Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba) Email and Phone Number
Executive leader with a passion for social impact, sustainable development, DEI and delivering positive outcomes. 20 years experience within Oil & Gas, Mining, Consulting and International Development sectors. Extensive international experience in managing clients, leading teams, understanding context and culture, having a travel-based career (>12 years) and working remotely/virtually (>8 years). Proven skills in setting up and building organizations (start up, early stage), developing processes and systems, driving organizational and revenue growth, performance improvement and delivering impactful results. MBA (2012) and Doctorate in Business (2024). Executive Board Member, published author and speaker at various conference. Married with 3 kids. Based in Toronto, Canada.I bring the following to any engagement or experience I pursue:• My passion and tenacity for doing things right and doing it well. I don't compromise on quality or integrity.• My ability to build relationships and communicate well. I have a love for working with people, ensuring respect is maintained, and ensuring its effective - both in person and virtually. I strive to be an empathic and authentic leader always.• My desire for making an impact where it matters. I choose to work in areas related to social impact, sustainability, education, health, human rights, diversity and equality. I want my time and effort to matter.INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE (70+ countries)Lived and/or worked in the following countries: Africa (South Africa, Botswana, DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Swaziland, Ghana); Middle East (UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia); Asia (India, Pakistan, Brunei); North America (Canada, US); UK; Australia; LATAM (Peru, Brazil, Chile)Visited the following countries (in addition to above): Africa (Mozambique, Ethiopia, Morocco, Seychelles, Tanzania); Middle East (Qatar, Oman) Europe (France, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Belgium, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Hungary Bosnia); Asia (Honk Kong, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia), Latin America (Paraguay, Argentina)
Royal Roads University Rak Campus
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Adjunct Professor - Sustainability And EthicsRoyal Roads University Rak CampusUnited Arab Emirates
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Principal OwnerZaheera Soomar Advisory Jan 2019 - PresentCanadaZaheera Soomar runs an independent management consulting practice. She has 17+ years of experience leading on business strategy, organizational change, responsible business practice and innovation, and large-scale transformation across multiple industries. -
International DirectorLifeblood Foundation Mar 2024 - PresentCanadaLifeblood Foundation was established in 2014 to serve refugees requiring critical support. The organization has grown and now supports displaced and diaspora refugees from Middle East and orphans in other parts of the world such as Egypt and Canada. At Lifeblood, we aim to alleviate suffering and ultimately save lives, restore dignity, mental and physical safety and support livelihoods and empowerment of refugees.
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Member | Advisor | Management ConsultantUmbrex Jan 2019 - PresentCanada | UsUmbrex ("UMBRella of EXcellence") is the first global community connecting top-tier independent management consultants with one another.Work with other independent consultants to help organizations and drive impact. Projects include:- Large Canadian Bank: Setting up an approach for new SMME Business Accelerator BU focused on supporting business and driving impact (jobs and revenue) - Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce: Advisor to Chairman on growth, fundraising and partnerships- NA Boutique Consulting Firm: Developed a career progression path and organization structure for the firm -
Council Member | ExpertGlg Jan 2018 - PresentGlobalExpert and Advsiory consulting support on various topics related to Mining, Oil and Gas, Social Impact, Start Ups, Education. -
Global Head (Svp): Education And Community Skills, Sed | Strategy And SustainabilityAnglo American Jan 2022 - Dec 2023Canada | UkIn addition to the current portfolio, sssumed Community Skills Portfolio. Developed a group wide strategy to build skills in low economic communities that lead to economic pathways and alleviate poverty, and dependability on the system. Worked with industry partners, NGOs and Government to leverage funding and investment to deliver partnership based skills programmes. -
Global Head (Svp) Of Community Education | Socec Dev | Responsible Business PartnershipsAnglo American Apr 2020 - Dec 2021Canada | UkHead up the Community Education and Skills transformation, in the regions we operate in namely South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Canada, UK, Australia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.Work closely with Govt and Ministry of Education in various regions. Partner with education and skills delivery and evaluation partners.Support >500 000 children in > 500 schoolsHelping communities build skills for the futureSupport youth and adults to upskill/reskill to ensure they are employable and job ready for the Future of Work. Develop and lead on various learnerships, in Partnerships with private and public sector across different countries.
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Senior Expert Advisor -Organizational Culture, Dei, Race And GenderVortexplore Nov 2020 - Jul 2023United KingdomVorteXplore helps you to achieve real change by tapping into the behaviours and culture of your organisation. We provide hyper-personalised organisational insights, identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities to improve.The culture and performance game has changed far beyond routine staff surveys and informal feedback conversations with staff. Our advanced media and AI capture authentic team reactions and dynamics. We translate deep behavioural insights into practical opportunities to strengthen your people strategies. -
Director | Partner | Head Of PeoplePrincipia Advisory Jan 2020 - Oct 2020Switzerland | Uk | CanadaPromoted to Director and COOPart of the executive leadership team.Lead our teams across the North America region and clients within the Tech, Resources (Oil & Gas and Mining) and Public Sector space.Head up People and Operations including recruitment, DEI. -
PrincipalPrincipia Advisory Apr 2019 - Jan 2020London | CanadaLead our teams across the North America region and clients within the Tech, Resources (Oil & Gas and Mining) and Public Sector space.Principia is the leading advisory firm on organizational ethics. Ethical demands on business are rising, with growing calls from customers, regulators, employees and society at large for companies to consider more deeply their impact on the world. We help our clients to anticipate and respond to emerging ethical questions, aligning purpose, values and principles with action.
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Expert Advisor - Delivery And Implementation (Part Time)Gvi Apr 2020 - Sep 2020Us | South AfricaDesigned and built the project management, delivery and implementation course for the Impact Academy program. Served as subject matter expert on Masterclass. Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners.The Impact Academy program is a hybrid online/offline program. It combines 8 weeks of online learning with 2 or 4 weeks of optional on the ground learning in Nepal, Fiji, Peru or another country where GVI operates around the world. It has been specifically developed to meet the needs of both employers and candidates in the "for good" sector. -
Chief Operating OfficerRising Academy Network Feb 2019 - Mar 2020Canada | West Africa*1 year contract to setup finance structure, implement systems, restructure operations and help expand. Upon completion, role transitioned to a CFO requirement. Joined the Executive Leadership Team with a specific mandate to help expand and strengthen their areas around Finance, Risk, Business Development, Operations and HR in order to help secure funding and investment and support growth and future expansion. Laid the foundation and systems and set up the team to run with it routinely going forward.Rising Academy is one of the fastest-growing quality-focused education companies in Africa, and a Certified B Corp®.Founded in Sierra Leone in 2014, we provided emergency education to children kept out of school by the Ebola Epidemic before opening our first school in April 2015.Today, they serve more than 40,000 students across more than 140 schools in Sierra Leone and Liberia. -
Director: Middle East, North And South Africa Region | Head Of PeopleDelivery Associates Jan 2017 - Feb 2019Uae | Uk | CanadaPart of the Executive Leadership team overseeing mainly Africa and Middle East i.e. business development and growth of the region, managing case teams to deliver on key strategic projects, ensuring profitability and results and managing stakeholder relationship (client, partners and funders). Responsible for the internal People (HR, staffing, contractors, recruitment, onboarding) and Duty of Care (Security) functions across the firm. Managed and delivered projects across a number of countries namely Pakistan, South Africa, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada and Egypt. Worked closely with leaders (Prime Ministers, Crown Prince, Premiers, Ministers, Cabinet members) of these countries. -
Principal ConsultantDelivery Associates Feb 2015 - Dec 2016Uae / UkOne of the first joiners of Delivery Associates tasked with growing and expanding the organisation, both internally and externally. Lead the delivery teams across South East Asia and Africa. Focused on growing clients and business across MENADelivery Associates is the leading public sector advisory group focused on the implementation of large-scale reform and establishment of delivery units – which essentially focus on outcomes and performance: setting clear goals, using data effectively, planning for impact, and monitoring progress and solving problems during implementation
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Head: Business Improvement And Strategic Projects - International | Chief Of Staff - CooEurasian Resources Group Jul 2014 - Jul 2015South Africa | Drc | Zambia | UaeResponsible for driving performance improvement and optimization across Africa operations and group level. Africa asset portfolio included South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo. Joined with a specific mandate to turn the Africa business around within 1 year. Performance improvement results include:• Managed an operational excellence pilot at a mine operation in DRC which delivered $38M EBITDA savings per annum (30% increase in EBITDA)• Identified 3 key levers to turn a negative cash flow operation (-$53M) into positive cash flow ($5.8M) as of 2015; mainly related to renegotiation of contractor costs and re-optimization of the mine• Renegotiated a sale agreement with processing partner to deliver higher revenue and cash flow for the group• Conducted a strategic project on the transport and logistics company within the group to refocus the core and identify additional non-core income opportunities, to deliver additional 5% revenueFirm and people leadership• Managed the PMO and office of the COO on all strategic matters, including EXCO council• Line management of the Business Improvement team (3 BI Managers, 3 BI Specialists, 2 BI Analysts)• Internal and external executive stakeholder management, JV partnerships, contract negotiations• Recognised by Global CEO for outstanding performance and results delivery/performance improvement; awarded additional bonus for 6 month period -
Senior Consultant, Case Team LeadBain & Company Jan 2013 - Jul 2014Johannesburg Area, South AfricaBain & Company is one of the world's leading business consulting firms. Collaborated as a trusted advisor with clients’ C-level executives to drive strategic and operational profit growth. Worked as part of a team overseeing workstreams and teams. Played an integral role within recruitment, Women @ Bain and the Black Leadership team in the South Africa office. Case examples:• Organisational restructure of two mining firms (South Africa ad Australia) due to merger. • Long term (30+ years) strategy design and implementation for a London based global oil and gas player. This included market and competitor analysis, identification of potential acquisition to expland within Africa, review of the E&P, LNG, GTL, Chemicals, Power business; identification of diversification opportunities to reduce risk on crude revenue dependence. Results include expansion in Kenya through acquisition, effective and leaner organization practices, sale of chemical business• Privaty equity due diligence on a transport and logictics company within South Africa. This resulted in the acquisition of the firm. • Due diligence of a merger integration between the largest telecom and information technology firm to drive diversification. Responsible for managing the full PMO of all 17 external stakeholders to design, review and implement the mergerFirm and people leadership• Led the Johannesburg W@B (Women @ Bain) attraction and retention portfolio, W@B connectedness, women development and mentorship program • Recruitment and interviews of MBA / consultant hires from SA schools; on campus recruiter – Western Cape Business Schools (UCT, USB), South Africa representative for Global MBA recruitment (HBS, Booth, Wharton, Kellogg, Columbia)• Training of Consultants, Associate Consultants, Summer Associates and AC Interns -
Southern Africa Operations ManagerChevron Jul 2010 - Dec 2012Cape Town Area, South Africa• Operation, financial and health & safety management of the Southern Africa area which included 96 employees across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland• Business planning and forecasting – OPEX ($8M) and CAPEX ($500M)• Facilitated the joint venture (JV) contract negotiations with competitors, partner negotiations and operational set up of 3rd party fleet contractors• Managed the operational divestment (sale) of 3 countries within Africa to industry competitors• Recognised as top performer; received Global Presidents Award -
Investment Lead - Emea (Europe, Middle East, Africa)Chevron Jul 2008 - Jun 2010Cape Town Area, South Africa• Management of the investment and divestment portfolio for the region including financial modelling for all projects; responsible for the project management of all projects > R50 million• Line management of the investment analyst team– 5 direct reports based in Europe, ME, Egypt, Zimbabwe, SA• Managed the retail portfolio divestment of 120 retail sites across South Africa• Managed the sale of BOSL Terminal to an industry partner in the UK• Recognised as top performer; received Global Presidents Award; received Global Capital Manager Award for 2009; awarded international exchange opportunity based on performance; based in San Ramon, California
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Senior Optimization Supply Chain AnalystChevron Jun 2007 - Jun 2008Cape Town Area, South Africa• Conducted analysis of the supply chain across Africa (crude sourcing, refining, operations, marketing, retail and commercial)• Performed the monthly financial forecasting and performance reporting for annual business planning and monthly reporting
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Group Financial ManagerFormeset Group Apr 2006 - May 2007Cape Town Area, South AfricaMedia, publishing and advertising group servicing the Western Cape• Management of Financial, Admin and Estimating Departments• Staff management – 35 staff members• Government tenders – Africa• Managing imports – Sweden• Foreign exchange management• Financial and Management Reporting
Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba) Education Details
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Business Administration And Management, General -
International Business -
Islamic Governance Course -
Isb (Indian School Of Business) - IndiaMba -
Uct Graduate School Of BusinessStrategy And Leadership
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Gordon Institute For Business Science (Gibs)Organizational Leadership
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Uct Graduate School Of BusinessLeadership
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Wits Business SchoolManagement Advancement Program In Oil And Gas
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ChevronOil And Energy
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Uct Graduate School Of BusinessCorporate Sector Partnerships
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Centre For Management DevelopmentFinancial Management
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba)
What company does Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba) work for?
Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba) works for Royal Roads University Rak Campus
What is Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba)'s role at the current company?
Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba)'s current role is Adjunct Professor - Sustainability and Ethics.
What schools did Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba) attend?
Dr Zaheera Soomar (Mba, Dba) attended Haskayne School Of Business, University Of Cambridge, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Isb (Indian School Of Business) - India, Uct Graduate School Of Business, Gordon Institute For Business Science (Gibs), Uct Graduate School Of Business, Wits Business School, Chevron, Uct Graduate School Of Business, Centre For Management Development.
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