The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
A new chapter in leadership, human development, and organisational transformation began in the UAE as You Matter Consultancy Services officially launched with a prestigious inaugural event at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, on 31 July 2026. The evening brought together an influential audience of CEOs, government officials, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, investors, psychologists, HR leaders, and changemakers from across the UAE and beyond, reflecting a shared commitment to placing people at the centre of sustainable success.
Founded by Psychologist and Leadership Expert Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela, You Matter introduces an integrated consulting model that combines management consulting, executive coaching, mentoring, leadership development and research under one roof. Designed to serve individuals, families, organisations, and institutions, the consultancy addresses the growing need for holistic solutions in an increasingly interconnected world.
One of the defining moments of the evening was an interactive leadership dialogue featuring members of the distinguished You Matter Advisory Board. The panel included Andrew Stotter-Brooks, former Group Head of Leadership Development at ADNOC; Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International; Dr. Vedrana Mladina, Vice President of the Middle East Psychological Association; Tapas Dasmohapatra, internationally renowned Leadership Coach and Co-Founder of POSSIBLERS; Dr. Rikhsibay Tursunov, Global Hospitality Leader and bestselling Author; Rema Menon Vellat, Founder of The Counselling Point; and Priyanka Sengar, Founder and CEO of Women First Jobs. The advisors engaged directly with guests through table discussions and open conversations, creating an immersive experience that left the audience inspired and captivated.
The event also marked the unveiling of the You Matter Community, the UAE’s first truly all-inclusive leadership community, bringing together entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, educators, families, students, and changemakers on one collaborative platform. Within just one weekend of its launch, the community attracted over 200 founding members, signalling strong demand for a space dedicated to meaningful connections, learning, and collaboration.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela, Founder of You Matter Consultancy Services, said:
“People rarely need just one solution. A leadership challenge is never only about leadership, and a business challenge is rarely just about business. At You Matter, we have created an integrated ecosystem where consulting, coaching, mentoring, research, and human development come together under one roof. When we invest in people as whole individuals, organisations don’t just perform better-they thrive.”
With an exceptional advisory board, strategic global partnerships, and a rapidly growing community, You Matter Consultancy Services is poised to redefine leadership and human development in the UAE. The organisation has now opened registrations for its Founding Members Programme, inviting people to become part of a community where meaningful conversations lead to lasting transformation.