In her leadership role at El Gouna, Yosra Ebeidy has navigated diverse challenges, mentored many, and embraced digital transformation in marketing. In this interview with ELLE, Ebeidy shares her experiences, career milestones, and views on work-life balance and diversity. Dive into this insightful conversation to discover how she has shaped her journey in the world of marketing, her approach to empowering women, and her thoughts on the evolving digital landscape.
MENTORING WOMEN ACROSS BORDERS
Throughout her career, Ebeidy has had the opportunity to mentor many women, an experience she treasures deeply. “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with and mentoring many women from various countries, both in my current role and in previous positions,” she explains. “It’s been an enriching experience, working with talented women across different countries. What surprised me most was how many of the challenges women face are universal. Despite differences in markets and cultures, many issues remain consistent.”
Her mentorship focus extends beyond simply guiding individuals in their career paths. She recognizes that mentorship is about listening, understanding, and providing the necessary support to help others grow. For Ebeidy, it’s not just about providing advice—it’s about being a sounding board for the next generation of leaders.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AS A MARKETING LEADER
In any leadership role, challenges are inevitable. “Every day presents new challenges,” Ebeidy notes. “The scale and magnitude of these challenges vary, but what remains constant is the human element—it’s what keeps everything moving forward.” For her, the key to overcoming obstacles is adaptability and learning from each experience. Whether the challenges are personal or professional, facing them head-on and learning from them is what drives success.
Her approach to challenges has evolved over the years, and she believes that leadership is defined not by avoiding problems but by how one responds to them.
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL MARKETING
Ebeidy believes that digital transformation has been a game-changer in marketing. “Digital marketing has fundamentally changed how we reach and engage with consumers,” she says. The shift to digital has provided marketers with powerful tools to segment audiences and tailor messages to specific groups. Social media platforms, in particular, have enabled brands to target their ideal customer segments more effectively. “Digital transformation has allowed us to understand our consumers better and connect with them in more meaningful, emotional ways.”
For Ebeidy, the shift to digital is not just about reaching a larger audience—it’s about deepening connections with customers through innovative media channels and personalized content.
A CAREER MILESTONE: CHANGING INDUSTRIES
One of the most significant milestones in Yousra Ebeidy’s career came when she transitioned to a completely new industry after 19 years in her previous field. “Changing industries was a huge shift for me, but it provided invaluable insights into new ways of thinking and working,” she reflects. This transition allowed her to view her work from a fresh perspective and develop skills that would continue to shape her career.
A DEFINING MOMENT IN HER CAREER
Looking back, Ebeidy identifies a series of personal milestones that shaped her journey. Becoming a mother was a turning point. “Having children and getting married brought significant changes to how I prioritized my time and career,” she shares. The balance between personal and professional life became even more important after motherhood, and this experience helped her shape her approach to leadership and work-life balance.
She credits these life events for making her more vocal about her needs, both with her peers and her team. “Becoming more vocal about my needs, both personally and professionally, has been essential,” she explains. “This shift helped me establish better boundaries and communicate more effectively with my team.”
WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND EMPOWERING HER TEAM
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a high-demand role like hers is a challenge, but Ebeidy believes prioritization is key. “The first step is to prioritize effectively,” she says. “You need to identify what’s most important and communicate your needs to those around you.” Empowering her team has also become a crucial part of her leadership style. “Empowering others is not just about delegation; it’s about helping your team thrive and supporting their growth.”
She emphasizes that work-life balance is an ongoing journey and involves constant communication and adjustments, both within work and in personal life.
DIVERSITY: BEYOND GENDER
Ebeidy believes that diversity is not just about gender—it’s about creating an inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued. “Diversity means more than just the male-female divide. It’s about having a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and mindsets,” she explains. This inclusive approach to diversity helps foster creativity and innovation within teams. “When people from different backgrounds come together, they bring new ways of thinking that make the team more creative and successful.”
Over the years, Ebeidy has observed a growing emphasis on diversity in the workplace—a shift she finds both encouraging and empowering.
Yosra Ebeidy’s career is marked by a deep commitment to mentorship, a readiness to embrace challenges, and a forward-thinking approach to digital marketing. She navigates the complexities of leadership with authenticity and wisdom, always striving to empower those around her. As she continues to evolve in her role at El Gouna, her insights on work-life balance, career transitions, and diversity will undoubtedly inspire others in the industry.
