Fatema Moriam Nisha is a strategic HR leader with 14 years of progressive experience in driving transformative initiatives across organizational development, performance management, and employee engagement. She has played a crucial role in global leadership development, cultural transformation, sustainability, and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). Her expertise lies in designing and executing complex organizational strategies, fostering high-performance cultures, and leading large-scale change management initiatives. At EliteX, we are proud to have Fatema Moriam Nisha as part of the edition: 10 Elite Women in Business, 2025.
Fatema Moriam Nisha | Head of People, Culture & Diversity | SMEC
With a strong track record in organizational planning, people development, restructuring, and modernizing performance assessment techniques, she has successfully aligned HR practices with business goals to drive measurable results. She has been at the forefront of diversity and inclusion efforts, leading to significant improvements in female representation. Additionally, she has implemented integrated HR Information Systems that have enhanced operational efficiency.
“Success is not defined by others’ expectations but by our own ability to embrace challenges.”
Currently serving as the Head of People, Culture, and Diversity at SMEC, she leads high-impact HR initiatives to shape a progressive and inclusive organizational culture in alignment with global best practices. She collaborates with senior leadership to develop forward-thinking policies, foster sustainable growth, and create an agile, future-ready workforce. Her continuous innovation in HR strategy has contributed to SMEC winning the ‘Global Best Employer Brand’ award for three consecutive years, along with the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification. Recognized for her contributions, she has received accolades such as Asia’s Women Leader Award in 2023, Global Women Leader 2024, and Most Iconic HR Leader 2024.
Early in her career, she faced challenges as a woman in leadership within the South Asian context, where HR is a common field for women but leadership opportunities remain limited. Being the only female member of the management team, she never saw this as a barrier but rather as an opportunity. Her belief in hiring skills over gender helped her navigate challenges by developing her expertise, understanding business dynamics, and confidently voicing her perspectives. Her resilience and continuous learning have been key to her success. She maintains a positive outlook on life and believes in achieving balance across career, family, and social life through time management and prioritization.
Leadership, in her view, is about creating more leaders rather than followers. She believes in guiding, mentoring, and empowering individuals to take ownership and grow personally and professionally. Leading by example, she fosters a culture where her team members feel supported yet accountable, ensuring they learn by doing rather than being micromanaged.
One of the most defining moments in her career was leading a transformation toward an inclusive and performance-oriented culture. This involved implementing various initiatives, promoting thought leadership, and driving large-scale change that enhanced both inclusivity and organizational performance. Contributing to the design of a cultural framework allowed her to play a key role in shaping the company’s future. Seeing tangible increases in diversity and performance as a result of these efforts remains one of her most fulfilling achievements.
For success in today’s business world, she emphasizes the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic vision. Leaders must be agile, responsive to change, and foster collaboration through emotional awareness. A forward-thinking strategy helps align resources and drive innovation, while diversity and inclusion contribute to better decision-making. Data-driven approaches optimize performance, and leadership should focus on empowering teams and promoting continuous learning to remain competitive.
“I believe in hiring skills, not gender.”
The HR industry has evolved significantly from being a compliance-driven function to becoming a strategic pillar of organizational success. Rapid technological advancements and shifting workforce dynamics have made HR more data-driven, integrating AI and automation for talent acquisition, performance management, and employee engagement. She has adapted by embracing these innovations and aligning HR initiatives with broader business strategies, particularly in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Looking ahead, HR will increasingly rely on predictive analytics, holistic well-being programs, and flexible work models to attract and retain top talent. Agility, forward-thinking strategies, and a deep understanding of socio-economic and technological factors will be crucial for HR professionals to navigate the future of work.
Over the next five years, key trends shaping the HR industry include AI and automation in recruitment and workforce planning, prioritization of employee experience, diversity and inclusion, hybrid work models, and continuous learning. Organizations will increasingly invest in reskilling employees to keep up with technological advancements, making HR more strategic and data-driven. Creating environments that foster innovation and adaptability will be essential for businesses to thrive in a dynamic world.
To stay ahead in a competitive business environment, she believes in proactive innovation and strategic disruption. Anticipating trends rather than reacting to them is key. A deep understanding of evolving technologies, market forces, and consumer behaviors ensures that organizations remain at the forefront of change. Encouraging experimentation and learning from failure fosters agility and continuous improvement. Leveraging advanced data analytics and AI helps gain insights into internal operations and external markets, enabling informed decision-making. A strategic vision that anticipates change, combined with the flexibility to pivot, ensures long-term success.
She hopes to inspire young women by showing them that change is necessary and achievable. She encourages them to balance ambition with empathy and to recognize that leadership is about making a meaningful impact. Her advice to aspiring female leaders is to dream big and take concrete steps toward their goals, knowing they have the power to create change. It’s important for women to develop a competitive mindset and upskill themselves to command change, not just demand it. By continuously enhancing their abilities, women can confidently take charge and create impactful transformations. Be fearless in the pursuit of your goals—let nothing hold you back from shaping the future and leading with unwavering strength. Supporting each other through advocacy and leading by example helps women build a strong, empowered community that challenges the status quo and elevates each other to greater heights.
“Leadership is about creating more leaders rather than followers.”
Her greatest sources of inspiration include influential female leaders such as Sheryl Sandberg and the many remarkable women she has encountered throughout her career. On a personal level, her mother has been a significant role model, embodying independence and progressive values. Additionally, her 8-year-old daughter serves as a driving force, motivating her to create an example of perseverance, independence, and the importance of uplifting others.
Balancing work and personal life requires discipline, time management, and a positive mindset. She believes in maintaining a fulfilling career while nurturing strong family and social connections. Prioritizing what matters most and staying focused on goals helps her navigate responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. Perseverance, resilience, and a proactive approach enable her to achieve success across all aspects of life.
Her greatest achievement has been building a reputation as a trusted business partner, creating a positive and inclusive work environment where people thrive. Earning the trust of colleagues and becoming a go-to problem solver has been particularly rewarding. Many of her professional relationships have evolved into personal connections, reflecting the depth of trust and respect she has cultivated. While she serves as a role model for many women, including her daughter, she encourages them to carve their own paths and embrace their authenticity.
The legacy she hopes to leave for the next generation of women in business is one of empowerment, resilience, and authenticity. She wants them to know that success is defined not by societal expectations but by their own ability to embrace challenges and remain true to themselves. She aims to inspire women to lead with integrity, compassion, and confidence while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Her vision for the future is one where women not only succeed but also redefine success on their own terms.