Nada Abisaleh, Business Lead, Leo Beirut took home the Outstanding Woman in Advertising of The Year at the 2025 Campaign Agency of the Year Middle East awards.
The jury deemed her: “Powerful, heartfelt and human, this entry showcased resilience, leadership, and social impact in equal measure. In the face of adversity, Nada demonstrated true leadership, as well as what it means to be a fearless businesswoman.”
In this interview, Nada Abisaleh reflects on her win in conversation with Campaign Middle East.
How does this award reflect the way your leadership has developed over the past year?
I’ve learned to lead with clarity, not noise. Less control and more trust. To protect (good) ideas against all odds, back people, and make the tough calls when it matters. This award reflects my leadership style: one that creates impact without needing to be loud, while increasing the visibility, voice, and reputation of Leo Burnett Beirut.
What is your proudest moment from 2025 and what’s your key takeaway from it?
My proudest moments and key takeaways? When people feel believed in, not managed, they do braver, better work. Simply said: Belief beats pressure every time, especially in our industry.
How do you navigate the tension between short-term performance and long-term ambition?
You don’t choose. You design for both. For the now and the after.
You need to deliver now, but never at the expense of what you’re building. If it weakens the future, it’s
not a win.
What responsibilities do leaders carry as the industry adapts to new tools, structures and expectations?
To make sure tools serve ideas, businesses, and processes. Not replace judgment.
What skills or mindsets will define effective leadership for 2026?
More than ever, effective leadership will be defined by adaptability without loss of our identity (and humanity), especially as AI is reshaping how we think, create, and collaborate.
But above all, the most critical mindset will be courage: the courage to make fewer, better decisions; to protect originality; and to lead with conviction in a time of constant acceleration. Technology will evolve fast. Our values must not.
