Sana Hammad is a business consultant, executive coach, and HR strategist with a strong passion for human capital development and business transformation. Born and raised in Jordan, she has built a successful career while balancing her roles as a wife and mother of three. With over 15 years of experience across multiple industries, her journey has been anything but conventional. She started her career in the aviation industry, a dynamic and multicultural sector, before transitioning into media, which offered her flexibility. However, her true calling emerged when she began consulting for startups and small to medium enterprises.
Sana Hammad | Co-founder & CPO | MARLEQ
Her expertise and dedication eventually led her to MARLEQ, an international coaching and consulting firm, where she now serves as Chief People Officer. In this role, she leads a diverse and dynamic team, shaping strategies that drive organizational success. At EliteX, we are proud to have Sana Hammad as part of the edition: 10 Elite Women in Business, 2025.
From the beginning, she refused to follow traditional career paths or accept outdated definitions of success. She firmly believes that careers should be designed to serve individuals and their values, rather than forcing individuals to conform to rigid career structures. Her approach has allowed her to build a fulfilling career without sacrificing the things that matter most in her life.
“True success is a series of continuous achievements that shape a meaningful legacy.”
One of the biggest challenges she faced early in her career was balancing motherhood and professional ambitions. In 2006, when she became a mother for the first time, she realized that the conventional idea of success did not align with her personal values. She was determined to have both a thriving career and a fulfilling family life. In 2007, she received an opportunity to work remotely, long before it became a mainstream concept. This was a pivotal moment in her career, allowing her to integrate flexibility, balance, and impact into her professional journey. Since then, she has continued to advocate for work arrangements that prioritize both productivity and well-being.
To her, leadership is about empowerment. It is about fostering an environment where individuals can thrive, take ownership of their work, and challenge the status quo. At MARLEQ, she works with a global team of leaders and professionals who bring diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives. The team does not merely work together; they co-elevate, constantly learning from each other and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Trust, clarity, and purpose form the foundation of their collaborative efforts, ensuring they remain agile and impactful in a rapidly changing world. Success in today’s business world, according to her, is built on resilience, discipline, and continuous learning. These three qualities form the foundation for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities, regardless of the industry or market conditions. Those who embody these traits will always find ways to adapt and grow.
The business landscape has evolved significantly since she began her career, particularly in the realm of remote work. What was once considered unconventional is now the norm. In the past five years alone, the industry has experienced rapid transformations driven by technology and shifting workforce expectations. The rise of artificial intelligence and automation has redefined people analytics, hiring processes, performance management, and business strategies. Work models have evolved from rigid office structures to hybrid and fully remote teams. Additionally, employees now place greater emphasis on mental well-being, work-life balance, and purpose-driven careers. To stay ahead, she has made continuous learning a personal and professional priority, ensuring that she and her team remain adaptable in an ever-changing world.
“Success isn’t about where you work, but how you work.”
Looking ahead, she predicts that the next five years will be shaped by key trends such as AI-driven HR strategies, the decline of traditional career paths, a stronger focus on well-being and inclusion, and the evolution of coaching and leadership development. With change happening at an unprecedented pace, lifelong learning and professional guidance will become essential for individuals and businesses looking to stay relevant and competitive. In such a competitive business environment, she does not believe in competition; she believes in evolution. Rather than comparing herself to others, she focuses on achieving positive impact. At MARLEQ, diversity within the team fosters collaboration rather than rivalry. Professionals from different industries, backgrounds, and experiences contribute to a supportive and growth-oriented culture. Regardless of one’s level or expertise, there is always someone within the organization to guide and support their development. This culture of collaboration is what drives sustainable success.
For young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, her advice is simple: ask for help and invest in self-discovery. Understanding one’s core values is crucial for aligning actions with long-term goals. Comparing oneself to others can be counterproductive, as success is deeply personal. Most importantly, she emphasizes the irreplaceable value of family. Careers can evolve, businesses can be rebuilt, but time with loved ones is precious and should never be compromised.
Women in business can create greater impact by supporting and uplifting one another. She believes that women have an innate ability to transform, nurture, and rebuild. They are natural problem-solvers, deep listeners, and intuitive decision-makers. More than 80% of her team at MARLEQ is female, and their mission extends beyond helping women; they strive to help all professionals grow and succeed. Balancing work and personal life require effective time management. For her, prioritization is key. Balance is not about allocating equal time to every aspect of life; rather, it is about being fully present in whatever she is doing at any given moment. By maintaining clear priorities and setting boundaries, she ensures that she can excel in her professional endeavors while cherishing quality time with her family.
Her greatest achievements are not measured by titles or accolades but by the positive impact she has made on individuals and organizations. Every satisfied client, every breakthrough moment, and every successful transformation she has facilitated through coaching and consulting holds deep significance for her. True success, in her view, is a series of continuous achievements that accumulate over time, shaping a meaningful legacy. The legacy she hopes to leave for the next generation of women in business is one of empowerment and self-belief. She wants every woman to recognize her worth, capability, and limitless potential. One’s value is not determined by education, background, or age; anyone can make a difference. The future of business should not be solely focused on profits—it should also be about creating meaningful change. She encourages women to lift others as they rise, ensuring that success is shared and multiplied.
Sana Hammad’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership. Through her work, she continues to inspire individuals and organizations to redefine success, embrace continuous learning, and cultivate a culture of collaboration and growth.
“Careers should be designed to serve individuals and their values, not the other way around.”