Amnah Ajmal takes pride in having a career spanning over two decades, where she has been fortunate to work with some of the leading banking and finance brands in the world. She spent the first decade of her illustrious career in banking; the second, in payments and technology.
Currently, she serves as the executive vice president for market development at Mastercard Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA), a milestone she has achieved thanks to her relentless efforts to drive digital and cultural transformation by innovating consumer experiences across several markets in Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America.
You have recently completed 10 years as the CEO of Bayut. What are the key milestones from your journey, and how has your leadership shaped Bayut’s growth and development?
She hit her first career breakthrough in her 20s, when she was entrusted with a huge leadership role at Citigroup in Europe.
“This was the type of role executives normally get when they’re in their forties. I was based in Poland, where I didn’t speak the language — in addition to looking very different from most people there. Instead of force-fitting myself into a mold designed by others, I decided to stay true to myself, embrace this difference, and make it work for me,” she says in an exclusive interview with Economy Middle East.
It is pivotal moments like these that have shaped her leadership approach. Beyond professional milestones, being a mother has also influenced her as a leader.
“Motherhood has made me a better human and a better leader. It has given me a new perspective and motivated me to appreciate the importance of curiosity. I think parenting and leadership have so many parallels,” Ajmal shares.
“While I have great learnings from a business standpoint, what I remember most is the impact on people. Fifteen years into my career journey, I realized that if I can design a life for myself and achieve my goals despite all odds, I am in a privileged position of leadership where I can help others do the same. I’m glad I can play a tiny role in helping make this world a more equitable place where women can thrive without any biases and judgments,” she adds.
In her current position at Mastercard, Ajmal is looking after over 30 segments across 80 countries in EEMEA.
She says: “I see leadership as a privilege, and I try to foster a stress-free and fun working environment where everyone can bring their best without fear of speaking up. Over the years, I have recognized the power of open communication, respectful interaction, authenticity, humility, empathy, and compassion. I have also learned the importance of showing my vulnerability — I now know it doesn’t make me any less of a leader. In addition, I believe that a sense of humor is largely underrated in leadership. For me, humor plays a key role in creating a friendly workplace.”
