A new leader for the BCI UAE Chapter - Doniella McKoy MBCI

• 05 Apr 2024

• Interview
• Leadership
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The BCI is pleased to announce a new leader for the BCI United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chapter — Doniella McKoy MBCI. Doniella is a business continuity professional with a decade of experience across various sectors, including experience in both the USA and UAE. 

“I've played pivotal roles as both a team member and leader in numerous continuity programmes. My current mission involves leveraging my practical experience and academic foundation to prepare the next generation of business continuity and emergency managers in the UAE. Through a blend of formal education and hands-on training, I aim to instil the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of tomorrow,” says Doniella. 

Building a community together

When exploring the Chapter’s goals going forward, Doniella explains that the vision for this year is to build and strengthen the community across the UAE.

“I look forward to using my skills to facilitate opportunities for members to collaborate and explore opportunities of growth together,” says Doniella. 

In particular, Doniella explains that she is excited about leveraging her expertise in connecting people within the region. The majority of the Chapter’s events will take place in Abu Dhabi, but Doniella is also keen to expand its reach further by hosting an event in Dubai, as well as incorporating virtual events to engage practitioners from all Emirates and across the region.

Sharing experience and knowledge

“I strongly believe in the power of peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. By facilitating discussions that draw insights from practitioners across the region, we can ensure the relevance and practical application of our shared knowledge,” says Doniella.

As such, Doniella is planning to build a bridge between students and professionals, and through this establish a sustainable pipeline of talent in this sector. Indeed, a focus of the chapter will be fostering meaningful connections with the aim to empower students with the necessary guidance, resources, and support needed to transition into the professional realm.

“I envision creating platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange, where students can glean insights from seasoned professionals and vice versa. Ultimately, my goal is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters growth across all levels of the broader community through opportunities to learn, and exposes future members to the benefits of this community,” adds Doniella.

What advice would you like to share with the wider community?

“One invaluable piece of advice I can share for others working in the business continuity and resilience sector is to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. This field is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and complexities that demand innovative solutions. By maintaining a growth mindset, you can navigate these uncertainties with confidence and resilience.”

Doniella continues by explaining that there is always something new to learn in this sector, whether it's about emerging technologies, evolving threats, or innovative strategies. “Embrace continuous learning and skill development as essential components of your professional journey. By doing so, you not only enhance your own capabilities but also contribute significantly to the resilience of your community and organization. A growth mindset enables you to adapt, innovate, and ultimately add value in ways that propel both personal and collective prosperity in the face of adversity.”

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