Sabah Kaddouri, a senior journalist at Forbes, joined the French edition during its inception. As an avid enthusiast of entrepreneurship, management, and the art of living, Sabah also explores the subject of women's leadership. She regularly engages with inspiring women, renowned or not, to delve into their stories and accomplishments in the midst of current events.
Sabah is wearing the LAORA Shirt. Learn more & follow Sabah on IG @sabah_kaddouri
Who is your favorite female role model from history and why?
Jane Fonda is the woman who has always inspired me through her life against struggles. Decade after decade, Jane Fonda has remained true to her humanist, feminist values, never compromising her convictions. Free, rebellious, intelligent, caring and beautiful, she is a universal role model. One of my career goals was to interview her, and I'm delighted to have succeeded.
What's the most empowering quote by a woman that motivates you daily?
"Fatality triumphs as soon as you believe in it." Simone de Beauvoir
If you could have dinner with three influential women, living or deceased, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
Elizabeth Taylor, "Who was her greatest love story?"
Simone de Beauvoir, "What is her greatest life lesson?"
Angela Merkel, "If she were to come back to power, what would she do in all honesty, without tongue-in-cheek?"
If you had to create a women's empowerment playlist, which songs would definitely be on it?
“Hero” David Bowie
“Elevation” U2
“She works hard for the money” Donna Summer
“Work Bitch” Britney Spears
“Hearts on fire” John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
“Part of me” Katy Perry
If you could travel back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
"To try is just to take the risk of succeeding. Always keep this compass in mind!"
Can you share a memorable and empowering moment from your personal life or career that made you proud to be a woman?
One day at elementary school, my son injured himself and I had to leave work to meet him at the hospital in a hurry. His father was already there. When I arrived in the consultation room, my son's face lit up and he immediately got up to jump into my arms. Previously, he'd been bedridden because he couldn't stand on his legs. The doctor exclaimed that nothing could surpass the psychological power of a mother's presence. I felt how a woman, a mother, could turn a situation around with her presence alone.
Share a fun or empowering piece of advice you received from an influential woman in your life.
An elderly American businesswoman I befriended on a trip to Colorado in my twenties said, "Be yourself, the others are already taken!" I laughed a lot when I heard her phrase, but afterwards I meditated on it a lot and realized how important it was to explore all the facets of your personality. To always be authentic.
What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers?
"Sky is the limit!" I'd tell them not to believe in this idea that they have to limit themselves and, above all, that they have to surround themselves with caring, inspiring women to progress and find strength.
What does International Women's Day mean to you personally, and how do you celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in your everyday life?
On this day, I'm even more keen to explain to the men around me the singularity of being a woman. In this man's world, made for men, I remind them of the twofold struggle that women must wage in all areas of their lives. As a woman in the media, I have always honored the careers of women I consider to be "role models". Showing success stories, talking regularly about what they experience on a daily basis, giving these women a platform, that's my humble contribution. And my greatest reward is when readers write to tell me how touched they have been by these articles.
White shirts can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions. How do you style a white shirt to reflect your personality and make a fashion statement?
I like to wear it with black tailored pants and add a beautiful piece of jewelry. I also play with my long hair, which I let down to reflect my femininity. In this outfit, I feel very confident and elegant.
