Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej , Merck Foundation CEO Beyond Power; Leadership , Global Influence and Impact

A series of articles developed by Dr. Rasha Kelej

Why I Stopped Glorifying Multitasking and Started Practicing Mindful Leadership

For most of my career, I considered multitasking one of my greatest strengths. In many ways, it had to be. I still going it only if I have to , I am very good at, so everyone tells me. Leading international development programs across dozens of countries, managing partnerships with First Ladies, Presidents, Ministers, healthcare professionals, media teams, and internal teams often meant handling multiple priorities simultaneously. A typical day could involve reviewing a healthcare capacity building  program in Africa, preparing for a high-level meeting in Asia, approving communication materials, responding to urgent requests, preparing impact  reports, developing new awareness  campaign , chairing scientific committee, daily performance management  and speaking with colleagues across different time zones and more. For years, I believed this

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Why Mindfulness and Work-Life Fusion Are Not Opposites

For many years, I believed I had to choose between two competing ideas. I chose life-work fusion over Life-work balance Now ; mindfulness vs multitasking  concept came to the picture. Some readers of my recent articles may have noticed what appears to be a contradiction. In one article, I explained why I chose Work-Life Fusion over traditional Work-Life Balance. In another, I wrote about why I stopped glorifying multitasking and started practicing mindful leadership. At first glance, these ideas may seem incompatible. How can someone embrace work-life fusion while also advocating mindfulness? In fact Most leadership discussions present these two concepts as opposites . In fact ; I don’t  believe they are.PM This  led me to try to reflect more deeply on my own leadership

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Performance, Loyalty, and Character: The Three Qualities That Define Great Teams

One of the most important decisions any leader makes is deciding who joins the team and who remains part of it especially as in my case , working  with limited resources . Over the years, leading international teams and working across cultures, countries, and sectors, I have learned that hiring is rarely just about skills. Sustaining a successful organization is certainly not. Many leaders ask a simple question: Should I prioritize performance or loyalty? My answer is that neither should stand alone. In my views : The most successful organizations are built on three pillars: Performance. Loyalty. Character. When these three qualities come together in your team members , you will be lucky as extraordinary things happen. When one is missing, challenges begin

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Performance, Loyalty, and Character: The Three Qualities That Define Great Teams

One of the most important decisions any leader makes is deciding who joins the team and who remains part of it especially as in my case , working  with limited resources . Over the years, leading international teams and working across cultures, countries, and sectors, I have learned that hiring is rarely just about skills. Sustaining a successful organization is certainly not. Many leaders ask a simple question: Should I prioritize performance or loyalty? My answer is that neither should stand alone. In my views : The most successful organizations are built on three pillars: Performance. Loyalty. Character. When these three qualities come together in your team members , you will be lucky as extraordinary things happen. When one is missing, challenges begin

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How I Built Influence Across 50+ Countries Without Political Power or Endless Resources

Influence is often misunderstood. Many believe it comes from titles, political authority, or control over unlimited resources. My experience has been the opposite. The most durable influence I have built across more than 50 countries , working closely with their First Ladies , Presidents  and Ministers,  did not come from power or control over huge budget  , in fact it came from trust,  transparency and loyalty . I never entered rooms as a political actor . I entered as a dedicated partner. That single distinction shaped everything that followed. The First Principle: Neutrality Is Not Weakness Operating across countries, cultures, and governments requires a position that is both clear and disciplined. I made an early decision: I would remain politically neutral at all

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Why Work-Life Fusion Works Better for Me Than Work-Life Balance

Rethinking some of modern leadership concepts and beliefs . We’ve been told for years that work-life balance is the goal. No no no ; I don’t fully agree. Especially at leadership level, balance often feels artificial HR concept. Work does not stop at a specific hour. Responsibility does not switch off. Opportunities don’t wait for “working time.” Instead, I believe in something different: Work-life fusion Where: • Work and life are not competing • Purpose flows across both ; my life , my work , my life , my work , my work , my life and so on … • Flexibility replaces rigid separation For me, this means; • Taking important  call—and then taking 30 minutes to reset with laughter or check new fashion

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The Power of Small Decisions: How Subtle Small Choices Shape Greater long term impact .

We often associate success with big decisions—major investments, bold moves, or defining moments. But in reality, the trajectory of individuals, organizations, and even nations is often shaped by something far less visible: small , subtle decisions, made consistently over time. These decisions rarely attract attention. They are not announced. They are not celebrated. Yet, they accumulate—and eventually define outcomes. (This fact  represents my Decision Framework that I am using  since 14 years . I will share my model with  you at the end of this article ….. ) Strategic Direction is Built Daily In leadership and business, strategy is not only defined in formal settings or board rooms. It can be shaped through daily decisions: A company that consistently chooses long-term value over

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How Living in UAE Shaped My Vision of Success, Creativity, Diversity and Global Influence.

-A personal perspective on how environment defines leadership, discipline, and impact. We often underestimate the role of environment in shaping who we become. For me, living most of my life in UAE  has not only influenced my career—it has defined my mindset, my standards, and the way I operate across the world. UAE  is not just a country. It is a system of thinking. 1. Success is Structured, Not Accidental In UAE , success is not left to Chance. It is designed, planned, and executed with precision.From infrastructure to governance, there is a consistent message: Think long-term Act decisively Deliver with excellence This environment shaped my own approach to leadership: Strategic planning over improvisation Consistency over quick wins. Measurable impact over presentations, speeches

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