“Self-empowerment is the best empowerment. Once empowered, you can inspire others,” says Maya Atassi—a leader whose journey is anything but linear, yet deeply purposeful. From literature and design to business, sustainability, and art, Maya’s path is shaped by continuous transformation rooted in clarity, compassion and curiosity.
While she currently contributes to hospitality education as a Lecturer, Hospitality and Tourism, at College of Business Administration- Jeddah, University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Saudi Arabia—one of the earliest institutions to embrace hospitality as an academic discipline—Maya emphasizes that her story transcends her academic title. “Education is not just a profession; it’s a philosophy of life,” she says. Her narrative is not about where she teaches, but how she chooses to live and lead.
Beyond teaching, Maya’s path blends design, hospitality, art, and education. A series of natural transitions across different fields have shaped her journey into sustainable luxury hospitality. She started her career as an English literature teacher. Teaching gave her a strong foundation in communication, empathy, and critical thinking. “But after a few years, I began to feel the need to express myself in more visual and tangible ways, which led me into the world of design and eventually property development.”
Redefining Hospitality: Bridging Heritage, Innovation, and Sustainability in a Rapidly Changing World
Working on high-end residential and hospitality projects—particularly in Saudi Arabia and Europe—immersed her in the luxury space. She managed everything from concept to execution, overseeing interior design, construction, and client experience. That phase was intense but incredibly enriching. It taught her about quality, aesthetics, and how to create environments that truly impact people.
Spending so much time in hospitality projects made Maya more curious about the industry itself, how it’s evolving and what’s driving change. After COVID-19, like many others, she noticed a major shift in values. There was a stronger focus on well-being, responsibility, and sustainability. “That was a turning point for me. I wanted to go deeper and bring more structure and meaning to my work.”
That’s when Maya decided to pursue a PhD in sustainable luxury hospitality. It allowed her to combine everything she’d done so far: teaching, design, and property management—with a research-driven approach that looks at how the industry can evolve responsibly. It also gave her the chance to help students understand the real-world challenges and opportunities we’re facing.
So, in a way, each step—teaching, design, development—naturally led her to where she is now. “Sustainability isn’t just a topic I study; it’s the lens through which I now see every aspect of hospitality.”
Empowering by Example: Maya’s Vision of Leadership Rooted in Self-Awareness, Purpose, and Creative Expression
Leading across different sectors and cultures as a woman has taught Maya how complex and layered leadership really is. One of the biggest challenges she faced is navigating different mindsets—whether across industries or languages. Each person, team, and client brings their own perspective, and part of her role has always been to understand that while still moving the project forward.
In property development and design especially, there’s often a tension between what the client wants and what is actually feasible. She’s had to learn how to guide conversations with confidence, offering solutions that serve both the project and the people, even if they don’t align exactly with the client’s original dream. That takes a mix of empathy, clarity, and conviction.
She’s always held herself—and her teams—to high standards. “I understand the pressure everyone is under, but I also insist on delivering results.” Over time, that combination of firmness and flexibility has shaped her leadership style.
These experiences have also made her a more thoughtful mentor. She shows others that strong leadership isn’t about control—it’s about listening, adapting, and staying focused on the goal. It’s about leading across differences and turning those differences into strengths.
Sustainable Luxury as a Calling: Shaping Saudi Arabia’s Future Through Responsible Tourism
Maya’s passion for sustainable tourism and heritage preservation is deeply rooted in witnessing Saudi Arabia’s transformation. On one side, there’s an inspiring rise of futuristic, sustainable tourism projects that aim to redefine the global standard—while on the other, Saudi has a rich, irreplaceable heritage in places like Jeddah’s Al-Balad and the historic quarters of Riyadh. What drives her is the belief that true progress doesn’t mean abandoning cultural identity; it means protecting and reimagining it. She sees heritage and sustainability not as opposites but as two pillars of meaningful tourism. Being part of this national shift is not just a professional goal; it’s a personal calling. She is driven by the conviction that tourism can be both future-oriented and heritage-conscious.
A Woman Across Worlds: Leading Through Cultures, Sectors, and Generations
Maya leads by staying true to her values, creativity, and goal achievement. In business, she turns challenges into opportunities by focusing on smart, meaningful solutions. She mentors students to believe in their ability to shape the future. She encourages them to think globally, act responsibly, and lead with confidence.
In every role, Maya aims to inspire by doing—not just by telling. She exemplifies leadership through her clarity, respect, and consistency. She believes in being straightforward but also deeply human in how she leads. She values listening as much as decision-making and creates an environment where people feel supported and heard. Whether working with clients, teams, or students, Maya stays grounded in empathy while remaining focused on achieving results. For her, real leadership is about being present, setting the tone, and showing up with integrity every day.
Art as Storytelling: How Painting Became Maya’s Language of Emotion and Reflection
Maya’s journey into painting started with something quite simple— “I’ve always loved colors.” During the pandemic lockdown, when life felt uncertain and we were confined indoors, she reached a point where she needed an outlet. She bought a few canvases and paints just as a way to destress. To her surprise, the result was much stronger than she expected, and that’s where everything began.
“A close friend of mine, who is also an artist, saw my early work and encouraged me not to take formal lessons. He told me to trust my feelings and let my emotions guide the brush rather than follow structured techniques. That advice resonated deeply with me.”
Having lived between cultures, countries, and professions, Maya carries many layered impressions of people, cities, and moments—and all of that finds its way into her art. Each painting reflects a personal emotion or a fleeting thought, and she continues working on it until she feels the idea has fully taken form.
Now, after a few years, she is proud to say she has a growing collection of pieces owned in different parts of the world. Painting became more than a creative escape—it became a deeply personal form of storytelling and self-expression.
Maya’s background in design and hospitality has had a profound influence on her visual art. Working on high-end interiors and luxury hospitality spaces trained her eye to see detail, harmony, and atmosphere—not just in physical materials, but in how spaces make people feel. That same sensitivity carries over into her painting. She learned to balance structure and emotion, to play with composition the way she once played with layouts and lighting.
Living and working across different cultures and cities has also shaped her artistic vision. Each place leaves its own emotional imprint—the calm of a coastline, the tension of a dense urban space, or the richness of a historical site. Her eyes naturally catch the subtle shifts in nature’s tones, the textures of stone or sky. But more than that, she absorbs the emotional atmosphere of each place; her art is about translating internal experiences into visual language. “I don’t plan each canvas with precision—I feel my way through it, shaped by what left an impression in me.”
Balance with Intent: How Maya Harmonizes Academia, Art, Family, and Impactful Business
Maya balances her role as an academic leader with being a mentor and role model for young women pursuing careers in hospitality, tourism, or education. For her, these roles are deeply connected. Whether she is teaching, mentoring, or working on business projects, they all serve the same purpose: contributing to the growth of individuals and the industry. But balancing them requires being mentally present and intentional. Shifting between the classroom and the business world means she has to clearly separate tasks, goals, and expectations. It’s about knowing when to lead with structure and when to lead with creativity.
Time management is key, but even more important is being fully engaged in whatever role she is in at that moment. “I believe in giving each responsibility the focus it deserves while constantly developing myself to stay relevant, informed, and inspired.” That ongoing growth is what allows her to mentor others authentically, especially the young generation who are trying to find their place in a competitive and very challenging sector.
Ultimately, the balance comes from doing everything with purpose and passion. When you genuinely care about what you’re doing, you bring energy into each role—and that’s what creates real impact.
Legacy in Motion: Honoring Her Father’s Wisdom While Inspiring Her Students to Lead with Integrity
Many people have inspired Maya throughout her journey. “But my father—may he rest in peace—had the deepest and most lasting influence on me. His way of thinking, his ability to analyze situations calmly and thoughtfully, and his constant curiosity to learn about different subjects left a strong imprint on me. He taught me the value of knowledge, the power of asking questions, and the importance of staying grounded, no matter how complex life gets.”
That said, she believes inspiration doesn’t come from one source. Hers has been shaped by many—friends, mentors, colleagues, and even brief encounters with strangers who left an impression. “I’m genuinely motivated by anyone who adds something meaningful to my life or perspective.” Each of these individuals has played a role in shaping her mindset and enriching her personal and professional journey.
Clarity with Compassion: Maya’s Blueprint for Inclusive, Human-Centered Leadership
“The life lesson that stays with me most is this: be open to learning from every situation and every person. Growth comes not only from big milestones but also from quiet moments of reflection, shared stories, and meaningful conversations. That mindset has kept me evolving—and that, to me, is the essence of a fulfilled life.”
Balancing work and family has always been important to Maya, and she is grateful to have a very supportive husband and kids. Now that her children are entering their own career journeys, they’ve reached a beautiful phase where they share knowledge, experiences, and even professional perspectives. “Our conversations are enriching for all of us, and that exchange keeps our bond strong and meaningful.”
“We also make it a priority to spend quality time together—whether through shared meals, travel, or simply being present for one another.” That family time not only recharges her emotionally but also inspires her professionally. It gives her the energy and clarity to return to work with fresh ideas, renewed focus, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Curiosity as a Compass: Why Continuous Learning Is Maya Atassi’s Greatest Strength
Continuous learning, for Maya, is both a mindset and a commitment. She strongly believes in self-development—not only on a personal level but also in constantly building knowledge within the sectors she works in. Whether it’s hospitality, education, or design, staying informed about the latest trends, tools, and global shifts is essential to doing excellent work.
“We live in a very agile, fast-evolving world, and I see it as my responsibility to keep evolving with it.” She actively seeks out opportunities to learn—through research, professional networks, and even daily conversations that challenge her thinking. This habit of learning keeps her motivated, sharp, and open to growth.
For Maya, staying curious isn’t just about exploring new ideas—it’s about deepening her understanding so she can lead with relevance, confidence, and vision.
From Canvases to Classrooms: A Personal Journey of Creativity, Purpose, and Impact
Finally, as someone who has led across different sectors and navigated various challenges, Maya’s advice is to lead with both strength and self-awareness. Challenges will come in many forms—cultural, professional, and personal—but each one is an opportunity to grow. The most successful leaders are not those who avoid difficulty but those who stay adaptable, keep learning, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
It’s also important to develop yourself continuously—not just to stay competitive but to remain relevant in an ever-changing world. Stay curious about your field, seek out diverse perspectives, and don’t be afraid to evolve.
“In short, I would say: lead with values.” Be consistent, act with integrity, and remember that leadership is not about control—it’s about creating environments where others can thrive. Whether you’re guiding a team or starting your own journey, your attitude, resilience, and willingness to listen will shape the kind of leader you become.
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