From Operations to Empowerment, the Multifaceted Leader
Ghada Talal Jalbout
Deputy General Manager
Multipack
Leadership is often tested not in boardrooms, but in the quiet moments of decision-making that impact lives beyond balance sheets. For Ghada Talal Jalbout, those moments revealed her core strengths and reaffirmed her purpose. As Deputy General Manager at Multipack Côte d’Ivoire, she leads with intention, clarity, and compassion, overseeing operations for one of West Africa’s most respected industrial packaging manufacturers. Her role is not confined to systems and structures—it extends to guiding nearly 900 individuals through growth, change, and challenge. With over 19 years of experience across the MENA region and West Africa, Ghada has consistently demonstrated the power of thoughtful leadership. Her ability to navigate complex business landscapes with calm authority and human understanding has earned her a reputation as a dependable and transformative leader. During a pivotal restructuring phase, she discovered the true weight of her position—not in the title, but in the responsibility to protect the spirit of the organisation while ensuring operational success.
Her credentials reflect her dedication: an MBA in International Business, certification as a Lead Auditor in Quality Management Systems, and recognition as an International Judge of Commercial Arbitration. Ghada’s leadership spans corporate transformation, quality governance, and strategic consulting, including her work as founder of Consultancy and Beyond, where she advises organisations on sustainable growth and system excellence. At every stage of her career, Ghada has brought a rare balance of discipline and empathy. Speaking with TradeFlock, she shares more about her work and more.
What’s your toughest challenge in packaging, and how did you overcome it?
The most jarring moment in my career was a safety incident that left one of our operators injured. It wasn’t just a wake-up call—it was a turning point. I realised that no level of performance or productivity can ever justify a lapse in safety. We moved fast. We reengineered our entire HSE framework—intensive retraining, stricter enforcement, real-time audits, and, most critically, a culture of accountability and open communication. The results were immediate, with a sharp drop in incidents. But the real transformation was internal. It reinforced an uncompromising truth: without safety, there is no success worth celebrating.
What quality or operations myth have you disproven?
A common myth is that structure stifles creativity. But in my experience, the opposite is true. Clear, well-designed processes actually enable innovation. When teams understand expectations and goals, they feel more confident to take initiative and share ideas. At Multipack, we’ve built a framework that combines operational precision with open channels for feedback and experimentation. This structure isn’t about control—it’s about creating a safe space where every team member feels empowered to contribute to continuous improvement. Discipline and creativity, when balanced well, drive sustainable innovation from within.
What will success mean to you in five years, beyond titles and trophies?
Five years from now, success won’t be about job titles or shiny trophies; it’ll be about legacy. At Multipack, that means seeing our vision — Multipack 2027: From Vision to Reality — fully lived. I want to look around and see a team that’s stronger, more agile, and fiercely aligned with our values. Operational excellence, yes— but equally, a culture where collaboration and purpose fuel every decision. Where leaders don’t wait for direction—they lead with meaning and conviction. But my ambition doesn’t stop at our factory gates. I see myself steering a vibrant Pan-African network through Consultancy & Beyond, empowering hundreds of women entrepreneurs, just like I’ve done in the Middle East. Helping them scale with structure, sustainability, and self-belief. Real success? It’s knowing I’ve built something lasting and that I’ve helped other women do the same. Not by handing them answers but by showing them what’s possible and walking beside them as they rise.
How do you simplify complexity when leading 900 people? Any key mental models or tools?
At this scale, the key is not to control everything but to create a shared vision and clear landmarks for everyone. I turn complexity into clarity through two anchors: purposeful communication and unwavering consistency. I strip down complexity to its core and focus on messages that are simple, actionable, and meaningful—because clarity drives confidence. Whether it’s a major shift or a day-to-day challenge, I ensure everyone, from the factory floor to the boardroom, understands not just what we’re doing but why it matters. I use visual dashboards and structured briefings and always tie execution back to purpose. Clarity isn’t just operational—it’s cultural. It honours the team, sharpens focus, and unleashes collective momentum.
What helped you rise as a leader in an industry that's still tough and male-dominated?
Being in a male-heavy, technical environment doesn’t intimidate me. It challenges me to lead differently. I didn’t just prove I belong; I proved that leadership thrives on more than just technical skill. I bring a peoplefirst mindset, built on listening deeply, encouraging diverse ideas, and backing my team every step of the way. That approach has built trust, sparked innovation, and shifted how leadership looks in my corner of the industry. It’s not about fitting in; it’s about making room for better.
