“Ultimately, I believe that breaking barriers isn’t just about personal success, it’s about paving the way for future generations of women to lead with impact”.
In the world of finance and energy, where leadership has long been defined by convention, Ayla is rewriting the script. Her career is a masterclass in transformation—disrupting outdated norms, pioneering sustainable finance, and pushing industries toward a decarbonized future.
Ayla’s ascent has been marked by historic firsts. She made history as the first Pakistani President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in 120 years—a moment that underscored not only her expertise but the evolving role of leadership in global finance. This milestone was not just symbolic; it reinforced her belief that governance, financial strategy, and sustainability must work in tandem to drive systemic change.
Her influence extends far beyond finance. As the first woman elected to the board of the Islamabad Stock Exchange, she became a powerful advocate for financial inclusivity and progressive governance. Later, as the first independent Chairperson of Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL), she led critical energy investments at a time when the sector was at a crossroads—balancing economic growth with an urgent need for transition. But Ayla’s ambitions stretch beyond boardrooms. Recognizing that incremental change was not enough, she founded Planetive, a pioneering venture dedicated to bridging the gap between finance, governance, and decarbonization strategies.
For Ayla, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. She sees this moment in history as a turning point, one where financial institutions, energy leaders, and policymakers must act decisively and equitably. She states, “Ultimately, I believe that breaking barriers isn’t just about personal success, it’s about paving the way for future generations of women to lead with impact”.
MT: Breaking barriers is never easy. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
AM: Navigating the energy, finance, and infrastructure sectors particularly in emerging markets has always been complex, and being a woman in these traditionally male-dominated industries has added another layer of challenges. Early in my career, I often found myself as the only woman in boardrooms and high-level discussions. In such spaces, breaking through biases and being recognized for my expertise rather than my gender required resilience, confidence, and a commitment to excellence.
What has enabled me to do well is staying focused on data-driven decision-making, building strategic alliances, and ensuring that my contributions are backed by deep sector knowledge. My board leadership experience has also reinforced the importance of inclusive decision-making, which is why I actively advocate for diverse leadership and equitable opportunities.
MT: Many women still face systemic barriers in their professional journeys. What changes do you believe are necessary whether in policies, mindsets, or support systems—to create a more inclusive and empowering environment?
AM: When women succeed, economies grow, workplaces innovate, and communities thrive. Despite significant progress, systemic barriers continue to impede women’s professional and economic advancement, often exacerbated by deep-seated fears that influence their career choices and opportunities. A major obstacle is the lack of financial inclusion.
In 2023, startups founded solely by women raised just 1.8% of the total capital invested in venture-backed startups in Europe, and 2% in the United States. This disparity leads many women to fear financial instability. Women are often mentored but not sponsored for real advancement, leading to fears of being overlooked for promotions or penalized for assertiveness, which can reinforce self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
True inclusion requires overhauling leadership pipelines to value competence over conformity. Globally, women perform 2.5 times more unpaid care and domestic work than men, leading many to fear that choosing motherhood or caregiving will permanently derail their professional aspirations.
Without universal childcare, paid family leave, and workplace policies that acknowledge caregiving, the gender wealth gap will continue to widen. Furthermore, gender-based violence and harassment both online and in workplaces remain significant deterrents to women’s participation and advancement. The conversation must shift from symbolic gestures to systemic reforms.
MT: What do you have to say about work/family life balance?
AM: In a world where work and home life often overlap, achieving harmony requires setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and embracing flexibility. True balance is about being present—fully engaged at work when needed and dedicating meaningful time to family without guilt. Delegation, support systems, and workplace flexibility play a crucial role in making this possible. Organizations must also foster environments where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. Success should not come at the cost of well-being.
MT: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to follow in your footsteps, especially those who may feel discouraged by societal expectations or industry limitations?
AM: My advice to young women is to believe in the power of their vision and never let societal norms or industry limitations define their potential.
It’s essential to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, seek mentors who inspire you, and surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Leadership is not about fitting into predefined molds, it’s about bringing your unique perspective to the table and driving meaningful change. Most importantly, don’t wait for permission to step into leadership. Break barriers with confidence, ask the tough questions, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
