With nearly two decades of career, Norma Shaheen, General Manager of Al Masaood Equipment Rental, has become a trailblazer in the construction industry. Her journey has been defined by leadership, innovation, resilience, and carving a path for others in a traditionally male-dominated field through impactful contributions across oil and gas, modular construction, and equipment rentals. From key roles in purchasing and project management to transforming Al Masaood Equipment Rental into a respected name, Norma’s professional milestones reflect her passion and commitment to excellence.
Leadership and Industry Influence
As a leader, Norma has always focused on advancing industry standards and fostering an innovative work culture. At the helm of Al Masaood Equipment Rental, she has successfully implemented best practices that enhance operational efficiency and elevate service quality.
Beyond her organizational achievements, Norma passionately advocates for gender equality in construction. She actively mentors women in leadership, encouraging inclusivity as a driver of sustainable growth. Her ability to inspire and empower others highlights her belief that diversity is not just a value but a necessity for progress in the industry.
Championing Sustainability and Innovation
Much of Norma’s career has been dedicated to integrating sustainability, innovation, and technology into construction practices. She has spearheaded initiatives to incorporate environmentally friendly operations, championing energy-efficient equipment in line with global sustainability objectives. Believing in the transformative power of technology, she has led efforts to implement smart equipment management systems, contributing to enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact. She aims to shape a more responsible and forward-thinking construction sector through these initiatives.
Under her leadership, Al Masaood Equipment Rental has aligned its practices with global sustainability goals, demonstrating how technological innovation can create a more responsible and forward-thinking construction sector.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Navigating the construction industry has not been without challenges. Overcoming gender biases, managing complex projects in competitive markets, and navigating diverse cultural environments have been integral parts of Norma’s journey. Balancing a leadership position while embracing motherhood added new dimensions to these challenges. Her strategies for overcoming obstacles involve building expertise, fostering strong professional networks, and maintaining resilience. Effective time management, self-discipline, and leveraging support systems have been crucial to her achieving both professional and personal success.
Advice for Aspiring Women in Construction
To aspiring women in construction, she encourages them to view challenges as opportunities for growth, trust in their abilities, and confidently step into leadership roles. This will help build confidence to take on demanding roles while fulfilling personal responsibilities. She also emphasizes the importance of surrounding themselves with mentors and allies who share their vision and are steadfast advocates for workplace diversity and inclusion.
“As much as it is important to find the right supporters, resilience and passion come from within,” she says, urging women to share their unique perspectives to drive meaningful changes and advancement in the industry.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Norma aspires to take Al Masaood Equipment Rental to greater heights, making it the leading equipment rental company in the GCC region. With a strategic focus on innovation, excellence in operations, and sustainability, she continues to drive the company’s reputation as a dynamic leader in the industry. Beyond her professional goals, her personal mission is to continue advocating for an inclusive construction sector that empowers women and promotes diverse leadership.
Personal Development and Inspiring Others
For Norma, personal growth and professional success go hand in hand with inspiring others. She is relentlessly dedicated to refining her skills and expanding her expertise to navigate the constantly evolving construction landscape. She actively seeks opportunities for ongoing education and increased involvement in industry initiatives to further her career. Her journey is not solely about personal growth but also about inspiring other women.
By embodying determination and resilience, she aims to demonstrate that women can lead and excel in traditionally male-dominated industries. She seeks to pave the way for future generations, encouraging them to break barriers and achieve their aspirations in the construction field.
