For many professionals, the day begins before the alarm clock has even rung, with competing demands from work, home, and community life. For one Dubai-based executive, however, balance has been found through what she calls the “power of three” – a daily ritual of setting intentions across five areas of her life.
In a demanding corporate career within a male-dominated industry, she once leaned heavily into a competitive, high-output approach, believing that success required mimicking masculine leadership styles. But she says the turning point came when she embraced intuition, empathy and creativity – qualities she identifies with feminine energy.
“I realised the power wasn’t in doing more, but in being more,” she explained. “By aligning with my values and focusing on what matters, I could lead authentically without burning out.”
Five pillars of intention
Her method, practiced each morning before work begins, involves setting three intentions for five areas: herself, her children, her work, her husband and family, and her wider community and creative projects.
For herself, the focus is on wellbeing: breathwork, physical movement, and nourishing the mind through reading or reflection. For her children, daily intentions centre on presence and connection – a short play session, meaningful conversations at dinner, or reading together before bed.
Work priorities are approached strategically: identifying three impactful tasks, communicating effectively, and fostering collaboration. With her husband and extended family, the focus is on gratitude, shared activities, and active listening. And finally, her community and creative efforts emphasise connection with female circles, supporting artisans and young designers, and seeking inspiration through art and nature.
A culture of support
Based in Dubai, she says the city’s strong support systems help her sustain this rhythm. Household and childcare structures common in the UAE give many professional women more room to balance leadership and family roles compared with peers elsewhere.
Yet she stresses that the practice is not about perfection, but about conscious choices. “If I’m not grounded, I can’t pour into other areas of my life,” she said. “Prioritising my wellbeing, once seen as a luxury, is now non-negotiable.”
Beyond efficiency
The approach, she argues, is less about productivity metrics and more about intentional living. By focusing on a handful of actions rather than endless to-do lists, she says overwhelm is reduced and clarity restored.
Observers note that such frameworks echo a broader global trend toward mindfulness in leadership, with executives seeking resilience strategies to counter high-pressure environments. In the Gulf region especially, where economic diversification has accelerated opportunities for women leaders, conversations about sustainable approaches to success are gaining traction.
For her, the “power of three” is a reminder that less can indeed be more: more presence, more purpose, and ultimately, more fulfilment.
