top HR restructuring firm with offices in the UAE and Beirut. Her work focuses on transforming family-owned and private businesses into professional, corporate entities. She doesn’t just create HR departments; she builds the entire DNA of a company’s people strategy from the ground up.
Building HR Legacies Across Industries
Sarah’s expertise spans an impressive range of industries: FMCG, healthcare, technology, telecom, hospitality, retail, construction, engineering, digital platforms, and more. Her fingerprints can be found on some of the most prominent brands across the region.
She has driven HR transformations for major international entities such as Gandour in KSA, India, and Egypt (home to brands like Unica, Tutti Frutti, and Tarboush), I-engineering Group, NokNok Groceries in Lebanon and Ghana, Ninja GCC, Interface Qatar, and Difco Group (known for Poppins and Snips).
Sarah Bou Maroun has also guided media giants like AWI International, publishers of Marie Claire Arabia, Top Gear, Gala, Fortune Arabia, eWaseet, and Al Balad, as well as FMPS Holding for Healthcare and Bioteck medical companies.
She’s left her mark on financial institutions like Credit Agricole Armenia and Pernod Ricard Armenia, as well as lifestyle and fashion giants Baroody International (distributors of Speedo, Adidas, Champion, Havaianas, and more) and Antoine International Holding.
At each stop, Sarah Bou Maroun created HR departments from scratch, implemented performance management systems, developed competency-based job descriptions, established in-house training and assessment centers, and built full employee engagement programs.
From the Classroom to the Boardroom
Sarah Bou Maroun isn’t just a corporate consultant; she’s also a dedicated academic. She lectures on behavioral and human resource management at prestigious universities, including Saint Joseph University, Lebanese American University, and EMIS Business School in Paris.
Her courses cover emotional intelligence, group behavior in the workplace, talent management, and even practical skills like successful job hunting. Sarah believes that knowledge should never stay static, which is why she’s constantly sharing her expertise to empower the next generation of leaders.
A Passion for Lifelong Learning
While leading major consultancy projects and teaching, Sarah Bou Maroun is also pursuing her Ph.D. in Leadership and Human Resources Management. She already holds a Master’s degree in HR Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Translation from Université Saint-Joseph.
On top of her academic credentials, she is a certified trainer in situational leadership, reward systems, risk management, change management, and ISO quality standards.
This unique combination of deep academic knowledge and real-world experience is what sets Sarah apart. She doesn’t just teach theory; she lives it every day.
Transforming Organizations, One Employee at a Time
Sarah is known for her people-centric leadership style. She goes beyond organizational charts and policies to transform workplace culture and strengthen employee engagement.
Her consultancy scope covers everything from creating HR strategies to developing competency-based job descriptions, revamping talent acquisition processes, and crafting induction and onboarding programs.
She helps prepare HR budgets in collaboration with finance departments, creates detailed HR manuals, and establishes clear employee handbooks. Sarah also designs and delivers professional training in HR, soft skills, employee engagement, and career planning, all with one goal in mind: to empower employees and improve organizational performance.
A Master Trainer Empowering Future Leaders
Sarah is also an expert trainer who has developed and delivered programs covering a wide range of topics. Her most requested training topics include:
- Competency-based interviewing skills
- Best practices for HR managers
- Performance appraisal management
- Stress and time management
- Effective communication and presentation skills
- Talent management and succession planning
- Team building and conflict management
- ISO standards and safety management
- Finance for non-finance professionals
- Social media best practices and body language techniques
Whether coaching executives or training fresh graduates, Sarah always aims to inspire, educate, and empower.
Beyond the Boardroom: An Inspirational Lifestyle
Despite her busy schedule, Sarah leads a dynamic and inspiring lifestyle that many admire. Her Instagram page offers a glimpse into her world from professional workshops and global conferences to personal moments of travel and self-care.
She believes that balance is key, and she embodies this by making time for personal growth and wellness alongside her demanding professional life. Her story is a testament to the idea that success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about growing holistically as a person.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Sarah’s journey wasn’t easy. As a woman in leadership, she had to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, especially in regions where traditional corporate cultures can resist change. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unshakeable belief in the power of people.
Today, she uses her experience to mentor young professionals, guiding them to build their careers with confidence and purpose. Through her trainings and university courses, she encourages students and professionals alike to dream bigger, aim higher, and never stop learning.
Looking Ahead
With her ongoing Ph.D. research, constant innovation in HR strategies, and unwavering dedication to her clients and students, Sarah’s journey is far from over. She continues to help organizations evolve and thrive while nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Sarah J. Bou Maroun isn’t just an HR strategist she’s a visionary, a mentor, and an inspiration to anyone striving to make an impact in their career and community.
Do follow her on Instagram
Read More: UFC 321 Abu Dhabi: The UFC Returns to the UAE This October
