About me
‘The moment that gives me the most pleasure is when irritation turns into interest, prejudice into curiosity and a frown into a genuine smile. It’s always fascinating to see how understanding connects people. And sometimes a little anecdote or a change of perspective is enough to get a dialogue going – that’s pure motivation for me.’
International encounters have shaped me from early on. During my studies in Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science and Public Law at the University of Bonn, my path led me from the Rhine to the Nile – to the American University in Cairo, where I deepened my academic and intercultural understanding.
Today, I am a multi-award-winning consultant, executive coach, trainer, lecturer and author, with a strong focus on intercultural collaboration in global business environments.
With more than 25 years of international working experience, I have been advising global corporations, institutions and organisations since 2002 – particularly on navigating cultural complexity in international markets, with a strong focus on the Arab world.
My work is as diverse as the people I work with. My expertise spans the development and implementation of effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies with companies, as well as supporting international professionals and executives and their families in adapting to new cultural contexts and building global leadership competence, as well as advising global teams at the many interfaces of their collaboration.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is sharing knowledge: through keynote speeches, publications, media contributions and in the classroom. For many years, I have been lecturing on „Intercultural Competences“ at the University of Freiburg – where theory and practice come vividly together.
For more than two decades, I’ve been passionately committed to strengthening, connecting, and elevating women across borders.
One of the most defining milestones in my career was initiating and implementing the German-Arab Women Business Leaders Summit in my role as Chairwoman – a powerful starting point for a journey that has since seen me shape international platforms, build global networks, and connect women across the world.
“With a powerful blend of expertise, charisma, and emotional intelligence, Gabi captivates audiences as a moderator of international events and an inspiring keynote speaker on some of the world’s most renowned stages.”
– James H., CEO
Since 2006, I have been a member of the Executive Board of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa), the Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (Sietar) and I live with my family near Cologne.
Prizes/Awards
Top 10 Global Women in Business 2025 by Entrepreneur Mirror
Global Diversity Leadership Award, 2017
Women Leadership Achievement Award, 2015
“The coaching helped me lead my team with new openness and clarity.”
– Sabine M., Head of IT Division
„Gabi delivers important insights with humour, empathy and expertise – always hands-on and highly relevant. A solid A+!”
– Markus H., CEO
„The training was not only fun – it also gave me practical tools to work even more effectively in my international project.”
– Susanne S., CFO
“I learned so much about myself and others – a true gain, both professionally and personally.”
– Amir K., Project Manager
