Arab Women in the UK: What I Learnt About Meetings and Connection

For years, I couldn’t understand why I sometimes felt so unlike myself in a meeting. I could walk in knowing exactly what I wanted to say, then find myself struggling to say it.

Then I came across the Lewis Model of cross-cultural communication. It put a name to something I’d experienced throughout my working life: people don’t all communicate, listen or build a working relationship in the same way.

From international student to business owner in the UK

I came to Britain as an international student, then worked full-time in corporate jobs before starting my own business. So I’ve been in plenty of meetings: as a student finding my way, as an employee, and now with clients and suppliers.

I noticed that I communicate best when there’s room for a bit of conversation before we get into the work. It helps me understand who I’m speaking to, and I express my ideas more naturally. In a meeting with a more formal, question-led start, I sometimes used to freeze. I knew the answers, but I couldn’t find my flow.

Discovering these styles changed how I understood that moment. The person opposite me may simply find structure helpful. Once I stopped trying to guess what their approach meant about me, I could pay attention to how we could communicate well together.

I can follow the purpose of the meeting and still bring my own way of connecting to it. I might begin with a little conversation, then move into the work. They can understand me better, and I can understand them better too.

Arab networking in the UK

I see the same differences at networking events. Some people are happy to explain what they do and what they’re looking for straight away. Others want to talk for a while and see where the connection goes. I’ve met people I enjoyed talking to, then left wondering how that conversation could become a working relationship.

Now I know I can do both. I can take time to get to know someone and be clear about why I’d like to stay in touch. That feels much more like me than trying to copy somebody else’s networking style.

This thinking is part of what I bring to Arab Connect, our networking and social space for the Arab community in the UK. I want professionals, entrepreneurs, graduates and students to be able to meet through conversation and Arab hospitality, with space for friendships, ideas and business connections to develop.

Finding community as an Arab woman in the UK

When I was an international student in the UK, I was building a life here as well as studying. Later, work and business brought a different need for connection. I know those stages of life can look very different, but meeting people matters through all of them.

That is why my work goes beyond professional networking. Through Magic Moments ÉLLE, I organise women-only parties, trips and experiences. Sometimes you want to meet people who understand your background. Sometimes you simply want a beautiful evening out. You are welcome to come on your own or with friends.

I’m Warda, founder of Magic Moments Events. If you are an Arab woman in the UK, whether you’re studying, working, building a business or looking for your community, I would love to welcome you. We share upcoming women’s events through our city WhatsApp groups for Nottingham, London and Manchester. You can join your city group via the links in my Instagram bio, or get in touch here.

Understanding another person’s style has made it easier for me to be myself in a meeting. And creating places where people can actually meet? That’s the part I love doing.