A Speaker Who Doesn't Just Inspire; She Changes How Leaders Think.
Wardah Harharah brings over two decades of executive leadership experience and behavioural science to every stage. Her experience spans global organisations including Etihad Airways, Airbnb, and Louis Vuitton, where she led complex transformation and built high-performing teams across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, New York, Montreal and Singapore.
Her keynotes are grounded in real-world experience, shaped by navigating organisational complexity at scale. Moving beyond inspiration, she equips leaders with frameworks, language, and perspective shifts that translate directly into action. The result is not just awareness, but meaningful change in how leaders think, communicate, and lead.
Based in Dubai, Wardah speaks at conferences, corporate events, and leadership forums across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the wider GCC, and internationally.
Why Leaders, Organisations
And Institutions Book Wardah
There is no shortage of motivational speakers. There is a shortage of speakers who combine the authority of real C-suite experience, the rigour of behavioural science, and the emotional intelligence to read a room and make every attendee feel seen.
Lived Leadership
Experience
Former C-suite leader across aviation, luxury, and global organisations. Wardah speaks from real leadership experience, not theory.
01
Behavioural Science
at the Core
Her keynotes draw on organisational psychology and leadership science, turning research into practical insight audiences can apply.
02
Cross-Cultural
Fluency
With experience across the Middle East, Europe, and global organisations, Wardah speaks to the realities of leading across cultures.
03
Tailored to
Your Audience
Wardah works closely with event organisers to customise every keynote to the specific audienc and objectives of your event. No two sessions are identical.
04
Signature Keynotes
And Masterclasses
Shaped by leadership roles across aviation, luxury, and technology, Wardah’s perspective is grounded in the realities of organisational life. Her work reflects a deep understanding of people, culture, and the behaviours that drive meaningful and sustained change.
Emotionally Intelligent Leadership
What if the greatest shift in your leadership isn’t strategy, but awareness? This keynote challenges leaders to rethink how they show up, and how others experience your leadership.
Best for Leadership conferences, executive development programmes, senior leadership offsites.
The State of Well-Being
Well-being is not separate from how we work. It shapes how we think, respond, and connect. Audience walks away with practical steps to stay grounded and intentional in times of uncertainty.
Best for Organisation-wide sessions, employee well-being initiatives, and teams navigating change or uncertainty.
Values Driven Leadership
This keynote invites the audience to examine the deeply embedded beliefs and values that shape how they view leadership, influence decisions, and impact how they are experienced by others.
Best for Strategy retreats, leadership development programmes, executive transitions
Women in Leadership
This keynote moves beyond the idea of masculine or feminine leadership, and instead focuses on how women lead with awareness, balance, and a strong sense of self.
Best for Women’s leadership summits, corporate diversity initiatives, leadership programmes.
Authenticity in Leadership
Authenticity has become a buzzword, but it is often misunderstood. This keynote challenges common assumptions, inviting the audience to rethink what authenticity really means.
Best for Company-wide seminars, leadership retreats, emerging leaders programmes.
Custom Keynote Sessions
Tailored sessions designed around the specific goals, challenges, and audience of your event or organisation, ensuring relevance, depth, and meaningful impact.
Best for Corporate events, leadership retreats, internal training programmes.
Invite Wardah Harharah As Your Next Speaker
Through powerful storytelling, Wardah bridges real-world experience and behavioural science, translating theory into insights leaders can apply immediately.
Her keynotes and guest lectures explore leadership identity, values-driven leadership, and leading across cultures and generations.
Book Wardah for your next event.
Invite Wardah Harharah As Your Next Speaker
Through powerful storytelling, Wardah bridges real-world experience and behavioural science, translating theory into insights leaders can apply immediately.
Her keynotes and guest lectures explore leadership identity, values-driven leadership, and leading across cultures and generations.
Book Wardah for your next event.
What Event Organisers & Attendees Say
"Wardah’s expertise in leadership training and coaching brings about transformative change within teams. She excels in motivating and training multicultural teams, driving them towards unprecedented levels of performance. Her ability to instill professionalism and foster collaboration leads to a notable shift in team dynamics, ultimately translating into enhanced employee engagement, innovation, and efficiency. I have known Wardah for over 20 years and witnessed Wardah’s leadership strengthen over the years throughout her various roles as C-Suite Executive in the Middle East and around the world."
“Wardah has been an exceptional leader and also an invaluable mentor throughout my professional journey. Working under Wardah' s guidance was nothing short of transformative. One of her greatest strengths lies in her ability to empower others to find their voice and build confidence. She encouraged me to speak up, to articulate my ideas with conviction, and to embrace every opportunity for growth. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend her as an exceptional coach and leader. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to empowering others are truly unparalleled.”
"Wardah is a thought leader who has made meaningful progress at Airbnb in elevating the customer experience and delivering exceptional, tailored service. Her expertise in emotional intelligence (EI), leadership development and customer experience training programs has been transformative; empowering teams to achieve their highest potential. Wardah’s commitment to diversity and inclusion left a lasting impact, fostering an environment where team members felt a deep sense of belonging. I could not recommend her enough for the exceptional value she brings to any organization through her leadership, coaching, and CX & EX-focused strategies and programs."
"Working with Wardah has been truly transformative. After feeling torn between motherhood and rediscovering my identity, I sought her guidance to align my career with my passions. From the first session, her warm and uplifting presence helped me reconnect with myself and integrate that version into my life as a mother. I’ll never forget when she said, 'Your soul knows what you need to do.' That moment brought clarity and confidence, leading me to launch my ghostwriting business. Wardah isn’t just a coach—she walks beside you, offering wisdom, actionable steps, and unwavering support. If you’re ready to believe in your potential and achieve more than you imagined, I couldn’t recommend her enough."
“Wardah's coaching and mentorship propelled my career forward, providing clarity, structure, and invaluable feedback. With her support, I transitioned from stagnation to Director role in the fintech sector. Her belief in my potential, coupled with empowering tools and skills, helped me overcome self-doubt and dare to dream big. Wardah's impact on my journey was transformative, and her unwavering support remains a driving force in my success.”
"Wardah’s coaching has been nothing short of transformative. Through her insightful guidance and unwavering support, I've experienced a profound breakthrough in my personal and professional life. With Wardah's expertise, I've gained invaluable clarity, and unlocked doors to success that I never thought possible. Her dedication, empathy, and genuine commitment to my growth has truly been the catalyst for my evolution. I cannot recommend Wardah highly enough to anyone seeking to reach new heights and realize their fullest potential."
"I had the pleasure of working with Wardah over a coaching session where she helped me think deeper by asking thought-provoking questions and helping me reflect. Wardah helped me gain clarity on my next steps and goals and develop actionable plans. Wardah has a unique ability to balance empathy with accountability, which helped me stay focused and motivated throughout our session. I highly recommend her to anyone, especially women leaders seeking a transformative coaching experience."
“Wardah has been incredible as a coach and mentor. She helped me grow personally and professionally. Her extensive experience in aviation was invaluable, she also instilled confidence and a positive attitude, which has helped me throughout my career and life. I feel so much more confident and capable now, and I truly wouldn't be where I am today without her support. Thank you for everything Wardah!”
“Wardah is a force of nature. She is driven, focused, and warm at the same time. Her practical, no-fuss coaching is perfect for women who wants to reach their professional potential. Most importantly, it is woman-led - by a person who has gone through the career obstacle course herself. If you are unsure if this is for you, give Wardah's Leadership 360 quiz a go - it is an enjoyable (and free) way to make the first step.”
“Wardah possesses coaching expertise, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication towards the uplifting of those she is coaching and mentoring. Under her guidance, I learned to navigate complex challenges with confidence. Her support and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my career.”
"Wardah has been a guiding force in my leadership and career development since 2012. Her coaching and mentorship is both insightful and inspiring, blending strategic guidance with personalized support. Her deep expertise in leadership and executive coaching is unmatched, and she consistently tailors her advice to meet individual needs. What truly sets Wardah apart is her unwavering commitment to her coachees' success. Her coaching goes beyond the traditional approach, offering a transformative experience that builds confidence and clarity. I am deeply grateful for her profound impact on my career and personal growth."
"Wardah has been a transformative force in my journey to becoming a more effective leader. Her profound insights and commitment to my growth have been key in helping me unlock my full potential, both professionally and personally. With her guidance, I learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, pushing me beyond my perceived limits and elevating my skillset in ways I never thought possible. Her ability to inspire confidence and ignite a passion for continuous learning is truly remarkable. I am profoundly grateful for her mentorship and unwavering belief in my abilities. Wardah’s impact on my leadership journey is immeasurable, and I am fortunate to have had her as a mentor and coach."
"It's not often that you meet a coach that genuinely has your best interest at heart. That's been my experience with Wardah. Her holistic and engaging approach not only brought out the best in me but helped me re-energize and re-strategise at times when I needed it most. More importantly, I felt like I was in a safe space and that it was evident that the coaching wasn't cookie-cutter, but one that is truly bespoke for me. She's truly one of the best and highly recommended!"
"Wardah is an exceptional executive coach in Dubai. Her warm presence instantly puts you at ease. She truly listens and asks insightful questions to develop personalized action plans. Wardah provides strategic guidance blended with profound wisdom as a woman of faith. Her empathy, patience and ability to simplify complex matters are unmatched. Highly recommend Wardah for professional coaching and personal growth. She's simply the best!"
"I would highly recommend Coach Wardah to anyone seeking guidance and clarity in their personal or professional life. Her expertise, compassion, and commitment to helping her clients are truly commendable. The meeting with her has been a transformative experience, and I am grateful for the positive impact she has had on my journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. During our coaching sessions, Wardah displayed exceptional listening skills and asked thought-provoking questions that allowed me to explore different perspectives. She created a safe and non-judgmental space where I felt comfortable sharing my concerns and fears. Her ability to empathize and understand my situation was truly remarkable."
"Had the amazing opportunity to be coached and mentored by Wardah for 4 years and what an experience it was! She has the remarkable ability to inspire and motivate the team with her strategic vision, whilst making each member feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Grateful to have worked under her guidance, my personal and professional growth has been evident. Her clear and constructive feedback made me adept to challenges and ensured my resilience throughout. Thank you Wardah, for influencing who I am today."
"Wardah is an outstanding leader and mentor whose powerful feminine energy shines in boardrooms. She blends strength, empathy, and strategic vision, creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices are valued. As a mentor, she inspires growth and confidence, empowering others to realize their full potential. Her leadership redefines success, combining emotional intelligence with sharp decision-making, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she works with. I had the pleasure to work closely with Wardah, and I’ve attended her amazing workshops, highly recommended!”
"Working with Wardah has been one of the most exceptional experiences in my leadership journey. I came in wanting to grow. I left changed. Through our sessions, I gained clarity on what truly matters to me and how I show up as a leader. I became more grounded under pressure, more intentional in my decisions, and more aware of my impact. A powerful shift was learning to read unspoken cues in conversations and team dynamics. This strengthened my emotional intelligence and helped me connect more effectively with my peers, team, managers, and senior leaders. This was not surface-level coaching. It was personal, practical, and transformational. Wardah is exceptional at what she does."
Bring Wardah to Your Next Event
Whether you are planning a global leadership summit, a corporate retreat, or an internal development session, Wardah ensures your audience leaves with more than a moment of inspiration. They leave with a shift in how they think, lead, and show up.
To enquire about availability, speaker fees, or to discuss a tailored topic, please get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wardah speaks at a range of leadership-focused events, including global leadership summits, corporate retreats, executive offsites, and organisation-wide development days. Her keynotes are designed to complement both large-scale conferences and more intimate leadership settings, depending on the depth of reflection and engagement required. Each session is positioned to add meaningful value within the broader context of the event
Wardah’s work resonates strongly with senior executives, emerging leaders, and organisations navigating periods of growth, change, or transformation. She also delivers sessions designed for broader employee audiences, particularly on topics such as well-being, connection, and communication. Her ability to speak across levels allows her to engage both leadership and organisation-wide audiences with equal relevance.
Each keynote is thoughtfully shaped around the organisation’s context, audience, and objectives. While grounded in core themes, the session is adapted to reflect the realities your teams are navigating, whether that is growth, change, leadership development, or organisational alignment.
Wardah works with the client in advance to understand the audience profile, key challenges, and desired outcomes. This ensures the content, language, and examples resonate, creating a session that feels relevant, considered, and aligned to your priorities.
The result is a keynote that goes beyond general insight, offering a perspective that is meaningful, applicable, and grounded in your organisation’s reality.
Wardah’s keynotes are reflective, thought-provoking, and grounded in real-world leadership experience. Rather than focusing on motivation alone, her sessions create a shift in perspective, helping individuals see their leadership, behaviour, and interactions more clearly. Audiences leave not only with insight, but with language and awareness they can carry back into their day-to-day work.
Yes. While her sessions are designed as keynotes rather than training workshops, Wardah integrates practical frameworks, reflection points, and simple tools that support application beyond the session. These are intentionally designed to be accessible and relevant, allowing participants to translate insight into action without overwhelming complexity.
Yes. Wardah delivers both in-person and virtual keynotes. Her virtual sessions are designed to maintain engagement and interaction, even with larger audiences, through a balance of structured content, reflection, and participation. The experience is adapted to ensure that impact is not lost, regardless of the delivery format.
Keynotes typically range from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the format of the event and the depth required. Wardah also offers shorter keynote segments or extended sessions where appropriate. The duration is discussed and aligned with the client to ensure it fits seamlessly within the overall event agenda.
Wardah is based in Dubai and delivers keynotes globally. She regularly works across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America, and is available for both regional and international engagements.
Travel arrangements can be coordinated as part of the booking, depending on the location and format of the event.
To enquire about availability, speaker fees, or to discuss your event requirements, please get in touch. It is recommended to secure dates several weeks in advance, particularly for larger events or international engagements. Given the level of preparation involved, early booking allows sufficient time to tailor the session to the audience and context.