In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the call for inclusive leadership has never been more pronounced. At the forefront of this movement is Marisa Kamall, a distinguished leadership coach, keynote speaker, and the visionary founder of GAIA, a transformative women’s leadership network. With over two decades of senior executive experience spanning the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, Marisa’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to empowering women leaders worldwide.
A Global Leadership Odyssey
Marisa’s professional journey is marked by a series of impactful roles across diverse geographies. Her tenure as a Managing Director at a FTSE 100 company stands out, where she adeptly managed multimillion-dollar profit and loss accounts and led teams exceeding 5,000 members. This role not only honed her strategic and financial acumen but also deepened her understanding of the nuances of leadership across different cultural contexts.

Her extensive experience in senior executive positions across various continents has equipped her with a unique perspective on global business dynamics. This diverse background enables Marisa to approach leadership challenges with a holistic and inclusive mindset, making her a sought-after consultant and coach for organizations aiming to foster inclusive cultures.
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Recognized as a Top Voice in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in the UAE, Marisa is a fervent advocate for creating workplaces where diverse talent thrives. Her commitment to DE&I is not just a professional endeavor but a personal mission to break down barriers and pave the way for underrepresented groups in corporate hierarchies.
Marisa’s approach to DE&I goes beyond policy formulation. She emphasizes the importance of cultural transformation, urging organizations to shift mindsets and cultivate inclusive, adaptable workplaces. By identifying and mitigating unconscious biases, she helps leaders navigate and leverage cultural differences, turning diversity into a strategic advantage.
The Birth of GAIA: A Sanctuary for Women Leaders
In her quest to provide a platform dedicated to the growth and empowerment of women in leadership, Marisa founded GAIA. More than just a networking group, GAIA is a movement designed to foster transformative growth and inclusive leadership. It brings together curated peer groups of senior women leaders who share experiences, tackle challenges, and build trusted networks.
GAIA offers its members a plethora of benefits, including:
- Executive Peer Support: Providing trusted spaces to address challenges and opportunities at the leadership level.
- Leadership Development: Tailored workshops focused on influence, resilience, and navigating complex corporate landscapes.
- 1:1 Coaching: Individualized support for those seeking deeper, personalized guidance.
Through GAIA, Marisa aims to create a supportive, outcomes-focused network that empowers women leaders to rise together, leading with confidence and advancing their careers.
Strategic Consulting: Merging Customer-Centricity with Inclusive Cultures
Beyond GAIA, Marisa extends her expertise through strategic consulting, specializing in customer-focused strategies and cultural transformation. She recognizes that effective leadership is the cornerstone of sustainable change and works closely with organizations to:
- Cultural Transformation: Shifting mindsets to cultivate inclusive, adaptable workplaces where diversity is celebrated.
- Customer-Centric Strategies: Aligning organizational goals with customer needs to drive growth and competitive advantage.
- Leadership Coaching: Empowering leaders with tools to inspire, engage, and achieve lasting change within their teams.
Marisa’s consulting approach is deeply rooted in practical impact and meaningful transformation. Her strategies are designed to align business objectives with customer needs, fostering environments where both employees and customers feel valued and engaged.
A Heartfelt Commitment to Meaningful Change
Marisa’s dedication to leadership and DE&I is complemented by her impressive credentials. She holds certifications as an ICF Accredited Executive Coach, Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach, and possesses a Transformational Coaching Diploma. These qualifications, combined with her extensive experience, position her as an authority in guiding leaders toward meaningful success while creating workplaces that celebrate diversity.
Her heartfelt commitment extends beyond the boardroom. Marisa is actively involved in initiatives that promote safer pregnancy outcomes, contributing to strategic initiatives and awareness campaigns. This blend of professional expertise and personal dedication underscores her holistic approach to leadership and empowerment.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Marisa Kamall’s journey is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women leaders. Her story underscores the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and the power of inclusive leadership. Through her work with GAIA and her consulting endeavors, she is not only transforming organizations but also shaping a future where diversity is synonymous with strength and innovation.
For women ready to lead with confidence, advance their careers, and experience the power of collective leadership, GAIA offers a community of like-minded professionals committed to growth and empowerment. As Marisa often emphasizes, “More diversity equals a more profitable, better world.” Her life’s work is a testament to this belief, driving change one leader at a time.
Join the Movement
To learn more about GAIA and become part of this transformative network, visit www.gaiarises.com. Embrace the opportunity to connect, grow, and lead with a community dedicated to elevating women in leadership.
In a world where the corporate landscape is continually evolving, leaders like Marisa Kamall are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with passion, dedication, and the right support, women can rise to the pinnacle of leadership, effecting change that resonates far beyond the boardroom. Do connect on Linkedin.