Bourns Opens India Design Center Giving Developers Local Access to Advanced Technologies that Enhance Application Differentiation
November 14, 2025
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Bourns’ state-of-the-art facility in Bangalore offers the essential the tools and technical expertise to solve critical design challenges New Delhi, November 14, 2025 – Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components for power, protection, and sensing solutions, today announced the opening of its first design center in India in Bangalore. Launched as a hub dedicated to customer collaboration and innovation, this valuable customer resource provides local access to a comprehensive range of tools and technical support, including reference designs that use Bourns’ industry-leading components. Offering proven processes that empower rapid prototyping and faster design validation, the Bourns India Design Center encourages cross-functional teamwork between engineering, product management and marketing. Customers will also be able to track the measurable impact of their designs to help confirm success. In addition, the center will provide hands-on co-design and technical education support. The new 8,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility opened today, November 13, in a ceremony that invited key business partners and customers. Bourns made the strategic decision to locate the new design center within the Bangalore region based upon the rich engineering talent available here. “India is known for its extensive engineering talent and the great value they bring to engineering and manufacturing companies. Given the close relationships we have with our global distribution partners who have opened offices in Bangalore, we believe this strategic investment will greatly facilitate localized engineering and application support for the good of our customers,” said Gordon Bourns, Chairman and CEO at Bourns, Inc. “Bourns continues to be at the forefront of engineering innovative power, protection and sensing solutions that help advance the development of efficient and sustainable applications. The opening of this center aligns with Bourns’ global focus on high-growth market segments, and reaffirms our commitment to responsible environmental management by influencing low carbon designs.” “By opening this new collaborative design center, we are adding essential capabilities to address complex design challenges enabling our customers to streamline and simplify application development,” said Al Yost, President and COO at Bourns. “We are extremely excited about the substantial benefits our new design center will deliver to customers. Developers will reap the advantages of Bourns’ proven magnetic component design expertise that will empower them to meet next-generation IC performance, shorten design cycles and add industry-leading features to their end products. Giving our customers valuable and responsive technical design assistance is a win-win for everyone.” About Bourns Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of position and speed sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic components, microelectronic modules, panel controls and resistive products. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Riverside, California, USA, Bourns employs more than 8,000 people across 17 global manufacturing centers. The company’s advanced products are key components in a broad range of markets, including automotive, industrial, consumer, communications, low to medium risk medical*, audio and various other market segments. Additional Company and product information is available at www.bourns.com. Disclaimer – This article is a work of original content created for public relations and informational purposes only. It may be published across multiple digital platforms with the full knowledge and consent of the author/publisher. All images, logos, and referenced names are the property of their respective owners and used here solely for illustrative or informational purposes. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of this article without prior written permission from the original publisher is strictly prohibited. Any resemblance to other content is purely coincidental or used under fair use policy with proper attribution. Read Also : Samir Hmicho: The Rising Catalyst in the Sustainable Automotive Realm
Influential People Who Define 2025
November 14, 2025
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Influential People Who Define 2025 This edition honors these exceptional trailblazers whose vision, grit, and humanity are setting new benchmarks across industries.These are the thinkers who anticipate change before it arrives, the builders who turn bold ideas into thriving realities, and the leaders who inspire action through authenticity rather than authority. Quick highlights Quick reads
Royston G King: Driving Transformative Growth Through Strategic Evolution
November 14, 2025
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Most teenagers are daydreaming about their weekend plans by the time they are fourteen. Royston G. King was purchasing stock in the business owned by Warren Buffett. At the age of 17, he was starting his first fashion blog and e-commerce company while his peers were anxious about their SAT scores. He had established several sources of income and was growing a digital marketing business by the time most college students choose their major. This isn’t another rags-to-riches fairy tale or an overnight success story packaged for social media consumption. This is the real account of someone who lost hundreds of thousands before making millions, who faced infinite obstacles before finding breakthrough patterns, who questioned everything before discovering what truly matters. It’s a journey that zigzagged through the highest peaks of Forbes recognition and the lowest valleys of near-failure, through pandemic shutdowns that could have ended everything and pivots that turned crisis into rocket fuel. What makes Royston’s story compelling isn’t the awards lining his walls or the businesses in his portfolio; it’s how he got there. It’s the willingness to experiment when others play it safe, the courage to pivot when others double down on losing strategies, and the wisdom to measure success not in zeros on a bank statement but in lives transformed and communities elevated. In a world obsessed with quick wins and growth hacks, he built something far more valuable: a blueprint for sustainable success grounded in authentic values, strategic thinking, and relentless evolution. Foundations Built on Values and Vision Royston’s academic journey reads like a passport collection- University of Melbourne, University of Southern California on exchange, Columbia University, with summer sessions at London School of Economics and Harvard. But these weren’t just credentials; they were laboratories for understanding diverse perspectives and global markets. What distinguished his formative years wasn’t academic achievement alone. Growing up in an environment emphasizing strong moral values, he learned that success in business begins with human connection. His ability to socialize effectively stems from intentional practice- being genuinely kind, treating everyone with respect, listening actively, and refusing to judge negatively. These weren’t soft skills; they were power skills that translated into business acumen across psychology, copywriting, sales, and marketing. The Entrepreneurial Spark: From Curiosity to Creation At 14, Royston bought his first share from Warren Buffett‘s company after receiving a book about the investment legend. That moment ignited curiosity about wealth creation and taught him that learning from the best accelerates success. By 17, he was navigating his first e-commerce business while launching a fashion blog, recognizing that content and commerce create powerful synergies. Within a year, he was growing social media pages, understanding that digital presence was a necessity, not a luxury. From e-commerce, he expanded into digital marketing, establishing an agency serving local businesses before pivoting to online ventures. As expertise deepened, he added online reputation management- positive press publicity and negative content removal. Each venture was a masterclass in customer needs, market dynamics, and scalable models. What enabled this diversification? Maintaining radical open-mindedness to experiment, mustering courage to pursue ventures without guarantees, and investing in mentorship programs that compressed his learning curve. “Our last business venture is very rarely our first attempt,” he explains. “Success comes through multiple iterations, serendipitous connections, and years of accumulated expertise.” Today, he operates multiple synergistic businesses, invests in startups within his expertise zones, and partners with companies to scale them by filling strategic gaps where he possesses advantages. The Crucible: Forged Through Fire Royston’s path was anything but smooth. Launching his online business during college, he confronted infinite obstacles: technical failures, marketing missteps, and financial pressures. There were moments so challenging, he questioned whether success was even possible. He lost hundreds of thousands of dollars learning lessons no classroom could teach. Yet each failure contained seeds of future success. The key wasn’t avoiding mistakes; it was extracting wisdom, adjusting strategy, and maintaining momentum. “Every negative I’ve experienced, I’ve experienced the positive too,” he reflects. Financial losses taught risk management; strategic failures revealed market truths. When strategy aligned with timing, results were transformative, turning losses into millions in windfall gains. Evolution of Purpose: From Achievement to Impact Royston’s early drive stemmed from achievement hunger- an ambitious student eager to transform his life. He took massive risks because success seemed achievable through determination. Today, his motivation has matured. He operates from love of the game, working with people he cares about, and exploring new ventures. The daily intellectual stimulation and creative autonomy now drive him more than external validation. His risk profile evolved significantly. No longer aggressive, he takes calculated risks, aware that business success is extraordinarily difficult. “Higher risks come with higher rewards, but we must mitigate our downside,” he explains. What drives him most transcends personal achievement. His passions center on helping good people succeed and making a measurable impact. “Nothing feels more fulfilling than seeing how our work has touched millions of lives for the better,” he shares. Whether through education, reputation management, or scaling advisory, he measures success in lives transformed. The Pandemic Pivot: Crisis as Catalyst When COVID-19 struck, Royston’s agency worked extensively with medical and dental practices, virtually all forced to shut down, eliminating revenue overnight. Rather than accepting defeat, he pivoted to essential service businesses, particularly home improvement contractors. The adaptation was transformative. What began as an emergency response became rocket-ship growth. The experience reinforced his philosophy: change is constant. Whether facing pandemics, AI disruption, or unpredictable and rare events, entrepreneurs who thrive stay on the cutting edge and continuously evolve. Self-Awareness: Understanding the Terrain Through personality testing and self-reflection, Royston developed clarity about his strengths and limitations. His core abilities include socializing effectively, active listening, and persuasion. He excels as a visionary and strategist with strong planning capabilities. However, he candidly acknowledges he’s not the fastest action-taker and sometimes overthinks. Rather than viewing this as a weakness, he treats it as strategic intelligence. When bootstrapping solo, he improved weaknesses to avoid vulnerabilities. As businesses scaled,
The Influence of Integrity
November 14, 2025
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Leadership Rooted in Values Leadership is being challenged in innovative and deep ways in the new world that is largely characterized by the fast pace of change, never-ending strives for success, and continuous reinvention. Organizations are changing, technologies are revolutionizing industries, and the pressures of performance are always there. Nevertheless, among all these changes, the one quality that still remains is the timeless power of integrity. Leadership based on values not only leads to success, but it also makes success. The Foundation of True Leadership Leadership without morals is leading without a compass. Strategy may be the one to map the road, but it is values that point to the destination. Integrity is the one that is, literally, at the very center of this foundation. It is the very thing that links words, actions, and beliefs—being the small but very significant consistent factor that converts power into authenticity. Real leaders do not seek to be loved, instead they seek to be respected on the basis of their principles. It is the quality of the leaders who rely on their principles to be able to say ‘no’ to temptation, pressure, or uncertainty. They are leaders who, though not perfect, act with integrity which in turn makes them more influential. They demonstrate that one’s ethical steadfastness and professional excellence need not be opposing forces, rather, they are coexisting strengths. Integrity as the Core of Trust Trust is the currency of leadership, while integrity is the mint that issues it. The absence of trust greatly limits the power of influence and makes authority hollow. However, when leaders act with integrity, they become credible which, in effect, is beyond the scope of position or authority. Thus, people under their leadership do not come because of the obligation, but of the trust that they have in them. Integrity is the mainstay of any decision, it is the medium through which an action is performed, and it is the provider of calmness. It is the one that makes it certain, among other things, that what has been promised is not only done, but is also kept. In the era when corporate accountability and transparency are always questioned, integrity is what makes a leader his/her most valuable and readily visible asset. The loyalty that is based on integrity does not have to be enforced; instead, it is naturally given. Leading with Consistency and Courage Integrity asks for courage—the daring decision to make choices that aren’t in the popular direction, to admit faults, and to be truthful even when it’s inconvenient for you. Courage is supported by consistency, the quality of being able to show the same moral strength both in the light of the public and in private. The leaders who take up this courageous task are those who make people believe. The energetic strength in their principles pushes the people around them to do the same. Those leaders in uncertain times serve as a source of stability for others. Not only do they show the right way to follow, but through their integrity, they also set the standard by which the behavior should be recognized. The Intersection of Integrity and Impact Leadership success if only judged by results is, however, not the whole story. The real measure of leadership is in the manner by which the results are achieved. Impartiality through honesty keeps power from being something purely accidental or exploitative, instead, turning it into something authentic and lasting. In essence, it joins ambition with altruism as well as achievement with accountability. In leaders with moral principles, it is clear that the way of achieving their objectives is equally important if not more than the accomplishing the goals. Those with long-term vision set the example through their leadership, choosing to focus on sustainability rather than grabbing a short-term win. What drives them goes beyond the measures – it transforms the followers’ way of thinking, motivates their conduct, and nurtures their ethical development. Besides, integrity-driven impact does not stop there; it also has a multiplier effect. This, in turn, not only leads to the creation of a heritage of moral leadership but also it becomes a source of inspiration for others who in turn adopt the same principles in their decision-making process. Such leadership is not just a step beyond individual success, it becomes a movement toward shared excellence. The Timeless Power of Integrity Regardless of leadership changes in industries and leadership trends, integrity is still the constant factor—the unseen power behind lasting success. To leaders in every era, this virtue sets apart those who create long-lasting empires from those only achieving legacies. Eventually, leadership grounded on values is more than just proper morals—it is a profitable practice. Such leadership transforms workplaces into communities of trust, rivalry into teamwork, and ambition into goal. Integrity is not something to be added on to leadership—it is the core of leadership. It is the silent power that changes power into purpose, authority into authenticity, and success into significance. In a world where trust is scarce, leaders who gain the most influence are always those who practice it. Read Also : Leadership That Creates New Possibilities
Leadership That Creates New Possibilities
November 14, 2025
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Beyond Boundaries The leadership realm is undergoing a massive transformation, it is evolving, and it is revealing many facets that contradict the previously held principles and require new thinking. Those leaders who have the most significant influence nowadays are not the ones who are restricted by titles, systems, or conventional frameworks. Their operation is transboundary – they no longer rely on those visible and invisible restrictions that at one time defined what leadership could be. Consequently, not only do they provide their teams and their organizations with more opportunities, but also the whole world around them benefits from their leadership. The leadership that goes beyond the limitations of boundaries is not just about different thinking; it is even more about different perception, understanding, and realizing the potential where the majority sees only problems and, further, being able to forecast opportunities where others simply accept the limits of their situation. Vision That Looks Past the Horizon Leadership that can generate new scenarios depends mainly on a single source – the vision that reaches far beyond the immediate and the conventional. For such leaders, horizons are not seen as barriers but rather as challenges and opportunities to overcome them. Not only that, their vision is not only broad and yet practical, it is also daring while still feasible. This sort of visionary outlook has power over people, as it connects with something more profound: the need to be a part of a truer, more revolutionary, and more open future. Innovative leaders clearly depict future possibilities to stimulate the creative power of their followers so that they can see themselves in that future. The employment of this visionary strategy enables companies to change their status from that of a reactive to a proactive one, as well as from that of a slow incremental improvement towards a rapid transformational progress. Empowering People to Expand Their Own Boundaries Leadership that shatters the limitations of personality is not a story about the leader only, but rather, it derives from the leader’s ability to motivate others to visualize their potential again. Such leaders provoke their employees to dare to discover, to test and, ultimately, to change themselves. These leaders do not only think creatively themselves but they also promote it by providing a place where there is both psychological safety and freedom for the idea. There, each person will be more than willing to break preconceptions, to come up with daring ideas and to take on the roles that require more of their skills for further development. In such circumstances, innovation is everyone’s obligation, instead of it being a command from the top. By giving power to those around them, leaders extend their influence thus creating the situation whereby their teams are not only the main forces which practically realize their instructions but also the ones which are capable of generating unlimited possibilities. A Mindset of Continuous Exploration Leaders who make the unimaginable possible are the ones who have the mindset of continuous exploration. They are always ready to accept different points of view, new technologies, new trends, and even strange solutions. Their inquisitiveness makes them very flexible—they can quickly change, adjust, or even check new leadership avenues that are not very obvious to traditional leadership. Such a mindset enables these leaders to feel very comfortable and operate with confidence even in very unstable situations. They are not very fond of sticking to rigid structures and using playbooks that are already outdated. In fact, they are so flexible in their leadership approach, just like a living entity, that it keeps evolving as a response to the world’s ever-changing realities. Their willingness to learn is the power behind their ability to innovate, and therefore, be able to lead people to new unexplored territories. Bridging Worlds, Not Dividing Them Leading beyond boundaries entails also the ability to connect across them. These individuals have the skills necessary to bridge the differences – not only across cultures but also across disciplines, generations, and industries. They do the impossible – they turn what appear to be divisions into relationships thus turning diversity into one of the most powerful sources of creativity. By honoring and cherishing different perspectives, they become capable of creating environments that are diverse and collaborative. They are aware that future possibilities most of the time are the result of synergy and not similarity—where in fact the meeting of ideas, experiences, and talents in an unforeseen way leads to the creation of something new. Thus their leadership acts as the glue that binds people together towards a common future. Boundary-Breakers Will Build The Future The future is not going to be created by those who keep inside the walls, but by those who go beyond them. Boundary-breaking leadership is not a luxury to have, but a necessity to live, as industries reshuffle and global challenges heighten. The leaders who will make tomorrow different are the ones who can change without fear, see the future with confidence, and lead with the spirit of inclusion. They are the engineers of the possible – the ones who can convert the creative idea into the practical step and the capacity into the actual fact. Their leadership is beyond the achievement of their own goal; it lays the ways which others can walk, broaden and alter again. Read Also : Women Leaders at the Forefront of Legal Transformation
Women Leaders at the Forefront of Legal Transformation
November 14, 2025
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Counsel 2025 The future of the legal practice is undergoing rapid change in 2025. The core of that change is the emergence of a new generation of women who are redefining leadership in the legal field, especially in the Gulf region, and Dubai women leaders. The power of female practitioners is transforming the practice, governance, and strategic value of law practiced by law firms, corporate legal groups, policy-making institutions, and international arbitration. A New Era of Legal Leadership Legal leadership is no longer merely advising the clients or handling litigation. It now includes strategic decision-making, adoption of technologies, governance reform and global expansion. Top professionals in the UAE have provided the best illustrations of such changes. The remarkable fact is that these leaders describe legal departments not only as cost centres but also strategic centres both in terms of compliance, risk management, ESG (environmental, social and governance) standards and digital transformation. Such expansion of scope is an indication of a different standard of law leadership in the future. Why Dubai Matters for Women in Legal Leadership The city of Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates in general, is also on the frontline of promoting the growth of women in the workplace and decision-making. Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and other organisations have specific programmes to enhance the leadership strength, board representation, and strategic influence of women. This has provided new opportunities to the Dubai women leaders in the legal field. As an example, many women are currently gaining positions such as partner of a law firm or general counsel of big corporations; traditionally, a domain that was dominated by men. The Transformation Agenda: From Compliance to Strategy In this new wave of legal leadership, three key shifts are in motion: Strategic integration of legal functions Leaders have made it a point to integrate legal services into the overall business strategy, which is essentially an arrangement where legal teams become facilitators of the growth process as opposed to being just risk controllers. Just to give you an idea, the ladies whose names appeared in the list of legal heads in the UAE are experts in digital transformation, commercial law, and regulatory change. Embracing technology and innovation Legal leadership is increasingly focused on the way the law is practised: research powered by AI, the automation of contract workflows, and the use of smart contracts are becoming the core of the practice. A lawyer from the Emirates was saying that the legal system in the UAE is going to change drastically due to automation and AI-powered dispute resolution, among other things. Advancing diversity, governance, and board influence Governance reforms, as well as board-level discussions concerning legal risk, compliance, and corporate culture, are being influenced significantly by legal leaders. The DWE’s “Women on Boards” project is an example of how female leaders in Dubai are being equipped for roles in governance outside the scope of the legal profession. Challenges and the Path Forward Despite the progress, challenges remain. For example: Mentorship, sponsorship, and networks that have traditionally benefited men should be changed and modified so that more women can have access to roles that have a high impact and assignments that are visible. According to one local legal leader, the most important thing for professional success was to have a strong network. The change rate in legal technology and regulation is so fast that legal leadership requires the latest skills in digital, ESG, cross-border practice, and business partnering. Hence, all these skills call for a commitment to training and development. Why 2025 Is a Watershed Year Counsel 2025 represents more than just a name – it signifies a change. The scope of the legal leadership role is going beyond, and women in Dubai are at the center of that change. Women leaders in Dubai are no longer just a pool of professionals, but they are becoming the main players of strategy, innovation, and institutional reform. Their rise is a signal of a recalibration of legal leadership in the modern sense: not just understanding the law, but also understanding change, value, and governance. As companies, law firms, and governments in the region are getting ready for the change through areas like fintech, ESG, arbitration, smart contracts, and regulatory innovation, the leaders who will facilitate these changes are, in fact, women. Their rise is a great move towards legal leadership being more inclusive, strategic, and future oriented. Read Also : Mastering Influence and Integrity in Law
Mastering Influence and Integrity in Law
November 14, 2025
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Balancing the Scales The two conversational pillars of legal leadership and professional integrity are, perhaps, more visible than ever in the field of law. Lawyers have power over the lives of their clients, the results of businesses, public policy, and even social justice. They therefore have the obligation to behave in a moral, open, and impartial manner. To be able to do so, they have to address the tension that, while being subtle, is also very strong, that exists between them, playing the role of a strategic advisor and that of a guardian of justice. The correlation of this equilibrium with the Women empowerment UAE is getting stronger, as female legal professionals come forward to set new standards of ethical leadership and transform the legal culture throughout the region. The Influence of Lawyers and Why It Matters The role of a lawyer is not just limited to clarifying laws and referring to court decisions. Lawyers have the power to influence choices, create policies, and direct strategies that change the face of businesses, governments, and communities. The effects, in this case, may be felt not only by the clients but also by society, depending on whether the legal professionals decide to wield their power in the cases of society or otherwise. Though it may seem like a positive thing, influence, as a weapon, is ambivalent, meaning it can support fairness or manipulate it. Women empowerment UAE movement is a clear sign of the necessity of a responsible influence. Women in law field have raised their voices to be the agents of the implementation of the concepts of fairness, ethical accountability, and transparency in professional practice. Their ascent shows that power resided not in the authority alone but rather in the integrity, competence, and courage of the person. This connection of influence with virtue is the basis of present-day leadership in law. The Central Role of Integrity Integrity is what the entire legal profession is built upon. It goes far beyond simply following the rules and regulations and includes being truthful, stable, and taking moral responsibility. The lawyers are the ones who are required to live by the law, not only to follow it. With integrity, it is guaranteed that any choice, advice, or bargaining will be aimed at justice and the common good. Whenever these morals are weakened, the law becomes less believable. Initiatives for Women empowerment UAE have been very instrumental in highlighting the need for this ethical base by offering courses of morality, wise decision making, and governance. Women in power are a dominant image of not just the law as a source of power, but also of a change in the profession that is led by virtue of integrity. Navigating Tensions Between Influence and Integrity It is not always easy to balance influence and integrity. Lawyers encounter complicated situations that challenge not only their professional skills but also their moral strength. Commercial pressure versus ethical duty In most cases, lawyers in private practice or corporate environments are urged to prioritize profit or client satisfaction over morals. Nevertheless, genuine legal leadership is about being courageous and standing firm when your values are tested. When a lawyer rejects the use of unethical shortcuts, he not only elevates the trustworthiness of the firm but also that of the entire profession. Client loyalty versus duty to the court and society Lawyers are bound to act in their clients’ best interests, but the lawyer’s duty is not without limitations. The superior one to the court and the justice system demands honesty and fairness, even when it clashes with client expectations. This separation is what safeguards the equilibrium between advocacy and integrity. External influence versus professional independence For instance, a lawyer could be pressured by a wealthy client, political interests, or the institutional hierarchy to give up his independence. However, holding on to professional distance and objectivity not only saves the individual lawyers but also the system. Strategic persuasion versus integrity in advice Influence in law is mostly about persuasion and negotiation. A morally upright lawyer, however, uses his influence to support justice rather than to trick the situation. Integrity guarantees that every move made is still legal, fair, and truthful. The Women Empowerment UAE is a fine example of how these challenges can be overcome with clarity and poise. Women leaders in law are proving that influence coupled with ethical conviction can be a means for both professional success and social progress. Why This Balance Matters Lawyers’ ability to balance influence and integrity makes them more credible, extends their professional reputation, and helps them have a career that lasts. Clients benefit from this as well because they are the ones who get real, clear, and logical pieces of advice. Society also benefits as the rule of law is protected and confidence in legal institutions becomes stronger. Read Also : Women Leaders at the Forefront of Legal Transformation
Nadia Serry: A General Counsel Shaped by Global Experience, Human Skills, and a Mediation-First Mindset
November 14, 2025
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Across fast-moving corporate landscapes, the most effective legal leaders are those who pair technical excellence with judgment, empathy, and the ability to steer complex organisations through risk without losing sight of people. Nadia Serry embodies that model. Today, as General Counsel of EII Capital P.S.C and Corporate Board Secretary across multiple portfolio entities, she integrates board governance, contract severity, and dispute strategy with a calm, solutions-first approach. Her path from Alexandria to Paris to Dubai; from litigation prep to risk and compliance; from private practice to in-house leadership, reveals a professional who learns fast, adapts constantly, and leads with both precision and perspective. General Counsel to a Holding Group and Its Portfolio Nadia Serry serves as General Counsel of EII Capital P.S.C and its portfolio companies, a role she has held for close to three years. She oversees the holding company and three additional portfolio entities, including MBS (Memaar Building Systems), among the world’s largest manufacturers of pre-engineered steel building materials, where she supports an operation of roughly 700–800 employees. The remit is intense and hands-on: reviewing commercial contracts, issuing legal opinions to the business, running board and corporate secretarial affairs, and ensuring governance hygiene across commodities. She also serves as Corporate Board Secretary at EII and two other companies, anchoring the cadence of board documentation and decision-making. Governance, Judgment, and Pace Describing the day-to-day as ‘very intense’, she balances volume and velocity with structure: contracts and legal opinions must move at the speed of operations, while board matters demand rigour, record integrity, and clear communication. The result is a dual mindset, where she is expected to be both an operator and an advisor, and where she is expected to be right, timely, and practical. It’s a posture refined by her prior years in private practice and risk/compliance roles, and it informs the way she frames options for senior management: legally sound, commercially aware, and calibrated to development. Five Years in Risk & Compliance at a Major Prestigious Regional Law Firm Before moving in-house, Nadia Serry spent nearly five years with Al Tamimi & Co as a risk and compliance lawyer—an experience that sharpened her skills in handling complex, high-stakes matters. The firm’s fast-paced and professional environment gave her exposure to diverse jurisdictions and regulatory challenges, equipping her with the resilience and adaptability that continue to define her leadership style today. The pandemic years further tested her ability to balance professional intensity with personal responsibilities, as she successfully managed a heavy caseload while raising her young son as a single mother in Dubai—an achievement she values as both a professional milestone and a personal triumph. Learning the Market in a Boutique Law Firm Nadia’s first legal role in Dubai was with HAS Law Firm , a local firm that later grew into a large, reputable practice. In that ‘small family’ environment, she touched a bit of everything, exactly the kind of breadth that accelerates learning in a new jurisdiction. The experience grounded her in court practice, client service, and the day-to-day realities of the UAE legal ecosystem; she remains on good terms with former colleagues and considers that initial year both formative and fondly remembered. One Year in PR to Test a Different Muscle Between Egypt and Dubai, Nadia Serry took a purposeful detour from the legal path, spending a year as PR Manager with the San Giovanni hospitality and tourism group in Egypt. The role brought her into the world of high-profile events, VIP hosting, and brand representation—work she found both enjoyable and refreshingly hassle-free. Yet, as rewarding as the experience was, it also clarified where her long-term identity lay. While she valued the exposure to a dynamic, customer-facing industry, she found herself missing the intellectual rigor and structured problem-solving rhythm of the law. That realization became pivotal: the detour reinforced her passion for the legal profession and propelled her return with renewed clarity and conviction. Law, Diplomacy, and a Philosophy of Freedom Nadia Serry spent three years in a diplomatic post in Paris, serving as Legal Coordinator at the Bureau of the Attaché Militaire and pursuing advanced legal study, completing the first year and an additional semester of a Master 1 in Private International Law. She describes the period of living in Paris as living inside a ‘piece of art,’ where standards are high and the social fabric prizes freedom as sacred and untouchable, as long as one does not harm others. Paris shaped her eye for quality and her respect for principled autonomy, lessons she carries into boardrooms and negotiations today. Alexandria, Courtrooms, and the First Lessons of Practice Nadia Serry graduated from the Faculty of Law, Alexandria University, and began her career as a junior lawyer at Nadoury & Nahas , a reputable Law Firm in Alexandria. Those first years, going to court, learning the craft, and understanding the procedure, were her grounding in the realities of practice. Marriage and motherhood followed; then Paris, then Egypt again, and ultimately Dubai, where the in-house chapter would begin. Each move sharpened different capabilities: legal analysis, cultural intelligence, and the poise to reset and excel in new contexts. Soft Skills as Hard Advantages ‘Brilliant’ legal analysis alone is not enough, Nadia Serry argues. Without emotional intelligence, respect, and the ability to work effectively within teams and with senior colleagues, even a technically strong lawyer will struggle to succeed. She prizes self-awareness, knowing her strengths and areas for improvement, as well as respect for every role in the organisation, from the office assistant to the CEO. Additionally, she values cultural openness, which includes having lunch with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, listening, and building trust across differences. In her view, these “soft” skills are the hard edges of long-term success. Decision-Making, Dissent, and Accountability Nadia Serry believes that a lawyer’s role is not about saying what leaders want to hear, but about saying what they need to hear. That means owning the legal view—even when it is unpopular. Her job, as she frames it, is to map the risks, lay
Dubai’s Women of Influence: General Counsels Redefining Legal Leadership in 2025
November 14, 2025
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Dubai’s Women of Influence: General Counsels Redefining Legal Leadership in 2025 The edition celebrates pioneering women shaping corporate law, driving innovation, and inspiring a new era of strategic, inclusive, and transformative legal leadership. Quick highlights Quick reads
Google Upgrades NotebookLM With ‘Deep Research’ Tool and Support for More File Types
November 14, 2025
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Prime Highlight Google has introduced a powerful “Deep Research” toolin NotebookLM that automatically generates research plans, conducts web searches, and produces detailed reports. The update aims to streamline complex research workflows, allowing users to build organised knowledge bases while the AI conducts background analysis. Key Facts NotebookLM now supports Google Sheets, PDFs from Drive, Microsoft Word files, and multiple Drive URLs, greatly expanding users’ upload and research options. Google confirmed that these new features will roll out to all NotebookLM users within a week, continuing the platform’s steady growth since its launch in 2023. Background Google has updated NotebookLM, AI note-taking and research assistant, by adding a new “Deep Research” tool and support for more file formats. The updates aim to help users handle complex research tasks more efficiently and build organised knowledge bases without disrupting their workflow. The new Deep Research tool works like a virtual researcher. Users can ask a question, after which the tool creates a complete research plan, browses the web, and compiles a detailed report grounded in verified sources. The report can then be added directly to a user’s notebook. Google says the feature is designed to automate time-consuming research steps, giving users more room to focus on analysis and writing. While Deep Research works in the background, users can continue adding their own materials. Deep Research can be accessed by starting a search in the source panel and selecting “Web” as the source. Users can pick “Deep Research” for detailed analysis or “Fast Research” for quick results. Google has also expanded file-upload options on NotebookLM. Users can now upload Google Sheets, PDFs from Google Drive, Microsoft Word documents, and even add multiple Drive files as URLs. This update allows NotebookLM to process a wider range of materials, including spreadsheets, making summarisation and note organisation much easier. Google says these new features will be available to all NotebookLM users within a week. Since its launch in late 2023, NotebookLM has continued to add features such as Audio Overviews and Video Overviews, and earlier this year, the service became available on Android and iOS.