EDUCATION WITHOUT BORDERS
Which single new programme, course, or initiative are you most excited about and why? “One of the most exciting recent initiatives at the College of Business and Economics is the launch of a microcredential in innovation and entrepreneurship, consisting of four Arabic-language Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on the edX platform. This initiative is particularly significant because it aims to build capacity among Arab youth, recognising their immense potential, ambition and dynamic energy as key drivers of progress in the region. “With one of the youngest populations globally, the Arab world has a unique opportunity to harness this demographic’s energy to drive economic growth and innovation. However, many young people face barriers in accessing quality entrepreneurial education and resources to develop their ideas into successful ventures. This microcredential is designed to bridge that gap by providing learning opportunities in Arabic, ensuring that language is not an obstacle to acquiring essential entrepreneurial skills. “By equipping young individuals with knowledge in innovation, business development and entrepreneurial thinking, the microcredential aims to empower them to turn their ideas into impactful ventures, contributing to economic diversification, job creation and positive change in their communities and countries. This programme also aligns with Qatar’s vision of fostering an innovation- driven economy, positioning the college as a leader in entrepreneurial education in the region.” What do you enjoy most about your industry and day-to-day role? “Business education is a dynamic, ever-evolving field and being part of this industry allows me to drive meaningful change. The fast-paced nature of higher education, combined with the increasing emphasis on innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship, makes my role incredibly fulfilling. Every day is an opportunity to push boundaries, explore new territories, solve complex problems and contribute to a greater purpose – one that shapes the future of education, business and society as a whole. “What I enjoy most about my role is the incredible support of my team and the sense of progress we achieve together. Leading in business education is both a challenge and a privilege and what keeps me motivated is seeing real, tangible impact, whether
that’s in relation to shaping innovative programmes, fostering global collaborations, or creating opportunities for students and faculty. “For me, leadership is about more than just making decisions; it’s about leading boldly, but with passion and purpose. Purpose-driven leadership means staying committed to a vision that extends beyond immediate results, inspiring change, empowering people and leaving a lasting impact. What truly excites me is seeing ideas turn into action, whether it’s launching a new initiative, strengthening industry partnerships, or watching students and graduates thrive.” What, if anything, frustrates you about your role and industry? “As a leader, I am driven by a vision for transformation and progress, yet I don’t always have the full freedom to execute ideas as swiftly or boldly as I would like. Balancing innovation with institutional constraints can be challenging, especially when bold ideas get diluted through layers of decision-making. At times, it feels like we are solving problems with one hand tied behind our backs, pushing for agility and responsiveness in a system that is inherently slow to adapt. This is what frustrates me most about my role. “Despite these frustrations, I remain committed to finding creative solutions and leveraging influence where possible to drive change. Leadership in this space requires persistence, diplomacy and commitment to the bigger picture. While the system may not always move as quickly as I would like, I firmly believe that with the right vision, collaboration and strategic approach, we can continue making meaningful progress.”
Rana Sobh is dean of the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University, where she is also a professor of marketing. An advocate for redesigning higher education to prepare graduates for 21st-century challenges, Sobh believes business schools play a vital role in shaping responsible leaders and change agents and she is committed to bridging academia and industry
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Business Impact • ISSUE 3 • 2025
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