A HEARTFELT CONVERSATION WITH SARA YAHIA

Hi, I’m Sara Yahia. It’s lovely to connect with you. People often know my name from my work in Human Resources, the books I’ve written, or my efforts around diversity and inclusion. But that’s just one aspect of who I am. I’ve always kept a low profile (no social media, no oversharing) which makes it easy for others to see only my professional side. But today, I want to share a little more. Not the resume. Not the titles. Just… me. So here’s a conversation — one that goes beyond bullet points and bios — to explore who I am.

Q: Let’s put the accolades aside for a moment. Who are you at your core?

Sara: I’m someone who has an amazing gut instinct that never failed me before. I am super duper loyal and expect the same in return. I never give my word if I can't keep it. I am a soft speaker. I can't stand vulgarity, unfairness, gossip, and hypocrisy. I am straightforward. I’m more of a listener than a talker, an observer than a spotlight-seeker. I’m the person who’ll notice you’re not okay even if you haven’t said a word. I am the one who will see your sensitive nature behind the toughness. I am very passionate, overthinking at times, feeling deeply, and prefer meaningful connections. Ahhhh...and I don't take myself too seriously.

Q: When you're not in “HR mode,” what brings you joy?

Sara: Music, always. I love dancing — not for anyone to see, just for me. I enjoy playing badminton, hiking, sailing catamarans, skiing, and horse riding. I’m drawn to anything that moves me emotionally or makes me feel completely present.

Q: Tell me more about your style.

Sara: I’d say it’s elegant without being loud. Classic silhouettes, clean lines, and soft textures. I can't stand flashy logos everywhere. I lean toward modest, feminine styles that feel timeless. I don’t follow trends; I dress in a way that feels honest about who I am.

Q: Do people ever get the wrong impression about you?

Sara: People sometimes assume I can be easily dismissed because I’m polite, speak softly, and reserved. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve stood firm in difficult situations. I don’t believe strength has to be harsh. Gentleness is a choice I make, and it has nothing to do with weakness.

Q: Are you a romantic?

Sara: YES! I believe in love and all it pushes me to do. I am an eternal believer in the magic of subtle gestures — handwritten notes, a kiss on the hand, shared glances, stolen moments, walks that stretch into hours. I think the world underestimates the power of tenderness. All I can say is that loving deeply isn’t easy. It takes guts, especially in a world where keeping your distance feels safer. But I’d rather take the risk than wonder what if. Regret is a burden I am not willing to take.

Q: How do you define your emotional intelligence?

Sara: It’s noticing the unspoken and responding with care rather than control. Emotional intelligence isn’t a tactic — it’s a way of living. And it’s one of the most important forms of intelligence we can cultivate.

Q: You’ve been involved in philanthropy...Can I know more about it?

Sara: Whether it’s helping with women’s shelters, supporting access to education, or mentoring someone who needs a nudge in the right direction, I try to give in ways that feel personal and meaningful. Not everything has to be public to make an impact.

Q: What do you hope people remember you for, long after titles are forgotten?

Sara: That I stayed kind, even when no one was watching. That I made them feel safe to be themselves. That I brought softness into hard rooms. And maybe danced and sang around the house when no one else was home. Because in the end, life is made up of those unguarded moments — not the big speeches or big wins.

Q: What would you tell someone who’s been told they’re “too sensitive” or “too soft” for the world?

Sara: Don’t change. The world doesn’t need more toughness or cruelty. It requires more kindness. Being sensitive doesn’t mean you’re fragile; it means you’re connected. There’s incredible strength in feeling deeply, loving anyway, and choosing softness when life tries to make you hard. You’re not too much or too little. You’re exactly what this world needs more of. Please, don't change.

So there it is... a glimpse behind the professional curtain. I am a woman who leads with empathy, chooses grace over noise, and believes that strength doesn’t have to shout.