SME Corporate Networking in Dubai: WE Boardroom with Jotun UAE General Manager

Dubai, UAE — WE Global Network recently hosted another impactful edition of its closed-door WE Boardroom, bringing together women-led SMEs for a strategic dialogue with Kjetil Urheim, General Manager of Jotun UAE.

Designed as an intimate boardroom-style conversation rather than a keynote session, WE Boardroom provides SME founders with direct access to corporate leadership perspectives within the UAE business landscape.

The session focused on practical insights relevant to small and medium-sized enterprises navigating competitive markets.

Reaching Corporates and Standing Out in Competitive Markets

A central theme of the discussion revolved around how SMEs can effectively position themselves when engaging with larger organisations.

Participants explored questions such as:

• How SMEs can strategically reach out for business opportunities
• What makes a company stand out beyond pricing
• How corporates evaluate long-term value in potential partners

The conversation emphasised differentiation, clarity of value proposition, and consistency in market positioning as key drivers of sustainable growth.

Marketing and Sales Strategies from a Global Brand Perspective

Members were particularly interested in understanding how established companies like Jotun approach marketing and sales strategy in a competitive regional environment.

Discussions touched on:

• Brand positioning
• Relationship-driven sales
• Long-term customer trust
• Market adaptability

Rather than focusing on specific corporate tactics, the session provided broader insight into how global brands balance reputation, quality, and relationship-building within the UAE market.

Leadership and Work Culture: A Defining Strength

Another significant area of discussion centred around organisational culture and employee retention — an area where Jotun is widely recognised for its strong workplace culture.

SME founders raised thoughtful questions about:

• Retaining high-performing team members
• Building a values-driven culture
• Creating long-term loyalty within smaller teams
• Leadership approaches that drive stability and engagement

The conversation highlighted how culture is not accidental but intentionally designed — a principle equally applicable to SMEs and large organisations. 

Advice, Accessibility, and Opportunity

Participants noted the openness and generosity demonstrated during the session. Beyond strategic insights, the discussion created space for mentorship-style guidance and potential connection pathways for attendees.

True to the spirit of WE Boardroom, the session reinforced that meaningful access is built through dialogue — not pitching, but understanding.

Continuing the Bridge Between SMEs and Corporates

WE Boardroom was created with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between SMEs and corporate ecosystems in the UAE by fostering structured, respectful, and high-level conversations.

By bringing corporate leaders into intimate discussion settings with SME founders, WE Global Network continues to create a platform where shared understanding can lead to stronger business ecosystems.

Future editions of WE Boardroom will continue to host senior leaders across industries, reinforcing the network’s commitment to access, insight, and opportunity for women-led SMEs.

About WE Boardroom

WE Boardroom is a private, members-only initiative by WE Global Network, designed to facilitate strategic dialogue between SME founders and senior corporate leaders operating in the UAE. Sessions are intentionally limited in size to ensure meaningful engagement and professional exchange.