Leader Spotlight #14 - Amal Iharkachen

Amal Iharkachen is a Belgo-Moroccan (or Belgian born Moroccan) leads Rise PM as its Director and founder.

1. Background and Inspiration: Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in the property and construction industry?

I was born in Brussels, where racism wasn’t hidden - it was loud, visible, and part of everyday life. Growing up in a working-class family with limited means, we felt the weight of both discrimination and economic hardship. At 12, I was refused service at a food truck near my school. The owner pointed to a sign that read: “No service for dogs and Arabs.” That moment didn’t break me - it fuelled me. I knew I couldn’t stay silent, and that education would be my most powerful weapon. My voice wouldn’t be heard unless I was in the room where decisions are made.

If education hadn’t been free, I wouldn’t have earned my degree. But I did - graduating with a Master’s in Architecture with Distinction from the University of Brussels.

Creativity had always been my refuge. As a child, I escaped into art to make sense of the world. As an adult, I used that creative drive to imagine a future far beyond what I was born into.

In 2005, just three months after graduating, I boarded a flight to Dubai with no money, no English, and no connections - only one unshakable belief: I could shape my own destiny. That belief became the foundation of Rise PM, a company built on resilience, creativity, and an unwavering will to rise.

2. Leadership Strategies: In your leadership role, what strategies do you use to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives, and how do these align with-or differ from-approaches you see in the wider industry?

The one rule I share with my team is: “I am three steps behind you. I will lead you from there. Just be yourself, and I got you.” This summarises my leadership style. I don’t lead from above; I lead from behind - supporting, guiding and creating space for people to grow into their full potential.

I’m aware that everyone carries their own struggles, shaped by social, cultural, or personal experience. I don’t hire expecting people to hit the ground running - I make a conscious decision to support each person in all their diversity. I’ve never forgotten the leaders who, hearing my accent, rushed me to get to the point while I searched for words, and those who consciously gave me space to articulate my ideas. That’s the leadership I needed - and this is exactly the leadership I strive to offer my team. My priority isn’t just performance; it’s making a meaningful impact by helping others build confidence and identity that shapes their career. People don’t remember the project specifics, but they remember how you made them feel - and I’m here for that.

In much of the industry, leadership still focuses on control and output. I reject that. Psychosocial safety is not a luxury - it’s a performance strategy. In today’s sombre world, leadership must shift to place Humanity at the heart of business - balancing profit with people. To me, leadership isn’t about being in front; it’s about making sure no one is left behind.

3. Future Vision: Looking ahead, what changes or initiatives do you believe would have the most impact in helping the property and construction industry better embrace multiculturalism?

Be kind - it’s free.

No training required. Inclusion doesn’t always need a strategy; sometimes, it starts with basic humanity. There's power in knowing you may have made someone feel seen and valued today. That, alone, can shift the culture of an entire industry.