Influential Woman · Consulting
Omnya Elshafey
President, OMNYA advisory
West Chester, PA
Her Story
About Omnya
Omnya Elshafey is the founder and managing partner of Omnya Advisory, where for the past year she has focused on closing operational gaps and coaching CEOs to strengthen their management skills. Her career spans multiple continents and industries. She previously served as president of North America for one of the largest chemical companies after rising from supply chain manager. Earlier, she founded a major fashion company in the Middle East that grew to $1.2 billion before political complications forced her to start over in the United States with no support network. She holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, an MBA in business management, and a Black Belt in Six Sigma. In 2015 she was named Best Executive Woman in the Middle East. Elshafey attributes her success to her children, who motivated her to persist through loss and relocation. She values accountability, clear communication, and the humility to meet people where they are emotionally, physically, and mentally. Among the biggest challenges in her field, she notes that decision makers often believe they are the smartest in the room and resist recognizing their blind spots or the need for external coaching.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Omnya
01What do you attribute your success to?
My kids are my motivation and the reason I never give up. They deserve the full credit for all my success, especially after losing everything and starting over in a new country with no support network.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never take anything personal when it comes to work. Do not get offended when people attack your opinion. If you believe what you are saying is correct, stand for your opinion in a respectful manner and accept that not everyone will agree.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't give up. Accept that you might be rejected in your first 50 calls, and then you will have the best deal of your life on the 51st call. Be really patient and resistant, and it will happen if you want it to happen.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is that decision makers and founders often believe they are the smartest in the room with huge experience and do not think they need a consultant or coach. Convincing them they have blind spots and need help is the hardest part.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability is key - everyone taking full responsibility for their decisions and attitude makes things easier. Clear communication, speaking your mind without holding back. Being humble and meeting people where they are emotionally, physically, and mentally rather than expecting them to meet you at your level. This mirroring helps understanding and collaboration.
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