Intuitive businesswoman and humanitarian at heart, Suzy Kanoo wears many hats – that of CEO, writer, poet. She talks to Behnaz Sanjana about her soon-to-be-launched book centred around the inspiring stories of Arab women.
Path-breaking CEO and poignant scribe; Suzy Kanoo is both in equal and astounding measure. The first woman ever to take on the mantle of CEO of the family business, she has brought about tremendous positive change to it.
“It was no question for my father that I would eventually join the family trade. He was very egalitarian, always treating me as an equal,” Suzy says. “Being strictly principled, he made me start on the shop floor, and then go onto other departments. It took me many years to gradually climb the rungs, and I’m grateful to him for it, as my work experience has made me a better leader. I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves, though.”
Which is why she has dedicated her book, Hear Us Speak: Letters from Arab Women, to him. “I’ve always been an avid reader and writer; words were my escape,” she says. “But a bigger passion, is to make a difference in peoples’ lives,” says the altruist who has undauntedly endured the harsh conditions at refugee camps to aid those most in need.
When Forbes approached her to write about herself, she offered to write about the thought-provoking stories of Middle Eastern women instead. “I didn’t want my book to be about myself; anyone can do that. So many women have opened up to me about their circumstances and challenges, which left me amazed at their unbelievable strength and resilience. It would be my blessing to give their stories a voice,” she says.
The feedback Suzy is getting from the Western press is incredibly positive, and she hopes for similar reviews once the book is released here in April. It is a curation of interviews with anonymous women across the Arab world, touching upon various facets of life. “I’ve gotten to meet the most impressive, beautiful, remarkable women in the course of writing this book. I hope it makes the world realise just how strong, determined and deserving of everyone’s respect women are,” she says.
Suzy believes the book will be a thought-provoking read, opening up the mind to pertinent issues that may otherwise be brushed under the carpet, need to be taken precaution against, or to stand up for. “This was the purpose of my book – to spread awareness of issues women face and talk about them. Some stories are touching, and some are shocking, but they will all stir something inside you.”
The book is intended for men as well, counting on those in power to bring about a difference. “I once received an anonymous letter from a man, expressing his viewpoint as a daughter’s father, and it moved me so deeply, I had to include it in the book,” she says.
Suzy didn’t think her teenage daughter would comply with her request to write a letter for the book, but couldn’t help tearing up on reading it. “She wrote (amongst other wonderful things): look at us Mamma; we’re going to bring the change. It inspired me to interview other women of Generation Z, who blew my mind with their independence and opinions. I loved their inner power and love for themselves. They’re saying – move over, we’re here! I hope God opens all doors for them.”
Suzy says: “I’m proud to be a Muslim Arab woman, and my love for my beautiful land is boundless. I want it to be the best place for both men and women, where women are not barriers, but empower other women.”
