Shelley Bosworth, Business & Mindset Coach takes us through all that led her to the UAE
Meet Shelley Bosworth, a seasoned professional who traded her corporate career in the UK for the vibrant opportunities of Dubai. After climbing the ranks in senior management for leading retail and hospitality brands, check out how a personal turning point made her pivot.
Like all who come to the UAE, she’s embraced the city’s diversity, sunshine, and supportive community, building a fulfilling life and business in just a year!
Spend 5 minutes getting to know her better
Tell us a little bit of yourself
I am originally from the UK and spent my early career working my way up the corporate ladder in senior management roles for several leading retail and hospitality brands.
Following a challenging few years personally, I worked with a coach to help me navigate a way forward. As a result, I decided to train as a coach myself. Initially, I saw it as a way to enhance my performance at work, but then I realised I wanted to go all-in and do it full-time, so I founded Shelley Bosworth Coaching in 2019.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move
My husband secured a role within the hospitality sector and moved in March 2023, I followed shortly after. We always wanted to live and work abroad and Dubai was top of the list. When my husband sadly lost both of his parents in the space of 12 months, it inspired us to take action in life and pursue our dreams. Now, through my coaching, I help women worldwide understand their mindset and achieve their goals in life and business.
How has living in Dubai shaped your sense of belonging and community?
Running a business can often feel lonely, especially when most of my work is online from home. I knew from establishing it during the pandemic that building a network would be critical to my success and my well-being. Thankfully, through multiple female networking groups, I have made incredible connections with so many women who share similar challenges and built friendships, as well as professional relationships.
Can you tell us about a particular person in Dubai who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
There have been so many people along the way; fellow expats have shared their advice about settling in a new country, fellow business owners have offered support, and also my clients in Dubai who put their trust in me and improved my self-belief in being able to achieve my goals in a new market.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
One year in and I truly feel like this is now home. My favourite aspects are the diversity of people I meet and how everyone comes together to support each other. Plus, the daily sunshine and travel opportunities!
A myth about Dubai that you would like to bust
I am still surprised at how many believe it’s hard to be a woman in Dubai, especially a woman in business. There is so much support for women in business and I constantly find opportunities for us to grow. And from a personal perspective, I feel safer here than I have ever felt anywhere in the world.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt genuine warmth and hospitality of the Dubai community in your own life?
Every time I walk into a new networking event and introduce myself I feel it! I think because so many of us have experienced the challenge of leaving our home country, finding new friends, and re-establishing ourselves, we open our arms to everyone who arrives.
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