Yet another successful Lebanese model among Arab business women

A study by the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) indicated that women members in the Middle East have started to assume leadership positions in the fields of public policy and socio-economic ventures. The conclusion of the study somewhat defies general data that revealed a decline in women’s economic contribution in the region to levels below the global averages. The above survey highlights the contributions of a number of women entrepreneurs and their views regarding the recent developments and changes affecting the roles of Middle East women in business. Christine Sfeir, from Lebanon, Chief Executive Officer of Treats Holding, and YPO member, is one of those. In the wake of the 2006 Israeli aggression, Christine she decided to transcend borders and expand her business globally. She opened a chain of Lebanese eateries in the US and introduced the brand ‘Semsom’ for the first time in the Arab countries before reaching New York City in 2013. Sfeir kicked off her career in Lebanon when she was only 22 when she launched Dunkin Donuts in Lebanon, expanding to over 30 locations. Sfeir noted that she focuses on recruiting women within her team because women deliver good results, as she put it. Sfeir also added that she is mentoring a number of women to become good models for the young Lebanese women entrepreneurs. For her part, Dr. Shereen Faqih, said that beside the excellent case model of Sfeir numerous other big opportunities exist in the region, particularly in the sectors of technology and community-based projects. She concluded by underscoring the importance of individual initiative as the most powerful tool for success. (Al Mustaqbal, January 25, 2016)