Jena Ladhani, CEO, CBRE Advisory Services LLC
Can you share a real example or success story where an inclusive practice led to measurable business impact, such as enhanced productivity, innovation, or employee engagement?
An example that comes to mind is, during our expansion, a colleague asked “We keep growing, how do we retain the family vibe of the organizaiton?” The answer is simple: we never lost it. Every member of our team is aligned toward Goal 2030, where the focus goes beyond gender or equity alone; it is about a shared purpose that unites us all.For us, inclusion is not a separate initiative or conversation, we it live every single day. When you can look around and know that every person beside you supports, respects, and stands with you, you know you are part of the right organization.
From your experience leading CBRE Saudi Arabia, how do you see the concept of inclusion evolving in the Gulf’s workplace over the next 5 years, especially as the region embraces economic diversification and digital acceleration?
It is incredibly inspiring that a global leader like CBRE chose to appoint a female CEO, reporting to a board that includes two princes and an ally who have championed me since the day I arrived in Saudi Arabia. It has been an amazing journey.
The support of strong male allies helped me create opportunities for the next generation of women leaders. Once we found the right talent, progress that could have taken years happened within months, and together, we continued building a stronger, more inclusive team.
Today, our workforce reflects that commitment; with 52% Saudi Nationals, 42% women, and 33% local talent.
My board and I are clear about our long-term vision, but what matters most is how we get there. We believe in listening to emerging talent and empowering them to challenge the status quo, even if that means saying no to me. The 5 year succession plan is to empower your team, both men and women to tell you the truth.
