Sunlit Strategies

Sunlit Strategies is a global leadership and management consulting agency delivering transformative services in leadership and organizational development, learning & development (L&D), team building, wellness programs, and executive coaching.

* Craft and execute the strategic vision for global operations, scaling growth while ensuring high-quality consulting solutions and client satisfaction.
* Lead the design and delivery of learning & development programs tailored to diverse industries and sectors, including leadership academies, professional skills bootcamps, and capacity-building workshops.
* Spearhead innovation in service offerings and sales strategies, resulting in significant revenue growth and market expansion.
* Oversee a cross-functional team to develop customized learning journeys, assessments, and toolkits, driving measurable outcomes for clients.
* Provide strategic oversight of the Sales and Client Management Department, including sales, client success, and M&E functions.
* Cultivate strong partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, and academic institutions, delivering impactful L&D and consulting solutions.
* Position Sunlit Strategies as a thought leader through industry collaborations, published content, and high-visibility speaking engagements.
* Foster a culture of continuous learning and inclusivity across all departments, empowering teams through coaching, upskilling, and leadership development.

Co-Founder & Executive Director of Services

Search for Common Ground

* Served as Search’s Country Representative
* Defined program priorities, plans and long-term strategy 
* Strengthened funding relationships and pursue new potential donors in collaboration with headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium leadership 
* Led in financial management and ensure compliance with Iraqi laws and donor requirements 
* Recruited and manage a diverse team of staff members and partner organizations 
* Oversaw security and risk management of the Country Office  
* Engaged in the development of the organization, its mission and its staff, through the sharing of experience and knowledge, particularly contributing to its Institutional Learning efforts

Country Director

Save the Children International

* Responsible for gender equality and women/girl’s empowerment strategy development for the country. 
* Conducted needs assessments and audits that incorporate gender analysis. 
* Developed the Country Gender Action Plan and report on the status of gender mainstreaming to global team. 
*Supported the design of responsive strategies that address the needs of girls, boys, women and men affected by crisis in Iraq. 
* Ensured that child protection, education, & WASH programs mainstream, mitigate and respond to GBV. 
* Developed M&E tools and implement MEAL processes. 
* Provided technical support sessions, trainings, workshops for field staff and partner organizations on gender equality, GBV in emergencies, harmful traditional practices, gender mainstreaming, etc.
* Developed and agreed on actions to address priority gaps on gender with Field Directors, Program Managers, and Senior Management Team members. 
* Ensured the coordination of all gender-related activities through participation in coordination meetings and working groups in Iraq and the Gender Equality Working Group at SCI globally.

Gender Equality & Inclusion Advisor

International Rescue Committee

* As a senior member of the Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) unit, I responded to the needs of women and girls globally and survivors of GBV via the IRC’s Emergency Response Team. 
* Represented country program at GBV sub-cluster and interagency working group meetings in a leadership role. 
*Produced new and potential opportunities for WPE programming in line with country program strategic plan.
* Developed and implemented GBV programs targeting adolescent girl engagement, male engagement, and PSS & self-care programming. 
* Contributed to the improvement of program quality and delivery through the establishment of strategic partnerships with other agencies.
* Collaborated with the M&E teams in the field to, research, collect, and analyze data to inform program design and proposal development, including needs assessments and program evaluation.
* Worked with the Grants unit, DDP and Field Coordinators to develop competitive project ideas and proposals (including budgets), in accordance with the GBV sector strategy and analysis needs, in response to arising funding opportunities.
* Assessed the training and capacity building needs, and designing and monitoring professional development plans, in line with organizational strategies, for all WPE staff.
* Developed, implemented and promoted effective team communication techniques and systems, including regular senior staff meetings.

Emergency WPE Coordinator

Family Care

* Formed a home-based not-for-profit organization called Family Care. The organization served over one hundred Middle Eastern and South Asian underprivileged families in the greater Seattle area with legal, material, and social services. 
* At Family Care we provided clients with translation services; advised families on the process of accessing state need programs, and hosted numerous service workshops for recent refugee and immigrant families.  
* As the Board of Directors Chair and former President, I regularly:
-	Developed and implemented new innovative programs and services,
-	Led and coordinated all aspects of budgeting and financial management, and 
-	Forecasted future trends and facilitated annual goal setting process for the organization.

Founder & Chairman

* Provided programmatic direction, leadership and technical support to the Women Protection & Empowerment (WPE) team and other NGO actors in Duhok, Iraq.  
* Managed all the WPE grants; developed and maintained work, spending, and procurement plans for all projects.
* Coordinated with IRC Operations, Finance, and Grant departments to ensure grant and budget management.
* Lead technical trainings for GBV service providers on GBV guiding principles, provision of case management & PSS services, GBVIMS tool, safety audit assessment tools, adolescent girl’s facilitation techniques, and emergency response and preparedness. 
* Developed and implemented numerous manuals and resources on adolescent girl engagement, male engagement, awareness sessions, internal staff management, and PSS & self-care programming. 
* Supervised 20+ WPE full time employees, and provided regular one-on-one and group capacity building * * * Maintained updated JDs, conducted interviews, and orientated new staff to IRC and WPE; identified staff performance issues and addressed concerns in timely manner.  
* Led the WPE Mosul Emergency Response, managed 5 teams as lead agency in 2 camps and 1 screening site. 
* Collaborated with other IRC sectors including Economic Recovery & Development, Child Protection, & Education. 
* Developed a WPE emergency response strategy for Duhok, and assisted with the implementation of the SAP with the WPE Coordinator and DDP.
* Regularly identified technical gaps in programs and service delivery model and outlined recommendations to WPE Coordinator and DDP. 
* Maintained effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government actors, UN agencies, and national and international NGOs. *An active member of the GBV Cluster Working Group.

WPE Senior Manager

University of Duhok

* Developed and implemented peacebuilding workshops to train 1600+ youth to become peace ambassadors within the displaced communities in Duhok, Iraq in partnership with the Center for Global Affairs at New York University and University of Duhok, Iraq.
* Oversaw a team of 60+ volunteers and conducted performance reviews for full-time staff members working on the project.
* Conducted three TOT workshop sessions annually, in addition to producing three annual monitoring and evaluation reports for the U.S. Department of State. *Position was funded through a U.S. State Department grant.

Community Peace Education Project, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

* Supported the University of Duhok (UoD) in becoming the center of excellence for peacebuilding in Iraq through the development and implementation of a community peace education program. 
* Stimulated dialogue among graduate students of the UoD’s masters program and contributed in the development of a curriculum to be taught to youth in the disputed territories in and around Duhok and Ninewa governorates.

Graduate Student Consultant

IKWRO The Iranian & Kurdish Women’s Rights Organization

Consultant

New York University

Residential Life Assistant

Graduate Student Assistant

UNHCR

* Contributed to the adolescent girls challenge on the UNHCR Ideas platform.
* Amplified the #Educategirls campaign, conducted outreach activities within refugee communities and acted as moderator on the UNHCR Ideas platform.
* Assisted the communication officer in planning all social media activities, including producing monthly Google hangout videos.

Education and Innovation Intern at UNHCR Innovation

With over 15 years of global experience, I specialize in building leaders, solving complex management challenges, and stewarding organizational transformation. I have led organizations across various sectors, managed multi-million-dollar budgets and teams of 250+, and expanded programs supporting diverse populations and initiatives.

I am passionate about designing innovative learning programs that enhance leadership capacity, foster creative problem-solving, and drive sustainable growth. My expertise spans strategic planning, change management, team building, and leadership communication. I take pride in guiding leaders to navigate transitions, build strong stakeholder relationships, and lead with integrity and adaptability.

✨ I regularly share insights on leadership and management here on LinkedIn, and I’m available for consultations. Let’s connect and explore how I can support your growth and development.

🌐 Book a Consultation @ https://calendly.com/daliaamin-sunlitstrategies/consultation

Dalia Amin

One of my favorite parts of being a founder is that I still lead trainings myself.

People often ask why I don’t delegate more of it - but honestly, it’s the part that keeps me closest to why Sunlit Strategies exists in the first place.

Every session reminds me that leadership isn’t theory - it’s lived experience.
When I’m in the room with participants, hearing what they’re navigating - the pressures, the breakthroughs, the quiet “aha” moments - I walk away not just teaching, but learning.

It’s in those conversations that our programs evolve.
Curriculums get refined, examples get updated, and content gets reshaped to reflect what’s actually happening in workplaces right now - not just what the research says should happen.

It’s humbling and grounding to stay this close to the work.
Because the best part of building something isn’t just watching it grow - it’s staying connected to the people it’s meant to serve.

Global Leadership Strategist | Organizational Architect | Problem Solver

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Positioned to Rise: How Women Advance in Systems Not Built for Them

We all know that professional advancement isn’t just about talent or hard work — it often depends on unspoken rules: who gets seen, credited, and sponsored.

On December 2, I’m hosting a free live session to help women unpack those hidden dynamics and learn how to navigate visibility, power, and opportunity — on their own terms.

If you’ve ever felt like your work speaks for itself but somehow still goes unnoticed, this session is for you.

🎙️ Speaker: Dalia Amin
🗓️ Date: Dec 2, 2025 | 12PM EST | 8PM GMT+3
💻 Location: Online via Google Meet
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dvthvh2f

#WomenInLeadership #Visibility #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthenticLeadership

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Here are a few moments from last month’s “Unmute Yourself” webinar - a powerful session filled with fresh insights, and meaningful conversations about leading with confidence.

We’re continuing the momentum this December 2 with “Positioned to Rise: How Women Advance in Systems Not Built for Them.”

If you’re an incredible woman leader ready to rise on your own terms, this one’s for you.

Yesterday, I was catching up with a good friend about work - the usual mix of deadlines, pressure, and trying to stay on top of everything.

At one point, she sighed and said, “Dalia, I feel like a browser with 47 tabs open - and three of them are frozen.”

We laughed, but she wasn’t wrong. She’s smart, capable, and committed - but she’s also saying yes to everything. Every meeting, every project, every “quick favor.” And like so many of us, she’s paying the price in focus and energy.

Every “yes” has a hidden cost - your focus, your energy, or your excellence.

Harvard research shows multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%.
So when you overcommit, you’re not showing loyalty - you’re showing a lack of priorities.

The most respected leaders I’ve met do one thing differently: they protect their time as fiercely as they protect their teams.

Here’s how to start:
1) Say, “Let me check and get back to you” - it buys time for thoughtful prioritization.
2) Review your calendar weekly and cut what doesn’t align with your goals.
3) Practice one “strategic no” each week - declining with clarity builds credibility.

Because every “no” creates space for the “yes” that actually moves you forward.

It’s that time of year when many start asking quietly: “Is it time to move on?”

In my article “When It’s Time to Move On,” I wrote about that realization - when nothing is wrong, yet something inside you knows you’ve outgrown where you are.

Sometimes it’s not burnout. It’s awareness.
The recognition that comfort has replaced challenge.

If you’re feeling that pull lately, you’re not alone - it might just be your growth calling.

👉 Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/4hmKFGa

Welcome back friends. I’m not done on the topic of feedback quite yet but I wanted to take a quick detour to talk about leaving jobs after a long, ins

Open article: When It’s Time to Move On | "The realization hit: I needed more." by Dalia Amin • 2 min read

When It’s Time to Move On | "The realization hit: I needed more."

Still thinking about the energy in the room during our Lean In session with the women of Holcim UAE & Oman.

We went beyond titles and roles and explored the essence of personal branding:
 * How we show up
 * The energy we bring
 * The impact we leave behind

Spaces like these remind me why I do this work!
Thank you to every woman who showed up with honesty, courage, and curiosity. And thank you, Sara Marwan, for championing growth and leadership with intention.

Country L&D and Performance Lead at Holcim UAE & Oman | OYW Ambassador- “Everyone talks about building a relationship with your customers. I think you build one with your employees first."

✨ What changes because of me? This was one of the most powerful questions we explored during the Lean In session I organized for our incredible ladies across the UAE and Oman, led by the brilliant Dalia Amin, who guided us through the art of building an authentic personal brand.

In a world where titles shift and projects evolve, the one constant we carry is the unique energy we bring into every space, whether it’s a meeting room, a project team, or a casual conversation.

What light do you bring when you enter a room? Is it clarity? Calm? Curiosity? Courage? Understanding this is the foundation of a personal brand that isn’t manufactured, it’s lived.

Our discussion reminded us that:
⭐️Your personal brand begins long before you speak.
⭐️It’s shaped not just by what you do, but how people feel when you show up.
⭐️And the most authentic brand is rooted in self-awareness, not self-promotion.

I’m so grateful for such conversations. They shift perspectives. They spark growth. They build community.

Here’s to showing up, authentically, intentionally, and unapologetically. 

#LeanIn #PersonalBranding #WomenInLeadership #UAE #Oman #Authenticity #HolcimSpirit #LeadershipDevelopment

Confidence isn’t born — it’s built.

In a recent coaching session, a client told me, “I just wish I felt more confident before taking the next step.”
It’s a line I hear often — and my response is always the same: confidence doesn’t come first. Evidence does.

We worked together on three simple shifts:
✅ Keep small promises to yourself. Confidence grows from consistency, not grand gestures.
✅ Track follow-through. Each commitment kept — whether it’s preparing better for a meeting or setting boundaries — reinforces inner credibility.
✅ Act before you feel ready. Waiting for confidence keeps you still. Acting despite discomfort builds it.

A few weeks later, he shared that he wasn’t “feeling” more confident — he was becoming more confident.
Not through hype or perfection, but through proof.

Because confidence is rarely loud — it’s consistent.

I’ve always been fascinated by how beavers build.

They don’t rush in with a grand blueprint. They start small - one branch at a time - constantly adjusting for the flow of water, the strength of current, and the needs of the group.

What’s remarkable is this: every beaver has a role, but none of them work in isolation.

They communicate constantly. They pause to repair before they expand.
And they rebuild - again and again - when the environment changes.

It’s nature’s quiet masterclass in organizational development.

Strong teams, like beavers, thrive on:
1️⃣ Shared purpose - everyone understands why the dam matters.
2️⃣ Adaptability - when conditions shift, they rework, not resist.
3️⃣ Sustainable structure - they don’t overbuild; they reinforce what already works.

In leadership, we often chase speed and scale. But sometimes the wisest move is to pause, re-assess the current, and strengthen the structure beneath the surface.

Because like beavers, organizations that build with purpose and patience create foundations that last - no matter how many times the water rises.

The next big shift in HR isn’t just digital — it’s agentic.

Agentic & Generative AI in HR is redefining how people operations function — moving from assistants that report data to actors that take initiative.

Deloitte calls it one of the defining forces shaping HR in 2025 — tools that don’t just describe what’s happening, but actually recommend next moves, flag retention risks, and automate repetitive work so humans can focus on what really matters.

Here’s what this means for leaders:
✅ More space for strategy. When AI handles scheduling, screening, and analytics, teams can focus on coaching, performance, and culture.
✅ Sharper decisions. Predictive insights help HR act on turnover risks, skill gaps, and engagement trends before they become problems.
✅ A deeper need for human leadership. As technology takes over tasks, empathy, trust-building, and purpose become even more valuable.

AI isn’t replacing HR — it’s refining it.
And the leaders who adapt early will be the ones shaping what “human resources” truly means next.

Positioned to Rise isn’t just another webinar — it’s a space for women to claim their power, navigate barriers with strategy, and rise on their own terms.

Join us for an inspiring and practical conversation on how women advance in systems not built for them.

📅 Dec 2 | 12PM EST | Free registration — don’t miss this empowering session!

The Practice That Can Make You 20% More Effective

Want a leadership edge that’s scientifically proven?
Reflect - intentionally.

Harvard research found that employees who spent just 1𝟱 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 performed 𝟮𝟯% 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 than those who didn’t.

Reflection isn’t about slowing down.
It’s about thinking better - sharpening focus, reinforcing learning, and building self-awareness.

Try ending your day with three questions:
💭 What worked today?
💭 What didn’t?
💭 What will I do differently tomorrow?

Success isn’t about doing more - it’s about learning faster, leading clearer, and showing up wiser each day.

Feeling like you’ve outgrown your role? That’s not a problem — it’s progress.

Growth rarely feels like clarity. It feels like restlessness, confusion, or even doubt.
That’s because adaptability always shows up before advancement.

The average professional changes roles every 3–5 years — yet few people actually train for transition.

The ones who thrive don’t wait for opportunity to appear. They:
1️⃣ Seek discomfort on purpose — stretch into projects that feel slightly out of reach.
2️⃣ Reflect quickly — turn confusion into clarity by asking what’s shifting and why.
3️⃣ Rebuild routines fast — create new systems that match the next level you’re stepping into.

You can’t always control when change arrives.
But you can control how ready you are to rise with it.

Poor communication costs organizations millions — not because people don’t talk, but because they don’t connect.

In our 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 trainings, we often see that most communication challenges come down to one thing: assumptions.
Assuming someone understood. Assuming tone doesn’t matter. Assuming silence means agreement.

The best communicators don’t aim to sound impressive — they aim to be understood.
They listen deeply, speak with intention, and adapt with empathy.

“You did the work. But in the meeting, someone else got the credit.”
Sound familiar? You’re not imagining it.

Women across industries face invisible barriers that quietly shape who gets noticed, trusted, and promoted.
On Dec 2, I’ll be hosting a free webinar — Positioned to Rise — to unpack these unspoken rules and share how women can rise authentically, even in systems not built for them.

You’ll walk away with:
 ✨ Research-backed insights on what holds women back — and what truly drives advancement
 ✨ Practical strategies to advocate for yourself (and others)
 ✨ A framework to build visibility and influence without self-promotion fatigue

🎙️ Positioned to Rise: How Women Advance in Systems Not Built for Them
 📅 December 2, 2025 | 12PM EST | Online
 🔗 Reserve your seat: https://lnkd.in/dvthvh2f

#WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #WomenEmpowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthenticLeadership

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Positioned to Rise Webinar Registration

One of my favorite parts of what we do at Sunlit Strategies is connecting with the next generation of leaders.

The Elevate Leadership Program with Lafarge Iraq reminded me just how much potential exists when emerging leaders are given the tools, space, and confidence to grow.

Their curiosity, drive, and openness to learning made this journey unforgettable and gives me so much hope for the future of leadership across the region.

Sunlit Strategies is pleased to share the highlight video from the Elevate Leadership Program, delivered over six months in partnership with Lafarge Iraq.

Across three modules, 25 emerging leaders expanded their capacity to communicate with clarity, collaborate across teams, and lead with confidence and purpose.

Leadership development is more than a training activity—it is a strategic investment in people, culture, and long-term organizational success. Research consistently shows that organizations that invest in leadership development experience higher engagement, stronger retention, and more resilient, future-ready teams. Elevate brought these principles to life.

We extend our appreciation to the Lafarge team for their trust and collaboration throughout this journey. It has been an honor to support the growth of their next generation of leaders.

🎥 Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/d8naBs87

If your organization is seeking a tailored leadership development journey for emerging or established leaders, Sunlit Strategies would be pleased to support.

Open video: Lafarge Iraq: Elevate Leadership Program – Cultivating Influence, Creating Impact on youtu.be

Lafarge Iraq: Elevate Leadership Program – Cultivating Influence, Creating Impact

The Hidden Cost of “Silent Workload Creep”

Most managers look for burnout in big events, tight deadlines, major crises, and difficult quarters.
But the real threat is quieter: silent workload creep.

That slow, almost invisible increase in responsibilities that no one notices until the damage is done.
A task here. A project there. A “quick favor” that becomes permanent.

The solution?
✔ Quarterly role audits — ask, “What did we add this quarter, and what did we remove?”
✔ Capacity conversations — normalize talking about bandwidth the same way we talk about KPIs.
✔ Stop rewarding invisible overload — recognize impact, not endurance.

Healthy performance requires boundaries you can actually see.

Your Team Isn’t Unmotivated, They’re Under-Connected

Managers often misinterpret low engagement as low motivation.
But most teams aren’t disengaged, they’re disconnected.

Disconnected from:
• Why their work matters
• The outcomes they influence
• The people they serve

A practical fix?
Try a “Purpose Pulse” once a month: 3 minutes where every team member shares one impact they had that month.

It reconnects people to meaning, and meaning fuels performance more than any incentive ever will.

⏳ Just 3 days to go!

Join women from across industries for Positioned to Rise, a live and interactive session on the unspoken rules of advancement and how to rewrite them on your terms.

Expect practical strategies, real stories, and a few mindset shifts that could change how you approach visibility and growth in your career.

🎙️ Dec 2 | 12PM EST | Free registration → https://lnkd.in/dvthvh2f

 #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #Visibility #LeadershipDevelopment

Open article: Positioned to Rise Webinar Registration by docs.google.com

🔔 Follow my journey in the Middle East 📹

Not a consultant. Not an agency. Your temporary co-founder for innovation and growth.

I help ambitious business owners, creators, and startups grow through creativity and strategic use of cutting-edge technology (including AI). As founder of Baviyo, I lead a small but powerful team of creative thinkers and tech experts dedicated to solving your biggest growth challenges.

Many businesses fail with tech because they lack clarity on the real problems they're solving. Trendy tools and software alone won’t create meaningful results. At Baviyo, we:

👉 Start with creativity: Fresh, bold ideas to rethink your challenges.
👉  Deploy tech strategically: Selecting technology (AI included) that truly amplifies your growth.
👉  Deliver clear results: No flashy tools without real purpose.

When you work with us, expect:

✅ Deep problem or opportunity discovery.
✅ Genuine partnership and hustle.
✅ Innovative and creative solutions tailored for lasting impact.

Ready to elevate your business? Message me. Let's make your vision a reality.

Manuel Kistner

Today we’re celebrating 54 years of unity, ambition, and all the moments that make the UAE the incredible place many of us call home.

From big dreams to bold ideas, this country keeps inspiring us every single day. Thank you to the UAE for being the ultimate proof that vision builds reality. Proud to be part of the story.

Happy Eid Al Etihad everybody 🇦🇪❤️

And speaking of big dreams and bold ideas... I've been quiet over the last couple of months. But for good reason. I’ve been heads-down building and working on a few of my own ideas and dreams. I’ll soon share more. Stay tuned. 👀

Re-Inventing... ███████▒▒▒ 70% complete...

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