Najwa Al-Zarouni

Business adviser, Business leader, Educator/Teacher, Project manager

An Emirati educational and administrative leader who holds an Executive MBA & PHD and brings more than 20 years of experience in executive management, business development, education, and corporate communications. I held a variety of leadership positions across government and private-sector organizations, including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the University of Sharjah, and leading educational institutions in the UAE. She has also served as a media consultant and member of academic and media committees, contributing to educational and community initiatives focused on youth empowerment, innovation, and leadership. Currently, plays an active role in the education sector, leading development initiatives that connect education, leadership, and community engagement. She is also the organizer of TEDx Pristine Private School 2026, held under the theme “The Lost Compass: Reclaim Your North,” driven by her belief in creating platforms that inspire young people to discover their potential and create meaningful impact in their communities. I believes that education is not simply the transfer of knowledge, but a journey of character building, critical thinking, and empowering future generations to lead with confidence and purpose. In a world filled with endless choices and rapid change, people often lose direction not because they lack opportunities, but because they lose sight of their purpose. The idea worth spreading is that every person possesses an inner compass made up of their values, principles, and sense of purpose. When individuals learn to reconnect with that compass, they become more capable of making meaningful decisions, overcoming challenges, and creating positive change in their lives and communities. True success begins not with finding the right path, but with understanding oneself first.

I am passionate about education, leadership, and empowering young people to discover their potential and create meaningful impact in their communities. Throughout my professional journey in administration, school development, and community engagement, I have been driven by a belief that education is not only about academic achievement but also about building character, confidence, and purpose. I enjoy creating opportunities that connect students with inspiring ideas, real-world experiences, and future possibilities. Whether through educational initiatives, community projects, or events such as TEDx, my goal is to help individuals find their direction, embrace challenges, and grow into confident leaders who contribute positively to society.

In a world filled with endless choices and rapid change, people often lose direction not because they lack opportunities, but because they lose sight of their purpose. The idea worth spreading is that every person possesses an inner compass made up of their values, principles, and sense of purpose. When individuals learn to reconnect with that compass, they become more capable of making meaningful decisions, overcoming challenges, and creating positive change in their lives and communities. True success begins not with finding the right path, but with understanding oneself first.

and analysis, Business Development, Community Engagement, Educational Leadership, Event Planning business development, Partnership Development, Project Management, Public Speaking, Quality Assurance, School Operations, Sponsorship Acquisition, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, TEDx Event Management

My TED story is rooted in the idea that many people spend years following paths chosen by others, only to realize that they have lost sight of their own compass. As an educator, leader, mother, and lifelong learner, I have experienced moments of uncertainty, change, and reinvention that taught me the importance of reconnecting with purpose and personal values. Through my journey, I discovered that success is not about following the loudest voice or the most popular direction—it is about having the courage to pause, reflect, and identify your true north. My story explores how challenges, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities can become the very experiences that guide us toward a more meaningful and authentic future. In a world full of distractions and endless choices, I believe that the greatest skill we can develop is the ability to find our own direction and move forward with confidence.

Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and building meaningful partnerships. I enjoy analyzing challenges, creating innovative solutions, and turning ideas into successful initiatives that create real impact. connecting people, organizing projects, and finding creative solutions that help teams move forward and achieve their goals.