My Why
A bit about me
With a focus on transforming behavior and attitudes, I specialize in helping businesses create and nurture organizational cultures that align seamlessly with their objectives and values. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics, backed by certifications in various behavioral and cultural assessment tools. These tools allow me to accurately diagnose and address the underlying issues that may be hindering a company’s progress, leading to more effective and harmonious work environments.
I founded my company – YARNU in 2013 (an Arabic word meaning to look towards, to aspire to with calm and serenity). Through a variety of bespoke programs, YARNU helps people distinguish themselves by raising their social and inter-cultural intelligence, enabling them to float with ease and confidence from one situation to the other.
What I Do
On Demand Courses
The Refined Professional series that cover the A,B,C,D of your professional image, in addition to personalized workshops.
Personalized Programs
Bespoke programs by Yarnu for businesses, government organisations as well as individuals, tailored to meet your needs.
Speaking Engagement
Book Rana for a talk on social and cultural intelligence, and corporate culture for your upcoming conference, seminar or corporate event.
One-On-One Coaching
A personalized package of private one-on-one sessions that are focused entirely on your needs and areas of development.
Testimonials
Having had minimal prior experience of the Middle East, Rana delivered an introductory cultural session for my family and I prior to us moving to Jordan. The session was spot on – tailored, insightful, broad yet focused when required. We feel much better prepared and many of our concerns have been allayed, particularly the children’s. We continue to learn using Rana’s excellent accompanying book. Highly recommended.
Will Davies
UK Ministry of Defence
When I had the good fortune to attend a lecture given by Rana Nejem in Dublin May 2017, I not only received a succinct and insightful account of Arab cultural characteristics, but was impressed by the combination of her professionalism and charisma. Each of these traits is frequent among cross-culturalists, but a simultaneous demonstration of both assures an outstanding and enjoyable performance.
Richard D. Lewis
Author & Founder of the Lewis Model of Cultures
The workshop answered a lot of my questions that I had for a long time in my career, and helped me realise how much the little details matter.
Nadine Hadidi
Marketing Executive
Rana gave us a Social Intelligence workshop specially tailored to our management and sales teams. Both the material and Rana were outstanding. The topics covered and the practical examples were very relevant and beneficial. I would highly recommend Rana and Yarnu to any organisation.
Eng. Emile Ghoury
CEO, Arab Technical Group. Jordan
When in the Arab World;
An Insider's Guide to Living & Working With Arab Culture
Throughout writing this book, I strived to be honest and authentic, finding the balance between the “general” and the “specific”, while not falling into the trap of over simplifying matters or romanticising my own Arab culture.
Articles & Thoughts
Splitting Diversity from Inclusion
“We are all in this together” – but are we really? After this great re-set, employees and customers are watching very closely
The Great Re-Set
Seizing the Opportunity to (Re) Design Your Culture
Questions, questions, questions. That is all that seems to be on
My View From Jordan
I was one of the lucky ones. I really enjoyed the lockdown, spending time at home – tidying up, cooking, baking (which
A LESSON IN MINDSET
I woke up on the morning of the 1st of January literally in a spin! A sever viral infection hit the nerve