Without customers, there is no business. And without a company of people serving those customers, no business can succeed. Putting this eloquently, Farida Gibbs―renowned in the Middle East as one of the most dynamic women leaders―says, “To succeed in business, put customers at the heart of everything you do. Innovate, execute well, build diverse teams, and lead with integrity.”

A charismatic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gibbs Consulting Technology and Atrium EMEA Limited‘s proud Partner & President, Farida, believes in leading from the front.

Under her guidance, the women-owned, minority controlled, and globally certified company, Gibbs Consulting, part of the Atrium Group of companies, has achieved a remarkable $5.5 billion in sales group wide since its inception and a group global turnover of $650 million due to its completely customer-centric services, spanning several continents―UK, EMEA, and North America.

“In a time when the world is captivated by the advancements of artificial intelligence, let us not overlook the invaluable power of human intelligence—our creativity, empathy, and critical thinking are irreplaceable and essential for a balanced future,” adds Farida.

Driven purposefully and passionately to ensure customer-centricity and customer experience (CX), she is on a mission, “To create exceptional outcomes, ensuring customer needs are at the forefront of everything we do.” Focusing on delivering value and exceeding customers’ experiences and expectations, she strives to build long-lasting relationships based on trust. “I truly believe relationships built on trust are ones that will last.”

For the last two decades, Farida championed SME businesses in the diverse supply chains, better known as ‘Inclusive Procurement―understanding the coexistence of different cultures, beliefs, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives within a community to drive more profound and meaningful supply chains.

A Leader by Upbringing, Not by Stereotype

“I was born in the UK, spent my childhood years in the UAE, am proud of my siblings, have a deep love for my beautiful daughter, and most of all, I owe so much to my wonderful Mother and late Father. I am a good cook, enjoy travelling and have a love for all worldwide cultures,” reveals Farida, whose journey to leadership was not a conscious choice but a natural extension of her identity. She credits her cultural upbringing—instilled by her Egyptian mother and Pakistani father—with shaping her core values of respect, empathy, and understanding.

Farida recalls believing that to be a successful leader, one had to be ‘firm,’ ‘hard-nosed,’ and ‘cutthroat,’ traits she felt she didn’t possess. This realization, however, became her turning point. Instead of conforming to the old stereotype, she decided to lead by staying true to her roots, creating a business where people would ‘naturally want to come and work’ for her. She saw herself as different, and in that difference, she found her true strength. Her leadership philosophy, she notes, is a direct result of the values she learned from her parents—lessons that are ‘very, very important in today’s very complicated world.’

Navigating Volatility with The 3 Cs

In a market that is constantly changing at an unprecedented pace, Farida navigates her company, Gibbs Consulting, with a simple yet powerful philosophy she calls ‘The 3 Cs’: Competent, Credible, and Caring. She believes that while the world may shift, a business’s foundation—its core values and why it was started—must remain solid.

She insists that the company must always demonstrate competence, which means constantly learning, training, and bringing skills up to speed to support customers through change. This is paired with credibility, a commitment to showing customers that Gibbs Consulting has successfully navigated turbulent times before and can do so again. But above all, she champions the caring aspect. In her experience, clients often feel their vendors only care about the numbers.

She argues that what truly ‘hooks’ a client is responsiveness and a genuine sense of care, because at the end of the day, ‘people buy people.’ She asserts that despite the advancements in AI, human intelligence and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable. A client trusts a supplier not just for their expertise but for the feeling that they are in ‘good hands,’ and this is the feeling she strives to cultivate every day.

The Balance of Head and Heart

Farida has learned a critical lesson from her own journey of setbacks: the need to separate emotion from passion. She recognizes that while her passion for helping customers is a driving force, allowing emotion to cloud her judgment can be destructive. She’s found that this delicate balance between head and heart is essential for making tough business decisions that are sometimes right for the customer, even if they aren’t immediately beneficial to the company.

To stay centered in a rapidly changing world, she has built what she calls a ‘supernova team’ of highly skilled SMEs who act as a ‘cabinet office,’ constantly discussing and anticipating future tech shifts. This proactive approach allows her to focus on the human element of leadership, ensuring she doesn’t get swept away by the latest technological waves.

A Culture Forged in Diversity

Farida believes that the ability to balance her head and heart has directly shaped the unique culture of Gibbs Consulting. She has cultivated an environment built on trust, fun, and results, where her team knows when to draw the line between playful collaboration and serious business. What truly sets the company apart, however, is its profound diversity.

Farida sees the diversity in her team’s backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives as a critical strength. She is a fervent advocate for women in tech and is committed to giving opportunities to those from what she calls ‘challenged backgrounds.’ She believes everyone deserves a second chance, from ex-offenders, ex-armed forces personnel to individuals with disabilities. She also champions the wisdom of older generations, believing that age should never be a barrier to employment.

For Farida, embracing this full spectrum of diversity isn’t just a principle; it’s a competitive advantage that has made Gibbs Consulting Europe’s largest certified minority and women-owned business. It is this mosaic of people and experiences that makes the company not only resilient but also deeply human in its approach.

The Unshakeable Instinct of a Leader

Farida’s approach to leadership is a masterclass in trusting one’s own judgment. While she acknowledges the value of traditional assessment methods, she ultimately relies on a powerful tool she’s honed over 25 years: her gut instinct. She believes that when bringing someone into her inner circle, their personal values are paramount.

Farida uses her ‘Three C’s’—Competent, Credible, and Caring—not just as a checklist on paper, but as a living philosophy. In her final interview with potential leaders, she doesn’t focus on their resume; she seeks to understand the person behind it, asking questions like “Who are you?” and “Where do you see yourself?” Her litmus test is simple: “If I don’t buy into them, my customers won’t buy into them.” This human-centered approach ensures that the culture she has so carefully cultivated remains authentic and that every new leader is an embodiment of the company’s core values.

A Legacy of Impact

Farida’s resilience is built on a foundation of humility and a profound sense of purpose. When faced with self-doubt, she recalls the wisdom of her late father, who would simply tell her, “Just keep going on.” This mantra has become her guiding light. She philosophically states that she has come into this world with nothing and will leave with nothing, and all she can do is “give it my best shot in this life.” For her, success isn’t measured in sales figures or accolades, but in the human impact she creates. Watching young students join her company, grow, and build their lives is what truly keeps a spring in her step.

When advising the next generation of female leaders, she encourages them to be bold, to take a ‘leap of faith,’ and to embrace their individuality, because their diverse perspectives are their greatest strength. She urges them to seek out mentors and to build a strong network, but reminds them that the ultimate barrier to success is often internal. In her own words, “The only thing that stops you is yourself.” Her journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself, leveraging one’s roots, and leading with both competence and compassion.

A Bequest of Intention and Action

Beyond the titles and accolades, Farida Gibbs’s heritage is defined by a simple, yet profound, mantra: “Our fundamental difference is not our color or our race, nor our religion. Our fundamental difference is purely our intentions and actions to serve those less fortunate than ourselves.”

For Farida, this philosophy is not merely a statement but a guiding force that shapes her every decision. It is this commitment to service and impact—far beyond a company’s bottom line—that she hopes to be remembered for most. Her journey from humble beginnings to a globally recognized leader is a powerful testament to her belief that the only thing stopping someone from achieving their dreams is themselves. Her story stands as a beacon for aspiring professionals, especially young women, inspiring them to be bold, compassionate, and true to their unique identity.

Awards, Advocacy, and Philanthropy

Here is a summary of Farida Gibbs’s key achievements and contributions:

*Awards and Accolades

• Most Influential CEO to IT Services & Consulting (London)
• Business Woman of the Year (MSDUK Awards and Lloyds)
• Most Influential Women in UK Tech
• Top 50 International Women in Services
• SIA Top 100 European Influencer in Staffing
• Winner of Leadership Team of the Year at The Toast of Surrey Awards
• Finalist for Director of the Year at The Toast of Surrey Awards
• Global Power 100 Women in Staffing
• E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year finalist
• International Top 50 Women in Staffing
• European Business Awards

*Advocacy and Leadership Roles

• A champion for SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) businesses.
• Serves as an Ambassador for Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK) and the European Supplier Development Project (ESDP).
• Appointed to the Cabinet Office SME Advisory Panel and leads the Supplier Diversity work-stream.

*Philanthropic Endeavors

• Recently launched Care Packs, a UK-registered charity with a simple mission: to provide a gift of hope to those in need.
• The charity focuses on tackling poverty by distributing Care Packs in the community, including Baby Care Packs.