Sheryn Knaïder, a renowned multilingual professional speaker, corporate trainer and consultant, is a resilient force that has overcome many life challenges and shaped her own narrative. The Founding President of the Professional Speakers Association (PSA) MENA & GCC, Knaïder’s journey is a testament to her determination, creativity and commitment to personal and professional growth. eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the chance to speak with this remarkable woman about her inspiring path to success, starting from her childhood in war-torn Lebanon to a father who was born in Egypt and a French mother to her multiple career journey, as well as the transformative impact that motherhood had on her.
When Sheryn Knaïder reflects on growing up in Lebanon during the war, she remembers a childhood marked by the echoes of bombings and the constant necessity to find shelter. “I never experienced childhood, adolescence, or the carefree period of a young adult. The adversities of war moulded me into a resilient tomboy, determined to defy societal expectations. I had to show everyone that I was the 4th boy, not a fragile cry baby, and I held on,” she recalls.
At her father’s direction, Knaïder chose to study interior architecture in Paris and Milan. Her education led to a passion for space planning and furniture design and gave her a lasting perspective on problem-solving that remains with her to this day. “In general, my European education had a profound impact on my career path by nurturing my creativity problem-solving skills,” she explains.
“After studying architecture and attending design fairs in Milan, I had a burning desire to bring my knowledge back to Lebanon,” says Knaïder, who went on to open a gallery for Italian furniture and design in Beirut, achieving much success. However, when she began to raise a family, she was faced with a pivotal choice between expanding her business or prioritising her family. She chose the latter and closed her gallery. “Family has always been important to me. I didn’t want my children to be raised by nannies,” she says. Adding that having three girls pushed her even more to empower women and young girls.
While caring for her family, Knaïder went on to pursue aquatic studies and form an aquatic association. Eventually, the mother of three beautiful girls, was balancing motherhood with multiple ventures, including owning a restaurant, running an aquatic association, and pursuing studies in coaching and training. “I have a visceral need for learning and sharing. I am curious about many things and love the abundant energy of human contact. In many ways, I feel very Italian in this regard,” she explains.
Suddenly, however, Knaïder’s life took an unexpected turn with a foot surgery that went wrong, resulting in her physical incapacitation. “I was already in the field of coaching and training and was organising conferences on creativity and problem-solving. In fact, the surgery took place 10 days after I opened my brand-new office after years of study in the field,” she says about the birth of her current coaching career.
While healing from her physical trauma, Knaïder started a YouTube channel and authored a book on coaching for Middle Eastern women that was published in Paris. “I couldn’t just complain and wait for my pain to pass and my foot to get better, especially since I received the bad news that my ‘good foot’, was now also in bad shape. Since my movement was limited at that time, writing was an activity I could manage at my own pace,” she recounts. The title question, “What if my problem was an opportunity?” on her website, www.sherynknaider.com, reflects her perspective on personal transformation.
As the Founding President of the PSA Arabia, Knaïder started to help people who have a strong message to convey, whether it’s fashion, arts, business, medical, or economy to be a professional speaker. “We help adults and students to find their voice and give them the tools and skills to motivate, enlighten, and change the world,” she asserts. Likewise, they also empower women to voice their opinions and share their expertise in a world where they are often under-represented. “The PSA Arabia stands as a unique force that unifies all Arabic-speaking naions,” she adds.
Lebanon’s political instability later led Knaïder to seek opportunities abroad, first in Switzerland, then in Dubai. “When struck by adversity, you must learn to reinvent yourself without hesitation,” she affirms. Today, settled in Dubai, Knaïder is an inspiring professional speaker and a consultant in creative problem-solving. “A company that doesn’t create, perishes!” is her motto. She has a mission to inspire, aspire and share her knowledge with other women. “I believe in the oriental woman who holds deep values, and is dynamic, sensitive and creative. She has all the keys to break the glass ceiling. She should set the moon as her goal, and at worst, she will reach the stars!” she declares.
Scheduled to address the Global Speakers Federation Summit in Delhi on February 2, 2024, Knaïder plans to share her insights on her favourite subject, Against All Odds: From Adversity to Achievement. Her story serves as a reminder that, with determination, one can navigate challenges.
To contact the PSA Arabia you can email contact @psaarabia.org or through website on www.psaarabia.com or www.sherynknaider.com.