In the dynamic world of human resources, where leadership, empathy, and innovation intersect, Sara Yahia stands as a beacon of transformative change. An award-winning HR expert, author, and advocate for emotional intelligence and workplace inclusion, Sara has dedicated her career to reshaping leadership narratives and empowering professionals to embrace authenticity in their careers. At The Spotlight, we are proud to honor Sara Yahia as one of our Leaders Under 40, celebrating her remarkable contributions to HR, diversity, and leadership development.
A Visionary Leader in HR and Inclusion
Sara Yahia’s journey is defined by her unique ability to blend strategic HR expertise with a deep understanding of emotional intelligence and workplace dynamics. With over 12 years of global HR experience, she has consistently driven organizational success while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Her work has transformed workplaces, empowered introverted leaders, and challenged traditional norms around leadership and corporate culture.
A Career Built on Impact and Innovation
Sara’s professional journey spans multiple industries, from finance and hospitality to global events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Her roles have consistently demonstrated her ability to drive HR excellence while fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures.
HR Consultant & Author (2023 – Present)
As an independent HR consultant, Sara partners with organizations to optimize HR strategies, improve retention, and streamline recruitment. Her achievements include:
- Increasing workforce diversity by 20% for clients through targeted talent acquisition strategies.
- Reducing hiring time by 25% by implementing efficient recruitment processes.
- Advising leadership on compliance, employee engagement, and organizational development.
Beyond consulting, Sara is an accomplished author, with books like “Quietly Sparks” and “Quiet Diversity” challenging stereotypes about introverted leaders and advocating for inclusive workplaces.
Senior HR Operations Director – FIFA World Cup 2022 (2019 – 2023)
During one of the world’s largest sporting events, Sara led HR operations with remarkable results:
- Recruited and onboarded 3,000+ temporary staff with a 98% fill rate under tight deadlines.
- Implemented an automated payroll system, improving accuracy by 99% and reducing processing time by 40%.
- Trained 5,000+ employees, ensuring seamless operations and customer service excellence.
Her leadership contributed to a 25% increase in sales during the event, showcasing the power of strategic HR in high-stakes environments.
HR Director – HR Accounting Group (2013 – 2018)
In the finance sector, Sara:
- Reduced turnover by 20% through targeted retention programs.
- Cut time-to-hire by 25%, filling 200+ specialized roles in six months.
- Boosted productivity by 30% with tailored training initiatives.
A Voice for Quiet Leadership and Workplace Equity
Sara’s thought leadership extends beyond corporate HR. As a published author and columnist, she explores themes like:
- The power of introverted leadership in extroverted corporate cultures.
- Gender biases in leadership (“Too Soft, Too Tough, Never Enough”).
- Inclusive HR practices that foster belonging and innovation.
Her articles in Divine Magazine, FemalExpert, and The HR Gazette have sparked critical conversations about workplace equity, emotional intelligence, and the future of HR.
Award-Winning Advocate for Diversity
Sara’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:
- 40 Under 40 Awards (Middle East Policy Council & Arab America Foundation).
- Global Recognition Award for HR excellence and DEI advocacy.
- Featured alumna by CUNY SPS for her impact on HR and leadership.
A Commitment to Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond HR, Sara is deeply involved in children’s welfare and animal rights, reflecting her belief in leadership that extends beyond the boardroom.
Why Sara Yahia Inspires Us
Sara’s journey is a testament to the power of quiet influence, resilience, and visionary leadership. She proves that:
✅ Introverts can thrive as leaders—empathy and deep thinking are superpowers.
✅ Inclusion drives business success—diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones.
✅ HR is not just about policies—it’s about people, culture, and organizational transformation.
Join Us in Celebrating Sara Yahia
At The Spotlight, we celebrate leaders like Sara who redefine success by blending expertise with empathy.
Her story reminds us that true leadership is not about being the loudest in the room—it’s about making the most meaningful impact.
📖 Explore her books: Quietly Sparks, Quiet Diversity, Unheard Voices
🎤 Follow her insights: HR columns and keynote speeches on LinkedIn.
Here’s to Sara Yahia—a leader who sparks change, amplifies unheard voices, and paves the way for a more inclusive future of work.