Nadine Zidani

Impact Talk is a conversation series exploring the forces reshaping business, investment and economies across the Middle East and North Africa. Through conversations with founders, investors, business leaders and policymakers, we explore climate and innovation, capital allocation, economic diversification, resilience and the technologies shaping the region’s future. The show is produced by MENA Impact and is available on YouTube (subtitles in both Arabic and English), and all podcast platforms. Just search for "Impact Talk with Nadine Zidani".

I am the Founder & CEO of MENA Impact, a technology-enabled climate innovation platform helping organizations understand markets, access the right ecosystem, activate opportunities and build influence across MENA. We combine regional intelligence, strategic partnerships, venture and ecosystem access, and owned media and distribution to help institutions move from ambition to execution.

As the subject matter expert for sustainability and impact, I support Sheraa's startup programs through the entire journey—from selection to mentoring and coaching.

I designed and delivered the comprehensive Sustainability in Business course for Master's students at ESSCA, one of France's leading business schools. This full-fledged curriculum equips an international cohort of future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in sustainability-focused roles. The course covers the fundamentals of sustainability, from understanding the pressing challenges facing our planet to exploring the critical responsibilities of businesses in addressing these issues. Students gain insights into integrating sustainability into business strategy, preparing them for impactful careers as Sustainability Consultants, Chief Sustainability Officers, and other key roles in the sustainability ecosystem.

For 2 years, I led the IT and Cybersecurity Risk team at Emirates Group in Dubai, UAE, as part of the Leadership Team. I built the risk management function from the ground up, developing a comprehensive risk framework that included risk appetite definitions, procedures, and processes. Additionally, I effectively communicated and embedded this framework across internal stakeholders, fostering alignment and awareness throughout the organization. One of my key achievements was overseeing the implementation of an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) tool, from specifying requirements and selecting the platform to assembling and leading the project team. This tool transformed how risks were assessed, reported, and managed across the organization. My scope also included conducting daily risk assessments and leading cybersecurity awareness programs for the entire group, ranging from online training to tailored roadshows for individual entities. I designed and launched the first risk dashboard, streamlining data capture, reporting, and decision-making processes for enhanced strategic oversight. Most importantly, as a leader, I prioritized creating an inclusive and empowering environment where a diverse team of profiles and nationalities could thrive, feel valued, and collaborate effectively.

As a Manager in the Audit Department, my responsibilities included defining the audit plan, allocating resources, and planning assignments for hybrid teams across multiple locations, including Paris, Brussels, London, Helsinki, and Stockholm. I conducted audits, prepared detailed reports for the Audit Committee, and actively participated in executive meetings across the organization. Leading a diverse team with varying backgrounds and levels of experience, I fostered a culture of continuous improvement and learning. My areas of expertise encompassed technology, banking, compliance, and risk management.

Leading consulting and auditing assignments for a diverse range of clients and industries in the IT and Cyber Audit Department at one of the Big 4 firms in Paris. My responsibilities included defining the scope of engagements, conducting interviews and fieldwork with senior executives and department heads, producing comprehensive reports, and presenting findings to the executive teams of our clients.