Sidara Voices & Visions
A Conversation with Balsam Nehme, Director of Sustainability at Dar
Leadership in Action: Inside the Sidara Leadership Institute As challenges grow more complex, leadership is evolving. In this Voices & Visions edition, we sit down with Balsam Nehme, Director of Sustainability at Dar and a recent graduate of the Sidara Leadership Institute, to reflect on how intentional leadership, self-awareness, and collaboration are shaping a more sustainable future.
Through Sidara’s flagship leadership development program, Balsam gained insight into what it means to lead with clarity and purpose. From navigating the complexities of decarbonizing transportation to redefining success through measurable impact and team empowerment, her experience highlights the importance of shared language, emotional intelligence, and courageous thinking across the built environment.
Balsam Nehme Director of Sustainability at Dar Lebanon
You’ve just graduated from Sidara’s flagship leadership development program. What was the experience like?
"Hand on heart, it was a genuinely transformative journey for me. It was my first time participating in a program like this, and it really gave me the opportunity to step back and look at my work—and myself—from an entirely new perspective.
I gained a much deeper understanding of my leadership style and the importance of self-awareness. The program challenged me to grow and helped me see leadership as more than decision-making—it’s about empowering others.
Learning alongside such a diverse group of people from across our companies made the experience even more meaningful. Graduation feels like the start of something bigger."
“I’m personally very proud of how we collaborated across disciplines to create a strategic view that could shape real change.”
What challenge were you set, and what are you most proud of?
"We were asked to tackle a real business issue that’s very close to my heart: decarbonizing the transportation sector. This matters more than many people realize, as transportation contributes around 20% of global emissions.
We mapped our capabilities, identified gaps, and explored future investment needs so that Sidara is even better equipped to help clients on this journey around the world.
I’m personally very proud of how we collaborated across disciplines to create a strategic view that could shape real change."
How will the Institute benefit Sidara and our clients?
"I would say the main benefit is one of mindset—building a shared leadership language and philosophy across all regions.
For Sidara, this means better alignment and faster decision-making. For our clients, it means more cohesive teams and access to our full global expertise delivered with clarity and consistency.
The more we collaborate, the better the work we’ll be able to produce. And by approaching problems with a shared mindset, we can achieve much, much more."
What’s one thing you learned about yourself?
"I learned how powerful intentional communication can be, especially during uncertainty.
I’ve always valued clarity, but I’ve realized that as a leader, it’s not just about what you say, but how consistently you say it.
The Institute helped me become more aware of the space I create for others, more deliberate about listening, and more mindful of how I lead with clarity and calm, especially under pressure.
It’s a subtle but meaningful shift, and one I’ll carry forward in every leadership situation."
How has leadership changed since you started your career?
"For me, the role of a leader has changed a lot.
Leadership today is less about being the expert and more about being the connector. It’s about creating clarity, building trust, and empowering others. Emotional intelligence and authenticity are now just as important as any technical skill or qualification.
One of the biggest changes is the need to be more human—and to recognize that you don’t need to have all the answers.
People want to be inspired, not just managed."
As somebody who has spent their career looking to shape a more sustainable world, how can leadership help accelerate this change?
"Accelerating the adoption of climate-friendly solutions requires both a mindset shift and a systems shift.
We need to embed sustainability as a core value—not a checklist. This means making it easier to act through tools, training, and frameworks—and leading with courage, even when it’s not the easiest path.
It’s critical to realize that solving big challenges isn’t a quick fix. It requires ongoing commitment, perseverance, and a long-term perspective."
University of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
“It’s critical to realize that solving big challenges isn’t a quick fix. It requires ongoing commitment, perseverance, and a long-term perspective.”
How do you define success in your role?
"Deep down, I see success as making a measurable impact—embedding sustainability into decisions, empowering teams, and helping clients lead. This is what we will ultimately be judged on.
But it’s also about people. I want people to look at the challenges ahead and feel excited and inspired about what we can do to tackle them.
It’s not enough anymore to be a technical expert—it’s about being an ambassador for change and taking people along with you."
What advice would you give someone starting in sustainable design?
"This field evolves fast, so keep learning and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.
Change often starts with one bold voice, and your curiosity will be your greatest asset. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and be curious.
When it comes to being courageous, sustainable design often means pushing against the status quo—advocating for long-term thinking in short-term systems or making the case for solutions that may not be the easiest or cheapest path.
You won’t always have immediate support. But if you believe in the value of what you’re doing and stay persistent, you will be able to create genuine change."
In an era that demands transformative leadership, this edition of Voices & Visions highlights how purpose-driven leaders are shaping measurable progress across teams and disciplines.
To learn more about how Balsam and the team at Sidara are embedding purposeful leadership into everyday decisions—and how the Sidara Leadership Institute is nurturing a new generation of changemakers—connect with her on LinkedIn and follow her journey toward lasting impact across the built environment.
Balsam Nehme Director of Sustainability at Dar
