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Yasmine Afifi’s journey into the world of finance is a remarkable tale of ambition, perseverance, and innovation. Born into a loving family with her father, mother, older brother, and three younger sisters, Yasmine’s early life was shaped by an environment rich in financial discourse. Her father, a financial manager at a major company, and her brother, a banker, frequently engaged in conversations about finance. These discussions, combined with her natural curiosity, ignited a spark within her—a desire to become a renowned businesswoman in the financial services industry.
From a young age, Yasmine dreamt big. Her aspirations were fueled by the financial discussions at home, her exposure to economics and business studies in school, and the inspiration she drew from successful figures in business like Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham. This early fascination led her to explore the intricacies of financial markets, investments, and economic principles, ultimately paving the way for a career in the financial sector.
Yasmine’s journey into the financial services industry was not just a product of her upbringing but also her relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her academic path led her to earn a Master’s degree in International Business Management, a decision that would prove instrumental in shaping her future career. The program provided her with a global perspective, an understanding of interconnected global markets, and crucial strategic planning skills. It also honed her leadership abilities, preparing her for the challenges of managing diverse teams and navigating the complexities of the global financial landscape.
With nearly 22 years of experience in the financial services sector—20 of which were in the insurance industry—Yasmine has established herself as a formidable force in the field. Her career has seen her take on various roles in multinational corporations, where she has been instrumental in driving innovation and operational excellence. One of her most significant achievements was her involvement in MEGA projects across Central Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEEMA). These projects, often in startup companies, required her to build operations from the ground up—a challenging but deeply fulfilling endeavour.
Yasmine’s career has been marked by her ability to implement fundamental changes in business models, increase productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction while keeping employees engaged. She is known for her adaptability and innovative thinking, qualities that have made her an engine for transformation and motivation in the companies she has worked with. Her strategic leadership and commitment to driving innovation have been key to her success, particularly in a competitive industry like insurance.
However, Yasmine’s journey has not been without challenges. As a female leader in a demanding industry, she has had to navigate obstacles such as gender bias, operational pressures, and the constant need to stay ahead of market trends. Yet, she has faced these challenges with resilience and determination, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for growth. Her approach to leadership, which emphasizes cultural sensitivity, adaptable leadership styles, and conflict resolution, has allowed her to build strong, high-performing teams that leverage diversity as a strength.
Yasmine’s personal and professional fulfillment comes from driving company growth, mentoring future leaders, and making a lasting impact on the business. Her role as Chief Business Officer (CBO) has provided her with continuous opportunities for learning and personal growth, even with her extensive experience. She has embraced the challenges of leadership, particularly in managing diverse teams across different organizations and cultures, and has been a strong advocate for cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and global thinking.
Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for many in the financial services industry, and Yasmine is no exception. However, she has developed effective strategies for managing this balance, such as prioritization, time management, and delegation. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care, wellness, and family support in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
For Yasmine, success is not just about professional achievements but also about personal fulfillment and contributing to the community. She is passionate about mentoring emerging talent, particularly women and underrepresented groups, and is committed to fostering a more inclusive financial services industry. Her advice to women in the industry is to embrace their unique strengths, seek mentorship, invest in continuous learning, and advocate for themselves while also supporting others.
Looking to the future, Yasmine aims to continue driving strategic initiatives in executive leadership positions, engage in innovative projects that enhance insurance products and services, and maintain a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
She hopes to pave the way for greater inclusivity in the industry, build a robust network of mentorship and support for women, and inspire the next generation of female leaders to lead with confidence and make meaningful contributions to the financial services industry.
Yasmine Afifi’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and visionary leadership. Her story inspires women in financial sector and beyond, showing that with the right mindset and support, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary success.
