Sanaa Ouahmane, a leader in the Automotive and Mobility sector and author, has redefined automotive leadership, claiming her space in an industry that viewed women as an exception. She was recognised as one of the top 30 leaders driving success in the automotive and mobility sector.

In this interview, she talks to us about tackling challenges in the industry as a woman, her multi-cultural upbringing, and writing her book Inner Armor.

What are some of the challenges you faced as a woman building a career in a traditionally male-dominated sector?

Being a woman was certainly one of the challenges, but never the only one. Early on in my career, it was being a young woman. Sometimes it was being an Arab woman. Other times, it was simply being the only woman sitting around the executive table.

The reality is that women often have to work harder to earn the same level of credibility, especially in a traditionally male-dominated industry. I experienced that firsthand. But very early on, I decided I would never allow other people’s assumptions to limit me. Instead, I focused on building what I now call my inner armour. The resilience, self-awareness, discipline, and confidence that no title or opinion can give you or take away.

Corporate leadership, along with family responsibilities, can be quite demanding. How do you balance your time?

The truth is, I rarely think about time. Instead, I think about energy. I’ve seen executives transform organisations in twenty-four hours, while others with perfectly organised calendars achieve very little. It is clarity that separates them, and how carefully they choose where to spend their energy.

Before making any important decision, I always ask myself, "Am I reacting, or am I responding?” That brief moment of awareness has prevented more mistakes than any management framework ever could.

But there’s another ritual that contributed the most to my growth, and it began long before my career. Since I was a child, I’ve protected about an hour each day just for myself. No phone, television, or any other distractions. It’s my time to reflect, ask difficult questions, reconnect with my intuition, and simply think. It’s how I reset my mind.

How has becoming a mother influenced your day-to-day leadership at work?

Motherhood completely transformed my definition of leadership. Before becoming a mother, I focused on performance. Motherhood taught me to look beyond performance and recognise potential.

Children teach us something profound: every child is a unique individual who grows at their own pace. You cannot rush confidence or character. You can only create an environment where a child feels secure enough to grow. One day, I realised organisations are no different.

So by extension, the best leaders don’t build followers. They create the conditions for people to discover strengths they were not aware of.

What are the core values and philosophies that you live by and want to instil in your children as they grow up?

If there is one belief I hope my children carry with them through life, it is to never allow anyone to define the limits of their potential.

I want them to dream boldly because I genuinely believe that almost anything is possible. But I also want them to understand that dreams are never enough. Every meaningful achievement demands discipline, consistency, sacrifice, and the courage to keep going long after the excitement has faded. Above all, I hope they never negotiate their character. Success means very little if it costs you the person you are.

What advice would you give to a young working mother feeling overwhelmed by professional ambition?

The first thing I would tell her is to stop chasing balance. Life moves in seasons. There will be times when your family needs more of you, and others when your career takes the lead. The goal isn’t to split yourself equally every day. It’s to be fully present wherever you are, without feeling guilty about where you’re not.

I also think we need to be more honest with women. You can’t have it all, all at the same time. Every meaningful choice comes with a sacrifice, and accepting that is part of building a fulfilling life.

Your children don’t need a perfect mother. They need one who is happy, fulfilled, and true to herself.

When you get a rare afternoon to yourself, how do you like to spend it?

It really depends on what I need that day. If I’ve had an intense few weeks, I enjoy spending an afternoon at a beautiful spa. It’s my way of slowing down and recharging.

Sometimes, what I need most is a stimulating conversation. I love spending time with like-minded friends.

But my favourite afternoons ask almost nothing of me. Sitting by the sea or walking through the streets of London with no destination in mind, simply admiring the architecture and the elegance of the city.

How do you define your personal style?

To me, elegance begins long before the outfit. It’s the way you walk into a room, the way you treat the person serving you when nobody’s watching, the way you speak and, more importantly, listen. Clothes complete the picture, but they certainly cannot create it. I think of my style as a way to align myself externally, and that harmony helps me feel more focused and confident internally. In the end, fashion is only the finishing touch. Your character will always be your signature.

Tell us about your new book Inner Armor and what you hope readers take from it.

Inner Armor is the most personal thing I have ever created. For years, people knew me through my titles, my achievements, and the businesses I led. Very few knew the woman behind them. This book is my way of sharing the experiences that shaped me. My hope is that readers won’t simply read Inner Armor; they will experience it, reflect on it, and perhaps discover something about themselves along the way.