Nada Taha, Senior Commercial Territory Manager, KSA at Tenable, on leadership, inclusion, and driving innovation in enterprise technology.
As part of Techitup Middle East’s International Women’s Day 2026 Leadership Series, we spotlight women leaders shaping the future of technology across the region. In this feature, Nada Taha shares her professional journey, leadership insights, and advice for women in tech.
We are entering a defining AI-driven era. How is AI changing leadership expectations for women in tech?
Nada Taha: AI is reshaping leadership by shifting the focus from purely technical expertise to strategic thinking, ethical judgment, and the ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams. For women in tech, this moment presents a powerful opportunity to lead conversations around responsible innovation, human-centric technology, and inclusive decision-making.
Leaders are now expected to bridge technology with real business impact, and many women are excelling in this space by bringing strong collaboration, empathy, and long-term thinking into AI-driven organizations.
What is one structural barrier that still needs to change for women to scale into more C-level and board positions in tech?
Nada Taha: One persistent structural barrier is the lack of consistent sponsorship at senior leadership levels. While mentorship provides guidance, sponsorship actively opens doors to strategic opportunities, high-visibility projects, and executive decision-making circles.
Increasing the number of sponsors who advocate for women’s advancement is critical to building stronger pipelines into C-suite and board roles. Organizations that intentionally create these pathways often see faster progress in leadership diversity and stronger overall performance.
Was there a defining moment in your career that changed your trajectory?
Nada Taha: A defining moment came when I stepped onto a global stage as a speaker during my organization sales kickoff. Being selected among many talented peers reinforced the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing visibility in leadership roles.
The experience highlighted the value of confidence, preparation, and authenticity, and it became a turning point in recognizing the broader impact that strong voices can have within the technology industry.
What leadership trait has helped you the most in navigating the tech industry?
Nada Taha: Resilience has been one of the most defining leadership traits throughout my career. The technology industry evolves rapidly, and navigating it requires the ability to adapt, stay focused during uncertainty, and continue moving forward despite setbacks.
Resilience also fosters growth, allowing challenges to become opportunities for learning and transformation. Combined with curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, this mindset has been essential in staying relevant in an ever-changing tech landscape.
What practical advice would you give young women entering the AI and digital economy today?
Nada Taha: Young women entering the AI and digital economy should focus on building both technical literacy and strong communication skills. Understanding how technology translates into real business outcomes is equally important as understanding the technology itself.
Seeking mentors, building networks early, and remaining curious about emerging technologies can open many doors. Most importantly, confidence and authenticity matter — the industry benefits greatly when diverse perspectives contribute to shaping the future of technology.
This interview is part of the Techitup Middle East IWD 2026 Leadership Series, for women leaders who continue to accelerate innovation, champion diversity, and redefine the technology ecosystem across the Middle East and beyond.
