Salama Al Shamsi On Listening, Asking Questions and Learning Through Trial and Error
Not many women could lead crucial departments in both museums and government, and even fewer could do it whilst running a successful restaurant. Just a few reasons why Salama’s role as a mentor is so well-judged
Vacheron Constantin’s One of Not Many Mentorship Programme is a humbling example of what happens when a luxury maison gives back, thinking outside its traditional remit and into something truly wide-reaching and meaningful. Launched six months ago, the house brought together six Emirati women of phenomenal, multi-faceted skills – Alia Al Shamsi, Hala Al Gergawi, Latifa Al Gurg, Salama Al Shamsi, Noora Shawqi and Mouza Aldhaheri – for a scheme that would take six young female Emirati students from Zayed University under their wing, culminating in a six-month internship at either Vacheron Constantin or another Richemont maison.
The spirit of entrepreneurship runs deep in the UAE, as does talent and tenacity. Here, Bazaar celebrate bringing that all together for a bright, beautiful future as Salama Al Shamsi shares the importance of putting yourself first, asking questions and supporting the younger generation on their journeys to success.
Do you have a fond memory of Vacheron Constantin that pre-dates the mentorship programme?
The name Vacheron Constantin brings back so many nostalgic memories for me. Since I was a child, Switzerland, and in particular Geneva, was my family’s favourite summer holiday destination. I remember roaming around Rue du Rhône and seeing those beautiful creations and masterpieces on lamp posts, and then passing by the shop and peeking in the window. Craftsmanship, beauty and aesthetics always fascinated me from a very young age.
Why was it important to you to become a mentor in this scheme?
I am a very strong advocate for all projects related to youth and education. As soon as I was approached, I didn’t even have to think about it – I agreed immediately. One of my personal objectives is to support and serve younger generations to find the right path and guide them into their professional life. I truly believe that this experience is a transfer of knowledge between myself and my mentee. It’s very refreshing to pause for a while and go back to basics, to share your success, but also your mistakes. The best learning comes from making mistakes. I was so happy to be able to share with Maitha, my mentee, all I’ve learned and be her guide in her very first steps towards her professional and entrepreneurial life.
What is the importance of having a mentor?
Having a mentor is one of the most important tools for better personal and professional development, and I’m so grateful to have had three amazing mentors, each with different backgrounds. It not only helps your career, but also taps into so many aspects of personal growth. What else is important, though, is to have a support group that also encourages you to reach your goal and beyond.
What was the most valuable lesson or piece of advice they taught you?
One of my mentors told me, “Salama, there is no one more important than yourself. Be present, put yourself first, your health, wellbeing, personal needs and your career.” Another piece of advice was, “It is completely fine to make mistakes; mistakes only help us grow.”
How do you hope the mentorship programme will make a difference?
It’s a very important initiative that will not only benefit the first group of mentees, but will also have a positive impact on a larger group of young Emiratis and entrepreneurs. It will also positively impact the economy of the country, help in capacity-building and preparing the future leaders of the country with being pioneers in different fields and industries.
What are the most important pieces of advice you want to teach your mentee?
Never think twice to ask a question, always listen, be confident, believe in yourself, be persistent, but most importantly, be humane and resilient.
You say collaboration is key, can you tell us how we can successfully collaborate?
If you make a deal with a partner, make sure that it has a good outcome for both parties; a win-win situation. Create something unique; something that translates into both brands and expresses you.
Your career at Qasr Al Hosn and previously at the National Zayed Museum has centred around the preservation and chronicalling of heritage. What are a few things of note you’ve learned about legacy and history – both of a country and a person?
History and the preservation of it is the most valuable memory and archive you could have. Qasr Al Hosn has witnessed the development of Abu Dhabi since it was a small fishing village up until the global city it is today, and it has so many layers of stories that yet need to be discovered. Personally, whenever I enter Qasr Al Hosn from the back (the family gate), it immediately takes me back to the 1940’s when the outer palace was built, and most of the team and I get emotional. I feel I’m back in that era and always wonder, how did they live, what did they eat, what did the children play in this courtyard, how many guests strolled along these beautiful arches? So this is the legacy of a city and its people, their social life, economy, political life and much more. Preservation of such historical sites are a window to the past, but also a door to the future.
Salama wears: Overseas Self-winding Watch in pink gold, Dhs148,000, Vacheron Constantin. Abaya, Dhs1,650; Abaya, Dhs1,500; Shayla, Dhs200, all YNM. Jewellery, Salama’s own
Editor in Chief: Olivia Phillips. Art Director: Oscar Yáñez. Fashion Director: Anna Castan. Photography: Efraim Evidor. Make- up: Charlotte Tilbury. Manicure: Sisters Beauty Lounge. Styling Assistants: Shahira Hossameldin and Anusha Hattalmakki. Producer: Elle Hutchinson. Studio Manager: Johana Dana
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s May 2021 issue
