Mounia Zaouak
MBA’23D
Morroccan
I was raised in Morocco, studied in France, and interned in Miami before moving to Dubai in 2012. Over the past decade, I’ve built a diverse career in consumer goods, with experience spanning Luxury Cosmetics and FMCG across finance and sales.
My journey has taken me from launching new subsidiaries for LVMH in offline roles to driving eCommerce strategies with Jumia and Henkel.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen stark differences in gender dynamics across industries.
In 2022, I chose to pursue an MBA to leverage my generalist profile and transition to management consulting. INSEAD was my first and only choice, given its strong Middle Eastern network and its immersive one-year programme.
Today, I’m back in Dubai, working as a consultant with Bain Middle East. I’m privileged to collaborate on impactful projects in consumer goods and the public sector while continuing to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully in both my professional and personal life.
Have there been any changes in gender dynamics which you have witnessed over the course of your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve seen stark differences in gender dynamics across industries.
In Luxury Cosmetics, middle management was predominantly female, but senior leadership positions—such as GMs and VPs—were typically held by men.
In contrast, management consulting is largely male-dominated, though I’ve seen significant efforts to support and retain female talent. Bain, for example, has introduced mentorship programmes and women-specific networks that foster a culture of inclusion and provide opportunities for women to advance in their careers.
While progress varies from one industry to another, there’s a growing recognition of the need for gender equity.
Can you share a moment when you overcame a challenge related to gender expectations and how it shaped you?
When I worked as an area sales manager for Coty, I was responsible for managing four brands across five countries in the Middle East.
Many of the distributors I collaborated with were experienced men who, at first, didn’t take me seriously. My young age and gender likely contributed to their initial scepticism.
To address this, I took proactive steps. I organised trips for in-person meetings, thoroughly reviewed budgets, and ensured I had full command over my responsibilities. Over time, my consistent effort and professionalism earned their respect.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: respect in the workplace isn’t given—it’s earned
For women, this often requires putting in extra effort to challenge unconscious biases.
Rather than letting frustration take over, I embraced the opportunity to prove myself through results and determination.
This mindset has shaped how I approach my career and personal growth. I’ve come to see challenges as opportunities to grow, build resilience, and break stereotypes along the way.
Are you personally or your organisation currently taking steps to support and advance gender equity?
At Bain, there are numerous initiatives to support and advance gender equity. One that stands out is the Women at Bain (WAB) programme, which provides a space for women to connect, mentor, and support one another. The programme regularly hosts discussions on topics such as balancing career advancement with parenthood, sustaining long-term success, and navigating challenges specific to women in consulting.
Personally, I’m proud to be part of an organisation where these conversations are not just encouraged but prioritised.
Seeing Bain’s leadership take active steps to create a more equitable workplace has been inspiring. These initiatives ensure that women at Bain have access to resources and networks to help them thrive, which ultimately benefits the entire organisation.
Can you reflect on the progress made toward gender equity and the work that still needs to be done?
Progress toward gender equity has been significant in recent years, with more organisations recognising its importance.
Industries are implementing policies to ensure equal opportunities and are actively encouraging diverse leadership.
That said, there’s still a long way to go. Representation of women at senior levels remains uneven across many industries. Addressing unconscious biases and creating pathways for women to rise to leadership roles should remain a priority.
Real progress requires continued commitment—both at an organizational level and an individual level. By pushing boundaries and championing diversity, we can create a workplace culture where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
More information about the programme Mounia attended:
The INSEAD MBA is highly ranked and one of the world's most prestigious programmes for ambitious early to mid-career professionals. The accelerated 10-month curriculum develops successful, thoughtful leaders and entrepreneurs who create value for their organisations and their communities.
Programme benefits:
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