Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Khalid. Your work with Glowork has made a significant impact on women’s employment in Saudi Arabia. Can you start by sharing what inspired you to create Glowork?
Khalid Al Khudair: Thank you for having me. My inspiration for Glowork came from a deep-seated belief in the power of empowerment and diversity. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I saw firsthand the challenges women faced in accessing job opportunities. I wanted to create a platform that not only connected women with employment opportunities but also supported them in their career journeys. Glowork was born out of the vision to bridge the gap between female job seekers and employers and to address the gender disparity in our labor market.
Interviewer: Your journey to establishing Glowork wasn’t without challenges. Can you tell us about some of the obstacles you faced along the way and how you overcame them?
Khalid Al Khudair: Absolutely. One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the traditional barriers in a male-dominated society. Many people were skeptical about the feasibility of a platform dedicated solely to women’s employment. Additionally, building trust with both employers and job seekers required a lot of groundwork. We had to ensure that our platform was not only functional but also provided real value. By focusing on quality, transparency, and creating strong partnerships with employers, we were able to gradually build credibility and demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Interviewer: Glowork has introduced several innovative features, such as support for remote work. Can you elaborate on how these features benefit women, particularly those in rural areas?
Khalid Al Khudair: Remote work has been a game-changer for many women, especially those in rural areas. It eliminates geographical barriers that often prevent women from accessing traditional job opportunities. By offering remote work options, we provide flexibility that allows women to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively. This is particularly important for women who might have family responsibilities or other constraints that make commuting to a traditional workplace challenging. Our goal is to ensure that all women, regardless of their location, have equal access to career opportunities.
Interviewer: Glowork also offers a range of support services like mentoring and career guidance. How do these services contribute to the success of the women who use your platform?
Khalid Al Khudair: These support services are crucial for empowering women to navigate their career paths successfully. Mentoring and career guidance help women build the skills and confidence they need to excel in their jobs. By providing assistance with resume building, interview preparation, and ongoing professional development, we ensure that women are not only matched with jobs but are also equipped to thrive in their roles. This comprehensive support helps to overcome barriers and fosters long-term career growth.
Interviewer: Your efforts with Glowork have earned international recognition. How do you view the global response to your work, and what does it mean to you personally?
Khalid Al Khudair: The global recognition has been both humbling and affirming. It validates the impact of our work and highlights the importance of empowering women not just locally but on a global scale. Receiving awards from institutions like the World Bank and the United Nations, and being recognized as a young global leader by the World Economic Forum, are significant milestones. Personally, it reinforces my belief that we are on the right path and motivates me to continue advocating for gender equality and economic inclusivity. The global response also brings more visibility to the cause and encourages others to support similar initiatives.
Interviewer: Beyond Glowork, you’re involved in various advisory roles and mentorship programs. How do these roles complement your work with Glowork, and what advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Khalid Al Khudair: My advisory roles and mentorship programs allow me to stay connected with broader trends and challenges in social entrepreneurship and business leadership. These experiences enrich my perspective and provide valuable insights that I can apply to Glowork. For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is to stay passionate and resilient. The journey will have its ups and downs, but maintaining a clear vision and being adaptable will help you navigate the challenges. Additionally, building a strong network and seeking guidance from mentors can provide crucial support and open doors to new opportunities.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are your future goals for Glowork, and how do you envision its continued impact on women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia and beyond?
Khalid Al Khudair: Our future goals for Glowork include expanding our platform to reach even more women across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. We aim to continue innovating and adapting to the evolving needs of the workforce, particularly as remote work and digital transformation shape the future of employment. We also plan to strengthen our partnerships with international organizations to share our model and collaborate on global initiatives for women’s empowerment. Ultimately, we hope to contribute to a world where gender equality in the workforce is not just an aspiration but a reality.
Interviewer: Khalid, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Your dedication to empowering women and driving social change is truly inspiring.
Khalid Al Khudair: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing our work and vision. I look forward to continuing this journey and making a positive impact on as many lives as possible.
