Starting a business with your spouse during a financial crisis taught us more than we could have anticipated. In 2008, my husband and I launched "The Nile," a Mediterranean restaurant, which became a crucible of learning and growth. Here, I share seven critical lessons from our journey, indelibly etched in my memory. These insights, while born from the hospitality industry, apply broadly across any business sector, representing hard-earned wisdom at a steep personal and financial cost. I wonder how many others have learned similar hard lessons as an entrepeneur. While I shared in a vulnerable way just now, I'm hoping to continue to learn from others around as they also share their own experiences!

Coming out of an amazing all Women event- C-Vision's Women with Vision in NYC, it inspired me to release this article focused on innovation. I've come across this question at numerous events, how to cultivate a culture of innovation...afterall, innovation drives digital transformation, or does it? Gave me much to think about over the past few months.

As I started to unpack this, the list grew to 10 things that I've witnessed working, driving the spirit of innovation. I hope you enjoy this piece, and would love to hear which of these you've encountered in your own journey. Do share!

I am honored and humbled by being recently featured in the CIO Times "Top FIVE Influential Leaders the BUSINESS WORLD should know" January edition. This particular recognition is very special to me, as I shared some of my most intimate memories and insights along my leadership journey. Though this feature is a bit on the long side, with 4 pages at the end of the editorial, I've re-embedded it into this article for easier reading.

Sometimes when you break away for some much needed r&r, your lens is refocused and you "sharpen the saw" considerably. On a recent trip, a set of circumstances reminded me of the importance of understanding what's unique about each of us, and how to honor that. For as long as I can remember, I've heard people talk about the Golden rule, which tells you to treat people as you'd want to be treated. But doesn't that assume that we're all the same? I would argue nothing could be further from the truth. Here's a little insight about a different rule you should consider- the Platinum rule; Treat people as THEY want to be treated.

Very few moments in life, especially in our childhood, shape us in ways that matter. This story was inspired by a mentor who recently asked me a simple question about my creativity, my vision as an artist, "what inspired you to this?" It took me back to the very moment that I discovered the power of vision, and the actual paradigm shift that resulted. What's most impactful in this situation was the massive influence of words spoken so simply and so gently, words that lifted the spirt and inspired belief. I will leave the rest to the story...and enjoy the tree, this is the real deal, painted by the shaky hands of a 10 year-old girl who never thought she could ever be called an artist.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to share my “gift” with the fellows of the Institute for Digital Transformation, a pearl of wisdom that would be helpful to others along their journey. I shared 3 things; 1) a reminder that Leadership is a privilege, and to lead is to influence others and to potentially impact not only their careers and but also their lives; 2) as leaders, we should be on a continuous growth journey, so always “look, listen, and learn” every day, everywhere, and in every way; 3) the ABC’s of Leadership- it’s about hashtag#authenticity , hashtag#boldness , and hashtag#courage .

Wondering how to truly transform your New Year’s resolutions? Let me share my secret and a few personal stories born from a decade's worth of insights. In short, I do three things, I set a “theme” for each year, then I carefully curate a short list of real goals that then become my resolution. And finally, I execute! Take this journey with me.

Ever wondered about the secret to genuine employee engagement? 'Unveiling the Secret Sauce: Cultivating Employee Engagement with Caring as the Recipe' breaks it down. Explore practical insights that demystify the path to fostering a workplace where genuine care fuels success. This isn't just an article; it's your guide to transforming workplace culture.

Few situations in life hit you hard and give you a bit of a reality check. In the wake of the upheavals brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, my recent observations have underscored a fundamental truth: people are the linchpin in the complex equation of success. Now, 3+ years later, as we navigate the new normal, the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of individuals have emerged as the driving force. Here are a few valuable lessons learned during these challenging times, emphasizing that, more than ever, it's the human spirit that not only endures but propels us toward innovation and growth.

Here's a thought...in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the modern business world, there's a fundamental, human element that anchors the entire equation: trust. This trust forms the equilibrium between employees and the companies they work for, and between customers and the companies they choose to engage with. It's the invisible thread that weaves the human touch into business relationships, fostering an atmosphere where collaboration and progress can thrive. Inspired by Stephen M. R. Covey , this article unpacks how trust underpins the synergy between employees and companies and the loyalty between customers and their chosen service providers, ultimately shaping the very essence of business success.

It's easy to overlook the critical role played by dedicated individuals who keep our customers satisfied and our operations running seamlessly in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of business, where technology often takes center stage. National Customer Service Week (NCSW) serves as a vital reminder that exceptional customer service is not a solitary effort but a collective endeavor involving every department, including your IT team. Beyond the immediate benefits of providing excellent customer service, NCSW is an opportunity to foster a culture of recognition, celebration, and engagement within your organization. It's a week dedicated to acknowledging the tireless efforts of those who consistently go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction, and it underscores the fact that exceptional customer service is a shared responsibility. There's tangible significance to leveraging NCSW as a catalyst to instill a culture of appreciation and engagement, both essential for sustained success in today's competitive business landscape. I've celebrated this unique week with several teams over the last 2 decades, and found it to be part of the secret sauce to increasing engagement and a sense of purpose.

In a world where diversity reigns, each individual, much like plants, possesses distinct needs. Although there are fundamental requirements outlined by Maslow's hierarchy, such as food, water, and shelter, a deeper layer of considerations exists.

Now more than ever, servant leadership is crucial for navigating the complexities and challenges of the contemporary world. As organizations prioritize agility, adaptability, and employee engagement, servant leadership has proven to be an effective approach to talent development and retention. Moreover, in times of uncertainty, servant leaders provide stability and reassurance, fostering trust and psychological safety among their team members. In this quick read, I unpack what servant leadership really is, the traits of a servant leader, and the activities performed by one. In the end, I leave you with the big WHY we truly need it. Enjoy!

“In today's rapidly advancing world, the full potential of technology remains within reach, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of tech leaders. One such remarkable figure is Nora Osman, a tech leader who has been instrumental in unlocking the full potential of technology and inspiring positive change. With a unique combination of expertise, passion, and a relentless drive for excellence, Nora has carved a remarkable path in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. In this blog, we will uncover the invaluable insights and lessons Nora has to offer and explore the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her into the exceptional tech leader she is today.”

It took me some time to let the amazing advice of 10 C-Suite executives marinate in my head, and eventually get summarized for a capstone project for the Managing Career Growth course as part of the Wharton Global CXO course work. Since I thoroughly enjoyed the assignment, I've decided to share some of the key lessons and themes from these interviews. This is a bit on the long side, as I had to weave a little more context from 10 vastly different individuals, without revealing their identities. Do hope you enjoy it, as I truly did,. I'll treasure all the pearls of wisdom gathered from my time with each of these leaders.

Executive presence is a highly coveted skill that is essential for today’s professionals, especially those in leadership positions. But what exactly is executive presence, and how do you cultivate it? In simple terms, executive presence refers to the ability to convey confidence, credibility, and authority, which enables individuals to influence and lead effectively. It encompasses a range of traits, and the good news, it is something that can actually be developed. In this article, I’ll provide you with some practical tips to help you build your own executive presence, regardless of your current position or industry. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or just starting in your career, this guide will help you master the art of executive presence, and achieve greater success in your professional life...

Join Nora Osman and Emily Carlson, LPW Project Manager/IT Executive for this spirited discussion on the positive impact technology can have on our local communities, and explore how we can reach for more equity for women in the technology sector.

Honored to have been featured in Insights Success Magazine for "The Most Inspirational Women Leaders in Business to Look Out for in 2023" among 3 other women- Kate Dobrucki, Dr Kara Hartl, and Naz Schinder! The interviews were beautifully conducted and tease out the uniqueness of every honoree. Proud to be sharing the stage with such amazing women!

It used to be that everyone wanted good customer service and a great customer experience. More recently, companies have woken up and realized that they need to have happy employees to deliver good customer service. Customer experience encapsulates everything the customer is experiencing around a transaction, from initiation to post-consumption of the service/experience. But have we begun measuring the employee experience the same way? I wonder.

Managers and leaders have a huge obligation to their people and the organizations they serve. At the crux of managing and leading effectively is good communication. But how do we achieve this? It's not just hearing our staff in meetings, it's actually listening in a way that they feel listened to. Here are a few simple suggestions on how to ensure you're positioning yourself to actively listen, so your staff, colleagues and even boss feel heard and you continue to increase in effectiveness. After all, listening is foundational to understanding and building trust!