Naz Weli Arkawazi reflects on her doctoral research at UIBS and how it transformed her leadership style, professional ethos, and decision-making.

• Interviewer: To begin, could you share an overview of your experience with the DBA program at UIBS? What motivated you to choose this path and how did it connect with your professional journey?

Naz: My experience with UIBS has been fantastic: it’s a journey of broadening my horizons in terms of knowledge, new ideas, new experiences, and more importantly, interacting with people from different cultures since UIBS has campuses around the world. Students were from all over the world, and I chose Spain, Madrid campus, because Spain is a country I like. Once I make a decision, I ask myself why – if we know the why, we can live anyhow! From that perspective, my DBA program started, and my research project was enlightened by my current role at Sika, where I work as HR & Admin Manager. My role led me to choose a research subject focused on leadership, digitalization, and motivation – the three elements are part of my everyday journey. If I know how to lead people, I know how to implement new digital tools, and if I know how to motivate, I know how to make things happen. This is why this journey to be Naz from UIBS is all about unforgettable knowledge and experience that make me a better human every day!

• Interviewer: Thank you, Naz! And which subject or class was your favourite? Did you have a favourite professor? Any advice for those who are considering embarking on a DBA?

My favorite class in UIBS was Corporate Communications Strategies with Prof. Dr. Camelia Nistor, whom I chose as my mentor for my research project, too. The reason is that she delivered the program from a very positive perspective, showing that communication is key. She has one of the best smiles, which captured my heart, and I still remember her way of delivering knowledge! In light of this, I’d advise those interested in pursuing a DBA that UIBS is the way to go – you know why, because it’s not just about gaining knowledge, but also encountering different mindsets and professors from around the world that propel you towards understanding how to deal with all kinds of people in the future!

• Interviewer: I have two more questions. Can you share a concrete example of how your DBA research has influenced a decision or initiative you’ve led at Sika?

Naz: My DBA research journey improved my leadership style, particularly in my current role at Sika. Before and throughout my research, I kept a key question in mind: How do we truly understand business? My answer is simple – start by understanding people. After all, it’s people who build, lead, and sustain every business. But how do we understand people? The truth is, it doesn’t require complexity – it requires patience. Time, consistency, and shared experiences will always reveal what words alone cannot. So, observe wisely, test thoughtfully, and above all, remain authentic, because understanding is never one-sided. The real test is always mutual.

• Interviewer: Looking back, what is the most important personal transformation you experienced during your DBA journey at UIBS?

Naz: Looking back, one of the most personally transformative experiences that truly enlightened something I had long pondered came during the “Advanced Corporate Social Responsibility” course with Prof. Finn Janning. He posed a powerful question to us students: “Who is checking the one who is checking you?”

Our responses varied widely, but we eventually concluded that the answer lies in our principles — in who we are and how we define ourselves. That question left a lasting impact on me. To this day, I often ask managers the same question. Many still believe that their line manager is the one responsible for checking on them, without realizing that true accountability goes deeper. It’s not just about hierarchy — it’s about self-awareness, integrity, and the values that guide us.