NAME: Laila Al-Yousuf
AGE: I just turned 40!
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: saystudio_dxb
JOB TITLE: Design Director, Partner. Co-founder of SAY Studio
An Emirati American, Laila epitomizes everything that can be achieved through dedication and talent. Her commitment to research in the field ensures that each interior is fresh, possessing both functionality and design.
As a LEED AP. she is passionate about sustainability and wellness in design. As a dedicated humanitarian, Laila believes that design has the power to transform lives, and as such conceptualized the Surge for Water design competition attracting other designers to design for a cause. Surge has brought access to clean water to over 1 million people in 11 different countries.
Now as Design Director of SAY Studio, she has led the team in successfully delivering projects such as PwC, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Pepsi, Uber and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Her fierce passion for delivering world class designs has established the firm as a true contender within the Middle East market.
Let's hear her biggest Life Learnings to-date:
#LIFELESSON – 1
Passion is your greatest gift-
Talent alone won’t get you where you want to go—you need passion, courage, and determination. Passion is a gift that not everyone discovers, so if you have found it, cherish it. Let it drive everything you do. Stay hungry for it, let it fuel your curiosity, and immerse yourself fully in your craft. Passion should be something you live and breathe every day, and part of that passion is learning constantly. Never stop exploring new ways to grow within your field. Passion is what will keep you going when challenges arise, and it will differentiate you from others who are just relying on talent. While many give up along the way, those who stay committed to their passion will always go further. In the end, the love and energy you put into your work will not only define your success but will also inspire those around you.
#LIFELESSON – 2
Courage and work ethic outshine talent
Courage is just as important as passion. Having the courage to follow your dreams, even when the road ahead seems uncertain, is vital. People give up on their dreams all the time, but the ones who succeed are those who push through, no matter how difficult the choices may be. Courage means being willing to take risks, make tough decisions, and walk away from opportunities with your integrity intact. It’s about ensuring that people trust and respect you because you are reliable and dedicated. In the long run, your work ethic will outshine your talent. While talent may open doors, it’s your commitment to consistently deliver excellent results that will keep those doors open. In design, problem-solving is key—approach every challenge like an entrepreneur, always looking for solutions where others see dead ends. Let your courage guide you, and your work ethic will take you farther than you ever imagined.
#LIFELESSON – 3
Overcome fear and control your journey
Fear can be a powerful obstacle, but leaning into it will only make you stronger. Never let fear or doubt stand in the way of pursuing an opportunity. Often, we are our own biggest roadblock, getting in our own way by allowing insecurities or second-guessing to stop us from moving forward. Remember, while you can’t control everything in life, you do have control over your actions and your mindset. The fewer obstacles you create for yourself, the clearer and smoother your path will be. Success is not something you arrive at; it’s a journey filled with choices, challenges, and growth. Each step forward, each opportunity seized, brings you closer to your goals. So, trust in your ability, lean into your fears, and always keep moving. Every challenge faced is another lesson learned, another step on your path to success.
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