Neda Aldaihani
A human, a father of 4 boys, and an early stage venture capital investor who had mentored thousands of founders, invested in more than a dozen start-ups in the MENA region, and have more than three successful Tech start-ups existing in the Arab world.
“Risk living at the edge of what you love.”
Q&A WITH NEDA
Define your experience in the IMBA in one word.
Growing Strong
What were some of the main challenges that you encountered on your way? How did your master program and IE help you through these challenges?
We all face so many challenges at different levels in our daily lives, and I got to understand that most of these challenges can be easily solved if you have the right network and know how to ask the right person, and that's what IE gave me during the program.
How did your experience at IE prepare you for your professional career? In what ways do you think the program has changed your life professionally and personally?
I graduated with a strong belief that I’m equipped with great knowledge and amazing diverse networks around the world. This gave me many advantages to any business opportunity I’ve faced in my career path.
What was networking like in the program?
Fun, exploring different cultures, and lots of business and non-business gatherings.
What was your favorite memory from your time at IE?
Every day at IE was a great memory.
If someone was considering going to IE, what would you tell them?
It will be the best year of your life.
Why did you choose to study this program at IE?
I wanted to learn another language as well as establish my European network.
What is one thing you wished you knew, when you were a student?
Better Spanish language.
What advice would you give to students who are about to begin the program?
Live every single day at IE as if it’s your last day at the school.
As one of the first contributors towards the Illuminated Bricks campaign, how does it feel?
I still have a feeling that the school owes me a lot and I need to give more to impact the IE society.
What made you decide to give your first gift?
Empowering the world with better young leaders.
In your opinion, why is it important to give back? Why does this cause matter to you?
The highest level of humanity is tested when the person has the power to give not only to take.
What can we do within our IE Community to create an impact and support education?
Innovate through the involvement of our alumni towards our students.
What would you tell someone who was thinking about contributing?
The world would be a better place if we all think about making the right contributions.
If you had a billboard you could display to the entire world, what would you put on it?
Risk living at the edge of what you love.