STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY: VC, CURTIN UNIVERSITY DUBAI

In conversation with Shweta Wahi, Managing Director - Operations and People & Culture at Transnational Academic Group; Vice Chairperson - Curtin University Dubai

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Your journey spans from global fashion runways to shaping higher education in the Middle East and Africa. How has this creative foundation influenced your leadership style in academia and investment today?

Creativity, by nature, is subjective and teaches you to value differing perspectives in the room. When you grow accustomed to questioning rather than following formulaic approaches, you develop the agility to navigate both strategy and people matters.

My career as an artist and fashion entrepreneur came at a fascinating time social media was emerging, and consumption patterns were shifting rapidly. Staying relevant required constant adaptability, especially in understanding digital strategies and inbound marketing. That experience sharpened my ability to anticipate change and respond with innovation.

But above all, the most enduring lesson has been people. Whether in fashion, academia, or investment, most challenges are people related. Navigating personalities, building trust, and managing conversations is a lifelong journey because no two individuals are ever the same.

You've been instrumental in launching and positioning Curtin University Dubai as a top academic institution. What were the biggest challenges in creating this regional brand, and how did you overcome them?