Dr. Laila Faridoon

Digital and Business Transformation Advisor at Looking Forward Consultancy

Speaker

Dr. Laila Faridoon is a thought leader, public speaker and author. Laila is currently a digital and business advisor; she advises corporates/boards in their transformation journeys with her strong mix of business and technology skills.

She has 20 years of deep experience in technology, innovation, project and corporate management, she started her career in 2000 as a data analyst, next became IT PMO manager in 2007 and then Executive Director of the Chairman’s Office - RTA Dubai for the following 13 years. She has played the role of a digital advisor to the chairman and the board, led many digital projects and major initiatives on the government level such as Dubai World Challenge for Self-driving Transport and Expo2020 projects portfolio.

Laila is an active scientist, expert and influencer in the field of digital transformation, she has authored many papers and chapters in different books and given many talks globally based on her PhD in the field of Big Data Analytics from King’s College London. She has earlier received a BSc in Computer Science with first class honors from Ajman University, and then graduated with distinction from the University of Sharjah with an MSc in Computer science.

She is passionate about challenging the status quo, leveraging science and technology for the good of the humanity. In addition of being a big advocate for Women in STEM through her different roles and endeavors.

She has been selected among the top 30 women leaders to look out to in 2023 by the NYC Journal and has been chosen as an ambassador of a goodwill in 2019 by the League of Arab Organization.

Laila has extensive experience in boards management, she served in many regional and international boards with different roles: PMI UAE Chapter (President), Dubai International Project Management Forum (President), Hamdan Award for innovation in Project Management (General Secretary), RTA board of directors (General Secretary), UITP Centre of excellence (Board member) and Dubai Quality Group (board member).

She has authored a book “Looking Forward To the Bright Side” that is based on her own journey in life and gives you a guide on how to transform your life to the one that you want.

Dr. Faridoon has received several awards, the latest being the Middle East Woman Leader in Corporate Management Excellence.