In an engaging conversation, we sat down with Seneca Cottom, a trailblazer and Head of Sustainability at Alshaya Group, to delve into her journey, her passion for empowering women, and her pivotal role within Lean In Kuwait.

Seneca, originally from the US, has lived and worked in multiple countries, with Kuwait being the third she’s called home. Her global journey began in London, where she and her husband resided for seven years, becoming UK citizens. With a background in commercial property, her career journey navigated through the male-dominated landscapes of both the US and UK.

“Having worked in a corporate career where I often found myself in the minority, I faced the challenges of proving my worth in a male-dominated industry. Upon relocating to Kuwait in 2014, I embarked on a transformative journey within Alshaya Group, initially as Senior Lease Admin Manager. Seeking fulfillment, I embraced a change, transitioning to Head of Sustainability in 2020,” Seneca shared.
Seneca’s involvement with Lean In, an initiative catalyzed by Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta, stemmed from Sandberg’s impactful book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.” This movement resonated deeply with Seneca, propelling her to join hands with LeanIn.org’s mission of supporting women in achieving their ambitions.

“Lean In embodies a foundation supporting women in their pursuits, offering invaluable resources, programs, and circles. These circles, now totaling 10 in Kuwait, provide a supportive environment for women to learn new skills and bolster each other,” Seneca explained. “For me, Lean In signifies a mission to alleviate the struggles I faced throughout my career. It’s about facilitating more women in leadership roles, a responsibility I deeply believe in.”

Seneca highlighted the transformative impact of Lean In Circles to us, and we find it so very impressive. She cited her personal experience of finding a supportive community amidst her move to Kuwait; “Being part of a circle for over six years, witnessing the growth and support among members, emphasizes the significance of Lean In in fostering a sense of belonging.”

Seneca reflected on the evolving landscape for women in Kuwait’s workplaces, acknowledging both progress and persistent challenges. While her personal experiences have been positive, she remains cognizant of the diverse struggles faced by women in different sectors. “While some industries show improvements, biases and restrictions still hamper many women’s progress. Flexibility in work culture, revisiting certain laws, and fostering inclusivity remain pivotal for a more equitable workspace,” Seneca commented.

She highlighted findings from Lean In’s “Women in the Workplace” report, underlining the aspirations and challenges faced by women in their careers. “The report stresses the need for inclusivity, remote work’s positive impact on women, and the imperative role of flexibility for companies’ success.”

Seneca encouraged individuals and businesses to engage with Lean In, citing its accessible online resources and robust programs tailored for corporations. At bazaar, we love how Lean In offers a wealth of resources for individuals and companies, nurturing diversity, enhancing morale, and ultimately benefiting businesses. We are definitely going to be connecting with the team!

Seneca also shed light on Lean In Girls, a novel initiative targeting young girls, aiming to impart leadership skills and combat stereotypes. “It’s about nurturing confidence in young girls, something I wish I had received during my formative years,” she said, advocating for empowering the next generation.

In closing, Seneca reiterated the need for sustained efforts in driving inclusivity, urging everyone to join the movement, support, and empower women in their journey towards leadership and success. We are so excited to be following this journey!

For more information or to engage with Lean In Kuwait, visit www.leaninkuwait.org or follow @leaninkuwait on Instagram.