Meet Dubai boss lady Mariam Azmi who made her first million by putting happiness first
Dubai: If you think being born into wealth makes life a free ride, Mariam Azmi is here to correct that notion — preferably in designer heels and a head-turning Hermès dress.
Watch the video interview with Mariam Azmi in her dream home below:
The Egyptian Chief People Officer at ASGC, one of the UAE's leading construction giants, and a mother of two, was raised in the lap of luxury
But Mariam isn't one to coast on generational wealth.
'Yes, money was always there,' she says casually. 'There was literally a drawer at home filled with wads of cash — if I needed to pay a bill in college, I'd just take it.'
Sounds dreamy? Sure. But don't mistake access for apathy or arrogance.
'I never misused it. Money was for what we needed, not what we wanted. That's how I was raised,' she says.
And how did she make her first million? Not by flipping through trust fund statements — but by transforming her company's people operations, streamlining systems, and placing employee happiness at the core of her business model.
'Don't work for money,' Mariam says, cutting straight through the fluff. 'You work for purpose, for self-motivation, for being part of something bigger. The money will follow. It will come — for sure. And it will follow you.'
As Chief People Officer, she's not just managing HR — she's rebranding it with heart.
'People make or break a company,' she says. 'That's why I almost changed my title to Chief Happiness Officer. Mental health, motivation — that's our future currency.'
Her team now offers 24/7 mental health support for staff and their families. 'Lost someone? Want to quit smoking? Just call — no judgment.'
In an industry still dominated by men, Mariam has become a vocal champion for women.
'Construction is male-dominated everywhere. But if I have two applicants on par, and one's a woman? I take her. No apologies.'
And while she's steering HR in heels, she's also building her dream home — quite literally.
'I've already knocked it down and redesigned it. I'm in the interior design phase — in my head, I've picked the furniture already,' she laughs.
When it comes to raising her own children, Mariam's no pushover.
'They've grown up in comfort, yes — but I'm always trying to show them that money doesn't just appear. It can disappear just as fast,' she says.
What's her philosophy on money, really? 'It shouldn't be your goal. Work hard, stay passionate — and let the money chase you.'
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