Introduction
At 29, Eliane Abou Serhal stands as a self-made force—a senior learning and leadership development specialist, a writer, a corporate trainer, and a doctoral candidate. But her story didn’t start with comfort or connections. It started in Lebanon, a country plagued by economic collapse and political instability, where ambition often meets resistance.
“With all the mess going on here, I refused to let this define my exposure to the world.”
Eliane is a testament to what happens when you refuse to wait for ideal circumstances, instead choosing to create your own path—brick by brick, step by step, and without shortcuts.
From Environmental Science to Corporate Strategy
Eliane graduated with a degree in Water Resources and Environmental Science, but her career would evolve far beyond technical frameworks. Straight out of university, she joined a UAE-based event management company—starting in accounting while still based in Lebanon.
Through resilience and curiosity, she transitioned into roles in paralegal support and business development, eventually working directly with the Managing Director for five years. Her role exposed her to international clients, intellectual property negotiations, and strategic decisions giving her a front-row seat to high-level business operations.
All while navigating the volatility of life in Lebanon.
Reinventing Herself — Again
In a bold move, Eliane transitioned from working in an SME to entering the corporate world through learning and leadership development—a completely new field. With zero prior experience, she embraced the challenge and rose to a senior position within just 1.5 years.
“I found a calmer self.”
Her pivot wasn’t just professional—it was personal. It allowed her to integrate emotional intelligence, empathy, and human development into her work. She discovered that she thrives most at the intersection of personal growth and professional training.
A Writer and a Scholar, Self-Made
Eliane is also a writer, deeply committed to storytelling, reflection, and expression. Her creative side sharpens her emotional depth as a trainer and leader.
She’s currently pursuing her Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)—a milestone she is reaching without sponsorships. Every academic degree, every program, every achievement? Self-funded.
“That choice has boosted my self-confidence and immersed me further into both the professional and academic worlds.”
What Eliane’s Journey Teaches Us
🔹 Adaptability is a superpower: She’s thrived across accounting, legal, business, leadership development, and training—proving that curiosity and grit are more important than experience alone.
🔹 Growth is nonlinear: Her path wasn’t traditional, but it was purposeful. Every pivot brought her closer to her calling.
🔹 There are no shortcuts: She’s built her profile from scratch—no privileges, no special access—just commitment, learning, and relentless progress.
🔹 You can change industries and still climb: In just 1.5 years, she went from newcomer to recognized professional in her field.
🔹 Creative intelligence matters: Her writing fuels her professional growth, proving that creativity and leadership are powerful allies.
Final Words
Eliane’s story is not just about success. It’s about reinvention, persistence, and belief in long-term vision. From Lebanon to the global stage, she proves that it’s possible to grow in hard soil—to write your own story when no one hands you the pen.
Her journey is an invitation to all of us: build what you dream, even when the odds are stacked against you.
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