Olga Willers on SmartLife, compliance and collective Impact

How does the SmartLife programme align with the International Women’s Day theme “Give to Gain”?

‘Give to Gain’ is about the power of collective support.  By collaborating with SmartLife for our upcoming International Women’s Day and Ramadan distribution on Monday 9 March, we are providing 150 hygiene packs to women in local labour camps.  What we ‘gain’ as a firm is a deeper, more empathetic connection to the community we work in.  It’s a reminder that when we support the vulnerable members of our society, the entire community thrives together.

Can you describe your role overseeing the local Thrive Action Group?

My role is centered on facilitating the work of our Thrive Action Group (me, Joy Soni, Maya Schofield and Daniel Bunoza) as we bridge the gap between global CSR goals and Dubai’s regulatory landscape.  Alongside this dedicated team of colleagues, I oversee the strategic planning of our community initiatives to ensure every activity, like our partnership with the Community Development Authority’s licensed NGO, SmartLife, is impactful and fully compliant with local laws. While I manage the high-level logistics and liaison, the success of these programs is truly a result of our group’s shared commitment to delivering support safely and effectively.

How does overseeing the Thrive Action Group support your own professional development?

Leading this group has developed my ability to navigate legal frameworks. In the UAE, volunteering and social impact work require a very disciplined approach to compliance. Working within these nuances, ensuring we stay within our licensed boundaries while still delivering a meaningful contribution, has been a rewarding challenge.

What skills or perspectives have you gained through leading this work?

I’ve gained an appreciation for ‘quiet impact’.  Because we operate under a strict framework where we don’t organise public appeals or external fundraising, we maximise the team’s and the firm’s donations. For instance, managing the allocation of the £1,000 social impact budget alongside our personal donations for the International Women’s Day initiative has taught me how to deliver high-value results through focused, direct service.

What message would you like to send to women who are just starting their careers?

My main message would be to ask questions and seek guidance from those who have already navigated the path.  

What are some examples of some volunteering opportunities you’ve been involved with?

One highlight is our team’s annual Christmas Smartlife distribution where Dubai volunteers personally donate food packs and treats for distribution at a local labour camp.

What are the Thrive Action Group’s priorities for the coming year?

Our priority is to continue building on established partnerships, like the one we have with SmartLife, to create consistent and meaningful engagement. We are also focused on maintaining a safe and compliant volunteering environment, where participation is managed through pre-arranged teams to ensure we adhere to local labour and volunteering laws.

How important is it for women to support each other in their careers, especially in fields like law and insurance?

In industries as fast-paced and historically structured as law and insurance, peer support is vital. It’s about more than just networking.  It’s about creating a ‘knowledge-sharing’ culture where we help one another navigate the nuances of the profession. By sharing our experiences and successes, we build a stronger, more inclusive foundation for everyone coming up behind us.