Beginning her entrepreneurial journey at 17, Yara J. Salman has built several successful businesses in Bahrain. As CEO of Hospitalia by Yara, the young business leader takes us through some of the groundbreaking innovations in the wellness industry, her experience with leadership, and management insights.
Gulf Insider’s Business Leaders in the Middle East 2024 features a series of interviews with those at the helm of thriving, successful businesses in the region. From finance, education, and automotive to real estate, and more, we highlight the stories of success, journeys, and lessons learned.
Can you discuss recent innovations that have made an impact on your operations, the larger industry, or your customers?
I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of health, wellness, and innovation. Travelling and attending industry conferences has allowed me to stay ahead of emerging trends and identify opportunities to enhance our offerings. One area that has particularly captured my attention is biohacking. This approach, which emphasizes optimizing health through lifestyle changes and targeted interventions, aligns perfectly with our company’s philosophy.
We’ve implemented several innovative services in the past six months based on these principles, including:
- Hair Restoration: A hair restoration department using advanced stem cell techniques we also introduced a ground-breaking, doctor-approved hairbrush.
- Red Light Therapy: A dedicated chamber offering anti-ageing benefits.
- Naturopathy: A department focused on natural healing and preventative care.
- IV Therapy: Specialized drips, such as NAD, are designed to repair DNA cells.
- Dental Services: Expanded dental offerings beyond general care, including specialized treatments.
These services not only meet the evolving needs of our customers but also position us as industry leaders. Additionally, my passion for animals has driven me to establish a veterinary clinic, grooming shop, and cat café. Needless to say, we’ve been quite busy.
What were the biggest lessons learned while implementing the innovations?
Implementing these innovations has taught us the importance of rigorous research and development. We’ve learned that successful integration requires a deep understanding of the underlying science, careful planning, and a commitment to ongoing evaluation and refinement.
How do you foster a successful work environment?
I believe that a successful work environment is built on a foundation of trust, communication, and continuous improvement. To achieve this, we prioritize regular team meetings, open communication channels, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development. We emphasize the importance of work-life balance and provide opportunities for professional growth.
What inspired you to enter this particular industry?
My passion for health, wellness, and beauty has been a driving force throughout my career. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of helping people improve their lives through innovative solutions. The medical field offered the perfect platform to combine my interests and make a meaningful impact.
Can you share a particular moment in your career that significantly influenced your leadership style?
One of the most significant moments in my career was when I realized that leadership is not just about authority but also about empathy, mentorship, and creating a positive work culture. This shift in perspective has influenced my approach to managing teams and making decisions.
In hindsight, is there anything you wish to have done differently in your career or as a leader?
Reflecting on my career, there certainly are aspects I would have approached differently. However, I believe that my past experiences, both successes and failures, have shaped me into the leader I am today. One area I’m continually working on is balancing my drive for detail with the importance of delegation and trust. While micromanagement can be effective in certain situations, it’s essential to empower my team members to take ownership of their work and contribute to the company’s success.
What is your strategy to manage stress and avoid burnout?
Burnout is a real challenge for many professionals, and it’s important to have strategies in place to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I’ve found that a combination of exercise, travel, and mindfulness practices has been instrumental in preventing burnout. Regular exercise helps to reduce stress and improve energy levels, while travel and new experiences can provide a much-needed mental break.
